March 21, 2009
Andrey Arshavin promised Gunners fans that there is a lot more, which they can expect of him, as he is only adjusting his life in London.
The diminutive playmaker from Russia has been one of the players, who have made an impact on the club’s performance, since he was transferred for Arsenal from Zenit St Petersburg on the deadline day.
He scored his first goal for the Gunners against Blackburn in the previous weekend. However, Arshavin feels that the transition to the English style of play is not turning out to be as smooth as it seems to the naked eye.
While speaking to Arsenal TV online, Ashravin said, ‘It hasn’t been long since I arrived here and am still trying to interact with my new teammates. So, there are cases, in which I have no idea, where should I go, run or use this place.’
‘Yes, I have played well in some of the games. Still, I would love to be consistent. At this moment, I can feel myself getting better with every game.’
The Russian International has been deploying mainly on the flanks. However, he is looking for an opportunity to get on the defense and come out of the central attacking role for sometime.
‘The boss needs to decide the position, where I can play at my best. However, if Gunners play 4-4-2, it is better that I play second forward.’
‘In case we opt for 4-3-3, I can play either on the right or on the left wing, wherever the manager tells me too.’
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March 20, 2009
Arsenal Star, Theo Walcott, is all set for another break following an injury to his knee, which has also ruled him out of the English Under-21 squad.
Although there were hopes that Walcott would be back in the Under-21 team, who were to play against France and Norway, Gunners Manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that the forward will need some rest.
Wenger said, ‘Bad news for us and the English national side is that Walcott has got injured during training.’
‘He is going to have a scan on his knees and we will wait for the reports to comment further.’
‘At this moment, we are worried, as he was playing exceeding well since he arrived from an injury.’
‘It is too early to predict on his state to rule him out for the rest of this season. Still, this is confirmed that he is not going to be a part of our side for the Newcastle game and even be out of the England squad for their forthcoming matches.’
‘He is going to be scanned in the afternoon and we are going to assess the situation tonight.’
On being asked about the nature of this injury, Wenger said: ‘After seeing Theo locking his knee while walking back, I feel that it could be the cartilage.’
‘He was playing normally during the training, but seemed uneasy after that. So, it has to be something that happened during the training session.’
‘At this moment, we are just hoping that the injury is not serious and he recovers in time for the important legs of the current season.’
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March 19, 2009
Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United Boss, is not having any plans of calling time on his illustrious career in the immediate future.
Ferguson, who is widely recognized across the globe for being one of the greatest mangers in the game, has been toiling hard for the Red Devils since November 1986.
The wily Scot has accumulated an astonishing haul, when it comes to domestic & continental glories, in a career that has spanned 22 years. Even though he is in the latter part of his career, Ferguson is in no mood to leave the confident United dugout.
Red Devils have already won the Carling Cup & FIFA Club World Cup this season. They are even hot favorites for many to retain the League Title making it three in a row and eighteen overall.
His side has also advanced to the semifinal stage of the FA Cup where they will clash with Everton and are also in the last eight of the Champions League.
Even though he is not confident of seeing Manchester United achieve an unprecedented quintuple, his passion towards the game has not dimmed.
On being asked with regards to his retirement, Sir Alex Ferguson told The Guardian, ‘Not in the near future. Even though I am 67, I can feel the energy within me and even my health is good.’
‘I still have that energy, which was there when I started 22 years back. I can still hear the buzz arrive in our training ground.’
‘There is still that tingle of excitement in me when our team bus stops on away ground before every big match, whether it’s Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal.’
‘I do not know where I will stop, 2 years or even after that, but I hope to continue till I can feel the passion within me.’
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March 18, 2009
Guus Hiddink, Chelsea Boss, vowed of pushing Manchester United to the limit in the race for the Premier League title. He also wished for guiding the Blues to glory in the Champions League.
Since his arrival to the club, the Dutchman guided the Londoners to 4 consecutive wins in Premier League, which has allowed them to come at only 4 points from the League leaders.
The Stamford Bridge side was also encouraged by the 4-1 Liverpool victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, even though with a game in their hand, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side continues to stay in the driving seat.
While speaking to Russian Daily, Sovetski Sport, Hiddink said, ‘This is the task that we are pitted against. However, all of us know that it’s going to be extremely difficult achieving it.
‘Do not forget that United still has a game in their hand. Moreover, they’ve got a lot of experience when it comes to winning the League. All I can promise to the Chelsea fans is that we will fight till it is over.’
‘You already have an idea of the way I handle the side: Its all about hard work. This has been the method since the first day I landed in London.’
‘When I started, we were fourth in the League. Now, we stand only four points from the top of the table.’
Hiddink feels that his side is also looking to go one up on United after losing out the final of the Champions League on penalties.
‘Currently, we stand in the final eight clubs in Europe with each one harboring an ambitious plan and Chelsea can be no exception.’
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March 17, 2009
Manchester United squad was given a day off following their embarrassing 4-1 loss at the hands of Liverpool in Old Trafford. This break was a sort of punishment for the poor display shown by the entire team during the game at the Theater of Dreams.
Instead of being provided with some extra training, which used to be the formula for the Red Devils boss in the recent past, Sir Alex Ferguson opted for sticking to the original plan of using Sunday to be a recovery day following a hectic schedule in the past few months.
One of the officials at the club revealed, ‘It has been almost 3 games every week since we got back from our victorious World Club Cup campaign in Japan. Thus, giving some rest to the players before the game at Fulham was found to be more sensible by the team management.’
‘The main idea behind the whole scenario is to avoid the players from coming up with an excuse of their hectic schedule to be the reason behind any defeat.’
Even after receiving a terrible loss at the hands of Liverpool, Manchester United stay well placed above Liverpool and Chelsea with a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Manchester United finally came across some good news following their loss at the hands of Liverpool.
Midfielder Owen Hargreaves was taking positive steps along his long road for recovery.
The England International has missed almost the entire campaign due to his knee operation for curing his tendinitis problem, which has been bothering him for a long time.
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March 16, 2009
Steve Bruce, Wigan Athletic Manager, is still having a hope of seeing his side participate in the next season’s European competition.
Latics continued their good run in the current season and remained in the line for a top-7 finish, following their 2-1 win on Sunderland at Stadium of Lights on Saturday. This victory brought to an end a wobble in form, which was affecting their recent performance in the league.
With the seventh position expected to be adequate for securing a place in the European League, Bruce’s side is currently sitting just a point behind the pace.
If they eventually realize their dream of getting a spot in the competition, it will represent am amazing achievement for the side, which was playing as a non-league football 30 years back.
Bruce said, ‘It is going to be a terrific feat for us, if we can bring the European Championships to JJB Stadium.’
‘It is going to be an implausible achievement for us, when you consider how far we have gone ahead within a span of three decades. It was only in 1978 that we were participating in non-league games.’
‘How we are going to cope up with the pressure, which comes with this opportunity, is a completely different issue.’
‘If Aston Villa and Spurs cannot cope up with the amount of games in hand, then I am not so sure that we would.’
‘Still, it is very exciting seeing the opportunity available to us with only 9 games remaining in the season.’
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March 15, 2009
Wayne Rooney revealed that the opportunity of rewriting the records is gripping the dressing room of Manchester United.
Red Devils are already having the World Club Cup & Carling Cup trophies with them and they are also on course of adding FA Cup, Premier League and UEFA Champions League to the list.
Should the Old Trafford Club prove to be successful in their quest of getting the quintuple, they are going to achieve an unparalleled feat in the world of modern football.
Rooney has admitted that this opportunity has opened up the minds of Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, who are desperately trying to end their 2008-09 campaign with an impressive collection of medals.
England International said, ‘Every player is talking about the possibility of something, which has never been done before.
‘It is all what we talk about these days. We can feel a lot of determination within us for achieving this.’
‘I suppose that there is going to be a lot of disappointed faces, if we will fail in achieving this.’
‘I do not want to be sounding greedy, still at United there’s always the duty of winning everything that you are playing for. This is why players, management and fans treat every loss with a lot of disappointment.
‘I would gladly accept any two of the three Championships remaining in the season. However, if we ask the whole squad, they are not satisfied with anything less than the entire lot.’
‘We know that it is going to be tough, but the entire scenario is now in our hand.’
In spite of a 1-4 drubbing that United received at the hands of Liverpool in Old Trafford, Manchester United still is ahead in the table by 4 games with one game in hand. And if their performance in the Champions League and FA Cup is to be considered, the quintuple is very much on.
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March 14, 2009
Robinho, Samba King of Manchester City, believes that the Eastlands side can one day become as big as Chelsea, who they will face on Sunday at Stanford Bridge.
Brazilian Star, who joined Mark Hughes’ team as a summer signing from Real Madrid, was involved in a 33 million pounds deal, which is a current British-record.
Robinho and all his teammates in the City lineup are slowly but surely overcoming their poor start to the league season. Not only are they climbing up the table in the Premier League, they are even progressing well in the UEFA Cup.
Ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge in the coming weekend and with all things looking better for Manchester City, Robinho has gone on and predicted even better things for Hughes’ men in the future.
Speaking to Setanta Sports, Robinho said, ‘With the players and officials in our club being very ambitious, people have been underestimating us.’
‘We might not be counted amongst the biggest club in the world yet, but you should not forget what was Chelsea 4 years back.’
‘We have the composition to do as good as they have been doing in the recent years.’
‘Manchester City is after big things. We are looking forward to be at the top of the Premier League and win the Champions League once.’
‘I have been very pleased with the way things have gone on at the club thus far.’
‘I know achieving the path to glory is not going to be easy, but guess what: I am a Brazilian and used to such pressure.’
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March 13, 2009
There is no regret in the mind of Liverpool Boss, Rafael Benitez, for his verbal assault on Sir Alex Ferguson, his Manchester United counterpart. He feels that this assault was pivotal for him.
Benitez will be taking his side to the Theater of Dreams on Saturday. He admitted that everything will need to be perfect, if they wish to continue their dream of winning the Premier League crown.
The Spaniard is ready for a very hot reception from the faithful of Old Trafford. However, he refused to accept that his outburst on Ferguson can impact the result of the game.
Rafa also denied claims that he set a couple of week deadline for sorting out the new contract. However, he confirmed that his lawyers would soon have discussions with club owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks.
However, currently his mind is filled with concerns for his side, as Liverpool is looking to get three points from the champions and keep their title hopes alive.
With Steven Gerrard & Fernando Torres back in the squad, Benitez said, ‘There’s a greater desire needed for winning each game in hand.’
‘Players must use this game for getting extra-motivated. We should be proud of what we have achieved so far and keep up the good work.’
‘They should know that going to Old Trafford and playing well there is their responsibility for the club. I think that they have realized this fact.’
‘It was this motivation, which allowed us to pummel Real Madrid in the Champions League and the same will work against the Red Devils.’
The matchup against Liverpool & Manchester United is always a nail biting event. Now, with huge stakes revolving round the game, things will only get more entertaining.
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March 11, 2009
Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United winger, is trying his level best of curbing his temper, whenever he is playing on the field against defenders known for rough tackles.
The treatment, which Ronaldo receives from the defenders of his opposition, has again come under the scrutiny after Steven Taylor was involved in an incident involving the Portuguese International.
Ronaldo, himself, escaped punishment during this season after kicking on numerous occasions. He was involved in clashes with Andy Wilkinson (Stoke fullback) and Michael Dawson (Spurs Centre-half).
FIFA Player of the Year has accepted that oppositions are always targeting him. However, he feels confident that his battle on keeping the temperament in check will be successful.
While speaking to the Sun on the eve of their Champions League game against Inter Milan, Ronaldo said, ‘There is no denying the fact that I’m a target and hence it gets difficult for me to avoid certain situations.’
‘I do try controlling my anger. However, there are times when things get out of my control and this is where I wish to improve.’
‘Sometimes, the feeling comes out of the atmosphere in the stadium. Again, there are cases where the importance of the matches takes the front guard in me.’
‘I am only 24. Still, I’ve got enough experience of playing big games, which helps a lot as you can learn through different situations.’
‘If someone tackles me roughly, I get back to my feet and start playing again. I do not have a fear of getting kicked, as it’s part of the game. I believe that they kick for stopping me, as they do not have any other method of getting on top.’
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