Supremacy Show Time

Constantini to step down as Austrian soccer coach

2011-09-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

Dietmar Constantini will step down as coach of Austria when his contract expires at the end of the year after his team failed to qualify for Euro 2012.

The 56-year-old Constantini will not be offered a new contract, president Leo Windtner of the Austrian football federation said on Wednesday, a day after a goalless draw with Turkey ended Austria's final hopes of reaching Euro 2012.

Austria won just one game — a friendly against Latvia — in the last 10 matches under Constantini, who took over from Karel Bruckner halfway through World Cup qualification in April 2009.

Constantini is Austria's seventh coach since the team last qualified for a major event -- the 1998 World Cup in France.

Thanks CBC.CA

Serie A strike nears end

2011-09-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

A strike by Serie A players was expected to end Monday with the players' association and the league due to sign a temporary collective contract that will last through the end of this season.

The strike postponed the scheduled start of Serie A the weekend of Aug. 27-28, and both sides want to reach an agreement before the second round begins Friday with defending champion AC Milan facing Lazio at the San Siro.

"All the elements are in place to sign today. Experts are working out the last details," players' association president Damiano Tommasi told RAI state radio.

After the contract is signed, both sides were slated to meet with the government to discuss new stadiums, brand protections and other issues.

The agreement will likely stipulate that the sides reach a deal over the next 30 days on the last remaining conflict -- a clause concerning the rights of players to train with the first team.

Clubs want the clause to state they can force unwanted players to train away from the first team or accept a transfer.

Changes to the government's austerity package eliminated the other major conflict, a new solidarity tax that would have applied to high-wage earners like top-division footballers.

The conflict between the players and the league has been ongoing since the last collective contract expired in June 2010.

The players set two strike dates during the first half of last season, both of which were avoided with last-minute verbal agreements.

The players association first proposed a one-year temporary contract lasting through June 30 as a last-minute emergency measure to avoid a strike. The clubs rejected the proposal then but accepted it after further review during a league assembly last week.

"The most important thing was the will of the league to evaluate our proposal last week," Tommasi said. "In the meantime, two things happened: The solidarity tax was erased and the round-table with the government was set up."

The other matches this weekend are: Cesena vs. Napoli; Juventus vs. Parma, Catania vs. Siena; Chievo Verona vs. Novara; Fiorentina vs. Bologna; Genoa vs. Atalanta; Lecce vs. Udinese; Roma vs. Cagliari; and Palermo vs. Inter Milan.

Both sides want to get matches in before the Champions League group phase begins next week with Milan opening at defending champion Barcelona, Inter hosting Turkish club Trabzonspor and Napoli visiting Manchester City.

The first round of league matches wiped out by the strike will likely be made up at a later date.

Thanks CBC

Would Arsenal's Retained Eleven Really Win The League?

2011-08-25T01:43:00.000-07:00

An almost accepted opinion that seems to be doing the rounds currently (which the only Arsenal fan in the office shouts very loud to make it extra true) is that, if only Arsenal could keep all of the brilliant players they produce, they would be champions elect.

Now while it is undoubtably true they would be a better side, the only players I can think of that would automatically get into a current starting 11 would be Fabregas (who has only been gone for a few weeks) and Ashley Cole. Strong arguments could be made for Toure (although I think Koscielny looks decent when partnered with Vermaelen) and Adebayor (obviously not at the expense of RVP).

But, the majority of others, at least those I can think of, would be bench warmers, eg: Hleb. This greater strength in depth would allow for more tactical options, although Wenger rarely deviates from his default formation, insisting his team can win playing their own game. The added mental toughness of experienced pro's would possibly help, but if they had spent years at Arsenal failing to win anything (as I believe they would) then they would not be the answer to Arsene's woes. Potentially it could reduce injuries, and would probably improve the team when injuries or suspensions arise, but I honestly do not think it would be enough.

I am ignoring players such as Henry and Pires, who are nowhere near the level the used to be at (although they would undoubtedly add mental toughness / winning attitude), but for my mind Arsene simply hasn't bought or produced enough quality in recent years, regardless of what his staunch defenders will claim.
Jack (Expecting to be corrected/shouted at) Manchester

Preparing A Positive Spin
Arsenal get knocked out of the Champions League tonight. Is it that bad?
The current team, as has been pointed out by everyone is young and inexperienced. Do they really have any hope of winning the Champions League? Nope.

So instead of wasting energy on it, why not focus on something this team can win. The Premier League or FA Cup. Not Europe, forget that sham! Let this young team develop and mature. Imagine if they just focused on the Premier League and won it, what it would do for confidence and belief.

It may also help us avoid the annual collapse and downward spiral around Feb/march time that has become the norm for Arsenal.

So we miss out on £25 to £35 million. Apparently the club have budgeted for that anyway. And we also have the Cesc/Nasri money too.

So 'Big Names' won't want to join us? Well, If they are only coming for Champions League football then I don't want them. We've had too many mercenaries come and go in recent years.
Chris (the day Wilshere joins Man City I will stop following football forever) Rees, AFC

Working Out City's Squad
Not sure if this is deemed relevant enough to make the mailbox today (as it is not about Arsenal, Wenger or Nasri) but I would just like to put something to the floor.

When the 'home-grown' rule came in to play in the Premier League last year where each team has to register 25 players of which a maximum of 17 are not trained in England (excluding U21s), people questioned how Man City and Chelsea would be able to meet this criteria. City's answer was to buy a few half decent English players for a lot of money (Lescott, Milner, Johnson) and Chelsea only registered 21 players (including Ross Turnbull).

A similar rule has been in place in the UEFA Champions League since 2006. The difference being that of these remaining 8 places reserved for home-grown or 'locally trained' players, at least 4 have to be 'club trained' (yes I do play Football Manager but I've also done my homework - see UEFA.com) and to quote article 18.12 of the Regulations of the UEFA Champions League "If a club has fewer than eight locally trained players in its squad, then the maximum number of players on List A is reduced accordingly".

So my point is this, can we predict who will be leaving/staying at Man City this summer by looking at their potential Champions League squad?

As far as I am aware, the only 'club trained' players in their first team are Joe Hart and Micah Richards. Wright-Phillips, Onouha, Boyata and Weiss have been deemed surplus to requirements and appear to be on their way out. A few others including Michael Johnson have been loaned out. The remaining 'locally trained' players could include any four of Barry, Milner, Johnson, Lescott, Bridge, Bellamy as well as back up keeper Stuart Taylor.

So assuming that Mancini can only pick a total of 23 players (not including U21s) due to only having two 'club trained' players in the squad and at least four more spots will be taken up by the above list, he will have to fill the remaining places out of the following to compete in City's first ever outing in the Champions League:

Kompany, Zabeleta, Dzeko, Kolarov, Aguero, Silva, Kolo Toure, Yaya Toure, Tevez, De Jong, Balotelli, Clichy, Savic, Adebayor, Santa Cruz, Pantilimon, Nielsen and lets say Nasri too.

Taking in to account recent transfer gossip regarding some of their players and assuming that the squad will include three keepers I have come up with this:

Goalkeepers:
Hart, Taylor, Nielsen/Pantilimon

Defenders:
Richards, Lescott, Kompany, Clichy, Kolarov, Kolo Toure, Zabeleta, Savic

Midfielders:
Barry, Milner, De Jong, Yaya Toure, Johnson, Silva, Nasri

Forwards:
Dzeko, Aguero, Balotelli, Tevez

This would leave towo places (as Savic is under 21) and could still include two of Wright-Phillips, Onouha, Boyata and Weiss (who I think has already left actually). Given that their owners will be expecting a strong showing in this competition and money is no object, there is no real need to offload as many players as is being reported in the gossip columns. They are now competing on four fronts and will need a big squad, therefore I would be surprised if they do not keep some of these players on the books to provide cover. Adebayor seems to be on to way to Spurs anyway but it would be no major shock if they decided to keep players like Wright-Phillips, Onouha and possibly even Santa Cruz to make up the numbers. Loaning these players out is of no real benefit to City and they would not be paid as much at any other club if they are sold e.g. Wright-Phillips to Bolton.

Anyway, that's that. Feel free to discuss. I better go do some work.
Gary (Arsenal to be knocked out, Wenger to join PSG) Kinsella, Dublin

A Great Pay-Off Line
Frimpong is the silver lining in the Arsenal cloud at the moment. I'm not expecting us to win anything with only seven players or however many we have left, but with Frimpong's take no prisoners attitude on the pitch and in the tweetverse there will at least be some entertainment value along the way as a true Gooner gets on the pitch in between bans.

Certainly can't complain about a lack of bite in the midfield anymore.

Of course when he is sold to Man City in a year or two I'll be sad again.
Tony

Awww, Stewie Has A Friend
To be honest, I've been on board with Stewie Griffin all along. With every passing day it goes from bad to worse for Arsenal - now they don't even want the Champions League?! What good is that 60k seater stadium if you aren't attracting the best players and actually BEATING other great players there? Such a fall from grace under the helm of one man.

The past is the past. The present isn't looking too good. The future looks bleak under the current regime. Blind faith is NEVER good, will you still trust in Wenger if you end up relegated?
Silvio (United fan. Gonna smash you 4-0 at the weekend! Wenger is a spent force.) Dante

Arsenal, The Euopra Cup, And Kalou
Dear MC,

I read, with interest, Phil AFC's e-mail to the mailbox about Arsenal's prospects following being knocked out of the Champions League (pretty much a formality with so many suspensions and injuries - would Wenger's so-far-successfully-appealed suspension carry over to Europa League matches?) - he makes some pretty interesting points. However, the Europa
League is not one that Arsenal can just stroll in and win - I've been looking through the fixtures list for the qualifying rounds for this year's competition and there's some pretty strong clubs involved (Sporting CP, Sevilla, Spurs, Paris St.-Germain, AZ Alkmaar, AS Roma, Rangers, Celtic, Atletico Madrid, Schalke 04, Lazio, PSV Eindhoven, Braga, etc. - I'm pretty sure all of those sides have played Champions League football within the last 5 years), so I'd say it's no foregone conclusion that Arsenal can win the Europa League, especially with the long injury list and lack of established, experienced players in the first team.

Phil AFC also goes on to suggest that "I believe the main advantage of remaining in the top four in the league is preventing Tottenham or Liverpool qualifying for the Champions League so we maintain our financial advantage over them" - this is complete nonsense. Liverpool have a massive financial advantage over Arsenal - his name is John W. Henry. Tottenham, sadly for Arsenal fans, have a chairman in Levy who is willing to spend - this is also an advantage, since Arsenal try actively to not spend, particularly on established players. Arsenal are playing for 5th place this season (against Spurs, Villa, Newcastle, Sunderland, Everton and possibly Bolton and Fulham) and most likely the same for next season as well, until FIFA's FFP comes into play, which has a chance of levelling the playing field.

I think it's more likely that the possible moves for Hazard and M'Vila will only materialise in January, if they happen at all, once Lille and Rennes have been knocked out of European competition. It is also my hope that Arsenal can sign Chris Samba as soon as possible, since they still look very thin in defence, particularly with Koscielny injured. I also ridiculously hope for Arsenal to sign Scott Parker, since they could use an influential midfielder who can lead the team and control the tempo of a match.

I also hope for Salomon Kalou to join - he seems pretty unwanted at Chelsea (seemingly behind Sturridge, Torres, Drogba, Anelka, Malouda and now Mata) and is still a young guy with a few years of Premiership and European experience and I think he'd link up well with Gervinho, since they'll know each other from the Cote D'Ivoire National Team. Why does everyone seem so willing to slag off Kalou? He scored 10 league goals last season and would, most likely, be a great asset to Arsenal if he was signed, mostly because I hope he doesn't end up at Spurs...
Tim Hargreaves, AFC

Enough Of The Hate, Let's Try Some Love
Plenty of hate in this morning's mailbox, with ire being directed at clubs that are disliked for no real reason in particular. Well there is too much hate on the internet says I - if aliens were to use comments left on the internet as an indicator of the views of humanity, they would undoubtedly feed us all to that big arsehole monster from Star Wars.

In an attempt to counter-balance all this negativity, I have composed a list of clubs I like but probably shouldn't, here goes..

Everton - They hate Liverpool, I hate Liverpool. Their manager is angry, scary and Scottish, our manager is angry, scary and Scottish. They're potless and still do quite well for themselves, what's not to like?

Spurs - Tottenham always take points from our rivals and then promptly roll over to have their collective bellies tickled when our mob rock up. Oh, and they play some nice footy.

Norwich - Don't know why, just do.

Stoke - There is a little part of me that really wants to see Leo Messi come to play at the Britannia on a cold winter's day..... and be total shite. Come on, I bet you do too.

Villareal - I am one mean mutha on Fifa with this team.

Share the love man.
Smyth, MUFC

United Should Re-Sign Forlan
Here's a thought.

Why don't United steal in and try and sign Diego Forlan back from Athletico. Everybody keeps saying we need another "creative midfielder". Well, I think Forlan would be a great option.

-Firstly, he clearly has the creative spark and can certainly feed a good pass through.

-Secondly, he scores some absoloute crackers.

-He's played not only in the Premier League before but at United so he knows what its about.

-He'll add experience to a very youthful squad.

-He celebrates every goal.

Now, that's just a thought and I don't want to end up like 'Jack, 17' but I think it's not a bad thought at all.
Gav (Yes, I know that strictly speaking he's not a midfielder) MUFC

...Or Grab Schweinsteiger
Dear Mr Editor,

I have just read with interest in the transfer blog that Arsenal are reportedly considering an offer of £30m for Bastian Schweinsteiger.

If it is in fact the case that he is available and Bayern are willing to let him leave, two questions spring to mind:

Did he start for Bayern in their CL qualifier?

If he is available, will SAF ponder a move.

I have said on a few occasions in the F365 forum that Schweinsteiger is the perfect fit for Manchester United. He would be a much better fit than Sneijder (if that was ever really considered).

From Football365

Same Old Arsenal

2011-08-24T05:05:00.000-07:00

We have witnessed it for several seasons now, the tendency to focus on circumstances beyond their control and simply “feel sorry for themselves.” Earlier in this blog, I wrote the following will be a critical success factor for Arsenal’s season:

We may find it frustrating, but the mental strength remains the big question mark for this team. If Arsenal wants to win the League the team must be able to handle blows the current players in the squad have a tendency to feel sorry for themselves.

As I see it, there is no real leader in today’s Arsenal squad, Van Persie as a captain? I am Wenger biggest fan, but it could be that we all are (Gunners fans) and that we are being blinded by our emotions for Arsene.

I simply don’t understand why for several years he has not yet got a real striker…it’s a big mystery for me. It feels like with the game Arsenal is playing he doesn’t even have to be that good.
But the talk after the Newcastle game was of course about the referee and if it was a red card or not. Not about the performance of the team..

The talk about Gervinho and if he should have receive a red card is irrelevant in my opinion. That is not the issue.

This is a destructive culture of the team to “feel sorry for themselves.” And it comes from its manager who formulates it, via the player who would rather criticize opponent via twitter than it own reflects on the team’s effort, and for the fans who give it legitimacy by spreading it further in other social contexts.

Arsenal has a very important season in front of them, and now almost a couple of very important weeks. To cope with the task, based on a very difficult starting position, Wenger needs to make some important changes. Otherwise, it will never go, it’s the same old Arsenal over and over again.

Now is the time to make the changes, post Fabregas..it might be the last chance.

Manchester City hold on to win 3-2 at Bolton

2011-08-22T02:09:00.000-07:00

BOLTON, England (AP) Goals from David Silva, Gareth Barry and Edin Dzeko helped Manchester City to an entertaining 3-2 win over Bolton Sunday for the big-spending club's second straight victory to start the Premier League season.

Both teams won their opening fixture 4-0 and remained committed to scoring goals in an engaging display of attacking football.

Yet City manager Roberto Mancini was far from pleased following the contest as he believed his side had gifted Bolton its goals to make the game unnecessarily tense.

He is also concerned about whether he will be able to sign Samir Nasri from Arsenal before the London club's Champions League second leg against Udinese on Wednesday.

If Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger plays Nasri in that match then he will be ineligible to play for City in the same competition should a move go through.

"I hope that we can have Samir Nasri in the next day," Mancini said. "But I don't know when. We still have 10 days. We need some players if we want to complete our team. I hope he (Nasri) is not the last one in. If he plays in the Champions League, it is a big problem. I don't know (if I would still sign him) but hopefully we will close in the next 24 hours.

"We need to pay more attention. We cannot afford to concede these goals and we need to pay more attention on this if we want to be a good team. I think that first six or seven games in the season are strange, but I think that maybe this year we can maybe score more goals than last year. We dominated the game, so it should be impossible that the game can still be 3-3 in the 90th minute."

In an enthralling contest, Silva benefited from Jussi Jaaskelainen's goalkeeping error in the 26th minute to give City the lead, before Barry doubled the advantage with a long-range effort in the 37th.

Ivan Klasnic immediately responded to give Bolton hope, but Dzeko's early second-half strike restored City's two-goal cushion.

Kevin Davies again breathed life into Bolton's afternoon as he headed in Paul Robinson's delivery in the 63rd, but the hosts couldn't pull off a further comeback.

"City have assembled a terrific team and you have to give credit where credit is due," Bolton manager Coyle said. "It would have been easy to feel sorry for ourselves at 2-0 down and 3-1 down, but we fought positively and that is what we will take from the match.

"We probably gifted them one or two of the goals, and if one of the top clubs is going to beat you then make them earn it."

Loew says: "Ballack Bye-Bye"

2011-08-03T23:18:00.000-07:00

Knallharter candidates check instead farewell gala: Joachim Loew makes the hot-classic football against Brazil equal to the first Euro-fitness test.

After garnished by violent rejection of allegations Ex-Captain Michael Ballack of Germany coach's focus is on his staff for the future. The naming squad for the match against the world champion on 10 August in Stuttgart for Loew, however, feels like a cold start. Even before the Bundesliga season opener on the weekend of 51-year-old announced on Thursday its first season squad, which will at least give more finger pointing direction Championship in summer 2012.

Loew taps as his club colleagues on matters of form and fitness of its staff as always in August, still in the dark. Only one thing is certain: the will of its Art Nouveau DFB head coach not budge - even though the output of human rejuvenation is more uncertain. "The selection has grown, but there are not all these players at the highest European level," Loew had said before the summer break.

Instead Ballack (34) 99 with his Countries to adopt a rather awkward-looking game and embrace the unwanted retirement, Loew may undergo in Sven Bender (22) or Christian Träsch (23), two young six-party candidate against Seleçao a stress test. The replacement set for the duo Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira was missing last June at the Games in Austria (2-1) and Azerbaijan (3-1) injured, but can make legitimate hopes for an invitation. The same applies to Gladbach's Marco Reus (22), which previously had to be canceled three times because of injuries DFB debut.

Return to permanent staff Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose and Jerome Boateng, who had in the recent European Championship trip to the German national soccer team is also missing injured. Whether Per Mertesacker after his strong comeback Test at Werder on Tuesday once again fit enough for the DFB-team, Loew must decide on Thursday.

Bremer is the next Wayne Rooney is the only international, who has been compared with the last Brazil at the Confederations Cup 2005 (2:3) is already on the court. Schweinsteiger was not then used, Klose had to cancel the tournament to participate in the short term. Today's Wolfsburg-Arne Friedrich, 2005 was also international, but is missing this time for his back problems. For all other actors is at the DFB-Brazil-premiere - a sign of the ongoing upheaval under Loew.

In the first round of Cup visited the Freiburg Löw only be "home game" between the seventh division club FC Schalke 04 and Teningen Benedict Höwedes - Philipp Lahm after club's return to the left side, a top candidate for the vacant right-back position again - and Lewis Holtby might have enjoyed the visit. S04-Club-mate Julian Draxler (17) is probably not even force Löws rookie too young.

A new Dortmund, meanwhile, brought himself into position. Ilkay Gundogan (20) reported the "Sport Bild" frankly from a phone conversation with Loew. "He told me that I will in future play a role in his plans and that I have taken a good development. I'll get a chance in the national team. If that happens, I will use this opportunity," he said. Whether it's enough for a Brazil-use, but he does not know. "The date for a nomination he has left open," said Gundogan.

The months-controversial topic Ballack was ignored by all sides just before the nomination almost convulsively. Neither DFB nor from the environment of the player it was after the heavy summer theater new reactions. Only Philip Lahm - the first time officially Would Captain - took a stand and said that he granted, "believe and trust" the national coach. Ballack, he encouraged his predecessor via "Sport Bild", but still accept a testimonial match. "That would be a beautiful and dignified end of his international career," said Lahm.

Hertha extends contract with manager Preetz

2011-06-02T03:43:00.001-07:00

Promoted Bundesliga Hertha BSC has the contract with CEO Michael Preetz prematurely extended by two years until 2014, told the Capital Club.

The decision of the Executive Committee had been unanimous, it was said. The former professional football player has been working for eight years in the management of Hertha and had acquired in 2009, the Office of the Manager. After relegation from the top division Preetz managed with the Berliners in the last season for the immediate revival.

One point is missing: FC Barcelona before winning the title

2011-05-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

The FC Barcelona is about to win the Spanish football championship. The Catalans need from the three remaining matches of only a point to make the third title in the series perfectly.

"We have it in their own hands, " coach Josep Guardiola said after Barça's 2-0 win against local rivals Espanyol. "Now it is only a short step to the title." The missing point, the blue-red pick on Wednesday at UD Levante. Also, the counter will not even necessary and Barça are fixed before the match as champion: If Real Madrid on Tuesday evening, not to win against Getafe, the team falls to Lionel Messi, the title practically in your lap.

"This is the era of FC Barcelona is" pushing the newspaper "El País". Holt Barça the league, this would be the sixth title in ten years. The arch rivals Real Madrid at this time - just like FC Valencia - only twice champion.

The "Royal" are back eight points behind Barca and cut in direct comparison worse. They have given up hope on the track 2010/11 ago. The real supporters hope that Cristiano Ronaldo wins at least now the battle with Messi for the crown of top scorer. The Portuguese, who in Real's 6-2 victory at FC Sevilla scored four goals coming on 33 goals, two more than the Argentines.

At the end of the table is determined as tail light UD Almería relegated. Even Hercules Alicante, the class can hardly hold. Open is the third down: Ten must fear tennis.

One dead in EM-stadium in Warsaw

2011-05-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

One dead in EM-stadium in Warsaw
Shortly before the completion of construction work at the National Stadium in Warsaw again, a worker is killed in an accident.

The 30-year-old man had crashed from about 30 meters and died at the accident site, the Polish news agency PAP reported on Monday quoting a police spokeswoman.

The man was busy with the installation of the glass roof. In December 2009, two workers in the crash of a transport basket of 18 meters had been killed. The work had been inspected at that time found safety deficiencies at the site.

The Warsaw National Stadium is the most important Polish Arena for the Football Euro 2012. It is to be completed in June. On 6 September is the inauguration of the test match between Poland and Germany. Place in Warsaw on 8 June 2012 and the opening European Championship game instead.

Media: change from almost perfect power to Hertha

2011-05-09T08:53:00.001-07:00

Berlin (AFP) - The change of goalkeeper Thomas Kraft of football Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga Hertha BSC Berlin is promoted by information from the BZ almost perfect. The 22-year-old will sign in the capital, a two-year contract.

Force, who had supplanted the beginning of the second half with coach Louis van Gaal at Bayern Joerg Butt as the number one in goal, had terminated his contract expiring at end of season at the Munich time. Last Butt under interim coach Andries Jonker Bayern had been transported back to the main goalkeeper of Bayern. Thomas Kraft's understandable aim is to be number one. We can not guarantee it, had Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger said after Kraft's dismissal.

Sahin announced his move to Real Madrid: "I will miss all very, very"

2011-05-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

Twelve years was Nuri Sahin of age when he followed in 2001 Borussia Dortmund - ten years later is the great aim of Madrid. On Monday announced the engine of the black-yellow championship team, which had already reported on Sunday kicker online: farewell to the BVB and the move to Real. "This decision has me very, very hard," asserted Sahin, who apparently wants to make long station in Spain: He gets a six-year contract.
Nuri Sahin announced his retirement from Dortmund
"I will always remain a fan and member of the BVB: Nuri Sahin announced his resignation from Dortmund.

Half-wistful, half-proud - practiced Sahin at the specially convened press conference in the balancing act between departure and a new challenge: "I will always remain a fan and member of the BVB," the 22-year-old said on the one hand, on the other hand also, "I am the with great confidence, and have matured into a player who can succeed at Real. "

There, one looks forward already to the "sensation of the league," as the "Royal" wrote on Monday on its website: "The German-Turk is a midfielder in a class."

Mesut Özil and Sami Khedira to be pleased in any case, an additional top reinforcement in the Bundesliga, a real genuine bargain. BVB can to a provision that is only console with a transfer fee of ten million euros for the loss of his strategists. By the end you had hoped the newly minted champion, Sahin make an extension of his contract until 2013 tasty - in vain.

"I did not choose Real for the money, but because it is the biggest club in the world." Nuri Sahin

- Message -

Financial was not at the decision for Real was crucial, said Sahin. "I do not have Real Madrid selected for the money, but because it is the biggest club in the world, it is impossible to say no, if only for the sporting ambitions and of history. " He could not wait to José Mourinho, one of the best coaches in the world to train. "The most difficult was it to inform the team and the coach," said Sahin, fighting back tears, "I will all miss very much."

His parting gift to a colleague: "I have all invited to the next Clasico between Real and Barcelona." The next step up the career ladder has had problems "because I am a Borusse and do appreciate the way people tell me here and love, and how, conversely, I love the club and the fans. But I also wanted my goal of a world career which I hoped for and I have worked ahead. I Dortmund, Germany, the Bundesliga and Turkey would worthily represented on the biggest stage. "
Zorc: "We will change our game" - Diarra is not

The first setback when trying to hold together the successful squad, has suffered so, BVB, Ilkay Gundogan is to dampen it. The 20-year-old is for four million euros by 2015 from 1 FC Nuremberg and Sahin could replace the double-six next Sven Bender. However, this obligation of another defensive midfielder is not excluded, even if denied sporting director Michael Zorc spread a from France interested in Alou Diarra (29) from Girondins Bordeaux quickly. "But the fact is that Nuri is not to replace one player. We will change our game."

Zorc same time made it clear at the Sahin-PK on Monday that further withdrawals of service providers would not threaten, "Only in this case our hands were tied so I am sure that this team does not fall apart.."

Sahin's debut in the German professional football in 2001 was a real bang: At 16 years and 335 days, the 26-time Turkish national team to this day the youngest ever league debutant. Since then 134 more came inserts (13 goals) added. And it remains for the time being, but also violated Sahin missed the final home game against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. An emotional farewell, the little but stand in the way.

Betting scandal: Game Norway - Malta suspected

2011-05-05T08:46:00.001-07:00

New revelation in soccer betting scandal: Even one match between Norway and Malta, is under suspicion of manipulation. This has now been announced before the regional court in Bochum. Perpetrators should have been betting fraudster Ante Sapina.

Marijo C. The accused told the judges literally: "This was a game of Ante." The evidence suggests that it has acted for a European Championship qualifier in 2007. Backgrounds did not call Marijo C.. Only this: "I am then flew to Norway and have made 10 000 euros."

The trial, previously well as the opening match at the Allianz Arena in Munich between 1860 and 1 FC Nuremberg on 30 to move in May 2005 had failed, however, reported Marijo C. the judges. According to the company spoke to the 35-year-old former Polish international Tomasz Hajto, who was playing for Nuremberg. The defender should affect the outcome. But he refused. Since we have the "left," said Marijo C.

He presented himself before the 12th Trial Chamber in real Plauderlaune, because after Ante Sapina he hopes for more than 17 months on his release from custody. His counsel had offered their services as much as 50 000 euro deposit. The court denied, however. Justification: there is still absconding. Prosecutor Andreas Bachmann had seen similar. He is now out of more than six years in prison. That is reason enough to go into hiding.

Marijo C. was placed in the late 1990s the first time at football games. It was the first attempt at bribery 2005th He landed the biggest coup and Ante Sapina with the organization of a series of friendly games between the Bosnian club NK Travnik and teams from Switzerland in the summer of 2009. "And I won 240 000 euros," said Marijo C. the judges. Before the game against FC Sion 26 June 2009 he gave the team of Travnik even detailed instructions. "I have called in all the 16-meter room and was holding my speech." All the players have given the nod to specifications. The advantage for the Bosnian Association: There was cash, balls and goalie gloves.

On the edge of friendly matches will Marijo C. UEFA officials have even met. The relevant business had been ensured in the search of his apartment. Most of the money had been earned at the time, with live betting. With particularly hot tips will be the way the 35-year-old handled very cautiously. Sometimes he even other gamers out deliberately to mislead. "You have to see it this way," he told the judges: "There is a chicken - and a pack of wolves."

The trial of Ante Sapina, Marijo C. and four other defendants will be continued next Monday. The accused are alleged to have been involved in different participation in the manipulation of nearly 50 football games.

Champions League : Manchester United - Schalke 04

2011-05-05T08:45:00.000-07:00

FC Schalke 04 has failed in the semifinals of the Champions League against Manchester United. The Football League team was even against the B-team of Sir Alex Ferguson at the sold out football temple Old Trafford and had no chance after the 0-2 first leg defeat in the return game, clearly smitten with 1:4 (1:2) .
Prior to 74 607 soccer fans of the double strike from Antonio Valencia saw (26) and Darron Gibson (31) to clarify the situation and robbed the guests from Gelsenkirchen any hope for the coveted football miracle. In the 35th Jose Manuel Jurado minute managed to only break even the 1:2 level, before Anderson (72./76.) recorded the highest Schalke away defeat in the Champions League was perfect. While the English Premier League club on 28 May 2011 against FC Barcelona for the title fight, must win Schalke in the DFB Cup final against the MSV Duisburg, to be represented internationally in the coming season.

Barcelona - Real Madrid 2-0 El Clasico !

2011-04-28T02:26:00.000-07:00

Madrid / Frankfurt. More and more trouble to José Mourinho. The outspoken star coach of Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final 0-2 (0-0) beat FC Barcelona again next behaved properly. The Portuguese in the mid second half, made to the grandstand. He is automatically blocked for the return leg next Tuesday. This was confirmed by the European Football Union (UEFA). In addition, FC Barcelona will also put in charge of the Uefa against Mourinho.

Mourinho was on Wednesday evening with the score at 0-0 by referee Wolfgang Stark in the 63rd Minute been banished to the stands after being shown a red card against Pepe (61) was accompanied by a mocking applause. Mourinho was then caught by the cameras here as he had passed from the stands a real Wizard, specify a list on which a substitution was noted. Right up the wall brought the guests from Barcelona, however, that after the game Mourinho placed conspiracy theories.

Real Madrid - Barcelona - El Clasico !
"It is a scandal. I would be ashamed to Guardiola's body to win, so. I do not know where Barca will only get all this power. Perhaps this is because they give UNICEF a platform as a promotional partner on their jerseys, "said Mourinho, who himself and his team again felt disadvantaged by referee Stark:" If I told the referee and the Uefa what I think and I feel my career would end today. "

The Catalans have already checked in on Thursday night a complaint at the Uefa disciplinary commission. "Mourinho heavily criticized in the press conference, the referee Wolfgang Stark, he also said that Uefa would prefer Barcelona. Therefore we are looking at a message in the Uefa Diszilpinarkommission, "it said on the homepage of Barca.

Referee Stark had shown in the emotionally charged game two red cards, in addition to Pepe also had to Barca goalkeeper Jose Pinto (45th) for a "wiper" against Alvaro Arbeloa left the field early, when at half-time break in the cabin gear hunting scenes between the two teams had played. For a curiosity provided the Uefa delegates, coaches and players of both teams were forbidden to give television interviews.

Magical Messi decides Clasico

London calling: World Footballer Lionel Messi for FC Barcelona, the gateway to the Champions League final pushed very far and Real Madrid with the German international Mesut Özil added a very bitter defeat. The Argentines saw the semi-final first leg in Madrid with his ten and eleven hits in the top class (76 and 87) for the 2-0 (0-0) win for the Catalans, from before the return leg next Tuesday now already a final 28 dream of May in London's Wembley Stadium may not.

Real and Özil had had not earned one point win, the team of coach Jose Mourinho was loud DFB sport director Matthias Sammer an "ugly face." First, provoked Madrid Alvaro Arbeloa red for Barcelona's substitute keeper Jose Pinto (45). Then Pepe looked like a very brutal foul on Daniel Alves by referee Wolfgang Stark sent off (61). Two minutes later had to Real coach Jose Mourinho to the stands. "Under normal circumstances, sporting Real can not just keep up with Barcelona. Therefore, we see that hostility and aggression, "said Sammer on Sky.

Football was over long stretches of Real hardly played anyway. The 80 354 spectators at the sold-Bernabeu stadium saw a very defensively host. Real coach Mourinho had changed following a lack of Sami Khedira (muscle fiber bundle plan) and Ricardo Carvalho (lock) on a 4-3-3 system and its players apparently forbidden to attack Barca professionals at the midline. The result was 70 per cent of possession for Barcelona after 45 minutes.

But the concept Mourinho was in the first round to yet, the team of Pep Guardiola bit off the wall tactics of Real's first teeth. Only the agile Xavi (4./25.) And David Villa (11) had in the first round opportunities for leadership for the guests. The hosts controlled the other hand, at first quite late. A powerful shot from Cristiano Ronaldo had seconds before half-time led to almost 1:0 (45 +1), Özil was already at the margin on the sidelines.

The German-Turk caught at the third "El Clasico" a bad day and was coach Mourinho already replaced after 45 minutes. Surprisingly, it was not the Brazilian Kaka, who played on Saturday at 6-3 league success at Valencia for Özil and had two hits and scored two goals prepared. Mourinho brought Emanuel Adebayor and wanted to push so the offensive game in Madrid.

A decent impression was, however Stark (Erfgolding), even if he had at half-time after the riots on the way into the cabins and the provocateur Arbeloa must be submitted by the court. Then then had to leave in Pepe and Mourinho but Real's two protagonists inside the stadium early.

In outnumbered the hosts remained in the second round consistently in their defensive alignment. Barcelona did however win. Messi then made sure from close range for the saving guide the guests before he ments if with a great solo. For the Argentines, it was already the 52nd Competitive international matches in the current season. (AFP / abendblatt.de)

Barcelona - Real Madrid El Clasico
Statistics

Real: Casillas - Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Marcelo - Diarra, Pepe, Xabi Alonso - Özil (46th Adebayor), Cristiano Ronaldo, Di Maria. - Coach: Mourinho

Barcelona: Valdes - Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Puyol - Xavi, Busquets, Keita - Villa (90 +1 Roberto), Messi, Pedro (71 Afellay). - Coach: Guardiola

Referee: Wolfgang Stark (Landshut)

Goals: 0-1 Messi (76 '), 0:2 Messi (87)

Spectators: 71 657 (sold out)

Best Players: Casillas, Xabi Alonso - Messi, Xavi

Red cards: Jose Pinto after assault (45 +2), Pepe for gross foul play (61)

Booked: Arbeloa, Ramos (3), Adebayor (2) - Alves, Mascherano

Shots on goal: 10:11

Corners: 1-1

Possession: 29:71 percent

Fouls: 17:19

The game in the live ticker for future

93. Minute: Played. Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2-0.

90. Minute: Now comes David Villa from the square. For it is the 19-year-old Roberto.

86. Minute: Toooor: Messi against Real Madrid with a solo run in a class. Messi storms from the center line on the gate and sets itself against the entire defense of Madrid. Messi can push the ball past Casillas to. Messi scoring a goal yet and has set the record of HSV striker Ruud van Nistelrooy with 12 goals in a Champions League season.

83. Min: Adebayor gets a yellow card for a foul on Busquets. This could have been red.

80. Minute: Now it will be difficult for real. Barcelona has its away goal. Madrid will play with ten men only and must now try to score a goal. This provides room for Barcelona.

77. Minute: TOOOOOOR: Substitute Afellay is on the right and may flanks in the middle. Messi is the right place and can lead to its 51st Pflichtspieltor einnetzen. It is the tenth Champions League goal for the Argentines.

74. Minute: 33 meter free kick from Cristiano Ronaldo, for a change once the ball goes over the bar, not into the wall. The kick was a foul by Piqué preceded it.

72. Minute: Pedro needs to be replaced. For him, the Dutchman is Afellay.

68. Minute: Believe it or not, but it is also played football: Xavi is completely free to the ball and moves to the left until it plays on Villa, who gets the ball sharply on goal from Casillas. Casillas blocked off, Pedro can not control the rebound put on goal, missed opportunity. Pedro hurt afterwards, Marcelo because he accidentally jumps on the leg.

65. Minute: Puyol fouls Cristiano Ronaldo. Alonso's cross from 35 meters. Ronaldo goes to the header but the ball flies high over the crossbar.

63. Minute: Real coach Mourinho must now into the stands after he increased the referee had verbally attacked.

61. Minute: Pepe sees red for a foul on Daniel Alves. Pepe has kept his foot on it. Alves has to be carried from the pitch.

60. Minute: excitement in the area by Real: Macelo Pedro brings to case. Penalty is claimed, but can continue to run strong.

59. Minute: Alonso kicks the ball directly into the arms of Valdes.

57. Min: Mascherano is too late to Pepe, who flies in a high arc to the ground. Mascherano is shown the yellow card.

54. Minute: Barcelona still has much more possession, but now makes the game faster.

53. Minute: Ramos is not incurring Messi and gets a yellow card. He is suspended for the second leg.

51. Minute: Cristiano Ronaldo gets the ball on detours after Xavi and Busquets four times to pass the ball and let go in between. Now it goes sometimes fast at Real. The Portuguese attracts Valdes out of the box, but is very close to the baseline. Ronaldo breaks off, goes two steps back - and shot on the turn onto the far corner. In the shooting range but is Puyol, who defends against sovereign.

47. Minute: Messi operated Pedro, who plays the ball back from right in the middle. The Argentine shot twice from 14 yards on the door, twice, the ball is blocked.

46. Minute: The unconvincing Özil has been replaced. For him, Adebayor now plays for the Royal.

After the final whistle there were small skirmishes before Kanbinentrakt. Pinto Barcelona gets the red card.

45. Minute: Stark referee blows for half time.

44. Minute: The hectic pace had just put something together since met Sergio and Marcelo. Sergio falls theatrically to the ground. Real play but continue to di Maria. Is fouled just before the penalty area. The free-kick from Ronaldo scores again, only the wall. But the ball is still hot: Ronaldo shoots from half court. Valdés can fend off the flutter ball with his chest and lying on the ground. Özil need only push the ball, but hits Valdés. He can direct the ball to the left where Ramos is, but the effort over the bar. That was the biggest opportunity for Real. Although Özil stood on the sidelines, which had seen the linesman and, the German national player shoot the ball into the goal.

42. Minute: David Villa fought back on the right side of the ball. Messi had previously won against two men. Only toward Marcelo lost Messi the ball first corner kick for Barca. However, the corner can be resolved by Real.

40. Minute: Pedro is accrued on Arbeloa. The real player looks for the yellow card.

38. Minute: Now it gets hectic. Pedro is injured on the ground.

38. Minute: The ball lands in the wall.

37. Minute: The game is faster, because now real offensive plays. Di Maria is fouled on the left outside of Mascherano. Ronaldo with the free kick.

35. Minute: Something like a scoring chance for Real Madrid after a free kick from nearly 35 meters beheads Pepe on goal. But the header was weak and type once before Valdés can hold the ball securely.

33. Minute: Messi plays back into the path of Villa, no offside, but the ball bounces on the hand and then into Toraus.

29. Minutes: Pepe is in derogation of the Barca-attempt to make the game fast. Kick for Barcelona.

27. Minute: Özil gets his eleventh ball contact, the fewest of all players on the field, and is fetched from Mascherano from the legs, but the game continues.

26. Minute: Barcelona after 25 minutes 80 percent of possession. But so far, this could not be translated into goals.

25. Minute: perfect pass from Messi to Xavi, or those by his opponent and run into the penalty area but the striker in the jersey of Barcelona fail to Casillas, who can hold the ball, but to take a header-back pass gets.

21. Min: First corner kick for Real. The corner is running fast and ends up at Di Maria, in the middle was open Özil, but the ball is caught on Mascherano.

20. Minute: The floor plan at Real Madrid's right. Barcelona must play often behind your back. Valdes is in deep trouble and played the ball into touch.

17. Minute: Real played pretty passively and wait, that makes Barcelona.

14. Minute: Barcelona comes to combining the first time. Messi plays in Xavi, who moved with a diagonal pass to the left. Pedro gets the ball and seats, but it fits right and inaccurate to the door, can intervene where Casillas.

11. Minute: David Villa to Barcelona just before the penalty from right on goal. Previously, Villa had three men left standing. But the ball flies past the next gate.

8. Minute: Many small fouls on both sides determine the initial phase.

7. Minute: Both teams feel their way from the midfield. The atmosphere is heated up easily, not least because of the sayings that have fallen in the run of the game.

4. Minute: First shot on goal on both sides. For Barcelona Xavi shoots from 25 meters to the gate of Casillas. On the other side checks Ronaldo Valdes.

2. Minute: The game Strong Barcelona, known for short passes seems today to bet on football robust.

1. Minute: whistle: Real kick off. The game begins. Instead of the usual 4-2-3-1 Mourinho can play a sort of 4-3-1-2, which is much more defensive. The FC Barcelona must therefore exercise patience to crack the defenses around the stronghold of Madrid's.

Before the game: It is the third Auffeinandertreffen the two Spanish rivals Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. In the first leg of the second semifinal of the Champions League for Barcelona, it is also a piece of reparations after the defeat in the Cup Final. Cristiano Ronaldo was beheaded there in injury time for Real Cup triumph. In Barcelona Iniesta will not show up, can at Real, the German midfielder Sami Khedira not be able to play due to injury.

The Constellations

Real Madrid: Casillas 1 - 18 4 Albiol Marcelo Ramos 12 17 Arbeloa - 23 Özil (page 46 Adebayor) 10 Diarra 14 Xabi Alonso Pepe 3 - 7 Ronaldo 22 di Maria

FC Barcelona: Valdés 1 - 5 2 Alves Puyol Pique 3 16 Busquets - 6 Xavi 15 Keita 14 Mascherano - 10 Messi Villa 17 7 Pedro (page 72 Afellay)

Referee: Wolfgang Stark (Germany)

Goals: 0-1 Messi (77 minutes) 0-2 Messi (86 minutes)

Manchester United - FC Schalke 04 in Champions League Semi Final

2011-04-26T03:40:00.000-07:00

Schalke host Manchester United on Tuesday in the last four of the Champions League, with a place in the final at Wembley the prize on offer.

Leading the English Premier League by six points, United appear favourites to reach what would be their third final in the past four seasons.

They won their third European Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Chelsea in 2008, before losing 2-0 to Barcelona the following year.

Last season’s challenge came to halt at the quarter-final stage against Bayern Munich.

And another Bundesliga outfit, Schalke, can now become the third German club to get the better of Sir Alex Ferguson’s team at this stage of the Champions League.

A side captained by Eric Cantona lost to eventual winners Borussia Dortmund in 1996/97, before Bayer Leverkusen also reached a final at United’s expense in 2001/02.

Ferguson’s team saw off Premier League rivals Chelsea 3-1 on aggregate in the last round and the Scotsman will now be hoping to make it third time lucky against German opposition in the last four.

For their part, Schalke appeared to be anything but Champions League semi-finalists after enduring a disappointing campaign in the league.

Runners-up to Bayern last season, the team are a distant 10th in the Bundesliga table this time round.

Inconsistent form contributed to the departure of Felix Magath as coach in March, to be replaced by Ralf Rangnick.

Former Hoffenheim boss Rangnick can take the plaudits for booking the tie against United after orchestrating a remarkable 7-3 aggregate victory over defending champions Inter Milan in the last eight.

Schalke go into the first leg of the tie on the back of a 1-0 defeat at home to Kaiserslautern on Saturday, while United beat Everton at Old Trafford by the same scoreline.

After battling an injury crisis for much of the season, United finally have something approaching a clean bill of health.

Striker Dimitar Berbatov did not feature against Everton and is in doubt for the trip to the Ruhr, while midfielder Darren Fletcher is likely to miss out with a virus.

Rangnick is expected to make wholesale changes from the team that lost to Kaiserslautern.

Kyriakos Papadopoulos of Greece, Spaniard Jose Jurado and Germans Joel Matip and Alexander Baumjohann are expected to form an entirely different midfield, while Benedikt Hoewedes is likely to start in defence after missing the defeat on Saturday.

Real Madrid - Barcelona: 1-0 El Clasico !

2011-04-21T08:29:00.001-07:00

Özil Khedira and end up with the real Cup curse
After the Cup victory was there for players and fans of Real Madrid a memorable victory celebration: a broken cup and chants for the Schalke Raul.
Mesut Özil and Sami Khedira sat on the lawn of the Estadio Mestalla embraced and blessed the King Cup. A few hours later, the good play was broken. In rapture slipping defender Sergio Ramos, the 15-pound trophy from the hands. From the upper floor of the open-top double-decker bus, the precious pieces splashed on the pavement and was run over by a vehicle weighing several tons.

The accident was just one of many memorable moments in an emotional evening that celebrated the Real 1-0 (0-0, 0-0) win after extra time against arch-rivals FC Barcelona as a redemptive liberation. Hours after the first cup victory in 18 years, the stars made with more than 50,000 supporters at the Cibeles fountain in the Spanish capital the night away - and suddenly longed for all Raul.
"We are relieved and happy. We worked a lot. But now we must look forward and make progress in the Champions League, "said Mesut Özil, the 70th in the final in Valencia in the Minute was replaced.

"Just missing that we enter the Champions League final," also said Real president Florentino Perez: "We are in this season have had a lot of work and needed a title for us to reward them."

The eccentric and before criticizing Real coach Jose Mourinho could not resist after the game a dig at his critics. "This is a fantastic triumph. Great football is not just possession, "said Mourinho, who had to acquiesce to defensive play ostensibly because of his accusations before the meeting.

Real denied his fans the feeling of happiness that they deserve. Barcelona was a lion, Madrid merely a mouse ", the legendary Alfredo di Stefano after the 1-1 in the league last Saturday had said.

Impressive Porto power through to Europa League semis

2011-04-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Portuguese champions Porto are through to the semfinals of the Europa League after a thumping 5-2 win at Spartak Moscow gave them a 10-3 aggregate victory

Porto went into the match in control of the tie following their 5-1 win in Portugal, and added to that lead when Hulk burst through to score a 28tth-minute opener.

Cristian Rodriguez doubled their advantage with a near post header on the stroke of half-time and Fredy Guarin converted Falcao's pull back early in the second half for the third goal.

Is Villas Boas the new 'Special One'?

Artem Dzyuba gave the home side some pride by pulling a goal back in the 52nd minute but Porto soon regained their three-goal cushion when Falcao headed home.

Ari pulled another back for the hosts but Ruben Micael rifled home a late fifth as Porto achieved the highest-ever quarterfinal winning margin in the history of the competition.

In what proved to be a famous night for Portuguese football, Porto were joined in the last four by compatriots Benfica and Braga, who will now face each other ensuring a Portuguese representative in next month's final in Dublin.

Braga secured their place thanks to a 0-0 home draw with Dynamo Kiev, putting them through on the away goals rule after a 1-1 first leg draw in Ukraine.

And they secured qualification the hard way, playing for over an hour with just 10 men after the dismissal of Paolo Cesar for a late tackle in the 29th minute.

Meanwhile, Benfica secured their place after a 2-2 draw at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven gave them a 6-3 aggregate success.

PSV threatened to create a shock following their 4-1 defeat in Lisbon, racing into an early 2-0 lead on the night.

But goals from Luisao and an Oscar Cardazo penalty ensured Benfica now face their compatriots Braga.

Meanwhile, Porto face Villarreal in the other semi, after the Spanish side eased past Dutch champions FC Twente.

Already 5-1 up from the first leg in Spain, Villarreal completed the job with a 3-1 victory in the Netherlands for an 8-2 aggregate win.

Twente gave themselves a glimmer of hope with Emir Bajrami's 32nd minute tap in but the visitors levelled on the hour when Giuseppe Rossi scored from the spot after Twente's Dwight Tiadealli was sent off for fouling Wakaso Mubarak.

Marco Ruben added a second penalty on 84 minutes and Cani completed the scoring with a superb left-foot volley late on.

(CNN)

Interest reopens

2011-04-07T08:44:00.001-07:00

Luka Modric, the Croatian midfielder 25 who plays for Tottenham Hotspur resumes vigorously to strengthen the ranks of Real Madrid for the next season.The last Euro 2008 opened the doors of the spurs where progress has continued to be one of the pillars of Harry Redknaap. Known as the 'Johan Cruyff of the Balkans' fit into the claw game playing and practicing the group led by Jose Mourinho.

Ibrahim Afellay and Barcelona

2011-04-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

Ibrahim Afellay, now Barcelona player has not convinced in the Barça squad following his arrival during the winter. The former PSV Eindhoven player has foot and a half out of the team.

Players like Jonathan Dos Santos or Jonathan Soriano could be substitutes for the lower house of the Dutch. A new case of signing which expressly calls Pep Guardiola and that does not win in Barcelona.

Real Madrid Told Everton's Marouane Fellaini Would Cost €25m

2011-03-21T09:49:00.001-07:00

Everton have placed a €25 million price tag on Marouane Fellaini after being notified of interest from Real Madrid, Goal.com UK can reveal.

The Spanish giants have registered an interest in the midfielder, who is also being targeted by Chelsea.

Fellaini was in outstanding form for the Merseysiders before his season was interrupted by an ankle ligament injury sustained against Sunderland at the end of last month that is likely to keep him out for the rest of the campaign.

Real already have central midfielders Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira, Lassana Diarra and Fernando Gago on their books but are believed to be keen on adding Fellaini to glittering array of talent at the Bernabeu. They have been told that it would take €25m to capture Everton's prize asset

It is understood that Fellaini, who became Everton’s record signing when he moved from Standard Liege for an initial €17m in 2008, is attracted by the possibility of moving to a Champions League calibre club.

Relations between the player and Everton’s management soured when his father, Abdellatif, blamed the club for playing Fellaini when he was not fit against Sunderland, an accusation strongly denied by manager David Moyes, who said the midfielder had insisted he was able to play.

Everton have well-documented financial problems and were unable to complete a number of signings in the January window but are not prepared to sell Fellaini without a fight.

Moyes has said that talks are set to begin soon on an extension to the five-year contract that the 23-year-old signed when he moved to Goodison Park.

But Fellaini’s father increased the pressure on Everton by claiming that his son is being pursued by the elite, name-checking the current Premier League champions.

"The big clubs can see what a good job Marouane is doing and that is why Chelsea are following him intensively," he said. "In his position he’d get into the starting XI at any big club."

Spain: youth soccer players died on the pitch

2011-01-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

Terror has caused the death of a young soccer player in Spain. Shortly after kick-off in the B-a 15-year-old youth from Alquerias CF has collapsed on the pitch.

A tragedy has occurred Sunday in the Spanish youth football on. Shortly after kick-off of B-youth interaction between CF and CD Alquerias Burriana host team is a 15-year-old collapsed on the Square.
Despite the immediate introduction of first-aid measures, the doctors nor the death of the boy only state. This was confirmed Alquerias President Rafael Gargallo. The late adolescents comes from Villarreal. For this reason, the first division side Villarreal asked the Spanish federation, the professionals in the top match in the Primera Division on Sunday evening at Real Madrid with crape can run up to.

Board criticized the HSV relieved

2011-01-10T03:28:00.000-08:00

The General Assembly of the Hamburger SV has exonerated the board criticized the majority. However, more than 2500 members voiced serious criticism of the committee.

The Supervisory Board of Bundesliga Hamburger SV on Sunday was mostly relieved at the general meeting. The twelve-member panel looked at the meeting before voting members in 2565, however, of massive criticism.
Above all, the accident looking for a successor to the retired in summer 2009, sporting director Dietmar Beiersdorfer and indiscretions and lack of information of the members in the controversial investor model to the billionaire Klaus-Michael Kuehne were addressed.

The General Assembly drew its tension from the special election of four board members. Yes according to election results that could extend the contract also vigorously criticized CEOs Bernd Hoffmann question posts, whose contract expires at the end 2011.

Satisfaction with refereeing performance

2011-01-09T07:27:00.000-08:00

In the first round, the performance of referees have triggered mainly satisfaction. "But there are still some places where we need to make improvements," said Hellmut Krug (DFL).

Satisfaction, but also criticism: The semi-annual testimony to the German football referee was positive mainly. Nevertheless, the referee -meeting on Saturday in Mainz aspects in the work of the referees in the professional leagues identified for improvement. "We are generally satisfied with the services. But there are still some places where we need to make improvements, "said Hellmut Krug, of the German Football League ( DFL is responsible for refereeing).

Three points were identified: cooperation of refereeing teams in terms of headset. This was used not as mature as you want it. The body language in the future should not include "aggressive gestures" in making decisions. And regular technical details should be addressed, such as the valuation in challenges with the goalkeeper in a five-meter room.

Herbert Fandel also moved into position to FIFA referee Wolfgang Stark, who in a poll as the worst referee was evaluated the first round. "He was one of the best in the World Cup. His invitation to the game France - Brazil shows that he is highly regarded. But nevertheless, he must deal with such things, the improvements can lead to another. Before that can hold strong do not, "said Fandel.

Showed little enthusiasm for the concert pianist from Kyllburg in the Champions League goal judge used: "From the, what we have observed, is shown not what you want. We need technical assistance as the chip in the ball I would prefer. "

(C) sid

Beckenbauer taps on Dortmund as a master

2011-01-07T10:10:00.000-08:00

Franz Beckenbauer is committed to Borussia Dortmund as a master. "The Dortmund, ten points clear and can not take anymore," he said at the international indoor tournament at the Mercedes-Benz Junior Cup in Sindelfingen.

The leader is in front of starting in a week's second round of the Bundesliga, ten points ahead of the two closest pursuers FSV Mainz 05 and Bayer Leverkusen.

Defending champion Bayern Munich Beckenbauer to trust only the advance in second place. After the first round has the German champions to a fifth-already 14 points behind Dortmund. "Robben is fit again, and again Ribéry showing improved form," said the Vice President of the German Football Federation (DFB) and honorary president of FC Bayern Munich. "Bring to Front will be there for the Bavarians no longer enough," he predicted his club. She had problems with many players injured and there was also motivation problems after the World Cup. "

In the relegation VfB Stuttgart expects the "Kaiser" fixed to the remaining class. "I am convinced that the team quickly from the table and at the end of the basement is a place in mid-table shows," said Beckenbauer.

Podolski new captain of the 1st FC Cologne

2011-01-06T04:28:00.000-08:00

Soccer international striker Lukas Podolski is the new captain of the first Bundesliga relegation FC Cologne. The 25-year-old was determined after a team meeting during training camp in Belek Turkey from head coach Frank Schaefer's successor Youssef Mohamad.

Mohamad performed the function of the FC captain since January 2010. Except Podolski are the new team committee to have Kevin McKenna as deputy and Milivoje Novakovic and the new goalkeeper Michael Rensing.

Podolski said the function of honor him, "I will bring to the job. Now I'm just an extension of the coach. "Stressed the national team, he had been without the captain in the service of the task team.
Advertisement 1: En büyük servis portalı

"It's a great opportunity for Luke to evolve through the leadership of a team. For the coaching staff he is now the first port of call. He has "a role model for team and club," said Schaefer.
Advertisement 2: Türkiye'nin en büyük servis portalı