..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Crouch: Owen boosts England hopes

Peter Crouch believes his eagerly awaited Stoke City partnership with Michael Owen could lead to an England re-call for both players.

Crouch, overlooked for Euro 2012, still harbours ambitions to force his way into Roy Hodgson's World Cup plans. And the arrival of Owen at the Britannia Stadium will enable him to re-unite with his former international partner, which could revive their England chances.

Owen, 32, has a point to prove after being released by Manchester United at the end of last season and Crouch feels he still has plenty to offer.

"If Michael stays fit he will score," Crouch said in the Sun Sunday. "If he's playing regularly for Stoke and scoring in the Premier League, I don't see why he can't force his way into the England set-up."Stoke's profile is about to be raised just by the fact Michael is here and the gaffer has made a lot of shrewd summer signings.

"The future looks bright and, if we're scoring regularly in the Premier League for a successful team, why shouldn't we be considered again?"Crouch and Owen scored 16 goals between them in 16 games together for England, starting with a 3-2 win over Colombia in March 2005.

"I made my England debut in that match, up front with Michael, and he scored a hat-trick. I set up a couple and we just clicked straight away," he said."The fact we're so different is definitely a strength of ours - it's the old little and large act. Whenever I've played with that sort of striker, Jermain Defoe, Kevin Phillips or Michael it has always gone well."

Crouch lost out to Andy Carroll for Euro 2012 and has been overlooked for the World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine."To be honest I've taken my eye off England now a little bit. I'm just concentrating on doing well for Stoke, the rest takes care of itself," he said.

"I'm playing well and I've scored in my last couple of games. I play most weeks and I'm really enjoying my football again. Michael coming here is another step forward."I'll just continue to enjoy it. If the England call comes, great. If not, I've got Stoke to concern myself with."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fellaini eyes Everton exit

Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has admitted he is looking to leave the club next summer.

The 24-year-old, who moved to Goodison Park from Belgian side Standard Liege in September 2008, has scored twice in three Premier League appearances for David Moyes' side this season.

Fellaini signed a new five-year contract with Everton in November 2011 but the Belgium international insists this is likely to be his last season under Moyes.

"I now begin my fifth season at Everton," Fellaini told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad. "This will be one of my last. I've seen everything. In January or at the end of the season I will look for another club or league."

Earlier in September, Everton's proposed loan move for Club Brugge midfielder Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe collapsed after FIFA refused to ratify the transfer.

"It's a pity that Vadis did not come to Everton," Fellaini said. "He may come later on."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid fans will love Modric, says Croatia boss Stimac

Igor Stimac has claimed that Real Madrid supporters "are going to love" new signing Luka Modric.



Stimac took over as Croatia coach from Slaven Bilic after Euro 2012, and started his competitive stewardship with a 1-0 victory over Macedonia in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers on Friday.And following Modric's 41.5 million euro summer move from Tottenham, the 45-year-old is certain that his new fans will be in awe.

"He's a player that thinks very quickly," he told AS. "Luka sees what is happening on the pitch, so he can play anywhere. He has a great future in Spain. The Madrid fans are going to love him.

"Luka can do anything with the ball. He's not on top form, but it only shows in when he combines moves, as he doesn't have his usual strength and accuracy."Even so, he played beautifully [on Friday]. He was smart against a team with a lot of discipline and a very closed style."

Modric, who turned 27 on Sunday, played the full 90 minutes against Macedonia, and declared that he is looking forward to more of the same."I am perfect to play 90 minutes," he said.

Modric and Real Madrid travel to Sevilla on Saturday 15 looking to close the gap on rivals Barcelona.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'The best talk I have ever had with a player' - Van Gaal reveals how Van Persie got himself back in Netherlands contention

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie saved his international career with Netherlands after showdown talks with coach Louis Van Gaal.

Van Gaal, who replaced Bert van Marwijk as national team boss in the wake of Oranje's Euro 2012 disaster, was set to leave his star striker out of his World Cup qualification plans following a largely disappointing summer from the then Arsenal man.


However, a pivotal meeting with 29-year-old prompted Van Gaal to make a U-turn, having previously stated that Klaas-Jan Huntelaar would replace the United forward in Friday's qualifier against Turkey.

Van Persie repaid his coach's faith with a goal, as Netherlands ran out 2-0 winners."After the summer, I had a showdown with a couple of the players who had been part of the team which failed in at Euro 2012. Van Persie was one of those players," Van Gaal told reporters.

"I told him face-to-face that I had different plans and that I was no longer going to consider him as the No.1 striker for Holland."Robin's reaction stunned me. He showed so much character. He was positive, told me he respected me and said he would give ­everything for the team and that I could rely on him any day I was going to pick him again.

"It was the best talk I have ever with a player - and I really mean that. Van Persie has asked me not to discuss the content of our heart-to-heart with the media, so I can’t tell you specifically what we talked about. But it really was a special meeting and I have huge respect for him as both a player and a person."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

So far, so good for Barton at Marseille, says Baup

Olympique de Marseille boss Elie Baup is pleased with the initial stages of Joey Barton's loan spell with the Ligue 1 club.

The midfielder, who made a temporary switch from QPR in August, still has to serve nine more games of his 12-match ban at Stade Velodrome following his actions on the final day of last season against Manchester City.

The hefty sanction led to Barton being frozen out of the first team at Loftus Road, but Baup has been buoyed by the 30-year-old's acclimatization to life in France.

"So far, so good. It's not normal [at the moment], because there are no matches. But what is important is the competition. We'll see when he can play the games. He is very friendly, very open and smiling," Baup told Mediafoot.

"He wants to do good things with us. I've never asked the question [if he may slip up]. I only think about the game and the integration of the player. I think about in what position he will be most useful."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Thama awa witharai neh,Digatama Ohoma hitiyoth hodai

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Roma well equipped to win the league, says Napoli coach Mazzarri

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri believes Roma are capable of challenging his side and champions Juventus for this season's Serie Atitle.

The Partenopei beat the Bianconeri in the Coppa Italiana final in May, and the two are joint top of the league after two games, and Mazzarri believes that the San Paolo outfit should always be in contention for honors.

"Napoli are a direct competitor to the top clubs and have been for years," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "In fact, experts and commentators point to Napoli as the main rival to Juventus for first place."

And when asked whether there are other teams involved in the title race, he was emphatic: "Absolutely. There are teams equipped to do well until the end."I am referring mainly to Roma, but I think that Lazio have a strong team and should not be underestimated because they have found some consistency with their technical play, and [Miroslav] Klose has found form."

Mazzarri will take charge of his 300th Serie A game as coach when Napoli travel to Parma on September 16.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Giggs: New Manchester United teammate Van Persie is a 'world-class star'

Ryan Giggs is positive that Manchester United's signing of "world-class star" Robin van Persie will give his side the vital push on the road to their 20th league title this season.

While United lost out to 'noisy neighbors' Manchester City on goal difference in last season's Premier League title race, the Welsh midfielder is confident that Van Persie comes ready to deliver the goods, having netted 30 Premier League goals for Arsenal last season.

The 22 million pound transfer fee and Van Persie's age represent a departure from Sir Alex Ferguson's recent transfer policy of securing young players with a high sell-on value, but with four goals for the former Arsenal striker already this season, Giggs insists it is a great deal for United.

He told Sky Sports News: "The goals that [Van Persie] scored, and his performances in general, it's obvious he's a world-class player.

"The manager's policy over the last 10, 15 years is to buy young players and develop them, the likes of Cristiano [Ronaldo], the likes of Wayne [Rooney].

"But Robin's a ready-made world-class star and is proven. I think he's shown that in the first few games and I'm sure there's more to come."

Losing out on the final day to bitter rivals Manchester City was galling for the United squad, and Giggs feels that the addition of the prolific Dutchman could make the difference between the two Manchester clubs if the sides are neck and neck once more.

"We lost it on goal difference, so hopefully the goals that he's bringing, if it does come down to goal difference, then we'll have the upper hand this time."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United expand Latin American search

Manchester United are focusing on South and Central America in their bid to discover the next generation of stars at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson has increased the number of United's scouts in Latin America after being impressed with the attitude and ability of the men who have crossed the Atlantic to play for the club.

United completed the signing of 18-year-old Chilean striker Angelo Henriquez last week. He became the fourth South American in Ferguson's squad, along with Ecuadorian Antonio Valencia and Brazilians Anderson and Rafael while Fabio da Silva is on loan at QPR this season.

He also bought Mexican striker Javier Hernandez, who made an immediate impact at Old Trafford, scoring 20 goals in his debut campaign for United after being signed from Guadalajara in 2010 for £6.9 million.

And it has encouraged Ferguson to look west again in his search for bargains."Our scouting there has increased," he told Inside United magazine. "We've got an operative in Mexico, two in Brazil and four South American scouts now.

"Quite frankly, they do produce. You see Antonio Valencia - he's as tough as nails with great discipline about him. The South Americans love playing football, it's just in their blood.
"The three Brazilians - Anderson, Rafael and Fabio - love it and are first to training every morning. It's a breath of fresh air.

"Chicharito [Hernandez] has a fantastic attitude to playing and everything else. It's really good. So we've done very well in Central and South America in the last two or three years."
The first South American signed by Ferguson was Juan Sebastian Veron in 2001. Others to have arrived include another Argentine, Gabriel Heinze, Uruguayan Diego Forlan and Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea chief scout Piet de Visser critical of Netherlands' Under-21 side despite win

Chelsea chief scout Piet de Visser has spoken of his disappointment with some of the Netherlands' Under-21 players despite the side's 4-1 victory over Austria Under-21 in qualifying for the upcoming European Championship in Israel next summer.

De Visser, currently serves as an advisor to current Blues chairman Roman Abramovich, and is famous for being responsible for numerous well-documented transfers such as the signings of Romario, Ronaldo, Alex and Heurelho Gomes to PSV in the past.

The 77-year-old told Goal.com that despite the flattering scoreline, he believed that the Oranje was lacking some 'power' in its play.

"I had high expectations - this group boasts a lot of talent," de Visser told Goal.com. "The Austrians were mediocre, and Netherlands adjusted themselves. I expected more 'power' from us. This game is viewable on television, there are a lot of scouts watching and these young players need to learn to give it their all for the whole match. And I didn't see that."

"I hope they make it to the European Championships, but they should've been at the Olympics [in London this summer] as well. They let that slip away from them. The talent is there, as is the vision and tactics, but more important is the right mentality and the ability to push on. And that's something the bigger talents sometimes lack."

De Visser also spoke critically about a number of Dutch players who have left the country to ply their trade abroad, an act he feels happens too early for many.

"Knowing Anderlecht, they brought in Bram Nuytinck [from NEC] to play out wide. But I don't think he'll get much playing time, which will stunt his development. He should have [stayed in Holland] for another year, perhaps at a [top-four] side. Ola John [who left for Benfica for a hefty transfer fee earlier this summer] was a fantastic player with Twente last year, playing on the left. He too went to Benfica too quickly, where he won't get much playing time. And these boys need to be playing every week, really."

"They usually transfer off the back of a strong season, like Ola John. But you have to perform at another level for clubs like Benfica, and he's not doing that yet. He's not playing, and not playing is detrimental. I don't like seeing that happen [to talents like him]."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Deschamps unconcerned by Lloris situation at Tottenham

France coach Didier Deschamps says he is unconcerned by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris' situation at Tottenham despite revealing that the 25-year-old "did not appreciate" recent comments made by manager Andre Villas-Boas.

The Spurs boss admitted that Lloris would have to unseat Brad Friedel in order to start matches at White Hart Lane following the American's impressive performance against Norwich City.

However, Deschamps was reassured that the situation had not affected the former Lyon star after he kept a clean sheet to help France to a 1-0 victory over Finland on Friday.

"I have no concern for Lloris," Deschamps told Telefoot. "When I see the change in the group, the performance he made on Friday, I am reassured.

"He will manage the situation on Wednesday [against Belarus]. Obviously, these are nasty things on a human level. But his talent is not questioned."

The former Marseille manager refused to be drawn when asked if he would be forced to drop Lloris if he was not playing regular football for his new club.

"I did not ask myself this question," he insisted. "I will not create a problem before it happens, like you [the journalists], like to do it. I have other concerns. I hope that things will goes well for him there."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Giuseppe Rossi almost went to Roma, claims striker's agent

Giuseppe Rossi was nearly involved in a last-minute transfer to Roma his agent Federico Pastorello has revealed.

Although having previously stated that his client would remain at Villarreal until at least the end of the current campaign, the Italy international's representative admits that he almost swapped clubs at the end of August.

"Roma? Rossi had given the all-clear to the move, but then it never quite materialized. There were several clubs who showed an interest, but at this moment we mustn’t be in a rush," Pastorello explained to Sky Sport Italia.

Rossi, who has been out of action since October 2011 due to several anterior cruciate ligament injuries, is not expected to make his return for another five months. And Pastorello then went on to give an update on his charge's recovery plans.

"Another operation is planned between September 20 and 25. If everything goes well, then he will go into the third bout of surgery. It’ll take around five months to see him back on the field," explained the agent.

Rossi was expected to be considered in Italy's plans for Euro 2012 prior to his injury woes.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aparade G.Rossi ta wena team 1kakata Transfer wenna thibbe

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Terry ruled out of England clash with Ukraine

England defender John Terry will miss Tuesday's World Cup qualifying clash with Ukraine after failing to recover from an injury picked up in the 5-0 win over Moldova.

The Chelsea skipper sustained a knock on his ankle midway through the second half of Friday's game but remained on the pitch as Roy Hodgson had already made his three permitted substitutes.

Terry's club-mate Gary Cahill is his likely replacement, although Everton defender Phil Jagielka is also a candidate to partner Joleon Lescott at the heart of England's defense.

Hodgson has already lost first-choice left back Ashley Cole for the clash with Ukraine as well as Sunderland attacker Adam Johnson and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney.

Manchester City and England midfielder James Milner admitted that losing a player of Terry's quality was a blow, but insisted the strength in depth at the Three Lions' disposal would mean his loss wouldn't be felt too hard.

He told reporters: "Obviously JT is a top player and will be tough to replace, but we've got a number of top candidates who can step right in, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Filippo Inzaghi 'calm and peaceful' on managerial debut

AC Milan youth coach Filippo Inzaghi has said that he wants to convey his passion to his players, as he nears his managerial debut later on Sunday.

The 39-year-old brought the curtain down on a glittering career at the end of the 2011-12 season, scoring the winning goal against Novara, before taking up the reins of the club's Allievi Nazionali set-up.

Inzaghi's charges take on Bologna in their first game of the season, with the former Italy international hopeful of a good result.

"I am calm and peaceful about this new experience. I've worked with these guys for three weeks," Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia. "I hope they play a good match. I [have prepared for] this by studying the opponents and picking the team that I thought was most useful.

"Hopefully I've sent these guys my passion. I am clearly at the beginning of this career as a manager, but I think I've already been able to give these kids tips on diet, and on the rules an athlete must follow in order to remain the best."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I believe the shirt is mine to lose' - Friedel warns Lloris he faces fight to be Tottenham No.1

Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel has warned Hugo Lloris that he faces a fight to take the No. 1 jersey at White Hart Lane.

The highly rated Frenchman arrived in north London for 15 million pounds on transfer deadline day but has yet to make an appearance for his new club.

And Friedel's inspired form in a recent 1-1 draw with Norwich City caused manager Andre Villas-Boas to declare that the veteran remained first choice, a position that the 41-year-old is unwilling to relinquish.

"Right now I believe the shirt is mine to lose, I believe the manager came out and said that. If that's the case then great," he told Sky Sports.

"I will turn up every day and work as hard as I can. I will keep as fit as I possibly can, hopefully get selected to play and hopefully do as well as I can."

With Carlo Cudicini and Heurelho Gomes in reserve, Tottenham have four talented goalkeepers at the club but Friedel insists that he thrives on the challenge.

"It's great to have competition," he added. "Hugo Lloris is France's No. 1, he's going to want to play, I'm going to want to play, and so are Carlo and Heurelho."

The American also admits that he is fully aware that he arrived at the club as a temporary measure despite being top dog for now.

"When I signed for Tottenham, I signed as a stop-gap while Tottenham looked for a long-term goalkeeper. Tottenham deserve a long-term goalkeeper," he continued.

"I want to play, I've always wanted to play, I don't sign contracts not to play. However, I would never demean the manager by spitting my dummy out if I wasn't playing.

"We are all contracted to Tottenham Hotspur and if they ask me to be a No. 1 [or a No. 2], I'd do that to the best of my ability.

"Hugo Lloris is going to be a teammate, not an enemy.

"It is a difficult position to have four goalkeepers of our quality at the club. Saying that, hopefully there'll be 50-odd games to play this season, which is a lot of games to go around."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fellaini eyes Everton exit

Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has admitted he is looking to leave the club next summer.

The 24-year-old, who moved to Goodison Park from Belgian side Standard Liege in September 2008, has scored twice in three Premier League appearances for David Moyes' side this season.

Fellaini signed a new five-year contract with Everton in November 2011 but the Belgium international insists this is likely to be his last season under Moyes.

"I now begin my fifth season at Everton," Fellaini told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad. "This will be one of my last. I've seen everything. In January or at the end of the season I will look for another club or league."

Earlier in September, Everton's proposed loan move for Club Brugge midfielder Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe collapsed after FIFA refused to ratify the transfer.

"It's a pity that Vadis did not come to Everton," Fellaini said. "He may come later on."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea outcast Malouda handed Lyon lifeline

Lyon has suggested it is prepared to offer Chelsea outcast Florent Malouda a way out of his Stamford Bridge woes.

The 32-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the club to the point where he is now no longer part of manager Roberto Di Matteo's first team plans.

The France international was left out of Chelsea's squad for the Champions League and claimed he has been forced to train with the reserves.

Malouda joined the current European champions from Lyon in 2007, and the club's president, Jean-Michel Aulas, says he would welcome the midfielder's return to the Stade Gerland.

"Our door is always open to former players," Aulas told reporters."Malouda has been in contact with our coaching team very recently."The Lyon president also left the door open for Jeremy Toulalan to return to the club from financially unstable Spanish side Malaga.

"We've also spoken with Jeremy Toulalan who has been having problems at Malaga," he revealed.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fiorentina tells Jovetic he will be allowed to leave in 2013

Fiorentina has told prize asset Stevan Jovetic that he will be allowed to leave the club at the end of the 2012-13 campaign, Goal.com has learned.

The Serie A outfit managed to hold on to the Montenegro international this summer despite strong interest from Manchester City and Juventus. However, the Viola have come to an agreement with the striker that he can be sold next year.

Sources have said that senior Fiorentina officials feared a huge backlash from supporters if it sanctioned the sale of Jovetic before the summer transfer window closed last Friday.

City pursued the 22-year-old as part of a double swoop which also included Serbian defender Matija Nastasic, who they secured on deadline day for 15 million euros.

The Premier League champion also indicated in discussions with Fiorentina that it was willing to meet its 30m euros valuation of Jovetic, only for the price tag to be increased to 35m euros as the Italian club moved the goalposts.

"The fact that he has stayed is the most beautiful thing. He has remained and is also happy," Fiorentina general manager Sandro Mencucci said when the window shut. "Was he close to leaving? There were requests but it was very good of my president to convince him to stay."

It is understood that Jovetic agreed to remain in Florence for another season on the proviso that he can leave next year.

"Fiorentina have worked out a deal with him," a well-placed source told Goal.com. "They said, 'Stay another year so we can plan for your departure at the end of the season'. They did the same thing with Luca Toni the year before he left."

Coincidentally, Toni, 35, has returned to the club he departed in 2007 after a goal-laden two-year spell, but he is currently behind star man Jovetic in the pecking order.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar: Lack of support from Brazil fans is upsetting

Neymar has criticized the Brazilian fans for their lack of support during the Selecao's narrow 1-0 win over South Africa on Friday.

Zenit St Petersburg star Hulk, who netted the only goal of the game, had already stated that the supporters' critical attitude weighed Brazil down, and Neymar has now voiced his dismay with the events during the friendly victory, too.

"We all know that we did not put in a great performance, but we still managed to win the game. I was very disappointed that the fans were booing us," Neymar stated to reporters. "I do not ask the fans to like me, but I ask them to cheer for the national team."

The Santos attacker feels that the fans' critical attitude inside the Estadio Cicero Pompeu de Toledo was partially down to the presence of large groups of supporters from rival teams.

"I do not know the exact reason behind the fans' behavior, but it might have something to do with the presence of Palmeiras, Corinthians and Sao Paulo supporters in the crowd," he said.

"But I repeat, they should be supporting the team rather than booing players from rival teams."

Brazil's next match is the international friendly versus China on Tuesday.