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..::Football II::..
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Tottenham needs Champions League place to keep Bale, admits Villas-Boas
The boss believes the Spurs attacker is among the 'five best players' in the league and they must therefore secure a place in the Champions League to fight off interest in him.Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has hinted that the club must secure on of the Premir League's UEFA Champions League berths in order to keep hold of Gareth Bale - a player he says Spurs are "very fortunate" to have at the moment.
The Welshman has been in terrific form for the North London side this season, netting 11 goals in 22 league matches from the wing, which has been key in combating the club's lack of firepower up front.
The 23-year-old Bale has been able to replicate it at the international level, scoring for Wales in its mid-week win over Austria and making it three goals in three games after efforts against Norwich and West Brom.
The former Southampton man's good form has inevitably led to increased speculation about a move come the end of the season, with La Liga giant Real Madrid reportedly lining up a mammoth bid to try and lure him away.
"He’s having a tremendous year, he’s such an outstanding player all round," Villas-Boas told reporters. "We saw yesterday his performance was outstanding once again [for Wales], and I think he’s really enjoying his football.
"Is he the best in the league? It’s very difficult, there are lots of players in contention for an award like that. I think he’s certainly amongst the five best players, for sure."
Despite the widespread transfer interest in Bale, Villas-Boas hopes to be able to keep hold of his star player, and he thinks that securing a place in the Champions League is the way to do it.
"Players who perform at this level always get the attention - it doesn’t mean that the club doesn’t foresee a continuous future with Gareth," Villas-Boas said. "I think it’s intimately related to the objectives that we achieve for the season. He’s a player we rate very highly and we aren’t willing to let go.
"Can we keep him? Hopefully yes. It’s difficult for us to have a player of this dimension playing so well, but in the same way it is difficult for other teams - with the economic situation as it is - to buy a player of this dimension.
"At the moment we are very fortunate to have him. I think we can reach our objectives with him at this level, and if we reach our objectives we can hopefully continue to have Gareth in our club. Would Champions League qualification secure his future? I think so. This is where most of the clubs want to be, and where most of the players want to play.
"It’s part of our objectives, so hopefully achieving it means we can attract better players and continue to hold on to our best players."
The boss believes the Spurs attacker is among the 'five best players' in the league and they must therefore secure a place in the Champions League to fight off interest in him.Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has hinted that the club must secure on of the Premir League's UEFA Champions League berths in order to keep hold of Gareth Bale - a player he says Spurs are "very fortunate" to have at the moment.
The Welshman has been in terrific form for the North London side this season, netting 11 goals in 22 league matches from the wing, which has been key in combating the club's lack of firepower up front.
The 23-year-old Bale has been able to replicate it at the international level, scoring for Wales in its mid-week win over Austria and making it three goals in three games after efforts against Norwich and West Brom.
The former Southampton man's good form has inevitably led to increased speculation about a move come the end of the season, with La Liga giant Real Madrid reportedly lining up a mammoth bid to try and lure him away.
"He’s having a tremendous year, he’s such an outstanding player all round," Villas-Boas told reporters. "We saw yesterday his performance was outstanding once again [for Wales], and I think he’s really enjoying his football.
"Is he the best in the league? It’s very difficult, there are lots of players in contention for an award like that. I think he’s certainly amongst the five best players, for sure."
Despite the widespread transfer interest in Bale, Villas-Boas hopes to be able to keep hold of his star player, and he thinks that securing a place in the Champions League is the way to do it.
"Players who perform at this level always get the attention - it doesn’t mean that the club doesn’t foresee a continuous future with Gareth," Villas-Boas said. "I think it’s intimately related to the objectives that we achieve for the season. He’s a player we rate very highly and we aren’t willing to let go.
"Can we keep him? Hopefully yes. It’s difficult for us to have a player of this dimension playing so well, but in the same way it is difficult for other teams - with the economic situation as it is - to buy a player of this dimension.
"At the moment we are very fortunate to have him. I think we can reach our objectives with him at this level, and if we reach our objectives we can hopefully continue to have Gareth in our club. Would Champions League qualification secure his future? I think so. This is where most of the clubs want to be, and where most of the players want to play.
"It’s part of our objectives, so hopefully achieving it means we can attract better players and continue to hold on to our best players."
Drogba: I want to win the Champions League with Galatasaray
The veteran attacker is hungry for European glory following his transfer to Istanbul, and is looking forward to teaming up with his new team-mates Didier Drogba is hoping to win the Champions League for a second season in a row, having sealed a move to Galatasaray.
The Cote d'Ivoire international signed an 18-month deal with Cimbom in the winter transfer window after a short spell with Shanghai Shenhua, and is determined to make his stay in Turkey a success.
"I'm coming to Galatasaray to win the Champions League. Galatasaray are a great club. Not only in Turkey, but in Europe too," Drogba told Milliyet. "This season, they've reached the last 16 of the Champions League. I want to win this trophy for a second time in the Galatasaray jersey, and I believe that we can do it."
The experienced striker joins players such as Wesley Sneijder, Felipe Melo and Emmanuel Eboue in Istanbul, and he has nothing but praise for his new teammates.
"Sneijder is a huge name. It's a great opportunity to play with him, for me as a striker," he said. "I know [Johan] Elmander, [Felipe] Melo and [Fernando] Muslera, too. Eboue is another player I like and admire. He told me he thought that Galatasaray had become a much bigger club. I know that I've come to a club with big targets and proud fans. I can't wait to wear their shirt."
Drogba also revealed that Gala had already attempted to sign him before, but Chelsea refused to let go of him at the time.
"Galatasaray had wanted me once before. Last season, Chelsea rejected it because they wanted to keep me."
The veteran attacker is hungry for European glory following his transfer to Istanbul, and is looking forward to teaming up with his new team-mates Didier Drogba is hoping to win the Champions League for a second season in a row, having sealed a move to Galatasaray.
The Cote d'Ivoire international signed an 18-month deal with Cimbom in the winter transfer window after a short spell with Shanghai Shenhua, and is determined to make his stay in Turkey a success.
"I'm coming to Galatasaray to win the Champions League. Galatasaray are a great club. Not only in Turkey, but in Europe too," Drogba told Milliyet. "This season, they've reached the last 16 of the Champions League. I want to win this trophy for a second time in the Galatasaray jersey, and I believe that we can do it."
The experienced striker joins players such as Wesley Sneijder, Felipe Melo and Emmanuel Eboue in Istanbul, and he has nothing but praise for his new teammates.
"Sneijder is a huge name. It's a great opportunity to play with him, for me as a striker," he said. "I know [Johan] Elmander, [Felipe] Melo and [Fernando] Muslera, too. Eboue is another player I like and admire. He told me he thought that Galatasaray had become a much bigger club. I know that I've come to a club with big targets and proud fans. I can't wait to wear their shirt."
Drogba also revealed that Gala had already attempted to sign him before, but Chelsea refused to let go of him at the time.
"Galatasaray had wanted me once before. Last season, Chelsea rejected it because they wanted to keep me."
Arsenal, England star Wilshere has 'come of age,' insists Cahill
The Gunners' midfielder turned in a Man-of-the-Match outing as the Three Lions overcame the World Cup 2014 hosts at Wembley on Wednesday night to the delight of the Chelsea man.England defender Gary Cahill has insisted that Jack Wilshere will not be affected by the hype surrounding his return to international football.
The Arsenal midfielder was named Man of the Match in the Three Lions' 2-1 victory over Brazil at Wembley on Wednesday night, and Cahill is delighted to see the playmaker's progression since playing alongside him at Bolton.
“I had the pleasure of playing with Jack at Bolton for a short while, so I know he is quality, and he’s improved a lot since then," Cahill told reporters. “What he showed tonight was that he’s come of age. I saw him play for Arsenal against Barcelona in the Champions League and he was great, and tonight he was fantastic again.
“He has that knack of being able to just ghost past players. It was great to watch him do it to Brazilians.”
The Chelsea player does not think his international teammate is done yet, insisting he will stay grounded, despite drawing all the plaudits, and suggested Steven Gerrard is the perfect mentor for Wilshere.
“Jack will just keep going,” Cahill saild. “That is the sort of character he is. He won’t let it faze him and he won’t listen to any hype.
“It is easy to forget that he is still very young. He will continue to improve for England playing alongside Stevie Gerrard.”
Cahill's own performance against the South Americans, however, was not one of his best - the defender gifted the ball to Fred in the build-up to the Selecao's goal before his poor control almost saw the forward bag a second.
“I was very pleased with the way I played, but such is the nature of my position you can be playing well for 89 minutes then make a mistake like that, it spoils your night," Cahill said. “I will smile about it after a couple of days, but at the moment it is preying on your mind.
“You make a mistake and you get on with it. There is nothing else you can do. It was an obvious mistake and not something you can work on in the training ground. It is out of character for me. That is the most annoying thing. I know to be safer than that so to make a decision like that was poor.”
The Gunners' midfielder turned in a Man-of-the-Match outing as the Three Lions overcame the World Cup 2014 hosts at Wembley on Wednesday night to the delight of the Chelsea man.England defender Gary Cahill has insisted that Jack Wilshere will not be affected by the hype surrounding his return to international football.
The Arsenal midfielder was named Man of the Match in the Three Lions' 2-1 victory over Brazil at Wembley on Wednesday night, and Cahill is delighted to see the playmaker's progression since playing alongside him at Bolton.
“I had the pleasure of playing with Jack at Bolton for a short while, so I know he is quality, and he’s improved a lot since then," Cahill told reporters. “What he showed tonight was that he’s come of age. I saw him play for Arsenal against Barcelona in the Champions League and he was great, and tonight he was fantastic again.
“He has that knack of being able to just ghost past players. It was great to watch him do it to Brazilians.”
The Chelsea player does not think his international teammate is done yet, insisting he will stay grounded, despite drawing all the plaudits, and suggested Steven Gerrard is the perfect mentor for Wilshere.
“Jack will just keep going,” Cahill saild. “That is the sort of character he is. He won’t let it faze him and he won’t listen to any hype.
“It is easy to forget that he is still very young. He will continue to improve for England playing alongside Stevie Gerrard.”
Cahill's own performance against the South Americans, however, was not one of his best - the defender gifted the ball to Fred in the build-up to the Selecao's goal before his poor control almost saw the forward bag a second.
“I was very pleased with the way I played, but such is the nature of my position you can be playing well for 89 minutes then make a mistake like that, it spoils your night," Cahill said. “I will smile about it after a couple of days, but at the moment it is preying on your mind.
“You make a mistake and you get on with it. There is nothing else you can do. It was an obvious mistake and not something you can work on in the training ground. It is out of character for me. That is the most annoying thing. I know to be safer than that so to make a decision like that was poor.”
අපරාදේNetherlands 1-1 Italy: Late Verratti goal denies Oranje victory
Spain 3-1 Uruguay: Prolific Pedro nets twice for world champions in Doha
France 1-2 Germany: Khedira earns the spoils in Paris
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Lampard:Wilshere will be among the world's best
Drogba: I want to win the Champions League with Galatasaray
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Benitez: I haven't spoke to Chelsea owner Abramovich in almost three weeks
The Spaniard has come under fire in recent weeks after overseeing a poor run of results but insists he is confident of completing his six-month contract at the club
Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez has revealed that he has not spoken with the club's owner Roman Abramovich in almost three weeks.
The Blues initially enjoyed an upturn in form upon the Spaniard's appointment in November but have won just one of their last five games in all competitions.
And, despite rumours circulating that Benitez could see his short reign at Stamford Bridge ended early, the former Liverpool boss insists he is comfortable with his position.
“I last spoke to him after the Arsenal game, 20 days ago. We were doing really well and he was really happy," he told reporters. “Since then, I’ve had conversations with people close to him but not directly. Do you know what he thinks? If you don’t know, you can’t say this or that will happen. Nobody knows.
“We have been talking with the people here. I was talking with him. We were talking about football. In terms of football everything is fine.”
The 52-year-old went on to claim that he is only focusing on the west London club's next game - a home clash with Wigan.
“I know that I have a game, an important game - and that is my priority," he added. “My contract is until the end of the season. I cannot talk about my future if my priority is the next game.
“I am sure I was training my players and preparing for this game. I cannot give you an answer.
“Why? Because I have to concentrate on the next game. I have a contract until the end of the season and we can be talking and talking, but all I can do is win games.
“My job is exactly the same. After winning, you can have better comments in the media in general, but that’s part of football. I’ve been in football for 26 years as a manager, and all my life as a player too. If you win, it’s fine. If not, people start talking. But I knew I was signing a contract for six or seven months."
The Spaniard has come under fire in recent weeks after overseeing a poor run of results but insists he is confident of completing his six-month contract at the club
Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez has revealed that he has not spoken with the club's owner Roman Abramovich in almost three weeks.
The Blues initially enjoyed an upturn in form upon the Spaniard's appointment in November but have won just one of their last five games in all competitions.
And, despite rumours circulating that Benitez could see his short reign at Stamford Bridge ended early, the former Liverpool boss insists he is comfortable with his position.
“I last spoke to him after the Arsenal game, 20 days ago. We were doing really well and he was really happy," he told reporters. “Since then, I’ve had conversations with people close to him but not directly. Do you know what he thinks? If you don’t know, you can’t say this or that will happen. Nobody knows.
“We have been talking with the people here. I was talking with him. We were talking about football. In terms of football everything is fine.”
The 52-year-old went on to claim that he is only focusing on the west London club's next game - a home clash with Wigan.
“I know that I have a game, an important game - and that is my priority," he added. “My contract is until the end of the season. I cannot talk about my future if my priority is the next game.
“I am sure I was training my players and preparing for this game. I cannot give you an answer.
“Why? Because I have to concentrate on the next game. I have a contract until the end of the season and we can be talking and talking, but all I can do is win games.
“My job is exactly the same. After winning, you can have better comments in the media in general, but that’s part of football. I’ve been in football for 26 years as a manager, and all my life as a player too. If you win, it’s fine. If not, people start talking. But I knew I was signing a contract for six or seven months."
Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 SC Bastia: Ancelotti's side goes six points clear after goals from Menez, Ibrahimovic and Lavezzi
Paris Saint-Germain moved provisionally six points clear at the top after beating Bastia 3-1 in an entertaining Ligue 1 fixture at the Parc des Princes
Jeremy Menez opened the scoring with a finely taken goal after a frustrating first half which ended goalless, before Zlatan Ibrahimovic emerged from the bench to score a penalty. Another substitute, Wahib Khazri scored an audacious free-kick to ensure a grandstand finish before Ezequiel Lavezzi ended any doubt late on.
With the league's best attackers facing the side with the worst defensive record, it was expectedly the hosts who dominated the early opening exchanges as Gameiro set up Lucas though neither could test France international Mickael Landreau in the Bastia goal.
Whereas the Corsican side aimed to better their local rivals Ajaccio, who managed a 0-0 draw in the capital last month, they should've been one down after failing to even clear their lines, as the duo combined once more - Gameiro's cutback being fired uncharacteristically wide by the Brazilian international.
The visitors where nonetheless posing a dangerous threat at the other end, with Lille-bound Florian Thauvin, subject of a January bid from Newcastle, teased Salvatore Sirigu with a shot from an acute angle, before Sylvain Armand was forced to hurriedly clear a threatening free kick.
Nevertheless, the league leaders were proving too much for Bastia's rearguard as a golden chance went begging. Jeremy Menez embarked on a mazy run past a gaggle of defenders before dragging his shot wide, though not before Gameiro ghosted in at the back to turn in against the post in a frustrating first half.
Despite being booed off at the break, the Parisian outfit once again started the second period in much the same way. Maxwell took advantage of a lucky break and some lax defending to thread in a dangerous ball which was hurriedly dealt with by Sylvain Marchal.
With the frustration and noise building inside the Parc, the hosts were once more denied by the brilliant Landreau, who turned away Gameiro's audacious back-heel off the line after getting away from Fethi Harek. However, the resistance was then broken.
Pastore raced into a decent position before teeing up Menez, who after taking a few touches, proceeded to cut in on his left and fire an unstoppable shot past Landreau - punishment for Bastia, who began to noticeably fade after the break.
The introduction of Ibrahimovic added another dimension to the hosts, who went further ahead after Julian Palmieri felled Lucas in the area. Up stepped the Swede to tuck away his 21st league goal of the season, to equal the total set last year by Olivier Giroud and Nene, though with 14 games still left to play.
Menez could've added a spectacular third after once more getting the better of three defenders, before being denied by an equally impressive Landreau. But Bastia hit back immediately.
Wahib Khazri came off the bench to launch a stunning free kick past Sirigu, who was off his line - a controversial way to see his club record of more than 940 minutes gone without conceding a league goal go up in smoke. The substitute almost did better, as Armand hurriedly cleared away a potential equalizer.
Lavezzi headed in a third, following a fluent attacking move, to confirm a victory which moves pressure back onto the chasing pack of Olympique Lyonnais and Olympique de Marseille.
Following the result, Ancelotti's men travel to the Mestalla for their Champions League first knockout round first leg on Tuesday, as Bastia turn their attention to a tantalizing home fixture against high-flyers Nice next weekend.
Paris Saint-Germain moved provisionally six points clear at the top after beating Bastia 3-1 in an entertaining Ligue 1 fixture at the Parc des Princes
Jeremy Menez opened the scoring with a finely taken goal after a frustrating first half which ended goalless, before Zlatan Ibrahimovic emerged from the bench to score a penalty. Another substitute, Wahib Khazri scored an audacious free-kick to ensure a grandstand finish before Ezequiel Lavezzi ended any doubt late on.
With the league's best attackers facing the side with the worst defensive record, it was expectedly the hosts who dominated the early opening exchanges as Gameiro set up Lucas though neither could test France international Mickael Landreau in the Bastia goal.
Whereas the Corsican side aimed to better their local rivals Ajaccio, who managed a 0-0 draw in the capital last month, they should've been one down after failing to even clear their lines, as the duo combined once more - Gameiro's cutback being fired uncharacteristically wide by the Brazilian international.
The visitors where nonetheless posing a dangerous threat at the other end, with Lille-bound Florian Thauvin, subject of a January bid from Newcastle, teased Salvatore Sirigu with a shot from an acute angle, before Sylvain Armand was forced to hurriedly clear a threatening free kick.
Nevertheless, the league leaders were proving too much for Bastia's rearguard as a golden chance went begging. Jeremy Menez embarked on a mazy run past a gaggle of defenders before dragging his shot wide, though not before Gameiro ghosted in at the back to turn in against the post in a frustrating first half.
Despite being booed off at the break, the Parisian outfit once again started the second period in much the same way. Maxwell took advantage of a lucky break and some lax defending to thread in a dangerous ball which was hurriedly dealt with by Sylvain Marchal.
With the frustration and noise building inside the Parc, the hosts were once more denied by the brilliant Landreau, who turned away Gameiro's audacious back-heel off the line after getting away from Fethi Harek. However, the resistance was then broken.
Pastore raced into a decent position before teeing up Menez, who after taking a few touches, proceeded to cut in on his left and fire an unstoppable shot past Landreau - punishment for Bastia, who began to noticeably fade after the break.
The introduction of Ibrahimovic added another dimension to the hosts, who went further ahead after Julian Palmieri felled Lucas in the area. Up stepped the Swede to tuck away his 21st league goal of the season, to equal the total set last year by Olivier Giroud and Nene, though with 14 games still left to play.
Menez could've added a spectacular third after once more getting the better of three defenders, before being denied by an equally impressive Landreau. But Bastia hit back immediately.
Wahib Khazri came off the bench to launch a stunning free kick past Sirigu, who was off his line - a controversial way to see his club record of more than 940 minutes gone without conceding a league goal go up in smoke. The substitute almost did better, as Armand hurriedly cleared away a potential equalizer.
Lavezzi headed in a third, following a fluent attacking move, to confirm a victory which moves pressure back onto the chasing pack of Olympique Lyonnais and Olympique de Marseille.
Following the result, Ancelotti's men travel to the Mestalla for their Champions League first knockout round first leg on Tuesday, as Bastia turn their attention to a tantalizing home fixture against high-flyers Nice next weekend.
Alou Diarra: West Ham was dishonest with me
The 31-year-old joined Rennes on loan in January having made just two league appearances this season, and has hit out at the "well known" agent behind his move to Upton Park France midfielder Alou Diarra has revealed that he left West Ham for Rennes in January because the London club was “not honest” with him.
The 31-year-old had signed a three-year deal with the Hammers over the summer, but secured a loan move back to his homeland having made just two Premier League appearances prior to the transfer window opening.
And Diarra has now blamed West Ham and a "well known" agent for making false promises in order to lure him to Upton Park.
"The club has not been honest with me,” Diarra told France Football. “They made me believe I was the priority of the club, but it was not true. Evidence that at my age you can be fooled.
"This is the story of a British agent, well known, that tells anything, that makes you travel by private jet, who also makes you sign a purchase contract. This is convincing. But he did not care for the man, the player."
The Frenchman also expressed dismay at the way he was treated by manager Sam Allardyce during his time in England.
"I thought I had played a good Euro 2012 on a personal level, I played a good game against England," he said.
"I was in the quarterfinals of the Champions League with Marseille. I thought I could help a team that rose from the Championship.
"But I was not given the role I wanted. I was just another player. I worked in the shadows, but this work did not serve. Sam Allardyce was always traveling. I wanted to talk to him. But he prioritized his players, who have been here for several seasons.
"I could not accept this situation and I went see my managers to ask them to leave. They understood me, so I thank them.”
The 31-year-old joined Rennes on loan in January having made just two league appearances this season, and has hit out at the "well known" agent behind his move to Upton Park France midfielder Alou Diarra has revealed that he left West Ham for Rennes in January because the London club was “not honest” with him.
The 31-year-old had signed a three-year deal with the Hammers over the summer, but secured a loan move back to his homeland having made just two Premier League appearances prior to the transfer window opening.
And Diarra has now blamed West Ham and a "well known" agent for making false promises in order to lure him to Upton Park.
"The club has not been honest with me,” Diarra told France Football. “They made me believe I was the priority of the club, but it was not true. Evidence that at my age you can be fooled.
"This is the story of a British agent, well known, that tells anything, that makes you travel by private jet, who also makes you sign a purchase contract. This is convincing. But he did not care for the man, the player."
The Frenchman also expressed dismay at the way he was treated by manager Sam Allardyce during his time in England.
"I thought I had played a good Euro 2012 on a personal level, I played a good game against England," he said.
"I was in the quarterfinals of the Champions League with Marseille. I thought I could help a team that rose from the Championship.
"But I was not given the role I wanted. I was just another player. I worked in the shadows, but this work did not serve. Sam Allardyce was always traveling. I wanted to talk to him. But he prioritized his players, who have been here for several seasons.
"I could not accept this situation and I went see my managers to ask them to leave. They understood me, so I thank them.”
Mourinho has something different, says Xabi Alonso
The Spain international is still convinced that the Portuguese coach is "special" while also declaring he and his teammates are fully behind their bossReal Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso insists there is still something "special" about Jose Mourinho.
The former Inter boss has been under pressure in the Spanish capital all season as his team has gradually seen its hopes of back-to-back Liga titles slip away from its grasp.
Matters off the field have not helped either with constant speculation of internal arguments from within the Madrid camp, centered around Mourinho, but Alonso is adamant the coach still has the backing from his players.
"Yes, absolutely," he replied, when asked if Mourinho was still special. "You see that Jose has something different. The way that he communicates with the players, it's different. The way he empathizes with the players as well is different. "That is why you want to be behind him, why you want to play and fight for him on the pitch. The players believe in him."
Alonso and Real Madrid are currently preparing for their home clash against Sevilla on Saturday before welcoming Manchester United to the Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday.
The Spain international is still convinced that the Portuguese coach is "special" while also declaring he and his teammates are fully behind their bossReal Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso insists there is still something "special" about Jose Mourinho.
The former Inter boss has been under pressure in the Spanish capital all season as his team has gradually seen its hopes of back-to-back Liga titles slip away from its grasp.
Matters off the field have not helped either with constant speculation of internal arguments from within the Madrid camp, centered around Mourinho, but Alonso is adamant the coach still has the backing from his players.
"Yes, absolutely," he replied, when asked if Mourinho was still special. "You see that Jose has something different. The way that he communicates with the players, it's different. The way he empathizes with the players as well is different. "That is why you want to be behind him, why you want to play and fight for him on the pitch. The players believe in him."
Alonso and Real Madrid are currently preparing for their home clash against Sevilla on Saturday before welcoming Manchester United to the Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday.
Kagawa not satisfied with Manchester United form
The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund claims that he is unhappy with his performances following his big money move and has been frustrated with injuries.
Manchester United attacker Shinji Kagawa has revealed that he is not satisfied with his performances for the club so far.
The 23-year-old midfielder made the move to Manchester after shining for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, but has been unhappy with his form since the transfer.
"I’m not satisfied so far, but then I am always very critical of my own performances," Kagawa told the club's official website. "Even worse, though, I got injured. I had to go through the frustrations that come with getting injured in my first season with the team."
The Japanese playmaker believes he faces a difficult task as he tries to catch up with the rest of the squad following a spate of injuries but insists he is working as hard as possible to do so.
"Now I’m just doing my best to catch up on what I have missed," Kagawa added. "There’s a lot of pressure when you play for this club, but all I can do at the moment is keep working hard every day to bring out the best in me. I’m confident my hard work will pay off."
Meanwhile, Kagawa is convinced that the season can only be considered a success if United manages to win the Premier League.
"A big club is expected to win every game and also to be the champions," Kagawa said. "So that’s definitely our goal. I’ll do my best to contribute to the team so that, come the end of the season, I can feel I’ve made a contribution to what will hopefully be a title win."
The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund claims that he is unhappy with his performances following his big money move and has been frustrated with injuries.
Manchester United attacker Shinji Kagawa has revealed that he is not satisfied with his performances for the club so far.
The 23-year-old midfielder made the move to Manchester after shining for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, but has been unhappy with his form since the transfer.
"I’m not satisfied so far, but then I am always very critical of my own performances," Kagawa told the club's official website. "Even worse, though, I got injured. I had to go through the frustrations that come with getting injured in my first season with the team."
The Japanese playmaker believes he faces a difficult task as he tries to catch up with the rest of the squad following a spate of injuries but insists he is working as hard as possible to do so.
"Now I’m just doing my best to catch up on what I have missed," Kagawa added. "There’s a lot of pressure when you play for this club, but all I can do at the moment is keep working hard every day to bring out the best in me. I’m confident my hard work will pay off."
Meanwhile, Kagawa is convinced that the season can only be considered a success if United manages to win the Premier League.
"A big club is expected to win every game and also to be the champions," Kagawa said. "So that’s definitely our goal. I’ll do my best to contribute to the team so that, come the end of the season, I can feel I’ve made a contribution to what will hopefully be a title win."
Injuries nisa thamai meh Okkoma
Martin Kelly signs new Liverpool contract
The 22-year-old has signed a long-term deal with the club he has been at since the age of 7, with managing director Ian Ayre describing the commitment as 'fantastic news.Martin Kelly has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool, the club announced Friday.
The versatile defender has made 54 appearances for the Reds since making his first-team debut in 2009, and he becomes the sixth player to commit his future to the Premier League side this season. The 22-year-old has revealed that his love for the club as a Liverpool supporter was the main drive behind his decision to extend his stay at Anfield.
"I'm delighted to have signed. It means everything to me and my family," Kelly told the club’s official website. "I've been at Liverpool since I was seven, so it's in my heart and I love the club. When you play in the Liverpool shirt, you have to show the fans what it means. I just love playing and trying my hardest for the supporters and for my family.
"Being a Liverpool supporter myself, it's brilliant to put the shirt on and I'm doing what I have loved doing since I was a kid. I'm over the moon. Today shows the faith that the club have in me and that the hard work I have put in since I was young has paid off. Hopefully I'll put the injuries behind me."We have excellent medical staff here, who are going to work me and keep me on top of my injury. I'll be coming back even stronger."
Managing director Ian Ayre believes Kelly's decision is "fantastic news" for the club and praised the defender's work rate and determination to break into the first team."It's fantastic news and it runs on from various other players who have committed to us," Ayre said. "I think everybody has been starting to see and enjoy Martin's potential and the work he has showed to get into the first team and these are the things we are looking for.
"He was very unfortunate to get his injury but he has worked very hard with the physios and the medical team and hopefully we'll see him back soon. Signing him up for the long term is very important for us."
The 22-year-old has signed a long-term deal with the club he has been at since the age of 7, with managing director Ian Ayre describing the commitment as 'fantastic news.Martin Kelly has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool, the club announced Friday.
The versatile defender has made 54 appearances for the Reds since making his first-team debut in 2009, and he becomes the sixth player to commit his future to the Premier League side this season. The 22-year-old has revealed that his love for the club as a Liverpool supporter was the main drive behind his decision to extend his stay at Anfield.
"I'm delighted to have signed. It means everything to me and my family," Kelly told the club’s official website. "I've been at Liverpool since I was seven, so it's in my heart and I love the club. When you play in the Liverpool shirt, you have to show the fans what it means. I just love playing and trying my hardest for the supporters and for my family.
"Being a Liverpool supporter myself, it's brilliant to put the shirt on and I'm doing what I have loved doing since I was a kid. I'm over the moon. Today shows the faith that the club have in me and that the hard work I have put in since I was young has paid off. Hopefully I'll put the injuries behind me."We have excellent medical staff here, who are going to work me and keep me on top of my injury. I'll be coming back even stronger."
Managing director Ian Ayre believes Kelly's decision is "fantastic news" for the club and praised the defender's work rate and determination to break into the first team."It's fantastic news and it runs on from various other players who have committed to us," Ayre said. "I think everybody has been starting to see and enjoy Martin's potential and the work he has showed to get into the first team and these are the things we are looking for.
"He was very unfortunate to get his injury but he has worked very hard with the physios and the medical team and hopefully we'll see him back soon. Signing him up for the long term is very important for us."
Odemwingie returns to training after apology to West Brom
The 31-year-old Nigeria international has resumed full training after apologizing to the club and accepting the disciplinary action the Baggies have taken against him.
Peter Odemwingie has returned to full training after apologizing to West Brom and accepting the disciplinary action the club has taken against him.
The 31-year-old's future at The Hawthorns looked in doubt after the forward had issued a series of critical remarks on Twitter and attempted to force a deadline day move to QPR. A transfer did not materialize, and the Nigeria striker will now resume his duties for the club after issuing an apology to the organization and its fans.
“I understand how my actions have been viewed and want to apologize to the club and our supporters for any distress I have caused," Odemwingie told West Brom's official website.
“I want to reassure everyone at the club and our fans that I will continue to give my all whenever I am selected.
We have enjoyed a good season so far and I aim to play my part in keeping the club as high up the table as possible.”
Chairman Jeremy Peace confirmed that the matter has now been resolved and that, in addition to his apology, Odemwingie has accepted the punishment handed to him by the Baggies.
“This has been an extremely difficult time for the club and it was imperative that we dealt with such a serious matter both fully and correctly," Peace said.
“We have made our position very clear throughout – both privately to Peter and publicly.
“Peter has apologized for his conduct to me personally and the club and our supporters as a whole. He has accepted his punishment and promised to comply with all club regulations moving forward.
“It was important that we resolved this episode as expediently as possible to enable everyone to focus on the most important issue at this club – competing in the Premier League.”
The 31-year-old Nigeria international has resumed full training after apologizing to the club and accepting the disciplinary action the Baggies have taken against him.
Peter Odemwingie has returned to full training after apologizing to West Brom and accepting the disciplinary action the club has taken against him.
The 31-year-old's future at The Hawthorns looked in doubt after the forward had issued a series of critical remarks on Twitter and attempted to force a deadline day move to QPR. A transfer did not materialize, and the Nigeria striker will now resume his duties for the club after issuing an apology to the organization and its fans.
“I understand how my actions have been viewed and want to apologize to the club and our supporters for any distress I have caused," Odemwingie told West Brom's official website.
“I want to reassure everyone at the club and our fans that I will continue to give my all whenever I am selected.
We have enjoyed a good season so far and I aim to play my part in keeping the club as high up the table as possible.”
Chairman Jeremy Peace confirmed that the matter has now been resolved and that, in addition to his apology, Odemwingie has accepted the punishment handed to him by the Baggies.
“This has been an extremely difficult time for the club and it was imperative that we dealt with such a serious matter both fully and correctly," Peace said.
“We have made our position very clear throughout – both privately to Peter and publicly.
“Peter has apologized for his conduct to me personally and the club and our supporters as a whole. He has accepted his punishment and promised to comply with all club regulations moving forward.
“It was important that we resolved this episode as expediently as possible to enable everyone to focus on the most important issue at this club – competing in the Premier League.”
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