..::Football II::..

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One dead in Brazil stadium collapse

Tragedy has struck for the second time in as many days in the country after a construction worker was crushed to death.One man has died and another has been injured while working on the construction site of Palmeiras' new stadium after part of the grandstand collapsed in Sao Paulo on Monday morning.

The victim, who is yet to be named, is believed to have been crushed by a large concrete column at Arena Palestra following a landslide in the area.

The man was taken to Santa Rosa hospital while six teams of firefighters provided assistance and support to other members of the construction team, who managed to escape unscathed. The construction company hired for the development, WTorre, confirmed there had been a landslide but could not release any further information about the incident.

It is the second football-related tragedy to occur in Brazil in as many days after two people were shot dead en route to Castelao Stadium in the city of Fortaleza on Sunday.

Arena Palestra was not scheduled to host any World Cup fixtures in 2014 prior to Monday's accident.

 

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Inter president Moratti pledges support to Stramaccioni

The Nerazzurri chief backed the club's young coach, voicing his confidence that the seventh-placed squad will be responsible and turn around its fortunes.Inter president Massimo Moratti has pledged his support to under-pressure coach Andrea Stramaccioni after two straight Serie A defeats.

The San Siro outfit currently sits seventh in the table following back-to-back losses to Atalanta and Cagliari, but Moratti is confident that the players will turn it around.

"Stramaccioni? I can not help but support him with all the difficulties he encountered in the course of this season," Moratti told reporters. "You can not say that it is the fault of the coach or any player. [Jose] Mourinho said to me how could I stay here with everyone against me. I told him that's exactly where the beauty of Inter lies.

"The team know how I feel and what their duties are. They're responsible lads, they'll do what they have to do."

Inter can turn its fortunates around on Wednesday when it faces Roma in the Coppa Italia semifinal second leg. Inter lost the first leg 2-1 in the Italian capital.

 

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Fulham agrees on deal to sign Athletic Bilbao defender Amorebieta

The Venezuelan center back, who was a target for Arsenal in the January transfer window, is set to switch to Craven Cottage when his contract expires in the summer.Fulham has agreed a deal to sign Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta in the summer.

The Venezuelan center back, who came close to joining Arsenal on the last day of the January window, is set to move to Craven Cottage when his contract expires at the end of the season. Amorebieta rejected fresh terms at Athletic Bilbao earlier in 2013 to push for a move to the Premier League and bring an end to the 28-year-old's eight-year spell at the Spanish club.

Arsenal dropped its interest after failing to push through a deal on deadline day but Fulham took advantage of his availability to land a notable free transfer. Russian big-spender Anzhi was believed to have been one of the other clubs closely pursuing the Venezuela international.

Amorebieta represented Spain at the Under-19 level and was called up to the senior squad in 2008 but changed his affiliation and chose to play for the country of his birth. The defender had been eligible for Athletic as his parents are Basque and he was raised in the region.

Amorebieta will bring a great pedigree to the Fulham defense next season, which was recently boosted by captain Brede Hangeland's decision to sign a new two-year contract.

 

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Carroll too expensive for West Ham, says Allardyce

The 24-year-old striker is currently on loan from Liverpool, but the Hammers boss admits new financial restrictions could prevent a permanent move to Upton Park.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce admits the club is unlikely to sign Andy Carroll on a permanent deal from Liverpool due to the striker's wage demands.

The 24-year-old forward, who is currently on loan at Upton Park from Brendan Rodgers' side, has scored six goals in 18 Premier League appearances this term. Starting next season, Premier League clubs could be in danger of losing points and being fined after a rules to limit wage bills and cap the losses sides can make to 105 million pounds over three years were ratified last Thursday.

"The hardest thing is the overall package and the overall negotiation that needs to go on and make it is sustainable," Allardyce told reporters. "I point to financial restrictions being implemented next season that could blow the whole deal, in one go. Financially, you're restricted to be able to do it.

"In one fell swoop the financial restrictions mean we won't be able to sign Andy Carroll from Liverpool because it is too expensive, even if we wanted him, which we do.

"Someone will have a bigger and better budget than us probably but this is what is going to happen."

 

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Fabianski a 'major doubt' for Arsenal's clash against Everton

Arsene Wenger has revealed that the Polish goalkeeper is unlikely to start against the Toffees after picking up an injury, whilst Tomas Rosicky and Per Mertesacker return Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admits goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is a "major doubt" for Tuesday's Premier League tie at home to Everton.

The Gunners boss revealed on Monday that the Polish international picked up a rib injury in the North London side's 3-1 win over Norwich on Saturday.

"Fabianski is a major doubt, but we will decide that tomorrow [Tuesday]. He got a kick in the rib [against Norwich City]," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.

If Fabianski is unable to play, Wenger may be forced to reinstate fellow Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who has been recently relegated to the bench in favour of Fabianski after losing his form recently, something that the Arsenal boss has described as a "blip."

Meanwhile, Tomas Rosicky is able to return to the squad after successfully recovering from a hamstring injury that saw him sit out Arsenal's win against Norwich. The Czech international scored both goals in his side's 2-0 victory away to West Brom when he was last in action.

Per Mertesacker is also available for selection after returning from suspension. The German center back picked up a one-match ban when he was shown a straight red card in the clash against the Baggies.

 

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Barclays Premier League 2013.04.16 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2013.04.16 Fixtures

Arsenal Vs Everton

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Fabianski a 'major doubt' for Arsenal's clash against Everton

Barclays Premier League 2013.04.16 Fixtures

Arsenal Vs Everton

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'I want to start more' - Chicharito bemoans reduced role at Manchester United

The striker has started just seven Premier League games this season - much less than the 15 in his debut term and the 18 outings the following year - but he is not looking to leave Manchester United striker Chicharito has admitted to growing frustrated at a reduced number of first team opportunities at Old Trafford this season.

The Mexico international has started seven Premier League fixtures this term, compared to 15 and 18 in 2011-12 and 2012-13 respectively, but still ranks alongside Wayne Rooney as the club's second highest goalscorer with 16 in all competitions.

It has been speculated that Atletico Madrid is lining up Chicharito as it prepares to lose strikers Radamel Falcao and Adrian Lopez, while Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to listen to offers for a host of first team fringe players at Old Trafford, including the 24-year-old forward.The former Guadalajara star is keen to stay in Manchester although is growing increasingly anxious at regular outings on the bench.

"It is frustrating," he is quoted as saying by The Sun. "All the players in the world want to start every single game, every week. Of course any player wants that."
He added, "I’m happy to be at this club but I’d love more games. My attitude is that even when the gaffer wants me to be on the bench I’m going to do my best I have to respect the club, Manchester United. But of course I want to start more."

 

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Valdano: Guardiola is a revolutionary

The Argentine has nothing but praise for the successful boss' approach to the game and feels Pep is one of the few coaches left who can look beyond results
Former Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano has hailed Pep Guardiola's positive style of play and believes the future Bayern Munich coach is a revolutionary within the football world.

Valdano previously labelled Guardiola 'the Steve Jobs of football' following his innovative approach at Barcelona and he feels the 42-year-old is one of the few trainers out there who does not focus solely on the result.

"Football is obsessed with tactics. Tactics have become more important than the technical area of the game. Coaches think about tactics first and only then about the players they have," Valdano told Sport.

He added, "Most coaches care more about results than about the style of play. Guardiola is the great revolutionary of his time. With Pep, it's about the love for the game, the style of play and the players itself."

Guardiola is currently enjoying a one-year sabbatical after leaving Barcelona in the summer of 2012. He will resume his coaching career at Bayern Munich come June.

 

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Hodgson: Premier League foreign imports harming England progression

With top flight clubs showing an increased tendency to shop abroad, the Three Lions boss believes the national side is being negatively affected - and will be for some time England boss Roy Hodgson is concerned the country's international ambitions are being hampered by the Premier League's thirst for foreign talent.

The Three Lions boss is worried by the steep decline in homegrown players coming through the ranks in England's top flight, with clubs now far likely to scour the globe for new faces rather than looking to their youth setups.

Speaking at a League Managers' Association event, Hodgson conceded to a sense of restriction with his selection process, and admits the situation is not showing signs of improvement.

"Quite a few of the games I go to do not have any English players," he told Sky Sports. "So, one has to be very careful these days when talking about the Premier League and talking about the Englishness of it, because more than two thirds of the players in the league are not English.

"We have one of the lowest number of homegrown players to choose from in all the leagues, which, if you are national team manager, is not a great advantage, to be frank."

 

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Chiellini hopeful of making Milan clash

The defender hopes to be match fit in time for this weekend's encounter and is keen to stay at his current club after his active career Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is desperate to make his comeback in this weekend's Serie A match against AC Milan after missing the 2-0 win over Lazio on Monday due to injury.

The Italy international picked up a knock during Friday's training session that ruled him out of the match at the Stadio Olimpico, but he has stressed that his physical condition is improving ahead of Sunday's encounter.

"I am feeling better. We will see how things stand by Sunday. I definitely hope to be there for the match against Milan," Chiellini told Tuttosport.

The defender then went on to discuss his long-term future and made it clear he wants to stay at Juventus after his active career.

"I hope to stay in the footballing world in a different role when I hang up my boots. I would love to stay here at Juventus and work for the club that I love," Chiellini said.

Chiellini, 28, joined Juventus in the summer of 2005 and has made over 250 official appearances for the Bianconeri so far.

 

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Xabi Alonso considers his options

The former Liverpool star is waiting for the right moment before he will make a decision about his future at Real Madrid.Xabi Alonso's father, Periko Alonso, has stated the Real Madrid midfielder has yet to make a decision on whether he wants to extend his current deal with the Santiago Bernabeu side.

The holding midfielder's current contract with Madrid is due to expire in the summer of 2014 and has so far shown no intention to ink a new deal, leading to speculation that he could be on his way out.

Nevertheless, his father has stressed Xabi Alonso will wait for the right moment before deciding on his future.

"What he wants to do is to wait a bit to see what happens and how things go, and then, when the time is right, he'll make the appropriate decision," Periko Alonso told Marca. "It's as simple as that - there's nothing else to it."

The 31-year-old started his professional career with Real Sociedad, but a return to the Basque side does not seem to be an option for now.

"Going home is always difficult, and anyway, Sociedad are pretty well stocked right now," Periko Alonso stated.

Xabi Alonso has made over 120 Liga appearances for Madrid since joining the club in 2009.

 

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Arsenal 0-0 Everton: Wasteful Gunners miss chance to pull clear in race for top four

Arsenal and Everton both missed the chance to significantly boost their Champions League prospects after a pulsating but ultimately scoreless 0-0 encounter at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners remain in third place, two points ahead of Chelsea albeit having played two more games, while David Moyes’ side lies a further two points adrift.
The visitors, who impressed hugely on their last visit to north London in their entertaining 2-2 draw with Tottenham earlier this month, were dominant in the early stages, pressing high up the pitch and denying Arsenal’s artisans time and space to create.

In possession, meanwhile, Everton carried a significant threat and should have taken a sixth-minute lead when Seamus Coleman’s pass dissected Arsenal’s defense, only for Steven Pienaar to display an uncharacteristically rash touch in front of goal, firing high over Wojciech Szczesny’s crossbar.

What the game lacked in aesthetics it more then made up for in brute force as Everton set about its business in typically bruising fashion. Marouane Fellaini was guilty of several early transgressions that might otherwise have resulted in cautions, while Darron Gibson was fortunate to remain on the field following two bone shuddering challenges on Theo Walcott in quick succession.

Arsenal’s threat had come down its right-hand side and it was from one enterprising foray that it came closest to breaking the deadlock in the opening half.
Aaron Ramsey escaped the attentions of Leighton Baines and whipped an inviting low ball across the six-yard box which was met by Olivier Giroud on the slide – the French striker was, however, unable to provide the finish that would have given his side an undeserved lead three minutes before the interval.

The feisty nature of the contest continued after the halftime whistle with Kevin Mirallas and Jack Wilshere involved in a tunnel altercation that saw the Belgian squirt the contents of his water bottle over the England midfielder.The 21-year-old, starting his second game in three days following a five-and-a-half week absence, was struggling to influence the game but his midfield partners Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey quickly warmed to the challenge in the second half with the latter testing Tim Howard with a fizzing drive from 25 yards.

At the other end Leighton Baines, unusually for him, was wasteful with a free kick that appeared tailor made for him, while the increasingly influential Barkley was inches wide with a rasping drive from 20 yards that was fractionally wide of Wojciech Szczesny’s left-hand post.

With 15 minutes remaining of a potentially season-defining game for both of these sides both managers remained commendably committed on the attack and it would have paid dividends for Arsenal had Giroud not been prevented by an astonishing goal saving clearance from Slyvain Distin, before he blazed over soon after when a more controlled finish would surely have broken the deadlock.

In the end a point represented a fair outcome, one that will be celebrated by both Chelsea and Spurs in a race for a top finish that assumes a different and more fascinating complexion by the game.

 

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Gibson should have been sent off, laments Wenger after Arsenal stalemate

The Gunners boss was frustrated by Everton's physical approach as the Toffees battled for a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium that did few favors for their Champions League bid.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger lamented the lack of a red card for Darron Gibson in his side's 0-0 draw with Everton.

The midfielder was spared an ejection after a cynical challenge on Theo Walcott as the Toffees frustrated the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium for a result that did few favors for either team's Champions League hopes.

Wenger felt that referee Chris Foy was too lenient on the visitors for their physical approach but remains satisfied with the north Londoners' position in the top-four race.

"We should have won the game," Wenger said. "It keeps us in a strong position in the race for top four.

"The game was intense physically but I felt in the first half the ref didn't deal well with the intimidating challenges. We responded well and we had a fantastic commitment.

"Their tactics were detrimental to the fluency of our game. Yes, [Gibson] should have been sent off.

"I never speak to the ref. You should ask the ref why he wasn't [sent off]. He should have had a yellow card even before the first challenge.

"You must respect Everton for the fight they put in. They decided to make it physical. Sometimes they went over the edge but it's up to the ref to make the right decisions. Protecting is a big word; it is just up to him to make the right decisions.

"I do not want to comment on every decision the game is what it is. Despite that we had the chances, we can only look at ourselves. We are on a very strong run so we don't want to complain too much, let's look at ourselves."

Chelsea and Tottenham could now overtake Arsenal's 60 points should they win their games in hand, but Wenger is confident that his side will reach the Champions League.

"If we win our coming games we'll get there. Others have 58 with games in hand but they play each other," Wenger said. "We must not leave it so that we depend on others. My belief is strong, and I'm confident we will do it and the best way is to put the same effort into the next game."

 

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Sergio Aguero apologizes to David Luiz for challenge in FA Cup clash

The Argentine forward has taken to Twitter to admit that he has contacted his South American counterpart following their clash in the semifinal meeting at Wembley Manchester City's Sergio Aguero has revealed that he has spoken to Chelsea's David Luiz following his rash challenge on the defender during the FA Cup semifinal.

Aguero caught the Brazilian with a high two-footed tackle in the Wembley clash, which the Premier League champions won 2-1 thanks to a goal from the Argentine and another from Yaya Toure.

However, their success has been somewhat overshadowed by the furore caused by the incident, for which Aguero received no punishment from referee Chris Foy or from the FA's disciplinary panel.

The 24-year-old has moved to bring an end to the fallout, taking to his Twitter account to admit his regret for his actions.

He tweeted: "I've contacted @DavidLuiz_4 and apologized for what happened during the match. It was an impulse reaction that shouldn't have happened."

 

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Allardyce: Manchester United is scarily good

The West Ham boss believes that Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils could finish on an unprecedentedly large points tally as they close in on another Premier League title.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has praised the "scary" Manchester United team which his side is set to face in Wednesday's Premier League clash.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men are 15 points clear of nearest rival Manchester City and would break the division's record points tally if they win all of their remaining games, leading the Hammers boss to hail the Red Devils vintage as possibly their best ever.

"I think you have to say the United team is as good as it has ever been because nobody normally wins the title so easily and by so big a margin, or has this much of a margin at this stage of the season," Allardyce told reporters.

"It is pretty scary what total they might actually finish with. They have been outstanding and their squad rotation has been Sir Alex's masterpiece, as usual - about playing the right team at the right time."

The 58-year-old feels that United's early exits from other competitions were a big factor in helping them surge to what is set to be its 20th English crown.

"They have not had the normal focus on three or four competitions almost to the end - the focus has come on the Premier League, and they have just breezed it - everyone else can't get near them," he observed.

"We will need to be on our best form, as always, if we are to get anything but we have run them close three times this season.

"I would say we are still another couple of points off being absolutely safe. Hopefully we can win a couple of matches and see where we go."

 

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Coppa Italia will not decide Inter future, says Stramaccioni

The Nerazzurri are 2-1 down heading into the second leg against the Giallorossi on Wednesday night and the young San Siro boss wants to cause an upset in the cup clash Andrea Stramaccioni was keen to avoid talk of his future with Inter ahead of his side's Coppa Italia clash with Roma on Wednesday night.

Many critics have suggested that the cup competition could make or break the Nerazzurri's season as they tumble down the Serie A table, with a 2-0 defeat at Cagliari the latest in their long line of dropped points in 2013.

However, the 37-year-old was adamant that the decision as to whether he remains in charge at San Siro will be made at the end of the season based on their overall performance and this week's Coppa Italia clash.

"There's no point judging my work and the team at this stage - everyone can have their say later,” Stramaccioni insisted on Tuesday to reporters. "Then we'll see where we are, but I don't think my future will be decided by tomorrow, but by what I've done over the course of a year.

"Although tomorrow's match is very important, I don't think it will make or break my future or other issues. The president [Massimo Moratti] will give his verdict at the end, not based on Inter versus Roma, but on the season as a whole.

"It’s too soon to start making judgements, or to talk about the future, on the eve of such an important match."Inter welcomes the Giallorossi to San Siro hoping to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg and the coach refused to use injuries as an excuse heading into what he believes will be a difficult - but winnable - battle.

"Roma are an excellent side and we've not even beaten them when we've been at full strength," Stramaccioni continued. "It will be a very tough match, but we are up for it and want to upset the odds.

"We've had this injury crisis for a while now, we've never used it as an excuse and we won't start now. In fact, I'm sure we'll have added motivation and strength to get a result which some people think is beyond us."Stramaccioni refused to divulge transfer targets but admitted that Moratti is hard at work looking for viable players to bolster the squad for next season during the summer window.

"The president has clear ideas on this, the club are already at work, based on what went on this season, whilst keeping in mind that, despite negative results, some players have stood out," he added.

“Either way, the club has already finalized a number of deals and I was consulted on them, but I don't know if this means anything. I'll bring the season to a close in the best way possible and then the president will decide whether to stick with me or go for another coach."

 

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Ronaldinho returns to Brazil squad for Chile friendly

The Atletico Mineiro attacker has been named in the Selecao selection alongside the likes of Neymar and Leandro Damiao, with all European-based players having been omitted.

Brazil head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has called up a host of high-profile, but domestically based-only, names for the World Cup 2014 hosts' friendly with Chile on April 24, with Ronaldinho returning to the international fray once again.

The ex-Barcelona playmaker was left out the last squad - which saw the Selecao draw with Italy and Russia on neutral European turf in March - but the Atletico Mineiro man was selected on Tuesday by the former Portugal and Chelsea boss.

The likes of Neymar, Leandro Damiao and Alexandre Pato will jostle for a spot up front, while Corinthians' Paulinho, Sao Paulo's Jadson and Gremio's Fernando will vie for a place in midfield.

Andre Santos, on loan at Gremio from Arsenal, has been called up to the squad as well, but his fellow defenders have an air of inexperience due to the omission of all European-based players from the squad.

As a result, Paris Saint-Germain duo Thiago Silva and Lucas Moura, Real Madrid pair Kaka and Marcelo, Bayern Munich center back Dante and Chelsea's Selecao trio of Ramires, Oscar and David Luiz miss out as their club campaigns come to a close.

 

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Chelsea will loan out De Bruyne again, says agent

The midfielder's representative claims Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke are all interested in the 21-year-old after a promising campaign at Werder Bremen.

Chelsea will send Kevin De Bruyne out on loan for another season, according to the midfielder's agent.

The 21-year-old De Bruyne has been a regular fixture at Werder Bremen this term, scoring six goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances and has reportedly commanded the interest of Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke.

German daily newspaper Welt claims Leverkusen forward Andre Schurrle has agreed to join Chelsea this summer on a five-year contract, but the German club is stalling the deal as it also reportedly wants De Bruyne included in the package.

"Chelsea does not want to sell Kevin. They want to send him out on loan again." Patrick de Koster told Welt. "Several clubs from Bundesliga are interested in him such as Leverkusen, Dortmund and Schalke.

"Bayer Leverkusen is a very good option. They will play in the Champions League next season and Kevin could probably play in Andre Schurrle's position.

"Kevin wants to proceed in his career, and Leverkusen might be the right place."

 

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We've given Van Persie stick for his goal celebration, says Evra

The Dutchman ended his goal drought at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday as Sir Alex Ferguson's men close in on the league title, but his celebration has made him a figure of fun.

Robin van Persie has been given plenty of stick for his goal celebration against Stoke on Sunday, according to Manchester United teammate Patrice Evra.

Van Persie ended a run of 10 games without a goal for Manchester United by netting from the penalty spot against the Potters as his team cruised to a 2-0 victory. The Dutchman celebrated by running towards the United dugout and embracing manager Sir Alex Ferguson, a move that has earned him plenty of ribbing from the rest of the team.

"It has been difficult for Robin. He has had a lot of stick from us. For two or three days we have been getting at him!" Evra told reporters. "To be fair, Robin told us he was really emotional. He had not scored for 10 games. He just showed the passion and the way he wanted to win.

"He said to us, 'Hands up guys, it was an emotional game. I did it, it is OK, we can move on now.'

"It was nice. I can see a lot of love and emotion. It is the first time we saw that [from Robin]. It is good to see love like that on the pitch sometimes."

Evra also said that Ferguson has challenged his team to finish the season strongly with the Premier League record points total still in sight.

"The boss is a winner," Evra said. "He has just told us to win the six games that are left. He said before the Stoke game that the season starts now. That shows you the way he wants to win this 20th title.

"He told us not to think about the title, just think about winning these six games. We can still break the record [points total]. That is what he wants.

"The challenge for us is to win the six games we have left. It won't be easy but that is the way the boss wants us to play."