..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Blaszczykowski: I turned down Manchester City

Jakub Blaszczykowski has revealed he turned down a move to Manchester City because they are simply not on the same level as current club Borussia Dortmund.
The Poland international has been at Signal Iduna Park for six years and played a leading role in their two recent Bundesliga wins - in 2011 and 2012 - as well as their remarkable run to last season's Champions League final.

The winger's form during that period alerted several top European clubs to his talents, but the 27-year-old, who signed a new deal with die Schwarzgelben in June, explained he would not want to play his football anywhere else."Dortmund simply had the advantage over Manchester City," 'Kuba' told Polish newspaper Przeglad Sportowy.

"We have a great squad, fantastic manager, incredible supporters and a very bright future ahead of us."In Dortmund, me and my family have everything we need. I did not pursue interest from other clubs in my services."

Blaszczykowski has made over 200 appearances for Dortmund since his arrival from Wisla Krakow in February 2007, scoring 29 goals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bonucci: Rivals should fear Juventus

Leonardo Bonucci says that Juventus do not fear anyone and that it is their rivals who should be afraid of the reigning Italian champions.

The 26-year-old defender feels that although his side have a tough start to the campaign, the Bianconeri are in a far stronger position than some of their expected challengers ahead of the new season.

“It’s better to face the big teams early because they’re teams in transition, while we’re already a well-oiled machine," Bonucci told the club's official website.

"We’re the champions of Italy; if anything it’s the others who should be fearful of us.”The arrival of Angelo Ogbonna from Torino has increased the competition for places in the Juve defence and Bonucci is well aware that he will have to fight to retain his starting berth this term.

“I’ll have to give 100 per cent, because with the coach [Antonio Conte] being as he is, it wouldn’t take much for him drop me if I had the slightest dip in form," he added."A player like Angelo is good for both the entire team and the defensive unit as a whole. He’ll be able to give us a great deal over the course of the year, just like [Carlos] Tevez and [Fernando] Llorente.”

Bonucci moved to the Turin giants from Bari in 2010 and will be looking to win a third Serie A title in succession this season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fresh approach makes Bayern difficult to beat, says Ribery

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery says Pep Guardiola's change to the side's tactics will make the last season's treble-winners even stronger.

Bayern often used a 4-2-3-1 formation under Jupp Heynckes, winning the Bundesliga, Champions League and the DFB-Pokal last season.Guardiola, however, played a 4-1-4-1 system against Borussia Dortmund in the Super Cup defeat at Signal Iduna Park, and Ribery believes the fresh approach will keep Bayern ahead of their rivals.

"Last season we won everything and if we didn't make any changes, our opponents would be more able to adapt to us," he told the Bundesliga website."The new system makes our game even harder to second-guess. We can change tactics mid-match or switch a few players around to give the opposition even more trouble."

While the Bundesliga is the team's priority, Ribery believes a strong showing in the Champions League is also imperative, particularly now that he has tasted success in Europe's biggest club competition.

"It was an unforgettable experience. I woke up happy every day on holiday, just thinking back to our Champions League triumph," he continued."The holidays were just the job to recharge the batteries. We're well aware that every team we play are going to be even keener to get one over us - because what feels better than to beat the treble winners?

"We want to win the Bundesliga again. That's our priority, to show again who's top dog in Germany. Furthermore we want to go as far as possible in the Champions League again."Bayern wlll get their Bundesliga defence up and running against Borussia Monchengladbach on August 9.

Ribery has made 237 appearances for Bayern in six seasons, scoring an impressive 80 goals.

 

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Tottenham have agreed Soldado deal, confirms Valencia president

Valencia president Amadeo Salvo has confirmed Roberto Soldado is on the verge of joining Tottenham, describing the agreement between the two clubs as "total".

Goal revealed on Sunday that the north London outfit are set to pay the striker's release clause of €30 million (£25.9m) following a phone call between Spurs' technical director, Franco Baldini, and Salvo.

And now, following former Valencia director Antonio Sese hinting that a deal had been struck, and current Los Che coach Miroslav Djukic seemingly resigned to losing Soldado, Salvo has confirmed a move in imminent.

"The agreement with Tottenham is total," Salvo is quoted as saying by Las Provincias.

However, the Che chief has admitted that the switch will not be completed until issues involving Soldado's representatives have been resolved.

"A problem with the agents has emerged," he added. "[Once resolved] he will go."

Elsewhere, Tottenham centre-back Bongani Khumalo has joined Championship side Doncaster Rovers on a season-long loan.

The South Africa international spent last term at Greek side PAOK. This will be his third spell in England following stints at Preston and Reading.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Rossi hints at Roma stay

Daniele De Rossi has dropped his biggest hint yet that he could stay at Roma by insisting he is committed to helping the club bounce back from a disappointing season, despite speculation linking him with a move this summer.

The 30-year-old has attracted a host of suitors with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea having all been in the frame for the midfielder's signature.

Roma star Francesco Totti has urged the Italian to stay at the Giallorossi, however, and De Rossi says he is ready to ensure the club improve on last term's sixth-placed Serie A finish.

"The last few seasons have not gone well, that is clear," De Rossi told reporters.
"What we need is to be reborn. And we start from here, in pre-season. This is the preparation for a revival ahead of an important year."The club has always been a strong one, even in the years that things didn't go so well."However, something has been missing or else we wouldn't have had these seasons that were not too positive.

"We are not missing that much at Roma, but we are lacking a little. What we really need is enthusiasm. We need to put a winning run of games together and start to believe in ourselves again."De Rossi - who has been a Roma player since graduating from the club's youth ranks in 2001 - has been used in a variety of positions throughout his career.And the Italy international says he is happy to play anywhere for new coach Rudi Garcia.

"I do everything. I've always done that. I've never made myself unavailable for a particular tactical solution," he said."I've played as a playmaker, a ball-winner, even as a defender. I think that has been under-estimated."

Roma open the Serie A season away to Livorno on August 25.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool set for Melgarejo loan deal

Liverpool have agreed a deal with Benfica to sign winger Lorenzo Melgarejo on a season-long loan.

Brendan Rodgers also has the option to make the move permanent for a fee of approximately £7 million at the end of the campaign.

The 22-year-old Paraguay international is being brought to Anfield to provide competition for Jose Enrique at left-back, with Rodgers keen to strengthen his defensive options before competing for a top-four place this term.

Melgarejo made 35 appearances in all competitions for Benfica last season, including the club's Europa League final defeat to Chelsea in May.

Liverpool's move for defender hinges on whether a work permit can be obtained as Melgarejo has secured just one senior international cap.

The Paraguayan has also been linked with a move to Arsenal and Turkish side Fenerbahce this summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barton keen to join Everton, says agent

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has been approached over the possibility of signing Joey Barton by the QPR midfielder’s agent.

The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Olympique de Marseille and has made no secret of his desire to leave QPR following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

A return to the south of France to rejoin Marseille on a permanent basis has been mooted in the media, but Willie McKay, Barton's representative, has now revealed he would be keen on a move to Goodison Park.

According to McKay, Barton would take a pay cut to link up with the club he supported as a boy growing up on Merseyside.

"I spoke to Roberto to see if he would be interested in taking Joey," McKay told the Daily Mail.

"I told him that Joey would love to join Everton and that they are the only club he is willing to lose money to play for."

Barton's often controversial career has also so far included spells at Manchester City and Newcastle United.

Martinez has been particularly active in the transfer window since being announced as David Moyes' successor, signing Arouna Kone and Antolin Alcaraz from his former club Wigan Athletic, while Gerard Deulofeu has arrived from Barcelona on a season-long loan.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Apoooooooo Barton ayeth EPL ennada hadanne

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ancelotti one of the best in the world, says Ramos

Sergio Ramos has taken the time to praise Carlo Ancelotti and believes the Real Madrid coach is one of the best trainers in the world.

The Italian replaced Jose Mourinho at the helm at the Santiago Bernabeu side this summer and Ramos is confident that the former PSG boss will succeed at the Primera Division giants.

"He’s one of the best in the world and we’re going to try to enjoy it. Having highly experienced coaches is a very positive thing," the defender said at a press conference.

"You learn a lot from him and hopefully he can bring titles. The important thing is that we understand perfectly what he teaches us and have a good year from there.

"It's a tremendous joy to be here and we hope he has a hard time choosing the team because competition is very important in great teams."

Ramos went on to discuss the arrival of Isco at Madrid and feels the former Malaga man is a valuable addition to the team.

"It’s good that young players with ambition and a desire to win trophies are in the squad. He made a difference in his former team. He’s good news for the team and can add a lot of great things.

"Competition is always good and we have to expect things from our team-mates. We all want to play and the best players should be the ones that do."

He also had his say on Pepe's situation and is hopeful that the Portugal international will remain at Madrid, despite losing his place to Rafael Varane last season before falling out with Mourinho.

"He’s always been a guarantee on the pitch and is one of the best in the world. It would be wonderful if he continues here, but everyone is free to decide their future," Ramos added.

"He continues to form part of this team, which is more or less complete in defence."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City 5-3 AC Milan: Dzeko hits double in eight-goal thriller

An eight-goal thriller inside the first 45 minutes at the Allianz Arena saw Manchester City secure a 5-3 victory over AC Milan.

Manuel Pellegrini's men appeared to be coasting to a rout after netting five times within the opening 36 minutes but the Serie A club struck three without reply before the break to threaten a revival.

City flew out of the blocks and took the lead after just four minutes as Jesus Navas glided past Sulley Muntari on the right flank and picked out Stevan Jovetic at the back post, who cushioned the ball across goal for David Silva to finish.

City's relentless pressure and Milan's pedestrian tempo led to a second as Micah Richards, playing at right-back, powered towards goal and met a clipped pass from Fernandinho which gave him the chance to test Marco Amelia. The Italian saved Richards' first effort but the ball was still loose and the defender poked home.

Aleksandar Kolarov was next to strike for City as Jovetic pounced on Andrea Petagna's wayward pass and played in the Serbian full-back, who lashed a low drive from a narrow angle past Amelia.

City's slick exchanges continued to stupefy Milan and Pellegrini's men eased to their fourth after Silva threaded a pass into Navas on the right flank, and the winger's superb low ball across the face of goal was tapped in by Edin Dzeko.

The Bosnian was linked with a move away during Roberto Mancini's reign but Pellegrini has insisted the striker remains an integral part of his plans for the new season.

On the evidence of his second goal, Dzeko could emerge as City's leading marksman this term as he effortlessly controlled Yaya Toure's 20-yard pass with his chest and struck a controlled volleyed attempt on the half turn past Amelia.

But Milan, who had been anonymous until City's fifth, were sparked into life by Stephan El Shaarawy just a minute after Dzeko's second. The Italian striker was alert to a poor touch by Javi Garcia on the edge of City's area and scuffed a low effort beyond the reach of Joe Hart.

Two minutes later, El Shaarawy netted his second of the game as City's defence were at a standstill and the Italian was able to edge clear of Hart and finish with ease.

City's back line showed further frailty four minutes later as Muntari's cross from deep on Milan's left flank bypassed Joleon Lescott and Andrea Petagna was able to control and place his strike through the legs of Hart.

Multiple changes throughout the second half disrupted the pace of the game and Milan were unable to build on their promising end to the opening 45 minutes.

Andrea Poli forced Hart into a smart save, while at the other end, Alvaro Negredo, a second-half substitute, struck the crossbar with a fierce effort from the edge of the box.

City will now face the winner of Bayern Munich and Sao Paolo in Thursday's final.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

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[Persius]

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Originally Posted by Persius

 

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[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern boss Guardiola 'astonished' by 'intelligent' players

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola heaped praise on his players after Wednesday night's 2-0 friendly win over Sao Paulo, revealing that he has been left astonished by just how quickly they have adapted to his footballing philosophy.

The Bavarians may have been beaten in the DFL-Supercup by Borussia Dortmund at the weekend but after watching die Roten bounce back with a comfortable win at the Allianz Arena, which came courtesy of goals from Mario Mandzukic and Mitchell Weiser, the former Blaugrana boss was in high spirits.

"The match wasn't easy to play. Sao Paulo is in the middle of their season and we are just going to start our campaign," he told RTL. "But it was a deserverd victory.

"I am quite astonished how easily my players are able to understand my ideas and how they are able to reassemble it on the pitch. My team is very intelligent. My team is great team."

Guardiola was also keen to single out the goalscorers, and midfiield lynchpin Bastian Schweinsteiger for special praise.

"Mandzukic is an excellent player, who scored a great goal," the former Spain international enthused. "Weiser is a very good player. He's able to play many different positions on the pitch. For me as a coach he's a very interesting player.

"Bastian is very important for us. He is very intelligent. He's got personality. I am very satisfied with him."

Guardiola arrived at the Allianz Arena earlier this summer, after taking a year out of the game following his hugely successful four-year spell at Camp Nou.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cardiff sign Caulker from Tottenham for club record fee

Cardiff City have confirmed the signing of centre-back Steven Caulker from Tottenham for a club record fee.

The 21-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Premier League newcomers, becoming manager Malky Mackay's fourth summer addition after Andreas Cornelius, Simon Moore and John Brayford.

Caulker enjoyed a successful breakthrough season at White Hart Lane last term, making 28 first-team appearances, but lost his place towards the end of the campaign - and is now ready to impress for his new side in their debut Premier League challenge.

"First and foremost I want to say how happy I am to have signed with Cardiff City," he told the club's official website. "I’m delighted to be here and excited for this fresh challenge.

"I spoke to [Mackay on Tuesday], liked what he had to say and am excited about the plans he has for the club. You get the sense of excitement from everybody at the club in the build-up to the season’s kick-off at West Ham and I’m really looking forward to being part of it.

"I thank Tottenham for everything they’ve done for me, having been there since I was a kid. But I'm here to back myself up now and show what I can do. This is a fresh start, a new chapter and I’m here to kick on.

Caulker, who scored on his senior England bow last year in a 4-2 loss friendly loss to Sweden, spent the 2011-12 season on loan at Cardiff's rivals Swansea.

 

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Xavi: Neymar destined to make a difference

Xavi has insisted that Neymar is "destined" for greatness at Barcelona following the forward's €57 million move from Santos earlier this summer.

The Brazil international followed up his transfer with a successful Confederations Cup and, a day after the 21-year-old's non-competitive debut in a 2-2 draw with Lechia Gdansk, Xavi stated his belief that the Blaugrana's star signing will thrive alongside the likes of Lionel Messi at Camp Nou.

"Neymar is destined to make the difference," the 33-year-old midfielder told reporters on Wednesday. "He's got lightning pace and scores goals. Having Leo, Neymar and all the other players is sure to help us each improve on an individual level.

"Great players bring out the best in each other. I'm certain Neymar will be better alongside Leo and Leo will be better alongside Neymar.

"We'll try to help him adapt, make him happy and get the best out of him to play like he has done for Brazil."

Although Real Madrid are set to splash a record-smashing €115 million on Tottenham's Gareth Bale, Xavi claimed that he knows little about the Welsh winger.

"I don't know if Bale is worth what they say," the Spain international mused. "I genuinely haven't seen him play for 90 minutes."

On the other hand, he did have something to say about another transfer saga gripping the continent, as he insisted that the links between Cesc Fabregas and Manchester United are nothing more than rumours.

"He's quite relaxed," the Spain international continued. "He's under contract and everything else is speculation. He's working with the group and is up to speed and very motivated.

"They're just rumours. We'll see what happens, but he's relaxed and ready for the coming season with Barcelona."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kalou: Drogba wants to finish career in US

Salomon Kalou has revealed that Didier Drogba would like to finish his career in the United States.

The veteran forward is currently plying his trade in Turkey with Galatasaray, but Kalou says his Cote d'Ivoire team-mate has his heart set on a move to MLS before he hangs up his boots.

"He loves America, he always goes there for holidays and it's a place he always enjoys," the Lille attacker told Goal.

"For him to work there would be an amazing experience. I think that's his goal and that's where he wants to finish [his career].

"He hasn't told me directly, but he has told me that finishing in New York or LA would be amazing experience. I know that's in his mind right now. He would love to finish there.

"Didier is the type of guy who never goes to a place without making an impact. For him, going to MLS is a great thing because MLS is developing as a football league.

"I think having Didier in that league would give it an extra boost and continue to help the league develop."

As for his own future, Kalou was reluctant to be drawn on reports that West Ham are keen to bring the former Chelsea man back to the Premier League."Well right now, I haven't really talked about it, I'm working hard on my pre-season," the 27-year-old insisted.

"I'm trying to get myself ready for the season. I still have a contract with Lille. The most important thing is to stay focused and I think the club will decide in the right moment and I'll decide at the right moment.

"Right now, I'm not in a rush to make any decisions. I'm happy that teams are interested in me and I love the fact that even though we didn't qualify for Champions League, I scored a few good goals.

"It means that other teams can see that I can develop as a player. So, I like to keep [things] open and then see what the best move is."Kalou spent six years at Stamford Bridge before joining Lille on a free transfer last year.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern Munich 2-0 Sao Paulo: Battling Bavarians dispatch Brazilians in Audi Cup semi-final


Bayern Munich bounced back from their DFL-Supercup beating by Borussia Dortmund with a straightforward 2-0 victory over Sao Paulo to progress to the Audi Cup final.The majority inside the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening were left frustrated as the Brazilian visitors defended resolutely during the first period, as Pep Guardiola's star-studded side struggled to find the cutting edge in the final third despite their dominance.

However, the introduction of Mario Mandzukic for Claudio Pizarro at half-time sparked the German champions into life and they hit the front just 10 minutes into the second period when the Croatian striker volleyed home Arjen Robben's cross, before Mitchell Weiser sealed the win with a late strike.With the new Bundesliga season a little over a week away, Guardiola opted to make eight changes to the side beaten by Dortmund, with both Manuel Neuer and Franck Ribery returning from injury.

It wasn’t long before the hosts exerted their dominance on the game, just as they did on so many occasions during last year’s treble-winning campaign.However, they struggled to break down a well-organised and resolute Sao Paulo rearguard during a first period that lacked any real quality in the final third from either side.

Bayern were largely restricted to long-range efforts on goal but found Rogerio Ceni in inspired form as he produced save after save to frustrate Robben and Ribery in particular.Despite their dominance, it took Guardialo’s side the best part of a half an hour to get in behind the Sao Paulo defence but Robben was once again denied by the veteran goalkeeper.

At the other end, Neuer was largely redundant in the Bayern goal but the new-look central defensive partnership of Dante and Javi Martinez were kept on their toes by the lively Wellington and Aloisio, with the latter testing the handling of the German shot-stopper with a stinging effort.As the half wore on, Bayern increased the tempo and went inches from taking a deserved lead on 38 minutes. Philipp Lahm, operating in midfield, got to the end-line before picking out Claudio Pizarro, but his goal-bound effort was hacked off the line.

Moments later, Ribery slipped in the marauding David Alaba but once again Ceni was equal to the task and pulled off a fine stop with his legs.The same pattern continued after the interval but the introduction of Mandzukic provided the hosts with a different attacking dimension. The Croatian striker headed Robben’s cross narrowly over with his first touch before converting his sides’ dominance into a deserved lead with a composed finish.

The breakthrough seemed to ignite Guardiola’s side and another eye-catching move involving Mandzukic, Ribery and Lahm nearly gifted Robben a goal but the delivery was just out of reach.A host of substitutions from both managers disrupted the flow of the game before Mandzukic came close to doubling the lead from a tight angle but was denied by the Austrian goalkeeper.

The strength in depth at the Allianz Arena was highlighted as Thomas Muller, Xherdan Shaqiri and Jerome Boateng were all sprung from the bench during a fairly low-key and pedestrian paced second period.And it was two substitutes who combined to double the hosts’ advantage. Shaqiri broke free from midfield and although he saw his thunderous shot crash off the woodwork, Weiser was on hand to slot home.

However, that wasn’t the end of the action as Boateng’s clumsy challenge thatresulted in the referee pointing to the spot, but Ceni couldn’t cap a fine personal performance with a goal as Neuer guessed right to parry it to safety.Sao Paulo will now face AC Milan on Thursday evening, while Bayern Munich will take on Manchester City in the tournament finale.