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The King Speaks

2011-02-18T20:01:00.001+00:00

Eric Cantona has his say on money in football “I have no problem with players taking their share, because without players you have no game, But money cannot be your motivation. If the money is crazy, you can go play for another team. But the demands don’t always come from the player. There are people around him who are trying to manipulate him. I think the question we have to ask the players at the Cosmos Academy is ‘Why do you want
to play professional football? Do you want to be a great player, or do you want to become rich and famous? What is your dream?’ If you just want to become a professional and make money, I don’t want you on my team. But if you want to become the best player in the world and score a goal in the last minute to win the game, then I will help you become that. Me, when I was 4 years old, it was my dream to play with the best. When I got older, they paid me to play, but I would have played for nothing. I didn’t become a football player to become rich. Yes, rich as a person. Trophies. Memories.”

Luiz Surpasses Desailly

2011-02-18T15:25:00.002+00:00

David Luiz has made quite an impression since his big money move from Benfica. His eye catching full debut in the draw with Fulham has endeared him to the Chelsea faithful, and none more so than former player Marcel Desailly who reckons the defender is already better than himself "He's good, he's good, better than me. Technically, anticipation of the ball... he has a

great sensibility for the game."

Carlo Ancelotti is set for a selection headache when his three central defenders return to full fitness. The Italian has warned his players that none of them will be immune to being dropped, and with many fans favouring a Luiz and Alex pairing at the back, John Terry could be the man to make way.

King Kenny Gets The Banksy Treatment

2011-02-18T14:17:00.000+00:00

An aspiring artist in Liverpool has left his tribute to Kenny Dalglish stenciled opposite the clubs Melwood training ground. Local youngster David Cain chose an iconic image of the Liverpool boss to show his "appreciation to Kenny for getting us back up the table and being a legend".

Robbie Savage On Gattuso and Flamini

2011-02-18T12:25:00.001+00:00

Robbie Savage relives an encounter with Gattuso and also shares his views on "talentless" Mathieu Flamini. Firstly he spoke about coming up against the hot headed Italian "That was nearly nine years ago now, in the Millennium Stadium. We were drawing 1-1 with Italy in a Euro qualifier at the time. Simon Davies had put us ahead, but Alessandro Del Piero had got lucky with a free-kick which deflected off me and in. Just after the hour, Giovanni Trapattoni brought Gattuso on to try and win the game. I rattled into him early with a challenge he would have been proud of. Then it started
- the muttering, the brooding, the rash challenges. And for a change, they weren't coming from me! It only got worse when Craig Bellamy scored what proved to be our winner. Trapattoni had to take Gattuso off in the end, after 23 minutes on the pitch. He'd been an embarrassment."

On Mathieu Flamini, Savage added "He was a weak link whenever I played him at Arsenal and must be the luckiest footballer in the world to have got a move to a great club like Milan with such modest talents. I doubt he'll play for another big club once his contract expires." Savage may just be a little bit jealous of the Frenchman's successful career having failed to make the grade at Manchester United where he once played in the same youth team as Beckham, Scholes and the Nevilles.

De Rossi To United

2011-02-18T10:20:00.001+00:00

Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping to secure one of his longest term transfer targets with the signing of Daniele De Rossi from Roma in the summer. Fergie has been chasing the 27 year old Italian midfielder since prior to the 2006 World Cup which De Rossi went on to play in the final and win despite being suspended for four matches for a horrific elbow on Brian McBride. With the United midfield being regularly over run Fergie is in need of some extra bite and he'd certainly get this from the combative De Rossi. The World Cup winner who has been capped 63 times for his
country since making his debut aged 21 has spoken of his admiration for Manchester United and Ferguson in the past and is keen on move to the Premier League. Previous United bids in 2006 and again in 2009 were rejected by the club but it is now thought they are ready to sell with a fee in the region of £18m likely to secure his services.

Joe Jordan and Son Speak Out

2011-02-18T09:34:00.001+00:00

The son of Joe "jaws" Jordan has spoken about the spat his father had with Gennaro Gattuso during the recent champions league tie. Speaking about the moments after the headbutt he said "I've seen that look a few times, when I hadn't tidied my room or had trod mud through the lounge!". Gattuso has accused former AC Milan striker Jordan of using racist abuse to provoke him throughout the match. These claims have been widely rubbished and today Jaws released the following statement "To come up
with something like that is pathetic. It is completely and utterly untrue and something so wildly inaccurate doesn't do him much credit. He clearly doesn't realise I consider playing for Milan the proudest time of my career, that my daughter lives and works in Italy and that I love the country and the people. It's just a nonsense, it really is."

Wally Signs For City

2011-02-18T07:57:00.002+00:00

Officials from Greek club Aris Thessaloniki were left red faced after the official match programme went to print with a spoof picture of Man City's squad inside. The image shows Rooney, Kaka and just about every other top footballer in City shirts along with where's wally. The programme was presented to Gary Cooke at a pre match function where the mistake was spotted by himself and other officials. The City party found the image amusing but the hosts insisted that every copy had to be destroyed. Some of the match day programmes survived and have appeared on auction site ebay for £35.

Qatar Holdings Deny United Link

2011-02-17T11:55:00.001+00:00

Amid mounting speculation Qatar holdings have spoken out to deny any interest in purchasing Manchester United . Last week the deal was being reported as being close to completion and with neither side confirming or denying most spectators thought an announcement was imminent. United broke the silence first stating that "any approach would not be welcomed" and now after Qatar holdings announcement it looks like
the deal is dead for now.

This comes as bad news to the millions of United fans around the world as they seek to oust the current regime. Fan groups are deeply unhappy about the financial stability of the club and the use of profits to pay off the debt the Glazer's saddled the club with during the takeover in 2005.

Adebayor Wants Cesc Reunion

2011-02-16T23:52:00.001+00:00

Emmanuel Adebayor has angered Arsenal fans by calling on former teammate Cesc Fabregas to join him at Real Madrid. Barcelona had been firm favourites to land the midfield magician but recent financial troubles have seen them be priced out of the market. Adebayor who is hoping to make his loan move to Madrid permanent told journalists
"I had the opportunity to play with Cesc for a few years. We all know the assists and goals he is capable of. I loved him as partner - he's a great player and a great person. If he comes to Madrid, I would very happy. If he came, he would be a good fit for Real Madrid."

Little Shaun Wright Is Out The Door

2011-02-16T23:33:00.002+00:00

Pint sized winger Shaun Wright Phillips has resigned himself to leaving the club in the summer. He has had to make do with a place on the bench for most of the season and is now almost certainly set to leave in May. Roberto Mancini singled him out for criticism after City's recent Europa League draw describing him as ineffective. "To be quite honest, I'm here for three months and my heart is set on playing well for that period until the end of the season," said Wright-Phillips. Until the season is over, there's nothing much I can really say on the matter. I'm playing for City and that's the main thing. I don't do too much talking, I let my feet do that for me and that's what I plan on doing. I never think short-term or long-term. I don't feel I can do a job
for the club, I know I can do a job for the club. And there's a big difference between feeling and knowing. I know what I'm capable of, so it's just a question of whether the club want me or not. I'm never encouraged by another player's misfortune. Adam is a good friend, so I'm disheartened he's injured - for club and country - I'm just concentrating on playing well myself and working hard in training, as I've done before. That's the main thing. There should be opportunities to play, because we're involved in two cup competitions and going well in the league."

Stay Humble Raheem

2011-02-16T23:14:00.002+00:00

Raheem Sterling, needs to show humility

Liverpool prodigy Raheem Sterling has been warned to keep his feet on the ground by Rodolfo Borrell the Liverpool academy chief. Ever since Liverpool poached Sterling from QPR there have been rumours surrounding the Londoner that he fancies himself a bit.
Borrell told Liverpool TV "To score goals is massive for any player and he is a player with a lot of potential, everybody can see this, but I think it's time for him to have even more humility and work hard at the defensive side of his game and the things he's not so good at".

Sterling has been widely tipped to become the youngest player to play fro the Anfield giants, still an Under 16 player the future surely looks bright. Last year there were stories coming out of Melwood that Sterling had told a coach to "f*** off", another that he chastised and humiliated teammates by ridiculing their ability and there is constant stories about his attitude to training.
Liverpool will be working hard to smooth these edges, because Sterling is one of the best talents to come out of England in a long time.

Liverpool want Hernandez

2011-02-16T21:40:00.000+00:00

Liverpool are being strongly linked with a summer move for Valencia winger Pablo Hernandez. Liverpool can expect competition from Juventus and Manchester City. The Spainish international impressed this year in the Champions League against Man United. Hernandez attracted enquiries from Liverpool during the January window according to sources in the Spainish media. Whether he would be willing to join Liverpool if they do not qualify for the Champions League is another question. Liverpool with Andy Carroll in attack will need to buy a decent winger and Hernandez certainly fits the bill.

Bick Eck Denies Unrest

2011-02-16T18:27:00.002+00:00

Rumours of dressing room unrest at Birmingham have been strenously denied by manager Alex McLeish. Roger Johnson and Scott Dann are thought to be enraged after contract talks stalled but McLeish denies this saying:

"That is absolute news to me. That is absolutely laughable. I've got a great dressing room. It's news to me unless they're talking behind my back. I haven't seen Scott Dann for about
three or four weeks because we've given him some time off to recuperate from his injury so he's in the sun somewhere. "There's nothing in it. It's not the best time to talk about contracts and I think the players agree with that. I'm sure they'd love us to say here's another X amount per week and we'll sign you for another two years. But it's not appropriate at this moment in time and the players accepted that. No unrest, absolutely not."

Van Der Vaart on Gattuso & Flamini

2011-02-16T14:54:00.001+00:00

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael Van Der Vaart has spoken out against Gennaro Gattuso and Mathieu Flamini after last nights bad tempered game in the San Siro. "Unbelievable that Flamini was only a yellow, that was
definitely red. Afterwards, I saw Corluka's foot, very swollen. We hope that he recovers from the hefty bruise.' Gattuso hit all of us at least once. I hope that they see the pictures and that he is suspended. I tried to stop him but he was quite beside himself. I've never seen anything like it."

Fergie Eyes 18 Year Old Scholes Replacement

2011-02-16T09:42:00.001+00:00

German newspaper Das Bild are claiming that Sir Alex Ferguson has had his scouts track the progress of 18 year old playmaker Mario Gotze. The youngster has become a regular first team member
this season and has helped his side open up a ten point gap at the top of the Bundesliga. United are not the only club thought to be monitoring his progress as Inter Milan and Juventus keenly watch his every move. With four goals and a string of superb performances under his belt the teenagers price has rocket to £20m and with Scholes nearing the end of his career Fergie sees him as an ideal replacement.

Flamini Should Be Jailed

2011-02-16T09:12:00.004+00:00

Spurs full back Vedran Corlucka has said he thinks Mathieu Flamini "should be jailed" for his horror tackle during Spurs heroic victory in Italy last night. Flamini only received a caution for the two footed lunge that led to the Spurs player hobbling out of the game on crutches.

The contest became very heated during the second half as the Londoners frustrated the home side. Milan captain Gennaro Gattuso was lucky to still be on the pitch after pushing 59 year old Joe Jordan in the face after a touch line argument. After the game Gattuso sought out the Tottenham assistant for round two where he head butted Jordan before players and staff intervened.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp reckons there'd be only one winner if the two came to blows "My money's on Joe. There's only one winner. You wouldn't want to have a fight with Joe. Of all the people to pick on, don't pick on Joe. He's lucky Joe didn't take his teeth out!"

Martin Kelly Looks To Europe

2011-02-15T19:45:00.002+00:00

Liverpool youngster Martin Kelly is hoping to take the clubs league form with them into Europe as they prepare to face Sparta Prague. They haven't lost in six matches and had an impressive victory over reigning champions Chelsea last week. The Europa League offers the club a great avenue to try and win some silverware to salvage what has been a disappointing season so far.

The youngster said "We would have wanted to get the win against Wigan but we have to put it behind us and look to our game against Sparta Prague on Thursday now, we've done well to
progress and we want to go on to win it but we have to take it one game at a time. Any club can go on and win it so any game as a professional you want to win. That's our aim, but we'll take one game at a time. Our next one is the Sparta Prague one and that's what we're focused on. The knockout phase provides a different test than the group stages, you know you are up against good sides. We've got to get a good result over there so the second leg will be easier here at Anfield. I think the squad is pulling together now and you can see that on the pitch. We are trying to play our football, which is what we have been told to do, and hopefully we can get the result in the future."

Nasri Returns Early

2011-02-15T19:24:00.000+00:00

Arsenal have been given a huge boost as playmaker Samir Nari returns early from injury. The Frenchman was not expected to be in contention for a starting place for at least another week but is now expected to feature in tomorrow nights clash with Barcelona. Wenger confirmed his return this afternoon saying "Samir is in the squad and the starting line-up will be decided tomorrow. I will take no medical risk. It's good to have him in the squad. He's recovered quicker than expected. I said it would be 21 days but it will be only 17 days. Everybody's absolutely adamant that he's completely medically available. It's down to me to make the decision."

Kerry Dixon Confident Of Torres Success

2011-02-15T14:06:00.001+00:00

Former Chelsea goal machine Kerry Dixon is in no doubt that record signing Fernando Torres will come good for his new club. Dixon who scored 147 goals in 335 appearances said “I still believe Torres is a class act and he will come good. The biggest pressure on him is the price tag and the British transfer record fee. All eyes are on him and it will take time. He’s got to fit his style into the team and the team has to adjust to him. He’s only 26 and the best is yet to come, and I’m pretty sure Chelsea fans will see the best of Torres, and the best of this team under Carlo Ancelotti.”

Liverpool Chase Flying Dutchman

2011-02-15T12:03:00.000+00:00

Liverpool are stepping up their interest in Dutch attacking midfielder Gergino Wijnaldum by sending scouts to watch his every move. Representatives of the clubs scouting network have been present for his most recent set of fixtures. He'll have to improve his performances if he wants to impress as although very highly rated a recent dip in form has coincided with the arrival of the clubs scouts. . Competition for Wijnaldum is likely to be fierce but as it stands Liverpool are front of the queue. With his contract set to expire in 2012 Feynoord will be forced to sell in the summer or risk losing the youngster for nothing.

Rooney Is Fifa King

2011-02-15T09:27:00.001+00:00

After scoring a wonder goal on Saturday Wayne Rooney went home put his feet up and did it all over again. Joleon Lescott has revealed that he took on the United hitman in a game of FIFA 11 after the Manchester derby only to be beaten yet again. Lescott said "I just smiled at Wayne after the game but spoke to him later that evening through the Xbox. I just said 'That was a great goal' - you have to take your hat off to a goal like that. Wayne is a smashing player. I played FIFA with him. I'm all right but he's better. And, although he beat me, I'm almost there now - I think I can almost take him!"

Cruyff Dismisses Arsenal

2011-02-15T09:16:00.000+00:00

Barcelona icon Johan Cruyff has criticised the level of skill in the English league and said Barca have no reason to fear the Gooners in their Champions League tie. Speaking in the run up to the game he said "Arsenal’s game against Wolves showed once again that their forwards are incredibly fast and run their socks off, but also showed why English football is so attractive. The teams trade blows and everyone gives the ball away a huge amount of the time."

"It is that, giving the ball away, and the inability to string three passes together, that makes it attractive but Barcelona are not English and do not commit that sin. That is the difference. Not only do Barcelona string passes together, they do it so close to the opposition area and a long way from their own."

"You’re always going to lose the odd ball but if Theo Walcott, Arshavin, Van Persie and the rest are a long way from Victor Valdes’s goal, you can play the offside trap and also run down the fuel levels on those turbo engines that they have by making them chase the ball."

Arsenal are big underdogs in the tie with bookmakers pricing them at 3/1 for the home leg and 7/1 for the trip to the Nou Camp. Even the most optimistic Arsenal fans know they'll have to produce an epic performance to dispatch Pep Guardiola's side.

Villa On Torres' Departure

2011-02-14T16:41:00.000+00:00

Fernando Torres' Spanish teammate David Villa has sympathised with his plight while at Liverpool. Villa moved to Barcelona for a fee in the region of €40m in search of trophies this season and can relate to his teammates desire to play for a team that regularly challenges for silverware and qualifies for the Champions League every year.

He said "When you are not involved and you have to watch the matches on the television you feel that you are one rung down on the ladder from everybody else. It's the biggest club competition in the world and you don't enjoy your season anywhere near as much when you are not in it.

"I've been through it myself. Last year I didn't play Champions League football and your season is not complete. Fernando is a player who needs to be playing in the Champions League. He is one of the top forwards in the world and he needs to be in a team playing at the highest level.

"It is very difficult to be watching these games on the television year after year. I understand the criticism he received because everybody has their heart in their club but you have to see it from Fernando's point of view as well. I'm just really pleased that he is happy now."

Harry's Hammers Could Have Been Great

2011-02-14T14:25:00.001+00:00

Harry Redknapp has spoke of his disappointment at not being able to keep his old West Ham team together. The side that contained stars such as Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Joe Cole only fulfilled a fraction of its potential under then boss Harry Redknapp before financial constraints saw his exciting young side broken up. Here is what Harry had to say when asked if he was enjoying the game more than ever "Am I enjoying management more than ever? Well, I have always enjoyed it. I have enjoyed wherever I have been. I loved my time at Portsmouth. This is a good team. But I had a good team at West Ham and it would have been a great team had we kept them together."

Redknapp who left West Ham in mysterious circumstances has since explained what led to his departure "The chairman Terry Brown had offered me a new four-year contract. What I did was talk to a fanzine, made some comments, and sometimes I should be a bit more careful. I sat down with these guys from the fanzine and they started asking me questions and I spoke to them in the way I’d talk to someone in a pub. I said a few things I shouldn’t have said. He read it and got very upset. I walked into his office expecting to sign the contract and walked out without a job!"

Redknapp's Spurs side who are currently occupying the final Champions League have been playing some of the most exciting football in the league this year with flying winger Gareth Bale and playmaker Rafael Van Der Vaart in fine form.

Is Fergie Sexist?

2011-02-14T10:43:00.000+00:00

Alex Ferguson is being accused of being a sexist pig by some media outlets over a letter he wrote to a female physio 17 years ago. The woman who has refused to be named dug up the letter in the aftermath of the Andy Gray and Richard Keys saga.

Here is Fergie's response to her request for work placement in 1994 "Most of the players felt that football was very much a male sport and did not really like the thought of females being involved with the treatment of sports injuries within the training complex. The general thoughts of the players regarding a female physiotherapist were that they would prefer to be treated by a male physiotherapist, they would feel more comfortable and they felt it would be much easier to discuss their problems with another male."

Manchester United moved quickly to deny the accusations of sexism saying "He was talking about the general thoughts of the players at that time. It wouldn’t happen again - the football environment is different. We now have a female physio working with the academy players."

What are your thoughts? Is Fergie a misogynist? Or are people making something out of nothing.