"Manchester United" heads the list of the most expensive football club the world, reports Forbes. The average annual income of the richest 25 clubs of the world in the season 2007-08, 42 million dollars, which is 20% more than last year. The cost of the first five most expensive football club of the world was no less than $ 1 billion, but topped the list of "mu", whose value Forbes evaluates 1.87 billion U.S. dollars. Here is the top five most expensive clubs of the world according to Forbes:
1. "Manchester United" - 1870 million dollars;
2. "Real" - 1353;
3. Arsenal - 1200;
4. "Bavaria" - 1110;
5. "Liverpool" - 1010.
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Friday, April 10, 2009
"Manchester United" wants to sign a contract with Fraser Campbell
Coming summer, "Manchester United" is going to propose a new long-term contract the young attacker Frazier Campbell, the Daily Mirror. Now Campbell has to lease stands for "Tottenham."
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Champions League - Barcelona to appeal Webb decisions
Barcelona will appeal to UEFA to reverse the punishments incurred by coach Pep Guardiola and forward Lionel Messi in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Messi was shown a yellow card for diving in the penalty area by English referee Howard Webb in the first half of the 4-0 win over Bayern Munich and Guardiola was ordered to the stands for protesting the decision.
A statement on the English language version of the club's official website reads: "FC Barcelona will appeal against the yellow card received by Messi in the 17th minute after being tackled by Lell inside the penalty box. The English referee Howard Webb ignored the penalty shout and decided that Messi had taken a dive and therefore booked him.
"As a result of this, Pep Guardiola made a heated protest against the decisions of the linesman and the referee and was subsequently expelled from the bench and had to watch the rest of the match from the stands.
"The Club will appeal both decisions.
UEFA may not announce its decision on the appeals until after Tuesday's return leg in Munich, due to the Easter holidays, but there is the possibility that a panel could meet and make a ruling this Saturday.
A statement on the English language version of the club's official website reads: "FC Barcelona will appeal against the yellow card received by Messi in the 17th minute after being tackled by Lell inside the penalty box. The English referee Howard Webb ignored the penalty shout and decided that Messi had taken a dive and therefore booked him.
"As a result of this, Pep Guardiola made a heated protest against the decisions of the linesman and the referee and was subsequently expelled from the bench and had to watch the rest of the match from the stands.
"The Club will appeal both decisions.
UEFA may not announce its decision on the appeals until after Tuesday's return leg in Munich, due to the Easter holidays, but there is the possibility that a panel could meet and make a ruling this Saturday.
Ancelotti 'to take over at Chelsea next season'
LONDON (AFP) - AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has agreed to take over at Chelsea next season to replace interim coach Guus Hiddink, the Sun newspaper reported on Thursday.
The report said Ancelotti has agreed a contract worth 5.8 million pounds a season to move into the hotseat at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, who took a giant step towards the Champions League semi-finals by beating Liverpool 3-1 in Wednesday's quarter-final first leg at Anfield, earmarked the Italian as their first choice after Hiddink insisted he wanted to resume coaching the Russian national team on a full-time basis at the end of the season.
The Sun, quoting unnamed sources at AC Milan, said the personal intervention of Chelsea's billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich had proved decisive in swinging the deal with Ancelotti.
Chelsea's form has improved since Hiddink took over from Luiz Felipe Scolari in February but Abramovich has been unable to persuade the Dutchman to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge beyond May.
Ancelotti has one year left on his contract at the San Siro, but the Sun said he had an agreement with the club allowing him to leave at the end of the current campaign.
AC Milan's vice-president Adriano Galliani insisted on Wednesday that neither Ancelotti nor the club's Brazilian star Kaka would be leaving after interest in both from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The report said Ancelotti has agreed a contract worth 5.8 million pounds a season to move into the hotseat at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, who took a giant step towards the Champions League semi-finals by beating Liverpool 3-1 in Wednesday's quarter-final first leg at Anfield, earmarked the Italian as their first choice after Hiddink insisted he wanted to resume coaching the Russian national team on a full-time basis at the end of the season.
The Sun, quoting unnamed sources at AC Milan, said the personal intervention of Chelsea's billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich had proved decisive in swinging the deal with Ancelotti.
Chelsea's form has improved since Hiddink took over from Luiz Felipe Scolari in February but Abramovich has been unable to persuade the Dutchman to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge beyond May.
Ancelotti has one year left on his contract at the San Siro, but the Sun said he had an agreement with the club allowing him to leave at the end of the current campaign.
AC Milan's vice-president Adriano Galliani insisted on Wednesday that neither Ancelotti nor the club's Brazilian star Kaka would be leaving after interest in both from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Ronaldo: "How much can you ask about the" Real "?
Krishtianu Ronaldo and Alex Ferguson is already tired of the rumors constantly woo Portuguese in Madrid "Real". Giving a press conference before chetvertfinalnym match of the Champions League with Porto, reporters again asked about whether its future is "white." Krishtianu responded to his volumes and eloquent silence, and then smirk. Sitting next to him she added: "How many more times we will have to answer this question? How many more times we will have to answer to him?" - Crustily said Ferguson. "Always the same question," - added Ronaldo. "Yeah, it is terrible," - re-entered Ferguson. "I am happy in this club. I think this is the best club for me" - graduated from Ronaldo.
Unlikely hero Ivanović heads Chelsea charge
Two headers by Branislav Ivanović and a clinical finish by Didier Drogba brought Chelsea FC to the verge of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals as they ended their barren run of European visits to Liverpool FC.
Goal flurryChelsea had only a John Arne Riise own goal to show for the previous four recent UEFA Champions League trips to Anfield but Serbian defender Ivanović, who had never previously scored for Chelsea, found the net from two corners either side of the break, while Drogba neatly tucked the third in from four metres out. Liverpool now have an enormous job on their hands at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday if they are to stay in the competition, despite forging an early lead through Fernando Torres.
Torres strikesDirk Kuyt set the move rolling for that sixth-minute goal with a superb back-heel out to the right wing, where Álvaro Arbeloa crossed for Torres to calmly side-foot the ball into the corner of the net from close to the penalty spot. Moments later, Drogba had a glorious chance to equalise when he found himself through on Pepe Reina after being released by Salomon Kalou at the Kop end, but the Spanish goalkeeper – making his 100th appearance in UEFA club competition – blocked the Ivorian striker's shot, which was straight at his body.
Chelsea responseChelsea responded well and had Liverpool under pressure after earning two free-kicks in promising positions, both blocked by the wall. Florent Malouda then threatened Reina's goal after being found by Drogba, but the Frenchman dragged his left-foot shot wide. Play ebbed and flowed with no sign of the tension or nerves of previous meetings between these two sides on Merseyside as Torres shook off the close attention of Frank Lampard before curling an effort over the top.
Ivanović off markMichael Ballack then played Drogba into space with a perfect pass, but the striker's shot cleared the crossbar comfortably. Chelsea eventually got the equaliser that their pressure deserved in the 39th minute. Full-back Ivanović, in for the injured José Bosingwa, sprinted into the box to meet Malouda's corner with a firm header past Reina.
Terry outChelsea upped the tempo further still after the restart and could have gone in front after 51 minutes when Drogba, after a swift interchange with Lampard, beat Reina with his low shot but Jamie Carragher produced a fantastic clearance from right on the goal line. John Terry was then booked for a dangerous challenge on Reina, a caution which means the Chelsea captain will miss the second leg.
Visitors aheadAll that was forgotten in the 62nd minute, however, when Ivanović again found the target with another headed goal from a corner, Lampard the provider this time. As if matters could not get any worse for Liverpool, they did just that five minutes later when Drogba finally got his reward by neatly finishing off an inviting cross from the left by Malouda. Liverpool simply had no reply and fell to a UEFA Champions League home defeat only equalled when FC Barcelona won here 3-1 in November 2001. While the Kop was muted, Chelsea fans are already dreaming of a fifth semi-final in six seasons.
Goal flurryChelsea had only a John Arne Riise own goal to show for the previous four recent UEFA Champions League trips to Anfield but Serbian defender Ivanović, who had never previously scored for Chelsea, found the net from two corners either side of the break, while Drogba neatly tucked the third in from four metres out. Liverpool now have an enormous job on their hands at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday if they are to stay in the competition, despite forging an early lead through Fernando Torres.
Torres strikesDirk Kuyt set the move rolling for that sixth-minute goal with a superb back-heel out to the right wing, where Álvaro Arbeloa crossed for Torres to calmly side-foot the ball into the corner of the net from close to the penalty spot. Moments later, Drogba had a glorious chance to equalise when he found himself through on Pepe Reina after being released by Salomon Kalou at the Kop end, but the Spanish goalkeeper – making his 100th appearance in UEFA club competition – blocked the Ivorian striker's shot, which was straight at his body.
Chelsea responseChelsea responded well and had Liverpool under pressure after earning two free-kicks in promising positions, both blocked by the wall. Florent Malouda then threatened Reina's goal after being found by Drogba, but the Frenchman dragged his left-foot shot wide. Play ebbed and flowed with no sign of the tension or nerves of previous meetings between these two sides on Merseyside as Torres shook off the close attention of Frank Lampard before curling an effort over the top.
Ivanović off markMichael Ballack then played Drogba into space with a perfect pass, but the striker's shot cleared the crossbar comfortably. Chelsea eventually got the equaliser that their pressure deserved in the 39th minute. Full-back Ivanović, in for the injured José Bosingwa, sprinted into the box to meet Malouda's corner with a firm header past Reina.
Terry outChelsea upped the tempo further still after the restart and could have gone in front after 51 minutes when Drogba, after a swift interchange with Lampard, beat Reina with his low shot but Jamie Carragher produced a fantastic clearance from right on the goal line. John Terry was then booked for a dangerous challenge on Reina, a caution which means the Chelsea captain will miss the second leg.
Visitors aheadAll that was forgotten in the 62nd minute, however, when Ivanović again found the target with another headed goal from a corner, Lampard the provider this time. As if matters could not get any worse for Liverpool, they did just that five minutes later when Drogba finally got his reward by neatly finishing off an inviting cross from the left by Malouda. Liverpool simply had no reply and fell to a UEFA Champions League home defeat only equalled when FC Barcelona won here 3-1 in November 2001. While the Kop was muted, Chelsea fans are already dreaming of a fifth semi-final in six seasons.
Barça brilliance turns tables on Bayern
An enthralling first-half display put FC Barcelona within touching distance of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the third time in four seasons as FC Bayern München were brushed aside at the Camp Nou.Outstanding displayTwo first-half goals from Lionel Messi plus one each from Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry ripped through the resistance of a Bayern side who had themselves scored a record 12 times against Sporting Clube de Portugal in the previous round, comprehensively ending the German club's 100 per cent competitive record against Barça here. Ten years on from their final defeat by Manchester United FC there was more misery in Barcelona for Bayern, for whom Hans Jörg Butt made only his second start of the season in goal in place of Michael Rensing. The decision to opt for experience was to no avail as the Liga leaders imposed themselves at will with all three strikers in dazzling form.
Early breakthroughBarça were into their stride from the first whistle and, even before Messi's ninth-minute opener, a lovely interchange of passes between Daniel Alves, Xavi Hernández and Henry allowed the latter to round Butt. Martín Demichelis cleared off the line but the respite was brief for a Bayern defence already deprived of Lucio and Daniel Van Buyten and with a calf injury restricting Philipp Lahm to a place on the bench. Within moments Andrés Iniesta dribbled past Hamit Altıntop and Eto'o held off Breno before setting Messi free to slide past Butt. Carnival atmosphereThe falling rain made the playing surface quick, but Barça's passing and movement were even slicker and Eto'o duly made it two in the 12th minute. Iniesta and Messi combined again, the Barça No10 picking out Eto'o's run in time to let the striker slip the ball under the advancing Butt. The carnival atmosphere was dampened slightly when Josep Guardiola was sent to the stands for his protests after Messi went down under Christian Lell's challenge, but in the 38th minute the Argentinian reacted by adding his eighth goal of the competition – becoming its leading scorer in the process – applying the finishing touch to Henry's low cross despite the attentions of three defenders. Three became four when Messi tormented the Bayern defence again and, though he was felled by Mark van Bommel, Eto'o expertly exploited the advantage to help the ball reach Henry. Having scored Barça's 700th goal in UEFA club competition against Olympique Lyonnais on Matchday 8, Henry took the pass and rolled his own 50th UEFA Champions League strike inside the far post.
Excellent savePerhaps naturally the tempo dipped slightly in the second half as the home side moved the ball around crisply and Bayern worked intensely hard to staunch the flow of goals. Nonetheless it took a wonderful save from Butt to deny Messi his hat-trick; Gerard Piqué's long crossfield pass was controlled perfectly and Lell outsprinted before Messi hit a fierce left-footed shot which the keeper parried on to the crossbar and over. After Carles Puyol had denied Bayern even a consolation with a perfect tackle on Zé Roberto, substitute Seydou Keita inadvertently kept the score at 4-0 by blocking Messi's goalbound shot although Bayern's task in Tuesday's second leg is already sufficiently daunting, a match Barcelona's Rafael Márquez will miss through suspension after his late booking.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Champions League - United held by effervescent Porto
Holders Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by an impressive Porto side in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at Old Trafford.United appeared to have wrapped up victory when substitute Carlos Tevez swooped in the 85th minute after Wayne Rooney had cancelled out Cristian Rodriguez's early opener.But another second half replacement, Mariano Gonzalez, netted for the visitors in the last minute to put Porto firmly in the driving seat ahead of next week's return leg at the Estadio do Dragao.The result saw United extend their unbeaten run in the competition to 22 games but Porto's formidable home record will now be of real concern to Alex Ferguson, whose team will have to win to keep alive their hopes of retaining the trophy.The Scot's opposite number Jesualdo Ferreira had promised the visitors would attack from the outset, and it was clear his words were backed up by substance as Porto flew out of the blocks and went straight for the United jugular from the opening whistle.In just the third minute, Hulk - a danger throughout - unleashed a powerful drive from distance which Edwin Van der Sar was forced to tip over the barThe visitors' forward-thinking was rewarded soon after with the opener on four minutes, Rodriguez pouncing on a poor Jonny Evans clearance before sidestepping the defender and firing low into the far corner.United were stunned, and took their time to recover. Rarely do the English and European champions show so clearly they are rattled, but such was their lack of composure after the goal went in their passing game suffered, a number of passes going uncharacteristically astray.And Porto nearly capitalised, Lisandro Lopez bringing Van der Sar into action again with a well-struck effort on six minutes.With so many passes failing to reach their intended targets, United were by and large impotent going forward, although Helton was finally called on to deny Cristiano Ronaldo a header on 14 minutes.It was a decent save by the Porto keeper, but there was nothing he could do moments later when a moment of madness from defender Bruno Alves handed United an equaliser on a plate.The Portugal international committed the cardinal sin of making a blind back pass; if he had looked before playing the ball back to Helton, he would have seen Rooney sneaking up behind him.The United striker gratefully accepted the gift, running onto the ball before dinking it over the keeper and into the back of the net.But the hosts failed to use the goal as a springboard to take control of the game - and Porto's fearless display can take a great deal of credit for that.The Portuguese champions continued to attack at every opportunity and were unlucky not to re-take the lead before the first half was out, Rodriguez twice going close with headers and Hulk seeing a long-range shot bounce wide.After the break, United's uncertainty on the ball initially persisted, but eventually they did begin to enjoy more possession and with that came chances to grab a winner.After Park Ji-Sung had stung the gloves of Helton, Rooney gave the hosts a lift with an exquisite attempted lob which the furiously backpeddling Porto keeper was forced to tip over the bar.From the resulting corner Nemanja Vidic, who along with Rooney and Paul Scholes returned to the United line-up from suspension, thumped a header goalwards but again Helton was alert enough to make the save.At the other end, Lopez saw a deflected shot trouble Van der Sar before Aly Cissokho blasted on target from distance.The visitors had a big penalty shout turned down on 74 minutes when Tevez, on in the 72nd minute for Scholes, appeared to bring down Hulk at the by-line in the box.A relieved Tevez went on to lift United spirits on 85 minutes, the Argentine netting from close range after Rooney had flicked on Gary Neville's throw into the Porto penalty area.But the relief around Old Trafford was short-lived as an unmarked Gonzalez finished at the far post four minutes later to ensure that United will face an uphill battle in next Wednesday's return leg.
Transfers - Gossip Shop: Mourinho to Chelsea?
Press reports are tipping Internazionale boss Jose Mourinho with a sensational return to Chelsea this summer.
The smooth-talking Portuguese is unhappy with his treatment by the Italian press and repeatedly praises the Premier League for its excitement and fair-play.And despite his acrimonious departure from Stamford Bridge early in the 2007-08 season, Mourinho is still massively popular in the Chelsea dressing-room and wanted by the players should temporary boss Guus Hiddink stand by his promise to continue with Russia.Dutchman Hiddink has impressed so far but is not expected to stay beyond the end of the season, with Russia battling to qualify for the World Cup.The only problem preventing Mourinho from a return to West London would be his fractious relationship with owner Roman Abramovich, who would have to swallow his pride to re-employ the man he felt was undermining his authority.Furthermore, Mourinho is a contrary so-and-so and would relish the chance to take over at Manchester United once his pal Sir Alex Ferguson retires, sticking it to Abramovich and Peter Kenyon in the process.Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is still being linked with the Blues job but, given the failure of Luiz Felipe Scolari to get instant results, it is unlikely the Italian will be given time to master the English language and game.Wigan's on-loan Zamalek striker Amr Zaki is set to return to the JJB after going AWOL for a fourth time this season and, even though his Latics career seems to be over, he could have earned himself a move to a 'bigger' club.Until the goals dried up this winter, Zaki had been widely expected to join a Champions League team in the summer, with his Egyptian club throwing around wildly-inflated transfer fees for the ex-ENPPI man.That interest waned with his performances and the post-international no-show saw his stock fall even further.And now, having been linked with Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and Juventus, Zaki is rumoured to be on Harry Redknapp's Tottenham wish-list.What a difference three months can make.Aston Villa's Gareth Barry has again reiterated his desire to play in the Champions League next season, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United sniffing around."My aim is to finish in the top four and play in the Champions League," he said in The Sun, while Martin O'Neill conceded that he will only stay if they catch Arsenal, who are six points ahead with seven games remaining. Unlikely, alas.Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini could be set for an exit from St James' Park less than a year after he arrived for a whopping Ј12 million.The Argentina stopper impressed initially but has committed a series of errors that have made him a mini-scapegoat for Toon's plight.A return to Spain has been mooted, with former club Deportivo and Liga Toon-equivalent Atletico Madrid sniffing around.Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is a big fan of Nordic players after his stints in Sweden, Denmark and Finland and is looking at Coventry's 19-year-old Iceland midfielder Aaron Gunnarsson.He would cost around Ј1.5m and would provide competition for places with Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu, following the departure of Jimmy Bullard.French defender Camel Meriem could join Bolton on a free transfer after his contract expires with Monaco in the summer.The 29-year-old is set to shun bids from bigger clubs such as Deportivo and Borussia Dortmund so he can have a crack at English football, saying: "It's about what's best for my football, not the money."Pompey's on-loan Leverkusen striker Theofanis Gekas has been tipped to move to Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg after failing to impress Pompey boss Paul Hart.Indeed, Gekas is so out-of-favour that David Nugent gets selected above him despite the Greek star having a goalscoring record of 13 goals in 38 internationals and 33 in two seasons in the Bundesliga.Months after being linked with Arsenal, Pompey midfielder Niko Kranjcar's determination to quit if they are relegated could see him move to whoever will have him.
The smooth-talking Portuguese is unhappy with his treatment by the Italian press and repeatedly praises the Premier League for its excitement and fair-play.And despite his acrimonious departure from Stamford Bridge early in the 2007-08 season, Mourinho is still massively popular in the Chelsea dressing-room and wanted by the players should temporary boss Guus Hiddink stand by his promise to continue with Russia.Dutchman Hiddink has impressed so far but is not expected to stay beyond the end of the season, with Russia battling to qualify for the World Cup.The only problem preventing Mourinho from a return to West London would be his fractious relationship with owner Roman Abramovich, who would have to swallow his pride to re-employ the man he felt was undermining his authority.Furthermore, Mourinho is a contrary so-and-so and would relish the chance to take over at Manchester United once his pal Sir Alex Ferguson retires, sticking it to Abramovich and Peter Kenyon in the process.Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is still being linked with the Blues job but, given the failure of Luiz Felipe Scolari to get instant results, it is unlikely the Italian will be given time to master the English language and game.Wigan's on-loan Zamalek striker Amr Zaki is set to return to the JJB after going AWOL for a fourth time this season and, even though his Latics career seems to be over, he could have earned himself a move to a 'bigger' club.Until the goals dried up this winter, Zaki had been widely expected to join a Champions League team in the summer, with his Egyptian club throwing around wildly-inflated transfer fees for the ex-ENPPI man.That interest waned with his performances and the post-international no-show saw his stock fall even further.And now, having been linked with Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and Juventus, Zaki is rumoured to be on Harry Redknapp's Tottenham wish-list.What a difference three months can make.Aston Villa's Gareth Barry has again reiterated his desire to play in the Champions League next season, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United sniffing around."My aim is to finish in the top four and play in the Champions League," he said in The Sun, while Martin O'Neill conceded that he will only stay if they catch Arsenal, who are six points ahead with seven games remaining. Unlikely, alas.Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini could be set for an exit from St James' Park less than a year after he arrived for a whopping Ј12 million.The Argentina stopper impressed initially but has committed a series of errors that have made him a mini-scapegoat for Toon's plight.A return to Spain has been mooted, with former club Deportivo and Liga Toon-equivalent Atletico Madrid sniffing around.Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is a big fan of Nordic players after his stints in Sweden, Denmark and Finland and is looking at Coventry's 19-year-old Iceland midfielder Aaron Gunnarsson.He would cost around Ј1.5m and would provide competition for places with Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu, following the departure of Jimmy Bullard.French defender Camel Meriem could join Bolton on a free transfer after his contract expires with Monaco in the summer.The 29-year-old is set to shun bids from bigger clubs such as Deportivo and Borussia Dortmund so he can have a crack at English football, saying: "It's about what's best for my football, not the money."Pompey's on-loan Leverkusen striker Theofanis Gekas has been tipped to move to Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg after failing to impress Pompey boss Paul Hart.Indeed, Gekas is so out-of-favour that David Nugent gets selected above him despite the Greek star having a goalscoring record of 13 goals in 38 internationals and 33 in two seasons in the Bundesliga.Months after being linked with Arsenal, Pompey midfielder Niko Kranjcar's determination to quit if they are relegated could see him move to whoever will have him.
Champions League - Arsenal fight out draw in Villarreal
Emmanuel Adebayor's stunning second-half bicycle kick gave Arsenal a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Villarreal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Adebayor's 66th-minute winner came as Arsenal took control of the match in the final half-hour, but an excellent Villarreal side pushed them all the way to the whistle.Veteran midfielder Marcos Senna put the visitors ahead on 10 minutes with a stunning rifled shot from 25 yards as the home side dominated the early exchanges.Yet the visitors came back into the game, with Cesc Fabregas being denied an equaliser from a quickly-taken free kick at the end of the first half, and Adebayor's equaliser coming as part of a sustained period of second-half pressure as the Gunners imposed their will on their hosts.Villarreal had started the game brightly, dominating possession with passing and movement that saw them run their guests ragged in the early stages, and in the fourth minute Joan Capdevila's header was cleared off the line by Gael Clichy.Then, just inside the first 10 minutes, veteran midfielder Senna tried a long-shot from 25 yards that came perfectly off his right boot to curl in to the top-right corner and leave Manuel Almunia grabbing at thin air.The goal woke Arsenal up with a start, and they came in to the ascendancy with some good football. On 18 minutes Samir Nasri's left-foot effort drew a fine save from Diego Lopez in the Villarreal goal, and a minute later Clichy's header drew another excellent stop from the keeper.Gradually, however, the hosts regained the ascendancy as they began to hold on to the ball more effectively and reduce Arsenal's chances.And on the half-hour mark Villarreal came close to adding another as Senna's long shot and Capdevila's follow-up drew two great saves from Lukasz Fabianski, who had replaced the injured Almunia.Right before the break William Gallas also hobbled off injured, but Fabregas seemed to have improved the mood by equalising after taking a free-kick quickly - yet the referee both disallowed the goal and rather harshly booked the Spaniard for his impudence to cap a disappointing first half for the visitors.As the game restarted the two sides were ruthless in closing each other down and denying chances; but when Arsenal calmed the pace down a little and focused on staying patient at the hour mark they slowly began to take control of the game.Theo Walcott came close to being through while Adebayor headed wide before the likely-looking equaliser came on 65 minutes.When it did, it was breathtaking: Adebayor got on the end of a long ball from the half-way line, controlled on his chest while surrounded by defenders, then rifled in a side-on bicycle kick past Diego Lopez.It was just reward for Arsenal's endeavours and inspired the visitors to even greater domination that saw Adebayor, Walcott and Nasri all have further good chances.Villarreal had a late flourish that restored some pride, but they never looked like finding a winner.Arsenal closed out a draw that, in the context of their poor start, was a fantastic result, while Villarreal will travel to the Emirates Stadium having conceded what could well prove to be a critical away goal.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Sir Alex Ferguson: "Barcelona" - the current draw of the tournament favorite "
Red Devils coach Sir Alex Ferguson described the prospect of playing with Barcelona in the final of the Champions League, as "incredible." Sir Alex is looking forward to meet the current Champions League finals in Barcelona. " Scot completely rejected the possibility of a repetition of last year's British finals, and admitted that, in the semifinals would like to try to force "Arsenal." "I hope that we will meet Barcelona in the finals this year. This is simply unbelievable match," - Ferguson quotes The Sun. "I hope as well that will participate in three English club, which once again confirms the highest level of Premier League." "They too are in a crisis a few weeks ago, but managed to return to his best form just in time. The first time against the" Lion "was above all praise. They are one of the main favorites of this tournament."
"Manchester United" has been negotiating with Prudential for the sponsorship agreement
The new executive director of Prudential Tidzhan Thiam was passionate fans "Arsenal" and would prefer to advertise his company appeared on a T-shirt Seska Fabregas, not Wayne Rooney, but wishes to clubs addiction to achieve a sponsorship agreement with the club from Old Trafford. " According to the Daily Mail talks "Manchester United" with the company on a sponsorship contract with the champions of England is successful, and it is now up to Prudential is the favorite in the race for the title of the title sponsor of the "red devils". Prudential Financial maintains extensive operations in Asia, where their income for last year rose to 321 million pounds. The company owns assets at 2.1 billion pounds, of which 1.4 are concentrated in the provision of banking services. She could easily afford a sponsorship agreement with "United" in the amount of more than 60 million pounds.
Drogba ready to match against Liverpool
Forward "Chelsea Didier Drogba held the second full training session in front of journalists from around the world since the first quarterfinal match of the Champions League with Liverpool" cares not only us. Unusually, it was to see how such a normally quiet Kobhem, where the team is always ready for the games, filling the media, photographers and journalists who coveted see how Guus Hiddink prepares for battle with "Enfilde. When all was as to closely observe how the Dutchman and his team are preparing for battle, operators and reporters noted that Drogba, were not in the Saturday meeting with the "Newcastle", carries out a full training session together with his comrades. Forward, however, not all the jokes were just at the beginning of training, he was mistaken, for that and got on the coach on the nuts. It was the second full practice for many days in the Ivorian forward, but felt a lack of Portuguese defender Jose Bosingvy who is not trained at full strength following the return from the team last week because of the injured leg. In the training exercise on retention of the ball was attended by Guus Hiddink and Ray Wilkins, which showed a master class. Training has started in a relaxed manner, then the rate gradually increase. A short training session is over a small match, Hiddink was able to assess applicants before the start of tomorrow's meeting with Liverpool. "
United fired up for Dragons' visit
Manchester United FC may have only 48 hours' recovery time between the visit of Aston Villa FC and their quarter-final first leg against FC Porto but Sir Alex Ferguson believes his European champions will enter Tuesday's tie re-energised by Sunday's events at Old Trafford.
'Defining moment'
When Italian debutant Federico Macheda struck three minutes into added time to secure a thrilling 3-2 comeback win, he not only sent United back to the Premier League summit, but also restored hitherto flagging levels of belief. "You have to say that winning goal has just galvanised the club," said Sir Alex, who went on to describe it as a "defining moment" in their campaign.
Trademark victory
From staring a third successive defeat in the face with eleven minutes remaining, United were celebrating the kind of victory that has become the Old Trafford trademark under the Scot. "We survived some hairy moments but when it went to 2-1 then you saw Manchester United, the risk came out, everyone started playing with abandon," he said, adding: "We are sending some of our supporters into cardiac treatment, including the manager, but it is fantastic to watch."
'Going into overdrive'
Sir Alex, who said man-of-the-moment Macheda can expect a place on the bench, hopes the return of Wayne Rooney, suspended on Sunday together with Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidić, will provide extra impetus along with Cristiano Ronaldo's return to scoring form, although Dimitar Berbatov misses out with an ankle injury. "Our team will now hopefully start going into overdrive," said the 67-year-old. He must hope this goes for his suddenly fragile defence too. United have conceded eight goals in the last three domestic outings and even if Vidić returns and Rio Ferdinand shrugs off a groin problem, they cannot afford to repeat recent wobbles against opponents who have registered two goals in each of their last three European away games.
Positive Porto
Moreover, the Portuguese champions secured an eighth successive league away win on Saturday in beating Vitória SC 3-1, and their coach, Jesualdo Ferreira, arrived promising an attacking outlook. "English teams play with speed and high intensity at home but we must not lose our identity," he said. "We have an attacking spirit, we are not going to change and we will play to win. We want a victory above all but to score a goal will be important."
Ronaldo warning
Porto eliminated United when these sides met in the 2003/04 Round of 16, their 1-1 draw at Old Trafford securing a 3-2 aggregate success. It was the only time they have avoided defeat on eleven previous visits to England but Ferreira, who could start with a front three of Hulk, Lisandro and Cristián Rodríguez, is determined his charges rise to the occasion: "We are top of our league and want to show what we can do." Sir Alex is certainly not underestimating opponents who finished ahead of Arsenal FC in the group stage, despite losing 4-0 in London. "The first thing Cristiano [Ronaldo] said to me when we had the draw is 'this is a difficult game'. We have watched them and they are a difficult side. Physically they are very strong, and Hulk up front is a very good player."
President of the Lazio "hit with criticism for" ManchesterUnited "
After an impressive debut Makkedah Federico, president of Lazio stated that buy on the market 15-year-old players - is immoral. Born in Rome, Federico Makkedah joined the "United" 1 September 2007, becoming the last of the English players are not signatories to a professional contract with the Premier League club. FIFA is trying to protect the players under the age of 18, keeping them in local clubs, but this prevents the local labor laws. President of the Lazio "Claudio Lotito said in an interview with Italian television that they had taken Makkedah," United "acted immorally. "It is unthinkable that the boy in 15 years you can buy on the market, if it were market animals. We tried to do everything to prevent the withdrawal of our players in the" Manchester United ", but at this time, Italian law does not give us such an opportunity. This is usually the guys from poor families, and they looked forward options for the game overseas is for economic reasons. I have repeatedly talked with the parents Makkedah, we have a dialogue, but nothing has been able to do. We were not able to compete with the "Manchester United". We knew that Makkedah a very good player and did everything to keep him. But we can not afford to behave in a way, I think it is immoral. "
Kushchak still succeed Malafeev?
Polish goalkeeper "ManchesterUnited" Tomas Kushchak can be sold this summer in St. Petersburg "Zenith", the English edition of The Mirror. Recall that this information is already available before, but now it became known that the transaction approved mankunianskoy team head coach Sir Alex Ferguson.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Premier League - Macheda puts United top
A stunning injury-time strike by 17-year-old debutant Federico Macheda gave Manchester United a 3-2 home win over Aston Villa to restore the champions to the top of the Premier League.
In the 92nd minute, the previously unknown Italian curled an unstoppable shot into the top right after leaving Luke Young for dead with a delightful backheel.
Villa had been leading through goals by John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor, with Cristiano Ronaldo adding an 80th-minute equaliser to his first-half opener.
The win got United's title defence back on track after consecutive league defeats against Liverpool and Fulham threatened to derail their bid.
Burly former Lazio schoolboy Macheda was introduced on the hour mark for the disappointing Nani and was only in the squad because United were missing seven first-team players through injury and suspension.
Rio Ferdinand, Dimitar Berbatov, Fabio Da Silva and Wes Brown are all out for varying time frames while Nemanja Vidic, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney were serving bans for recent red cards.
The net effect was that United's defence looked shaky and a bench filled with teenagers could barely inspire confidence when Sir Alex Ferguson's side went behind.
Villa started brightly and they went close through a Carew header cleared off the line by Darren Fletcher on five minutes.
Agbonlahor was getting the better of Gary Neville as United looked unsure at the back without Ferdinand and Vidic.
But the hosts took the lead after a moment of madness saw James Milner touch the ball back to Brad Friedel with the American keeper already diving on to the ball.
It was a clear backpass inside the area and, after Milner was booked for encroachment, Ryan Giggs touched the indirect free-kick to Ronaldo, who smashed the ball across the face of goal and into the top right corner for 1-0 on 14 minutes.
United could have gone two up straight from kick off when a long ball played Giggs through, but Carlos Cuellar got back to block his finish.
Villa recovered from the shock of going behind and Ashley Young forced a smart stop from Edwin van der Sar with a free-kick on the edge of the United area.
They levelled on 29 minutes thanks to the endeavour and skill of Gareth Barry, who won a 50-50 ball on the right, nutmegged Patrice Evra and swung a perfect cross for 6'4" Norwegian Carew to divert a downward header into the left corner of the United goal.
Ronaldo was guilty of a glaring miss five minutes later when he sent a free header straight at Friedel, but it would have been harsh on Villa to trail at the break as, despite United having better possession, the visitors created more clear-cut chances.
The second half started in subdued fashion, with United looking nervous and uninspired while Villa were happy to sit back and use the counter attack.
It paid off for Martin O'Neill's men when, after Ronaldo gave the ball to Stiliyan Petrov in Villa's half, they countered down the left.
Neville stood back as Carew moved towards the area and the former Valencia striker duly picked out a cross that Agbonlahor rose to head past the stranded Van der Sar.
United's problems with injury and suspension were highlighted by the introduction of Macheda for anonymous Portugal winger Nani.
Jonny Evans headed a Giggs corner just over but United lacked a creative spark or inspirational figure to drive them on.
After a short spell camped on the edge of the Villa box, the ball broke to Ronaldo who took a touch before drilling a low left-foot shot through the legs of Petrov and past the unsighted Friedel into the bottom right.
The Portugal star's leveller heralded a final push by United that saw sub Danny Welbeck force a reflex stop from Friedel after he killed Ronaldo's cross with a good first touch.
The visitors looked like they were holding on for a point until Macheda's late moment of brilliance.
With his side camped on the edge of the Villa box, the reserve-team striker had his back to goal on the left-hand side of the box but left Luke Young trailing with an impudent flick that created the space for a right-foot curler that left Friedel no chance.
United's win put them one point clear of Liverpool with a game in hand.
Villa had been leading through goals by John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor, with Cristiano Ronaldo adding an 80th-minute equaliser to his first-half opener.
The win got United's title defence back on track after consecutive league defeats against Liverpool and Fulham threatened to derail their bid.
Burly former Lazio schoolboy Macheda was introduced on the hour mark for the disappointing Nani and was only in the squad because United were missing seven first-team players through injury and suspension.
Rio Ferdinand, Dimitar Berbatov, Fabio Da Silva and Wes Brown are all out for varying time frames while Nemanja Vidic, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney were serving bans for recent red cards.
The net effect was that United's defence looked shaky and a bench filled with teenagers could barely inspire confidence when Sir Alex Ferguson's side went behind.
Villa started brightly and they went close through a Carew header cleared off the line by Darren Fletcher on five minutes.
Agbonlahor was getting the better of Gary Neville as United looked unsure at the back without Ferdinand and Vidic.
But the hosts took the lead after a moment of madness saw James Milner touch the ball back to Brad Friedel with the American keeper already diving on to the ball.
It was a clear backpass inside the area and, after Milner was booked for encroachment, Ryan Giggs touched the indirect free-kick to Ronaldo, who smashed the ball across the face of goal and into the top right corner for 1-0 on 14 minutes.
United could have gone two up straight from kick off when a long ball played Giggs through, but Carlos Cuellar got back to block his finish.
Villa recovered from the shock of going behind and Ashley Young forced a smart stop from Edwin van der Sar with a free-kick on the edge of the United area.
They levelled on 29 minutes thanks to the endeavour and skill of Gareth Barry, who won a 50-50 ball on the right, nutmegged Patrice Evra and swung a perfect cross for 6'4" Norwegian Carew to divert a downward header into the left corner of the United goal.
Ronaldo was guilty of a glaring miss five minutes later when he sent a free header straight at Friedel, but it would have been harsh on Villa to trail at the break as, despite United having better possession, the visitors created more clear-cut chances.
The second half started in subdued fashion, with United looking nervous and uninspired while Villa were happy to sit back and use the counter attack.
It paid off for Martin O'Neill's men when, after Ronaldo gave the ball to Stiliyan Petrov in Villa's half, they countered down the left.
Neville stood back as Carew moved towards the area and the former Valencia striker duly picked out a cross that Agbonlahor rose to head past the stranded Van der Sar.
United's problems with injury and suspension were highlighted by the introduction of Macheda for anonymous Portugal winger Nani.
Jonny Evans headed a Giggs corner just over but United lacked a creative spark or inspirational figure to drive them on.
After a short spell camped on the edge of the Villa box, the ball broke to Ronaldo who took a touch before drilling a low left-foot shot through the legs of Petrov and past the unsighted Friedel into the bottom right.
The Portugal star's leveller heralded a final push by United that saw sub Danny Welbeck force a reflex stop from Friedel after he killed Ronaldo's cross with a good first touch.
The visitors looked like they were holding on for a point until Macheda's late moment of brilliance.
With his side camped on the edge of the Villa box, the reserve-team striker had his back to goal on the left-hand side of the box but left Luke Young trailing with an impudent flick that created the space for a right-foot curler that left Friedel no chance.
United's win put them one point clear of Liverpool with a game in hand.
«Manchester United» - the best club in the ranking according to the IFFHS
The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) has published the rating of the best clubs of the world. The head of this list of English «Manchester United», but the Catalan «Barcelona» is already very close, and «Liverpool» is the third. Welcome to the first ten of this ranking:
1 (1). «МЮ» – 298.
2 (4). «Барселона» – 277.
3 (2). «Ливерпуль» – 259.
3 (3). «Бока Хуниорс» – 259.
5 (5). «Челси» – 249.
6 (6). «Бавария» – 238.
7 (8). «Сан-Паулу» – 230.
8 (10).«Арсенал» – 227.
9 (13). «Ювентус» – 215.
10 (15). «Динамо Киев» – 212,5.
Фергюсон практически определился с составом на встречу с "Порту"
Sir Alex Ferguson said of the match with Porto "Vidić, Skoulz and Rooney will be on the field, but Rio Ferdinand and Anderson did not recover to match uspeyut. Vidic, Skoulz and Rooney missed the match with Aston Villa because of the disqualification, but will be able to participate in the Champions League match, but Rio Ferdinand and Anderson uspeyut not likely to recover from injuries received in containers. Ji-Sung Park, also missed the game with the Villa, will return to the team in the Champions League match against Portuguese champions in the coming Tuesday. "I do not think that any of the injured players back on the field to play on Tuesday, but we have players who will return to the disqualification and, after a very good" - Sir Alex said in an interview with MUTV. "Vida, together with John Evans will play in the center of defense, and John O'Shi moved to the right to protect the flag. Skoulz and Rooney can play, so this will add to us the strength and experience of the attacker, Park is also ready to go on the field. I have a few good options for games on Tuesday. "I look at the condition of Ryan Giggza after 90 minutes of heavy game against Villa." This is a big load, and require the 35-year-old football player to play one day at a level perhaps, too, "- added Fergi.
Terry: "A little bit afraid to go to Liverpool and play against Gerrard"
Captain "Chelsea John Terry admitted that he" get nervous "to go on the field against Stephen Dzherrarda in the game with" Liverpool "on Wednesday. "Blue" soydutsya with their rivals for the Prime League on "Enfild Road" in the first quarterfinal match of Champions League. Recently, Captain mersisaydtsev is in excellent shape and is a leading challenger for the title of the best players year on versions of PFA. And the central defender of "blues" Terry admits that oppose his fellow England team - this is a very difficult task. "He is one of the best players in the world, that's for sure, - said Terry. - At this point it in excellent shape. I was a little afraid to go there and play against him because he was the player a special class. "The" backbone "that has" Liverpool "- Jose Reina, Jamie Carragher, Steven Dzherrard and Fernando Torres - what kind of backbone! "And Dzherrard is the heart of the team, as well as Lampard at Chelsea." This would be a great match and we look forward to it. "
Saturday, April 4, 2009
O'Neill: it is difficult to play against Manchester United "
Coach "Aston Villa, Martin O'Neill promised that his wards will fight his opponent at Old Trafford."
In the Sunday match, Villa will seek to get its first victory at Old Trafford "in 1983 and their first three points in the game with" red devils "for 14 years playing in the Premier League.
O'Neill hopes that the correct attitude of its wards in this match could be a shock for the team Ferguson.
"Of course, this will be a difficult game. It will be a hard match in any case. But it is particularly difficult to play against Manchester United, razozlennogo lesions. But again, everything in us. "Old Trafford" is a place where we need to show a character that we showed during the current season, "- quoted mentor" Villas "edition Birminghammail.
"Sometimes the results go against you, and you have to cope with this. This does not mean that the team has no character. If we did not have character, we would not now occupy its current position in the table. That's all. I do not tired players to repeat a key phrase: "Go and fight." We must demonstrate that commitment, which showed most of the season. This should be our answer to the opponent. The answer should be our game, our attitude and our determination, it is all these things. Certainly if you properly prepare for the match and will feel that you can win, then you will have more chances to do so than if the exit on the field with a pre-defeatist mood "- he added.
In the Sunday match, Villa will seek to get its first victory at Old Trafford "in 1983 and their first three points in the game with" red devils "for 14 years playing in the Premier League.
O'Neill hopes that the correct attitude of its wards in this match could be a shock for the team Ferguson.
"Of course, this will be a difficult game. It will be a hard match in any case. But it is particularly difficult to play against Manchester United, razozlennogo lesions. But again, everything in us. "Old Trafford" is a place where we need to show a character that we showed during the current season, "- quoted mentor" Villas "edition Birminghammail.
"Sometimes the results go against you, and you have to cope with this. This does not mean that the team has no character. If we did not have character, we would not now occupy its current position in the table. That's all. I do not tired players to repeat a key phrase: "Go and fight." We must demonstrate that commitment, which showed most of the season. This should be our answer to the opponent. The answer should be our game, our attitude and our determination, it is all these things. Certainly if you properly prepare for the match and will feel that you can win, then you will have more chances to do so than if the exit on the field with a pre-defeatist mood "- he added.
Ferguson: "That feeling that Teves has played on Mars"
Coach "Manchester United" Sir Alex Ferguson in the style of ironic comment on the situation of the long failure of the team from the national team of Argentina Carlos Teves.
"You know, sometimes is a feeling that Teves was playing somewhere on Mars, so long we are waiting for his return! With regard to the match with Aston Villa, then I do not think that we lost the third match in succession," - said Ferguson.
"Manchester United" - "Aston Villa": both parties bear the loss
In anticipation of the Sunday Premier League match at Old Trafford, where soydutsya "Manchester United and Aston Villa, one of his rivals was not the lead attacker. With injury left mankunianets Dimitar Berbatov and birmingemets Emil Heski.
And Berbatovu and Heski will be held in infirmary for 2 weeks. A Bulgarian ankle injury, but the Englishman is damaged hamstring.
28-year-old striker "Manchester United" was injured during a Premier League match against Fulham 2 weeks ago. Thus, Berbatov was unable to help his national team in qualifying games for the World Championship tournament in 2010 against Ireland and Cyprus.
Regarding Heski, the birmingemtsu got friendly match in England and Slovakia at the "Wembley" last Saturday. Recall that in the game just 28-year-old striker opened the account at the beginning of the first half, but already a few minutes later was forced to ask for a replacement.
In the game at Old Trafford, which will be held on Sunday, the result will be extremely important for each party. In the case of defeat "Manchester United" may lose its leadership in the standings, but "Aston Villa will lose the last chance to tour in the Champions League for next season.
And Berbatovu and Heski will be held in infirmary for 2 weeks. A Bulgarian ankle injury, but the Englishman is damaged hamstring.
28-year-old striker "Manchester United" was injured during a Premier League match against Fulham 2 weeks ago. Thus, Berbatov was unable to help his national team in qualifying games for the World Championship tournament in 2010 against Ireland and Cyprus.
Regarding Heski, the birmingemtsu got friendly match in England and Slovakia at the "Wembley" last Saturday. Recall that in the game just 28-year-old striker opened the account at the beginning of the first half, but already a few minutes later was forced to ask for a replacement.
In the game at Old Trafford, which will be held on Sunday, the result will be extremely important for each party. In the case of defeat "Manchester United" may lose its leadership in the standings, but "Aston Villa will lose the last chance to tour in the Champions League for next season.
Wenger wants to see the difference in points scored invoiced
Head coach of the London-based Arsenal Arsène Wenger believes that it would be appropriate in terms of entertainment football calculate points for the difference slaughtered and missed balls.
"It would like to see the system of charging points, which team gets more points for their score balls. Suppose the match ended with the score 6:3 - team gets three points for a victory and three points for different goals, I think that this will improve entertainment football ", - said Wenger.
"I want to introduce such a system because of the fact that entertainment is the game has plummeted because of the fact that the coach is a great pressure and they are forced to exclude the slightest risk in the construction of tactical schemes of the game his team" - Wenger argues.
"It would like to see the system of charging points, which team gets more points for their score balls. Suppose the match ended with the score 6:3 - team gets three points for a victory and three points for different goals, I think that this will improve entertainment football ", - said Wenger.
"I want to introduce such a system because of the fact that entertainment is the game has plummeted because of the fact that the coach is a great pressure and they are forced to exclude the slightest risk in the construction of tactical schemes of the game his team" - Wenger argues.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Hiddink: "I have been asked to maintain the" Chelsea "in the zone of the Champions League, more of me not require"
Before the "Chelsea" for the fifth time in five years, will meet in the play-off UEFA Champions League with Liverpool, "coach Guus Hiddink said the blue, that in this game for him" would not be secrets. " Battles with "Liverpool" in Europe have become mandatory test for any coach "Chelsea". After Jose Mourinyu Grant and Abraham came Hiddinka turn to fight with Rafael Benitez. "In modern football, there is no secret - said Hiddink. - Coaches know the players, the players know each other well, mentors are familiar with their style of play. So everything is very open and at the same time very hard. Benítez has proved that he was coach of intellect, I await with interest the forthcoming battle. Nevertheless, we are able to plan their actions. Players will translate the plan into action, and, as always, everything will depend on the details of execution. " Last season Chelsea were lucky. Own Jon-Arne Riise, scored in added time of the first semifinal match, eventually tip the scales on the side of Londoners. Fate finally smiled "Chelsea", when the blue twice - in 2005 and 2007 - less "Liverpool in the semifinals with a minimal difference in the sum of two meetings. Like last season, "Chelsea" long gear before you dial the steady progress. And the appearance at the helm instead of Luis Felipe Hiddinka Scholar reported blue extra incentive. Dutchman arrived at Chelsea in January as an interim coach, as well as to continue to work with Team Russia. Since then, the London club stayed 1 / 4 finals of the Champions League and Cup semifinal in England, as well as to reduce the backlog of first place in the Premier League, up to four points. "From day one, I said that we should give the result - said Hiddink. - And the players responded very well. I have been asked to maintain the" Chelsea "in the zone of the Champions League for the next campaign club always played in Europe. More from me which did not require . But now, when we are where we are, we can set higher goals. " Under the leadership of players Hiddinka "Chelsea" has returned the faith of our own forces. In particular - has opened a second wind from Didier Drogba, whose goal at the end of the match with Juventus "has a blue seat in the 1 / 4 finals. "From the very first day I worked with him, and was configured to work hard. He was a good tribute, decisive goals" - opened the coach Londoners. One of the main features of professional Hiddinka considered the ability to squeeze the maximum out of players trusted him. He said that love is the quality of the great Austrian trainer Ernst Happele, which had a considerable influence on its development. "I have not worked with him on a permanent basis, but we met a few times. He was one of my favorite coaches, because they could always make the best soccer player shows his game, whether in the Netherlands, Belgium or Germany." Now it is the quality value in the Hiddinke worldwide. Drogba, lost in the game Scholar form and place in the composition, just one example. But the Dutchman is not inclined to consider themselves a great motivator. "I'm trying to find players who have an internal motivation, even if they are professionals dealing with good salary. This is the most important thing for me - he said. - How would a professional may be a player in the heart of it must be love for football. " The need to distribute power between the national team of Russia and "Chelsea" does not seem to affect the efficiency Hiddinka. After a player and a coach on four continents, is now 62-year-old specialist makes a name for himself in the home of football. "When you work with the Koreans and Australians do not feel a big difference - he said." - The only difference is that the use of their own culture in order to achieve the goals. The attraction of English football is based on the spirit. It likes to play at a high speed, fight, attack at soon as possible and always strive to someone else's punishment. " Hiddinku fortunate in that he came to work in England at the right time. Premier League clubs dominate Europe. Last season Champions League Final was completely in English, and could well be that this year the situation will repeat itself. Hiddink has already won the European Champions Cup with PSV in 1988. If he is able to do so with Chelsea, he will face one of the Happelem and Ottmarom Hitzfeld, who won in the main club tournament in Europe with two different clubs. "Victory in this competition - a great achievement for a club such as PSV, - said Hiddink. - Young Coach of the way I was then, could such a dream. After many years in this profession, when my career is already nearing its end, it was would be nice if we also got to the finals "
Wenger will remain at Arsenal 'till 2011
Arsène Wenger, although close to the care of the "Arsenal", but the next two years, the club will hold the first team under him. The contract ends with the French specialist in summer 2011, and Wenger intends to work until the end. "No we do not have life-long contract. But Arsen - our coach, which we trust. We believe that it will work for a long time here," - said the executive director of Arsenal Ivan Gazidis.
Maldini will hold a farewell match for the national team on 6 June
Italian team coach Marcello Lippe confirmed that Paolo Maldini can hold a farewell match for "skuadru adzurru", the Gazzetta dello Sport. Most likely, Maldini will play the last game in a T-shirt team on 6 June, when the Italians will have a friendly match with Northern Ireland. Recall that a 40-year-old Maldini left the national team after the World Cup 2002.
Real" officially denied interest in Maykonu
Yesterday on the official website of Madrid" Real "news came as follows:" In view of the news published AS on Thursday, 2 April 2009, with the headline on page 14: "Transformers" has already made an offer on Maykonu "in which personal Adviser player Mario Rossi argues that "Real" send fax "Inter", "Our club wants to refute this information by virtue of an agreement Vicente Boludy and its board of directors does not begin and does not promote any negotiations relating to the possible transfer of the player during the term of their stay at the club.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Huntelaar: Ajax, of course, a fantastic club, but "Real" better "
Striker Real "Klaas Jan Huntelaar gave a small interview.
- When did you start playing soccer?
- When I first began to win trophies and grow as a professional footballer, then I first realized that a lot I can achieve in football world
- Who was your idol?
When I was a kid - Hull and Van Bastien, and then Dennis Bergkamp.
What do you most like in the "Real"?
- Stadium and the fans. This is just fantastic.
- Want something to tell the fans?
- I am sure that will only improve as a football player and can score many goals for Real Madrid. "
- When did you start playing soccer?
- This was at the age of four or five years. I played in a team where there were several members of my family. My father was a coach, and he began to raise me from a professional football player.
- What are the oldest memories of your football career?- When I first began to win trophies and grow as a professional footballer, then I first realized that a lot I can achieve in football world
- Who was your idol?
When I was a kid - Hull and Van Bastien, and then Dennis Bergkamp.
What do you most like in the "Real"?
- Stadium and the fans. This is just fantastic.
- Want something to tell the fans?
- I am sure that will only improve as a football player and can score many goals for Real Madrid. "
"Milan can change the title sponsor
"Milan", may change the title sponsor of the club. If milantsy not be able to negotiate with his current sponsor (bookmaker office BWIN), which is valid only until 30 June 2010, the following main sponsor of the Italian club will be Arabic company dealing with transport. Name of the company has not yet been disclosed, the TMW.
Schuster is close to signing a new contract with Roma "
According to Il Messaggero, the captain of "Roma" Francesco Schuster is close to signing a new contract with the capital club. Recall that the current agreement expires in January of this year. It should be noted that in the negotiations both sides have found common view, it remains the case for small - to put a signature.
Barcelona can be worse goalie "Villarreal" Lopez
Barcelona continues to search for a new goalkeeper to replace Victor Valdés, who has not pleased with his game. TMW reports that blaugrana interested in goalkeeper "Villarreal, 27-year-old Diego Lopez. Approximate cost of a football player at 20 million euros
Berbatov: We will fight till the end
In an interview with MUTV Bulgarian forward «United» Dimitar Berbatov said he wants to catch up on the won the title with its partners in the team and hopes that the club will hold a crucial piece of good seasons. «In football, everything is possible. If you believe in yourself, continue to fight and really want to achieve something, it necessarily will. We need to believe in their skills and their abilities. I think the coach knows how to prepare us for the crucial games. We will fight until the very end. We have the opportunity to win three major trophies, and I told the guys in the locker room: «You have already won the Champions League and Premier League. The only one who did not - that's me. I really really want to become the owner of these awards, so to be able to tell the other players: «I am one of you». «We have a strong team and we all support each other. We know how to react to defeat. After the teams play the matches is not easy, because after two games the players returned to the club a little bit tired, but immediately after a match in the championship. But that is our job here is not to complain about that. I look forward to the crucial stage of the season. We know what lies ahead, and realize that if we can achieve all these goals, it will be a wonderful result for us all. Along the way, we will a lot of obstacles, and soon we will be some very difficult matches. It will be very difficult and we have to play under great pressure. But in the end, such a great club like «Manchester United» always fought to win in all events ».
Benitez: I should apologize to the Ferguson
Head Coach «Liverpool» Rafael Benitez said that he is willing to apologize to Sir Alex for his «it on paper», in which he accused Ferguson of all mortal sins, but also said that intends to transmit the steering «Red Devils» bottle of Spanish wine as Sorry. «Maybe I should apologize to Sir Alex», - quotes Benítez News Of The People. «In recent years, we could not adequately compete with his team and therefore degrees of resistance decreased. But this season we are once again deeply involved in the champions race, and I had to take part in these mind games that are so fond of Ferguson ». «Yes, I admit that this was not a good idea, because after that our team lost its way. Well, then I lose and admit it. But we returned to the champions race, despite the fact that all the newspapers have already written off our accounts. Now I can safely admit it and apologize to defeat Ferguson. I will say honestly, it was not my idea. I heard that after the match, he would often raspivaet bottle of good wine with a rival coach, and I hope that it will take from me and a bottle of excellent Utiel-Requena. Despite our rivalry, it is difficult not to recognize that Ferguson - one of the greatest trainers of the world ».
Rooney and Bekhem assaulted in a bar
National team of England players Wayne Rooney and David Beckham were involved in an unpleasant incident in a London bar on the night before the match with a team of Ukraine. Football notes that Rooney ranks the best players of English league last season. All would be quietly and peacefully, but suddenly someone from the bar drunk visitors began to insult the British stars, and when he had hooked one of his replica wife Bekhema, David failed and struck him on the head with a bottle. Rooney did not stand aside and embarked on a mass brawl, which was a place in, after which the well-known were taken to the police department.
Capelli likened Rooney to Raul
England coach Fabio Capelli, once again let the compliments forward Wayne Rooney, comparing that with the Madrid attackers «Real» Raul. «I can compare these two, as was the case with the two, Rooney is very similar to Raoul as to the manner of movement on the field, and on the passions and emotions, it spills on the field», - considers Capelli. «I think that Rooney could be the future captain of the national team, by the way, glad to Sir Alex Ferguson, who as a lament about the appropriateness of the acquisition of the player, now« Fergi »obviously not sorry about his choice», - said the well-known Italian specialist .
England - Ukraine - 2:1
March 30. Stadium «Wembley» (London, England). 87 548 spectators. Judge: Claus Bo Larsen (Odense, Denmark). England - Ukraine - 2:1 (1:0) Goals: Crouch, 29 - 1:0; Shevchenko, 73 - 1:1; Terry, 83 - 2:1. ENGLAND: James, Johnson, Rio Ferdinand (Yagilka, 87), Terry, Ashley Cole, Aaron Lennon (Bekhem, 58), Barry, Lampard, Dzherrard, Crouch (Shaun Wright-Phillips 79), Rooney. UKRAINE: Pyatov, Shevchuk, Yarmash, Chigrinsky, Mikhalik, Valyaev (Nazarenko 61), Tymoshchuk, Aliev, Слюсар (Kalinichenko 88), Voronin (Shevchenko 55), Milevskiy
Ibragimovich has not yet accepted
Forward Milan «Inter» Zlatan Ibragimovich still can not accept a departure from the Champions League. «I am very tired to stop halfway to the cherished goal, I will not hide the fact that I really want to win the Champions League, so some of my statements after a meeting with mankuniantsami was made solely on the emotions», - said Ibragimovich. «Perhaps, it was a very bad defeat in my career. I think we will win, but this is football, so here it can not be helped, not to say that I am uninteresting Italian championship, but win the Champions League - the dream of any player of any club the world », - considers Ibragimovich.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Rooney's cup quest
Wayne Rooney has revealed that he wants to fulfil his boyhood dream and add the FA Cup to his Old Trafford trophy collection.United take on Everton in the semi-finals at Wembley on Sunday 19 April, with Chelsea and Arsenal fighting it out in the other last four tie the day before.Rooney was on the losing side in the 2007 final against Chelsea, and also tasted defeat against Arsenal on penalties in 2005. Those experiences merely mean Rooney will redouble his efforts to win the trophy this term.“I’m desperate to win the FA Cup,” Wayne told Inside United. “If I’m honest, it’s the trophy I wanted to win the most when I was younger. Like most kids, I grew up dreaming of scoring the winner in a cup final at Wembley.“Also, as an Everton fan I wasn’t under any illusions that we were good enough to win the league, so the cup competitions were much more realistic.“The FA Cup has such a big history, and that’s stuck with me all these years. I’ve played in two finals with United and lost them both and that’s a horrible feeling. I really want to win it this season. That would be a dream come true.”
World Cup bids continue
Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani helped Portugal to a 2-0 friendly victory over South Africa on Tuesday night as Carlos Queiroz's side bounced back from a disappointing goalless draw in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Sweden.Nani started the match on neutral territory in Switzerland, while Ronaldo came on in the 56th minute in place of Chelsea midfielder Deco, who set up both of Portugal's goals for Bruno Alves and Edinho from corners.Meanwhile, United goalkeeper Ben Amos helped England's U20s to a 2-0 victory over Italy at Loftus Road after coming on as a half-time substitute. The victory got England’s preparations for the FIFA U20 World Cup off to a fine start and Amos impressed throughout his 45-minute run-out, pulling off a string of fine saves to ensure a clean sheet for the Three Lions.Fellow Reds' stopper Sam Johnstone, a schoolboy at Old Trafford, followed suit as England U17s completed their Elite Round qualifying games for the last eight of the European Championship Finals with a 2-0 win over Hungary. Johnstone played the full 90 minutes as England maintained their perfect record in the competition.A number of Reds are likely to be in action for the Three Lions' senior side on Wednesday night as Fabio Capello's side entertain the Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley. Wayne Rooney, scorer of two of England's four goals in Saturday's friendly win over Slovakia, is set to win his 50th cap, while Rio Ferdinand has recovered from the back injury which kept him out of the Slovakia victory. Michael Carrick and Ben Foster are also in the squad.
Berba driven by envy
Dimitar Berbatov is envious of his United team-mates’ trophy collections and says he is determined to help fire the Reds to glory on three fronts when club football resumes after the international hiatus.Berbatov isn’t honing his sights on one trophy as United prepare to press on in the title race, Europe and the FA Cup.“Everything is possible,” the striker told MUTV. “If you believe and have faith, and you really want it, it can happen.“We need to really believe in our quality and our ability. I think the gaffer will know the right encouragement to give us to prepare for the games we have. We will stay strong to the end.“From now on we have three major trophies to win, and like I told the boys in the dressing room, ‘you have already won the Champions League and Premier League’. The only one who hasn’t is me. I really want to win those trophies so I can say to the other players, ‘I am one of you’.”The Bulgarian striker, who faces a race to be fit for Sunday’s crucial league clash with Aston Villa, didn’t join up with international team-mates due to the ankle injury sustained at Fulham 10 days ago. Whether he makes the match or not, he says it’s vital United get
Finland Russia has allocated 3700 tickets for the June match in Helsinki
The Russian Federation informed the fans of sports national team of Russia that the qualifying match of the FM-2010 between the national teams of Finland and Russia held at the stadium "Olympic Stadium" in Helsinki, 10 June, at 20.30 local time, the official site of XRF. Football Federation of Finland provided the Russian side of 3700 tickets (tribune in sector 14-15-16), 2-nd category at a price 40 euro and 250 pass the 1 st category (platform A, sector 2) value of 120 euros. Payment will be made in rubles at the Central Bank exchange rate on the day of sale.
Borrello: "I want to go back in May and play the last rounds,"
Striker Milan Marco Borrello eve commented on his recovery from injuries and shared thoughts about the imminent return to the field. "I want to go back in May and play the last rounds." "We often do, along with Gattuzo. We look at each other and podhlestyvaem each other for a speedy recovery." "I almost do not feel pain. After a week I will scamper. I do for 6 hours a day, because really want to play." "Injury has helped me understand that I love it. The coach and my partners do not forget me. I knew my body better. Play the last 2-3 games, it would be so much fun after a long absence." "It's very sad to watch from the stands to feed Beckham. I so want to be there, in the penalty. I have to adjust to any ball. I really want to play and hopefully that will start all over again.'ll Start successfully." "I do not want to blame the medical staff. I sometimes do not clog in the empty goal. Mistakes happen at all. And doctors, too."
Mertezaker: "If Russia want to look good, it would not be playing in his favorite style"
Defender "Bremen" and the national team of Germany Peer Mertezaker both commented on the situation in the fourth selection panel FM-2010 and estimated the chances of his team to success in the coming battle with the Welsh national team. "In every game we needed, we must strive for success. In other words, we want to give ourselves a victory. Now we have to an important match in Cardiff, and of course we will try to win it." "If you want to leave the field victorious, you need to score the required number of animals. But in any case and the protection must be reliable. In Cardiff, a line of work will certainly be more than the match against Liechtenstein. We must act in the same spirit as in the last qualifying game, which had a well - surely the defensive, organizing acute attack. " "I agree with the fact that the fate of the first places in our group decided in Moscow? This is not the time to think about the match in the Russian capital. Before traveling to your country we will be other important games, which is necessary to win." "After the victory over the Welsh team visiting Finns are becoming a serious competitor? This is for sure. But Finland have come to Germany. In any case, we must take this team very carefully - in Helsinki, is against it played only a draw. And Russia trip to Finland yet to be ... We do pick up an interesting group - it can teach everyone a surprise. " "What is in the Russian team? Here everything is clear. Even at the European Championship in the performance of your team, we saw a lot of fast attack football. If Russia want to look good, it would not be playing in his favorite style."
Anderson did not play with a team of Peru
Midfielder "Manchester United" and the national team of Brazil Anderson did not play in the game with a team of Peru, the official site of Football Federation of Brazil. Footballer received minor injuries in a training team, and was not included in the request for a duel with the Peruvians.
Van Percy: "I must see how the" Arsenal "is going to succeed"
Striker Arsenal Robin Van Percy stated that he was ready to sign a new contract with the club, if the case proves his ambitions of winning trophies. At this point forward the national team of Holland is still negotiating a new 3-year contract. Until the end of the current agreement with the van Percy "gunner" is only 18 months. According to unofficial data, the new wage Van Percy was about 80 thousand pounds a week. Nevertheless, the football player believes that money is not a matter of who caused the delay in the negotiation process. "In monetary terms the last sentence of" Arsenal "was very pleasant, but that's not important. The club must match my ambitions. I have to see how they planned to transform into reality. Over the past 4 years I have won only one trophy, the Cup in England, and it is too little. I want to do better "- said van Percy. It should say that the development of the situation around for a new contract to monitor a number of European grandees who would not mind to get the talented Dutch. According to rumors, one of the main pretenders to the 25-year-old van Percy is the Spanish "Barcelona". "I continue to lead the negotiations with Arsenal." Everything goes according to plan - in a very positive atmosphere. Soon will be some more meetings. The club and I want one - to win trophies. All other factors in order to achieve this goal we have - a fantastic stadium , fantastic support and money in the account at the bank. " "What remains is the only final step to fulfill our objectives. I am confident that I am able to do play an important role in the raising of" Arsenal "to a new level," - added van Percy. Recall that van Percy moved to London club from Dutch "Feyenoorda" in 2004. In the last 3 seasons he is regularly hampered by injuries, but his 170 matches for Arsenal, he played, clogging them 59 heads.
Shearer has agreed to lead the "Newcastle"
Yesterday it became known, that legendary forward Alan Shearer has agreed to become head coach of "Newcastle", informs skysports. Shearer will lead a team at least until the end of the season. Confirmed on the appointment will be announced in the coming days. Recall that Shearer is the record for number of games in the "forty" (206 matches), but has repeatedly refused to lead the club. After the chief coach Joe Kinneyr was at the hospital because of problems with the heart, the team is headed by Chris Hyuton. Recall that at the moment, "Newcastle" is at 18th place in the standings Premier League.
Rooney - best player in England national team in 2008
As reported by BBC, 23-year-old striker "Manchester United" Wayne Rooney was named the best player the fans of English team in 2008. The survey was conducted on the official site of Football Association of England and Wayne ahead of Gareth Barry from Aston Villa and Theo Wolcott from Arsenal. Rooney received the award after the double in the friendly match with Team Slovakia in last Saturday, which ended in victory for the British with the score 4-0. Forward the "red devils" has scored 21 goal in the national team, and the next match on Wednesday against the Ukrainian national team has become for him the 50 th game in the "three lions". But Wayne is not going to rest on its laurels. "I want to win as many trophies, play as many matches and score as many goals. When I end a career, I can look back on their accomplishments, but until I play, I do not want to look back, I just want to go to the new objectives ", - said Wayne on the official FA website.
Park Ji-Sung: "This season is the most successful in my career"
Midfielder "Manchester United Park Ji-Sung, as commented on his victory in the vote on the title of the best players in March of mankuniantsev held on the official website of the team. "It's just good for the first time I won the title of" Player month since joined the "United", and it must be said that this season so far is for me the most successful in her career. The best that happened in March - it is what we got to the Champions League quarterfinal. worse - lose "Liverpool and Fulham." "I know that I can play even better, especially the head. I would like to thank all the fans who voted for me and promise that will make every effort to play as good as possible at the final stage of the season."
Ronaldo: «Moving to England - the most difficult stage of my career»
Krishtianu Ronaldo claims that the transition in 18 years «Sporting» in «Manchester United» was the most decisive step in life. «Leave the family and move to England - it was the most difficult stage of my career. I have experienced difficult times, because the family has always strongly supported me. Moving to another country, a new game for me, football, everything was very unusual. I was crying every week, but seriously as a grown man and footballer. This was an important time for me. Play «Manchester United» - a great honor for me in the club a lot of great players. I am happy, creating club history ».
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