Suso shows off skills for Liverpool v Southampton

Posted on March 5, 2013 by adminsports

VIDEO: Is Suso the heir to Suarez's throne Spaniard shows off skills against Saints

By
John Drayton

PUBLISHED:

11:28 GMT, 5 March 2013

UPDATED:

11:29 GMT, 5 March 2013

Liverpool fans worried about Luis Suarez departing for pastures new need fear no more.

The Uruguay striker has been linked with a 40million move to Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

But even if he does join Pep Guardiola in Germany, Liverpool look to be in safe hands. Step forward… Suso.

Potential: Suso showed why he might yet have plenty to offer Liverpool

The 19-year-old Spaniard has yet to make an impact in the Anfield first team but showed a glimpse of his undoubted potential for Liverpool's Under 21 side in their 1-1 draw with Southampton last night.

The Saints went in front thanks to Vegard Foren, the Norwegian defender who turned down a trial at Anfield to sign for the St Mary's club before Krisztian Adorjan rescued a point for the visitors.

P.S. This one's even better…

Reading are in deep relegation trouble and could do worse than look at their own Under 21 side for reinforcements.

Dominic Samuel has made just one appearance for the first XI and spent the start of this year on loan at League One Colchester.

But he showed he has plenty to offer with this stunning solo goal in the Royals' 3-0 win over Manchester City.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic compares himself to Muhammed Ali the greatest

Posted on February 20, 2013 by adminsports

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, his name's Ibrahimovic and he scores for PSG… Zlatan likens himself to legend Ali

By
Charlie Skillen

PUBLISHED:

10:08 GMT, 20 February 2013

UPDATED:

11:11 GMT, 20 February 2013

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has compared himself to boxing legend Muhammed Ali as ‘the greatest’ – but the Paris-Saint Germain striker admits he is behind the former world champion in the pecking order.

The Sweden striker, who has linked up with David Beckham after the Englishman’s move from LA Galaxy to PSG, has been in blistering form this season with 21 goals in 22 Ligue 1 starts.

Never known for his modesty, Ibrahimovic used his form to joke about his position in the sporting Hall of fame, which he says is one behind Ali – seen by many as greatest sportsman of all time.

The Greatest Ibrahimovic (above) holds his arms aloft just like former heavyweight champion Ali (below)

Ali, 1972

‘I am the greatest!’ he said to 11Freunde.

‘Wait, is that even possible All right, then I’m the greatest behind Ali!’

Ibrahimovic also hinted a fiery reunion with former boss Pep Guardiola could be on the cards, saying he would be open to a move to Bayern Munich.

Guardiola is joining the Bundesliga leaders at in the summer and signed Ibrahimovic for Barcelona in 2009, but the striker left after just one season amid rumours of a bust-up with the Catalan coach.

Future team-mates Ibrahimovic hinted he would be open to a move to Bayern Munich, celebrating Thomas Muller's (centre) goal against Arsenal last night, with former boss Pep Guardiola taking over in the summer

Reunion: But Ibrahimovic (right) and Guardiola (left) fell out during the striker's time at Barcelona

However, Ibrahimovic said the idea of playing for the Bavarian giants, who lead Arsenal 3-1 in their Champions League last-16 tie, is one that interests him.

‘The Bundesliga is certainly a league that attracts me. One day, maybe I will go there, I still have a little time left in my career,’ he said.

‘If I chose to go to Germany, it would have to be Bayern Munich.

‘For me they are one of the top five clubs in the world.’

AJAX Vs RODA JC KERKRADE... Ajax's Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores his team's winner against Roda JC Kerkrade.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic...Juventus' Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden

Football: Euro 2004 Quarter-final: Sweden 0 Holland 0

Well-travelled: Ibrahimovic has also played in Holland (left), Italy (centre) and his native Sweden (right)

Any move to Germany would represent
the sixth country the striker has plied his trade in, which Ibrahimovic
believes has made him a better person.

He
said: ‘I’ve lived in five countries – Sweden, Netherlands, Italy, Spain
and now France. I have learned to get to know new people and cultures.

‘It has certainly made me more mature.’

Manchester United are to lose out to Bayern Munich in the race to sign Robert Lewandowski

Posted on February 10, 2013 by adminsports

United left reeling as Bayern set to sign hot shot Lewandowski

By
Simon Peach, Press Association

PUBLISHED:

13:37 GMT, 10 February 2013

UPDATED:

13:58 GMT, 10 February 2013

Manchester United have been left reeling after Lothar Matthaus has said that Bayern Munich are closing in on the signing of forward Robert Lewandowski from Borussia Dortmund.

Recent reports in the German media claimed the 24-year-old, whose contract expires next year, was set to become Pep Guardiola’s first recruit upon taking charge at the Allianz Arena in June, meaning United would miss out on the striker.

Despite Dortmund’s continual denials that they have agreed a deal to sell Lewandowski , the legendary midfielder appeared to add fuel to the speculation that he will leave, but stay in Germany.

Scroll down for video

In demand: Robert Lewandowski has attracted interest from many top clubs

'I was on the road this week. I heard that Lewandowski has an agreement with Bayern. Only the date of the move remains undecided,' Matthaus told Sky Bundesliga.

'Lewandowski’s contract runs out in 2014 and Dortmund will only get a fee in 2013 – surely a high fee. I heard it was something between 20m-25m, otherwise he will go to Bayern for free next year.'

Detemrined: Up to now Dortmund have be insistent that he is staying

Matthaus then explained how the Poland international would serve as a better option in Guardiola’s attack than central striker Mario Gomez.

'I think he is a player that fits more into the system of Guardiola than Gomez,' he added.

'He showed Guardiola last week in Leverkusen how a forward is not only an attacker but also drops deeper.'

However, the striker showed his temperamental side after getting sent off for a wild tackle against Hamburg, appearing to have lost his head.

John Terry pictured solving his Rubik"s Cube

Posted on January 18, 2013 by adminsports

Terry cracks the Rubik's Cube… or did he (Now how about solving the managerial puzzle at Chelsea, John)

By
John Drayton

PUBLISHED:

16:37 GMT, 17 January 2013

UPDATED:

17:42 GMT, 17 January 2013

Here's the proof that John Terry possesses the brains to go with his brawn… or so we thought.

Chelsea's captain posted a proud picture of himself solving a Rubik's Cube on his Instagram account on Thursday, with the message: 'Say no more. Complete.'

But just hours later, Terry admitted he cheated the 'Cube'.

'Sorry these pics are the other way round,' the former Engaand captain revealed. 'It was so hard. Respect if anyone has completed one of these. '

John Terry solves his Rubik's Cube

Did you do the Blue side first John Terry solves his Rubik's Cube

The puzzle, a cultural sensation when it
was launched in 1980, is a fiendishly difficult test of memory and
logic – a bit like trying to recall the long list of Chelsea managers
under Roman Abramovich's reign.

To solve the Rubik's Cube, one must align a jumbled patchwork of squares so that all six faces contain a block of the same colour. We're guessing Blue is Terry's favourite side.

And seeing as Terry suggests he is clearly an expert at unravelling even the most daunting of enigmas, how about he next turns his attentions to the Chelsea manager's job

Quite who Abramovich should appoint as permanent boss at Stamford Bridge in the summer is anyone's guess now that Pep Guardiola has shunned Roman's roubles in favour of security and stability at Bayern Munich.

On the comeback trail: Former England captain Terry is easing back into action for Chelsea following two months on the sidelines with a knee injury

On the comeback trail: Former England captain Terry is easing himself back into
action for Chelsea following two months on the sidelines with a knee
injury

Surely it won't be Rafa Benitez, who remains deeply unpopular with Chelsea fans. There are question marks over the pedigree of young pretenders Jurgen Klopp and Diego Simeone, especially after the disaster of Andre Villas-Boas's reign. Guus Hiddink has turned down the job before and may do so again. And with Jose Mourinho having fallen out with Abramovich long ago, is there anyone left

Now that's a real humdinger. Better try a crossword instead, John…

Pep Guardiola agrees Bayern Munich deal

Posted on January 16, 2013 by adminsports

BREAKING NEWS: Pep's back! Guardiola snub for Chelsea as Barca legend agrees three-year deal with Bayern Munich

By
Paul Collins

PUBLISHED:

15:58 GMT, 16 January 2013

UPDATED:

16:16 GMT, 16 January 2013

Pep Guardiola has snubbed a move to the Premier League and joined German giants Bayern Munich on a three-year deal.

Guardiola has been linked with Manchester rivals United and City as well as European champions Chelsea since taking a break from the game at the end of last season.

Bayern bound: Pep Guardiola is reported to be joining the Bundesliga giants

The Spaniard has been spending most of his time in New York since calling time on a trophy-laden spell with Barcelona but will move to Munich to replace Jupp Heynckes, who is set to retire in the summer.

Guardiola was the most wanted coach in the business after creating arguably the best club side in the world in Catalonia.

He came through the ranks at the Nou Camp and served Barca as a player between 1990 and 2001.

What a signing: Bayern Munich confirmed the Guardiola signing on Twitter

Guardiola, who celebrates his 42nd
birthday on Friday, represented Spain 47 times and had brief spells with
Brescia, Roma, Al-Ahli and Dorados.

He took charge of his boyhood club in
2008 and won the Champions League twice, the Primera Division three
times, two Spanish Cups, three Spanish Super Cups, two UEFA Super Cups
and two Club World Cups.

Pep Guardiola wants Premier League move to put Chelsea and man City on alert

Posted on January 16, 2013 by adminsports

I'm ready to manage in Premier League, reveals Guardiola to put Chelsea and City on alert for swoop

By
Matt Barlow

PUBLISHED:

22:00 GMT, 15 January 2013

UPDATED:

08:08 GMT, 16 January 2013

Pep Guardiola has fuelled the intrigue surrounding his future by stressing his desire to work in England.

Guardiola sent a message of congratulations to the Football Association as they prepared to launch their 150th anniversary celebrations in London on Wednesday.

And just like Jose Mourinho, who sent a similar message 24 hours earlier, he outlined his ambitions to coach in England, comments sure to alert the biggest clubs in the country.

Scroll down for video

On his way: Pep Guardiola revealed his Premier League dream in a video for the FA

'As a player, I couldn't realise my dream to play there,' said Guardiola.

'But I hope in the future I have a challenge to be a coach or a manager there and feel the experience of all the coaches and players that have been there.

'It is unique, to play in that league. I want to feel the supporters, the environment, the media and the style of the players.

'I am still young, just 41, so I hope in the future I could train there and enjoy that. I have always found English football very fascinating. The support of the home team is amazing.

Star man: Guardiola built one of the world's best teams while at Barcelona

'In Italy, Latin people will support you when you are playing and when you lose, they kill you. In England, I'm always surprised people always support everything and that is nice. That's why I hope to have the challenge to train there.'

Guardiola has been coveted by the biggest clubs in the world since stepping down as Barcelona coach last year after creating one of the best teams of all time.

He has spent much of his time in New York, improving his English, and Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal have all been linked with a move for his services.

Anniversary: The Football Association are celebrating 150 years

His plan is to return to work this summer and speculation this week linked him with Bayern Munich, but the Catalan told the FA of his special bond with England and Wembley.

He added: 'I had the opportunity to play two finals at Wembley and that's why my relationship with England is pretty close.

'I played there twice, once as a player when I was 19 and it was my first Champions League as a player, as Barcelona finally won the Champions League. It was a huge honour to play at the old Wembley.

'When I was manager of Barcelona, for our second Champions League in three years, it was a real pleasure to play in the new Wembley.

'Congratulations on this huge anniversary, because 150 years is a lot of years. 'Also because they created the rules of football and have a responsibility for the game. They have been important in the development of our beautiful, beautiful game.'

Video: Pep reveals his desire for English football

Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed by Pep Guardiola at Ballon d"Or

Posted on January 9, 2013 by adminsports

Shake, rattled and goal! Pep leaves Ronaldo hanging with cold snub at Ballon d'Or gala

By
John Drayton

PUBLISHED:

17:35 GMT, 9 January 2013

UPDATED:

17:35 GMT, 9 January 2013

Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra, John Terry and Anton Ferdinand, Samir Nasri and William Gallas, Terry (again) and Wayne Bridge, and now Pep Guardiola and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The snubbed handshake is fast becoming football's equivalent of unfriending someone on Facebook.

But while previous examples have had their origins in personal sleights, it seems the latest entry to the list has its origins in good old fashioned club rivalry.

Snub: Cristiano Ronaldo was left hanging by Pep Guardiola at the Ballon d'Or

Tensions between Real Madrid and Barcelona are well known. Styles, cultures and attitudes both on and off the field are all wildly different, and with the competitive edge thrown in, it makes for a fractious relationship.

One can only speculate on the reason behind Guardiola's seemingly deliberate decision to ignore Ronaldo, though with the recent history in El Clasico gives a pretty large hint.

Red cards, close games, touchline clashes, title clinchers and cup finals have all made the meeting of Spain's top two the most enticing of matches in world football.

But when former Barca boss Guardiola was approached by Madrid ace Ronaldo, the Spaniard starred for a second before turning away, leaving the Portuguese's hand hanging.

The look on Ronaldo's face told a story of bemusement, while Pep went back to soaking up the atmosphere.

Play Video

Loading video…

DM.has('rcpv34024','BC',
'renderConfig' :

'css' : “videoplayer-thinArticle”,
'autoplay' : false,
'muted' : false,
'adUrl' : “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/adssz=8×8&iu=%2F7023%2Fdm.video%2Fdm_video_sport&ciu_szs=&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=xml_vast2&unviewed_position_start=1&url=[referrer_url]&correlator=[timestamp]“,
'playerId' : “1989148206001″,
'playerKey' : “AQ~~,AAAAAFSL1bg~,CmS1EFtcMWELN_eSE9A7gpcGWF5XAVmI”,
'objId' : “rcpv34024″,
'videoPlayer' : “2083492812001″,
'width' : 470,
'height' : 264,
'linkBaseURL' : “http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2259690/Cristiano-Ronaldo-snubbed-Pep-Guardiola-Ballon-dOr.html”

});

Tito Vilanova returns to Barcelona training

Posted on January 2, 2013 by adminsports

Recovering Vilanova back at training to help Barca prepare for fiery Espanyol derby

By
Martin Domin

PUBLISHED:

11:52 GMT, 2 January 2013

UPDATED:

11:52 GMT, 2 January 2013

Barcelona have been handed a New Year boost as manager Tito Vilanova returned to training this morning just two weeks after undergoing surgery.

He suffered a recurrence of cancer in his saliva glands and temporarily stepped down from his post.

But Vilanova was pictured at the training ground ahead of Sunday's derby against Espanyol.

Looking well: Tito Vilanova poses with his son Adria after playing paddle

Club President Sandro Rosell had expected the coach to return to work in the middle of January but Vilanova's son, Adria, posted a picture with his father on his Twitter account after the pair played paddle on New Year’s Eve.

The picture appeared alongside the tweet: ‘Happy New Year to all! This afternoon I fired the year with a game of paddle with a special person.’

Barcelona went into the winter break in outstanding form, having dropped just two points in 17 league matches under Vilanova's stewardship after he succeeded Chelsea target Pep Guardiola in the summer.

In the bag: Barcelona are clear at the top of the La Liga title

Chelsea to launch 15m swoop for Alvaro Negredo

Posted on December 28, 2012 by adminsports

Chelsea set to launch 15m swoop to add hitman Negredo to Spanish contingent

UPDATED:

13:10 GMT, 28 December 2012

Chelsea have lined up a January swoop for Alvaro Negredo to boost their strikeforce.

Rafa Benitez is desperate to beef up his attack in the transfer window, with Daniel Sturridge set to leave.

Hotshot: Alvaro Negredo is a prime target for Rafa Benitez

If Sturridge joins Liverpool as expected, Fernando Torres would be the only recognised forward left at Stamford Bridge.

Benitez is hoping to add to his Spanish ranks by bringing in Negredo from Sevilla.

The Spain international would cost in the region of 15million and his side are keen for a quick sale to ease their financial problems.

Negredo, a former Tottenham target, has scored 52 goals in 112 goals since arriving at Sevilla in 2009.

In form: Fernando Torres could soon by joined by another Spaniard

If Negredo does arrive, he will join a growing Spanish contingent which currently includes Torres, Juan Mata, Oriol Romeu, Cesar Azpilicueta and Benitez.

Benitez has the rest of the season to prove he deserves the Chelsea job on a permanent basis and much of that will depend of how clinical they are in front of goal.

Roman Abramovich brought Benitez in as a stop-gap after sacking Roberto Di Matteo and his long-term aim is to bring in Pep Guardiola.

WHO IS NEGREDO

With Chelsea likely to be challenging on four fronts at home and abroad in the New Year, manager Rafael Benitez needs a frontman with a proven goalscoring record – and Alvaro Negredo could be just the man.

Since leaving Real Madrid in 2007 after failing to break into the first team, Negredo has been a proven goalscorer first at Almeria, where he notched 32 in 73 appearances, and now Sevilla.

In his four seasons at the latter, he has managed 65 goals in 150 games across all competitions, including 11 in 12 so far this season.

Born in Madrid in 1985, Negredo started out at local side Rayo Vallecano, the same outfit that Swansea's sensation Michu played for.

Proven: Accomplished both on the ground and in the air, Alvaro Negredo has scored plenty of goals for Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid Castilla, Almeria and Sevilla

He was spotted by Real while playing for Rayo in the third division in 2005 and competed with Roberto Soldado for the striker's position in the Castilla ('B') side.

Fabio Capello realised his talent after Negredo scored 18 goals for Castilla in 2006-2007, but he wouldn't make a senior appearance at the Bernabeu.

After his two successful years with Almeria, Real bizarrely activated his 3m buy-back clause in 2009, but only fielded him in one pre-season game before selling him to Sevilla for 12m.

He won the Copa del Rey in his first season with the club and, following the departures of Luis Fabiano and Freddy Kanoute, became their first choice striker alongside Jesus Navas.

Energetic, quick and an accomplished finisher both on the ground and in the air, Negredo has also been recognised by national team manager Vicente del Bosque.

He has to date won 12 caps and scored six goals though he lies behind David Villa and potential Chelsea strike partner Fernando Torres in the pecking order.

VIDEO: Some of Negredo's goals for Sevilla

John Hartson says Martin O"Neill is the right man to be the next Manchester United manager

Posted on December 27, 2012 by adminsports

Only one man to succeed Fergie, according to John Hartson… the 'genius' Martin O'Neill

UPDATED:

16:44 GMT, 27 December 2012

The question of who will take over as manager of United (if Sir Alex can ever be removed from Old Trafford) is likely to become a hot topic of debate in the coming year.

But one former footballer reckons he’s already got the answer, and it’s not who you’d expect.

Former Arsenal and West Ham striker John Hartson says there’s only one man for the job, and that’s… Martin O’Neill.

Hartson feels that O'Neill would be a better choice than a foriegn manager

British Connections: Hartson feels that O'Neill would be a better choice than a foriegn manager

‘Only one man could have got Sunderland out of the hole they were in..’ Hartson tweeted. ‘That’s the genius Martin o'neill.. Next man united manager..’

He followed that assertion by adding: ‘Moyes not in the same class. Mourinho is proven but is a liability with his behaviour. Pep taking a break not sure for how long..o’neill cert.’

Now it’s true that Sunderland have seen an improvement during their year under O’Neill.

They’re on track to finish a few places higher than last year in the Premier League, and the Northern Irishman will be riding the high of beating Manchester City for quite some time.

Ferguson's perseverance has been mirrored by United's comebacks this season

Never-say-die: Ferguson's perseverance has been mirrored by United's comebacks this season

Pep Guardiola may be a long-shot for the Manchester side, especially now that Barcelona are in need of a manager in the absence of Tito Vilanova.

However, the idea that O’Neill would be a contender ahead of Jose Mourinho is slightly questionable.

Real Madrid are sitting 16 points behind Barcelona in La Liga and it is widely thought Mourinho's stay in then Spanish capital will not last past the end of the season.

What he does have is extensive experience of topping European tables, whereas O’Neill has yet to lead a team to a finish in the top five of the Premier League.

Last season Real Madrid won their 32nd League title and scored a record-breaking number of goals. Mourinho’s ‘behaviour’ hasn’t made him too much of a liability for the Spaniards it seems.

Mourinho looks set to leave Madrid in the Summer after falling too far behind Barca

Not a happy bunny: Mourinho looks set to leave Madrid in the Summer after falling too far behind Barca

Moyes has been installed as the front-runner for the job owing to his success with limited resources

Popular: Moyes has been installed as the front-runner for the job owing to his success with limited resources

And as far as Moyes is concerned, the Scot has an impressive record with Everton, having taken them from a side that continually finished in the bottom half of the table to one that has made consistent appearances in the top half at the end of each season.

There are also some similarities between Ferguson and Moyes which might make him a preferable option. Both are long-serving managers for one thing.

And of course, there is the Scottish connection. But who knows, maybe the Welshman will be proved right. It’s doubtful though.

Sports Bound Guide

Sports Bound Guide. Fresh Sports News

Tag Archives: guardiola

Suso shows off skills for Liverpool v Southampton

Zlatan Ibrahimovic compares himself to Muhammed Ali the greatest

Manchester United are to lose out to Bayern Munich in the race to sign Robert Lewandowski

John Terry pictured solving his Rubik"s Cube

Pep Guardiola agrees Bayern Munich deal

Pep Guardiola wants Premier League move to put Chelsea and man City on alert

Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed by Pep Guardiola at Ballon d"Or

Tito Vilanova returns to Barcelona training

Chelsea to launch 15m swoop for Alvaro Negredo

John Hartson says Martin O"Neill is the right man to be the next Manchester United manager