Hazard “I will be Worlds best”

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Mar 5, 2014

Suarez believes strike partner Daniel Sturridge is the perfect foil for him because defences facing the lethal ‘SAS’ partnership are unsure which one of them to watch.

The deadly partnership has scored 45 goals in all competitions this season, with Suarez grabbing 24 and Sturridge 21.

The goals have powered Liverpool’s surprise tilt at the Barclays Premier League title, with the Reds sitting four points behind leaders Chelsea entering the home stretch.

And Suarez, who will also lead the line for Uruguay at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil, including in the group stages against England, says that the partnership is a match made in heaven.

‘The best thing is that defences aren’t only looking at what Suarez is doing,’ he told FourFourTwo magazine in an exclusive interview.

‘We create space for each other, and for our team-mates to take advantage of. If we’re marked, then it means someone else isn’t.’

The secret to their success is also grounded in a good relationship off the field, with Suarez revealing the excellent team spirit that is driving Liverpool’s renaissance under Brendan Rodgers.

‘Daniel’s a great guy, always making me, Lucas and Philippe [Coutinho] laugh. There were lots of Brazilians at Chelsea so his Portuguese isn’t bad, actually.

‘He should do well at the World Cup, because he already knows the language!’

Sturridge, 24, has played himself into Roy Hodgson’s England squad for the World Cup with his excellent form and is likely to start when the Three Lions open their campaign against Italy in Manaus on June 14.

He is also set to feature in England’s Wembley friendly with Denmark on Wednesday night, the final chance for Hodgson to run the rule over the candidates before naming his provisional squad for the tournament in May.

By then, Suarez and Sturridge could have helped Liverpool end their 24-year championship drought but Suarez was diplomatic when asked which of the pair would make the better ‘SAS’ soldier.

‘I’d say me, I’m older and you always need experience in an army! To be honest, though, with the two of us together, you wouldn’t go far wrong.’

Written by Steve Milne

Blackburn Rovers set to offer Rhodes new deal.

By

Ben Reardon

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Mar 5, 2014

Jordan Rhodes is set to sign a lucrative five and a half year deal at Blackburn Rovers, in a huge statement by Rovers’ Indian owners, the Venkey’s.

The Hallifax born, Scotland International has been highly regarded as one of the best centre forwards outside the Premier League, having scored a superb 16 League goals this season, as Rovers look to make a claim for a late play off push.

Rhodes joined Blackburn from Huddersfield Town for a club record fee of £8 million in the summer of 2012, and scored 24 League goals last season.

The striker has been linked to a move to the Premier League over the last few months due to his goal scoring antics, with Fulham, Swansea City and West Ham United all chasing the youngster’s signature.

Rhodes was also linked with a £12 million move to local rivals Wigan Athletic.

Gary Bowyer admitted last month that Rhodes could be sold for an appropriate price to a Premier League club, with Blackburn believing the 24 year old is worth £10 million.

The striker’s new deal could be confirmed before Sunday’s East Lancashire Derby against bitter rivals Burnley.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Aaron Ramsey set for £30,000 pay-rise

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Mar 5, 2014

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is set to give the football club a double boost by returning to first-team training and also agreeing a new deal at the club, which will see him stay until 2019.

The Welshman, who has been injured since December, is ready to return to light training with the team and Arsene Wenger is hopeful that he will play some part in the North London derby next weekend at White Hart Lane.

The news about his recovery will bring a great boost around the squad, who are still fighting for three trophies, and the return of Ramsey will certainly give the fans a major boost too after a couple of testing weeks.

Ramsey was the in-form player in world football during the early stages of the season, and due to his impressive form over the last season or so, Wenger is desperate to reward him with a new long-term deal.

The 23-year-old has reportedly agreed a new deal with the club which will see his current £60k-a-week contract upgraded to a £90k-a-week deal for five years.

Ramsey’s new deal will see him earn the same as British duo Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott, and he will be the third player in the space of a week to agree a new deal at the Emirates Stadium, following in Per Mertesacker’s and Tomas Rosicky’s foot-steps.

The club are also expected to wrap up the future of Santi Cazorla as well.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

I’m a Liverpool FC fan

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Mar 5, 2014

Jolie and Pitt were seen shopping for their brood of six children when they spent hundreds of pounds at the club shop, buying shirts, mugs, tracksuits and caps.

A source at the Club said “They rang the club shop and spent hundreds. Son Maddox is a big fan and his favourite player is Steven Gerrard.”

Jolie, is known as a Liverpool supporter, and her son Maddox, has also been known to sport a red jersey.

And during an interview for his new film, MoneyBall, the A-lister revealed where his loyalties lay when it came to football.

When asked about his favourite team, he reportedly said: “I have some friends who are very close to Liverpool, so if I went another way I might be disowned.”

The whole “Brangelina” clan are now behind Liverpool FC.

Pitt’s wife Angelina Jolie declared her adopted son, Maddox, only wanted to play for the Reds after he spent three days in Alder Hey hospital while she was filming Tomb Raider in Wales in 2002.

Other celebrity Kopites include Pulp Fiction’s Samuel L Jackson, Liverpool-born Sex And The City actress Kim Cattrall, Mike Myers of Austin Powers fame and The Royle Family’s Ricky Tomlinson.

Take That’s Mark Owen, former Spice Girl Melanie C and Chris de Burgh could also belt out a version of You’ll Never Walk Alone between them in support of their favourite club.

Written by Steve Milne

Mourinho: Young players should be more like Lampard and Terry.

By

CaldaTSP

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Mar 5, 2014

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has today said that Aspiring footballers want to make millions before they have even played in the Premier League. He also says that he wishes young players were more like Chelsea legends Frank Lampard and John Terry who were “Fanatical for victories”.

Talking to Esquire magazine, Mourinho criticised the celebrity and wealthy culture that surrounds teenage prospects.

“What I feel is that before, players were trying to make money during their career, be rich at the end of their career” said Mourinho. ” But in this moment, the people who surround them try to make them rich before they start their career”.

“They try to make them rich when they sign their first contract, when they didn’t play one single match in the Premier League, when they don’t know what it is to play in the Champions League.”

Chelsea regular John Terry came through the Chelsea academy whilst fellow Chelsea regular Frank Lampard was bought for £11 million after coming through the ranks at West Ham. Both have been regulars for England and are now enjoying a new run of form with Mourinho back at Chelsea. They won their first Premier League title under Mourinho back in 2005 and are currently part of the Chelsea side 4 points clear at the top of the Premier League.

“You have to find the right boy: the boy who wants to succeed, his pride and passion for the game” added the Blues boss. “His dream is not one in a million or one less million, his dream is to play at the highest level to win titles, because if you do these things you’ll be rich the same at the end of your career”.

“So we are working hard to give the best orientation to young players, to follow examples of guys from the past – the Lampards, the Terrys – who were always fanatical for victories.”

The former Real Madrid manager talked about how his players would “queue in front of the mirror before the game while the referee waited for them in the tunnel.”

“But that’s how society is now. Young people care a lot about this; they are twentysomething and I am 51 and if I want to work with kids I have to understand their world.”

– @CaldaTSP

CONFIRMED: Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic to join Inter in summer

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Mar 5, 2014

Inter’s president Erick Thorir stated last month a deal was ’90 per cent complete’ but now negotiations have reached a successful conclusion.

And Thorir believes Vidic is an excellent addition to his squad.

Speaking to Inter’s official website, Thorir said: “Vidic is a world-class player. I’m extremely happy to have completed this deal to bring Nemanja to Milan.

“He’s one of the world’s best defenders and his qualities, international pedigree and charisma will be an asset to the team and help bring through our younger players.

“He will bring added value to the club and is another piece of the great Inter side we are building.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Manchester United, Nemanja and his entourage for the professional and cooperative approach they have shown throughout the negotiations.”

Vidic has enjoyed a decorated career at Old Trafford, lifting five Premier League titles as well as grabbing a Champions League winners’ medal during his eight-year association with the club.

Meanwhile, Inter have also been keeping an eye on Vidic’s team-mate Patrice Evra, but it remains to be seen whether he will follow the Serb to the San Siro.

Written by Steve Milne

Manchester City captain shrugs off Mourinho’s mind-games

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Mar 5, 2014

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has admitted that he pays no attention to what Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has to say to the media regarding this year’s title-race.

Chelsea are currently leading the pack by four points, ahead of both Liverpool and Arsenal, and they are a further two point ahead of Kompany and co., who currently sit in fourth place.

That six-point gap could extend to nine-points this weekend if Mourinho’s men see of Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, as City are playing in the FA Cup against last year’s winners Wigan Athletic.

However, currently City are six points behind with two games in hand, if they win both of those games, they will leap-frog the top-three and go into first place due to their superior goal-difference.

Due to the games in hand, Mourinho believes the title is still City’s to lose, but their captain is refusing to listen to what The Blues boss has to say.

“It’s very simple in football, the winner is always right and the loser is always wrong,” Kompany told Sky Sports.

“Unless a manager puts on his football boots and starts playing as a striker, I’m never really worried about what they can say.

“As I say, there are four teams and Liverpool is one that can win it as well. Maybe City and Chelsea have a slight edge, but then again Liverpool have just as much momentum.

“Arsenal will probably get the momentum back again when they win again, so it’s a good league for the neutrals. I think it will be tight until the end.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Branislav Ivanovic happy at Chelsea

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Mar 5, 2014

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has revealed that he is happy with life at Stamford Bridge and isn’t even thinking about a move away from the club.

The Serbian has been at Chelsea for over six years now and has gone on to make over 250 appearances for The Blues, and in a recent interview, he has revealed that this is the happiest he has been in London, as Jose Mourinho’s men fight for the Premier League title.

Ivanovic’s impressive performances over the season has caught the eye of French side Paris Saint-Germain, but after being questioned about any potential move away from Chelsea, the 30-year-old put them to bed by revealing how happy he is with life at The Bridge.

“I can say this is the happiest I have been at Chelsea because, at the moment, the team is doing well and things are going right for us,” said Ivanovic ahead of Serbia’s friendly with the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday.

“We have improved as a team since the beginning of the season, it looks like we are a very strong team but we have the potential to make and build an amazing team.”

With the international break now upon us, Ivanovic has linked up with his national side, including Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov, but according to the Chelsea defender, the two do not discuss the title-race.

“We are here together to help our national team and that is what we are focused on,” added Ivanovic. “We don’t talk a lot about the league.

“I think it will be very tough, both teams are fighting hard for the title and both have the quality to win it.

“It will be very interesting. We are both trying very hard to stay on top of our games and help our clubs.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Joachim Loew hints at Mesul Ozil exclusion

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Mar 5, 2014

Germany head-coach Joachim Loew has warned Arsenal star Mesut Ozil that ‘the clock is ticking’ for him to prove that he is worthy of a spot in his World Cup squad.

Loew is lucky enough to have a whole host of talent at his disposal as Germany’s coach, but after faltering in recent weeks for his club, Ozil could surprisingly be excluded from the squad.

Poor performances against Liverpool in the league and then Bayern Munich in the Champions League meant Ozil was dropped by Arsene Wenger, and is yet to win his starting spot back.

With the World Cup just months away, Loew has warned all of his players that time is nearly up for them to impress, and his decision will come down to who is playing the best right now, rather than who is perceived to be the best.

Loew said: “We need the best players currently available at the World Cup, and not theoretically the best.

“I’ve told the players: The clock is ticking. And only ones who hear it will have a fighting chance.

“This is an appeal to all and a wake up call to many to work on their training, their routine, and their professionalism as now is the optimal time [to work on those things] before the tournament.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

My ‘psycho’ tag has cost me a move, says Bendtner

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Mar 5, 2014

Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner believes his reputation is damaging any chances of him leaving the club in order to play regular first-team football.

The Dane has been wanting to leave Arsenal permanently for the last three years or so, but has never been able to finalise a move away from the Emirates Stadium, despite numerous clubs being linked with his signature.

A lot of reports have claimed in the past that his wage demands have stalled any likely move, but the Danish international believes his reputation is to blame, as potential buyers think he is a ‘psycho’.

‘I have, for example, talked to clubs who say they have heard this or that story about me,’ he said.

‘So I have to tell them that it is not true. Of all the things that I have been associated with I have only done one thing wrong and that was in Copenhagen (he was arrested for drink driving in March last year).

‘Regardless of this I have bit by bit, in people’s eyes, been made into a psychopath.’

During his career, Bendtner has had loan spells away from Arsene Wenger’s side, with Birmingham City, Sunderland and Juventus all taking him on for a season, but none of them extended his stay permanently.

Bendtner has scored twice for Arsenal this season, once against Hull City, and the other coming in the last minutes against Cardiff City.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Inter Milan preparing bid for Arsenal star

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Mar 5, 2014

Italian outfit Inter Milan are showing interest in Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski, and may make a formal bid for the German in the Summer.

The 28-year-old, who joined Arsenal back in 2012 from the Bundesliga, enjoyed his first season in England, scoring 16 goals for the club, but his second season has been restricted due to a serious hamstring injury suffered at the beginning of the campaign.

The German international has only made eight league appearances this year for Arsenal and despite bein fully-fit, he is still usually used as a substitute rather than a starter, and there are several reports claiming he is unhappy with life under Arsene Wenger.

Podolski was linked with a move away from the club in the Summer, but he put those rumours to bed by claiming he was happy in London, but now, newly-taken over Inter Milan are showing interest in the forward and may make a formal bid in the next few months.

Erick Thohir, who recently took over at the San Siro, is desperate to overhaul his squad, and with Nemanja Vidic coming in from Manchester United, he is also keeping tabs on Patrice Evra, Lukas Podolski and Bacary Sagna.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Kim Kallstrom nearing full fitness to make Arsenal debut in FA Cup tie

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Mar 5, 2014

Kim Kallstrom, the midfielder on loan at Arsenal from Spartak Moscow, is close to finally making his debut for the Gunners,and could feature against Everton in the FA Cup tie at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Swede joined the Gunners on loan for the remainder of the season on transfer deadline day in January, but was immediately ruled out with a microfracture in his back that he had picked up before signing for the club.

Kallstrom has now, however, made good progress in his return to fitness, and reportedly told the Swedish FA’s medical staff that he is “close to being fit”.

Manager Arsene Wenger previously conceded that he knew of the 31-year-old’s injury before he joined, but he had no alternative but to complete the deal, because it was too late to find any fit midfielders in time.

Should the Everton fixture come too soon, Kallstrom should be available for the Premier League north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur the following Sunday.

The Gunners were boosted yesterday by the news that Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky had both signed new contracts with the club, although the future of Bacary Sagna has been thrown into even further doubt as a new deal was not announced for the French right-back.

Written by Steve Milne

Barca eye Luiz swoop as Puyol calls it quits

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Mar 5, 2014

A bid of €30m is expected for the 26-year-old Brazilian, who is currently on international duty.

Barcelona hope to conclude a deal swiftly before the World Cup finals kick-off in June, with Luiz an important figure in the Brazil squad. Although Luiz is not agitating for a move, it is understood that he would be keen to join Barcelona.

Puyol confirmed he would be leaving Barcelona at the end of this campaign. The 35-year-old Spaniard was contracted until 2016 but reached an agreement to rescind the final two years.

“At the end of the season I will no longer be a Barcelona player. There are three months of the season left and I will not give up. I will help the team,” said Puyol.

Barcelona may have to offer far more than €30m, however, to acquire Luiz, who was signed by Carlo Ancelotti from Benfica in a deal that was worth £21.5m plus Nemanja Matic.

Written by Steve Milne

Under-fire Moyes losing faith in Van Persie

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Mar 5, 2014