vendredi 18 novembre 2011

Cruyff - Van Gaal return 'stinks'


Johan Cruyff has reiterated his anger at the appointment of Louis van Gaal as Ajax's new general director, revealing the decision was made behind his back.
The Amsterdam giants announced on Wednesday that their former coach Van Gaal would return to the club in July 2012 as the replacement for Rik van den Boog, who left the post earlier this year.
Cruyff and Van Gaal - although briefly team-mates at Ajax in the early 1970s - have famously never seen eye to eye, and the decision to hire Van Gaal to such a senior role without his knowledge has angered the 64-year-old Cruyff, a member of the club's board.

Stinks

"I do not know what I have to say. To start, I knew nothing, nothing, really," Cruyff told Voetbal International.
"You think you are on the right road and then suddenly this happens.
"Legally, they all know how it works, but of course it stinks all around."
Cruyff claims he was in Barcelona when the meeting was scheduled and was unable to return to Holland in time to attend.
"Until Tuesday afternoon I was still in Amsterdam, and only then did I go back to Barcelona," he said.
"It is very coincidental that the next day a meeting of the board is called.
"I could obviously not be there."
Cruyff claims the actions of his four colleagues on the board has caused ructions at the club, and it remains to be seen whether the decision to hire Van Gaal will be formally rubber-stamped.
Decide
"The major shareholder must now decide what will happen. And that shareholder is Ajax itself," said Cruyff.
"I would also like to know what all the trainers think. It is certainly clear that a lot of people have been taken for a ride, including myself."
Van Gaal admitted earlier this month that it would be "impossible" for the two men to work together at Ajax, and Cruyff fears his position could become untenable if the deal goes through.
"It seems clear to me. But let's not get ahead of ourselves," he said. "Let's first see what exactly the club as a whole wants.

Saunders hopes for Sall deal


Doncaster Rovers manager Dean Saunders has confirmed he has made an enquiry to bring St Etienne defender Moustapha Bayal Sall to the Keepmoat Stadium.
Skysports.com revealed last month that the Championship side were interested in adding the Senegal international to their ranks.
The likes of Pascal Chimbonda, Herita Ilunga and El Hadji Diouf have all joined Rovers in recent weeks and Saunders is waiting to see if his interest in Bayal Sall comes to fruition.
"It is not 100%, we have made enquiries but until things are signed it's never done," said Saunders.
"We have got other options as well so we can pull out of things if we don't want to do it.
"He's a big strong centre-back but he is playing for St Etienne and I shouldn't be talking about him."

Lucho wants Marseille exit


Reported Arsenal target Lucho Gonzalez wants to leave Marseille, according to the midfielder's agent.
The Argentinian has been left on the bench by coach Didier Deschamps in recent weeks to prompt speculation of a move away.
Lucho had been linked with Arsenal and Malaga in the summer and, while the interest of both teams has reportedly cooled, his agent, Federico Simonian, still expects his player to be sold.
"He wants to leave," Simonian was quoted as saying by L'Equipe. "He wants to play in a championship that is better than Ligue 1."
Lucho himself admitted earlier in the week he was flattered to be linked with Arsenal, but insisted he intended to honour his Marseille contract.
"Arsenal? It's a great club who we have already played twice in this season's Champions League," he told Mais Futebol.
"I feel I will continue at Marseille because I have signed a contract here, but it all depends on the offers and Marseille's interest.
"If there is a good club that comes in for me then what will happen remains to be seen."

Van Buyten plans Bayern stay


Daniel van Buyten claims he remains fully committed to Bayern Munich amid talk of a possible return to former club Marseille.
The Belgium international spent three years at Stade Velodrome between 2001 and 2004, before going on to take in spells at Manchester City and Hamburg.
He linked up with Bayern in 2006 and has enjoyed considerable success at the Allianz Arena, making almost 200 appearances for the club.
At 33 years of age he remains an important part of Bayern's plans and insists he is still enjoying his time in Germany.

Contract

He has stopped short of closing the door on a return to France, but claims he has done nothing to fuel speculation linking him with Marseille.
"I am a player of Bayern Munich at this point in time. I have a contract with the club," Van Buyten told French-based radio station Radio RCM.
"Still, no-one knows what will happen in this game. You should never say never.
"Bayern definitely want to keep me here, though, and I am happy I have stayed on."

Ter Stegen signs new deal


Borussia Monchengladbach have announced that teenage goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen has agreed a new one-year deal with the club.
The 19-year-old is already tied to the Bundesliga outfit until 2014, but has now committed himself for another 12 months.
Monchengladbach confirmed the news on Thursday following a series of talks with the promising goalkeeper.
They are delighted to have secured the services of a player they believe is destined for a bright future in the game.

Outstanding

Ter Stegen has already made 18 Bundesliga appearances and has not looked out of place among the top flight elite.
He is a product of Monchengladbach's academy system, having first linked up with his hometown club in 1996, and sporting director Max Eberl is pleased to have reached an agreement with one of German football's hottest prospects.
He said: "Marc Andre is an outstanding talent in German football and has a great career ahead of him.
"We can be proud to have developed such a player."

Aquilani set for Milan stay


The agent of Alberto Aquilani thinks it is a 'formality' that the Liverpool midfielder's loan move to AC Milan will become permanent.
Aquilani is in the middle of a season-long loan at the San Siro after failing to settle at Anfield since an £18million arrival from Roma in 2009.
The Italy international spent time with Juventus in the last campaign and he is keen to secure a permanent return to his homeland.
His representative does not think that will prove a problem, with Aquilani impressing as he attempts to reach the 25 appearances required to make Milan offer a contract.
"The option to define the permanent deal with AC Milan can surely be described as a formality because the player will reach the parameters written on the agreement between AC Milan and Liverpool," said Aquilani's representative, Franco Zavaglia, to itasportpress.
"Alberto is doing well and I think this is the case in the eyes of everyone."

City keen to retain Balotelli


Roberto Mancini's assistant Fausto Salsano has backed Mario Balotelli to remain at Manchester City amid speculation of a strike partnership with Napoli frontman Edison Cavani.
Cavani and Balotelli met on Tuesday as Uruguay beat Italy 1-0 and will come face-to-face once more in the crunch UEFA Champions League game between City and Napoli just a week later.
Cavani was quoted as saying he and Balotelli 'would make a good partnership' and he would be happy for the City striker to join him at the Stadio San Paolo.

Future

Balotelli has pledged his future to the blue side of Manchester numerous times and Salsano believes the Italian forward will be a City player for the foreseeable future.
"Honestly I don't think Balotelli and Cavani can play together," Salsano said.
"Mario is doing very well. He is an important player for us and will stay at City for a long time.
"He has said he wants to do well in Manchester and so I think he'll be playing for us for some time."
Napoli have confirmed City have registered interest in midfielder Marek Hamsik, Argentinian striker Ezequiel Lavezzi as well as Cavani.
However the Italian club are unlikely to want to unload three of their most influential players.

Zanetti talks up Balotelli


Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti admits the club would welcome Mario Balotelli back to the club.
Balotelli departed the Nerazzurri in August 2010 and, after a tricky start to life with Manchester City, has now become an important first-team player for the Premier League frontrunners.
The 21-year-old striker has regulalry been linked with a return to Inter and Zanetti admits it would be good to have him back.
"The club is working for the January market and I'm sure important players will arrive ," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"(Mario) Balotelli? If one day he returned to Inter, the group would welcome him back, we did not have any problem with Mario."

Great champion

Inter have made a terrible start to the Serie A season and Claudio Ranieri's side currently sit 17th in the Italian top flight.
Zanetti also hinted that he would like Carlos Tevez to join the club, with Inter short of a top class striker since Samuel Eto'o departed for Russia.
He said: "Eto'o? He made a painful choice, but now we have to think to score points.
"Tevez? He is having problems with his club, but we speak of a great champion."

    Mancini on standby for De Rossi


    Roberto Mancini has confirmed Manchester City would be ready to make an offer for Daniele De Rossi if the midfielder decides to leave Roma.
    De Rossi's future at Stadio Olimpico is uncertain as he is out of contract at the end of the season and talks regarding an extension have reached an impasse.
    The Italy international recently admitted that, if he does leave Roma, then his priority would be to move to another country.
    City have regularly been linked with a bid for the 28-year-old and Mancini is keeping a watching brief on the situation, but admits he would not be surprised if De Rossi stays at Roma.

    Top player

    "It's always difficult to get your hands on a Roman footballer and a Romanista who plays for Roma," the City manager told the Corriere dello Sport.
    "But, if De Rossi is one day available on the market then Manchester City will be ready, as will Real Madrid, Chelsea and all the big clubs.
    "He's a top player, one of those few players who can get into the very best teams in the world. He's a complete midfielder, with class and experience."
    Mancini spent 15 years of his own playing career with Sampdoria and he can understand why De Rossi may prefer to remain with Roma.
    He added: "I turned down a lot of money and sacrificed honours in order to remain at Sampdoria.
    "I felt loved in Genoa and I said no to a lot of teams with whom I would have won Scudetti after Scudetti. Daniele could do the same.
    "After all, if they give boss Luis Enrique the time he needs in Rome then he could do well with Roma."

    Guti unsure of Atletico


    Guti admits he would find it hard to play for Atletico Madrid as he searches for a new club in Spain after leaving Besiktas on a free transfer.
    The 35-year-old wants to carry on playing and has been linked with moves to Malaga, Getafe and Rayo Vallecano since being released by the Turkish giants.
    Atletico were said to be interested in the ex-Spain international, but the ex-Real Madrid man remains unsure if he could play for their city rivals.
    "What is most important is to be close to my children and to be able to play at a good level and with plenty of playing time," he told Cadena SER.

    Complicated

    "It would be complicated to play for Atletico. What is sure is that I want to continue playing. Money is not so important in all of this."
    Getafe's Pedro Rios believes that the addition of Guti would only be good news for his club.
    "In whatever team he played for in Spain or around the world, he would be good," Rios was quoted as saying by EFE.
    "With the quality and experience that he has, he is a player that would fit into any team. I would be delighted if he came here."

    Barcelona v Zaragoza preview


    Real Zaragoza boss Javier Aguirre expects Barcelona to be at full-strength tomorrow despite talk the Spanish champions may rest some of their international stars.
    Barcelona have been one of the hardest hit teams in the wake of the international break after a number of their key men returned to the Catalan capital at the last minute following long-haul flights.
    Barca's Spain stars were in action in Costa Rica in midweek following a 1-0 defeat to England in London last weekend, while Lionel Messi reportedly complained of fatigue after Argentina's World Cup qualification double-header.
    With Barca facing a key Champions League clash with AC Milan in midweek there had been speculation that boss Pep Guardiola may seek to give his stars a breather against a Zaragoza side languishing just above the drop zone.
    But Aguirre is ignoring such talk as he aims to address a four-game winless run.
    "I am expecting the best Barcelona," the former Mexico coach told the club's website.
    "It is important that we have this attitude. We must be strong, that is more important than any other analysis."
    A win for Barcelona would move them level with leaders Real Madrid, for a couple of hours at least, with Jose Mourinho's men travelling to Valencia for tomorrow's late game.
    While Guardiola has not given away his likely line-up he is set to be without defender Adriano after he suffered a bicep injury while on international duty with Brazil.
    Javier Mascherano is also a doubt after he limped out of Argentina's 2-1 win over Colombia while countryman Messi could be kept on the bench.
    Zaragoza have made two changes to the squad that drew 2-2 with Sporting Gijon last time out.
    Pablo Alcolea replaces injured goalkeeper Leo Franco after he failed to train during the week while Portuguese defender Fernando Meira also comes into the squad.

    Neymar targets Barcelona


    Neymar is hoping to pit his wits against Barcelona in next month's Club World Cup in Japan as he thinks that they are the best.
    The Brazilian striker had been strongly linked with a move to Camp Nou before penning a new deal with Santos and now he wants to take on the Blaugrana.
    Barcelona are the European champions and Neymar thinks Pep Guardiola's star-studded squad are so good that they could be from a different planet.

    Planet

    "Barca are from another world," he told France Football. "They are extra-terrestrial. Without doubt they are the best team on the planet.
    "If we play against them it would be a pleasure and a great honour. It would be a dream final, but we need to think about the first game before that, which will be tough."
    Neymar was wanted by a number of major European clubs, including Barca, Real Madrid and Chelsea, and sees a change of continent in his future.
    Dream
    "My dream is to play in Europe. I do not know when but I will go one day," he continued.
    "I have always liked Spanish football, but there are also other leagues that attract me like Italy or England.
    "Always I have watched European football and, above all, the Champions League. To play against teams from France, England, Germany, that would be great."
    A nomination for the prestigious Ballon d'Or, Neymar is not hopeful that he can beat the two players considered to be the best in the world at the moment.
    "I think that (Lionel) Messi will win it. What he has done at Barca has been incredible. Second? (Cristiano) Ronaldo. Me, third? No, no. I am one of 23 nominations," he concluded.

    Abidal exit fears increase


    Eric Abidal's agent insists the defender wants to stay at Barcelona, but believes the prospect of the France international leaving next summer is increasing.
    The 32-year-old's current deal expires at the end of the season and the European champions have offered Abidal a one-year extension with the option of a further 12 months on a pay-as-you-play basis.
    However, Abidal's representative David Venditelli believes the player deserves a better deal at Camp Nou and is hoping to hold further talks next month.
    Venditelli told COM Radio: "Today we have a proposition with a bonus for each match played, and we don't want a contract like that.

    Entitled

    "We want a permanent contract without variables. Not because of economic issues but more to show recognition and confidence in Abidal.
    "Although they have behaved exceptionally with us, we are entitled to have our desires on the new contract.
    "We have a very good relationship with the club, but we have not yet found the solution. It is true that as time passes, the risk increases of Abidal leaving Barcelona.
    "In early December, we have another meeting. Abidal wants to stay here and retire here."
    Defender Abidal, who returned to action towards the end of the 2010/11 season after successfully overcoming a liver tumour, joined Barca in 2007 and has made over 100 league appearances for the club.

    Bale flattered by Barca talk


    Gareth Bale admits it is 'always nice' to be linked with clubs of the stature of Barcelona, but he insists he is enjoying his football at Tottenham Hotspur.
    The Wales winger has established himself as one of the most potent players in the game over the past 12 months and is reportedly a target of Barcelona.
    The European champions recently sent an official to watch Bale in action at Fulham, but have cooled suggestions that a bid is in the pipeline for the 22-year-old.
    Bale is flattered to be mooted as a target for Barcelona, but stressed he takes little notice of any speculation regarding his future at White Hart Lane.
    "It's always nice being linked with clubs such as Barcelona - it's great to be linked with a team like that," Bale told the Daily Post.

    Champions League
    "I'm enjoying my football at Spurs and I don't really take much notice of what is written about interest from other clubs."
    Bale is determined to help Spurs return to the Champions League - a target he believes is achievable - following last season's impressive campaign in Europe.
    He added: "The Champions League is obviously where I want to be playing.
    "We've got a great chance of qualifying this season, especially with the manager playing young players in the Europa League and giving us the freshness to play in the Premier League.
    "We've had a great start to the season. The main thing we want to achieve is the top four - anything above that is obviously a bonus.
    "The main thing is to get back in the Champions League because that's where we want to get back to."

    Fergie - Poyet remarks ill-timed


    Sir Alex Ferguson has branded comments made by Gus Poyet defending fellow Uruguayan Luis Suarez over allegations of racism as 'inappropriate'.
    Liverpool's Suarez has been charged by the Football Association after Manchester United defender Patrice Evra accused the striker of racially abusing him "at least 10 times" during last month's 1-1 Premier League draw at Anfield.
    The Reds have confirmed that Suarez will plead 'not guilty' to the charge when he returns from international duty and have reiterated their support of the hitman in the matter.
    Brighton manager Poyet sprung to the Uruguay international's defence on Friday, accusing Evra of "crying like a baby" over the incident.
    United boss Ferguson has hit back at his remarks, insisting they are ill-timed in a week which has seen FIFA president Sepp Blatter spark controversy by downplaying the impact of racism in the game.
    "We have been asked by the FA not to say anything about the investigation and we've abided by that," Ferguson said in a press conference on Sky Sports News.
    "I think Liverpool have been drip feeding a lot of stuff out in the last couple of weeks. At the end of the day the FA will deal with it. I'm more surprised by Gus Poyet's remarks.

    Inappropriate

    "I think that's inappropriate at a time when people throughout the world are condemning racism. I think he's chosen the wrong time.
    "I can understand why he wants to support somebody from his country but he's got to think more about it.
    "I don't know how the question has been loaded but it seems his criticism of Evra is a bit silly."
    Blatter has earned widespread criticism from leading figures in the game after suggesting earlier this week that racism on the pitch could be settled by a handshake after the match.
    The Swiss has since said sorry for his comments but has refused to resign from his post despite many calling for his head.
    Ferguson believes his apology should put an end to the matter, adding: "Sepp Blatter has apologised, that's fine. I think that's appropriate."

    Sorry Blatter refuses to quit


    FIFA president Sepp Blatter has apologised for his comments on racism in football but has stressed he will not resign from his post.
    The Swiss chief sparked furore earlier this week when he suggested in a television interview that racial abuse on the pitch should be settled by a handshake at the end of the match.
    His remarks provoked angry reactions from a host of leading figures in the British game, as well as Prime Minister David Cameron and other UK politicians.
    There have also been widespread calls for the 75-year-old to step down from his post at the top of world football's governing body, with his recent comments the latest in a long line of controversial statements Blatter has made during his reign.
    The president said sorry for his remarks on Friday but is adamant he will not resign over the incident.
    "When you have done something which was not totally correct, I can only say I am sorry for all those people affected by my declarations," said Blatter.
    But he added: "I cannot resign. Why should I?"
    "When you are faced with a problem you have to face the problem. To leave would be totally unfair and not compatible with my fighting spirit, my character, my energy."

    Unfortunate

    Tokyo Sexwale, the South African minister who was included in a photo with Blatter when FIFA put out an initial statement on Wednesday night saying the Swiss' comments had been misunderstood, admits the president's remarks were "unfortunate".
    "I think it was a mistake, that's why it's unfortunate, to have mixed all the hullabaloo that happens on the field with racial slurs," he said.
    "We should differentiate racial remarks from things that are said when players are fighting for a ball.
    "Once you use a racial slur it doesn't go away. You cannot exchange jerseys or mitigate it with a handshake. That's why we call for action to be taken against players.
    "I think what Mr Blatter was saying, he mixed up all those emotions. He was quick to say let's get on with the game. That was rather unfortunate.
    "Having said that, I think this mistake has come at the right time. I think he has also inadvertently raised the level of tension against racism and discrimination on the pitch."

    Becks 'appalled' by Blatter


    David Beckham has labelled FIFA president Sepp Blatter's comments on racism as 'appalling' and a backward step for football.
    The supremo of world football's governing body has come under intense criticism over the past 48 hours following his blasé views on racism, having stated that any in-game infringements could be settled by a post-match handshake.
    Blatter immediately backtracked, stating his quotes were misunderstood, however, that has failed to quell a backlash from many in the game.
    Beckham has now joined the ongoing debate, stating the remarks were 'appalling' and that racism remains in the game despite immense strides over the years.

    Appalling

    "The comments were appalling," commented Beckham. "A lot people have said that.
    "I don't think that the comments were very good for this game.
    "There obviously is, and has been, racism throughout soccer and in life over the last few years.
    "I do think, especially being around the England team and being around the FA - the FA do a lot of work in kicking racism out of the game.
    "They've have made huge strides in the past 10-15 years - but it is still there."
    Hit out
    Beckham also hit out at Blatter's assertion that a handshake at the end of a match was enough to forgive any racist remarks on the pitch.
    "It can't be swept under the carpet, it can't be sorted out with a handshake," he said.
    "That's not the way of the world and that's not how racism should be treated.
    "It's out there and we have to keep working hard to keep in out of the game and life in general.
    "Racism is something we want to keep out of sport but also life in general."

    mercredi 16 novembre 2011

    Eriksen prefers Spanish switch


    Ajax ace Christian Eriksen has revealed his interest in playing in Spain's top flight ahead of England's Premier League.
    The Denmark international has reportedly been attracting interest from Manchester City and Manchester United, along with Spanish giants Barcelona.
    Eriksen was recently asked whether he fancied a switch to big-spending City, but he labelled the potential move a risk as he did not want to warm the club's bench.
    When quizzed whether he would prefer a move to England or Spain, he stated that the style of play in Spain suited his game while he is also attracted by the warmer climate.
    "Yes (Spain) appeals more to me. The playing style and weather is more attractive," he told Ekstra Bladet.
    "I believe I would fit better in Spain. But maybe I will be a big bodybuilder suitable for Premier League in one or two years. It's hard to know."