..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City wants to sign Cavani, says coach

Manchester City assistant Angelo Gregucci has stated that the Premier League champion wants to bring Edinson Cavani to the club.

The Napoli striker has become one of the hottest talents in European soccer in recent years, and according to the defensive coach, Roberto Mancini is keen on bolstering his side by adding the Uruguayan hitman to his squad.

"I don't know if the club will lay siege to Napoli for Cavani, but every club with a player of the highest level will know they'll be courted by bigger clubs," Gregucci told Radio CRC. "Mancini decides the transfer targets along with the new directors. If you ask the clubs who can afford Cavani, for example Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester United, then I think they'd want Cavani just as Manchester City wants him.

"However, what the player wants is the predominant factor in negotiations and it seems to me that Cavani is happy at Napoli."

Gregucci also praised striker Mario Balotelli, who was involved in a well publicized training ground bust-up with Mancini. Despite the incident, Gregucci says the 22-year-old is "a treasure", and stated that he is one of the top 10 strikers in the world.

He added: "Mario has huge potential and is a treasure for our football. As for the recent events, I'd prefer not to talk about them so as not to make too much of it.

"Seeing him train, though, I think Mario should be included in the world's top 10 strikers."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Balotelli has always behaved well for Italy, insists Abete

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giancarlo Abete has leaped to the defence of Mario Balotelli, insisting that the attacker has always been well behaved for Italy.

The 22-year-old had been linked with a move to AC Milan during the January transfer window, but Rossoneri owner Silvio Berlusconi poured cold water on the speculation when he described Balotelli as "a rotten apple."

The Milan supremo also voiced concerns that the Manchester City player could unsettle the San Siro dressing room.

Abete, however, has vouched for the striker's attitude when it comes to his national team duties.

“I talk about him as a player for the Nazionale and not in other contexts," he told reporters. "Mario has always behaved well with the Azzurri.

“We have a coach like Cesare Prandelli who has shown himself capable of dealing with the players on the field and off, punishing when necessary or getting the best out of them.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool captain Gerrard: I've been disappointed with my form

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard does not believe he has found his best form in the first half of the Premier League season.

The 32-year-old has made 28 appearances for the Reds in all competitions so far this season, scoring four goals. Gerrard has been critical of his own performances, though, especially his goal scoring record, but he is adamant that his form will improve as the season progresses.

"I've had mixed experiences this season," Gerrard told reporters. "I've passed some unbelievable landmarks for club and country, getting to the 600 games mark and winning my 100th cap for England. But with the slow start we made and being where we have in the league it's been a bit mixed for me.

"There's my form as well. I've played well in some games but I've been disappointed with myself in others and I'm not happy with my goal tally at the moment. People's opinions, perceptions and the way they judge you changes when you get a goal.

"I think my performances are getting closer to where I want them to be, so if I can add goals to those performances then maybe people will start saying the old Steven Gerrard is back."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo and Casillas named in strong Real Madrid squad for Copa del Rey clash

Cristiano Ronaldo and Iker Casillas have both been named in a strong Real Madrid squad for Wednesday's Copa Del Rey clash.

The duo has been included in the 20-man group for the second-leg match with Celta Vigo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, as Jose Mourinho's men look to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg and advance to the quarterfinals.

The only notable absentees from the side will be Pepe, who underwent ankle surgery last week, and Fabio Coentrao, who remains a long-term casualty for Los Blancos. Marcelo, meanwhile, has not been risked after he returned to training this week following a broken foot.

Real Madrid squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Adan, Jesus.

Defenders: Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Ricardo Carvalho, Alvaro Arbeloa, Raul Albiol, Nacho.

Midfielders: Sami Khedira, Kaka, Mesut Ozil, Xabi Alonso, Michael Essien, Luka Modric, Angel Di Maria, Jose Callejon.

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuain.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Robinho out of Milan side to face Juventus in Coppa Italia

Robinho has been left out of the Milan squad that will face Juventus in the quarterfinal of the Coppa Italia at Juventus Stadium on Wednesday.

The Brazilian has been in talks to move to Santos, and the time spent in negotiations is said to have affected his fitness.

French defender Philippe Mexes will return after missing the win over Siena due to suspension, but the Rossoneri still have a long injury list, including Djamel Mesbah, Christian Abbiati, Kevin Constant, Mario Yepes, Daniele Bonera, Nigel De Jong, Cristian Zapata and Sulley Muntari.

Milan squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Amelia, Coppola, Gabriel.

Defenders: Abate, Acerbi, Antonini, De Sciglio, Mexes.

Midfielders: Ambrosini, Boateng, Carmona, Emanuelson, Flamini, Montolivo, Nocerino, Traore.

Forwards: El Shaarawy, Niang, Pazzini, Bojan.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bradford City 3-1 Aston Villa: McHugh keeps Bantams' Capital One Cup dream alive

Bradford City’s quest to reach the Capital One Cup final continued with an impressive 3-1 victory over Premier League side Aston Villa in the first leg of their semifinal tie.

Nakhi Wells opened the scoring with an opportunistic goal in the first half, before poor defending allowed Rory McArdle to double the home side’s lead after the break.

Andreas Weimann lifted the ball beyond Bradford goalkeeper Matt Duke to slice the deficit in half, but Carl McHugh headed past Shay Given in the closing stages to give Paul Lambert’s side a two-goal hole to overcome at Villa Park.

Villa was punished in the 19th minute after failing to fully clear a corner, as Hines’ 20-yard effort was deflected into the path of Wells, who stroked the ball past Given, handed the start in place of American Brad Guzan, the Villans' No. 1 keeper.

Villa began the second half on the ascendancy, and Christian Benteke was foiled by the Bradford ‘keeper, who kept out the Belgian’s close range diving header before denying Gabriel Agbonlahor, who connected well with a Barry Bannan cross.

With little more than 30 minutes to play, Darrent Bent was brought on in place of Agbonlahor as Lambert pressed for an equalizer, but the striker fired over the bar from a narrow angle with one of his first few touches of the ball.

The striker missed a golden opportunity to equalize when Duke saved a shot from Charles N’Zogbia and the ball looped up in front of an open goal, but the England international headed over.

The Premier League side was made to pay for the host of missed chances for the second time as woeful defending from another corner allowed Wells to keep an attack alive for Jones, whose cross was met by a glancing header from McArdle at the near post, which beat Given.

The visitors scored eight minutes from time as Weimann raced onto a loose ball and lifted it over Duke to put Villa in a bit less of a disadvantageous position, but McHugh’s header in the final minute of normal time restored Bradford’s two-goal advantage, taking the League Two side within 90 minutes of a Capital One Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Stoke City open to loaning Maurice Edu

Having played a grand total of 10 minutes since joining Stoke City in August, Maurice Edu's move to Stoke City hasn't panned out as hoped and the American is expected to be loaned elsewhere this month.

Goal.com has learned that the Premier League club will be amicable in allowing Edu to join a team on loan as the midfielder looks to lock down a starting spot on the U.S. national team prior to this year's World Cup qualifying.

"If there is an opportunity that his club feels can benefit both club and player, they will consider loaning him out," a source close to Edu told Goal.com.

Edu joined Stoke City from Rangers after the Scottish giant's financial complications forced the team to restart the organization in Scotland's fourth tier. The 25-year-old can play defensive midfield and center back and his ability as defender was expected to be a good fit in Tony Pulis' system at Stoke. Unfortunately for the former Toronto FC No. 1 draft pick, that hasn't been the case.

The source mentioned that Edu has a few interested parties, especially in teams that have lost players to the African Cup of Nations. The source confirmed that several Ligue 1 sides are interested in Edu but wouldn't comment if any teams in England were willing to make a move.

The only factor that could potentially block any move is Pulis' reluctance to let go of a player who could provide cover at two important positions should an injury happen. Still, it appears likely that Edu will be allowed to go on loan by the end of January.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Iniesta: I never intend to humiliate my opponents

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has revealed that he never steps on the pitch with the intention of humiliating his opponents, despite his style of play regularly leaving defenders almost helpless.

The Spain international, who lost out to teammate Lionel Messi in Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony, has been heralded for his dribbling, but some critics claim that he only plays in that way to show off.

The 28-year-old has responded by saying that he has nothing but respect for his peers and would not dream of making a fool of them on the field.

"I would not want it to look like that. I do nothing to humiliate anyone, especially a fellow. After all, they are playing on the other team, but they deserve my respect," he told El Pais. "I play because I like the game, each time choosing the option that I feel that gives me the best chance. If it goes well you stay happy doing what you do, but never do anything with the intent to humiliate."

Iniesta also revealed that his favorite position is in the center of midfield rather than the slightly advanced role that he plays in for both club and country, despite it giving him slightly less opportunity to have an impact in front of goal.

"Not that I like, but I prefer to play in midfield. The way I understand the game is very participatory. I like to combine, make passes and in the middle of the football field that is possible," he said. "I have not felt that playing at the tip that I do more damage, but it is more decisive. It's not the same, but in the end, I want to win the game and stay happy."

The midfielder is one of a select group of players to have scored the winning goal in a World Cup final, but he hopes that his strike against Netherlands in 2010 is not the only reason why supporters feel affection towards him.

"I have no feeling that the love is just for that, it is a consequence of that moment," he said. "Not that it was unfair, because people are free to love me or not depending on what you want, but I wish it was for something else.

"I feel loved for something more, beyond the achievements I may have had. I think people also value me because of my attitude. At least that's what I like."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benitez: Torres and Ba will have to fight it out for Chelsea starting spot

Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez is relishing the selection dilemma he faces with club record signing Fernando Torres and recent arrival Demba Ba set to battle it out for a starting berth up top.

Ba netted twice on his debut as the Blues ran out 5-1 winners in an FA Cup clash with Southampton on Saturday, underlining his status as a potential threat to the 50 million pound Spaniard's place.

Ahead of his side's Capital One Cup meeting with Swansea, Benitez has refused to be drawn on who will lead the line.

“It is good for me because before I didn’t have to think about which striker to choose," he told reporters. "I prefer to be in a position where I can choose one or the other. It’s important to have options, especially if you have two games in four days. We have different options.

“I have an idea who will start. It depends on how they feel and perform. There’s no rule about one playing in this game and the other in the next. I’ve spoken to Fernando a lot and with Demba and they know what I am expecting of them. We have now two good players, two good options, and both will compete. I can see everything positive in terms of the team now. Talking with Demba and Fernando, they both know they have to compete and play well. It can bring the best out of both of them.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rossi raring to go after Fiorentina move

Giuseppe Rossi has revealed his excitement at signing for Fiorentina after the attacker sealed his move to Florence from Villarreal on Friday.

The Italy international has been out of action since Oct. 2011 after a recurring knee ligament injury which has needed two operations, but is expected to be back playing before the end of the season, and the striker believes he has chosen the right club to reignite his career.

The former Manchester United player also revealed that he would have moved to the side in the summer had the opportunity arisen.

"I would have made this move sooner, even last summer," he told reporters at his unveiling. "I’m happy to be at Fiorentina. They are the only side who came forward with facts and not just with words. That was very important to me. I like the Viola project a lot. I want to be a part of it. There are many youngsters here, but also players of experience. And we all know that Fiorentina are playing the best football in Italy. "I can’t wait to start playing alongside Stevan Jovetic and Luca Toni. They are great players."

Rossi is predicted to be back in action in the spring, but the striker does not want to set a date for his return due to the fragility of his knee and the length of time that he has been absent from the game.

"I don’t have a particular date in mind for my return. My knee is stable right now, but it needs strengthening and it can’t be rushed," he said. "I hope to get back to full fitness as soon as possible so that I can play for the Viola fans. Things are going well.

"Retiring? I’ve never thought about quitting. Being a footballer is the only thing that I know how to do."

The 25-year-old earned 27 international caps for Italy before his injury, and he admitted that once he is back to full fitness he would aim to return to the Azzurri.
"The national team is certainly an objective, but I have to get fit before anything else," he said. "The key thing is that I get back to being 100 percent."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pedro: Messi is the best player ever

Barcelona forward Pedro has described his teammate Lionel Messi as the best player ever after the Argentina international won his fourth Ballon d'Or on Monday night.

Messi beat Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta to the prize in Zurich, and Spain international Pedro admitted that it is a great honor to have played alongside the 25-year-old at club level for so long.

"I have shared many years and seasons with him here, I have won many titles by his side and it is a great joy [for him] to have gained a new Ballon d'Or, he is the best player ever," he told a press conference.

"The moments I remember most are the matches and finals that I have shared with him. I had the luck and pleasure to share many things with the best player in the world and possibly the best player ever."

The attacker scored his first goals since August in his side's 4-0 win over Espanyol on Sunday, and he is hoping that he can continue to contribute in front of goal after a frustrating period.

"It's true that you can take a barren streak and getting a goal gives you confidence. The other day I was fortunate to help my teammates with goals and I hope to continue on this line," he said.

He added, "It was said that I was playing well and I was helping the team, but for a striker it is important to score, and sometimes I despair at not scoring. But my team-mates and the coach supported me a lot and I hope to continue."

The 25-year-old was speaking ahead of his side's Copa del Rey match against Cordoba on Thursday, and he hopes that the Camp Nou outfit can continue its good start to the season in all three major competitions.

"We have had a great start to the season, getting the most points with goals. What is clear is that it yields results and we are in very good position," Pedro explained.

"Tito is doing a great job and as a team we are very well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Galatasaray in talks to sign Sneijder

Galatasaray president Unal Aysal has revealed that the Turkish giant is in talks to sign Wesley Sneijder from Inter.

The Dutch playmaker has not featured for the Nerazzurri since the end of September, and looks to have no future at San Siro after rejecting a contract extension in December.

It was reported that coach Andrea Stramaccioni would continue to leave the former Real Madrid man out of his team unless he agreed to the new terms, which are worth significantly less than his current deal.

It appears that the Turkish champion is now willing to offer him an escape route, as long as Inter lowers its asking price.


"I had dinner with [Inter president] Massimo Moratti in Italy on Monday," he told GSTV. "We spoke about how we can cooperate on football academies. The Wesley Sneijder topic was also on the table. I can say we made positive progress on the prospect of signing Sneijder.

"I suppose it will be clear in a few days. We will negotiate the terms and hopefully get a discount on Sneijder's fee. If they will agree on our offer financially then this move will be finalized."

Sneijder, who was rumored to be on the verge of a 30 million pound move to Manchester United during the summer of 2011, last turned out for Stramaccioni's side against Chievo on Sept. 26.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Subotic: Borussia Dortmund has a bright future

Neven Subotic has revealed that he signed a contract extension with Borussia Dortmund as he feels the Bundesliga champions have a bright future ahead.

The Serbia international recently extended his current deal to 2014, and is now under contract with BVB until June 2016.

"I'm very pleased with the positive trend over the past few years," Subotic was quoted as saying on the official Dortmund website. "There's a nice road ahead of us. And I only want to go down this road with Borussia Dortmund."

He added, "The contract extensions of other key players were crucial. I would love to see the team remain as it is.

"And when one hot-shot like Shinji Kagawa leaves, another hot-shot like Marco Reus comes in."

The 24-year-old defender has scored twice in 15 Bundesliga appearances this season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rosell: Barcelona will not sell Villa

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has insisted that the Primera Division leader has no intention of selling David Villa.

The Catalans have stressed that Villa still has a role to play with the Camp Nou side as the team is fighting for silverware in La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

"I absolutely reject the notion that David Villa could leave Barcelona this winter," Rosell was quoted as saying by Sport. "David is one of our players and we need him in the second half of the season."

The 31-year-old has a contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2014.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Carling Cup 2013.01.09 Fixture

Carling Cup 2013.01.09 Fixture

Chelsea Vs Swansea​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Copa Del Rey 2013.01.09 Fixtures

Copa Del Rey 2013.01.09 Fixtures

Sevilla Vs Mallorca

Real Madrid Vs Celta Vigo

Real Zaragoza Vs Levante​

 

[Banks PLK]

Galatasaray in talks to sign Sneijder

Galatasaray president Unal Aysal has revealed that the Turkish giant is in talks to sign Wesley Sneijder from Inter.

The Dutch playmaker has not featured for the Nerazzurri since the end of September, and looks to have no future at San Siro after rejecting a contract extension in December.

It was reported that coach Andrea Stramaccioni would continue to leave the former Real Madrid man out of his team unless he agreed to the new terms, which are worth significantly less than his current deal.

It appears that the Turkish champion is now willing to offer him an escape route, as long as Inter lowers its asking price.


"I had dinner with [Inter president] Massimo Moratti in Italy on Monday," he told GSTV. "We spoke about how we can cooperate on football academies. The Wesley Sneijder topic was also on the table. I can say we made positive progress on the prospect of signing Sneijder.

"I suppose it will be clear in a few days. We will negotiate the terms and hopefully get a discount on Sneijder's fee. If they will agree on our offer financially then this move will be finalized."

Sneijder, who was rumored to be on the verge of a 30 million pound move to Manchester United during the summer of 2011, last turned out for Stramaccioni's side against Chievo on Sept. 26.

just saw the news inter accepted the bid from Galatasaray

 

[Banks PLK]

Manchester City wants to sign Cavani, says coach

Manchester City assistant Angelo Gregucci has stated that the Premier League champion wants to bring Edinson Cavani to the club.

The Napoli striker has become one of the hottest talents in European soccer in recent years, and according to the defensive coach, Roberto Mancini is keen on bolstering his side by adding the Uruguayan hitman to his squad.

"I don't know if the club will lay siege to Napoli for Cavani, but every club with a player of the highest level will know they'll be courted by bigger clubs," Gregucci told Radio CRC. "Mancini decides the transfer targets along with the new directors. If you ask the clubs who can afford Cavani, for example Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester United, then I think they'd want Cavani just as Manchester City wants him.

"However, what the player wants is the predominant factor in negotiations and it seems to me that Cavani is happy at Napoli."

Gregucci also praised striker Mario Balotelli, who was involved in a well publicized training ground bust-up with Mancini. Despite the incident, Gregucci says the 22-year-old is "a treasure", and stated that he is one of the top 10 strikers in the world.

He added: "Mario has huge potential and is a treasure for our football. As for the recent events, I'd prefer not to talk about them so as not to make too much of it.

"Seeing him train, though, I think Mario should be included in the world's top 10 strikers."

No chance to get Cavani in City. i wish if we can sign him or any other premier league club sign him

 

[Banks PLK]

Two defensive errors helped Swansea seal victory at Chelsea and ensure they head into the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg with a precious two-goal advantage.
Chelsea dominated in the first half but a Branislav Ivanovic error allowed Michu to curl a shot home.
Gerhard Tremmel saved David Luiz's low effort after the break while substitute Demba Ba headed wide late on.
But Danny Graham capitalised on a poor Ivanovic backpass to seal victory.



Michu again the 1st goal he scored very well. damn even d goal keeper didnt expect that quick shot


Swansea playing damn well

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lucas Moura to start against Ajaccio, says Ancelotti

Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he is planning to hand Lucas Moura his debut for the club when it faces Ajaccio on Friday.

The 20-year-old's move to the Parc des Princes from Sao Paulo was confirmed in the summer but only completed on Jan. 1 at the end of the Brasileiro season.

"Lucas Moura will start against Ajaccio," Ancelotti told reporters at his press conference. "He has no problems fitting physically and technically. Even if he still has progress to make, he has no problem communicating with the other Brazilian players who are here."

One Brazilian who appears to be on his way out from PSG is Nene, who has expressed his desire to return to his homeland. Ancelotti confirmed that the club is trying to help Nene find a new team in the near future.

"There is no news on Nene," Ancelotti said. "He wants to leave the club. We are looking for the best possible solution. I cannot do anything."