..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Mancini praises 'strong manager' Martinez ahead of FA Cup final

The Italian believes the Spaniard can handle both Saturday's showpiece at Wembley and the relegation run-in thereafter, while insisting his side is not the favorite.Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has praised "strong manager" Roberto Martinez ahead of his side's FA Cup final against Wigan on Saturday.

The two sides meet at Wembley in what will be the Latics' first-ever FA Cup final, and Mancini believes the Spaniard is adept enough to handle both the weekend showpiece and Wigan's relegation run-in.

"Martinez is a strong manager and he knows this situation very well," the Italian told reporters. "The final is the final. It’s not important what happens in the Premier League.

"Afterward, though, I think they have a good chance to stay in the Premier League as they have two games left."

The 48-year-old insists City is not the favorite in what will be the club's second final in three years, citing its hard-fought win over Stoke two years ago as proof that every cup clash provides its own challenge.

"We know that every final is difficult," Mancini continued. "I don’t think in a final one team can be favorite. Against Stoke [in the final two years ago] we were called favorites but they played very well. I think we will have the same problem this year. For Wigan, this will be an important moment.

"The FA Cup is the second trophy in England after the Premier League. I think it's an important trophy for everyone. For us, it's our second final in three years – we have the chance to get our second cup and we want to do a good job. To play at Wembley is fantastic and that will be the same for both teams."

Mancini also defended his side's overall campaign, insisting City has had a good season despite not achieving success on all fronts.

"I think that before this final we have had a good season," he added. "When you start the season you want to win as many trophies as you can but sometimes this isn’t possible.

"It is not like last season because we won the Premier League but I think it's still a good season."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kuba: I'd forgive Lewandowski if he joined Bayern

The winger also discussed the striker replacing him as the Poland captain and his "hurt" at the decision, as well as insisting he has moved on from his clash with Rafinha.

Borussia Dortmund winger Jakub Blaszczykowski claims that he would forgive teammate Robert Lewandowski if he left in the summer to join German rival Bayern Munich.

The striker has been heavily linked to follow in Mario Gotze's footsteps and swap Signal Iduna Park for Pep Guardiola's Allianz Arena, although BVB is believed to be keen to hold on to the Poland international through the end of his contract in 2014.

Blaszczkowski says that Lewandowski is free to follow his own path and insists that there is no bad blood between the pair after Dortmund's top goalscorer this season replaced him as the permanent Polish captain.

"Yes [I'd forgive him for joining Bayern], but that is his decision alone to make," Kuba told Bild on Friday. "Everyone is responsible for his own career and that is why I don't disagree with people's decisions.

"To deduce that there is a problem with me and Robert [over the captain swap] is a joke. It's normal that he is wearing the armband, right? I was hurt, but Robert has the second most caps behind me."

Kuba also insisted that he has moved on from the incident between himself and Rafinha in last weekend's 1-1 draw against Bayern, when he was elbowed by the Brazilian defender then poked a finger in the face of the Schwarzgelben star after being given his marching orders.

"Honestly, I'm not interested. I'm finished with the topic," Blaszczkowski said. "At 27 years old I never thought I could remain so calm.

"It wasn't easy but I made sure I did. I got a call from him [to apologize] afterwards, I didn't expect that. That's just football and you have to accept it."

Bayern has already won this season's Bundesliga title and faces Dortmund at Wembley Stadium in London on May 25 for the Champions League trophy.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Villas-Boas urges Bale to sign new Tottenham contract

Amid speculation regarding the Welshman's future at White Hart Lane, the Portuguese manager wants the midfielder to put pen to paper for a new deal to ward off potential suitors Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has urged Gareth Bale to "put to bed" speculation surrounding his future by signing a new contract.

Spurs have placed a 70 million pound pricetag on Bale following enquiries by Manchester United during a season which has seen him named the Professional Footballers' Association Player and Young Player of the Year and Football Writers' Association Player of the Year.

But, with Bale prepared to stay with Spurs if they qualify for the Champions League, Villas-Boas is keen for the Welshman to sign a new deal at White Hart Lane and end rumors linking him with a move away from the capital.

"It would be good for him [to sign a new contract]," Villas-Boas told reporters. "I think he deserves it for the season he's had. Obviously we could put to bed every single speculation that's coming out.

"It would be excellent and I think a reward for what he has achieved this season."

Bale is contracted to Spurs until 2016 and has scored 30 times for club and country this campaign.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League 2013.05.11 Fixture

Barclays Premier League 2013.05.11 Fixture

Aston Villa Vs Chelsea

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

FA Cup Final 2013.05.11

FA Cup Final 2013.05.11

Manchester City Vs Wigan

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

La Liga 2013.05.11 Fixtures

La Liga 2013.05.11 Fixtures


Athletic Bilbao Vs Mallorca

Valladoid Vs Deportivo

Osasuna Vs Getafe

Espanyol Vs Real Madrid​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Serie A 2013.05.11 Fixtures

Serie A 2013.05.11 Fixtures

Juventus Vs Cagliari

Catania Vs Pescara​

 

[rcccc]

Casillas ta meh season 1ke anthima matches tikewath ayeth chance 1ka dunna nam hodai

 

[rcccc]

Manchester City striker Dzeko uncertain about his future

Dzeko nam aniwa transfer weyi .koheta yayidha danne nae
Arsenala th try karanawa

 

[rcccc]

Barclays Premier League 2013.05.11 Fixture

Aston Villa Vs Chelsea

​

FA Cup Final 2013.05.11

Manchester City Vs Wigan

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ambrosini: Milan would be wrong to let go of Allegri

The experienced midfielder has offered the Rossoneri coach his backing amid ongoing rumors that he could be on his way out Massimo Ambrosini has voiced his opinion that AC Milan would be wrong if they were to part company with head coach Massimiliano Allegri at the end of the season.

There have been question marks over whether the 45-year-old will remain at the San Siro side beyond the current season, but Ambrosini believes Allegri deserves to stay following his good work in the past few seasons.

"The coach has done well to remain calm in a difficult moment and managed to transmit that calmness to the players," Ambrosini told Sky Sport 24.

"It would be a big decision to part company with a coach who has achieved some important results in the past three years and has met the club's objectives - if we finish third in the table this season.

"I think that Milan should confirm Allegri as coach for next season. We will see what happens in two weeks.

"A lot will depend on what the president wants. When he has something in mind, it's difficult to get him to change his plans."

Allegri has been in charge of Milan since the summer of 2010 and has since guided the club to one Serie A title.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Agent: Gotze would have joined Manchester City if he wanted money

The gifted youngster's representative has made it clear that he could have made much more financially at last year's English champions or another Premier League side Mario Gotze's agent Volker Struth has stressed that the Germany international's decision to leave Borussia Dortmund for Bayern Munich this summer is not based on monetary reasons as, if that were the case, he would have joined Manchester City instead.

The 20-year-old rocked the Bundesliga last month when he announced that he will join the Bavarians this summer in a deal worth 37 million euros, but Struth has insisted that Gotze's only moving for the challenge.

"He is only moving for sporting reasons. Mario is 20 years old and it should only be about football at that age," Gotze's representative told Bild.

"If it had only been about money, he would not have joined Bayern, but would have signed for Manchester City or another English side instead.

"It was not difficult for us to reject better offers. I believe that a move abroad was not the right move for him. Plus the Bundesliga is on its way to become the best league in the world again.

"I can understand that the Dortmund fans would rather have seen him leave the Bundesliga, but it's better for German football that he stays here."

Gotze is currently recovering from a thigh injury as he aims to be fit in time for the Champions League final against his future club on May 25.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rodgers insists Reina is staying at Liverpool

Speaking ahead of the weekend clash with Fulham, the Northern Irishman has yet again denied reports that his Spanish star is set for a move away from the club
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has played down speculation linking Pepe Reina with a move away from Anfield, stating unequivocally that the Spaniard is essential to his future plans.

Reina has been in decent form again this season for Liverpool, despite a number of injuries, keeping 29 clean sheets in total and four in Liverpool's last five league games.

However, with the club again failing to qualify for the Champions League, many have suggested the Spanish international may look for a move away from the club, with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid as possible suitors.

But manager Rodgers has sought to bring an end to this discussion, reiterating Reina's fondness of the Kop and highlighting the fact that he is still contractually bound to the club.

"It's that silly season now that starts up all the rumors and whatnot but Pepe's not for sale," Rodgers told journalists at the pre-Fulham press conference this Friday afternoon.

"He's got three years left on his contract here, he's happy and obviously there's speculation but it's not worth commenting on."

Furthermore, in a recent fans' Twitter Q+A, Reina revealed he would be happy to see out the rest of his career at Liverpool, saying: "it would be a nice bit of history to be here more than 12 or 13 years".

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho 'emotional' over Ferguson exit

The Portuguese said he was called personally by the retiring Manchester United manager, who knows 'The Special One's' next managerial destination Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho admits he was devastated to hear the news that Sir Alex Ferguson was retiring as Manchester United manager at the end of the season.

The former Porto, Chelsea and Inter boss revealed the United legend and called him personally to inform him of the decision.

Mourinho said he was saddened to hear the Scot’s 26-year reign at Old Trafford was coming to an end and admitted fielding a team against the Premier League champions will never feel the same again.

"When Sir Alex called me to give me the honor of knowing from him his decision, I was surprised and sad," he said in an interview with Sky Sports. "It will be difficult for me, and I think all managers, to go to Old Trafford and play against Manchester United without this mythical figure waiting for us.

"At the same time, I was happy to feel his emotion, and pride for such an amazing career.”

United face Swansea City on Sunday in what will be Ferguson's last home game in charge of the club but Mourinho said he would be too emotional to watch the match.

When asked if he would take in the game, he said: "No, certainly not - no, I don't want to cry!"

Mourinho, who himself had been linked with taking over at Old Trafford, went on to endorse David Moyes, who has signed a six-year contract with the Red Devils.

"I think David is a great choice,” added the Portuguese coach. “I like him as a person; I like his character as a manager. I believe Manchester United will support him, I think he has the qualities to do a good job.

"I wish Sir Alex a happy life, and I wish David a successful career at Old Trafford."

Talking about his own future, Mourinho indicated he had informed Sir Alex about where his next destination in management will be.

"We are good friends, and my good friends know which club I would like to manage when I finish my work at Real Madrid."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hamsik: I almost signed for AC Milan

The Slovakia international admits he could well have been playing for the Rossoneri had it not been for the intervention of Walter Mazzarri and Aurelio De Laurentiis Napoli midfielder Marik Hamsik has revealed how he came close to signing for AC Milan in 2011, only to be talked out of the move by his current employers.

At the time of the proposed deal, the Rossoneri had just claimed the Scudetto after pipping the Partenopei in the title race and were keen to bring the Slovakia international to San Siro - only for two high-profile figures to intervene.

"[Aurelio] De Laurentiis and [Walter] Mazzarri told me I was wrong to want to leave," Hamsik told Guerin Sportivo. "We had just lost the Scudetto after being defeated by Torino, Sampdoria and Bologna.

"I spoke with the president and then with Mazzarri and both explained to me why they did not want to sell me. According to them, I would be making a mistake to accept Milan's offer. It was valuable advice as I am happy now in Napoli. I have just bought a house and people love me here for who I am."

Though they have not won the league title since 1990, Napoli have enjoyed one of their better periods in recent years and the 25-year-old puts much of their success down to Mazzarri.

"Mazzarri is the secret weapon. If we have achieved extraordinary results these past years, it is mainly down to him," he continued. "I do not think he will leave."

Hamsik has once again played a key role in another successful campaign for the Naples club, scoring 10 goals and setting up another 19 in all competitions.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City 0-1 Wigan Athletic: Late Watson winner stuns Mancini's men in cup final

Wigan Athletic secured one of the biggest upsets in modern FA Cup history after beating Manchester City 1-0 in the final. Ben Watson’s header a minute into added time sent the 23,000 Latics fans into ecstasy as they watched their team go on to win the Cup for the first time.

The magnitude of the achievement was illustrated not only by the two teamsheets, but the league table, where Wigan sits 16 places behind City and also the difference in resources between one of Europe’s richest clubs and one of the top-flight minnows.

A flat final had been brought to life by Pablo Zabaleta’s 84thminute red card, but it needed Watson’s brilliant last-minute act to avoid the 30 minutes of extra time.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Wigan!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea: Record-breaker Lampard all but cements Blues' Champions League spot

Frank Lampard finally overtook Bobby Tambling’s goalscoring record as two second-half goals gave Chelsea a 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Saturday to all but secure their place in next season's Champions League.

Christian Benteke's first-half strike – his 23rd of the season – gave the home side the lead on 15 minutes, before Ramires received his marching orders for a second bookable offense on the stroke of half-time.

But the Belgian went from hero to villain as he was then sent off on the hour mark and Lampard equalized moments later and then scored the winner to beat Tambling’s record Chelsea goal haul.

Paul Lambert made one enforced change from his side’s 2-1 win at old club Norwich as Erich Lichaj replaced the injured Matt Lowton at right back.

The visitors, however, made a raft of changes as skipper John Terry, Lampard and Victor Moses all came back into the starting lineup for Chelsea’s 67th game of an exhausting campaign, while Demba Ba replaced Fernando Torres up front.

But it was Benteke not Ba who grabbed the early limelight as a moment of brilliance marked an end to a cagey opening 15 minutes. The Belgian took up possession inside the away half and charged into the penalty area, brushing past Gary Cahill and sliding a composed left-footed finish past Petr Cech at the near post.

Benteke celebrated his 14th goal since the turn of the year by unveiling a Stiliyan Petrov t-shirt and a fitting tribute followed in the 19th minute as Villa Park erupted in applause to honor the now retired midfielder.

Back on the pitch, the hosts' superiority had begun to diminish. Lampard offered a threatening warning when Villa's player of the year Brad Guzan had to parry his driven free kick onto the post after 29 minutes.

But the home side had Premier League safety firmly within their sights and Benteke almost broke free for the second time 11 minutes later, with Terry bringing him down to earn himself a booking.

And the Chelsea captain was then followed into the book by Ramires, with the Brazilian's high foot earning him his second yellow; Chelsea were down to 10 men before half-time.

Rafael Benitez’s response was to bring David Luiz on for the ineffectual Moses. Yet if anyone was making a difference after the break, it was Gabriel Agbonlahor, whose phenomenal pace down the left was causing the visitors all sorts of trouble.

Disaster struck for the Villans on the hour mark, however, as yet another high-footed challenge saw Benteke this time receive his marching orders for a second yellow.

Lampard made Villa pay moments later, curling a superb left-footed strike past Guzan for his 202nd Chelsea goal.

Cahill then needed his header to be cleared off the line by Ashley Westwood before Villa's American stopper was tested by a Luiz free kick.

But there was only one man who would score the goal that would effectively clinch the Blues' place in the top four - and that was Lampard, who netted with a characteristically brilliant finish.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratzzzzz Lampard!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus 1-1 Cagliari: Bianconeri fall short in bid for record points haul

Juventus' hopes of breaking their points record for a single Serie A season were dashed by a 1-1 draw at home to Cagliari on Saturday evening.

In truth, the Bianconeri were somewhat fortunate to have escaped with a draw, having fallen behind to a stunning solo strike from Victor Ibarbo.

However, Mirko Vucinic came off the bench to earn the host a draw with a simple header from a terrific knock-down from man-of-the-match Arturo Vidal.

With the title having been sealed against Palermo last weekend, the Bianconeri had little to play for - and it showed for long stretches. However, coach Antonio Conte had spoken beforehand of his desire to see his side win its two remaining fixtures and thus break the club's previous points record of 91.

Consequently, it was no surprise to see the home side begin in a lively fashion, with Vidal particularly prominent early on, putting Sebastian Giovinco in on goal only to see his teammate take too long to get a shot away, before then drawing a spectacular save from Michael Agazzi with a fine strike from distance.

However, Ibarbo had also started in stirring fashion and it was he who opened the scoring. The Colombian had already frightened Andrea Barzagli with one drive from deep when he took on the classy center back again 13 minutes in.

Barzagli had Claudio Marchisio for support but Ibarbo, who had picked up possession inside his own half, simply stormed past the pair of them before coolly slotting the ball underneath Marco Storari to end Juve's five-game run without conceding.

The ease with which the Colombian had cut inside Barzagli had been staggering but it was somewhat explained by the Italy international's injury-enforced withdrawal just moments later.

In truth, Cagliari looked the better side after Ibarbo's strike but Juve was desperately unfortunate not to have drawn level just after the half hour mark when Giovinco's measured free kick struck the crossbar and bounced down on the wrong side of the goal line from the home side's perspective.

Vidal continued to drive Juve forward but, as it was, the champions went in a goal down at the break, so it was hardly surprising that Conte decided to introduce Vucinic early in the second half.

The Montenegrin took a while to get into the game but Emanuele Giaccherini was causing all sorts of problems down the left-hand side and the Bianconeri's utility man went close to drawing his side level after cutting into the area only to see Agazzi get down well to keep out the wing back's low strike.

Vucinic made his mark just moments later, though, nodding home from close range after Vidal had busted a gut to get on the end of Marchisio's cross to the back post and head the ball back across the goal.

Juve poured forward in search of a winner, with Marchisio going close late on, but there was to be no denying the Rossoblu, who, in fairness, were good value for their point.