Berbatov can leave, admits Fulham boss

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Dec 12, 2013

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers flew to Germany on Wednesday night in order to watch Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler.

The German side overcame a tricky tie with FC Basel in their final Champions League game and secured their place in the last-16 of Europe’s top competition, but it was only one player that was the highlight for Rodgers.

Julian Draxler is being admired all acorss European football, in particular in England with Arsenal previously interested, but it was The Reds boss who personally flew out to watch the 20-year-old in action.

The German international has been highlighted as a potential replacement for Kop legend Steven Gerrard and Rodgers is ready to make a bid to bring him to Anfield.

Draxler in fact scored a brilliant goal in last night’s victory and it is thought Rodgers went home a happy man after what he saw.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Didi Hamann: ‘Pellegrini’s Munich mistake is a scandalous cock-up’

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Dec 12, 2013

Didi Hamann fears Manchester City’s ‘ridiculous and scandalous’ Champions League blunder in Munich will cost his old club millions of pounds.

City beat European champions Bayern Munich 3-2 at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday but did not send on leading scorer Sergio Aguero to chase the one goal they needed to top Group D because manager Manuel Pellegrini thought his team had to score another two.

Instead of finishing ahead of Bayern on the head-to-head ruling following their 3-1 defeat by the Germans at the Etihad in October, City ended up second. They are now almost certain to be paired with one of the heavyweights of European football in Monday’s draw for the first knockout round.

‘It’s a cock-up,’ said Hamann on Wednesday. ‘It shouldn’t have happened. The whole City coaching staff haven’t covered themselves in glory here. It’s a poor effort.

‘They say the manager is only as good as his backroom staff. He must have had six, seven, eight people around him. For none of them to know and make him aware of the magnitude another goal would have is ridiculous and scandalous in a way.

Even a player doesn’t go to the manager and say, “Bring Aguero on”.’

Interviewed by the radio station talkSPORT radio, Hamann added: ‘It looks like in the last 16 they are going to face Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona or Real Madrid.

‘City have a belief they have a chance of winning it but, if they’d won the group they would have faced Basle, Schalke, Leverkusen, Zenit St Petersburg or Porto. They’d have had a bye.

‘Bayern made £60-£70million by winning the Champions League. Going out at the last 16 could cost millions of pounds.’

Pellegrini’s lack of awareness was even more embarrassing because the club’s Twitter feed pointed out they only needed one more goal to go through as group winners

The tweet read: ‘If City were to score another and win 4-2, we’d win the group! City fans roaring their team on . . . ’

However, James Milner, scorer of City’s third goal, believes they have proved they can beat any team.

Bayern were on a record 10-game winning run in the Champions League and had conceded just twice in the competition this season.

‘We’ll take anyone in the next round,’ said Milner.

A similar incident resulted in Manchester City’s relegation in the 1995-96 season, with Alan Ball in charge at Maine Road.

Battling against relegation and playing Liverpool on the final day of the season, City conceded two own-goals before drawing level through Uwe Rosler and Kit Symons.

World Cup winner Ball knew his side needed to do better than Southampton and Coventry to survive – so when he got word that Wimbledon were beating Saints late on he instructed City to play out time.

Steve Lomas was playing keep ball near the corner flag when the recently substituted Niall Quinn ran out of the tunnel to tell his team-mates otherwise – Wimbledon were not winning.

But it was too late to find a winner, and City were relegated. Ball (below) left the club three games into the following season in Division One

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below

Arsenal step up interest in Antoine Griezmann

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Dec 12, 2013

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has already been promised funds to improve his squad in the new year, and has his sights set on two new attackers.

A striker is the clear priority, but the Frenchman is also keen to add another genuine wideman, who can add some competition to the squad.

Sociedad ace Griezmann is a long-term target and Arsenal are now stepping up their scouting of the player ahead of a possible bid in January.

But La Liga club are keen to hang onto their man, but they admitted this week that he could leave if a suitable offer arrived.

‘We want to keep him for as long as possible,’ a club source told Marca.

‘But we have a battle to convince him to stay – we know clubs are interested in him.’

It’s thought that any deal for Griezmann could be worth as much as £20million.

Written by Steve Milne – Leave your thoughts below

Wenger frustrated after Napoli defeat.

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Ben Reardon

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Dec 12, 2013

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is unhappy at his side’s performance in yesterday’s Champions League defeat in Italy against Napoli, despite the Gunners already achieving qualification to the knock out stage.

After Arsenal’s defeat in Naples the Gunners finished second in the group table, after Borussia Dortmund beat Marseille to claim top spot in the group.

Wenger admitted in the post match interview that he regretted last night at Arsenal’s failure to win Group F and admitted that he was now left hoping for some luck when the draw for the knockout phase, when the draw is made on Monday.

Arsenal’s luck may have run out, as they may face one of Europe’s top sides, and may face Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, PSG and Real Madrid amongst others, as Wenger’s men have faced Bayern Munich, Barcelona and AC Milan in the last 16 during the past three years and will face a similarly difficult challenge this season. Had they avoided defeat against Napoli, or if Borussia Dortmund had not scored their 87th-minute winning goal in Marseille, Arsenal would have finished top of the group and faced Bayer Leverkusen, Galatasaray, Olympiakos, Schalke, Zenit St Petersburg or AC Milan.

Wenger stated……

Yes of course. That is the frustration because you feel it was open to do better. But it could have been worse as well. Of course to finish second makes the potential draw more difficult.

“In the last four or five years we have always had a difficult draw. Maybe this year we will be a bit luckier. We qualified for the 14th consecutive year for the last 16. Maybe number 14 will give us a bit of luck. A lot can change for us and the team we face.”

Per Mertesacker felt that the Arsenal players has taken “a little break” and felt they were not 100 per cent concentrated last night. “We were always on the back foot, we took a little break I think but we will be back on Saturday,” he said. “It’s always the same, you give 10 per cent less mentally because we knew we were through.”

Arsenal were beaten 2-0 in Naples, as Gonzalo Higiuain and Callejon’s superb chip won the game for Rafael Benitez’s side had to settle for a place in the Europa League.

If Arsenal had have conceded a third, they would have been knocked out of the tournement all together, as Wenger sets his sights on Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday lunch time.

Wenger was also frustrated at Mikel Arteta’s sending off, stating…

When we were down to 10 men and at 1-0 down doubt crept in a little bit – it was a difficult moment,” he said. “He is absolutely convinced he didn’t make a foul and that it was very harsh.”

Napoli boss Benitez believes Arsenal have a real chance of winning it, he added…

“They have a group with quality, the right mentality,” he said. “I think Arsenal are one of the candidates to be there at the end.”

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Laurent Koscielny insists Arsenal need to play “much better” if they are to beat Manchester City on Saturday.

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Dec 12, 2013

Arsenal moved into the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday despite losing 2-0 to Napoli,

and now face massive games against City and Chelsea before Christmas.

“We need to play much better to win at Man City,” Koscielny told Arsenal Player. “It’s two hard games that await us so it will be difficult because they are two of the best teams and we need some points.

“We are on top of the table so we need to keep this [lead] and December is a very important month in the Premier League. We need to be ready and to fight to win these games.”

The defeat to Rafael Benitez’s side left Arsenal second in Group F, with the possibility of facing the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the last 16. But Koscielny says Arsenal will be ready for whoever they face.

“It will be hard, when we finish second it’s hard,” he said. “You know which teams we can have for the draw so we will see.

“But for the competition if you want to draw in the final we need to play against the best teams in Europe.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below

source: www.arsenal.com

Koke is ignoring rumours suggesting he is the subject of interest from Manchester United.

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Dec 12, 2013

United are known to be in the market for midfield reinforcements, having spent much of the summer looking to bolster their creative ranks.

And Koke fits the profile they are after, with the 21-year-old having both age and ability on his side.

He has shone on a regularly for Atletico since breaking into their first-team ranks and has earned senior international recognition with Spain.

Jorge Resurrección Merodio, known as Koke, played the full 90 minutes midweek as Atletico eased their way through their final group stage fixture in the UEFA Champions League.

however, he is adamant that he is unaware of any imminent approach from England and claims to be happy where he is – having only recently committed himself to a new contract which is due to run until 2018.

Koke told Canal Plus on the United reports: “I didn’t know anything about Moyes watching on, but I’m not concerned with any of that. I renewed in the summer.”

Atletico were happy to accommodate Moyes and he held talks with the club’s sporting director Jose Luis Caminero.

He claims that no transfer discussions were held, with little indication offered from the United camp that they were there to cast an eye over potential targets – with in-form frontman Diego Costa also said to be in the thoughts of the Premier League champions.

Caminero said: “I suppose he came to see us because Atletico are a Champions League team and because they also qualified for the last 16.

“We spoke, but he didn’t tell me exactly why he had come.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below

Alan Shearer doesn’t plan managerial return

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Dec 12, 2013

BBC Pundit Alan Shearer has ruled out a potential return to management and has admitted that he doesn’t see himself being in the dugout once again anytime soon.

The all-time Premier League goalscorer had a very short, but unsuccessful stint as Newcastle United manager during their relegation season from the top-flight, and it appears that that has been enough to put him off managerial duties.

Now a pundit on Match of the Day, Shearer has revealed that he loves what he does and he cannot see himself returning as a manager.

“I love my job and know I’m lucky to have it. Could I see myself returning to management? Probably not,” he told BBC Newcastle.

“First of all, I would say I am enjoying my media work as much as ever,” Shearer said.

“But also, you have to remember I have been out of the game for over four years now.

“The longer you’re out of the game, the more difficult it is to get back in and management is not something I’m looking to do.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Wayne Rooney reflects on vital Champions League win for Manchester United

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Dec 12, 2013

Wayne Rooney admits it was imperative that Manchester United returned to winning ways at Old Trafford against Shakhtar Donetsk.

After having unsuccessive Premier League outings at Old Trafford against Everton and Newcastle United, the Red Devils were able to avoid an unwanted piece of history on Tuesday.

Another setback against Shakhtar would have seen them condemned to three straight defeats in front of their own supporters for the first time since 1962

in their final outing in the UEFA Champions League group stage suggested the players, and manager David Moyes, were feeling the pressure.

A solitary strike from Phil Jones was enough to see them to a welcome victory, though, and safely through to the last-16 of Europe’s premier club competition as group winners.

Rooney said in The Sun of the midweek success: “The most important thing was to get back to winning ways and top the group, so we’ve done that.

“It could have been better at times but it was win at all costs – after the last two games we knew it was vital.

“The campaign has been good this year in Europe so we just have to try and get consistency in all our games, whether it is Europe or the Premier League.”

United head out on the road again on Sunday as they travel to Aston Villa, and Moyes is looking for his side to start replicating their European form in domestic contests.

The Scot said: “There is a different style and you can tell the players here are used to it. They are more than capable of playing at this level.

“They are also very comfortable in the Premier League, but at the moment they are not showing it.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below

Wilfried Zaha WILL be sent out on loan

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Dec 12, 2013

Manchester United manager David Moyes is planning on sending youngster Wilfried Zaha out on loan for the rest of the season so that he can gain some first-team experience in the Premier League.

The former-Crystal Palace winger cost United £15million back in January, but he is yet to make his mark at Old Trafford and has struggled to break into Moyes’ first-team.

There had been several reports suggesting that the Englishman was dating the manager’s daughter and that is why he wasn’t being picked, but the player himself has denied those allegations, but it now looks like he is finally getting a chance to prove himself in the top-flight of English football, even though it won’t be with United.

Moyes is thinking about sending him on loan in January for the rest of the season and it is believed that both Newcastle and Everton are interested in the 20-year-old.

It is believed that United will want the club to pay Zaha’s wages in full if he was to join them, and that is £35,000-a-week.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Ross Barkley may be handed a new Everton deal

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Dec 12, 2013

Everton manager Roberto Martinez says the club are working hard behind the scenes to sort out a new contract for young midfielder Ross Barkley.

And experienced centre-back Sylvain Distin is also likely to be rewarded for his consistently good performances with a short-term extension.

Martinez said: “You can imagine we are always working behind the scenes to try to reward youngsters who do well at the club, and Ross is clearly that.

“There is nothing to announce but, even when you don’t speak about issues, we work hard to make sure that the youngsters get rewarded and Ross clearly deserves that.

“Sylvain has been a terrific performer this season and we couldn’t be happier with his role at the club.

“All these issues are vital for us and we are going to look after them straight after this Christmas period.

“At this moment all that matters is to get everyone focused on being ready to help the team and Sylvain clearly has been an example of doing that.”

Martinez added that England left-back Leighton Baines could be back in action for Everton before the new year, having broken his toe in the Merseyside derby at the end of November.

“It is one of those injuries which is so frustrating,” said the Everton boss. “Leighton is feeling great but, when you start to do some work, you realise you still have a period to heal the fracture and give it some more time.

“I don’t think he will be available for Saturday – although I wouldn’t discount it – and it will be more realistic for the next couple of weeks.

“This Saturday is a very important game at home (to Fulham) and then you go straight into four games in a 10-day period, which is demanding, and then we are going to be strong in the FA Cup.

“We need as many players as we can. We have lost Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone, and hope we can have everyone else. It will be vital to have Leighton fully fit.”

Written by Steve Milne – have your say below

Didier Drogba NOT leaving Galatasaray

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Dec 12, 2013

Galatasaray striker Didier Drobga has ruled out a potential January exit from the club after revealing that he is happy to stay in Turkey.

The Ivorian’s contract runs out in the Summer and it was reported that the Turkish giants may look to cash in on the striker in January, but the player himself has revealed that he has no plans to leave the club, especially after they gained qualification to the Champions League knockout stages.

A Wesley Sneijder goal against Juventus was enough to secure qualification to the last-16 for Galatasaray and Drogba admitted that he is looking forward to seeing how far they can go in this year’s competition, and he also ruled out any possible move away from the club.

‘It is to early to speak about next season,’ said Drogba. ‘Firstly, I am not going anywhere in January. I want to be loyal until the end. I am thankful to Galatasaray. They gave me a chance to play at a high level. That is why I am happy.

‘I am lucky to play football. If you know little bit my history you will see the the trust of my team-mates, my head coach and my manager. Everything is possible when you get this. When you start winning, you win one time you want to win again.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

West Ham chase Martins

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Ben Reardon

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Dec 12, 2013

West Ham United have made Nigerian centre forward Obafami Martins a surprise target in the January transfer window to relieve their worrying striker shortage.

Manager Sam Allardyce is tracking Martins, with a view for a loan deal in the coming month, as West Ham are desperate to sign a striker, having also been linked with Uruguay veteran Diego Forlan, and Argentine striker Diego Milito.

Allardyce is in dear need of capturing a striker, as West Ham sit in a perriles position and sit just above the relegaion zone in 17th place following Saturday’s 4-1 defeat away at Liverpool on Saturday, putting preassure on Allardyce in the process.

Record signing Andy Carroll is still some time of a return, therefore Allardyce needs a short term fix to aid the Hammers woes.

The former Newcastle United centre forward is currently plying his trade in the MLS, with Seattle Sounders, and like many top players over there, would fancy a move abroad in the American pre season. Players such as Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane have both had loan spells with Premier League clubs, after their season with Los Angeles Galaxy had concluded.

Allardyce managed Martins during his spell at Newcastle and Martins went on to spend three years on Tyneside. scoring 35 goals in three years. The 29-year-old has netted eight goals in 22 games for Seattle in the Major League Soccer campaign.

Martins could see a short-term spell at West Ham as being beneficial to his hopes of securing a place in Nigeria’s World Cup squad.

Hammers co chairman David Gold has promised the club’s supporters a signing in the January window, after telling a fan’s forum that he and David Sullivan are working on deals.

Allardyce found deadline day frustrating as he missed out on Chelsea pair Demba Ba and Romelu Lukaku, with the latter now on loan at Everton. Allardyce also missed out on Loic Remy and Jermain Defoe during the summer and have paid the price for a lack of goals.

Andy Carroll’s injury problems have meant Allardyce has been forced to rely heavily on Modibo Maiga, who has not scored in the Premier League since Dec 1 last year, in West Ham’s impressive 3-1 victory against Chelsea.

West Ham have a fixture pile up in the next few week’s, starting on Saturday with a crunch game against fellow strugglers Sunderland, followed by games against underperforming Manchester United, a London derby against Table toppers Arsenal, and a game away at Fulham.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Down-and-out for Stewart!

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Dec 12, 2013

Stewart Downing is set to miss up to 10-weeks of action due to an ankle injury sustained during their 4-1 defeat against his former-side Liverpool.

The West Ham midfielder had to have numerous stitches around his ankle area after being stamped on by Jon Flanagan, and it was feared that he could be out of action for some time, and the scans have come back confirming that he will miss over two months, which will come as a massive blow to Sam Allardyce and The Hammers.

The challenge by the Liverpool defender when unpunished and Downing somehow managed to play the whole first-half, but at half-time, he removed his sock and revealed a massive gash on his ankle which required 12 stitches in order to sort out.

Official word from the club after the game was that the Englishman would only miss two weeks, but the injury is worse than feared and he is now set for 10 weeks on the sidelines.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Dubious goals panel award Suarez goal initially given as a West Ham own Goal

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Kurtis Bonney

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Dec 12, 2013