..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo is the world's best, says Perez

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been labelled the best player in the world by the club's president Florentino Perez.

The Portugual captain has netted 25 goals in 14 Liga outings to propel the club above title rivals Barcelona and Atletio Madrid at the top of La Liga.

Following their World Club Cup triumph, the president of the Spanish giants has heaped prasie upon the Ballon d'Or noimnee, who he believes has no equal.

"Of course he's the most complete, and not only for what he's achieved," Perez said during a visit to Panama City. "Without a doubt he's the best."

Despite losing out on the Liga title to their city-rivals in the previous campaign Madrid still secured a haul of four trophies, and the 67-year-old was pleased the club had transmitted some positive values in the process.

"This effort is not only to win games, add another title to our trophy cabinet and to continue to grow the legend of Real Madrid, who greatly help the world from a sporting point of view, but it also allows us to pass on our values, especially to children."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Xavi: My bags were packed for New York

Xavi has revealed he was set to join New York City before Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu called him and convinced him to change his mind.

The 34-year-old was on the brink of joining the new MLS Franchise during the off season after playing a bit-part role in Tata Martino's season at the helm of the Blaugrana.

However, the World Cup winning midfielder was contacted by the club president, who convinced him to reconsider his decision to leave the club.

"The decision was made. I was going to New York. It was all done. A call from Bartomeu was what changed everything," Xavi revealed in an interview with Sport. "He called my agent and told him that he wanted me here.

"Before I went to the World Cup I told them I thought my time at Barcelona was over. I did not feel useful and thought it was not to be.

"After the World Cup I received a call from Bartomeu and then talked to Luis Enrique.

"He told me I'm going to be a very useful player, that if I prove it, I'll play, that I'm still competitive and they thought of me well, that we would have a good year.

"He convinced me. It was decisive. I changed. We already had bags packed with my wife to go to New York."

Xavi, who has made 13 appearances in La Liga so far this season, believes he made the right decision, and spoke of his delight at being part of a team which he feels is heading in the right direction.

"I'm happy. I'm enjoying it. I would never have imagined it. I feel useful, I feel competitive," he added.

"There are days that I felt I played well, I had good games and good performances and I think the team is going in the right direction."

Barca currently sit second in La Liga, one point adrift of Real Madrid who hold a game in hand.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Roberto Carlos: Ronaldo has to win the Ballon d'Or


Former Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos believes Cristiano Ronaldo fully deserves to win the 2014 Ballon d'Or ahead of Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo remains the favourite to clinch a second-successive prize after his sensational first half of the 2014-15 season, in a year which has seen him win the Champions League, Copa del Rey and Club World Cup with los Blancos.

Messi - named the best player at the World Cup this summer - and Manuel Neuer are also vying for the award, but Carlos feels the standards currently being set by Ronaldo make him the clear favourite.

"I am a big fan of Lionel Messi but Cristiano Ronaldo has been more impressive. He is living with incredible momentum. Everything he does goes right. He is a leader," the Brazilian said.

"I am not saying that because he is a Real Madrid player. This is not the point here. Messi is incredible and his history in football is marvellous. But we have to choose the best player in the season and that was Cristiano Ronaldo."

Carlos also considers Neymar to have been one of the three best players in 2014 after his showings at both the World Cup and for Barcelona - though he concedes his compatriot is still playing catch-up to Messi and Ronaldo.

"Neymar is a phenomenon. He adapted to European football very quickly. He delivered great performances with Barca and the Selecao," said the 41-year-old.

"The thing is that Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are getting better every day. Neymar is trying to reach their level but every time he comes close they just get better. We all know that it's really hard to give the Ballon d'Or to a goalkeeper or even a defender. Maybe [Fabio] Cannavaro and [Paolo] Maldini were the only exceptions. So in my opinion the three best players in the world this season were Cristiano, Messi and Neymar."

Carlos believes Ronaldo can almost be considered Madrid's greatest ever player, though he was quick to highlight that legends of the Santiago Bernabeu are rarely overshadowed completely by contemporary stars.

"I think he is already close to that [the best in the club's history]. But Real Madrid is a different club. They don't substitute their idols," he continued.

"Those who were idols in the past will never lose their space. Cristiano is the star today but there were stars in the past as well. That's why Real Madrid is a giant club.

"Fernando Hierro – for instance – is working now with Ancelotti. Martin Vasquez and others have their story with Real Madrid and are so respected even today. Cristiano is amongst the best but Real Madrid always had legends in their history."

Turning his attention to the current Madrid side - who are on a record run of 22 consecutive victories in all competitions - Carlos claims president Florentino Perez has begun to find a balance between foreign stars and young talent and insists club captain Iker Casillas remains one of the world's finest goalkeepers.

"If they start to play badly all the fans will boo them again. Real Madrid fans are very demanding but it is so nice to play there," he added.

"Florentino Perez knows how to build a team. Real Madrid youth teams are very good but Florentino is always searching the best players in the world. He brought James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos, [Luka] Modric… And he also has Cristiano, Casillas - in my opinion a great symbol [for the club] although he makes some mistakes sometimes, which is normal.

"Casillas' mistakes will also attract more attention because he is a goalkeeper. Casillas is the number one alongside Manuel Neuer. When you are playing for Real Madrid you will always have pressure, even in training sessions. You are always supposed to win."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Casillas: It's been my best year

Iker Casillas says the last 12 months have been his best for Real Madrid, regardless of his personal struggles on the pitch for much of last season.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper made just two appearances in La Liga in 2013/14 and lost his place to Diego Lopez.

A mistake in the Champions League final was then followed by a series of poor performances at the World Cup, while the signing of Keylor Navas appeared to spell the end for the Spain international at Madrid.

But with Lopez moving on to AC Milan, Casillas has regained his spot as first choice keeper and dismissed his struggles last term as nothing more than a disappointing six-week spell.

"I intend to keep winning titles at Real Madrid," Casillas said to Marca.

"It has been my best year. Four titles, playing all of them, so I think so. A bad month and a half cannot make you forget the other things.

"I do not know what could have happened, but it’s best that it’s behind us and the team continues to add victories and titles. The individual is left aside when success is collective.

"We must go step by step. I have a contract and I have no reason to think about leaving.

"If we had won the league, we would not have won la Decima, which was the obsession of all of Real Madrid. I would not change the year for anyone. It was the best."

Madrid defeated San Lorenzo last Saturday to add the Club World Cup to the Copa del Rey, Champions League and Uefa Super Cup trophies won earlier this year.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United given Christmas Day off by Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has given players and staff Christmas Day off – making 2014 the first time that the Red Devils have not trained on the morning of December 25 for 27 years.

After a rocky start to the season, United have risen to third in the Premier League with 32 points from their first 17 games and the Dutchman has rewarded his charges with the opportunity to spend time with their families.

Newcastle are the visitors to Old Trafford on Boxing Day and, ahead of the game, United players will report to the team hotel on Christmas evening after remaining at home for the majority of the day.

"No, I have changed that," Van Gaal told MUTV when asked about training on Christmas morning. "I gave them [the morning] free, Christmas with the family and we should come together the next day, here at the Aon Training Complex, and then we have all the meetings like we have done the whole season.

"I believe in the total human being. I believe that they are more pleased to be at home with their wife and children and I hope they will give even more to beat their opponent."

Van Gaal's generosity has understandably gone down well in the United camp, with players, coaches and support staff alike all exempted.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Reus should join Real Madrid, says Heynckes

Jupp Heynckes believes Marco Reus would be better off joining Real Madrid rather than Bayern Munich when he decides to leave Borussia Dortmund.

The 25-year-old, who has been linked with both clubs among others, will be available for €25m at the end of the season as a result of a clause in his contract.

With Dortmund sitting in the Bundesliga relegation zone during the winter break, a move away looks increasingly likely but former Bayern boss Heynckes says Reus should head for Spain and not stay in Germany.

"I would recommend going to Madrid," Heynckes said on Sky 90. "Bayern have four or five world class players up front.

"Where would Reus play? If he really has that [release] clause of €25m, all the big European teams should go for him."

The Dortmund forward was recently fined €540,000 after being caught driving without a license, and Heynckes labelled his actions as inexcusable.

"It's incomprehensible. There is no excuse. He should be better advised," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I can't discuss it' - Van Gaal won't comment on Bale links

Louis van Gaal refused to entertain questions over Manchester United's rumoured bid for Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.

The 13-time Premier League champions have been linked with interest in the 25-year-old for some time, with ex-manager David Moyes admitting he made an approach ahead of the winger's move to Real Madrid.

Bale's agent, David Manasseh, has rubbished talk of his client leaving the Santiago Bernabeu recently, but Van Gaal did not rule out a move when questioned by reporters on Tuesday.

"I cannot discus that with you," Van Gaal told reporters. "I discuss that with my CEO and not with anyone of the media."

Bale scored as Real Madrid won the Club World Cup final on Saturday, taking his tally since joining the Liga giants to 33 goals and 24 assists in 66 appearances.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale gana nam hithagena inna 1ka terumak nathi wadak newei

Mokada keeyatawath hithanna baha Bale wage player kenek Real Madrid walin ganna puluwan wei kiyala.Anith 1ka top form 1ke inna player kenek

So wenath targets gana baluwanam thamai hoda2 Worldclass Defenders& 1 DM kenek thamai ona karala thiyenne wadiyenma​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Christmas wishes from Messi and Co

Lionel Messi and his Barcelona team-mates have wished the club's fans a very merry Christmas.

The Catalan outfit released this video on Tuesday on their official YouTube channel which features Messi, Dani Alves, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta and others, as well as stars from Barcelona's other sporting arms, such as their basketball and handball teams.

They also released the outtakes with the players poking fun at themselves.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Redknapp: Austin future could depend on QPR survival

Harry Redknapp believes Charlie Austin's long-term future at QPR could depend on the club remaining in the Premier League.

After working his way up through the Football League with prolific spells at Swindon Town and then Burnley, Austin moved to QPR in 2013.

His 19 Championship goals fired the club to promotion via the play-offs as QPR bounced back at the first attempt following relegation from the top flight.

Austin has looked comfortable in his new surroundings, netting 11 league goals in 15 appearances to spark speculation about a possible England call-up.

In a press conference on Wednesday, ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Arsenal, Redknapp said the striker's future would potentially hinge on whether QPR retain their Premier League status.

"He's got 18 months left, Charlie," he said. "He's not going anywhere in January so it's up to Charlie and everybody else.

"We'd like to keep him here long-term but we've got to stay in the division. He's proved he's a Premier League player and he wants to stay in the Premier League."

Asked if he felt Austin was likely to move, Redknapp replied: "Not at the moment, not in January. Once he's into the last year of his contract it's a different proposition.

"But we've just got to focus on this season. Everybody needs to do their job, Charlie needs to keep scoring goals and if we do that then I'm sure we can secure his future at QPR.

"Charlie is playing and scoring goals in a team that hasn't made a million chances.

"When the chances comes along he takes them so that's even more credit to him for what he's done.

"If he was playing at someone like Chelsea or Man City he'd probably have even more."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neuer: I'm not a global brand like Ballon d'Or rivals Ronaldo & Messi

Manuel Neuer says he is at a disadvantage in the race for this year’s Ballon d’Or as he is not a “global brand” like fellow nominees Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The Gelsenkirchen native is widely credited with revolutionising the role of the goalkeeper because of his footballing skills and the way in which he serves as a makeshift sweeper, while he is also coming off the back of a year in which he won the World Cup with Germany and the double with Bayern Munich.

However, Neuer does not feel he has much chance of getting the better of Ronaldo or Messi, given the pair’s superstar status.

“I’m proud just to be one of the candidates for the Ballon d’Or,” the 28-year-old told Suddeutsche Zeitung. “The other two players are global brands in their own right and maybe for that reason have an advantage.”

Neuer, though, believes Bayern are more than capable of making up for their Champions League final loss to Chelsea at their own Allianz Arena in 2012 by lifting the European Cup in Berlin in May.“We missed our chance to win the trophy in our own city,” he added. “So, now we would like to make up for that and win the Champions League in our country.”

Looking further ahead, Neuer hopes to play a key role in Germany’s bid for glory at Euro 2016.

However, he moved to play down rumours that he will hang up his gloves after the tournament in France.

“I haven’t made a decision on that,” he added. “While I am still the team’s No.1 will continue defending the Germany net.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Martinez: Everton can still finish fourth

Roberto Martinez says Everton can still finish fourth in the Premier League if they rediscover their best form following a disappointing first half of the season.

Martinez's men sit 11th in the Premier League and head into the Boxing Day visit of Stoke City having lost 3-0 at Southampton last weekend.

The Spaniard believes his side's showing was out of character in comparison to their other performances this season but is keen for Everton to hit their stride ahead of a busy period of fixtures.

"We haven't been able to be consistent with our results in the league," Martinez said. "It was the first time in the aspect of our performance at Southampton that we let ourselves down.

"We need to learn from it. We're focused on trying to get a bit of consistency on our results in the league.

"We're all hurt when you get a result like that. You feel that we could have done a lot better. Maybe we could have done a lot better in certain aspects of our performance.

"We never shy away from the responsibility. We want to get results on a consistent basis."

Everton finished a lofty fifth in the Premier League in 2013-14 but are 13 points adrift of their tally at the same stage last season.

Martinez is not worried, though, and is confident Everton have plenty of time to recover and even make a push for the top four.

"I'm not concerned in terms of the the performance. We are better this season in many aspects," he added. "It is a really exciting season because playing in Europe and other competitions gives you an extra dimension.

"We can look to the second half of the season and see how we can bridge that gap.

"I don't think the fourth place is gone. The teams that you've got fighting for the title are only taking two of the four spots.

"Everything else is wide open. There are no easy games any more, that makes it a tight league."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney thanks Van Gaal for Christmas break

Wayne Rooney has thanked Louis van Gaal for his decision to give Manchester United's squad Christmas Day off to spend with their families.

Van Gaal's side welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Boxing Day as they look to maintain their recent surge up the Premier League table, which has left them third, despite a slow start to life under the Dutchman.

Radamel Falcao is the only member of United's squad likely to play on Thursday who may be unaccustomed to the festive schedule, but Rooney believes the rest will do the squad good.

"We're not training on Christmas Day this year because we'll be spending it at home, which will be good for the foreign players and those of us with children," said Rooney, who has two sons.

"It must be strange for the new players to have more games than ever over Christmas, having had the time off previously.

"They have to adapt and be ready for it, while being aware of the fixture list. I'm sure they'll be prepared for the upcoming games."

United captain Rooney is expected to line up in midfield again when Alan Pardew's men make the trip to Manchester, with Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini unable to shake off knocks.

One good piece of news for Van Gaal is Daley Blind's return to training after six weeks out with a knee injury, however.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Modric: Ancelotti can be Real Madrid's Ferguson

Luka Modric believes that Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti can become the Spanish club’s answer to Manchester United icon Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson spent 26 years in charge at Old Trafford before retiring last year having led the English outfit to 13 domestic titles, five FA Cups, four league cups and two Champions Leagues.

Such longevity is almost unheard of in the modern game but Modric believes that Ancelotti is capable of emulating the great Scot.

Indeed, the midfielder feels that the Italian coach deserves the utmost credit for the way in which Madrid coped with the summer sales of Angel di Maria and Xabi Alonso – two men who had played key roles in last season’s Champions League success – and integrated Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez into what is arguably an even stronger team this term.

"I was not worried about the team when they went Di Maria and Xabi Alonso,” Modric told Sportske Novosti. “Kroos and James are sensational and the results are even better this season.

"But a lot of credit for these results belongs to Carlo Ancelotti. His calmness helped many people.

“He could be the coach at Real Madrid for years, just like Ferguson at Manchester United.”

Madrid clinched the Club World Cup in Morocco on Saturday night by defeating San Lorenzo 2-0 to rack up their 23rd successive victory in all competitions.

It’s a record-breaking run for Ancelotti and his side, and Modric believes that they can make more history at the end of the season.

"I believe that Real Madrid can be the first to win the Champions League two years in a row,” the midfielder added. “The main competitors are Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid."

Cristiano Ronaldo, of course, has played a key role in Madrid’s sensational 2014 and Modric fully expects his team-mate’s individual excellence to be recognised by Fifa next month.

"Cristiano Ronaldo should get the Ballon d'Or,” the former Tottenham ace added. “He won the Champions League, a few other trophies and is scoring two goals per game!”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: My wife was right to talk me out of the England job

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says that his wife was right to talk him out of taking the England job in 2007.

The Portuguese had been keen on succeeding Steve McClaren after the Three Lions failed to qualify for Euro 2008 and was even considering who he might pick in his first squad before having a dramatic change of heart.

Speaking to Clare Balding for a BT Sport Christmas Day Special, 'Clare Balding Meets', Mourinho revealed that his wife, Matilde Faria, made him realise that he would have got bored in between international games.

"She was right. Too early for me," he recalled. "I love the day-by-day [of club management], I love to play, I love the pressure of the day-by-day, the training, the travelling, the matches, the competitiveness.

"I remember clearly there was a moment where the next match for England would be in Paris, France v England, a friendly match - and I was already thinking about who to select, who to play, how to do it.

"She came to me and said: 'When is the next match? Ah, the next match is in two months. What are you doing for two months, what are you doing, what are you thinking?' She was saying: 'Forget it, it's not for you. Maybe in 20 years.'"

Instead of taking the England post, Mourinho joined Inter, where he won the treble, before a spell with Real Madrid and his subsequent return to Stamford Bridge.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Heskey joins Bolton on short-term deal

Former England international Emile Heskey has signed a short-term contract at Bolton.

Heskey began training with the Championship club earlier in December alongside former Chelsea and Barcelona star Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Gudjohnsen soon impressed Neil Lennon enough to secure a return to his former employers but the manager, who played with Heskey at Leicester City, took a little longer to decide on the future of the 36-year-old before an agreement was announced on Wednesday.

"Bolton Wanderers have completed the signing of Emile Heskey on a short-term deal," a statement read.

"The former England international, aged 36, has impressed during a recent trial period with the club.

"And Neil Lennon has now moved to sign free agent Heskey, who was most recently on the books of Australian A-League side Newcastle Jets.

"Prior to his spell in New South Wales, Heskey turned out for Leicester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Wigan and Aston Villa and represented England a total of 62 times.

"Bolton now require international clearance in order for Heskey to be available to feature in the Boxing Day game against Blackburn."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rakitic: It's an honour to play with Xavi

Ivan Rakitic says he is honoured to play alongside the likes of Xavi since his move to Barcelona from Sevilla this summer.

The Croatia international's form as the Andalusians won the Europa League last term earned him a switch to Camp Nou, where he was filled the void left by Cesc Fabregas' departure to Chelsea.

The former Schalke man says he jumped at the chance to join the Catalan club and has been impressed with the attitude of his new team-mates.

"The only thing that I wanted, aside from the fact that it would be a dream come true to play for a club like Barca, was for it to be sorted out quickly," he told Uefa.com.

"It was during the World Cup and the last thing I wanted was to cause a stir in my national team. I didn't want people talking about me, I wanted to learn from those players, not just as footballers, but also as men.

"An example is Xavi, the captain here. I know I still have so much to learn, and at Barcelona you learn so much. There are players here who have won the lot.

"Aside from the fact that [Xavi] has won everything, it's his style of play, the way he conducts himself and how he leads us.

"Now I get the chance to share the dressing room with such important people who, despite having already won it all, are still hungry and want more. It's a privilege to play alongside such influential footballers.

"I'm here to work hard, but to enjoy it too. Every day I wake up with a smile on my face and say to myself: 'Fantastic, I'm off to train with my team-mates and work hard'. It doesn't get any better than that."

Rakitic also said that he has been impressed with the attention to detail shown by another summer arrival at Barca, coach Luis Enrique.

"All coaches are different, although my last coach at Sevilla, Unai Emery, is similar to Luis Enrique in terms of training and preparation. He is very clear about his ideas.

"He explains each detail to us. Nothing is left unresolved. What I do depends on my team-mates. It's like a finely tuned engine – all the components need to work for it to drive well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola keeps Bayern sharp, says Muller

Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller believes that Pep Guardiola has kept every one of his players on his toes since his arrival at the Allianz Arena.

The Spaniard delivered the double in his first season in the Bundesliga, but received criticism after the Bavarians exited the Champions League at the semi-finals thanks to a 5-0 aggregate loss to Real Madrid.

However, the Germany star is happy with the effect for the former Barcelona boss has had on his career, particularly in terms of the freedom they enjoy up front.

"The coach definitely sharpens the players' senses," he told Bild.

"He always has notes in hand. He's a counsellor to make it even easier for individual players in matches.

"He gives us a lot of freedom in attack. He once said to us that he scored a few goals in his career, which is why he shows us the opponents' weaknesses and lets us do what we want in the final third.

"That's how it works."

Bayern entered the Bundesliga's winter break 11 points clear of second-place Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mancini hints at Inter move for 'interesting' Chelsea exile Salah

Inter could attempt to negotiate a deal for out-of-favour Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah in January, manager Roberto Mancini has revealed.

Salah has made just six appearances in all competitions under Jose Mourinho this season, having found himself below Eden Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Andre Schurrle and Ramires in the Stamford Bridge pecking order.

And Mancini, who has returned to an Inter side struggling in Serie A, is refusing to rule out a winter move for the Egyptian, along with Liverpool's Lucas Leiva and several other targets.

“Within its limits, the club gave me full availability, which is nice to hear,” Mancini told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“[Mohamed] Salah is a very interesting young prospect. [Ivan] Perisic is a good player, he has the right profile – but he isn't easy to get to, either.

“[Lucas] Leiva is a big name too, his experience would come in handy. But he's with Liverpool, so we'll see. Clubs don't give away their players that easy.

“Anything can happen in football. [Ezequiel] Lavezzi is a big name, he knows Serie A but he belongs to Paris-Saint German now. Perhaps in June, who knows?”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barca want Neymar extension - agent

Neymar’s agent has confirmed Barcelona are looking to tie the Brazil captain down to a new contract.Reports earlier this week suggested the Catalan club were seeking talks with the Neymar camp in a bid to extend his deal at Camp Nou to 2020.

And the player’s representative Wagner Ribeiro has backed that up, telling reporters in Brazil: “Of course Barcelona want to renew his contract. Until 2020? Yes.”Neymar’s current contract runs until 2018 after he completed a hugely controversial move to La Liga in 2013.

The transfer saw Barcelona accused of tax fraud by Spanish authorities with former president Sandro Rosell resigning after claims he misappropriated money. Both Barca and Rosell have denied any wrongdoing.

On the pitch, Neymar has struggled to convince he was worth the hassle. His first season was disrupted by injury and a loss of form while his second, in partnership with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, has seen Barca unable to break the stranglehold of Real Madrid.