..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Petkovic: Lazio aren't afraid of Juventus

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic has rejected suggestions Juventus are favourites to win Sunday's Supercoppa Italiana.

The Biancocelesti triumphed over Roma in the Coppa Italia final last season to tee up a clash with the back-to-back Serie A champions a week before the new league campaign commences.

Although Petkovic is aware of the Bianconeri's quality and accepts they are expected to lift a third successive Scudetto in 2013-14, he believes his side can triumph in a one-off match to claim the first piece of silverware of the Italian season.

"The first few games of the season are always an unknown, especially when playing for a trophy," he told Lazio Style Radio. "It comes with many doubts but also some certainties such as the fact that we will do everything to win.

"Finals are not made to play well in - just to win. Juve again this year will be the absolute favourites in Serie A - they have more quality and the best players.

"But, in single games, we are not afraid of anybody and we can play well against everybody. We have made progress, we have been working in this direction.

"The squad has been completed and we can make a good impression."

Lazio kick off their Serie A campaign at home to Udinese on August 25.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Nigeria can win World Cup for Africa - Kanu

Nwankwo Kanu has explained that Nigeria have their sights set on winning World Cup 2014 on behalf of Africa.

In 2010 Ghana were a penalty shootout away from becoming the first nation from the continent to reach the last four of the tournament.

The ex-Arsenal, Inter and Ajax striker, however, believes that the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions have the team ethic and coaching quality to qualify for Brazil next summer and stage a shock.

The 37-year-old told Goal: "We are definitely going to the World Cup next year and we want to win the Cup for Africa. About the upcoming Malawi match - we are ready for it and we will do our best.

"We have a good squad that is competent enough to take us to the World Cup and make us shine on the world map.

"We want players who are hungry for success and players who will play for the country with pride and dignity. That is the main reason we have such a squad. Although we can still have experienced players, nobody owns a space, they all need to work hard.

"We have a great coaching team behind the players and that is what makes us the best in Africa."

The Super Eagles' continental success at the start of 2013 ensured their qualification for June's Confederations Cup but they were unable to get beyond a group containing Spain, Uruguay and Tahiti.

To reach 2014's World Cup finals, Stephen Keshi's men must not lose at home to Caf Group F opponents Malawi on September 7 and then beat whomever they are drawn against in the knock-out round over two legs.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Winter 2022 World Cup is 'nigh-on impossible', says Scudamore

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore believes moving the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is "nigh-on impossible".

Concerns have been raised about the temperatures in the Middle East country June and July, with speculation the tournament could be moved to cooler months despite clashing with domestic football calendars in many countries.

Scudamore insisted this would cause too much disruption around the world and called on Fifa to consult with all parties before making any decision.

"It's extremely difficult [to move it], nigh-on impossible in our view," he told Sky Sports News. "Where they award the World Cup to is entirely the Fifa executive committee's decision, entirely their decision, not our business.

"The international football calendar is one that has to be consulted though; it is not something Fifa can just decide because the whole of world football has an interest in that.

"There is a whole series of complications around that and that consultation process has to be a separate consultation process with leagues and associations on a global basis, not just the Premier League and European Leagues, to make sure it works for everybody."

Qatar was chosen to host the 2022 tournament in 2010, beating USA, South Korea, Japan and Australia in the voting process.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mazzarri: I don't regret joining Inter

Walter Mazzarri has insisted that he has no regrets over his decision to leave Napoli earlier this summer in order to take charge of Inter.

The Nerazzurri have been struggling during pre-season, while their delicate financial situation has prevented them from making any high-profile signings, yet Mazzarri, 51, remains adamant that he made the right choice in moving to San Siro.

"Of course I would make the same decision again if given the chance to go back in time," Mazzarri told Corriere dello Sport.

"There's no reason why I would not join Inter. The president's words made the difference for me. What he said to me made me decide to come here.

"We had a great discussion and he ignited a fire in me that's really motivated me. We understood each other right away.

"I was told that we can start from zero I will get the chance to build a team for the future. We might need some time, though. I want to take Inter back to where they belong."

Inter had to settle for ninth spot in the Serie A table last term.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Puyol nears Barcelona comeback

Carles Puyol has moved a step closer to making his Barcelona return after resuming training following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The experienced defender, 35, was limited to just 22 games in the 2012-13 campaign due to a string of injuries and went under the knife in June in an attempt to rid him of a persistent knee problem.

The centre-back missed his side's Asian tour as a result of the surgery, but Puyol is pleased to now have made the next step in his recovery process.

"I am very happy to train on the pitch again. Making steps forward every day," the centre-back stated on his official Twitter account.

Barcelona announced on their official website that Puyol was joined by physio Juanjo Brau at the Joan Gamper training ground on Wednesday for a workout focused on strength and resistance.

The Liga champions have been linked with a host of centre-backs over the summer, with new coach Gerardo Martino reportedly failing with bids for Chelsea defender David Luiz and Liverpool's Daniel Agger

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Puyol enawa kiyanne Barcelona ta loku chance 1kakmokada Puyol nathi 1ka loku paduwak.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zaha can become a Manchester United legend - Holloway

Wilfried Zaha has the potential to become a Manchester United legend, according to his former boss at Crystal Palace, Ian Holloway.

The winger, who signed for the Premier League champions in January, helped secure promotion for Holloway's side while finishing last season on loan at Selhurst Park, and the Eagles boss has no doubts that the 20-year-old can become an Old Trafford great.

"Everything I've seen since he arrived at Old Trafford suggests to me he will start the season in their first team and I honestly believe he is going to become a legend at the club," Holloway told Goal.

"Had he not been with us last season I don't think we would have made it into the Premier League. He has that bit extra that makes all the difference. He's one of those rare players who changes games."

Holloway agreed to sell Zaha to United in the January transfer window for a £10 million fee plus £5m in add-ons.

The former Blackpool manager feels that the youngster will benefit from playing alongside United's experienced stars, and admitted that he will be keeping a close eye on his development with the Premier League champions.

He said: "I was intrigued in the Community Shield when he tried to play a clever back heel which didn't work. The first player over to him was Ryan Giggs clearly saying: 'Don't do that again, son'.

"That's how it always used to be in the old days and it was brilliant, senior players taking the younger players in hand and looking after them - with that sort of attention Wilf is going to grow fast.

"The kid was a joy to work with and I would also say he was one of the nicest young men I've known.

"I'll be watching his development with great interest. I know the boy has all it takes to be a United legend."

This term will be Holloway's second stab at Premier League survival after being relegated with Blackpool on the final day of the 2010-11 campaign at Old Trafford, but the Palace boss believes his current side can push for a top 10 finish after gaining promotion via the play-offs.

"West Ham did it last season and they finished 10th - there's no reason why we can't do as well as them," he added.

"I have given a very long list of names to the chairman, Steve Parish, and he's working hard on bringing players in. I expect that to go on right to the last minute on deadline day."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney out of sorts on return to the spotlight

Based on last night's performance alone, David Moyes may want to revise his ‘not for sale’ stance on Wayne Rooney's future. After all the conjecture, debate and posturing, the England striker failed to live up to top billing.

Rooney has barely kicked a ball in pre-season and has been training with the United second string as he recovers from a shoulder injury, but he looked miles off the pace at Wembley on Wednesday night.

This was the golden opportunity to send a message to his suitors and his doubters. A chance he missed.

His first involvement of the game - a wild swing at a cross - set the tone for a performance in which he seemed to be two yards off the pace of everyone else on the pitch.

And this was against Scotland, placed 50th in the Fifa rankings and playing with a centre-back pairing of Russell Martin and Grant Hanley.

Hardly formidable, but you would have been forgiven for thinking Rooney was up against Franco Baresi given the nature of his performance.

Rooney is far too good and has been far too successful to be judged on his 67-minute appearance in the 3-2 win over Scotland, but his lack of pre-season action told.

As if to prove the point, his replacement Rickie Lambert was bursting the net less than three minutes after arriving to make his England debut. Rooney had not even managed a shot on target.

Rooney wants to join Chelsea and Jose Mourinho, the Blues manager, envisages the 27-year-old playing as the focal point of the Londoners’ attack.

But playing in that very role here, Rooney constantly dropped deep in search of the ball, disrupting any attacking rhythm England managed to generate.

Rooney was certainly lacking confidence, his first touch unpredictable as he lost possession early on and gave the ball away with sloppy passes.

His only real action of note was a low shot from 25 yards in the first-half that skidded well wide of the Scotland goal.

After the game, Hodgson admitted Rooney was a little off the pace of the game but said he was pleased with the forward’s contribution.

“We all knew before the game that this was his first actual competitive game of the season,” said Hodgson. “You wouldn’t expect that in normal circumstances, it wasn’t an ideal situation.

“David Moyes and the people at Manchester United have been fantastic, they welcomed the fact that he wanted to play and I wanted to play him.”

On this evidence it will take Rooney several weeks, perhaps even months, to find the form and fitness that will make him a key player in a title challenging team this season - whether that’s Chelsea or United.

Rooney appeared in good spirits after the game, smiling and affable even with journalists in the post-match mixed zone.

But with no resolution imminent between United and Chelsea - the latest bid of around £30m was flatly rejected - Rooney’s mental state is likely to be tested in the remainder of the transfer window.

He needs to make sure that the summer’s disruption does not have too much of a negative impact on his game, particularly in a World Cup year.

For now, he needs to forget about his future, focus on his match sharpness and play for Manchester United. Training with the rest of the first-team might be a start.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Deschamps relieved to stop France rot

Didier Deschamps was pleased to see his France side halt their losing streak in Wednesday's 0-0 friendly draw with Belgium.

France had lost their previous three games prior to the clash at Stade Roi Baudouin and Deschamps feels avoiding another defeat was essential ahead of their crucial World Cup 2014 qualifiers against Georgia and Belarus next month.

"This gives us no guarantees for September, but it launches the season and it's still a good performance for us. Overall, this was good," Deschamps said at a press conference.

Despite his satisfaction with les Bleu's display, the 44-year-old went on to express his concern that they failed to find the back of the net.

"We created a lot of situations, but we did not score. This is the negative side," the former Marseille boss added.Eric Abidal made his first appearance for France since undergoing a liver transplant and Deschamps was happy with the Monaco defender's showing, adding that his experience and influence on the side is important as they battle to qualify for next year's showpiece in Brazil.

"He confirmed his good form and we see that he is full of calm and serenity, which is good for those around him.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Marcelo: Neymar won't be my friend

They may play alongside one another for Brazil, but Real Madrid defender Marcelo says Neymar will not be his friend when he lines up against him for Barcelona.

The pair both appeared for Brazil in their surprise 1-0 defeat to Switzerland on Wednesday night and after the game Marcelo told Goal he will be treating Barca's €54 million signing like any other opponent.

He said: “That is normal. I already have that with Dani Alves. And then we are back to normal after the game. It will be the same with Neymar. He is a great friend of mine but that won’t be the case when he lines up against Real Madrid.”

Los Blancos continue to be linked with a marquee signing of their own, with the club reportedly desperate to secure the services of Tottenham winger Gareth Bale.

However, with a transfer fee in the region of €100 million being quoted by some sections of the media, Madrid face being priced out of a move for the 24-year-old.

And Marcelo gave little away when asked if he would like to see the Wales international arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“We only talk about players who are already at Real Madrid. He is still not here so for us there is no point in talking about anyone else.” the Brazilian added.

“It’s the president who has to like the player. The president and the coach are the ones. I don’t make the decisions.“

The 25-year-old then promised that Brazil would bounce back in their next round of friendlies in September after their surprise loss at St Jakob Park.

“Many of our players are still in pre-season. I think most of the Swiss players came back before and it showed.

"We know that at this level we always have to work hard and to keep fighting. I am sure by the time Brazil plays again in September our fitness will be back.”

A succession of injuries restricted Marcelo to just 23 appearances for club and country in 2012-13, but he was part of the Brazil side that lifted the Confederations Cup earlier this summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

AAAAND its the last sign so far

RVP the man

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United make contact over Ozil & Modric

Manchester United have made contact with Real Madrid about signing one of Luka Modric or Mesut Ozil, Old Trafford sources have told ESPN FC.
The move signals an escalation of United’s attempts to finally complete transfer business in what has been a frustrating summer.ESPN FC has been informed that the club is still intent on making three signings before the transfer window closes on September 2, with an all-round creative midfielder the top priority. It is for this reason that United are now negotiating on a few fronts.

David Moyes alluded to what one source has described as the club “keeping several plates spinning” at the Premier League launch in London on Thursday.
“I’m confident we'll have players in before the start,” he said. “We're involved in several players we're looking at and that will continue. Will we get them before the deadline? I hope so, but we're working very hard to do so. It was always going to be a difficult window for me personally. I joined on July 1, which has given me a short period.”

As first reported in the Daily Telegraph, the English champions retain an interest in Cesc Fabregas. Although the Barca playmaker appeared to have made his refusal to leave Barcelona unequivocal when he told the media earlier this month that he had “never considered leaving”, United have again been sufficiently encouraged that his omission from any of the side’s August games could change the situation, and that the Catalans may be minded to accept an offer of over £40 million.

As it stands, though, United’s best chance would appear to lie with Madrid star Modric. Although it has emerged that there have been lines of dialogue open with Ozil’s representatives since June, the Germany international -- whom Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign in the summer of 2010 -- is known to be one of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s favourite players.

At the same time, the Spanish club’s public pursuit of Gareth Bale could radically alter the circumstances. Despite Real’s utter confidence in having the funds to eventually capture the Tottenham Hotspur star this summer, they may seek to ease the financial burden by offloading more players. It is this that has encouraged United, as well as the feeling that coach Carlo Ancelotti may have to recalibrate his formation to deploy the Wales international.

United also remain relaxed about eventually signing Marouane Fellaini to add presence to their midfield. The Belgium midfielder is keen to join the Premier League champions, but there remain some complications to be overcome as regards his Everton contract. Roberto Martinez confirmed on Thursday that his release clause has expired.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ozil or Modric......anemanada

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Meh pic 1ka dakkhama nikan pissu wage

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says it's time to focus away from Luis Suarez

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists it is time to concentrate on his other players and not Luis Suarez.

This summer has been dominated by speculation about the Uruguay international's future, with Arsenal having two bids rejected and the player revealing his desire to leave.The 26-year-old has been forced to train alone until he apologised for his comments and is due back to the club on Friday after scoring a goal in his country's 4-2 friendly win over Japan in Rifu on Wednesday.

But with Suarez suspended for the first six matches of the new season as his 10-game ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in April is carried over, his manager said: "What I want to concentrate on is the players that are available for this weekend."I won't be speaking any more about Luis Suarez until he's available because the players have been working so hard, focusing and concentrating to prepare for this game. For me and Luis it's very simple.

"There's been so much written about him over the last few months and there's been a standpoint at the club and that hasn't changed. Purely out of respect for the players I only want to speak about them. I don't want to answer any more questions on Luis Suarez.

"There's nothing to be said that hasn't been said and I'm sure people are fed up listening to it to be honest. My only concentration is on those players that have been working so hard after a tough pre-season."

Ahead of their Premier League opener at home to Stoke on Saturday, Reds fans will be desperate to see their team push their rivals for the top spots in the new campaign but Rodgers said that the European stage is top priority."The measure is always the Champions League for a club like Liverpool," he added. "But I believe we can have a real push this year.

"It's going to be tough and going to be even tougher because other clubs already in there and have been there for a number of years have reinforced. It's a tough ask but I believe with the mentality in our group and our work and focus we'll have a good chance."

Regarding the prospect of adding to the squad in the transfer window, Rodgers said: "There have been a number of players we've been linked with but nothing is imminent."

 

[unicornx]

Manchester United make contact over Ozil & Modric

Manchester United have made contact with Real Madrid about signing one of Luka Modric or Mesut Ozil, Old Trafford sources have told ESPN FC.
The move signals an escalation of United’s attempts to finally complete transfer business in what has been a frustrating summer.ESPN FC has been informed that the club is still intent on making three signings before the transfer window closes on September 2, with an all-round creative midfielder the top priority. It is for this reason that United are now negotiating on a few fronts.

David Moyes alluded to what one source has described as the club “keeping several plates spinning” at the Premier League launch in London on Thursday.
“I’m confident we'll have players in before the start,” he said. “We're involved in several players we're looking at and that will continue. Will we get them before the deadline? I hope so, but we're working very hard to do so. It was always going to be a difficult window for me personally. I joined on July 1, which has given me a short period.”

As first reported in the Daily Telegraph, the English champions retain an interest in Cesc Fabregas. Although the Barca playmaker appeared to have made his refusal to leave Barcelona unequivocal when he told the media earlier this month that he had “never considered leaving”, United have again been sufficiently encouraged that his omission from any of the side’s August games could change the situation, and that the Catalans may be minded to accept an offer of over £40 million.

As it stands, though, United’s best chance would appear to lie with Madrid star Modric. Although it has emerged that there have been lines of dialogue open with Ozil’s representatives since June, the Germany international -- whom Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign in the summer of 2010 -- is known to be one of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s favourite players.

At the same time, the Spanish club’s public pursuit of Gareth Bale could radically alter the circumstances. Despite Real’s utter confidence in having the funds to eventually capture the Tottenham Hotspur star this summer, they may seek to ease the financial burden by offloading more players. It is this that has encouraged United, as well as the feeling that coach Carlo Ancelotti may have to recalibrate his formation to deploy the Wales international.

United also remain relaxed about eventually signing Marouane Fellaini to add presence to their midfield. The Belgium midfielder is keen to join the Premier League champions, but there remain some complications to be overcome as regards his Everton contract. Roberto Martinez confirmed on Thursday that his release clause has expired.

No idea about Modric..But defa Ozil yanne naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

 

[unicornx]

Marcelo: Neymar won't be my friend

They may play alongside one another for Brazil, but Real Madrid defender Marcelo says Neymar will not be his friend when he lines up against him for Barcelona.

The pair both appeared for Brazil in their surprise 1-0 defeat to Switzerland on Wednesday night and after the game Marcelo told Goal he will be treating Barca's €54 million signing like any other opponent.

He said: “That is normal. I already have that with Dani Alves. And then we are back to normal after the game. It will be the same with Neymar. He is a great friend of mine but that won’t be the case when he lines up against Real Madrid.”

Los Blancos continue to be linked with a marquee signing of their own, with the club reportedly desperate to secure the services of Tottenham winger Gareth Bale.

However, with a transfer fee in the region of €100 million being quoted by some sections of the media, Madrid face being priced out of a move for the 24-year-old.

And Marcelo gave little away when asked if he would like to see the Wales international arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“We only talk about players who are already at Real Madrid. He is still not here so for us there is no point in talking about anyone else.” the Brazilian added.

“It’s the president who has to like the player. The president and the coach are the ones. I don’t make the decisions.“

The 25-year-old then promised that Brazil would bounce back in their next round of friendlies in September after their surprise loss at St Jakob Park.

“Many of our players are still in pre-season. I think most of the Swiss players came back before and it showed.

"We know that at this level we always have to work hard and to keep fighting. I am sure by the time Brazil plays again in September our fitness will be back.”

A succession of injuries restricted Marcelo to just 23 appearances for club and country in 2012-13, but he was part of the Brazil side that lifted the Confederations Cup earlier this summer.

 

[unicornx]

Ai CR7 wa ain karala thiyenne

CR7 yannone qwa...Man Manager mode play karanne Board ekenma eyawa transfer list ekata dala...167Euro walata sell kala Man. City ekata

 

[unicornx]

Eriksson wath Real Madrid walata gatthada

Anyway niyama talent 1ka machanhoda future 1kak thiyanawa Eriksson ta

natuwa...tawama 22ne...andenawa 25/26 wage kale weddi. Moyesta Keisuki Hondath hondai try kaloth

 

[unicornx]

Villas-Boas reveals Bale to miss Tottenham opener at Crystal Palace

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has revealed that Gareth Bale will miss the club's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, and potentially further fixtures because of an injury-hit pre-season.

The 24-year-old has not featured since scoring against Swindon on July 16 with a foot injury, with his future at White Hart Lane in doubt following talks between Spurs and Real Madrid talking place over a potential £100 million deal.

Bale was called up to the Wales squad to face Republic of Ireland, but coach Chris Coleman admitted his star player was not physically or mentally ready to play - and Villas-Boas has ruled him out of the trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday.

"No, because he's been out injured for most of pre-season," Villas-Boas told reporters.

"He was involved in the games against Brentford and Swindon but not any others, for different reasons; pulled a muscle in his gluteus that prevented him from being involved for two weeks and he's been complaining of pain in the foot.

"I think the most natural thing is to see him not involved against Palace."

Modric=Bale