..::Football II::..

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Tito Vilanova steps down as Barcelona boss to continue cancer fight

Barcelona have confirmed that head coach Tito Vilanova has stepped down with immediate effect to continue his battle against cancer.The La Liga side had called an unexpected press conference on Friday as reports emerged that Vilanova, who has fought two bouts of throat cancer, had suffered a setback in his recovery.

Vilanova, who replaced Pep Guardiola at the Nou Camp last summer, had a tumour removed in late 2011, only to suffer a relapse a year later.He underwent another operation on his parotid salivary gland in December before beginning a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in New York, but will now undergo further treatment away from the spotlight.

At a brief media conference that was held with members of Barcelona's first team in attendance, president Sandro Rosell said: "The news I have is something that you never want to give."After evaluating Tito's routine tests, the treatment to follow will be incompatible with being the first-team coach.

"I want to ask for respect for the privacy of this process."

The Catalans now start the search for a new manager but Rosell revealed an appointment could be made within days."We will most likely announce the name of the next FC Barcelona manager early next week," Rosell added.

Reports in Spain suggested Joan Francesc Ferrer, known as Rubi, could replace Vilanova but though he leads the market with Sky Bet, Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has swiftly emerged as another frontrunner.

 

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Get well soon Vilanova!​

 

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Ow next season 1ke lesi wenne nahaKaragattha signs 4ma Pattama pattaNavas,Negredo,Jovetic & Fernandinho

 

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Tito Vilanova steps down as Barcelona boss to continue cancer fight

 

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Bailiffs visit Manchester United training complex in search of Bebe

New Manchester United boss David Moyes has his own headaches with the Wayne Rooney saga - but they are nothing in comparison to those of his Portuguese forward Bebe.

The Premier League champions are well used to receiving visitors to their Carrington training complex, but last weekend was a first.

Bailiffs turned up at the Red Devils' HQ last week demanding to speak with the £7 million flop. United's own security refused to permit the debt collectors entry, who returned an hour later with police officers to search for the 23-year-old.

Goal contacted Greater Manchester Police who confirmed that “shortly before 11am on Saturday 13 July 2013, police were called to a training complex on Isherwood Road, Carrington.

“Officers attended and established the matter was a civil one that is now being dealt with by the relevant parties.”

Bebe had been training that morning but the bailiffs were unable find him. The word is he was smuggled out in the boot of a car!

 

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Liverpool skipper Gerrard pleased with return from injury

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard declared he felt "fantastic" during his return to action in the side's 2-0 victory over an Indonesia XI.

It was his first appearance since a shoulder injury ruled him out of the final two games of last season, and he completed the first half without any problems before being replaced by Joe Allen.

The 33-year-old, who recently signed a new two-year contract, says he is feeling no after effects from the injury and now has his sights set on further playing time.

"It's nice to play football again in front of our all our supporters," Gerrard told LFC TV.

"My shoulder felt fantastic, so it was nice to get the first 45 minutes under my belt and hopefully I'll get slightly more time in Australia.

"It's been feeling fine now for a few weeks in training, there have been absolutely no problems. The surgeon gave me the go-ahead to play tonight and the manager was sensible in giving me 45 minutes. I'm really happy with how I feel."

Gerrard was also full of praise for Liverpool's four new signings, Simon Mignolet, Kolo Toure, Iago Aspas, and Luis Alberto, all of whom started the match.

"I thought that all the new lads did well tonight," Gerrard continued.

"I thought [Mignolet] was fantastic with his feet and he did everything well.

"Toure looked assured at the back and was very vocal. People are talking about missing Jamie [Carragher] and Jamie's voice, but I thought Kolo led from the back tonight.

"The two Spanish lads, as I said earlier in the week, are wonderful technicians on the ball. Aspas works his socks off for the team and you can see Alberto's quality. That's what we bought him for - to play against sides where it's difficult and you need someone to unlock the door.

"They're the magicians who are going to unlock the defence. I'm really pleased with all the newcomers tonight."

 

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'It’s a hell of a move' - Jordi Cruyff backs Deulofeu to shine at Everton

Jordi Cruyff believes Everton have achieved a major coup in signing Barcelona's Gerard Deulofeu on loan for the coming season.

The 19-year-old attacker chose to link up with Roberto Martinez at Goodison Park, a move which Cruyff believes is a major sign of Barcelona's trust in the club.

Deulofeu scored 18 goals in 33 games for Barca's B team last term, and Cruyff, who played for the Blaugrana early in his career, has tipped the youngster to be a future star.

"It’s a hell of a move. He was very sought after by clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and Valencia," the 39-year-old told The Liverpool Echo.

"Barcelona are not usually eager to loan out players, especially not their biggest talents because they want to keep them close and playing the Barcelona way.

"They don’t want other styles to affect their progress. The fact they put him in Roberto’s hands means they trust him and think he will fit in with their style of play.

"You must understand he is one of the better talents at Barcelona and in La Liga. I would say I was proud for Roberto that Everton got him but, honestly, also a bit surprised."

Cruyff also feels Deulofeu will benefit from the physical challenge of the English top flight, just as fellow Barcelona products Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique did while at Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.

"Both Fabregas and Pique of course were products of La Masia [Barcelona’s academy] but came to England to develop and returned stronger, more experienced players," Cruyff continued.

"They each adapted to the physicality of the Premier League. That is what they will want for Deulofeu."

 

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Guardiola: Vilanova's illness is hard for me

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola admits he has found it hard to come to terms with hearing of his former colleague and friend Tito Vilanova's cancer relapse.

The pair have endured a fractious relationship in the media since the revelation Guardiola had not visited Vilanova while both were in New York.

But Guardiola was keen to show his support for his former assistant coach at Camp Nou, who led Barcelona to the Liga title after succeeding Guardiola in the dugout last season.

"He's a friend, and I love him so much," the 42-year-old told reporters.

"It's hard to talk to a friend like Tito in German. I wish the best for him and his family so as to tackle this stage with strength.

"This is very, very hard for me."

Vilanova had been diagnosed with a relapse of parotid gland surgery midway through 2012-13, but appeared to enjoy a turnaround after he made it back to coach Barcelona in the final stages of their campaign.

However, the Catalan club admitted on Friday the trainer would be unable to reprise his duties for the coming season.

The Blaugrana are expected to announce a replacement next week.

 

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Klopp happy with Dortmund 'hyenas'

Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp says he is delighted with his squad's effort in pre-season training, likening his players to "hyenas".

The 46-year-old was referring to his side's desire to press and counter-attack following the summer break, with pre-season in full swing in Germany and the Bundesliga campaign around the corner.

With the DFL-Supercup coming up on Saturday July 27 against treble winners Bayern Munich, Klopp is delighted his side are showing excellent effort in training.

"The boys do their [pre-season training] like hyenas!" he told Bild. "The players have incredible fitness levels - the best we've ever had!"

On the back of a second-placed finish in 2012-13, Dortmund open their new Bundesliga campaign on August 10 against Augsburg.

 

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Strootman honoured to play with De Rossi

Roma signing Kevin Strootman says he cannot wait to play alongside new team-mate Daniele De Rossi.

Strootman, 23, recently completed his move to the Giallorossi after a €20 million switch from PSV and has been touted as a potential replacement for De Rossi, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea.

However, the Netherlands international is hoping the Italian midfielder will not exit the club as he is keen to forge a partnership with the 29-year-old.

"I have not talked to De Rossi but it will be an honour to play with him," Strootman told reporters at his official presentation. "He is a player who grew up with the club.

"We would find the best way to play together. Where I will play depends on the needs of the team. I am comfortable in any midfield role, and have played in defence and attack before.

"I'm available to the coach, I can adapt to any role."

Roma will miss out on European competition after slumping to a sixth-placed Serie A finish as well as losing the Coppa Italia final to rivals Lazio, yet Strootman remained eager to embark on his new challenge.

"Mine was an easy choice. I chose Roma because it is a great club, a world-class organisation. I spoke to [new Roma coach Rudi] Garcia and that was important to me.

"I knew we wouldn't play in Europe but Serie A has its own incentives, facing greats like Juventus, AC Milan and Inter. I know things haven't gone well here lately but I've come to Roma to win.

"[Carlos] Tevez and [Mario] Gomez, two great champions, have come as well. I'm younger than them and I want to grow to their level.

"[Maarten] Stekelenburg told me the supporters can bring a little pressure, but that means there will be more stimulus. I was greeted in an incredible way, and will give the fans my all."

Strootman joins fellow summer arrivals Mehdi Benatia, Douglas Maicon and Tin Jedvaj to reinforce Garcia's squad as they aim to get back into contention for European qualification.

 

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Mourinho to return to Inter in three years, claims Moratti

Inter owner Massimo Moratti has astonishingly claimed that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will return to the Serie A outfit in three years' time.

The 50-year-old coached Inter for two years after leaving Chelsea in 2007, winning an unprecedented treble in Italy, including the Champions League and back-to-back Serie A titles.

And Moratti has revealed during a private telephone conversation between the pair, Mourinho signalled his intent to return to Inter in the future.

"I called Mourinho to give him by best wishes on his return to Chelsea," Moratti revealed to La Stampa.

"What did Jose say back to me? He told me that in three years we will see each other again at Inter."

Mourinho could of course mean he will see Moratti at San Siro in 2016 as they are hoping to host the Champions League final there.

Inter finished ninth in Serie A last season before sacking coach Andrea Stramaccioni and replacing him with Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri.

 

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'Manchester City wanted me more' - Jovetic reveals Arsenal and Juventus snub

Stevan Jovetic has revealed he snubbed the likes of Arsenal and Juventus because Manchester City showed a greater desire to sign him.

The Montenegro forward completed his protracted €27 million move on Friday to become City’s fourth major signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Fernandinho, Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo.

Arsenal had been in advanced talks with the player earlier in the summer, while Italian champions Juventus had also registered an interest before settling on the man Jovetic will replace at the Eithad Stadium, Carlos Tevez.

"Manchester City has wanted me for a long time, more than everyone else," Jovetic told the club’s official website. "They have a big project here and are always fighting for the Champions League and Premier League. This is the reason I came here.

"I also spoke with Nastasic who tells me good things about Manchester and the players and everything here. He sent me messages every week telling me to come. Now I am here and look forward to playing with him every week."

The 23-year-old faces stiff competition to force his way into City’s attack with new manager Manuel Pellegrini having the benefit of being able to call upon Negredo, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko.

Nevertheless, Jovetic hopes his versatility will see him figure heavily in the former Malaga coach's plans and has set himself the target of scoring between 15 and 20 goals over the course of the upcoming season.

"I’m a forward who is good in one-on-one situations," he added. "That’s my best quality and I think my best years are ahead of me.

"I have played in a lot of systems. I can play as a striker, behind the striker or on the left. I think and I hope I can score between 15 and 20 goals in all competitions this season."

 

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'He didn't come back to enjoy his life' - Cech talks up Mourinho hunger

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has dismissed suggestions that Jose Mourinho's hunger has waned ahead of his second spell at the club.

The Portuguese won two Premier League titles, two League Cups and one FA Cup during his first stint at Stamford Bridge but departed after three years following a breakdown in relationship with owner Roman Abramovich.And Cech believes the 50-year-old remains as keen as ever to win silverware this time around.

"Jose Mourinho can't be more hungry," Cech told reporters. "He didn't come back to enjoy his life. We are all here to try to prepare and to try to win things together.
"He's the same [as before]. The motivation is the same, the hunger for success is the same and you can see that the demand he has for the team is the same. He wants to be the best, we would like to be the best - let's see if we can fulfil our expectations."

The Czech Republic international went on to explain that Chelsea will be targeting victory in every competition they enter during the 2013-14 season."We need trophies. If we fulfil our targets, for sure we will keep the same manager. We will have a go. We will try to win as much as we can. We will count the trophies at the end of the season," he added.

"A club of the size of Chelsea football club, you need to target as best as possible and see if you can make it or not. Last season we won the Europa League; it was the first time the club had played in the competition and we managed to win it.
"It was a successful campaign, but obviously our target is to play better in the Champions League than we did last season. If we can challenge the teams to win it, we will try to do it.

"We always want to win the Premier League. The last two campaigns in the Premier League were not the ones we wanted and we want to do better."

 

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Hamburg 0-4 Bayern Munich: Thiago shines in die Roten romp

Bayern Munich will contest the final of the Telekom Cup after a comfortable 4-0 semi-final win over Hamburg at Borussia-Park on Saturday.

Jerome Boateng's 12th minute goal sent the Bavarian giants into a deserved lead at the end of the first half, which was one of two 30-minute periods as per the rules of the pre-season competition.

Pep Guardiola's side did not let up after the interval, as Mario Mandzukic, Tomi Kroos and Thomas Muller all added to the scoreline to cap off a dominant performance from the defending Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League winners.

Bayern will now face Borussia Monchengladbach in the final on Sunday, after the tournament hosts dispatched Borussia Dortmund 1-0 with a last-gasp penalty in Saturday's earlier semi-final.

Pep Guardiola shuffled his squad, with Tom Starke and Claudio Pizarro handed starts, but all eyes were on big-money acquisition Thiago Alcantara, who began in midfield alongside Kroos, who missed the second half of the 2012-13 season with injury.

It was a typically strong beginning to the game for Bayern, who kept most of the action concentrated around the Hamburg penalty area during the initial stages.

Mandzukic came within inches of heading them into an 11th minute lead, but Jaroslav Drobny managed to get fingertips on the attempt, pushing it onto the far post.

The respite would last all of one minute, however, as the Bavarians took the lead on their next attack. Drobny was again outstanding to deny Pizarro twice in quick succession from close range, but was helpless when Boateng poked home at the third time of asking.

There were a few signs of life from Hamburg towards the end of the first half, and Starke was forced to use his feet to deny Jacques Zoua at the post, one of a series of testing deliveries into the area from Thorsten Fink’s team.

And moments into the second period, Maximilian Beister nearly brought Hamburg back on terms when he was put through on goal, but he could not steer his finish on target.

Bayern would make them pay for four minutes later though, when Xherdan Shaqiri cushioned a high ball into the path of Mandzukic, who stabbed home clinically from inside the area.

It was 3-0 within moments, courtesy of Kroos, who powered home from the edge of the area, though Drobny looked disappointed with letting the shot slip past him.

There was only one side remaining in the game at that point, and Bayern duly added a fourth with eight minutes to go, Muller heading home with authority after a flighted ball by Philipp Lahm from the flank.

And with two minutes remaining, Arjen Robben came within inches of making it five with a trademark move, cutting in from the right onto his left foot, but his low shot whistled past the post.

 

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Rodgers promises more 'exciting' signings

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is confident the club's supporters will be excited by further signings ahead of the new season.Rodgers has worked hard to bolster his squad in the close-season, signing Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, Spanish forwards Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas, and Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure.

But the Anfield boss, who is gunning for his side's first top-five Premier League finish in four years, has revealed that plenty of work is being done on additional transfers behind the scenes."Nothing is close but plenty of work is going on," Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.

"How near or far we are, I will find out in Melbourne. There is daily dialogue going on but I am confident that we will get the one or two players who will really excite and complete the jigsaw."It was great to make the four signings so early on but we have still got some more work to do to strengthen the team."

Rodgers also spoke of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who Liverpool missed out on as the Armenian midfielder instead elected to join German giants Borussia Dortmund."If you are not in the Champions League, that naturally makes it tougher," he said.
"We all have the same objective. We all want to be there. If you are a manager or player, you want to be at that level."That is always the case when you are going for good players. But I'm sure good players still want to come to this club."

Liverpool are in Indonesia to start their pre-season tour, which will also include matches in Australia and Thailand.

 

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Liverpool la thawa playersla gani wage meh season 1ke

 

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Ancelotti: Bale & Ibrahimovic are fantastic

Carlo Ancelotti has showered Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gareth Bale with praise but refused to confirm that they are transfer targets for Real Madrid.

The Santiago Bernabeu side have been linked with summer moves for Paris Saint-Germain striker Ibrahimovic, whom Ancelotti coached last season, and Tottenham winger Bale, who has long been linked with a move to the Spanish capital.

While the former Chelsea and AC Milan boss did not suggest any moves for the pair were in the pipeline, he revealed his admiration for the qualities of the attacking duo - but stressed he was keen to respect their current clubs by avoiding any transfer speculation.

"I'm very happy with this squad. I cannot talk about players who are not on this team," the Italian trainer told reporters on Saturday.

"I do not want to talk about Bale. Everyone knows he's a great player. Out of respect for the players we have here it is better not to talk.

"Ibrahimovic is a fantastic player who can play for any team in the world. Today he is not a Real Madrid player and I cannot talk about him out of respect for PSG."

Ancelotti also discussed the fate of his current Blancos charges, insisting that Gonzalo Higuain and Fabio Coentrao remain valuable players in the Spanish capital and revealing how summer arrivals Isco and Asier Illarramendi are faring in pre-season training.

"I have spoken to Higuain about private things," he said. "Gonzalo is a Real player and I'm glad he is here. I have nothing more to add.

"I spoke to Coentrao, too. It's the same with him. He is a quality left-back and he's still here. The player is very important to the team.

"[Illarra and Isco] are fine. Their adaptation is going well. They do not talk much but just work - that's good. All young people lead the team's enthusiasm and motivation. There is a great atmosphere here."

 

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We couldn't afford Strootman, reveal AC Milan

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has suggested that the club could not afford to pay the €20 million that Roma splashed out for Kevin Strootman this summer.

The Dutch midfielder, 23, sealed a deal to join the Giallorossi on Wednesday on a five-year deal from PSV.

Galliani admits that Milan were pursuing Strootman but claims that his side were not willing to offer up the eight-figure sum for the 23-year-old.

"Strootman is a very strong player who we had tracked for a while, but did not have €20m for a player like him," the Rossoneri vice-president told Sky Sport.

"Roma did a great deal, though, as he is a player of the very highest level."

With the likes of Mario Balotelli, Giampaolo Pazzini, Stephan El Shaarawy and Robinho available in attack, Galliani also ruled out any summer moves for additional forwards.

“We are not looking for any strikers, because we already have players like Giampaolo Pazzini in the squad," he added.

 

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Moyes: Bring on Mourinho mind games

Manchester United manager David Moyes insists he is ready for any potential mind games with Chelsea boss José Mourinho.

The Portuguese fell out with several Premier League rivals during his previous spell at Stamford Bridge, including the likes of Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez.

But, when questioned on the topic by a fellow Scot after United's pre-season victory over the A-League All-Stars, Moyes denied he would be overwhelmed by Mourinho's charismatic style.

"It sounds like your accent's like mine, and if you're from Glasgow then you enjoy those sorts of things, so bring it on," Moyes said at a press conference.

Meanwhile, the 40-year-old admitted there had been little development on the transfer front, despite the club's chief executive, Ed Woodward, flying home on "urgent transfer business."

"I've not had any more news since we last spoke yesterday," Moyes continued.

"I have no more updates so I couldn't give you anything positive or negative."

 

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Iniesta: Tito will win this terrible fight

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is hoping that Tito Vilanova can "fight back" in his battle with cancer following the coach's resignation on Friday.

The coach stayed on at Camp Nou last season despite suffering a relapse of his throat cancer in December 2012 following surgery the year before, but he has opted out of continuing in the position in 2013-14 in order to pursue further treatment.

Iniesta, whose inspired performances last season under Vilanova helped Barca to the Liga title, is hoping that the 44-year-old can recover from his health problems in the near future.

Speaking at a statue unveiling in his hometown of Fuentealbilla, Iniesta said: "For me this is a day of contrasts: I’m excited about this homage I am been given, but it’s a very tough day with the news about Tito.

"The person is the most important thing and I just hope this is sorted soon. Tito will fight back and win this terrible fight."

Barca left-back Jordi Alba, who was signed under Vilanova's reign, was in the dark over exactly what is wrong with the coach but hopes that he fights back swiftly.

"I don’t know anything and it has taken me by surprise," he is quoted as saying by latdap.ct. "If it’s true, it’ll be a very bad piece of news.

"He’s done a great job and we hope he gets well soon and comes back."