..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Welbeck looking forward to working with 'great man' Van Gaal

Danny Welbeck has hailed new Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal as a "great man" and insists he is looking forward to working with the Dutchman at Old Trafford next season.

Van Gaal was confirmed as the permanent successor to David Moyes earlier this month and will assume the reins once his World Cup campaign with Netherlands comes to an end.

And Welbeck, who is also hoping to make a big impact at this summer's tournament with England, has only words of praise for the new United manager.

"I heard the news [about Van Gaal's appointment] and I am happy," he told reporters.

"He is a great man, a great manager. Looking at his CV tells you he has managed at some big clubs."

Welbeck is part of a youthful England squad that Roy Hodgson has picked for this summer's World Cup, and admits he is itching to prove himself on the biggest stage.

"There will always be a bit of excitement for everyone involved but, furthermore, for the younger players, with it being their first tournament, it's just one of those moments you are looking forward to," he added.

"You have to keep your feet on the ground, remain focused and just make sure you play your usual game.

"I just want to prove myself - to me and to the World to show everyone what I can do. Going into the World Cup is a massive stage to do that and I can't wait."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi is never Barcelona's problem - Neymar

Barcelona star Neymar has insisted that Lionel Messi is never a burden to the team.

The Argentine suffered a stop-start season due to injury and came in for heavy criticism after their Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid in April for an allegedly poor attitude.

However, his Brazilian team-mate has defended his fellow attacker, stessing his important to the Catalan club.

"In my opinion, Messi is the best player I've ever seen," Neymar is quoted as saying by Sport.

"I've never seen anything like him. I'll defend him until the death. He is our solution, never our problem."

Neymar went on to express his excitement about the start of the World Cup in just over two weeks' time in his home country.

"Since I was three, I've wanted to play in a World Cup," the forward admitted. "I grew up watching Romario and Ronaldo. It's a dream to be at the World Cup."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Emery not leaving for AC Milan, insists Sevilla president Castro

Sevilla president Jose Castro says Unai Emery will extend his contract with the club - despite AC Milan's reported interest in the coach's services.

The 42-year-old led the Rojiblancos to Europa League glory this season, as well as a fifth-place finish in La Liga.

Milan are allegedly keen on replacing current coach Clarence Seedorf with Emery this summer but Castro insists that the former Valencia boss is staying at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

"In recent days there has been talk that there are teams interested in our coach," he told SFC Radio.

"Obviously nobody is bitter [about this]; you try to have a good season and he made this happen, but I said a few weeks ago I talked him about this.

"I am calm and he is also. When we return to Seville [from the LFP World Challenge in Indonesia], he will sign his contract, as we had anticipated.

"I have no reason to think anything else because he is at ease in the Seville, as he has always said to me and it is normal that coaches to aspire for more.

"The contract will add at least one more season and I hope next year we equal or better this season, in the same way that we say to players who are coming here."

Indeed, Castro said that he intends to strengthen the squad available to Emery before the close of the summer transfer window.

"We [the directors] will meet with the coach and the sporting director [Ramon Monchi] to deal with some aspects of the squad set-up. We always try our best to have the best team each year."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter want to sign Tottenham misfit Lamela, reveals Thohir

Inter want to sign Tottenham winger Erik Lamela this summer, according to the Italian club's president, Erick Thohir.

The Argentine arrived at White Hart Lane from Roma in a €31.7 million deal last summer but has so far failed to produce his best form in England, making just 17 appearances in all competitions.

Inter are hoping to significantly strengthen a squad which finished fifth in Serie A last term and have already snapped up Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic on a free transfer.

Thohir admitted that coach Walter Mazzarri is a fan of Lamela and Wolfsburg midfielder Luiz Gustavo, but conceded that the Nerazzurri will not have the final say over whether deals for either player are agreed.

"Everything depends on the transfer market," he told Sky Italia.

"Some media report about our interest in [Edin] Dzeko and [Alvaro] Morata, but if their clubs don't want to sell these players we won't do anything."

He added: “Within a couple of weeks we hope to announce a new player.

“Mazzarri believes in the project and we have to sit down to talk about renewal. In the future, I want the coach to work even more with the young players.

“We want to lower the average age because to be competitive you have to play another way: we need to run, press and attack. Football is different to 15 years ago."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pedro: I don't know if I'll stay at Barca

Barcelona winger Pedro has admitted that he is in the dark as to whether he will still be at the club at the start of the season.

The Spain international netted a total of 19 goals in all competitions this season but has still been linked with a move away from Camp Nou this summer.

Pedro has stressed that he is happy in Catalunya but admitted that he would have liked to have featured more for his side over the past year.

"I don't know [if I'll stay]," he told AS. "I'm happy at the club, but I don't know what the future holds for me.

"I'd rather have played more, especially in big games, where I featured less.

"Overall, I ended up happy because in the games where I played, I was able to help the team a lot. We'll see what happens next year.

"It's not easy to get into the Barcelona team. The coach decided to use other players and I respect his opinion. I don't hold any grudges."

Pedro did say, however, that Luis Enrique could well prove to be a good appointment as Gerardo Martino's replacement and has been impressed by his work at Celta Vigo.

"I think he'll fit in well. He has the advantage of knowing the intricacies of the club," he said.

"Luis Enrique is a coach with character, with clear ideas."

Pedro's immediate concern is Spain's World Cup campaign and the 26-year-old is hoping to enjoy further success at international level.

"We are the champions and we'll try to win the title. It would be nice to do it, but the competition out there complicates it.

"The most important thing in this type of competition is to progress, but it's preferable to finish first in your group because it gives you more confidence for the knockout stages."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spain boss Del Bosque delays naming final World Cup squad

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has postponed the announcement of his final World Cup squad, instead naming an 18-strong panel for Friday's friendly against Bolivia.

The 63-year-old had been expected to reveal the identity of the 23 players that will be travelling to Brazil but has instead decided to wait until the June 2 deadline before finalising his selection because of the involvement and Real Madrid and city rivals Atletico in Saturday's Champions League final.

Indeed, Del Bosque admitted that he does not yet know what shape Rojiblancos duo Juanfran and Diego Costa are in.

"We've done this because we don't know the physical conditions of all the players," the former Real boss told reporters on Sunday.

"Until June 2 we are not obliged to announce it to Fifa and we would like for all of them to get here before then and evaluate them in training conditions.

"The World Cup kicks off against the Netherlands and we want all of them to be in top form.

"Except for Juanfran and Diego Costa, who we don't yet know how they are after the Champions League final, we know the conditions of the rest."

Del Bosque also insisted that Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo and Fernando Llorente have nothing to worry about - despite being left out of the squad to face Bolivia.

"Many have chances of getting to the World Cup although they might not feature in this list," he explained. "Jesus Navas, Negredo and Llorente could make it."

Del Bosque added that Gerard Deulofeu will be the first player he turns to should an attacker like Costa, who has been struggling with a hamstring problem and was forced off just nine minutes into the Champions League final - be ruled out of the World Cup.

"We have confidence in [Deulofeu]," the Roja coach explained. "He's good on the sides. He's done very well [on loan] at Everton and he's a good solution.

"If there were any injuries he would be one of the first we'd consider."

Spain squad v Bolivia:

Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli)

Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla), Gerard Pique (Barcelona)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Gerard Deulofeo (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Pedro (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City)

Forwards: Fernando Torres (Chelsea)

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spain Final World Cup Squad 1ka this friday Bolivia match 1ken passe name karai​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ter Stegen: I'm a perfect fit for Barcelona

New Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen believes that he is perfectly suited to the club's footballing philosophy.

The Germany international was formally announced as a Blaugrana player last week after joining from Borussia Monchengladbach for a reported fee of €12 million.

Ter Stegen has been lined up to replace long-serving shot-stopper Victor Valdes, who is to depart Camp Nou when his contract expires this summer, and the 22-year-old believes that is sufficiently skilful with the ball at his feet to adapt to Barca's possession-orientated approach.

"I think my strengths fit in well with the club," he told Barca TV. "I do not think there is any other team that plays like Barca.

"I really like the way they play football and I think it fits perfectly with me and I want to show in the future.

"I think I'm a footballing goalkeeper that also takes some risks. This is my style, though nowadays I think it's normal to take some risks.

"Obviously, you can always improve and there are always ways of progressing. And this is the best place to do it.

"I just want to help the team to continue to grow. I think for me that this the perfect job.

"I know that the demand is high and that the only thing that matters is winning, so I'll do my best for the club to succeed."

Ter Stegen has the utmost respect for the man he is replacing but is confident that he will be a big success at Camp Nou.

"[Valdes] has had phenomenal years here and has won many titles with Barcelona," he acknowledged. "It's clear that he has left his mark, that he has lived historical moments.

"I believe he has been a great goalkeeper and I can only tip my hat to him for what he has done for the club.

"Now, however, something new is starting. I'm excited about what is to come.

"There'll be a very different goalkeeper between the sticks but I hope to adapt well.

"I'm lucky to play on the same team as the best players in the world. Better to play with them than against them! I believe that there are good things ahead for us.

"Barcelona has always been a dream for me, since childhood. For me, it was the only option I considered.

"I have been given this opportunity, I am happy to be here and I really want to get on the pitch and play."

Ter Stegen also believes that Barca have made a shrewd decision in appointing former Camp Nou favourite Luis Enrique as their new coach.

"He did a lot for this team," the German enthused. "He won a lot. I believe that personal experience can also help the team.

"It's always difficult if you have not been a successful player in terms of transmitting your message. That's why I think he is the perfect man for his job."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Khedira: Real Madrid were dead but Sergio Ramos saved us again

Sami Khedira felt Real Madrid were dead and buried in Saturday's Champions League final against Atletico until Sergio Ramos "saved" them from certain defeat.

Diego Godin looked to have won the cup for Diego Simeone's side with his first-half goal but Sergio Ramos levelled matters with just over 90 seconds of normal time remaining.

Real then ran riot in extra-time, with Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo all on target as Los Blancos finally realised their Decima dream.

"It's the biggest trophy in club football; an incredible feeling," the German is quoted as saying by the DFB's official website. "One that makes me proud.

"Inside I felt a great joy. We were dead but then Sergio Ramos saved us once again."

Khedira was a surprise starter in Lisbon, having been selected ahead of Asier Illarramendi to replace the suspended Xavi Alonso in midfield - in spite of the fact that the Germany international has only just returned to action after six months out with a knee injury.

The 27-year-old only last 59 minutes before being replaced by Isco but he insists that he will be match fit by the time the World Cup gets under way.

"I think it was self-evident that [a lack of game time] did not allow me to be at my best on the pitch," he admitted. "That's why I had to go off.

"But I think if I had not been ready then I would not have played from the start. It was a great sign of confidence in me by the coach [Carlo Ancelotti] that I was allowed to play without having built up any rhythm. That's the only thing missing now.

"But, before the World Cup, [Germany] have two or three games and that will be enough for me. I can reassure everyone of that."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Baines: I've never worked under anyone like Everton boss Martinez

Leighton Baines has paid tribute to the job that manager Roberto Martinez has done in leading Everton into Europe.

Martinez took over from David Moyes in June and guided the club to their highest ever Premier League points tally, with the side qualifying for the Europa League after narrowly missing out on the top four.

Midfielder Gareth Barry, who spent the season on loan at Goodison Park from Manchester City, recently stated that even he, at 33, was still learning new things from Martinez.

And 29-year-old Baines, who landed a place in England's World Cup squad, echoed his team-mate's praise and is looking forward to continuing his own working relationship with the Spanish boss.

"I would definitely agree with Gareth," the full-back told Everton's official website. "As a group I think everyone will have learnt a lot from the manager.

"I have never worked under anyone like him. He is always introducing new things and he has so many ideas about how to play the game.

"I think we are all still learning and for someone like Gaz - with the experience he has - to have said what he did, you can get no higher praise than that.

"I think we can all be quite happy with the way things have gone.

"Getting back in Europe is a step in the right direction and it's what we all wanted. It's what we probably deserve as well. We have played well enough to have earned that.

"We were clinging to the hope of reaching the Champions League so to have that in the first season under a new manager shows where we are at."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Baines nam ithin Everton ma thamai.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Rossi: I'm not afraid of 'monsters' Messi & Ronaldo

Daniele De Rossi has described Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as "monsters" - but says he would not be afraid of facing either man at World Cup 2014.

The Italy international is currently preparing for his third finals, having been a part of the Azzurri squad that triumphed in Germany in 2006 and the group that sensationally fell at the first hurdle in South Africa four years ago.

However, De Rossi has yet to have the honour of going up against either Argentina or Portugal, something that he would like to rectify in Brazil.

"I've never faced Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in the World Cup," the Roma ace told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Maybe I will have the chance to take on these monsters this year!"

However, De Rossi would be less enamoured with the prospect of having to take on Spain again, as La Roja possess the two greatest midfielders he has ever come across.

"I don't believe that we'll meet any nations other than Brazil, Germany, Argentina or Spain in the semi-finals," the 30-year-old said of Italy's World Cup prospects.

"The stars will be the usual six or seven world-class players. I'm thinking of the likes of Messi and Neymar.

"But also players like [Andrea] Pirlo, [Mesut] Ozil and Iniesta, who always manage to pull out that little bit extra. Iniesta and Xavi and are the best I've ever played against."

Italy once again look set to build their attack around engimatic forward Mario Balotelli, who continues to make headlines on and off the field.

De Rossi, though, feels it unjust that so many people have an opinion on a player that they do know personally.

"One should get to know him in order to judge him - and I know him," the Giallorossi vice-captain reasoned.

"Also every fault he has doesn't go unnoticed, but he's one of the good ones. I've known many egotistical players but he is good-natured."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Colombia to delay Falcao World Cup decision

Colombia are prepared to "wait until the last minute" to determine whether Radamel Falcao is fit enough to play a part in the World Cup.

The 28-year-old forward tore knee ligaments in Monaco's 3-0 Coupe de France win over Chasselay in January and has not featured since.

However, the striker has earned a place in Jose Pekerman's provisional squad and the 64-year-old has insisted that he will delay as long a possible before naming his final 23, which he must do by June 2.

"I'll wait until the last day, until the last hour, the last minute," the Argentine coach was quoted by BBC Sport.

Colombia will be making their first World Cup appearance since 1998 when they take on Greece in their Group C opener on June 14 and will sorely miss Falcao should he not be fit, with the striker having scored 20 goals in 49 games for his country.

The former Atletico Madrid has recently expressed his hope of taking part in this summer's competition, revealing earlier this month that his recovery was progressing well.

"I'm thinking of my knee, nothing else," he told Marca.

"I'm thinking of recovering, everything going well and playing at the World Cup."

Colombia play Senegal on May 31 and Jordan on June 6 as they warm up for their World Cup campaign.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Falcao ta World Cup play karanna puluwan unoth hodai​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool captain Gerrard moving on from 'cruel' title slip

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says his slip that changed the course of the Premier League title race was “cruel” and “unfair”, but insists he is putting it behind him to focus on England.

With the Reds top of the table as they hosted Chelsea, the talismanic midfielder tripped at a crucial moment to cede possession to Demba Ba, who promptly scored to set up a game-changing Blues victory at Anfield.

Their momentum halted, Liverpool lost control of the title race and were eventually runners-up to Manchester City but Gerrard is moving on despite coming agonisingly close to the club’s first league triumph since 1989-90.

He told reporters: “It was unfair, of course it was, because of the timing with three games to go. It’s cruel but that’s football, that’s life. I can’t feel sorry for myself.

“I haven’t seen it [again]. Is there anybody who hasn’t slipped at any time in their life? The difference is I did it at a bad time and at a bad place, at a bad moment.

“If I’d done a bad back-pass, scored an own goal or done my job wrong it would have really beaten me up for a long time. I keep saying to myself: how, where and why? There are no answers because it was a slip.

“If I had made that mistake when I was younger — for example, when I scored that own goal against Chelsea [in the 2005 League Cup final] when I was around 23, that killed me for a long time.

“I put myself under an awful lot more pressure then. That’s not to say I won’t put the same pressure on myself to make up for this one but I’ve learned to cope better with setbacks through age. I don’t like making big mistakes at important times. I’ve made more than a few through my career but, as a player with experience, you learn to deal with them that little bit better the older you get.

“Yes, it hurt a lot — not just the slip, more letting the title slip towards the end because we’d come so close and had a terrific season. I was disappointed for all the lads, for all the supporters and everyone at the club that we couldn’t hang on and do it.

“It would have been a monumental achievement to go from seventh to first but, with experience, you tend to look back at the positives as well as the negatives. To finish second in the hardest league in the world, to have the season I’ve had personally, to watch the likes of Raheem Sterling grow and to see the team do so well was fantastic.

“I’m big enough and brave enough to take it on the chin. I take responsibility for the slip and the damage it’s done but I’ll prove to everybody in this World Cup that I’m fit, fresh and ready to perform.

“I’ve spoken to [England psychologist] Steve Peters about it. I talk to him about the good things and bad things I do in every single game and every training session. It’s not just about the one case that I might dwell on for a long time. Having Steve there is a bit of a help in dealing with it.

"I’ve got to park the slip at the back of my mind and forget about it because I’ve got a huge tournament coming up."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aguero: Messi can win Argentina the World Cup

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero says that he is fit and ready to team up with Lionel Messi as Argentina bid to win the World Cup.

Aguero had his domestic season interrupted by injuries but still scored 28 goals in 34 games and, though he missed City's penultimate Premier League match, returned to the starting XI for their title crowning on May 11.

With fitness no longer an issue, he is now excited to partner the Barcelona star, who he says will be key to their tilt for glory in Brazil.

"Yes, I am fully fit now," Aguero told The Times of India.

"I played the last match for my club since I was eager to help the team win the Premier League title again and now I am waiting for the World Cup. It will be a great occasion to play the biggest tournament in Brazil."

Asked if Argentina can win the trophy, he replied: "Yes, why not? We have Lionel Messi, the best footballer on earth, in our side. He led us to the top of the list in qualifiers from the most difficult zone [Conmebol] with matches to spare.

"We have an excellent forward line where [Ezequiel] Lavezzi and I will try to score more and we have wonderful midfielders to support us. We have the talent and ability to beat any side on a given day."

Some have suggested that Argentina's opponents in Group E represent a walkover for the Albiceleste but Aguero is wary of the dangers that their pool presents.

"People say [it’s an easy group]," he remarked. "But how can they? I might sound cliched but there is no easy match in the World Cup.

"We have Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria. Nigeria are the champions of Africa while Iran have been playing exciting football. Bosnia and Herzegovina are making their World Cup debut but they have a rich history. It will not be easy at all."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

QPR la ayeth kohomahari EPL select una​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lars ,Sven denntama world cup miss una

Ow bro paw wadeKohomahari recover wenna puluwan unoth hodai.
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Thanks Wolvi for the wonderful post

...​

Meanwhile Anti-Madrid fans in EK are just silent....Get up Haters its the 10th

​

Elazzzzz bro!

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gracious Ramos​

​