..::Football II::..

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Juventus as big as Barca & Madrid, says Llorente

Fernando Llorente has defended Juventus' reputation by insisting that his new side are as big as the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The striker left La Liga for the Bianconeri this summer on a Bosman transfer from Athletic Bilbao and the Spaniard is adamant that Serie A has a depth of quality to match any other top European league.

"I chose Juventus because I think this is a great team and I know that I can improve here," Llorente, 28, told reporters at a press conference on Saturday.

"Many sides have strengthened over the summer in Italy, but I’d say it is still too early to predict who our main rivals will be.

"The team is no worse in quality than Barcelona and Real Madrid. I would say Serie A is on the same level as La Liga and the Premier League."

Another summer signing from coach Antonio Conte has been Carlos Tevez from Manchester City - whom Llorente is thrilled to be playing alongside in Turin - and the Spain international is confident the Old Lady can challenge in the Champions League following their summer investment.

"I’m very happy to be playing alongside Tevez, but I get along with all the other strikers too," the forward added. "Our most important objective for this season is a third consecutive Scudetto.

"As for the Champions League, we need to take each game as it comes. We know that anything can happen, but I believe we have a very strong side. Antonio Conte’s methods are excellent and I’m very happy to work alongside him.

"I’ve never seen anything like the welcome I got from the Juventus fans. They are magnificent. We are working hard at the moment, which is tough, but that’s the way it needs to be. I’m very happy right now, as it was a tough year in Bilbao, but now I am working to be in the best possible shape."

 

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Borussia Monchengladbach 1-0 Borussia Dortmund: Daems stuns Schwarzgelben with last-gasp penalty

Borussia Monchengladbach advanced to the final of the Telekom Cup with a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Borussia-Park on Saturday.

The pre-season tournament, hosted by Gladbach, features games of two 30-minute halves, and is also contested by Bayern Munich and Hamburg, who play in the other semi-final also at Borussia-Park.

The match was lively throughout, but seemed set to go to a penalty shootout after a series of near-misses by both teams left the game at a stalemate.

But with one minute remaining, Roman Weidenfeller gave away a penalty by clipping Raffael in the area, from which capain Filip Daems converted to send the hosts into Sunday's showpiece.

Dortmund were without new acquisitions Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan through illness and injury, but fellow signing Sokratis Papastathopoulos was handed a start in defence.

The match started brightly, with both sides having chances to score in the opening exchanges. Raffael sent a 20-yard effort whistling over the crossbar, and Dortmund immediately replied with a Jonas Hofmann drive that stung the palms of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.The Gladbach goalkeeper was called into action to make another solid save near the quarter-hour mark to thwart Marco Reus, who had broken past the defence for a one-on-one.

Dortmund were beginning to assert themselves in the game, but were met with stern resistance in the form of Ter Stegen, while Gladbach themselves did not seem shy to try their luck going forward, with new signing Raffael looking right at home.
But the match began to descend into a monotonous tempo as the first half petered out and for a time, the second period looked set to follow the same dull tone, with both teams struggling to regain their stride.However, Dortmund began to pounce on a few nervy moments from the Gladbach defence. Ter Stegen, so assured in the first half, rashly charged out of his area and was robbed of the ball by Julian Schieber, but recovered in time to get rid of the ball.

Ter Stegen had to remain alert to deny Nuri Sahin with a strong save, before Schieber was again denied, this time by Roel Brouwers’s desperate block.But amid a sea of BVB chances, Raffael nearly stole the game for the hosts with six minutes remaining, latching onto Max Kruse’s great through pass to attempt a lob over Weidenfeller, who was wise to the effort and rushed off his line to smother.

And Reus went even closer to snatching a winner at the other end moments later, when his tricky clip seemed to be angling towards the top corner, but Ter Stegen did fantastically well to push the shot onto the crossbar.

However, with 20 seconds to go before the end of the game, an horrendous moment of hesitation from Weidenfeller saw him robbed of the ball by Raffael, which in turn forced him to challenge the midfielder, conceding a penalty.
And Daems made no mistake from the spot, burying high into the right side despite Weidenfeller's despairing dive, sending the hosts on their way to the Telekom Cup final.

 

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Indonesia XI 0-2 Liverpool: Coutinho and Sterling score in comfortable win for Rodgers' side

Liverpool began their pre-season tour with a comfortable 2-0 victory over an Indonesia XI.

Philippe Coutinho sent Brendan Rodgers’ side on their way with a neat finish from close range in the 10th minute.


And after an otherwise quiet first half and a string of changes following the interval, Raheem Sterling was left with a simple tap-in following a break launched by Jordon Ibe.

Steven Gerrard started his first game since undergoing shoulder surgery prior to the end of last season, along with new signings Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas, Kolo Toure and Simon Mignolet.

But it was Coutinho who opened the scoring, latching on to his own pass - which had cannoned off a defender and back into his path – before sliding the ball under Kurnia Meiga.

Alberto came close to scoring a sensational debut goal in a Liverpool shirt, cutting inside but crashing his strike from 20 yards against the crossbar in an opening half-an-hour dominated by the tourists but otherwise bereft of genuine chances.

The hosts responded as Sergio van Dyke let fly with a stinging drive from distance of his own, but Mignolet tipped the ball around his post at full stretch to ensure the visitors went into the break with the lead.

Rodgers replaced Gerrard with Joe Allen at half-time, while Jack Robinson came on for Jose Enrique.

Liverpool continued to control the game and almost had a second when Aspas rounded Meiga, but the forward flashed his finish high and wide as the ball bobbled up off the surface.

With the hour-mark approaching, the former Celta Vigo man then combined with Coutinho, who also sent his shot over the bar.

Rodgers made eight further changes, with the likes of Sterling, Ibe and Fabio Borini all introduced, and the Italian immediately tested Meiga with a free kick which was acrobatically palmed away.

Sterling hit the bar with a half volley after getting on the end of a dangerous cross by Oussama Assaidi, before then blasting another effort straight into the side netting.

But Sterling made no mistake with the goal at his mercy in the closing stages, securing a comfortable victory for the Reds.

 

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Mourinho: I will try to help Torres flourish

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has expressed his belief that Fernando Torres can rediscover his best form, but only in a certain playing style.

The Spain striker has managed just 15 league goals in 82 appearances for Chelsea since joining in January 2011, in stark contrast to the 65 league goals in 102 games he scored at his previous club, Liverpool.

As such, the 29-year-old has been linked with a move away this summer, but Mourinho has hinted that the forward's loss of form may have been due to previous Chelsea managers misusing him.

"I know his best qualities, and the best way for a team to play to try to get the best out of him," Mourinho told reporters.

"He's a striker, more comfortable when he has space behind for those runs to get behind defenders.

"He has it more difficult when opponents are very close, when opponents are compact and when he has to play in small spaces. He's more a player to go into a space than to play with the ball on his feet.

"When Chelsea play with that philosophy he can [rediscover his best form]. When we play against a very close team and you have to play him in small spaces, he will have more difficulty."

Mourinho continued by explaining why he felt Torres thrived at Liverpool, where he was managed by Rafa Benitez until his depature in 2010.

The Spanish coach, who moved to Napoli after a brief spell at Chelsea, sparked a slight upturn in Torres' form last season; particularly in Europe, with the striker scoring the opener in the Europa League final.

"At Liverpool they played much more of a 'low block', and he had balls to attack behind defenders," Mourinho explained. "In that aspect he was a lot more comfortable.

"Sometimes it's easy to say a player is not performing but that might not be fair because sometimes the way you play decides if someone is more or less comfortable on the pitch.

"I will try to help him, like I try to help any other player."

 

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Ancelotti calm over Ronaldo contract talks

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that the club will not have a problem convincing Cristiano Ronaldo to sign a new contract.

The Portuguese attacker's current deal runs out in June 2015 and, amid reports that the likes of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco are ready bid for the 28-year-old, the new Santiago Bernabeu coach has praised the player's professionalism and cast doubt on any potential transfer.

"He's a phenomenal player, a great professional," Ancelotti told reporters. "It's important for the club that a player of his quality shows the utmost professionalism.

"It's also important for the young players to look up to people with this attitude. His contract renewal is not my job, but I do not think it'll be a problem."

Tito Vilanova resigned as Barcelona boss on Friday due to health problems and Ancelotti has wished his fellow coach a quick and complete recovery.

"I want to send a message of support and encouragement to my fellow trainer Tito Vilanova," the 54-year-old added. "I'm sad about this. He is a fighter who will fight.

"I want to tell him that the whole club and squad of Real Madrid - and me personally - are with him. We wish him the best."

 

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De Sanctis will leave Napoli, says agent

Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis will "almost certainly" leave the club this summer, according to his agent.

The Partenopei have already bolstered their shot-stopping ranks with Rafael this summer and are believed to be close to a season-long loan deal for Liverpool and Spain keeper Pepe Reina.

The 36-year-old Italy international has been linked with a move to Roma ahead of the new Serie A season but Federico Pastorello only confirmed that his client's departure is extremely likely.

"Am I certain of Morgan’s move to Roma? There is nothing certain on the transfer market," De Sanctis' agent told CalcioNews24.

"I can only say that he will almost certainly leave Napoli."

De Sanctis joined the Serie A runners-up in July 2009 in a €1.7 million move from Sevilla.

 

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Van Persie would welcome Fabregas signing

Robin van Persie has indicated he would like to see former Arsenal team-mate Cesc Fabregas join Manchester United.

The Premier League champions lodged a €30 million bid for the Barcelona midfielder on Monday, with manager David Moyes hopeful of receiving "good news" regarding the offer in the near future.

When questioned whether he would like to be reunited with Fabregas, Van Persie replied: "Of course, he's a great player."

However, he was quick to underline that he has not been in contact with his former team-mate.

Barcelona, meanwhile, maintain Fabregas wants to stay at Camp Nou, but Moyes is keen to strengthen United's central-midfield position after failing to lure Bayern Munich new-boy Thiago Alcantara to Old Trafford ealier in July.

Moyes told The Times: "When I got the job, I was made aware of what could possibly be done to improve things, and signing a midfield player was one that we thought we could possibly add to the squad.

"At the moment that’s probably our priority - to try and add a player in that position."

 

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FAB ena 1ka gananam loku sure 1kak thiyanna epa RVP​

 

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Marotta: Juventus have too many forwards

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has claimed that the club have a "surplus" of forwards and hinted that even Mirko Vucinic could be sold.

The Bianconeri have already brought in two new strikers this summer in the form of Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez, and given that they also have Vucinic, Sebastian Giovinco, Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella on their books, it has been suggested they have been trying to hawk their attackers to the highest bidder.

Marotta refused to confirm what players were for sale but did concede that Juve have a problem to address as they look to free up funds and squad space for additional transfers.

"We have a surplus up front," he told reporters on Friday. "But to speak about names is obnoxious, also because consent is essential to any transfer."

Marotta sought to play down mounting speculation that Vucnic might be on the market, but then appeared to suggest that the Montenegrin could be allowed to leave for the right price.

"Speaking about Mirko [like this] is like talking about an entire squad that has brought with it two championships in a row," he claimed. "There are players of great value who must be respected.

"Today, anyway, there are not the right conditions for the boy to be transferred."

It has been claimed that Juve's attempts to sign Juan Camilo Zuniga from Napoli hinge on their ability to offload one of their strikers.

 

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Neymar: Messi and I can make history together

Neymar believes that he can form a history-making partnership with Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi.

The prospect of Brazil's Confederations Cup hero linking up with the four-time Ballon d'Or winner has got the entire footballing world talking, with Russia coach Fabio Capello claiming the the pair could make the Blaugrana unbeatable.

Neymar, who was signed from Santos for €57 million earlier this summer, is just as excited and optimistic about being paired with Messi.

"[I hope it will] be a partnership to make history," the 21-year-old attacker told reporters on Friday.

"We have everything for that to happen and it's an honour, a dream come true, to play alongside the best in the world and that is what persuaded me choose my European team."

Neymar also admitted that it was wrench to leave Brazil, but that he is now concentrated solely on making the most of his move to Camp Nou.

"I had a great story with Santos," the Selecao starlet acknowledged. "But now I have a new club, a new life and everything is focused on Barcelona."

Neymar, who won the Golden Ball at the Confederations Cup, signed a five-year contract with Barcelona upon his arrival.

 

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Banega wants to repay Valencia with a title

Ever Banega has expressed his desire to repay all of the support Valencia have shown in him by helping them win a title this season.

The Argentine has suffered with injury problems during his time at Mestalla - including an ankle problem after being run over by his own car - but he is determined to bring los Che the success he feels the club deserves.

“I am grateful that I have had so much affection, so many chances and it is time to return it in style on the pitch,” Banega told VCFPlay, his club's official TV channel.

“I am proud to be a part of Valencia. I have spent a while here, I know the place very well and it really leaves a mark on you.

“There’s a style, it marks you for life. You become one of them.

“I face this season with the same enthusiasm and ambition as previous ones. I am proud to be one of the oldest here at 25.

“With the squad that we have here, we deserve to win a title.”

Banega, who has been capped 19 times by his country, joined Valencia from Boca Juniors in 2008 for a reported fee of €20 million.

 

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Miranda: Atleti can compete with Barcelona & Real Madrid

Miranda believes Atletico Madrid can rival Barcelona and Real Madrid for La Liga if they follow up the signing of David Villa with two more stellar signings.

Los Colchoneros ended last season on a high, beating los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu to win the Copa del Rey, but only after their championship challenge had faded away, with Diego Simeone's men ultimately finishing a distant third in the table.

However, Miranda has been buoyed by Villa's arrival from Camp Nou, and feels that with a few more shrewd additions, Atleti can challenge the Clasico duo for the top prize in Spain.

“With David Villa and a couple more signings, yes, I think we can compete with Barca and Madrid,” the defender told AS.

“Because they have great squads, we also need a quality team in order to fight them on equal terms.

"Our goal is to fight for the title in every competition that we compete in and the first objective is to win the Supercopa against Barcelona in August."

Villa's arrival at the club from Barcelona swiftly followed Neymar's arrival from Santos and Miranda is backing his fellow Brazilian to do great things in Catalunya.

"He is a great player and he will certainly succeed at Barca," the 28-year-old centre-half enthused.

"I wish him well in the Spanish League. I will follow him and support him, less so when he plays against Atletico!"

Miranda joined Atletico Madrid on a free transfer from Sao Paulo two years ago.

 

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Palacio tips Tevez for 'leading role' at Juventus

Inter forward Rodrigo Palacio believes that Juventus counterpart Carlos Tevez will play a "leading role" in this season's Serie A title race.

The Bianconeri lifted their second successive Scudetto back in May and have now bolstered their attack with the additions of Tevez and Fernando Llorente.

Consequently, Palacio feels that Juve will again be the team to beat this year, particularly in light of his fellow Argentine's arrival in Turin.

"Tevez is a great striker who has made a difference in every league in which he has played," the 31-year-old attacker told Corriere dello Sport. "For me, he will play a leading role this season.

"For the Scudetto, Juventus is still a step ahead of the rest."

However, Palacio remains confident Inter can have a strong season under new boss Walter Mazzarri, despite their struggles last season.

"I have never struggled so much in pre-season - he works us so much," the former Genoa striker enthused.

"I really like how he operates. He is a coach with a lot of experience who has clear ideas and places a lot of emphasis on dialogue with the players.

"However, at this time, we should not be thinking about the Scudetto, but one game at a time.

"We have a good team - I am convinced of this - and it is necessary to do their utmost to try to win all the time.

"The important thing is to work and give everything. The results will come. Our first objective, though, is to fight to be as high as possible [in the table]."

Despite his obvious satisifaction with Mazzarri's methods, Palacio freely admits that he was sad to see Andrea Stramaccioni sacked at the end of last season.

"I felt sorry for him over his dismissal," he admitted. "I had a good relationship with him.

"He helped me and gave me confidence. Unfortunately, in football, when the results do not come, the coach pays."

Even though Inter limped home in ninth place, Palacio enjoyed a terrific season under Stramaccioni and is more than content to still be at San Siro.

"I have not received any transfer offers but it's better like this," he explained. "I'm happy at Inter. I'm convinced that I can win here."

Palacio, who arrived at Appiano Gentile from Genoa last summer, netted 22 times in 38 appearances in all competitions.

 

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Liverpool drop interest in Chelsea's Bertrand

Liverpool have dropped their interest in Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand after baulking at the player’s wage demands, Goal understands.

The Reds made an approach to the Londoners for the 23-year-old but were told he would demand a salary package worth more than €70,000-a-week.

Bertrand currently earns €41,000-a-week at Chelsea and is happy at Stamford Bridge having made 38 appearances for the club last season.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers worked with the England international at Chelsea and values his versatility, with Bertrand also comfortable in a midfield role.

But the Reds are no longer pursuing a deal for Bertrand and will look at other options to reinforce their left side ahead of the new season.

Rodgers has already been busy in the transfer market this summer brining in experienced former Arsenal defender Kolo Toure, Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and Liga duo Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto.

The Reds manager, however, is facing a fight to keep hold of star striker Luis Suarez, while Pepe Reina is on the verge of joining former boss Rafael Benitez at Napoli.

 

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Moyes: Man United can still attract 'top end' players

Manchester United manager David Moyes is confident the club's stature can still attract 'top end' players, despite the big spending of some of Europe's biggest sides.

Goal reported on Monday that the Premier League champions had made an opening offer of €30 million for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, with Moyes highlighting the central midfield position as one he would like to strengthen.

Despite seeing wealthy Ligue 1 sides Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco sign Edinson Cavani and Radamel Falcao in big-money moves, and seeing first choice target Thiago Alcantara opt for Bayern Munch over Old Trafford, the Scot is still confident the Premier League champions are an attractive prospect.

"I think PSG and Monaco have changed the way it’s looked [at]," Moyes is quoted as saying by The Times.

"But I certainly think if you’re a player and you look out of the window and see Old Trafford - if you’ve really got any ambitions about being a footballer, and you’re a top end one - then I think you’ll want to play for Manchester United."

Former Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova - who stepped down from his role on Friday to continue his treatement for cancer - maintains Fabregas wants to stay at Camp Nou, with Moyes admitting shortly afterwards that he is hoping for "good news" regarding the bid as the club look to strengthen their "priority" position.

Moyes continued: "When I got the job, I was made aware of what could possibly be done to improve things, and signing a midfield player was one that we thought we could possibly add to the squad. At the moment that’s probably our priority - to try and add a player in that position."

One player who could be set for an exit from United is Wayne Rooney, with the club rejecting an offer from Chelsea, and Moyes hinted that he is unwilling to part with the wantaway striker due to a lack of suitable - and affordable - replacements.

"I think the hardest players to get are the top goalscorers," he added. "I think it’s hard to get top quality players who can come in and affect your team. That’s why we’re trying to go for what we see as the right players and the best players."

 

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Benitez: I want Damiao

Napoli boss Rafael Benitez has admitted he wants to sign Internacional striker Leandro Damiao.

The Partenopei are seeking to strengthen their forward line before the start of the new season following the departure of last season's top scorer, Edinson Cavani, to Paris Saint-Germain.

Napoli have been heavily linked with both Gonzalo Higuain and Damiao in recent weeks and Benitez has admitted that he is a keen admirer of the Brazil international.

"Damiao is very good," the Champions League-winning coach told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Two attackers will arrive: one who is more of a centre forward and the other a support striker."

Having banked a reported €64 million for Cavani, Napoli have plenty of money to spend, but Benitez maintains he wants value for money.

"We are looking for players at a fair price," he explained. "But it is clear that to compete at a certain level we need players with experience and international quality."

While the loss of Cavani is obviously a major blow for Napoli, Benitez is enthused by the fact that Slovakia attacker Marek Hamsik is still at the San Paolo.

"Hamsik can get to the level of [Steven] Gerrard and [Frank] Lampard," the former Liverpool boss claimed. "He's a great professional and, above all, he's hungry to win and can still improve."

Benitez is returning to Serie A for the first time since a turbulent six-month spell in charge of Inter came to an end three years ago.

 

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Napoli boss Benitez not seeking revenge over Inter

Napoli boss Rafael Benitez insists that he is not harbouring any secret desire for revenge over Inter now that he has returned to Serie A.

The Spanish coach was sacked by the Nerazzurri in December 2010 after just six months at the helm, during which time he won both the Italian Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

A very public dispute with Inter president Massimo Moratti over transfer funds had been the cause of his premature exit, but Benitez, who was appointed as Partenopei boss earlier this summer, insists that he does not hold any grudge against the San Siro club.

"I am not seeking revenge," the former Liverpool boss told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Even if they told me that they would sign players, and instead, [there were] zero signings.

"But I bear them no malice. I remember only that in five months I won two titles, and a Club World Cup that [the club] had been lacking for years.

"Would I return? I'm not ruling it out. But I've moved on now; Napoli is another challenge."

Indeed, Benitez's primary concern at the moment is turning the Partenopei into a side capable of knocking reigning Italian champions Juventus off their perch, something that he feels is not beyond the realms of possibility.

"I have already beaten Juve with Liverpool, [which was of] great satisfaction," he pointed out.

"They are in front now. Juve are strong and could prove even stronger still, but we're working hard.

"[Napoli president Aurelio] De Laurentiis told me that you cannot get everything you want in a month ... I can even not win anything this year.

"We're changing a style of play, and it's a risk, but we are confident that by working a lot, we will do well."

Benitez succeeded Walter Mazzarri as coach, after a short but successful stint in charge of Chelsea.

 

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Wilshere will get Arsenal ‘ticking’ next season, says Walcott

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has backed team-mate Jack Wilshere to put his injury problems behind him next season and get the Gunners "ticking".

The midfielder missed a large chunk of the last campaign after undergoing ankle surgery as the Gunners finished fourth.

However, the England international has now returned to fitness and Walcott explained how vital he was to the Gunners’ hopes.

"It's so important for the club that Jack stays fit," Walcott told reporters.

"He gets everything ticking and makes everything sort of flow. I didn't really get to play with Jack at all last season so it's nice that he's back.

“He's had so many injury problems at such a young age and now we hope they've gone out of the window.

“Without a doubt, he's going to make our team better. He can spot anything when you're making your runs. We're definitely going to have a very good season together."

Walcott also insisted he wanted to help end the club’s trophy drought, with Arsenal having failed to win any silverware since lifting the FA Cup in 2005.

"I'm determined to win something at this club, just to repay the manager for the belief he has and the faith he shows when he brings in players at such a young age," he added.

"He puts young players in there and just says: 'Go and do your thing.' He's given me the chance to go from playing in the Championship to playing in the World Cup. I've had my ups and downs but it's definitely on the up now and I'm very excited."

 

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Villas-Boas: Tottenham will not sell Bale for any price

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has made his clearest statement yet that the club will not sell Gareth Bale this summer.

Speaking to reporters after Spurs’ 0-0 draw with Colchester in a Friday night pre-season friendly, Villas-Boas insisted that Tottenham’s position with Bale had not changed and they would not entertain offers.

“He’s not for sale at any price,” Villas-Boas stressed.

Asked if he had held discussions with the forward about leaving the club, the Portuguese manager said: “No we haven’t had any conversations,” before confirming that Tottenham had not received an offer for the Welshman.

Villas-Boas did, however, insist that rumours surrounding Bale were a part of the transfer window and entirely expected of a player who he feels will be in contention for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

“It’s not irritating, I think it’s part of when the market opens. It’s normal that there is speculation everywhere," he added.

“To be fair the English clubs, compared to the European clubs, are probably the ones who haven’t moved as much as they wanted or should, so at the moment we have the signing of one great international player, which everybody saw in the Confederations Cup so we are happy but our market hasn’t stopped and we will continue to further strengthen the squad.”

Villas-Boas also played down reports of a move to Barcelona following the news that Tito Vilanova had stepped down from the Camp Nou hotseat due to health reasons.

He added: “It’s a very difficult situation and all of my wishes are with Tito. If he has to resign for a situation of illness it’s not the moment to speak about any speculation whatsoever.”

“It’s not even a question, we are speaking about a person’s health. It’s not even a question.”

 

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Colchester 0-0 Tottenham: Spurs held in Essex stalemate

Tottenham drew their second consecutive pre-season fixture as Colchester United held Andre Villas-Boas’ side to a goalless draw in the club’s final game before heading to Hong Kong for the Barclays Asia Trophy.


Andros Townsend was a constant threat from range, while substitutes Harry Kane and Shaquille Coulthirst squandered the best chances of the game late in the second half.

Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon were both omitted from the matchday squad on account of light knocks picked up in training, while Sandro and Younes Kaboul continued their return from long-term injury away from the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Otherwise, Villas-Boas had a strong squad to choose from, deploying Jan Vertonghen, Emmanuel Adebayor and Michael Dawson from the off.

But it was the home side who nearly drew first blood as former Arsenal youngster Sanchez Watt rattled the post with a volley after a deep corner was headed back across the box.

As expected, the League One side spent the majority of the first half on the backfoot, but Spurs played with a tempo not nearly as vibrant as their new aqua away kit, ensuring Dunne’s side held firm in the opening stages.

On 13 minutes Andros Townsend fired the first shot in anger as he cut in from the right flank, but on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Sam Walker reacted sharply to turn the ball behind. Moments later he repelled another effort from the edge of the box as Townsend again tested the Colchester goalkeeper.

The Us were fortunate to survive two penalty appeals for fouls on Danny Rose, while on the second occasion they had Walker to thank for tipping over the rebound as Yago Falque sent a volley at goal from 18 yards.

At the other end, former West Ham forward Freddie Sears broke sharply from the halfway line only to send his shot from 20 yards wide of Brad Friedel’s left-hand post with Jabo Ibehre free to his right.

Spurs looked sharp around the penalty box with Townsend and Falque interchanging nicely, while Adebayor was roundly applauded by the away fans for recovering a lost ball. Nonetheless the two sides went in at the break level.

Villas-Boas made seven changes at the interval introducing the likes of the Jermain Defoe and Scott Parker and the initial signs were promising.

Townsend continued his personal duel with Walker, unleashing yet another scorcher from range and this battle proved the lasting memory as he was subbed off midway through the second period.

Before then, Hugo Lloris got down well to turn away a Sears daisycutter, while Kane almost opened the scoring, seeing his effort smothered by the onrushing Walker.

Joe Dunne made a raft of changes for the hosts on the 70th minute while Villas-Boas handed opportunities to academy products Laste Dombaxe, Nabil Bentaleb and Shaquille Coulthirst.

The latter, a forward rated highly within the club, had the best chance of the game as Parker’s cute pass inside set Kane free in the box.

The 19-year-old’s eventual shot was deflected onto the base of the post but Coulthirst rushed his finish, tamely knocking the rebound into substitute goalkeeper Mark Cousins’ hands.

Predictably with the number of changes made, the game lost some of its rhythm and the final 15 minutes were more or less a training exercise.

Kyle Naughton stung the palms of Cousins with a long-range drive in the final minutes as both teams played out an entertaining, if slow-paced stalemate.