..::Football III::..

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Pelle hints at Southampton exit


Southampton striker Graziano Pelle has hinted that he could move back to Italy when his contract expires after revealing he misses his homeland.

The 30-year-old has spent large parts of his career away abroad, with his most productive years coming since 2012 in Netherlands with Feyenoord and now in the Premier League with the Saints.

He has been a regular in the Italy side since 2014 - scoring four times in nine appearances - and has suggested he would consider moving back home.

“My contract [at Southampton] expires in 18 months, one year after Euro 2016,” he told a press conference ahead of his country’s friendly with Romania this week.

“Italy is the most beautiful country and it is that beauty which I’m missing.”

Pelle suggested the improvement of Serie A sides in Europe in recent seasons has boosted the league’s image around the continent once again - a factor which could tempt him back if he does decide to leave St Mary’s.

“Serie A lost some of its appeal, but lately it is growing again, it is visible abroad,” he added.

“They didn’t care about Italy abroad, I felt that, but thanks to Juventus in the Champions League and others in the Europa League, Italian football is back and in a few years it will be one of the best again.”

 

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Xavi: I thought Van Gaal was an idiot!

Barcelona icon Xavi has revealed that he thought Louis van Gaal was an "idiot" when he first took over at Barcelona.

The Dutch coach guided Barca to two league titles, a Copa del Rey and the Uefa Super Cup during his first spell at the Catalan side.

But while the midfielder admits he had initial reservations over his coaching methods, he is full of praise for the current Manchester United boss.

"After two days of training under him, I thought, 'Who is this idiot?'" he told ESPN.

"After one week, though, I thought, 'He's right.' He'll always be in my heart, Louis van Gaal.

"He is a good person, a very good trainer. He has a very strong character, but he's calm in the Premier League because there's less pressure. He's much calmer than when he was at Barca or Bayern Munich.

"He's honest, methodical and a real perfectionist. He's very demanding, he's strict and he wants to achieve the highest levels possible."

Xavi's former Barcelona and Spain team-mate Victor Valdes is currently going through a hard time under Van Gaal, having been dropped from the United squad and criticised by the coach.

Valdes has been told he could be fined if he attends the club's training ground before the first team has left and Xavi hopes his friend can find a way out of the situation.

"[Van Gaal and Valdes] are two strong characters, but it's a difficult situation for Victor.

"Let's hope he finds a solution soon. I'm sad for him. He's a great professional, a good person. He's training, he's working hard. He'll return to football. It's better for Victor to be playing football."

The 35-year-old, currently playing for Al Sadd, says he has been surprised by the playing style that Jose Mourinho has adopted throughout his coaching career as it is very different to the one he adhered to during his time as Van Gaal's assistant at Barcelona.

"He was the assistant coach, someone who understood the philosophy of Barca and who shared many of the same characteristics as Van Gaal. He was very respected by the players," he added.

"He trained us sometimes alone at Barca B and he was excellent. I'm surprised that he became known for another type of football, more defensive, because he wasn't like that with us."

 

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Low: We'll show soildarity with France in Germany-Netherlands game

Joachim Low has backed the decision for Germany's friendly with Netherlands to go ahead, stating it will be a show of solidarity with France following the atrocities committed in Paris.

On Friday, three men detonated explosive vests in the vicinity of the Stade de France during the 2014 World Cup-winners' friendly meeting with the Euro 2016 hosts, with French secretary of state for sport, Thierry Braillard, confirming that they had attempted to enter the stadium.

The incidents formed part of a series of coordinated terrorist attacks in the French capital across six separate locations which resulted in the deaths of at least 129 people, according to the latest figures and the two teams spent the night inside the venue due to security concerns.

But Germany and France will be back in action on Tuesday, with Low believing his side's friendly with Netherlands will act as a show of strength and defiance.

"We had some time to deal with the initial shock of that terrible night in the dressing room," he said.

"It was a great gesture from the French team to stay in the stadium with us out of solidarity.

"Upon our arrival in Frankfurt, I didn't think the game against the Netherlands could, or would, go ahead.

"After sleeping on it, it was clear that the game must go ahead - also in solidarity with our French friends.

"We will think of the victims, the relatives and all of France tomorrow night in Hannover."

Low does not expect the match on Tuesday to have the intensity of a typical friendly and will be resting players who have a heavy schedule ahead.

"Despite everything, as a team we want to play a good game on Tuesday night. It won't be the test it had been anticipated to be," he said.

"The two teams will be professional, but the result will not be as important as it normally would have been.
"Some players will be given the night off – those who have no winter break. It's nothing to do with the Paris attacks.

"Jerome Boateng and Jonas Hector are injured and won't be there on Tuesday."

The 55-year-old remains in no doubt that the attacks will not stop Euro 2016 from taking place in France.

"I am sure that the European championship will go ahead in France," he said.

"The French authorities will take all necessary security precautions."

 

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Rooney urges England youngsters to grasp opportunity

Captain Wayne Rooney has urged England's young stars to grasp their opportunity in the friendly against France on Tuesday and stake a claim for a place in the Euro 2016 squad.

England will welcome Les Blues to Wembley Stadium in a match that is sure to be emotionally charged following the terror attacks in Paris on Friday, and Rooney is expecting the team's youngsters to be given a run out against quality opposition.

Rooney's Manchester United team-mate Jesse Lingard is among those hoping for game time after being handed a first call-up following injuries to Michael Carrick and Jamie Vardy on Sunday.

Tottenham duo Dele Alli and Eric Dier will hope for another chance having come off the bench in a 2-0 loss to Spain on Friday.

And Rooney - England's all-time leading goal-scorer - is excited by the potential in the squad.

"I have said over the last 18 months I have been very excited by this team and obviously there are a lot more young players who have come into this squad and it is a great opportunity for them to represent England at such a young age," Rooney said.

"So many young players starting the game is a big challenge against a good French team so we have to try and be together and put our game plan into effect as we know it is going to be a tough game.

"As England captain and an England fan I love the competition. To know the manager is going to have faith in the young players and will reward them, I think that it is great.

"Personally I don't think there is anything to gain from bringing someone in for one game and not looking to the future. It is great for the future of England and this game is a great opportunity for these young lads."

 

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Rooney: Football world will stay strong together

England captain Wayne Rooney says the football world will show their strength together when his side meet France on Tuesday following the terrorist attacks in Paris.

The match at Wembley is taking place despite suicide bombers targeting the Stade de France as part of the attacks after attempting to enter the stadium when France were playing Germany on Friday.

The incidents at the ground were part of co-ordinated assaults across six separate locations in the capital that left 129 dead, according to the latest figures released by French officials.

Rooney understands the importance of the friendly and expressed his sympathy to the victims and anyone else affected by the sad events.

"On behalf of the players we would like to give our condolences," the 30-year-old said.

"It is an incredibly sad time, all the people losing their lives and having team-mates from my club in both teams [France and Germany] there as well.

"I spoke to them after it happened and it is hard for everyone including ourselves. We have to try and be as respectful as we can and then obviously there is a football match.

"Seeing all the images and the footage of what was happening, it is sickening. Globally, football has the power to bring people together and show the world as one.

"I think the world of football has to stay strong together and I am sure everyone will do that and try and deal with this situation to the best that us as players and as fans know how to do."

In terms of whether he feels it is safe to enter the field of play, Rooney says the players will fully trust the security advice they receive.

"It is a sad time and in terms of going on the pitch we have to understand all the security checks have been made and it is safe for us to do that," he said.
"Unless told otherwise we are assuming it is right and we are ready to go, so that is the way as a player I feel we have to look at it and go out and play.

"You never know what can happen but for us we have to assume we are safe on the pitch and hope we don't have a repeat of what happened on Friday night."

The Manchester United striker knows it will be hard for the France players to take to the field at Wembley, but is in no doubt they will be keen to make their nation proud.

Rooney continued: "It will be tough I am sure for the French players but it will be a chance for them to do their country proud.

"I am sure all of the players have felt deeply in the last few days that they will do everything they can to make France proud. Likewise we will represent England and show our respect to France at this time."

 

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Uefa confirms Euros to remain in France

Uefa has confirmed that next year's European Championship will be hosted by France as scheduled despite the atrocities that occurred in Paris on Friday.

A terror attack carried out in the country's capital killed 132 people and injured more than 350, with a concert, a restaurant and the football match between France and Germany all targeted by the perpetrators.

Due to the Stade de France coming under attack - four people died in explosions near the stadium, which is due to host the final of the competition on July 10 - fears were raised about the safety of the ground, with former striker Just Fontaine urging his countrymen to "forego" the chance to host Euro 2016.

However, Uefa has now confirmed that the tournament will not be relocated, and has assured fans that precautions will be taken to ensure their well-being.

“Following the dramatic events that occurred last Friday in Paris, Uefa and Euro 2016 SAS wish to reaffirm their commitment in placing safety and security at the centre of their organisational plans," a statement read.

"While there is no reason to believe that the Euro might become the target of any attack, the potential terrorist threat has always been taken into account, since the beginning of the project. Euro 2016 SAS and all stakeholders involved in the organisation of the tournament will continue their joint work and will regularly monitor the level of risk for the tournament and their respective organisational plans.

"For over three years now, Euro 2016 SAS has been working closely with the relevant authorities to develop the most appropriate mechanisms in order to guarantee there is a safe and secure tournament and we are confident that the necessary measures will be taken to ensure that is the case for all involved.

"The Euro final draw will go ahead as scheduled on 12 December at the Palais des Congrès in Paris and the final tournament will be played in France from 10 June to 10 July 2016."

France face England in an emotionally-charged friendly on Tuesday at Wembley.

 

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Petr Cech admits he would prefer playing WITHOUT his helmet

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech admits he would prefer to play without his helmet but has revealed he would not be insured if he took it off during games.

The 33-year-old fractured his skull during Chelsea’s clash with Reading in October 2006 and has worn his rugby-style head guard since his return from injury three months later.

"I would be more confident if I had it off," Cech told Tyden.

"Whether you like it or not, the helmet affects your surroundings.

"You have your ears covered and it makes hearing worse. But the doctor has forbidden me to take it off. I wouldn't get insurance!"

Cech admits he struggled to adapt to wearing the helmet in his comeback game against Liverpool and admits he has still suffered concussions whilst wearing the protective headwear.

"Spatially, I was suddenly completely lost. As people began to shout, everything resonated through the helmet. I was totally confused. But I'm used to it now,” he said.

"Even with the helmet, I've been concussed twice. I don't like to think about what might have happened if I'd not been wearing it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hazard should play against Spain - Wilmots

Marc Wilmots has confirmed Eden Hazard should be fit to feature in Belgium's friendly with Spain on Tuesday.

On Sunday, the coach admitted the Chelsea forward was a doubt for the fixture after missing a training session due to an illness which had confined him to his room at the team hotel.

However, Hazard is now on the road to recovery and could be in line to feature against the European champions – though Laurent Depoitre has been ruled out with an ankle injury.

"Eden Hazard woke up with a big smile. He slept well and felt much better and is going to train and should play," Wilmots said.

"Depoitre is out. [Christian] Benteke will play 60 minutes and another will play the last half hour."

Spain typically look to control possession against any opponent, but the Belgium coach is unconcerned by the prospect of his side seeing little of the ball.

"It does not matter who has possession," Wilmots added.

"The goal is to have more opportunities than the Spaniards, not to have the ball longer.

"We'll play to our own strengths without forgetting our organisation."

Belgium defeated Italy 3-1 on Friday, while Spain overcame England 2-0 on the same evening.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lloris admits France doubts over England friendly

Captain Hugo Lloris admits that the France squad had reservations over Tuesday's friendly against England going ahead, but the players respect the decision of the France Football Federation (FFF) to play the game.

The encounter at Wembley comes days after Friday's atrocities in Paris, in which 129 people were killed and a further 99 left critically injured as a result of a series of attacks in the French capital.

Part of the horrific events occurred during France's friendly against world champions Germany at the Stade de France, with three men detonating explosive belts in the vicinity of the stadium.

The attacks led to doubts as to whether the match versus England would take place, but on Saturday the FFF confirmed France's intention to play.

Tottenham goalkeeper Lloris says the team is now focused on doing the country proud.

"We did have some doubt, some concerns about the game but at the end the president confirmed we had to play this game and I think like all my team-mates we respect the decision and it will be a good opportunity to represent the French nation," he told a press conference.

"The french nation is more important than the football."

Lloris stated that despite any concern among the squad, the FFF took the right decision.

He added: "We were in mourning together. The president made the right decision to play this game. It's an opportunity to show character and share this moment with the England people.

"We weren't cut off. We were all together and talked about it a lot. We followed it on TV and on the internet. We're humans, so there were doubts about whether to play. But the coach and staff managed it all well."

Lloris' international team-mate Lassana Diarra confirmed that he had a lost a cousin during the attacks, and Lloris says the whole team shares his pain.

"We shared that traumatic moment with him. He's been quite discreet about it," Lloris said. "I think he just wants to represent his country."

 

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Conte: Italy are on the right path

Italy head-coach Antonio Conte believes his team are on the right path despite suffering a 3-1 defeat to Belgium on Friday.

Ahead of Tuesday's home match against Romania, the former Juventus boss insists he is happy with how the players are deploying his methods in preparation for Euro 2016.

Conte feels the Belgium game could easily have ended with a more positive result and is optimistic over where Italy stand ahead of the game in Bologna.

"I hope to see a continuation of what we saw in Belgium," he said. "That means a team that knows what to do both in and out of possession.

"On Friday little moments went against us, we had a few lapses and paid dearly.

"But the path we are on is the right one. On Tuesday we are ready to play a good match and continue what we saw in Belgium.

"I didn't expect to be able to develop a specific style in such a short space of time with these players, that is gratifying and gives me satisfaction.

"We want to play proactive football, not waiting, we want to force the play. I think that is the best way, the right way for the team.

"The players I have available offer great willingness and openness, both mentally and tactically."

Conte has consistently said the time is not right for talks on a contract extension and is aware of how quickly things changed for his predecessor Cesare Prandelli after signing a new deal shortly before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"I feel very good in the role and I am happy with the work I am doing," he said.
"There will be time to talk to the Federation, but I also know that a lot will depend on the outcome, how things go.

"I am thinking about what happened a year-and-a-half ago: Prandelli signed a contract renewal and after two months was forced to resign because it didn't go well.

"We are slaves to the result, our work is evaluated by results and after that there will be time for everything else."

 

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Stop comparing me to Lampard - Gerrard

Steven Gerrard admits that he is irritated by comparisons to former England team-mate Frank Lampard.

The duo, both leading lights of England's "Golden Generation", were unable to shine as a partnership in the heart of the Three Lions midfield, amid accusations they were too similar to play together.

Both have now swapped the Premier League for MLS, with former Liverpool captain Gerrard joining LA Galaxy and Lampard playing for New York City FC.

However, despite their similar career paths, Gerrard cannot understand why he is continually compared to the Chelsea legend.

"I was hoping people would finally stop comparing me with Frank after moving here," Gerrard told the Mirror. "He's a legend and certainly one of those high-end players who will help lift the quality of this league.

"But we've both drawn a line under our England careers so I don't see any reason why we should bring that topic up again. It was always a media thing – we get along just fine."

However, Gerrard admits that he is enjoying a more relaxed life away from the spotlight in California.

"For the first time we are able to enjoy our family life in peace," he said.

"I have oceans of time to spend with the kids now. I’m there to take them to school in the morning.

"I pick them up in the afternoon and we go to the beach together. The kids love it so much they have even started calling me Superdad. Can you imagine?"

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Belgium vs Spain cancelled amid terror threats

Belgium's friendly clash with Spain has been cancelled after terror threats that follow the attacks in Paris on Friday evening.

Over 120 people were killed in the atrocities in the French capital, while hundreds more were injured.

The perpetrators targeted a number of different locations, including the Stade de France, where Les Bleus and Germany were contesting an exhibition match.

Three people died at the stadium after an explosion at an entrance, and the Belgian Football Association has now confirmed that a threat to their match with Spain has prompted its cancellation.

A statement read: "In consultation with the relevant authorities and the Spanish national team, the Belgian FA has decided to cancel the meeting.

"At the very end of the evening, the Belgian FA has been contacted by the government that made the recommendation not to organisse the match tomorrow night.

"This is due to the terror alert level being high and the current search for a suspicious person.

"We deeply regret that such a friendly match between two motivated teams is cancelled so late and we understand the disappointment of many supporters. Taking into account the exceptional circumstances, we can not however take any security risk for our players and fans."

 

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'I want Rooney & De Gea in La Liga'

LFP president Javier Tebas says he dreams of seeing Premier League stars like Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and David de Gea playing in Spain.

La Liga is currently home to the two biggest stars on the planet, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, plus a dazzling supporting cast including Neymar, Luis Suarez and Wales's Gareth Bale.

Tebas, however, is not entirely satisfied and says he would like Rooney and De Gea, who came close to joining Ronaldo and Bale at Real Madrid in the summer, to move to Spain, along with Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery.

"I'd like to have seen Rooney play in Spain," Tebas told AS.

"I'd like to have seen a Premier League icon play in our league, but there's also Ribery.

"[David] de Gea is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and I wish he played in our league, regardless of who for."

In summer 2013 both Neymar and Bale moved to Spain, while James Rodriguez soon after a sensational World Cup with Colombia in 2014.

Tebas feels the arrival of the South America pair has boosted La Liga's pull across the Atlantic, and believes that Los Blancos have helped put former Spurs star Bale on the global map.

"Definitely," Tebas replied, when asked if Neymar and James had boosted La Liga's profile in South America. "In light of how quickly they've adapted to a new environment, they've been a boost for the league.

"[Gareth Bale] has also been a big pull. He's a star of the highest level and having a big impact on Wales.

"In addition, Madrid have helped Bale to have more of an international presence."

Tebas made headlines this week by admitting he has always been a Real Madrid supporter but he has stressed that he wants to see Barcelona's Messi, who has been sidelined since September with a knee injury, face Real in Saturday's much-anticipated Clasico.

"Of course [I'd like to see Lionel Messi play in the Clasico]," Tebas said.

"As the league president and a fan, I wouldn't like to see my team beat a weakened team. It'd be bad news."

The president, meanwhile, was cool on rumours linking Ronaldo and Messi with a move away from Spain.

"Ronaldo and Messi have been supposed to leave at least twice in recent years," Tebas said.

 

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Premier League to issue new security measures after Paris attacks

The Premier League is to issue new security guidelines to its clubs following the attacks in Paris that saw the Stade de France targeted.

France's national stadium was one the venues hit in a series of attacks that saw 129 people killed in the French capital on Friday, with three men detonating explosive belts in the vicinity of the ground during Les Bleus' friendly against Germany.

Premier League officials have subsequently consulted with security advisors, police and the government to come up with new measures.

"We are actively engaged with our security advisers and the appropriate authorities, including the Home Office and senior representatives from the police, to assess current security guidance to Premier League clubs," a Premier League statement read.

"There is a club meeting later this week where a full security briefing will be given. Following that, further guidance will be issued to the clubs as well as a public statement so fans are fully aware of what to expect when arriving at stadiums."
Meanwhile, the Football Association (FA) has confirmed there will be a heightened police presence and increased security for Tuesday's friendly between England and France at Wembley but said the measures were a precaution rather than a result of intelligence.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Premier League to issue new security measures after Paris attacks

Mehema karana 1ka godak hodaiarun ilagata mona karanna hithegena innawada danne nahane​

 

[chinmak]

Mehema karana 1ka godak hodaiarun ilagata mona karanna hithegena innawada danne nahane​

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Negredo undergoes surgery for appendicitis

Valencia striker Alvaro Negredo has undergone emergency surgery for acute appendicitis.

The Liga club confirmed in a statement that the Spain striker was rushed to hospital and went under the knife.

No comment was made on how long Negredo was expected to be out for, but reports suggest he will be sidelined for at least a month.

It has been a frustrating season for the former Manchester City man, who has not featured for Los Che since a 3-1 defeat against Athletic Bilbao on October 3.

Negredo criticised head coach Nuno Espirito Santo in an interview following a slow start to the season, and the fans backed the player, whistling Nuno during the 3-0 victory over Levante.

Nuno talked down a rift between himself and Negredo, insisting earlier this month that the 30-year-old's absence from the first team was owing to performance-related issues.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

International Friendly Fixtures 2015.11.17

International Friendly Fixtures 2015.11.17

Macedonia Vs Lebanon

Russia Vs Croatia

Azerbaijan Vs Moldova

Estonia Vs St.Kitts

Turkey Vs Greece

Luxemburg Vs Portugal

Austria Vs Switzerland

Belgium Vs Spain (Cancelled)

Germany Vs Netherlands

Italy Vs Romania

Poland Vs Czech Republic

Slovakia Vs Iceland​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wilmots on Spain friendly cancellation: Life is worth more than football


Belgium coach Marc Wilmots says the cancelled friendly with Spain must be accepted because "a person's life is worth more than football".

Authorities opted to call off Tuesday's game with Vicente del Bosque's side due to security concerns in the aftermath of the terror attacks in Paris last Friday.

Del Bosque said his squad "were not afraid" prior to flying back to Madrid early on Tuesday but accepted the decision made by the Royal Belgian Football Association.

Though he was disappointed not to see the game go ahead, Wilmots believes the safety of fans and players should always be paramount.

"We're not playing tonight, life goes on," he said outside the team hotel.

"At 11.30 last night, I was told the match was cancelled. Now we leave the hotel, the players return to their clubs - it's as simple as that.

"The decision was made higher up. You have to accept it, whether you want to or not.

"I understand the decision, yes. The police and state security are better informed than I am.

"A person's life is worth much more than a football game. There are thousands of games played. One more or less won't make any difference.

"Football should be a celebration and should remain a party. Belgium-Spain is a beautiful event. Maybe we will get the chance to play the game yet, maybe not."

 

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Del Bosque: Spain were not afraid

Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque says his squad felt perfectly safe in Brussels despite their friendly with Belgium being cancelled over security concerns.

The terror attacks in Paris last Friday prompted Belgium's footballing authorities to postpone Tuesday's match with the European champions as they could not guarantee safety for players and spectators.

Speaking as the Spain party prepared to fly back to Madrid on Tuesday, Del Bosque maintains his side were keen to play the game but understood the fears of the organisers.

"We don't quite know why it was suspended but we can suppose," he said.

"We were looking forward to playing the match, it was the last of this year and it was convenient to play, but the security motives were strong.

"We were not afraid at all. We were calm at the hotel, there was no problem. We trained, we prepared for the game like any other, but the authorities could not guarantee the safety of everyone, players and spectators."

Speaking before the game was cancelled, Del Bosque had stressed that the Euro 2016 finals should go ahead as planned in France despite the concerns over security.

And the former Real Madrid boss maintained his stance despite Tuesday's cancelled match, adding: "We're here for sport and to entertain people.

"The games should be held as normal. Hopefully the Euros will be held in France and within the usual limits."