☆ Barclays Premier League Season 2014-15 ☆

[Groove Armada]

Exclusive – Carragher: Liverpool are facing impossible search for Suarez replacement

By Joe Moore (@JoeyMoore) | Monday, July 14, 2014

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has told talkSPORT the Reds will struggle to find a like-for-like replacement for Barcelona-bound Luis Suarez this summer.

The frontman ended a prolific, yet controversial, three-year stay on Merseyside after agreeing a big-money move to the Catalan giants, just weeks after receiving a four-month worldwide football ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.

Suarez netted 31 Premier League goals last season to help the Merseyside outfit secure Champions League qualification and while the loss of such a talent will be a big blow to the side, manager Brendan Rodgers is confident Liverpool will come back stronger this term.

The Northern Irishman has wasted no time is bolstering his squad in time for their return to European competition, landing Southampton duo Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert as well as Bayer Leverkusen winger Emre Can, while they are also thought to be keen on deals for Benfica starlet Lazar Markovic and Swansea striker Wilfried Bony.

The club have already lost out on one top target with Chile star Alexis Sanchez opting for a £33million switch to Arsenal, and as Liverpool’s striker search goes on, Carragher admits a genuine replacement for the world-class Uruguayan is practically nonexistent.

“It will obviously be very difficult to replace Luis Suarez,” the former defender told Drivetime.

“Liverpool are spending the money in a different way by strengthening the squad in lots of different positions, but they’ve almost had to do that because you’re not going to get anyone better than Suarez.

“I’m sure Brendan will be looking to sign a top class forward now, but we’re talking about replacing one of the best players in world football.

“Maybe only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been above him over the last few years, so chances of finding someone better are very slim.

“But with Champions League football returning this season, Liverpool need a bigger squad and more quality and it seems like they’re addressing that at the moment."

He added: “It will be difficult to replicate last season, not just because of Suarez’s absence, but because of the additional pressure and fixtures that comes with European football.

“It’s something Liverpool didn’t have to contend with, so it’ll be totally different for the squad, a lot of the players haven’t played at that level before.

"It will be an interesting season, no one predicted that Liverpool would have such as good campaign last term, so if the side can reproduce that again this season, without Suarez as well as coping with Champions League football, it will be an even bigger achievement.”

 

[ThosayMaureenNeo]

Now is the time for the transfer market. I still need to spend and strengthen my team.

 

[Dzeko]

Tottenham would have to pay out £11m to sign Loic Remy while 'top four' clubs can sign QPR striker for £8m

QPR striker has two buyout clauses, the second of which means clubs which finished outside top four have to pay £3m more for his services

Inflation: As Spurs finished outside the top four they would have to pay £11m to sign Loic Remy Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Matt Law
12:44PM BST 15 Jul 2014

Tottenham’s hopes of signing Loic Remy have been complicated by the fact the Queens Park Rangers striker has two buyout clauses.

Remy is interesting a host of clubs, with Spurs among those investigating the possibility of taking advantage of his release fee.

It was initially thought that all clubs could sign Remy for £8 million, but it has now emerged that clause is only for ‘top four clubs’.

There is understood to be a second clause for clubs that finished fifth and sixth that allows them to buy Remy for around £11m.

QPR have not completely given up hope of keeping Remy in the event that no top four clubs agree a deal with him.

Arsenal are reluctant to meet Remy’s £80,000-a-week wage demands, while Liverpool are weighing up a bid for Swansea’s Wilfried Bony to replace Luis Suarez.

Having finished sixth last season, Tottenham would have to pay more than both Arsenal and Liverpool.

That may not appeal to Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, who is famous for trying to extract maximum value out of every deal.

Andre Villas-Boas, meanwhile, is considering trying to take his former Tottenham midfielder Sandro to Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Spurs are ready to listen to offers for Sandro, but want far more than the £8m Napoli are willing to pay.

Ex-Tottenham head coach Villas-Boas is now looking at the possibility of raiding his old club to link up with Sandro again.

Sandro was one of the Spurs players who publically supported Villas-Boas before the Portuguese was sacked in December.

With two years still remaining on his contract, Tottenham value Sandro at around £20m and it remains to be seen if Zenit would match that figure.

Sandro is popular inside White Hart Lane and is a favourite of the fans, but fell out with Villas-Boas’ replacement Tim Sherwood last season.

Mauricio Pochettino has since taken over as head coach from Sherwood and it is so far unclear how Sandro fits into his plans.

Villas-Boas was appointed Zenit manager in March and missed out on clinching the Russian Premier League title by a single point after winning his first six games in charge.

Spurs have been in talks to try to sign Morgan Schneiderlin from Pochettino’s old club Southampton, which would give them more room to sell either Sandro or Paulinho, who is a £20m target of Juventus.

Flush with cash from the sales of Luke Shaw to Manchester United and Adam Lallana to Liverpool, Southampton have insisted Schneiderlin will not leave.

Should Tottenham fail to convince Southampton to sell another one of their stars, then Levy could switch his attention to former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song.

Barcelona want to sell Song this summer and the Cameroon international is keen to return to the Premier League.

Striker Emmanuel Adebayor’s bout of malaria that has ruled him out of Tottenham’s pre-season tour of North America is not expected to adversely impact his future at the club.

Adebayor is understood to have struck up a good early rapport with Pochettino and plans to start the new season at White Hart Lane.

 

[Dzeko]

Jack Wilshere still has much to learn on the pitch for Arsenal but smoking a cigarette on holiday is irrelevant

Smoking is not a good thing and it should not be encouraged - but the actions of a 22-year-old footballer need to be kept in proportion

Backtrack: Jack Wilshere said he would not smoke again after being photographed with a cigarette last season Photo: REUTERS

By Matt Law
12:32PM BST 15 Jul 2014

Jack Wilshere may never win the World Cup with England, he may never captain Arsenal and he may never realise his huge potential.

But if Wilshere ultimately falls short of his career goals, then it certainly will not be through a lack of trying or the fact he has now been pictured smoking for a second time.

Lionel Messi missed out on the crowning moment of his career, as he failed to lead Argentina to World Cup victory in Brazil.

He may never get another chance to get his hands on the most coveted trophy in football. Will that be because he has also been snapped smoking a cigarette? Of course not.

Mesut Özil has become a World Cup winner with Germany, despite the fact he has been caught having the odd puff. Zinedine Zidane enjoyed the occasional fag and did okay for himself.

This is not to say that smoking is in anyway a good thing or should be encouraged. It shouldn’t, but the actions of a 22-year-old footballer should also be kept in proportion

One of the most admired photographs of Andrea Pirlo is of the Italian midfielder sitting in a vineyard with a glass of red wine and several unopened bottles at his feet.

Andrea Pirlo. That's all.

No sensible person would try to suggest that Pirlo is some sort of functioning alcoholic or blame a poor performance on the effects of red wine.

Golfers tee-off in the Open Championship on Thursday and two of the most loved stars of the sport are Miguel Angel Jimenez and Darren Clarke.

Miguel Angel Jimenez and his trademark stogie (Rex)

Jimenez enjoys nothing more than to stroll down the fairway with a Cuban Cigar on the go, while Clarke smoked his way to victory in 2011.

Clarke has since hit the gym to improve his fitness, but boasts that he will not give up the Guinness in a fascinating interview in today’s Telegraph.

Of course, Pirlo has achieved far more than Wilshere so far and Jimenez and Clarke do not need to be top athletes to reach the summit of their sport.

Wilshere’s so-called crime sheet can be listed in four points. His injury list includes six major setbacks. So what is the biggest worry and what should the midfielder’s difficulties be weighed up against?

In the space of just three years, Wilshere has had to battle back from the treatment room on six separate occasions and come to terms with the fact that his ankles will now always be targeted by opponents.

Each time, Wilshere has redoubled his efforts to get back fitter than ever with renewed determination that he will overcome his injury problems and be free to play to the best of his ability.

When Paul Scholes was critical of his development last season, Wilshere did not arrogantly ignore his comments or sulk in front of the television, he got the former Manchester United star’s telephone number and asked for a personal appraisal.

It cannot have been an easy to call to make, but Wilshere does not shirk difficult situations or challenges as underlined by the fact he is usually one of the first Arsenal players to front up after a bad performance or defeat.

Like the rest of the Arsenal players who were involved in the World Cup group stages, Wilshere is not required to start pre-season training until July 21.

He has already indicated to the club that he may return a few days early, recognising that this is a big season for him. That surely is more important to manager Arsene Wenger than a cigarette in a swimming pool.

Gone are the days when Wilshere could be confident of being discharged from the treatment room and walk straight into Wenger’s starting line-up.

Arsenal’s midfield is now one of the most congested in the Premier League and competition could become even fiercer if Wenger can land either Sami Khedira or Lars Bender.

In his last round of contract talks, Wilshere spoke with Wenger about how he wants to captain Arsenal one day but his first aim for this season is simply to make sure he is a regular starter.

Wilshere still has much to learn. On the pitch, he must time and judge his tackles better to avoid unnecessarily putting his ankles at risk. Off it, he may benefit from listening more to professional career management advice.

The statements that followed the first pictures of him smoking in October last year were bungled. First, Wilshere tried to say he had been holding the cigarette for a friend and then he vowed never to smoke again when he admitted to the mistake.

Making promises you might not keep is never a good idea. But nor is drawing major conclusions from a drag on a cigarette.

Other notable footballing smokers...

Ex-Spurs and Newcastle playmaker David Ginola sparks up (Rex)

Former France goalkeeper Fabian Barthez enjoys a smoke (Rex)

Monaco's Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov puffs cooly on a salmon (Rex)

Gianluca Vialli is no stranger to the snout (Rex)

 

[Dzeko]

Lazar Markovic confirms he is to join Liverpool

Serbia winger posts photo of an interview with Liverpool's website as he closes in on transfer from Benfica

On the move: Lazar Markovic is one of the highest rated young players in Europe Photo: AFP

By Telegraph Sport
8:57AM BST 15 Jul 2014

Lazar Markovic has confirmed he is to join Liverpool after posting photos of him preparing for a club interview.

The Benfica striker said farewell to supporters of the Portuguese club yesterday when he posted a message on his Facebook page saying: "Thank you for everything and goodbye!"

He then travelled to England for a medical and followed up with two photos of him holding a Liverpool shirt and being interviewed by LiverpoolFC.com alongside the caption: "Preparing for first Liverpool FC shooting."

The 20-year-old Serbian winger will cost around £20million and will take Liverpool's spending towards £60million as they look to rebuild following the departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

Brendan Rodgers's side have already brought in Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana from Southampton, as well as Germany Under-21 midfielder Emre Can.

 

[Groove Armada]

Kroos available for a certain price, says Rummenigge

By Myfanwy Garman
Jul 15, 2014 18:22:00

Bayern Munich have confirmed that the Germany international will leave the club this summer if they are offered the right fee for the midfielder

Toni Kroos could part ways with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich this summer, according to CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

A host of top European clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, have been reported to have shown interest in signing the player, however Real Madrid are currently leading the chase for the Germany international.

Rummenigge has confirmed that talks with Real are "ongoing", however the midfielder will only be sold if Bayern are "offered a certain fee".

Confirming that Kroos is the subject of a possible deal between Real and Bayern, Rummenigge told reporters: "Nothing is official yet, however he [Kroos] could be sold for a certain fee."

"I can confirm that Toni and us are in talks with Real Madrid," he added.

The former forward also talked about the reasons behind his club's decision to potentially sell Kroos.

"It is clear we do not want to lose the player for free next year. We have a financial responsibility towards our club.

"Let me put it this way... We were not able to achieve [a contract renewal]. And then you can't exclude [the possibility of] a transfer after the World Cup. It is possible this will happen.“

The 24-year-old has already won three Bundesligas, a Champions League, three DFB-Pokal titles and a Uefa Super Cup, however he has been open about his desire to move elsewhere in recent times and has previously referred to a move to Madrid as a “dream”.

Kroos, who represented Bayern on 51 occasions and scored four goals last season, was an ever-present in Germany’s World Cup winning squad, starting all seven of his side’s games and scoring two goals in the 7-1 demolition of Brazil.

 

[Groove Armada]

Liverpool's £20m signing Lazar Markovic always seemed destined for Stamford Bridge, not Anfield

All the signs over the years have been pointing to Stamford Bridge and a move to Chelsea for Benfica's 20-year-old Serbian winger Lazar Markovic. But he has chosen Liverpool...

Surprise move: Benfica star Lazar Markovic, courted for so long by Chelsea, is now signing for Liverpool Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Chris Bascombe
4:56PM BST 15 Jul 2014

Lazar Markovic has seemed destined for the Premier League since he was a teenager, but it is somewhat of a surprise he finds himself holding aloft a scarf at Anfield rather than Stamford Bridge today.

All roads appeared to lead to Chelsea for the 20-year-old, so much so it was twice erroneously announced he’d joined the London club in the past three years only for hastily prepared denials to follow.

Markovic has even been quoted saying he is a Chelsea fan and revealed how he spent time in London in 2013 to meet club officials and tour the stadium ahead of a proposed move.

“It is true that I was on a tour of the city and the stadium ... and met people from Chelsea, but I have not signed any contract or pre-contract,” said Markovic at the time.

“I had a great few days, however, it is far from being all done.”

Even this summer, while Liverpool concluded negotiations for the right winger, suggestions Chelsea could pounce and take advantage of a significantly reduced fee of 15 million euros had cynics wondering if a Willian-style hijack was being prepared.

Instead, Liverpool have completed a £20 million deal following complex discussions with Benfica during which the thorny issue of third party ownership needed to be negotiated and overcome.

Benfica only partly owned Markovic when they signed him from Partizan Belgrade last summer. He was half-owned by a players’ investment fund connected to the superagent Pini Zahavi.

Such third party ownership is banned in the Premier League but having flourished in South America it has become increasingly common and is perfectly legal across most of Europe, particularly in Spain and Portugal where investment funds have prospered. Clubs such as Atlético Madrid, Porto and Benfica have found it especially beneficial – anyone who thinks Atlético Madrid’s success last year was a tale of the plucky outsider overcoming the superpower of Real Madrid and Barcelona should pay more attention to how they signed so many top class players.

As the Premier League rules dictate, Liverpool have taken full ownership rights of Markovic on completing the £20 million transfer, but the traditional notion of a ‘club to club’ transaction is rapidly becoming infrequent when signing the most coveted overseas stars.

In this country, the shadow of the Carlos Tévez affair looms large and the Premier League’s focus is on ensuring the clubs solely own players’ contracts. However, there are signs they are not being attentive enough to what is happening abroad and how it can impact on the competitiveness in England.

What if clubs are investing in overseas players, part owning them and benefiting from their increased value at a later date? Is it conceivable for English clubs to take shares in the most highly rated overseas players in the knowledge they can buy them at a cheaper rate later, or influence to whom they are bought and sold?

Is it perfectly reasonable for clubs to yield significant profits from transactions which, on the surface at least, they have no obvious connection?

Markovic is one of several Premier League bound players this summer whose ownership situation has only become clear now he is joining an English club.

There was some confusion surrounding his economic rights prior to his arrival on Merseyside, an assortment of investment groups linked to him incorrectly.

When Markovic signed for Benfica last summer, Partizan Belgrade’s club president Dragan Duric suggested it was a temporary arrangement.

“Chelsea wants to loan Lazar to Benfica for two years,” he said.

Eight hours later it was stated these comments had been ‘lost in translation’ with Markovic penning a five year deal in Lisbon.

The London club were again linked with a move for youngster during the course of last season but, instead, it is destination Anfield.

The Liverpool perspective on this is they have shown their intent in the transfer market and moved swiftly to beat several competitors to his signature.

The club was prepared to pay a sizeable fee for one of Europe’s most highly rated players. They know third party investors have profited with Benfica but this is necessary to recruit such a promising and exciting youngster. No rules have been broken. This is the modern transfer system in operation, especially at the top end of the market.

For the curious, the feeling lingers that Liverpool have benefited because Chelsea have opted out of a deal that seemed to be going their way for three years.

Maybe the abundance of wide players already at Stamford Bridge, not least Willian and Mohamed Salah (both former Liverpool targets) is a logical explanation. Jose Mourinho may have his eyes elsewhere or simply not recognise the talent the Liverpool scouts have identified.

Markovic himself will know he is more likely feature regularly under Brendan Rodgers than Mourinho, who has so many more alternatives.

Maybe this deal demonstrates the lure of Liverpool is so much greater now they are back in the Champions League.

Having missed out on so many targets that were diverted to Stamford Bridge, Liverpool fans will no doubt welcome a situation where – in stark contrast to those transfer disappointments during their Champions League exile – they have signed a player that was pursued for so long by their top four rivals.

 

[Groove Armada]

Bruce "blew the budget" on British players

Hull manager Steve Bruce has conceded he has been forced to overpay to secure his first-choice British targets.

Wednesday 16th July 2014

Bruce enjoyed great success in the domestic market last summer with Curtis Davies (£2.25million) and Tom Huddlestone (£5.25million) proving particularly good value.

But having established themselves for a second year in the Barclays Premier League, as well earning a Europa League qualifying spot courtesy of their run to the FA Cup final, Hull are finding it harder to strike a deal this time round.

Instead, they have been forced to shell out top dollar for the likes of Jake Livermore and Robert Snodgrass, who cost a combined £15million, with more to come when the Tom Ince tribunal makes its verdict.

Bruce is aware their continental counterparts would be priced more competitively but does not yet have the scouting network to gamble.

"There's the problem in our game. You identify a young English lad but you can get a player from overseas for half the price," Bruce told the Hull Daily Mail during the Tigers' warm-weather training camp in Portugal.

"If I can buy in our market I always will. You pay a premium for a young British player and that's what we've done.

"We've got a 22-year-old, a 24-year-old and a 26-year-old. It's cost us more money but I would expect that.

"You know what you're going to get. There'll come a time when I know what I'm going to get from the foreign market and hopefully we can get that set-up in the next 12 months."

Bruce is looking to add another British signing before the season gets under way, but admits his long-term pursuit of Tottenham captain Michael Dawson is foundering.

Bruce is reported as saying talks with Spurs have hit a "stalemate".

 

[Dzeko]

Official: Rio Ferdinand joins QPR on one-year deal

By Alex Young
Jul 17, 2014 20:31:00

The centre-back left Manchester United at the end of last season, ending a 12-year association with the club, and has now been reunited with his former West Ham boss Harry Redknapp

Former Manchester United and England captain Rio Ferdinand has penned a one-year deal with QPR, the newly-promoted club have confirmed.

Goal reported in June that the Premier League side were closing in on the free transfer of Ferdinand following the end of his contract at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand confirmed he was to leave United in May after 12 years at the club where he made 454 appearances and won, among other honours, six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.

"QPR was the first professional club to ever sign me. There are great memories for me here – for my family," he told the club's official website.

"I spoke to Harry and [chairman] Mr [Tony] Fernandes at length. I think they both looked me in the eye and knew that I still have something to offer – that I had a genuine desire to come here and play football.

"I had a lot of offers from all over the world – some in places with a better climate than here. But the draw for me was to play in the Premier League and back here where it all started.

"It’s not about money – I had loads of more lucrative offers available to me. I still feel I’ve got something to offer and I’m excited about helping this club cement its place in the Premier League."

Harry Redknapp worked with Ferdinand when the defender was just a youngster at West Ham, and the QPR manager is delighted to be reunited with the player.

"I really couldn't be more pleased," he added. "Rio's a fantastic player and a great professional – I'm delighted we've been able to bring him here.

"I signed Rio as a 14-year-old. He was class on the field and off the field then, and he's continued in that manner throughout his career.

"During his time at Manchester United, he was the best defender in Europe, if not the world.

"To bring him to QPR - when he's still got so much to offer in terms of his quality, class, experience and know-how - is a remarkable coup for the club."

 

[Dzeko]

Official: Newcastle sign Janmaat

By Tom Maston
Jul 17, 2014 18:45:00

The Dutch defender will replace Arsenal-bound Mathieu Debuchy and has put pen to paper on a six-year deal at St James' Park to become the club's sixth summer signing

Newcastle United have announced the signing of Netherlands full-back Daryl Janmaat for an undisclosed fee from Feyenoord.

The 24-year-old has signed a six-year deal at St James' Park in a deal that is reported to be worth €7.5 million.

The right-back will act as a replacement to Mathieu Debuchy, who has left the Magpies for Arsenal, and becomes Alan Pardew's sixth signing of the summer.

Janmaat was influential in Louis van Gaal's side's run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Brazil as he took his tally of international caps to 21 with five appearances in South America.

His call-up followed an impressive campaign in Eredivisie for the Rotterdam-based club, for whom he made 74 appearances across two seasons, scoring five goals.

Speaking on his arrival in the North East, he admitted he was looking forward to sampling the famous atmosphere inside the Magpies' home ground.

"Newcastle is a fantastic club, with a big history and a great stadium. I have also been told all about how great the fans are," he told the club's website.

"This is the perfect move for me, and I am really looking forward to being with the team and getting started here at Newcastle.

"I think we are going to have a great season."

Pardew, meanwhile, revealed that Janmaat will offer plenty at both ends of the pitch as his side look to improve on a 10th place finish in the 2013-14 Premier League table.

"We are delighted to bring Daryl to the club," he said. "He is the perfect example of a modern full-back; someone who is good defensively but offers a real threat going forward as well.

"Daryl had an excellent World Cup and we are looking forward to him continuing that form for Newcastle."

Janmaat follows Ayoze Perez, Jack Colback, Siem de Jong, Remy Cabella and Emmanuel Riviere into the club in what is proving to be a busy summer for the Tyneside outfit.

 

[Dzeko]

Official: Arsenal sign Debuchy

Jul 17, 2014 18:00:00

The full-back has completed his move to the Emirates Stadium as Newcastle confirm the arrival of his replacement, Daryl Janmaat, to become the club's second summer signing

Arsenal have completed the signing of Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle United, the north London side have confirmed.

The French full-back agreed a €10 million move to the Emirates Stadium earlier this month and underwent a medical, but completion of the deal was held up while Newcastle sought a replacement.

However, United have now finalised formalities following the signing of Netherlands international Daryl Janmaat on a six-year deal, allowing Debuchy to sign on the dotted line with the Gunners.

"We are delighted to welcome Mathieu Debuchy to Arsenal," Arsene Wenger told the club's official website.

"He has shown he can perform at the highest level with his club sides and also for France. He is a quality defender who has good Premier League experience and I'm confident he will fit in very well with us."

Debuchy added: "I'm very proud to be joining a great club like Arsenal and to wear its colours, it's one of the biggest clubs in the whole world.

"I'm looking forward to working with Arsene Wenger and to helping the team build on last season's FA Cup success.

"Playing again in the Champions League is a big excitement for me and I will do my best to help Arsenal compete for trophies."

Wenger was searching for a replacement for right-back Bacary Sagna, who joined Manchester City on a free transfer earlier in July after telling the Gunners who would not extend his contract.

The France international becomes Arsenal second major signing of the summer following the €40 million arrival of forward Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona.

 

[Dzeko]

Louis van Gaal unveiling: Press conference in full

Jul 17, 2014 17:32:00

The new Red Devils coach spoke to the English media for the first time since arriving at Old Trafford and outlined his plans for 'the biggest club in the world'

After guiding the Netherlands to third-place at the World Cup, Louis van Gaal had no time to rest as he began work as manager of Manchester United on Wednesday before being unveiled to the press just 24 hours later.

The former Barcelona boss outlined his belief that the 20-time English champions as the biggest club in the world as well as explaining how he will go about naming a new captain and implementing his philosophy on the team.

He began, though, by thanking club director Sir Bobby Charlton for welcoming him to the club...

"I would like to thank Sir Bobby Charlton because it is a great honour to come in this stadium and to be guided by Sir Bobby Charlton in my first steps as a coach of Manchester United. I was very proud to have met with Sir Bobby Charlton. I have the age to see him play so I know what he means to Manchester United and also to English football. It was a great honour to do that with him."

How big an impact do you hope to make in your first season with Manchester United?

"I will do my utmost and that’s what I can give. I cannot give predictions because you never know. It’s the biggest club in the world. Within two days I know already how important Manchester United is and how important the sponsors are. I have to work, I have to prepare a team and I have to adapt to this big club. It will not be easy but I will do my best. When you see my career you can see what I have won. The future will show if I can do that again."

You say this is the biggest club in the world, and if so what do you expect to achieve in your time here?

"It is the biggest club because of how much it is known worldwide but in sport you are never the biggest club. In every season you have to prove and last season you were seventh so were not the biggest club. When I was win China and then in Brazil, people are talking about Manchester United, even when I was the coach of the Dutch team. That’s the difference. There’s a lot of expectation but it’s also a great challenge because of that. Therefore I have chosen to come to this club. I have worked for Barcelona who are, in my opinion, number one in Spain. I have coach Ajax, who are number one in Netherlands and I have coached Bayern Munich who are number one in Germany. Now I am at Manchester United – the number one in England. I hope I shall fulfil the expectation but it will be difficult."

How many more signings do you think you need to improve this squad?

"My method is always the same. I want to look at the players now. Of course I know how the players play, but I don’t know the players who I haven’t trained and coached. I want to see in the first four weeks what they can do, then maybe I shall buy other players. The players we have bought now –[Luke] Shaw and [Ander] Herrera - were already on the list and I gave my approval because I like them. First I want the players performing my philosophy."

How realistic is it for United fans to feel they can be challenging for the title under you this season, or do they have to be more realistic?

"That is always the question and that is what I have explained already."

Do you need any assurances as to how long you need to get back to winning ways?

"No, because the owners and the CEO have a lot of confidence in me and because of that they have come to me. I explained my philosophy and they were excited. We will have to wait and see if I can fulfil their expectation of these people and also the supporters. You cannot predict in the world of football. Nobody predicted the Dutch team would come so far. No one would predict Germany would beat Brazil in their home country 7-1 or the Dutch would beat them 3-0."

When will you make a decision on the captaincy?

"All the players are possible candidates. I have to get to know them and I will use four to six weeks to see. The captain’s role is very important and therefore I need time. Sometimes I didn’t have the time and then I had to make quick decisions. But quick decisions are not always good so I will use my time for it. I think the captain of a team is very important."

At former clubs you’ve had the same brand of football throughout the club at all ages. Is that something you want to introduce to Manchester United?

The owners and the CEO, Ed Woodward, have asked for me to give advice but the main project is the first team, and that is more short term than the youth education. More or less the first two years I need to separate them. I need all my knowledge to transfer my philosophy in this selection and you have to give me time to do that.

Have you decided the futures of Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes?

"Nicky Butt is already assisting us. For Scholes we will find a role for him and also Phil Neville. That’s what we want but it must be possible. We will have to adapt to the qualities of these people. It’s not an easy job and we will need to speak to them personally."

Did you consider taking a holiday between the World Cup and coming here?

"It’s not allowed. Of course it was better that I did a half year sabbatical and come in January but I could not let them go when you have been asked by the biggest club in the world. That is a big challenge and a big ambition for me. I have already coached the biggest in Spain, Netherlands and Germany. Now that’s four competitions that are the strongest in the world. The Dutch journalist is laughing now because he writes the Dutch competition is nothing, but we have proved him wrong tactically in Brazil. When there is a chance like this I will never let it go. This is a holiday for me."

Can you describe your style of management?

"I’m democratic and I am an empathetic human being. I have a strong personality but the other characteristics are more important. That’s the key of my personality."

What would be success for you in your first season?

"I don’t know. I have to see how the players perform my philosophy and how quick they can pick it up. Then I can answer but I haven’t worked with most of them. It is very important there is a click between the players."

How would you compare the Premier League with La Liga and Bundesliga?

"I have never worked in the Premier League so it is a big challenge. I have worked in the Spanish league and German league and when I was at Barcelona I think the Spanish league was the best. In my time in Germany it was the best league and maybe now I work here the Premier League will be the best league."

You have a reputation for being autocratic. Is that unfair?

"It’s unfair because the media want to show that part of the personality, but that part is small. When you repeat it everybody thinks it. I’m always the same person. From 39 I was head coach of Ajax. Since then the personality has not changed. Autocratic or strong personality is not the same. Lots of people think it is the same. I have a strong personality and every year I have managed that has confirmed that philosophy. Sir Alex [Ferguson] has a strong philosophy and he was confirming that because he won a lot of titles. I hope I can do that."

Have you had a chance to speak to Sir Alex and are you daunted about following a man who had such success here?

"Of course. He called me to congratulate me and we have spoken over a cup of coffee and something to eat. We were always invited to the elite panel with Uefa and we always had a glass of wine together. We know each other very well and I will drink coffee and wine with him."

What’s excited you most about this job?

"It’s difficult to describe because I have been here for two days and I have met a lot of people. It’s a big family and they expect a lot of me and are excited to meet me. Can I fulfil that expectation? I think I can, but because of the greatness of this club it’s much more difficult. This club is guided in the commercial way and we have to fulfil that. That is not always possible. That is my big challenge after two days but maybe that will change after the United States tour."

How big a role do the experienced players such as Wayne Rooney have to play in the team going forward?

"You have to know that I’m not always convinced of the experience of players. I have said a lot in the media that a boy like Clarence Seedorf at 16 years old made his debut at Ajax under me. At 16 he was sometimes more experienced than someone at 30. It is about the personality. Michael Carrick was injured in the last two days and that is a big blow because he is an experienced player. It is important we have experience, but not only in age and football, but also as a human being. My philosophy is total, and in that there are not many experienced players."

 

[Dzeko]

No Walcott until Autumn - Wenger

By George Ankers
Jul 18, 2014 17:44:00

The England international has been out of action since a cruciate ligament injury at the turn of the year but the Gunners boss is pleased with his rate of recovery

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that Theo Walcott is "progressing very well" in his recovery from injury but does not expect him back in action until after summer has ended.

The England international forward ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during an FA Cup game against Tottenham early in 2014 and missed out on the Three Lions' World Cup campaign.

While the former Southampton man continues to recover, Wenger has suggested that new signing Alexis Sanchez will be deployed on the right, but he is happy with Walcott's efforts to regain fitness.

"He's progressing very well," the Gunners boss told the club's official website. "He's worked very hard during the summer and we expect him to be back in full training at the end of August.

"[When he'll be back on the pitch is] difficult to predict. Once he's back in full training it can be very quick. He has a good basis, which is what he's working on now."

Since joining the north Londoners from Southampton in January 2006, Walcott has made nearly 200 Premier League appearances for the club, with an overall goal record of 69 from 281 matches in all competitions.

 

[Dzeko]

Tottenham Hotspur release new kits for 2014-15 season

Paulinho and Emmanuel Adebayor model new shirts in memory of Spurs legend Bill Nicholson

Roar: Emmanuel Adebayor will lead the line for Spurs next season

By Telegraph Sport, and agencies
10:18AM BST 18 Jul 2014

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho, who has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane, has modelled the club's new kit for the 2014-15 season.

Juventus and Chelsea are both interested in signing the Brazil midfielder, who would cost around £25 million.

Paulinho only arrived at White Hart Lane last summer and has previously insisted he is happy at Spurs, despite losing his place under former head coach Tim Sherwood.

Spurs are hoping to channel the spirit of Bill Nicholson on the 10th anniversary of his death by using the club legend as inspiration for their new 2014-15 home and away kits.

Nicholson made more than 300 appearances for Spurs before an 18-year spell as manager from 1958 to 1974.

The new Under Armour home strip features a yellow trim in honour of Nicholson, who first introduced yellow as a Spurs kit colour during his reign as manager.

It also has the words "Echo of Glory" woven into it, taken from Nicholson's famous quote: "It is better to fail aiming high than to succeed aiming low. And we of Spurs have set our sights very high, so high in fact that even failure will have in it an echo of glory."

The blue away strip also sees yellow feature prominently, with 11 stripes representing the 11 trophies won during Nicholson's reign.

 

[Dzeko]

Wenger promises new Arsenal goalkeeper

By Harry Sherlock
Jul 19, 2014 20:19:00

The Gunners are interested in Colombia and Nice goalkeeper David Ospina and the Frenchman says the club will sign a stopper "for sure" during the summer transfer window

Arsene Wenger says he will definitely sign a goalkeeper this summer as the Arsenal manager continues to bolster his squad.

Wojciech Szczesny is the only senior goalkeeper at the club, with Lukasz Fabianski having joined Swansea City, and the Frenchman admits that the position is in need of strengthening ahead of the new season.

Alexis Sanchez and Mathieu Debuchy have already arrived at the Emirates Stadium and the Gunners are closing in on a move for Nice keeper David Ospina, along with a loan move for Atletico Madrid right-back Javi Manquillo.

And Wenger has confirmed that he is not finished in the transfer market, having seen his side defeat Boreham Wood 2-0 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

"I'm very happy with what I could do until now, it's not over, there's still a long way to go," he told reporters after the victory.

"I can't give you any names because you're never sure you can do what you want but we are still out there to strengthen our squad. I will bring in a goalkeeper for sure."

Wenger would not elaborate further on his plans but says Arsenal will continue to be active in the market, with the club also retaining an interest in Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira.

"Sometimes the players you want are available very late," he added.

"You maybe refer to the Mesut Ozil case but at the same period last year, Ozil was not available. He became available very late. You do the deals that are possible when it's possible.

"This time we could do it early."

 

[Dzeko]

Mourinho does not fear Van Gaal at Man Utd

By Gill Clark
Jul 20, 2014 13:31:00

The Blues boss says he is looking forward to going head-to-head with the Dutchman in the Premier League and is backing him to do a good job at Old Trafford

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says he is not worried by Louis van Gaal after the Dutchman was officially unveiled at Manchester United on Thursday.

The duo know each other well having worked together for three years during their time at Barcelona and Mourinho says he is looking forward to facing the Red Devils in the Premier League this season.

"I'm not worried about him being here," he told the Mail on Sunday.

"I look forward to playing against United. Nothing worries me. I watched him at his press conference and he was pure Van Gaal - honest and open, the way he always is."

Van Gaal has won titles with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax during his career and Mourinho is backing the Dutchman to do a good job during his tenure at Old Trafford.

"He is a very, very good coach, he'll be great for Manchester United. We are both great coaches.

"It's what we were born to do. Louis was the best coach in the World Cup and he is a good friend - really, a friend for life.

"I have deep respect for this man. He is in the best period of his career. With coaching, if you deal with winning and losing in the right way, you improve.

"He analyses every experience. He has got better and better."

Mourinho will likely get his first chance to test himself against Van Gaal when Man Utd host the Portuguese's Blues on October 26.

 

[Dzeko]

EPL Insider: Van Gaal sets up Manchester United spy network

Next Previous
Jul 20, 2014 08:45:00

The Dutchman has already stamped his mark in Manchester with new pitches and floodlights set to be installed but has gone one further by setting up a system of cameras

VAN GAAL SETS UP MANCHESTER UNITED SPY NETWORK

Louis van Gaal will be keeping a close eye on his Manchester United players this summer - a very close eye.

The Dutchman had a team of technicians from his homeland dispatched to the club's Carrington training centre last week to install surveillance cameras around the training pitches.

There will be nowhere to hide for the likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, with the cameras powerful enough to zoom right into the players' faces, making it possible to check for signs of fatigue.

Each camera is linked up to a nerve centre portakabin complete with several screens and the footage will be pored over by Van Gaal and his team of coaches.

The new Red Devils boss has already looked to stamp his authority on Carrington, having publicly complained about its vulnerability to the Manchester winds.

He was also dismayed to learn that the playing surfaces do not match the one used at Old Trafford and asked for changes to be made, at a cost of £3 million.

Beds are to be installed so that the club's stars will be able to sleep off their gruelling morning training sessions before going again in the afternoon - under floodlights, which are also to be erected as part of Van Gaal's overhaul.

 

[Dzeko]

Harry Redknapp would have retired if Queens Park Rangers had not been promoted to Premier League

Veteran manager says he started to face the prospect of walking away - only for Bobby Zamora to score a last-gasp winner in the Championship play-off final

Excited: Harry Redknapp says he is lucky to be able to visit grounds like Old Trafford and Anfield next season Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Telegraph Sport, and agencies
11:26PM BST 19 Jul 2014

Harry Redknapp has revealed how close he came to leaving QPR and retiring from football management last season.

The 67-year-old took over at Loftus Road in 2012 but could not prevent the west London club sliding to Premier League relegation.

Although they were installed as favourites to seal an immediate return, poor form around Christmas saw Redknapp's side having to negotiate the play-offs to gain promotion.

And it was during the play-off final win over Derby when Redknapp started to face the prospect of walking away - only for Bobby Zamora to score a last-gasp winner.

"If we hadn't gone up this year I would have turned it in," he conceded.

"I would have definitely packed up. I wouldn't have gone back and done another year in the Championship, it didn't appeal to me any more.

"If we had got beat I would have turned it in, definitely.

"With 10 minutes to go I was thinking 'what golf club should I join this year - should I play here or there?' and then suddenly Bobby ruined it all."

Zamora's strike secured a top-flight return and Redknapp is glad to still be at the helm as he looks to help the R's flourish in the Premier League this time around - with a troublesome knee also no longer causing him problems.

"Now I am excited again," he said.

"To go to Anfield and Old Trafford is fantastic, I am so lucky to be able to do that.

"I wouldn't have missed the Championship. I didn't fancy it. I would have said 'let somebody else have a go for a year' because I like the people here - I like the chairman, I genuinely look forward to seeing him.

"My leg is a lot better. I was struggling last year. I didn't need an operation in the end, I just got on the bike and strengthened it.

"I thought I would be out for three months with an operation - but the Premier League is exciting and I am looking forward to it."

With former England and Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand the only new recruit so far, Redknapp will be wanting to add more to his squad before the season opener at home to Hull.

"We'll get them in, we know that," he said.

"I'm not making it up. A couple of boys are training with us who are not with us and we have Adel (Taarabt), who looks like he's going to go.

"I've got a couple of kids playing with us to make up the numbers. We've got around 12, with a couple to come back. We'll be a maximum of 13 or 14."

 

[Dzeko]

Tottenham to sign Ben Davies and Michel Vorm with Gylfi Sigurdsson and £5m heading Swansea's way

Complicated arrangement was struck while both clubs were in USA on pre-season tours with Swansea also banking £5m from the deal

Spurs bound: Ben Davies and Michel Vorm will join Tottenham with Gylfi Sigurdsson and £5m heading the other way Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Matt Law
5:05PM BST 20 Jul 2014

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to sign defender Ben Davies and goalkeeper Michel Vorm with Gylfi Sigurdsson returning to Swansea City.

The complicated arrangement was struck while both clubs were in the United States on pre-season tours. Other than getting midfielder Sigurdsson back, Swansea will bank around £5m.

Tottenham had seen a bid to land Davies and Vorm in a straight swap for Sigurdsson rejected by Swansea.

But chairmen Daniel Levy and Huw Jenkins eventually settled on a transfer that is thought to value both Davies and Sigurdsson at £10m, and Vorm at £5m.

Left-back Davies was due to travel with Spurs to Toronto on Sunday and remain on the club’s pre-season tour, as Swansea return from their own American training camp.

Sigurdsson was pulled out of Tottenham’s opening US tour game against Seattle Sounders on Saturday to prevent the risk of injury ahead of his Swansea switch.

The Iceland international spent a successful five-month loan spell at Swansea in 2012, scoring seven goals in 19 games.

Swansea agreed a fee to sign Sigurdsson from Hoffenheim on a permanent deal at the end of that season, but he instead moved to Spurs for £8.8m.

Goalkeeper Vorm is still enjoying a break after being part of Holland’s World Cup squad.

Despite convincing both Hugo Lloris and veteran Brad Friedel to sign new contracts, Tottenham had been keen to strengthen their goalkeeping department.

Davies and Vorm are Tottenham’s first signings since Mauricio Pochettino took over as head coach. Liverpool were interested in both players, but Swansea’s interest in Sigurdsson proved to be crucial.

Pochettino is also keen to take Morgan Schneiderlin from former club Southampton, with Tottenham prepared to sell Sandro to either Napoli or Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Tottenham are also hoping to land a new forward, with Roma’s Mattia Destro one option that has been explored.

 

[Dzeko]

Barcelona sell Bojan to Stoke City

By Gill Clark
Jul 22, 2014 18:16:00

The 23-year-old has signed a four-year deal at the Britannia Stadium, with the Premier League club paying an undisclosed fee to sign the attacker from the Catalan giants

Stoke City have confirmed they have signed Bojan Krkic from Barcelona on a four-year deal.

The Potters have paid an undisclosed fee to acquire the 23-year-old, who becomes the club's fifth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Mame Biram Diouf, Steve Sidwell, Phil Bardsley and Dionatan Teixeira.

And Mark Hughes has hailed the signing of the Spaniard, telling the club's official website: "Anyone who knows European football will be aware of him as a player and the fact that he sees his future at Stoke City is really exciting and an endorsement of the club itself.

"He's desperate to prove himself in the Premier League and we're pleased to be able to offer him that platform."

Bojan scored 26 goals in over 120 appearances for Barcelona but spent last season on loan at Ajax, having fallen down the pecking order at Camp Nou.