..::Football III::..

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Cardiff City appoint Solskjaer

Cardiff City have confirmed the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as their the club's new manager.

Solskjaer takes over at the Welsh club from Malky Mackay, who was sacked by controversial owner Vincent Tan last month following weeks of speculation.

David Kerslake has taken charge of Cardiff's two Premier League games since Mackay's dismissal, guiding them to a 2-2 draw with Sunderland and a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.

However, former Manchester United striker Solskjaer will now take the reins for Cardiff's FA Cup tie at Newcastle United on Saturday.

"It's a fantastic challenge for me," Solskjaer told the club's official website. "Cardiff are ready to take the next step up, I hope I can help them.

"I've always dreamt of being a manager in the Premier League and I'm delighted to get the opportunity."

Chairman Mehmet Dalman added: "There was only one name in my head from the very beginning. We're delighted to welcome Ole to Cardiff."

The 40-year-old made his first steps into management at Norwegian side Molde, taking over in 2011 and leading them to two Norwegian Tippeligaen titles and a Norwegian Cup crown.

And he will now attempt to continue that success with the Welsh capital club by ensuring they retain their Premier League status.

Although a key factor in Mackay's dismissal was Tan's dismay at his pre-season spending, Solskjaer will reportedly have considerable funds to deal with in the January window.

 

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Congratulations & Good Luck Ole!​

 

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PSG confirm Pogba interest

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has revealed that the French champions are keen to sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba at the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Ligue 1 leaders and Al-Khelaifi has confirmed that PSG are eager to lure Pogba back to his native country, although they are willing to wait until the summer.

"Paul is a Parisian. He is a great player and he represents the future of France," Al-Khelaifi told Le Parisien.

"We will not try to sign him this winter, but maybe we will give it a try next summer."

The PSG chief then went on to stress that they have no transfer plans this winter unless they pick up any injuries in January.

"At the moment, we are not thinking about one player in particular. We are keeping an eye on the transfer market because you never know what will happen in the next few weeks. Someone could get injured," he continued.

"I don't think we will sign someone this winter, though. We have a good team as it is."

Pogba's current deal with Juventus runs until June 2016.

 

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Wenger expects imminent Ozil return

Arsene Wenger expects record signing Mesut Ozil to be fit for Arsenal's next Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

The Germany midfielder missed the victories over Newcastle United and Cardiff City due to a shoulder injury, but he is closing in on a return.

Wenger will take no risks with Ozil for the FA Cup third-round tie with north London rivals Tottenham this weekend, but the Arsenal boss expects him to feature at Villa Park on January 13.

"The specialist thinks Ozil could be ready for Saturday. It is no big damage, just the pain now," said the French manager.

"I believe he will be short for Saturday and should be ready for Aston Villa."

Nicklas Bendtner has been added to Arsenal's injury list after the striker sprained his ankle in the victory over Cardiff.

The Denmark international sustained the injury as he scored the opening goal against the Welsh side on New Year's Day and Wenger revealed he will be out for "weeks".

Bendtner's contract expires at the end of the season so he is entitled to hold talks with other clubs, but Wenger is hopeful he will stay at The Emirates.

He said: "We cannot stop him (talking to clubs) but he says he wants to stay here. If he is focused on staying with us and his job, he is a great striker."

 

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Barcelona revive interest in David Luiz

Barcelona have made a renewed enquiry as to the availability of Chelsea defender David Luiz.

Camp Nou officials contacted Chelsea about the Brazilian shortly before Christmas and Goal understands that the Brazilian is keen to discuss a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are willing to listen to formal offers for the 26-year-old, but Jose Mourinho considers the former Benfica man a valuable asset and would only sanction a move for a significant fee.

Barcelona, who are looking to bolster their defensive options with skipper Carles Puyol coming to the end of his career and only Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique and Marc Bartra as recognised centre-backs, approached Chelsea over the summer but Luiz claims he rejected the chance to join the Catalan outfit.

"There was an official offer [from Barcelona], but I decided to stay at Chelsea," the defender told Brazilian newspaper Gazeta Esportiva in September.

Mourinho moved to play down talk of any potential transfer last month, stating: "He’s our player and we are happy he’s back in a moment when we need him and John Terry in defence.”

However, sources close to the club have indicated that Chelsea would be willing to let Luiz, who has impressed in recent weeks, leave the club if Barcelona make an offer that is too good to turn down.

Chelsea have been tracking Saint-Etienne defender Kurt Zouma in recent weeks, with the club set to go head-to-head with Manchester City and a number of other sides in the coming months to secure the highly rated 19-year-old.

 

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Eriksen delighted with Manchester United upset

Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen has shared his delight at the north London club's 2-1 win at Manchester United on Wednesday.

Spurs continued their bright start under new head coach Tim Sherwood, making it three wins from the four Premier League matches he has taken charge of.

Eriksen crossed for Emmanuel Adebayor's first-half opener and then got on the scoresheet himself, heading Aaron Lennon's cross in with 24 minutes left.

The champions produced an immediate response through Danny Welbeck but were unable to find an equaliser despite enjoying strong spells of late pressure, much to the delight of Spurs' Danish playmaker.

"I couldn't have wished for a better start to the New Year than a goal and assist in a win at Old Trafford," Eriksen said.

"I'm really happy with the win and if you score, it's an even better feeling. We got to 2-0, they came back quickly and we had to keep going."

The result continued United's recent home woes, with David Moyes' men now having lost three of their last four league fixtures at Old Trafford.

 

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Neuer: Ter Stegen is a sensational goalkeeper

Germany international Manuel Neuer believes Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has a bright future ahead of him amid ongoing rumours linking him with a move to Barcelona.

The Blaugrana have earmarked the 21-year-old as a potential replacement for current first choice goalkeeper Victor Valdes, whose contract expires at the end of the season and will not be coaxed into signing a new deal.

And Neuer feels the Gladbach star has the potential to become one of the best in his position.

"There is no doubt about it that Ter Stegen is a great goalkeeper. He is a player with a big future ahead of him," Neuer was quoted as saying by AS when questioned about his compatriot.

"He is sensational. He is very agile and always knows how to deal with complicated situations. He is a superb shot-stopper.

"I don't know whether he's ready to play for a team like Barcelona yet. That's a decision their technical staff will have to make."

Ter Stegen's contract with Monchengladbach runs until the summer of 2015.

 

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Reus rules out Dortmund exit amid Manchester United links

Marco Reus has stressed that he is happy with life at Borussia Dortmund and is not thinking about a transfer amid rumours linking him with Manchester United.

The Premier League champions supposedly see the 24-year-old attacker as a valuable addition as they aim to add some more creativity to their squad, while clubs such as Manchester City and Barcelona have also been linked with the Germany international.

However, Reus is focused on BVB and is happy with life at last year's Champions League finalists.

"I have a contract with Borussia Dortmund and I am happy to be here," he told Bild when questioned about his future.

"All I can say about is that I am not thinking about a transfer. I am focused on BVB and anything else is something for the future."

Reus, who has a contract with Dortmund until June 2017, then went on to discuss the remainder of the 2013-14 campaign and made it clear that he wants Champions League and World Cup glory.

"These are two very big goals and both are not entirely unrealistic," he continued.

"Who knows what we can achieve in the Champions League. Nobody thought we could make it to the final last season either.

"We finally want to win the World Cup again with Germany and will have to show our ambition right from the start of the competition. We will prepare meticulously for this amazing tournament."

 

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Rues gana hopes thiyaganna bari wei wageanyway hoda deals tikak meh window 1ke une nathnam aduma gane EPL top 4 finish 1ka ganawath hopes thiyaganna bari wei​

 

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Messi back in training with Barcelona

 

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Manchester United Keeping Tabs On Mata

Manchester United are monitoring Juan Mata’s uncertain situation with a view to a January bid, but Chelsea sources maintain the playmaker would only be sold to a La Liga club or Paris Saint-Germain.

Mata’s future at Stamford Bridge has been in doubt since the summer, and manager Jose Mourinho only sparked further speculation after the 3-0 win over Southampton by admitting the 25-year-old could leave the club.“The club door is open too,” Mourinho said. “So when a player wants to speak with us we are there waiting for them. But if you ask me do I want to sell him, I don’t want to.”

Despite Mourinho’s equivocation, the Portuguese’s comments mark a conspicuous shift from his public stance on the player’s future in August, when he categorically insisted Mata was not for sale.

It was at that point United’s interest was first piqued, as informal enquiries for the Spain international were made. That move fizzled out alongside Wayne Rooney’s mooted transfer to Stamford Bridge, but Old Trafford sources maintain they may be able to force the situation given Mata’s own unhappiness.For that to happen, however, it would likely require the playmaker himself to make an express effort to join United himself -- and even then it would appear unlikely.

If Chelsea do want to sell, they have huge interest from both PSG and a number of Spanish clubs -- one believed to be Atletico Madrid -- and would clearly prefer Mata going to either of those options rather than a main Premier League rival.

Mata’s future may also depend on how insistent Mourinho is on strengthening his squad in this window, especially given Chelsea’s reported 49.4 million pound loss for the year to June 2013.Stamford Bridge scouts have been on an extensive search for “the right central midfielder” since September, while the manager retains interest in both Fredy Guarin of Inter Milan and Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso, as well as keeping the option open of bringing in another striker.Depending on the extent of such moves, Chelsea may be forced to sell a player of Mata's value in order to generate sufficient finance.

Mata at this point represents United’s highest-profile January target, in a window that will not necessarily see any abandon despite the club’s league position. Manager David Moyes does want to strengthen in both the problematic midfield area and at left back, but the club do not want to be too hasty or held hostage by large asking prices.

United have a growing interest in Southampton’s Adam Lallana, while Moyes has admired Yohan Cabaye of Newcastle United for some time.Lallana’s teammate Luke Shaw is seen as more difficult to purchase given his own willingness to move to Chelsea in the future, and a recent confidence that Leighton Baines would finally arrive at Old Trafford this January has since been somewhat checked. Everton would not allow an easy negotiation, and the left-back himself has never wanted to force a move.

The English player's stance has been further influenced by the progress Everton have made under Roberto Martinez since last summer, although United sources believe a potential deal “is not dead”.Moyes has also been scouting Koke of Atletico Madrid and Porto’s Eliaquim Mangala, but the club do not want to rush into any deal.

 

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Mata nam niyamaiOzil wage thamaiath Chelsea's 2012/13 player of the season sell karai kiyana 1ka thamai hithaganna amaru

 

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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

 

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Alvarez hoping Inter hold onto Guarin

Ricky Alvarez has admitted that he is desperately hoping that Inter reject any offers for Fredy Guarin during the January transfer window.

The Colombia international is being heavily tipped to move to the Premier League this month, with the Nerazzurri reportedly keen to cash in on a saleable asset who has been in and out of Walter Mazzarri's starting line-up so far this season.

However, Alvarez firmly believes that it would be a mistake for Inter to allow Guarin to move to England.

"It's normal that I would not like [him to leave]," the Argentine told Sky Sport24. "For us, he is an important player, who has done very well.

"To lose a player like him would disappoint us, but we still don't know anything. He is still with us and we must take advantage of his presence to the maximum."

Alvarez, who has turned his Inter career around after a tough start to life in Serie A, added he has no intention of leaving San Siro himself.

"I'm happy here and I want to stay," he declared. "There are obvious certain things that I do not know about, but given that up until now they have not said anything to me [about being sold to raise funds], I will gladly remain here."

Indeed, Alvarez admitted that he is hoping to play as much football as possible between now and the end of the season in order to boost his hopes of travelling to Brazil for the World Cup. "It's an important year," he mused. "First, I'm focusing on doing well here at Inter, one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"Then, as everyone knows, there's the World Cup, a beautiful opportunity.
"But I must do well here. I have to train at my maximum and then maybe the national team will come by itself."

 

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Ibrahimovic: PSG not yet on Real Madrid's level

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says that Paris Saint-Germain are not yet on the same level as Real Madrid but has nonetheless taken great encouragement out of the French champions' performance against the Liga outfit on Thursday.

Los Blancos triumphed 1-0 in the high-profile friendly in Doha, with young striker Jese scoring the only goal of the game.

However, as Ibrahimovic pointed out, PSG could easily have earned a draw had they taken one of the numerous opportunities which came their way.

"[The trip] was really positive," the 32-year-old striker is quoted as saying by Le Parisien. "We worked well and in excellent conditions.

"On one occasion we did two sessions during the day, which does not happen often during the season.

"We are pleased with the work we've done and I think we deserved a little better than a defeat against Madrid. We can hope for a lot from the second half of the season.

"We played a good game against Madrid. We had a lot of chances to score and, although we lost, we're happy.

"Despite that, it is difficult to say we are on the same level as Madrid, as it was just a friendly.

"The important thing for us now is to win trophies."

 

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Fit-again Messi: I feel great

Lionel Messi has issued an ominous warning to defenders everywhere by revealing that he feels "great" after returning to training this week.

The Barcelona forward, who was beset by injury problems last year, has been out action since November 10 with a hamstring tear but looked like his old self while netting a hat-trick in a practice match on Friday.

Messi, who could now make his competitive comeback in Sunday's Liga clash with Elche, admitted afterwards that he was delighted with how his return to first-team training had gone.

"It is a great joy to be back working with my team-mates," the 26-year-old Argentina international wrote on social networking sites Tencent Weibo and WeChat. "I feel great."

Barcelona currently top La Liga on goal difference from Atletico Madrid, who tackle Malaga on Saturday.

 

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Bale returns to Real Madrid training

Real Madrid have been boosted by the return of Gareth Bale to full training after just over a fortnight out with a calf problem.

The Wales international, whose debut season in La Liga has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries, played a full part in Friday afternoon's session in the Spanish capital.

However, Madrid have yet to confirm if Bale will be named in Carlo Ancelotti's squad for Monday's Primera Division clash with Celta at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In a further boost for Los Blancos, though, left-back Fabio Coentrao was also back on the training field after a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

However, club captain Iker Casillas missed the session to attend the birth of his first child, Martin, on Friday afternoon.

 

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Tottenham striker Adebayor fit to face Arsenal in FA Cup

Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood has revealed Emmanuel Adebayor is ready to lead the line against former club Arsenal on Saturday.

The striker was forced off through injury after scoring the opener in the 2-1 New Year's Day win at Manchester United - but is ready to face the Gunners in the FA Cup.

"I spoke to Ade and he said he cramped up in all areas, but thankfully it has settled down and he's ready to perform," Sherwood told reporters.

Erik Lamela (thigh), Kyle Naughton (ankle and hamstring), Paulinho, Jan Vertonghen (both ankle) and Gylfi Sigurdsson (calf) will miss the third-round clash, but Jermain Defoe, Andros Townsend and Lewis Holtby are in contention.

"It's the biggest game for any Tottenham person, and the manager particularly," Sherwood continued. "We would love to play a lower league team, but it's Arsenal at the Emirates and we can't wait.

"It's a huge competition. It would be fantastic to take Tottenham to the final. It would be the pinnacle of my short managerial career if we went to the Emirates and won and stayed in the hat.

"We'll try to get our offensive players on the ball as much as we can and we feel we can cause them some problems."

Sherwood refused to be drawn on reports linking Tottenham with a move for Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott.

"I'm not looking for any players at moment, I'm just looking to clear that treatment room and assess it once we've got players back," he explained.

"[Lescott] is a good player, isn't he? There are a lot of good players at a lot of different clubs and, at the moment, he's at Manchester City so I can't comment on that."

 

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Lippi fears 'boring' Serie A

Former Juventus coach Marcello Lippi believes the Bianconeri could sew up a third straight Serie A title if they beat Roma, but fears a win for Antonio Conte's side will make the division boring.

The Guangzhou Evergrande boss commended unbeaten Roma for their efforts so far this season - which sees the Giallorossi five points adrift of Juve, but insists they cannot afford a slip up on Sunday if they wish to stay in the title race.

“Roma are playing an unbelievable championship but cannot lose in Turin if they are to keep the excitement alive," Lippi told RaiSport.

“If Juve win on Sunday, the league would become boring.”

The reigning Serie A champions have dropped just five points so far and victory over their nearest rivals would put them eight points clear at the top of the division.

Meanwhile, Lippi also took time offer his sympathy towards current Italy boss Cesare Prandelli, as a result of national side's relationship with the Italian press ahead of World Cup 2014.

“I've been there myself, just before the World Cup in Germany. In Italy there is only desire for sensationalism, especially when there are big characters within the squad.”

 

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Osvaldo handed three-match ban

Southampton forward Pablo Osvaldo has received a three-match ban from the Football Association.

The Argentine has been found guilty of violent conduct following the touchline fracas that marred the end of Southampton's 1-1 draw at Newcastle United on December 14 - with a fine of £40,000 also handed down.

Newcastle United goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman, who was also involved in the incident, has been fined £1,250 and warned to his future conduct.

An FA statement on Friday read: "Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today, Southampton's Dani Osvaldo has been suspended for three matches with immediate effect and fined £40,000 after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven.

"Osvaldo was charged by The FA following an incident which occurred in or around the 94th minute of his side's game at Newcastle United on 14 December 2013.

"Newcastle United coach Andy Woodman, who was sent to the stands following the same incident, has been fined £1,250 and warned as to his future conduct after he admitted a charge of improper conduct."

Speaking to the media after the game, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew played down the ugly scenes.

"It wasn't a brawl and the game wasn't spoilt by that; it was a bit of panto season and it shouldn't take the headlines," he said.

"The battle is on the pitch and that was a terrific one. The one on the sidelines was a bit pathetic, what I saw of it, and best forgotten.

"I had my back to it most of the time. I said to their manager 'just get your staff and I'll get my staff', because we wanted to get on and win the game. He was of the same opinion as me."