Goal Zone

Thursday, April 02, 2015

Matt Le Tissier: 'Theo Walcott would be an asset to Chelsea'

Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier believes that Theo Walcott would give Chelsea a different option up front – if the Arsenal forward were to move to Stamford Bridge.

The England international is a reported target for Jose Mourinho's Premier League leaders, with the Blues said to be considering a summer offer.

While Le Tissier feels that Walcott would not necessarily be a first-team regular for Chelsea, the former Saints star thinks that the Arsenal man would be worth pursuing for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

He told talkSPORT: "He has certainly got enough qualities to play in that [Chelsea] team and make a difference.

"Whether or not in that side he would be guaranteed a place every week might be a different question. But I think any of the top teams in this country would be able to make use of what Theo has got."

Walcott has just over a year remaining on his current contract at the Emirates.

Lionel Messi ruled out for the rest of the season

Barcelona super star Lionel Messi has been ruled out for NINE MONTHS after crushing his toes in training on National team duty with Argentina. The talisman was caught in a rash tackle by team-mate Marcos Rojo during a team training in New Jersey, U.S.A.

Speaking to the Argentinian Football Association's official website, head coach Gerardo Martino explained: "We waited until the last minute to see if he could play again this year [as] I understand the expectation.

"But he was unable to play as he had a hard time even putting on his boots. [His foot] really hurts so we decided not to take a risk."

As a result, there is a belief that the talisman may now struggle to even keep his fitness for the rest of 2015.

Messi has scored 43 goals in all competitions for the La Liga leaders this season.

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY FANS!

Kalidou Koulibaly wants Rafael Benitez to stay at Napoli

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has expressed his hope that manager Rafael Benitez will stay at the club next season.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea boss is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with a return to the Premier League with Manchester City.

Benitez has guided the Serie A club to the Italian Super Cup this season and fifth spot in the league, and Koulibaly has told the 54-year-old that he should continue his work with the Partenopei.

"This is a personal matter but I would do anything to convince him to stay," talkSPORT quotes Koulibaly as saying.

"But our performance is not affected by doubts about his stay in Naples."

Benitez took charge of Napoli in 2013.

Antonio Conte "pleased" with England draw

Italy manager Antonio Conte has declared himself "pleased" with Tuesday night's 1-1 draw against England in Turin.

The Azzurri took a lead into the break courtesy of a glancing Graziano Pelle header but were pegged back 11 minutes from time when substitute Andros Townsend thumped an equaliser past Gianluigi Buffon.

Conte admitted that it was a "shame" to miss out on the victory but believes that he learned a lot about some of his players, such as debutant Mirko Valdifiori.

"It's a shame [to concede the equaliser] because we had a lot of chances against a good England team," Conte told the Italian Football Federation's official website.

"Nevertheless, I'm pleased because I got answers from all the players, both the ones that played the full 90 minutes and others, such as Valdifiori, who played only 60.

"We still need to continue to work hard in order to allow the players to develop and be ready at international level. We need them to gain confidence for them to get even better."

Conte is still unbeaten as Italy manager, winning five and drawing three of his eight matches at the helm.

Wayne Rooney: 'Ross Barkley is a terrific young player'

England captain Wayne Rooney has heaped praise on Ross Barkley following the midfielder's performance off the bench in Tuesday's international friendly with Italy.

Barkley was one of a number of substitutions to make a substantial impact for Roy Hodgson's side as they came from a goal behind to draw 1-1 with the Azzurri in Turin.

The Everton youngster has drawn comparisons with fellow Goodison graduate Rooney in the past, and the Three Lions skipper is hopeful that Barkley can now rediscover his best form following a disappointing campaign so far.

"Ross is a terrific player. He is a terrific young player and I think he can have an impact when he comes on," Rooney told reporters.

"He did that, he took the ball, he ran at the Italian defenders and made it difficult for them. Hopefully, he can kick on now for the rest of the season."

Barkley has made just 15 Premier League starts for Everton this season.

Chelsea to allow Petr Cech to leave

Chelsea are reportedly willing to sell goalkeeper Petr Cech in the summer.

The 32-year-old has lost his status as the club's first-choice stopper this season following the emergence of Thibaut Courtois.

Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool are thought to be interested in the Czech Republic international and could launch bids when the transfer window opens.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is said to be looking for a replacement for Wojciech Szczesny, while Liverpool counterpart Brendan Rodgers is reportedly wanting to provide competition to Simon Mignolet.

According to the Daily Star, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will allow Cech to choose which club he joins.

The report adds that the Blues will demand a fee of £10m for the goalkeeper's services.

Cech moved to Stamford Bridge from Rennes in 2004.

David Alaba to miss rest of season

Bayern Munich left-back David Alaba could miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury.

The 22-year-old suffered the injury while on international duty with Austria, being forced off shortly before half time in their friendly against Bosnia on Tuesday night.

It has since been confirmed that he suffered a medial collateral ligament tear in his left knee, which is expected to keep him sidelined for at least seven weeks.

Alaba could still be fit in time for his side's last two Bundesliga matches of the season, in addition to the finals of the Champions League and the DFB-Pokal, but manager Pep Guardiola is unlikely to rush the youngster back.

Alaba has already missed two months of the current campaign due to another knee injury sustained in November.

Netherlands coach Guus Hiddink tired of exit talk

Netherlands manager Guus Hiddink has insisted that he will not answer questions over his future, following a 2-0 victory over Spain.

First-half goals from Stefan de Vrij and Davy Klaassen gave the Dutch a notable victory over the reigning European champions in Amsterdam on Tuesday evening.

Hiddink has come under pressure following two defeats from their first five Euro 2016 qualification matches, which leaves them third in Group A, but the 68-year-old is adamant that he will not be drawn into speculation regarding his future.

"Don't keep asking me if I am staying on as coach," Sky Sports News quotes Hiddink as saying. "There is no weight fallen off my back now. I never felt any weight on my back. We were always very keen to win this game and I saw in the first half a side who were highly motivated.

"This gives a lot of confidence to the team, we must regard this match as a good start for our next qualifier.

"I have no desire to get involved in any street fights. In the end it has nothing to do with football. I want to talk about football only. Let's rather talk about that."

Netherlands resume their qualification campaign in June with games against Latvia and Iceland.

Antonio Conte: 'It has been an emotional week'

Italy manager Antonio Conte has admitted that it has been an "emotional" week for him as speculation over his future continues to rage.

Conte remains unbeaten as manager of the Azzurri but has come under heavy criticism from some quarters since taking over after last year's World Cup.

The 45-year-old reportedly received death threats following a row with former club Juventus over Claudio Marchisio, who suffered a knee injury before Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier with Bulgaria.

The performance in that match did nothing to alleviate the supporters' anger as they were held to a 2-2 draw in Sofia but, despite the recent controversies, Conte acknowledged that he was glad to return to Turin for Tuesday's 1-1 friendly draw against England.

"I have been quite emotional over the last few days, including at training yesterday, and being back here brought back some very fond memories," he told the Italian Football Federation website.

Conte won three consecutive Serie A titles as manager of Juventus, in addition to five more Scudettos and a Champions League as a player for the Old Lady.

Joe Hart impressed by Ross Barkley impact

England goalkeeper Joe Hart has expressed his belief that more players need to play like Ross Barkley for the national team.

The Everton youngster was introduced 10 minutes into the second half of England's international friendly against Italy on Tuesday night and helped the Three Lions to turn the game around as they rescued a 1-1 draw in Turin.

Hart was impressed with what he saw from the midfielder and believes that his 'fearless' style of play needs to be encouraged.

"Ross looked really dangerous tonight. They looked worried about him when he came on," Hart told reporters.

"The platform was created for him by a very strong back-four performance and Michael Carrick shielding us. Ross played with no fear and we need to encourage that in England. We need to back people like Ross Barkley.

"Obviously he has had difficult times of late, not playing to the standard we necessarily want from him, but he is a young guy - a real young guy - with so much talent and that's something we should really encourage."

Hart won his 50th cap for England in Turin, becoming the youngest Three Lions goalkeeper to reach the half-century.

Mats Hummels denies making 'promise' to join Manchester United

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has moved to clarify reports suggesting that he has agreed to join Manchester United in the summer.

The Germany international admitted this week that he would one day like to move abroad following a six-year spell with Die Borussen, which was widely regarded as the centre-back opening the door on a switch to Old Trafford.

However, Hummels has now taken to Twitter to deal the Red Devils a blow, claiming that any sort of "promise" he is rumoured to have made to join the Premier League giants is simply untrue.

He said: "To clarify it: this supposed "promise" is simply fictitious and that's the friendly formation."

It has previously been suggested that Dortmund would be open to selling one of their star performers at the end of the season, should the price be right.

Fiorentina want permanent deal for Mohamed Salah

Fiorentina will reportedly launch a bid to sign Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah on a permanent basis in the summer after his successful loan stint with the Serie A side.

The 22-year-old joined the Viola on loan until the end of the season in February after finding first-team opportunites limited at Stamford Bridge.

The Egyptian international has netted three goals from seven league appearances so far.

Fiorentina have been linked with another loan move for Salah next season following his impressive form for the Italian club.

However, they would prefer to secure a permanent deal for the player, according to talkSPORT.

Salah joined Chelsea from Basel in January 2014.

Lionel Messi doubtful for Celta Vigo trip

Barcelona may have to make do without the services of Lionel Messi for this weekend's trip to Celta Vigo.

The 27-year-old missed both of Argentina's recent friendly matches because of a foot injury that he sustained during his side's Champions League clash with Manchester City at the Camp Nou.

Speaking to the Argentinian Football Association's official website, head coach Gerardo Martino explained: "We waited until the last minute to see if he could play [as] I understand the expectation.

"But he was unable to [play' as he had a hard time putting on his boots. [His foot] really hurts so we decided not to take a risk."

As a result, there is a belief that the talisman may now struggle to regain his fitness in time for Sunday's clash in Vigo.

Messi has scored 43 goals in all competitions for the La Liga leaders this season.

Patrick Herrmann signs new Borussia Monchengladbach deal

Borussia Monchengladbach winger Patrick Herrmann has agreed a new contract with the Bundesliga club.

The 24-year-old's previous deal at Borussia-Park had been due to expire at the end of next season.

However, he has now put an end to speculation about his future by signing on until the summer of 2019.

"I really enjoy playing for Borussia and I feel that the club and the bosses have faith in me. We've got great fans and a distinctive stadium. I feel at home here," he told the club's official website.

Herrmann has scored 13 goals from his 33 appearances in all competitions this season.

South Africa VS Nigeria Preview

The Super Eagles have a great record against the hosts but will be looking for revenge after draws last year prevented them from reaching the Afcon finals in 2015

South Africa coach Shakes Mashaba expects to face a "bitter" Nigeria side bent on revenge when they face off in Nelspruit on Sunday.

South Africa have a poor record against Nigeria, with only one solitary victory in an international friendly in 2004 to show from their last 11 matches against the Super Eagles.

However, Bafana Bafana held the Nigerians to two draws during qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, results that helped to eliminate the then-African champions from the competition in the preliminary stages.

And these results have Mashaba believing that the visitors will be looking for payback at the Mbombela Stadium.

"Of course the Nigerians are still feeling bitter after knocking them out," Mashaba told reporters. "To them, it's payback time. Of course they still want to show us that they are still the best when comes to football in Africa."

Mashaba also called on supporters to come to the stadium to cheer on South Africa as they seek to break their 10-year winless streak against the Super Eagles.

"There is history between the two nations and a great rivalry," the coach continued. "We want to win that match at all cost and we need South Africans to come in their large numbers. We need your support, South Africa.

"In our recent matches against Nigeria, we drew in both matches. In the second qualifier, we came close to securing a victory. The players are hungry but we need supporters to pack Mbombela and really make it difficult for them."

While Mashaba's men warmed up for this fixture with a 3-1 win over Swaziland in midweek, Nigeria will be smarting after losing 1-0 at home to an unfancied Ugandan side, who spoilt Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama's 100th international cap.

The loss prompted a furious response from Nigeria football association (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick, who warned the country's top stars that they must be ready to give everything for the team or stay away entirely.

"We are supposed to be celebrating with Vincent Enyeama on his 100th cap but your poor performance has ruined the party and Nigerians are very angry," Pinnick told the squad.

"When next you receive an invitation letter to come represent Nigeria, you have a critical decision to make: accept it only if you believe you are in the frame of mind to give your everything or decline if you do not feel that way.

"The camp of the national team would no longer welcome average players or good players with poor attitude."