RandomFootballNews

Baros brace sinks Liverpool! 3-0 yet again!

2011-07-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

kenny; not a happy at all with his team's performance.

An understrength Liverpool side lost 3-0 to Galatasaray in Istanbul, their second successive pre-season defeat by that scoreline.

Having been defeated at Hull on Saturday, manager Kenny Dalglish sent out a virtual reserve side in the first half at the Turk Telekom Arena, with only Andy Carroll considered a genuine first-team starter.

Such was the make-up of the team there were five full-backs on the pitch at the start and the disjointedness cost them as former Reds striker Milan Baros hooked home an eighth-minute volley and added a far-post header just before half-time.

The introduction of Dirk Kuyt and Alberto Aquilani at the interval improved the cohesion slightly but when former Bolton striker Johan Elmander crashed home a volley from the edge of the area seven minutes from time the visitors' difficult night was complete.

Liverpool have now conceded three goals in each of their four pre-season friendlies so far.

They play Valerenga in Norway on Monday when Dalglish is expected to field a much stronger side.

Source: msn

Goal-line technology: FIFA takes final decision March 2012

2011-07-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

FIFA will make a final decision on goal-line technology in March next year, according to president Sepp Blatter.

The debate over whether or not a review system should be introduced to the game has been a bone of contention for some time now, with Blatter previously against it.

But with support for it mounting, the Swiss has opened investigations and has not ruled out using such technology at the next World Cup.

As a result, FIFA is talking to nine potential suppliers who are conducting tests to meet strict criteria including being 100% sure within a single second whether the ball has crossed the line.

“We will have on the next international board at the beginning of March next year a final decision on goal-line technology,” Blatter told reporters at a news conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifying draw.

“If it will prove to be accurate and to be affordable, then it is possible the international board will decide goal-line technology shall be introduced for the World Cup 2014.”

Blatter also revealed the World Cup qualifying play-off system would be maintained.

Blatter added: “Despite the fact that a proposal was on the table to avoid such play-offs, the executive committee, with a huge majority, decided the system should prevail.”

Away from on-field matters, the FIFA boss refuted allegations by disgraced former Asian football supremo Mohamed bin Hammam that the 75-year-old Swiss ran world football’s governing body like a dictator.

Bin Hammam made his comments after being banned for life by FIFA’s ethics committee for his role in the bribery scandal that has rocked world football.

Blatter was careful not to get involved in an acrimonious war of words but at the same time didn’t duck the issue.

He said: “I am not alone, I am not a dictator as has been said. I work with my executive committee, with my administration and with a lot of advisors.”

Blatter is in Rio de Janeiro for the draw which takes place on Saturday night, and England could face a worst-case scenario of having to play France in qualifying for the 2014 World Cup after the pots were revealed.

As expected, England are among the top seeds, placed in Pot One, but France are in Pot Two, along with the likes of Russia and Sweden.

The pot allocations are based on the FIFA world rankings, and the latest standings were announced yesterday, with Fabio Capello’s England down two places to sixth. France currently stand 15th.

Source: Vanguard

Andoni Zubizarreta: “Alexis brings things to the squad that we don’t have”

2011-07-26T10:36:00.001-07:00

The sports director for professional football, Andoni Zubizarreta, has spoken about the versatility of FC Barcelona’s latest signing, Alexis Sánchez, who he believes can play in several positions.

In his first press conference as an FC Barcelona player, Alexis Sánchez was joined by Josep Maria Bartomeu, the director responsible for the football area, and by Andoni Zubizarreta. Both of these gentlemen played an active role in signing the Chilean, and spoke about what a useful acquisition he is likely to be.

26 million plus 11.5 in variable bonuses
The man charged with introducing Alexis Sánchez to the media was Josep Maria Bartomeu. In front of a packed Sala París, Bartomeu said that Alexis “was an express request from the technical secretary” and commented that the agreement settled on a fixed transfer fee of “26 million plus 11.5 in variable bonuses”. He also explained that the Chilean“turned down better financial offers” and therefore “collaborated in being able to come to Barça”.

More attacking options
Andoni Zubizarreta described the club’s latest signing as “versatile and able to play in several positions … he will give us an extra edge and some aggression” as well as “offering us more options in attack”. Zubi also believes that “Alexis brings things to the squad that we don’t have right now”.

Udinese, future Gamper opposition
During the presentation he also said that part of deal with Udinese to bring Alexis Sánchez to Catalonia involves the participation of the Italian outfit in at least one edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy over the next three years, as well as one friendly match between the two clubs.

source: www.fcbarcelona.com

Messi and Xavi, candidates for European Player of the Year

2011-07-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

FC Barcelona’s Leo Messi and Xavi Hernández have been nominated for UEFA’s award for the best player of the 2010/11 season, along with Cristiano Ronaldo. The award will be presented on August 25 in Monaco before the draw for the Champions League.

The UEFA Club Footballer of the Year recognises the best player, regardless of nationality, who played in one of the 53 UEFA member states over the previous season. The jury is made up of 53 journalists from each of those nations and announced today that the three short-listed players are Leo Messi and Xavi Hernández of the latest Champions League winners, Barcelona, and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

Four FCB players in Top 10
As well as the top three, the positions of the other players in the top ten were also announced. Two of these were Barça players, Andrés Iniesta, who came fourth, and Gerard Piqué, who cam ninth.

Voting on August 25
The winner will be announced on August 25 at the UEFA Champions League group stage

draw. The 53 journalists will be casting their votes on the same day as the announcement.

By: Subhan Rathore

All glamour & Galacticos - but Barcelona and Real Madrid's signings could leave them defenceless next season

2011-07-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

The biggest names in football have been linked to Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer, and many have arrived.

Chile forward Alexis Sanchez was unveiled at the Catalan club on Monday, while Jose Mourinho's side are currently on tour with a handful of new recruits, including left-back Fabio Coentrao (who is being used in a more advanced role in the United States), winger Jose Callejon, and midfielders Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintop. On top of all that, Madrid still hope to bring in a striker, with Neymar, Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor all mentioned, while Barca turn their attentions to Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

But what about the defenders?

Barca's backline was notoriously difficult to breach last season as the Catalans conceded just 21 goals in their 38 league games. Nevertheless, coach Pep Guardiola was forced to shuffle his squad in the absence of defensive leader and lynchpin Carles Puyol. Barcelona lost five games in total last season and Puyol was absent in all of those. His presence lifts the players around him and brings the best out of central defensive partner Gerard Pique. Puyol's troublesome knee injury saw him restricted to just seven games after Christmas - a total of just 377 minutes.

With his captain missing, Guardiola was forced to field a number of different players in central defence, including midfielders Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano. Such a situation, however, is hardly ideal and surely not one the Barca coach will be keen to see a repeat of in 2011-12. The idea, at the beginning of last season, had been for left-back Eric Abidal to fill in and he did so admirably until he was sidelined himself by a cancerous tumour in his liver.

Abidal returned triumphantly to lift the Champions League trophy, but whether he can resume a regular role remains unclear, while Puyol's participation in the coming campaign is also something of an unknown quantity at this stage.

So far this summer, Barcelona haven't come remotely close to signing a central defender, although the Catalan club were keen to bring in Sporting Gijon full-back Jose Angel, who ended up moving to Roma.

Madrid have signed a defender, 18-year-old Raphael Varane. The teenager was snapped up from Lens - with the help of new sporting director Zinedine Zidane - and looks to have a bright future ahead of him, but centre-back is one position where experience is vital and Mourinho is unlikely to blood the youngster in the big games just yet.

Varane replaces Ezequiel Garay, a decent back-up option who has left for Benfica as part of the deal (although negotiated separately) which took Coentrao to Madrid. That leaves Pepe, who began last season with an injury and is prone to muscle problems, Ricardo Carvalho and Raul Albiol as the other three central defenders. However, Pepe produced many of his best performances last season as a midfield enforcer and is expected to feature in that role in the big matches again this term. Albiol is generally reliable but doesn't appear to have won Mourinho's trust, while Sergio Ramos (another option) looks likely to start the season as the side's right-back.

Madrid do have options, arguably more than Barcelona, but as they attempt to break the Catalans' dominance domestically and in Europe, they can ill afford to be left short. Compare the situation to the wealth of attacking options Mourinho has at his disposal and in this particular department, the squad appears slightly too thin.

So, instead of the glamour and the Galacticos, perhaps Jose and Pep should consider at least one top-quality defensive reinforcement each this summer. It could be make or break because, after all, as the old adage states: "Strikers win games, but defenders win championships."

Source: goal.com

Argentina sack coach Batista after Copa America

2011-07-26T04:31:00.000-07:00

The Argentinian Football Association has terminated the contract of the Albicelestes' coach, Sergio Batista.

AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo announced the move in the wake of the team's disappointing campaign in the Copa America, at which they were hosts. Argentina were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Uruguay, who went on to lift the trophy with a 3-0 win over Paraguay in Buenos Aires on Sunday evening.

Cherquis Bialo told reporters: ''The national team's committee has decided to rescind the contract that attached Mr Batista with the Argentinian Football Association. 'In a very good natured, mature telephone conversation, Mr Batista and Mr Julio Grondona (the AFA president) talked and Batista left his situation in the hands of the AFA.

''Batista is a man who does not need any explanation. He talked to the AFA president and allowed him to decide whatever he considers the right thing.''

As Argentina start the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign in October, the AFA hopes to name Batista's successor within a week. ''In the upcoming seven days, we hope we can reveal the name of the new coach,'' Cherquis Bialo said. ''The candidates' names will be evaluated by the national teams committee.''

Argentina were scheduled to play a friendly against Romania next month, but Cherquis Bialo announced it has been cancelled.

Source: msn

Pulis wants 'four or five' new signings at Stoke

2011-07-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

Stoke manager Tony Pulis is keen to bring in ''four or five'' players this summer in order to keep his squad competitive.

So far only defender Jonathan Woodgate has arrived after being released by Tottenham. But Pulis has been linked with a number of players, not least Woodgate's former team-mates Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios, Juventus midfielder Mohamed Sissoko and Birmingham's Scott Dann, yet he has not been able to make real headway.

The Potters boss is keen to strengthen his squad to maintain the progress they have made since arriving in the Premier League in 2008, since when they have not finished below 13th. He also has to factor in the possibility of an extended European campaign, although that will become clearer in the next 10 days when they play Hajduk Split in the Europa League third qualifying round.

''If by the end of August we haven't got four or five players in who can come into the side and improve us, I will be very disappointed,'' said Pulis. ''It's massively important not to be caught standing still, so we definitely want to be active if we can.

''I think we need to shake things up a little bit for the sake of the team so I will be trying to do that.''

That means some departures are likely from the Britannia Stadium. ''We have fringe players here who need to be playing football games now because they are footballers,'' he said. ''I have had them here for a while now, and whilst they are a fantastic group, they are obviously chomping at the bit to get out there and play games.''

Source: msn

David de Gea adjusting well to life at Manchester United despite language barrier

2011-07-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

The 20-year-old made an impressive debut in United’s 3-1 against Chicago Fire on Saturday and admits he is looking to master the English language to help settle into Premier League football as quickly as possible.

"I'm slowly getting used to life here," told MUTV.

"I look forward to learning very quickly.

"There's some players I can speak to. Some of them speak a bit of Spanish and I'm learning English little-by-little and communicating better with the team.

"It's difficult but I'm young and, in a few months, when I've learned some English, I will be able to communicate perfectly with the others.”

The Spain under-21 international received praise from boss Sir Alex Ferguson for his performance and looks set to feature in the club's remaining two matches of their pre-season tour.

De Gea is also looking forward to meeting the club's other Spanish-speaking players, who he feels will help him to settle at his new club.

He added: "We are missing Chicharito and Antonio Valencia, which will make life easier for me."

Villa agree £9.5m fee for N'Zogbia

2011-07-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

Aston Villa have agreed a £9.5 million deal with Wigan for winger Charles N'Zogbia and are close to completing the move.

Wigan had rejected Villa's bid of £9 million for the former Newcastle player. But the two clubs held further discussions over the weekend and are believed to have reached a compromise figure of around £9.5 million.

New Villa boss Alex McLeish needs a new winger after the departures of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively this summer. He will take nothing for granted after failing to sign N'Zogbia when Birmingham boss last summer.

N'Zogbia will hold talks over personal terms in the next 24 hours and undergo a medical before signing what is expected to be a five-year deal.

He would be likely to have to wait to join up with Villa's first-team squad. McLeish's team are currently on a pre-season tour of Hong Hong and N'Zogbia does not have the required work visa.

Source: espn

Celtic steal early march on Rangers with Hibs win

2011-07-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

Defending SPL champions Rangers are already chasing Celtic this season after Neil Lennon's side opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Hibernian at Easter Road.

In a performance of real contrast to their Glasgow rivals, Celtic seemed to heed the warning of Rangers' lacklustre opening against Hearts, which saw Ally McCoist's men concede a half-time advantage before battling back for a draw.

Celtic ensured that did not happen on Sunday, taking the lead after 14 minutes. Anthony Stokes showed superb composure to find the roof of the net after keeper Graham Stack had flapped at a cross.

Stokes also had a hand in Celtic's second just after the hour, first failing to slide a ball behind the fullback and then squaring the ricochet into the path of Ki Sung-yueng, who drilled into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

The only stain on a good day for the Bhoys was a missed penalty by Gary Hooper, who saw his spot-kick brilliantly turned onto the right upright by Stack. Emilio Izaguirre had won the penalty when he faked to cross inside the area.

Source: msn

Woes of trio fans

2011-07-24T00:57:00.000-07:00

Lets look at the grievances being faced by the fans of Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City. Each club steered by renowned managers who have carved a niche for themselves in this competitive world of English football; Sir Alex, Wenger and Mancini respectively. Chelsea are also a competitive force in the premier league but i don't see their fans having to worry about much seeing what a wonderful setup they have got for themselves, all their fans have to do is keep their fingers crossed for trophies!

Manchester United:

19 times champions, recently featuring in every other champions league final, well u would expect the fans wouldn't have much to complain about. That is where your're mistaken, ManU is under a butt load of debt. And the annual interest having to be paid is increasing every year because of the refinancing the Glazers did to shift the debt onto the club which they had taken to buy the red devils in the first place. So even though the red devils are the most profitable club right now, the debt is only ever going to increase unless the Glazers sell the club, which doesn't seem to be happening in the near future. But it hasn't stopped Alex Ferguson from splashing cash over this transfer window on the likes of De Gea , Young etc. SO even though the burden of debt hangs upon Old Trafford, the ManU faithful can keep on basking in their success , for now.

Arsenal:

Poor poor gunners, empty trophy cabinet gathering dust in recent years. With money flowing into Manchester City and Chelsea in recent years, the gunners have been left to scavenge the left overs in the transfer market lately. With no luck in the transfer market this summer either.Wenger a shrewd operator in the transfer market but what can he do with the coffers depleted and his transfer kitty nowhere near his rivals ( specifically Mancini and Andre Villas-Boas). So the gunner supporters look forward to another trophy less season. I know how frustrating it can be; with Wenger taking the brunt of the fans ire! Its a job i wouldn't wanna take! SO Arsenal really have to find their pot of gold; run to the end of a rainbow gunners run! Or else they could perhaps ask one man for his help, as for who that man is, follow this link and put two and two together (loads of money and doesn't know where to spend):

http://ghosttribune.blogspot.com/2011/07/billionare-makes-his-name-visible-from.html

Manchester City:

To put it simply, too much money, too many people influencing the manager, too many players they are interested in BUT only a select few willing to join! Those already there wanting out because of the competition for one place in the starting eleven is too much! Apart from being rebuffed by star players the city faithful don't have much to worry about. Last season finally they got their first trophy after decades and now this year it seems they are going to wrestle the red half of Manchester for the premier league title. As for money matters they are safe and sound, with their wealthy Arab Sheikh pumping black gold into the city coffers! So far he has invested over 1 billion pounds into the club! wow! And of course their recent 10 year deal with Etihad worth 400 million pounds their treasury is overflowing and as a result their fan following booming especially in the Arab world.

This is by no means a complete detailed analysis, it just touches the tip of the iceberg. With only a few weeks left for the new season to kick off we wait to see the teams head to head on the field.

By: Hammad Ali

CHELSEA TO SIGN BARCA YOUNGSTER

2011-07-23T22:23:00.000-07:00

Chelsea have reached agreement with Barcelona for the signing of young Spain Under-20 defensive midfielder Oriol Romeu.

Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas confirmed the news at a press conference in Bangkok, although 19-year-old Romeu is yet to have a medical or agree personal terms as he is currently with Spain preparing for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Colombia.

Romeu made his debut for the Barcelona first team at the end of last season, but is not part of Pep Guardiola's long-term plans at the Nou Camp.

A statement on the Chelsea website read: "Chelsea Football Club has agreed terms with Barcelona for the transfer of Oriol Romeu."

Chelsea's 'valued squad' deserve respect, says André Villas-Boas

2011-07-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

André Villas-Boas has defended Chelsea's patient approach in the transfer market this summer and insisted his squad are more than capable of regaining the Premier League title, despite their relative toils last season.

Chelsea's spending under Villas-Boas has been restricted to deals for the teenage goalkeeper Thibault Courtois from Genk and the Barcelona B midfielder Oriol Romeu. While talks remain on-going with Anderlecht over the signing of Romelu Lukaku, who could cost up to £15m, the pursuit of Luka Modric and Scott Parker has dragged. Other Premier League challengers have strengthened early and significantly.

Manchester United, who last season finished nine points clear of Chelsea, then managed by Carlo Ancelotti, have spent £50m on new recruits, though Villas-Boas is convinced his squad can bridge that gap. "Each club is responsible for the money they put into the market," the manager said. "We put a lot of money in in January [when David Luiz and Fernando Torres were signed]. You have to value, as well, the kind of approach we are taking this summer.

"It's an approach made on taking wise decisions, evaluating what we have, paying respect to the valued squad we have. It's not a case of spending straight away when we don't need to do that. We hope it will prove to be the successful approach. Clubs have to spend what they have to spend. United have decided to sign players after losing some to retirement and they've reinforced those sectors. We will decide what sectors we need to reinforce in our own team."

There is a belief within the hierarchy at Chelsea that the nine-point gap conceded to United last season was deceptive and there is hope that Villas-Boas, arguably a more hands-on manager than his predecessor, will be able to get more from the squad at his disposal. Even so, the addition of a playmaker of Modric's quality has been pinpointed as a priority, particularly given the need to supply Torres more effectively.

Villas-Boas, whose team play a Thailand All Star XI in Bangkok on Sunday, admitted in the past few days that a failure to win trophies would be "the end of the world", but dismissed suggestions that Chelsea are already playing an onerous game of squad catch-up with the champions.

"You have to recall that Chelsea went to United with a great chance to shorten a distance that, OK, in the end, became nine points," he said, referring to the trip to Old Trafford in May when, had the visitors prevailed, they would have drawn level on points at the top of the table. "It went United's way, but it could have gone Chelsea's way and changed the Premier League in the last couple of days.

"Rather, recall that Chelsea came back with an extremely good recovery in terms of shortening that points distance. This club had an opportunity to win the title and that shows how competitive we can be."

Chelsea hope to conclude Romeu's £4.5m arrival from Barcelona B over the next 24 hours, with Courtois also to conclude his arrival and immediate loan to Atlético Madrid.

"The Spanish league is an extremely competitive league and a great place for him to be," Villas-Boas said. "With Oriol, the club have agreed terms with Barcelona and now it is about personal terms and a medical.

"That sector, central midfield, was an area where we were struggling for numbers. He's [Oriol] one of the most promising players in that No6 position and has a bright future."

Source: guardian.co.uk

Inter plot loan move for Tevez with a view to permanent switch next summer

2011-07-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

Italian giants Inter Milan have stepped up their efforts to prise Carlos Tevez away from Manchester City by setting up a meeting with club officials later this month.

The Serie A outfit are expected to request the Argentine join them on loan for the whole of next season with a clause inserted into the deal which would make it mandatory for them to buy him in a year's time.

The deal would be similar in set-up to the one which saw Sweden international - and former Inter star - Zlatan Ibrahimovic join rivals AC Milan from Barcelona for the 2010/11 season before completing a switch earlier this summer.

Tevez is desperate to leave the Premier League in order to be closer to his daughters. And while Milan is actually further from his homeland than Manchester, the cultural similarities would likely persuade the striker's family to move to Italy.

Tevez was recently pictured on a beach holiday in Sardinia enjoying a chance meeting with Inter official Marco Branca.

City and Inter meet in the Dublin Super Cup on July 31 as the two sides crank up their pre-season preparations.

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claim the Nerazzurri will use the event to discuss Tevez's future with senior officials from Etihad Stadium.

Inter have come up with the plan to avoid paying a fee of around £40million after two of their own players, Samuel Eto’o and Wesley Sneijder, shunned the opportunity to be used in a swap deal.

Tevez came incredibly close to joining former club Corinthians last week before a deal fell through at the 11th hour with the Brazilian club unable to guarantee the funds.

While Tevez's departure seems inevitable, despite claims to the contrary from manager Roberto Mancini, current City star Adam Johnson hopes the 27-year-old will remain. The England man does, though, understand his captain's reasons for wanting to leave.

He said: 'I hope he is (with the club this season) as he was our talisman last season scoring all his goals. A number of times he carried us in games with his goals and individual brilliance.

'Obviously he has his own reasons for what he is doing at the minute but he is a world class player and whatever he does I wish him all the best.'

Mancini's side have been linked with a move for Tevez’s compatriot Sergio Aguero and Johnson believes acquiring the Atletico Madrid man would be a great move for the Blues.

'He is world class,' he added. 'It would be great if he came and added to the squad we have. I watched him in La Liga over the last two seasons and he is an outstanding player.'

Source: www.dailymail.com

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon would like to coach the United States or China once his playing career ends

2011-07-23T07:06:00.000-07:00

Gianluigi Buffon has stated that he intends to finish his playing career at Juventus, but would like to coach a national team such as China or the United States once his time on the pitch is over.

The 33-year-old's future has been in doubt, but he recently committed himself to the Turin giants and is in North America on the Italian side's pre-season tour.

"I have never thought of coming here [United States] to end my playing career," he told American reporters.

"I’ll stay at Juventus for as long as they trust me."

However, the ex-Parma goalkeeper admitted that a future coaching role may appeal although that was still some way off. He added: "In three or four years I’ve got the crazy idea in my head that I’d like to be the coach for USA or China. Both would be incredible experiences."

It has recently been confirmed that Antonio Conte's side have signed Arturo Vidal from Bayer Leverkusen, who has joined Andrea Pirlo and Reto Ziegler amongst others as new faces at the Stadio Olimpico and Buffon feels it could be a good season for the 27-times Italian champions.

"We [have] certainly reinforced the squad and I’ve seen a strong willingness to sacrifice from everyone," he said.

"We must remember the last two years and learn not to repeat the mistakes of the past."

Source: goal.com

Roberto Mancini wants 'more control over the team' at Manchester City

2011-07-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

Roberto Mancini has called for Manchester City bosses to give him more authority to guarantee success next season.

The Italian is demanding more power in terms of transfer dealings as well as in determining how the club is run, citing Sir Alex Ferguson’s control at rivals Manchester United as the perfect model.

“I agree with him [Sir Alex], but he has been at United for a long time so for him it is easy,” Mancini told reporters.

The City manager appears eager to push away from a director of football model and wants more of the influence currently enjoyed by both chief executive Garry Cook and football administrator Brian Marwood to be bestowed on himself.

Mancini was asked if he shared the same views as his bosses, and replied: "I think so, because we want to win. Maybe we had a different way but now we have a good relationship.

“Maybe because I think this way, and Garry another way, but this is normal when you work with other people,” Mancini continued.

“We have all the same targets. We want to win and we work for this.

“It is different [in England] from Italy and I prefer the English style because if the manager loses, the manager is sacked, and for this I think the manager needs to take every decision and if he makes mistakes, he pays for it.

“Maybe I need to have more control of the team and the other situations. For a manager, that’s very important.

“Maybe if I win the Premier League this season, it will be different.

“It’s important for the manager to have control over the players and the medical staff and the other situations. [The situation] can improve.”

Mancini’s hand appears to have been forced by frustration at a lack of movement in the transfer market as the Manchester club prepare for their first ever season in the Champions League.

The club have thus far only been able to bring in Montenegrin defender Stefan Savic and Frenchman Gael Clichy and, as the saga surrounding Carlos Tevez’s transfer continues to rage on, City's transfer market activity appears to have stalled.

Mancini is adamant that movement is required, however, to enable the club to challenge on both Premier League and Champions League fronts next season, and is calling for more autonomy to ensure that they can.

“For a team like us, it’s important to move quickly and to move before the end of the season,” the City boss stressed.

“If you move before then you have no problem in June and July. Maybe I can be disappointed about this.

“It is important for new players to work with the squad here [in the United States].

“At the moment, we are not ready to compete for the title, but maybe in two weeks we will be ready.”

Source: goal.com

Didier Drogba 'on verge' of signing one-year contract at Chelsea

2011-07-23T01:40:00.000-07:00

The Ivory Coast international has made no secret of the fact he would like to remain at Chelsea and now looks set to stay at the club for another year after his current contract runs out.

'We've started talking and it's very interesting. Everybody knows what I feel about Chelsea and what I want,' he said.

'I will definitely be here next season. I said a few years ago that I will be here until the end of my contract, and I am here.'

However, while Drogba's future at Chelsea may be safe, his place in the first team is another matter.

The 33-year-old will have to compete with Fernando Torres for a starting spot as the Blues' new manager Andre Villas-Boas is known to be a fan of the 4-3-3 formation.

Players such as Nicolas Anelka and Daniel Sturridge will also be fighting for a place in the first team.

'If I deserve to play then I will play. If I'm not good then I won't. It's good for the team to have some competition,' Drogba added.

Earlier this week it was reported that Chelsea have launched a bid for 18-year-old Belgian star Romelu Lukaku, who has been dubbed the 'new Didier Drogba'.

Source: www.metro.co.uk

Aguero talks to begin

2011-07-23T01:36:00.000-07:00

Aguero emerged as City's top transfer target as Carlos Tevez'sfuture at the club remains far from clear.

At first Roberto Mancini suggested any bid was dependent on whether Tevez stayed or not, but it is no apparent that they will go for Aguero no matter what.

Aguero, who has made it clear he wants to leave Atletico, has been linked with Real Madrid andJuventus - but City are now clear favourites, and the player is known to be keen on a move to Eastlands.

It is believed that one of Aguero's lead agents Hernan Reguera held talks with City earlier this week and that went well.

Now Atletico sources have told Sky Sports that official talks are expected to begin this weekend.

Belief

City boss Mancini has reiterated his belief that Aguero would be a great signing for the club.

"Aguero is young and can start to score a lot. He will become a top striker. He is 23 and now is his time," he said.

"He is like Carlos Tevez and could play with Carlos, or Edin Dzeko or Mario Balotelli.

"He can play as first striker or second striker. He has good technique. After many years in a top club likeAtletico Madrid he can play Premier League.

"Aguero is a good player, like Samir Nasri, like Cesc Fabregas, like Robin van Persie - there are a lot of good players in England."

Source: skysports.com

Blues warned over Modric price

2011-07-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp has warned Chelsea that it is likely to take "an awful lot more" than £35 million to sign Luka Modric.

Modric has expressed his determination to secure a move to Stamford Bridge and Redknapp, who reiterated this week that he "understands" the player's desire to leave, has claimed many of the world's top clubs are interested.

On Thursday, he said: "Everyone wants Luka. Just ask Alex Ferguson what he thinks of him, ask Roberto Mancini at Manchester City - they all want him. He could play for Barcelona."

However, Chelsea - who have already seen offers of £22 million and £27 million rejected - have been told that they will need to dramatically up their bid.

Asked whether £35 million would be enough at a press conference on Friday, Redknapp said: "If we were looking at selling, it wouldn't be my valuation.

"I think he is worth an awful lot more money than that, but we are not looking to sell Luka. We need to keep our best players, so he is a player we want to keep if possible.

"It's in the hands of the chairman of the football club - it's not my decision. I work with him as the coach, but the chairman says he is not for sale so we will have to wait and see. He is quite determined, if we can, to hang onto him.

"It's a difficult situation. It's a difficult one for Luka and it's a difficult one for Tottenham."

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, meanwhile, says he wants to take his time before making major moves in the market.

"Everyone knows how frenetic the market gets in the last weeks of August," he said. "It always happens like that and, although I understand the fans want and expect new signings and radical changes, we are trying to put a halt to that because it is valuable that we are assessing things.

"Daniel Sturridge, Ryan Bertrand and Patrick van Aanholt are back from loans and this has a value for us and it must have a value for the Chelsea supporters as well, because we are not making decisions lightly.

"We are pondering every situation in order to go to the market with the things that we really need and not to go into the market chaotically and make mistakes."

Source: espn

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino handed touchline ban for Copa America final with Uruguay

2011-07-22T04:24:00.000-07:00

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino has been given a two-match touchline ban after taking part in a post-match brawl following his country's Copa America semi-final win over Venezuela.

With emotions running high after a 5-3 victory for Paraguay on penalties, players and staff from both sides were involved in an unruly scuffle. Martino had himself already been sent off during the match for dissent and he saw his side reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Dario Veron.

As a result, Martino, who has been coach of the national team since 2006, will have to watch Sunday's final against neighbours Uruguay from the stands.

Martino's opposite number, Cesar Farias, made it clear after the game that he felt the blame lay squarely at the feet of the Paraguayan camp.

"Today we have seen how [an established] World Cup team [in Paraguay] and some of their officials had to come and provoke us," he told the post-game press conference.

"Now we are so important that they already know our names, we are so important that we got to penalties and we are so important they have to come and attack us after the game."

Paraguay have progressed to Sunday's final despite failing to win a single match in the tournament so far, progressing on penalties in each of their two knockout matches.

Source: www.goal.com

Park set to extend stay with Man Utd

2011-07-22T03:30:00.000-07:00

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung is set to extend his contract at Old Trafford for a further two years, Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed.

Park, 30, retired from international football after January's Asian Cup in Qatar in order to prolong his club career. And the reward is a contract extension Ferguson expects to be a mere formality.

"We have offered him a new contract and I am sure he will sign it," said Ferguson.

"His career at United has been nothing but excellent. He is a tremendous professional. I am sure he will accept the new offer and tie himself down at the club for the next two years."

Park's current contract is due to expire in 2012 and many tipped the South Korean to depart United this summer along with Wes Brown and John O'Shea, who have both since moved on to Sunderland. However, the midfielder stated his intention to remain in Manchester last week.

He told the Sunday Mirror: "There's no truth at all that I would leave United - I want to stay here and I have no reason to leave. I would like to stay here for life, of course - why not? It's the best club in the world."

Ferguson also confirmed he expects the recovering Darren Fletcher to be part of his squad again by the time United return to England on July 31.

Meanwhile, Ferguson says new signing David de Gea will make his United debut in Saturday's friendly with MLS side Chicago Fire at Soldier Field. The 20-year-old goalkeeper was a late arrival on tour after a successful European Under-21 Championship campaign for Spain.

He has trained with his new team-mates for three days now and Ferguson wants to see how he performs in a match environment, believing the £18 million signing from Atletico Madrid may draw comparisons to Chelsea's Petr Cech.

"David de Gea will start on Saturday," said Ferguson. "He has had a few days' training now and has done fine. Being young and coming into the English game, the one area we are not sure about is that he may need time.

"On the other hand, he might do what Petr Cech did at Chelsea and take it by storm. Cech came into the Chelsea team and has never been out of it. David has similar qualities. He has terrific composure for a young man. He is quick. His use of the ball is excellent.

"There are good ingredients there. Hopefully that shows itself as we get into the season."

Source: msn

Cristiano Ronaldo's Hat Trick Lifts Real Madrid To 3-0 Win

2011-07-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo scored three goals within a 9-minute span in the second half to lift Real Madrid to a 3-0 win over Chivas of Guadalajara in an exhibition soccer match Wednesday night.

Ronaldo, a former world Player of the Year, had been stymied by Chivas goalie Luis Michel in the first half. Michel stopped Ronaldo on a couple of free kicks and a clear opportunity which he hit into the right side of the net in the 39th minute.

However, in the 73rd minute Ronaldo split two Chivas defenders took a pass from Karim Benzema brought it down with his left foot and kicked it with his right past goalie Michel breaking the scoreless tie.

Three minutes later Ronaldo converted a penalty kick when teammate Pepe was taken down by Chivas Omar Arliano.

Ronaldo finished off his hat trick with a blast to the lower right hand corner of the net in the 82nd minute.

Source: huffingtonpost.com

Rooney bags hat-trick in United romp

2011-07-21T04:14:00.000-07:00

A Wayne Rooney hat-trick helped Manchester United demolish American MLS side Seattle Sounders 7-0 in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.

Introduced as a second-half substitute, Rooney quickly cut loose, drilling home his first just after the re-start and completing his treble 18 minutes from time.

It was part of a seven-goal romp which takes the Red Devils' total in two games so far to 11, with Michael Owen, Mame Biram Diouf, Park Ji-sung and Gabriel Obertan netting the rest.

The only downside was a knock picked up by Rio Ferdinand near the end that left the defender limping at the final whistle.

United now fly to Chicago before further engagements in New Jersey and Washington and with just over three weeks to go before they begin their Premier League title defence, Sir Alex Ferguson's men have already served notice they will not easily be dislodged from their status as England's number one.

United had been promised a different type of atmosphere in Seattle and they were not disappointed as in excess of 67,000 supporters showed their appreciation for their visitors, whilst leaving no doubts over who they wanted to win.

With David de Gea not pushed into the fray just yet, Anders Lindegaard took his opportunity to impress, denying Alvaro Fernandez, then producing a fine double save in repelling Fredy Montero and James Riley.

Indeed, it was somewhat against the run of play that United went in front through a typical Owen poacher's effort.

Getting himself into space as Patrice Evra ran onto Ashley Young's lay-off, Owen met the Frenchman's low cross perfectly and quickly stabbed it past Kasey Keller.

Owen has looked impressive in pre-season so far and, starting alongside Federico Macheda, had another effort cleared off the line by Osvaldo Alonso.

That was another piece of opportunism but there were no excuses for the chance he spurned three minutes before the break, when he was brilliantly sent through by Ryan Giggs.

Owen steadied himself but Keller read his mind, the former Tottenham keeper making a decent stop.

Sir Alex Ferguson made four changes at the interval and within three minutes, Diouf had got his name on the scoresheet.

Supposedly attracting interest from Blackpool, the Senegal-born player ran onto Nani's through ball before turning sharply and drilling home from an acute angle.

Fellow substitute Wayne Rooney added another shortly afterwards, with Nani again the provider and the England striker added another midway through the second half as he rolled a precise finish into the corner.

By now, United were really into their stride and Rooney set up Park for their fifth before completing his hat-trick from Gabriel Obertan's cut-back.

The Frenchman has not made that much of an impression in his time at Old Trafford to date but he rounded off the romp two minutes from time.

source: ghosttribune.com via espnstar.com

Terry hopeful of succeeding Villas-Boas as Blues boss

2011-07-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

John Terry is confident of being appointed Chelsea manager once his playing career comes to an end, hoping the club will give him the chance to succeed present incumbent Andre Villas-Boas.

The central defender, who has three years remaining on his current contract, is delighted with the recent appointment of Villas-Boas, who previously spent time as a member of Jose Mourinho's backroom staff at Stamford Bridge before making a name for himself as a manager in his own right at Porto.

Terry believes the arrival of the 33-year-old demonstrates that the club are willing to give young managers a chance - especially if they have a prior history at the club - and as a result the captain is hopeful that he will be given the chance to manage the Blues when he hangs up his boots.

"Obviously my overall aim is to become manager," Terry told the Daily Mirror. "And looking at this [Villas-Boas' appointment] as well as Roberto Di Matteo being brought in as coach, it's great for current players as well.

"They are giving chances to people who have been around the club and who know the club inside out as well. So that tells the players inside the club - myself, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, and Peter Cech - who have all been here a long time, that if we do our coaching badges then there will be roles here in the future.

"Whether that's with the first team or reserves, the club are encouraging that which is good."

Terry couldn't help but note that at the end of his current playing deal he will be the same age (33) as Villas-Boas was when he was appointed, although he stressed that he is hopeful the Portuguese tactician will be a great success in the Premier League and stay at the helm for many years to come.

"What Andre's achieved is incredible," he noted. "You do set yourself targets. I have got three years left on my deal and I will be 33 then, but I'm certainly envisaging Andre being in charge here for a long time.

"He fully deserves this chance. Not enough chances are given to young managers, and how do we expect them to get the experience if not given the chance?

"Thankfully our owner, Roman Abramovich, has given him this chance."

Source: www.sport.uk.msn.com

Corinthians pull out of deal for Manchester City's Carlos Tevez

2011-07-20T06:38:00.000-07:00

The Sao Paulo giants have decided to cease discussions of a move for the Argentine striker, due to the clubs being unable finalise the deal before Brazil's transfer deadline.

Corinthians have announced the end to negotiations for the transfer of Manchester City's Carlos Tevez.

Despite City manager Roberto Mancini claiming that a deal reportedly worth around €40 million (£35.1m) had been made on Monday, a formal statement from Corinthians has now confirmed that the transfer has fallen through.

Corinthians director of football Edu Gasper previously said that a deal was likely to be completed on Monday, but with the Brazilian transfer window closing on July 20, a finalised agreement has been deemed impossible.

A statement on the club's official website reads: "The director of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista comes forward officially to communicate the impossibility of the signing of Argentinian forward Carlos Tevez.

"While recognising Manchester City's efforts and those of everyone involved, there's no more time for the signing to be finalised, considering that the window to sign players from abroad ends on Wednesday, July 20."

A major issue with negotiations is said to have been the structure of the €40m (£35.1m) deal, with Corinthians opting for installments which were not accepted by City.

The Eastlands outfit look set to continue strengthening their current squad, with manager Mancini revealing he expects an official bid for Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero to be made within the next few days.

Meanwhile, The Mirror report that Mancini is prepared to strip Tevez of the City captaincy after failing to agree a move to Corinthians, with Vincent Kompany favourite to take over.

Source: www.goal.com