..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Anelka quenelle ban a victory 'for all decent people'

Nicolas Anelka's ban for performing the 'quenelle' salute has been labelled "a sign of success for all decent people" by a Jewish leader.Anelka made the gesture after scoring in West Brom's 3-3 draw at West Ham in December.

Vivian Wineman, chairman of the Jewish Leadership Council and president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, believes the punishment handed down by the Football Association on Thursday will help to put across a strong anti-racist message.Anelka was hit with a five-game ban - the minimum allowed under new FA anti-discrimination laws - as well as an £80,000 fine, while he will be required to take an educational course.

The Frenchman insisted his intentions were anti-establishment rather than anti-Semitic, which was backed up by a tribunal, although the offence caused by the gesture has seen Anelka punished.And Wineman congratulated the FA's decision, believing it sends out a strong message about the salute's connotations.

"It's a sign of success for all decent people," he told Perform."This isn't an issue for the Jewish community particularly, it's an issue for everybody who's against anti-Semitism - which should be all decent people.

"It's an anti-Semitic gesture and it's got to be stamped on and this verdict by this tribunal does exactly that and it's good."He's said he's not anti-Semitic. That's fine, we hear that.

"It sends out a pretty powerful message. It's a five-match ban an £80,000 fine and he's having to go on an anti-Semitism awareness course so it's a pretty strong message that's been sent out."We obviously welcome it."

West Brom suspended Anelka pending the outcome of any appeal process and their own investigation into the matter.The club's interim coach at the time, Keith Downing, had initially played down Anelka's actions and Wineman was happy to see the West Brom hierarchy realise the seriousness of the matter.

He added: "I'm not going to tell West Brom what they should do, but it's pretty serious what he's done and I don't think he appreciated the seriousness of it when he did it."This is pretty serious and it's right that they should punish him.

"That the club should take some action is also good because when it all happened they were a bit slow in realising how serious it was and I'm glad they've woken up to it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern Munich are beatable, says Neuer

Manuel Neuer has insisted that Bayern Munich can be beaten by Schalke this weekend if they do not put in a top performance.

Jens Keller's men were humiliated in a 6-1 defeat at Veltins Arena in the Champions League in midweek, triggering jokes in social media that they could concede double figures on their visit to the Allianz Arena on Saturday.

The Bavarians are yet to lose in the league this season and have won all their home Bundesliga games, but Neuer, who made his name starring in goal for Schalke before he joined die Roten, thinks his old side have the attackers to hurt them in Munich if they do not bring their best form.

"They don't have the players to sit back and defend - their strength lies in attack," the Bayern shot-stopper told reporters on Thursday.

"Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Jefferson Farfan don't like to work in defence, they prefer to stay up front. The same goes for Max Meyer and Julian Draxler.

"We know we are beatable, we know it's dangerous to let things slide. The coach always has new challenges for us.

"We've just worked together with Pep Guardiola for more than half a year now, but he does not see us where he wants us to be. That's the positive aspect: there is still room for further development."

The ex-Veltins Arena goalkeeper suggested Schalke's hammering at the hands of Real Madrid was an anomaly and does not think it is likely that Bayern will replicate that result this weekend.

"I know them better then anyone else, of course," he continued. "They wanted to show a great match againt Madrid.

"If they had had a better day they could have competed. Of course you can accept losing against that team, but not like that.

"They've shown a good start in the Bundesliga. We don't plan to see them off with six goals though, we just want to win the match."

Bayern have an all-but-unassailable 19-point lead in the Bundesliga over second-placed Bayer Leverkusen after 22 matchdays.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Villas-Boas: Barcelona or Real Madrid jobs would be a 'dream'

Ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has confessed that he dreams of coaching either Barcelona and Real Madrid someday.

After honing his talent as Jose Mourinho's understudy, the Portuguese made a name for himself at Academica then Porto before struggling to inspire as Chelsea manager as he failed to survive his first season at Stamford Bridge.

He returned to the bench in the Premier League in charge of Tottenham but, after 18 months in the job, he was shown the door as Spurs' poor form showed no signs of improving in a troubled 2013-14 campaign.

Villas-Boas' failures in England have not put him off coaching top clubs, however, and he was not shy about suggesting he could be in charge of either the Catalans or the Blancos in the future.

"Real Madrid and Barca are two of the best clubs in the world," he told Marca. "One of them may have won more titles, but the other have made more of a mark in recent history - the legacy Pep Guardiola left is awe-inspiring.

"For me, as a young coach, it would be a dream to train either of them."

Villas-Boas coached Gareth Bale in his final season with Spurs before the winger joined Real Madrid for €100 million last summer and his former tutor praised the Welshman for following his ambition by joining the Spaniards.

"He's been amazing," the Portuguese coach added. "Although he scored many great goals in the Premier League last year so this is not a surprise.

"He has adapted very well at Madrid. He is aware that he is facing one of the biggest challenges of his career. Coming to the club was his decision, he had many offers but decided to go with the team with the most titles."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ancelotti: I didn't think Atletico could win La Liga

Carlo Ancelotti claims he thought only Barcelona and Real Madrid were capable of winning La Liga as his side prepare to visit Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Diego Simeone's men have fallen off the pace a little in recent weeks after a relative slump in form, but they remain only three points off the summit heading into this weekend.

Los Blancos moved a victory clear at the top of the table last week as both Atletico and Barca suffered surprise defeats, but Ancelotti was nonetheless quick to lavish praise on their local rivals for the fight they have shown so far in 2013-14.

"It's a very interesting league campaign, it's very exciting," he told Canal Plus. "There are three brave, strong sides battling for the title.

"It's a surprise because I thought that it would be between Barcelona and Madrid but Atletico are doing a fantastic job. It's very surprising to see that at this level that being on 60 points is not enough to be top of the table.

"They could perfectly play in any league. They know what their shortcomings are and they exploit their qualities: punishing their opponents on the counterattack and from set pieces.

"They are an efficient team. Atletico are just like Simeone was when he was a player: they give their all and play as a unit."

Real Madrid made a mockery of Atletico in the Copa del Rey semi-finals earlier this month, beating them 5-0 on aggregate to avenge their defeat in cup final to their rivals last season and a 1-0 loss at the Santiago Bernabeu in September.

"Both of those games gave us confidence because in the league derby we had problems against them," Ancelotti added.

Real Madrid's visit to Atletico kicks off at 17:00CET on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp upbeat over CL qualification

Jurgen Klopp has urged his Dortmund side to put in a repeat performance of their 4-2 Champions League win over Zenit on Tuesday, as BVB prepare to face Nuremberg on Saturday.

Klopp's side were beaten 3-0 by Hamburg last weekend but bounced back to seize control of the first-leg of their last-16 Champions League tie in midweek.

“It’s going to be a tight race in the league until the end,” said Klopp, speaking to the Dortmund’s official website.

“That’s why the defeat in Hamburg was so painful. The three points there would have done us really good. If we play like we did against St Petersburg, we will get enough points to secure an automatic spot.

“Nuremberg will come here with a lot of confidence. We must find the right approach and push ourselves to the limit. Only then will we be a tough side for Nuremberg as well, and only then will we be able to beat them.”

However, Klopp could face issues in defence with Sokratis Papastathopoulos a fresh doubt following Mats Hummels' return from injury.

The 46-year-old added: “He will only do an individual training today. We have to wait and see. He has a nasty swelling in the area of the Achilles tendon. Mats (Hummels) trained normally on Wednesday.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Koke wishes he could 'remove' Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid line-up

Atletico Madrid star Koke has revealed he would happily "remove" Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid's starting line-up as he prepares to face him on Sunday.

The 22-year-old will do battle with his compatriot in the Madrid derby and while Cristiano Ronaldo are Gareth Bale are widely regarded as los Blancos' most feared assets, Alonso is the man most prominent on Koke's radar.

He told AS: "If I could remove a player from Madrid, I would remove Xabi Alonso.”

Atletico’s 3-0 loss at Osasuna last Sunday saw Madrid open up a three-point gap at the top of La Liga and Koke admitted that a defeat in the derby would make it tough for los Rojiblancos to come back.

He added: "The defeat in Pamplona is already passed. We face this match as a final. They are three points but it is special. How will we win them? By scoring more goals than them.

"We will go game by game but it is clear that we would take away options if we lose because we would be six points behind. Yet, there is a lot of the season left to play.

"Madrid are playing very well. They put on a great performance in Germany but Sunday's going to be different. Defensively they are very good and they have great individuals in attack. We'll see how we attack them but no one is invincible.

“Every day that passes we have more ambition. We are where we are for this reason. It is impossible to win all. That is the same even for Madrid or Barca.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Van Persie is not settled at Manchester United' - former Netherlands captain Ruud Krol

Former Netherlands captain Ruud Krol believes that it is obvious that Robin van Persie is unsettled at Manchester United.

Goal exclusively revealed on December 14 that Van Persie was considering his future with the Premier League champions as he continued to be disillusioned with life under manager David Moyes.

The Dutch striker has been criticised for his anonymous performance in the Champions League defeat to Olympiakos on Tuesday, where the 30-year-old missed a crucial chance to halve the deficit late on in Greece.

Van Persie's frustration at the first-leg loss boiled over into his post-match comments, with the Dutchman insisting that his team-mates make it difficult for him by taking up his space in games, while he also claimed that United have endured a "lousy" 2013-14 campaign.

And Krol, who appeared 83 times for his country, believes that the former Arsenal star is showing signs that he is not comfortable at Old Trafford.

He told Goal: "I watched him play against Olympiakos the other night in the Champions League and he failed to put away a chance that he would normally score blindfolded.

"Then his reaction later spoke volumes. He is not settled - actually the whole team is lacking self-belief.

"Nobody doubts the player's qualities or what he can do with the ball. Such crisis moments occur once in a while but Van Persie will definitely come good. Holland needs him for the World Cup."

Van Persie is contracted to United until 2016, having joined from Arsenal for £24 million back in 2012, and has scored 14 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils this season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

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[Wolverine GTR]

Chicharito: Without your team-mates you are nothing

Manchester United striker Chicharito has praised his Old Trafford team-mates just days after the squad were criticised by Robin van Persie.

The Dutch frontman complained after Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to Olympiakos that his United colleagues were causing him difficulties and forcing him to adapt his game, and followed up that complaint by labelling United "lousy".

The on-field relationship between Van Persie and Wayne Rooney, fresh from his bumper new contract, has come under particular scrutiny too, with the pair only passing to each other from kick-offs in Athens.

But Chicharito holds a contrasting view to the former Arsenal forward, instead saying that he owes everything to the players around him.

The Mexican wrote on Instagram: “Without your team-mates you can't be somebody in football, always be thankful...”

If not a riposte to Van Persie's barbed comments, then Chicharito's post, which was accompanied by a photo of himself with left-back Patrice Evra, could allude to the French defender's possible departure.

As reported by Goal on Thursday, Evra, who is out of contract in the summer, is being lined up by Inter as they bid to strengthen their back-line – and the San Siro side are already closing in on fellow United defender Nemanja Vidic.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Alexis: I want to emulate Ronaldo

Barcelona attacker Alexis Sanchez has voiced his admiration for Ronaldo and dreams of emulating the former Brazil star at Camp Nou.

The 37-year-old enjoyed a successful one-season spell at Barcelona in 1996-97 as he netted 34 goals in 37 La Liga appearances, while also winning the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana and Cup Winners' Cup with the Catalans.

And Alexis is keen to follow in the footsteps of his idol.

"They told me the numbers that were available at Barca when I came here. As I am a great admirer of the Brazilian Ronaldo, I wanted to wear the same number," Alexis was quoted as saying on the official Barcelona website.

"He wore number 9 here and was very successful, so I wanted to emulate him."

The Chile international then went on to explain that he has had to change his style of play since joining Barca from Udinese in the summer of 2011.

He added: "Before I used to be more physical, but now I have to be more technical."

The 25-year-old has been a key figure for Barcelona this season, scoring 15 goals in 21 league games so far.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sagna & Evra next on Inter hitlist as Vidic deal nears completion

Inter are preparing a summer raid on the Premier League and have earmarked Bacary Sagna and Patrice Evra as potential defensive targets.

The Nerazzurri are also confident of wrapping up a deal for Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic, who will leave Old Trafford this summer when his contract expires, and have expressed an interest in Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.

Officials from the Serie A club have been in England finalising a deal for Vidic, but also took the opportunity to make enquiries regarding his United team-mate Evra and Arsenal right-back Sagna.

Both players' current deals expire at the end of the season and Inter have been working hard to bring them to San Siro as new Inter president Erick Thohir looks to deliver on his promise to re-establish the 2010 Champions League winners as a genuine European force.

However, the Italians face competition from other interested clubs, while both United and Arsenal have offered their respective players extensions.

Inter believe they are more likely to land Sagna, 31, after being told that the France international, who Goal understands has been offered a lucrative deal from Liverpool, is considering a change of scenery following seven years in north London.

The Gunners re-opened talks with Sagna in January but have so far been unable to persuade the former Auxerre man to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.

David Moyes, meanwhile, has spoken highly of the long-serving Evra in recent weeks, despite the club's pursuit of Everton left-back Leighton Baines and a failed attempt to bring in Fabio Coentrao from Real Madrid in the summer.

The Premier League champions also hold a long-standing interest in Southampton's £20 million rated left-back Luke Shaw.

Despite Inter’s interest and less than five months remaining on his current deal, Evra insists he remains committed to the Old Trafford club.

“My love will not change for the club,” he said after United crashed to a 2-0 defeat against Olympiakos in the Champions League on Tuesday. “I love Manchester. When my love will be broken with Manchester, I will study the possibilities.”

Inter are also interested in Madrid youngster Morata, whose contract expires at the end of next season.

Arsenal, Juventus and Monaco are among several other clubs interested in the European Under-21 Championship winner, who could be available at a bargain price given his contract circumstances.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

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[Wolverine GTR]

Muller unaware of Barcelona offer

Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Muller has made it clear that he is unaware of any potential offers for him amid rumours linking the 24-year-old with a move to Barcelona at the end of the season.

The Spanish champions allegedly see Muller as the ideal addition to their squad, with club president Josep Bartomeu already having sanctioned a summer transfer.

Nevertheless, Muller has insisted no official bid has been made for his services.

"Has an offer been made for me? I don't think Bayern would be able to confirm an offer came in and I cannot add anything about it either," Muller told TZ.

"I heard about the article saying Barcelona want me. I can imagine that my agent has received a few approaches for me over the past few years, but that does not automatically mean there's serious interest."

However, the Germany international hinted that he is happy to stay at Bayern even if an offer from abroad came in as he is keen to win more silverware with the Allianz Arena side.

He added: "Right now, Bayern are the team holding all the titles. There are a few clubs out there that are on par with Bayern. But we are the team to beat at this point. And we are determined to keep it that way."

Muller has a contract with Bayern until the summer of 2017.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Evra: Manchester United players are behind Moyes

Patrice Evra has backed under pressure Manchester United manager David Moyes and insists a dip in form was inevitable after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Red Devils have struggled under the stewardship of the former Everton boss this season, slipping 15 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea and exiting both domestic cup competitions.

A miserable season for the Old Trafford outfit was compounded by a 2-0 loss against Olympiakos in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, but Evra insists Moyes retains the full backing of the squad.

"There was a big change, nobody likes change," the defender told French radio station RMC Sport, acknowledging the impact made by Ferguson during his lengthy tenure at Old Trafford.

"We are behind the new manager; we will do everything to qualify for the next Champions League, my love for the club will not change."

As reported by Goal, Evra is being targeted by Inter as the Italians look to bolster their back-line, but the Frenchman revealed he had not considered his future at Old Trafford yet - though could be forced to consider his options.

"I love Manchester," he added. "When my love is broken with Manchester, I will study the possibilities.

"Everyone respects me, I feel at home here. It's beautiful. I have very good relations with the new coach."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

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[Wolverine GTR]

Conte: Giovinco is right to be angry when he fails to score

Antonio Conte says Sebastian Giovinco is right to be "angry" at his lack of goals but was thrilled with his performance as Juventus defeated Trabzonspor in the Europa League last 32.

The striker complained earlier this week that he was being undeservedly left on the sidelines for the Bianconeri, but he was a key player in Turkey as he played a part in both goals to help the Serie A leaders to a 2-0 win on the night and a 4-0 aggregate triumph.

"Giovinco did well with the assists, but he is right to get angry when he doesn't score," Conte told Sky Sport after the match. "He is a striker, so he should want to score goals.

"In order to continue winning in Serie A and the Europa League I need everyone to perform. Some of these lads are mistreated by the critics, but they can gain confidence and form by playing well in these games."

The Juve coach insisted that Sunday's visit to AC Milan was not playing on his mind when he formulated a gameplan to face Trabzonspor, despite fielding a number of second-string players.

"I am very happy because from the first minute of the first leg we played the game the right way," Conte added. "We did things as we had planned in this second leg.

"I had said before: I did not plan on coming here to just defend the 2-0 lead. I always play to win and to score goals, and not just think of Milan."

Juventus will face fellow Serie A side Fiorentina in the last 16 of the competition.

 

[rcccc]

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[Wolverine GTR]

Bento rings changes in Portugal squad

Rafa and Ivan Cavaleiro could make their Portugal debuts against Cameroon after being included in Paulo Bento's 23-man squad.

The duo are not the only changes as Bento looks to players who were not involved in the 2014 qualifiers for Wednesday's friendly, as preparations for the World Cup step up a gear.

Rafa has displayed impressive form since joining Braga from Feirense in the close season, scoring three goals in 18 league appearances.

Cavaleiro, meanwhile, has come through the ranks at Benfica and broke into the first team earlier this season.

Edinho is included among Portugal's forwards following his recent loan switch from Braga to Kayseri Erciyesspor in Turkey, and Inter loanee Rolando also returns to the fold after missing out on the qualifying campaign.

A hamstring injury rules out Manchester United's Nani, while Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo will once again lead the side.

Portugal have been drawn in Group G alongside Germany, Ghana and the United States for the World Cup in June and July.

Squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Eduardo (Sporting Braga), Beto (Sevilla), Anthony Lopes (Lyon)

Defenders: Miguel Lopes (Lyon), Joao Pereira (Valencia), Ricardo Costa (Valencia), Pepe (Real Madrid), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid), Rolando (Inter), Luis Neto (Zenit), Antunes (Malaga).

Midfielders: Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev), William Carvalho (Sporting), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), Josue (Porto).

Forwards: Rafa (Braga), Ivan Cavaleiro (Benfica), Edinho (Kayseri Erciyesspor), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Silvestre Varela (Porto).

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Valbuena: Paris-Saint Germain are beatable

Mathieu Valbuena insists Marseille can upset Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday by inflicting just their second Ligue 1 defeat of the season.

The two rivals meet in Le Classique at the Parc des Princes this weekend with champions PSG five points clear at the top of the table and a further 18 ahead of fifth-placed Marseille with 12 games remaining.

Laurent Blanc's side have not lost at home in the league all season, and have only dropped points on three occasions, but Valbuena still believes he and his team-mates side can spring a surprise.

Marseille are currently unbeaten in their last five league matches and according to the 29-year-old midfielder they are desperate to make it six with their first win over PSG since November 2011.

"Paris are the favourites," he told L'Equipe. "It is logical that they are when you consider the difference in the standings.

"Fortunately, favourites do not always win. They are not unbeatable, we have seen recently with Montpellier (in the Coupe de France in January).

"We'll be ambitious, because our goal is to keep our winning streak going in hope of making third place."

Valbuena suggested PSG's new-found financial strength has seen them become a side that are almost too big for Ligue 1, something that leaves him disappointed.

"I would of course rather there was no 18-point gap between us," he added. "But for two years, Paris has changed status with financial power far superior to ours.

"The club attracts big players and formed a team that radiates beyond Ligue 1.

"In addition, this year, it exudes a real collective strength. I'm not Marseilles birth but that does not make me happy to see PSG take precedence over OM."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo turned down Barcelona, says Calderon

Cristiano Ronaldo turned down the chance to join Barcelona before signing his world-record deal with Real Madrid, former ex-Blancos president Ramon Calderon has revealed.

The Portuguese star joined Madrid in 2009 for a fee of €94 million from Manchester United and has become a huge hit at the Santiago Bernabeu, winning the 2013 Ballon d'Or for his sensational performances for both club and country.

However, former Madrid president Calderon insists former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson attempted to engineer a move to rivals Barca for the attacker - but Ronaldo refused.

Asked whether the Scot tried to send Ronaldo to the Blaugrana, Calderon told talkSPORT: "It is totally true. In the few weeks he tried to avoid him going to Real Madrid, offering him to Barcelona.

"Barcelona were very happy but in that moment it was very crucial as Ronaldo said: 'I'm not going to any other club but Real Madrid.'‏

"That's why we signed the deal. Everyone was happy: Manchester United got the £80 million [€94m], Real Madrid got the best player in the world and Cristiano got what he wanted because players like him are not only looking for money, they look for glory, and they look for anyone who is giving them that opportunity to win titles, to be the best in the world, to win golden boots.

"There are only three, four or five clubs that can give him what he wants."

Ronaldo has scored 22 goals in 21 league appearances for Madrid this season, but it is his work ethic and determination that separates him from other players, according to the former Madrid chief.

"Cristiano is the best of the best because every day he gets up in the morning and his only obsession is to be the best. He wants to be better than the day before," Calderon continued.

"I always told players coming to Madrid that this is the most difficult time of your career because anyone who plays against Real is going to give 150 per cent of themselves in order to beat you.

"I think it is very important for young players to understand how important it is every time you are playing or working to want to be the best. I think that is the secret of Cristiano."