..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Persie: I was certain United would win trophies

The striker went seven seasons at Arsenal without a trophy but insists that he was always confident of success at Old Trafford after his 25 goals fired the Red Devils to the title.

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie says that he had no doubts about leaving Arsenal because he was almost certain that he would win trophies this year at Old Trafford.

The Netherlands international won the FA Cup in his first season at the Gunners but went seven years without a trophy under Arsene Wenger, while Sir Alex Ferguson's side collected four Premier League titles as well as the 2008 Champions League.

United has now won the Premier League in the striker's first season at Old Trafford, with the 29-year-old scoring all three goals in a 3-0 home win over Aston Villa in April to seal the title with four matches remaining.

"I wouldn't have moved if I'd had doubts," Van Persie told the club's official website. "Instead, from day one I was almost certain we'd win trophies – not in a couple of years but this year. I could see in everybody'’s faces how determined they were.

"Everything is about lifting the trophy. This is the feeling you dream of. We won the UEFA Cup at Feyenoord three months after I started and I remember thinking that winning trophies was part of being a footballer but I've realized since then it's not that simple. I've waited for this for a long time."

Van Persie is set to win the Golden Boot for the second year running, having scored 25 Premier League goals so far this season, but says that his teammates should share the success.

"Even if I'd have scored half the number of goals and we'd won the league I'd still have been happy," he enthused. "The Golden Boot would be like a bonus. In a way it's not an honest award – even if you end up with the most goals in a season, those goals are the team's goals and many will have been made possible by other players.

"You get spells that don't go so well, when you don't score so many goals, and I had one of those this season but that 10-game streak where I didn't score seemed a bigger issue for the media than it was for me. Even so, I kept clearing headers from corner kicks, I cleared balls off the goal line, I set up teammates to score goals. I was never worried that I'd never score a goal again in my life. I'm not a player who only thinks about scoring goals – I want to give football more than that."

Van Persie also revealed that he will not be taking the No.9 shirt next season, despite the slot being vacant. The striker says that his number 20 shirt feels right, and he does not want fans who have bought his shirt to suffer.

He told United Review: "I think I'll keep it. I have the option to take No.9 but I don't think I will do that. I'll stick with what is right and what feels good.

"Also, I don't want to be harsh on the fans who have got No.20 on their kit. I don't want them to have to buy a new shirt. It's been a good number for me and now I can at least celebrate the 20th trophy for another year. I'll stick with it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ribery eyes Bayern extension

The Frenchman has spent the last six years at the Allianz Arena but is hoping to sign a new deal to keep him at the club beyond 2015.Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery says he "would be glad" to sign a contract extension with his club.

Having joined the Bavarian giants from Olympique de Marseille in 2007, the 30-year-old has since become a key player at the Allianz Arena, and had stated before that he would be willing to retire at the German club.

While the Frenchman still has a deal until June 2015, he insists he wants to open up talks over a new contract.

"I'd be glad to [sign a new contract], I'm very happy here," the Frenchman told Kicker. "If it's possible to sign a new contract? Why not?"

Ribery has scored nine goals in his 39 appearances in all competitions this season, setting up 14 more.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Iniesta: Bayern defeat still hurts

The Spain international says Barcelona's fans and players are still shocked by the 7-0 aggregate loss to the Bavarians in the Champions League Andres Iniesta says Barcelona is still reeling from its 7-0 aggregate loss to Bayern Munch in the Champions League semifinals.

The Catalans were dealt a 4-0 hammering at the Allianz Arena in the first leg before suffering a 3-0 defeat on home soil a week later, but the Spain international told his teammates to put the result behind them and win the Liga title.

"The feeling after the Champions League tie [against Bayern] was terrible, both home and away," Iniesta told told reporters. "Of course it hurts, it hurts deep in our soul - for both the players and the fans. The next day you don't see things the same way as straight after the game, you have to look at it with perspective.

"You cannot throw it all away when this team can be champions this week. You recognize when things go wrong but we will train to fight again next year. Defeat in the Champions League has been very painful for us."

Barcelona currently sits 11 points ahead of second-place Real Madrid in the Liga table and can cement its 22nd Primera Division crown with a win against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dortmund receives 500,000 Champions League final ticket applications

The Ruhr club has only 24,042 seats for the Wembley clash with Bayern Munich at its disposal but still received an overwhelming amount of demand Borussia Dortmund has revealed that more than 500,000 supporters applied for tickets for the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

The Ruhr outfit's 4-3 aggregate win over Real Madrid secured a place in the showpiece of Europe's biggest competition for the first team since 1997 and the club has paid tribute to their fans' support.

"We've followed how much sympathy people have towards us with great excitement," marketing director Carsten Cramer told the club's official website.

He added, "More than 500,000 applications are a clear sign of Echte Liebe [true love, the club's motto] which Borussia Dortmund fans feel towards the club and our authentic and successful team."

The club further has announced that a drawing will be made to decide who will receive a ticket to watch the Champions League final live.

BVB CEO Hans-Hoachim Watzke, meanwhile, apologized for not being able to provide every fan with a place at Wembley.

"We're sorry that we're not nearly able to fulfill the wishes," he told reporters. "Ten years ago, every club member would have had a chance to secure a ticket."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mancini confirms Hart will not start FA Cup final

The Italian reiterated that Romanian goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon will be preferred in goal, as opposed to the England No.1, when City faces Wigan at Wembley on Saturday.Roberto Mancini has confirmed that Costel Pantilimon will start Saturday's FA Cup final against Wigan at Wembley ahead of Joe Hart.

The Romanian keeper has played in all of City's cup games so far this season and the Italian believes it would be unfair to revert back to his regular No.1 instead for the final.

The 26-year-old, who stands at a towering 6 feet 8 inches, has conceded just once in the FA Cup so far this season, with Chelsea striker Demba Ba in the semifinal the only man to have scored past him.

When asked if Hart would play on Saturday after Saturday's 0-0 draw against Swansea City, Mancini told reporters: "I don't think so. We decided this at the start of the season. Pantilimon deserves to play."

He added, "Joe won the FA Cup two years ago, he won the Premier League last year, he is the best keeper in England and I think he should be happy his second keeper can play in a big game.

"I know he wants to play but we decided at the start of the season it was important for Pantilimon to play in the two cups."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Eriksen open to Borussia Dortmund move

The creative midfielder is relishing the prospect of a potential switch to the Bundesliga amid ongoing speculation linking him with BVB.Ajax playmaker Christian Eriksen has admitted that he would be interested in a transfer to Borussia Dortmund this summer.

The Denmark international has been heavily linked with a move to the Champions League finalist as BVB is looking for a replacement for Bayern Munich-bound Mario Gotze, and Eriksen has revealed that a move to the Bundesliga giant would be a tempting prospect.

"Borussia Dortmund? That would not be a bad option. We met them twice with Ajax and lost both games. Dortmund would be nice," the 21-year-old told Algemeen Dagblad.

"I have not heard anything concrete from my agent, but I would be up for it if a nice opportunity came up. If no club makes an offer, I will sign a new deal as I want Ajax to make some money on me. I have not thought about it that I might have played my last home game for Ajax."

The attacking midfielder has a contract with Ajax until the summer of 2014 and is widely expected to leave the newly-crowned Dutch champion this summer.

Aside from Borussia Dortmund, he has also caught the attention of Premier League sides Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Football’s Biggest Fakers

Football’s Biggest Fakers

SMILING David Luiz is the latest footballer to seemingly fake an injury to get a player sent off.

The defender went down after a challenge from Rafael during Chelsea’s 1-0 win at Manchester United yesterday. But the look on his face suggested he was far from hurt.

RIVALDO

HAKAN UNSAL was sent off during the 2002 World Cup thanks to the Brazilian. After the Turkish ace kicked the ball towards him, Rivaldo collapsed theatrically while clutching his face — when it struck his leg.

SLAVEN BILIC

THE CROAT’S antics saw France ace Laurent Blanc sent off and miss the 1998 World Cup final on home soil. Bilic grabbed his head when Blanc appeared to push him in the chest.

DIDA

AC MILAN keeper copped a two-match ban for his antics at Celtic. Dida fell to the floor in apparent agony moments after being tapped lightly on the cheek by a Parkhead fan.

JOEY BARTON

NEWCASTLE bad-boy incredibly escaped an FA rap despite admitting he play-acted to get Arsenal’s Gervinho sent off in 0-0 draw at St James’ Park.

ROBBIE SAVAGE

TOTTENHAM’S Justin Edinburgh was the last player to be sent off at the old Wembley after Leicester City enforcer Savage’s delayed reaction to a raised hand in the 1999 League Cup final. Spurs went on to lift the trophy though.

KYLE LAFFERTY

RANGERS fined their striker for feigning injury in an incident that led to Aberdeen’s Charlie Mulgrew being sent off during 2009 season.

​

 

[unicornx]

In ICE HOCKEY we hide the pain but in soccer we fake

 

[මුගටියා]

Come in No 2: Moyes odds on to work under Ferguson at Old Trafford before replacing legendary Manchester United boss

Bookmakers have slashed the odds on David Moyes replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford as rumours grew that the Everton boss is to spend a season as the United manager's understudy.
It is seen as a perfect way for a future United manager to learn the ropes at the club while working closely with Ferguson, before the 71-year-old finally retires from the game.
Moyes is yet to win a trophy at Everton but in more than a decade at Goodison Park he has brought stability and Premier League consistency to a club with a relatively small budget.

All smiles: Moyes could replace Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan at Old Trafford


Everton are likely to finish above rivals Liverpool for the second successive season - the first time they have achieved that in the top flight since 1937.
Moyes's Everton contract runs out in the summer and no agreement has been reached over a new deal.
The 50-year-old has previously said that he wanted to wait until the end of this campaign before deciding whether to extend his time at Goodison Park into a 12th year.
Moyes was linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this season, but a return of the Special One Jose Mourinho is the favoured option of owner Roman Abramovich.
Ferguson seems revitalised at Old Trafford with a young squad who he believes have the chance to replicate the Treble-winning side of 1999 - but even he cannot manage United for ever.
In his programme notes before United played Chelsea in the league on Sunday, Ferguson wrote: 'I don't have any plans at the moment to walk away from what I believe is going to be something special.'
It is believed Ferguson was going to retire at the end of last season, before Manchester City stole the title in the final moments of one of the most dramatic and spectacular climaxes to a season, courtesy of an added-time goal from striker Sergio Aguero.

It is astonishing to remember he was set to retire at the end of the 2001-02 season. At the time he had won 14 major trophies at United - in the subsequent 11 seasons he has added a dozen more.
Next season will be Ferguson's 27th in English football and whoever ultimately takes over at Old Trafford, his legacy is certainly secure.





| DailyMail

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Come in No 2: Moyes odds on to work under Ferguson at Old Trafford before replacing legendary Manchester United boss

Bookmakers have slashed the odds on David Moyes replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford as rumours grew that the Everton boss is to spend a season as the United manager's understudy.
It is seen as a perfect way for a future United manager to learn the ropes at the club while working closely with Ferguson, before the 71-year-old finally retires from the game.
Moyes is yet to win a trophy at Everton but in more than a decade at Goodison Park he has brought stability and Premier League consistency to a club with a relatively small budget.

All smiles: Moyes could replace Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan at Old Trafford


Everton are likely to finish above rivals Liverpool for the second successive season - the first time they have achieved that in the top flight since 1937.
Moyes's Everton contract runs out in the summer and no agreement has been reached over a new deal.
The 50-year-old has previously said that he wanted to wait until the end of this campaign before deciding whether to extend his time at Goodison Park into a 12th year.
Moyes was linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this season, but a return of the Special One Jose Mourinho is the favoured option of owner Roman Abramovich.
Ferguson seems revitalised at Old Trafford with a young squad who he believes have the chance to replicate the Treble-winning side of 1999 - but even he cannot manage United for ever.
In his programme notes before United played Chelsea in the league on Sunday, Ferguson wrote: 'I don't have any plans at the moment to walk away from what I believe is going to be something special.'
It is believed Ferguson was going to retire at the end of last season, before Manchester City stole the title in the final moments of one of the most dramatic and spectacular climaxes to a season, courtesy of an added-time goal from striker Sergio Aguero.

It is astonishing to remember he was set to retire at the end of the 2001-02 season. At the time he had won 14 major trophies at United - in the subsequent 11 seasons he has added a dozen more.
Next season will be Ferguson's 27th in English football and whoever ultimately takes over at Old Trafford, his legacy is certainly secure.





| DailyMail

David Moyes Patta!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League 2013.05.07 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2013.05.07 Fixtures

Manchester City Vs WBA

Wigan Vs Swansea

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[Wolverine GTR]

Wigan lata thiyenne relegation battle 1kak!

 

[unicornx]

Any suggestions about the Man city next season?

 

[unicornx]

Jose Moh has confirmed his next season with Madrid. Hope he won't bench Kaka and Casillas

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guzan named Aston Villa's Player of the Year

The American goalkeeper was honored by his teammates and supporters in gathering the top two individual awards at Aston Villa's end-of-season dinner.
American goalkeeper Brad Guzan was questioned when he elected to re-sign with the club leading into the 2012-13 season when it was unclear whether he would be handling the lion's share of minutes after four seasons of backing up Brad Friedel. Those questions sure seem foolish now.

Guzan beat Shay Given for the No.1 job early in the season, never looked back and was honored as Aston Villa's Player of the Year by both his teammates and supporters in scooping up the top two honors at Villa's end-of-season dinner on Tuesday.

Guzan beat the likes of young Belgian striker and 22-goal scorer Christian Benteke for the club's top individual distinction, playing a large role in maintaining the club's place in the Premier League. Villa is not safe just yet, sitting five points clear of the final relegation spot with two games remaining, but a two-game winning streak has the club in an advantageous position ahead of games against Chelsea and Wigan Athletic.

In 35 starts across all competitions this season, Guzan has posted six clean sheets and come up with a number of clutch saves to do his part despite playing behind a back line that has been under immense pressure and in flux for the duration of the season.

Guzan also played a significant role for the U.S. national team in March, stepping in for the injured Tim Howard, and guiding the Americans to a win over Costa Rica and a draw against Mexico in which he posted clean sheets in both matches.

Guzan joins Stuart Holden (Bolton, 2010-11) and Clint Dempsey (Fulham, 2010-11, 2011-12) as Americans to win a Premier League side's top individual honor in the last three seasons.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mancini left 'frustrated' by poor Manchester City finishing

The Italian's side beat West Brom 1-0 thanks to Edin Dzeko's volley, but the manager believes it could have had far more goals if its strikers had not wasted so many chances.Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has once again expressed his irritation at his side’s inability to take its chances and make its dominance of games count.

The FA Cup finalist beat West Brom 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium thanks to a volley from Edin Dzeko, and the Italian repeated his message from earlier this week that the team’s poor finishing keeps letting it down as it failed to extend its lead against the Baggies.

“I’m frustrated because it is almost impossible to miss all these chances,” he told ESPN after the game. “When you have six or seven clear chances, you should score.

“In the first half, they started better than us for the first 10 minutes, but we’re missing I don’t know how many chances.”

Mancini made eight changes for the game, with one eye on the FA Cup final against Wigan on Saturday, and he praised his players for coming in and performing despite a lack of match practice.

“It was a difficult game,” he said. “We knew it would be before the game, because we changed [eight] players, and it’s difficult.

“Also, the players did everything to win this game, so it was an important win. It was difficult for Micah [Richards] and [Edin] Dzeko as they haven’t played for a long time, so it’s not easy.”

City's cup final opponent lost 3-2 to Swansea in its crunch Premier League match on Tuesday night, but Mancini is not expecting the Latics to be demoralized when they make the trip to Wembley.

He added: “They still have a chance, they have another two games and they will be looking to avoid relegation. They have more chances in the next two games.

“The final is the final, it is not important for the Premier League, and I think they’ll play at 100 percent and be very strong.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Thiago Silva handed two-match ban

The 28-year-old will miss key games as his side bid to win the Ligue 1 title, while sporting director Leonardo is set for an even more severe punishment Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva has been issued with a two-match ban for pushing the referee during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Valenciennes.

The former AC Milan player was shown a straight red card after protesting Alexandre Castro's decision to award a goal kick, and his subsequent ban means he will play no part in the trip to Lyon on Sunday or the visit to Stade Brestois the following week.

It is understood PSG sporting director Leonardo is also facing up to a potential year-long suspension following a further offense on the same official in the aftermath of Sunday's draw. Leonardo has also been suspended from his role with the club by the French disciplinary committee until his next hearing on May 16.

Leonardo appeared to barge Castro in the tunnel at full time, and the incident could even result in the club being deducted points.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City 1-0 West Brom: Dzeko winner seals victory for much-changed hosts

Manchester City tightened its grip on second place in the Premier League with an unconvincing 1-0 win at home to West Brom on Tuesday.

The home side dominated the first half and took the lead after 34 minutes thanks to a superb volley from Edin Dzeko, having created a number of other chances beforehand.

The Baggies improved in the second half as the hosts seemed to lose their focus and had enough chances to score an equalizer, but they were unable to take advantage.

Roberto Mancini made eight changes to the Manchester City side that drew 0-0 with Swansea, with one eye on the upcoming FA Cup final against Wigan.

Meanwhile, the away side made four changes, with Craig Dawson awarded his first start in the Premier League this season after returning from a loan spell at Bolton.

The Baggies began brightly as Romelu Lukaku forced a good low save from Joe Hart at his near post and then sent a long-range effort just wide.

Manchester City also started the game positively in what was a very open beginning, with Carlos Tevez playing a neat one-two with Samir Nasri before firing wide.

It took some time for either side to create another chance, as Boaz Myhill spilled a good free kick from Aleksandr Kolarov into the path of Jack Rodwell, whose shot went over the bar.

James Milner was then presented with a glorious chance to give Manchester City the lead, but the England midfielder lashed his close-range shot wide.

The home side then had two more superb openings, as Rodwell could so easily have scored after a corner then Tevez hit the bar soon after.

In the 35th minute, the Citizens were finally rewarded for their persistence as after a good cross from Tevez, Dzeko finished well with a volley to give his side the lead.

The hosts were largely dominant for the remainder of the half, although they could not add to their lead before halftime, although Milner saw a long-range shot hit the post.

West Brom started the second half brightly, and within minutes of the restart striker Markus Rosenberg hit a free kick that rattled the crossbar.

The Baggies continued to impress in the opening stages of the half, with James Morrison hitting a good low shot from range that Hart had to palm away.

However, after initially looking rather lethargic the home side suddenly had a good chance of its own as Rodwell twice saw shots blocked inside the box.

The impressive Milner then had yet another shot on goal as he cut in from the right and had a shot that was gathered comfortably by Myhill.

The Baggies still looked confident of getting on the scoresheet, however, with Rosenberg’s smart shot forcing another good save from Hart.

The away side then had its best chance, as Billy Jones and then Shane Long could not get their efforts on target.

However, despite their continued efforts, the Manchester City defenders held firm and ensured they came away with another home win.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea winger Hazard set to return for Tottenham clash, reveals Benitez

The Belgium international, who missed his side's match against Manchester United on Sunday, is "fine" and will be available for the crucial top-four clash against Spurs.Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed that midfielder Eden Hazard will be available for Wednesday night’s crucial clash with Tottenham.

The Blues take on former manager Andre Villas-Boas’ side at Stamford Bridge with both clubs firmly in the hunt for a Champions League spot. Hazard missed Chelsea’s 1-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday but is set for a return to the squad, while Benitez confirmed that John Obi Mikel and Ryan Bertrand will not feature.

"Hazard was training in a normal training session. He is fine, he is in the squad," Benitez told reporters. "Mikel is not available; he is still in some pain. Bertrand is not available with a problem with his knee, nothing serious.”

Benitez has made full use of the Chelsea squad, constantly rotating his side as the Blues have been forced to contend with a huge amount of fixtures in a short space of time.

"I think it's important to manage the squad and important for them,” Benitez said. “It doesn't matter if you pick one or the other, they all want to win and be a part of the important games."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wigan 2-3 Swansea City: Latics on relegation brink after second-half collapse

Dwight Tiendalli's scrappy winner completed a stunning turnaround to earn Swansea its first win in seven games and push Wigan closer to relegation.

Roger Espinoza put the Latics ahead with an excellent volley on the stroke of halftime, but was outdone by Angel Rangel just after the break as he equalized for Swansea. James McCarthy's gave the Roberto Martinez's troops hope of securing a crucial victory by restoring the home side's lead with a composed finish.

But a spirited comeback from Michael Laudrup's men saw Itay Shechter's looped effort restore parity before a suicidal defensive mistake allowed Tiendalli to stab home to crucial goal and leave the Latics with a mountain to climb if they're to achieve Premier League safety in their final two fixtures.

Roberto Martinez made three changes to the side that beat West Brom on Saturday, with Roger Espinoza replacing the injured Jean Beausejour, while captain Gary Caldwell and James McArhur came in at the expense of Ronnie Stam and Jordi Gomez.Laudrup also decided to tinker with the Swansea lineup, handing a rare start to captain Gary Monk, while Dwight Tiendalli and Itay Schechter also came in, with Chico Flores and Nathan Dyer dropping out alongside top scorer Michu, who wasn’t even on the bench.

After results across the weekend dropped nicely for them Martinez knew a win against his former employers in this much fabled game-in-hand would see Wigan leapfrog Newcastle and Norwich out of the bottom three on goal difference.Defeat, on the other hand, was unthinkable.However, they almost fell behind in the third minute when Wayne Routledge caught Espinoza on his heels, but could only fire into the side netting when through on goal.

The home side eventually settled into their usual passing rhythm and went close to equalizing when Arouna Kone unleashed a 25-yard drive that Michel Vorm was equal to in the Swansea goal.Ashley Williams then scooped an indirect free-kick over the bar from eight-yards, after Joel Robles had picked up Caldwell’s nervous backpass in Swansea’s best chance of the half.

It proved a pivotal miss as Wigan deservedly broke the deadlock on the stroke of half time as Espinoza, showed superb technique to squeeze a first-time volley in at the near post from Vorm’s miscued punch.

But any momentum gained from taking the lead wasn’t carried over across the interval and Swansea within four minutes. Routledge’s elegant lofted pass picked out Rangel, who’s controlled volley across goal, clipped the far post before going in.But Wigan’s recent revival has been underpinned by a mean fighting spirit and it equalized almost immediately as Caldwell’s pass split the visiting defense to find McCarthy and the midfielder finished past Vorm.

Shooting itself in the foot is another of its quirks, and just moments after James McArthur squandered a golden opportunity to make it 3-1 they were pegged back once again when Shechter, anonymous for much of the hour played, saw his snap shot deflect past the despairing glove of Robles.With a point not good enough to shift them to a position of safety Wigan upped the ante and were only prevented from taking the lead for a third time by Vorm’s stunning point-blank save to keep out Caldwell’s bullet header.

And the consequences were duly felt with 15 minutes remaining as a catastrophic mix up in the six-yard area allowed Tiendalli to sneak in unannounced and poke the ball home to put Swansea in front for the first time.A sickening clash between Vorm and teammate Ben Davies saw the Swansea goalkeeper stretchered off after lengthy treatment that offered Wigan the opportunity to regroup.

Bur even with nine minutes of added on time afforded to salvage a point they came up short, with Kone twice thwarted by Vorm in the closing stages.