..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Taarabt reveals failed PSG move

AC Milan midfielder Adel Taarabt has revealed how a failed move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2011 led to a "year of misery".

The 24-year-old joined the San Siro outfit on loan from QPR in January and made Serie A starts against Napoli and Bologna before making his Champions League bow against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

However, things could well have been different for Taarabt, who held talks with PSG in the summer of 2011."I was the priority of the Qataris (PSG owners)," he said. "They had met me before all the other players who have signed."They wanted me to sign. But I think that Leonardo (director of football) had other priorities.

"I suffered from this transfer failure, I suffered a lot. In my head, I was in Paris, a big club, I was going to play the Champions League."And then you leave again at QPR...I spent a year of misery. It was hard. But I'm glad to have rebounded to AC Milan."Despite a 1-0 defeat in the Champions League round-of-16 first-leg clash, Taarabt claims he is living the dream in Italy.

"I have spent here the best 10 days of my career,” he told RMC Sport. "I have trained three times with the team and played in a wonderful stadium like that at Napoli. Then, at home to Bologna in another magnificent stadium. And then on Wednesday I played my first match in the Champions League."It has been a dream for me. When I signed up, I always said that I believed in my qualities and I thought I had everything to play for Milan.

"It is true that this has surprised people because I did not play at Fulham, but now I am here. I am making my way and will try to earn a place in Milan."This week was my first match in the Champions League and I played in the last 16. I could not sleep that night."

Milan currently sit ninth in Serie A and visit Sampdoria on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zanetti: I love Mourinho but I'm not moving

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has made an informal move to bring Inter's Javier Zanetti to Stamford Bridge in a player-coach role - but the player insists he will remain with the Nerazzurri.

The versatile 40-year-old, who moved to San Siro in 1995, worked under Mourinho during the Portuguese's two-year spell at the the Giuseppe Meazza, during which time the club completed an unprecedented treble.

Zanetti, though, is out of contract in June and, while his family are settled in Milan, is considering the proposal and could be tempted by a reunion with Mourinho.

The 51-year-old coach, who has frequently bemoaned the inexperience within his Chelsea side, has suggested that the Argentine join the playing staff for the 2014-15 campaign before taking on a position within his backroom team for the following season.

Mourinho is eager to add experience and title-winning pedigree to his ranks, and his plans have been approved by owner Roman Abramovich,

Zanetti, however, remains committed to Inter and will hold talks with president Erick Thohir to clarify his position at the club and whether he would be able to begin his coaching career with the Italians.

He told Inter Channel on Friday: "Honestly, I have a great relationship with Mourinho, we often talk, but we never talked about these things.
"I believe that Inter fans know what I feel about this shirt. I always said, to me, Inter is my life and that my desire is to stay here. Say no more."

However, Thohir added that the club would not stand in the way of Zanetti if he wished to move on, stating that the decision was entirely down to the player.

"I met the captain two months ago, it’s his decision,” he told reporters.

“He is a legend and we will respect any decision he makes. If he wants to continue or become a director then we will discuss it in the coming months." The former Argentina international, who has 145 caps for his country, considers Milan his adopted home and it would take a serious charm offensive from Mourinho to lure his former charge to west London.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho not concerned about Courtois interest

Jose Mourinho insists he has no concerns about losing Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, despite reports linking him with Real Madrid.

The 21-year-old Belgian has been on loan at Real's fierce rivals Atletico since 2011, as Petr Cech continues to block his path to the No.1 spot at Stamford Bridge.But, as some media outlets suggest Courtois could be set for a permanent switch to the Spanish capital, Mourinho insists Courtois remains a Chelsea player for the time being.

"We don't struggle to keep hold of [Courtois]," the Blues boss told reporters. "I don't need to give assurances to any player."If somebody wants him, we have to know. It is easy for us."When you want a player and the player has two more years of contract. It is easy to say that we have no problems."

Courtois has made 134 appearances in all competitions for Atleti since first arriving on loan.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pjanic: Roma's style suits me

Miralem Pjanic says Rudi Garcia's influence is a major factor behind Roma's dramatic improvement and is enjoying the coach's style of play.

The Giallorossi started the campaign terrifically, winning their first 10 Serie A games and are well in contention for their first return to the Champions League since 2011.

Pjanic, 23, has been allowed more freedom in midfield playing ahead of Daniele De Rossi and Kevin Strootman in a midfield three and the Bosnian is relishing the more creative role in the team.

“Since Rudi Garcia arrived, maybe I'm more prominent,” Pjanic told Goal.

“My game is quite different from that at Lyon. I'm more mature and I have much more experience.

“It is true that the style of play suits me. It relies heavily on the midfield, Garcia lets us organise the game and he does not want us to play the long ball all the time. I have a lot more responsibilities.

“Our game is based on the possession and control of the game. I am the most offensive of the three midfielders and Garcia gives me a lot of freedom. I get on very well with Daniele De Rossi and Kevin Strootman.

“He asked me to move much to disrupt enemy lines. The balance has been achieved this season and a lot of defensive efforts at the request of coach.

“Offensively, I have a lot of freedom and Garcia gives me total confidence.”

Roma are preparing for a clash against Bologna and will be hoping to narrow the gap on Juventus to six points with their game in hand.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Johnson returns to Liverpool squad

Liverpool are set to welcome full-back Glen Johnson back into their squad for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Swansea City.The England international has missed the past month due to an ankle injury sustained in the 2-2 draw at home to Aston Villa, with manager Brendan Rodgers saying at the time that Johnson would miss an "indefinite" amount of time.

But Johnson is in contention to feature against Garry Monk's men at Anfield this weekend."Glen has been back training," Rodgers said."According to him, he has felt as good as he has done for a long time - which is great. He has looked very good in training and he'll come into the squad."

Midfielder Lucas Leiva and centre-back Mamadou Sakho are also nearing returns from knee and hamstring injuries respectively, but Jose Enrique has travelled to America in order to get specialist advice on his knee complaint.Rodgers added: "Lucas Leiva is recovering very well but not in the squad."Sakho is still probably a week or so away, but he's back on the field now with the rehabilitation team and working well.

"Jose Enrique has been out in America. We're looking to try to put an end to his injuries this season."We have sent him out to get some specialist advice on that. But he's nowhere near playing yet."

Liverpool's January transfer target Yevhen Konoplyanka scored the winning goal in Dnipro's 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the Europa League on Thursday.Rodgers was asked whether he would renew his interest in the winger in the close-season, but the Liverpool boss kept his cards close to his chest."We've got lots of people that were looking at," he continued.

"We'll assess where we are at the end of the season and take it from there."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Banned Ronaldo included in Real Madrid's squad to face Elche

Carlo Ancelotti has included Cristiano Ronaldo in Real Madrid's squad to face Elche on Saturday despite the Portuguese currently serving a three-match ban.

Ronaldo was handed the suspension after an altercation with Athletic Bilbao's Carlos Gurpegui and Ancelotti has repeatedly insisted that the 29-year-old's punishment was unfair.

Madrid appealed the decision to the Spanish FA's appeal committee but it was rejected, forcing them to take the issue to the Spanish Sports Disciplinary committee where los Blancos are now currently waiting on a verdict, which Ancelotti hopes will be sorted before the match against Elche.

"We have to wait for the committee's decision regarding Cristiano. I hope he can play," Ancelotti told reporters.

"I don't think it's logical to wait this much for the committee's decision. I hope the committee makes a decision before my meeting with the team.

"I think it's incredible that Ronaldo gets suspended for three games for what he did against Bilbao. He will be called up and I believe he is going to play.

"I hope the committee will not meet after Elche's game because it will be very late."

Ronaldo has already missed the games against Getafe and Villarreal but Madrid are still in contention at the top of La Liga level with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid on 60 points.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Draxler and Meyer love Schalke'

Schalke youth academy director Oliver Ruhnert believes a love for the club has contributed to the success of Julian Draxler and Max Meyer.

Draxler has been attracting the attentions of some of Europe's biggest clubs, while Meyer has also caught the eye with a string of impressive performances.But Ruhnert believes the club's values are engrained in the midfield duo and have contributed to their rise through the ranks.

"A player has to identify with the club," he is quoted as saying on the official Bundesliga website. "I keep saying Schalke are all about tradition and emotions.
"Every player in our youth academy is talented, but you need the right will and identification, and desire to represent Schalke."Both (Draxler and Meyer) have Schalke in their hearts.

"Julian Draxler does as he even grew up in Gelsenkirchen, but it's no different with Max Meyer, who joined us when he was older."The lads shouldn't see Schalke just as their employers, but also be passionate about the club. We're very, very proud of them. They're a prime example of the successful collaboration between our youth academy and the senior side."

Schalke currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga, 19 points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Reja criticises Anderson for penalty miss

Pep Guardiola has sent out a fierce warning to Bayern Munich's rivals by claiming that the Champions League holders still have room for improvement.

Having already guided the Bavarians to the Club World Cup title in December, the 43-year-old former Barcelona coach is now looking to repeat the treble won by the club last season under Jupp Heynckes.

While Bayern are favourites to retain their crown, a feat never previously achieved in the tournament's current format, Guardiola warned that their best is yet to come.

"We can improve our high level even further," Guardiola told the club's official website.

"Every day the players understand a little more about the mechanisms and our ideas.

"We talk about what we do well and not so well. Therefore, it is normal that our understanding grows."

In relation to the short rest afforded to Bayern's players following Wednesday's 2-0 Champions League win over Arsenal, Guardiola stressed the importance of a fresh mind and confirmed that his eyes are set on lifting the trophy on May 24th in Lisbon.

"The pause is important for the head , not the legs," he continued.

"We had a lot of problems in the first seven minutes. After that, we controlled the game.

"I am coach of FC Bayern. It's a dream to win something for this club."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal to punish Szczesny for Bayern Munich gesture

Arsenal are set to discipline Wojciech Szczesny after he appeared to make an obscene gesture following his red card against Bayern Munich.

The goalkeeper was dismissed shortly before half-time in Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first-leg tie at the Emirates Stadium, when he was adjudged to have denied Arjen Robben a clear goal-scoring opportunity.Szczesny will definitely miss the return leg at the Allianz Arena because of the red card, though he could face a lengthier ban if Uefa decide to review the incident.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was visibly frustrated with the decision, while Szczesny expressed his thoughts before walking down the tunnel.

And Wenger confirmed the Poland international will be sanctioned by the club.
"It was frustration but we are professionals, me included, and we have always to master our reactions," he said."Wojciech is part of that as well. We'll deal with that internally. We don't agree with that."

Szczesny is available for Arsenal's fixture with Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale: Real Madrid want to win everything

Gareth Bale has dealt a warning to Europe's top clubs by insisting that Real Madrid can win this year's Champions League.

Madrid are still in the hunt for a treble after reaching the Copa del Rey final, being in contention for La Liga and have a last-16 encounter in the Champions League against Schalke, which if they went all the way would be their 10th European crown.

The 24-year-old, who has scored nine goals in 16 Liga appearances, admits that playing for a huge club comes with responsibility but maintains it is an expectation he truly enjoys.

“There's a lot of expectation here. We're the biggest club in the world,” Bale told Uefa.com.

“We want to win every game and everybody expects us to. There is expectation but one that we all like, we're all winners and we want to win every trophy that we're playing in.

“We've been very good but we can still get better, and that's the plan. We'll take one game at a time and hopefully win the Champions League.“

The Wales international acknowledged the illustrious history of the club and reflects on his own childhood for motivation, citing the 2002 Champions League final - coincidentally Madrid's last triumph - as a constant reminder of Real Madrid's standing amongst Europe's elite.

“One of my first real memories was watching Real Madrid in the final at Hampden Park, when Zinedine Zidane scored that unbelievable volley," Bale continued.

“He was probably the worlds greatest player at the time.“

Bale now works with Zidane, who is assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Motta signs new PSG deal

Thiago Motta has signed a new one year deal at Paris Saint-Germain until the summer of 2016, the Ligue 1 champions have confirmed.

Motta's existing deal was due to end in June 2015. The Brazil-born Italy international moved to the French capital from Inter in January 2012, and has since scored eight goals in 65 appearances for Laurent Blanc's men.

Confirming the news, the club tweeted: "Paris Saint-Germain is pleased to announce the extension of the contract of Thiago Motta until 2016."

PSG are currently on course to retain the Ligue 1 title - sitting five points clear of closest rivals Monaco - and the 31-year-old has started 21 of their 25 league matches this season.

Motta told the club's official website: "I'm very happy to pursue my dream with Paris Saint-Germain. I hope to continue to help the club reach their very ambitious goals in France and Europe."

While club owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi expressed his delight at the deal.

He added: "We're very proud to extend with Thiago Motta, an exceptional player on the pitch and elegant off it. He symbolises our ambitions."

Blanc's men visit Toulouse in the league on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gibbs to miss Arsenal-Sunderland clash through injury

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed Kieran Gibbs will miss Saturday's clash with Sunderland through injury.

The left-back suffered a hamstring problem in the 2-0 Champions League defeat to holders Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old has been a regular in Wenger's first team this season, making 32 appearances in all competitions, but will be unavailable as Arsenal look to bounce back from their European disappointment.

"We are playing in three different competitions in one week," Wenger told reporters. "It's extremely difficult to adjust every time and it's physically very demanding.

"We have fought hard so far in the Premier League and of course now we want to come back and win our home game. There will certainly be changes, that's for sure. I will decide after training [on Friday].

"Kieran Gibbs is out of course and no one else is back apart from Mikel Arteta, who is back from suspension."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aguero could return for Capital One Cup final

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is confident he will be fit to face Sunderland in the Capital One Cup on March 2.

The striker has been missing since the end of January with a hamstring injury sustained against Tottenham and the club have slipped to third in the Premier League table following dropped points against Chelsea and Norwich City.

But Aguero feels his return to first-team action is imminent, tweeting: "Feeling very good about my last week of recovery work. If I keep it up next week I'll train with the team!"

Although Saturday's visit of Stoke City comes to soon for the Argentine, City manager Manuel Pellegrini will be boosted by the return of Aguero, who has already scored 26 goals this season.

Goals from Lionel Messi and Dani Alves saw Barcelona run out 2-0 winners at the Etihad Stadium in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg, leaving the club with an uphill task to reach the quarter-finals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Villarreal face €4,000 fine for tear-gas incident

Villarreal are facing a €4,000 fine after a tear gas canister was hurled onto the pitch during their 2-0 La Liga defeat to Celta Vigo on Saturday.

The incident happened in the closing stages of the match, shortly after Fabian Orellana had given the visitors the lead at El Madrigal, and halted play for almost 25 minutes.

Villarreal are now set to be punished following a recommendation from Spain's Anti-Violence Commission (CSD).

"The Commission has agreed to propose a fine of €4,000 to Villarreal CF SAD and expresses its strongest condemnation against the events at El Madrigal on Saturday 15 February when, during the match Villarreal CF SAD v Real Club Celta de Vigo SAD, an individual - not yet identified - launched a tear smoke canister on to the field of play that produced a thick cloud of white smoke in the stadium," a statement from the CSD reads.

"This fact caused the temporary suspension of the match and the evacuation for security reasons of all the spectators who were inside the sports arena.

"The Commission reminds football clubs they should make use of all measures to control the access of spectators into their stadiums to avoid events like those witnessed at Villarreal happening again at a sporting spectacle.”

Villarreal's next home game is the Liga clash versus Betis on March 2.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neuer is priceless, says Hoeness

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has voiced his admiration of Manuel Neuer in the wake of his superb performance in the 2-0 Champions League win over Arsenal on Wednesday evening.

The Germany international kept out a Mesut Ozil penalty early in the game as well as making several fine saves to keep Bayern on level terms, while also impressing on the ball with his accurate passing, and Hoeness has nothing but praise for the 27-year-old.

"What Neuer is doing is absolutely top notch. He has been priceless," Hoeness was quoted as saying by Bild.

"We are using our goalkeeper as an outfield player. Some people seem to forget that. It's a matter of time before he is playing in our opponents' half.

"The defenders can always pass the ball back to Manuel. He can pass the ball on to a team-mate perfectly with both his right and his left foot."

Neuer has kept 22 clean sheets in 35 official appearances for Bayern in 2013-14.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Moyes deserves time to impress at Manchester United - Queiroz

David Moyes deserves times to prove his credentials at Old Trafford, according to former Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz.

The Scot has struggled since replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm during the summer, with last season's champions lying 15 points adrift of Premier League leaders Chelsea in seventh place.

But Queiroz says that the club pride themselves on their footballling ethics and, for that reason, expects Moyes to hold onto his job for the foreseeable future.

"The success of Manchester United was based on a couple of principles," the Portuguese is quoted as saying by The Daily Mirror. "The first thing was it had a good foundation of consistency, continuity, trust and confidence.

"The other thing I learned when I was at the club: the club always had a strong belief with the people that work inside it - they trust themselves.

"I want to believe that it is just a tough time at the moment and in a short period of time we will see the Manchester United everyone expects.

"I have been in that experience and the most important feeling is to trust each other, believe each other, and make the right decisions.

"If you are not able to win today, I am sure tomorrow things will be right. I think they need to be given time."

Queiroz worked as Sir Alex's assistant in the 2002-03 season before returning for a four-year stint following a brief spell in charge of Real Madrid.

The former Portugal boss feels it was inevitable that Moyes would struggle in his first year, but has backed the 50-year-old to turn things around.

"I knew changing coach would not be easy," Queiroz added. "To cross this bridge after Sir Alex being with the team for so many years, in one way, I think we were always going to have to expect some difficult moments. It is natural.

"But I am very much confident. The club has a lot of experience; it is strong; it has a persistent culture. I am sure David Moyes in a short period in time will do the right things at the club and the team will start to perform."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Impress karanna Moyes ta dunna time 1ka hodatama athi kiyala thamai mata hithenneMokada thawa time 1ka gatthoth wenna thiyana hama deyakma wela thiyei Manchester United walata

Ada Idalawath game 1ka patan gannawanam thamath chance 1ka thiyanawa Top 4 enna

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney signs new Manchester United contract

Manchester United have confirmed Wayne Rooney has signed a new contract which keeps him at the club until June 2019.

Widespread reports on Sunday claimed that the striker had agreed to a deal worth £300,000 per week, and United have now announced he will stay at Old Trafford and will become a club ambassador when he retires.

"I am made up to be staying at United," Rooney told the club's official website.

"In August I will have been at the club for 10 years and during that time I have played with some fantastic players and won everything that I hoped I would when I first signed. I now have the chance as one of the club's senior players to help the younger players coming through and to be a part of another great United team.

"The fans have always been a huge part of this club and the support they have given me since my debut against Fenerbahce has been amazing. I am very grateful to all United fans around the world for their continued support.

"I am really excited to be a part of the club's future and want to thank David Moyes and Ed Woodward for their belief and support in me. I am convinced that this is the start of another successful chapter in Manchester United's history."

Chelsea had two bids for Rooney rejected last summer but United, in particular manager David Moyes and new executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, were adamant that he would not be allowed to leave.

Goal had previously reported that Rooney had been uninterested in extending his stay as recently as December.

But reports have suggested that the club record £37.1 million purchase of Juan Mata, as well as the possibility of succeeding Nemanja Vidic as captain, have persuaded him to remain at the club he joined from Everton in 2004.

“Wayne has been the best player in England since I put him into the Everton first team in 2003," said Moyes.

"Since becoming United manager in July last year, I have enjoyed working with him and seeing just how he has developed his incredible talent. With his ability, his experience and his desire to succeed, he is a vital part of my plans for the future and I'm absolutely thrilled he has accepted the challenge.

"I said last July that Wayne has an outstanding chance to be a true legend of this club's long and rich history. He is just 42 goals away from overtaking Sir Bobby our record goalscorer and becoming the first United player to hit 250 goals for the club.

"These opportunities only come to special players and I'm confident Wayne will set a new record that will take decades to reach. These are really exciting.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Rooney!

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League 2014.02.22 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2014.02.22 Fixtures

Chelsea Vs Everton

Arsenal Vs Sunderland

Cardiff City Vs Hull City

Manchester City Vs Stoke City

WBA Vs Fulham

West Ham Vs Southampton

Crystal Palace Vs Manchester United

​