..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal chief Gazidis 'angry' after Bradford humiliation and promises January funds

Arsenal's board shares the anger of fans over recent performances and will make funds awailable to Arsene Wenger in January, chief executive Ivan Gazidis insists.



Humiliation against League Two side Bradford City in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday evening has fanned the flames of supporter unrest, with some even calling on Wenger to resign.Gazidis is adamant those inside the club are just as unhappy with the team's recent struggles, and has reiterated that Wenger will be given the resources to strengthen his ailing squad in the New Year.

Speaking at a meeting with the Arsenal Supporters Trust on Wednesday evening, Gazidis said: “I’m tired of saying the same message so won't do so, [but] last night wasn't good enough and made many of us angry.

“The support was amazing and they deserved better, and it’s something we need to put right. We are desperate to deliver that success and only by talking to those of us here will you understand that. I don't pretend we get everything right, but we really do try to.

“We built our revenues, we built our reserves, [but] we need to do better at how we spend that money. We are a club that's under pressure. The squad needs something. We've got money to spend, but does that mean that he's [potential targets] available. That's something else. My communications with Stan are generally about team performance. Obviously he's not happy with the way the team is performing.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Celta Vigo 2-1 Real Madrid: Ronaldo rides to the rescue to keep Blancos' Copa hopes alive

Celta Vigo secured a 2-1 win at the Balaidos Stadium to give it the advantage in the fifth round of the Copa Del Rey over Real Madrid.The visitors looked to make an early impact, but Celta shotstopper Sergio Alvarez was equal to Angel Di Maria’s effort in the first minute. Minutes later, Michael Essien managed to rob Borja Oubina of possession before bringing the ball forward and attempt an audacious effort from distance, only for the Sergio to comfortably claim.

Los Blancos continued to pressure the Celta goal in search for the opener, but Os Celestes were dangerous on the counter and could’ve found themselves in front in the 15th minute. Iago Aspas was threaded through on the left by Michael Krohn-Delhi, who managed to pick out Park Chu-Young at the back post. The on-loan Arsenal man couldn’t quite wrap his foot around the ball and his effort went out of play for a goal kick.

Cristiano Ronaldo then cut inside with 10 minutes of the first half remaining after cutting onto his right foot. The Portugal international let fly from distance, but his effort was straight at Sergio, who easily held.At the other end, Aspas drove forward on the right and picked out an inch-perfect pass for Park. The South Korean international couldn’t get enough power behind his shot at goal and Pepe was able to block his chance as Celta pressed for the opener at the end of the first half.

Celta could’ve taken the lead with the last attack of the half. Pepe unnecessarily gave away a corner for Real, which was swung in by Krohn-Delhi. The Dane picked out Park, but his header flashed inches wide of the far post and out for a goal kick.

The hosts began the brighter of the two sides after the interval and were rewarded 10 minutes after the restart. Krohn-Delhi did well on the left of the 18-yard box before crossing. Park was in an offside position and left the ball to run to Mario Bermejo and with the Real defence at a standstill, the Celta striker calmly slotted past Antonio Adan to open the scoring.

Real threw Kaka into the fold as it looked to net an away goal, but it was Luka Modric who had the best opportunity for the visitors following the restart. Xabi Alonso lofted a ball towards Ronaldo, only to see Lago head away. His clearances was poor and it fell to the Croatian, whose effort was matched by Sergio in the Celta net.

The Spaniard was called upon again just moments later, but the Os Celestes No. 1 was on hand to deny Ronaldo at the near post as Augutso Fernandez looked to double Celta's advantage at the other end, only for Adan to block the Argentine's effort.Nevertheless, it was the hosts who doubled their advantage with a little over 15 minutes remaining. Christian Bustos was introduced for Aspas and made an immediate impact, driving forward through the midfield before unleashing an unstoppable effort past Adan from 25 yards out.

Real looked to half the deficit with 10 minutes to go through Ronaldo, but the mercurial 27-year-old was denied twice in the space of two minutes by Sergio.
However, the Portugal international wasn’t to be denied in the final five minutes.Alonso fed the ball over the top to Ronaldo, who guided his half volley past Sergio to give Real an important away goal before the second-leg next month.

Modric looked to level the encounter late on, but his tepid effort was turned behind by Sergio as Celta held on for the 2-1 win.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus 1-0 Cagliari: Conte counts cost of first win back in Turin

A single goal from Sebastian Giovinco was enough to put Juventus into the quarterfinal of the Coppa Italia, as the club overcame Cagliari 1-0 in Turin on Wednesday evening.

Celebrations for the home team were muted, however, as Juve suffered injuries to Emanuele Giaccherini, Arturo Vidal and Nicklas Bendtner before and during the match that could stretch the squad to breaking point in the coming weeks.

Juve coach Antonio Conte was given a rousing reception by home fans as he returned to the bench in Turin for the first time following his suspension, and the hosts wasting no time in piling the pressure onto Cagliari. The first half was almost completely one-sided in terms of possession and territory, but the Sardinians were pardoned on more than one occasion by their rivals' imprecision in front of goal.

The lively Sebastian Giovinco was a constant thorn in the side of the Rossoblu, and after narrowly missing with an early free kick, the former Parma man was given an excellent chance to open the scoring. Giovinco read perfectly Leonardo Bonucci's lofted pass to break a faltering offside trap, but with the ball running away from him he could only release an underpowered shot that posed few problems for Cagliari keeper Avramov.

Bendtner also went close, flashing an effort past the post after fluid build-up from the Bianconeri. It was not to be the on-loan Arsenal man's night, though, as he struggled in vain to open his account for the Italian club.

Bonucci again inspired an opportunity with a well-hit cross as play broke down following a corner, but with no markers in his vicinity, Bendtner steered his header wide of the post. As halftime approached, the Dane broke down and was forced off, Alessandro Matri coming into the action.

Opportunities for the visitors were few and far between. Gabriele Perico briefly threatened Gianluigi Buffon's goal, but could only blaze over the bar after being played in by Sebastian Eriksson.

Juve finished the first 45 minutes well on top, but a pair of injuries left a somber mood; as well as Bendtner, Giaccherini was forced out of contention during the warmup, and his replacement Vidal was another casualty after pulling up with a muscle complaint.

Despite those setbacks, Conte's charges continued their quest to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Coppa, and Matri caused a stir when he headed Giovinco's free kick just wide of the net. The pressure was building, and with 10 minutes gone in the second half, Juve scored a decisive strike.

A low cross from the home team appeared simple to clear for Luca Rossettini, but the defender dawdled for far too long in getting rid of the ball. Juve took full advantage. Simone Padoin dispossessed his rival, and it fell to Giovinco, who jinked past the remaining markers to net the opening goal.

Having withstood the Serie A leaders for almost an hour, Cagliari would now have to drastically change their game plan, and come out for the first time to chase a result in Turin.

Daniele Dessena almost provided an instant response for the Sardinian institution, but the substitute saw his shot saved with class by the ever-reliable Buffon. Hopes were also briefly raised when Perico fired the ball into the far post, only to be extinguished once more as Mauricio Pinilla just failed to meet it with a despairing lunge.

With 15 minutes remaining, Cagliari were given perhaps their best chance of the match. Pablo Cepellini fired across the box following tenacious work from Victor Ibarbo in winning back possession, but his center was diverted wide by Pinilla, who looked anguished at squandering the opportunity.

Juventus was in no mood to surrender its narrow advantage, and held on to book a place in the next round and keep its dream of a third domestic double alive.

The Bianconeri become the third team to book their place in the quarter-final, joining Catania and Roma in the last eight. Five more ties are still to be decided, with Milan and Reggina continuing the round on Thursday evening.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cordoba 0-2 Barcelona: Messi at the double as Blaugrana battle to victory against Andalusians

Barcelona worked hard to secure a 2-0 victory over Cordoba in the first leg of their Copa Del Rey round of 16 clash at Estadio Nuevo Arcangel on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi, fresh off of breaking Gerd Muller's record for goals in a calender year, was the difference once again for the defending champion, scoring in either half to take his 2012 tally to 88 goals and put his side in pole position to advance to the quarterfinals ahead of its their Segunda Division opponent.

The Argentine opened the scoring 11 minutes into the game with a tap-in from close range and rounded off the win with his second goal 16 minutes from full time to end the resistance of Cordoba, which will be disappointed in the result after fashioning many chances in a fine attacking display.

Victor Valdes, Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta did not make the trip to Andalusia, as Jose Pinto, Thiago and Alex Song were chosen to start in their stead.

All the early momentum belonged to Cordoba, with a powerful drive from Fede forcing Pinto into an acrobatic save, before Sebastian Dubarbier crossed towards the far post, where Pedro drilled just wide.But Barca would survive the early test of its character, and began to hit back at the other end of the pitch. Thiago crashed a 20-yard half volley off the frame of the goal, and with 11 minutes gone, the Catalans would make the breakthrough.

With the Cordoba defense surrounding him, Pedro showed good awareness to pick out the unmarked David Villa on the left, who had ample time and space to square to the equally unmarked Messi for a tap-in from a few yards out.

The hosts thought they had equalized within minutes of the restart, but after Fede’s excellent cross was turned home by Vincenzo Renella, the linesman flagged for a narrow offside to chalk off the effort.The home side saw another opportunity go begging two minutes into the second half, as Carlos Caballero took aim from the edge of the area, only to see Pinto make the save at his post.

The attacking momentum displayed by Cordoba in the first half was nowhere to be found, as Barca was able to control possession and play through the middle in its usual manner.

With 20 minutes to go, Messi seemed set to put the match beyond doubt after latching onto a brilliant through pass from Gerard Pique, but after being put in the clear, could not beat the onrushing Saizar with his finish.But Messi would make no such mistake four minutes later, as he sprinted in unmarked at the far post to slide home after an incisive cross from substitute Alexis Sanchez to put the Catalans two goals ahead.

Saizar was called into action again late on to deny the Argentine his hat trick, but Barca had already done enough to seal the win, and will take two away goals into the second leg at Camp Nou on Jan. 9.

 

[Banks PLK]

Fan apologizes for confronting Ferdinand

Stupid fan. you are a disgrace to the entire Manchester city fan base
Noe enjoy the Life time ban

 

[Banks PLK]

Manchester City boss Mancini no longer interested in De Rossi or Sneijder

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has claimed the club is no longer interested in Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi.


The Italian has also ruled out a move for Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder, who looks set to leave Serie A side Inter.

As exclusively reported by Goal.com in August, City saw a move for De Rossi in the summer transfer window fall though, with the Roma captain eventually opting to stay at the Serie A club and Mancini has admitted that the episode has spelled the end for his pursuit of the Italian midfielder.

"We tried to get De Rossi last summer but didn't succeed and now we're not interested," Mancini told Sky Sport Italia. "At the moment we don't need De Rossi, I think he'll stay at Roma."

The City boss has also denied any interest in Inter midfielder Sneijder. The Dutch international, who helped the Nerazzurri to a historic treble in 2010, seems certain to leave the club following a contract dispute, but Mancini has quashed reports that he may be heading to Manchester City.

"Sneijder is a very good player but we have two players in [Samir] Nasri and [David] Silva who have the same skills as Sneijder," he explained. "So Sneijder can't be helpful for us."

oooh i rerally thought he will land @ city next transfer window.

 

[Banks PLK]

Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United:Manchester United's Robin van Persie wins derby thriller over Manchester City

Robin van Persie's deflected injury-time free-kick gave Manchester United an incredibly dramatic 3-2 derby win over Manchester City and struck a major marker in the Premier League title race.

Wayne Rooney's two first-half goals had looked set to give United a comfortable victory before City hit back through Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta in an engrossing encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

But, in stoppage time, the late free-kick from Van Persie, who had been wanted by City before he joined United in the summer, flicked off Samir Nasri in the wall and condemned the defending champions to their first home defeat in the top flight in two years.

The thrilling goal, for which Nasri's defending was poor, was marred by unpleasant scenes as celebrating United centre-back Rio Ferdinand was struck by an object seemingly thrown from City fans.Greater Manchester Police also confirmed a man was arrested inside the stadium on Sunday on suspicion of committing a racially aggravated public order offence after officers heard racist chanting.

On the field, a United win in part avenged their double derby losses last season and Holland international Van Persie's late strike also moved Sir Alex Ferguson's team six points clear at the top of the table.

It had been a typically adrenalin-fuelled opening five minutes, with neither set of players pulling out of tackles amid a fierce and fiery atmosphere but City began to dominate possession in the early stages.

However, against the run of play, Sir Alex Ferguson's United took the lead in the 16th minute as Rooney's tame finish from just inside the penalty area left Joe Hart wrong-footed and concluded a slick counter-attack.Roberto Mancini's team were stunned, lost their momentum and suffered a further setback in the 21st minute when a groin injury meant captain Vincent Kompany had to be substituted and replaced by Kolo Toure.

City became ragged and were duly punished in the 29th minute when Rooney doubled United's advantage from Rafael da Silva's low, right-side cross to net his 150th Premier League goal.

Shortly after half-time, United were themselves forced into a defensive change when centre-back Jonny Evans, who had sustained an injury before the interval, had to be replaced by Chris Smalling.Mancini's patience with the ineffective Mario Balotelli, surprisingly selected in the first XI, ran out soon after and the reported AC Milan transfer target stormed down the tunnel having been swapped for former United striker Carlos Tevez.

In contrast to last season's encounter, when United and Ferguson were strongly criticised for their negative tactics, the game continued in a far from cagey style and Ashley Young saw an effort disallowed for a controversial offside decision after Van Persie had hit a post.

To underline United's frustration at the ruling, City moved straight up the other end of the pitch to pull a 60th-minute goal back as Yaya Toure kept his composure after goalkeeper David de Gea had produced an excellent double save from David Silva.

The goal set up a frenzied final half-an-hour of end-to-end football and City got the equaliser their second-half performance deserved when United's deficiencies at set-pieces were again exposed as Zabaleta's 86th-minute half-volley at a corner flew into the back of the net.

There was, however, to be another twist as Van Persie struck deep into stoppage time with a curling free-kick which clipped Nasri's bizarrely dangling leg to give Hart no chance.

I feel too bad for zabaleta. good game that day! just ended our home record and the unbeaten run @ epl. Hope city take it positive n bounce back

 

[rcccc]

Pattama Match 1ka bro!

aniwa

 

[rcccc]

Dortmund could sell Lewandowski, says Watzke

Borussia Dortmund director Hans-Joachim Watzke has hinted that the club could be prepared to sell Robert Lewandowski this summer if it receives an offer too good to refuse.

The Polish striker, who has bagged nine goals in 15 Bundesliga starts this season has garnered attention from several clubs, including Juventus and Manchester United.

As revealed by Goal.com, the Bianconeri have already made an enquiry for his services, and with the 24-year-old's contract to expire at the end of next season, BVB could be forced to cut its losses.

"As often as I am talking to Robert, I do not have the impression he wants to leave us,” club executive Hans-Joachim Watzke told Sport Bild.

"We will have to make decisions in this case at the end of the season. We may decide on economical factors.

"Would it be best to cash in a big fee? Or would it be even better to keep Lewandowski to ensure we are more likely to qualify for the Champions League with him in our side, as this would guarantee us big income?

"It's a decision we will have to take. It's our decision. It's not something to be decided by others."

 

[rcccc]

Betis 1-2 Barcelona: Messi makes history

Lionel Messi became the player to score the most goals in a calender year after hisdouble led Barcelona to a 2-1 win over Betis in their Liga clash at at Estadio Benito Villamarin on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Abidal: I will fight to play football again

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal says he will "fight to play football again" as he continues his recovery from a liver transplant.The France international was diagnosed with a tumor of the liver in late 2011 and underwent major surgery in March this year and has since been working hard to make a comeback.



"The doctors tell me that it is not normal that I have lived," he told sport.es. "I will fight to play football again but if I cannot then it's not a problem, I will continue with my family."

Abidal was talking after he was awarded the Xlll Prix Pyrenees prize for showing great perserverance and strength during his fight back to full health.And despite his recent troubles, the 33-year-old says he feels well once again and is thankful for the support shown by so many during the most difficult of years.

"I want to give thanks to everyone for this award. The year that has passed has been the most difficult of my life and I have fought so much."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Antic: Some players want to leave Real Madrid

Red Star Belgrade coach Radomir Antic believes several Real Madrid players are desperate to leave the club.

The well-travelled tactician, who coached Los Blancos during the 1991-92 season, revealed that tensions at the Santiago Bernabeu have caused irreparable damage and could result in a number of departures.



"Some want to quit at Madrid, they are not together. It is not easy to get results in such an atmosphere where there are clashes within the group," he told Esports Cope. During his 25-year coaching career, Antic has also been at the helm of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who face one another in La Liga this Sunday.

And the 64-year-old sees the game as a wonderful chance for Diego Simeone's side to stamp its mark on this season's title race."This Sunday is a great opportunity against Barca for Atleti. They can search for an identity there. Atleti is a great club, and because of this they have to have personality," he added.

Antic also commented on Barca's record-breaker Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique, who looks to have returned to his best this season.

"He is just doing splendid at this moment, he is a killer. Despite all the praise the comments still fall short," he continued.

"Pique has recovered his best form. One can notice that he is doing well and is smiling again."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

AC Milan 3-0 Reggina: Rampant Rossoneri set up Coppa clash with Juventus

AC Milan continued its recent resurgence with a commanding 3-0 win over Serie B side Reggina in the Coppa Italia.

After laboring to break down the visitors in the first half, a powerful header from Mario Yepes and a quick-fire double from M'Baye Niang and Giampaolo Pazzini saw the Rossoneri cruise to victory, and set up a tantalizing tie with Juventus in the next round.

The visitors thought they had taken a shock lead shortly before the 25-minute mark, but Dario Bergamelli's well-taken finish was correctly ruled out for offside following a deep free-kick. Bojan Krkic's header was then parried by Facchin just a minute later to keep the scores level.

Milan continued to press for the opener but, despite dominating possession, the Rossoneri found it difficult to find a way through the visiting defense, and its three-man shield in central midfield.

The hosts came out of the blocks quickly after halftime and almost found an opening when Ignazio Abate prodded through towards Robinho, but the Brazilian could not quite reach the pass and Facchin gathered.

But the Rossoneri did not have to wait much longer for the breakthrough. After Robinho's header was brilliantly blocked on the line after Emanuelson's corner, the Brazilian returned the ball out wide to the Dutchman and his excellent cross was powerfully headed home by Mario Yepes.

With the deadlock broken, Massimo Allegri opted to give youngster M'Baye Niang a chance to impress, and he almost scored with his first involvement after controlling Pazzini's pass but Facchin was alert to smother the danger. Emanuelson then forced his way through a number of challenges only to be denied by the Reggna stopper once more.

Facchin was the busiest man on the pitch by this point, saving well from Abate's shot across goal after some good interplay with Niang and Pazzini, before making a superb one-handed stop following Pazzini's instinctive effort on the turn.

Reggina responded by finally pushing men further forward, but the tie was settled with two strikes in quick succession. First Niang doubled his side's lead by slotting coolly past Facchin following Emanuelson's run and pass, before Pazzini was finally rewarded for his efforts when he turned inside the box and fired high into the corner of the net.

Reggina attempted to rally but Allegri's side ultimately cruised through the final exchanges to progress to the next round, where it will face first-placed Juventus.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

FA shocked by UEFA's pitiful Serbia sanctions

The Football Association has condemned the punishments UEFA handed to Serbian players and officials following ugly scenes at the conclusion of a European U21 fixture as "disappointing", as well as expressing "surprise" at the sanctions delivered to two England players.

A number of England players and coaches were invovled in a mass brawl after the final whistle in the Euro 2013 playoff second leg, which confirmed the Young Lions' qualification for Israel in 2013. UEFA subsequently banned two of the Serbia coaches and four players, as well as handing a 80,000 euro fine and ordering the Serbian FA to play one match behind closed doors.

However, the FA has reacted to what it sees as punishments that do not fit the crime in a statement on its official website.

FA General Secretary Alex Horne said: “We are disappointed with the sanctions levied by UEFA with regards to the racist behaviour displayed towards England’s players.

“Let’s be clear, racism is unacceptable in any form, and should play no part in football. The scenes were deplorable and we do not believe the sanction sends a strong enough message.”

The FA also expressed its disappointment in the one and two-match bans handed to Tom Ince and Steven Caulker, as well as the upholding of Danny Rose's suspension for their part in events in Krusevac. The players will miss the opening game of their Euro 2013 campaign - versus Italy - and Caulker is set to be forced to watch the second group game against Norway from the sidelines too.

Horne stated: "It is The FA’s vehement belief that its players and staff acted correctly in the face of provocation, including racist abuse and missiles being thrown.

“We are therefore surprised to see that two of our players have been given suspensions.

"We shall await UEFA’s reasoning but it is our intention, at this stage, to support our players and appeal these decisions.”

Head coach Stuart Pearce reiterated his belief that his players and coaching team were innocent victims, adding: “I am concerned to see our players suspended by UEFA and we will continue to support them.

"I maintain that our players played no part in the aggression. From what I witnessed our players and staff were forced to protect themselves in the violent scenes that followed the game.”

The FA confirmed it will await the written reasoning from UEFA before proceeding but suggested it will appeal the sanctions handed to its players.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Two-year bans for Serbian coaches involved in England Under-21 brawl

UEFA has banned Serbian coaches Andreja Milunovic and Predrag Katic from all football related activities for two years following the racism row and brawl which marred their clash with the England Under-21 side in October.

European football's governing body also handed out bans to players from both sets of teams for the mass confrontation which broke out at the end of game, which centred around alleged abuse of England left back Danny Rose.

England defender Steven Caulker has been banned for two games while midfielder Tom Ince is banned for one game.

The Tottenham man will miss the Three Lions' matches against Italy and Norway on June 5 and June 8 respectively, while Ince will miss only miss the clash with the Italians.

Serbia's Goran Causic has been suspended for four games, along with Ognjen Mudrinski and Filip Malbašić who face three-game bans, while Nikola Ninković is banned for two fixtures. All charges against Aleksandar Pantic, however, have been dropped.

The Serbian FA has been fined 80,000 euros for the numerous incidents which took place at the Mladost Stadium in Krusevac and the Serbian Under-21 national team will also be forced to play their next home match behind closed doors.

UEFA also revealed all disciplinary proceedings made against the English Football Association have been dropped, though they did issue a warning about the improper conduct of the England team.

All the decisions made by UEFA can be appealed within three days.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry handed one-match suspension

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry has been handed a one-match ban by the Football Association for using abusive language towards a match official during the club's derby defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

The England international accepted the charge of the suspension as well as an 8,000 pound fine, meaning he will miss his side's clash with Newcastle on Saturday.

Barry accepted the punishment after using abusive language allegedly towards fourth official Mark Clattenburg in the tunnel minutes after his side's 3-2 defeat to Manchester United last Sunday.

The news of the 31-year-old's suspension will come as a bitter blow for City boss Roberto Mancini, as Barry has been a key player for his side this season, featuring in 17 games so far in all competitions, after returning from a hernia operation in September which kept him out of Roy Hodgson's England squad for Euro 2012.

A statment on the club's official website said: "Both the Club and Gareth Barry reluctantly accept the punishment which leads to Gareth being unavailable to take part in the weekend’s match against Newcastle."

It's expected Barry will return to first-team action next week for City's Premier League clash with Reading.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rafa Marquez signs with Club Leon

Rafa Marquez is back home.

Hours after being released by the New York Red Bulls, the Mexican defender signed a two-year deal with Liga MX side Club Leon on Thursday morning.

Goal.com reported earlier this week that Marquez was in Mexico City to finalize the deal, but the one major hurdle in completing the move sooner was his contract obligations with the Red Bulls.

"I'm sure that our fans will give Leon's newest player, Rafael Marquez, the best welcome," Leon president Jesus Martinez wrote on Twitter.

Marquez, who was one of the Red Bulls' three Designated Players, had been a disappointment since signing with the MLS team from Barcelona in 2010. He played just 35 of a possible 73 games while earning $4.6 million, the second-highest salary in MLS.

The Red Bulls' new sporting director Andy Roxburgh said it was a mutual decision to part ways with Marquez.

“This decision has been made in the best interests of both parties concerned,” Roxburgh said. “Rafa has accomplished a great deal during his career and is a top quality player. We want to thank him for his service to the Red Bulls and wish him the best of luck in the next stage of his career.”

Marquez began his pro career in Mexico with Club Atlas before continuing his career in Europe with Monaco and Barcelona. He also has 106 caps with the Mexican national team.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jones signs new long-term Liverpool deal

Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones has signed a new long-term deal with Brendan Rodgers' side.

The 30-year-old was brought to the Reds' in 2010 by former boss Roy Hodgson from Middlesbrough for a free transfer. Since then he has served as back-up to Pepe Reina and has played 14 games in total for the Merseysiders including 10 this season in all competitions after the Spaniard went down with an injury.

In those games he kept three clean sheets, including in a UEFA Europa League home game against Anzhi Makhachkala. The Australian keeper, who has made three appearances for his national side since 2007, has now committed his long-term future to the club after proving his worth to the team in this campaign.

Jones joins a number of players including Luis Suarez, Martin Skrtel, and Daniel Agger to commit their future to the club this season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea star Mata looks forward to 'football party' against Corinthians

Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata believes Sunday's Club World Cup final between his side and Brazilian outfit Corinthians will be a "football party."

The Spaniard scored the first and forced an own-goal for the third as the Blues ran out a comfortable 3-1 winner over Mexican side Monterrey to seal a spot in the final.

Mata admits that Rafael Benitez's men are taking the competition seriously and was happy with the way they applied themselves against Monterrey.

"I am so glad today for winning, the way that we won, for us it’s a very important tournament we want to win this trophy, to be world champions on Sunday and we will do our best to win," he told BBC Sport.

"I am very happy with the goal and the result, I think we started really well, we were really focused on scoring more goals and we did. 3-1 is a good result for us."

Corinthians secured its spot with a 1-0 win over Al-Ahly but created several chances and could have won by a greater margin.

The 24-year-old is wary of the threat the Brazilian's pose, but is confident Chelsea will make the trip to Japan worthwhile by bringing home the trophy.

"We have confidence about winning but we know Corinthians are one of the best teams in South America," he said. "It will be a football party and hopefully we will win."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger to be given 'considerable resources' in January, says Arsenal Supporters' Trust

The Arsenal Supporters' Trust (AST) says it has been informed that Arsene Wenger will be given "considerable resources" in January as the Gunners seek to salvage their seasons.


Arsenal qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League with considerable ease, but the club's quest to end a seven-year trophy drought came crashing down at Valley Parade as League Two Bradford City eliminated the team with a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout win in the Capital One Cup.

The AST met with chief executive Ivan Gazidis on Wednesday to discuss the club's perceived lack of direction, but the group was assured that the Frenchman will be given the financial backing required to compete.

"There is plenty of money there," Trust spokesman Tim Payton told BBC Sport. "That was the message that Ivan and his finance director were giving this evening. He stayed for over two hours. He apologized for the result [at Bradford] and said it was not good enough and had to be better.

"The Arsenal fans were dissatisfied with the strength of the squad and particularly don't understand whether there were resources to be used. I specifically raised this with the finance director and his colleague and they were in no doubt there is considerable resources available to the manager ready to spend when he has identified the players he wants to sign. It's crystal clear that Arsenal fans need to wait until January for Arsene Wenger to use the check book he has been given well."

Wenger's position has come under increasing scrutiny in light on recent results, but the Trust still has complete faith in the club's most successful ever manager.

"Lots of people have asked me whether Arsene Wenger should go," said Payton. "He certainly needs to change and improve, spend the money he's got, strengthen the set-up around him and the results will be the judge."