Football Update

Leonardo: Milan-Manchester United Will Be A Great Game

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:03:00 +0000

Milan coach Leonardo is eager to clash with Manchester United in the Champions League after Friday's draw, but insists there is still plenty of time to work on the game.

Leonardo is aware of the difficulties involved in playing the 2008 winners, but believes his men have what it takes to do the damage.

"Manchester United are a great side with a big tradition," Leonardo told the press at Milanello.

"They have great objectives like we do, and so it will be an equal game. There is still time, but no doubt they are a great team.

"All we can say now is that it will be a great game. Then it will be the moment of truth nearer the time."

Salvatore Landolina

Champions League Draw: Italy v England As Milan Meet Manchester United & Inter Tackle Chelsea

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:57:00 +0000

The draw for the first knockout round of the Champios League conjured up some tasty ties, with Milan versus Manchester United and Jose Mourinho's Inter versus Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea the pick of the bunch.

European Champions Barcelona were handed a good draw against German strugglers Stuttgart, while Real Madrid play Lyon and Arsenal meet Porto.

The draw was arranged so that eight group winners would be paired with eight group runners-up, although no team from the same group or country could meet.

The first legs will be played on 16/17 and 23/24 February 2010, with the second legs on 9/10 and 16/17 March. The group winners will play the second leg at home.

Full Champions League Last 16 Draw

VfB Stuttgart	Barcelona
Olympiacos	Bordeaux
Inter	Chelsea
Bayern Munich	Fiorentina
CSKA Moscow	Sevilla
Lyon	Real Madrid
Porto	Arsenal
Milan	Man Utd

Carlo Garganese

Clarence Seedorf: Self Of Confidence by AC Milan

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:29:00 +0000

AC Milan champion Clarence Seedorf has praised his team-mates’ new-found fiber after the Rossoneri defeated Serie A high-flyers Parma 2-0 terminal night.

Marco Borriello bagged a brace to unstoppered his statement for the season and the Diavoli have now moved into fourth in the standings aweigh of this afternoon’s games.

“Little by little, the team are coming out,” Seedorf told the club’s website.

“We are happy and undergo there is a long road aweigh of us, but I wager that the side is nonetheless starting to have belief in its qualities and I like that.”

Milan are victorious in Serie A since a 1-0 reverse at the hands of Udinese on September 23 and have registered three victories and digit entertainer in their terminal four outings.

Next up for Leonardo’s men is a home clash with Spanish giants Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday after a memorable 3-2 triumph at the Bernabeu terminal month.

Football Update

Sir Alex Ferguson Defends Gabriel Obertan After Home Manchester United Debut

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:22:00 +0000

French winger Gabriel Obertan has received the backing of his manager Sir Alex Ferguson following his long-awaited home debut in a Manchester United shirt.

The former Bordeaux youngster was signed from the French edifice during the summer though a back injury has limited the 20-year-old to just a handful of reserve appearances before last week.

Obertan made his prototypal team gesture in the League Cup victory over Barnsley in midweek and was introduced in the 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers yesterday as a replacement for Nani after 63 minutes.

Despite imperfectness to encounter the net with digit gilt-edged chances on his Premier League debut, Ferguson was hurried to offer his support to the tricky midfielder suggesting that he was pleased with Obertan's coverall performance.

\"Gabriel was a taste troubled when he came on,\" said the Scot, as quoted by the Press Association.

\"It was exclusive his ordinal game in seven months, so you have to put it in perspective. But then he settled down and did well. He is not happy with himself and that is a good thing.\"

Blackburn held United for large period of the game and it wasn't until the 55th minute that Dimitar Berbatov finally broke the deadlock for the champions.

Wayne Rooney added a ordinal to accolade the three points and Ferguson was pleased with his side's attacking edge in the ordinal half.

\"The players worked rattling hard as Blackburn set out their stall,\" he added.

\"You always get a taste concerned when you haven't scored.

\"But we don't panic. We have that experience. We can win games in the 93rd minute.

\"You need that patience, though, and we improved our onset in the ordinal half. That is a strong virtue of this club.\"

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Jorge Valdano Delight By Getafe Win

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:13:00 +0000

Jorge Valdano is pleased with Real Madrid's separate of results in the association after they additional another three points against Getafe, but was not full of praise for the team's style.

The Spanish giants' director general saw Manuel Pellegrini's men put their midweek Copa del Rey humiliation behind them with what he described as an tender get on Saturday evening.

Raul Albiol was sent off for Madrid, but they were still able to beat their neighbours, Getafe to move to within a point of metropolis at the top of the table.

"The team played in an tender fashion from the start," Valdano was quoted as saying by the club's authorised website.

"We didn't give them any advantages in defence, which is very important. We won thanks to visit and to knowing we had to grab hold of the status with just ten men.

"We due the game against Getafe to be tense and that's just what we saw at the start. We managed to overcome initial unease despite suffering from a very rigorous flushed card. We are grateful to the crowd for helping us."

Madrid were able to remain on Barça's trail as they bounced back after losing in the Champions League and the Copa while being held at Sporting Gijon in La Liga last weekend.

"We're having a enthusiastic separate in the league. We all knew our pride had to attain the prizewinning of us after much a difficult week. If anything, we learned to be humble in Alcorcon,\" Valdano added.

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Bordeaux Tell Arsenal To Increase Marouane Chamakh Offer

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:52:00 +0000

Arsenal have been informed that they will have to increase their offer for Marouane Chamakh if they are to land the Morocco international from Bordeaux.

Arsene Wenger is believed to be a keen admirer of the striker's talents and the north London club have been linked with a move for the Bordeaux star throughout the summer.

With the sale of Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City, the Gunners are undoubtedly interested in bolstering their attacking options before the start of the Premier League season and Chamakh may just fit the bill.

It is believed that Arsenal had an initial bid in the region of €7 million rejected by Bordeaux and the French club's president, Jean-Louis Triaud, is refusing to budge on his Valuation of the 25-year-old.

"We said we would facilitate his transfer to a big club," Triaud told French radio station RMC.

"But if [Lyon's Bafetimbi] Gomis is worth €15million, Marouane is worth at least as much.

"Arsenal made an offer of €7 million on Monday. Since then I have not had any contact with them. It is up to them to decide."

Stephen Darwin

Manchester United And Liverpool To Fight Over David Villa - Report

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:49:00 +0000

Manchester United and Liverpool are to test the resolve of Valencia and launch a bid for their star player David Villa, according to a report in The Independent.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is keen to partner Villa with Spanish international team-mate Fernando Torres, and is planning to Invest the money gained by selling Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid by bringing the forward to Anfield.

Sir Alex Ferguson, for his part, had claimed his summer spending was over but has apparently reconsidered, believing his squad may be exposed should Michael Owen pick up an injury this season.

The Red Devils are planning to discuss a potential deal with Valencia before the two sides meet for a friendly on Wednesday. It is believed a bid of £25 million could tempt Los Che to sell their prime asset.

It is reported that Ferguson is also interested in acquiring creative midfielder David Silva from Valencia.

If Liverpool miss out on Villa, they will then switch their attentions to firming up their interest in Roma's Alberto Aquilani.

Owen Watson

Chelsea Plan £100m Raid For Frank Ribery, Andrea Pirlo & Sergio Aguero - Report

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Chelsea are planning to submit bids for Bayern Munich's Frank Ribery and Athletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero, according to a report in The Daily Mail.

Roman Abramovich is set to make a signal of the club's intent following club captain John Terry seeking assurances from the Chelsea hierarchy that the club would seek to bolster their ranks.

The report states that manager Carlo Ancelotti wants Milan's Andrea Pirlo to play in the holding midfield role in his diamond formation, with a fee of £12m plus Claudio Pizarro being mooted as possibly enough to persuade the Italian giants to do business

Chelsea are then set to battle it out with Manchester United for the signature of Aguero, who is rated at £45m by his current club, Athletico Madrid. It is claimed Aguero was seeking wages of £200k a week to move to the Premier League, and this had initially cooled Chelsea's interest.

Meanwhile, the club are also planning to offer more than £40m to tempt Ribery to Stamford Bridge, and believe Bayern Munich will be tempted into selling as the transfer deadline approaches. Bayern had previously insisted Ribery would see his contract out at the club.

Owen Watson

Real Madrid Insure Cristiano Ronaldo's Legs For €100m

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:33:00 +0000

Real Madrid have protected themselves in the event of Cristiano Ronaldo suffering a serious injury by insuring the Portuguese superstars’ legs for the grandiose sum of €100m.

Sunday newspaper The World reports that the former Manchester United man, who became a record signing following his €94m switch to the Bernabeu, has been given unique treatment in keeping with his importance to the side, and that Los Blancos acted quickly to ensure that they would be compensated in the event of Ronaldo being unable to play.

The 24-year old recently picked up a knock and the injury to his knee was quickly assessed by club doctors, who gave the player the all-clear.

Ronaldo’s purchase came as part of an unprecedented summer of spending by the Spanish club, which has also included the acquisitions of Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol.

However, it has been the arrival of Ronaldo that has been most celebrated by the clubs’ followers, and Los Merengues have now acted to ensure their investment is suitably protected.

Lets just hope that Kaka's legs don't feel overlooked.

Paul Macdonald

Inter Agree Deal For Real Madrid's Wesley Sneijder - Report

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:40:00 +0000

Real madrid have agreed a deal to transfer Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder to Italian side Inter according to reports from Italy.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that an initial loan deal has been agreed between the two clubs, with the Spanish side receiving €4m, with the Serie A champions having an option to make the transfer permanent for a fee of €18m.

Sneijder’s future at the Bernabeu has been in doubt since the return of Florentino Perez and his array of new signings, and the player himself has expressed his displeasure at his clubs exuberant spending, forcing him further down the pecking order.

A number of European sides are thought to have been interested in the 25-year old, but it is thought that Jose Mourinho has swooped to land the former Ajax man.

Sneijder joined Real Madrid in 2007 for a fee of €27m, and helped Los Blancos retain their La Liga crown, but toiled last season as his side were overshadowed by Barcelona’s imperious treble-winning campaign.

It is believed that the player must now agree terms with Inter in order to conclude the deal, and the transfer could be concluded in the next few days.

Paul Macdonald

Liverpool Want €35M 'Plus Five' From Real Madrid For Xabi Alonso - Report

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:09:00 +0000

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is today reported as having handed in an official transfer request to his club, as his proposed switch to Real Madrid edges closer to becoming a reality.

High-profile Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has told Sky Sports News today that the Spanish giants are once again talking to the Reds about the transfer, though there is a significant disparity between each club's valuation of the player.

"Real Madrid and Liverpool are talking about the future of the player," Balague said. "There's been an offer made by Real Madrid of €25 million which, funnily enough, is inferior to the offer made about three weeks ago, the last time they talked when there was a fax with an offer of €27 million.

"Now it's 25, and Liverpool are asking for €35 million, plus five (million). So there is still a big difference between what Real Madrid are offering and what Liverpool want.

"But the news is both clubs are talking for the first time in three weeks."

Balague also intimated that the process of the move was likely to be quick, with Liverpool in particular wanting the matter resolved as soon as possible. Now that Los Blancos have concluded the deal taking Gabriel Henize to Olympique de Marseille, they will begin to move with more alacrity regrading Alonso, the reporter feels.

Zack Wilson

Manchester United To Tempt Sergio Aguero From Atletico Madrid - Report

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:02:00 +0000

Premier League champions Manchester United are set to re-ignite their interest in Argentine wonder kid Sergio Aguero, and reports suggest that they will test Atletico Madrid resolve with a substantial bid.

The 21-year old had another successful season in La Liga with Los Colchoneros, partnering Diego Forlan in attack for the Champions League qualifiers, and has been previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

The English side have cash to burn following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, and The Sunday Express comments that Sir Alex Ferguson will look to the young striker as he builds his side for defending their league crown.

A bid of around €41m is expected from Old Trafford, despite Atletico frequently insisting that Aguero is not for sale at any price, but Ferguson sees Aguero as a direct replacement to Carlos Tevez and wants to boost his striking options.

The Red Devils are also interested in Valencia winger David Silva, who has also been linked with rivals Liverpool, and it is believed that an offer of around €29m would be sufficient to commence negotiations with Los Che over a possible transfer.

Paul Macdonald

Player Ratings: Juventus 1-0 Napoli

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:01:00 +0000

JUVENTUS

Buffon: 6.0- Did not have much to do but stood tall to deny Hamsik in the 39th minute.

Molinaro: 6.0- No major blunders to speak of and worked hard to earn his paycheque tonight.

Legrottaglie: 7.0- He was calm and collected at the back and was enjoying a solid performance until he was forced off with an injury.

Chiellini: 7.0- The no-nonsense defender did a valiant job of keeping Lavezzi, Denis and Hamsik off the score-sheet

Grygera: 6.0- Did what was asked of him tonight without any fuss and managed to push forward on occasion

Marchisio: 8.0- Patrolled the midfield with supreme confidence and chipped in with the winning goal. He has a real bright future ahead of him.

Poulsen: 7.5- He ran his socks off and it was his tackle and subsequent pass that set-up Marchisio's goal.

Marchionni: 7.0- Gave Contini all sorts of problems with his forward runs but missed a great chance in the 49th minute.

Giovinco: 6.0- The pint-sized playmaker missed a glorious chance in the 15th minute and did not make the impact he would have liked tonight.

Del Piero: 6.5- Looked lively in the early going and tested Navarro on a couple of occasions but faded away as the match wore on and was eventually substituted

Trezeguet 6.0- The French goal poacher was robbed by Navarro in the 15th minute. He was caught offside on too many occasions in the first half.

SUBS: Salihamidzic (64”) 6.5 Amauri (69”) 6.0, Mellberg (72”) 6.0

NAPOLI

Navarro: 7.0- The Argentine goalkeeper made a handful of quality saves in the first 20 minutes to keep his team in the match and was terribly unlucky on the shot that did get past him.

Contini: 6.0- He had a tough time dealing with Marchionni’s forward runs and will not be too pleased with his performance.

Cannavaro: 6.5- Did an admirable job of keeping Del Piero and Trezeguet in check tonight.

Santacroce: 7.5- The young right-back looked nervous in the early going but settled down and did his reputation as one of Italy’s best young defenders absolutely no harm.

Blasi: 6.0- The ex-Juve midfielder did his old team a favour when Marchisio’s shot deflected off him and into the back of the net. Somehow escaped a booking as well tonight.

Pazienza: 6.0- Battled hard against Poulsen who got the better of him this evening.

Montervino: 5.5- Was completely anonymous in the first half and was the first player substituted off.

Vitale: 5.0- Did not make any sort of impact this evening and was substituted with the match still hanging in the balance

Hamsik: 6.0- The midfield dynamo could only muster up one good chance tonight and Buffon was up to the task.

Lavezzi: 6.5- The Argentine magician failed to produce any tricks tonight but was unlucky that his goal was disallowed in the late going due to Cannavaro being offside.

Denis: 6.0- Battled hard with Chiellini but could not muster up any good scoring chances and was not on the same wavelength with his strike partner.

SUBS: Datolo (46”) 7.0, Aronica (78”) 6.0, Russotto (78”) 6.0

Guti And Raul Help Real Madrid Beat Espanyol

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 23:58:00 +0000

Espanyol 0-2 Real Madrid

Guti and Raul scored spectacular goals to help Real Madrid to yet another league win on Saturday night.

Mauricio Pochettino lined Espanyol up in similar fashion to last weekend, playing five in midfield to support Ivan Alonso up front.

Juande Ramos, meanwhile, stuck with his usual formation, keeping faith with the much maligned Gabriel Heinze.

First Half

As expected, the match started at a frantic pace, with plenty of space available for both sides. Espanyol had the first genuine chance, when Luis Garcia's vicious free-kick was parried away by Iker Casillas. The home side certainly looked the more comfortable, as they constantly raided forward without creating any clear cut opportunities.

It took 17 minutes for Real Madrid to threaten the goal for the first time, when Arjen Robben cut in from the left and unleashed a trademark shot, only to see it fly wide of the near post. The Dutch winger was starting to get more involved, as Real Madrid seemed to look for him at every opportunity, but Espanyol generally had enough defenders back to deal with the situation.

Ivan De La Pena, meanwhile, was at the centre of all of Espanyol's attacks, but he often lacked the requisite support. After the manic beginning, both sides settled down as the ball began to do the rounds in midfield without ever really threatening to go in.

Despite the positive opening, the match had soon turned into a disappointing affair, with chances appearing very thin on the ground. Both sides seemed more intent on making sure the other did not get anywhere near the goal, with the forwards barely touching the ball. Thus the first half ended goalless, with both sides desperately in need of inspiration during the break.

Second Half

Both sides came out with more intent in the second half, with the match flowing from end to end. Still, they failed to create many chances in the initial stages, with Ivan de la Pena coming closest when his shot from distance was easily saved by Casillas.

Juande Ramos wasted no time in making changes, taking Wesley Sneijder and Gonzalo Higuain off, and replacing them with Guti and Marcelo. Mauricio Pochettino responded with a change of his own, withdrawing the ineffective Ivan Alonso for Raul Tamudo.

Despite the intent, it looked very much as if a set piece would provide the only chance of a breakthrough, and so it proved when Guti struck on 66 minutes. His sweetly struck left footed free-kick cleared the ball and was touched onto the inside of the near post by Carlos Kameni, only for it to drop neatly into the net. Having just come on, Guti had given his side a largely unexpected lead.

The shock on the Espanyol bench was apparent, and it was to get even worse for them five minutes later. Receiving the ball in space on the left, Marceloa squared the ball for Raul, who finished expertly from the edge of the box, smashing it into the bottom corner with his first touch, giving Kameni no chance. Juande Ramos could take a lot of credit for the goals, after his subs played an integral part in both of them.

Sensing that the game was won, Ramos decided to give Robben a rest, replacing him with Javier Saviola. The heart had been ripped out of Espanyol, and they looked unlikely to score, with Madrid looking increasingly dangerous on the counter. With about ten minutes left, Raul Tamudo came close after beating two defenders, but his long shot flew over the bar.

On the edge of full time, Nene sent a menacing free-kick inches wide. That proved to be the last chance of the match, as Madrid hung on to the three points, to heap all the pressure on Barcelona before tomorrow night. Espanyol, meanwhile, slip ever closer to relegation.

Espanyol 0-2 Real Madrid
Guti 66, Raul 71

Espanyol: Kameni - Sanchez, Jarque, Pareja, Garcia - Hurtado (Lolo 83), Luis Garcia, Roman (Coro 73), De La Pena, Nene - Ivan Alonso (Tamudo 62)

Real Madrid: Casillas - Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Cannavaro, Heinze - Diarra, Sneijder (Guti 58), Robben (Saviola 75) - Higuain (Marcelo 58), Huntelaar, Raul

Yellow Cards: Pepe 04, Sneijder 47, Moises 64, David Garcia 86

Arjun Miglani

Benitez Rues Liverpool Missed Chances Against Middlesbrough

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 23:54:00 +0000

The Liverpool boss holds onto slim hopes of securing first Premier League title.

Having secured a memorable victory against an in-form Real Madrid side in the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday Liverpool travelled to the Riverside Stadium almost expecting to beat Middlesbrough.

Football, though, can be a funny game and a Middlesbrough side that hadn’t won in 14 Premier League games quite comfortably despatched Rafael Benitez’s travelling Liverpool contingent.

It was a game that Benitez thought hinged on the opening half an hour. “In the first thirty minutes we had five chances, for me, that is the summary of the game” he told BBC Sport after the match.

“If you don’t take your chances and you concede a goal…you have to go forward,” he continued. “They were playing counterattack [after they scored] so if you want to win this game you have to take your chances.”

Benitez reflected on his side’s inability to capitalise when they were on top in the game, highlighting a El Zhar’s “one on one with the keeper”.

“You cannot change things now but we are clearly very disappointed.”

Commenting on Liverpool’s title chances, Benitez was sombre.

“If before the game was difficult now it is more difficult, that is clear,” he said. “We have to think about Sunderland and after we will think about Real Madrid.”

The Liverpool boss had little to say about the weeks boardroom revelations that Rick Parry would step down at the end of the season.

“It is a decision between the owners and Rick Parry, we have to concentrate on football.”

Owen Watson

'Boro's Tuncay Puts Nail In Liverpool Title Challenge Coffin

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 23:43:00 +0000

Middlesbrough 2-0 Liverpool

Second top Liverpool took on second bottom Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium this afternoon. The last time Liverpool won a game at the Middlesbrough was in March 2002 in a 2-1 victory in which Gareth Southgate scored for the home side. His Middlesbrough side hasn’t won a Premier League game since November.

Both teams began the game trying to play in a direct manner and this resulted in chances at both ends in quick succession. Liverpool forward Nabil El Zhar tested keeper Brad Jones with a powerful strike from the right-hand side of the box after being played through by Dirk Kuyt.

Middlesbrough responded through Gary O’Neil. Tuncay Sanil released Stewart Downing on the left, the England wide man whipped the ball into the penalty area. O’Neil ran across full-back Fabio Aurelio and did well to get his foot to the ball, but his effort was comfortably saved by Pepe Reina.

Aureilo was then involved at the other end in the 14th minute, he was allowed to cross the ball into the area and he found Kuyt on the penalty spot. The Dutchman’s first touch was good but his strike was straight at Jones who managed to tip the ball over the bar for a corner.

It was shaping up as a good game, Liverpool looking comfortable in possession with Middlesbrough looking lively on the break. It was the home side that took the lead in the 32nd minute from a corner. Downing delivered the ball into the box, Martin Skrtel missed his header and the ball bounced off Xabi Alonso’s thigh and into the Liverpool net. It was Middlesbrough’s first goal in nearly nine hours of league football.

Middlesbrough were on the ascendancy, a tactical reshuffle from Southgate seemed to be paying dividends and the home side were attacking Skertel, playing right-back, at every opportunity. The 41st minute saw Downing skip past a lame Skertel challenge to force a save from Reina low to his left.

The second half saw Liverpool resume their dominance. Steven Gerrard, making his 300th league start for Liverpool, drove down the left five minutes into the half and cut back to El Zhar who was eight yards from goal. The young French forward skied his effort over the bar when it was easier to score. It was a glorious chance to equalise.

Liverpool were made to pay for this missed opportunity as it was Middlesbrough that extended their lead on the 64th minute. A Liverpool attack broke down and the home side strung quickly on the break. O’Neil launched a ball over the top for Jeremie Alladiere who got in behind Sami Hyypia, the former Arsenal forward cut the ball back to Tuncay who made no mistake, slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

The visitors were on the ropes but they responded with a series of chances, Gerrard the architect as Alonso tried to redeem for his own goal, but his snapshot was deflected wide. Minutes later Gerrard crossed for Kuyt but the Dutch international couldn’t quite connect at the back post. Middlesbrough were defending heroically.

Middlesbrough continued to utilise the counterattack to good effect, Tuncay crossed beautifully for substitute Marlon King at the back post. The on-loan Wigan forward struck the ball well but it didn’t have enough power or accuracy to beat Reina who saved.

Things went from bad to worse for Liverpool, Gerrard hobbled off on the 78th minute and Jamie Carragher had already been removed. Middlesbrough almost extended their lead further, Downing crossed the ball to the far post from the left and O’Neil’s volley was just wide of the target. It would be been a fantastic goal.

Substitute Lucas Leiva wastes a good opportunity five minutes from time when he was all alone 12 yards from goal but he was in two minds as to whether to cross or shoot and ended up doing neither. It was woeful football from the Brazilian.

King could have made the result even more emphatic in extra time, he had the ball in the net but Emanuel Pogatetz delayed just a fraction too long before releasing the forward. It was the home side looking more likely in the dying stages.

The result is even more shocking as Middlesbrough had gone 14 without a win before today. Only West Bromwich Albion have endured a similar baron run and went on to remain in the top flight. Southgate will be hoping his side can use this result as a springboard as they climb out of the relegation zone. Liverpool meanwhile drop into third position in the league as their title challenge fades into the smog on Riverside.

Owen Watson

Football Update : Shevchenko Joins Milan

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:34:00 +0000

Chelsea have announced that Andrei Shevchenko has re-joined Milan, ending months of speculation in the process.Milan and Sheva have finally got what they both wanted as the player returns to his old hunting ground. Chelsea have announced the player will return to San Siro subject to a successful medical.

Milan: Shevchenko Deal Almost Sealed

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:09:00 +0000

The Ukrainian hit-man is on his way out from Stamford Bridge and he has long been linked with a return to the Rossoneri. Initially the move didn’t want to take off but some pushing and shoving by Milan chief Silvio Berlusconi seems to have moved negotiations through. Ramaccioni is confident of Sheva’s return and he reveals it will be sooner rather than later. “We are close to the end of the deal,” the director told Radio Goal. “I hope these little things that have to be done are done as soon as possible.” Sheva has never managed to light up the Premier League since his £30m move there in 2006. The striker has always wanted to return to his old side, and he fuelled speculation of a move back to San Siro by meeting up with the team during their Champions League match last season against Arsenal. He also wined and dined with Carlo Ancelotti in the Russian Railways Cup. Milan have already made some great additions up front with Ronaldinho’s arrival. Shevchenko’s return is likely to propel the team towards the Scudetto this term.

Salvatore Landolina

The Memory

Berba 'Signs' For United

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:40:00 +0000

The Sun exclusively snapped the Bulgarian hitman scribbling his signature on a Red Devils shirt proffered to him by a fan at the Sofia Airport. Berbatov has been itching for a move to Old Trafford over the last few weeks, as he is desperate to play in the Champions League once more. And while Spurs and United are deep in negotiations, a disagreement over the transfer fee means the deal remains incomplete. The 27-year-old recently attempted to quash speculation that his desire to leave was causing problems at White Hart Lane, insisting he had behaved professionally and above board despite his wish to move on. Lilywhites fans remained doubtful regarding Berbatov's commitment to the club, however, and this latest development will surely complete his transformation from hero to villain. Spurs legend Jimmy Greaves said: “Signing the United shirt is certainly cheeky. “He clearly wants to leave. If he doesn’t want to stay they should get rid of him.”

Cecil Braun

Berbatov top 10 Goal's

Wenger Still Wants To Sign Inler

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:25:00 +0000

Following the departure of Gilberto Silva, Aliaksandr Hleb and Mathieu Flamini, Arsenal’s priority in the summer transfer market had been to sign a top quality centre midfielder.

So far manager Arsene Wenger has not brought in any replacements, and their narrow 1-0 win over newly promoted West Bromwich Albion on Saturday suggested that the Gunners are lacking a bit punch in the middle-of-the-park.

Arsenal have been linked to Aston Villa's Gareth Barry, Xabi Alonso of Liverpool and Yaya Toure, brother of Arsenal defender Kolo, but with all these players now cup-tied from Europe, it appears unlikely that any will be arriving in North London.

According to the Daily Mail, Wenger could now be set to make one big last effort to sign Udinese midfielder Inler before the end of the transfer window on September 1.

The 24-year-old has seen his stock rise over the past 12 months after a superb debut season in Serie A, following his transfer from FC Zurich.

Inler, who has been also been associated with a move to Liverpool, Juventus and Inter, is valued at €10m..

The classy schemer has stated on a number of occasions that he wants to stay at Udinese, but it remains to be seen whether or not he can resist a move to England, should an offer be forthcoming.

Anthony Sormani

this is way he play

Robinho Is Staying For Sure - Report

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:20:00 +0000

Marca wrote in glowing terms of Calderón's recent actions, stating that the 'presi' "has been steadfast at all times and has not yielded to the claims of the English club," namely Chelsea. It is thought that Madrid were for a time under pressure from Robinho's agent, Wagner Ribeiro, to accept the megabucks offer from Chelsea for their star winger. Indeed, Robinho was described as being unhappy at the club after being allegedly used as a bargaining chip during the Cristiano Ronaldo saga, and his being kept back from the Olympic Games merely cemented his sour mood. However it is thought that the promise of a new contract at Madrid has persuaded the ex-Santos man to stay at the club, especially given that Calderón is said to be playing hardball with Abramovich, who is sweating over the prospect of having to break the €40m barrier for a last-ditch attempt at signing Robinho - one that looks increasingly unlikely. Despite this positive report, though, Calderón has still been quieter than usual recently. It is thought that he is wounded by the failure to land Cristiano Ronaldo, not to mention earlier reports of unrest surrounding Robinho. That Marca is reporting that the winger's situation is now resolved, though, may signal a return to the public eye for the president, although if Wagner Ribeiro again surfaces to report his client's thoughts then Calderón could again be placed under pressure. While Marca writes in glowing terms, of course, one must remember that Calderón has not gone uncriticised by others this summer.

Steve Michaels, Goal.coma

This Why Chelsea want robinho....?

No One Wants To Leave United - Fergie

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:13:00 +0000

The transfer saga of the summer came to an end earlier this week when Cristiano Ronaldo formally announced he would be staying at Manchester United this summer, despite interest from Real Madrid. In an all-telling interview, the Portuguese explained that though he wanted and still wants to go to Real Madrid, he will respect Manchester United's wishes and remain at Old Trafford this summer. It is widely expected already that the 23-year-old will still move to Madrid, only next summer, as he made clear the plethora of reasons why he wishes to ply his trade in the Spanish capital, while maintaining it is not something he will be looking to achieve this summer. Sir Alex, however, remains confident as ever that his star player will not be leaving any time soon and will learn to love the Red Devils as he loves Madrid. "As he gets older, I think Cristiano will appreciate being here more and more," said the Scot. "That happens with players the longer they stay here. They don't want to leave. It's unusual for anyone to want to leave Manchester United. Cristiano realises that, too. "We had a good meeting over in Portugal and clarified a lot of things. He was good, and I was pleased with that. That's why I was confident that everything was going to be all right. "Cristiano will settle down and enjoy his career here. He's got four years on his contract, and hopefully at some point we would like to extend it. That's where we are."

Brian O'Ryan, Goal.com

Trezeguet Fourth In Ranieri's Pecking Order?

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:10:00 +0000

The prolific Frenchman, who hit the net 20 times last term, may find himself in danger of losing his starting place in Claudio Ranieri’s side. Trezegol, who has been the first choice since moving to Juventus in 2000, has not played much during pre-season, making the odd cameo appearance against Brondby and in the Emirates Cup. This has led to speculation as well as new questions being asked regarding his position in Ranieri’s pecking order. Il Giornale claims that Trezeguet will be the fourth choice in Turin this term with the Tinkerman preferring Amauri, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Alessandro Del Piero ahead of the former Monaco man. Trezeguet has been in outstanding form for Juve over the past two seasons and there were fears he would leave last year, but he stayed on. Being fourth choice will not go down well with the striker and he may reconsider packing his bags and moving on. The striker has hit over 160 goals for the Bianconeri in 218 appearances. His contract expires in 2011 but he may be forced to leave before then.

Salvatore Landolina

Nesta Recovery Closes Milan Market

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:06:00 +0000

The Rossoneri were considering making another dip into the market as a result of the stopper’s back problems. However, it seems as if Nesta will be back for the new season, meaning that there would be no need for the club to sign another defender. Milan club doctor Jean Pierre Meersemann has some good news regarding the former Italy international. “Nesta has certainly made improvements,” Meersemann told Studio Sport. “There are excellent hopes that we will see him again for the start of the new campaign.” Reports in Italy claimed that Milan were after Branislav Ivanovic as well as Alex Silva but it doesn’t seem necessary following Nesta’s latest injury news. Coach Carlo Ancelotti and vice president Adriano Galliani did reveal the club would not be pursuing any more players. It’s good news for the Rossoneri as they will need all their players back, ready and fully fit, if they are to fight for a Scudetto and UEFA Cup double this season.

Salvatore Landolina

Chelsea Make Robinho Bid

noreply@blogger.com (Football Update) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:04:00 +0000

Chelsea have made real their interest in the 24-year-old ace despite the fact that Madrid have proved unable to land Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. Received wisdom had it that Robinho was to leave for England when the Portuguese winger came the other way, but with the Ronaldo deal failing to pan out such plans were called into question. However Robinho, who signed up at the Bernabéu from Santos in 2005, apparently has other ideas. The Brazilian international was said to be tremendously upset at his potentially being used as a bargaining chip in the Ronaldo deal and began to plot his exit from there. His being refused permission to travel to the Beijing Olympics, ostensibly due to injury, upset him further, with his agent relating that the player was reduced to tears by this development. In the aftermath of such dramas the mercurial forward told the press that he had spoken to Chelsea and could not rule out a move, even in the wake of media reports that he was to pen a new deal with the blancos. Further newspaper mumblings today indicate that Madrid coach Bernd Schuster may be willing to part with Robinho, and as such he and sporting director Predrag 'Pedja' Mijatovic will have some serious thinking to do. The Blues, for their part, are thought to have their heart set on the São Vicente-born ace as their final signing of the summer.

Ewan Macdonald, Goal.com