oscar nam pattaFull Time
Chelsea 2 Vs 2 Juventus
Chelsea Goal(s)
Oscar 31,33'
&
Juventus Goal(s)
Vidal 38'
Quagliarella 80'
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Barcelona 3-2 Spartak Moscow: Messi bails out hosts with second-half double
Barcelona produced a thrilling comeback to edge past Spartak Moscow 3-2 at Camp Nou in their opening Champions League match on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi was once again the difference for the Catalans, scoring twice in the last 18 minutes to reverse a 2-1 deficit and give his side an early lead atop the Group G standings.
Cristian Tello opened the scoring after 14 minutes, but the home side was pegged back just before the half-hour mark by an own goal from Dani Alves from a Spartak break.
Barca struggled to create many opportunities, and was carved apart on the break once more in the second half as Romulo stunned the home crowd into silence when he gave the visitors a shock lead in the 59th minute.
But Messi popped up with two close-range strikes in the 72nd and 80th minutes to put the Catalans back in the lead for good, though question marks remain after they were given a run for their money by the determined side from Russia.
Tito Vilanova opted for Cesc Fabregas in midfield, while Adriano filled in at left back in the absence of regular starter Jordi Alba.Tello was also handed a chance to impress with a start in the Barca front three, and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands with the opening goal after 14 minutes.
The 21-year-old beat his marker by cutting in off the left flank, and with Spartaks defense slow to react, he had time to pick his spot and drill low into the far corner.The goal came as a welcome boost for Barca, which had seen defender Gerard Pique forced off moments earlier through injury, with summer signing Alex Song coming on in his stead.
Messi nearly doubled the advantage in the 20th minute when he turned to face goal at the top of the box, but a wicked effort curled past the post by inches.The Argentine would soon rue that miss, thanks to a catastrophic defensive sequence that saw Spartak, which had barely had a kick up until that point, stun Camp Nou by drawing level.
Emenike did the hard work, racing past Javier Mascherano on the left before sliding a cross towards goal. The ball was missed completely by Song, and Alves, under no pressure, inexplicably side-footed into the corner of his own goal.Barca, despite dominating possession, found it hard to find a route through to goal in the face of a determined rearguard effort from the Russian side, but it managed to give the away side a few
scares in the closing stages of the first half.
Fabregas thought he had made a breakthrough in the 37th minute when he lifted Xavis clipped pass towards goal with his head, but Andriy Dykan was alert to prevent it from sneaking in under the crossbar.
The Spain midfielder saw an appeal for a penalty go unacknowledged moments later after a tussle with Marek Suchy, before Xavi drove just off target with one of the last kicks of the half.
Alves nearly made amends for his first-half mishap moments after the restart with an arrowed drive into the top corner, but his goal was correctly chalked off after he had strayed inches offside.
Spartak was soon able to break towards the Barca goal, but Emenike could not make the most of Aris cutback, and fired over the bar from the edge of the box.The visitors would make no such mistake with their next counterattack though, and stormed into the lead in the 59th minute, just seconds after coming mightily close to conceding.
Messi was denied from point-blank range by a great save from Dykan, and Spartak stormed straight down the pitch. Ari led the charge down the left and teed up Adien McGeady at the top of the box, whose clever slipped pass allowed Romulo to skip past Adriano and slot neatly under Victor Valdes.
But Barca would not be down for long. Tello was the architect, wriggling past two defenders on the left flank before cutting back to Messi from the byline, who made no mistake in front of an open net.Suddenly, Camp Nou was back in full voice as Barcelona, with its tail up, found itself with 18 minutes to find a goal to give the club all three points.
Substitute David Villa nearly achieved that objective when he faced an unguarded net after a scramble from a cross, but Rafael Carioca produced a superb block to deny the Spain striker.
But Messi, once again, would step up to answer the call, and arrived at the far post to head home an Alexis Sanchezs cross with authority to put the hosts in front.Sanchez fashioned a similar opportunity moments later for Pedro, but he could not match Messis exploits as he sliced across the face of goal from a good position.
Barca played out the closing minutes with ease, as Spartak, worn out from tireless defending all game, simply had nothing left to respond.
barca rox
Xavi plays down Pique and Puyol absences
Xavi is confident that Barcelona has what it takes to deal with the absences of injured defenders Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol.
The former Manchester United man sustained a foot problem in the Catalans' 3-2 Champions League win over Spartak Moscow on Wednesday and will be out of action for a minimum of a fortnight, while the veteran is also sidelined.
However, Xavi has little doubt that Barca will be just fine without the Spain internationals.
"All of the players who have picked up injuries are important. Puyol and Pique, without a doubt are very important, but the team is big enough to cope with their absences," Xavi was quoted as saying on his club's official website.
"It’s clear that it would be good to get them back before the Clasico, but we have a good team. [Sergio] Busquets, [Alex] Song, who played a good game, [Javier] Mascherano... all of them can play in the center back position.
"We’re focusing on Saturday’s match. Before the Clasico there are two more league games and another Champions League fixture."
Barcelona resumes La Liga action on Sunday when its hosts Granada.
Xavi is confident that Barcelona has what it takes to deal with the absences of injured defenders Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol.
The former Manchester United man sustained a foot problem in the Catalans' 3-2 Champions League win over Spartak Moscow on Wednesday and will be out of action for a minimum of a fortnight, while the veteran is also sidelined.
However, Xavi has little doubt that Barca will be just fine without the Spain internationals.
"All of the players who have picked up injuries are important. Puyol and Pique, without a doubt are very important, but the team is big enough to cope with their absences," Xavi was quoted as saying on his club's official website.
"It’s clear that it would be good to get them back before the Clasico, but we have a good team. [Sergio] Busquets, [Alex] Song, who played a good game, [Javier] Mascherano... all of them can play in the center back position.
"We’re focusing on Saturday’s match. Before the Clasico there are two more league games and another Champions League fixture."
Barcelona resumes La Liga action on Sunday when its hosts Granada.
Martinez will remain Bayern's record signing for some time, claims Hoeness
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has made it clear that the signing of Javi Martinez from Athletic Bilbao for 40 million euros was an exception rather than the rule for the German giant.
The Spain international became the Bavarians' record capture following his summer move, and Hoeness believes the holding midfielder will remain the most expensive player to have joined the Bundesliga power in the coming years.
"The chance that we will make another big-money transfer like the Javi Martinez deal in the next 10 years or so is very slim," Hoeness said to 11Freunde. "I put my complete faith in (manager) Jupp Heynckes and (sporting director) Matthias Sammer for that signing. I deliberately opted not to go and watch the player in action.
"However, people should not all of a sudden think that the transfer madness has now reached Bayern Munich as well."
The 24-year-old Martinez has made three official appearances for Bayern so far.
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has made it clear that the signing of Javi Martinez from Athletic Bilbao for 40 million euros was an exception rather than the rule for the German giant.
The Spain international became the Bavarians' record capture following his summer move, and Hoeness believes the holding midfielder will remain the most expensive player to have joined the Bundesliga power in the coming years.
"The chance that we will make another big-money transfer like the Javi Martinez deal in the next 10 years or so is very slim," Hoeness said to 11Freunde. "I put my complete faith in (manager) Jupp Heynckes and (sporting director) Matthias Sammer for that signing. I deliberately opted not to go and watch the player in action.
"However, people should not all of a sudden think that the transfer madness has now reached Bayern Munich as well."
The 24-year-old Martinez has made three official appearances for Bayern so far.
'Nothing's hurting' - Kagawa emerges from Manchester United return fully fit
Manchester United attacker Shinji Kagawa insists he is fully fit after providing the game-winning assist in his team's 1-0 win over Galatasaray in their opening match of the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Kagawa made an impression in his first appearance since Sept. 6, where he was substituted at halftime in Japan's 1-0 friendly win against the United Arab Emirates.
After concerns over back pain that forced his withdrawal from Japan's World Cup qualifier against Iraq, the Samurai Blue star watched his club's 4-0 win last weekend against Wigan from the bench. He returned to start and play 84 minutes at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
"Nothing's hurting," Kagawa told Nikkan. "I've gotten back into form in practice, but I need to improve a bit more physically and increase my momentum."
Kagawa combined with teammate Michael Carrick in the eighth minute, sending the midfielder clear on goal with a well-placed pass from just outside the penalty area, one that Carrick slotted home for the lone tally.
"We got off to a good start at home," Kagawa said. "We had two or three chances to score, and then when we did convert it became an easier game to play.
"Once I got the ball, I was able to pick up speed and move toward the goal. That sort of play is important, but I'm disappointed that I wasn't able to take any big shots."
Manchester United attacker Shinji Kagawa insists he is fully fit after providing the game-winning assist in his team's 1-0 win over Galatasaray in their opening match of the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Kagawa made an impression in his first appearance since Sept. 6, where he was substituted at halftime in Japan's 1-0 friendly win against the United Arab Emirates.
After concerns over back pain that forced his withdrawal from Japan's World Cup qualifier against Iraq, the Samurai Blue star watched his club's 4-0 win last weekend against Wigan from the bench. He returned to start and play 84 minutes at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
"Nothing's hurting," Kagawa told Nikkan. "I've gotten back into form in practice, but I need to improve a bit more physically and increase my momentum."
Kagawa combined with teammate Michael Carrick in the eighth minute, sending the midfielder clear on goal with a well-placed pass from just outside the penalty area, one that Carrick slotted home for the lone tally.
"We got off to a good start at home," Kagawa said. "We had two or three chances to score, and then when we did convert it became an easier game to play.
"Once I got the ball, I was able to pick up speed and move toward the goal. That sort of play is important, but I'm disappointed that I wasn't able to take any big shots."
Allegri has our full support, says AC Milan vice-president Galliani
Adriano Galliani has made it clear that AC Milan is not considering firing head coach Massimiliano Allegri, regardless of the outcome of Sunday's encounter versus Udinese.
The Rossoneri have been struggling to find their best form in the opening weeks of the 2012-13 campaign, but Galliani refuses to put all the blame on Allegri.
"The faith that we have in Allegri won't expire on Sunday in Udine," Galliani stated to reporters.
"Any coach in the world would be at risk if he lost 10 games in a row, but that’s not the case here. We don’t want it to happen to us."
A number of reports suggested that Silvio Berlusconi was ready to give Allegri the sack after Tuesday's draw against Anderlecht, but that Galliani insisted on keeping the 45-year-old on board.
Nevertheless, Galliani has stressed that Berlusconi and he share the same point of view regarding Allegri's future at the club.
"Berlusconi and I have known each other for 33 years, so there isn't any possibility of a misunderstanding between us," he added.
Milan currently sits 10th in the Serie A table with three points from as many games.
Adriano Galliani has made it clear that AC Milan is not considering firing head coach Massimiliano Allegri, regardless of the outcome of Sunday's encounter versus Udinese.
The Rossoneri have been struggling to find their best form in the opening weeks of the 2012-13 campaign, but Galliani refuses to put all the blame on Allegri.
"The faith that we have in Allegri won't expire on Sunday in Udine," Galliani stated to reporters.
"Any coach in the world would be at risk if he lost 10 games in a row, but that’s not the case here. We don’t want it to happen to us."
A number of reports suggested that Silvio Berlusconi was ready to give Allegri the sack after Tuesday's draw against Anderlecht, but that Galliani insisted on keeping the 45-year-old on board.
Nevertheless, Galliani has stressed that Berlusconi and he share the same point of view regarding Allegri's future at the club.
"Berlusconi and I have known each other for 33 years, so there isn't any possibility of a misunderstanding between us," he added.
Milan currently sits 10th in the Serie A table with three points from as many games.
Cristian Tello poised to sign new Barcelona deal
Cristian Tello has revealed that his agent is in advanced talks with Barcelona over a new and improved contract.
The versatile attacker's current deal is due to expire next summer, and Tello has reportedly attracted the interest of a number of foreign clubs. Nevertheless, a transfer away from Camp Nou does not seem to be an option for the winger, with a contract extension on the horizon.
"The contract renewal is going well. Barca are in talks with my agent, and I hope it's a done deal soon," Tello was quoted as saying by Marca.
The 21-year-old attacker came through the ranks of the Barcelona youth academy, and he made his official first team debut in November, 2011. He has since developed into an integral first team member at the Catalan giants, and he played a big role in the club's UEFA Champions League win over Spartak Moscow Wednesday with a goal and an assist.
Cristian Tello has revealed that his agent is in advanced talks with Barcelona over a new and improved contract.
The versatile attacker's current deal is due to expire next summer, and Tello has reportedly attracted the interest of a number of foreign clubs. Nevertheless, a transfer away from Camp Nou does not seem to be an option for the winger, with a contract extension on the horizon.
"The contract renewal is going well. Barca are in talks with my agent, and I hope it's a done deal soon," Tello was quoted as saying by Marca.
The 21-year-old attacker came through the ranks of the Barcelona youth academy, and he made his official first team debut in November, 2011. He has since developed into an integral first team member at the Catalan giants, and he played a big role in the club's UEFA Champions League win over Spartak Moscow Wednesday with a goal and an assist.
Drogba: No regrets leaving Chelsea for Shanghai Shenhua
Didier Drogba has insisted that he is "really happy" at Shanghai Shenhua and hopes to see out his two-and-a-half-year contract at the club.
The 34-year-old striker left Chelsea in the summer on a free transfer, but reports of financial trouble at the Chinese club has led to rumors that he could return to the Premier League.
Drogba, though, says that he will see out his current deal for the Chinese Super League outfit, and believes he has no incentive to go elsewhere.
"I hope more because I'm really happy here. I miss the Premier League, because it's the best league in the world, but really I don't regret my choice," Drogba told BBC Sport. "I just arrived like two months ago, so I'm really happy. I am, I'm really happy here, so I have no reasons to leave. I don't want to leave here."
Drogba scored 157 goals in his eight years at Chelsea and scored the decisive penalty in its UEFA Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich at the end of last season. The Ivorian has since scored five goals in seven games for Shenhua, who he joined midway through its campaign, and hopes to win trophies with the club in the future.
"I want to stay here, as long as I can win some trophies with my team and make our fans very happy," Drogba added. "It's difficult at the moment, but I know that there's hope and I believe."
Drogba says he will "never forget" his time at Chelsea, and the moment the Blues lifted the Champions League trophy, describing it as the "best moment of my career."
"To be able to win it in that kind of game was perfect, and it's something you will never forget," he said. "But you have to carry on in life, so now I am focused on what I can bring to the Chinese league. Hopefully, within a few years, when my contract finishes here, I will be sitting with you and talking about how fantastic it was to win the Asian Champions League."
Didier Drogba has insisted that he is "really happy" at Shanghai Shenhua and hopes to see out his two-and-a-half-year contract at the club.
The 34-year-old striker left Chelsea in the summer on a free transfer, but reports of financial trouble at the Chinese club has led to rumors that he could return to the Premier League.
Drogba, though, says that he will see out his current deal for the Chinese Super League outfit, and believes he has no incentive to go elsewhere.
"I hope more because I'm really happy here. I miss the Premier League, because it's the best league in the world, but really I don't regret my choice," Drogba told BBC Sport. "I just arrived like two months ago, so I'm really happy. I am, I'm really happy here, so I have no reasons to leave. I don't want to leave here."
Drogba scored 157 goals in his eight years at Chelsea and scored the decisive penalty in its UEFA Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich at the end of last season. The Ivorian has since scored five goals in seven games for Shenhua, who he joined midway through its campaign, and hopes to win trophies with the club in the future.
"I want to stay here, as long as I can win some trophies with my team and make our fans very happy," Drogba added. "It's difficult at the moment, but I know that there's hope and I believe."
Drogba says he will "never forget" his time at Chelsea, and the moment the Blues lifted the Champions League trophy, describing it as the "best moment of my career."
"To be able to win it in that kind of game was perfect, and it's something you will never forget," he said. "But you have to carry on in life, so now I am focused on what I can bring to the Chinese league. Hopefully, within a few years, when my contract finishes here, I will be sitting with you and talking about how fantastic it was to win the Asian Champions League."
Ganso completes move from Santos to Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo has announced on its official website that it has completed the transfer of Ganso from Santos for an undisclosed fee. The attacking midfielder has signed a five-year deal with his new club.
The Morumbi side was eager to bring in a replacement for Lucas Moura, who will leave the club for Paris Saint-Germain in the January transfer window, and has now found its man in Ganso.
The Tricolor Paulista have acquired 45 percent of the attacking midfielder's economical rights, with the remaining 55 percent remaining with investment company DIS.
"I am very happy with this move. This is a dream come true. Other clubs also showed an interest in signing me, but Sao Paulo was my first choice right away. I can't wait to repay them for all they've done to sign me," Ganso said.
Ganso had set his sights on a move away from Santos after the club refused to meet his wage demands, following his request for a significant pay rise.
Flamengo and Gremio had also shown an interest in luring the player away from Santos, but the 22-year-old will now continue his career at Sao Paulo instead.
Sao Paulo has announced on its official website that it has completed the transfer of Ganso from Santos for an undisclosed fee. The attacking midfielder has signed a five-year deal with his new club.
The Morumbi side was eager to bring in a replacement for Lucas Moura, who will leave the club for Paris Saint-Germain in the January transfer window, and has now found its man in Ganso.
The Tricolor Paulista have acquired 45 percent of the attacking midfielder's economical rights, with the remaining 55 percent remaining with investment company DIS.
"I am very happy with this move. This is a dream come true. Other clubs also showed an interest in signing me, but Sao Paulo was my first choice right away. I can't wait to repay them for all they've done to sign me," Ganso said.
Ganso had set his sights on a move away from Santos after the club refused to meet his wage demands, following his request for a significant pay rise.
Flamengo and Gremio had also shown an interest in luring the player away from Santos, but the 22-year-old will now continue his career at Sao Paulo instead.
Villas-Boas hopes for UEFA action if racist chants at Tottenham proven
Tottenham head coach Andre Villas-Boas says that he did not hear any racist chanting alleged to have been directed by Lazio fans at his players during their 0-0 Europa League draw but expects action should proof be found.
UEFA president Michel Platini was in attendance as supporters of the visiting Italian side was claimed to have aimed monkey noises at Jermain Defoe, Andros Townsend and captain Aaron Lennon. And Villas-Boas indicated that he would leave the European governing body to deal with the reported incident.
"I think so," he replied to the post-match press conference when asked if he expected UEFA to act should the allegations be proven. "UEFA is very active on this kind of situation and our overall objective is to kick racism out of football.
"I can't point the finger at anyone in any way shape or form tonight because I didn't hear anything. It's for the authorities to follow up in any kind of investigation."
Spurs had three goals ruled out by the match officials as the two sides played out a stalemate in their opening Group J encounter.
Tottenham head coach Andre Villas-Boas says that he did not hear any racist chanting alleged to have been directed by Lazio fans at his players during their 0-0 Europa League draw but expects action should proof be found.
UEFA president Michel Platini was in attendance as supporters of the visiting Italian side was claimed to have aimed monkey noises at Jermain Defoe, Andros Townsend and captain Aaron Lennon. And Villas-Boas indicated that he would leave the European governing body to deal with the reported incident.
"I think so," he replied to the post-match press conference when asked if he expected UEFA to act should the allegations be proven. "UEFA is very active on this kind of situation and our overall objective is to kick racism out of football.
"I can't point the finger at anyone in any way shape or form tonight because I didn't hear anything. It's for the authorities to follow up in any kind of investigation."
Spurs had three goals ruled out by the match officials as the two sides played out a stalemate in their opening Group J encounter.
Dempsey aggrieved by disallowed Tottenham goals
Tottenham forward Clint Dempsey expressed his frustration after having a goal ruled out for offside in Thursday's 0-0 Europa League draw with Lazio.
The 29-year-old American, who was making his full debut for the club following his move from Fulham, believes his goal should have stood after he headed one into Lazio's net off a pass from Gareth Bale in the 22nd minute. It was the American midfielder's first home game with the club.
“I thought I was level with the line, it was a good ball from (Gareth) Bale, I got on the end of it and thought I opened my account but it was offside," Dempsey told ITV.
“That's the way it goes sometimes but they defended well, set up to counterattack and were tough to break down but we had some chances and were unlucky to get the goal tonight."
Dempsey was starting for the first time in two games since joining Spurs from Fulham at the transfer deadline.
“It's good to get games and get more minutes," he said. "I'm trying to create chances, get on the end of things, I can play other positions but they were tough and sat back and played on the counter. But we did have some chances and were unlucky not to get a goal.”
The north London side also had strikes from Jermain Defoe and Steven Caulker ruled out by officials at White Hart Lane, as it kicked off its Group J campaign with a stalemate.
Tottenham forward Clint Dempsey expressed his frustration after having a goal ruled out for offside in Thursday's 0-0 Europa League draw with Lazio.
The 29-year-old American, who was making his full debut for the club following his move from Fulham, believes his goal should have stood after he headed one into Lazio's net off a pass from Gareth Bale in the 22nd minute. It was the American midfielder's first home game with the club.
“I thought I was level with the line, it was a good ball from (Gareth) Bale, I got on the end of it and thought I opened my account but it was offside," Dempsey told ITV.
“That's the way it goes sometimes but they defended well, set up to counterattack and were tough to break down but we had some chances and were unlucky to get the goal tonight."
Dempsey was starting for the first time in two games since joining Spurs from Fulham at the transfer deadline.
“It's good to get games and get more minutes," he said. "I'm trying to create chances, get on the end of things, I can play other positions but they were tough and sat back and played on the counter. But we did have some chances and were unlucky not to get a goal.”
The north London side also had strikes from Jermain Defoe and Steven Caulker ruled out by officials at White Hart Lane, as it kicked off its Group J campaign with a stalemate.
Chelsea condemns racist tweets directed at Mikel
Chelsea confirmed that Jon Obi Mikel has closed his account on social networking website Twitter after receiving racial abuse following the 2-2 draw with Juventus on Wednesday evening.
The midfielder was at fault for the Italians' equalizer, as his misplaced pass allowed Fabio Quagliarella in to deny the Blues all three points in their opening Champions League Group E game.
That error led to several racist tweets being directed at the Nigeria international, something which the west London club has now condemned.
Chelsea wrote on Twitter: “Abuse on social networks is abhorrent. Racist tweets towards Mikel are totally unacceptable. Police informed. #CFC supports strongest action.”
Two hours earlier, the Stamford Bridge side had tweeted to deny reports that the 25-year-old had been targeted through the site but has now been forced to backtrack.
The original tweet read: “Not true Mikel quit Twitter due to messages received. He'd wanted to leave for a while & deleted his acct today without looking at it. #CFC”
Mikel accepted full responsibility for his mistake after Wednesday's game, telling Sky Sports, “'I'm disappointed, it was my pass and I over-hit it.”
Chelsea confirmed that Jon Obi Mikel has closed his account on social networking website Twitter after receiving racial abuse following the 2-2 draw with Juventus on Wednesday evening.
The midfielder was at fault for the Italians' equalizer, as his misplaced pass allowed Fabio Quagliarella in to deny the Blues all three points in their opening Champions League Group E game.
That error led to several racist tweets being directed at the Nigeria international, something which the west London club has now condemned.
Chelsea wrote on Twitter: “Abuse on social networks is abhorrent. Racist tweets towards Mikel are totally unacceptable. Police informed. #CFC supports strongest action.”
Two hours earlier, the Stamford Bridge side had tweeted to deny reports that the 25-year-old had been targeted through the site but has now been forced to backtrack.
The original tweet read: “Not true Mikel quit Twitter due to messages received. He'd wanted to leave for a while & deleted his acct today without looking at it. #CFC”
Mikel accepted full responsibility for his mistake after Wednesday's game, telling Sky Sports, “'I'm disappointed, it was my pass and I over-hit it.”
Nuri Sahin: I know what decision Kaka will make in the next transfer window
Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin says Real Madrid's Kaka has already decided on his next move, suggesting that a January exit for the Brazilian looks likely.
Currently on loan at Liverpool from Madrid, Sahin also claimed that Kaka, who has yet to feature this season, rejected a move to Turkey during the summer. “I know he had an offer from Turkish football,” Sahin told NTVSport. “And I know what decision he is taking in the winter market, but I cannot reveal that.”
The former Borussia Dortmund star then reflected on his own situation, explaining why he chose to join Liverpool.“I went out on loan after three meetings with Mourinho. I chose Liverpool because I wanted to play at a club with a historical tradition," he said. “I have played at big clubs in Germany and Spain and now I play for the best team in England.
“Steven Gerrard is a fantastic player and captain. He looks after the younger players, especially Raheem Sterling. I can learn many things from him, it’s an honor to play alongside him.”
Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin says Real Madrid's Kaka has already decided on his next move, suggesting that a January exit for the Brazilian looks likely.
Currently on loan at Liverpool from Madrid, Sahin also claimed that Kaka, who has yet to feature this season, rejected a move to Turkey during the summer. “I know he had an offer from Turkish football,” Sahin told NTVSport. “And I know what decision he is taking in the winter market, but I cannot reveal that.”
The former Borussia Dortmund star then reflected on his own situation, explaining why he chose to join Liverpool.“I went out on loan after three meetings with Mourinho. I chose Liverpool because I wanted to play at a club with a historical tradition," he said. “I have played at big clubs in Germany and Spain and now I play for the best team in England.
“Steven Gerrard is a fantastic player and captain. He looks after the younger players, especially Raheem Sterling. I can learn many things from him, it’s an honor to play alongside him.”
Rodgers hails 'magnificent' Liverpool youngsters after thrilling Young Boys win
Brendan Rodgers has hailed his youthful Liverpool side after its 5-3 Europa League win over Young Boys on Thursday evening.
Jonjo Shelvey's late double sealed the win after both sides had held the lead and the Ulsterman praised his youngsters' determination to fight back from a losing position to win, citing Tottenham's 3-2 Champions League defeat in 2010 as evidence that victory over the Swiss side was a fine achievement for his charges.
"I've got to give credit to the players, I thought they were absolutely magnificent," he told ITV Sport. "We had a very very young side and I think everyone saw when Tottenham came here a couple of years ago in the Champions League, how difficult a game they had but as I said I thought the boys were brilliant.
"It was a real tough game tonight and the biggest thing we showed tonight alongside our quality was our character. We've got a lot of young players, like everyone knows, within the group and to come from behind, in a European game, makes me really proud and it was a fantastic game to be involved in."
Rodgers brought several young players into the squad, including debutant Andre Wisdom, who crowned his Reds bow by scoring his side's second goal, a towering header, and the 39-year-old picked out the impact of one experienced head amongst them.
"I thought all the young players that came in were absolutely fantastic. The likes of Andre getting his first game, you can see he's quick, he's strong and he's good in the opponents' box, scored a terrific goal," he said.
"I thought young Suso was outstanding too, he's a real talent, the type of player I like. He's exciting and once he adds goals to his game he's going to be really outstanding.
"I thought overall, Jamie Carragher led from the back with his experience but the whole team was magnificent and the tactical discipline in the game was very good."
The former Swansea City boss also dismissed claims that he had been "brave" to field the much changed line-up, declaring that he had full belief in the players to come in and make the difference.
"I don't see it as courageous or brave," he insisted. "I just have trust in my players. I think we're getting to grips with the players we have available to us.
"We've still got a long way to go but the most important characteristic is our fight and from all the senior players to the young players, we're very much one club and we've seized an opportunity today, especially the young players.
"But most importantly, it's great to get three points in the first game."
Brendan Rodgers has hailed his youthful Liverpool side after its 5-3 Europa League win over Young Boys on Thursday evening.
Jonjo Shelvey's late double sealed the win after both sides had held the lead and the Ulsterman praised his youngsters' determination to fight back from a losing position to win, citing Tottenham's 3-2 Champions League defeat in 2010 as evidence that victory over the Swiss side was a fine achievement for his charges.
"I've got to give credit to the players, I thought they were absolutely magnificent," he told ITV Sport. "We had a very very young side and I think everyone saw when Tottenham came here a couple of years ago in the Champions League, how difficult a game they had but as I said I thought the boys were brilliant.
"It was a real tough game tonight and the biggest thing we showed tonight alongside our quality was our character. We've got a lot of young players, like everyone knows, within the group and to come from behind, in a European game, makes me really proud and it was a fantastic game to be involved in."
Rodgers brought several young players into the squad, including debutant Andre Wisdom, who crowned his Reds bow by scoring his side's second goal, a towering header, and the 39-year-old picked out the impact of one experienced head amongst them.
"I thought all the young players that came in were absolutely fantastic. The likes of Andre getting his first game, you can see he's quick, he's strong and he's good in the opponents' box, scored a terrific goal," he said.
"I thought young Suso was outstanding too, he's a real talent, the type of player I like. He's exciting and once he adds goals to his game he's going to be really outstanding.
"I thought overall, Jamie Carragher led from the back with his experience but the whole team was magnificent and the tactical discipline in the game was very good."
The former Swansea City boss also dismissed claims that he had been "brave" to field the much changed line-up, declaring that he had full belief in the players to come in and make the difference.
"I don't see it as courageous or brave," he insisted. "I just have trust in my players. I think we're getting to grips with the players we have available to us.
"We've still got a long way to go but the most important characteristic is our fight and from all the senior players to the young players, we're very much one club and we've seized an opportunity today, especially the young players.
"But most importantly, it's great to get three points in the first game."
Tottenham 0-0 Lazio: Villas-Boas still searching for first home win as Spurs are stalled again
Tottenham saw both Clint Dempsey and Steven Caulker have goals disallowed as the club began its Europa League campaign with a 0-0 draw with Lazio at White Hart Lane on Thursday night.
The American, making his full debut, connected with a Gareth Bale cross but was adjudged offside, before Caulker rose at the back-post in the second period, only to see his header ruled out for a foul on Stefano Mauri.
Andre Villas-Boas gave full debuts to Hugo Lloris and Dempsey as well as handing Caulker his first start of the season while Aaron Lennon captained a strong Spurs team.
Tottenham began the game brightly, confident in possession in front of a Lazio team happy to feel its way into the fixture and although the hosts tentatively prodded at the Italians, it was Vladimir Petkovic's team that created the first opportunity of the match.
Kyle Walker's lax header relinquished possession in his own half, allowing Christian Ledesma to play his left back Senad Lulic in behind. The Bosnian's first-time cross to an unmarked Miroslav Klose looked an inevitable goal but the 34-year-old fluffed his lines, missing the ball under pressure from Lloris.
This sparked the north London side into action and Lennon latched onto a neat pass from Jermain Defoe but saw his pass to Bale intercepted, before a second cross had the Welshman force Federico Marchetti to tip over the bar.
Just after the 20th minute, Dempsey was denied a maiden goal by the linesman's flag as he nodded an excellent cross from Bale into the back of the net. Though it looked close, on reflection, the Texan was ever so slightly offside.
The game was finely poised and although it lacked creativity at times, Lazio was never the whipping boy. Three minutes before halftime Jan Vertonghen's defensive clearance was walloped back at goal on the volley by Alvaro Gonzalez, and despite beating Lloris, the crossbar prevented the Uruguayan opening the scoring.
The referee rather oddly blew the halftime whistle 30 seconds before the full 45 minutes had been played, but in a half that occasionally lapsed into procession, it had a bizarre logic.
There were no changes for either side at the break and in what was a noticeably quicker resumption to play, Tottenham carved the first clear-cut chance.
Defoe, who had linked play well with the midfield behind him, drifted into the right channel and as he took Andre Dias, the center back, with him, cut inside and rolled Lennon in on goal. The winger took an unnecessary first touch, where a shot looked the better option, but his blocked shot and the ensuing bundle almost landed in the Lazio goal under pressure from Dempsey.
However, the Biancocelesti survived but again had to thank the linesman minutes later for flagging for offside as Bale rolled the ball into Defoe for a tap-in.
As the game wore on, the Italian outfit began snapping at the heels of Bale and Lennon and collected a handful of bookings. From one such resulting free kick, Sandro really should have given Spurs the lead but his header lacked clarity and skidded past the far post.
And set-pieces began to prove the home side's best chance of taking the lead. Firstly Dempsey was rugby tackled by Klose in the box before Caulker saw his planted header from a corner ruled out by the referee for a fairly innocuous collision with Mauri.
With 15 minutes to play, Gylfi Sigurdsson was introduced for Dempsey as Villas-Boas chased a late winner but Petkovic's side slowed the tempo with intelligent use of the dark arts.
Yet, there was one final chance for Spurs as substitute Andros Townsend stole in unmarked at the back post, but his header lacked conviction and direction, bouncing out for a goal kick, leaving Bale and Co. frustrated figures in the centre of the six-yard box.
All in all, it was a display that didn't quite live up to its billing, as the clash between two clubs that share a sentimental history ultimately, underwhelmed. That said, as the two heavyweights in Group J, sharing the spoils cannot be sniffed at and there were certainly positives to take to the weekend as Villas-Boas targets his first home victory. Tottenham 0-0 Lazio: Villas-Boas still searching for first home win as Spurs are stalled again
Tottenham saw both Clint Dempsey and Steven Caulker have goals disallowed as the club began its Europa League campaign with a 0-0 draw with Lazio at White Hart Lane on Thursday night.
The American, making his full debut, connected with a Gareth Bale cross but was adjudged offside, before Caulker rose at the back-post in the second period, only to see his header ruled out for a foul on Stefano Mauri.
Andre Villas-Boas gave full debuts to Hugo Lloris and Dempsey as well as handing Caulker his first start of the season while Aaron Lennon captained a strong Spurs team.
Tottenham began the game brightly, confident in possession in front of a Lazio team happy to feel its way into the fixture and although the hosts tentatively prodded at the Italians, it was Vladimir Petkovic's team that created the first opportunity of the match.
Kyle Walker's lax header relinquished possession in his own half, allowing Christian Ledesma to play his left back Senad Lulic in behind. The Bosnian's first-time cross to an unmarked Miroslav Klose looked an inevitable goal but the 34-year-old fluffed his lines, missing the ball under pressure from Lloris.
This sparked the north London side into action and Lennon latched onto a neat pass from Jermain Defoe but saw his pass to Bale intercepted, before a second cross had the Welshman force Federico Marchetti to tip over the bar.
Just after the 20th minute, Dempsey was denied a maiden goal by the linesman's flag as he nodded an excellent cross from Bale into the back of the net. Though it looked close, on reflection, the Texan was ever so slightly offside.
The game was finely poised and although it lacked creativity at times, Lazio was never the whipping boy. Three minutes before halftime Jan Vertonghen's defensive clearance was walloped back at goal on the volley by Alvaro Gonzalez, and despite beating Lloris, the crossbar prevented the Uruguayan opening the scoring.
The referee rather oddly blew the halftime whistle 30 seconds before the full 45 minutes had been played, but in a half that occasionally lapsed into procession, it had a bizarre logic.
There were no changes for either side at the break and in what was a noticeably quicker resumption to play, Tottenham carved the first clear-cut chance.
Defoe, who had linked play well with the midfield behind him, drifted into the right channel and as he took Andre Dias, the center back, with him, cut inside and rolled Lennon in on goal. The winger took an unnecessary first touch, where a shot looked the better option, but his blocked shot and the ensuing bundle almost landed in the Lazio goal under pressure from Dempsey.
However, the Biancocelesti survived but again had to thank the linesman minutes later for flagging for offside as Bale rolled the ball into Defoe for a tap-in.
As the game wore on, the Italian outfit began snapping at the heels of Bale and Lennon and collected a handful of bookings. From one such resulting free kick, Sandro really should have given Spurs the lead but his header lacked clarity and skidded past the far post.
And set-pieces began to prove the home side's best chance of taking the lead. Firstly Dempsey was rugby tackled by Klose in the box before Caulker saw his planted header from a corner ruled out by the referee for a fairly innocuous collision with Mauri.
With 15 minutes to play, Gylfi Sigurdsson was introduced for Dempsey as Villas-Boas chased a late winner but Petkovic's side slowed the tempo with intelligent use of the dark arts.
Yet, there was one final chance for Spurs as substitute Andros Townsend stole in unmarked at the back post, but his header lacked conviction and direction, bouncing out for a goal kick, leaving Bale and Co. frustrated figures in the centre of the six-yard box.
All in all, it was a display that didn't quite live up to its billing, as the clash between two clubs that share a sentimental history ultimately, underwhelmed. That said, as the two heavyweights in Group J, sharing the spoils cannot be sniffed at and there were certainly positives to take to the weekend as Villas-Boas targets his first home victory. Tottenham 0-0 Lazio: Villas-Boas still searching for first home win as Spurs are stalled again
Inter 2-2 Rubin Kazan: Nagatomo rescues dramatic late point
Inter had to thank Yuto Nagatomo for his efforts, as the fullback snatched his side a last-gasp 2-2 draw with Rubin Kazan in the Europa League on Thursday.
The Russians took the lead through Aleksandr Ryazantsev indirectly from the penalty spot inside the first 17 minutes, before Marko Livaja, on his Nerazzurri debut, restored parity shortly before halftime.
Salomon Rondon seemed to have stolen all three points with a fine finish in the latter stages, but it was not to be as the Japanese defender volleyed home in the second minute of stoppage time.
An absorbing clash was witnessed at the Giuseppe Meazza, with both teams keen to get their European campaigns on the road, and it was Inter which began most positively, with Antonio Cassano especially lively from the off.
However, arguably against the run of play, Rubin was presented with the chance to strike first blood - Jonathan fouled Karadeniz Gokdeniz in the area, and although Bibras Natcho saw his penalty well stopped by Samir Handanovic, Ryazantsev applied the rebound.
The hosts were then gifted a pair of decent chances to redeem themselves, but Jonathan could not place his shot past Sergey Ryzhikov from several yards out, while Livaja failed to make a glorious chance count off his head.
Still, they continued to chip away at the Rubin resistance, and they were good value for their respite, as Cassano's through pass was read by Esteban Cambiasso, who curled in a ball for ex-Primavera prospect Livaja to nod in.
A similar story unfolded after the break, as Inter continued to rifle in shots at will, but without any luck. Philippe Coutinho and Fredy Guarin being most guilty of speculative drives. It appeared the Italian giants had begun to run out of ideas.
It allowed Rubin to regain control of the tie, and it seemed to have found the winner with only four minutes to spare. Salomon Rondon was released in the clear by Roman Eremenko, before overcoming Andrea Ranocchia and coolly tucking a finish away.
But Yuto Nagatomo had other ideas. The likes of Diego Milito and Alvaro Pereira were hauled on as the Milanese side went to look for the all-important second goal, and the Argentine's cross was struck with aplomb by the full-back.
The result means all the sides in Group H are level on a single point, as Partizan Belgrade and Neftchi Baku also registered opening-day draws. Next up for Inter is a home match against Siena in Serie A.
Inter had to thank Yuto Nagatomo for his efforts, as the fullback snatched his side a last-gasp 2-2 draw with Rubin Kazan in the Europa League on Thursday.
The Russians took the lead through Aleksandr Ryazantsev indirectly from the penalty spot inside the first 17 minutes, before Marko Livaja, on his Nerazzurri debut, restored parity shortly before halftime.
Salomon Rondon seemed to have stolen all three points with a fine finish in the latter stages, but it was not to be as the Japanese defender volleyed home in the second minute of stoppage time.
An absorbing clash was witnessed at the Giuseppe Meazza, with both teams keen to get their European campaigns on the road, and it was Inter which began most positively, with Antonio Cassano especially lively from the off.
However, arguably against the run of play, Rubin was presented with the chance to strike first blood - Jonathan fouled Karadeniz Gokdeniz in the area, and although Bibras Natcho saw his penalty well stopped by Samir Handanovic, Ryazantsev applied the rebound.
The hosts were then gifted a pair of decent chances to redeem themselves, but Jonathan could not place his shot past Sergey Ryzhikov from several yards out, while Livaja failed to make a glorious chance count off his head.
Still, they continued to chip away at the Rubin resistance, and they were good value for their respite, as Cassano's through pass was read by Esteban Cambiasso, who curled in a ball for ex-Primavera prospect Livaja to nod in.
A similar story unfolded after the break, as Inter continued to rifle in shots at will, but without any luck. Philippe Coutinho and Fredy Guarin being most guilty of speculative drives. It appeared the Italian giants had begun to run out of ideas.
It allowed Rubin to regain control of the tie, and it seemed to have found the winner with only four minutes to spare. Salomon Rondon was released in the clear by Roman Eremenko, before overcoming Andrea Ranocchia and coolly tucking a finish away.
But Yuto Nagatomo had other ideas. The likes of Diego Milito and Alvaro Pereira were hauled on as the Milanese side went to look for the all-important second goal, and the Argentine's cross was struck with aplomb by the full-back.
The result means all the sides in Group H are level on a single point, as Partizan Belgrade and Neftchi Baku also registered opening-day draws. Next up for Inter is a home match against Siena in Serie A.
Young Boys 3-5 Liverpool: Shelvey double helps Rodgers’ Reds edge eight-goal thriller
Liverpool kicked its Europa League campaign off with a thrilling 5-3 win over Young Boys in Switzerland.
Juhani Ojala's bizarre own-goal gave the Reds the lead in the fourth minute but Young Boys fought back and a defensive lapse allowed Raphael Nuzzolo to equalize but Andre Wisdom's header soon after restored the Reds' lead.
Young Boys pushed on in the second half, Ojama made amends for his earlier mishap with a goal of his own before Gonzalo Zarate turned the game on its head, but Sebastian Coates equalized from a corner before Jonjo Shelvey scored twice to seal three points for the Premier League outfit.
Brendan Rodgers made eight changes to the side that drew at Sunderland last weekend, including appearances for youngsters Dani Pacheco, Suso and Wisdom, as well as handing Nuri Sahin a start in midfield.
The Reds got off to the best possible start, albeit in freakish circumstances. Downing's cross from the right looked non-threatening but Christoph Spycher's clearing header hit Ojala in the face and trickled past a helpless Marco Wolfi in the Young Boys goal.
The home side looked to get back into the tie quickly, Raul Bobadilla turned Jamie Carragher with ease before drawing a save from Brad Jones and Alexander Farnerud also got better of the 34-year-old before tumbling in the box, but not receiving a penalty.
Eventually, Young Boys broke down the Reds' defense, Bobadilla and Farnerud combining to move down the pitch. Jose Enrique shut the Argentine down, with the ball bobbling towards Jones, however, the Spaniard inexplicably took the ball past his keeper and could only scuff his clearance to Nuzzolo, who finished into the unguarded net.
The parity lasted less than three minutes, Enrique stormed down the left and won a corner, which was whipped by Sahin onto the head of Wisdom, who powered home a debut goal.
The last of the first-half action saw Farnerud slap the post with a 25-yard effort that was curled around Carragher, but the sides went in at the break with Liverpool ahead.
The home side got back on level terms for a second time, however, just seven minutes into the half as Liverpool failed to clear a corner fully and Bobadilla's cross was flicked home by Ojama, who found the net for the second time in the game.
Rodgers' response was to replace the inexperienced and ineffective Pacheco with Fabio Borini in an attempt to take the lead for the third time.
It backfired however, as a lightning counterattack by the home side following a Reds corner saw the powerful Bobadilla release Zarate down the right flank, where he took a touch before dinking a delightful finish over the onrushing Jones.
The topsy-turvy contest took another twist just six minutes later. Borini saw a one-on-one saved and from Downing's resulting corner, Coates leaped above Ojama and looped a header into the far corner, with the Italian making life difficult for the defenders on the line.
The goals continued with 75 minutes on the clock. Young Boys' Elsad Zverotic played a blind back-pass straight to Borini, the Italian bursting forward before switching play to Henderson who slipped the ball to substitute Shelvey. The 20-year-old tucked home from 12 yards.
With the home side pushing forward, Liverpool sealed the win with just five minutes remaining. Shelvey slalomed his way through a couple of tackles before blasting a left-footed effort past Wolfi to secure the three points.
Liverpool kicked its Europa League campaign off with a thrilling 5-3 win over Young Boys in Switzerland.
Juhani Ojala's bizarre own-goal gave the Reds the lead in the fourth minute but Young Boys fought back and a defensive lapse allowed Raphael Nuzzolo to equalize but Andre Wisdom's header soon after restored the Reds' lead.
Young Boys pushed on in the second half, Ojama made amends for his earlier mishap with a goal of his own before Gonzalo Zarate turned the game on its head, but Sebastian Coates equalized from a corner before Jonjo Shelvey scored twice to seal three points for the Premier League outfit.
Brendan Rodgers made eight changes to the side that drew at Sunderland last weekend, including appearances for youngsters Dani Pacheco, Suso and Wisdom, as well as handing Nuri Sahin a start in midfield.
The Reds got off to the best possible start, albeit in freakish circumstances. Downing's cross from the right looked non-threatening but Christoph Spycher's clearing header hit Ojala in the face and trickled past a helpless Marco Wolfi in the Young Boys goal.
The home side looked to get back into the tie quickly, Raul Bobadilla turned Jamie Carragher with ease before drawing a save from Brad Jones and Alexander Farnerud also got better of the 34-year-old before tumbling in the box, but not receiving a penalty.
Eventually, Young Boys broke down the Reds' defense, Bobadilla and Farnerud combining to move down the pitch. Jose Enrique shut the Argentine down, with the ball bobbling towards Jones, however, the Spaniard inexplicably took the ball past his keeper and could only scuff his clearance to Nuzzolo, who finished into the unguarded net.
The parity lasted less than three minutes, Enrique stormed down the left and won a corner, which was whipped by Sahin onto the head of Wisdom, who powered home a debut goal.
The last of the first-half action saw Farnerud slap the post with a 25-yard effort that was curled around Carragher, but the sides went in at the break with Liverpool ahead.
The home side got back on level terms for a second time, however, just seven minutes into the half as Liverpool failed to clear a corner fully and Bobadilla's cross was flicked home by Ojama, who found the net for the second time in the game.
Rodgers' response was to replace the inexperienced and ineffective Pacheco with Fabio Borini in an attempt to take the lead for the third time.
It backfired however, as a lightning counterattack by the home side following a Reds corner saw the powerful Bobadilla release Zarate down the right flank, where he took a touch before dinking a delightful finish over the onrushing Jones.
The topsy-turvy contest took another twist just six minutes later. Borini saw a one-on-one saved and from Downing's resulting corner, Coates leaped above Ojama and looped a header into the far corner, with the Italian making life difficult for the defenders on the line.
The goals continued with 75 minutes on the clock. Young Boys' Elsad Zverotic played a blind back-pass straight to Borini, the Italian bursting forward before switching play to Henderson who slipped the ball to substitute Shelvey. The 20-year-old tucked home from 12 yards.
With the home side pushing forward, Liverpool sealed the win with just five minutes remaining. Shelvey slalomed his way through a couple of tackles before blasting a left-footed effort past Wolfi to secure the three points.
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