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Exclusive: Why Sir Alex Ferguson has nothing to do with United's fall, and fans don't care players' price tags as long as their teams succeed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 03:59:00 +0000

1. Manchester United's fall is not Sir Alex's fault.

People often find it too hard to praise someone for their good work but way too easy to criticize them for even some wrongly-accused faults. I read something about why Sir Alex should take reponsibility for United's fall which for me is totally unfair to the best manager in history of football. People talk about his "flop signings" as the likes of Smalling, Jones, Berbatov, Chicharito Hernandez, Nani, Young... or not-good-enough homegrounds like Welbeck or Cleverley.... but will they be talking about those cases if United are still dominating the Premier League as they did under the Scot's guide?

People, in modern world, seem to have extremely short memory. Nobody remember how young Smalling and Jones still are for defenders, how many goals and assists Berbatov during his time in the red jersey, and how on this earth could you drive a bargain like Sir Alex did to bring in a super-sub like Chicharito Hernandez? Nani was once unstoppable on the wings, while Young might have been flopping but he did produce some moments of magic. People also put the expectations Sir Alex might never do on Welbeck and Cleverley mainly because of England's lack of young talents.

The more people talk about United stars flopping, the more I admire the Great Scot's ability in getting the best out of "avarage" players.

2. Players' price tags do not bother fans, performances and results do.

Angel Di Maria's deal to bring him from Real Madrid to Manchester United raised everybody's eyebrows as the most expensive deal ever for a British club. Is the Argentine winger really worth that money? For me, he has done enough to be regarded as one of the most valuable players in the world and could prove he's a worthy investment.

One year ago, Real Madrid smashed world transfer record to bring Gareth Bale to the Bernabeu. He struggled with fitness and injuries which ruled him out of actions for a while. But after his two goals proved privotal to Spanish giants' success in Copa del Rey and Champions League, nobody talks about his transfer fee. Football fans, indeed, don't care much about price tags but results and performances instead. As long as Di Maria settles in and shows off his real quality, he would be considered a bargain.

Top 5 Premier League Overrated Players

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 13:27:00 +0000

English Barclay Premier League is always proud of its status as the best league in the world, with some of the best players on the planet representing in the league.

But are the Premier League players really that good? Here we share our opinions of top 5 overrated players in the league.

Winners and Losers of Ozil-to-Arsenal deal

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 07:51:00 +0000

After the arrival of German international Mesut Ozil to Arsenal, we take a look at the winners and losers of the deal.

Winners

Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager has every reason to celebrate after managing to secure Ozil's service in the last hours of the summer transfer window. With the increasing pressure from fans on him to make moves for big-name signings, the veteran coach moved quickly to get his man in a club-record deal.

With Ozil now being added to his rank, Wenger is confident that his team can now be back in the title race, and more importantly the deal has eased the fans' frustration after the Frenchman could only bring in 2 freebies Yaya Sanogo and Flamini to replace 17 departed players.

Premier League

The Premier League lost yet again its Player of the Year in Bale but Ozil's talent is not below the Welshman's, and the German is ready to excite fans with his delightful passes and skills.

The deal also proves that Premier League can still attract best players in the world despite losing some of the best players to La Liga in the past few years.

Real Madrid's rivals

Ozil has been consistently a nightmare for Real Madrid's opponents' defences. Over the 3 years in Real Madrid jersey, Ozil racks up incredible 74 assists in La Liga. His understanding and partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo had come to devastating effects. Ozil had been Ronaldo's right-hand man on the pitch and the Portuguese superstar will definitely miss him greatly this season.

So, when Real Madrid's main man lost his best partner, opponents surely have more chances to get points.

Losers

Real Madrid

How on the earth you could sell Ozil for the half of the amount you pay for Bale?

With all the respect goes to Bale, I could say Real Madrid did a very poor business in terms of both financial and footballing matters. During his 3-year connection with the Spanish giants, Ozil was a real fans' favourite with his footballing ability and personality. And if Bale fails to live up with the hype around him or even could not do better than Ozil, los Blancos board should prepare for fans' anger.

Mesut Ozil - Yes, Ozil himself

Ozil reveals that Real Madrid lost their faith in him and that's why he leaves. Yes, the move is not his fault, and it is not his desire, either. At Bernabeu, the 25-year-old developed to be one of the finest attacking midfielder in the beautiful game, and it seems that La Liga would be better suited for his technique-based style than the Premier League.

And when you're a top player, moving from one of 4 strongest teams in Europe, who are going to challenge for the Champions League title to a team, who have been struggling for a top-four spot makes little sense.

Surely he gets more chance to start week in and week out, but he will miss chance to compete for top prizes.

Cristiano Ronaldo

There are some reports in Portugal that Ronaldo had shown his frustration towards Real Madrid's decision to cash in on Mesut Ozil. It's easily understandable as the German had been key to Ronaldo's scoring breakthrough in the last 3 years. Just see what happen to the Portuguese superstar in the first games this season. Ronaldo is not at his old self without Ozil's presence with only 1 headed goal in 3 games.

And it would not be surprised if this year, Ronaldo fails to better his goalscoring records in the last 3 seasons.

Arsenal

The Gunner fans have been over the moon with Ozil's signing but that delight can't hide the fact that their team did not know which positions need additions the most.

Centre attacking midfield is Ozil's best position where Santi Cazorla can do a decent job, not mentioning to Wilshere, who can really ply his trade there when he is at full fitness.

Of course Ozil is a world-class player and every team could wish to have him, but what Arsenal need the most now is a defensive-minded midfielder, a midfield destroyer who the Gunner fans have been missed greatly after Viera's departure.

Maybe a player of Mascherano's or Luiz Gustavo's type could help Arsenal more.

Top 5 Premier League Playmakers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 05:14:00 +0000

With the arrival of German international Mesut Ozil to Arsenal, the Barclay Premier League welcomes yet another talented playmaker into its rank.

And here we sum up Top 5 playmakers in the league.

Video: David Beckham's Emotional Farewell

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 19 May 2013 02:44:00 +0000

Juventus playmaker Pirlo confident of defeating Bayern Munich

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:24:00 +0000

The influential midfielder has revealed the Old Lady have figured out a way to defeat the Bavarians and hopes Antonio Conte will not leave the club.

By Stefan Coerts, Goal.com editor,

Andrea Pirlo is confident that Juventus will overturn their first-leg defeat against Bayern Munich in the return of the Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday evening.

The Serie A leaders were beaten 2-0 at the Allianz Arena last Tuesday but Pirlo has stressed that they know how to beat the German champions after analysing the defeat from the first leg.

"After the match in Munich we sat down and analysed what happened that night and then we’ve worked out how to turn this tie around. There’s still hope," Pirlo told The Times of India.

The midfielder then went on to admit that the Bavarians, who secured the win with goals from David Alaba and Thomas Muller, emerged deservedly victorious in the first leg.

"Bayern, with their typically German discipline along with many talented players like [Arjen] Robben, [Thomas] Muller and others, played better football on the day and they deserved to win."

Pirlo also had his say on the future of head coach Antonio Conte and he hopes the successful trainer will not leave the Old Lady any time soon.

"Conte is one of the best coaches around. He's coaching in the Champions League for the first time and he has already proven his worth. We, the players, hope he stays on with us."

Conte joined Juventus from Siena in the summer of 2011 and guided the Bianconeri to Serie A glory in his first season.

Burning money... Venky's crazy spending spree at Blackburn is revealed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:48:00 +0000

Shebby Singh, Global Adviser

By NEIL ASHTON, SportMail editor.

An alarming picture has emerged of the financial chaos at the heart of crisis club Blackburn Rovers.

Under global adviser Shebby Singh, millions of pounds of owners Venky’s money has been spent on a succession of disastrous signings.

Singh arrived at Ewood Park in June 2012, and despite his limited understanding of the transfer market, he operated remarkably swiftly to bring in new blood.

As the club prepared for life in the Championship after their relegation from the Barclays Premier League last May, Singh recommended payments of more than £600,000 in agents’ fees to sign five unknown Portuguese players.

These are players who, between them, have made just four league starts this season, and three are now on loan at other clubs. But it does not end there.

Sportsmail’s investigation has discovered that Blackburn, who could end up in League One next season, are burdened with a group of 13 players whose combined wages and agents’ fees will cost the club £30million over the length of their contracts.

This week, Venky’s demanded that Singh, along with chief executive Derek Shaw and operations director Paul Agnew, plus caretaker manager Gary Bowyer, attend summit talks in India.

Adding to the confusion, last week Singh gave Shaw a letter ordering him to stay at home while the club investigated the former manager Henning Berg’s £2million High Court claim for compensation. Berg, one of four managers to serve Blackburn during this insane season at Ewood Park, was dismissed after just 57 days.

However, the club insisted there was ‘no investigation’ into Shaw, even though club officials have confirmed that he received a letter from Singh. They did, however, state that £500,000 has been paid to Berg.

The payments made to agents by the club, third from bottom in the Championship and in danger of a second successive relegation, are staggering. One agent received more than £1m for acting on behalf of clients Danny Murphy, Dickson Etuhu, Leon Best and loan signing Colin Kazim-Richards.

It’s a similar story with the signing of the Portuguese unknowns. For instance, agent Marcos Oliveira was paid £135,000 when Diogo Rosado, 23, was signed from Sporting Lisbon on August 31, 2012. Rosado made just one Championship start for Rovers before he was allowed to move on loan to Benfica’s B team in January.

Edinho Junior, who started just one game in the league for Rovers, is also out on loan, at Shillong Lajong in the I-League in India. Oliveira, whose name appears on the documents lodged with the FA, was paid £100,000 in the deal that secured Junior from Portuguese side Olhanense.

The agent also negotiated a £65,000 fee that brought jobbing Portuguese pro Nuno Henrique Goncalves, a 26-year-old defender, to Rovers last summer. Goncalves has not made a single appearance for the club. Oliveira’s influence went beyond the Portuguese players. He received £75,000 in the deal to sign Polish goalkeeper Gregor Sandomierski on loan from Genk for a season.

In other moves, midfielder Fabio Nunes had shown little promise with Portuguese side Portimonense in the Segunda Liga when he was suddenly signed by Rovers, netting his agent Nuno Rolo a staggering £150,000 commission.

Nunes, 20, has made just two Championship starts for Rovers, the last in a 2-1 home defeat by Middlesbrough in September.

Rolo pocketed a further £133,000 in fees in the deal to bring former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes, 36, to Ewood Park. Picked up from Braga, he has made just seven starts for Blackburn in the Championship, without a goal since September.

Although Rolo has told Sportsmail he was simply used as the transfer fixer by Singh, he did confirm that he was paid for the deal.

The final piece in Singh’s Portuguese jigsaw was the arrival of midfielder Paulo Jorge, 20, from Porto, for which Carlos Mendes was paid £156,000 commission. Jorge has made one seven-minute appearance in the league against Ipswich in August and has since been loaned to a Bulgarian side.

Singh, who has seen Steve Kean resign as manager before sacking Berg and Michael Appleton this season, also authorised huge wages for players with Premier League experience.

Agent Neil Fewings earned £1m from the transactions taking Murphy and Etuhu from Fulham, the acquisition of Newcastle forward Best, and the loan deal for Kazim-Richards from Galatasaray.

Murphy has made 33 Championship appearances and started for the first time in a month in the 3-0 defeat at Cardiff on April 1. He is on £35,000 a week, with Etuhu on £30,000 a week.

Best is on a similar amount — he ruptured cruciate ligaments in pre-season and only returned to the first team a month ago.

On Tuesday night, the club officially refused to comment after being made aware of the precise content of the transactions — Singh did not return calls. Sportsmail gave the financial details and the names of the agents to chief executive Shaw and club secretary Ian Silvester on Tuesday lunchtime.

Both declined to comment, as did Mendes and Oliveira.

Fewings insisted he had acted ‘in good faith and for the benefit of his clients’, while Rolo insisted that the deals he was involved in were ‘perfectly normal’.

Rubin Kazan vs Chelsea Europa League Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:23:00 +0000

Goals from Fernando Torres and Victor Moses in the first leg allow Rafa Benitez's men a bit of breathing space as they make the long trip to the Russian capital.

By Al Hain-Cole, Goal.com editor.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

RUBIN KAZAN

Ryzhikov

Kaleshin, Navas, Sharonov, Ansaldi

Orbaiz, Natcho

Kasaev, Eremenko, Karadeniz

Rondon

CHELSEA

Cech

Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Terry, Bertrand

Lampard, Mikel

Moses, Oscar, Hazard

Torres

TEAM NEWS

Vladimir Dyadyun will compete for a place up front with Salomon Rondon for the hosts, who have no injury concerns to speak of.

Cesar Navas, Ivan Marcano and Roman Sharonov will fight for two places in the centre of defence, while Oleg Kuzmin may replace Gokdeniz Karadeniz on the right-hand side of midfield.

Chelsea face a potential dilemma at left-back, where Ashley Cole's (hamstring) usual deputy Ryan Bertrand is struggling with a virus. Nathan Ake is the club's only other natural left-back, while Paulo Ferreira could fill in from his preferred right-back position.

Gary Cahill is still a couple of weeks away from returning after undergoing minor arthroscopic surgery to shave the meniscus on the knee he damaged in last month's win against West Ham.

With Demba Ba cup-tied, Fernando Torres will continue up front, having scored twice in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

David Luiz, Ramires and Juan Mata are likely to be rested after playing three games in less than a week, so John Terry, Frank Lampard and Victor Moses should come into the starting line-up.

Ibrahimovic stresses Beckham's importance to PSG ahead of Barca clash

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:35:00 +0000

By Stefan Coerts, Goal.com editor.

The powerful attacker has hailed the former Manchester United midfielder's influence and has admitted the 37-year-old's arrival has benefited him personally.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has taken the time to praise Paris Saint-Germain team-mate David Beckham ahead of the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Barcelona on Wednesday.

The Englishman has received his fair share of criticism since his winter move to the Ligue 1 leaders but Ibrahimovic has insisted that Beckham is a key figure for PSG.

"I think he has been very important for us. Because in the situation that we are in now, the club has been changing from a normal club to a top club, and Beckham gives you some kind of confidence," the Swedish striker told CNN.

"He has the responsibility, on the pitch and off the pitch, to lead the way for these two months which is very important.

"He has a quality, a big quality; he has a touch that I haven't seen many players have. And he is very elegant when he plays."

The Sweden international then went on to voice his opinion that Beckham's arrival not only benefits PSG but that it is a good thing for him personally, too.

"I think it's good for me that Beckham came so he gets more attention than me, so they leave me a little bit alone," he added.

"When I came here everybody said 'don't worry, as a football player you can walk in the city and nobody will disturb you. Because as a football player here it is not like it is in Italy'.

"But since the day I came here it's been totally stressful. Everybody is chasing me with their scooters; I don't even walk in the streets. When David came he got more of the media attraction, so that's good because he takes care of that and I can play football, focus on football."

Arsenal and Liverpool battle for Iker Casillas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:31:00 +0000

By Danny Griffiths, Metro's Chief Sports Writer.

Arsenal are considering a summer plunge for out-of-favour Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

The Spain international is no longer first choice at the Bernabeu having lost his place to January newcomer Diego Lopez.

Casillas may find his situation changes at the end of the season if manager Jose Mourinho leaves the Champions League quarter-finalists.

But the Gunners are still believed to be excited about the prospect of signing such a dependable, experienced No.1 after troubles this season with and, to a lesser extent, Lukasz Fabianski.

Liverpool are also interested in Casillas, according to sources in Spain, and it is believed he is open to a move to the Premier League.

Arsenal have also been linked with moves for Swansea goalkeeper Michael Vorm and Liverpool shot-stopper Pepe Reina, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger urgently desiring an update at the critical position between the post.

Hulk tops Chelsea's shopping list as Mourinho agrees to come back

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:29:00 +0000

By David Woods, StarSport editor.

JOSE MOURINHO has already drawn up a transfer shopping list for Chelsea – with striker Hulk at the top of it.

Mourinho has agreed to go back to Stamford Bridge this summer following talks between his agent Jorge Mendes, and Blues owner Roman Abramovich and his advisers.

And the pursuit of Hulk does not bode well for the future of £50m Fernando Torres, especially if the London club also win the race to sign Colombian hotshot Falcao from Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid boss Mourinho sees Hulk – full name Givanildo Vieira de Souza – as the sort of powerful hitman who can have the same major impact as Didier Drogba did under the Portuguese coach at Chelsea.

Starsport has confirmed Mourinho has verbally agreed his Stamford Bridge comeback on a salary understood to match the £12m a year he is paid in Spain.

He is expected to resign his Bernabeu position at the end of the season, with his dream scenario to quit after winning the Champions League at Wembley on May 25.

He made a similar dramatic exit following success in Europe’s top club competition with Porto in 2004 and Inter three years ago.

Mourinho will want a major shakeup at Chelsea, including the axing of Michael Emenalo, the technical director of football at the club, and control over transfer ins and outs.

Although Hulk only joined Zenit St Petersburg for £42m in September, Abramovich has close connections with the Russian club.

Zenit owners Gazprom paid Abramovich and his business partner £6.5b for their stake in the Sibneft oil company.

And Mourinho knows all about 26-year-old Hulk from the hitman’s time in Portugal with Vitoria – from 2004-06 – and Porto, 2008-12.

Reports in Spain yesterday suggested Mendes was in London “during the past week” to meet with Chelsea, who agreed to offer Mourinho a three-year deal and total independence to choose who he wants in the transfer market.

But the Stamford Bridge club want a defi nitive answer on his future by June 1 at the very latest.

Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain Champions League Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:13:00 +0000

The Blaugrana will hope that home advantage can give them the edge over Carlo Ancelotti's star-studded outfit in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg.

By Karthick Arvinth, Goal.com editor

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BARCELONA

Valdés

Alves - Piqué - Song - Alba

Xavi - Busquets - Iniesta

Pedro - Fàbregas - Villa

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

Sirigu

Jallet - Alex - Silva - Maxwell

Moura - Beckham - Chantôme - Pastore

Ibrahimovic - Lavezzi

TEAM NEWS

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is racing to recover from a hamstring strain in time for the crunch encounter against Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou.

Cesc Fabregas is likely to be preferred in attack if Messi fails to return, while Pedro is also in contention for a starting berth after recovering from a calf injury.

Blaugrana boss Tito Vilanova may deploy either Sergio Busquets or Alex Song in central defence in place of the inexperienced Marc Bartra to counter the attacking threat of the visitors.

PSG captain Thiago Silva is expected to play despite missing the weekend win at Rennes with a bruised knee.

Thiago Motta (groin) and Alex (thigh) should also be fit, but Blaise Matuidi is suspended after picking up his third booking of the competition in the first leg.

Juventus vs Bayern Munich Champions League Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:09:00 +0000

Jupp Heynckes' side lifted their 23rd domestic title on Saturday and are in pole position to progress to the last four of the Champions League against Antonio Conte's men.

By Craig Turnbull, Goal.com editor

PROBABLE LINEUPS

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini

Padoin, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Peluso

Vucinic, Quagliarella

BAYERN MUNICH

Neuer

Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba

Martinez, Schweinsteiger

Robben, Muller, Ribery

Mandzukic

TEAM NEWS

Juventus will be without Stephan Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal for the second leg clash in Turin following their first-leg bookings, as the Bianconeri look to overturn a 2-0 deficit against newly-crowned German champions Bayern Munich.

The bulk of the Old Lady's starting XI were rested at the weekend which means there could be up to seven changes to the side that beat Pescara 2-1. Gianluigi Buffon should return, while Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are welcomed back from their domestic suspensions, meaning the back four that has served Juve so well this season will be unchanged.

Federico Peluso is likely to start ahead of Ghanaian Kwadwo Asamoah, who has suffered indifferent form since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simone Padoin could fill the right wing-back slot while Paul Pogba is in contention to start in place of the suspended Vidal.

Mirko Vucinic has fully recovered from illness but Sebastian Giovinco will miss the match after being stretchered off on Saturday, leaving Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri to battle it out for the remaining place upfront.

Javi Martinez is available again for Bayern after being suspended for the first leg, but Toni Kroos injured his adductor in Munich which means there is likely to be a reshuffle in attack, with Arjen Robben wide on the right, Thomas Muller drifting inside to occupy the No.10 role and Franck Ribery wide left.

Mario Mandzukic was rested against Frankfurt at the weekend but he is likely to start again against Antonio Conte's men.

Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Malaga (Agg 3-2) Champions League Qtr-Final Match Report

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:14:00 +0000

The duo both struck at the death to take BVB from the brink of elimination and into the semi-finals of the Champions League at the expense of the devastated Spanish side.

By Tom Webber, Goal.com editor

Borussia Dortmund booked their space in the final four of the Champions League with a miraculous 3-2 win over Malaga at the Signal Iduna Park.

BVB failed to make their dominance count at La Roselada last week and it looked to be a recurring theme when Joaquin put Manuel Pellegrini's ahead, but Robert Lewandowski equalised before the break. Eliseu looked to have broken BVB hearts with a late goal but two stoppage-time strikes courtesy of Marco Reus and Felipe Santana ensured an unbelievable comeback.

With the tie so delicately balanced from the first leg, such a conservative approach to the early stages from both teams was somewhat predictable.

As the minutes ticked by the hosts became more adventurous and in the 16th minute Lewandowski got his first chance to shoot at goal. He elected for an audacious 25-yard chip from Mario Gotze's pass but his overcooked attempt floated over the stranded Willy Caballero's goal.

Los Boquerones had struggled to string a meaningful attack together but in the 25th minute when they silenced the Signal Iduna Park.

Julio Baptista pounced on a poor clearance from Felipe Santana and his pass found Joaquin. After a tight give-and-go with Isco, the 31-year-old cut inside onto his left foot and sent a low shot past Roman Weidenfeller to net a huge away goal.

Apprehension and frustration began to spread around the stadium but their worries were eased five minutes before half time. Reus flicked Gotze's pass beautifully into the path of Lewandowski who rounded Willy and slotted the ball into the empty net to finish off a superb team move.

Joaquin was gifted a free header in the last action of the first half which Weidenfeller comfortably held and the start of the second half offered similarly enticing opportunities for both sides.

Lewandowski was unable to guide his shot past Willy after some more quick, crisp interplay with Gotze and minutes later the Weidenfeller managed to get a strong hand to the ball to keep Joaquin's header.

Malaga continued to squeeze the play and force the Bundesliga side into sending the long ball up from the back. However, when Sergio Sanchez failed to deal with one such pass Gotze could not find the from a glorious position in the 53rd minute.

The organisation of Pellegrini's defence was exemplary and after Dortmund had a goal ruled out correctly for offside, Duda's thunderous effort almost added to the disappointment of the home fans.

The heroics of Malaga goalkeeper Willy were a huge reason that the first leg ended goalless and the Argentine was at it again in the closing stages, denying both Reus and Gotze from close range

The home fans' misery looked to have been compounded in the 82nd minute as a swift break from the visitors ended with second-half substitute Eliseu sweeping home from close range.

Yet there was still time for one of the most dramatic comebacks in Champions League history, which Reus began as he slotted home following a long ball in the 91st minute.

Two minutes later the turnaround was complete and the stadium went from despair to unbridled jubilation.

Following a cross from the left a scramble in the area was put to an end when Santana swept the ball into the net from one yard out.

Somehow Dortmund, who will be joined in the semi-finals by Real Madrid, managed to keep their unbeaten home record in the tournament intact as their victory ended Malaga's fairytale run.

Galatasaray 3-2 Real Madrid (Agg 3-5) Champions League Match Report

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:10:00 +0000

It all looked so easy for the Spaniards after Ronaldo took the lead, but the home side came back ferociously and Mourinho's men entered the last-four by the skin of their teeth.

By Daniel Edwards, Goal.com editor

Real Madrid were made to sweat in Istanbul but held on for a 3-2 defeat away to Galatasaray, a result which nevertheless assured their passage into the last four of the Champions League with a 5-3 victory on aggregate.

The Spanish side looked set to cruise through when Cristiano Ronaldo opened up a four-goal aggregate lead in the opening minutes, but a timid response by the visitors encouraged the Turkish giants to chase the impossible, which they almost achieved as Emmanuel Eboue, Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba hit in the second half. Ronaldo finally ended their hopes with a late goal that sealed victory.

Virtually assured of a place in the Champions League semi-finals thanks to a dominant 3-0 win in the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid nevertheless began the second leg in belligerent fashion, pushing forward immediately in search of a goal.

Angel Di Maria was almost the man to provide it in the first minute of play, picking up a loose ball after Fernando Muslera's rushed clearance outside the area. The Argentine went for the net, but with Galatasaray defenders scampering back he saw the effort fall just the wrong side of the post.

Away fans, however, did not have to wait long, as after just seven minutes of play the Merengue got the strike that would surely put the tie beyond the faintest of doubts. An overlapping Sami Khedira streaked past on the right-hand side, and put a teasing ball into the middle. As the Turkish backline failed to react, Cristiano Ronaldo was on hand to tap home, recording his 49th Champions League goal and drawing level with the legendary Alfredo Di Stefano in the historical charts.

Despite that early blow, Galatasaray held their heads high, dominating possession against Jose Mourinho's men and attempting to match their rivals. Didier Drogba was the target of much of the Turks' attacking play, but was let down by poor service and his own fading reflexes, and struggled to make an impact. Madrid sat back and were content to allow their opponents to do the running, while on the counter-attack they remained a frightening force.

This potency on the break was demonstrated when Di Maria went within a hair's breadth of adding a second. The midfielder latched to a wonderful flick from Ronaldo to break free on the left, and looked destined to put his name on the board. He did not count on the heroics of Muslera, however. The goalkeeper pulled off a breathtaking fingertip save to keep Angel out, and ensure that the gap would not widen as the two sides went in for the break.

The Turkish side continued their unlikely pursuit in the second half, and were rewarded with their first goal of the tie 57 minutes in - and it was one worth waiting for. A speculative ball across the Madrid area was not picked up by anyone, which allowed Emmanuel Eboue to meet it just on the edge of the area. The right-back had been disappointing during the opening hour, but atoned with a stunning power shot which left Lopez no chance to save, and put Galatasaray on the board.

The hosts were now buoyant, and could have reduced the deficit to 'just' three goals if Sneijder had converted a golden chance. The Netherlands star found himself in the right place at the back post after a low cross was deflected into his path but, gloriously unmarked, he fluffed a left-footed shot to save Madrid from falling behind on the night. The midfielder was not done, however, cutting inside his marker from deep, Sneijder went to to release a bullet of a shot that put his side ahead, at least for the second leg.

The Turkish crowd, from a position of despair, could not believe their eyes. Drogba set up an unthinkable last 20 minutes with a wonderful backheel into the net, putting Galatasaray 3-1 up and leaving just two goals for the comeback.

And Drogba thought he had levelled the tie before being pulled back for an offside and Madrid lived to breathe another day, Ronaldo confirming their passage with a strong finish in the final minute. The Merengue join Borussia Dortmund in the penultimate stage of the competition with Juventus, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain fighting to claim the final two spots on Wednesday evening.

Borussia Dortmund vs Málaga Champions League Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:02:00 +0000

Galatasaray vs Real Madrid Champions League Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:01:00 +0000

Moratti hints at anti-Inter conspiracy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:24:00 +0000

The 67-year-old believes Italian arbiters are deliberately hindering the Giuseppe Meazza side following Sunday's refereeing controversy

Inter president Massimo Moratti has suggested that there is a conspiracy against the Nerazzurri in the wake of their 4-3 Serie A loss against Atalanta.

The Giuseppe Meazza side had a questionable penalty awarded against them in Sunday's encounter, while referee Andrea Gervasoni waved play on after Inter felt they deserved a spot kick of their own, much to the dismay of Moratti.

He stated on Monday that he felt the referee's decisions were 'not in good faith' and he has now suggested that referees are deliberately hindering his team when he was asked to explain his comments.

"I really don't think I need to explain anything better. You only have to look at the way this season has gone, especially regarding us," Moratti told reporters.

"When people want to hit you, they do it anyway...

"When there's a doubt, the penalty on Rocchi doesn't get given. When there's nothing to doubt – because there was nothing there – the penalty against us does get given.

"We haven't had a penalty for 21 games..."

As a result of their latest defeat, Inter have now dropped to sixth spot in the Serie A table.

Source: Goal

Real Madrid lodge £90 bids for Bale and Aguero

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:25:00 +0000

Madrid chiefs are looking into the possibility of signing Bale after Gonzalo Higuain yesterday fuelled further speculation linking him with a move away from the club.

The Spanish giants are also interested in bringing former Atletico Madrid ace Aguero back to Spain - and they could offer up to £40million for the Manchester City frontman.

Spanish website fichajes.com claim that Higuain and Karim Benzema could both be on their way out and that president Florentino Perez is keen to find some big-name replacements.

They add that Bale, 23, would set Madrid back €60m (£51.2m) while Aguero would be a "more affordable" €45m (£38.4m).

The Wales international has been in incredible form this season, bagging a remarkable 22 goals, 17 of which have come in the Premier League.

Bale signed for Spurs in 2007 after learning his trade at Southampton.

Aguero, 24, arrived at Manchester City for £38m in July 20011 and netted the goal that won the club the Premier League title last year.

Source: DailyExpress

Goal-line technology set to be formally adopted by Premier League clubs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:14:00 +0000

The Football Association expects goal-line technology (GLT) to be adopted by Premier League clubs this week.

Last week Fifa awarded German firm GoalControl the contract to supply GLT to this summer's Confederations Cup.

Premier League clubs meet on Thursday with GLT set to be agreed for next season, while the FA wishes to install the technology at Wembley.

"I always thought it was an ideal piece of technology to allow into the game," said FA general secretary Alex Horne.

"The [Premier League] club meeting is on Thursday so I'm expecting it to go through at that meeting."

The FA and Premier League are running a joint-tender process for the supply, installation and maintenance of 21 systems - all 20 Premier League stadiums and Wembley - in an attempt to secure a better deal.

Hawk-Eye, a British-based system well known for providing tennis and cricket with ball-tracking technology, is competing with the three other Fifa-licensed firms - Cairos, GoalControl and GoalRef - to win the contract.

If adopted this week, Wembley, along with the 17 Premier League teams that survive relegation and the three teams promoted from the Football League, will have the necessary equipment installed and verified during the close season.

The FA wants to use GLT for the first time in the Community Shield, which is scheduled to be played in mid-August.

Horne told BBC Sport: "There are occasions [when GLT is needed] and we've seen them here at Wembley, we've seen them in World Cups, we've seen them 11 or 12 times in the Premier League this season alone.

"So technology that says 'yes, the ball has crossed the line' and lets the referee know makes an awful lot of sense to me.

"Particularly where it's a knock-out situation, incorrect decisions have less opportunity to even themselves out over a season."

GLT will also be used in next season's FA Cup, from the third round onwards in any stadium fitted with the system, and Horne sees the technology as a way for the world's oldest knockout competition to keep pace with a football landscape that has changed beyond recognition since the foundation of the Premier League in 1992.

"We're always looking for ways to improve and engage," Horne continued.

"The FA Cup for me is just one of those fantastic competitions which keeps growing year on year, from strength to strength.

"It gives so much back, particularly to the smaller clubs.

"We generate £65m a year from the competition and over a 10-year period £650m gets reinvested back into football. That's a real fillip for some of the smaller clubs. For example, Luton made £460,000 out of their Cup run, which is a fantastic sum of money for a non-league side."

Next weekend Wembley, which celebrates its 90th birthday on 28 April, will see Wigan take on Millwall and Chelsea meet Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Horne said: "[Teams] want to come here and win at Wembley Stadium. So I think the competition is in rude health."

Source: BBC

"Old Trafford will not be sold", says United chief Ed Woodward

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:10:00 +0000

MANCHESTER UNITED have stressed they will never sell the naming rights to Old Trafford.

The club moved quickly to ease the concerns of fans following the announcement that shirt sponsors AON have agreed a staggering £150million eight-year contract to put their name to club’s state-of-the-art Carrington training ground.

From July 1, Carrington will be known as the AON Training Complex, a central part of a wide-ranging deal that also includes sponsorship of United’s training kit, their annual summer tours and, for the first time, friendly matches.

But Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman who will replace David Gill as the club’s new chief executive this summer, said: “Old Trafford will not be sold.”

United insiders say a sale would be virtually pointless because, as Newcastle United found when they tried to change the name of St James’ Park to the Sports Direct Arena, it would merely irritate supporters, who would refuse to use the new name anyway.

“We are very aware and respectful of the fact some people will continue to call the training complex Carrington but in time, we hope they come to understand what the AON brand stands for,” said an AON source. “But we feel this agreement enables us to do something unique.”

The fact that United have added friendly matches into the new AON contract means that for summer tours from 2014 onwards they will be wearing two different companies on their kit.

They have already confirmed US car giant General Motors will have their Chevrolet name on United’s shirts from 2014 after agreeing to pay an eye-watering £357m over seven years.

Tottenham have similar arrangements involving different shirt sponsors depending on the competition.

Source: DailyExpress

Sir Alex Ferguson: Manchester United will not be complacent

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 08:56:00 +0000

Sir Alex Ferguson says Premier League leaders Manchester United will not be complacent after their advantage was cut to 12 points following Monday's 2-1 defeat by Manchester City.

United held an eight-point lead over City last term before losing the title on goal difference on the final day.

But they are still favourites to regain the crown with seven games left.

"If you look at our history over the years we always make it difficult for ourselves," said United boss Ferguson.

"The supporters are hanging on the edge of their seats every year. It is a 12-point lead, we go to Stoke at the weekend and we will have a go."

United held a commanding advantage over City 12 months ago, but defeat at Wigan and a home draw against Everton, before a 1-0 loss at Etihad Stadium, swung the title race in favour of their rivals.

Now, United knew they could stretch their lead over second-placed City to 18 points with a win at Old Trafford, moving them within touching distance of a 20th domestic title.

But they fell behind to James Milner's opener and, despite an own goal from City skipper Vincent Kompany, were beaten by substitute Sergio Aguero's superb winner.

Aguero's intervention sent United to their first top-flight defeat in 18 matches, while Roberto Mancini's men extended their advantage over third-placed Chelsea to seven points.

"It wasn't a bad performance by us, so I'm not disappointed in that respect," added Ferguson. "But I'm disappointed with the goals we gave away.

"For the first goal I thought their player [Carlos Tevez] was offside and interfering with play by standing in front of David de Gea.

"I think we were unlucky to lose the game. But it is easy to see why these were the best two teams in the country - the evidence was there tonight."

Source: BBC

Robot goalkeeper beats World's best player L. Messi in Penalty shootout (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 05:11:00 +0000

Borussia Dortmund vs Malaga Champions League Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 04:55:00 +0000

TEAM NEWS

Borussia Dortmund will look to put the disappointment of losing their Bundesliga title behind them by reaching the last four of the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Bayern Munich clinched the championship at the weekend, forcing Dortmund to hand the trophy over to them at the end of the current season.

However, there is still one piece of silverware Jurgen Klopp's side could win this season, and they host Malaga on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw in the away leg, confident they can move to within 180 minutes of the final.

"Everything has been really positive so far, but we've got to be careful," the boss said.

"My feeling is we are going to continue to write this wonderful story. We are ready, we are motivated and we really love this competition.

"You either feel the pressure, or you feel the opportunity, and we see the opportunity."

Opportunity knocked a week ago in Spain, but a profligate attack saw Dortmund come away empty-handed, although a goalless draw nevertheless gives them a good position for tomorrow night's return leg at the Westfalenstadion.

However, Klopp does not like the way the German media seem to be playing down the threat of Malaga, and turning last week's draw into a failure.

"I really cannot understand how you can expect one to just go to Malaga and win comfortably," he said at the pre-match press conference.

"They are strong opponents in a fantastic competition and we are right in the zone, which is all we need."

That zone is the intimidating black and yellow back backdrop provided by the largest terrace in Europe.

Although the 81,000 capacity is reduced for UEFA regulations on all-seater stadia, the noise will nevertheless be electrifying, according to Klopp.

"Just imagine that this could be the last time for a long time tomorrow, so we've got to give it our best to make sure it isn't," he said.

"We've got to keep our calm and we need the fans for that. I would like for everybody who comes here tomorrow night to bring more positive energy than they have ever had in their lives.

"Then we are truly uncomfortable opponents."

Klopp rested seven members of his regular side at the weekend, but he will pick his strongest XI tomorrow with defender Mats Hummels a candidate again.

Full-back Marcel Schmelzer will also be involved, even if he broke his nose in the first leg.

"This is something unique," said the Germany international. "None of us have ever reached the quarter-finals, let alone the semis.

"We have come through a difficult group and for every one of us, playing Malaga tomorrow night for a place in the last four is the biggest thing which has happened to us."

Bidding to stop Dortmund is former Bayern Munich defender Martin Demichelis, who knows exactly what to expect in Dortmund.

"I know the atmosphere here, but that shouldn't faze us," he said. "Anybody who thinks Dortmund are already through is mistaken."

Indeed, rather than being intimidated by the atmosphere, Malaga midfielder Ignacio Camacho believes they can use it to motivate them.

"Nobody likes playing in front of empty stands," he said. "It's like a final for us. I think the atmosphere's going to help us."

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini was not in Dortmund today as he returned to his native Chile after his father passed away at the weekend. He is due to arrive in Dortmund in time for kick-off, and will find a team ready to go the extra mile for him.

"We're all sad," said Demichelis. "We want to win this for him. He will be with us tomorrow and we will try all we can to go through for him."

Source: SkySports

Galatasaray vs Real Madrid Champions League Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 04:53:00 +0000

TEAM NEWS

Real Madrid will not hide behind their three-goal lead and will go to Galatasaray on the attack, according to goalkeeper Diego Lopez.

Real secured a 3-0 advantage in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu but will face a hostile crowd in Istanbul as they bid to make their 24th semi-final appearance.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain were all on target for Jose Mourinho's side in the first leg, but while they have a solid lead ahead of the return match, Lopez believes the only way to guarantee their place in the last four is to take the attack to Gala.

"We must try to play as much as possible like in the first leg," Lopez told the club's website.

"They are a team who play well on the counter-attack, and they have very fast players up front who are always looking for depth. We have to keep calm in defence, keep everything tight and go for them.

"We mustn't think about the 3-0, although it is clear that this is a knock-out match and the 3-0 is there, but I see scoring a goal or looking for goals as the key.

"Our mentality will be to go there and score, and not hide behind the 3-0 , because that would be a mistake."

Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba, who won the Champions League title last season with Chelsea, is in good form ahead of the match having scored twice in Saturday's 3-1 win over Mersin Idmanyurdu in the Turkish Super Lig.

Drogba joined Galatasaray in January after spending time at Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua following his departure from Chelsea last May.

"I have a special relationship with the Champions League - it is a trophy I had to wait a long time to touch," Drogba told uefa.com.

"It is a real joy for me to be back in the Champions League, and especially to hear its anthem at the beginning of each game.

"I have found a club that is ambitious, with a great project. They at some point want to win the Champions League. It is a great choice for me.

"I wanted to rediscover the passion I experienced in Marseille. I want to be part of this adventure, part of this challenge. This is something very exciting."

Gala have seen their preparations for the match overshadowed as coach Fatih Terim is facing a lengthy touchline ban after a heated argument during the league game on Saturday.

Terim was sent to the stands with assistants Hasan Sas and Umit Davala, which could mean Duygu Erdogan might make history this weekend as the first woman to coach a Super Lig team.

Erdogan and goalkeeping coach Claudio Taffarel are the only eligible names to coach the side if Terim and his two assistants are given a ban.

Source: SkySports