SPORTS

Beckham's grandfather dies

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:14:00 +0000

LONDON: David Beckham's grandfather died on Wednesday, his agent said, but the England midfielder is expected to stay in South Africa where he is helping sell England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.

"His grandfather passed away this morning, but we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy at this time," his spokesman Simon Oliveira said.

Joseph West, 83, who died after battling a serious illness, was very close to Beckham and is credited with having had a formative influence on the star player's early career, reports said.

A friend of the player said that unless the funeral takes place in the next couple of days, Beckham is expected to continue his schedule in South Africa.

"His grandfather would have wanted him to continue to fulfil his duty to his country," the friend said.

Beckham is the key in selling England's struggling bid for the 2018 World Cup, Fifa president Sepp Blatter said on Wednesday.

Blatter met Beckham in Cape Town ahead of England's presentation this week of its bid credentials to the world's media and football's powerbrokers.

Beckham, who hopes to be in Fabio Capello's squad for the 2010 World Cup, has taken on the role of official ambassador for England's bid in an attempt to convince Fifa executives to award them a first World Cup since 1966.

Beckham, one of the few players to score in three World Cups, will take part in today's draw for next year's competition. -- AFP

Champions League 2009-10 season: Rangers must beat Stuttgart for fans

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:03:00 +0000

GLASGOW: Steven Davis says Rangers owe their fans a performance against Stuttgart at Ibrox today (early tomorrow in Malaysia) after their two previous Champions League Group G home games ended in misery.

The Old Firm side have suffered two heavy losses at Ibrox already this season with both Romania minnows Unirea Urziceni and Sevilla sending them crashing to 4-1 defeats.

Rangers sit bottom of Group G with two points but are just one behind Stuttgart and three behind Unirea as they bid to qualify for the last 16 of the competition.

The match against the Bundesliga cracks is a must win game for Rangers if they are to have any chance of finishing second behind runaway group leaders Sevilla.

And Northern Irish midfielder Davis is desperate to keep their campaign alive after losing a last-gasp goal in the 1-1 draw with Unirea last time out.

"That has made us more determined to win on Tuesday (today)," Davis said.

WALTER SMITH
"The performance was great and to concede so late was harsh. We need to see games through at this level.

"We owe it to the supporters, to the management and ourselves to get a performance and result against Stuttgart."

Stuttgart have had a poor start to their season, sitting just one point above the relegation zone in the Bundesliga.

But Rangers gaffer Walter Smith says he won't be fooled by the German side's stuttering form after he watched them recover from a similar situation last year.

Rangers picked up a valuable point against Markus Babbel's side in their first group match and both sides are still in with a chance of qualifying.

But despite their poor form Stuttgart managed a draw at Sevilla a fortnight ago and Smith expects them to provide another huge test for his side.

Smith said: "Stuttgart had a bad start to last season which led to a change in coach. But then they went on a bit of a run and fought back.

"They were in with a shout of the title but finished third after losing their final game to Bayern.

"Stuttgart are a good side and their form will eventually settle down -- hopefully not by Tuesday (today)". -- AFP

EPL 2009-10 season: Fergie gets touchline ban

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:43:00 +0000

LONDON: Sir Alex Ferguson was given a four-match touchline ban for improper conduct by the Football Association (FA) yesterday following an outspoken attack on referee Alan Wiley.

The Manchester United manager, who admitted an FA charge of improper conduct, publicly labelled Wiley as "unfit" after his Premier League champions were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland at Old Trafford on Oct 3.

But yesterday he was banned for four games, of which two are suspended until the end of the 2010/11 season, fined STG20,000 (RM111,600) and warned as to his future conduct following his "grossly improper and wholly inappropriate" comments about Wiley.

Peter Griffiths, chairman of the regulatory commission which decided Ferguson's punishment, said after yesterday's hearing: "Each member of the commission recognised Sir Alex Ferguson's achievements and stature within the game.

"Having said that, it was made clear to Sir Alex that with such stature comes increased responsibilities.

"The commission considered his admitted remarks, in the context in which they were made, were not just improper but were grossly improper and wholly inappropriate. He should never have said what he did say."

ALEX FERGUSON
Ferguson, who will receive the commission's full findings today, has the right of appeal.

The commission said the suspended sanction would be automatically activated should Ferguson be found guilty of a similar charge before the end of the 2010/11 season on top of any sanction imposed for that offence.

Ferguson accused Wiley of not being "fit enough for a game of that standard" and of "walking up the pitch for the second goal needing a rest". The 67-year-old Scot has since apologised to Wiley.

Ferguson issued his apology on United's website following comments his remarks had undermined the FA's 'Respect' campaign, designed to encourage better behaviour towards referees at all all levels of the game.

"I apologise to Mr Wiley for any personal embarrassment that my remarks may have caused and to the FA for going public with my views," Ferguson said at the time.

"My only intention in speaking publicly was to highlight what I believe to be a serious and important issue in the game, namely that the fitness levels of referees must match the ever-increasing demands of the modern game, which I hope will now be properly addressed through the appropriate formal channels."

Following his side's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool last month, Ferguson questioned whether Andre Marriner, who took charge of the game at Anfield, had the required experience for a match of such significance.

He also accused Martin Atkinson of being in an "absolutely ridiculous" position when he awarded Chelsea the free-kick that led to their winner against United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. -- AFP

Kelantan fans do no favours for team

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:45:00 +0000

WAR zone-like conditions created by Kelantan fans had the reverse effect on their team as they succumbed meekly to Negri Sembilan 3-1 in the Malaysia Cup final on Saturday.

Far from being the inspiration force which had helped sweep Kelantan into their first Malaysia Cup final in 39 years, the supporters did their team no favours with their rancorous behaviour despite filling out two-thirds of the stadium.

The player most affected was leftback Zamri Ramli, the youngest player in the team, whose two costly errors led to two of Negri's three goals. But coach B. Sathianathan, who indicated he may stay on for his first full season in domestic football, refused to blame the crowd for Kelantan's uninspired display.

"I don't see why there should be pressure on the team because they are used to playing in front of this kind of crowd in Kota Baru.

"It has more to do with the inexperience of playing in a final which led to giving away silly goals. After the second goal went in so early (in the second half), heads dropped and they looked short on confidence," said Sathianathan, who steered Kelantan to the final despite taking over the team from Peter Butler just days before the tournament started.

Except for Indra Putra Mahayuddin, who ended the Malaysia Cup as top scorer with 11 goals, Khalid Jamlus and Ahmad Azlan Zainal, none of the Kelantan squad had experience playing in a Malaysia Cup final.

Sathianathan praised his players instead for the way they coped with adversity following their troubled start to the campaign.

"Nobody gave us a chance to even make the final and when I took over the team the target was to get to the quarter-finals. The fitness level of the players shocked me when I came in and I realised what a big task it would be.

"They were down in spirit after their coach abandoned them just days before an important tournament and to have made the final was a fantastic achievement for them," he said.

Sathianathan spoke about strengthening the team with two or three additional signings but when asked if he will be staying on, he said: "If they still want me."

"It's pleasure to work in Kelantan, it is a really nice place. We have a 14-day break but we don't know when the season starts again. We need to be informed if we are to prepare properly," added the coach.

"Next season, we will be back stronger and I'm confident the team will sign two or three more players with experience." -- DEVINDER SINGH

Aidil plays down favourites' tag

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:58:00 +0000

AIDIL Zafuan Radzak does not believe Negri Sembilan's 10-match winning run in the Malaysia Cup makes them favourites for Saturday's final against Kelantan at the National Stadium.

The Negri defender thinks his team enter the final as the underdogs, given the blaze of publicity directed towards Kelantan for making their first final after 39 years, a view shared by Selangor coach K. Devan.

The 22-year-old Aidil, who will be making his first appearance in the final, said the underdog tag will ease pressure on his team despite their perfect record in the tournament to date.

"People talk of us having won all of our games but that means nothing when we play in the final. Statistics don't make us champions," said Aidil after being voted the best defender at the 100Plus-FAM National Football Awards in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

"I don't think it puts any pressure on us at all because everyone has been talking about Kelantan winning their first Malaysia Cup. In fact, I'm happy with that because it makes us the underdogs."

But Aidil does believe that Negri have what it takes to lift the Malaysia Cup for the first time since 1948, when it was still known as the Malaya Cup.

FA of Malaysia deputy president Khairy Jamaluddin presents the best defender award to Negri Sembilan’s Aidil Zafuan Radzak at the National Football Awards in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
"I think the advantage we have is that there is a good mix of experience and youth in the team.

"You look at the defence, there is Shukor Adan with me, Idris Kadir and Rezal (Zambery Yahya) in midfield and Hairuddin Omar playing alongside my brother (Zaquan Adha) in attack.

"There is a good balance in the team although I think whoever performs better on the night will win," said the national Under-23 skipper.

There is a sub-plot to the final as Kelantan's Indra Putra Mahayuddin and Zaquan chase the top scorer honour in the Malaysia Cup with Indra leading the way on 10 goals to Zaquan's nine.

But Aidil feels that Zaquan could well become the match winner as he gave an inkling into the telepathy that twins are said to possess.

"In a final, just one goal will be enough. Kelantan have the experienced Indra Putra (Mahayuddin) to rely on but if Zaquan uses his skills and maturity to good effect, he will make Kelantan pay," said Aidil.

Devan, who took Negri to the Malaysia Cup final in 2006, thinks Kelantan fans will be celebrating their first major trophy with Indra, voted the country's most valuable player at the awards, leading the charge.

"I think Kelantan hold the edge over Negri as they have proven match winners in Indra and Norfarhan Mohammad.

" They also have a better pattern of play and are more attack minded," said Devan, who was handed the best coach award.

But there is an added motivation that Aidil believes will drive Negri on.

"We desperately want to realise our dream of becoming Malaysia Cup champions as it will be a perfect gift for Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir for his installation as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan," added Aidil.

Pressure keeps Nicol in winning mode

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:22:00 +0000

NICOL David has a clear run at closing out her season on a high at her final two tournaments of the year next month as she described how she handles the pressure to keep her winning momentum going.

As the accolades keep pouring in for the four-time world champion, Nicol said the ceaseless pressure to keep winning will not detract her from going for her eighth and ninth Wispa Tour titles in November.

The latest honour bestowed on Nicol was the naming of the National Squash Centre main court in Bukit Jalil after her in acknowledgement of her stunning achievements over the last five years which put Malaysia firmly on the sporting map.

"There is always pressure (to win) whether you like it or not. You've got to work hard and if you put the effort in on the court, it will work out. If not, you learn from it and step up a notch the next time but I've got to believe in what I can do," said Nicol after the unveiling of the Nicol David Arena at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday.

Fresh from winning a fourth consecutive Hong Kong Open title on Sunday, Nicol will be in action at the Carol Weymuller Open in New York on Nov 3-8, a tournament she has not played since 2005.

The top seed can expect former world champion Vanessa Atkinson of the Netherlands and England's Jenny Duncalf to be her main threat to an expected final meeting with British Open winner Rachael Grinham of Australia.

But the Qatar Classic in Doha on Nov 19-23 will be a tougher proposition for Nicol where she could meet Rachael or Egypt's Omneya Abdel Kawy in the semi-finals and Dutch World No 2 Natalie Grinham in the final.

Before that there is the danger posed by England's Laura Massaro, who ran the world champion close in their last two meetings, in the quarter-finals.

The country's top men's duo of Azlan Iskandar and Ong Beng Hee too have a loaded November to deal with which begins with the World Open in Kuwait.

After his impressive run to the quarter-finals of the Hong Kong Open, Azlan is set to carry his form over to Kuwait on Nov 1-7 where he is slated to meet Egypt's Amr Shabana in the third round.

Shabana toppled compatriot and World No 1 Karim Darwish en route to the Hong Kong title last week and will present 12th seed Azlan a stiff test of his credentials.

Beng Hee, seeded 13th, was unfortunate to be drawn to face second seed Gregory Gaultier in the third round although the Frenchman's fitness remains suspect after being forced to withdraw from the Hong Kong Open final due to a knee injury.

Azlan and Beng Hee should come through the first two rounds while national No 3 Nafiizwan Adnan could spring a surprise when he comes up against world junior champion Mohamed El Shorbagy of Egypt in the first round.

Beng Hee will also be in action in Doha where he meets ninth seed Peter Barker of England in the first round while Azlan is entered in the Dutch Open in Rotterdam the following week

F1: Fairuz has a bright chance of landing spot

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:46:00 +0000

FAIRUZ Fauzy is on the list but he is not a certainty to make his Formula One race debut with the 1Malaysia-Lotus F1 Team next season. The 27-year-old Malaysian, according to 1Malaysia-Lotus F1 Team technical director Mike Gascoyne, is among those being considered, although he would prefer to have two experienced drivers doing the job in the team's first season.

What seems at the very least a near certainty for Fairuz is a test drive seat with the team next season.

Fairuz, who next weekend challenges for his best ever finish in the Formula 3.5 World Series by Renault at Motorland Aragon in Spain, does have the benefit of having worked briefly with Gascoyne during his time as test driver for the Spyker F1 Team in 2007.

So does the name linked closely to Gascoyne, current Toyota driver Jarno Trulli, who has a close relationship with the much traveled technical director.

The team's first ever driver line-up is set to be announced next month and Gascoyne, who is currently in Kuala Lumpur, remains tight-lipped over the matter.

"You have to look at what's best for the team. Ultimately, you'd want to have two experienced drivers. Because as a new team, with two new drivers, you would not know where you are," said Gascoyne.

"We have to see. In Fairuz Fauzy you've got a very, very good racing driver. But he's in a bunch of GP2 drivers who are all ready for F1," added Gascoyne.

"I'm sure that we'll have a Malaysian driving the car at some stage next year in testing, but will he have a race seat? That we have to wait and see. It is a possibility, but we're very realistic.
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"We want the best people in it. So, we want a Malaysian in it, when he's capable of being the with the best. If we don't adopt that approach, we will be the team at the back."

EPL 2009-10 Season: Rafa: Reds are still in the race for title

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:45:00 +0000

LONDON: Rafael Benitez refused to write off Liverpool's chances of winning the Premier League this season despite watching his side fall six points behind leaders Chelsea after a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Goals from Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda condemned the Reds to their third defeat of the season and left them languishing in fifth place.

Three league losses is one more than Liverpool suffered over the whole of last season and Benitez's team looked anything but championship quality on Sunday as Chelsea overpowered them in the second half.

However, Benitez is staying upbeat about their title prospects.

"Our target now has to be the next game. Every game is important. We have to keep calm and working hard," he said.

"This year the top sides will lose games but you have to try to improve and we will try to win against Sunderland next.

"When the teams at the top of the table drop points and you win, it is better, but we have to keep winning games and stay as strong as possible and see what happens.

"It is my opinion you will see top sides losing more games this season. It is good for the Premier League and it means we have to keep calm."

French duo Anelka and Malouda were on target for Chelsea, who climbed back on top of the Premier League table following their shock 3-1 defeat at Wigan the previous week.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have now opened up a two-point gap over Manchester United, who drew with Sunderland on Saturday and lie in second place.

But perhaps more importantly, it restored the Blues to winning ways in emphatic fashion.

Ancelotti said: "It was an important win. It was a difficult match. I don't know if it was a better performance than in the Champions League against APOEL Nicosia. We did what we prepared before the game.

"After this game I think we have resolved the problem from the defeat at Wigan but it was not a big problem."

The Italian added: "Manchester United's result was a surprise for sure, but this season is about us because we are top of the league.

"We can prepare for the next games with concentration and determination as we know our season will depend on it."

Despite the defeat Benitez said he had few complaints about the performance of his players and admitted they could simply not find a way past the Chelsea defence.

He added: "The performance was not bad. We were playing a very good team in Chelsea." -- AFP

Malaysia Cup 2009: Teams adopting dirty tactics

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:56:00 +0000

INSTEAD of bringing out the best in competing teams, the Malaysia Cup fever may have brought out the worst in some of them.

Terengganu team manager Shaikh Ahmad Tajuddin Shaikh Yusoff said Sarawak were one of the teams who chose to abandon the principle of the 'beautiful game' by adopting illegal-tackling tactics.

According to Negri Sembilan head coach Wan Jamak Wan Hassan, Johor were no better when the premier league outfit opted for physical intimidation, even as far as indulging in off-the-ball tackles.

He said several of his players were bruised and battered in the 2-1 away win and might not be fit enough for the home match against Sarawak today.

"Unlike regular league matches, the Malaysia Cup tournament tends to invoke stronger desire to succeed among the competing teams and some of them may have taken it a little too far.

"But it was only the first game of the competition and we hope in future matches, such malice will not escape the eyes of the match officials," he said.

Shaikh Ahmad said Terengganu were no strangers to tough-tackling football but he claimed Sarawak went over the top with their violent conduct, on and off the field.

"We were unfazed by the missiles thrown by their fans, our players were able to take the physical abuse on the field but it was a little too much when team officials invaded the pitch to intimidate our players.

"The match was stopped for about 10 minutes in the second half to diffuse the tense situation and we have to count our lucky stars that none of our players were seriously injured," said the Terengganu FA vice president.

Terengganu team captain Marzuki Yusoff said he did not remember Sarawak players being overly aggressive in previous matches.

"But then again, most of their players now are young and probably over-eager to impress.

"We went there to play football and we managed to do just that although our Under-21 player Sofi Hamid was red-carded together with a Sarawak player just after Khairul Izwan Khalid scored the winning goal for us," he said.

Meanwhile in Kota Baru, Kelantan coach B. Sathianathan said his players would have to be prepared for a backlash from defending champions Kedah who were held to a 1-1 draw by Armed Forces on Saturday.

Nicol bounces back to join list of legends

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:25:00 +0000

NICOL David sealed her place in the pantheon of squash greats by winning her fourth World Open title after an engrossing battle with Natalie Grinham in the final in Amsterdam yesterday.

In a re-match of the 2006 world final in Belfast, Nicol proved her shock British Open quarter-final defeat was a mere blip as she crushed Dutch hopes of a home win with a 3-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8 win in 51 minutes for her 40th career Wispa Tour title.

"To come back from last week, this week.. it's an amazing feeling for me," said Nicol, still apparently dazed from her stunning achievement.

"I don't know what I'm saying. In fact, I can't believe it still... four titles!"
Nicol David beat Natalie Grinham 3-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8 in the World Open final in Amsterdam yesterday.
Nicol David beat Natalie Grinham 3-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8 in the World Open final in Amsterdam yesterday.

The triumph put Nicol on par with New Zealand great Susan Devoy on four world titles and just one behind her mentor Sarah Fitz-Gerald of Australia.

Nicol entered the final after an energy sapping 4-11, 11-6, 15-13, 11-7 semi-final win in one hour and two minutes over Alison Waters of England on Saturday while Natalie needed just half that time to sweep past her sister Rachael 11-13, 11-6, 11-6, 11-4.

It set up a much anticipated final between the top two seeds, who were both making their fourth world final appearance, but the odds were stacked against Natalie, who had lost their previous 11 meetings since the last of her seven victories in 29 clashes with Nicol at the 2007 Seoul Open final.

Natalie was hoping to become only the second Dutch world champion after Vanessa Atkinson in 2004 and the partisan crowd at the Frans Otten Stadion were rooting for an upset when Natalie outplayed the World No 1 in the first game as she stormed into an 8-2 lead before taking the opener in 11 minutes.

But in what has become almost routine for Nicol, the defending champion settled her nerves to level the match when she broke clear from 4-4 in the second game.

The third game was over in a flash as Nicol found her rhythm and sped to a 7-1 lead to take a decisive two games to one lead.

Natalie, ranked third in the world, attempted to engineer a fightback in the fourth game when she led 5-2 and 6-3 but it merely delayed the inevitable.

Nicol drew level at 6-6 and after Natalie edged ahead at 8-6, the Malaysian reeled off five points in a row to leave her rival with the runner-up trophy for the fourth time in the last five years.

"Winning that first game gave her confidence but for me, it was a question of not a good game, now move on," said Nicol.

"In the fourth, those points at 8-8 and 9-9 were so crucial. I had to raise my game to take her confidence away, so I just went for it."

The world title is Nicol's sixth on the Wispa Tour this year following her wins in Cayman Islands, Texas, Seoul, Malaysia and Singapore in addition to winning the World Games gold medal.

Moto GP: Rossi dominates to extend overall lead

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:36:00 +0000

MISANO (Italy): Italian motorcycling maestro Valentino Rossi extended his lead in the MotoGp standings yesterday as he easily beat teammate and championship rival Jorge Lorenzo to take the San Marino race.

The 30-year-old eight-times world champion -- who had admitted over the weekend to holding talks with Ferrari about driving for them in next weekend's Formula One Italian Grand Prix before deciding against taking up the offer -- had been pinned back by Lorenzo when the Spaniard won last weekend's US MotoGp.

However, with victory yesterday his lead is 30 points -- 237 to 207 -- while another Spaniard Dani Pedrosa, who was third here, moves into third place overall on 157 points ahead of Australian Casey Stoner, who is absent because of a mystery virus which has plagued him all season.

Rossi, who has also revealed that things are not totally happy within the stable but will see out his contract which ends at the end of next season, confessed that all had not been too good at the beginning.
Yamaha's Valentino Rossi has extended his lead to 30 points.
Yamaha's Valentino Rossi has extended his lead to 30 points.

"It wasn't easy at the beginning and I was in trouble after a bad start," said Rossi, who had begun on pole.

"However, it was in the end the perfect weekend."

Lorenzo admitted that he had not been up to the level of the Italian.

"I put in as much effort as I possibly could especially when I overtook Dani (Pedrosa).

"However, Valentino was clearly the number one this weekend."

Pedrosa was extremely fortunate to even finish the race as he ran out of fuel on the wind down lap after taking the chequered flag.

"Maybe I had a problem for something like that to happen," he said.

"Lorenzo and Rossi were just too fast for me on the corners, but hopefully I will have more fortune next time."

With 23 laps remaining Lorenzo was right on Rossi's tail with Pedrosa leading, but the irrepressible Italian gave himself some breathing space as he overtook Pedrosa two laps later.

Lorenzo was having a devil of a time to get past his compatriot Pedrosa and try to get at his Yamaha team-mate, who with 16 laps to go held a lead of nearly two seconds over the pursuing pair.

Lorenzo finally passed Pedrosa with 15 laps remaining and desperately tried to claw back the gap between himself and Rossi while Pedrosa looked safe in third as he had an eight-second advantage over Andrea Dovizioso.

However, Lorenzo, who had been really disappointed by his performance in qualifying, was unable to make any inroads into Rossi's lead and the Italian had opened up a gap of well over two seconds with just eight laps remaining.

Veteran Loris Capirossi performed a brilliant overtaking of Dovizioso with just four laps to go to reconfirm his Suzuki team's decision to offer him a new contract -- though Dovizioso was to regain fourth spot in another dramatic overtaking manoeuvre on the final lap.

The early part of the race had seen a spectacular collision between Nicky Hayden and home hope Alex de Angelis -- third and second respectively in the United States last weekend -- with the American venting his spleen at the San Marino rider and having to be separated by a race steward.

Earlier, Aprilia had dominated the other categories with 1-2-3 cleansweeps in both.

Hector Berbera of Spain won the 250cc Grand Prix, leading home teammates Italien Mattia Pasini and another Spaniard, Alvaro Bautista.

Julian Simon of Spain won the 125cc Grand Prix in seeing off compatriot Nicolas Terol and Britain's Bradley Smith. -- AFP

Alonso's Anfield departure planned year ago

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 02:50:00 +0000

LONDON: Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has admitted he planned to quit Liverpool from the moment Anfield boss Rafa Benitez tried to sell him last year.

Benitez had wanted to off-load Alonso to Juventus in July 2008 to raise money to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.

Alonso was disappointed to hear that Benitez was willing to let him go and resolved to leave when the right opportunity arose.

That finally happened when he joined Real for STG30 million (RM173 million) in August after revealing to Benitez that he wanted to leave the Premier League club.

"It was a very difficult decision for me to make," he told Sky Sports News.

"After five years I have experienced wonderful nights at Anfield, to have experienced the support of probably the best fans in the world.

"That's why I have always been very grateful and I will always have them in my mind and it has been a pleasure.

"Last year the club proposed to me that I might have to be sold to find funds for new players.

"It was a difficult decision or difficult moment to accept that. I accepted that as a professional and that moment probably changed my mind and I thought that maybe from that moment that maybe it was time for a change."

Alonso has since admitted that his relationship with Benitez deteriorated when he demanded to leave but the Spanish international reveals that their relationship was always a professional one.

"There has been a lot of rumours but I have always said that it has been simply a professional relationship," he said.

"I have always tried to do what he asked to do. What he asked of me on the pitch to do the talking on the pitch and that's that as far as that." -- AFP

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 05:02:00 +0000

AN under-strength National Under-23 side turned in a commendable performance before going down 1-0 to Saudi Arabian professional club Al-Qadisiya in Damman yesterday.

Captain and defender Aidil Zafuan Abd Radzak and midfield duo Bunyamin Umar and Shakir Ali were rested due to injur ies.

Coach K. Rajagobal said he tried out several fringe players in the match.

“I tested several players and strategies. The end result is not important as they played to my expectations,” said the coach when contacted in Damman.

“We let in a soft goal as a result of K.

Gur usamy’s back pass. Overall, the players created several scoring opportunities which is a positive sign.” Among the players tested were third choice goalkeeper Mohd Sharbinee Ramli, Ahmad Shakir Ali and Gur usamy.

Al-Qadisiya, a club based in Khobar, fielded their best including Argentina- born striker Ruben Dario Gigena.

The club are currently 11th in the 12-team Saudi Arabian Professional League.

Meanwhile, Rajagobal hopes his three regulars (Aidil, Bunyamin, Shakir) will be fit for the friendly against Jordan on S at u r d ay.

“They are showing signs of recovering and should be available. I will field my best players for the Jordan match,” said Rajagobal.

Malaysia can expect a hot reception in Amman as the hosts, ranked 122 in the world, are expected to name their top players including Spain-based striker Thaer Fayed Bawab who plays for CD Alfaro, a Spanish lower division club, in Aidil Zafuan was rested due to injury. Saturday ’s match.

Rajagobal: Shakir can go far

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:41:00 +0000

NATIONAL Under-23 coach K. Rajagobal, who knows all about good strikers, believes Kedah-born Ahmad Shakir Md Ali has the makings of one.

"Shakir has everything a perfect striker needs," said Rajagobal. "He's fast, he's technically gifted and he's excellent on the ball. Shakir is a young lad and if he concentrates on his football, he will go far."

So impressed was Rajagobal with the 19-year-old Shakir that the coach included him in the National Under-23 squad in April.

Though Shakir, who scored 17 goals for Premier League side Young Tigers this season, has yet to start in an international match (featuring only as a substitute in recent friendlies), the young striker has impressed many with his strong presence on the field when given the opportunity.

Shakir was a substitute when the National Under-23 team took on Indonesia, Manchester United and Kenya in recent friendly matches and he provided the extra bite up front, though he did not score.

But Shakir's wait for his first international goal ended on Monday when he scored in Malaysia's 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.

"Shakir is a fearless striker. Despite his age, he is not afraid to take on experience defenders. I remember him giving Manchester United defenders a tough time in July," said Rajagobal.

"He is a very exciting player to watch. I believe, in time, he will be a great player." Shakir, if he continues with his performance, will likely feature in the Sea Games in Laos.

The other strikers in the training squad are Zaquan Adha Radzak, Norsharul Izlan Talaha, Farderin Kadir and Ahmad Fakri Shaarani.

Meanwhile, Rajagobal believes his Under-23 squad will reach their full potential as a unit in three years.

"They are improving with every match but it will take another three years before they make it big.

"My players are young and they need the exposure and experience. Of course the immediate target for them will be the Laos Sea Games," he said.

Rajagobal added that he will only set a target for the Sea Games after the draw is released in mid-October. -- AJITPAL SINGH

Roddick back in hunt after heartbreak

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:58:00 +0000

ANDY Roddick has bounced back from the heartbreak of an epic five-set loss to Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final eight weeks ago to serve notice he will be a contender again at the US Open.

"You play the hand you are dealt," Roddick said.

"I don't think at any point that I sit around and feel sorry for myself. I feel pretty fortunate ... there have been great champions that you have to go through every era in tennis."

Roddick turned 27 on Sunday, the eve of the year's last grand slam tournament on the Flushing Meadows hard courts where the American won his only slam crown in 2003.
Andy Roddick has recovered from the heartbreak of an epic five-set loss to Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final eight weeks ago.
Andy Roddick has recovered from the heartbreak of an epic five-set loss to Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final eight weeks ago.

Roddick hopes to add another magic memory in two weeks.

"There was never a point where I was going to just lay down afterwards or not come back and play hard," Roddick said.

"I wish more than anything I had won that tournament but at the same time I'm still going to move on and keep going with the plan because I feel like it is working."

The fifth seed could meet Federer again in the US Open semi-finals, but even that rematch would likely lack the tension and drama of their Wimbledon final match-up, which Federer won to capture his record 15th career slam title.

"It's always tough in tennis," Federer said. "There is always going to be a winner even though both have played great throughout the event.

"I've walked off tennis courts a loser many times. I wouldn't ask the other guy to feel sorry for me. Or the fans. It's just part of the game. Same thing here. I'm happy it was a great match. I think that's what we look back on."

Federer took the last set 16-14, a marathon that proved to be the longest fifth set in grand slam history. Roddick took a heartbreaking defeat but found that in the valiant effort he had touched something with those who watched it.

"I'm not sure what made people emotionally invested in it. Obviously I think it was a very high-level match. We were both trying our hardest but beyond that I think that's for (others) to decipher," Roddick said.

There were some low points in Roddick's recovery.

"For the first two or three weeks afterwards I think it changed daily but like anything, the more you distance yourself from it, you start remembering the better things as opposed to the most disappointing things," Roddick said.

"It was a very good event. I would have loved to have changed the last five minutes of it but you look forward to another opportunity."

Roddick joked that more people could relate to his failure than astonishing success such as that of Federer, but the US fireball server also admits the well-wishers played a major role in helping him overcome the defeat.

"The support I got from fans, from peers, from everybody, it was surprising in the best way possible and pretty humbling," Roddick said. "I was really surprised how many people watched it and were affected by it.

"To be honest, that really helped the process." -- AFP

F1: Button ready to race hard

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:35:00 +0000

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS (Belgium): Drivers world championship leader Briton Jenson Button will race with more aggression in a bid to secure victory in this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix and tighten his grip in the title race.

After four races without a win, the 29-year-old Englishman knows the time has come for him to wring all he can from himself and his Brawn GP car in a bid to make sure that he makes the most of his 18-point lead in the championship.

He said: "It is better to be consistent and not crash, but if you are consistent and get two points it is not enough now. So, I am going to go to Spa to be more aggressive, for sure: in every way, not just driving, but with the strategy and with the tyres.

"It is where we have got to be because otherwise it (my lead) is going to be slowly eaten away. It is a very difficult season this year because we have had some really poor weekends and some really strong weekends.
Brawn’s Jenson Button leads the drivers world championship by 18 points and after four races without a win has vowed to be more aggressive in this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.
Brawn’s Jenson Button leads the drivers world championship by 18 points and after four races without a win has vowed to be more aggressive in this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

"The race in Valencia was the first time when we have had a strong car that I have not been able to get the most out of it. That was frustrating and I have to turn it around."

Button finished only seventh in last Sunday's European Grand Prix won by his Brawn GP teammate veteran Brazilian Rubens Barrichello.

It was the Latin American's first win in five years and enabled him to leap to second in the title race just 18 points behind his teammate.

Button, winner of six of the opening seven races this year, said: "It is pretty amazing that I am still so far ahead. My best finish has been fifth in the last two.

"Valencia should have been a lot more, but it wasn't. I got two points though and I've got 18 points over Rubens. That is still a good margin but Rubens is very quick at the moment.

"The good thing is that the Red Bulls are still going to be fighting (each other). They are going to be quick for sure over the next few races, especially the next one at Spa, but I don't think the McLarens will be as quick as they have been.

"I think we have sorted out a few of our issues, and we have some updates, so Rubens and myself will be very quick at Spa.

"I just hope I can get a good lap in qualifying, as I have been doing most of the season, because two-and-a-half tenths can be three places on the grid."

While Button looked ahead confidently and Barrichello enjoyed the aftermath of his Valencia win, the Red Bull pairing of Australian Mark Webber and German Sebastian Vettel were licking their wounds, after a pointless weekend, and reviewing their engine strategy for next year.

"The team have to decide in the next few days what to do for engines for 2010," admitted Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko who noted carefully that while his team have suffered four engine failures this season -- including two last weekend for Vettel alone -- their various six rivals running with the Mercedes-Benz engines have had no failures at all.

"I am convinced they have the capacity to supply four teams, not just three," he added, referring to Mercedes-Benz's existing arrangements with McLaren, Brawn and Force India.

After their strong showing again in Spain where defending champion Briton Lewis Hamilton was unlucky not to win, McLaren's team boss Martin Whitmarsh said he is expecting another good performance in Belgium.

McLaren's resurgence, added to Brawn's revival of form and Red Bull's need to bounce back from a hugely-disappointing weekend in Valencia signals that this Sunday's race has all the prospects of being a closely-contested and thrilling event on the calendar's most classic circuit.

Last year's race around the 7.004-km venue, which mixes purpose-laid asphalt racing track with ordinary country roads in the rolling forests of the Ardennes was a memorable encounter overshadowed by thrills and controversy.

Brazilian Felipe Massa of Ferrari was finally handed victory, though without ever leading the race, after Hamilton was disqualified following an exciting victory for McLaren and a spectacular racing duel with Finland's Kimi Raikkonen in the second Ferrari.

Another dose of something similar will be sufficient to make sure that everyone is kept on the edge of their seats again with Ferrari's Raikkonen, a bit of a Spa specialist, capable of upsetting the odds to grab his first win this year. -- AFP

Dollah is frustrated Pahang can't get big names

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:56:00 +0000

FRUSTRATED at his lack of influence in signing big names to boost Pahang's chances in the Malaysia Cup which kicks off next month, coach Dollah Salleh is left with no choice but to settle for three recruits -- all from club side, Kuantan Port Shahzan Muda.

Just like other teams preparing for the Malaysian Cup, Pahang approached several elite players from teams not involved in the tournament to feature in their side, however, most snubbed his offer.

A dejected Dollah said a senior player who had earlier agreed to play for Pahang, informed him on Sunday that he had changed his mind.

"I had identified three quality players whom I believed would strengthen the squad to challenge the other teams in Group A, but sadly all rejected the offers," said Dollah in Kuantan on Monday.

"Since I am running out of time as the final list of players has to be submitted by Thursday (tomorrow), I decided to sign Abdul Rahman Kadir from Shahzan and two other senior players also from Shahzan."

Dollah, a Malaysia Cup winner with Pahang in 1992, said many players rejected his offers as they believed Pahang would not progress far in the Malaysia Cup and that the team lack the fighting spirit and the players to become champions.

"Some players also cited Pahang's financial woes as another reason but when I gave them my assurance that their welfare would be well taken care of. they were still not keen to sign a deal," he added.

"After Pahang's dismal performance in the Super League and their subsequent relegation, many experienced players felt that the team will not be able to perform and that it was not worth to join them."

On the two Shahzan Muda players who would feature for Pahang, Dollah said he has proposed their names to Pahang Football Association president, Tengku Muda Pahang Tengku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ahmad Shah and is waiting for a decision.

The battle for the two spots in the squad will involve seasoned campaigners Azizul Kamaluddin, Jalaluddin Jaafar and Shahril Faizal Sharifuddin.

Arsenal warned not to get complacent

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:31:00 +0000

LONDON: Arsene Wenger has warned his Arsenal stars not to let complacency hand Celtic a European lifeline in today's Champions League play-off second leg.

Wenger's side have one foot in the lucrative Champions League group stages after cruising to a 2-0 victory over Celtic at Parkhead last week.

The Gunners' impressive display in Scotland means they don't need to win the return to go through. A draw or even a one-goal defeat would be enough to secure their place in Europe's elite club competition.

But while Wenger is happy to be in such a strong position, he knows Celtic won't go down without a fight and he is keen to ensure his players don't underestimate the Glasgow club.

"The tie is not safe, we know that," he said. "We experienced a very physical game over there.

"We know the job has to be finished, but we are still in a strong position.

"The result will be determined by the way we play the second leg."

Wenger could be without captain Cesc Fabregas after the Spain midfielder suffered a hamstring injury against Portsmouth on Saturday but, although that would be a significant blow, the Arsenal manager can take heart from the way his side dominated the first leg.

While Arsenal's goals -- a deflection off William Gallas and a Gary Caldwell own goal -- owed a large debt to good fortune, there was no mistaking the Premier League club's extra class in possession.

With convincing victories against Everton and Portsmouth in the league emphasising Arsenal's quality, it would be a major upset if Celtic overturn the deficit.

Yet Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is well aware that Celtic came from 1-0 down to Dinamo Moscow in the last round to claim a surprise 2-0 victory in the second leg.

"Celtic are still a good team and against Moscow in the third qualifying round they lost at home 1-0, but then won 2-0 away," Vermaelen said.

Aston Villa Wins 3-1 at Liverpool for First Premier League Win

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:42:00 +0000

Aug. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Aston Villa won 3-1 at Liverpool in English soccer’s Premier League to register its first victory at Anfield since 2001.

Villa went ahead through a Lucas own goal after 34 minutes, doubled the advantage seconds before halftime with a header from Curtis Davies and added a penalty kick from Ashley Young with 15 minutes remaining. Fernando Torres scored for the home team after 72 minutes.

The victory gives Villa three points after two games, leaving it 12th in the 20-team standings. Liverpool is two places higher, with the same number of points from three games after two defeats in nine days.

bolt

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:06:00 +0000

BERLIN (AP)—Usain Bolt was honored by the city of Berlin by receiving an original segment of the Berlin Wall—nearly three tons of it.

The Jamaican sprinter, who broke world records in winning gold medals in the 100 and 200 meters, was presented with the piece of wall at a small ceremony Sunday, the final day of the world championships.

The 12-foot high section will be delivered to Bolt’s training camp in Jamaica.

The piece of the wall, which divided communist East Berlin from West Berlin between 1961 and 1989, is decorated with a life-size painting of Bolt running on the blue track of the Olympic stadium and the words “NEW WR”—new world record. Bolt set a world record in the 100 at 9.58 seconds and 19.19 in the 200.

“I will never forget Berlin,” Bolt said at the ceremony. “Ich bin ein Berlino.”

The bear mascot of the championships is called Berlino, while the phrase “ich bin ein Berliner” was used by former President John F. Kennedy during a visit to West Berlin.

Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit said Bolt had shown that “one can tear down walls that had been considered as insurmountable.”

The Berlin Wall came down in 1989, as communism was collapsing in Eastern Europe.

Football: No title excuses, Torres warns after signing new deal

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:44:00 +0000

LIVERPOOL, England: Fernando Torres signed a new contract with Liverpool on Friday and then told his team-mates they have a golden opportunity to end the club’s 19-year wait to win the English title this season.

Spain striker Torres agreed an improved deal that will keep him at Anfield until 2013 with the option of a further year’s extension and he insists there are no excuses for not winning the title.

“Fernando Torres has put pen to paper on a new and improved contract at Anfield,” a statement on Liverpool’s website confirmed.

“The 25-year old striker agreed the terms of the deal back in May and has now completed the formalities of signing the new contract.” Rafa Benitez’s runners-up finished just four points behind Manchester United in the Premier League last season and Torres is confident Liverpool can hold their own against the top four rivals.

He believes landing wins rather than draws in some of the other tricky fixtures, like Sunday’s Premier League opener at Tottenham, will be enough to overhaul United.

“We have no problem beating Manchester United or Chelsea but it is games like Sunday’s at Tottenham where we need to show our real title intentions,” Torres told The Sun.

“Tottenham is not an easy place to go but these are games we must be winning if this is to finally be our year.

“I am not thinking can we win the title, I am thinking we have to win the title.” After several seasons on the fringes of the title race, Torres believes the experience of going so close last term will stand them in good stead this year.

“We came so close last season but for many of the players it was their first time experiencing the pressure of a Premier League title race,” Torres said.

“We have experience and if we don’t bring the title back to Anfield I won’t be offering up any excuses at the end of the season.

“We don’t need to improve a lot on last season to win the title. There is only a slight improvement needed to give the fans and players the title they have wanted for so many years now.

“This is the best Liverpool team there has been in years, that is what many of the experienced players are saying.

EPL 2009-10 Season: Benitez to hold talks with Mascherano

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:13:00 +0000

LONDON: Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez admits he needs to hold talks with Javier Mascherano to resolve the Argentina midfielder's future at Anfield.

Mascherano was keen on joining Barcelona in the close-season after the European champions approached Livepool over a deal for the Argentina captain.

Benitez hinted that Barca forward Lionel Messi, a compatriot of Mascherano's, had been trying to persuade his international teammate to make the switch to the Nou Camp.

But the Liverpool boss refused to agree to the transfer because he was already resigned to losing Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.

Liverpool want to offer Mascherano a contract extension.

There is now speculation that Liverpool want to offer the 25-year-old a contract extension in order to prolong his stay at Anfield and Benitez told Sky Sports News: "We were talking with Mascherano before. He knows we have to have a meeting and talk about his future.

"There is a possibility that we will be friends, and will talk about things in private."

Meanwhile, Benitez has hinted that he could enter the transfer market before the window closes on Aug 31.

With Danish defender Daniel Agger out for several weeks and centrebacks Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel injured in Sunday's defeat at Tottenham, Benitez is looking for defensive cover, with Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta reportedly top of his list.

"I try to see how the market is, and what players are available, just in case," he said.

"You never know if you get injuries or if you have to bring someone in. It also depends on the position (of players) too.

"We are trying to keep working with the scouting department and will see what happens".

The Reds boss may have to sell before he can buy however after reports that Liverpool's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are refusing to release any more transfer funds. -- AFP

Very easy for Kaka as Real parade new Galacticos

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 06:37:00 +0000

MADRID: Real Madrid's Brazilian signing Kaka said he finds it "very easy" playing alongside the other new world stars at the club.

"It's very easy to play in a team with people of such quality around," he said following his Spanish debut with the side, a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

He had special praise for another of Real's "new Galaticos", Spain international Xabi Alonso, signed from Liverpool this month.

"Xabi Alonso has brought us a lot of security and fluidity. Now the most important thing is to look for balance and we are getting that," the Spanish sporting press quoted him as saying.

"We understand each other and I believe we can do great things together. I have noticed that the team gain possession with Xabi Alonso and that is very important," said the midfielder, signed from AC Milan for E65 million (RM325 million) in June.

Another big new signing, Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile said he thinks the team, who went on a pre-season tour of the US, is close to reaching the level that fans are expecting of it.

"We are continuing to work hard to reach the form that we want, but I know that it will not be very difficult to reach this level in a short space of time," the Portuguese striker said.

Real face Borussia Dortmund in a friendly in Germany today, before the start of the Spanish league season at the end of the month.

Real president Florentino Perez has splashed out over E250 million on the likes of Kaka, Alonso, Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema since he returned to the club in June in a bid to make the nine-time European champions a formidable force again.

Perez led Real from 2000 to 2006, when they earned the nickname 'Los Galacticos', with such stars as Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and David Beckham. But while the club enjoyed the success of two domestic league titles and one Champions League, between 2003 and 2006 they did not win a single major trophy, and fears have been expressed that their glamorous new stars may also fail to deliver this season. -- AFP

EPL 2009-10 Season: Mixed fortunes for big guns

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:42:00 +0000

LONDON: English football's superpowers had mixed fortunes on the opening weekend of the Premier League season as Arsenal enjoyed six of the best, while Manchester United and Chelsea ground out hard-fought victories and Liverpool spluttered.

United claimed a 1-0 win over newly-promoted Birmingham at Old Trafford on Sunday, then Tottenham stunned Liverpool with a 2-1 triumph at White Hart Lane.

Just 24 hours earlier new Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti savoured a 2-1 victory over Hull in his first match and Arsene Wenger was left purring by Arsenal's stunning 6-1 success at Everton.

United made a winning start to their bid for a record fourth successive title thanks to Wayne Rooney's goal and Sir Alex Ferguson insists it was only the start of great things to come now for the England forward.

"It gets him on the road to what we hope will be a very significant total for us this season," Ferguson said.

"If you have two or three strikers who can get you 20 it stands you in good stead. Wayne Rooney is well capable of that.

"I know some of our supporters are still worried that I have not bought a megastar to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. But I am more than happy with our squad and although we have lost a major player, I believe we are on the threshold of a very exciting era for Manchester United."

Liverpool, regarded by many as United's biggest title rivals, fared less well as Rafael Benitez's team were beaten by Sebastien Bassong's second half header.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto had put Tottenham ahead before Steven Gerrard equalised from the penalty spot.

But Benitez fumed over referee Phil Dowd's decision not to award two late penalties to his side.

"Everybody could see there was a penalty against Andrey Voronin. It was so clear, it is unbelievable," he said. "With this referee, I knew this (another penalty) was impossible."

At Goodison Park, Wenger's young Arsenal team issued a defiant response to the critics who have dismissed them as title also-rans by dismantling an Everton side who finished fifth last season.

A Cesc Fabregas double and goals from Denilson, William Gallas, debutant defender Thomas Vermaelen and Eduardo were just reward for a scintillating display from the Gunners.

"Before the game we were seemingly being ruled out by everybody, we were told we do not have the squad. Well, we wanted to show that we do have the squad," Wenger said.

Chelsea needed a stoppage time winner from Ivory Coast forward Didier Drogba to end Hull's stubborn resistance at Stamford Bridge.

Stephen Hunt, making his Hull debut, had given the Tigers a shock lead before Drogba equalised with a superb free-kick and then chipped in the winner.

Mega-rich Manchester City got a first repayment on Mark Hughes's STG93 million (RM538 million) close-season spending spree.

Hughes, backed by City's Abu Dhabi-based owners, has completely revamped his team and was relieved to see Emmanuel Adebayor, a STG25 million signing from Arsenal, open the scoring at Blackburn before Stephen Ireland's goal clinched a 2-0 win.

"A lot of people were looking at us to see how it was going to go. It was a positive afternoon from that point of view," Hughes said.

Elsewhere, Sunderland won 1-0 at Bolton, Stoke defeated Burnley 2-0, Fulham won 1-0 at Fulham, Wigan shocked Aston Villa 2-0 and West Ham won 2-0 at Wolverhampton. -- AFP

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Ancelotti has work to do at Chelsea

noreply@blogger.com (don) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:54:00 +0000

LONDON: Carlo Ancelotti admits his new-look Chelsea side remain a work in progress after they spluttered to a 2-1 victory over Hull City on the Premier League's opening day.

Ancelotti marked his first league game since taking charge with three points thanks to a stoppage time winner from Didier Drogba after the Ivorian had earlier cancelled out Stephen Hunt's 27th minute opening goal at Stamford Bridge.

But the Italian acknowledged Chelsea's performance was less than convincing, with the reshaped midfield diamond failing to deliver the creative sparkle needed to break down Hull's defences.

Although Ancelotti was quick to excuse his players their teething troubles against Hull, he warned things must quickly improve if they are to avoid the possibility of losing early ground in the title race.

Frank Lampard looked below his best against Hull City.

Ancelotti said: "I don't know how long it will take for the players to get used to the system. I don't know the precise time, hopefully soon.

"But we like to think we will still have to improve because there is no such thing as the perfect season.

"For sure we have to improve because we didn't play well at times in this match. We made some mistakes but this is normal. But after one month we have to improve our play."

Chelsea's play at times looked sluggish but Ancelotti refused to blame the demands of the midweek international programme for the performance.

Some of his key players -- notably Frank Lampard -- looked below their best, but the manager claimed his side's problems were caused by Hull's efforts in closing down and not by the round of national call-ups three days before the season kicked off.

Lampard, along with skipper John Terry, had played the full 90 minutes of England's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, while leftback Ashley Cole was replaced just six minutes from time.

And Ancelotti said: "I didn't speak with Fabio Capello about the players before the England game. I want to help his work, give him players in good condition.

"It's not a problem because Ashley, John and Frank have come back without injuries. A lot of players have played for their countries. The most important factor against Hull was the lack of space.

"Frank was playing in a difficult position because when the opposition plays a solid defensive line it's more difficult for him to play."

Drogba's contribution proved the difference between the two teams and prevented Hull repeating their success of last February when they claimed a point a Stamford Bridge. --