..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Falcao frustrated at Europa League exit

The Colombia star struck the only goal of the game as the holders bowed out of the competition, and he was left aggrieved that they could not make their dominance tel Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao was full of frustration after his side were knocked out of the Europa League by Rubin Kazan.

The holders were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by the Russian side, with Falcao's late strike ultimately no more than a consolation on a night where the Spaniards dominated proceedings.

The 27-year-old was disappointed that they were unable to convert their dominance into the scoreline they needed, as los Rojiblancos were left to rue their poor performance in the first leg.

"I'm disappointed with the outcome of the game," Falcao was quoted as saying by Marca. "We travelled to Moscow only for the win, despite conceding the second goal [in the first leg].

"We dominated all over the pitch for practically the entire match as we tried to overcome the goals we conceded at home. Unfortunately, we didn't manage it."

Rubin Kazan goes on to meet another Spanish side in the round of 16, after Levante secured progression following its 4-0 aggregate win over Olympiakos.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Heynckes would never go to Schalke, says Hoeness

The 61-year-old has laughed off suggestions that his coach could take over from Jens Keller when he departs the Allianz Arena at the end of the current campaign
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness insists there is no chance that Jupp Heynckes will take over at Schalke when he leaves the club at the end of the season.

Jens Keller has been in temporary charge of the Gelsenkirchen outfit ever since Huub Stevens was sacked back in December, though he is unlikely to be handed the role on a permanent basis once the campaign draws to a close.

With Pep Guardiola taking the reins at the Allianz Arena in the summer, there have been suggestions that Heynckes could be tempted to take the vacant managerial seat at Schalke, but Hoeness has laughed off such a notion.

"Never, never!" he told TZ when asked if Heynckes would consider the move. "Jupp would be stupid. Why would he go there after such a season?

"I tell you what: Jupp does not have to do anything. Who has earned retirement more?"

There have been suggestions that the 67-year-old could be appointed to another role at the club once his time as coach comes to an end, but Hoeness refused to be drawn on the idea.

"We've got some ideas, but we'll talk about it at the end of the season."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Everton must win at all costs, says Baines

The Toffees' challenge for Champions League qualification is faltering after some underwhelming recent results and the left back has called for his side to win no matter what.Everton defender Leighton Baines has called for his side to put results before aesthetics in order to keep up its chase for Champions League qualification.

The Toffees currently trail fourth-placed Tottenham by six points and have won just one of their last five Premier League fixtures. Next up is a difficult trip to face Norwich, a game in which Baines insists his teammates must do everything they can to bring home all three points.

“They are a good side, Norwich,” Baines told the Liverpool Echo. “They started the season well.

“We have found it tough against them, and we had a tough game against them down there last season. They are strong at home.

“If we want to achieve something, draws aren’t going to cut it. We have to find ways to get games won. Sometimes it may not be pretty, but it is about getting games won.

“We have got to keep clean sheets and get people scoring.”

The Toffees also have an FA Cup fifth-round replay to contend on Wednesday, after Oldham scored a last-minute equalizer during last week's meeting at Boundary Park.

Baines admits the late goal was a blow, but he is confident that David Moyes' men will get the job done in their own backyard.

“It was a bit of a shock, because the goal came so late,” Baines said. “We were disappointed, because we want to go through, but we have got the replay at Goodison Park and so we will fancy our chances.

“We must now pick ourselves up and go again. We can’t really ask for much more than a home tie with a side who play a couple of leagues below you.

“If we lose then we only have ourselves to blame. Our destiny is in our own hands. We have got to look forward now.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Berlusconi: AC Milan was written off too soon

The Rossoneri president believes those who dismissed the team at the start of the season must now eat their words following the club's stunning win over Barcelona on Wednesday.Silvio Berlusconi has hit out at critics of AC Milan's early-season form following his side's shock 2-0 victory over Barcelona.

After an exodus of star players last summer and a poor start to the campaign, the Rossoneri have turned a corner in recent weeks, climbing to third in Serie A before comfortably seeing off one of the Champions League favorites in the first leg of their round of 16 tie at the San Siro on Wednesday.

Berlusconi was full of optimism for the remainder of the season following the victory, and he took a swipe at those who dismissed the club's chances of competing with the top clubs back in the autumn.

“Last night, without too much effort, we beat Barcelona – the best team in the world,” Berlusconi told reporters. “Today we are third in the league and can go even further.

“A few weeks after the start of the season this team was given up for dead – some even said we'd struggle to survive. But those people should have perhaps been a little more cautious with their predictions.”

Milan's resurgence can continue in a big way on Sunday, as the Rossoneri face fierce city rival Inter Milan.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham not a one-man team, insists Villas-Boas

Following a series of match-winning performances from winger Gareth Bale, the club's coach has dismissed the idea that Spurs are overly reliant on the 23-year-old star.Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has hailed the recent performances of Gareth Bale, but has denied suggestions that the club is a one-man team.

Bale has been in the best form of his career so far this season, scoring 17 goals to help his side get ahead of North London neighbor Arsenal in the chase for fourth spot in the Premier League and a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.

While Villas-Boas believes the 23-year-old Bale is ready to be mentioned in the same breath as the game's elite players, he does not think Spurs are overly reliant on the Welshman.

"This is always the problem with big teams," he told The Daily Telegraph. "Do Barcelona rely on Lionel Messi? Do Real Madrid rely on Cristiano Ronaldo? I don't think so.

"But the great players have to make the difference. They are the stars and Gareth has been magnificent this season.

"We are fortunate to have players who can be decisive on those moments."

Villas-Boas also played down the furor over Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas describing Tottenham as "Les Rosbifs" (a derogatory French term for the English) ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash between the sides.

"He is a very, very charismatic leader of Lyon. It's not because of his words we're going to lose the concentration on our objective," Villas-Boas said. "We're going to face a tough, tough team and what I can decipher from those words is Lyon will be extremely up the challenge and it will be extremely difficult for us."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sir Alex Ferguson backs David Gill for success at UEFA

The Manchester United boss believes that the departing chief executive is sure to prosper when he stands for election to European football's governing body in May
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his belief that outgoing chief executive David Gill will have a major impact on UEFA’s executive committee.

The 55-year-old announced this week that he will end his 16-year stay at Old Trafford in order to stand for election to the governing body of European football in May.

And, although he lamented the FA vice-chairman's departure, Sir Alex is adamant that Gill will be a fine addition to the executive committee.

"He spoke to me about it some weeks ago," he told Sky Sports. "I was surprised because he is still a young man.

"But I can understand exactly where he is coming from. Sixteen years at United in that particular position is not easy.

"He will do fantastic with UEFA and he will contribute greatly to the game in general."

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward will take over from Gill, and Ferguson believes that the 40-year-old is the right man for the role.

"I have always worked well with David and he is going to be a loss, but United are great at promoting from within and we have done it again with Ed Woodward stepping up," he explained.

"Remember, David came as the finance director and ended up as chief executive. From the football side, Mike Phelan came as reserve coach and ended up as my assistant.

"Rene Meulensteen came as a development coach and is now my first-team coach. Brian McClair came as a youth coach and is now director of the academy.

"We see quality and potential in a lot of our staff. That happens throughout the club. There shouldn't be a big problem."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Newcastle goalkeeper Krul faces up to five weeks out with ankle injury

The first-choice shot-stopper will see a specialist on Monday after incurring the damage against Metalist Kharkiv, with Rob Elliot expected to deputize in his absence.

Newcastle United has confirmed that Tim Krul will see a specialist on Monday after injuring his ankle, and could face up to five weeks on the sidelines.The Netherlands international picked up the ankle injury in Thursday’s Europa League last-32 second-leg victory over Metalist Kharkiv, but was able to complete 90 minutes.

Krul was initially assessed by the club’s medical staff on Friday and subsequently sent for a scan, but has now been referred to a specialist - raising fears of a lengthy spell out.

The shot-stopper will not miss Sunday's Premier League game at home to Southampton, with Rob Elliot set to step in for the 24-year old.

"Newcastle United can confirm that Tim Krul was assessed by club medical staff on Friday and sent for a scan on Friday afternoon after sustaining an ankle injury in Thursday night's Europa League match against Metalist Kharkiv in the Ukraine," a club statement said.

"Krul is now scheduled to see an ankle specialist on Monday for a further assessment, after which time the club should be able to provide another update."

Newcastle has recently registered wins at Aston Villa and at home to Chelsea in the league but is still only four points off the relegation zone with 12 games left.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ganso: I need to be great like before

he Brazil international has acknowledged that he has not been at his best since moving to the Morumbi five months ago, but is determined to succeed at the club.
Ganso has admitted that he is yet to recreate his Santos form since his move to Sao Paulo.

The Brazil international joined the club from their city rivals in September for a fee of 9.1 million euros, and is hoping to help them to a wave of success.

"In all matches, either starting or on the bench, I give my best. I need to give a great performance like before. I want to help Sao Paulo to win a lot of trophies," he told reporters. "Supporters expected much of me. Everybody knows my quality."

He went on to say that he can accept being left on the bench coach Ney Franco and will work hard to break into the first team.

"I have to respect the decision of the coach and my team-mates who are doing very well. With every game I play I gain more confidence."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Marseille rejects accusations of corruption in Nasri deal

It had been reported that high-ranking club officials had received money from a number transfers, but the Ligue 1 outfit has refuted such claims.

Olympique de Marseille has moved to deny allegations that senior club officials received money from transfers.

RMC reported that Samir Nasri's move to Arsenal from the Velodrome in 2008 was corrupt, while Le Parisien claimed that a Corsican organized crime family profited from Andre-Pierre Gignac's move to the club from Toulouse."It is with amazement that Olympique de Marseille learned that the media are relaying wrong and defaming information suggesting that parts of a procedure for judicial investigation have established links between organized crime and the club," an official statement read.

"Faced with this smear campaign two days before a crucial match, the club want to reinforce their confidence in all employees, particularly the director of sport."
Marseille faces arch rival Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, hoping to close the gap on the Ligue 1 leader to two points.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Maldini: Montolivo is Milan's new Pirlo

The Italy legend admits he is surprised with the midfielder's form since his move from Fiorentina, and expressed his admiration for the versatility he has displayed this seaso AC Milan icon Paolo Maldini has added his voice to the growing praise for Riccardo Montolivo, comparing him to Italy icon Andrea Pirlo.

The midfielder has been at the heart of Milan's domestic resurgence over recent weeks, and performed superbly during the midweek win over Barcelona in the Champions League against some of the most highly rated players in world football.

Maldini has been surprised at how well the Italy international has performed and compared the midfielder to Juventus' Pirlo, who left the Rossoneri for the Bianconeri on a Bosman transfer in 2011.

"Montolivo has really surprised me," Maldini told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "He's been consistent, he has quality and he's proved that he can adapt to a number of different roles.

"He's a decisive player, one who can fill the hole that was left when Andrea Pirlo moved on. He has physical strength, he wins back the ball, he has vision - he's got it all."

Milan faces a crucial derby with Inter this weekend, as the race for the top three in Serie A heats up.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Owen could land new Stoke deal, reveals Pulis

The former England striker has suffered another injury-hit season but the Welsh boss says a strong end to the campaign could see him retained by the Staffordshire club.Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has declared that striker Michael Owen could still land another contract with the club at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old has failed to start a single game this term and has managed just one league goal, a consolation strike during a 3-1 loss at Swansea in January.

Despite the former Manchester United and Liverpool forward struggling with a number of injuries, Pulis says he could be retained by the Potters.

"We will review it at the end of the season. It will help his cause if he is in the team. Of course it will," he told The Daily Mirror. "But he doesn’t need to play a certain amount of games to win a contract. There is nothing like that in his deal. There is no strings attached to his contract at all."

The Welshman also revealed that the 33-year-old has suffered another injury setback, one which will rule him out of Saturday’s game against Fulham.

"On Tuesday he trained really well, it was only in the last couple of minutes he felt a nick in his thigh," Pulis added. "He has had a scan and they are looking at him. It is a disappointment. He played really well on Tuesday in training and has played three or four reserve games.

"We needed to get him games but over Christmas was difficult because there was so much going on. But once we got out of Christmas, we arranged two or three games which he was part of."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Morata: Mourinho is the world's best coach

The Castilla product has dismissed suggestions that the Portuguese disregards younger members of the squad by claiming he maintains close relationships with all of his player Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has hailed Jose Mourinho as "the best coach in the world" after coming out in the 50-year-old's defense.

Reports earlier in the season suggested that the Blancos trainer had fallen out with various members of the first team, including Spain internationals Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas, while his man-management has also come under scrutiny.

However, this was never the case according to the young forward who believes Mourinho is the finest in his profession and, contrary to the belief of some media quarters, does not alienate any of his players.

"[Jose] Mourinho’s the type of coach who is close to his players and treats the youngest members of the team very well," he said at a press conference. "He is the best coach in the world."

Morata scored in Madrid's last Liga match - a 2-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano - and he is hoping to secure more minutes in their next game against Deportivo La Coruna who have been buoyed by the recent appointment of Fernando Vazquez as head coach.

"I think the other day I felt pretty comfortable so let's see if I get the chance to play for a few minutes this time around," he stated. "Whenever I come on to the pitch, I give 100 percent.

He added, "It's going to be a tough match. Against Real Madrid, everyone gives their all and even more so if a club has a new coach, as they have.
"They will give it their all to get out of the situation they are in."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League 2013.02.23 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2013.02.23 Fixtures

Fulham Vs Stroke City

Arsenal Vs Aston Villa

Norwich City Vs Everton

QPR Vs Manchester United

Reading Vs Wigan

WBA Vs Sunderland

​

 

[Banks PLK]

Barclays Premier League 2013.02.23 Fixtures

Fulham Vs Stroke City

Arsenal Vs Aston Villa

Norwich City Vs Everton

QPR Vs Manchester United

Reading Vs Wigan

WBA Vs Sunderland

​

United will go 15 points clear today

 

[Wolverine GTR]

La Liga 2013.02.23 Fixtures

La Liga 2013.02.23 Fixtures

Mallorca Vs Getafe

Real Zaragoza Vs Valancia

Deportivo Vs Real Madrid

Barcelona Vs Sevilla​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Serie A 2013.02.23 Fixtures

Serie A 2013.02.23 Fixtures

Palermo Vs Genoa​

 

[rcccc]

Chelsea 1-1 Sparta Prague (Agg: 2-1): Hazard stunner saves Blues as boos rain down on Benitez

hazard nam patta

 

[rcccc]

Metalist Kharkiv 0-1 Newcastle (Agg: 0-1): Ameobi spot on to send Magpies through

 

[rcccc]

Barclays Premier League 2013.02.23 Fixtures

Arsenal Vs Aston Villa

​

​

La Liga 2013.02.23 Fixtures



Barcelona Vs Sevilla​

United will go 15 points clear today

aniwa

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Reading 0-3 Wigan: Kone doubles up as Latics leapfrog hosts

Wigan gave its hope of Premier League survival a massive boost as it moved out of the relegation zone with a comfortable 3-0 win over Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

The Latics took the lead late in the first half through Arouna Kone, who quickly doubled the advantage just before the interval. Maynor Figueroa made sure of the points early in the second period before Pavel Pogrebnyak was sent-off to end any lingering hopes of a home fightback.

Jimmy Kebe returned to the starting line-for the hosts after missing the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, while Emmerson Boyce made his comeback after a long spell on the sidelines with injury.

Wigan made a fast start to the game and almost took the lead in the opening five minutes, Franco Di Santo jostling his way past several Royals' players before firing a shot from the edge of the area which Adam Federici did well to parry.

Reading quickly responded and should have grasped the advantage themselves, Hope Akpan heading over from point-blank range after good work down the right from Jem Karacan.

The visitors dominated possession in the opening stages, but it was Brian McDermott's side that created the better chances, Jimmy Kebe hitting the side netting from a corner before Akpan saw another effort go well wide.

Opportunities continued to come for the hosts, Adrian Mariappa going close with a header from an Ian Harte free kick, but at the other end Reading was thankful to Federici, who produced another fine save from Arouna Kone to keep matters level.

However, Wigan's Ivorian forward was not to be denied and just minutes later he did break the deadlock, deflecting Figueroa's header past a helpless Federici.

That goal clearly gave Kone confidence and he duly doubled the Latics' advantage seconds before the break, latching on to a wonderful through ball from Jean Beausejour before cooly slotting home with a delicately lofted finish.

Roberto Martinez will have been delighted with his side's first-half display, and the situation improved further early in the second period Figueroa powering an effort under the legs of Federici to extend Wigan's lead after neatly exchanging passes with Franco Di Santo.

A three-goal lead almost became four soon after, Di Santo stabbing wide of the near post from close range following an excellent low delivery from Boyce.

Even the introduction of top scorer Adam Le Fondre could help Reading's cause and their uphill task became almost impossible as Pogrebnyak was dismissed for an ill-judged tackle on Figureoa. Referee Phil Dowd showing no hesitation in showing the Russian a straight red card.

His dismissal killed any hopes of a miraculous revival from Reading, and it was Wigan who remained the dominant force, Di Santo going close with a fierce drive while Federici was repeatedly called upon, making saves from both Figueroa and Jordi Gomez from long range.

The Latics did eventually take their foot off the gas, and with Reading lacking both ideas and inspiration, Wigan was able to cruise to a much needed triumph.