..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

La Liga 2012.09.22 Fixtures

La Liga 2012.09.22 Fixtures

Real Zaragoza Vs Osasuna

Celta Vigo Vs Getafe

Real Betis Vs Espanyol

Barcelona Vs Granada​

 

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Serie A 2012.09.22 Fixtures

Serie A 2012.09.22 Fixtures

Parma Vs Fiorentina

Juventus Vs Chievo​

 

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Kattiya gatthata thama Hariyata Form wela naha Bro

ow ban giyapara nam kocharhra hodha gamek dunnadha munbut me para

 

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ow ban giyapara nam kohra hodha gamek dunnadha munbut me para

Giya Season 1kata wada Hoda Sqaud 1kakuth innawa..but ithin anemandaTottenham lata Modric giya 1kath loku paduwak

 

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Giya Season 1kata wada Hoda Sqaud 1kakuth innawa..but ithin anemandaTottenham lata Modric giya 1kath loku paduwak

ow ban modric giya eka nam maarama paaduwakarsenal walin rvp giya wage thmayi.squad eka nam hodhayi thmayi kattiya form welaa awoth nam hodhayi.

 

[මුගටියා]

Captain calls for calm

Reds captain Nemanja Vidic has appealed to both United and Liverpool supporters to be on their best behaviour when the teams meet on Sunday.

The match is the first at Anfield since the recent publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel’s review of the disaster that claimed 96 Liverpool fans’ lives in 1989. The findings cleared Liverpool supporters of any wrongdoing and Vidic and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will mark the occasion with a show of solidarity by releasing 96 red balloons before kick-off.

Vidic, who grew up in a war-torn Yugoslavia, has pleaded for fans to show similar respect on Sunday and reminded supporters that “football is important, but it is never more important than life”.

“There is a lot of history with these two clubs,” Vidic told journalists following United’s Champions League victory on Wednesday night. “We have some history, some tragedies. They have as well.
“I think we should respect each other because we are big clubs who are respected around the world. We have to show an example, be on top of the bad situation and behave well.

"Football is important, but it is never more important than life,” he said. “After this game, everyone should be talking about the football, and that’s all. I hope that will be the case.”

Vidic also acknowledged the players’ role in helping to keep emotions in check on Sunday.

“It’s probably the biggest derby in the world and we have to show we are capable of keeping a good atmosphere and setting a good example. It’s important to not do any stupid things in the game, to go there and play football. It’s what we dream of – to play that derby and for it to be all about the football, not about the fighting or any other things.”

 

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Bastia 0-4 Paris Saint-Germain: Ibrahimovic fires Ancelotti's men to easy win

Paris Saint-Germain’s undefeated start to the Ligue 1 season continued on Saturday afternoon as it produced a solid performance to defeat Bastia 4-0 in Corsica.

Although the hosts were always a menace and even made the better start to the game, Jeremy Menez opened the scoring for Carlo Ancelotti’s men before Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave them some vital insurance with a fine goal just before the break. Blaise Matuidi made the points safe with 20 minutes remaining and late on Ibrahimovic increased the hosts' misery.

The passion the home fans showed throughout this match was reflected by their players on the field, and within seconds of the start they nearly stunned PSG with a dangerous attack that required Salvatore Sirigu to grip a wicked cross.

Les Parisiens offered very little initially, yet they still managed to open the scoring. Abysmal defending from the hosts was largely to blame as a Nene free-kick was delivered to the back post, where Ibrahimovic was easily able to head along the six-yard box for Menez to convert unchecked.

Bastia would, in fact, remain a more regular threat. Wahib Khazri twice unleashed fierce shots from distance that required excellent saves from Sirigu.

Despite the menace of the Corsicans, PSG burst into life just before the break. Ibrahimovic had an audacious backheel go just past before he doubled the lead, latching onto a superb pass from Marco Verratti to touch a shot into the corner of the net.

Without really looking in top gear, Ancelotti would see his side maintain control on this encounter. Clement Chantome shot wide from a difficult angle as he attempted to make the game truly safe, and moments later Bastia reminded its opponents of the threat it can pose as Julien Palmieri’s low drive required vigilance from Sirigu.

Shortly afterwards, the points were finally tied up by the title favorite when Nene rolled a pass through the heart of the home defense, inviting Matuidi to score a rare goal.

There was an appetite for a fourth shown from the visitors, with the Brazilian attacking midfielder going close to grabbing it with a curling shot that Novaes tipped wide.

Bastia, though, would have added some deserved respectability to the scoreline had Sirigu not produced a miracle save in the closing stages to thwart Toifilou Maoulida from close range, ensuring his clean sheet in the process.

In the last minute they would be punished further when Nene released Ibrahimovic to score with another remarkably cool finish.

Victory temporarily puts PSG into third position in Ligue 1, although there are still eight weekend fixtures left to be played.

 

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Southampton 4-1 Aston Villa: Lambert and Clyne on target as hosts complete turnaround

Southampton recorded its first win of the Premier League season by coming from behind to beat Aston Villa 4-1 at St Mary's on Saturday.

Rickie Lambert, Nathaniel Clyne, Rickie Lambert scored for the visitors, Darren Bent scored for the hosts while Villa's Ciaran Clark had an unfortunate own goal.

Despite a good first 20 minutes from the home side, Paul Lambert's side capitalized on yet more poor defending by Saints to take the lead through Bent in the first half.

After nearly conceding again just after the break, the hosts pulled level through Rickie Lambert, before strikes from full back Clyne, winger Jason Puncheon and a second from the spot for Lambert secured the three points.

Saints' keeper Kelvin Davis was dropped in favor of 20-year-old Paulo Gazzaniga, while Adkins handed other new signings Gaston Ramirez and Maya Yoshida their first starts.

The visitors made just one change from the side that beat Swansea 2-0 in their last match, with Christian Benteke, who came off the bench to score against the Welsh outfit, starting up front.

The hosts made the brighter start of the two sides, with Lambert wasting a good opening after Adam Lallana played the striker in on the left-flank. Steven Davis and Ramirez also saw long-range efforts miss the target in the first 20 minutes, as Saints' front men continued to link-up dangerously.

The home side then took their foot off the gas somewhat as some sloppy passing allowed Villa to get into the match. Jose Fonte was called into action as he made a perfectly timed sliding tackle to deny Bent a clear chance on goal, before the centre-half again dives in to block Eric Lichaj's cross.

The visiting side went close minutes later as Barry Bannan flashed a first-timed volley just wide after Stephen Ireland's cross, another wake-up call for the south coast side who continued to give away the ball too easily.

With 35 minutes gone, Villa came forward again and this time took the lead. The hosts' defence twice failed to clear the danger, allowing Ireland to volley the ball back into the box and Bent to poke home Benteke's head-down.

Saints failed to hit-back before the break, with the tide turning in Villa's favor, something which continued in the early stages of the second half.

Gazzaniga was forced into a good save by Bent in the opening minutes, after Benteke threaded the striker through expertly. The new signing himself went close with a thundering header from the resulting corner.

Adkins men woke up just before the hour mark, when Lambert fired past U.S. international Brad Guzan to equalize for the Saints. The big forward showed skill to bring down the cross before unleashing his strike into the bottom corner.

Lallana then went close to another Saints' goal moments later, but his superb half-volley didn't quite dip enough. However, the south coast side did manage to grab a quick-fire second through Clyne in the 64th minute.

The full back started the move by giving the ball to Lambert, who then found Ramirez. The Uruguayan flicked the ball beyond the Villa defense with his first touch, leaving Clyne to pass the ball past the away keeper.

Puncheon was next to try and find the net for Saints, as they looked to secure their first points of the season, but flashed his shot wide. However, the winger did manage to net a third for Saints after he riffled a right-footed effort past the keeper, creating a yard for himself with a neat dummy-shot.

Both sides have a few half-chances as the game drew to a close, with the hosts having the better of them as Emmanuel Mayuka hit the post. Mayuka was then brought down by Guzan, who was booked, in the last minute, presenting Lambert with a chance to make it four from the penalty spot - which he took, giving Saints their first points of the season.

 

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Schalke 0-2 Bayern Munich: Kroos and Muller deal fatal blows in second half

Bayern Munich's perfect start to the Bundesliga season continued with a comfortable 2-0 win over American international Jermaine Jones' Schalke at the Veltins Arena on Saturday.

Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller led the way for last year's Champions League runnerup, scoring a goal a piece in the second half.

Despite a lot of back-and-forth action in the first half, neither side were able to get on the scoresheet as both defenses held firm. However, that all changed after the break as a three-minute salvo from Bayern saw them storm into a two goal lead.

Muller set up the opener for Kroos in the 55th minute after a beautiful combination, before getting on the scoresheet himself moments later thanks to a clever run from the flanks.

There was nothing left for Schalke after that, as Bayern killed off the game by slowing down the tempo to claim its fourth win out of four in the new campaign, and ascend back to the top of the league.

 

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Chelsea 1-0 Stoke City: Rare Cole goal keeps Blues top

Chelsea maintained its place at the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Stoke City at Stamford Bridge thanks to a late goal from Ashley Cole.

The Potters looked to have held on for a deserved point until the 85th minute, when Cole coolly finished from close range to notch his first top-flight strike for two years and keep the Blues on top of the pile.

Brazil starlet Oscar made his first Premier League start for the Blues after his stunning goal-scoring debut in the Champions League in midweek, while Petr Cech took the captain’s armband as John Terry and Frank Lampard were consigned to the substitutes bench. American international Geoff Cameron started for Stoke at right back.

The hosts began to dictate play from the off, with Stoke seemingly content to get as many men behind the ball as possible while allowing the likes of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar to keep possession so long as they didn’t encroach on the penalty area.

Despite their early monopoly of the ball, Chelsea were struggling to find a way to break down Tony Pulis’ side and were fortunate not go a goal behind on the 20-minute mark. Glen Whelan whipped in a dangerous delivery from a free-kick to the right-hand side, John Walters ghosted in completely unmarked at the near post and flicked a header goal-wards only to see the ball clip the top of the crossbar, with Cech motionless in the middle of his goal.

The Blues continued to dictate without finding a way through to Asmir Begovic’s goal, until Fernando Torres missed the best chance of the half for the hosts. Juan Mata clipped a simple ball over the top of the back four from the edge of the area, but the Spain striker couldn’t quite bring it down on his chest and Begovic was off his line smartly to smother the danger.

Indeed, the hosts had Cech to thank for preventing their frustration from growing as the Czech keeper was twice called into action as the half drew to a close. First he denied Marc Wilson from long-range as Chelsea failed to close him down, before diving smartly to save from Michael Kightly’s header after good interplay between Peter Crouch and Cameron.

Chelsea started the second half brightly and was denied another appeal for a penalty when Oscar burst through the middle before going down under a challenge from Huth. There was definite contact between the two although it was outside of the box, but referee Oliver opted to show a harsh yellow to the Brazilian for diving.

Mata thought he had finally found a way through after some brilliant interplay between Oscar and Moses, but a terrific last-ditch tackle from Ryan Shawcross denied him at the near post. Then, just a moment later, Oscar cut inside from the byline and hit a low drive which Begovic just managed to cling on to with Mata waiting to pounce.

Both sides continued to look lively going forward going into the final period of the game. First John Obi Mikel wasted a great chance as he dragged his shot wide of Begovic's left-hand post following Torres' pass, before substitutes Michael Owen and Kenwyne Jones combined to tee up Matthew Etherington inside the area, who likewise fluffed his lines.

It was a miss which Etherington and Stoke would ultimately rue, however, as Chelsea finally broke the deadlock with just five minutes remaining. Cole burst forward with the ball from the edge of his own area and continued into the box after laying off to substitute Frank Lampard. He found Hazard, whose cross was clipped by Mata and Cole was left to dink the ball over Begovic from just six yards out to the relief of the home fans inside the Bridge.

Stoke tried to rally in the closing minutes but Chelsea held on for all three points, keeping it top of the Premier League pile and putting pressure on the Manchester clubs ahead of their huge respective clashes against Liverpool and Arsenal tomorrow.

 

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West Brom 1-0 Reading: Lukaku helps Baggies make it three wins from three at home

Premier League high-flyer West Brom won its first three home games of the season for the first time since 1954, after a Romelu Lukaku goal saw Reading beaten 1-0 at the Hawthorns.

The result leaves Brian McDermott’s side still waiting for its first win of the season since its return to the Premier League, while Steve Clarke’s impressive start in his debut season in charge at the Hawthorns continues to gather momentum.

The deadlock could have been broken when James Morrison, who was the main orchestrator of chances for the Midlanders, interplayed with Zoltan Gera inside the box but ended up skewing his effort wide on 28 minutes.

The Scotland international, who pulled the strings all afternoon, hit a 30-yard drive to force a brilliant save from keeper Alex McCarthy after volleying towards the bottom left corner after Alex Pearce headed clear Chris Brunt's cross

The Baggies could have taken the lead a minute before halftime when Jonas Olsson was unlucky with a header that struck the crossbar following a Chris Brunt cross as the home side looked worthy of the lead at the break.

Morrison was replaced by former Reading striker Shane Long on 65 minutes, who plied his trade at the Madeski Stadium for six seasons.

Long headed the ball in the area into the path of his strike partner Lukaku, who slammed the ball through a crowd of players on 71 minutes to give the Baggies a well deserved lead, despite squandering a number of chances.

The result leaves Reading languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table as it continues to search for that first elusive win, while West Brom continues to soar under its new manager and sits in third place, just three points behind leader Chelsea.

 

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Swansea 0-3 Everton: Anichebe, Mirallas and Fellaini on target as Toffees make light work of Laudrup's men

Everton cruised to a 3-0 win over Swansea in Saturday's thanks to its stellar Belgian midfielder Marouani Fellaini.

Victor Anichebe and Kevin Mirallas scored goals for the Toffees in the first half and Fellaini added the dagger late in the second to seal the resounding away victory.

Nathan Dyer, introduced as a halftime substitute, was sent off early in the second period to all-but end the home side's chances of victory and Marouane Fellaini's header sealed the win for the Toffees.

Michael Laudrup made two changes to his side, giving full Premier League debuts to Ki Sung-Yueng and Pablo Hernandez, while the Toffees made three alterations, with Victor Anichebe replacing the injured Nikica Jelavic. Seamus Coleman and John Heitinga came in for Tony Hibbert and Sylvain Distin.

Everton started the game in dominant fashion with Anichebe and twice Mirallas drawing smart stops out of Michel Vorm in the opening five minutes.

The Merseysiders' pressure was relentless and they grabbed a deserved lead in the 22nd minute. Leighton Baines' free kick into the box was chested down by Fellaini, the Belgian seemed to use his arm, under pressure from Alan Tate, to nudge the ball to Anichebe, who smashed home from six yards.

The game passed the half-hour mark and Swansea finally managed to put an attack together. Jonathan de Guzman looked to thread a pass to Michu, who returned the ball to the Dutchman with Howard racing off his line, De Guzman attempted to chip home but Phil Jagielka recovered to head off the line.

The Spanish playmaker then went close himself, narrowly heading over from Hernandez's corner before Ki curled a magnificent effort just past the post as the Swans fully awoke from their earlier slumber.

With the home side pushing forward, they were caught on the break, Fellaini released Steven Pienaar down the right and the South African's first-time center found Mirallas who headed his first Premier League goal home after Vorm had stopped his initial effort.

The Swans should have grabbed a goal back at the end of the half but Angel Rangel saw a weak one-on-one effort saved by Tim Howard before inexplicably skewing an effort away from goal, after getting on the end of Wayne Routledge's dipping cross.

The Swans introduced Dyer for the second half in place of Hernandez, as they searched for a way back into the match.

The game continued at a frenetic pace after the restart, Mirallas rattled the bar with Vorm called into action by Anichebe on the rebound before Ki burst forward, drawing a low save out of Howard.

Laudrup felt the need to make another change, bringing on Leon Britton for Tate, with the South Korea international dropping into the defense.

However, things went from bad to worse as Dyer, having already been booked for dissent, clattered Baines and picked up a second yellow card to be sent off just 12 minutes after being introduced.

The Toffees were controlling the game comfortably against 10 men and should have extended their lead further as Baines released Anichebe in the left channel but Fellaini skied his effort from the Nigerian's cut back.

The Belgian went close again, heading Osman's corner goal-wards but Britton managed to scramble the ball away from his position on the far post.

As the game entered its final 10 minutes, Fellaini finally had his goal. Baines' free kick was perfectly measured onto the towering midfielder's head and his effort ended up in the back of the net via a deflection off Ashley Williams' shoulder.

The Toffees saw out the game comfortably, also introducing Bryan Oviedo late on for his Premier League debut as they preserved their long-running unbeaten run against the Swans.

 

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West Ham 1-1 Sunderland: Nolan rescues late point from Hammers to deny Black Cats and in-form Fletcher

West Ham shared the points with Sunderland in a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Upton Park in the Premier League.

Steven Fletcher opened the scoring for Sunderland with an early strike in the first half. Despite the Black Cats early lead, West Ham constantly applied pressure on the visitor’s goal with Simon Mignolet producing a world-class save from a Kevin Nolan bicycle kick.

Sunderland put in a solid defensive display against the Hammers, constantly dealing with an onslaught of long balls and crosses into the box from the hosts. West Ham finally made a breakthrough when Nolan volleyed home a close range goal in the last minute of the game.

Sunderland took the lead in the ninth minute. Sebastien Larsson chipped the ball into Fletcher who controlled the ball and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.

The hosts responded well after going a goal down by forcing a couple of corners but Sunderland cleared its lines both times and looked well organized in defense as it looked to stop West Ham from playing its game.

Ricardo Vaz Te missed a great chance to bring West Ham level after Matthew Taylor whipped in a cross from the left and the former Bolton player headed the ball down and wide at the far post.

West Ham looked the more dangerous side as the first half continued. The hosts had numerous chances and Cole missed a great chance for an equalizer on the 34th minute. Mohamed Diame delivered a good cross and Cole had beaten John O’Shea but he saw his header fly over the bar.

Kevin Nolan had missed numerous half chances in the first half but the midfielder finally tested Simon Mignolet. Vaz Te floated in a cross and Nolan hit a spectacular bicycle kick which the Sunderland keeper managed to keep out with a superb save.

West Ham came close to coming level on the 76th minute as James Collins saw his header hit the top of the Sunderland crossbar for the Hammers' best chance of the game to that point.

Sunderland had a good chance to make it 2-0 with a rare break as James McClean whipped in a ball across West Ham’s goal but David Vaughan couldn’t reach the cross.

On the 93rd minute, West Ham finally got the equalizer it had been pushing for. Modibo Maiga headed a loose ball into the path of Nolan who volleyed a strike into the top corner of the goal.

 

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Wigan 1-2 Fulham: Rodallega scores against former club as visitors move into top four

Goals from Hugo Rodallega and Damien Duff either side of halftime gave Fulham a hard-fought 2-1 win at the DW Stadium. Arouna Kone pulled one back in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late for the Latics.

After a decent opening spell from the home side, it was former Wigan striker Rodallega who broke the deadlock, sending a powerful header past Ali Al-Habsi from the impressive Dimitar Berbatov's inch-perfect cross.

And despite an improved second-half showing from Wigan in which they missed several glorious chances, winger Duff hammered a low drive into the bottom right-hand corner of the net to seal the three points for Fulham.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez made two changes from the team that went down 4-0 at Manchester United last week.

In came Ben Watson and fit again Jordi Gomez with James McArthur dropping to the bench and top scorer Franco Di Santo not even in the 18-man squad, having picked up a calf injury in training on Friday.

Martin Jol on the other hand kept the faith with his starting eleven from last weekend’s 3-0 thumping of West Brom with two-goal hero Berbatov leading the line alongside former Wigan man Rodallega. Striker Mladen Petric made his return to the squad after injury.

And perhaps eager to end their recent hoodoo against Fulham, it was the home side who made the better start to the contest.

Fulham was struggling to maintain any concerted periods of pressure with Wigan the more committed and tigerish in midfield – Watson, in particular prevalent.

Referee Lee Probert was the unlikely man to discover just how tough both sides were in the tackle, taking a double challenge from Watson and Steve Sidwell - much to the mirth of the DW Stadium.

Slowly but surely however, the momentum began to swing in favour of Fulham.

Firstly, Sidwell’s near-post flick from a Damien Duff corner was acrobatically cleared on his own goal-line by Jean Beausejour with Rodallega ready to pounce, before the increasingly influential Berbatov tried his luck from fully 30-yards – Ali Al-Habsi taking no chances to pat the Bulgarian’s swerving effort behind.

Wigan was struggling to get a foothold in the game after their bright start but Emmerson Boyce wasted a glorious opportunity, heading fellow full back Maynor Figueroa’s pin-point left-wing cross wide.

And the home side were made to pay for their profligacy as Fulham took a 31st minute lead in a simple, yet elegant manner.

Berbatov, at the hub of all things positive in the first-half, lofted in a precision cross from the right and Rodallega timed his run to perfection to bullet a header past Al-Habsi, with celebrations limited out of respect for his former club.

Wigan responded well to going behind and were unlucky not to restore parity before the break when Beausejour’s perfectly weighted left-wing cross was well met by Jordi Gomez - the Spaniard unfortunate to see his guided effort smash the crossbar and bounce away to safety.

Perhaps stung by their manager’s words at halftime, it was the home team that once again leapt out of the blocks the quicker in the second period with Gomez carelessly straying offside when unmarked.

Unlike the first 45 minutes, Wigan was converting its superior possession into chances and Kone should have done better than to fire straight at Schwarzer after racing clear.

But moments after Mauro Boselli passed up a gilt-edged chance to equalize for the Latics, Fulham sprang down the other end to double their lead.

With Wigan committing more and more players forward, substitute Bryan Ruiz’s hard work paid dividends in eventually switching the ball across the penalty area to Duff, who sent a rasping low drive beyond Al-Habsi.

Again the home side tried to hit back quickly and Fulham had Schwarzer to thank for preserving their two-goal cushion, the Australian tipping Ivan Ramis’s close-range header onto the crossbar from Beausejour’s free kick.

And as the game drew to its conclusion, the West London outfit came close to extending their winning margin on the break, with the tiring Berbatov unfortunate to see his instinctive finish pushed wide by Al-Habsi.

Kone eventually converted a Wigan chance after a goalmouth scramble to pull a consolation back for the hosts but it ultimately proved too little too late as Fulham moved into the top four for the time being, leaving Wigan to rue missed chances as their search for consistency continues.

 

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David Luiz signs new five-year Chelsea deal

David Luiz has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea which will keep him at the club until 2017.

The Brazil international moved to Stamford Bridge in January 2011 in a 21 million pound deal from Portuguese side Benfica.

Having been linked with a switch to Barcelona in the summer, the 25-year-old, who won both the Champions League and the FA Cup with Chelsea last season, has ended speculation regarding his future by committing his long-term future with Roberto Di Matteo's side.

"I am very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea," Luiz told the club's official website.

"It is a great club and I look forward to winning more trophies here. I want to play for a long time at the top level - which is what playing for Chelsea means.

"I love everything about the club and especially the fans, who have made me very welcome and given me great support."

 

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Massimiliano Allegri slams resignation rumors

Massimiliano Allegri has quashed rumors about his resignation as AC Milan coach, underlining that he sees such stories as disrespectful to the fans and the culture of the club.



Last year's Serie A runner up have had a slow start to the new season, with just three points from their first three games in Italy’s top flight and a scoreless draw in their Champions League opener against Anderlecht on Tuesday.
On Sunday, the Milanese outfit travels to Udinese and Allegri will be hoping to pick up three points. Fictitious reports about his resignation emerged midweek but the head coach has been quick to highlight the truth ahead of the clash at Stadio Friuli.

Speaking at a press conference, Allegri said: “I read about my alleged resignation in some newspapers and want to say that I have not resigned, and this story shows a lack of respect to the club and the fans. This is not an easy time but we are trying to improve.”

He added, “When I started this year, after the summer sales, I accepted this challenge with great enthusiasm and determination, and we will get better,” he added.

 

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Vialli: Juventus can win the Champions League

Gianluca Vialli believes Juventus has what it takes to go all the way in the Champions League this season.

The Serie A champions started their European campaign with a 2-2 draw at holders Chelsea midweek, and the former Italy international, who won the competition with the Old Lady in 1996, was impressed with their performance at Stamford Bridge.

"Juventus is on the right path to win the Champions League again. Their style of play is really well suited to the Champions League," Vialli was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

He added, "They play some very aggressive, intense and modern football. I believe they will soon be among Europe's protagonists once more.

Vialli believes Juve's performance against Chelsea proves the club's Champions League potential.

"Juventus are among the outsiders for the European title, and they gave a clear signal against Chelsea that they are a force to be reckoned with," he said.

"It will not be easy to be on top of their game in both the Serie A and the Champions League, but the Bianconeri have a good chance to become part of the European elite again."

Juventus is currently preparing for Saturday's league match against Chievo.

 

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Mourinho still has doubts over his Real Madrid players

Jose Mourinho says that he still does not feel 100 percent confident in his Real Madrid players, as the team prepares for a La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.


The Spanish champions, who have started the domestic season slowly with just four points from four games, looked disjointed last week, after defeat to Sevilla led to Mourinho publicly lamenting the absence of his team on the pitch.

A dramatic win over Manchester City on Tuesday night in the opening round of Champions League group games was a considerable boost but the 49-year-old still has some doubts about the football his team is playing.Speaking in a press conference, Mourinho said: “We’ve shown great attitude in some big games but there have also been negative aspects. My team has not been consistently performing to their potential and I have some ongoing doubts.”

Nevertheless, Los Merengues’ head coach suggested that the outlook for Sunday’s game against Rayo Vallecano was good, though he was not expecting an easy tie.

“Last year it was a tough game here, so we’re expecting a difficult match. Against City the players found their hunger, and physical intensity. Hopefully they will take this level of responsibility into every game from now on.”
Real Madrid currently sits 12th in La Liga.

 

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Muricy confirms Santos interest in Kaka

Muricy Ramalho has confirmed that Santos is closely monitoring the situation of Kaka, as it looks to strengthen its squad.

The Peixe are in the market for a new attacking midfielder following the departure of Ganso to Sao Paulo, and they see the Real Madrid man as an ideal replacement.

Ramalho realities that it will not be easy to lure the 30-year-old to the Vila Belmiro, but refused to rule out a potential move in the near future.

"Who would have thought that Sao Paulo could pay that kind of money for Ganso? Anything is possible. Kaka is an option, and so are Diego and Robinho," the Santos coach said at a press conference.

"They are three important players. As I said, anything can happen. It is not just an economical question, but we have to take other aspects into account as well. And we have to act quick.

"We have to support the players we already have here, but it would be good to bring in players who can add something to the team."

Kaka appeared to be on his way to AC Milan earlier this summer, but the move eventually fell through as the Serie A giant was unable to meet Madrid's financial demands.

 

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Ranocchia anticipates 'great' season with Inter

Andrea Ranocchia is confident Inter will challenge for top honors this season, as he prepares for Sunday's visit of Siena.

The Nerazzurri have been rather inconsistent in the opening weeks of the 2012-13 campaign, but the 24-year-old has little doubt that they will eventually come good.

"I really expect a great season," Ranocchia told Inter Channel. "We are a new team in every area of the pitch, and we definitely need a bit of time to get used to playing with one another, but I'm sure we're going to be more consistent moving forward."

The center back endured a difficult 2011-12 campaign, which ended with failure to make Cesare Prandelli's Italy squad for Euro 2012, but is pleased to be back in contention for both club and country this term.

"It almost seemed like in one bad season I'd managed to undo all the good work I'd put in over previous years, but I've started this season well and I'm enjoying my football," he stated.

He added, "It's obviously disappointing when you don't make the squad because being picked for the Azzurri and staying in the squad over time is an achievement, it means you're one of the best players in Italy.

"But what hurt most was not playing here at Inter. My priority is Inter, if I keep performing well then the national side will come calling, if I deserve it."

The former Bari and Genoa stopper has made seven official appearances for the Giuseppe Meazza side this term.