..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola surrenders Bayern dressing room to players

Pep Guardiola is planning to hand over control of the Bayern Munich dressing room to his players, so that they feel they can criticise him freely.

The Roten coach currently has access to an office opposite the entrance to the dressing rooms at the Allianz Arena, although Guardiola's predecessor Jupp Heynckes rarely opted to use it in order to remain closer to his players.

However, Guardiola is keen to allow his stars the freedom to talk openly - even critically - amongst themselves without fear of reprisal, and so has opted to establish a separate office for himself to give his players the chance for a little breathing space.

"It's a space for the team. It's their area," he was quoted as saying by Bild.

"In the dressing room they are joking, they are allowed to talk about anything without fear that I'm breathing down their necks. They may also speak badly about me."

Bayern begin their Bundesliga campaign against Borussia Monchengladbach on August 9.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Totti plays down MLS links

Francesco Totti has stressed he has no intention of quitting Roma in order to move to MLS in the near future.

The 36-year-old has spent his entire career with the Giallorossi, making nearly 700 appearances for the capital club since his debut in 1992.

Some speculation had linked the Italy veteran with a move to North America as his career enters its twilight years, but Totti insists he has no plans to follow compatriot Marco Di Vaio across the Atlantic, after the former Juventus striker joined Montreal Impact in 2012.

“Could I follow Di Vaio to the MLS? He made a lifestyle choice,” he told reporters at a press conference.

“I have a contract with Roma that I intend to respect and am focused solely on Roma. I can only speak highly of Di Vaio. He told me he’s very happy about moving to Canada."

Roma suffered a dismal end to the 2012-13 campaign, with a sixth-placed finish in Serie A compounded by their 1-0 defeat to bitter rivals Lazio in the Coppa Italia, but Totti is determined to help restore his side to the continental elite.

“The club is trying to put together a squad that can compete at a high level," he added.

“You win titles with strong players. We hope to compete at the highest level in Europe soon.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Nani scores double as a Manchester United XI win 2-0 at Crewe

Nani scored two goals and Nemanja Vidic returned to action as a Manchester United XI won 2-0 at Crewe Alexandra on Monday.

Nani did not feature on United's pre-season tour of Asia and Australia after being given extra time off due to international commitments and a nasal problem, while Vidic was absent due to sciatica.

Goal exclusively revealed earlier in July that David Moyes has convinced Nani to remain at Old Trafford this summer and the Portugal international began staking his claim for a place in the starting XI this season.

Nani opened the scoring for United with curled a free kick in the 10th minute, after he was brought down just outside the penalty area.

Vidic looked comfortable on his return and the United captain made a strong interception to stop Max Clayton, after Crewe had lost Mathias Pogba to injury.

The hosts had two good opportunities to score early in the second half but Clayton's shot was saved by Sam Johnstone, with Byron Moore putting the rebound wide, before Lee Molyneux rattled the crossbar.

However, just moments later, Nani scored again as the ball broke kindly for him as he raced into the penalty area and the winger kept his feet to roll the ball into the back of the net.

Vidic was replaced by Ben Pearson in the 62nd minute and, two minutes later, Nani was taken off for compatriot Bebe.

Antonio Valencia also made his first appearance of pre-season ahead of United's friendly against AIK in Stockholm on August 6, before Rio Ferdinand's testimonial game against Sevilla at Old Trafford three days later.

Meanwhile, Crewe start their League One season against newly promoted Rotherham United on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Nani ayeth team 1kata apu 1ka patta

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Milan abandon Silvestre chase

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani says the club have ended their pursuit of Inter centre-back Matias Silvestre.

The Argentine, 28, made just nine Serie A appearances last season, leading to rumours he could trade the Nerazzurri for Rossoneri colours, but Galliani is unhappy with the way talks have progressed.

“Instead of getting closer with today’s talks, we moved further away,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“Therefore we are looking to other objectives instead. Have we abandoned the Silvestre option? Yes.”

The vice-president was hoping to secure the signature of the defender on a season-long loan after Daniele Bonera suffered a knee injury that will keep him out of action for three months.

Bonera's absence leaves Milan with a dearth of options at the heart of the defence, with Philippe Mexes, Cristian Zapata and Jherson Vergara the only centre-backs on the books after the club sold Mario Yepes and Bartosz Salamon.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern not good enough, says Muller

Thomas Muller conceded that Bayern Munich were simply not good enough in Saturday’s 4-2 Super Cup loss to Borussia Dortmund.
The Bavarians were favourites to retain the trophy going into the game on the back of a fine pre-season, but Jurgen Klopp's side responded and ran out deserving winners.
“We were pretty disorganised after equalising and that lasted a few minutes after we conceded the two goals as well,” the 23-year-old told reporters. “I noticed that everyone seemed to be occupying a different position. After that, we managed to regain our structure.

“When push came to shove and it mattered most, we weren't able to do the things that would have won us the match.

“It clearly means we were doing something wrong. I’ll need to take another good look at the whole thing. On the positive side we didn’t let up, just as we hadn’t after going 1-0 behind. After being 3-1 down, we came back again. We pressed forward, got caught on the break and conceded a fourth goal.

“I can live with that, but we really needed to hold our shape better, especially when it was 1-1. I’m not pointing the finger at anyone, but it’s not good enough.”

Despite the outcome, Muller is confident that the game was a one-off result and believes the club will be fine moving forward.

He added: “Which game ever implies anything about the future? Any match can take a turn for the unexpected, however well things have been going beforehand. On top of that, we didn’t play badly against Dortmund. We just weren’t good enough to win the game on the night.

“Up until the Super Cup, our preparations were going really well, also in terms of results. But any team can be beaten if they don’t perform at their best, ourselves included. And that applies even more when you’re playing Dortmund, who are a great team as well.

“If you take last season’s Champions League as the guide, they’re the second-best side in Europe. So we didn’t lose the Super Cup to any old team. Although that said, we’d still rather have won it!”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus open season at Sampdoria


Juventus will open the 2013-14 season at Sampdoria as they go in search of a third consecutive title.

Delio Rossi’s side were the only club to beat the defending champions twice last season, earning a 3-2 victory at home, while a second-half brace from Mauro Icardi netted them a 2-1 win in Turin.

Rafa Benitez takes charge of his first league fixture at home to Bologna, with his Napoli side hoping to launch a credible assault on the title, while last year’s third place team AC Milan open up at newly-promoted Hellas Verona.

Elsewhere, Lazio host Udinese in an exciting week one showdown, while Roma travel to Serie B play-off winners Livorno and Inter face Genoa in the home comforts of San Siro.

In the first battle of the heavyweights, the Bianconeri travel to Inter in week three, while a week later Milan play host to Napoli in a star-studded affair and Lazio visit Roma in the Derby della Capitale.

Other derbies are renewed later in the season, as Torino host Juventus in week six and Chievo Verona visit Hellas Verona in week 11, though the first Milan derby of the campaign must wait until week 17.

Last season’s top four sides all close out the season at home, with winners Juventus facing Cagliari, Hellas visiting Gonzalo Higuain and Napoli, Milan hosting Sassuolo and Fiorentina facing Torino.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Moyes confident over new Manchester United signings

Manchester United manager David Moyes remains confident he can still bring in new signings this summer.

The Red Devils have had multiple bids for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas turned down and are now considering a move for Everton's Marouane Fellaini as a cheaper and more attainable alternative.

The Scot admits he would have liked to have wrapped up his transfer business at the beginning of the window but says he remains hopeful of completing deals in the coming weeks.

"Ideally, you would get your signings done early. It is better if you can do that. But for different reasons it has not been possible to get them done at this moment in time. But I am confident we will get them done," he told the Daily Mail.

The increased spending power of Manchester United's European rivals, Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain in particular, has made acquiring the continent's top talent more difficult for the Premier League champions. Moyes, however, believes United can still trump their rivals because of their history and reputation.

He continued: "That is not something Manchester United are frightened of. Manchester United are more than happy to compete with all of the teams. There has been a change in the dynamic because of PSG coming on the scene recently. That has altered things. But Manchester United will always compete.

"One thing it has got is the history. It has got the name. It has got the success. Players do want to be connected to that and one day say they have played for Manchester United. That is a big pull for any player."

The former Everton boss also urged fans to consider the club's long-term future rather than judge him on instant results.

"If you win one game folk will think you are good," he added. "If you lose one folk will think you are rubbish. You hope there is a little bit of sense and people understand where you are going. It is a big job.

"It is a new job. It will take time, as it would for anybody else. In a way, we are as much preparing for next year as we are this year at Manchester United. This club is always preparing for the future. We are looking at targets we hope to sign in a year's time, not necessarily just this year."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Moyes Pre-Season tour 1ka yanna kalinma kiwwa Tour 1ka iwara wenna kalin deals 1kakwath karanne naha kiyala,So onna dan Tour 1kath iwaraidan thamai ahenam karana deyak karanna hodama welawa

Common Moyes!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Luka Modric ‘targeted by Man United’

Manchester United could turn their attention to Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric after it appeared increasingly likely that Old Trafford target Cesc Fabregas would stay at Barcelona, according to the Times. The paper reports that United are preparing to bid £25 million for former Tottenham Hotspur star Modric as manager David Moyes looks to add to his midfield options.Modric has been unable to command a regular first-team place since moving to the Bernabeu in 2012, and had interested United during his days at White Hart Lane.

Midway through last season, Modric had said he would welcome a return to the Premier League – but the change of management in Madrid, where Carlo Ancelotti has taken over from Jose Mourinho, could offer him the chance of a fresh start.
Speaking at the weekend, Moyes said he was confident United would make more signings before the transfer window closed - but revealed he was unsure whether they would attempt a third bid for Fabregas after seeing two previous offers turned down."I couldn't tell you if there will be another bid," he told a press conference in Hong Kong.

"I never at any time said I knew we would get him. I just said we had made offers. They have been rejected. We will take stock from there and decide what we are going to do next."But what we have here is a really good squad of players already. You mustn't forget about the quality that is already here at Manchester United.”

United have also failed in attempts to bring in Thiago Alcantara, who joined Bayern Munich, and Everton left-back Leighton Baines, while Moyes has also been linked with Modric, Marouane Fellaini and Yohan Cabaye.He added: "Undoubtedly we are hoping to add to it [the squad]. I am quite confident we will do, certainly before the window shuts. We have got until September 2."

So far, United's only summer signings are winger Wilfried Zaha - whose £15 million move from Crystal Palace was arranged by Sir Alex Ferguson before his retirement - and Uruguayan youngster Guillermo Varela.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Modric wa ganna 1ka karanna bari wadak

 

[Persius]

totti gena wachana keepayak

Totti plays down MLS links

Francesco Totti has stressed he has no intention of quitting Roma in order to move to MLS in the near future.

The 36-year-old has spent his entire career with the Giallorossi, making nearly 700 appearances for the capital club since his debut in 1992.

Some speculation had linked the Italy veteran with a move to North America as his career enters its twilight years, but Totti insists he has no plans to follow compatriot Marco Di Vaio across the Atlantic, after the former Juventus striker joined Montreal Impact in 2012.

“Could I follow Di Vaio to the MLS? He made a lifestyle choice,” he told reporters at a press conference.

“I have a contract with Roma that I intend to respect and am focused solely on Roma. I can only speak highly of Di Vaio. He told me he’s very happy about moving to Canada."

Roma suffered a dismal end to the 2012-13 campaign, with a sixth-placed finish in Serie A compounded by their 1-0 defeat to bitter rivals Lazio in the Coppa Italia, but Totti is determined to help restore his side to the continental elite.

“The club is trying to put together a squad that can compete at a high level," he added.

“You win titles with strong players. We hope to compete at the highest level in Europe soon.”

kiyanna one mn dekka pattama talented footballer knk thama totti.. 2006 worldcup eke eventually giantsla una italy eke team memebr knk ,, ithin lokkage BACKHEEL PASS EKANM MARE MARU ..LOKE OKA KARANNA PULUWAN KEEPADENEKUTA WITHARAI...ETH totti lokka tharanm nm mn hithanne ne katawath puluwan kiyala......TOTTI la wage aya nethi nisa thama 2010 worldcup eke italy apu gmn yanna sidda uneth gianluigi buffon oya kathawa kiyala thibba ehemma ...sellan karaddi balan inna asai ONE CULB LEGEND KNK,,, eth aranchiyak awa me season eke awasanedi retire wenawa kiyala

 

[Persius]

GARETH BALE

Breaking News : Real Madrid bid £85m for Tottenham's Gareth Bale

 

[rcccc]

Benitez wants another striker at Napoli

 

[Wolverine GTR]

kiyanna one mn dekka pattama talented footballer knk thama totti.. 2006 worldcup eke eventually giantsla una italy eke team memebr knk ,, ithin lokkage BACKHEEL PASS EKANM MARE MARU ..LOKE OKA KARANNA PULUWAN KEEPADENEKUTA WITHARAI...ETH totti lokka tharanm nm mn hithanne ne katawath puluwan kiyala......TOTTI la wage aya nethi nisa thama 2010 worldcup eke italy apu gmn yanna sidda uneth gianluigi buffon oya kathawa kiyala thibba ehemma ...sellan karaddi balan inna asai ONE CULB LEGEND KNK,,, eth aranchiyak awa me season eke awasanedi retire wenawa kiyala

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid will regret selling Higuain, claims Mijatovic

Real Madrid will live to regret letting striker Gonzalo Higuain leave the club this summer, according to former Bernabeu favourite Pedrag Mijatovic.

The 25-year-old sealed a move to Napoli for €37 million last week and has subsequently been unveiled by president Aurelio De Laurentiis on Monday.

However, Mijatovic - who enjoyed a three-year stay in the Spanish capital with los Blancos - is convinced the club's hierarchy will struggle to find someone to replicate the Argentine's goalscoring feats.

The former striker told Cadena COPE: "When Real Madrid purchased Higuain he was seen as a kid with great talent. He was settled in Spain and did well in Spanish football.

"He was key to winning the league title under (Fabio) Capello and has grown a lot at Madrid.

"It is not easy to find a player that scores 25-30 goals a season."

The Argentina international, along with goalkeeper Pepe Reina, were presented to supporters for the first time since their respective moves to Stadio San Paolo before the 3-1 victory over Galatasaray on Monday.

The duo sported the club's colours as they were paraded around the field prior to kick-off but, having failed to obtain international clearance in time for the visit of the Turkish champions, were forced to watch on from the stands as Goran Pandev, Juan Camilo Zuniga and Lorenzo Insigne all scored to secure the win.

Pandev put the hosts ahead in the first-half after guiding his header beyond the Galatasaray stopper.

Nordin Amrabat restored parity for the visitors early in the second-half before Zuniga - who was initially booed by the Partenopei fans amid speculation he is set to join Juventus next summer - and Insigne put the result beyond doubt late on.

Both clubs will now turn their attentions towards London as they travel to the English capital to clash with Arsenal in the Emirates Cup in August.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Buttner wants Evra left-back slot at Man United

Alexander Buttner is hoping to build on a solid debut season at Manchester United and establish himself as the club’s first-choice left-back.

The 24-year-old made 13 appearances for the Red Devils in his first campaign at Old Trafford and is now hoping he can feature more as he looks to push Patrice Evra for a more regular starting berth.

However, Buttner’s agent Alexander Bursac exclusively told Goal on Monday that new Manchester United boss David Moyes plans to move for Everton's Leighton Baines if Evra departs the club during the summer transfer window.

"The first few months were difficult for me last season," Buttner told PA Sport. "I had to settle in. But I think I did very well. I played 13 games which is good. This season my target is to play more games.

"Patrice did very well last season and played some good games. I put pressure on him because I did well when I played. I think Manchester United need that, two good left-backs. I want to go for the left-back position. That is my target, to play many games.

"Everyone wants more medals. Next season I want one again. My [title] medal is at home in Holland. Everyone wanted to see it. I have started to build a new house and something like that will have a special place. It was unbelievable to win a medal in my first season at Manchester United, but I want more.

"We want to win every game. We want to be champions again and we have a very good team in order to do that."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi is my idol, says Neymar

Neymar has revealed he idolises team-mate Lionel Messi and described his debut for Barcelona as a "dream come true".

The Brazil international was handed his highly-anticipated debut for the Blaugrana with a 15-minute cameo in the 2-2 draw with Lechia Gdansk on Tuesday, replacing Alexis Sanchez in the 78th minute.

And, speaking to reporters after the game, the Selecao starlet admitted the transition from dream to reality had begun after making his bow.

"What was my debut like? My dream is turning into a reality and I'm very happy," he said.

Much has been made over how the €57 million youngster's arrival will impact on Messi - who netted his team's second equaliser in the game - but the former Santos forward says he is just happy to share the same dressing room as his "idol".

"Messi is an idol of mine and I am very happy to be with him and playing alongisde him. He is a great player and a great person."

The 21-year-old is due to face his former club Santos on August 2 in the Joan Gamper trophy and, while admitting it will be an odd experience to come up against his old team-mates so soon after leaving, Neymar insists he will not be holding back on his return.

"It will be a little strange to play against Santos, but now I am with Barcelona and I'll give everything for the shirt," he added.

Neymar is expected to make his competitive debut when Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super-Cup on August 21.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi & Neymar niyama combine 1ka

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lechia Gdansk 2-2 Barcelona: Neymar makes his debut as youthful Cules side earn hard-fought draw in Poland

Barcelona continued their pre-season preparations with an entertaining 2-2 draw against a spirited Lechia Gdansk side, as €57 million summer signing Neymar made his first appearance for the club.

The Catalan side twice responded to going behind as goals from Sergi Roberto and Lionel Messi denied the Polish side a famous victory.

Despite Barcelona's Confederations Cup stars not yet being ready for action, Jordi Roura was able to name a relatively strong starting XI with captain Lionel Messi flanked either side by Alexis Sanchez and Cristian Tello.

Youngsters Sergi Roberto and Jonathan dos Santos were once again given the chance to shine in midfield whilst Sergi Gomez and Marc Bartra patrolled the centre of defence.

The match started with the typical feel of a pre-season friendly, with the Polish side looking to impress in the early stages and the Blaugrana easing themselves in slowly.

The Spanish champions really should have opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Dos Santos' inviting corner fell the way of Sanchez in the box, but the Chilean could not adjust his feet quick enough and poked the ball over the crossbar with the goal gaping.

Surprisingly, it was Lechia Gdansk who took the lead on 16 minutes when their captain, Jaroslaw Bieniuk rose highest to thunder a header past Pinto from Pawel Dawidowicz's corner.

The goal certainly seemed to awaken a sluggish Barcelona side and the lead was short-lived as Martin Montoya produced a wonderful low cross from the right for Roberto to poke home only nine minutes later.

Dos Santos went close to putting the Liga champions in front when he caressed an effort inches past the post, before Mateusz Bak produced a smart save to deny a Messi free kick on the stroke of half-time.

After their 7-0 thumping of Valerenga on Saturday, many expected another Barcelona goal-fest. However, it was the home side who came out of the blocks fastest after the break and stand-out performer Piotr Grzelczak restored Lechia's lead within five minutes of the restart.

Martin Montoya failed to deal with a long ball, allowing the 25-year-old striker to nip in and fire an unstoppable shot past substitute goalkeeper Oler and into the roof of the net.

Patryk Tuszynski missed a glorious chance to extend the lead on 55 minutes and it proved costly a minute later as Sanchez slipped a neat ball behind the Lechia defence for Messi, who coolly lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

Jordi Roura made wholesale changes as he looked to give some of his 'B' side players a run-out before Neymar finally made his Blaugrana bow with 10 minutes to play, much to the delight of the 40,000 fans inside the PGE Arena.

The Brazilian did not have sufficient time to make a significant contribution, although he will certainly be expecting to feature for longer when Spain's Confederations Cup stars return for the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Santos on Friday.