║ UEFA Champions League 2013/2014 ║

[BalanceOfPower]

thanks for the updates.

 

[Sprint]

I'm a freeloader and a loser because i don't make soccer predictions while lurking in this forum for soccer tips. When results don't go my way, the world owes me a living sigh...

That explains your fooked up character in this forum and your life.

 

[BayernMunich]

Perez: Winning La Decima is Madrid's priority

By Andrew Wychrij38
Sep 22, 2013 1:41:00 PM

Los Blancos president opens the club's 2013 General Assembly with a speech that reiterated the importance of winning titles and the Champions League in particular

Florentino Perez has told representative members that winning a 10th European crown remains Real Madrid's top priority.

Los Merengues are the most successful team in European club football as nine-time European champions, but have not lifted the Champions League since overcoming Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in the 2002 final.

In the opening speech of Madrid's General Assembly, Perez underlined the club's ambitions and set high expectations in terms of the team's future success.

"Winning titles, the Decima and putting on a good show are the challenges," the 66-year-old told assembled members.

"We have the hunger, the skill, the talent and the commitment. Now is the time for us to give it our all. You know that my obsession is continual improvement.

"Ultimately, to be the strongest in every aspect in order to face our athletic challenges, win titles and preserve the essence and identity of our club."

Perez is currently serving his fourth term at the Madrid helm after being elected president unopposed in June, and sought to rally those present behind his vision for the club, which he claimed followed on from the traditions of success the club has enjoyed.

"I know that nothing is ever enough here and that even the wins only serve to make us want new titles because we always want more," the Spaniard continued.

"This is the lesson we've inherited from those that have come before us. We know that madridistas have only one destiny in their minds and hearts: to win. To challenge even that which might seem impossible and to keep trying over and over until we make it."

 

[BayernMunich]

Fatih Terim sacked as Galatasaray coach

Sep 24, 2013 6:44:00 PM

The 60-year-old has been relieved of his duties with the Turkish club following a disappointing start to the campaign

Fatih Terim has been dismissed as Galatasaray coach after being voted out by the board of directors, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

The 60-year-old, who recently took charge of the Turkey national team, was relieved of his duties following a disappointing start to the campaign in his third stint as coach of the club.

Gala president Unal Aysal had previously revealed his concern about Terim's refusal to accept a two-year deal with the Turkish outfit in conjunction with his venture with the country's national team.

"After Fatih Terim's rejection of our two-year contract offer, the Galatasaray board have been obligated to find new solutions," a club statement said.

"All these developments regarding this issue were harmful to our club and its values. Our board have a responsibility to preserve these values and transmit them to future generations.

"By force of this responsibility, in order to prevent our club from getting damaged more, the Galatasaray board decided to terminate Fatih Terim's contract.

"We thank Fatih Terim for his contributions and we would like everyone to know that we will be proud of his future achievements with Turkish national team."

Terim oversaw the signings of Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder which have so far yielded mixed results, given the expenditure on both players.

Gala have taken six points from four league games and suffered a 6-1 hammering in their Champions League Group B opener against Real Madrid at home, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a hat-trick.

Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is an early candidate to replace Terim at the Turk Telekom Arena.

 

[BayernMunich]

David Silva could make Bayern return, reveals Pellegrini

By Matthew Rogerson17
Sep 25, 2013 11:02:00 AM

The Spaniard has not played for Manchester City since picking up a thigh injury on international duty back in August, but his manager believes he could be fit next week

David Silva could return to action for Manchester City's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich next Wednesday, according to Manuel Pellegrini.

Silva has not played for City since suffering a thigh injury while on international duty with Spain in August.

And, after Tuesday's 5-0 win over Wigan Athletic in the League Cup, Pellegrini confirmed that the midfielder was unlikely to feature in the Premier League game against Aston Villa on Saturday.

"We'll see if David is fit in the next day," Pellegrini said on Tuesday.

"The doctor understands better than me what happened – I think maybe for next Saturday I don't think he can play but maybe for next Wednesday against Bayern, he could be fit."

The City boss made 10 changes from the 4-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday for the visit of Wigan, with Micah Richards and Gael Clichy both making their returns from injury.

Pellegrini was pleased to be able to give both players a full 90 minutes.

"It was not easy for Micah because he hasn’t played since Bayern Munich in pre-season, it's a long time but I think he did really well because it’s not easy to be out for so long," he continued.

"This match was very important for him and for Clichy, who both came back. It was a useful match for the team."

 

[BayernMunich]

La Real's Prieto suffers injury setback

Published: Wednesday 25 September 2013, 13.35CET

Already shorn of Esteban Granero for next Wednesday's Bayer 04 Leverkusen assignment, Real Sociedad de Fútbol are also likely to be missing the injured Xabi Prieto.

Real Sociedad de Fútbol have suffered a setback ahead of their UEFA Champions League visit to Bayer 04 Leverkusen next Wednesday with midfielder Xabi Prieto likely to miss the Group A game with a thigh tear.

The 30-year-old sustained the injury during last night's 4-1 Liga loss at FC Barcelona and despite the Basque club failing to announce an estimated recovery time, the presence of a tear should indicate a lay-off of around three weeks for the San Sebastian native.

 

[BayernMunich]

Mascherano to miss Barça's Celtic test

Published: Wednesday 25 September 2013, 13.04CET

FC Barcelona have suffered a setback ahead of their trip to Celtic FC next Tuesday with defender Javier Mascherano ruled out of the encounter with a strained hamstring.

FC Barcelona have lost defender Javier Mascherano for next Tuesday's UEFA Champions League trip to Celtic FC after the Argentinian international sustained a right hamstring strain.

Mascherano collided with Sergio Busquets early in Barcelona's 4-1 Liga home victory over Real Sociedad de Fútbol on Tuesday and after initially soldiering on, the 29-year-old was substituted in the 35th minute. Subsequent medical tests revealed that the former Liverpool FC midfielder will be sidelined for up to a fortnight.

The injury is a blow to Barça coach Gerardo Martino, for whom Mascherano has been ever-present this season in central defence. The Blaugrana opened their quest for a fifth European Cup with a 4-0 Group H win at home to AFC Ajax. Next they face a Celtic side who suffered a 2-0 reverse at AC Milan.

 

[BayernMunich]

Toe fracture costs CSKA Cauņa

Published: Thursday 26 September 2013, 14.26CET

PFC CSKA Moskva midfielder Aleksandrs Cauņa will be absent for a month with a broken toe, meaning he misses the visits of FC Viktoria Plzeň and Manchester City FC.

PFC CSKA Moskva midfielder Aleksandrs Cauņa has been ruled out for a month with a broken toe.

The 25-year-old Latvian international was missing for Wednesday's goalless Russian Premier League draw against FC Anji Makhachkala, with tests revealing a fractured bone in the big toe of his left foot.

Cauņa will need around four weeks to recover.

He will sit out the UEFA Champions League Group D visits of FC Viktoria Plzeň on Wednesday and Manchester City FC three weeks later, as well as Latvia's FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lithuania and Slovakia. CSKA lost 3-0 at FC Bayern München on matchday one.

 

[BayernMunich]

Chelsea's Van Ginkel ruled out for six months

Published: Thursday 26 September 2013, 17.37CET

Chelsea FC have been dealt an injury blow after Dutch midfielder Marco van Ginkel underwent anterior cruciate ligament surgery and was ruled out for around six months.

Chelsea FC midfielder Marco van Ginkel underwent anterior cruciate ligament surgery and is expected to be out for around six months.

Van Ginkel, 20, a summer signing from Eredivisie side Vitesse, played 75 minutes of Chelsea's UEFA Champions League Group E defeat against FC Basel 1893 last week before sustaining his injury in an English League Cup victory at Swindon Town FC on Tuesday.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm Marco van Ginkel successfully underwent anterior cruciate ligament surgery today. The 20-year-old midfielder is expected to be out for approximately six months."

José Mourinho's side have a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur FC in the Premier League at the weekend before a return to UEFA Champions League action at FC Steaua Bucureşti on Tuesday.

 

[BayernMunich]

Saturday 28 September 2013, 13.00CET

Plzeň must learn from mistakes

Czech correspondent Ondřej Zlámal looks at five lessons FC Viktoria Plzeň can learn from the 3-0 defeat by Manchester City FC on matchday one.

"We were chasing them on scooters, while they were driving Ferraris," sighed FC Viktoria Plzeň defender David Limberský after his side's 3-0 home defeat by Manchester City FC on matchday one.

Though the Plzeň players were realistic ahead of kick-off, they now know the stark reality of life in the UEFA Champions League. Next up for the Czech champions is Wednesday's Group D trip to PFC CSKA Moskva and, though it promises to be a testing assignment, they should have learned plenty of lessons from their loss to Manuel Pellegrini's team.

1) Mistakes are always punished. "We cannot afford a poor pass in midfield that allows the opposition a chance to go three on two, or three on one, on the counterattack," said Plzeň coach Pavel Vrba. It looked to me like an ill-considered chess move – hand a chance to the likes of Yaya Touré and Sergio Agüero and it is always bound to be checkmate.

2) Play to the best of your ability. All 11 players, as well as those on the bench, must be on the top of their game – you simply cannot afford to have a weak point. It was just not central defender Lukáš Hejda's day against City and Plzeň were made to pay.

A frustrated Pavel Vrba

3) Take your chances. After conceding the first goal, Plzeň could have equalised almost immediately from the kick-off. However, Jan Kovařík's shot was blocked and no such opportunity came again.

4) Try something new. It was clear that City had been well drilled to deal with Plzeň's attacking set pieces, meaning what had worked so well in qualifying was no longer reaping such reward.

5) Do not lose belief. Plzeň can draw on the positives of the first half against City, when they were pretty much equal to their opponents. It was in the second period, when Pellegrini's men moved up the gears, that the hosts could not react.

If taking heed of all these lessons may not earn Plzeň maximum points against CSKA, it will at least ensure one thing. Striker Marek Bakoš told me after the City match that "we want our fans to appreciate our performances after every game, regardless of the result". Vrba's troops can rest easy that their loyal supporters will be fulfilled if they show that they have improved on their matchday one display.

The opinions expressed here are the writer's own and not those of UEFA.

 

[BayernMunich]

Dortmund defender Schmelzer out for three weeks

Published: Saturday 28 September 2013, 16.51CET

Borussia Dortmund defender Marcel Schmelzer will miss Tuesday's Group F game against Olympique de Marseille after being ruled out for three weeks with a thigh tear.

Marcel Schmelzer played throughout against SSC Napoli on matchday one

Borussia Dortmund left-back Marcel Schmelzer is expected to be out of action for around three weeks because of a thigh tear.

Schmelzer picked up the injury in training on Friday and is certain to miss Dortmund's UEFA Champions League Group F fixture against Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday.

The Germany defender played the full 90 minutes as Jürgen Klopp's side lost 2-1 against SSC Napoli on matchday one.

Schmelzer should be available again in time for Dortmund's game against Arsenal FC on 22 October, but is unlikely to feature in Germany's FIFA World Cup qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Sweden.

 

[BayernMunich]

Moyes questions whether United have the class to win in Europe

New boss suffers third defeat in opening six Premier League games

Manchester United manager David Moyes leaves the pitch after the 2-1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford, Manchester. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

Sun, Sep 29, 2013, 11:38

Manchester United manager David Moyes has questioned whether his team have sufficient class to win the Champions League this season.

United have lost three of their opening six games in the Premier League under Moyes, with the latest setback coming in a 2-1 home defeat to West Brom at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Premier League champions were unsuccessful in their pursuit of a number of summer transfer targets, with interest in Cesc Fabregas, Leighton Baines and, finally, Ander Herrera all coming to nothing, and Moyes is concerned that his squad may lack the quality to challenge for Europe’s top club prize.

“To win the Champions League, you need five or six world-class players,” he said.

“Look at Bayern Munich, they have it. Look at Barcelona, who had it in the past and Real Madrid, who have maybe got it now. That’s the level you have to be at to win it. We’ve not got that yet but what we have got is experience.”

The Red Devils began their Champions League campaign with a 4-2 home win over Bayer Leverkusen earlier this month and face a difficult assignment away to Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.

They have not enjoyed great success in either of their previous two European campaigns under former boss Alex Ferguson, going out at the group stage in 2012 and losing in the last 16 to Real Madrid last season.

Domestically, United’s start to the campaign is their worst since the 1989-90 season – one which ended with Ferguson’s first silverware as the club won the FA Cup.

The defeat to West Brom was their first home loss to the Baggies since 1978.

 

[BayernMunich]

Galatasaray confirm Mancini appointment

By Enis Koylu8
Sep 30, 2013 6:12:00 PM

The Turkish giants have agreed a three-year deal with the Italian trainer, who has been out of work since being sacked by Manchester City in May

Galatasaray have confirmed that Roberto Mancini has become their new head coach on a three-year deal.

The Turkish giants had been in the market for a new coach after Fatih Terim was fired following a bust-up with club president Unal Aysal.

Following a meeting on Sunday, they have moved swiftly to appoint the former Inter and Manchester City coach, who has been out of work since being sacked by the Etihad Stadium outfit in May.

The Istanbul giants confirmed the news via Twitter, saying: "Galatasaray have reached a three-year deal with Roberto Mancini beginning with the 2013-14 season."

Mancini, meanwhile, has spoken of his pride at joining Gala and is looking forward to their clash with Juventus on Wednesday.

"I'm very proud to have come to a club as big as Galatasaray," he said.

"It's different. I've made the right decision and I've come to a huge club. The Juventus-Galatasaray clash is a happy coincidence for me."

Mancini will earn €3.5 million for the duration of the remainder of the current season and €4.5m for the remaining two years, with additional incentives on offer.

The 48-year-old started his coaching career at Fiorentina, leading the Viola for one year before taking the reins at Lazio in 2002.

Two years later, he got the Inter job, masterminding three Scudetto triumphs, before lifting the FA Cup and the Premier League during a four-year stint with City.

 

[BayernMunich]

Messi out for two to three weeks

By Cronan Yu577
Sep 29, 2013 11:36:00 AM

The Argentina international has been sidelined with a hamstring injury but the Catalans are hopeful that he will return in time for their meeting with Real Madrid on October 26

Barcelona have confirmed that Lionel Messi will be out of action for between two and three weeks due to a thigh injury.

The 26-year-old Rosario native opened the scoring in the 21st minute of Saturday's Liga meeting with Almeria but hobbled from the field just moments later.

"Leo Messi has a minor hamstring injury in his right leg," read a statement on the Catalan club's official website. "This was confirmed this morning in the Medical Services Sports City.

"The Argentine should be out for approximately two-to-three weeks, forcing him to miss two games that Barcelona has this week: on Tuesday, against Glasgow Celtic, and on Saturday, at Camp Nou, against Valladolid."

Messi, who was severely hampered by a hamstring injury during the final stages of last season, should therefore be in line to make his return to action against Osasuna on October 19.

 

[BayernMunich]

Atletico play like Italians, says Fonseca

By Chris Kvesa56
Sep 30, 2013 4:11:00 PM

The Portuguese tactician believes his side will have a tough time breaking through the Atleti's defence on Tuesday

Porto boss Paulo Fonseca feels Atletico Madrid's tight defence will be difficult to overcome for his attackers during Tuesday's Champions League clash.

Diego Simeone's men have won all seven matches in La Liga so far, conceding just five goals in the process, with Fonseca comparing their defence to that of an Italian team.

"I consider Atletico an Italian team in a Spanish championship," the 40-year-old told a press conference.

"They are very deep when they defend, but they are also very balanced. We have to be a team which manages all the moments of the game without losing that balance.

"Also, we need to have lots of patience to find the spaces which are almost non-existent in their defence."

Porto will host Atletico on Tuesday at 20.45CET.

 

[BayernMunich]

Celtic boss Lennon prioritising defence ahead of Barcelona clash

Oct 1, 2013 1:00:00 AM

The Northern Irish manager may have overseen a surprise 2-1 victory over the Camp Nou outfit last season, but he is expecting a sterner test when the two sides meet on Tuesday

Celtic's priority against Barcelona will be containing the Catalan gaints' attack when the sides meet in the Champions League, boss Neil Lennon has admitted.

Barca have a perfect record in La Liga this season, scoring 24 goals in their seven wins, and also netted four times against Ajax without reply in their Champions League opener.

And while the Scottish champions recorded a famous 2-1 victory over Tuesday's opponents in last season's competition, Lennon believes his side have a tough task trying to stop Gerardo Martino's men this time around.

"It will be, at times, containment. Limit them to as few chances as we possibly can," said Lennon.

"They're not like any other team. Barcelona, in my personal opinion, are a class above, and have been consistently the best club side for 10 years now.

"Barcelona don't change their system, their style of play and that is what they believe in. When they get the ball in the final third, the speed of the ball is phenomenal at times."

Celtic opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Milan, but their hopes of causing another upset against Barca have been boosted by the absence of Lionel Messi.

Lennon believes his side need to start picking up points in the competition sooner rather than later, and feels the Spanish champions will still pose a significant threat, even without the Argentina international.

"If we don't prevail in this game, and Milan beat Ajax it will be increasingly difficult [to progress]," he continued. "But it won't be the end of the world if we don't win with the Ajax double header and Milan still to come here.

"Like last year we didn't budget for anything out of the Barcelona games, but if we do get something it would be huge going forward.

"[Messi's absence] is obviously very good news for us because for me he is the best player in the world. But it is also tinged with sadness as it is always good to see the best players here in Glasgow."

 

[BayernMunich]

Borussia Dortmund boss Klopp eyeing Marseille revenge

By Chris Kvesa0
Oct 1, 2013 1:55:00 AM

The BVB manager hopes his team can avenge the defeats they suffered against the French giants two years ago as they look to bounce back from their loss against Napoli

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp says there will be "revenge in the air" when his team face Olympique de Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday.

BVB lost both of their encounters with the French side in the group stages of the 2011-12 campaign, and the German feels his team will be eager to avenge the losses this time around.

"You cannot buy experience," the 46-year-old told a press conference.

"We had bad experiences with Marseille two years ago and have the feeling there is a bit of revenge in the air.

"We watched the last five OM matches and we noticed their speed and their commitment. Unfortunately for us, they are a very good opponent. The good news is that we are not really bad as well."

Klopp also stated that his touchline ban following his altercation with the officials against Napoli will not affect the team, with assistant Zeljko Buvac set to fill in for him.

"I do not think my suspension is a handicap for my team. I know where I'll be sitting during the game. I'll be the only one suffering tomorrow, but rightfully," he said.

"I don't know a better trainer [than Buvac]. If we lose the game tomorrow, it won't be because he's on the sidelines. In the dressing room, his word is law."

 

[BayernMunich]

Balotelli can decide matches like Messi - De Boer

By Chris Kvesa0
Sep 30, 2013 9:30:00 PM

The Ajax boss believes the Italy star can get his team results on his own, but he is confident of getting a result against Milan if his team can maintain the right attitude

Ajax coach Frank de Boer says AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli can decide matches for his team in a similar manner to Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

The Argentine netted a hat-trick during the Blaugrana's 4-0 rout of the Dutch giants in their first Champions League match of this season a fortnight ago.

And, ahead of their meeting with the Rossoneri, De Boer has warned his troops that Balotelli can have the same impact.

"Messi is a player that can decide a match and with Balotelli it's the same," the 43-year-old said at a press conference.

"Balotelli is a fantastic player and next to him are players who can also make the difference. Milan have three very strong forwards and and a good midfield."

Despite Milan being favourites to win the match, the Ajax coach is confident his side can gain something against Massimiliano Allegri's men if they maintain focus for the whole game.

"But I am positive, I think that if we remain focused for 90 minutes we can get a good result here," he continued.

"We will go into the match with a positive attitude. We do not have a team that can hang back and play on the counter but they do.

"The most important thing is that we try to take three points."

 

[BayernMunich]

Nice to see you lads, but don't expect any presents! Ozil fires warning to former Madrid team-mates in Napoli squad

By DAVID KENT PUBLISHED: 14:21 GMT, 30 September 2013 | UPDATED: 14:21 GMT, 30 September 2013

Mesut Ozil has come out fighting ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Napoli on Tuesday. The attacking midfielder is aiming to help Arsene Wenger's side progress to the knockout stages in Europe once again. That will be made far easier if they beat the Italians. Rafa Benitez's newly-assembled Napoli are well-fancied in Group F, especially after the capture of Real Madrid trio Gonzalo Higuain, Jose Callejon and Raul Albiol.

Confident: Mesut Ozil shares Arsene Wenger's bullish attitude

Fighting talk: Ozil sends a message to his former team-mates on Twitter

And while Ozil is excited about meeting up with his old team-mates again, he's warning for them to expect any gifts on arriving in London. 'Looking forward to meet on tuesday Higuain, Albiol and Callejon. But: sorry. We have no presents...' the German tweeted. Benitez has his new team playing fresh attacking football at Stadio San Paolo and they sit second in Serie A having won five of the opening six games.

Be prepared: Ozil's comments could have fired up Napoli and Gonzalo Higuain

Calm: The Arsenal squad are in relaxed mood after their stunning start to the season

Dortmund, last season's beaten finalists at Wembley, left Naples in despair after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat which saw manager Jurgen Klopp berate the fourth official furiously. But Ozil and the Gunners aren't fazed. They sit pretty top of the Premier League and have already chalked up three points in Europe after the win in Marseille. Wenger has stated that if they beat Benitez's men the path towards the next stage is made that bit easier. The confidence - judging by Ozil's tweet - is infectious.
​

 

[BayernMunich]

Chelsea bid to hit back in Champions League takes a blow as Hazard is left at home with injury

By MATT BARLOW PUBLISHED: 13:17 GMT, 30 September 2013 | UPDATED: 14:05 GMT, 30 September 2013
​

Eden Hazard has been ruled out of Chelsea’s Champions League tie against Steaua Bucharest on Tuesday after picking up a minor ankle injury against Tottenham. Hazard suffered the knock early in the 1-1 draw in a challenge from Kyle Walker which ripped holes in the Belgium winger’s sock. After the game, he told medical staff it was 'painful' but is certain it is nothing more serious than a bruise and expects to be fit for Sunday’s game at Norwich.

Game time: Hazard played 69 minutes in Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Saturday

Earlier in the season, Hazard was playing with a sore Achilles tendon, which limited his ability to train at times but this is on the other leg and not at all related.Jose Mourinho will be happy to give him a break. Hazard has started eight times this season, missing only the Capital One Cup tie at Swindon and Mourinho will be keen to give Willian more game-time in Romania.The Brazilian has started only twice since his £32million move from Anzhi in August and has done little to impress against Swindon or in the Champions League defeat against Basle. Also absent from the squad was Marco van Ginkel, who is out for six months following knee surgery, while Michael Essien was not listed in the squad earlier when it was submitted. Chelsea lost 1-0 at the National Arena earlier this year in the last 16 of the Europa League before overcoming Steaua at home and going on to win the competition.

Knock: Hazard is thought to have been injured in a challenge with Kyle Walker at White Hart Lane

Keep with him: Fernando Torres has been included despite facing a domestic ban following his altercation with Jan Vertonghen on Saturday
​