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Ronaldo will win Ballon d'Or, but it should be Neuer - Reina
Pepe Reina has admitted he believes Cristiano Ronaldo will win the Ballon d'Or, but would rather see his Bayern Munich team-mate Manuel Neuer take home the trophy.
The Real Madrid star is the heavy favourite to win the award for the second time in a row, third overall, when the winner is announced in January, but it is expected to be a close call between the Champions League winner, Barcelona counterpart Lionel Messi and World Cup and Bundesliga champion Neuer.
"I think it will be Cristiano Ronaldo who takes it," Neuer told Spanish radio station COPE. "But what I want and desire is for Neuer to win.
"It's difficult for a goalkeeper, especially against Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, he can win on merit and with what he has done for the club, it would be nice if he would take it."
The Spanish goalkeeper also talked about Madrid shot stopper Iker Casillas, praising the star's mentality.
"Casillas has an excellent head. Performing at the level he has for so many years speaks for itself about Casillas' mentally."He is prepared to take criticism and he has, I said he was ready for the flak and he has shown that."
Pepe Reina has admitted he believes Cristiano Ronaldo will win the Ballon d'Or, but would rather see his Bayern Munich team-mate Manuel Neuer take home the trophy.
The Real Madrid star is the heavy favourite to win the award for the second time in a row, third overall, when the winner is announced in January, but it is expected to be a close call between the Champions League winner, Barcelona counterpart Lionel Messi and World Cup and Bundesliga champion Neuer.
"I think it will be Cristiano Ronaldo who takes it," Neuer told Spanish radio station COPE. "But what I want and desire is for Neuer to win.
"It's difficult for a goalkeeper, especially against Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, he can win on merit and with what he has done for the club, it would be nice if he would take it."
The Spanish goalkeeper also talked about Madrid shot stopper Iker Casillas, praising the star's mentality.
"Casillas has an excellent head. Performing at the level he has for so many years speaks for itself about Casillas' mentally."He is prepared to take criticism and he has, I said he was ready for the flak and he has shown that."
Benitez: I can win titles with Napoli
Rafael Benitez believes Napoli have improved a great deal under his reign and believes he can win titles with the club.
The Spanish coach replaced Walter Mazzarri at the helm of the Partenopei last summer and guided them to a Coppa Italia victory, third place finish in Serie A and the last 16 in the Europa League, before beating Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana in December.
And, with the team sitting joint third after 16 games this year, the coach insists he can give them the balance required to win titles in the future.
"The winning recipe for a league title is consistency," he told So Foot. "It also depends on the squad you have too and their motivation. Talent makes the difference, but motivation makes you work.
"My style is about, above all, balance. If my teams score many goals and concede many too, then I am not satisfied. I am not happy to just score one more than my opponents, nor if we defend well and score on our only chance of the game.
"I want my team to score goals, but I don't want them to get surprised defensively. I like pressing, counter-attacking and possession. I often hear that my teams are defensive, But that’s not true. They are balanced - there's a difference."If Napoli improve in defence and maintain our capacity to score goals, then we’ll gain in terms of balance. It is balance that wins you trophies."
Napoli had a rough start to the current campaign, having lost in the Champions League qualifying stages before losing two and drawing one of their opening five league games, leaving the ex-Liverpool boss under pressure. However, they have bounced back and now sit nine points behind second-placed Roma and Benitez was confused to see his team's title chances written off so quickly.
"Everyone wants to win the league, but in Italy if you win a series of games then you’re the favourites, then the moment you make one mistake, people say you have no chance.
"I'm here so that Napoli can make life difficult for others and make themselves respected by the biggest clubs in Italy. We are on the right track to achieve that aim."We changed the way Napoli work: physically, tactically and technically. We have made players less tense, less irritable, so that they can give their best.
"The team has a more international profile and players have a much higher market value than when we arrived. We also modified the infrastructure of the club
ffices, gyms, meeting rooms, lunch rooms and the rest area where now there are a television and Playstation. We are setting up a specific area for the goalkeepers to train.
"The day I leave Napoli, I will be satisfied to leave my successor a better training ground than the one I found when I arrived."
Rafael Benitez believes Napoli have improved a great deal under his reign and believes he can win titles with the club.
The Spanish coach replaced Walter Mazzarri at the helm of the Partenopei last summer and guided them to a Coppa Italia victory, third place finish in Serie A and the last 16 in the Europa League, before beating Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana in December.
And, with the team sitting joint third after 16 games this year, the coach insists he can give them the balance required to win titles in the future.
"The winning recipe for a league title is consistency," he told So Foot. "It also depends on the squad you have too and their motivation. Talent makes the difference, but motivation makes you work.
"My style is about, above all, balance. If my teams score many goals and concede many too, then I am not satisfied. I am not happy to just score one more than my opponents, nor if we defend well and score on our only chance of the game.
"I want my team to score goals, but I don't want them to get surprised defensively. I like pressing, counter-attacking and possession. I often hear that my teams are defensive, But that’s not true. They are balanced - there's a difference."If Napoli improve in defence and maintain our capacity to score goals, then we’ll gain in terms of balance. It is balance that wins you trophies."
Napoli had a rough start to the current campaign, having lost in the Champions League qualifying stages before losing two and drawing one of their opening five league games, leaving the ex-Liverpool boss under pressure. However, they have bounced back and now sit nine points behind second-placed Roma and Benitez was confused to see his team's title chances written off so quickly.
"Everyone wants to win the league, but in Italy if you win a series of games then you’re the favourites, then the moment you make one mistake, people say you have no chance.
"I'm here so that Napoli can make life difficult for others and make themselves respected by the biggest clubs in Italy. We are on the right track to achieve that aim."We changed the way Napoli work: physically, tactically and technically. We have made players less tense, less irritable, so that they can give their best.
"The team has a more international profile and players have a much higher market value than when we arrived. We also modified the infrastructure of the club
ffices, gyms, meeting rooms, lunch rooms and the rest area where now there are a television and Playstation. We are setting up a specific area for the goalkeepers to train."The day I leave Napoli, I will be satisfied to leave my successor a better training ground than the one I found when I arrived."
Falcao: Footballers can't just go anywhere
Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao, who appeared set to join Real Madrid this summer before moving to Old Trafford, has talked candidly about the limited choices on offer to footballers.
The attacker was highly coveted before he joined Monaco from Atletico Madrid before an injury ruled him out of the second half of the 2013-14 season and the World Cup. The Colombia international was heavily linked to a move to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer and it was largely reported that he was aiming for a return to the Spanish capital.
However, he ended up joining United on loan and the terms on a €56 million deal which will make it permanent, should he prove his fitness, have already been agreed.
Falcao, though, has refuted the idea that footballers can choose to go wherever they want and admitted that he has previously wanted to join one club, only to end up elsewhere.
Asked by Libero whether a footballer is in charge of his own destiny, he replied: "No, he’s not. Sometimes I smile when people ask me why I didn’t go here or why I didn’t stay there, as if the footballer can choose where to work.
"I would say to some journalists, 'Why don’t you work at CNN or ESPN?'. It’s the same as in football. You very rarely have the opportunities to go to one team or another. I have been in situations where I have not been able to do what I wanted, many times.
"I want to go to one place and in the end I have to go to another."
Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao, who appeared set to join Real Madrid this summer before moving to Old Trafford, has talked candidly about the limited choices on offer to footballers.
The attacker was highly coveted before he joined Monaco from Atletico Madrid before an injury ruled him out of the second half of the 2013-14 season and the World Cup. The Colombia international was heavily linked to a move to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer and it was largely reported that he was aiming for a return to the Spanish capital.
However, he ended up joining United on loan and the terms on a €56 million deal which will make it permanent, should he prove his fitness, have already been agreed.
Falcao, though, has refuted the idea that footballers can choose to go wherever they want and admitted that he has previously wanted to join one club, only to end up elsewhere.
Asked by Libero whether a footballer is in charge of his own destiny, he replied: "No, he’s not. Sometimes I smile when people ask me why I didn’t go here or why I didn’t stay there, as if the footballer can choose where to work.
"I would say to some journalists, 'Why don’t you work at CNN or ESPN?'. It’s the same as in football. You very rarely have the opportunities to go to one team or another. I have been in situations where I have not been able to do what I wanted, many times.
"I want to go to one place and in the end I have to go to another."
Wenger: Song's West Ham success no surprise
Arsene Wenger has not been surprised by the impact former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song has made at West Ham this season.
Song spent seven seasons at Arsenal under Wenger before leaving for Barcelona in 2012, but failed to establish himself in Spain before agreeing a season-long loan spell at Upton Park this season
Song will face his former club on Sunday when Arsenal visit Upton Park and Wenger has spoken of his admiration for the 27-year-old.
"He's a good player, Alex Song. I brought him here at the age of 17 and kept him despite all the opinions against him," Wenger told reporters.
"He developed into a very good player, so you don't need to convince me he's a good player. I took him at a very young age and gave him his chance.
"I think he was a very good player when he was here. He didn't play a lot in Spain but you can always improve for as long as you play. You see players like Santi Cazorla, they always look stronger. When you want you can always improve."
Arsenal beat QPR 2-1 on Friday to move within a point of West Ham and Wenger is now hoping to build momentum during a busy period.
"We have 20 games to go. It's very tight, it's down to consistency now," he added.
"We know every game now is down to consistency. Christmas is a bit special in England because you have to recover quickly, prepare quickly, focus quickly - and that is an ability we want to show at West Ham."
Arsene Wenger has not been surprised by the impact former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song has made at West Ham this season.
Song spent seven seasons at Arsenal under Wenger before leaving for Barcelona in 2012, but failed to establish himself in Spain before agreeing a season-long loan spell at Upton Park this season
Song will face his former club on Sunday when Arsenal visit Upton Park and Wenger has spoken of his admiration for the 27-year-old.
"He's a good player, Alex Song. I brought him here at the age of 17 and kept him despite all the opinions against him," Wenger told reporters.
"He developed into a very good player, so you don't need to convince me he's a good player. I took him at a very young age and gave him his chance.
"I think he was a very good player when he was here. He didn't play a lot in Spain but you can always improve for as long as you play. You see players like Santi Cazorla, they always look stronger. When you want you can always improve."
Arsenal beat QPR 2-1 on Friday to move within a point of West Ham and Wenger is now hoping to build momentum during a busy period.
"We have 20 games to go. It's very tight, it's down to consistency now," he added.
"We know every game now is down to consistency. Christmas is a bit special in England because you have to recover quickly, prepare quickly, focus quickly - and that is an ability we want to show at West Ham."
Iniesta: Barcelona the perfect place for Neymar
Andres Iniesta believes Barcelona is the perfect place for Neymar to develop into one of the world's greatest players.
After struggling for consistency following his move from Santos last season, the Brazil international has continued his exceptional form from the World Cup into the current campaign, scoring 11 goals in 13 Liga games so far.
Neymar's agent confirmed this week that the Blaugrana are looking to extend his current contract until 2020, and team-mate Iniesta is confident the 22-year-old is at the ideal club to continue his progress in Europe.
"I have no doubt about Neymar's talent," he told reporters after a charity match on Friday.
"Barcelona is the ideal place for him to continue developing, and hopefully he'll keep on doing that because it would be good for the team."
Iniesta also hopes to see Lionel Messi claim the Ballon d'Or next month as he feels it would be a great reflection of the team as a whole.
"Hopefully Messi will win the Ballon d'Or. It'd be a nice story because it's also an award which acknowledges the contributions of an entire team," he said.
The Spain international endured a disappointing campaign with Barca in 2013-14 before la Roja's dismal defence of their title at the World Cup and he admits he is looking to improve in the new year.
"You can always do things better. We didn't meet our objectives in 2014, and I didn't on a personal level, but we'll try to meet them in 2015 and keep improving," he added.
Andres Iniesta believes Barcelona is the perfect place for Neymar to develop into one of the world's greatest players.
After struggling for consistency following his move from Santos last season, the Brazil international has continued his exceptional form from the World Cup into the current campaign, scoring 11 goals in 13 Liga games so far.
Neymar's agent confirmed this week that the Blaugrana are looking to extend his current contract until 2020, and team-mate Iniesta is confident the 22-year-old is at the ideal club to continue his progress in Europe.
"I have no doubt about Neymar's talent," he told reporters after a charity match on Friday.
"Barcelona is the ideal place for him to continue developing, and hopefully he'll keep on doing that because it would be good for the team."
Iniesta also hopes to see Lionel Messi claim the Ballon d'Or next month as he feels it would be a great reflection of the team as a whole.
"Hopefully Messi will win the Ballon d'Or. It'd be a nice story because it's also an award which acknowledges the contributions of an entire team," he said.
The Spain international endured a disappointing campaign with Barca in 2013-14 before la Roja's dismal defence of their title at the World Cup and he admits he is looking to improve in the new year.
"You can always do things better. We didn't meet our objectives in 2014, and I didn't on a personal level, but we'll try to meet them in 2015 and keep improving," he added.
AC Milan sign Torres from Chelsea
Chelsea have confirmed that striker Fernando Torres has been bought on a permanent basis by AC Milan, where he is currently on loan.
The Spain striker agreed a two-year deal with the Rossoneri over the summer but has struggled to find form - netting only one goal - at San Siro and has been widely reported to be on the verge of returning to boyhood club Atletico Madrid.
Both Chelsea and Milan confirmed on Saturday that an agreement has been reached to make the 30-year-old's move to Italy permanent, with the transfer set to be completed on January 5.
However, it remains to be seen whether Torres will then secure a switch back to La Liga, with Italy international Alessio Cerci believed to be heading in the other direction as part of the deal.
"Fernando Torres is to join AC Milan on a permanent basis," a statement released via Chelsea's official website reads.
"The striker moved to the San Siro on a two-year loan deal in August and on January 5 he will complete a permanent transfer to the Serie A side.
"Chelsea Football Club thanks Fernando for his service during the past four seasons and wishes him the very best for the future."
Milan also released a short statement on their official website to corroborate the news.
Atletico president Enrique Cerezo had previously hinted at the club's interest in the forward as speculation over his future mounted this week.
Cerci denied earlier on Saturday that he had reached an agreement with Milan over a switch to San Siro despite numerous reports in both Spain and England that the 27-year-old had accepted the chance to move as part of the deal to take Torres back to Vicente Calderon.
Chelsea have confirmed that striker Fernando Torres has been bought on a permanent basis by AC Milan, where he is currently on loan.
The Spain striker agreed a two-year deal with the Rossoneri over the summer but has struggled to find form - netting only one goal - at San Siro and has been widely reported to be on the verge of returning to boyhood club Atletico Madrid.
Both Chelsea and Milan confirmed on Saturday that an agreement has been reached to make the 30-year-old's move to Italy permanent, with the transfer set to be completed on January 5.
However, it remains to be seen whether Torres will then secure a switch back to La Liga, with Italy international Alessio Cerci believed to be heading in the other direction as part of the deal.
"Fernando Torres is to join AC Milan on a permanent basis," a statement released via Chelsea's official website reads.
"The striker moved to the San Siro on a two-year loan deal in August and on January 5 he will complete a permanent transfer to the Serie A side.
"Chelsea Football Club thanks Fernando for his service during the past four seasons and wishes him the very best for the future."
Milan also released a short statement on their official website to corroborate the news.
Atletico president Enrique Cerezo had previously hinted at the club's interest in the forward as speculation over his future mounted this week.
Cerci denied earlier on Saturday that he had reached an agreement with Milan over a switch to San Siro despite numerous reports in both Spain and England that the 27-year-old had accepted the chance to move as part of the deal to take Torres back to Vicente Calderon.
Pochettino: Tottenham must be brave against Manchester United
Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino has urged his side to be brave when they take on in-form Manchester United on Sunday.
Third-placed United have taken 22 points from a possible 24 in the Premier League and head to White Hart Lane on the back of a convincing 3-1 victory over Newcastle United on Friday.
However, Tottenham are also in high spirits following three league wins in succession and Pochettino believes his side should approach the visit of Louis van Gaal's men with confidence.
"We need this mentality to go into this game, to be brave, to try to fight in every action and try to play better than them," Pochettino told the club's official website.
"Manchester United are in a very good moment like us and we have a tough game ahead. We need to be clever and first to rest after a big effort at Leicester [where Tottenham won 2-1 on Friday].
"It will be a great atmosphere, a day for all the families to enjoy and in front of us, another very good team, but we will try to get the three points.
"We have showed [sic] character in every game and it's important to keep this feeling."
Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino has urged his side to be brave when they take on in-form Manchester United on Sunday.
Third-placed United have taken 22 points from a possible 24 in the Premier League and head to White Hart Lane on the back of a convincing 3-1 victory over Newcastle United on Friday.
However, Tottenham are also in high spirits following three league wins in succession and Pochettino believes his side should approach the visit of Louis van Gaal's men with confidence.
"We need this mentality to go into this game, to be brave, to try to fight in every action and try to play better than them," Pochettino told the club's official website.
"Manchester United are in a very good moment like us and we have a tough game ahead. We need to be clever and first to rest after a big effort at Leicester [where Tottenham won 2-1 on Friday].
"It will be a great atmosphere, a day for all the families to enjoy and in front of us, another very good team, but we will try to get the three points.
"We have showed [sic] character in every game and it's important to keep this feeling."
Mourinho: I knew Koeman would be great at Southampton
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Ronald Koeman's Southampton side have earned the right to play without pressure.
Koeman's side have overcome a mini-wobble that saw them six games without a win in all competitions during November and December, but victory over Crystal Palace on Friday saw them move back into fourth.
The pair worked together on Louis van Gaal's coaching staff at Barcelona in the late 1990s and Mourinho revealed he always felt Koeman was the right man to take over from Mauricio Pochettino.
"I know Ronald well, we worked together. We worked together in Barcelona on Mr Van Gaal's coaching staff so we were colleagues," said the Portuguese.
"I know that he's a good coach and has a good mentality and I know the football principles he defends and he likes.
"So for me, when I saw him get his hands on a Pochettino team, I thought he was the right guy to do it."
Mourinho also praised Koeman's ability to get the best out of a squad that lost key players such as Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw and Dejan Lovren in the close-season.
"Obviously they lost some good players but they were very clinical in their choices," Mourinho added.
"You lose Lambert, you go for [Graziano] Pelle. This kind of situation, you lose Lovren, you keep [Jose] Fonte and you go for [Toby] Alderweireld. You lose [Artur] Boruc, you go to the big guy [Fraser Forster].
"They have a very good squad, a very good coach, they're playing well and they're getting results. They don't have pressure, they're the kind of team that in this moment has no pressure because relegation is very, very far [away].
"The title is not for them, so they are in a fantastic position to play beautiful football like they are doing."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Ronald Koeman's Southampton side have earned the right to play without pressure.
Koeman's side have overcome a mini-wobble that saw them six games without a win in all competitions during November and December, but victory over Crystal Palace on Friday saw them move back into fourth.
The pair worked together on Louis van Gaal's coaching staff at Barcelona in the late 1990s and Mourinho revealed he always felt Koeman was the right man to take over from Mauricio Pochettino.
"I know Ronald well, we worked together. We worked together in Barcelona on Mr Van Gaal's coaching staff so we were colleagues," said the Portuguese.
"I know that he's a good coach and has a good mentality and I know the football principles he defends and he likes.
"So for me, when I saw him get his hands on a Pochettino team, I thought he was the right guy to do it."
Mourinho also praised Koeman's ability to get the best out of a squad that lost key players such as Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw and Dejan Lovren in the close-season.
"Obviously they lost some good players but they were very clinical in their choices," Mourinho added.
"You lose Lambert, you go for [Graziano] Pelle. This kind of situation, you lose Lovren, you keep [Jose] Fonte and you go for [Toby] Alderweireld. You lose [Artur] Boruc, you go to the big guy [Fraser Forster].
"They have a very good squad, a very good coach, they're playing well and they're getting results. They don't have pressure, they're the kind of team that in this moment has no pressure because relegation is very, very far [away].
"The title is not for them, so they are in a fantastic position to play beautiful football like they are doing."
Simeone will make Torres great again - Juanfran
Atletico Madrid full-back Juanfran believes Diego Simeone can help make Fernando Torres a top-class goalscorer again should he complete his move to the Vicente Calderon.
Torres left boyhood club Atletico in 2007 to join Liverpool, where he established a reputation as one of the continent's finest strikers before sealing a move to Chelsea.
The Spain international struggled to recapture his previous form at Stamford Bridge and subsequently proved to be a huge disappointment on loan at AC Milan this season, with the Serie A club widely expect to sanction the end of his two-year deal in order to allow him to return to Spain in exchange for Alessio Cerci.
However, Juanfran is confident Torres, now 30, can become a great once again under Simeone's guidance should he as expected join up with Atletico in January.
"Like all our fans, I want to see the signing of Torres confirmed. Fernando is a brilliant player," he is quoted as saying by Marca.
"I'm convinced that, with the desire he has as a Rojiblanco, and the help of the boss, we're going to see a great Fernando.
"Hopefully he can be here for the derby [against Real Madrid]."
Cerci took to his official Facebook page on Saturday to deny he had made any decision over his future, and Juanfran admits he hopes the Italian forward stays at the club.
"I haven't spoken with him, but he's our player and we want him in the team because we're a great squad," he added.
Atletico Madrid full-back Juanfran believes Diego Simeone can help make Fernando Torres a top-class goalscorer again should he complete his move to the Vicente Calderon.
Torres left boyhood club Atletico in 2007 to join Liverpool, where he established a reputation as one of the continent's finest strikers before sealing a move to Chelsea.
The Spain international struggled to recapture his previous form at Stamford Bridge and subsequently proved to be a huge disappointment on loan at AC Milan this season, with the Serie A club widely expect to sanction the end of his two-year deal in order to allow him to return to Spain in exchange for Alessio Cerci.
However, Juanfran is confident Torres, now 30, can become a great once again under Simeone's guidance should he as expected join up with Atletico in January.
"Like all our fans, I want to see the signing of Torres confirmed. Fernando is a brilliant player," he is quoted as saying by Marca.
"I'm convinced that, with the desire he has as a Rojiblanco, and the help of the boss, we're going to see a great Fernando.
"Hopefully he can be here for the derby [against Real Madrid]."
Cerci took to his official Facebook page on Saturday to deny he had made any decision over his future, and Juanfran admits he hopes the Italian forward stays at the club.
"I haven't spoken with him, but he's our player and we want him in the team because we're a great squad," he added.
Sterling: Belief key for resurgent Liverpool
Raheem Sterling feels a renewed belief at Liverpool has been a key factor in the club's recent upturn in form.
Following a difficult start to the campaign for last season's Premier League runners-up, Liverpool have taken 11 points from their last six games.
Sterling scored the winning goal in Boxing Day's hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor and the England international feels the ninth-placed Reds can now begin to move up the table.
"We're just taking it step by step. In the last few games, you can really see the belief back in the boys," he told the club's official website.
"Even at difficult times, you could see we are sticking together and trying to grind results out.
"It's massive for us to stick together and try to play the football that we know we can play. Hopefully that can get us the wins over the next few games."
Liverpool can move level on points with Swansea City when the sides meet on Monday, before Brendan Rodgers' side take on struggling trio Leicester City, Sunderland Aston Villa early in the new year.
Sterling knows a positive festive period could have a big say in what Liverpool achieve this season, with a top-four finish still on the club's agenda.
"We didn't start off as well as we would have liked this season," he added.
"But if we can stick together over the next few weeks - it's a difficult time with games coming thick and fast - and come out of the Christmas period with a decent few wins, we can be right in there towards the end of the season for a top-four push."
Raheem Sterling feels a renewed belief at Liverpool has been a key factor in the club's recent upturn in form.
Following a difficult start to the campaign for last season's Premier League runners-up, Liverpool have taken 11 points from their last six games.
Sterling scored the winning goal in Boxing Day's hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor and the England international feels the ninth-placed Reds can now begin to move up the table.
"We're just taking it step by step. In the last few games, you can really see the belief back in the boys," he told the club's official website.
"Even at difficult times, you could see we are sticking together and trying to grind results out.
"It's massive for us to stick together and try to play the football that we know we can play. Hopefully that can get us the wins over the next few games."
Liverpool can move level on points with Swansea City when the sides meet on Monday, before Brendan Rodgers' side take on struggling trio Leicester City, Sunderland Aston Villa early in the new year.
Sterling knows a positive festive period could have a big say in what Liverpool achieve this season, with a top-four finish still on the club's agenda.
"We didn't start off as well as we would have liked this season," he added.
"But if we can stick together over the next few weeks - it's a difficult time with games coming thick and fast - and come out of the Christmas period with a decent few wins, we can be right in there towards the end of the season for a top-four push."
Ronaldo: Real Madrid can win everything in 2015
Cristiano Ronaldo has believes that Real Madrid can win everything possible in 2015 after a stellar 12 months saw them become European and world champions.
The Decima was won in May, shortly after they had beaten Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, and they capped off 2014 with a Club World Cup triumph as they extended their phenomenal winning streak in all competitions to 22 games.
Ronaldo, who has scored 32 goals in 25 appearances for the Blancos in 2014-15, suggested that they can capitalise on their current table-topping position in La Liga to do even better in the coming year.
"We've had quite a few amazing moments like the Copa del Rey final, the Champions League, the Uefa Super Cup and now the Club World Cup which we dedicate to all madridistas and everyone at the club from the president to every last employee; that trophy is for all of them," Ronaldo, 29, told AS.
"It's hard to single out which one of the four was best but, if I had to choose one, it would be the Champions League in Lisbon. But all of them were spectacular to win.
"I hope 2015 is even better than 2014. At Real Madrid we have a collective spirit which can propel us to win the most silverware possible.
"It’s possible because Madrid will always amongst the candidates to win every competition they enter. We will be giving absolutely everything we’ve got to win every trophy in play next year."
Ronaldo also heaped praise on head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has been widely praised for galvanising a dressing room following Jose Mourinho's departure from the Santiago Bernabeu for Chelsea last summer.
"The coach has great importance," Ronaldo added. "He is a great coach and a great person. We are all delighted with him. Together we are a united family that will try to overcome the successes of 2014."
Real Madrid have a friendly tie against Filippo Inzaghi's AC Milan on Tuesday before getting back into competitive footballing action with a visit to Valencia in La Liga the following Sunday, on January 4.
Cristiano Ronaldo has believes that Real Madrid can win everything possible in 2015 after a stellar 12 months saw them become European and world champions.
The Decima was won in May, shortly after they had beaten Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, and they capped off 2014 with a Club World Cup triumph as they extended their phenomenal winning streak in all competitions to 22 games.
Ronaldo, who has scored 32 goals in 25 appearances for the Blancos in 2014-15, suggested that they can capitalise on their current table-topping position in La Liga to do even better in the coming year.
"We've had quite a few amazing moments like the Copa del Rey final, the Champions League, the Uefa Super Cup and now the Club World Cup which we dedicate to all madridistas and everyone at the club from the president to every last employee; that trophy is for all of them," Ronaldo, 29, told AS.
"It's hard to single out which one of the four was best but, if I had to choose one, it would be the Champions League in Lisbon. But all of them were spectacular to win.
"I hope 2015 is even better than 2014. At Real Madrid we have a collective spirit which can propel us to win the most silverware possible.
"It’s possible because Madrid will always amongst the candidates to win every competition they enter. We will be giving absolutely everything we’ve got to win every trophy in play next year."
Ronaldo also heaped praise on head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has been widely praised for galvanising a dressing room following Jose Mourinho's departure from the Santiago Bernabeu for Chelsea last summer.
"The coach has great importance," Ronaldo added. "He is a great coach and a great person. We are all delighted with him. Together we are a united family that will try to overcome the successes of 2014."
Real Madrid have a friendly tie against Filippo Inzaghi's AC Milan on Tuesday before getting back into competitive footballing action with a visit to Valencia in La Liga the following Sunday, on January 4.
Manchester United can emulate Liverpool with a 2015 title tilt - Scholes
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes that his old side are capable of launching a serious Premier League title challenge in the second half of the season.
After a rocky start under Louis van Gaal, the Red Devils now sit third in the table as they bid to secure a return to Champions League football, though they are 10 points behind leaders Chelsea and seven behind Manchester City.
But Scholes recalls how Liverpool put together an incredible run of form late in 2013-14 to ultimately finish second and argues that, after beating Newcastle 3-1 on Boxing Day, anything is possible for United.
"If United win their next two games [away against Tottenham and Stoke City], I wouldn't be surprised if they do what Liverpool did last year – go on a great run, a big run, and put pressure on the top two," he told the Daily Mirror.
"Then, once you get to the Champions League, United will have the free weeks and hopefully they can take advantage."
Captain Wayne Rooney impressed for Van Gaal's men as they beat Newcastle, scoring twice and assisting the third despite playing a less typical midfield role, and Scholes reserved particular praise for the England skipper's efforts.
"Wayne was top class," he enthused. "I still think he is a top centre forward but he is capable of playing that midfield role when he drops back into it.
"It is an art to run from midfield into scoring positions but you still have to finish them and Wayne did. I thought he was brilliant all day."
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes that his old side are capable of launching a serious Premier League title challenge in the second half of the season.
After a rocky start under Louis van Gaal, the Red Devils now sit third in the table as they bid to secure a return to Champions League football, though they are 10 points behind leaders Chelsea and seven behind Manchester City.
But Scholes recalls how Liverpool put together an incredible run of form late in 2013-14 to ultimately finish second and argues that, after beating Newcastle 3-1 on Boxing Day, anything is possible for United.
"If United win their next two games [away against Tottenham and Stoke City], I wouldn't be surprised if they do what Liverpool did last year – go on a great run, a big run, and put pressure on the top two," he told the Daily Mirror.
"Then, once you get to the Champions League, United will have the free weeks and hopefully they can take advantage."
Captain Wayne Rooney impressed for Van Gaal's men as they beat Newcastle, scoring twice and assisting the third despite playing a less typical midfield role, and Scholes reserved particular praise for the England skipper's efforts.
"Wayne was top class," he enthused. "I still think he is a top centre forward but he is capable of playing that midfield role when he drops back into it.
"It is an art to run from midfield into scoring positions but you still have to finish them and Wayne did. I thought he was brilliant all day."
Juventus will sign a defender - Marotta
Juventus will be active in the January transfer window according to the club's director general Beppe Marotta, who revealed they are in the market for a defender.
The Bianconeri are again in pole position in Serie A as they bid for a fourth consecutive Serie A title, but there will be no complacency in Turin with Roma hot on their heels.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri replaced Antonio Conte in July but Alvaro Morata was the only signing he made over the summer and a new defender is now the former Milan boss's priority as he begins to reshape the side in his vision.
Marotta told Gazzetta dello Sport: "We will definitely sign a defender, but we're still considering whether to sign a full-back or a centre-back.
"Max (Allegri) is a different coach to [Antonio] Conte but has had to adapt to the squad that he found when he got here. To fully develop his work it is logical he needs to find his missing pieces.
"I won't mention any names at this stage but for sure we will hunt for the right opportunity. It is not easy because we can't deviate from certain economic parameters. Let's see and observe, we're scouting 24 hours a day."
Marotta was also asked whether Juve could look to add a further attacker to their ranks in a bid to ease the creative burden on Carlos Tevez.
"A lot will depend on what we decide to do with [Sebastian] Giovinco," he replied.
Juve have won 12 of their opening 16 Serie A games, losing once, while scoring 34 goals and conceding just seven times - the best defensive record in the division.
Juventus will be active in the January transfer window according to the club's director general Beppe Marotta, who revealed they are in the market for a defender.
The Bianconeri are again in pole position in Serie A as they bid for a fourth consecutive Serie A title, but there will be no complacency in Turin with Roma hot on their heels.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri replaced Antonio Conte in July but Alvaro Morata was the only signing he made over the summer and a new defender is now the former Milan boss's priority as he begins to reshape the side in his vision.
Marotta told Gazzetta dello Sport: "We will definitely sign a defender, but we're still considering whether to sign a full-back or a centre-back.
"Max (Allegri) is a different coach to [Antonio] Conte but has had to adapt to the squad that he found when he got here. To fully develop his work it is logical he needs to find his missing pieces.
"I won't mention any names at this stage but for sure we will hunt for the right opportunity. It is not easy because we can't deviate from certain economic parameters. Let's see and observe, we're scouting 24 hours a day."
Marotta was also asked whether Juve could look to add a further attacker to their ranks in a bid to ease the creative burden on Carlos Tevez.
"A lot will depend on what we decide to do with [Sebastian] Giovinco," he replied.
Juve have won 12 of their opening 16 Serie A games, losing once, while scoring 34 goals and conceding just seven times - the best defensive record in the division.
Barclays Premier League 2014.12.28 Fixtures
Barclays Premier League 2014.12.28 Fixtures
Tottenham Vs Manchester United
Southampton Vs Chelsea
Aston Villa Vs Sunderland
Hull City Vs Leicester City
Manchester City Vs Burnley
QPR Vs Crystal Palace
Stoke CIty Vs WBA
West Ham Vs Arsenal
Newcastle Vs Everton
Ada hoda fight 1kak yai Tottenham Vs Manchester United,Southampton Vs Chelsea & West Ham Vs Arsenal matches wala
Tottenham match 1kath lesi wena 1kak naha.Good luck Manchester United!
Tottenham match 1kath lesi wena 1kak naha.Good luck Manchester United!
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