Posts Tagged ‘Dimitar Berbatov’

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Ferguson: I am blessed with a strong side

October 4th, 2008

Manchester United Boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, sounded warning for their title rivals by saying that his current squad is stronger and better than ever.

Red Devils have been constantly making an attempt for retaining their Champions League and Premier League crowns, which they won last season.

With the addition of former Spurs’ hitman Dimitar Berbatov to the squad during the summer transfer, their side has strengthened considerably and many regards it amongst the strongest across Europe.

Ferguson is very much delighted for having several options while selecting the side, especially with the possible unavailability of 3 star performers.

While speaking to Sky Sports News Ferguson said ‘Squad, which I have, is very strong.’

‘Our position even without the presence of Carrick, Hargreaves and Scholes is very strong.’

‘I have the option of choosing from world-class midfielders like Nani, Anderson, Giggs, Fletcher and O’Shea. O’Shea was excellent during Tuesday’s Champions League game against Aalborg and he might start against Rovers.’

‘I also have the services of young midfielder Gibson and Possebon. Possebon is currently injured, but he is a talent worth watching.’

‘It’s a blessing that I have a squad like this. We can cope with every situation thrown at us.’

United will be traveling to Ewood Park for facing Blackburn Rovers, who are managed by former Devils star Paul Ince, on Saturday.

Even though the Old Trafford Club had a slow start, Fergie is seeing a recovery going on in their game.

‘Our form is constantly getting better with each game and the recent results prove that,’ said the wily Scot.

‘We played some good football against Aalborg. Winning against European teams away from home is not easy.’

Ferguson will be hoping that his side will carry their recent form to Ewood Park and get full points from the game so that they can challenge Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League standings.

No comments »

Posted in Man U, Premier League

Tags:

Berbatov is hoping to remain a Devil for life

October 3rd, 2008

Dimitar Berbatov has expressed his desire of playing for Manchester United till the end of his playing career.

Earlier in the week, Berbatov scored his first goal for the Red Devils in the Champions League match against Aalborg.

After the game, he said ‘I am very delighted of being a member of Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.’

Bulgarian International, who was transferred from Tottenham Hotspurs for $60 million, told Daily Star newspaper ‘if I am not happy to be in United, I will not be satisfied anywhere.’ With this statement, he also dismissed the rumors regarding disappointment with his transfer to the current European Champions.

Ryan Giggs once said that he has been with United from the beginning and would be looking to end his career in the Theater of Dreams. Similarly, former Spurs’ and Leverkusen’s ‘Hitman’ stated that he is also looking forward to be with United and not planning to move anywhere else.

After scoring two goals for United in a 3-0 win against Aalborg, Berbatov is now convinced that he can handle the pressure of playing in world’s biggest club.

‘It is big pressure playing for the best club in the world. However, I have handled such situation with my earlier clubs and national side too. If I will play the way I did against Aalborg in the coming games, pressure is automatically going to be shrugged off.’

‘I expect to learn a lot from our Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been helpful for me during these tough times. Again, playing alongside some of the best players in the world should also allow me to grow more as a player in the coming games.’

No comments »

Posted in Man U, Premier League

Tags:

Berba: I have always handled pressure and expectations

October 1st, 2008

After failing to score for his new employer Manchester United, Dimitar Berbatov proved his critics wrong by hitting the net twice against Denmark’s Aalborg in the Champions League Group tie, which the Red Devils won 3-0.

There was immense pressure on former Bayern Leverkusen’s hitman to perform at the Old Trafford Club following a $60 million transfer from Tottenham Hotspurs.

With the hype that surrounded the deal, the eventual result in the first three outing of the Premier League for Berba was on the disappointing end. He failed to score in all of them.

Although he had an impressive outing in Liverpool, games against Chelsea and Bolton Wanderers were poor for his standard.

However with yesterday’s impressive performance, especially an acrobatic goal which came of Ronaldo’s pass, he made his intensions clear that he will not be overawed with the scenario of playing at the biggest club in the world.

In a post match interview, Berba said ‘I have handled pressures and high expectations throughout my career.’

‘I’m not overawed by the scenario of playing for the best club in the world. I know that if I’ll enjoy my game, results will be visible to everyone.’

‘If I play the way I did at Spurs, then I don’t think critics or fans will have a problem with me.’

Meanwhile, Manchester United had a setback in the coming games, as veteran Paul Scholes suffered a ligament injury in the game against Aalborg.

He was replaced by Ryan Giggs only after the fifteen minutes of the game. Scholes was brought down to the floor, when Thomas Augustinussen challenged him in the midfield area.

Speaking to the media after the game, Devils Boss Sir Alex Ferguson said ‘Scholes has ligament damage. We’ll get it assessed as soon as we reach home.’

No comments »

Posted in Man U, Premier League

Tags:

Ferguson optimistic ahead of match against Chelsea

September 19th, 2008

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is quite optimistic about the club’s chances of winning against Chelsea this weekend, despite a bad start to this season.

Red Devils have won just one match and scored only four goals in their first five competitive matches of this season. The defending premiership champions lie at the 14th place presently.

According to Ferguson, United will get back into the driver’s seat much sooner than later.

As good news for Man U, midfielder Paul Scholes is available for this match, after his suspension.

Though no doubt United need to take their strongest possible combination to London, there are still a couple of questions to be answered on the part of Ferguson.

Firstly, there remains a shadow of uncertainty over winger Christiano Ronaldo’s availability for the clash. He had more than two months on the sideline, since 2008 Euro Cup. Though he played as a second-half substitute against Villarreal on Wednesday, there is doubt on him starting the game at Stamford Bridge.

Secondly, Bulgarian forward Dimitar Berbatov, this season’s biggest signing at Old Trafford, is out injured with a knee trouble that he received in his debut match against Liverpool at Anfield. He also missed the Champions League match, which ended in a goalless draw.

Berbatov is still not fully recovered, but Fergie insists that he can play the match.

A suspended Nemanja Vidic adds to the Red Devils woes. But, Jonny Evans can fill his place well, as he did in the match against the Spanish Club.

No comments »

Posted in Chelsea FC, Man U

Tags:

Tottenham Hotspurs Vs Aston Villa: Spurs dismal run continues with 2-1 loss

September 16th, 2008

Tottenham Hotspurs lost their third game of the season, as Aston Villa defeated the North Londoners 2-1 at White Hart Lane.

This is the worst start from Spurs, as they have only scored 1 point from four games.

Goals from Ashley Young and Reo Coker were instrumental in architecting a disappointing loss to North Londoners.

However, Spurs cannot point finger at the transfer saga of Dimitar Berbatov for their current defeat. This defeat has come primarily for some good attacking display by Martin O’Neill’s side. They dealt with everything that their opponents threw at them.

Heurelho Gomes, Spurs keeper, did make a good save in the game that prevented the Villa lead to be doubled after Reo Coker scored the opener in the first half (fifth minute of the game) for the visiting side. However, Gomes was at fault when it was his lapse in concentration that saw Villa doubled the lead through Young.

Although Darren Bent scored a fortunate goal in the dying stages of the game, it was too late for the home side to achieve a point from it. Again, the late goal did not see any lapse in concentration from the Villa defense, which consistently persisted on and didn’t give any opportunity.

With their 3rd loss in four games, now Spurs will have to dig deep and make the best use of their resources. Players like new draftee Pavlyuchenko, Bent and Woodagate will have to play at their best for their side to come back to winning ways.

No comments »

Posted in Aston Villa, Tottenham

Tags:

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.

No comments »

Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

Tags:

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.

No comments »

Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

Tags:

Berbatov: It was my dream to be a Red Devil

September 3rd, 2008

Dimitar Berbatov was overjoyed after his transfer to Manchester United was successfully completed.

It was a US$ 60 million deal that saw the Bulgarian International finally moved to the Theater of Dreams. Red Devils have also given the services of Frazier Campbell, who will be playing on a season-long loan, to Tottenham Hotspurs along with the financial compensation.

Berbatov transfer saga was one of the most talked about issues throughout the transfer season, as former Spurs forward was desperate for leaving his current club and play for the current European and English Champions.

27-year-old Bulgarian Star was relieved to finally receive the signal for playing at Old Trafford, where he is hoping for an excellent career.

While speaking to reports, Berbatov said ‘It was a dream for me to join Manchester United. Now with the dream taking the shape of reality, I am looking forward for being more than a helping hand in the club’s future successes’.

Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, was also thrilled that he finally got his man.

‘I felt that the transfer might not take place, as the negotiations between the two clubs were very slow. However, now that it is all set and done, I am happy that I got what I wanted’, said Ferguson.

On being asked in regards to the presence of three quality attackers in the same team, he replied ‘I am sure that Dimi will fit in well with Rooney and Tevez. His ability and style is going to offer another dimension to the club, which will be visible in the coming games.’

No comments »

Posted in Football Transfer Market, Man U

Tags:

Pavyluchenko inclusion might work in favor of Spurs

August 30th, 2008

Tottenham Hotspurs have started a wrecking Barclay’s Premier League campaign, which has already seen two losses under their belt.

With the uncertainty in regards to the future of Dimitar Berbatov, who is being talked to a move for Manchester United, the team looks to be lacking the needed vigor of a first club.

However, things might be different in the coming weeks, as they have completed the transfer of the Russian striker, Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Pavyluchenko came into the limelight after a promising Euro 2008 with Russia where his skills were tough to compete.

Pavyluchenko has troubled several international sides, including England. With his aggression, Tottenham might get the killer instinct necessary for getting out of the slum, which they have got themselves into in the beginning of the season.

The only hope for Tottenham is shining in the form of Pavyluchenko, who has come down to London for finalizing his move to the Lilywhites. This move would be a boost for the club ahead of their next match against the in-form Chelsea, who are also the current leaders in BPL table.

He would join the side from North London alongside striker Darren Bent for the rest of this season. With the Spurs making little use of the transfer window, they are only left with the experienced Russian striker to resurrect their lost pride.

Pavyluchenko may not play for the weekend’s match against Chelsea, but Spurs might be playing with renewed energy at the news of this addition.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will be looking forward to continue their winning run by going one-up on Spurs.

No comments »

Posted in Chelsea FC, Football Transfer Market

Tags:

Ferguson hopes still alive for Henry

August 26th, 2008

It has been a long summer for the English club coaches in the Barclays Premier League.

Rafa Benitez has had his fight for Gareth Barry, which turned sour as the club owners decided against the transfer. Arsene Wenger, on the other hand, might make a move into the transfer market yet again to pursue the same Gareth Barry. However, Sir Alex Ferguson is treading a different path altogether.

Ferguson, who has already made his intentions clear of signing in Berbatov over from the Tottenham side, has mentioned that he would not give up on the Barcelona striker Thierry Henry.

After a scrappy performance by his team last week, Fergie has made it a point to strengthen his side into a formidable barrier to break down. He surely looks confident to defend the Championship title at every cost.

On the other hand, Dimitar Berbatov is to be put on the Spurs bench while his teammates are to take the field. This may be an opportunity for Fergie to get one deal out of the two.

If Fergie does pullout Barcelona striker, Henry, it will be a major transfer of the season. Manchester United, already known well for their counter attacks, would then have an attacking line, which would be tough for the best of defenders to cope.

Now, only time can tell what is in stored for Fergie and his men? However, it does not seem that he would have to encounter any misfortune like that of his fellow Liverpool Coach Benitez.

No comments »

Posted in Football Transfer Market, Man U

Tags: