..::Football II::..

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Benitez confident of Chelsea progression after Rubin Kazan draw

The 52-year-old feels that his side is more than capable of scoring in the second leg, and also hailed the performance of Fernando Torres after he struck once in each half.

Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez is confident that his side can reach the semifinals of the Europa League after a commanding 3-1 first-leg win over Rubin Kazan.

The Blues coasted to victory thanks to a Fernando Torres double and a clinical strike from Victor Moses, although the Russian side registered an away goal through a Bibras Natcho penalty on the stroke of half time.

And despite admitting his unhappiness with the decision to award the spot kick, the Spaniard was satisfied with the outcome of the clash and expects his side to score in the second leg.

"Obviously they have to score two goals and can go through if we do not score but we are confident that we can," Benitez told reporters. "I am happy but not 100 percent because we conceded a goal when were in control of the game.

"I think the penalty was harsh. The incident was too far away to see it clearly but I was frustrated with the referee’s performance, although that is part of the game.

"I was pleased to see the team winning and pleased for Fernando as he was working well in training and we are happy with his contribution to the team and work rate – not just the goal."

Torres's two goals took the striker's tally to 18 in all competitions this season and Benitez was pleased with the 29-year-old's work rate in what was an assured performance.

"Fernando has scored some goals and I am sure that he will score more," he opined. "I think that Fernando needed to score a goal because every press conference I answer the same questions.

"Today we saw that he can work hard so physically he is okay and hopefully he can continue to score goals until the end of the season.

"The strikers have to score goals and, when they do, the confidence will be there. From the beginning, I had no doubts about Fernando and now his confidence has increased and we can see that with every pass."

With Chelsea having played three games in six days, Benitez confirmed that he will continue to rotate his squad ahead of the Premier League clash against Sunderland on Sunday.

He added: "Our focus is on our next game, hopefully we can win against Sunderland and that will be three wins a week. We know that it will be difficult but still I have confidence that we can manage the squad and carry on until the end.

"Changes depend on each player; it's not just me thinking I have to do this or that. You have to look at each player and how fresh they are.

"I don't know how many but we have to change players every game. The priority now is Sunderland and that game will also affect our selection for the second leg."

 

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Tottenham's Bale stretchered off against Basel

The Wales international has been taken off injured during Spurs' Europa League quarterfinal tie at White Hart Lane with an ankle injury Tottenham forward Gareth Bale was stretchered off the pitch toward the end of Spurs' Europa League tie with FC Basel at White Hart Lane.

The Welsh winger appeared to fall heavily on his right ankle as it twisted in the turf and was taken straight down the tunnel with his head in his hands, visibly in agony.

The North London outfit faces crucial clashes with Everton and Manchester City in its quest to finish in the top four, either side of the return leg against Basel, having drawn 2-2 with the Swiss side on Thursday.

The absence of Bale is sure to be sorely felt by Andre Villas Boas and his side, with the injury compounding a miserable evening for Spurs as they also lost Aaron Lennon and William Gallas to injury and conceded two away goals.

 

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Barcelona sends UEFA protest letter over PSG referee

The Blaugrana have complained to the governing body about the mistakes made by the official in their draw in the Champions League Barcelona has written a formal letter of complaint to governing body UEFA about the refereeing decisions made in the first leg of its Champions League quarterfinal tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

Tito Vilanova's side recorded a 2-2 draw against the Parisian side in France, but Barca has claimed referee Wolfgang Stark "did not know the rules of the game".

The Blaugrana were unhappy with what they saw as a series of mistakes from the official, including Stark's decision to allow play to continue when two Barca players were off the pitch injured.

Regulations state that play should stop in that instance, while the official also allowed Zlatan Ibrahimovic's first goal to stand when it appeared he was offside.

"Barcelona has sent a letter of protest to UEFA regarding mistakes made by the referee in the game against PSG," the Barca spokesman said.

"We just want to express our surprise that professional referees do not know the rules of the game," he added.
Blaugrana right back Dani Alves had earlier claimed that the official had been influenced by comments from Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho.

 

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Barton to face FFF ethics committee over Thiago Silva comments

The Olympique de Marseille midfielder has been summoned to appear before a hearing on April 15 after he posted derogatory comments about the Brazilian defender on Twitter.

Joey Barton has been called to appear before the French Football Federation's ethics committee following his comments about Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva.

The Olympique de Marseille midfielder described the stopper as an "overweight ladyboy" on his Twitter account after the Ligue 1 leaders' Champions League clash with Barcelona on Tuesday.

"Joey Barton has been summoned by the ethics committee and will be heard on 15 April," the committee's president, Laurent Davenas, confirmed to Reuters on Thursday.

Barton has been involved in a spat with Thiago Silva ever since he posted remarks criticizing the standard of Brazil starlet Neymar, along with other members of Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad.

Marseille issued a statement on Wednesday apologizing to PSG and the defender, acknowledging that Barton's remarks were "inappropriate" and revealing it has asked the former Manchester City man to put an end to the dispute.

At the conclusion of PSG's 2-2 draw with Barcelona, Barton was complimentary of Thiago Silva, writing, "Thiago Silva put in the performance of his career. What a day to call him over-rated. In hindsight, I should have waited."

Barton is on loan at the Ligue 1 side from Premier League side Queens Park Rangers.

 

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Lionel Messi set to host All-Star game in Chicago

The Barcelona star will be joined by 36 players for the charity event to be played at Soldier Field this summer.

Lionel Messi and 36 of the world's top players are set to play in a charity game at Chicago's Soldier Field this July.

The “Messi and Friends vs. the World 2013” exhibition will benefit the children’s charity spearheaded by Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi. The event is sponsored by Hyatt Hotels.

In addition to Messi, other stars participating in the friendly include Jose Manuel Pinto, Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song, Emiliano Insua, Mario Yepes, Ricky Alvarez, Pablo Aimar, Martin Demichelis, Diego Lugano, Walter Gargano, Alvaro Gonzalez, Dani Osvaldo, David Trezeguet, Giovani dos Santos, Jonathan dos Santos, Thierry Henry and Marco Fabian.

“The Messi and Friends friendly, much like the NFL Pro Bowl or the MLB All-Star Game, will provide fans with an incredible opportunity to witness the world’s greatest athletes from the world of soccer together on the field of competition before the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014," said Sergio Codino, vice president of Numero 5, LLC, the match’s organizer.

 

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Arsenal handed Wilshere, Walcott fitness boost

Assistant manager Steve Bould has confirmed that the two injured Gunners have returned to training and revealed when they could potentially return to competitive action.

Arsenal assistant manager Steve Bould has confirmed Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott have resumed light training and could be in contention to feature in the club's Premier League fixture against Norwich City on April 13.

The duo has definitively been ruled out for this weekend's trip to the Hawthorns to face West Brom, but still could arrive back in first team ahead of schedule should they recover fitness in time to face the Canaries.

"We have good news with both of them," Bould told the club's official website. "Jack and Theo are outside running, and have an outside chance of being involved against Norwich a week on Saturday."

Walcott has been on the treatment table since receiving a knock while on international duty with the Three Lions prior to the World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro. Wilshere hasn't seen action since picking up an ankle injury in Arsenal's 2-1 loss to Tottenham on March 3.

Arsenal currently sits two points adrift of the Premier League's fourth and final Champions League place having won four of its last five games in all competitions.

 

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Victor Valdes hints at interest in joining the Premier League

The Blaugrana's goalkeeper is set to leave the Liga side at the end of the season and has seemed to suggest England as a possible destination.Barcelona's Victor Valdes has hinted that he would consider a move to the Premier League after his departure from Camp Nou.

The 31-year-old is expected to leave Barca in the summer and a host of clubs are thought to be interested in the shot-stopper's services, including Arsenal.

The Spaniard praised the Premier League and spoke of his admiration for the supporters and the atmosphere at games in England.

"I like the Premier League, of course," he told FourFourTwo. "I like the respect of the crowd towards footballers in England. It’s a different way of living football. They clap a simple tackle in England. We’re not used to that. I like it."

Valdes, who has made over 350 appearances for the Camp Nou side, admitted he has enjoyed his career to date with Barca but now wants a fresh experience.

"I’ve had great times here, I love it at Barcelona," he continued. "I will always come back here, but I have this wonderful job which allows me to travel. And I want to travel.

"I want to try new cultures, new football, new challenges," he added.

Better eye on IKER....

 

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Chelsea 3-1 Rubin Kazan: Torres double has Blues within touching distance of last four

 

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Lionel Messi set to host All-Star game in Chicago

 

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Aston Villa needs 'mental strength' to beat the drop, says Lambert

The Villans are mired in the relegation zone ahead of their trip to face Stoke on Saturday, but the former Norwich boss remains optimistic about their survival chances Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has underlined the need for his side to show "mental strength" in its fight against the drop.

The Midlands club has picked up just 30 points from 31 Premier League games this term and occupies the final relegation spot by virtue of goal difference.

However, Lambert says his players could even earn a mid-table finish should they "hold their nerve" during the run-in and stick to their footballing principles.

"When you look at the table, only four points separate us from the twelfth team. That's nothing. It's a game away," he told reporters. "Everybody has to play some really hard fixtures. It's how you hold your nerve. We try to keep the place upbeat in the way it is. But we don't like a team that is playing with nerves.

"You have to have a good form of mental strength in this situation. You have to have a strong mentality where the pressure doesn't get to you and you see it through.

"If you do that, that's half the battle. I think it's both mental and physical attributes needed. You have to match the physical prowess with keeping a level head."They have to do that, continue to play their football and try to create. We have goals in us, we know that but we know we have to defend too.

"But when the lads get asked questions, they come up with answers especially against QPR and Reading over the past few weeks."They know what it is like, the magnitude of the games. We have been down there most of the year so it's not new to us. It might be new to one or two who get dragged into it.

"That's where the pressure comes. The thing for me is that they are confident in having the ball. It is not as if they are frightened by it and just want to launch the ball up the field. It is not the way to play. I think they are playing with a bit of freedom."The Villans face a daunting trip to Stoke on Saturday, but the Scot is hoping his side can show the form which saw it earn a draw against the Potters earlier this season.

"Stoke have had a bit of a hard run of it of late as well. I am sure Tony would like more points than he has got but we are only four points behind them. That's the reality of it," he added.
"You know you are going to have to physically match them. You know the ball is going to come into your box and the tempo they play, you are going to have to match that.

"But we did it here during the season when we competed really well against them and we are going to have to do exactly the same this weekend.

"I thought we played decent that day earlier this season and had a lot of the ball. Everybody knows Stoke are a threat at set plays.

"You know it's going to come into your box and you have to deal with that and we did that that day. We're going to have to do that again. You have to match them. But we have to play our own game. It is important we play our own game."

 

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Falcao: I have received no offers yet

The Colombia hitman has played down rumors that he will leave the Spanish capital side soon, though he did not rule out moving on in the future.

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao has revealed his intention is to stay at Vicente Calderon for the time being.

The Colombian has been the subject of much transfer speculation with his performances this season reportedly attracting attention from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

"I haven't received any firm offers and I have three years left on my contact with Atletico," he was quoted as saying by Marca. “The moment will arrive when it's time for me to leave but at the moment, I am very happy here.

"I am in a marvelous moment in my career. At Atletico, I don't lack anything at all. We are a hard-working side and we have been able to win the Europa League and the European Supercup.”

Falcao has notched 22 goals in La Liga this season and sits third behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the scoring charts, two players he claims cannot be separated in terms of ability.

"Right now, I am competing with two players of the highest level - Messi and Cristiano,” he added. “I cannot choose one over the other as they are both incredible players.”

 

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Real Madrid was perfect against Galatasaray, beams Perez

Los Blancos' supremo was left impressed with the team’s win over Galatasaray and has called for the club’s fans to support the players in this crucial part of the season Real Madrid president Florentino Perez feels his side did a "perfect job" against Galatasaray on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho’s men ran out comfortable 3-0 winners on the night to put one foot in the Champions League semifinals, and Perez believes their performance should give them the belief they need to reach the final at Wembley.

"Against Galatasaray the team did a perfect job,” Perez told reporters at a charity event. “The team will fight until the last minute to offer the fans what they want.

“It is time to face the most decisive moments. Madrid are where they have always been, and we need to support them, united.

“Can we get to the Champions League Final? We have to have the belief that anything is possible.”

 

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Mourinho the best coach I have had in my career – Khedira

The Germany international has hailed his current boss as the greatest he has worked with, and clarified his side’s targets for the remainder of the season
Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has described Jose Mourinho as the best coach he has ever played under.

The Germany international, who is enjoying his third season in the Spanish capital since signing from Stuttgart, praised the former Inter boss for his ability to augment the strongest attributes of his players.

“In my opinion, he is the best coach I have had and I cannot think of anyone better, because he helps all his players to improve,” he told the clubs’ official website. “He always wants the best, he finds each player’s strong points and that is what has happened with me.

“I used to be very impulsive and he got rid of that side of my game. Now I play in a calmer, more intelligent way.”

Khedira went on to stress his side's two major targets for the remainder of the campaign, now that retaining the Liga title is all but beyond it.

“Since the start of the year we are playing more as a unit, as a team again, we are not losing focus and we are aiming for the same target," he continued. "We are concentrating on our football.

“We know what our targets are, we cannot win la Liga, but we have the final of the Copa del Rey coming up and the quarterfinal of the Champions League.”

 

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Sir Alex Ferguson hails De Gea's maturity in light of past criticism

The young Spaniard suffered a shaky start to his career at Manchester United but has impressed his boss and teammate Rio Ferdinand with his progression under scrutiny Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has praised the maturity of goalkeeper David de Gea's recent form and highlighted his progression since arriving last season.

De Gea endured a difficult start to his Old Trafford career following a 21 million Euro move from Atletico Madrid in 2011, with inconsistent displays leading to speculation over his short-term future as the club's first choice shot-stopper.

However, as the club's initial defensive problems earlier this season diminished the Spaniard’s form also improved and Sir Alex believes the player will only continue to get better.

"[The defense] have all improved,” Sir Alex said ahead of Monday night’s showdown with Manchester City. "The concentration has become better and the importance of the games has helped that.

"But David de Gea has developed and matured as the season has gone on. Once again he had an excellent game the other day at Stamford Bridge. We've seen a very progressive and developing young goalkeeper and next season he'll be even better."

And the 22-year-old - who has kept clean sheets in each of his last six Premier League games - has adapted well to life as a Manchester United player, according to defensive partner Rio Ferdinand.

"You have to get used to it. You need a thick skin to be a Manchester United player," Ferdinand added. "Because if you cannot take a battering at times you will fall by the wayside and someone else will fill your shoes.

"He has a huge price tag on his head that carries a lot of weight. But he is resilient, even if he still has a lot to prove because this season is not over yet."

 

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Tottenham defender Vertonghen named Player of the Month for March

The Belgian has been rewarded for his excellent performances of late, and says that he and his teammates are treating every game as a cup final until the end of the season.

Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen has been named the Premier League Player of the Month for March.

The Belgian put in a series of excellent displays in the league, helping his side to a crucial 2-1 victory over local rival and fellow Champions League qualifcation contender Arsenal and a hard-fought 2-1 away win over Swansea last weekend.

Vertonghen has also proved his value in both boxes, chipping in with three goals in four games, including a double in the narrow 3-2 defeat to Liverpool earlier in the month as Spurs leapfrogged Chelsea into third place.

"I'm very proud to win this trophy," Vertonghen told the club's official website. "It was an unbelievable feeling when I was told about it."

When asked about his goalscoring form of late, Vertonghen joked: "Perhaps opponents forget to give defenders the attention!

"Actually, my secret is probably Gareth Bale giving me three amazing assists! I’m very happy to score and I’m sure it helped me to win this trophy."

The Belgian international has been a consistent performer since his summer move from Ajax, playing not only at center back but also filling in at left back in Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s absence earlier in the season.

Vertonghen looked ahead to Sunday's match against sixth-placed Everton, and claims every game between now and the end of the season comes with pressure from competing for a top-four place and trying to win the Europa League.

"We will have to be right at the top of our game against Everton, they are a tough side to beat but we'll be ready," Vertonghen said. "We have big players who are used to the pressure. It’s like a final for us every game now, so we have to perform every week and every midweek.

"We know we have to win every game to be in the top four and to move into the next round of the Europa League. It’s a good pressure and a good motivation. Hopefully, I’ll score a few more goals as well!"

 

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Everton boss Moyes named Premier League Manager of the Month for March

The Toffees have won all three of their top-flight games after beating Reading, Stoke and Manchester City to leave them just four points off fourth-placed Chelsea.

Everton manager David Moyes has been named the Premier League Manager of the Month for March after guiding his side to three wins in three games.

The Toffees secured maximum points with home victories over Reading, Manchester City and Stoke to lift the club to sixth in the table, four points off fourth-placed Chelsea, which currently occupies the league's final Champions League spot.

Everton's only blip in March was a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Wigan in the FA Cup quarterfinal, but Moyes is delighted with his team’s league form at a crucial stage of the season and dedicated the award to his squad.

"It’s an award for all the players and how well they have done in March," Moyes told the club's official website. "The results they have had over the last month have been excellent, especially the games against Manchester City and Stoke City. It has kept us going and it is important you come into form at this time of year.

"Our form has never been too far away, and let’s hope we can keep that standard up right to the end of the season now."

Everton kicks off March with a crucial battle against third-place Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

 

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Congratzzzzzzzz For Vertonghen & Moyes!

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Conte wants to see Juventus 'foaming at the mouth

The Italian coach says he wants his players fired up against Pescara, and insists his team are wary of potential banana skins as they look to win the Scudetto once more Antonio Conte has called for Juventus to display its passion against Pescara this weekend as it attempts to edge closer to a second successive title.

The former midfielder is adamant his team will need to be at their best and will need to show the spirit and determination that has seen them sit comfortably atop Serie A at the start of April.

"I want to see my players foaming at the mouth," the 43-year-old coach told reporters at a press conference. "Tomorrow’s three points are fundamental to take us closer to a realistic target. That’s what the championship is for us, other thoughts are hypothetical, they’re dreams and dreams rarely come true.

"If people think that last year’s miracle - because winning the Scudetto was a miracle - can be repeated on other pitches, if they think that every journey can be made without hitches or stumbles, then they’re light years away from reality.

"Winning is an easy thing to ask for, but often difficult to carry out. We’ll remain humble because we still haven’t got our hands on this title."

The Bianconeri coach won the Scudetto five times as a player but he is well aware of the potential pitfalls for his squad in the last two months of the campaign.

"We’ll be wary of any potential banana skins," he added. "As a player I won titles that appeared to be beyond us and lost those that seemed already in the bag. It would be magnificent to reclaim our Scudetto, so we’ll stay focused.

"Pescara are still fighting to stay up, they’ve worked well during the week and have a young and well-prepared coach who preaches an offensive mentality."

 

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Tottenham midfielder Bale sidelined for up to two weeks

The 23-year-old is expected to return for the visit of Manchester City on April 21, with Aaron Lennon and William Gallas also set to miss games against Everton and Basel.

Tottenham has confirmed Gareth Bale will return to training within two weeks after the midfielder sprained his ankle ligaments during the club's Europa League clash against Basel on Thursday.

The Welshman left White Hart Lane on a stretcher on Thursday night after his right ankle buckled under an innocuous-looking challenge from David Degen, moments before the end of an enthralling Europa League quarterfinal first leg.

The North London club, which currently sits in third in the Premier League table, faces a crucial couple of weeks in its pursuit of Champions League qualification with a clash with sixth-placed Everton on Sunday.

Bale is expected to miss the the weekend game, along with the return leg against Basel the following Thursday before being scheduled to return ahead of the visit of Premier League champions Manchester City on April 21.

Aaron Lennon and William Gallas also limped out for the clash against the Swiss side - that saw Tottenham comes from two goals down to draw level - and the club also confirmed the pair should be fit to face City.