..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Lloris ready to prove himself at Tottenham

France captain Hugo Lloris saw his country gain a maximum six points during the international break, but is now focused on working hard for new club Tottenham Hotspur.

Lloris' side secured a 1-0 win in Finland on Friday night before a man of the match performance in the 3-1 victory against Belarus on Tuesday.

But now the 25-year-old has his eyes set on securing a starting position at Spurs, despite manager Andre Villas-Boas revealing that veteran Brad Friedel is No. 1 for now.

"Peacefully, I enjoyed both games with the national team and will now discover another world, another championship, another mentality," Lloris told reporters.
"It's all positive so I will have to get to know my teammates, the staff and I will try to work as best as possible. There is a lot for me to prove in a new league, but I will work and earn success."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Villa: I would be playing 90 minutes at any other club

David Villa believes that he would be an automatic selection were he at any team other than Barcelona as he continues his comeback from a long-term injury.

Spain's all-time record goalscorer suffered a broken leg back in December and missed the rest of last season, but has returned to action at the start of this campaign.

However, while Villa is anxious to return to the starting lineup as soon as possible, he understands that the coaching staff must take caution with his condition.

"I will not rush into playing for 15-20 days. I want to return but I must wait for the coach to decide. Whenever he wants, I'll be ready," Villa told reporters.

"I'm fine, but I'm lacking minutes of shooting, I spent eight months without competing. On any other team I would be playing.

"After I lost these months, to be anxious to return is illogical. It is not good either for me nor for club nor my teammates. Hopefully soon I can play a whole game.

"The sensations are good. I'm looking forward to a great year. Every day you try to get better and evolve, especially physically and mentally."

"I have great gratitude to the coaching staff for the fact they have not signed another striker and that they rely on [my performances] last year."

Barcelona travels to Getafe on Sunday in its first match after the international break.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jermain Defoe: England can qualify for World Cup unbeaten

England striker Jermain Defoe believes that England can qualify from Group H and enjoy an unbeaten campaign on the way to the 2014 World Cup.

The Tottenham ace, who started alone up front for Roy Hodgson's men in the 1-1 draw with Ukraine, believes the team can qualify triumphantly in the face of difficult fixtures away to Poland, Montenegro and Ukraine.

The 29-year-old, who continued to lead the line alone in the absence of Wayne Rooney, says the team has the right mentality to qualify, despite the Three Lions needing a late Frank Lampard penalty to rescue a point from defeat at Wembley.

"We've got a lot of games left to play. It doesn't look like we're going to get beaten, to be fair," Defoe told reporters.

"We're playing games and we believe we won't get beaten. So that's good we've got a winning mentality. [It's] just unlucky that we didn't actually win the game."

Despite the disappointment of the scoreline and having a spectacular goal ruled out controversially for infringement in the build up, Defoe played the full 90 minutes for the first time in 51 caps for the Three Lions.

"It's always nice when you get to play, helps your confidence. I'm playing with good players. It makes it a lot easier," he continued.

"And even if I'm playing that lone role up front on my own, it's not a problem. The lads get close to me, service is good, and it's something I'm enjoying."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pastore: Kaka is my idol

Paris Saint-Germain's Javier Pastore has described fellow attacking midfielder Kaka as the player he most admired when he was growing up.

The former Palermo star says that he observed his fellow South American closely on TV and set out to emulate him.

"Kaka was always the player I idolized the most when I was a child," Pastore told the official website of the club which finished runner-up in France last season.

"I watched him play all the time in order to try and learn from him, to maximise my progress," he added.

Kaka has been constantly linked with a move to the French capital since the appointment of his former AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti as manager, though he remains a Real Madrid player for the time being.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hazard: I am not at Chelsea to be a star - I want to help my teammates

New Chelsea signing Eden Hazard insists he has not joined the Blues to "be a star", but instead to help his new teammates win the Premier League crown.


The 21-year-old attacking midfielder arrived at Stamford Bridge for a fee in the region of 40 million euros this summer and has been in imperious form since his transfer from Lille. He was instrumental in the wins against both Wigan and Reading, before scoring his first goal for Roberto Di Matteo's side against Newcastle.

But in spite of his electric start, the Belgium international insists he did not cross the Channel to be the star man.

“I love to set up my teammates," he told Champions Matchday magazine.

"I am not here to be a star, to show off. I am here to play for the others, but if I have to try and clinch a game then I will."

Chelsea beat a host of top European clubs to secure the signature of Hazard, who follows in the footsteps of fellow countrymen Marouane Fellaini, Mousa Dembele, Jan Vertongen and Vincent Kompany in moving to the Premier League.

However, Hazard admits he faces challenges adjusting to life in England.

“It’s totally different here. With Lille we could have gone to the South of France and people would not have recognized us. But at Chelsea, the players are at another level," he added.

"Everything has changed for me — the language, the country — but it is up to me to adapt.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Reina's agent dismisses rumors of Liverpool exit

The agent of Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has poured cold water on suggestions that the Spaniard is seeking a move away from the club.


Reina has become a crowd favorite at Anfield since joining from Villarreal in 2005, however, the 30-year-old has endured a mixed start to the new campaign.

Indeed, the Spanish international has been guilty of a number of errors so far this season, with the blame placed on him for goals conceded against Manchester City, Arsenal and Hearts.

However - despite his below-par form, and reports linking Swansea's Dutch goalkeeper Michel Vorm with a move to Anfield - Reina's agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, was keen to stress that his client has no desire to leave Liverpool.

He told CalcioMercato: "There is no problem right now. Pepe has played many games in the Liverpool shirt and is used to all kinds of rumors.
"It is clear he is not having an easy time because the team has not started the season well and liability is falling on him.

"But this will end when he returns to form. He still has four years to run on his contract and rumors of leaving Liverpool are just that - rumors."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Casillas targets eight more years at Madrid

Real Madrid and Spain captain Iker Casillas has confirmed he plans to finish his career at the club he has represented since joining the Castilla academy as a young boy.


The 31-year-old made his debut aged just 18 and on the 13th anniversary of that occassion he has said that he would love to stay with the club until the day he retires.

“It would be a dream come true to end my career in the club," Casillas told the official website of the La Liga champions.

"I had the privilege of starting out when I was only nine," he said. "Time goes quickly, but I'm really pleased with all the things that Real Madrid have given me and all that I've given the club."

Still young for a goalkeeper, Casillas has collected two Champions League titles, two Intercontinental Cups, five league titles, one Copa del Rey, one European Super Cup and three Spanish Supercopas with Madrid.

He has also won the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.

"13 years have gone by and you hope that there'll be many more," Casillas said.

"My contract is until I'm 36 and my dream is to retire when I'm 39.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid would sell Ronaldo for 200 million euros

Real Madrid would be willing to sell Cristiano Ronaldo for a 200 million euros fee if it cannot resolve his current situation at the club, Goal.com can confirm.


The Portuguese superstar refused to celebrate his two goals during the 3-0 win over Granada on September 2, and claimed in the wake of the match that he was unhappy.

The former Manchester United man is one of 17 players returning to training on Wednesday after international duty and there has been a wave of speculation regarding his future at the club.

However, Los Blancos are determined to tackle the crisis and will hold talks between the player, coach Jose Mourinho and president Florentino Perez.

Although Ronaldo himself was quick to deny that a desire for a pay rise was the reason for his current state of melancholy, rumors have persisted that the Portuguese is eyeing an improved contract.

The Real Madrid No.7 earns nearly 10m euros annually on his current contract, a significantly lower sum than players such as Samuel Eto'o (20m euros) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (14.5m euros).

Spain's tax laws have undergone a recent change, and Madrid would now have to pay a 52 percent tax on the player's wages compared to the current 24 percent. This means that if it offers Ronaldo a contract in the region of 15m euros annually, the club will be forced to pay over 23m euros each year after tax.

Perez has voiced his confidence that the winger will not leave the Bernabeu, but ABC news reports that two mystery clubs, believed to be Paris Saint-Germain and Anzhi Makhachkala, would be prepared to offer him a 20m euros annual salary.

The capital club paid an unprecedented 100m euros fee for his services in 2009, and he could be set for another world-record transfer if the talks prove to be fruitless.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pazzini calls for AC Milan consistency

New signing Giampaolo Pazzini says AC Milan must maintain a committed attitude throughout the season if it is to be successful.

The former Inter striker scored a hat trick against Bologna in his second game for Milan and wants his side to climb the table following the international break.


“Milan must always aim to win and we need to be consistent to achieve great results," the 28-year-old told Milan Channel.

"On Saturday we’re facing Atalanta and have to give 100 percent," added Pazzini, who was recalled to the Italy squad for the start of the Azzurri's World Cup qualification campaign.

Milan currently sits 10th in Serie A after one win and one defeat from its first two games.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Injured Iniesta to miss three games

Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba have returned from international duty with injury and illness problems despite both players completing the full 90 minutes of Spain's 1-0 win in Georgia on Tuesday night.


Iniesta suffered an elongation of an adductor muscle in his right leg and medical officials at Camp Nou have confirmed he will be out for 10-15 days.

The diminutive midfielder will be unavailable for La Liga clashes at Getafe and at home to Granada, as well as Barcelona's Champions League opener against Spartak Moscow next Wednesday.

Jordi Alba is a doubt for Saturday's match with Getafe but may yet feature in Madrid as he has not been ruled out.

Meanwhile Carlos Puyol has posted a picture of himself on Twitter sporting a new face mask to protect the injured cheek bone the defender is currently nursing.

 

[shanehbrsj]

messi is the best....

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rosell: Barcelona will remain in La Liga even if Catalunya becomes independent

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell is 'convinced' that his club will continue to participate in Spain's La Liga even if Catalunya becomes independent from the rest of the country.

This week has seen massive demonstrations in the streets of Barcelona with, according to The Guardian, up to 1.5 million marching in support of Catalunya's push for independence and inevitably it has sparked questions as to what it will mean for the 2011 Champions League winners.

Rosell, however, has no doubt that Barcelona will continue playing in the Primera Division, likening the situation to Monaco in France.

"If Catalunya becomes independent, it would make no difference. We would keep on playing in the Spanish league just like Monaco in France continues to play in Ligue, despite being a separate state. I am convinced of this," Rosell was quoted by Sport.

The president also went on to assure that his club's rivalry with Real Madrid would remain intact, in any event.

"Even in the situation of an independent Catalunya, we would continue to play Real Madrid, just like always," he said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hazard: I wanted to wear No. 10 at Chelsea because Zidane was my role model

New Chelsea signing Eden Hazard wanted the No. 10 shirt at Stamford Bridge so he could be just like his role model Zinedine Zidane.

The former Real Madrid and France international wore the shirt for his country and the Belgian wanted to pay the biggest compliment to the World Cup winner but failed in his bid as Juan Mata would not give it up, instead accepting the No. 17.

Speaking to the media last year, Zidane, who is now an advisor at Real Madrid, said that he "would sign Hazard with [my] eyes closed".

The 21-year-old returned the compliment by admitting a fight for the shirt number because the French international was his role model.

He told Champions Matchday magazine: "I've always liked the No. 10, because it is was worn by Zidane. He was my role model, I've always wanted to play like him.

"When he started talking about me, I didn't understand what was happening any more. But he must have said that about other players, so I knew I had to keep on working."

The attacking midfielder won France's Young Player of the Year in 2009 and 2010 and Player of the Year in 2011 and 2012, making him become the first footballer to win both awards since Zidane.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Owen looking to end career 'on a real high' at Stoke

Stoke City striker Michael Owen is hoping that his move to the Potters will see his injury-hit career end on a high.

The attacker, who was released by Manchester United at the end of last season, signed a one-year deal with the Staffordshire club after the close of the transfer window and believes that he can score goals regularly at the Britannia Stadium.



"It's a move that I'm excited about and I hope I can stay fit for the majority of my time here," the former England international told reporters. "I want to perform and I want to finish my career on a real high. I'm still only 32 and I still feel as if I have a lot left in me.

"I've always scored goals no matter what team I have been in, so as long as I can stay fit and healthy, then I'm sure I can do that here at Stoke."

Owen was linked with multiple clubs throughout the summer from both the Premier League and abroad but opted to stay in England, citing personal and professional reasons."There were a couple of Premier League teams that showed interest but this is a team on the up," he continued. "I know the manager and a few of the players and it meant I didn't have to move my family as well.

"My past experiences of coming to the Britannia were a real eye-opener - the crowd are really passionate and I don't care who you are, you always like to play in front of a passionate crowd that love their football. So there were loads of things that ticked the boxes and I'm sure I've made the right decision."The former Real Madrid striker admits that he is lacking match fitness after his long summer as a free agent but feels fresh enough to contribute for the Potters immediately.

"I feel as if I am fit enough to take part in a game," Owen stated. "I'm not quite 100 percent confident or happy in my general touch and different bits and bobs, but that will come.
"So we'll see what the manager has got in mind, but I'd like to think I'll improve as the weeks go on."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arbeloa: Cristiano has the same smile as always

Alvaro Arbeloa has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo has not been acting any differently around the Real Madrid training ground after his admission that he is unhappy at the Bernabeu.



The Portuguese winger claimed in the wake of his side's 3-0 victory over Granada that he was dissatisfied due to a professional issue.

The Spain international says that his teammate has the full support of the Real Madrid squad as they try to retain their Liga title this season, and also backed the 27-year-old to win the Ballon d'Or.

"We have offered to help [Ronaldo] whatever he needs," Arbeloa told reporters. "Cristiano is quiet and with the same smile as always. He is concerned about what is really important: to win with Real Madrid. Now, the Santiago Bernabeu will applaud Ronaldo more than before.

"Iker, Xabi and Sergio Ramos could also win [the Balon d'Or], but Cristiano deserves it."
Meanwhile, los Blancos midfielder Xabi Alonso has revealed that the former Manchester United star did not meet with club hierarchy upon his return to the Spanish capital after the international break.

"There was no meeting [between] staff on Cristiano’s arrival yesterday," he admitted. "We all have to normalize the Ronaldo situation. The important thing is to think about the match against Sevilla [on Saturday]."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: I am an Arsenal man

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted he is in no rush to sign a new contract with the club and claims he would question his position if results do not go his side’s way.


Wenger has been in charge of the Gunners since 1996, winning three Premier League titles, but has seen his side go seven years without a trophy.

"I have two years to go. What is important for me is Southampton and I think I have shown my commitment to this club in the past," he told reporters. "At the moment I am not in the mood to think about the long-term future. We want to do well this season, that's all.

"I am an Arsenal man. I think I have always shown that. I have to consider if I do well or not. If I don't do well, I have to consider my future. I have been at the club long enough to have confidence in the people I work with, but I will assess my own performances and then make a decision, at the moment we are not there. Two years is a long time in my job. I just want to do well for the club as long as I can and accept all the rest."

The manager did admit that his age was becoming a factor, but says he will make his decisions about the future based on how he performs."I have to consider that at my age, you always have to assess if you have the fitness, the desire, the commitment that this job demands," he said.

"Then of course you have to make your decisions. I hope I will be lucid enough and intelligent enough to assess my performance well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Capello: Only Falcao has impressed me like Messi

Russia coach Fabio Capello has taken the time to praise Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, saying that the Colombia international has impressed him as much as Lionel Messi when he saw him for the first time.

The 26-year-old has been in sublime form in the opening weeks of the 2012-13 campaign, netting hat tricks against Athletic Bilbao and Chelsea, and his good performances have earned him positive words from the former England boss.

"Throughout my entire career, there has been only one player who impressed me as much as Messi when I first saw him against my Juventus at the Joan Gamper trophy, and that is Radamel Falcao," Capello was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He is a fantastic striker, without a doubt the best around at the moment."

Falcao has been linked with clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester City in recent weeks, but is under contract with Atletico until June 2016.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti declares Thiago Silva is 'ready'

Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti has declared that Thiago Silva 'is ready' to make his debut for his new club.

Signed from Milan over the summer for 40 million euros, the Brazilian has still yet to make his bow for the French side due to an injury he sustained whilst representing Brazil at the London Olympics. However, Ancelotti plans to select him for PSG's opening Champions League match against Dynamo Kiev next Tuesday.

"Thiago is ready," Ancelotti told Reuters. "He has been working hard on his own to recover but he will work with the team on Saturday. We have been very careful with him, because he injured himself at the Olympics. We wanted to take our time with him and ease him back."

The former Milan tactician is also expected to give a debut to new signing Gregory van der Wiel.

The Dutch international right back moved to the French capital from Ajax after signing a four-year deal and was unveiled to the press on Thursday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

O’Neill unsure over Adam Johnson fitness ahead of Liverpool clash

Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill has admitted he is unsure whether Adam Johnson will be fit in time for his side's clash with Liverpool this weekend.

The wide man was recently forced to withdraw from the England squad due to injury and, although he has returned to training, the Northern Irishman revealed he is uncertain over his fitness.

“Adam is progressing quite nicely, which is good, but I don’t know yet,” O’Neill said when asked about Johnson’s chances of being fit. “He’s done some work with a couple of the other injured players, including Phil Bardsley and Wes Brown.

“It’s too early to know whether he’ll be available but it would be great if he could make it.”

The 25-year-old joined the Wearside club in August after falling out of favor with Premier League champion Manchester City.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Buyo: Real Madrid fans will forgive Cristiano Ronaldo

Francisco Buyo is confident that the Real Madrid faithful will forgive Cristiano Ronaldo for his recent revelation that he is unhappy at the Liga champion.


Buyo, who made over 300 league appearances for los Blancos between 1986 and 1997, has compared the Portugal international's situation with that of Hugo Sanchez in 1987, when he stated that he wanted to leave Madrid at a time when the club was fighting for European Cup glory.

"I do not think his comments were that bad. It was just a minor mistake from a kid. What Hugo Sanchez did back in 1987 was much more serious," Buyo was quoted as saying by AS. "He dropped a small bomb when the team was winning everything. We were preparing for the European Cup semifinal when he told the president that he wanted to leave. There were some similarities to Cristiano's situation, though.

"I don't think the fans will turn against him. The people at the Santiago Bernabeu are demanding, but they are clever guys. They always supported Sanchez and forgave him. The same will happen with Ronaldo.The fans realize that he is the team's best player and that they need Cristiano in order to beat Barcelona. I assure you that they will forgive him."

Ronaldo returned to Madrid on Wednesday after playing two World Cup qualifiers with Portugal, and will return to match action on Saturday in the away game versus Sevilla.