Benfica to ask for players as well as money for Matic

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Jan 14, 2014

With Serbian mifielder Nemanja Matic confirming he will leave Benfica this January, there is speculation that the Portuguese side are interested in taking two Chelsea players as part of the deal.

According to Portuguese newspaper, O Jogo, his deal would move the total value up to £30m and is something the Lisbon side would be happy to accept as they push for the Portuguese title.

One of those players is likely to be young French midfielder Gael Kakuta, who has featured rarely for the Blues over the years and hasn’t made much of an impact on the first team.

And the other player, Thorgan Hazard (younger brother of top scorer Eden Hazard). The 20 year-old has starred on loan in his home country for Zulte Waregem in the last 18 months but reports say he could cut his loan spell short to join the Portuguese side, who recently went top of their table, following a victory at home to Porto.

By Phil Wellbrook

WATCH: Luis García – The Memories

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 14, 2014

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Seedorf appointed Milan boss.

By

Ben Reardon

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Jan 14, 2014

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Clarence Seedorf has been appointed as AC Milan manager, after the Italian giants moved in a swift fashion to appoint a new manager following the sacking of former Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri.

The Dutchman enjoyed a superb Ten year playing career at the Serie A giants, helping AC Milan to two Serie A Scudetto title’s, two Coppa Italia’s, two UEFA Super Cup’s, and two UEFA Champions League wins whilst in Italy.

The tough tackling midfielder left the club in 2012, and joined Brazilian side Botafogo, were Seedorf currently plays his Football, during the Autumn of an illustrious career.

But it has emerged that Seedorf’s appointment will be confirmed at a press conference held in Italy, signaling the start of a new era.

Allegri won the Serie A title in his first season at the San Siro back in 2011 but the Italian giants have been on the slide ever since, and are 11th in the table, a staggering 30 points adrift of run-away table-toppers Juventus.

Milan star studded side have failed to live up to expectations in Serie A this campaign, with key players such as Mario Balotelli, and Stephan El Shaarawy under-performing this season.

Allegri was sacked following a 4-3 defeat away at bottom side Sassuolo on Sunday evening, with many of the sides players looking dejected.

Milan released a statement regarding the sacking….

‘AC Milan announce they have dismissed as coach of the first team, with immediate effect, Mr Massimiliano Allegri and his staff,’ read a Milan statement.

‘AC Milan would like to thank Mr Allegri and his staff for the work done and their best professional achievements.’

That loss alone was not the trigger, though, with Milan woefully off the pace in Serie A and actually just six points clear of the drop zone.

Allegri left the San Siro after league finishes of first, second and third, with the Supercopa added to his 2011 title win.

Seedorf’s arrival may bring renewed hope to the San Siro, after an horrfic season.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Stoke City loan Guidetti.

By

Ben Reardon

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Jan 14, 2014

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Stoke City have completed the loan transfer of Manchester City’s young Swedish striker John Guidetti until the end of the current Barclays Premier League season.

Guidetti joins the Potters along with Stephan Ireland, who has made his loan move from Aston Villa permenant.

Guidetti, 21, joined City at the age of 16 but his career has been held up by injuries and illness.

He has appeared twice on the City bench this season but the club feel he would benefit from having greater opportunities elsewhere.

The striker had a superb spell at Dutch side Feyenoord, were the young Swede bagged 23 goals in 20 games for the Rottedam club.

But with the likes of Alvaro Negredo, Sergio Aguero, and Edin Dzeko infront of him, it appeared unlikely that the highly rated youngster would break into the first team fold this season.

Guidetti joins a Stoke City struggling to score goals, and currently licking their wounds following a 5-3 home defeat against Liverpool on Sunday.

“We wanted to try and add different options to our attacking threat and John will certainly do that. He’s someone who if you get him in the right areas will make the most of opportunities that come his way because he’s a natural goal-scorer.

“There were several clubs who were interested in taking him on loan and we’re delighted that he has chosen to join us.”

Stoke have not revealed the length of Ireland’s contract, but Hughes said: “Stephen is a talented footballer and has shown what he’s capable of since he joined us.

“We’re delighted to have made his switch a permanent arrangement as it also gives us the opportunity to bring in another player on loan if necessary.”

Guidetti may make his League debut for the Potters in the weekend trip to Crystal Palace, managed by former City boss Tony Pulis.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Ex-Liverpool winger ends playing career

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 14, 2014

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Garcia helped the Reds to win the Champions League in 2005 when Liverpool came back from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties in the final.

The ex-Spain international had spells at Atletico Madrid and Barcelona before moving to Liverpool in August 2004.

He also played for Racing Santander, Panathinaikos and Puebla before ending his career at Mexican side Pumas UNAM.

“There have been many years enjoying what fascinates me, and the opportunity to see fulfilled the dream I had when I was just a kid,” said Garcia on his official website.

“I’ve decided to retire as a professional footballer, thanking the interest of the teams that talked to me in recent weeks, but I think it’s time to end this important chapter in my life and move to the next page.”

On Liverpool’s way to winning Europe’s premier competition in 2005, Garcia, who won 20 caps for Spain, scored a controversial goal against Chelsea in the second leg of their semi-final.

Jose Mourinho, who was then in his first stint as Blues manager, claimed the ball had not crossed the line.

Garcia also won the Super Cup in 2005 and FA Cup in 2006 during his three seasons with the Anfield club.

Arsenal looking to buy Serie A star

By

Billy Foster

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Jan 14, 2014

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Sebastien Giovinco has been holding talks of a possible transfer to Arsenal. Arsene Wenger would like a replacement for Niklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott and he reckons that Giovinco could be the answer.

Sebatien Giovinco’s Agent (Claudio Pasqualin): “We have contact with Arsenal.”

“It was a request for information about his situation. There was nothing more [at the moment].”

Arsenal may sign him on a loan deal until the end of the season as he’s not playing regularly at Juventus so he will play more regularly with the Gunners. He currently only has a handful of appearances with the Serie A giants.

By Billy Foster

Arsenal are a much calmer side, says Wilshere

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 14, 2014

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The Gunners appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable victory at Aston Villa on Monday night, before Christian Benteke pulled one back for the hosts.

That set up a nervous finale at Villa Park, but the visitors stood firm and saw out the game to move back to the top of the Premier League – much to Wilshere’s delight.

“When I played a few years ago and we were in that situation you could feel the nerves in the team, but now you can see us dealing with it,” he told Arsenal Player.

“We’re getting back, getting bodies around the ball and the centre backs are winning headers and we’re getting on to second balls.

“When we get the ball down in our own half we’re calm, we know if we have the ball the opposition can’t score. We are dealing with that well and we have to keep that going now.

“It is [very satisfying to win], especially after all the top six won over the weekend. We showed great character, especially towards the end when Villa came at us.

“They have Benteke and [Gabriel] Agbonlahor up front, who are a threat to any centre backs, and our two deserve the credit. They dealt with [Benteke] and dealt with the runs Agbonlahor was making off him as well, so happy days.”

Written by Steve Milne

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa sorry for tackle on Manchester City’s Samir Nasri

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 14, 2014

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Nasri was carried off on a stretcher following the challenge by the Newcastle defender during City’s 2-0 win on Tyneside on Sunday, and 24 hours later he revealed that the medial ligament damage would put him out of action for eight weeks.

Yanga-Mbiwa told L’Equipe he tried to apologise to his international team-mate immediately following the game at St James’ Park.

“I was waiting to meet him in front of the changing-room door but he got treatment,” said Yanga-Mbiwa. “Then, I immediately tried to get his phone number. I called him several times but he never answered.

“I left a message, I tried again on Monday but I failed to talk to him. I will try again because I want to apologise personally. I was so sorry.”

Yanga-Mbiwa was booked for the challenge on Nasri, who was taken off after around five minutes’ treatment on the pitch.

“I just wanted to prevent him from going ahead, make him fall,” Yanga-Mbiwa added. “He stayed upright on the first tackle, but fell on the second one.

“But I clearly didn’t want to hurt him or be violent with such a gesture. I wanted to trip him up, there was no nastiness.”

Initial speculation that Nasri could be ruled out of the World Cup in Brazil this summer was calmed when the City player took to Twitter to reveal the true extent of his injury, which came as relief to the Newcastle defender.

He continued: “I finally heard it should be a two-month absence and I was relieved. When I heard it could be broken knee ligaments and it could imperil his World Cup, I felt really bad.”

Written by Steve Milne

Striker Grant Holt on loan for rest of season at Villa

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 14, 2014

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Holt worked under Villa boss Paul Lambert during their time at Norwich and the two will rekindle their working relationship as the Scotsman looks for a goal boost to fire his faltering team.

Villa have scored just four goals in their last seven Premier League matches and although Holt himself has only netted twice in 21 games for Wigan this campaign, Lambert is hoping he can provide the side with a boost.

Wigan manager Uwe Rosler has confirmed the deal and revealed the player moves with his blessing.

“There is a great opportunity for him to work under his previous manager, who got the best out of him. Both parties had worked well together,” Rosler told Sky Sports News Radio.

“It was too good a chance for Grant to turn down, we wish him all the best but he is our player and we will see where we are over the summer.”

Speaking after Villa’s 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal on Monday Night Football, Lambert praised Holt’s qualities.

“I know Grant from my Norwich days, he was absolutely brilliant for us. It’s a couple of years later down the line, so we’ll see,” he told Sky Sports.

Quizzed on if it is experience he is looking to sign, Lambert replied: “There is that, plus he’s a proper man.”

Holt was part of Lambert’s squad at Carrow Road which won promotion to the Premier League and he scored 15 top-flight goals during the 2011/12 season.

Written by Steve Milne

Ross Barkley out for at least three weeks with fractured toe

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 14, 2014

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The club said he had a “small fracture”, and he could be out for anything between three and six weeks.

Barkley suffered the injury during the FA Cup third-round win over QPR last weekend, a match in which he also scored.

It forced him to miss the 2-0 Premier League victory over Norwich at the weekend.

Barkley has made a massive impression this season and has forced his way into the England squad, winning three caps so far.

He is firmly in the reckoning for a place in Roy Hodgson’s summer World Cup squad.

Should his recovery take longer than expected, he could miss England’s friendly with Denmark at Wembley on March 5.

Everton left-back Baines spent a month out of action prior to Christmas after picking up a similar injury.

Written by Steve Milne

Gianluigi Buffon says Manchester United were ‘blind’

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 14, 2014

0

Pogba has emerged as one of the best young players in world football after deciding to quit Old Trafford in 2012.

Pogba came through the youth ranks at United, but was only on the fringes of the first team when he opted to leave when his contract expired and join Juve.

The 21-year-old has gone on to become a key figure in Juve’s side and helped them to the Serie A title last season.

He is also now a full France international and is set to play a leading role for Didier Deschamps’ side at the World Cup finals.

United have even been linked with a bid to re-sign Pogba, whilst the likes of Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid are also said to be keen.

Juve are desperate for him to remain in Turin and team-mate Buffon admits he cannot understand why Pogba was allowed to leave United in the first place.

“Pogba is one of those players who leaves you speechless,” Buffon told TV show Tiki Taka.

“When he came we didn’t know him but after only three or four training sessions we were impressed by his enormous qualities.

“My team-mates and me looked at each other as to say ‘Are they blind in Manchester?’ (to let him go away).”

Written by Steve Milne

Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby interested in return to Schalke

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 14, 2014

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The 23-year-old German left Schalke for Tottenham a year ago, but has only been on the fringes of the first team this season.

Holtby is desperate for regular football as he attempts to revive his faint hopes of a World Cup call-up and a move back to his home country could catch the eye of selectors.

Agent Marcus Noack has suggested that Holtby could return to Schalke before the end of the month, with a loan until the end of the season being the most likely option.

“Lewis is desperate to play, which is why we are looking intensively for solutions,” Noack told the Bild newspaper.

“Schalke is an interesting option.”

The Bundesliga side could be in need of another midfielder as Jermaine Jones has requested a move away from the Veltins Arena.

Written by Steve Milne

The current Liverpool squad have ability to qualify for Champions League

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 14, 2014

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The Reds have missed out on Europe’s premier club competition since finishing second to Manchester United in the 2008/09 campaign but are currently in the fourth qualifying spot in the Premier League behind Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.

However, Uruguay forward Suarez, who has netted 22 Premier League goals already for the five-time European Cup winners, insisted the current crop of players possessed the right quality and were ready to return to the continent’s top table.

“Now we are playing very well and we have the level to play in the Champions League,” the 26-year-old told the Liverpool website. “We have really good players and if we continue at this level, we can do it.

“When you are a child, you imagine a lot. Now many people or players speak about that and it’s unbelievable for me.

“And also for Liverpool, because in the last two or three years we have not played very well and not demonstrated our level. Now we are back to that.

“You work hard for the supporters and the people. It’s important because the last few months were a little difficult for me. Now I’ve changed and it’s okay.”

Suarez signed a new long-term contract with the Anfield club before Christmas and he reaffirmed his commitment to the team Brendan Rodgers is building.

He added: “The most important thing is Liverpool because in the last week we have played very well. That’s more important to me.

“When you work hard on the pitch, you know everything is okay – you can do everything on the pitch. You try your best every time. When you have confidence with the team, it’s also important.

“The squad is playing very well; for the forwards, it’s easier on the pitch. If I score or not, it’s not important to me. It’s more important that we win the game.”

Written by Steve Milne

Arsene Wenger has fears over Tomas Rosicky

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 14, 2014

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has fears that midfielder Tomas Rosicky has suffered a broken nose.

The Czech was a substitute in last night’s victory against Aston Villa, but came on in the second-half, only to be substituted several minutes later after picking up a serious head injury.

Shown in the picture above, Rosicky was checked by the medical team, but they couldn’t stop the nose from bleeding continously, so he had to be removed.

After the game, Wenger gave this update on the midfield maestro.

‘Rosicky has a bad nose. We don’t know if it’s broken,’ and added: ‘Honestly I didn’t see the elbow, I have to watch it again. He [Tomas Rosicky] told me that he got the elbow but he himself doesn’t know if he did it on purpose. He doesn’t know.’

Wenger also gave an update on Nacho Monreal, who limped off in the second half with a suspected broken toe.

‘I think Monreal is an accident but we have to check his metatarsal tomorrow morning because he got kicked on the top of the laces.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Chelsea target confirms he is leaving!

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 14, 2014

0

Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic has confirmed that he has played his last game for the club, and he is now expected to complete his move back to Chelsea, the club he left just a few years ago.

Matic was part of the deal that saw David Luiz go the other way, but he is now willing and ready to make his return to the Premier League in a deal worth around £25million.

Speaking in a magazine in Portugal, Matic thanks the fans of Benfica and admitted that he had played his last game for the club, and he is now expected to fly to England in order to have a medical sometime this week.

‘Yes, it was my last game (against Porto). I want to thank all the people at the club and all the supporters. Benfica will be forever in my heart.

‘I played here for two and a half years, I gave my best in every practice session, every game, and now is the right time to leave. I want to improve, I want to go to a better league and want to play for Chelsea, a club which I also like.

He added: ‘I also thank the president of Benfica, who did everything he could to keep me here but I have wanted to leave and insisted on leaving.

‘I respect the effort made to keep me at Benfica, and all the people of Benfica were very good to me, made me happy, but I repeat that I insisted on going out as I feel that the time is right.’

The 27-year-old will be Jose Mourinho’s first signing of the Winter transfer market, but it will also mark the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to join German side Wolfsburg for £16.7million.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

SillySeason.com

Benfica to ask for players as well as money for Matic

WATCH: Luis García – The Memories

Seedorf appointed Milan boss.

Stoke City loan Guidetti.

Ex-Liverpool winger ends playing career

Arsenal looking to buy Serie A star

Arsenal are a much calmer side, says Wilshere

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa sorry for tackle on Manchester City’s Samir Nasri

Striker Grant Holt on loan for rest of season at Villa

Ross Barkley out for at least three weeks with fractured toe

Gianluigi Buffon says Manchester United were ‘blind’

Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby interested in return to Schalke

The current Liverpool squad have ability to qualify for Champions League

Arsene Wenger has fears over Tomas Rosicky

Chelsea target confirms he is leaving!

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