..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Losing Gary Speed has 'hit me hard', admits Bellamy

Cardiff City striker Craig Bellamy has revealed he is struggling to come to terms with the death of ex-teammate and close friend Gary Speed.

The then-Wales manager was found hanged at his Cheshire home in November of last year having committed suicide.

And Bellamy, who played with Speed at Newcastle United and for the national team, has admitted that losing such a close friend has been difficult to recover from.

“Losing my best mate has affected everything,” Bellamy told the Sunday Mirror. “I can’t believe how hard it is. It has had an effect on everything. He was the best mate I’ve ever had. All I know is that my best mate has gone. I’m struggling. I can’t lie.”

The 33-year-old, who left Liverpool to join his hometown club this summer for family reasons, also revealed that his marriage has broken down over the incident.

“It’s sad but unfortunately it got to my marriage. I’m here and she’s there," he added. “I don’t know if that’s it for us. I’ve been living on my own for eight weeks now. There’s no one else involved. I wish there was. I wish I had someone and I wish she [Claire] had someone. That would make it easier."

“It’s hit me hard. It’s nothing to do with football and it’s nothing to do with me as a footballer. I couldn’t give a s*** about football. It’s about real people, human beings, kids and families. I can’t tell you how hard it is. It’s the worst time in my life ever.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ibrahimovic labels himself as 'a living legend' after being honoured by his hometown

Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has labeled himself as a 'living legend', after being honored in his hometown of Malmo, whilst on international duty.

The Sweden captain is in the city, along with members of the national team ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan at Swedbank Stadion.

The 30-year-old was honored by local authorities with a place on the 'Walk of Fame' outside the stadium, a memorial for those from the city who have achieved in sport.

"It is a great honor, it means that I have done something during my career," Ibrahimovic was quoted as saying by France Football. "We usually say that you cannot become a legend before death. But I am a living legend - at least in Malmo."

Ibrahimovic was also questioned by a local journalist who accused him of supposedly suppressing his joy during goal celebrations, bringing comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo, who was criticized for the same thing against Granada last week.

"I see you, now you are trying to compare me to someone else. You cannot compare myself to him," he said. "When I score a goal after 27 seconds [against Lille last weekend], there are still 89 minutes to play. I prefer to show my joy after the game, because anything can happen during a match."

Sweden faces Kazakhstan in Group C of World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sir Alex Ferguson: Manchester United targeting more Latin Americans

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he wants more players from Latin America in his first team squad.

The club have invested large sums in talent from the area including Antonio Valencia, Anderson and Chicharito in recent seasons, some of whom have gone on to form the core of United's highly successful and dominant side.

Chilean youngster Angelo Henriquez is the latest South American to seal a move to Old Trafford and Ferguson says that the desire of players from the region is the secret to their success.

"Quite frankly, they do produce,” the Scot told Inside United. "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. Antonio Valencia is as tough as nails with great discipline about him. Chicharito has a fantastic attitude to playing and everything else. It's really good."

Despite recent success stories, earlier flops such as Brazilian midfielder Kleberson and €35 million Argentine Juan Sebastien Veron encouraged greater focus on recruiting players from the area.

"Our scouting there has increased," Ferguson added. "We've got an operative in Mexico, two in Brazil and four South American scouts now. We've done very well in Central and South America in the last two or three years."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Djourou has an Arsenal future, insists Wenger

Arsenal defender Johan Djourou has been told he is still a part of Arsene Wenger's plans despite not starting a first team game since April.

The Swiss center back, who has made 86 appearances for the Gunners in an eight-year spell with the club, is reportedly wanted by Italian side Napoli.

However, Wenger has insisted the Ivory Coast-born, Switzerland international defender still has a role to play at the Emirates Stadium.

He told The Sun: “I didn’t let Djourou leave as I love him as a player, and he loves the club.”

Djourou has been named as an unused subsitute in two of Arsenal’s Premier League games this season, and appears to be behind Per Mertesacker, Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny in the fight for a place at the heart of the Gunners' defence.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'The national team are like my family' - David Villa hails return to Spain squad

Spain striker David Villa has expressed his satisfaction at returning to the national team, after scoring in Friday evening's 5-0 friendly win over Saudi Arabia.

The 30-year-old broke his tibia in the FIFA Club World Cup match against Al-Sadd in Japan in December, which led the forward to miss the rest of the season, and subsequently La Roja's Euro 2012 triumph in Poland and Ukraine.

Nevertheless, the Barcelona player hailed his return, and spoke of his affinity with the world and European champions, after scoring his 52nd international goal.

"It was a special moment, and [was] nice to return to play after so long. My goal is to accelerate, play a few minutes each day and continue to train with the team," Villa was quoted as saying by Marca. "I have to be grateful for the confidence the coaching staff has had on me. I love coming to [play for] the selection and be with my team-mates. Really, they are like my family.

"I enjoy [being with] them, and obviously was eager to be back with the team. I had a hard time being away, but I'm here again. I believe that I am far from being a starter. Every day, I feel better and I'm playing these minutes that are important and useful. I am the first to know that I have to keep working to get to the point I need to be at."

Vicente del Bosque's side commence their defence of the world title against Georgia on Tuesday. Kickoff in Tbilisi is at 2:00 p.m. ET.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aston Villa defender Clark puzzled by Republic of Ireland omission

Aston Villa center back Ciaran Clark has admitted he can't understand Giovanni Trapattoni's decision to leave him out of the Republic of Ireland squad.

The 22-year-old made his international debut for the Boys in Green in February 2011, but has since made just one other appearance for the national side.

While Clark has found himself to be a regular in Paul Lambert's Villa side this season, forcing his way into the plans of Trapattoni is proving difficult.

"I have to be honest and say I have no idea what is happening for me with Ireland because the manager and his staff seemed very keen to get me on board at the start and now nothing seems to be happening for me," Clark told ESPN. "I have not spoken to the manager or any of his staff about what I need to do to catch their eye or anything like that, so all I can do is continue to work hard at Villa and hopefully the situation improves for me with Ireland."

"There are not too many Irish center backs playing in the Premier League at the moment, so you would think that would stand me in good stead, but the manager is picking other people at the moment and I have no idea what I need to do to get back in."

The young defender maintains, however, that all he can do is work hard and wait for his opportunity to come along, insisting he has a chance of making the squad should the Republic qualify for World Cup 2014 in Brazil.

"I have to believe my chance will come if I continue to work hard with Villa," he continued. "With some of the more experienced players calling time on their international careers and a few new lads getting chances, it gives me hope that I could get in the mix if we qualify for the World Cup finals in a couple of years' time. That's the ultimate dream for anyone."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lampard & Milner hail young England stars Oxlade-Chamberlain & Cleverley

England midfielders Frank Lampard and James Milner have hailed the performances of young duo Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Tom Cleverley for the Three Lions following England's 5-0 victory over Moldova.

Both players were included in the starting lineup for the World Cup 2014 qualifier in Chisinau on Friday and could feature again against Ukraine at Wembley on Tuesday.

Lampard and Milner also played in the comprehensive opening win and the former felt that coach Roy Hodgson had got the balance right between youth and experience.

"It feels like there's a nice blend [of youth and experience] on and off the pitch," Lampard told reporters. "The young boys bring a real freshness and quality with their play. We saw the impact of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Cleverley the other day and I think there's more to come."

"It was a great performance [from Oxlade-Chamberlain], his pace and ability on the ball and the confidence he has in him – it's not easy to step straight into an England team – is great to see. It gives us all a bit of a smile to see a young boy come in and play with that about him."

Lampard also praised manager Roy Hodgson for his handling of England's fresh-faced talents.

"We all need reminders from the manager or a little bit of help in a certain way but as a youngster, even more so. We've got a great manager with experience to be able to give him the reminders that he needs and encourage him in the right areas."

Milner, meanwhile, was keen not to play down the influence of the senior players in the squad after Lampard scored twice to send England on their way at the Zimbru Stadium.

"We're blessed to have the experienced players with the amount of caps they've got," he said. "They're still at the top of their game and there's younger players coming in, who I've played with at Under-21 level, and even younger lads such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain step straight in and don't look fazed at all. There's a good mix at the moment and that's a positive thing to have."

"The experience he [Oxlade-Chamberlain]'s gained at a major tournament already, at such a young age, is invaluable really and the more games he plays the better he'll get. He's another good player who's learning and we've seen what he can do already, so think how good he'll be in a few years.

"Cleverley is a top player, he's very comfortable on the ball, gets in great pockets in the position he played the other night and he's a good link between the midfield and forwards but also does his work defensively as well to keep the shape. If the lads behind him want to bomb on they've got that rotation in the midfield which is important. He's done a great job for the team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Alex & Tom atthatama niyamaiHoda Furure 1kak thiyanawa

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ozil ready to be 'important' part of Real Madrid's season

Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil believes he can still be integral to success at Santiago Bernabeu this season.

The German playmaker wants to play a starring role, despite the continued form of Cristiano Ronaldo and summer recruitment of Luka Modric making competition for places fiercer than ever.

Ozil, who scored two goals against the Faroe Islands in his nation's opening 2014 World Cup qualifier, spoke of his confidence after the game.

"The most important thing was the victory for the team, but I'm very happy with the two goals I scored," the midfielder told reporters. I enjoyed being on the pitch and a game like this is good for me to keep building my confidence."

"The football year has just started, but I feel good and I think I can keep improving. [Real Madrid] have a long season ahead of us and I want to be a very important part of it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ancelotti reveals Paris Saint-Germain plans following early season critics

Carlo Ancelotti has openly revealed his tactical thoughts and ideologies for Paris Saint-Germain in an effort to quell continued criticism of the capital club's early season form.

Les Parisiens have started a season of great expectations with three consecutive draws, prompting questions about how long it will take the Italian to piece together his expensively assembled jigsaw.

He has taken an unprecedented step of explaining his ideas to the press in an effort to ease the concern surrounding the club's slow start in Ligue 1.

"I would set up a team that plays good football, a competitive team to give a good show and a good image in both France and Europe," the former Chelsea boss told Canal +.

"It's not easy, you cannot do it in a week or two. I want to use four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards whose positions can change."

"Sometimes with a center forward and two players behind, sometimes with two strikers and one player behind. In football today, the problem is depth of attack because it is easier for an adversary to control a static player.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jazic: Fan distractions will not shake Canada's focus

PANAMA CITY, Panama - Hearing rumours that local fans are planning an all-out street party outside the Canadian hotel the night before Tuesday's World Cup qualifier between Panama and Canada, Stephen Hart was not at all surprised.

"It's normal in Latin America," Canada's head coach told reporters after his team stepped off the bus in Panama City on Sunday night. "You just have to live with it."

Hart said his squad will be prepared to deal with any potential ruckus, but how they do so could vary from player to player.

"You put on your headphones, listen to your music or whatever," the coach said, adding that others will choose to wear earplugs to block out the expected noise.

The Canadians headed to the Central American nation after winning 1-0 over the same team on Friday night in Toronto, a result that has brought much consternation in the Panamanian media.

Focus is squarely on getting revenge for the loss, one which took Panama and its supporters by surprise after the Red Tide had taken six points from the opening two matches in the current round of qualification, including a massive 2-0 victory at Honduras.

Canuck midfielder Patrice Bernier, who featured for the final 19 minutes in Friday's game, took to social media about a confrontation with a Panama fan mere moments after Canada had arrived at the airport, in which the fan equated Tuesday's match at the already sold out Estadiop Rommel Fernandez with war.

"Warm welcome by the locals," Bernier posted to his Twitter account.

Despite the prospect of off-field distractions and an even more hostile crowd than normal on match day, the Canadian players say they are focused on the task at hand.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Khedira: Maybe Ronaldo just wanted the public to know

Sami Khedira has offered his suggestion as to why Cristiano Ronaldo publicly declared his unhappiness with Real Madrid, suggesting that he "just wanted to let the public know."

The Portuguese international scored two goals in last Sunday's 3-0 victory over Granada, but surprisingly offered no celebration in the aftermath. In the post-match press conference, Ronaldo claimed he was "sad" and that the club knew why.

The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes in Germany's 3-0 win over the Faroe Islands on Friday night, but he is refusing to get carried away with their positive start to World Cup qualification.

"We are much too good to say we are already satisfied with the qualification. But talking about the finals in 2014 now would be totally wrong," he told Kicker.

"We will be in decisive matches again and we have to start working now on how to avoid failure in those.

At club level Khedira has found renewed competition for a midfield birth following the arrival of Luka Modric, but he is confident he still has the full backing of manager Jose Mourinho.

"If he had a low opinion of me I wouldn't be in the squad for the third year. [I want to show] that I am the man to count on," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rummenigge: Germany won't win 2014 World Cup

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge does not believe Germany can become the first European team to win the World Cup on South American soil - a belief contrary to those of captain Philipp Lahm.

The former Bayern and Germany skipper recently declared a triumph in Brazil as Die Mannschaft's main objective, but the 1980 European Championship winner believes home advantage will be a key factor.

"I don't have the opinion that some Bayern players have that Germany will be world champions in 2014," Rumenigge told Sport Plus.

With an impeccable record in major competitions, Germany is likely to be a frontrunner for the tournament again in two years time, while current holders and Euro 2012 champions Spain will be the favorite for many.

But Rummenigge is tipping a South American nation to triumph at the expense of European rivals.

"I fear it won't be different this time," he remarked on the fact that a European nation has never lifted the World Cup in South America. A country from South America like Brazil or Argentina will become world champions. They will try to compensate for the loss at the last two World Cups."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rafa Benitez 'surprised' he wasn't approached for Liverpool job

Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has admitted to being surprised that the club did not approach him when the manager's position became available at Anfield last summer.

The 53-year-old, who guided the Reds to both FA Cup and Champions League success during his time at the club, also believes his appointment would have been well greeted by the Liverpool faithful.

"It was strange not to be approached," he told the Irish Independent. "We know the club, the players, the Academy and we have even more experience now... the fans were positive about the idea."

Benitez left the Merseyside club by mutual consent during the summer of 2010 after a poor season saw his team finish seventh, missing out on a Champions League place.

But despite the sour manner in which his time at Anfield ended, Benitez was quick to point out what he achieved during his six-year reign at the club.

"We used to play so many important games that it seemed it was normal and it wasn't. People were talking about 'the past', but just a few years ago Liverpool FC was number one in Europe."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Newcastle faces anxious wait on Krul fitness

Newcastle will soon learn the fate of their goalkeeper Tim Krul, who left the Netherlands squad and returned to the North East on Saturday after suffering an elbow injury in training.

The 24-year-old, who exclusively revealed to Goal.com that being in the starting lineup for the Netherlands was "a dream true", has established himself as a fan favorite at St James' Park in recent seasons after a series of sensational performances.

The keeper's brilliant form has not escaped the attention of those in the Netherlands either, with Krul becoming a regular on the international scene recently.

The shot-stopper is reportedly viewed as a serious contender for the first choice goalkeeping spot by national manager Louis van Gaal, who handed Krul his first start for the Oranje against Turkey on Friday night.

With the player now having his injury assessed by the medical team at Newcastle, both Van Gaal and Magpies boss Alan Pardew will be hoping there is no extensive damage.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fellaini happy at Everton

Marouane Fellaini has moved to quash speculation he will be looking to leave Everton when the transfer window reopens in January.

Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad carried an interview with Fellaini on Sunday which said he has "seen everything" at Everton and was now looking for a way out of the Merseyside club.

"I am just starting my fifth season at Everton, this will be one of my last," Fellaini was quoted as saying. "I have seen everything. In January or at the end of the season I will turn to another club or championship.''But the player, who is a cult hero among Everton fans and has enjoyed a terrific start to the season, denied the quotes were his in a statement issued on Facebook.

"I was very surpised to read in some newspapers that I will leave Everton very soon and perhaps next January," he wrote. "Let me remind you that I am very happy in Liverpool and our start of the championship was good.

"Kevin Mirallas and some other good players joined us to make a better squad in order to realise a good championship in the line of the end of the last one."So with Everton, I am ready to play all the season and to reach our goals of this season. However, my only concern for the moment is of course our [Belgium] Tuesday's game against Croatia.

"Whether you're in Belgium or England, thank you from my heart for your support... "
Fellaini joined Everton in a £15 million move from Standard Liege in 2008 and has scored 22 goals in 130 appearances.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Medawas wala Happy & Unhappy Godai

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hodgson: Walcott out of Ukraine clash with virus but Sturridge could play

Roy Hodgson has revealed Theo Walcott has returned home with a virus to stop it spreading throughout the England team, but remained positive about Daniel Sturridge's chances to feature against Ukraine on Tuesday evening.

The Three Lions' manager has handed Southampton's Adam Lallana and Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling their first senior call-ups, with Tottenham's Jake Livermore also joining the squad.

The 65-year-old suggested that he is covered for the defensive injuries sustained before and during the 5-0 win over Moldova, but that the recent problems in attack have forced him to strengthen the group of players, although he indicated the new faces may not be given a chance in the team just yet.

The former West Brom boss told reporters: "We were at the limit when we lost John Terry and Ashley Cole but now that Theo Walcott has had to go home and Daniel Sturridge is still being monitored, [although] we think he's going to be ok, it was a good opportunity to invite some younger players to come in and be a part of the atmosphere.

"We have enough players to deal with the game. But it's good when you have a chance to invite these younger players to come and be around the team for a short period of time. Theo has picked up some sort of virus or bug because he was quite violently ill last night. Daniel actually trained yesterday with these stomach cramps and complained of them but he still got through the training session.

"But today he woke up with the same sort of cramps, although [he was] slightly better I believe the doctor advised us to keep him out of training and see how things are when he wakes up tomorrow. But the doctor is quite confident he's going to be ok."

The national team head coach assured supporters that Walcott was sent home as soon as the illness was discovered to avoid the bug spreading, with the west London outfit's striker also isolated, but did not rule out the possibility of further problems.

He added: "That was one of the reasons why we were quite anxious to get Theo back home as soon as possible and of course we've kept Daniel away from the other players both last night and today.

"The reason we've called up some extra players in just in case, because you never know. You could wake up tomorrow and one or two other players are suffering from this virus, but we hope not."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barry: Silva makes my job at Manchester City much easier

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry has stressed the importance of David Silva, describing the midfielder as "fantastic" to play alongside.

The Spaniard has been the subject of reported interest from Real Madrid, however, as exclusively revealed by Goal.com, the winger is close to agreeing a new five-year 200,000 pounds-a-week contract with the reigning Premier League champions.

The 31-year-old revealed how he enjoyed lining up with the ex-Valencia man last season, suggesting that they complemented each other well after getting to know his colleague's game.

"Last year was fantastic and when you play alongside people like David Silva you get to know his game and where he likes to receive the ball," Barry told the club's official website.

"Playing with players like that can make your job so much easier, so you can bounce off other players sometimes and it can be good for you and them."

Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell have been brought into City's midfield and Barry is happy with the added competition, praising the pair for settling in well at the club.

"Javi and Jack already seem to be settling in well,' he added. "I know Jack better because he's an English guy and has been playing in the Premier League for a few years. He's a great addition to the squad.

"I think he's done really well in the first few games he's played and he seems to have bedded in nicely. I'm sure that the longer he's here and the more games he plays, he'll get better and better.

"I don't know that much about Javi just yet but, but his English is excellent and I have done a bit of individual training with him.

"He seems like a really good player and I'm sure he'll adapt to the English game quickly."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Giroud: France can finish ahead of Spain

Olivier Giroud feels that France have what it takes to finish ahead of Spain in its 2014 World Cup qualifying section.

The Arsenal striker believes that the reigning European champions are the best team in the world, but is nonetheless hopeful of causing an upset by pipping Spain to automatic qualification for the finals in Brazil.

"Spain are benefiting from an incredible generation of players who have been performing together for a very long time. I don’t know if any team will ever be able to do better than they have. That said, from what I could see from the sidelines, I don’t think we were that far away from them during that quarter-final," Giroud stated to FIFA.com.

He added, "Spain are the best team in the world, so it’s going to be difficult, but not impossible. We have to show some ambition. If we can win every one of our other matches, anything can happen in the two games we play against them.

"We’re going to try our utmost to qualify automatically and avoid the play-offs, because those are always dangerous to be involved in. The fact that Brazil are hosting the next World Cup obviously gives everyone a little bit of extra motivation. It’s an event that nobody wants to miss."

France beat Finland 1-0 in its opening game on Friday and will lock horns with Belarus on Tuesday.