Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Pizarro handed international ban
Claudio Pizarro is one of four Peru players to have been given an 18-month suspension from the national team.
The Chelsea striker broke a curfew by helping to organize a party following a 1-1 draw with Brazil in a World Cup qualifier back in November.
Along with PSV Eindhoven's Jefferson Farfan, Almeria defender Santiago Acasiete and Steaua Bucharest forward Andres Mendoza, Pizarro has also been handed a £10,000 fine.
The Peruvian FA justice committee has ruled that the quartet's ban should start from the time of the offence, meaning that they will able to represent their country once more from May 2009.
Currently sitting second from bottom in the South American World Cup qualifying group, Peru look unlikely to reach the finals in South Africa now that they will be forced to cope without four of their most established stars.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Serie A - Advisor: Mourinho in Inter talks
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has travelled to Italy for talks about a job with Internazionale, revealed his personal adviser Eladio Parames.
"Jose has left for Milan for talks with Inter's directors," Parames said.
Earlier this month, Inter coach Roberto Mancini said he wanted to quit the Serie A champions at the end of the season only to reverse his decision the following day.
On Thursday, Inter owner Massimo Moratti laughed off speculation he was lining up a replacement for Mancini.
"There is all this stuff to deny but I no longer have the patience to do it," he told reporters.
An Inter spokesman did not deny Friday's reports but said Moratti was not in Milan and reiterated the owner's comments about being fed up of denying rumours.
Mourinho has been linked with a host of top European clubs since his spell with Chelsea came to an end in September when the Premier League club said their relationship with the Portuguese had "broken down".
Mourinho, who dubbed himself the 'Special One' when he took over at Stamford Bridge after lifting the Champions League with Porto in 2004, was adored by Chelsea fans after winning two Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup.
The Portuguese, who has expressed a desire to work in Italy or Spain, was in Milan with his agent Jorge Mendes on Friday.
Inter remain top of Serie A but the gap has narrowed to just four points after they lost 2-1 at home to Juventus on Saturday while second-placed AS Roma beat Empoli 2-1.
Mancini was upbeat despite the defeat.
"We have an advantage, we have eight games left, hopefully we'll regain some players this week and I think we can win all eight," he said.
Mancini, who has four years left on his contract, shocked reporters on March 11 by announcing he wanted to quit following the Champions League last-16 defeat by Liverpool.
But after his change of heart the 43-year-old, in charge since 2004, looked set to stay on following talks with Moratti.
"I thank president Massimo Moratti for giving me strength, understanding the situation and understanding me," Mancini said the day after the Liverpool defeat.
He did not say he would stay for the long term but Moratti said the coach's desire was to fulfil his contract.
Mourinho was the media's favourite to take over if Mancini stood by his decision to quit.
Earlier this season, media reports said Moratti had held talks with Mourinho but the club and the Portuguese denied it.
Some media reports have said the speculation upset Mancini and it could have been a reason for his behaviour.
However, it appears the disappointment at going out in the Champions League first knockout round for a second straight season was the major factor.
Pires pens new Villarreal deal
Robert Pires has signed a one-year extension to keep him at Villarreal until the summer of 2009.
The French midfielder joined Villarreal from Arsenal in May 2006 but missed a large chunk of his first season with a knee injury.
He has established himself as a regular this term, making 26 appearances to aid Villarreal in their push for the Spanish league title.
The 34-year-old's contract had been set to expire at the end of June but coach Manuel Pellegrini has decided to reward his good performances with a new deal.
Pires has made no secret of his desire to stay at Villarreal and there had been reports in the Spanish media that he would request a two-year deal.
Lucio targets Real deal
Brazilian defender Lucio has indicated that he would be interested in a move to Real Madrid this summer.
The Bayern Munich centre-back has revealed that he intends to leave the Allianz Arena at the end of the season, with Spain his preferred destination.
Despite being contracted to the Bundesliga giants until 2011, Lucio is confident that a compromise can be reached which will allow him to seek a new challenge in his already illustrious career.
"It's definite that I am seeking to leave and my first is to play for Real Madrid or an important Italian team," he said.
"The moment has come for me to leave Bayern and I want to face a new challenge, either in Spain or Italy.
"I have enjoyed four excellent years at Bayern but there comes a time as a professional when you want to experience new sensations, most of all when you are not so young anymore.
"I think that this is the right moment to do that."
Ronnie could leave - agent
Ronaldinho's 'strained' relationship with Barcelona could see the Brazilian star leave the Spanish giants in the summer, according to the player's brother and agent Roberto Assis.
The 28-year-old forward's future at Camp Nou has been the subject of intense speculation over the course of the season as he has struggled for form and fitness.
Milan have been strongly linked with a summer move for the former Paris Saint Germain ace, while Chelsea are also reportedly monitoring his situation.
Ronaldinho came under further pressure when recent scans revealed he was not carrying a thigh injury, despite the player's claims to the contrary.
And in light of his seemingly eroding relationship with Barca, Assis has revealed that he is considering invoking article 17 of Fifa's transfer regulations as the value of the release clause in his contract is thought to be prohibitively high.
Criticism
Article 17 allows players to buy out the remainder of their contract under certain circumstances and would likely prove a cheaper option.
Assis told GloboEsporte.com: "The possibility of Ronaldinho leaving Barcelona is always there.
"We are aware of the release clause, but we also know about the existence of article 17. Anything is possible.
"In football, results determine how things go. Barcelona have not won anything since last season and, as Ronaldinho is the star of the team, he is the one who is given the worst criticism."
Assis did not rule out the possibility of Ronaldinho moving to fierce rivals Real Madrid, saying: "It has already happened a number of times, even to big names such as Luis Figo.
"However, I don't like to name specific clubs."
Strained
Assis added that Ronaldinho could stay at the Camp Nou should Barca lift either the Primera Liga or UEFA Champions League title come the end of the season.
He said: "The relationship is strained, but imagine if Barca win the Champions League. They wouldn't let him go if he was a champion, would they?
"With their hands on a title, everything would be different."
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Giovani wants Barca stay
Giovani Dos Santos has stated that he has never considered leaving Barcelona amid fresh rumours that Manchester City could be set to make a move in the summer.
The Mexican starlet has been linked to various clubs since being promoted to the Blaugrana first team, but he has rejected any notion that he wants to go.
While City are the latest club to show an interest, Chelsea and Liverpool have both made tentative enquiries according to reports in England and Spain.
"I cannot avoid rumours about me going to the Premier League or to any other place," Dos Santos told a press conference.
"I just live in the present. I am here now and what I would like most is to be here next season and for many more years after that if it is possible.
"It has never entered my head to leave Barcelona."
Injury
While Dos Santos is said to have irritated the Camp Nou board by asking for a higher salary, he has been pleased with the faith that the coaching staff have shown in him.
Proposed surgery on a troublesome left ankle has been postponed until the summer and he has had several painkilling injections after being told he is needed to play.
"I have spoken to the doctors, the coach and the technical secretary and we have reached an agreement that I would have an injection," Dos Santos continued.
"I have already had three of them and I am improving and have been given the all clear by the doctors.
"The decision is, I think, the correct one for me and the team. When the season finishes I will have an operation, but I am very pleased with the confidence that the club has put in me."
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Mascherano charged by FA
Javier Mascherano has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association.
The Liverpool midfielder faces further disciplinary action following his reaction to being dismissed by referee Steve Bennett in the defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Mascherano had to be restrained by his team-mates, manager Rafa Benitez and members of the Liverpool back-room staff after being shown a second yellow card for questioning Bennett's decision to book team-mate Fernando Torres.
Reaction
A statement from the FA read: "The charge relates to his reaction towards referee Steve Bennett after being sent off against Manchester United on Sunday, 23rd March.
"He has until 6pm tomorrow to respond. The case will be heard by a regulatory commission on Friday, 4th April.
"Mascherano is currently serving a one-match suspension for the sending-off."
The Argentina international could now face a further suspension following the FA's decision.
Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford left Liverpool 14 points behind the Premier League leaders and out of the title race for this season.
Benitez's men are just two points ahead of Merseyside rivals Everton in the race for fourth place with the two teams due to meet at Anfield on Sunday.
Everton sign 7 year-old Harry Yates
Everton have beaten off competition from Manchester United and Liverpool to secure the signing of a seven-year-old goalkeeper. Harry Yates will join up with Everton after being spotted playing for his junior side.
After much interest from a number of teams, including Manchester United and Liverpool, his parents decided the young goalkeeper from Heaton Mersey in Stockport, will be given the best care at Everton.
Harry’s father Phil, himself a former goalie, reckons it was only a matter of time.
“He has no other real hobbies - it really is his number one passion,” he said. “We even had to get him soft balls because we can’t stop him kicking around inside, so bang go the ornaments and glassware.”
Harry also practices every day with the half-sized nets that have been put up in his back garden.
The potential young star will practice on the same field as the first team at their Finch Lane facility in Halewood, Cheshire.
“He’s not stopped talking about it and says he has butterflies in his tummy,” said Phil, “He is old enough to understand what a big thing it is but his mother and I have kept his feet on the ground.”
“He also knows he can be dropped just as easily if the effort flags but it will be a fantastic experience.” Harry’s mum Julia added: “Our biggest concern is that he enjoys his journey.”
When I first read the news I wasn’t entirely sure what I felt about it. I’m all for finding and developing young talent, but seven years-old just seems too young and vaguely wrong somehow.
I am in no way criticising Harry or his parents and I wish them the very best of luck. They seem really sensible and are doing what almost any parents would do in the same situation.
If I am criticising anything, it is the football world and society in general. Surely seven years old is too young for any football clubs to be ‘pursuing’ anyone.
I have a friend of a friend who has had a son at Bristol Rovers since the age of nine. Now, at seventeen, the boy has been released. That is an awful situation for the boy. Eight years of dreaming of being a professional footballer and playing for his local professional side, and then gone. It’s all over.
I know from personal experience that on that dreaded day when you are told, “Sorry son, you’re not going to make it,” the lives of the children and parents change forever. Imagine this family at Bristol Rovers. At least twice a week for eight years the boy has met up with and trained with his mates. The Dad, if he was anything like me, will have formed great frienships with the other parents at the club. So when the child is released by the club, not only are dreams shattered, your whole life changes as well.
You walk in one door to speak to the Academy director and walk out the other with a different life. It is a massive moment and one that needs to be managed carefully if it isn’t to have a psychological effect on all concerned.
I can’t speak for Everton, but in the case of most professional clubs it is a case of “Goodbye and thanks for coming” when they release a young player. As far as they are concerned that is the end of their involvement with the young person, and it is left to the parents to pick up the pieces.
That is what worries me about young Harry. He might turn out to be the next Neville Southall or Tim Howard, but that is still a one in a million chance. So many things could go wrong. He might not grow big enough for example. I have another friend who is the father of a very talented goalkeeper. He was at Bournemouth for a while but he stopped growing at around 5′8″. It doesn’t matter how talented he is, at that size he will never go beyond semi-pro football.
The boy might just not develop enough to make it. I hope he does, but although Harry’s father talks about keeping ‘his feet on the ground’ the dreams are already beginning. To Everton, Harry will just be another kid on the production line. To Harry and his parents this is their life. They must start to prepare for possible disappointment because Harry could go all the way to sixteen or seventeen years old and then be discarded. Everton won’t care because they’ll have other young keepers that they think are better.
I don’t want to sound like the ‘Grinch’ and I don’t want to spoil anyones ambitions or dreams, but I do fear for the psychological well being of kids who are handed the dream at such a young age.
Capello hit by Les Bleus
Fabio Capello suffered his first defeat as England manager as a penalty from Franck Ribery handed France a 1-0 friendly win at the Stade de France in David Beckham's 100th appearance.
Ribery struck the only goal of the game as he calmly slotted home from the penalty spot on 32 minutes after David James had brought down Nicolas Anelka in the 18-yard area to condemn Capello to defeat in his second match in the England hot-seat.
England - who had Beckham winning his 100th cap in their first XI - enjoyed the better of the opening possession, but Wayne Rooney was isolated in a lone striking role and Gregory Coupet in the France goal was rarely threatened.
Capello introduced Michael Owen and Peter Crouch in place of Rooney and Steven Gerrard among four changes at the interval, but the move had little effect.
Centurion Beckham also made way for David Bentley midway through the second 45 minutes as Capello attempted to find a way back into the game.
Threat
However, France continued to enjoy the better of proceedings and Anelka went close to extending the host's lead as the striker fired over at the near post.
England began brightly enough and might have taken the lead after 14 minutes when Ashley Cole flashed in a dangerous cross which Coupet could only palm away and Beckham, racing in, failed by a smidgen to nudge home what would have been a fairytale goal.
Gerrard then shot high and wide and followed it up with a header just over from a Wes Brown cross.
But while England were not without a modicum of threat the quality belonged to the men in blue.
Ribery, in particular, was a controlling influence in midfield and the slickness of the French triangles he engineered was pleasing on the eye.
Anelka danger
Things began to go seriously awry for Capello's men after 30 minutes when Francois Clerc's through ball ripped open England's defence, leaving Anelka in acres of space and bearing down on James.
The Chelsea striker showed all of his pace and he reached the ball first, toe-ending it away from James before being sent cart wheeling spectacularly across the turf by the unfortunate goalkeeper.
James will have experienced flashbacks to Euro 2004 where he was involved in a very similar collision with French forward Thierry Henry.
German referee Florian Meyer took the easiest decision of the night as he pointed to the spot and Ribery dispatched the penalty with some comfort
It was Ribery who was again at the centre of the action when Beckham received a yellow card.
Ribery picked up the ball, sprinted away from Beckham and the only way Los Angeles Galaxy man could stay with him was to hitch a lift on his shirt tail.
Magic
Just to prove that some of the old magic still remains, however, he then sprayed a 50-yard pass to Gerrard which sent ripples of applause around the stadium.
Half-time saw Capello ring the changes with John Terry replaced by Joleon Lescott, with Stewart Downing coming on for Joe Cole, Crouch for Gerrard and Owen for Rooney.
It was Owen's first action under Capello but he had little opportunity to convince the Italian of his sharpness.
Indeed, if Capello was looking for a more vibrant England, a team who passed accurately and played with a mixture of patience and high tempo, then little of that was on show in Paris.
England's travelling army were left with just their memory of Beckham - and the night he joined Billy Wright, Sir Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore and 125-cap record-holder Peter Shilton as a member of the 100 club.
Euro 2008:A preview of the tournament's best 11
In June, 16 of Europe’s best national sides will descend upon Austria and Switzerland for the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship, or as most people call it, Euro 2008. While many of the continent’s top teams will be on display, some of Europe’s - and the world’s - best will be as well, so even if your team isn’t in it, you still have plenty reason to watch.
With that in mind and before the tournament begins, we (as in I) have conjured up the juggernaut of juggernauts, an All-Star Euro 2008 Starting XI.
There are several players you won’t see on this list, like Francesco Totti, Fernando Torres, and others, but I compiled this list with one major rule - no more than two players from one country, for the sake of diversity. Keeping that rule in mind, I did try to include the best players, both promising youngsters and experienced stalwarts alike. So, while all of the names below are recognizable, you may not agree with all of the selections. Then again, you’re not supposed to.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon, Italy
You’ve got to give Buffon a lot of credit for remaining loyal to Juventus even after they were relegated, because a lot of other players in his position wouldn’t have. All the while, he’s continued to remain in the best of the best at his position. It almost seems like he’s been around forever, but he only turned 30 in January.
Left Back: Philipp Lahm, Germany
Lahm put in a stellar performance in front of the home fans at the World Cup in 2006, and was chosen as the left back for UEFA’s Team of the Year that year. At 24, he’s still relatively young, but he’s rated at one of the best in his position, and that’s why he’s also in high demand as well, by the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona.
Center Back: Fabio Cannavaro, Italy
Cannavaro may be pushing 35, but there aren’t many in the game who patrol the backline as well as he still does. Cannavaro was the first defender to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award when he won the 2006 award (Paolo Maldini and Roberto Carlos finished second in 1995 and 1997 respectively), and also won the Ballon d’Or that year as well. Now at Real Madrid, he’s still going strong, and for his country, is well over the century mark in caps.
Right Back: Sergio Ramos, Spain
At only 21 (he’ll be 22 at the end of the month), Ramos is rated as one of the top rising prospects in European football, and has established himself as Spain’s first-choice right back.
The versatile Real Madrid man can also be a key part of attack, as he’s created several goals for Real this term, and scored a few as well.
Left Midfielder: Wesley Sneijder, Holland
A career-best season last term for Sneijder caught the eye of Real Madrid, who lured him from Ajax for 27 million euros. He got off to a cracking start in Madrid, scoring four goals in his first three matches, but has cooled since, with only two goals.
But, anytime he’s got the ball at his feet within scoring distance, you’ve got to be on your toes if you’re the keeper, because he can score from anywhere, right foot or left, standing up or falling down.
Center Midfielder: Cesc Fàbregas, Spain
Cesc has been in fine form this season, playing an integral part in Arsenal’s push to take back the Premier League title, scoring a dozen goals and setting many more up from midfield, continuing his rise as one of the top playmakers in the world.
He still has yet to break his international duck for Spain’s senior team, but the fact that he’s really found his scoring touch for his club this season bodes well for his country.
Center Midfielder: Luka Modric, Croatia
Modric is one of Croatia’s brightest talents, and is on the want-list of several top European clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal, where he could reunite with former Dinamo Zagreb teammate Eduardo. The 22-year old already has two dozen senior team caps to his name, and has many, many more to come.
It’s only a matter of time before he’s on his way to a big club, but a breakout performance at Euro 2008 could send his value through the roof.
Right Midfielder: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
He can play anywhere in attack, but I’ll stick him in at right winger here.
Besides his scoring exploits from the current season, Ronaldo was one of the top scorers in Euro 2008 qualifying, scoring eight goals in helping Portugal reach the final stage of the tournament.
Forward: Karim Benzema, France
Whether or not Jean-Michael Aulas likes it or not, Lyon continues to develop players who catch the eye of Europe’s top clubs.
Lyon’s latest gold-mine is the goal-getting 20-year old, who has really announced his presence to the rest of the continent with a tremendous campaign. He also looks to figure prominently in France’s plans in the summer. As to whose shirt he will be wearing come the start of next season, no one knows.
Forward: Miroslav Klose, Germany
could have put either Fernando Torres or Luca Toni here, but because there were two Italians and two Spaniards in the team already, Klose gets the nod.
He’s not a name that immediately jumps off the tongue when you think of the world’s top strikers, but everywhere he goes, he’s a good bet to find the net. In his first season at Bayern Munich, he’s combined with Luca Toni to make one of the best strike partnerships in Europe - and to keep Lukas Podolski on the bench, for the most part.
Klose was the Golden Boot winner at the last World Cup with five goals, after netting five times for the runners-up in World Cup 2002, which accounts for 10 of his 37 international goals.
So, who got left off? Like I said, guys like Totti, Torres, Luca Toni, Eric Abidal, and others to name a few of the more popular names, or even Rafael Van der Vaart, who’s been in terrific form for Hamburg SV this season.
There are also a few underrated names, like Russia’s Andrei Arshavin or Croatia’s Mladen Petric (the guy who put the dagger into England’s Euro 2008 qualifying hopes), who are big players for their respective sides, and I would have likely found a place for Arshavin, if he wasn’t going to be suspended for the first two group matches.
Rio aiming to emulate Keane
England's newest captain Rio Ferdinand is hoping some of Roy Keane's attributes have rubbed off on him when he leads out his country against France.
The Manchester United defender was given the captain's armband by Fabio Capello for Wednesday's international friendly against France at the Stade de France, live on Sky Sports 1.
Ferdinand is honoured to accept the captaincy, although it is one of the Red Devils' greatest skippers that the former Leeds man is hoping to emulate.
The 29-year-old is hoping he will be similar in style to Keane and not only lead by example, but also put himself in the firing line when questions need to be answered.
"Roy Keane was a fantastic captain. He led by example and played ever so well, getting marks of seven, eight or nine out of 10 every game," said Ferdinand.
"He was a man amongst men and, if questions need to be answered he was normally the first or second person to do that. He was a great captain and symbolic of Manchester United.
Honour
"Now for me to get the captaincy for my country is a dream come true and this is the biggest honour I've ever had.
"Of course, winning titles is unbelievable as well but I don't think you can compare the two to be honest. This is a great honour in itself.
"How many people are named as England captain? Not many and to be named alongside list of illustrious players is a great achievement in itself.
"I'll be wearing that armband with as much pride as anyone in the past."
Ferdinand has had somewhat of a chequered past after missing eight months of action for missing a drugs test, but he believes the trials and tribulations in his life have made him a better player.
"I think everyone goes through ups and downs, not only in their careers but in their lives. It is how you come out of those situations that is important," he continued.
Advantage
"Do you learn, do you take things on board and use it to your advantage in whichever way you can? I feel I've applied myself in the right manner whenever a situation has gone against me - and I will continue to do that.
"What do I say to people who say I shouldn't be captain? The easiest way to say it is the past is the past. People move on in their lives and mature, step up to the plate and become better people for having been through those situations.
"If someone does something wrong in their life, do you shut the door on them totally? I don't think that is the right way.
"I am sure this manager hasn't looked into the past and taken things in the past into account. He sees what he sees in the present and he deems me the man at the moment to wear the armband."
Capello - Captain is my choice
England coach Fabio Capello insists it was his choice not to pick John Terry as captain for the match with France on Wednesday.
The Chelsea star - skipper under previous boss Steve McClaren - was overlooked on Tuesday as Rio Ferdinand was appointed by the Italian to lead England out at the Stade de France in Paris.
Ferdinand takes charge after Steven Gerrard led out his country in Capello's opening match against Switzerland, but the Italian insists the Football Association put no pressure on him not to select Terry.
The FA is looking to improve the image of game and part of that is to make sure players do not berate officials - Terry was involved in the high-profile Ashley Cole incident where a number of Chelsea players surrounded referee Mike Riley earlier this month after a challenge on Tottenham's Alan Hutton.
No pressure
But Capello insists he was not influenced at all by his bosses at Soho Square.
"I wasn't put under any pressure and all the decisions I've made, technical or otherwise, have been my decisions. My choices," insisted Capello who looks set to rotate the armband amongst senior players until the World Cup qualifiers begin in September.
"I've got my own eyes, I can see things and I can understand things for myself.
"I said I would rotate the captains. I will have a permanent captain from August. Until then, John Terry has a chance to become England captain."
Capello set out his own list of credentials for any captain.
"A captain must be an example to follow in training and a leader during the game," he said.
"And, of course, I would hope he could be an example, a role model outside the game - in life - as well. That's very important, always. Not just for the England captain, but for everything that we, as sportsmen, show youngsters. That is very important. He has to be an example."
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The value of set-pieces in modern-day football
Football has undergone something of a revolution in the past few decades in many ways like tactics, diet and players themselves on the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo perhaps epitomises this in some aspects; his extraordinary free-kicks, willingness to float from one wing to another, dribbling ability and of course not forgetting his unbelievable goal return hitherto this season are all positive examples.
The 2007-8 Premiership season seems more than ever to have highlighted the beauty of possessing set-play specialists and players who can benefit from them. The old cliché that goalkeepers, for instance David James in recent times – England aside, can save around 12 points a season can surely be supplemented to for those teams who put in the practice on the training ground and regularly reap the dividends in tight games in a climate when every place in the league can bring around £500,000, or the loss of major revenue in the event of relegation. Of course, they are not responsible for a club like, for instance Derby County, staying up, but they can make a difference to others.
When discussing this topic in general inside or outside of the EPL, one might primarily think of free-kick takers such as Jose Luis Chilavert - the eccentric Paraguayan shot-stopper who made dead-ball conversions his trademark - or David Beckham, who needs no introduction after delivering countless majestic efforts from outside the box and assists galore from corners during his career. Of course, critics of Beckham suggest that he is unable to beat a man on the flank but nobody can deny his contribution to highlighting the prominence of practicing free-kicks in the modern game. With Beckham departing the Premiership in 2003 for Real Madrid, the fans of today would more likely credit Steven Gerrard or Ronaldo, the latter whose unique execution of this art regularly leaves pundits drooling, as being the major exponents. Laurent Robert was one name in between the two eras who carried the torch for Newcastle, but I recall one particular delivery when he played for Portsmouth at the City of Manchester Stadium in 2005 for John Viafara that was like a dream; the Colombian needed only the faintest of contact with the ball to beat David James and put Portsmouth in front. They lost that game thanks to Andy Cole and Claudio Reyna, but not much went right for the club under Alain Perrin, after all.
However, while stars such as those referred to above make invaluable contributions to for their respective Merseyside and Manchester clubs, it seems to be that the vast majority of clubs in the Premiership have players who can make things happen in these types of situations.
Writing as a City fan, this may have been more notable recently now that Joey Barton has departed for pastures new – his insistence on taking what felt like 95% of City’s fruitless set-pieces in 2006-7 with him – and seeing Elano earlier in the season bringing a hint of this value to the Citizens. That said, the Brazilian hasn’t contributed too much to this in recent months, but it can be little things and not necessarily free-kicks that are alluded to when discussing this. It can be a real joy to see, for instance, defenders pouring into the box for corner-kicks and something come of them.
As I write this, I am thinking of two instances; the first of which was Nedum Onouha firmly dispatching a header past Paul Robinson to wrap up 3 points in the clash with Tottenham recently, and in the 2006-7 campaign 3 points being the difference when City entertained Middlesbrough at Eastlands. The latter arrived courtesy of Barton’s corner finding Richard Dunne near the penalty spot; the affable Irishman wasted no time in directing a bullet header into the top-corner of Mark Schwarzer’s goal, securing what would ultimately be the 3 points.
Occasions with City profiting from corners like this can be, sadly, all too rare, which was all the more frustrating last term when they couldn’t score from open play with any regularity. Perhaps that’s why, to this author, it seems more notable that other clubs possess such traits. The examples above display the benefits for clubs, not just having the players who can deliver quality crosses and shots, but also the players who can get on the end of them.
It’s not necessarily about the big-names such as the two mentioned earlier, Lampard, Ballack, Van Persie and Fabregas. Teams like Everton and Aston Villa seem to benefit quite frequently. It’s no secret that Joleon Lescott and Tim Cahill have enjoyed great goalscoring campaigns, but players such as John Carew and Martin Laursen are regularly found from pinpoint Ashley Young crosses. Blackburn are another that spring to mind, with David Bentley and Morten Gamst Pedersen the players who can deliver while Roque Santa Cruz and Cristopher Samba attempt to create havoc. Nicky Shorey of Reading is a left-back capable of devastating accuracy as witnessed in their recent 2-1 triumph over Birmingham. The part such a facet plays in securing 3 points at the bottom end of Europe’s most physical league cannot be overstated.
Jamie O’Hara of Spurs also appears one likely to cause a few Premiership defences problems in the future, if his recent delivery for Darren Bent’s ‘illegal’ equaliser in that game at Eastlands recently is anything to go by. Martin Jol would surely have noticed Gareth Bale’s set-piece accomplishments at Southampton before splashing out to take the Welshman to White Hart Lane. Who could ignore the impact of Jimmy Bullard’s injury for Fulham when thinking about this aspect of the game? Upon his return he curled a terrific free-kick over the Aston Villa wall a few weeks ago and wrapped up 3 points for the struggling Cottagers.
With all of the above in mind, however, the discussion on the importance of set-plays needn’t always be an offensive one. It’s probably not as significant given the eventual results and Mascherano-gate, but did anybody else notice how Liverpool had nobody on the posts for Manchester United’s second? Even had Reina stayed on his line, it was a free header for Ronaldo and it would have been like a tracer bullet to save from 6 yards at any rate.
Chelsea were guilty of similar neglect against Arsenal; Bacary Sagna’s stooping effort beat Carlo Cudicini too easily. Perhaps the keeper would take some of the blame in this situation, but a man on the near post would have prevented it anyway. The irony wasn’t lost on this author when Martin Petrov, usually such a chaotic attacking threat, blocked a Bolton effort on the post as the 0-0 stalemate went deep into injury-time.
For one usually quite critical of the Blues from set-pieces, credit must go to them for employing this tactic and preventing Wanderers obtaining a massive 3 points!
Why Mascherano was wrong,Bennett was right and Andy gray was completely out of order
There has already been much written and much said about the sending off of Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano yesterday in the ‘Grand Slam Sunday’ game against Manchester United. He was dismissed for two yellow cards and with his departure went any hopes Liverpool had of getting something from the game and any outside hopes they had of staying in the race for the title.
At half time in the game, and afterwards, Sky Sports ‘voice of football’ Andy Gray declared that the sending off was a ridiculous piece of refereeing by an incompetent referee, or words to that effect. He expressed concern as to where the game is going if players are no longer able to speak to the referee.
I am no great fan of Steve Bennett’s as an official and his old style school master type of approach to refereeing is not one that I particularly enjoy. Having said that, I strongly believe that the action he took yesterday was correct and that Mascherano, and more particularly, Andy Gray, were completely in the wrong.
During the week Ashley Cole had shamed himself and the whole image of Premier League football with his petulant, childish and arrogant display when being lucky not to be sent off in Chelsea’s game at Tottenham. To be fair to Cole, he has apologised for the original tackle and the lack of respect he showed to referee Mike Riley.
As a result of that incident the whole English football industry have been discussing the FA’s respect agenda and the element of nastiness creeping into the Premier League games. Everyone, without exception, agreed that things needed to change. Steve Bennett himself was the fourth official in the Ashley Cole incident and came in for some criticism for not dealing better with it.
So it was against this background that the big game at Old Trafford took place yesterday. If I, a pleb supporter, was aware that dissent was going to be clamped down on, Bennett had been recently criticised and he always referees in a school master type way, then surely the players and the managers would be aware as well? Mascherano’s behaviour was poor, and the way he acted begs a huge question mark over his intelligence.
Mascherano is a great player and has performed exceptionally well for Liverpool this season. He doesn’t normally seem to be a ‘mouthy’ player and that made his performance yesterday even more surprising.
Steve Bennett had no choice but to give out the first yellow card. It was a reckless lunge early in the game, and in a high pressured local derby like this the referee has to take control early. Following his yellow card, Mascherano walked towards Bennett repeatedly saying, “F**k off.” It was clear and unacceptable, but Bennett showed leniency by booking him and warning him.
Mascherano then proceeded to commit two further fouls, either of which could arguably have been carded, and hurl abuse towards the referee when the free kicks were given. The warning Steve Bennett gave Mascherano could not have been clearer.
Then Steve Bennett decided to yellow card Fernando Torres. Now, this yellow card did seem harsh but we couldn’t see or hear what Torres actually said to the referee. Nor, of course, could Mascherano who decided to run fully twenty yards to remonstrate with Bennett.
Watching the game, I said, “He’s going to get sent off.” Alonso tried to grab his teammate and stop him from being foolish because he knew he would be sent off. Arbeloa looked skywards and annoyed because he knew his teammate was making a big mistake. Steve Bennett told Mascherano to go away or he would send him off. He continued to stand there and argue. He was sent off. Shock!
It is clear from the TV pictures that Mascherano was simply repeatedly saying “What’s happening.” He wasn’t swearing and he wasn’t, on that occasion, being particularly aggressive. In itself, maybe the yellow card in those circumstances would have been a little harsh. However, this was far from an isolated incident and Steve Bennett had already showed patience with the player and could have sent him off before he did. The fact that he ran so far and fought off a teammate to carry on the argument meant that Bennett had little choice.
The Liverpool players knew it, the Liverpool staff knew it and millions of people watching on television knew it.
At half time we were taken to the Sky Sports Studio studio where Richard Keys was talking to Jamie Redknapp and Andy Gray. Redknapp, a Liverpool fan and ex-player said what we were all thinking. Mascherano was stupid in the extreme and gave Steve Bennett no choice in the current climate.
Then Andy Gray, who I think has grown to believe his own publicity, starts to rant on about the referee losing control, the player simply asking a question, football going down the pan and it not being a ‘man’s game’ anymore. Total and utter rubbish Mr Gray. In your position, you should show a more responsible attitude.
The FA respect agenda is all about treating referees with respect. Commentators, fans, players and managers had all spoken out in the days prior to this game in support of the initiative. Even Sir Alex Ferguson and John Terry, two of the worst offenders over the years, spoke about how the harrassment of the officials has got to stop now.
Andy Gray said that the referees have a responsibility to take control. He said they should be ‘big enough’ to deal with situations. He suggested that Steve Bennett had lost control and ‘bottled’ the situation. Surely Bennett did quite the opposite? He repeatedly warned a player who was showing him no respect over a period of minutes and took control by sending him off and sending a strong message to players that this behaviour will no longer be tolerated.
Instead of taking the opportunity to reinforce the point that the whole football world has been making, as Jamie Redknapp and Tony Adams did on Sky, Andy Gray decided to fly in the face of common sense and criticise the referee and defend the player.
Later on I watched BBC’s Match of the Day, and whilst Alan Hansen and Gavin Peacok agreed that Mr Bennett’s style of refereeing is not to everyone’s taste, they both agreed that Mascherano had been asking to be sent off.
I was terribly disappointed with Sky Sports’ ‘Voice of football’. I think he did himself, Sky Sports and the Premier League generally a disservice with his, ‘it’s a man’s game’ attitude. Constant fouling, swearing at the referee and constant harrassment of the officials. Fighting off teammates who know you are being stupid. Which of these actions are the one’s that Andy Gray defines as ‘manly’ and which of them are the ones that he defends?
France vs England: Vieira confident of Capello's abilities
Fabio Capello is the right man to bring the best out of England's under-performing national side, according to France captain Patrick Vieira.
Vieira, the former Arsenal skipper who now plays for Serie A champions Inter Milan, had Capello as a coach at both AC Milan and Juventus.
The 31-year-old midfielder is a big fan of the Italian, who succeeded Steve McClaren as England boss in December and whose task is to lead the country to their first piece of silverware since 1966.
"I liked him when I played under him," said Vieira.
"At Juve, he always supported me as a player. There is always a gap between him and the players but he gives them his 100% confidence.
"He will get the best out of the (England) team. He knows what is needed to be a success.
"He respects everybody but he will not tolerate any players being individual - he wants them to play for the team.
"He is strict and will make sure you give 100% game after game.
"He will always be behind the players."
Vieira has ruled himself out of France's friendly against England tomorrow as a precaution after failing to recover from a thigh strain that kept him out of Saturday's Serie A match between Inter and Juventus.
Les Bleus coach Raymond Domenech is therefore likely to pair Chelsea anchorman Claude Makelele with Lyon's Jeremy Toulalan in the centre of midfield at the Stade de France.
Mathieu Flamini is enjoying a stunning season with Arsenal, however, and could push Toulalan for a starting spot.
Flamini, who has one cap to his name, said: "We have some very good players in midfield, and the coach has a choice to make.
"It is the same situation at Arsenal but I am playing as well as I can, and I will just continue to give my best."
Domenech's main problem area is up front, with Thierry Henry and Karim Benzema both pulling out of the squad yesterday because of injury.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is likely to lead the line and could be partnered by Juventus' David Trezeguet, who has replaced Benzema in the party.
Trezeguet is France's third top goalscorer of all time and the joint leading scorer in Serie A this season, but has been left out of recent Les Bleus squads.
Anelka welcomed the prospect of partnering Trezeguet against England, telling PA Sport: "He is a good striker who always scores goals.
"He is doing it at Juventus, where he is the top scorer in Italy, and he has done it with the French national team.
"I'm sure it will not be a problem for him to come back and perform."
Monday, March 24, 2008
Terry backs Becks for captain's role for ton
John Terry insists David Beckham should captain his country if he is handed his 100th cap against France on Wednesday night.
Terry is set to link up with the England squad for the first time under Fabio Capello but remains unsure of his own future as captain.
He was England skipper under former coach Steve McClaren but irrespective of his own ambitions to continue as leader of his country, the Chelsea defender believes Beckham deserves to wear the armband if he wins his 100th cap in Paris.
Terry told Sportsweek: 'David is a credit to himself and what he has done is exceptional. If he is going to start or come on, he fully deserves to wear that England armband.
'I am very nervous about joining up with the squad and certainly don't expect to be captain. I wish to continue as England captain and fingers crossed I can do that but if not I will respect Mr Capello's decision.'
And when asked whether he thought Beckham would win his century of caps, Terry replied: 'I certainly hope he will. He's proved his fitness and he was really disappointed not be involved in the last game.
'The whole country is hoping he gets his 100th cap, because if anyone deserves it David Beckham does.'
Terry is set to link up with the England squad for the first time under Fabio Capello but remains unsure of his own future as captain.
He was England skipper under former coach Steve McClaren but irrespective of his own ambitions to continue as leader of his country, the Chelsea defender believes Beckham deserves to wear the armband if he wins his 100th cap in Paris.
Terry told Sportsweek: 'David is a credit to himself and what he has done is exceptional. If he is going to start or come on, he fully deserves to wear that England armband.
'I am very nervous about joining up with the squad and certainly don't expect to be captain. I wish to continue as England captain and fingers crossed I can do that but if not I will respect Mr Capello's decision.'
And when asked whether he thought Beckham would win his century of caps, Terry replied: 'I certainly hope he will. He's proved his fitness and he was really disappointed not be involved in the last game.
'The whole country is hoping he gets his 100th cap, because if anyone deserves it David Beckham does.'
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Manchester United vs Liverpool - Preview - Grand slam sunday
You can forget Manchester United against Manchester City and Liverpool against Everton, this is the real derby. This is the one both sets of fans are desperate to win.
Liverpool look to be consolidating fourth place after a mid-season wobble and United have opened up what could be a crucial three point gap at the top.
With both teams challenging for the Champions League and Liverpool’s hopes for the title probably gone, you could be forgiven for expecting Benitez to rest a few of his players in this game. Whilst you never know what Rafa will do, I would think he would be risking public execution in Merseyside if he were to give it anything less than 100% against their old enemy.
United got a 1-0 win at Anfield earlier in the season with a Carlos Tevez goal late in the first half. Last season’s game at Old Trafford ended in a comfortable 2-0 victory for the home side.
It is unlikely to be comfortable for anyone this Sunday.
Let’s have a look at the runners and riders:
Form
Manchester United have just one defeat in their last six league games, the derby day game against Manchester City. Likewise, they have only that defeat in their last six home games, winning all the rest, including the somewhat tedious win over Bolton last night.
Liverpool go into the game on a great run of form winning their last five league games and drawing the one before that. Their recent away record is not quite so strong with two wins, three draws and one defeat in the last six.
The teams
MANCHESTER UNITED (Possible) Kuzszcak, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Giggs, Tevez, Rooney.
This team is based purely on the fact that Scholes, Carrick, Giggs and Rooney were all rested from last night’s win.
LIVERPOOL (Possible) Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard, Babel, Torres.
Obviously anything is possible when Rafa is picking the side, but the above would be unchanged.
Danger Men
For United there are danger men all over the park. Ronaldo with 24 goals this season, including two last night, together with Rooney and Tevez with 19 between them can be a frightening prospect for any side.
Liverpool will be looking to their two talismen, Steve Gerrard who has found the net 19 times in all competitions, back playing at his best and Fernando Torres with 27 goals, 9 in the last 6, possibly challenging Ronaldo for the player of the season award.
The Managers
It is pretty clear that Sir Alex and Rafa haven’t got a great deal of time for one another. Fergie recently supported Benitez in his public disagreements with the Anfield money men, but he did so in such a way that you were pretty sure he was taking the p*ss.
United, and Ferguson in particular, have accused Liverpool of ‘tapping up’ Gabriel Heinze last summer and have said that Benitez has a ‘chip on his shoulder.’
In return, Benitez has made comments about the ease with which United signed Tevez compared to the difficulty they had getting Mascherano. The insinuation he is making is obvious.
Predictions
In the last nine games between these two at Old Trafford, United have won five, Liverpool three and there has been one draw. United have won the last three.
It’ll be a battle, it always is between these two. Liverpool are going into the game playing well, but so are United. There was a time when Liverpool held something of the upper hand for a couple of seasons at Old Trafford, but that run has ended.
The battle between Torres and Ferdinand/Vidic will be crucial, as will the decision taken by Rafa as to whether to sit back or go for it.
It would, as they say, be a foolish man to predict this one. I’m foolish enough to say that I can see a 1-1 draw…or a Manchester United win…or a Liverpool one…Oh, I don’t know!
Chelsea vs Arsenal - Preview - Grand slam sunday
All of a sudden it was a three horse race at the top of the Premier League with Chelsea clambering back to battle with Arsenal and Manchester United. Now, after Chelsea threw away two points at Tottenham last night they sit two points behind Arsenal and five behind United. That makes this game a real six-pointer. A defeat for Chelsea would probably end their hopes.
Earlier in the season at the Emirates, Arsenal won the game 1-0 when a rare mistake by Cech allowed the much maligned William Gallas to notch the only goal in first half injury time.
Last season’s game at Stamford Bridge ended in a 1-1 draw. It is very unlikely that either team will run away with this one.
So let’s look at the runners and riders:
Form
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last six home games having won four of them. Overall, they are unbeaten in any of their last six games, but the 4-4 draw at Tottenham last night will feel like a defeat. To draw a game in which you have been 1-0, 3-1 and 4-3 up could have a seriously demoralising effect.
Likewise, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six away games winning three of them. Overall, they have won only two of their last six in the league and are currently on a sequence of four draws. Unlike the other big game this weekend, neither of these teams will be approaching the game in particularly confident mood.
The Teams
CHELSEA (Possible) Cech, Ferreira, Alex, Terry, A Cole, Makelele, Mikel, Lampard, Ballack, J Cole, Drogba.
Petr Cech may be fit to play but Cudicini will continue to deputise if not. Essien, Bridge, Carvalho, Kalou and Anelka will all be in with a shout of starting the game. With all the criticism of Avram Grant’s team selections he better get this one right!
ARSENAL (Possible) Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Adebayor, Van Persie.
This is likely to be the starting line-up for the Gooners but Wenger could spring a surprise.
Danger Men
For Chelsea there is Drogba with only six goals in an injury and African Cup of Nations hit season and/or Anelka who has scored eleven. There are also goals from the midfield in Ballack 4, Lampard 10 and Cole 7, all chipping in. Of course, if Kalou plays, he’s chipped in with 6 goals in only 12 starts this season as well.
Arsenal will be looking to Adebayor to rediscover the golden goal scoring touch he had earlier in the season which gave him 19 Premiership goals and will hope that Fabrigas (7) or someone else from the midfield area can produce the goods. There is a nasty story doing the rounds that Adebayor is being nicknamed ‘the new Sampson’ as he has lost all his goalscoring powers since he had his hair cut. The Gooners will also be looking to Van Persie to produce the sort of form he was hinting at prior to his injury.
The Managers
Avram Grant has come under intense media scrutiny following Chelsea’s exit from the FA Cup and their Carling Cup final defeat to Tottenham. The fans are said to be unhappy and the players are said to be unsettled.
The fact is that things are going pretty well in the League and Grant could still lead Chelsea to a Premiership and Champions League double. A win here would be a big step towards that goal.
Arsene Wenger has also come under media scrutiny following some of his recent comments. Unlike Grant however, I don’t think anyone is calling for him to be sacked.
It is strange that the reaction to the two managers is so different when they are so close in the League, both in the quarter finals of the Champions League and out of the other two competitions in disappointing circumstances.
Avram Grant has said he is ‘close friends’ with Wenger. He has said he wants to be ‘the Arsene Wenger of Chelsea.’
As far as I know, Wenger has never said he wants to be like Grant!
Predictions
In the last nine games at Stamford Bridge between these two, Chelsea have won two, Arsenal one and six have been draws.
This one is likely to be a tight old game. It could well be a battle. The two teams have previous with each other and there is no love lost.
There is the Ashley Cole factor as well. He was lucky to stay on the pitch after a dreadful tackle last night and is sure to be given a rough ride by the Arsenal fans.
Only a foolish man, as they say, would predict the result of this one. I’m foolish enough to say that I can see a draw…or a Chelsea win…or Arsenal…Oh I don’t know!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Real Madrid's Van Nistelrooy to have ankle op
Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is to have arthroscopic surgery for a problem with his right ankle, the Spanish champions said on Wednesday.
The Netherlands international has flown to Amsterdam for the operation, Real said in a statement on their website.
Van Nistelrooy has missed Real's last four matches in all competitions with a persistent swelling around the ankle joint and was absent from Wednesday's training session.
The club do not known how long he will be out of action though his presence at Euro 2008 is unlikely to be threatened.
The 31-year-old has scored 12 league goals for Real this term and his absence will be a major setback as they close in on a second consecutive Primera Liga title.
Real lead second-placed Barcelona by seven points with 10 matches left.
'One or two' youngsters set for call - Pearce
Stuart Pearce has hinted at 'one or two' possible surprises in Fabio Capello's England squad when it is named tomorrow.
But Under-21 boss Pearce, who is part of Capello's backroom staff, remained tight-lipped over who could be in included in the party to face France on March 26, claiming it is 'more than my job's worth'.
The former Manchester City manager opted to rest a host of regulars for next week's Under-21 friendly against Poland at Molineux.
Established names like Gabriel Agbonlahor, Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott, who have all previously featured in senior squads, are among the absentees.
'I'm not suggesting they've been left out totally to be left out but I'm also not suggesting one or two faces might turn up in Fabio's squad, that's down to him,' Pearce said.
'On Tuesday, before his squad's picked, that's not for me to say. As they say, it's more than my job's worth!'
However, he added: 'You never know, there might be one or two names that have been named in Fabio's squad that make you sit up and listen.'
Manchester City pair Joe Hart and Nedum Onuoha have been retained but Under-21 regulars like Steven Taylor, Tom Huddlestone and Mark Noble were also missing from the 20-man squad, while James Milner is injured.
Hull forward Fraizer Campbell, who marked his call-up with two goals in last night's win at Colchester, and Coventry pair Scott Dann and Daniel Fox are the three new faces in a squad, while Matt Derbyshire and Michael Johnson earned recalls.
With his team looking all but certain of qualification for the 2009 European Under-21 Championship play-offs, Pearce revealed it was important for him to take a look at his fringe players.
He said: 'I have left one or two lads out that are playing regularly for their clubs who I wouldn't learn a lot about if I played them - the Nobles, the Huddlestones and Steven Taylors - but these boys have the opportunity to stake a claim to the squad and to the team.
'For me, it was an easy decision. I could pick a squad which would feature maybe six or seven players that I have left away from it that have featured for me this season.
'What I want is an exercise where we win the game, that is most important, but also to find out about one or two of these players that have been around this squad for a long time and not played a lot of football.'
Dann and Fox have only recently joined Coca-Cola Championship strugglers Coventry from League One Walsall but Pearce revealed he has been monitoring the pair's progress for some time.
'Every report we have had the same thing is coming back - they have done extremely well. They deserve to be in this squad,' he added.
Blues vow to help police
Birmingham have been raided by police officers investigating football corruption.
The club has promised to co-operate fully with the City of London Police after financial documents were taken away to be examined early on Wednesday morning.
A police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that officers from the City of London Police executed a search warrant at a premises this morning in connection with the ongoing investigation into football corruption.
The raid was initially believed to relate to the Lord Stevens inquiry, which concentrated mainly on illicit payments to agents.
However, the spokeswoman denied that was the case, adding: "Our investigation is entirely separate from the Lord Stevens' inquiry."
Birmingham have made it clear they have done nothing illegal and that the investigation is not linked with any official club business.
"The club is fully co-operating with the police in their inquiries which relate to an unconnected third party or third parties," read a statement on the Birmingham website.
"For the avoidance of doubt no-one connected with the club has been questioned or arrested. No further comment will be made by the club."
Man United vs Bolton: Liverpool talk must wait
Sir Alex Ferguson insists the Easter Sunday clash against Liverpool will not deflect Manchester United from their immediate task of seeing off Bolton's challenge tomorrow.
The weekend's fixtures herald the start of those decisive meetings that could shape the destiny of this season's Premier League trophy, for not only do United face Liverpool but Arsenal play Chelsea.
But United's struggle to finish off Derby on Saturday has provided a timely warning ahead of Bolton's visit that nothing can be assumed, even when top-of-the-table are playing third-from-bottom at home.
Ferguson said: "There are big games coming up and Liverpool is one of them, especially when you consider Chelsea are playing Arsenal on the same day.
"But when you see what happened at Derby on Saturday, not taking our chances, you realise you can't take anything for granted. Sure, there are big weekends ahead, but the other matches are just as important.
"If we perform well and take our chances then we'll win the match against Bolton. But it's important we respect our opponents.
"Some of our football recently has been terrific and there's good penetration in the team. It's encouraging that we're making so many chances - perhaps the forwards just need to relax a little in front of goal. Then the goals will come."
United are level on points with Arsenal, with superior goal difference, and the Bolton match is their game in hand on the Gunners, so slip-ups at this stage of the season will be immensely costly.
Bolton are also one of the few teams to have beaten United this season, courtesy of a Nicolas Anelka goal at the Reebok in November.
Ferguson said the Wanderers would miss Anelka's goals now he is at Chelsea but the fact they have been dragged back into the battle against relegation means United will face an even stiffer test tomorrow.
"They are fighting for survival and any team fighting for survival have to fight. That's the name of the game," said the United manager.
"I thought they had got themselves clear of trouble but in this league if you lose a couple of games you are back in the mix.
"Everyone expects Derby to go down, Fulham are the next one and then it is a scramble. You've got a lot of teams down there. "Obviously they are missing Nicolas Anelka's goals but they have Kevin Davies up front and he will do everything he possibly can to unsettle us.
"He's a physical lad and we have to deal with that but I think Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have the height and ability to do that."
Ben Foster is on course to keep his place in the Manchester United goal as Edwin van der Sar's groin problem is likely to keep him out again.
Although Tomasz Kuszczak is available after serving a one-match ban, Foster's excellent performance on his debut against Derby should persuade Ferguson to keep faith with the 24-year-old.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Eto'o: We Won't Repeat Cup Mistakes At Valencia
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o insists that there will be no complacency on display as the blaugrana look to overturn their 1-1 away goals deficit in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at Valencia...
Barcelona famously fell 4-0 to Getafe at this stageof the competition last season after running out 5-2 winners in the first leg.
Eto'o, for his part, insists that there will be no repeat.
"The situation is different," he explained.
"Against Valencia we need a positive outcome - either a wim, or a draw with more than one goal scored.
"Against Getafe, though, we had to defend, and in that situation we just didn't know what we were doing.
"We have learned our lesson, and I hope that the experience will help us to qualify for the final."
Valencia Trip
Looking ahead to the Thursday encounter, he stated that the Copa del Rey was a particularly important target for him.
"If we overcome Valencia then we'll be closer to the dream of lifting the King's Cup," he noted.
"I'm confident that, if we do our best, we'll find it hard not to advance in the end."
Eto'o himself has previously treated the Mestalla as a happy hunting ground, netting there twice earlier in the season during a 3-0 win.
"The Mestalla is good to me, but I prefer to say that it is in fact good for Barcelona," he added.
"If I score two goals but we don't qualify, then my streak there will count for nothing."
Historic Moment
Eto'o managed his 72nd Liga goal for the blaugrana on Sunday evening against Almeria in what was his 100th league clash for the side.
That puts him third in the 'first century' standings of Barça goalscorers, with Mariano Martin's 90 and Ladislao Kubala's 84 being the only greater totals.
"It's an honour to be among such great players, and it's also recognition for the entire team," he said.
"I can only thank my colleagues, because without them I wouldn't have managed so many goals. Thank God I've scored so many, and above all I hope to reach 200 matche with Barça and win many titles."
After nearly 400,000 votes, Alfredo di Stéfano, Zidane, and Raúl top the chart
Eleven days after opening to the public, the survey to pick the 100 best players in Real Madrid history has generated spectacular results. The 391,815 voters to date have Di Stéfano, toppping the chart but closely followed by Zidane and Raúl. Keep up the great work!
HERE ARE YOUR TOP TEN PLAYERS AS OF 17 MARCH 2008:
1Alfredo Di Stéfano 11,553
2 Zinedine Zidane 11,487
3 Rañul González 11,060
4 Santiago Bernabéu 10,997
5 Roberto Carlos 10,908
6 Iker Casillas 10,898
7 Emilio Butragueño 9,949
8 Fernando Hierro 9,889
9 Hugo Sánchez 9,475
10 Ferenc Puskas 9,227
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Fergie: Premier League 'strongest In Europe'
The Premier League is the best in Europe, according to Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
England has become the first country to have four teams in the Champions League quarter-finals after Liverpool defeated Inter Milan in Italy yesterday to join United, Arsenal and Chelsea in Friday's draw.
Ferguson told MUTV: 'The Premier League is the strongest in Europe.
'For a spell it was the Spanish league - I remember about seven or eight years ago they had three teams in the semi-finals.
'Spanish football was really strong but I think the English game has now reached that level.
'We now have a 40% chance of being drawn against an English team, which is a measure of the quality of this division.'
United have never experienced an all-English tie in the Champions League but the manager is relaxed about that possible scenario.
He said: 'Once the format changed and three or four teams from each country were allowed into the competition, it was inevitable that they would face each other at some point.
'So I am always geared to playing against an English team. It doesn't matter who we get in the quarter-finals.
'Knowing who you'll get in the semi-finals as well is an incentive, but we'll take what we get.'
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Arsenal Face Liverpool In Europe
Wenger and benitez's sides will face each other three times in a week
Arsenal will meet Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after they were paired together in Friday's draw in Nyon, Switzerland.
Arsene Wenger's side will play the first leg at home on 1/2 April, with the return leg at Anfield on 8/9 April.
Manchester United, who beat Lyon to reach the last eight, were drawn against Real Madrid's conquerors Roma.
Chelsea, the fourth English club in the draw, face Fenerbahce, with Schalke 04 versus Barcelona the other fixture.
The winners of the Arsenal-Liverpool showdown - the first time those two will have met in European competition - will then take on Chelsea or Fenerbahce in the semi-finals, while Manchester United or Roma face Barcelona or Schalke 04.
The legs for the last-four ties will take place on 22/23 April and 29/30 April.
It means if Chelsea overcome Fenerbahce in their quarter-final, not only could they face their semi-final conquerors of 2005 and last year in Liverpool, but also that England will be guaranteed a presence in the final in Moscow on 21 May.
And with Fenerbahce and Schalke 04 appearing in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time, and Roma having never got past this stage, English sides make up four of the top five favourites according to the bookies.
However, Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry could barely hide his disappointment at having to play the Gunners, saying: "We'd hoped to avoid an English team but an all-English tie was bound to happen and it's happened to us. At least we've avoided a trip to Turkey.
"We're also playing Arsenal in the league in between the quarter-final legs so that will be interesting. I don't think there will be any surprises for either side in those games.
"Of course, we've noticed we might also face another English side (Chelsea) in the last four as well."
Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman added: "I think we'd have preferred European competition.
"Liverpool are a great team and are fantastic in this competition and, with three games against them in a week, I'm sure the tactics in each tie will be under close scrutiny."
"It should make for compelling viewing and, after the way we played against AC Milan, we must have a lot of belief that we can go all the way."
Meanwhile, Manchester United club secretary Ken Ramsden said: "It's a good draw for us, I think. I'm happy we're playing continental opposition and we have a good record against them.
"I'm sure the manager will also be happy that we're playing at home in the second leg so we're content with that."
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon was equally happy to have avoided an English side in the draw, adding: "I'm delighted.
"There are no easy draws at this stage but we wanted to avoid an English side and we've done that.
"Despite a couple of disappointing results of late, we've complete confidence in the team and coaching staff to ensure we have a good end to the season."
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