Tuesday 18 June 2013

Monday 3 June 2013

Cavani will leave for €63 million


Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has put a price tag of €63m (around £54m) on his striker Edinson Cavani.

Cavani 26, has been the target of Chelsea and Manchester City.

3rd June

Rafael: We were focused

Rafael has linked Manchester United’s success in the 2012/13 Premier League season to focus.

The defender said: ‘It was an amazing season but maybe we could have won against Real Madrid in the Champions League, you know. However, being a champion means that it is a very, very good season.

‘We couldn’t win against Madrid and we were disappointed about that but it’s okay. We won the league title and I think we were focused this season to get the trophy back to Old Trafford.

If you see the points difference at the top, you can definitely say we are the best team this season. Like I have just said, we have been so focused. We came back in some games to recover points when we were losing and it has been very good overall.

 

3rd June.

Mourinho: I am Chelsea new manager


Jose Mourinho says he will resume at Chelsea this week as the new manager.

The Portuguese made the announcement on a Spanish television programme ‘Punto Pelota’.

The 50-year-old left Real Madrid after three years in charge.

Mourinho guided Chelsea between 2004 and 2007, leading the club to two Premier League titles.

He also clinched the FA Cup and two League Cups before leaving in September 2007.

He said:’ I will go to London and between Monday and the end of the week I will be the new coach of Chelsea.
I hope to be Chelsea's new coach.

‘I would like to be it because I was happy in London and I feel that the people there love me.

‘Life is beautiful and short, and in life you have to seek out what you think is best for you.’


3rd June

Villa: I’m not thinking of leaving Barca


Barcelona forward David Villa has dismissed speculation of a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas is desperate to sign the Spanish striker to help get the London side into the Champions League places next season.

Villa, 31, said: ‘I have a contract with Barca and I’ve always said that I’m very happy here.

‘I always try to think of the present. I will go to the Confederations Cup and try to play a good role there.

‘We’ll need to analyse many things during the summer and then we’ll see.

‘Right now I’m not thinking about anything else than playing football.’

 

3rd June

Van Gaal: I don’t enjoy national team job


Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal says he will step down from the position for a second time after the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
 
The former AFC Ajax, AZ Alkmaar, Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager reveals his preference of club football to national team football.

Van Gaal, 61, said: ‘I took over as national coach with the ambition of going to a World Cup or a European Championship. I have never done this before and I am doing everything to make sure I can achieve it. After that I will leave.

‘I am constantly having to borrow other coach's players and I don't enjoy that. At the end of the day, what I love is being with my players every day and working with them on the pitch.’


3rd June

Friday 31 May 2013

France - Coupe De France

21:00 Bordeaux v Evian Thonon Gaillard


May 31

Internationals - Friendly

19:00 Turkey v Slovenia

20:45 Italy v San Marino


May 31

Pablo Migliore joins Zagreb


GNK Dinamo Zagreb have signed goalkeeper Pablo Migliore on a three-year deal from CA San Lorenzo de Almagro.

The 31-year-old is likely to replace Ivan Kelava, who is expected to join Granada CF.

Keleva said: ‘I talked to Luis Ibáñez and he told me that I can come without any fear as this is a great club.’

Migliore has been given jersey No22 shirt.


May 31

Valdes: I am leaving Barca


FC Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes says he is not signing a new with the Blaugrana when his deal expires next summer.

The 31-year-old who won six La Liga trophies and three UEFA Champions Leagues among other titles announced his decision at a press conference on Friday.

He said: ‘I have spent 20 years here, 12 of which have been with the first team.

‘I have been lucky enough to have shared a dressing room with some of the best players in the world while winning titles that you only dream about as a child. [However,] I feel that my time here will end [with] my current contract in 2014.’

May 31

Thursday 30 May 2013

Chelsea sign Mourinho


José Mourinho has finally signed a four year deal worth €47million with Chelsea FC, according to The Sun.

The Special One who signed the deal on Tuesday night during a two day trip to London is likely to be presented to the press next week.

A Chelsea staff told The Sun: ‘It's official. José Mourinho is a Chelsea man again. Everyone is delighted he's coming back. The club, the players and the fans.’

May 30

Romania – Liga 1

18:00 CSM Iasi v FC Vaslui

20:30 FC Viitorul Constanta v CSS Drobeta Turnu Severin  

20:30 Gloria Bistrita v Concordia Chiajna  

20:30 Rapid Bucuresti v Ceahlaul Piatra-Neamt


May 30 

Estonia - Meistriliiga Fixture

19:30 JK Tallinna Kalev v Narva JK Trans
 
19:30 Tartu JK Tammeka  v FC Kuressaare

May 30 

Poland - Ekstraklasa Fixture

18:00 Belchatow v Jagiellonia Bialystok

18:00 Gornik Zabrze v Wisla Krakow

18:00 Korona Kielce v Widzew Lodz

18:00 Podbeskidzie v Pogon Szczecin

18:00 Polonia Warsaw v Piast Gliwice  

18:00 Ruch Chorzow v Legia Warsaw  

18:00 Slask Wroclaw v Lech Poznan

18:00 Zaglebie Lubin v Lechia Gdansk

 
May 30

Switzerland - Challenge League

19:45 Bellinzona v Aarau
19:45 Chiasso v  Vaduz
19:45 Wil v Locarno
19:45 Winterthur v  Biel-Bienne
19:45 Wohlen v Lugano
19:00 Djurgarden v Kalmar
19:05 Norrkoping v AIK Stockholm
 

May 30 

Sweden - Allsvenskan Fixture

19:00 Djurgarden v Kalmar
 
19:05 Norrkoping v AIK Stockholm


May 30 

Norway - NM Cupen Fixture

18:00 Flekkeroy v Start Kristiansand

18:00 Kongsvinger v Ham Kam
18:00 Stabaek v Fredrikstad


May 30 

Internationals - Friendly Results

 FT United States 2 - 4 Belgium

 FT Japan 0 - 2 Bulgaria

May 30 

 

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Rafael Benitez joins Napoli


Napoli have appointed Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez as their new manager on a two-year deal.

The 53-year-old won Europa League for the London side will replace Walter Mazzarri.

Napoli finished second in the Italian league last season and have qualified for next season's Champions League.

Benitez has ten trophies to his credit as manager of Valencia, Liverpool, Inter Milan and Chelsea.

The Spaniard said: ‘I am very happy and very satisfied for having committed to a great club with an illustrious heritage like Napoli.

‘I understand the history of the city and how the club forms a fundamental part of the culture and traditions of Naples.

‘I must confess that I am extremely excited because I can share my passion for football with the fans of Napoli; it is proven that they are very, very special.

‘I look forward to experiencing each and every one of the fans of Napoli and their strong support for this project that we will begin.’
 

28th May, 2013.

 

Martinez resigns from Wigan; set to join Everton


Roberto Martinez has resigned as manager of Wigan Athletic and is set to hold talks with Everton about succeeding David Moyes.

The 39-year-old Spaniard led Wigan to a historic FA Cup success but could not prevent the team from relegation from the Premier League.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan confirmed the resignation of Martinez and the intention of Everton to sign the Spaniard.

Whelan said Everton sought his permission to talk to Martinez last Friday.

He said: ‘Roberto wanted permission to move so I've given that.

‘He feels he's not the man to lead us back into the Premier League. I've got to accept what he feels.

‘He [Martinez] has 12 months left on his contract, so whoever comes in for him must pay the remainder of his contract.’

He added: ‘I did tell Roberto before I spoke to him this morning that Everton chairman Bill Kenwright had rung me and on Friday and asked for permission to speak to him.

‘If he decided to leave us, he is a must for Everton. He plays football from back to front and Everton like to play football from back to front. In my mind he is tailor made to manage Everton.’

Martinez joined Wigan in June 2009.
 

28th May, 2013.

Friday 24 May 2013

Rizzoli to referee 2003 UEFA Champions League final


Nicola Rizzoli has been appointed to referee Saturday's 2013 UEFA Champions League final at Wembley between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern München.

The 41 year-old Italian will be assisted by Renato Faverani and Andrea Stefani. The fourth official will be Damir Skomina from Slovenia and the two additional assistant referees, Gianluca Rocchi and Paolo Tagliavento, also from Italy. An Italian reserve assistant referee – Gianluca Cariolato – completes the refereeing team lineup.

Rizzoli who has been an international referee since 2007, was selected by the UEFA Referees Committee to oversee Saturday's match at Wembley.

He took charge of the inaugural UEFA Europa League final in 2010 in Hamburg, where Club Atlético de Madrid beat Fulham FC 2-1 in extra time, and also officiated at three matches during UEFA EURO 2012. In total, Rizzoli has presided over 26 UEFA Champions League games, four of them this season, including the round of 16 second leg between Málaga CF and FC Porto.


24th May, 2013.

Calderon: Break the bank for Gareth Bale


Real Madrid former president Ramon Calderon says Bernabeu side should sign Tottenham Hotspur sensation Gareth Bale.

Calderon who masterminded the world-record £80m move of Cristiano Ronaldo, told Madrid to break the bank for Bale.

He said: ‘Everyone wants Bale. Should they pay £80m for Bale? If you have it, why not? Money is better on the field than in the bank.’


24th May, 2013.

Bale set to sign new deal


Gareth Bale has doused speculations linking him with a move from Tottenham Hotspur.

The forward who is about signing a new four-year deal worth £150,000 a week believes his side must regroup ahead of next season.

Bale said: ‘We fought hard this season; the team and the manager have been great.

“We have got the record points (72) for the club in the Premier League.

‘That would normally be enough to qualify for the Champions League. We will just have to regroup and give it another go.’


24th May, 2013.

Thursday 23 May 2013

Asia - Champions League Result

FT Lekhwiya 2 - 2 Al Hilal

FT Esteghlal 0 - 0 Al-Shabab

23rd May, 2013.

Tunisia - League I (Finals)

16:30 Esperance v CS Sfaxien
16:30 Etoile du Sahel v Club Africain

23rd May, 2013.

Kagawa: Bayern will find it hard against Dortmund


Manchester United Shinji Kagawa believes Borussia Dortmund has a better chance of winning the Champions League against rivals Bayern Munich on Saturday evening.

The former Dortmund star said: ‘Bayern will find it hard against Dortmund as they haven’t beaten them in the league for three seasons.

‘Dortmund will play hard without being over-confident. I expect it will be an exciting match and I hope Dortmund will be European champions.’

23rd May, 2013.

Giroud: Arsenal are competitors


Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud believes Arsenal are competitors in the Champions League.

The striker who scored 17 goals in all competitions including 11 in the Premier League believes Arsenal are competitors in Europe.

Giroud who played against Bayern Munich said: ‘When you play in the Champions League, you always improve yourself and it's better for competition. We are competitors and want to play in the top games. I really enjoy playing against big clubs like Bayern Munich. I would like to go further next year.’

 

23rd May, 2013.

Egypt - Premier League (Group 2)

16:30 El Dakhleya v  Itthad Al Shortah

 18:45 El Entag El Harby v Ismaily SC

 18:45 Petrojet v Al-Ittihad Al-Sakandary


23rd May, 2013.

Liverpool set to sign Kolo Toure

Liverpool FC are on the verge of signing Manchester City Kolo Toure as replacement for veteran Jamie Carragher.

The Manchester City centre-back whose contract has ended will be able to leave for free.

 And Liverpool boss Rodgers wants him to help plug the gap left in the heart of his backline by the retiring Jamie Carragher.

He is still in the market for a top-line defender and is keen to land Brazilian hardman Douglas, 25, from FC Twente.


But Rodgers is after Ivory Coast defender Toure, 32, as well to give him more depth, with Sebastian Coates also likely to leave Anfield and doubts over Martin Skrtel.

Toure joined the Etihad side from Arsenal in a £16million deal.


23rd May, 2013.

South America – Copa Libertadores

22:30 Boca Juniors v Newell's Old Boys

 22:30 Tijuana v Atletico Mineiro

23rd May, 2013.

Schweinsteiger: We have a better squad


Bastian Schweinsteiger believes Bayern Munich have a better side to win the UEFA Champions League final than last season.

Schweinsteiger, 28, said: ‘If you compare it to the other two finals all players are available and can play.

‘We have a better squad than last season and you can see that. We never had a season like this in the Bundesliga. The way we played in all three competitions so far proves it.’

Bayern Munch face rivals Dortmund in Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final.

 Over the last three seasons Bayern have only beaten Jurgen Klopp’s men in this year’s German Cup.

They drew twice in the league while Dortmund won all four Bundesliga matches in the previous two seasons and also thrashed them 5-2 in last year’s German Cup final to complete a Double.

The midfielder said: ‘We know we are seen as the favourites. But Dortmund in the last two years have won the championship and cup and they are a very good team — otherwise they wouldn’t be in the final.

‘It will be a tight match and a lot can happen in one game. But we’re focused and will be in tip-top shape when the final kicks off.’

 ‘We want to win over 90 or 94 minutes and that’s what we are concentrating on. We have a plan and I’m quite optimistic.’


23rd May, 2013.

Vermaelen can leave


Arsenal FC say skipper Thomas Vermaelen can leave the club in the summer £5million.

The Belgian defender has been left out of the starting line-up despite taking over as club captain from Robin van Persie.

Vermaelen, 27, has been previously watched by both Barcelona and Manchester United but he is desperate to stay in North London.

Manager Arsene Wenger prefers German Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.

Arsenal are also considering bringing Swansea’s Ashley Williams to the club. The player is currently rated £12m.

Vermaelen signed a new contract in October 2011 — to keep him at the club until 2015 — but has struggled this season.

It would be recalled that the Gunners signed Vermaelen for £10m four years ago.


23rd May, 2013.

Germany – Bundesliga 1 Qualification


20:30
Hoffenheim
v
Kaiserslautern

23rd May, 2013.

Holland – Play-Off UEFA


  20:45
FC Twente Enschede
v
FC Utrecht

23rd May, 2013.

Sergio Ramos: Bale can punish any team


Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos believes Tottenham sensation Gareth Bale can punish any team.

The Spanish giants are desperate to sign the double Footballer of the Year from Tottenham in a £60million

switch.

Ramos said: ‘Gareth Bale is a Real Madrid-quality signing. He has had an exceptional season. He can punish any team in the world and has the footballing qualities we look for in Madrid.

‘I am sure Madrid will not be the only team that wants to sign him — but he is the right mould for us.’

23rd May, 2013.

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Derek Boateng joins Fulham


Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng has signed a two-year deal at Fulham.
The 30-year-old announced his move from Ukrainian side Dnipro to Crave Cottage.
The former Getafe, Panathinaikos and Beitar Jerusalem midfielder tweeted: ‘I have signed a two-year deal with Fulham FC! I’m happy to see this deal confirmed! Thanks God, my family and everyone who support me!’
Fulham are yet to officially confirm the move.

22nd May, 2013.

Xavi: Doping is very prevalent

Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has declared his support for FIFA doping test.

The Catalan star said: ‘I very much approve of those kinds of tests. It is a pity but doping is very prevalent, not in football, but in sport in general, so for me every kind of prevention or control is good. People have to be healthy, sport has to be healthy and so it's good there are this kind of controls.

‘I’m sure there’s none in football. I’ve never experienced it. In 15 years I’ve not seen it at Barcelona, nor with the national team nor anywhere else, but you still need to take a very tough line with this.’

22nd May, 2013.

Tuesday 5 February 2013

El Shaarawy: Balotelli is a real champion

AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy says Mario Balotelli is a 'real champion'.
 

He said: 'Mario has already shown himself to be a real champion.
 

'He has been playing at the top level for many years. We felt good on the pitch and understood each other very well. He is really a very supportive guy, and we really got along with each other very well.'

 

Feb. 5, 2012.

International - Club Friendlies

FT FC Midtjylland 2-1 Vejle

FT Litex Lovech 1-1 Partizan Belgrade

FT Mornar 0 - 0 FK Spartak Zlatibor Voda

FT NK Istra 1961 4-3 Kecskemeti TE

FT Asker 1-8 Valerenga Oslo

FT Cherno More Varna 0-3 Kuban Krasnodar

FT Rubin Kazan 0-1 CFR Cluj

Feb. 5, 2012.

Prandelli: Balotelli has found calmness in Italy

Italy manager Cesare Prandelli believes Italian striker Mario Balotelli has 'found calmness in Italy'.

The former Manchester City who was always in the news while playing for the Etihad side seems to have form a good partnership with AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy.

Prandelli said: 'He has already found that calmness he lost in England.

'Now he'll get more regular games but much depends on him. Mario can only get better. The fact that he will play with El Shaarawy at club level is an advantage for us. I'm not saying that we have already decided the attacking pair of the future but we had already tried them together against France in August and saw their potential.

'If Balotelli and El Shaarawy lead us to win the World Cup in 2014, I will get a mohican on my head. Or even two.'

Feb. 5, 2012.

Saturday 19 January 2013

Galaxy may sign Frank Lampard

LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena has expressed his club's interest in Chelsea assistant captain Frank Lampard.
Galaxy are hoping to replace David Beckham with the Chelsea legend.

The Chelsea midfielder is out of contract in the summer and the club have shown no interest in offering a new contract to a player who is only eight goals shy of Bobby Tambling's record of 202 goals in the club's history.

Arena said: 'I wouldn't be surprised if over the next week or so we're going to have some sort of decision with a designated player.

'We wouldn't rule a move for Lampard out. It's always a possibility.'

Jan. 19, 2013.

International - Friendly (Under 21) Results

FT Lithuania 0-3 Ukraine

FT Moldova 2-1 Turkmenistan

FT Estonia 1-2 Belarus

January 19, 2013

International - Club Friendlies

FT Mattersburg 4-1 Vienna FC

FT Opava 2-1 Trinec

FT Flora Tallinn 3-0 Talinna Kalev

FT Novara 2-0 Chiasso

FT GKS Tychy 71 3-1 Podbeskidzie

FT Polonia Warszaw 1-1 Olimpia Grudziadz

FT Lech Poznan 3-0 Zawisza Bydgoszcz

FT Brøndby IF 4-1 Fremad Amager

FT FC Copenhagen 3-1 FC Vestsjælland

FT Belchatow 1-3 Dolcan Zabki

FT Brno 2-0 Slovacko

FT Chemnitz 1-2 Union Berlin

FT FSV Frankfurt 0-1 RW Erfurt

FT Osnabruck 2-1 Fortuna Koln

FT Ruch Chorzow 2-9 Zilina

FT Ull Kisa 1-0 Mjondalen

FT 1860 Munchen 1-2 Dynamo Dresden

January 19, 2013

International - Friendly Results

13:00 Burkina Faso v Niger

13:00 Mozambique v Botswana

23:15 Chile v Haiti

January 19, 2013