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Man City cost £930m, Chelsea were £266m but it's Lennon's budget Bhoys who are getting their kicks in Europe
By BRIAN MARJORIBANKS PUBLISHED: 00:46 GMT, 23 November 2012 | UPDATED: 00:46 GMT, 23 November 2012
The cost of transforming Manchester City from mid-table mediocrities to English Premier League champions was an eye-watering £930million.For all Sheik Mansour’s dizzying wealth at his disposal, however, manager Roberto Mancini has once again been unable to buy his way out of the cut-throat Champions League group stages.European Champions Chelsea may be backed by Roman Abramovich’s seemingly limitless roubles but a 3-0 rout of their £266m starting XI in Juventus Stadium (not including £50m substitute Fernando Torres) now seems certain to cost them qualification and led to Roberto di Matteo’s sacking this week.
Flying high: Georgios Samaras and Celtic are succeeding in Europe where Man City failed and Chelsea flail
The unexpected plight of England’s two wealthiest clubs is such that suddenly Celtic’s Benfica blip, losing 2-1 in Lisbon, does not seem that bad after all; especially not for a team assembled for less than £12m.How City and Chelsea would love to be in Celtic’s shoes for Matchday 6, while the added irony for those in the blue half of Manchester is that Celtic’s run has been achieved starring Etihad flop Georgios Samaras.
City’s Argentine defender Pablo Zabaleta expressed the feeling of many at his side’s dismal European showing by saying: ‘We are obviously disappointed. Now, the chance has gone and it’s hard to understand.‘It’s the second year in a row that this has happened — it’s hard when you see the players that we have. We expected more. When you see the squad that we have, you want to try to go through to the next round.’Yet Neil Lennon’s men can do just that by bettering Benfica’s result in Barcelona when Spartak Moscow come to Glasgow.
And should Celtic achieve what former Scotland World Cup striker Alan Brazil would rate ‘a true Champions League miracle’, the Parkhead board best batten down the hatches.Lennon’s exploits, he argues, are not going unnoticed in the oak-panelled boardrooms of the wealthiest league in the world.‘For Celtic, on their modest budget, just to qualify for the group stages was a real bonus,’ said the former Parkhead youth player Brazil, who won the 1981 UEFA Cup with Ipswich and again in 1984 with Tottenham.
Kept out: Chelsea tumbled to defeat in Turin
Failures: Man City were knocked out after a 1-1 draw with Madrid
‘But if Lenny takes them through then he will go down in Celtic history as a true miracle worker. He’s already the talk of many boardrooms down south. As we’ve seen with di Matteo, and we could soon see too with Mancini, rich owners only care about results.‘And there’s a few been looking up at Celtic this season and thinking “how on earth is Neil Lennon achieving where Man City and Chelsea are failing?”.
‘It’s not like Celtic were handed an easy group either. Few gave them a chance but they’ve been magnificent.‘And so has Samaras, a player who I never had any time for at City and at Celtic initially too but he’s totally proved me wrong in Europe this season.‘He’s been sensational away from home for Celtic and Victor Wanyama has been a real find. Wanyama wouldn’t look out of place at Chelsea but it’s Lenny who is the hottest property down in England right now.‘
Not even Martin O’Neill could take Celtic beyond the groups, and everyone knows how highly regarded he is.‘But if Lenny manages it, he will be in high demand so Celtic fans should enjoy him and his team while they can.’Brazil, a popular breakfast show host with talkSPORT, dispensed some valuable careers advice to Lennon over a few pints in a Glasgow bar after January’s 1-0 Old Firm win for Celtic at Parkhead.He told Lennon to grow his hair and the Celtic manager has gone from angry-looking man to a more serene figure on the touchline as his reputation as a boss has soared.
‘I’m not taking the credit for what Neil is doing,’ chuckled Brazil. ‘But he did take my advice and he did let his hair grow a bit. When you have cropped hair you look more aggressive and sure enough, the new Neil looks calmness personified.‘He’s still showing his passion for the game and still celebrating as wildly as ever — nothing wrong with that — but he looks less angry and more content with life. He’s a lovely fella, if you ever meet him in person, and his true personality is now shining through.‘He’s a joy to watch now. But who wouldn’t be happy after beating Barca?’
In charge: Neil Lennon has a very well organised Celtic side
Brazil was due to be a guest of Celtic for their win over Tito Vilanova’s La Liga giants but could not make it due to illness. He bitterly regrets missing out on a result that he claims has restored the credibility of Scottish football at the tail end of a dark year — especially to its many sneering detractors down south.‘I’m sick of folk in London and Suffolk saying the SPL is as bad as the Welsh Premier League,’ Brazil protested. ‘But all that changed after Barcelona. Look at Man City toiling, look at Chelsea’s problems and there are Celtic beating the best team ever.‘I saw Celtic play the great Leeds side in the 1970s, I’ve seen the most fabulous Ajax team at Hampden Park. I’ve played against Michel Platini, Johnny Rep, Zbigniew Boniek — but nothing comes close to Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and Barca.
‘I was gutted to miss the game but it was maybe a blessing in disguise I wasn’t there because forget Rod Stewart — I was crying before the game.‘I watched it in the house with my youngest daughter Stephanie. She’s 21, and she has an interview at Cambridge University next week. She wants to be a doctor and she was up studying in her room but I got her down and told her “come and watch Celtic. This is where I come from.
This is what I’m about”.‘When the fans were singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ we turned the volume up and I thought my eardrums were going to burst.‘It was so emotional I was crying and I wept tears of joy again at full-time. It really was quite incredible and Lenny is unlikely to top it in his whole management career.‘But making the knockouts would come close and I really hope he makes the miracle happen.‘They’ve every chance of doing it, too. For Celtic fans the dream goes on, and City and Chelsea fans can only look on in envy.’
Champions League exit has damaged Manchester City, admits Silva
The Premier League holders failed to reach the knock-out stages for a second successive season and have struggled to recover their morale since, according to the Spaniard
Barzagli: Carrera and Alessio are good but Conte is on a different level
The Italian defender has made it known that he has the utmost respect for the two assistant trainers, but stated that they do not come close to the head coach
El Shaarawy: AC Milan can qualify for the Champions League
The Italy international has insisted that his side still have plenty of time to make up for the lost ground from the opening months of the current season
Sakho: We can win the Champions League
The Paris Saint-Germain defender believes they have a strong enough squad to lift the trophy this campaign, having sealed progress from the group stage on matchday 5
Manchester City coach David Platt suspended for two European matches
Roberto Mancini's assistant has been given a touchline ban after his dismissal against Real Madrid, with the club also fined for the six bookings picked up during the game
Marotta: Winning is in Juventus' DNA
The Turin powerhouse's general director has stressed that winning comes naturally to his side, and is confident they will survive the Champions League group stages
Rodgers: Liverpool targeting Champions League qualification
The 39-year-old boss has admitted that restoring the club to the elite European competition on a regular basis is his aim, but that patience is the key
Uefa hands Luiz Adriano one-game ban
The Shakhtar striker unsportingly scored when a team-mate attempted to pass the ball to Nordsjaelland's goalkeeper during their 5-2 win over the Danes in the Champions League
Mourinho: European Cup is the 'Special One'
The Portuguese coach is determined to get his hands on the continental crown for a third time in his career, and has reflected on his famous nickname
Szczesny hopes Arsenal can emulate Chelsea and win Champions League
The Polish keeper admits there are other teams in Europe who are more likely to win the competition, but hopes the Gunners can pull off a shock in May
Zabaleta puzzled by Manchester City's Champions League exit
The Premier League champions crashed out at the group stage for the second year running and must now beat Borussia Dortmund to stand a chance of qualifying for the Europa League
Messi: Champions League a huge challenge for Barcelona
The prolific attacker is dreaming of winning European club football's elite competition for a fourth time, while refusing to comment on his relationship with David Villa
Platini: Europa League could be scrapped in favour of bigger Champions League
The Uefa president has confirmed that the governing body is looking into the possibility of reforming both European competitions, with a decision set to be made in 2014
Nov 28, 2012 12:45:00 PM
By Stefan Coerts
Uefa president Michel Platini has hinted that the Champions League and Europa League could face some major changes in the not too distant future.
The concept of the Europa League has come under fire in recent years as clubs from the so-called bigger leagues often field their reserves, and a number of recent reports have suggested that the competition could disappear completely, while the Champions League could be extended to 64 teams.
Platini had previously revealed that Uefa is looking into reforming both competitions, and he has now made it clear that a decision will be made in 2014.
"It is something that we are discussing," Platini told Ouest-France when questioned on the subject of shutting down the Europa League in favour of a 64-team Champions League.
"There's an ongoing debate about the concept of the European competitions between 2015 and 2018. It's being discussed and a final decision will be made in 2014. Nothing has been finalised yet."
Platini also took the time to discuss the possibility of a European superleague organised outside of Uefa, and stressed that he' was not too worried about the idea.
"This is a matter that regularly comes up, but it does not worry me to be honest. I can't see how it would work outside the framework of Uefa.
"Who would referee the games? Where would the games be played? Do a lot of people really want it? I don't think so."
Only seven of the teams which were punished for breaching of the FFP rules are still to receive their due compensation for participating in continental competitions
Nov 30, 2012 2:20:00 PM
By Gregorio Weston
The Uefa Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) investigatory chamber has announced that 16 of the 23 teams which were found guilty of deviating from the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules have received their owed funds.
A month ago a number of clubs, including Atletico Madrid an Malaga, saw their prize money for participating in European competitions withheld.
The funds, however, have now been released as the clubs had managed to settle their debts before the end of September.
"The investigatory chamber had temporarily suspended the distribution of prize money as a conservatory measure," read a statement on Uefa's official website.
"However, based on new information provided by the clubs to meet the subsequent deadline of 30 September 2012 and following its investigations, the CFCB decided, given that no overdue payables balances remained, to close the cases involving the 16 clubs.
"As a result, conservatory measures affecting the following teams have been lifted with immediate effect:
FK Zeljeznicar, FK Sarajevo, FK Borac Banja Luka, CSKA Sofia, Atletico Madrid, Maccabi Netanya, FK Shkendija 79, Floriana FC, FK Buducnost Podgorica, FK Rudar Pjevlja, Ruch Chorzow, Sporting Lisbon, Vaslui, FC Rubin Kazan, Fenerbahce and Eskisehirspor."
The teams that still have not received their payments, and now will be referred to the adjudicatory chamber, are: Hajduk Split, Osijek, Malaga, Rapid Bucharest, Dinamo Bucharest, Partizan, and Vojvodina.
UEFA Champions League Group A preview: Porto, PSG eye top spot
3 December 2012
Top spot in Group A will be on the line when Carlo Ancelotti's PSG host Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Either the French giants or Portuguese powerhouses will be crowned group champions with both already assured of a place in the last 16.
Porto head into the clash at Parc de Princes undefeated this season in the league and need only a draw to top the group at PSG's expense courtesy of their better head-to-head record.
Ancelotti is coming under increasing pressure with his side slumping five points behind leaders Lyon in Ligue 1 after a shock 2-1 defeat at Nice on Saturday.
The Paris outfit endured another frustrating afternoon that saw France midfielder Blaise Matuidi sent off in injury time.
The Italian manager has won the Champions League twice before with AC Milan but knows he can ill-afford too many slip ups at the cashed-up club if he wants to keep his job.
Colombian duo Jackson Martinez and James Rodriguez have bagged 16 league goals between them in 10 matches this season and will lead the line for Porto on Tuesday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, has proven one of PSG's most influential acquisitions and will pose the main threat to Porto's goal with 13 of his own this season in Ligue 1.
In the other clash, Europa League bound Dynamo Kiev travel to face pointless Dinamo Zagreb, who cannot move off the bottom of the table.
The Croatian champions will be looking to finish on a positive note as the only side in the Champions League yet to pick up a point.
UEFA Champions League Group B preview: Schalke face French test
3 December 2012
Schalke and Arsenal will be vying for top spot in Group B when matchday six gets underway on Tuesday.
Both clubs have already qualified for the knockout phase with a game to spare in the UEFA Champions League but there is still plenty to play for.
Topping the group would mean avoiding a potential round-of-16 clash against the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.
Schalke travels to France on Tuesday to battle with French champions Montpellier, who are set to bow out of the competition without a whimper.
Montpellier shocked the football world when they lifted the Ligue 1 title last season but have looked out of their depth in the Champions League this year, claiming just one point from their trip to Schalke.
Huub Stevens' Schalke are guaranteed to win the group if they emerge victorious at the Stade de la Mosson but failure to win could hand Arsenal top spot if the English outfit beat Olympiakos.
Schalke have gone off the boil in the Bundesliga recently, failing to win their past four games but their Champions League form paints a different picture.
The German club have lost just once in their past eight European away trips - their only defeat in that period coming against Premier League powerhouse Manchester United last season.
And Dutch international striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has led the way with four goals this competition.
Arsenal, on the other hand, jets out to Greece on Tuesday knowing victory against Olympiakos may not be enough to leapfrog Schalke.
The 2005/06 runners-up, who have already qualified from the group stage for the 13th successive year, need to win in Greece and hope Schalke slip up at Montpellier with either a draw or loss.
However, based on Arsenal's current form, victory against Olympiakos is no sure thing.
Arsenal Wenger's men have only won one of its past six Premier League fixtures, a run that has seen them slip down to 10th in the standings, 15 points behind pacesetters United.
And Arsenal's most recent trip to the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium resulted in a 3-1 defeat.
UEFA Champions League Group C preview: Top spot on line for Malaga
3 December 2012
Malaga can sew up top spot in Champions League Group C on Tuesday against Anderlecht, who are battling for the Europa League spot.
With the top two qualification spots already assured, AC Milan having also qualified, relinquishing top spot remains highly improbable for the Spanish side, with Milan three points behind heading into the last round of group games.
Zenit St Petersburg must feel they need points away to AC Milan to leapfrog Anderlecht for third place and a Europa League berth.
Both sides have four points but need a positive away result against the top two, who have little to play for and may rest players.
Anderlecht will be up against it in Malaga, who have won both their Champions League matches at the Estadio Rosaleda, and are yet to be defeated in the group.
But while Manuel Pellegrini's side have been a revelation in the Champions League this season, their fine run appears to have taken its toll in La Liga, where they won just one in their past six games.
Conversely, Anderlecht will be buoyed by a run of six straight wins in the Belgian league.
John van den Brom's side were desperately unlucky to lose to AC Milan last time out in Europe, with Philippe Mexes' audacious overhead goal changing a game that the Dutch side dominated for large parts.
If both Zenit and Anderlecht match one another's results, third position will go down to goal difference given both posted 1-0 home wins in the sides' two group games.
UEFA Champions League Group D preview: Europa League spot available
3 December 2012
The top two positions may have already been decided but there is still plenty to play for during matchday six in Group D on Tuesday.
Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund progressed to the knockout rounds as group winners, while Spanish champions Real Madrid have also qualified albeit as runners-up, however, the Europa League position is yet to be decided.
The third-placed team across every Champions League group earn a spot in the knockout phase of the Europa League.
Dutch giants Ajax occupy that position by a solitary point ahead of English Premier League champions Manchester City, who have failed to make it out of the group stage for a second successive year.
Ajax travel to the Bernabeu to face Real and will qualify if they beat the Madrid-based club.
Frank de Boer's men were on the receiving end of a 4-1 drubbing in Dortmund last time out but know defeat in Spain may not end their European journey.
Given they have a superior head-to-head record against City, Ajax would still advance even if the Premier League club managed a draw in Germany.
Ajax goes into their final fixture on the back of an impressive 3-1 win at home to Eredivisie rivals PSV. Saturday's result moved them within four points of league leaders FC Twente.
Ajax also boasts a strong away record in Europe, with just one defeat in their last five games, while they have triumphed twice from five visits to Madrid.
As for Real, Jose Mourinho is expected to give a number of fringe players much-needed game time with qualification already assured and a La Liga campaign to think about.
In the other fixture, Dortmund host City knowing they are guaranteed to finish atop of Group D.
Juergen Klopp's side, who played out a 1-1 draw with Bundesliga pacesetters Bayern Munich on Saturday, have never lost a UEFA competition fixture when hosting English opposition.
And while they have conceded six goals in the last five minutes of their past seven Champions League games, Dortmund head into the game confident of maintaining their unbeaten run in Group D.
It has been a campaign to forget for Roberto Mancini and his City players with just three draws and two defeats thus far.
They are, however, unbeaten in eight league and cup games since losing 3-1 at Ajax and could yet salvage something from a dismal European campaign if results go their way.
Barcelona's Pique wary of Benfica attack
The Blaugrana defender is cautious of the threat the Portuguese outfit will bring with them to Camp Nou but is determined to win the game despite having already qualified
Howedes: Schalke desperate to win group
The 24-year-old is determined to help his side claim top spot in their Champions League group in order to avoid the stronger teams in the next stage
Messi: Celtic fans deserve progression to Champions League last 16
The Barcelona attacker has voiced his support for the Scottish champions to progress, citing their fans' support as deserving to see the club in the next round of the competition
Pellegrini: Malaga want to remain unbeaten
Los Boquerones coach is determined for his players to ensure that the club sustain their undefeated run in this year's Champions League going into their final fixture
Wenger: I would not swap places with Manchester City
The Gunners boss would rather be in the Champions League, with time to catch Mancini's men in the league, than be knocked out of Europe's elite competition this early in the season
Dinamo Zagreb's Beqiraj eager to avoid record-equalling Champions League goal drought
The 24-year-old is desperate for his side to end their barren run in Europe this season, as he looks to grab both the first goal and first points in the Champions League
'Qualified or not, AC Milan must win' – Allegri
The Rossoneri coach believes they must triumph in their upcoming Champions League clash with the team below them in Group C in order to push on in Serie A
Klopp: I am not afraid to lose Lewandowski to Manchester United
Ahead of the clash with Manchester City in Group D, the German coach has fired a warning to potential suitors from England, saying he is unfazed by interest shown in his forward
David Silva a doubt for Manchester derby with hamstring injury
The Spain international did not travel to Germany for City's final Champions League match with Borussia Dortmund due to the injury and could miss Sunday's clash
It is important to finish first in the Champions League groups, says Ancelotti
Les Parisiens' boss is proud of his club's achievements so far and has stressed the significance of leaving the group stage of the European competition at the top
We will defeat Zenit to honour the Milan jersey - Yepes
The Rossoneri defender is confident his side will be able to continue their winning streak and come out victorious against the Russian champions at the San Siro on Tuesday
Shakhtar want to beat Juve, says Lucescu
Despite already having qualified, the Hirnyky boss says his side always aims for three points but has expressed worries about his Brazilian players thinking of the holidays
Marchisio: Juventus have to beat Shakhtar Donetsk
The Italy international will miss Wednesday's match due to suspension, but has stressed that the Bianconeri will be aiming for victory
Schweinsteiger: Badstuber injury a huge blow
The influential midfielder has made it clear that the Germany international will be missed, and is confident his side can go far in the Champions League
'Football is more than a business' - Dortmund chief Watzke takes aim at oligarch-owned EPL teams
The BVB director believes English football is losing its soul due to the influx of overseas benefactors, while praising the Germans' insistence on cheap tickets and standing areas
Benitez expects Chelsea to get helping hand from Shakhtar Donetsk
The Spaniard has urged the Ukrainian side to "show their level" in their upcoming Champions League clash with Juventus, a game which has huge implications for the Blues
Dec 2, 2012 9:15:00 PM
By Nicholas McGee
Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez has challenged Shakhtar Donetsk to prove their quality in Wednesday's Champions League clash with Juventus, a game which could make or break the Blues' chances in the competition.
The west London club must beat Nordsjaelland and hope the Italian champions lose in order to seal a place in the knockout stages of Europe's premier competition.
But, despite Mircea Lucescu's side having already sealed their place in the last 16, Benitez feels Shakhtar will still have a point to prove in their final group game.
He told Sky Sports: "We know that a draw would be bad for us but the positive thing is that Shakhtar has a lot of good players and everybody is talking about them, so they have to show the rest of the world that they are really good players.
"When you know the top sides in Europe or in the world are watching you then you have to perform. Obviously, Juve will go for the win but Shakhtar will need to show this level that they have.
"They might finish second and have to play against one of the top sides in Europe and it will be more difficult, so I think they will try to win."
Frank de Boer: Ajax have to win against Real Madrid
The former Netherlands international says his men will be searching for a victory at Santiago Bernabeu so that other results cannot affect their Europa League spot
Dec 3, 2012 9:40:00 PM
By Patrick Gleeson
Frank de Boer says his Ajax side will be going to Real Madrid looking to clinch their Europa League spot with a win.
The Amsterdammers go into the fixture in third place and cannot of break into the top two, but, a win will mean they secure a Europa League spot, ahead of Manchester City, who are currently bottom of the group.
The Ajax coach is determined to ensure that they are not disappointed come Tuesday night.
"The most important thing for me is that we are going to see a good Ajax performance. We have to win so the match in Dortmund doesn't matter," De Boer said in a press conference.
With Los Blancos already through to the knockout stages and unable to win their group, Jose Mourinho is expected to rest some of his senior players, something which De Boer does not believe makes a difference to the size of the task ahead.
He added: "When you see which players are still in the line-up, you cannot really say that Real have been weakened but I just hope that the win against PSV [at the weekend] has given us a boost."
Ajax goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer was also present at the press conference, and was in a positive mood when asked whether or not he thought that his side could win the game.
He said: "Why not? Against Manchester City we played really well in both games. Of course I want to go through in Europa, the level is still a very high standard."
Mancini: Manchester City not distracted by United derby ahead of Dortmund clash
The Blues boss is concentrating fully on the must-win Champions League clash with the German side despite a vital Premier League clash with the Red Devils lined up for Sunday
Dec 3, 2012 9:20:00 PM
By John Christodoulou
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has insisted that the upcoming derby against rivals Manchester United is not distracting the squad ahead of the must-win Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.
The 48-year-old coach admits his side will have to beat one of the "best teams in Europe" to hold any hope of continuing their participation in European football in the New Year, with a spot in the Europa League the only obtainable prize after City failed to win any of their previous five games in this season’s Champions League group stage.
Mancini quashed reports he could play a weakened side, with a full set of strikers travelling to Germany, however he will be without injured pair Yaya Toure and David Silva.
"Mario Balotelli is here and he can play. So can Edin [Dzeko], and we have other strikers in [Carlos] Tevez and [Sergio] Aguero. Yaya [Toure] will not play," Mancini told reporters.
"We are not thinking of the derby this weekend. We have a difficult match coming up here and we brought all our players except the injured ones.
"Borussia Dortmund are currently one of the best teams in Europe and we have a difficult match ahead of us."
Mancini believes the club should not be embarrassed by their second consecutive early exit in the competition, adding that Dortmund and fellow group D opponents Real Madrid are more deserving of progression, and City must now look to future challenges.
He continued: "In the Europa League you play on Thursdays, so that's a bit tricky, but we still want to make it and will try everything to go through and then go as far as possible there.
"We are disappointed because we wanted to reach the second round. But I believe that there are times when there are teams in football that are better than you and you have to respect that.
"We have to accept that Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid played better than we did and we'll have to try again next season. But it was not an embarrassment."
Malaga are consistent in La Liga and the Champions League - Pellegrini
Los Boquerones boss has demanded caution ahead of the challenge against the Belgian champions, but also praised the steady performances his side delivers
Dec 3, 2012 5:35:00 PM
By Chris Kvesa
Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini believes that his side maintains a similar level of performance in La Liga and the Champions League.
The Spanish side sit top of Group C with 11 points in the European competition after five matches played, and will host fourth-placed Anderlecht on Tuesday.
The Chilean tactician has warned however of the experienced Belgian champions and has urged his side not to become complacent.
“Tomorrow is a different game, against a team with extensive Champions League experience," he told reporters at a press conference.
"There is not much difference between the Malaga of the Champions League and that of La Liga.”
Pellegrini also stressed the significance of performing on Tuesday, citing both financial reason and the side's pride.
“This game is important, from an economic point of view and because we want to go undefeated,” the ex-Villarreal tactician continued.
“We will not be relaxed, because you always come out onto the field to play for something, and anyone wanting to lose does not belong in the sport.”
Malaga are through to the final 16 of the competition already and have the luxury of being able to experiment with their side, so defender Oguchi Onyewu will make an appearance in the starting XI.
“He’s a player who has taken a few months to settle in. He will have to prove himself on the field, that’s the best way to do it.”
Malaga face Anderlecht at the La Rosaleda on December 4, 20.45CET.
Despite already having qualified, the Hirnyky boss says his side always aims for three points but has expressed worries about his Brazilian players thinking of the holidays
Dec 3, 2012 1:55:00 PM
By Chris Kvesa
Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu says that his men will always go into matches to come out victorious ahead of the Champions League clash against Juventus.
The Ukrainian champions currently sit top of Group E and are through to the final 16 in the competition, but the Romanian trainer says the table standing will not influence his team's approach.
"Shakhtar is always there to win," the 67-year-old told Tuttosport. "If the [game on] Wednesday will end in a tie, it will mean that it was fate."
Lucescu also warned that the Bianconeri might go into the fixture with more motivation, since a loss on Wednesday combined with a Chelsea win can still prevent the Italian side from proceeding to the knockout stages of the competition.
"The fact that we are playing against Juve should be motivation enough for us. Great players thrive on these comparisons. Speaking of motivation, it is clear that Juve has more," he continued.
And the coach expressed concerns that his side could be feeling fatigued after a lot of matches in a short amount of time, especially focusing on the Brazilian players in his team.
"It has definitely been a hard time and we are starting to feel it," he said.
"All they think about are the holidays, especially Brazilians who cannot wait to go home, where they will find the summer."
He added: "The danger? Holidays in Brazil."
Lucescu also said he felt there were two favourites to win the Champions League trophy, adding: "In their [domestic] leagues, they are all strong teams, but in the Champions League it is becoming increasingly difficult for everyone.
"However, I like Barca [Barcelona] and Bayern [Munich]."
Shakhtar will lock horns with Juventus at Donbass Arena on December 5.
Mourinho asks me to play as I did with Tottenham, but at a higher level - Modric
The Croatia international feels that he has already stepped up his game since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu, and believes that his team, when in top form, are CL favourites
Dec 3, 2012 2:20:00 PM
By Chris Kvesa
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has said that his new coach Jose Mourinho asks more of him than his former trainer Harry Redknapp did at Tottenham.
The 27-year-old completed a move to the Spanish capital for a fee in the region of €40 million during the summer, and Modric says he is delighted to be playing for the La Liga champions under the Portuguese tactician.
"Mourinho asks me to play as I did with Tottenham, but at a higher level," he told reporters at a press conference.
"My favourite position is as midfielder, playing with Xabi and Khedira. You can't compare it with Tottenham."
He continued: "This is the best club in the world. Santiago Bernabeu is the best stadium I have ever played in. I enjoy every minute on its pitch.
"I think everything is going well," he added, but also noted that the "Spanish League is very tough, especially away matches."
Modric also says that Los Blancos have a good chance of winning the Champions League if they can build on the performance from Saturday when they defeated Atletico Madrid 2-0.
"If we continue playing as we did against Atletico Madrid we will be favourites to win the Champions League. We must keep that passion. I feel good and I think I'm improving."
Modric added that he expects a tough game when Ajax travel to the Spanish capital on Tuesday for their CL tie.
"Ajax are a great team," he said, "and they [will] come to win and get the qualification for the Europa League."
Real Madrid will kick off against Ajax on December 4, 20.45CET.
Wenger: I would not swap places with Manchester City
The Gunners boss would rather be in the Champions League, with time to catch Mancini's men in the league, than be knocked out of Europe's elite competition this early in the season
Dec 3, 2012 10:00:00 PM
By John Christodoulou
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted he would never "swap places" with Manchester City, despite trailing the Premier League champions by 12 points already this season.
Wenger, whose side confirmed top spot in their Champions League group with a game to spare, has insisted he would rather still be in competition with over 20 games left of the Premier League campaign to catch the champions, than be eliminated this early in the season.
"I wouldn't swap places with Manchester City," Wenger told reporters. "We have 23 games to come back on them in the league, but in the Champions League you're in or out.
The 63-year-old has also admitted that the players were very unhappy following their 2-0 home defeat against Swansea, however he dismissed reports that assistant manager Steven Bould gave the squad an angry dressing down after the game.
"Nothing really happened after the [Swansea] game," he added. "But the players were not happy. You want them to dance? This group of players is highly motivated and if they don't win, they are upset.
"I'm more worried if I see players in the shower who laugh after they have lost. The most important thing is to win the next game and show how good you are."
Wojciech Szczesny is looking forward to the distraction of the Champions League, with a trip to Olympiakos coming up on Wednesday, with the club registering their worst start to a Premier League campaign under Wenger’s 16 years in charge.
"It's good for us we have a Champions League game three days after [the Swansea defeat] and we have something to focus on," said the Poland international.
"We were obviously frustrated and disappointed after the game but now it's about Olympiakos and we will do our best to move on.
"The players give 100 per cent in training and on a Saturday afternoon. I didn't say the players didn't want it enough. I'm definitely surprised by our position in the league. When you look at the quality of our players we should be fighting for the league.
"We have one of the best teams in the league, but it's our responsibility to put things right. What's gone wrong? That's not for me to say."
BREAKING NEWS: Terry & Lampard to miss Chelsea's match against Nordsjaelland
Lavezzi: PSG want to avoid Barcelona in Champions League
The versatile attacker wants his side to finish first in Group A ahead of Porto in order to stay clear of the Catalan powerhouse in the next round
Stevens: Schalke want to finish ahead of Arsenal
The Dutchman has made it clear that the Gelsenkirchen side are aiming for victory in Tuesday's Champions League encounter against Montpellier
'I'm confident that AC Milan will soon be successful' - Alexander Merkel
The Rossoneri have endured a tough start to the 2012-13 campaign, but the 20-year-old believes that they will recover and become a force to be reckoned with once more
'Schalke capable of reaching Champions League semi-finals' - Kuranyi
The former Germany international believes that his old club have made progress in recent years, and are proving that the Bundesliga has developed well
Carlo Ancelotti must turn around PSG's fortunes before Christmas or risk the sack
Although les Parisiens will play in the last 16 of the Champions League, there is no certainty that the Italian boss will lead them into the knockout phase
Mancini fears Europa League will lead to fixture congestion for Manchester City
The Italian has decided to select a separate side for the second-tier European competition should his side qualify, citing the minimal recovery time afforded before league games
Juventus must be ruthless against Shakhtar, says Agnelli
The Bianconeri president has insisted that his men cannot afford to lose focus ahead of matchday 6, and is pleased to see other teams recognise their return to the top
UEFA Champions League Group A wrap: PSG seal top spot
5 December 2012
Paris Saint-Germain saw off the challenge of Porto as they recorded a 2-1 victory which saw them top Group A in the Champions League.
The Ligue 1 side raced out of the blocks in the early exchanges before taking the lead thanks to Thiago Silva's powerful header.
Porto would soon equalise after a defensive lapse allowed Jackson Martinez to restore parity at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
The visitors would be undone by an error from goalkeeper Helton, who embarrassingly let Ezequiel Lavezzi's weak effort squirm past him.
Vitor Pereira's Porto side were patient as they searched for an opener, with Martinez denied by a last-ditch block from Silva.
PSG appeared more resolute than the side that lost meekly to Nice in Ligue 1 on Saturday, as Carlo Ancelotti's side continued testing Helton in the Porto goal.
Alex's header from a corner was well saved by the goalkeeper, before Zlatan Ibrahimovic could not quite connect with a well-worked Gregory van der Wiel corner as Porto remained defiant under pressure.
It would be just before the half-hour when the Portuguese side would finally crack.
Nicolas Otamendi's ill-timed tackle on Jeremy Menez earned him a booking, but the ramifications for his side would be far greater as Silva rose to thump home a powerful header in off the crossbar.
The lead would only last four minutes before Porto hit back on the counter-attack.
Right-back Danilo whipped in a fantastic cross which Martinez headed in after beating a static Alex to the delivery.
For all of Porto's enterprising resistance, they would once more fall behind to a calamitous error from goalkeeper Helton.
Lavezzi held off his marker before his weak shot squirmed under the goalkeeper and humiliatingly crossed the line to hand the hosts the advantage again on 61 minutes.
Pereira's men issued a response, but a glaring chance would subsequently be spurned.
Martinez was found in an open space before his chip was denied by an on-rushing Salvatore Sirigu, and former Marseille midfielder Lucho Gonzalez fired the rebound over.
Ancelotti's men held on despite wasting several chances late on through Javier Pastore and Ibrahimovic, with Porto settling for second.
In the other Group A game, Dinamo Zagreb earned a point in a 1-1 draw at home to Dynamo Kyiv after their clash at the Stadion Maksimir was delayed due to snow.
Ivan Krstanovic's last-minute penalty cancelled out Andriy Yarmolenko's opener to earn the Croatians their first point.
UEFA Champions League Group B wrap: Greeks shock Arsenal
5 December 2012
Olympiakos came from behind to beat Arsenal in Piraeus, as the Gunners finished runners-up in Group B behind Schalke.
Thomas Rosicky had put the away side into the lead before second-half goals from Giannis Maniatis and Kostas Mitroglou earned the Greek side a surprise victory.
Arsenal started well with Gervinho bursting past Kostas Manolas down the left before skewing a shot wide from inside the box.
A one-two with Rosicky saw the Ivorian play Marouane Chamakh through on goal, but Vassilis Torossidis was able to get back and disposess the Moroccan.
Olympiakos looked lively down their own left flank through Torossidis and Abdoun; The Greek fullback had a header cleared off the line by Rosicky and Abdoun forced Wojciech Szczesny into a good save either side of a fluffed half-volley from Aaron Ramsey.
The game was increasingly becoming an end-to-end shoot-out with Gervinho especially dangerous on the counter, though his poor decision-making brought several attacks to a premature end.
Eventually the Ivorian got it right, jinking into the box before cutting the ball back to the edge of the area for Rosicky to curl into the far corner via the palms of Roy Carroll just before half-time.
Andrey Arshavin replaced the Czech goalscorer after the break and brought even more speed to Arsenal's attack on the break. The Russian had a chance to double the lead but headed Chamakh's cross over the bar from 10-yards.
Olympiakos, playing only for pride, continued to push forward, affording Arsenal space to break into. Abdoun's neat through-ball was prodded wide by Ljubomir Fejsa before another swift Gunners counter saw Arshavin's stinging shot clawed away by Carroll.
Drissa Diakite's floated cross met the head of Paulo Machado, and the Portuguese midfielder's header was tipped behind by Szczesny (who claimed he had not touched the ball).
From the resulting corner, Kostas Manolas' header ricocheted off the chest of Ramsey and into the path of Maniatis who buried the ball in the net.
The Greek champions pressed for a winner immediately, as Djebbour headed Machado's cross wide from close range.
Substitute Mitroglou was more clinical however, creating a yard of space on the edge of the box before curling a low shot past the outstretched arm of Szczesny and into the bottom corner.
Schalke finished as winners of Group B after a Benedikt Howedes goal earned a 1-1 draw with Montpellier.
The Germany defender nodded home from close range after Christoph Metzelder flicked on Julian Draxler's free kick after a tame opening 50 minutes in France, but a quickfire equaliser from Emanuel Herrera was enough to earn the hosts a deserved share of the spoils.
UEFA Champions League Group C wrap: Malaga deny Anderlecht
5 December 2012
Malaga captain Duda struck either side of half-time as Anderlecht were denied a spot in the Europa League after a 2-2 draw.
Duda twice put the La Liga side ahead at Estadio La Rosaleda as Anderlecht finished bottom of Group C, behind Malaga, AC Milan and Zenit St Petersburg.
Malaga enjoyed the better of the early chances and almost went ahead in the 10th minute, only for Silvio Proto to tip Diego Buonanotte's effort around his post.
The hosts continued to squander opportunities and Anderlecht came close to opening the scoring against the run of play, but Dieumerci Mbokani saw his header saved by Carlos Kameni.
With 10 minutes of the half remaining, Buonanotte did well to weave into the box and get his shot away, but Proto saved with his legs.
The Belgian side then thought they had taken the lead through Behrang Safari, only to have the goal wrongly disallowed for offside.
Following the decision, the hosts opened the scoring through Duda.
Seba did well to hold the ball in the Anderlecht area before picking out Duda, who fired an unstoppable drive past Proto.
Anderlecht were not behind for long and five minutes into the second half, Oguchi Onyewu played a pass into Jovanovic and the Serbian delicately chipped the advancing Kameni.
Jovanovic came close to firing the Belgian side in front moments later, but Kameni got his fingertips to his effort and forced it onto the post before the hosts could clear.
At the other end, the hosts had a chance of their own to take the initiative.
Eliseu did well to pick out Roque Santa Cruz unmarked in the box and the striker attempted to cushion his effort into the bottom corner, but was denied by the foot of the near post.
But it was not long before Malaga were in front again.
Buonanotte picked out Duda with a perfect cross-field pass and the midfielder brought the ball down well before lashing past Proto and into the bottom corner.
Mbokani netted a last-gasp equaliser to set up a tense finish, but Malaga held on to secure a point.
In Italy, a goal from Danny was enough to lead Zenit St Petersburg to a famous 1-0 victory over AC Milan and book the Russian champions' place in the Europa League.
