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..::Football III::..
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Pique wants end to comparisons with Guardiola's Barcelona
Gerard Pique freely admits that the current Barcelona line-up does not compare to the Pep Guardiola-led side that lift six trophies - but is in no doubt that the Catalans will compete for titles under new boss Gerardo Martino.
Much has been made of the more direct approach adopted by the Blaugrana this season, particularly after the back-to-back defeats to Ajax and Athletic Bilbao, but the Spain international says that the players are fully behind the tactics employed by their new Argentine trainer.
Pique also feels that it is futile to continually contrast this season's side with the one that swept all before them in 2009.
"We have stopped thinking about it," the centre-half told reporters on Wednesday. "We don't compare ourselves with the team that won six trophies in one year. We will lose in every comparison.
"We're going to take everything step by step and in March and April we'll see where we are and what we aspire to.
"The level of expectation is the same. [Martino] is learning the ropes and he knows how it works. He's a professional and he's been well received by the dressing room. I take my hat off to him."
Pique admitted, though, that he and his team-mates had been hurt by the insinuation that they are no longer working as hard, either in competitive games or on the training field.
"I like criticism to be constructive," he explained. "But a lack of respect is quite another thing, as happened the other day when [midfielder Andres] Iniesta was asked if we were training well.
"We all accept criticism; of course we do. I don't think it's a lack of respect to say that we need to change our squad.
"But it's impossible for a team to press for the whole game. Before, when we used to have the ball a lot we were able to rest more.
"Now, we find it harder to hold onto the ball because we are playing in a more direct way, but the team still wants to press.
"The coach has adapted to the methods of Barcelona and has sought support from the people who were already here. We are grateful he has done this and changed his customs. But when it comes to tactics, he calls the shots.
"We've had ups and downs, like the game in Amsterdam [against Ajax], which was unforgivable. But we need to show that we aren't in a depression and that we are ready to start winning again."
Pique added that he has just opened talks with Barcelona about extending his stay at Camp Nou.
"We are at the initial stage," he explained. "We have just had one meeting."
Gerard Pique freely admits that the current Barcelona line-up does not compare to the Pep Guardiola-led side that lift six trophies - but is in no doubt that the Catalans will compete for titles under new boss Gerardo Martino.
Much has been made of the more direct approach adopted by the Blaugrana this season, particularly after the back-to-back defeats to Ajax and Athletic Bilbao, but the Spain international says that the players are fully behind the tactics employed by their new Argentine trainer.
Pique also feels that it is futile to continually contrast this season's side with the one that swept all before them in 2009.
"We have stopped thinking about it," the centre-half told reporters on Wednesday. "We don't compare ourselves with the team that won six trophies in one year. We will lose in every comparison.
"We're going to take everything step by step and in March and April we'll see where we are and what we aspire to.
"The level of expectation is the same. [Martino] is learning the ropes and he knows how it works. He's a professional and he's been well received by the dressing room. I take my hat off to him."
Pique admitted, though, that he and his team-mates had been hurt by the insinuation that they are no longer working as hard, either in competitive games or on the training field.
"I like criticism to be constructive," he explained. "But a lack of respect is quite another thing, as happened the other day when [midfielder Andres] Iniesta was asked if we were training well.
"We all accept criticism; of course we do. I don't think it's a lack of respect to say that we need to change our squad.
"But it's impossible for a team to press for the whole game. Before, when we used to have the ball a lot we were able to rest more.
"Now, we find it harder to hold onto the ball because we are playing in a more direct way, but the team still wants to press.
"The coach has adapted to the methods of Barcelona and has sought support from the people who were already here. We are grateful he has done this and changed his customs. But when it comes to tactics, he calls the shots.
"We've had ups and downs, like the game in Amsterdam [against Ajax], which was unforgivable. But we need to show that we aren't in a depression and that we are ready to start winning again."
Pique added that he has just opened talks with Barcelona about extending his stay at Camp Nou.
"We are at the initial stage," he explained. "We have just had one meeting."
Buffon: Pogba will renew Juventus contract
Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has claimed that Paul Pogba is on the verge of signing a new contract with the club.
The France international only arrived in Turin on a free transfer from Manchester United in the summer of 2012 but has already established himself as one of the finest young midfielders in the world and, consequently, reportedly attracted the interest of Real Madrid.
However, Buffon is in no doubt that Pogba will extend his stay at Juventus Stadium, claiming the 20-year-old is all but certain to follow the lead of team-mate Arturo Vidal, who agreed a new deal with the Italian champions on Tuesday.
"Pogba? You will see soon that he will also renew [his contract]," the Bianconeri goalkeeper is quoted as saying by Tuttosport.
"If a player who has as many offers like Arturo decides to tie himself to Juventus for such a long time, it's a very clear signal and it means that there is an important and solid project here.
"There is a conviction among the most important players in the squad that in the future we can achieve the same great results as in recent years."
Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has claimed that Paul Pogba is on the verge of signing a new contract with the club.
The France international only arrived in Turin on a free transfer from Manchester United in the summer of 2012 but has already established himself as one of the finest young midfielders in the world and, consequently, reportedly attracted the interest of Real Madrid.
However, Buffon is in no doubt that Pogba will extend his stay at Juventus Stadium, claiming the 20-year-old is all but certain to follow the lead of team-mate Arturo Vidal, who agreed a new deal with the Italian champions on Tuesday.
"Pogba? You will see soon that he will also renew [his contract]," the Bianconeri goalkeeper is quoted as saying by Tuttosport.
"If a player who has as many offers like Arturo decides to tie himself to Juventus for such a long time, it's a very clear signal and it means that there is an important and solid project here.
"There is a conviction among the most important players in the squad that in the future we can achieve the same great results as in recent years."
Agent: Berbatov wants Fulham exit in January
Dimitar Berbatov wants to leave Premier League strugglers Fulham in January, according to his agent, Emil Dantchev.
The Cottagers currently sit 18th in the standings, three points from safety, and recently replaced Martin Jol at the helm with Rene Meulensteen, who had initially arrived as head coach.
Berbatov is out of contract in the summer but, his representative reveals, is keen to move on as quickly as possible.
"I don't usually speculate as nobody knows what will happen in January but what I can tell you is [Berbatov] is not happy at Fulham," Dantchev is quoted as saying by The Guardian.
"He would like, if possible, to find another option."
Berbatov himself has found life at Craven Cottage tough going this season, having netted just once in the Premier League.
Yet, despite the Bulgarian's struggles, Dantchev is certain that his client can attract interest from top Premier League clubs.
"I cannot comment [on whether there has been any approach] but the priority is to find a solution to stay in England," he stated.
Fulham host Tottenham in the Premier League on Wednesday night in Meulensteen's first match in charge as manager.
Dimitar Berbatov wants to leave Premier League strugglers Fulham in January, according to his agent, Emil Dantchev.
The Cottagers currently sit 18th in the standings, three points from safety, and recently replaced Martin Jol at the helm with Rene Meulensteen, who had initially arrived as head coach.
Berbatov is out of contract in the summer but, his representative reveals, is keen to move on as quickly as possible.
"I don't usually speculate as nobody knows what will happen in January but what I can tell you is [Berbatov] is not happy at Fulham," Dantchev is quoted as saying by The Guardian.
"He would like, if possible, to find another option."
Berbatov himself has found life at Craven Cottage tough going this season, having netted just once in the Premier League.
Yet, despite the Bulgarian's struggles, Dantchev is certain that his client can attract interest from top Premier League clubs.
"I cannot comment [on whether there has been any approach] but the priority is to find a solution to stay in England," he stated.
Fulham host Tottenham in the Premier League on Wednesday night in Meulensteen's first match in charge as manager.
Manchester United 0-1 Everton: Oviedo late show ruins reunion for Moyes
Everton stunned Manchester United and former manager David Moyes with a late 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
Bryan Oviedo silenced the Theatre of Dreams on the 85th minute to secure three points for the Toffees and consign the champions to their first defeat since September.
Moyes spent 11 years as manager at Goodison Park before replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at United, but he was given a hostile reception from Everton fans and they rejoiced at full-time after an impressive 1-0 victory against their former boss.
Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra and Danny Welbeck were all denied by the woodwork, but Everton were impressive and had chances of their own before Costa Rican Oviedo struck four minutes from time.Victory for Martinez's men stretched their unbeaten run to seven games and left United well off the pace in the race for the title.
Marouane Fellaini returned to face his former club, with Ryan Giggs and Rafael also included for the hosts, but Robin van Persie (groin) remained sidelined.
Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas were restored to Everton's starting line-up at the expense of Leon Osman and on-loan winger Gerard Deulofeu, who impressed in his first Premier League start against Stoke City on Saturday.
Mirallas almost marked his recall with a goal after just eight minutes, when he cut in from the left and stung David de Gea's palms with a venomous right-foot drive from 20 yards out.
Moyes was given a hostile reception by the Everton fans when he ventured into the technical area for the first time before former United goalkeeper Tim Howard got down well to deny Rooney at his near post 15 minutes in.
Howard had to be alert once again to thwart Shinji Kagawa and Giggs' header flashed wide of the far post as United got into their stride.The Everton keeper was beaten after 28 minutes, but Rooney's deflected shot came back off the post.
Romelu Lukaku was a constant menace to the United defence in a frantic first half and De Gea saved the Belgium striker's effort with his feet five minutes before the break.
Moyes replaced Kagawa and Rafael with Nani and Adnan Januzaj just 12 minutes into the second half after Everton came out strong following the interval.
The visitors were bossing the midfield and Oviedo fired narrowly wide of the near post before Rooney was booked for a late challenge on England team-mate Phil Jagielka.
Deulofeu replaced the impressive Barkely after 68 minutes and was presented with a great opportunity to open the scoring within a minute of coming on, but De Gea denied the winger after Lukaku had played him in down the right.
United were twice thwarted by the frame of the goal when Evra's header was tipped onto the crossbar by Howard and Danny Welbeck headed the rebound against the bar from eight yards out.
Mirallas' free-kick rattled the post for the visitors, but Everton won it late on when Lukaku's cross was tucked home at the back post by the onrushing Oviedo.
Dannan cup eka gana hopes ataraganna wenawa
Dannan cup eka gana hopes ataraganna wenawa
Gap 1ka enna ennama wadi wenawa machan sure 1kak thiyanna baha dannam
Gap 1ka enna ennama wadi wenawa machan sure 1kak thiyanna baha dannam
Moyes lost to United at Everton
Now he looses to Everton at United
Mu hariyanne na
Tottenham hero Holtby 'over the moon' with Fulham winner
Lewis Holtby says his long-range winner for Tottenham against Fulham on Wednesday is a dream come true.
Holtby fired past Maarten Stekelenburg eight minutes from time to seal a comeback victory for Spurs after Vlad Chiriches' low strike cancelled out Ashkan Dejagah's opener.
And the Germany international was delighted to finally score his first Premier League goal.
“I’m over the moon like every footballer says, but scoring a goal in a London derby in the Premier League and the fact that it was the winning goal – my pulse was racing!” Holtby told the club's official website.
“To see all the fans jumping up and down and singing my name – I still can’t believe it. I’m getting goosebumps right now. I’m delighted.
“Since I came to Tottenham I have been dreaming about that, but it was worth the wait because to win 2-1 at Fulham in a derby and to score a goal like that makes me so happy and proud.”
Holtby also paid tribute to Chiriches after the Romanian's effort pulled Andre Villas-Boas' men level.
“Hugo was amazing but Vlad – I was nearly running back [when he struck our leveller] because I thought the ball was going to the top of the stand, row 50 or whatever!” 23-year-old jokingly added.
“But he hit that really well and credit to him, he’s Mr Cool at the back.”
Lewis Holtby says his long-range winner for Tottenham against Fulham on Wednesday is a dream come true.
Holtby fired past Maarten Stekelenburg eight minutes from time to seal a comeback victory for Spurs after Vlad Chiriches' low strike cancelled out Ashkan Dejagah's opener.
And the Germany international was delighted to finally score his first Premier League goal.
“I’m over the moon like every footballer says, but scoring a goal in a London derby in the Premier League and the fact that it was the winning goal – my pulse was racing!” Holtby told the club's official website.
“To see all the fans jumping up and down and singing my name – I still can’t believe it. I’m getting goosebumps right now. I’m delighted.
“Since I came to Tottenham I have been dreaming about that, but it was worth the wait because to win 2-1 at Fulham in a derby and to score a goal like that makes me so happy and proud.”
Holtby also paid tribute to Chiriches after the Romanian's effort pulled Andre Villas-Boas' men level.
“Hugo was amazing but Vlad – I was nearly running back [when he struck our leveller] because I thought the ball was going to the top of the stand, row 50 or whatever!” 23-year-old jokingly added.
“But he hit that really well and credit to him, he’s Mr Cool at the back.”
Falcao can be the 'figure' of the World Cup - Valderrama
Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama has backed Radamel Falcao to become one of the leading lights at next summer's World Cup finals.
The striker has scored nine goals in 14 Ligue 1 games following his summer move to Monaco and played a pivotal role in Colombia's exceptional qualification campaign for the 2014 tournament.
Head coach Jose Pekerman has previously voiced his belief that Falcao will be the tournament's best player and Valderrama - who holds a record 111 caps for Colombia - is convinced the former Atletico Madrid star can set Brazil alight next summer.
"Falcao has to be ready to be the figure of the World Cup. And he will be," he told Goal.
The former midfielder went on to praise the work of Pekerman in the build-up to the tournament, claiming he has done well to recapture the style of football adopted by the much-lauded side of the 1990s.
"People like Jose Pekerman because he has the style that brought Colombia to the highest level in the '90s. He plays football that Colombians know well," said Valderrama.
Finally, the ex-Montpellier man claimed a South American nation are "obliged" to win the World Cup on Brazilian soil and admitted to the sides he would rather avoid in tomorrow's group stage draw.
"South Americans have an obligation to be at our World Cup. We are required to win it," he added.
"I do not want to face Argentina, Brazil, Germany and Spain until well into the tournament."
Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama has backed Radamel Falcao to become one of the leading lights at next summer's World Cup finals.
The striker has scored nine goals in 14 Ligue 1 games following his summer move to Monaco and played a pivotal role in Colombia's exceptional qualification campaign for the 2014 tournament.
Head coach Jose Pekerman has previously voiced his belief that Falcao will be the tournament's best player and Valderrama - who holds a record 111 caps for Colombia - is convinced the former Atletico Madrid star can set Brazil alight next summer.
"Falcao has to be ready to be the figure of the World Cup. And he will be," he told Goal.
The former midfielder went on to praise the work of Pekerman in the build-up to the tournament, claiming he has done well to recapture the style of football adopted by the much-lauded side of the 1990s.
"People like Jose Pekerman because he has the style that brought Colombia to the highest level in the '90s. He plays football that Colombians know well," said Valderrama.
Finally, the ex-Montpellier man claimed a South American nation are "obliged" to win the World Cup on Brazilian soil and admitted to the sides he would rather avoid in tomorrow's group stage draw.
"South Americans have an obligation to be at our World Cup. We are required to win it," he added.
"I do not want to face Argentina, Brazil, Germany and Spain until well into the tournament."
'Ronaldo is monstrous' - Zidane
Zinedine Zidane has branded Cristiano Ronaldo "monstrous" for the way he has been performing for Real Madrid and Portugal this year.
The forward, 28, scored four times in the Seleccao's two-legged World Cup play-off against Sweden to secure a place in Brazil and has been in excellent goalscoring form for the Blancos this season.
"Cristiano Ronaldo has shown what he can do for Portugal and Real Madrid," Zidane, who is part of the coaching staff at Santiago Bernabeu, told reporters in Brazil ahead of the World Cup 2014 group stage draw on Friday.
"He does not need to talk much. Much has been said of him, but what he does on the pitch is monstrous. The way he won the match against Sweden, when many people thought Portugal would not qualify... he carried the team on his back.
"He has shown that he is an excellent player. I'm proud to stand beside him [at Madrid], to see him in training, participating in everything.
"He's a great professional, arriving an hour before training. What he has done on the pitch is the result of his hard work. He's an example and really carries and drives the team."
Zidane won the World Cup with France in 1998 and hopes that les Bleus are handed the chance to pit themselves against the best from the outset when the eight groups are allocated on Friday.
"I would love it if France could get put in a difficult group," he added. "I want us to play against the best and achieve something more. I'm not afraid for us to tackle tough teams."
Zinedine Zidane has branded Cristiano Ronaldo "monstrous" for the way he has been performing for Real Madrid and Portugal this year.
The forward, 28, scored four times in the Seleccao's two-legged World Cup play-off against Sweden to secure a place in Brazil and has been in excellent goalscoring form for the Blancos this season.
"Cristiano Ronaldo has shown what he can do for Portugal and Real Madrid," Zidane, who is part of the coaching staff at Santiago Bernabeu, told reporters in Brazil ahead of the World Cup 2014 group stage draw on Friday.
"He does not need to talk much. Much has been said of him, but what he does on the pitch is monstrous. The way he won the match against Sweden, when many people thought Portugal would not qualify... he carried the team on his back.
"He has shown that he is an excellent player. I'm proud to stand beside him [at Madrid], to see him in training, participating in everything.
"He's a great professional, arriving an hour before training. What he has done on the pitch is the result of his hard work. He's an example and really carries and drives the team."
Zidane won the World Cup with France in 1998 and hopes that les Bleus are handed the chance to pit themselves against the best from the outset when the eight groups are allocated on Friday.
"I would love it if France could get put in a difficult group," he added. "I want us to play against the best and achieve something more. I'm not afraid for us to tackle tough teams."
Klopp warns of threat posed by 'result machines' Leverkusen
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp believes his side will need to be at the top of their game to beat "result machines" Bayer Leverkusen.
Third-placed Dortmund will climb above Leverkusen in the Bundesliga with a victory on Saturday, but have just one win from their last three league fixtures.
And Klopp knows he will be up against a formidable opponent, with Leverkusen having lost just one of their last 10 league matches."Leverkusen have become result machines, incredibly strong," he said. "They are always dangerous at set-pieces.
"Both Leverkusen and we are struggling with injuries, but there will be no excuses. We want to win the game.
"Playing against Leverkusen in every season is an absolute highlight. Beating Leverkusen is always something special."
Dortmund picked up maximum points in both fixtures against this weekend's opponents last season, scoring a total of six goals.
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp believes his side will need to be at the top of their game to beat "result machines" Bayer Leverkusen.
Third-placed Dortmund will climb above Leverkusen in the Bundesliga with a victory on Saturday, but have just one win from their last three league fixtures.
And Klopp knows he will be up against a formidable opponent, with Leverkusen having lost just one of their last 10 league matches."Leverkusen have become result machines, incredibly strong," he said. "They are always dangerous at set-pieces.
"Both Leverkusen and we are struggling with injuries, but there will be no excuses. We want to win the game.
"Playing against Leverkusen in every season is an absolute highlight. Beating Leverkusen is always something special."
Dortmund picked up maximum points in both fixtures against this weekend's opponents last season, scoring a total of six goals.
Messi could miss start of January, says Martino
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has hinted that Lionel Messi may not be fit in time for the beginning of January when the club face Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old forward and four-time Ballon d'Or winner was ruled out for the rest of 2013 after tearing his hamstring in Barca's 4-1 win over Real Betis last month.
The Catalan club have slipped to consecutive defeats in Messi's absence, losing 2-1 to Ajax in the Champions League before seeing their unbeaten record in La Liga ended by Athletic Bilbao last Sunday.
Argentina international Messi is currently recuperating in his homeland and Martino insists the player will not be rushed back into action, casting doubt over whether he will be fit when Barca clash with Atletico on January 11."He is working as planned, completing the different stages of his recovery," Martino said.
"We hope that he will be ready at the start of January, but the closer we get to the date we will see if he needs more time.
"We cannot guarantee when he will be ready; what interests us more is that he has completely recovered."Barca have been widely criticised following their back-to-back losses but Martino believes the recent setbacks have not affected morale in the camp.
"There are two options, that the pessimism harms us or makes us even stronger," he added.
"We are full of optimism. We need to transform that into the matches. We need to show that we are going to fight and there is a reason why we are top of the league and in the Champions League last 16.
"I don't want to say that we are not worried by losing two games, but we are not loaded by pessimism."
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has hinted that Lionel Messi may not be fit in time for the beginning of January when the club face Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old forward and four-time Ballon d'Or winner was ruled out for the rest of 2013 after tearing his hamstring in Barca's 4-1 win over Real Betis last month.
The Catalan club have slipped to consecutive defeats in Messi's absence, losing 2-1 to Ajax in the Champions League before seeing their unbeaten record in La Liga ended by Athletic Bilbao last Sunday.
Argentina international Messi is currently recuperating in his homeland and Martino insists the player will not be rushed back into action, casting doubt over whether he will be fit when Barca clash with Atletico on January 11."He is working as planned, completing the different stages of his recovery," Martino said.
"We hope that he will be ready at the start of January, but the closer we get to the date we will see if he needs more time.
"We cannot guarantee when he will be ready; what interests us more is that he has completely recovered."Barca have been widely criticised following their back-to-back losses but Martino believes the recent setbacks have not affected morale in the camp.
"There are two options, that the pessimism harms us or makes us even stronger," he added.
"We are full of optimism. We need to transform that into the matches. We need to show that we are going to fight and there is a reason why we are top of the league and in the Champions League last 16.
"I don't want to say that we are not worried by losing two games, but we are not loaded by pessimism."
Holtby: Tottenham are united behind Villas-Boas
Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby insists that everyone at the club is united behind manager Andre Villas-Boas and each other.
The Portuguese has been the subject of criticism after Spurs' stuttering start to the Premier League season, particularly in the wake of their 6-0 hammering by Manchester City, but the Germany international is adamant that reports of a falling-out are wide of the mark.
"I don't really read newspapers, I can just say how the team is and, if you go to the training ground every day, the team spirit is very high," Holtby told the press. "There is a lot of friendship between a lot of the players.
"We all stick behind the gaffer, we give our best. Of course we had a tough time in November but [on Wednesday] we got a good result at a difficult place. Now we need another three points from the Sunderland game.
"[Villas-Boas] bonds us together and is very close to the team. Everyone accepts him and his way of playing football.
"There is a lot of negativity coming from outside but we are all sticking together. Bringing this bad mood into the team won't help. We're positive and we know that the season is long.
"We're sticking together, we're not discussing things that are happening outside - that's not our job. Our job is to get points, to win games and make the fans happy.
"We have to do our talking on the pitch. We were responsible for that disaster at Manchester City but the way we responded after that has been good. We have to carry on doing that.
"This is a new team, we have bought a lot of players and you need to give them time - people like [Erik] Lamela, who don't speak the English language.
"Every game it is coming, we will get to know each other better and better. We are doing an OK job but we are getting there. I hope we can get a winning streak now."
Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby insists that everyone at the club is united behind manager Andre Villas-Boas and each other.
The Portuguese has been the subject of criticism after Spurs' stuttering start to the Premier League season, particularly in the wake of their 6-0 hammering by Manchester City, but the Germany international is adamant that reports of a falling-out are wide of the mark.
"I don't really read newspapers, I can just say how the team is and, if you go to the training ground every day, the team spirit is very high," Holtby told the press. "There is a lot of friendship between a lot of the players.
"We all stick behind the gaffer, we give our best. Of course we had a tough time in November but [on Wednesday] we got a good result at a difficult place. Now we need another three points from the Sunderland game.
"[Villas-Boas] bonds us together and is very close to the team. Everyone accepts him and his way of playing football.
"There is a lot of negativity coming from outside but we are all sticking together. Bringing this bad mood into the team won't help. We're positive and we know that the season is long.
"We're sticking together, we're not discussing things that are happening outside - that's not our job. Our job is to get points, to win games and make the fans happy.
"We have to do our talking on the pitch. We were responsible for that disaster at Manchester City but the way we responded after that has been good. We have to carry on doing that.
"This is a new team, we have bought a lot of players and you need to give them time - people like [Erik] Lamela, who don't speak the English language.
"Every game it is coming, we will get to know each other better and better. We are doing an OK job but we are getting there. I hope we can get a winning streak now."
Suarez vindicated for staying at Liverpool, says Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers believes that Luis Suarez's decision to stay at Liverpool has been vindicated following the forward's exceptional start to the season.
The Uruguayan expressed a desire to leave Anfield for a Champions League club in the summer but ultimately stayed after the Reds rejected the advances of Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Suarez has since put the events of the transfer window behind him, displaying blistering form with 13 goals in nine outings in England's top flight.
After the 26-year-old scored four in a 5-1 demolition of Norwich City on Wednesday, Reds boss Rodgers told reporters: "Luis is extremely happy at Liverpool.
"We don't want to regurgitate things from the past. It was a difficult summer, he understood where we were at and that we want to keep our best players here.
"He is absolutely loving life at Liverpool here at the moment; he's certainly up there with the top players in the world at this moment.
"He certainly feels vindicated for wanting to stay here. Hopefully in the coming years he can achieve what he wants to achieve and play at the top level of the game [with Liverpool]."
Brendan Rodgers believes that Luis Suarez's decision to stay at Liverpool has been vindicated following the forward's exceptional start to the season.
The Uruguayan expressed a desire to leave Anfield for a Champions League club in the summer but ultimately stayed after the Reds rejected the advances of Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Suarez has since put the events of the transfer window behind him, displaying blistering form with 13 goals in nine outings in England's top flight.
After the 26-year-old scored four in a 5-1 demolition of Norwich City on Wednesday, Reds boss Rodgers told reporters: "Luis is extremely happy at Liverpool.
"We don't want to regurgitate things from the past. It was a difficult summer, he understood where we were at and that we want to keep our best players here.
"He is absolutely loving life at Liverpool here at the moment; he's certainly up there with the top players in the world at this moment.
"He certainly feels vindicated for wanting to stay here. Hopefully in the coming years he can achieve what he wants to achieve and play at the top level of the game [with Liverpool]."
Capello: Ronaldo deserves Ballon d'Or
Fabio Capello believes that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or for playing a key role in Portugal's qualification for the World Cup.
The 28-year-old attacker has been in sensational goalscoring form all year and currently has 25 goals in 18 appearances for Real Madrid so far this season.
However, Capello believes it was his remarkable four-goal haul in Portugal's play-off triumph over Sweden, which included a hat-trick in the second leg in Solna, which should see Ronaldo break a run of two successive runners-up finishes to Lionel Messi in the battle for the Ballon d'Or.
"This year Cristiano definitely deserves it," the Russia boss told Deutsche Presse-Agentur.
"In recent years, he always deservedly came second to Messi but this season he has done really decisive things.
"Against Sweden in the play-offs, he carried his Portugal to qualification for the World Cup. It was impressive."
Although Messi is again in contention, Ronaldo's main rival for the annual Fifa award is believed to be Franck Ribery, who won a treble with Bayern Munich last season.
Fabio Capello believes that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or for playing a key role in Portugal's qualification for the World Cup.
The 28-year-old attacker has been in sensational goalscoring form all year and currently has 25 goals in 18 appearances for Real Madrid so far this season.
However, Capello believes it was his remarkable four-goal haul in Portugal's play-off triumph over Sweden, which included a hat-trick in the second leg in Solna, which should see Ronaldo break a run of two successive runners-up finishes to Lionel Messi in the battle for the Ballon d'Or.
"This year Cristiano definitely deserves it," the Russia boss told Deutsche Presse-Agentur.
"In recent years, he always deservedly came second to Messi but this season he has done really decisive things.
"Against Sweden in the play-offs, he carried his Portugal to qualification for the World Cup. It was impressive."
Although Messi is again in contention, Ronaldo's main rival for the annual Fifa award is believed to be Franck Ribery, who won a treble with Bayern Munich last season.
Ronaldo: Madrid looked good without me
Cristiano Ronaldo feels Real Madrid have shown that they have what it takes to cope without him, singling Gareth Bale out for particular praise for stepping up to the mark in his injury-enforced absence.
The 28-year-old attacker has been out of action since picking up a muscle strain in the Liga win over Almeria on November 23 but the Portugal international's unavailability has barely affected Carlo Ancelotti's men, who routed Galatasaray 4-1 before hammering Valladolid 4-0 last weekend.
Bale netted four times across the two games and Ronaldo has been impressed with the way in which the Welshman and the rest of his Blancos colleagues have made light of his unavailability.
"They put in very strong performances and were very strong without me. We played two games at home and that’s always easier, but the team responded perfectly," the attacker told Marca.
"Gareth performed amazingly in both games. He's adapting exceptionally well and playing great."
Ronaldo feels that Madrid's performances have only vindicated his decision to take a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.
"I feel great now," he enthused. "I'll come back fully fit and then we have two very important away league games, against Osasuna and Valencia."
Cristiano Ronaldo feels Real Madrid have shown that they have what it takes to cope without him, singling Gareth Bale out for particular praise for stepping up to the mark in his injury-enforced absence.
The 28-year-old attacker has been out of action since picking up a muscle strain in the Liga win over Almeria on November 23 but the Portugal international's unavailability has barely affected Carlo Ancelotti's men, who routed Galatasaray 4-1 before hammering Valladolid 4-0 last weekend.
Bale netted four times across the two games and Ronaldo has been impressed with the way in which the Welshman and the rest of his Blancos colleagues have made light of his unavailability.
"They put in very strong performances and were very strong without me. We played two games at home and that’s always easier, but the team responded perfectly," the attacker told Marca.
"Gareth performed amazingly in both games. He's adapting exceptionally well and playing great."
Ronaldo feels that Madrid's performances have only vindicated his decision to take a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.
"I feel great now," he enthused. "I'll come back fully fit and then we have two very important away league games, against Osasuna and Valencia."
Gerrard: Suarez can rival Messi and Ronaldo
Steven Gerrard believes it is only a matter of time before Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez can rival Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the title of the world's best player.
The Uruguay international continued his emphatic season on Wednesday with a four-goal haul as the Reds saw off Norwich 5-1, meaning he has now scored 13 times in just nine Premier League games.
And Gerrard feels such performances from Suarez prove he is edging ever close to becoming one of, if not the greatest in the game.
"You have seen a world-class performance, probably one of the best individual performances I've seen at Anfield - and I've been playing here a long time," the Liverpool captain told the club's official website following the win against the Canaries.
"Having worked with him every single day, it's probably less of a surprise to me as it is to the supporters. I've been pushing his corner for a long time that he is up there with the best in the world.
"I think he's getting so close to the main two, Ronaldo and Messi. If he keeps going, I think he can catch them.
"His fourth goal was average and it was a 30-yard free-kick, so I think that sums his performance up."
The thrashing of Norwich was the perfect response to the surprise loss to Hull City on Sunday, and Gerrard hopes Liverpool can replicate the display in games to come.
"That's what the manager [Brendan Rodgers] asked for - a big reaction," Gerrard added. "It was a bad few days after Hull, everyone was down and we weren't proud of the performance.
"We let ourselves down. There have been a couple of occasions this season that we have done it and come unstuck; one was Southampton at home and one was Hull away.
"Hopefully there are not too many more. At home against the teams lower down the league we have been ruthless and that's what we showed tonight. We were ruthless from the first minute.
"It was all about the reaction tonight and the three points. We're really pleased but we've got to match that again against West Ham or tonight is pointless. We have been really good at home, for the majority of games we have been superb.
"There was only Southampton where we haven't turned up. If we keep performing to that level, we can make Anfield a fortress - if you want to be successful in this league, you've got to make your home ground a fortress."
Steven Gerrard believes it is only a matter of time before Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez can rival Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the title of the world's best player.
The Uruguay international continued his emphatic season on Wednesday with a four-goal haul as the Reds saw off Norwich 5-1, meaning he has now scored 13 times in just nine Premier League games.
And Gerrard feels such performances from Suarez prove he is edging ever close to becoming one of, if not the greatest in the game.
"You have seen a world-class performance, probably one of the best individual performances I've seen at Anfield - and I've been playing here a long time," the Liverpool captain told the club's official website following the win against the Canaries.
"Having worked with him every single day, it's probably less of a surprise to me as it is to the supporters. I've been pushing his corner for a long time that he is up there with the best in the world.
"I think he's getting so close to the main two, Ronaldo and Messi. If he keeps going, I think he can catch them.
"His fourth goal was average and it was a 30-yard free-kick, so I think that sums his performance up."
The thrashing of Norwich was the perfect response to the surprise loss to Hull City on Sunday, and Gerrard hopes Liverpool can replicate the display in games to come.
"That's what the manager [Brendan Rodgers] asked for - a big reaction," Gerrard added. "It was a bad few days after Hull, everyone was down and we weren't proud of the performance.
"We let ourselves down. There have been a couple of occasions this season that we have done it and come unstuck; one was Southampton at home and one was Hull away.
"Hopefully there are not too many more. At home against the teams lower down the league we have been ruthless and that's what we showed tonight. We were ruthless from the first minute.
"It was all about the reaction tonight and the three points. We're really pleased but we've got to match that again against West Ham or tonight is pointless. We have been really good at home, for the majority of games we have been superb.
"There was only Southampton where we haven't turned up. If we keep performing to that level, we can make Anfield a fortress - if you want to be successful in this league, you've got to make your home ground a fortress."
Alonso renewal the perfect Christmas gift, says Ancelotti
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful that Xabi Alonso will provide him with the perfect "Christmas present" by signing a new contract.
The holding midfielder's current deal is due to expire at the end of the season, but Ancelotti has stressed that Alonso remains a key figure for Madrid and hopes the 32-year-old will sign an extension before the end of the year.
"I would like Xabi Alonso to sign a new deal as my Christmas present," Ancelotti told reporters.
"He is a key player for Madrid. He has a lot of experience and quality and is very important to the team.
"Xabi Alonso reminds me a bit of myself, although his passing is better and he has better technique as well."
Ancelotti then went on to make it clear that Cristiano Ronaldo remains Madrid's first-choice free-kick taker, regardless of Gareth Bale's successful strike against Galatasaray.
"Cristiano remains the first choice. Bale also agrees that Ronaldo is our best bet for free kicks from close range."
Madrid are currently preparing for Saturday's Copa del Rey game against Olimpic de Xativa.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful that Xabi Alonso will provide him with the perfect "Christmas present" by signing a new contract.
The holding midfielder's current deal is due to expire at the end of the season, but Ancelotti has stressed that Alonso remains a key figure for Madrid and hopes the 32-year-old will sign an extension before the end of the year.
"I would like Xabi Alonso to sign a new deal as my Christmas present," Ancelotti told reporters.
"He is a key player for Madrid. He has a lot of experience and quality and is very important to the team.
"Xabi Alonso reminds me a bit of myself, although his passing is better and he has better technique as well."
Ancelotti then went on to make it clear that Cristiano Ronaldo remains Madrid's first-choice free-kick taker, regardless of Gareth Bale's successful strike against Galatasaray.
"Cristiano remains the first choice. Bale also agrees that Ronaldo is our best bet for free kicks from close range."
Madrid are currently preparing for Saturday's Copa del Rey game against Olimpic de Xativa.
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