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Swansea 2-2 Arsenal: Graham rescues a replay for spirited Swans
Joe Cole: Van Persie is the best player in the world after Messi and Ronaldo
Conte: AC Milan should be respected
Juventus coach Antonio Conte has warned his men not to underestimate AC Milan in Wednesday's Coppa Italia quarterfinal in Turin.
The 43-year-old has admitted that he is likely to make some changes to his team, but has insisted that the Rossoneri are a team to be reckoned with.
"Milan deserve to be respected. We will meet a great team. We have reached the quarterfinals of the competition and they will want to go as far as possible," Conte told reporters. "Obviously, we have the desire to put in a great performance. I might decide to make a few changes to the team and field some players who have not been regulars. I expect a response from those players who will get a chance. I want to see progress from all my players.
"[Luca] Marrone could feature in [Andrea] Pirlo's position. [Mirko] Vucinic is having some physical problems and we'll have to deal with that. We cannot afford to miss him for a long time."
Juventus coach Antonio Conte has warned his men not to underestimate AC Milan in Wednesday's Coppa Italia quarterfinal in Turin.
The 43-year-old has admitted that he is likely to make some changes to his team, but has insisted that the Rossoneri are a team to be reckoned with.
"Milan deserve to be respected. We will meet a great team. We have reached the quarterfinals of the competition and they will want to go as far as possible," Conte told reporters. "Obviously, we have the desire to put in a great performance. I might decide to make a few changes to the team and field some players who have not been regulars. I expect a response from those players who will get a chance. I want to see progress from all my players.
"[Luca] Marrone could feature in [Andrea] Pirlo's position. [Mirko] Vucinic is having some physical problems and we'll have to deal with that. We cannot afford to miss him for a long time."
Rosell: Barcelona will not sell Villa
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has insisted that the Primera Division leader has no intention of selling David Villa.
The Catalans have stressed that Villa still has a role to play with the Camp Nou side as the team is fighting for silverware in La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
"I absolutely reject the notion that David Villa could leave Barcelona this winter," Rosell was quoted as saying by Sport. "David is one of our players and we need him in the second half of the season."
The 31-year-old has a contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2014.
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has insisted that the Primera Division leader has no intention of selling David Villa.
The Catalans have stressed that Villa still has a role to play with the Camp Nou side as the team is fighting for silverware in La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
"I absolutely reject the notion that David Villa could leave Barcelona this winter," Rosell was quoted as saying by Sport. "David is one of our players and we need him in the second half of the season."
The 31-year-old has a contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2014.
Wilshere: Arsenal wants a trophy this season
Jack Wilshere insists that Arsenal is determined to end its barren run and secure a trophy this season.
The Gunners have not won a competition since the 2005 FA Cup, and were held to a 2-2 draw by Swansea in their third round tie on Saturday.
The club also faces Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League and Wilshere believes his teammates can beat their German opponent when the competition resumes in February.
"We all want a trophy. As players when you finish your career, you look back and see how many trophies you’ve won," he told reporters. "We’re all hungry for it and maybe if we get a trophy this year it can lead to a few more."
He added, "We've got a good crop of young players and experienced ones as well with [Mikel] Arteta and others, so if we get a trophy this year or in the next couple of years we can really build something, a strong team and be strong in the next few years.
"We are still in the FA Cup and the Champions League. I think we are in a good position, we just need to make sure we get the results now."
The Gunners sit 18 points behind league leader Manchester United and face second-placed City on Sunday, with Wilshere lamenting how far off the pace Arsenal is in the Premier League.
"I'm not sure if it's make or break but we know we need results. We're not in the position in the league that we want to be. We want to be higher," Wilshire stated. "We've got a couple of games in hand and we have to make sure we make them count. There's no point having them and not getting results or making them count."
Jack Wilshere insists that Arsenal is determined to end its barren run and secure a trophy this season.
The Gunners have not won a competition since the 2005 FA Cup, and were held to a 2-2 draw by Swansea in their third round tie on Saturday.
The club also faces Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League and Wilshere believes his teammates can beat their German opponent when the competition resumes in February.
"We all want a trophy. As players when you finish your career, you look back and see how many trophies you’ve won," he told reporters. "We’re all hungry for it and maybe if we get a trophy this year it can lead to a few more."
He added, "We've got a good crop of young players and experienced ones as well with [Mikel] Arteta and others, so if we get a trophy this year or in the next couple of years we can really build something, a strong team and be strong in the next few years.
"We are still in the FA Cup and the Champions League. I think we are in a good position, we just need to make sure we get the results now."
The Gunners sit 18 points behind league leader Manchester United and face second-placed City on Sunday, with Wilshere lamenting how far off the pace Arsenal is in the Premier League.
"I'm not sure if it's make or break but we know we need results. We're not in the position in the league that we want to be. We want to be higher," Wilshire stated. "We've got a couple of games in hand and we have to make sure we make them count. There's no point having them and not getting results or making them count."
Berlusconi: Pato will return to AC Milan
Silvio Berlusconi is confident that Alexandre Pato will return to AC Milan in the not too distant future after leaving the Rossoneri last week.
The Brazil international joined Corinthians for a fee of 15 million euros, but Berlusconi has little doubt that Pato will eventually find his way back to San Siro.
"Pato will return to Milan in one or one-and-a-half years. His injuries distances him a bit from Milan, but I made a deal with him," Berlusconi told Antenna3.
"He has gone to Corinthians, but he will come back here in the not too distant future. That's what he promised when he hugged me one last time before leaving."
The Milan supremo also had his say on the future of Stephan El Shaarawy, and stressed that the young attacker has the potential to follow in the footsteps of club legends such as Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini.
"We have been lucky to meet a fantastic person and a true champion like Stephan. He already symbolizes Milan and he can emulate people like Baresi and Maldini," he added.
El Shaarawy has been in fine form for the Rossoneri this term, netting 14 goals in 19 Serie A appearances.
Silvio Berlusconi is confident that Alexandre Pato will return to AC Milan in the not too distant future after leaving the Rossoneri last week.
The Brazil international joined Corinthians for a fee of 15 million euros, but Berlusconi has little doubt that Pato will eventually find his way back to San Siro.
"Pato will return to Milan in one or one-and-a-half years. His injuries distances him a bit from Milan, but I made a deal with him," Berlusconi told Antenna3.
"He has gone to Corinthians, but he will come back here in the not too distant future. That's what he promised when he hugged me one last time before leaving."
The Milan supremo also had his say on the future of Stephan El Shaarawy, and stressed that the young attacker has the potential to follow in the footsteps of club legends such as Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini.
"We have been lucky to meet a fantastic person and a true champion like Stephan. He already symbolizes Milan and he can emulate people like Baresi and Maldini," he added.
El Shaarawy has been in fine form for the Rossoneri this term, netting 14 goals in 19 Serie A appearances.
Benitez: Chelsea is in a transition season
Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez has claimed that the club iscurrently undergoing a season of transition, and admits that the Premier League title is "a long, long way" away for the west London club.
"This year, you can see, is a year of transition," the Spaniard told reporters. "There were some new players coming in, so it's different.
He added, "Before at Chelsea you had a lot of big names, then you could manage a lot of different players. When you have a good squad you can manage players, you can keep a good team on the pitch, as has been the case at Chelsea in the last few years.
"I don't need to convince anyone [at the club that this is the case]. You have experience, you can analyze the squad and you can see that new players have come in, some players are getting older, so it's normal. We have enough intelligence to analyze this."
Having turned the club's fortunes around somewhat since taking over from Roberto Di Matteo in November, Benitez implied that the club's hierarchy accepts that the recent turnover of squad members has placed limitations on this season's expectations.
Turning his attentions to Wednesday's Capital One Cup clash with Swansea, Benitez admitted that the club's most realistic hope of silverware this season lies with the cup competitions.
"If the players are focused and if you have quality, it's always easier and you can progress in the cups," he said.
"In the league it's a long, long way and sometimes when you're not close to your target, which is winning the title, then maybe it is easy for the players to lose focus. Maybe that's the reason why.
"We have a good team, young players, they need some experience in the Premier League, and they are carrying on and doing well. And the players with more experience have to help them."
"Now we have to manage the squad, and sometimes you try to bring the best players for these competitions."
Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez has claimed that the club iscurrently undergoing a season of transition, and admits that the Premier League title is "a long, long way" away for the west London club.
"This year, you can see, is a year of transition," the Spaniard told reporters. "There were some new players coming in, so it's different.
He added, "Before at Chelsea you had a lot of big names, then you could manage a lot of different players. When you have a good squad you can manage players, you can keep a good team on the pitch, as has been the case at Chelsea in the last few years.
"I don't need to convince anyone [at the club that this is the case]. You have experience, you can analyze the squad and you can see that new players have come in, some players are getting older, so it's normal. We have enough intelligence to analyze this."
Having turned the club's fortunes around somewhat since taking over from Roberto Di Matteo in November, Benitez implied that the club's hierarchy accepts that the recent turnover of squad members has placed limitations on this season's expectations.
Turning his attentions to Wednesday's Capital One Cup clash with Swansea, Benitez admitted that the club's most realistic hope of silverware this season lies with the cup competitions.
"If the players are focused and if you have quality, it's always easier and you can progress in the cups," he said.
"In the league it's a long, long way and sometimes when you're not close to your target, which is winning the title, then maybe it is easy for the players to lose focus. Maybe that's the reason why.
"We have a good team, young players, they need some experience in the Premier League, and they are carrying on and doing well. And the players with more experience have to help them."
"Now we have to manage the squad, and sometimes you try to bring the best players for these competitions."
Messi: I will reflect on my achievements when I retire
Lionel Messi says he will wait until the end of his career to reflect on his achievements after winning a fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or.
The 25-year-old surpassed Gerd Muller's record of 85 goals in a calendar year after hitting the back of the net 91 times, but says his busy schedule means that he cannot stop to think about his successes.
"Obviously I am very happy to win [the Ballon d'Or] again, it is the fourth one so it is a [great] joy for me, I will find a little space for the trophy at home," he told reporters.
"There is no time to stop and think about these prizes, nor to enjoy them. [Instead, I] think about the games coming up - everything comes very quickly.
"I do not compare myself or think about being the best in the world, I just try to enjoy it but there is not much time to stop and think about the things you achieve because we play every three days.
"As I always say, at the end of my career I will look back at what I have done, people will have their opinions and I will realize what my career was.The Barcelona forward polled 41.6 percent of the vote, with Cristiano Ronaldo finishing in second place with 23.68 percent and Andres Iniesta taking third spot on 10.91 percent.
Lionel Messi says he will wait until the end of his career to reflect on his achievements after winning a fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or.
The 25-year-old surpassed Gerd Muller's record of 85 goals in a calendar year after hitting the back of the net 91 times, but says his busy schedule means that he cannot stop to think about his successes.
"Obviously I am very happy to win [the Ballon d'Or] again, it is the fourth one so it is a [great] joy for me, I will find a little space for the trophy at home," he told reporters.
"There is no time to stop and think about these prizes, nor to enjoy them. [Instead, I] think about the games coming up - everything comes very quickly.
"I do not compare myself or think about being the best in the world, I just try to enjoy it but there is not much time to stop and think about the things you achieve because we play every three days.
"As I always say, at the end of my career I will look back at what I have done, people will have their opinions and I will realize what my career was.The Barcelona forward polled 41.6 percent of the vote, with Cristiano Ronaldo finishing in second place with 23.68 percent and Andres Iniesta taking third spot on 10.91 percent.
Swansea will sell Michu for the right price, insists Wales boss Coleman
Wales manager Chris Coleman has claimed it will be a struggle for Swansea to hold on to star player Michu if a big money offer comes in.
The 26-year-old has been in lethal form for the Swans, scoring 16 goals in 24 appearances, with 12 coming in the Premier League, leaving him just one goal behind current leading scorers Robin van Persie and Luis Suarez.
The Welsh club has stated that the Spaniard, who moved to the club for 2 million pounds during the summer from Rayo Vallecano, is not for sale.
But Coleman believes it would be difficult for the club to turn down an offer if the price was right.
"It won't be easy for them to keep hold of him," said Coleman, who attended the FA Cup game in which Michu came off the bench to score against Arsenal after just 73 seconds.
"If any player at Swansea City is performing like Michu is then the big boys are going to look, and if they want you enough they will pay the money.
"As much as Swansea want to keep him, they won't be able to say no to that. They might say he is not for sale, but everyone is for sale at a price."
With big clubs such as Atletico Madrid declaring interest in Michu, the Wales coach believes it is inevitable that a top team will make a move for the player, but concedes a January move seems unlikely.
"A lot of people will say he remains an unknown entity, but if he repeats what he is doing then that is when the danger will come," added Coleman.
"That is when one of the bigger teams will probably take a chance on him."
Wales manager Chris Coleman has claimed it will be a struggle for Swansea to hold on to star player Michu if a big money offer comes in.
The 26-year-old has been in lethal form for the Swans, scoring 16 goals in 24 appearances, with 12 coming in the Premier League, leaving him just one goal behind current leading scorers Robin van Persie and Luis Suarez.
The Welsh club has stated that the Spaniard, who moved to the club for 2 million pounds during the summer from Rayo Vallecano, is not for sale.
But Coleman believes it would be difficult for the club to turn down an offer if the price was right.
"It won't be easy for them to keep hold of him," said Coleman, who attended the FA Cup game in which Michu came off the bench to score against Arsenal after just 73 seconds.
"If any player at Swansea City is performing like Michu is then the big boys are going to look, and if they want you enough they will pay the money.
"As much as Swansea want to keep him, they won't be able to say no to that. They might say he is not for sale, but everyone is for sale at a price."
With big clubs such as Atletico Madrid declaring interest in Michu, the Wales coach believes it is inevitable that a top team will make a move for the player, but concedes a January move seems unlikely.
"A lot of people will say he remains an unknown entity, but if he repeats what he is doing then that is when the danger will come," added Coleman.
"That is when one of the bigger teams will probably take a chance on him."
Iniesta: Messi should win a fifth Ballon d'Or
Andres Iniesta believes that his Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi should win a fifth Ballon d'Or award.
The Argentine won his fourth consecutive World Player of the Year in a row after he scored 91 goals in 2012, surpassing Gerd Muller's record of 85, but the player who finished third in the 2012 voting believes that there will be more to come.
"I dedicate it to Barca, [and to] the work we do. If he continues, then Leo will get a fifth [Ballon d'Or]," Iniesta told Esport3. "I congratulate Leo again for his fourth Golden Boot, which makes it unique. It is not a matter of giving it to others, it is a matter of recognizing the best there is - that is what has happened."
Iniesta also said he hoped to continue playing at the highest level for as long as possible amid another standout year at age 28 during which he helped Spain to its second straight European championship and finished behind Messi and Real Madrid start Cristiano Ronaldo for the Ballon d'Or.
"In this game you have to enjoy the time you have playing at the top," Iniesta said. "And, hopefully, I can do that for a long time and win more trophies. My personal achievements have been very good so far and that is what I aim for, you work to get them. The truth is that being where I am right now makes me incredibly happy."
Andres Iniesta believes that his Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi should win a fifth Ballon d'Or award.
The Argentine won his fourth consecutive World Player of the Year in a row after he scored 91 goals in 2012, surpassing Gerd Muller's record of 85, but the player who finished third in the 2012 voting believes that there will be more to come.
"I dedicate it to Barca, [and to] the work we do. If he continues, then Leo will get a fifth [Ballon d'Or]," Iniesta told Esport3. "I congratulate Leo again for his fourth Golden Boot, which makes it unique. It is not a matter of giving it to others, it is a matter of recognizing the best there is - that is what has happened."
Iniesta also said he hoped to continue playing at the highest level for as long as possible amid another standout year at age 28 during which he helped Spain to its second straight European championship and finished behind Messi and Real Madrid start Cristiano Ronaldo for the Ballon d'Or.
"In this game you have to enjoy the time you have playing at the top," Iniesta said. "And, hopefully, I can do that for a long time and win more trophies. My personal achievements have been very good so far and that is what I aim for, you work to get them. The truth is that being where I am right now makes me incredibly happy."
Galliani: Robinho will not leave Milan, and we will not sign Balotelli
AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani has declared that Robinho will not be leaving the club, and says the Rossoneri have no interest in signing Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.
Brazil international Robinho had been expected to leave the club in the current transfer window, but Galliani has officially ruled out the departure of the former Real Madrid man or any other striker at the club after disucssions with teams in his native Brazil fell through.
"Robinho will not leave," Galliani told Sky Sports. "Robinho did not want to leave Milan, he just wanted to go home. We failed to agree a deal with Santos, and his agent couldn’t agree personal terms either. Other Brazilian clubs were ready to fulfil all the requirements, but Robinho wanted to stay with Milan. I heard from Gremio yesterday and they wanted him at all costs."
Milan lost Alexandre Pato on an outward transfer to FIFA Club World Cup champion Corinthians, but Galliani said that the club is happy with its attacking options and that nobody else will be brought in.
"Our attacking options are sorted, there will be no ins or outs. Robinho is happy to stay at Milan, so he will," Galliani said. "The rumors linking us with Mario Balotelli are also false. I do not have a problem with the striker himself, but our forward department is complete."
Robinho has scored two goals in 11 appearances in Serie A this season.
AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani has declared that Robinho will not be leaving the club, and says the Rossoneri have no interest in signing Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.
Brazil international Robinho had been expected to leave the club in the current transfer window, but Galliani has officially ruled out the departure of the former Real Madrid man or any other striker at the club after disucssions with teams in his native Brazil fell through.
"Robinho will not leave," Galliani told Sky Sports. "Robinho did not want to leave Milan, he just wanted to go home. We failed to agree a deal with Santos, and his agent couldn’t agree personal terms either. Other Brazilian clubs were ready to fulfil all the requirements, but Robinho wanted to stay with Milan. I heard from Gremio yesterday and they wanted him at all costs."
Milan lost Alexandre Pato on an outward transfer to FIFA Club World Cup champion Corinthians, but Galliani said that the club is happy with its attacking options and that nobody else will be brought in.
"Our attacking options are sorted, there will be no ins or outs. Robinho is happy to stay at Milan, so he will," Galliani said. "The rumors linking us with Mario Balotelli are also false. I do not have a problem with the striker himself, but our forward department is complete."
Robinho has scored two goals in 11 appearances in Serie A this season.
Balotelli bags a double in Manchester City Under-21 outing
Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli scored twice in the Under-21's friendly win over Blackburn Rovers on Monday, just two days after a cameo appearance in the 3-0 FA Cup third round win over Watford.
The Italian international bagged a double, but passed up the opportunity to seal a hat trick by allowing midfielder Denis Suarez to convert from the penalty spot.
His shock contribution marks two appearances in only three days, given the striker featured as a substitute during City's 3-0 win over Watford in Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie.
Balotelli is currently working on a return to full fitness in an attempt to push for a place for the Blues' clash with Arsenal, as Sergio Aguero remains injured with a torn hamstring.
The striker's future is currently under question, with Goal.com revealing that AC Milan is preparing a bid to bring him back to his native Italy.
Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli scored twice in the Under-21's friendly win over Blackburn Rovers on Monday, just two days after a cameo appearance in the 3-0 FA Cup third round win over Watford.
The Italian international bagged a double, but passed up the opportunity to seal a hat trick by allowing midfielder Denis Suarez to convert from the penalty spot.
His shock contribution marks two appearances in only three days, given the striker featured as a substitute during City's 3-0 win over Watford in Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie.
Balotelli is currently working on a return to full fitness in an attempt to push for a place for the Blues' clash with Arsenal, as Sergio Aguero remains injured with a torn hamstring.
The striker's future is currently under question, with Goal.com revealing that AC Milan is preparing a bid to bring him back to his native Italy.
Cheltenham 1-5 Everton: Classy display sees Moyes' men cruise into FA Cup fourth round
A classy display from Everton ensured progression to the FA Cup fourth round with a 5-1 victory over Cheltenham on Monday evening.
Nikica Jelavic, Leighton Baines, Leon Osman, Seamus Coleman and Marouane Fellaini all found the back of the net against the League Two outfit, with Russell Penn's second-half strike earning some consolation for a spirited, if easily beaten, Robins' side.
Despite making four changes to the team that saw off Newcastle 2-1 last week, David Moyes named a strong Everton side for the trip to the Abbey Business Stadium, with Fellaini and Baines both starting while striking duo Victor Anichebe and Jelavic came into the XI.
The visitors were quick to make their superiority on paper count, with Jelavic pouncing to hand the Toffees an early lead. After the ball bobbled loose in the box, Fellaini took the chance to shoot and hit the post, with the Croatian quickest to react, stretching to poke home the rebound.
The hosts had started brightly, although Darren Carter failed to truly test American goalkeeper Tim Howard with a number of early chances. Cheltenham would regret the lack of proficiency in front of goal.
Captain Alan Bennett clumsily fouled Fellaini in the box, with his robust marking of the Belgian adjudged to have been worthy of penalty by referee Kevin Friend, and Baines stepped up to double the lead from the spot and put the Premier League side in firm control of the game.
The hosts rallied to try and provide some hope to the increasingly deflated crowd going into halftime, yet Howard was never forced into making a save, while Everton's Premier League class allowed the Toffees to steamroll forward almost at will.
And such a pattern continued into the second half. Baines was allowed to drive down the left-hand side leaving the Cheltenham back line to hopelessly appeal for the offside flag. In the meantime, the Everton captain picked out Osman, who coolly skipped past the on-rushing center back before slotting home to make it 3-0.
Just as Everton looked to be on course to racking up an embarrassing scoreline, Mohamed carved out an opening for Penn, who finished smartly.
The respite was short lived, though, with an effort from Coleman restoring Everton's three-goal advantage just seven minutes later.
Fellaini, after a dominant midfield display, was sure to get his name on the scoresheet as well, guiding home from an Anichebe cross on the stroke of 90 minutes.
A trip to Bolton or Sunderland awaits at the end of the month, while the visit of Swansea City to Goodison Park in the league is next up for the Toffees.
A classy display from Everton ensured progression to the FA Cup fourth round with a 5-1 victory over Cheltenham on Monday evening.
Nikica Jelavic, Leighton Baines, Leon Osman, Seamus Coleman and Marouane Fellaini all found the back of the net against the League Two outfit, with Russell Penn's second-half strike earning some consolation for a spirited, if easily beaten, Robins' side.
Despite making four changes to the team that saw off Newcastle 2-1 last week, David Moyes named a strong Everton side for the trip to the Abbey Business Stadium, with Fellaini and Baines both starting while striking duo Victor Anichebe and Jelavic came into the XI.
The visitors were quick to make their superiority on paper count, with Jelavic pouncing to hand the Toffees an early lead. After the ball bobbled loose in the box, Fellaini took the chance to shoot and hit the post, with the Croatian quickest to react, stretching to poke home the rebound.
The hosts had started brightly, although Darren Carter failed to truly test American goalkeeper Tim Howard with a number of early chances. Cheltenham would regret the lack of proficiency in front of goal.
Captain Alan Bennett clumsily fouled Fellaini in the box, with his robust marking of the Belgian adjudged to have been worthy of penalty by referee Kevin Friend, and Baines stepped up to double the lead from the spot and put the Premier League side in firm control of the game.
The hosts rallied to try and provide some hope to the increasingly deflated crowd going into halftime, yet Howard was never forced into making a save, while Everton's Premier League class allowed the Toffees to steamroll forward almost at will.
And such a pattern continued into the second half. Baines was allowed to drive down the left-hand side leaving the Cheltenham back line to hopelessly appeal for the offside flag. In the meantime, the Everton captain picked out Osman, who coolly skipped past the on-rushing center back before slotting home to make it 3-0.
Just as Everton looked to be on course to racking up an embarrassing scoreline, Mohamed carved out an opening for Penn, who finished smartly.
The respite was short lived, though, with an effort from Coleman restoring Everton's three-goal advantage just seven minutes later.
Fellaini, after a dominant midfield display, was sure to get his name on the scoresheet as well, guiding home from an Anichebe cross on the stroke of 90 minutes.
A trip to Bolton or Sunderland awaits at the end of the month, while the visit of Swansea City to Goodison Park in the league is next up for the Toffees.
Casillas picks Ramos over Ronaldo, Gerrard backs Messi: Ballon d'Or voters' picks revealed
Lionel Messi won his record-setting fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or award on Monday, scooping the prestigious individual award over runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo and third-place teammate Andres Iniesta.
Radamel Falcao finished up in fifth, behind another Barcelona stalwart, Xavi, while Iker Casillas came in at sixth, and Andrea Pirlo, Didier Drogba, Robin van Persie and Zlatan Ibrahimovic made up a star-studded final top 10 for the calendar year of 2012.
After the awards ceremony, FIFA released an intriguing list of the full votes for the award, which is decided based on decisions made by international coaches, captains and a selection of media representatives from each member nation.
The voting list reveals some decisions that would raise few eyebrows, but other ones that can be considered as particularly surprising.
In England’s votes, both manager Roy Hodgson and captain Steven Gerrard voted for the brilliant Messi as their winner, with Ronaldo in second.
They differed with their decisions for third-place, though, as the Three Lions boss went for Falcao, while the Liverpool captain opted for former teammate Xabi Alonso.
For Spain, boss Vicente Del Bosque, who himself was recognized on the night with the Coach of the Year award, went for three of his own players; Casillas, Xavi and Iniesta in the top three positions.
Casillas himself had a vote and very surprisingly opted for club and international teammate Sergio Ramos as his No.1 pick, with Ronaldo only second ahead of Iniesta, perhaps hinting at why the Portuguese ace felt his club was not fully supportive of his Ballon d’Or bid.
Messi had a vote as captain for Argentina and did not select Ronaldo in his top three at all, opting for Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Aguero. Alejandro Sabella voted for Messi, with Ronaldo also absent from his selections.
Portugal matched that tactic, as Bruno Alves, who was voting in place of Ronaldo, went for his teammate as top pick with Messi not in the top three, although coach Paulo Bento did name the Argentine in third.
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli voted for his star player Pirlo over Gianluigi Buffon and then Messi, while Buffon himself also went for the Juventus midfielder as his top choice.
Philipp Lahm backed Iniesta over Messi and Ronaldo, while Germany coach Joachim Low voted Mesut Ozil, Manuel Neuer and Xavi as his top three.
France coach Didier Deschamps backed Messi over Ronaldo and Xavi, while Hugo Lloris stayed loyal to the goalkeepers’ union by voting Casillas as No.1 over Falcao and Drogba.
Brazil skipper Thiago Silva’s votes were unremarkable, with Messi beating Ronaldo to top spot and his PSG teammate Ibrahimovic in third.
Louis van Gaal voted for Messi over Ronaldo and Falcao, while Netherlands captain Wesley Sneijder voted Van Persie over Messi (second) and Ronaldo (third).
Darren Fletcher, who was casting votes as Scotland captain, backed former Manchester United teammate Ronaldo at No. 1, with Messi and club teammate Robin van Persie as his other selections.
Lionel Messi won his record-setting fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or award on Monday, scooping the prestigious individual award over runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo and third-place teammate Andres Iniesta.
Radamel Falcao finished up in fifth, behind another Barcelona stalwart, Xavi, while Iker Casillas came in at sixth, and Andrea Pirlo, Didier Drogba, Robin van Persie and Zlatan Ibrahimovic made up a star-studded final top 10 for the calendar year of 2012.
After the awards ceremony, FIFA released an intriguing list of the full votes for the award, which is decided based on decisions made by international coaches, captains and a selection of media representatives from each member nation.
The voting list reveals some decisions that would raise few eyebrows, but other ones that can be considered as particularly surprising.
In England’s votes, both manager Roy Hodgson and captain Steven Gerrard voted for the brilliant Messi as their winner, with Ronaldo in second.
They differed with their decisions for third-place, though, as the Three Lions boss went for Falcao, while the Liverpool captain opted for former teammate Xabi Alonso.
For Spain, boss Vicente Del Bosque, who himself was recognized on the night with the Coach of the Year award, went for three of his own players; Casillas, Xavi and Iniesta in the top three positions.
Casillas himself had a vote and very surprisingly opted for club and international teammate Sergio Ramos as his No.1 pick, with Ronaldo only second ahead of Iniesta, perhaps hinting at why the Portuguese ace felt his club was not fully supportive of his Ballon d’Or bid.
Messi had a vote as captain for Argentina and did not select Ronaldo in his top three at all, opting for Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Aguero. Alejandro Sabella voted for Messi, with Ronaldo also absent from his selections.
Portugal matched that tactic, as Bruno Alves, who was voting in place of Ronaldo, went for his teammate as top pick with Messi not in the top three, although coach Paulo Bento did name the Argentine in third.
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli voted for his star player Pirlo over Gianluigi Buffon and then Messi, while Buffon himself also went for the Juventus midfielder as his top choice.
Philipp Lahm backed Iniesta over Messi and Ronaldo, while Germany coach Joachim Low voted Mesut Ozil, Manuel Neuer and Xavi as his top three.
France coach Didier Deschamps backed Messi over Ronaldo and Xavi, while Hugo Lloris stayed loyal to the goalkeepers’ union by voting Casillas as No.1 over Falcao and Drogba.
Brazil skipper Thiago Silva’s votes were unremarkable, with Messi beating Ronaldo to top spot and his PSG teammate Ibrahimovic in third.
Louis van Gaal voted for Messi over Ronaldo and Falcao, while Netherlands captain Wesley Sneijder voted Van Persie over Messi (second) and Ronaldo (third).
Darren Fletcher, who was casting votes as Scotland captain, backed former Manchester United teammate Ronaldo at No. 1, with Messi and club teammate Robin van Persie as his other selections.
Balotelli bags a double in Manchester City Under-21 outing
Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli scored twice in the Under-21's friendly win over Blackburn Rovers on Monday, just two days after a cameo appearance in the 3-0 FA Cup third round win over Watford.
The Italian international bagged a double, but passed up the opportunity to seal a hat trick by allowing midfielder Denis Suarez to convert from the penalty spot.
His shock contribution marks two appearances in only three days, given the striker featured as a substitute during City's 3-0 win over Watford in Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie.
Balotelli is currently working on a return to full fitness in an attempt to push for a place for the Blues' clash with Arsenal, as Sergio Aguero remains injured with a torn hamstring.
The striker's future is currently under question, with Goal.com revealing that AC Milan is preparing a bid to bring him back to his native Italy.
Hope this guy change his attitude and work hard for the team
Wilshere: Arsenal wants a trophy this season
Jack Wilshere insists that Arsenal is determined to end its barren run and secure a trophy this season.
The Gunners have not won a competition since the 2005 FA Cup, and were held to a 2-2 draw by Swansea in their third round tie on Saturday.
The club also faces Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League and Wilshere believes his teammates can beat their German opponent when the competition resumes in February.
"We all want a trophy. As players when you finish your career, you look back and see how many trophies you’ve won," he told reporters. "We’re all hungry for it and maybe if we get a trophy this year it can lead to a few more."
He added, "We've got a good crop of young players and experienced ones as well with [Mikel] Arteta and others, so if we get a trophy this year or in the next couple of years we can really build something, a strong team and be strong in the next few years.
"We are still in the FA Cup and the Champions League. I think we are in a good position, we just need to make sure we get the results now."
The Gunners sit 18 points behind league leader Manchester United and face second-placed City on Sunday, with Wilshere lamenting how far off the pace Arsenal is in the Premier League.
"I'm not sure if it's make or break but we know we need results. We're not in the position in the league that we want to be. We want to be higher," Wilshire stated. "We've got a couple of games in hand and we have to make sure we make them count. There's no point having them and not getting results or making them count."
Pablo Hernandez: Benitez needs more time at Chelsea
Swansea midfielder Pablo Hernandez believes Chelsea supporters should be willing to give Rafa Benitez more time to settle at the club.
Hernandez was part of Valencia's youth set-up when Benitez brought the Spanish title to the Mestalla, and the winger believes the 52-year-old could bring glory to Stamford Bridge, if the fans are patient.
“Rafa is a King in Valencia and the people love him there because he won three important titles. They haven’t won anything since," Hernandez told reporters.
He added, “It’s difficult because on the first day people wanted Rafa out. The fans are passionate, but he needs more games. He has brought in new players and people should judge him after more games.
“In the past, Rafa has been a good coach in La Liga and the Premier League. He won the Champions League for Liverpool. But people at Chelsea are not used to Rafa.”
The Swans face the Blues on Wednesday evening in their semifinal first leg and Hernandez has pinpointed former Valencia teammate Juan Mata as the man to beat if the Swans are to snatch a positive result.
“Mata is a big friend of mine. He was my roommate at Valencia for two years. We used to eat lunch and dinner together too,” Hernandez revealed.
“He’s a good player and I’m happy that I can play against him and Chelsea. I remember Juan missed the Premier League game against us because he was injured. But he is an important player for Chelsea.
“He won’t be easy to stop, but I have confidence in the Swansea defense."
Swansea midfielder Pablo Hernandez believes Chelsea supporters should be willing to give Rafa Benitez more time to settle at the club.
Hernandez was part of Valencia's youth set-up when Benitez brought the Spanish title to the Mestalla, and the winger believes the 52-year-old could bring glory to Stamford Bridge, if the fans are patient.
“Rafa is a King in Valencia and the people love him there because he won three important titles. They haven’t won anything since," Hernandez told reporters.
He added, “It’s difficult because on the first day people wanted Rafa out. The fans are passionate, but he needs more games. He has brought in new players and people should judge him after more games.
“In the past, Rafa has been a good coach in La Liga and the Premier League. He won the Champions League for Liverpool. But people at Chelsea are not used to Rafa.”
The Swans face the Blues on Wednesday evening in their semifinal first leg and Hernandez has pinpointed former Valencia teammate Juan Mata as the man to beat if the Swans are to snatch a positive result.
“Mata is a big friend of mine. He was my roommate at Valencia for two years. We used to eat lunch and dinner together too,” Hernandez revealed.
“He’s a good player and I’m happy that I can play against him and Chelsea. I remember Juan missed the Premier League game against us because he was injured. But he is an important player for Chelsea.
“He won’t be easy to stop, but I have confidence in the Swansea defense."
Paris Saint-Germain director Leonardo hints at Cristiano Ronaldo move
Paris Saint-Germain director Leonardo has refused to rule out a move for Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo amid ongoing rumors that the Portugal international has set his sights on a move away from the Bernabeu.
The prolific attacker made the headlines earlier this season by admitting that he was unhappy with life at the club, and a number of recent reports have suggested that he has no intention to sign a new contract with los Blancos.
"Cristiano Ronaldo? Paris Saint-Germain have become a club where anything is possible," Leonardo was quoted as saying by L'Equipe.
He added, "However, he still has an ongoing contract with Real Madrid and we have to realize that he will not leave Madrid for just any club.
"When we are discussing a possible transfer for a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, there are only four or five clubs that can be taken into consideration. Paris Saint-Germain are one of those clubs ..."
However, Leonardo was quick to rule out a move for Barcelona star Lionel Messi as well as Premier League left-back Patrice Evra and Ashley Cole.
"[Messi] will never leave Barcelona," he stated. "With [Christophe] Jallet, Maxwell, [Gregory] van der Wiel and [Sylvain] Armand, I think we have what it takes.
"In the future, we will talk about it, but not now. Cole or Evra? No."
PSG reached the last 16 of Champions League with ease, but the former AC Milan coach went on to say that his current side is not favorites to claim the European title.
"It's certain that Barca are the favorites," he continued. "But we can also say that there are seven games until the final ..."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made a considerable impact since joining the club from Milan in the summer, and Leonardo says his form shows that the player is happy at the club.
"Ibra is not only a great man, he has everything. If Ibra and Thiago [Silva] were not happy here, they would not be playing this way."
Paris Saint-Germain director Leonardo has refused to rule out a move for Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo amid ongoing rumors that the Portugal international has set his sights on a move away from the Bernabeu.
The prolific attacker made the headlines earlier this season by admitting that he was unhappy with life at the club, and a number of recent reports have suggested that he has no intention to sign a new contract with los Blancos.
"Cristiano Ronaldo? Paris Saint-Germain have become a club where anything is possible," Leonardo was quoted as saying by L'Equipe.
He added, "However, he still has an ongoing contract with Real Madrid and we have to realize that he will not leave Madrid for just any club.
"When we are discussing a possible transfer for a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, there are only four or five clubs that can be taken into consideration. Paris Saint-Germain are one of those clubs ..."
However, Leonardo was quick to rule out a move for Barcelona star Lionel Messi as well as Premier League left-back Patrice Evra and Ashley Cole.
"[Messi] will never leave Barcelona," he stated. "With [Christophe] Jallet, Maxwell, [Gregory] van der Wiel and [Sylvain] Armand, I think we have what it takes.
"In the future, we will talk about it, but not now. Cole or Evra? No."
PSG reached the last 16 of Champions League with ease, but the former AC Milan coach went on to say that his current side is not favorites to claim the European title.
"It's certain that Barca are the favorites," he continued. "But we can also say that there are seven games until the final ..."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made a considerable impact since joining the club from Milan in the summer, and Leonardo says his form shows that the player is happy at the club.
"Ibra is not only a great man, he has everything. If Ibra and Thiago [Silva] were not happy here, they would not be playing this way."
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