..::Football II::..

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Wolverine GTR

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    Khedira: Success of Bundesliga sides in Europe no coincidence

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    The midfielder has credited the resurgence of German clubs in European competitions to the quality of academies in his homeland.Sami Khedira believes the recent success of Bundesliga teams in Champions League is no coincidence.

    The Real Madrid midfielder has applauded youth football in Germany, admiring the dedication and success of academies in his homeland in their production of players.

    This season marks the first time since 2002 in which there two German sides (Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund) have reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. Schalke nearly made it three, but a 4-3 aggregate defeat to Galatasaray saw the club exit the competition in the last 16.

    “It is not a coincidence or luck,” Khedira told Uefa.com. “Schalke almost reached the quarterfinals. They were just a bit inexperienced. Dortmund and Bayern are very strong, not only last season but also this, and they play very well at European level. It is [thanks to] the continuous development in German football.

    “The academies and the league give a great football education. Germany had been asleep for many years, but recently they have tried to continuously build things up. It’s bearing fruit, not only with producing great players but also great tactics and discipline. And in the end that package makes a great team.”

    The 25-year-old Khedira is preparing for a Champions League clash of his own with Madrid set to take on Galatasaray on Wednesday in the first leg of their quarterfinal, and he outlined the differences between domestic and European football.

    “I think that you must be very consistent in your game. You must deliver top performances throughout the season on a certain day. In La Liga you can allow yourself a mistake, but in the Champions League you must be well prepared for that day against your opponent.”
     

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    Ronaldo: Neymar too talented to stay in Brazil

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    The 36-year-old is the latest figure to give his opinion on the Selecao star and believes he would benefit from leaving his homeland before World Cup 2014
    Brazil legend Ronaldo has urged compatriot Neymar to consider a move to one of Europe's elite clubs after claiming the starlet has too much potential to remain in South America.

    The 21-year-old, currently with Santos, is one of the most sought-after talents in world football and has reportedly courted the interest of Bayern Munich and Barcelona - the latter of which is believed to be leading the hunt for the striker's signature.

    But so far Neymar has opted to remain in his homeland and is determined to do so until after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, though Ronaldo believes he needs to consider a move if he is to fulfil his potential.

    "Neymar is undoubtedly an excellent player. He is going to be one of the best in the world when he decides to play in Europe. He is too talented to be limited only to Brazil," he said in an interview with Sports Spectacular.

    "He has had several proposals from clubs abroad, but he renewed his contract with Santos. Ideally the best time to leave for Europe would be before the World Cup in 2014. It would make him more mature and he would have more experience to lead Brazil."
     

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    Tottenham midfielder Parker praises character in 'massive win' against Swansea

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    The North London club fought off a late siege by the Capital One Cup winners to hold onto a 2-1 win that keeps Andre Villas-Boas' side four points clear of fifth-place Arsenal.

    Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has hailed his side's show of character as they held on to a "massive" three points against Swansea.

    Andre Villas-Boas' side fought off a late comeback from the Swans in their 2-1 victory at the Liberty Stadium that keeps Spurs in third place, and Parker was pleased to "grind out" the result.

    "Swansea put us under pressure the longer the game went on," Parker told the club's official website. "They are a very good team and we had to show a different side to our character at the end. We did that to grind out the result.

    "It's a massive win for us. Before the game started, winning was always going to be the most important thing and we managed to come away with the three points.

    "That was crucial after a couple of defeats in the league. We've stopped the rot, picked up a big win and now we move on again."

    Spurs remain in third place, two points clear of Chelsea and four clear of Arsenal, but both of their London rivals hold a game in hand.

    Villas-Boas' side faces Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on April 13, before champions Manchester City visit White Hart Lane the following week in a challenging stretch.
     

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    Arteta: Short break helped Arsenal find form against Reading

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    The Spanish midfielder says that three days away from the intensity of the Premier League with his family helped him to focus while other players were on international duty.

    Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta says a three-day break for players not on international duty helped the team to find form in its 4-1 victory over Reading.

    Arteta scored a penalty in the win at the Emirates Stadium, and says that the time some players had to relax with their families was needed to focus their minds on the task at hand.

    "We had three days to get some time with the family and relax our minds from football," Arteta told the club's official website. "[After the break] we trained really hard in the last week and this week as well. And I think we played very well [against Reading].

    "We had a really high tempo right from the start. I think we had a lot of good combinations around the box. We looked lively.

    "In the first half, we could have killed the game. After the third goal, I think the game was over.

    "We had two games with a clean sheet and I don't think they had any chances apart from [Hal Robson-Kanu's goal].

    "That was a bit disappointing but, overall, we played a very good game. We were in control and we played some really good football.

    "We're on a very good run in the Premier League. We have to keep going. We know that we're depending on other results, so let's see what happens."
     

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    Attacking Galatasaray suits Real Madrid, says Ronaldo

    The Portugal international believes an offensive tie will work in Los Blancos' favor, but he is refusing to take anything for granted ahead of their European encounter.

    Cristiano Ronaldo says Galatasaray's attacking style will suit Real Madrid ahead of the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday.

    The Istanbul outfit saw off Schalke 4-3 on aggregate in the last 16, while Los Blancos overcame Manchester United, and the Portuguese star is anticipating an offensive affair.

    “The game against Galatasaray will be wide open and very balanced. We have to play well, like we do at home in the Champions (League),” Ronaldo told the club's official website. “It’s a squad that also attacks a lot and that’s good, because our chances of winning increase when the opponent plays us one-on-one.

    “We played well in the Camp Nou, also in Manchester and here at home against Barcelona. Things are going well for us, we have more confidence and we’re having a good run. I hope we can stay this way until the end of the season."

    Ronaldo then stressed Madrid's desire to lift the trophy, but insisted the club would not be taking anything for granted against the Turkish giants, despite starting the tie as favorites against the likes of Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder.

    “I’m calm. It’s another match that we have to fight for and win. It’s a very important game for us and I’m sure that I’ll be focused, I’ll play well and try to help the team win," Ronaldo said. “The players know how important it is to win the Champions (League), but I’ve always said that you have to take it step by step. The squad is good, we’re in good form and now we’re up against Galatasaray, a good team. It’s possible that we make it through, but we have to keep taking it step by step."
     

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    Ibrahimovic: They should rename the Ballon d'Or after Messi

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    The Sweden star cracked a joke regarding the Argentine maestro, who has won the prestigious prize for four consecutive years, ahead of their Champions League matchup.

    Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hailed Barcelona star Lionel Messi for winning the FIFA Ballon d'Or four years in a row ahead of the teams' UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash this week.

    The Argentina star is in the form of his life, as he has scored in 19 straight league games against each of the other teams in La Liga, and he earned his fourth straight Ballon d'Or in January, which has left an impression on Ibrahimovic.

    "He is the best player in the world right now," Ibrahimovic told reporters at a press conference. "He has won four Ballon d'Ors. They should rename this award and call it Messi.

    "But I do not know if he is the best player of all time. It is difficult to say. We'll see when he has finished his career."

    Considering his outstanding recent performances, Ibra was quick to remark that he does not care about which individual player is the best in the world.

    "It is thanks to my teammates that I was able to play that well. We are a team. Being No. 1, this is not important," Ibrahimovic said.

    The forward also said that he thinks the Blaugrana are currently the best football has to offer and that PSG has its work cut out starting in Tuesday's quarterfinal first leg at Parc de Princes.

    "They're best team of all time," Ibrahimovic said. "We will try to find solutions. I'll try to do my best, then we'll see what happens."
     

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    One-match ban for Cambiasso after Giovinco foul

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    The experienced midfielder will be forced to serve a single-game suspension following his red card in the Derby d'Italia.

    Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni will have to make do without the services of Esteban Cambiasso in the upcoming Serie A match against Sampdoria, as the midfielder has been handed a one-match ban following his dismissal against Juventus at the weekend.

    The Argentine midfielder was shown a straight red card in the closing stages of Saturday's 2-1 loss after a reckless tackle on Sebastian Giovinco, and has now been suspended for one Serie A game as a result.

    The Nerazzurri initially feared that Cambiasso would be handed a severe ban following his late lunge on the Italian, but the 32-year-old will miss just the one game versus Sampdoria.

    Cambiasso entered the Juventus dressing room immediately after the final whistle to apologies to Giovinco and inquire after his injury.

    The attacker missed Sunday morning's training session as a result of the tackle, but has been included in Juventus' match squad for the Champions League game against Bayern Munich.
     

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    Nasri: I do not regret leaving Arsenal for Manchester City

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    The 25-year-old midfielder has endured an inconsistent campaign for Roberto Mancini's side this season, admitting that his own individual form simply has not been good enough.

    Samir Nasri insists he has no regrets over his decision to leave Arsenal for Manchester City in 2011, even though he has lamented his departure from mentor Arsene Wenger.

    Roberto Mancini revealed his frustration at the midfielder's inconsistent performances this season, with the France international’s showings ranging from abject to brilliant, and it was the latter on Saturday as he was named Man of the Match in the club’s 4-0 win over Newcastle.

    Nevertheless, the 25-year-old Nasri maintains that he has no remorse over the nature of his exit from Arsenal, but rather his disappointment at not being able to work with Wenger for a longer period of time.

    "Arsene Wenger is the greatest coach I have worked with. I only regret not having more discussions with Arsene Wenger when I left [for Manchester City]," Nasri told beIN Sport. "I do not have regrets. I do not regret joining Manchester City. I want to play and perform. My departure from Arsenal is purely for sporting reasons.

    Nasri also admitted that in light of Mancini's recent criticism, he understands his own form hasn't quite been up to scratch this season.

    "I am aware that I do not realize a good season," Nasri said. "There are many reasons. But when Mancini said that I'm training at 50 percent, this is not true.

    "I felt comfortable against Newcastle. It's been a time that I feel good."
     
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