Here are the major confirmed transfers in the month of May
30/05/2007 Anderson Porto to Man Utd. Full Ownership
30/05/2007 Nani Sporting to Man Utd. Full Ownership
30/05/2007 H. Crespo Chelsea to Inter Loan
30/05/2007 S. Muntari Udinese to Portsmouth Full Ownership
30/05/2007 L. Toni Fiorentina to Bayern Full Ownership
29/05/2007 Rivaldo Olympiakos to AEK Athens Free Transfer
29/05/2007 J. Inamoto Galatasaray to Eintracht Full Ownership
28/05/2007 A. Simon MTK Budapest to Liverpool Full Ownership
28/05/2007 K. Nemeth MTK Budapest to Liverpool Full Ownership
28/05/2007 Y. Bastürk Hertha BSC to VfB Stuttgart Full Ownership
27/05/2007 M. Jansen Mönchengladbach to Bayern Full Ownership
26/05/2007 G. Bale Southampton to Tottenham Full Ownership
25/05/2007 H. Hreidarsson Charlton to Portsmouth Full Ownership
24/05/2007 V. Iaquinta Udinese to Juventus Full Ownership
23/05/2007 M. Hanke VfL Wolfsburg to Hannover 96 Full Ownership
22/05/2007 S. Distin Manchester City to Portsmouth Free Transfer
22/05/2007 S. Sidwell Reading to Chelsea Free Transfer
20/05/2007 O. Hargreaves Bayern to Man Utd. Full Ownership
19/05/2007 T. Radzinski Fulham released Free Transfer
17/05/2007 A. Lupoli Arsenal to Fiorentina Free Transfer
17/05/2007 César Bolton released Free Transfer
17/05/2007 D. Thompson Bolton released Free Transfer
17/05/2007 Q. Fortune Bolton released Free Transfer
17/05/2007 H. Pedersen Bolton released Free Transfer
17/05/2007 D. Unsworth Wigan Athletic released Free Transfer
17/05/2007 A. De Zeeuw Wigan Athletic released Free Transfer
16/05/2007 H. Trabelsi Manchester City released Free Transfer
16/05/2007 S. Jordan Manchester City released Free Transfer
16/05/2007 T. Sinclair Manchester City released Free Transfer
16/05/2007 K. Cissé Boavista to Reading Full Ownership
15/05/2007 D. Beasley Manchester City to PSV Confirmed End of Loan
14/05/2007 R. Wright Everton released Free Transfer
14/05/2007 A. Pistone Everton released Free Transfer
14/05/2007 Abel Xavier Middlesbrough to Los Angeles Galaxy Free Transfer
14/05/2007 J. Hasselbaink Charlton released Free Transfer
Thursday, 31 May 2007
Ali Daei calls it a day
Iran legend Ali Daei has announced his retirement from professional football after he led Saipa to the Iran Pro League title on Monday.
It has been a long journey. Daei started his football career nearly 26 years ago playing for his hometown club in the north-western town of Ardabil. As a tall and lanky kid he may have looked more suited for volleyball, but football was his true passion, and he played it with uncanny vigour.
Coming from a family that valued education, Daei enrolled in Tehran’s Sharif University. Football was never too far from his mind however, and he managed to maintain a well balanced student/athlete life playing for two minor clubs while he was attending university. He eventually graduated with an engineering degree.
His big break came in 1994 when he was picked up by Tehran giants Perspolis where, over two seasons, he scored 23 goals in 38 games. After one year in Qatar he moved to Germany where he became the first ever Iranian to play in the Bundesliga.
During his four year stay in Germany he played for Armenia Bielefeld, Bayern Munich, and Hertha Berlin with whom he stayed for two seasons. He scored three goals for Hertha during their 2000 UEFA Champions League campaign - two of which came against Chelsea and one against AC Milan.
After Germany came a series of one season stints with UAE’s Al-Shabab, Perspolis, and Saba Battery of Tehran before he landed with Saipa at the beginning of 2006-07 season.
Daei’s career has not been free of controversy. For most of his career he was adored by Iran’s passionate fans. This was most evident when he was dropped from the national squad in 1998 after a dispute with then coach Mohammad Mayeli-Kohan. The move prompted such uproar amongst the Iranian fans that the Daei was reinstated after missing two games and helped Iran qualify for France.
The 38-year-old, who played for Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin, enjoyed an illustrious playing career on the international stage, scoring an impressive 109 goals in 149 games.
In 1996 he was the world's top scorer having scored 29 goals in 38 appearances for Iran, including four goals in one game against South Korea in the Asian Cup that year.
And in the 1998 World Cup he again continued his impressive form in international football by scoring nine goals in 17 games.
The 1999 AFC Player of the Year took over as player-coach of Saipa at the start of the season and led them to the title on the final game of the campaign with a 2-0 victory over Mes, in which he grabbed the second goal.
He said after the match: "This game was the last for me as a player and I'm really happy that I have scored a goal once again. It was great to lead Saipa to the league title and I would like to thank all my fans. After retirement, I will probably start a managerial career with Saipa as a full-time manager next season."
from afc.com
It has been a long journey. Daei started his football career nearly 26 years ago playing for his hometown club in the north-western town of Ardabil. As a tall and lanky kid he may have looked more suited for volleyball, but football was his true passion, and he played it with uncanny vigour.
Coming from a family that valued education, Daei enrolled in Tehran’s Sharif University. Football was never too far from his mind however, and he managed to maintain a well balanced student/athlete life playing for two minor clubs while he was attending university. He eventually graduated with an engineering degree.
His big break came in 1994 when he was picked up by Tehran giants Perspolis where, over two seasons, he scored 23 goals in 38 games. After one year in Qatar he moved to Germany where he became the first ever Iranian to play in the Bundesliga.
During his four year stay in Germany he played for Armenia Bielefeld, Bayern Munich, and Hertha Berlin with whom he stayed for two seasons. He scored three goals for Hertha during their 2000 UEFA Champions League campaign - two of which came against Chelsea and one against AC Milan.
After Germany came a series of one season stints with UAE’s Al-Shabab, Perspolis, and Saba Battery of Tehran before he landed with Saipa at the beginning of 2006-07 season.
Daei’s career has not been free of controversy. For most of his career he was adored by Iran’s passionate fans. This was most evident when he was dropped from the national squad in 1998 after a dispute with then coach Mohammad Mayeli-Kohan. The move prompted such uproar amongst the Iranian fans that the Daei was reinstated after missing two games and helped Iran qualify for France.
The 38-year-old, who played for Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin, enjoyed an illustrious playing career on the international stage, scoring an impressive 109 goals in 149 games.
In 1996 he was the world's top scorer having scored 29 goals in 38 appearances for Iran, including four goals in one game against South Korea in the Asian Cup that year.
And in the 1998 World Cup he again continued his impressive form in international football by scoring nine goals in 17 games.
The 1999 AFC Player of the Year took over as player-coach of Saipa at the start of the season and led them to the title on the final game of the campaign with a 2-0 victory over Mes, in which he grabbed the second goal.
He said after the match: "This game was the last for me as a player and I'm really happy that I have scored a goal once again. It was great to lead Saipa to the league title and I would like to thank all my fans. After retirement, I will probably start a managerial career with Saipa as a full-time manager next season."
from afc.com
Quotes of the Season---Part 1
"A select group? The champions will come from a select group of one" - Peter Kenyon didn't mean ManYoo.
"It pains me to admit this but it needs saying. We were not as good as we thought we were. On arriving in Germany, England were guilty of over-confidence. It was ours for the taking. No one was better than us. Me and the other players placed too much pressure on ourselves by constantly claiming we could win the World Cup. Stupid. We talked ourselves up too much. Never again. In future tournaments we must learn to be humble. Be calm. We went around Germany blowing our own trumpet and returned home mute with embarrassment" - Steven Gerrard.
"Obviously I want my stuff back, but I want Mac back more than anything. He is just a puppy" - Andy Van der Meyde is traumatised by the summer's 'welcome to Merseyside' theft of his Ferrari, black convertible Mini Cooper, Rolex watch and dog, Mac.
"He reminds me of the sort of players 15 or 20 years ago. He looks like a Seventies player with his haircut" - Chris Coleman hails Jimmy Bullard, just days before everyone's favourite midfielder was ruled out for the season.
"I believe in the very near future West Ham can become bigger than Chelsea and maybe within seven years even challenge Manchester United" - Kia Joorabchian comments on the Argentinians' move, before failing to buy the Hammers.
"I was never a great player" - Roy Keane, after being reminded that great players rarely make great managers.
"We have always been quite good defensively" - Gary Neville, the day before scoring his first own goal for England.
"If there was a possibility of signing Titus Bramble, I would do it right now. He is a quality defender" - Jim Magilton begs Ipswich to sack him on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
"The worst thing about playing Chelsea is having to listen to Mourinho afterwards. He talks absolute bollocks. He should shut the f**k up" - Barcelona's Edmilson.
"Big clubs do get the decisions - I'm not moaning about that. I just want to make Aston Villa a big side so that we get them too" - Martin O'Neill reveals his masterplan.
"I had a bust-up with Schmikes (Peter Schmeichel) once. He was towering over me and we're eye to eye. I'm looking up and thinking 'If he hits me, I know I'm dead'. The other players were almost covering their eyes" - Sir Alex looks back on 20 years in charge.
from football365.com
"It pains me to admit this but it needs saying. We were not as good as we thought we were. On arriving in Germany, England were guilty of over-confidence. It was ours for the taking. No one was better than us. Me and the other players placed too much pressure on ourselves by constantly claiming we could win the World Cup. Stupid. We talked ourselves up too much. Never again. In future tournaments we must learn to be humble. Be calm. We went around Germany blowing our own trumpet and returned home mute with embarrassment" - Steven Gerrard.
"Obviously I want my stuff back, but I want Mac back more than anything. He is just a puppy" - Andy Van der Meyde is traumatised by the summer's 'welcome to Merseyside' theft of his Ferrari, black convertible Mini Cooper, Rolex watch and dog, Mac.
"He reminds me of the sort of players 15 or 20 years ago. He looks like a Seventies player with his haircut" - Chris Coleman hails Jimmy Bullard, just days before everyone's favourite midfielder was ruled out for the season.
"I believe in the very near future West Ham can become bigger than Chelsea and maybe within seven years even challenge Manchester United" - Kia Joorabchian comments on the Argentinians' move, before failing to buy the Hammers.
"I was never a great player" - Roy Keane, after being reminded that great players rarely make great managers.
"We have always been quite good defensively" - Gary Neville, the day before scoring his first own goal for England.
"If there was a possibility of signing Titus Bramble, I would do it right now. He is a quality defender" - Jim Magilton begs Ipswich to sack him on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
"The worst thing about playing Chelsea is having to listen to Mourinho afterwards. He talks absolute bollocks. He should shut the f**k up" - Barcelona's Edmilson.
"Big clubs do get the decisions - I'm not moaning about that. I just want to make Aston Villa a big side so that we get them too" - Martin O'Neill reveals his masterplan.
"I had a bust-up with Schmikes (Peter Schmeichel) once. He was towering over me and we're eye to eye. I'm looking up and thinking 'If he hits me, I know I'm dead'. The other players were almost covering their eyes" - Sir Alex looks back on 20 years in charge.
from football365.com
Real Madrid targets Kaka
Reports in Spain claim that Real Madrid are ready to resume their campaign to sign Milan star Kaka. The Brazilian has been a primary transfer target for the Spaniards since last summer.
However, we could be in for another summer of tension as the Spanish newspaper AS claims that Real chief Ramon Calderon intends to keep the promise made during his election campaign by netting the Golden Boy.
Real are reportedly ready to offer £43m for Kaka and could include Emerson in the deal, as well as Fabio Cannavaro.
The story adds that Kaka would also be willing to make the move despite his status as a Milan fan favourite. "I don't want to start a war, but I would be happy to join Madrid," he is quoted as saying.
Although Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has insisted that Kaka is untouchable. It’s understood that Madrid officials have already been in touch with Kaka’s agent over a possible move.
The 1982-born starlet joined Milan in August 2003 after Chelsea were pipped to his signature. Meanwhile, a report in Marca claims that Ancelotti could take over at Barcelona during the summer.
That, however, seems unlikely given that Ancelotti is in talks over a Rossoneri extension following Champions League glory.
However, we could be in for another summer of tension as the Spanish newspaper AS claims that Real chief Ramon Calderon intends to keep the promise made during his election campaign by netting the Golden Boy.
Real are reportedly ready to offer £43m for Kaka and could include Emerson in the deal, as well as Fabio Cannavaro.
The story adds that Kaka would also be willing to make the move despite his status as a Milan fan favourite. "I don't want to start a war, but I would be happy to join Madrid," he is quoted as saying.
Although Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has insisted that Kaka is untouchable. It’s understood that Madrid officials have already been in touch with Kaka’s agent over a possible move.
The 1982-born starlet joined Milan in August 2003 after Chelsea were pipped to his signature. Meanwhile, a report in Marca claims that Ancelotti could take over at Barcelona during the summer.
That, however, seems unlikely given that Ancelotti is in talks over a Rossoneri extension following Champions League glory.
Luca Toni snapped up by Bayern
Italian international, Luca Toni, 30, has agreed a four year deal with Bayern.
Bayern president, Karl Heinz Rummenigge, said, "We have finalised an agreement with Toni, He will sign a contract until June 30, 2011. On June 8 he will be in Munich for his medical and he will then be officially unveiled to the Press. The transfer fee is £7.8m.”
Bayern’s swoop is impressive given that they haven’t qualified for next season’s Champions League. The former Palermo and Brescia ace, who will allegedly earn £4m per season, was crowned as the 2005-06 Serie A top scorer with 31 goals.
Toni was also a reported target for Inter, Chelsea and Juventus.
Personal information
Full name: Luca Toni Varchetta
Date of birth: 26-05-1977 (age 30)
Place of birth: Pavullo nel Frignano, Italy
Height: 1.93 m
Playing position: Striker
Club information
Senior clubs
1994-1996 Modena 32 (7)
1996-1997 Empoli 3 (1)
1997-1998 Fiorenzuola 26 (2)
1998-1999 Lodigiani 31 (5)
1999-2000 Treviso 35 (15)
2000-2001 Vicenza 31 (9)
2001-2003 Brescia 44 (15)
2003-2005 Palermo 80 (51)
2005-2007 Fiorentina 67 (47)
2007- Bayern Munich 0 (0)
National team
2004- Italy 27 (12)
Bayern president, Karl Heinz Rummenigge, said, "We have finalised an agreement with Toni, He will sign a contract until June 30, 2011. On June 8 he will be in Munich for his medical and he will then be officially unveiled to the Press. The transfer fee is £7.8m.”
Bayern’s swoop is impressive given that they haven’t qualified for next season’s Champions League. The former Palermo and Brescia ace, who will allegedly earn £4m per season, was crowned as the 2005-06 Serie A top scorer with 31 goals.
Toni was also a reported target for Inter, Chelsea and Juventus.
Personal information
Full name: Luca Toni Varchetta
Date of birth: 26-05-1977 (age 30)
Place of birth: Pavullo nel Frignano, Italy
Height: 1.93 m
Playing position: Striker
Club information
Senior clubs
1994-1996 Modena 32 (7)
1996-1997 Empoli 3 (1)
1997-1998 Fiorenzuola 26 (2)
1998-1999 Lodigiani 31 (5)
1999-2000 Treviso 35 (15)
2000-2001 Vicenza 31 (9)
2001-2003 Brescia 44 (15)
2003-2005 Palermo 80 (51)
2005-2007 Fiorentina 67 (47)
2007- Bayern Munich 0 (0)
National team
2004- Italy 27 (12)
Blatter remains in office
Sepp Blatter has been re-elected unopposed for a third term as FIFA president.
Blatter, first appointed in 1998, stood unchallenged and was unanimously voted into office by acclamation at the 208-nation Fifa Congress in Zurich.
This was what he had to say, "It is with great joy when I hear that I have the confidence of the 57th Congress giving me the mandate as FIFA president from 2007 to 2011. Thank you for your trust and putting me once again at the helm of this institution."
Blatter, first appointed in 1998, stood unchallenged and was unanimously voted into office by acclamation at the 208-nation Fifa Congress in Zurich.
This was what he had to say, "It is with great joy when I hear that I have the confidence of the 57th Congress giving me the mandate as FIFA president from 2007 to 2011. Thank you for your trust and putting me once again at the helm of this institution."
Transfer Talk 31-05-07
Liverpool are lining up a £12million bid for Valencia left-winger David Silva. (rafa raiding his former club)
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce will make a big change in his midfield by selling Scott Parker to West Ham for £8million, replacing him with the £5.5million signing of Joey Barton. (a step backwards to make 2 steps forward?)
Arsenal will make a new £8million move for West Brom skipper Curtis Davies. (replacement for out of favour djorou)
Sir Alex Ferguson wants either Samuel Eto'o or Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to lead the Manchester United attack next season.
Everton will trigger a £4million release clause in Sheffield United skipper Phil Jagielka's contract and sign him by the end of the week.
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has set his sights on Lyon midfielder Alou Diarra and Rennes striker John Utaka. (more african players for Pompey)
Mark Viduka will quit Middlesbrough to join Newcastle.
Arsene Wenger is ready to let Thierry Henry leave Arsenal, with long-term suitors Barcelona set to offer £17million plus Samuel Eto'o to land the Gunners skipper. (good deal to us, Eto o has more years in him than Henry. 17 mill for a age 30 player is a good deal)
Tottenham could scupper West Ham's bid to sign Scott Parker from Newcastle after ending their interest in Hammers skipper Nigel Reo-Coker.
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce will make a big change in his midfield by selling Scott Parker to West Ham for £8million, replacing him with the £5.5million signing of Joey Barton. (a step backwards to make 2 steps forward?)
Arsenal will make a new £8million move for West Brom skipper Curtis Davies. (replacement for out of favour djorou)
Sir Alex Ferguson wants either Samuel Eto'o or Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to lead the Manchester United attack next season.
Everton will trigger a £4million release clause in Sheffield United skipper Phil Jagielka's contract and sign him by the end of the week.
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has set his sights on Lyon midfielder Alou Diarra and Rennes striker John Utaka. (more african players for Pompey)
Mark Viduka will quit Middlesbrough to join Newcastle.
Arsene Wenger is ready to let Thierry Henry leave Arsenal, with long-term suitors Barcelona set to offer £17million plus Samuel Eto'o to land the Gunners skipper. (good deal to us, Eto o has more years in him than Henry. 17 mill for a age 30 player is a good deal)
Tottenham could scupper West Ham's bid to sign Scott Parker from Newcastle after ending their interest in Hammers skipper Nigel Reo-Coker.
Saha heading for Turin?
No not Juventus, its Torino. Torino president Urbano Cairo is planning a bid for striker Louis Saha. The Turin outfit is convinced he can land Saha for a knockdown £6 million this summer given the spate of injury problems.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists he's happy to hang onto Saha next season, but may use Torino's interest to flush out rival suitors to drive up the striker's price-tag. Along with the Italians, Olympique Lyon and Tottenham have also been linked with Saha in recent weeks.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists he's happy to hang onto Saha next season, but may use Torino's interest to flush out rival suitors to drive up the striker's price-tag. Along with the Italians, Olympique Lyon and Tottenham have also been linked with Saha in recent weeks.
Introducing the 2 new Red Devils
Nani
Profile
Personal information
Full name: Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha
Date of birth: 17-11-1986 (age 20)
Place of birth: Amadora, Portugal
Height: 1.75 m
Playing position: Winger
Club information
Youth clubs
Real de Massamá
Sporting CP
Senior clubs
2005 - 2007 Sporting CP 19 (6)
2007 - Man Utd
National team
2006- Portugal 05 (1)
Nani is the latest outstanding talent to be produced by Sporting’s seemingly endless conveyor belt of world-class wingers. The same system that produced Luis Figo, Simao, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Quaresma appears to have unearthed another sensation capable of attaining the heights of such exalted company.
Nani started his career at his local club Massama on the outskirts of Lisbon before joining Sporting’s famed youth academy.
His speed, strength and trickery have led many to compare him with Cristiano Ronaldo, and like the Manchester United winger Nani has the added bonus of having a keen eye for goal. He is equally at home on either flank.
He broke into the first team at 18 years of age, and made an immediate impression with his dazzling footwork and extreme speed, scoring 6 goals in his debut season.
Trademark celebration
Each goal is exuberantly celebrated, with an acrobatic somersault on the run that wouldn’t shame an Olympic gymnast.
Nani enjoyed a blistering start to the 2006/07 season with two goals in Sporting’s first two matches and another on his international debut where he gave a man-of-the-match display against Denmark.
That was followed up by an outstanding goal in the Champions League against Spartak Moscow, and Europe’s biggest clubs began to take note. Manchester United and Inter Milan were among a host of top European giants reportedly vying for Nani’s signature. In the end Sir Alex gets his man again.
Nani has also been dubbed the next 'Cristiano Ronaldo' due his similar style of play. Nani is seen as a long term relacement for Ryan Giggs in the United team.
Anderson
Profile
Full name: Anderson Luís de Abreu Oliveira
Date of birth: 13-04-1988 (age 19)
Birthplace: Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Nationality: Brazilian
Height: 176 cm
Weight: 69 kg
Club: Manchester United
Position: Attacking Midfielder [C]
Previous clubs: Gremio > Porto > Manchester United
International debut: still to do it
Youth clubs
1993-2004 Grêmio
Senior clubs
2004-2005 Grêmio 05 (1)
2005-present FC Porto 21 (5)
The next Ronaldinho
Everything suggests he is going to be a superstar, a prodigy, as he has undisputable quality,” said Mario Zagallo, the legendary Brazilian World Cup winning player and manager.
The similarities between Anderson and the Barcelona superstar are not limited to both player’s long hair, silky skills and dazzling footwork. The two stars came through the ranks at Gremio.
With Gremio spending the 2005 season in the Brazilian second division, Anderson’s rise to stardom came mainly with his achievements for his country at international youth tournaments. After helping Brazil to the final of the South American U-17 Championships in April 2005, Anderson won the “Adidas Golden Ball” award for his performances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup later in the year.
His career at Gremio was brief, with only a handful of first team appearances to his name and all of them coming before his 18th birthday. However, he is remembered for scoring one of the most important goals in the club’s recent history, getting a spectacular solo winner as the two-time South American champions secured promotion back to the top flight with a 1-0 win over Nautico in November 2005.
Word of Anderson’s talent soon reached Europe, and FC Porto beat off stiff competition to bring him to Portugal in January 2006. He made his debut two months later, giving him enough time to make his mark during Porto’s title triumph, and he became one of the Dragons’ most important players in the opening months of the 2006/07 season.
Complete player
Despite his age, Anderson is a remarkably complete footballer. With all the skills and flair of the finest Brazilian footballers, he is also quick, powerful and possesses incredibly high energy levels and a tireless work rate. He has expressed a preference for playing in a wide left position, but is becoming increasingly impressive in central midfield, where he has shone for Porto in the Champions League.
Brazilian World Cup winner and former FIFA World Player of the Year Rivaldo is in a good position to assess Anderson’s ability. “He’s very good, a huge talent, but you need to be patient with him. His development should be controlled, giving him encouragement, but everything done calmly. We’re talking about a youngster who has the qualities to be a great player.”
(courtesy of portugoal.net)
Profile
Personal information
Full name: Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha
Date of birth: 17-11-1986 (age 20)
Place of birth: Amadora, Portugal
Height: 1.75 m
Playing position: Winger
Club information
Youth clubs
Real de Massamá
Sporting CP
Senior clubs
2005 - 2007 Sporting CP 19 (6)
2007 - Man Utd
National team
2006- Portugal 05 (1)
Nani is the latest outstanding talent to be produced by Sporting’s seemingly endless conveyor belt of world-class wingers. The same system that produced Luis Figo, Simao, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Quaresma appears to have unearthed another sensation capable of attaining the heights of such exalted company.
Nani started his career at his local club Massama on the outskirts of Lisbon before joining Sporting’s famed youth academy.
His speed, strength and trickery have led many to compare him with Cristiano Ronaldo, and like the Manchester United winger Nani has the added bonus of having a keen eye for goal. He is equally at home on either flank.
He broke into the first team at 18 years of age, and made an immediate impression with his dazzling footwork and extreme speed, scoring 6 goals in his debut season.
Trademark celebration
Each goal is exuberantly celebrated, with an acrobatic somersault on the run that wouldn’t shame an Olympic gymnast.
Nani enjoyed a blistering start to the 2006/07 season with two goals in Sporting’s first two matches and another on his international debut where he gave a man-of-the-match display against Denmark.
That was followed up by an outstanding goal in the Champions League against Spartak Moscow, and Europe’s biggest clubs began to take note. Manchester United and Inter Milan were among a host of top European giants reportedly vying for Nani’s signature. In the end Sir Alex gets his man again.
Nani has also been dubbed the next 'Cristiano Ronaldo' due his similar style of play. Nani is seen as a long term relacement for Ryan Giggs in the United team.
Anderson
Profile
Full name: Anderson Luís de Abreu Oliveira
Date of birth: 13-04-1988 (age 19)
Birthplace: Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Nationality: Brazilian
Height: 176 cm
Weight: 69 kg
Club: Manchester United
Position: Attacking Midfielder [C]
Previous clubs: Gremio > Porto > Manchester United
International debut: still to do it
Youth clubs
1993-2004 Grêmio
Senior clubs
2004-2005 Grêmio 05 (1)
2005-present FC Porto 21 (5)
The next Ronaldinho
Everything suggests he is going to be a superstar, a prodigy, as he has undisputable quality,” said Mario Zagallo, the legendary Brazilian World Cup winning player and manager.
The similarities between Anderson and the Barcelona superstar are not limited to both player’s long hair, silky skills and dazzling footwork. The two stars came through the ranks at Gremio.
With Gremio spending the 2005 season in the Brazilian second division, Anderson’s rise to stardom came mainly with his achievements for his country at international youth tournaments. After helping Brazil to the final of the South American U-17 Championships in April 2005, Anderson won the “Adidas Golden Ball” award for his performances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup later in the year.
His career at Gremio was brief, with only a handful of first team appearances to his name and all of them coming before his 18th birthday. However, he is remembered for scoring one of the most important goals in the club’s recent history, getting a spectacular solo winner as the two-time South American champions secured promotion back to the top flight with a 1-0 win over Nautico in November 2005.
Word of Anderson’s talent soon reached Europe, and FC Porto beat off stiff competition to bring him to Portugal in January 2006. He made his debut two months later, giving him enough time to make his mark during Porto’s title triumph, and he became one of the Dragons’ most important players in the opening months of the 2006/07 season.
Complete player
Despite his age, Anderson is a remarkably complete footballer. With all the skills and flair of the finest Brazilian footballers, he is also quick, powerful and possesses incredibly high energy levels and a tireless work rate. He has expressed a preference for playing in a wide left position, but is becoming increasingly impressive in central midfield, where he has shone for Porto in the Champions League.
Brazilian World Cup winner and former FIFA World Player of the Year Rivaldo is in a good position to assess Anderson’s ability. “He’s very good, a huge talent, but you need to be patient with him. His development should be controlled, giving him encouragement, but everything done calmly. We’re talking about a youngster who has the qualities to be a great player.”
(courtesy of portugoal.net)
Portsmouth buys Ghanain
Pompey has signed Ghanain Sulley Muntari for a club record fee of 7 million pounds. He has signed on for a 5 year deal from Italian club, Udinese.
Muntari, 22, is manager Harry Redknapp's third new recruit in a week having signed centre-backs Sylvain Distin from Manchester City and Hermann Hreidarsson from Charlton on free transfers.
Redknapp commented, "We tried to sign Sulley in the last two transfer windows but Udinese did not want to sell. I saw him for the first time in the World Cup last summer for Ghana against Brazil when he was the best player on the pitch. And he was outstanding in the matches I've watched him ever since. He will add pace, strength and goalscoring ability to our midfield. He has a great left foot, great energy and can run all day. He can pass the ball too.
His compatriot, Chelsea star Michael Essien, recommended Muntari's signing and said last week: "He will be a really big player in English football."
Profile
Full name: Sulley Ali Muntari
Date of birth: 27-08-1984 (age 22)
Place of birth: Konongo, Ghana
Height: 1.8 m
Playing position: Central midfielder
Club information
2002-2007 Udinese 124 (8)
2007- Portsmouth
National team
2002- Ghana 026 (8)
- box-to-box physical and skillful central midfielder
- described by Football Italia as "showing himself to possess the touch of Kaká and the combativeness of Edgar Davids
- integral member of Ghana's U-20 team as they finished runners-up [1] at the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship
- had a trial with Man United earlier in career before moving to Udinese
- won his first cap for Ghana against Slovenia on 17 May 2002 at age 18
- On 31 August 2005 at the end of the transfer window, Udinese announced they rejected a bid from Manchester United for the player. Ironically, United had the chance to buy Muntari as a youngster in 2001, but wouldn't pay the £1 million pound asking price.
- If MU once wanted him, he must be decent
Muntari, 22, is manager Harry Redknapp's third new recruit in a week having signed centre-backs Sylvain Distin from Manchester City and Hermann Hreidarsson from Charlton on free transfers.
Redknapp commented, "We tried to sign Sulley in the last two transfer windows but Udinese did not want to sell. I saw him for the first time in the World Cup last summer for Ghana against Brazil when he was the best player on the pitch. And he was outstanding in the matches I've watched him ever since. He will add pace, strength and goalscoring ability to our midfield. He has a great left foot, great energy and can run all day. He can pass the ball too.
His compatriot, Chelsea star Michael Essien, recommended Muntari's signing and said last week: "He will be a really big player in English football."
Profile
Full name: Sulley Ali Muntari
Date of birth: 27-08-1984 (age 22)
Place of birth: Konongo, Ghana
Height: 1.8 m
Playing position: Central midfielder
Club information
2002-2007 Udinese 124 (8)
2007- Portsmouth
National team
2002- Ghana 026 (8)
- box-to-box physical and skillful central midfielder
- described by Football Italia as "showing himself to possess the touch of Kaká and the combativeness of Edgar Davids
- integral member of Ghana's U-20 team as they finished runners-up [1] at the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship
- had a trial with Man United earlier in career before moving to Udinese
- won his first cap for Ghana against Slovenia on 17 May 2002 at age 18
- On 31 August 2005 at the end of the transfer window, Udinese announced they rejected a bid from Manchester United for the player. Ironically, United had the chance to buy Muntari as a youngster in 2001, but wouldn't pay the £1 million pound asking price.
- If MU once wanted him, he must be decent
Man United gets stronger
We come back after some days of silence reviewing MU's three new signings. MU has signed Nani from Sporting Lisbon, Anderson from Porto and later on the 1st of July, Owen Hargreaves from MU.
Nani and Anderson are promising skillful youngster and has been linked to the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Real Madrid. So well done to MU for such a brilliant coup. It is evident that Sir Alex is looking to add more pace, skill and flair to the Red Devils. The future of MU first eleven would have Ronaldo and Nani down the wings. A fearsome attack force just got better. Anderson is a central attacking midfielder. The Porto midfielder was crowned player of the tournament at the 2005 Under-17 World Championships and is part of Brazil's squad for this summer's Copa America Is it to be a long term replacement for Scholes? Time will tell.
Owen Hargreaves is signed to provide the defensive midfielder that MU has tried to find since the departure of Keano. So with Hargreaves in, it looks like we will see more of the 4-5-1 system. Hargreaves playing behind Carrick and Scholes. This would mean less matches for the likes of Fletcher. (we hear the MU fans cheering). A hard tackler in the centre, Hargreaves would provide that stability and would allow Carrick to roam more forward. (remember Roma?)
We will provide more details of the new signings in upcoming articles.
Nani and Anderson are promising skillful youngster and has been linked to the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Real Madrid. So well done to MU for such a brilliant coup. It is evident that Sir Alex is looking to add more pace, skill and flair to the Red Devils. The future of MU first eleven would have Ronaldo and Nani down the wings. A fearsome attack force just got better. Anderson is a central attacking midfielder. The Porto midfielder was crowned player of the tournament at the 2005 Under-17 World Championships and is part of Brazil's squad for this summer's Copa America Is it to be a long term replacement for Scholes? Time will tell.
Owen Hargreaves is signed to provide the defensive midfielder that MU has tried to find since the departure of Keano. So with Hargreaves in, it looks like we will see more of the 4-5-1 system. Hargreaves playing behind Carrick and Scholes. This would mean less matches for the likes of Fletcher. (we hear the MU fans cheering). A hard tackler in the centre, Hargreaves would provide that stability and would allow Carrick to roam more forward. (remember Roma?)
We will provide more details of the new signings in upcoming articles.
Wednesday, 30 May 2007
This is definitely not Graham Poll
Some midweek laughter for you guys. Unfortunately, we do not have the name of this guy or which league he is in.
Remember Rivaldo?
He was once hailed as the world's best footballer when he was with Barcelona. The reunion is set to happen again. Read on.
Rivaldo has joined AEK Athens on a free transfer. He moves from bitter city rivals Olympiacos. ooouuuu.....controversial
The 35-year-old Brazilian has put pen to paper on a two-year contract with Greek Super League runners-up AEK. Olympiacos' dominance of the domestic title which they have won for nine of the past 10 seasons.
"I decided to accept AEK's proposal because it is a team with ambitions. I have left a big club to join another big club," said Rivaldo, who won the title in each of his three seasons at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium. Apart from the fact that AEK is a big club, a key factor for my decision is that my family is very happy here in Athens. The only thing I want to add is that the fans will see a Rivaldo with an appetite to win and to become a champion again."
The move sees the former FIFA World Player of the Year reunited with coach Lorenzo Serra Ferrer, who Rivaldo also worked under at Barcelona.
AEK is beefing up their squad to stop Olympiakos dominance of the domestic league. Olympiakos has won the league in 9 out of the last 10 seasons.
Rivaldo has joined AEK Athens on a free transfer. He moves from bitter city rivals Olympiacos. ooouuuu.....controversial
The 35-year-old Brazilian has put pen to paper on a two-year contract with Greek Super League runners-up AEK. Olympiacos' dominance of the domestic title which they have won for nine of the past 10 seasons.
"I decided to accept AEK's proposal because it is a team with ambitions. I have left a big club to join another big club," said Rivaldo, who won the title in each of his three seasons at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium. Apart from the fact that AEK is a big club, a key factor for my decision is that my family is very happy here in Athens. The only thing I want to add is that the fans will see a Rivaldo with an appetite to win and to become a champion again."
The move sees the former FIFA World Player of the Year reunited with coach Lorenzo Serra Ferrer, who Rivaldo also worked under at Barcelona.
AEK is beefing up their squad to stop Olympiakos dominance of the domestic league. Olympiakos has won the league in 9 out of the last 10 seasons.
Simao set for Anfield?
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has confirmed the club are still interested in Simao Sabrosa. The Benfica winger has been a long-term target of Rafa Benitez.
Furthermore, Parry claimed that a swap deal involving striker Djibril Cisse could be on the cards. Cisse has spent the season on loan at Marseille, and while he favours a move to either an English or a Spanish club, he may be interested in the switch to Portugal.
Parry has said: "There are players we are interested in and Simao is one. But we have made no contact with Benfica. A swap with Cisse could be a possibility."
Furthermore, Parry claimed that a swap deal involving striker Djibril Cisse could be on the cards. Cisse has spent the season on loan at Marseille, and while he favours a move to either an English or a Spanish club, he may be interested in the switch to Portugal.
Parry has said: "There are players we are interested in and Simao is one. But we have made no contact with Benfica. A swap with Cisse could be a possibility."
Crouch set to Stay
The Times reports that Peter Crouch has been reassured about his Liverpool future by Rafael Benítez.
"He's [Benítez] told me I'm part of his plans and that's good enough for me," Crouch is quoted as saying. "At a club like Liverpool, there's going to be competition for places, especially as the manager likes to chop and change."
"He's [Benítez] told me I'm part of his plans and that's good enough for me," Crouch is quoted as saying. "At a club like Liverpool, there's going to be competition for places, especially as the manager likes to chop and change."
Reo Coker thinks he is better than he is
Nigel Reo-Coker believes he is good enough to play for either ManYoo or Arsenal. Why do we say so you might ask? Despite his average performances last season for West Ham, he has been reported fending off interest from Tottenham to hold out for the possibility of a move to Arsenal or Manchester United. Confident.......
Spurs in danger of getting good!!!
They've signed a decent left back for the first time since...erm...have Spurs ever had a good left back?
They insist they're hanging on to Dimitar Berbatov.
And now they're apparently favourites to sign Portuguese wonder-kid Nani.
'Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Damien Commoli will meet with Sporting Lisbon this week to try and beat United to sign 20-year-old Nani.
'The player has been a target for United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who believes he could develop into the next Cristiano Ronaldo.
'But now it is Martin Jol and bigspending Spurs who have stolen a march on United as they look to follow up the £10m signing of Southampton left-back Gareth Bale, 17, with a swoop for Nani and Charlton's £10m-rated striker Darren Bent.'
Article courtesy of football365.com
They insist they're hanging on to Dimitar Berbatov.
And now they're apparently favourites to sign Portuguese wonder-kid Nani.
'Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Damien Commoli will meet with Sporting Lisbon this week to try and beat United to sign 20-year-old Nani.
'The player has been a target for United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who believes he could develop into the next Cristiano Ronaldo.
'But now it is Martin Jol and bigspending Spurs who have stolen a march on United as they look to follow up the £10m signing of Southampton left-back Gareth Bale, 17, with a swoop for Nani and Charlton's £10m-rated striker Darren Bent.'
Article courtesy of football365.com
All points to Lampard leaving
Roman Abramovich has reportedly told Chelsea he will no longer spend his billions on the club. The Russian has, according to The Sun, decided that he no longer wants to be a key decision maker and believes the club should operate as a proper business - meaning they will have to generate their own transfer budget like most other clubs.
Abramovich has also insisted on a wage cap - meaning no new bumper deals for John Terry and Frank Lampard. And that means Lampard could be heading off. Juventus has been reported to be interested in him.
Lampard wants parity with Chelsea's top earners Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko, who are on £121,000 per week. Presently, he is on £95,000 per week.
Abramovich has also insisted on a wage cap - meaning no new bumper deals for John Terry and Frank Lampard. And that means Lampard could be heading off. Juventus has been reported to be interested in him.
Lampard wants parity with Chelsea's top earners Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko, who are on £121,000 per week. Presently, he is on £95,000 per week.
Transfer Talk 29-05-07
Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze is close to agreeing a £5million switch to Real Madrid after reportedly flying to Spain to discuss terms.
Spurs will battle it out with Manchester United for Portuguese wonder-kid Nani after the 20 year-old declared he is desperate for a move to England.
Dimitar Berbatov will sign a new Spurs contract within the next fortnight after strike partner Robbie Keane penned a fresh £10million deal on Monday. Berbatov has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool after a sparkling first season in the Premiership.
Rafael Benitez will test the resolve of Liverpool's new owners this week with a £10million bid for France winger Florent Malouda. As well as the Lyon ace Benitez wants Sevilla wing-back Daniel Alves and Real Zaragoza central defender Gabriel Milito.
Middlesbrough will swoop for Fulham midfielder Michael Brown if they fail to land Joey Barton from Manchester City.
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is close to making Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim his first signing on Tyneside.
Aston Villa set for a double swoop of Bellamy and Kewell.
Spurs will battle it out with Manchester United for Portuguese wonder-kid Nani after the 20 year-old declared he is desperate for a move to England.
Dimitar Berbatov will sign a new Spurs contract within the next fortnight after strike partner Robbie Keane penned a fresh £10million deal on Monday. Berbatov has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool after a sparkling first season in the Premiership.
Rafael Benitez will test the resolve of Liverpool's new owners this week with a £10million bid for France winger Florent Malouda. As well as the Lyon ace Benitez wants Sevilla wing-back Daniel Alves and Real Zaragoza central defender Gabriel Milito.
Middlesbrough will swoop for Fulham midfielder Michael Brown if they fail to land Joey Barton from Manchester City.
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is close to making Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim his first signing on Tyneside.
Aston Villa set for a double swoop of Bellamy and Kewell.
Reds sign Hungarians
Liverpool have agreed a deal to bring two promising Hungarian youngsters to Anfield. They are Krisztian Nemeth, 18, and 17-year-old Andras Simon. Both had played for their country in last year's UEFA Under-17 championships. Both players are strikers. They will most likely spend come time with the reserve squads as Rafa set to recruit more pormising youngsters from around the world.
(Ala Wenger some time ago. This is a sign that Rafa intend to stay at Anfield for a long period)
(Ala Wenger some time ago. This is a sign that Rafa intend to stay at Anfield for a long period)
Hargreaves set to seal United move
Owen Hargreaves will reportedly sign for Manchester United from Bayern Munich tomorrow. He has agreed terms and passed his medical. The agreed price is a cool 17 million pounds.
Hargreaves said: "I have been lucky to play in big games and win some wonderful titles. I have won everything a player can in Germany - titles, the Champions League and even the World Club Championship. It is now about experiencing that somewhere else and I can't wait to start over again. The prospect of adding a Premiership winner's medal to my collection is incredibly exciting."
Hargreaves said: "I have been lucky to play in big games and win some wonderful titles. I have won everything a player can in Germany - titles, the Champions League and even the World Club Championship. It is now about experiencing that somewhere else and I can't wait to start over again. The prospect of adding a Premiership winner's medal to my collection is incredibly exciting."
World Cup Winner Leaves Fiorentina
Fiorentina striker Luca Toni has officially ended his spell with the Tuscan outfit, confirmed the club this afternoon.
The world champion was last season’s top scorer with 31 goals. It has been reported that he has already agreed a two-year contract with Bayern Munich.
An official message on the club's website has stated that “Fiorentina announce that this morning President Andrea Della Valle met with Luca Toni,t hanking him for the important contribution given to the team in the past two seasons with his 49 goals, the President deemed appropriate to grant the striker’s wish to continue his career with another club.”
Toni, who turned 30 on Saturday, joined the Viola from Palermo in 2005, having also played for Treviso, Vicenza and Brescia.
The world champion was last season’s top scorer with 31 goals. It has been reported that he has already agreed a two-year contract with Bayern Munich.
An official message on the club's website has stated that “Fiorentina announce that this morning President Andrea Della Valle met with Luca Toni,t hanking him for the important contribution given to the team in the past two seasons with his 49 goals, the President deemed appropriate to grant the striker’s wish to continue his career with another club.”
Toni, who turned 30 on Saturday, joined the Viola from Palermo in 2005, having also played for Treviso, Vicenza and Brescia.
Figo bids farewell
Figo has declared that he will decide on his future this week. It has been reported that he is set to leave Italian chanpions, Inter Milan. Figo has been strongly linked with Saudi Arabian club, Al Ittihad.
“This adventure began two years ago and they have been two fantastic years. It’s always difficult to say I’m leaving, because of the affection the fans have always had for me,” said Figo during the Scudetto celebrations.
“Inter will always be in my heart, whether I am here or not. They will always be favourites to win in Italy and Europe. Will I stay here? It’s hard to make a decision. The affection of the fans counts a lot, but it’s not the only thing. I joined Inter to help the team and do my best on the pitch and the first few months of this year weren’t easy. However, now I feel good and this is very important when playing at a high level. We will see what happens. This week I will decide what to do with my family,” concluded Figo.
In addition, Crespo is set to stay at Inter for another season. Crespo had been quoted as saying, “I am very glad, Chelsea have decided to let me stay,”.
“This adventure began two years ago and they have been two fantastic years. It’s always difficult to say I’m leaving, because of the affection the fans have always had for me,” said Figo during the Scudetto celebrations.
“Inter will always be in my heart, whether I am here or not. They will always be favourites to win in Italy and Europe. Will I stay here? It’s hard to make a decision. The affection of the fans counts a lot, but it’s not the only thing. I joined Inter to help the team and do my best on the pitch and the first few months of this year weren’t easy. However, now I feel good and this is very important when playing at a high level. We will see what happens. This week I will decide what to do with my family,” concluded Figo.
In addition, Crespo is set to stay at Inter for another season. Crespo had been quoted as saying, “I am very glad, Chelsea have decided to let me stay,”.
Sunday, 27 May 2007
Transfer Talk 27-07-2007
Frank Lampard is reluctantly poised to quit Chelsea after contract negotiations collapsed on Friday.
Chelsea is set to make a 22 million pound bid for David Villa
Steven Gerrard has told boss Rafael Benitez to 'boot out' the players not good enough to play for Liverpool.
Wigan is interested in Aston Villa's Gavin McCann.
Blackburn are ready to move in for Everton's James Beattie.
West Ham have rejected a 2 million pound bid for Paul Konchesky from Birmingham.
Manchester United are ready to move for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.
Phil Jagielka wants a move to Everton.
Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen is a major target for West Ham.
Liverpool have tabled a £5million bid for Portsmouth's Matt Taylor.
Free agent Ian Harte could be heading back to the Premiership this summer with Portsmouth and Middlesbrough possibly tempted.
Samuel Eto'o has reopened speculation about a move to the Premiership by admitting his admiration for Liverpool.
Chelsea is set to make a 22 million pound bid for David Villa
Steven Gerrard has told boss Rafael Benitez to 'boot out' the players not good enough to play for Liverpool.
Wigan is interested in Aston Villa's Gavin McCann.
Blackburn are ready to move in for Everton's James Beattie.
West Ham have rejected a 2 million pound bid for Paul Konchesky from Birmingham.
Manchester United are ready to move for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.
Phil Jagielka wants a move to Everton.
Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen is a major target for West Ham.
Liverpool have tabled a £5million bid for Portsmouth's Matt Taylor.
Free agent Ian Harte could be heading back to the Premiership this summer with Portsmouth and Middlesbrough possibly tempted.
Samuel Eto'o has reopened speculation about a move to the Premiership by admitting his admiration for Liverpool.
Aston Villa is interested in Reo Coker
Aston Villa is the first club that has been rumored to be interested in the 8 million pound rated Reo Coker. But, Martin O Neill has in fact siad that the valuation is too high.
Reo Coker has handed in transfer request at West Ham.
Reo Coker has handed in transfer request at West Ham.
Juve in for Lampard
Juventus has decided to take advantage of Lampard's non-progressing contract negotiations by making it known they are interested. Juve have made no secret of their respect and admiration for Lampard, but the ‘News of the World’ claims that this could finally turn into a firm bid.
As he has served more than three years under his existing contract and is over the age of 28, a new FIFA ruling means he could even buy himself out of the deal for just £9m.
A Stamford Bridge insider have commented that reconciliation between Lampard and Chelsea are “highly unlikely. This looks like the end of the road for Frank and Chelsea.”
Barcelona, Real Madrid and possibly Inter could also be interested in Lampard.
As he has served more than three years under his existing contract and is over the age of 28, a new FIFA ruling means he could even buy himself out of the deal for just £9m.
A Stamford Bridge insider have commented that reconciliation between Lampard and Chelsea are “highly unlikely. This looks like the end of the road for Frank and Chelsea.”
Barcelona, Real Madrid and possibly Inter could also be interested in Lampard.
Dechamps leaves Juve
It’s now official. Didier Deschamps has terminated his contract with Juventus “by mutual consent.” Upon leaving the Stadio Olimpico after yesterday’s 2-0 win over Mantova, Deschamps told journalists that he had indeed quit.
Late Saturday evening Juventus released another note. “Coach and club, realising that the conditions to continue the rapport with reciprocal satisfaction are not present, have decided for an amicable separation.”
It’s rumoured Deschamps will replace Gerard Houllier at Lyon, while the hot favourite to take Juve into Serie A is World Cup winner Marcello Lippi.
Late Saturday evening Juventus released another note. “Coach and club, realising that the conditions to continue the rapport with reciprocal satisfaction are not present, have decided for an amicable separation.”
It’s rumoured Deschamps will replace Gerard Houllier at Lyon, while the hot favourite to take Juve into Serie A is World Cup winner Marcello Lippi.
European Champions set to do some shopping
Carlo Ancelotti is already looking to next season and his wish list includes Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o and Philippe Mexes.
“I think that to remain at the top of European football, this side needs a few additions. If we are to sign players, then you may as well make it a real world class figure. Ronaldinho and Eto’o fit the bill and right now Eto’o is perhaps the best striker in circulation, but I shall say no more on the matter,” said Ancelotti.
“Next year we will certainly be competing in the European Super Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia, so it will be even more important to have players of quality,” added the Italian.
“I think that to remain at the top of European football, this side needs a few additions. If we are to sign players, then you may as well make it a real world class figure. Ronaldinho and Eto’o fit the bill and right now Eto’o is perhaps the best striker in circulation, but I shall say no more on the matter,” said Ancelotti.
“Next year we will certainly be competing in the European Super Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia, so it will be even more important to have players of quality,” added the Italian.
Reo Coker wants out
Nigel Reo Coker has handed in his transfer request. This is what his advisor, Tony Finnigan, had to say, "I can confirm that Nigel Reo-Coker has officially handed in a transfer request with West Ham. Nigel hopes his future will be resolved in the next few weeks."
Saturday, 26 May 2007
New Goalie for Gunners
Arsene Wenger has clinched the signing of Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old has signed what the club describes as a "long-term" contract.
Fabianski has made four appearances for his country and was voted the Polish league's best goalkeeper for the previous two seasons after some fine performances for former club Legia Warsaw.
Profile
Full name: Lukasz Fabiański
Date of birth: 18-04-1985 (age 22)
Place of birth: Kostrzyn nad Odrą, Poland
Height: 1.90 m
Playing position: Goalkeeper
Club information
Current club Arsenal
Senior clubs1
Years Club App (Gls)*
1999-2000 Polonia Słubice
2000-2001 MSP Szamotuły
2001-2002 Lubuszanin Drezdenko
2002-2003 Sparta Brodnica
2003-2004 Mieszko Gniezno
2004-2005 Lech Poznań
2005-2007 Legia Warszawa 40 (0)
2007- Arsenal
National team
2006- Poland 4 (0)
The 22-year-old has signed what the club describes as a "long-term" contract.
Fabianski has made four appearances for his country and was voted the Polish league's best goalkeeper for the previous two seasons after some fine performances for former club Legia Warsaw.
Profile
Full name: Lukasz Fabiański
Date of birth: 18-04-1985 (age 22)
Place of birth: Kostrzyn nad Odrą, Poland
Height: 1.90 m
Playing position: Goalkeeper
Club information
Current club Arsenal
Senior clubs1
Years Club App (Gls)*
1999-2000 Polonia Słubice
2000-2001 MSP Szamotuły
2001-2002 Lubuszanin Drezdenko
2002-2003 Sparta Brodnica
2003-2004 Mieszko Gniezno
2004-2005 Lech Poznań
2005-2007 Legia Warszawa 40 (0)
2007- Arsenal
National team
2006- Poland 4 (0)
Weekend Wonderkids
Our first installment of weekend wonderkids introduces 12 year old Muhammad Demirci. He will join the spanish club Barcelona with monthly wage of £1,500, but first Barcelona must pay as much as £2 million to Besiktas to transfer the boy to Barca squad. Demirci had successful trials with Barca before and is set to join the Spanish giants in September once he completes his final season in Turkey.
Italian National Team set to lose another defender
Alessandro Nesta has hinted he will retire from international football in order to focus more on Milan.
He has been quoted saying “If I want to continue at the highest level for many more years, then I have to make some choices. Leaving the Nazionale is one of them,”
He has been quoted saying “If I want to continue at the highest level for many more years, then I have to make some choices. Leaving the Nazionale is one of them,”
Milan to retire No. 3....temporarily
picture courtesy of soccerphile.com
Milan will retire Paolo Maldini's no. 3 shirt when he decides to retire. Not a permanent retirement though. The no. 3 will be reserved for a future Maldini if one makes it into the Milan squad.
Vice-President Adriano Galliani has this to say “The shirt will be reserved until his son Cristian or any other children of Paolo’s manage to play in Serie A with Milan. The shirt is retired temporarily, this is a family story and that jersey belongs only to the Maldinis.”
Not suprisingly, Paolo's son, Cristian, 9, is already a star in Milan's youth system.
If he makes it, he would become the third generation of the Maldini family to play for the club after Cesare and son Paolo.
Becks talking Bull
David Beckham told the ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’ that the toughest decision of his career was turning down Milan to join LA Galaxy.
Beck's contract expires at the end of this season and back in January he was free to negotiate with other clubs. Milan announced they had been his number one option if Becks had decided to stay in Europe and the player admits that is true.
“It was not easy to say no to Milan, one of the best clubs in the world. The squad, the Coach, the President, the city and then Ronaldo went there too. It was a very tough choice,” said the England international.
“I was honoured, flattered and tempted. But I had to think about my family and wanted a different challenge. I am well aware that football in the States cannot be compared to that in Europe, but I see it as a challenge. I am not just going there to play, I am an ambassador for a movement. I would have liked to play in Serie A. Italy is a country I love because it has everything – great football, great players, the best food in the world, wine, fashion, countryside. Last year I was in Portofino and have often gone to Tuscany. We even thought of getting a house there.”
Quote 'I am an ambassador for a movement' . Yeah of course. A secret movement which Jerry Maguire was once involved in. What was their motto again? Oh yes....
"SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!"
Beck's contract expires at the end of this season and back in January he was free to negotiate with other clubs. Milan announced they had been his number one option if Becks had decided to stay in Europe and the player admits that is true.
“It was not easy to say no to Milan, one of the best clubs in the world. The squad, the Coach, the President, the city and then Ronaldo went there too. It was a very tough choice,” said the England international.
“I was honoured, flattered and tempted. But I had to think about my family and wanted a different challenge. I am well aware that football in the States cannot be compared to that in Europe, but I see it as a challenge. I am not just going there to play, I am an ambassador for a movement. I would have liked to play in Serie A. Italy is a country I love because it has everything – great football, great players, the best food in the world, wine, fashion, countryside. Last year I was in Portofino and have often gone to Tuscany. We even thought of getting a house there.”
Quote 'I am an ambassador for a movement' . Yeah of course. A secret movement which Jerry Maguire was once involved in. What was their motto again? Oh yes....
"SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!"
Transfer Talk 26-07-2007
Portsmouth are confident of signing Middlesbrough's strike force of Mark Viduka and Aiyegbeni Yakubu.
Liverpool want £12m for striker Craig Bellamy. West Ham have joined the race to sign the striker. Aston Villa and Blackburn are also in the running. (rafa will use the money to add to his reported large transfer kitty)
Aston Villa hope to replace the departed Jlloyd Samuel with Portsmouth's Matthew Taylor.
Juventus are lining up a £17m bid for Chelsea's Frank Lampard. (Nice timing, with all the contractual disputes. But unlikely he will leave Chelsea where he is the main man.)
Arsene Wenger has dismissed speculation that Cesc Fabregas will leave Arsenal this summer. (he wont let go his golden boy)
Tottenham are set to move for Michael Owen if he can prove his fitness this summer. (is he really that good?)
Sheffield United have knocked back bids for Phil Jagielka and Chris Lucketti. They have told Everton they must come up with £6m for Phil Jagielka.
(u cant hold on to them forever)
Sven Goran Eriksson has pleaded with Manchester City to make him their new boss. (desperate man)
Sunderland are prepared to offer Preston £5m and Stern John for striker David Nugent.
Roy Carroll is the latest victim of the summer clearout at West Ham.
Sevilla's Jaunde Ramos is the shock name on Manchester City's wanted list for their next manager.
Liverpool's new owners are ready to fund a move for Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o. (now this is huge news for premiership fans)
Tottenham are ready to battle Manchester United for Sporting Lisbon's Nani.
Portsmouth are keen on Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia.
Nigel Reo-Coker has been told he has no future at West Ham while 'keeper Rob Green will be offered a new deal. (reo coker? maybe he was acting up)
Liverpool want £12m for striker Craig Bellamy. West Ham have joined the race to sign the striker. Aston Villa and Blackburn are also in the running. (rafa will use the money to add to his reported large transfer kitty)
Aston Villa hope to replace the departed Jlloyd Samuel with Portsmouth's Matthew Taylor.
Juventus are lining up a £17m bid for Chelsea's Frank Lampard. (Nice timing, with all the contractual disputes. But unlikely he will leave Chelsea where he is the main man.)
Arsene Wenger has dismissed speculation that Cesc Fabregas will leave Arsenal this summer. (he wont let go his golden boy)
Tottenham are set to move for Michael Owen if he can prove his fitness this summer. (is he really that good?)
Sheffield United have knocked back bids for Phil Jagielka and Chris Lucketti. They have told Everton they must come up with £6m for Phil Jagielka.
(u cant hold on to them forever)
Sven Goran Eriksson has pleaded with Manchester City to make him their new boss. (desperate man)
Sunderland are prepared to offer Preston £5m and Stern John for striker David Nugent.
Roy Carroll is the latest victim of the summer clearout at West Ham.
Sevilla's Jaunde Ramos is the shock name on Manchester City's wanted list for their next manager.
Liverpool's new owners are ready to fund a move for Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o. (now this is huge news for premiership fans)
Tottenham are ready to battle Manchester United for Sporting Lisbon's Nani.
Portsmouth are keen on Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia.
Nigel Reo-Coker has been told he has no future at West Ham while 'keeper Rob Green will be offered a new deal. (reo coker? maybe he was acting up)
Houllier confirms he will quit Lyon, Deschamps to do the same?
Former Liverpool manager, Gerrad Houllier has decided to quit Lyon at the end of the season. His final game will take place tonight when Lyon takes on Nantes.
He has stated his desire to take a break from the game. Despite that, he has been linked with managerial jobs at Man City and Dinao Kiev.
Houllier has been in charge of Lyon for two years and have guided the French outfit to their record fifth and sixth titles.
Houllier revealed he made his decision to leave after the Champions League final on Wednesday. He informed president Jean-Michel Aulas of his desire, which was granted by the club's supremo.
Deschamps to quit the Olad Lady of Turin?
There are unconfirmed reports that claim that Juventus Coach Didier Deschamps has resigned.
Deschamps took the Bianconeri to promotion despite a nine-point penalty, but has reportedly clashed with director of sport Alessio Secco, disagreeing over transfer policies.
World Cup winning Italy boss Marcello Lippi is potential candidate, although French newspaper ‘L’Equipe’ insists he is in fact challenging Deschamps for the role of Coach at Lyon following Gerard Houllier’s resignation.
Another game of Managerial Musical Chairs?
He has stated his desire to take a break from the game. Despite that, he has been linked with managerial jobs at Man City and Dinao Kiev.
Houllier has been in charge of Lyon for two years and have guided the French outfit to their record fifth and sixth titles.
Houllier revealed he made his decision to leave after the Champions League final on Wednesday. He informed president Jean-Michel Aulas of his desire, which was granted by the club's supremo.
Deschamps to quit the Olad Lady of Turin?
There are unconfirmed reports that claim that Juventus Coach Didier Deschamps has resigned.
Deschamps took the Bianconeri to promotion despite a nine-point penalty, but has reportedly clashed with director of sport Alessio Secco, disagreeing over transfer policies.
World Cup winning Italy boss Marcello Lippi is potential candidate, although French newspaper ‘L’Equipe’ insists he is in fact challenging Deschamps for the role of Coach at Lyon following Gerard Houllier’s resignation.
Another game of Managerial Musical Chairs?
Bale becomes a Spur
Tottenham have confirmed that they have acquired the services of promising Welsh left back Gareth Bale from Southampton. He joins White Hart Lane in a deal worth up to 10 million pounds. Gareth Bale has been previous linked with a move to Man Utd and Arsenal.
"I want to play in the Premiership, Tottenham is a club pushing forward and I want to be part of its future," said Bale.
The move is also consistent with Spurs' policy of buying the best young British talent when possible. Jol had six players in the England B squad for the friendly against Albania, while Tom Huddlestone is in the Under-21s squad for the European Championships next month in Holland.
"I want to play in the Premiership, Tottenham is a club pushing forward and I want to be part of its future," said Bale.
The move is also consistent with Spurs' policy of buying the best young British talent when possible. Jol had six players in the England B squad for the friendly against Albania, while Tom Huddlestone is in the Under-21s squad for the European Championships next month in Holland.
McClaren Calls up GoldenBalls
David Beckham has been called up by Steve McClaren for England's friendly against Brazil and an European qualifier against Estonia. He was dropped when McClaren took charge and was axed from England's World Cup squad.
Notable first call ups are David Bentley and Nicky Shorey.
Squad:
Robinson (Tottenham), Carson (Liverpool), Green (West Ham)
P Neville (Everton), R Ferdinand (Man Utd), Terry (Chelsea), Bridge (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Carragher (Liverpool), Dawson (Tottenham), King (Tottenham), Shorey (Reading)
Beckham (Real Madrid), Gerrard (Liverpool), Jenas (Tottenham), J Cole (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Bentley (Blackburn), Carrick (Man Utd), Lampard (Chelsea), Downing (Middlesbrough), Dyer (Newcastle)
Crouch (Liverpool), Owen (Newcastle), Smith (Man Utd), Defoe (Tottenham).
Notable first call ups are David Bentley and Nicky Shorey.
Squad:
Robinson (Tottenham), Carson (Liverpool), Green (West Ham)
P Neville (Everton), R Ferdinand (Man Utd), Terry (Chelsea), Bridge (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Carragher (Liverpool), Dawson (Tottenham), King (Tottenham), Shorey (Reading)
Beckham (Real Madrid), Gerrard (Liverpool), Jenas (Tottenham), J Cole (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Bentley (Blackburn), Carrick (Man Utd), Lampard (Chelsea), Downing (Middlesbrough), Dyer (Newcastle)
Crouch (Liverpool), Owen (Newcastle), Smith (Man Utd), Defoe (Tottenham).
Friday, 25 May 2007
AC Milan set to increase their average squad age
Real Madrid midfielder Emerson is being linked with a move to Milan after reportedly reaching an agreement with the European champions. It has been reported that he is unhappy with life in Spain and looks to move back to Italy.
The reported deal between the two clubs are Milan is to pay 7 million pounds plus a player (Ricardo Olivera). Milan will earn approximately £48m thanks to their win in the Champions League Final against Liverpool.
The reported deal between the two clubs are Milan is to pay 7 million pounds plus a player (Ricardo Olivera). Milan will earn approximately £48m thanks to their win in the Champions League Final against Liverpool.
Juventus prepares for life back in the Serie A
Juventus are eyeing Rafael Marquez of Barcelona as they look to strengthen their squad for next season's Serie A campaign. The Bianconeri sealed their return to the top flight with three games to spare and are now planning their moves on the transfer market. Marquez has been included on Didier Deschamps’ wish list.
The defender has expressed that he would favour a move to the peninsula. “After experiences in France and Spain, a new adventure in Serie A would be stimulating,” said the 28-year-old.
The Mexico captain, who would arrive with an EU passport, is allegedly valued at £7m.
The defender has expressed that he would favour a move to the peninsula. “After experiences in France and Spain, a new adventure in Serie A would be stimulating,” said the 28-year-old.
The Mexico captain, who would arrive with an EU passport, is allegedly valued at £7m.
Latest: Premiership lose out to Bayern
The clubs in the premiership is set to lose out on Franck Ribery. The Frenchman is very close to becoming Bayern's fifth signing of the summer. In the past Arsenal and Man Utd has been closely linked with the player.
Bayern's previous signing was Marcell Jansen, an 21 year old starlet from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Other players that has arrived in Bayern are Hamit Alintop, Jan Schlaudraff and Ernesto Sosa.
Bayern's previous signing was Marcell Jansen, an 21 year old starlet from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Other players that has arrived in Bayern are Hamit Alintop, Jan Schlaudraff and Ernesto Sosa.
Latest Confirmed Transfer
Benayoun extends his contract for another 5 years with West Ham.
Herman Hreidarsson completes move to Harry's Portsmouth.
Herman Hreidarsson completes move to Harry's Portsmouth.
Ruud makes peace with coach
Ruud van Nistelrooy is available again for selection for Holland after making peace with Oranje coach Marco van Basten.
The Real Madrid forward has had tense relations with Van Basten since last year's World Cup, but is now available for Euro 2008 qualifying although he did not feature in Friday's squad for friendlies with South Korea and Thailand.
Van Basten revealed that fences had been mended with 30-year-old Van Nistelrooy, saying: "A good phone conversation has made this possible.
"He's (Van Nistelrooy) laid the basis for a return of Van Nistelrooy to the Oranje."
Former Manchester United forward Van Nistelrooy's 22 goals in the Primera Liga for Real Madrid this season have seen him become a leading contender to be crowned Spain's "pichichi" (top scorer).
from football365.com
The Real Madrid forward has had tense relations with Van Basten since last year's World Cup, but is now available for Euro 2008 qualifying although he did not feature in Friday's squad for friendlies with South Korea and Thailand.
Van Basten revealed that fences had been mended with 30-year-old Van Nistelrooy, saying: "A good phone conversation has made this possible.
"He's (Van Nistelrooy) laid the basis for a return of Van Nistelrooy to the Oranje."
Former Manchester United forward Van Nistelrooy's 22 goals in the Primera Liga for Real Madrid this season have seen him become a leading contender to be crowned Spain's "pichichi" (top scorer).
from football365.com
Transfer Talk 25-07-2007
Man United is set to table an offer for Spurs Dimitar Berbatov. Sir Alex is set to offer Martin Jol 27.5 million pounds plus Louis Saha. Yesterday, Berbatov's agent Emil Dantchev refused to confirm the player would be at White Hart Lane next season by saying "In football you do not know what will happen tomorrow." Spurs are trying to get Berbatov to sign a new six-year contract, doubling his £22,000-a-week deal. United could more than treble it to £70,000 a week.
Chelsea has offered Spurs 10 million pounds for Pascal Chimbonda.
Liverpool are ready to listen to offers for striker Craig Bellamy as a summer clear-out gathers pace.
England's Nicky Shorey is a £5million target for his boyhood heroes West Ham.
Rafael Benitez is eager for two new strikers at Liverpool with Samuel Eto'o and Darren Bent at the top of his wish-list.
Chelsea has offered Spurs 10 million pounds for Pascal Chimbonda.
Liverpool are ready to listen to offers for striker Craig Bellamy as a summer clear-out gathers pace.
England's Nicky Shorey is a £5million target for his boyhood heroes West Ham.
Rafael Benitez is eager for two new strikers at Liverpool with Samuel Eto'o and Darren Bent at the top of his wish-list.
Best Young Players Outside The Premiership
This is a video showing the best young players outside the Premiership. Some you may know of others you may not have, but you will probably hear more about them during the transfer window. Don't be surprised if some are playing in the Premiership sonner rather than later.
Arsenal to let Baptista go
Arsenal has opted not to make Baptista's loan move a permanent one. "Arsenal have told me they are not able to buy me and so all I can do is return to Real Madrid," he said in Spanish newspaper Marca. His first season in England saw him scoring ten goals in 35 appearances in all competitions.
In Spain, Baptista is known as 'The Beast' for his physical game and was also nicknamed 'Batigol' for his goalscoring form for Sevilla.
He also revealed recently that he struggled with the English weather.
Baptista's return would improve the chances of Wenger's wonderkid Theo Walcott to play more games for the senior team next season.
In Spain, Baptista is known as 'The Beast' for his physical game and was also nicknamed 'Batigol' for his goalscoring form for Sevilla.
He also revealed recently that he struggled with the English weather.
Baptista's return would improve the chances of Wenger's wonderkid Theo Walcott to play more games for the senior team next season.
Spurs leading the race
Tottenham appears to be winning the race to sign Wales left-back Gareth Bale from Southampton. Reports in Thursday's papers suggested that a move was imminent, and the full-back was rumoured to be undergoing a medical at the Spurs training ground.
Gareth Bale
Full name: Gareth Frank Bale
Date of birth: 16-07-1989 (age 17)
Place of birth: Cardiff, Wales
Height: 1.83 m
Playing position Left-back
Current club: Southampton
2005- Southampton 40 (5)
2006- Wales 05 (2)
- Was spotted by Southampton in a 5 a side tournament while a schoolboy.
- In high school, he also played hockey, rugby and was a distance runner.
- His high school PE teacher restricted him to one otuch football and no usage of his left foot (due to his advanced skill stage)
- At the age of 16 years and 275 days, Bale became the second youngest player ever to play for the Saints (after Theo Walcott) when he made his debut on April 17 2006.
- On 6 August 2006 [4] Bale managed to swing home a left foot free kick into the top right hand corner against Derby.
- He scored again, at St. Mary's, against Coventry in the team's second game of the 2006-07 season with another superbly executed free kick.
- He further developed his reputation as a free kick specialist when he struck the post from one against West Bromwich Albion.
- By December 16, 2006, Bale's goal count had risen to five, including expertly-taken free-kicks away to Hull and at home to Norwich.
- On 4 March 2007, he was named the Football League Young Player of the Year.
- Youngest player to play for Wales senior team. (27 May 2006-substitute in a 2-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago-16 years and 315 days)
- Youngest player to score a goal for the senior Wales team in the Euro 2008 qualification match against Slovakia with a trade-mark free kick.
So look out for him and his free kicks next season.
Big Sam wants Baines
Sam Allardyce wants Wigan full-back Leighton Baines as his first signing for Newcastle. Allardyce has placwd a £5 million bid for the left-back. The highly rated left back was one of Wigan's better performers last season. The 22-year-old has gained 11 caps for the England under-21s side. baines is looking to move after Paul Jewell whom he had an excellent relationship with, left the club. His desire to break into the England squad could also fuel a move to a larger club.
Thursday, 24 May 2007
Distin joins Portsmouth
Sylvain Distin has left Man City on a free transfer. He has been snapped up Harry Redknapp and Pompey. He is reportedly going to earn 40000 pounds a week.
It is rumored that Liverpool had failed in their last minute for the Frenchman.
Transfer Talk 24-07-2007
Two teams are left in the battle for Southampton's 17 year old left back. He is rated at 10 million pounds. Bale, a welshman, has been told by fellow countrymen, Ryan Giggs, that 'how good life is working under Red Devils boss Alex Ferguson.' The general consensus in the British papers is that Bale will be playing for Martin Jol's Spurs next season.
The reason why MU has sounded an interest in Bale is because Heinze is set to leave the club in the summer. Possible destinations include Villareal and Juventus. The Argentinian is rated at 4 million pounds.
Real Madrid wants to make Cesc Fabregas a Galactico.
Rafa is set to throw away some unwanted players in the summer. Zenden, Gonzalez and Bellamy is on the list.
Claude Makelele has threatened to quit Chelsea for Spanish club Villarreal this summer unless he gets a new contract.
Bryan Robson wants to make Manchester United's Kieran Richardson his first signing as Sheffield United boss.
The reason why MU has sounded an interest in Bale is because Heinze is set to leave the club in the summer. Possible destinations include Villareal and Juventus. The Argentinian is rated at 4 million pounds.
Real Madrid wants to make Cesc Fabregas a Galactico.
Rafa is set to throw away some unwanted players in the summer. Zenden, Gonzalez and Bellamy is on the list.
Claude Makelele has threatened to quit Chelsea for Spanish club Villarreal this summer unless he gets a new contract.
Bryan Robson wants to make Manchester United's Kieran Richardson his first signing as Sheffield United boss.
AC Milan are Champions of Europe!
AC Milan has been crowned the champions of Europe for the 7th time in their history. They got their revenge of the 2005 final loss by defeating Liverpool 2-1 at the Olympic Stadium yesterday. A combination of luck and that extra quality in front of goal proved to be the difference. Two goals from 33 year old, Pippo Inzaghi, helped the Rossoneri to achieve the feat.
Milan were set up as we predicted in our preview. A 4-5-1 Christmas Tree formation with Inzaghi the one up top. Liverpool also fielded a traditional 4-5-1 with Macherano and Alonso in front of the back four. Gerrard played behind Kuyt as the third man in central midfield. Pennant and Zenden were preferred as the wingers. The formation seemed to work as Liverpool made a solid start, with Pennant getting the ball in large amounts of space. Liverpool were using more of their right flank. Milan threatened with Kaka and Inzaghi having a few chances. Liverpool were defending from the front through Kuyt and Gerrad who pressed Milan's defenders. Liverpool midfielders were palying a high pressing game which did not allow Milan to settle on the ball and play their game.
Despite that, The Brazilian, Kaka, was coming into the game, bringing the Milan fans to their feet with one supreme drag-back and turn, yet neither side could put their stamp on a surprisingly open contest. Xabi Alonso and John Arne Riise both missed from distance while, for Milan, Massimo Oddo and Marek Jankulovski were dangerous pushing forward down the flanks. It was Pennant, though, who looked most likely to furnish a breakthrough. Despite getting much of the ball, his use of it wasn't of the desired quality. Liverpool controlled the first half which saw Milan uncharacteristically giving the ball away on many occasions. Milan wasn't looking like the team that defeated ManYoo in the semifinal. Liverpool had the better chances and they will rue those missed chances as Milan took the lead against the run of play at the stroke of half time.
Alonso conceded a free kick at the top of the 18 yard box after bringing down Kaka. Sadly for Xabi Alonso, his habit of giving away fouls has been an accident waiting to happen all season, and his infringement on Kaka was not only needless, it was heavily punished. Pirlo stepped up and saw his curler deflected in of Pippo Inzaghi. Reina was already committed to the initial flight of the ball. A huge slice of luck for Milan as they took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The second half began with Liverpool again controlling the game. The first 15 mins saw Liverpool putting pressure on Milan's well marshalled defence. Benitez made a change after 58 minutes, sending on Harry Kewell for Bolo Zenden. The skipper, Gerrard had a chance in the 62 minute when he found himself through one on one with Dida but from a tight angle, his attempt was a weak one and easily parried by the Brazilian custodian. Liverpool then struggled to maintain their superiority and also found it difficult to break Milan down. Ambrosini and Gattuso were much more withdrawn in the 2nd half. Only Inzaghi, Seedorf and Kaka were moving forwards. Milan looked to close shop.
Crouch entered the game for Mascherano who had done a great job in stifling Kaka. This decision we felt resulted in Milan's 2nd goal. Kaka received the ball in acres of space with no midfielders anywhere around him. Alonso was pushed up. Kewell didn't seem interesting in dropping back throughout the half. Kaka got the ball in the area where Mascherano was operating. The need to push up for the equalizer saw gaps appearing in Liverpool's midfield. Kaka given time and space slotted in the ball behind Liverpool's defence for Pippo. The defence looked flat for Liverpool. They had 4 defenders up against two strikers. Very poor defending. Pippo who plays the game off the shoulders of central defenders, defeated the offside trap and found himself alone with Reina. Pippo went wide and slides the ball low past the Spanish goalkeeper with his right foot. His second of the game puts Milan on the brink of victory with just eight minutes of the 90 remaining.
Milan then proceeded to protect their lead by taking off seedorf for veteran defender favalli. Crouch had a long range shot tipped over by Dida. From another corner, Daniel Agger's flick-on found Dirk Kuyt who gives the English side hope by nodding the ball in from close range. But it was only hope. Milan went to the corner at every opportunity to run the clock down. Liverpool didn't threatened Milan's goal in the remaining moments of the game. The final whistle blew to start Milan's celebrations. 2-1 to AC Milan. The Old Boys has done it again.
Liverpool had only themselves to blame for not taking advantage of a lacklustre Milan side. They had the chances but did not take them. Liverpool didn't have the quality in the final third to get the goals. Expect rafa to rectify that with new signings in the summer. Expect two strikers to come in for Fowler and Bellamy(did not play, most probably on his way out). Substitutions were done too late we feel and the subs didn't contribute anything. Kewell was remembered for two dives upon his arrival. Crouch came on too late to have any effect.(he never scores coming off the bench). Arbeloa coming on was baffling.
Milan on the other hand, displayed all the hallmarks of champions. They had the luck and also the quality needed when it matters. They only had 3 shots on goal but scored from two of them. And just like Chelski of the past two seasons, they won despite not playing very well. So when at the end of the day, it is fair to say that Milan had that extra quality on the day.
The great respect between the two sides were highlighted when the Rossoneri lined up the path and applauded when the Liverpool players went up to get their their runners up medals. A true show of class by the champions. 18YB cannot recall any other finals which saw such an act of respect. Well done, Milan!
A fairy tale indeed for Milan who had to go through qualifying rounds to enter the Champions League. This was the result of the Italian corruption scandal which saw them docked points. They also had patchy spells during their league campaign. But when it matters, the experienced heads in the line up managed to push through and how befitting a Milan veteran, Pippo Inzaghi, was to be the man of the final. This final has been labelled by Italian press as the 'Inzaghi' final. And 18Yb got it right this time. 2-1 to Ac Milan.
Milan were set up as we predicted in our preview. A 4-5-1 Christmas Tree formation with Inzaghi the one up top. Liverpool also fielded a traditional 4-5-1 with Macherano and Alonso in front of the back four. Gerrard played behind Kuyt as the third man in central midfield. Pennant and Zenden were preferred as the wingers. The formation seemed to work as Liverpool made a solid start, with Pennant getting the ball in large amounts of space. Liverpool were using more of their right flank. Milan threatened with Kaka and Inzaghi having a few chances. Liverpool were defending from the front through Kuyt and Gerrad who pressed Milan's defenders. Liverpool midfielders were palying a high pressing game which did not allow Milan to settle on the ball and play their game.
Despite that, The Brazilian, Kaka, was coming into the game, bringing the Milan fans to their feet with one supreme drag-back and turn, yet neither side could put their stamp on a surprisingly open contest. Xabi Alonso and John Arne Riise both missed from distance while, for Milan, Massimo Oddo and Marek Jankulovski were dangerous pushing forward down the flanks. It was Pennant, though, who looked most likely to furnish a breakthrough. Despite getting much of the ball, his use of it wasn't of the desired quality. Liverpool controlled the first half which saw Milan uncharacteristically giving the ball away on many occasions. Milan wasn't looking like the team that defeated ManYoo in the semifinal. Liverpool had the better chances and they will rue those missed chances as Milan took the lead against the run of play at the stroke of half time.
Alonso conceded a free kick at the top of the 18 yard box after bringing down Kaka. Sadly for Xabi Alonso, his habit of giving away fouls has been an accident waiting to happen all season, and his infringement on Kaka was not only needless, it was heavily punished. Pirlo stepped up and saw his curler deflected in of Pippo Inzaghi. Reina was already committed to the initial flight of the ball. A huge slice of luck for Milan as they took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The second half began with Liverpool again controlling the game. The first 15 mins saw Liverpool putting pressure on Milan's well marshalled defence. Benitez made a change after 58 minutes, sending on Harry Kewell for Bolo Zenden. The skipper, Gerrard had a chance in the 62 minute when he found himself through one on one with Dida but from a tight angle, his attempt was a weak one and easily parried by the Brazilian custodian. Liverpool then struggled to maintain their superiority and also found it difficult to break Milan down. Ambrosini and Gattuso were much more withdrawn in the 2nd half. Only Inzaghi, Seedorf and Kaka were moving forwards. Milan looked to close shop.
Crouch entered the game for Mascherano who had done a great job in stifling Kaka. This decision we felt resulted in Milan's 2nd goal. Kaka received the ball in acres of space with no midfielders anywhere around him. Alonso was pushed up. Kewell didn't seem interesting in dropping back throughout the half. Kaka got the ball in the area where Mascherano was operating. The need to push up for the equalizer saw gaps appearing in Liverpool's midfield. Kaka given time and space slotted in the ball behind Liverpool's defence for Pippo. The defence looked flat for Liverpool. They had 4 defenders up against two strikers. Very poor defending. Pippo who plays the game off the shoulders of central defenders, defeated the offside trap and found himself alone with Reina. Pippo went wide and slides the ball low past the Spanish goalkeeper with his right foot. His second of the game puts Milan on the brink of victory with just eight minutes of the 90 remaining.
Milan then proceeded to protect their lead by taking off seedorf for veteran defender favalli. Crouch had a long range shot tipped over by Dida. From another corner, Daniel Agger's flick-on found Dirk Kuyt who gives the English side hope by nodding the ball in from close range. But it was only hope. Milan went to the corner at every opportunity to run the clock down. Liverpool didn't threatened Milan's goal in the remaining moments of the game. The final whistle blew to start Milan's celebrations. 2-1 to AC Milan. The Old Boys has done it again.
Liverpool had only themselves to blame for not taking advantage of a lacklustre Milan side. They had the chances but did not take them. Liverpool didn't have the quality in the final third to get the goals. Expect rafa to rectify that with new signings in the summer. Expect two strikers to come in for Fowler and Bellamy(did not play, most probably on his way out). Substitutions were done too late we feel and the subs didn't contribute anything. Kewell was remembered for two dives upon his arrival. Crouch came on too late to have any effect.(he never scores coming off the bench). Arbeloa coming on was baffling.
Milan on the other hand, displayed all the hallmarks of champions. They had the luck and also the quality needed when it matters. They only had 3 shots on goal but scored from two of them. And just like Chelski of the past two seasons, they won despite not playing very well. So when at the end of the day, it is fair to say that Milan had that extra quality on the day.
The great respect between the two sides were highlighted when the Rossoneri lined up the path and applauded when the Liverpool players went up to get their their runners up medals. A true show of class by the champions. 18YB cannot recall any other finals which saw such an act of respect. Well done, Milan!
A fairy tale indeed for Milan who had to go through qualifying rounds to enter the Champions League. This was the result of the Italian corruption scandal which saw them docked points. They also had patchy spells during their league campaign. But when it matters, the experienced heads in the line up managed to push through and how befitting a Milan veteran, Pippo Inzaghi, was to be the man of the final. This final has been labelled by Italian press as the 'Inzaghi' final. And 18Yb got it right this time. 2-1 to Ac Milan.
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
Soccernet and EA Sports teamed up to Simulate Final
We teamed up with EA Sports to find out what the result of the Champions League final would be if we simulated it with their UEFA Champions League 2006/07 game.
And Reds' fans will delight in knowing that it was a 2-1 win for Steven Gerrard's side. Liverpool took the lead just before half-time, after Gerrard was left unmarked near the left corner of the penalty box, to fire a cracker past Milan 'keeper Dida into the top corner of the goal.
The Reds' then scored in the 56th minute through Xabi Alonso, who controlled the ball nicely in the six yard box, before calmly netting what would be the winning goal.
Down 2-0, Milan mounted a frantic comeback, finally getting one past Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina after Kaka was pulled down in the area and Milan were awarded a penalty kick. Midfielder Andrea Pirlo buried the spot-kick in the top corner to cut the margin to one, setting the stage for a frantic final 10 minutes.
Milan fired eight shots at the Liverpool goal, forcing Reina to make four saves, but it was not enough for the Rossoneri, and after Pirlo wasted their last chance from a free-kick, they had to contend with another defeat to Rafa Benitez's side.
From soccernet.com
And Reds' fans will delight in knowing that it was a 2-1 win for Steven Gerrard's side. Liverpool took the lead just before half-time, after Gerrard was left unmarked near the left corner of the penalty box, to fire a cracker past Milan 'keeper Dida into the top corner of the goal.
The Reds' then scored in the 56th minute through Xabi Alonso, who controlled the ball nicely in the six yard box, before calmly netting what would be the winning goal.
Down 2-0, Milan mounted a frantic comeback, finally getting one past Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina after Kaka was pulled down in the area and Milan were awarded a penalty kick. Midfielder Andrea Pirlo buried the spot-kick in the top corner to cut the margin to one, setting the stage for a frantic final 10 minutes.
Milan fired eight shots at the Liverpool goal, forcing Reina to make four saves, but it was not enough for the Rossoneri, and after Pirlo wasted their last chance from a free-kick, they had to contend with another defeat to Rafa Benitez's side.
From soccernet.com
Transfer Talk 23-07-2007
Two defenders are rumored with a move to Tottenham. Auxerre defender, Younes Kaboul,21 is set to arrive at White Hart Lane for about 6-8 million pounds. Tottenham is also leading the race to land Gareth Bale from Southampton for about 10 million pounds.
Portsmouth is set to spend big in the summer. It also doesnt help with rumors spread by numerous newspapers. Portsmouth are poised to pull off a double swoop for Sylvain Distin and Sulley Muntari within the next 48 hours. Muntari has price tag of 7 million pounds. They are also interested in Rennes John Utaka(5.7m) and Lyon midfielder Alou Diarra(4.5m). They are also in the running of out-of-contract players; Ben Haim, Distin and Bramble.
Other newspapers have mentioned that Harry is also interested in signing Hreidarson, Viduka and Yakubu.
Arsenal's Van Persie is targeted by Bayern for 8 million pounds. (kinda cheap) Wenger is set to watch Owen paly for England B on friday.
Birmingham City are closing in on West Ham's unsettled left-back Paul Konchesky after Steve Bruce offered £2m.
Middlesbrough are keen on West Brom's Diomansy Kamara and Arsenal's Jeremie Aliadiere.
Scott Carson will hold talks with manager Rafael Benitez about his Liverpool future once tonight's Champions League final is out of the way.
Rangers fear they could miss out to Juventus in the race to sign Claudio Pizarro despite offering the Peruvian hitman £45,000 a week.
Manchester United are offering defender Wes Brown a new three-year deal.
Portsmouth is set to spend big in the summer. It also doesnt help with rumors spread by numerous newspapers. Portsmouth are poised to pull off a double swoop for Sylvain Distin and Sulley Muntari within the next 48 hours. Muntari has price tag of 7 million pounds. They are also interested in Rennes John Utaka(5.7m) and Lyon midfielder Alou Diarra(4.5m). They are also in the running of out-of-contract players; Ben Haim, Distin and Bramble.
Other newspapers have mentioned that Harry is also interested in signing Hreidarson, Viduka and Yakubu.
Arsenal's Van Persie is targeted by Bayern for 8 million pounds. (kinda cheap) Wenger is set to watch Owen paly for England B on friday.
Birmingham City are closing in on West Ham's unsettled left-back Paul Konchesky after Steve Bruce offered £2m.
Middlesbrough are keen on West Brom's Diomansy Kamara and Arsenal's Jeremie Aliadiere.
Scott Carson will hold talks with manager Rafael Benitez about his Liverpool future once tonight's Champions League final is out of the way.
Rangers fear they could miss out to Juventus in the race to sign Claudio Pizarro despite offering the Peruvian hitman £45,000 a week.
Manchester United are offering defender Wes Brown a new three-year deal.
Champions League Final Buildup: Prediction
This is the dream final for us at 18YB. Two of our supported teams will battle it out in Athens. At the end of the day, one team need to win it and our bets are on AC Milan. We dont expect to stay up for an extra 40 mins so we looked forward to this match ending within the 90 minutes. AC Milan to win it 2-1.
Champions League Final Buildup: AC Milan
The Rossonerii lineup has not much changed throughout the tournament and ditto for the final tonight. Milan come into this game after losing 3-2 to Udinese in the Serie A. As such Liverpool, Milan fielded a second string squad temselves. We expect 4-5-1 formation with a Christmas Tree shape. Here is how they expect to form up at kickoff.
Dida
Oddo Nesta Kaladze/Maldini Jankulovski
Gattuso Pirlo Ambrosini
Kaka Seedorf
Inzaghi/Gilardino
Maldini will face a last minute fitness test to make it into the 1st eleven. If he doesnt make it, Kaladze will be an able replacement. Oddo and Jankulovski will the fullbacks. They were very effective in attack in thier semi final clash against ManYoo.
The main strength of this team is the midfield. They boast the best midfielders in the world. For defensive duties, they have Ambrosini and Gattuso to protect the back four. Look for them to press Liverpool's midfield like they did agst Man Yoo. Gerrard wont be allowed time on the ball. They will know, stop Gerrard, stop Liverpool. They will also be the shield for thier quarter back, Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo, along with Kaka, are the playmakers and heartbeat of the team. Pirlo has the knack to find killer passes and his range are similar to that of Xabi Alonso. He is also feared as a set piece specialist. Clarence Seedorf will play in front of those 3. An experienced veteran of the tournament, his creativity and experience could prove a factor to unlock Liverpools mean defence.
Ancelotti will need to decide which frontman to lead the line. Inzaghi has a knack of scoring important goals while Gilardino is a better team player and is more involved in building up attacks. Ancelotti has already selected his team but has decided to keep mum about it.
The main threat will come from Kaka. The Brazillian is the top scorer with 10 goals. He has the ability to run past defenders and score goals with both feet. His game is simple. There are no falshy skills. His ability to find and create space for himself is the reason why defenders find it difficult to keep tabs on him. Look for him to play the free role behind the frontman. He will float in the zone between oppostion midfield and defence. A dangerous person especially on the counter attack, Kaka could prove to be the match winner tonight.
Dida
Oddo Nesta Kaladze/Maldini Jankulovski
Gattuso Pirlo Ambrosini
Kaka Seedorf
Inzaghi/Gilardino
Maldini will face a last minute fitness test to make it into the 1st eleven. If he doesnt make it, Kaladze will be an able replacement. Oddo and Jankulovski will the fullbacks. They were very effective in attack in thier semi final clash against ManYoo.
The main strength of this team is the midfield. They boast the best midfielders in the world. For defensive duties, they have Ambrosini and Gattuso to protect the back four. Look for them to press Liverpool's midfield like they did agst Man Yoo. Gerrard wont be allowed time on the ball. They will know, stop Gerrard, stop Liverpool. They will also be the shield for thier quarter back, Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo, along with Kaka, are the playmakers and heartbeat of the team. Pirlo has the knack to find killer passes and his range are similar to that of Xabi Alonso. He is also feared as a set piece specialist. Clarence Seedorf will play in front of those 3. An experienced veteran of the tournament, his creativity and experience could prove a factor to unlock Liverpools mean defence.
Ancelotti will need to decide which frontman to lead the line. Inzaghi has a knack of scoring important goals while Gilardino is a better team player and is more involved in building up attacks. Ancelotti has already selected his team but has decided to keep mum about it.
The main threat will come from Kaka. The Brazillian is the top scorer with 10 goals. He has the ability to run past defenders and score goals with both feet. His game is simple. There are no falshy skills. His ability to find and create space for himself is the reason why defenders find it difficult to keep tabs on him. Look for him to play the free role behind the frontman. He will float in the zone between oppostion midfield and defence. A dangerous person especially on the counter attack, Kaka could prove to be the match winner tonight.
Champions League Final Buildup: Liverpool
Rafa had predicted way back in January that the two finalist would be his reds and ac milan. How true he was. Liverpool come into this game after a poor run towards the end of the league season. The reason behind this is mainly down to the fact that rafa was protecting his prized assets and fielded out weakened sides.
For the final, Liverpool will be definitely missing out on two players. luis garcia and favio aurelio are both out due to long term injuries. There are also doubts on the fitness of mohammad sissoko. Other than those 3, rafa will have a full squad to choose from after zenden,dudek and kewell have been passed fit for the game. So how will they line up?
Rafa is a nightmare for football pundits. One can never really predict his first team lineup. Remember the 99 game run where he did not field the same lineup for 2 consecutive games. So predicting his lineup will be near impossible. Here is how 18YB feel Liverpool will line up. We could be dead wrong of course.
From all the hype and media reports, we see the side playing a 4-4-2 or a 4-5-1.
4-4-2
We say a 4-4-2, which would surprise many parties, because there has been reports that alonso might be on the bench for this game. This could mean a central midifeld pairing of mascherano and gerrard. The wide positions would be filled with pennant and riise/kewell. Many rumors have mentioned that kewell will be starting. The two strikers up front would then be kuyt and crouch/bellamy. The expected back four fielded would be finnan agger carragher riise/arbeloa
reina
finnan carragher agger riise/arbeloa
pennant gerrard mascherano kewell/riise
kuyt crouch/bellamy
rafa often dont play with two out and out wingers, so riise or zenden could play ahead of kewell if pennant starts. And if gerrard starts wide with alonso in the middle, kewell would get a start. Basically he prefers one of his wings to be more defensive.
maschernao will be defensive and play as front sweeper in front of the defence. Gerrard will be the more adventurous of the two, with runs from deep. kuyt and bellamy looks like a good pairing of strenght and pace. A kuyt and crouch pairing lacks speed. If they are to go with the latter. Expect them to bomb crosses into the box for the two front men. Reports have mentioned that Liverpool had been spotted practising crosses yesterday. A 4-4-2 formation will see them be more adventurous in attacking. Expect balls out wide to bypass the central midfield of Milan who often plays narrow.
4-5-1
This is the formation which we feel makes more sense and more suited for this game. THe back four will make up of finnan, carra, agger and riise. The central midfield will see the strongest the reds can field with masherano, alonso and gerrard. If reports are true alonso could be dropped for the better defender, sissoko. Wide players would be pennant and kewell/zenden. The lone stiker would most likely be kuyt. rafa seems to prefer the dutchmen over the other two.
reina
finna carra agger riise
pennant mascherano gerrard alonso/sissoko kewell/zenden
kuyt
If this system is employed, Liverpool will play the counter attacking game. They will set out much more defensively than a 4-4-2. This formation will match Milan's central midfielders in terms of numbers. This formation aims to stop the passing and movement of milan's midfield. Mascherano and Alonso will be protecting the defence whilst breaking up the attack. Gerrard could play that free roaming role behind kuyt. This is better than him starting down the right where gattuso can keep him quiet ala ronaldo. Give gerrard to license to roam to keep milan constantly on the backfoot looking out for his movement.
The wingers must ensure that they pick out the attacking fullbacks of Oddo and Jankulovkski. They must be disciplined in retreating to position when not in possession of the ball. An alternative is to pin teh fullbacks back not allowing them to move up by playing further forward. Milan is expected to play with one striker so expect agger to be man marking the man while carra be the covering man. Kaka is the dangerman but we dont expect any particular man marking job on him. Liverpool will play a zonal defensive system and Kaka wil be picked up when he enters the zone corresponding to Alonso or Mascherano's area of coverage. They will have that system in place to handle Kaka.
Bu then again, we are talking about rafa so we dont really know whats in store do we?
For the final, Liverpool will be definitely missing out on two players. luis garcia and favio aurelio are both out due to long term injuries. There are also doubts on the fitness of mohammad sissoko. Other than those 3, rafa will have a full squad to choose from after zenden,dudek and kewell have been passed fit for the game. So how will they line up?
Rafa is a nightmare for football pundits. One can never really predict his first team lineup. Remember the 99 game run where he did not field the same lineup for 2 consecutive games. So predicting his lineup will be near impossible. Here is how 18YB feel Liverpool will line up. We could be dead wrong of course.
From all the hype and media reports, we see the side playing a 4-4-2 or a 4-5-1.
4-4-2
We say a 4-4-2, which would surprise many parties, because there has been reports that alonso might be on the bench for this game. This could mean a central midifeld pairing of mascherano and gerrard. The wide positions would be filled with pennant and riise/kewell. Many rumors have mentioned that kewell will be starting. The two strikers up front would then be kuyt and crouch/bellamy. The expected back four fielded would be finnan agger carragher riise/arbeloa
reina
finnan carragher agger riise/arbeloa
pennant gerrard mascherano kewell/riise
kuyt crouch/bellamy
rafa often dont play with two out and out wingers, so riise or zenden could play ahead of kewell if pennant starts. And if gerrard starts wide with alonso in the middle, kewell would get a start. Basically he prefers one of his wings to be more defensive.
maschernao will be defensive and play as front sweeper in front of the defence. Gerrard will be the more adventurous of the two, with runs from deep. kuyt and bellamy looks like a good pairing of strenght and pace. A kuyt and crouch pairing lacks speed. If they are to go with the latter. Expect them to bomb crosses into the box for the two front men. Reports have mentioned that Liverpool had been spotted practising crosses yesterday. A 4-4-2 formation will see them be more adventurous in attacking. Expect balls out wide to bypass the central midfield of Milan who often plays narrow.
4-5-1
This is the formation which we feel makes more sense and more suited for this game. THe back four will make up of finnan, carra, agger and riise. The central midfield will see the strongest the reds can field with masherano, alonso and gerrard. If reports are true alonso could be dropped for the better defender, sissoko. Wide players would be pennant and kewell/zenden. The lone stiker would most likely be kuyt. rafa seems to prefer the dutchmen over the other two.
reina
finna carra agger riise
pennant mascherano gerrard alonso/sissoko kewell/zenden
kuyt
If this system is employed, Liverpool will play the counter attacking game. They will set out much more defensively than a 4-4-2. This formation will match Milan's central midfielders in terms of numbers. This formation aims to stop the passing and movement of milan's midfield. Mascherano and Alonso will be protecting the defence whilst breaking up the attack. Gerrard could play that free roaming role behind kuyt. This is better than him starting down the right where gattuso can keep him quiet ala ronaldo. Give gerrard to license to roam to keep milan constantly on the backfoot looking out for his movement.
The wingers must ensure that they pick out the attacking fullbacks of Oddo and Jankulovkski. They must be disciplined in retreating to position when not in possession of the ball. An alternative is to pin teh fullbacks back not allowing them to move up by playing further forward. Milan is expected to play with one striker so expect agger to be man marking the man while carra be the covering man. Kaka is the dangerman but we dont expect any particular man marking job on him. Liverpool will play a zonal defensive system and Kaka wil be picked up when he enters the zone corresponding to Alonso or Mascherano's area of coverage. They will have that system in place to handle Kaka.
Bu then again, we are talking about rafa so we dont really know whats in store do we?
Sidwell moves to Stamford Bridge
Former Reading midfielder has completed his transfer to Chelsea. He will join the Blues outfit on 1st July on a free transfer. He resisted offers from Newcastle, Villa and Everton.
Its tragic that Reading will not get anything for his transfer. His contract runs out in the summer. This would be Jose's first signing of the summer.
Profile
Full name: Steven James Sidwell
Date of birth: 14-12-1982 (age 24)
Place of birth: Wandsworth, England
Height: 1.78 m
Playing position: Midfielder
Steve Sidwell joined Reading from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee in January 2003, after rising through the youth ranks but never making a first team appearance for the Gunners.
Steve Coppell signed him on loan at Brentford in the autumn of 2001, where he played 35 times, scoring four goals, before he marked his return to Arsenal with a goal after just 13 seconds in the National Academy League play-off final against Liverpool.
After this, he stayed at Belgian team Beveren but soon returned to England, once again with Steve Coppell, but this time at Brighton where he scored five times in 12 games.
It was no surprise therefore when Alan Pardew made the move for him in the 2003 January transfer window allowing Sidwell to make his full debut for the club during a 3-1 defeat to Leicester, where he was unlucky enough to miss a penalty.
His next appearance, however, was more succesful as he found the net twice in a 5-2 win at Burnley, before going on a run of 11 straight appearances steering his side to the play-offs where they lost to Wolves in the semi-final.
That summer saw him named as the first Reading player to ever be named in England's Under-21 side before he teamed up Steve Coppell for a third time after Coppell took over from Alan Pardew in autumn 2003.
Under Coppell, he continued to be a vital part of the Royals' machinery and signed a new deal in 2004 as well as winning a poll in Four Four Two magazine looking for the best player outside the Premiership.
A knee injury kept him on the sidelines for long periods during the 2005/06 season, but he returned to play an important role in Reading's eventual promotion. He was named the Football League's second best player of 2005 in the first ever Football League Awards ceremony.
In the summer of 2006, Sidwell rejected a contract extension, and it was rumoured that he might be sold to Everton, Charlton Athletic or Manchester City, as his contract was due to run out at the end of the 2006-07 season. Reading decided to keep Sidwell for their inaugural season in the Premier League, and risk losing him without a transfer fee when his contract ran out.
Over the course of the 2006-07 season, he was linked with a number of high profile clubs. After the last game of the 2006-07 season, Reading manager Steve Coppell confirmed that Sidwell had left the club and knew who he had signed for, but refused to say.
Last night, it was announced that after passing a medical at Stamford Bridge, Sidwell would join Chelsea on 1 July 2007 following the expiration of his contract with Reading.
1999–2003 Arsenal 0 (0)
2001–2002 Brentford (loan) 30 (4)
2002–2002 KSK Beveren (loan) 0 (0)
2002–2003 Brighton (loan) 12 (5)
2003–2007 Reading 168 (29)
2007 Chelsea
Its tragic that Reading will not get anything for his transfer. His contract runs out in the summer. This would be Jose's first signing of the summer.
Profile
Full name: Steven James Sidwell
Date of birth: 14-12-1982 (age 24)
Place of birth: Wandsworth, England
Height: 1.78 m
Playing position: Midfielder
Steve Sidwell joined Reading from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee in January 2003, after rising through the youth ranks but never making a first team appearance for the Gunners.
Steve Coppell signed him on loan at Brentford in the autumn of 2001, where he played 35 times, scoring four goals, before he marked his return to Arsenal with a goal after just 13 seconds in the National Academy League play-off final against Liverpool.
After this, he stayed at Belgian team Beveren but soon returned to England, once again with Steve Coppell, but this time at Brighton where he scored five times in 12 games.
It was no surprise therefore when Alan Pardew made the move for him in the 2003 January transfer window allowing Sidwell to make his full debut for the club during a 3-1 defeat to Leicester, where he was unlucky enough to miss a penalty.
His next appearance, however, was more succesful as he found the net twice in a 5-2 win at Burnley, before going on a run of 11 straight appearances steering his side to the play-offs where they lost to Wolves in the semi-final.
That summer saw him named as the first Reading player to ever be named in England's Under-21 side before he teamed up Steve Coppell for a third time after Coppell took over from Alan Pardew in autumn 2003.
Under Coppell, he continued to be a vital part of the Royals' machinery and signed a new deal in 2004 as well as winning a poll in Four Four Two magazine looking for the best player outside the Premiership.
A knee injury kept him on the sidelines for long periods during the 2005/06 season, but he returned to play an important role in Reading's eventual promotion. He was named the Football League's second best player of 2005 in the first ever Football League Awards ceremony.
In the summer of 2006, Sidwell rejected a contract extension, and it was rumoured that he might be sold to Everton, Charlton Athletic or Manchester City, as his contract was due to run out at the end of the 2006-07 season. Reading decided to keep Sidwell for their inaugural season in the Premier League, and risk losing him without a transfer fee when his contract ran out.
Over the course of the 2006-07 season, he was linked with a number of high profile clubs. After the last game of the 2006-07 season, Reading manager Steve Coppell confirmed that Sidwell had left the club and knew who he had signed for, but refused to say.
Last night, it was announced that after passing a medical at Stamford Bridge, Sidwell would join Chelsea on 1 July 2007 following the expiration of his contract with Reading.
1999–2003 Arsenal 0 (0)
2001–2002 Brentford (loan) 30 (4)
2002–2002 KSK Beveren (loan) 0 (0)
2002–2003 Brighton (loan) 12 (5)
2003–2007 Reading 168 (29)
2007 Chelsea
Football Legends
Starting June, we will profile some of the great legends of football. Players such as Alfredo Di Stefano, Pele, Maradona, Baresi, Van Basten and many more....
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
Champions League Final Buildup: Mark Lawrenson provides tactical analysis
I don't think it will be 3-3 like the last time these teams met - when Liverpool won on penalties. I expect a slightly attritional game. Liverpool don't want an open game and will not allow it because they don't play that way and Milan can be the same. I don't envisage many goals, if any, and I certainly see it going to extra time, maybe penalties.
There is one key battle, which is in midfield.
When AC Milan beat Manchester United in the second leg of their semi-final, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs did not influence the game but the thing is they never had the ball.
I thought the four Milan midfielders and Kaka - because of where he was situated - did a fantastic job of winning possession and having far more of the ball than Manchester United, especially in the danger areas. If Liverpool are going to win the competition that is where they need to be at their most competitive and keen.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez might spring a surprise with his team selection. He has done it quite a few times. We had Harry Kewell starting a couple of years back and he threw Boudewijn Zenden in against Chelsea in the semi-final.
I was at Liverpool's last game against Charlton and Kewell looked fit and fresh so that's a possibility. One thing about Benitez is that you can rarely guess his team for these really big games. You can get eight or nine but it is very rare you can guess his 11. He is not rigid.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez might go with striker Dirk Kuyt up front on his own and Steven Gerrard in a free role. If Milan play Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta you might want Craig Bellamy in for his pace but I don't think he trusts him. And I can't see him playing Kuyt and Peter Crouch together. He might play one striker and have the insurance of Gerrard in a floating position. He can be a bit like the really good boy in the school playground who goes wherever the ball is, which might not be a bad thing.
AC Milan play either Alberto Gilardino or Fillipo Inzahghi up front but they are sacrificial lambs. They don't play anything up to them, everything goes through the midfield - the real core element of the team. The midfield is so strong and the balance is fantastic. Massimo Ambrosino and Gennaro Gattuso are good at getting the ball back and they protect Andrea Pirlo, who is a bit like the quarterback. For five years I wondered what Clarence Seedorf did but he was great against Manchester United, up and down all the time.
When Milan played Manchester United the plan was to surround Cristiano Ronaldo when he got the ball, stop him playing or, even better, not let him get the ball.
If they have the same idea for Steven Gerrard you might want to let him roam if you are Liverpool. If you play Gerrard on the right he will have Kakha Kaladze and Clarence Seedorf to face. In a way, it will be like Kaka but coming from deeper and having licence and freedom to roam.
For Milan it is all about when Kaka wants the ball, where he wants it and how you get it to him.
from news.bbc.co.uk
A Mark Lawrenson column
There is one key battle, which is in midfield.
When AC Milan beat Manchester United in the second leg of their semi-final, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs did not influence the game but the thing is they never had the ball.
I thought the four Milan midfielders and Kaka - because of where he was situated - did a fantastic job of winning possession and having far more of the ball than Manchester United, especially in the danger areas. If Liverpool are going to win the competition that is where they need to be at their most competitive and keen.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez might spring a surprise with his team selection. He has done it quite a few times. We had Harry Kewell starting a couple of years back and he threw Boudewijn Zenden in against Chelsea in the semi-final.
I was at Liverpool's last game against Charlton and Kewell looked fit and fresh so that's a possibility. One thing about Benitez is that you can rarely guess his team for these really big games. You can get eight or nine but it is very rare you can guess his 11. He is not rigid.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez might go with striker Dirk Kuyt up front on his own and Steven Gerrard in a free role. If Milan play Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta you might want Craig Bellamy in for his pace but I don't think he trusts him. And I can't see him playing Kuyt and Peter Crouch together. He might play one striker and have the insurance of Gerrard in a floating position. He can be a bit like the really good boy in the school playground who goes wherever the ball is, which might not be a bad thing.
AC Milan play either Alberto Gilardino or Fillipo Inzahghi up front but they are sacrificial lambs. They don't play anything up to them, everything goes through the midfield - the real core element of the team. The midfield is so strong and the balance is fantastic. Massimo Ambrosino and Gennaro Gattuso are good at getting the ball back and they protect Andrea Pirlo, who is a bit like the quarterback. For five years I wondered what Clarence Seedorf did but he was great against Manchester United, up and down all the time.
When Milan played Manchester United the plan was to surround Cristiano Ronaldo when he got the ball, stop him playing or, even better, not let him get the ball.
If they have the same idea for Steven Gerrard you might want to let him roam if you are Liverpool. If you play Gerrard on the right he will have Kakha Kaladze and Clarence Seedorf to face. In a way, it will be like Kaka but coming from deeper and having licence and freedom to roam.
For Milan it is all about when Kaka wants the ball, where he wants it and how you get it to him.
from news.bbc.co.uk
A Mark Lawrenson column
Champions League Final Buildup: Facts and Figures Part 2
Both clubs have lost three Champions League matches this season. Milan succumbed to AEK Athens, Lille and Manchester United, while Liverpool were defeated by Galatasaray, Barcelona and Chelsea.
Alessandro Costacurta can become the fourth man to play in at least six finals and Clarence Seedorf can become the 11th to play in at least five.
Paolo Maldini (38) will be the oldest player ever to captain a Champions Cup/Champions League team if he plays. He will break the 46 year old record set by Barcelona goalkeeper Antonio Ramallets (36) in 1961. Alessandro Costacurta (41) can become the oldest outfield player ever in a Champions Cup/Champions League final.
Maldini is the only Italian to have played 100 Champions League matches. He reached his century in the first leg of this year's second round match against Celtic.
Clarence Seedorf can become the first player to win four Champions League titles.
Jamie Carragher is Liverpool's most experienced player in the Champions League with 52 appearances, one ahead of his team mate John Arne Riise. Luis Garcia has scored 10 goals in the Champions League, more than any other Liverpool player.
This match will be AC Milan's 300th in European competition. If they score two goals they will have recorded 500 in European competition. They also need to score three times to record 350 in Champions Cup/Champions League matches.
The 2007 Champions League final will be the 58th match of the season for both clubs.
Six Liverpool players have played in at least 48 matches for the club this season. The list is headed by Jermaine Pennant (50) and completed by Reina, Carragher, Gerrard (49 each), Xabi Alonso and Peter Crouch (48 each).
The AC Milan players with the most appearances this season are Clarence Seedorf (49), Andrea Pirlo (48) and Marek Jankulovski (47).
Both head coaches are going for their second triumph in the Champions Cup/Champions League. Liverpool's Bob Paisley is the only manager to have won the competition three times (1977, 1978 and 1981). Current head coach Rafael Benitez has now reached a European final in three of the last four seasons. He won the previous two with Valencia (Uefa Cup 2004) and Liverpool (Champions League 2005).
Source: news.bbc.co.uk.com
Alessandro Costacurta can become the fourth man to play in at least six finals and Clarence Seedorf can become the 11th to play in at least five.
Paolo Maldini (38) will be the oldest player ever to captain a Champions Cup/Champions League team if he plays. He will break the 46 year old record set by Barcelona goalkeeper Antonio Ramallets (36) in 1961. Alessandro Costacurta (41) can become the oldest outfield player ever in a Champions Cup/Champions League final.
Maldini is the only Italian to have played 100 Champions League matches. He reached his century in the first leg of this year's second round match against Celtic.
Clarence Seedorf can become the first player to win four Champions League titles.
Jamie Carragher is Liverpool's most experienced player in the Champions League with 52 appearances, one ahead of his team mate John Arne Riise. Luis Garcia has scored 10 goals in the Champions League, more than any other Liverpool player.
This match will be AC Milan's 300th in European competition. If they score two goals they will have recorded 500 in European competition. They also need to score three times to record 350 in Champions Cup/Champions League matches.
The 2007 Champions League final will be the 58th match of the season for both clubs.
Six Liverpool players have played in at least 48 matches for the club this season. The list is headed by Jermaine Pennant (50) and completed by Reina, Carragher, Gerrard (49 each), Xabi Alonso and Peter Crouch (48 each).
The AC Milan players with the most appearances this season are Clarence Seedorf (49), Andrea Pirlo (48) and Marek Jankulovski (47).
Both head coaches are going for their second triumph in the Champions Cup/Champions League. Liverpool's Bob Paisley is the only manager to have won the competition three times (1977, 1978 and 1981). Current head coach Rafael Benitez has now reached a European final in three of the last four seasons. He won the previous two with Valencia (Uefa Cup 2004) and Liverpool (Champions League 2005).
Source: news.bbc.co.uk.com
Champions League Final Buildup: Facts and Figures
The Athens Olympic Stadium - otherwise known as the OACA Spyro Louis Stadium - is the setting for this showdown between two of the continent's most successful clubs and for a Milan team plotting revenge, the choice of venue may be considered a lucky one. It was here, after all, that the Rossoneri beat FC Barcelona 4-0 in the 1994 UEFA Champions League final.
Between them, Milan and Liverpool have won eleven of the 51 previous editions of the European Champion Clubs' Cup. For Milan victory would bring their seventh European crown while Liverpool can make it six. Real Madrid CF are the most successful team with nine triumphs.
Milan are contesting their eleventh final and previously lifted the European Cup in 1963, 1969, 1989, 1990, 1994 and 2003. The Rossoneri were runners-up in 1958, 1993, 1995 and 2005. Only Madrid have appeared in more finals (12).
This is Liverpool's seventh European Cup final and their five successes were in 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984 and 2005. Their sole losing final appearance came in 1985.
Every time Liverpool have lifted the cup they have worn their home colours and beaten opponents wearing white. Although Milan were in white in Istanbul, they still regard the colour as lucky after five previous triumphs wearing their change strip in 1963, 1989, 1990, 1994 and 2003.
On an individual level, Milan's Paolo Maldini could claim his fifth winners' medal following victories with the Rossoneri in 1989, 1990, 1994 and 2003. He will be one of only three players in history to have enjoyed more success in the competition: the Real Madrid CF legend has six wins to his name while former colleagues Alfredo di Stéfano and José María Zárraga have five each.
If Maldini has followed his father Cesare in winning the European Cup with Milan, Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is aiming to go one better than his own father, Miguel, who finished on the losing side with Club Atlético de Madrid in their 1974 final against FC Bayern München.
Both Ancelotti and Benítez have led their teams to this trophy once before, Ancelotti in 2003 and Benítez in 2005. In the Milan coach's case he is one of only five men to have lifted the European Cup as both a player and manager, following three triumphs with Milan in his playing days.
Clarence Seedorf is the only player to have won the competition with three different clubs: AFC Ajax (1995), Real Madrid (1998) and Milan (2003).
Greece has proved a happy hunting ground for Milan in the two previous finals they have contested here. It was in Thessaloniki that the Rossoneri defeated another English side, Leeds United AFC, in the 1972/73 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final, Luciano Chiarugi scoing the only goal after four minutes.
The OACA Spyro Louis Stadium, meanwhile was the setting for their 4-0 UEFA Champions League final triumph on 18 May 1994 against a Barcelona 'Dream Team' stunned by goals from Daniele Massaro (2), Dejan Savićević and Marcel Desailly. However, it was at this same stadium earlier this season that Milan suffered their first defeat on Greek soil, going down 1-0 to AEK Athens FC in the group stage.
Liverpool, for their part, have positive memories of their previous two visits to the final venue, winning 1-0 at Panathinaikos FC to secure a 5-0 aggregate success in the 1984/85 European Cup semi-final and then drawing 2-2 against Olympiacos CFP en route to a third-round success in the 2000/01 UEFA Cup – a competition they went on to win.
Milan's record against English teams reads nine wins, seven draws and eight defeats from 24 matches. They have played two previous UEFA finals against opposition from England, defeating Leeds to win the Cup Winners' Cup in 1973 but losing to Liverpool in Istanbul.
Liverpool have won seven and lost seven of their 16 previous encounters with Italian opposition.
They have contested three previous UEFA finals against Serie A sides and won two of them. Besides beating Milan in Istanbul, they defeated AS Roma 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the 1983/84 European Cup final in Rome. However, they lost 1-0 to Juventus in the final in Brussels the following season.
Overall there have been five Anglo-Italian UEFA competition finals and the score reads 3-2 in favour of England.
This is the fifth time that two former final opponents have met again and for Milan the third time they have faced such a rematch.
German official Herbert Fandel will referee Wednesday's game in the Olympic Stadium.
Fandel, 43, has been in charge of three of Liverpool's Champions League matches - the last being the 1-0 defeat by Barcelona at Anfield in March - and he has handled five Milan matches in the European Cup. Carsten Kadach and Volker Wezel are assistant referees, with Florian Meyer the fourth official.
Source: uefa.com
Between them, Milan and Liverpool have won eleven of the 51 previous editions of the European Champion Clubs' Cup. For Milan victory would bring their seventh European crown while Liverpool can make it six. Real Madrid CF are the most successful team with nine triumphs.
Milan are contesting their eleventh final and previously lifted the European Cup in 1963, 1969, 1989, 1990, 1994 and 2003. The Rossoneri were runners-up in 1958, 1993, 1995 and 2005. Only Madrid have appeared in more finals (12).
This is Liverpool's seventh European Cup final and their five successes were in 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984 and 2005. Their sole losing final appearance came in 1985.
Every time Liverpool have lifted the cup they have worn their home colours and beaten opponents wearing white. Although Milan were in white in Istanbul, they still regard the colour as lucky after five previous triumphs wearing their change strip in 1963, 1989, 1990, 1994 and 2003.
On an individual level, Milan's Paolo Maldini could claim his fifth winners' medal following victories with the Rossoneri in 1989, 1990, 1994 and 2003. He will be one of only three players in history to have enjoyed more success in the competition: the Real Madrid CF legend has six wins to his name while former colleagues Alfredo di Stéfano and José María Zárraga have five each.
If Maldini has followed his father Cesare in winning the European Cup with Milan, Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is aiming to go one better than his own father, Miguel, who finished on the losing side with Club Atlético de Madrid in their 1974 final against FC Bayern München.
Both Ancelotti and Benítez have led their teams to this trophy once before, Ancelotti in 2003 and Benítez in 2005. In the Milan coach's case he is one of only five men to have lifted the European Cup as both a player and manager, following three triumphs with Milan in his playing days.
Clarence Seedorf is the only player to have won the competition with three different clubs: AFC Ajax (1995), Real Madrid (1998) and Milan (2003).
Greece has proved a happy hunting ground for Milan in the two previous finals they have contested here. It was in Thessaloniki that the Rossoneri defeated another English side, Leeds United AFC, in the 1972/73 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final, Luciano Chiarugi scoing the only goal after four minutes.
The OACA Spyro Louis Stadium, meanwhile was the setting for their 4-0 UEFA Champions League final triumph on 18 May 1994 against a Barcelona 'Dream Team' stunned by goals from Daniele Massaro (2), Dejan Savićević and Marcel Desailly. However, it was at this same stadium earlier this season that Milan suffered their first defeat on Greek soil, going down 1-0 to AEK Athens FC in the group stage.
Liverpool, for their part, have positive memories of their previous two visits to the final venue, winning 1-0 at Panathinaikos FC to secure a 5-0 aggregate success in the 1984/85 European Cup semi-final and then drawing 2-2 against Olympiacos CFP en route to a third-round success in the 2000/01 UEFA Cup – a competition they went on to win.
Milan's record against English teams reads nine wins, seven draws and eight defeats from 24 matches. They have played two previous UEFA finals against opposition from England, defeating Leeds to win the Cup Winners' Cup in 1973 but losing to Liverpool in Istanbul.
Liverpool have won seven and lost seven of their 16 previous encounters with Italian opposition.
They have contested three previous UEFA finals against Serie A sides and won two of them. Besides beating Milan in Istanbul, they defeated AS Roma 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the 1983/84 European Cup final in Rome. However, they lost 1-0 to Juventus in the final in Brussels the following season.
Overall there have been five Anglo-Italian UEFA competition finals and the score reads 3-2 in favour of England.
This is the fifth time that two former final opponents have met again and for Milan the third time they have faced such a rematch.
German official Herbert Fandel will referee Wednesday's game in the Olympic Stadium.
Fandel, 43, has been in charge of three of Liverpool's Champions League matches - the last being the 1-0 defeat by Barcelona at Anfield in March - and he has handled five Milan matches in the European Cup. Carsten Kadach and Volker Wezel are assistant referees, with Florian Meyer the fourth official.
Source: uefa.com
Togolese to Stay
Arsenal striker Emanuel Adebayor has signed a new long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium. No details of the contract have been disclosed.
Transfer Talk 22-07-2007
Andriy Shevchenko will hold talks today with AC Milan over a proposed return to the San Siro, according to The Sun. The Ukrainian, it is claimed, has been told he can leave Chelski this summer and the 'striker is due to meet Milan officials in Athens today. Personal terms will be discussed while the clubs try to agree a deal'. The paper suggests that Milan would be willing to pay £12m and offer Georgian defender Kakha Kaladze as well. Chelski would then make an approach for Carlos Tevez.
Bolton's Ben Haim has stall his negotiations with Pompey and West Ham.Recent developments have claimed that an israeli, Avram Grant is set to become Chelski's new director of football. He was a former israeli national team coach and has long championed Ben Haim's cause and although the defender would not be the first choice of Jose Mourinho, the manager will accept his signing. Jose's preferred signing would be Jorge Andrade, but Deportivo La Coruna's asking price of £10m has proved prohibitive.
Arsenal have joined Tottenham and Manchester United in the race to sign Gareth Bale.' (Why? u gooners already have clichy and traore)
Paul Robinson's future at Spurs is in doubt after Martin Jol joined the race for Hearts keeper Craig Gordon. (England No. 1 threatened by a Scottish keeper)
Titus Bramble will snub Fulham, Celtic and Birmingham to sign for Portsmouth. (the beginning of the end for Pompey)
Pompey also plan to complete the £7million signing of Sulley Muntari in the next few days.
Kieran Richardson, Gabriel Heinze and Mikael Silvestre - who will move to Lyon - will leave Manchester United.
Everton want to sign United right-back Phil Bardsley.
West Ham want Fulham stopper Antti Niemi to provide competition to Rob Green.
Roy Keane wants to bring Aston Villa midfielder Gavin McCann to Sunderland.
Birmingham are chasing Liverpool keeper Scott Carson on a season long loan deal.
Bryan Robson's first job at Sheffield Untied will be to hold on to Phil Jagielka, who is wanted by a host of clubs, led by Everton.
Bayern Munich want Newcastle midfielder Emre to replace Owen Hargreaves.
Source: football365.com
Bolton's Ben Haim has stall his negotiations with Pompey and West Ham.Recent developments have claimed that an israeli, Avram Grant is set to become Chelski's new director of football. He was a former israeli national team coach and has long championed Ben Haim's cause and although the defender would not be the first choice of Jose Mourinho, the manager will accept his signing. Jose's preferred signing would be Jorge Andrade, but Deportivo La Coruna's asking price of £10m has proved prohibitive.
Arsenal have joined Tottenham and Manchester United in the race to sign Gareth Bale.' (Why? u gooners already have clichy and traore)
Paul Robinson's future at Spurs is in doubt after Martin Jol joined the race for Hearts keeper Craig Gordon. (England No. 1 threatened by a Scottish keeper)
Titus Bramble will snub Fulham, Celtic and Birmingham to sign for Portsmouth. (the beginning of the end for Pompey)
Pompey also plan to complete the £7million signing of Sulley Muntari in the next few days.
Kieran Richardson, Gabriel Heinze and Mikael Silvestre - who will move to Lyon - will leave Manchester United.
Everton want to sign United right-back Phil Bardsley.
West Ham want Fulham stopper Antti Niemi to provide competition to Rob Green.
Roy Keane wants to bring Aston Villa midfielder Gavin McCann to Sunderland.
Birmingham are chasing Liverpool keeper Scott Carson on a season long loan deal.
Bryan Robson's first job at Sheffield Untied will be to hold on to Phil Jagielka, who is wanted by a host of clubs, led by Everton.
Bayern Munich want Newcastle midfielder Emre to replace Owen Hargreaves.
Source: football365.com
Overhaul in store for Liverpool?
The outgoings:
Fowler and Dudek are confirmed to be leaving the club after thier contracts have not be renewed by the club. Fowler never really fit the bill for Rafa. He no longer has the legs to play up front for Liverpool. Jerzy Dudek never really challenged Reina for the first team spot. On the occasional appearnce he has performed quite poorly. Expect the No. 1 to go to Pepe Reina for next season. Carson will also be returning from his loan spell at Charlton.
Sami Hyypia, Boudewijn Zenden, Mark González, Harry Kewell and Craig Bellamy feature on the 'unwanted' list of both The Guardian and Independent. The latter publication adds the name of Scott Carson, while the Guardian reminds readers that Djibril Cisse is only on loan at Marseille. Yup, we'd forgotten that as well. Hyypia has lost his place in the first eleven but is still hungry for first team football. Expect him to stay in the premiership. Zenden has got a recent run of games but isnt exactly a good enough winger or central midfielder. Gonzalez had an average first season. We expect him to leave on loan. Bellamy had the Cisse problem. Quick as lightning but dont really play the team game. Bellamy is slightly better in team play but he has not really shown what he is capable of. A bad boy in nature, Rafa could just have lost faith in him. Expect both strikers to go out since Voronin is set to arrive in the summer. One more striker is expected to be signed up.
Xabi Alonso has also been mentioned due to the rumors that he might be dropped for the final. Crouch is another who is sweating under the collar. We dont think Xabi will leave. Crouch is a small possibility even though he has the best return in terms of goals.
Incoming
Benitez has around £40m to spend and the Guardian says that 'a striker capable of scoring 20 goals a season is a priority - Samuel Eto'o and Fernando Torres of Barcelona and Atlético Madrid respectively remain plausible targets'.
Three signings are already in place - Andriy Voronin, the Bayer Leverkusen forward, plus Lucas Leiva and Sebastián Leto, two highly rated youngsters from South America.
Carlos Tévez, the West Ham United forward, Daniel Alves, the Seville wing back, and Morten Gamst Pedersen, the Blackburn Rovers winger, also in his thoughts.
Fowler and Dudek are confirmed to be leaving the club after thier contracts have not be renewed by the club. Fowler never really fit the bill for Rafa. He no longer has the legs to play up front for Liverpool. Jerzy Dudek never really challenged Reina for the first team spot. On the occasional appearnce he has performed quite poorly. Expect the No. 1 to go to Pepe Reina for next season. Carson will also be returning from his loan spell at Charlton.
Sami Hyypia, Boudewijn Zenden, Mark González, Harry Kewell and Craig Bellamy feature on the 'unwanted' list of both The Guardian and Independent. The latter publication adds the name of Scott Carson, while the Guardian reminds readers that Djibril Cisse is only on loan at Marseille. Yup, we'd forgotten that as well. Hyypia has lost his place in the first eleven but is still hungry for first team football. Expect him to stay in the premiership. Zenden has got a recent run of games but isnt exactly a good enough winger or central midfielder. Gonzalez had an average first season. We expect him to leave on loan. Bellamy had the Cisse problem. Quick as lightning but dont really play the team game. Bellamy is slightly better in team play but he has not really shown what he is capable of. A bad boy in nature, Rafa could just have lost faith in him. Expect both strikers to go out since Voronin is set to arrive in the summer. One more striker is expected to be signed up.
Xabi Alonso has also been mentioned due to the rumors that he might be dropped for the final. Crouch is another who is sweating under the collar. We dont think Xabi will leave. Crouch is a small possibility even though he has the best return in terms of goals.
Incoming
Benitez has around £40m to spend and the Guardian says that 'a striker capable of scoring 20 goals a season is a priority - Samuel Eto'o and Fernando Torres of Barcelona and Atlético Madrid respectively remain plausible targets'.
Three signings are already in place - Andriy Voronin, the Bayer Leverkusen forward, plus Lucas Leiva and Sebastián Leto, two highly rated youngsters from South America.
Carlos Tévez, the West Ham United forward, Daniel Alves, the Seville wing back, and Morten Gamst Pedersen, the Blackburn Rovers winger, also in his thoughts.
Monday, 21 May 2007
FC Porto does it again.
Portuguese Liga Table
OVERALL HOME AWAY
GP W D L GS GA GD P
1 FC Porto 30 22 3 5 65 20 45 69
2 Sporting Lisbon 30 20 8 2 54 15 39 68
3 Benfica 30 20 7 3 55 20 35 67
Porto won on the final day of the season to win the Portugese League for the 2nd consecutive season. They beat Desportivo Aves 4-1 at home in fornt of their fans. Argentine striker Lisando Lopez scored twice for Porto, who led the standings from the first round and ended with 69 points from 30 matches for their 22nd league crown.
Sporting's Brazilian striker Liedson scored against Belenenses on the final day to finish as the league's top scorer with 15.
OVERALL HOME AWAY
GP W D L GS GA GD P
1 FC Porto 30 22 3 5 65 20 45 69
2 Sporting Lisbon 30 20 8 2 54 15 39 68
3 Benfica 30 20 7 3 55 20 35 67
Porto won on the final day of the season to win the Portugese League for the 2nd consecutive season. They beat Desportivo Aves 4-1 at home in fornt of their fans. Argentine striker Lisando Lopez scored twice for Porto, who led the standings from the first round and ended with 69 points from 30 matches for their 22nd league crown.
Sporting's Brazilian striker Liedson scored against Belenenses on the final day to finish as the league's top scorer with 15.
Iran are Asian Futsal Champions
Iran has dethroned incumbent champion Japan 4-1 at the Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium to return the AFC Futsal Championship trophy to the cabinet that has housed it for seven of the past eight years.
Final
IR Iran 4 - 1 Japan
3/4 Place
Uzbekistan 5 - 3 Kyrgyzstan
Semi-final
Uzbekistan 3 - 7 IR Iran
Japan 1 - 0 Kyrgyzstan
Quarter-final
Uzbekistan 3 - 1 Tajikistan
Japan 9 - 6 Thailand
IR Iran 8 - 0 Australia
Kyrgyzstan 3 - 2 Lebanon
Group A
GP Pts
Japan 3 9
Tajikistan 3 4
Hong Kong 3 3
Philippines 3 1
Group B
GP Pts
Uzbekistan 3 6
Thailand 3 6
Kuwait 3 3
Iraq 3 3
Group C
GP Pts
Kyrgyzstan 3 7
Australia 3 4
Korea Republic 3 3
Turkmenistan 3 3
Group D
GP Pts
IR Iran 3 9
Lebanon 3 6
China PR 3 3
Malaysia 3 0
Final
IR Iran 4 - 1 Japan
3/4 Place
Uzbekistan 5 - 3 Kyrgyzstan
Semi-final
Uzbekistan 3 - 7 IR Iran
Japan 1 - 0 Kyrgyzstan
Quarter-final
Uzbekistan 3 - 1 Tajikistan
Japan 9 - 6 Thailand
IR Iran 8 - 0 Australia
Kyrgyzstan 3 - 2 Lebanon
Group A
GP Pts
Japan 3 9
Tajikistan 3 4
Hong Kong 3 3
Philippines 3 1
Group B
GP Pts
Uzbekistan 3 6
Thailand 3 6
Kuwait 3 3
Iraq 3 3
Group C
GP Pts
Kyrgyzstan 3 7
Australia 3 4
Korea Republic 3 3
Turkmenistan 3 3
Group D
GP Pts
IR Iran 3 9
Lebanon 3 6
China PR 3 3
Malaysia 3 0
Transfer Talk 21-07-2007
Bolton are chasing Fulham striker Brian McBride. (typical bolton stiker? tall,powerful, good in the air)
Aston Villa and Sunderland are ready to offer £3million for Trotters keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Everton are lining up a £4million bid for Sheffield United captain Phil Jagielka, but face a fight with Wigan for his signature.
Sylvain Distin will snub a move to Newcastle and instead sign a £40,000-a-week deal with Portsmouth.
Martin O'Neill will throw lots of Randy Lerner's dollars at Stephen Appiah and a few at some kid called Steven Naismith from Scotland. (Good buy if they get appiah...very essien like)
Blackburn have turned down a £350,000 bid for Francis Jeffers from Ipswich. (he is still around?)
Newcastle, Manchester City and Bolton are all keen on Liverpool centre-half Sami Hyypia. (let him go rafa, not the defender he once was)
Sir Fergie is also going to snap up Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid, Gareth Bale from Southampton and Nani from Sporting Lisbon, according to the Daily Mirror. The Times claims that the FA Cup final looks set to have been Gabriel Heinze's last game for Manchester United. Mikael Silvestre and Louis Saha are also vulnerable. Manchester United are plotting a £12million swoop for Ajax goal sensation Klaas Jan Huntelaar. (It would be scary if they get thier targets. Silverstre,Heinze are more likely to leave)
Manchester City have lined up Felix Magath as an alternative to Claudio Ranieri as successor to Stuart Pearce.
Chelsea could make a double swoop on Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven by signing defenders Alex and Carlos Salcido. (Well, they do need defenders)
Milan are planning a sensational £28million move for Didier Drogba. (NO WAY, JOSE's Pet)
Liverpool star Mark Gonzalez is on his way back to Spain. (might go out on loan)
Arsenal are set for a £7million bid for Real Zaragoza star Alberto Zapater.
Chelsea are stepping up their bid to sign Bayern Munich striker Claudio Pizarro.
Chelsea's £5.5million Dutch international Khalid Boulahrouz is on his way to PSV Eindhoven. ( definitely a flop at chelsea, desperate buy by chelsea back then)
West Ham have laughed off a £3million bid from Wigan for Matthew Etherington. (too cheap? he aint that good, Eggert)
Portsmouth striker Andy Cole could make a return to the Premiership with Birmingham. (Experience hunt by Steve Bruce)
Liverpool are to make a £4million swoop for Brazilian striker Amauri - as long as he obtains an EU passport.
Tottenham manager Martin Jol has four close-season transfer targets, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Leighton Baines, Darren Bent and Nigel Reo-Coker. Jermaine Defoe, Mido and Hossam Ghaly are all set to leave White Hart Lane. (those incoming look like good buys. Out going: deserve to go)
Alan Curbishley will axe 12 of his West Ham squad this summer including Nigel Reo-Coker, Matthew Etherington, Paul Konchesky, Marlon Harewood and Bobby Zamora. His main transfer targets are Darren Bent and Craig Bellamy. (all the players who has lost the drive to stay at the club? Coker was off colour last season. Gunning for a pacy attack line)
Chelsea are chasing Moussa Dembele, a 19-year-old striker at AZ Alkmaar. (who?)
Chelsea are chasing Everton defender Joleon Lescott who is valued at £10million. Michah Richards is another target. (Micah maybe, Lescott unlikely)
Tottenham are preparing a summer move for Manchester United striker Louis Saha. (Might be sold if SAF is able to get 2 strikers in the summer)
Birmingham want to sign both Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka. (Bruce going for experience in an attempt to survive in the premiership next season)
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is looking to land Carlos Tevez and reunite him with Javier Mascherano. (been going on for some time, but price tag might ward off rafa)
Meanwhile, Ferguson will start next season with youngster Ben Foster in goal instead of Edwin van der Sar. (Foster has had a great season for Watford, Van Der Sar is fast rolling off the hill)
Aston Villa and Sunderland are ready to offer £3million for Trotters keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Everton are lining up a £4million bid for Sheffield United captain Phil Jagielka, but face a fight with Wigan for his signature.
Sylvain Distin will snub a move to Newcastle and instead sign a £40,000-a-week deal with Portsmouth.
Martin O'Neill will throw lots of Randy Lerner's dollars at Stephen Appiah and a few at some kid called Steven Naismith from Scotland. (Good buy if they get appiah...very essien like)
Blackburn have turned down a £350,000 bid for Francis Jeffers from Ipswich. (he is still around?)
Newcastle, Manchester City and Bolton are all keen on Liverpool centre-half Sami Hyypia. (let him go rafa, not the defender he once was)
Sir Fergie is also going to snap up Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid, Gareth Bale from Southampton and Nani from Sporting Lisbon, according to the Daily Mirror. The Times claims that the FA Cup final looks set to have been Gabriel Heinze's last game for Manchester United. Mikael Silvestre and Louis Saha are also vulnerable. Manchester United are plotting a £12million swoop for Ajax goal sensation Klaas Jan Huntelaar. (It would be scary if they get thier targets. Silverstre,Heinze are more likely to leave)
Manchester City have lined up Felix Magath as an alternative to Claudio Ranieri as successor to Stuart Pearce.
Chelsea could make a double swoop on Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven by signing defenders Alex and Carlos Salcido. (Well, they do need defenders)
Milan are planning a sensational £28million move for Didier Drogba. (NO WAY, JOSE's Pet)
Liverpool star Mark Gonzalez is on his way back to Spain. (might go out on loan)
Arsenal are set for a £7million bid for Real Zaragoza star Alberto Zapater.
Chelsea are stepping up their bid to sign Bayern Munich striker Claudio Pizarro.
Chelsea's £5.5million Dutch international Khalid Boulahrouz is on his way to PSV Eindhoven. ( definitely a flop at chelsea, desperate buy by chelsea back then)
West Ham have laughed off a £3million bid from Wigan for Matthew Etherington. (too cheap? he aint that good, Eggert)
Portsmouth striker Andy Cole could make a return to the Premiership with Birmingham. (Experience hunt by Steve Bruce)
Liverpool are to make a £4million swoop for Brazilian striker Amauri - as long as he obtains an EU passport.
Tottenham manager Martin Jol has four close-season transfer targets, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Leighton Baines, Darren Bent and Nigel Reo-Coker. Jermaine Defoe, Mido and Hossam Ghaly are all set to leave White Hart Lane. (those incoming look like good buys. Out going: deserve to go)
Alan Curbishley will axe 12 of his West Ham squad this summer including Nigel Reo-Coker, Matthew Etherington, Paul Konchesky, Marlon Harewood and Bobby Zamora. His main transfer targets are Darren Bent and Craig Bellamy. (all the players who has lost the drive to stay at the club? Coker was off colour last season. Gunning for a pacy attack line)
Chelsea are chasing Moussa Dembele, a 19-year-old striker at AZ Alkmaar. (who?)
Chelsea are chasing Everton defender Joleon Lescott who is valued at £10million. Michah Richards is another target. (Micah maybe, Lescott unlikely)
Tottenham are preparing a summer move for Manchester United striker Louis Saha. (Might be sold if SAF is able to get 2 strikers in the summer)
Birmingham want to sign both Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka. (Bruce going for experience in an attempt to survive in the premiership next season)
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is looking to land Carlos Tevez and reunite him with Javier Mascherano. (been going on for some time, but price tag might ward off rafa)
Meanwhile, Ferguson will start next season with youngster Ben Foster in goal instead of Edwin van der Sar. (Foster has had a great season for Watford, Van Der Sar is fast rolling off the hill)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
