Soccer Corner

Barcelona massacred Panathinaikos

2010-09-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

Had left Barcelona rose from behind and eventually destroy the resistance Panathinaikos 5-1 (3-1). Elsewhere, FC Copenhagen won 1-0 FK Rubin Kazan from his guest.

Wayne Rooney's Secret Scandal

2010-09-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

Being a woman call is usually the last choice when facing economic pressure. But not so with Jennifer Thompson.

Jennifer, commercial sex workers who had become a subscription Wayne Rooney, came from middle England. Speech he said shows that he has a good intellect.

Jennifer's family have a nice place to live in Bolton. The house is worth at least £ 300 thousand, or approximately USD 4.2 billion.

A friend says that Jennifer is happy with the life of luxury, parties and holidays. Jennifer referred to as a hard worker. For six months he worked to raise money as an 'escort girl' for then the results were used for foreign holidays while partying.

"We've run out of money he returned to England and started working again. He is young but very confident."

Jennifer really wanted to be a real Wag. But at least until now, he must be content to be 'ex-Wag unofficial' Wayne Rooney

Real Madrid prepare Monday adios for Raul

2010-07-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid have confirmed that captain and record-breaking striker Raul Gonzalez will leaved the club on Monday after 16 years in the first team and with German side Schalke his destination.

Raul, who has played for Real since 1994, won six La Liga championships and three Champions League titles during his time with the Spanish giants.

He has scored 323 times in 740 appearances for the club.

Fellow veteran Guti, a product of Real's youth system who made his pro debut in 1995, said earlier Sunday that he was leaving with Besiktas in Turkey his likely new home.

Both men have been told by new coach Jose Mourinho that they do not form part of his plans for the new season.

A statement on the Real official website on Sunday announced that 33-year-old Raul would be afforded a farewell celebration at the Bernabeu.

"The farewell party will start at 1pm. Club president Florentino Perez will be present, and it will be followed by a press conference by Raul and general director Jorge Valdano," said a club statement.

Guti said Sunday that he was closing a "glorious stage" in his career as he parted ways with Real Madrid after 15 seasons.

"I believe you have to be aware that there are stages that close and in this case for me it is a very glorious stage at Real Madrid which is coming to an end," the 33-year-old told a news conference.

Guti, who had another year on his contract, said he was considering an offer from Besiktas, where he would be coached by German's Bernd Schuster, who managed Real between 2007 and 2008.

"I have a good offer from them, an interesting one, now we will see," he said.

"I think you have to make room for younger players and know that football is like that."

"It is a complicated and difficult moment but you have to know that these things happen in football and that at certain moments, regardless of the talent you have, it is your time to leave a club or leave football and life goes on."

He helped Real win five domestic league titles and three European Champions League titles, having scored 86 goals in 542 appearances for the club. Only eight other players have played more matches for the club in its history.

Guti, who can play as an attacking midfielder, striker or central midfielder, has also honour of being the man who scored the team's 5,000th goal.

Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano thanked the player "for giving the best years of his life to this club."

"He is a unique player, a very special player who is capable of surprising during each match," he said as he sat beside Guti at the news conference.

Major players to miss out on this summer’s World Cup

2010-06-01T00:20:00.000-07:00

BenzemaThis summer some of the world’s top footballers will appear on pitches across South Africa. However there are some top stars that will be left at home.

Some will be out because of injury but some will be left out by their national team bosses.

Below is a profile of some of those unlucky stars who will be watching the World Cup at home this summer:

Ronaldinho (Brazil)

I wrote an article earlier this year suggesting that the AC Milan star should go to the World Cup as his club form had improved immensely. Obviously Brazilian head coach Dunga doesn’t read my editorial as he was left out of Brazil’s squad.

He hasn’t had the best few years but his good form put him back into the international frame. Leaving a two time World Footballer of the Year out of the squad is a risky strategy. Ronaldinho is a good alternative to Real Madrid midfielder Kaka, who hasn’t exactly had a great first season at the Bernabeu. Will Brazil live to regret Dunga’s decision?

Javier Zanetti (Argentina)

The veteran has enjoyed a highly successful career and won the treble with Inter last season. He had a superb season last season and is ultra versatile. Zanetti has won 136 for his country and showed his leadership skills by captaining his club last season.

It seems that Argentina head coach Diego Maradona felt that he wanted to select younger options and Zanetti’s season looks to have ended on a low note. The decision to leave Zanetti out isn’t the first questionable decision Maradona has made and people in his own country doubt his ability to manage his country.

Karim Benzema (France)

The highly-rated young striker made a dream move to Real Madrid last summer. The dream move has turned into a nightmare as he’s struggled with fitness and form at the Bernabeu and found himself on the Real bench towards the end of the season.

When at Lyon he was considered one of the brightest young talents in the world game. His career has stagnated at the Bernabeu, even though he was still a regular at international level. French coach Raymond Domenech must have considered his time on the sidelines as too long and selected alternate options.

Michael Ballack (Germany)

German captain Ballack is unlucky to miss the tournament through injury. The veteran midfielder picked up an injury in the FA Cup final victory over Portsmouth. He will be a big miss to his country.

He is the fulcrum of the Germany team and his absence could be key to his side’s hope of having a successful competition. Although he isn’t the player he was a few years ago he is still a leader on and off the pitch. Ballack will now concentrate on where his club future lies with his Chelsea contract expiring in July.

Luca Toni (Italy)

Giant forward Toni has endured a miserable spell at Bayern Munich and joined Roma in January on-loan but hasn’t done enough to convince his boss Marcello Lippi that he is in good enough form to be selected. At 33 years of age he’s unlikely to appear at another World Cup.

Toni helped his country win the 2006 World Cup and that will have to be enough for the former- Fiorentina striker. He is likely to move on at club level this summer.

Other notable absentee’s:

Esteban Cambiasso (Argentina), Samir Nasri (France), Patrick Vieira (France), Ruud Van Nistelrooy (Holland), Torsten Frings (Germany), David Beckham (England), Fabio Grosso (Italy), Marcos Senna (Spain), Philippe Mexes (France).

Torres to stay at Anfield?

2010-05-25T04:24:00.000-07:00

Torres to stay at Anfield?

Fernando Torres' agent has revealed that the player intends to stay with Liverpool next season, but failed to make any promises over his future. "For the moment, I can assure fans that Fernando will continue at Liverpool next season," Jose Antonio Peton said.

Messi will not join Real Madrid

2010-05-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

I read a ridiculous news story today saying that Real Madrid are planning a world record £120 million bid for Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

The bid would meet the minimum fee release clause in the Argentine’s contract.

Spenders

Real Madrid have tried to buy success in recent seasons especially last summer when they purchased Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo amongst others. Real Madrid literally think they can buy anybody they like.

Most clubs can’t afford to turn down major offers for their players in these difficult financial times. Manchester United couldn’t even afford to keep their star Ronaldo. Player’s heads are turned by playing for Spanish giants Real Madrid and off they go.

However Barcelona and Lionel Messi are a completely different kettle of fish. Messi’s head won’t be turned by Real Madrid because Barcelona are just as big as Real Madrid in Spanish football if not bigger.

Special

Messi has been at Barcelona since his early teens and it’s almost like his second home. The club brought him and his family over from Argentina and paid for medical treatment needed for a growth hormone deficiency.

Messi has never forgotten that and is now fiercely loyal to Barca. He is almost one of their own in Barcelona. He has recently stated that he wants to remain at the Blaugrana for the rest of his career or however long he is wanted by the club. Loyalty is a rare commodity in football these days but Messi is Barca through and through.

Mind Games

I don’t believe Real Madrid really think they will sign Messi this summer but this talk and speculation is a tool to unsettle Barcelona. The clubs are still competing for the La Liga title and Barca are just a point ahead with head to head advantage.

Everybody at Real Madrid is desperate for a slight advantage wherever they can get it and maybe this speculation is designed to give them that advantage. They must be crazy if they think that this tactic will work.

Barcelona are one of the strongest clubs in the world when it comes to mental attributes. Manager Pep Guardiola is one of the world’s top tacticians and only special managers like Jose Mourinho have been able to get the better of him.

Barcelona as a club and city has a very strong mentality due to the history of the region. It will take more than a silly transfer story to upset the apple cart at the Camp Nou.

Bitter

The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona is more than just a football rivalry. The history between the two clubs goes back to the start of football in Spain but really intensified during Franco’s era.

Franco was closely associated with Real Madrid. During those days there were allegations of referee’s and officials favouring Real because of their links with the general. Barcelona in particular felt that they were treated unfairly as they were fighting for independence from Spain and Franco’s regime.

Icon

Messi has become an icon at Barcelona and they wouldn’t even dream of selling their top player to their bitter rivals. If they did the unthinkable and sold the world’s best player to Real Madrid it would be seen as an act of treason.

If Barcelona did sell Messi to Real Madrid it would prove a massive victory for the Madridista’s not just on the field but also in the board room. It would also mean that even the most loyal footballer could be bought.

Selling Messi would be like admitting that Real Madrid are a bigger club and can buy anybody they like. Barcelona won’t sell Lionel Messi because apart from the fact that he’s the best player in the world, I don’t believe he would ever dishonour the Barcelona fans by ever playing for Los Blancos. I think it’s fair to say that Lionel Messi is staying at the Camp Nou for the foreseeable future.

Manchester United cruise into the Champions League quarter-finals after a 4-0 win over AC Milan

2010-03-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

Rooney inspires United romp

There was no fairytale Old Trafford return for David Beckham as Wayne Rooney led a Manchester United cruise into the Champions League quarter-finals after a 4-0 win over AC Milan.

Rooney scored a goal in each half to take his tally for the season to 30 and snuff out any chance Milan had of crowning Beckham's appearance against his former club in glory.

Instead, the joy was all the hosts' as Park Ji-Sung ran onto Paul Scholes' pass to widen the gap before Darren Fletcher headed a fourth near the end.

Always one to embrace a sense of occasion, Beckham was among the last Milan players to leave the dressing room, making his entrance to a standing ovation from supporters who never fell out of love with him the way Ferguson did.

Predictably, though, Beckham had been left on the bench - just as he was on his last European appearance for United, against Real Madrid seven years ago, when he eventually scored twice to prove a point without being able to save the Red Devils from elimination.

That night, Ronaldo - the Brazilian one - scored a hat-trick for Real. Now United have their own hero, and Ferguson has a world-class striker.

It seems to have been a quiet period for Rooney. That was just because he did not play at Wolves on Saturday.

As Ferguson has been known to engage in the odd bout of kidology, the extent of the knee injury that kept England's star striker out of the Molineux encounter will never be known. He was never likely to miss out here, though.

His two goals in the San Siro three weeks ago turned a tie on its head that appeared to be floating out of United's reach. His latest effort merely rammed another nail in Milan's coffin.

Gary Neville was the provider for the first, curling over a right-wing cross his old friend Beckham would have been proud of.

Rooney soared between defenders and neatly glided the ball into the far corner.

It was his seventh header on the trot in a growing tally of goals that threatens the 42 which helped get Cristiano Ronaldo crowned as the world's best player two years ago.

The same accolades could easily be being bestowed on Rooney next winter.

Much will depend on the respective success enjoyed by United and England of course. But their talisman could not be doing any more and his second arrived 54 seconds after the restart.

An outstanding pass, delivered from the left-wing with the outside of his right-foot by Nani, provided the opportunity.

Christian Abbiati gave the game away by dashing out. Rooney merely prodded it past him.

Having already become only the second player - after Walter Pandiani - to score home and away against Milan in a European tie, Rooney was presumably creating some kind of history by doing it twice.

It was the end of Rooney's contribution, although not United's scoring.

After hinting at retirement a few weeks ago, Paul Scholes appears to be enjoying something of a renaissance and it was his brilliantly disguised pass that was clinically finished by Park as the gap between these two European heavyweights widened to a gulf.

As there was little else to do, Leonardo introduced Beckham.

His arrival for Ignazio Abate triggered a standing ovation. Had the midfielder's volley flashed past Edwin van der Sar instead of being beaten away by the veteran Dutchman, it would probably have brought the biggest cheer of the night.

For all the adulation, though, Beckham represents Manchester United's past.

Rooney is the future, which on the pitch - where Fletcher nodded home a fourth near the end - looks rosy, despite the continued vocal and visual protests against the Glazer family, whose willingness to plunge United into such massive debt has vexed so many.

In the stands, the members of the Glazer family who had made the trip from Tampa would need pretty thick skins to remain unaffected by all the vicious taunts.

With Beckham opting to put a green-and-gold scarf round his neck as he made his way down the tunnel, the abuse is not going to be silenced any time soon.

Arsenal's 5-0 win over Porto

2010-03-11T17:18:00.001-08:00

Emmanuel Eboue's mission to win over a sceptical Arsenal support has been a difficult one, but having accomplished that aim, the Ivorian is now intent on staying at Emirates Stadium and helping the club end their prolonged wait for a trophy.

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Emmanuel Eboue watches his shot roll home against Porto

In December 2008, Eboue suffered the nadir of his Arsenal career when, having appeared as a substitute himself against Wigan, he was removed by Arsene Wenger amid a cacophony of boos from the Arsenal fans who had seen him inadvertently dispossess Kolo Toure and then pass to an opposition player. Wenger said the player had become a "danger" to the team.

That chastening experience led many to speculate that Eboue's time in North London was coming to an end, with a range of Spanish and Italian clubs linked with a move for the versatile player. But Eboue stayed under the protective arm of Wenger and in recent months has become something of a cult favourite thanks to his determination to prove himself once more.

A renewed appreciation of the 26-year-old was evident again on Tuesday night when he showed unusual poise to round goalkeeper Helton and score in Arsenal's 5-0 win over Porto, delighting the home crowd. With his fortunes clearly on the rise, Eboue is keen to remain at Arsenal and repay the support shown to him by Wenger.

"I never spoke with someone or said that I wanted to move," Eboue said. "I have got two more years with Arsenal and I feel very good here. I want to win something for the club because they have helped me a lot, so I want to win something for them.

"Arsene Wenger, when we have some bad days he is always with us so for me I think he is like our dad here and we are all happy to play for him."

"Last year and this year is not the same," Eboue said of Arsenal's hopes of silverware. "This year we are more compatible together, we have got more maturity and more solidarity in our team. If we continue to play like this, together, we can do something this season."

Eboue's goal against Porto was only his ninth in an Arsenal shirt. The Ivory Coast international added: "Every day the players are laughing about me saying 'Emmanuel you do everything but when you come to the goalkeeper you are scared to score,' so I tried to show them I can score and I'm very, very happy."

Eboue first made his mark at Arsenal when performing admirably as a right-back during Arsenal's run to the Champions League final in 2006, but the arrival of Bacary Sagna in the summer of 2007 saw him pushed into a more advanced role, where he looked uncomfortable on occasions and saw his stock fall amongst supporters.

Wenger now utilises Eboue in both positions - at right back ahead of Sagna against weaker teams, and in midfield when looking to close out a game - and that does not faze the player, as long as he is enjoying regular football.

"For me, it doesn't matter," Eboue said. "I just want to play, so if I play I am happy. It doesn't matter if Bacary Sagna plays. For me it doesn't matter where I play, if the boss puts me at right back I play, and if he puts me at midfield I'll play."

Michael Owen Hamstrung again

2010-03-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

For a man whose public utterances long seemed to be the definition of blandness, Michael Owen has a remarkable gift for polarising opinions. Men of the stature of Fabio Capello and Sir Alex Ferguson have drawn very different conclusions and, as the striker's first season at Manchester United is curtailed prematurely, each could consider himself vindicated. A player targeted by Hull and Stoke and then signed by the Premier League winners is one whose status within the game is a subject for debate.

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Michael Owen has divided opinion at Old Trafford this season

If the United manager is being cost-conscious, he can cite Owen's lack of a transfer fee and his comparatively meagre basic wages, with part of his salary dependent upon performance. A season that incorporates a cup final goal, an injury-time derby winner and a Champions League hat-trick is hard to dismiss as a failure; the manner of their execution was sufficient to bring back memories of the younger Owen and suggest that a big-match temperament, essential for a Manchester United player, remains among his attributes.

In addition, a return of nine strikes from just 11 starts hints at the sort of return he produced, particularly for Liverpool, and compares favourably with Dimitar Berbatov's goal-per-game ratio. One instant in September enabled Owen to overshadow his once popular predecessor, Carlos Tevez, and enable Ferguson to talk dismissively about the "noisy neighbours".

The context means he can be deemed a worthwhile gamble. Whatever is insisted by the powerbrokers at Old Trafford about the size of Ferguson's budget, Owen appears a Glazer-friendly addition. Karim Benzema and Tevez did not, according to the Scot, represent value for money. Among the other forwards to join Europe's premier clubs last summer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was still more expensive while Mario Gomez and Diego Milito were scarcely the cheap option for Bayern Munich and Inter Milan respectively.

Ferguson is also entitled to argue that there may be a comparative shortage of goalscorers at the highest level: neither Arsenal nor Liverpool signed one, while Chelsea's only arrival in attack was the untried Daniel Sturridge. Better, perhaps, to preserve his budget and wait for the right player to become available.

Capello's hard-headed pragmatism or, in the eyes of Owen's advocates, bias, has led him to an alternative analysis; it appears to be one where his limitations are highlighted and those who imagine the Owen of 1998 or 2001, allying his goalscoring instincts with searing pace, are living in the past. He can appear prematurely old for a 30-year-old and, the meeting with Manchester City aside, has not convinced as a game-changing replacement.

The Italian has the benefit of a similar striker, in Jermain Defoe, and has perhaps decided that a man who is accustomed to having a team built around him is unsuited to the role of bit-part player. Goals can be a powerful currency, but Capello's fondness for Emile Heskey indicates they are not the only source of value. Ferguson has unwittingly provided examples of Owen's inflexibility: he has deemed the Englishman unable to play as a lone striker and too similar - in positioning, if not ability and overall impact - to Wayne Rooney to operate alongside the younger man. Rooney's indispensability means there is no choice to be made; it also means that Owen can only partner Berbatov or, in the Carling Cup and dead rubbers, United's youthful forwards.

A total of a mere 11 starts is indicative. Ferguson has subsequently said he should have picked Owen more, but fulsome tributes have rarely been supported by his team selections. Public praise and private decisions have been separated by some distance.

Even Owen's finest contributions do not appear to have had a persuasive effect; four days after his treble in Wolfsburg, he was back among the substitutes. Indeed, bench duty, glaring misses and periods of anonymity have punctuated his United career, for all the accolades directed at him by Ferguson.

Empics

Michael Owen: Hamstrung again

Then there is the tag he cannot shed which is part of the paradox of Owen. He's not injury-prone, he keeps insisting, and the brochure advertising his services was adamant, but he does have an unfortunate habit of getting injured at crucial moments. The hamstring strain incurred during the Carling Cup final was one such; it leaves Ferguson with an absence of alternatives in attack at the end of the campaign.

Though Owen had proved unable to alleviate his fitness problems, they exacerbated the importance of Rooney, which is a problem shared by Capello and Ferguson. Half-way through his contract at Old Trafford, the verdicts on Owen can vary: underused or underwhelming, finisher or finished, professional goalscorer or racehorse impresario. Neither unmitigated disaster nor unqualified success, he remains a contentious issue.

Capello is content without Owen, Ferguson forced to make do in his absence. He has started infrequently with three senior centre-forwards at Old Trafford but given the lack of alternatives to Rooney and Berbatov, the eventual judgment may be that Ferguson would be better served if Owen were his fourth-choice forward next year.

Liverpool Hazard, Fulham lose in Turin

2010-03-11T17:15:00.001-08:00

Liverpool's stuttering season took another turn for the worse as they lost 1-0 away to Lille in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash.

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Rafael Benitez feels the pressue in France

Eden Hazard's 84th-minute free-kick from way out on the left evaded everyone in the area before sneaking inside the far post to give the Ligue 1 side victory over the favourites for the competition.

Juventus outclassed Fulham to win 3-1 in the first leg of their tie in Turin. The Cottagers struggled for possession in the first half and went 2-0 down within 30 minutes thanks to goals from Nicola Legrottaglie and Jonathan Zebina.

Dickson Etuhu pulled one back, but David Trezeguet reacted sharply after his initial effort had come back off the post to make it 3-1 on the stroke of half-time.

Hamburg defeated Anderlecht 3-1 at the HSV-Arena. Goals from Joris Mathijsen and Ruud van Nistelrooy put the Bundesliga side two up before Jonathan Legear curled home a glorious free-kick in first-half stoppage time for the Belgians. But David Jarolim guided a volley into the bottom corner from the edge of the area in the 67th minute to restore Hamburg's two-goal advantage.

Wolfsburg have the upper hand in their tie with Rubin Kazan after drawing the first leg in Russia 1-1. Zvjezdan Misimovic equalised in the 67th minute to cancel out Cristian Noboa's opener just before the half-hour mark.

Atletico Madrid and Sporting Lisbon drew 0-0 in the Spanish capital. The visitors played for most of the game with 10 men following the 31st-minute sending off of Leandro Grimi for two yellow cards. And they were reduced to nine in the 89th minute when Tonel received a straight red.

Standard Liege enjoyed perhaps the most impressive win of the night with a 3-1 success against Panathinaikos, who beat Roma in the last round, in Greece. Goals from Axel Witsel and Milan Jovanovic put the Belgians two up in the opening 16 minutes.

Loukas Vyntra pulled one back three minutes after the break, but Igor De Camargo added a third for the visitors in the 74th minute and Pana's miserable night was complete when Simao was sent off in the 90th minute.

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Sporting's Leandro trudges off after being sent off against Atletico Madrid

Second-half substitute Hatem Ben Arfa headed a 90th-minute away goal to earn Marseille a 1-1 draw at Benfica. Ben Arfa, who came off the bench in the 74th minute, cancelled out Maxi Pereira's 77th-minute opener.

Juan Mata equalised for Valencia two minutes after they had been reduced to 10 men to earn a 1-1 draw at home to Werder Bremen. Torsten Frings put the Germans ahead with a 25th-minute penalty and the visitors received another boost when Ever Banega was sent off 10 minutes after the break. But Mata levelled to give the La Liga side hope going into the second leg at the Weserstadion.

Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain And Marcelo Ecstatic After Tenerife Thrashing

2010-02-27T20:35:00.000-08:00

Los Merengues racked up the goals.

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Real Madrid kept up their title chase by thrashing Tenerife, and Gonzalo Higuain and Marcelo were thrilled with the display.

Speaking to AS after the game, Higuain said, "I am very happy with the goals and the result, it is important to put pressure on Barcelona."

"It was unfortunate that I could not get the hat-trick.

"I must thank Marcelo for the first goal."

For his part, Marcelo said, "The best thing is that we won and put more pressure on Barca."

Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola Delighted With Malaga Win

2010-02-27T20:34:00.000-08:00

The Blaugrana maintained their two point lead.

Barcelona maintained their lead at the top of the table after beating Malaga, and Pep Guardiola was thrilled with the display.

Speaking to AS after the game, Guardiola said, "We did not change our system."

"We made some small changes. But the structure is the same.

"The important thing is that we played very well, with excellent possession and control of the ball. It was one of our better home games.

"We were far better than our last games."

Guardiola then analyzed the game in further detail, continuing, "We wanted to play in the middle, with short passes."

"The second goal was very important. Messi played in the middle to link up more with Ibrahimovic.

"Lately it seemed as though we could lose to any team. But today we showed a great level.

"I asked the referee to forgive me for applauding sarcastically when he booked Pique."

Finally, Guardiola paid tribute to Dani Alves, who returned from injury, stating, "He is a unique player."

"He always wants to play and gets upset when he can't, but he must understand that the human body has a limit. He improved every time he plays.

"His intensity forces the others to play the same way."

Lovely soccer

2010-01-20T04:43:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex insists he has no spending restrictions

2010-01-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United's massive debt is having no impact on his team-building plans.

With talk of a £600 million bond issue being launched to part repay the colossal loans taken out by the Glazer family to complete their controversial takeover of the Old Trafford outfit going unchecked, it has been widely assumed United are in a period of financial strife.

Of major concern are the £175 million worth of payment-in-kind notes that are currently attracting 14.25% interest, which are partly responsible for the overall debt mountain of £790 million and urgently need to be refinanced to lower overall outgoings.

Given such a backdrop, it is hardly a surprise the Glazer family are being held responsible for the fact Ferguson has so far spent only £20 million of the world record £80 million fee received from Real Madrid last summer for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Yet the United boss is adamant such conclusions are unfair.

"I don't have any concerns about the financial situation,'' he said. "There is absolutely no issue at all. I am really confident about that. Concerns of the supporters are down to the fact that I haven't moved in the transfer market. But that is nothing to do with the Glazers or with David Gill.

"It is simply because I am not going to pay £50 million for a striker who is not worth it.''

While Ferguson could easily be accused of toeing the party line, he does actually feel the idea of a bond issue is sound.

His reasoning for doing so goes against the oft-repeated claim from the Glazers that debt is not in itself a bad thing.

"There has been talk about a bond issue and I think that's a good thing for the club. Anything that helps with the repayment of the debt is a good thing,'' he said. "There is debt there but it has never interrupted my plans for the team - at any stage.''

The statement is unlikely to receive a favourable response from the vociferous anti-Glazer faction, who are currently looking on in a degree of envy at the huge amounts of money being spent by Manchester City's Abu Dhabi-based owner Sheikh Mansour, who is apparently willing to cover any cost to achieve his own Premier League ambitions.

Yet, as Ferguson accepts, at the back of his mind is the knowledge that stalwarts such as Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville cannot go on forever, even if it sometimes appears that is the case.

"That is possible,'' replied Ferguson, when asked whether he would have to spend to replace aging players. "But it could be possible at any time. But I don't see it as an issue.

"For starters, we have plenty of cover, especially in midfield. We have Rafael da Silva, an excellent prospect, at right-back and we have another youngster in Ritchie de Laet.

"In addition, Ryan Giggs has been unbelievable. I think he can still play for another two seasons. There isn't an imminent threat to the squad.''

Of more obvious concern is the need for extra firepower.

"It's true that we don't have great options if Rooney were to get injured, in the sense that we don't have top quality like Ronaldo, who could play anywhere,'' Ferguson said.

"But I can't see any real diamonds. I just don't see that player who can make a difference for us in terms of value or ability.''

Sir Alex feels new-boy Mame Biram Diouf could get off to a flying start.

United signed Diouf from Molde in the summer but opted to let the Senegal striker remain in Norway before he returned to England in December to join the Red Devils on a full-time basis.

The 22-year-old has now broken through all the necessary red tape and is available for selection at Birmingham.

And, having cast doubt on Diouf's ability to make his debut in what turned out to be a postponed Carling Cup semi-final at Manchester City on Wednesday, Ferguson has no such concerns about St Andrew's.

"We are looking to involve Diouf at Birmingham,'' said Ferguson. "It is a good time to do it and he may just do well straight away.''

Ferguson had certainly been impressed with Diouf prior to the bad weather which has wrecked preparations for the trip to Birmingham.

In handing Diouf Carlos Tevez's old number 32 shirt, Ferguson has presented his newest recruit with a bit of history to live up to.

But the Scot is adamant Diouf has the ability required to live up to any expectation.

"In training he has done very well,'' he said. "He is quick and has magnificent spring in the air for someone of 5ft 10in. He has a good intelligence and a good feel for the game.

"He has attributes that are suited to us. He is a bit different to what we have at the moment and we have done well to get the kid.''

Why the Premier League needs Franck Ribéry

2010-01-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

The January transfer window has been part of the Premier League season since 2003, so we know the drill by now: fevered speculation and far less action.

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Franck Ribery relaxes as speculation rages

In 2008, then-Reading boss Steve Coppell spoke for many when he described the window's "fire-sale mentality" as good only for causing "unrest". This concession of one last opportunity in a season for salvation or a push for the finish line tends to give rise to inflated prices, a climate of panic and poor purchases. It's the last refuge of the desperate.

There are exceptions, of course, when an opportunity simply presents itself to a club. Andrei Arshavin has proved to be as close to a bargain as could be hoped for in modern times, and the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor or Christophe Dugarry are all similar examples of January-signed successes.

A particularly tasty bit of business for one lucky club now seems to be coming into view. On New Year's Eve, Alain Migliaccio stated that his client would not be renewing his contract with Bayern Munich. At the start of December, Bayern president Uli Hoeness had said it was out of the question that he would allow the situation to reach the point where they "lose 50 or 60 million euros". Franck Ribery himself has said that he wants his future sorted before the World Cup.

With his contract up in summer 2011, Bayern have just this window and next to sell Ribéry if they want to recoup any reasonable fee for him. And, of all the world stars constantly linked with the Premier League's finest - Villa, Silva, Agüero etc - Ribéry would be the most suited.

When he first began to register on a national level in his home country in 2006, Ribéry was trumpeted as the 'new Zidane'. In reality, the two Frenchmen could scarcely be more different. While Zizou muttered and mumbled his way through press conferences in the manner of an awkward teenager, Ribéry has presented TV specials at home in France and has a reputation as the Bayern dressing-room joker.

Last season, he commandeered the team bus after a game only to reverse it into a lamppost. Ribéry and his predecessor as France team talisman are chalk and cheese on the pitch, too. Watching Zidane in action was like watching ballet - poise, grace and balance, with his every touch seeming like an event in itself. In contrast, Ribéry is a ball of dizzying movement, driving France and Bayern forward with his energy.

The relationship between the two is one thing that could scupper Ribéry's arrival in England. In his advisory role at Real Madrid, Zidane could yet persuade his compatriot that his future lies at the Bernabéu.

This is no lazy exercise in compatriot-based join-the-dots, as was the case when some suggested Karim Benzema had chosen Spain ahead of England because of Zidane - the relationship between the two is cold, and Benzema recently admitted he and Zidane had not spoken since his arrival at the club. There is much mutual respect between Ribéry and Zizou despite their divergent characters.

The two have discussed the possibility of Ribéry's arrival on more than one occasion at Florentino Pérez' behest and the Bayern man has not been unreceptive to these advances. The fact that the young Brazilian Marcelo, no longer trusted at left-back, is currently being used wide on the left of midfield - Ribéry's preferred position - may suggest that the post is being kept warm for the arrival of Ribéry.

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Franck Ribery: A wanted man

With this in mind, if a Premier League club is to snare Ribéry, there can be no hanging about. It would be a tremendous boost to the competition, even if the cries of it being deposed by La Liga on the back of Real Madrid's summer splurge are exaggerated. The fact remains that Cristiano Ronaldo's departure has had an impact, as have Benzema and Kaká's decisions to choose Spain ahead of England. The Premier League's global success is built on its breathless, high-impact style, but also on the global stars, the best of whom - Henry, Torres, Drogba - manage to combine its physical characteristics with a high level of technique. Ribéry is an excellent candidate to replicate this success.

All of the leading clubs would almost certainly welcome him with open arms. Manchester United were never going to find a direct replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who fulfilled so many different roles in the side, but his absence means Sir Alex Ferguson is a touch too reliant on Wayne Rooney for craft in the final third, with Gabriel Obertan still a work-in-progress and question marks remaining over Dimitar Berbatov. Liverpool's dearth of creativity at times this season, meanwhile, has been such that the admirable Yossi Benayoun, previously viewed a squad player, has become key to Rafa Benitez' hopes, particularly when Steven Gerrard has been marginalised. Merseyside hopes of a player of Ribéry's wit arriving are such that hopeful rumours sighting the Frenchman in Liverpool chip shops (!) abounded last summer.

Arsenal may prefer a striker, but Ribéry could provide the attacking aggression that they lack. Maybe even Manchester City, with Craig Bellamy's form excellent but his fitness always brittle, and Robinho's future uncertain, could find a place in their line-up for Boulogne's favourite son. Yet leaders Chelsea seem the most likely. Their squad is the dictionary definition of solid, but their lack of a 'magic' player, a player who can break open a game with a moment of inspiration - especially with Joe Cole struggling to recover his best form - remains a worry.

The last player who looked like he could fill this role at Stamford Bridge was Arjen Robben, the brilliant but frustratingly fragile winger whose expensive arrival at the Allianz Arena in August could yet precipitate his team-mate's departure. Carlo Ancelotti's mature group looks good now, but 30-something players can turn from linchpins to liabilities in a flash at the top level, and the coach is playing a dangerous game relying too heavily on them. So come on, Carlo - it's time to vote Francky.

Ballack confident of success for Chelsea

2010-01-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

As Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich watched his side stutter through December in less than convincing fashion, an alarming sense of déjà vu must have descended upon him.

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Michael Ballack in action for Chelsea

With a Carling Cup exit at Blackburn followed by a defeat at Manchester City and draws against APEOL Nicosia, Everton, West Ham and Birmingham, the dominant aura Chelsea built up in the first four months of the season was rattled to the point where the club's demanding billionaire chief could have been forgiven for fearing the worst. The fact that the Blues retained their position atop the Premier League standings despite their unexpected mid-season dip in form must have helped Abramovich's mood, yet he could not help but feel as if he has lived through this kind of deflating experience once before after last year's false dawn. It's easy to forget that the first half of last season was a story of promise and optimism for Chelsea fans who waxed lyrical about the open and expansive style manager Luiz Felipe Scolari had brought to the club, while the bookmakers were quick to attach that tag of title favourites to the Blues, just as they have done once again this time. However, the first week of January in 2009 threw up a chilling reality for Abramovich and Chelsea's army of less wealthy followers as they began to realise their Brazilian saviour was, in fact, out of his depth in his first major job in European club football. A home draw with little Southend in the FA Cup was quickly followed by a thumping 3-0 defeat at Manchester United and less than a month later, Scolari was consigned to the ranks of former Premier League managers, with a massive cash pay-off compensating the public humbling he was forced to endure. One year on and Chelsea are entering a month that will answer plenty of questions about their incumbent coach and a team that were being hailed as "champions elect" in some quarters after they thrashed Arsenal 3-0 at Emirates Stadium in their last game of November. That was before the month that exposed a few forgotten blemishes in their make-up, with keeper Petr Cech among those who came under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. When you throw in the departures of Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou for the African Nations Cup, the pack chasing Chelsea had every right to feel a tingle of excitement as the New Year dawned. However, the vibes emanating from the Chelsea camp this year differ greatly to the hollow backing Scolari received a year ago. Not one Chelsea player, either publicly or via that "inside source" route, has voiced a note of concern about manager Carlo Ancelotti in the media and in the opinion of Blues midfielder Michael Ballack, the internal coup that sparked a change in coach last season will not be repeated this time.

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Michael Ballack: Backing his boss

"I'm part of a team that is ready to start winning the big prizes again and it feels like we now have a manager who will bring stability to the club," begins the Germany captain. "We have had too many coaches during my time at Chelsea and that is not a good idea if you want success. Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and Luiz Felipe Scolari all came and went before Guus Hiddink had some time with us last season, but it feels like Carlo Ancelotti is here to stay and that has to be good news for Chelsea. "This team has connected with Ancelotti and all the players believe he is a man who can work for us, which is a tribute to him because he has come into a dressing room full of highly experienced players who all have their own opinions and beliefs. "Maybe that was a problem for other coaches because this is a team where players are not afraid to stand up to each other. We saw that when we lost at Aston Villa earlier in the season and had a very open discussion in the dressing room. "It's not a bad thing when a group can be self-critical as it shows the commitment is there and none of us believe this is the perfect team. We have lost games this season and have some problems to solve, but this is part of the challenge." Big name players like Ballack have been around the game for long enough to pass balanced judgements on a coach and with so many dominant personalities littering the Chelsea dressing room, Ancelotti appears to have won respect from a group that quickly came to the conclusion that Scolari was not up to scratch. The need to navigate this tricky spell without Drogba and company is clearly vital to Chelsea's hopes, but Ballack insists the so-called "crisis" at Stamford Bridge needs to be given a touch of perspective. "We lost a game at Manchester City that could easily have gone in our favour and then everyone says there are problems at Chelsea, but I think our issues are only small," he adds. "City are a strong side and we missed big chances that helped them to win, but we need to work on areas of our team and set-plays are something we have to give a lot of attention to. "Defending free kicks and corners is a team effort and not just down to the defenders and Petr Cech and attacking at the other end is not just down to Drogba or Nicolas Anelka. The best teams win as a group and that is the idea Ancelotti promotes in this team. "The fact that we are top of the Premier League and still talking about areas to improve means we are a team with amazing potential and this is why I'm convinced we can look forward to the second half of the season. "Sure we will miss the African players when they are away because they bring so much to our team, but Chelsea has never been about one player and that's why I'm certain we can be strong again when it matters this season." Ballack is currently negotiating an extension to his lucrative Chelsea contract and at the age of 33, his pressing need to add some gold to his vast personal fortune should give him all the motivation he needs to get the Blues back onto the top podium in 2010. A couple of Premier League runners-up finishes, a losing Champions League Final medal and a brief substitute appearance in last season's FA Cup Final is the sum total of Ballack's three-and-a-half-year story of near misses at Chelsea, so he will be hoping their December blip does not become something more terminal before the end of season gongs are handed out this time. Oh, and just in case Ancelotti had any doubts that he is expected to deliver in the next few weeks, the sudden availability of a certain Guus Hiddink should focus his mind.

Old Trafford added time an "insult"

2010-01-03T19:12:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson described Chris Foy's decision to add five extra minutes at Old Trafford as an "insult" after Manchester United succumbed to a shock 1-0 defeat to Leeds United, but did concede that his side's performance had "shocked" him as they exited the FA Cup.

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson rues another missed chance

A first-half goal from Jermaine Beckford saw the home side lose to lower league opposition in the cup competition for the first time since Harry Redknapp's Bournemouth secured a 2-0 win in 1984, ensuring that the result at Old Trafford was the shock of the round.

Ferguson was bemused by the performance of his team which though it included youngsters such as Gabriel Obertan, Danny Welbeck and and Darron Gibson, also boasted two international strikers in the shape of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov.

But Ferguson, who this season has already called for the responsibility to award added time to be taken out of the hands of refeeres, was also angered by Foy's decision to signal five extra minutes. He said: "The referee gave five minutes. That is an insult to the game and the players out there."

"The preparation for the game was very good, but I'm shocked by the performance," Ferguson added. "We didn't start right and Leeds did start right. They got their goal and had something to hold onto.

"They fought like tigers, and we expect that with any team coming to Old Trafford for an FA Cup tie. It's a disappointment."

Manchester United now face rivals Manchester City in a midweek Carling Cup semi-final and Ferguson is ready to make widespread changes to his side after such an embarrassing result. Indeed, only winger Antonio Valencia escaped without a reprimand.

"We have a semi-final on Wednesday night and a lot of these players today won't be playing,'' Ferguson said. "You have to view that performance in its right light.

"I don't think any of them can say they had a good day. It took us ten minutes to find him but only Valencia can say he had a good performance. You have to get over these kind of results quickly. We have to make sure we are ready for Wednesday.''

Ferguson eager to renew ''fiesty'' Leeds rivalry

2010-01-01T03:26:00.001-08:00

Manchester United and Leeds United will rekindle one of the fiercest rivalries in England after a five-year hiatus on Sunday and Alex Ferguson is anticipating the FA Cup clash as eagerly as anyone.

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Simon Grayson's Leeds will face Man Utd.

United manager Ferguson, celebrating his 68th birthday on Thursday, said he expected the third round tie at Old Trafford to bring back stirring memories of matches against Leeds, who were relegated from the Premier League in 2004.

"Over the years they have always been fantastic, feisty occasions every time we met," he said at a news conference. "We used to have some great games at Leeds because the atmosphere was always electric and our record was pretty good there.

"There was always a tinge of hostility. I always said to the players, make sure you behave yourselves properly on the pitch because we don't need to add to the problems off the pitch, the way that hostility always seemed to hover around the game.

"They are bringing 9,000 fans so it is going to be a busy day for the police. But it will be a fantastic atmosphere, absolutely brilliant, it should be a good cup tie."

United and Leeds not only enjoyed a fierce rivalry in league matches over the years but their FA Cup semi-final battles in 1965 and 1970 are remembered as being among the most gruelling battles seen in the competition's long history.

Leeds won both ties after replays, but unlike Manchester United, who have won the FA Cup a record 11 times compared to the solitary Leeds success in 1972, the glory days of the West Yorkshire club are long behind them.

At least the club are now seemingly set on the path back to regaining their former status with promotion to the Championship looking likely at the end of this season.

Ferguson said he thought current manager Simon Grayson would soon return Leeds to the highest level of the English game.

"With the position they are in in their league, they look absolutely certain to be in the Championship next year and, with the motivation and drive coming from the manager, I think they've got a great chance to be in the Premier League the next couple of years," Ferguson predicted.

Police are taking every precaution to ensure the match goes ahead without trouble.

Superintendent John Graves, Greater Manchester Police's Match Commander, told a news conference on Thursday: "There are a lot of similarities between the two clubs. Both clubs have got great support and there's a lot of pride and passion and both clubs have suffered loss and tragedy.

"We've categorised this as an increased risk match and a lot of that is just because of the sheer volume of fans and the time of year.

"It's the last holiday day before people go back to work so it's the last opportunity to celebrate and we don't want anyone to spoil it or alcohol to be the cause of disorder."

Arsenal move for Brazilian teenager Wellington Silva

2010-01-01T03:25:00.001-08:00

According to a report, Arsenal have completed a deal for Brazilian starlet Wellington Silva.

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Arsene Wenger: Has he started his spending?

Arsene Wenger has been scouting the youngster for over a year, and has finally come to a £3.5 million agreement with his club Fluminense, according to his agent Rodrigo Pitta, who said: "We completed the transaction last week, the player is already Arsenal's and Fluminense have already received some money."

Wellington is not allowed to actually move to London until he is 18 (in January 2011), but it seems that Arsenal have already paid 65% of the fee in advance to stave off any future bidders trying to hijack the deal.

As further confirmation the youngster posted a picture on his personal website wearing an Arsenal shirt, although the club have yet to confirm anything.

Wellington came to England for a trial with the Gunners a year ago, scoring four goals in a youth game against Norwich, and he has been followed by the Arsenal scouts ever since.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Atletico and Real Madrid have all been linked with the player in the past.

Arsenal sign Brazilian boy wonder

2010-01-01T03:24:00.001-08:00

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly completed the £3.5million signing of Brazilian boy-wonder Wellington Silva.

Wenger has been monitoring the 16-year-old Fluminense striker for more than a year, along with several other top clubs including Chelsea and Manchester United.

Silva, nicknamed Ciel, impressed during a 7-day trial for the Gunners in December 2008, netting four goals in a 45-minute stint for the under-16s against Norwich.

However, due to FIFA rules, the Gunners faithful will not get to see Silva play in red and white for another year as he must remain at Fluminense until he turns 18, in January 2011.

It is understood Arsenal have paid 65 per cent of the transfer fee up front, with the remainder to follow when Silva moves to the Emirates.

Silva’s agent, Rodrigo Pitta, said: “We completed the transaction last week, the player is already Arsenal’s and Fluminense have already received some money.”

[Source: Daily Mirror]

Privacy Policy

2009-12-22T18:40:00.001-08:00

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Barcelona's Pique Hoping For Club World Cup Success

2009-12-11T21:40:00.001-08:00

Barcelona embark on their Club World Cup campaign on Wednesday, and Gerard Pique is hoping to win the trophy this time around.

The championships is the only major tournament missing from Barca's trophy cabinet, and Pique is hoping to change that. Speaking to Marca, he said, "All the titles are a priority for this team."

"But there is a special motivation for this one, because if you win it, you can say you are the best in the world."

Pique has been a key component of Barca's impressive defensive record this campaign, and he elaborated on the situation, continuing, "We have a positive feeling in defence."

"If you keep a clean sheet, your chances of winning increase."

Barca will face either Auckland City or Atlante in their first match of the Club World Cup.

Barcelona Star Lionel Messi Will Miss Espanyol Clash

2009-12-11T21:38:00.000-08:00

Lionel Messi's late injury against Dynamo Kiev has, as feared, ruled the Barcelona star out of the weekend encounter with Espanyol.

The Argentine pulled up with an ankle knock after scoring the winning goal in Kiev, and it has now been confirmed that this will keep him out of the derby.

Furthermore, Barcelona's official website states that Messi's involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup is now in jeopardy as well. The Blaugrana are set to face either Atlante of Mexico or New Zealand's Auckland City in the semi-final on Wednesday, December 16th.

This is Messi's second spell on the sidelines so far in 2009-10. The 22-year-old previously missed a clash against Inter due to a thigh injury sustained away to Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona Deal For Manchester City's Robinho To Be Sorted At Club World Cup

2009-12-11T21:35:00.000-08:00

As reported by Barcelona tabloid SPORT, the Robinho transfer saga will be sorted out in Abu Dhabi, where Barcelona will take part in the Club World Cup next week.

The Brazilian starlet has been out of action for two months due to an injury picked up in his country's World Cup Qualifier against Argentina, but has recently made a full recovery, appearing in Manchester City's last two matches.

It is believed that Barcelona president Joan Laporta will seek to negotiate a deal with Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the Catalan club's stay in the United Arab Emirates. Barca will only accept a loan deal for the player with the option to buy when the deal expires in June.

The report comes in the midst of conflicting news. Robinho allegedly told his Manchester City team-mates that he wanted to go to Barcelona, but today released a statement saying he could see himself in England for five or ten years.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been reported to be the fastest elite player in football, according to a German study

2009-12-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

"Is it a bird? Is it a plane?...No, it's Cristiano Ronaldo." The Portuguese flyer is the fastest elite player in world football according to a study conducted by the weekly German magazine Der Spiegel.

The study indicates that, in his boots, Cristiano Ronaldo is the fastest elite player in the world, reaching an average speed of 33.6 kilometres per hour (20.88 mph), a quality he uses to full effect by blowing past defenders.

According to the study, Ronaldo supercedes Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben (32.9 kph), Arsenal's Theo Walcott (32.7 kph), Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (32.6 kph) and Arsenal's Robin Van Persie (32.1 kph). Barcelona's Balon d'Or winner Lionel Messi did not rate amongst the top five fastest players.

CR9's blazing pace has already been well documented, former coach Sir Alex Ferguson having claimed that "Ronaldo is just as fast with the ball as he is without it... maybe even faster".

Should he train with his good friend and multi world-record holding sprinter Usain Bolt, Cristiano could soon further increase his speed as he has expressed interest in working with the Jamaican and has already received advice from the sprinter with respect to efficiently using one's centre of gravity.