..::Football III::..

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'I'll be happy whether or not I win Ballon d'Or' - Ribery

Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery insists he will be happy whether he wins the Ballon d'Or in January or not.

The French winger, who is on the shortlist along with Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid, is being tipped to take the crown by some after a stellar year which has seen him win the UEFA Champions League, as well as being named the UEFA Best Player in Europe.

But Ribery admits he is happy to have made the top three and will be satisfied whatever the outcome.

"Whether I win or not I will still be happy," he said. "To me it is a pleasure to be on the shortlist of candidates with Cristiano and Messi."This year I have won everything with Bayern and I think I helped a lot."I'll see what happens January 13. The important thing is to keep coming with this run of success."

Speaking about the atmosphere at Bayern, Ribery added: "The key is that we enjoy playing. We're like one big family. Bayern I think is the strongest club in the world.

"German football is like a train that will not stop and we're so proud of it."
Bayern currently sit seven points clear of Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga - which is in the midst of a mid-season break.

 

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Ibrahimovic: Why wouldn't I want to play for Celtic?

Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hinted at a desire to play for Celtic before the end of his career.

The Scottish club was the home of the 32-year-old's fellow Swede Henrik Larsson and the former AC Milan striker has voiced his admiration for the famous atmosphere at Parkhead.

"Celtic is a club with a big tradition and a place any top player would want to end their career," he is quoted as saying by the Scottish Sun.

"How could I say I wouldn't want to play for those fans every week?

"Henrik was good enough to play for any team in Europe. But after playing at Celtic Park it is easy to understand why he chose to stay there for so long."

Responding to the link, Celtic boss Neil Lennon jovially told BBC Sport: "He'd have to play well to get in our team.

"It's one of those stories - I don't know how true it is - but it would be wonderful if we could get that type of player to the club.

"I think that's a long way off yet."

Ibrahimovic has scored 15 goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG this season.

 

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Manchester United have rediscovered winning mentality, says Evra

Patrice Evra believes Manchester United have rediscovered their winning mentality after securing their fourth straight Premier League victory.

Danny Welbeck’s goal against Norwich City on Saturday was enough to fire the Premier League champions into sixth place, seven points behind leaders Manchester City.

And Evra claims his team-mates have recaptured their desire following a spell of inconsistent domestic form in the first half of the campaign.

“It’s a massive win. Norwich played very well and they should have scored a few goals in the first half, but I think the lads deserve plenty of credit,” Evra told MUTV.

"It’s never easy to play two games on the road like that, but the most important thing is the three points.

“I’m just looking at the present [moment in time]. The team is now playing better, we have that winning mentality and United spirit which was missing at the start of the season.

“I can see that our hunger has come back, so I’m confident, but I don’t want to talk about the title. I just want to talk about the next game, Tottenham at home. We need to make sure that we win, and that we keep the momentum going."

Welbeck’s goal at Carrow Road was his fourth strike in December and while Evra praised the 23-year-old’s recent displays, the left-back believes United still possess the best squad in England when Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie reach full fitness.

“He [Welbeck] made the difference. I’m so pleased for him, because he’s working very hard, and he has started to score a lot of goals. I hope it continues,” Evra continued.

“The squad is strong, but it is not only about one player.

“We were also without Wayne and Robin when we played against Stoke, and when they come back we’ll be even stronger, which is why I’m so happy.

"With them, we are the strongest team in the Premier League, so we have to keep winning - with or without them."

 

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Kevin-Prince Boateng hospitalised after attack

Schalke midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has been hospitalised after being attacked on Christmas Day.

The Ghana international, 26, suffered injuries to his ribs, back and neck following the incident in Kaarst - a town near the city of Dusseldorf.

A statement released by police read: "On Wednesday, December 25, 2013, at around 12.45, an incident of physical assault took place in Kaarst.

"A 26-year-old man, a resident of Meerbusch, was physically attacked on the street by a currently unidentified man. There are indications that the motive for the crime is connected to the personal affairs of the 26-year-old.
"The man was mildly injured. Criminal investigators have begun their work."

Boateng joined Schalke from AC Milan in a €12 million deal in August and has since made 17 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals.

 

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Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal: Gunners go top thanks to Giroud header

 

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Rodgers: Liverpool not dependant on Suarez

Brendan Rodgers insists that Liverpool are not a one-man team - despite Luis Suarez’s performances dominating the headlines this season.

The striker has notched up 19 goals in the opening half of the 2013-14 Premier League campaign, despite missing the opening five games due to a ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

Despite Suarez's dominance, Rodgers is keen to prove his less-talked-about players are playing their part.

"This is a group that has always been labelled as a one-man team," Rodgers told reporters.

"When Luis was playing, it was a 'one-man team'. He came out and we still continued to get results; Daniel Sturridge came out and we continued to get results; Steven Gerrard came out and we continued to get results.

"Importantly, on top of that, we got performances. We work in a certain way that aligns everyone into that model so everyone knows when they come into the team they know their job and specifically what they're doing.

"We'll always be reliant on the team ethic. We've got more injuries but I see it as an opportunity for players that maybe haven't featured or played so much.

"They have now got to stand up and show that they can be involved a lot more regularly. That's what I expect over the next couple of games."

Injuries have weakened Rodgers' squad - with the Northern Irishman forced to use 18 year-old debutant Brad Smith as a substitute against Chelsea - but he was unmoved when asked about January incomings.

"There's nothing to add on anything with regard to players coming in," he said. "There's nothing imminent.

"Obviously the recruitment team are busy putting things together in terms of the profile of players we need here to improve the team and the squad.

"The owners have invested millions upon millions into the team; every window we arrive in looking to improve it where we can. This window will be no different."

 

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Tottenham must play with freedom against Manchester United - Eriksen

Tottenham must play without fear if they are to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on New Year's Day, according to playmaker Christian Eriksen.

Spurs struggled for goals under Andre Villas-Boas this season, scoring just 15 times in 16 league games under the Portuguese, but have netted seven in three matches since Tim Sherwood took the reins.

With a visit to the site of last season's famous 3-2 victory - their first over United since 1989 - looming on Wednesday, Eriksen insists they have no reason not to maintain their positive mindset.

"I'd like us to go there and play like we did [against Stoke]," he told reporters. "We'll still get the space and just need to take our chances.

"United are a better team than Stoke and we have respect for them, but we have to be on our toes and go there and play a good game."

Eriksen's sentiments are borne of personal experience, having already tasted victory on United's home turf with his previous club.

"I played there with Ajax [in a Europa League tie in February 2012] and it was a big thing for young players. We won and played a very good game.

"Just play free. When you play there the only thing you should be afraid of are the players. If you can get the crowd quiet you're doing a good job.

"We were not afraid [with Ajax] and just played our own game, and if you do that you can make it difficult for any team."

Eriksen credits Sherwood for reinforcing Spurs' attacking philosophy and admits he is enjoying life under the new boss at White Hart Lane.

When asked what advice Sherwood gives to his players, the Dane replied: "'Enjoy it.' That's what he says to everyone. Play positive. I'm a player who loves that so it's good for me.

"The coach said in some of the other games we looked a bit afraid. Now you see we're really good and if we dare we're a really good team and can create really good chances.

"We've been fighting and we're still fighting. We have had chances in every game and just haven't scored. Hopefully we'll keep having the luck and what you see now is how we should play."

 

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Arsenal growing confident of title win - Walcott

Theo Walcott says Arsenal have more belief each week that they will end their trophy drought and win the Premier League title this season.

The Gunners lead the top flight at its halfway point having accrued nine more points than at this stage last term, when they finished fourth.

And Walcott admits that with every win Arsene Wenger’s side are more certain that they will be top of the pile on May 11.

"Every game that goes by that we win is more belief that we're going to win the league," the 24-year-old told the club's official website.

"But we won't get ahead of ourselves, we know how crucial every game is. We've got to make sure we look after ourselves and hopefully teams will start to slip up.

"Just as long as we keep on believing, which everyone is and we've been doing from the start of the season.

"Hopefully everyone can stay fit, which is important to have a nice run to the end of the season."

Arsenal are undefeated over the festive period, having beaten West Ham on Boxing Day before Olivier Giroud’s strike overcame Newcastle on Sunday - victories Walcott classes as vital.

"I think you could see from the [final] 10 games last year that it was coming and that we had it in ourselves," the winger said.

"Everyone has been absolutely solid throughout the whole year and it was nice to see Laurent [Koscielny] back today as well.

"It's been two tough away matches in this period, I think a lot of people doubted that we were going to get results.

"It just shows that we've got great character in that dressing room and we're getting stronger and stronger every week. Everyone trusts each other, which is so important. Going into the New Year, we're very excited."

 

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Roma not afraid of Juventus, says Pjanic

Miralem Pjanic has stated that Roma are not in the least bit afraid of Juventus ahead of Sunday's Serie A showdown in Turin.

The Bianconeri have won the Scudetto for the last two seasons and are currently five points clear of the Giallorossi at the top of the table.

However, Pjanic insists that unbeaten Roma will travel to Juventus Stadium in hope rather than fear."Juventus are a very strong team," the Bosnian is quoted as saying by Gazetta dello Sport. "But we are not afraid of them."We know we are on a par with any opponent in the league, but have to be on top of our game to beat Juve.

"It's going to be a great game for sure. But we're determined to bring home some valuable points."

Roma's crunch clash with Juventus is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

 

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Pardew confident Newcastle can sign Remy permanently

Alan Pardew believes that Newcastle can seal a permanent deal to sign on-loan striker Loic Remy during the January transfer window.

The France international turned the Magpies down in January 2013, opting instead to join QPR, before moving to St James's Park on a temporary basis after the London club were relegated to the Championship.

And Pardew is now confident of keeping the striker on Tyneside, with the finances in place to complete a transfer.

"Well, the thing is with Loic that there's a situation with him where he is a QPR player," the Magpies boss told Absolute Radio’s Rock 'N' Roll Football with Ian Wright. "That is the short of it and he will remain that until such time as the valuation is met.

"He has been terrific, he is a lovely young boy. I think he has got great technical ability and he is going to have a great career in the Premier League, for sure - and hopefully with us.

"We feel we can sign him. We have the finance to do that but, of course, probably at the end of the year, Loic and his agent and his representatives will decide where his future is.

"But I do feel, as you know, 50,000 Geordies ... there is not a lot of clubs who can beat that. That's what I say to my players. They think the grass is greener and we have lost some good players in this football club.

"Joey Barton moved on, Andy Carroll [as well] and actually, you have to argue, have they moved on to better clubs? Because when they were here they were absolutely terrific for us and I think sometimes the grass isn't always greener, as we know."

 

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Messi reveals New Year's wish

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has revealed his only wish for the New Year is to enjoy an injury-free 2014.

The Argentina star saw a hamstring injury bring a premature end to last season and a similar problem has left him on the sidelines since November, this term.

The 26-year-old looks set to return to action for the Blaugrana's clash with Elche on January 5 and he hopes it is the beginning of a prosperous year.

He told Argentinian TV show Mundo Leo: "There are many important things in the human part, but sports-wise what I ask for 2014 is a year without injuries.

"The goal now is to be physically fit and the idea is to get a couple of practice sessions with my team-mates before playing again.

"After celebrating the end of the year with my people, next Wednesday, January 1, I'll fly to Barcelona and, after my arrival, we'll see when I'm ok to play again."

Barca qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League without their star man but have seen their lead at the top of La Liga whittled down, with the club level on 46 points with second-placed Atletico Madrid.

 

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Anelka vows not to repeat 'quenelle' celebration

West Brom say that Nicolas Anelka has agreed not to repeat the controversial 'quenelle' goal celebration as he awaits the results of a Football Association investigation.

The French striker marked his second goal in Saturday's 3-3 Premier League draw at West Ham with a gesture that has been linked to anti-establishment and allegedly anti-semitic connotations in his homeland.

Anelka insisted that he had not set out to offend anyone of Jewish faith, stating that the action was dedicated to his comedian friend, Dieudonne M'bala M'bala, but he could face a ban of up to five games from the FA.

In a statement on their official website, West Brom declared that they have accepted the forward's explanation for the celebration but have warned him not to do it again, while explaining that he will remain available for selection until the investigation is concluded.

"Nicolas was asked to explain his goal celebration by caretaker head coach Keith Downing within minutes of the game finishing at West Ham," the statement wrote. "Nicolas said that he performed the gesture to dedicate his goal to a friend and vehemently denied having any intention to cause offence.

"Upon reporting for training this morning, Nicolas was asked by sporting and technical director Richard Garlick to give a full explanation about his goal celebration, during which he again strongly denied intending to cause offence.

"The club fully acknowledges that Nicolas's goal celebration has caused offence in some quarters and has asked Nicolas not to perform the gesture again. Nicolas immediately agreed to adhere to this request.

"The club is aware that the Football Association is investigating the matter and has offered its full co-operation. The club will continue to make its own enquiries - a process which will remain confidential between the club and Nicolas.

"Nicolas is eligible for matches whilst the FA carries out its investigation. Therefore, Nicolas will remain under consideration for first-team selection whilst the FA and club continue their enquiries."

 

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Watzke expects Gundogan decision soon

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke says he expects Ilkay Gundogan's future to be resolved in the near future.

The Germany midfielder has 18 months left on his contract and has been closely linked with a move to the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United.

And Watzke says he wants to know whether the former Nurnberg man will remain at Signal Iduna Park sooner rather than later so he can plan for the future.

"We are talking to Gundogan's family, who act as his advisors," he told SZ.

"Obviously, we want to keep Ilkay but there is no agreement so far. At the end of the day, only he can decide whether he wants to continue his development with us.

"He knows, though, that we expect a decision from him soon."

BVB kept hold of Robert Lewandowski in the summer, despite the Polish striker entering the final year of his contract and Watzke does not regret refusing to sell him to Bayern Munich.

"It was absolutely right. He scores important goals for us, works incredibly hard and is a player we couldn't have replaced in the summer, with our financial capabilities."

Watzke also hinted that Lewandowski's eventual replacement when he leave on a free in the summer could already be at the club.

"To my knowledge, he wants to go to Bayern Munich. We're scanning the market closely, you can't buy a straight replacement for a special player like Robert.

"Incidentally, we have [Marco] Reus and [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang, who both played as strikers at their old clubs."

 

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Manchester United boss Moyes sets Welbeck 20-goal target

Manchester United manager David Moyes has challenged Danny Welbeck to "step up" and score 20 goals this season.

The England international only found the net twice last season but has already claimed seven in all competitions during 2013-14 - making him the club's third-highest scorer, behind Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.

The 23-year-old came off the bench to score the winner against Norwich City on Saturday and Moyes has been impressed with the young forward but wants to see more from him in the second half of the season.

"We have said to him we are trying to keep his finishing up," the Scot told reporters. "I think he can keep his efforts up, his levels up, even better.

"He got one [league] goal last year and now he is on seven for this season. It could be better but you have got to say it is going in the right direction.

"With the second half of the season to go, he should be certainly looking to score 20 goals.

"We need him to do that because, when you don't have Wayne and you don't have Robin, then you need people to step up to the mark.

"In quite a few of the games recently he has done that for us."

 

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Mourinho hails 'amazing' Terry after 600th Chelsea game

Jose Mourinho has praised Chelsea captain John Terry after the defender became the fourth player to reach 600 appearances for the club.

The former England international, who has been an ever-present in the Premier League this season, reached the milestone in Sunday's 2-1 home victory over Liverpool. Terry's manager lauded the 33-year-old's achievements, particularly in the current campaign.

"I think more important than the 600 matches is the fact he played every minute in the 19 matches in the Premier League this season," he said. "Only Petr Cech has done that and he is a goalkeeper."John is the only outfield player that played 19 times, 90 minutes, which is amazing for a player that last season lots of people were thinking is going [downhill].

"He is showing fantastic quality, I'm happy for him, as I told him at the beginning of the season the players I had in the past I have a special connection with them. But I don't give positions because I like or I have a relationship with them.

"At this moment every game he is getting is not because he is my man, my friend or I respect him from my first period. He's getting these minutes because he is playing fantastically well."

Victory over Liverpool left Chelsea third in the top flight at the halfway stage, with a trip to Southampton up next for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

 

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Essien could leave Chelsea in January - agent

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien could leave Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window, according to his agent.

Fabian Piveteau, who represents the former Ghana international, has revealed that a number of "major European clubs" have been notified of Essien’s potential availability – with his freedom to play in the Champions League a key attraction – and is keen for any deal to be finalised swiftly.

"[Essien] could leave Chelsea this winter," Piveteau told French radio station RMC. "Several major European clubs playing in the Champions League were informed and the situation should settle down within the next 10 days.

"You should know that Michael was not on the list of players who can play in the Champions League with Chelsea, so he is free to play in the competition with another club."

Piveteau also responded to reports that Essien could be set for a return to Ligue 1 with Bastia, the club at which he began his career, saying that only France’s top clubs could afford to sign the 31-year-old.

"A come-back at Bastia? We must stop with this," he continued. "Michael plays at Chelsea, a big club. In Ligue 1 he could play only at Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon ... But Bastia, FC Sochaux – without disrespect, no. For them to support the salary of a Chelsea player, it is already impossible."

Essien has found himself peripheral to first-team affairs this season despite his close relationship with returning manager Jose Mourinho, with the midfielder having only started two league games so far.

 

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Boost for Manchester United as Van Persie returns to light training

Manchester United manager David Moyes is hoping to have both Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney fit early in the New Year after the Dutch striker returned to light training.

Van Persie has struggled with thigh, toe and groin injuries this season and suffered his latest problem while taking a corner in the Champions league against Shakhtar Donetsk.

But Moyes, who has overseen six consecutive victories for his side in all competitions, has indicated the striker is "not too far away" from a recovery.

"Robin’s started some light training and he might not be too far away," Moyes told reporters.

"We’ve not had Van Prsie and Rooney as a partnership very often and we are looking forward to getting them back together."

Rooney, meanwhile, is likely to be fit to face Tottenham on New Year's Day, after the England international has been carrying a groin injury.

Moyes added: "I would expect Rooney to be back for Wednesday, hopefully. But he’s got an adductor injury in his groin, which kept him out of the Stoke game in the League Cup.

"Ideally we would like to give it a bit longer than three or four days between each game, but we are not getting much time at this point of the season."

 

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