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..::Football II::..
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Manchester United wins 20th Premier League title
Sir Alex Ferguson has clinched the 13th top-flight crown of his 27-year reign at Old Trafford, and takes the Red Devils' overall total to 20, two more than archrival Liverpool.
Manchester United has won the Premier League title after securing a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Monday.
It is the club's 20th league crown, and Sir Alex Ferguson's 13th of his 27-year reign at the club. With 12 points in its final four games, United would pass Chelsea's Premier League record of 95 points for the season.
The Red Devils moved 16 points clear of Manchester City, which has five games left and 15 points to play for, after Robin van Persie's first-half hat trick secured a comfortable win over Paul Lambert's relegation-threatened side.
The Dutchman, who has now moved one goal ahead of Liverpool's Luis Suarez in the race for the Premier League's Golden Boot, struck his first of the evening from close range after just two minutes, while a stunning volley from the edge of the area was followed by another effort inside the box.
Manchester City clinched its first Premier League crown on goal difference on the final day of last season, but Ferguson's team came roaring back during the current campaign and has blown its city and title rivals out of the water.
The Red Devils went top of the table following victory against Arsenal on Nov. 3, and even though they were temporarily passed by City midway through the month, they quickly re-established top spot and have not looked back.
Van Persie's last-minute free kick provided a dramatic victory over City at the Etihad Stadium in December, and a six-point gap to go with it, and the club's late comeback against Newcastle on Boxing Day sent an ominous message to those at Eastlands.
United ended 2012 seven points ahead of its nearest rival, and the gap would only grow as the new year wore on.
After City drew away to Liverpool and lost at Southampton in early February, United went 12 points clear by beating Everton at Old Trafford, with Ferguson electing to play a strong side despite preparing to face Real Madrid in the Champions League.
The Scot admitted that the opportunity to open up such a large gap was too important to pass up, and although his side eventually exited Europe at the hands of Los Blancos, it effectively put City out of sight by mid-February.
And when City slumped to defeat at Everton on March 16, it allowed United - in the midst of a six-game run without conceding a league goal - to move 15 points clear.
Sergio Aguero's superb goal at Old Trafford in a 2-1 City victory cut United's lead to 13, while Carlos Tevez secured victory over Wigan as United drew at West Ham a week later.
But City's defeat at Tottenham on Sunday presented the Red Devils with the chance to sew it up against Villa, and they made no mistake with the opportunity.
United had seven titles to its name when Ferguson took over in 1986. The Scot won his first in 1992-93, and 20 years later he has guided his side to its 20th league crown. In winning their latest trophy, United moves two titles clear of Liverpool, which won its 18th and most recent championship in 1990.
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Mike Tyson on Luis Suarez biting Ivanovic: 'It happens'
The boxer addressed the incident that left the Liverpool striker fined by his club and charged by the FA.Luis Suarez has a new supporter - his name is Mike Tyson.
Suarez, a forward for Liverpool, was fined by his club and is facing a violent conduct charge and likely suspension from the FA after biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday.
Tyson was involved in a similar incident when he bit off a piece of former world boxing champion Evander Holyfield's ear during a heavyweight fight back in 1997.
"I saw this guy (Suarez) on the Twitter thing and thought I would check it out and see what his journey was all about," Tyson told the David Glenn radio show. Tyson is now one of Suarez's 1.5 million followers.
Tyson and Hoyfield eventually settled their differences, and the controversial retired fighter believes Suarez and Ivanovic will do the same.
"He (Suarez) bit someone, it happens," Tyson said the show. "I am sure he will make amends with this guy. I made amends with Evander and we got on with our lives."
Suarez has already publicly apologized to Ivanovic.
The boxer addressed the incident that left the Liverpool striker fined by his club and charged by the FA.Luis Suarez has a new supporter - his name is Mike Tyson.
Suarez, a forward for Liverpool, was fined by his club and is facing a violent conduct charge and likely suspension from the FA after biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday.
Tyson was involved in a similar incident when he bit off a piece of former world boxing champion Evander Holyfield's ear during a heavyweight fight back in 1997.
"I saw this guy (Suarez) on the Twitter thing and thought I would check it out and see what his journey was all about," Tyson told the David Glenn radio show. Tyson is now one of Suarez's 1.5 million followers.
Tyson and Hoyfield eventually settled their differences, and the controversial retired fighter believes Suarez and Ivanovic will do the same.
"He (Suarez) bit someone, it happens," Tyson said the show. "I am sure he will make amends with this guy. I made amends with Evander and we got on with our lives."
Suarez has already publicly apologized to Ivanovic.
Holden recalled by Bolton ahead of promotion push
The American midfielder was called back by his parent club a couple of days early to aid in its quest to reach the League Championship promotion playoffs.
Bolton is in a fight for its promotion life, and it has turned to U.S. midfielder Stuart Holden to try and help seal a return to the Premier League.
Bolton recalled Holden from his loan to Sheffield Wednesday a couple of days early amid injuries and its quest to reach the League Championship promotion playoffs. The Trotters currently occupy the final position in the four-team playoffs with games against already-promoted Cardiff City and Blackpool remaining. They lead Leicester City by a point and Nottingham Forest by two for the final playoff berth.
Sheffield Wednesday, which is in its own fight to stay in England's second tier and avoid the drop to League One, had reportedly hoped to extend Holden's loan through the end of the season.
Holden, who is continuing his comeback from long-term injury woes, started four games for Sheffield Wednesday while on his loan. He was held out of Saturday's match against Ipswich Town, though, at the request of his parent club and manager Dougie Freedman, according to The Bolton News.
"Bolton are in a playoff spot, they have one or two injuries, and they want him back," Wednesday manager Dave Jones told the UK publication. "He’s got better and stronger as his loan has gone on, and I would like to thank him for his services and wish him the very best for the future."
The American midfielder was called back by his parent club a couple of days early to aid in its quest to reach the League Championship promotion playoffs.
Bolton is in a fight for its promotion life, and it has turned to U.S. midfielder Stuart Holden to try and help seal a return to the Premier League.
Bolton recalled Holden from his loan to Sheffield Wednesday a couple of days early amid injuries and its quest to reach the League Championship promotion playoffs. The Trotters currently occupy the final position in the four-team playoffs with games against already-promoted Cardiff City and Blackpool remaining. They lead Leicester City by a point and Nottingham Forest by two for the final playoff berth.
Sheffield Wednesday, which is in its own fight to stay in England's second tier and avoid the drop to League One, had reportedly hoped to extend Holden's loan through the end of the season.
Holden, who is continuing his comeback from long-term injury woes, started four games for Sheffield Wednesday while on his loan. He was held out of Saturday's match against Ipswich Town, though, at the request of his parent club and manager Dougie Freedman, according to The Bolton News.
"Bolton are in a playoff spot, they have one or two injuries, and they want him back," Wednesday manager Dave Jones told the UK publication. "He’s got better and stronger as his loan has gone on, and I would like to thank him for his services and wish him the very best for the future."
Milner: Manchester United deserved to win Premier League
The midfielder said it hurt to see Manchester City lose its domestic crown, but he is now keen to clinch the FA Cup and reclaim the league from his club's rival next season.Manchester City midfielder James Milner has admitted it hurt to watch Manchester United win the Premier League title but conceded the Red Devils are deserved champions.
United beat Aston Villa 3-0 on Monday to claim a 20th league crown after losing out to local rival City in dramatic style on the final day of last season. While Milner believes the better team came out on top, he is hoping that he and his teammates can bounce back by beating Wigan in the FA Cup final before reclaiming the title next year.
"It hurts," Milner told Sky Sports News. "Well done to Manchester United, they're obviously a strong team and the league doesn't lie, so they deserve the league.
"We're massively disappointed, but it fuels the fire for next season and we're desperate to go again next season to try and win it back. Hopefully we can finish this season with silverware.
"We've seen how hard it is to retain the title and how much they [United] used that disappointment from last season to drive them on this year.
"They've been very good in the league, very solid and seem to grind out results every week. They've deserved it and we have to look at where we've gone wrong and try to put that right."
Milner believes City’s failure to finish games off during periods of dominance is one the main reasons for losing out to United, adding: "There have been games when we have dropped points when we shouldn't have done.
"There have been games where we've been well on top and not put teams to bed. When we've had that period of dominance in a game, we've not scored two or three more goals and that's maybe where we could have improved this year.
"But if you look at our defensive record this year, it's still very strong and as a team we've got to keep improving."
The midfielder said it hurt to see Manchester City lose its domestic crown, but he is now keen to clinch the FA Cup and reclaim the league from his club's rival next season.Manchester City midfielder James Milner has admitted it hurt to watch Manchester United win the Premier League title but conceded the Red Devils are deserved champions.
United beat Aston Villa 3-0 on Monday to claim a 20th league crown after losing out to local rival City in dramatic style on the final day of last season. While Milner believes the better team came out on top, he is hoping that he and his teammates can bounce back by beating Wigan in the FA Cup final before reclaiming the title next year.
"It hurts," Milner told Sky Sports News. "Well done to Manchester United, they're obviously a strong team and the league doesn't lie, so they deserve the league.
"We're massively disappointed, but it fuels the fire for next season and we're desperate to go again next season to try and win it back. Hopefully we can finish this season with silverware.
"We've seen how hard it is to retain the title and how much they [United] used that disappointment from last season to drive them on this year.
"They've been very good in the league, very solid and seem to grind out results every week. They've deserved it and we have to look at where we've gone wrong and try to put that right."
Milner believes City’s failure to finish games off during periods of dominance is one the main reasons for losing out to United, adding: "There have been games when we have dropped points when we shouldn't have done.
"There have been games where we've been well on top and not put teams to bed. When we've had that period of dominance in a game, we've not scored two or three more goals and that's maybe where we could have improved this year.
"But if you look at our defensive record this year, it's still very strong and as a team we've got to keep improving."
Gotze's Bayern switch inevitable, says Hitzfeld
The former Bayern coach says his old club should have signed Borussia Dortmund's star player last summer and that Pep Guardiola will make him a better player.
Ottmar Hitzfeld has revealed that he thought that Mario Gotze's switch to Bayern Munich was an inevitability.It was announced on Tuesday that the Borussia Dortmund star is set to join Die Roten in the summer for 37.5 million euros, and the current Switzerland coach revealed his frustration that the switch did not happen sooner.
"I was irritated that Bayern did not sign him last year or the year before that, when you could see that Gotze is one of the biggest talents in German football. Bayern has made a lot of money and I think they acquired Gotze for a reasonable price,” Hitzfeld told the Bundesliga’s official website. "Of course the news did surprise me. But the fact that Gotze would join Bayern one day, that was no secret, I guess. It is a logical consequence in his development."
The former Bayern coach, who won five Bundesliga titles and a Champions League trophy with the club, added that he does not think that Gotze will reach Lionel Messi’s level but Pep Guardiola will help him improve regardless."When he plays in an even stronger team, his strengths might even be more obvious. Can he can match Messi at some point? I don't think so. Messi sets the standards.
"He is not only very good at assisting but he scores an incredible amount of goals, too. To be as good as Messi he needs some more years of education. But, with Pep Guardiola, he will move in the right direction."Hitzfeld is worried about the effect the move could have on one of his national team members, Xherdan Shaqiri, and thinks some players will have to leave the club this summer to accommodate incoming transfers.
"Guardiola is a coach who pays attention to players who are technically strong," Hitzfeld said. "He likes these players and he gives them a chance in his system.
"That is why I hope Xherdan Shaqiri will have his breakthrough at Bayern. It will be more difficult now though now that Gotze is coming.
"This might hint of some players to be sold in the summer. To have too many very strong players can lead to frustration, especially if the success is missing."
The former Bayern coach says his old club should have signed Borussia Dortmund's star player last summer and that Pep Guardiola will make him a better player.
Ottmar Hitzfeld has revealed that he thought that Mario Gotze's switch to Bayern Munich was an inevitability.It was announced on Tuesday that the Borussia Dortmund star is set to join Die Roten in the summer for 37.5 million euros, and the current Switzerland coach revealed his frustration that the switch did not happen sooner.
"I was irritated that Bayern did not sign him last year or the year before that, when you could see that Gotze is one of the biggest talents in German football. Bayern has made a lot of money and I think they acquired Gotze for a reasonable price,” Hitzfeld told the Bundesliga’s official website. "Of course the news did surprise me. But the fact that Gotze would join Bayern one day, that was no secret, I guess. It is a logical consequence in his development."
The former Bayern coach, who won five Bundesliga titles and a Champions League trophy with the club, added that he does not think that Gotze will reach Lionel Messi’s level but Pep Guardiola will help him improve regardless."When he plays in an even stronger team, his strengths might even be more obvious. Can he can match Messi at some point? I don't think so. Messi sets the standards.
"He is not only very good at assisting but he scores an incredible amount of goals, too. To be as good as Messi he needs some more years of education. But, with Pep Guardiola, he will move in the right direction."Hitzfeld is worried about the effect the move could have on one of his national team members, Xherdan Shaqiri, and thinks some players will have to leave the club this summer to accommodate incoming transfers.
"Guardiola is a coach who pays attention to players who are technically strong," Hitzfeld said. "He likes these players and he gives them a chance in his system.
"That is why I hope Xherdan Shaqiri will have his breakthrough at Bayern. It will be more difficult now though now that Gotze is coming.
"This might hint of some players to be sold in the summer. To have too many very strong players can lead to frustration, especially if the success is missing."
Arsenal striker Giroud banned for three matches
The France international will miss Arsenal's next three matches, which could be crucial in securing a Champions League place.Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has been banned for three matches after an Independent Regulatory Commission rejected his claim for wrongful dismissal following his red card against Fulham.
Giroud was dismissed for serious foul play during his side's game against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday 20 April 2013 and the player's three match suspension will now commence with immediate effect.
The French striker caught the ankle of Fulham's Stanislav Manolev when stretching for the ball and referee Andre Marriner, who had already sent off Steve Sidwell after 12 minutes for the home side, duly sent the Gunners star down the tunnel.
The first game Giroud will miss is the visit of Manchester United to the Emirates this Sunday which will be United's first outing since securing its 20th league title with a 3-0 win against Aston Villa on Monday night.
The France international will miss Arsenal's next three matches, which could be crucial in securing a Champions League place.Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has been banned for three matches after an Independent Regulatory Commission rejected his claim for wrongful dismissal following his red card against Fulham.
Giroud was dismissed for serious foul play during his side's game against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday 20 April 2013 and the player's three match suspension will now commence with immediate effect.
The French striker caught the ankle of Fulham's Stanislav Manolev when stretching for the ball and referee Andre Marriner, who had already sent off Steve Sidwell after 12 minutes for the home side, duly sent the Gunners star down the tunnel.
The first game Giroud will miss is the visit of Manchester United to the Emirates this Sunday which will be United's first outing since securing its 20th league title with a 3-0 win against Aston Villa on Monday night.
Terry relaxed over new Chelsea deal
With 12 months still to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge, the defender has dismissed speculation he could leave the club in light of delays over a possible extensio.Chelsea defender John Terry has insisted he is relaxed about his future at Stamford Bridge, despite a lack of movement over a possible contract extension.
The Blues captain still has 12 months to run on his current deal and is in no rush to pen fresh terms, but has hinted that discussions could take place at the end of the season.
"People have to realize that I’ve got a year left at Chelsea after this," Terry told the Evening Standard. "People have spoken about no new contract and this kind of thing but it’s not even on the agenda at the moment.
"They may sit down with me once the season has finished and we’ll start talking then. Whether it’s a yes or a no I’ll continue to give my very best until my contract finishes."
Terry has found first-team opportunities hard to come by this season with injuries and David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic being preferred, and had made just 12 Premier League appearances so far.
"I have had to focus, dig deep and do a lot of sessions on my own in the gym - which was tough and new to me because it’s the first long injury that I’ve had," he said. "But I’m fit and I’m well now and that’s the main thing.
"I will continue to do everything I can, whether I play or don’t play, to move this football club in the direction that we want to be."
With 12 months still to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge, the defender has dismissed speculation he could leave the club in light of delays over a possible extensio.Chelsea defender John Terry has insisted he is relaxed about his future at Stamford Bridge, despite a lack of movement over a possible contract extension.
The Blues captain still has 12 months to run on his current deal and is in no rush to pen fresh terms, but has hinted that discussions could take place at the end of the season.
"People have to realize that I’ve got a year left at Chelsea after this," Terry told the Evening Standard. "People have spoken about no new contract and this kind of thing but it’s not even on the agenda at the moment.
"They may sit down with me once the season has finished and we’ll start talking then. Whether it’s a yes or a no I’ll continue to give my very best until my contract finishes."
Terry has found first-team opportunities hard to come by this season with injuries and David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic being preferred, and had made just 12 Premier League appearances so far.
"I have had to focus, dig deep and do a lot of sessions on my own in the gym - which was tough and new to me because it’s the first long injury that I’ve had," he said. "But I’m fit and I’m well now and that’s the main thing.
"I will continue to do everything I can, whether I play or don’t play, to move this football club in the direction that we want to be."
Laudrup: Swansea looking for new attacking talent
The Swans have been linked with a host of new additions of late - including Celta Vigo's Iago Aspas - and the Dane has admitted that he intends to strengthen his forward line.Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup has revealed that the club is assessing possible striking additions ahead of the summer transfer window.
Danny Graham departed the club in January to move to Sunderland - with Swansea opting against bringing in a direct replacement mid-season.
Michu currently leads the club's scoring charts with a remarkable return of 21 goals in his debut season in England, but Laudrup has admitted his interest in strengthening his forward line.
"You can't stop rumors and I can't tell you not to ask me about something you have heard," Laudrup told the South Wales Evening Post. "When it is one forward and then another and another, I cannot lie to you and say we are not looking for a forward.
"If there are rumors it is because people think this club is looking for someone in that position, and it will go on until the start of next season."
The former Mallorca boss also stated his aim of improving other areas of the squad ahead of the new season.
"I don't want to go into detail, but we are looking for players, as we have been all season," he added. "Sometimes we have to take people off the list because it is not possible or we change our opinion.
"But we have a list for every position. If one of our players who we did not expect to leave suddenly leaves then you cannot stand there saying 'Now what?'. You need to have a list of players in mind and that is what we have."
The Swans have been linked with a host of new additions of late - including Celta Vigo's Iago Aspas - and the Dane has admitted that he intends to strengthen his forward line.Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup has revealed that the club is assessing possible striking additions ahead of the summer transfer window.
Danny Graham departed the club in January to move to Sunderland - with Swansea opting against bringing in a direct replacement mid-season.
Michu currently leads the club's scoring charts with a remarkable return of 21 goals in his debut season in England, but Laudrup has admitted his interest in strengthening his forward line.
"You can't stop rumors and I can't tell you not to ask me about something you have heard," Laudrup told the South Wales Evening Post. "When it is one forward and then another and another, I cannot lie to you and say we are not looking for a forward.
"If there are rumors it is because people think this club is looking for someone in that position, and it will go on until the start of next season."
The former Mallorca boss also stated his aim of improving other areas of the squad ahead of the new season.
"I don't want to go into detail, but we are looking for players, as we have been all season," he added. "Sometimes we have to take people off the list because it is not possible or we change our opinion.
"But we have a list for every position. If one of our players who we did not expect to leave suddenly leaves then you cannot stand there saying 'Now what?'. You need to have a list of players in mind and that is what we have."
Sturridge: I wanted to prove a point against Chelsea
The 23-year-old admits he was disappointed not to start against his former side on Sunday, but believes his previous knowledge of the Blues aided his cameo performance.Daniel Sturridge has revealed that the anger he has for former club Chelsea improved his performance for Liverpool during Sunday's 2-2 draw.
The 23-year-old moved to Anfield for a reported fee of 12 million pounds after struggling for first-team opportunities with the Blues this term, and the weekend clash was the first time he has come up against his former side.
Sturridge came on at halftime with Liverpool trailing 1-0, and nearly assisted an equalizer for Steven Gerrard before hitting the post from 30 yards and scoring himself within seven minutes of his introduction - and he believes ill feelings toward his former employer aided his performance.
"I was disappointed not to start because the manager would have known I was a bit angry with Chelsea and wanted to prove a point against them," Sturridge told the club's official website. "It was strange playing against them because I only left three months ago so I kind of knew their weaknesses and what their team was all about.
"I was itching to get on and the team performed well in the second half. We started attacking a lot more. In the first half we were a little bit defensive. The game opened up and we showed what we're all about - it was good."
Sturridge notched five goals in his opening six games for Liverpool but has struggled with niggling injury concerns of late, with his goal on Sunday his first since February - and the striker was relieved to end his two-month drought.
"I'm happy but it's my job. I'll be happy today but tomorrow is a new day," he said.
"I just look forward to the next one now, it's onwards and upwards from here and I hope to continue to help the team get some results."
The 23-year-old admits he was disappointed not to start against his former side on Sunday, but believes his previous knowledge of the Blues aided his cameo performance.Daniel Sturridge has revealed that the anger he has for former club Chelsea improved his performance for Liverpool during Sunday's 2-2 draw.
The 23-year-old moved to Anfield for a reported fee of 12 million pounds after struggling for first-team opportunities with the Blues this term, and the weekend clash was the first time he has come up against his former side.
Sturridge came on at halftime with Liverpool trailing 1-0, and nearly assisted an equalizer for Steven Gerrard before hitting the post from 30 yards and scoring himself within seven minutes of his introduction - and he believes ill feelings toward his former employer aided his performance.
"I was disappointed not to start because the manager would have known I was a bit angry with Chelsea and wanted to prove a point against them," Sturridge told the club's official website. "It was strange playing against them because I only left three months ago so I kind of knew their weaknesses and what their team was all about.
"I was itching to get on and the team performed well in the second half. We started attacking a lot more. In the first half we were a little bit defensive. The game opened up and we showed what we're all about - it was good."
Sturridge notched five goals in his opening six games for Liverpool but has struggled with niggling injury concerns of late, with his goal on Sunday his first since February - and the striker was relieved to end his two-month drought.
"I'm happy but it's my job. I'll be happy today but tomorrow is a new day," he said.
"I just look forward to the next one now, it's onwards and upwards from here and I hope to continue to help the team get some results."
Liverpool announces Gerrard testimonial against Olympiakos
The influential Reds midfielder is "delighted" after being rewarded for his loyalty to the club with a match against the team he scored one of his most famous and valuable goals.
Liverpool has announced that Steven Gerrard is to be rewarded for his loyalty to the club with a testimonial match against Olympiakos.
The match against the Greek giant - against whom Gerrard dramatically netted in the knockout stage of Liverpool's triumphant 2004-05 Champions League campaign - will take place on Aug. 3 at Anfield.
"I am delighted to be honored by Liverpool with a testimonial match and particularly thrilled that Olympiakos has accepted my invitation to play the fixture," Gerrard told the club's official website. "Last time we met proved to be such a memorable game both for me personally and Liverpool.
Liverpool will give a portion of the money raised from the match to The Steven Gerrard Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged youngsters, with Olympiakos opting to donate their appearance fee to local Greek charities.
"I am also especially grateful that Olympiakos have truly embraced the aim of this match and chosen to donate their fee to charity," Gerrard said. "I am looking forward to what I know will be a fantastic game and a wonderful occasion."
The influential Reds midfielder is "delighted" after being rewarded for his loyalty to the club with a match against the team he scored one of his most famous and valuable goals.
Liverpool has announced that Steven Gerrard is to be rewarded for his loyalty to the club with a testimonial match against Olympiakos.
The match against the Greek giant - against whom Gerrard dramatically netted in the knockout stage of Liverpool's triumphant 2004-05 Champions League campaign - will take place on Aug. 3 at Anfield.
"I am delighted to be honored by Liverpool with a testimonial match and particularly thrilled that Olympiakos has accepted my invitation to play the fixture," Gerrard told the club's official website. "Last time we met proved to be such a memorable game both for me personally and Liverpool.
Liverpool will give a portion of the money raised from the match to The Steven Gerrard Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged youngsters, with Olympiakos opting to donate their appearance fee to local Greek charities.
"I am also especially grateful that Olympiakos have truly embraced the aim of this match and chosen to donate their fee to charity," Gerrard said. "I am looking forward to what I know will be a fantastic game and a wonderful occasion."
We did not announce Gotze signing to distract Dortmund, insists Sammer
Bayern Munich's sporting director has conceded that the timing is not perfect after the news that the BVB starlet had agreed to a move was revealed.Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer insists the decision to announce the signing of Mario Gotze was not designed to distract rival Borussia Dortmund ahead of this week's Champions League semifinals.
News surfaced late on Monday that the talented playmaker had agreed to join the Bundesliga champion this summer, forcing Bayern to confirm the news prior to its clash with Barcelona on Tuesday. Although he admits the timing of the announcement was far from ideal, Sammer has refuted the notion that it was intended to unsettle the club's German rival prior to Wednesday's meeting with Real Madrid.
“If we would have wanted to announce the transfer (to affect Dortmund), we would have done it tomorrow, directly ahead of Dortmund's match,” Sammer told Sky Sports. “The timing, of course, is not perfect.
“Our aim was to play the first legs of the Champions League semifinals and then announce it in the middle or at the end of this week.”
Gotze had long been linked with a host of other European sides, and Sammer admitted the 20-year-old had been subject of a number of other bids prior to his decision to move to the Allianz Arena.
“Mario had incredible offers from other clubs," Sammer said. "I would say let’s be happy he stays in the Bundesliga.”
Bayern Munich's sporting director has conceded that the timing is not perfect after the news that the BVB starlet had agreed to a move was revealed.Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer insists the decision to announce the signing of Mario Gotze was not designed to distract rival Borussia Dortmund ahead of this week's Champions League semifinals.
News surfaced late on Monday that the talented playmaker had agreed to join the Bundesliga champion this summer, forcing Bayern to confirm the news prior to its clash with Barcelona on Tuesday. Although he admits the timing of the announcement was far from ideal, Sammer has refuted the notion that it was intended to unsettle the club's German rival prior to Wednesday's meeting with Real Madrid.
“If we would have wanted to announce the transfer (to affect Dortmund), we would have done it tomorrow, directly ahead of Dortmund's match,” Sammer told Sky Sports. “The timing, of course, is not perfect.
“Our aim was to play the first legs of the Champions League semifinals and then announce it in the middle or at the end of this week.”
Gotze had long been linked with a host of other European sides, and Sammer admitted the 20-year-old had been subject of a number of other bids prior to his decision to move to the Allianz Arena.
“Mario had incredible offers from other clubs," Sammer said. "I would say let’s be happy he stays in the Bundesliga.”
Bayern Munich 4-0 Barcelona: Messi and Co. overrun as Germans all but seal final berth
Bayern Munich took a massive step toward returning to the Champions League final with an incredible 4-0 thrashing of Barcelona in the first leg of their last four clash at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.
On the same day that they stunned the football world by capturing Mario Gotze from Bundesliga rival Borussia Dortmund, the Bavarian giants again reminded everyone that they are a force to be reckoned with by playing the Blaugrana off the pitch.
Thomas Muller opened the scoring with a close-range header, and put the second on a plate for Mario Gomez minutes into the second half.
Muller would controversially play a role in Arjen Robben's goal after appearing to foul Jordi Alba off the ball, before tapping in the fourth himself with eight minutes remaining to round off the biggest ever margin of victory in a Champions League semifinal.
Mario Gomez replaced the suspended Mario Mandzukic up front for the hosts, while for the visitors, Marc Bartra partnered Gerard Pique in defense with Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano injured.
Bayern could have been ahead as early as the fourth minute. Robben exchanged passes with Gomez, and it took the outstretched legs of Victor Valdes to deny the Dutch winger from point-blank range.Barca was winning the possession battle, but it was the Bavarian side who controlled the opening exchanges. Javi Martinez’ tumble in the box was correctly ignored by the referee, who was forced into a bigger no-call when Philipp Lahm’s shot struck Pique’s elbow.
The Barca defender headed wide at the other end from a corner, but it was an isolated scare from the blunted Catalans, and with 25 minutes on the clock, Bayern made their superiority count.
A corner was worked to Robben, whose cross was flicked on by Dante, and Muller was first to the ball, sneaking a header past Valdes at the post.Dante had to be alert to prevent a quick response from Barca, poking away Dani Alves’ cross at full stretch from the unmarked Messi, in a dangerous position where an own-goal could have easily occurred.
Gomez then picked up the first yellow card of the game for barging into Messi, and he was quickly followed into the book by Bartra and Martinez for challenges on Muller and Andres Iniesta either side of the interval.
Any hopes that Barca had for the halftime break to revitalize them were dashed only four minutes after the restart, when Bayern exposed the soft center once again to go two goals ahead. Just like the first goal, Robben’s delivery was met by a Bayern head, with Muller guiding the ball towards the goal line, where Gomez was waiting to gleefully bundle the ball home.The Bundesliga side was simply dominating, and the match threatened to get ugly very fast for Barca had Muller and Franck Ribery been more accurate when presented with the chance to pick their spot from great shooting positions.
The third goal was always in the cards, and it duly arrived with 17 minutes remaining, albeit in contentious circumstances. Muller’s off-the-ball block on Alba went unheeded, and with the fullback out of the way, Robben curled sublimely into the far corner.
Bayern got its fourth in the 82nd minute. David Alaba’s overlapping run down the left ended with a low cross into the six-yard area, where Muller was waiting to turn into the back of the net to leave the second leg at Camp Nou as little more than a formality, and finish off an epic 24 hours for Bayern.
Bayern Munich took a massive step toward returning to the Champions League final with an incredible 4-0 thrashing of Barcelona in the first leg of their last four clash at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.
On the same day that they stunned the football world by capturing Mario Gotze from Bundesliga rival Borussia Dortmund, the Bavarian giants again reminded everyone that they are a force to be reckoned with by playing the Blaugrana off the pitch.
Thomas Muller opened the scoring with a close-range header, and put the second on a plate for Mario Gomez minutes into the second half.
Muller would controversially play a role in Arjen Robben's goal after appearing to foul Jordi Alba off the ball, before tapping in the fourth himself with eight minutes remaining to round off the biggest ever margin of victory in a Champions League semifinal.
Mario Gomez replaced the suspended Mario Mandzukic up front for the hosts, while for the visitors, Marc Bartra partnered Gerard Pique in defense with Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano injured.
Bayern could have been ahead as early as the fourth minute. Robben exchanged passes with Gomez, and it took the outstretched legs of Victor Valdes to deny the Dutch winger from point-blank range.Barca was winning the possession battle, but it was the Bavarian side who controlled the opening exchanges. Javi Martinez’ tumble in the box was correctly ignored by the referee, who was forced into a bigger no-call when Philipp Lahm’s shot struck Pique’s elbow.
The Barca defender headed wide at the other end from a corner, but it was an isolated scare from the blunted Catalans, and with 25 minutes on the clock, Bayern made their superiority count.
A corner was worked to Robben, whose cross was flicked on by Dante, and Muller was first to the ball, sneaking a header past Valdes at the post.Dante had to be alert to prevent a quick response from Barca, poking away Dani Alves’ cross at full stretch from the unmarked Messi, in a dangerous position where an own-goal could have easily occurred.
Gomez then picked up the first yellow card of the game for barging into Messi, and he was quickly followed into the book by Bartra and Martinez for challenges on Muller and Andres Iniesta either side of the interval.
Any hopes that Barca had for the halftime break to revitalize them were dashed only four minutes after the restart, when Bayern exposed the soft center once again to go two goals ahead. Just like the first goal, Robben’s delivery was met by a Bayern head, with Muller guiding the ball towards the goal line, where Gomez was waiting to gleefully bundle the ball home.The Bundesliga side was simply dominating, and the match threatened to get ugly very fast for Barca had Muller and Franck Ribery been more accurate when presented with the chance to pick their spot from great shooting positions.
The third goal was always in the cards, and it duly arrived with 17 minutes remaining, albeit in contentious circumstances. Muller’s off-the-ball block on Alba went unheeded, and with the fullback out of the way, Robben curled sublimely into the far corner.
Bayern got its fourth in the 82nd minute. David Alaba’s overlapping run down the left ended with a low cross into the six-yard area, where Muller was waiting to turn into the back of the net to leave the second leg at Camp Nou as little more than a formality, and finish off an epic 24 hours for Bayern.
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