..::Football III::..

Status
Not open for further replies.

Wolverine GTR

Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    11.gif
    Ryan Giggs named interim manager at Manchester United after David Moyes sacking


    giggs_3128781.jpg


    Ryan Giggs will be in charge of Manchester United as they look for a new manager after David Moyes was sacked on Tuesday.Moyes, who was Sir Alex Ferguson’s replacement, formally took over in July and was dismissed less than 10 months later. Giggs, who had joined the Scot’s backroom staff last summer, will now take the reins.

    A club statement read: “Following the departure of David Moyes as manager, Manchester United has announced that Ryan Giggs, the club’s most decorated player, will assume responsibility for the first team until a permanent appointment can be made.

    “The club will make no further comment on this process until it is concluded.”The 40-year-old, who is studying for his Pro-Licence, has made a record 962 appearances for the club. He has won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League titles since making his debut in 1991.According to reports, he will be assisted by his former teammate Nicky Butt, who had been working with United’s reserve team.

    United are yet to announce whether they will keep the rest of Moyes’ coaching staff, including assistant manager Steve Round, first-team coaches Phil Neville and Jimmy Lumsden and goalkeeping coach Chris Woods.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    The Men To Replace Moyes at United

    60319.3.jpg


    After Manchester United dispensed with the services of David Moyes in an early morning meeting on Tuesday, one thing became abundantly clear: Sir Alex Ferguson would not influence the choice of replacement in the same way he did for his successor. Old Trafford sources say the Glazer owners will be much more active in the recruitment process than they were last year when Moyes was appointed - some said at the time annointed - largely thanks to his fellow Scotsman.

    The first problem with replacing Ferguson was always going to be, above all else, presence. It was precisely because the legendary Scot was in charge for a barely imaginable 26 years that the choice for Manchester United should have boiled down to two men: Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. They were the only two managers who had both the utter self-assurance and extreme success to handle the inevitable fallout from such a seismic event as Ferguson retiring. It remains remarkable that, in a summer when United were "fortunate" enough that the 72-year-old departed when both of those coaches were changing jobs, they ended up with neither. More important than anything, they were also the only two with sufficient cult of personality to make the entire narrative about them rather than just replacing the 72-year-old. David Moyes, however, has diverted the story in an altogether different direction. It is no longer about succeeding Ferguson but saving United. That also means that the job specification itself has changed. It is not as daunting.

    For the man who replaces the manager who succeeded Ferguson, it will be easier. It is no longer be about replacing a legend but rather an unfortunate figure who lost his way. The club may want someone as close in quality as possible to Ferguson, but any more modern coach would play better football than Moyes's team have done - and results surely can't get worse next season. The contenders are wide-ranging but with Ryan Giggs stepping in as a stop-gap management team until the end of the season, United do not have to panic as they consider the merits of these front runners.

    11.gif
    :love:Juergen Klopp


    56647.jpg


    The speculation surrounding Klopp and United is fervent enough for the man himself to be drawn to comment within 90 minutes of Moyes' official dismissal. "Man United is a great club and I feel very familiar with their wonderful fans. But my commitment to Borussia Dortmund and the people is not breakable." That bond may well be put to the test in the coming days and weeks. He doesn't yet have the success of Mourinho or Guardiola but he certainly has the force of personality.

    Quite simply, Klopp is in the next tier down from those two as a manager but the likeliest of everyone else to join them. There is just something so exciting about the German. Even aside from his whole approach, style of play and the sheer charisma, Klopp sends a ripple through the game. It might be an obvious example, but you only have to listen to the way a figure such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic talks about him. You can imagine a similar effect on United.

    The Borussia Dortmund coach would just breathe life into Old Trafford again and completely change the dynamic. Beyond those kinds of intangibles, too, there is the way he is trying to push boundaries in the game: Klopp practises truly modern football. Of course, the 46-year-old has said he does not plan to leave Dortmund until 2018 but that would also be a statement that United simply must test to the fullest. In short, since they didn't get Mourinho or Guardiola, this is the man the English champions should be striving for. It would be a new club, and a proper new era.

    Louis van Gaal

    62587.jpg


    The Dutch coach has looked certain to go to Tottenham but it is reported he has other offers to consider and he has let it be known that taking charge at United has a great appeal. Van Gaal, at 62 years old, may not necessarily be the longest-term option and will bring an abrasive approach which will upset some. However, that may be precisely what the soon-to-be deposed English champions require at this juncture: Someone to steady the ship, restore some prise and instil a resilience that the club can build from to reach a higher platform. Van Gaal has always excelled in all of those areas.

    Furthermore, for all the notorious stories about how difficult he is, trophies have come rather easy to him too. This is a man who has won a Champions League with Ajax, guided Bayern Munich to the final, won two leagues with Barcelona and then one -- most remarkably -- with AZ. That is success across two decades, and from a broad range of challenges. In that, it is almost reminiscent of Ferguson. Van Gaal would certainly restore competitiveness.

    Ryan Giggs


    65263.jpg


    He has become United's interim manager, so will have the perfect opportunity to impress the Glazers. What price a rejuvenated squad winning their last four matches of the season - Norwich, Sunderland and Hull at home, followed by Southampton away on the final day - and sweeping Giggs into the role full-time? Respected in the dressing room for all his achievements in the game and his phenomenal longevity, he would certainly have the backing from a squad that never truly got behind Moyes and his methods.

    It might be leading United into the same trap that many other clubs have fallen in the past, the one marked "club legend becomes manager" but it worked for Liverpool and Kenny Dalglish in the mid-80s as they sought to establish continuity from their most glorious era. Even with the Moyes interlude, that is the scenario United are faced with now. It is also not out of the question that Giggs forms part of Van Gaal's management team if the Dutchman is appointed, as United look to the long-term future.

    Diego Simeone

    48428.jpg


    Another manager who simply emanates an aura of abrasive control, and that is precisely what United need. Put it like this, while someone such as Manuel Pellegrini is clearly an excellent coach, he is also one who really best suits specific scenarios - the style of creative player at Manchester City, for example. Simeone, by contrast, is the sort of bullish personality you can imagine going into pretty much any situation but having an identical effect: instilling a team with his combativeness, as well as his canniness. United have been something of a laughing stock this season.

    That would simply cease under Simeone. What's more, it's not like it ends there with him. He is taking Atletico Madrid to heights that their recent history and resources should not allow. That indicates something much deeper in him and the potential to go even further.

    Fabio Capello

    53983.jpg


    The former England manager could represent a similar sort of choice to Van Gaal. If he is not exactly going to build a lasting dynasty, his sense of discipline would bring United closer to their natural level, and put the club back on track. Capello is one of those managers who carries certain guarantees with regard to performance, and is not the type to be cowed by reputation or circumstance.

    Even if his own reputation in England isn't exactly high after his time with the national team, it should barely need to be pointed out that was basically the only "failure" of his career. Otherwise, Capello has enjoyed success at every side he has been with: Milan, Real Madrid in two spells, Juventus and now Russia. That would indicate the problem was with England, not Capello, and that the Italian is still the kind of serious man to solve United's most immediate issues.

    Antonio Conte

    38414.jpg


    One of those upwardly mobile coaches in the tier behind Klopp. It could perhaps even be said Conte is where the German was around 2011, blazing through the domestic game but still just on the cusp of a proper statement on the continent. Even if he still has some way to go in that regard, though, the Italian's winning record is significantly further along than Moyes'.

    His imaginative approach to tactics would also rid United of this dismally predictable rigidity. They would be an engaging team to watch again, and there would be a sense of something modern about them again. The same would apply to a coach like Frank de Boer. Conte, essentially, would bring a retrograde team right into the realities of 2014.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    SAF retire wenakota Mourinho try karanna thibba chance 1ka miss karala Moyes wa gattha....So dan onama karana Manager wa ganna widiyak naha.Klopp:(

    Dan ayeth waradi kenekwa select karaida?:(:(

    Klopp miss unoth Diego Simeone hodai LVG ta wada mata hithena hatiyata.Klopp wa ganna puluwan una nam kohomahari:sorry:
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    i
    Atletico Madrid Vs Chelsea
    i



    Atletico Madrid Line-Up

    Thibaut Courtois
    Diego Godín
    Filipe Luis
    Francisco Juanfran
    Miranda
    Mario Suárez
    Koke
    Gabi
    Diego
    Raúl García
    Diego Costa


    &

    Chelsea Line-Up

    Petr Cech
    Ashley Cole
    Gary Cahill
    John Terry
    César Azpilicueta
    David Luiz
    Frank Lampard
    John Mikel Obi
    Ramires
    Fernando Torres
    Willian


    Good Luck For Both Sides!
    11.gif
    :cool:
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Atletico Madrid 0-0 Chelsea: Resolute Blues hang on despite Cech & Terry blows

    394260hp2.jpg


    Chelsea earned a credible 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg, with Petr Cech and John Terry forced off through injury.

    The goalkeeper and captain were both withdrawn, while midfield duo Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel will miss the return encounter through suspension, along with Atletico skipper Gabi, after picking up yellow cards on Tuesday.

    Chelsea's two injury setbacks - Cech has suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder - are also a huge blow for Jose Mourinho ahead of Sunday's crucial Premier League title clash with leaders Liverpool as the London club continue to chase silverware on two fronts.

    Goalmouth action was scarce in a tight affair at Vicente Calderon, with Chelsea seemingly content to drop deep and escape the Spanish capital with a clean sheet.

    Much of Atletico's success under Diego Simeone has been built on lethal counter-attacking play, but Chelsea's game plan forced the Liga leaders to take the initiative and the hosts were unable to break down a stubborn visiting backline well marshalled by Terry, who left the field in the 73rd minute after twisting his left ankle.

    Cech had already gone off in the first half, while Lampard, Mikel and Gabi were all booked in quick succession as tempers frayed slightly.

    Much was made of the availability of Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois against his parent club and Fernando Torres returning to his old stomping ground, but neither player was heavily involved as Chelsea stuck rigidly to frustrating their opponents.

    After a quiet opening, Chelsea were dealt a blow in the 18th minute when Cech had to be replaced by Mark Schwarzer after landing on his right arm in a challenge with Raul Garcia.

    Ramires wasted a rare opening for the visitors 10 minutes later, flashing a cross-shot across goal with Torres in support after Willian had led a counter attack.

    Garcia headed a half-chance over the crossbar before Mario Suarez curled a 25-yard effort narrowly wide of the right-hand upright 11 minutes before half-time.

    Cesar Azpilicueta had to be alert in the 41st minute, throwing himself in front of Diego Costa's well-struck volley as Atletico continued to make most of the running.

    Lampard fizzed a left-footed volley straight at Courtois in the opening exchanges of the second half before Diego shot straight at Schwarzer after an unconvincing punch from the Australian.

    Following Terry's withdrawal, Gabi saw a free-kick well held by Schwarzer low down to his left in the 76th minute and substitute Arda Turan headed wide at the back post shortly afterwards.

    Atletico continued to press in the final stages, Costa heading straight at Schwarzer with their final chance in stoppage time and the two sides will return to London next week with the tie finely poised.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Mourinho considering resting players against Liverpool

    394294_heroa.jpg


    Jose Mourinho has suggested injuries and a congested fixture schedule could force Chelsea to field a weakened team against Liverpool on Sunday.

    Petr Cech and John were forced off with injuries during Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg - with the goalkeeper's season now over and the club captain in a race to be fit for any final outing.

    Mourinho has questioned the timing of the trip to Anfield, leaving just two days' rest before Atletico travel to Stamford Bridge for the return leg, despite having double the break ahead of the weekend clash.

    "I can't decide [the team to face Liverpool] by myself; that's a decision where I have to listen to the club. I'm just a piece, the manager and no more than that," he told reporters.

    "The fact the match is on Sunday puts the problem not in my hands, but the hands of the people who decide the game should be played on Sunday, not Saturday or Friday.

    "We represent English football, we are the only English team in Europe. Spain has four teams and gives them all the conditions to have success."

    Mourinho also insisted Chelsea did not play for a goalless draw during the game, despite managing just 33 per cent possession.

    "It wasn't the result I wanted before kick-off, but I didn't want to start the second leg a goal down either," he added.

    "A goalless draw is not a positive result for a team playing the second leg at home, but it'll do. Atletico were frustrated, whereas usually they are the ones who frustrate other teams.

    "My side had a solid performance; we played in a way that irritated them."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Chelsea were 'good' against Atletico, claims Schwarzer

    394259_heroa.jpg


    Mark Schwarzer hailed Chelsea's determination after their 0-0 draw at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg.

    The veteran goalkeeper was unexpectedly called into action in the 18th minute in Vicente Calderon on Tuesday after Petr Cech fell awkwardly in an aerial challenge and suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder.

    Captain John Terry was also taken off injured with an ankle problem, while Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel will be suspended for the return clash after picking up yellow cards during the second half.

    On being called into action from the bench, the 41-year-old explained it was part and parcel of being a goalkeeper, telling ITV: "There's not much to think about. It happened so quick.

    "It's a tough thing to do, but I had to go out there and try to do my job.

    "Everyone was right up for it, which you would expect. We knew if we matched their determination our quality would come through. Okay, we didn't create many chances but it was a good performance."

    Cesar Azpilicueta, who made a brave block from Diego Costa in the first half, echoed the sentiments of his Chelsea team-mate.

    "It's a positive result," he said. "We knew it would be a difficult atmosphere.

    "We fought hard and tried to keep the ball but the important thing is that we have the second leg at home.

    "The players we will be missing are very important but we will fight to win."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Mourinho confirms Cech & Terry injury blows

    394273_heroa.jpg


    Jose Mourinho has confirmed Petr Cech will miss the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder and says Chelsea would need to reach the final of the Champions League in order for John Terry to play again this term.

    Cech collided with Raul Garcia in the first half of Chelsea's goalless draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening and was taken straight to hospital for scans.

    Terry, meanwhile, landed awkwardly on his ankle after Diego Costa stepped on his foot in the 71st minute. The Chelsea captain attempted to continue but was forced to withdraw as he was unable to move freely.

    "Petr Cech's season is over," Mourinho told reporters after the match.

    "For John [Terry], we will have to play the final for him to play again."

    The duo will now miss Sunday's Premier League title clash with Liverpool at Anfield along with Chelsea's Champions League semi-final second leg with Atletico at Stamford Bridge on April 30.

    John Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard will also be absent for the second leg due to suspension but Branislav Ivanovic will be available after serving his ban.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Simeone: 'Intense' draw favours Chelsea

    394238_heroa.jpg


    Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone described Tuesday's scoreless draw with Champions League semi-final opponents Chelsea as an "intense" affair and admitted the result favours the Blues ahead of next week's second leg at Stamford Bridge.

    The Liga leaders were the far more enterprising of the two sides but struggled to penetrate a resilient visiting back four, despite the constant stream of crosses into the English outfit's 18-yard box.

    Diego Costa saw a volleyed effort charged down in the first half, while Gabi's free-kick from distance was well held by substitute Mark Schwarzer, who replaced the injured Petr Cech in the first half.

    Chelsea defender John Terry also came off in the second period with an ankle problem, but Simeone feels the visitors will be the happier of the two sides after a 0-0 draw in the Spanish capital.

    "It was a tough game where nobody could get an advantage," said the Argentine.

    "We could not find the goal that would have won the match. It was an intense game with both sides fighting to get to the final.

    "They have the advantage with this draw, but whoever wins the next game will go to the final."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Atletico captain Gabi frustrated by Chelsea tactics

    389319_heroa.jpg


    Atletico Madrid captain Gabi admitted his frustration at Chelsea's spoiling tactics after the first leg of their Champions League semi-final ended in a 0-0 draw.

    The two sides went into the game boasting the best defences in La Liga and the Premier League and a war of attrition duly ensued, with little in the way of goalmouth action.

    Atletico enjoyed 62 per cent of the possession on the night, though, and 26 shots on goal compared to just five from the Blues, in a clash that will not linger long in the memory.

    The result favours the English club heading into the second leg, with forward duo Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto'o set to return for Jose Mourinho's men, and Gabi admitted the Rojiblancos had been left bitterly frustrated by the way the first leg unfolded.

    He told reporters: "We're not satisfied, but the tie is still open. Atletico wanted to win from start to finish. We knew they would not concede a goal easily and we come away with a bad taste."

    Colchoneros defender Juanfran was quick to echo the sentiments of his team-mate, but added that he remains confident of going to Stamford Bridge and securing either a victory or a score draw.

    "We are not happy," he admitted. "We wanted to get the win. But they played a defensive game because they think they can win at Stamford Bridge.

    "However, we also think we can win. I knew that tonight wouldn’t be easy. But tonight's result means it will be a great match at Stamford Bridge."

    Atletico remain unbeaten in the competition this season, but the 0-0 draw means they have failed to win at home for the first time in this season's Champions League campaign.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Keane: Manchester United should be ashamed for sacking Moyes

    394034_heroa.jpg


    Roy Keane believes Manchester United should be "ashamed of themselves" for sacking David Moyes.

    The Scot, who turns 51 on Friday, lasted just 10 months as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor having guided the club towards their lowest finish in Premier League history, which will also result in an absence from the Champions League for a minimum of 18 months.

    Keane believes the club's inability to strengthen in the transfer market last summer has contributed to United’s poor campaign and insists the club have failed Moyes.

    "He certainly had a hard start last summer when he took the job," the former Red Devils captain told ITV.

    "The chief executive [Ed Woodward] didn’t get the deals done that he wanted, there was a lot of negativity and then they had a slow start and had no momentum.

    "I think it is a shame. He should have been given more time. Some of the players at Manchester United should be really ashamed of themselves, they have really let him down.

    "For David Moyes to be seventh in the league is disappointing and he should take responsibility for that but you still need people around you to help you in every way you can. I don’t think he’s had that support, particularly form the players. I definitely think he deserved some more time."

    Sir Alex has faced criticism over his decision to choose Moyes as his successor but Keane believes the 72-year-old should not be blamed.

    "I wouldn’t necessarily say Moyes was his pick," the Irishman argued. "He certainly put his name forward but obviously the club had to make the decision so I don’t think you can be critical of Sir Alex Ferguson."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    :baffled:Van Gaal 'very keen' on Manchester United job

    389119_heroa.jpg


    Louis van Gaal wants to succeed David Moyes as Manchester United manager, Goal understands.

    The Dutchman has told friends he is "very keen" on taking over at Old Trafford when his stint in charge of the Netherlands finishes after the World Cup.

    As reported by Goal, Van Gaal met with a United delegation last week and further talks are expected to take place as the club step up the process of finding a successor to Moyes.

    Jurgen Klopp has also been approached by United but the Borussia Dortmund manager publicly distanced himself from the job on Tuesday morning.

    "Man Utd is a great club and I feel very familiar with their wonderful fans," Klopp was quoted as saying in the Guardian. 'But my commitment to Borussia Dortmund and the people is not breakable."

    Van Gaal, who turns 63 in August, would represent a relatively short-term fix and a considerable departure from the long-term planning trumpeted by United in the wake of Moyes’ appointment 11 months ago.

    Some figures in the United boardroom have reservations about the Dutchman’s management style and abrasive reputation.

    However, his outstanding CV, which features league titles in three countries, and long track record of success, coupled with his immediate availability, has impressed the Glazer family, who are leading the hunt for Moyes’ successor.

    The Scot was sacked by United on Tuesday morning and player-coach Ryan Giggs has been placed in caretaker charge of the club until the end of the season.

    Giggs’ lack of managerial experience is likely to count against him in the coming weeks as United prepare to make their second appointment in a year.

    Van Gaal, who has been installed as the favourite to replace Moyes, has made no secret of his desire to coach a Premier League club after the World Cup.

    The former Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Ajax boss has already held talks with Tottenham but the Spurs hierarchy accept they would not be able to stop Van Gaal joining United if he was offered the job.

    The Dutchman regards United as one of the world’s top clubs and believes they would represent a perfect final chapter of what has been a glittering coaching career.

    Van Gaal is expecting further contact from United in the coming days but the Glazers, the American family who own the club, are also expected to sound out several managerial big guns.

    These could include Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti and, even more intriguingly, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who was ignored last year when Sir Alex Ferguson recommended Moyes to be his successor.

    The Glazers are prepared to hand the new man a transfer kitty of more than £150 million to reshape a squad that has failed dismally this season.

    Moyes was sacked two days after it became mathematically impossible for United to seal a top-four Premier League finish and compete in next season's Champions League.

    It is believed that it had been written into the six-year contract Moyes signed last summer that he would only get a year's pay-off if he was sacked after finishing outside of the top four.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Mourinho 'feels sorry' for sacked Moyes

    359486_heroa.jpg


    Jose Mourinho says he "feels sorry" for David Moyes following his sacking as Manchester United manager on Tuesday.

    The Scot was relieved of his duties just 10 months into a six-year contract having presided over the club's worst campaign of the Premier League era - with Ryan Giggs promptly named as interim head coach.

    Louis van Gaal is the favourite to take over the vacancy, despite links with Tottenham, and is known to be "very keen" on the role, although first-choice candidate Jurgen Klopp has distanced himself from an approach.

    Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti previously admitted his surprise at the sacking and Mourinho - who was linked with the Old Trafford job before Moyes was appointed - has echoed the Italian's sentiments.

    "I prefer not to comment. I feel sorry for him, obviously," he told ITV.

    "I just feel sorry for David like I feel sorry for every manager who loses his job."

    Moyes, who created a host of unwanted records during his brief stint at Old Trafford, has become the first United manager to be dismissed since Ron Atkinson in 1986.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Injury rules Mirallas out of Everton run-in

    393380_heroa.jpg


    Everton manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed that forward Kevin Mirallas will miss the rest of the season with a groin injury.

    The Belgium international was substituted in stoppage time during Everton's 2-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday after sustaining the problem, having scored his side's second goal just before half-time.

    Mirallas' 43rd-minute strike was his eighth in all competitions in 2013-14, but he will not feature again for the Toffees this term."Roberto Martinez today revealed that the Belgian [Mirallas] has a small tear in his groin and will be out for the next three weeks," the club confirmed on their official website.

    "He will be sidelined for matches against Southampton this weekend, the visit of Manchester City on 3 May and the last game of the season at Hull City."Mirallas is expected to be part of Belgium's World Cup squad, although this injury means he faces a race against time to be fully fit.

    News of Mirallas' setback will come as a blow to Everton as the Merseyside club look to beat Arsenal to the final Champions League place in the Premier League.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    'Confident' Liverpool will win the title - Houllier

    393276_heroa.jpg


    Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier believes that the "confident" Reds will finish the job and win the Premier League.

    Brendan Rodgers's men sit five points clear at the top of the table with three games remaining and are on an 11-game winning streak after victory over Norwich City on Sunday, with a potentially decisive clash with Chelsea next up.

    And Houllier - who managed Liverpool between 1998 and 2004, leading them to a second-placed finish in 2002 - feels that the Merseyside club have the qualities land a first top-flight crown since 1990.

    "Yes, they will [win the title]," the Frenchman told the Liverpool Echo. "They have three games but the team has got consistency and a lot of confidence.

    "They play and they go forward, they will always score goals and they want it so badly that I think they will finish even stronger.

    "We came close to winning it in the past, whether it was with me or Rafa Benitez, but we never quite managed it.

    "But hats off to Brendan. I appreciate his philosophy and the way he goes about managing people. I like the man as much as I like the manager. He has done a remarkable job.

    "It would be the best reward for the fans to have a league title."
     
    Status
    Not open for further replies.