Archive for September, 2008

Benitez: Torres and Gerrard are important for United clash

September 10th, 2008

It is expected that Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez might give an opportunity to Captain Steven Gerrard and Star forward Fernando Torres for proving their fitness ahead of an important clash against the current Premier League Champions, Manchester United.

However, the news is that Gerrard’s minor injury might not allow him to play against Red Devils. Still, the officials at Anfield are encouraged with the progress shown by Torres from his hamstring injury.

Benitez said ’It’s always tough to prepare for matches with important players on the injured list. We know that if any of the two are fit, we will have to use them even if they had minimal preparation.’

Benitez would love to have either of the two players in his side in this crunch match, as they are looking to break a deadlock against Red Devils, which has followed them since 2004.

‘Physios are working hard with the two players. However with very little practice, it will be a difficult decision for me, if both the players are fit.’

‘Gerrard has announced that he doesn’t want to make an appearance before the game against Manchester United. So, I feel the pressure of the decision might be reduced. However, I want both my star to play a role in the match, as only then we can win the game,’ Spaniard told the reporters.

Meanwhile, Manchester United Camp is rejuvenated with the inclusion of Dimitar Berbatov. With the number of attacking options that Sir Alex Ferguson will have against Liverpool, Benitez would require an innovative strategy to come out of this important encounter unscarred.

Alonso still unsettled at Liverpool

September 10th, 2008

Xabi Alonso, the Liverpool midfielder who was a part of the Spanish squad that won the EURO 2008, is still unsettled at Liverpool, according to his agent Inaki Ibanez.

Alonso has been linked to a move outside Anfield throughout this transfer window, with a bid by Italian giants Juventus not matching Rafael Banitez’s assessment of the defensive midfielder. Another last minute transfer attempt was made by Arsenal, which was not successful primarily due to monetary reasons.

Also, with a move for Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry being unsuccessful, Banitez could not afford to lose another midfielder in the form of Alonso.

According to Ibanez, though Alonso is willing to move out in the coming January transfer window, his present focus was on playing well for Liverpool, especially in the wake of the coming match against rivals Manchester United at Anfield.

Liverpool seem to be all set to play Man U and Alonso is in the middle of Rafael Banitez’s midfield plans, since Steven Gerrard is out injured with a groin injury. The injury also kept him Gerrard out of England’s World Cup qualifying win over Andorra.

The coming home match will be crucial for new signing Robbie Keane, who has failed to find the net for his first five games for Liverpool.

This match will also serve as the club debut for Liverpool’s Albert Riera, who scored a brace on his debut against Man U, representing Manchester City.

Meanwhile, for new Devil’s signee Bulgarian strike sensation Dimitar Berbatov, the previous strike partner of Keane, it will be a chance to prove his worth to the club.

Gerrard : Liverpool needs to show commitment against Red Devils

September 9th, 2008

Steven Gerrard, who is injured before Liverpool’s crucial league match against defending champions Manchester United, has some words of advice for his club, as they round up for one of the biggest encounters of the season.

Gerrard will not be available to play because of a groin operation, which also made him unable to play for England in the World Cup qualifier win against Andorra. This was his fifth groin operation with the problem teasing him since 1999-00 season.

According to the midfielder, Liverpool must learn from their recent record in important league matches.
They need to play a committed game throughout the match in order to stand any chance of winning it.

The 28-year old has also stressed upon the importance of an early goal in big matches.

He feels that the team scoring the first goal stands nine out of ten odds to win the game with minimum hassle. According to him, there is more pressure of not-conceding, rather than scoring a goal.

Gerrard added that having good tactics in big games, something Liverpool are never short on, is good. However, it works only till the players go forward when attacks are made, so that the extra cautious defense of the opponents can be broken.

He also stressed upon the fact that in games like these, the whole team has to play as a single unit, something that everyone says about every game.

Seeing their average performances in recent matches, this seems like a bit of timely advice for Liverpool from their injured captain.

Hughes: SWP might steal the show on Saturday

September 9th, 2008

Manchester City Boss, Mark Hughes, feels that the City of Manchester Stadium will see its roof coming off, when one of their favorite son will reappear after a gap of 3 years.

Although an important encounter against title favorites Chelsea might see the first appearance of $57.8 million Brazilian Robinho, still Shaun Wright-Phillips might be the one, who steals the show in the end.

According to Hughes, former Chelsea player, who made an excellent comeback to the Eastlands Club by scoring two away goals against Sunderland at the Stadium of Lights, might be the reason for capacity on the day.

Speaking in a press conference, he said ‘Two away goals in the first game for Shaun was something. Still, playing in front of the home audience is another experience. It can work for or against you.’

‘I am pretty satisfied with the proceedings of the transfer seasons and all the changes that took place in the club. But, getting back Shaun’s services has pleased me the most.’

‘After a disastrous loss in the first game against West Ham United, it was Shaun only, who changed the fortune of the club with two goals in his very first appearance.’

Hughes feels that most City fans will be expecting the little champion to display his magic again.

For Chelsea game and the impact of Robinho, City Boss confirmed ‘The talent of the young Brazilian is not hidden. Now, with him & Shaun working together (if both of them eventually make the final eleven, as Robinho is doubtful for the game), the London Club might have a very tough proposition in their hand.’

Deco ‘surprised’ by Robinho’s City move

September 8th, 2008

Chelsea playmaker Deco has today stated that he was indeed taken in for a big surprise, as Real Madrid star Robinho made a move to Mark Hughes managed Manchester City that has recently got new owners, Abu Dhabi headed by Dr. Sulaiman Al Fahim.

Deco has expressed his doubts regarding the amount of European football the 24-year old could get to play representing a side which, just 6 years ago, was playing in the English second division.

The Brazil born Portuguese midfielder, who scored two goals in Chelsea’s first three matches this season has reportedly said that leaving Real Madrid to join Chelsea was one thing and joining City is something that is not expected from a player in his right senses!

Robinho’s move has, just like Manchester City’s high profile take over by the Gulf Company, raised many eyebrows.

He has even attracted criticism from the former Brazil legend and one of all time football greats, Pele, who reportedly said that all Robinho needs is some sound advice.

It is presently being told that the present City owners had tried buying Arsenal before coming over to Manchester.

However, negotiations came off to nothing as they were being made to pay for the shares in premium for the expected 24% share.

On being asked, Dr. Al Fahim has told that including his meeting with one of Arsenal’s biggest shareholders, he also tried talking with the owners of Liverpool and Newcastle, but to no avail.

Gill: We are not ready to sell our best players

September 8th, 2008

David Gill insisted that he was treating the suggestion of $ 270 million offer for United Star Cristiano Ronaldo ‘with pinch of salt’.

Sulaiman Al-Fahim, who is the billionaire at centre of City takeover through Abu Dhabi United Group, confirmed that in the later part of the coming week, they can make world record offer for the Portuguese player.

Gill, Chief executive of Manchester United, said ‘If offer of such proportions will be given, any side is bound to give a consideration’.

However in the statement given to BBC Radio Five Live, Gill said “I feel that it is more of a comment coming from a fan.’

He felt that with two other players, Fabregas and Torres, also mentioned in the same release, the officials at Old Trafford will treat it with pinch of salt.

Gill showed his desires in meeting the man behind the scene of the deal, Al-Fahim, when he said, ‘I’ve never come across the gentleman. He is giving an offer hard to reject. However at the same time, I know that this deal might change the face of industry. So, it’s tough to believe that his offer might be serious at any level.’

When asked that if they will consider this offer once given, he clearly stated ‘The ultimate decision will be made by the owners and Sir Alex Ferguson, as the involved is huge. Simultaneously, everyone should know that we cannot think of selling our best player at any given cost.’

It seems that Red Devils are showing the same enthusiasm, which was on display during the Real’s offer for Ronaldo. However, only time and City’s offer will tell about the future of the Red Devils Star.

Essien sidelined for four weeks

September 6th, 2008

Versatile midfielder Michael Essien sustained an injury in Ghana’s shock defeat to Libya 0-1. This injury is likely to keep him out of action for the coming four weeks.

It makes him unlikely to be available for the crucial game against Manchester United on 21 September.

The midfielder, who is also the all-time costliest African player, limped off in the earlier stages of the first half of the International friendly match, as the Black Stars ended up with an unprecedented defeat.

Essien often referred to as the ‘bison’ for his strength and tackling, is to be seen by the doctors at Stamford Bridge before the Blues next match at Manchester City.

The midfielder, however, is quite confident of a fast recovery. He has stated that he knows this injury is a serious one. However, he will be able to bounce back in a short spell of time.

This intensifies problems for Chelsea, as already Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba are injured and losing one more player before the match against one of the ‘soon-to-be’ giants Manchester City must be stressing for their Manager Luiz Filipe Scolari.

Good news for Chelsea fans is that Ballack may be able to contribute a bit in the next match.

Talking of the premiership, two new signings have been done today. 17 year old Hungarian midfielder Zsolt Poloskei has been scouted by Liverpool.

The other signing is Uruguay’s full back, Walter Lopez, who has become the first player to join the ‘out of sorts’ West Ham United. Hammers are currently without a manager after the departure of Alan Curbishley.

Fabregas: I’m in no mood of committing suicide

September 6th, 2008

Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal midfield star, became the third player in this week to reject the offer from Manchester City with an ultimate snub.

Manchester City stirred the football world this week by netting in one of the most popular figures, Robinho, from Real Madrid.

Following the transfer of the Brazilian Star, Abu Dhabi United Group, which took over the Eastlands Club earlier in the week, has reportedly set up a list that includes the name of the players, who are their future targets.

The list includes the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres, Kaka, Ruud Van Nistlerooy and Gianluigi Buffon.

Van Nistlerooy and Buffon already rejected the offer before Fabregas and showed no interest of joining Manchester City.

Experts feel that it is the current state of the side, which has led to these stars rejecting their offer. City has mostly been unable to end up in the top four teams of the League necessary to qualify for the Champions League.

Fabregas has even commented, ‘It is going to be suicidal for me, if I decide to join City at the age of 21. I do not count it as a sensible decision.’

Although most of the players have given up their comments on the desires of the Abu Dhabi Group, still it’s too early to predict anything.

Who knows, the arrival of Abu Dhabi Group along with Robinho can write a revival story for the club. If Manchester City does end up with a spot in the Champions League at the end of this season, these very players might think otherwise.

Ronaldo promises dedication for Red Devils

September 6th, 2008

Christiano Ronaldo, the winger from Portugal who netted 42 times for Manchester United the last season after the Real Madrid – ManU transfer fiasco, has finally said that he will play for the Red Devils. Ronaldo has promised that he will play with complete dedication to his team, at least for now.

Ronaldo has stated that he had reached an agreement with United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson, when both the parties heard each other. The situation, which was the biggest story of this transfer window, now no more exists.

Apologizing for his antics, the midfield maestro offered an apology to the club and the fans, saying that it was his fault and none of the two clubs had any role in it.

Ferguson had more than just a line or two of praise for his young gun. He reminded one and all that Ronaldo was still a youngster and the amount of money involved in the whole thing can really make heads turn around.

He praised the winger’s commitment for his team on the field and for his family off the field.

Ronaldo, in addition to confirming his commitment, has said that he still has an unforgotten ambition to go and play for Real Madrid. He probably has kept his options open for the next transfer season.

On the other hand, the recent spending spree of neighbors Manchester City has raised many-a-eyebrow, including Ryan Giggs.

Giggs has gone on to say ‘We all could be soon witnessing a ‘big five’ instead of the present big four in the Premiership’.

‘Bad Boy’ Barton receives 6-match ban

September 6th, 2008

Newcastle received another jolt before their next game, as their ‘Bad Boy’ Joey Barton received a 6-match ban and a fine of US $50,000 fine.

This week saw Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer, who were two of the biggest contributors for the club, leave their post after differences with the owners during transfer season. Now, this news with Barton is surely going to effect their preparations ahead of the next week’s game against Hull City at St. James Park.

This fine on Barton was due to his altercations with Ousmane Dabo in the previous season.

Ban on Barton is for 12 games. However, 6 of those games have been deferred till the later half of 2009-2010 Premier League Season.

26-year old Barton was given punishment by independent disciplinary panel on Friday for his attacks, when both players were a part of the Manchester City side.

4-men panel that included Graham Taylor, Former England Manager, took only two hours for reaching their verdict. With his current ban, Barton is ruled out of all League matches till October 25.

Newcastle United, which already was hit with small number of players in the squad for injury woes and poor transfer season deals, will have to regroup and fight these testing times.

Although the Magpies had a solid start to the season with a draw against Manchester United and win against Bolton, 3-0 loss to the Gunners and immediately followed by departure of Manager Keegan is sure to be a very big hurdle to overcome for the Magpies.