..::Football II::..

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Pastore: We are expected to win every game

Javier Pastore has admitted that there are high expectations of Paris Saint-Germain after the club made a number of high-profile signings earlier in the summer.

The Argentina international made 33 appearances in Ligue 1 for the club last season, as it finished runner-up to the division's surprise package, Montpellier.

Speaking to the club's official website, the 23-year-old considered the expectations that people have of the team this season.

"This season, we are expected to win every game," Pastore said.

"We didn't take our opportunities in the opening game, but the first match of the season is always difficult. We need to be calmer, more patient and confident in our play and travel to Ajaccio with the idea of fighting for the title from the start."

The team drew its first match 2-2 against Lorient. Pastore also spoke about his experiences last year, and his hopes for the coming campaign.

"Since I arrived, there have been a lot of changes at Paris Saint-Germain. The club is expanding rapidly and I'm proud to be a part of the project."

"We have an excellent squad, armed to achieve greatness, which means winning Ligue 1 and doing well in the Champions League. That's what I want, and they're also the ambitions of the club.


"The main reason I came to France was because Paris Saint-Germain is growing every day. The club is building for a glorious future, both on and off the pitch."

PSG faces Ajaccio on Aug. 19.

 

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Ronaldinho expects Paris Saint-Germain to challenge for silverware

Paris Saint-Germain has invested heavily in its squad in recent months, and one of its former players, Ronaldinho, believes their extravagant spending will result in the club winning trophies in the near future.

The Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti has made a number of changes to Les Parisiens' squad since his arrival at the Parc des Princes, that include signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva for a combined total of 65m euros from AC Milan.

The experienced Brazilian spoke positively about both the club and his former team-mates following their recent moves.

"They look strong. They have great players, some of whom are friends, such as Thiago [Silva] and Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] both of whom I played with at AC Milan," he told L'Equipe.

"I'm delighted for PSG and I hope they will be rewarded soon with lots of silverware."

PSG made a slow start to its Ligue 1 campaign at the weekend, drawing 2-2 with Lorient. Its next league match is away to Ajaccio on August 19.

 

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Mascherano: No need to compare Maradona and Messi

Chelsea midfielder Oscar may have to wait to make his Blues debut, after joining up with the squad following the Olympic Games.

The talented Brazilian playmaker has joined up with his teammates at Cobham training ground, following his country's Olympic final defeat.

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo admitted that the former Internacional man would need a rest after his hectic summer schedule.

He told the Blues' official website: "Oscar has only been in the building for a day and a half, so we will see. I still have to think about it for Sunday, but there will be plenty of time to play.

"He has had a long summer but I will factor in a break for him at some point because it's important."

Di Matteo conceded that the Blues were still behind Manchester City and United, but hopes that with several new recruits to the team, this season will bring better fortunes for the Stamford Bridge club.

He added: "We have to try and catch up with the Manchester teams. The gap last season was big so our aim is to catch them up.

"All the players are looking forward to finally starting. Our aspiration is to do better than last season in the Premier League."

 

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Mascherano: No need to compare Maradona and Messi

Javier Mascherano believes there is no point making comparisons between his Argentina and Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi, and Diego Maradona.

The midfielder has played alongside Messi for many years for the national side, and for the past two seasons has also played his club football with the 25-year-old after completing a move to Camp Nou from Liverpool in 2010.

When asked about whether Messi rates alongside Argentina legend Maradona, Mascherano was quick to dismiss such comparisons.

''There is no need to compare Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi'', the former Corinthians player told Goal.com, ''Maradona was the greatest striker of his era and Messi is currently the best footballer in the world.

''He [Messi] has won the 'Ballon d'O'r three times. The Argentines are very proud of him because he is the first player to achieve this.

Mascherano also spoke of how lucky he feels to play alongside Messi for both club and country: "For me it's an honor to play with Lionel Messi. I spend every day with him. In the future I'll remember that I played was with one of the best players of all time."


Barcelona kicks off its Liga campaign at home to Real Sociedad on August 19.

 

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Sir Alex Ferguson: 'We never thought we'd get Van Persie'

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he did not think the club would sign striker Robin van Persie from Arsenal.

The 29-year-old Netherlands international officially moved to Old Trafford on Friday, and Sir Alex revealed that the club's interest was only turned into a formal approach once the Dutchman refused to sign a new deal in north London.

"We never thought we'd get Van Persie," Ferguson said. "I couldn't see us getting him, but when he refused a new contract, that's when we acted."

Van Persie was the Premier League's top scorer last season, after notching 30 goals and the 70-year-old Scot, believes the Dutchman's talents stand up against the world's best.

"Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football," Ferguson told reporters. "His talents need no introduction to our fans. His movement, finishing and all-round ability are outstanding."

Ferguson also confirmed during the press conference that Van Persie was likely to be available for selection ahead of the club's first game of the season against Everton away at Goodison Park, but refused to disclose whether that would be from the start or as a substitute.

 

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Angel Di Maria praises Jose Mourinho's impact at Real Madrid

Angel Di Maria has lauded the influence of Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, while also setting his sights on this season's Champions League.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a successful season with Los Blancos in their last campaign, as, under the guidance of Mourinho, they wrestled back the Liga title from their fierce rival, Barcelona.

"With the coach I've grown in every way. I'm better tactically and I have more faith in the things I do. The trust he has shown in me since the first day is spectacular and I only have words of gratitude for him," the winger told Marca.

"There is no doubt that Mourinho is a coach very special to me. With him I have improved each year and it pains me that because of injuries last season I could not give more. "

Di Maria believes that under Mourinho the team is always improving, and thinks that this helps its chance of winning more trophies.

“[With Mourinho] the team can win many more titles. Each year we spend together we continue to improve, and hopefully this year we can take another step forward. This team has no limits, but to achieve the objectives we have to work hard.

"As a team our primary target is to win the Champions League, that is what we all want and have on our minds. Personally, I dream of being one of the top 10 players in the world and we will see what happens with the Ballon d'Or."

On the initial hostile reception he received from the fans, he said: "It was difficult to win people over at the Bernabeu at first, but every match I conquered them slowly. Now I am very happy, the love I receive from people every time I step out onto the pitch is spectacular and I hope it stays that way."

Real Madrid starts the La Liga campaign at home to Valencia on Aug. 19.

 

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Beckenbauer: Javi Martinez? Never heard of him

Franz Beckenbauer has admitted that he has never heard of Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez, but is confident that he will prove to be a good signing for Bayern Munich.

The Spain international is continually being linked with a move to the Bundesliga giants, and club president Uli Hoeness recently gave the transfer the green light.

"Javi Martinez? I do no know him. I have never seen him play," Beckenbauer told Sport1. "But he must be good if Bayern are interested in signing him. He has to be a special player, or Bayern would not have been after him.

"Of course, he is pretty expensive. But what's the difference really when you're talking about €30 million or €40m? Bayern can afford a transfer like this."

Javi Martinez, 23, has a 40m euro buy-out clause in his contract with Bilbao, and Bayern are seemingly ready to splash the cash on the midfielder.

Bayern Munich won the DFL-Supercup against Borussia Dortmund on August 12, and begin its Bundesliga campaign against Greuther Furth on August 25.

 

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Deschamps: The team always goes before individuals

France coach Didier Deschamps has stressed that football is all about the team rather than about individual talent.

The former Juventus midfielder believes that even though talent plays a big role, a squad can only flourish if all players put collective interests before their own.

"Everything you do is for the good of the team. You have to make choices that benefit the team," Deschamps explained to L'Equipe.

"You can never have too much talent, but that is just the basis of it all. You have to put that talent to use in the team's interest, though. It will not work if you put your own interests ahead of the team.

"I have had the chance to play for some big clubs with some very big players, but I never won anything without the feeling of having a strong and united team."

Deschamps then briefly looked back at his exit from Olympique de Marseille earlier this summer, and stressed that a lack of support prompted him to move on.

"It's very difficult to be a coach at a club like Marseille that gets a lot of attention in the press. I took my responsibilities, both in good times and in bad times.

"I remained professional right until the end. But a lot of things have happened internally. I was all alone in what I did, though. I was all by myself responding to all the claims in the media."

Deschamps won one Ligue 1 title during his three-year spell at OM.

 

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Honda: If Lazio approached me I wouldn't go

Keisuke Honda has insisted that he has no intention to leave CSKA Moscow for Lazio at this point of his career.

The Japan international was believed to be on his way to the Serie A side in the January transfer window, but the move eventually never materialized.

Lazio has not shown concrete interest in signing the midfielder since January, and Honda has stressed that it needs not bother, as he feels the Italian side is not the right next step for him.

"Right now I can't say anything about a transfer. But in considering what I want in my future, the image I had at 20 is different from the one I have at 26. My end goal hasn't changed. All I can say is that even if Lazio approached me, I wouldn't go," Honda stated to Nikkan.

"Back then [during the January transfer window], Lazio had a shot at qualifying for the Champions League. But they did not get there. In the first half of the year I was 25, now I'm 26. A lot changes in half a year.

"Initially I'd planned on showing off my skills at the World Cup and leaving Russia after half a year, but since then two years have passed.

"It's like running 30 kilometers in a marathon to find out that you're off your pace. If you're running behind, you might look for a different path to take. If I hop on a car the rest of the way, I'll still struggle to reach my goal. If my pace is slow, I have to run faster. And in that respect I won't go to Lazio."

Honda has a contract with CSKA Moscow until December 2013.

 

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'Modric won't change Real Madrid's style' - Poyet

Brighton manager Gus Poyet has described Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric as a "really good player" but does not believe his proposed transfer to Real Madrid will change the Spanish outfit's style of play.

The 26-year-old has been the subject of a long-running transfer saga this summer but now looks close to sealing a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/2896...carvalho-sahin-to-hold-out-for-cash-only-40m-Poyet, who enjoyed a distinguished three-year spell at Spurs as a player, is interested to see how the Croatia international will slot into boss Jose Mourinho's plans.

"Modric is a really good player, but he won't change Real Madrid's style at all. I want to see where will Mourinho play him," he told reporters.

Another north London star linked with a move to the Spanish Liga this summer is Arsenal midfielder Alex Song, who is reportedly attracting interest from Barcelona.

The Uruguayan praised the 24-year-old as a "real beast" but, as with Modric, expressed uncertainty over the position in which he might be deployed by the Catalan giants.

"Alex Song is a real beast. He has presence and good technique. We have to see now which role would he play in Barcelona," he added.

 

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Wenger confirms Vermaelen as new Arsenal captain

Thomas Vermaelen has been chosen to replace Robin van Persie as Arsenal captain, manager Arsene Wenger has revealed.

With Van Persie's departure to Manchester United imminent, the French boss was keen to name a replacement skipper ahead of Saturday's Premier League opener against Sunderland.

Mikel Arteta has been named by Wenger as vice captain in only his second season at the club after signing from Everton last summer.

"The new captain is Vermaelen and [the vice-captain is] Arteta," Wenger told reporters. "We have many potential captains in this team."

Vermaelen joined the Gunners from Ajax in June 2009, instantly establishing himself as a popular figure at the club, scoring on his Arsenal debut against Everton and notching several more goals in his first season.

After spending several prolonged periods out of the squad through injury, the Belgium international returned to the side for the conclusion of last season and has formed a strong partnership with Laurent Koscielny.

Arsenal hosts the Black Cats on Saturday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium as it hopes to improve on last season’s third place in the Premier League, and Wenger knows it faces a tough opening test.

He said: "Traditionally it is always an intense, physical game against them. We have to create space."

 

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Buffon: Morale is high at Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon is positive about Juventus' chances ahead of the start of the 2012-13 campaign.

The Turin giant won the Serie A title last term without losing a single game, and made it to the final of the Coppa Italia as well. Juve got the new term off to a great start by winning the Supercoppa Italiana. And the veteran goalkeeper is optimistic about the rest of the season, despite coach Antonio Conte receiving a 10-month ban for failing to report match-fixing activities.

"It is a different environment with respect to last year. There is more positivity and belief around the place," the Italy international stated to the official Juventus website.

The goalkeeper then went on to discuss his side's Champions League ambitions, and stressed it will employ a similar approach to that which helped it to Serie A glory last term.

"As far as the Champions League is concerned, we will face it with the same approach shown in the league just a few months ago."

Juve last featured in the Champions League in 2009-10, when it failed to get out of the group stage.

 

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Barcelona is ready for Real Madrid, says Adriano

Barcelona fullback Adriano is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Spanish Supercopa tie against Real Madrid, and has stressed that the Catalans are ready for the start of the 2012-13 campaign.

The Brazilian defender wants to start the new season on a high, and believes the team is in good condition ahead of the opening weekend of La Liga and the new term's curtain-raiser.

"It is always appetizing to play against Madrid and we hope to start off the season on the right footing by winning the Supercopa," Adriano said at a press conference.

"The team is in condition to play, despite the fact that some of the players did not have as much rest as others, the players who joined the team later on are in good condition.

"Our objective is to maintain the level of play in order to stay at the top [of the league]. We can improve on what we did last year."

Barcelona kicks off its Liga campaign at home against Real Sociedad on Sunday, before taking on Madrid at Camp Nou on Thursday in the first leg of the Supecopa.

 

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Van Persie: The little boy inside me screamed 'Manchester United'

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie insisted that there were no hard feelings between him and former club Arsenal after completing his move between the two sides.
At his press conference unveiling, it was revealed that Van Persie would be taking the No.20 shirt for the coming campaign, after Fabio vacated it when he moved to QPR on a season-long loan deal this summer.

The Dutch international and current PFA Player of the Year was keen to explain his reasoning behind the controversial switch, insisting that there was no ill will between Arsenal and himself, but that he simply couldn't turn the chance down.

"From my side and Arsenal's side, there is no hard feeling. No one is angry with me and I'm not angry with them," Van Persie told reporters.

"Arsenal are part of my life. They've been great to me. We didn't agree on the future - that's life.

"When I have to make tough decisions in my life I listen to the little boy inside me. That little boy was screaming 'Manchester United'"

"Manchester United breathes football. This club is the perfect match for me."After seeing the club pipped to the title last term by local rival Manchester City, Van Persie indicated that he was keen to rise to the challenge of playing for the club alongside players that he's admired from afar for years."For me it's a big challenge to do it together with the players here. Every single one is very helpful. It's like a family club.

"This is the biggest challenge for me In my football life.

"Wayne Rooney is a world class player. Scholes and Giggs are world class and have proved it for 20 years. They had a big impact.

"This is a big challenge for me, which I'm looking forward to. I am proud to be here & look forward to achieving big things."

 

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QPR sign Bosingwa

QPR sign Bosingwa

QPR have announced the signing of former Chelsea full-back Jose Bosingwa on a three-year deal as the Loftus Road club continue to strengthen ahead of the new season.

Bosingwa, 29, was released from his Chelsea contract at the end of last season and joins a raft of new faces through the doors at Loftus Road this summer.A twice Champions League winner, the former Porto defender will provide Mark Hughes with further full-back options as the R's look towards the top-half of the Premier League this campaign.

Following the announcement, Hughes could not hide his pleasure at the signing, telling the club's official website: "I am delighted to bring a player of his undoubted quality to the club. He has got plenty of pace, great technical ability and all the attributes you need to be a top player.
"Jose has a lot of versatility which is something I like my players to have. He can operate right across the back and can also play the holding role in midfield.

"He's another Champions League winner, the third in the squad now with Ji-Sung Park and Djibril Cisse, and will add invaluable experience to the group. His experience is really important to us. He understands the Premier League and he understands what it takes to win games. He has got a winning mentality and that is what I want to have around the place."

Bosingwa, who has won league titles in both Portugal and England to add to his continental titles, is not eligible to make his debut against Swansea on Saturday, but is looking forward to helping the club progress in their long-term vision.

He added: "I'm really pleased to be here. I had the pick of many clubs, but the project here excites me greatly. I spoke yesterday with the manager and owner and they showed me what they want for the future of the club.

"I played for Chelsea for four years and I love Premier League football and the supporters. It is fantastic for me to stay in England. I'm happy and all of my family are happy, and that is most important. This is maybe the most important challenge of my career. I want to help my team-mates and the team with my experience."Now I am a QPR player, I will give my best  for the team and for the supporters. All together, we will fight for the club. We need time. We start now and in one, two or three years we can win something. We have to have passion and I think the results will come."

The Portugal full-back will wear the No. 19 shirt for QPR this season and becomes the squad's third Champions League winner, joining Djibril Cisse and Park Ji-Sung at Loftus Road.

 

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He he Elazzzzzzzzz Bro!

 

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Dani Alves: Barcelona still the team to beat

Barcelona defender Dani Alves is determined to prove that Barcelona is still the greatest team in world football.

The Brazilian is not fazed by last season's disappointments and is keen to remind people that Barcelona remains the current World champions, having won the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan last year.

“We’re still the team to beat because we’re the best team in the world," he told the club's official website. "We’re the ones that have the logo on our shirts that distinguishes us as world champions."

Last season saw the La Liga title slip from Barcelona's grasp to its archrival Real Madrid, but Alves has warned Los Blancos he is hungrier than ever for domestic success.

“I’m as eager as ever. If we lost the last Liga title it’s because we weren’t as good as the team that finished first. There are no excuses in this club, we have to improve.

“It’s all the same to me if we’re defending a title or trying to win it. I’m comfortable knowing that the team is competitive, that we have the capacity to fight for all of the titles.”

The attacking right back, who has represented Brazil on 55 occasions, is also confident that La Blaugrana will get off to a good start under the guidance of new manager Tito Vilanova.

“Pep left us in good hands. There will be continuity to his work. I’m sure that the athletic project will be reinvigorated and that the players will be eager to do important things.”

Alves went on to say he believes that Barcelona will challenge for honors on all fronts and that he has faith in the ability of his teammates.

“The team is ready and starting off on the right foot gives you more confidence for the rest of the season. It’s difficult to find the right balance if you start with doubts.

"It doesn’t matter if we have a lot of players on the roster. Every player must bring something to the team, that’s the important thing. That’s why we’re calm and ready for the season to start.”

Vilanova's title charge begins at home to Real Sociedad on Sunday evening before their Spanish Super Cup showdown with Real Madrid on Thursday.

 

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Moyes: Everton right to let Rodwell join Manchester City

Everton manager David Moyes believes the club was correct in its decision to let Jack Rodwell leave for Manchester City.

"I had known about it for a while and I thought it was something that was right for Jack and right for Everton," he told reporters.

The England international had been linked with a move away from Goodison Park ever since bursting onto the scene as a highly rated 16-year-old in 2007.

But, after keeping hold of the midfielder despite reported interest from Manchester United in the past, Moyes allowed the player to join City on Sunday.

The Scot says the deal was right for all parties and is now setting his sights on spending the money brought in for Rodwell before the close of the transfer window.

"It was something which I felt at this moment in time was right," Moyes said. "It gave Jack an opportunity to go to a really good club and take his chances there.

"It gives us a chance to do a little bit more business in the transfer market having raised the money. Hopefully I will try to add to the squad before the season starts."

Unlike previous years, where the likes of Wayne Rooney, Joleon Lescott and Mikel Arteta have been sold to bring in funds, Moyes insists the club were not in a position where they had to sell Rodwell.

The Toffees boss said: "Last year we had to do it, this year we didn't have to do it as we had already sold Tim Cahill and Joseph Yobo.

"It wasn't a necessity to do it this year but I felt it was the right thing and gave us a chance to have a look around to see what we could do.

"We are out there actively trying to bring in another couple of players at least."

 

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Van Persie signing 'an absolute game changer', claims Peter Schmeichel

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has described the club’s capture of Robin van Persie from Arsenal as “an absolute game-changer”.


The striker completed his 24 million pounds move to Old Trafford on Friday after spending eight seasons at the north London side, with the Dutchman describing the switch as a “perfect match” for him when he was unveiled to the media after penning the four-year deal.

And Schmeichel believes the addition of Van Persie to United’s impressive list of strikers at Old Trafford – including the likes of Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez – has seen the Premier League title edge close to the Red Devils.

“It’s a complete game-changer. An absolute game-changer,” Schmeichel told talkSPORT.
“United and [Manchester] City were neck and neck over who would win the Premier League this season but it has now swung in our [United’s] favour.

"We have to go out there and perform and produce the results but, with a player like that in the squad, everybody is going to get a lift from that and everybody is going to up their game.
“It is one player that everybody in the world that have ambitions in football have been trying to sign. He came to us and I’m very, very happy.”

And the ex-Denmark international believes that Van Persie will have no problem settling in at United, adding that the strength in depth Sir Alex’s Ferguson now possesses seems him with his strongest squad in years.

He added: “Van Persie has proven himself over the last couple of years as a goalscorer. Last season, when he became Player of the Year, he scored 30-plus goals."He is hot property and this guy is going to score goals. He has done that everywhere and every season he has played.

"We now have a squad of players, in terms of strength in depth, which is incredible. Last season sometimes we fell a bit short due to injuries and suspensions, this time around we can look at the squad and say every one of them is capable of playing for Manchester United."
Van Persie is expected to make his debut for United on Monday when Manchester United play their first game of the new Premier League season away at Everton.