..::Football II::..

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Ancelotti could add Cannavaro to coaching staff, claims agent


The new Real Madrid boss is reportedly keen on making the former Italy captain part of his backroom staff having officially taken the reins with the Liga giants on Tuesday.Newly appointed Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has contacted Fabio Cannavaro about returning to the Bernabeu in a coaching capacity, according to the former defender's agent.

The World Cup winner and 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year enjoyed a three-year spell in Madrid as a player, and Cannavaro's agent Enrico Fedele, claims Ancelotti has already inquired about his client's availability to accept a position on his backroom staff.

"There have been some telephone conversations," Fedele told Radio Kiss Kiss. "But I am not aware of any future decisions.

"Fabio wants to coach and get some experience behind a charismatic coach who knows how to handle a large squad."

The 39-year-old Cannavaro, who spent two years playing under Ancelotti during their time at Parma, called time on his illustrious playing-career in July 2011 following a series of recurring knee injuries.

 

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Torres: Italy will be like a wounded animal on Thursday

The 29-year-old believes the Azzurri will be seeking revenge after they were humiliated 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final by Vicente del Bosque's men Fernando Torres has warned his teammates that Italy will be looking to avenge recent defeats against Spain by beating la Roja in the semifinal of the Confederations Cup on Thursday.

Vicente del Bosque's men have triumphed over the Azzurri en route to winning their last two European Championships - the latter of which being a 4-0 victory in last summer's final.

And the 29-year-old believes their Italian counterparts will draw on their ill-fated memories of recent clashes to inspire them to make amends ahead of this week's meeting.

"The Spanish know what Italy has meant to Spain throughout the history of the game. They have knocked us out of World Cups and European Championships," he told a press conference. "Now we have the wins in 2008 and last year as a reference, we know what we have to do, but a team with great players like they have can be very dangerous.

"And if they have been hurt in the past, they can be even more dangerous. When they have to compete they will compete because they have done so all their lives."

The Chelsea striker, who is leading the race for the tournament's top scorer with five goals, went on to issue a rallying call to his teammates to set up a showpiece final with host nation Brazil.

He added: "Brazil-Spain is a final everybody wants, but both Brazil and Spain have to have respect for Uruguay and Italy, who have been world champions.

"They will be games in which you can have no margin for error."

The two will meet on Thursday with either Brazil or Uruguay awaiting the winner in the final to be played on Sunday.

 

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Scolari: Brazil beginning to realize its potential


The 64-year-old says his Selecao team is continuing to improve ahead of the Confederations Cup semifinal against Uruguay Luis Felipe Scolari has issued an ominous warning to Brazil's competitors for next year's World Cup by claiming his team is gradually reaching a standard befitting of the country's reputation.

The 64-year-old has endured an indifferent second spell in charge of Selecao since returning to the team last November.

However, having witnessed three victories in his team's Confederations Cup campaign thus far - with nine goals scored - Scolari believes the current crop of Selecao stars are slowly but surely beginning to take shape.

He told a press conference: "We look at improvements after every game and have made progress. The team is just about ready and the players know they’re key.

"The fans may not have been 100 percent sure we were that strong, but now we are earning back the history of Brazil teams. We are better than we were in Feb. We have a good foundation in place now and the whole group is more confident."

Scolari's men clash with Uruguay on Wednesday in the first semifinal of the Confederations Cup, and the former Chelsea boss is wary of the stellar striking options boasted by his opposite number Oscar Tabarez.

"I have known Tabarez for years and know how he works. We can guess 90 percent of their lineup," he added. "Cavani is the top striker in Italy, Forlan was the best player at Copa America and Suarez was the best player in England."

 

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Manchester City agrees with Juventus on fee for Tevez

The controversial Argentine looks to be close to ending his stay at the Etihad Stadium and moving to Italy with the Serie A champions the favorite for his signature.Manchester City has agreed on a transfer fee with Juventus for striker Carlos Tevez, Goal has confirmed.

The Serie A champions will pay 10 million pounds for the Argentine forward with an extra 5 million pounds to be paid if Juventus wins the league and reaches the Champions League semifinals next season. Sky Sports Italy first reported the two sides reaching an agreement on Tuesday.

Real Madrid and AC Milan are both monitoring the situation and City thinks Massimiliano Allegri's men may counter with an offer of their own. However, Milan admitted it may need to sell before it can buy this summer.

Tevez has endured a controversial time at Manchester City since moving from rival United in 2009. Despite helping the club win both the Premier League and the FA Cup during his stay at the Etihad, the striker also spent five months out of the team after clashing with Roberto Mancini during a Champions League match.

Tevez eventually returned to action for City and was the club's joint top goalscorer last season, with Sergio Aguero, scoring 17 goals from 47 appearances.

Juventus, meanwhile, has also agreed terms with Gonazalo Higuain but looks set to miss out on the Real Madrid man after Arsenal officials flew to Madrid to finalize a deal.

 

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Schurrle: Chelsea can win everything under 'great' Mourinho


The 22-year-old Germany international completed his move to Stamford Bridge from Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, and believes the club can challenge for multiple honours New Chelsea signing Andre Schurrle has backed the west London club to challenge for silverware in every competition they enter next season under new boss Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese manager left Real Madrid to return to the Blues at the start of June, and Schurrle has become the first signing of Mourinho's second reign at the club.

The 22-year-old, who spent two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen before making the 21 million euro switch to Chelsea, believes Mourinho is one of the best managers in the world and is confident the club can achieve success under him.

“Yes, of course [we can challenge for the Premier League title and Champions League],” Schurrle told the club's official website. “I think we have a great team with some very talented young players. We can all improve ourselves, and under Jose Mourinho I'm confident we can have a really great season.

“He's a very good person with a big personality; he's a great manager so it's an absolute honor for me to now be one of his players.

“I'm really looking forward to working with him. I got to know him at Michael Ballack's testimonial a few weeks ago where we talked a little bit. He gave me advice on where to live and also explained what he expects from me.”

Schurrle does not fear the competition he faces in the shape of Oscar, Juan Mata and Eden Hazard, and believes that quality and rivalry for places can help the club win trophies next season.

“Of course, they are all great players, very young with lots of quality,” the Germany international continued. “It was my dream to train every day with such talented players so I'm very much looking forward to it.

“For this club, winning titles is always the main objective. We have a great young team with so much quality. We are capable of doing well in the Premier League, Champions League and the cup competitions as well, and I hope to play a big part.”

 

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Jordi Alba: Euro 2012 final counts for nothing now

The Barcelona defender says Spain's victory in the final of the European championship over Italy will have no bearing on the two sides' Confederations Cup semifinal Spain star Jordi Alba insists his side’s 4-0 win over Italy in last summer’s Euro 2012 final will not matter when the teams meet in the Confederations Cup semifinal in Brazil on Thursday.

The left back scored two goals in the win over Nigeria last time out and was also on target when the two sides met in Kiev last summer when Vicente del Bosque’s side won its third consecutive major trophy.

“This game will be different from the final,” Alba said at a pre-match press conference. “We put in an almost perfect game in every aspect in the final of the Euros but that is in the past now.

“Now we have to concentrate on imposing our own style of football which is what has been giving us the results we want.

“It is no mean feat to be the side that has shipped the fewest goals in the tournament. It’s vital that we do not concede any against Italy as well.”

The Barcelona defender is optimistic about the future of the national side, which is looking to win the Confederations Cup to complete its sweep of international honors, and he dismissed rumors of a late-night party on the evening the squad’s hotel was robbed.

“There are number of young lads in the first team. Things are great for us at the moment and the future is very bright," Alba said. “What is being reported [regarding a party] is completely false. There is nothing else to say about it and we have submitted a statement to the Federation.”

The winner of the all-European clash in Fortaleza will go on to face either host Brazil or its South American rival Uruguay in the Confederations Cup final.

 

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Del Bosque: Casillas is still Spain's No. 1


The Roja head coach has stressed the captain is likely to start the semifinal with Italy but admitted he was blessed with the number of top keepers at his disposal.
Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque says Iker Casillas is still his No. 1 choice ahead of La Roja's Confederations Cup semifinal clash with Italy.

The 32-year-old Casillas spent much of 2013 on the sidelines with club side Real Madrid after a falling out with Jose Mourinho, but was installed as first-choice goalkeeper for the tournament in Brazil, starting the opening group game with Uruguay.

Although Victor Valdes and Pepe Reina have both featured since for Spain, Del Bosque has stressed that Casillas remains his first choice for the remainder of the tournament.

"The statistics are there for everyone to see: Casillas has played over 140 games for us. I think Pepe Reina has 27 caps,” Del Bosque told AS. "All the goalkeepers are terrific, but Casillas is the one who is the No. 1. "If you want to know who's more likely to play, it's Casillas. But they are all great goalkeepers and any of them could play."

Del Bosque also revealed that midfielder Xavi considered retiring from international football following the Euro 2012 final win over Italy, but stressed that the Barcelona star was never likely to call time on his Spain career.

"Xavi felt a little uneasy at that time and we had a conversation, but it never got serious. Xavi is our leader on the pitch, the one who manages the team from inside and who dictates the play. Of course I am going to talk with him," Del Boqsue said.Spain could face host Brazil in the final should the Selecao successfully navigate their semifinal against Uruguay, and Del Bosque suggested he would be worried by the defensive capabilities of Luiz Felipe Scolari's outfit.“Brazil have terrific players like Marcelo, David Luiz, Thiago Silva and Dani Alves. Alves is a great player who has brought a lot to the Barca team,” Del Bosque said.

 

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Van Gaal: Language barrier crucial for Guardiola


The Netherlands coach has compared the Spaniard's spell to his own at Barcelona, highlighting the importance of communicating with his players.
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal believes the language barrier will be key to Pep Guardiola achieving success at Bayern Munich.

Guardiola officially took charge of the European champions on Monday, and impressed reporters by answering questions at his first press conference in excellent German.

The 42-year-old's brother revealed earlier this month how Guardiola had been meticulously studying German during his sabbatical last year, and Van Gaal believes this could be vital in securing further success with the treble-winners.

"Language is a crucial factor for Guardiola," Van Gaal told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad. "German is a tough language for Spaniards, just as Spanish is for the Dutch.

"I compare his spell with Munich to mine at Barcelona. What I said at the very beginning to the players was: 'Correct me if I say something wrong.' Then the social guys on the team will help you. So you get a faster connection [with the squad]. The German players are like that, so that will help."

Van Gaal also pointed to the tactical decisions Guardiola must make with the current Bayern side, highlighting the different attacking approaches adopted by previous boss Jupp Heynckes and the Spaniard during his time at Barcelona.

"Most important is what he will do with the Bayern style of play. Jupp Heynckes and I have spent the last few years playing with a No.10," he explained.

 

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Iniesta targets Barcelona renewal

The attacking midfielder is keen to remain at his current club until the end of his career and is ready to ink a new deal.Andres Iniesta is keen to sign a contract extension with Barcelona as he has the ambition to retire at Camp Nou.

The Spain international's existing deal runs until the summer of 2015, but he is ready to commit his future to the Blaugrana as soon as possible.

"It is my dream to end my career at Barcelona. Nothing has changed in that regard. We will see how it all unfolds, but I do not expect any problems with my contract renewal," Iniesta told Sport. "When both parties have the intention to continue together, the renewal should be done pretty quick.

"In the situation I find myself in, everybody in the world would want to be rewarded fairly. You have to give it good thought and make a decision. When we sit down and open talks, I hope it will be resolved quickly because we both want the same thing."

Iniesta, 29, has made over 300 Primera Division appearances for Barca since making his official first team debut in 2002-03.

 

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Cavani: Napoli's asking price too high


The Uruguay international is unhappy with the Serie A side's excessive demands and is keen to open talks with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.Edinson Cavani feels Napoli's 63 million euro asking price is too high amid strong interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City and is eager to open talks with the club to resolve his future.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis stressed last week that the Serie A outfit will only allow the 26-year-old to leave if an interested club meets his 63m euro buyout clause, but Cavani feels his price tag does not represent his actual value and he hopes to convince the club to lower its demands.

"I don't think I'm worth 63m euros. I will have to talk to De Laurentiis about it. I owe a lot to Napoli and I want to leave through the front door if I move on," Cavani told Marca. "I am feeling very good at Napoli, but it all depends on the club. We will have to wait and see what options I have. What I want to do is sit down face-to-face with the club president and decide my future together.

"Real are one of the best clubs in the world, but there is no deal yet. When you're a kid, you dream about playing at a team like Madrid or Barcelona, but right now I'm at Napoli and I'm very proud to be there. If I leave one day, I'll be ready to move to a bigger club. We'll see."

The Uruguay international already demanded showdown talks with De Laurentiis on Monday following the Napoli president's comments that he expects the striker to make up his mind before July 20.

Cavani's current contract with Napoli runs until the summer of 2017.

 

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Liverpool unveils plan to redevelop Anfield


The Merseyside club continues to explore the possibility of expanding its existing stadium as part of a 305 million euro regeneration of the city fronted by the council.
Liverpool is hopeful of moving ahead with plans to redevelop Anfield as part of a 305 million euro regeneration of the city.

A consortium backed by the club and fronted by the city council has asked local residents and businesses for their views on the plans, which outline the Merseyside outfit's preference to expand on the existing stadium.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre is pleased progress is being made, but insisted the club would only push for expansion with the backing of the local area and after a series of feasibility studies.

"We are looking forward to working with the partnership and playing a part in the development of the regeneration vision and we strongly encourage local residents, businesses and community groups to get involved in the process and have their say," Ayre told the club's official website.

"This is also an important milestone as we seek to investigate the feasibility of expanding our stadium. We will continue this work, which is just one part of the wider Anfield vision, and there is a great deal of work still to be done to bring those plans to fruition."

Ayre went on say that Liverpool's expansion ideas would have to make it through a rigorous planning process before being put into action, but that progress was being made.

"We have always said that any stadium expansion will be subject to detailed economic and social feasibility studies and the community and home owners' support, which includes our ability to purchase the land for the proposed expansion. Any expansion is also subject to the club being able to navigate the planning landscape and we are pleased to say that very positive progress is being made."

 

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Liverpool sign goalkeeper Simon Mignolet from Sunderland

Liverpool have completed the signing of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet from Sunderland on a long-term contract.

The Belgium international arrives at Anfield for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in excess of £9million, and came through his medical at their Melwood training ground earlier on Tuesday.Brendan Rodgers has been busy in the transfer market this summer with Mignolet joining Kolo Toure, Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas in making the move to Merseyside."I am delighted that we have been able to sign one of the top goalkeepers in the Barclays Premier League," Rodgers told his club's official website.

"Simon will join a club that will give him an opportunity to demonstrate and improve his huge talent."

The 25-year-old impressed after arrving in the Premier League from Sint-Truiden in 2010, establishing himself as one of the most promising keepers in Europe.
Mignolet will now have to battle with Pepe Reina for the starting spot at Liverpool, while Brad Jones is also on the books at Anfield, and it is a challenge he is relishing.

"I've been in big competitions wherever I've been - in Belgium with the national team and in Sunderland with Craig Gordon and Keiren Westwood, who are international goalies. Now it's the same again with Pepe and with Brad," he told his new club's website."It's only a good thing - to be competitive and to train as hard as you can, it can only bring the best out of you.

"Pepe is an experienced goalkeeper who has proven a lot over the years. I'm looking forward to working with him, the same as I am with Brad and the goalie coach."It's a challenge but that's what you want. You want to play in the big games, you want to play for a big club and to play with pressure.

"I'm very confident in myself and I can't wait to get the first clean sheet under my belt. I've never been a nervous person. I'm quite confident in my own abilities."
Mignolet played a key role in helping Sunderland beat the drop from the Premier League last season and leaves Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio with a significant void to fill at the back.

Di Canio told Sunderland's official website: "Simon is a fantastic footballer, a fantastic professional and a fantastic lad and I would like to personally thank him for his contribution to the team last season.

"He was crucial to what we achieved and he goes with the very best wishes of everyone at the club."I would like to assure our fans that there is a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes. Our aim is to build a competitive squad for the new season and this deal will give us further ability to strengthen the side."

 

[මුගටියා]

Chelsea agree Cavani deal

Napoli have reportedly accepted a €58million offer for striker Edinson Cavani to join Chelsea, Radio Marte revealed on Monday night.

Radio Marte, Napoli's official radio station, made a statement citing a "very reliable source" who confirmed a deal has been struck to send Cavani to Stamford Bridge for €8.5m a season.The statement read: "We have received news in the office from a very reliable source that Napoli have sealed a deal with Chelsea for Cavani's sale.

"Rafa Benitez also gave the all-clear, but before making the move official Napoli want to secure the striker who will replace Il Matador."Aurelio De Laurentiis' club will pick up around €58m, a slight discount on the buy-out clause, which is the same situation as Ezequiel Lavezzi to PSG last year. The player will earn €8.5m per season plus image rights."

Reports on Saturday suggested Real Madrid were the frontrunners for Cavani's signature after Manchester City refused to pay the release clause demanded by Napoli.But Chelsea could finalise the deal in the coming weeks, provided Benitez can find a suitable replacement for Cavani.

sure???

 

[මුගටියා]

Chelsea will only pay 40m pounds for Cavani

Chelsea has told Napoli it will not pay more than 40 million pounds for striker Edinson Cavani. The Uruguay international has a release clause of 53.3m pounds which the Blues believe is far too high.

Source: Daily Star

 

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FIFA Confederations Cup Semi-Final 1 2013.06.26

FIFA Confederations Cup Semi-Final 1 2013.06.26

Brazil Vs Uruguay

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Manchester City agrees with Juventus on fee for Tevez

 

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FIFA Confederations Cup Semi-Final 1 2013.06.26

Brazil Vs Uruguay

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Ancelotti: I'm no 'peacemaker'

New Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has brushed aside suggestions that he was chosen primarily to heal relationships broken during previous boss Jose Mourinho's turbulent three-year spell at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

With Mourinho having left the club after reportedly provoking rows inside Madrid's dressing room, press room and stands, Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is widely assumed to have hired Ancelotti due to his reputation as a genial, amenable character, who oversees harmonious and successful teams.The former Parma, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager, though, laughed when asked at his unveling at the Bernabeu on Wednesday afternoon if he was coming in as a "peacemaker".


"Nobody has ever called me a peacemaker before, this is the first time," Ancelotti said. "I am a coach, I want to have a good relationship with all players. I have always got on well with them all. I do not think Madrid needs a peacemaker. It is not such a bad word though, it is a nice word, thanks for that word." Pressed for his opinion on the rows with players, fans and journalists which marred his predecessor's last season at Madrid, Ancelotti was as diplomatic as could be.


"Mourinho is a great coach," he said. "Everyone has their own character. His is different from mine, and mine is different from his. But I have total respect for him. I cannot know what has passed, and I will not learn that. A new stage is beginning for me and the players. I believe there will be a good relationship. There will be no problems."A question about Mourinho's 'feud' with club captain Iker Casillas last term was also handled lightly.


"I know [Casillas] very well, he is a fantastic 'keeper, he has won everything," Ancelotti said. "He is the captain and the rule in football is that whoever deserves to play will play. That counts for all players and teams." The Italian claimed he has yet to discuss any potential transfer targets with Perez, but was fulsome in his praise of Malaga forward Isco, who is expected to complete a €30 million move to Madrid in the coming days.


"I can just talk about the quality of this player, he is very good," he said. "Spain's Under-21 side has fantastic players and he is the one with the most quality of all. He could play for any team."There was nothing else forthcoming about other potential transfer targets, such as Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, with Ancelotti repeating that he was inheriting a quality squad and would now look to see what tweaks might be necessary.


"We have not talked about signings, because this is my first day here," he said. "We will talk about that in the coming days. I have no information about players who might come in. This team is very good, there could be some changes, but not many are needed."

 

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Ronaldo 'to hold talks with United'

Cristiano Ronaldo will meet Manchester United officials “in the next few days” to talk about a potential return to Old Trafford, Spanish newspaper El Pais has claimed.

Real Madrid star Ronaldo, who moved to the Bernabeu from United in a world record £80 million deal in 2009, has been linked with a move back to the Premier League champions since before the end of the season.El Pais said the talks would attempt to ascertain the feasibility of a move, although it is likely that new Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti would be reluctant to sanction the sale of the club’s top goalscorer.

New United manager David Moyes’ immediate focus is likely to be on resolving the future of England forward Wayne Rooney, who has been linked with a transfer.PSG, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Arsenal are among the clubs reported to be interested in Rooney, who made his Premier League debut under the management of Moyes at Everton.

 

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