..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Lazio striker Klose talking to other clubs, confirms agent

Miroslav Klose has been in talks with several clubs about a move away from Lazio, his agent has revealed.

The 35-year-old’s contract at Stadio Olimpico expires in the summer and with an extension yet to be agreed, the Germany international has been considering all of his options.

"With Lazio, both in the past and in this recent period, we have had several talks,” Klose's representative, Alexander Schutt, told Lazionews.eu.

“Currently there is still nothing signed. I do not deny that we are also in talks with other clubs, but Lazio will always have priority over all others."

Whilst there is uncertainty over Klose’s future at Lazio, team-mate Andre Dias has dismissed rumours that he is angling for a move away from the Italian capital.

"My family is happy in Rome," the 34-year-old told Lalaziosiamonoi.it. "It is not true that I'm waiting for proposals from Brazil or that I want to go to a another Italian club.

"I'd love to stay at Lazio and finish my career here as a player."

 

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Uefa report reveals €10.9bn spending by Europe’s elite

A Uefa report has revealed Europe’s top clubs have spent a staggering €10.9bn on players in recent years, with wage expenditure continuing to outstrip revenues across the continent.

The report is the sixth of its kind released by the governing body, offering an in-depth review of the ‘financial performances and positions of 700 clubs’ in a period that has seen financial fair play measures gradually implemented in a bid to restrict the spending of teams to a sustainable level.

Analysis of cash flow, domestic competition structures, agent commissions, research on attendance and supporter trends, and a review of the 1,700 head coach changes over three years are also documented.

Uefa General Secretary Gianni Infantino said: “This report is unique as it highlights both the tremendous popularity of European club football and the challenges and pressures that this brings.

"With 77% of European adults interested in football and attendances of more than 163 million at domestic league matches last season, the report fully emphasises how much football means to so many people, and the tremendous responsibility that falls upon the football governing bodies and stakeholders alike to make sure that the game remains healthy."

Despite the astronomical figures shown in their findings, Uefa said it has seen “positive signs that financial fair play is having an impact on the European club football landscape”, with figures highlighting reduced lending by club owners and a drop of €600 million in losses compared to the previous two years from the 700 clubs reviewed.

Infantino added: “While such figures are encouraging, there is still considerable work to be done in reducing these losses further."

One of the least surprising revelations was the 59% increase in wage expenditure between 2007 and 2012, which offset the 42% revenue increase enjoyed by European clubs in the same period.

Also covered in the report was the gulf in spending power within the European football hierarchy, with the highest club wage bill more than three-times greater than the side 25th on the list.

The increasing turnover of coaches was also displayed, distinguished by an average of 2.7 changes across clubs in the 2011-2013 period.

Infantino concluded: “When we look at the last three years of club football and see almost 2,000 head coach changes and combined club losses of more than €4bn, it is clear that the football family needs more stability, less short-term thinking and better financial sustainability.”

 

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Neymar out for four weeks

Barcelona forward Neymar will be missing for the next month after picking up a foot injury in the Copa del Rey final, the club have confirmed.

The 22-year-old endured a miserable night on Wednesday as Barca were beaten 2-1 by Real Madrid, with the Brazil star guilty of missing a glorious chance in the final minute of normal time.

Neymar's misery has now been further compounded by the news he will miss the games against Athletic Bilbao, Villarreal, Getafe and Elche, though the club will be hopeful of him returning for the last day clash with Atletico Madrid.

A statement on Barcelona's website said: "The player suffered a concussion that caused an edema in the fourth metatarsal in his left foot that will require specific treatment. Recovery time is approximately four weeks."

Jordi Alba was withdrawn at half-time in Wednesday's defeat and a further examination has revealed the left-back suffered a torn hamstring in his right leg.

As a result, the former Valencia man will also be out of action for a period of three to four weeks.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Get well soon Neymar!​

 

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Cavani: Uruguay can make history

Edinson Cavani believes Uruguay are well equipped to "make history" at the World Cup in Brazil despite being given a tough group stage draw.

The South American nation, who are ranked fifth in the world, have high hopes of making an impact at the upcoming tournament, particularly given the firepower they possess.

Paris-Saint Germain forward Cavani and Liverpool frontman Luis Suarez will be one of the most formidable strike pairings in the finals, with Oscar Tabarez's men set to face Costa Rica, England and Italy in Group D.He told Perform: "I think we have players that know that level of football, that have played and play at the top level and have had experience in England.

"Nowadays our national team has a good experience with people that play at the European and world-class level and our team doesn't feel less than any other."Our national team goes onto the field looking to win not as sometimes (in the past) when maybe we were waiting for our rivals to make a mistake.

"That's why Uruguay is recognised around the world, because with our small population we have provided so many good players to create a competitive national team that at the moment to play against England, Italy or any other national team goes out to win."The goal for us is to win; so it will be difficult against England or any other game that we will have to play during the World Cup.

"They are machines. I think that the English, Italian and German football teams have some kind of mentality and that's why I call them machines. Because they have good tactics, the mentality that they have, they're cool under pressure and that's why they have (had) one of the strongest leagues in the world for decades.

"For us (to play England) will be something great for what England represents around the world for the kind of players they have; but we have some players that are playing at that level that are playing in England and they have the same characteristics because to play there you have to have the same style if not they will overcome you."

Cavani is determined to make an impact on the biggest stage of all and show why Uruguay head into the tournament full of optimism.He added: "There is nothing nicer than playing in a World Cup against France, England or Spain. There is nothing nicer than instead of playing a friendly you can play a game where if you win you can make history.

"For me those are emotions that I will keep my entire life so I will think about it in the right moment.

"Meanwhile, I have to think what I am doing in Paris and eventually we will think about Costa Rica and in the games against England and Italy where we hope we can make history, leaving us nice World Cup memories."

 

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Rodgers: Liverpool must heed 'warning sign'

Brendan Rodgers has urged his Liverpool players to treat Manchester City's draw with Sunderland as a "warning sign".

Liverpool's bid for a first top-flight title in 24 years received a significant boost on Wednesday as City were held 2-2 at home by Gus Poyet's struggling side.

Merseyside rivals Everton also slumped to a surprise 3-2 defeat against Crystal Palace and Rodgers, whose side claimed a crucial win over City on Sunday, warned his charges not to consider themselves immune from the end-of-season shock treatment.

"Last night (Wednesday) was a warning sign for everyone that at this point of the season, nothing is guaranteed," the 46-year-old, whose side are two points clear at the Premier League's summit, told reporters.

"Our rivals may have dropped points but it's irrelevant, you've got to win your own games.

"We can use the stress as an opportunity. I think for us, it won't be the case of pressure, we may get a little bad luck or a genuine honest mistake.

"The finish is still a wee bit out, we just need to focus, show the character that we have."

Next up for Liverpool is a trip to Carrow Road to face relegation-threatened Norwich City on Sunday.

 

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Brazil to face Argentina in China

Gillette Brasil Global Tour can confirm Brazil will meet Argentina in the Gillette Superclásico de las Americas.

The match will be contested at the Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing, China on October 11, kicking off at 20:05 local time.

While in recent years the fixture has been a two-legged affair, with both coaches limited to selecting players currently plying their trade in one of the two countries involved, this year the fixture will take place on an official Fifa date with both sides able to select their full squads.

The Superclasico de las Americas returned in 2011 following a 35-year gap in the once famous fixture, and Brazil claimed the title two-years running before last year’s meeting was cancelled for the Confederations Cup.

A reincarnation of the Copa Roca, it was first contested in 1914 and was christened as such after Argentina’s then president Julio Roca donated a trophy ahead of the first official contest in 1914.

Gillette Superclasico de las Americas

Brazil vs Argentina
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Bird's Nest Stadium, Beijing, China
Kick-Off Time: 20:05 Local

 

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Abidal deflated after Monaco cup exit

Eric Abidal has revealed his overwhelming disappointment after Monaco were beaten 3-1 by Guingamp in their Coupe de France semi-final.Monaco - who sit second in Ligue 1 - went into the last four tie as strong favourites against their 17th-placed opponents, but failed to live up to expectations in a lacklustre showing at Stade de Roudorou.

"The team is very disappointed," Abidal told Monaco's official website. "We have been really keen to win this game.The defeat looks set to condemn Monaco to a trophyless season with Claudio Ranieri's side also trailing league rivals Paris Saint-Germain by 10 points in Ligue 1 with five games to go.

The 34-year-old added: "The Coupe de France was a goal we had since the beginning of the season. We were on the verge of getting there."It is very hard to lose. We have two goals, one ended tonight."

Monaco return to domestic action with Sunday's Ligue 1 fixture at home to Nice.

 

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Rodgers: Liverpool must maintain class in title bid

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has urged his team to maintain their "class" as they chase a first ever Premier League title.

The league leaders are two points clear at the top with four Premier League games remaining, but have been included in their fair share of controversial moments during the season.

Most recently, West Ham were awarded an equaliser despite an apparent foul by Andy Carroll on Simon Mignolet, while Luis Suarez was accused of cheating during Sunday;s crucial 3-2 victory over Manchester City.

"We will try to do it in the right way. I take great pride in winning in the most sporting way we can," Rodgers told reporters.

"If you look at us we are top of the Premier League and we are top of the Fair Play League. We don't surround referees. We want to win, but it shows you a mark of our behaviour.

"They are the values of this club. It's a club that has won many trophies in the past but had the humility and the class."

Rodgers said he believes no team can affect a referee's decisions, despite a common trend of surrounding match officials, while decisions would even out over a campaign.

"I believe you can't affect refereeing decisions," Rodgers said.

"There will be little bits of luck that go for and against you but I like to think as a sporting team and a team that's trying to work well we've got our rewards this year.

"At West Ham, I had a quiet word with the referee on the way out. [Be] calm, get his reasons behind it, and then move on."

 

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Bayern are not machines, says Ribery


Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has admitted the Bavarians have lost focus since they were crowned Bundesliga champions against Hertha Berlin on March 25.

The Allianz Arena side have won just two of their last six games, but the France international believes their recent slump is only human nature as a result of their recent domestic success.

"Perhaps we were crowned champions too early in the season. It has affected our focus," Ribery told ARD.

"We are not machines, we're all human beings. We get tired as well.

"Each and every player wants to win every game, but that's simply not possible. We have to play as a team every game. We are playing for ourselves and for the fans, to gain confidence and rhythm.

"And we are Bayern, so we must win each game."

Bayern will be looking to return to winning ways in Bundesliga away against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday after losing their previous two league games versus Augsburg and Borussia Dortmund.

 

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Manchester United ready to sell unhappy Javier Hernandez

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has been told the club are ready to sell him this summer after complaining about his lack of playing opportunities.

Hernandez has spoken to United manager David Moyes on at least three occasions in the last two months over his frustration with a lack of playing time having made just five Premier League starts this season.

The Mexican has been told the club will listen to offers in the summer and feels he is no longer in Moyes' plans having fallen behind Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck in the pecking order at Old Trafford.

Hernandez is now desperate for a summer transfer and has been strongly linked with Atletico Madrid as a replacement for Diego Costa, who is closing in on a move to Chelsea.

Hernandez, 25, was particularly upset that he was overlooked for a clearly unfit Wayne Rooney in the second leg of United's Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich last week.

He had played for 90 minutes and scored in the 4-0 win over Newcastle four days earlier and felt he deserved to stay in the side, having also impressed in training in recent weeks.

Hernandez has made 31 appearances in all competitions this season - 20 as a substitute - and has scored nine goals during a disastrous first season for Moyes.

The former Guadalajara forward, who cost €9.7 million in 2010, is worried about a lack of sharpness going into the World Cup and looks set to join a summer exodus from Old Trafford.

Club captain Nemanja Vidic is heading to Inter while Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Shinji Kagawa, Nani, Anderson and Alex Buttner are among several other players expected to depart.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chicha wa sell karana 1kanam aparade!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

AC Milan want Ajaccio goalkeeper Ochoa, claims agent

Guillermo Ochoa's representative Jorge Berlenga has claimed that AC Milan are interested in signing the Ajaccio goalkeeper this summer.

The Serie A outfit have long been linked with a new goalkeeper to battle it out with Christian Abbiati for the No.1 position at San Siro and are believd to have identified the Mexico international as a suitable option.

Berlenga claims the 28-year-old would rather continue to play in Ligue 1 but admits the Rossoneri are interested as he weighs up his long-term future.

"I believe that he would prefer to continue his career in France, but he has also received an offer form Milan," Ochoa's agent told Fox.

"I hope that he makes the step up to a big club. He really deserves it. I don't know where he will play next season, though.

"He does not necessarily have to go to the World Cup to show off his talents."

Ochoa's contract with Ajaccio is due to expire at the end of the season, making him a free agent come June.

The Mexican started his professional career at America before joining Ajaccio in the summer of 2011.

 

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Wenger backs Ozil to win Player of the Season next year

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed Mesut Ozil to recapture his best form next year and be in contention to be named player of the season.

The Germany international sparkled after arriving from Real Madrid in the summer but came under criticism earlier this year before being sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Wenger revealed that Ozil could return to action this weekend but also admitted he had looked tired during his first season in the Premier League although he is confident the 25-year-old will be back to his best next season.

"Ozil had a jaded period but I will put him on the list to be Player of the Season next season," he told reporters.

Arsenal manager also insisted his team have progressed this season, pointing to their spells at the top of the table as evidence.

"We have moved forward this season, we were 17 or 18 times top of the league," he added. "Every game has a big impact so we just prepare massively well... and hope that results go for you

"We want to come out of the season and think we have given absolutely everything."

Next up for the Gunners is a trip to the KC Stadium to face Hull City, with the two sides also set to face each other in the FA Cup final next month, and Wenger is expecting a tough battle.

"Hull have had a remarkable season and they have done well at home," he said. "Steve Bruce is one of the remarkable managers of the season. The real job of a manager is to take the best out of the potential of the team."

 

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Ronaldo targets Madrid return versus Bayern

Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo is hopeful of making his comeback from injury in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

The Portugal international has not featured for Carlo Ancelotti's men since the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final with Borussia Dortmund on April 2, originally missing out with a knee injury before picking up a hamstring problem.

The 29-year-old was disappointed not to be involved in Madrid's Copa del Rey final win over Barcelona on Wednesday, but hopes to face reigning European champions Bayern at Santiago Bernabeu next week.

"I'm really happy. I wanted to play and help the team but my team-mates did a great job. I'm getting better, now I don't feel any pain," Ronaldo told the club's official website.

"I might be back in time for next Wednesday or perhaps the second leg of our Champions League tie.

"Bit by bit I'm feeling better and what I want more than anything is to be able to help the team out as soon as possible."

Ronaldo has been in sublime form for Madrid this term, netting 45 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions.

 

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Draxler set to stay at Schalke, says agent

Julian Draxler is likely to stay at Schalke for another season, according to the player's agent.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger targeted the 20-year-old forward in January and was close to agreeing a fee with the German club before the transfer collapsed shortly before the window deadline.

The Gunners are expected to make a renewed effort to sign the Germany international in the summer but Draxler's agent, Roger Wittman, anticipates the player will remain with the Bundesliga club for another year at least despite continued interest from top clubs.

He told Sport Bild: "Why should a player leave the club if the club have just built a top team? I also think it's good if players stick to what they have signed.

"It would take an awful lot to happen for one of the two [Draxler or Jefferson Farfan] to leave. And even then I'm not sure it would be possible.

"The players understand that there is currently a lot of peace at the club and a lot of optimism about their future there."

Those sentiments were echoed by Schalke chairman Clemens Torries, who said: "If nothing extraordinary happens, Julian will stay with us.

"I am convinced that he will play even longer than this one next season at Schalke. Then we will see"

Draxler has also been linked with a possible switch to Bayern Munich, although chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said last month that the German champions were not plotting a move for the player.

 

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Chelsea close in on €42.5m Diego Costa deal

Chelsea are close to clinching the €42.5 million signing of Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa.

Representatives of the Londoners have held a series of meetings with Costa's camp over the last month and further talks are planned around the Champions League semi-final first-leg clash between the two teams.

Chelsea have indicated in discussions that they are willing to pay €42.5m for the striker, although a significant portion of the transfer fee includes agents' fees.

The Europa League champions are also prepared to more than triple the wages of Costa, who is believed to earn around €61,000-a-week at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

The west Londoners are keen to tie up the deal before the end of the season and ahead of Costa departing for the World Cup, where he is expected to be an integral member of the Spain squad trying to defend their 2010 crown.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone cleared the way on Tuesday for Costa to leave by admitting that his side were powerless to stop him being sold to a club of Chelsea's financial might.

"It will depend on [Costa] and what he thinks is the best for his future," Simeone told AS. "I will support any decision he makes. It's natural that Chelsea are interested in him. That makes me happy because my aim and that of my coaching staff is to see our players improve.

"We understand that Chelsea have huge financial power and, if he wants to live off football for the rest of his life, I will have no problem in him going. It was like Radamel Falcao, how could I tell him not to go to Monaco?

"Samuel Eto'o is getting older and Diego Costa could do his thing there but, for now, he is ours."
Costa has emerged as Chelsea's top centre-forward target following a stellar campaign for Atletico, who head the table in La Liga as well as being in the last four of the Champions League.

The 25-year-old has scored 34 times in 45 matches this season and his 26-goal league haul is second only to Cristiano Ronaldo (28).

Chelsea were keen to trigger the Brazil-born forward's release clause in January, when he was also being closely monitored by rivals Arsenal, but the player did not want to leave in mid-season.

The buy-out figure was understood to be €36m in January, although a slightly higher sum of €42.5m will need to be paid to capture him in the summer window.

The Gunners have subsequently dropped their interest in Costa following lukewarm scouting reports, leaving Chelsea in pole position to capture the prolific striker.

Jose Mourinho has made no attempt to hide his desire to recruit a blue-chip striker amid doubts over the futures of all three of the Blues' senior frontmen - Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba. At least two of the trio are expected to leave in the summer, while Romelu Lukaku will hold talks with Chelsea chiefs when he returns from his season-long loan at Everton.

Atletico Madrid lead the chase for Torres and there is also interest in the Spaniard from Inter, Tottenham and Galatasaray. A growing possibility is that he could leave on a season-long loan to free up space in Chelsea's attack and on their wage bill.

Ba's representatives have already begun speaking to interested parties, while current first choice Eto'o, 33, is out of contract in the summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Diego Costa wa gattha kiyanne Chelsea attacking niyamai!

​

 

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Boost for Bayern Munich as Neuer expects to return against Real Madrid

Bayern Munich have been boosted by the news that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer expects to be fit for Wednesday's Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.

The Germany international was forced off at half-time in last weekend's Bundesliga defeat to Borussia Dortmund because of a calf problem.

However, while Neuer was left out of the squad for Wednesday night's DFB-Pokal win over Kaiserslautern, the 28-year-old shot-stopper is confident of being available for the first leg of Bayern's Champions League semi-final tie against Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"I feel very good," he told his club's official website. "I'm assuming that I can play on Wednesday."

After taking over in goal for the 5-1 rout of Kaiserslautern, the 20-year-old Lukas Raeder is once again expected to deputise for Neuer in Saturday's Bundesliga meeting with Eintracht Braunschweig.

 

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Juan Jesus: I feel like Robocop

Inter defender Juan Jesus is confident that he will get back to his usual best once he shakes off his injury problems.

The Brazilian defender picked up a knee injury in his side's 2-2 draw against Bologna on April 5 and will consequently be miss the remainder of the 2013-14 campaign.

Nevertheless, Juan Jesus remains positive and has little doubt that he will get back even stronger, despite wearing a leg brace which he says makes him "feel a bit like Robocop."

"Injuries come with the job. I see it as a life experience," the defender told Inter Channel.

"I'd never had an injury before, not even a minor one, but I'm relaxed about the whole thing. I'm working and having treatment to get back to my best form.

"I have to wear a brace for a month and then we'll see. I feel a bit like Robocop with this thing on.

"Thank God it's not a really bad injury. I will not undergo surgery because it's only the collateral ligament and it can sort itself out."

The 22-year-old has made 27 Serie A appearances this season.