Barclays Premier League Season 2011/2012

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Monday 21st November 2011

Ferdinand: Kop faithful are just bitter

Manchester United central defender Rio Ferdinand has taunted the Liverpool faithful by calling them “bitter”.

According to an article in the Daily Mail, England international Ferdinand took to social media site Twitter to reinforce the notion that United have usurped the Kop giants, having amassed a record 19 league championships.

Ferdinand wrote on his Twitter page: 'Most bitter fans on twitter are liverpool fans #fact what's the problem guys, enjoy your team + don't worry about Man Utd!! 19'.

He later commented: 'Got to say I love the banter on here! I view Hate as a form of Envy with some of you guys so keep it tidy!'.

While Liverpool dominated both domestic and European frontiers in the 1970s and 1980s, the arrival of a certain Sir Alex Ferguson heralded a shift in power, with United now firmly recognized as the top dogs of English football for the best part of two decades.

Having engineered an astonishing 12 league crowns in 20 years, United finally knocked Liverpool off their perch when they claimed their 19th league title.

Ferdinand, who joined United in 2001, has been part of five title winning teams at the club.
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Moyes promised funds in January

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has promised manager David Moyes he will have money to spend in the January transfer window.

The Toffees' board have come in for criticism over recent months for their inability to provide the necessary investment in the squad.

This summer they sold Mikel Arteta, Jermaine Beckford and Ayegbeni Yakubu for a combined sum of about £15million but were only able to bring in loan signings Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi and back-up goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann on loan.

Making a net profit on transfers has been a regular occurrence at Goodison Park but much of the money has been used in areas other than the squad, including paying down the club's overdraft.

But Kenwright insists there will be cash to spend when the window reopens in just over a month's time. "We are talking (with Moyes)," he said.

"There will be not a lot of money in terms of what other clubs are spending on centre-forwards but there will be money. "There will be investment in January."

Prior to Saturday's 2-1 victory at home to Wolves there was another march by supporters' group Blue Union to protest about stagnation at the club in relation to finding a new buyer and outside investment which, according to Merseyside Police, numbered between 250 and 350 people.

While Kenwright empathised with those taking a stand in the best interests of the club he re-iterated his rejection of claims by the Blue Union that he did not want to let go his control of the club.

"The day I got the news from the bank in 1999 at 9.27am that my bid had been successful to take over the club I was on the fourth floor of my office and I ran banging on doors saying 'We've got it'," he added.

"Everton were in a very difficult time and it was a moment I'll never forget. "But the day I finally get the billionaire or whoever, the right buyer, if I am at the top floor of my office I will run down those four floors again and say I've found the right man for at least the next 10 years.

"It will be an amazingly happy fulfilling moment for me because it has been tough, it is tough and it will remain tough but this football club is far more important than me. "My going-away present from the directors' box will be that I have found the investor that this club needs."

In a week of positives on and off the field for the club Kenwright admitted he was disappointed by the actions of protestors. The Toffees won Community Scheme of the Year at the north-west football awards, became the first Premier League club to be given permission to open a Free School, saw Jack Rodwell make his senior international debut and fellow midfielder Marouane Fellaini sign a new five-year contract.

"The disappointment about the events outside Goodison was heightened because it has been an extraordinary week for Everton," said Kenwright. "Everton is much more than a football club it is a huge family - people will laugh and mock me for that.

"For those things to happen, for a chairman that has to be important and fulfilling."
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Mancini: No bargain price sale for Tevez

22 November 2011

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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has once again warned that striker Carlos Tevez will not be sold cheaply.

Tevez returned to Argentina earlier this month without City's permission and has yet to return to England, just days after he was punished by the club for refusing to warm up at Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Widespread reports in Italy have linked Tevez with a move to Serie A, with both Milan clubs and Juventus looking into the possibility of signing the 27-year-old, but Mancini said they would have to pay a realistic transfer fee.

"Tevez is strong regardless of what has happened," Mancini told Rai Due, an Italian television station."And great players have a price that is rather high."Mancini also denied speculation that City want to sign Edinson Cavani, the attacker from their Champions League rivals Napoli.

City are reportedly interested in the Uruguayan, who they will face on Tuesday, but Mancini said talks were not ongoing."The good players are all interesting but there's nothing. We can't buy every player," he said.

Mancini has previous history with Napoli having won there 21 years ago on the way to a Serie A title with Sampdoria."It is one of my favourite cities and one of my favourite Italian grounds," he said."It was in Naples, as a player for Sampdoria in the year we won Serie A, that we started our run to the title."

"It was 4-1 against a team that included Diego Maradona. I scored two and Gianluca Vialli scored the other two.""I always found it fantastic to play there because the stadium is big, the pitch is good and atmosphere good."

Mancini is wary of the attacking prowess that Napoli possess, but he believes his side have improved since their 1-1 draw with the Italians in September."In the home game with Napoli we left a lot of space for them to counter attack us and they are fantastic at that," he said.

"So we know they are dangerous. But we learned a lot from that game. It was our first in the Champions League and we were nervous. I think we have improved since then."

 

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Wright: AVB must copy Fergie
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has some words of advice for under-pressure Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas - be more like Sir Alex Ferguson.

Report: £30 million for Gotze
Arsenal will have to splash out a whopping £30million in order to prise German wonderkid Mario Gotze away from Borussia Dortmund.

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Vaughan abuse reported to police
Norwich have passed details of alleged racist abuse of striker James Vaughan to the police.

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Redknapp: We can win title at this rate
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes that they should be considered genuine title contenders after going third in the table with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

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Ferguson hails Nani progress
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his delight at the way winger Luis Nani has settled into the club after a tough beginning.

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Jones: AVB should sell Terry to move on
Vinnie Jones says Chelsea may need to sell John Terry if Andre Villas-Boas is to stamp his authority on the club.

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Moyes admits to lack of flair
Everton manager David Moyes admits he has had to find another way to play to compensate for the reduced creativity affecting his team.

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Warnock: Beckham deal still possible
Neil Warnock says David Beckham could join QPR - but might not get in the side.

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Redknapp happy with winning return
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp enjoyed his winning return to the dugout as Aston Villa were comfortably dispatched at White Hart Lane.

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Walcott: RVP is one of the best
Theo Walcott thinks Robin van Persie should be regarded as one of the best strikers in the world after his recent goalscoring exploits.

"Liverpool must improve home form"
Glen Johnson has admitted Liverpool must replicate their superb away form at Anfield.

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AVB struggles under Hiddink shadow
Andre Villas-Boas was trying to pick up the pieces of Chelsea's worst start to a season as it emerged the shadow of Guus Hiddink would continue to hang over him.

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Pulis considers appeal over fine
Stoke manager Tony Pulis is considering an appeal against his £10,000 fine imposed for comments made about referee Lee Probert last month.

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Moyes pleased with Baines quality

Everton manager David Moyes has hailed defender Leighton Baines and believes he is good enough to be an England regular.

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Jones pleased, wants a run of games
Kenwyne Jones has urged Tony Pulis to give him an opportunity to help Stoke break out of their Premier League slump.

"Blackburn have right team spirit"
Paul Robinson says Blackburn have the right spirit to beat relegation and stay in the Premier League this season.

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Coyle frustrated at Bolton malaise
Bolton manager Owen Coyle is becoming increasingly angry at the performances of his side, who are now stuck in the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League.

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Wolves confirm Stearman surgery
Wolves have confirmed Richard Stearman is to undergo surgery on the wrist he broke during Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Everton.

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Pulis hit with fine for comments
Stoke manager Tony Pulis has been fined £10,000 and warned as to his future conduct after comments he made in the wake of his side's Carling Cup defeat to Liverpool a month ago.

 

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Wilshere makes bet with Spurs fans
Jack Wilshere has taunted Tottenham fans by betting £3000 that Arsenal will finish above their club in the Barclays Premier League this season.

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Lampard hoping for Chelsea extension
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard would be happy to extend his contract after manager Andre Villas-Boas announced he is planning to make changes to his squad.

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Adebayor hints at Tottenham stay
Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed he could make his loan move from Manchester City to Tottenham permanent.

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Rodgers complimented by United lineup
Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers has told his players that the strength of the Manchester United side they faced on Saturday is a compliment.

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Pedersen: I'm not a cheat
Morten Gamst Pedersen has defended his role in Blackburn's controversial goal at Wigan at the weekend.

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"Stoke must get back to basics"
Thomas Sorensen has urged Stoke to get back to "basic defending" in a bid to end the club's four-match losing run in the Premier League.

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Diaby all set for Arsenal comeback
Arsenal will have midfielder Abou Diaby available again for the Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Stadium.

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Yennaris signs new Arsenal deal
Teenage defender Nico Yennaris has signed a contract extension with Arsenal.

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Lucas: Liverpool must raise their game
Liverpool midfielder Lucas admits they need to raise their game against the Premier League's lesser lights if they are to challenge for a top-four finish.

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Ayew denies desire for Arsenal move
Marseille starlet Andre Ayew has denied he wants to join Arsenal, revealing he would like to sign a new contract at Stade Velodrome instead.

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Beckham denies PSG talks
David Beckham says he has not held talks with Paris Saint Germain.

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Anelka could join Shanghai Shenhua
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka could be poised to join Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in January, Press Association Sport understands.

Spurs revise Redknapp title talk
Tottenham coach Joe Jordan believes a top four finish in the Barclays Premier League is a more realistic target for the club to achieve this season.

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Ba: Tough to finish in top-four
Demba Ba admits it will be difficult for Newcastle to qualify for the Champions League and insists finishing in the top half of the table would represent a good season for the club.

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Djourou: RVP best striker in Europe

Arsenal defender Johan Djourou believes team-mate Robin Van Persie has reached the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo this season.​

 

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Tuesday 22nd November 2011

Wright: AVB must copy Fergie

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has some words of advice for under-pressure Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas - be more like Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Blues appointed AVB as the successor to sacked coach Carlo Ancelotti in the summer but the Portuguese has already found his position at the club under scrutiny following successive home defeats to Arsenal and then Liverpool on Sunday.

In his column for the Sun, Wright outlined his opinion that AVB cannot be afraid to oversee big changes at the club.

He wrote: "When Andre Villas-Boas arrived at Stamford Bridge, I'm sure he knew there would come a time when he had to make some tough decisions." "I'm equally certain he didn't think that day would come quite so quickly.

"But if Sunday's defeat to Liverpool - the first time in nearly a decade Chelsea have lost two home league games on the run - showed anything, it's that he has to display his ruthless streak now. "By that I mean making decisions which, while they won't please everyone, are absolutely vital to change things around.

"And if he wants living proof of what I mean, he just needs to cast a glance at Alex Ferguson, the master of them all, and how he has shown his teeth over the years. "For when it comes to big decisions, the words 'emotion' and 'sentiment' simply aren't in Fergie's vocabulary. As many have found out over the years.

"I remember one summer when he let Mark Hughes, Paul Ince and Andrei Kanchelskis all leave. "At the time it seemed a heck of a step to take. It wasn't as if everyone was thinking his United team needed dismantling. But I also recall how, come the end of the following season, a new-look United packed full of kids ended up winning the Double.

"Well, that's the sort of decision Villas-Boas faces. And one he has to do so with the strength and belief in his own methods, regardless of what others suggest." However, Wright still believes veteran Blues midfielder Frank Lampard still has a lot to offer the club.

He wrote: "There are a few of the old guard who should be under a lot more pressure for places than they find themselves." "Before anyone starts naming names, I'd like to make it clear one of them, Frank Lampard, is still good for another three or four years at the Bridge.

"For what Frank also offers is a wealth of experience and know-how that can only help the kids. "And Lamps is such a professional he will pass it on for the good of the club, with no thought of individual pros and cons."

Current Chelsea skipper John Terry was a glaring omission from Wright's article which perhaps suggests the former Arsenal striker thinks the 31-year-old defender's position at the club should be up for debate. Wright also criticized Chelsea's scouting system and the Academy set-up for not pushing through more stars.
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Tuesday 22nd November 2011

Wilshere makes bet with Spurs fans

Jack Wilshere has taunted Tottenham fans by betting £3000 that Arsenal will finish above their club in the Barclays Premier League this season.

The Gunners midfielder, who has been out recuperating after ankle surgery, was riled by Spurs fans on Twitter, as the Lilywhites shot ahead of the Gunners by beating Aston Villa 2-0 at White Hart Lane on Monday night.

Harry Redknapp's men are now three points ahead of their North London arch-rivals, with a game in hand, but Wilshere has responded to taunts of superiority from Spurs fans by betting that the Gunners will have the last laugh at the end of this season.

According to reports in the Sun, the 19-year-old crowed on his Twitter account: "All Spurs fans buzzing that they are ahead of us in the league (for once). It's a marathon, not a sprint!

"I tell you what at the end of the season if Spurs finish above Arsenal I will give £3000 to charity.

"If Arsenal finish above Spurs every Spurs fan that follows me must send me a pound each and I will give it to @Jack_Marshall_ charity!

"Do we have a deal THFC fans!?", the Arsenal star gloated.
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"But if Sunday's defeat to Liverpool - the first time in nearly a decade Chelsea have lost two home league games on the run - showed anything, it's that he has to display his ruthless streak now. "By that I mean making decisions which, while they won't please everyone, are absolutely vital to change things around.

exactly.

 

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Calm Jol helps Frei settle down
Fulham midfielder Kerim Frei says the culture at the club is helping to cultivate young talent.

Lambert won't rest in survival bid
Paul Lambert believes he must "never rest" in the battle to keep Norwich in the Barclays Premier League.

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Injury worries mounting for Hodgson
West Brom boss Roy Hodgson is sweating on the fitness of key quartet Shane Long, Peter Odemwingie, Paul Scharner and Graham Dorrans.

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Yanga-Mbiwa wants in on Premier League
French star Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has admitted he wants to play in the Premier League.

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Helguson doubtful for QPR
In-form striker Heidar Helguson is a doubt for QPR's trip to Norwich this weekend.

Gower signs new Swans deal
Swansea midfielder Mark Gower has agreed a new one-year deal to stay at the Liberty Stadium.

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Arsenal warned over Gotze chase
Arsenal have been told to forget about signing German wonderkid Mario Gotze by Champions League opponents Borussia Dortmund.

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Gaitan plays down United links
Benfica playmaker Nicolas Gaitan claims reports linking him with a move to Manchester United are based purely on speculation.

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Anelka resigned to leaving Chelsea
Nicolas Anelka has admitted he is resigned to leaving Chelsea amid reports he will be allowed to leave the club in January.

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Kelly: I can learn from Johnson
Liverpool right back Martin Kelly believes that he has plenty to learn from his senior fullback Glen Johnson.

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Adam: I'm not the set-piece guy
Charlie Adam insisted that his exploits with set pieces does not give him a divine right to handle deadball situations for Liverpool.

LeBron impressed by King Kenny
Miami Heats superstar LeBron James described his visit to Anfield as 'one of the single best experiences of my life'.

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Rooney a doubt for Magpies visit
Manchester United are sweating over the fitness of Wayne Rooney ahead of their Barclays Premier League clash with Newcastle.

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Wenger: Financial rules may be beaten
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger fears UEFA will not be able to force through new financial fair play regulations.

AVB fined and warned for conduct

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has been fined £12,000 and warned as to his future conduct by the Football Association over his attack on referee Chris Foy.​

 

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Hodgson questions Odemwingie mettle

23 November 2011

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West Bromwich Albion manager Roy Hodgson has revealed his frustration at the continued absence of striker Peter Odemwingie.

A knee injury picked up during a training session is the latest set-back for Odemwingie this season, with his scheduled comeback against Tottenham now thrown into doubt by the Baggies' medical staff.

Hodgson told the Birmingham Mail: "Peter is difficult to work out - you'd have to speak to the doctor about him."“This is still the same problem he’s had for a month.”"He was supposed to be fit for the Arsenal game but wasn't.

Then he was definitely going to be fit for the Bolton game but wasn't.""And he is supposed to be fit for the Tottenham game (this Saturday) and now there's a doubt about that, too. So I take any optimism with a pinch of salt."

"I'm frustrated because we've got nothing out of him this year.""He didn't take part in many of the pre-season matches and he hasn't taken part in many of the matches since then. It's been one problem after another."

The former Liverpool manager went on to compare the Nigerian to other players in the squad, seemingly questioning the striker's commitment to the club."For a player who we really put so much into, in the hope that he will be the one who will be our major force for staying in the Premier League, at the moment we have not had much of a return," Hodgson continued.

"We have a lot of players at the club who will play when not fully fit.""That's what makes it even harder when you get a player who is frustrated or is frustrating as it gets highlighted more when you've got the likes of the (Zoltan) Geras, the (Shane) Longs, the (Steven) Reids and the (Jerome) Thomases who play through pain every week."

 

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Lampard wants new contract
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Frank Lampard has insisted there is no chance of him quitting Chelsea and revealed he wants to extend his contract at Stamford Bridge.

England midfielder Lampard has been linked with a move to Los Angeles Galaxy as a big-name replacement for David Beckham.

The 33-year-old has less than two years left on his existing Chelsea deal and his future looked less than certain earlier this season when he was rotated in and out of the side.

But he has regained his status as a virtual ever-present in recent weeks and hopes to do enough to earn a new deal.

"As it stands, I have this season and next season and I would love to extend that," he said in the Evening Standard.

"As long as the club want me, I will be here. Whatever anyone says about me going anywhere else, I will be here, without a doubt."

PA Sport​

 

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Wenger blasts City´s record losses

23 November 2011

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Arsene Wenger has hit out at Manchester City's record-breaking losses after they announced a deficit of 197 million pounds.

The losses, which are higher than Chelsea’s previous record of 141m pounds in 2005 at the start of Roman Abramovich's reign at Stamford Bridge, fly in the face of UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules set to be introduced in the 2014-15 season, which allow for combined losses of 38.5m pounds in the past three years.

Arsenal boss Wenger is well-known for his belief in spending only as much as his side earns and after viewing City's financial figures, he believes that UEFA should have implemented their FFP rules even earlier to combat the massive losses.

"Frankly, it (the legislation) should have been in 2013," he said."When I see the numbers announced by Man City, do you really think it will work?""I cannot see it when the wage bill is bigger than the turnover. Frankly, that cannot happen in one year."

The continent has this season seen legal challenges by Swiss side Sion to the European Commission over their expulsion from the Europa League for fielding ineligible players.A number of senior figures from some of Europe's biggest clubs, such as Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the European Association Club chairman, have talked about a breakaway league.

In the face of these problems, Wenger feels that it is difficult for UEFA to implement their financial rules with so many big-spending clubs willing to change European football’s governing body."With what happened with Sion challenging UEFA… they have lost a lot of power," he said."

There is as well the statement of Rummenigge, representing the hundred clubs, against UEFA."“We live in a world where any decision made is challenged. Europe has created that and we see how far Europe has gone. The authority of the legal affairs is challengeable everywhere."

"UEFA want to create a situation where clubs with deficits cannot play in the Champions League but I question whether they will be able to force it through."“Will they have the legal power to force that through today?""I question that because you have as well (big-spending clubs like) Paris Saint-Germain and Malaga in other countries.

Once they represent a force together, it will be difficult to fight against."

 

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Drenthe lavishes praise on Baines
Everton midfielder Royston Drenthe believes Leighton Baines is one of the world's best left-backs.

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Hutton speaks out over Long tackle
Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton has ended his silence over the tackle which ruled West Brom striker Shane Long out of the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 play-off.

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Dalglish focused on Liverpool future
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists he is building for the long-term future at Anfield and isolated results - good or bad - have no bearing on that plan.

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Gunners gaining belief and momentum
Alex Song feels Arsenal are finally starting to gel into an effective unit - and sent a warning to their rivals that the squad will continue to push themselves.

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Man United aim to regain swagger
Nani has vowed that Manchester United will put their midweek disappointment behind them as they welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford on Saturday.

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Chelsea consider Battersea move
Chelsea have appointed one of London's leading developers to explore the feasibility of building a new stadium at Battersea Power Station.

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Martinez faces up with Riley
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has revealed he has been in contact with referees chief Mike Riley following Saturday's controversial 3-3 draw with Blackburn at the DW Stadium.

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Bolton sweating on Boyata fitness
Bolton manager Owen Coyle is sweating on the fitness of Dedryck Boyata ahead of Saturday's Premier League encounter with Everton.

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Bruce keeps Sunderland optimistic
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is confident the tide will turn for his players as they attempt to start their season in earnest.

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Swansea aim to extend Rodgers deal
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has announced that he hopes to sort out a longer-term deal for Brendan Rodgers 'over the next few months'.

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Dalglish unaware of any Cole discussions
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is yet to hear from Lille about any potential deal to make Joe Cole's loan spell permanent.

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Palacios: I am fit and ready
Wilson Palacios has declared himself fit and ready to return to help Stoke out of their current slump.

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Rodgers defends interest in McEachran
Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers has defended his comments regarding his interest in Josh McEachran following a rebuke from Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas.

Jones hoping for Citizen slip-up
Phil Jones believes now is the time to crank up the pressure on Manchester City.

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"RVP on par with Messi, Ronaldo"

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Robin van Persie's form can rival Barcelona's Lionel Messi, as well as Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

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"Something amiss with Man United"
Ex-Manchester United star Mark Bosnich believes that Sir Alex Ferguson will need to reinforce their defence in the upcoming January transfer window.

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AVB: My job to turn things around
Andre Villas-Boas insists it is up to him to turn Chelsea's season around after his side crashed to a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.

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Redknapp can't believe Parker luck
Harry Redknapp was stunned that Tottenham's rivals did not swoop for Scott Parker before he completed the signing of the former West Ham midfielder on deadline day.

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Anelka denies Chelsea quit talk
Nicolas Anelka has denied he is set to leave Chelsea in the January transfer window.

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Blackburn confirm new deal for Kean
Blackburn Rovers have confirmed that Steve Kean's new contract has been 'formalised'.

 

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Lille set Hazard price

24 November 2011

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Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool will have to pay 50 million euros if they are to win the race for Eden Hazard, according to Lille's president.

The 20-year-old Belgian midfielder has attracted attention from all over Europe, with his excellent displays helping his team to the Ligue 1 title in 2010/11.

Lille president Michel Seydoux knows Hazard may not be long for the club - but only if the player's valuation is met.

"The price is 50 million euros and this is clear in advance," Seydoux said."We are at a time when the club is having a real discussion about what to do but it will depend on many factors."

"First, our economic potential, and then it depends on the proposals we receive.""Nobody is unsellable. We would be able to look for solutions in the market with the money we'd receive."

The price tag could prevent some suitors from pursuing the Belgium international, although Liverpool may have an extra bargaining chip in that Lille are known to be keen on signing on-loan midfielder Joe Cole to a permanent deal.

Real Madrid and Inter are also believed to be among the clubs monitoring Hazard.

 

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Goal-line revolution moves closer

24 November 2011

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Goal-line technology could be introduced in the Premier League next season, according to Football Association general secretary Alex Horne.

The FA confirmed its continued backing and research into implementing the technology having received FIFA's approval after the 2010 World Cup.

"It's possible we could see (goal-line technology) in the Premier League as early as 2012-13," Horne told the BBC.

"I think goal-line technology would be a huge boost for the game. For years we've thought this was a good addition to referees' armoury.

"It's easy to make mistakes and we've all seen examples where the referee and assistant referee can't see if a ball has crossed the line or not." "We need to support them in decision-making."

Horne conceded that time was limited, with the current testing not due to be assessed until March, but remained hopeful the technology could be brought into the league in the near future.

"Whether there is enough time for the technology to be bought, paid for and put into any league or competition for next season, I'm not sure," he said."It would be really tight - but it might be possible for next season."​

 

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No stopping now for Friedel

24 November 2011

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Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel says he is fit and hungry enough to keep playing for years to come.

The 40-year-old American is under contract at the English Premier League club until the end of the 2012/13 campaign but said he felt he could keep going beyond that.

"If you can keep yourself free of major injury and you want to keep playing, then you can go much longer than an outfield player could," Friedel told The Sun.

"It can be done if you want it - and I do."The former Aston Villa shot-stopper's run of consecutive Premier League matches now stands at 277, and Friedel believes the nuances of the modern game help goalkeepers to carry on longer than in the past."

"These days with all the focus on nutrition and health, together with the less distance we have to cover in training and in matches, why shouldn't a goalkeeper play well into his 40s?" he said.

"My body doesn't feel the way someone might think a 40-year-old should feel."

"I don't wake up every morning and think, 'Oh no, I'm 40, I don't feel like training today'."The former Liverpool and Blackburn custodian has helped Spurs to a nine-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, lifting them to third in the table.

 

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Dalglish: Red Coates set to shine
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has been impressed by how quickly Uruguay defender Sebastian Coates has settled into the club.

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United missing Scholes influence
Darren Fletcher admits the retirement of Paul Scholes in the summer has had a negative impact on the dynamics of Manchester United's midfield.

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Modric wants Spurs run to continue
Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric has issued a rallying cry to his teammates, encouraging them to continue their recent run of good form.

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McCarthy calls for patience with AVB
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has called for Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas to be given time to make his mark at Stamford Bridge.

Pardew fears United backlash
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has warned his players to expect a Manchester United backlash as they attempt to end their 39-year wait for a victory at Old Trafford.

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Coyle prepared for Cahill offers
Bolton manager Owen Coyle admits he's prepared for clubs to come in for Gary Cahill in the January transfer window.

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Fletcher defensive over United results
Darren Fletcher believes Manchester United's critics must look beyond one "disastrous" result and consider their season as a whole before launching their condemnation.

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City won't let Milan get Tevez cheap
With the impasse over Tevez's future no nearer to being resolved, the striker's long-time advisor Kia Joorabchian has spoken with AC Milan about a possible move for the player.

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Chelsea explore new stadium site

Chelsea have appointed one of London's leading developers to explore the feasibility of building a new stadium at Battersea Power Station.​

 

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City sale of Tevez not close yet
Manchester City fans need to wait for a bid to arrive before they can begin to think Carlos Tevez's eventful two-and-a-half year stay at the club is over.

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Anderson ruled out till February
Manchester United midfielder Anderson has been ruled out until February with a knee injury.

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Odemwingie hits back in injury dispute
West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie has hit back in his dispute with the club over the extent of his knee injury.

Szczesny: Arsenal can take on all comers
Wojciech Szczesny claims Arsenal will not fear anyone in their current form - but warned against taking Fulham's challenge lightly at the Emirates Stadium.

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Defoe to fight for Tottenham spot
Jermain Defoe insists he has no plans to leave Spurs despite losing his starting spot.

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Tevez City exit could take time
Manchester City fans need to wait for a bid to arrive before they can begin to think Carlos Tevez's eventful two-and-a-half year stay at the club is drawing to a close.

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Ex-Gunners remain wary for Arsenal
Despite hopes rising amongst the Arsenal faithful following the London club's recent revival in fortunes, two ex-Gunners remained subdued.

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Report: Spurs seek Modric commitment
Tottenham Hotspur are trying to pressure Luka Modric to sign a new deal to ensure he does not leave for another club.

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Ballack: Chelsea not as strong mentally
Ex-Chelsea star Michael Ballack has tore into the current Blues side, saying that they have lost their mental fortitude.

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Pires: Wenger will die with Arsenal
Former Gunner Robert Pires has amazingly declared that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will “die with Arsenal.”

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Wenger eager for technology in football
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is welcome to the idea of goal-line technology being introduced as early as next season in the Premier League.

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Goal-line technology could come in 2012
Football Association general secretary Alex Horne has said goal-line technology could be used in the Premier League as early as next season.

"Unhappy bench warmers can leave"
Liverpool chief Kenny Dalglish has warned his charges to be prepared for bench duty and will not hesitate to ship out disruptive players.

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Gervinho humbled by recognition
Arsenal forward Gervinho revealed that he choked up with emotion when he heard he was on the shortlist for the 2011 CAF African Footballer of the Year award.

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Wilshere not forgotten as Arsenal soar

Arsenal midfielder Alex Song concedes that while the Gunners are in good form at the moment, they still need Jack Wilshere.​

 

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Friday 25th November 2011

"Unhappy bench warmers can leave"

Liverpool chief Kenny Dalglish has warned his charges to be prepared for bench duty and will not hesitate to ship out disruptive players.

According to the Sun, the Kop boss proved that neither hefty price tags nor reputation will determine his first team selection and he personified that last weekend when he relegated £35m Andy Carroll, £20m Stewart Downing and £16m Jordan Henderson to the substitutes bench during last weekend's 2-1 victory against Chelsea.

Fringe players Craig Bellamy and Maxi Rodriguez, both of whom made their first start in a month, played instrumental roles in the Reds' brilliant triumph at Stamford Bridge. Dalglish said: "The strength of the squad is always those who aren't playing. That is where you get your success from.

At the end of the day, it is hard for the ones who don't play. It is hard to keep them motivated and keep them going." "So if they come in with really good attitudes and not sulking when they are left out, it is helpful to everyone." "If they are not committed to playing, it is not going to be my problem - it is going to be their problem. We will go and get people who are determined to play."

"There is disappointment if you are not playing every game." "But it is a long season and everyone is going to be given their chance." "The 11 who started at Chelsea did very well. It was great for the three boys that came on as well. They have only been in the door two minutes." "For them to come in with positive attitudes hasn't done anyone any harm."

The Scotsman also declined to reinstate stalwart Jamie Carragher back into the starting eleven last week after he recovered from a calf injury. However, Dalglish played down the significance of Carragher's absence. He added, "Carra's an important part of this club and of this squad, now and going forward. He knows that."
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