Chelsea boss prepared to sacrifice cup tie.

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Feb 13, 2014

Jose Mourinho is apparently ready to risk an FA Cup embarrassment at The Etihad on Saturday as he targets the Premier League title.

Terry, Ramires, Hazard, Oscar, Eto’o, Matic and Cahill look set to miss the last 16 match up against Premier League rivals Man City. The reason being that the cup is only the #3 priority behind the League title and Champions league for Mourinho’s men.

After losing CB Gary Cahill to a calf injury for Chelsea’s last trip to the Etihad, he is considering giving Cahill and defensive partner John Terry extra time off to ensure they are ready for the home clash against Everton on February 27th as well as the Champions League away game to Turkish giants Galatasaray 4 days later.

Terry who had prior to last weekends game against Newcastle, played every minute of the season so far, was a noticeable absentee on tuesday night as Chelsea dropped two points by drawing 1-1 with West Brom.

The Chelsea skipper has been out due to an injury which manager Mourinho described as a “double muscle injury” which was sustained during training on Friday.

Mourinho also intends to give starts to Ashley Cole, John Obi Mikel, Andre Schurrle, back to fitness Fernando Torres and new signing Mohamed Salah, in order to ensure they are match fit for the last part of the season.

That means Mourinho will likely rest Ramires, Hazard, Oscar and Samuel Eto’o while £21,000,000 January signing Nemanja Matic appeared injured as he limped off the field at The Hawthorns on Tuesday.

Mourinho knows the FA Cup is very much in third place in the club’s priority list. Mourinho suggested that his players lacked the “personality” that is normally shown by Terry as they threw away a 1-0 lead against West Brom.

“There was real frustration that we couldn’t get three points. It was tough” Said CB Gary Cahill. “If you’re the home team and behind (like West Brom were), you’ve got nothing to lose going into the last 20 minutes. Anything can happen when you push players up and they got the point.”

“We had control for long periods and if we’d scored a second goal, it was over. We just needed that second”

-@CaldaTSP

Tom Cleverley challenges Manchester United to go on a winning-streak

By

SteveMilne

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Feb 13, 2014

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Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has laid down the challenge for the champions to put together a string of wins following their 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Wednesday evening.

Liverpool’s 3-2 win against Fulham means that the champions now trail the fourth-placed Reds by 11 points in the race for the final Champions League spot.

Cleverley felt that the Emirates stalemate was a fair result, but admitted that the Red Devils need to pick up the wins if they are to have any chance of over-hauling their rivals.

Speaking to MUTV, the 24-year-old said: “We need to win every game from now on and Liverpool getting a last-minute winner is disappointing for us. Our result isn’t the worst in the world but we need to start winning games fast.

“I think it was a pretty fair result. We feel like we could have won the game, but their goalkeeper made a couple of good saves. It could have swung either way but in the end it’s a fair result.”

Robin van Persie missed a great chance early on for the visitors and he was denied with superb stop by Wojciech Szczesny towards the end, but Cleverley refused to lay the blame at the Dutchman’s door.

“Nobody’s blaming Robin for missing chances because he’s scored so many goals for us this year,” he added. “On another day they might have gone in. If either of [his chances] had gone in it would have changed the dynamic of the game as we could have hit them on the counter.”

United are without a win in their last three games and have only tasted victory twice this year.

Written by Steve Milne @stevenmilnelive

Inter owner plans summer overhaul.

By

Ben Reardon

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Feb 13, 2014

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The new owener of Italian Serie A side Inter Milan is planning a huge summer spending spree, and has highlighted three names on his shipping list, including two playrs currently in the Premier League.

Erik Thohir took over as chairman of the club a few months ago, after buying the Serie A sidein a wealthy take-over, and has already planned his summer shopping, as he looks to make Inter a force again.

Thohir wants to overhaul his squad, and is looking to capture Erik Lamela, Nemanja Vidic, and Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.

The Indonesian businessman will try and tempt Nemaja Vidic, who will leave Manchester United in the summer, to Milan, as a final last hurrah for the ageing Serbian, who had become a cult figure at Old Trafford.

Vidic has been linked with a move to Paris Saint Germain and AS Monaco in France, but now Inter have weighed in to try and sign the Serb.

Inter are already on record as saying they will be one of the teams who will compete for Vidic’s signing in the summer, with the clubs sporting director Piero Ausilio saying:

“He is one of the players we are tracking. He has an interesting profile for Inter, as he has charisma and international experience.”

The owner also hopes to add Tottenham winger Erik Lamela to his squad, with the Argentine playmaker struggling to make an impact at White Hart Lane, ever since signing for the club from AS Roma, for a fee of £30 million.

So much so, Lamela was linked with a move back to Roma, or Inter in January, but Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood stopped the move.

Real Madrid’s Spanish centre forward Alvaro Morata has also been linked with a move away from the Benabeu after a lack of regular playing time under Carlo Ancelotti.

The player was also linked with a move to Arsenal in January, but turned down a possible move to stay in Spain.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Balotelli: “I’d like to be worse”

By

CaldaTSP

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Feb 13, 2014

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The former Manchester City striker became notorious during his time at the Etihad. Amongst other things, he was accused of letting off fireworks from a bathroom window and throwing a dart at a youth player. But Balotelli has laughed off the accusations that he is a “bad boy” and has claimed he would like to be worse.

The Italy international won the premier league and F.A cup during his time at the Etihad and also helped Man City to an amazing 6-1 win over neighbours Manchester United.

During an interview with FourFourTwo magazine Balotelli insisted that too much had been made of his behaviour and said “Me, a bad boy? I would like to be more bad.”

The 23-year-old says he has fond memories of his time in England, even going as far as to say he missed the fans, however he then abruptly added that he was happy to leave behind other parts of life in England.

“I miss England’s fans, while i do not miss the food, or the weather, or the manner of driving a car.”

“But fans of City, yes i miss them. But the A.C. Milan fans are fantastic too. Most of my memories about Manchester are happy because i enjoyed it there.” said Balotelli “It was not a shock for me to move to England and there is not a big difference between the two clubs” (Manchester City and A.C. Milan)

City could still snare Fernando.

By

CaldaTSP

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Feb 13, 2014

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Manchester City’s £35,000,000 joint bid for Fernando and FC Porto team mate Eliaquim Mangala on deadline day failed.

City were prepared to pay a sizeable fee for the Porto playmakers despite his contract being due to run out at the end of the season. He has since agreed new terms with the club amidst threats from club president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa to freeze him out of the team for the rest of the campaign. Porto have claimed that the new deal ties Fernando too them until at least 2017, and it is accompanied with a £25,000,000 buyout clause.

However sources close to the player still insist that he could arrive on British shores this summer. His agent Antonio Araujo has however warned that the Manchester club is not the only club showing intrest in the midfield maestro.

“God willing, Fernando will play in the premier league” said Araujo. “Manchester City were a strong candidate but were not alone in the race.”

He added “He had a good contract from Monaco but Porto found out that proposal was inconsistent with his claims.”

City have recently lost both Fernandinho and Javi Garcia to injury and it has highlighted the lack of defensive midfielders in the squad. It is something that City management needs to adress especially as it has been speculated both Garcia and Jack Rodwell could be leaving the Etihad this summer.

Arsenal players react to 0-0 draw with Manchester United

By

Alex Batt

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Feb 13, 2014

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Arsenal stars Per Mertesacker, Wojciech Szczesny, Olivier Giroud and Mikel Arteta, all spoke to the club’s official website after they drew 0-0 with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium last night, and despite not taking the chance to go top of the Premier League, the four players seemed happy with the result.

Here is what they all had to say to Arsenal.com after the match.

Olivier Giroud: “I think we had a good reaction after the bad result against Liverpool,” the Frenchman told Arsenal Player. “I think it’s a good draw to be honest even if we could have scored at the end. It was maybe just about our confidence.

“We did well in the first half especially but after we looked a bit tired. It’s OK, we had a good reaction on the pitch and I think that’s the most important thing even if we wanted to win this game.

Per Mertesacker: “It was a difficult game tonight because of the defeat to Liverpool on Saturday,” the centre back said. “It was the same as when we lost to Manchester City, the next game we drew 0-0 [against Chelsea].

“Maybe it says that our focus was there to put everything into a defensive level. It is hard to keep them quiet over 90 minutes but we only gave them two chances and defensively that was great.

Mikel Arteta: “They are a very solid side, they make it hard for you and they work really hard for each other but we had some great play, we pressed really high. The team looked really committed after the hard result we had at Liverpool and it was a good reaction from the lads, but unfortunately we were unable to win the game.

“But we can take a lot of positives and the reaction of the team after what happened on Saturday was very good.”

Wojciech Szczesny: “There was a lot of mental strength from us,” Szczesny said. “I thought we tried our best and we defended really well for 90 minutes.

“It was similar to a lot of games we’ve played at home recently where teams have defended well against us. Today we didn’t take our chances which was disappointing but we came up against a very good side. We’re happy about keeping a clean sheet.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Rodgers makes cheeky dig at Jose Mourinho?

By

Ben Reardon

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Feb 13, 2014

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has stated that his side maybe the “Chihuahuas” that run inbetween the legs of the horses, in the ever exciting title race.

The quote was a reference to Jose Mourinho’s depictions of his Chelsea side as a “Little Horse” and Manchester City, a “Jaguar”.

Liverpool beat Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage last night, with Steven Gerrard smashing home a late penalty to put the Reds right back in the hunt.

“If we’re still in the mix when the Champions League restarts, then who knows what might happen?” said skipper Gerrard.

The Merseysiders have not won the title since the 1989-90 campaign, but Mourinho’s side still have to visit Anfield, as do third-placed Manchester City.

The Reds battled against a resilient Fulham, who were at one point leading 2-1 at Craven Cottage, however goals from Coutinho and Gerrard maintained Liverpool’s top four position.

An awful own-goal from Kolo Toure, and a Keiran Richardson effort had put Fulham into the lead previously.

Liverpool were then awarded a penalty, which Gerrard obliged and smashed home past substitute keeper Stockdale.

Asked about Liverpool’s title chances, Rodgers added: “I think it’s still the other teams’ to lose. They’ve more points than us.

“We’ll just go into each game trying to improve on every facet of our game.

“The players are doing magnificently at the moment and we’re certainly showing great signs of improvement.

“We’re trying to be the best we can be. There’re no limits to our ambition of trying to be the best.”

Liverpool travel to Arsenal on Sunday, to face the Gunners in an F.A Cup clash at the Emirates.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Luis Suarez fears getting injured which could end his World Cup Brazil dream

By

SteveMilne

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Feb 13, 2014

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With Uruguay tipped to go well in Brazil, with the South American nations expected to lead the charge in their own back yard, Suarez is desperate to spearhead an assault on global glory.

His domestic form at present suggests he will make the trip as one of the most feared forwards in world football, and a strong contender for the Golden Boot award

Suarez is, however, aware that one knock at this late stage could bring his dreams crashing down – with major doubt having already been cast over the involvement of potential stars such Colombian frontman Radamel Falcao and England winger Theo Walcott after they damaged knee ligaments.

Suarez told Sport 890 AM: “The truth is that I am scared of what happened to Falcao and Walcott.

“But you live in the present and you always give your best for your club – you can’t be thinking about that all the time.

“It is a unique opportunity and we all want to be there, but I prefer to focus my mind on the English league. The moment to think about the national team will arrive later.”

Written by Steve Milne @stevenmilnelive

We’re still fighting for top-four, says Moyes

By

Alex Batt

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Feb 13, 2014

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Manchester United manager David Moyes insists that his players are still up for fighting for fourth-place in the Premier League, despite being 11 points behind Liverpool with just 12 games left.

The Red Devils picked up an impressive point last night at title-chasers Arsenal, but could have easily left with all three if striker Robin Van Persie had his shooting boots on.

The draw may have pleased Moyes and co., but after seeing both Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool pick up away wins, it meant their pursuit for top-four looks even harder now as they lie 11 points off a Champions League place.

Despite the whopping gap, Moyes is still confident that his side can fight and achieve a top-four finish.

“If there is one club who have been great at winning games in the second half of the season, and putting pressure on the teams above, it is Manchester United,” the Scot said.

“We will continue to do that and try to make it work. We can only do our job the best we can. We want to make it better and we can’t bother about other teams. All we can do is try to win our next game.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsene Wenger admits players are nervous

By

Alex Batt

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Feb 13, 2014

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that his players are suffering from nerves ahead of the title run-in.

The Gunners were thrashed at the weekend away at Liverpool and then failed to claim top-spot back after they drew 0-0 with Manchester United last night at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger’s side had the chance to leap over Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League after Jose Mourinho’s men dropped points away at West Bromwich Albion, but they saw that chance fade away with a poor performance against David Moyes’ men.

After a solid start to this year’s campaign, it looks like Arsenal’s title-push is finally coming under pressure, and much like previous seasons, their nerves look like they are getting the better of them, and Wenger agrees that that is one of the reasons behind their dip in form.

Wenger said: ‘I felt we were nervous tonight, yes. We are usually dangerous breaking through with speedy passing, but they defended very well. But it is not worrying because we care about what we are doing.

‘When you concede five goals like we did against Liverpool on Saturday, maybe that’s what you do. The team was highly focused on not conceding after Saturday.

‘We missed out on the chance to go top but a point keeps us in the race. We played with the handbrake on tonight. I hope and think the handbrake will come off.

‘We’ve had two bad results, but we are still in a strong position.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Allardyce praises West Ham defence.

By

Ben Reardon

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Feb 13, 2014

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Sam Allardyce praised West Ham’s defensive mentality following Tuesday’s 2-0 home victory ober Norwich City.

The Hammers have kept four clean sheets in a row, which has seen the club rise up the table, following some superb results.

And Allardyce praised West Ham’s defensive stature following the win.

“To keep clean sheets in 50% of our games is the sort of record you normally get when you are going to finish in the top six,” said Allardyce.

“We had 11 clean sheets last year and finished 10th and we’ve got 13 now.”

Late goals from James Collins and Mohamed Diame helped West Ham pick up their third successive 2-0 victory, but the Londoners were made to work hard for their victory by the Canaries.

Goalkeeper Adrian made fine saves from Gary Hooper, Robert Snodgrass and Alex Tettey to keep his side in the contest and ultimately help move them four points clear of the relegation zone.

The Spanish goalkeeper has been in fine form ever since replacing veteran Jussi Jaaskelainen as the clubs numver 1 choice.

“There was nothing between the teams today apart from the fact we were the ones who took our chances when they came our way,” said Allardyce.

“Our goalkeeper made some outstanding saves when needed to keep it at 0-0 and our patience paid off.

“Three wins on the trot is a brilliant ask from the players and a brilliant response to what we wanted to do and what we knew we were capable of.”

Allardyce also stated that he will be taking his players on a warm weather break, as a reward for their fine form.

“We’re going to go away for some warm-weather training, which is important at this stage of the season,” said the former Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn manager.

“Players feel good with a bit of sunshine on their backs and they can get their minds rested and become physically rested.

“I’ve been doing it for the last 13-14 years now and I know by the data I have collected over that time how important it is to get these players away.

“That’s why we’ve been fighting for many years for us to have a break like the rest of Europe.

“I always religiously fit one in because it’s the right thing to do irrespective of where you are in the league and what you are doing in terms of form.”

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Ashley Cole faces fight for World Cup spot

By

Alex Batt

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Feb 13, 2014

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England manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has a real fight on his hands to make his World Cup 2014 squad.

Hodgson, who is preparing to pick his side for two international friendlies before the big competition, has admitted that Southampton’s Luke Shaw could make his Summer team if he keeps on impressing, and due to Cole not getting regular game-time at his club, it could see him lose his place in the squad alltogether.

Everton’s Leighton Baines will also be vying for the left-back spot and another outside may be Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs, who has had a very impressive season for The Gunners.

“For years people have been understudy to Ashley. Now it’s Ashley’s turn to sit back,” said Hodgson.

“It’s a bit of a problem when you are a full-back – you either play or you are an understudy,” Hodgson continued.

“We know what Ashley can do. We know how fit he keeps himself, how experienced he is.

“I certainly wouldn’t write Ashley Cole out of any plans because he wasn’t playing in his club team.

“But he will have to accept like everyone else that competition for his place in the club team and international team gets stronger all the time, and I will have a decision to make.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Manchester United highlight Juventus defender as Nemanja Vidic replacement

By

Alex Batt

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Feb 13, 2014

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Manchester United have turned their attentions to Juventus out-cast Martin Cáceres as they begin their search for a Nemanja Vidic replacement.

The Serbian centre-back has confirmed that he will be leaving Old Trafford in the Summer in order to find a new challenge outside of England, so that now leaves United and David Moyes in the market for a new defender, and it seems they are keen on brining in Cáceres.

The Uruguayan international can play anywhere across the back-line, which is something that impresses Moyes, and due to a falling out with Juve boss Antonio Conte, he could be available for as little as £8million as he has only featured in five Serie A games so far this campaign.

Moyes is desperate to bolster his United team so that next season isn’t a repeat of this one, and high on his list is a new centre-midfielder, a new centre-back and two new full-backs.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

David Luiz wanted by FC Barcelona yet again

By

Alex Batt

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Feb 13, 2014

0

Chelsea defender David Luiz is wanted by Spanish side FC Barcelona after they failed to capture him last Summer.

The transfer saga for the Brazilian went on all Summer, but the two parties could never come to an agreement as Jose Mourinho was keen not to sell, and also Luiz didn’t want to make the move to Spain.

However, it hasn’t stopped Barca from coming back for the central-defender, and they are ready to offer for him once again this Summer.

It is believed the Catalan club are willing to spend around £22million, which is less than what Chelsea brought him for from Benfica, so it isn’t likely that the Premier League outfit will agree that price.

Barcelona officials have been holding meetings over the last few weeks to discuss transfer targets and it is understood that a goalkeeper and a centre-back are high on their wish-lists.

If the 26-year-old is interested in a move to the Nou Camp in the Summer, the offer may have to be raised by Barca in order to finalise a deal.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Man United Line-Up Summer Bid for Tottenham Duo

By

SteveMilne

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Feb 13, 2014

0

Manchester United are keen to land the Belgian pair who Moyes feels would significantly strengthen areas of weakness in his squad.

Adaptable defender Vertonghen is a target as David Moyes looks to freshen up his back-line and to help fill the void that will be left by the likely summer departures of Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra.

The 26 year old former Ajax man has been a big success since moving to the Premier League back in July 2012 and is a player Moyes feels can prove a very able option at both centre-back and on the left-hand side of his defence.

Vertonghen is a player Man United are confident they can lure away from White Hart Lane and if Tim Sherwood fails to secure a Champions League berth for next term then the chances of signing the intelligent defender will certainly increase.

Moyes will look to bring in box to box performer Moussa Dembele to help offer some much needed steel to his midfield and a move that would perhaps leave the Man United manager able to use Marouane Fellaini in a more advanced role which may be more in keeping with the attributes the former Everton man undoubtedly possesses.

Dembele is also into his second season at Tottenham, moving to the North London club from Fulham, and is a player Moyes believes would add more dynamism to his Man United side

David Moyes is ready to conduct a major summer clear-out and among those who could be on their way are central midfielders Anderson, currently on loan at Fiorentina and Tom Cleverley with Ryan Giggs likely to hang up his boots at the end of the campaign.

Man United’s board are to hand Moyes a massive transfer war-chest in order to help the Scot re-fashion his squad and the Premier League title holder’s are ready to offer around £32m for the Tottenham pair.

Chairman Daniel Levy may have to consider such an offer if he is unable to rely upon the financial boost that would follow qualification into the Champions League, not least as he handed Andre Villas-Boas upwards of £100m to invest in new players last summer.

Written by Steve Milne @stevenmilnelive

SillySeason.com

Chelsea boss prepared to sacrifice cup tie.

Tom Cleverley challenges Manchester United to go on a winning-streak

Inter owner plans summer overhaul.

Balotelli: “I’d like to be worse”

City could still snare Fernando.

Arsenal players react to 0-0 draw with Manchester United

Rodgers makes cheeky dig at Jose Mourinho?

Luis Suarez fears getting injured which could end his World Cup Brazil dream

We’re still fighting for top-four, says Moyes

Arsene Wenger admits players are nervous

Allardyce praises West Ham defence.

Ashley Cole faces fight for World Cup spot

Manchester United highlight Juventus defender as Nemanja Vidic replacement

David Luiz wanted by FC Barcelona yet again

Man United Line-Up Summer Bid for Tottenham Duo

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