..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: Falcao is a forbidden fruit

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho claims he will make no attempt to sign Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid because there is a "pact of non-aggression" between the two sides.

The former Inter boss explained that the unwritten agreement between the Madrid rivals makes it impossible for him to sign key players from Los Rojiblancos.

"Falcao is a fundamental player for our rivals, just like Kun Aguero was. There is a pact of non-aggression between Real Madrid and Atletico so I think Falcao is a forbidden fruit," Mourinho told A Bola.

"He's a fantastic player, and I get the feeling he is a lovely guy, and I'm very happy to see him do so well at Atletico."

The 49-year-old spoke previously about how he was not the most popular figure in football but says he does not care about his popularity.

When asked whether Madrid is criticized more often because he is in charge of the club, the Portuguese coach said that his success in the capital should be enough to silence the critics.

"Our results speak for themselves and show that in just over two years we have got closer and closer to Barcelona and now we are up there with them and have won the three major trophies in Spanish football in that time," he stated.

"We broke the dominance of Barcelona, something many people thought was impossible."

Mourinho then went on to hit back at criticism made by Tito Vilanova, who claimed that he could make a video of all the times that Pepe has kicked Barcelona players.

"It's funny because now Pepe is in a situation where he gets booked in every game, even if he just commits one foul. People have created an image of Pepe which they find comfortable," he added.

"He is adored at Madrid and it doesn't matter what Vilanova says, people won't change their mind about Pepe."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Coentrao set for injury layoff after suffering groin injury

Portugal and Real Madrid have been handed a blow after Fabio Coentrao picked up a groin injury in Friday's World Cup qualification defeat to Russia.

The defender featured from the start in the Seleccao's defeat, but was forced to leave the pitch after only 20 minutes as a result of his problem.

It is not yet known exactly how long Coentrao will be out of action, with the wing back set to undergo further examination.

Nevertheless, it seems unlikely that the 24-year-old will recover in time for Tuesday's qualification game at home to Northern Ireland.

Coentrao's injury is yet another blow for the former Benfica star after he was banned for four Liga games back in August, following a verbal outburst at a referee.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ibrahimovic will only return to Milan as a coach, says Raiola

Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be returning to AC Milan as a player, but could coach the Rossoneri, according to his agent Mino Raiola.

The Swede recently claimed he would be open to a return to the 2011 Scudetto winners, who he left in the summer for the French capital.

However, words of PSG director Leonardo was quick to dismiss his words, and Raiola has echoed the Brazilian's claims.

"Zlatan has [a connection with] Milan but it is difficult to come back. For me it is a closed topic, he is happy in France and will stay there for another three years," the Italian told Sky Sport Italia.

"Maybe in the future, but only as a coach... Is his wife unhappy? She is happy to be in Paris."

Ibrahimovic is currently away on international duty with Sweden, and will face Germany in a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arjen Robben unsure of return date

Bayern Munich forward Arjen Robben has conceded he does not know how long his injury will keep him sidelined after failing to participate in a series of drills on Thursday.

The Dutchman's thigh knock has led Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal to drop the Bedum native from his latest squad, with the winger instead remaining in Germany to continue his rehabilitation.

The former Chelsea man was absent from training on Thursday however, prompting rumors that his injury could be more severe than initially thought.

"This is not, unfortunately, the way it should be," Robben told Bild.

"But it is difficult to tell when [I will have recovered]. We are trying everything. But it's definitely nothing too bad," the 28-year old concluded.

With Bundesliga action resuming next week, Robben is unlikely to be fit enough for the Bavarians' upcoming trip to Fortuna Dusseldorf on Oct. 20.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi: I'm happy Argentina fans treat me just like Barca supporters

Lionel Messi has voiced his delight with the support the Argentina fans showed him in the 3-0 World Cup qualification win over Uruguay on Friday.

The Barcelona star has generally struggled to replicate his club form for the national team, resulting in a rather critical attitude from the Albiceleste faithful. However, the 25-year-old netted twice against the 2011 Copa America winner to help his side to the full three points, and stressed that he is thoroughly enjoying playing for the national side.

"I was always happy playing for Argentina. Now that we are winning, things are easier and it's easier to enjoy," the 25-year-old told reporters. "I'm happy that the Argentina fans are treating me with a lot of love. It happened at River Plate, then in Cordoba, today here in Mendoza. I'm happy that Argentina fans are treating me like Barcelona fans treat me."

The prolific attacker then underlined the importance of the victory over Uruguay, and voiced his determined to take another step toward qualification in the upcoming match against Chile.

"This win is very important and if we win in Chile, we would take a huge step towards our goal of making it to the World Cup. Chile will be very difficult because they have a great team and they need to win. It's going to be complicated."

Meanwhile, Manchester City attacker Sergio Aguero was equally pleased with the victory, but stressed that Argentina are not there just yet.

"I feel we are getting closer to the World Cup. The fans have huge expectations towards 2014. We are still a long way from the World Cup and we will have time to think about that. We couldn't score in the first half but then in the second we kept playing at a good level and it was a matter of time before we scored.

"I'm fine, I'm not injured. I got kicked on the leg but I'm fine."

Argentina sits atop of the qualification section with 17 points from eight games.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Robbie Keane ruled fit for Ireland's qualifier against Faroe Islands

The Irish Football Association confirmed that Los Angeles Galaxy striker Robbie Keane has been declared fit to travel with the Republic of Ireland squad for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands.

The forward had been struggling with an Achilles injury and sat out Friday night's 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany. The 32-year-old, whose 15 goals lead the Galaxy and are fourth-most in MLS, trained on Sunday without any problems and is set to stay with Giovanni Trapattoni's squad as it looks to get its qualifying campaign back on course.

Fellow striker Andy Keogh has been left out of the squad after suffering a concussion following a collision in training. The Millwall frontman, who netted Ireland's consolation goal at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, will not travel with the team and is set to return to his English club.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lahm wary of Ibrahimovic-led Sweden

Germany captain Philipp Lahm has urged his teammates not to underestimate Sweden in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, warning them of the threat Zlatan Ibrahimovic poses.

Sweden had to eke by the Faroe Islands on Friday, with Ibrahimovic supplying a goal and an assist to lead the Swedes to a come-from-behind result. Germany, meanwhile, coasted to a 6-1 thumping of the Republic of Ireland to take control of Group C and improve to 3-0-0 in qualifying.

"Sweden are dangerous opponents, maybe the strongest team [that we will face in the group]," Lahm said during a press conference. "They are well organized in defence, and in Ibrahimovic they have a complete striker who can be very dangerous."

Lahm also welcomed Bastian Schweinsteiger's criticism of the team spirit, encouraging his teammates to listen to the German midfielder's comments.

"I see Bastian's comments as a positive, we should all listen to what he has to say and question ourselves," Lahm said. "I don't know if the pressure building is to blame, but we all know that no one is guaranteed to win titles.

"It doesn't matter how many times we reach semifinals, or the final, in every tournament there will be four or five teams that are going to be difficult to beat."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fabian Johnson remains out for USA while still battling flu

For the second straight World Cup qualifying match, the U.S. national team will be playing with a left back situation that is less than ideal.

First-choice starter Fabian Johnson, who missed Friday night's match against Antigua and Barbuda with the flu, has not recovered sufficiently and will not join the team in Kansas City, Kan., ahead of Tuesday's bout with Guatemala, according to U.S. Soccer's official Twitter feed. He was expected to be ready for the match based on comments made by USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann last Wednesday, when he and Edgar Castillo were ruled out for Friday's game.

No immediate replacement will be brought into U.S. camp, meaning that Klinsmann will have just 19 players at his disposal for the final qualifier of the round. With injuries to Johnson, Castillo, Landon Donovan and Brek Shea and Jermaine Jones being suspended because of card accumulation, five of Klinsmann's initial 24-man roster will be unavailable.

USA captain Carlos Bocanegra slid over to left back from his more accustomed place in central defense with Johnson unavailable Friday night in Antigua and figures to be Klinsmann's top option to deploy on the left against Los Chapines. Michael Parkhurst, who starts at right back for reigning Denmark champion FC Nordsjaelland, is another candidate to swap sides and play out left.

The U.S. can cement its place in next year's CONCACAF hexagonal with a win or a draw at Livestrong Sporting Park.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bendtner committed to future with Juventus

Nicklas Bendtner is detemined he can prove to Juventus coaches Antonio Conte and Angelo Alessio that he is deserving of a place in his starting lineup after finding himself on the fringes since his move to Turin.

The Dane, who has only made one appearance off the bench during his loan from Arsenal that extends until the end of the season, told Tuttosport, "I do not regret choosing Juventus, it was an easy transition to make and everyone at the club has made me feel welcome. I am very happy in Turin, it is a wonderful and ambivalent city.

"It's my wish to remain here after my loan finishes, but I must first prove myself, and to do that I need to play."

Bendtner will be looking to score against Italy to reignite Denmark's World Cup qualifying campaign, and after he netted in his country's 1-1 draw with Bulgaria, Alessio, who had his ban for match-fixing reduced to the point that he has served his time, may be faced with a dilemma of whether to select the in-form striker to face Napoli after the international break.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale: Penalty given against Scotland was legitimate

Wales international Gareth Bale has hit back at claims that he dived to win a penalty during his team's World Cup qualifier against local rival Scotland.

The spot kick, which was successfully converted by Bale, spurred a stirring comeback for Wales, who clinched the game by a 2-1 scoreline after a superb left-footed strike from the 23-year-old Bale in the 88th minute. Earlier, the pacy Tottenham wideman went down in the area after a challenge from Scotland midfielder Shaun Maloney, who appeared to make little contact. The Wigan player has admitted he probably did clip Bale, and Bale himself has stated that the opponent was responsible for his tumble.

"Somebody clipped me, and I went over. It was a simple penalty, and it was nice to get up and slot it away," Bale told the Daily Mail.

Scotland was on course to bag all three points after James Morrison put them ahead in the 27th minute and Steven Fletcher thought he had doubled their lead until his header was controversially disallowed. Then referee Florian Meyer pointed to the spot when Bale fell under Maloney's challenge. Bale's Wales teammate Joe Allen has backed the official.

"My instinct was that it was a penalty. It was a difficult decision, but it looked like his ankle was clipped," the Liverpool midfielder said.

Bale's overall performance in the tense fixture has earned him praise from Wales manager Chris Coleman, who has vouched that the former Southampton player will go on to become an international legend like Ryan Giggs and Ian Rush before him.

"It’s not a case of can Gareth be like them, he will be," Coleman said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Andre Santos refuses to rule out Arsenal exit for Fenerbahce

Arsenal defender Andre Santos has hinted that he would consider a move to return to Turkey with Fenerbahce if an offer from the Istanbul-based club was forthcoming.

The left back denied that any Turkish side had made an offer for his services despite speculation linking him with a return to the side that he left in 2011 for the Emirates Stadium.

Santos has featured in only two Premier League games so far this season and has appeared only 17 times in total in the top flight for Arsenal since he arrived at the club.

The strong early-season form of Kieran Gibbs has led to doubts over the Brazil international's long-term prospects in north London and he admitted that he would consider what is best for his family if the chance to make a move did arise.

"I would like to state clearly that I have a lot of respect for Fenerbache, and I love Istanbul, but for now I am a Gunner," Santos said on his official Twitter page. "For now, I have not received an offer from a Turkish team. However, if I receive an offer one day, thinking what is best for my family, I will make a decision."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid's Essien sets sights on second UEFA Champions League triumph

Following his deadline-day loan move to Real Madrid from Chelsea, Michael Essien has claimed it would be a great achievement to win the UEFA Champions League with the Spanish club, which is aiming for an unprecedented 10th European crown.

The 29-year-old central midfielder, who has been with Chelsea since 2005, was positive about being reunited with Jose Mourinho, but admitted he was surprised to have moved to Madrid.

"When I returned to Chelsea I never imagined that this could happen, but football is full of surprises," Essien, the Ghanaian player to feature in El Clasico, told Marca. "It's no secret that Jose Mourinho has had a huge influence on my career since I arrived in England.

"So when he showed an interest in bringing me to Madrid I did not hesitate at all. One minute I was preparing to play in the Super Cup (with Chelsea) in Monaco, and the next I was packing to travel to Madrid. Mourinho expects his players to work hard, and he always demands the most of them. He aspires to win all competition, he is a winner and he will always be a winner."

Essien won the Champions League with Chelsea last season and he hopes to help Madrid record another continental title while pulling off the unique feat of winning in consecutive seasons for different teams.

"It would be a great achievement for the club and for city, and it would also be great, at a personal level, to win two consecutive Champions Leagues," Essien said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Xavi hails Messi as 'the best ever,' talks Vilanova, Guardiola and Mourinho in radio interview

Barcelona star Xavi has praised teammate Lionel Messi, hailing the Argentine superstar as 'the best ever', while stating that his game is better than that of Cristiano Ronaldo while also complementing boss Tito Vilanova, saying that there is a comparison with former coach Pep Guardiola.

"In the dressing room, Leo Messi is perhaps [one of] the quiet people. An extraordinary person," Xavi said in an interview with Radio Catalunya. "The No. 1. For me, he is the best ever, and has surpassed them all. He is the best by far, and his game is much more important than [that of] Cristiano [Ronaldo]."

Xavi and Messi have helped Barcelona to an unbeaten start in La Liga through seven matches under first-year manager Vilanova, who has stepped in for Guardiola and led the club to strong results. Xavi was

"Pep and Tito, aside from a few differences in tactical issues, are almost equal. Guardiola was closer in practice, and Vilanova is more distant," Xavi said. "Tito has surprised me, because he looks very prepared, with clear ideas and [keeping] the philosophy of the club intact. Without detracting from Tito, miss Pep. For me, he was a reference as a player and a coach. [He] helped me, and has been a leader in the locker room, and he also gave very strong leadership.

The midfielder also took the opportunity to take a swipe at arch-ivals Real Madrid, insisting that Jose Mourinho speculates too much.

"I fit into the game of Barca. I have affection [for Mourinho], as he has been here three years, but their football is not what we want. His [Mourinho's] is more [to do with] speculating, of doing the opposite, so I think that will not go down in history."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Welbeck relishes growing partnership with Rooney for England

Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck is relishing the chance to pair again with Wayne Rooney as the Red Devils duo look to continue their sparkling combination after the 5-0 win against San Marino at Wembley on Friday.



The Manchester and Merseyside natives have been impressing at the club level but have now successfully transferred their link-up play to the international stage after both scored twice

during the comfortable win. According to the Daily Mail, the 21-year old Welbeck is eager to show the world how clinical the pairing can be.

"I'm used to playing with Wazza up front at United and am really relishing the chance to play with him for England," Welbeck said. "Once we get into positions in and around the box, we know different styles of combinations to play.

"Now we're all really looking forward to the Poland game (Tuesday). It's going to be difficult, but once we get on the pitch, we're going to show our stuff and show everybody what we can do. We are top of the group now. That's where we want to be, that's the main aim, and that's where we want to finish as well."

Welbeck also took time to praise the way Rooney took on the captaincy against San Marino.

"As a captain, he's good. He's always talking to you, letting you know what you're doing right, what you're doing wrong," Welbeck said. "He's like that when he's not got the armband as well, so it makes no difference really."

 

[panchaz]

Cristiano Ronaldo most popular footballer with 50 million Facebook fans

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first sports star to surpass 50 million ‘likes’ on Facebook and is the first non-music figure to reach the landmark.

That equates to an estimated five per cent of the social network site who are fans of the Real Madrid attacker, and 10 million more than his Barcelona adversary Lionel Messi.

Extra Time found his fan page has Leo as his first name rather than the more commonly used Lionel - could this be the reason for Ronaldo trailblazing ahead, or is the Portugal international simply more popular among Facebook users?

Other footballers in the top 10 which Ronaldo can smugly claim as superior in the social networking sphere to, include his Santiago Bernabeu team-mate Kaka, who is fourth in Mashable's StarCount list.

The 27-year-old posted on his page: "Reaching 50,000,000 likes is unbelievable ...I want to thank you, you you, you and everyone who have been supporting me all these years. I really want us to keep sharing all the good moments together - and the best is still to come. THANK YOU ALL."

Ex-Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham is placed in third with over 21 million Facebook fans while mercurial Camp Nou attacker Andres Iniesta is five places behind Messi in the list in seventh.

Non-footballers who fill the remainder of the top 10 are Basketball icons LeBron James (fifth), Michael Jordan (sixth), Dwayne Wade (eighth).

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar sits ninth while pro-wrestler (yes, Extra Time is sceptical about the authenticity of the WWE as a sport is too...) John Cena is 10th.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cristiano Ronaldo most popular footballer with 50 million Facebook fans

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first sports star to surpass 50 million ‘likes’ on Facebook and is the first non-music figure to reach the landmark.

That equates to an estimated five per cent of the social network site who are fans of the Real Madrid attacker, and 10 million more than his Barcelona adversary Lionel Messi.

Extra Time found his fan page has Leo as his first name rather than the more commonly used Lionel - could this be the reason for Ronaldo trailblazing ahead, or is the Portugal international simply more popular among Facebook users?

Other footballers in the top 10 which Ronaldo can smugly claim as superior in the social networking sphere to, include his Santiago Bernabeu team-mate Kaka, who is fourth in Mashable's StarCount list.

The 27-year-old posted on his page: "Reaching 50,000,000 likes is unbelievable ...I want to thank you, you you, you and everyone who have been supporting me all these years. I really want us to keep sharing all the good moments together - and the best is still to come. THANK YOU ALL."

Ex-Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham is placed in third with over 21 million Facebook fans while mercurial Camp Nou attacker Andres Iniesta is five places behind Messi in the list in seventh.

Non-footballers who fill the remainder of the top 10 are Basketball icons LeBron James (fifth), Michael Jordan (sixth), Dwayne Wade (eighth).

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar sits ninth while pro-wrestler (yes, Extra Time is sceptical about the authenticity of the WWE as a sport is too...) John Cena is 10th.

Elazzzzzzzzz Congratzzzzzzzz

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Andres Iniesta: Spain must keep working

Andres Iniesta has stressed the importance of maintaining a very high level of play in order to continue achieving good results for Spain.



Vicente del Bosque's side has enjoyed vast success in recent years, winning back to back European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.

La Roja will face France on Tuesday night in a crucial World Cup qualifier match and the Barcelona man was quick to recognize the magnitude of the encounter in the context of the group.“It is not easy for a team after winning a World Cup and European Championship to continue with the same dynamic and to remain concentrated," he told reporters.

"But the group of players is the same and we have to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil.
"You feel privileged to be at this point with club and country. The team came together at a young age and that gave us a great advantage. I’m happy because I like what I do.

“The game we have on Tuesday is of great importance as France are direct rivals for qualification."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney has all the attributes to be a good captain, says Cleverley

Tom Cleverley believes Wayne Rooney is more than capable of being England's full-time captain in the future.

Rooney was handed the captain's armband by Roy Hodgson against San Marino on Friday, in the absence of usual skipper Steven Gerrard, who missed the tie through suspension.

The home side cruised to a comfortable 5-0 victory and Cleverley insists he would be more than happy to see his Manchester United teammate inherit the role on a more permanent basis.

"Wayne has all the attributes to be a good captain," he told Sky Sports. "He is a winner. You could tell that before the game because he was quite vocal in the dressing room.

"I am not the manager but I would certainly be happy playing under a captain like Wayne Rooney. He is a fantastic player and a good leader."

England faces Poland on Tuesday night, with the game posing a number of selection headaches for Hodgson, particularly at left back.

Leighton Baines has emerged as a serious contender to Ashley Cole for a place in the starting XI, but Cleverley believes the dilemma is one Hodgson will welcome.

"We are really lucky to have some great left backs in this country," added Cleverley. "Baines and Ashley Cole are both fantastic players.

"They both get forward, are natural defenders and I wouldn't enjoy playing against either of them.

"If you include Ryan Bertrand and Kieran Gibbs as well, we are really lucky with the standard of defenders we have. Whoever is selected on Tuesday night, I am certain they will do a good job."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aaron Hughes: More to come from Ronaldo

Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes believes Cristiano Ronaldo can continue to get even better as Portugal prepares to welcome Michael O'Neill's men for Tuesday's World Cup qualification clash.

The Real Madrid attacker is set to win his 100th cap for his country against the Ulstermen and the 32-year-old is well aware of the task facing his side, both in terms of the match itself and handling the star.

"I have played a handful of times against him but maybe he has gone another level since his days in the Premier League, and maybe he can go further," Hughes told reporters. "He has gone and become just as successful in Spain and maybe there's more to come from him. I don't think he has peaked, believe it or not. He is still going and appears to be getting better.

"The best players play at that level every single night whether it is the first game of the season, a windy night in November or the Champions League, it is just their way. It's not just technical ability, it is the attitude to reproduce that every single night. You look at sport in general, the likes of Michael Jordan, they are the best."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ribery: Spain is the best in the world right now

France winger Franck Ribery has underlined his respect for Spain ahead of his country's World Cup qualifier against the world and European champion on Tuesday.

The Bayern Munich winger is confident that his side can pose a threat to La Roja, but accepts that Vicente del Bosque's side is the best international team at the moment.

"We are preparing for this match as we should, and we’re looking forward to getting there," he told Telefoot. "It will be a tough match. We’ll have to be strong, defend well and to play our game when we get the ball. There’s not need to lie. I think they are the strongest team in the world at the moment."

Meanwhile, France boss Didier Deschamps warned his side that it must put in a much-improved performance in the final third against Spain after crashing to a 1-0 loss to Japan on Friday."I don’t think we'll have the same chances we did against Japan," he said. "Efficiency in front of goal will have a considerable bearing on the match."

France and Spain are currently joint top of 2014 World Cup qualification Group I, with both sides boasting six points from their opening two games.