..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Torres aiming for debut against Real Madrid

Fernando Torres is hoping to make his Atletico Madrid debut against fierce rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

The Spanish striker returns to his boyhood club following failed stints at Chelsea and AC Milan and is expected to be unveiled as Rojiblanco again on Sunday January 4, the day after they face Levante in their first Liga game of 2015.

The Spanish champions then face Carlo Ancelotti's Champions League and Club World Cup holders on Wednesday January 7 in the first leg of the round of 16 at the Vicente Calderon and Torres hopes he can pull on the red and white jersey that night.

"God willing that's when I'll get my debut," he told reporters when asked about the prospect of facing the European and World champions.

"I'm excited and happy to have returned to Atletico and looking forward to starting work. I've never needed to say anything to Atletico staff and fans, because they've said everything already, and as always I'm grateful to them.

"Simeone wanted me to arrive yesterday, but that wasn't possible in the end. I'm looking forward to starting training and hope that I can already officially be an Atletico player by January 5."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Schweinsteiger is a phenomenon - Sammer

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has labelled Bastian Schweinsteiger a phenomenon.

The midfielder has been a key part of the Bayern team which won the Bundesliga in each of the last two years and has won seven league titles overall in the 12 years he has been in the Bavarian giants' first-team. The 30-year-old has also been a pivotal part of a side which has won two Champions League titles, while he won the World Cup with Germany in the summer.

And Sammer believes he is one of the best in the world and admits he is constantly impressed by the Bayern star who missed the first 11 weeks of the current campaign due to injury.

"For me, Bastian is a phenomenon," he told the club's official website. "He worked hard for it to be back on the court, which has really impressed me.

"He is robust, powerful and has very impressive willpower."

The former Inter and Borussia Dortmund player was also asked for his opinion on the constant criticism Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben face because of their alleged selfishness.

"That is absolute nonsense when you see how much of a team player both of them are. They are both world-class players who have preserved their individuality and genius, yet they have integrated them into the team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Berahino not joining Liverpool, insist West Brom

West Brom have dismissed talk of striker Saido Berahino joining Premier League rivals Liverpool in the January transfer window.

Berahino has recently been heavily linked with a move away from the club, who sacked head coach Alan Irvine on Monday, with the Reds reportedly at the front of the queue.

But the 16th-placed Baggies appear set to dig their heels in as they look to retain the services of the 21-year-old, who has scored eight goals in all competitions so far this season.

A post on West Brom's official Twitter account read: "Ok time to clear a few things up. One final time, this Berahino to @LFC story for £23m is and always has been an entire fabrication..."

The club also paid further tribute to Irvine, whose stint with West Brom lasted just six months.

A second tweet read: "A sombre day for staff at The Hawthorns because we have said farewell to a man of great class and dignity #bestwishesAlan."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona and I can get back to our best, insists Iniesta

Andres Iniesta says he is confident that both he and Barcelona can return to form in 2015.Iniesta and Barcelona both failed to live up to expectations in 2014, resulting in a lack of silverware at Camp Nou and a punctured reputation for the Spain midfielder.

However, Iniesta is sure he can regain his best form as part of a renewed push for glory by the Catalan giants.“Titles are something nobody can promise because you never know what will happen,” Iniesta admitted to Sport.

“But what I can say is that you have to trust this team and that things are going well for us to reach the end of the season with a chance to fight throughout.

“It is true that 2014 was not my best year for many different reasons, but I am well and I want to keep improving, to reach that sweet spot and stay there for a long, long time.”

And he is certain he can stand the test of time despite having turned 30 during 2014.“I had an injury and was away for a month,” the World Cup winner continued. “Sometimes circumstances mean you’re not quite as good as you were.

“It is not a question of being 30 now and having only been 25 in 2009. It’s a matter of finding your feelings. If I had no desire to be better than before, I would go home. I am confident that the best version of Iniesta is still to come.”

Barcelona currently second in the Spanish Liga table, just one point behind leaders Real Madrid but having played one game more than the capital club.

The Blaugrana were hit on Tuesday by the announcement that they will serve a two-window transfer ban in 2015 after the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected their appeal over Fifa's suspension for signing underage foreign players.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Welbeck a doubt but Walcott fit to face Southampton, reveals Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that Danny Welbeck is a doubt for the New Year's Day clash with Southampton - but Theo Walcott is fit to play.

Welbeck scored his fourth goal of the season at Upton Park on Sunday to help the Gunners to an important 2-1 win over West Ham but may miss out on the game at St Mary's on Thursday.

However, Wenger confirmed that Theo Walcott is fit to feature following three consecutive appearances as an unused substitute since returning from injury.

The Frenchman told reporters: "On the fitness front, he [Walcott] is ready to play."

The doubt over Welbeck means the Gunners are light up front for the trip to St Mary's, particularly given Olivier Giroud is still suspended for two games following the red card he received against QPR.

Walcott has not started a game for Arsenal since January 4, when he sustained the serious knee injury that has kept him out of action until August.

The 25-year-old returned briefly in November to make a couple of sub appearances but picked up a groin problem when he linked up with Roy Hodgson's England squad and has yet to take the field since.

Wenger also has Lukas Podolski available, who he "wants to stay" amidst reports linking the German with a move to Inter, while Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell are also options.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vlaar: I never heard from Manchester United

Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar has insisted Manchester United never approached him over moving to Old Trafford during the summer.

The centre-back was linked with the 13-time Premier League champions after impressing under Louis van Gaal as Netherlands finished third at the World Cup with Brazil.

However, Vlaar says that while he did receive some offers from elsewhere, there was no contact with United.

"There was interest [after the World Cup], but never from the calibre of clubs I would leave Aston Villa for," he told Algemeen Dagblad.

"Manchester United? I've never heard anything from them. If a club had been seriously interested I would have noticed. That hasn't been the case."

Villa boss Lambert recently admitted Vlaar's future is in his own hands, with the 29-year-old's contract set to expire at the end of the season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal: We'll get even better when everyone's fit

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insists his side will become even better when his injured players return and he has a full squad to choose from.

United have been plagued by injury problems so far this season, losing the likes of Angel Di Maria, Chris Smalling, Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo for significant periods of time and currently have eight players sidelined.

But Van Gaal is optimistic that a clutch of first-team stars are returning to fitness, and believes his side will improve upon their recent form - they have avoided defeat in their last nine games and lie third in the Premier League - once he has a full compliment to pick from, though he remains wary of rushing players back.

"There are players coming back, we have seen the first signs of that in the last two games with Rafael, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw," he told a press conference on Tuesday.

"They don't have any match rhythm and that's my problem, it's the case with a few players. We played three or four games in the space of a week, so we need these players now more than ever. It's now difficult for me to select the team.

"I think everyone can see that we are improving every week in spite of a lot of injuries, and that’s because of the philosophy. I think the players understand the philosophy, and that’s why we are improving – but we can improve more when we have all the players available."

Van Gaal also confirmed that Herrera and Adnan Januzaj have both returned to training after recovering from an ankle injury and illness respectively, though he again sounded a note of caution when pressed on their expected comeback dates.

"Herrera trained today for the first time with us but, yes, they don’t have match rhythm," he added. "Januzaj has also trained two training sessions with us, but he was ill and you have to recover from your illness, not from your tiredness. Maybe it’s worse to recover from illness."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal: We'll get even better when everyone's fit

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[Wolverine GTR]

Messi the only candidate for the Ballon d'Or - Iniesta

Andres Iniesta claims Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi is the only possible choice of the 2014 Fifa Ballon d'Or.

Messi, a four-time winner of football's most prestigious individual prize, is in the running for the latest edition of the trophy - to be handed out on January 12 - alongside Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Despite current holder Ronaldo remaining the favourite ahead of the ceremony in January, Iniesta believes there is only one worthy winner.

"For me, the only candidate I see is Leo," he told Marca. "Everyone has their opinion and they are free to express it.

"The Ballon d'Or is not decided by titles but by a vote of people who believe a player deserves it because they are the best. For me, the number one is Leo. Today and always."

Iniesta is also confident that Barca boast the finest attacking line-up in world football in Messi, Luis Suarez and Brazil star Neymar.

"I think that the names we have are the best strikers. There can be nothing negative said when you talk about Leo, Ney and Luis," he added.

 

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Wenger hints Podolski could leave Arsenal in January

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Barcelona and I can get back to our best, insists Iniesta

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Blanc: Cavani and Lavezzi's futures not yet decided

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Cavani wa sell karaida

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Festive schedule not good for the game, says Van Gaal


Manchester United may be unbeaten in the Premier League over the festive period but that has not stopped manager Louis van Gaal continuing his criticism of the playing schedule.

The Red Devils currently sit third in the table, after just one defeat in 14 games, but were unable to find a winner in Sunday's scoreless draw with Tottenham.

Van Gaal is in no doubt that fatigue was to blame for his side's lacklustre display at White Hart Lane, expressing his dissatisfaction with his players having to play again just two days after defeating Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

“Everybody knows that a body cannot recover within 48 hours," the Dutchman said. "Therefore, there is a rule at Uefa and Fifa that you cannot play games [in that time]. That’s scientifically proven.

"Everybody knows that and, in spite of that, we have to play. It’s the culture of England.

“I don’t mind but it is not good for the health of the players and it is not good for the game because I think the FA, and also the fans, want attractive games.

"You have seen the second half [at Tottenham]. You have seen the second half of Chelsea against Southampton.”

Despite the former Netherlands boss’ insistence that players should not be expected to play two games in such quick succession, Manchester United named the same starting XI in consecutive matches for the first time in 85 Premier League games - since November 2012.

Van Gaal is not critical of everything in England though, admitting that he is loving life here, since arriving at Old Trafford in the summer.

“English life is fantastic because I have met only friendly people on the streets and in the restaurants. The food is fantastic because when I came to England everybody said the food was not good.

“Also, the wine list is fantastic. I have very nice neighbours; they are all older than me but very nice. I live in a surrounding environment that is fantastic.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid are the strongest in the world - Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti is confident that Real Madrid can win consecutive Champions League crowns having branded Real Madrid's squad as "the strongest in the world".

The Blancos rounded off 2014 with a 4-2 friendly defeat to AC Milan, but that result did nothing to take the shine off the club's astonishing form at the back end of the calendar year.

Victory over San Lorenzo in the final of the Club World Cup provided the European champions with more silverware and extended their winning streak in competitive action to 22 matches.Ancelotti is confident more success can be achieved in 2014-15, highlighting the strength in depth at his disposal at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"In 2015 we want to compete in every competition. We have a very strong squad and we have the confidence to compete for everything," Ancelotti told Madrid's official website."It is clear that winning the Champions League in 2015 would be a dream and we will try to do it. Real Madrid are always the same, we try to win everything possible.

"We are confident because the squad is very strong, the strongest in the world. We have to work and fight in order to try and win again."Club captain Iker Casillas has enjoyed and endured a turbulent 12 months. After starting last season as a cup goalkeeper only at Real Madrid, he finished it by winning the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

Since then he has come under fire for his poor performances with Spain at the World Cup but has been backed as the outright No.1 by Ancelotti with Diego Lopez having been sold to AC Milan, and the veteran echoed his coach's sentiment that his team-mates are the greatest on the planet."It would be good to win more titles," Casillas added. "We are talking about a team that is now experienced, that started out young but is now mature.

"We have high expectations to achieve everything possible, as we have the team required to make things happen. I think that in each position we have the best players. We can compete for everything given that we are such a competitive team."

Real Madrid begin the new year with a trip to Valencia on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man City extend Lampard deal until end of season

Manchester City have confirmed they have extended Frank Lampard's deal until the end of the season.

Lampard, 36, joined in the summer and has made a decisive impact on Man City's title challenge, scoring six goals in 17 appearances.

He had been set to leave the Etihad Stadium at the start of 2015 to take part in New York City FC's inaugural season in MLS, but his current employers have negotiated with the midfielder and the US club which is owned by the same people as Man City.

However, he will no longer be linking up immediately with the New York club, instead seemingly joining in the middle of the campaign, as the Premier League club have confirmed his return will be delayed.

"Manchester City can confirm that it has extended Frank Lampard’s contract up to the end of Manchester City’s season, the reigning English champions said in a statement.

New York City FC director of football Claudio Reyna added: "Frank is a star and it is no surprise that Manchester City is rewarded by his contributions on the field every single day.

"He is eager to get to New York once his commitment ends in England and will be available to play on arrival as a permanent member of the squad given he will come to us having played at the highest level.

"We are all committed to making sure we build a winning team and that our fans get to enjoy great soccer at every single game.

"The opportunities open in the immediate transfer window combined with our recent successful draft ensure that we can continue to assemble a world class team that will make New York City soccer fans proud."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Newcastle would be my 'dream job', admits Carver

Newcastle assistant manager John Carver says that taking over from Alan Pardew would be a "dream job" for him.

The 49-year-old was placed in temporary charge at St James's Park on Monday after Pardew was granted permission to speak to Crystal Palace about replacing the sacked Neil Warnock.

Carver - along with Steve Stone - has been asked to organise training and prepare the squad for the Premier League match with Burnley on Thursday and possibly their weekend FA Cup tie against Leicester City.

Asked whether the chance to step up and take to the top job permanently interested him, Carver responded favourably but stopped short of confirming that he would be in the running this time around.

He told reporters: "I think you always have those ambitions, don't you, but you've got to wait for the right opportunity.

"Now the manager looks like going, what's my situation? Only time will tell. My head's going 100 miles an hour here, as you can imagine.

"I think that every coach who goes into football wants to be a manager and there will be a day when I want to be a manager again, there's no doubt about that.

"I'm a local lad and it's a dream job but the manager's still the manager at the moment."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Southampton considering buying a forward, says Koeman

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman is eager to bolster his squad in the January transfer window, with forward options a particular priority.

Koeman was active during the most recent window, as he brought in the likes of Graziano Pelle, Dusan Tadic and Toby Alderweireld to help cover a mass exodus during the close-season.

Southampton have coped well since that hectic summer and currently sit fourth in the top flight. However, with Jay Rodriguez injured and Emmanuel Mayuka and Sadio Mane due to represent their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, the boss feels that there is a need for reinforcements.

Having already agreed the loan arrival of Eljero Elia from Werder Bremen, Koeman is also eager to tie up the futures of fellow loanees Alderweireld and Ryan Bertrand.

"I think only to bring in players, not to lose players," he told reporters on Wednesday.

"We spoke inside with everyone about the team, the positions. If we need another player it will be an attacker.

"Elia is a good signing for us because I like that player, it's part of our way of playing. We like to play with wing players, fast players.

"The situation [with our loanees] is clear. I spoke to Toby that I would like him to stay but it's up to the player. He will get time to think on his future but, like Bertrand, we want to keep those type of players. They are showing their qualities already this year and we'd like to keep that."

Southampton face Arsenal on the south coast on Thursday with the sides separated only by goal difference and both tipped to secure a top-four berth this season.

Koeman acknowledged his delight at how the season was progressing but urged his side not to let up.

"Yes, everyone is delighted by the way we played the first half of the season, the points we have are well deserved and [it] shows the club is growing," he added.

"We like that because we do everything for that, we keep going. The philosophy is to bring in young players and a lot made their debuts. It's very good but we have to go on."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tevez: I won't renew with Juventus

Carlos Tevez has revealed he has no plans to extend his current contract with Juventus.

The Argentine has been in fine form since his move to the Serie A champions and is currently their top scorer in the league.

However, Tevez has no desire to continue his legacy in Turin past his current deal.
“I want to respect my contract until 2016,” he told reporters at Buenos Aires airport, “That's my plan.

“I don't want to extend, that's not how I feel at the moment.”When asked if he would consider a return to boyhood club Boca Juniors, the 30-year-old urged calmness on any decisions regarding his future.

“It's too hard to say right now,” he said, “I'm playing at a high level so it's important to be calm and enjoy being in the moment.“Constant speculation would drive me crazy.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

David Silva: Smaller sides are more difficult to beat

Manchester City midfielder David Silva believes the sides at the foot of the Premier League are harder to beat than those around them in the table.

The champions have lost just twice in the league so far this season, but did drop two points on Sunday when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Burnley at the Etihad Stadium.

Silva, 28, scored the opening goal against the Clarets, who came from 2-0 down to salvage a point, taking his tally to four goals in his last three games.

"Some people have looked at our fixtures over the past few weeks and said that we should win them all, but football doesn’t work like that,” said the Spanish star.

"It’s a cliché, sure, but as Burnley proved, every game is difficult in the Premier League and it is a very long season."

City could go level on points with leaders Chelsea on Thursday, if they can beat Sunderland, with Jose Mourinho's side involved in the late kick-off when they face Tottenham.

The Black Cats sit 14th in the table and have won just one of their last nine matches, but Silva is still expecting a challenge.

"Any team can beat you if you’re not at your best and I believe playing sides that are struggling to find form and are near the bottom of the league is worse than a run against teams near the top because they play every game as though it’s their last one of the season.

"We just need to return to winning ways quickly and not dwell on the Burnley result too much."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rodgers: Liverpool don't need many new players


Brendan Rodgers does not expect there to be much transfer activity at Liverpool when the window opens for business on Saturday.

After agonisingly losing out on the Premier League title by just two points last season, the Reds have found the going much tougher in the 2014-15 campaign.

With half of the season gone, Rodgers' side have already lost seven matches and they will start 2015 against Leicester City on Thursday in eighth place - some 18 points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

The Anfield outfit were expected to try and bolster their squad in the transfer window, with a goalkeeper thought to be a top priority due to question marks over the quality and form of Simon Mignolet and Brad Jones.

However, Rodgers does not believe that January is the right time to alter his team and stated he will only delve into the market if the right calibre of player becomes available.

"There won't be much if any transfer activity from us during the transfer window," the Northern Irishman on Wednesday.

"I don't think January is a good time to spend. I'm happy with how the group is progressing after a tough start to the season.

"If there's something that can improve us, I'll take that to the owners."