..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Hugo Sanchez: Carlos Vela is the best Mexican player

Former El Tri great Hugo Sanchez has backed Carlos Vela as the best Mexican player on the planet.

In a wide-ranging interview with Marca, the current Pachuca skipper expressed his belief that Vela is a more complete player than Javier Hernandez or Gio dos Santos.

“The theme of Carlos Vela, he’s a player with lots of talent and quality,” Sanchez said. “But in Mexico he doesn’t have the sympathy or following that Chicharito gets. But if you force me to choose, Vela is a player who for his impact, character and personality is really garnering attention.”

Sanchez came back to Mexico to take the reigns at Pachuca ahead of the Apertura 2012, but the Tuzos have struggled with form and failed to make the postseason.

Nevertheless, the man known as Hugol has plenty of faith in the process underway in Hidalgo.

“Pachuca is industrializing football,” he said. “Not just football-wise, but also in terms of education and culture, which is fantastic. I don’t know of any other team in the world that has what Pachuca does.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Luca Toni: Going to Dubai was a mistak

Fiorentina attacker Luca Toni has conceded that he made a mistake by swapping Serie A for the Dubai Pro League to play for Al Nasr.

The former Bayern Munich player made his move to the United Arab Emirates from Juventus earlier this year but soon transferred back to Italy to return to former club Fiorentina.

Toni stated that he is disappointed by the standard of play in the Middle East country, and advised players against taking the same journey as he did.

"Do not go to Dubai. I like playing real football and it is not like that over there. The place is nice, but the atmosphere is not," Toni told Corriere della Sera. "I want it to be a challenge on the field and I want to play at a high level in a competitive league."

The 35-year-old also believes that the standard of football in Italy has gradually declined and he stated that Serie A should offer a more attractive brand to the fans.

"The standard of football has got worse. We are going down in quality. In the summer of 2007 when I went to Germany, the Italian league was better than the German one," the Italian added. "Now it is the opposite. The problem is the quality that we offer to the fans. Without new stadiums we are not going anywhere."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ferdinand under no illusions despite Manchester United's early form

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is adamant he and his teammates aren't getting carried away with things, despite his team's strong start to the campaign.

United is a point clear at the top of the Premier League table after 10 games, and has secured its place in the next round of Champions League already - a far cry from last season's group stage fiasco.

But Ferdinand insists his side is simply where it wants to be at this stage, with his experienced head well aware that there is an awful long way to go.

"I wouldn't say we are over-happy," Ferdinand explained to Sky Sports. "We are in the position we want to be. We set our stall out at the beginning of the Champions League to make sure we qualify comfortably. We have done that with games to spare.

"But in the league, Christmas is when we really evaluate it. If we are in the same position then as we are now, we would say it is a good start to the season. It is still too early to look at the league table and start singing and dancing."

Ferdinand's substitute appearance in the at Braga on Wednesday was his tenth of the season so far, and hopes he can form a good understanding with Johnny Evans at the heart of the team's defense.

"I have not been speaking about my injuries over the past few months because there haven't been any," he added. "Over the last 18 months I have managed it really well. The club have helped me. It is testament to the medical and science department that they have been able to help me along.

"It means I have been playing consistently, week in, week out. If the manager needs me to play in the midweek games, that is fine as well. I am more than capable of doing that, as I have proved over the past 18 months."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I'm so happy he's back' - Di Matteo hails Terry's return from ban

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has hailed John Terry as a "fantastic" player and is delighted to have his captain available for selection again.

Terry has sat out Chelsea’s last four domestic games following a Football Association charge for racially abusing against Anton Ferdinand last year.

However, now that the former England center back has completed his suspension, Blues boss Di Matteo is delighted to have the 31-year-old back in action.

"He is a fantastic player," Di Matteo told reporters. "He’s a great player for us, a great defender. He brings a lot of quality to the team and I’m very pleased his ban is over now and we can fully have him available for the future and for the rest of the season.

"He’ll be a big asset for us, I’m so happy he’s back, on the pitch, off the pitch, and also if we can focus on the football now with him and the team I think that’s going to help everybody."

Although Chelsea has been criticized for its defensive displays in Terry’s absence, Di Matteo was keen to stress that the likes of Gary Cahill and David Luiz are more than capable of deputizing for the club captain.

He said: "I think they [Luiz and Cahill] have had some good games as well, against Newcastle they had a clean sheet.

"It’s not just the defenders, I want to emphasize that, it’s not just the defenders – it’s a team responsibility to defend."

Di Matteo also admitted his relief that the saga surrounding is now over, stating his happiness to move on from the affair and concentrate on matters on the pitch.

"I think everybody does [feel relief], we can focus on the football and try to achieve thing on the football pitch."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea announces annual profit for first time since 2003

Chelsea has announced an annual profit of 1.4 million pounds for the year ending June 30, 2012.

The declaration marks the first time the Blues have made a profit since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003. The club also announced a record group turnover of 255.7 million pounds, putting the Stamford Bridge outfit into fifth in Europe in terms of generated revenue.

Chelsea’s profits in 2011-12 are a significant improvement on the club's 67.7 million pound loss for the previous financial year, while they also made a 28.8 million pound profit in the transfer market. The figures do not include the lavish investment spent on the likes of new recruits Eden Hazard and Oscar, as the money was spent in the new financial year.

However, Chelsea’s successful financial year will still not go unnoticed and was hugely attributable to the increased revenue gained from the Blues' UEFA Champions League win in May. In addition, the club was able to secure numerous commercial deals off the field, and the overall impact has delighted chief executive Ron Gourlay.

“Our club philosophy is built on success. We had that success on the field this year, as we were the first London team to win the Champions League, and we enjoyed it off the field as well and this helps us inject financial investment into the team," Gourlay said. “The big challenge is always to have a successful team on the field that wins trophies and to make a profit at the same time.

“The objectives have been set across the whole business, from the academy to Under-21s and all the way through to the first team.”

The figures place Chelsea in a much healthier position to deal with UEFA’s upcoming Financial Fair Play regulations, and chairman Bruce Buck was similarly pleased by the announcements.

“We will never forget that night in Munich and now we are celebrating serious progress off the field too," Buck said. “While we draw huge satisfaction from the achievements of the past 12 months, we are more than ever focused on continuing the story of on-field success supported by improving financial performance off the pitch.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool youngster Coady revels in 'boyhood dream' debut

Conor Coady has announced his delight at making his Liverpool debut in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The 19-year-old academy graduate is naturally a center back but was asked to play in a holding midfield role in the 1-0 defeat to Anzhi Makhachkala.

Coady was satisfied with his performance in Russia and hopes to have impressed Brendan Rodgers enough to secure more first team football.

"I loved it. It is every boy's dream to make his debut for Liverpool," he told reporters. "I felt I had a good game. The gaffer is going to give youngsters a chance and for myself to get a chance was fantastic.

"I put my all into it and was made up to make my debut. You have to be patient and bide your time and hopefully your chance will come."

The Liverpool Under-21 captain also praised the Reds’ display against the Russian side, insisting they were unfortunate to lose by such a narrow margin.

Coady continued: "I thought we were a bit unlucky to get the result we did as it was a bit of a mistake for their goal.

"I thought we had a good game, sat in there and tactically we were fantastic and we are just a bit gutted we conceded the goal. But we will bounce back from this and become better."

Coady also spoke of his satisfaction at testing himself against former Barcelona star Samuel Eto’o – a memory the young defender is not likely to forget any time soon.

"It is always good to play against the best players in the world and Eto'o has been in his time. He has that bit of class about him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Varane praises Mourinho influence at Real Madrid

Raphael Varane has spoken about the influence coach Jose Mourinho had on his progress since arriving at Real Madrid.


The France Under-21 international, who was handed the Blancos' prestigious number two shirt ahead of the 2012-13 season, feels his route to the first team is owed to his boss giving him a chance to showcase his potential.

“Mourinho gives me a lot. He trusts me, lets me express myself and shows me the demands of elite sport and everything that implies. I learn a lot from him,” the 19-year-old was quoted as saying on the official website.

He also reflected on Madrid's successful Liga campaign last term and his process of integrating into the team.

“We won the league, which was great," he added. "It was a good year both personally and as part of a team. As an individual, I have settled in well and made my mark on the dressing room.

"I have seen the good side of everything and I have also seen how big and important this club is."

Varane then concluded by looking at his side's upcoming clash with Levante, recognizing the tough physical challenge that could await it.

“It will be a difficult match," the former Lens man continued. "We know that Levante are a good team and we will have to be alert to measure up in every aspect. It will be a very physical encounter.”

Madrid currently sits third in the league, eight points behind table-topper Barcelona.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sir Alex: Van Persie key to Manchester United title tilt

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Robin van Persie to make the difference for Manchester United in this year’s title race.

The Red Devils are currently top of the Premier League – as well as their Champions League group, but question marks have been raised about the quality of their backline.

However, United boss Ferguson believes the firepower he has up front will more than compensate, especially since Van Persie’s summer arrival from Arsenal.

"Last year we lost on goal difference and I don't expect us to lose on goal difference again - Robin may make that difference,” Ferguson told reporters. "Robin's experienced. He had eight years at Arsenal which helps and he's come to us at the right time, there's no doubt.”

Dutchman van Persie has already scored 11 goals since his 24 million pound move, drawing praise from his Scottish manager.

But Ferguson also found time to praise his other marksmen Chicharito and Wayne Rooney, suggesting the pair will both reach the 20-goal mark for the season.

Ferguson continued: "He [Van Persie] has got us 11 goals so far and Chicharito is on six and getting back to what he was a couple of years ago - a summer's rest has helped enormously.

"He's looking fresh and aggressive with his running, always a handful, and Wazza will get to 20 goals plus, I'm sure of that. It's a healthy combination we've got up there.

"Wayne had goals last year and the way Chicharito has started this season I'm certain he'll get to 20 plus."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cole to miss Liverpool clash, Di Matteo confirms

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed Ashley Cole will miss his side’s Premier League clash with Liverpool this weekend.

The full back has been in impressive form this season but injured his hamstring at Swansea last Saturday and did not feature in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Blues are second in the Premier League and just a point behind leaders Manchester United, but Cole's absence is an untimely blow as they seek to regain top spot with a victory over Brendan Rodgers' men. Ryan Bertrand, viewed by many at Stamford Bridge as Cole's long-term successor, deputized during the Shakhtar clash and will likely fill in on the left again against Liverpool.

Di Matteo has stated his hope that the 31-year-old Cole will be available for selection for next weekend’s game against West Brom, who is now managed by former Chelsea assistant Steve Clarke. Cole has made 10 appearances for the Blues this season, scoring once and getting two assists – although he faced a fine from the FA after a controversial Twitter outburst in October.

The defender's contract expires in the summer, and, with no new deal seemingly forthcoming after a breakdown in talks, could be set to move on at the end of the current campaign.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mata recalled to Spain squad for Panama friendly

Juan Mata has earned a recall to the Spain squad after Vicente del Bosque elected to name the Chelsea attacker among his 19-man party for the friendly against Panama on Nov. 14.

The former Valencia ace has garnered critical acclaim from pundits and fans alike after a series of match-winning displays for the Blues this season, but he had missed the previous selection for last month's World Cup qualifiers.

And following an impressive start to La Liga this term, with five goals in eight appearances for Barcelona, David Villa is set to impress for his national side again after previously struggling with injury, which forced him out of Euro 2012.

The squad also sees Real Betis midfielder Benat return to the fold, while fellow Basque and Athletic Bilbao winger Markel Susaeta is in line to debut for his country at the senior level.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Villas-Boas: Manchester City will be fresher than Tottenham

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas is wary that his side has had two days' less rest than Manchester City ahead of their Premier League meeting on Sunday.

Roberto Mancini's men fought out a 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw with Ajax on Tuesday while Spurs were forced to wait until Thursday to complete a 3-1 UEFA Europa League victory over Maribor. Spurs' Portuguese boss believes that could make all the difference when the sides do battle at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

"City have two days extra than us, this is the main difference. The reality is they have that extra freshness," Villas-Boas told reporters. "But there is enough time to recover. The body takes 48 hours to recover from physical effort and we'll be able to make that recovery.

"We go four steps up in competition [on Sunday], it's a different scenario. It was a good performance [Thursday], it was important for us to bounce back, to do it in such a good manner was fantastic. At the weekend we play the champions of England [who are] a totally different proposition. They will want to bounce back after a run of bad results."

The North London side enjoyed success in playing two strikers against Maribor, but the 35-year-old was coy when asked if he would repeat the tactic against the Premier League champions.

"It was good to see us in this system, with Adebayor coming short and linking play very, very well," Villas-Boas said. "We have been playing with two strikers, but one off the other one, and we are still a team that creates lots of opportunities with one off or with two up front.

"It was good to see the link up of Adebayor and Defoe, but we ended with one striker coming short all the time so it was exactly the same. I base my decision making on the performance in the game and in training. I have not made a decision at the moment, but in the short time of preparation I will decide."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Drogba hoping for Chelsea training return during Chinese season break

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has revealed he hopes to train with the West London club following the conclusion of the Chinese Super League season.

Shanghai Shenhua finished a lowly ninth in the CSL, after the Ivorian's eight goals in his first 11 games came too late to save his new club's domestic season. With the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations approaching, the 34-year-old is keen to maintain sharpness and is hoping his former club will help him to do so.

"It will first be necessary that I ask permission to Shanghai and Chelsea also,” Drogba told France Football. “Then, if everyone agrees, it is possible that I will go and train there until the African Cup starts."

Drogba went on to dismiss claims that he was ready to leave China due to a salary dispute as "absolutely false."

"It is absolutely false that I have been paid late at any point - I've never had this problem here," Drogba said.

 

[rcccc]

hmmm

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League 2012.11.10 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2012.11.10 Fixtures

Reading Vs Norwich City

Southampton Vs Swansea

Stroke City Vs QPR

Wigan Vs WBA

Arsenal Vs Fulham

Everton Vs Sunderland

Aston Villa Vs Manchester United

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

La Liga 2012.11.10 Fixtures

La Liga 2012.11.10 Fixtures


Rayo Vallecano Vs Celta Vigo

Espanyol Vs Osasuna

Real Zaragoza Vs Deportivo

Malaga Vs Real Socidad​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Serie A 2012.11.10 Fixtures

Serie A 2012.11.10 Fixtures

Cagliari Vs Catania

Pescara Vs Juventus​

 

[rcccc]

Drogba hoping for Chelsea training return during Chinese season break

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has revealed he hopes to train with the West London club following the conclusion of the Chinese Super League season.

Shanghai Shenhua finished a lowly ninth in the CSL, after the Ivorian's eight goals in his first 11 games came too late to save his new club's domestic season. With the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations approaching, the 34-year-old is keen to maintain sharpness and is hoping his former club will help him to do so.

"It will first be necessary that I ask permission to Shanghai and Chelsea also,” Drogba told France Football. “Then, if everyone agrees, it is possible that I will go and train there until the African Cup starts."

Drogba went on to dismiss claims that he was ready to leave China due to a salary dispute as "absolutely false."

"It is absolutely false that I have been paid late at any point - I've never had this problem here," Drogba said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Manchester United!!!

Yahoooooooooo Another Great Comeback!

Comeback Kings!

 

[gayankuwait]

ෆට්ට ලොක්කා

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Manchester United!!!

Full Time

Aston Villa 2 Vs 3 Manchester United

Aston Villa Goal(s)

Weimann 45+1',50'

&

Manchester United Goal(s)

Chicharito 58',63',87'

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