..::Football II::..

[මුගටියා]

Mancini insists Arsenal can contend for Premier League title despite loss of Van Pers

Mancini insists Arsenal can contend for Premier League title despite loss of Van Persie

Manchester City's boss feels that the North London side will not let the departures of key players stop them challenging for English supremacy.

Arsene Wenger’s side is unbeaten start to the season, sitting third in the table, and the Gunners travel to the Eithad Stadium for a high-profile match on Sunday. Mancini observed that the departures of key players have not had a detrimental effect on the side, warning his charges against underestimating the Londoners.

"Arsenal can compete for the title this season," the Italian told reporters. "They are better than last season, even if they lost some good players. Maybe, because of that, there is less pressure on them this season.

"They lost Van Persie and Song, but the players they have brought in have experience and quality."

City come into the game off the back of a 3-2 UEFA Champions League loss to Real Madrid, in which the English side led on two occasions, only for the Spanish champions to score twice in the final five minutes to snatch all three points. Arsenal, meanwhile, rides the momentum of a 2-1 Champions League victory over Montpellier and is level with City on eight points through four matches.

 

[anrdeknyke]

Hi Anu!

Hi Thara
Man U nam hodata yanawa neh

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hi Thara
Man U nam hodata yanawa neh

Ow Anu dan nam Shape

Chelsea,Arsenal & CITY lath niyamai danmama kamathima Player kenek Chelsea join una nehHazard

 

[panchaz]

Ow Anu dan nam Shape

Chelsea,Arsenal & CITY lath niyamai danmama kamathima Player kenek Chelsea join una nehHazard

hey machan eda man city vs real madrid match eka patta ney

 

[Wolverine GTR]

hey machan eda man city vs real madrid match eka patta ney

Ow Aiya A Match 1kanam kiyala wadak naha Pattama gemak giya

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Moyes urges Everton to push for top four spot ahead of Swansea City trip

Everton manager David Moyes hopes his side can push for a top four place when it faces Swansea City on Saturday.

Moyes' side has secured seven points from its opening four Premier League games and was denied a victory in its last outing against Newcastle United on Monday following Demba Ba's late equalizer.

"We've quite often done that and not got in the position we really want to be,” Moyes told reporters. “Whether that's cup finals or semifinals or the chance to push ourselves into a really strong league position, so it's the next step we have to try to take."

Marouane Fellaini was denied a goal after being wrongly judged offside in Everton's 2-2 draw with Newcastle United, while Victor Anichebe’s header, which crossed the line, was ruled out by officials.

"The goalline one you can say needs technology but the offside one is not going to change, so that disappointed me as much as the goal-line one,” Moyes explained.

"Technology will come in on the goalline, I've got no doubt about that, and I think it's moving forward," he said.

"It's frustrating because it's their [the officials'] job to get it right and they didn't get it right but looking back at the DVD of how we played throughout the night was very good."

Swansea City has also recorded seven points from its opening four Premier League games this season but suffered its first defeat under new manager Michael Laudrup last weekend following a 2-0 loss at Aston Villa.

Moyes, meanwhile, has been buoyed by Everton's early displays but admits he was disappointed with the result against Alan Pardew's men on Monday.

“We've been pleased with our form, with the performances of the players," said Moyes.

"We could have won it and there's no one else to blame but ourselves because we were 2-1 up with a few minutes to go and we didn't see it out. We have to play the games for 90 minutes and win them ourselves."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guti: Cristiano probably needs a little love

Former Real Madrid player Guti has spoken about Cristiano Ronaldo's situation at the club, saying the Portugual international's recent claims of being unhappy must be down to personal rather than financial reasons.

The 35-year-old scored 46 goals in 387 appearances for the Spanish champions, before moving to Besiktas prior to the 2010-11 season.

"If he [Ronaldo] is sad, it's not down to money, it will be about something personal," the former Spain international told reporters. "He probably just needs to feel a little love, something we all need sometimes."

Guti also gave his take on Madrid's stuttering start to this season's La Liga campaign, which has left them eight points off fierce rivals Barcelona.

"The team hasn't made a good start, but that's understandable given the European Championship," said the three-time Champions League winner.

"There's still a long way to go in the championship. [Winning] the tenth Champions League is a great objective and Madrid can achieve it this year, as well as battling it out with Barcelona in La Liga."

The retired attacking midfielder also played down the significance of defender Sergio Ramos being consigned to a place on the bench in the 3-2 home victory over Manchester City on Tuesday.

"There won't be any problem, it's happened before," said Guti. "Ramos plays a lot of games with Madrid and the national team and it was probably even good for him."

"Just because you miss a game, it's not the end of the world," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rodgers: Joe Cole returns to Liverpool training

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Joe Cole has returned to training with the first-team squad, but Lucas Leiva is still some way off a return to match action.



Cole has not featured for the Reds after aggravating a hamstring injury against West Brom on the first day of the season, with Lucas tearing a thigh muscle in the opening stages of the 2-2 draw against Manchester City at the end of August.
Rodgers told the club’s official website: "Joe is back in training with the group. He's still going to need a wee bit of time before he's anywhere near a game.

"He's been out for a few weeks now, so he needs a few weeks' training and a game or two below his belt before we can even consider him for the first team because he's broken down twice now and we need to manage that along."

Lucas is not expected to return until next month at the earliest, but Rodgers is positive about the progression of the Brazilian’s recovery.

He said: "Lucas is doing very well. He's working every day, working hard with the medical team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Heynckes: Schalke toughest test so far for Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has warned his team that this Saturday’s clash against Schalke will be the toughest test so far this season.

Die Roten complemented this season's 100 percent domestic record with a 2-1 Champions League victory at home to Valencia in midweek, with Toni Kroos particularly excelling during the game.

Meanwhile, the Royal Blues kicked off their own Champions League campaign with a 2-1 away win at Olympiakos and have seven points from a possible nine in the Bundesliga. This has caused the 67-year-old Bayern trainer to declare this weekend’s clash as "the toughest task we've undertaken so far".

However, although the Bayern coach has talked up the match, he fully expects his side to claim the three points in Gelsenkirchen and continue its great start to the season.
“We're nicely in the groove, as they say," he told a press conference.

"I'm confident we'll keep up the good work on Saturday. We were authoritative and imposed ourselves on the game against Valencia. We want to do it again on Saturday," he explained.
There is some cause for concern, though, as Franck Ribery is an injury doubt with the French international still not completely recovered from a strain that he picked up midweek against Valencia.

Whether the talented winger makes the game or not, former Schalke keeper and current Bayern number one, Manuel Neuer, has also paid testament to the quality of his ex-club.
"It's a clash between equals. Taking all three points will be very difficult," he said.And for Schalke, the team news is rather mixed. Rafinha returns to the squad for the first time this season, although the Ruhr club may be without Jermaine Jones and Klass-Jan Huntelaar who both picked up injuries midweek.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mexico to bid for right to host 2026 FIFA World Cup

Should the United States bid again for the right to host a FIFA men's World Cup after falling short in its effort to host the 2022 tournament, it appears that it will run into a familiar foe in the bidding process.

Mexico will bid to host the 2026 World Cup and the opportunity to become the first nation to host three World Cups after doing so in 1970 and 1986, according to Reuters.

"Mexico was a great host in '70 and '86, so we are indeed going to fight (for the right)," Mexican football federation president Justino Compean said. "We want to have a World Cup (again). There will be a strong competition with the United States. Mexico's football infrastructure keeps growing, and that World Cup can be feasible for Mexico.

"FIFA is always more demanding with all the structures that are needed. The great competitor (for 2026) is the United States, which has great resources, great stadiums, triple the population we have and all that counts."

The 2014 World Cup is slated to take place in Brazil, which will host the event for the second time in its history. Russia won the right to host the 2018 tournament, and Qatar was selected to host the 2022 event, beating out the bid from the United States amid controversy of alleged bribery and corruption involving members of FIFA's executive committee.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sir Alex Ferguson writes letter to Manchester United fans ahead of Liverpool fixture at Anfield

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has written a letter to his side's traveling supporters before the game against Liverpool on Sunday urging an end to tensions between the two clubs.

Relations have been strained over recent years, with last season's controversy surrounding racist abuse between Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra creating an unsavory atmosphere amongst fans.

Incidents of United fans standing in the way of gangways at away visits had prompted Liverpool to reduce ticket allocations for the Red Devils, a situation about which Sir Alex had previously spoken out.

After the publication of a report earlier in September exonerating Liverpool fans of responsibility for the deaths of 96 supporters at the Hillsborough disaster of 1989, and with a history of distasteful chanting about that tragedy to taunt the Anfield side, the Scot appealed to the better judgement of his team's following.

"Our rivalry with Liverpool is based on a determination to come out on top – a wish to see us crowned the best against a team that held that honor for so long," Sir Alex wrote in a document that will be handed out to all fans in the away end at Sunday's Premier League match.

"It cannot and should never be based on personal hatred."

Sir Alex Ferguson's letter in full:

Dear Supporter,

The great support you gave the team here last season has seen our allocation back up to near-full levels. I want you to continue that progress today.

But today is about much more than not blocking gangways. Today is about thinking hard about what makes United the best club in the world.

Our rivalry with Liverpool is based on a determination to come out on top – a wish to see us crowned the best against a team that held that honour for so long.

It cannot and should never be based on personal hatred. Just 10 days ago, we heard the terrible, damning truth about the deaths of 96 fans who went to watch their team try and reach the FA Cup final and never came back.

What happened to them should wake the conscience of everyone connected with the game.

Our great club stands with our great neighbours Liverpool today to remember that loss and pay tribute to their campaign for justice. I know I can count on you to stand with us in the best traditions of the best fans in the game.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Three QPR defenders ruled out ahead of Tottenham clash

QPR manager Mark Hughes faces a defensive crisis ahead of his side's trip to Tottenham on Sunday, with three regulars all having been ruled out.

Anton Ferdinand, Fabio and Armand Traore are all set miss the trip to White Hart Lane, creating a headache in defense for the manager, with midfielder Adel Taraabt also a doubt.

“We’ve got a number of injuries at the back,” Hughes told reporters. “Anton Ferdinand is not going to be involved.


“Fabio isn’t available – he’ll be out for a number of weeks. To compound that, Armand Traore is not available either. We’re going to have to move people around to accommodate for that.

“Adel Taraabt didn’t complete the session today so we’ll have to check him tomorrow. He felt a little bit of tightness so he may not be available tomorrow.”

The 48-year-old has also revealed that new signing Stephane Mbia will to wait for his debut as he continues his return to full match fitness.

Hughes did insist that the former Marseille man should be fit to make his bow for his new side in the following game but was hesitant to risk the defensive midfielder, who can also play at center back, too soon.

“Stephane’s not available either,” he added.

“We’re not going to risk him this weekend, he might be an option for midweek but hopefully we’ll get him back for this time next week.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Friedel hits out at 'ignorant' Barthez over Lloris comments

Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel has slammed former France international and Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez following his comments that suggested Hugo Lloris should be the first-choice goalkeeper with the club.

The situation at Spurs is a tense one, with four goalkeepers on the books competing to be starter. While Friedel is reaching the end of his career at the age of 41, he has been performing well this season for the club, which acquired Lloris, France's captain, at the end of the summer transfer window.

Lloris' compatriot Barthez suggested that the choice is a simple one, telling Le Parisien: "Lloris is one of the five best goalkeepers in the world. He is faster than Friedel, he jumps higher, and he is very strong mentally. What is happening now is incomprehensible, but I am not concerned. He will become the centerpiece for the club.

"Hugo is a calm guy, a good worker. Tottenham will not let him stay on the bench for a long time."

The comments were not received well by the American keeper, who expressed his feelings about Barthez' remarks on Twitter.

"Just saw barthez comments," Friedel (@friedel_b) tweeted. "I normally don't comment on such crap but when disrespected by someone I don't respect I must.

"Barthez was ignorant, disrespectful and out of order to mention my name."

Friedel has started all four of Tottenham's league games this season, extending his Premier League record to 308 consecutive appearances. Lloris started the club's UEFA Europa League match with Lazio Thursday, earning the clean sheet in the 0-0 draw.

 

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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

මොකද බන් මුන්ට වෙලා තියෙන්නේ.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

මොකද බන් මුන්ට වෙලා තියෙන්නේ.

Kattiya gatthata thama Hariyata Form wela naha Bro

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Carrera: Bendtner is ready to play for Juventus

Massimo Carrera has revealed that Juventus will have a full squad to pick from for Saturday's tie with Chievo at the Juventus Stadium, and suggested Arsenal's on-loan striker Nicklas Bendtner could feature.

The Bianconeri currently lie first in the early Serie A standings, ahead of Napoli and Lazio on goal difference.

"Everyone is available," the former Juve defender told reporters. "We'll work out our best starting line-up over the next two training sessions.

"We have many important players here and I'm confident that whoever is selected for Chievo will fit into our system well."

The 48-year-old also spoke of the encouragement his players could take from their 2-2 draw away to Chelsea in the Champions League.

"We'll take heart from the performance in London," said the once-capped Italy international. "We saw the aggressive, determined Juventus from last year."

Carrera also suggested that summer signing Bendtner could be in line to make his debut.

"Bendtner has been training with the squad and is ready," said the caretaker coach. "We'll see if he has a part to play."

 

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Lennon: European nights will help 'replace' Rangers matches

Celtic boss Neil Lennon believes the return of Champions League football to Parkhead can help replace the loss of Old Firm derbies this season.

Following Rangers' recent demotion to the Scottish Third Division, the Glasgow side are without its traditional biggest fixture of the year.

But Lennon thinks that mixing with Europe's elite can match the enormity of the Glasgow Derby, "at least in football terms".

"At the minute, in terms of finances we will miss the four Old Firm games but it is not a huge loss from a footballing sense because obviously the European games will make up for that," Lennon declared.

Back on the domestic front, the Northern Irishman claims he has noticed little difference in the absence of his club's most bitter rivals this year.

"I haven't detected much of a difference within the SPL," the Northern Irishman said. "Eventually you move on. There has been a hole there but it is up to other clubs to fill that void.

"The games have been very competitive, the crowds have been good, and some of the football has been good. Dundee come to us with no pressure on them this weekend and that is dangerous for us so we have to be in the right frame of mind going into this game."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea boss Di Matteo dismisses Gullit criticism of Torres

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has claimed he is happy with the contribution of club record signing Fernando Torres, despite recent criticism from former Blues boss Ruud Gullit.

Gullit gave a damning assessment of Torres' input after the midweek Champions League draw with Juventus, insisting that the Spain man must start improving if he is to be a part of the team in the long-term future.

"For me he must do more. It is not good enough," Gullit said as a panelist on Sky Sports. "He has had maybe one shot in the whole match, at times it is like Chelsea are playing with ten men. At the moment he is an enigma, he has to start performing – and quickly.”

Despite the outspoken opinions of the Dutchman, Di Matteo moved quickly to play down suggestions that he was unhappy with Torres' form.

“We’re happy with him," insisted Di Matteo, speaking in his prematch press conference ahead of the club's game with Stoke. "Even when he doesn’t score he either provides or works hard for the team. There are no issues for us.

"He’s always keeping defenders busy, moving and doing the right stuff. He’s full of confidence and he’s playing well and scoring goals. He hasn’t scored in the last couple of games, but he’s scored before."

It's no secret that Torres has struggled to adapt to life at Stamford Bridge since his big-money move from Liverpool in January 2011.

However, there was real belief the striker had turned a corner in the first games of this season, with some positive linkup play alongside Eden Hazard leading to him netting twice.

"Bringing in others is not in discussion at the moment," Di Matteo added when questioned on strengthening his attacking options. "We are happy with our forward and hopefully [Daniel] Sturridge will be fit soon as well.”

Di Matteo also had to shrug off speculation that his own job might be under threat, after chairman Roman Abramovich was spotted at the club's training ground.

"He actually comes quite often, to be honest," Di Matteo explained. "He likes to be involved and he comes down whenever he can."

"I just have to focus on my job and try to prepare the players and the team to the best for the next game."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi will be the best of all time, says Barcelona boss Vilanova

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova says Lionel Messi is on the way to becoming the best player of all time, and has revealed that everyone at the club hopes he will end his career there.

Blaugrana president Sandro Rosell confirmed this week that the Catalan side is planning to offer the Argentina international a new contract, despite his current deal running until 2016. And club trainer Vilanova has echoed the desire to keep Messi with the Liga giant for the foreseeable future.

"He is the best in the world. If he is not already the best in history, he will end up being so," the 44-year-old told a press conference. "To all at Barca it would be a joy to have him end his career here. You will not see a player like Messi again."

The former Celta player also denied suggestions that he has one eye on the upcoming Clasico on Oct. 7, saying Saturday's home clash with Granada is the only thing occupying his thoughts.

"I am not thinking about the Clasico," said the former Barcelona B midfielder. "What concerns me is reaching 15 points from a possible 15 this weekend.

"It has not been done many times in history. In my head there is only Granada, Granada and Granada. It's like you [reporters] asking me about the game in Madrid in the second round of fixtures.

"Against Granada, the incentive is to win, not to think that we move 11 points ahead of Madrid. As it is not up to us, it is not worth wasting time. I have seen games of Granada's and they are organized and do very well on the counterattack."

Vilanova also intimated that he was undecided as to who would play in central defense in the clash, with Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique both absent through injury. Talented youngster Marc Bartra could instead get the nod, while Alex Song is also in consideration.

"Tomorrow I will decide who plays. If [Marc] Bartra is in the first team it is because he has the ability," said the Barca coach. Marc will get games, but the season has only just begun. Bartra is in the first team because he deserves it, not because his contract may say so.

"Song can also be brought in to play at center back. He has many levels. He fits perfectly and can also play in defense. I was surprised because he understands everything I explain to him first time," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League 2012.09.22 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2012.09.22 Fixtures

Swansea Vs Everton

Wigan Vs Fulham

West Ham United Vs Sunderland

Chelsea Vs Stroke City

WBA Vs Reading

Southampton Vs Aston Villa

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