..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Keller advises Yedlin against Tottenham move

Kasey Keller has urged Seattle Sounders full-back DeAndre Yedlin to think twice before agreeing to any possible deal with Tottenham.

Yedlin was one of the breakout stars of the World Cup for the United States and his performances as an impact substitute in Brazil have reportedly aroused the interest of Premier League outfit Spurs.

However, Keller, who spent four years at Tottenham, feels a move to White Hart Lane could backfire for Yedlin and questioned whether the player would even be issued a work permit.

"Spurs is a tricky place to play," the former USA goalkeeper told Goal. "They're a team that has a lot of turnover in players.

"Spurs are a team that has the money and they are always looking for a bargain, but it's a tough place to go.

"I just want to see young American players play regularly, week in and week out. If that's at Tottenham, great. But if it's not, then it's not the right move. It's hard to develop if you don't play.

"I'm not sure DeAndre would even qualify for a work permit. He's never started a game for the national team; [England] is a tough place to get a work permit.

"My guess would be that if Tottenham is in the race, it would be to sign DeAndre and loan him out somewhere."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man United and Arsenal scout Cork City star Lenihan

Cork City manager John Caulfield has admitted Brian Lenihan could leave the club within "the next couple of weeks" after revealing Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham have scouted the defender.

The 20-year-old has impressed for City this season, earning international recognition with Republic of Ireland's Under-21 side along the way.

And Caulfield says a host of Premier League and Championship sides have had the full-back scouted, with two bids received - both of which were rejected. Negotiations, though, remain ongoing with one club.

"A lot of teams have watched him, but it's a business deal and it isn't up to Cork City to name the clubs involved," Caulfield told reporters.

"Everyone knows who has watched him; Arsenal have, Hull have, we've realised that Manchester United have watched him, Tottenham, Everton and Villa have watched him.

"They've all had direct club employees to look at him as opposed to some of the championship clubs, who'd have an agent saying he's representing them.

"The official situation is that we received two bids and both have been rejected. One of the clubs has come back to us and we’re in negotiations with them but there's still quite a bit of work to do.

"Do I think that he’ll be gone across channel in the next couple of weeks? I believe that he will, and we have to make sure that we get the proper deal and Brian does too.

"What we have to try and do is a structured deal that if he plays international football or moves on elsewhere, we get rewarded. That’s probably what you have to look at."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Germany could scrap Euro 2020 bid

Germany is considering dropping its bid to host the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020, potentially leaving England as the only candidate for the final three games of the Uefa tournament.


The German Football Association (DFB) is keen to host the entire competition in 2024, and believes that its chances will be greater should Munich not be selected as the host city for the three showpieces fixtures in the Europe-wide special edition in 2020.


Currently, only Munich and London are in the running for the semi-finals and final despite a total of 19 countries having bid for different packages of games, with most having presented candidacies for group stage and early knockout fixtures.


But DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach has admitted to the Press Association that his organisation may follow Turkey in withdrawing its bid for key Euro 2020 fixtures, instead settling for group games and focusing efforts on securing the tournament four years later.


“We still have two options – to host the final rounds or four matches in the first rounds. Our decision is open,” said Niersbach.


“We have an excellent and wonderful relationship with the English FA. We are sitting together very often about the possibilities of how we can support the other association. It is still open, but I am totally convinced that we will have both Wembley and Munich on the land map for Euro 2020.


“Discussions on the final round are still open. But we are very relaxed about it... I officially announced already at our general assembly in October 2013 that we want to host Euro 2024.”The 2020 edition of the four-yearly event will see a total of 13 different cities across the continent being selected to host fixtures, with packages having been made available to all of Europe’s affiliated nations.


If London is chosen as the host city for the closing fixtures of the tournament, with Wembley as the venue for the final, it will mark the first time since 1996 that England has hosted the European showpiece.


Germany last hosted the Uefa finals in 1988, when the tournament was still only an eight-team competition, while the new-look 24-team format will be unveiled in France in 2016.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Goals will come for Atletico, says Suarez

Atletico Madrid midfielder Mario Suarez is not concerned by the Spanish champions' lack of goals in pre-season.

Diego Simeone's men have just one goal to show in four friendlies since their excellent 2013-14 campaign ended with defeat in the Champions League final in May.


Atleti have since lost talismanic forward Diego Costa to Chelsea and their preparations for the new season have been less than ideal, having drawn blanks against MLS outfit the San Jose Earthquakes, Liga MX team America and Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray.


However, after their 0-0 stalemate with Gala on Wednesday, Suarez remained calm and confident over his side's prospects."I am not concerned. It is a matter of time. We dominated and had had more opportunities to score," he said.


"We still have games and players up front who are yet to return. We missed [Antoine] Griezmann…and it was only the second game for [Mario] Mandzukic."We are working hard and the team is creating chances, which is the important thing."


With a two-leg Spanish Supercopa tie against European champions Real Madrid later in August, Suarez pointed out that they still had time to build some goalscoring confidence.


"There is a lot of time. The team is going well and feeling good," he said.
"In defence we have the same commitment and seriousness as always and in attack we feel good and the goals will come."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I was the bogeyman' - Draxler out to attract big clubs again

Schalke star Julian Draxler has suggested his performances last season scared off potential suitors and is now keen to "attract the big clubs again".

Arsenal were lining up a bid for the Germany international back in January, with Draxler himself confirming that Schalke blocked a potential switch to Emirates Stadium.

Draxler feels his €47 million buy-out clause was a hindrance at times, with the speculation perhaps affecting his performances, but is now ready to kick on in the new season.

"The [buy-out clause] stayed with me," he told Bild. "I did not play like 20 clubs were ready to pay this sum for me last season. I have to become attractive to big clubs again.

"Now I know what it's meant to be the bogeyman. After the derby loss to Dortmund, it felt like I was the only one who was blamed for it."

Draxler scored just two goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances last season, but is hoping to reach double figures - as he did in 2012-13 - and help Schalke challenge for a Champions League qualification spot in 2014-15.

He continued: "This season, 10 goals should be possible for me. If our squad stays together, we can compete for the top three places. We can compete with Dortmund and Bayern."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I'm better than Casillas and you know it' - Diego Lopez furious at being forced out of Real Madrid

Diego Lopez is furious at being forced out of Real Madrid this summer and has told club directors: "I'm the best goalkeeper here and you know it."

Signed by former coach Jose Mourinho after Iker Casillas was injured in January of last year, the Galician remained first choice for the remainder of the 2012-13 season, before sharing the responsibilities with the club captain last term.

Lopez then rejected a move to Monaco last summer in order to fight for his place at Madrid and was rewarded as he was chosen by goalkeeping coach Villiam Vecchi as the man to start in La Liga in 2013-14.

But Madrid came third in the Primera Division, while winning the two competitions in which Casillas started - the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

Nevertheless, Iker's poor performances at the World Cup gave Lopez renewed hope he would be first choice in the coming campaign and the Galician was prepared for a three-way fight for a starting spot with Casillas and summer signing Keylor Navas.

Lopez's agent, Manuel Garcia Quillon, has insisted that his client will stay at Madrid, but the club have other ideas and alarms bells sounded for the 32-year-old as he was surprisingly substituted at half-time for youngster Jesus Fernandez (who has since moved to Levante) in the Champions Cup against Inter last week.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti later confirmed that Casillas will start in the Uefa Super Cup against Sevilla on Tuesday and Lopez was told he has no future at the Spanish side.

Seemingly, he has been punished by his association with Mourinho and the fact that the club have ended up without a trophy in all of the competitions he has played (Liga, Copa and Champions League in 2012-13 and the Primera Division again in 2013-14). Lopez is unhappy at the treatment he has received and told Madrid directors on the flight back from their pre-season tour of United States this week: "I'm the best goalkeeper at the club and you know it - but do what you like..."

The former Villarreal and Sevilla shot-stopper is now being encouraged to accept offers this summer, with Madrid prepared to bite the bullet and pay the remainder of his contract - which runs until 2017 - at around €12 million in total.

AC Milan are now in pole position to sign the Galician goalkeeper on a free transfer after Monaco's interest cooled.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Diego Lopez wa nam sell karapu 1ka aparade thamai.
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dani Alves a Barcelona player for now - Luis Enrique

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says Dani Alves remains part of his squad "for now" but stopped short of ruling out his exit from the club.

The 31-year-old has been heavily linked with a summer move amid ongoing rumours that Paris Saint-Germain are keen to lure him to Ligue 1.

However, Luis Enrique has stressed he will be happy if the Brazil international remains a part of his squad, despite not entirely dismissing the prospect of him leaving.

"Alves is a Barcelona player and a very good one," Luis Enrique stated at a press conference.

"I know him well and for now he is with Barcelona. I am delighted with his presence in the team."

Alves joined Barca from Sevilla in the summer of 2008 and has since developed into a key player at the Catalans.

The defender has made nearly 300 official appearances for Barcelona, winning four La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies during his time at Camp Nou so far.

His contract with Barcelona runs until June 2015.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Giggs hits back at Rodgers: Van Gaal not intimidated by Premier League

Ryan Giggs has launched a staunch defence of new Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal after rival manager Brendan Rodgers suggested that the Premier League could take the Dutchman by surprise.

The Liverpool boss was beaten 3-1 by the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach in the final of the International Champions Cup and responded by suggesting that his 62-year-old counterpart would face far sterner tests when the Premier League kicks off.

But Giggs, now assistant manager at Old Trafford, believes that Van Gaal will adapt seamlessly to life with the 20-time English champions and is confident that he is ready for the challenge.

"He's not going to be overwhelmed," the former Wales international, who hung up his boots at the end of last season, is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News.

"Even the manager has realised how big this club is in the short space of time he has been here. The crowds for friendlies are 'unbelievable' in his words.

"He's managed at the top level for a long, long time and won't be intimidated or afraid of managing Manchester United."

Giggs says that the players have responded well to Van Gaal’s arrival, despite prior reports that the Dutchman is a strict disciplinarian, and hailed his meticulous attention to detail.

"I think he's a great character. He is, first and foremost, a leader and demands respect, demands discipline and a real sort of detailed structure," Giggs continued.

"But, within that structure, there is obviously freedom to move. It's been great. The players have really enjoyed it so far and I certainly have.

"Everything is structured and really detailed. I think the lads have all enjoyed all the things that have come that are a little bit different. Right down to meeting for breakfast, and for lunch, and even the team meetings that we have. Plus the training."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rodgers ta niyama reply 1ka

Patta​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

MLS All-Stars 2-1 Bayern Munich: Guardiola furious at All-Stars tackles

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola was furious with the treatment of his players, as the MLS All-Stars stunned his team 2-1 on Wednesday.


Bradley Wright-Phillips and Landon Donovan scored the goals for the All-Stars in Portland, as they won the MLS All-Star Game for just the second time in the past six years.


But the exhibition match ended in far from friendly fashion with Guardiola refusing to shake All-Stars coach Caleb Porter's hand after the game, due to a pair of crunching tackles on his players in the second half.Osvaldo Alonso clattered into Xherdan Shaqiri in the 64th minute, prompting Guardiola to unleash a diatribe at Porter, who looked apologetic.


By the time Will Johnson slid into Bastian Schweinsteiger in the 89th minute, Guardiola could barely contain himself, while Porter looked sick, sitting on the bench.Porter barely celebrated after the game, although he did attempt to shake Guardiola's hand but with the Spanish coach refused, wagging his finger at the All-Stars tactician, before angrily confronting the referee.


Bayern started well with Robert Lewandowski proving an early threat before scoring his third goal of pre-season since joining the Bavarian club from Borussia Dortmund.


Just after flicking the ball over a defender only to fire straight at goalkeeper Nick Rimando, Lewandowski opened the scoring in the eighth minute, again finding space before unleashing a blistering half-volley from the edge of the box that dipped under the crossbar.


While Bayern unsurprisingly dominated possession in the first half, the All-Stars had some opportunities to score with Clint Dempsey forcing Tom Starke into a sharp save, before Thierry Henry looped a volley onto the roof of the net.But eight minutes before the break, the German visitors gave Porter something to worry about with Shaqiri playing a one-two with Lewandowski before forcing Rimando into a brilliant stop.


The All-Stars equalised just five minutes after half-time when MLS leading scorer Wright-Phillips continued his brilliant form, getting onto Erick Torres' flick-on before crunching a left-footed shot into the top corner of the net.The goal was Wright-Phillips' ninth in the past 10 games with the 29-year-old Englishman having scored 18 in MLS this season.


Donovan then struck the winner in the 70th minute, getting goal-side of Rafinha to collect Diego Valeri's cross and score.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

PSG pull out of Di Maria talks

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has ruled out a move for Real Madrid star Angel Di Maria, indicating that the Argentina international is "too expensive" for his club.

The winger has continually being linked with a move away from Madrid this summer and PSG as well as Manchester United have been closely monitoring his situation.

Di Maria's future was the subject of much speculation last summer, but his starring role in both the Copa del Rey and Champions League final saw him emerge as one of Madrid's star men in 2013/14.

However, the La Liga side have refused to rule out his departure following the arrival of James Rodriguez, though PSG are now out of the race for his signature.

"As for Di Maria, it is true that we have held talks with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez," Al-Khelaifi said at a press conference.

"But he is too expensive for us. We have stopped negotiations."

PSG have already secured the services of David Luiz from Chelsea for a fee of €50 million this summer, while they have also signed Serge Aurier on loan until the end of the season.

The Parisians were hit with a €60m fine for breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, while their Champions League squad will be reduced to 21 players for 2014-15 as well.

Of PSG's fine, €40m will be returned to the club if they comply with the measures set by the Club Financial Control Body (CFCB), but the sanction has had a significant impact on their spending so far this summer.

Head coach Laurent Blanc has said on more than one occasion that they are unable to buy the players they want following the FFP penalty and they have now been forced to pull out of the race to sign Di Maria as well.

The 26-year-old has a contract with Real Madrid until June 2018 and an offer in excess of €60 million could be needed to lure him away from the Santiago Bernabeu side.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

PSG la ain una kiyanne loku Chance 1kak thiyanawa Manchester United Di Maria wa gannaHabai godak durata Di Maria Real Madrid ma idi kiyalath hithenawa
​

 

[Michael]

Giggs hits back at Rodgers: Van Gaal not intimidated by Premier League

Ryan Giggs has launched a staunch defence of new Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal after rival manager Brendan Rodgers suggested that the Premier League could take the Dutchman by surprise.

The Liverpool boss was beaten 3-1 by the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach in the final of the International Champions Cup and responded by suggesting that his 62-year-old counterpart would face far sterner tests when the Premier League kicks off.

But Giggs, now assistant manager at Old Trafford, believes that Van Gaal will adapt seamlessly to life with the 20-time English champions and is confident that he is ready for the challenge.

"He's not going to be overwhelmed," the former Wales international, who hung up his boots at the end of last season, is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News.

"Even the manager has realised how big this club is in the short space of time he has been here. The crowds for friendlies are 'unbelievable' in his words.

"He's managed at the top level for a long, long time and won't be intimidated or afraid of managing Manchester United."

Giggs says that the players have responded well to Van Gaal’s arrival, despite prior reports that the Dutchman is a strict disciplinarian, and hailed his meticulous attention to detail.

"I think he's a great character. He is, first and foremost, a leader and demands respect, demands discipline and a real sort of detailed structure," Giggs continued.

"But, within that structure, there is obviously freedom to move. It's been great. The players have really enjoyed it so far and I certainly have.

"Everything is structured and really detailed. I think the lads have all enjoyed all the things that have come that are a little bit different. Right down to meeting for breakfast, and for lunch, and even the team meetings that we have. Plus the training."

Rodgers ge oluwa poddak idimila thiyenne Last Season eka nisa... Meha paara Unge supurudu place ekata giya nam patta! 7th lol

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: I don't want to sell Vermaelen to Man Utd

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Manchester United have made a bid for Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen, though he would rather sell him to a foreign club.

Louis van Gaal is keen to strengthen his defence following the departures of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra and Wenger has now confirmed that the Old Trafford club have submitted an offer for the Belgium international.

However, Goal understands Vermaelen is facing a straight choice between Barcelona and United, with the Gunners captain having refused to sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, and Wenger admits that he would rather flog the Belgian abroad.

Wenger told reporters: "Manchester United are part of the group of bidders. He could leave.

"We have offers from abroad and ideally I would rather sell him to a club abroad. We're in a position where it's difficult to stand in his way."

Barcelona are keen to bolster their back-line ahead of their bid to reclaim the La Liga title from Atletico Madrid and have identified Vermaelen - who made 21 appearances for the north Londoners last season - as a target ahead of the new season.

Meanwhile, Wenger confirmed that Arsenal have "more money to buy players now", having already acquired Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina and Calum Chambers, though he hinted that he could resist the urge to strengthen further.

"We have three and a half weeks until the transfer market closes - we could still strengthen, but we have a big squad," he said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger Vermaelen wa EPL nathuwa wena league 1kakata sell karanna wage balanne.Ahema unoth mata hithenne Barcelona thamai
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

PSV deny Tottenham contact over Depay

Tottenham have not made contact with PSV over the transfer of Memphis Depay, according to a spokesperson for the Eredivisie side.

Goal revealed on Tuesday that Spurs were considering a bid for the Netherlands international, whilst it was widely reported elsewhere that the north Londoners had placed an official bid for the winger - also a Manchester United target - and that Nacer Chadli has been offered in part exchange.

However, the Dutch club maintain Depay will be involved in their Europa League qualifier on Thursday night and expect him to stay beyond this summer.

"There has been no contact from Spurs whatsoever," a PSV spokesperson told Sky Sports.

"Our sporting director Marcel Brands stated to Dutch media yesterday that he expects Memphis to stay at the club and Nacer Chadli is not of interest to us.

"We are in Austria at the moment for our Europa League game against SKN St Polten and Memphis is in the squad. He is fully focused on the game."

Depay burst onto the scene during the World Cup, coming off the bench to score against Australia and Chile in the group stages, having netted 14 goals in all competitions for PSV in 2013-14.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Casillas: Decima delight means pressure is now off Real Madrid

Iker Casillas has warned Real Madrid's rivals that there is "a lot more to come" from Carlo Ancelotti's men now that the pressure of winning 'La Decima' is off.

As club president Florentino Perez admitted last season, winning a 10th European Cup had become an "obsession" for Los Blancos, so May's Champions League triumph sparked wild celebrations among the Santiago Bernabeu faithful.

Casillas, though, has intimated that he and his team-mates were as relieved as they were ecstatic after their 4-1 victory over city rivals Atletico in the final and suggested that they will now be able to play with greater freedom having finally ended Madrid's 10-year wait for 'La Decima'.

“Winning the 10th title was the cherry on top of a great season," Casillas is quoted as saying by Abola.

"It allows us to lift the pressure of not being champions of Europe since 2002. Now, free of anxiety, a lot more can come.

"The shirt of the biggest club in the history of football comes with responsibility: each season you have to give the maximum and give happiness to the fans."

Despite looking set to leave the club this summer due to the arrival of Costa Rica's World Cup hero Keylor Navas from Levante, Casillas now seems set to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rakitic: Don't kill Bravo over blunder against Napoli

Ivan Rakitic says there is "no need to kill" Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo over his blunder in Wednesday's friendly defeat to Napoli.

The Chile international gifted the Partenopei a 1-0 victory at the Stade de Geneve when he allowed a long-range strike from Blerim Dzemaili to slip through his hands and into the net.

However, Rakitic has leapt to the defence of his team-mate, arguing that his fellow new signing should not be castigated for the mistake.

“These are things that can always happen and it does not change the confidence we all have in him," the Croatia international told reporters after the game.

"Therefore, there is no need to kill him. He had a good match."

Rakitic failed to shine in his first start for Barca following his summer switch from Sevilla for an estimated €20 million transfer but he is pleased with how he is settling in.

"I feel better every day and I understand more with my team-mates,” the playmaker explained.

"I'm happy and want to keep improving. We always want to win. I believe that we have created a lot of chances and it is good to increase the confidence.”

Barca winger Pedro is also of the opinion that the Catalans are progressing well under new coach Luis Enrique.

“The team is good, gathering pace and confidence,” the Spain international stated. “We’ve improved some tactical aspects.

"The result is a shame but we're feeling good. There is plenty of time to correct what needs to be corrected; the results sure will come."

Barcelona will play their next friendly fixture against HJK Helsinki on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Official: Arsenal defender Djourou joins Hamburg

Hamburg have completed the signing of Arsenal defender Johan Djourou.

The 27-year-old spent the 2013-14 season on loan at the Bundesliga club, making 24 league appearances, and has now made the move permanent.

Djourou joined Arsenal in 2003 as a 16-year-old and made 144 appearances for the first team, though he struggled to nail down a spot in Arsene Wenger's starting XI in recent seasons, also spending the second half of the 2012-13 season on loan in Germany, with Hannover 96.

The versatile defender, who featured at both centre-back and right-back throughout his Gunners career, represented Switzerland at the World Cup and will hope to help Hamburg improve on last season's 16th-placed finish in 2014-15.