..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger hails 'fabulous' Alexis impact after Arsenal win

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hailed "fabulous" Alexis Sanchez after his late strike secured a 1-0 win over Southampton in the Premier League on Wednesday.

The London club looked set to have to settle for a point at the Emirates Stadium as they struggled to break down a spirited and resolute Southampton side.

Fraser Forster produced sensational saves to deny Danny Welbeck twice and Olivier Giroud as Arsenal desperately pushed to force a winner which would move them up to sixth place.

And it duly arrived one minute from the end, when Chile forward Alexis was on hand to ram home his 14th goal of an impressive debut season in England.

The victory leaves Arsenal two points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United and Wenger praised the impact his big-money signing has made since his move from Barcelona.

He told Arsenal's official website: "It's difficult to find examples of someone who has settled so quickly. He's had a fabulous impact on the team."

Wenger acknowledged Arsenal were not at their fluent best, but the Frenchman still felt his side deserved a third successive win.

He said: "Today was the third game in seven days and we had to dig deep and be patient against a very good, well organised team.

"There was something missing in our fluency but it's important that we can win when it's not perfect.

"We gave very few chances away and we created more, so we deserved the win."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sanchez patta​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Amazing Alexis is vital to Wenger's three-year title plan

"It's fabulous," was Arsene Wenger's assessment of Alexis Sanchez's contribution to Arsenal since joining from Barcelona in the summer. On a bitterly cold Wednesday night in north London the Chilean was again central to a typically nerve-shredding victory under the lights as the Gunners stole a 1-0 win in the 89th minute.

The 25-year-old, along with Olivier Giroud, who made an energising impact off the bench, dragged Arsenal from what looked like two dropped points to another vital win.

It was actually one of Alexis' more moderate displays in an Arsenal shirt, which says it all. Here he was, duelling with Nathaniel Clyne down the left before switching to terrorise Ryan Bertrand on the right in the second half. In fairness, the full-backs, both highly regarded, just about dealt with Alexis but his electric movement and probing passes were a constant menace for Southampton.

The few occasions he drifted into central areas saw him come alive and a superbly weighted through-ball to Danny Welbeck carved open Arsenal's first chance of the game. Seeing him thrive in the No.10 role - as we did throughout November - makes you wonder why Wenger continues to start him on the left but this freer role had the Saints midfield constantly living in fear.

His 14th goal of the season came in dramatic circumstances as an out-of-sorts Aaron Ramsey sent the ball fizzing across the six-yard box and you could understand where Wenger was coming from when he told the press of Alexis having to "dig deep today".

This was possibly the only time all game that Alexis gambled and committed to a run into the six-yard box and that fighting spirit his manager is so keen to highlight in his prize asset came to the fore.

It meant 10-man Southampton left with nothing. Cruel in some regards - they defended diligently and reduced Arsenal's creative efforts in the final third to a game of interceptions - but even Fraser Forster's colossal performance in goal wasn't enough to bag Ronald Koeman a point.

That's now three consecutive victories in just seven days for Arsenal, easing the pressure on Wenger somewhat after a trying few weeks.

Speaking of Wenger, he has been widely ridiculed for boldly (some would say foolishly) declaring that he could lead Arsenal to a Premier League title by the end of the 2016-17 season - when his new contract expires. "Of course," the 65-year-old remarked valiantly of his chances.

Yet the evidence of the last few years suggests the Frenchman is well wide of the mark and this season will offer little comfort to even his most staunch supporters. On the other side of the fence, the section of the support that has called for him to resign must surely see that, in Alexis, Arsenal now have a superstar capable of carrying a team to silverware.

Alexis is that uniquely South American blend of genius and dogged spirit that was last embodied on these shores by Luis Suarez. Though rare, when those qualities are married together and harnessed shrewdly - and Arsenal still believe they can get Alexis performing at an even higher level - they will have, if he is not already, a world-class game-changer.

The only surprise is how fast he's adapted to a league that has traditionally smirked and bullied foreign stars into careers elsewhere. And Wenger admitted he'd never seen a player make such an impact so seamlessly - some statement from a man with 45 years' experience in professional football.

"It's difficult to find examples of players who have settled so quickly," he told reporters immediately after the game. "You cannot and you won't.

"We're in December, he arrived in July, look at the number of goals and impact he's had. It's fabulous."

Alexis is in his prime. He will spend his best years at the Emirates and Arsenal have to match his ambition in this time. Wenger says he can lead his team to a Premier League title but at the moment no-one else is near the Chilean's level - including Wenger himself.

There is also the burn-out question. He played almost two complete 90 minutes matches for Chile in the international break before returning to play 270 minutes in the last seven days. Wenger may want to rest him but much like the Cristiano Ronaldos of this world, the best want to play in every minute, while on days like this their clubs need them on the pitch for the duration.

Whether this comes back to haunt Arsenal further down the line is impossible to answer but there will come a time when Alexis' standards take a dip. At that stage, it must be hoped Wenger would have a contingency plan, else his professed desire to win a fourth Premier League crown will come to nothing.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: Did you remember Diego Costa today? I didn't

Jose Mourinho has praised his Chelsea players for their performance without Diego Costa in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

Replacement Didier Drogba and substitute Loic Remy - along with Eden Hazard - found the net as the Blues comfortably saw off their London rivals to preserve a six-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

And Mourinho insists he was never worried by the absence of top scorer Costa - who missed out through suspension - because he trusted that the rest of his team would step up.

"Did you remember Diego Costa today? I didn't," said Mourinho.

"We need Diego Costa but our mentality is the right mentality. You don't cry about it. You give responsibility to the others and they respond in the best way."

Drogba stole the headlines in Costa's absence, setting up Hazard for the opening goal and scoring the second himself, and Mourinho was full of praise for the veteran Ivorian.

"It's remarkable," he added. "First of all he's a team player, after that he's one of these players with an old days mentality. He's not selfish, not vain, a humble guy. He plays for the team, fights for the team. He's fantastic.

"When he comes from the bench for the last couple of minutes because the team needs him, he does it with the same mentality as when he starts against Tottenham. Fantastic.

"He is going to finish his career at Chelsea and it looks to me like he will stay here doing other things.

"I played against him last year and I could feel the potential he still has, so I'm not surprised. I knew he would adapt very well to this important role in the team from a mental point of view.

"When he came here, he came here to stay. I think it will be his decision when to decide to stop as a player."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lahm could be out until March

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has revealed his fractured ankle could keep him out of action until March.

The former Germany international suffered the injury on November 18 and underwent an operation that saw a plate inserted with six screws to secure the joint around the bone.

It was thought he could be fit in time to return at the start of 2015, and while the World Cup winner is yet to rule that out, it appears a later date may be more realistic.

"I won't be back in January under any circumstances," the 31-year-old told Bild.

"It could be February, but perhaps March. Luckily I don't have the pressure of World Cup or European Championship qualifying.

"When the season reaches the key moment I will be back to 100 per cent fit."

Even without their leader, Bayern appear on course to cruise to another Bundesliga title, their third in a row, after opening up a seven-point lead at the top of the table, much to Lahm's delight.

"It must be noted that this season we have everything under control. We've played with such consistency and tactical variation, we've never played like this before.

"The title is far from won, but if we carry on like we are then there can only be one winner: Bayern."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I don't need a vote of confidence, says Klopp

Jurgen Klopp insists he doesn’t need a vote of confidence from the Borussia Dortmund board but conceded Friday's Bundesliga clash with Hoffenheim was the equivalent of a "high noon" showdown.

Dortmund were the closest challengers to Bayern Munich last season but have had a horrible start to the new campaign and currently prop up the table after 13 rounds.

Discontent is growing on the terraces but the 47-year-old – who does not appear in any immediate danger of losing his job - has asked for supporters to train their focus on supporting the players.

He said: "I don't need a vote of confidence, I've had it a thousand times before. The team needs it now."He admitted, however: "Friday evening is high noon. We've got to learn not to get down about our mistakes, instead stay calm and keep playing football. I know how a relegation battle works and how a team has to think in order to get out of it. You don't win games 7-0 in relegation battles. You take your chances when they come to you. We have to accept mistakes."

Klopp then attempted to put a positive spin on the current situation and is hoping Dortmund will emerge stronger from the experience.He said: "At some point, we'll be able to say that we grew closer together during this time. Working and dealing with problems makes you better. I have rarely had to deal with as many as I have at the moment.

"It's a little tough and we've got to be ready for that. I am!"
Dortmund dropped to the foot of the table for the first time in 29 years following Sunday’s defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt – but Klopp realised problems existed long before the weekend.

"The game in Frankfurt didn't make us realise we were in a relegation battle. We have long understood what we're involved in. Shock was there, but it's a few days ago, thankfully," he said.

"We've got to see in training who is ready to take on this challenge and then I'll pick the team.

"Too often we've gone behind in games, and that's why we've lost a lot of games. Our manner when we're losing isn't good."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I am a very crazy coach' - Van Gaal admits results don't always impress him

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has admitted he is a "very crazy coach" due to performances impressing him more than results.

The Red Devils moved to within a point of third-placed Southampton in the Premier League table after a 2-1 victory over Stoke City on Tuesday, with Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata finding the net.

But United had to hang on in the closing stages, with David De Gea and Ashley Young both denying Mame Biram Diouf in stoppage time as the Potters pushed for an equaliser.

And Van Gaal was unhappy that his team did not make life comfortable for themselves, though he was pleased with the way the players reacted after a disappointing first half.

"In the first half we were not aggressive enough and also we didn't keep out positions on the pitch so I wasn't pleased at half-time," he told Sky Sports.

"I think the second half was much better. We created more chances - we scored, but we need to score more goals.

"You know that [Peter] Crouch is coming on and the long balls are coming, but I'm very happy that we held this result until the end.

"The last few minutes were not necessary. We have struggled till the end and in the Premier League it is common but I'm happy with the result. It's our fourth victory in a row which is also important.

"I had to select a new line-up, but I don't want to talk about the injuries. I want to talk about the players who gave us this result. They fought until the end.

"I'm always impressed by our performance than by the result - I'm a very crazy coach. I want a better performance.

"Against Hull City I liked our performance, but today it could have been better."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aguero: I will try convince Messi to move to Man City

Sergio Aguero has revealed he will try and convince compatriot Lionel Messi to move to the Premier League.

The Barcelona star and four-time Ballon d'Or winner has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou after he claimed he did not know what the future had in store for him.

Messi has previously stated that he would love to retire at the Liga club, but his recent comments have since thrown that into doubt

Aguero's club Manchester City have been among those linked with a possible move for 27-year-old, with Goal revealing that the Premier League champions went on a charm offensive when they hosted the Argentina national side in November.

And Aguero himself admitted he would love for his fellow countryman to move to the Premier League, though he realises it will be difficult to persuade him.

"It's a tough ask. I'll try and convince him," he said after winning the Football Supporters' Federation Player of the Year award.

"You want the best players to be playing in the Premier League. I'll certainly try and convince him."

 

[Banks PLK]

Aguero patta form 1kaka inne​

aguero ge 1st goal eka patta

aguero & jovetic new partnership is going well

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lyon 2-1 Reims: Lacazette the hero with late winner

Lyon left it late to return third in Ligue 1 as Alexandre Lacazette gave them a 2-1 win over Reims at the Stade de Gerland on Thursday.

Hubert Fournier's side slipped to sixth as a result of points picked up by Saint-Etienne, Rennes and Bordeaux earlier in the week and it looked as though they would miss the chance to move back into the European spots.

Corentin Tolisso put the home side ahead after just six minutes when he headed the opening goal following a delivery from Nabil Fekir.However, Benjamin Moukandjo levelled nine minute before the break when he took advantage of a spilled effort from Prince Oniangue.

Anthony Lopes could not hold on to the strike, with Moukandjo on hand to finish as he maintained his brght record, having scored in five consecutive appearances.
Just when it seemed as though Reims were to ensure an impressive away point, Lacazette again showed his lethal touch in the first minute of stoppage time.

After an impressive start to the campaign, the France international had failed to score since his return from the international break last month but Johnny Placide was unable to keep his long-range strike out.

Lacazette's 12th Ligue 1 goal of the season moves Lyon back to third, while Reims remain ninth having lost in the top flight for the first time in eight matches.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

France boss Deschamps to consider farewell Henry call-up

France coach Didier Deschamps has said he will think about the prospect of calling Thierry Henry up to the national team for a final time.

There have been increasing calls for the former Arsenal and Barcelona star to be recalled for a farewell appearance for Les Bleus in the friendly against Brazil in March, with Zinedine Zidane and Arsene Wenger amongst the big names to publicly back the idea.

Deschamps, who captained the national team in the victorious 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 tournaments in which Henry also played, says it is a possibility to recall the 37-year-old, but added he would not rush into a decision.

"It has become such a big media subject," he told RMC. "Thierry Henry is a great player. He has marked the history of the France team, as have some others.

"It is worth thinking about. I'll take the time to discuss it with the federation president.

"After people have ideas, they end up in the press. I won't close the door but I don't want to put pressure on this issue.

"We will take the time to discuss it. This is not for tomorrow. It will keep going. Thierry Henry is Thierry Henry."

Henry, who made his international debut in 1997 and last played for his country in 2010, has 123 international caps and a record 51 goals to his name.

 

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Henry ta anthima wathawata France National Team 1ke play karanna chance 1ka dunnoth patta​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Torres needs more time, says Albertini

Fernando Torres will start banging in the goals for AC Milan if he is given more time to settle in, former team-mate Demetrio Albertini has said.

The striker, on loan from Chelsea, has scored just one goal in the 10 Serie A games he has played so far this season, adding to the woes he has suffered in front of goal since his final year at Liverpool.

However, Albertini, who played alongside the 30-year-old at Atletico Madrid and won five Serie A titles and two Champions League trophies with Milan in the 1990s, says the striker will begin to shine if he is shown enough patience.

"If you want to see the real Nino, then you have to wait," Albertini said to Tuttosport.

"The current Torres is not the one we all knew. He is coming off two seasons in which he played very little, so it’s not easy to find yourself after that."Fernando must be aware of what he has gone through, to rediscover self-confidence and belief in himself not just through words, but also through actions.

"Plus let’s not forget the football in Spain and England has more spaces than in Italy, so consequently a striker has at least four or five chances per match. For him Serie A is completely new."I think the difficulties for Torres are, other than settling in, finding a team that has changed a lot from last season and has a new coach.

"When you build a mosaic with five or six changes out of 11 pieces, it is logical to have fewer guarantees and the newcomers will feel even more out of place.

"When a foreign player joins a settled team, it is easier to adapt. When you put together a puzzle, you start with the outline and fill in the rest, but if every summer you break up the outline it becomes difficult."

Fernando Llorente enjoyed a bright start to life at Juventus, joining after the team had already been crowned champions twice in a row and Albertini feels that the striker's success in Turin proves his point.He continued: "Fernando Llorente at Juventus is a great example of that and Torres has fitness problems too.

"After two or three months Llorente adapted to the Italian training and match tempo, but he was in a side that had won the Scudetto and only added him and Carlos Tevez.

"Torres could well be left on the bench, as he needs time to adapt and it’s down to Inzaghi and the player to understand the best course of action."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I want to retire at Real Madrid - Marcelo

Marcelo has said he is enjoying life at Real Madrid and plans to end his career at the club.

The Brazil international joined the Liga giants almost eight years ago and has won a Champions League title and Uefa Super Cup as well as three league titles, two Copa del Rey trophies and the Supercopa de Espana twice.

The 26-year-old defender insisted he is content in Madrid and could see out the remainder of his playing days at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"I am very happy here and I want to stay here until I retire," he said on his Facebook page in a question and answer session with fans.

"I have many great memories with this team but of course, now, I have to say that my favourite is the Decima. But it is difficult to choose a favourite.

"All of my goals are special but if I had to think of one that is my favourite I would say the one that I scored in the Champions League final."

Madrid are currently on a club-record run of 17 successive victories and are looking like strong challengers in every competition they are competing for. Marcelo confirmed securing success in every tournament is an ambition for Carlo Ancelotti's side in 2014-15.

When asked if winning the treble was a target, he said: "When you wear the Real Madrid shirt you should always fight for all of the titles and that is what we always do. We hope to give a lot of joy to our fans and that is our big objective."

Marcelo was also questioned on which player was faster between Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, to which the left-back replied: "Me, hahaha!"

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hummels: Victory has never been so important

Mats Hummels has urged his Borussia Dortmund team to pick up all three points from their upcoming clash with Hoffenheim, saying that a victory has never been so crucial.

While the German side sit top of their Champions League group and are already assured of their place in the last-16, they are currently bottom of the Bundesliga having picked up just 11 points from 13 games this season.

Sitting 22 points behind reigning league champions and current leaders Bayern Munich, Hummels says last season's runners-up cannot afford to drop any more points and stressed the importance of a victory on Friday.

"Never was a victory so immensely important as it is now against Hoffenheim," he told Kicker.

Dortmund's awful start to their domestic has seen a great deal of speculation build around the future of coach Jurgen Klopp, but the coach has said he will not resign from his role, while Horst Heldt, the general manager of rivals Schalke, has maintained BVB will climb out of trouble eventually.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Castan out of intensive care, Roma confirm

Roma defender Leandro Castan has left intensive care after undergoing brain surgery, the club have announced.

Castan had a three-and-a-half-hour operation to remove a cavernoma from his brain on Tuesday, with Roma confirming afterwards that the procedure had been successful.And the Serie A club released another statement to reveal the 28-year-old Brazilian is out of intensive care and "progressing as expected".

"Leandro Castan has successfully negotiated the first 24 hours after his operation," it read."He is conscious and interacting with family members and medical staff. He has now left the intensive care unit, but is still being constantly monitored.

"He is progressing as expected, though no prognosis has yet been released."
Castan could return to action in five months, which means he could play some part in the final stages of the 2014-15 season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi yellow card rescinded

Barcelona have successfully appealed the yellow card shown to Lionel Messi after he was hit by a bottle in last weekend's game at Valencia.

The Argentina international was hit by the object during Barca's celebrations after Sergio Busquet's dramatic injury-time goal secured a 1-0 win at Mestalla.

Messi then complained to referee Fernandez Borbalan that he had been hit, but was booked, with the official stating in his match report that Messi had: "Delayed his return to the pitch after the goal was scored, in order to waste time".
The incident drew a quick response from Valencia, who vowed to identify the supporter and issue them with a lifetime ban.

It was confirmed on Wednesday that the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) would keep the card on the 2014 Ballon d'Or nominee's record, but the club have appealed against it and the governing body have rescinded the booking.Though the booking would not have caused Messi to miss any game time, it has nevertheless been withdrawn by the RFEF.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mignolet is trying to improve Liverpool form, says Rodgers


Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has defended Simon Mignolet as the goalkeeper continues to come under fire for his performances.

The Belgian has endured much criticism for his displays this season, with the Reds struggling to recapture the form that saw them finish second in 2013-14.

Mignolet presented Leicester City's Esteban Cambiasso with an open goal thanks to a careless pass during Tuesday's 3-1 victory but the Argentine let the keeper off the hook by shooting wide.

The 26-year-old was then unfortunate to concede an own goal as a shot from Leonardo Ulloa rebounded off the post, hit him on the back and went in, and Rodgers came to his No.1's defence on Thursday.

"Simon Mignolet is working very hard on the training field to improve," he told reporters ahead of Saturday's clash with Sunderland.

The midweek win at Leicester saw Liverpool complete back-to-back top-flight victories for just the second time this season and Rodgers was full of praise for the manner in which his players have reacted to a difficult spell that saw them lose four in a row in all competitions.

"It's a really exciting period," he added. "The players have shown the character I always said they had. They have responded magnificently."

Mario Balotelli missed the Leicester win with a groin injury and remains sidelined as the Football Association continues its investigation into a controversial social media post made by the Italian but Rodgers insists that he has not lost faith in the former AC Milan man and also hopes to welcome Philippe Coutinho and Jose Enrique back into his squad against Sunderland.

"[Balotelli] is injured at moment but he's still very much a Liverpool player. My concentration is on those fit and available," Rodgers noted.

"Coutinho had a slight issue with his knee but should be OK for Saturday. Enrique has trained and should be OK."

One major source of frustration for Rodgers this season has been the continued absence of Daniel Sturridge. The England striker, who scored 21 Premier League goals last season, has not played for Liverpool since August due to various muscle injuries.

Sturridge's latest setback is expected to keep him out until January, although Rodgers says the 25-year-old is progressing well in his rehabilitation.

"He has gone away to get some work in, with some of our staff, doing specific work," the Northern Irishman continued. "He's coming along well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Uefa confirms Euro 2020 qualifying format

Uefa's Executive Committee has confirmed the format for the qualifying stage of Euro 2020, with the new Uefa Nations League named as one of the avenues for progression to the finals.

The 54 European nations will be split into four groups of six teams and six of five, with the winners and runners-up from all 10 groups earning a place in the continent-wide special edition of the tournament in 2020.

Such a format means no third-placed teams will qualify – a significant change from the ongoing European qualifiers for the 2016 finals in France. Instead, the final four places will go to teams qualifying from a series of Nations League play-offs held in March 2020, just three months before the finals are due to be played.

Teams will play six matches in one of four leagues between September and November 2018 as part of the initial group phase of the Nations League. Within each league, four teams will then play off for the last four spots at Euro 2020.

The 2020 finals tournament will take place in 13 different countries around Europe, with the semi-finals and final to be played at London's Wembley Stadium.

The Uefa ExCo has also announced that Russia will be banned from incorporating Crimean clubs or using Crimean territory to host fixtures as of January 1, 2015.

The Russian Football Union (RFU) made moves in July to incorporate three Crimean clubs – TSK Simferopol, SK ChF Sevastopol and Zhemchuzhina Yalta – into its football despite them being part of the Ukrainian football league setup.

But Uefa has now confirmed that Crimea will be considered a 'special zone' for the purposes of football, protecting it from RFU advances.

A statement explained: "Under the supervision of Uefa ExCo member, Mr Frantisek Laurinec, Uefa will also fund the development of football in Crimea, especially for youth and football infrastructure initiatives, with the precise funding to be determined at a future Uefa ExCo meeting.

"This solution brings the situation in line with the statutes of both Uefa and Fifa and aims at ensuring that football can be played and developed in Crimea."

 

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Gerrard should stay at Liverpool 'for the rest of his life' - Lambert


Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard should remain at the club "for the rest of his life", says striker Rickie Lambert.

Now 34, Gerrard's contract is set to expire at the end of the current season and is in talks with the club over a new deal, though he was in the spotlight on Saturday when manager Brendan Rodgers rested him from the starting XI in the Reds' 1-0 Premier League win over Stoke City.

Gerrard - who has made over 600 appearances for his beloved Liverpool - was back in the team for Tuesday's trip to Leicester City, though, playing a starring role and scoring the second goal in a 3-1 victory.

With speculation continuing to mount regarding his future, Lambert believes that Gerrard should see out his career at Anfield.

"I think I am speaking for everyone involved in Liverpool that we are desperate to keep Stevie," the Liverpool striker told reporters.

"It's clear that it's his decision and the club's decision but I think he needs to stay at Liverpool for the rest of his life - that's my opinion.

"Stevie is his own man but he is Mr Liverpool. I am enjoying playing with him, very much so, after years of watching him - and long may it continue."

Gerrard's own form has been closely scrutinised in recent weeks but Lambert has no doubts over his quality.

He added: "I think some of the talk is silly; he was always going to come good, as he showed at Leicester.

"He has got more than enough in the tank. He is still one of the best players around for me. Obviously he is not going to play every single game but he showed what he can do."