The Football Information Resources

Pepe & Gago

2008-11-26T14:05:00.001+08:00

"The team showed a lot of heart"

Carlos Cristóbal / Translation by Matthew Goltz

Pepe and Gago discussed the keys to victory following the match.

Pepe:
"The win is what counts. We capitalized on our first half chance and that's all we needed to qualify. We played well, and although we struggled a little in the second half, we withstood the pressure and didn't concede a goal. It was hard to play in such cold weather, but we still managed to start strong and score early. That was one of the keys."

"We knew how important a match it was and we didn't want to lose focus. We were a little tired in the second half but the team held strong in defense and was very serious. We had chances to score the second but they didn't materialize. We are through to the next round and are now able to host Zenit knowing that our job is done."

Gago:
"We wanted to qualify and we did. We won thanks to Raúl's goal and great teamwork. The team show a lot of heart and played well. I feel good physically and mentally. The team is on the right track."

"This Real Madrid has great players. We're on the perfect path to success. We didn's suffer too much because BATE barely had any scoring opportunities. I am pleased with the win, which allows us to focus on the league and Saturday's match against Getafe."

source - www.realmadrid.com

"Mission accomplished"

2008-11-26T14:04:00.001+08:00

Raúl & Torres: "Teamwork was the key to qualifying"

Carlos Cristóbal / Translation by Matthew Goltz

Raúl and Torres were both on the pitch when the captain scored the game winner, which proved enough to send the team through to the next round.

Raúl:
"We are pleased with the result and because we are on to the next round. We scored early and had to suffer at the end for the hard-earned won. Mission accomplished."

"BATE are very used to this kind of weather and they tried to use it to their advantage. We will now be more relaxed when hosting Zenit and we can forget about the Champions League until February."

"I am happy that the goal sent us throug to the Last 16. We need to continue working hard and improving."

Torres:
"The victory and points are all that count, but we also kept them from scoring. We scored early and knew how to hold on."

"Teamwork was the key to qualifying. We need to focus on working and improving. We cannot relax."

"It had been a while since I played. I played at home against Recreativo Huelva after several weeks of training with the team. I feel a lot better after playing two straight matches."

source - www.realmadrid.com

"I'd like to congratulate Madridistas"

2008-11-26T14:03:00.001+08:00

Calderón: "This is the second straight match without conceding a goal"

Carlos Cristóbal / Translation by Matthew Golts

Real Madrid President Ramón Calderón was extremely satisfied knowing the team will be among those in the Last 16 draw.

"I am happy for all Madridista fans. We have qualified for the next stage of the Champions League with this victory. It was very cold and keep in mind that Juventus were unable to win here."

"We are now calm heading into the next match against Zenit, where we can try to finish as the top team in the group."

"This is the second straight match without conceding a goal, proving how sound we are. Last year we didn't concede goals, and this is the right track to be on this season. I'd like to congratulate Madridistas."

source - www.realmadrid.com

Schuster: “We are improving”

2008-11-26T14:02:00.001+08:00

"Qualifying allows us to focus on the league"

Bernd Schuster stressed that team work was the key to success in Real Madrid's victory against BATE Borisov.

"We had talked a lot about qualifying against BATE because the last match of the group stage is right after we play Sevilla and before we travel to Barcelona. Playing with it all on the line would have been very hard. Qualifying allows us to focus on those two important league matches."

"The match against Recreativo Huelva wasn't spectacular, but it was effective because we defended well and managed to keep a clean sheet. Today what mattered was the first half, during which we were absolutely perfect. We had the opponent boxed in near the goal and we defended far from ours. We were pacey when moving the ball, but our best work was without the ball, which has been an area we have had trouble with this season."

"You saw the snow that fell today. We knew how important it was to concentrate on the match. Playing in this weather is possible, but you have to be mentally prepared for it. We warmed up longer than usual and all the players were well prepared. We started off great and being cold was never an issue."

"During halftime we talked about this being one of those matches that we needed a second goal to close it out. We didn't manage to score, which is why we suffered more than necessary. Teams feel they are still alive and do whatever they can to score the equaliser. It's something we need to work on for future matches."

source - www.realmadrid.com

On to the Last 16

2008-11-26T13:59:00.001+08:00

BATE Borisov 0-1 Real Madrid

Carlos Cristóbal / Translation by Matthew Goltz

The wait is over. Real Madrid secured a spot in the Last 16 of the Champions League with a 0-1 victory against BATE Borisov and the 0-0 draw between Juventus and Zenit. The Whites were in total command of the first half, and despite frequent advances by the Belarusians, managed to post their second straight shutout with very stout defense.

Real Madrid knew just how important a quick start was with temperatures dropping well below the freezing point in Minsk. The Whites did away with all speculation and quickly gained the upper hand. Guti and Sneijder guided the transition play and took no time to produce results, which came in the form of crosses by Royston Drenthe from the left wing. Saviola fired the first warning shot, but Raúl was unforgiving. The Argentine striker wasn't able to connect with a cross by Drenthe, but the captain killed the ball in the area and fired a left-footed strike into the back of the BATE net. Not seven minutes had ticked off the clock.

Real Madrid poured on the pressure. Raúl had another go 12 minutes in and Drenthe nearly increased the lead ten minutes before halftime. The team was unflappable in defense, where Sergio Ramos took position alongside Pepe and the two put in an excellent performance. Torres and Heinze outclassed their opponents on the wings, but hats off to Fernando Gago, who continues to impress in the midfield.

BATE had no choice but to go for broke in the second half. A draw would have kept them alive another day in either the Champions League, although tricky, or the UEFA Cup. One offensive series by Goncharenko's men ended when Guti received a blow to the head, forcing him to finish the match with a bandage wrapped around the injured area. Minutes later Ramos was also cut in a mid-air collision with a Belarusian player..

Real Madrid opted for ball possession and counterattacks to thwart BATE's advances. Sneijder responded on 59' with a magical pass to Saviola, who barely missed in a one-on-one with the keeper. The hosts were never discouraged however and had several close calls, but the Madridista defense was impenetrable.

BATE's misfortune was countered by Madrid. Raúl could only watch as his strike from the top of the box stuck the post. Van der Vaart, who replaced Guti, and Wesley Sneijder also had opportunities to slam the door shut. Alberto Bueno was subbed in for Saviola and made his Champions League debut with three minutes remaining. That was good news, but the headline of the night is that Real Madrid are heading to the Last 16 with one group stage match yet to be played.

source - www.realmadrid.com

Carragher calls for patience

2008-11-26T13:53:00.001+08:00

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has warned his team-mates to expect more defensively-minded opposition should they maintain their position at the top of the Premier League.

The Reds were left frustrated following a goalless draw with Fulham on Saturday as a win would have moved them two points clear of Chelsea at the top of the table.

JAMIE CARRAGHER

Carragher expects more teams to arrive at Anfield with a defensive approach and has urged his team-mates to remain patient as they look to break down opposition defences.

"Of course you want to win these games but when it doesn't happen you can't afford to get too downhearted because it's a tough league and I'm sure there are going to be plenty of games like that between now and next May," he told the club's official website.

"Against Fulham obviously we haven't hit the heights that we did do earlier in the season and to be perfectly honest, they played well and I wouldn't say we deserved to win because I suppose they could have nicked one as well because they were quite lively on the break.

"That's been the case ever since I've been in the team. Pretty much every team that comes to Anfield plays counter-attacking football and we can't complain about that.

"We've just got to adapt to it and overcome it because if we want to challenge for the title that is something we're going to have to do."

source - www.4thegame.com

Torres predicts Ron sweep

2008-11-26T13:49:00.001+08:00

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres expects Cristiano Ronaldo to complete a clean sweep of European and World Player of the Year award this year.

Torres has been named alongside the Manchester United winger on FIFA's list for the world award, but expects Ronaldo to be given the nod following his remarkable 2007/08 season in which he scored 42 goals.

FERNANDO TORRES

The 23-year-old was the driving force behind United's Premier League and Champions League double and Torres believes he in incomparable.

"No-one can rival him," he told France Football. "He is in a class of his own. I have never seen a comparable player.

"What he did last season is incredible. No-one won this year what he's won: Champions League, Premier League and Golden Boot.

"For me he is the best player in the world. A machine. Incomparable."

Ronaldo has already been named the FIFPro World Player of the Year for 2008.

source - www.4thegame.com

Benitez drops Gerrard hint

2008-11-26T13:48:00.001+08:00

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has given a strong indication that Steven Gerrard will start in Wednesday's Champions League visit of Marseille.

The Reds skipper missed last weekend's goalless draw with Fulham with the same groin muscle problem which forced him to pull out of England duty the previous week.

STEVEN GERRARD

But Benitez has revealed that his talismanic skipper is available to play the full 90 minutes of the Group D encounter should he be required.

"He was training and is available," said the Spanish coach.

"He could start and I think he could play 90 minutes, but in the end that depends on the player during the game."

Meanwhile, Benitez has called for focus ahead of the meeting with the French side, with last season's 1-0 group stage defeat to Marseille still fresh in the memory.

"Marseille have players with pace and ability - skilful players who are very dangerous," he continued.

"We also have the experience of last season, when we know we didn't play well.

"The people talked about an easy game, but we knew it was going to be difficult. Now everybody knows they have good players, so we need to take care."

source - www.4thegame.com

SCOLARI: TOMORROW IS THE DAY

2008-11-26T13:46:00.001+08:00

A few hours after arriving in Bordeaux for tomorrow's Champions League clash, Felipe Scolari discussed some of the differences between the European competition and the domestic league.

Defeat to Roma in our last outing in Europe and a goalless draw away to Cluj contrast with a 100 per cent away record at home and our Brazilian manager suggested a reason for the disparity.

'In the Champions League we play against the best teams in Europe, it is different than when we play in the Premier League.

'In the Premier League we play against A, B and C, but also we play against X and Z.

'But here [in Europe] all the clubs in the Champions League are first, second or third in their country. In England we play against first, second, 18th,19th or 15th. So it is different.

'We have more opportunity to win games there than when we play away in the Champions League.'

The Chelsea squad arrived in France Tuesday lunchtime and trained in Bordeaux's Stade Chaban-Delmas under floodlights in the evening.

Alex, who missed the last two games with a groin strain suffered against Burnley, took part in the session but Ricardo Carvalho, Juliano Belletti and Franco Di Santo have remained in England due to injury. They will be joined at Cobham by suspended Deco and long-term absentee Michael Essien.

Miroslav Stoch, the reserve team's Slovakian Under 21 international winger was also part of the group being put through their paces in a stadium with a unique character.

The entrance and adjacent club buildings are reminiscent of a 1930s lido while the arena itself is low and spacious, with shallow-banked curved ends behind each goal. The 2,100 Chelsea fans with tickets will be in the corner of one of these, opposite and to the left of the tunnel entrance.

With tomorrow's game our final away match of the group stage, Scolari is looking for victory and guaranteed qualification to the next round.

However, Bordeaux's performances have improved of late, and they will head into this game on the back of two straight wins in the Champions League, a big contrast to the 4-0 thrashing they suffered at Stamford Bridge.

'I know Bordeaux have very good players, they lost against us, but 4-0 is not a normal result. They are playing well in the French league and are in a good condition at the moment.

'We respect this team. They have six points and we have only seven, not much difference.

'But we need to qualify; we need to arrive in the next round. We lost one chance against Roma and tomorrow is the second chance for us and neither I nor my players will expect a wasted opportunity. Tomorrow is the day.'

With an uncharacteristic away defeat against Roma last month, Scolari believes the final result that evening was testament to Roma's resilience and will have little impact on Wednesday's match in France.

'That was a game which if Roma lost; they were out of the competition. They played better than us by 100 per cent.

'This may be because we are more adapted in England than when we play away in the Champions League. But now it is important to us, because tomorrow we play for the next round.'

source - www.chelseafc.com

BORDEAUX REVISITED

2008-11-26T13:45:00.001+08:00

It is Champions League matchday five tomorrow (Wednesday), and the Chelsea team this morning travelled to Bordeaux hoping for a repeat of September's resounding victory at Stamford Bridge.

On that night goals from Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka put the gloss on an impressive first European game of the season.

We find our hosts in mixed form, following their visit to SW6 they went six games unbeaten in Ligue 1, but a recent defeat to Lyon was followed up by a 1-1 draw at home to Rennes.

A side without an abundance of stars, there are names familiar to English fans, either having Premier League experience or previously clashing at international level with our national side.

Their home, the Stade Chaban Delmas has a reduced capacity of 32,500 for Champions League matches.

1. Kevin Olimpa
Goalkeeper
20-year-old goalkeeper still awaiting his first team debut after a fractured tibia. A French youth international, Olimpa graduated from the national football centre in Clairefontaine.

3. Henrique
Defender
Signed by Brazilian Ricardo Gomes in 2005, himself a former defender, Henrique has played 50 league games in his first three seasons, appearing twice in the 2006/7 Champions League campaign. He previously played for Flamengo, and is as yet uncapped by Brazil. An unused sub at Stamford Bridge.

4. Alou Diarra
Midfielder
Endured an unsuccessful spell at Liverpool from 2002, being loaned out to three French clubs, before signing for Lens in 2005, where he played 66 times before signing for Lyon. A brief spell there ended when he arrived at Bordeaux in 2007. A French international, Diarra played in the 2006 World Cup Final. 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge.

5. Fernando
Midfielder
Another Brazilian who has spent time in Italy before arriving in France with Girondins, Menegazzo is a holding midfielder who won the Copa America in 2007. He signed for Siena in 2003 from Juventude in his homeland, before joining Catania for half a season. Subbed after 74 minutes in the first meeting two months back.

6. Franck Jurietti
Defender
33-year-old defender with experience at France's top clubs. He started out at Lyon before two spells with Monaco either side of a period at Marseille. Signed for Bordeaux in 2003, and has made over 150 league appearances. 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge.

7. Yoan Gouffran
Midfielder
Promising midfielder signed in the summer from Caen where he graduated through the youth academy. Attack-minded, he scored 10 league goals in 36 games last season, and won a gold medal at the 2005 Under 19 European finals. Played an ineffective 65 minutes at Stamford Bridge.

8. Yoann Gourcuff
Midfielder
Another summer signing, this time from AC Milan where the 22-year-old made 36 appearances in two seasons. He joined the Italians from Rennes, Petr Cech's former club, where he graduated from the academy. Scored in the weekend's draw with Rennes, and featured for the entire game in our first meeting in September.

9. Fernando Cavenaghi
Forward
Argentine forward who started out with a debut at River Plate aged 16. Eventually he scored 55 in 88 games before signing for Spartak Moscow. Now 24, he has experience in Europe with Spartak, where he spent three seasons before signing for Bordeaux in 2006/7. Has eight goals already this term, but was only a substitute at the Bridge.

10. Jussié
Midfielder
24-year-old Brazilian who arrived in 2006 from Lens after a brief spell in Japan with Kashiwa Reysol in 2003. Started out with Cruzeiro in Brazil, so Scolari is no stranger!

11. David Bellion
Forward
Pacy striker who had spells in England with Sunderland, Manchester United and West Ham. Signed from Nice in 2007 and scored 12 Ligue 1 goals last season. Began career with Cannes before arriving in England in 2001.

13. Diego Placente
Defender
31-year-old defender who was a team-mate of Michael Ballack at Bayer Leverkusen in 2002, when they were Champions League finalists. Since then he has had spells with Celta Vigo and San Lorenzo in his native Argentina, having arrived in Germany from River Plate. Vastly experienced with 22 international caps, he impressed in our meeting back in September.

14. Souleymane Diawara
Defender
Signed in 2007 from Charlton after 23 games in England during the season Athletic were relegated from the Premier League. Born in Senegal, Diawara developed at Le Havre before signing for Sochaux in 2003. Has Uefa Cup experience and made his Champions League bow against us in September.

16. Ulrich Ramé
Goalkeeper
35-year-old captain who has spent 11 years with Bordeaux after signing from Angers in 1997. A model of consistency, he has 12 French caps, and has played over 60 times in Europe. Missing through injury of late but may return against Chelsea.

17. Wendel
Midfielder
Arrived in France in 2006 and played five times in the 2006/7 Champions League campaign. He has scored frequently from midfield since signing for Bordeaux, despite scoring just seven in 133 games in his native Brazil, where his last club was the famous Santos. Played at the Bridge, shooting over when well placed.

19. Pierre Ducasse
Midfielder
Local youngster who has progressed through the club's ranks, playing 12 times in Europe, and over 30 times in league football since his debut in 2005. Has Under 19 and 21 French caps. Second half sub in the first meeting.

21. Mathieu Chalmé
Defender
27-year-old defender who started with Girondins before signing for Lille where he made 128 appearances, making his debut against Bordeaux. Resigned for the club in 2007 to replace West Ham-bound Julien Faubert and made 34 league appearances last season.

23. Florian Marange
Defender
22-year-old left-back who has graduated from the club's academy, making his debut in early 2005. Capped at Under 19 and 21 levels, he won European trophies with both sides, and was in the team of the tournament in the Under 19 championship.

24. Abdou Traoré
Midfielder
A Malian Under 21 international, Traoré is another to have progressed through Bordeaux's youth system, though he is still awaiting his Ligue 1 debut. He did however make his Uefa Cup debut in late 2007 against Anderlecht.

25. Henri Saivet
Forward
Still only 17, Saivet signed pro forms in 2006, making his debut at the end of the 2007/8 season. Capped at Under 17 level, the Frenchman is a huge prospect for the future.

27. Marc Planus
Defender
Local boy who remains with his first club. Made his debut as a 20-year-old in late 2002, and has now played over 150 times, scoring his first league goal in early 2008. Followed his older brother Pierre through the club's academy and played the full match two months ago.

28. Benoit Trémoulinas
Defender
Joined Bordeaux as a 14-year-old in 1999, and can operate as either a wing-back or left-midfielder. Played nine times in Ligue 1 last season, and has appeared seven times in the Uefa Cup.

29. Marouane Chamakh
Forward
Moroccan forward with over 30 caps for his country, Chamakh won a silver medal at the 2004 African Cup of Nations. Has been with Bordeaux since the age of 16, and is now 24. Played over 150 times for the club. Substituted after 65 minutes of the first meeting, after finding little breakthrough against the Chelsea backline.

30. Mathieu Valverde
Goalkeeper
25-year-old backup goalkeeper with limited experience of first team football, making just a handful of appearances. An Under 21 international, he has covered for the injured Ramé in recent weeks and waits to see if he will start on Wednesday night.

32. Gabriel Obertan
Forward
19-year-old Parisian who arrived at Bordeaux in 2005, Obertan is a big prospect, noted for his speed and ability on the ball. Played three Champions League games in 2006/7, and made 26 league appearances in 2007/8. A 65th minute sub at the Bridge.

39. Sacha Clémence
Forward
Summer signing from Stade Bordelais, the 20-year-old striker scored five times in 31 appearances last season.

Coach
Laurent Blanc
Requires little introduction due to his illustrious playing career with some of Europe's largest clubs, winning trophies in three countries (France, England, Spain) as well as the Uefa Cup Winners' Cup in 1997 and the World Cup and European Championship in 1998 and 2000. Blanc made 97 appearances for his country before hanging up his boots in 2003. Since then he has worked on his coaching badges, and took over at Bordeaux in 2007, leading the side to second in his first season, beating Lyon in this season's Super Cup.

source - www.chelseafc.com

Stalemate suits Evans

2008-11-26T11:46:00.002+08:00

Jonny Evans was happy to get a clean sheet under his belt in United's Champions League goalless draw against Villarreal.

The centre-back was given another run-out in Spain and excelled again as the Reds progressed to the knockout stages. Victory over Aalborg at home in the final game will ensure the Reds finish top of Group E.

Evans told MUTV: "They set their stall out against us by defending and playing one up front, and it's always hard to break them down, especially on a tight pitch like that.

"As a defender you always want a clean sheet. Our main aim was to get through but it would be a nice bonus to finish top of the group."

Evans enjoyed his tussle with Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi, who left Old Trafford for Villarreal in the summer of 2007.

"He's done me a few times in training so it's nice to face him in a competitive match," Evans said. "Everyone knows what a quality player he is and everyone was surprised to see him leave us at the time."

Evans has looked assured in his handful of appearances for United, but is keen to improve by gaining more first-team experience.

"There's always room for improvement," he added. I'm learning from the defenders here, so hopefully I'll get a few more games and learn a bit more. I want to give the manager a headache and a problem."

source -www.manutd.com

Report: Villarreal 0 United 0

2008-11-26T11:46:00.001+08:00

United are safely through to the last 16 of the Champions League - but the battle for top spot with fellow qualifiers Villarreal will continue into December after a fourth successive stalemate between the sides.

The Reds seemed more intent on winning than their cautious Spanish counterparts and will now hope to secure the more favourable draw they deserve by beating Celtic's conquerors Aalborg at Old Trafford on 10 December.

Sir Alex Ferguson's line-up at El Madrigal showed five changes from the side that started Saturday's 0-0 draw at Aston Villa. Nani and Darren Fletcher replaced Ji-sung Park and Ryan Giggs in midfield, and Anderson also came in at the expense of a striker, Carlos Tevez. At the back, Tomasz Kuszczak deputised for Edwin van der Sar and Jonny Evans was given another chance to impress alongside Rio Ferdinand, with Nemanja Vidic rested.

Eager to mark his recall, Anderson was instrumental in two early attacks that saw United utilise the left flank. First, he fired in a cross-cum-shot which Diego Lopez had to palm away from the Villarreal goal; next he played in Patrice Evra for a low cross that Wayne Rooney tapped home, only to see an official's flag raised for offside.

Ex-Reds striker Giuseppe Rossi gave Kuszczak his first save, a simple one low to his right. The keeper's next act was to parry a swerving drive from Santi Cazorla.

Cristiano Ronaldo's resolve, having shrugged off a knock to start,

was twice tested under the referee's nose in the first half. Italian official Roberto Rossetti had a word with the United winger and the defender who seemed to claw at his neck - later he showed Javi Venta the yellow card for a foul on Ronaldo, whose resulting free-kick was saved comfortably by Lopez. The next booking was for United's Patrice Evra, after he brought down Ariel Ibagaza.

Lopez had to make three more saves as the game approached half-time - one straightforward from Fletcher after Rooney chested down Nani's cross, and two athletic efforts to deny Ronaldo. The first of these was a stunning finger-tip save to push an equally excellent shot onto the crossbar, again teed up by Rooney; the final stop demonstrated good reactions as he saw Ronaldo's free-kick late but still managed to smuggle it wide. Sebastian Eguren saw yellow for the foul leading to the setpiece.

Villarreal were forced into a change at the break, bringing Bruno on for Marcos Senna – the scorer of a free-kick against Celtic in an earlier group game. Bruno's first telling contribution, a left-wing cross aimed for Rossi, was decisively headed away by Evra.

Ronaldo resumed his duel with Diego Lopez when he drove in a menacing shot that bounced just before the keeper saved it. When Rooney went for the rebound and fell in the area, there were appeals from both sides – from Ronaldo for a penalty and from Villarreal's defenders for a booking to punish what they saw as a dive. The referee made neither call but did produce a card for Ronaldo moments later, apparently for dissent after a separate incident.

Fuentes joined Ronaldo in the book for a foul on Rooney; play was waved on to allow Fletcher a shot that he dragged wide.

With the game opening up around the hour mark, Anderson twice hit low shots straight at the keeper and Rooney chipped one wide – both players benefiting from Fletcher's neat approach play. Another Rooney shot, on the turn following Carrick's penetrative pass, found a familiar fate - well saved by Lopez.

The Reds enjoyed some luck when Santi Cazorla bent a glorious cross in behind the defence and only just failed to get a connection from Rossi and his cohorts. And Villarreal were also fortunate when Rooney's centre from the left, deflected off a defender, was headed out from under his own crossbar by the quick-thinking Capdevila. Villarreal's hero became the villain moments later, however, when he lunged at Ronaldo and was shown the red card to the chagrin of a cacophonic home faithful.

Despite this assault, Ronaldo remained on the field while Fletcher, Nani and Carrick were replaced during the last ten by Gibson, Park and Tevez.

Villarreal: Lopez; Venta, Rodriguez, Fuentes, Capdevila; Santi Cazorla, Senna (Bruno, 46), Eguren, Pires (Fernandez, 65); Ibagaza, Rossi (Franco, 79). Subs not used: Viera, Edmilson, Cygan, Lopez. Booked: Venta, Eguren, Fuentes. Sent off: Capdevila.

United: Kuszczak; O'Shea, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra; Ronaldo, Fletcher (Gibson, 80), Anderson, Carrick (Tevez, 86), Nani (Park, 84); Rooney. Subs not used: Foster, Giggs, Vidic, Rafael. Booked:Evra, Ronaldo.

source - www.manutd.com

Boss: We deserved better

2008-11-26T11:45:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson will feel United won 'on points' after slugging out a fourth 0-0 draw with Villarreal to reach the knockout phase of the Champions League.

The European champions certainly came the closest to landing a fatal blow when Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half rocket was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Diego Lopez. And with Wayne Rooney also going close to scoring that elusive 100th goal in club football (Manchester derby anyone?) it was hard to argue with Sir Alex's assertion.

"We deserved better," the United manager told ITV Sport. "I think we were the better team while Villarreal were happy to get the draw.

"In the second half we improved our possession of the ball, we just couldn't find the net. Their goalkeeper made some decent saves of course.

"I was satisified with the performance. We controlled the game and this result takes us to the next stage. That's the name of the game."

Sir Alex was also happy that names were taken by Italian referee Roberto Rosetti for a series of fouls on Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese winger bravely wanted to play despite taking a knock or two against Aston Villa just 72 hours or so earlier and he was in the wars again in Spain, by frequently stretching the Villarreal defence.

"Ronaldo got the protection we asked for," said Sir Alex, after Rosetti booked three Villarreal players and showed an instant red to left-back Joan Capdevila for a nasty lunge.

"A very strong referee is always an advantage in football today."

source - www.manutd.com

'Winning this game is the first step for us'

2008-11-26T11:40:00.001+08:00

On leaving it late against Dynamo Kyiv…
"Yes we left it late but I felt that it was a more steady than spectacular performance and for us it was important to come back to win the game. I believe that Kyiv defended very well and until now they had not conceded a goal away from home in the Champions League. They drew 0-0 at Fenerbahce and won 1-0 in Porto and you could see why tonight. They were very well organised and they gave us no time on the ball. At the moment the fact that we were less spontaneous in our game gave us a big problem.

"Winning is a first step for us because the team needs a bit of reassurance and at least the win will give us that."

On Nicklas Bendtner's impact from the bench…
"It is a great goal and it is not handball you can see that on the replay. It was not taken on his arm and it is not handball like Kyiv complained. It was a great goal because first, it was a fantastic ball from Fabregas, and then it was a good touch and a good finish.

"I am very happy for him because I felt he was a bit disturbed recently, maybe because of a lack of confidence. That will give him the needed confidence."

On Cesc Fabregas' first outing as club captain…
"He was very good tonight, he was focussed for 90 minutes and he worked hard both offensively and defensively. It was not easy in midfield because they closed us down very well there. I expected Kyiv to drop a little bit in the second half but they didn't and overall I think Cesc had a very good game.

On the performance of William Gallas…
"I believe that his focus was great and he wanted to do well. You could see that he was completely committed at the back and it was not an easy performance for the defence tonight. Overall I feel he did well.

"The crowd responded very well and that means that they acknowledge that he was a committed captain. I was very happy that the crowd responded in a positive way to him."

On the role of the younger players…
"Aaron Ramsey worked very hard and Carlos Vela looked good during his hour and he worked very hard. Afterwards he did drop a bit physically because he is not used to playing at that level. Jack Wilshere, when he came on, did extremely well. He has big composure on the ball and he doesn't look fazed at all and he has done very well."

On Manuel Almunia's crucial save at 0-0…
"It was a turning point in the game I feel. In this kind of game, the keeper always has to make a save and he did just that at the right moment."

source - www.arsenal.com

Wilshere is youngest European Gunner

2008-11-26T11:39:00.001+08:00

Jack Wilshere has become the youngest Arsenal player to represent the Club in European competition.

When he replaced Carlos Vela against Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday night he set a new mark at 16 years and 329 days.

The previous youngest was Theo Walcott who was 17 years and 129 days when Arsenal played against Dinamo Zagreb at Emirates Stadium on 23 August 2006.

source - www.arsenal.com

Fergie lauds brave Ronaldo

2008-11-26T00:38:00.001+08:00

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has lauded Cristiano Ronaldo's bravery after revealing the winger will face Villarreal against his better judgement.

The Portugal international was expected to miss United's Champions League trip to Spain on Tuesday night after limping out of Saturday's goalless draw at Aston Villa with an ankle problem.

CRISTIANO RONALDO

But the 23-year-old returned to training on Monday and told Ferguson he was desperate to play at the Estadio El Madrigal.

"Cristiano got a lot of whacks on Saturday - a few cuts but nothing serious," confirmed the United boss.

"He wants to play and that is a problem. I would rather leave him out.

"When players show that enthusiasm to play you don't deter them you encourage it."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has rejected suggestions that Ronaldo is struggling to come to terms with his status as the world's best player.

Ronaldo reacted angrily to heckling from Villa fans after being substituted at the weekend which led to suggestions that last season's 42-goal top-scorer and reported world and European player of the year elect is struggling to cope with the weight of expectation.

"There has been some criticism of Ronaldo that he couldn't take it on Saturday," continued Ferguson.

"I wonder how many people take it when you are walking down the street and so many people hit you over the head with a baton? How many times can you take it?

"Tell me someone who likes getting abused? Will you please point them out to me.

"I thought he showed admirable courage on taking the ball on Saturday. He always does.

"He was tackled many, many times, most of the time fairly but there were a few occasions when he didn't get the right decisions.

"That is the mantle you carry when you are a great player. He knows that so he has to get on with it.

"He is a great player and he is a target for fans. But it is not a problem."

source - www.4thegame.com

Fergie rubbishes Tevez link

2008-11-26T00:34:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has rubbished reports suggesting Real Madrid are keen to sign Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez.

Tevez's future at Old Trafford has been brought into question following the £30million arrival of Dimitar Berbatov in August.

CARLOS TEVEZ

The Argentina striker has yet to agree terms on a permanent contract with the Red Devils and his existing two-year loan deal is due to expire at the end of the current season.

Ferguson has continually suggested the 24-year-old will sign a permanent deal and has dismissed reports that the Spanish giants are preparing a January swoop.

The veteran Scot fought off the attentions of Real Madrid during a summer saga involving Cristiano Ronaldo.

"No, I've not spoken to Carlos about Real Madrid's interest. We get used to them talking to our players," said Ferguson in his press conference ahead of Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Villarreal.

"I could have the opportunity to respond to Real Madrid every day of the season because it never stops.

"We should talk about the game because there will be plenty of time to talk about Real Madrid throughout the rest of the season."

source - www.4thegame.com

O'Shea hopes for goals

2008-11-26T00:28:00.001+08:00

John O'Shea hopes United can finally break their duck against Villarreal on Tuesday as they look to seal top spot in Group E.

The pair have played out three goalless draws in as many meetings since first locking horns in September 2005.

Victory for United in Tuesday's Champions League clash will see them qualify for the knock-out stages as group winners with a game to spare.

O'Shea is expecting another tight encounter with the Spaniards, but, as he told ManUtd.com, he's confident the Reds can finally get themselves on the scoresheet.

"With the amount of attacking quality in both teams it shows how good the defenders have been!" he joked in reference to the 0-0 treble. "It's strange, sometimes you get little runs like this against certain teams.

"Both sides respect each other so much and the last three matches have been like a chess game. They're difficult to play against – they always do well in La Liga, so it'll be tricky.

"We're almost guaranteed qualification, but we're not counting our chickens just yet. With the quality we have we should be able to score a few goals and hopefully get the win we want."

source - www.manutd.com

Better than after 99

2008-11-26T00:24:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex believes his side are better equipped to win the Champions League again than the Reds were in 1999.

United's Treble season brought unparalleled success to Old Trafford, but the English and European Double last term puts the Reds in a similar position this season.

"The year after 1999 we were very naïve," admitted the boss. "Teams sussed us out tactically; teams like Ajax and Anderlecht played counter-attack on their own grounds which caught us by surprise. We should have changed, but we didn't and we suffered. We didn't do well that year.

"This season I think I have a better squad so we can make changes tactically and we have improved that side of our game. Our players have grown up in European football. They've become familiar in the way the games can change in Europe."

United's task of winning the Champions League is made harder this season by the precedent of no team winning back-to-back titles since the competition's reformatting in 1992.

"Milan should have won it twice in a row recently, but the main reason that it's so difficult to win it two years running is that it's so competitive. You have the best four teams from Spain, Italy and England – it's a very tough competition. That's the main reason why a team hasn't won it twice in a row in its current format."

Sir Alex puts Barcelona in with the other three English sides as the teams most likely to contest United's European crown.

"Barcelona will be a big threat to everyone," he said. "Our experience of playing against them last season was that they are a very difficult team to play against. This season under their new coach Josep Guardiola,they have brought in Daniel Alves and one of my former players, Gerard Pique.

"They've changed the format of their team around and their goals against record this season is much better than it was last season. I think the natural threat to us is Barcelona. But I've said in the last two or three years, the English sides have established themselves as a consistent threat to all the other teams."

However, before attentions can turn to winning the competition, the Reds must first get past the hurdle of Group E. Standing in the way on Tuesday night is Villarreal, a team Sir Alex has huge respect for. Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini has been likened to Sir Alex for the way he has gradually built a team with El Submarino Amarillo (the yellow submarines).

"He's not as good looking as me," Sir Alex joked with the Spanish press. "The man himself is an example of how a coach can build a team with very little resources. He has created his own identity with his team. You get that with managers like Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, Brian Clough did it at Nottingham Forest and I've tried to do it with United. Pellegrini has established himself in this team."

It's surprising, then, that given the attacking talent on show for both sides that three meetings in recent seasons have all ended in 0-0 draws.

"I don't think there is any particular reason," adds the boss. "I think that Villarreal have shown what a tremendous side they are over the years. They've been second in La Liga twice in the last few years. To do that with a team from a small town, certainly without the resources of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Valencia, has been fantastic. They're fantastically consistent and we know that we are playing a well-organised side on Tuesday night."

source - www.manutd.com

Weathering the elements

2008-11-25T23:24:00.001+08:00

Real Madrid take on BATE Borisov and the weather

It's Matchday 5 of the Champions League, and Real Madrid have hit the road for an important showdown against BATE Borisov in Minsk, Belarus. The Whites not only face the recently crowned league champions, but extreme weather conditions that will also be a huge factor. A win coupled with anything but a Zenit victory over Juventus guarantee the Madridistas a spot in the Last 16.

Real Madrid may have won the first match 2-0 against BATE, but tonight is a whole new ball game now that the hosts have recovered their two top scorers, Rodionov and Bliznyuk. Bernd Schuster meanwhile has the difficult task of fielding a team plagued by injury, the last to fall being Gonzalo Higuaín. Real Madrid Castillas' Alberto Bueno however has already debuted in the Copa del Rey and made his first league appearance last week, so there's a good chance we'll see the youth teamer receive some playing time in the hunt for Europe's top prize.

On the other end of the pitch is BATE Borisov, a team that has reached stardom in stunning fashion. Since emerging in the First Division of the domestic league in 1999, BATE has become the team to beat in Belarus. Last week they won their third straight league title and fifth overall. On the international stage, BATE have progressed from UEFA Cup qualifiers to the Champions League. The key to their success, not signing top players despite the club's deep pockets and instead relying heavily on their academy.

One of Real Madrid's primary concerns since landing in Minsk has been the weather. The players got a sense of what awaits last night during their final training session; temperatures between five and ten below zero and snow. City streets are covered in white and groundskeepers continue shoveling it off the pitch and onto the sidelines. The Madridistas are aware of the challenge ahead, but they hope to use what at first looked like a handicap in their favor.

An organized team, an intimidating attack, adverse weather conditions... factors that don't favor Real Madrid. But this team knows what overcoming adversity is all about, and the best way to return home is with a win and a ticket to the Last 16 of the competition, with a little help from Juventus, of course. Because the latter isn't in their hands however, dwelling on it makes no sense. The best solution, paint Dinamo Stadium white, and not just by snow flurries.

source - www.realmadrid.com

Adams concern over Defoe blow

2008-11-25T10:49:00.001+08:00

Jermain Defoe's calf injury has given Tony Adams a major selection dilemma ahead of the UEFA Cup tie with AC Milan.

Defoe had to come off at half-time in England's victory in Germany last Wednesday when he aggravated a problem which Pompey now admit he has had for some time.

The hotshot also missed Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Hull City. He is visiting a specialist to assess the full damage and fears an operation might be the only real remedy.

Surgery would rule out Defoe for at least four weeks and leaves Adams, who is almost certain to be without star midfielder Lassana Diarra once again, desperately short of fire power.

Minor Operation

The timing is catastrophic given defeat would leave the FA Cup winners struggling to qualify for the knockout stages after a 3-0 hammering by Portuguese side Braga in their opening Group E match last month.

Adams initially hoped the £7.5m striker, whom he is desperate to keep despite the fear that bigger clubs will bid for him in the January transfer window, would be fit to face Hull City.

But Adams admitted: "He's had this problem before and we've got to get it sorted out for him. We will.

"He is seeing a (specialist) guy on Monday and we'll know more about his situation then. I'm not a doctor so I can't really comment at this stage but we'll see."

Defoe added: "I have had the problem for the past three games and it has got to the point that when I play I can't feel my foot because of the numbness.

"I have had treatment including acupuncture but it is showing no signs of clearing up, and I know another England player who has had a similar problem and needed surgery to sort it out. It is only a minor operation but it could mean me missing out for at least four weeks."

source - www.premierleague.com

Benitez disappointed after draw

2008-11-25T10:47:00.001+08:00

Rafael Benitez saw Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Fulham as an 'opportunity lost'.

On the 45th anniversary of Anfield anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' topping the charts, Rafael Benitez might have hoped his Liverpool team would have something special on their side as they lined up to face Fulham on Saturday, writes Claire Harmer.

However, they were met by a stubborn Cottagers outfit, with Brede Hangeland, John Pantsil and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer conducting an inspired defensive performance.

With captain Steven Gerrard out injured and Xabi Alonso dropped to the bench following his exertions for Spain in midweek, Liverpool were left lacking at times, with strikers Robbie Keane and Fernando Torres finding service in short supply.

While the visitors edged the first half, the Reds dominated in the second, helped in part by the introduction of Alonso. But neither side could find the breakthrough, and with both 'keepers making outstanding saves, the match ended 0-0.

Things could have been worse for Barclays Premier League title hopefuls Liverpool, had both Chelsea and Manchester United's respective matches not also finished goalless.

Opportunity Lost

Speaking afterwards, Benitez revealed he saw the match as an 'opportunity lost,' as a win could have seen the Reds go two points clear at the league's summit.

"It was a bad day, we did not have enough energy from the beginning and we did not pass the ball well enough," said Benitez.

"Fulham did well. They had plenty of possession and were in control of the first half.

"Playing badly, we had three good opportunities. In the second half we started really well, with more energy and determination. Okay we could have scored, and we didn't which is a pity, and we feel frustrated.

"And then when we got back into the dressing room we discovered that Chelsea had drawn and Arsenal had lost. So we are disappointed.

"Those results would have been good for us had we won this one, it was an opportunity lost. I would assume Chelsea feel the same way about our result and Arsenal's defeat."

He added: "We had a situation when maybe five players were well below their best. The players who had been away with their countries looked tired.

"I know the crowd were calling for Xabi Alonso to come on but he had played 90 minutes for Spain and we needed fresh legs.

"When he did come on Fulham pressurised him straight away. In don't think one man makes that much difference in such circumstances, when so many other players are off-form you cannot expect one player to change things."

Kitchen Sink

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, was pleased with the performance of his side, at a ground where they normally find points hard to come by.

"We have eventually seen through a decent away performance. So often this season we have been 0-0 with 10 minutes to go and conceded a goal, which has meant we've gone home with nothing at all and very deflated," he said.

"This time we produced a very good performance and got a point against a strong Liverpool team who are potential champions of the country. We've got to be very satisfied with our performance and with the result it gave us.

"In the first half we might have even shaded the possession. We knew that when you play here, Liverpool have a great record and they've won almost all of their recent games.

"We knew they would throw the kitchen sink at us and that is what happened. They've got a bench where you know they have players they can bring on as good as the ones going off.

"Mark Schwarzer made two very good saves, but we also had players who had been away on international duty doing well.

"It was ironic the three players who had the longest trips, Brede Hangeland to the Ukraine, John Pantsil to Ghana and Mark Schwarzer to Bahrain, playing for their countries, were the ones who played the best today.

"If they can do that well after playing internationals abroad, then they are quite welcome to go away every week!"

source - www.premierleague.com

News in brief - Mon 24th Nov

2008-11-25T10:44:00.001+08:00

A review of the news from around the grounds of each Barclays Premier League club.

Arsenal

Manager Arsene Wenger could hand defender William Gallas a dramatic recall for the Champions League match with Dynamo Kiev. Although Gallas was omitted for the defeat at Manchester City on Saturday, he continued training over the weekend and Wenger says his fellow Frenchman is in contention to make a return on Tuesday night. When asked who would face Dynamo in the wake of the 3-0 defeat against Manchester City on Saturday, Wenger said: "Cesc Fabregas will be available, and maybe Gallas." The Gunners are short of defensive options with Kolo Toure, Bacary Sagna and Emmanuel Eboue all still ruled out for a fixture in which victory would guarantee Arsenal a place in the last 16.

Aston Villa

Manager Martin O'Neill felt Aston Villa deserved their share of the spoils in the goalless draw at home to Manchester United. The result followed on from a 2-0 success at Arsenal last weekend, and O`Neill said: "We tried to perform in the same way. We didn't create as many chances as at Arsenal but tried to replicate the play. It is very difficult against United. They are great players who can turn games but we stuck at it and deserved something. These have been two big games for us after losing to Newcastle and Middlesbrough and will help to give the players great self-belief. We have now played the top four sides and have lost only once although we were well beaten at Chelsea. It is exceptionally hard to break into the top four but we are aiming for that sort of thing. The players are improving and have a good confidence about themselves."

Blackburn Rovers

Paul Ince has backed his Blackburn Rovers side to come good despite a third successive Barclays Premier League defeat. Rovers lost 1-0 at Tottenham Hotspur with their task made harder by the dismissal of Martin Olsson for two bookable offences. Ince said: "It was a good battling performance against a good Tottenham side and we have to take heart from that. But you've got to be concerned, especially when you've been playing well. I keep saying every week that the performances are good but we aren't getting any points. It is a long long way to go, but the good thing is we've got Benni [McCarthy] and Brett [Emerton] back so we are starting to look a little bit stronger. It is always hard, the more you keep losing the more it is hard to get that win. But if you are playing well and the performances are good then you hope that you get that win. At the end of the day the lads are devastated because they've played well and gave it their all. Every one of them has run their socks off, and that is what it will take to get us up the league."

Bolton Wanderers

Manager Gary Megson insisted there was plenty of room for improvement concerning his team`s all-round display despite a convincing 3-1 win at Middlesbrough. Wanderers were two goals ahead inside the first 10 minutes, but Megson said: "We got a terrific start but we didn't press it home and we were looking to hang onto it instead of pushing forward. We are a bit of an enigma at the moment. We spoke at half-time about having that little bit of belief and that will come from myself and the staff and everyone connected with the club. They need a bit of help to believe in themselves. Our first goal was always going to make it difficult but we should have made it more difficult for Middlesbrough. But hopefully we can keep improving in the short term to get where we want to be in the long term."

Chelsea

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari claimed the absence of Didier Drogba was not to blame for his side`s stalemate at home to Newcastle United. It was the kind of match that cried out for a striker of Drogba's class but the Ivorian sat out the fixture because of a three-match ban. Scolari said: "Drogba is out. It is not only Drogba, it is my team. My team is not only one player, it is 24. If we lose because we are missing one player, we are not a team. But we are a team."

everton

Despite Everton's impressive away record at Wigan Athletic, David Moyes is urging his team to be wary of the threat posed by Steve Bruce's side ahead of Monday`s match. The Merseysiders have picked up seven points from their last three fixtures at the JJB Stadium and although Wigan are currently experiencing a dip in home form having neither won nor scored in their last three outings, Moyes believes they cannot be underestimated. He said: "You can't take anything for granted in this league and we will have to play well if we are going to come away with the points. I think Wigan are a good side, I think they are strong and they work very hard. Steve Bruce has got himself a good group of players and the game will be hard, it always is against Wigan and against Steve's teams. They are a good footballing side, they have good players in the team and they also a strong side. They have been a little bit unlucky so far this season, one or two things have gone against them and I see them as a side that will certainly be a Premier League team next season."

Fulham

Roy Hodgson was full of praise for his international players as Fulham claimed a point at Anfield. Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was in inspired form, but Hodgson also paid tribute to his defence. He said: "Mark Schwarzer made two very good saves, but we also had players who had been away on international duty doing well. It was ironic the three players who had the longest trips, Brede Hangeland to the Ukraine, John Pantsil to Ghana and Mark Schwarzer to Bahrain, were the ones who played the best. If that is how they play after internationals abroad, maybe I should be happy for them to go every week."

Hull City

Assistant manager Brian Horton backed Dean Windass's claim to become the second-oldest scorer in the Premier League after the 39-year-old earned another point for the Tigers with an 86th-minute equaliser at Portsmouth. Pompey's Noe Pamarot appeared to get the final touch when Windass headed a corner by fellow substitute Stelios Giannakopoulos but Horton said: "Try taking it off Deano. When the ball came in he had to get some pace on it and to my mind he did that and he's certainly claiming it."

liverpool

Rafael Benitez admitted the midweek international fixtures had taken their toll on a number of his players as Liverpool were held to a goalless draw by Fulham at Anfield. The Reds spurned a host of chances, with goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer a match for everything the Reds could throw at him. Benitez said: "We had a situation when maybe five players were well below their best. The players who had been away with their countries looked tired. I know the crowd were calling for Xabi Alonso to come on but he had played 90 minutes for Spain and we needed fresh legs. When he did come on Fulham pressurised him straight away. I don't think one man makes that much difference in such circumstances, when so many other players are off-form you cannot expect one player to change things."

manchester city

Manager Mark Hughes is confident Robinho can make a quick recovery from an ankle injury. The 24-year-old Brazil striker came off in the second half at Eastlands on Saturday after attempting to score his second goal of the match in a 3-0 hammering of Arsenal. With fixtures to come this week against Schalke in the UEFA Cup and perhaps more importantly Manchester United, it was a worrying moment for everyone at City. However, Hughes went some way to allaying those fears when he said: "Hopefully it is not going to compromise Robinho too long. He has gone over on his ankle. It is one of those things that hurts immediately for 30 seconds then calms down quickly. We do not think there is any long-term damage."

manchester united

Winger Cristiano Ronaldo could miss Tuesday`s Champions League tie with Villarreal. The Portuguese star limped out of the goalless draw with Aston Villa in the closing stages with a leg injury suffered in a challenge from Curtis Davies. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "His leg is in a mess. He is doubtful for Tuesday."

middlesbrough

Gareth Southgate admitted he could find no immediate answer for his side's flat display at home to Bolton Wanderers. Boro slumped to a 3-1 defeat, and Southgate conceded Megson's more lively visitors were full value for the three points. He said: "We didn't deserve anything from the game and we made the wrong decisions too many times. When you have a start like that you give yourselves a mountain to climb. We didn't make the game simple enough and sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say they deserve it. It was also disappointing because we spoke about when we get the momentum there will be a swing in the game. But we didn't have that long enough to make it count and to concede just after we'd scored killed the game."

Newcastle United

Manager Joe Kinnear has already handed executive-director Dennis Wise a wish list of players he wants to buy in the January transfer window. Kinnear said: "I spoke to Dennis last week. I didn't think when I first took the job that I would be here this long to be honest. At the time it was clear they had somebody who was going to buy the club within eight weeks, so we didn't get down to talking about finances and stuff for players. But now, because it seems the club won't be sold until after Christmas, I've got my eye on two or three players that we need. I've identified them and Dennis has been given the task of going out and getting them, provided we get the finance. Dennis has also been given the task of removing some of the players that I feel are not good enough for the club. Mike has told me to keep the money I get for selling any players and invest it back into the team. I am to work on the assumption that if there is somebody I desperately want, then it is possible he would put his hand in his pocket, providing the sale of the club is not imminent at the time."

portsmouth

Portsmouth could be without four key players for Thursday's UEFA Cup glamour tie with AC Milan. Jermain Defoe, Lassana Diarra and Sol Campbell are all major doubts after missing Saturday`s 2-2 draw with Hull City, while winger Niko Kranjcar is also struggling. Adams looks certain to have to field a string of reserves against Milan, saying: "Sol has a toe problem but still has a chance for the Milan game. Jermain has had a calf worry for quite a while and that's why he came off for England in midweek. He's going to see a specialist next week and so are Diarra and Niko (Kranjcar), who both have ankle injuries."

stoke city

Tony Pulis was pleased with his side's efforts in collecting a fourth successive home victory against West Bromwich Albion and rejected suggestions the match failed as a spectacle. Mamady Sidibe`s headed goal, angled expertly across goalkeeper Scott Carson from Danny Higginbotham's drifted cross, was a rare moment of quality in a drab affair. But Pulis said: "I thought we played some good stuff. People talk about different philosophies. They say we are different in what we do and what we don't do. Well, I don't like my team to go back then square, back then square. I like them to play through the pitch. If we can do that then we will. If not we'll play the angles and play to our strengths."

Sunderland

Midfielder Teemu Tainio turned his back on Tottenham Hotspur after being sold on Black Cats manager Roy Keane's ambition. The 28-year-old Finland international was one of four Spurs men targeted by Keane during the summer, and like Pascal Chimbonda and Steed Malbranque - Younes Kaboul turned down the chance to head for Wearside - was sold on his plans for the future.Tainio is confident progress is being made and said: "That was the one reason I came here, because I really had a feeling the club wants to move forward. We have had lots of new players come in and that it is never easy. But that's not an excuse, lots of teams change players. We have some important league games coming up. This is an important part of the season, so we have to be ready for it."

Tottenham Hotspur

Full-back Alan Hutton will have a scan on his injured foot on Monday after missing the Barclays Premier League win over Blackburn Rovers at White Hart Lane. The 23-year-old's start to the campaign was delayed due to the problem but he had been playing for the last month and featured in Scotland's defeat to Argentina last Wednesday. Spurs manager Harry Redknapp faces an anxious wait to see if Hutton can make the trip to Nijmegen for Thursday's UEFA Cup clash as right-back Vedran Corluka is cup-tied and skipper Ledley King will be rested.

west bromwich albion

Manager Tony Mowbray insisted it was tough to open up the match at Stoke City as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat. Potters goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen remained virtually untested throughout the match, with lone striker Ishmael Miller twice shooting over as he fed on scraps in front of a midfield five. Mowbray admitted that feeble return in the final third goes against his own footballing principles, but added: "You may describe Stoke a physical side - you've got to be physically ready to come here and I thought we did that admirably. Sometimes that makes for a less enjoyable football match, less of a spectacle. But there you go, all that matters in the eyes of some is the result. You know my philosophy. My view is that I like to entertain the supporters who come and pay their hard-earned money and I thought that was very difficult to do here."

West Ham United

Manager Gianfranco Zola has confirmed the club are likely to sell players in the January transfer window, but only those who are not playing regularly. Any sales will be made for footballing reasons only, according to Zola who said: "When we have all the players back fit we will have to make some decisions. For me, it's not worth having 26 or 24 players and having some players only training and not playing. It's not good for them or for us. So yes, we will probably be selling some players but we'll decide only when I have the full squad training and then I can make my decision. We will not be selling our best players. The players who are not playing here regularly we will give them the possibility of playing a little bit more or going somewhere else. But we won't be selling our best players."

wigan athletic

Manager Steve Bruce believes this could be a crucial week in the club's season. A year into his tenure at the JJB Stadium, Bruce has not been able to secure back-to-back victories in the Barclays Premier League. But he feels they have every chance of changing that situation in next few days when they face Everton on Monday and West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. Wigan have taken only five points from a possible 18 at home, but Bruce said: "We hope this is our time. If we can put a couple of results together that will push us up the table.It is very difficult, though, for any team in the bottom half of the table to win back to back. I haven`t been able to do that here. Our record towards the back end of last season was terrific. But we still couldn`t do that."

source - www.premierleague.com

ADRIANO GALLIANI: "Referee mistakes must be accepted

2008-11-25T10:38:00.000+08:00

MILAN - These are the declarations of Milan's general manager Adriano Galliani before the start to the celebrations for the 40 years of the 'Associazione Italiana Calciatori' (Italian Footballers Association): "Milan lost two great chances both at Lecce and in Turin where two tight draws arrived. The referees make mistakes just like the players, the coaches and the directors, and the mistakes must be accepted. We could have closed the game earlier because apart from the penalty in favour of Milan, which could have or couldn't have been, we had three other goal scoring chances. Kaladze? I will talk to the players because I understand that it's one thing to be a director in the stands and another to be a player involved in the game. That of Kaladze was a venial sin."

source - www.acmilan.com

Schuster press conference

2008-11-25T10:36:00.001+08:00

"We must be ready to play in this weather"

Real Madrid put their Champions League hopes on the line tomorrow night in Minsk, Belarus. Twenty-four hours prior to kick-off, Bernd Schuster held the traditional coach press conference.

How does Sneijer feel and is he healthy enough to play?
He will play if he is fit. We cannot hold anyone back. I would even play. We cannot play for style points. Sneijder looks good and I have a feeling he will be ready to go.

Based on your experience as a player, how big a factor will the snow be?
We need to prepare our players. We are unfamiliar with playing in snow. We are going to have a lot of trouble if they aren't ready to play in this weather tomorrow, but we'll do our best to be competitive from the moment the whistle is blown.

Does the fact that the season has ended for BATE benefit you?
I don't think so. They're a good team and I am sure they will want to continue showing why the play so well. They look motivated and have their two top scorers. I am not totally confident about this match.

Did the win against Recre bring you any peace of mind?
We want to continue winning. Tomorrow we play an important match and there's no doubt that the victory against Recreativo helped. I have already said we could have scored more goals, but that's in the past. More than tranquility, it made this team more sure of itself.

Not only do you need to win, but the team needs to play well.
We lost twice against a good Juventus team, but I don't think we didn't play well. That's just how football goes. Goals are all that matter. We want to win because we'd like to lock up a spot in the next round before having to play Zenit. We must try to win this match, and we'll take any help we can get from Juventus.

source - www.realmadrid.com