Category: Football

Jack Wilshere insists Arsenal can challenge for the Premier League title this season if they sign “a few more players” before the transfer window closes.

The 19-year-old midfielder was part of the Gunners team that was booed from the pitch in Sunday’s pre-season friendly draw with New York Red Bulls.

Arsenal’s lack of business in the transfer market no doubt fuelled the frustration of the Emirates crowd, with various deficiencies in Arsene Wenger’s squad yet to be addressed.

Key players such as Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri are not guaranteed to stay in North London this summer, while Wenger’s only signings so far have been young centre-back Carl Jenkinson and forward Gervinho.

England international Wilshere knows the heat is on his side to break their six-year silverware drought this season, and he believes a couple of new faces could prove the difference.

He told the Daily Mail: “We are not a spending club but we still managed to stay up there with the top teams. And we have to win things this year.

“Maybe if we had a few more faces we could really push on. If we get a few more players we can really challenge for the title.

“Around March and April we have to stay really strong. We are confident we can be up and around it then so we have to remain strong at that crucial time.”

Wilshere limped out of Sunday’s friendly with an ankle injury that could rule him out of England’s opening game of the new campaign, a friendly against Holland on August 10.

source: http://www.sporting-life.com

BALOTELLI DOESN’T LIKE MANCHESTER

Mario Balotelli has admitted he does not enjoy life in Manchester

The Italian striker is tied to Manchester City until 2015 after joining the club in a big-money deal from Inter Milan last summer.

Speculation over his future continued throughout Balotelli’s first season in the Premier League and he has now admitted that he still suffers from homesickness.

While the 20-year-old maintains that he has no problem with manager Roberto Mancini or his team-mates, it is living in Manchester that he does not enjoy.

“I am not well in Manchester, I don’t like the city,” Balotelli told Sky Sport Italia.

“I’m happy with the coach and within the team, but you can’t have everything in life.

“I don’t miss Milan, I miss Brescia, my home. I miss my family and my friends, but I think this experience in England will help me grow as an individual.”

Balotelli is refusing to make any guarantees about how long he will remain at the Etihad Stadium and admits he would consider joining Inter’s rivals AC Milan at some point in the future.

“I don’t know if I will stay until the end of my contract,” he added. “I’m here for now and then we’ll see.”

“AC Milan? It’s a great club, one day it could happen.”

source: http://www.sporting-life.com

VILLAS-BOAS HAS LAMPARD’S RESPECT

Frank Lampard has dismissed claims Andre Villas-Boas will not have the full support of the Chelsea dressing room.

Lampard, at 33, is just a few months younger than Villas-Boas, but maintains that he is fully behind the Portuguese tactician.

“I read that he has to gain our respect instantly, and it’s never like that at football clubs,” said the midfielder.

“It certainly isn’t for me personally, and it wouldn’t be for John Terry.

“You want to impress. I want to impress him now at the age of 33 just the same as I did when I was 22. Simple as that.

“We are here to impress as individuals, and we want to make the group successful. We will always respect the manager, and that applies with any manager we get.

Lampard added on Villas-Boas: “He is really mature for his age.

“He doesn’t really come across as the same age as me, I am probably more immature than him in a way, but he certainly has a great maturity about him. He sort of hides his years really.

“I’m 33 and I’m the same. I feel good, I feel experienced, I feel as hungry, I feel like I missed most of last season really with the injuries I never had before, so there is a desire to get going again.”

Chelsea have made an encouraging start to life under Villas-Boas with some fine pre-season performances and Lampard is confident they will hit the ground running against Stoke on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign.

“We’ve improved, I think every game has been a general improvement, we have got together with the new staff and manager, and the assistants and I just think that we have improved,” he said after helping the Blues win the Asia Trophy in Hong Kong.

“There is more work to do between now and the start of the season, but I think it has been a very positive trip.

“It’s been a two way thing, he has been assessing players, that’s why everyone has got a lot of minutes, from young players all the way through, and I just think we have been getting used to the manager and his style.

“A lot of that is done through the training and the ideas that he wants to get across in training, and I think you can see the benefits of that.

“I wouldn’t say there is a new trend in the way of giving us more freedom. I think the manager is trying to liberate, but players have been given the freedom to liberate themselves for quite a long time at Chelsea.”

Lampard hopes Chelsea will bolster their squad before the transfer window closes but insists there is already a positive mood around the camp.

He explained: “I think there is a nice freshness about the team and the squad and the players who maybe were not sure they were going to stay, or players that were on loan, or young players that have come through and are getting a sniff now.

“I think we have got a strong squad, and if the manager adds to it and it makes us stronger then we will all be happy, I certainly will be. It remains to be seen in the time to the end of the window.”

Young midfielder Josh McEachran, 18, has caught the eye during pre-season and is likely to be granted more regular opportunities under Villas-Boas, but Lampard is ready for the challenge from a player he holds in high regard.

“I think Josh does give us something different. He gives us something in the middle of the park, a great elegance in the way he plays.

“He receives the ball really well, he can play a killer pass, he’s stronger than he looks with his frame. He’s going to be a top player.

“There will be a position for him, he’s not going to play 50 games this season, but you can see from pre-season already that he is going to be involved a lot more, and that’s great for him.

“No, people are not afraid to give him the ball, because we have trained with him for a couple of years now, and from the moment he stepped into training with us we could see he had that ability.”

source: http://www.sporting-life.com

NANI TARGETS ‘NEXT LEVEL’ atMan Utd

Manchester United winger Nani has vowed to up his game and feature regularly in Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans this season.

The return of Antonio Valencia from injury last term meant Nani took a backseat for some encounters, most notably the Champions League final against Barcelona in May.

The Portuguese had to settle for a late cameo from the bench in that clash as the Spanish giants eased to a 3-1 victory.

The arrival of England winger Ashley Young at Old Trafford this summer could mean Nani will face an even tougher task holding onto his spot in Ferguson’s first team.

But the 24-year-old is certain he can do just that when the new campaign gets underway.

He said: "I am always very confident. I didn’t lose my place to Valencia. The last two or three games the manager made his decisions and, of course, you have to respect this.

"But now I am feeling confident for the new season and I hope to do my best and help the team win trophies.

"I will try to take my game to the next level. I will try to do my best. I want to do much better than last season and now we must wait to see how that happens."

The winger played a starring role in United’s 2-1 friendly win over Barca in Washington on Saturday, scoring the opening goal.

Pep Guardiola fielded a side missing several key players such as Lionel Messi and Dani Alves, but Nani was nevertheless buoyed by both his individual display and the end result.

He said: "It’s a different game, but I’m obviously very happy because I did well and the team is playing very good football in pre-season.

"Our fitness is getting better and it’s good to feel this way."

source: http://www.sporting-life.com

Jose Mourinho has rubbished suggestions he could join Manchester City this summer.

The former Chelsea coach had already stated he has no intention of leaving Real Madrid at the moment.

And having seen his side brush aside Tottenham in their Champions League quarter-final to set up a meeting with Barcelona, Mourinho was asked about links with City.

But he told Sky Italia that he would not be moving to Eastlands to replace under-fire boss Robero Mancini.

“Me to Manchester City? That’s impossible,” he said.

The Portuguese was also asked about Cristiano Ronaldo’s link to AC Milan after their owner Silvio Berlusconi admitted his liking for the superstar.

And again, Mourinho doubted his biggest name would be leaving any time soon.

“I’m not saying it’s impossible, because in football you never know, and (AC Milan’s owner, Silvio) Berlusconi can make a crazy offer,” he said.

“But it must be a true madness because Real Madrid don’t want to sell Cristiano Ronaldo. “

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez will miss Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United at Wembley, manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed.

The Argentina international injured a hamstring in Monday night’s defeat to Liverpool at Anfield and is expected to be out until next month.

“Tevez is not available for Saturday,” Mancini said.

“It is a big problem. But we can’t take any risks. We have six games left and hopefully we can get Carlos back for the last two or three games.”

It means Tevez would be in with a chance of making the final on May 14 if City make it through to face either Stoke or Bolton.

However, Mancini will be forced to rely on either or both of Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli to derail United’s Treble bid.

“I still have to decide what to do,” said Mancini.

“But both players know this is an important chance for them. Every player knows this is an important moment for the club. If we will we can go to a final, so every player will give 100%.”

There is some good news for City though as full-back Micah Richards has returned to training and is expected to be fit after suffering a hamstring injury on England Under-21 duty at the end of last month.

“Micah Richards is available,” said Mancini.

“He trained two days ago and again on Wednesday. He will be okay.”

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea has again denied claims he has already held talks with Manchester United.

Reports emanating from both Spain and England suggest a £20million deal is already agreed between Atletico and United for the youngster.

But Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Atletico’s general manager Miguel Angel Gil Marin denied that this was the case.

Marin did, though, confirm offers had been received from United and their Premier League rivals Chelsea – whilst they had also offered De Gea fresh terms to extend his stay.

The 20-year-old, whose release clause is just over £22million, has already insisted that he has not agreed a deal to leave the Vicente Calderon.

And he has now gone further by stating reports that he has talked with United are false.

“There is nothing, it is all lies,” he told a press conference.

“I know nothing about offers from any team, whether it is other clubs or a renewal from Atletico.”

De Gea insists he is not frightened about Atletico fans turning against him as he has done nothing wrong.

“I have given my all to this team since I have been here, and that will continue today and tomorrow, I will always fight for this team,” he said.

“I do not think the fans have any reason to be against me, we have the best fans in the world and they will support me until my final day, for that I am sure.”

Newbury is set to stage its rescheduled meeting on Friday six days after two horses were killed by electrocution.
The horses died in the parade ring before the first race of Saturday’s fixture, which was abandoned after the opening contest was completed.
Officials say the course is now safe after an underground cable was removed.
Cheltenham Gold Cup contender What A Friend, part-owned by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, is among those due to run at the Berkshire track.
The dual Grade One winner faces four rivals in the Aon Chase.
Walkon, who is entered for the Champion Hurdle at next month’s Cheltenham Festival, tops the field for the Totesport Trophy.
On Thursday, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced the deaths of horses Fenix Two and Marching Song were most likely due to “accidental electrocution”.
Post-mortems revealed both suffered heart attacks and no suspicious substances had been found.
An electricity cable which ran beneath the parade ring has since been disconnected and removed.
The two horses died on Saturday before the first race, which was run before the remainder of the meeting was abandoned.
BHA expert Professor Tim Morris on cause of horse deaths
Newbury officials have assured the BHA the parade ring area is safe for use by horses and humans.
On Friday, What A Friend could book a place at Cheltenham for him and young jockey Harry Skelton.
Trainer Paul Nicholls boasts a strong Gold Cup team, with Ruby Walsh set for Kauto Star, Sam Thomas to be reacquainted with Denman and Nick Scholfield having partnered Pride Of Dulcote.
“He’s going to need to run well if he is going to go for the Gold Cup but it’s a nice prep for him,” said champion trainer Nicholls of What A Friend.
Nicholls has a second runner in former Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Noland, the mount of champion jockey Tony McCoy.
Ben Case runs Dance Island, who was pulled up when fancied for the Welsh National, while the versatile Fair Along and Carronhills, who is in both the Gold Cup and the Grand National but has not run for more than two years, complete the field.
Walkon, trained by Alan King, is among the market leaders for the Totesport Trophy.
Last year’s winner Get Me Out Of Here, who will be ridden by McCoy for trainer Jonjo O’Neill, is seeking a second victory in the race.
The seven-year-old was an impressive winner of the competitive handicap 12 months ago and went on to finish second to Menorah in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said: “He was a bit disappointing early in the season and we could never find a lot wrong with him.
“He just didn’t run well for what ever reason, but lets hope he puts it together at Newbury.”
King hopes the delay will have worked in Walkon’s favour.
“I always said that the race could come a week early as it had only been three weeks since his Ascot comeback and circumstances have given us an extra six days,” he said.
King also saddles Salden Licht and The Betchworth Kid, while the 15-strong field includes Brian Ellison pair Bothy and Palomar, plus the John Quinn-trained Recession Proof.
Solix is set to make his first start on British soil for Nicky Henderson having arrived from France, while the trainer also runs last season’s Triumph Hurdle winner Soldatino and Eradicate.

In the Game Spirit Chase, Take The Breeze could give Paul Nicholls his sixth victory in the last eight runnings of the contest.
Nicholls also has Haldon Gold Cup winner Tchico Polos, the mount of McCoy.

Cesc Fabregas believes his displays for Arsenal this season demonstrate his commitment to the club.

The Gunners skipper again played a key role as Arsene Wenger’s men secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their last-16 UEFA Champions League tie on Wednesday night.

The Spain international’s superb pass sent Samir Nasri bursting clear in the closing stages with the Frenchman cutting the ball back for Andrey Arshavin to slot home the winner.

Fabregas was a summer target for his former club Barca but was persuaded to remain at Emirates Stadium for at least another season by manager Arsene Wenger.

Rumours relating to a return to his homeland continue to circulate, with Real Madrid now also reported to be monitoring the situation, but the 23-year-old wants to focus solely on ending Arsenal’s six-year wait for silverware.
Trophies

Wenger’s men have the Carling Cup final with Birmingham to look forward to, are well placed to challenge Manchester United for the Premier League title and tackle Leyton Orient in the fifth round of the FA Cup, on top of their European ambitions.

Fabregas said: “I’m showing I’m committed to this club and we want to do great things.

“I want to continue working to improve and help us win trophies. We are still fighting in all four competitions.

“We want to win everything and go the farthest possible in all competitions.

“My future is the last thing on my mind.”

Frank Lampard has admitted it would be a “disaster” if Chelsea failed to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

A goalless draw against Fulham on Monday saw the champions remain in fifth place in the Premier League.

With Chelsea trailing leaders Manchester United by 12 points, the 32-year-old midfielder denied that the cup competitions were now the priority.

Speaking at the launch of the England Footballers’ Foundation, Lampard told BBC Sport: “We must finish in the top four and can never take our eye off the ball, it would be a disaster if we didn’t qualify.”

Chelsea host Everton in round four of the FA Cup on Saturday and play FC Copenhagen in the first knockout round of the Champions League three days later.

And Lampard admitted that the two competitions were now vital to his club.

He said: “There’s huge importance because you can see the league’s going to be difficult and that means it’s more important to reach finals.”

We haven’t performed as well, there’s been injuries, and some unsettling moments, but if you don’t perform you fall behind in the title race

Frank Lampard

The club’s record signing Fernando Torres has failed to score in the two matches he has played since his £50m move from Liverpool but Lampard also backed his team-mate to star for his new club.

“He’s made a huge difference,” he said. “No, he hasn’t scored in two games but all the spotlight is on him.

“There’s a huge responsibility, people are looking to him to do it instantly, but he will make a difference to us.

“He’s a top-class player, he has boosted the lads already and for sure will come good, he’s going to add to us in a big way.

“David Luiz has come in as well and has been fantastic.”

With £25m for Luiz, Chelsea splashed out £75m on transfer window deadline day and Lampard said he was delighted by the January spending spree.

“I was slightly surprised but it was very exciting and I was pleased,” he said.

“It’s a huge boost to have such quality players that we needed at the time.

“We haven’t spent much in recent years compared to some by our standards, but last season we won the [League and FA Cup] double and this was a good time for us to go into the market.

“I’m just thankful we’ve got the funds to do this.”
Frank Lampard
Lampard has been at Chelsea since 2001

Lampard admitted Chelsea’s inconsistent form this season has been down to “a few factors”.

“We haven’t performed as well, there’s been injuries, and some unsettling moments, but if you don’t perform you fall behind in the title race and that’s the reason really.”

Lampard is the nephew of Harry Redknapp, and after seeing his uncle mastermind Spurs’ victory over AC Milan on Tuesday, the Chelsea player admitted he would like to see him manage England after Fabio Capello steps down in 2012.

“There’d be a few candidates,” he said. “It’s for him and the FA to decide but it’d be nice if it were an English manager.

“At the moment Harry’s doing a fantastic job at Spurs and if he has an opportunity to manage England I’m sure he’d be an outstanding manager. But at the moment we have to play for Capello and we have to win something.”

Lampard captained England to victory over Denmark on 9 February but insists there is still a lot of work to do before the national team can claim to have fully recovered from their World Cup debacle in South Africa.

“Since the World Cup we’ve had good and not so good results,” he said.

“We haven’t turned the corner yet. That is a process and takes time.

“When we reach the European Championships and do better than we did at the World Cup then we can say we have.”