..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Rodgers 'embarrassed' at refereeing performance after defeat to Tottenham

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has branded the performance of referee Phil Dowd as "embarrassing" after watching his side lose 2-1 to Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

The away side was the dominant force for the majority of the tie, but failed to find the required quality in the final third to overturn the two-goal lead Spurs built up inside 16 minutes.

But Rodgers believes his side "never got the rub of the green" from Dowd, pointing to the "assault" on Steven Gerrard by Mousa Dembele and insisting the Clint Dempsey "dived" to win the free kick which led to Tottenham’s second goal.

"We never got the rub of the green," Rodgers told Sky Sports News. "It was a little embarrassing. [We had] two clear penalties. [Dembele] on Steven Gerrard was bordering on assault, never mind a tackle. It was frightening how we got never the penalty for that. Then Luis Suarez got kicked by William Gallas.

"Then, for the second [Tottenham] goal, the player dived. Clint Dempsey falls over without any contact. So, everything that went against us – decisions and what not – I just really want to concentrate on my players. They were brilliant tonight."

He added in the post-match press conference afterwards: "They say it evens itself out over the season, so if that's true we're going to get a hell of a lot of decisions in the second half of the season."

Liverpool managed 17 shots on goal throughout the game, with Suarez having an effort cleared off the line, Jordan Henderson missing an open goal in the first half and Jose Enrique going close with a blistering drive from 35 yards at the death.

And Rodgers hailed the performance of his players, commending their resolve to boss proceedings despite trailing for the majority of the game.

He added: "I thought we were absolutely magnificent tonight. I don’t think we can come here and play any better. We would have been disappointed if we drew the game but to have actually lost it is bitterly disappointing. [The players] were absolutely fantastic.

"We started reasonably well in the game with the ball but we found ourselves 2-0 behind very quickly in the game and that can be difficult, but the reaction of the team for the rest of the game was relentless. Our overall play was outstanding but we were unfortunate we couldn’t, at least, get the draw."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Del Bosque: We will play full-strength at Confederations Cup

Spain head coach Vicente Del Bosque has backed his squad to challenge at the Confederations Cup next year, saying he will play a full-strength side for the tournament.

The 61-year-old from Salamanca won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and then the 2012 Euros in Poland and Ukraine, and believes his side will continue to compete on the international stage for years to come.

"This is the time of Spanish football," said Del Bosque, "that's what gives us hope to do well in the Confederations Cup and even the next World Cup. "Be it friendly or official competition, we always want to have the best players. A Confederations Cup is important and we will play full-strength," he added.

The former Real Madrid coach also praised the La Liga sides who had contributed players to the national setup, saying: "The Spanish clubs have been important in the evolution of football in Spain.

"Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, and Villarreal have all have won major competitions and helped us a lot with that. We have joined forces and all found success."

But when asked if he thought if his record meant he was the best coach in the world, the former Madrid player replied: "It's an impossible question to answer.

"Nobody can say that one is better than the other. We have to take the best selection [of] successes, but who is the best, one cannot say," added Del Bosque, who is the only coach to win the Champions League, World Cup and then Euro titles.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aston Villa boss Lambert maintains his reasons for benching Bent

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists he has no personal issue with Darren Bent and is adamant the striker's continued absence from the side is because of tactical, playing-related reasons.

The 24-million pound, club-record signing has not been in the Villa squad for the whole month of November despite making 11 appearances in the opening 12 fixtures of the season.

"The team I pick will be the team that I pick," Lambert said in a press conference. "I know what happens in training, and we will see what happens. I think the team that I pick will be the team that will try and go and win us a game. It's the way I've always done it, and it's the way I will always be."

It has been suggested Bent is being omitted from the side to avoid triggering a 3 million pound bonus payment to former club Sunderland when he reaches 50 league appearances - a claim Lambert strongly refutes.

"Is there a clause? That's not true," Lambert said. "I'm not sure where that came from. It is absolute drivel. Have there been any enquiries for Bent? No. Has he asked to be put on the transfer list? No."

The 43-year-old Scot has been utilizing youngster Jordan Bowery, signed from Chesterfield in the summer, in Bent's place and was keen to point out his reasons for doing so.

"Jordan Bowery's potential is extremely high and he is an unknown quantity which sometimes can work in your favor," Lambert said. "I see every day what goes on. We've got 20-odd guys in the same boat together which I pick from."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Blatter: Neymar must come to Europe to have chance of winning Ballon d'Or

FIFA president Sepp Blatter insists that Santos striker Neymar should be looking into a transfer to Europe if he wants to win the Ballon d'Or.

The youngster was not included on the recently-revealed shortlist of finalists for the prize, but 76-year-old Blatter says that the Brazilian wonderkid might have a chance to win it - but that he will first have to move away from his homeland.

"Neymar is outstanding, but it's difficult for anyone not playing in Europe to be one of the finalists," Blatter explained to reporters at a press conference in Sao Paolo.

"The standard of football in Brazil is high, but European football is the benchmark of club football right now," he added, noting that Neymar could be included "if he performs well with Brazil in 2014".

Selecao legend Ronaldo agreed with the FIFA supremo, praising the youngster for being able to make it on the initial list of nominees in the first place.

"Neymar is on the list of 23 players nominated for the award and that is a great achievement, but I think that to be a finalist he'll have to play in Europe or have a great World Cup with the national team in 2014.

"Neymar is the biggest star in Brazil, but he isn't very well known in Europe", Ronaldo added. "I spoke to him once about the possibility of playing in Europe, in terms of his ambition.

"I told him that to be one of the world's top players he has to sign for a European club."

The 20-year-old, who is set to become a vital part of Brazil's team for the World Cup in 2014, has appeared 27 times for his country so far, scoring 17 goals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea to be without Terry, Lampard and Sturridge for West Ham clash

Chelsea will be without the injured trio of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Daniel Sturridge for Saturday’s derby away to West Ham.


Interim manager Rafa Benitez has included all three players in his squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, but the Spaniard has revealed the Hammers clash will come too soon for them.

"Lampard was doing part of the training session, the warm-up and nothing else," Benitez told reporters. "Terry and Sturridge are working hard with physios, but they need some more time."
The Spaniard is aware that injuries, compounded by a tough schedule, will necessitate player rotation and he is anticipating a real challenge against Sam Allardyce's men.

"West Ham are a good side, it will be a tough game," Benitez said. "We need to manage the squad well and give minutes to different players, as there are a lot of games at the moment. Chelsea is a top side but we have to show our opposition and fans this on the pitch."

Benitez will also be missing David Luiz for the derby game at Upton Park, as the Brazilian is suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season in the goalless draw with Fulham on Wednesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Villas-Boas hits back as Modric looks to lure Bale to Madrid

Andre Villas-Boas has blasted former Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric after the Croatian called on ex-teammate Gareth Bale to join him to Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old revealed that he had spoken to Bale about his desire to one day win the Champions League, and insisted the Welshman's presence at the Bernabeu would make Los Blancos "unstoppable".

Modric's comments prompted a response from Villas-Boas on Friday, with the Portuguese insisting the ex-Spurs man should focus on his commitments in La Liga instead of Bale's future at White Hart Lane.

“I think Modric should focus more on his club than ours," the 35-year-old said. “He has to worry about Real’s game against Atletico Madrid and about getting in to the quarterfinals of the Champions League."

He added, “Obviously Modric is aware of Gareth’s performances because of his love for Tottenham and the fact that he is very connected with him and this football club, but it’s completely impossible.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: Arsenal's hopes hinge on December home fixtures

Arsene Wenger believes the next six games will make or break Arsenal's Premier League title challenge.

Wenger’s Gunners are in seventh place in the table and are already 12 points behind league-leader Manchester United, but they have played eight of their 14 matches away from home. With Arsenal playing four of its six matches in December at the Emirates, Wenger hopes his side can build momentum going into 2013 and close the gap on the United and Manchester City.

“At the moment the two Manchester sides [are top],” Wenger told the club's official website. “They have not been spectacular but efficient, and they have made the maximum of the chances they have created. For example, Manchester United have already lost three games and have lost in the Champions League as well. It is exactly what we have done, but they took more points and had less draws than we did. That has been the difference until now.

“We will come back. Now we have six games, four at home, and if we do well in this block I think we have a chance to come back. But of course it is vital for us to do well in these games.”

Wenger is also hopeful captain Thomas Vermaelen can play a major part in the Gunners' rise up the table after praising his performance against Everton on Wednesday. When Laurent Koscielny limped off at Goodison Park, Vermaelen was moved to his preferred role of center back and looked assured against Marouane Fellaini and Nikica Jelavic.

Wenger thinks that performance will give the Belgium international a much needed confidence boost after coming in for criticism this season.

“That will boost his confidence and hopefully get out of his mind what happened before when he was not completely confident," Wenger said. “He was physically sharp, confident, calm and important for us.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Essien returns to Chelsea for treatment as reaction to medication cuts Madrid jaunt short

Michael Essien's loan spell with Real Madrid has been provisionally terminated to allow the midfielder to return to Chelsea and receive treatment for a side effect from medication stemming from an injury that has kept him out of action since Nov. 11.

The Ghanaian is expected to respond better to rehabilitation with the West London club, which has dealt with his complex injury problems in the past. Real Madrid's assistant manager, Aitor Karanka, has hinted that Essien's failure to respond to treatment in Spain is the main reason for his return to Stamford Bridge.

"Essien is not injured but is suffering from an allergic reaction to a drug," stated Karanka at a press conference.

The 29-year-old Essien has struggled for sustainable fitness in recent years and only managed 14 appearances for Chelsea last season. The Liga side is optimistic that his latest problem can be quickly resolved and he can return to Madrid in the new year. Essien joined Madrid on a season-long loan deal on the final day of the summer transfer window.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Parker to return for Tottenham in December

Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker is back in light training as he looks to make his first appearance for the side this season.

Parker was orginally set for a return in September, but he was dealt a blow when he was a victim of his own enthusiasm as his Achilles flared up once again. But now he has returned to training, and Andre Villas-Boas is confident that he will be returning shortly.

The Spurs manager is pleased to have the player back practicing and is looking forward to having him back in his plans.

"He is in light training, but we hope in the next two weeks he will be available. He is making big progress," Villas-Boas told reporters. "His impact can be decisive. He was player of the season last year and we expect him to be one of our main strengths. He hasn't lost his abilities. Now we have resumed light training with him he has been absolutely amazing."

Totttenham faces a trip to Craven Cottage on Saturday to face Fulham as Spurs look to edge past West Brom and into the Champions League places. Should Parker be able to return within the two-week timetable, he would make his season debut against Swansea City at White Hart Lane on Dec. 16.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Title race over if Bayern Munich beats Borussia Dortmund, says Hitzfeld

Ottmar Hitzfeld says if Bayern Munich beats Borussia Dortmund on Saturday then the title race is finished and will reduce the Bundesliga to a "boring" contest.

The pair clash at Allianz Arena, with the hosts looking to stretch their 11-point lead over the reigning champions, who sit in third place behind Bayer Leverkusen.

"If Bayern win, the title is decided and the Bundesliga becomes boring," Hitzfeld told Sky. "However, if Dortmund win, Bayern could stumble again, and Dortmund definitely have the quality to beat Bayern. Bayern versus Dortmund has always been a real classic, just like Real Madrid against Barcelona in Spain."

The 63-year-old was also quick to praise Jurgen Klopp's side and the acquisition of winger Marco Reus, but stated his belief that the Bavarians' hunger for success could be the deciding factor in the contest.

"Marco Reus was a great transfer, probably even better than [Shinji] Kagawa. Dortmund are confident after their past games against Bayern and can beat them on a good day," Hitzfeld added. "Bayern have never been as hungry as they are now because there has never been so much pressure on them.

"Everyone knows that there cannot be a third year without Bayern winning the title. I cannot imagine for the life of me that Bayern will crack. They have learned their lessons."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man United weigh up new Sneijder bid

Man United weigh up new Sneijder bid

Manchester United are monitoring Wesley Sneijder's situation ahead of the January transfer window, ESPN has been told, as it emerged on Friday that Inter will consider selling the Dutch playmaker after contract negotiations stalled. The Old Trafford club came extremely close to signing Sneijder in August 2011 only for the deal to fall down over financial demands. But with United's hand now strengthened due to the player's current difficulties, ESPN understands they are strongly considering another bid with Nani possibly going the other way.

United manager Alex Ferguson's relationship with the Portuguese winger has worsened significantly over the past year and the club even looked to try and sell him in the summer. Even if Sneijder does not arrive at Old Trafford, Nani - who is currently injured and could be out until the New Year - may yet move to either Inter or Juventus.

Similarly, any prospective Sneijder deal is not dependent on the winger's situation. For one, Ferguson is known to believe it would be a mistake to miss out on a player of such quality - regardless of options - if he were to come available for relatively cheap. The United manager has repeatedly proven this in the past.

In addition, Ferguson has apparently accepted that his midfield needs bolstering and feels that Sneijder could play in a more withdrawn role that would enable United to better use possession and funnel attacks in a superior manner.

United have also been heavily scouting PSV Eindhoven's highly-rated Kevin Strootman and are one of a number of clubs watching Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha, although Arsenal are understood to be favourites if the young forward were to leave Selhurst Park.

In Italy, meanwhile, Sneijder looks set to be again left out of the team for Inter's match with Palermo this Sunday."Sneijder isn't playing because the coach doesn't think he's at his best, above all psychologically," club president Massimo Moratti said.

"For us it's natural to look for a way to not be forced to sell him and he has the right to not accept our offer. If it stays like, the solution will be on the transfer market."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Apooo ayeth Sneijder Rumor 1ka patan ganna wage yanne

 

[zome]

Pep Guardiola has agreed to become Manchester City manager

A FIFA agent has claimed that Pep Guardiola has a preliminary agreement to take over at Manchester City in the summer.

The former Barcelona manager quit the club in the summer in order to take a year out from football and enjoy some time out in New York.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich failed to lure Guardiola to Stamford Bridge after sacking Roberto Di Matteo - instead employing Rafa Benitez on a temporary basis - but City manager Roberto Mancini has also had the figure of Guardiola looming over his spell at the Etihad.

Sabbatical: Pep Guardiola is taking a year's break after quitting Barcelona

In the hotseat... but for how long? City manager Roberto Mancini (right)

The Barclays Premier League champions appointed former Barcelona executive Txiki Begiristain as their director of football in October, to work alongside another former Barcelona chief executive Ferran Soriano.

According to the Mirror, Gallardo has told a Spanish radio station that City are already plotting to replace Mancini.

‘Guardiola has a pre-deal to be the next manager of Manchester City,’ he said. ‘No matter if Milan or whoever make offers to him.’

The agent also claimed that City are looking to replace England No 1 Joe Hart with Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes.

He said: ‘It will be an offer to stun your mind. If I were Barcelona, I would be very concerned.’

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho is also ready to take over the City hotseat this summer, according to The Sun.

Another option: City could turn to Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho

The former Chelsea manager's agent, Jorge Mendes, met with Begiristain in Portugal recently, according to the report, which claims the Special One also has the option of taking over at Paris Saint-Germain but would prefer the City job.

Mourinho still has four years of his deal to run at the Bernabeu but is eager to return to England, where he enjoyed huge success with the Blues.

 

[zome]

Pep Guardiola has agreed to become Manchester City manager

The agent also claimed that City are looking to replace England No 1 Joe Hart with Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes.

He said: ‘It will be an offer to stun your mind. If I were Barcelona, I would be very concerned.’

මූට පිස්සුද බන් Hart විකුණලා Valdes ගන්න.....
එහෙම වෙනවනම් මූ නාවට කමක් නෑ.........

 

[zome]

Sexy Managers Calandar 2013

White Horse Lane: Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas is riding up the Premier League with his in-form team

Ghosting into the box: Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson recreate the famous Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze scene from the film Ghost, as drawn by James Husbands for a new calendar

Maid in France: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, as drawn by Husbands, dusting the Gunners' empty trophy cabinets

Yee-haw: Roberto Mancini wears his trademark scarf to just the right length (left) - Jim Morrison, anyone? - and new Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp (right) recreating Kylie's Agent Provocateur advert... and no we can't show it here because it was banned!

Spanish waiter? Newly installed interim Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez lives up to national stereotype, pictured here as a flamenco dancer. Ole, Rafa...

Craven Cottage, by the.... seaside: Martin Jol (left) as a Baywatch lifeguard, while Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola recreate the Broke Back Mountain scene

Show him the money: Former England boss Fabio Capello enjoys a lie-in with a case full of cash

Spot the difference: smiling ex-England boss Sven Goran Eriksson as Daniel Craig in James Bond

Palace fan club: Ian Holloway posing in the Blackpool dressing room, presumably before he made the move to Selhurst Park

Christmas cracker: Husbands signs off the calendar with a bit of festive cheer for football fans with England manager Roy Hodgson... Ding dong merrily on high

SO, WHO IS MR JANUARY?

January – Arsene Wenger
February – Harry Redknapp
March – Roberto Mancini
April – Pep Guardiola/Jose Mourinho
May – Fabio Capello
June – Sven Goran Eriksson
July – Andre Villas-Boas
August – Martin Jol
September – Rafa Benitez
October - Ian Holloway
November – Alex Ferguson/Kenny Daglish
December – Roy Hodgson

 

[gunner4life]

මූට පිස්සුද බන් Hart විකුණලා Valdes ගන්න.....
එහෙම වෙනවනම් මූ නාවට කමක් නෑ.........

You cant compare valdes to Hart machang. Valdes is far better.

 

[charitha chandi]

we're loosing...! T_T

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sexy Managers Calandar 2013

White Horse Lane: Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas is riding up the Premier League with his in-form team

Ghosting into the box: Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson recreate the famous Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze scene from the film Ghost, as drawn by James Husbands for a new calendar

Maid in France: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, as drawn by Husbands, dusting the Gunners' empty trophy cabinets

Yee-haw: Roberto Mancini wears his trademark scarf to just the right length (left) - Jim Morrison, anyone? - and new Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp (right) recreating Kylie's Agent Provocateur advert... and no we can't show it here because it was banned!

Spanish waiter? Newly installed interim Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez lives up to national stereotype, pictured here as a flamenco dancer. Ole, Rafa...

Craven Cottage, by the.... seaside: Martin Jol (left) as a Baywatch lifeguard, while Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola recreate the Broke Back Mountain scene

Show him the money: Former England boss Fabio Capello enjoys a lie-in with a case full of cash

Spot the difference: smiling ex-England boss Sven Goran Eriksson as Daniel Craig in James Bond

Palace fan club: Ian Holloway posing in the Blackpool dressing room, presumably before he made the move to Selhurst Park

Christmas cracker: Husbands signs off the calendar with a bit of festive cheer for football fans with England manager Roy Hodgson... Ding dong merrily on high

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Catania 1-3 AC Milan: El Shaarawy double earns resurgent Rossoneri third win on the spin

AC Milan secured back-to-back wins in Serie A for the first time this season, but had to come from behind to win 3-1 against Catania at the Angelo Massimino stadium.

Despite a positive start, the visitors found themselves one down after 11 minutes when Nicola Legrottaglie nodded in the opener.

An incoherent Rossoneri outfit struggled to worry the hosts thereafter but it received a massive boost when Pablo Barrientos was dismissed early in the second half. Stephan El Shaarawy equalized moments later and, after Kevin-Prince Boateng scored the second before being sent off, the 20-year-old bent in a sublime strike to seal Milan's third win in a row in all competitions.

Confident from its victory over Juventus last weekend, Milan instantly took hold of possession during the early exchanges. It took just six minutes to forge its first chance but a strong hand from Mariano Andujar kept Boateng's driven effort out.

But five minutes later Milan surprisingly fell behind. Some painfully static defending enabled Legrottaglie to stroll into the box and send a bullet header home from Francesco Lodi's corner.

More shoddy defensive play from the Rossoneri presented the hosts with a fantastic chance to double the advantage soon after. Sergio Almiron was allowed time and space in the six-yard box but his header lacked conviction and went wide of the goal.

Milan's forwards were extremely isolated, with Riccardo Montolivo's efforts to link up with the front three being hindered by a lack of movement and support.

Yet once again the Diavolo's hesitant back line came close to costing it another goal 10 minutes before the break.

Excellent pressing from Gonzalo Bergessio enabled Barrientos to steal the ball from Kevin Cosntant inside the area but the latter's blushes were spared as Mattia De Sciglio hooked the Argentine's cross away from danger.

The onus was on Allegri's men as they emerged for the second half but they were offered a helping within five minutes of the second half when Barrientos took a wild and unnecessary swipe at Antonio Nocerino which earned him a second yellow card and reduced his side to 10 men.

It did not take long for Milan to make its man advantage count as, from Boateng's cross, El Shaarawy restored parity from an offside position following a touch from Robinho, Serie A's top scorer lifting the ball over Andujar in the 53rd minute.

The turnaround was compl eted just three minutes later as Boateng turned Lodi with ease at the top of the box before bending a brilliant shot into the corner of the net while the keeper stood idly by.

El Shaarawy and Robinho both wasted fantastic chances to enhance upon their side's lead and Urby Emanuelson failed to finish following a melee in the area as his shot came back off the post.

Boateng was dismissed in the final minute of normal time for a challenge from behind but El Shaarawy ensured no bitter taste remained with a spectacular second that he bent into the top corner with his right foot.

Victory moves Milan above Catania and into seventh place, though that could change depending on the weekend's other results.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lloris: I expected to be Tottenham's first-choice goalkeeper

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has admitted that he did not expect to face stiff competition for a first-team place when he agreed to move to White Hart Lane.

The France No.1 joined Spurs on the final day of the transfer window, but had to wait until September 20 for his debut as Andre Villas-Boas was unwilling to displace the in-form Brad Friedel.

However, after intermittent displays, Lloris has now started Spurs' last five games, and the goalkeeper says he did not expect to find first-team opportunities so hard to come by.

When asked by French newspaper L’Equipe if he now considers himself as first choice, Lloris replied: "You need to talk to the coach.

"When we negotiated the transfer, I did not expect to be second choice. I adapted and tried to earn playing time. I have enough perspective to make sense of things. I've never asked about my situation. In training, I give my maximum."

Lloris, though, was unwilling to focus on his own performances, instead looking towards the team’s goal of qualifying for the Champions League.

Spurs finished fourth last season, but missed out on a Champions League place because of Chelsea's European success in May, and the goalkeeper admitted that a similar finish will prove tough this term.

He continued: "We must continue thinking about the team. We are aiming to finish in the top four in order to compete in the Champions League next year. This will require a lot of effort. This is a difficult league where nothing is a foregone conclusion."

Lloris also believes there is a significant difference between the Premier League and Ligue 1 and the 25-year-old likened English top-flight matches to European contests.

"I watched the Premier League before I moved, but you must play in it to really experience it," he added. "It is certainly different from Ligue 1. Against teams like Liverpool, it is similar to the Champions League.

"But, more importantly, there is very little downtime. It goes in all directions. It is sometimes a little crazy. Teams never give up. That is the beauty of English football."