..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: If Mata wants to leave, my door is open

Jose Mourinho has refused to rule out a January exit for Juan Mata, insisting his "door is open" if the Spaniard wants to seek a move away from Chelsea.

The Blues secured an impressive 3-0 win at Southampton to strengthen their title credentials but the post-match press conference was dominated by questions surrounding the future of the 25-year-old, who walked straight past Mourinho and slammed his chair in the dugout after being replaced after just 53 minutes at St Mary's.

Oscar and Willian came on to set up the ultimately convincing victory but Mata's frustration was clear as he left the field.

When Mourinho was asked whether he wanted to keep a player who has been voted the club's player of the season two years in succession, he replied: "I want to keep him. I want to keep him. I don't want him to go, that's my wish.

"But my door is open, the club's door is open too so when a player wants to sit with us, we are there waiting - waiting for them.

"But if you ask me: 'Do I want the club to sell him?', I don't want to so it never starts from us, the desire to move a player that we like."

Mourinho did, however, brush off the incident when Mata was substituted by insisting it was a collective frustration rather than an individual one.

"I think his frustration was because of the result," he said. "Because he knew we had to win.

"If we don't win this game the difference to the leaders is bigger so I think his frustration is about this because after the game everyone, including him, was happy in the dressing room and everyone was celebrating.

"So, for me, I have to believe that the frustration was because of the result."

Mourinho also revealed he cannot offer Michael Essien assurances over his involvement in the first team and believes players must work to get into the starting XI on merit by "buying their minutes.

He revealed: "I offer nobody [guaranteed game time]. They have to buy their minutes, I can't promise. I can't offer nothing."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mata transfer weida?Pattama player kenek Chalsea side 1ke inna

 

[rcccc]

mun tham ma sara league eka ganna..!

patta squad ekakne thyenne

 

[unicornx]

Mata MADRID

 

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FT: PSG 0-1 Real Madrid (18' Jesé) ‪#‎RMLive‬ ‪#‎halamadrid‬

 

[unicornx]

Spain U21 will simply be unbeateable. Except for the Jamie, all others are above the par....Reserves of Madrid and Barca will derive the next world cup

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Real Madrid: Jese helps Ronaldo beat Ibra again

An 18th minute strike from Jese Rodriguez was the difference between the sides as Real Madrid beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in a friendly in Qatar.

The game was billed as a head-to-head clash between Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but in the end it was the intervention of the Spain Under-21 international that proved most telling.

Both sides created early opportunities, with Ronaldo's speculative 30-yard effort clearing the crossbar for Madrid on two minutes, before Cavani's effort was well saved by Diego Lopez after the Uruguayan was played in by Blaise Matuidi.

The breakthrough came shortly after, as Madrid took the lead with 18 minutes on the clock. Alvaro Morata slid a fine ball into the path of Rodriguez and the 20-year-old finished well to make it 1-0 to los Blancos.

PSG responded well to going behind and should have drawn level prior to half-time, with Ezequiel Lavezzi and Cavani both guilty of missing good chances to level, while Rodriguez struck the post as he came close to his and Madrid's second of the game.

The two sides used the half-time interval to make a host of changes, but those substitutions had little impact on the quality of the contest, with Karim Benzema striking the crossbar on 53 minutes, as Carlo Ancelotti's men went close to doubling their lead.

PSG enjoyed the better of the possession as they pressed forward in increasing numbers in a bid to get back in the game, but their profligacy in front of goal was to prove their downfall.

Just shy of the hour mark, Thiago Motta's header cleared the bar when he ought to have found the back of the net before Thiago Silva's close range effort from a corner was blocked on its way goalwards.

Lucas Moura went close for Laurent Blanc's side in the dying moments of injury-time, but the Brazilian's finishing let him down at the end of a jinking run down the right, with his effort flying narrowly wide.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Laudrup not feeling pressure despite Swansea's poor form

Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup has no concerns that his side might slip into a relegation battle this season.

The Swans have not won any of their last six Premier League matches and sit four points above the drop zone in 13th.

Ahead of clashes with champions Manchester United and in-form Tottenham, however, Laudrup feels that the confidence within his squad is a promising sign.

"As I long as I can see that there's a lot of confidence in the team then I'm not worried," the Dane told the press.

"I have a lot of respect for the numbers and it could be moments when we are just a few points away from that bottom three."

After the visit of Tim Sherwood's men on January 19, Swansea's next three opponents - Fulham, West Ham and Cardiff City - are all teams currently in the bottom five and Laudrup believes that, if his charges are to boost their survival hopes, results against those around them are essential.

"We just have to pick up points; especially when we [face teams in the bottom half]," he added.

"We know there are some difficult games coming up but, if we do play as we have done in recent games, we will pick up the points."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aston Villa striker Kozak ruled out for season with broken leg

Aston Villa striker Libor Kozak has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a broken leg.

The Czech Republic international has scored four goals in 15 games since joining the club from Lazio in the summer.

He was the most prolific man in the Europa League in 2012-13, netting 10 times, and is Paul Lambert's second-highest scorer this season.

"Villa can confirm that Libor Kozak suffered a broken leg in training," the club wrote on Twitter. "Libor Kozak will undergo surgery [on Friday]."

Paul Lambert's side have struggled in front of goal in 2013-14, with Christian Benteke some way below the form that saw him plunder 23 in his debut season. The Belgian has just five to his name so far, while fellow forwards Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann have three and two, respectively.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Badstuber refuses to give up on World Cup 'dream'

Bayern Munich and Germany defender Holger Badstuber is optimistic about his chances of being fit for the World Cup, claiming his "Brazil dream" is still alive.

The 24-year-old has been out of action for 13 months with knee ligament damage and it is not yet known when he will be fit to return to action.

However, Badstuber, who has undergone four operations, believes that he can win back his place in the Germany squad in time for Brazil 2014.

"If the rehab goes positively, I progress quickly when I'm fit again and I get back into a rhythm, why should I write off my World Cup chances?" the centre-half stated in an interview with Bild.

"The World Cup was always my desire and my Brazil dream lives on."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Iniesta 'bothered' by contract extension rumours

Barcelona star Andres Iniesta has admitted that he was "bothered" by the rumours and speculation that surrounded his contract extension.

The Spain international's future was the subject of much debate before he committed himself to the Catalan club until 2018 by penning a deal that reportedly doubled his money to €14 million per year.

Indeed, there was even talk that Real Madrid were keen to make a move for Iniesta, who says that he was upset by some of the things printed by the press.

“I am a very transparent person, sometimes too much with my feelings and with me,” Iniesta told reporters on Thursday.

“The only issue was the timing of the signing. The only thing that bothered me was all the noise that this had caused.“Things that came out, or that were not true, were annoying. Sometimes people read or hear things and do not know if it is true, but believe what they read. That was the negative part.

“I am grateful to the fans and am very happy that I can continue here for many years to come. I have many years left of football, I know that here I will be happy and I am grateful.”

Meanwhile, Iniesta admitted that he is looking forward to taking on Manchester City in the last 16 of the Champions League.“We know almost all of their players," the midfielder stated. "We know how they play. The best we can do is be at our highest level because they are a technical team and their team is joined with strength that English teams have.

“Although they do not have many English players, that league makes you stronger physically. The most important thing is how we arrive for the tie and that we fight against a team that is very potent."

Consequently, Iniesta is delighted that Lionel Messi is now ready to return to the Barcelona starting line-up following a month out with a hamstring injury.

“We count on him for many things," the 29-year-old admitted. "You cannot evaluate the effectiveness of Leo with just numbers. It is the player, what he represents and what he does for the team.“For me he is number one and when you have a player on the pitch with these conditions, everything is much easier.

“Hopefully he will feel comfortable, he will have no more problems and can contribute as he always has, as the number one.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Higuain: Playing for Napoli is incredible

Gonzalo Higuain has described playing for Napoli as an incredible experience amidst rumours of a January move away from the San Paolo.

The Argentina striker, who was also heavily courted by Arsenal after announcing his intention to leave Real Madrid last summer, has scored 13 goals in 21 appearances for the Partenopei.

Despite this, there has been talk of interest from Chelsea, but Higuain is happy in Italy, saying his experiences are helping him to develop as a player while insisting he loves playing for Napoli.

“For someone like me who loves this sport, Naples is a wonderful place,” he told Ole. “This is an incredible city where football comes first, followed by everything else.

“The fans live for football. Thank God they loved me straight away because the Neapolitans are very passionate and I find that enchanting.

“The Neapolitans have a special affection for Argentines. They are similar to us as well as having Diego Maradona in their hearts.

“In Italy, the game is more tactical, so it is harder to find space. I am sure my own game is improving by playing in Serie A.”

Higuain insists he has no doubts over choosing to join Napoli in the summer and is determined to win trophies at the San Paolo.

The 26-year-old continued: “[Club president] Aurelio De Laurentiis convinced me straight away about his project with a top coach like Rafa Benitez.

“I want to help Napoli to grow and make history for this team.”

Napoli currently sit third in the table – 10 points adrift of leaders Juventus – and return to action at home to Sampdoria on January 6.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Marseille agree to loan Jordan Ayew to Sochaux

Sochaux have agreed a deal to sign forward Jordan Ayew on loan from Olympique de Marseille for the rest of the season.

The 22-year-old came through the youth team ranks at the Stade Velodrome but while he has made 16 Ligue 1 appearances for Jose Anigo's side, he has managed just one goal.

Consequently, Marseille have now decided to allow Ayew to spend the remainder of the 2013-14 campaign with Sochaux, who currently sit 19th in the table.

"An agreement in principle was reached between Marseille and Sochaux for the loan until the end of the season of Jordan Ayew," read a statement on the struggling side's official website.

"The arrival of the Ghana international striker at FC Sochaux is now conditional on the medical examination."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Valdes cleared to make Barcelona return

Barcelona have announced that goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been given the green light by the club's medical team to return to action.

The 31-year-old shot-stopper has been out of action since suffering a calf muscle tear while on international duty with Spain in South Africa in November.

However, Barcelona have now revealed that Valdes, who is to quit the Catalan club at the end of the season, is 100 per cent fit again.

"After training on Thursday afternoon, goalkeeper Victor Valdes received a full medical discharge," read a statement on the club's official website.

"Therefore, he has already been made available to coach Tata Martino and could return to the team this Sunday in the Liga match at Camp Nou against Elche."

Valdes, who has been out of action for a total of 44 days, will now be hoping to usurp Jose Manuel Pinto, who has been deputising for him.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi back in training with Barcelona

Barcelona have confirmed that Lionel Messi has returned to training after a month out with a hamstring problem.

The 26-year-old suffered the injury in the 4-1 Liga victory over Real Betis on November 10 and returned to his native Argentina for treatment.

However, Barcelona announced on Thursday that not only is Messi back in Catalunya, the forward is also back in action.

"Leo Messi landed in Barcelona this afternoon and went directly to the Ciutat Esportiva to meet up with his team-mates and get fitted for new boots ahead of the team’s training session," read a statement on the club's official website.
"Messi, who has yet to be declared match fit, took part in the team’s second training session of the day."

Barcelona, who top La Liga on goal difference from Atletico Madrid, resume their bid for a second successive Spanish title when they face Elche at Camp Nou on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Raul warns Real Madrid: Schalke will fight right to the end

Raul has warned Real Madrid to take nothing for granted in their Champions League last-16 clash with Schalke, claiming that the Germans will "fight right to the end".

The legendary Spanish striker, who spent two seasons in Gelsenkirchen after a 16-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, feels that the Liga outfit are the clear favourites to progress to the last 16.

However, it feels it would be very foolish for Carlo Ancelotti and his men to underestimate the threat posed by Schalke, whom they will face at the Veltins-Arena next month.

"It's going to be a special play-off for me," Raul told Madrid's official website. "It's going to be great for Schalke 04 and I'm really happy that my [former] team-mates and the fans are going to experience this play-off.

"Real Madrid is better than Schalke 04, but you always have to be careful with German teams because they fight right to the end."They (Schalke) have a very good team as well."

The 36-year-old Raul, who is Madrid's all-time top scorer, is currently plying his trade in Qatar with Al Sadd.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ancelotti: Ronaldo has to win Ballon d'Or

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says Cristiano Ronaldo has to win the Ballon d'Or and revealed he expects Xabi Alonso to sign a new contract with the club.

Madrid ran out 1-0 winners over Paris Saint-Germain in a friendly in Qatar on Thursday, thanks to Jese Rodriguez's 18th minute strike.

And the Italian used his post-match press conference to throw his weight of support behind Ronaldo, while discussing the respective futures of Alonso and Iker Casillas.

When asked if the Portuguese should win the Ballon d'Or he said: "Yes, he's playing very well.

"Casillas's situation is very clear. He will play in the Champions League and in the cup as well. About Xabi Alonso, I think that we will find a solution and reach an agreement between the club and the player."

The 54-year-old then added Madrid would not be active in the January transfer window, with the Italian seemingly content with the squad at his disposal.

"There is nothing new regarding that. No players are leaving and we're not going to sign anyone. The window is closed for us."

Madrid host Celta Vigo on January 6 as they make their return to Liga action following the international break.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool loanee Assaidi unsure of Stoke future

Oussama Assaidi has hinted that he would be interested in staying at Stoke City when his loan spell finishes at the end of the season.The Morocco winger joined Stoke on a season-long loan from Liverpool in August after failing to break into the first team at Anfield.

Assaidi, 25, has made an impressive impact at the Britannia Stadium and scored his third league goal in the last six league games as Mark Hughes' side drew 1-1 with Everton on New Year's Day.

The former Heerenveen man is unsure whether he has a future on Merseyside and, for the time being, is relishing the opportunity to show what he is capable of at Stoke.

"I don't know what is going to happen with me," Assaidi said. "Sometimes [Liverpool manager] Brendan Rodgers texts me, but I don't know."I am very happy here, because Mark Hughes has made me better, giving me a lot of confidence and letting me do my job the way I want to.

"Everyone at the club seems to like me. We will see at the end of the year what happens."

Elaborating on the contact he has received from Rodgers, Assaidi added: "He texts me sometimes if I score, saying 'well done', 'keep going' and 'I am hearing good things about you'."But I love to play here for Stoke because they have given me a chance."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ancelotti interested in Pirlo

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has enquired about the availability of Andrea Pirlo, according to the Italian's former assistant coach Ciaschini Giorgio.

The Italy international is out of contract at Juventus as of next summer and Ancelotti - who coached the 34-year-old during his time in charge of AC Milan - is keen on a reunion with his former player.

Madrid could face the prospect of filling a big hole in their midfield should Xabi Alonso opt to run down his contract and move on in June and Giorgio says the Blancos coach remains a big admirer of Pirlo.

"Pirlo is a player who could fit into any side," the 66-year-old former Milan assistant told AS. "The only reason he left Milan was because of physical issues and not technical or tactical reasons.

"Ancelotti asked about him while I was at Chelsea, last season at PSG and even recently with Real Madrid, Pirlo is a universal footballer, the problem is Juventus are not that keen on selling the player."

Ancelotti has been linked with a return to the Rossoneri in the future, having lifted Serie A once and the Champions League twice in his eight years at San Siro and Ciaschini admitted the 54-year-old retains a strong affection for his old club.

"When Ancelotti talks about Milan he does so from the heart. I think he would be very happy in Milan again one day."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Quaresma revels in Porto return

Ricardo Quaresma has voiced his delight at his return to Porto and says he is determined to help the reigning champions to further glory.

The 30-year-old, who left the club for Inter in 2008, makes his comeback at the Estadio do Dragao after leaving Al Ahli in the summer of 2013.

"I'm happy to be back to a home I know quite well, where I feel the love and the trust of those around me," he told the club's official website.

"It's important to be happy and this is the place for that. I am prepared to help the team, the club and the fans in winning more titles.

"I am extremely proud to be back and I recovered my joy in playing football. When I'm happy, I fear nothing."

Quaresma, who scored 24 goals in 114 league appearances in his first spell at the club, reserved special thanks for chairman Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa and coach Paulo Fonseca.

"I really am proud to wear this jersey again and I'd like to thank these two men in particular, for believing in me and in my value."

Quaresma started his professional career with Sporting CP and also wore the jerseys of Barcelona, Inter, Chelsea and Besiktas before joining Al Ahli one year ago.