Petrov: Villa have “two equal teams”
December 20, 2009
Aston Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov believes Martin O’Neill has the quality players at his disposal who can enable him to rotate his starting line-up during the hectic New Year schedule.
Villa face crucial Premier League clashes with Arsenal and Liverpool before the FA Cup third round and Carling Cup semi-final meetings with Blackburn. All the action will take place in a space of 10 days.
Petrov told Press Association Sport, “I think we are making the manager’s job even harder. John (Carew) comes on and scores the winner against Stoke and Steve (Sidwell) could have had a hat-trick even though he only came on for 15 minutes.
“We are all working for the team. It is very frustrating because every one of us wants to play, which is natural for every footballer, but we know only 11 can start. It is good that we have people on the bench like Nigel Reo-Coker and Habib Beye who could easily walk into the team if the manager decides to pick them. That is great competition that can make us stronger.
“I think the manager excepts we might need to rotate, he knows that. That is why we have so many players and we have got two teams equal here now so he can rotate without worrying about getting weaker.”
Tags: 15 minutes, arsenal, aston villa, bench, Carew, Carling Cup, clashes, FA Cup, footballer, habib beye, hat trick, John, John Carew, Liverpool, martin o neill, Martin O'Neill, nigel reo coker, Nigel Reo-, petrov, premier league, quality players, Reo, skipper, starting line, Steve, Steve SidwellRelated posts
Liverpool boss Benitez hits back at critics
December 12, 2009
Rafael Benitez insists he won’t let high-profile critics of his reign distract him from the task of getting Liverpool back on track.
Benitez’s side have won just three of their last 14 matches, a woeful run that has seen the Reds crash out of the Champions League and slip to seventh in the Premier League.
Liverpool’s hopes of winning the English title for the first time since 1990 look all but over as they lie 12 points behind leaders Chelsea and even the club’s star striker Fernando Torres has conceded that they have no chance of reaching top spot.
Former Anfield manager Graeme Souness and Jurgen Klinsmann, the former Germany and Bayern Munich boss linked with Benitez’s job two years ago, added to the pressure on the Spaniard with fiercely critical comments during a television discussion after Liverpool’s midweek defeat against Fiorentina.
Klinsmann said Liverpool lacked quality and consistency, while Souness claimed the club was on the verge of a meltdown.
But Benitez has no intention of taking any notice of the jibes.
“I switch off the volume of the television,” Benitez said on Friday. “I think they both have a fantastic record as a manager so the fans they know really well what they say.
“The club we have to win, we have a responsibility, we have to concentrate on our job and that’s it. If someone talks too much then that’s their problem but the fans know the records they have both as a manager is fantastic.”
Benitez is adamant Liverpool will shake off their current slump in time to seal a top four finish in the Premier League.
He knows it is essential that Liverpool at least secure a lucrative place in the Champions League for next year and they can take a significant step towards that goal with victory over Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.
Finally having Torres, Steven Gerrard and pre-season signing Alberto Aquilani all fit at the same time is a massive boost.
“We are better than we look, now we have three quality players all available and all fit. Crucially we now have Torres and Gerrard fit. When they played together last season, we finished second. Aquilani is ready too,” Benitez said.
“Now let’s see whether we can improve our position and get into the top four.
“We will be there. Arsenal will do that too. We can improve, we can be in the top four and we can win a trophy. It is only what you would expect from a top side.
“We have had a bad spell but we are still very close to the top four. And our top players are available.
“We must start again, maybe it will be too late (in the league), you never know.”
Benitez conceded that Liverpool’s current woes could have damaging affect on the club’s morale, but he is determined to stay positive
“Always I have to think of the positives. We cannot change the Champions League, but we can improve everywhere else,” he said.
“But if I am negative that can spread to the players and the fans. It is my responsibility to avoid that, part of the job is to keep everyone positive.
“We are not happy with what has happened in Europe, but we have to find positive ways to approach things.
“We have a tough spell now before the Europa League starts again in February. There are a lot of games before then, and it is a crucial period in the English league.
“Sometimes teams have bad moments, that is the same with every club. To change that you have to work hard and do things better.”
LIVERPOOL, England (AFP)
Tags: alberto aquilani, Bayern, bayern munich, champions league, CHELSEA, consistency, critical comments, England, Europe, Fernando Torres, Germany, graeme souness, jurgen klinsmann, Liverpool, meltdown, premier league, quality players, rafael benitez, reds, slump, Spaniard, star striker, Steven Gerrard, vergeRelated posts
Keshi: “They need to make Africa proud now”
November 18, 2009
Despite the increasing amount of African players in European top football, Stephen Keshi doubts the African chances at the World Cup, next year in South Africa.
The Nigerian is thrilled that the Super Eagles reached the World Cup at the last minute. However, Keshi is uncertain if they, alongside Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and South Africa, could make the continent proud next year.
The Mali coach, who saw his team lose the sole WC-slot to Ghana, pointed out that the teams that represent Africa, should “make Africa proud.”
But asked if they could do that he said: “I don’t know but I just want them to be better organised. If you look at Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon they have quality players and all we need is that whoever is in charge concentrates and organises well because they need to make Africa proud.”
Paul Haring
Tags: cameroon, coach, concentrates, continent, eagles, ghana, Ivory Coast, last minute, mali, nigeria, quality players, South Africa, World CupRelated posts
Kaka stands by Real decision
November 14, 2009
Brazil’s star player Kaka insists he has “no regrets” about his decision to reject a move to big-spending Manchester City in favour of Real Madrid.
City’s executive chairman Garry Cook accused AC Milan of “bottling” the deal which would have made Kaka the highest paid player in the world had it gone through in January.
Instead, Kaka opted to move to the Bernabeu in a reported £56million transfer last summer.
And, for all the money being spent by City to try and establish themselves as a potent force, the 27-year-old playmaker is content he made the right move.
Speaking ahead of Brazil’s friendly international with England in Doha, Kaka said: “Do I regret not moving to Manchester City? No. I am happy with what I have chosen in my life.
“I’ve spoken a lot to Robinho and he is very happy there and Manchester City have bought a lot of quality players.
“But now I am with Real Madrid and very happy with the choice I made. I have no regrets with the decision I made.”
Kaka believes the clash with Fabio Capello’s England is still significant despite the absence of so many senior players from both sides.
He said: “It is not just England who have injuries but also a lot of Brazilian players are injured.
“This makes the game not so rich but it is still a good game to see some of the other England players and also to play one of the favourite teams for the next World Cup.
“This will be a great chance for us to play against a big team in the world even with the injuries.”
Kaka praised the influence of Capello on England.
The Brazilian added: “What qualities do England possess? I think the Fabio Capello factor is a very important thing to understand.
“They have good individual players and there are good characteristics to the side in every game.
“England are a very tough team to play against but that is good because it is a big motivation now to understand how England play.”
Like Brazilian coach Dunga, Kaka is adamant winning is the most important factor for a nation steeped in flair football.
He said: “Is winning or beautiful football most important? The most important thing is to win.
“After that we have to try and make a good show for everyone. But the first option is win.”
Abhimanyu Rajput
Tags: ac milan, bernabeu, brazilian players, england players, executive chairman, fabio capello, flair, good game, kaka, madrid city, no regrets, play one, playmaker, potent force, quality players, real madrid, right move, star playerRelated posts
Ancelotti unflustered by changing times at Chelsea
September 20, 2009
If Carlo Ancelotti has been left shaken by the upheavals at Chelsea during his few ten weeks in charge, he is doing a very good job of disguising the fact.
The Blues coach has given the impression it is business as usual as he prepares his side for a meeting with London rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday that could extend Chelsea’s perfect start to the Premier League campaign.
Five successive wins have already positioned the Italian’s side at the head of the table and laid down an early marker in their title battle with Manchester United.
And he has remained unruffled by FIFA’s impostion of a 16-month transfer ban on the club and the sudden departure of chief executive Peter Kenyon.
Ancelotti insists his focus remains solely on team affairs even though he could never have imagined he would find himself fending off questions about the club’s internal affairs when he moved to England from AC Milan in July.
And his main concern is negotiating his first major London derby against Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham, who impressively won their first four league games before suffering a 3-1 defeat at the hands of United in their last outing.
“I know the rivalry between the two teams and how important this match is for the fans,” Ancelotti said. “We have to pay attention to this and we want to win.
“I saw Tottenham’s last games and they have started very well. For me it was a surprise, they played very well against Liverpool and Manchester United.
“They lost that game but they have good style and quality players. In attack, Jermain Defoe is a very dangerous striker and Aaron Lennon is a very quick player.
And he added: “I have never seen an unbeatable team, and Chelsea are not unbeatable. But we are doing very well at the moment.”
Spurs can draw strength from the fact they beat Chelsea last February at White Hart Lane, although it is 19 years since they last won at Stamford Bridge.
“We haven’t taken too many points off them at Stamford Bridge in my memory, so for that reason alone, this is going to be another tough game,” said Tottenham captain Ledley King.
“We know Chelsea’s players well enough and we’ve all seen their quality. It’s always a tough game against them,” he said.
“But we have done well against them in recent games and they will be aware of our qualities as well.
“However, we take one season and one game at a time. This is no doubt one they will want to win, being at home.
And he added: “Four wins from five games is a good start for us. We’re disappointed with the last result, but Sunday is a chance for us to strike back in the best possible way against another top team.”
Ancelotti will resist the temptation to bring back England international Joe Cole for a game that would pit the midfielder against the manager who gave him his first break at West Ham.
Cole has been a long-term casualty with a knee problem but, like Portugal defender Paulo Ferreira and midfielder Yuri Zhirkhov, he will be eased back into action against QPR in next week’s League Cup tie.
But Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa, both suspended from the mid-week Champions League victory over Porto, will return for the Blues.
Redknapp faces a decision over whether to recall keeper Heurelho Gomes in place of former Chelsea shot-stopper Carlo Cudicini, while captain Robbie Keane will either fill the left flank position or partner Defoe up front.
LONDON (AFP)
Tags: 19 years, Aaron Lennon, ac milan, captain Ledley, captain Robbie Keane, carlo ancelotti, carlo cudicini, defoe, England, Harry Redknapp, Hart Lane, internal affairs, Joe Cole, last games, league campaign, league games, Liverpool, Manchester, manchester united, Milan, Paulo, peter kenyon, PORTO, premier league, quality players, quick player, stamford bridge, transfer ban, unbeatable team, upheavals, white hart lane, Yuri ZhirkhovRelated posts
Everton turn down City bid for Lescott
July 30, 2009
Everton confirmed on Thursday that they have rejected Manchester City’s 18 million pounds bid to sign England defender Joleon Lescott.
City boss Mark Hughes wants to use Lescott alongside new signing Kolo Toure, who joined from Arsenal on Wednesday, but Everton manager David Moyes is determined to hang onto his best centre-back and immediately snubbed the approach.
Earlier in the close season, Hughes had a 15 million pounds bid for Lescott rejected and it may take an offer of over 25 million pounds to persuade Moyes to sell.
An Everton statement read: “We can confirm we have received an offer of 18 million pounds for Joleon Lescott from Manchester City and that offer has been rejected outright.”
It has been reported that former Wolverhampton star Lescott, who lives in the Manchester area, may be interested in hearing City’s plans for him.
But Everton, who are currently on tour in America, have no intention of letting him leave without a fight.
Hughes, speaking on Thursday at Toure’s official unveiling, refused to rule out a third bid for Lescott.
“My understanding is that we’ve already done that (made a second bid) and by all accounts Everton have rejected that. We’ll wait and see,” Hughes said.
“We have a list of Category A players of the type that will enable us to be successful in the future. John Terry was on that list and Kolo very much so.
“We’re progressing nicely. The business we’ve already done is exceptional. We’re really pleased with the quality we’ve been able to bring in.
“Obviously there’s still a way to go in the transfer window and we’ll look at opportunities and see what we can bring in.
“They’ll have to be top-quality players to improve us. There’s always deals to be made towards the end of the window that just present themselves and are right for the club at that time.”
LIVERPOOL, England (AFP)
Tags: America, CITY, city boss, David Moyes, England, everton, intention, john terry, Liverpool, liverpool england, Manchester, manchester area, manchester city, Mark Hughes, quality players, top quality, Toure, unveiling, wolverhamptonRelated posts
Gerrard reveals 2013 retirement plan
June 16, 2009
PARIS (AFP) – Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted that he could retire from the game when his current contract expires in 2013, in an interview with France Football magazine published on Tuesday.
Gerrard made his debut for the club in 1998 and has since gone on to win two FA Cups, one League Cup, one UEFA Cup and the 2005 Champions League, when he inspired his side to a memorable comeback from 3-0 down against AC Milan.
“I will be 33 at the end of my contract in 2013 and I don’t know if I will go any further,” said Gerrard, 29, who was named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for 2008-09 after scoring 24 goals in all competitions.
“If I do retire, then I will know that from the start to the end of my career I only had one club. And I don’t want to think about wearing any other shirt in the future.
“I was close to leaving in the past, maybe twice, most notably in 2005. That year we were a long way off the Premier League title and Chelsea’s interest turned my head.
“It was a difficult moment for me. However, now when I look back I am very happy that I chose to stay here. It has given me real pride.”
The only major trophy to elude Gerrard in his Liverpool career is the Premier League title, as the Merseyside giants haven’t finished a season at the summit of English football since 1990.
But Rafa Benitez’s side pushed eventual champions Manchester United all the way last season, and Gerrard believes they will be able to mount an even stronger challenge next term.
“I think the experience of defeat will help us next season,” he said.
“When you’re a player, it’s always hell to see other players lifting trophies.
“The team made huge progress last season. Today we are much closer to the title than in the past.
“Manchester United have more depth in their squad than us, we have to be realistic.
“But if we can add two or three quality players to what we already have, we’ll be at their level. The summer recruitments will be crucial.”
Tags: ac milan, captain steven, captain Steven Gerrard, champions league, CHELSEA, english football, English Premier League, fa cups, football writers association, footballer, footballer of the year, France, france football magazine, Liverpool, Manchester, manchester united, memorable comeback, Merseyside, Milan, PARIS, premier league, quality players, rafa benitez, recruitments, Steven Gerrard, trophies, uefa, UEFA CupRelated posts
Dutch dream of ruining England´s Twenty20 vision
June 5, 2009
LONDON (AFP) – Hosts England open the ICC World Twenty20 against outsiders the Netherlands at Lord’s on Friday in a match they dare not lose and the Dutch hope they might win.
In pace bowler Dirk Nannes, who plays at Lord’s for Middlesex, the Dutch have a left-arm quick who can swing the ball late.
Australia-born Nannes didn’t hit top form during the Netherlands’s recent warm-up games against Ireland and Scotland but if the seamer, who also plays for Indian Premier League side the Delhi Daredevils, is at his best then England need to watch out.
“Twenty20 is a funny game, all it takes is for a couple of us to fire and we will be challenging the big boys,” said Nannes.
All-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate is another key figure for the Dutch and this match could see him in action against at least two of his Essex team-mates in opening batsman Ravi Bopara and wicket-keeper James Foster, with the big-hitting Graham Napier also in England’s squad.
“It will be nice to actually test myself against them as I play a lot with them,” ten Doeschate said. Asked which side was the favourites for Friday’s game, he replied: “The Netherlands, definitely.
“No it’s hard to quantify. We are out for a one-off, special performance by two or three guys. Obviously, England are hot favourites.”
But Netherlands captain and wicket-keeper Jeroen Smits is convinced his side can start the tournament proper with an almighty bang. “I’m sure we can spring a surprise,” he said. “We have a quality 20-over team.
“They have some quality players but it comes down to who is best on the day and I think we can compete and I’m sure we can do a job on Friday.”
England have never won a major one-day tournament and, despite pioneering cricket’s shortest format at county level, are not among the favourites now.
They struggled to get past Scotland in a warm-up match before overwhelming the West Indies, a side they’ve beaten comfortably in Tests and one-dayers this season, in another practice match on Wednesday.
England head into this tournament without star all-rounder Andrew Flintoff (knee injury) but key batsman Kevin Pietersen looks to be recovering from an Achilles problem.
With the Ashes still to come this season, there is a suspicion that England’s sights remain fixed on Tests with regular captain Andrew Strauss stepping down temporarily because of a lack of Twenty20 form.
But all-rounder Paul Collingwood believes low expectations for England, who at the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa two years ago only managed a win over Zimbabwe, could work in the hosts’ favour.
“We’re very much dark horses and hopefully that will give the boys a bit more of a licence,” he said.
“The belief and the freedom to go out there and express yourself is important in this form of the game so hopefully that gives the boys a bit more of a licence and they won’t have as much pressure on them.”
Tags: Andrew Flintoff, Australia, big boys, captain Andrew Strauss, daredevils, Delhi, Dirk Nannes, England, england need, English Premier League, Eredivisie, Essex, funny game, graham napier, icc world twenty20, Ireland, James Foster, kevin pietersen, left arm, london, middlesex, outsiders, Paul Collingwood, premier league, quality players, ravi bopara, rounder, Ryan, scotland, seamer, smits, South Africa, team mates, the Netherlands, three guys, warm up games, West Indies, wicket keeper, ZimbabweRelated posts
West Brom can make quick return says Mowbray
April 14, 2009
WEST BROMWICH, England (AFP) – West Brom were tipped to make a swift return to the Premier League if they fail in their relegation battle, manager Tony Mowbray insisted on Tuesday.
“If we go down we will be strong next year. If we keep people like (Jonathan) Greening, (Robert) Koren, (James) Morrison, (Marc-Antoine) Fortune and (Jonas) Olsson, I believe we would be strong in the Championship,” said Mowbray.
The Baggies, seven points off the safety zone with only six games remaining, look doomed after just one season in the top flight.
Mowbray though suggested his side could play their way out of the Championship.
“Hopefully we could come back with a good crop of players who have been through this experience this year and know what it takes.
“Also hopefully I would be a coach, who understands the league better, understands the quality of the opposition and knows what it takes to win games.”
Greening has already indicated that he will be willing to stay at West Brom if they go down and to sign a new contract.
But on-loan Arsenal striker Jay Simpson has made it clear he wants to return to the Emirates Stadium in the summer rather than extend his stay at the Hawthorns.
Mowbray admits that relegation will be a blow to the progress he feels the club have been making over the past couple of seasons.
He said: “The disappointment is, that if we drop out of this league, we are going to lose a little bit of the progress we’ve made.
“I feel if we could stay in this league, it would be so much better next year because we would be able to add one or two quality players and go to places and let teams know they’re in a real match.”
Tags: arsenal, disappointment, Emirates Stadium, England, English Premier League, James, james morrison, Jay Simpson, Jonas, jonathan, jonathan greening, marc antoine fortune, Marc-Antoine, Morrison, new contract, premier league, quality players, relegation battle, Robert, robert koren, safety zone, seven points, six games, swift return, tony mowbray, top flight, west brom, West BromwichRelated posts
Arsenal wary of wounded Villarreal
April 7, 2009
VILLARREAL, Spain (AFP) – Arsenal tackle Villarreal in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday in a rematch of the 2006 semi-final where the Spaniards suffered a narrow, heart-breaking defeat.
Villarreal have a score to settle with Arsene Wenger’s men who defeated them 1-0 three seasons ago in a game which saw Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann save a last-minute penalty from Argentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme.
French midfielder Robert Pires was in the Arsenal side that day but now dons Villarreal colours and is relishing the chance to face his former club.
“It will be the first time I’ve played against them,” said Pires, ahead of the first-leg tie at El Madrigal.
“We are teams with contrasting styles but also with top-quality players. It’s not the best thing to be playing the return leg away from home but if we perform like we have in the past we can get through.
“If I’m lucky enough to score I know that I won’t celebrate, simply as a gesture of respect to a club, and their fans, which have meant so much in my career.”
Arsenal are on a hot streak with ther 2-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday meaning they are 17 games unbeaten in the league.
“There is a lightness in the team now which I enjoy and we are playing without the handbrake on,” said Wenger.
“We are 17 games unbeaten and are not the same team that was playing in the autumn. However, I don’t think you can say we are the favourites against Villarreal.”
The timely return of Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor and key Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas have boosted Arsenal ahead of the Villarreal clash.
The return of Fabregas, out since December with a knee injury, is a massive plus although he has not yet got match sharpness after three months on the sidelines.
In stark contrast, Villarreal were hit with a hammer blow this weekend when Spanish international midfielder Santi Cazorla was ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken leg sustained in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Almeria.
Pires was also sent-off in that game.
Villarreal are out of the title race, lying fourth and a massive 24 points behind Barcelona.
The Champions League is their last shot at silverware this season.
Coach Manuel Pellegrini was in charge when Villarreal and Arsenal met in 2006 but has warned his players to not get too sidetracked by the idea of revenge.
“Progressing should be more than important than the spirit of revenge,” explained Pellegrini.
“We know they play fast and different football but that doesn’t make it better. We will have to wait and see if we can surpass them this time.
“That meeting was three years ago and now everything is different. We have different teams, different players and different times.”
The Chilean manager has a point with Spain’s Euro 2008 hero Marcos Senna and Javi Venta the only two survivors from that defeated 2006 Villarreal side.
Arsenal have changed a lot too with big stars such as Thierry Henry and Sol Campbell leaving, but the likes of Kolo Toure, Fabregas and Emmanuel Eboue remain.
This time Arsenal have the second leg at home but Villarreal are a tough nut to crack as holders Manchester United found out at the group stage when they were held to a 0-0 draw home and away.
Arsenal will want to do better and grab the all-important away goal for the return leg at the Emirates Stadium on April 15.
The winner of the tie will face either defending European champions Manchester United or Porto in the semi-finals.
Written by: AFP
Tags: Argentine, arsenal, arsene wenger, broken leg, cazorla, cesc fabregas, el madrigal, Emirates Stadium, emmanuel adebayor, English Premier League, gesture of respect, hammer blow, hot streak, jens lehmann, Juan, juan roman riquelme, knee injury, LA Liga, leg tie, Manchester, manuel pellegrini, marcos senna, playmaker, PORTO, quality players, quarter finals, return leg, robert pires, sol campbell, Spain, thierry henry, timely return, Togo, UEFA Champions League, United, VillarrealRelated posts
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