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Reading midfielder Guthrie targeting England call-up
The Royals' new signing has revealed that Brian McDermott persuaded him to join the club and hopes that his form at the Madejski Stadium might catch the eye of Roy Hodgson
Manchester United call for stricter financial controls in Premier League
Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has suggested that the Red Devils' motivation for the proposals lies in their rivalry with big-spending defending champions Manchester City
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson unsure of foreign loans
The 70-year-old boss has been put off of sending his young players abroad after bad experiences for the likes of Federico Macheda and Joshua King at overseas clubs
Rodgers keen to protect young Liverpool star Sterling
The 17-year-old has impressed in two Premier League games this season but the Reds boss has revealed that he held talks with the FA in order to ensure he is not overburdened
Everton defender Baines unaware of Manchester United interest
The England full-back says that he knew of no contact from the Red Devils during the summer transfer window and hopes he can fulfil his ambitions at Goodison Park
Giroud not aiming to replace Van Persie at Arsenal
The 25-year-old France striker says that he will win over the Gunners fans in his own way and was confident things would eventually work out for him at the Emirates Stadium
Carroll is wanted at West Ham - that is the difference, claims chairman Gold
The Upton Park supremo has suggested that the 23-year-old England striker will have a better experience while on loan at Upton Park than he did at his parent club Liverpool
Sagna baffled by Van Persie & Song departures
The France defender has described the new Barcelona signing as a "huge loss" to the Gunners and admitted that he did not understand some of the decisions made by the club
'Oh God, Manchester City are champions' - Rooney reflects on agony of United losing title
The England striker has recalled the pain of losing the championship on the final day of the 2011-12 campaign, and reveals that he could play in midfield later in his career
Manchester United refuse to rush Rooney return
The Old Trafford forward has been sidelined with a thigh injury since his side's 3-2 win over Fulham on August 26 and will miss at least a further two weeks due to the gash
'I am aware of the rivalry' - Manchester City signing Nastasic not seeking Vidic advice
The Serbian defender, who joined from Fiorentina on deadline day, insists that he will not look to his compatriot for guidance due his status as captain at Old Trafford
Arsenal defender Vermaelen plays down injury concerns
The Gunners captain picked up a knock during his side's 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday but insists that he will not be sidelined for any period of time
Villas-Boas impressed by Dembele Tottenham debut
The Belgium international opened his account on his first appearance at White Hart Lane against Norwich and the new Spurs boss is confident it is a sign of things to come
'I don't want to be the new anyone' - Lukaku tired of Drogba comparisons
The Belgian forward, who recently joined West Brom on a season-long loan deal, insists he is own man and has grown "bored" of being compared to the Ivorian forward
Mannone targeting Arsenal first-team spot
The Italian goalkeeper has flourished in Wojciech Szczesny's absence and hopes to cement his place as the Gunners' first-choice keeper in the coming weeks
Running scared! United want to put brake on City's kamikaze spending
By CHRIS WHEELER PUBLISHED: 21:30 GMT, 5 September 2012 | UPDATED: 21:30 GMT, 5 September 2012
Manchester United are behind plans for tighter financial controls on Barclays Premier League clubs that would limit the spending power of rivals such as Manchester City.United’s proposals received widespread support when they were put forward in June, and a range of measures will be up for discussion at a meeting on Thursday.Wigan chairman Dave Whelan supports the idea, even though he suspects it might be partly motivated by the increased threat posed by City.
Big spenders: Manchester City spent £24m on Javi Garcia on deadline day
‘This proposal has come from Manchester United — I think City haven shaken them up a little bit — but I think there should be some controls on spending,’ said Whelan.‘Some clubs are spending way more than they can afford and getting into trouble — just look at Portsmouth.‘Something has to be done so we will support these measures.'The proposals, similar to UEFA’s financial fair play rules, could lead to clubs being forced to break even every year or face sanctions.While that might suit the likes of United and Arsenal, it would be bad news for City, whose losses of £197million in 2010-11 were the biggest in football history. United’s other big rivals, Chelsea and Liverpool, posted losses of £68m and £49m respectively.
In support: Dave Whelan (left) favours the moves to curb spending
However, United chief executive David Gill believes many clubs are in favour of the new measures.Speaking last week, Gill said: ‘A lot of clubs would be happy just to introduce the financial fair play regulations into the Premier League now, some wouldn’t.‘We’ve got financial regulations in the Championship and the Champions League, so we need to do it.’
Sign him up! Ten reasons why Usain Bolt is a better partner for Van Persie than Rooney
The sprinting sensation's harassment of the Red Devils in hopes of a trial look to be paying off with a possible debut in a charity match. Goal.com explains why he should do more
Sep 6, 2012 7:00:00 AM
By George Ankers
Usain Bolt is becoming almost embarrassing in his desperation to play for Manchester United – although, of course, if us regular folk thought that our profile was high enough to hassle our way into a contract with our favourite team, we'd probably be doing exactly the same thing.
Indeed, it looks as if the Jamaican sprinting phenomenon may well get his wish and represent the Red Devils in a charity match against Real Madrid.
But maybe, just maybe, Bolt will impress Sir Alex Ferguson in that game. Should he get the role at United of which he so vocally dreams? Goal.com has picked out 10 reasons why the Olympic hero might be a better fit to partner Robin van Persie than England icon Wayne Rooney...
1. He's not fat
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Goalcom isn't calling Rooney fat - but the forward admitted as much himself in his new book that he had "put on a few pounds" over the summer and looked seriously out of sorts as a result in the early stages of the new season before getting injured.
Bolt is categorically the finer physical specimen; lean and streamlined but packed full of power. You definitely couldn't call him fat, not even at a tribalistic stretch. In the rigours of the Premier League, you need to be at peak fitness, so it's definitely Bolt 1-0 Rooney on that front.
2. If anyone can make that kit look good...
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Let's not beat around the bush on this: Manchester United's new home kit is awful. This is a sartorial fact, a fundamental fashion truth. If you disagree, you are wrong. Gingham is not "back". Gingham will never be back. If anyone was wondering why the club's share price wasn't as high as expected, the answer is probably that nobody wanted to be associated with that travesty.
No United player looks good in it; there are only those who look terrible and those who look slightly less terrible. The giant-red-tablecloth look just doesn't fit a man like Rooney (again:definitely not fat).
Bolt, on the other hand ... Bolt is a cool man. A really cool man. Not calm-and-collected, slotting-home-a-pressure-penalty cool. He's Captain Kirk cool. Men want to be him. Women want to be with him. Men would quite like to be with him, too. He often acts like an arrogant so-and-so but his surprisingly warm aura just overrides it and makes you fall in love with him regardless.
Everything that Bolt touches turns to gold. If anyone can save that kit (and it is a big ask) and make it somehow look attractive or desirable, it's him.
3. He'd be great for PR
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The media are composed of human beings and therefore adore Usain Bolt. Whereas Rooney is often a hard man to like (throwing a hissy fit and threatening to join Manchester City to force through a new contract, swearing at TV cameras, generally being involved in any way with the constant downer that is the England national side), Bolt sells himself perfectly.
The inherent silliness of his signature would soon be eclipsed by a fawning media campaign singing the Jamaican's praises and would help United, a traditionally polarising club for football fans, to reach out and conquer any last nook and/or cranny of the marketing world still left uncracked.
4. There's no Coleen Bolt
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Wherever Wayne goes, Coleen follows, like an out-of-proportion albatross around his neck squawking a stark warning about the vapidity of modern society. Coleen Rooney is one of the poster-girls for the WAG movement. It's not even her fault; she just happened to profit massively from being married to someone she loves and fair play to her for taking advantage. That doesn't mean that her being in the public eye is a good thing.
Bolt does not have a WAG. Bolt has anyone he likes (the Swedish handball team, for example. More than one of them. Simultaneously), briefly, then moves on. He really is Captain Kirk. There'd be no time for any Mrs Bolt to make a series of TV programmes entitled 'Coleen's Real Women'.
5. His goal celebration
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This pose should get old - yet somehow it never does. You'd like to see it more often, admit it. It's certainly more entertaining than abusing TV viewers in some weird personal revenge mission against the paying public or whipping a cheeseburger out of his sock* or whatever else it is that Rooney is doing to celebrate his strikes these days.
*He's not fat.
6. He has a better name
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The more goals that Rooney scores, the more baby boys are doomed to be born with the name 'Wayne'. This is a cruelty to children and must stop immediately. An entire generation of English youngsters growing up with a backside-kicking 'Usain', however, or the bolder-still 'Bolt' ... now that would be something.
Footballers know that they are an inspiration to the depressingly impressionable. Wayne, if you're reading, just think about how much better you would have been treated over your entire life if you were called Bolt Rooney, then do the decent thing and retire immediately to make room for the roadrunner.
7. He's really, really fast
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Usain Bolt has built up an impressive reputation for being very, very fast and, while he has not yet tested his speed against Sven-Goran Eriksson near a beautiful woman, he would definitely beat every single Premier League player for pace.
Bolt is unquestionably faster than Rooney. He's faster than Theo Walcott. He's faster than the entire Wigan defence put together. It would probably come in handy.
8. He's Jamaican
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There are not enough Jamaicans plying their footballing trade in the English top flight right now. Jobi McAnuff and Adrian Mariappa are a start but, in many ways, the Premier League has never properly replaced Deon Burton and Marcus Gayle, the unthinking thinking man's strike partnership that never were.
Wayne Rooney is English. There are LOADS of other English players in the Premier League. It's dull. Lee Cattermole, Wes Brown and Danny Guthrie are all English. James Milner is English. Steven Caulker. Declan Rudd. James Perch. Even Liam Ridgewell is English. BO-RING! More variety, please.
9. He understands rivalry
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In his ongoing competition with his friend and training partner, Yohan Blake, to outrun each other to the extent that physics itself is eventually disproved by their mere existence, Bolt has learned all he needs to know about rivalry. Specifically, he knows how to win when it matters by overcoming his opponent, however brilliant.
Rooney, meanwhile, was part of the United team who lost out to Manchester City when it mattered last season and allegedly used the idea of joining up with the enemy as a negotiating tactic when he fancied a bit more money. This clearly invalidates all of his vast ability, leaving the way clear for Bolt to put on his dream shirt (good Lord, that shirt is hideous, though, isn't it?).
10. He'd be cheaper
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Wayne Rooney, as a result of his afore-mentioned negotiating tactics, earns more in wages than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Let that sink in for a moment. He'll probably be after another raise before his Old Trafford career is out, too - that's just the nature of football.
Bolt, of course, is a world icon and you might think that he could demand a similar salary. Sir Alex, of course, could stare across the table at the Jamaican and bark in response: "Would you like to take a moment to reconsider the ridiculousness of such a demand before trying again? You do realise how completely silly it is that we are even having this conversation? That you, Usain Bolt, Olympic icon, want me, Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of Manchester United Football Club, to give you a contract? To play football? In a Manchester United shirt*? It's 50 quid a week, son, and a tenner bonus for a goal, or you can go back to running around your local park for all I care."
Lewandowski puts United and Chelsea on alert after hinting at £25m Dortmund exit
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 09:36 GMT, 6 September 2012 | UPDATED: 09:36 GMT, 6 September 2012
Robert Lewandowski has admitted that he could leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.
The Poland striker is a long-term Manchester United target, while Chelsea made enquiries with the German club over his services earlier this summer.
Lewandowski, 24, has two years left to run on his contract but Dortmund may find it increasingly difficult to hang on to their star man, with Juventus and Bayern Munich also interested.
Centre of attention: Robert Lewandowski has attracted admirers across Europe
He told German newspaper Bild: 'I don’t set myself any limits. I don’t know what will be after this season.
'I can’t and don’t want to rule out anything. This would not be professional.' Lewandowski is one of the most highly-rated forwards in Europe after scoring 30 goals last season en-route to helping Dortmund to a league and cup double.
He then starred for Poland at Euro 2012, scoring in his country's opening game against Greece but was unable to help them through the group stage. When asked about interest from Bayern, Lewandowski said: 'That will always be interesting and you have to consider it. It is such a big club'.
He added: 'I have another two years on my contract. This is a long time. I don’t have to decide today if I extend it or not. But, like I said, I only concentrate on Borussia right now.'
Heading for the exit? Lewandowski (centre right) admits his future is unclear
Fiorentina want Berbatov to pay for airline tickets after transfer snub
The Italian club have stated their intention to pursue the Bulgarian striker for funds to cover the travel expenses outlaid for him during their chase to sign him in the summer
Sep 5, 2012 7:50:00 PM
By Frank Tigani
Fiorentina sporting director, Daniele Prade, has revealed the club will ask Dimitar Berbatov'srepresentative for money to pay for the travel expenses that were spent on his client in the closing days of the summer transfer market.
The former Manchester United striker incurred the wrath of the Tuscan club when, they claimed, he broke an agreement with them in order to consider an offer from Juventus before eventually staying in England to sign for Fulham.
The club is still raging over the incident which is set to continue as the club plan to seek compensation for the whole affair.
"We will ask his attorney for a refund for the tickets paid," Prade told Radio Blu.
The director then took the chance to lambast the player once again before hinting that in the January market La Viola might consider buying another forward.
"I'm glad he did not arrive in the end. It is better this way. In my 25 year career in this business, I have never seen anything like this," he continued.
"We will see if there is something in the market to our liking. We are not desperate for a new striker, for we have Luca Toni now who will be a real asset on and off the field.
"We have not had any contact with Giuseppe Rossi, despite the rumours."
Regarding star player Stevan Jovetic, who has been linked to a host of clubs, Prade is not fearful of losing him, despite admitting that the situation will have to be reassessed next summer.
"I've never been afraid of losing him. Until June, the case is closed, and only then will we evaluate the situation again," he concluded.
Zenit in race against time to land £25m Nani and Arshavin before Russian deadline
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 08:41 GMT, 6 September 2012 | UPDATED: 09:46 GMT, 6 September 2012
Manchester United winger Nani faces an anxious wait to discover whether he will join Zenit St Petersburg in a £25million deal before the Russian transfer window closes on Thursday.
Big-spending Zenit this week stunned football by splashing out over £70m on Porto striker Hulk and Benfica midfielder Axel Witsel, and are eyeing one more big-money buy before the deadline.Zenit are also hoping to bring Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin back to his homeland before their domestic transfer window shuts.
From Russia with love: A bid is expected for Nani from Zenit St Petersburg
Nani has become increasingly disillusioned with life at Old Trafford after failing to agree a new contract and finding himself squeezed out of Sir Alex Ferguson's preferred line-up.The Portugal international was expected to sign a new deal this summer and cement his place as a key part of Ferguson's future plans.But the 25-year-old has not managed to find an agreement and sources close to the player have revealed that he has been left feeling unwanted.
Nani was dropped following United's defeat at Everton in their opening match of the Barclays Premier League season and has not yet forced his way back in. Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young are ahead of Nani in the pecking order on the wings, while the arrivals of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa this summer have pushed Nani out of Ferguson's plans.
The 25-year-old former Benfica ace came off the bench to replace Kagawa with 29 minutes remaining in the 3-2 win at Southampton last Sunday in his only other appearance for United this season.
Back home: Nani has been training with the Portugal squad in Praia del Rey
Nani is currently with Portugal's squad in Praia Del Rey ahead of their World Cup qualifier in Luxembourg on Friday but a deal with Zenit could yet be completed.The Russian champions' boss Luciano Spalletti has been talking up his side's interest in Nani throughout the summer.
Big-money buys: Hulk (left) and Axel Witsel (right) joined Zenit this week
Nani currently has two years left on the contract he signed back in 2010.
Talks failed to progress at the start of the summer after United failed to match his £120,000-a-week demands with their offer.Meanwhile, Zenit, Dynamo Moscow and CSKA Moscow are all interested in former Russia captain Arshavin, who has fallen out of favour at Arsenal, according to The Mirror.
Gunner get you: Andrey Arshavin is wanted back at Zenit St Petersburg
Arshavin is no longer part of Arsene Wenger's future plans, and spent the second half of last season on loan back at Zenit, his first club.
Although the 31-year-old would still like to stay at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal may choose to cash in before his contract expires next year.
Wenger eyes Bendtner reunion at Arsenal
The 24-year-old striker moved to the current Italian champions on a season-long loan deal this summer, but the French boss still believes he could return
Nigel de Jong: I dreamt of joining AC Milan as a kid
The Netherlands international is over the moon with his move to San Siro, and is eager to challenge for top honours with the Rossoneri
Manchester United playmaker Kagawa hauled off at half-time in Japan win
The 23-year-old was benched halfway through the 1-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates with the game staying level until well after the break when Mike Havenaar scored
Zenit targeted both Nani and Joao Moutinho before the close of the transfer window
The 25-year-old winger was linked with a move to the Russian club late in the transfer window, while his fellow countryman was thought to be heading towards White Hart Lane
Hazard needs to work on his defending, says Belgian FA vice-president
The 21-year-old midfielder has already proven a hit at Stamford Bridge this season after a bright start to the new campaign after moving from Lille in the summer
Tottenham boss Villas-Boas was rejected by Burnley
The former Chelsea manager's CV was described as "too complicated" by former Clarets chief executive Paul Fletcher when he applied for the manager's job in January 2010
Dempsey: You can't question my heart - I put in everything I had at Fulham
The American midfielder does not like how he was portrayed in the days leading up to his move from Craven Cottage to White Hart Lane but says that is all in the past now
Gerrard must abandon England pipe dream to save his Liverpool career
The midfielder currently holds the captaincy at both club and international level but could be forced into making a difficult decision due to his ageing body
Jose Enrique relishing battle for Liverpool starting berth
Having returned to the first XI against Arsenal, the left-back has said he is ready to fight for a regular spot despite competition from Stewart Downing and Jack Robinson
Barton's 12-game ban to be upheld while at Marseille
Having served three games while waiting for a move, the ruling puts the QPR midfielder out of nine league or cup matches but he could still play in the Europa League
Giroud: Koscielny is one of the Premier League's best defenders
The pair became friends at Ligue 2 side Tours three years ago and the striker has been impressed with the the defender's improvement since they last played with each other
Lloris focused on France despite recent Tottenham move
The national side's captain has dismissed claims that is deadline-day move to White Hart Lane has hampered his preparations after a summer of uncertainly over his future
Owen 'delighted and excited' by Stoke City move
The 32-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Potters following his release by Manchester United and admitted joining a new club can be a daunting prospect
Wenger: Bould can make Arsenal's defence the best in the Premier League
With the Gunners yet to concede a goal in their first three league games, the Frenchman has hailed the impact of his new assistant and hopes to see it continue
Podolski loving life alongside fellow Arsenal new-boy Cazorla
The German international linked up with the Spain midfielder to devastating effect in Sunday's win over Liverpool and is now looking forward to more of the same
Newcastle can go one better this season, claims Pardew
The 51-year-old manager believes the Magpies can improve upon their fifth-placed finish this time around, despite admitting they are not a big club in financial terms
Liverpool midfielder Sahin confident Turkey will qualify for World Cup
The Reds' ace believes his country are on the right 'path' towards reaching Brazil in two years time, while he is not fazed about competition for places in the squad
Sagna is right - Baffling Van Persie departure stopped Arsenal becoming potential champions
The Frenchman has spoken out over his shock following the sales of Alex Song and the Dutchman this summer, sharing the frustrations of concerned fans
Van Persie would have been a bad choice for Juventus, says Marotta
The Turin giants eventually opted against signing the Dutchman, but are pleased with their overall transfer activity, while still keeping tabs on Ogbonna and Llorente
Sep 7, 2012 11:25:00 AM
By Stefan Coerts
Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta feels that signing Robin van Persie would have been the wrong choice for the Serie A champions due to his hefty transfer fee.
The Bianconeri were eager to lure the Netherlands international away from Arsenal this summer, but eventually decided against signing the attacker, who joined Manchester United in the end.
"I have some regrets about Van Persie, but it would have been a bad choice for the club if we had paid €30 million for a player with an expiring contract," Marotta stated to Tuttosport.
"We are happy with the business we were able to carry out, though. We signed good, young players with reasonable salaries - [Kwadwo] Asamoah, [Mauricio] Isla and [Sebastian] Giovinco.
"Additionally, we should not forget that we managed to hold on to [Arturo] Vidal and [Claudio] Marchisio amid foreign interest."
Marotta then admitted that Juve are closely monitoring the situation of Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna.
The Italy international has a contract with his current club until the summer of 2016 and Torino have so far been adamant that they will not sell Ogbonna. Nevertheless, the Juve director has made it clear that Juve are ready to make a move if they decide to make the defender available.
"Ogbonna is a big talent and a player we really like. Juventus would have an obligation to make a move for him if Torino were to make him available on the transfer market," he said.
The Juve director then went on to discuss the situation of Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, who was believed to be on his way to the Turin giants in the summer transfer window, and stressed that they remain interested in signing the towering attacker.
"Llorente remains an option for us as long as he's on the market. We will look at what's possible in January."
The Spain international's contract with Bilbao is due to expire at the end of the season.
The Dossier: Villas-Boas' Tottenham transition needs players to abandon the Redknapp way
Jermain Defoe was left isolated in Spurs' 1-1 draw with Norwich at White Hart Lane, highlighting the club's need to steadily adapt to the Portuguese manager's system
Sep 7, 2012 8:00:00 AM
TACTICAL ANALYSIS
By Jonathan Wilson
Three games gone and Tottenham Hotspur have just two points. There was booing after the game against Norwich City on Saturday as another late equaliser cost Spurs a win.
The frustration is understandable: Harry Redknapp left after being denied Champions League qualification only by a quirk of Uefa’s rules and Chelsea winning the competition. If Andre Villas-Boas achieves anything less than qualification it will feel like a terrible let-down.
Yet Redknapp wasn’t the only departure. Not including loan deals, 12 players left Spurs over the summer, including Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart. Six players have arrived, but this is a time of transition, something evident in the tactical hodge-podge in the first half on Saturday, which led to Jermain Defoe playing as a lone central striker with minimal support.
Defoe is a classic example of the sort of centre-forward in danger of being refined out of existence by the evolution of the modern game. He is quick and he is a fine finisher, but he lacks the bulk or hold-up play to operate as a lone centre-forward – at least in the present Spurs set up.
Perhaps if he had a different type of support from the flanks, if he had inverted wingers who could cut in and score goals or central midfielders who could get forward to help, there wouldn’t be such an issue. As Defoe himself said: “I have been playing the lone striker for my club and I have enjoyed it. To be honest playing with good players it is not really a problem if people get close.”
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Limited | Bale works for Spurs as a wide-man, not a forward
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But Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon are classic British wide-men: they’re quick, perfectly equipped to beat a full-back and get crosses into the box but not naturally adept at the sort of fluid link-up play required to play a front three without a physically robust central presence. Lennon is in his eighth season at Spurs and has only scored 21 league goals.
Bale is rather more prolific, having cemented his reputation with his hat-trick against Inter at the San Siro and scored 17 goals over the past two league seasons.
He can hit shots from range and he is excellent coming in at the back post, but even he is stronger on his left – that is his outside – foot. Despite the experiments with him in more central positions towards the end of last season, he is a wide-man who scores goals rather than being a player like, say, Edinson Cavani or Fabio Borini, essentially forwards who frequently start in wide positions.
In the first half against Norwich, Spurs started with two holding midfielders in Jake Livermore and Sandro, with Gylfi Sigurdsson stroking the ball about smoothly in front of them. It was all sedate and neat enough, but there was nobody driving through the centre of midfield to support Defoe.
BREAKING THROUGH
MISSING LINK: Spurs must become more penetrative in midfield
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Again and again the ball was swept wide by Sigurdsson to either Bale or Lennon who would then look to cross and realise they had only Defoe to aim at, at which they’d check back and the momentum of attacks would be lost.
The arrival of Mousa Dembele at half-time helped, and it was he who got the Spurs goal, turning in exactly that space on the edge of the box that Spurs hadn’t been attacking in the first half. Even with his dynamism, though, it was notable how much better Spurs looked when Emmanuel Adebayor came on.
At last there was a target in the box for Lennon and Bale to aim at, somebody to draw defenders away from Defoe, somebody for Spurs’ midfield to play off.
Villas-Boas’ essential problem is that this was a squad constructed to play in the Redknapp way, that is, in the classic British manner of getting the ball wide and getting crosses into the box. It’s a squad suited to a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 set-up.
Villas-Boas, though, has historically preferred a 4-3-3: it was what he was used to at Chelsea when he worked under Jose Mourinho and it is what he played at Porto – when he did have a great wide forward in the form of Hulk.
The period of transition may be awkward. Dembele will help, as will Clint Dempsey. Villas-Boas already seems to have learned the lessons of Chelsea, where it is generally accepted he tried to impose his style too quickly.
Notably this season, he has not insisted on the high line he clearly favours, recognising the problems that would cause William Gallas given his waning pace. Perhaps the first step is a 4-2-3-1, using Dempsey or Dembele to link the back of the midfield to the front three.
Given his ability to drift in, Dempsey perhaps could be used in one of the wide roles to provide that link between midfield and attack (he preferred the left at Fulham, which would mean Bale either being left out or switching flank, but he has played on the right for the USA).
However he does it, though, from an attacking point of view the priority is to get players breaking through that key central area to support his centre-forward.
Rooney: Handing in transfer request at Manchester United was the biggest mistake of my career
The 26-year-old forward has confessed in his latest autobiography that when he asked to leave the club back in 2010, it was an error of judgement on his part
Sep 7, 2012 9:45:00 AM
By James McManus
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has stated that the biggest regret of his career to date was when he asked to leave the club in 2010 due to what he perceived was a lack of ambition.
Rooney has admitted that he felt frustrated at the direction that the club was taking around that time, which coupled with his own injury problems and lack of form only served to cloud his judgement over his future, something he has since seen in a different light.
"In September 2010 my ankle puts me on the sidelines. I get frustrated with myself, my game, my injury, and everything around me. I'm stuck in a cycle of bad form but I can't get out of it. And that's when I make the biggest mistake of my football career," Rooney recalls in his new autobiography currently being serialised in theDaily Mirror.
"In October, I release a statement which publicly questions my happiness at Old Trafford. Am I better off elsewhere?"Everyone makes a fuss. There are discussions inside United to sort out the issue, people outside United chuck their opinions around, but the thing is, nobody really knows what's going on in my life.
"None of them understand where I am in my career. They don't know where my head's at.
"The only person who really knows what's going on in there is me, but even I'm not sure what I want."
After discussions with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, though, Rooney performed a dramatic U-turn and he went on to explain how the 70-year-old boss convinced him to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
"Then the manager has his say. 'Sometimes you look in a field and you see a cow and you think it's a better cow than the one you have in your own field. And it never really works that way'," he explained. "He's saying the grass isn't always greener, and he's right.
"I like what's in my field. I'm wrong. United want the same as me: trophies, success, to be the best."
Desperate measures for desperate times! Rodgers raid reserves for striker
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 08:48 GMT, 7 September 2012 | UPDATED: 12:22 GMT, 7 September 2012
Brendan Rodgers is ready to hand a debut to starlet Suso in a bid to solve his striking crisis.The Liverpool manager is short of attacking options after losing Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy and Andy Carroll in the transfer window.And after failing to add to his squad on deadline day, Rodgers will turn to the Anfield reserves.
Emergency call: Suso (left) is set to be handed his Liverpool debut
'There might need to be an intermediary way of working now,' Rodgers told the Anfield Wrap.
'Boys like Suso will get their opportunity. The percentage Under 21s playing in the Premier League is statistically very, very small. We are going to be stretched the limit and [we’ll be telling them] "if you’ve got little niggles and injuries you’ve got to man up."'We’ve got to be together and be strong.'This [situation] will allow guys to stand up to the plate.
You get an opportunity but you have got to take it.'Rodgers has already drafted in youth stars Raheem Sterling and Adam Morgan to his squad and 18-year-old Suso looks set to join them in the senior ranks.The Spaniard joined the club from Cadiz in 2010 and has represented his country at Under 17, 18 and 19 level.
'The younger players will run through a barbed wire fence for you,' Rodgers added.'The older players will look for a hole in the fence - and probably find one!'
Plenty to ponder: Brendan Rodgers has limited attacking options
United's academy captain arrested after allegedly having sex in public
By MARK DUELL PUBLISHED: 12:37 GMT, 7 September 2012 | UPDATED: 12:53 GMT, 7 September 2012
A rising Manchester United star has been arrested for ‘lewd behaviour’ after allegedly having sex with a teenage girl in a doorway.Luke McCullough, 18, who was last season's Academy captain, was seen on CCTV with the woman at 5am on Monday after a night out.The Northern Irish defender - said by Old Trafford bosses to be the new Jonny Evans - allegedly got ‘overly amorous’ with the blonde.
Arrest: Luke McCullough (right) in action for Manchester United's youth team
The incident in Concert Square, a popular bar and restaurant district of Liverpool, will infuriate manager Sir Alex Ferguson.He expects high standards of his young players and just last week banned all of his under-23s from driving flashy sports cars from new club sponsors Chevrolet.During the incident, the smooching pair allegedly initially moved into a doorway semi-clothed, only for police to send a car to the scene.The couple were spoken to, did up their clothes and walked away - but just a few yards away went into another doorway and carried on, police said.
Old Trafford: Manchester United bosses have described the Irish defender as the 'new Jonny Evans' and he is cited as a hot prospect
Officers went back the scene and arrested both for public order offences. The woman received a police caution after admitting the incident.The Northern Ireland youth captain and centre-back was held in police cells for several hours before being issued with a caution and sent home.
'They were all over each other and they just couldn’t help themselves. Officers told them to move on and they agreed but they didn’t get very far before they were at it again. We had no choice (but) to arrest them' Police source
A police source said: ‘The pair of them were spotted on CCTV in a virtual state of undress but it was only when they move to a doorway we had to send a patrol out.‘They were all over each other and they just couldn’t help themselves. Officers told them to move on and they agreed but they didn’t get very far before they were at it again.‘We had no choice (but) to arrest them because all and sundry would have seen what they were up to. Why they didn’t just get a room is beyond us.’A Merseyside Police spokesman confirmed an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were arrested in Liverpool early on Monday morning.
Unlikely to impress: The incident will infuriate the club's senior manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, who expects high standards of his young players
He said: ‘Both were taken into custody and spoken to by officers before receiving a formal police caution for a public order offence.’
LUKE MCCULLOUGH
Born: 15/2/1994, Portadown, N. Ire
Position: Centre-back
International: N. Ire U17
Joined United: 1/7/2010
Last season: MUFC Academy captain, 25 appearances
Previous teams: Dungannon Swifts, County Armagh, Portadown Colleg
Manchester United call McCullough an ‘accomplished defender who is building his reputation as a powerful, commanding presence. ‘The Portadown teenager joins a collection of Northern Irish players now at the club's Carrington training ground after arriving from Dungannon Swifts.He was compared with Belfast-born United first-team player Jonny Evans after he became captain of the Academy side in the 2011/2012 season.He was shortlisted for the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, in memory of the ex-United assistant manager from the Busby Babes era.
Don't let the manager hear! Man United star Van Persie sings Liverpool anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone'
By ADAM SHERGOLD PUBLISHED: 15:25 GMT, 6 September 2012 | UPDATED: 15:46 GMT, 6 September 2012
For goodness sake, don't show Fergie!An old video has surfaced on YouTube showing Manchester United's new star striker Robin Van Persie belting out Liverpool anthem You'll Never Walk Alone in a Rotterdam karaoke bar.And if his manager stumbles upon it, Van Persie could have much more to regret than his horrendously off-key performance.
Scroll down to watch the video
Walking into a storm? Robin Van Persie warbles out You'll Never Walk Alone
Red Van Man: Van Persie has made an excellent start to his career at Manchester United
The frontman, who has scored four goals in three appearances for Man United since his £24m move from Arsenal, grabs the mic to 'sing' the final couple of lines of the classic from the musical Carousel as delighted fans look on.As well as being the stirring pre-match music at United's bitter rivals Liverpool, the song is also the anthem of Rotterdam side Excelsior, where Van Persie started his career.The clip was uploaded in July 2011, so Van Persie might be forgiven for his choice from the karaoke catalogue, but he'd be well advised to choose something else if invited back home anytime soon.
Welcome back, Harry! Former Spurs boss Redknapp takes advisory role at Bournemouth
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 15:49 GMT, 7 September 2012 | UPDATED: 16:17 GMT, 7 September 2012
Harry Redknapp is back in football after taking an advisory role with old club Bournemouth.
The former Tottenham, Portsmouth, Southampton and West Ham manager has been out of the game since leaving White Hart Lane during the summer.Redknapp, who was touted as a potential England boss earlier this year, led the Cherries to their highest ever league finish in 1989, and returns to the club 20 years after he left for Upton Park.
Thumbs up: Harry Redknapp is back in football with his first club, Bournemouth
A statement on their website, said: 'Former manager Harry Redknapp has taken up an advisory role at the Goldsands Stadium.
'Redknapp will not have an official title but will offer his advice and expertise to all aspects of the club.'The former Portsmouth, West Ham and Tottenham boss will also travel with the Cherries squad to Huish Park tomorrow as they take on second placed Yeovil.'Chairman Eddie Mitchell added: 'I met Harry for a chat this morning and he offered to come in on a voluntary basis.
Welcome back: Harry Redknapp left Bournemouth in 1992 for West Ham
REDKNAPP FACTFILE
1983–1992 Bournemouth
1994–2001 West Ham United
2002–2004 Portsmouth
2004–2005 Southampton
2005–2008 Portsmouth
2008–2012 Tottenham Hotspur
'He still has a passion for the club and for football, and he’s got too much to offer for us to let him slip through our fingers.
'It’s been in my mind for quite some time to get him involved, and the timing seems to be perfect for us to tap into his knowledge.'Bournemouth are managed by Paul Groves, who worked under Redknapp at Portsmouth. Groves was part of the backroom staff - with his current No 2 Shaun Brooks - when Pompey won the FA Cup in 2008.
Mitchell added on the club's website: 'Paul and Shaun will still have the final say on all football matters, there’s no doubt about that. They’re very astute people and they’re not above listening to anyone, and I’m sure they can learn from him.
'They have both worked with him before and I think there’s only person who would be able to get on that coach tomorrow without Paul and Shaun rejecting the idea, and that one person is Harry.'The Cherries are yet to win this season and sit 19th in League One. Their last game saw them draw 2-2 with another Redknapp's former clubs, Portsmouth, in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Cherry good idea: Bournemouth need lifting having had few reasons to cheer
Redknapp has previously spoken out against the similar 'director of football' position, saying in April: 'It can be difficult but it depends on the relationship between the manager and the director of football.
'If you’re both on the same wavelength and you want the same thing then I don’t think it is such a problem.
'It's something that happens abroad – they have sporting directors and they choose the players but I couldn’t work under those circumstances. If someone is choosing your players and they’re no good then you are going to get the sack.
'You have to work with someone who is going to try and get the players that you want. He can recommend players to you but it has got to be your decision because your head is on the block.
'The manager picks the team, trains the players every day and you’ve got to be the one that is making the big decisions. If your chairman is OK to work with then you don’t need that middle man there.'
'Promising' Stoke City youth player, 18, jailed for life after he admits murdering girlfriend, 15, by stabbing her 60 TIMES at a house party
Midfielder Andrew Hall, 18, admits killing Megan-Leigh Peat, 15, at a house party after she had been on a night out
Megan, who dreamed of training to become a midwife, was knifed to death in 'ferocious attack' and found covered in blood
'She was bubbly and popular and she stuck up for everyone,' friend says
Hall was on the brink of becoming a professional footballer but was 'jealous of her innocent friendship with others'
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 11:35 GMT, 7 September 2012 | UPDATED: 15:29 GMT, 7 September 2012
A 'jealous' Premier League footballer was today given a life sentence after admitted butchering his 15-year-old girlfriend - stabbing her a staggering sixty times. Andrew Hall, 18, who played for Stoke City's academy, pleaded guilty to murdering Megan-Leigh Peat at a house in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, on June 9 this year.
Megan was found stabbed at the house after emergency services were called in the early hours.The pupil at Harlington Upper School in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, was covered in blood lying on the floor with dozens of stab wounds.
Arrest: Andrew Hall, 18, who plays for Stoke City's under 18 team, has been charged with the murder of Megan-Leigh Peat, 15, right, who was stabbed to death at a house party in Ampthill, Bedfordshire
Murdered scene: The semi-detached home in Bedordshire where Hall butchered Megan after she returned from a night out in June this year
Hall relentlessly stabbed her 60 times in the head, neck and upper chest. Two knives, including a serrated bread knife, were found next to her body.Judge Richard Foster gave Hall a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years at Luton Crown Court today.Shockingly, the court heard Hall attacked his girlfriend after mistaking her friendship with another man for an affair, despite her protesting her innocence.Sentencing the killer at Luton Crown Court, Judge Richard Foster said Hall had 'cruelly' robbed Megan of her life and 'thrown away' his promising soccer career.
The judge said: 'Megan was a bright, normal, gregarious 15-year-old with her whole life ahead of her.'You so cruelly took that life. She will never experience the thrill of successful exam results and further education, bring bridesmaid at her best friends wedding or her 18th birthday party. "You brought her life to an end at the tender age of 15.'It is clear that you were jealous of her seemingly innocent friendship with others. Megan talked about you accusing her of cheating on you.'In a text message to a friend she said: 'I love him more than anything, but I can't deal with it anymore.'In a text message to you she wrote: 'You do not trust me so what is the point in being together?'She said 'I'm scared' to a friend. It was a vicious and relentless attack by you stabbing Megan some 60 times.'
Bright future: Megan wanted to train as a midwife. She was 'popular' and 'bubbly' with many friends
He added: 'I accept the murder was not premeditated. You have thrown away a promising career as a professional footballer.'Remorse is an over used word in this court, but clearly in this case it is an appropriate word to use.' He said to Megan's family: 'I hope today's events and finality of the criminal proceedings will bring some comfort to the family and friends of Megan and at least be the start of a very long healing process.'
Megan's family sat in the empty jury box and had tears in their eyes throughout the hearing.In a statement released by her family, they said: 'Today we are satisfied that Andrew Hall has pleaded guilty to this offence. The day Megan died will be forever etched in our memories, it was the day our lives were torn apart.'Megan was a healthy, vibrant, loving and caring person who was very much loved by all her family and all her many friends.
She had her whole life ahead of her.'Before her untimely death we were an ordinary family leading an ordinary life. Since that fateful day our world has changed beyond recognition.'The pain of losing our beautiful daughter and the tragic and awful way she died will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Megan was loved so much and will be missed forever.'We would like to thank all Police forces involved for their support, especially our family liaison team.'
Luton Crown Court heard Hall stabbed Megan as many as 60 times with a 19.5cm bread knife - found with a broken handle - and a 14.5cm fish knife he got from the kitchen at a friend's house close to the pub where they had been drinking with friends.Drunk Hall was more than two-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit when he launched into the attack, stabbing his young girlfriend in the head- and severing her nose. Iain Wicks, prosecuting, told the court Megan's jugular artery was found severed, her jaw fractured and she had deep chest wounds into her lungs.
Slash wounds on her arms suggested she had been trying to defend herself from the onslaught, which was so frenzied police found indents in the laminate floor where Hall had plunged the knives. The sportsman, who was on the brink of signing a professional contract with Stoke, had been spotted rowing with Megan the night she died.
Grief: Friends of 15-year-old Megan-Leigh Peat arrive to lay floral tributes at the scene of her death
Sad: A friend of Megan lays flowers for her outside the house where she was stabbed
Tragic: After leaving her tribute to Megan the teenager is led away The victim, who had been seeing Hall for eight to ten months was dropped off at the Bumblebee pub in Flitwick, Bedfordshire, around 7pm to watch a Euro 2012 match.
The couple began arguing via text message and were seen on CCTV together having a dispute outside the pub at 8.35pm. The court heard the argument was fuelled by Hall's jealousy and mistrust of Megan, with the footballer overheard calling her a 'slut' and yelling 'why do I bother?'
Megan left the pub after the argument and asked a male friend to give her a lift home - further fuelling Hall's jealousy and leading to him sending a flurry of angry text messages. The court was told Megan arrived home and said goodnight to her mother and step-father, telling them Hall had been 'a d*** again.'
Megan's mother thought she was in her bedroom texting Hall, but instead she had got a taxi to go and meet him to sort things out. The couple were having an argument via text message as Megan travelled back to the White Heart to find him. Megan texted Hall saying: 'You cannot trust me. That is not love.'
Mr Wicks told the court that the relationship between Hall and the teenage girl had a 'darker side.' He said: 'Megan complained to her mother and friends about Andrew Hall's jealous behaviour.
'He comes from a loving supportive family. Noone can believe what he did that night.'
Peter McCartney, defending Andrew Hall
'Megan's mother harboured a concern that the relationship was making the both of them unhappy to such and extent and so often there was a question in how long the relationship would last.
'After the text argument on June 8, her mother thought Megan was preparing to end the relationship.'
The couple had borrowed Hall's friend Haydan Edwin's keys and left the pub together saying they were bored. Tragic Megan was last seen alive at around midnight holding hands with Hall. Later the same night, at 1.30am, on June 9, Hall burst into the White Heart pub in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, covered in blood saying he had killed his girlfriend.
Outside the pub Hall, dressed in a top and jogging bottoms and covered in blood, was heard saying: 'Oh my god, what have I done? I really, really loved her. I'm sure I have killed her.' Hall was heard by police saying: 'I think I have killed my girlfriend. I love her so so much.'
Mr Wicks said: 'He was in severe and obvious distress, alone and having been intoxicated with drink. "At first he appeared to be saying he had been involved in a fight. But gradually he was to say he had killed someone. He said he had ruined his life and career as well as her life.'
Police found Megan's lifeless body lying in a pool of blood on the floor of the living room of Haydan Edwin's house, in nearby Ailesbury Road. Mr Wicks told the court: 'She had a large number of stab injuries - at least 60 in number. They were in the head, neck and chest area.
'Examinations showed the knives had entered very deep at part of the head, facial features, including severance of the nose. She suffered catastrophic injuries and lost a large amount of blood. 'Megan never showed any signs of life. She was pronounced dead at the scene.'
A post mortem examination found she died from blood loss. Hall was taken to Bedford Hospital for treatment on his hands and transferred to Lister Hospital for emergency surgery on his left hand. When he was waiting for an x-ray at Bedford Hospital police overheard Hall asking: 'Is she dead?'
Mr Wicks told the court Hall was estimated to have had 193mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in his system at the time of the killing. When he was tested at 3.10am the killer had 140mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood - the equivalent of one and a half times the legal driving limit.
Peter McCartney, defending, said Hall had been player of the season for his team before the attack and had suffered a 'catastrophic loss of control.' He said: 'There was jealously. Jealousy creeps into relationships, more particularly in relationships of the young. He comes from a loving supportive family. Noone can believe what he did that night.
'He had a promising career ahead of him. He is conscious that he has taken the life of a young woman and is deeply remorseful of that. He is at a loss as to how he could have killed her. He says he will regret it for the rest of his life.'
The court heard how Hall was arrested by police on the morning of the murder, but could not be charged as he was taken to hospital to be operated on for a serious cut to his left hand. He was charged with murdering her on June 13 when he was well enough to be interviewed by police.
Hall was a scholar at Stoke City academy at the time of the murder, and the court heard he was on the brink of signing as a professional player with the club. Shortly after Miss Peat's death earlier this year Stoke City confirmed that Hall had been arrested.
Hall plays for the Stoke City under-18s team. He scored a crucial goal earlier this year to send his team through to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup. Hall, who grew up with his brothers in a modest £170,000 semi-detached house in Flitwick, Bedfordshire, had played for Premier League Stoke's under-18s side.
However, the midfield starlet was almost certain to have enjoyed a professional career - even if it meant dropping to lower leagues to secure a regular first team place. Hall's profile was missing from the list of under-18 players on Stoke's official website today just months after he scored a crucial goal to send his team through to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.
Hall's family filled the public gallery and his mother was helped to her feet after the judge handed down the sentence.
Injury rules Ashley Cole out of England clash with Ukraine
The Chelsea defender has been struggling with an ankle injury, and will not play in the game at Wembley, while John Terry continues to receive treatment for a knock
Michu delighted at superb Swansea start
Following an impressive beginning to his career at the Liberty Stadium, the Spaniard is hopeful of more success for the Swans after four goals in three games for the club
Krul delighted with Netherlands chance
The Newcastle stopper was handed a starting berth in his side's 2-0 win over Turkey on Friday, and has revealed the opportunity did not come as a 'total surprise'
Manchester United defender Jones out for up to two months after undergoing knee surgery
The English defender faces six to eight weeks out as he recovers from an injury he picked up in training, and is yet to make an appearance for the Red Devils this season
Chelsea outcast Malouda handed Lyon lifeline
The French giants are prepared to give the France international a way out of Stamford Bridge after he was deemed surplus to requirements by Blues' boss Roberto Di Matteo
Gerrard is 'fit and fine' for England's game against Ukraine
The Three Lions skipper was replaced at the interval in Chisinau, but he confirmed that Roy Hodgson only brought him off so he could rest ahead of the next match
Torres wins 100th Spain cap in Saudi Arabia friendly
The Chelsea striker reached a century of appearances for his country and joined an esteemed list of players to have achieved the feat for La Roja
Van Persie honoured to play under 'special' Sir Alex Ferguson & Wenger
The Netherlands international has joined left-back Mikael Silvestre as the only other player to have been managed by both coaches and has acknowledged the rarity of the experience
Rooney targets Manchester United return within a month
The 26-year-old striker believes he will return to action before September is out, with a League Cup tie against Newcastle or a Premier League clash versus Tottenham likelihoods
Azpilicueta makes Chelsea debut as reserves fall to defeat
The Spain defender featured as one of three allotted players over the age of 21 and played the whole 90 minutes at right-back in a 3-2 defeat to Charlton Athletic
Rooney: I will stay as long as Manchester United want me
The England striker has faced questions over his fitness and commitment to the club but insists he still sees himself playing at Old Trafford 10 years from now
Redknapp takes advisory role at former club Bournemouth
The 65-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Tottenham this summer but has now returned to football to provide his expertise to the League One side
QPR midfielder Diakite rubbishes depression reports
The 23-year-old, who signed a permanent deal at Loftus Road in the summer after impressing during a loan spell last term, criticised the false rumours
Liverpool fly-on-the-wall documentary reveals manager Brendan Rodgers' methods and philosophy
Liverpool players could barely contain their laughter as they took part in a meditation and relaxation class to help them “deal with the stresses of club football”, a new fly-on-the-wall documentary capturing life behind the scenes at Anfield has shown.
Behind the scenes: the new documentary sheds light on Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers' training methods Photo: ACTION IMAGES
By Mark Hughes, in New York
11:59PM BST 07 Sep 2012
The six-part series, due to be aired in the United States later this month, documents the arrival of manager Brendan Rodgers and sheds light on his methods. They include the manager talking about the importance of developing players as people as well as footballers.
The meditation class is a technique used by the Boston Red Sox andLiverpool players were put through their paces by *‘exercise physiologist’ Molly Kim, who works for the baseball club, during the Anfield side's pre-season tour of the USA.
But the introduction of the class, which was a one-off, appears to bemuse the players, who can be seen struggling to keep straight faces and at times burst into laughter - apparently at the absurdity of what they are being asked to do.
Jamie Carragher, one of the club’s most senior players, appears frequently on the verge of laughter as he carries out the meditation exercises to the sound of calming music.
During one exercise called ‘the cat’ one unseen player sends the rest of the squad into hysterics by making a quiet ‘miaow’ noise.
In the documentary, Being Liverpool, Rodgers also talks about his footballing philosophy, telling the cameras he does not believe in “training” players, rather he hopes he is “educating” them. “You train dogs,” he says.
“Every player I see as my own son,” he said. “I want to do the very best for them. I want to be able to push them in their lives so they can do it for their children. We do everything in life for our kids. I don’t want to ever miss the chance of letting players understand that this is why we do it.”
In the documentary, Liverpool owner John Henry gives his version of events surrounding the sacking of Kenny Dalglish in May, suggesting that the former manager accepted that the long-term plan was to replace him when the right man became available.
He says: “When we first talked to Kenny about coming in, he understood and we understood that at some point there was going to be a time when he was going to step aside when we found the right person for the long term.”
Chairman Tom Werner adds: “We came to a conclusion with Kenny that we needed to move in a different direction and hopefully we will see improvement this year.”
The documentary, filmed by Fox Sports, includes a remarkable level of behind the scenes access. In one scene, filmed inside Rodgers’ home, it can be seen that the manager has on the wall a prominent painting of himself, which was a gift from a charity he had helped in Swansea.
And it is revealed that Rodgers’ 16-year-old daughter Mischa is in a relationship with the son of Colin Pascoe, Rodgers’s assistant at Liverpool. Introducing Mischa’s “special friend” Theo, Rodgers explains the link before laughing and adding: “We don’t talk about it much, but it just has happened for some reason.”
And, in a statement which looks foolish given striker Andy Carroll’s departure to West Ham, Rodgers says that it will “take something incredible for him to leave the football club.
Published: 07th September 2012 ARSENE WENGER insists outcast Nicklas Bendter DOES have a future at Arsenal.
Wenger sent Bendtner, 24, on a season-long loan to Juventus on deadline day.
Since then, Juve officials have ordered the Dane to slim down after claiming he was too fat.
Bendtner spent last season at Sunderland and his Gunners days looked over after this latest deal.
But Wenger said: “It is not for nothing that I loaned him to Juventus. He is a talented player. “There he will grow and then return to my team. “I am convinced that at a team like Juventus, in a very difficult league, especially for strikers, he can make the final leap in quality.
“Don’t forget, he is a boy of 24, the right age to prove who he is. “The talent is not missing — otherwise I would not have bought him from Copenhagen when he was just 16.” Wenger added: “We believe in him and that is why we only gave him to Juventus on loan.
“We have not sold him, only loaned him, and next year we will bring him home. “I think he can resolve his problems with us and prove himself.” Meanwhile, midfield star Abou Diaby is desperate to make up for lost time after his year from hell.
The Frenchman, who was crocked for much of last season, said: “I had some very difficult moments, some days when I was depressed when it was tough, but even then, I always kept faith. “I always told myself that some people were in a worse position than me.
“I am 26 and I am aware that I am at a key moment in my career, that is why it was so important that I came back this season. “Now, I am careful about every detail, I leave nothing to chance. I am much more mature.
"I also had a full pre-season for the first time in ages.”
