Football news

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Official: Sunderland Sign John Mensah From Lyon On Loan
The Ghanaian has moved to the Stadium of Light this evening.

Aug 28, 2009 2:16:42 PM
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John Mensah of Ghana
Sunderland have today announced that they have completed the signing of highly-rated center-back John Mensah on a season-long loan from Olympique Lonnais.

The Black Cats have an option to make the deal permanent next summer, should the move prove to be a success for the 26-year-old, known as the 'Rock of Gibralter' in his homeland because of his strength and solidity.

Capped 60-times by his homeland, the defender has enjoyed a well-travelled career after starting with MBC Accra.

Versatile, the player can function in midfield as well as defense, and joins Fraizer Campbell, Paulo Da Silva, Lorik Cana, Darren Bent and Lee Cattermole on Wearside as Steve Bruce's sixth signing of a busy summer for the Black Cats.

 

[3xxx]

Transfer Rumours And Round-Up: August 28-29
There's meat on the bones of today's transfer rumors and completed deals.

Arjen Robben (Real Madrid) & Franck Ribéry (FC Bayern Munich) (Goal.com, Heier)
Real Madrid have finally begun to clear out the remainder of their dead wood. Arjen Robben has signed for Bayern Munich, for an undisclosed fee, on a four-year contract. He follows Wesley Sneijder out of the Bernabeu exit-door; the midfielder has joined Inter, also for an undisclosed amount.

Los Merengues have immediately turned their attentions to next summer with rumors suggesting that Franck Ribery will hook up with Madrid in 2010.

The Bayern Munich winger is also a target for Chelsea; the English club have also been told to cease their chase for Stevan Jovetic, the highly-regarded Fiorentina attacker.

The Viola are also in the running for the Lazio outcast, Goran Pandev.

Roma are seeking Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, according to his agent and their Brazilian forward, Julio Baptista, has revealed that he does not relish a return to the Premier League.

La Magica could lose Philippe Mexes to Juventus next season, with reports suggested that a deal has already been arranged between the sides.

Alessandro Diamanti has departed Livorno for the bright lights of London; the Italian forward has joined West Ham United.

It's been a busy day for completed deals in the Premier League too; Tuncay Sanli has joined Stoke City from Middlesbrough for a £5 million fee while Michael Brown has departed Wigan for Portsmouth.

Pompey have lost Sylvain Distin to Everton, also for around £5m, but have been rebuked in their advances for the Sunderland defender, Nyron Nosworthy.

Chelsea have told Andriy Shevchenko he is available for transfer; no bids have yet been received for the Ukrainian hitman.

Meanwhile, Steven Taylor will not be leaving Newcastle United for Liverpool or Everton, according to Chris Hughton.

Real Betis' Achille Emana is wanted by Bolton Wanderers and the Seville side are also set to offload Ricardo and Mehmet Aurelio following relegation.

Eidur Gudjohnsen is talking to Monaco, according to reports, and finally, Marc Janko will not be leaving Red Bull Salzburg, states his agent.

 

[3xxx]

Mourinho Convinced Sneijder To Join Inter Via Text
The Portuguese coach needed but a few pushes of the keypad to land his man.

Inter
Wesley Sneijder has revealed that Jose Mourinho convinced him to leave Real Madrid for Inter by SMS text message.

Sneijder's €15 million move to the San Siro hung in the balance as the player seemed unwilling to leave the Bernabeu. However, he has revealed that phone contact from the Portuguese coach finally convinced him of where his future lay.

"In recent weeks I have received several SMS from Mourinho, in which he expressed how much he'd love to have me at Inter. That is why I'm proud and happy to go to that team," Sneijder confirmed in AS.

He also admitted he has hope to remain at Madrid, and that Manuel Pellegrini was happy for him to stay but club president Florentino Perez was of a different view.

"I tried to resist, but it was a battle I could not win. Pellegrini told me he didn't want to lose me, but the president had other ideas. Madrid have invested a lot of money and they needed to sell," added the 25-year-old attacking midfielder.

The Dutchman pointed to next year's World Cup as an important factor in his decision.

Sneijder could make his debut for the Nerazzurri on Saturday against city rivals Milan.

 

[3xxx]

Gigli: I Can't Be Bothered To Listen To Jose Mourinho
The Juventus chief will not take Mourinho's bait after the Portuguese started another row, calling him the 'enemy'.

Giovanni Cobolli Gigli, chairman of Juventus (AFP)
Juventus supremo Giovanni Cobolli Gigli is in no mood to waste time in having a verbal slanging match with Inter coach Jose Mourinho who branded the Italian as the 'enemy'.

During his pre-Milan derby press conference, the 'Special One' couldn't help to take a swipe at the Old Lady after Gigli said he would prefer to see the Rossoneri win earlier this week.

"I have heard noise coming from the enemy this week, the Juventus president is supporting Milan for example, and he has declared himself as the enemy," the coach told the press.

Gigli has reacted to the former Chelsea coach's statement, and he is not ready to have a spat, but he did hit back nevertheless.

"I am free to express my own opinions and I cannot be bothered to follow Mourinho," Gigli told press agency ADNKRONOS.

"All I said is that I wouldn't mind it if Milan won the derby against Inter. I am free to say what I like."

Juventus clash with Roma in the Eternal City on Sunday night.

 

[3xxx]

OFFICIAL: Arjen Robben Leaves Real Madrid For Bayern Munich
The German powerhouse have completed their swoop for the Dutch winger.

Arjen Robben (Real Madrid) & Franck Ribéry (FC Bayern Munich) (Goal.com, Heier)
Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have completed the transfer of Dutch attacker Arjen Robben from Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee. Robben has signed a four-year deal at his new club.

The 25-year-old Robben was surplus to requirements at Real Madrid following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and the Spanish side have therefore opted to cash in on the former Chelsea attacker.

Robben will be given the shirt number 10 at Bayern, last worn by his compatriot Roy Makaay and not assigned since then. He will take part in Bayern’s final pre-match training session on Friday afternoon and is eligible to make his official debut in Saturday’s Bundesliga showdown against champions VfL Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena.

"It all happened very fast. There were a couple of things I wanted to think over, but in the end I decided I really wanted to move to a huge club like Bayern,“ the player explained in an FCB.tv interview.

“Right from the start, Bayern gave me a very good feeling, and I feel very welcome here. This is a massive club with a glorious history, and I’m delighted to be here now. I’m totally fit, I had a good pre-season with Real Madrid, and I’m ready to play."

 

[3xxx]

Mourinho: Inter Are Better Off Without Zlatan Ibrahimovic
'The Special One' believes that his side are more of a team without the superstar Swede.

Mourinho - Milan-Inter (Grazia Neri)
It appears that Ibrahimovic misses Inter much more than Inter miss Ibrahimovic.

"Inter will always be in my heart," claimed Barcelona's Swedish striker, after the UEFA Super Cup on Friday.

But, following the 4-0 thumping of Milan on Saturday, Jose Mourinho says he is glad that 'Ibra' has left as Inter are more rounded without him.

"[This year] we have shown ball retention never seen last season," Mourinho explained to Tuttosport.

"Now we have a higher potential even without Ibra. We are more balanced. Without Zlatan, we will only become even more of a football team."

The Inter coach then reflected on the derby with Milan, suggesting that Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola may be regretting his decision to let Samuel Eto'o leave the Blaugrana.

"[Eto'o and Diego Milito] were incredible. Guardiola said that he would make more of an effort to sign Ibra if I did the same with Eto'o. I didn't decide to sell Samuel..."

 

[3xxx]

Anelka Talks Up Drogba Partnership At Chelsea
The Frenchman believes that his partnership with the Ivorian can be bountiful.

EPL: Nicolas Anelka, Fulham v Chelsea (PA)
Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba were in formidable form when Chelsea fought Fulham at the weekend, highlighted by their combination play that produced the decisive second goal, and the former Real Madrid and Arsenal ace has - like Drogba before him - lauded the partnership.
“Me and Didier want to play together and we are just happy to be on the pitch together,” Anelka explained in The London Paper.

“I want him to score and he wants me to score. I think we showed that against Fulham. When I get the ball I try and look for him, and when he’s got the ball he tries to look for me, so it’s easier to score goals like that.

“The more time we spend on the pitch playing together then the understanding gets better, and I think we will score more goals.”

Anelka then further stated that he would prefer victory in Europe over domestic glory.

“For me and for all the boys, it’s the Champions League first.

“Also the [Premier] League, but everyone wants to win the Champions League as it’s really important for us, and for the fans and the chairman as well. So number one is the Champions League, and then the League.”

Anelka has led a long and journeyed career, but insisted that he now feels settled.

“I want to be here. I like to play with big players and I like to try and win everything. I would be pleased to sign [a contract] for many years.”

 

[3xxx]

Chelsea Deserved To Beat Burnley Admits Owen Coyle
The Scot was not too disappointed despite defeat this afternoon.

Aug 29, 2009 10:18:03 AM
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EPL: Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea - Burnley (PA)
Burnley manager Owen Coyle admitted Chelsea were the superior side after watching his side lose 3-0 to the Blues at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

Goals by Nicolas Anelka, Michael Ballack and Ashley Cole sealed the win for Carlo Ancelotti’s men who have now won their first four games.

However, speaking to ESPN after the game, the Scot admitted that the Blues had deserved to win but was full of praise for his own men.

“I don’t think we can argue over the piece that Chelsea were the better side and deserved the three points,” he explained.

“I’m a bit frustrated because I felt we competed well in the first half and then to lose a goal on the stroke of half time.

“Then we lost two early goals [in the second half], great finishes you have to say but that’s the quality Chelsea have.

“I thought for the first half we competed well and had opportunities on the counter attack.”

Despite the defeat, Coyle insisted he would remain upbeat and that he was pleased with the hard work his team was putting in.

“We knew Chelsea would have a lot of the ball, but the effort of the lads I’m delighted with,” he added.

“I think it’s a measure of how far we’ve come that we are disappointed. In terms of coming to Chelsea and losing it’s no disgrace.”

 

[3xxx]

Player Ratings: AC Milan 0–4 Inter
Inter ran rampant and wild over Milan to pick up an emphatic victory in the Derby della Madonnina. Goal.com rates the players on show.

Aug 29, 2009 4:55:45 PM
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Milan-Inter (Goal.com)
AC Milan

Storari: 6- He kept the scoreline respectable in the first half when Inter threatened to put five or six on the board. Conceded four goals but made a couple of world class saves as well.

Zambrotta: 5- Looks as if he has lost a step or two as he was anonymous for large chunks of the match.

Nesta: 6- Made numerous impeccably-timed tackles in the first 30 minutes before he was overrun by Milito and Eto’o.

Thiago Silva: 5- Appeared in his first Milan derby and was left shell-shocked by an Inter attack that hit the Rossoneri with four goals in a 37 minute span.

Jankulovski: 5- The Czech full-back spent most of his time dealing with the runs of Maicon and could not push forward as much as he would have liked.

Gattuso: 4- Wore the captain’s armband but let the team down by conceding a penalty and then picking up his marching orders only minutes later. An absolutely disastrous performance tonight.

Pirlo: 5.5- It was a static and sluggish display by the Italian international who could not find the pass in the final third of the pitch to unlock the Inter defence.

Flamini: 5- Picked up an early yellow card and was rendered pretty much ineffective after that. Substituted at the half-way mark to make way for Ambrosini.

Ronaldinho: 5- The former World Player of the Year missed a glorious chance early on to give Milan the lead and never really troubled the Inter back four. Much more was expected of him after the display at Siena and he did not rise to the occasion this evening. Was jeered off the pitch tonight.

Borriello: 5- Another disappointing performance from the striker, who was hooked at the half for his ineffective display.

Pato: 6- The Brazilian starlet showed flashes of his brilliant pace at times but did not receive any service to pose a real threat to the Inter backline.

Substitutions

Ambrosini: 5
Seedorf: 6
Huntelaar- 6


Inter

Julio Cesar 6: Fumbled a couple of innocuous looking crosses in the first half and wasn’t really tested until Huntelaar entered the mix.

Chivu: 7- The versatile Romanian was handed a left-back role this evening and put in a solid shift.

Lucio: 7- Looked nervous in the early going but composed himself well and almost opened up his Serie A account but was denied by a fantastic save by Storari.

Samuel: 7- Almost gifted Pato an early goal before settling down and reminding everyone why his nickname is ‘The Wall’.

Maicon: 8- The smooth Brazilian right-back galloped up and down the right hand side with ease and pitched in with Inter’s third goal of the evening.

Thiago Motta: 7.5- Scored his first goal in a Nerazzurri shirt and what a strike it was! Provided the creative spark in the midfield along with Sneijder for Inter tonight.

Stankovic: 7.5- Is always emotionally charged up for derby matches and tonight was no different. Scored a wonderful 30-yard screamer in the second half that put the icing on the cake for Inter.

Zanetti: 7- The ageless Nerazzurri captain patrolled the midfield with composure and class and led the club to an emphatic victory their fans will not soon forget.

Sneijder: 7- The new Inter signing made his debut and performed admirably. Almost opened the scoring with a powerful shot in the early going and came close again in the second half. His set-pieces were below par though tonight. Still that did not take the shine off a solid performance

Milito: 8.5- Simply sublime tonight. His wonderful slide rule pass set up Thiago Motta on a platter for Inter’s first goal and he scored the second with a resounding spot-kick. He then played Maicon through for Inter’s third.

Eto’o: 8- Played a great one-touch pass to Milito that led to the opening goal of the match and then won the penalty which set up the second. Unlucky not to find a derby goal tonight.

Substitutions

Muntari 6
Vieira: 6
Balotelli: NA

 

[3xxx]

Gattuso Ruled Out Of Italy's World Cup Qualifiers
The combative midfielder picked up an injury in last night's derby and is unavailable for Marcello Lippi's squad.

Aug 30, 2009 6:45:10 AM
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Gattuso Snejider - Milan-Inter (Grazia Neri)
Before being sent off, shortly before half time in the Derby della Madonnina last night, Gennaro Gattuso picked up an injury and it has been confirmed that it will exclude him from Italy's World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria in the coming days.

La Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting that Gattuso sprained his left ankle in the early stages of the derby against Inter, and will be ruled out for around a fortnight.

Italy face Georgia in Tblisi on September 5, before hosting Bulgaria in Turin on September 9.

The Azzurri currently sit top of Group 8 in the qualifying phase for next year's World Cup in South Africa, with a game in hand over the Republic of Ireland in second place.

The 31-year-old midfielder will also have to serve a suspension in Serie A after his dismissal, which will at least allow the former Rangers midfielder to fully recover from his injury.

 

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Sampdoria President: Cassano Deserves Italy Call Up
Sampdoria's hierarchy are demanding Cassano goes to the World Cup.

Aug 25, 2009 5:41:34 AM
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Antonio Cassano – Italy-Spain – Euro 2008 (Grazia Neri)
Sampdoria president Riccardo Garrone believes Antonio Cassano deserves a call to the Italian national side for World Cup 2010 as he sends coach Marcello Lippi a message.

On Monday, Cassano himself said he would make himself available for selection by doing well this term, but he would not force the issue. Garrone on the other hand is determined to see his man play in the Azzurri shirt next year.

"Yes, Cassano does deserve the national team. He has been playing well, but it's Lippi who decides," Garrone told Il Corriere Dello Sport.

Blucerchiati sporting director Giuseppe Marotta confirmed his man would not be sold, and he too believes 'Il Talentino' deserves to be included in Lippi's future plans.

"I really hope he gets a call up for the World Cup as this will be very important. The fans want to see it happen, but Lippi is free to do what he feels best," concluded the director.

 

[3xxx]

Milan 0-4 Inter: Italian Champions Thrash Ten-Man Rossoneri
Italian champions Inter confirmed they are the team to beat in Serie A with a 4-0 win against Milan in tonight's Derby della Madonnina.

Aug 29, 2009 4:31:56 PM
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Milan-Inter (Goal.com)
Milan 0-4 Inter – Stats/Lineups
Serie A Fixtures/Results

Tonight for the first time in history an official Milan derby was played in August. It turned out to be an emphatic win for Inter, who earned a fully deserved 4-0 triumph, even though Milan played with ten men from the end of the first half following Gennaro Gattuso's sending off.

The match was intense from the start, with Milan looking the slightly better side early on. The first dangerous moment came in the 6th minute, when new Inter signing Wesley Sneijder fired a great shot from distance that was tipped away by goalkeeper Marco Storari.

Four minutes later, the Rossoneri responded, as Alexandre Pato received the ball from Marco Borriello and tried a shot, which was well blocked by Walter Samuel.

Two minutes after that, Ronaldinho had a chance as on a counterattack he tried a first-time shot on a back-pass by Pato, but he sent it well over the bar.

It was a good spell for Milan, and in the 13th minute Gianluca Zambrotta played it to Ronaldinho, who sent in a dangerous cross-shot that Julio Cesar failed to hold, and Borriello had a chance to tap it in but could not find his footing.

After a slower spell midway through the first half, Inter suddenly took the lead with a great move in the 28th minute. Samuel Eto’o played it first time to Diego Milito, who sent Thiago Motta clear through on goal and the Brazilian midfielder curled it past Storari to make it 1-0 Inter.

Six minutes later, Inter had a chance to double their lead as Eto’o was fouled in the area by Gennaro Gattuso as he tried to finalize a quick counterattack, and the referee pointed to the spot. In fact, the midfielder should probably have been sent off as the striker was alone in front of goal, but the ref only gave a yellow card. Milito stepped up to take the penalty, and confidently beat Storari to give the Nerazzurri a 2-0 lead.

'Rino' did get himself sent off in the 38th minute, just moments before he was to be replaced by Clarence Seedorf, as he fouled Sneijder and received his second yellow card, leaving Milan behind with ten men.

Inter didn’t take long to take advantage of their numerical advantage, and in the first minute of stoppage time Maicon finalized a nice one-two with Milito with a clinical finish to make it 3-0 to the 'visitors' just before the break.


(As usual there was plenty to look at on the stands during this Milan derby)

During half time, Milan coach Leonardo decided to bring in Seedorf and Massimo Ambrosini for Borriello and Flamini respectively.

Inter controlled the match with ease in the early stages of the second half, and Maicon threatened to get his second in the 53rd minute, when he made a dangerous run and fired a shot on goal that whizzed past the post.

Three minutes later, the impressive Sneijder turned around and fired a shot from 30 meters, which went just over the crossbar.

Just after the hour mark, Inter had the ball in the net again but Eto'o's header didn't count as the Cameroonian was in an offside position.

In the 68th minute, Jose Mourinho's men did find a fourth goal, as Dejan Stankovic unleashed one of his trademark shots from distance that found its way to the top corner of the goal.

Two minutes later, substitute Klaas Jan Huntelaar wasted a good chance to get a consolation goal for the Rossoneri, as his shot from inside the area was straight at Julio Cesar.

Inter continued to create danger for the home side's defense, and in the 75th minute Eto'o's low shot went just past the post.

The final half-chance for a disappointing Milan side came in the 87th minute, when Huntelaar controlled the ball in the air on a pass by Andrea Pirlo and fired a shot which was saved by Julio Cesar.

There was no stoppage time as the referee blew his whistle for full time in the 90th minute, allowing Inter and their fans to start celebrating a huge victory allows them to leapfrog their city rivals in the standings.

 

[3xxx]

Galaxy Use Late Flurry For SuperClasico Win
The LA Galaxy killed off Chivas USA in the Honda SuperClasico with the help of a late goal and late red to Maykel Galindo.

Aug 30, 2009 3:06:56 AM
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MLS: David Beckham (LA), Maykel Galindo (CHV), Chivas USA v. Los Angeles Galaxy, Aug 2008 (ISI)
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LA Galaxy
CARSON, Calif.--Deadlocked after 80 minutes of play, the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA were separated by the last 10 minutes in the Honda SuperClasico. In front of a full Home Depot Center, most of the 27,000 on hand cheered as David Beckham scored the game-winning goal in the 80th minute.

A long Todd Dunivent throw was headed out to the top of the box where Beckham finished coolly with a neat half volley that kissed the post on its way in.

“I knew I had to hit it down because it was bouncing awkwardly and sometimes it can end up in the back row,” the England international said of his first goal this season. “Thankfully it ended up in the back of the net.

“It wasn’t the prettiest game of soccer played but three points are three points.”

Chivas USA midfielder Paulo Nagamura held up his hands, admitting he was the player at fault for not picking up the Galaxy's designated player.

“I looked inside the area and I lost David for a couple seconds there,” Nagamura said. “When I tried to react he was already close to the ball and there was nothing I really could do. It was a good strike, give credit to him.”

Credit also goes to Dunivent, who send in the initial throw. Speaking to Goal.com after the match, the leftback explained how he practices long throws – by using a bowling ball.

“My older brother, I always used to watch his games and there was a guy on the team who had a long throw and I wanted to emulate that,” Dunivent said. “I used to take a basketball, which is heavier than a soccer ball and practice a lot with that. I even tried it with a bowling ball, but that's a little dangerous. I always thought it would be a weapon and it has been.”

Two minutes later, Maykel Galindo received a red card for elbowing Gregg Berhalter to effectively kill off the match. A goal and a man down, Chivas USA whimpered into the final minutes.

“He just elbowed me in the neck - that's a red in most games,” Berhalter said. “There was a lot of passion in the game. It was a derby match. We wanted to raise it up a notch and we did.”

Besides winning the SuperClasico for 2009, the Galaxy also moved into second place in the Western Conference, with only six games left in the Major League Soccer season.

 

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Chivas USA Bemoan Luck In SuperClasico Loss
Chivas USA lost by a David Beckham goal in the Honda SuperClasico against the LA Galaxy. After the match, the players rued their luck in an open and scrappy encounter.

Aug 30, 2009 2:46:20 AM
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MLS: David Beckham (LA), Maykel Galindo (CHV), Chivas USA v. Los Angeles Galaxy, Aug 2008 (ISI)
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Chivas USA
CARSON, Calif.--Chivas USA players blamed the rub of the green for their 1-0 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Honda SuperClasico.

A frantic and messy opening half led to a series of chances by both clubs, but neither took advantage. Chivas USA put three of eight shots on target in the opening stanza, and none in the second. In the 80th minute, David Beckham made the Goats pay by stroking home from a long throw.

“We felt like we had the better opportunities overall,” said second half substitute Chukwudi Chijindu. “When you don't put away your chances it comes back to haunt you. Sometimes soccer is an unfair game.”

Paulo Nagamura donned the captain's armband late in the match, and he saw the game similarly.

“We couldn't finish our chances,” he lamented. “They scored first and once you score first it's tough to break a block of eight, a block of 10 – they were just defending. This is how the Clasico always goes: tough games, physical, cards.”

Nagamura is no stranger to SuperClasico red cards, but in this match it was striker Maykel Galindo who received his marching orders. The Cuban's elbow caught Gregg Berhalter in a play off the ball in the 82nd minute.

“We already had some encounters in the game,” the striker said of his tussle with Berhalter. “He pushed me a little bit so it was my fault that I elbowed him and got the red card. I apologized to the team for what happened.”

With eight games left in the 2009 Major League Soccer season for Chivas, a playoff spot is slipping away. The Goats sit in fifth spot in the Western Conference, though with two games in hand.

“I don't think we have to put our heads down because we have two games in hand,” Nagamura explained. “If we can win our games in hand we can pass Galaxy and we'll be in second place. We've got to put our heads up, get back to work, and put this behind us.”

Next up in that final run-in is the New England Revolution on Sunday, Sept. 13.

 

[3xxx]

Barcelona's Yaya Toure In No Rush To Join Brother At Manchester City
New Manchester City recruit Kolo Toure will not be lining up alongside his brother any time soon.

Aug 30, 2009 7:14:42 AM
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Yaya Toure, Barcelona-Mallorca (PA)
Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure has distanced himself from speculation linking him to Manchester City by declaring he is happy at Barcelona.

Having recently signed a contract extension with the Catalan giants, Toure has long been linked with Manchester City over the summer transfer window which saw his brother Kolo Toure join the Citizens revolution.

While Yaya did not rule anything out in the future, he did distance himself from the rumours for the immediate future.

"I heard some things like that being said [about City's interest in him]," he told the Sunday Times.
"All I would say about it is that I have always said I like English football.

"You never know what might happen in a few years' time, but for now I'm part of a great team."

Yaya Toure also weighed in on his brother's move to City, something the midfielder initially said he couldn't see happening.

"For a while it was a difficult decision for him.

"After Emmanuel Adebayor made his choice to go to City, that maybe helped make up my brother's mind. They are both Africans, and knowing that he would have Manu there was encouraging.

"It also showed City are buying very good players. I think City are building a team that should be capable of winning the league.

"But then you look at Chelsea and Man United and you know that my brother's got a lot of work."

 

[3xxx]

Laporta: Barcelona ‘Love’ Arsenal Captain Fabregas
The European champions seen unable to keep their eyes off a certain young Gunner.

Aug 30, 2009 2:30:17 AM
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EPL: Francesc Fabregas, Everton v Arsenal (PA)
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reignited speculation over a move for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas by admitting his club "love" the midfielder.

The young Spaniard has been linked with the European champions all summer but currently remains at the Emirates, with both player and club insisting he is happy in north London.

However, according to the News of the World, Laporta has spoken glowingly of Fabregas and has also insisted that he is a special case.

“I apologise if I bothered Mr. Wenger because I respect him very highly and the job he is doing but the case of Cesc Fabregas he knows perfectly is special,” explained the Barca chief.

“He is a Catalan player from our youth team and is it no secret that we love this player.

“We know he is one of the flagship players at Arsenal and we respect him.”

Laporta seems determined to sign Fabregas at some point, although with the transfer window set to slam shut in a matter of days it looks likely he will have to wait to capture his man.

“He played in the Champions League final with seven players who came through from our youth team: Victor Valdes, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Sergi Busquets, Xavi, Andres Insieta and Lionel Messi,” added Laporta.

“The way we express our Catalan identity, that we are more than just a club, it is quite different to the ways other clubs operate.

“I prefer this way because I developed it in the seven years that I have been president.”

 

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Bundesliga Soundbites: Post-Match Comments From The Weekend Action
Matchday four saw Bayern notch up a stylish win over Wolfsburg and Leverkusen going top of the table. Goal.com brings you all the post-match reaction.

Aug 30, 2009 4:02:10 AM
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Felix Magath (firo)
Bayern Munich 3-0 Wolfsburg

“I saw a very good Bayern Munich today against a very good Wolfsburg side. We played very well in the first-half and were perfectly organised. In the second-half the creative players made the goals and also created a number of other chances. I am happy that Franck Ribery is back and that Arjen Robben is now at the club. We can be very happy with this result, but we still need to improve and then we can start looking upwards.” Louis van Gaal, Bayern Munich

“In the second-half we were a match for them, but in the first-half we were asleep and too passive. We wanted to use counter-attacking situations but we lost the ball too easily and couldn’t start those counters. In the second-half we could have scored the equaliser, but then Bayern used the counter-attack on us and it was difficult for us.” Armin Veh, Wolfsburg

Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Bochum

“We deserved to win. But we made it very difficult for ourselves at times. We produced a good to very good performance in the first half and created a lot of chances. But the return for our efforts was poor. We weren't as effective as against Freiburg. But it says a lot for the team that they were able to come back from being a goal down. The team demonstrated that they have the drive and determination to win games.” Jupp Heynckes, Bayer Leverkusen

“Given the chances created, Leverkusen deserved to win. In spite of that, it was close for a long period in the match. We pressed forward at the start of the second half and we created some good chances. We then fell asleep at a throw in and Leverkusen's great individual quality saw them win the game. We would have like to have got something out of the game. But I am satisfied with my team's performance during certain phases of the match.” Marcell Koller, Bochum



Schalke 0-1 Freiburg

“Of course I’m not happy. Defeats happen but the manner of it didn’t please me. That was a return to last season. We were too harmless and didn’t put enough into the game. In the first-half we were not a danger at all going forward. It was better in the second-half particularly after the three changes, but overall the defeat was absolutely deserved.” Felix Magath, Schalke

“The first-half went exactly as a trainer would like. We probed them, went forward and for the first time finally took the lead. Schalke put a lot of pressure on us in the second-half. We sat back a little too defensively and had our hands full. But the team was rewarded in the end for the way they had played in the first three games.” Robin Dutt, Freiburg



VfB Stuttgart 0-0 Nurnberg

“Looking at the game as a whole over 90 minutes, then we can be satisfied with the draw. It was just as difficult a game as we had expected it to be against a very good and well familiarised Nürnberg team. Today we weren't as fresh as we needed to be and Nürnberg were extremely dangerous. With that in mind we have to be happy with the point today.” Markus Babbel, Stuttgart

“I think it was a good response to what happened last week. I also think that we showed that we can play good football in the top flight. We did a lot right today but unfortunately were unable to score a goal. We put VfB under pressure and with a bit of luck we could have won, but this game lets me know that we are on the right path.” Michael Oenning, Nurnberg

Eintracht Frankfurt 1-1 Borussia Dortmund

“We deserved a draw. I am largely satisfied with team’s game today. We had a bit of bad luck with the referee’s decisions and in my opinion the foul by Santana was a clear penalty. Six points from four games is okay, but not stunning, as there have been a few draws too many.” Michael Skibbe, Eintracht Frankfurt

“The way we played today, we didn’t deserve more than a point. We didn’t have enough good phases. We got ourselves 1-0 in front, but then immediately conceded the equaliser and then allowed them more good chances. I’m not happy with the game or the result.” Juergen Klopp, Borussia Dortmund



Hannover 0-1 Hoffenheim

“That was a great first-half from my team. We showed a lot of passion and created clear scoring opportunities. The fact that we didn’t take them was very frustrating. Overall, I am happy. It was a good performance, but the wrong result.” Andreas Bergmann, Hannover caretaker trainer

“In the first-half we completely forgot to do everything we had planned. At the break we should have been two or three goals behind. After the interval it was much better, but we know that we still have a lot to do.” Ralf Rangnick, Hoffenheim

Bor. Moenchengladbach 2-0 Mainz (Fri)

“We used the ball well in the first 35 minutes but unfortunately we didn’t create any decent goalscoring chances. It was a fantastic game, but perhaps a little too tactical. Our victory was deserved though.” Michael Frontzeck, Bor. Moenchengladbach

“It was a step forwards for us in respect of our away form. The euphoria has still not disappeared, but we have to realise that we leave the game with three serious injuries.”

 

[3xxx]

Mark Hughes Proud Of Manchester City Defence
The Welshman likes the clean sheets he has seen his side produce over the last few games.

Aug 30, 2009 10:59:03 AM
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EPL: Carlos Tevez - Richard Hughes, Portsmouth v Manchester City (PA)
Mark Hughes has been signing the praises of his defenders, after his Manchester City side defeated Portsmouth 1-0 at Fratton Park.

Hughes men have taken a maximum nine points from three games, while conceding no goals, a stat the gaffer is particularly proud of.

"We are keeping clean sheets and that always gives you a chance of winning games," Hughes told BBC Sport.
"Fratton Park is a hard place to come and get something but we were always in control of the game. We took the lead and we should really have had a second goal, which we deserved.

"Micah Richards' goal was chalked out for offside, wrongly in my opinion," he added.

"But we have come out of the blocks and made a statement and three wins out of three league games is great for us."

City also had a penalty claim turned down when Carlos Tevez looked to have been fouled towards the end of the match, but it didn't matter in the end and the Sky Blues march on in their campaign to break in to the top four.

 

[3xxx]

Player Ratings: Portsmouth 0-1 Manchester City
An Emmanuel Adebayor goal was enough to hand the Citizens another three points at Fratton Park. Goal.com rates the performers.

Aug 30, 2009 10:38:50 AM
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EPL: Carlos Tevez - Richard Hughes, Portsmouth v Manchester City (PA)
PORTSMOUTH

Begovic: 6.5 - Made a hash of a City free kick which almost led to a goal but somehow escaped. No chance with the goal but dealt with everything else thrown at him.

Vanden Borre: 6.5 – The on-loan full back had his moments. One raid down the right embarrassed Bridge and a good display.

Kaboul: 6.5 – Found Adebayor a handful but tried to offer an attacking threat. Headed a chance over and tried to get forwards later on.

Mokoena: 6 - Lost Adebayor for the goal and conceded a needless foul on the edge of the box that could have been costly.

Belhadj: 6.5 – Made a couple of important tackles particularly on Adebayor and Wright-Phillips.

Brown: 6 - Typically combative performance from the debut boy. Also managed to get the ball in the back of the net but it was ruled out.

Mullins: 5.5 - Improved as the game wore on but a distinct lack of invention from the Pompey midfield.

Hughes: 5 - Looked short of pace, conceded plenty of fouls and a poor show.

Smith: 6 – Worked hard on his debut and his enthusiasm couldn’t be faulted. However, he struggled to support his frontman and provide an attacking threat.

Piquionne: 6.5 - A willing runner, worked hard, thumped one into the side netting but couldn’t grab a goal on a lonely afternoon.

Kranjcar: 5.5 – Portsmouth needed some craft and guile from their Croatian international but he couldn’t supply either.

Substitutes

Utaka: 6.5 – Added some attacking threat with a great shot just wide and a late header.

Kanu: 6 - Made little impact.

Nugent: 5 - Fluffed a chance to equalise late on, albeit only seconds after arriving.

MANCHESTER CITY

Given: 6.5 – A virtual spectator all game and had very little to do until the final minutes when he did well to block from Nugent.

Richards: 7 – Defensively comfortable and was a little unlucky to see a goal ruled out before injury saw him hobble off after an hour.

Toure: 7 - The captain cruised through the game and also had the confidence to try his luck with a couple of shots.

Lescott: 7 – Guilty of giving the ball away a couple of times but otherwise a commanding display, strong in the tackle and a threat in the air.

Bridge: 6.5 - His Southampton past saw him mercilessly booed by the home crowd but a decent enough display.

Wright-Phillips: 6 - Lively initially with some trademark runs down the right but faded out of the game and contributed little in the second half.

Ireland: 6.5 – Did just enough, made some strong runs, was difficult to get off the ball but faded a little in the closing stages.

Barry: 7 - Sprayed it around nicely, one free kick baffled Begovic whilst his corner set up the goal.

Bellamy: 7 - Preferred to Robinho and a bright display. Set up a goal for Richards which was ruled out and did his work tracking back.

Adebayor: 7.5 - Looked a cut about whenever he had the ball. Scored with a fine leap and an unstoppable header and showed lovely skills second half to beat two defenders before shooting.

Tevez: 6 – A typically industrious performance but with little end result. A lovely pass set up Bellamy but solid not spectacular.

Substitutes

Zabaleta: 6 - Booked for a foul on Kanu.

De Jong: 6 - Came on to steady the ship in the closing stages.

 

[3xxx]

Report: Tottenham To Swoop For Real Madrid's Van Der Vaart
The London club are looking to replace long-term injury victim Luka Modric with the cultured Dutchman.

Aug 30, 2009 10:38:33 AM
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Van der Vaart - Valencia-Real Madrid (Marca)
Tottenham Hotspur will make a last-ditch attempt to bolster their squad before the transfer window slams shut by bidding for Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

Spurs’ boss Harry Redknapp watched playmaker Luka Modric fracture his fibula in yesterday’s 2-1 win over Birmingham City, and the Croatian faces months of rehabilitation to be able to return to action.

Redknapp will want to act quickly to maintain the momentum of his side’s excellent start to the season, and according to reports from Spain, he has earmarked the Dutchman as an ideal replacement.

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini has already issued a warning to Van der Vaart that he does not see the former Ajax man a part of his long-term plans, and if an offer came in the club would allow him to negotiate his exit from the Santiago Bernabeu.

Van der Vaart moved to Madrid in the summer of 2008, but had limited impact upon his arrival as Barcelona clinched the Primera Division crown.