Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Lukas Podolski: 'My career could be over in two years' time'

Inter Milan loanee Lukas Podolski has claimed that his career 'could be over' in two years' time and that his future is not motivated by money.

The German international is on loan at the San Siro from Arsenal until the end of the season, but has failed to score for the Serie A outfit so far.

Podolski told the Gazzetta dello Sport: "What motivates me? The pleasure of being in contact with the football.

"In two years it could all be over and I don't want to waste a single day. I don't do this for money."

Podolski was omitted from the Nerazzurri's Europa League squad in place of fellow newcomer Xherdan Shaqiri.
Read More »

Phil Jagielka denies Everton are in a relegation battle

Everton defender Phil Jagielka believes that his side are not yet in a relegation battle, despite a poor run of form in the Premier League.

Sunday's 2-2 draw with Leicester City means that the Merseyside club have won just one of their last ten league games, and they sit just six points clear of the relegation zone.

The centre-back told reporters: "As much as we are aware of the predicament we are in, we don't see ourselves as being in the relegation battle at the moment It wouldn't take a lot to put us in there, a few bad results for us, a few good results for the teams around us and we will drop into that battle.

"But as it stands at the moment if we keep performing okay, get back to keeping clean sheets and keep grinding out results, then hopefully the league will take care of itself. Then we can look forward to the European games because there is something special to go for there. But the first thing that has to be prioritised is the Premier League because we are not in a good position at all.

"It is definitely not a case of not being fired up [for the league] or anything like that. You can see the disappointed faces in the dressing room and that is purely because we felt we let ourselves down [against Leicester]."

Everton's next league game is away at Arsenal on Sunday.
Read More »

Joe Allen: 'Liverpool better without Luis Suarez'

Joe Allen is convinced that Liverpool have become a better team since selling talisman Luis Suarez to Barcelona in the summer.

The Uruguayan scooped double Player of the Year awards after his 31-goal season last term helped the Reds finish within one point of the Premier League title.

With Daniel Sturridge - who netted 24 goals last season - also missing through injury, Liverpool endured a stuttering start to the campaign after picking up £75m for Suarez.

However, Brendan Rodgers's side have lost just one of their last 14 league outings, and Allen says that the team have learned to cope without the South American hitman.

"At the start of the year we talked about how losing Suarez was going to have an affect but now we have overcome that," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"It took us a little bit of time to overcome that, because the injury problems we had were not ideal.

"We are certainly back up to that level and, if anything, with the different system we play this season we might even have taken a step forward."

Liverpool sit sixth in the Premier League table, two points adrift of the top four.
Read More »

Juan Mata eyes "crucial" Champions League spot

Juan Mata has warned his Manchester United teammates that they cannot afford to let Champions League qualification slip through their fingers this season.

The Red Devils suffered a hiccup in their pursuit of a top-four finish after losing 2-1 to Swansea City on Saturday to leave them fourth by a point.

With an FA Cup quarter-final tie with Arsenal in March, along with Premier League clashes with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, Mata admits that it could prove a season-defining month for United.

"Obviously it's crucial for us to get into the top four at the end of the Premier League season," the Spaniard told Sky Sports News.

"Right now, we are facing a crucial moment in the Premier League. Obviously the last 10 games are very important and we also have the FA Cup tie against Arsenal.

It will be difficult but I think we have to do it because it is an important moment and we have to perform."

United shelled out some £150m on transfers during the summer in what was the second most expensive spending spree in football history.

Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind all arrived on permanent deals, while Radamel Falcao joined in a big-money season-long loan from AS Monaco.
Read More »

Swansea City director describes Louis van Gaal as an "arrogant b******"

Swansea City director John van Zweden has hit out at Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal by describing him as an "arrogant bastard".

The wallpaper tycoon made the comments following the Welsh outfit's 2-1 victory over the Red Devils at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

Van Zweden tweeted: "Dear Louis. Sleep well mate 6 points and The double. @SwansOfficial @ManUtd 2-1 again!!! #easy."

According to The Mirror, the businessman also reacted to Van Gaal's comments that United were the best team in the Premier League following just one defeat in 19 games, by saying: "Yes, and I find him an arrogant bastard."

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has also been critical of his fellow Dutchman by claiming that his players fear him.
Read More »

Ray Clemence praises Liverpool's Simon Mignolet for return to form

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Ray Clemence believes that Simon Mignolet "deserves credit" for returning to form following a slump that raised questions over his long-term Anfield future.

The Belgian international was dropped by manager Brendan Rodgers in December, but due to a thigh injury suffered by Brad Jones, Mignolet swiftly returned and has improved in between the sticks.

Since coming back into the first XI, the 26-year-old has kept seven clean sheets and conceded just 10 goals.

In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, Clemence said: "Simon deserves great credit for how he has turned things around. He's making vital saves and helping his team win matches. It just shows what a difference confidence makes. He had a tough time earlier in the season.

"After being left out he had the bonus of coming back into the team earlier than he would have expected after Brad Jones got injured. Since returning to the team he has got better and better."

Liverpool are currently sixth in the Premier League table, two points below fourth-placed Manchester United.
Read More »

Monaco vice-president believes Radamel Falcao needs a confidence boost

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has said that Radamel Falcao needs an arm around his shoulder at Manchester United to help him through his period of poor form.

United signed Falcao on a season-long loan from Monaco last summer, but he has netted on only four occasions and appears out of favour under manager Louis van Gaal.

United have an option to sign Falcao permanently this summer and reports have suggested that this is unlikely to happen, but Vasilyev is relaxed over his future.

He told the Daily Mail: "I am not worried for Falcao. He is a great player and goal scorer. Mentally he is strong and technically he is one of the best. Sometimes you have a difficult spell, and little things make the difference. It can be the trust of the coach.

"Football has many examples of amazing players who go from one team to another and are not the same, then go back and explode. After a difficult period you need support, you need confidence. It is always possible he can play for Monaco again. We have interest from other great clubs but we are waiting for the decision of Manchester United."

The Red Devils next play Sunderland on Saturday.
Read More »

Graeme Souness warns Manchester City ahead of Barcelona match

Television pundit Graeme Souness has warned Manchester City that Barcelona will baying for blood, in tonight's Champions League clash at The Etihad Stadium.

The Catalan giants suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to Malaga at the weekend, and ex-Liverpool player Souness feels that they have a point to prove against the Premier League champions.

He told Sky Sports News: "If you're Barcelona or Real Madrid in Spain, it doesn't matter how you lose, it's the losing that's important and you get abused for it.

"Their team is filled with some superb players, and players of that quality hate the taste of losing and hate being criticised. They'll be an angry lot coming to Manchester and it could turn them into a dangerous animal."

Barce beat City at the same stage of last year's competition.
Read More »

Monday, February 23, 2015

Eric Abidal: 'Paris Saint-Germain could be attractive for Lionel Messi'

Ex-Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has claimed that Paris Saint-Germain would make a good destination for former teammate Lionel Messi.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner's future has been questioned in recent months following rumours of a bust-up with head coach Luis Enrique.

Abidal told French television programme Telefoot: "Messi has won everything and perhaps he would consider the chance to win something new as a challenge.

"PSG have built a quality squad and set key objectives. It could be an attractive club for Leo."

Messi has been at the Nou Camp for all of his career thus far.
Read More »

Referees Atkinson and Friend dropped for Premier League matches

Two referees who were criticized for their performances in Premier League matches over the weekend will not take charge of games in the next round in the English top flight.

Martin Atkinson and Kevin Friend have been appointed as fourth officials for games on Saturday.
Atkinson failed to send off Burnley striker Ashley Barnes for a strong tackle on Chelsea's Nemanja Matic during a game at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. An unhappy Matic subsequently pushed Barnes to the ground, and received a straight red card.

The Football Association declined Monday to take retrospective action against Barnes because Atkinson had seen the incident at the time.
Friend was the referee for Southampton-Liverpool on Sunday, when there were a number of penalty-area flashpoints.
Read More »

Jamie Redknapp: 'Angel di Maria not good enough for a player who cost £59.7m'

Jamie Redknapp has claimed that Manchester United fans "deserve better" from Angel di Maria, who he believes doesn't look "interested" anymore.

The Argentina international signed for the Red Devils from Real Madrid for £59.7m last summer, but has struggled to make his mark in the top flight.

Rumours have suggested that Di Maria could consider his long-term future at Old Trafford after thieves tried to break into his home earlier this month while he, his wife and daughter were in the property.

In his Daily Mail column, Redknapp wrote: "When Angel di Maria arrived at Man United, we all thought, 'wow, what an addition to the Premier League!' Now he looks like he's not interested.

"At the start of the season, Di Maria was gliding across the field, but at the moment he looks weak and sluggish. We all know what he is capable of and the United fans deserve better.

"It doesn't help when your manager over-complicates things, but Di Maria has been nowhere near good enough for a player who cost so much."

United have just a one-point cushion in fourth in the league table following Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Swansea City.
Read More »

Barclays Premier League week 26 round up: Team of the Week, Goal of the Week.

Following the conclusion of the 26th round of Premier League encounters, the title race has been reignited.

Leaders Chelsea were held by Burnley to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, while chasing champions Manchester City hammered Newcastle United 5-0, cutting the gap at the top to five points.

Below that, the battle for the top four is perhaps even more intriguing. Manchester United's poor away form continued against Swansea City, which allowed Arsenal to leap into third courtesy of a 2-1 win away at Crystal Palace.

Liverpool got the better of Southampton with a 2-0 triumph on the South Coast, while Tottenham Hotspur battled back late on to claim a 2-2 draw from their London derby against West Ham United.

Further down the table, Tim Sherwood's first game in charge of Aston Villa ended in a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Stoke City, with Hull City overcoming Queens Park Rangers by the same margin at the KC Stadium.

Elsewhere, there were draws played out at Goodison Park and the Stadium of Light.

Taking all of that into consideration, We have selected the 11 players that made the biggest impression for us at the weekend.

Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
He may not have had too much to do against Burnley, but the Belgian did make a couple of key saves to ensure that the champions elect were not defeated.

Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
Yet another goal for the currently free-scoring Serbian. His finish from close range was clinical, while once again he did little wrong defensively.
Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)
Playing at the heart of Liverpool's three-man defence, Skrtel shone. He made a host of clearances and challenges against a lively Southampton attack, as well as organising those around him.
Wes Morgan (Leicester City)
Leicester may have shipped two goals on Merseyside, but it would have been even more but for some brave defending by Morgan.
Aaron Cresswell (West Ham United)
Cresswell's stock continues to rise following another impressive showing at White Hart Lane. It was his cross that assisted West Ham's opening goal of the contest.

Jonjo Shelvey (Swansea City)
The midfielder played a major role in Swansea's victory over United. It was his teasing crossing that resulted in the first goal, while his shot deflected into the net off a teammate for the winner.
Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham United)
All-action Kouyate was on top of his game in North London. He dominated the midfield battle for large parts, while also breaking the deadlock.
Esteban Cambiasso (Leicester City)
He may be 34, yet the Argentine showed fantastic stamina levels against Everton. In the second half, he drove Leicester forward and weighed in with a goal of his own.
David Silva (Manchester City)
Usually known for his creative ability, Silva displayed a more greedy side against Newcastle. He scored twice, with the second of his goals being a real classy strike.

Edin Dzeko (Manchester City)
With Wilfried Bony waiting in the wings, a determined Dzeko showed his best form. He won a penalty, assisted another goal and scored himself.
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Newcastle couldn't live with the dynamic Argentine's movement off the ball. He was a constant pest, while also scoring from the penalty spot.

Numpty of the week
Martin Atkinson: Now, being a referee is without doubt the hardest job in football. After all, they are only human and mistakes are inevitable. Yet, to make four glaring errors in the space of 90 minutes is hard to excuse. Atkinson failed to dismiss Burnley midfielder Ashley Barnes for two challenges - one of which could quite easily have broken Nemanja Matic's leg. To rub salt into the wound, the Chelsea midfielder was sent off for his reaction. The official also failed to award two obvious penalties to the home side. All in all, it was an afternoon to forget for the man with the whistle.

Goal of the week
Philippe Coutinho - Southampton vs. (Liverpool): The Brazilian was quiet for much of Liverpool's win at the St Mary's Stadium, yet his impact in the third minute was vital. Afforded enough space by the Southampton defenders 25 yards from goal, the diminutive playmaker fired his effort out of Fraser Forster's reach and into the net via the underside of the crossbar.

Read More »

Rudi Voller plays down Lars Bender to Barcelona link

Bayer Leverkusen's general manager Rudi Voller has dismissed reports that have claimed that Lars Bender is close to joining Barcelona.

It had been suggested that following discussions, the Germany international was keen to sign for the Catalans as soon as their transfer embargo is lifted next January.

However, Voller has described that rumour as nothing more than "pure speculation".

"These reports are pure speculation. I can confirm no-one from our club has been in touch with anyone from Barcelona with regard to this," he told Cologne-based newspaper Express.

Twenty-five-year-old Bender, who is also thought to be a target of Arsenal, is contracted to Leverkusen until 2019.
Read More »

Chelsea to appeal Nemanja Matic red card

Chelsea will reportedly appeal the red card that was shown to Nemanja Matic in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Burnley.

The midfielder picked up a straight red card after pushing Burnley's Ashley Barnes to the floor, reacting to his opponent's rash challenge moments before.

Matic is set to serve a three-game suspension for the incident, which rules him out of Sunday's League Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur, plus Premier League games against West Ham United and Southampton.

Chelsea will lodge an appeal against Matic's dismissal, according to Sky Sports News.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho claimed on Saturday that an appeal would be unsuccessful.
Read More »

James Milner fit for Barcelona clash

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that James Milner will be available for tomorrow's Champions League tie against Barcelona.

The England international missed City's 5-0 thrashing of Newcastle United on Saturday evening because of a knee injury, which subsequently rendered him doubtful for the clash against the Catalans.

However, speaking to reporters this afternoon, Pellegrini insisted that the midfielder is "100% fit" for the match.

Milner's contract at the Etihad Stadium is due to expire at the end of the season.
Read More »