..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Casillas: I'll stay at Madrid until my contract ends

Iker Casillas would like to finish his career at Real Madrid but has admitted that his contract may not be renewed by the capital club.

Casillas features only in Copa del Rey and Champions League games for the Blancos, with Diego Lopez filling in between the sticks in La Liga for Carlo Ancelotti’s first team.

Despite having fallen out of favour somewhat in the last 12 months, the Madrid skipper believes he can play for at least another eight years if he takes care of himself.

"I can play up to 40," Casillas, 32, told Melody FM. "If a goalkeeper is careful they can get to that age now, if you take care.

"I wish I could play at Madrid until I’m 40, but there will be a moment where it isn’t possible. When I finish my contract it’ll raise the question of whether I stay at Madrid.

"I want to keep winning titles. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to win trophies and then go and enjoy it with the fans.

"Often I think about what I’ll do when I retire. I would like to remain connected to the world of football, to my club if they need my help."

The goalkeeper believes that luck has played a big part in his success at the Santiago Bernabeu and thinks had first choice shot-stopper Bodo Illgner not got injured, he may not have had the opportunity to make his mark in the XI.

"I think luck is a bit of the story we like to hide," he added. "Remember, I made by debut against Athletic Bilbao and things did not go quite right, so I went back to the B team.

"Then Bodo Illgner got injured and I came back. There are moments like in the World Cup in Korea and Japan that you think can never happen but they do happen. I would never want anything to happen to a team-mate but I jumped at the opportunity.

"You try to fight and struggle and you aspire to want more. I am very ambitious and I always want to play, but with respect for my team-mates."

 

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Costa will be great for Spain, says Ramos

Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos believes new Spain team-mate Diego Costa is destined for great things on the international stage.The Brazilian-born forward, who could make his debut versus Italy on Wednesday, has been in stellar form for Atletico Madrid this season and has long been linked with a spot in Vicente del Bosque's squad.

Costa and Ramos went head-to-head in the Madrid derby draw on Sunday, but the defender insisted that club loyalties are put aside during the international window and he says he is excited to work with Rojiblancos players.

"I think Costa is a great choice and can bring many things," Ramos, 27, told AS. "There’s no problem between us. It’s part of our sport, we defend our interests.

"Football is to unite, not separate. We’re team-mates now.

"We know [Atletico Madrid] have a strong character and heart and that’s part of their style. Madrid’s is to control the ball more. They defend their thing and we defend ours.

"It’s good to have another team that can challenge for the title. They are doing very well and are at a high level."

A late Cristiano Ronaldo equaliser helped Real draw 2-2 at Atletico on Sunday but, despite earning a point to stay top of La Liga, Ramos believes the title-race is far from over.

"Yesterday our confidence dropped after the first goal. I’ll take the second half though," the Spaniard continued. "I don’t think we deserved more than a draw.

"[La Liga] is still very open. We have a small lead. We started the year very strong and now have to go game by game to increase that distance.

"I’m proud to play in this league. For me it’s the best in the world. Atleti are also hopeful of winning it."

 

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'It’s been a long week for Barcelona' - Zubizarreta

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta is relieved that his side are back on track after their convincing 4-1 win over Almeria on Sunday after what he described as a "long week".

The Catalans lost 3-1 to Real Sociedad in their previous match, but goals from Alexis Sanchez, Lionel Messi, Carles Puyol and Xavi saw them return to winning ways this weekend.

The victory was especially crucial after league leaders Real Madrid could only draw 2-2 with fellow title contenders Atletico Madrid and Zubizarreta was especially pleased with how Barca began the Camp Nou clash.

"After losing to Real Sociedad, this past week has been long," the sporting director told AS. "The victory against Almeria is important because the points are important. It gives you peace of mind.

"When you do not play midweek it makes everything longer, especially if you lose. Everyone wanted to help and take responsibility.

"We are a team through the good and the bad. We saw this in the first 25 minutes [when we went 2-0 in front]. This was very good."

Zubizarreta is also relishing the opportunity to be crowned La Liga champions in a season that has seen a fierce battle between Barca, Real and Atletico for the top-spot.

"The league is open to all three of the teams," he added. "Now every opponent is difficult because everything is decisive. That's great for the league and I like the fact that our club are in that fight.

"There being three times fighting for the title is best for La Liga. One game could change everything and entitle Atletico to become a candidate again."

 

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Pardew charged by FA over Meyler headbutt

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has been charged by the Football Association for his headbutt on Hull City's David Meyler.

The 52-year-old was involved in confrontation with the midfielder during the second half of his side's 4-1 win at the KC Stadium on Saturday.

Pardew was also fined £100,000 and given an official warning by Newcastle but the club confirmed he will not be dismissed over the incident.

A statement from the FA read: "Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has been charged in relation to an incident in his side’s game against Hull City on 1 March 2014.

"It is alleged that in the 72nd minute of the fixture, Pardew was involved in an incident with a Hull City player that amounted to improper conduct.

"Due to the serious violent and/or aggressive nature of the reported behaviour this case has been designated as non-standard.

"Pardew has until 6pm on Thursday 6 March 2014 to respond to the charge."

After the match, Pardew apologised and indicated he was prepared to accept any punishment handed out in response to his actions.

"I’m not stupid enough to expect no punishment," he told reporters. "I’ll have to accept what comes my way.

"I shouldn’t be there. The incident is right on top of me. He’s pushed me away and I’ve tried to ease him away but obviously I’ve put my head in a forward motion and you just can’t do that.

"Sometimes when you’re on the sidelines you can get involved. It took the gloss off a great performance. I’ve kind of spoiled that."

 

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'Players must learn discipline' - Prandelli defends De Rossi omission

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has defended his unique 'code of ethics' selection policy by arguing that it is the only way that players such as Daniele De Rossi will learn to control themselves on the field.

The Roma midfielder is likely to be suspended after being caught on camera seemingly striking Inter forward Mauro Icardi during Saturday night's Serie A clash between their respective sides at the Stadio Olimpico.

Prandelli therefore decided against including De Rossi in his squad for Wednesday's international friendly against Spain, explaining that the goal is to hammer home to players that they will not be called upon for this summer's World Cup in Brazil unless he knows that he can rely on them to keep their heads.

"It's our rule and I'm the judge," he declared at the launch of Italy's new PUMA strip in Milan on Monday. "I don't have to wait for television evidence. If I believe that the players have behaved badly, they aren't called.

"I do it for them. For the World Cup, I want players that will be ready in every way. I don't want to play with 10 players. I don't want reckless acts [on the pitch]."

Antonio Cassano has had his own disciplinary problems in the past but the forward is currently enjoying a productive campaign with Parma.

The 31-year-old did not make the squad for the midweek visit to the Vicente Calderon but Prandelli insists that the door remains open for all.

"I'm not excluding anyone at this stage," he stated. "There are still over two months of the season to go. After that, then we'll see."

Prandelli added that Alessandro Diamanti's surprise decision to leave Serie A side Bologna for Chinese Super League outfit Guangzhou Evergrande could affect the attacker's hopes of boarding the plane for Brazil.

"It was a big decision for him, in terms of lifestyle and his family, and also because I certainly cannot watch him in action every week," he confessed.

"It puts a question mark over his participation in the World Cup."

 

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Arsenal are soft touches, insists N'Zonzi

Stoke City midfielder Steven N'Zonzi insists that Arsenal remain soft touches and believes that they need to show greater resilience if they are to sustain a challenge for the Premier League title.

The north Londoners' quest for a first league title since 2004 suffered a significant blow at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday when a Jonathan Walters penalty condemned Arsene Wenger's side to a defeat which leaves them four points behind leaders Chelsea.

The Gunners have won only one of their last seven games away at Stoke and again struggled to assert themselves against Mark Hughes's side on Saturday.

"We know that Arsenal play good football but, when you start kicking them a little bit, it gets harder for them," N'Zonzi told the press.

"They don't like it, we know that. We don't care. We'll keep on doing it, being strong and trying to be as good as we can be on the ball.

"It's not a surprise they have been moaning because they have plenty of technical players."

Asked if Arsenal needed to demonstrate greater resilience, N'Zonzi replied: "Yes - this is how Premier League football is. It's really good, it's really strong."

 

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Cavani thrilled with goalscoring return

Edinson Cavani was elated to mark his return from a thigh injury with a goal in Paris Saint-Germain's 2-0 win over rivals Olympique de Marseille on Sunday.

Les Parisiens completed a 'Classique' double on Sunday, with Maxwell scoring the opener before Cavani returned from a five-match lay-off to power home a header just nine minutes after coming off the bench.

Sunday's goal took Cavani to 14 league goals this term and the Uruguayan was thrilled to return to first-team action and aid PSG's cause.

"It was fantastic to score," Cavani told the club's official website.

"I was sidelined for several weeks. I worked hard to get back. This was a very nice evening. I am very happy to have scored. I know how important it is for the fans."

Maxwell, meanwhile, was delighted to see PSG extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to eight points following Monaco's 2-0 loss at Saint-Etienne on Saturday.

"Monaco's defeat offered us the opportunity to widen the gap. We seized the opportunity.

"On my end, Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave me a great ball. This allowed us to open the scoring, it was very important. I am very happy to have to scored."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

FA Cup defeat inspired Manchester City - Kompany

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has put his side's Capital One Cup glory down to their FA Cup final defeat to Wigan last season.

Manuel Pellegrini's men came from behind to triumph 3-1 over Sunderland on Sunday, banishing memories of last season's Wembley woe, and the Belgian revealed that that disappointment had been an important factor in City's performances this season.

"Last year was probably [...] the fuel for our season so far," the centre-back told reporters. "There's a lot of things you can do when you're beaten but the main thing for us was to improve and work harder.

"And we're still doing so, so this is a fantastic trophy for us but we'll get back this week and work hard again to make sure that we can keep our momentum."

City are still in the running for three other trophies, with the domestic treble remaining a real possibility, but Kompany aims to cool expectations after the club's first League Cup title since 1976.

"One thing at a time, let's bear in mind, for our club, it's a new trophy, a new experience and I want everybody to cherish it first of all," he added.

"It should give us the confidence and make us believe that of course we can still win trophies and of course we need to believe in the rest of the season."

 

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Tevez & Llorente made the difference, says Conte

Antonio Conte feels Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente made the difference for Juventus in their 2-0 win over AC Milan.

Both strikers scored once in Sunday's encounter at San Siro to help the reigning champions to the full three points and the 44-year-old has nothing but praise for his attack.

"We didn't have many problems at all in the second half and even doubled our lead through Carlitos," Conte said at a press conference.

"He's the sort of player who the hotter the atmosphere, the more he thrives. He's at his best with his back against the wall.

"But he's not the only one. I'm thinking of Llorente, who had a wonderful match, worrying the opposition rearguard."

The Juventus coach then went on to praise Milan for their strong display and admitted the Rossoneri made life difficult for the champions before the break.

"Hopefully we won't run into any tanks in the remainder of the season. Sunday we saw half of one, given the excellent performance Milan put in. They were very bright, full of running and set a high tempo in the first half.

"Hats off to [Clarence] Seedorf and his team. Let's not forget we drew here in my first season and lost here last year, so I was worried about losing ground on our title rivals."

 

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Lewandowski desperate for Dortmund to finish second

Robert Lewandowski has urged his Borussia Dortmund team-mates to give their all as they bid to hold on to second spot in the table.

Last year's Champions League finalists beat Nurnberg 3-0 at the weekend to leapfrog Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga table, but the Poland international has stressed that they cannot afford to sit back and relax now.

"We are back at second place in the table again and that's what we were aiming for," Lewandowski told the official Dortmund website.

"The season is still long, though. We still have plenty of hard work to do in order to defend our position."

Lewandowski netted once in BVB's win over Nurnberg to take his tally for the season to 15 goals in 23 Bundesliga appearances and he has no intention of slowing down.

"I am very happy with my goal against Nurnberg. I want to score many more goals in the remainder of the season."

The 25-year-old will leave Dortmund for Bayern Munich on a free transfer at the end of the season.

 

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Khedira: I'm only thinking about my recovery

Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has insisted that he is not thinking about a potential return date from his knee injury.

The Germany international suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament when representing his country back in November and is expected to be fit in time for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

However, the 26-year-old says that he is only concentrating on getting back into top shape, rather than pin-pointing a specific match in which he could make his comeback.

"I tend not to look too far ahead or think about the future; my daily routine consists of an intensive workout – that's all that concerns me right now – not speculating when I might return," he told the German Football Federation's official website.

Khedira will miss Germany's friendly with Chile in his home city of Stuttgart on Wednesday and has revealed his disappointment at sitting out the Mercedes Benz Arena clash.

"Even before the injury, I knew that there would be an international game in Stuttgart and I was really looking forward to it," said the midfielder.

"Beyond that, I could not be there three years ago when we played against Brazil in Stuttgart. The fact that I won't be there again is sad.

"I would have really liked to play against in my old back yard."

 

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Ferguson urges patience with Moyes

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson is adamant that his successor, David Moyes, will turn things around if given enough time.

The Red Devils have struggled in their first season without the 72-year-old at the helm, with the former Everton boss on course to miss out on qualification for next season's Champions League as well as being 2-0 down to Olympiakos in the quarter-finals of this year's competition.

And although the club's disappointing position has caused many fans to declare Moyes the wrong man for the job, Ferguson believes that a stumble in his first season is perfectly natural.

Speaking at a gathering in Los Angeles, he declared: "They will be all right. It's early days and there have been a lot of changes.

"[Moyes] needs time. I was there for 27 years so, with a new manager, it takes time but they'll be OK."

United are in seventh place in the Premier League, 12 points behind fourth-placed Manchester City having played one game more.

Ferguson cemented his place as the most successful British manager in history over his 27-year spell at Old Trafford, winning 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues, among others.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Patience?

Patience thamaidan nam athi wela thiyenne balagena idalawena team 1kaknam meh wenakotath Moyes wa sack karala.Manchester United hindama hodai.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ibrahimovic: Nobody can stop PSG

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has taunted Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 rivals by suggesting that nobody can stop the runaway leaders.

Laurent Blanc's side cruised to a 2-0 victory over Olympique de Marseille on Sunday, capitalising on second-placed Monaco's defeat to Saint-Etienne to take a commanding eight-point lead in the French top tier.

PSG are now heavy favourites to retain the title they won last season for the and their star striker doubts any team can catch them before the end of 2013-14.
"We have our destiny in our own hands," Ibrahimovic told Ligue 1's official website. "It all depends on us. We need to keep on getting the job done.

"If we start to relax and not give 100 per cent, we could end up punishing ourselves. But I don't think that another team can stop us. There is only us."

Maxwell and Edinson Cavani, who came off the bench to return from a short spell out injured, scored the goals which secured PSG a Classique victory at the weekend - their fourth in a row.

Ibrahimovic, who has scored 37 goals in all competitions so far this season, hopes the entire team can continue chipping in as they strive for European glory with the club leading 4-0 over Bayer Leverkusen after the last-16 opening leg."Cavani was really good, and scored a great header," Ibrahimovic added. "It's great for the team. In the coming months, we have a lot of very important matches, and we'll need everyone.

"We have a great chance of winning the league title. For the Champions League, we had a great first leg. Now we have an advantage, but in the quarter-finals anything can happen."

 

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Coleman feared for Bale in 'brutal' Madrid derby

Wales manager Chris Coleman was worried Gareth Bale would not come out of the "brutal" Madrid derby injury-free.

The winger featured for Real Madrid in their 2-2 draw at Atletico on Sunday and, with Wales facing Iceland on Wednesday, the trainer was worried his star man might not come away from the Vicente Calderon unscathed.

"I was never worried about Bale. He has been here before when he's known he is not going to play and has made the trip anyway to be with us. It is great to have him," Coleman told reporters.

"He was involved in a tough game at the weekend - the Madrid derby was brutal at times. My heart was in my mouth on one or two occasions but he has come through that. He is here and raring to go."

Coleman also confirmed that Crystal Palace midfielder Joe Ledley will miss Wednesday's friendly through injury after picking up a problem versus Swansea at the weekend.

"Joe Ledley will be returning to Palace," Coleman added. "He has got a hip problem that never really settled down after Sunday's game. We won't take the chance with Joe."

 

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Lloris urges France consistency

Hugo Lloris has urged France to become a consistent unit as they prepare to face the Netherlands in their latest pre-World Cup friendly on Wednesday.

Les Bleus sealed their place at the World Cup thanks to a thrilling play-off comeback against Ukraine in November - losing the first leg 2-0 before running out 3-0 winners in the second.

And now that their place in Brazil is secured, Lloris says France must continue to meet the standard of performance they set in that second leg victory.

"It has to serve as a starting point," he told reporters.

"We must continue on this path and go as far as possible. We must always seize the initiative regardless of what game it is or who we are playing.

"Getting to the World Cup has given us confidence and brought us closer to the French public. Although our next game is a friendly we want to win and have no regrets."

France's friendly with the Netherlands at the Stade de France kicks off at 9pm CET on Wednesday evening.

 

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Barcelona skipper Puyol calls press conference amid exit rumours

Carles Puyol has called a press conference for Tuesday afternoon 16:00CET amid rumours that he could leave Barcelona this summer.

A number of recent reports have claimed that the experienced defender is contemplating either retiring from professional football at the end of the season - or leaving for a MLS club come June.

Puyol has so far been reluctant to discuss his plans for the future, but he could now make an announcement on his long-term plans.

The 35-year-old has made nearly 600 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona since making his official first-team debut in 1999-200, but he has made only five La Liga appearances so far in 2013-14 because of a succession of injuries.

Meanwhile, other sources suggest that the centre-back could announce his retirement from international football in order to focus on Barcelona.

He has represented Spain 100 times at senior level and was part of the team that won the European title in 2008 before being crowned world champions in 2010.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Germany can win World Cup, says Low

Joachim Low is confident that Germany have all the attributes to win a fourth World Cup in Brazil.

Germany have not lifted the trophy since 1990 but, after losing the 2002 final and finishing third at the last two tournaments, coach Low believes they are prepared to end their 24-year wait for success in South America.

Low's side face a tricky task in Group G having been drawn alongside Portugal, Ghana and the United States, but with 100 days to go until the finals begin, the 54-year-old is focused entirely on glory at the Maracana on July 13."Of course we are ready for the World Cup," Low said.

"Since the draw we are constantly thinking about the World Cup in Brazil, our entire focus lies on the players and on our team and on the process and the organisation.

"I think you have to differentiate a little. Of course it applies to the situation overall, but also the expectation of the fans, everybody's ready to fight for the title we feel a great support in the country and an incredibly huge interest.

"We the managers have always been ready; we're under tension ahead of every tournament and always go into each with full concentration. But it applies more because Germany hasn't won the title in a long time and of course we will try everything to reach that title."

Germany continue their preparations for the World Cup with a friendly against Chile in Stuttgart on Wednesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool post £49.8m loss despite increased turnover

Liverpool incurred a loss of £49.8 million in the financial year ending May 31, 2013, new accounts have shown.

Although the club's turnover rose by nine per cent to £206.1m in the 12-month period, with debt falling by 29% to just over £45m, their latest figures show they still suffered a significant post-tax loss.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Since Fenway Sports Group (FSG) completed its takeover of Liverpool FC in October 2010, revenue has steadily increased year on year and external debt has decreased overall by nearly £200m.

"Despite the club dropping three places to 12th in Deloitte's Football Money League, Liverpool remains the highest ranked club that is not in the Champions League.

"Its commercial revenue now accounts for 47 per cent of the total revenue, which is bettered by only the Money League's top six."

Managing director Ian Ayre said the figures are a sign of Liverpool's ongoing development, with the club currently second in the Premier League table and on course for a lucrative return to the Champions League following a four-season absence.

"These results demonstrate that the financial health of the club continues to make good progress as we continue our journey to transform the club on and off the pitch," he said.

"With a hugely supportive ownership group, we have taken a measured approach to bring back financial stability to this great club by ensuring it is properly structured on and off the pitch.

"During the period, we signed six new players including Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Joe Allen, and we extended seven players' contracts ... adding strength and depth to the squad while continuing to develop young talent.

"Given where Liverpool Football Club was only a few years ago, the progress that has been made since FSG acquired the club has brought back much-needed stability with an ambitious vision which everyone is focused on.

"I'd like to thank everyone involved in running the club - our owners, fans, partners, players and staff - for all the hard work and dedication."

 

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Tottenham defender Walker withdraws from England squad

Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker has withdrawn from the England squad to face Denmark on Wednesday with a groin injury.

A statement on the club's official website confirmed the news, with Walker having missed Spurs' last four matches with the problem.

Glen Johnson or Chris Smalling look the most likely candidates to fill the right-back role as England play their final friendly before Roy Hodgson names his 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup.