║║║║║ Barclays Premier League Season 2012-13 ║║║║║

[Drogba]

Mission impossible! Benitez admits Chelsea will struggle to cope with fixture pile-up

By SAMI MOKBEL PUBLISHED: 22:30 GMT, 29 March 2013 | UPDATED: 22:53 GMT, 29 March 2013

Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez claims preparing his side for two games in 45 hours is mission impossible.The Blues begin a gruelling fixture sequence of three games in six days when they kick-off at Southampton, 3pm on Saturday afternoon. Chelsea then face Manchester United in their FA Cup quarter-final replay at Stamford Bridge in a 12.30pm kick-off on Monday, before welcoming Rubin Kazan in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Tough times: Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez faces a tough run of fixtures

Benitez is likely to make wholesale changes from the team that travel to St Mary’s today to the starting XI that takes to the field against United on Easter Monday. And the Spaniard admits players who feature in both clashes will have to put their bodies on the line.‘In terms of preparing the players tactically, it is fine. Physiologically it is impossible,’ said Benitez.‘The day after a game you feel really tired, but the day after that you feel even tired. That’s the reality - so that day we have to play United will be tough for everyone.‘Four days between games is fine. If it’s three days you can see players are tired, but two days is impossible.‘At Christmas you play two in three days but teams can’t cope with the intensity of second game. It means you go below your level.

Eyes on the prize: Chelsea are still in the Europa League and FA Cup

‘The main thing for us is to have a lot of information, but you can’t be fully fit for the two games. The players can play in both games, but at which level?’ Benitez will take his players through a light training session at their Cobham HQ on Sunday morning, which will also include a tactical briefing ahead of the clash against Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.The prospect of extra time during Monday’s clash will provide Benitez with another fatigue-related headache ahead of the clash Kazan on Thursday night.But Benitez said: ‘We knew it could be like this. In advance we were thinking about the best day for us (to play the Manchester United match) but there were so many conflicts that made it impossible, more complicated. It’s not ideal.

Masked man: Fernando Torres continues to struggle in front of goal

‘We can’t play two completely different teams. The difference is United are 15 points ahead. Their priority this week is the FA Cup. ‘We don’t have that. So we have to find a very competitive team for the Southampton game with another game in our head because we can’t forget it as it is just 48 hours away.‘It’s one game at a time and every competition we play in is the most important. You have to manage.‘These two games are the most difficult. We haae been playing every three days for four months so know how to treat that.‘But with two days it’s impossible to have fresh legs.’
​

 

[Bolocks]

Chelsea and City to play each other in a friendly in America... just FOUR days after the end of the Premier League

By JOHN DRAYTON PUBLISHED: 23:15 GMT, 29 March 2013 | UPDATED: 23:18 GMT, 29 March 2013

Major League Baseball's St Louis Cardinals have revealed Chelsea and Manchester City are to play an exhibition game on May 23 at Busch Stadium, the former's home. It will be the first professional sporting event other than baseball to be held in the ballpark, which opened in 2006.The baseball field is to be transformed into a 100 metre by 65 metre football pitch in the middle of the stadium, though that will be just short of FIFA's regulations.

Rivals: Manchester City beat Chelsea 2-0 in the Premier League in February

'Everybody is fired up about soccer in St. Louis,' said Bill DeWitt III, president of the Cardinals, during a press conference at the stadium. 'For me, I think the fun part of this is showcasing Busch Stadium in a different way.'We are honored to host this historic match. This is a wonderful opportunity for St. Louisans to see some of the best soccer players in the world.Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said: 'It’s an excellent opportunity for the club to be able to return to America so quickly after the last tour.

The venue: The pitch on which Chelsea and City are set to play

'We will face the strongest opposition in Manchester City and I am sure we will provide a competitive and entertaining match in St. Louis.' 'The summer visit to St. Louis is tremendously exciting for Manchester City Football Club,' said Ferran Soriano, City's chief executive. 'The Club’s first tour was in 2010 and we have continued to develop a close relationship with our fans in North America ever since.' Despite long, difficult seasons for both teams, the fixture is to be played only four days after the end of the Premier League.
​

 

[Danube]

Sunderland sack manager Martin O'Neill after 1-0 defeat against Manchester United

Martin O’Neill has been sacked as Sunderland manager with the Premier League club already believed to have drawn up a four-strong shortlist as they move quickly to appoint a successor with just seven matches to go and their future in the top-flight in serious danger.

Dismissed: Martin O'Neill sacked by Sunderland after 1-0 defeat against Manchester United Photo: ACTION IMAGES

By Jason Burt11:45PM GMT 30 Mar 2013

Mark Hughes is understood to figure on that shortlist along with Brighton manager Gus Poyet, who recently turned down the chance to take over at Reading, and Gianfranco Zola, although he would be difficult to prise away from Watford. All three are former Chelsea players - and Chelsea are Sunderland’s next opponents next Sunday.

Whether Sunderland can persuade any of the trio - and especially either of the two Championship managers, whose clubs are in the play-off positions - to take over remains to be seen, which suggests they may have another candidate already lined up. The speed of O’Neill sacking, and given there are so few games to go, would also suggest they are confident a successor can quickly be appointed.

The bookmakers last night installed former England and Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren as favourite to take over and he, like Hughes, spoke to Sunderland before O'Neill was appointed in December 2011. However he is not, at present, believed to be a contender.

Last night Sunderland released a brief statement placing “on record its thanks to Martin” and stating that an announcement on a successor would be made “in the coming days”.
Club owner Ellis Short will oversee the appointment as he desperately tries to turn around the team’s fortunes.

Hughes was sacked by Queens Park Rangers earlier this season with the club bottom of the table, and without a league victory after he saved them from relegation the previous year. It remains to be seen whether he would be interested in the post as he is in no rush to return to management.

O’Neill was appointed on a three-year deal, after 16 months out of the game following his departure from Aston Villa, amid hopes the boyhood fan of the club would be the ideal fit to turn around its fortunes. After taking over from Steve Bruce, the Northern Irishman led Sunderland to seven wins in his first 10 fixtures to ease the threat of relegation.

But it proved to be a false dawn. Sunderland have struggled since then - O’Neill’s win ratio is just 29 per cent - and have collected just three points from their last 24 as the club slid towards relegation. He lasted just 15 months.

On Saturday night, following the 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United, Sunderland lay in 16th place, just one point above the relegation places having played a game more than some of their rivals.

O’Neill’s case has not been helped because he has been backed so strongly in the transfer market by Short with a number of his expensive buys, including £10 million for Adam Johnson, £5 million for Danmy Graham and £4 million for Alfred N’Diaye, have failed to make an impact. Only £12 million signing Steven Fletcher, who is currently injured, has been a success.

Short had expressed his confidence the side would be able to establish themselves as a top-10 team, but it has been a constant struggle during this campaign.

In his programme notes for Saturday’s game, Short expressed his unhappiness with Sunderland’s plight but also called for unity. But that patience quickly ran out after the defeat.

 

[Dzeko]

Mancini's Kompany clash an ill-advised gamble as doubts surround his Manchester City future
The Italian's public criticism of his captain is merely the latest example of an aggressive management style which has caused dressing-room strife and may threaten his job

 

[Dzeko]

Arteta: Short break helped Arsenal find form against Reading
The Spanish midfielder says that three days away from the intensity of the Premier League with his family helped him to focus while other players were on international duty

 

[General Veers]

Mancini will keep Manchester City job - Sir Alex
The Italian has presided over a torrid campaign in the Premier League and Champions League, but the Red Devils' boss believes talk of a summer exit is exaggerated

Van Persie looks to Ferdinand for title inspiration
The Netherlands international has not won a trophy since 2005 with Arsenal and insists the eight-year silverware drought has caused him a lot of pain

Sacked O'Neill can have few complaints after dismal Sunderland reign
The Ulsterman departs the Black Cats after picking up just two wins in the Premier League in 2013, but the root of his dismissal lies in under-performing players and bad purchases

I will shake Ferguson's hand, insists Benitez
The Chelsea boss accused his opposite number of avoiding the pre-match gesture at Old Trafford earlier this month, but is adamant he is not tempted to retaliate in kind

Hodgson vows to get tough with Premier League clubs
The Three Lions' chief insists he will select his strongest possible squad for end-of-season friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and World Cup 2014 hosts Brazil

Liverpool to offer Gerrard new deal, confirms Rodgers
The Reds boss says the England captain is in the same category as Ryan Giggs and insists he has never thought about replacing him since taking over at Anfield

Ferguson rules out Chicharito exit
The Scot insists the 24-year-old Mexican remains a 'really important player' at Old Trafford, despite the fact that he's only started six Premier League games this season

Aston Villa midfielder Makoun set to sign Rennes deal
The Cameroon international is set to leave the Villans after an unsuccessful two-year spell at the club, joining the Ligue 1 outfit for an undisclosed fee

Benitez defends Chelsea squad rotation in defeat to Southampton
The 52-year-old named a under-strength line-up with big games in the FA Cup and Europa League on the horizon, but was adamant that the players named were good enough to win

Mancini targets strong Manchester City finish
The Italian is resigned to the fact that retaining the title is impossible though he remains determined to carry through the form that saw them demolish Newcastle 4-0

Our focus is now on Manchester derby, insists Sir Alex
The Red Devils secured a 1-0 away win at Sunderland to take another step towards the title, and the 71-year-old insists winning the Premier League is the club's top priority

Bony: Chelsea are a beautiful club
The prolific attacker has caught the attention of a number of clubs with his fine performances, and he welcomed the interest of the 2011-12 Champions League winners

Rodgers believes Sturridge can learn from controversial Suarez
The Reds manager believes the ex-Chelsea striker can gain from observing the Premier League's leading scorer, who attracted more attention this week for an on-field incident

Moyes happy for Everton stay if he is granted funds
The Toffees boss declares his willingness to remain at Goodison Park and extend his contract, as long as he is given a transfer budget to help improve the squad

Giroud: Arsenal must keep their key players to compete for titles
The France international believes the north London club must hold onto their most influential players if they want to challenge for the Premier League title

Moussa Sissoko: I want to be Newcastle's Yaya Toure
The former Toulouse player states his desire to emulate the Manchester City midfielder, believing that he shares a similar footballing style to the Premier League winner

Villas-Boas: Tottenham are not repeating past failures
The Spurs boss dismisses claims that the club are suffering from a drop in form like that which saw them narrowly fail to qualify for the Champions League last season

 

[General Veers]

Manchester United need to move on from FA Cup and focus on City - Smalling
The 23-year-old was a part of the side that lost the quarter-final replay to Chelsea, but with a huge game up next at Old Trafford, he says they have to get over the defeat quickly

Sunderland one of the biggest clubs in Europe, Di Canio insists
The Italian has stated his ambitions for the Premier League strugglers and thanks the club for giving him a “fantastic opportunity”, despite his controversial past

Essien: It is a transitional season for Chelsea - but they can still win trophies
The 30-year-old midfielder, on loan at Real Madrid, says that it will take time for new players in the squad to blend together as they attempt to replicate the glory years

Nasri: I do not regret leaving Arsenal for Manchester City
The 25-year-old midfielder has endured an inconsistent campaign for Roberto Mancini's side this season, admitting that his own individual form simply hasn't been good enough

Carragher confident that 'Captain Fantastic' Gerrard will agree new Liverpool contract
The centre-back is in no doubt that the current England skipper will finish his career at Anfield and sign the new contract set to be offered to him by manager Brendan Rodgers

Chelsea must keep Mata fresh to justify Benitez's questionable rotation policy
The Spanish No.10 pulled the strings in both cup clashes against Manchester United, and he will again be key for the Blues as their under-fire managers navigates a fixture pile-up

Manchester United 'lacked composure' against Chelsea, admits Sir Alex Ferguson
Despite controlling much of the match, the Scottish manager felt his side lost their composure after going behind against Chelsea in their FA Cup quarter-final replay defeat

Manchester City captain Kompany looking ahead to next season
The Belgian centre-back has all but conceded the title to rivals Manchester United but says the Citizens should end the season strongly to set up a strong campaign next year

Sunderland & Di Canio hit out at racism accusations
The 44-year-old Italian has taken over the reins at the Wearside club, but his political views have already seen former Foreign Secretary David Milliband resign as vice-chairman

Arsene Wenger confident Arsenal can secure top-four finish
The Frenchman insists his side could have added to their four goals against Reading but the win shows their ability to make the Champions League places

Chelsea boss Benitez rules Cole out for two weeks with hamstring injury
The left-back was brought off with a hamstring problem after just 22 minutes against Manchester United on Monday and is now doubtful for the club's semi-final tie at Wembley

Villas-Boas: Tottenham focus on Europa League won't shift
Spurs face a demanding schedule but their Portuguese coach insists he is not willing to sacrifice progress in Europe for the sake of Champions League qualification

Henderson hails Coutinho after Liverpool victory over Aston Villa
The January signing provided a superb pass from which the midfielder was able to draw the Reds level before Steven Gerrard sealed the points from the penalty spot

Mancini: Kompany knows his behaviour was not good
The pair appeared to ignore each other when the centre-back was substituted on Saturday but the Italian has denied a rift despite his annoyance at his appearance for Belgium

Wenger urges Diaby not to give up on career
The Gunners boss admitted that the France international's nine-month lay-off due to a cruciate ligament knee injury was especially demoralising given his previous struggles

Nasri inconsistency frustrates Manchester City boss Mancini
The French midfielder put in a man-of-the-match performance on Saturday as the Blues beat Newcastle 4-0,but the Italian says he expects to see such showings more regularly

Ferguson: Chelsea should have won FA Cup tie at Old Trafford
The Manchester United boss has suggested that the Blues missed a big opportunity to progress to Wembley and is confident his side will not suffer from the same tiredness again

Fiery Di Canio is the controversial spark that can save Sunderland's season
The former Swindon boss is not to everybody's liking, but he is the right man at the right time and is the best chance the Black Cats have of preserving their top flight status

Pardew: Our best players would have struggled against Manchester City
The Magpies manager believes that the reigning league champions were in unstoppable form at the Etihad Stadium and has turned his attentions to the Europa League clash with Benfica

Di Canio appointed Sunderland manager
The 44-year-old former Swindon Town boss succeeds Martin O'Neill, who was sacked on Saturday following the club's loss to Manchester United, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal

Southampton striker Rodriguez credits Pochettino for improved form
Saints striker is full of confidence after opening the scoring in the memorable victory at home to Chelsea and has praised his manager for showing faith in his abilities

Rodgers: Liverpool do not need to sell Suarez
The Reds boss has acknowledged the importance of keeping the Uruguayan at Anfield but claims the club is under no pressure to allow him to leave in the near future

Gerrard: Liverpool responded to Rodgers team talk
The Reds captain scored a penalty and made a vital goal-line clearance to help clinch an important win after his side fell behind in the first half

'I thought I could lose him' - Jol relieved as Hangeland signs new Fulham deal
The Dutch manager has admitted that tying his captain down to a new two-year contract was "challenging" amid interest from a number of other Premier League clubs

Benteke happy with 'fantastic' Aston Villa, insists agent
The young Belgian's stellar displays have sparked rumours of a summer move to Inter, but his agent is adamant his client is happy to remain at Villa Park

Van Persie is my Player of the Year, not Suarez - Vlaar
The Aston Villa captain thinks the prolific Uruguayan has overcome his diving reputation this season, but still believes his fellow countryman has been more decisive

 

[General Veers]

Lambert: Agbonlahor a huge asset for relegation run-in
The Aston Villa manager has been impressed with the English forward so far this season, confident that he will create and score goals in the final seven games of a tough campaign

Vidic gives Manchester City duo the cold shoulder ahead of derby
The Manchester United captain is good friends with fellow Serbs Aleksandar Kolarov and Matija Nastasic but insists that he will not communicate with them before Monday's match

Gibson: Bale is not Spurs' only threat
The Irish midfielder looks set to go up against the Player of the Year contender on Sunday but he is adamant that David Moyes's side will not be making any special plans for him

Chelsea think De Bruyne is ready for first team, says agent
The Belgian starlet has been on loan at Werder Bremen this season but the Blues now believe that the 21-year-old could be ready to make an impact back at Stamford Bridge

Bertrand hoping to impress for Chelsea in Cole's absence
The 23-year-old defender is delighted to have the chance to play more games whilst the west London club's first-choice left-back recovers from a hamstring injury

'Everyone wants to be involved in derby games' - Sir Alex Ferguson
The Manchester United boss has conceded that he has a number of tough selection decisions to make ahead of his side's clash with Roberto Mancini's men at Old Trafford

Benitez open to job with 'top side' in England after Chelsea exit
The interim Blues boss, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, insisted he is not thinking about the summer and is focused on his job

Howard: Everton keeping pace in race for top four
The USA international believes the Toffees will need "a bit of luck" as they attempt to chase down Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea, but is confident his team will relish the battle

Defoe ruled out of next three games with injury
The Tottenham striker is expected to miss both Europa League quarter-final legs against Basel, as well as the league clash with Everton on Sunday, due to a muscle problem

Walcott calls for Arsenal to show more consistency
The 24-year-old winger believes his team-mates should not need a bad result in order to produce a reaction and has underlined his desire to challenge for top honours

Lambert confident Aston Villa can escape relegation battle
The Scottish boss believes no club in the bottom half of the Premier League is safe as his side battles to beat the drop to the Championship

Vidic: I feel blessed to play for Manchester United
The 31-year-old joined the club in January 2006 and says he has gained "huge enjoyment" on "the biggest stage in football" throughout an illustrious spell at Old Trafford

Ferguson prepared to gamble on Rooney ahead of pre-derby fitness test
The Red Devils frontman picked up an injury while on international duty with England, and despite having not yet trained, could be picked to face Roberto Mancini's side

Tevez sentenced to 250 hours' community service
The Manchester City striker admitted to driving while disqualified and without insurance, and has also had his ban extended by six months and been fined £1000 in Macclesfield

Shearer confident Newcastle can succeed in Europe
The Magpies' record goalscorer was part of the side that was knocked out by Sporting Lisbon at the quarter-final stage in 2005, but insists the current Toon crop can go all the way

Carragher: Suarez rivals Gerrard as best I've played with at Liverpool
The veteran Anfield defender believes the Uruguayan attacker is close to his long-time team-mate in terms of quality, and has backed him to be named Player of the Year

Chelsea striker Ba: Top four is important, but we want a trophy
The 27-year-old is cup-tied for the club's Europa League match against Rubin Kazan, but says players are remembered for winning things - not finishing highly in the league

Reina is staying at Liverpool, says Rodgers
Arsenal and Barcelona have been touted as possible destinations for the Spanish goalkeeper in the summer, but the Reds boss is confident the 30-year-old will remain at Anfield

Zabaleta: Manchester United game will be special for Tevez
The City right-back does not believe his Argentine tem-mate has been affected by recent off-field problems, and expects him to display “great passion” against his old club

Chelsea's season has not been fantastic, admits Cech
The Blues' stopper has played down suggestions from his manager that the team are enjoying a 'great campaign' but is hoping they can end the season with silverware

Jagielka prepared to battle through injury for Everton
The 30-year-old returned from injury to face Stoke on Saturday and now says he won't let the pain keep him out of the run-in as the Toffees aim for a top four spot

Vorm wants improvement from Swansea team-mates
The Swans keeper has challenged the rest of his team to not rest on their laurels after a successful season which has already yielded silverware and a European spot next year

Walcott: I'd trade appearances for trophy with Arsenal
The 24-year-old says that although he is proud to have recently marked his 250th outing for the Gunners, he would happily sacrifice them all for a chance at silverware

Baines: Tottenham clash not decisive in Everton top-four bid
The Toffees are four points short of fourth place ahead of their meeting with Spurs, and the defender says his team-mates will "give everything" to reach the Champions League

PSG president cools Wenger talk
The club's Qatari owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi has described the Arsenal boss as a "great manager" but says he is happy with Carlo Ancelotti's work so far this season

Nasri dismisses Mancini criticism
The former Arsenal star has hit back at the Italian after he recently claimed that he would like to "punch" the midfielder for his inconsistent form this season

Gibbs among England's top three left-backs, claims Wenger
The Frenchman is impressed with the progression shown by the 23-year-old ever since he took over from the Gael Clichy as the Gunners' first choice left-sided defender

Cech delighted with wondersave from Chicharito
The Blues goalkeeper made a superb stop to deny the Mexico striker an equaliser at Stamford Bridge on Monday, earning him praise from fellow players and shot-stoppers

A change of approach has benefitted Arsenal, says Ramsey
The Welshman believes that the Gunners' recent upturn in results is down to a conscious decision to work on particular aspects of their game on the training field

Di Canio: I will keep Sunderland up
The newly appointed Black Cats boss says that he is ready to gamble everything he has on the Wearside club's top-flight status because he is confident of saving them from the drop

Chelsea have had a 'great' season, claims Benitez
The much-maligned interim boss believes that the Blues' campaign can get even better after securing a trip to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City

Rooney is a great player, but we didn't approach him - PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi
The Ligue 1 giants' supremo admits his admiration for the Manchester United forward, but insists that no offer has been made to bring him to the Parc des Princes

Bale: Tottenham's spirit will carry them to Champions League qualification
The Welshman believes the togetherness in the Spurs squad can help them to a top-four finish in the Premier League as well as possible glory in the Europa League

Gerrard: Liverpool need reinforcements to challenge top four
The England captain, who has put talks over a new contract on the back-burner, argues that inconsistency has cost the Anfield club a tilt at the Champions League this season

 

[General Veers]

Arsenal to face Indonesia on pre-season Asia trip

By Jak Penny
Apr 3, 2013 12:55:00 PM

In November the Gunners disclosed plans to visit Jakarta during the summer and have now confirmed they will be playing a match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on July 14

Arsenal have confirmed they will face the Indonesia national team in a pre-season friendly when they visit Jakarta as part of their tour of Asia.

The club announced in November that plans for a third trip to Asia in as many years had been made following the highly successful excursions to China and Malaysia in 2011 and 2012 in which they played matches in each country, as well as taking part in activities with supporters from both countries.

The Gunners will now return to Indonesia for the first time since 1983 and will take on the national side in a friendly at the 88,000 capacity Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on July 14.

The north London side also revealed last month that they will pay a visit to Japan to lock horns with Arsene Wenger's former club Nagoya Grampus Eight at the Toyota Stadium on July 22.

Wenger led the J-League outfit to two trophies during a successful 18-month period in charge before he joined Arsenal, while it will also mark the first match the Gunners have played in Japan since an end-of-season tour in 1968.

 

[Zieler]

Bayern Munich monitor Kompany after Mancini feud

Apr 3, 2013 11:08:00 PM

The runaway Bundesliga leaders are keeping an eye on events at the Etihad Stadium in the hope that the Belgium defender's situation changes and he becomes available for transfer

By Paul Clennam

Bayern Munich are monitoring Vincent Kompany's situation after the Manchester City captain's public feud with manager Roberto Mancini.

The Belgium defender felt the wrath of his boss at the end of March after turning out for his country despite missing City's previous eight matches with a calf injury.

KOMPANY'S CITY SEASON SO FAR

GAMES PLAYED : 30
GOALS : 1

And, although Bayern are well aware that the 26-year-old is keen to stay at the Etihad Stadium, they are waiting in the wings should the situation change.

Kompany is well known in Germany, having spent two seasons at Hamburg before moving to City for £6 million in 2008.

Ironically, he moved to the Imtech Arena as a replacement for Bayern-bound Daniel Van Buyten, the man whom he would likely oust from the Roten line-up should the Bavarians lure him away from England.

Pep Guardiola, who will take over from Jupp Heynckes at the Allianz Arena this summer, is a long-time admirer of Kompany and would support any move by the club's hierarchy for the Belgian.

But the path to a transfer remains obscured by the fact that Kompany is settled in the north west of England, having married his Mancunian girlfriend in 2011 and enrolled at the local university.

The Belgian has very much bought into Abu Dhabi group's long-term project at Eastlands and remains a prominent figure in Mancini's dressing room, frequently acting as the intermediary between City's playing staff and the club's coaching setup.

Speaking after he signed a new six-year deal with the Premier League champions in July, Kompany enthused: "Man City as a project is not just a project of the owners or the people employed by the club; it is also my project.

"I have been here since the beginning and I have seen everything at the club change inside and out. I have the feeling that I have contributed to it too. It is good to know that I can be at City for another six years. It is a compliment that the club feels so highly of me."

Barcelona, Guardiola's former club, have also been linked with Kompany in the past and are also thought to be keeping tabs on the former HSV star.

 

[Zieler]

Liverpool to offer lifeline to flop Carroll as striker prepares for Anfield return

By DOMINIC KING PUBLISHED: 21:24 GMT, 3 April 2013 | UPDATED: 21:24 GMT, 3 April 2013

Andy Carroll could be given the chance to resurrect his Liverpool career if he accepts that he will not be a regular starter. The England international is currently on loan at West Ham and while they have no obligation to buy him at the end of the season, they would be keen to sign him permanently.Carroll's former club Newcastle have also registered their interest and one potential outcome would be a swap deal which would see Hatem Ben Arfa move to Anfield.

Up in the air: Andy Carroll (centre) is due to return to Liverpool following his loan spell at West Ham

As it stands, he will return to Liverpool and discussions about his future will begin then between his advisors and the club. If Liverpool cannot find a buyer, Carroll would take his place back in the squad but it is most likely that he will be offloaded. Newcastle have never hidden the fact they would like to bring Carroll back to Tyneside two-and-a-half years after selling him for a record-breaking £35million.

Head boy: Carroll scored twice as West Ham beat West Brom in the Premier League

But, as is the case with West Ham, Newcastle would be unwilling to pay anything close to the £17million Liverpool were looking for when he became available. If he does remain at Liverpool, Carroll - who cannot play in Sunday's match between the sides at Anfield, due to the terms of his loan - will not be one of the club's front line strikers but if he can accept that, he will be given opportunities. Carroll has hit form recently, scoring twice against West Brom, but West Ham have looked at other options, most notably Vitesse Arnhem's Wilfried Bony.

Tough times: Carroll failed to make the grade at Liverpool after his £35m transfer from Newcastle

Rodgers has significantly reshaped Liverpool's forward line since the 24-year-old left in August and now has options that include Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho, Stewart Downing and Raheem Sterling. Carroll only made two brief substitute appearances for Rodgers, totalling 18 minutes, before he was allowed to leave before the end of the transfer window. Fulham were the only side, other than West Ham, to make an enquiry.​

 

[Zieler]

Tevez ordered to carry out 250 HOURS of community service but can only move abroad if court lets him leave

By CHRIS WHEELER PUBLISHED: 22:11 GMT, 2 April 2013 | UPDATED: 22:08 GMT, 3 April 2013

Tevez's community service order

Carlos Tevez has played 234 hours of Premier League football since joining West Ham in 2006. He has been ordered to do 250 hours community service - that's 16 hours FEWER than his total time on the pitch in the Premier League.

Carlos Tevez escaped jail on Wednesday when he was given 250 hours of community service, banned from driving for six months and ordered to pay £1,145 in court costs and fines after admitting motoring offences. Tevez, 29, was told he is a role model to millions but nobody is above the law after the Manchester City forward admitted at Macclesfield Magistrates’ Court in Cheshire driving while disqualified and without insurance.The £200,000-a-week Argentina forward was caught by police on March 7 — after an anonymous tip-off — leaving a Cheshire golf club behind the wheel of a Porsche Cayenne while already banned.

Service charge: Carlos Tevez leaves court after pleading guilty to driving whilst disqualified

Court date: Tevez arrived at Macclesfield Magistrates' Court this morning

Calling a cab: Tevez leaves Macclesfield Magistrates' Court with his solicitor Gwyn Lewis

Guilty plea: Tevez escaped a prison sentence after admitting the driving offences

Magician: Tevez's defence solicitor Gwyn Lewis arrived with the Man City striker this morning

Meet the 'magician' working for Tevez

Tevez’s solicitor Gywn Lewis has been labelled a magician by the club because of his ability to make 'many worrying cases disappear', according to law firm Burton Copeland’s website.

The Manchester-based law firm's website says of the solicitor: 'In an area of law where detail is paramount, "Merlin the Magician" as he is called by personnel at Manchester City Football Club for whom he regularly acts, has made many worrying cases disappear.'

Passing sentence, chair of the bench Elizabeth Depares told the defendant: ‘Mr Tevez, you must realise you are a role model to thousands, if not millions, of fans but nobody is above the law. You should not have been driving.’ Tevez will almost certainly have to go back to court over his 250-hour community order if he wants to leave Manchester City for a foreign club this summer. It is highly unlikely he will be able to serve his punishment before the transfer window closes at the end of August. He can request an adjustment to the sentence if his circumstances alter. That would be considered by magistrates but there is no guarantee the order would change.

Back to business: Tevez (passenger seat) was driven to this afternoon's training session in a white Porsche

All smiles: Tevez shares a joke with countryman Pablo Zabaleta (right) during the afternoon training session

Happy: Tevez (right) will have been glad to have avoided a prison term having pleaded guilty to the offences

Focus: Tevez has been integral in Manchester City's flawless FA Cup run so far this season

Tevez is entering the last year of his contract. City agreed a deal in principle with Tevez’s old team Corinthians in Brazil two years ago and the 29-year-old has also been linked with both Milan clubs and Real Madrid. Although he is City’s leading scorer this season, big signings are expected in the summer, with Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, Atletico Madrid’s Radamel Falcao and Luis Suarez, of Liverpool, all possible targets. Tevez trained with City yesterday afternoon after attending the hearing, where he received the community order and was told to pay a victim surcharge of £60 but escaped a custodial sentence after the court was told he was stopped by police close to his Cheshire home last month despite already serving a six-month ban.

Dedicated? Tevez remains likely to play a big role in City's run in

Everything you need to know about Community Service

Community service is unpaid work such as:Removing graffiti; clearing wasteland;
decorating public places and buildings - for example, a community centre.

You will usually work in your local area, and be managed by a Community Payback supervisor. You must wear a high visibility orange vest while you work.

You can expect to complete anything from 40 to 300 hours of Community Payback, depending on how serious your crime was.

If you have a job, the Community Payback work will be arranged outside your working hours, like evenings or weekends.

Your community service can include: Being at a particular place at certain times - known as a 'curfew';wearing an electronic tag to check that you stay there;appointments with an offender manager; being stopped from going to certain places or areas, e.g. your victim’s home; being stopped from taking part in certain activities, e.g. going to a pub or a bar; being told where you have to live, e.g. a family member’s home.

If you don’t stick to the rules while you’re on a community sentence, you could get a warning or be sent back to court, and your punishment could increase.

There was a moment in Court One when Tevez faced up to the prospect of being jailed. The 29-year-old had been interviewed before sentence was passed by a probation officer, who recommended a community order, adding: ‘Clearly, he is fit to do unpaid work.’Mrs Depares returned after deliberating with her two fellow magistrates and said: ‘Mr Tevez, you must realise that you are a role model for thousands if not millions of fans. Nobody is above the law and you should not have been driving.‘The aggravating factors we found are that you had no driving licence and no insurance to protect other road users. We also thought that this was intentional.’It was explained that community service was the starting point among the punishment options and that a 12-week prison sentence was also a serious possibility.

Tevez’s solicitor, Gwyn Lewis, said: ‘The whole experience from being arrested to being in the police station to being in court is all completely alien to him and very frightening.’To the relief of the player and his employers, the outcome was 250 hours of community service plus a new driving ban and £1,000 fine which, added to the £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs, amounts to loose change to him.The court was told Tevez was stopped on March 7 in a white Porsche Cayenne close to his Cheshire home by police acting on a tip-off that his car had been spotted parked at Mottram Hall Golf Club.Tevez was already serving a six-month driving ban for failing to respond to police requests for information relating to two speeding offences involving cars registered to him. He had said then that he did not respond because he did not understand the word ‘constabulary’ on their letters.Kate Marchuk, prosecuting yesterday, said: ‘The officer stopped him and Mr Tevez was arrested and cautioned for driving while disqualified and for having no insurance. His reply was, “I only live down the road, two minutes”.’

Back to work: Tevez training at City's Carrington complex

Tevez, who made no comment as he went in and out of court accompanied by a club official and spoke only to confirm his full name, date of birth and address, was told the punishment would have been more severe had he not pleaded guilty.Probation officer Mike Boliver said: ‘Mr Tevez would welcome the opportunity to put something back into the community. He was very clear when talking to me that this has been a salutary lesson.’Lewis added: ‘There is a full understanding of the seriousness of the offence. It is highly unlikely he’ll be before the court again.’It remains to be seen how Tevez will fit his punishment around playing and training or whether yesterday’s reality check will mark the end of the negative headlines that have followed the Argentina forward since his arrival in English football nearly seven years ago. A touchline bust-up with Roberto Mancini over his alleged refusal to warm up in Munich last season led to him going AWOL at home in Argentina before returning to Manchester and accusing the manager of ‘treating me like a dog’.But, with a possible FA Cup final looming, he could yet end his stay in England on a happy note.

Controversial? Mike Dean (right) has been selected to referee the Manchester derby
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[Zieler]

Can you work out which Premier League star this is from his childhood snaps?

By RIK SHARMA PUBLISHED: 12:09 GMT, 3 April 2013 | UPDATED: 01:05 GMT, 4 April 2013
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Scroll down for the answer

Clue: Look at the hair in the first picture

Improvement: David Luiz has impressed this season after making several mistakes last term

Yes, it's Chelsea defender David Luiz!

The Brazilian centre back posted this picture on his Instagram account on Wednesday morning, a digital collage of images from his youth in Diadema, Sao Paulo. He was released by Sao Paulo FC at the age of 14 and signed for Vitoria, helping them achieve promotion to the second division. In January 2007 he moved to Benfica and, four years later, signed for Chelsea.

Joker in the pack: David Luiz (left) larks around with Eden Hazard during Chelsea training on Wednesday

His time in England has been tumultuous to say the least, but this season he has cut the glaring errors of last season out and impressed both in defence and in a midfield role. Barcelona have been linked with a summer move for him, although at 25 years old, Chelsea would be loathe to sell him. Luiz captained Brazil during their recent friendly against Italy and has been touted as a potential successor to John Terry as Chelsea skipper.

Spring cheer: 'I met some inspirational friends at the hospital today @GreatOrmondSt support these kids if you can they touched my heart #life #perspective.' Luiz said on Instagram
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[Zieler]

Call me the Unique One! Di Canio tries to brazen out fascism row

By COLIN YOUNG

PUBLISHED: 23:27 GMT, 2 April 2013 | UPDATED: 07:02 GMT, 3 April 2013

New Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio declared himself ‘The Unique One’ after vowing to keep the club in the Barclays Premier League.

But the 44-year-old Italian could not dampen the furore surrounding his move to Wearside as Martin O’Neill’s successor and refused to answer directly whether he is a fascist.

‘I am the unique one,’ Di Canio said. ‘I am joking, actually I’m not. I am at the beginning of my career. One day we will discover that I am either a fantastic, good or normal manager.’

I am the Unique One: Paolo Di Canio holds a Sunderland scarf aloft

The former Swindon manager and West Ham striker also added further to the controversy over his appointment when he rejected an invitation to meet the Durham miners who are demanding that their banner is removed from the Stadium of Light.

Di Canio met the media for the first time at the club’s training ground early yesterday morning. But he stormed out of one television interview after he was repeatedly asked about his political views.

Then he brought an abrupt end to exchanges with newspaper journalists who had also demanded answers about his fascist leanings.

The self-proclaimed ‘Unique One’ vowed to use ‘everything I have’ to keep Sunderland in the top flight. That fight starts at Chelsea on Sunday and moves on the following weekend to the Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park.

Media attention: New Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio stands in front of the cameras

In rebranding himself at his managerial unveiling Di Canio brought back memories of Jose Mourinho's Chelsea media debut in 2004, when the Portuguese referred to himself as 'The Special One'.

Yesterday Di Canio's four coaching staff — first-team coach Fabrizio Piccareta, goalkeeping coach Domenico Doardo, fitness coach Claudio Donatelli and physio-masseur Giulio Viscardi — all officially joined Sunderland.

Last night the Kick It Out campaign group called on Di Canio to state a commitment to equality. A statement read: ‘Clubs have a responsibility to ensure that their employees demonstrate a commitment to anti-discrimination and equality of opportunity. ‘It may be in the interest of the club and Mr Di Canio to acknowledge a full and frank commitment to these policies.’

Asked about former Foreign Secretary David Miliband’s resignation as Sunderland vice-chairman, Di Canio said: ‘It is not an issue for me.’

Making a point? Di Canio had to weather a media storm during the press conference

And when asked if he would be prepared to meet unhappy miners who have called his appointment a ‘disgrace’, Di Canio refused. He said: ‘I don’t understand what the problems are. I am a manager, a normal man, a family man. I will work hard and dedicate completely for this cause. I will work 24 hours a day.’

Meanwhile Swindon Town director Nick Watkins has confirmed that the club were forced to issue an apology to former striker Jonathan Tehoue following a complaint that Di Canio had made a disparaging and racist comment about him.

Watkins said: ‘In the heat of the moment and frustrated by what Paolo considered to be the player’s lack of commitment, he momentarily forgot the player’s name and used what he acknowledged was inappropriate language when referring to the player by the colour of his skin.

‘There was never any racial intent. The matter was dealt with internally and appropriately by the club with Paolo issuing a full apology via the player’s solicitor for any offence that may have been inadvertently caused.’

 

[Zieler]

Mario's lap of honour! Balotelli's loving life back in Italy with his girlfriend

By GRAEME YORKE PUBLISHED: 12:43 GMT, 2 April 2013 | UPDATED: 17:21 GMT, 2 April 2013

Mario Balotelli has always loved a bit of camouflage. His Bentley was camouflage, some of his clothes are camouflage and now even his girlfriend has caught on to her other half’s fetish. The Milan striker’s girlfriend Fanny Neguesha posted this saucy picture of the pair on Instagram, showing the Belgian model straddling a bare-chested Balotelli while draped in a camouflage blanket.Balotelli has recently spoken of how he has found ‘tranquillity’ with Neguesha, following his split with the mother of his daughter, Pia, and fellow Italian, Raffaella Fico.

Saucy: Mario Balotelli's girlfriend Fanny Neguesha posted this picture of the pair on her Instagram page

In love: Balotelli and his Belgian girlfriend (left) after his split with Italian model Raffaella Fico (right)

Inconspicuous: Balotelli had a camouflage film put on his Bentley while at Manchester City

The 22-year-old told Vanity Fair in an exclusive interview: 'In a short time she (Fanny Neguesha) found herself in sync with me. 'I could spend my whole life with someone like this.'The Italy striker's six-month relationship ship with Neguesha could go some of the way to explaining Balotelli's hot streak on the pitch.The controversia, finding the goalscoring touch that eluded him in his later months at the Etihad.

Balotelli, who scored only one Premier League goal this season, has racked up an impressive nine goals in eight appearances back in Italy after a tumultuous spell in England. He has also carried that form on to the international stage, having netted both goals in Italy's 2-0 win over Malta during the break from domestic football last week.

Baring all: Italy international striker Balotelli spoke to Vanity Fair magazine (right)

Star man: Mario Balotelli has begun to fulfill his potential since leaving Manchester City for AC Milan

Hot new couple: The pair are regularly spotted out and about together, happy to go public with their relationship

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[Zieler]

Lukaku set for another loan spell, but Chelsea striker could reject West Brom

By PAUL COLLINS
PUBLISHED: 00:35 GMT, 3 April 2013 | UPDATED: 00:35 GMT, 3 April 2013

Romelu Lukaku may go out on loan next season but could end up rejecting West Bromwich Albion in favour of a club that can offer European football.

The teenage Chelsea striker, who has spent the past nine months in the Black Country with the Baggies, is anxious to advance his claims of appearing in next year’s World Cup with Belgium.

And he wants to keep his name in the mix as he bids to be chosen ahead of the likes of his close friend, Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke.

Loan star: Romelu Lukaku could turn down another spell at West Brom in favour of a move to Europe

Lukaku has already gone on record to suggest that he would return to West Brom following a 13-goal return, if Chelsea were to sanction another year out on loan.

But reports in Belgium have suggested that Lukaku now has one eye on his international future and sees that being involved in the Champions League as a factor in that.

 

[Zieler]

Kompany: City want to be champions of Manchester
The 26-year-old believes recent history suggests the head-to-head tie at Old Trafford will be a lot closer than the gap between the pair in the league

Benitez: Chelsea have improved under my management
The 52-year-old claims to have had a big impact on the individual form of a number of key players within the squad

Ibrahimovic: Rooney should join PSG
The 27-year-old forward has endured a stop-start campaign at Old Trafford this season, after struggling with both his form and fitness amid reports that he could be set for a move

It would be farcical to rest 'coming of age' Bale - Tottenham legend Waddle
The former Spurs midfielder says that Andre Villas-Boas should keep playing the Welsh winger, despite fears that he could suffer from burnout after a heavy workload

New contract not to blame for Walcott's poor form, insists Wenger
The Arsenal manager feels the striker's meagre goal return in recent months is not linked to his signing of a new deal in January

 

[Zieler]

First Tevez now Nasri hit with driving ban as City star finally admits three charges

By RIK SHARMA PUBLISHED: 07:33 GMT, 4 April 2013 | UPDATED: 08:30 GMT, 4 April 2013
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Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has been banned from driving for six months because of an issue related to unpaid speeding fines.This comes just after his team-mate Carlos Tevez was hit with a 250 community service order and was also banned for six months because of motoring offences.Nasri, 25, had been fined £1,900 but won it back after signing a declaration saying he did not know his Mercedes has been caught on camera speeding on three occasions.

Ban: Samir Nasri has admitted three driving charges and has been banned for six months

In September 2011, it was caught at 70mph in a 40 zone and then in October 2011 at 39 in a 30 zone.Finally in December it was snapped doing 38 in a 30 zone.The traffic police took up the case again after Nasri won his fine back and the player pleaded guilty to three charges of failing to provide police with a driver's identity.

Punished: Carlos Tevez will be working for the community for 250 hours

He was fined a total of £2001 plus £105 in costs, given 18 penalty points and a six month driving ban.Nasri has never admitted being behind the wheel of the car on any of the above occasions. He was represented in court rather than appearing himself. Nasri's solicitor, Nick Terry, said: 'Simply, he had a poor system of administration. 'In this case, the defendant received the notices some months after the driving. It took some time for the notices to be sent out.

He can pay: Nasri's solicitor said that the City star would be able to afford the court's fine

'There will be a disqualification today, and he’s aware of that. He’s not driving at present and I will inform him immediately after the hearing of that disqualification.'I don’t have details of his income, but suffice to say he can pay whatever fine is deemed suitable by the courts.'Tevez, 29, admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance at Macclesfield Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. Passing sentence, chair of the bench Elizabeth Depares told the defendant: ‘Mr Tevez, you must realise you are a role model to thousands, if not millions, of fans but nobody is above the law. You should not have been driving.’

Nobody is above the law: Tevez was scolded by the chair of the bench

‘The aggravating factors we found are that you had no driving licence and no insurance to protect other road users. We also thought that this was intentional.’ Tevez’s solicitor, Gwyn Lewis, said: ‘The whole experience from being arrested to being in the police station to being in court is all completely alien to him and very frightening.’ To the relief of the player and his employers, instead of a potential jail spell, the outcome was 250 hours of community service plus a new driving ban and £1,000 fine which, added to the £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs, amounts to loose change to him.
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[Zieler]

Van Persie never had it this tough at Arsenal... that's why I'm resting him, insists Fergie with cheeky swipe at Wenger

By ANDY JAMES PUBLISHED: 06:05 GMT, 4 April 2013 | UPDATED: 09:15 GMT, 4 April 2013

Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a cheeky swipe at Arsenal after claiming Robin van Persie is suffering for having never experienced intensity like he has done this season. The Dutchman, who won the Player of the Year award last season, swapped the Emirates for Old Trafford last summer in a controversial £24milion deal. The 29-year-old enjoyed an explosive start at United, scoring 23 goals in his first 31 appearances to help his new side blow away the rest of the field.

Fears: Sir Alex Ferguson thinks he knows the secret behind Robin van Persie's drop in form

However, Van Persie is without a goal for this club since the Premier League win over Everton on February 10. And speaking to Inside United magazine, manager Ferguson suggested the drought be because his star man is in uncharted territory. The Scot said: 'With Van Persie, we have to monitor it because we still don't know all about Robin, and the kind of seasons he's had. 'I don't think he had a season of such intensity during his time at Arsenal, so we'll have to look at that.'

No pressure: Ferguson claims Van Persie didn't have the same weight of expectation at Arsenal

Ferguson's timing was curious, considering United's season is effectively over with their Premier League lead seemingly unassailable and them now out of all three cup competitions following defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup on Monday. Arsenal, meanwhile, are, as they have been the previous two seasons, locked in a battle for a top four place with rivals Chelsea and Tottenham, giving each of their remaining eight Premier League matches meaning.
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[Zieler]

Valdes hints at Premier League interest
The Blaugrana's goalkeeper is set to leave the Liga side at the end of the season and has seemed to suggest England as a possible destination

Benitez confident of Chelsea progression after Rubin Kazan draw
The 52-year-old feels that his side are more than capable of scoring in the second leg, while hailing the performance of Fernando Torres after he struck once in each half

Liverpool haven't seen the best of me yet, says Allen
The Welsh midfielder, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery, is determined to kick on in the new campaign and prove his worth

Hughton confident Norwich can avoid relegation
The 54-year-old manager insists that his players have the determination required to keep the club in the Premier League and praised the Canaries' work despite limited resources

Yaya Toure signs new four-year contract with Manchester City
The midfielder's agent set a deadline for a new contract last month after the player reportedly grew upset at a lack of progress on an extension, but he has now agreed fresh terms

Sir Alex Ferguson backs Van Persie to end goal drought
The Manchester United boss says it is normal for strikers to have lean periods in front of goal and is disappointed that the Dutchman was not awarded the winner against Sunderland

Arsenal handed Wilshere & Walcott fitness boost
Assistant manager Steve Bould has confirmed that the two injured Gunners have returned to training and is likely to be in line for a first-team return against Norwich on April 13

Rooney and Rafael return to training ahead of Manchester derby
The England striker has missed the last two matches with a groin injury, while the Brazilian full-back was withdrawn in the first half against Sunderland last Saturday

Richards considered for shock Manchester derby return
The 24-year-old full-back has been sidelined for the past six months, but he could be set for a dramatic comeback on Monday as Roberto Mancini looks to rest Pablo Zabaleta

Henderson: Goals down to extra training
The 22-year-old has put his purple patch down to more hours on the training ground practising his finishing

Rodgers targets summmer additions
The 40-year-old believes the Reds need to press ahead with recruiting players at the end of the season, citing the need to avoid the problems that hurt the side in the past

Kolo Toure: Manchester derby is the biggest game in England now
The 32-year-old centre-back feels that, with the emergence of Roberto Mancini's side in recent seasons, the fixture against United now represents the largest in the top flight