..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

I'm curious to see where I will end up - Khedira

Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira claims he is "curious" to see where he will be playing football next season as speculation over his future continues.

The Germany international, who has been plagued by injury problems this season, is in the final year of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu and has been linked with a number of European clubs, including Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Arsenal.

However, the 27-year-old has made it clear there have been no talks with other interested parties and claims he could yet sign a new deal in the Spanish capital despite competing for playing time against Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, James Rodriguez, Asier Illarramendi and Isco.

"It is a known fact that my contract expires. We [Khedira and Madrid] are always in good contact," he told reporters in Stuttgart.

"I feel very comfortable in Madrid. I am not averse to staying. There are no talks with other clubs. I am curious myself to see where I will end up."

The World Cup winner admits he was concerned he would not be fit to play a part in Brazil this summer and claims the Ballon d'Or race is too close to call following the performances of Manuel Neuer and Cristiano Ronaldo this year.

"It was a year full of events for me. I did not know whether I would be fit for the Champions League final and the World Cup again," he said.

"The three [Ballon d'Or] nominees embody world class and are great personalities. For me, there are two favourites: Cristiano Ronaldo and Manuel Neuer. Both raised the level of their positions to a new dimension. I am glad I do not have to vote. If I were [Fifa president] Joseph Blatter, I'd hand out golden balls."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool confirm work to begin on Anfield redevelopment


Liverpool have confirmed that work is set to begin on their expansion of Anfield's Main Stand.

Since initial plans were announced by Fenway Sports Group in 2012 to revamp the Reds' current ground rather than to build a new stadium, work has continued behind the scenes to realise the idea, with planning permission granted in September.

Last year's Premier League runners-up say that, as previously expected, construction work will begin in early 2015 with a view to completion before the start of the 2016-17 season as they expand the stadium's capacity to around 54,000.

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner said in a statement: "Since Fenway Sports Group took ownership of the club, we were committed to explore in depth all options for the future of Anfield Stadium. We listened to fans, the community, partners, the Supporters' Committee and key stakeholders involved in the club.

"It was just over two years ago that we said our preference was to stay at Anfield and here we are today, announcing that the expansion is going ahead. We have made more progress in the past two years than in the last decade.

"Having experience of expanding Fenway Park and being through a similar and very successful project for the Red Sox, everyone at FSG is extremely proud and excited to be part of expanding Anfield Stadium."

The stadium expansion is part of a wider redevelopment of the Anfield area and will see improved matchday hospitality in the new three-tier version of the stand, which will also house the Hillsborough memorial.

Liverpool revealed in April designs for how the finished ground is intended to look.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ancelotti up for global award

Real Madrid's Decima-winning boss Carlo Ancelotti has been listed among the nominees for the best coach of 2014 at the Globe Soccer Awards.

In his first year at the Bernabeu, after succeeding Jose Mourinho, Ancelotti guided Madrid to an elusive 10th European Cup/Champions League title with a 4-1 final defeat of city rivals Atletico.

It marked the continuation of the Italian's glittering coaching career which has also seen him win domestic league titles in Italy (AC Milan), England (Chelsea) and France (Paris Saint-Germain).He could land another in 2015, with Madrid two points clear of arch-rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga. They are currently on a run of 17 consecutive victories in all competitions – a new club record.

Ancelotti will face competition for the award from Joachim Low, who led Germany to World Cup glory in the summer; Pep Guardiola, whose Bayern Munich side claimed a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in his first year in Germany; and Antonio Conte for his achievement in guiding Juventus to a third successive Scudetto.

Ancelotti is expected to attend the glittering award ceremony at the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm Hotel in Dubai on December 29. His side face his former club Milan in the emirate the following day.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ibrahimovic facing season-long injury problem, warns PSG doctor


Paris Saint-Germain club doctor Eric Rolland has warned that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be suffering from his heel injury for the rest of the season.

Ibrahimovic's campaign has been hampered by the problem, with the Sweden striker restricted to 11 appearances in all competitions for the defending Ligue 1 champions.

The 33-year-old is widely expected to miss Saturday's visit of Nantes to the Parc des Princes in order to be fit for the subsequent Champions League clash with Barcelona next Wednesday.And Rolland indicated that the issue will trouble the former Barcelona, AC Milan and Juventus man throughout 2014-15.

"He still has pain in his heel. It's pain that can change in intensity," Rolland told RMC Sport."Recently, it hasn't got worse, but it will be present until the end of the season. Zlatan will not play every game.

"He just wanted to look after himself ahead of the trip to Barcelona."Ibrahimovic, who also missed the draw with Lille on Wednesday, has nine goals for PSG so far this season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dortmund won't go down, says Heldt


Schalke general manager Horst Heldt has backed Borussia Dortmund to pull away from the Bundesliga's relegation zone.

Despite finishing a comfortable second in the division last season, Jurgen Klopp's men prop up the table after 13 games in 2014-15 - 23 points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

But Heldt believes BVB's troubles are largely down to an injury crisis that has plagued them for much of the campaign.

"I'm not worried for them because Borussia Dortmund will come out fine, because they are all very capable football people," he told Der Westen. "For example, with Jurgen Klopp they have one of the best coaches in Germany.

"The current table space is therefore - in my view - only a snapshot. Viewing from the outside, our neighbours have similar problems to us which is a long injury list.

"If a key player like Marco Reus is missing, then of course this can be difficult to absorb. In football there are repeatedly occurring situations which you cannot anticipate.

"In 2011, for example, Schalke became DFB-Pokal winners, but at the same time finished 14th in the Bundesliga."

Schalke are next in action on Saturday when they travel to 16th-placed Stuttgart on Saturday, while on Friday Dortmund could hop up as many as five places in the table with a win over Hoffenheim.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neuer deserves Ballon d'Or but won't win - Dino Zoff

Italy legend Dino Zoff believes Manuel Neuer deserves Fifa's Ballon d'Or for 2014, but thinks Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi will take home the trophy.

On Monday it was announced that the Germany and Bayern No.1 would join Ronaldo and Messi in the final three, hoping to break their six-year duopoly of the prize.

Zoff can empathise with the competition Neuer has in the form of the Real Madrid and Barcelona forwards, comparing this year's battle to 40 years ago when he was the runner up to Dutch superstar Johan Cruyff.

"Neuer's good, he deserves the Ballon d'Or right enough," he added. "But it is difficult for him to win. He has absolute phenomena like Ronaldo and Messi to compete against, I do not think he can win.

"It happened to me, too: I was in 1973 I was a nominee for the Ballon d'Or. But so was Cruyff and, of course, he won."

The ex-Juventus goalkeeper and manager cast his eye over the successes that his former club have had over the past few years, winning three Scudetto in a row, and he praised them for using their financial clout and behind-the-scenes work to bag silverware.

"Juve triumph because they have a good team with solid organisation behind them," Zoff added.

"They also have financial power - maybe not like that of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and a few English teams, but it's not bad at all for them. And winning Serie A three years in a row is not easy."

Zoff, who remains the oldest-ever winner of a World Cup after Italy's 1982 win, also light-heartedly suggested he's not yet reached the stage where his nickname of The Monument of Italian Football sits right with him.

"I do not feel a monument," the 72-year-old continued. "That's partly because the monuments are the favourite targets of pigeons..."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lahm rules out Germany comeback

Philipp Lahm has ruled out the prospect of playing for Germany again after he chose to retire from international football in the aftermath of their World Cup win.

The Bayern Munich captain skippered Joachim Low's men to glory in Brazil this summer, but somewhat surprisingly announced he would be focusing exclusively on club football shortly afterwards.

Lahm, who could be out of action with a fractured ankle until March, is adamant that leaving the Germany fray a few months ago was the right choice.

"I have to disappoint Football Germany unfortunately," he told Bild when asked if he would reconsider his international retirement. "The national team's finished for me. I will carry the DFB jersey in future only as a fan when watching.

"I had 10 great years in the national team, I was allowed to be captain, I became a world champion and I had a great end to it all. I'm not going to suddenly jump up in one and a half years time for the European Championship.

"I made up my mind almost exactly one year ago and I'll stand by it. This was my last World Cup tournament - and my most intense, too. For me, the decision was the right one. And the national team will be fine without me."

The 31-year-old also revealed he is excited for the eventual return of imprisoned Uli Hoeness, the former Bayern president who was imprisoned earlier this year after being convicted of tax fraud.

"The club and I miss Uli Hoeness," Lahm added. "I currently have no direct contact with him, but I would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best.

"I hope that he can return to the club soon and I look forward to a detailed conversation with him. For me - for all of us at Bayern - it is important that his experience, his football skills and his perspective on the club are again incorporated into our decisions. Everyone looks forward to his return."

There were reports in November that the Bavarians were planning on offering Hoeness a youth role if he is permitted day parole in January.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Serie A 2014.12.05 Fixture

Serie A 2014.12.05 Fixture

Fiorentina Vs Juventus​

 

[rcccc]

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

 

[rcccc]

Wenger hails 'fabulous' Alexis impact after Arsenal win

Sanchez patta

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal: Rooney in, Di Maria out against Southampton

Louis van Gaal has confirmed that Wayne Rooney will return for Manchester United's clash with Southampton on Monday night, though Angel Di Maria remains sidelined.

The club-record signing from Real Madrid limped out of the Red Devils' 3-0 win over Hull City before missing the midweek victory over Stoke City and is still unable to return to the first team.

Skipper Rooney, though, who also missed the narrow win over the Potters on Tuesday night, is now back to full fitness and available for selection once again.

Of opponents Southampton, Van Gaal remarked: "I think they have a very good squad, some of whom I know.

"I think they are able to come in the first four but that's also because I believe in the management, in Ronald Koeman ... I believe the cohesion is good and he can manage."

Southampton, indeed, have fared better than United so far this season, despite spending less on transfers in the summer, but the Dutchman argued: "Clubs ask more money from Manchester United. Do you think Southampton pay more money? No, because it's Southampton."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney recover wechcha 1kanam hodaibut Di Maria​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Injured Ibrahimovic available for PSG - Blanc

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is available for selection for Saturday's game with Nantes irrespective of his ongoing heel problems.

Blanc's men welcome Michel Der Zakarian's men to the Parc des Princes aiming to get back to winning ways after missing the chance to go top of Ligue 1 with a 1-1 draw at Lille on Wednesday. Ibrahimovic has been hampered by a heel problem for much of the campaign and sat out the game at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.

The Sweden international was expected to be rested this weekend as well with a Champions League meeting with Barcelona - which will decide who tops Group F - on the horizon next week after club doctor Eric Rolland recently indicated that the injury would trouble Ibrahimovic throughout the season,However, Blanc has dismissed those rumours, suggesting that the 33-year-old could feature this weekend."Ibrahimovic was rested [against Lille]," Blanc said at a press conference."His heel injury has not completely disappeared. He is available to the squad."

Blanc believes the clash with Nantes will serve as good preparation for the trip to Camp Nou as PSG aim to maintain their domestic success of recent years and reach the latter stages of Europe's premier club competition.

"The Nantes match will serve as preparation for Barcelona, for those who will be on the pitch or not."The goal is the championship, one of the two cups and qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool striker Balotelli charged by FA

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been charged by the Football Association after posting an image on his Instagram account that is alleged to be racist and anti-Semitic.

The Italy international posted an image of video game character Super Mario accompanied with a caption that referenced black people and Jewish culture before swiftly deleting it.

The club admitted they would speak to the player over the issue while the FA opened an investigation, and the footballing body has now moved to charge the controversial forward.

A statement read: "Mario Balotelli has been charged by the FA in relation to a recent posting on social media.

"It is alleged the Liverpool player breached FA rule E3[1] in that his posting was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper.

"It is further alleged that this is an 'Aggravated Breach' as defined by FA rule E3[2] as it included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race and/or nationality and/or religion or belief.

"The player has until 18:00GMT on December 15, 2014, to respond to the charge."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid confirm Asensio deal

Real Madrid have announced on their official website that they have completed the transfer of promising youngster Marco Asensio from Real Mallorca for an undisclosed fee.

The 18-year-old has signed a contract with the Santiago Bernabeu side for six seasons but will stay with his current club until the end of the 2014-15 campaign.

"Real Madrid and RCD Mallorca have reached an agreement over the transfer of Marco Asensio, who will commit to Madrid for six seasons," a statement on the Madrid website reads.

"The player will continue with Mallorca until the end of the season."

Asensio is regarded as one of the biggest talents in Spain in his age category and made his official first-team debut for Mallorca in October 2013.

The winger has since developed into an important player at the Segunda Division club, scoring three goals in 14 league appearances this term, while creating six more.

Asensio, who has a Dutch mother, has represented Spain at Under-19 level.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: No Matic, no problem

Jose Mourinho is confident that Chelsea can negotiate a difficult away trip to Newcastle even without the suspended Nemanja Matic.

The Serbia international has been in excellent form for the Blues, anchoring the midfielder and starting all of their Premier League matches so far this season, but he picked up a fifth booking of the campaign against Tottenham.

Mourinho, though, is adamant that his squad are strong enough to cope with the absence of Matic, just as they did when Diego Costa was suspended against Spurs – a match that the west Londoners won 3-0.

When asked by reporters about Matic's suspension, the Portuguese replied: "No problem. Diego was also important for us and he didn't play and we didn't want to speak about him.

"This time it is a big player for us who isn't playing but we trust other people and we forget Matic. He has a little bit of a holiday, a free weekend which he deserves very, very much, and he comes back stronger."

Mourinho, who claims that he "doesn't care" about the records that Chelsea could break this season, has famously never won at St James's Park in the league and expects the Magpies to raise their game against his side once again.

Asked why he struggles against the Toon, he said: "Because it is difficult, it is a difficult stadium to play. There are a few stadiums in this country where clearly, when they see the Chelsea shirt, they play the game of their lives.

"When they play against other teams they look like they are playing friendlies but maybe this is because Chelsea, in the last decade, became a strong team that everybody wants to beat."

Despite scoring against Tottenham on Wednesday evening, Mourinho also confirmed that Didier Drogba was unlikely to keep his place in the squad, with Diego Costa returning to the starting XI.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jovetic and David Silva out for Manchester City

Manchester City will be without Stevan Jovetic and David Silva for Saturday's Premier League game away against Everton.

Jovetic, who scored his fourth league goal of the season against Sunderland on Wednesday, picked up a knock early in the second half and was replaced by James Milner after 56 minutes.

Silva, meanwhile, has not featured for City since their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the League Cup in October due to a knee injury and Pellegrini has revealed that the Spaniard faces a race against time to make their crucial Champions League clash with Roma on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, captain Vincent Kompany will be unavailable to face Everton due to a hamstring problem but Aleksandr Kolarov and Edin Dzeko are ready to return after calf injuries.

"Kolarov and Dzeko are in the squad [to face Everton], [but] Silva and Jovetic are out," the Chilean told reporters.

"We have a last test on [Kompany] on Monday to decide [if he can face Roma]. It is possible he could travel."

Pellegrini expects a tough test from Everton but believes that his side have found their stride again and can extend their five-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

"[Everton] like to have possession and have very technical players," he remarked. "I am sure against us they will be a very strong team.

"[But] we're returning to our normal performance. Important players are playing well and that means the team play well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Roma push for January Johnson deal

Roma are closely monitoring the situation of Glen Johnson at Liverpool, with the defender keen to leave his current club in the January transfer window.

The England right-back is free to speak to other clubs when the transfer window reopens as his contract at Anfield expires at the end of the season.

Roma are keen to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s future in January and could push for a cut-price deal, with their hand strengthened by the defender’s dwindling contract.

Johnson was told in October that he could find a new club and he recently admitted that no talks with Liverpool have taken place over a possible extension to his current deal.

"First and foremost, I want to play for a club that wants me," Johnson said. "At the moment, I have seen some stuff in the press that I have been offered half the money I am on. That’s not true. I haven’t been offered anything.

"We aren’t speaking at the moment. I want to play my football. Time goes very quick. I have enjoyed my time here, the majority of the six years.

"There have been some good times, some bad times. I have enjoyed my football but if I haven’t got a contract, I can’t stay. It plays on your mind but that is where you have to try and be professional and do your best for the team. I respect my team-mates more than anyone."

Galatasaray have also been keeping a close eye on developments, but Johnson’s £120,000-a-week wages may represent something of a stumbling block for any interested parties.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gerrard 'excited' by Anfield redevelopment plans

Steven Gerrard says he is excited by Liverpool's plans to redevelop Anfield, with the club set to increase the stadium's capacity by 8,500.

Anfield currently holds 45,000 fans but will pass the 50,000 mark in time for the beginning of the 2015-16 season as the club finally press ahead with plans that have been two years in the making.

Gerrard admits he has gained several special memories at the famous old stadium, and insists he cannot wait to play in the improved ground, while expressing his relief that the club have decided to remain in their current home rather than look to relocate.

"It's very exciting news that we have finally got around to extending Anfield," he told Liverpool's official website.

"For me, it was all about staying at Anfield. As much as I like new stadiums, I'm more traditional and I like the old stadiums like the Camp Nou and places like this, where all the history and all the memories happen.

"There have been so many unbelievable nights and memories here, it would have been a shame to leave it all and for this to have become houses or apartments.

"Now that they are going to extend the stadium, it's going to become even bigger, better and noisier. Hopefully there are many more fantastic memories to come."

Speculation continues to rage over Gerrard's future, but the Reds captain has been offered a new deal by the club as they seek to tie him down.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Injured Walcott to miss Stoke & Galatasaray clashes - Wenger

Arsene Wenger has revealed that Theo Walcott will miss Arsenal's upcoming clashes with Stoke City and Galatasaray, as he continues to recover from a groin injury.

The England international made his return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Burnley on November 1 but subsequently suffered a groin injury whilst on Three Lions duty.

And Wenger confirmed he will be absent for at least another week, while Nacho Monreal and Mathieu Debuchy will also miss the Stoke clash, though the Frenchman is hopeful of having Kieran Gibbs available for selection.

"He has an injection today so he will not play. Galatasaray is also too early," Wenger told reporters when asked about Walcott.

"Nacho Monreal is out for tomorrow's [Saturday's] game. Hopefully Kieran Gibbs will be back. Wojciech Szczesny should be in full training today. Mathieu Debuchy is back in training (but) it's too early for him."

Meanwhile, Wenger also confirmed that Abou Diaby is set for a return to training, having suffered yet another blow in his quest to reach full fitness, and the Gunners boss admits the Frenchman will receive a new deal if he can make a proper recovery.

"He is on the brink of returning to training. If he's fully fit he'll have a new deal," he added.