Tag Archives: hurry

David Moyes wants Marouane Fellaini to be like Lionel Messi

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Moyes urges main man Marouane to copy Messi and keep his cool

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UPDATED:

22:24 GMT, 31 December 2012

Marouane Fellaini has been urged to model himself on Lionel Messi as he prepares to make his comeback from suspension at Newcastle on Wednesday night.

The fiery Everton midfielder reiterated his apology for the headbutt on Ryan Shawcross that cost him a red card at Stoke and reassured manager David Moyes over his future by insisting he would not try to engineer a move away from Goodison Park in the January transfer window.

But while Everton will welcome him back after three games out for violent conduct, Moyes is taking steps to ensure there is no repeat of the costly loss of control.

Smile, be happy: Marouane Fellaini has been told to chill out by his manager

Smile, be happy: Marouane Fellaini has been told to chill out by his manager

Heads, you lose: It comes after the Belgian was sent off for butting

Heads, you lose: It comes after the Belgian was sent off for butting

‘If I was playing against Felli, I’d try and wind him up,’ said the former Preston centre half. ‘Anybody would. It’s what happens with good players, and I keep telling him he just has to get on with it.

‘The best person to look at for that is Lionel Messi. Every person targets him, everyone tries to kick him and stop him. They’ll do everything.

'He is the best in the world and he gets physically attacked every game, but all he ever does is get up and get on with it. That is the sign of a top player.

‘I feel as if Felli let us down at Stoke, but that is in the past. He has paid his punishment, as we have as well, but I don’t have any concerns about his character overall.’

Despite being targeted by Chelsea and Manchester United, Fellaini claimed he was in no hurry to leave Goodison.

‘I have a contract with Everton until 2016, and, if the club want, I will see that out,’ he said. ‘I know I am hot, and I want to move forward one day, but I will finish my Everton contract if they want me to.

‘Normally I am an honest player but that was just frustration at Stoke. Shawcross was pushing and pulling me the whole game and, in the end, I just exploded. But I shouldn’t have, and I’m sorry for what I did.’

Get on with it: Lionel Messi takes his fair share of kicks and knocks, but stays cool

Get on with it: Lionel Messi takes his fair share of kicks and knocks, but stays cool

Fellaini, 25, revealed how he has become a target for unwanted attention off the pitch and has been forced to move away from Merseyside.

‘I am living in Manchester now, because in Liverpool, the women were crawling for me,’ he said. ‘It was too much. In Manchester, people don’t recognise me that much and tend to treat me in a more respectful way.

'I don’t want to be a star. I just want to play football.’

Moyes, who has secured Seamus Coleman’s long-term future on a new five-and-a-half-year deal, confirmed that midfielder Darron Gibson will be out for a month with a thigh strain.

‘It’s a big loss,’ he said. ‘It also limits our options, because Phil Neville is recovering from a knee operation. At least Marouane can drop back in and John Heitinga can step in, too, if need be.’

Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa working hard to adjust to life in Premier League

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Man United midfilelder Kagawa working hard to adjust to life in Premier League

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UPDATED:

11:03 GMT, 9 October 2012

Shinji Kagawa has been told he must toughen up and be more direct if he wants to be a success at Manchester United.

The Japanese midfielder has made a
positive impression at Old Trafford since his 17million summer swiitch
from Borussia Dortmund.

New boy: Shinji Kagawa has made a good impact

New boy: Shinji Kagawa has made a good impact

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: 'We’re very pleased with Shinji. Adapting to English football isn’t easy but bit by bit he’s getting down to that part.'

But Fergie has nevertheless made it clear that he is working hard to try and help Kagawa improve.

‘Don’t face the goal with your back, but move your body so you have a short way to the goal. Shape your body so you are facing the stands,' Kagawa said. 'I have to face the goal or I won’t be a threat.’

The 23-year-old also recognises that he has to do more to cope with the physical rigours of English football, saying in The Independent: “I’ve realised that I need to limber up and strengthen my body trunk.’

Kagawa has also learnt a lot from how Manchester United beat Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League despite an unconvincing performance.

He added: ‘Dortmund would have lost that match. I think that winning a game (that) way is characteristic of a big club.

‘The level of expectation is very high and that means that the team is not in a hurry to win. That’s the main difference with Dortmund.’

Ross Brawn tips Michael Schumacher to move into management

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Brawn tips Schumacher to move into management after retirement

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UPDATED:

11:53 GMT, 13 September 2012

Speculation: Schumacher is thought to be considering retirement

Speculation: Schumacher is thought to be considering retirement

Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn feels Michael Schumacher could take on a management role come the day he retires from driving for good.

Schumacher's future continues to be the subject of speculation, with his three-year contract at Mercedes expiring at the end of the season.

The seven-time champion insists he is in no hurry to decide whether he will carry on, and is likely to give the German manufacturer an answer some time next month.

Waiting in the wings is McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, whose management team have already held talks with Mercedes over a potential multi-million pound deal from next year.

Should Schumacher quit again – as he did in 2006 before coming out of retirement at the start of the 2010 season – Brawn believes the 43-year-old has a role to play behind the scenes at Mercedes.

'It is possible,' said Brawn. 'There will be a day he does stop. We are not discussing that in detail because that is not a consideration at the moment.

'But Michael's experience of motor racing, his judgment and so on, would be an asset to any team.

Off the pace: Schumacher has struggled since making his return in 2010

Off the pace: Schumacher has struggled since making his return in 2010

Off the pace: Schumacher has struggled since making his return in 2010

'I am not sure he wants a day-to-day commitment that some of us do, but he would like to stay involved, he loves the sport, he loves racing, he loves developing the cars, how the team works.

'So I can full well see in the future that he would retain a strong interest. That will come one day, and I do hope it will be with us.'

As for Brawn's own future, he insists he is fully committed to seeing through a project that began at the end of 2009, when Mercedes took over his eponymous team in the wake of their double title triumph.

With new engine rules due to be introduced from 2014, Brawn is curious to see how they could alter the F1 landscape.

Old friends: Brawn (right) and Schumacher also worked together when the pair were at Ferrari

Old friends: Brawn (right) and Schumacher also worked together when the pair were at Ferrari

'I am not planning to retire at the moment,' he said.

'I am very excited about this 2014 engine programme. I think it is quite a game-changer in F1.

'I still have a strong engineering passion, so having such a different engine and different package in 2014 is exciting and developing the team is exciting.

'For how long, who knows But I have no interest in stopping in the near future.'

Arsene Wenger in no hurry to sign new contract

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I'm in no rush, insists Wenger as Arsenal boss cools talk of new Gunners deal

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UPDATED:

10:17 GMT, 13 September 2012

Arsene Wenger will always be an 'Arsenal man' but says he is in no hurry to open talks over a new contract.

Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis has indicated the club are ready to offer the long-serving Frenchman fresh terms before his current deal expires in 2014.

But the 62-year-old will not rush into discussing his future as he focuses on the team's performance.

New deal: Arsenal want Arsene Wenger to stay at the club

New deal: Arsenal want Arsene Wenger to stay at the club

Speaking at Thursday morning's press
conference ahead of the Barclays Premier League game with Southampton,
Wenger said: 'I have two years to go. What is important for me is
Southampton and I think I have shown my commitment to this club in the
past.

'At the moment I am not in the mood to think about the long-term future. We want to do well this season, that's all.'

He continued: 'I am an Arsenal man. I think I have always shown that. I have to consider if I do well or not.

New faces: Santi Cazorla is one of Wenger's summer signings

New faces: Santi Cazorla is one of Wenger's summer signings

'If I don't do well, I have to consider my future.

'I have been at the club long enough to have confidence in the people I
work with, but I will assess my own performances and then make a
decision, at the moment we are not there.

'Two years is a long time in my job. I just want to do well for the club as long as I can and accept all the rest.

'I have to consider that at my age, you always have to assess if you
have the fitness, the desire, the commitment that this job demands.

Will he stay or will he go Theo Walcott is in talks over a new deal

Will he stay or will he go Theo Walcott is in talks over a new deal

'Then of course you have to make your decisions. I hope I will be lucid
enough and intelligent enough to assess my performance well.'

Arsenal will resume their Premier League campaign looking to kick on from a 2-0 win at Liverpool – their third match unbeaten.

Midfielder Abou Diaby is rated as 50/50 after picking up a minor knee
problem while on international duty with France, and may be rested ahead
of next week's Champions League opener in Montpellier.

Former hero: Robin van Persie

Moving on: Alex Song

Moving on: Arsenal sold stars Robin van Persie and Alex Song in the summer

Wenger said: 'Diaby is in a position where we can certainly play him. We
just have to assess the risk to play him or not. That will be done
tomorrow.

'We won't take a gamble on him, especially because of his history.'

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is fit again following a rib injury, but
winger Theo Walcott will be assessed after missing England's game
against Ukraine with a virus.

Michael Owen latest: Liverpool not rushing to sign him

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Liverpool in no hurry to pick up old boy Owen despite player sales

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UPDATED:

22:07 GMT, 1 September 2012

Liverpool will not rush to sign former Kop hero Michael Owen before Tuesday’s 25-man Premier League squads are announced, despite a lack of firepower in Brendan Rodgers’s squad.

The out-of-contract Owen, 32, tweeted on Saturday: ‘Spoken to a few clubs. I expect something to happen early next week.’

Sunderland and West Ham are keen on the ex-England striker, but Liverpool do not want him despite failing to replace Andy Carroll.

Where now Michael Owen has yet to sign for a new club

Where now Michael Owen has yet to sign for a new club

Modibo Maiga set for West Ham as Sam Allardyce targets Andy Carroll

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Maiga set to seal 7m West Ham switch as Allardyce eyes 35m Kop flop Carroll

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UPDATED:

12:36 GMT, 16 July 2012

Sam Allardyce is set to make 7million Modibo Maiga his most expensive West Ham signing to date – and the Hammers boss is ramping up his interest in 35m Liverpool misfit Andy Carroll.

The England international is heading for the exit after less just 18 months at Anfield with new boss Brendan Rodgers prepared to let him leave for a fraction of his British record transfer fee.

Newcastle failed with a loan bid to re-sign the 23-year-old at the weekend. But boss Alan Pardew is ready to return with a formal 13m offer.

Hammer time: West Ham are set to wrap up the 7million signing of Modibo Maiga

Hammer time: West Ham are set to wrap up the 7million signing of Modibo Maiga

Allardyce remains a keen rival for Carroll's service, however, after admitting he is desperate to bring the forward to east London.

While West Ham can't afford to buy Carroll outright this summer, they are prepared to pay his 80,000-a-week wages in full with a view to a permanent deal.

'We would dearly love to have Andy Carroll with us but it is a complex situation and he is in no hurry, he doesn’t have to make a quick decision if he doesn’t want to,' Allardyce told the London Evening Standard.

'If Andy is going to leave Liverpool, he can wait and see how many are interested.

Carroll singing: West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is keen to sign the Liverpool striker

Carroll singing: West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is keen to sign the Liverpool striker

'The fact, though, that Kevin is a good friend of Andy’s is a slight positive because, if he came here, he wouldn’t be going into a strange environment which would make it easier for him to integrate.'

Sochaux striker Maiga, 24, is due to arrive in London to undergo a medical at Upton Park before putting pen to paper on a long-term deal.

The 6ft 1in Mali international, who failed a medical at Newcastle in January due to a knee problem, will end a frustrating period for Allardyce who has been frustrated in his attempts to make new signings.

Having recruited goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, the 57-year-old manager has only added George McCartney and Mohamed Diame so far this summer.

Transfer hunt: Allardyce is keen to recruit four more summer signings

Transfer hunt: Allardyce is keen to recruit four more summer signings

Along with Carroll, Allardyce has identified a further four arrivals to boost his newly-promoted side ahead of their August 18 Barclays Premier League kick-off at home to Aston Villa.

'We’ve identified a number of players but, as yet, we’ve not been able to sign them because of their demands,' Allardyce added.

'At the moment, we have signed two out of 12 players we have gone for but I believe we need another four players.

'I still believe we will sign the players we need but every day that goes by makes me more anxious.'

Andre Villas-Boas: Tottenham can win Barclays Premier League title

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I can win the title with Spurs… but AVB thought that at Chelsea, where he lasted nine months

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UPDATED:

20:16 GMT, 11 July 2012

When Andre Villas-Boas addressed his Tottenham players for the first time, he told them they were capable of winning the title.

Not just challenging for a place among Europe's elite, but trying to lift the Barclays Premier League title. For AVB read ASAP – this is a man in a hurry to rebuild his reputation in the English top flight.

On a mission: Villas-Boas has urged his squad to challenge for the Premier League title this season

On a mission: Villas-Boas has urged his squad to challenge for the Premier League title this season

'We are trying to put together a squad that makes us compete for the title,' said the new Spurs boss.

'It's a proposition I put to the players on the first day we met. We have to see, of course, whether it's realistic or not.

'The fact that most of the players haven't won it in the past can help you get the right frame of mind. From my initial reception from the players, it is possible and, hopefully, we can do it in the near future.'

Harry Redknapp, the man Villas-Boas replaced, said a similar thing after he was so unceremoniously dismissed last month.

Moving on: New Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas (centre) got the sack at Chelsea

Moving on: New Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas (centre) got the sack at Chelsea

'We'll have a go,' was a common Redknapp refrain, a phrase that reflected the manager's ability to motivate his players and the stylish attacking football Spurs played.

Villas-Boas, however, insisted he would be more consistent in his approach to the title and will also play a stronger team in the Europa League, a competition he won in 2011 with Porto.

He was also realistic in accepting Spurs will probably have to do it without Luka Modric, a player who will be allowed to leave only for the 'right offer'.

Villas-Boas said: 'If the player's ambition is to move to another club, we can respect that decision but there are club interests that the chairman will defend.

'One thing that is important is that
we'd like to compete in the four competitions differently, particularly
in the Europa League, which was the first European competition I won.

A lot to live up to: AVB arrived at Chelsea after huge success at Porto

A lot to live up to: AVB arrived at Chelsea after huge success at Porto but was given the boot after nine months

'Last year was the first year, in recent times, Tottenham made it so public that they wanted to go for the title. It was also part of the fact that in a certain period of the season that margin was achievable.

'You also have to agree with me that Harry was in and out of that quotation. It's very well to promote yourself to the title and to quit (concede defeat) the week after.

'Not that this is a criticism but, if we really want to go for it, this is something that we have to assume from the start.'

A new outlook, a new 'head coach' and a new 30million, 73-acre training centre in Enfield, north-east London.

As Villas-Boas sat down with the written press in a dining room deep inside Spurs' impressive new base, which the first team will move into later this summer, it was difficult to think the club could have picked a new boss more different to Redknapp.

Villas-Boas, 34, said: 'Hopefully, I can build on from what Harry left me with – pushing towards even more ambition and towards even more titles.

'Since 2008, we haven't won a trophy, and it's taking Tottenham towards the future that we want. It goes along with all this running of events that you see around Tottenham regarding this new training ground and the new stadium.

'What we want is that winning mentality. That is what we want to build. We want to build it by assuming we have to compete in a different way, by trying to win trophies.'

Spurs' new training ground is so large you need a golf buggy to ferry you from the gate to the 12,000-square metre main building, which houses a pool, hydrotherapy suite, gym and artificial pitch.

One of the four dedicated first-team grass pitches has been built to the exact specifications of White Hart Lane. The complex has the same feeling of exclusivity and luxury as Chelsea's base in Cobham, Surrey.

Villas-Boas noticeably tensed when the subject of Chelsea was raised but insisted his dismissal did not hurt 'on a personal level' and the 'professional experience was extremely good' for his career.

The considerable frustration, almost powerlessness, he described in explaining how Roman Abramovich gave up – 'quit' – on his Chelsea 'project' told a different story, however, but there was also an admission that certain things will have to change if he is to be a success at Spurs.

'I am always a person who defends certain principles that were never understood in England and that requires much more adaptability from myself,' he said.

'I'm not a guy who is able to criticise anyone in public and I am not a guy who promotes individuals in public but I understand now that certain things can be done better and in the end you evolve in different ways. Hopefully, I can apply the different things I have learned properly.'

Sunderland told to pay 15m for Steven Fletcher

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Sunderland told to cough up 15m for star Wolves striker Fletcher

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UPDATED:

21:47 GMT, 9 July 2012

Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill must match Wolves’ 15million valuation to land his top target Steven Fletcher.

O’Neill was willing to offer 10m for the 25-year-old, who scored 22 goals for the relegated club in the last two seasons.

Highly-rated: Fletcher has been a key player for Wolves since his 2010 arrival

Highly-rated: Fletcher has been a key player for Wolves since his 2010 arrival

Many Wolves players’ wages have been cut by almost half since relegation but Wolves are in no hurry to sell.

Winger Matt Jarvis is due for talks about his future this week with QPR and West Ham keen.

Michael Laudrup: I had to research Swansea

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Laudrup reveals he knew little of Swansea when they came calling about manager's job

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UPDATED:

14:20 GMT, 21 June 2012

New Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has admitted he had to research the club before accepting the offer to succeed Brendan Rodgers.

Laudrup also revealed he did not intend to make wholesale changes to the backroom staff at the Liberty Stadium or bring in a host of new players.

The 48-year-old former Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder said: 'I didn't know so much (about Swansea), to be honest.

New era: Michael Laudrup admits he knew little of Swansea when he was called

New era: Michael Laudrup admits he knew little of Swansea when he was called

New era: Michael Laudrup admits he knew little of Swansea when he was called

'I think the research is very important. If I had done some more research in former jobs I might have taken some other decisions,' added Laudrup, who has also coached Getafe, Spartak Moscow and Real Mallorca.

'The people I talked to were very positive (about Swansea). People said 'Michael it would be a good club for you'.'

Laudrup, who won 104 caps for Denmark, revealed he would not be making changes in a hurry.

'I would like a new beginning, to come in and see how things are here. Change for change's sake, I don't think that is good.'

Laudrup would not be drawn over
midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, who performed well on loan at Swansea from
German club Hoffenheim last season.

Swansea hope to sign the Iceland
international midfielder on a permanent basis but Rodgers has admitted
he would like to take him to Liverpool.

Pedigree: Laudrup enjoyed success with club - Ajax, Barcelona - and country - Denmark

Pedigree: Laudrup enjoyed success with club – Ajax, Barcelona – and country – Denmark

Pedigree: Laudrup enjoyed success with club - Ajax, Barcelona - and country - Denmark

Laudrup said: 'It's a special case. He was on loan here and did very well. He has a possibility to go to another club. He is owned by a German club. I would like him to stay, he did very well here.'

Laudrup revealed he had spoken to chairman Huw Jenkins at length about the possibility of making new signings.

Impressive: Gylfi Sigurdsson shone at Swansea on loan last season

Impressive: Gylfi Sigurdsson shone at Swansea on loan last season

'To sign seven or eight players does not make sense,' he added.

Jenkins said Laudrup's pedigree had been a big factor in the club bringing him in as the new manager.

He said: We're delighted to have somebody with Michael's background. It's great for us as a club that Michael has joined us.

'The most important thing is finding the right person with the personality to forge the right sort of relationship.

'We are really looking forward to taking the club forward and carrying on the good work we have done in the last two years.'

Mousa Dembele commits to Fulham despite Manchester United, Spurs, Arsenal interest

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Dembele commits to Fulham despite interest from United, Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea

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UPDATED:

12:24 GMT, 8 June 2012

Mousa Dembele has no intention of leaving Fulham this summer as he wants to continue playing for manager Martin Jol.

The 24-year-old has become an increasingly important player for the west Londoners since joining the club from Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar two years ago.

Dembele, who has a year left to run on his contract, was particularly impressive for the Cottagers last season, leading to speculation that he could leave in the summer.

Wanted: Mousa Dembele (right) in action against England last week

Wanted: Mousa Dembele (right) in action against England last week

Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham have all reportedly shown interest in the Belgium international, who insists he has no plans to go anywhere – thanks in no small part to Jol.

'I'm very happy to stay at Fulham, especially because of the boss,' he told the Fulham Chronicle. 'I think it's very important to have the backing of the manager and he's a coach who gives me a lot of confidence – that's why I feel I owe it to the gaffer as well.

'I think every player needs that and
I'm no different. I go to training every day and work with joy. It's a
fantastic club and I'm not in a hurry to move anywhere.'

Dembele has been converted from a forward into a central midfielder by Jol this season and it is a role he is enjoying.

'I'm very happy with the change this year in the position I play because I'm a player who likes to have the ball as much as possible – and that is down to the manager as well,' he said.

'I think I can hold the ball very well – and it's an advantage to the team if I have a lot of the ball, so I like that position a lot.

'I'm also very happy with the way the season went. The club is doing very well and we have a very strong team with good players.

'Next
year, everybody wants to do even better. I'm not sure what will be our
target next season, because in a way it's the club and manager who
decide.

Rising star: Dembele impressed in Fulham's midfield last season

Rising star: Dembele impressed in Fulham's midfield last season

'I don't know if it is realistic to try for fourth or fifth or sixth, but I think we should look to do even better than this season and last.

'Maybe we will have more energy because we don't play in Europe this season and we can concentrate on the league.'

Dembele is not the only Fulham midfielder to have reaffirmed his commitment to the club.

Pajtim Kasami joined from Palermo last summer but featured just 17 times for the Whites and made only two appearances in 2012.

The Switzerland Under 21 international was subject of interest from Juventus in January but stayed at Craven Cottage, where he hopes to make an impression next season.

'At the beginning of the season it was quite difficult being in a new team, in a new country, and playing in a new league,' he told the club's official website.

'But I felt like I adapted quickly to English football so the first part of the season went very well for me. The second half of the season didn't go so well.

'I'm not sad but I'm a little bit disappointed in myself and the only thing I can do is look forward to the next season.'