..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Gaitan targets knockout phase with Benfica

Nicolas Gaitan is optimistic about Benfica's chances of reaching the Champions League knockout phase after a late 3-2 win at Anderlecht.
The Portuguese side made sure that qualification for the next round remains possible with Wednesday's win at Stade Constant Vanden Stock, but they made it difficult for themselves.

Chancel Mbemba gave the hosts the lead in the 18th minute before Nemanja Matic and Gaitan struck either side of half-time to give Benfica the lead.

Massimo Bruno looked to have stolen a point with 14 minutes left and in the process saw Benfica heading out of the competition, but substitute Rodrigo grabbed the winner in stoppage time to take them level on points with second-placed Olympiakos.

"It was very important to win and I think the two teams played to win," the Argentine said. "We played very well and this is the most important. Luckily Rodrigo gave us the three points.

"We believe we can qualify despite depending on others. Now the only problem is depending on others, but we want to progress."

Matic added that Benfica will do everything to beat Paris Saint-Germain at Estadio Da Luz on matchday six, but admitted they will need luck on their side if they are to stand any chance of progression.

"It was another goal," he began. "But the most important thing is that our team won the game. Now we will give everything to win the last game and we will see how the match between Anderlecht and Olympiakos goes.

"With a little luck we could pass go through."

 

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'There's more to come', insists Moyes as Manchester United thump Leverkusen

David Moyes insisted that there is still "more to come" from Manchester United after Wednesday's emphatic 5-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Strikes from Antonio Valencia, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, Nani and an Emir Spahic own goal comfortably defeated Sami Hyypia's side and guaranteed the English champions a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Speaking after the game, Moyes ranked the performance in Germany as the best he's seen since replacing Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer and praised his side's defending after a third clean sheet in four games.

The Scot told reporters: "It's the best we've played in my time here and there's more to come. The goals will get the headlines but we defended well.

"For us to come away from home and score five goals is really special. There were so many great performances. All around it was a great performance from the players.

"That is what I was hoping to get more often this season.

Shinji Kagawa and Wayne Rooney starred in attacking roles for United, although Moyes reserved special praise for the midfield performance of Ryan Giggs, who turns 40 on Friday.

"You cannot question him as a football player," he added. "He didn't look fatigued for his age at all. There are signs that we have been getting better."

Giggs, meanwhile, enjoyed his role operating in front of the back four and believes the Red Devils could have added more goals on the night against the side currently second in the Bundesliga.

"We really killed them on the counterattack and it was a pleasure to play behind the front four," the Welshman said.

"In the second half we could have scored more goals but to score five goals anywhere in Europe is brilliant."

 

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Ancelotti: I didn't expect it to be so easy against Galatasaray

Carlo Ancelotti was surprised at the ease with which his 10-man Real Madrid side defeated Galatasaray 4-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Sergio Ramos was sent off early in the game but goals from Gareth Bale, Alvaro Arbeloa, Angel Di Maria and Isco ensured that Umut Bulut's equaliser just before half-time was insignificant.

Ancelotti was sightly shocked at how the Blancos swept aside Roberto Mancini's men and argued that Juventus, who defeat Copenhagen 3-1 to move second, two points ahead of Galatasaray, now have the edge in the battle to follow Madrid through to the last 16.

"After being left 10 players on the pitch I didn't expect a game of that easiness," the Italian told Spor Smart.

"We made some changes in our system. My team reacted well in the second half and that's how we won it.

"Juve are one step ahead of Galatasaray, because a draw will be enough for them. But Galatasaray have very passionate supporters. They can win this game. It will be a perfect match."

Cristiano Ronaldo missed the game at the Santiago Bernabeu through injury but Ancelotti still took time out to back the Portugal international's bid for this year's Ballon d'Or.

"Yes, Ronaldo the best player in the world," the former AC Milan boss stated. "Statistics show that he is the best in the world by far.

"His team-mates continue to help him and he's doing his best [to recover]."

Meanwhile, Isco, who has featured intermittently under Ancelotti since arriving from Malaga in the summer, admitted it has not been enjoyable being relegated to the bench but says he is working hard to make it into the starting line-up on a regular basis.

"Is not nice to don't play, but coach is who do the line-ups," he told reporters after netting a fine goal against Gala. "I always worked to give my 100 per cent on the field.

"I feel better close to the area, but coach cans put me where he wants. I am still working with as much hope as ever."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I'm taking the ball home for my son' - Vidal revels in first Juventus hat-trick

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal revealed he was taking the match ball home as a gift for his son after he scored his first professional hat-trick in the 3-1 win over Copenhagen.

The Chile international converted twice from the penalty spot before turning home a superb header to secure a valuable three points for the Bianconeri, after Olof Mellberg had levelled matters early in the second half.

"It's the first hat-trick of my career and I'm taking the ball back home as a gift for my son, to show him when I played this game. We're expecting a little girl now, too, so I'm very happy," Vidal told Sky Sport Italia.

"There was some fear, as we knew this was an important game for us, but the coach told us the important thing was for us to win."

Vidal's performance further underlined his versatility for Juventus after he played in defence in the weekend win over Livorno, and the 26-year-old claims his excitement at donning the Bianconeri colours plays an important part in his form.

"I think an important quality of mine is that I am always very happy," he mused. "I know how important it is for me to wear the Juventus shirt and I always try to give my all.

"I haven't played in goal yet, so the coach might try me there!"

Vidal also went on to stress he is very close to signing a new deal with the club that would extend his contract beyond 2016.

"There is very little to go until we sign the new contract. I could sign it tomorrow [Thursday] or the day after, I'm just waiting for the club," he added.

Wednesday's win - coupled with Galatasaray's 4-1 thrashing at the hands of 10-man Real Madrid - means Juventus need just a point in Istanbul to book their place in the next round, but striker Fernando Llorente has warned of the difficult task that awaits his side in their final match.

"We have to go to Turkey, where we will play a tough game. A good game won't be enough; we'll have to play a perfect match," said the Spaniard.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'No player in the world like Xabi Alonso' - Arbeloa

Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa has hailed Xabi Alonso as the most influential player in the world.

Alonso has only recently recovered from an injury that saw him miss the start of the season and has been slowly blending back into a Blancos midfield that will now be without Sami Khedira for the next six months.

However, Arbeloa does not believe there is a more influential player in world football and feels that his fellow Spain international should ignore interest from elsewhere to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond the end of the season.

"Xabi Alonso is my friend," the full-back told Canal Plus. "We depend on him a lot. There is no player in the world able to influence more on the team than him.

"Xabi won't be better anywhere else than he is here."

Madrid - without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo - had to play with 10 men for most of their Champions League clash with Galatasaray on Wednesday night, after Sergio Ramos was sent off in the first half, but goals from Gareth Bale, Arbeloa, Angel Di Maria and Isco rendered Umut Bulut's goal obsolete.

Arbeloa scored the first of three second-half strikes from the Blancos and he credited both coach Carlo Ancelotti and the Bernabeu faithful for their much improved performance after the break.

"The second half was great," the full-back added. "The coach did it with his tactical changes.

"Today I'm grateful for the fans' support - they know how that we don't compensate on work or effort."

Madrid's victory ensured that they will progress to the last 16 as winners of Group B.

 

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congratz

me season eke united lage hondhama performance eka

Aniwa Leverkusen match 1ka elatama play kalaHama match 1kakma meh widiyata play karanawanam

 

[Wolverine GTR]

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Europa League Group Stage Fixtures 2013.11.28

UEFA Europa League Group Stage Fixtures 2013.11.28


Kuban Krasnodar Vs St Gallen
Swansea City Vs Valencia
Chornomorets Vs Dinamo Zagreb
Ludogorets Razgrad Vs PSV Eindhoven
Elfsborg Vs Salzburg
Esbjerg Vs Standard Liege
FK Rubin Kazan Vs NK Maribor
Wigan Athletic Vs Zulte-Waregem
Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk Vs Pandurii Targu-Jiu
Paços de Ferreira Vs Fiorentinal
Apoel Nicosia Vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv
Bordeaux Vs Eintracht Frankfur
Racing Genk Vs Dynamo Kiev
Rapid Vienna Vs FC Thun
Liberec Vs SC Freiburg
Sevilla FC Vs Estoril
Lyon Vs Real Betis
Rijeka Vs Guimaraes
Legia Warsaw Vs Lazio
Trabzonspor Vs Apollon Limassol
Anzhi Makhachkala Vs Sheriff Tiraspol
Tromso Vs Tottenham Hotspur
Shakhter Karagandy Vs PAOK Salonika
AZ Alkmaar Vs Maccabi Haifa​

 

[unicornx]

'No player in the world like Xabi Alonso' - Arbeloa

Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa has hailed Xabi Alonso as the most influential player in the world.

Alonso has only recently recovered from an injury that saw him miss the start of the season and has been slowly blending back into a Blancos midfield that will now be without Sami Khedira for the next six months.

However, Arbeloa does not believe there is a more influential player in world football and feels that his fellow Spain international should ignore interest from elsewhere to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond the end of the season.

"Xabi Alonso is my friend," the full-back told Canal Plus. "We depend on him a lot. There is no player in the world able to influence more on the team than him.

"Xabi won't be better anywhere else than he is here."

Madrid - without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo - had to play with 10 men for most of their Champions League clash with Galatasaray on Wednesday night, after Sergio Ramos was sent off in the first half, but goals from Gareth Bale, Arbeloa, Angel Di Maria and Isco rendered Umut Bulut's goal obsolete.

Arbeloa scored the first of three second-half strikes from the Blancos and he credited both coach Carlo Ancelotti and the Bernabeu faithful for their much improved performance after the break.

"The second half was great," the full-back added. "The coach did it with his tactical changes.

"Today I'm grateful for the fans' support - they know how that we don't compensate on work or effort."

Madrid's victory ensured that they will progress to the last 16 as winners of Group B.

y'day man of the match

 

[unicornx]

Ibrahimovic: I don't need the Ballon d'Or to know I'm the best

Zlatan Ibrahimovic claims that he does not need to win the Ballon d'Or to know that he is the best player in the world.

The Swede's neat finish just seven minutes into Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Olympiakos at the Parc des Princes was his eighth goal in this season's Champions League group stage and equalled the tournament record held by Ruud van Nistelrooy, Hernan Crespo, Filippo Inzaghi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, even though he is now in an excellent position to take outright possession of the record by netting in his side's final outing against Benfica, the 32-year-old insists that he is unconcerned with individual accolades - including the Ballon d'Or.

"It's not something I think about and it is something that is not important for me," Ibrahimovic told reporters.

"I do not need to win this trophy to know I am the best."

PSG guaranteed themselves top spot in Group C thanks to Edinson Cavani's late goal against the Greek champions and Ibrahimovic says he is now looking forward to the last 16.

"Our aim was to get out of the group stage and we have done that," the striker explained.

"We must now wait for the draw to see who we play but, until then, we will train hard and be ready for the next match."

lol....muge kata

 

[unicornx]

Mancini angered by Galatasaray collapse at Real Madrid

Galatasaray coach Roberto Mancini was at a loss to explain his side's second-half capitulation away to Real Madrid.

The Turkish champions had gone in all-square at half-time, with Umut Bulut having cancelled out Gareth Bale's scorching free-kick, but a second half collapse saw Los Blancos Power home to an ultimately emphatic 4-1 win.

The result was made all the more exasperating for Mancini by the fact that Madrid defender Sergio Ramos had been dismissed midway through the opening 45 minutes.

"We were nearly perfect in the first half," the 49-year-old Italian told reporters after the game in the Spanish capital.

"I really don't know what happened in the second half; I need to talk to my players."

"If you make mistakes against a side like Real Madrid then they will punish you. They have very strong and talented players."

"We have defensive problems, we need to work harder because we can't win with big mistakes like these."

However, despite dropping in thrid position in Group B, two points behind Juventus, Galatasaray can still advance to the knockout stages with a home win over the Bianconeri on the final matchday.

"One point was not enough for us because Juventus won," he said, in reference to the Italian champions' 3-1 victory over Copenhagen in Turin.

"Now we will prepare for that match. It will be decisive and we need big support from our fans in that game."

pau wade...10-2 home away ekathu kalama

 

[unicornx]

Ancelotti: I didn't expect it to be so easy against Galatasaray

Carlo Ancelotti was surprised at the ease with which his 10-man Real Madrid side defeated Galatasaray 4-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Sergio Ramos was sent off early in the game but goals from Gareth Bale, Alvaro Arbeloa, Angel Di Maria and Isco ensured that Umut Bulut's equaliser just before half-time was insignificant.

Ancelotti was sightly shocked at how the Blancos swept aside Roberto Mancini's men and argued that Juventus, who defeat Copenhagen 3-1 to move second, two points ahead of Galatasaray, now have the edge in the battle to follow Madrid through to the last 16.

"After being left 10 players on the pitch I didn't expect a game of that easiness," the Italian told Spor Smart.

"We made some changes in our system. My team reacted well in the second half and that's how we won it.

"Juve are one step ahead of Galatasaray, because a draw will be enough for them. But Galatasaray have very passionate supporters. They can win this game. It will be a perfect match."

Cristiano Ronaldo missed the game at the Santiago Bernabeu through injury but Ancelotti still took time out to back the Portugal international's bid for this year's Ballon d'Or.

"Yes, Ronaldo the best player in the world," the former AC Milan boss stated. "Statistics show that he is the best in the world by far.

"His team-mates continue to help him and he's doing his best [to recover]."

Meanwhile, Isco, who has featured intermittently under Ancelotti since arriving from Malaga in the summer, admitted it has not been enjoyable being relegated to the bench but says he is working hard to make it into the starting line-up on a regular basis.

"Is not nice to don't play, but coach is who do the line-ups," he told reporters after netting a fine goal against Gala. "I always worked to give my 100 per cent on the field.

"I feel better close to the area, but coach cans put me where he wants. I am still working with as much hope as ever."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Swansea City 0-1 Valencia: Laudrup's men miss chance to seal progression in Europe

Swansea City missed out on the chance to guarantee their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League after they were beaten by Valencia on Thursday evening.

Dani Parejo's strike wrapped up top spot for the visitors, who gained a measure of revenge for the 3-0 defeat they suffered in the reverse fixture.


The midfielder's first goal of the season earned Valencia their fourth consecutive win in the competition, with Swansea goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel's poor clearance handing the Spaniards the game's only goal at the Liberty Stadium.

Only Michel Vorm, Alejandro Pozuelo, Wilfried Bony and Nathan Dyer remained from Swansea's last Europa League tie - a 1-1 draw with Kuban.

The returning Pablo Hernandez was named on the bench after recovering from a hip injury but Michu remained absent due to an ankle problem.

Valencia made five changes from their 2-1 defeat against Elche on Sunday, with two of those coming in the back four as Joao Pereira and Victor Ruiz started for Miroslav Djukic's side.Bony almost put Swansea ahead when he headed just wide after Diego Alves had parried a corner to the Ivorian in a lively opening to the game.

Valencia, however, took advantage of Tremmel's clearance at the other end, as Juan Bernat's effort deflected into the path of Parejo who cleverly angled a finish home.

Jonas was next to threaten for the visitors, letting fly with a long-range effort, only for it to whistle over the crossbar, and Swansea were handed a further blow when Bony limped off injured.

The home side were further frustrated before the break, when Alvaro Vazquez looked to have levelled only for the linesman's flag to deny him, despite both he and Jonjo Shelvey, who headed the initial cross on target, appearing to be onside.
Sofiane Feghouli came close to doubling Valencia's lead four minutes after the break, shooting wide from a precise Sergio Canales throughball.

Vazquez looked to have equalised two minutes from time, only for Jeremy Mathieu to clear off the line as Valencia held on for the victory.

 

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Wigan 1-2 Zulte-Waregem: Late Malanda winner sinks Latics

Wigan's Europa League hopes hang by a thread after a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Zulte-Waregem on Thursday.

Leon Barnett put the hosts ahead early on, brilliantly volleying home from the edge of the penalty area after a Jordi Gomez miscue.

An open first half ended even, though, young Wigan goalkeeper Lee Nicholls spilling an effort from Thorgan Hazard over his own goal line.

The hosts looked like the only team likely to score in the second period but Junior Malanda slammed home an 88th-minute winner to move the Belgians second in Group D with one game to play.

The Championship side must win at Maribor in their final game, while hoping that Waregem lose at runaway group winners Rubin Kazan, although the Slovenian champions remain in the hunt themselves.

Owen Coyle made six changes from Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, Manchester United loanee Nick Powell starting at the head of Wigan's attack with Jordi Gomez supporting. Waregem came into the clash on the back of a six-game unbeaten run but still made three alterations from their weekend win over Mechelen.

The hosts were ahead after just seven minutes as Callum McManaman and Gomez worked a short corner routine, only for the Spaniard to mis-hit his effort. However, the ball fell perfectly for Barnett, who slammed home his fourth goal of the season.

Within 10 minutes of the opener, McManaman almost doubled the lead and Waregem midfielder Sven Kums scuffed wide after electric build-up play from Frederic Duplus on the left.

James McClean ended a strong run with a shot from the left channel that visiting keeper Sammy Bossut saved well, although the Irishman had better options centrally.

And Bossut's sharpness was rewarded in part through an error by his opposite number as the visitors pounced on an error from James McArthur to drive up the field. The ball eventually found Hazard, whose firm effort was straight at Nicholls but the 21-year-old was caught in two minds and could only drop the ball over the line.

Powell stung Bossut's palms with a well-struck shot on the hour, while Nicholls reacted well to palm Hazard's deflected free kick behind eight minutes later as the sides firmed up after the break.

McArthur drilled a 20-yard shot wide with 10 minutes on the clock as the hosts pushed for a winner that looked as though it would fail to materialise.

But Malanda got on the end of fellow substitute Idrissa Sylla's cutback and lashed an unstoppable effort past Nicholls to deflate the home crowd and put Waregem in the driving seat for a spot in the next phase.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tromso 0-2 Tottenham: Dembele ensures Spurs return to winning ways

Tottenham maintained their 100 per cent Europa League record by beating Tromso 1-0 to cement top spot in Group K on Thursday.

Anzhi Makhachkala's draw against Sheriff meant that Spurs were guaranteed to win the group regardless of what happened at the Alfheim Stadion.

And, after dominating large parts of the game without creating a great many chances, an own goal from Adnan Causevic put Tottenham ahead.

Under pressure from Vlad Chiriches, the defender put into his own net from a free kick before Mousa Dembele doubled Spurs' advantage 14 minutes from time, calmly curling home a loose ball in the penalty area.

The Belgian struck the post soon after as he sought to add to his first goal of the season but it remained at 2-0 as Tottenham made it five wins from five matches in the group.

Under-fire manager Andre Villas-Boas made six changes from the last Europa League outing, with three of those coming in the back four - Chiriches, Michael Dawson and Ezekiel Fryers all handed starting berths. Roberto Soldado and Dawson were the only ones to keep their places in the starting XI following Sunday's 6-0 defeat against Manchester City.

Tromso made eight changes from their defeat against Anzhi last time out in the competition. Leading goalscorer Zdenek Ondrasek was back among the line-up, having not featured against the Russian side, while Benny Lekstrom was preferred ahead of Marcus Sahlman in goal.

The hosts threatened within the first minute, as Ondrasek rolled an effort past Brad Friedel's right-hand post after being put through on goal.

Tottenham looked to mount a swift response but an unmarked Etienne Capoue failed to get a touch on Soldado's glancing header in the area.

The visitors grew into the match and Gylfi Sigurdsson was the next to go close, firing wide after collecting a reverse ball from Andros Townsend, before Capoue's sidefooted effort almost deflected past Lekstrom in the Tromso goal.

Soldado threatened to make the breakthrough three minutes after the half-hour mark with a header from Townsend's delivery, before Nacer Chadli fired over when through on goal as Tromso held firm to remain on level terms at the break.

Tottenham continued enjoy much of the possession after the interval but failed to test Lekstrom, with Chadli wasting a good opportunity when he curled high and wide after Townsend had beaten Ruben Kristiansen all ends up on the right.

Eventually, the pressure told for Spurs after 63 minutes due to Causevic's own goal following a Sigurdsson free-kick.

Sigurdsson was also involved in Spurs' second, as his clever pass found Dembele, with the midfielder making no mistake to tuck the ball away neatly and relieve some of the pressure on Villas-Boas, after suffering back-to-back defeats in the Premier League.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Villas-Boas praises Tottenham patience

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas praised his side's patience in their 2-0 Europa League win over Tromso on Thursday.

Spurs, already guaranteed their progress to the next round of the competition as Group K winners thanks to Anzhi Makhachkala's 1-1 draw with Sheriff Tiraspol, took all three points through an Adnan Causevic own goal and Mousa Dembele's strike.

It had looked as though the Norwegian side would hold out to frustrate Villas-Boas's men with some stubborn defending but the Portuguese was happy with the visitors' determination and persistence.

"We played very well and it was important that we won in a comfortable way with a result that would put us through [in first place] and we did exactly that," he told the press. "We showed patience and finally managed to get in behind them."

The north Londoners went into game following back-to-back Premier League defeats, the last of which was a 6-0 hammering at Manchester City, and Villas-Boas was delighted to return to winning ways ahead of Manchester United's visit to White Hart Lane on Sunday.

"We played well down the flanks, moved the ball well in midfield and created lots of good situations," he continued.

"I'm happy for the team and happy we bounced back in preparation for the match against United.

"It was important for us to get back to winning ways. We said that before the game when we were in London. We knew about the conditions, the snow and the artificial pitch and the players did well to get the result."

 

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You need 1,000 eyes against Real Madrid, says Valladolid boss Martinez

Valladolid boss Juan Ignacio Martinez claims his side will need "1,000 eyes" to keep an eye on Real Madrid's attack when the sides meet on Saturday.

Los Blancos have scored a remarkable 25 goals in their last six games since their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona on October 26, including four in their midweek thrashing of Galatasaray despite being down to 10 men for the majority of the match.

"Madrid leave you with very few options. It's clear they are superior and we know it will be difficult, but in football nothing is impossible, although we will have to go out there with a thousand eyes because in the game last Wednesday they scored four goals with one less player," Martinez was quoted as saying by Marca.

"Their transitions are very quick and they have three players up front with tremendous quality and pace. They play between the lines, on the counter, shooting from distance - they have it all.

"We are excited and eager to do well on a big stage. For these games, you don't need to fire the players up because they go there already motivated."

Valladolid head into Saturday's clash with just 12 points from their opening 14 games, while Madrid sit third in La Liga on 34, six behind leaders Barcelona.

 

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Wenger lauds Giggs and Henry longevity

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed Ryan Giggs and Thierry Henry, saying their "exceptional qualities" mean they are able to keep performing at the top despite their advancing years.

Giggs, who turns 40 on Friday, is still turning out impressive displays for Manchester United, not least his performance in the 5-0 Champions League win at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.

Henry, 36, remains one of the stars of Major League Soccer, playing for New York Red Bulls, and Wenger feels the pair have certain attributes that mean they can still contribute significantly against younger opposition.

“If I’m 20 per cent above the normal level at a young age and I drop 10 per cent, I'm still 10 per cent above everybody else. That's what happened to Ryan Giggs,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“What he has done is absolutely exceptional. I always thought that Ryan Giggs did not always get the reward or the recognition for his quality and his huge career because he did not play in the World Cup and the European Championship.

“You look at his club career - it's absolutely unbelievable. The quality of his performances show a masterclass at 40. What is very remarkable in his case is that he has turned from being an individual player into being a good passer and a collective player.

“That is a very difficult transformation and that shows you that he not only had individual quality but the intelligence and understanding of the game as well."

Henry, who is currently training with the Gunners, returned to the club on loan in 2012, and Wenger added: “People like Thierry Henry [also] had exceptional qualities.

"They would run 100 metres in 11 seconds when everybody else did it in 12.5 or 13. So if today they are running it in 12, they are still quicker.

“They start from a huge potential and that's why at that age they can still survive, because they have the football intelligence. They had exceptional physical qualities at the start.”

 

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Wilshere 'upset' by Fabregas departure from Arsenal

Jack Wilshere has revealed he was left "really upset" by Cesc Fabregas' 2011 Arsenal exit.

The England midfielder told fans during a Google Hangout that he felt the loss of the club captain in the aftermath of his move to Barcelona.


"I was really upset about Fabgregas leaving," he said. "He was the captain and you always went to him if you had a problem."

But the 21-year-old is now looking forward to a bright future with Arsenal, who currently sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League, and reserves special thanks for manager Arsene Wenger."He gave me a chance when I was 16 and brought me into the first team,"

continued Wilshere. "He picked me out and gave me that chance to train with the first team. He put his arm around me.

"Some games I didn't play well but he still stuck with me, when you're young you do make mistakes."

Wilshere, who scored twice during the 2-0 Champions League victory against Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday, will be hoping to start for the Gunners once again when they take on Cardiff City in the Premier League on Saturday.

 

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Wenger: Szczesny can be an Arsenal legend

Arsene Wenger believes Wojciech Szczesny has the potential to go down in history at Arsenal.

The Poland international endured a tough time last season and found himself dropped by Wenger for the first time since establishing himself as the club's No.1.

However, he soon returned to the team and has been in impressive form this term, keeping his 50th clean sheet for the Gunners when they saw off Marseille 2-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday.

And Wenger feels that at just 23, Szczesny is only going to get better.

"Yes, he can be one of the best," the manager told Arsenal Player. "You have to question a little bit the defenders as well (when you consider clean sheet stats) because you're part of a team and sometimes too many individual stats can lead you to conclusions that are not as obvious as that.

"But what I am sure is that he has the potential to be a historical goalkeeper for Arsenal Football Club. That will depend on how much he will continue to focus, to have the desire to be better, to have the desire to put the hard work in.

"If you look around at different clubs you see how quickly a goalkeeper can lose confidence, how quickly a goalkeeper can lose all his qualities. The level of urgency in this position has to be absolutely 100 per cent.

"He is a very young man. I personally believe his composure is better, his reading of the game is better, his level of concentration is much stronger and that comes out with his numbers. He is still a very young goalkeeper because he's at an age where other goalkeepers start to play.

"He has already a vast experience. That's why I think it's very good news for the club that he has extended his contract. But rightly so as well because this club has given him a huge chance at a very young age - and that is not common at in the top, top clubs."

Meanwhile, Wenger has given an update on the fitness of Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of his side's trip to Cardiff City on Saturday.

Podolski, who has been out since August with a hamstring injury, is not set to return to the first team for another three weeks - just as Goal revealed earlier this month. Oxlade-Chamberlain, meanwhile, is likely to be back from his knee injury in the New Year.