Tag Archives: calm

Tony Fernandes backs QPR manager Mark Hughes

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Hughes has full support of 'calm' QPR owner Fernandes despite winless start

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UPDATED:

18:21 GMT, 5 November 2012

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes insists he has complete faith in under-fire manager Mark Hughes as the Loftus Road club still search for their first Barclays Premier League win of the season.

The R's players were jeered off the pitch following Sunday's 1-1 home draw against fellow strugglers Reading to claim only their fourth league point of the campaign.

The right man: QPR are yet to win this season but Mark Hughes has the backing of Tony Fernandes

The right man: QPR are yet to win this season but Mark Hughes has the backing of Tony Fernandes

But Fernandez still believes Hughes is the right man to take the club forward, telling Sky Sports News the Welshman has his full backing.

'I have complete faith in Mark Hughes and we have a great squad, we just need to hold out for that stability and I'm sure things are going to go right,' he said.

Supporting his man: Fernandes says Hughes is the right man to turn things around

Supporting his man: Fernandes says Hughes is the right man to turn things around

'It's been one of those frustrating seasons for us but I'm keeping the faith and keeping calm. It's not a time to panic.'

The Open 2012: Graeme McDowell thinks wind could help chasing pack

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McDowell believes windy forecast could aid chasing pack

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UPDATED:

22:56 GMT, 21 July 2012

After the unexpected calm conditions of the first three days, high winds are being forecast for Royal Lytham on Sunday.

And Graeme McDowell, the leading Briton at four shots back, believes this could boost his chances and the rest of the chasing pack.

Assistance: Graeme McDowell thinks wind could help him

Assistance: Graeme McDowell thinks wind could help him

The Northern Irishman will play alongside leader Adam Scott of Australia in the final group and said: ‘It will be in Adam’s hands if the conditions are as straightforward as they have been the last few days.

‘Throw a bit of wind like perhaps they are forecasting and he will have to work a lot harder to win it. Perhaps, we’ll need that bit of wind to make it easier for the chasers.’

Scott insisted, however, that the weather would not beat him. He said: ‘The way I prepared at the start, I felt I had a good understanding of how this course played in all conditions.’

Euro 2012: Spain won"t use Portugal"s two-day advantage as an excuse

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We won't use Portugal's two-day advantage as an excuse in Euro 2012 semi-final, vow Spain

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UPDATED:

13:46 GMT, 24 June 2012

Spain have two days fewer than Portugal to prepare for Wednesday's Euro 2012 semi-final – but they are refusing to moan about it.

Portugal played their quarter-final against Czech Republic on Thursday, while Spain's last-eight match against France was two days later.

Physio Javier Minano said that would give the Portuguese 'something of an advantage' over the holders in Donetsk.

Non-stop: Spain celebrate their victory over France on Saturday

Non-stop: Spain celebrate their victory over France on Saturday

But he added: 'There is no doubt that it has an impact but then again we had a day longer than the French to prepare for the quarter-final so we can't use it as an excuse either.'

Minano was speaking at a rare appearance at a news conference at Spain's training base in Gniewino, northern Poland.

Like all the other national teams competing in Poland and Ukraine, the Spanish players have endured a long, hard season with their clubs and Minano said it was impossible to tell whether they were close to their physical limit.

'A few years ago it was unthinkable that a player could play 5,000 minutes of football in a season, which is the case with some of these footballers,' he added.

Threat: Spain must cope with Portugal ace Cristiano Ronaldo

Threat: Spain must cope with Portugal ace Cristiano Ronaldo

'It's a challenge for them no doubt but it's the same for other teams and the response has been good. Based on that response, the coach is picking the players who he believes can perform the best.'

Spain had yet to decide whether they will return to Gniewino after the semi-final if they get through to the final on July 1 in Kiev, or whether they will head directly to the Ukrainian capital.

Minano added: 'The calm and the excellent facilities we have found here (in Gniewino) will certainly play a major role in the decision.'

Chelsea players defy Andre Villas-Boas over Nicolas Anelka

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Mutiny! Chelsea stars defy under-fire AVB as they treat Anelka to leaving do

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The blatant disregard for Villas-Boas” stance is the clearest sign yet that the young Portuguese manager is struggling to keep on top of his star names.

A Chelsea source told The Sun: “The lads thought banning Nico from the lunch was petty and spiteful. AVB has lost the dressing room and it”s become so bad several players want to get away now.”

Anelka, who has spent nearly five years at the club, is devastated at the way he has been treated, upset at the fact he was marginalised having played a key role in the double-winning campaign of 2010.

Calm down, dear: Andre Villas-Boas is facing mounting pressure at Chelsea

Calm down, dear: Andre Villas-Boas is facing mounting pressure at Chelsea

Villas-Boas had already ordered the Frenchman”s locker to be emptied after the club accepted his transfer request in December.

Along with Alex, he was excluded from the first-team squad and the dressing rooms at Cobham as soon as the club agreed to sell the pair.

They were ordered to park their vehicles in the community car park and had been changing in the academy facilities for training.