..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

FA looking into Rooney laser incident

The English Football Association (FA) has confirmed it will look into the incident during which a laser was shone into Wayne Rooney's eyes as he stepped up to take a penalty in Manchester United's League Cup defeat to Middlesbrough.

The incident happened on Wednesday at Old Trafford after both sides failed to find the net from open play, with a penalty shootout eventually deciding Wednesday's encounter.Rooney was first to step up for United, but a green laser beam appeared on his face as he prepared to take his penalty. The England international took his shot regardless of the laser, but saw his effort kept out by goalkeeper Tomas Mejias.

The 30-year-old refused to blame the laser for his failure from the spot in post-match interviews, yet the FA has nonetheless opened an investigation into the incident."We are aware of what happened and will look into the matter," a brief statement to Omnisport reads.

Rooney's miss from the spot was followed by unsuccessful spot-kicks from Michael Carrick and Ashley Young as Middlesbrough eventually recorded a 3-1 win after penalties.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Simeone warns Atletico Madrid youngsters not to drop standards

Diego Simeone has warned Atletico Madrid's starlets that they must not rest on their laurels as they prepare to visit Deportivo on Friday.

Yannick Ferreira Carrasco - who joined from Monaco in the summer - was on target as Atletico beat Valencia 2-1 at Vicente Calderon last weekend - a result that left the capital club just two points off top spot in La Liga.

The 22-year-old is not the only youngster enjoying plenty of game this season, with Oliver Torres and Saul, both 20, also earning plaudits for their performances.
But head coach Simeone will not allow a drop in standards."He [Carrasco] provides options on either wing and has also played as a forward," he told reporters ahead of the match.

"Oliver has started the league campaign well and Saul always works hard and can score too."It's a great raft of talent but none of these players can rest on their laurels.

"The season after we won the league title was complicated, we competed well but it was hard. We achieved our pre-season objectives and now we're getting used to a new bunch of young promising players."That in itself assures nothing however. What we need to do is read and interpret each game, what has gone before counts for little.

"They have to know that being in an important club like Atletico you will be valued for what you will do rather than for what you already did."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fabregas: Chelsea can still win Premier League title

Cesc Fabregas remains confident Chelsea can still successfully defend their Premier League title ahead of Liverpool's visit on Saturday.

The reigning champions have endured a dismal start to the season, and sit 15th in the table with just 11 points from 10 games.

Jose Mourinho's men trail joint leaders Manchester City and Arsenal 11 points, yet Fabregas is refusing to throw in the towel just yet and is targeting a response against Jurgen Klopp's men.

"I'm sure we can still win the league," the Spain midfielder told Match of the Day magazine.

"We just have to get our confidence back, win a few games on the trot and from there we'll see what happens. "In the Premier League anyone can lose points to anyone."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola: Barcelona defeat one of my finest moments as Bayern coach

Pep Guardiola has claimed Bayern Munich's Champions League defeat against Barcelona in 2014-15 was one of his finest moments in charge at the Allianz Arena.

The Bavarians took on their coach's former team in the semi-finals last term, with Barcelona eventually progressing to the final 5-3 on aggregate despite a 3-2 defeat in Munich.

Guardiola was not too bothered by Bayern's failure to win the Champions League, though, as he was proud of his side's performance regardless of the eventual outcome and feels European success is a matter of time."One of the best moments of my career as Bayern coach was the semi-final defeat against Barcelona," Guardiola told reporters at a press conference.

"The fans were all applauding us. They are not stupid. They all saw the players gave everything for the jersey.

"Successful San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich once said success needs time. What we are doing here is a process."Guardiola won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2008-09 and 2010-11, but success Europe's premier club competition has evaded him so far with Bayern.

The Bundesliga champions were eliminated in the semi-finals by Real Madrid in 2013-14, before Barca proved too strong for them last season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Henry backs Sanchez to fire Arsenal to Premier League glory

Arsenal's record goalscorer Thierry Henry believes Alexis Sanchez could guide Arsene Wenger's men to the Premier League title this term if he stays fit.

Sanchez endured a sluggish start to the season after helping his country in the Copa America, but Sanchez burst into life with a hat-trick against Leicester City in September.

The Chile international then scored twice to help see off Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, playing a vital part in the Gunners going joint-top of the table ahead of a trip to Swansea City this weekend.

"I've said it so many times, but he's vital for Arsenal," Henry told Sky Sports of Sanchez. "If he's fit I think Arsenal have a chance of winning the Premier League.

"If he stays injury-free and shows the desire and the commitment that he has for Arsenal in the way he plays then Arsenal have every chance of winning the title, but you need to keep that guy fit.

"He is that 'extra' type of guy that, when you're in trouble, he'll make sure you win the game. I don't want to copy a show on another channel, but he is the 'X-factor'."

Henry was equally full of praise for Mesut Ozil, who has contributed two goals and seven assists in all competitions this season."For me, he has finally started to deliver on a consistent basis," Henry added. "We all know his quality; he is a World Cup winner; his touch is second to none; he has vision; he shares… everything is there.

"The only thing you can say, in all fairness, is that before he wasn't doing it on a consistent basis. Now, he looks like he's doing it every game so you have to give him credit.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Scholes defends Rooney: Even Van Nistelrooy would struggle to score under Van Gaal

Paul Scholes has leapt to the defence of Wayne Rooney, claiming even Manchester United great Ruud van Nistelrooy would struggle to score in the current side due to Louis van Gaal's negative approach.

Rooney has netted just twice in nine Premier League appearances this term, and missed a penalty in United's 3-1 shootout defeat to Middlesbrough in the League Cup on Wednesday after the fourth-round tie finished 0-0 at Old Trafford.

However, United legend Scholes - who won the Premier League 11 times with United - believes Van Gaal is to blame for the England's record goalscorer struggles, as would have icons such as Van Nistelrooy, Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham.

"It's a team you wouldn't want to play against and it's probably a team you wouldn't want to play in either," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

"There's a lack of risk and creativity. It seems he [Van Gaal] doesn't want players to beat men, there's a lack of risk and creativity. It seems he doesn't want players to beat men and score goals - it's not a team I would have enjoyed playing in.
"Ruud van Nistelrooy, Teddy Sheringham, Andy Cole - they couldn't play in this team."You don't get crosses in the box, midfielders looking for runs. I think it's a very difficult team to be a centre forward in.

"I actually think the team is brilliantly coached to defend. I think the hardest thing to do is to coach scoring goals, creativity and to have players who are off the cuff."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ramsey: Ozil is great but Fabregas was the best

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has voiced his admiration for Mesut Ozil's fine performances this season, but says he is not at Cesc Fabregas' level yet.

Ozil has already set up seven goals in nine Premier League appearances this campaign while scoring once himself, and Ramsey is in awe of his team-mate's abilities and vision.

Nevertheless, Ramsey has made it clear Ozil is not the best player he has played with at Arsenal since joining the club from Cardiff City in 2008, saving that honour for current Chelsea man Fabregas.

"He [Ozil] has a great eye for a ball – he has many assists – and his weight of pass is fantastic as well," Ramsey told the official UEFA website.

"He finds those little pockets of space very well and links up the play.""Cesc Fabregas is the best player I have played with at Arsenal. He played in the same position as me and to have him to look up to when I first came here," the Wales international added.

"He was playing every week, assisting, scoring. He was just a very accomplished midfielder, so probably him [was best]."Ramsey also had words of praise for Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi and has backed the 19-year-old to shine.

"Alex Iwobi is one to look out for, I think. He is very gifted and has great feet, so I am sure he will be one to look out for in the future," he concluded.The teenager made his senior debut in the Gunners' 3-0 League Cup loss to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wilshere can make the difference for Arsenal, says Xavi

Barcelona icon Xavi believes Jack Wilshere has what it takes to make the difference for both Arsenal and England.

The 23-year-old is regarded as one of the most gifted English players of his generation, but injuries have prevented him from really making an impact at Arsenal so far.

However, Xavi has little doubt he will eventually become a key figure for club and country once he shakes off his fitness problems.

"He played a fantastic game against Barcelona in 2011," Xavi told Sport magazine.

"Let’s not forget he was just 20 or 21 years old [Wilshere was 19]. It’s just a shame he got injured so many times over the past two years.

"If he gets going and finds a bit of continuity as well, he may make the difference for both Arsenal and the English national team.

"He is a different kind of English player. Even though he has been nourished in a physical type of football, he is really talented, gifted for passing and he does not give the ball away. He does not seem to be English."

Wilshere has yet to feature for Arsenal this campaign. The midfielder is currently recovering from a hairline crack in his left fibula.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

No Man Utd deal agreed for Felipe Anderson - agent

Felipe Anderson does not have a gentleman's agreement with Lazio allowing him to leave if a big-money offer is received, according to his representatives.

Reports this week had suggested that acceptable bids from Europe's elite clubs would be accepted by the Italian side but Base Soccer, the organisation responsible for the player's affairs, deny any such arrangement.

Manchester United have been strongly linked with the 22-year-old, who joined Lazio from Santos in 2013 and played a key role in their third-place finish last season.

"Contrary to reports, Felipe Anderson has not agreed a deal to leave Lazio and join anyone else," Base Soccer told ESPN .

"Felipe is doing well at Lazio and is only focused on doing his best for them."

The Brazilian is under contract at Lazio until June 2020 and has netted four goals in 10 Serie A appearances so far this term.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola should sign one-year extension - Hitzfeld

Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld feels it would make sense if Pep Guardiola were to sign a one-year extension with the Bundesliga champions.

Guardiola's existing deal with Bayern is due to expire at the end of the 2015-16 campaign and he recently reiterated that he is in no rush to make a decision on his long-term future.

Hitzfeld has advised the former Barcelona coach to sign a new contract until June 2017, though, as both parties would benefit from such an agreement.

"A one-year extension would be a good solution for both Bayern and Guardiola," Hitzfeld told Bild.

"A one-year deal would not work when a coach just arrives at a club, but it would make sense after three years.

"Guardiola has rebuilt the team at Bayern and is nearly done doing so. Bayern are playing some outstanding football. It is now important to continue on the same path.

"With a one-year extension, both sides still have some freedom, but also have certainty."

Guardiola has guided Bayern to successive Bundesliga titles since joining them in 2013, but Champions League glory has so far evaded him, the Bavarian giants crashing out in the semi-finals in the past two seasons.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jovetic: Inter can begin new period of success

Stevan Jovetic believes Inter remain one of the biggest clubs in the world and wants to kick off a new period of success by challenging for the Scudetto and qualifying for the Champions League.

The Montenegro international made a stunning start to his career at San Siro with three goals in the first two games of the Serie A season, immediately endearing him to the Inter faithful.

Although he has failed to score since - a run of six games - Inter have continued to perform well in the league and sit two points behind leaders Roma, who they face this weekend.

"This is one of the biggest seven or eight clubs in the world," Jovetic told the club's official website. "Some amazing players have passed through here and I want to follow in their footsteps and make history with Inter.

"I feel good. Our target is to finish in the top three because we want to get back into the Champions League – that's where Inter deserve to be.

"Then of course if we're still up there and in the running for first place when spring comes around... who knows. It's early days to be talking about it but I feel we could do it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Alex Teixeira: Chelsea are interested in me

Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Alex Teixeira has revealed that Chelsea are interested in signing him and suggested a move to the Premier League could take place in January.

The Brazilian, who has played in a variety of midfield roles during his time in Ukraine, has been in scintillating form this season, netting 16 goals in 11 appearances - a scoring rate better than even the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Teixeira's goal tally has been aided by the departures of Douglas Costa to Bayern Munich and Luiz Adriano to AC Milan, as Shakhtar manager Mircea Lucescu has moved the Brazilian further up the pitch.

But now he has indicated he is ready to follow his former team-mates out of Ukraine, suggesting that there is interest from Jose Mourinho's Premier League champions.

"It's all rumours so far," he told GloboEsporte.com.

"I'm glad to hear a club as big as Chelsea is interested on me.

"It would be important to play a tournament such as the Premier League, and better yet if it came in January. I'm welcoming a new challenge."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vardy's head will not be turned - Leicester boss Ranieri

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri does not believe Jamie Vardy's head will be turned by interest from other clubs following his prolific start to the season.

Vardy leads the Premier League scorers' chart with 10 goals for Ranieri's men, who are fifth in the table with 19 points.

As a result of his form Real Madrid have been credited with an apparent interest in Vardy, who has broken into the England squad this year and earned four caps, while Liverpool and Tottenham are also thought to be keen.

However, Ranieri said: "Jamie is very focused with us. He likes what he's doing at Leicester and the national team.

"I don't think his mind would be turned by any interest from a big team. He's very happy here and very focused on what he is doing."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dzeko: Higuain is the best player in Serie A

Roma striker Edin Dzeko has named Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain as Serie A's most dangerous player, with fellow Bosnian Miralem Pjanic also rated amongst the league's best.

Speaking ahead of the Giallorossi's big clash with Inter, the striker admitted Saturday's opponents are in the mix for the Serie A title, but feels Napoli have the strongest squad if they can stay injury free.

“There are several top players, but Higuain in the best,” Dzeko told Gazzetta. “He and Pjanic are the best players in Serie A, but Inter have a deep squad so they have plenty of options.

“Roma might be top at the moment, but it's a long season. What matters most is who is top at the end of it. There are no favourites – we are in the mix along with Inter, Napoli, Fiorentina and Juventus. Juve are a good side, they'll bounce back.”

Looking ahead to Saturday's clash, the striker was asked who he would take out of Inter's squad if he had the chance.

“Can I take a few?” he joked. “Stevan Jovetic, he's a great player. And Mauro Icardi. Stevan is a star and I'm happy he's doing well. I wish him all the best... after our clash on Saturday!”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger plays down Arsenal injury crisis: It happens!

Arsene Wenger has played down Arsenal's injury crisis and insisted that he will “find solutions” with eight players currently missing from the squad.

Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain became the latest players to suffer injuries in the midweek defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, with Wenger confirming on Friday that they will both be sidelined until after the November international break.
They join the Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck, Mikel Arteta, David Ospina and Tomas Rosicky on the list of injured Gunners players.

But Wenger says he “trusts” his medical staff and is confident that Arsenal can cope ahead of Saturday’s trip to Swansea.

"We will find solutions and I have to find the right one,” Wenger told reporters.

"I trust my medical and coaching staff to do well. We are very well organised on that front.

“[Oxlade-Chamberlain] will be 20 days, [Walcott] a bit longer. But we have shown we can deal with injuries.

“That is always the question you have to answer with injuries. You have to analyse every single case but also you can’t over-analyse. Injuries happen.

“My options are [Joel] Campbell or put another defensive midfielder such as Flamini or put Cazorla on the flank. I still have 24 hours to decide.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Furious Van Gaal hits back at Scholes: He has no responsibility at Man Utd


Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has hit back at club legend Paul Scholes in the wake of the latter describing the Red Devils' style of play as "boring".

Scholes criticised United's approach under the Dutchman, claiming he did not feel entertained when watching his former side.

But Van Gaal responded to the ex-England international's comments by questioning what responsibility Scholes has at the club.

"You have an expression," he told reporters, "I always use Dutch expression but you have a fantastic expression for that - 'sticks and stones can break my bones but names [words] will never hurt me.'

"Fantastic, fantastic expression. You do understand the meaning of this?

"[Scholes] doesn't have the responsibility, so he can say everything. Why he is saying something? For the benefit of the club or the benefit of himself?"
Van Gaal also questioned why Scholes had chosen to air his views publically rather than taking his concerns to an employee of the club.

"I don't want to defend myself because I cannot defend, because he is a legend and he has a lot of resonance, so I hear.

"I think when you are a legend, you have to speak with the manager or his friend, Ryan Giggs, or Ed Woodward, but not this way, because he will be paid by the BBC or Sky.

"When Scholes thinks I should go, then I go but he is not a responsible man, he is not the Glazers or Ed Woodward.

"I know when we shall lose and lose and lose, I shall be finished, but I shall do everything for this club because, as I have already said, this club is unbelievable."

Manchester United go into Saturday's clash with Crystal Palace fourth in the Premier League table, just two points behind joint-leaders Manchester City and Arsenal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp: Mourinho's a nice guy… if you're not a referee!


Jurgen Klopp has poked some friendly fun at opposite number Jose Mourinho ahead of Liverpool's clash with Chelsea, insisting that the Blues boss is "a nice guy"... as long as you're not a football official.

The German manager goes up against under-pressure Mourinho on Saturday with his new team, having left Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season.

Klopp, however, backed the Chelsea boss to pull out of the slump, while admitting he is not to everyone's taste.

"I'm full of respect for his work. If you're not a referee or a journalist he can be a nice guy," he joked to reporters in Friday's press conference.

"During the game we are both emotional but we are professionals, everything is fine between us.

"When I was in Germany Mourinho and I sometimes sent messages. I have respect for his work. He's a nice guy."
Clashes between Liverpool and Chelsea have become charged with tension over the last few years, a rivalry often fuelled by Mourinho's incendiary comments pre and post-game.

But Klopp insisted that the only important issue on Saturday was reverting an indifferent start to the Premier League campaign for both teams.

"In history, it was a great game. Now it's ninth vs 15th and we have a chance to improve our own situation and not think to much of the opponent," he pointed out.
"It is a big match but I have been in this job for 15 years and had plenty of big matches.

"It is a match we can win, like any other, and that’s all I think about."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: I want Arsenal to play perfect football


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he always want to see his side play perfect football.

The Gunners have scored 1999 goals since Wenger took charge in 1996, with the current 25-man squad contributing 378 to the overall total.

And, when asked what his remaining objectives were after the landmark tally of 2000 had been passed, the Frenchman focused on both results and style of play.
"I want to continue to develop our results and the way we play football and the club as well," Wenger told reporters at a press conference. "I want to play football as close to perfection as possible.”

Arsenal head into Saturday's clash with Swansea City in second place in the Premier League table, level on points with leaders Manchester City.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benteke fit to face Chelsea

Liverpool striker Christian Benteke has declared himself fit to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The 24-year-old picked up a minor knee problem in last week's 1-1 Premier League draw with Southampton - in which he scored his side's only goal - and missed the League Cup win over Bournemouth on Wednesday.

However, the Belgian insists he is ready to be involved in Liverpool's trip to face the beleaguered Premier League champions this weekend.

"I'm good. I just felt something during the game against Southampton last week. Now it's behind me and I'm looking forward to the Chelsea game," Benteke told Liverpool's official website.

"It was a bit hard for me during the transfer window - I didn't really have a normal pre-season. Now I'm trying to get back to my old level.

"Injuries are part of football but I’m trying to do everything I can to be fit for the rest of the season and to play every game. I try to stay as long as possible [at Liverpool's training ground] to be really fully fit."

Benteke's absence on Wednesday gave Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi a chance to prove their worth, and the former Aston Villa man has nothing but praise for his team-mates.

"Everybody knows how good Roberto is. He just needs time to get used to playing in English football. I'm really excited to play alongside him. The season is going to be so long, we have so many games, so we're going to play together," he added.

"Divock played in the French league last year and now it's something new.

"He has come to a bigger club in Liverpool so he just has to learn every day, like every player. I like Divock and I like this type of player. He has great quality, I think everyone knows it in the team and now he just has to show it on the pitch."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Depay doubtful for Crystal Palace clash

Memphis Depay and James Wilson are both injury doubts for Manchester United's clash with Crystal Palace this weekend, manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed.

Depay started United's League Cup defeat to Middlesbrough on Wednesday, but was withdrawn in the 70th minute after picking up a knock.

Wilson, meanwhile, was forced to make way for Wayne Rooney at half-time due to an injury of his own, and both face a race against time to be fit for their game against the Eagles.

"Memphis and Wilson both picked up injuries against Middlesbrough," manager Louis van Gaal told MUTV.

"We will have to wait and see how they are."

Antonio Valencia and Paddy McNair also remain sidelined and will definitely miss the trip to Palace.