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Wednesday, 9 December 2015
Sacking Mourinho will be a mistake- Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson, says Chelsea would be sacking “one of the best coaches of all time” if they were to...
Declares Bayelsa Governorship Election Inconc...
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared the December 5th governorship election in Bayelsa state inconclusive fo...
Tuesday, 1 December 2015
ROBBEN PLEADS FOR 'WORLD'S BEST' GUARDIOLA TO STAY AT BAYERN
The Dutchman wants his manager to stay at the German
club beyond the end of his current deal and to ignore the
interest from England
Arjen Robben has pleaded for Bayern Munich head coach
Josep Guardiola to stay with the German champions
beyond the end of his current contract.
The Catalan's deal in Bavaria expires at the end of the
season and he's yet to commit his future to the club
beyond that point.
Reports on Spanish radio station COPE last week
suggested he has already agreed a deal to take over from
Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City next summer, while
Manchester United has also been touted as a possible
destination.
Speaking at an event for a Bayern supporters club, Robben
said: "We have one of the best coaches in the world and
as many of our players have already said, we all want him
to stay.
"It is a lot of fun working with him. Tactically he is
perhaps the best - and I don't say that just because he's
our coach at the moment.
"He is also a perfect human fit with Bayern."
Guardiola has been in at the Allianz Arena since 2013,
during which time there has been speculation that Robben
himself would leave the club.
However, the Dutchman, who turns 32 in January, claims
he's never thought about leaving, nor does he imagine
leaving while he still has time on his contract.
"I never thought about a transfer [away from Bayern]," he
continued.
"I am happy in Munich; my family is happy in Munich.
"My contract runs until 2017. You can't look too far
forward in football, but everything is fine at the moment - I
hope things continue this way."
club beyond the end of his current deal and to ignore the
interest from England
Arjen Robben has pleaded for Bayern Munich head coach
Josep Guardiola to stay with the German champions
beyond the end of his current contract.
The Catalan's deal in Bavaria expires at the end of the
season and he's yet to commit his future to the club
beyond that point.
Reports on Spanish radio station COPE last week
suggested he has already agreed a deal to take over from
Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City next summer, while
Manchester United has also been touted as a possible
destination.
Speaking at an event for a Bayern supporters club, Robben
said: "We have one of the best coaches in the world and
as many of our players have already said, we all want him
to stay.
"It is a lot of fun working with him. Tactically he is
perhaps the best - and I don't say that just because he's
our coach at the moment.
"He is also a perfect human fit with Bayern."
Guardiola has been in at the Allianz Arena since 2013,
during which time there has been speculation that Robben
himself would leave the club.
However, the Dutchman, who turns 32 in January, claims
he's never thought about leaving, nor does he imagine
leaving while he still has time on his contract.
"I never thought about a transfer [away from Bayern]," he
continued.
"I am happy in Munich; my family is happy in Munich.
"My contract runs until 2017. You can't look too far
forward in football, but everything is fine at the moment - I
hope things continue this way."
ROBBEN PLEADS FOR 'WORLD'S BEST' GUARDIOLA TO STAY AT BAYERN
The Dutchman wants his manager to stay at the German
club beyond the end of his current deal and to ignore the
interest from England
Arjen Robben has pleaded for Bayern Munich head coach
Josep Guardiola to stay with the German champions
beyond the end of his current contract.
The Catalan's deal in Bavaria expires at the end of the
season and he's yet to commit his future to the club
beyond that point.
Reports on Spanish radio station COPE last week
suggested he has already agreed a deal to take over from
Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City next summer, while
Manchester United has also been touted as a possible
destination.
Speaking at an event for a Bayern supporters club, Robben
said: "We have one of the best coaches in the world and
as many of our players have already said, we all want him
to stay.
"It is a lot of fun working with him. Tactically he is
perhaps the best - and I don't say that just because he's
our coach at the moment.
"He is also a perfect human fit with Bayern."
Guardiola has been in at the Allianz Arena since 2013,
during which time there has been speculation that Robben
himself would leave the club.
However, the Dutchman, who turns 32 in January, claims
he's never thought about leaving, nor does he imagine
leaving while he still has time on his contract.
"I never thought about a transfer [away from Bayern]," he
continued.
"I am happy in Munich; my family is happy in Munich.
"My contract runs until 2017. You can't look too far
forward in football, but everything is fine at the moment - I
hope things continue this way."
club beyond the end of his current deal and to ignore the
interest from England
Arjen Robben has pleaded for Bayern Munich head coach
Josep Guardiola to stay with the German champions
beyond the end of his current contract.
The Catalan's deal in Bavaria expires at the end of the
season and he's yet to commit his future to the club
beyond that point.
Reports on Spanish radio station COPE last week
suggested he has already agreed a deal to take over from
Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City next summer, while
Manchester United has also been touted as a possible
destination.
Speaking at an event for a Bayern supporters club, Robben
said: "We have one of the best coaches in the world and
as many of our players have already said, we all want him
to stay.
"It is a lot of fun working with him. Tactically he is
perhaps the best - and I don't say that just because he's
our coach at the moment.
"He is also a perfect human fit with Bayern."
Guardiola has been in at the Allianz Arena since 2013,
during which time there has been speculation that Robben
himself would leave the club.
However, the Dutchman, who turns 32 in January, claims
he's never thought about leaving, nor does he imagine
leaving while he still has time on his contract.
"I never thought about a transfer [away from Bayern]," he
continued.
"I am happy in Munich; my family is happy in Munich.
"My contract runs until 2017. You can't look too far
forward in football, but everything is fine at the moment - I
hope things continue this way."
MESSI BEATS RONALDO TO LA LIGA BEST PLAYER AWARD
The Argentine pipped his Real Madrid rival to two major
accolades at a ceremony to celebrate last season's
achievements in the Spanish top flight
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been named La Liga's
best player of 2014-15 at the annual award ceremony on
Monday.
The 28-year-old, who was named Goal 50 winner last
week, saw off competition from Real Madrid's Cristiano
Ronaldo to be crowned the best overall player in addition
to the top forward in Spain.
Atletico Madrid's star player Antoine Griezmann and
Barcelona veteran Andres Iniesta were pipped to the best
midfielder award by James Rodriguez after he starred for
Madrid following his 2014 move from Monaco.
The Colombian's Santiago Bernabeu team-mate, Sergio
Ramos, beat Gerard Pique and Nicolas Otamendi to the
award of the Spanish top flight's best defender last
season.
Luis Enrique's achievements in guiding Barca to Liga
success in his debut season earned him the accolade of
best coach while his No.1 in La Liga, Claudio Bravo, was
named best goalkeeper of 2014-15.
Without Messi for competition, Neymar was crowned the
best South American player in La Liga last season ahead
of Luis Suarez and James Rodriguez. Valencia midfielder
Sofiane Feghouli was crowned the best African player in
the division.
Despite being overlooked as best player and best forward,
Ronaldo did at least win the fans' player of the year award
- voted for on social media prior to the ceremony which
the former Manchester United man did not attend.
Best Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo (Barcelona)
Best Defender: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Best Midfielder: James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
Best Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Best Coach: Luis Enrique (Barcelona)
Best African: Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia)
Best South American: Neymar (Barcelona)
Fans' Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Best Player: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
accolades at a ceremony to celebrate last season's
achievements in the Spanish top flight
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been named La Liga's
best player of 2014-15 at the annual award ceremony on
Monday.
The 28-year-old, who was named Goal 50 winner last
week, saw off competition from Real Madrid's Cristiano
Ronaldo to be crowned the best overall player in addition
to the top forward in Spain.
Atletico Madrid's star player Antoine Griezmann and
Barcelona veteran Andres Iniesta were pipped to the best
midfielder award by James Rodriguez after he starred for
Madrid following his 2014 move from Monaco.
The Colombian's Santiago Bernabeu team-mate, Sergio
Ramos, beat Gerard Pique and Nicolas Otamendi to the
award of the Spanish top flight's best defender last
season.
Luis Enrique's achievements in guiding Barca to Liga
success in his debut season earned him the accolade of
best coach while his No.1 in La Liga, Claudio Bravo, was
named best goalkeeper of 2014-15.
Without Messi for competition, Neymar was crowned the
best South American player in La Liga last season ahead
of Luis Suarez and James Rodriguez. Valencia midfielder
Sofiane Feghouli was crowned the best African player in
the division.
Despite being overlooked as best player and best forward,
Ronaldo did at least win the fans' player of the year award
- voted for on social media prior to the ceremony which
the former Manchester United man did not attend.
Best Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo (Barcelona)
Best Defender: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Best Midfielder: James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
Best Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Best Coach: Luis Enrique (Barcelona)
Best African: Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia)
Best South American: Neymar (Barcelona)
Fans' Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Best Player: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
LEWANDOWSKI SETS FOUR WORLD RECORDS
The Poland international picked up a host of prizes for his
exploits for the Bavarians following his remarkable
performance against Dieter Hecking's Wolfsburg side
Robert Lewandowski has picked up four Guinness world
records for his five-goal haul in Bayern Munich's 5-1
Bundesliga win over Wolfsburg in September.
With the Bavarians 1-0 down at half-time, coach Pep
Guardiola turned to the Poland international from the
bench and the striker quickly set about turning the match
on its head, netting five goals in nine second-half minutes
to easily see off the 2014-15 Bundesliga runners-up.
The performance, earning praise from around the football
world, has now been commemorated by Guinness, who
have awarded Lewandowski with four world records.
The Pole now holds the records for quickest hat-trick,
quickest four-goal haul, quickest five-goal haul and most
goals by a substitute, cementing his display against
Wolfsburg in history.
Despite such a remarkable goalscoring performance,
Lewandowski remains behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
in the Bundesliga scoring charts, with the Borussia
Dortmund forward on 17 goals for the season so far, while
the Bayern striker has netted 14.
exploits for the Bavarians following his remarkable
performance against Dieter Hecking's Wolfsburg side
Robert Lewandowski has picked up four Guinness world
records for his five-goal haul in Bayern Munich's 5-1
Bundesliga win over Wolfsburg in September.
With the Bavarians 1-0 down at half-time, coach Pep
Guardiola turned to the Poland international from the
bench and the striker quickly set about turning the match
on its head, netting five goals in nine second-half minutes
to easily see off the 2014-15 Bundesliga runners-up.
The performance, earning praise from around the football
world, has now been commemorated by Guinness, who
have awarded Lewandowski with four world records.
The Pole now holds the records for quickest hat-trick,
quickest four-goal haul, quickest five-goal haul and most
goals by a substitute, cementing his display against
Wolfsburg in history.
Despite such a remarkable goalscoring performance,
Lewandowski remains behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
in the Bundesliga scoring charts, with the Borussia
Dortmund forward on 17 goals for the season so far, while
the Bayern striker has netted 14.
Monday, 30 November 2015
Tyson Fury beats Klitschko to become new world heavy weight champion
Britain ’ s Tyson Fury was crowned the new world heavyweight champion on Saturday after a unanimous points win over Wladimir Klitschko , w...
The Nigerian School That Produced 5 Presidents, Ov...
The Nigerian School That Produced 5
Presidents, Ov...: Ever wondered the secondary school some of Nigeria’s military/democratic presidents attended? Barewa College in Zaria, Kaduna State. Fo...
Presidents, Ov...: Ever wondered the secondary school some of Nigeria’s military/democratic presidents attended? Barewa College in Zaria, Kaduna State. Fo...
Jamie Vardy Breaks English Premier League Record
Jamie Vardy Breaks English Premier
League Record: Tonight, Jamie Vardy opened the scoring against Manchester United – and broke a Premier League record in the process. The Leicester strik...
League Record: Tonight, Jamie Vardy opened the scoring against Manchester United – and broke a Premier League record in the process. The Leicester strik...
Fajuyi Hall; New way of Dealing with Thieves(...
Fajuyi Hall; New way of Dealing with Thieves(...: Yesterday , a final year student of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University who simple identified himself as Fe...
OAU Students Protest
Students of Obafemi Awolowo University are currently protesting due to unfavorable welfare conditions as well as the dilapidated state of t...
FIFA Ballon D'or Award: Final Three Nominees
The Final Three Nominees for the Ballon D’Or Award has been revealed by FIFA: 1. Lionel Messi- Barcelona 2) Neymar Da Silva- Barcelona ...
Faleke Picks Abubakar Audu’s Son As Running Mate
The running mate to the late Prince Abubakar Audu in the November 21 governorship election in the state, Mr James Faleke, has vowed to r...
Faleke Picks Abubakar Audu’s Son As Running Mate
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What the name SANJAY means
What Does The Name "Sanjay"
Mean
You are spiritually intense and can sting or charm. Your
name brings love and new starts into life and attracts
money. In business, you are the creator and promoter of
original ideas and usually enjoy considerable financial
success. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and
interested in research. You know what you want and why
you want it.
You are very intuitive. You have a reservoir of inspired
wisdom combined with inherited analytical ability, which
could reward you through expressions of spiritual
leadership, business analysis, marketing, artistic visions,
and scientific research. Operating on spiritual side of your
individuality can bring you to the great heights, and drop
you off if you neglect your spiritual identity. You are
always looking for an opportunity to investigate the
unknown, to use and show your mental abilities, to find
the purpose and meaning of life. You want to grow wise
and to understand people and things. You need privacy to
replenish your energy. You have a unique way of thinking,
intuitive, reflective, absorbing.
Mean
You are spiritually intense and can sting or charm. Your
name brings love and new starts into life and attracts
money. In business, you are the creator and promoter of
original ideas and usually enjoy considerable financial
success. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and
interested in research. You know what you want and why
you want it.
You are very intuitive. You have a reservoir of inspired
wisdom combined with inherited analytical ability, which
could reward you through expressions of spiritual
leadership, business analysis, marketing, artistic visions,
and scientific research. Operating on spiritual side of your
individuality can bring you to the great heights, and drop
you off if you neglect your spiritual identity. You are
always looking for an opportunity to investigate the
unknown, to use and show your mental abilities, to find
the purpose and meaning of life. You want to grow wise
and to understand people and things. You need privacy to
replenish your energy. You have a unique way of thinking,
intuitive, reflective, absorbing.
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
Cech expects "play-off" game against Olympiacos
Arsenal keeper Petr Cech said Wednesday he expected a
"play-off" Champions League game against Olympiacos on
December 9 as the two teams vie for a spot in the knock-out
phase.
"It will be like a play-off game because the head-to-head
counts and we have things to catch up with," Cech said on
his website, as third-placed Arsenal trail the Greek side by
three points in Group F with one match to play.
"We lost 2-3 at home and the maths are easy," added the 33-
year-old helmet-wearing Czech Republic keeper, who had
joined Arsenal from Chelsea before this season.
"They can even lose under some circumstances while we have
to win by two goals. It won't be easy but I believe we'll be
able to handle it well and advance."
On Tuesday, the Gunners saw off Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 at home
with first-half goals from Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez who
added another on 69 minutes.
Olympiacos were meanwhile crushed by group leaders Bayern
4-0 in Munich.
The last round pits Arsenal against Olympiacos at Piraeus
while Bayern have already secured a place in the last 16.
Cech said Tuesday's results had brought "exactly the scenario
we needed" as both Arsenal and Bayern won, leaving the
play-off door open for the London side.
"I'm glad it went like this and Bayern in the other game also
confirmed being the favourites," said Cech.
Against Zagreb, who are fourth in Group F without a chance to
make the play-offs, "it ended up well," he added.
"They defended well and we knew we had to be patient. It
took us some time to score the first one but when we did we
had more room. We added another one fast and that decided
the game."
"I'm happy with the clean sheet and with having managed the
game easily and having it under control all the time."
"play-off" Champions League game against Olympiacos on
December 9 as the two teams vie for a spot in the knock-out
phase.
"It will be like a play-off game because the head-to-head
counts and we have things to catch up with," Cech said on
his website, as third-placed Arsenal trail the Greek side by
three points in Group F with one match to play.
"We lost 2-3 at home and the maths are easy," added the 33-
year-old helmet-wearing Czech Republic keeper, who had
joined Arsenal from Chelsea before this season.
"They can even lose under some circumstances while we have
to win by two goals. It won't be easy but I believe we'll be
able to handle it well and advance."
On Tuesday, the Gunners saw off Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 at home
with first-half goals from Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez who
added another on 69 minutes.
Olympiacos were meanwhile crushed by group leaders Bayern
4-0 in Munich.
The last round pits Arsenal against Olympiacos at Piraeus
while Bayern have already secured a place in the last 16.
Cech said Tuesday's results had brought "exactly the scenario
we needed" as both Arsenal and Bayern won, leaving the
play-off door open for the London side.
"I'm glad it went like this and Bayern in the other game also
confirmed being the favourites," said Cech.
Against Zagreb, who are fourth in Group F without a chance to
make the play-offs, "it ended up well," he added.
"They defended well and we knew we had to be patient. It
took us some time to score the first one but when we did we
had more room. We added another one fast and that decided
the game."
"I'm happy with the clean sheet and with having managed the
game easily and having it under control all the time."
Isco gets two-game ban for Neymar kick
Real Madrid midfielder Isco was handed a two-game
suspension on Wednesday for his wild kick on Barcelona's
Neymar that saw him sent-off in Madrid's miserable 4-0
defeat at the weekend.
The Spanish international was on the field for less than 30
minutes having come on as a second-half substitute before
taking his frustration out on Barca's brilliant Brazilian.
As a result Isco will miss Madrid's trip to Eibar on Sunday
and Getafe's visit to the Santiago Bernabeu in a Madrid derby
on December 5.
suspension on Wednesday for his wild kick on Barcelona's
Neymar that saw him sent-off in Madrid's miserable 4-0
defeat at the weekend.
The Spanish international was on the field for less than 30
minutes having come on as a second-half substitute before
taking his frustration out on Barca's brilliant Brazilian.
As a result Isco will miss Madrid's trip to Eibar on Sunday
and Getafe's visit to the Santiago Bernabeu in a Madrid derby
on December 5.
Suarez hails Barca's 'perfect' game against Roma
Barcelona striker Luis Suarez hailed his team's 6-1 rout of
Roma in the Champions League as a "perfect game", which
also saw Lionel Messi start for the first time since returning
from injury.
Suarez scored twice as the holders celebrated qualifying for
the last 16 of the Champions League with another stunning
display on Tuesday.
Barcelona discovered they had qualified from Group E before
they had kicked a ball at the Camp Nou, the 1-1 draw
between BATE Borisov and Bayer Leverkusen in Belarus
ensuring their passage.
Fresh from crushing eternal rivals Real Madrid 4-0 in La Liga
action at the weekend, they then produced a performance that
the Italians could not live with to secure top spot in the
section.
"We know that every player has to fulfil their expectations,"
Suarez said.
"We played a perfect game, very complete, and we didn't leave
any space in midfield. In the first half we put the game away.
"Neymar, Messi and I are here for the good of the team, for
the good of Barca. We don't think individually."
Messi, making his first return since injury, also notched up
two goals.
"The people were waiting for Messi to return and we're all
happy that he scored," acknowledged Suarez.
Messi said there was an evident synchronicity with his
teammates.
"With Neymar and Suarez we get on really well. We know we
have a responsibility but we also want to have a good time,"
the Argentinian said.
"I was really excited to have that feeling of coming back and
playing again. I enjoyed watching the team, but playing is
better."
Roma in the Champions League as a "perfect game", which
also saw Lionel Messi start for the first time since returning
from injury.
Suarez scored twice as the holders celebrated qualifying for
the last 16 of the Champions League with another stunning
display on Tuesday.
Barcelona discovered they had qualified from Group E before
they had kicked a ball at the Camp Nou, the 1-1 draw
between BATE Borisov and Bayer Leverkusen in Belarus
ensuring their passage.
Fresh from crushing eternal rivals Real Madrid 4-0 in La Liga
action at the weekend, they then produced a performance that
the Italians could not live with to secure top spot in the
section.
"We know that every player has to fulfil their expectations,"
Suarez said.
"We played a perfect game, very complete, and we didn't leave
any space in midfield. In the first half we put the game away.
"Neymar, Messi and I are here for the good of the team, for
the good of Barca. We don't think individually."
Messi, making his first return since injury, also notched up
two goals.
"The people were waiting for Messi to return and we're all
happy that he scored," acknowledged Suarez.
Messi said there was an evident synchronicity with his
teammates.
"With Neymar and Suarez we get on really well. We know we
have a responsibility but we also want to have a good time,"
the Argentinian said.
"I was really excited to have that feeling of coming back and
playing again. I enjoyed watching the team, but playing is
better."
Monday, 23 November 2015
MANCHESTER CITY’S IHEANACHO RULED OUT OF AFRICAN U23 CHAMPIONSHIP
The Citizens' rookie will play no part in the country's
quest to book a place in Rio Olympics according to coach
Samson Siasia
Manchester City's Kelechi Iheanacho has been ruled out of
the 2015 African U23 Championship in Senegal, coach
Samson Siasia has revealed.
The forward who part of the Super Eagles that silenced
Swaziland in the 2018 Fifa World Cup second round
qualifier will not join the Dream Team VI as they hope to
secure a place in Rio 2016.
"The initial plans I had with the player and his
representative was that he would join us at least five
days to the competition and also help the team till the
semi-finals stage which he agreed but later he told
somebody very close to me that his club Manchester City
is not convinced to release him again since he was
dumped on the bench at the last Fifa U20 World Cup
under Coach Manu Garba. So as it is right now I don't
think Kelechi Iheanacho will join us again," Siasia told
Goal.
"The good news is that Junior Ajayi who is based in
Tunisia has since Sunday joined us and we are expecting
the team captain Azubuike (Okechukwu) and Taiwo
Awoniyi to arrive on Tuesday so that we can have a full
house to concentrate on for the tournament."
The former Super Eagles' handler confessed that his team
still find it hard to score goals but vowed to do his best
to ensure that the players convert at least two or three of
five chances created in matches.
"This team has been creating a lot of chances in
competitive matches and test matches but the problem is
that they used to waste these begging chances which are
not good for a team aspiring to win tournaments," he
continued.
"We are expecting the invited foreign based strikers like
Awoniyi and Junior Ajayi who have been with the team for
some time before they turned professionals to use their
newly garnered experience to help the team score goals in
the competition.
"We are targeting winning the competition or better still
pick one of the qualification tickets for the 2016 Olympic
Games."
He confessed that he has been very disturbed and affected
by the kidnap of his mother but had to concentrate on
tinkering the U23 national team to get the 2016 Olympics
against all odds.
"I will confess to you the kidnap of my mother really
affects me but this is a national assignment which I need
to make sure we get the qualification ticket for next year's
Olympics in Brazil.
"I want everybody most especially the federal government
led by president Muhammadu Buhari, Bayelsa State
Government and the Inspector General of Police to help me
secure the release of my mother," he concluded.
Nigeria missed out of the London 2012 Games men's
football event and would hope to qualify for Rio 2016
having been zoned in Group B alongside Egypt, Mali and
Algeria.
quest to book a place in Rio Olympics according to coach
Samson Siasia
Manchester City's Kelechi Iheanacho has been ruled out of
the 2015 African U23 Championship in Senegal, coach
Samson Siasia has revealed.
The forward who part of the Super Eagles that silenced
Swaziland in the 2018 Fifa World Cup second round
qualifier will not join the Dream Team VI as they hope to
secure a place in Rio 2016.
"The initial plans I had with the player and his
representative was that he would join us at least five
days to the competition and also help the team till the
semi-finals stage which he agreed but later he told
somebody very close to me that his club Manchester City
is not convinced to release him again since he was
dumped on the bench at the last Fifa U20 World Cup
under Coach Manu Garba. So as it is right now I don't
think Kelechi Iheanacho will join us again," Siasia told
Goal.
"The good news is that Junior Ajayi who is based in
Tunisia has since Sunday joined us and we are expecting
the team captain Azubuike (Okechukwu) and Taiwo
Awoniyi to arrive on Tuesday so that we can have a full
house to concentrate on for the tournament."
The former Super Eagles' handler confessed that his team
still find it hard to score goals but vowed to do his best
to ensure that the players convert at least two or three of
five chances created in matches.
"This team has been creating a lot of chances in
competitive matches and test matches but the problem is
that they used to waste these begging chances which are
not good for a team aspiring to win tournaments," he
continued.
"We are expecting the invited foreign based strikers like
Awoniyi and Junior Ajayi who have been with the team for
some time before they turned professionals to use their
newly garnered experience to help the team score goals in
the competition.
"We are targeting winning the competition or better still
pick one of the qualification tickets for the 2016 Olympic
Games."
He confessed that he has been very disturbed and affected
by the kidnap of his mother but had to concentrate on
tinkering the U23 national team to get the 2016 Olympics
against all odds.
"I will confess to you the kidnap of my mother really
affects me but this is a national assignment which I need
to make sure we get the qualification ticket for next year's
Olympics in Brazil.
"I want everybody most especially the federal government
led by president Muhammadu Buhari, Bayelsa State
Government and the Inspector General of Police to help me
secure the release of my mother," he concluded.
Nigeria missed out of the London 2012 Games men's
football event and would hope to qualify for Rio 2016
having been zoned in Group B alongside Egypt, Mali and
Algeria.
Kane brace sets Spurs on Arsenal's tail
Harry Kane scored his seventh and eighth goals in five matches as
Tottenham Hotspur dispatched West Ham United 4-1 on Sunday to close on
the Premier League's top four.Defenders Toby Alderweireld and Kyle
Walker also found the net at a chilly White Hart Lane as Mauricio
Pochettino's side equalled the club record of 12 successive Premier
League games without defeat.Spurs now trail third-place Manchester
City and fourth-place Arsenal by just two points and look ideally
placed for an assault on the Champions League berths ahead of next
weekend's home game with spluttering champions Chelsea, who will not
relish the trip to north London.The only disappointment for Pochettino
was the booking collected by rising star Dele Alli following a shoving
match with Mark Noble, which rules the England newcomer out of the
Chelsea game.It was only a second defeat in 10 league games for Slaven
Bilic's West Ham, who replied late on through Manuel Lanzini, and left
them three points adrift of Spurs in sixth place.The visitors badly
missed injured playmaker Dimitri Payet, whose place was taken by
Diafra Sakho in West Ham's only change.Bilic strung his midfielders
across the pitch in a 4-1-4-1 system, with Sakho wide on the right, in
an attempt to stop Spurs' centre-backs sliding passes into the feet of
Alli, Christian Eriksen and the fit-again Son Heung-Min, who replaced
the suspended Erik Lamela.Victor Moses gave Spurs early concern by
skipping past Mousa Dembele and crossing from the left, but Spurs
looked in control and after Eriksen had warmed Adrian's palms from
range, they took a 23rd-minute lead.Alli's shot from the edge of the
box was partially blocked and fell to Kane, who easily rolled Carl
Jenkinson before rifling a left-foot shot into the roof of the net for
his seventh goal of the league campaign.West Ham threatened to reply
immediately when Cheikhou Kouyate volleyed acrobatically against the
crossbar after Noble's blocked shot ballooned into the air.But in the
33rd minute the hosts added a second, Alderweireld outjumping Andy
Carroll at the near post and nodding in Eriksen's corner.Spurs should
have put the game out of sight before half-time.Alli headed against
the bar after Adrian had thwarted Son and moments later Kane was sent
clean through, only to miscue horribly and bobble a left-foot shot
well wide.It did not take long for him to atone, however, as an
ill-advised attempt to play the ball out from the back by West Ham
gifted Spurs their third goal five minutes after the change of
ends.The reluctant recipient of a throw from Adrian, Tomkins passed
the ball straight to Eriksen, who moved it on to Kane, and the England
striker drove a low strike through Adrian from outside the box.Adrian
should have done better than allow the ball to slip beneath him, but
he provided a firmer barrier shortly after, blocking from Son at his
near post and then parrying Eriksen's volleyed follow-up.Walker was
booked after a needless face-off with Sakho, but the right-back made
amends in the 83rd minute by using the outside of his right foot to
curl Son's lay-off around Adrian's forlorn dive and into the
net.Lanzini denied Hugo Lloris a clean sheet by flummoxing Walker with
a step-over and slamming home left-footed, but Spurs finished
strongly, with substitute Ryan Mason hitting the post.
Tottenham Hotspur dispatched West Ham United 4-1 on Sunday to close on
the Premier League's top four.Defenders Toby Alderweireld and Kyle
Walker also found the net at a chilly White Hart Lane as Mauricio
Pochettino's side equalled the club record of 12 successive Premier
League games without defeat.Spurs now trail third-place Manchester
City and fourth-place Arsenal by just two points and look ideally
placed for an assault on the Champions League berths ahead of next
weekend's home game with spluttering champions Chelsea, who will not
relish the trip to north London.The only disappointment for Pochettino
was the booking collected by rising star Dele Alli following a shoving
match with Mark Noble, which rules the England newcomer out of the
Chelsea game.It was only a second defeat in 10 league games for Slaven
Bilic's West Ham, who replied late on through Manuel Lanzini, and left
them three points adrift of Spurs in sixth place.The visitors badly
missed injured playmaker Dimitri Payet, whose place was taken by
Diafra Sakho in West Ham's only change.Bilic strung his midfielders
across the pitch in a 4-1-4-1 system, with Sakho wide on the right, in
an attempt to stop Spurs' centre-backs sliding passes into the feet of
Alli, Christian Eriksen and the fit-again Son Heung-Min, who replaced
the suspended Erik Lamela.Victor Moses gave Spurs early concern by
skipping past Mousa Dembele and crossing from the left, but Spurs
looked in control and after Eriksen had warmed Adrian's palms from
range, they took a 23rd-minute lead.Alli's shot from the edge of the
box was partially blocked and fell to Kane, who easily rolled Carl
Jenkinson before rifling a left-foot shot into the roof of the net for
his seventh goal of the league campaign.West Ham threatened to reply
immediately when Cheikhou Kouyate volleyed acrobatically against the
crossbar after Noble's blocked shot ballooned into the air.But in the
33rd minute the hosts added a second, Alderweireld outjumping Andy
Carroll at the near post and nodding in Eriksen's corner.Spurs should
have put the game out of sight before half-time.Alli headed against
the bar after Adrian had thwarted Son and moments later Kane was sent
clean through, only to miscue horribly and bobble a left-foot shot
well wide.It did not take long for him to atone, however, as an
ill-advised attempt to play the ball out from the back by West Ham
gifted Spurs their third goal five minutes after the change of
ends.The reluctant recipient of a throw from Adrian, Tomkins passed
the ball straight to Eriksen, who moved it on to Kane, and the England
striker drove a low strike through Adrian from outside the box.Adrian
should have done better than allow the ball to slip beneath him, but
he provided a firmer barrier shortly after, blocking from Son at his
near post and then parrying Eriksen's volleyed follow-up.Walker was
booked after a needless face-off with Sakho, but the right-back made
amends in the 83rd minute by using the outside of his right foot to
curl Son's lay-off around Adrian's forlorn dive and into the
net.Lanzini denied Hugo Lloris a clean sheet by flummoxing Walker with
a step-over and slamming home left-footed, but Spurs finished
strongly, with substitute Ryan Mason hitting the post.
SANJAY'S ZONE: Terry hopes Norwich success will spark winning streak
Chelsea captain John Terry expressed his relief after the West Londoners chalked up only theirfourth league win of the Premier League campaign on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.Diego Costa's second half strike was enough to defeat Norwich 1-0 as the defending champions finally had something to celebrate after an appalling start to the season.Terry, who had a strong game at the heart of the Chelsea back-four, says the win was a welcome boost to the squad who still lie a distant 14 points behind surprise leaders Leicester down in 15th position."We're delighted to win," Terry told Chelsea TV ahead of the Champions League trip to Maccabi Tel Aviv on Tuesday."Relieved as well. Picking up three points has been a really good feeling. Good performance totop it off as well."Hopefully we can put ourselves on a good run of games now and climb up this table.The victory was also a much needed boost for under-fire manager Jose Mourinho who had overseen three straight league defeats for the first time since owner Roman Abramovich took over the club 12 years ago.A victory in Israel combined with a Porto success over Dynamo Kiev the same evening will seethe 2012 European champions qualify for next year's knockout phase."We can build on this now and hopefully get another win on Tuesday," continued the 34-year-old.""We have three points on the board now in the Premier League and switch focus to the Champions League again," Terry added."With that in mind and the importance of qualifying it's all there for everyone to see and to go and do.""Anyone who has been to the games and watched the last five, six games has seen the performances have been there," Terry added."(Against Norwich was) very much the same. Creating chances, shots on goal, crosses into the box. It could've been four or five. It wasn't."We'll certainly take the 1-0 and we have something to build upon now." said Terry after the team's third clean sheet of the season.Following Tuesday's key tie, the Blues return to London and a difficult trip to arch rivals Tottenham on Sunday before matches against Bournemouth, Porto, Leicester, Sunderland, Watford and Manchester United to finish the year.
SANJAY'S ZONE: Mourinho looks forward to Costa goal boost
Jose Mourinho hopes Diego Costa's winning goal against
Norwich City will prove to be a turning point for the Chelsea
striker.
The Spain forward has come in for growing criticism after
struggling to recapture the form he showed during his club's
march to the Premier League title last season.
Costa again missed a number of chances against Norwich
before securing Chelsea's first win in four league games with
the 64th-minute winner in a 1-0 success at Stamford Bridge
on Saturday -- only his third goal in 11 Premier League
appearances this season.
Chelsea manager Mourinho admitted his player has been
feeling the strain, but believes Costa can now begin to put a
difficult period behind him.
"When you don't score goals, you get heavier," said Mourinho.
"Every game that you don't score goals, you get 5kg more.
You get heavy and the pressure is there.
"In the first half he (Costa) misses two chances. The second
one, in the last minute, is really a big one. So it was important
for him. Important for us, the result and the goal, but I think
also for him."
The Portuguese boss added: "He's working well, he's a happy
guy, he tries everything. He's positive, so if I had to choose
somebody to score the winning goal, I would go exactly with
him.
"Everything is connected. I think when you are full of
confidence it's not just about goals, it's also about -- I don't
know if it's the right word -- but fluent.
"You are fluent in your decisions, you choose well your
movements, you choose well the number of touches, when to
hold, when to keep possession, when to touch, first touch.
"When you lose confidence, you lose this fluent game. Yes, he
can do much better, but again, yes, one goal is very
important."
And the manager believes Costa is benefitting from showing
more discipline on the field.
"He's doing well. He had three yellow cards in 16, 17 official
matches in the season.
"He's not responding, basically, to provocations. Little things
are the salt and the pepper of football. He's behaving well and
everything is fine."
Chelsea remain in the bottom half of the table with a third of
the season gone yet while Mourinho has written off his side's
title hopes, he still believes they can finish in the top four.
"We have to go game after game. But I said already in the
press conference yesterday that the fourth position for me is
not an impossible mission," he explained.
"If you ask me the title, I would say impossible mission.
Maybe Tom Cruise can do it," Mourinho joked.
"It's complicated because you have to recover points from
four candidates.
"But to recover positions and points to teams that normally
are in the middle of the table and to grab one of the ones that
go up and will also have a little bit of a collapse for sure,
because everybody will have.
"The fourth position is a difficult position but a possible
target. But match after match. Now is Maccabi (Tel Aviv in
the Champions League) and we hope we can win and maybe
the Porto-Dynamo result allows us to qualify before the last
match, which would be good.
"But if we have to win the last match at home, let's go for
that."
Norwich manager Alex Neil was frustrated his side were
denied a first-half penalty when Willian challenged Robbie
Brady, claiming it was the latest in a succession of decisions
to go against his team.
"I generally don't say anything about referees because they
have a hard enough job but it is getting extremely frustrating,"
he said.
"When you are one of the smaller clubs it becomes extremely
difficult to accept because those minor decisions mean a great
deal to us as we might not have five or six opportunities to
score.
"So when you do feel you deserve a penalty you would like it
to be awarded. That is where the frustration lies."
Norwich City will prove to be a turning point for the Chelsea
striker.
The Spain forward has come in for growing criticism after
struggling to recapture the form he showed during his club's
march to the Premier League title last season.
Costa again missed a number of chances against Norwich
before securing Chelsea's first win in four league games with
the 64th-minute winner in a 1-0 success at Stamford Bridge
on Saturday -- only his third goal in 11 Premier League
appearances this season.
Chelsea manager Mourinho admitted his player has been
feeling the strain, but believes Costa can now begin to put a
difficult period behind him.
"When you don't score goals, you get heavier," said Mourinho.
"Every game that you don't score goals, you get 5kg more.
You get heavy and the pressure is there.
"In the first half he (Costa) misses two chances. The second
one, in the last minute, is really a big one. So it was important
for him. Important for us, the result and the goal, but I think
also for him."
The Portuguese boss added: "He's working well, he's a happy
guy, he tries everything. He's positive, so if I had to choose
somebody to score the winning goal, I would go exactly with
him.
"Everything is connected. I think when you are full of
confidence it's not just about goals, it's also about -- I don't
know if it's the right word -- but fluent.
"You are fluent in your decisions, you choose well your
movements, you choose well the number of touches, when to
hold, when to keep possession, when to touch, first touch.
"When you lose confidence, you lose this fluent game. Yes, he
can do much better, but again, yes, one goal is very
important."
And the manager believes Costa is benefitting from showing
more discipline on the field.
"He's doing well. He had three yellow cards in 16, 17 official
matches in the season.
"He's not responding, basically, to provocations. Little things
are the salt and the pepper of football. He's behaving well and
everything is fine."
Chelsea remain in the bottom half of the table with a third of
the season gone yet while Mourinho has written off his side's
title hopes, he still believes they can finish in the top four.
"We have to go game after game. But I said already in the
press conference yesterday that the fourth position for me is
not an impossible mission," he explained.
"If you ask me the title, I would say impossible mission.
Maybe Tom Cruise can do it," Mourinho joked.
"It's complicated because you have to recover points from
four candidates.
"But to recover positions and points to teams that normally
are in the middle of the table and to grab one of the ones that
go up and will also have a little bit of a collapse for sure,
because everybody will have.
"The fourth position is a difficult position but a possible
target. But match after match. Now is Maccabi (Tel Aviv in
the Champions League) and we hope we can win and maybe
the Porto-Dynamo result allows us to qualify before the last
match, which would be good.
"But if we have to win the last match at home, let's go for
that."
Norwich manager Alex Neil was frustrated his side were
denied a first-half penalty when Willian challenged Robbie
Brady, claiming it was the latest in a succession of decisions
to go against his team.
"I generally don't say anything about referees because they
have a hard enough job but it is getting extremely frustrating,"
he said.
"When you are one of the smaller clubs it becomes extremely
difficult to accept because those minor decisions mean a great
deal to us as we might not have five or six opportunities to
score.
"So when you do feel you deserve a penalty you would like it
to be awarded. That is where the frustration lies."
Sunday, 22 November 2015
Firmino and Liverpool punish sluggish Man City
Roberto Firmino scored his first Liverpool goal and made two
more as Jurgen Klopp's team stopped Manchester City
recapturing the Premier League summit with a brilliant 4-1
away win on Saturday.
City were bidding to return to first place after being usurped
by Leicester City earlier in the day, but they were left in third
after a sloppy and unfocused display at the Etihad Stadium
culminated in their third defeat of the campaign.
Raheem Sterling, playing against Liverpool for the first time
since his acrimonious close-season exit, had been the focus of
the pre-match build-up, but it was Firmino, a £29 million
($44.1 million, 41.4 million euros) capture from Hoffenheim,
who stole the headlines.
The Brazil international created an own goal by Eliaquim
Mangala, teed up Philippe Coutinho and scored himself, all
inside the first 32 minutes, and although Sergio Aguero
marked his return from a seven-game lay-off with a
hamstring injury by replying, Martin Skrtel slammed home
Liverpool's fourth late on.
Klopp's side, beaten 2-1 at home by Crystal Palace in their
previous outing, have now won away at Chelsea and City,
although they rose just one place in the standings to ninth.
Prior to kick-off several Tricolores were held aloft during the
playing of the French national anthem, in tribute to the victims
of last week's Paris attacks, and City's France internationals
Bacary Sagna and Eliaquim Mangala were both shown singing
along on the stadium's big screens.
The pair could have been forgiven for having their minds
elsewhere and that appeared to be the case as a sequence of
glaring errors in City's defence allowed the visitors to take
control of the game.
Liverpool went ahead in the seventh minute after Coutinho
dispossessed Sagna and found Firmino, whose low cross was
inadvertently scuffed in at the near post by the back-pedalling
Mangala.
City manager Manuel Pellegrini had changed both his centre-
backs, Mangala and Martin Demichelis starting in place of
Nicolas Otamendi and injured skipper Vincent Kompany, and it
was from a mix-up between the two newcomers that Liverpool
added a second goal in the 23rd minute.
As both players converged on a loose ball, Demichelis
contrived to head it past Mangala and Firmino squared for
Coutinho to steer a shot between the legs of Joe Hart.
Liverpool were playing with an aggressivity and purpose that
has characterised their approach since Klopp's arrival and they
swelled their lead yet further after a sweeping counter-attack.
Coutinho initially saw a shot parried by Hart, but an audacious
back-heel by Emre Can gave the Brazilian a second bite at
the cherry and he rolled square for Firmino to tap home.
Firmino twice went close to compounding City's misery, first
seeing an effort blocked by Hart and then hooking inches wide
from Coutinho's flick.
Each misplaced pass from a player in sky blue drew a flurry of
invective from the home fans, but shortly before half-time
Aguero gave them hope.
The Argentine picked up the ball midway inside the Liverpool
half, resisted the attentions of Adam Lallana and arced a
right-foot shot around Simon Mignolet from 25 yards.
Pellegrini took reparative action at half-time, sending on
Fabian Delph and Fernandinho for Yaya Toure and Jesus
Navas in a bid to go toe-to-toe with Liverpool's three-man
midfield.
His side remained troublingly porous at the back, however,
and Hart was required to save with his right leg on the hour
after Can's pass, dummied by Lallana, gave Firmino yet
another sight of goal.
Hart also had to save from Dejan Lovren, before a calamitous
back-pass from old boy James Milner almost let City back
into the game, only for Mignolet to deny Aguero from
Sterling's lay-off.
After Hart had thwarted substitute Christian Benteke, Skrtel
slammed home from a corner to rubber-stamp Liverpool's first
league win at the Etihad since October 2008 and condemn
City to a second 4-1 reverse of the campaign after
September's drubbing at Tottenham Hotspur.
more as Jurgen Klopp's team stopped Manchester City
recapturing the Premier League summit with a brilliant 4-1
away win on Saturday.
City were bidding to return to first place after being usurped
by Leicester City earlier in the day, but they were left in third
after a sloppy and unfocused display at the Etihad Stadium
culminated in their third defeat of the campaign.
Raheem Sterling, playing against Liverpool for the first time
since his acrimonious close-season exit, had been the focus of
the pre-match build-up, but it was Firmino, a £29 million
($44.1 million, 41.4 million euros) capture from Hoffenheim,
who stole the headlines.
The Brazil international created an own goal by Eliaquim
Mangala, teed up Philippe Coutinho and scored himself, all
inside the first 32 minutes, and although Sergio Aguero
marked his return from a seven-game lay-off with a
hamstring injury by replying, Martin Skrtel slammed home
Liverpool's fourth late on.
Klopp's side, beaten 2-1 at home by Crystal Palace in their
previous outing, have now won away at Chelsea and City,
although they rose just one place in the standings to ninth.
Prior to kick-off several Tricolores were held aloft during the
playing of the French national anthem, in tribute to the victims
of last week's Paris attacks, and City's France internationals
Bacary Sagna and Eliaquim Mangala were both shown singing
along on the stadium's big screens.
The pair could have been forgiven for having their minds
elsewhere and that appeared to be the case as a sequence of
glaring errors in City's defence allowed the visitors to take
control of the game.
Liverpool went ahead in the seventh minute after Coutinho
dispossessed Sagna and found Firmino, whose low cross was
inadvertently scuffed in at the near post by the back-pedalling
Mangala.
City manager Manuel Pellegrini had changed both his centre-
backs, Mangala and Martin Demichelis starting in place of
Nicolas Otamendi and injured skipper Vincent Kompany, and it
was from a mix-up between the two newcomers that Liverpool
added a second goal in the 23rd minute.
As both players converged on a loose ball, Demichelis
contrived to head it past Mangala and Firmino squared for
Coutinho to steer a shot between the legs of Joe Hart.
Liverpool were playing with an aggressivity and purpose that
has characterised their approach since Klopp's arrival and they
swelled their lead yet further after a sweeping counter-attack.
Coutinho initially saw a shot parried by Hart, but an audacious
back-heel by Emre Can gave the Brazilian a second bite at
the cherry and he rolled square for Firmino to tap home.
Firmino twice went close to compounding City's misery, first
seeing an effort blocked by Hart and then hooking inches wide
from Coutinho's flick.
Each misplaced pass from a player in sky blue drew a flurry of
invective from the home fans, but shortly before half-time
Aguero gave them hope.
The Argentine picked up the ball midway inside the Liverpool
half, resisted the attentions of Adam Lallana and arced a
right-foot shot around Simon Mignolet from 25 yards.
Pellegrini took reparative action at half-time, sending on
Fabian Delph and Fernandinho for Yaya Toure and Jesus
Navas in a bid to go toe-to-toe with Liverpool's three-man
midfield.
His side remained troublingly porous at the back, however,
and Hart was required to save with his right leg on the hour
after Can's pass, dummied by Lallana, gave Firmino yet
another sight of goal.
Hart also had to save from Dejan Lovren, before a calamitous
back-pass from old boy James Milner almost let City back
into the game, only for Mignolet to deny Aguero from
Sterling's lay-off.
After Hart had thwarted substitute Christian Benteke, Skrtel
slammed home from a corner to rubber-stamp Liverpool's first
league win at the Etihad since October 2008 and condemn
City to a second 4-1 reverse of the campaign after
September's drubbing at Tottenham Hotspur.
Thursday, 29 October 2015
Guardiola irked by constant speculation
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola admits he "can't be
bothered" answering constant questions concerning
speculation about English clubs with his current contract due
to expire in June.
Chelsea, whose manager Jose Mourinho is under severe
pressure, are the latest in a string of Premier League clubs
who have been linked to Guardiola recently by the UK media.
In past months, the Spaniard has been heavily linked to
Manchester City and even the Brazil and England national
team coaching jobs, but now he has had enough.
"The subject is always the same. I am not going to answer
them. I can't be bothered with it anymore," said Guardiola
when asked by reporters about the Chelsea rumours.
Bayern have a crunch German Cup second-round tie at
holders Wolfsburg on Tuesday, which is Guardiola's priority.
"Wolfsburg is more important. It's like a final for us and there
are far more important topics to talk about," added Guardiola,
who has won 19 trophies as a coach with Barcelona and
Bayern.
"Please, we are only in October! We still have seven months to
go and I need to win, win, win."
The Bavarian giants are peerless in the Bundesliga and are on
course to claim a record fourth straight German league title
next May.
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said he wants
to extend Guardiola's current contract as quickly as possible.
Club captain Philipp Lahm has already told Guardiola that the
team want him to stay, but, should the Spaniard leave, media
reports suggest Carlo Ancelotti has been approached as a
possible replacement.
bothered" answering constant questions concerning
speculation about English clubs with his current contract due
to expire in June.
Chelsea, whose manager Jose Mourinho is under severe
pressure, are the latest in a string of Premier League clubs
who have been linked to Guardiola recently by the UK media.
In past months, the Spaniard has been heavily linked to
Manchester City and even the Brazil and England national
team coaching jobs, but now he has had enough.
"The subject is always the same. I am not going to answer
them. I can't be bothered with it anymore," said Guardiola
when asked by reporters about the Chelsea rumours.
Bayern have a crunch German Cup second-round tie at
holders Wolfsburg on Tuesday, which is Guardiola's priority.
"Wolfsburg is more important. It's like a final for us and there
are far more important topics to talk about," added Guardiola,
who has won 19 trophies as a coach with Barcelona and
Bayern.
"Please, we are only in October! We still have seven months to
go and I need to win, win, win."
The Bavarian giants are peerless in the Bundesliga and are on
course to claim a record fourth straight German league title
next May.
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said he wants
to extend Guardiola's current contract as quickly as possible.
Club captain Philipp Lahm has already told Guardiola that the
team want him to stay, but, should the Spaniard leave, media
reports suggest Carlo Ancelotti has been approached as a
possible replacement.
Mourinho calm about future after League Cup exit
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho declared that he would
"sleep well" despite seeing his team's wretched season
continue with a penalty shootout loss to Stoke City in the
League Cup.
Eden Hazard, symbol of Chelsea's early-season woes, was the
fall guy in Tuesday's fourth-round tie at the Britannia
Stadium.
Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland saved the Belgian winger's
spot-kick to give the hosts a 5-4 shootout win after the game
had finished 1-1 following extra time.
With Chelsea 15th in the Premier League and out of the
League Cup, both of which they won last season, Mourinho
faces mounting speculation that he could be sacked, but
ahead of Saturday's home game with Liverpool, he said that
he was feeling calm.
"I have a day off tomorrow, a fantastic family, I can sleep well
every night," said Mourinho, whose side have already
succumbed to eight defeats in all competitions, including the
Community Shield.
"I'm going to enjoy my day and Thursday, it will be one more
day like I have had in the last 15 years of my life -- honest
and dedicated."
Chelsea's hierarchy gave Mourinho a public vote of confidence
following the recent home 3-1 defeat by Southampton, but he
said that he did not need more reassurances about his
position.
"I don't need it. I don't need more," he told his post-match
press conference.
He also hit out at newspaper reports that he has lost the
support of his players.
"Honestly, do you think they are not with me? That they didn't
give everything to win the game?" he said.
"That is really sad -- not sad for me, but sad for the players
-- and I think it is a lack of respect to the players, not to me.
"For me it would be a fantastic situation if the players are
against me. I could say we don't have results because the
players are against me."
Mourinho made only three changes to the team that had lost
2-1 in a stormy game at West Ham United on Saturday, which
left him facing a Football Association misconduct charge after
being sent to the stands at half-time.
He was also recently fined £50,000 ($76,560, 69,370 euros)
and given a suspended one-game stadium ban by the FA --
which he has appealed against -- for criticising the referee
after the loss to Southampton.
Chelsea made a bright start, but lost striker Diego Costa to a
rib injury in the 33rd minute following an earlier collision with
Butland.
Mourinho revealed afterwards that the Brazil-born Spain
striker had been taken to hospital.
Stoke went ahead in the 52nd minute when Jon Walters
slammed a shot in off the underside of the crossbar from the
edge of the box.
But Chelsea refused to accept defeat and equalised in the 91st
minute when Loic Remy, Costa's replacement, fired home
from close range after Kurt Zouma had flicked on Willian's
left-wing corner.
Stoke lost Phil Bardsley to a second yellow card moments
later, but although Chelsea failed to make their numerical
advantage count in extra time, Mourinho felt that his players
had sent a message to their critics.
"What the players did tonight (Tuesday) is face some people
that write and speak, and said: 'You are stupid'," he said.
"What some people write and say is really bad for the players.
Maybe they think my players are like them when they were
players. My players don't do that. They tried everything."
"sleep well" despite seeing his team's wretched season
continue with a penalty shootout loss to Stoke City in the
League Cup.
Eden Hazard, symbol of Chelsea's early-season woes, was the
fall guy in Tuesday's fourth-round tie at the Britannia
Stadium.
Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland saved the Belgian winger's
spot-kick to give the hosts a 5-4 shootout win after the game
had finished 1-1 following extra time.
With Chelsea 15th in the Premier League and out of the
League Cup, both of which they won last season, Mourinho
faces mounting speculation that he could be sacked, but
ahead of Saturday's home game with Liverpool, he said that
he was feeling calm.
"I have a day off tomorrow, a fantastic family, I can sleep well
every night," said Mourinho, whose side have already
succumbed to eight defeats in all competitions, including the
Community Shield.
"I'm going to enjoy my day and Thursday, it will be one more
day like I have had in the last 15 years of my life -- honest
and dedicated."
Chelsea's hierarchy gave Mourinho a public vote of confidence
following the recent home 3-1 defeat by Southampton, but he
said that he did not need more reassurances about his
position.
"I don't need it. I don't need more," he told his post-match
press conference.
He also hit out at newspaper reports that he has lost the
support of his players.
"Honestly, do you think they are not with me? That they didn't
give everything to win the game?" he said.
"That is really sad -- not sad for me, but sad for the players
-- and I think it is a lack of respect to the players, not to me.
"For me it would be a fantastic situation if the players are
against me. I could say we don't have results because the
players are against me."
Mourinho made only three changes to the team that had lost
2-1 in a stormy game at West Ham United on Saturday, which
left him facing a Football Association misconduct charge after
being sent to the stands at half-time.
He was also recently fined £50,000 ($76,560, 69,370 euros)
and given a suspended one-game stadium ban by the FA --
which he has appealed against -- for criticising the referee
after the loss to Southampton.
Chelsea made a bright start, but lost striker Diego Costa to a
rib injury in the 33rd minute following an earlier collision with
Butland.
Mourinho revealed afterwards that the Brazil-born Spain
striker had been taken to hospital.
Stoke went ahead in the 52nd minute when Jon Walters
slammed a shot in off the underside of the crossbar from the
edge of the box.
But Chelsea refused to accept defeat and equalised in the 91st
minute when Loic Remy, Costa's replacement, fired home
from close range after Kurt Zouma had flicked on Willian's
left-wing corner.
Stoke lost Phil Bardsley to a second yellow card moments
later, but although Chelsea failed to make their numerical
advantage count in extra time, Mourinho felt that his players
had sent a message to their critics.
"What the players did tonight (Tuesday) is face some people
that write and speak, and said: 'You are stupid'," he said.
"What some people write and say is really bad for the players.
Maybe they think my players are like them when they were
players. My players don't do that. They tried everything."
Mourinho's job is SAFE at Chelsea... but maybe only for a fortnight
Chelseahave planned to reviewJose Mourinho's position during the
international break in two weeks' time as the Portuguese fights to
keep his job.Mourinho is under increasing pressure after Saturday's
2-1 defeat to West Ham left the Premier League champions 15th in the
table having lost five of their 10 league fixtures this season.The
former Real Madrid boss received a public vote of confidence last
month, when Blues owner Roman Abramovich decided to give his manager
until the two-week break in November to turn around the team's
fortunes.GAME OVER?Forget the title: Top four is out of reach for
ChelseaSome reports have suggested that Mourinho could be sacked if
Chelsea lose to Liverpool on Saturdaybut while patience is wearing
thin at Stamford Bridge, the 52-year-old is unlikely to leave the club
before the Premier League fixture away at Stoke on November 7.After
that game, Abramovich and the board are expected to reassess their
options with the club's chances of reaching the top four a prominent
factor in their decision. The Blues are already nine points behind
fourth-placed Manchester United.Preferred replacements such as Pep
Guardiola and Diego Simeone will not be available until next summer so
Chelsea would have to appoint an interim manager until the end of the
season.The Blues have four matches in the next two weeks in three
different competitions and Mourinho is under intense pressure despite
only signing a new four-year contract in August as a reward for last
season's title triumph.Mourinho was sent to the stands during the
defeat to West Ham and Chelsea chiefs have been stunned by the way the
52-year-old has appeared to unravel on and off the pitch.He
controversially axed club doctor Eva Carneiro and has further damaged
the club's image with constant rants against the referees, which have
been received badly in the boardroom at Stamford Bridge.Mourinho was
given his public vote of confidence after the home defeat to
Southampton on October 3 but has only guided the team to one win in
the three subsequent games - and that was against relegation battlers
Aston Villa.The Blues face Stoke in the League Cup on Tuesday before a
crucial home league fixture against Liverpool on Saturday. They take
on Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League next week before the weekend
trip to Stoke, which could be Mourinho's final game in charge.
international break in two weeks' time as the Portuguese fights to
keep his job.Mourinho is under increasing pressure after Saturday's
2-1 defeat to West Ham left the Premier League champions 15th in the
table having lost five of their 10 league fixtures this season.The
former Real Madrid boss received a public vote of confidence last
month, when Blues owner Roman Abramovich decided to give his manager
until the two-week break in November to turn around the team's
fortunes.GAME OVER?Forget the title: Top four is out of reach for
ChelseaSome reports have suggested that Mourinho could be sacked if
Chelsea lose to Liverpool on Saturdaybut while patience is wearing
thin at Stamford Bridge, the 52-year-old is unlikely to leave the club
before the Premier League fixture away at Stoke on November 7.After
that game, Abramovich and the board are expected to reassess their
options with the club's chances of reaching the top four a prominent
factor in their decision. The Blues are already nine points behind
fourth-placed Manchester United.Preferred replacements such as Pep
Guardiola and Diego Simeone will not be available until next summer so
Chelsea would have to appoint an interim manager until the end of the
season.The Blues have four matches in the next two weeks in three
different competitions and Mourinho is under intense pressure despite
only signing a new four-year contract in August as a reward for last
season's title triumph.Mourinho was sent to the stands during the
defeat to West Ham and Chelsea chiefs have been stunned by the way the
52-year-old has appeared to unravel on and off the pitch.He
controversially axed club doctor Eva Carneiro and has further damaged
the club's image with constant rants against the referees, which have
been received badly in the boardroom at Stamford Bridge.Mourinho was
given his public vote of confidence after the home defeat to
Southampton on October 3 but has only guided the team to one win in
the three subsequent games - and that was against relegation battlers
Aston Villa.The Blues face Stoke in the League Cup on Tuesday before a
crucial home league fixture against Liverpool on Saturday. They take
on Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League next week before the weekend
trip to Stoke, which could be Mourinho's final game in charge.
Iheanacho will only get better - Pellegrini
The Manchester City coach has tipped the 19-year-old to keep on
improving after impressing inthe 5-1 League Cup win over Crystal
PalaceManchester CitybossManuel PellegriniexpectsKelechi Iheanachoto
go from strength to strength after his starring role in the 5-1 League
Cup win over Crystal Palace.The 19-year-old put in a fine performance
as City eased into the last eight, his goal adding to strikes from
Wilfried Bony, Kevin De Bruyne, Yaya Toure and Manuel Garcia.Those
efforts were enough to secure a comfortable win over Palace, for whom
Damien Delaney grabbed an 89th-minute consolation.And Pellegrini
believes Iheanacho's display will prove a foundation for future
improvement."It was very important for him," said the boss in quotes
on the club's official Twitter account."He's not just a striker. I see
how he works every day. He will continue to improve."He's not just a
finisher. He always plays with his head up. He can play behind the
striker."City are the favourites to lift the trophy after Arsenal,
Chelsea and Manchester United exited this week.Yet Pellegrini is
refusing to look too far ahead, adding: "We're not thinking about the
final in February. We're thinking about Norwich on Saturday and then
Sevilla."One worry for Pellegrini was right-back Pablo Zabaleta being
stretchered off just after half timewith an apparent knee injury,
although the manager was unable to provide any form of update on the
Argentinian."We will see how he is tomorrow," Pellegrini said.
improving after impressing inthe 5-1 League Cup win over Crystal
PalaceManchester CitybossManuel PellegriniexpectsKelechi Iheanachoto
go from strength to strength after his starring role in the 5-1 League
Cup win over Crystal Palace.The 19-year-old put in a fine performance
as City eased into the last eight, his goal adding to strikes from
Wilfried Bony, Kevin De Bruyne, Yaya Toure and Manuel Garcia.Those
efforts were enough to secure a comfortable win over Palace, for whom
Damien Delaney grabbed an 89th-minute consolation.And Pellegrini
believes Iheanacho's display will prove a foundation for future
improvement."It was very important for him," said the boss in quotes
on the club's official Twitter account."He's not just a striker. I see
how he works every day. He will continue to improve."He's not just a
finisher. He always plays with his head up. He can play behind the
striker."City are the favourites to lift the trophy after Arsenal,
Chelsea and Manchester United exited this week.Yet Pellegrini is
refusing to look too far ahead, adding: "We're not thinking about the
final in February. We're thinking about Norwich on Saturday and then
Sevilla."One worry for Pellegrini was right-back Pablo Zabaleta being
stretchered off just after half timewith an apparent knee injury,
although the manager was unable to provide any form of update on the
Argentinian."We will see how he is tomorrow," Pellegrini said.
Nigeria U17 6-0 Australia U17: Osimhen’s treble sends Eaglets to quarter final
The red-hot striker scored thrice as goals from Nwakali, Essien and
Chukwueze combined to decimate Tony Vidmar's boysNigeria reached the
Fifa U17 World Cup quarter finals after annihiliating Australia 6-0 in
their second round game in Vina Del Mar on Thursday morning.Complete
with the presence of Funsho Bamgboye and Udochukwu Anumudu who missed
out of the Golden Eaglets' last group game owing to cards suspension,
the Joeys were torn apart bythe ruthless Nigerians at the Estadio
Sausalito.Victor Osimhen bagged a hat trick and is now the outright
leading scorer in the competition with seven goals from four games as
Emmanuel Amuneke's lads scored twice in the first half, then added
four in the second half to set up a last four encounter against Brazil
in Vina Del Mar on Sunday.Osimhenset the ball rolling with his fifth
of the tournament in the 22nd minute by bursting forward with pace and
power on the left, before turning his defender and sliding the ball
past goalkeeper Duro Dragicevic.Australia had no answer to Nigeria's
passing and movement asKelechi Nwakaliscored the second from the
penalty spot four minutes later after Bamgboye was brought down in the
box recklessly by two onrushing defenders.However, Cameron Joice
almost pulled a goal back for the Joeys, but failed to convert on a
miserable night for the Australians.In the second half, the Auusies
looked incoherent as they gave the ball away far too easily, while
Nigeria were playing with a swagger and got their third
throughOsimhenin the 73rd minute as he pounced on a cross which
Dragicevic had failed to clear.The lanky 16-year-old striker completed
his hat trick six minutes later when he pushed aside the Aussie
defender and shot into the roof of the net past the hapless
goalkeeper.Tony Vidmar's lads were stunned, but far worse was to come
as the Eaglets capitalized on more shambolic defending to score two
more goals before the end of the game.First, substituteEssienwas on
hand to head home from close range beforeChukwueze's missile completed
the rout against the side who came into the game with the ambition of
breaking their jinx against the defending champions.Nigeria were a
class apart and the Aussie fans sportingly applauded as they became
the first team to score six goals in a Fifa U17 World Cup knock out
phase as they attempt to win the trophy for the fifth time.The Golden
Eaglets, who have now scored 14 goals, have set up a date with Brazil
in the quarter finals on Sunday.
Chukwueze combined to decimate Tony Vidmar's boysNigeria reached the
Fifa U17 World Cup quarter finals after annihiliating Australia 6-0 in
their second round game in Vina Del Mar on Thursday morning.Complete
with the presence of Funsho Bamgboye and Udochukwu Anumudu who missed
out of the Golden Eaglets' last group game owing to cards suspension,
the Joeys were torn apart bythe ruthless Nigerians at the Estadio
Sausalito.Victor Osimhen bagged a hat trick and is now the outright
leading scorer in the competition with seven goals from four games as
Emmanuel Amuneke's lads scored twice in the first half, then added
four in the second half to set up a last four encounter against Brazil
in Vina Del Mar on Sunday.Osimhenset the ball rolling with his fifth
of the tournament in the 22nd minute by bursting forward with pace and
power on the left, before turning his defender and sliding the ball
past goalkeeper Duro Dragicevic.Australia had no answer to Nigeria's
passing and movement asKelechi Nwakaliscored the second from the
penalty spot four minutes later after Bamgboye was brought down in the
box recklessly by two onrushing defenders.However, Cameron Joice
almost pulled a goal back for the Joeys, but failed to convert on a
miserable night for the Australians.In the second half, the Auusies
looked incoherent as they gave the ball away far too easily, while
Nigeria were playing with a swagger and got their third
throughOsimhenin the 73rd minute as he pounced on a cross which
Dragicevic had failed to clear.The lanky 16-year-old striker completed
his hat trick six minutes later when he pushed aside the Aussie
defender and shot into the roof of the net past the hapless
goalkeeper.Tony Vidmar's lads were stunned, but far worse was to come
as the Eaglets capitalized on more shambolic defending to score two
more goals before the end of the game.First, substituteEssienwas on
hand to head home from close range beforeChukwueze's missile completed
the rout against the side who came into the game with the ambition of
breaking their jinx against the defending champions.Nigeria were a
class apart and the Aussie fans sportingly applauded as they became
the first team to score six goals in a Fifa U17 World Cup knock out
phase as they attempt to win the trophy for the fifth time.The Golden
Eaglets, who have now scored 14 goals, have set up a date with Brazil
in the quarter finals on Sunday.
Friday, 9 October 2015
LEOPARDS DEFEAT OLISEH EAGLES
Two first half goals by the Leopards consigned Sunday
Oliseh to his first defeat in charge of the senior national
team
Nigeria bowed 2-0 to DR Congo in an international friendly
played at the Stade de la Cité de l'Oie, Visé on Thursday
evening.
Goals from Dieumerci Mbokani and Jordan Nkololo were
all the Leopards needed to cage the Eagles who put up a
lackadaisical display.
Mbokani turned home Nkolo's pass after the Super Eagles
was breeched with goalkeeper trying in vain to rescue the
ball from sailing across the goal line.
Sunday Oliseh's men reacted quickly reacted well to
conceding so early and should have levelled on three
occasions as Ahmed Musa and Mikel Obi both missed
good chances.
Mikel fired two shots straight at Parfait Mandanda and
Musa failed to react to a Odion Ighalo's pass that had
evaded a host of players inside the penalty area.
Florent Ibengé's side controlled the majority of the half
with neat passing and fluid movement, and their efforts
resulted to another goal when Nkololo fired past Ikeme
having profited from another moment of carelessness from
the Eagles' backline.
Odion Ighalo– who had been quiet in the first half – went
close to getting his second international strike with
Nigeria's best sight of goal. His effort was waved away by
Mandanda who had earlier thumped away Ogenyi Onazi's
freekick after Mikel Obi was fouled near the goal area of
the Congolese.
Oliseh made a host of changes to the side in the second
half, especially handing Alex Iwobi his debut appearance
but that did not help matter as the Leopards dominated
every department of the game.
Nigeria face Cameroon on Sunday as they would be
seeking for redemption after an awful display in Vise.
Oliseh to his first defeat in charge of the senior national
team
Nigeria bowed 2-0 to DR Congo in an international friendly
played at the Stade de la Cité de l'Oie, Visé on Thursday
evening.
Goals from Dieumerci Mbokani and Jordan Nkololo were
all the Leopards needed to cage the Eagles who put up a
lackadaisical display.
Mbokani turned home Nkolo's pass after the Super Eagles
was breeched with goalkeeper trying in vain to rescue the
ball from sailing across the goal line.
Sunday Oliseh's men reacted quickly reacted well to
conceding so early and should have levelled on three
occasions as Ahmed Musa and Mikel Obi both missed
good chances.
Mikel fired two shots straight at Parfait Mandanda and
Musa failed to react to a Odion Ighalo's pass that had
evaded a host of players inside the penalty area.
Florent Ibengé's side controlled the majority of the half
with neat passing and fluid movement, and their efforts
resulted to another goal when Nkololo fired past Ikeme
having profited from another moment of carelessness from
the Eagles' backline.
Odion Ighalo– who had been quiet in the first half – went
close to getting his second international strike with
Nigeria's best sight of goal. His effort was waved away by
Mandanda who had earlier thumped away Ogenyi Onazi's
freekick after Mikel Obi was fouled near the goal area of
the Congolese.
Oliseh made a host of changes to the side in the second
half, especially handing Alex Iwobi his debut appearance
but that did not help matter as the Leopards dominated
every department of the game.
Nigeria face Cameroon on Sunday as they would be
seeking for redemption after an awful display in Vise.
Mourinho replies to Capello, says Chelsea will get out of rut
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has hit back at criticism
levelled by Fabio Capello and said he is determined to lift the
Blues out of the rut that has seen them slump to the lower
reaches of the Premier League.
Chelsea are currently two places above the relegation zone
after losing four and winning only two of their first eight
league games.
Their worst start to a season in 37 years has prompted
criticism of Mourinho's methods, with Capello notably
claiming the Portuguese coach "burns out his players" after
two seasons.
Mourinho, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday,
admitted he "can't hide the reality" of Chelsea's dire straits
but took exception to Capello's assessment of his leadership
methods.
"I read what Capello said," Mourinho told the Italian sports
daily on Thursday.
"I think a coach with his kind of past should be talking about
football and not commenting on the work of colleagues."
Capello, who was sacked by the Russian football federation in
the summer after a string of disappointing results, claimed
Mourinho was guilty of the same pattern of behaviour at
Chelsea as he was while in charge at Real Madrid.
"Mourinho burns out his players after a year and a half, at
most two years," Capello told Gazzetta recently.
"I had already heard it when he was in Madrid and now we
have confirmation in London."
Mourinho added: "I could have commented on his (Capello)
job as coach for England or the Russian one, and I never did,
because I prefer to respect the negative moments of my
colleagues.
"I like hearing about Fabio Capello in the many beautiful
moments of his career, which has been full of extraordinary
success."
Embattled Mourinho said he could not explain Chelsea's
recent run of poor results, but, having earned the recent
backing of club bosses, said he was determined to stop the
rot.
Asked what had led to Chelsea's recent dip in form, he told
the sports daily: "I don't know, the results with Chelsea are
negative at the moment. I can't hide the reality. And I struggle
to find an explanation.
"But I assure you: we're working harder than we've ever
worked before and we'll get out of this. And we're not giving
up on the Champions League either."
Mourinho added that club owner Roman Abramovich's
backing in Chelsea's current time of crisis has been crucial.
"That makes me proud. It demonstrates the faith of
Abramovich for a coach who has won three Premier League
titles with this club. I want to thank him."
levelled by Fabio Capello and said he is determined to lift the
Blues out of the rut that has seen them slump to the lower
reaches of the Premier League.
Chelsea are currently two places above the relegation zone
after losing four and winning only two of their first eight
league games.
Their worst start to a season in 37 years has prompted
criticism of Mourinho's methods, with Capello notably
claiming the Portuguese coach "burns out his players" after
two seasons.
Mourinho, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday,
admitted he "can't hide the reality" of Chelsea's dire straits
but took exception to Capello's assessment of his leadership
methods.
"I read what Capello said," Mourinho told the Italian sports
daily on Thursday.
"I think a coach with his kind of past should be talking about
football and not commenting on the work of colleagues."
Capello, who was sacked by the Russian football federation in
the summer after a string of disappointing results, claimed
Mourinho was guilty of the same pattern of behaviour at
Chelsea as he was while in charge at Real Madrid.
"Mourinho burns out his players after a year and a half, at
most two years," Capello told Gazzetta recently.
"I had already heard it when he was in Madrid and now we
have confirmation in London."
Mourinho added: "I could have commented on his (Capello)
job as coach for England or the Russian one, and I never did,
because I prefer to respect the negative moments of my
colleagues.
"I like hearing about Fabio Capello in the many beautiful
moments of his career, which has been full of extraordinary
success."
Embattled Mourinho said he could not explain Chelsea's
recent run of poor results, but, having earned the recent
backing of club bosses, said he was determined to stop the
rot.
Asked what had led to Chelsea's recent dip in form, he told
the sports daily: "I don't know, the results with Chelsea are
negative at the moment. I can't hide the reality. And I struggle
to find an explanation.
"But I assure you: we're working harder than we've ever
worked before and we'll get out of this. And we're not giving
up on the Champions League either."
Mourinho added that club owner Roman Abramovich's
backing in Chelsea's current time of crisis has been crucial.
"That makes me proud. It demonstrates the faith of
Abramovich for a coach who has won three Premier League
titles with this club. I want to thank him."
Official: Klopp named new Liverpool manager
Liverpoolhave confirmed the appointment ofJurgen Kloppas their new
manager.The 48-year-old boarded a private plane from Dortmund to John
Lennon Airport on Thursday afternoon,before formalising proceedings at
Hope Street Hotel in the evening and signing a three-year deal.Klopp's
contract is thought to beworth around £7 million a year, with his
official unveiling to take place at Anfield on Friday at
10.00GMT.Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz are expected to be confirmed
as part of Klopp's backroom team, with the Merseyside club having
already announced the departures of Sean O'Driscoll, Glen Driscoll and
Chris Davies. Gary McAllister is no longer involved with first-team
coaching, but will remain at Liverpool in an ambassadorial role.The
former Borussia Dortmund manager was targeted following the dismissal
of Brendan Rodgers, who paid the price for Liverpool's poor start to
the new campaign.The Reds won just three of their first eight Premier
League games and have struggled in cup competitions, drawing against
Bordeaux and Sion in the Europa League and needing penalties to
overcome League Two's Carlisle in the League Cup.Rodgers had been
under pressure since finishing sixth last season and losing the FA Cup
semi-final to Aston Villa, with Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group
(FSG) already sounding out Klopp in the summer, though he initially
spurned their advances.KLOPP FOR THE KOP: What Liverpool can
expectKlopp was keen to take a break from football but is now ready to
return to management, and has been persuaded to take over at Anfield
after a week of talks with FSG.Klopp has always been attracted to the
Premier League and is particularly excited by the prospect of managing
a club steeped in as much history as Liverpool, having done a similar
revival job at Dortmund.The former Mainz player and coach took over at
Signal Iduna Park in 2008 with the club struggling in the Bundesliga,
but guided the once ailing club to the title in just his third
season.He followed up that triumph with a second consecutive title
win, puncturing Bayern Munich's dominance, before guiding BVB to the
Champions League final at Wembley in 2013, wheredie Rotenwon in extra
time.
manager.The 48-year-old boarded a private plane from Dortmund to John
Lennon Airport on Thursday afternoon,before formalising proceedings at
Hope Street Hotel in the evening and signing a three-year deal.Klopp's
contract is thought to beworth around £7 million a year, with his
official unveiling to take place at Anfield on Friday at
10.00GMT.Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz are expected to be confirmed
as part of Klopp's backroom team, with the Merseyside club having
already announced the departures of Sean O'Driscoll, Glen Driscoll and
Chris Davies. Gary McAllister is no longer involved with first-team
coaching, but will remain at Liverpool in an ambassadorial role.The
former Borussia Dortmund manager was targeted following the dismissal
of Brendan Rodgers, who paid the price for Liverpool's poor start to
the new campaign.The Reds won just three of their first eight Premier
League games and have struggled in cup competitions, drawing against
Bordeaux and Sion in the Europa League and needing penalties to
overcome League Two's Carlisle in the League Cup.Rodgers had been
under pressure since finishing sixth last season and losing the FA Cup
semi-final to Aston Villa, with Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group
(FSG) already sounding out Klopp in the summer, though he initially
spurned their advances.KLOPP FOR THE KOP: What Liverpool can
expectKlopp was keen to take a break from football but is now ready to
return to management, and has been persuaded to take over at Anfield
after a week of talks with FSG.Klopp has always been attracted to the
Premier League and is particularly excited by the prospect of managing
a club steeped in as much history as Liverpool, having done a similar
revival job at Dortmund.The former Mainz player and coach took over at
Signal Iduna Park in 2008 with the club struggling in the Bundesliga,
but guided the once ailing club to the title in just his third
season.He followed up that triumph with a second consecutive title
win, puncturing Bayern Munich's dominance, before guiding BVB to the
Champions League final at Wembley in 2013, wheredie Rotenwon in extra
time.
Lewandowski's at it AGAIN! Bayern star scores FOURTEENTH goal in five games
Robert Lewandowski's remarkable scoring form continued on Thursday
evening at Hampden Park, where he was on target forPolandin 2-2 draw
withScotland.The striker found the net with fewer than three minutes
on the clock in Glasgow, bursting onto a tremendous defence-splitting
pass from Arkadiusz Milik to slide the ball past David Marshall at his
near post. With the Poles potentially heading out of the competition,
Lewandowski then scrambled home to score with literally the last kick
of the game.Bayern Munich's centre forward has been on a superb run of
form in front of goal lately, starting with his remarkable five-goal
haul against Wolfsburg, which came in only nine minutes. The Pole
followed that up with doubles against Mainz and Dortmund in the
Bundesliga, while he bagged a hat-trick against Dinamo Zagreb in the
Champions League.
evening at Hampden Park, where he was on target forPolandin 2-2 draw
withScotland.The striker found the net with fewer than three minutes
on the clock in Glasgow, bursting onto a tremendous defence-splitting
pass from Arkadiusz Milik to slide the ball past David Marshall at his
near post. With the Poles potentially heading out of the competition,
Lewandowski then scrambled home to score with literally the last kick
of the game.Bayern Munich's centre forward has been on a superb run of
form in front of goal lately, starting with his remarkable five-goal
haul against Wolfsburg, which came in only nine minutes. The Pole
followed that up with doubles against Mainz and Dortmund in the
Bundesliga, while he bagged a hat-trick against Dinamo Zagreb in the
Champions League.
Wednesday, 7 October 2015
10 Players Chelsea Must Drop
1.Branislav Ivanovic- Shocking selection, I know. Last season he was a
defensive wonder of the football world. A giant boulder who had
stamina and guile to operate as a wingback and striker's instincts in
set pieces. The transformation to the sorry state he is suffering now
was not wholly unexpected, but the speedwith which it happened is what
is surprising.Chelseahave a policy of not holding on to players past
the age of 30, but Mourinho was adamant to keep him, rewarding himwith
vice-captainship. If you ask anybody who knows anything aboutthe EPL,
they'll almost certainly say Ivanovic should be the first to go.2.
Cesc Fabregas- Imagine you have to buy a new car that can take the
wife and the kids around. It is a car that needs to be reliable, and
youhave enough money to buy it because you are a Russian oil mogul. So
you choose to buy an AlfaRomeo from 1992. It surely must be a great
purchase! It had its glory days in the past, it has excellent
reputation, and it has wonderful flair. But it's an Alfa. And it's way
past its due date. After a one year romance it begins to disappoint
you.But it's your only car, so you suffer insilence, and remain
indignant about your investment. That is basically what Fabregas is. A
lackluster burden that Jose Mourinho chooses to keep playing, despite
him being completely impotent in every aspect of the game. The marquee
signing oflast year with the great assists has become complacent and
lazy. No pace, no defensive determination, nocreative effect. Time to
sell the Alfa. ToTurkey. Or MLS.3.Ramires- After a long battle with
injury, Ramires returned to the squad and Jose was delighted that he
"had his Ramires back." A definitive box-to-box player with
goalscoring abilities coupled with tackling back with aplomb. He hit a
howitzer against Newcastle, and as great as it was, I'd happily accept
that as a final contribution of his career in London. He was woeful
against Southampton, and the Brazilian was supposed to continue his
super-sub magic from Tyneside but failed horribly, in the most
important part of the pitch, next to the least appropriate defensive
midfielder, Fabregas.4.John Terry- Chelsea's leader, legend, and
liability. He is so committed to the club and to playingfor them as
exemplified by the embarrassing tag-along at the Champions League
final in 2012, appearing in full kit at the final whistle despite
being banned for the match. He was a stalwart last year, his
positional sense and anticipation was second to none. In the entirety
of the season he had TWO yellow cards. He got one in the first match
of this year againstSwanseafor protesting. And obviously screwed the
pooch against West Brom with a sending off. Controversial and almost
universally hated, nationally hated for sure, John Terry is a mixed
bag of good and bad. Again, I think the ride is over for him, but he
can still be useful. In the backroom, and at Cobham. Once a new center
back is bought, Jose should have "the talk" with John and say he can
either bring a neck pillow to the bench for the games, or go out
gracefully and immediately to take a background role, still teaching
the youngsters and giving coaching advice. Like they say, "Those who
cant do, teach."5.John Obi Mikel- This one is a mercy killing. He was
inches away from a move to Turkey that would have seen him get regular
playing time. A chance to play while he's still relatively young, and
a chance to express himself in ways to make Chelsea regret keeping him
in reserve for so many years. It's such a sad story of John Obi Mikel,
a dedicated, dutiful servant to the club.The man who carved out a new
temporal part of games known as "John Obi Mikel Time," when the game
needs to be shut down, usually with the win in the bag. If Abramovich
let ÄŒech go because he earned it from his service, the same should
apply to Mikel. I think Andreas Christensen from the youth squad would
make a great successor. Just don't let him go toArsenal, he doesn't
deserve to be reviled by the Chelsea faithful.6.Loïc Remy- Ugh… I
just-… There's no reason wh-… He's so-… Just get rid of him.7. Pedro-
Playing fourth fiddle toBarcelona's front line has Pedro dealing with
repressed feelings of discontent like a man in a midlife crisis. He is
trying to make up for lost time on the bench inSpainby trying to be
the Messi of Chelsea. 28 years old, Pedrito is tired of being treated
like a kid and as a sideshow. He is snatching at shots and dawdling on
the ball with desperate faith in his impressive displays of
footballing grace. I was blown awaywith his contributions at West
Brom, a goal and an assist on a debut is a remarkable thing. His goal
was a sort of frustrated expression at Chelsea's wastefulness. Like he
wassaying, "Okay, guys. It's been twenty minutes. Let's get this show
on the road." He took the onus on himself, running through defenders
with a point to prove, and scuffing the ball into the corner. Since
then he has failed to impress. Being caught in possession, scoring
rugby tries instead of football goals, and generally displaying
symptoms of the Chelsea Plague that the rest of the squad is suffering
from. I don't think he should be sold, but he should be given a good,
hard shake, and snapped back to reality.8. Ruben Loftus-Cheek- "Drop"
is the wrong word, but "loan" is almost certainly the best course of
action fora midfielder with so much promise. Ross Barkley isn't much
older than RLC, and he is a starter for Everton, with fantastic
displays of passing range and creativity. He had to provehimself as a
younger player, but that is predicated on the manager at least
selecting him. RLC isn't gettinga look into the first team, and many
Chelsea fans see him as our savior as a fresh injection into midfield.
This lack of involvement looks to be endemic of the type of treatment
poor Obi Mikel has suffered. Either play him or loan him out to a team
where he can make an impact, Jose. He has potential not seen every
day.9. Falcao- Every hedge fund and asset manager in the world must be
equal parts jealous and impressed by Monaco for making a profit off of
a depreciating asset. He made astounding amounts of money at Man Utd,
and although he is making half the amount at Chelsea, the French
Riviera club are enjoying their cigars and martinis with a little more
relish knowing his utter failure as a footballer grates no skin off
their back. When Mourinho spoke out about how he was willing to
takethe Colombian under his wing, I bet Monaco was more than happy to
dump their lemon on him. Passing on the buy-option, he's just another
wart on the face of Chelsea that'll be gone soon. Here's to hoping the
blemish doesn't become septic.10. Diego Costa- Oh, Diego. How welove
you. We chant your name at away matches where you aren't even on the
bench. We chant your name at will, because you make us happy. You are
the quintessential bad guy who we root for. But the cost you bring
with the occasional goal is far too high. Dribbling in from the left
wing always ends in failure. Your hold-up play leads to naught. And
you punch too many people in the face too often. You have forced
Chelsea fans to defend you and the image you project on us by
association. You are no altar boy,you said it yourself, but being an
effective striker does not entail beinga sociopathic one. A great
finisher with height and strength is a wonderful asset. A violent,
ineffective, sluggish, and selfish player is a millstone.
defensive wonder of the football world. A giant boulder who had
stamina and guile to operate as a wingback and striker's instincts in
set pieces. The transformation to the sorry state he is suffering now
was not wholly unexpected, but the speedwith which it happened is what
is surprising.Chelseahave a policy of not holding on to players past
the age of 30, but Mourinho was adamant to keep him, rewarding himwith
vice-captainship. If you ask anybody who knows anything aboutthe EPL,
they'll almost certainly say Ivanovic should be the first to go.2.
Cesc Fabregas- Imagine you have to buy a new car that can take the
wife and the kids around. It is a car that needs to be reliable, and
youhave enough money to buy it because you are a Russian oil mogul. So
you choose to buy an AlfaRomeo from 1992. It surely must be a great
purchase! It had its glory days in the past, it has excellent
reputation, and it has wonderful flair. But it's an Alfa. And it's way
past its due date. After a one year romance it begins to disappoint
you.But it's your only car, so you suffer insilence, and remain
indignant about your investment. That is basically what Fabregas is. A
lackluster burden that Jose Mourinho chooses to keep playing, despite
him being completely impotent in every aspect of the game. The marquee
signing oflast year with the great assists has become complacent and
lazy. No pace, no defensive determination, nocreative effect. Time to
sell the Alfa. ToTurkey. Or MLS.3.Ramires- After a long battle with
injury, Ramires returned to the squad and Jose was delighted that he
"had his Ramires back." A definitive box-to-box player with
goalscoring abilities coupled with tackling back with aplomb. He hit a
howitzer against Newcastle, and as great as it was, I'd happily accept
that as a final contribution of his career in London. He was woeful
against Southampton, and the Brazilian was supposed to continue his
super-sub magic from Tyneside but failed horribly, in the most
important part of the pitch, next to the least appropriate defensive
midfielder, Fabregas.4.John Terry- Chelsea's leader, legend, and
liability. He is so committed to the club and to playingfor them as
exemplified by the embarrassing tag-along at the Champions League
final in 2012, appearing in full kit at the final whistle despite
being banned for the match. He was a stalwart last year, his
positional sense and anticipation was second to none. In the entirety
of the season he had TWO yellow cards. He got one in the first match
of this year againstSwanseafor protesting. And obviously screwed the
pooch against West Brom with a sending off. Controversial and almost
universally hated, nationally hated for sure, John Terry is a mixed
bag of good and bad. Again, I think the ride is over for him, but he
can still be useful. In the backroom, and at Cobham. Once a new center
back is bought, Jose should have "the talk" with John and say he can
either bring a neck pillow to the bench for the games, or go out
gracefully and immediately to take a background role, still teaching
the youngsters and giving coaching advice. Like they say, "Those who
cant do, teach."5.John Obi Mikel- This one is a mercy killing. He was
inches away from a move to Turkey that would have seen him get regular
playing time. A chance to play while he's still relatively young, and
a chance to express himself in ways to make Chelsea regret keeping him
in reserve for so many years. It's such a sad story of John Obi Mikel,
a dedicated, dutiful servant to the club.The man who carved out a new
temporal part of games known as "John Obi Mikel Time," when the game
needs to be shut down, usually with the win in the bag. If Abramovich
let ÄŒech go because he earned it from his service, the same should
apply to Mikel. I think Andreas Christensen from the youth squad would
make a great successor. Just don't let him go toArsenal, he doesn't
deserve to be reviled by the Chelsea faithful.6.Loïc Remy- Ugh… I
just-… There's no reason wh-… He's so-… Just get rid of him.7. Pedro-
Playing fourth fiddle toBarcelona's front line has Pedro dealing with
repressed feelings of discontent like a man in a midlife crisis. He is
trying to make up for lost time on the bench inSpainby trying to be
the Messi of Chelsea. 28 years old, Pedrito is tired of being treated
like a kid and as a sideshow. He is snatching at shots and dawdling on
the ball with desperate faith in his impressive displays of
footballing grace. I was blown awaywith his contributions at West
Brom, a goal and an assist on a debut is a remarkable thing. His goal
was a sort of frustrated expression at Chelsea's wastefulness. Like he
wassaying, "Okay, guys. It's been twenty minutes. Let's get this show
on the road." He took the onus on himself, running through defenders
with a point to prove, and scuffing the ball into the corner. Since
then he has failed to impress. Being caught in possession, scoring
rugby tries instead of football goals, and generally displaying
symptoms of the Chelsea Plague that the rest of the squad is suffering
from. I don't think he should be sold, but he should be given a good,
hard shake, and snapped back to reality.8. Ruben Loftus-Cheek- "Drop"
is the wrong word, but "loan" is almost certainly the best course of
action fora midfielder with so much promise. Ross Barkley isn't much
older than RLC, and he is a starter for Everton, with fantastic
displays of passing range and creativity. He had to provehimself as a
younger player, but that is predicated on the manager at least
selecting him. RLC isn't gettinga look into the first team, and many
Chelsea fans see him as our savior as a fresh injection into midfield.
This lack of involvement looks to be endemic of the type of treatment
poor Obi Mikel has suffered. Either play him or loan him out to a team
where he can make an impact, Jose. He has potential not seen every
day.9. Falcao- Every hedge fund and asset manager in the world must be
equal parts jealous and impressed by Monaco for making a profit off of
a depreciating asset. He made astounding amounts of money at Man Utd,
and although he is making half the amount at Chelsea, the French
Riviera club are enjoying their cigars and martinis with a little more
relish knowing his utter failure as a footballer grates no skin off
their back. When Mourinho spoke out about how he was willing to
takethe Colombian under his wing, I bet Monaco was more than happy to
dump their lemon on him. Passing on the buy-option, he's just another
wart on the face of Chelsea that'll be gone soon. Here's to hoping the
blemish doesn't become septic.10. Diego Costa- Oh, Diego. How welove
you. We chant your name at away matches where you aren't even on the
bench. We chant your name at will, because you make us happy. You are
the quintessential bad guy who we root for. But the cost you bring
with the occasional goal is far too high. Dribbling in from the left
wing always ends in failure. Your hold-up play leads to naught. And
you punch too many people in the face too often. You have forced
Chelsea fans to defend you and the image you project on us by
association. You are no altar boy,you said it yourself, but being an
effective striker does not entail beinga sociopathic one. A great
finisher with height and strength is a wonderful asset. A violent,
ineffective, sluggish, and selfish player is a millstone.
Monday, 5 October 2015
Martial: I'm far from becoming the next Henry
The deadline day signing outlined the Gunners legend as an
inspiration, also suggesting he was surprised by the warm welcome by
his Old Trafford team-mates Manchester united striker Anthony Martial
has indicated his belief that he is far from matching the level of
former arsenal attacker Thierry Henry and has revealed manager Louis
van Gaal's role in his move from Monaco. Martial enjoyed a sparkling
start to his Old Trafford career, with goals in Premier League wins
against Liverpool and Southampton and in the League Cup against
Ipswich Town. But United's progress was derailed somewhat by a
comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday and the France striker
says he is still looking to the Gunners legend for inspiration, hoping
to one day reach Henry's level. "Thierry Henry? He is a legend in
England. I have everything left to prove," Martial told the French
radio station RMC. "Maybe, with hard work, I will finally reach
Henry's level. But at the moment, I'm far from it."The 19-year-old
became the world's most expensive teenager following the move from
Monaco on deadline day in a deal that could rise as high as £58
million and the France international has revealed the reasons why the
club were such an appealing draw. "Why I chose Manchester United?
Because, for me, they are amongst the 5 best clubs in the world,"
Martial said."I also really wanted to continue to play in the
Champions League. This is what made my decision. And I know Van Gaal
wanted me. That's what motivated me to take a decision."It was very
important to show the coach that he could trust me."Martial has also
spoken of his level of self confidence, insisting that he never
doubted that he would be able to step up to Premier League football
but suggesting that the contests are more intense than in Ligue 1. "I
knew that at Manchester United I would have my chance, it was just a
matter of grabbing it," the 19-year-old continued. "It's much faster
in England, there is a lot of intensity but that's what I was looking
for."Off the pitch, the France international has indicated that he has
begun to settle into life in Manchester, learning the language, but
was surprised at the warm welcome he received from his team-mates.
"When I came to Manchester United, everyone came to see me. I was
surprised by this," Martial added. "Everyone tried to speak to me, but
with the language barrier, it was difficult.""I am taking English
courses; it's difficult but I will get there."
inspiration, also suggesting he was surprised by the warm welcome by
his Old Trafford team-mates Manchester united striker Anthony Martial
has indicated his belief that he is far from matching the level of
former arsenal attacker Thierry Henry and has revealed manager Louis
van Gaal's role in his move from Monaco. Martial enjoyed a sparkling
start to his Old Trafford career, with goals in Premier League wins
against Liverpool and Southampton and in the League Cup against
Ipswich Town. But United's progress was derailed somewhat by a
comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday and the France striker
says he is still looking to the Gunners legend for inspiration, hoping
to one day reach Henry's level. "Thierry Henry? He is a legend in
England. I have everything left to prove," Martial told the French
radio station RMC. "Maybe, with hard work, I will finally reach
Henry's level. But at the moment, I'm far from it."The 19-year-old
became the world's most expensive teenager following the move from
Monaco on deadline day in a deal that could rise as high as £58
million and the France international has revealed the reasons why the
club were such an appealing draw. "Why I chose Manchester United?
Because, for me, they are amongst the 5 best clubs in the world,"
Martial said."I also really wanted to continue to play in the
Champions League. This is what made my decision. And I know Van Gaal
wanted me. That's what motivated me to take a decision."It was very
important to show the coach that he could trust me."Martial has also
spoken of his level of self confidence, insisting that he never
doubted that he would be able to step up to Premier League football
but suggesting that the contests are more intense than in Ligue 1. "I
knew that at Manchester United I would have my chance, it was just a
matter of grabbing it," the 19-year-old continued. "It's much faster
in England, there is a lot of intensity but that's what I was looking
for."Off the pitch, the France international has indicated that he has
begun to settle into life in Manchester, learning the language, but
was surprised at the warm welcome he received from his team-mates.
"When I came to Manchester United, everyone came to see me. I was
surprised by this," Martial added. "Everyone tried to speak to me, but
with the language barrier, it was difficult.""I am taking English
courses; it's difficult but I will get there."
Chelsea offer Mourinho 'vote of confidence'
The club has publicly offered the Portuguese coach their 'full
support' despite a run of just two wins in eight Premier Leaguegames
and a home defeat to Southampton on SaturdayChelseahave offered
managerJose Mourinhoand his squad a vote of confidence following their
3-1 defeat at home to Southampton in the Premier League on
Saturday.The Blues claimed the Premier League title last season but
have won just two of their first eight games of the 2015-16 campaign
and sit 16th in the table.Mourinho insisted after the defeat to
Southampton that he would only walk away from Chelsea if the players
no longer trusted him, and the club has released a statement offering
their public backing to the Portuguese.The statement reads: "The club
wants to make it clear that Jose continues to have our fullsupport."As
Jose has said himself, results have not been good enough and the
team's performances must improve. However, we believe that we have the
right manager to turn this season around and that he has the squad
with which to do it."Prior to the defeat to Southampton, Mourinho
described Chelsea's slump as the worst period of his career.But the
Chelsea boss displayed his defiance in the face of criticism following
the shock loss at Stamford Bridge."If the club sacks me, they sack the
best manager this club had," he told reporters. "And secondly, the
message is again the message of bad results. The manager is guilty.
This is the message, not just these players, the other ones before,
they got [the message] during a decade."This is a moment for everybody
to assume their responsibilities. To stick together. This is what I
want."
support' despite a run of just two wins in eight Premier Leaguegames
and a home defeat to Southampton on SaturdayChelseahave offered
managerJose Mourinhoand his squad a vote of confidence following their
3-1 defeat at home to Southampton in the Premier League on
Saturday.The Blues claimed the Premier League title last season but
have won just two of their first eight games of the 2015-16 campaign
and sit 16th in the table.Mourinho insisted after the defeat to
Southampton that he would only walk away from Chelsea if the players
no longer trusted him, and the club has released a statement offering
their public backing to the Portuguese.The statement reads: "The club
wants to make it clear that Jose continues to have our fullsupport."As
Jose has said himself, results have not been good enough and the
team's performances must improve. However, we believe that we have the
right manager to turn this season around and that he has the squad
with which to do it."Prior to the defeat to Southampton, Mourinho
described Chelsea's slump as the worst period of his career.But the
Chelsea boss displayed his defiance in the face of criticism following
the shock loss at Stamford Bridge."If the club sacks me, they sack the
best manager this club had," he told reporters. "And secondly, the
message is again the message of bad results. The manager is guilty.
This is the message, not just these players, the other ones before,
they got [the message] during a decade."This is a moment for everybody
to assume their responsibilities. To stick together. This is what I
want."
Mourinho charged with misconduct
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct for his
post-match comments in the wake of The Blues' defeat to
Southampton.Jose Mourinho charged for misconduct following comments
made after Southampton
matchhttp://t.co/VmO6mkGxlLpic.twitter.com/sRLSlPftYt— The FA
(@FA)October 5, 2015
post-match comments in the wake of The Blues' defeat to
Southampton.Jose Mourinho charged for misconduct following comments
made after Southampton
matchhttp://t.co/VmO6mkGxlLpic.twitter.com/sRLSlPftYt— The FA
(@FA)October 5, 2015
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Real Madrid: Late Vietto goal denies Benitez’s men
Karim Benzema's early goal looked set to give the visitors victory,
particularly after Keylor Navas had saved a penalty from Antoine
Griezmann, but Atleti were not to be deniedLuciano Vietto's first goal
forAtletico Madridsecured a 1-1 derby draw seven minutes from time and
stoppedReal Madridfrom moving to the top of La Liga.Karim Benzema
headed his seventh goal in eight appearances this season in the ninth
minute and looked to have settled a typically feisty tussle at the
Vicente Calderon, where his France international team-mate Antoine
Griezmann had a first-half penalty saved forthe hosts.Griezmann partly
atoned for that error by having a hand in the equaliser – making
enough of a nuisance of himself at the near post for Jackson
Martinez's low cross to squirm beyond goalkeeper Keylor Navas for his
fellow substitute Vietto to convert from close range.Vietto's former
club Villarreal lost 1-0 to Levante earlier on Sunday, presenting the
opportunity for Real to take top spot.But Rafael Benitez's team could
not get over the line and lie a point off the pace in secondafter
extending their winless run at the home of their near neighbours to
six matches.Loading...Cristiano Ronaldo headed wide early on from Luca
Modric's left-wing cross but it was from the opposite flank that Real
took the lead.Dani Carvajal surged down the wing to supply an
excellent cross thatBenzema, who had scored just twice in 20 previous
appearances against Atleti, planted emphatically past Jan
Oblak.Atleti's response was strong, with a fired-up Angel Correa to
the fore.Making his first Liga start, the midfielder collected an
one-two from Oliver Torres to arrow a shot past the post from the
right-hand side of the box before sending a thunderous drive wide from
30 yards.Some ragged Real defending gifted Atleti a golden opportunity
to equalise from the spot in the 20th minute – Sergio Ramos briefly
looked to have retrieved the situation but took a heavy touch and
clattered through Tiago.But Griezmann's well-struck effort was at a
favourable height for Navas, who sprung to his left and pushed the
ball to safety.A well-marshalled Ronaldo swivelled to shoot over after
the half-hour mark, while a robust challenge on Carvajal from Oliver
Torres forced Real to bring Alvaro Arbeloa on before the
break.Fernando Torres was played in by Correa five minutes into the
second period but pulled an angled shot across the face of goal.The
former Liverpool striker then had an attempt blocked before making way
for JacksonMartinez in the 64th minute.A succession of fouls by both
teams had badly interrupted the flow of the game by this point, with
Real duo Raphael Varane and Casemiro booked either side of Juanfran to
make it three yellow cards in as many minutes.Gareth Bale followed
Martinez into the Calderon cauldron, replacing Isco for his first Real
action since suffering a calf injury against Shakhtar Donetsk last
month.Navas saved from Martinez in the 74th minute when Vietto found a
Real body with his initial shot, while an unusually sporadic display
from Ronaldo continued when he cut onto his left foot to find the side
netting.Viettoappeared crestfallen when he wasted a good headed chance
in the 81st minute but the Argentine made amends three minutes later –
his compatriot Diego Simeone leading the boisterous celebrations from
the dugout before Martinez was denied by Navas as the hosts almost
snatched another famous triumph.
particularly after Keylor Navas had saved a penalty from Antoine
Griezmann, but Atleti were not to be deniedLuciano Vietto's first goal
forAtletico Madridsecured a 1-1 derby draw seven minutes from time and
stoppedReal Madridfrom moving to the top of La Liga.Karim Benzema
headed his seventh goal in eight appearances this season in the ninth
minute and looked to have settled a typically feisty tussle at the
Vicente Calderon, where his France international team-mate Antoine
Griezmann had a first-half penalty saved forthe hosts.Griezmann partly
atoned for that error by having a hand in the equaliser – making
enough of a nuisance of himself at the near post for Jackson
Martinez's low cross to squirm beyond goalkeeper Keylor Navas for his
fellow substitute Vietto to convert from close range.Vietto's former
club Villarreal lost 1-0 to Levante earlier on Sunday, presenting the
opportunity for Real to take top spot.But Rafael Benitez's team could
not get over the line and lie a point off the pace in secondafter
extending their winless run at the home of their near neighbours to
six matches.Loading...Cristiano Ronaldo headed wide early on from Luca
Modric's left-wing cross but it was from the opposite flank that Real
took the lead.Dani Carvajal surged down the wing to supply an
excellent cross thatBenzema, who had scored just twice in 20 previous
appearances against Atleti, planted emphatically past Jan
Oblak.Atleti's response was strong, with a fired-up Angel Correa to
the fore.Making his first Liga start, the midfielder collected an
one-two from Oliver Torres to arrow a shot past the post from the
right-hand side of the box before sending a thunderous drive wide from
30 yards.Some ragged Real defending gifted Atleti a golden opportunity
to equalise from the spot in the 20th minute – Sergio Ramos briefly
looked to have retrieved the situation but took a heavy touch and
clattered through Tiago.But Griezmann's well-struck effort was at a
favourable height for Navas, who sprung to his left and pushed the
ball to safety.A well-marshalled Ronaldo swivelled to shoot over after
the half-hour mark, while a robust challenge on Carvajal from Oliver
Torres forced Real to bring Alvaro Arbeloa on before the
break.Fernando Torres was played in by Correa five minutes into the
second period but pulled an angled shot across the face of goal.The
former Liverpool striker then had an attempt blocked before making way
for JacksonMartinez in the 64th minute.A succession of fouls by both
teams had badly interrupted the flow of the game by this point, with
Real duo Raphael Varane and Casemiro booked either side of Juanfran to
make it three yellow cards in as many minutes.Gareth Bale followed
Martinez into the Calderon cauldron, replacing Isco for his first Real
action since suffering a calf injury against Shakhtar Donetsk last
month.Navas saved from Martinez in the 74th minute when Vietto found a
Real body with his initial shot, while an unusually sporadic display
from Ronaldo continued when he cut onto his left foot to find the side
netting.Viettoappeared crestfallen when he wasted a good headed chance
in the 81st minute but the Argentine made amends three minutes later –
his compatriot Diego Simeone leading the boisterous celebrations from
the dugout before Martinez was denied by Navas as the hosts almost
snatched another famous triumph.
Wednesday, 16 September 2015
BETTER ACT THAN WORRY
"Beclouded were his lids
At the sight of our endless list
Buttocks to cushion he slumped
Lost in thought of several dots..."
NOTE
Life is not a bed of roses this maxim since time immemorial has been
established. Nonetheless, the wisdom of the tortoise won't make it
human. Worrying isn't a right position to take as regards profering
solution to problems.
However, it is sardonic that majority inlieu of taking actions demeans
to an hyper-text thought-filled milieu. At such all they get is only
an absolution of compound complexities in most cases.
Worry will do naught but compound your troubles.
CHARGE
"ACT IN LIEU OF WORRY"
At the sight of our endless list
Buttocks to cushion he slumped
Lost in thought of several dots..."
NOTE
Life is not a bed of roses this maxim since time immemorial has been
established. Nonetheless, the wisdom of the tortoise won't make it
human. Worrying isn't a right position to take as regards profering
solution to problems.
However, it is sardonic that majority inlieu of taking actions demeans
to an hyper-text thought-filled milieu. At such all they get is only
an absolution of compound complexities in most cases.
Worry will do naught but compound your troubles.
CHARGE
"ACT IN LIEU OF WORRY"
Monday, 31 August 2015
BEACONS
Moons day Dooms day
Lights out Black out
Day break Lights on
Sunrise Lily glow
Lights we are to the world.
#team# kcpwesh and Fernando
Lights out Black out
Day break Lights on
Sunrise Lily glow
Lights we are to the world.
#team# kcpwesh and Fernando
Friday, 28 August 2015
MY REVERIE
Looking confident, he entered the coffee shop where I was
having lunch. My eyes could not leave his face. He was breathtakingly
handsome with stormy grey eyes and nice brown hair.
He was tall with broad shoulders flaunted through his slim
fitted suit and tight jean. I had never beheld such a sight. A part of
me longed for a glimpse from this prince charming. However, this
thought a part of me un-reluctantly dismissed on the ground of
inferiority and unequal social-strata.
How could such a handsome guy look at a short plump round
faced girl with freckles? Closely, I watched him walk to a tall blonde
with a model-like physique forgetting my unfinished meal which
anticipated my touch.
After sometime, my object of attraction or should I say
distraction exited the shop hand-in hand with the blonde. Hence, I
frequently visited the coffee shop with the hope of crossing paths
with this prince charming.
Nevertheless, my constant patronage proved futile in that he
never came back, never knew who I was and I remained at the rear as
regards information about who he was and from whence he came.
However, his cute face since then had remain imprinted on the
tables of my heart. "It was love at first sight". Although its been
twenty-four months, I still can't get him off my mind. His look,
smile, the shape of his eyes, his confidence, in fact all of him.
A part of me prays that our path convolutes again and maybe
this time I would get his attention but on a second thought, a part of
me would always know it is nothing but a desire that cannot be
notched. "Just a dream".
DEBBY
having lunch. My eyes could not leave his face. He was breathtakingly
handsome with stormy grey eyes and nice brown hair.
He was tall with broad shoulders flaunted through his slim
fitted suit and tight jean. I had never beheld such a sight. A part of
me longed for a glimpse from this prince charming. However, this
thought a part of me un-reluctantly dismissed on the ground of
inferiority and unequal social-strata.
How could such a handsome guy look at a short plump round
faced girl with freckles? Closely, I watched him walk to a tall blonde
with a model-like physique forgetting my unfinished meal which
anticipated my touch.
After sometime, my object of attraction or should I say
distraction exited the shop hand-in hand with the blonde. Hence, I
frequently visited the coffee shop with the hope of crossing paths
with this prince charming.
Nevertheless, my constant patronage proved futile in that he
never came back, never knew who I was and I remained at the rear as
regards information about who he was and from whence he came.
However, his cute face since then had remain imprinted on the
tables of my heart. "It was love at first sight". Although its been
twenty-four months, I still can't get him off my mind. His look,
smile, the shape of his eyes, his confidence, in fact all of him.
A part of me prays that our path convolutes again and maybe
this time I would get his attention but on a second thought, a part of
me would always know it is nothing but a desire that cannot be
notched. "Just a dream".
DEBBY
GODLY REGALIA
Perusing my doctrinal notes to revise the doxology of
the last programme, I encountered a heart raising moment when I read
these words "there is nothing the devil has, that God doesn't have
more".
Unconciously, the thought of the physical appearance
envisaged me. As a student of the higher institution and a
socio-concious being, I noticed that the attires worn especially that
of ladies demeans our communal and primeval ethos.
Although, these outfits could look smart and beautiful,
they negate the biblical standard of dressing. Hence, my view of these
clothes on the part of the ladies, is that they are mostly designed
for seductive purposes, owing to the flashy and body revealing ways in
which they are made.
However, I must mention the stigma, inferiority, degrading
and social detachment suffered by christians who have decided to
uplift the banner of biblical and morally upright mode of dressing.
Despite several cajouling nomenclatures
attributed to these ones, I believe the solace of the believer is in
the coming of the lord, going by the process of transformation at the
point of ascension which the scripture records.
Nonetheless, in me arouse an emotive state "pity"
which is ascribed to those who have chosen carnality over eternity.
Knowing that they would be absent at the gathering of the transformed
at the coming of the lord.
"The best of the devil cannot and will never equate to the least of
the almighty God"
DAMILOLA
the last programme, I encountered a heart raising moment when I read
these words "there is nothing the devil has, that God doesn't have
more".
Unconciously, the thought of the physical appearance
envisaged me. As a student of the higher institution and a
socio-concious being, I noticed that the attires worn especially that
of ladies demeans our communal and primeval ethos.
Although, these outfits could look smart and beautiful,
they negate the biblical standard of dressing. Hence, my view of these
clothes on the part of the ladies, is that they are mostly designed
for seductive purposes, owing to the flashy and body revealing ways in
which they are made.
However, I must mention the stigma, inferiority, degrading
and social detachment suffered by christians who have decided to
uplift the banner of biblical and morally upright mode of dressing.
Despite several cajouling nomenclatures
attributed to these ones, I believe the solace of the believer is in
the coming of the lord, going by the process of transformation at the
point of ascension which the scripture records.
Nonetheless, in me arouse an emotive state "pity"
which is ascribed to those who have chosen carnality over eternity.
Knowing that they would be absent at the gathering of the transformed
at the coming of the lord.
"The best of the devil cannot and will never equate to the least of
the almighty God"
DAMILOLA
Tuesday, 25 August 2015
Stones hand in transfer request
John Stones has handed in a transfer request at Everton as
he looks to push through his move to Chelsea.
The Toffees have previously rejected three bids from the
Premier League champions for the England defender but the
21-year-old now appears to be forcing the issue.
Everton had previously insisted that Stones is not for sale,
but reports suggested that they would prepared to sell for
£40million.
Stones' decision to hand in a transfer request comes after
his manager Roberto Martinez told his player that trying to
force a move would be a waste of time, claiming it was too
late in the window to finalise any deal.
Asked if a transfer request would change Everton's stance
on the situation, the Spanish coach said: "No, no. When you
have a long-term contract those things doesn't change at
all.
he looks to push through his move to Chelsea.
The Toffees have previously rejected three bids from the
Premier League champions for the England defender but the
21-year-old now appears to be forcing the issue.
Everton had previously insisted that Stones is not for sale,
but reports suggested that they would prepared to sell for
£40million.
Stones' decision to hand in a transfer request comes after
his manager Roberto Martinez told his player that trying to
force a move would be a waste of time, claiming it was too
late in the window to finalise any deal.
Asked if a transfer request would change Everton's stance
on the situation, the Spanish coach said: "No, no. When you
have a long-term contract those things doesn't change at
all.
Labels:
sports
Mario speaks
Mario Balotelli claimed he has always had Milan "in his
heart" as he trained back with his former club.
The Italy striker underwent a medical this morning before
agreeing a season-long loan deal back to Serie A from
Liverpool. Balotelli, 25, had joined the Anfield club from
Milan in a £16m transfer last summer.
The Italian club have now agreed a £1.6m loan deal with
Liverpool paying half the wages and no agreement to make
the move permanent.
Balotelli, who will again wear the No 45 shirt, was greeted
by two hundred fans at the Milanello training ground.
"I am happy to be back," he said. "I just want to train and
show what I can do. Physically I am quite good. I just have
to work.
"I always thought I could return – because I have always
had Milan in my heart and I always hoped to return.
"Do I want to finish my career here? I have to start to work
from now and have a good year and then we will see."
On 8/25/15, oluwole ayomide <oluwolejoy1@gmail.com> wrote:
> Ahassan Yakmut, director-general National Sports
> Commission has pleaded with President Muhammadu
> Buhari to assist in the development of sports in Nigeria.
> The DG made the appeal after briefing President Buhari on
> the activities of his Commission at the presidential Villa
> yesterday, August 24 in Abuja.
> Yakmut however commended the federal government for
> being the highest financier of sports in Nigeria.
> READ ALSO: Be Careful, Friends Warn Oliseh On Contract
> Terms With NFF
> He said: "We briefed President on sports development in
> Nigeria and its retinue of social economic values.
> "President was impressed with the presentation but he
> raised observation on the need for us to rekindle the
> exploitation of the medals available in swimming in order to
> make Nigeria top in All African Games table in future and
> that is actually the presidential observation that we have
> taken technical interest to ensure that it is implemented to
> the letter.
> "You know that we also have cultures that are oriented with
> gymnastics and that culture is the one that we will first of
> all technically invest in terms of facilities, coaches and
> programmes to make sure we compete with others.
> READ ALSO: All Africa Games: Nigeria Hires German Coach
> "Yes, we did discuss funding. But rather in discussion of
> funding we commended the Federal Government for being
> the highest financier of sports in Nigeria. And we also
> sought for his intervention to encourage the private sector
> to do the same with their budget for corporate social
> responsibility to promote sports.
> "And we also requested that his Excellency should intervene
> to allow the Nigeria Lottery Trust Fund to also channel a
> good percentage of the resources or funds available in the
> Fund for sports development as quoted in the Act that
> establishes it.
> "The Act says: 'The Funds in the Lottery Trust Fund are
> supposed to be disbursed for sports and other courses.' But
> we are yet to see that in a good percentage in order to
> encourage grassroot sports."
> Meanwhile, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state has
> reiterated his administration's commitment to develop
> grassroot sports in the state.
> This is in fulfillment of one of the promises he made during
> the electioneering campaign.
>
heart" as he trained back with his former club.
The Italy striker underwent a medical this morning before
agreeing a season-long loan deal back to Serie A from
Liverpool. Balotelli, 25, had joined the Anfield club from
Milan in a £16m transfer last summer.
The Italian club have now agreed a £1.6m loan deal with
Liverpool paying half the wages and no agreement to make
the move permanent.
Balotelli, who will again wear the No 45 shirt, was greeted
by two hundred fans at the Milanello training ground.
"I am happy to be back," he said. "I just want to train and
show what I can do. Physically I am quite good. I just have
to work.
"I always thought I could return – because I have always
had Milan in my heart and I always hoped to return.
"Do I want to finish my career here? I have to start to work
from now and have a good year and then we will see."
On 8/25/15, oluwole ayomide <oluwolejoy1@gmail.com> wrote:
> Ahassan Yakmut, director-general National Sports
> Commission has pleaded with President Muhammadu
> Buhari to assist in the development of sports in Nigeria.
> The DG made the appeal after briefing President Buhari on
> the activities of his Commission at the presidential Villa
> yesterday, August 24 in Abuja.
> Yakmut however commended the federal government for
> being the highest financier of sports in Nigeria.
> READ ALSO: Be Careful, Friends Warn Oliseh On Contract
> Terms With NFF
> He said: "We briefed President on sports development in
> Nigeria and its retinue of social economic values.
> "President was impressed with the presentation but he
> raised observation on the need for us to rekindle the
> exploitation of the medals available in swimming in order to
> make Nigeria top in All African Games table in future and
> that is actually the presidential observation that we have
> taken technical interest to ensure that it is implemented to
> the letter.
> "You know that we also have cultures that are oriented with
> gymnastics and that culture is the one that we will first of
> all technically invest in terms of facilities, coaches and
> programmes to make sure we compete with others.
> READ ALSO: All Africa Games: Nigeria Hires German Coach
> "Yes, we did discuss funding. But rather in discussion of
> funding we commended the Federal Government for being
> the highest financier of sports in Nigeria. And we also
> sought for his intervention to encourage the private sector
> to do the same with their budget for corporate social
> responsibility to promote sports.
> "And we also requested that his Excellency should intervene
> to allow the Nigeria Lottery Trust Fund to also channel a
> good percentage of the resources or funds available in the
> Fund for sports development as quoted in the Act that
> establishes it.
> "The Act says: 'The Funds in the Lottery Trust Fund are
> supposed to be disbursed for sports and other courses.' But
> we are yet to see that in a good percentage in order to
> encourage grassroot sports."
> Meanwhile, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state has
> reiterated his administration's commitment to develop
> grassroot sports in the state.
> This is in fulfillment of one of the promises he made during
> the electioneering campaign.
>
ports Commission Runs To Buhari, READ WHY
Ahassan Yakmut, director-general National Sports
Commission has pleaded with President Muhammadu
Buhari to assist in the development of sports in Nigeria.
The DG made the appeal after briefing President Buhari on
the activities of his Commission at the presidential Villa
yesterday, August 24 in Abuja.
Yakmut however commended the federal government for
being the highest financier of sports in Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Be Careful, Friends Warn Oliseh On Contract
Terms With NFF
He said: "We briefed President on sports development in
Nigeria and its retinue of social economic values.
"President was impressed with the presentation but he
raised observation on the need for us to rekindle the
exploitation of the medals available in swimming in order to
make Nigeria top in All African Games table in future and
that is actually the presidential observation that we have
taken technical interest to ensure that it is implemented to
the letter.
"You know that we also have cultures that are oriented with
gymnastics and that culture is the one that we will first of
all technically invest in terms of facilities, coaches and
programmes to make sure we compete with others.
READ ALSO: All Africa Games: Nigeria Hires German Coach
"Yes, we did discuss funding. But rather in discussion of
funding we commended the Federal Government for being
the highest financier of sports in Nigeria. And we also
sought for his intervention to encourage the private sector
to do the same with their budget for corporate social
responsibility to promote sports.
"And we also requested that his Excellency should intervene
to allow the Nigeria Lottery Trust Fund to also channel a
good percentage of the resources or funds available in the
Fund for sports development as quoted in the Act that
establishes it.
"The Act says: 'The Funds in the Lottery Trust Fund are
supposed to be disbursed for sports and other courses.' But
we are yet to see that in a good percentage in order to
encourage grassroot sports."
Meanwhile, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state has
reiterated his administration's commitment to develop
grassroot sports in the state.
This is in fulfillment of one of the promises he made during
the electioneering campaign.
Commission has pleaded with President Muhammadu
Buhari to assist in the development of sports in Nigeria.
The DG made the appeal after briefing President Buhari on
the activities of his Commission at the presidential Villa
yesterday, August 24 in Abuja.
Yakmut however commended the federal government for
being the highest financier of sports in Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Be Careful, Friends Warn Oliseh On Contract
Terms With NFF
He said: "We briefed President on sports development in
Nigeria and its retinue of social economic values.
"President was impressed with the presentation but he
raised observation on the need for us to rekindle the
exploitation of the medals available in swimming in order to
make Nigeria top in All African Games table in future and
that is actually the presidential observation that we have
taken technical interest to ensure that it is implemented to
the letter.
"You know that we also have cultures that are oriented with
gymnastics and that culture is the one that we will first of
all technically invest in terms of facilities, coaches and
programmes to make sure we compete with others.
READ ALSO: All Africa Games: Nigeria Hires German Coach
"Yes, we did discuss funding. But rather in discussion of
funding we commended the Federal Government for being
the highest financier of sports in Nigeria. And we also
sought for his intervention to encourage the private sector
to do the same with their budget for corporate social
responsibility to promote sports.
"And we also requested that his Excellency should intervene
to allow the Nigeria Lottery Trust Fund to also channel a
good percentage of the resources or funds available in the
Fund for sports development as quoted in the Act that
establishes it.
"The Act says: 'The Funds in the Lottery Trust Fund are
supposed to be disbursed for sports and other courses.' But
we are yet to see that in a good percentage in order to
encourage grassroot sports."
Meanwhile, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state has
reiterated his administration's commitment to develop
grassroot sports in the state.
This is in fulfillment of one of the promises he made during
the electioneering campaign.
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