..::Football II::..

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Scolari defends Neymar selection

The veteran coach insists he is happy with the starlet's performances and left the door open for Ronaldinho and Kaka after dropping him from his Confederations Cup squad Brazil boss Luis Felipe Scolari has moved to defend the form of prized-asset Neymar amid claims the forward has been under-performing at club level in recent months.

The Santos star was among those included in Scolari's squad for the Confederations Cup which is due to take place next month, and the 64-year-old insists his domestic form merited selection.

"Neymar has been playing well," he told reporters. "I understand some people are going to disagree. He's playing very well from our point of view. It's what we expect."

Scolari alluded to Ronaldinho's exclusion from the squad - without directly referencing him - and suggested the omission stemmed from a belief that the former Barcelona forward could no longer prove an important addition to the team.

"Many times we're criticized for picking A, B or C. I was criticized several times for having Costinha on my team when I was in Portugal," he said. "Costinha gave me everything I needed in a defensive midfielder, and he wasn't unanimous at his own club either. That's the criteria I adopt here, how important a player can be for the team."

Kaka was another high-profile omission from the squad, but the 2002 World Cup-winning boss refused to shut the door on handing recalls to veterans of previous squads in the future.

Scolari added: "History is not over for the veterans. This list is for the Confederations Cup only. We have a project to watch other players who might add more to our group to the World Cup.

"After the CC, we'll be going to Europe, to places like Russia, Ukraine, England, to watch players from there. We'll see how this ones go and who else can add more to us.

"To everyone who was left out: play, show us your football, prove you can add to the squad. They could be planting a little seed for the future."

Scolari's men begin preparations for the Confederations Cup by facing England in a friendly on June 3, before turning their attention towards Japan in the country's first fixture of the tournament.

 

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Arsenal midfielder Arteta a 'massive doubt' for season finale, reveals Wenger

The Spanish playmaker was substituted in stoppage time against Wigan, replaced by Thomas Vermaelen, and could miss the Gunners' trip to St James' Park with a calf problem.

Arsenal has been handed a blow in its quest for Champions League qualification after Mikel Arteta picked up a calf injury in the Gunners' 4-1 win over Wigan on Tuesday.

The midfielder was withdrawn in stoppage time, replaced by Thomas Vermaelen, and now faces a race against time to be fit for Arsenal's final day match against Newcastle.

"Arteta is not all right," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said after the match. "Arteta pulled his calf, so that could be a problem for Sunday. We don't know, we have to wait 24 hours. He will be a massive doubt for Sunday."

Though the Spaniard is likely to miss his side's trip to St James' Park, Wenger remains confident that his side can claim the victory it needs to seal a place in next season's Champions League.

"It's all open. But it depends on our result. Even third place is not out of sight if we win our game," Wenger said. "I am confident, because we have experience. Because we play for a long time now under massive pressure and have always found solutions for the problems we've faced, so I'm confident."

Wigan needed to win the match in order to keep its survival hopes alive, but after Theo Walcott's 63rd-minute goal, the Latics imploded, and Wenger believes the FA Cup winners will be missed next year.

"When we scored the second goal it was a massive blow for Wigan and they never recovered from that, and then it became a comfortable game, we scored three and four," Wenger said. "It's sad that Wigan are going down, because they are a good team. They play good football and are an intelligent team, with good players. If they stay together they will certainly come up again."

 

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Schweinsteiger: I will step up to the spot again

The Germany international insists he bears no scars from last season's penalty miss and will happily take responsibility again Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has revealed he is mentally prepared to take a penalty in this season's Champions League final - despite suffering spot kick heartbreak last term.

The 28-year-old failed to convert from 12 yards in the shootout at the Allianz Arena last May, which handed Chelsea the opportunity to win the title.

But should similar events transpire against Borussia Dortmund, Schweinsteiger insists he will not shy away from the task.

"Well, we try these things purely with the best intentions and sometimes it doesn't work out," he told reporters. "I will take another one and keep trying as many possible until I score. It's clear; if the coach wants me to take one, I will step up."

Jupp Heynckes' men have sealed the Bundesliga title and will face rival Dortmund on May 25, before turning their attentions toward Stuttgart and the final of the DFB-Pokal as they bid to complete an unprecedented treble this season.

 

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Alba: Neymar is good, but Messi is number one

The 24-year-old says the Brazilian will always be in his teammate's shadow if he joins the club Jordi Alba insists Lionel Messi will always be "number one" at Barcelona - even if Neymar makes the move to Camp Nou.

The 21-year-old, currently with Santos, is one of the most sought-after talents in world football and is understood to have come under the Blaugrana's transfer radar.

However, the Spain international believes there is little need for new recruits in the Barca squad and feels the presence of Messi means the Brazilian would always play second fiddle to the Argentine if he was to join the club.

"I don't know whether he [Neymar] will come here or not. He's a brilliant player and in Brazil he's showing he is a class above, but Messi is number one and maybe even the best in history," he told AS.

"The technical team and the board will make reinforcements where they feel they need to be made. Personally, the team looks fine to me. Let's hope we win more silverware next year."

Barcelona wrapped up the Liga title on Saturday and Alba went on to say the team will now turn their attentions towards equaling Real Madrid's points record in a league season.

"We have three games left and we will try to win all of them. We want to reach 100 points and equal Real Madrid's record," added the World Cup-winner.

The Blaugrana resume their push for 100 points when they welcome Valladolid to Camp Nou on Sunday.

 

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No Everton approach for Roberto Martinez, says Wigan chairman Whelan

The Latics owner insists that there has been no formal contact from the Toffees regarding the FA Cup-winning boss but admits that the Spaniard may be tempted by Goodison Park.Wigan chairman Dave Whelan insists that there has not yet been an approach from Everton over manager Latics Roberto Martinez.

The FA Cup-winning boss is reported to be the Toffees' top target after David Moyes agreed to join Manchester United this summer.

The Latics chief does not expect counterpart Bill Kenwright to broach the subject of the Spaniard until after the relegation-threatened side's Premier League future is decided but admits that the the former Swansea City manager could be tempted by Goodison Park.

"It is something we face every year and, if we do get relegated, he may decide he wants to stay in the Premier League but he may decide he wants to stay with Wigan because he is a great favorite here," Whelan told Sky Sports, speaking before Tuesday's game against Arsenal.

Asked if the Toffees had made an approach for Martinez, the 76-year-old said adamantly: "No. Everton would never do anything like that until the end of the season.

"Bill is keen on his football and is a total gentleman, so he would never do that until we know what our destiny is and whether we are staying in the Premier League or whether we are going to get relegated.

"If they do approach us, it is entirely up to Roberto whether he wants to go to Everton or stay at Wigan."

 

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Moyes keen to continue developing Manchester United youth

The Everton boss will take over from Sir Alex Ferguson on July 1 on a six-year deal and hopes to bring talented youngsters from the club’s youth ranks into the first team.

David Moyes has revealed he plans to carry on Manchester United's tradition of bringing through talented youngsters into the first team when he takes over from Sir Alex Ferguson on July 1.

Moyes was confirmed as the man chosen to replace his fellow Scot on May 9, after agreeing on a six-year contract to move to Old Trafford when his deal at Everton expires at the end of the season, and the 50-year-old believes integrating promising homegrown players is the right way forward.

Speaking at an address to the Cambridge Union, Moyes is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "Manchester United have always relied hugely on young players and my priority will always be to promote these talents.

"It is the right way to go. We need to be producing better English players and we are working to find the solutions. My aim would be to develop these young English players and get more and more coming through.

"[However] There are issues to resolve. How do we get them more games at a competitive level? I like the Spanish model where there is a B team playing in the lower divisions. Could we implement the same here? That would be a starting point.

"Three years ago, I wanted to get the young Everton team into the Conference, as it would be a good place to compete. The FA told us we would have to start from the bottom - in division 27 or something!"

 

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Mancini assistant Platt leaves Manchester City

Though offered an opportunity to remain in place, Mancini's No. 2 becomes the first of an anticipated 10 departures from various levels of the coaching staff.
Manchester City assistant manager David Platt has followed Roberto Mancini out of the club.

After the Italian boss's sacking on Monday night, his No. 2 is expected to be the first of up to 10 departures from the coaching staff as the 2011-12 Premier League champion rebuilds its coaching personnel. According to City's announcement Tuesday, the club extended an invitation to Platt to remain at the Etihad Stadium, but he elected not to take it.

"David was offered the opportunity to continue his work with us but has declined the invitation. He has decided to leave his role with his close friend, Roberto Mancini," read a statement on the club's official website. "David has made a significant contribution to the club's success since joining in 2010 and we wish him well with his career, wherever that now takes him."

Brian Kidd took charge of City's Premier League trip to relegated Reading on Tuesday following the sacking of Mancini and he will see out the season in addition to the club's two friendlies against Chelsea in the United States later this month.

 

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Hazard ruled out of Chelsea's Europa League final against Benfica

The 22-year-old Belgian ace will miss the Blues' second European final in as many years with a hamstring problem, leaving Rafa Benitez without one of his key players.

Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed Eden Hazard will miss the club's Europa League final against Benfica on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury.

"Hazard will not be available," Benitez told reporters.

The 15-goal attacker will be a key loss for the Blues as the London outfit looks to win back-to-back European trophies, following last year's Champions League victory.

Hazard has enjoyed a scintillating debut season for Chelsea following his 32 million pound move from Lille last summer and missed out on the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards to Tottenham's Gareth Bale.

There had been hopes that Hazard would make the squad after traveling with the squad to Amsterdam, but the youngster has been unable to recover in time from an injury he suffered in Chelsea's 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Belgian ace is not the only selection issue for Benitez however as club skipper John Terry remains doubtful.

"John [Terry], we will see how he feels. We will decide tomorrow," Benitez said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ohhhh

Hazard ta play karanna wenne naha wage

 

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Ronaldinho: I didn't leave Barcelona because of Guardiola

The Bayern Munich-bound coach took charge of the Blaugrana during the same summer that the Brazilian left Camp Nou for AC Milan but the latter says there was no falling out Ronaldinho has dismissed the suggestion that he was forced out of Barcelona by Pep Guardiola when the Spaniard took charge of the Catalans in the summer of 2008.

The Brazilian's departure from AC Milan coincided with Guardiola's arrival as coach, but the Atletico Mineiro playmaker insists that there was no clash of personalities, revealing that he enjoys an excellent rapport with the the former Blaugrana boss, who is now poised to take charge of Bayern Munich.

"I didn't leave because of Guardiola," Ronaldinho told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Every time that we meet, I feel a tremendous joy. He is a great coach, who will definitely prompt a real boost in quality at Bayern."

Ronaldinho admitted, though, that he enjoyed an even better special relationship with Guardiola's predecessor, Frank Rijkaard.

"The coach with whom I worked best was Rijkaard," he enthused. "He is one that knows the beautiful game and the characteristics of players; he had great respect for us."

Turning his attention to another of his former clubs, Ronaldinho ruled out the prospect of him returning to Paris Saint-Germain - despite the presence of compatriot and ex-AC Milan boss Leonardo at Parc des Princes in his new role as a sporting director.

"Leonardo? He has always been a friend of the family," the former Ballon d'Or winner explained. "At Milan, he afforded me a lot of freedom on the field. But there has been no proposal [from PSG]."

Ronaldinho is instead content to watch from afar as PSG look to establish themselves among the game's elite, which is precisely why he feels star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic should resist the urge to return to Italy.

"Ibra should stay," he argued. "PSG are working to become one of the best clubs in Europe."

Ronaldinho spent two seasons in the French capital before leaving in 2003 to join Barcelona, with whom he enjoyed the most productive years of his illustrious career.

 

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Rodgers eyes top-four push after adjusting to life at Liverpool

The Anfield boss believes his debut term in charge of the Reds has put him in good stead to challenge for a Champions League qualification place next season
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes his side will continue to progress next season after a promising finish to the current campaign.

The Northern Irishman feels a year's worth of experience in the Anfield hotseat as proved a steep learning curve, one which should ensure his side continue to go from strength to strength next term.

Rodgers is now targeting qualification for the Champions League as the Reds' next goal in the Premier League.

"This year has provided a great learning curve for me and I look back and see that it was learning that I needed," he told the Liverpool Echo. "I knew the expectancy of the club but going into next season, I am a much better prepared manager for that.

"We want to make significant improvements next year in the points total because the reality is we are 30 points behind the leaders and 11 points behind the top four. But I've seen enough and if we improve our mentality in the summer - by signing players who have that consistent winning mentality - we can then improve again, like we have done in the second half of the season.

"That's the job of the recruitment team and the club to identify those types of players. There is a process of getting into the top four and becoming champions and that is consistency."

Rodgers did not enjoy the best start to his Anfield tenure - winning two of his opening nine Premier League outings - but Liverpool's from have picked up of late with just one defeat in their last 10 games.

"This club didn't win two league games in a row for over a year," he continued. That came earlier on in the season and when you step back and look at that, it is nowhere near good enough if you are going to succeed.

"You build a mentality in your group and you get the types of players who can be on it every single game. I've loved every minute of being here and the small steps of where we want to go. But now I want to make bigger steps."''

 

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Neymar to Bayern is a done deal, claims former Santos official

The Brazil international will travel to Barcelona this summer to open talks but a ex-official of his current club believes he is Allianz Arena-bound
Former Santos official Vicente Cascione has claimed that Neymar will leave the club for Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window to link up with former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.

Barca is believed to be sitting in pole position to sign the 21-year-old, with the Brazil international having planned a trip to Catalunya after the Confederations Cup to discuss a potential transfer, while Real Madrid is also closely monitoring the attacker's situation.

However, Cascione has insisted that Neymar will move to the Bundesliga instead and has already wrapped up a transfer to the Allianz Arena.

"I have this information first hand. Neymar has signed for Bayern Munich. It's already a done deal," Cascione wrote on his blog.

"I am not speculating here. This information is irrefutable. From August this year on, the player will be part of Bayern's squad.

"So his next destination will not be Spain, like many expected. He's not going to Barcelona or Real Madrid. He will go to Germany."

However, Bayern was quick to move to deny the rumors, with club spokesman Markus Horwick telling T-Online: "This is complete nonsense. There's absolutely no truth in this claim."

Neymar has a contract with Santos until after the 2014 World Cup and his current club have so far insisted that he will not leave this summer.

Nevertheless, the attacker is keen to test himself in Europe and could be tempted to leave Santos this summer under the right circumstances.

 

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Wenger refuses to rule out an Arsenal move for Rooney
The Gunners boss was coy on reported interest in the unsettled Manchester United striker, insisting he is keen to focus on on-field matters.Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has remained coy over a potential move for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed on Sunday that the 27-year-old had handed in a second transfer request in under three years, but it was swiftly rejected.

Both Chelsea and Arsenal have joined the race for Rooney's signature, and Wenger has refused to commit himself either way before the end of the current campaign.

"Look, I'm not in a position today to speak about any transfer targets. What I am focused on is the short term and after the Newcastle game I give you answers about these questions," the Frenchman told reporters.

When pressed as to whether he could ever see such a star swap Old Trafford for the Emirates, Wenger added: "I just told you!"

Wenger instead wanted focus to remain on the club's final two Premier League games against Wigan and Newcastle, with Arsenal requiring a maximum point return to secure qualification for next season's Champions League.

The Gunners are closing in on Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetic but could face competition from Serie A champion Juventus, which is are also keen on the Montenegro international.

 

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wigan relegated wuna patta match eka

Arsenal performance pattanext season 1ke hoda gemak denna puluwan

 

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Drogba slams racist Fenerbahce fans

The former Chelsea striker has posted an open letter on his club's official Facebook page, after being subjected to monkey chants at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba has lashed out at Fenerbahce fans who racially abused him during Sunday's Super Lig clash between the two sides.

The Ivory Coast international was subjected to monkey chants during the game at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, which Cameroonian forward Pierre Webo decided 2-1 in the home side's favor with a quick-fire, first-half double.

Drogba was not dismayed by his side's defeat but he was understandably outraged by the discriminatory abuse he had received and took to Gala's official Facebook page on Tuesday to post an open letter to the Fenerbahce fans who had insulted him.

"You call me monkey, but you cried when Chelsea beat Fenerbahce in 2008," the former Blues striker wrote. "You called me monkey but you jumped in front of your screen when I won the Champions League.

"You called me monkey but you got mad when I became Champion with Galatasaray and the saddest thing is you called me monkey and forgot that you jumped [when] my "monkey" brother scored twice yesterday...

"And you call yourself a true fan?? Check all the Galatasaray fans comments and learn from them..."

Drogba joined Galatasaray in January after a short stint in China following his departure from Chelsea last summer.

 

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UEFA Europa League Final 2013.05.15

UEFA Europa League Final 2013.05.15

Benfica Vs Chelsea

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Hazard ruled out of Chelsea's Europa League final against Benfica

UEFA Europa League Final 2013.05.15

Benfica Vs Chelsea

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Arsenal performance pattanext season 1ke hoda gemak denna puluwan

aniwa

 

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Neymar to Bayern is a done deal, claims former Santos official

The Brazil international will travel to Barcelona this summer to open talks but a ex-official of his current club believes he is Allianz Arena-bound
Former Santos official Vicente Cascione has claimed that Neymar will leave the club for Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window to link up with former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.