Tag Archives: confident

Adam Gemili trains his sights on Yohan Blake and Usain Bolt

Posted on by

British sprint sensation Gemili trains his sights on big guns and sub-10 secs run

|

UPDATED:

21:12 GMT, 16 October 2012


Rising star: Adam Gemili is making an impression

Rising star: Adam Gemili is making an impression

Sprint prodigy Adam Gemili hopes he can run under 10 seconds next year after receiving elite funding from UK Athletics.

The 100 metres world junior champion produced a confident performance at the London Olympics and just missed out on the 100m final.

Olympic silver medal winner Yohan Blake, 22, was the youngest man to break 10 seconds, which he did at the age of 19 years and 196 days.

But Gemili, who turned 19 on October 6, ran 10.05sec in Barcelona at the World Junior Championships in July and he said: ‘I hope to go under 10 seconds in the next year. With a full winter training, working on my technique and staying injury free it could happen.

‘Competing in London has done a lot for me. Winning the World Juniors was amazing, being in London and going against the real deal, Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay and Yohan Blake, it was nerve-wracking. But it just showed me that it’s not impossible to get to the level they’re at.’

Kieran Gibbs insists Arsenal are back on track

Posted on by

We're back on track, insists Gibbs as Arsenal prepare for West Ham trip

|

UPDATED:

07:30 GMT, 5 October 2012

Kieran Gibbs believes Arsenal are now 'back on the front foot' as they prepare to head to West Ham.

The Gunners recovered from their home defeat by Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea last weekend to move a step closer to qualification for the knockout stage of the Champions League with a 3-1 win over Olympiakos at the Emirates Stadium.

Gibbs feels Arsene Wenger's side can now head to Upton Park in confident mood.

Back on track: Gibbs (right) celebrates with Lukas Podolski on Wednesday night

Back on track: Gibbs (right) celebrates with Lukas Podolski on Wednesday night

'It was important to bounce back after a defeat (against Chelsea) at home. It was important for the players especially,' Gibbs told Arsenal Player.

'We wanted to shake off a few doubts in our mind that we had. We certainly did that and we're back on the front foot now.

'This is what we have to keep doing and keep pushing on from here.'

Left back Gibbs was on Thursday recalled to the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland.

Although fellow Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson missed out this time around, midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and forward Theo Walcott were both named by Roy Hodgson, who was at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey came off the bench to chip in a cool third goal against the Greeks.

Recall: Gibbs is in England's squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers

Recall: Gibbs is in England's squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers

With England midfielder Jack Wilshere, and also Emmanuel Frimpong, now stepping up rehabilitation from long-term injury, the Gunners have a strong British core within the group.

Ramsey, 20, believes that can only help for the challenges ahead.

He said: 'It's good to see there's a lot of good British players coming through, playing for a top club with good ability and it's important.

'It's good to have that in a team in England as well, to have that British spirit because sometimes you have to be able to grind out results as well.

'That helps the team and everyone is getting on at the moment, a good team spirit.

'We had a disappointing game at the weekend but we reacted well which is important and hopefully we can go on a run again.'

Winner: Ramsey celebrates scoring Arsenal's third on Wednesday night

Winner: Ramsey celebrates scoring Arsenal's third on Wednesday night

The conversion of Gervinho to a central attacking role again paid dividends on Wednesday night.

The Ivory Coast forward netted his fifth goal in as many appearances on 42 minutes with a low strike from the edge of the area, and then helped created the opening for Lukas Podolski to make it 2-1 in the second half, with Ramsey's neat finish wrapping up victory.

Gibbs reckons Gervinho can give Arsenal something 'special' in attack.

The England defender said: 'He has been given a bit of a different role, and it is working for us at the minute.

'He has a tremendous change of pace and brings something special to the team. He is difficult to stop at times, which is all good for us.'

Wenger plans softly, softly approach with Wilshere after midfielder returns to training

Posted on by

Wenger plans softly, softly approach with Wilshere after midfielder returns to training

|

UPDATED:

10:03 GMT, 21 September 2012

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal will have to be cautious over how Jack Wilshere is nursed back into first-team action.

The England midfielder finally returned to full training on Thursday after an ankle injury sidelined him for the whole of last season, also ruling him out of contention for Euro 2012.

Wenger, though, will take no chances with the 20-year-old, who is likely to have a few reserve outings before being considered for the first XI.

He's back! Jack Wilshere returned to full Arsenal training on Thursday

He's back! Jack Wilshere returned to full Arsenal training on Thursday

Speaking ahead of Sunday's trip to Manchester City, Wenger said: 'We will see how he responds to the training now.

'We will have to be a bit patient, a bit cautious, because when a guy has been out for 14 months it takes a while to get back to match fitness.

All smiles: Wilshere with Theo Walcott (left) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

All smiles: Wilshere with Theo Walcott (left) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

'Jack is fit to practise and play, but to put high-level performances in takes time.

'He will need a few games in the reserves.'

Combative midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong is also closing in on a return, having been sidelined by a serious knee injury suffered while on loan at Wolves in February.

However, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny will again be sidelined by the ankle problem which forced him out of the midweek Champions League win in Montpellier.

Wenger feels the Gunners can head to the Etihad Stadium in confident mood of a positive result, and does not expect the Blues' late defeat at Real Madrid to play a major impact.

'I expect them to be focused and play
well, but it was a disappointment for them of course. It always takes a
little bit away from you,' he said.

On the up: Arsenal have made a bright start to the new season

On the up: Arsenal have made a bright start to the new season

'But on our side, let's not have any speculation of the weakness or strength of them, let's focus on us to be at our best.

'If we are at our best I think we have a great chance to get a good result there.'

Thomas Vermaelen teases Aaron Ramsey about Belgium"s strength ahead of Wales showdown

Posted on by

Vermaelen teases pal Ramsey about Belgium's strength ahead of Wales showdown

|

UPDATED:

21:17 GMT, 5 September 2012

Thomas Vermaelen has said that nothing less than a victory will be acceptable in Cardiff as Belgium’s so-called ‘golden generation’ sent out a confident message ahead of their World Cup qualifier.

Arsenal’s skipper said that he expects ‘six points out of six’ from his country’s opening double-header against Wales and Croatia as he revealed that he has been teasing captain Aaron Ramsay in the Gunners’ dressing-room.

Vermaelen said that he has made Ramsay aware of the Belgians who are playing in the Barclays Premier League.

'I have been speaking to Aaron,' he said, 'and I’ve been saying things like: “Vincent Kompany is playing well for Manchester City” or “Did you see Moussa Dembele’s goal at Old Trafford”

'But he hasn’t said much to me about this.'

Maximum yield: Thomas Vermaelen (left) wants two wins from two

Maximum yield: Thomas Vermaelen (left) wants two wins from two

The Arsenal centre-half is part of an impressive Belgian squad that will be without Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku – at least at the start of the match.

The forward, who is currently on loan at West Brom, has told head coach Marc Wilmots that other players deserve to be in the side ahead of him as he recovers from an ankle injury.

The Belgians underwent their final training session in Brussels and Wilmots sprang a surprise by failing to field a striker.

He deployed similar tactics during a friendly defeat against England but received widespread criticism afterwards when the Belgians failed to hit a shot of note on target.

Springing a surprise: Marc Wilmots

Springing a surprise: Marc Wilmots

If Wales fail to hit the target, Norwich City’s Steve Morison can expect a few tough questions once he leaves the pitch.

John Hartson has been added to Chris Coleman’s backroom team and the Canaries’ forward has admitted that having a specialist to work alongside has been of benefit.

'It’s been nice to have someone to talk to who has been where you have been and done what you want to do in the game,’ said the Wales’s spearhead.

'It’s been good to tap into his knowledge and ask him some questions and it’s been good to have him around.

'He’s brought different ideas to us. We didn’t get too much to work upon before the Bosnia game but we have some time now.

'It’s great to feed off his enthusiasm and it’s nice to have a striker to talk to. A lot of the time I’ve been talking to a defender about what I want to do as a striker. It’s a different kind of conversation.

'Strikers are quite selfish people. You have to be to play that position.
'It’s the first time I’ve really worked with a specialised forward’s coach. I’m going to try and get as much out of it as I can.'

Morison said that while most eyes will be on Belgium and stars like Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Vermaelen, that there is pressure on Wales to perform, particularly as their last campaign ended on such a high.

Dangermen: Belgium are filled with threats, from Axel Witsel to Eden Hazard and from Romelu Lukaku to Mousa Dembele

Dangermen: Belgium are filled with threats, from Axel Witsel to Eden Hazard and from Romelu Lukaku to Mousa Dembele

'There may be an expectation on them, but within our camp, there’s an expectation upon us,' he added.

'We don’t want to do what we did in the last campaign when it was all over after three or four games.

'We want to give ourselves every chance of getting to the World Cup because we think, within the squad, that this is the best chance we have.

'I think it’s going to be an open group, teams will be able to beat each other. You have seen what we have done. We can do well.'

St Helens 30 London Broncos 0: Wellens double inspires Saints

Posted on by

St Helens 30 London Broncos 0: Wellens double inspires Saints

|

UPDATED:

21:39 GMT, 31 August 2012

Saints skipper Paul Wellens struck at the double to move his side nearer a top four play-off spot.

Mark Flanagan also crossed twice for Saints who led only 6-0 until just before the break.

The Broncos were in confident mood
after three wins in a row – the last a 62-18 hammering of cup winners
Warrington a fortnight ago.

Going over: Paul Wellens scores the fourth try for St Helens

Going over: Paul Wellens scores the fourth try for St Helens

London were missing Chris Bailey, Chris Melling and Michael Witt, with Dan Sarginson still out after a month's absence with an ankle problem.

Saints welcomed back Jon Wilkin and Josh Jones to compensate for the loss of Michael Shenton and Chris Flannery.

Saints, who won 34-24 at the Stoop on the opening day of the season, took only three minutes to go ahead when Tony Puletua burst on to a James Roby pass to score near the posts and Jonny Lomax converted.

Saints took advantage of a high tackle by Tony Clubb on Roby in the build-up to Puletua's opener.

Clubb made amends by intercepting a Lomax pass to deny Saints a second try and Broncos hit back to apply pressure.

Referee Richard Silverwood awarded 10 penalties in a stop-start opening 17 minutes. Saints introduced Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook off the bench midway through the first half and he immediately made his presence felt against his old club with some tough tackling.

A storming burst by Sol Soliola tested the Broncos defence, which was equal to the task until another penalty allowed Lomax to carve out a try for Mark Flanagan after 35 minutes.

Lomax missed the straightforward conversion to leave Saints ahead 10-0 with Paul Wellens having a try disallowed just before the break for a forward pass.

Saints made a storming start to the second half with Luke Dorn, making his 200th appearance in the British game, forced to race back to pull off a try-saving tackle on Francis Meli.

But a blunder by Omari Caro, who failed to collect a Lomax kick, led to Flanagan's second try after 45 minutes to make it 14-0.

Then Wellens added Saints' fourth touchdown to score for his fifth successive match but Lomax missed his third conversion from four attempts.

Clubb was held up over the line for the Broncos before Wellens took Puletua's pass to grab his second try and make it 24-0 on the hour.

Dorn almost notched a Broncos try in front of the 13,262 crowd but was recalled for a forward pass from Chad Randall.

London held out until Anthony Laffranchi crashed over for the final try in the last minute

Maicon move to Manchester City close, says Roberto Mancini

Posted on by

We're closing in! Mancini confident Man City will land Maicon… and four others

|

UPDATED:

10:45 GMT, 31 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says the club are getting closer to signing Inter Milan right-back Maicon and the rest of his transfer targets.

Signing the Brazilian defender is one of Mancini's main aims, with Fiorentina defender Matija Nastasic and Benfica midfielder Javi Garcia ranking highly on his hitlist.

He has also confirmed the club are close to completing the signings of Swansea winger Scott Sinclair and veteran goalkeeper Richard Wright.

Close: Maicon is likely to seal his Manchester City move

Close: Maicon is likely to seal his Manchester City move

Brazil international Maicon, 31, played under Mancini at Inter but is now in the final year of his contract.

Garcia, 25, is highly rated and would cost a reported 25million while Nastasic, 19, would bolster defensive ranks with Stefan Savic possibly heading out of the Etihad Stadium.

Mancini said: 'We have another 10, 12 hours to close on these players. We need more time. I am confident.

'I think if we close these players, I think we improve our team.

'They come to play in a different championship, they need time. We are talking about one top player in Maicon, because he has experience.

'Nastasic will be one of the top players for a long time.'

The likely departure of De Jong is not a surprise. The 27-year-old Holland international is in the final year of his contract and has been linked with other clubs throughout the summer.

Mancini said: 'I am sorry because Nigel was an important player for us but if he is happy, I am happy for him.

'I am sure he will do really well in the Italian championship.'

Goer: Matija Nastisic is also likely to complete his switch

Goer: Matija Nastisic is also likely to complete his switch

The move for former England, Arsenal and Everton keeper Wright has come as a surprise. The 34-year-old joined League One Preston earlier in the summer but left citing homesickness.

Mancini said: 'We need a goalkeeper with experience and Richard Wright is good for us.'

City have been linked with Sinclair for most of the summer and have agreed a fee of 6.2million, rising to a possible 8million, with the Swans.

Mancini said: 'We are working, we are waiting. I think we have a good chance to close but we need to wait.'

Yaya Toure happy to have Carlos Tevez at Manchester City

Posted on by

Tevez made a mistake but he's a fantastic pro: Toure happy to have Tevez at City

|

UPDATED:

07:27 GMT, 14 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Yaya Toure is happy to welcome Carlos Tevez back into the Manchester City fold.

City scored 93 times on their way to a first title in 44 years last term, and that was without Tevez for half a season after he went AWOL following his well-publicised spat with Mancini in Munich.

He looked good at Villa Park on Sunday though.

Welcome back: Yaya Toure says he is happy Carlos Tevez back at Manchester City

Welcome back: Yaya Toure says he is happy Carlos Tevez back at Manchester City

The impish manner he drove across the Chelsea box, beating David Luiz and John Terry, before changing direction to hammer a right-footed shot beyond Petr Cech was a reminder of his early performances at City.

For some, the stain on his character from last year's sorry events can never be removed.

Thankfully for Tevez, his team-mates do not share that view.

'Of course (the players like him),' said Toure.

'He is a fantastic guy and a fantastic professional.

'He made a mistake. But the most important thing when you make a mistake you have to apologise. He apologised to everyone.

New start: After the troubles of last season Tevez is looking forward to the new season

New start: After the troubles of last season Tevez is looking forward to the new season

'Now he has come back and wants to show he will give everything for the team.'

Toure is confident City will reap the benefits of Tevez's partnership with Sergio Aguero.
Toure said: “They have played for Argentina before. Now they play for Manchester City.

'I am sure they will score a lot of goals for the club.'

Even without the addition of Robin van Persie, City's striking power is enough to cause Premier League defences huge headaches.

Champagne moments: Tevez and City will hope to be celebrating at the end of the season

Champagne moments: Tevez and City will hope to be celebrating at the end of the season

Edin Dzeko was on the bench at Villa Park, whilst Mario Balotelli, fresh from his outstanding performances at Euro 2012, was in the stand.

With Toure and Samir Nasri both capable of finding the net, as they did on Sunday, and David Silva being eased back after a late return to pre-season training, the Blues have resources that could see them become the first side to hit a century of goals in a Premier League season.

'We have some fantastic strikers,' said Toure.

'They are so sharp and clever. We put Carlos and Aguero there against Chelsea but it could have been Dzeko or Mario.

'The most important thing is that no matter what team the boss picks, it plays well.'

Salford 8 Widnes 46: Hanbury on song as Vikings stun Reds

Posted on by

Salford 8 Widnes 46: Hanbury on song as Vikings stun Reds

|

UPDATED:

21:45 GMT, 20 July 2012

Salford's hopes of a top eight finish
in Super League suffered a massive setback as Widnes ran in eight tries
in an emphatic win.

Scrum-half Rhys Hanbury was the star
of the show with two tries and eight goals, while Patrick Ah Van and
Cameron Phelps also bagged two tries each for the rampant Vikings.

Widnes, hammered 38-18 at home by Salford in February, went into the clash in confident mood after a resounding 40-10 win over Castleford and a narrow one-point defeat by St Helens.

However, the Vikings were without skipper Jon Clarke, Paddy Flynn and Shaun Briscoe although Stefan Marsh, Joe Mellor and Ah Van had all recovered from knocks.

The Reds were also buoyed by successive victories against Warrington and Hull KR and decided to delay the debut of 35-year-old assistant coach Sean Long, who was registered as a player with the club this week.

Youngster Mark Sneyd continued at scrum-half alongside Exiles star Daniel Holdsworth after Matty Smith's move to Wigan, with Sean Gleeson back in the centre.

Ashley Gibson kept his place after the late withdrawal of Joel Moon and the Reds clearly missed his power in midfield.

Widnes had an early Hep Cahill try disallowed by referee James Child for an infringement in the build-up and then Paul McShane was held up over the line.

It was a bright start by the Vikings but Salford should have scored when Hanbury lost possession and Vinnie Anderson and Holdsworth broke clear.

A niggly opening kept the officials busy with desperate Salford defence again denying Marsh when he looked a certain scorer.

Widnes were rewarded for their perseverance when John Kite's charge set up the chance for Hanbury to send Phelps bursting through Lee Jewitt's tackle after 24 minutes.

Hanbury booted the conversion and Widnes went further ahead three minutes later when Phelps' pass took a deflection from a defender before Ah Van touched down in the corner.

Hanbury kicked the goal off the touchline to make it 12-0 as Salford struggled to reproduce recent form.

The Vikings added a third try four minutes before the break when Ah Van latched on to a McShane kick to cross, with Hanbury's conversion stretching the lead to 18-0.

Hanbury then piled on the agony for Salford with a scorching burst to score, and his fourth goal made it 24-0 at the interval.

Salford were hammered 10-3 in the first-half penalty count but should have scored early in the second half before Jordan James threw away a chance after a strong burst by Iafeta Paleaasesina.

It was no surprise when McShane burrowed over from dummy half to extend the lead to 30-0.

The Vikings suffered a blow with the departure of Eamon Carroll with an arm injury but Widnes were ripping apart Salford in midfield and another Hanbury burst sent Phelps over for his second try.

Hanbury bagged his second touchdown with another sizzling effort to stretch the advantage to 40-0.

Gibson went over for Salford after 58 minutes before Danny Williams took his try tally to seven in four games to give the home fans something to cheer.

However, Danny Craven sealed the win for the Vikings by intercepting a Sneyd pass to record the eighth try six minutes from time.

Euro 2012: Ashley Young says England are ready for France

Posted on by

We're ready for France, insists Young ahead of England's Euro 2012 opener

|

UPDATED:

13:55 GMT, 9 June 2012

Ashley Young says England are full of confidence heading into their Euro 2012 opener with France on Monday.

New boss Roy Hodgson has begun his regime with 1-0 victories at Norway in Oslo and Belgium at Wembley, with Young scoring the decisive goal against the former.

Listen up: Ashley Young leaves the England team hotel in Krakow on Saturday morning

Listen up: Ashley Young leaves the England team hotel in Krakow on Saturday morning

Euro 2012 email button

And the Manchester United star thinks the way England approached those games has given the squad cause for optimism ahead of their Group D opener with Les Bleus in Donetsk.

'Everybody in the squad is feeling confident ahead of that game and I’m sure if we can go out there and create the displays we’ve shown in the last couple of games, we can go out there and get a good result,' Young said at Saturday’s press conference.

'If you look at the two games we’ve had under him (Hodgson), the organisation has been different to previous games and I think it’s helped.

'The two 1-0 wins were good wins, especially the way we kept our shape and managed to get ourselves forward and get the goals. I think it’s going to be important to do that on Monday.'

Relaxed: Ashley Young was in confident mood at his England press conference

Relaxed: Ashley Young was in confident mood at his England press conference

Young revealed midfielder James Milner and full-back Martin Kelly missed this morning’s training session with minor ailments.

But everyone else participated in the closed-doors training session, including striker Jermain Defoe, who returned to the England squad after going back home on Thursday morning following the death of his father.

'It was a normal training session,' Young said. 'We went out and worked on a few things. It’s about preparation for the game on Monday and we prepared in the right way.

'Milly’s got blisters and Martin Kelly had a bit of a migraine last night but they were the only two that didn’t take part. Everyone’s fully fit for Monday and looking forward to the game.'

Young was quick to point out the team are working towards one common goal and there are no egos within the camp.

Ready: Young believes England have momentum going into their opening match

Ready: Young believes England have momentum going into their opening match

'Everybody’s helping each other out,' he said. 'Everybody talks to each other, whether you’ve got something to say, whether you’re a youngster or a senior then you’re able to say it. We’re a team and we want to go forward and everybody’s pushing in the right direction.'

The 26-year-old former Watford and Aston Villa midfielder highlighted Wayne Rooney’s contribution.

The striker is banned for the first two games of the European Championship but Young insists his presence in the camp is a positive one.

'He’s a world-class player and it’s disappointing not to have him for the first two games but we’ve got to get on with it,' added Young.

'He’s been in the squad, keeping everyone happy, and that’s the importance of having him round even though he’s not playing the two games.'

McLaren

Posted on by

Don't panic! Button backs McLaren to bounce back… but Lewis wants quick answer

|

UPDATED:

10:49 GMT, 29 May 2012

McLaren's debrief back at their Woking headquarters on Monday amounted to yet another post-race post-mortem on a hugely disappointing grand prix weekend.

Monaco served to demonstrate that, while the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari are getting to grips with the technical challenges and strategy questions posed by 2012's regulations and tyres, McLaren are stuck at the head-scratching stage.

Warning: Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button don't want to be left behind

Warning: Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button don't want to be left behind

The fact that McLaren are in trouble is all the more strange given their strong start as Jenson Button opened the campaign with victory in Australia. Since then there has been an alarming, steady decline in their fortunes.

Button, to his credit, continues to offer confident predictions his team will get it right even as he struggles to achieve the all-important balance with his car which will enable him to return to the business end of races rather than languish in a midfield battle.

'There is no sense of panic,' insisted Button despite being classified 16th in Monaco after failing to complete all 78 laps. 'We have seen such inconsistency (in the results), that is why we should not panic and panicking wouldn't make a difference.

'The first three races were good and then suddenly in the last three – I don't know where it is. It is nothing we can't sort out. We will solve the issues. It's just a question of whether we do it in time. We need to get back on track and start fighting those guys out in front.'

Slow lane: McLaren have struggled after an impressive start

Slow lane: McLaren have struggled after an impressive start

The next race in Canada would seem to be the ideal place for Button to do just that given, last year, it was the scene of his greatest ever victory.

'I have great memories of Monaco but even greater memories of Canada in 2011,' said Button harking back to his remarkable recovery drive which saw him, following a collision with teammate Lewis Hamilton, come from 21st to first following a in a downpour affected grand prix.

But even Button was forced to concede that, even in a season which has produced six different winners from six races, it may be easier to decipher who will be best placed to win in Montreal.

'You would say that people who were good in Monaco will be good in Canada,' admitted Button. 'You need cars with good traction, low speed mechanical grip and guys have proved they have that – the Ferrari, Red Bull and the Mercedes.'

Button's prediction for Canada was echoed by Hamilton who, hampered by an overall lack of pace from his car and dubious pit stop strategy calls by his team, could only manage fifth in Monaco.

Hamilton, while supportive of his team, clearly feels the onus is on McLaren to give him a car capable of carrying to his first win of the campaign.

'I feel like I'm in the best place I've ever been,' he insisted. 'I'm driving as well as I've ever driven. I'm not making mistakes at all and it feels great. I can feel comfortable now leaving the track and knowing that I couldn't have done any more.

'It's just unfortunate the car wasn't quick enough. We've got to try and find some time, these guys are quicker than us in the race, we've to find some time so we can start challenging them.'