Archive for March, 2009

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Ferguson: I have found my Cantona in Berbatov

March 10th, 2009

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United Boss, seeing the ability of winning games on his own compared Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov with legend Eric Cantona.

What supports Ferguson’s point more is that in European competitions, the 28-year old striker trumps the iconic Frenchman when it comes to goal scoring record.

Critics have claimed that Cantona in his 16 appearances, during his stint in between 1993 and 1997, scored just five goals. This was unexpected from someone, who was unstoppable in domestic level. For them, it was disappointing that he was not able to carry his League form onto the European stage.

Ferguson is hoping that Berbatov perks up his record of 32 goals in 57 appearances during the game against Inter on Wednesday.

The reason for the manager to compare Berbatov with Cantona is his striking capabilities. In the previous week, the Bulgarian scored his 13th goal for United against Newcastle. It was the fourth occasion since Christmas that he recorded a winner.

Stating in front of the Daily Express, Ferguson said, ‘Of his overall tally, 4-5 Berbatov goals have allowed us to win important fixtures. I feel that like Cantona, he also scores some important goals for the club.’

‘Berba has been coming along nicely into the game and is well into the double figures now when it comes to goal scoring. If he keeps on scoring important goals like the one he had at Newcastle, we are bound to sustain the winning form and will get the quintuple, which is our primary aim this season.’

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Drogba getting back into the groove

March 9th, 2009

Didier Drogba, Chelsea striker, is looking for a strong finish to the season, after seeing a drop in form during the earlier games.

In the span of five games, Ivory Coast Captain has bagged three goals, which include the one he scored on Saturday at Coventry in the FA Cup encounter.

Drogba feels that Guus Hiddink has shown confidence by selecting and not just singled him up for some special sort of treatment.

In an interview to The Sun, Drogba said, “There is no need to speak to every player each day. I am in the team and it really means a lot for me more than anything else.”

Speaking on Guddink, he said, ‘He has done his job by getting what he think is the best side. f I am a part of his plan, all I need to do is execute my job properly and not let him down.’

‘At this moment, I am getting opportunities and making full use of them, which is doing my confidence a world of good.’

Drogba admitted the fact that he was finding the pressure difficult to handle in the early part of the season, but is now relaxed and looking to get on top of his form soon.

‘I found it difficult after coming back from a long layoff. But, that’s football. You can see everyone backing you up during good times, whereas bad times will always see the same people pointing a finger at you and asking ‘Why’.’

‘At this moment, I need to walk a bit more and get myself back into full fitness, if I want to give more to the club and see them eclipse Manchester United & Liverpool in the league to lift the title.’

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Premier League

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Mourinho eyes replacing Ferguson in the future at Old Trafford

March 8th, 2009

Jose Mourinho feels that he has got what it requires for taking over the job at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson finally decides to call it quits.

Mourinho’s Inter Milan, who are topping the tables in Serie A, will be traveling to United on Wednesday for their return leg in the Champions League.

With a 0-0 draw at San Siro in the first leg of last 16, Inter will be fancying their chances and looking towards creating a major upset by beating Manchester United, who won the competition in Moscow last May.

If this result does take place, there are possibilities that Mourinho will be in the spotlight again and may be the next one to take the charge of the Red Devils.

During an interview, Mourinho said, ‘I’ve got big jobs left in me, but do not know which ones to commit.’

‘If you are looking to rule me out of ever getting an opportunity as the Manchester United Manager, I cannot.’

‘Special managers are required by special clubs and hence there is a possibility for me to get a stint. However, in football nothing can be predicted.’

‘England offered me the job for coaching their national side, which I believe is the biggest show of approval of my prowess.’

‘So, I’m sure that whenever Sir Alex is going to hang up his boots, they’ll be looking for the best in the world and I fall in that category.’

In spite of all the rumors revolving around other manager, there is no doubt that the former Chelsea Manager can be a perfect replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson. Even defender Rio Ferdinand believes that no one can do the job better than Mourinho.

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Ashravin: Russia will be a different team without Hiddink

March 7th, 2009

Andrey Arshavin, Arsenal midfielder, admits that Guss Hiddink can leave the Russia National side for his commitment to the Chelsea Club, which will come as a matter of distress for him.

Arshavin is not very certain that Hiddink will leave Stamford Bridge following the summer to take a full control of Russia. However, in his undertaking since February, Chelsea has been undefeated in the Premier League.

While speaking to BBC’s Football Focus, Ashravin said, ‘Everyone in the Russian National Team loves him a lot and want to be led by him.’

By getting Hiddink, Chelsea has become a stronger opponent for other teams. Thus, the Russian International is concerned that if Guss moves ahead, then Russian team will be gone as well with him.

Arshavin admitted that at the start of his life in the Premier League with Arsenal, it hardly takes time for him to join the pace of the English top flight.

He said that, ‘It’s a big difference between watching the Premier league on TV and being a part of it. Even though I have very little time in hand to make the difference, I will need to use it to create the maximum effect.’

Arshavin was influential in the Gunners 3-1 success over West Brom at the Hawthorns and gave a positive result to Gunners after four goalless draws on a trot in the league.

According to Arsene Wegner’s stratagem, former Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder will like to play in varied positions rather than playing it in a progressively favored position as in the Russian squad.

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Ronaldo: Defenders never hurt me

March 6th, 2009

Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United winger, insists that no defenders are playing the game having ill intentions of injuring him on purpose.

The challenge made by Newcastle United’s Steven Taylor on the Portuguese International just before the stroke of half time sparked an altercation that carried on during the break in the tunnel.

Even though Red Devils came on top with a 2-1 win at St. James Park, there were lots of questions that needed to be answered.

Following the tackle made on Ronaldo, there is a debate in the world of football over the playing style of the winger. Some believe that the Man U Star style is the factor that incites aggressive tackling from defenders.

According to Arsene Wenger, Arsenal Boss, Ronaldo requires protection from the Premier League referees, in case no one wishes to see a repeat of the event that took place on Wednesday.

Speaking to Daily Mail, Ronaldo dispelled the fact that defenders are always out there for roughening him up. Still, they do not wish to see him injured at any stage of the game. According to him, injuries were a part of playing in the Premier League and it cannot be completely avoided.

He said, ‘On the football pitch, I am the target for many defenders, so it is difficult for avoiding certain things.’

‘However, I do not believe that defenders are tackling on purpose. I respect the feeling that is spread through the game across the globe and I cannot expect people to compete with such an attitude and intention.’

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Posted in Man U, Newcastle United

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Newcastle United Vs Manchester United: Devils survives early hiccup with 2-1 win

March 5th, 2009

Manchester United came on top even against Newcastle United after conceding an early goal and moved seven points ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool with one game in hand.

Red Devils were able to equalize a Lovenkrands goal through a flick from Wayne Rooney in the first half. Later on, a goal from Berbatov won the game 2-1 at St. James Park.

Even though the goal ended Van der Sar’s streak of clean sheet, former Netherland International made sure that he made amends by an error free display in the later part of the game.

At White Hart Lane, Tottenham Hotspurs killed of their submission to Manchester United in Carling Cup finals by romping to a 4-0 victory over Middlesbrough.

Robbie Keane scored his first goal following his return to the Spurs side and was followed by a brace from Pavlyuchenko and two from Lennon.

Manchester City continued their great run at home by trouncing Aston Villa 2-0 with goals from Elano and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Mark Hughes’ side will be looking forward to continue their home form to some of their away games remaining in the season, which has been dismal to say the least.

Stoke City, another side hampered with a poor away form, rallied home to another home victory.

Stoke won the game against Bolton 2-0 with the former Sheffield Striker, James Beattie, scoring for the home side.

Meanwhile at The JJB Stadium, Carlton Cole allowed West Ham United to score a 1-0 victory over Wigan Athletic.

With this win, Hammers moved on to the seventh position in the league table six points behind Everton, who were held to a goalless draw by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

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Cech: It is tough to achieve a quintuple

March 4th, 2009

Petr Cech, Chelsea goalkeeper, insisted that Manchester United is going to feel the strain in their bid for winning a quintuple.

Chelsea, who came on top over Portsmouth 1-0 at Fratton Park on Tuesday, narrowed their gap at the top of League table by four points.

Following an enthralling encounter, the Blues defeated Pompey on the back of a strike from Didier Drogba in the 79th minute. This is the fourth win in succession for interim manager Guus Hiddink.

With a game in hand, this Chelsea victory may not bother the Red Devils. However, Cech feels that in the midst of their quest for accomplishing glory on all fronts, their plans can backfire.

In 2006-07, Chelsea was right on course of getting a quadruple, but lost the track when it mattered the most and eventually had to settle with only FA & Carling Cup titles.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s team, who are going to face Newcastle later today, sounded confident of adding the Premier League title, FA Cup and the Champions league to their victories in Club World Cup and the Carling Cup.

However, Cech said, ‘It is hard when you are looking forward to win every competition. We know it, as we have been on the receiving end of such a situation.’

‘It takes not a bad day, but a bad shot or decision, which changes the complexion of your future.’

‘It is always going to be tough. You will require everything to go for you whether its momentum or luck, which in the current scenario seems impossible.’

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Premier League

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Ferguson: League is won or lost in this period

March 3rd, 2009

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United Boss, guaranteed Red Devils’ fans that their squad member will not relax in any of the Premier League clashes remaining in the season.

United willpower has been responsible in seeing them getting so close of equalizing the League record of 18 Premier League titles.

It is difficult to visualize the Red Devils getting overhauled in the coming matches, as they have a game in hand and on top of that, a lead of seven points over Chelsea and Liverpool.

After winning 8 games out of 11, they know that their championship hat-trick will be completed if they continue moving at the same pace.

However, Ferguson is still optimistic and not looking far ahead. According to him, league is mainly won or lost in March and April. So, the wily Scot wished to see his side completely focused.

Ferguson said, ‘I have seen team lose from a strong position after performing badly in March and April. So it is important that we keep our composure and carry on with the performance that has helped us so far.’

Manchester United will next be looking to avenge the 1-1 draw (in the very first game of the season for the Red Devils) when they play Newcastle United at St. James Park.

‘Newcastle has recovered well after a poor start in the season and we are not going to take them lightly. Especially, after playing out the 1-1 draw against them in the very first game of the season.’

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Ribery may make a summer move to Old Trafford

March 2nd, 2009

With the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo moving to the Spanish Capital, there are rumors that Frank Ribery may be bought in as a replacement at Old Trafford.

Alain Migliaccio, Frenchman’s agent, revealed that the winger could have this blockbuster move to Manchester United, if things fall according to the plan.

The 25-year old Bayern Munich star has been linked with a move to Nou Camp in the coming summer. However, Migliaccio has now thrown United into the midst of the transfer.

With the rumors involving Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid not fading away with time, Ribery’s representative feels that the Red Devils will look to bring him in as a cover for the Portuguese Star.

Ribery has been in a wonderful form in the previous few games, with the latest being the 2 goals scored against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. He was also responsible for assisting 2 others in a 5-0 drubbing of the home side.

Migliaccio said, ‘If Ronaldo leaves Manchester United, then Sir Alex Ferguson is surely going to look for filling the huge gap vacated by the transfer and he might have Ribery in mind for that.’

Meanwhile, Joan Laporta, Barcelona President, said that the Catalans are yet to reach an agreement for signing Ribery and denied all the rumors that were surrounding the transfer.

While speaking to L’Equipe, Laporta said ‘We are yet to speak to his representative or his entourage,’

‘If we will have a plan in the future of which Ribery is a part of, we will speak directly to his club.’

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Malouda might consider leaving Chelsea

March 1st, 2009

Florent Malouda admitted he might be forced to leave Chelsea, if he is not given a better chance to perform by the club.

French winger has been struggling to hold a regular spot in the Blues at Stamford Bridge after making a move from Lyon for £13.5million in July 2007.

According to Luiz Felipe Scolari, Malouda wasn’t playing at his peak, during the manager’s stint at the club.

The winger has only featured in one game, since Guus Hiddink has been appointed the new boss of the club. This has made the situation more aggravated for the French International. He is not thinking of looking for other options, if he will not be able to secure regular action in the remaining part of the season.

Following the clubs 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge, Malouda said, ‘I want to play more games and have 3 more months for trying and getting a regular space in the squad.’

‘However, if this will not happen, I am going to analyze the ongoing scenario and look for other options.’

Meanwhile, Liverpool suffered a humiliating 2-0 loss at the hands of Middlesbrough in the Premier League encounter at the Riverside Stadium.

With goals from Turkish international Tuncay Sanli and an own goal from Xabi Alonso, Middlesbrough has made sure that the Reds have fallen far behind in their bid to win the title.

At Goodison Park, Everton managed a 2-0 victory over West Brom with a touch of class from Louis Saha that resulted in the wonderful second goal for the home side.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Liverpool

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