Szczesny warns Liverpool to expect the real Arsenal in FA Cup Tie

England manager Roy Hodgson is set to hand Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling an international call up.

The Liverpool winger is in line to feature in the International friendly against Denmark on 5th March at Wembley.

Sterling featured in the 4-2 defeat against Sweden in the November of 2012, but since dropped back down to the Under 21 side.

The winger found himself frozen out of the Liverpool side over the last few months , but manager Brendan Rodgers recalled Sterling to his squad, and the winger has been in fine form ever since.

The maverick winger scored, and set up an assist in Liverpool’s emphatic 5-1 win against Arsenal at Anfield last Saturday.

Sterling could play as part of an attacking trio, alongside Liverpool club-mate Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney, against Denmark.

Another Anfield youngster on Hodgson’s radar is right-back Jon Flanagan.

He could get the call for Denmark if club colleague Glen Johnson suffers a further setback or Tottenham’s Kyle Walker – currently first choice – picks up an injury.

My Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Five reigns shorter than Rene Meulensteen’s

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Feb 15, 2014

Fulham Football Club took the decision to sack manager Rene Meulensteen last night after their absymal run showed no signs of improving, and despite lasting only 74-days, surprisingly there have been manager reigns even shorter than that.

The former-Manchester United coach came in to replace Martin Jol, who didn’t have the greatest campaign at the Cottage and was finally sacked at the beginning of December, and by mid-February, Fulham have now sacked Jol’s replacement.

Meulensteen only guided Fulham to three victories in his 13 Premier League games in charge, but these managers below can boast an even shorter reign at the clubs.

Brian Clough – Leeds United (44 days, 1974)

Probably one of the most famous managers of all-time was also known for one of the most famous firings of all time.

Brian Clough, who worked wonders at Derby County, was finally appointed as the new Leeds United manager, who were a real footballing force back in the 70s, but his previous comments about the club came back to bite him as the players and the board never really took to him.

Over time, Clough had slaughtered Leeds’ style in the press and after 44 days in charge, he finally lost his job.

Although it was Clough who had the last laugh when he guided Nottingham Forest to a mega-force in the footballing world.

Alex McLeish – Nottingham Forrest (40 days, 2012-13)

The former-Birmingham City and Aston Villa manager only spent five weeks at Nottingham Forest before he decided to walk out on the club after feeling betrayed by the club’s board.

McLeish was lead to believe that funds would be at his disposal to spend on strengthening the side, but when he went to sign George Boyd from Peterborough United, the club cancelled the deal without the boss knowing.

This decision eventually lead to him resigning from his position.

Steve Coppell – Manchester City (33 days, 1996)

Probably more famous for his time at Reading, Steve Coppell was manager at Manchester City before they had unlimited funds to spend, but he only lasted 33 days before he took the decision to walk out of the club.

Coppell claimed that the job was too stressful for him due to him being a former-Manchester United player.

Martin Ling – Cambridge United (9 days, 2009)

George Rolls was the chairman at Cambridge United and he took the decision to sack one of his managers due to differences in opinion and then replaced him with Martin Ling, however, just nine days later, it happened again.

Ling walked out of the club after disagreeing with the chairman and claimed that there was no way he could work with Rolls.

Eventually after the chairman left the club, Ling actually returned to Cambridge United, and that time around, it lasted a lot longer than just 9 days.

Leroy Rosenior – Torquay (10 minutes, 2007)

Probably the most ridiculous manager saga to ever take place in football.

Leroy Rosenior took over at Torquay United just as they were in the process of being taken over, and after he signed the deal to become the new boss, the new owner came in and immediately fired him to bring in his own choice.

Rosenior lasted just 600 seconds at the club.

So if you are reading this Rene, you don’t have to feel too bad.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Daniel Sturridge nears Club record

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Feb 15, 2014

If Daniel Sturridge scores in their FA Cup clash with Arsenal on Sunday he will set a new club record by scoring nine successive appearances in all competitions, breaking a record that dates back 90-years when it was set by Dick Forshaw.

The landmark was levelled more recently by John Aldridge but Sturridge is now on the brink of creating history.

“Daniel’s form has been terrific,” Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.

“He has a natural instinct for the goal. I’ve seen that in him since he was a young player.

“His eyes light up when he’s within 30 yards of the goal. He has an instinct to get in there and normally he finishes.

“He is outstanding in one v one situations, and he’s up there with Luis Suarez as the best finisher in the league.

“Daniel is always a real threat. He knows what’s most important is the team and it’s his job to get goals for the team.

“What Daniel has shown over the past year or so playing regularly is that if he can maintain his fitness and get on the field regularly then he will score goals it’s as simple as that.”

And despite Sturridge’s outstanding form, Rodgers thinks there is more to come.

“I still think he can get more goals,” he added.

“I think he can get into other areas which allow him to arrive in more positions to score.

“Daniel is still so young and has many years ahead of him. We try to encourage all players who come here – irrespective of age and where they are in their career – to learn and improve.

“It gives me great pride as a coach when I see individuals develop. You bring them here as part of the team but individually they all want to be better.

“Daniel is just one example of that. Lots of players have made improvements – the likes of Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Martin Skrtel.

“You’ve got Luis who has gone to world class level. Look at Steven Gerrard and his game now and the role he’s playing.

“When you bring it all together into a cohesive unit you get a really exciting team.”

Rodgers also admits that the form of Luis Suarez is rubbing off on those around him, especially Sturridge.

“I think great players make others around them better,” said Rodgers.

“It is that difference between good and great. You have great players like those two who give the team confidence and they also open up spaces for other and both are very talented.

“They are helping making other players better and that is what is making us, as a team, better.

“Luis asked to play a wider role in recent matches and has shown the true team player he is; we just do what’s best for the team and that is what is asked of all the players.

“Luis will always get himself in those goalscoring positions because he roams and arrives in those areas.

“Daniel is better through the middle because of his pace and pace really hurts teams.

“Both are outstanding finishers but both are not asked to do any more than the others and that is the key to our success so far.”

Written by Steve Milne @stevenmilnelive

Courtois Future To Be Decided Next Month

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Jakeeh

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Feb 15, 2014

Thibaut Courtois is to meet club officials next month to decide his future, according to his father.

The 6 ft 4 inch keeper has been, in one word, phenomenal for Athletico Madrid since joining on loan 3 years ago.

Courtois carries the reputation to become one of the best keepers in world football in years to come, and Jose Mourinho has already stated he expects Courtois back at Chelsea this summer, but the player is yet to confirm his own intentions.

Reports claim that Atletico are desperate to keep him and could offer top striker Diego Costa or midfield ace Koke in exchange, this would be crazy business by Athletico Madrids standards, with Costa now regarded as one of footballs biggest strikers, bagging over 20+ goals for the Spanish side already this season.

But you could also argue that with Costa’s release clause he’s bound to leave in the summer, and you could probably imagine they’d rather see their big striker go to a different country than a Spanish rival.

With Petr Cech still number 1 at Chelsea, it makes you wonder where Courtois will really end up.

And the player’s father hopes matters will be resolved next month. “We have a meeting with Chelsea and we will be talking about everything with them,”

Thierry Courtois told the Daily Express. “It is too early to make a definite decision yet. We have to negotiate with Chelsea. “Thibaut has been doing very well with Atletico but there are still three months of the season to go, and a lot can happen in that time.”

Will the Keeper return to Chelsea or make a permanent move to the Spanish side?

Article Written by – @jakeee03

Juan Mata will need time, says Rooney

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Feb 15, 2014

Manchester United striker believes new signing Juan Mata will need time to adapt at Old Trafford until the fans see the very best from the former-Chelsea star.

United secured the signing of Mata in January for a whopping £37.1million from their Premier League rivals, and despite showing glimpses of brilliance already, his new team-mate believes the best is yet to come.

Mata is yet to score for his new side, but he has managed to grap a few assists in his brief stint at the club, and Rooney believes with time, he will only improve under David Moyes.

“It’s exciting.

“Juan has come in and it’s another world-class player to have in the squad.

“It’ll take time, it can always take a little bit of time for every player to gel and to bond but we really hope we can all start scoring goals and help the team be successful.”

The United squad are now preparing to make a quick trip to Dubai to work on fitness as they have a break from action due to the FA Cup, and Rooney believes it gives the players a chance to bond and get together.

“It’s nice to spend time together.

“When you’re at home you go to training then you go home and see your families.

“But with trips like this you’re training then spending time with the lads. It’s good for us all to be together.

“It’s a different environment for us and hopefully we can get some good training sessions in so we come back ready for the Palace game and the start of the Champions League.

“We’ve got a lot of massive games in the Champions League and the league.

“We’re all looking forward to them.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Eden Hazard eyes next level in personal growth

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Feb 15, 2014

Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard has thanked manager Jose Mourinho for his praise over recent weeks, but insists that he is still working hard to achieve the levels of La Liga stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Earlier in the week, Mourinho claimed Hazard was currently the best young player in the world and has made a dramatic change since he has arrived at the club in the Summer.

The Blues boss famously criticised the Belgium at the beginning of the season, claiming that he was one of the worst trainers he has ever seen. He also said that it confuses him why the midfielder settles to being good, when he could be great.

However in recent months, we have seen Hazard develop into the player he can be, and according to the player himself, he is ready to take it to the next level.

“I’m very happy because it’s very pleasing when it comes from him,” said Hazard.

“But I hope eventually people will drop the word ‘young’ because that will mean I have moved up.

“To get to the level of Ronaldo or Messi I have to work extremely hard because those players are are on another planet.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Bale Reveals ‘Idol’ Ronaldo Has Helped Him Settle

By

Jakeeh

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Feb 15, 2014

Gareth Bale has admitted that he’s still coming to terms with life in Madrid, but says his ‘idol’ Christiano Ronaldo has helped him with the transition.

The Welshman left Tottenham to join Real Madrid for a world record £86million transfer fee last summer and has credited the world’s former most expensive player for supporting him.

In an interview Bale said: ‘He is a great teammate and friend. He always gives me lots of advice and is helping me a great deal.’

‘He was my idol before I met him and that’s even more the case now. He has made everything a lot easier for me. We can strike up a great partnership on the pitch. ‘To play with him every week and watch him in training, I kind of learn off him. It’s important for me to see what he does and I can hopefully improve myself as a player.’

Bale started of his Real Madrid career with a setback due to injury but has recently started to return to the player the world really knows, the one that ultimately carried Spurs last season

He went on to say: ‘I thought it was going to be easier, but bit by bit I am learning the language. It is vital for me to learn to speak Spanish to feel more integrated. My teammates help me to feel comfortable’.

Are Gareth Bale and Christiano Ronaldo the dealiest partnership in world football?

Article Written By – @Jakeee03

Arsene Wenger: ‘We need to win back fans’

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Feb 15, 2014

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his side need to win back the fans and get them back believing after they’ve suffered two disappointing performances on the trot.

The Gunners were thrashed 5-1 at Anfield on Saturday before putting in a woeful performance midweek against Manchester United, and now they face Brendan Rodgers’ side once again, but this time, in the FA Cup.

Earlier in the week, Wenger said if he could hand select his next opponent, it would have been Liverpool, but the boss knows that his side must win back the fans and get them believing again.

“I sense a huge feeling from the crowd to help the team but we have to strengthen that belief with our performance,” the manager said.

“The crowd will no doubt be behind us [against Liverpool] but let’s put the vibes out that we have a go and they will be behind us. They were hugely behind us on Wednesday night, [but] they were frustrated at the end of the game like we were.

“If they were not behind the team that would be a surprise. We are one point off the lead, we play in the Champions League and we play in the FA Cup. If, on top of that, we have not got a crowd behind us that would be absolutely unbelievable.

“We are professional football players. That means we have to cope with every single thing [from] the crowd. That is the job.

“After that if you can help [get the fans] behind the team that makes us even stronger. But we cannot expect too much. Let’s have the attitude to have the crowd behind us. They were behind us at Liverpool, when we were 4-0 down.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Brendan Rodgers out to beat ‘haunted’ Arsenal

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Feb 15, 2014

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is ready to upset Arsenal fans once again as he tries to knock them out of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.

Rodgers believes The Gunners will still be haunted from their 5-1 mauling at Anfield last weekend, and he is ready to produce the same display to knock Arsene Wenger’s men out of the cup at the Emirates Stadium.

Earlier in the season Rodgers took his side to North London and came away with nothing as they were easily beaten thanks to goals from Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey, however, neither of those players will be playing tomorrow, and The Reds boss is ready to inflict more pain on Wenger and co.

‘You could see Arsenal were nervous in the game against Manchester United the other night,’ he said. ‘It’s never easy when you get exposed like that but mainly it was down to our brilliance on the day really. We were outstanding.

‘Usually a team will get time to get over a defeat like that so, to come across us so quickly afterwards, it will be interesting to see the effects. Normally you get time to regroup.

‘Arsenal will be motivated for this game. Players at this level are really competitive and will want to show the defeat is past them. But if we can get anywhere near the level we were in the league game we will have a great chance of winning.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsenal’s Arnold transfer plans dealt a blow.

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Ben Reardon

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Feb 15, 2014

Arsenal transfer target Maximilian Arnold has put a spanner into the works of Arsenal’s transfer ambitions, after his agent stated that the player wants to remain in Germany.

The attacking midfielder has impressed for Bundesliga side Wolfsburg this season, and had attracted interest from Arsenal, Juventus and reigning Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich over recent weeks.

The highly rated 19 year old has excelled in the Wolsburg first team, and has scored six goals for the Bundesliga club, he has also assisted three goals this term.

He has also forced himself into the full Germany side, and is most certainly in contention for a World Cup place.

Wolfsburg have him contracted until the summer of 2017, and the club’s general manager Klaus Allofs has confirmed that the player does not have a release clause, and is happy at the club.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

PSG ready to battle Barcelona for Chelsea’s David Luiz

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Feb 15, 2014

The Ligue 1 champions are expected to part ways with another Brazilian centre-back, Alex, during the summer, and have identified his old Stamford Bridge team-mate Luiz as the perfect replacement.

Luiz was heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea last summer following Jose Mourinho’s return, especially as Barcelona have followed him for over a year.

Mourinho has utilised Gary Cahill and John Terry as his first-choice centre-back partnership this season, limiting Luiz’s opportunities in his favoured position.

The former Benfica man has, however, impressed in a midfield role, although PSG and Barcelona are both willing to give him the opportunity to play as a centre-back.

PSG are reportedly willing to offer more than Barcelona’s £20.5 valuation of Luiz – and that could give them the edge in the battle to land the defender.

Written by Steve Milne @stevemilnelive

Sir Tom Finney tribute.

By

Ben Reardon

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Feb 14, 2014

Preston North End legend Sir Tom Finney has passed away at the age of 91.

Finney was the definition of a one club man, devoting his whole career to North End, making 433 appearances, scoring 187 goals in a superb career at Deepdale.

The stalwart was considered one of the greatest players of English footballing history, certainly one of the best of his generation, in a career that spanned 14 years for the Lilywhites.

In many ways, he was the perfect player, with Finney able to play inside right, left or as a main striker, with the nation adoring such a humble and proud lad from Preston.

Finney enjoyed a superb England career, winning 76 caps for the three lions, scoring 30 goals for his country, putting him sixth in the all time England goal scoring list, joint with Alan Shearer, and former Bolton Wanderers great Nat Lofthouse.

Following Finney’s service in the forces, a period in which he turned down a move to Italian side Palermo to stay with his beloved North End, he went onto become a national treasure, Finney was named footballer of the year in 1953-54 and 1956-57 and was twice a runner-up in the league with North End.

He was also an FA Cup runner up, and played in two World Cup Finals, in 1954, and 1958.

Finney was also a qualified plumber, adding another tool to his box of talents.

Tributes have come in around the footballing world for Finney, with his former club Preston North End issuing a statement….

“Sir Tom was the greatest player to ever play for Preston North End and one of the all time greats for England.”

Preston are due to play Leyton Orient in a League One fixture on Saturday afternoon, in what will be an emotional afternoon.

The statement added: “Preston North End have been informed of the extremely sad news of the passing of Sir Tom Finney.

“The thoughts of everyone at the club, and those connected with it, are with his family at this time.”

Speaking two years ago, ahead of his 90th birthday celebrations, former international team mate Bobby Charlton praised Finney’s superb career…

“I used to look at him and think, this is fantastic.

“Watching him, you knew full well that the full-backs had had it. He was just too good for them. Occasionally I had the pleasure to play with him and it was the greatest pleasure anyone could ever give me.

“I have so many happy memories of watching him play. His contribution to football is immeasurable.”

North End collaborated with Finney to produce a website based tribute to the one club man to mark his 90th birthday celebrations in 2012.

All of us here at sillyseason want to send our dearest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sir Tom.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is coming out of retirement

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Feb 14, 2014

Suffering Man United fans might have thought they were in for a ‘Ruud’ awakening as Old Trafford legend Ruud van Nistelrooy hinted at a return to the game.

The Dutch international and fourth highest goalscorer in UEFA Champions League history has been spotted getting back to his training schedule and recently tweeted “As soon as I put the boots on again, feels like I never left. Glad to be back training again.”

But sadly for United fans (and David Moyes), It has been revealed that van Nistelrooy has been limbering up to join Xbox and EA SPORTS to launch “Play Like a Legend” across the UK, France, Germany and Spain to promote his status as an EA SPORTS FIFA Ultimate Team Legend player only on Xbox .

Reports in Holland had questioned whether the former PSV star could have been returning to help out the Eindhoven club, but it turns out the ex-Netherlands striker was just being a social media tease.

Written by Steve Milne @stevenmilnelive

Arsene Wenger ‘met with Robin van Persie’s agent

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Feb 14, 2014