..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

South Korea 2-1 Switzerland: Park and Kim leave Swiss with a mountain to climb

South Korea put themselves in a commanding position to qualify from Group B of the Olympic football tournament as they defeated Switzerland 2-1 in an enthralling contest at the Coventry City Stadium.


Arsenal's Chu-Young Park put the Asian side in front early in the second half only to see Innocent Emeghara level minutes later.

However, the game was eventually settled midway through the second period by a magnificent volley from Bo-Kyung Kim.

Both sides went into the contest looking for their first win of the tournament after draws against Mexico and Gabon respectively. Chu-Young lead the line for the Koreans, who made no changes to their starting eleven, while Patjim Kasami and Amir Abrashi replaced Xavier Hochstrasser and the suspended Olivier Buff for the Swiss.

And it was Chu-Young who had the game's first real chance, as his header from a far post corner was brilliantly turned away by Diego Benaglio.

The Koreans dominated a half of few chances, with Chu-Young at the forefront of most of their attacks. The former Monaco man almost benefited from a defensive lapse as a through ball deflected into his path off the legs of Fabian Schaer but Benaglio showed good reactions again to deny the striker from close range.

In spite of some attractive and well constructed play, the Koreans were unable to break the stalemate before the interval but just eleven minutes into the second half they deservedly took the lead as Park powered home a diving header from Tae-Hee Nam's pinpoint cross.

Hong Myung Bo's men were not ahead for long however, as the Swiss responded magnificently to going behind. First Kasami forced Jung Sung-Ryong into a near post stop, before Emeghara headed home a magnificent delivery from Ricardo Rodriguez to level the scores.

South Korea appeared determined not to let the win slip away from them, and just minutes later it was in front once more as Kim latched on to a deflected cross from Ja-Cheol Koo to power a superb left-footed volley into the top corner.

Switzerland looked to respond yet again, but it was the Koreans who came closest as they looked to seal the victory. Sunderland's Ji-Dong Won, who had earlier replaced Chu-Young, had an effort cleared off the line before Kim smashed a left footed effort against the crossbar.

In spite of the best efforts of the Swiss to grab a leveller, the Koreans were increasingly proficient on the counter and they should have added a third when Koo brushed an effort against the crossbar from the edge of the area.

Wasted opportunities from Emeghara and Amir Mehmedi summed up a frustrating evening for Switzerland, as South Korea held out to seal a win that leaves them top of Group B, while the Swiss need to convincingly beat Mexico in order to stand any chance of qualification.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Senegal 2-0 Uruguay: Konate double for 10-man underdogs stuns Suarez and co

Senegal continued its good form in its maiden Olympic Games tournament with a surprise 2-0 victory over an out-of-sorts Uruguay side, despite going down to ten men in the first half.

Both sides went into the game off the back of decent results in the opening group games, but it was Senegal which took the initiative in the 9th minute, with Moussa Konate tapping home a rebound from a corner.

They had a man sent off just after the half-hour mark, though, when Abdoulaye Ba barged over Luis Suarez, and was given his marching orders after being adjudged to have prevented a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Nevertheless, Konate struck again in the 37th minute, nodding home unmarked from a corner to expose Uruguay's vulnerability from set-pieces and despite and they were good value for their win.

Senegal made two changes to the side that managed to snatch a late draw against Team GB in its group opener, with Stephane Badji and Cheikhou Kouyate coming in for Ibrahima Balde and Idrissa Gueye.

Uruguay coach, Oscar Tabarez, made just the one change to his starting eleven, bringing in Nicolas Lodeiro, who struck the match-winner in its 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates, in place of Matias Aguirregaray.

Uruguay began the brighter of the two sides, with Gaston Ramirez striking a freekick from distance narrowly over in the second minute, but Senegal responded well with a decent spell of possession, gradually pushing its way up the pitch.

It went on to take the lead in the ninth minute through Konate, after he poked home from barely a yard out after Uruguay goalkeeper Martin Campana could only parry Kouyate's diving header at the back post from a Pape Souare corner.

But it didn't rest on its laurels, though, with Mane beating Ramon Arias for pace down the right-hand flank before cutting back an excellent ball for the unmarked Konate, who brought out a top save from Campana at his near post, tipping the ball acrobatically behind for a corner.

With Uruguay struggling to retain possession and create anything further forward, its best chance of the half came in the 27th minute when Ramirez struck an absolutely superb freekick from 30 yards out which struck the inside of the post before being hacked clear, with Mane rooted to the spot and well beaten.

The game was turned on its head moments later, when the already booked Ba was given a straight red card for a hugely cynical challenge after he barged over Suarez after a fine break away from a freekick up the other end of the pitch. Maximiliano Calzado volleyed well over after a goalmouth scramble from the resulting freekick.

Despite only having ten men, though, Senegal extended its lead in the 37th minute with Konate nodding in his second of the match and third of the tournament with the Uruguay defense tragically static, with Souare again credited with the assist, picking out the only green shirt in the entire six-yard box, amongst a sea of blue shirts.

With the half ending at a frantic pace, Cavani beat the offside trap in added time, picking up a sumptuously threaded through ball from Lodeiro, rounding the onrushing Mane, but not before Ciss got back in time and cleared his effort off the line as Senegal went in at the break two goals to the good but a man down.

La Celeste started the brighter of the two again in the second half, with Ramirez again threatening from range with a free-kick shortly after the restart. The Bologna man then set up an excellent chance for substitute Abel Hernandez, dinking a delightful ball over the back four, before the youngster saw his effort well blocked.

On the hour mark, Liverpool striker Suarez, who was enduring a bad afternoon at the office, nodded narrowly wide with the goal gaping after pealing off his marker at the back post, from a Lodeiro ball in, with Mane again in no man's land.

With chances few and far between after that, though, the game petered out into a scrappy affair, with both sides seemingly incapable of stringing more than two passes together, with only Suarez going close in the final stages after latching onto a Coates flick-on.

It brought an end to a deeply frustrating evening for the Uruguay side, as they failed to make the most of its numerical advantage and the chances that they did manage to create. Meanwhile, Senegal's physical approach appears to be paying dividends as they emerged deserved victors in a keenly-fought contest.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Galatasaray denies bidding for Berbatov

Galatasaray has dismissed reports that it has submitted a bid to Manchester United for out-of-favor forward Dimitar Berbatov.

The former Bulgaria international only made five Premier League starts for the Red Devils last season and recently admitted that he felt it would be best for everyone concerned if he left Old Trafford this summer.

Galatasaray then confirmed their interest in acquiring Berbatov, but they have no denied making a formal approach for the 31-year-old striker.

"There have been some reports in the media that Dimitar Berbatov will be transferred to our club," read a statement on the Turkish outfit's official website.

"The club would like to declare that there is no transfer and no attempt has been made in that regard."

Berbatov, who joined United from Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 for approximately 39.4 million euros, shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Carlos Tevez in 2010-11 but he featured only sporadically last term after falling down the striking pecking order behind Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ibrahimovic: Paris Saint-Germain has work to do to reach Barcelona's level

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has stressed that Paris Saint-Germain has a bright future ahead of it, but admitted that the club must be given time in order to match teams such as Barcelona.

The Sweden international is one of the high-profile names to have joined PSG this summer, alongside Ezequiel Lavezzi and Thiago Silva, and he has little doubt that the Ligue 1 side can challenge for top honors in the long term.

"PSG can't be compared with Barcelona. We still have a lot of work to do to become like them. We are a team with a lot of new faces and are still under construction," Ibrahimovic stated to reporters. "We are a new team with a project that's being put in place. Like I've said before, PSG are the future.

"For now, we're taking our time to get used to each other, because we have a lot of new players. I hope that it won't take too long, though."

PSG is currently preparing for the friendly versus Juventus on July 31, before taking on Barcelona on Aug. 4.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham expects to sign Adebayor in next 48 hours

Tottenham expects to complete a 5 million pounds deal to sign Emmanuel Adebayor from Manchester City in the next 48 hours, Goal.com has learned.

Negotiations had stalled over Adebayor’s 170,000 pounds-a-week wage demands but Spurs believe they have made a breakthrough and are increasingly confident of concluding the move.

The Londoners will pay Adebayor a 5m pounds signing-on fee and have been asking City to subsidise the Togo international striker’s wages, with the Premier League champion desperate to offload the former Arsenal man to free up wages and space in its squad.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has held talks with Adebayor’s representatives in the United States and believes a deal is finally close to completion following the 28-year-old’s season-long loan at White Hart Lane.

Andre Villas-Boas, the Tottenham manager, has been pushing club bosses to clinch the deal as he looks to improve his strikeforce by signing two forwards this summer, with Jermain Defoe the only senior striker currently in the Spurs squad.

Adebayor returned to training at City’s Carrington training ground earlier this month before taking a break as he waited for his move to Spurs, having turned down the prospect of a move to Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow.

City is ready to accept a huge financial hit to offload Adebayor so they can make a 15m pounds move for Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.

City boss Roberto Mancini has made the Dutch striker his top summer target and has barely concealed his frustration with football administrator Brian Marwood over the club’s slow progress in adding new players this summer.

But Marwood first needs to sell Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz, who between them are costing the club 280,000 pounds-a-week in wages.

Adebayor played a key role for Spurs on loan last season under Harry Redknapp, scoring 17 Premier League goals and providing 11 assists in 33 appearances.

The forward, a 25m pounds signing from Arsenal in the summer of 2009, has been frozen out at City since lining up against Red Bull Salzburg in a Europa League tie in December 2010.

He has made just 45 appearances for the club in all competitions and spent the second half of the 2010-11 season on loan at Real Madrid before his year at Spurs.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gotze: Reus and I can replace Kagawa at Borussia Dortmund

Mario Gotze has claimed that he and Marco Reus are capable of replacing Shinji Kagawa at the head of the Borussia Dortmund midfield, after the Japan international's summer move to Manchester United.


The Asian superstar moved to Old Trafford in a transfer worth up to 22 million euros, but Gotze has hit back at critics claiming his departure will weaken BVB's chances of retaining the title for a second successive year.

"There is no question that he [Kagawa] is a really good player," the 20-year-old told German newspaper Bild. "But I believe that we, as a team, have the players to compensate for his departure.

"It is true that I personally prefer to play as a No.10, because I've played there in my youth, but we have Marco Reus and other really good players that can play in that position."Gotze is also supremely confident that new arrival Reus, who joined from Borussia Monchengladbach this summer, can be a big hit at Signal Iduna Park.

"Marco is already a world-class player with incredible skills," he continued. "Therefore, I am even more pleased that he is here. You can see in every training session that he fits in and brings high quality.

"He is a very quiet, very modest guy. When we were with the national team we spent every day together. Now he lives in Dortmund, and it's really good for me; we are really close friends."
The youngster then reflected on the injury problems that plagued his 2011-12 campaign, and claimed that his prolonged spell on the sidelines taught him many things.

"I learned a lot in terms of my body," he said. "How my body reacts when I'm at my weakest and what to look out for. The new season starts at zero for me. These things are in the past, and have actually turned out to be a very instructive time."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Robben: I will not lose starting berth

Arjen Robben is confident that he will not lose his starting berth at Bayern Munich in the upcoming season.

The Dutchman faces stiff competition from players such as Xherdan Shaqiri and Thomas Muller for a place in the starting XI, but the winger does not expect to be ousted from Jupp Heynckes' lineup.

"Can I imagine myself ending up on the bench? No, of course not. And it won't be happening," Robben was quoted as saying by Kicker.

"I have not even thought about such a scenario. I know what I'm capable of and I don't have any fear that I might lose my starting berth.

"However, nobody is a guaranteed starter. We all have to work and fight for our place."

After missing a Champions League-final penalty against Chelsea, the 28-year-old was booed by Bayern fans when he played at the Allianz Arena for Netherlands in a pre-Euro 2012 friendly.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea chief executive Gourlay claims spending will continue

Chelsea's chief executive Ron Gourlay has stated that the club's spending spree is by no means over, despite already shelling out over 60 million pounds this summer.

The European champions, who have already brought in a number of big names including Marko Marin, Eden Hazard and Oscar, are still looking to replace talismanic striker Didier Drogba, who left the club at the end of last season.

It is rumored that manager Di Matteo sees one of Radamel Falcao and Edinson Cavani as the ideal replacement for the Ivorian who scored the winning penalty in the Champions League final last season.

Both names are sure to be accompanied by a heavy price tag - but Gourlay is adamant that Abramovich will do whatever is necessary to ensure the west London club remains one of Europe's best teams.

"If the right players become available at the right time we will sign them." he told the Daily Mail.

"We've done that and we are still continuing to look at one or two positions and we will see how that develops over the next couple of weeks."

Gourlay also hinted that the club is hopeful of regaining the Premier League title, after Di Matteo strung together an impressive set of results at the end of last season.

He added: "While we ended with a very strong season, it was clear that there were some areas where we did have to strengthen, so we knew we were always going to have to do that."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp: No more signings for Dortmund

Jurgen Klopp has made it clear that Borussia Dortmund will not make any more signings this summer.

The German champion has already secured the services of players such as Marco Reus, Julian Schieber, Leonardo Bittencourt and Oliver Kirch, and it has no intention of adding more fresh blood to their squad.

"Have we got any other signings planned? No, as things stand we'll be going into the new season with the current squad," Klopp stated to UEFA.com.

The Dortmund coach then looked ahead to the upcoming Bundesliga season, and stressed that Bayern Munich is the favourite, while reiterating his side's ambitions of finishing in a Champions League place once more.

"Bayern have another great opportunity to finish top this season. There are a few other teams who stand a chance of winning it, such as ourselves, Schalke, Leverkusen or Stuttgart.

"We want to qualify for the Champions League again. It's as simple as that."

The titleholder host Werder Bremen on August 24 in their Bundesliga opener.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Allegri: AC Milan is making progress

Massimiliano Allegri has voiced his satisfaction with the progress AC Milan has made during preseason so far.

The Rossoneri failed to impress against Inter and Juventus at the Trofeo TIM, but then beat Schalke 1-0 before recording a 1-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend, and Allegri is happy with his side's recent improvement.

"It was a good test and the players performed well. We played well defensively, we were well organised and we worked well up front, creating a good number of chances," Allegri was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"It was good that we finished the match without suffering any injuries; so, we can say that we are working well in view of the league campaign. We have made good progress.

"In the first half we came close to scoring, choosing the wrong final pass at times. We didn’t run many risks at the back, only when there were scrambles in and around the penalty area. I am satisfied."

Milan starts the new Serie A season at home to Sampdoria on August 25.

 

[rcccc]

Japan 1-0 Morocco: Late Nagai effort sends Blue Samurai into Olympic quarterfinals

A late winner from Kensuke Nagai gave Japan a 1-0 win over Morocco at St James' Park to ensure its place in the quarterfinals.

Nagai lobbed home with just seven minutes remaining, after racing onto a clever flicked pass from Hiroshi Kiyotake, giving the Blue Samurai a deserved win against a Moroccan side lacking any punch or penetration.

Pim Verbeek's team started brightly, fashioning a chance in the fourth minute when Nordin Amrabat timed his run into the box to perfection, but Japan skipper Maya Yoshida did just enough to put the Morocco striker off.

With the talented wingers Zakaria Labyad and Soufiane Bidaoui on either flank, it was no surprise to see the north African side utilizing the wings at every available opportunity and one such move saw them force an 18th minute corner from which Amrabat had a chance following a knockdown, but his shot was well blocked by Sakai.

Three minutes later and more terrific work on the right-flank from Bidaoui saw him bamboozle the Japanese left-back Daisuke Suzuki, but the Lierse wideman's cross was behind the onrushing Labyad and the chance was lost.

Labyad, a new arrival in the Portugese capital Lisbon this summer having completed a move to Sporting, decided he'd have a go from distance in the 34th minute, and his 30-yarder almost caught out Shuichi Gonda at his near-post, but the keeper was alert enough to make the save.

Takashi Sekizuka's side, outstanding on the counterattack in its surprise victory over Spain - when it really should have won by more than just the single goal - struggled to trouble the Moroccans in the opening 35 minutes, but almost took the lead when Yuki Otsu curled a splendid 25-yard effort just wide.

Japan's goal against Spain came from a set-piece and they almost opened the scoring in a similar manner here, not once, but twice, before the half-time interval.

First, an inswinging corner from the right found the head of Suzuki, and his header was just about stopped on the goalline by Mohammed Amsif, when some in the stadium thought it had crossed the line.

Moments later, a corner from the opposite side found the head of Yoshida, but his glancing header went wide of Amsif's left-hand post, the final chance of a lackluster half.

With the tempo noticeably quicker in the second half, Morocco set about taking control of the match, aware that a point would be a better result for its opponent than itself and forced a succession of early corners, but struggled to threaten the Japanese goal, Amrabat coming closest with a curling effort in the 58th minute, which went a yard wide.

Moments later however, and after 15 minutes spent almost exclusively in its own half, Japan was unfortunate not to be in front itself.

A swift breakaway saw the ball arrive at the feet of Hiroshi Kiyotake, who drifted from the flank into a central area, before unleashing a terrific left-footed effort which Moroccan keeper Amsif did outstandingly well to tip onto the crossbar, before collecting the ball as it landed nearby, to ensure the stalemate continued.

Bursting through midfield, Hotaru Yamaguchi played a clever one-two with the previously anonymous Nagai, but presented with a golden opportunity, the Cerezo Osaka midfielder fired his shot over the crossbar.

Now firmly in the ascendency, Japan continued to attack and with seven minutes remaining, their bold approach got its reward.

Under pressure in the center of the field, the impressive Kiyotake clipped the ball over the Morocco defense for Nagai to chase, and seeing Amsif charging from his goalline to meet him, the 23-year-old striker lobbed the ball from 30-yards into the unguarded net.

An aimless punt was flicked on by Barrada, but Labyad, clear of the last defender, saw his effort saved by Gonda, before Barrada's follow up was cleared by Tokunaga, ensuring victory for the Blue Samurai.

 

[rcccc]

Senegal 2-0 Uruguay: Konate double for 10-man underdogs stuns Suarez and co

Senegal continued its good form in its maiden Olympic Games tournament with a surprise 2-0 victory over an out-of-sorts Uruguay side, despite going down to ten men in the first half.

Both sides went into the game off the back of decent results in the opening group games, but it was Senegal which took the initiative in the 9th minute, with Moussa Konate tapping home a rebound from a corner.

They had a man sent off just after the half-hour mark, though, when Abdoulaye Ba barged over Luis Suarez, and was given his marching orders after being adjudged to have prevented a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Nevertheless, Konate struck again in the 37th minute, nodding home unmarked from a corner to expose Uruguay's vulnerability from set-pieces and despite and they were good value for their win.

Senegal made two changes to the side that managed to snatch a late draw against Team GB in its group opener, with Stephane Badji and Cheikhou Kouyate coming in for Ibrahima Balde and Idrissa Gueye.

Uruguay coach, Oscar Tabarez, made just the one change to his starting eleven, bringing in Nicolas Lodeiro, who struck the match-winner in its 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates, in place of Matias Aguirregaray.

Uruguay began the brighter of the two sides, with Gaston Ramirez striking a freekick from distance narrowly over in the second minute, but Senegal responded well with a decent spell of possession, gradually pushing its way up the pitch.

It went on to take the lead in the ninth minute through Konate, after he poked home from barely a yard out after Uruguay goalkeeper Martin Campana could only parry Kouyate's diving header at the back post from a Pape Souare corner.

But it didn't rest on its laurels, though, with Mane beating Ramon Arias for pace down the right-hand flank before cutting back an excellent ball for the unmarked Konate, who brought out a top save from Campana at his near post, tipping the ball acrobatically behind for a corner.

With Uruguay struggling to retain possession and create anything further forward, its best chance of the half came in the 27th minute when Ramirez struck an absolutely superb freekick from 30 yards out which struck the inside of the post before being hacked clear, with Mane rooted to the spot and well beaten.

The game was turned on its head moments later, when the already booked Ba was given a straight red card for a hugely cynical challenge after he barged over Suarez after a fine break away from a freekick up the other end of the pitch. Maximiliano Calzado volleyed well over after a goalmouth scramble from the resulting freekick.

Despite only having ten men, though, Senegal extended its lead in the 37th minute with Konate nodding in his second of the match and third of the tournament with the Uruguay defense tragically static, with Souare again credited with the assist, picking out the only green shirt in the entire six-yard box, amongst a sea of blue shirts.

With the half ending at a frantic pace, Cavani beat the offside trap in added time, picking up a sumptuously threaded through ball from Lodeiro, rounding the onrushing Mane, but not before Ciss got back in time and cleared his effort off the line as Senegal went in at the break two goals to the good but a man down.

La Celeste started the brighter of the two again in the second half, with Ramirez again threatening from range with a free-kick shortly after the restart. The Bologna man then set up an excellent chance for substitute Abel Hernandez, dinking a delightful ball over the back four, before the youngster saw his effort well blocked.

On the hour mark, Liverpool striker Suarez, who was enduring a bad afternoon at the office, nodded narrowly wide with the goal gaping after pealing off his marker at the back post, from a Lodeiro ball in, with Mane again in no man's land.

With chances few and far between after that, though, the game petered out into a scrappy affair, with both sides seemingly incapable of stringing more than two passes together, with only Suarez going close in the final stages after latching onto a Coates flick-on.

It brought an end to a deeply frustrating evening for the Uruguay side, as they failed to make the most of its numerical advantage and the chances that they did manage to create. Meanwhile, Senegal's physical approach appears to be paying dividends as they emerged deserved victors in a keenly-fought contest.

 

[motta kolla]

AVB rage as Adam crocks Bale again

FURIOUS Andre Villas-Boas will report Charlie Adam to the FA after another horror tackle on Gareth Bale.

The new Spurs boss was fuming as a so-called friendly was overshadowed when the Liverpool man crocked Bale.Tottenham players were in shock as the Welsh ace struggled on in the goalless game before getting substituted at the break.

A source said: “The manager was horrified by the tackle and thinks it is one of the most cowardly tackles he has seen."He believes Adam could have pulled away if he wanted to.“The manager is determined to report Adam.”The pair have a history of bad blood from May last year when Adam was at Blackpool and appeared to stamp on the Spurs player.

FA officials did not take action over that tackle but AVB wants them to look at this latest incident.Spurs medics will now check on Bale as he has only just returned to action after being ruled out of the Olympics through a back injury.

Angry AVB said: “I think it was a very nasty challenge from Charlie. The player had gone and he came in from behind on Gareth’s ankle. I did not know the previous history between the two. I do now.“It is a difficult one to be fair. You do not want to end up in a game with Liverpool with 10 men. “At half-time Charlie came to me and said something about the challenge.“I can accept that but I think he should go to the player to say sorry.

“If the player escapes hospital it is because he is very lucky. The last time he was out for three months and in the end it is the Premier League that suffers without a player of Bale’s talent.”

Bale sparked uproar by playing in Spurs’ US tour opener against LA Galaxy on Wednesday — after pulling out of Team GB’s squad.He received lengthy treatment after the 19th-minute incident and spent the rest of the half hobbling before being subbed at the interval.

Adam’s ugly tackle raised temperatures further inside the M&T Bank Stadium — where the thermometer never dipped below 100 degrees, despite an evening kick-off. But it was one of the few incidents of note as this game wilted in the American sun.

Joe Cole, welcomed back by new Reds boss Brendan Rodgers after a season on loan at Lille, forced a save out of Brad Friedel on 12 minutes.Spurs winger Aaron Lennon hit the post from a YARD on the stroke of half-time after Bale’s inswinging cross.

Martin Skrtel nearly won the game for Liverpool with a run and shot on 55 minutes. Rodgers gave England stars Steven Gerrard and Andy Carroll their first pre-season outings in the second half.His opposite number AVB was left to ponder his luck as his American dream has turned into a nightmare.

Since arriving in the States, the new Spurs boss has had to contend with Luka Modric going AWOL, Scott Parker possible needing surgery on his Achilles, Bale’s Olympic controversy, Jermain Defoe returning home following the death of his cousin and now Adam’s wretched tackle on Bale.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United announces seven-year shirt sponsorship with Chevrolet

Manchester United have agreed a seven year deal with Chevrolet, which will see the car manufacturer replace Aon as the club's official shirt sponsor.

Chevrolet is the current Official Car Partner of the Red Devils, and will become only the fifth shirt sponsor in the club’s 134 year history, at the beginning of the 2014/15 season.

The deal has been signed for an 'undisclosed amount', and has been greeted with praise by those involved.

“This is a fantastic, long-term deal for the Club. We have been partners with Chevrolet for only six weeks, but already they have produced some fantastic ideas that will benefit both the partnership and our 659 million followers around the world," Richard Arnold, United’s Commercial Director, said.
"They are a key partner on our current tour and I know they have enjoyed experiencing the buzz generated by our fanatical support and the sell-out crowds in South Africa, China, and Europe.

"It is a great thrill for those of us who work with partners all year round when an existing partner steps up to being one of our principal partners. This commitment to United and its fans will bring real benefits to everyone who cares about the Club.”

The deal represents a significant move into the U.S. market for the club, after DHL became the first ever training shirt sponsor with the Old Trafford outfit.
Alan Batey, General Motors’ North America Vice President, U.S. Sales and Service said:
“We are extremely proud to connect our brand, Chevrolet, with Manchester United and its passionate supporters all around the world.

"Manchester United’s statistics are impressive, but this relationship goes far beyond the numbers – this relationship is about connecting our brand with the deep-seated emotion that surrounds the team everywhere.

"When you consider the core values of Chevrolet, our passionate customers around the world, and our rich 100 year history, the partnership with Manchester United is a perfect fit.

"And, to be only the fifth name on the iconic red jersey is a genuine honor. We very much look forward to the road ahead and the opportunities we have in partnering with such a legendary club.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bent hopes to repay Aston Villa fans with home improvement

Aston Villa captain Darren Bent hopes to repay supporters for their backing last season with improved home form next term.The Villans recorded just four league wins at home during the 2011-12 campaign, as they narrowly avoided relegation under Alex McLeish.

And Bent, who has been handed the Villa captaincy due to the absence of Stiliyan Petrov through illness, is hoping to make up for that disappointing record.

He told the Birmingham Mail: “Even during our tough season last time out, the Holte End was still singing, chanting and getting right behind us. They were supporting us 100 percent. It’s a great place to play football at Villa Park.“But last season our home form let us down and we need to improve on that this season. We want fans to wake up and think ‘yes it’s matchday, we’re off to Villa Park.’”

A recent fan campaign has encouraged fans in the famous Holte End to take items such as scarves, inflatables and balloons to create an uplifting atmosphere - a concept which is fully backed by Bent.Bent added: "I know there’s a new campaign around where fans are being encouraged to really unite in the Holte End, with scarves and balloon and things like that.

“I am all for it! It’s all good fun, it creates an added atmosphere in the stadium and the lads would love it. I know last season was difficult for the fans. At times we weren’t playing the best but I am sure this season will be better.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

William Gallas: It will be nice to play against Thierry Henry

BALTIMORE -- William Gallas is looking forward to matching up against Thierry Henry when Tottenham visits the New York Red Bulls on Tuesday night.

The two men were teammates for eight years on the French national team and also shared a season at Arsenal during Henry's final year at the club in 2006. Both were on the 2003 France squad that won the Confederations Cup.

"It will be nice to see [Henry] again," Gallas told Goal.com after Tottenham's 0-0 draw against Liverpool on Saturday. "I've known him for a long time, since I was 13 years old. He was one of the best strikers in the world and now he's in America so all I can say is everyone respects what he did in football."

With both players - ironically born on the same day in 1977 - having some success at Arsenal, Gallas admits that Henry never lets him live down his decision to join Gunners rival Tottenham in 2010. The 34-year-old recalls Henry's immediate reaction upon hearing the transfer news.

"You know he was a big star for Arsenal. When I signed for Tottenham, he told me 'Commitment, you know.' It was very funny," Gallas said with a chuckle.

It is uncertain if Henry will feature in Tuesday's friendly but if he does, it should be a intriguing matchup between two of France's former top players from the past decade.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zidane to coach Real Madrid cantera

Zinedine Zidane will coach one of Real Madrid's cantera sides while he obtains his coaching qualifications, the Liga champions have announced.

The 40-year-old, who retired from football in 2006, has made no secret of his desire to move into management, having enrolled for the same university course as former France coach Laurent Blanc last year.

Since hanging up his boots, Zidane has worked as an adviser to Madrid president Florentino Perez and coach Jose Mourinho, and he will now assume a new position within the club's youth academy.

"Zinedine Zidane will begin training to become a coach, while at the same time coach Real Madrid’s youth academy," a club statement read.

"This year he will also complete his team-management qualification, which he started a few months ago.

"That will allow him to formalize his knowledge and training, which will enable him to fulfill an aspiration that he made public in the press conference in which he announced his retirement as a player in April 2006: to work with Real Madrid's youth academy."

Zidane is expected to replace Alberto Giraldez as head of Madrid's youth sector, and will be given the task of restructuring the department.

Earlier in the month, France Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet claimed that the retired midfielder 'dreams' of coaching Les Bleus in the future, as he sought a replacement for Blanc.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tim Cahill ready for challenge of bringing MLS Cup to New York

HARRISON, N.J. -- Former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill believes he has plenty to contribute to New York and to MLS as he prepares for his first outing in a friendly against former Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow night at Red Bull Arena.

Cahill, 32, secured his move to America last week after MLS, New York and Everton agreed to a transfer fee in the region of one million pounds, according to the BBC, to conclude his largely successful eight-year spell in Merseyside on Thursday.

The Australia international midfielder said he wrapped up the whirlwind move in short order to help the Red Bulls push toward their goal of lifting MLS Cup for the first time.

“As a footballer, I've achieved a hell of a lot in my career, but I feel this is a big move for me,” Cahill said during his introductory press conference on Monday. “I know a lot of people might think otherwise, but I'm 32 years old. I respect MLS. I'm coming here at this age because I'm fit and I'm ready for a new challenge.”

New York coach Hans Backe said the club acted quickly to clinch the deal for Cahill when team executives realized he might accept a move Stateside. Other Premier League clubs were interested in signing Cahill during the summer, but the Red Bulls took advantage of Cahill's desire to avoid suiting up for another Premier League side to bring him into the fold as their third Designated Player.

The move for Cahill fills the Red Bulls' lingering need for attacking impetus in central midfield and provides the perfect platform for an industrious player who should fit well into the physical world of MLS, according to Backe.

“Of course, it's a great, great signing for us,” Backe said. “Being European, I've seen him for many, many years at Everton and also Millwall. We get a player who is quite versatile. He can play second striker, he can be a box-to-box central midfielder, and you can be sure he's a guy who will give you 100 percent.”

Backe said Cahill is expected to make his first Red Bulls start against Spurs on Tuesday night and play 45 minutes alongside recovering ex-Tottenham man Teemu Tainio in central midfield. Cahill hasn't trained much with his new teammates as he tended to visa issues in Canada, but he said he is prepared to kick off his Red Bulls career in short order as the squad prepares for a critical pair of home-and-home matches against surging Houston on Friday.

“I'm from Australia,” Cahill said about taking the field against Spurs. “We don't do things in half-measures. We do what we're told. For me, this has been crazy since I've been here. I've been up at four, five and six, flights here and there, fitting training sessions in, sleeping in the afternoons. This is our job. This is something we love doing. I know probably playing tomorrow night might be a bit quick, but at least I'm here now. It might be a bit stupid or whatever, but that's what we do.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United wants to 'get off to a flyer', says Sir Alex

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hopes to see his side "get off to a flyer" when the Premier League resumes next month.


The Old Trafford outfit began the last campaign with six wins from its first seven league fixtures, the best by a Manchester United team since the 1992-93 season.However, it was dramatically pipped to the title by rival Manchester City on the final day, as Roberto Mancini's men claimed their first top-flight triumph in 44 years.

Ferguson's side begin the new season with a tricky trip to Everton on Monday August 20, by which point City will have played its first game at home against newly-promoted Southampton.
But the United boss believes the opposition, and not the timing, will be his main concern."The Monday night start doesn’t bother me," Sir Alex told the club's official magazine.

"That’s not a big factor. The fact it’s Everton away holds much more weight."It’s a tough fixture and we’ve not found it easy there in recent years, despite some good results. We can’t complain, though. We had a tough start last season, too.

"We played Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea very early and ended up getting off to a flyer. We’ll be aiming to do the same this year."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dempsey is left out of tour with Fulham as Liverpool rumors heat up

Clint Dempsey is out of Fulham’s preseason training camp in Switzerland as he eyes a move to Liverpool, Goal.com has learned.

Dempsey was not on the plane that left London on Monday morning to take part in the week-long trip, leading to further speculation that a transfer to the Reds may be in the works.

It's unclear if it was Dempsey's decision or coach Martin Jol's to keep the American off the trip.

Fulham will spend the week in Switzerland ahead of a friendly in neighboring France against Nice on Saturday before returning to the UK.

The 29-year-old has made it clear to Jol and senior Fulham figures that he wants to quit the club for Liverpool, whose manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that he has made enquiries about signing the player.

As revealed by Goal.com earlier this month, the attacking midfielder, who scored 17 Premier League goals last season and 23 in all competitions, has rejected Fulham’s offer of a new three year-contract that includes an option for a fourth year.

Dempsey, who moved to west London five-and-a-half years ago, believes that Liverpool’s interest could be the last opportunity he gets to play for one of the elite Premier League clubs.

Nevertheless, he has vowed to remain professional while his future remains in doubt and trained with Fulham’s youth team at its Motspur Park base on Monday morning.