Home Blog Page 2031

Ramsey reminds me of Lampard, says Wenger

0

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes midfielder Aaron Ramsey is very similar to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

The Welshman started the season superbly for The Gunners, scoring 13 goals in 27 games, but an injury sustained on Boxing Day against West Ham United has kept him out of the team for over three months.

However, Ramsey is expected to make his return to the squad in time for tomorrow’s game, and is hoping to be fully-fit for the FA Cup Semi-Final against Wigan Athletic.

The injury has haulted what was a very successful season for the Welsh international, and speaking to the official club website, Wenger believes if he stayed fully-fit for the whole season, he would have been one of the nominations for PFA Player of the Year.

Wenger then continued to liken the midfielder to Chelsea star Frank Lampard.

“Yes [he would be] because of his consistency of performance, and the efficiency of his performances as well,” the manager said.

“The number of goals he has scored is tremendous for a midfielder. He turns up in the box and he is a bit ‘Lampardish’. He gets in the box at the right moment.

“He is cooler in his finishing now. Before, he always rushed his final ball and he was a bit nervous.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Fellaini is justifying his price-tag, says Moyes

0

Manchester United manager David Moyes believes midfielder Marouane Fellaini is starting to prove why the club spent £27million on him in the Summer.

The Belgium, who was superb for Everton last season, completed his move to Old Trafford on transfer deadline day back in September, but since then, injuries and poor-form has effected his career in Manchester.

However, he has been starting more frequently now for Moyes, and the Scot believes he is starting to justify the hefty price-tag on his head.

‘It’s not an easy move coming to Manchester United, as I can tell you,’ the United manager said.

‘For Marouane, I think it’s proved equally as difficult, but I have to say I think he has done a lot of good things and he has improved.

‘I actually thought Marouane got better as the game went on (against Bayern).

‘We needed him and I thought he played very well.

‘He did well in the Villa game too. I think he is getting much closer to scoring.

‘We bought Marouane Fellaini not to play every single game in the Premier League. We have bought him for several games. He did a great job at West Ham, against Aston Villa and against Bayern.’

Fellaini is still yet to score his first goal for United, despite scoring 32 times for Everton.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsene Wenger admits pressure is on

0

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is feeling the pressure as his side try to secure yet another Champions League finish in this year’s Premier League.

The Gunners, who have lead the way for most of the season, are now facing a serious battle to finish in the top-four after a horrible run of fixtures has cost them dear in this year’s title-race.

A draw away at Southampton was then followed by defeats to Liverpool, Stoke and Chelsea, before then dropping more points at home to Swansea City and Manchester City.

Wenger takes his side to Goodison Park tomorrow lunchtime knowing that if they lose, The Toffees will be in with a massive chance of overtaking them to fourth spot and that final Champions League place, and the Frenchman has admitted that the pressure is on.

‘The pressure is bigger because we have been the league leader this season,’ said Wenger, who has been frustrated by injuries to key players and a loss of form over the past few weeks. ‘It is a six-pointer. For us, it’s an opportunity to go up forward and as well an opportunity to make a distance with Everton of course.

‘We want to be in there, but it’s down to our results in our last six games to make sure that happens.

‘What plays a part is the memory that you have done it before, so we know we can do it.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Andy Carroll takes swipe at former-club

0

West Ham United striker Andy Carroll has hit out at his former-club, Liverpool, by claiming they never gave him a real chance to show his worth.

The English international left Newcastle United for Merseyside in a whopping £35million-deal back in 2011, but due to poor form and injury issues, Carroll was then sent out on loan to West Ham, who eventually secured his services on a permanent basis a year later for just £15million.

After recovering from a long-term injury that has kept him out for most of the season, Carroll is back fighting fit and is ready to fight for his place in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad this Summer, and as he prepares to face his former-club this weekend, he has admitted the regrets he has over his time in Merseyside.

He told Sky Sports on his time at Anfield: “Obviously it wasn’t what I wanted. I went there and I wanted to kick on.

“I had problems with injuries and was playing one game out of three and never really got going. If I did get going, my career at Liverpool, I would still be there now. It didn’t, now I’m here and I’m happy.”

“I never really got the chance and was told to leave. That’s why I ‘m here.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexArticles

Jose Mourinho sends rallying cry

0

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has sent a rallying cry to the fans and also the players ahead of this season’s title-race finale.

Despite conceding that their title-dreams were over after last week’s 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, Mourinho has sent a plea to the club’s fans to keep the faith and show their support from now until the end of the season.

Mourinho’s men host Stoke City this weekend, hoping to get revenge after their shock 3-2 defeat to them earlier on in the season.

Speaking ahead of the weekend’s match, Mourinho insisted that the title is still a realistic goal, as is qualification from the Champions League Quarter Finals, despite losing the first leg to Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in France on Wednesday.

Mourinho said: ‘The Champions League is not over, clearly. It’s not over: far from it. If a player doesn’t believe it’s not over, it’s better to stay at home. If any supporter thinks not possible, better to stay at home and watch Dortmund versus Real Madrid on the television. It’s not over.

‘In relation to the Premier League, we have six matches to play. The moment we don’t want to give everything to win all matches, we’re not good professionals. I won’t accept that about me or my players.

‘I’m not going to rest eight players against Stoke because we have no chance and can beat PSG. I’m saying go for it, go for the six matches and try to win them.

‘The PSG match is the the kind of match I want the players and supporters to enjoy very much. I will enjoy it. Let’s go, let’s play and let’s enjoy it.’ 

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Aguero set for Liverpool return

0

Sergio Aguero will sit out of Manchester City’s match against Southampton this weekend, but is expected to return for the Premier League showdown against Liverpool next week.

Aguero, who has 26 goals in all competitions this season, has had several hamstring problems throughout the campaign, most recently straining it in City’s Champions League match away at Barcelona last month.

The Argentine has now returned to training after recovering from the problem, but won’t be risked in a match just yet as he is not match fit, and won’t even be on the bench for City.

City manager told his pre-match press conference, “Sergio is okay. He doesn’t have any problems with his injury. He works just now with the squad but he just started on Thursday so he needs more work to be 100% fit.”

“For this week it is too soon for him to start playing because he has only trained for two days, but next week against Liverpool he will not have any problems.”

In Aguero’s absence, Pellegrini has three available strikers, with Edin Dzeko, Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic all fit.

City are also missing their centre-back Matija Nastasic, who has not played since the 1-0 at home to Chelsea on February 3rd.

 

By Ben Kelly

 

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10 https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

Mandzukic set to be bought by Chelsea over Arsenal

0

It has emerged that a reported £20m bid is set to be made by Chelsea for Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic. The Croat’s agent has been in London recently and despite rumours linking him to Arsenal, it is understood by Sportsmail that it was representatives of Chelsea that met with his agent.

There is strong belief that due to his requirements at the Allianz being lessened with the arrival of Robert Lewandowski, he will avaliable for a cheaper price this summer.

Despite this, Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has made his feelings clear, that he doesn’t want to sell Mandzukic and there will be no cut price for any club. The Croatian has shown his goal-scoring prowess this season by netting 16 times in the Bundesliga despite limited playing time.

Rummenigge said: ‘We want him to stay, and I remain fairly confident he will,’

‘But I know that many clubs throughout Europe want him, and that is not surprising.

‘You only have to look at his scoring record to see his quality, so we will see what happens.’ 

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is planning a clear out of Stamford Bridge this summer and has expressed his interest in Mandzukic and Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa as prime candidates to reinforce his striking options. 

Lewandowski’s arrival from Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season could potentially be the last straw for Mandzukic and the Croat could find his way to the Premier League. The European champions will not let him go cheap though and the £20m pirce tage is the starting price to begin negotiations.


By Phil Wellbrook

Yaya Toure reveals why Arsenal move didn’t work

0

Ivorian superstar Yaya Toure was close to joining Arsenal, where his brother Kolo was playing but he was rejected by manager Arsene Wenger because he didn’t believe Toure could be the next Vieira.

Toure failed to convince Wenger that he was not a striker as the French manager had thought, but instead a box-to-box midfielder.

Yaya Toure told the official Manchester City YouTube channel: “When I was in Belgium, I went to Arsenal for a couple of months to give me some training and I remember my first chat I had with Arsene,’

“He asked me, ‘Which position do you want to play?’ I said ‘Midfielder.’

“He said, “Why? When I saw you training, for me, you looked more like a striker.’

“I said, ‘That’s why you always put me up front, move me, I want to play in midfield like Patrick (Vieira). I said ‘I can play like Patrick, I can be better than Patrick’ and he said ‘No, no, it’s impossible.”

Toure has since played for Spanish giants Barcelona and the Premier League firepower, Manchester City. This season Toure has helped guide City to a title winning position with 17 goals and 5 assists and continues to flourish amongst a talented squad which have already won one piece of silverware this season.

 

By Phil Wellbrook

No rush over Rodgers deal

0

Liverpool FC managing director Ian Ayre insists the club is in no hurry to sign manager Brendan Rodgers down to a new contract, describing the matter a ‘distraction’ to this season’s Premier League title race. 

Rodgers is currently on the verge of guiding Liverpool to their first ever Premier League title, and their first league crown since 1990. He himself has stated he is comfortable waiting until the end of the season to begin negotiations, and Ayre seems similarly unfazed by holding off, with Rodgers’ current deal running out June 2015. 

“It’s never been an issue. At the right time, we will have that discussion. Right now isn’t the time,” said Ayre, “We don’t want a distraction. That’s a private matter. I know Brendan, myself and the owners are all very comfortable with that.”

Ayre did confirm that he does expect Rodgers to commit his future to Anfield when the time comes to finally strike a deal, with the club and manager hoping to soon return to the glory days.

“He’s just started on a road, as we all have, to rebuild this club and bring it back to greatness,” added Ayre.

“Hopefully if we achieve our Euro dream, then we will need bigger depth. We are talking daily with Brendan about this and others who deal with player recruitment.

“The owners are pleased with our progress. They will be over this weekend for the game away to West Ham on Sunday.

 “It’s great testament to them. We’ve had some tough days but the owners continued to invest in the club. Great credit to them for achieving what we are achieving.”

As many fans are getting excited with the prospect of Liverpool winning the league this season, Ayre is determind to be cautious, with Liverpool’s next 6 games set to make or break their season. These fixtures include massive games against Manchester City and Chelsea.

“Nobody is getting carried away, we need to take each game (at a time). What will be, will be.”


By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10 https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

Inter Milan lead race for Alvaro Morata

0

Inter Milan have over taken Arsenal in the race to sign Alvaro Morata after tabling a £15million bid for the Real Madrid striker.

Morata was told in February that he was free to seek a new club after Madrid refused to let him join Arsenal on loan in the January transfer window.

But The Gunners face strong competition from the Inter for the 21 year old, along with other Italian giants Juventus.

It is believed that Inter have made a £15million bid for Morata, although Madrid are expected to turn that down and hold out for £20million.

Morata has scored 5 goals in all competitions this season despite only starting in 4 of his 26 appearances for the club.

 

By Ben Kelly

 

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10 https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

“Arsenal can still win the title” – Arsene Wenger

0

Arsene Wenger insists that Arsenal are still aiming to win the title for the first time in a decade.

 

Arsenal were league leaders at the start of 2014 but now find themselves in 4th place, seven points behind league leaders Liverpool with only 6 games remaining. Arsenal travel to Goodison Park on Sunday and if Everton can secure a win against the gunners, the will be just 1 point behind the Londoners with a game in hand.  However with Chelsea suffering an unexpected 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, Wenger’s team is not losing hope:

 

“The target is to finish as high as possible. Where that will be at the moment I must say, behind us will depend only on our results.

“In front of us will depend on our results and the results on the other teams, so that’s impossible to predict.

 

 With Chelsea’s recent slip-ups the title race is blown wide open however Arsenal are hoping to find some form due to Liverpool and Manchester City being on top of their game.

 

 “Liverpool has an advantage as they don’t play any competition other than the Premier League for a long, long time so they have only one target and they can of course be stable in their preparation. That is a little advantage, but it is very tight. You don’t want to give up as long as you have a mathematical chance. We are the outsiders, but if you don’t fight for it and you have a result like Crystal Palace against Chelsea, and if we have given up because we don’t believe it we would be absolutely 100 per cent guilty.”

With Aaron Ramsey returning for thegame on Sunday and with comebacks for Jack Wilshere and Meut Ozil just around the corner, Arsenal have no reason to give up on the tile but they have it all to do with Liverpool and Manchester City playing on top of their games.

 

 Nayl Gilani

 

sillyseason

 

Still hope for Torres at Chelsea?

0

 

The Chelsea manager insists that Fernando Torres has a future at Chelsea but he needs to see much more from the £50million man.

 

Despite costing Chelsea a British record £50million from Liverpool in 2011, Mourinho opted for a striker-less starting line-up in Wednesdays’ 3-1 defat to PSG. The Spaniard has a meagre 44 goals to his name in 164 appearances- 9 goals in 33 appearances this season. It seemed like Mourinho had lost patience with him, however the manager has said: “Does he have a future? Yes, he has. He is under contract, he’s a good professional. He works hard for the team, he brings positive things to the team.”


 

“Obviously, we want him to score more goals. Obviously, he wants to score more goals. It’s not just me that wants. People that give everything they have you never can blame and you never can complain. When he’s on the pitch he tries to do his best. Obviously we want more. He’s the first one that wants more, but he’s the kind of player I respect, he deserves to be respected and there’s nothing more you can say about it.”

 

 

 

Under UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations Chelsea are unable to spend the same amount of money on players as they have done in previous seasons – unless they are able to raise the funds by selling players. However, Mourinho has been strongly linked with Athletico Madrid striker Diego Costa. The signing of Nemanja Matic and Mohammed Salah were funded by sales of Juan Mata and Kevin De Bruyne and Mourinho believes Chelsea can spend £50million of another player

 

“I think Chelsea can’t do that with four or five players and bring in the investment for £200m or £250m, but Chelsea can do that with one player. That is the work Chelsea is doing and I think that’s possible for Chelsea, yes.”


 

With Samuel Eto departing at the end of the season and Torres and Lukaku perhaps looking for a move away, Chelsea will certainly be on the hunt for a world class striker during the summer transfer window – with Diego Costa and Edison Cavani both topping Mourinho’s summer shortlist.

 

Nayl Gilani

 

sillyseason

 

Iago Aspas wants to leave Liverpool.

0

Iago Aspas has today stated that he wants to leave Liverpool at the end of the current season. 

Aspas signed for Liverpool in the summer for a £7 million fee from Celta Vigo, and has failed to stamp a regular first team place down. 

Indeed, the 26 year old has scored just 1 goal in 14 League games for the table topping Reds. 

And it is more than likrly that the striker will return to his homeland in the summer. 

And with his chances limited, Aspas admits he is keen to move on in the summer.

‘I am not 20 years old anymore,’ he said. ‘I can’t go on loan and explode.

‘I think the best would be to transfer to another club and that I find the best fit for myself and the club.’ 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

Jose Mourinho dismisses Lukaku to Tottenham

0

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that no talks have taken place between Tottenham Hotspur and Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgium striker is expected to leave Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis this Summer after spending two years out on-loan, and according to numerous reports, both Spurs and Everton are keen to land the 20-year-old.

Mourinho is desperate to sell several of his players once the current campaign ends so that he can strengthen his team and sign a world-class forward, and he is hoping to raise around £20million by selling Lukaku, but so far, he has confirmed that no transfer talks have taken place.

‘Have we had any approaches? No,’ Mourinho said. ‘I don’t think it’s the time to speak about it.

‘He’s a Chelsea player, but at the same time he’s an Everton player until the end of the season. We want to respect that. Everton are good club for a loan. Our player is there and our player is playing.

‘He is developing and that’s what you expect. With Lukaku and Everton the loan is working well. Working for Everton, for Lukaku and Chelsea.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles