..::Football II::..

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Marcelo: La Liga is not over yet

Real Madrid full back Marcelo has stated his belief that the Liga title race is far from over following his side's 2-2 draw with Barcelona,and he expressed his satisfaction with his team's performance against the Catalan giants.

Despite Real Madrid still being eight points behind its Clasico rival, the Brazilian feels content with his club's exploits in Catalunya on Sunday.

"Camp Nou is a really difficult stadium to win in,” Marcelo told the press after the match. “We have fought hard and made a great effort, so I'm satisfied. We had our chances, but we couldn't score – we've won games in the past with fewer chances, but the draw is not a bad result.”

On the subject of closing the eight-point gap between Madrid and Barcelona, the 24-year-old defender is all too aware that there is a mountain to climb, but he is willing to put in the work to see the deficit closed.

“It's going to be hard to overtake Barcelona, but we we'll work hard to reduce the gap,” Marcelo said. “La Liga is not over, it's too soon to say that. Eight points is a big difference, but nothing is decided yet.”

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo gets green light for Portugal

Real Madrid 's medical team have given C.Ronaldo the green light to travel to Portugal to report for international duty.

The prolific attacker sustained a shoulder injury in Madrid's 2-2 La Liga draw away against Barcelona on Sunday, and there were fears that he would face a spell on the sidelines.

Nevertheless, Ronaldo has undergone further examination by Madrid's doctors at his home, and the Spanish champions have announced on their official website that the injury is not too serious.

The 27-year-old is expected to fly to his homeland on Monday afternoon as Portugal gather in Obidos ahead of their upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Russia on Friday and versus Northern Ireland four days later.

The Seleccao sit joint first in their qualification section with Russia. Both sides have collected six points from two games.

 

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Chelsea star Mata confident of Spain recall

Chelsea star Juan Mata insists he remains confident of a recall to the national set-up with Spain.


In spite of his impressive start to the season with the Blues, the 24-year-old was a surprise omission from La Roja’s squad to face Belarus and France in the latest round of UEFA World Cup qualifiers. The former Valencia midfielder has faith in his coach’s decision, though, and will concentrate on continuing his recent level of performance for his club.

“I have to go forward and trust in the call,” Mata told AS. “I always try to give my best in every practice and every game, to be at the highest level. I think that's what led me to be at an important club like Chelsea and enjoying top level football. Therefore, that's what I'm going to keep doing, not taking anything for granted and working and training as usual.”

Mata followed up a successful first season with Chelsea by scoring the final goal in Spain's 4-0 rout of Italy in the Euro 2012 final, despite only coming on as a substitute in the dying moments.

After an extended break from preseason training following his participation in the London 2012 Olympic football tournament, he has hit the ground running for the Blues, contributing four goals and five assists in his last five matches.

 

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Boss eyes defence boost

Sir Alex Ferguson is facing a selection headache in defence for probably the first time this season with Chris Smalling close to being available again.

The manager has had to contend with Smalling and fellow England international Phil Jones being sidelined since the start of the season while Jonny Evans was still recovering from an operation in August and Nemanja Vidic has also undergone surgery.

The Reds defended superbly at Newcastle with each individual member of the back four impressing but Smalling will be looking to earn a place in the line-up, starting with the home fixture against Stoke City following the international break. With Sir Alex full of admiration for Evans and Rio Ferdinand in particular, it will be no easy task for the former Fulham defender to force his way into the side.

"Ferdinand and Evans were magnificent [at Newcastle]," enthused Sir Alex. "Absolutely brilliant. That kind of form definitely gives you a solid base. It gives us a security and enables the midfield players and front players to get on with their jobs. They cleared everything.

"We've got to get consistency in the performances and in the results. Once we get that, we'll get into a rhythm. We've got the squad to deal with all the games, we've got a really good squad. And after the international break, we'll have Chris Smalling back which will be another addition to our squad which is very important."

 

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Atletico Madrid hints at Falcao summer exit

La Liga outfit could be prepared to part with the highly sought-after forward, as his buyout clause of 60 million euros would massively help the club's current economic problems

The Spanish side is experiencing economic troubles, and with the huge wages Falcao requires, and Marin conceded maintaining the first team squad is difficult while the star striker remains at the club.

"The 60 million euros for Falcao would solve all the economic problems at Atletico," admitted Marin, speaking to COPE Radio. "I can say for sure, though, he will stay with us until the end of the season. Not only will he stay, but so will all the players that the coach wants to stay."

"We will fight to perform a miracle which is what we are doing with what we have available. In Europe there are 50 clubs with more income than we have. If we were to sell Falcao for €60m then that would cover our debts."

Despite Real Madrid being rumored to be a potential suitor for the Colombian ace, Marin believes their prized asset may even be out of the champion's price bracket.

"If Atletico do not qualify for the Champions League or cannot afford to meet his wage demands then I do not think Real Madrid could afford him either. We have to do impossible things and take risks so that the fans can have the team that they want. It is difficult to maintain."

 

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Adam: Feud with Bale over 'coward' accusation must end

Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam has called for a truce with Wales winger Gareth Bale ahead of the two sides' World Cup qualifying clash on Friday.

The Stoke midfielder had already previously caused Bale to be out for three months in 2011 when he caught him with a late challenge in a preseason friendly while still at Liverpool.

The Spurs wideman branded Adam a "coward" after the game, but the 26-year-old has insisted the incident should be left in the past.

"What happened in the past has happened. I apologized to him during the game, after a corner," Adam told reporters. "I said to [Bale] I was sorry and thought everything was alright. I also apologized to the manager of Tottenham at halftime.



"Then all of a sudden I was being called a coward. That's football and it won't stop me tackling and trying to be the player I am. I hope it is done and dusted now."

 

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'The truth hurts' - Pepe defends 'theatrical' comments

Real Madrid defender Pepe believes Barcelona players have reacted sourly to his claim they are theatrical when tackled because “the truth hurts”.



The Portugal center back had complained the Blaugrana bunch had gone to ground far too easily in Sunday’s Clasico, which finished 2-2 after two goals apiece from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 29-year-old has stood by his original comments however, and stressed he was merely reiterating what had happened in the third meeting between the two giant Spanish clubs this campaign.

“If anybody feels offended it's because the truth hurts,” he told reporters at a press conference. “I just said what truly happened during the game.”

Barca playmaker Andres Iniesta had confessed to being “offended” by the former Porto player’s comments after the Camp Nou clash.

Pepe is with his national side ahead of a World Cup qualifier away to Russia on Friday, but is unsure whether he will be fit in time to play after suffering some discomfort in his left leg, though he has returned to training.

“Let's see how things have progressed by tomorrow,” he added. “If all goes well, I hope to play.”

 

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Louis van Gaal to rest Robin van Persie for Andorra game

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has admitted he is likely to use Klass-Jan Huntelaar ahead of Robin van Persie for the upcoming World Cup qualifying game against Andorra.



“We're expecting to enter the box a lot, in matches like that you can expect Klaas-Jan will play,” Van Gaal told Goal.com.

The Oranje trainer also stated that he did not see Van Persie thriving in any other role than as a central striker so is therefore unlikely to start.“I see him [Van Persie] as a striker and won't put him on another position so fast,” he said.

Van Gaal also explained his decision to name PSV midfielder Kevin Strootman as his captain.
“Strootman is an example, on and off the pitch, especially inside the lines. Off the pitch he has to learn some things, like speaking up. As a captain you have to be able to do that," he said.

“That has to do with character, but you can also learn this. Maybe that's his weakness. On the pitch you see that he stands up for his team, outside the pitch this can improve.

“The fact that [Wesley] Sneijder is from the new generation and [Dirk] Kuyt is from the old generation made this decision. I needed someone from the youngest generation. You can see it as an education to become a captain."

Following the Andorra game, Netherlands travels to Romania next Tuesday.

 

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Atletico Madrid hints at Falcao summer exit

La Liga outfit could be prepared to part with the highly sought-after forward, as his buyout clause of 60 million euros would massively help the club's current economic problems

The Spanish side is experiencing economic troubles, and with the huge wages Falcao requires, and Marin conceded maintaining the first team squad is difficult while the star striker remains at the club.

"The 60 million euros for Falcao would solve all the economic problems at Atletico," admitted Marin, speaking to COPE Radio. "I can say for sure, though, he will stay with us until the end of the season. Not only will he stay, but so will all the players that the coach wants to stay."

"We will fight to perform a miracle which is what we are doing with what we have available. In Europe there are 50 clubs with more income than we have. If we were to sell Falcao for €60m then that would cover our debts."

Despite Real Madrid being rumored to be a potential suitor for the Colombian ace, Marin believes their prized asset may even be out of the champion's price bracket.

"If Atletico do not qualify for the Champions League or cannot afford to meet his wage demands then I do not think Real Madrid could afford him either. We have to do impossible things and take risks so that the fans can have the team that they want. It is difficult to maintain."

Falcao Chelsea or City join wei mata hithena hatiyatanam

 

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Wanyama: I'm aware of Manchester United rumors but still happy at Celtic

Victor Wanyama says he has heard about apparent interest in him from Manchester United but believes any talk of an imminent move is just speculation at this stage.

The Celtic midfielder is enjoying a growing reputation in the game since joining the SPL champions from Belgian side Beerschot AC for just 900,000 pounds in the summer of 2011.

At the weekend, press reports suggested Sir Alex Ferguson’s side was keen to make a January move to sign the powerful Kenyan, who is also comfortable playing in defense.

Goal.com understands United has indeed scouted the player on more than one occasion but that any talk of a formal move is premature and not in the pipeline at this stage.

"I have heard a lot about my intended move to several clubs, the latest being Manchester United," Wanyama said to SuperSport.

"Personally I just think those are rumors. My focus now remains with my team Celtic, whom I want to help in both our domestic competitions and the Champions League.

"Leaving Celtic will not be easy. They cannot just let me go as easily as many people think they will.

"All in all am happy here and looking forward to continue playing for them as I work hard in my career."

Celtic is keen to extend Wanyama’s contract with the club to reward the 21-year-old for his rapid progress, even though his current deal does not expire until the summer of 2015, putting it in a strong position when it comes to negotiations with other clubs.

As well as United, Arsenal and Fulham have been credited in holding an interest, while QPR are the only Premier League club to have so far made an official offer for the player – the bid arriving in the closing stages of the summer transfer window - but Mark Hughes’ side was unsuccessful.

Celtic is believed to value Wanyama at over 9 million pounds.

 

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Manchester City and England keeper Hart plays down 'best in the world' tag

England and Manchester City keeper Joe Hart insists he will remain level-headed despite being labelled as the top player in his position by Wayne Rooney and Roberto Mancini.

The 25-year-old took all the plaudits after a game-saving display against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last Wednesday, in which he made a number of fantastic saves.

However, the former Shrewsbury Town man suggested people can be quick to hail goalkeepers after one good display, as well as it working the other way, but is still delighted with the praise.

"It's nice people say nice things but things are easily said," he told reporters.

"In goal, you can be the worst in the world two days later if you are on television and something mad happens in the game.

"It was great and a real special honor for some special people to say some nice things but we move on. You've got to remain level-headed. If you don't, it's a big slap when you do something wrong."

The City keeper revealed that he does not believe he is the best in the world, but that he is aiming to get there one day.

"I'm still trying to improve," he admitted. "I hate to say it but I am getting a bit older now so I have to get in a bit earlier and prepare my body a bit differently.

"I just know every day I want to be the guy you can rely on. I want to be the best."

England manager Roy Hodgson is likely to be without Frank Lampard who is an injury doubt, and the suspended Steven Gerrard against San Marino, and many have touted Hart as a possible stand-in captain.

But the Three Lions' number one stated that he has not even considered himself as an option for the armband, indicating his belief that Rooney's experience means he is the right choice.

He added: "I've not thought about it at all. How the captain is chosen is the manager's decision.

"I've got a big responsibility to keep my place in the team for club and country.

"If I do get the nod, I'll try and give as much as I can in terms of helping the team.

"But I think it's between Wayne Rooney and Wayne Rooney if we are going to go on experience and how captains have been chosen in the past."

 

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Eriksen flattered by Liverpool interest

Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen has admitted his pride at being linked with Liverpool and has hinted he may move at the end of the season.

The Denmark international has reportedly been chased by a number of clubs, and while the 20-year-old believes he is likely to remain in Amsterdam this season, he did not rule out a move the following campaign.

“It's nice when big clubs show interest,” Eriksen told Tipsbladet.

“It is special to me, but I think at this point I will not transfer. It all depends on how this season develops.”

Eriksen has 26 international caps to his name and was part of the Denmark squads for Euro 2012 and the 2010 World Cup.

 

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Vermaelen: Wilshere can be a world-beater

Thomas Vermaelen believes that his Arsenal teammate Jack Wilshere has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the world.

The young English playmaker has been out for 14 months with several ankle and knee injuries, but has returned to action with the Under-21s.

"You know what he did in his first full season for Arsenal. He was amazing," Vermaelen told the club's official website. "For me, he can be one of the best midfielders in the world. He has the potential for that.

"I’m really happy he's coming back now. He's working on his match fitness and that’s the most important thing. I think in the future [he] will lift the team."

Although Wilshere has been absent for over a year, Vermaelen believes he can return as a better player with new strengths, citing his own injury-plagued 2010-11 season.

"When I was out with injury, I was in the gym a lot," the Belgian added. "Jack was in the gym even longer working hard on his weaknesses. You can see that now in his body on the pitch. For me he looks much stronger and that's good. Sometimes you have to take the positives when you’re out for more than a year and I think he’s done that."

 

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Messi: Clasicos get better every time

Lionel Messi believes that the standard of quality in matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid improves every time they play.



The Argentine and Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a double each in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Camp Nou and the 25-year-old forward thinks that the increasing regularity of their encounters only serves to improve both sides.

“We [have] played so often that we know [each other] by heart,” Messi told Fox Sports Radio del Plata. “It becomes more and more difficult for the two teams, that is why the matches are better.

"It was a nice game against Real Madrid, mostly for people who went to see. It was complicated like all derbies, they could have won and then we could”.

The Argentina international went on to deny that being given his nation's captaincy burdened him, and urged his side to stay focused in its World Cup qualifying campaign after an encouraging start.

“Being the captain did not change anything in the way I have to treat me my colleagues," he said. "It’s not a heavy burden. Meanwhile we are first, we all keep close. You lose a game and you're down. Now we're good, we continue to grow. We should not go crazy because of good results. The team is being respected, but we still have to improve.”

Messi also reserved some praise for Atletico Madrid’s Colombian striker Radamel Falcao.
“I can’t say anything new about Falcao. He’s a great player with outstanding quality”.
Argentina continues its bid to qualify for the 2014 World Cup on Friday against Uruguay.

 

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Buffon: Inter can challenge Juventus for Scudetto

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes that Inter is on the right path and could challenge for the Scudetto this season.

The Nerazzurri have had a few poor results in the opening weeks of the 2012-13 campaign, but Buffon feels they could go far if they become more consistent under head coach Andrea Stramaccioni.

"Inter have opted for a younger approach and I believe that’s the right way of going about things. If they manage to gain consistency they could be a threat all the way," Buffon told reporters.

The goalkeeper also took the time to discuss Napoli and Lazio's title ambitions, and stressed that the two could be serious rivals.

"Napoli have a settled system and style of play, along with a first-rate squad," he said. "Lazio are also having an exceptional season so far. I don’t know their coach [Vladimir Petkovic], but he’s showing himself to be intelligent and capable of moving with the times, as well as speaking our language better than many Italians do."

Nevertheless, Buffon remains confident that Juventus can successfully defend the title this season.

"Our process of growth, which began a year and a half ago, is still continuing. By following a prudent strategy, the directors have strengthened the team during the summer transfer market, so there’s no doubt we’ll be able to fight for the title right until the end of the season."

Juventus currently sits joint first in the Serie A table with 19 points from seven games.

 

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Afellay: I can add something to the team

Ibrahim Afellay is confident that he possesses the qualities to become a key figure at Schalke.

The versatile Dutchman has yet to really live up to the high expectations at the Konigsblauen after joining from Barcelona on a one-year loan deal this summer, but Afellay has little doubt that he can add something special to the team.

"I'm feeling very well and I'm slowly gaining match rhythm. It's hard to remain patient. I really love the game and I'm raring to go," Afellay told De Telegraaf. "I know that I can add something to the team. I understand the coach's point of view, though. I have to prove my worth whenever I get playing time.

"It's the same with the national team. Of course, there's a lot of competition, but that's only normal when you're surrounded by the best players Netherlands have."

Afellay is currently away on international duty as Holland locks horns with Andorra on Friday evening.

 

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Arteta Spain snub 'strange', says Arsenal teammate Cazorla

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has admitted he does not understand why teammate Mikel Arteta is still yet to earn a Spain call-up.

The former Under-21 captain has never received a full international cap, despite regularly impressing in the Premier League for Everton and since earning a move to north London last summer.

With Arteta taking on the role of interviewer for Spanish publication AS, Cazorla expressed his bewilderment at Vicente del Bosque's failure to recognize his midfield colleague.

"Seriously, I wonder why you’ve never been with the national team," he said. "Look you’ve had some incredible seasons with Everton and now you’re the deputy captain of Arsenal.

"How strange that you’ve not yet had a chance. There are many players in that position, but I do wonder. Hopefully one day we’ll enjoy it together."

The former Villarreal attacker went on to hail the 30-year-old's leadership qualities, revealing that most of the Arsenal squad consider him as the captain ahead of Thomas Vermaelen.

"Here at Arsenal you’re a real leader. When I arrived, I was a little surprised at the level of respect that you have in the dressing room," he added. "But when I saw you with the group and on the pitch it’s obvious that almost all consider you the Captain. You are a leader. I’m no good at that, nobody would listen to me! But when you talk they listen."

Cazorla also expressed his eagerness to learn English and prove himself as a success in the Premier League.

"I have to learn English, this is a very good opportunity, Mikel. Everywhere you go you need good English," he continued. "And I’m getting very serious about the issue. So I’m enjoying it. You know what I thought after the first few games?

"Watching English football on TV is one thing but playing is another, there is a tremendous difference. I love this league, it’s spectacular but coming from Spain to the Premier League is a huge leap."

 

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Iniesta: Pepe's comments are offensive

Andres Iniesta feels that Real Madrid star Pepe crossed a line when he accused the Barcelona players of diving and acting in the wake of Sunday's 2-2 Clasico draw.


The Portugal international labelled Iniesta and his teammates 'theatrical' after the attacking midfielder called for a penalty in the high-profile encounter, and the Spaniard is not amused with Pepe's comments.

"Of course I am affected by what he said. Every person is entitled to have an opinion and say that a certain action was a penalty. However, it cannot go any further than that. There are boundaries," Iniesta told Onda Cero. "If a player speaks about you and your teammates like this, you feel offended.

"I'm not theatrical in any way, and neither are the other guys. These comments hurt because they are a personal attack."

Barcelona currently sits first in La Liga, holding an eight point lead over Real Madrid.

 

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Gotze: Bayern not out of Borussia Dortmund's sights yet

Mario Gotze has made it clear that Borussia Dortmund has not given up on the Bundesliga title just yet, despite the fact that the club is already trailing table-topper Bayern Munich by nine points after seven games.


The reigning champion has been struggling to find its best form in the opening weeks of the 2012-13 campaign, but Gotze remains positive and has urged his teammates to focus on their own performances, and then hope Bayern slips up at some point.

"Bayern have a significant lead, but we can still catch up with them. They're not unassailable yet," Gotze stated to Bild. "We have no reason to fear them. We will keep on trying to win our own games. We will have to wait and see how everything else pans out."

Dortmund was trailing Bayern by eight points at some point last season before eventually beating the club to the title, but Gotze has insisted this is no guarantee his team will pull off a similar comeback.

"Every season is different. We cannot just say, 'Right, this is where we start a series of victories'," he said. "We can only blame ourselves for this situation. We have made mistakes. However, we are on the right path again."

Dortmund resumes match action at home against Schalke after the international break.

 

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Rooney: I want to be England's Eric Cantona

Wayne Rooney claims he wants to inspire England's younger players in the same way Eric Cantona did at Manchester United.

Rooney, who has 76 caps, believes that as a "senior player" he must begin to show his leadership qualities at international level and is willing to offer advice to the younger personnel in Roy Hodgson's squad.

"I hope it is time for me to show I am a senior player and that I can lead the team. I understand the scrutiny I'm under and I have no problems with that," Rooney told reporters.

"Hopefully in the near future we will be coming out of a tournament and you will all be praising me because we have won a trophy. That would be great for everyone.

"It's especially important now, when we have a lot of young players in the squad. I always try to speak to them and offer advice.

"I always remember what Sir Alex Ferguson says about how Eric Cantona was such a big help to the younger players at United. It is something I can look at and try do for England, to try to help them. Hopefully I can bring the best out of them and they can bring the best out of me as well."

After being part of a Three Lions squad which suffered a quarterfinal exit at the hands of Italy at Euro 2012 in the summer, Rooney admits his own performances at international level have struggled to live up to expectations.

“Performance-wise, there have been times when I’ve not done myself justice. I always try to give everything, leave everything on the pitch," said Rooney.

“Sometimes it happens where you don’t play well but you have tried. It just happens. Whether I have played well or badly. I always try to come off exhausted.

“I’d have liked to have played better for England. For whatever reasons it hasn’t happened. I’d like to know why, because I’ve always worked hard and given everything."

England will resume World Cup qualification on Friday with a home tie against San Marino and is currently second in Group H, level on four points with Montenegro and Poland after two games.