..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Two-footed Cazorla the perfect role model - Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has heralded Santi Cazorla as the perfect role model for young players aspiring to shine at the top level.

The Spain international was voted man of the match as Arsenal triumphed 2-0 at Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday, scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot and providing the free-kick delivery for Olivier Giroud to head home the decisive second.

Wenger believes the attacking midfielder is reaping the rewards for his versatility and feels the young players in his squad can learn from the way he plays the game.

"Cazorla has started playing centrally - he played wide a lot and now he's at a level of his career where he can have more influence centrally," Wenger told reporters.

"He's been fantastic because he gets you out of pressure in very tight situations. He finds openings that are very interesting.

"He is a good example for young players, he shows you how important it is to be two-footed in the middle of the park, it's a vital quality for a midfielder today and he does that very well. He loves the game."

Another of Arsenal's unlikely heroes at the Etihad Stadium was Francis Coquelin, the 23-year-old less than two months removed from an inauspicious loan spell with Charlton Athletic in the Championship.

Coquelin has yet to establish himself as a first-team regular but Wenger insists he never had any doubts over his quality and suggested the youngster's loan move has aided his development.

"I took him from France at the age of 16. Today he is 23," the Gunners boss added. "He has gone through some difficult periods but he's a learner from his experiences.

"I've always kept faith in him, because I told him three months ago that he needed to play somewhere. He accepted to go down to Charlton and had convincing performances.

"Now he's come back, I've played him and he's done very well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal ready to sanction Januzaj loan

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has told Adnan Januzaj he has no place in his current plans, but the club have told the Belgian to wait before sealing a January loan.

Januzaj, handed Ryan Giggs' No.11 shirt at the start of the season following a sparkling debut campaign in 2013-14, has struggled for appearances under Van Gaal so far and is not expected to win a place in the Dutchman's line-up any time soon.

The 19-year-old is understood to be upset by his current situation and is keen to play regular football elsewhere, with David Moyes' Real Sociedad and Aston Villa having made enquiries in recent weeks.

Porto are another club to have been linked with a move in the British press, but Januzaj has been told to wait until nearer the end of the transfer window, which closes on February 2, before a final decision is made.

Van Gaal, who started the season using a 3-5-2 formation before returning to it in November thanks to a defensive injury crisis, does not deem Januzaj capable of playing as a wing-back.

Januzaj had started four matches in a row between late October and mid-November, but Van Gaal's switch back to 3-5-2 produced a 2-1 victory away to Arsenal, which in turn sparked an 11-game unbeaten run, and the Belgian has managed just 27 minutes since.

Former United boss Moyes, who was sacked last April, was a huge admirer of Januzaj and his new club, Real Sociedad, are keen to take him to Anoeta on a short-term deal.

Villa, who currently have Tom Cleverley on loan from Old Trafford, are also eager to reach an agreement as they look to pull away from the relegation zone having not scored a league goal in five matches since drawing 1-1 with United on December 20.

Belgium team-mate Marouane Fellaini raced to the bench to celebrate with Januzaj after scoring United's opening goal of the 2-0 victory at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

 

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Januzaj wa aniwa play karawanna oneManchester United future 1ka thamai Januzaj kiyanneaparade loan walata yanna dunnoth​

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or win is absurd, says Cruyff

Johan Cruyff says it's "absurd" that Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo won the Fifa Ballon d'Or following his disappointing performances for Portugal at the World Cup.

Cruyff - who landed the prize in 1971, 1973 and 1974 feels the trophy should have gone to someone who did not only excel individually, but also enjoyed a successful World Cup, adding that Toni Kroos would have been a worthy winner.

"At the highest level, it's all about the combination of individual quality and achievements," the Netherlands legend wrote in his column for De Telegraaf.

"From that point of view, it's absurd that for the second year in a row a player has been given the award who did not both play excellent and win the most trophies.

"Back in 2013, Bayern Munich won every single trophy out there, yet Cristiano Ronaldo still won the award instead of a player like Toni Kroos or someone else from Bayern.

"In 2014, Kroos was a key player again for the team that won the World Cup, yet he was not even among the final three nominees. Ronaldo was completely anonymous at the World Cup...

"Let this be clear, I cannot take this Fifa award seriously anymore."

Ronaldo, 29, finished ahead of Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer in the vote to win the third Ballon d'Or of his career.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal: I won't change formation just because fans ask for it

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insists that he did not switch to a 4-4-2 against QPR as a result of fan complaints.

Starting with a back three at Loftus Road on Saturday, the Red Devils struggled to assert themselves and only scored after the tactical change, one championed loudly by the away supporters on the day.

But Van Gaal is adamant that he cannot pay attention to the whims of supporters, telling reporters: "I cannot observe the fans because how many fans do Manchester United have? You cannot take into account 600 million opinions.

"To look at the players, to communicate with the players, to observe and to analyse: that’s my job."

Radamel Falcao came in for criticism after missing several chances against Harry Redknapp's side and Van Gaal was careful to stress that the Colombian’s exorbitant wages will not guarantee him more chances.

"Every player gets his time, no matter who you are," the manager continued.

"It's not relevant [that more money has been spent on Falcao]. We have 29 players so then we have to talk about 29 players, not just one player.

"Before this match I have already thought about this shape and how to play, then I look to my players in a training session and I look to my game plan and then I choose. You can't always give the credit to the most expensive player and, if a young player never gets a chance, then I'm not a very good manager.

"I have to treat all of the players at the same level with the same rules and same demands. It's difficult to understand because the outside world is thinking, when you pay a lot for the player, then you have to put him in the squad."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Xabi Alonso: Leaving Madrid for Bayern the right call

Xabi Alonso has insisted he has no regrets over his decision to leave Real Madrid for Bayern Munich at the start of the season and is already feeling very much at home at the club.

The ex-Spain midfielder decided to leave the Santiago Bernabeu side following the arrival of Toni Kroos and he has since developed into a key player for Bayern, scoring twice in 21 appearances in all competitions.

"One of the reasons I came was to gain new experience and get to know the Bundesliga and a special club like Bayern. And I can already say it’s been a great career move," the experienced midfielder told the official Bayern website.

"Settling in has never been a problem for me. When I went to Liverpool 10 years ago, I didn’t need much time to get to grips with things and understand how it all worked. It’s been the same with Bayern. Everything at Bayern is totally professional, but also very relaxed."

The 33-year-old then went on to voice his admiration for Bastian Schweinsteiger and stressed the Germany international perfectly represents everything Bayern stand for.

"Bastian is a great lad, very friendly and open. We’ve played against each other a few times and there’s great mutual respect and admiration.

"He’s been at Bayern so long, he’s a key player, and he’s achieved so much. He’s a very good representation of what Bayern is about."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tevez: I could stay at Juventus

Carlos Tevez has made it clear that he has not made a final decision about his future and could still stay at Juventus.

The 30-year-old has a contract with the Serie A champions until June 2016 but recently revealed that he does not want to sign a new deal at this stage, fuelling speculation he has set his sights on a return to Argentina.

However, Tevez has stressed he could still opt to pen a new contract and continue with Juventus.

"Going home is just a thought I’ve had, I don’t want to lie to people and the fans. But it’s a thought that could change," the striker told reporters.

"I’ve got a year left on my contract and play for a club at which I feel at home. I’ll make the most of this unique moment for the time being."

Tevez then went on to praise Paul Pogba in the wake of the Frenchman's fine form in recent weeks and believes the midfielder will only get better.

"Paul surprises you every day, even in training. How far he can go depends solely on him, but I think he’s got more to offer."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Falcao: I am fully fit & need to play for Manchester United

Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao insists he has no injury concerns and wants to secure a regular role under Louis van Gaal.

After failing to make the Dutchman’s matchday squad for United’s 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton on January 11, the Colombia international was recalled to the starting side in Saturday’s 2-0 win over QPR, although he failed find the net.

After the match at Loftus Road, Van Gaal admitted Falcao will be judged on the number of goals he scores but the on-loan Monaco forward is confident he can improve his current record of three goals in 14 appearances.

“It was 90 very important minutes for me. I need to play and I am very happy that I did. Obviously, I really hope to score soon, but the opportunities will come, I am sure of that,” Falcao told reporters.

“I am fine. I feel really good. I am playing without any sort of fitness problems.

“I am very happy with the win. It was a very difficult game but we managed the match well and got the three points.

“We were very close to scoring more and I could have had two goals. Sadly, the goalkeeper did very well and the other chances were not that clear.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pogba could leave Juventus - Marotta

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta believes the financial might of some of Europe's biggest clubs could eventually force them to sell Paul Pogba.

The 21-year-old recently signed a new deal until the summer of 2019, but the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly keeping a close eye on his situation in Turin.

Marotta has stressed Juventus will do all they can to ensure the France international stays put for as long as possible, but is realistic over the potential salary the midfielder could command elsewhere.

"We will do everything within out limits to hold on to Pogba, but we must not forget Italy is a country in transition," Marotta told reporters.

"The problem we have is that of offers coming in from other clubs offering him a salary that we are not able to match due to our financial situation.

"At the moment, there's no reason to believe that Pogba will definitely leave Juventus for another team, but we have to bear in mind that we cannot compete with the wages that are being paid elsewhere. We have our limits."

Pogba has been a key figure for Juventus this term, scoring seven goals in 24 appearances in all competitions.

 

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Pogba wa ayeth gatthanam hari​

 

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Everton 0-0 West Brom: Mirallas penalty miss costly as pressure builds on Martinez

Everton were left to rue a missed Kevin Mirallas penalty in their 0-0 Premier League draw with West Brom on Monday night, after the Belgian controversially claimed spot-kick duties ahead of Leighton Baines, only to shoot wide.

Despite Baines's impressive record from 12 yards, Mirallas took charge of proceedings after Joleon Lescott had handled - but put the ball wide before being substituted by Roberto Martinez at half-time.

The early withdrawal of Mirallas, in the wake of the Belgian seemingly over-ruling team orders by taking the penalty, is likely to prompt more questions over the future of a player apparently interesting the likes of Tottenham.

And the hosts' frustrations continued into the second half as West Brom - adopting a defensive approach that saw them fail to muster a shot on target - held firm in the face of persistent pressure to pick up another point in their bid for survival as the pressure surrounding Martinez continues to grow.

Everton are now winless in six Premier League outings and only four points above the relegation zone, while West Brom are a point worse off and remain unbeaten under head coach Tony Pulis, who has wasted little time in stamping his mark on his new club.

Martinez brought in Mirallas for the suspended Aiden McGeady and the forward had the game's first effort on target when his shot was gathered comfortably by Ben Foster. But while Everton dominated the early possession, they were unable to break down a deep West Brom backline.

The visitors made a rare foray forward 20 minutes in, but Andre Wisdom failed to muster an effort on goal after getting into the Everton area. Soon after, Mirallas again tested Foster - this time with a freekick - before Muhamed Besic saw a long-range strike deflect wide.

While Mirallas had been among the bright sparks for Everton in a relatively dour first half, he spurned the best chance to send his side in ahead at the break. After Lescott had clumsily handled in the area, Mirallas could only stroke the ball past Foster's right-hand post to add to Everton's misery.

It proved to be his final contribution of the game as he was replaced by Bryan Oviedo at the break - a decision that will only fuel rumours of a January exit.

Even a big-screen appearance from Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone at the break could not add any stardust to proceedings, though Everton's dominance continued even without Mirallas. Pulis's men stood firm, though, with the Welshman replacing Saido Berahino with midfielder Graham Dorrans to further tighten up at the back.

Martinez threw Arouna Kone on for the impressive Besic, but the Ivorian failed to provide an elusive winner as Foster remained relatively untroubled.

While Baines forced a free-kick late on, the full-back’s delivery was poor and immediately cleared, and the Goodison Park faithful filed out to ponder when their ongoing malaise will end. They greeted the full-time whistle with boos as their side's slump extended to just one win in 13 matches in all competitions.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Things tend to go Juventus' way - Nainggolan

Radja Nainggolan admits Juventus seem to get lucky when it comes to refereeing decisions, though he insists they would deserve the Scudetto should they finish top this season.

Roma boss Rudi Garcia admitted earlier this month he is still seething about his side's 3-2 defeat to the Italian champions, in which two penalties were awarded against the Giallorossi and Arturo Vidal escaped an offside call as Leonardo Bonucci volleyed home the winner.

"I don’t know if they've had help [from referees] in the past, but the truth is that things always tend to go in the same direction," Nainggolan told Marca.

"Football is difficult, for referees and for players, but I think this year whoever wins [Serie A] will deserve it."

The Belgium international admits the defeat to Juve could prove costly given the current five-point gap between the sides but is not giving up on his side's title hopes.

"I believe in this project. We know that we can't slip up if we're to win the Scudetto," he said.

"Roma have a real prospect for winning trophies, we have great motivation for the season.

"[It would have helped] if we'd won that game with Juventus, but unfortunately it didn't happen.

"In theory they're favourites, but Roma will have our say. The atmosphere here is that we want to win. Hopefully we can give them something to think about."

Nainggolan also had high praise for head coach Garcia's motivational tactics, adding: "You can see his effect on the pitch, he's a motivator.

"He keeps us all happy and focused, and he can make everyone feel wanted, even the reserves, because they know they'll get their chances."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

West Brom have 'four or five' transfer bids pending, says Pulis

Tony Pulis says West Brom are waiting on "four or five offers" as they aim to strengthen their squad this month.

The Baggies secured a valuable 0-0 draw away to Everton on Monday, surviving a missed Kevin Mirallas penalty as they held off Roberto Martinez's side.

After seeing his team maintain their unbeaten run with a third consecutive clean sheet, Pulis was full of praise for their defensive resolve, but is eager to bring in reinforcements to boost their Premier League survival bid.

"There's four or five offers that are in, and we're just trying to find out what the deals are. We have to get some players in, without a question of a doubt," he told Sky Sports.

"The lads worked very hard but obviously have a lot to improve on. We've only had a few days to really get down to working with the team, they worked so hard and put their lives on the line.

"The players worked so hard off the ball but on the change over we have to improve that. You can't keep giving the ball back because teams will punish you. We have to retain the ball and get our passes off.

"They've worked really hard, they've not done a lot of what we've brought to the club before. When you get results that's the most important thing.

"That's what sells it to the players. We're far away from being what we want to be but the spirit of the players is what we want.

"The spirit and the commitment of the players, the way they got back into shape was very good, but we have to get passes off so we can cause the opposition problems."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Martinez: Baines is our No.1 penalty taker

Everton manager Roberto Martinez says Leighton Baines is the team's first-choice penalty taker after Kevin Mirallas missed from the spot against West Brom.

The Belgian insisted on taking the spot-kick, awarded after Joleon Lescott handled the ball, and fired wide of the target in what was Everton's best chance in a dismal performance.

Mirallas, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park, was subsequently substituted at the break, but Martinez insists the decision was based on an injury rather than a desire to punish the Belgian and defended his decision to take the penalty.

"Obviously our penalty-taker is Leighton Baines, but in the same way we had a penalty shootout [against West Ham] on Tuesday and Kevin felt really confident and wanted to take it," the Spaniard told Sky Sports.

"He was feeling he could take the penalty and Leighton Baines was quite happy for him to do that. If he hits the back of the net, nothing would have happened.

"Missing the target makes it a big issue but both players have enough quality, personality and character to convert the penalty. At that moment he [Mirallas] felt confident.

"For me, Leighton Baines is the No.1 penalty taker and at that point I was happy for Leighton Baines and Kevin to discuss it.

"The issue is we haven't scored the penalty and it becomes a big talking point. The big disappointment is we couldn't convert the penalty, not who took it.

"[Mirallas] wasn't 100 per cent, he was feeling his hamstring. He wasn't moving freely and we needed dynamic players in the second half."

Everton suffered further frustration following the withdrawal of Mirallas as a dogged West Brom held firm to claim a valuable point in their battle against relegation, leaving Martinez's men winless in their last six league games.

 

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Atletico know how to make it hard for Barcelona & Real Madrid - Simeone

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes his side have found the right formula to stifle Barcelona and Real Madrid's games.

The Vicente Calderon side broke the decade-long duopoly the Clasico clubs had on the Liga title last term, grinding out a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou on the last day of the season to seal the triumph.

Simeone, who masterminded a 4-2 aggregate Copa del Rey victory over his side's arch rivals last week, feels he has a good tactical plan for each of Barca and Madrid - despite having seen his side beaten 3-1 at Camp Nou earlier this month.

"Barcelona work in smaller spaces and Real Madrid work in more space and on the counter," he told Radio America 1190.

"When you play Real Madrid and you see things from the sidelines, the games are never ending. It is very difficult to compete with Barcelona and Madrid but we have found the necessary intensity to make things complicated for them."

Simeone has transformed Atleti's fortunes since taking over three years ago, leading them to one Copa del Rey, one Europa League and a Champions League final in addition to their Liga triumph, and he has no plans to move on from the club just yet.

"You can't understand how we were so far away from where we are now. When you know how you want to play, you don't confuse things. The challenge for us this year is even bigger.

"If things keep growing as they are growing I will not move from Atleti. I see that Atleti want to continue growing and that also allows me to get better."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hummels underlines commitment to Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels has again reiterated that he will not be leaving the club to seek Champions League football.

Hummels, signed from Bayern Munich in 2009 after a successful loan spell, has time and again been linked with a move away from Signal Iduna Park amid reported interest from the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.

But the Germany international defender has dismissed any notion that Dortmund being involved in a relegation scrap and increasingly likely to miss out on a Champions League place for next season is prompting him to consider his future at the Bundesliga strugglers.

"All those rumours are another issue I have never commented about. I've done that in the past, and I will continue to do so," Hummels told Die Welt.

"[Europe is] no longer is a realistic issue. The fight for the Champions League does not exist in my head.

"Fundamentally, I don't need to play Champions League to be happy.

"Maybe we indeed lose players should we not qualify for Champions League, but what I can already tell you is that should we not lose 15 players at once, we'll still have a super team next season."

 

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Hummels wa try karana 1ka wadak nathi wei wage​

 

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Giovinco to join Toronto from Juventus

Sebastian Giovinco will move from Italian champions Juventus to Toronto FC at the end of the season after the MLS club confirmed the deal on Monday.

The 27-year-old forward came through the youth system at the Juventus Stadium but has struggled for regular playing time over the last two seasons.

Giovinco has made 130 appearances for Juve - scoring 20 goals and providing 23 assists - but will leave the club for Toronto at the end of the current campaign, when his current contract with Juve expires.

The 21-cap Italy man spoke of his excitement at agreeing the move, while stating his intention to finish strongly with Juve.

"I am excited to sign with Toronto FC today and look forward to joining the club this summer," he told his new club's official website.

"I have heard so many great things about Toronto over the years and I know that it will be a city that I feel right at home in.

"Until then, I have many things I still want to accomplish for Juventus and our fans. I will always give my heart and soul for Juve until I change shirts this summer."

Toronto completed the signing of United States forward Jozy Altidore from Sunderland last week - with Jermain Defoe going the opposite way.

Head coach Greg Vanney feels Giovinco can form an important part of Toronto's new-look side ahead of the MLS season, which gets under way in March.

"Sebastian Giovinco is a complete player with the ability to not only create but also to score goals as he's proven throughout his career in Italy," Vanney added.

"We are very excited for the 2015 season and adding another important piece to an already solid core group only makes us stronger."

 

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Rodgers: Liverpool confident of beating Chelsea

Brendan Rodgers has warned Chelsea that they will face a different Liverpool in Tuesday's League Cup semi-final first leg than the one they beat earlier in the season.

The Reds welcome Jose Mourinho's Premier League leaders to Anfield for the second time this season, with Chelsea having emerged 2-1 winners in the top flight clash in November.

That fixture was part of a run of four straight defeats for a Liverpool side who struggled in the early stages of the season after going so close to winning the title last term.

Manager Rodgers has seen his side improve vastly recently, though, and they head into Tuesday's match unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions.

While acknowledging the strength of Chelsea's squad, Rodgers is confident of progressing over the two-legged tie and insists his target for this season remains winning a trophy and qualifying for the Champions League.

"We know if you want to win the competition you have to beat the best teams," Rodgers told reporters. "We are developing and improving as season goes on and we are full of confidence.

"When we last played them, we weren't in a good moment but we're developing, improving and confidence is very high.

"Chelsea are in a really strong position. They have a very experienced squad of players who are playing well. They are five points clear [in the Premier League] but there is still a long way to go.

"Our objective is still to win a trophy and qualify for the Champions League. A trophy would help build for the future. Chelsea have shown that once you win a trophy you can go on and sustain it. But the first trophy is always the hardest."

Rodgers, a former youth and reserve team manager at Chelsea, insists that all will not be lost even if Liverpool fail to win the first leg on home turf.

"We have spoken about the fact it is a different type of game," he added. "You don't need to open up too much. We want to win, but the tie won't be won or lost in the first game.

"We know we'll have to deal with pressure at moments in the game but the most important thing is to make sure we are in a good position in the second leg.

"These are the games that excite you and it is an opportunity to win a trophy. If we do that it is an opportunity to bring these players on."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dybala will sign a new deal - Zamparini

Palermo starlet Paulo Dybala is set to sign a new three-year contract, according to president Mauro Zamparini, who feels the 21-year-old is destined to reach the top level.

The youngster has attracted a great deal of attention in recent months, with Zamparini claiming he has already had to turn away enquiries from Manchester United.

The Serie A club's chief says the Argentine will extend his contract, with the current deal set to expire in 2016, but he still expects the striker to move on in the near future and believes England is the most likely destination.

"This week Dybala will sign a new three-year contract with us," Zamparini said on Rai radio. "If he does well in the next six months then surely the next summer a big club will buy him.

"He can play, in order, in England, France, Germany and Spain. I say Spain last because the top teams Real Madrid and Barcelona are covered with good strikers.
"This renewal is also for his own good. He is destined to go to a great club. It's useless to talk about a price. With Zamparini, it is always expensive.

"I think Dybala is one of the best talents in the world. He is a team player, but he still has to grow for another four or five years."