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Monday 13 April 2009 news from uefa.com

2009-04-13T05:10:00.000-07:00

UEFA Champions League facts and figures

uefa.com rounds up the statistics you need to know ahead of this week's decisive second legs in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. What's the history between the two teams and who has the edge from past contests? Which sides are looking to overturn the weight of history? Who's performing well on the domestic front? Find out below.

Chelsea FC v Liverpool FC (first leg: 3-1)
• Chelsea have never lost a European tie after taking a first-leg advantage back to Stamford Bridge.

• Liverpool have found the net at Stamford Bridge just twice in four previous UEFA Champions League visits, and only twice in 75 visits overall have they achieved a result that would earn them outright victory in this tie.

• Chelsea's 3-1 win at Anfield in the first leg was Liverpool's first UEFA Champions League defeat this season and marked the first time the Reds had lost a first-leg tie at Anfield in UEFA club competition. The nearest historical precedent was an Inter-Cities Fairs Cup semi-final against Leeds United AFC in 1970/71 when they went down 1-0 at home before a goalless second leg at Elland Road.

• The London club are unbeaten in 16 home UEFA Champions League games stretching back to February 2006, winning 13 of those, although their 86-match undefeated Premier League run at Stamford Bridge was ended by Liverpool, who were 1-0 winners on their last visit to the ground in October.

• Chelsea conceded three late goals in beating Bolton Wanderers FC 4-3 in the league on Saturday, the first time in 38 home games in all competitions they had conceded three goals or more at Stamford Bridge, since a 4-4 league draw at home to Aston Villa FC on 26 December 2007.

Click here for full match background and here for more match facts.

FC Bayern München v FC Barcelona (first leg: 0-4)
• No team has ever overturned a four-goal first-leg deficit in the UEFA Champions League. The biggest first-leg deficit a side has salvaged in the UEFA Champions League era was achieved by RC Deportivo La Coruña in the 2003/04 quarter-finals when they fought back from a 4-1 defeat at AC Milan to win 4-0 at home.

• Bayern have won seven of the 17 ties in UEFA club competition in which they have had to overturn a first-leg deficit at home, although in each previous instance they returned to Munich trailing by only a single goal. Of the ten ties that ended in aggregate defeat, the German side enjoyed the consolation of a second-leg victory seven times.

• Barcelona, meanwhile, have lost only three of 36 two-legged contests in UEFA club competition when they won the first match at home. Curiously, all three defeats came against English clubs: against Chelsea FC in the 2004/05 first knockout round (2-1, 2-4); Manchester United FC in the 1983/84 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup quarter-finals (2-0, 0-3); and Aston Villa FC in the 1982 UEFA Super Cup final (1-0, 0-3).

• The Spanish club are the highest-scoring team on their travels in the competition this season with 13 goals from four matches and boast a fine recent away record in the UEFA Champions League, having won eight and drawn three of their last 12 games on the road.

• Lionel Messi's double in the first leg with Bayern took his total for the season to eight goals, making him the competition's top scorer this season.

Match background/match facts

FC Porto v Manchester United FC (first leg: 2-2)
• Porto have never lost at home to English opposition in eleven matches in UEFA club competition, six of them at the Estádio do Dragão.

• The Portuguese champions have won all bar one of the eight ties in UEFA club competition when they have drawn the first leg away from home, including their first knockout round triumph against Club Atlético de Madrid this season. Their sole defeat came at the hands of FC Bayern München in the 1990/91 European Champion Clubs' Cup quarter-finals, the German side winning 2-0 in Portugal after a 1-1 draw in Munich.

• United, meanwhile, have travelled away from home after a first-leg home draw on eight occasions in UEFA club competition – and ended up winning four of those ties. They have had mixed fortunes in the UEFA Champions League, winning 3-2 at Juventus after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in the 1998/99 semi-finals, but losing on away goals to Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the same stage in 2001/02 after a 2-2 home draw was followed by a 1-1 result in Germany.

• The holders have lost their last four knockout ties in the UEFA Champions League when they have played the second leg away from home.

• Porto have conceded 12 times so far, the worst defensive record of the sides in the last eight.

Match background/match facts

Arsenal FC v Villarreal CF (first leg: 1-1)
• Arsenal are unbeaten in 23 home matches in the UEFA Champions League. Arsène Wenger's men have not lost at home in the competition proper – be it at their old Highbury home or the Arsenal Stadium – since going down 2-1 to Chelsea FC in a quarter-final second leg in April 2004.

• The Gunners' impressive sequence includes their 1-0 victory against Villarreal at Highbury in the semi-final first leg in 2005/06, which remains the only defeat that Manuel Pellegrini's side have suffered on English soil.

• The London club have conceded just seven goals overall during their 23-game unbeaten sequence. With clean sheets in all four of their home matches this season, they have not conceded a UEFA Champions League goal at the Arsenal Stadium in 424 minutes, since Dirk Kuyt's 26th-minute strike for Liverpool FC in last season's quarter-final first leg.

• Villarreal, however, have been in this position before, having drawn 1-1 at home to Panathinaikos FC in the first knockout round before a 2-1 triumph in Greece.

• Whatever the outcome it promises to be an emotional occasion for Villarreal midfielder Robert Pirès. Prior to moving to El Madrigal in summer 2006, the Frenchman had spent six seasons with Arsenal, during which he won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups. Voted the English Football Writers' Player of the Year in 2002, he made 284 appearances, scoring 84 goals.

Xavi extols Barça work ethic

2009-04-13T05:08:00.000-07:00

Monday 13 April 2009

The superlatives have been flowing for FC Barcelona almost all season, not least in the aftermath of their 4-0 defeat of FC Bayern München in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

Goals galore
Not for the first time this term Josep Guardiola's team scored four times in the first half, producing a mesmeric display of football to all but secure their place in the last four. The Azulgrana have scored four, six, five and two goals in their last four home matches and registered five or more goals on nine occasions in what could be a stellar campaign for the Catalan club.

Dictated play
To many an observer the ease at which Barça scythe through the opposition would appear to come naturally, Lionel Messi and Co effortlessly combining to often devastating effect. Not so says Xavi Hernández, keen to emphasise the work ethic that prevails at the Camp Nou. "We've dictated the rhythm with our possession, our combinations and the work we've put in," said Xavi, 29. "It's not a secret that when the whole team works hard, the talent will show itself."

World's best
Talent is what Messi has in abundance, and Xavi is quick to pay homage to Barça's No10. "Every time we see Messi he shows something new, something better," he added of the Argentinian, top scorer in the UEFA Champions League with eight goals. "For us it is very important to have him in the team. He is working very hard and he has an extraordinary talent. Right now, he is the best player in the world."

Enjoyment
Such was Barcelona's dominance against Bayern that Xavi thought the hosts "could have scored more". Nevertheless, the Spanish international – who has played over 300 Liga matches for the club – was more than delighted to have gained a commanding first-leg lead ahead of the return at the Fußball Arena München on Tuesday. "We are very happy and pleased with the game," he said. "We enjoyed ourselves and I believe this also applies to the fans that came to support us. We took a giant step towards the semi-finals."

Aurélio maintains belief after Chelsea setback

2009-04-13T05:04:00.000-07:00

Liverpool FC defender Fábio Aurélio popped into the Talk Football chatroom on Thursday, answering uefa.com users' questions the day after his side suffered a 3-1 reverse against Chelsea FC at Anfield in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. The 29-year-old admitted they were stunned when two Branislav Ivanović headers turned the game on its head but believes the tie is not finished. The Brazilian is also anticipating a thrilling climax to the Premier League season as the Reds compete for the title against the London club and leaders Manchester United FC.

FutureLFCprospect: After the loss to Chelsea on Wednesday, how do you think the team will recover in the Premier League and on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge?

Fábio Aurélio: We need to separate the tournaments. We are doing quite well in the Premier League and cannot afford to lose momentum. Winning will put more pressure on Manchester United. Chelsea are not a matter until next week.

Andre: As you scored against Manchester United in the 4-1 league win at Old Trafford, do you think you can score against Chelsea and help Liverpool overcome the Blues?

Fábio Aurélio: It will all depend on where the free-kicks occur. I would love to have an opportunity from a dead ball and will practice some more free-kicks.

Kim: What when wrong against Chelsea?

Fábio Aurélio: The game started quite well for us. We set the pace and it seemed to be our night. But that first goal kind of stunned us. Congratulations to Chelsea, though, as they played well.

DontTreadOnMe14: Do you think you have what it takes to win the Premier League?

Fábio Aurélio: We can win the Premier League. The team knows that there is a good chance we can catch United if we don't drop points. United are under pressure, especially because Chelsea are also involved. Every game will be a final.

Giorgio: With your recent great result against United, are Liverpool focusing on the Premier League ahead of all other competitions?

Fábio Aurélio: Nobody is giving up on the Champions League, for this team have defied the odds before. We have scored four against United and Real Madrid and need to remember that.

Fabrice: Do you think it is normal to see four English clubs still involved at this stage of the Champions League? Or does this exaggerate the quality of Premier League clubs compared to the rest of Europe?

Fábio Aurélio: Having the four English clubs in the quarter-finals attests that the Premier League is the best in the world. It reflects both the quality of the game but also the structure of the clubs. It can't be mere coincidence because it's been happening for a long time.

Tommy: Did you know Branislav Ivanović was such a threat on corners before the game yesterday? What kind of tactics do you have in place at corners?

Fábio Aurélio: Branislav Ivanović surprised everybody. Nobody expected that guy to come out of the blue and score twice against us. Before the game we were actually thinking he could be used as a weak point because he was being improvised as a right-back.

Leonard: Which club has impressed you most in the Champions League this season?

Fábio Aurélio: I like what Porto have been doing. They showed against United they are dangerous and fearless. Not anyone can score twice at Old Trafford.

manutd4life: What were you thinking before the game when you beat United 4-1?

Fábio Aurélio: It's hard to think that you could be putting four goals past Real Madrid or Manchester United. But when everything goes one's way these things can happen. It was very important for us to beat United so we could think again about winning the Premier League.

saeed9999: Who is the player that you consider the best in history?

Fábio Aurélio: It's hard to choose one. I like to think of complete players. From the guys I have seen playing, Ronaldo. The guy is a phenomenon. Even after all the problems he's been through the guy might still be able to make it back to the national team. In Brazil, he's been scoring goals without being in perfect physical condition.

Evander: What is your favourite thing about living in Liverpool?

Fábio Aurélio: I am a quiet guy and like to stay at home most of the time. My wife and kids like to go to the movies. I like Liverpool. It's a beautiful city and people are really nice to us. I like to go for a walk at the docks sometimes. It's relaxing to look at the Mersey.

MU_fan: What's your opinion about Rafael Benítez?

Fábio Aurélio: Benítez is addicted to football. He lives for the game and seems to watch every match on the planet. Rafa is also an encyclopaedia in terms of players and stats. Sometimes he asks me about Brazilian players I have never heard of.

Chuckle brother: Can you understand Jamie Carragher's accent?

Fábio Aurélio: Carra? No, I still can't understand many of the things he says. If it's a direct conversation that's fine but if you see Carra talking to another English guy it gets tough.

Apetrosyan: How did you react to last-minute winning goal from Manchester United's Federico Macheda in the 3-2 league win against Aston Villa?

Fábio Aurélio: It was like a bucket of cold water being poured over my head. Villa were playing so well and could have won 3-1. Then Cristiano Ronaldo finds a goal out of nowhere and a teenager scores a screamer on his debut.

carra_9: The two goals from corners against Chelsea have seen people blame the zonal marking. Do you think it is right?

Fábio Aurélio: The zonal marking has worked for us before so I don't think we should be blaming it for the result. Goals also happen as a result of strong performances and Chelsea managed to put us in situations where they beat the system. If there were perfect schemes, matches would always end in draws.

Nicholas77: Which player are you most excited to play against?

Fábio Aurélio: I don't really get excited facing world-class players but it is challenging to face guys like Arjen Robben or Lionel Messi. They play with the ball pretty close to their feet and it's a nightmare trying to read what they will do with the ball.

Cribbit: What are some of the most difficult, but at the same time most rewarding, aspects of travelling with your club?

Fábio Aurélio: The only hard thing is being away from my wife and kids. I would love to take them with me. At least it's very different from Brazil where sometimes you get locked in a hotel, even before home matches.

news from uefa.com

Villarreal miss chance to state their intent

2009-04-13T04:58:00.000-07:00

Monday 13 April 2009

Seven of the eight clubs bidding for a place in the last four of the UEFA Champions League this week warmed up for their quarter-final deciders with victories at the weekend, leaving Villarreal CF as the odd side out after their 2-0 home reverse against Málaga CF – a match that coach Manuel Pellegrini said his side could have played "all night and the ball still wouldn't have gone in".

English quartet
The Yellow Submarine's quarter-final opponents Arsenal FC were one of three English clubs to score four goals in Saturday successes. Chelsea and Liverpool were the others – good news for the Anfield side who will need to be clinical in front of goal to turn round a 3-1 deficit at Stamford Bridge – while the fourth Premier League outfit, Manchester United FC, gave warning to FC Porto ahead of their return with a win away from home. Elsewhere, FC Bayern München reacted to their 4-0 first-leg defeat by FC Barcelona by recording an identical success of their own to keep them three points off the pace in the Bundesliga.

Arsenal FC v Villarreal CF

Wigan Athletic FC 1-4 Arsenal FC
(Mido 18; Walcott 61, Silvestre 71, Arshavin 90, Song 90)
Arsène Wenger: "Wigan were very strong and committed in the first half. They were well organised, the 50-50s went to them and we had problems with their man-to-man marking. But in the second half our technique took over. We looked dangerous every time we had the ball. This young team has a lot of mental strength."

Villarreal CF 0-2 Málaga CF
(Duda 38, Eliseu 86)
Manuel Pellegrini: "We could have played out there all night and the ball still wouldn't have gone in: it was one of those days. Meanwhile, Málaga capitalised on their first shot on target, killed off the game with a counterattack and we ended up a man down. But in spite of it all we didn't give up the fight. Our injury problems are making life difficult."

FC Porto v Manchester United FC

FC Porto 3-0 CF Estrela da Amadora
(Alves 29, Farías 58 66)
Jesualdo Ferreira: "After the first goal we got better and better. It's natural that some players are tired, but slowly we found our rhythm. It was an important victory to maintain our cushion [atop the Liga standings] and it was good to shuffle things around a bit as that brings confidence and security."

Sunderland AFC 1-2 Manchester United FC
(Jones 55; Scholes 19, Macheda 76)
Sir Alex Ferguson: "Macheda has got something special about him. He has just got that instinct. He has got quickness in his movement and it showed when he came on. He wasn't fazed by anything. Right away, he got involved in the game and he had a good 20 minutes for us. The win is a boost, of course. At this point it is about cutting each game off as they come along."

Chelsea FC v Liverpool FC

Chelsea FC 4-3 Bolton Wanderers FC
(Ballack 40, Drogba 48 63, Lampard 60pen; O'Brien 70, Basham 74, Taylor 78)
Guus Hiddink: "If you play the top sides, you cannot afford to do this. We must not let it happen twice. It was a typical English game; leading 4-0 and looking for a fifth. All of a sudden we got very sloppy and were not winning any balls defensively. We were too relaxed."

Liverpool FC 4-0 Blackburn Rovers FC
(Torres 5 33, Agger 83, N'Gog 90)
Rafael Benítez: "To play a good game, score goals and not concede – it was the perfect response [to the Chelsea loss]. It could have been even better because we had clear chances, but I'm really pleased. Fernando was very important here – the first two goals opened up the game. Hopefully [the goal difference] will be vital. We were trying to score goals because we know anything can happen. [Premier League leaders Manchester] United are under pressure."

FC Bayern München v FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona 2-0 RC Recreativo de Huelva
(Iniesta 1, Morris og 68)
Josep Guardiola: "Winning proved a bit tricky as we lacked rhythm and that final step forward, but it's not always easy. The atmosphere tonight [at the stadium] was a bit cold but because of that I give a lot of value to this type of game; they can be more testing than any other. We won on an ugly evening without really shining."

FC Bayern München 4-0 Eintracht Frankfurt
(Ribéry 3, Toni 17, Lucio 36, Schweinsteiger 48)
Jürgen Klinsmann: "This was a classy reaction to the display in Barcelona. What happened there really smarts and we wanted to make amends with our supporters. After an hour everything was done and dusted and it became a wonderful spring day. We now have big ambitions for Tuesday and want to bid farewell to the Champions League having restored our credibility."

Liverpool duo claim Barclays awards

2009-04-04T08:28:00.001-07:00

Liverpool pair Steven Gerrard and Rafael Benitez have been named the Barclays Player and Manager of the Month.
errard was at his inspirational best over the course of the month, setting up David Ngog's opener in the 2-0 win against Sunderland, before scoring in the 4-1 victory away at Old Trafford, which gave the Reds' Barclays Premier League title challenge fresh impetus. Gerrard rounded off the month by netting a hat-trick in the 5-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield.

Benitez picks up the managerial award for the fifth time in his fifth season at the club. He joins only seven other managers to have won the award on five or more occasions, and is the only manager to have picked up the honour twice this season, having also won the award in October 2008.

The decision was made by the Barclays Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

RAFA BENITEZ: BARCLAYS MANAGER OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH
• Benitez was born on 16th April, 1960, in Madrid, Spain.
• Benitez worked on the coaching staff at Real Madrid from the age of 26 after injury cut short his playing career, and followed this with management spells at Real Valladolid and Osasuna. He was promoted with Extremadura and then Tenerife before joining Valencia in 2001. At the Mestalla, Benitez won La Liga twice and the UEFA Cup.
• He joined Liverpool in June 2004, replacing Gerard Houllier.
• In his first season at the club Benitez won the Champions League. He also secured the Super Cup in August 2005 and followed this by winning the FA Cup in 2006.
• Benitez's four previous Barclays Manager of the Month awards came in November 2006, December 2006, January 2007 and October 2008.
• The seven other managers to have won the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month award on five or more occasions are Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Bobby Robson, Martin O'Neill, Kevin Keegan, David Moyes and Harry Redknapp.
• Since taking over at Liverpool, Benitez's managerial record in the Barclays Premier League reads: Played 182, Won 101, Drawn 45, Lost 36 (up to 3rd April).

STEVEN GERRARD: BARCLAYS PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH
• Steven Gerrard was born on 30th May, 1980, in Whiston.
• Having signed as a trainee, Gerrard made his Liverpool debut in November 1998 against Blackburn Rovers and has remained with the club ever since.
• In 2001 Gerrard won the treble of League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup.
• Gerrard lifted the Champions League trophy as captain in 2005, scoring in a 3-3 draw with AC Milan before Liverpool triumphed on penalties.
• In total, Gerrard has accumulated two FA Cups, two League Cups, the UEFA Cup, the Champions League and two Super Cups with Liverpool.
• Gerrard was named UEFA Club Footballer of the Year following the 2005-06 season, and won the PFA Players' Player of the Year in the same season.
• This is Gerrard's fifth Barclays Player of the Month award, having previously scooped the prize in March 2001, March 2003, December 2004 and April 2006.

from www.premierleague.com

Blackburn Rovers 2 Tottenham Hotspur 1

2009-04-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

Scorer: McCarthy (82) Scorer: Ooijer (89)	Scorer: Keane (29 pen.)
Attendance: 21891	FT (14:39)

Andre Ooijer stepped off the bench to score a dramatic late winner for Blackburn at Ewood Park and ease their fears of relegation.

The Dutch defender took advantage three minutes from time when goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes failed to deal with a corner from El-Hadji Diouf.

That capped a superb fight back after Robbie Keane had put Tottenham ahead in the first half from the penalty spot.

But the game turned when Wilson Palacios was sent off and Benni McCarthy grabbed the equaliser to set up a rousing finale.

Diouf should have got Blackburn off to a good start but sent his header wide following a cross from Morten Gamst Pedersen in the 11th minute.

It was a half-chance and Diouf would have been expected to test the goalkeeper from that range.

effort blocked

Play switched back down the other end and Ledley King flicked a header wide after Luka Modric had swung in the corner.

Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson then did well to parry a shot from Darren Bent to safety in the 18th minute after a fine through ball from Palacios.

It was developing into an open game and Blackburn launched a swift counter-attack four minutes later.

Diouf made space inside the area but saw his effort blocked by Benoit Assou-Ekotto, who was well positioned at the post.

Blackburn were forced to make a change in the 26th minute after Pedersen took a knock and was replaced by David Dunn.

Tottenham were showing plenty of attacking intent and Vedran Corluka cut into the area a minute later, only to send his effort wide of the post.

They did not have long to wait, however, before making the breakthrough.

Keane took his tally for the season to 10 goals in the 29th minute when he scored with a cool penalty.

The penalty was awarded after Gael Givet was adjudged to have handled a cross from Lennon.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce made an extraordinary change at half-time.

He took off Jason Roberts, pushed central defender Christopher Samba into attack and brought on Ooijer.

The gamble paid off with Samba making a nuisance of himself in his unlikely new role.

turned over

He won a header in the penalty area after 47 minutes but Diouf sent his effort over the bar.

Diouf then tried to pick out Samba at the back post but goalkeeper Gomes made the interception.

There was a moment of danger for the home side in the 65th minute when Jermaine Jenas made space in the area but there was no-one on hand to get on the end of his cross.

McCarthy should have pulled Blackburn level in the 75th minute when he headed wide following a cross from Diouf.

Four minutes later the game took another dramatic twist with Tottenham midfielder Palacios sent off after collecting two yellow cards in the space of two minutes.

Blackburn took advantage and McCarthy scored his 11th goal of the season from close range in the 82st minute after being set up by Samba.

Warnock's shot was turned over in the 87th minute by Gomes.

But the goalkeeper failed to deal with Diouf's corner and Ooijer was on hand to end Tottenham's six-match unbeaten league run.

from www.premierleague.com

Match previews - Sun 5th Apr

2009-04-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

A look ahead to Sunday's fixtures in the Barclays Premier League.

Manchester United will be aiming to avoid a third successive defeat as they host Aston Villa.

United have not lost three league matches in a row for more than eight years since their 3-1 reverse at Arsenal in November 2001 was followed by home defeats against Chelsea (0-3) and West Ham United (0-1).

Now they are looking to bounce back to winning ways after being beaten 1-4 at Old Trafford by title rivals Liverpool and then 2-0 at Fulham.

Those set-backs have put Sir Alex Ferguson's men under pressure with Liverpool suddenly closing the gap.

However the Red Devils will have to cope without the suspended trio of Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Paul Scholes as they take on a Villa side who have endured their own wobble.

Martin O'Neill's men have found themselves overhauled by Arsenal in the race for the fourth Champions League spot.

Villa have picked up just one point from their last five Barclays Premier League matches, a 2-2 draw at home to Stoke City who scored twice in the last two minutes to cancel out a two-goal deficit.

Their last outing saw them thumped 5-0 at Anfield where goalkeeper Brad Friedel was sent off, although the later rescinding of the red card means the American is clear to play at Old Trafford where Wilfred Bouma could return.

Beforehand, sixth-placed Everton take on Wigan Athletic who are seven points behind them and still harbouring hopes of catching the Merseysiders.

The Toffees need to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth, only their second reverse in 18 league matches, having kept nine clean sheets in their previous 13 matches.

Wigan have to make a decision on striker Amr Zaki who has been disciplined after reporting back late from international duty with Egypt where he is understood to have suffered a hamstring injury.

from www.premierleague.com

Villarreal confident over Cani fitness race

2009-03-30T03:40:00.000-07:00

Villarreal CF playmaker Cani has emerged as a fitness doubt ahead of the Spanish club's UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg encounter with Arsenal FC next week.

Hope
The 27-year-old former Real Zaragoza schemer has picked up a thigh strain in training, giving him a week to recover before Arsenal's visit to El Madrigal next Tuesday, 7 April. Despite the injury to his right leg, Cani, who has made 14 Liga appearances and five in the UEFA Champions League this season, is expected to be back in time to face the Gunners. Villarreal travel to north London to contest the second leg on 15 April.

Alvaro Arbeloa: If Liverpool win Premier League we can be bigger than Beatles

2009-03-25T05:25:00.000-07:00

Reflecting the confidence surging through Liverpool’s squad, defender Alvaro Arbeloa has joked that Rafa Benitez’s side can become more famous than The Beatles.

Liverpool’s most famous sons conquered the UK, then the rest of the world, and Arbeloa believes Benitez’s high-flying side have shown they are capable of something similar.

Three stunning victories over Real Madrid, Manchester United and Aston Villa have energised both players and fans, and Arbeloa said: “This team is on the way to becoming more famous than The Beatles.

“There are many weeks of emotion awaiting us in the Champions League and Premier League and this season could end up being historic for us.

“We are developing a sensational game and now all the pressure is on United. I believe they could fail and we are ready for that moment.”

Liverpool will now go top of the table if they win at Fulham on April 4, as they are playing 24 hours before Manchester United face Villa at Old Trafford.

“Our objective is to win all our league games between now and the end of the season. It is a difficult task but not impossible now our morale’s improved so much,” added Spanish fullback Arbeloa.

“That triumph at Old Trafford really increased our desire to be the champions.”

Speaking about the Champions League quarter-final draw, he added: “We didn’t desire Chelsea and would have preferred not to have drawn an English rival.

“My dream was to play Bayern Munich or Barcelona. But I still insist we are the favourites.

“Since the arrival of Guus Hiddink, the Blues have improved. But Champions League games are different and we manage these kind of situations better.

“From our point of view, Rafa’s new deal was very important. He may appear to be too serious for many people but that’s not what the players think.

“He is a coach whose only desire is to obtain the maximum from everybody and, under him, I feel like I am the best player in Spain.

“We are happy he is staying because the news means continuity and generates calm and confidence as we go about our work.”

from www.telegraph.co.uk

Steven Gerrard invites Fabio Capello to let him off leash

2009-03-25T05:19:00.000-07:00

By Kevin Garside, Chief Sports Writer
Last Updated: 10:08AM GMT 25 Mar 2009 (www.telegraph.co.uk)

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is bursting to bring his devastating club form to the England stage in the games against Slovakia and Ukraine.

Steven Gerrard, arguably the most valuable nugget in England's golden generation, will contest the next World Cup, qualification permitting, as a thirtysomething footballer. A thought to rout any complacency in rural Hertfordshire this week as Fabio Capello continues to map a route to South Africa.

Unrequited longing is a condition painfully familiar to Englishmen post-1966. What a depressing detail it would be were a player of Gerrard's calibre lumped alongside the lost generation with empty sideboards.

Paul Gascoigne, Glenn Hoddle, Peter Shilton, Gary Lineker, Bryan Robson, Trevor Brooking, Alan Hudson, Tony Currie; on goes the potless drift of the preternaturally gifted, to the days of long sideburns and the Bobbys, Moore and Charlton.

Gerrard is in the form of his life, playing in the role that suits him best, hammering into the opposition area not from the left or the right but from all points on the compass. It took Rafael Benitez too long to bust Gerrard from the constraints of the right midfield compound. He won't be tracking back any time soon in a Liverpool shirt.

Injury denied Capello access to Gerrard in Berlin and Seville, where England showed their bipolar character in dumping Germany and succumbing to Spain. Before that he was snared like his predecessors by the Gerrard-Lampard conundrum. Gerrard's withering displays against Real Madrid, Manchester United and Aston Villa should have ended the debate over which of England's predatory midfielders hunts highest up the pitch.

Gerrard says he has never enjoyed his football as much, and invited Capello to impose a ban on any rearward crossing of the halfway line. "I'm really happy with the way I'm playing. I have to say a big thank-you to the Liverpool players. It's down to them I'm playing so well. The idea is to try to take that into the next England game.

"It's a position I have played quite a lot for Liverpool. I'm getting my head around it and enjoying the freedom of playing there. I have two holding midfielders behind me clearing up for me. I feel that's when I get the best out of myself, when I'm free to run at defenders and cause danger in the attacking third." Sounds like a blueprint to me.

"It's the manager's decision; if I was picked to play there for England, I would be really happy." Gerrard credits the newly-empowered Benitez for the shift in gear, and the searing presence of Fernando Torres, whose lightning bolts clear the space for him to fill. Asked if Wayne Rooney could replicate the Torres role for England, Gerrard replied: "Wayne Rooney can do anything."

Capello has made important inroads into English failings at international level, particularly in addressing the inferiority complex that had built over decades of diminishing returns. This has enhanced the collective will, making England more solid, harder to beat.

The next step is to light the creative fire, to unleash Gerrard in an England shirt. Nemanja Vidic and Fabio Cannavaro, two pillars of the community of elite centre backs at Manchester United and Real Madrid respectively, are presently in rehab, picking off the floor reputations roundly clobbered by Gerrard in the space of five coruscating days. If Capello cannot take those cues he is in the wrong job.

Domestic bliss is leading Gerrard towards a contract extension at Liverpool. He would, he said, be happy to sign a contract that would see his career close at Anfield.

"I've got two years left on my contract." he said. "If there was a chance to extend that, I am sure I would do it. I have never been happier."

The Premier League title tops one half of a two-pronged wish list that is converging on Gerrard's peak years. The other is a World Cup with England.

Moore is remembered as the best centre-half and captain to have represented England in large part because his career was gilded in World Cup gold. It rounds out a career like no other bauble. Gerrard has earned the accolade "great". But his talent deserves the ultimate global sanction.

"I'm desperate to win something with England. When we have been knocked out of tournaments the hurt and the pain is exactly the same as when you don't achieve something with your club. I have many more ambitions for club and country.

"It is nice to be at the top of the group. The challenge now is to get qualification sorted and then go into the tournament full of confidence. I'm sure this country would be an unbelievable place to be if we were to achieve something."

Didier Drogba Likely To Stay At Chelsea - Agent

2009-03-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

The Ivory Coast international striker is set to make a decision on his future in the summer but it seems likely that the goal-getter will remain at Stamford Bridge...

25 Mar 2009 09:15:32

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Didier Drogba is ready to commit his future to Chelsea and sign a contract extension.

It was thought that the 31-year-old might depart Stamford Bridge this summer, with Serie A giants Inter being heavily linked with the player.

However, it seems that a change of management at the west London outfit has convinced the Ivory Coast international to stay with the Blues.

Although his agent, Thierno Seydi, says nothing concrete will be decided until the end of the season, the representative has suggested that Drogba would be happy to remain with the Premier League club.

"He is happy, playing well and his return to form and scoring goals points to the fact he is enjoying his football," Seydi is quoted as saying.

"If Chelsea present a new proposition then we will study it and after that he will make a decision on his future.

"It was important for him to return to his best level, without bad injuries, and he has shown he's one of the best players in Europe.

"A lot of big clubs in Europe have asked about him but we will not make any decision until the end of the season.

"There are big opportunities at Chelsea."

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com

Serie A Story - Roma

2009-03-25T04:57:00.000-07:00

article from www.footballitaliano.co.uk

Serie A Story - Roma

By Mike Carre

In the summer of 1927 three Italian Football Championship (now Serie A) clubs from the nation’s capital merged as one. Italo Foschi was the man initiating the merger on behalf of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, who wanted to give the country’s capital a club strong enough to compete with the dominant Northern Italian sides. And so Associazione Sportiva Roma was born and is still today one of the country’s biggest clubs as it approaches its 57th consecutive year in the top flight – having only dropped down a tier for one season in its entire existence.

Roma’s early seasons were played out at the Motovelodromo Appio stadium, where they consolidated their top flight status through a few mediocre campaigns before moving to a state of the art all-wooden ground, the Campo Testaccio, a perfect location for their first assault on Italian football’s top prize. The 1930/31 season saw the Giallorossi finish runners-up in Serie A, boasting the likes of World Cup winner Attilio Ferraris as their Captain and Rodolfo Volk, who claimed the Capocannonieri crown for that season and went on to score over a hundred goals for his beloved i Lupi.

However, that highly productive season in the early thirties proved to be a false dawn as many of la Magica’s star players departed and the club spent the next five years offering just relatively average league finishes rather than further assaults on the league title. The capital club did find their feet once more with the 1935/36 season throwing up another second place finish, this time coming up just a point short in their chase for Scudetto glory. This provd to be another setback for the Giallorossi as they again failed to build on this success, instead following it up with another period of mid-table finishes which failed to captivate the capital’s imagination.

That frustration would soon be laid to rest as legendary football journeyman and Hungarian goal machine Alfréd Schaffer took the reins in 1939 and promptly secured the club’s first Scudetto in the 1941/42 season. It was a surprise title win with much praise and adulation falling at the feet of local boy Amedeo Amadei who netted an impressive 18 league goals at the tender age of 20-years-old. He also holds the record of being the youngest ever player in Serie A history after making his debut in 1937 at just 15-years old, with the Roman born striker going on to hit 101 goals for his native club.

The Second World War would disrupt Roma’s immediate progress and after a decade of lowly finishes and at times much turmoil, i Lupi dropped into Serie B for the first and only time in 1952. The Giallorossi bounced straight back into the top flight of Italian football and proceeded to march their way back to where they belong, amongst the big boys in the Italian game. Another runners-up finish came in 1955 with Englishman Jesse Carver in charge, but the legendary Coach quit after just one season leaving Roma’s quest for consistent success and trophies again in tatters.

I Lupi accumed nine managers throughout the sixties and although it was a turbulent decade for the club – they went on to win three major trophies in that time. The first of which being their first European title in 1961 when they beat Birmingham City in the final of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, with Brazilian forward Dino da Costa the inspiration.They followed that with two Coppa Italia triumphs in 1964 and 1969 respectively. The sixties ended with the retirement of Giacomo Losi. The Giallorossi defender was an outstanding servant for the club, ammassing an incredible 386 outings in his 14 years in the capital.

However, after a decade of inconsistency and partial success, came a decade of just plain consistent mediocrity. In 1975, the Giallorossi finished an admirable third in Serie A, but the seventies were littered with top half finishes and little more. I Lupi did wind back the clock in the eighties with plenty of success throughout a highly productive 10 years. It all started with a third Coppa Italia triumph in 1980, followed by the club’s highest league finish in over 20 years, thanks to a runners-up spot in the 1980/81 campaign and more Coppa Italia success. Their second Scudetto would soon follow in the 1982/83 season after a 41 year drought prompting wild celebrations in the capital. The very next season provided another second place finish and the club’s fifth Coppa Italia – they also lost out on penalties to Liverpool in the infamous 1984 European Cup final in Rome. It was the Giallorossi’s dream to lift their first European Cup in their very own Stadio Olimpico but Bruce Grobbelaar’s spaghetti legs dashed those dreams. However, la Magica continued their fine era with yet another Coppa Italia but fell just one short again in their race for the Scudetto, with a runners-up spot in 1985/86.

The highs of the early to mid-eighties would not carry on for much longer. A seventh Coppa Italia was as good as got for the Romans along with defeat in the UEFA Cup final to fellow Italians Inter. A fourth placed finish in 1997/98 was a sign of emergence from the Rome giants and set them up nicely for the dawn of a new millennium. The end of the 20th century saw the appointment of former Milan Coach and tireless Scudetto winner, Fabio Capello. The expert Tactician masterminded the Giallorossi’s third Scudetto triumph in 2001, securing victory on the last day to pip rivals Juventus to the title. It was arguably one of the best Roma side’s that has ever been, with the likes of Gabriel Batistuta, Vincenzo Montella and Cafu amongst others, but the main hero and now club darling is that of Francesco Totti. He was the captain of that Scudetto-winning side and has gone on to break Losi’s appearance record, with Totti now on over 400 outings as well as smashing the goal scoring record having recorded almost 200 strikes for his beloved club.

Roma almost defended the Scudetto for the first time in their history, but missed out by just one point as the Old Lady exacted revenge for the previous campaign. La Magica have had further heartbreak throughout the last six or seven years, with numerous runners-up medals in the Coppa Italia while recording several second place finishes, most recently behind Inter in the last three seasons. Luciano Spalletti’s rein in the capital has been littered with the almost statistic, but two Coppa Italia’s and countless runner-up medals in the league only points to success, with a little help from the Calciopoli scandal. The big boys of Juventus and Milan are now back at the top and Roma’s Champions League spot looks in jeapordy at present, having nailed down qualification into Europe’s elite competiton regularly during Spalletti’s tenure.

With arch-rivals Lazio’s phenomonal success at the end of the nineties and start of the 21st century, Roma have proceeded to overhaul their nemesis in recent years and have their name in lights as the capital’s most prestigious and dominant force. Spalletti has been charged with keeping it that way and even with Totti on the decline and seemingly on his way out in the coming years, the bald-headed Tactician has been building solidly for the future. He has offered a consistent and prominous rein, and despite this season’s slight setback Spalletti looks set to lead the Romans back into Scudetto battle and dethrone the current occupiers in the near future.

How long will Claudio Ranieri's tinkering continue at Juventus?

2009-03-25T04:56:00.000-07:00

How long will Claudio Ranieri's tinkering continue at Juventus?

By David Weston

The Tinkerman, El General, Il Mister - the list doesn't end here for the Coach who seems to have accrued more nicknames than your old science teacher. But we have to ask ourselves, is there really enough substance behind this Italian's ever-more-charming disposition to deliver the kind of success that fans of the Bianconeri both demand and now deserve?

Ranieri's playing days, despite including four successful promotion campaigns, are hardly the stuff of legend. Making barely a handful of appearances for his maiden club Roma, he went on to spend the majority of his playing career yoyo-ing between the top two flights with Catanzaro and Catania before signing off with Palermo in 1986, without so much as a sniff of an international call-up. However, the best days of his career in football still lay ahead of him and just a year after his retirement, the butcher's son from Rome answered his true calling within the beautiful game.

Having briefly taken charge at amateur club Vigor Lamezia, his first real managerial position came at Campania Puteolana and for a Coach who now commands such respect in light of his footballing success, his introduction to life on the other side of the white lines didn't start with the glittering bang that many of us might have thought. Campania Puteolana was relegated in Ranieri's sole season at the helm and, incidentally, immediately achieved promotion in the following season after he had left. Still, with so many squads still 'un-tinkered', the man they now call Il Mister was not about to throw in the towel at the first sign of adversity.

Ranieri's career as a Coach really took off at Cagliari where he spent three very successful seasons. Lingering in the depths of Serie C when he arrived, Cagliari was a club in turmoil, having barely survived the drop to Serie C2 the season just passed. Cue the Tinkerman, and three seasons later the same club are sitting pretty in the Italian top flight. Ultimately despite his success there, Cagliari was simply too small a club to match the growing ambition of a man like Ranieri and in 1991 he left to take over at Napoli. Two sliverware-less season's later and he was on the move again, this time to begin a three-year spell at Fiorentina, defined primarily by their instantaneous promotion from Serie B and dual cup success a year later in the Coppa Italia and SuperCoppa Italiana. After mixed-fortunes in Spain with Valencia and Atletico Madrid, Ranieri arrived in West London, ready to ply his trade in the cut-throat world of England's Premier League.

Charged with delivering quick success to an impatient Chelsea, Ranieri's first season in England was a struggle in all honesty, with his results no more consistent than his English. Still, despite the clear language barrier, he guided the Pensioners to sixth position and a spot in the following season's UEFA Cup. After a summer spending spree in excess of £30m which saw the introduction of players such as Frank Lampard, Boudewijn Zenden, William Gallas and Emmanuel Petit, understandably expectations were high. That season again it seemed Ranieri had failed to hit his targets, finishing sixth once more, whilst the club also enjoyed another cup run, ultimately ending in disappointment as beaten finalists to Arsenal. When Roman Abramovich arrived in the summer of 2003 it became clear that the Russian billionaire would not tolerate short-comings from his team and domestic and European success would not the best outcome but the only outcome should Ranieri wish to keep his job. With such a considerable burden lying squarely on the Italian's shoulders, Ranieri did what any one of us would have done - stopped tinkering and started spending. With a cheque-book left blank but for the Russian’s signature in the Chelsea Manager's pocket, it wasn't a surprise to see an ever-increasing number of new faces at Stamford Bridge. Damien Duff was brought in from Blackburn, Argentineans Juan Sebastian Veron and Hernan Crespo, Claude Makelele from Madrid and a whole host of future England stars from various Premier League sides that cost Chelsea a staggering £120m that summer. Ranieri was unquestionably armed to the hilt, the question on everyone's minds, were they now good enough to launch an assault on the title? In short, no. But they came close, finishing second only to Wenger's history-making Arsenal side who survived the entire season undefeated. Ultimately the repeated lack of 'success' cost Ranieri his job and in 2004 he was officially replaced by Jose Mourinho. Dubbed a failure by many, Ranieri often comes in for unnecessary flack. Fickle fans forget that Ranieri took over during a period in which 'the big four' were just beginning to assert themselves as the heavy-hitters of the Premiership or the fact that he was the driving force behind the development of now-Chelsea legends Frank Lampard and John Terry. Who is to say that given one more season's worth of tinkering wouldn't have brought about even greater success than under the Special One? In essence, Ranieri lost the Chelsea job for two reasons. Primarily due to the team's shortcomings both domestically and in Europe and secondarily due to an inability to play the same team twice. However, in many ways, Claudio Ranieri was one of the forefathers of today's game with his tinkering tactics. We need look no further than Rafa Benitez's European glory or even Sir Alex Ferguson's domestic dominance for proof that nowadays effective squad rotation is almost as important as those at your disposal to rotate.

After another disappointing spell at the Mestalla, Ranieri returned to his homeland where, after galvanising a Parma team devoid of spirit rather than talent, steered the Gialloblu away from relegation. However, his spell at Parma ended soon after as he signed to become Coach at Juventus in their reappearance in Serie A after a shameful but successful season in Serie B courtesy of their involvement in Calciopoli in 2006. After an impressive return in which the Bianconeri finished third, it seems as if Ranieri might well be back to his best with Juve, but is his best good enough for Italy’s most successful club side? Currently sitting in second place, seven points behind a particularly useful Inter side and this season's campaign look all but done and dusted on all fronts, after the European exit at the hands of a rejuvenated Chelsea. Unfortunately for Ranieri, second place simply will not do in the long run (something that has become a running theme through the later years of his managerial exploits) and if he wants to gain the respect of the Old Lady's fan-base then nothing short of lo Scudetto or the Champions League will do.

Il Mister has certainly silenced a few of his critics with his most recent Serie A exploits, although there are still plenty that maintain the opinion that, at the highest level, Ranieri simply cannot cut it. However, looking at the way he has revitalized players such as Momo Sissoko and preserved the quality in the likes of Alessandro Del Piero and Pavel Nedved, and he appears to be steering the club in the right direction. Juventus, whilst creditable, is a few faces short of being a great side and the man the Spanish called El General will certainly want to strengthen his side for next season's title challenge. What is more reassuring is that the man himself seems under no illusions as to the grandeur of his task freely admitting, “there is great strength here, but I have to make it stronger - it can shine, but it has to shine brighter.” The key to this however, will be in his tinkering in this summer's transfer market. The Juventus squad is not getting any younger and with the youngest of his strikers turning 30 before the beginning of the 2009/10 season, the players that make up la Vecchia Signora are in real danger of living up to their nickname.

If truth be told it is probably a little too early to pass definitive judgment on whether Ranieri is the right man to restore Juve's former glory. If he spends well this summer and can keep the cogs turning with the aging heroes then there is no reason why the Bianconeri won't be able to engage Inter in a season-long battle for lo Scudetto next term, but at the moment they are not good enough. Without new life in Juventus' midfield it is hard to see them challenging for major honours, and without trophies Ranieri could be in genuine danger of achieving enhancing his nearly-man image. There is something about the man from Rome that, love or loathe his tinkering tactics, is unquestionably likable and the vast majority would love to see him achieve the success he deserves after so many near misses. But there is no room for sentiment at the top and if Ranieri wants his plaudits then he will have to earn them and, given his past record, this may prove to be his last real shot at the big-time. We await this summer with baited breath.

news from www.footballitaliano.co.uk

News in brief - Weds 25th Mar

2009-03-25T04:46:00.000-07:00

A review of the news from around the grounds of each Barclays Premier League club.

Arsenal

Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia believes Arsenal are relishing their role as the forgotten team in the title race. The Spaniard said: "Now is our moment because no-one is talking about us and we are coming back. The fans have to be optimistic. We keep going, we have time to do important things but now the most important thing is to win against Manchester City."

Aston Villa

Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has been called up to the England Under-21 squad for the friendlies against Norway and France. The 23-year-old, who has two full caps and started for Fabio Capello against Spain during the last international break, was understood to have picked up a slight knock that needed assessing before he was named in Stuart Pearce's squad. Agbonlahor has not scored in his last seven club matches but has the chance to play his way into form against Norway on Friday in Sandefjord, then France at the City Ground the following Wednesday. Pearce has lost Steven Taylor and Theo Walcott to injury ahead of the double-header, while Aaron Lennon has received a call-up to Capello's squad for the friendly against Slovakia and the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.

Blackburn Rovers

Striker Jason Roberts wants to use the club's battle against relegation to drive him on to produce better performances. Roberts said rather than letting the club's position two points above the bottom three increase the pressure he wanted to feed off it to get the team out of trouble. He said: "No one wants to be down the bottom of the league but at the same time you have to embrace it. You can be the hero rather than thinking that you are going to be the person who can get the club relegated. That is the only mindset you can go into it with. We have to stay focused on what our jobs are and not let our standards down. I am not sure how many points it will take to stay up, it could well be around 42, I have not thought about it. We try to look up rather than behind us and how far we can move up the league rather than just trying to stay up."

Bolton Wanderers

Gary Megson has told his players not to be disheartened at missing out on the England squad. The likes of Kevin Davies, Gary Cahill and Matt Taylor were overlooked for the final cut by Fabio Capello ahead of the upcoming matches against Slovakia and Ukraine. "I'd like to think that every England manager looked at Bolton," Megson said. "But Capello is certainly getting round the country. You see him at games. I was down at Fulham against Manchester United and he and (general manager) Franco Baldini knew all about Gary (Cahill), Kevin (Davies), Matty (Taylor), Fabrice Muamba and Mark Davies. They were all doing homework on all of them. As the lads have not got in this time, they will have to keep plugging away. I'm delighted if I can get any English players into the squad eventually; it would be great for them individually and also for the club."

Chelsea

Chelsea will seek the advice of Guus Hiddink over summer transfer targets even though he might not be at the club next season. Hiddink is only contracted to the Blues until the end of the season after taking over on a temporary basis from Luiz Felipe Scolari in February. The Dutchman has done an impressive job at Stamford Bridge during his short time in charge, but is expected to return to his role as Russia coach on a full-time basis in the summer. However, Hiddink will have a part to play in Chelsea's transfer plans for next season, according to Blues chairman Bruce Buck. "We are going to solicit his views as we think about summer transfers," Buck said. Buck also defended the club's recent transfer strategy despite a number of big-money signings failing to live up to expectations. "I don't think we make any more mistakes than any other club," added Buck. "We did look at this over a five-year period. This is not a perfect science."

Everton

Full-back Leighton Baines admits it is a "great honour" to have been named in Fabio Capello's England squad. "I was delighted to be in the initial 30 and obviously even more so to be in the actual squad," Baines said. "It is a great honour to be selected for your country and, although I know it will be difficult to break into the actual team, I'm looking forward to the experience."

Fulham

Roy Hodgson says the club's last four results have shown what an unpredictable game football can be. "Against Hull and Blackburn we lost two games that we felt aggrieved and unfortunate to have lost," he said. "Then you go to Bolton where no one expects anything from you and win and then beat Manchester United. It just goes to show that you've got to keep your chin up in this game, keep believing in what you're doing and believing in your players."

Hull City

Manager Phil Brown hopes to use the forthcoming international break to regroup and get his squad ready for a crucial run of fixtures in April. Defeat at Wigan Athletic on Sunday continued a woeful run of just one Barclays Premier League victory in 14 matches and leaves the 13th-placed Tigers just four points above the relegation zone, and Brown knows April could well define their season. He said: "People are saying it will be a nervous April looking at the next three games but we are just looking at the next one - Portsmouth. It is a big game, as simple as that. We have already put the Wigan defeat behind us but we have to learn from it. Wigan are a side people say are a model for us to hang our hats on. As far as I'm concerned the model is about the experience at this level to win games, or not concede goals or even draw games if necessary and get something from them."

Liverpool

Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar would not be surprised to see Jose Reina add a goalscoring threat to his list of attributes. Former goalkeeper Grobbelaar, who was a member of Liverpool's 1990 championship-winning squad, has been so impressed by Spanish shot-stopper Reina he considers him an attacking weapon for Rafael Benitez. It was Reina's long kick which set up Albert Riera to score against Aston Villa on Sunday, and Grobbelaar claims opposition goalkeepers need to be aware of his potential menace. Grobbelaar said: "I've always said Reina has the best distribution out of the continental 'keepers. His kicking out and throwing is absolutely superb. He might actually score from a kick one day, either out of his hands or he'll come 35 yards out and have a go at goal."

Manchester City

Richard Dunne is keeping his fingers crossed Shay Given is fit to lay the foundation for the Republic of Ireland's big World Cup push.The 29-year-old Manchester City defender has spent much of his international career to date playing in front of the goalkeeper, who is in line to win his 93rd senior cap against Bulgaria on Saturday. However, having had the chance to work with the 32-year-old on a daily basis since his January move from Newcastle United to Manchester City, he knows just how important he could be for the double-header against the Bulgarians and reigning World Cup holders Italy four days later. Dunne said: "He has done really well since he has come in. I don't think anyone has really been surprised - everyone knows how good he is. Obviously, he is a big loss for Newcastle - their fans and their players will know how good he was - and he has come in and just carried on. He is just doing the exact same things. Just the way he walks around and the confidence he gives off has been great for everyone."

Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand has called for his central defensive partner Nemanja Vidic to be recognised as the Barclays Premier League's outstanding player of the season. Ferdinand claims Vidic has been one of the rocks on which Manchester United have based their title defence, and that it is time a central defender received the award again. John Terry was named the PFA's player of the year in 2005 but a central defender has not been chosen as the football writers' Footballer of the Year since Tottenham's Steve Perryman in 1982. Ferdinand said of Vidic, the Serbia international: "I think he should definitely be up there this year for player of the year, he's a top player. The attacking players normally get the accolades and the adulation so it would be nice for a defender to win it. JT won it a few years ago but not many centre-halves have won it over the years. I think he will be up there. He has been our most consistent player this season along with Ryan Giggs and Edwin van der Sar. Those three have been our stand-out players in terms of consistency."

Middlesbrough

Didier Digard is not even considering the prospect of relegation. Boro are five points adrift of safety, and when asked whether he would think about his future were the club to be relegated, he replied: "I don't have to worry about that question because I am sure we won't go down. The last thing I want to do anyway is to think of moving clubs because I've changed twice in the last two years as it is."

Newcastle United

Defender Habib Beye has returned from injury in the nick of time, according to caretaker manager Chris Hughton. The 31-year-old Senegal international made his return from a long-term ankle problem as a first-half substitute in Saturday's 3-1 home defeat by Arsenal. His first appearance since Boxing Day could hardly have come at a better time with Sebastien Bassong making way with a groin injury and Steven Taylor following after the break with his own ankle problem. Hughton said of Beye: "He's a good individual. With the experience that he's got, it was a judgement call on whether to start with him or not. But he's a player who has been out for a long time, and to bring him to a game of that intensity from the start wouldn't have been right. What happened is that he ended up getting a fair amount of time, and that will do him the world of good for the Chelsea game."

Portsmouth

Linvoy Primus is set to be offered a new one-year contract at Portsmouth to help him secure a testimonial at Fratton Park. The 35-year-old defender was set to retire at the end of the season but the news of a fresh deal could help to change his mind. The fans' favourite last played for Pompey on the final day of the 2006/07 season in a 0-0 draw with Arsenal before a serious knee injury ruled him out for the entirety of the following campaign. The veteran has failed to win back his place ever since and was loaned out to Championship side Charlton Athletic for the start of the current season. The former Reading man, who has been at Fratton Park for nine years, returned to the club in November and hasn't played a competitive match since. Despite his lack of appearances the club have decided to reward the defender for his loyalty by giving him the chance to rack up 10 years with the club and earn a much-deserved testimonial. "There's a bit of a technicality here in terms of a testimonial," Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie said. "He needs to do one year next season and two months, so we're talking about giving him another year. But whether that will do him we'll have to wait and see. We'll have to maybe give a year's contract and then a month to month contract. But if anybody deserves a testimonial it's Linvoy."

stoke city

Tony Pulis has warned the Potters they must find a way to win away from home if they want to be sure of Barclays Premier League survival. Stoke City climbed out of the drop zone on Saturday with a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Middlesbrough, but Pulis is cautioning fans and players alike that there is much work still to be done. With a trip to basement-club West Bromwich Albion to come after the international break, Pulis is now eyeing a first away win of the season. He said: "We're out of the bottom three and we've brought a few clubs closer to us. We're desperate for an away result, we need maybe one win away from home if we can. If we can muster that, with the support we've got at home, I think we'll be OK. I don't care who comes here, every game will be difficult so we have to be on top form."

Sunderland

Full-back George McCartney has had the red card he received in Sunday's defeat at Manchester City rescinded by the Football Association. The Northern Ireland international was sent off after just 15 minutes at Eastlands with referee Steve Tanner, after consultation with his assistant Mo Matadar, adjudging McCartney to have pulled back Shaun Wright-Phillips when the City winger burst through on goal. Contact appeared minimal, prompting the Wearsiders to launch an appeal, which has subsequently proved successful. Had the dismissal been upheld McCartney would have missed out on a return to his former club West Ham. But he will now be free to play at Upton Park on 4th April.

Tottenham hotspur

Jermain Defoe has had his protective boot taken off his injured foot and could be back in April. That means the striker could play a part in resurgent Spurs' push for European qualification through the Barclays Premier League.

West Bromwich Albion

Robert Koren believes West Brom may have to win five of their remaining eight matches to have a chance of securing Barclays Premier League survival. Midfielder Koren said: "We have shown many times this season that we can cope with this level and we need to show it again for the next few games. Of course, there is a lot of pressure on us and we need to cope with that. That shouldn't be an excuse or a problem for us to deal with. There are eight games to go and we need to win as many as we can to stay in the Premier League. We need to win four or five of our remaining games. We still need to believe and to show the desire we have shown defensively in the last two games and then, offensively, score more goals. We have got Stoke to play at home next after the internationals and, if we can beat them, I believe the fight will be open again."

West Ham United

Wales remain hopeful defender James Collins will be fit for their 2010 World Cup qualifiers. John Toshack's side face Finland at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday before taking on Germany in Cardiff four days later. They are hoping Collins will be fit enough for both matches even though the defender has not played for more than a month. His last appearance for the Hammers came against Bolton on 21st February, but a hamstring injury has kept him out of action since then. He was not included in Gianfranco Zola's squad for Saturday's 1-1 draw at Blackburn. "It is not ideal that James will not have played any football ahead of the internationals, but he seems confident he will be okay," said a spokesman for the Football Association of Wales.

Wigan Athletic

Wigan are sweating on the results of a scan on Charles N'Zogbia's knee after the Frenchman was substituted at half-time during the 1-0 win over Hull City on Sunday. "We're obviously worried about Charles - his exit at half-time affected our style of play," manager Steve Bruce said. "The lad got an impact blow on his knee. He'll have scans and X-rays in the next 24 or 48 hours once everything has settled down. Hopefully it's not too serious. Charles had started showing flashes of why we brought him here in the first place."

news from www.premierleague.com

Gerrard happier than ever

2009-03-25T04:42:00.001-07:00

Weds 25 Mar 2009

Steven Gerrard says he is happier than ever and is ready to sign a new contract with Liverpool.

The Reds skipper is looking to cap an amazing fortnight by helping England overcome Slovakia in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday before the crucial World Cup qualifier against the Ukraine on 1st April as Fabio Capello's team look to maintain their 100 per cent start to Group Six.

He could hardly be in a more confident mood.

Having helped dump Real Madrid out of the Champions League, beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford and score a hat-trick in the five-goal hammering of Aston Villa on Sunday, Gerrard suddenly finds himself leading a team with realistic ambitions of winning the Barclays Premier League.

"I have never been happier throughout my whole career than I am at the moment," Gerrard said.

"I have two years left on my contract and if there was a chance to extend it, I am sure I would.

"I am playing in a top team, with world-class players and I believe in the manager. Going forward, I am sure we can be successful."

brick wall

The relationship with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is the pivotal factor.

There was a time when Gerrard just did not understand the Spaniard. Played out of position on the right side of midfield in a team that lacked direction and drive, it was not so much a meeting of minds but a pair of heads hammering against different sides of the same brick wall.

Gerrard accepts there was an element of immaturity on his part.

"Maybe when I was a bit selfish when I was younger," he reflected.

"I used to think of myself a bit too much when he was playing me out of position.

"I should have taken a deep breath and realised it was for the team.

"But, at the moment, he is playing me in my favourite position, I am captain and we are winning. Our relationship has got stronger as time has gone by.

"For years and years I have moaned about not being involved in a title race and being far away from the others.

"At the moment, I am playing in a team that's capable of beating anyone in the league."

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Drogba open to Blues talks

2009-03-25T04:37:00.000-07:00

Didier Drogba's agent has revealed his client is willing to discuss a possible contract extension at Chelsea.

Thierno Seydi claims the Ivorian striker is prepared to snub a host of big-money offers from across Europe in order to remain at Stamford Bridge.

The 30-year-old had appeared destined to leave the Blues this summer after falling out of favour under Luiz Felipe Scolari's regime.

However, he has been brought back into the fold by interim manager Guus Hiddink and has been in breathtaking form of late.

He has rediscovered his passion for the club and is now ready to complete a remarkable U-turn by pledging his future to the Blues.

big clubs

Drogba still has 15 months to run on his current contract but, in order to fend off any potential pre-season suitors, talks regarding a new deal look set to be opened imminently.

"He is happy, playing well and his return to form and scoring goals points to the fact he is enjoying his football," said Seydi.

"If Chelsea present a new proposition then we will study it and after that he will make a decision on his future.

"It was important for him to return to his best level, without bad injuries, and he has shown he's one of the best players in Europe.

"A lot of big clubs in Europe have asked about him but we will not make any decision until the end of the season.

"There are big opportunities at Chelsea."

news from However, he has been brought back into the fold by interim manager Guus Hiddink and has been in breathtaking form of late.

He has rediscovered his passion for the club and is now ready to complete a remarkable U-turn by pledging his future to the Blues.

big clubs

Drogba still has 15 months to run on his current contract but, in order to fend off any potential pre-season suitors, talks regarding a new deal look set to be opened imminently.

"He is happy, playing well and his return to form and scoring goals points to the fact he is enjoying his football," said Seydi.

"If Chelsea present a new proposition then we will study it and after that he will make a decision on his future.

"It was important for him to return to his best level, without bad injuries, and he has shown he's one of the best players in Europe.

"A lot of big clubs in Europe have asked about him but we will not make any decision until the end of the season.

"There are big opportunities at Chelsea."

news from --> www.premierleague.com

Laursen regrets rushing comeback

2009-03-25T04:15:00.001-07:00

Weds 25 Mar 2009

Aston Villa's Martin Laursen admits he is paying the price for trying to rush back into action too soon.

The central defender has been sidelined with a knee problem since early January and has been sorely missed during Villa's current poor run.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill had been hopeful of the former AC Milan player returning against Manchester United at Old Trafford on 5th April.

real blow

But Laursen suffered a reaction during Villa's current training break in Dubai and concedes he pushed himself too hard to return.

He said: "I had a problem with my knee on the second day of training out in Dubai and it was a real blow after my recovery seemed to be coming along so well.

"It's been so frustrating because I am desperate to play again, but I've realised that you can't rush back from injuries like this. I think I possibly tried to do too much so it will be a case of taking things more slowly this time.

Laursen has not completely ruled out the possibility of facing the Red Devils and much will depend on the progress he makes with his rehabilitation during the international break.

He said: "I had earmarked the United game as a possible comeback but that will depend on how things go over the next couple of weeks."

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Toe blow for Chelsea forward Anelka

2009-03-25T04:08:00.001-07:00

Monday 23 March 2009
Chelsea FC could take on Liverpool FC in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League without leading scorer Nicolas Anelka as the striker has a toe injury which is expected to keep him out for three weeks.

World Cup
The 30-year-old played the whole game as Chelsea lost 1-0 at Tottenham Hotspur FC on Saturday. He now faces a spell on the sidelines, though, according to the French Football Federation who replaced Anelka with Paris Saint-Germain FC forward Guillaume Hoarau ahead of Les Bleus' FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header against Lithuania on Saturday and 1 April.

Anfield first
France coach Raymond Domenech said of Anelka, the scorer of 15 Premier League goals this term: "He is suffering from a left big toe injury and is out of action for three weeks." Chelsea face Liverpool away on 8 April, six days before the quarter-final concludes at Stamford Bridge. The winners of the all-English tie will meet either FC Barcelona or FC Bayern München for a place in the Rome final.

news from www.uefa.com

uefa.com news saturday 21 march 2009

2009-03-21T04:58:00.000-07:00

Pick of the week

According to Benjamin Disraeli: "We make our own fortunes and we call them fate." It is something that players at either ends of their careers, Darren O'Dea and Filippo Inzaghi, may reflect on with a smile; that Eskişehirspor's Emre Toraman will rue. Rio Ferdinand's destiny, meanwhile, appears to be comedy – it just keeps calling him back. uefa.com brings you the standout stories of the last seven days.

Player: Darren O'Dea (Celtic FC)
If the movie Sliding Doors taught us anything, it is that the sun always shines in London. There was a sub-plot, something about how a split-second decision can have far-reaching consequences, and it is this that O'Dea was reflecting on last Sunday after scoring the opening goal in the Scottish League Cup final. "Life can be weird," O'Dea said after Celtic's 2-0 extra-time win against Rangers FC. "I was close to leaving in January. It didn't work out, thank God." The 22-year-old capped a fine week when, on Saint Patrick's Day, he was called up to the Republic of Ireland squad.

Team: Liverpool FC
It has been a memorable fortnight for the Reds, following up a 4-0 victory at home to Real Madrid CF by scoring four more last weekend, this time at Old Trafford. Goals from Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Fábio Aurélio and Andrea Dossena condemned Manchester United FC (our previous team of the week) to a 4-1 defeat, their heaviest home league loss in over 17 years. How do you top that? By your manager signing a new five-year deal, that is how, Rafael Benítez admitting he "could not say no" after committing until 2014.

Goal: Giuseppe Mascara (Calcio Catania)
As Roy Sullivan, the park ranger hit seven times during his surprisingly long life, would have confirmed, lightning does indeed strike twice. Two weeks ago Mascara claimed our goal of the week with a sensational volley from the centre circle against US Città di Palermo. By comparison he was almost goal-poaching on Sunday at Udinese Calcio, teeing himself up after a poor clearance and firing in a half-volley; from a mere 40 metres.

Quote: Carlo Ancelotti (AC Milan)
"We wanted to prepare something special for his 300th goal, but didn't have enough time."
The Rossoneri coach breaks the news that Filippo Inzaghi would have to wait for his celebratory cake after moving on to 300 goals in professional football last weekend with a double in Milan's 5-1 win at AC Siena, the side he scored No1 against while at SC Leffe 16 years ago. However, having struck a hat-trick against Atalanta BC seven days earlier, Ancelotti admitted Inzaghi had reached the milestone too quickly.

Number: 1
An absorbing week of UEFA Cup action saw two last-16 ties go to extra time and one to penalties, while three teams progressed having been heading out at one point on Thursday: FC Shakhtar Donetsk, Hamburger SV and FC Dynamo Kyiv. Not one of the eight ties was decided by more than one goal.

Squirm: Team England
Football and comedy are not renowned bedfellows; anybody who witnessed Rio Ferdinand's World Cup Wind-Ups in 2006 will attest to that. So credit the Manchester United FC man for his persistence as he and several England team-mates volunteered to receive a mock team talk from professionally rotund actor James Corden in aid of the charity, Comic Relief. Ferdinand got a speaking role, Michael Carrick put on a James Stewart-inspired turn of facial expressions while John Terry … poor John Terry. See it here.

Kit manager: Gabriele (AC Reggiana)
Everybody knows somebody who can 'feel it in their waters', somebody with a sixth sense for impending doom. Fortunately for AC Reggiana, that somebody is their kit man, Gabriele. In a moment of foresight, Gabriele told the players to take their boots with them when the team bus parked up at their hotel for the evening, ahead of Sunday's Serie C1 meeting with Hellas-Verona FC. The next day the coach, and all its contents, was gone, stolen during the night. After a desperate scramble they managed to get replacement shirts to the Stadio Bentegodi though it was not enough to avoid a 2-1 defeat.

Sense of misdirection: Emre Toraman (Eskişehirspor)
Emre is not renowned for his attacking prowess; in four seasons he has mustered just one league goal in Turkey. Viewers tuning in to watch last weekend's Süper Lig highlights were therefore in for a rare treat after the defensive midfielder registered twice in Eskişehirspor's meeting with Bursaspor. On 15 minutes he broke the deadlock, rising imperiously to head into the far corner, and before half-time it was 2-0 as Emre rounded off a swift counterattack with a calm, side-footed finish. Sadly, of course, both were at the wrong end, and Eskişehirspor lost 2-1.

Hot streak: Jaime Alfonso Ruiz (KVC Westerlo)
The fortunes of Westerlo and Ruiz have been inextricably linked this season. The Colombian striker has scored in eight games and De Kempeneers have won them all. So when they claimed only their third victory in 12 league outings last Saturday, Ruiz scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory at AFC Tubize, the question arose: what happened during the barren winter? "I went through hell," explained Ruiz. "My concentration suffered, I could not go outside … It was because of the freezing cold. When I returned after spending the winter break in my homeland it was -15C. I have not touched the snow once; my fingers would hurt too much."

Altruism: Nadyr Nabijev (PFK Turan Tovuz)
Footballers playing for free seems all the rage, but while FK Bodø/Glimt's Runar Berg and Joseba Etxeberria of Athletic Club Bilbao are both in the twilight of their careers, Nabijev, at 28, is at his peak. Yet the captain of Azeri strugglers Turan has decided to throw in his lot as the side attempts to stave off relegation by attracting players from overseas. "He could play elsewhere and earn good money," said coach Rasim Aliev, "but he is with us."

And finally…
Sheffield United FC mascot Captain Blade has decided to do his bit in the fight against obesity by revealing plans to lose 20kg. He may have his work cut out, for not only is he fictitious, but the English club's faithful are renowned for their fondness for a particularly unhealthy dish, and their favourite matchday chant is even an ode to it: The Greasy Chip Butty Song (to the tune of Annie's Song). "I don't think United fans will be too pleased to hear I'm off the chip butties," Captain Blade said. "Maybe we can alter the chant to a salad sandwich instead."

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uefa.com News Saturday 21 March 2009

2009-03-21T04:46:00.000-07:00

Around the leagues

A meeting of the top two in Turkey, an all-Lisbon Portuguese League Cup final and tests of nerve for Liverpool FC, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain FC get top billing as uefa.com highlights the weekend's top fixtures.

Turkey: Sivasspor v Beşiktaş JK (Sat, 19.00)
Unbeaten in eight league games, Beşiktaş can reclaim top spot on Saturday as they visit leaders Sivasspor. After Trabzonspor, Galatasaray AŞ and Fenerbahçe SK hit choppy waters in recent weeks, Mustafa Denizli's Black Eagles have surged up to second in the table, with winter signing Fabian Ernst and midfield partner Ekrem Dağ on terrific form. "We're going to Sivas to get three points but losing will not mean we're out of the title race," said evergreen Beşiktaş goalkeeper Rüştü Reçber. Sivasspor coach Bülent Uygun will serve the second of a four-match touchline ban, and said: "It's even harder to watch the game from the stands but I have very good assistants who know the team as well as I do."

England: Liverpool FC v Aston Villa FC (Sun, 16.00)
Back-to-back wins against Real Madrid CF and Manchester United FC demonstrated Liverpool's ability, but as they host ailing Villa, their temperament will be under scrutiny. Third in the Premier League, Rafael Benítez's side are prone to lapses, their 4-1 thrashing of United at Old Trafford last Saturday standing in stark contrast to a dismal 2-0 loss at Middlesbrough FC two weeks earlier. The Reds may have Daniel Agger and Álvaro Arbeloa back, while fifth-placed Villa are seeking a first win since 7 February, though manager Martin O'Neill still yearns for a top-four finish, saying: "I believe it is possible that we can still fight back, and the players feel that, too."

Italy: AS Roma v Juventus (Sat, 20.30)
Juventus can ill afford to drop points as they visit Roma, with Serie A leaders FC Internazionale Milano hosting bottom side Reggina Calcio. Claudio Ranieri hopes to have Giorgio Chiellini available after the Italy centre-back underwent surgery to repair a broken nose. With Nicola Legrottaglie injured, like Mauro Camoranesi and Amauri, 19-year-old Lorenzo Ariaudo is the only other option to play alongside Olof Mellberg in defence. "We cannot afford any mistakes," said the Swedish international. "I think Inter will win on Sunday, so we need three points to stay seven points behind them." Roma, two points behind fourth-placed Genoa CFC, have a long injury list, Francesco Totti in doubt with a knee injury and four players suspended.

France: Toulouse FC v Paris Saint-Germain FC (Sun, 21.00)
The battle for Ligue 1's European places intensifies on Sunday when fifth-placed Toulouse host a PSG team fresh from reaching the UEFA Cup last eight after a 1-0 win at SC Braga on Thursday. Toulouse, who reached the French Cup semi-finals with a shoot-out defeat of LOSC Lille Métropole in midweek, trail PSG in third by three points and leaders Olympique Lyonnais by four. Les Violets won 1-0 at Parc des Princes in the sides' first meeting of the season in October and boast the division's leading scorer in 17-goal André-Pierre Gignac, whose already sky-high confidence received a further boost with a maiden France call-up on Thursday. While Paul Le Guen rotated his squad for the game in Portugal, he is without Mamadou Sakno due to an ankle knock. Toulouse are at full strength.

Spain: FC Barcelona v Málaga CF (Sun, 19.00)
"We're in sixth place and two points off a Champions League spot after 27 games played; that's thrilling," was how Málaga coach Antonio Tapia summed up his team's miraculous Liga season until now. The men from the Costa del Sol's next task is a daunting one with a trip to league leaders Barça but Tapia is reluctant to agree that the game is a home banker for Josep Guardiola's outfit. "It's not long since Espanyol won there while Racing and Getafe have also picked up points at Camp Nou this term," the 59-year-old explained. "We've got a chance and we won't be travelling thinking the game is already lost before we even kick a ball."

Portugal: Sporting Clube de Portugal v SL Benfica (Sat, 19.45)
Relieved of second place in the Liga by their neighbours last weekend, Benfica meet Sporting in the Portuguese League Cup final at the Estádio do Algarve with the Eagles in need of a pick-me-up. Their 32-year-old captain Nuno Gomes said: "We are not at our best at the moment, but it's our first time in this final and the aim in these kinds of matches is always to win." The competition does not carry a European place, but with side having lost the last edition on penalties to Vitória FC, Sporting's João Moutinho was determined to make amends. "We have already won the Super Cup and we want to win this one too," said the 22-year-old.

Germany: FC Schalke 04 v Hamburger SV (Sun, 17.00)
The pressure is building on struggling Schalke. General manager Andreas Müller was dismissed in the wake of last week's 4-3 defeat at VfL Wolfsburg and now the focus has fallen on coach Fred Rutten. Any thoughts of a quiet week were dispelled, though, as captain Marcelo Bordon stepped down to be replaced by Mladen Krstajić, who was in bullish mood ahead of the visit of fourth-placed Hamburg. "Of course they are a strong side, but so are we and we can beat them," the new skipper said. Title-chasing HSV will hope to avoid a Schalke backlash, especially with the trip to Gelsenkirchen coming swiftly on the back of their tense UEFA Cup Round of 16 success in Istanbul against Galatasaray AŞ on Thursday.

Netherlands: AZ Alkmaar v Feyenoord (Sun, 14.30)
Alkmaar aim to take another step towards their second Eredivisie title when they meet 14-time champions Feyenoord, who are 35 points and nine places behind. AZ lead FC Twente by eleven points with seven games left, and know that, should they continue winning, they would be certain of a championship celebration at home to BV Vitesse on 18 April at the latest. Their 1-0 victory at FC Utrecht last week was a club record 25th consecutive unbeaten Eredivisie result, and they have 20 clean sheets this season, only three away from PSV Eindhoven and Twente's league bests. Feyenoord are also in good form, with ten points from four games and closing the gap to Utrecht in the eighth and final UEFA Europa League play-off place.

All times local. England and Portugal are one hour behind CET, Turkey is one hour ahead.

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Red Devils and Dragons await fiery rematch

2009-03-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

UEFA Champions League holders Manchester United FC may have lost two of their three previous ties with FC Porto, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson was happy to be drawn against them in the quarter-finals.

Home advantage
"This is a good draw for us," said Sir Alex, whose side will kick off the tie at Old Trafford on 7 April. "You sometimes wonder if being at home first is a good or a bad thing but I think in this modern-day competition there's no indication of what is better. The only thing you hope is that you don't lose a goal in the home tie." Though Ferguson is undecided, history shows that the side hosting the opening match in ties between these two clubs in UEFA club competition has always gone on to win.

Portuguese accent
United boast Portuguese talent in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani while Brazilian midfielder Anderson joined the Reds from Porto in 2007. Sir Alex feels that will help as his side look to avenge their exit at the hands of the Dragons in the first knockout round of the 2003/04 edition, when Porto went on to lift the trophy under José Mourinho. "We've met Porto before and obviously we respect any Portuguese team," said Sir Alex. "We have had a huge Portuguese influence in the club, firstly with [former assistant manager] Carlos Queiroz but now with Cristiano and Nani. So we understand Portuguese football."

Daunting draw
The draw is a daunting one for Porto, but the Liga champions have the upper hand in terms of previous meetings with United. They beat the Red Devils 6-5 on aggregate in their first meeting, a 1977/78 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup second-round tie, and while they lost out to Sir Alex's side in the 1996/97 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, the 2003/04 victory left them on top in statistical terms. Vítor Baia, the club's goalkeeper in both legs of that latter success and now Porto's director of international relations, is certainly not cowed by the prospect of a game against United. The 39-year-old said: "We are an ambitious club and we want to make the semi-final. Last time we played them it was a great performance and we will try to do the same again."

'Different world'
Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira, meanwhile, was concerned that the prospect of facing United might distract his side from their domestic programme, but said: "I will not rest anyone as there will be no easy games." However, he knows that his charges will be up against it when they face the European champions, with the second leg scheduled for 15 April. "Results are unpredictable and anything can happen," he said. "The differences between FC Porto and Manchester United are huge. They don't have a better European pedigree than us but they live in a different world."

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Positive atmosphere pleases Taylor

2009-03-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

UEFA General Secretary David Taylor has welcomed the spirit of respect that is coming to the fore as the latest UEFA Champions League season reaches an exciting climax.

Respect paramount
Speaking at the UEFA Champions League quarter-final and semi-final draw in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday, Mr Taylor praised the quality of the matches in the first knockout round and said he was looking forward eagerly to the encounters thrown up by the draw. "The excitement and the drama that those matches generated was followed not only by the thousands of fans in the stadiums, but also by fans all over the world watching at home on television," said Mr Taylor. "We can also report that on the whole, and despite the enormous pressure on players and club officials alike, all matches have taken place with a great deal of respect – both on the pitch between players and officials, and off the pitch between the fans. Of course, we expect this spirit of respect to continue as the competition progresses."

Footballing achievements
Mr Taylor also highlighted some of the quarter-finalists' achievements so far this season. "There have been some excellent matches in the previous knockout round – FC Bayern München have set a new record for a winning margin in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages with their impressive 12-1 aggregate win over Sporting Clube de Portugal. And we have two clubs, FC Bayern München and FC Barcelona, both currently still in the competition [and drawn to meet in the quarter-finals], who have excelled in attacking football and are both standing on a total of 24 goals. A very high mark indeed for this stage of the competition."

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Pirès pumped up for Arsenal reunion

2009-03-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

Three years ago Robert Pirès was part of the Arsenal FC lineup that defeated Villarreal CF to reach their first UEFA Champions League final. Now the midfielder plays for the Spanish side and is relishing his first encounter with former manager Arsène Wenger after the clubs were drawn together again.

Tight tie
A 41st-minute Kolo Touré goal in the last European tie at Highbury proved enough to settle the 2005/06 semi-final in Arsenal's favour, though Jens Lehmann had to save a penalty from Juan Román Riquelme in the closing moments of the second leg in Spain. Neither side has gone as far since, and in their quarter-final encounter Villarreal will be at home on 7 April before travelling to London eight days later.

Pirès thrilled
Pirès, who left Arsenal for Villarreal after defeat in the 2005/06 final by FC Barcelona, was delighted by Friday's draw. "It's going to be the first time I'll play against them," the 35-year-old said. "I'm really looking forward to going back albeit to a new stadium. It's going to be a tricky tie. As a Villarreal player, the only thing going through my head at the moment is knocking them out."

'Contrasting styles'
He added: "We are teams with contrasting styles but also with very high quality players. It's not the best thing to be playing the return leg away from home but if we perform like we did in Athens we can get through. They, above all their coach, will be happy to have a great player like Cesc Fàbregas back again."

Fàbregas boost
The imminent return of the London club's captain, who has been out since 21 December with a knee injury, is indeed a boost for Wenger. "Cesc should be fit in two weeks, he is back in full training and in the international break he has two weeks to sharpen up," the Arsenal manager said. "We now have many players going away for international games and I hope we don't lose players to injury, but we have players coming back from injuries so we are in a good situation now."

Not favourites
Both clubs lie fourth in their domestic leagues but Arsenal's recent form has been more encouraging than Villarreal's. Wenger, however, is wary about reading too much into that fact. "It is not really important," he said. "I believe in this game there is no favourite. If we look at the newspapers to see what they have said about us in the last six months you cannot say we are favourites." The winners of this tie will play Manchester United FC or FC Porto on 29 April and 5 May.

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Klinsmann inspired by Camp Nou challenge

2009-03-20T07:22:00.000-07:00

Jürgen Klinsmann was not downhearted after his FC Bayern Münche side drew FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals, saying the players had a chance "to test our strength against the best European team at the moment".

'Something extraordinary'
The 44-year-old won two UEFA Cups but never Europe's top club competition during his illustrious playing career, and came up against Barcelona four times as a striker for AS Monaco FC and Bayern. Although he lost both games for the French side, he enjoyed more success for FCB and is undaunted by his first meeting with the Catalan giants as a coach. "This is an enormous opportunity," he said. "It is a very tough draw but it's also something extraordinary. Barcelona will be a high obstacle, but anything is possible. We have faith in ourselves and don't have to be afraid of anyone."

Bayern unbeaten
The two sides have met four times in European club competition, with Bayern yet to be beaten. The German champions won 2-1 at Camp Nou after drawing in the first leg of a 1995/96 UEFA Cup semi-final, with Klinsmann on the team-sheet in both games and Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola featuring in the first. They met again in the 1998/99 UEFA Champions League group stage, with Bayern winning 1-0 at home and 2-1 again in Spain.

Friendly relationship
The clubs have also faced off in pre-season friendlies in each of the past two summers at Camp Nou, Barcelona winning both. They triumphed 1-0 in August 2007 in Mehmet Scholl's farewell game, while on 23 August last year they prevailed 4-0, including two goals for Samuel Eto'o. Barcelona president Joan Laporta said: "I feel a little sad that we've been drawn against Bayern because of the great relationship we have. It will be tough because we'll have to play the return leg away; it makes the challenge a tougher one but that in turn means the rewards will be higher. They will be magical nights and we won't be able to switch off for a second."

Home advantage
Bayern, whose Dutch captain Mark van Bommel is a former Barcelona player, visit Camp Nou for the first leg of the quarter-final tie on 8 April, with the tie to conclude in Bavaria on 14 April. Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness felt getting the away tie out of the way first would stand his side in good stead. "We always said that if we drew one of the big names, we'd like to play the second match at home, and that's what has happened. For our fans it will be a dream come true when we face Barça at our stadium for the return match."

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Porto placed in United's path

2009-03-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

UEFA Champions League holders Manchester United FC will take on 2004 winners FC Porto while Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC are matched again in the quarter-finals after the draw for the remainder of the competition was made today in Nyon.

United bid
United were beaten by Porto when the Portuguese side won the competition, with the English titleholders aiming to become the first team to successfully defend the trophy since the UEFA Champions League was introduced in 1992/93. The winners of that tie will play the side that emerges from the tie involving Villarreal CF, the only surviving team never to have reached a UEFA Champions League final, and Arsenal FC, the club that defeated the Spanish outfit at this juncture three seasons ago.

Rivals rematched
Chelsea and Liverpool have faced off in the semi-finals in three of the past four campaigns but they meet a stage earlier this time round. The last-four opposition for the winners will be FC Barcelona or FC Bayern München, the two leading scorers in the competition this term with 24 goals apiece.

Dates
The quarter-final ties will take place on 7/8 and 14/15 April and the semi-finals on 28/29 April and 5/6 May. The final will be held at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome, on Wednesday 27 May at 20.45CET. For full draw details, including dates, click here.

UEFA Champions League quarter-finals 1st leg: 07/08 April; 2nd leg: 14/15 April
1	Villarreal CF (ESP)	v	Arsenal FC (ENG)
2	Manchester United FC (ENG, holders)	v	FC Porto (POR)
3	Liverpool FC (ENG)	v	Chelsea FC (ENG)
4	FC Barcelona (ESP)	v	FC Bayern München (GER)

UEFA Champions League semi-finals 1st leg: 28/29 April; 2nd leg: 5/6 May
1	Winner quarter-final 2	v	Winner quarter-final 1
2	Winner quarter-final 4	v	Winner quarter-final 3

UEFA Champions League final Stadio Olimpico, Rome Wednesday 27 May, 20.45CET
Winner semi-final 2	v	Winner semi-final 1

news from http://www.uefa.com

DATES SET FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TIE

2009-03-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

DATES SET FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TIE

Chelsea's Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool will take place on the following dates:

First leg: Liverpool v Chelsea at Anfield - Wednesday 8 April.
Second leg: Chelsea v Liverpool at Stamford Bridge - Tuesday 14 April.

Possible Semi-Final Matches:
First Leg: Away - Tuesday 28 April
Second Leg: Home - Wednesday 6 May

Friday morning's draw placed Chelsea and Liverpool together in this competition for the fifth season in a row. As in last year's semi-final when Chelsea truimphed, the second leg will be at Stamford Bridge.

Should we progress, the semi-final will be against the winners of Barcelona v Bayern Munich, with the second leg again at home.

The full quarter-final draw is:
Villarreal v Arsenal
Manchester United v Porto
Liverpool v Chelsea
Barcelona v Bayern Munich

Semi-final draw:
Manchester United v Porto or Villarreal v Arsenal
Barcelona v Bayern Munich or Liverpool v Chelsea

data from chesea FC

Liverpool FC news

2009-03-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

RAFA: WE MUST LEARN FROM LAST YEAR Jimmy Rice 20 March 2009
	Rafa Benitez believes Liverpool can overcome a rejuvenated Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals - but only if lessons are learned from last season.
The London club beat Liverpool 4-3 over two legs last term after John Arne Riise gave them a crucial advantage with an OG at Anfield. The first leg will once again be played at home on Wednesday, April 8 - and Benitez knows it is vital his side take a good result to Stamford Bridge on April 14. "Hopefully it won't make a difference to us that the second leg is away," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv. "We have to think about the first game at Anfield with our fans behind us and look to get a positive result to take to Stamford Bridge. "We need to make sure we don't make a mistake in the first leg like we did in last year's semi-final. "They will be two tough games but we are playing well and clearly we are confident we can win." Benitez had hoped to avoid an English side, but he added: "At this stage of the competition, you know you'll play against a good team. Chelsea are a very good team. "We know each other very well and this is an exciting draw. "We knew it would be difficult to avoid an English team but we need to approach the two games with confidence. We've done the double over them this season in the league but clearly these two games in the quarter-finals will be different." If the Reds beat Chelsea they'll face Barcelona or Bayern Munich in the semis - with the first leg away.

news from http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news

Headlines news football

2009-03-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

Feature

King's eyes on the prize

Ledley King is keen to emulate a former Tottenham Hotspur idol by picking up more silverware before his career comes to a close.

Feature

Horsfield in Premier Health

Geoff Horsfield is a living reminder of the importance of regular health checks.

Feature

David's glove affair

We look back at the career of David James, the new Premier League appearances record holder.

MAIN STORY
Champions League quarter-final draw There will be an all Barclays Premier League tie in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

OTHER HEADLINES

Drogba fighting fit

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has recovered from his knee injury ahead of Saturday's match with Tottenham Hotspur.

Hughes glad of the luck

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes admitted his side got lucky in their UEFA Cup tie.

Premier League backing hunger initiative

Premier League supports "Professional Football Against Hunger" campaign.

Fabregas: We can fear no-one

Cesc Fabregas believes Arsenal have the quality to beat anyone in the Champions League.

News in brief - Fri 20th Mar

A review of the news from around the grounds of each Barclays Premier League club.

UEFA Cup review - Thurs 19th Mar

Manchester City booked their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup, after beating Aalborg 4-3 on penalties.

Hart sets sights on survival

Paul Hart does not want to be remembered as the man who took Portsmouth down.

Sbragia demands more goals

Ricky Sbragia has told his Sunderland team to be more ruthless in front of goal if they are to avoid relegation.

Zola has Europe in his sights

Gianfranco Zola has set West Ham United a target of 52 points to secure European football.

Benitez reveals Liverpool plan

Rafael Benitez has set his sights on improving every aspect of Liverpool after signing a new long-term contract.

headlines news from http://www.premierleague.com

Hleb: “I don’t regret signing”

2009-03-20T05:33:00.000-07:00

Hleb: “I don’t regret signing”

Berta Brau

The Belarus international admits that he’s not completely satisfied with the way things are working out for him but denies any regrets over moving to “one of the best teams in the world”. As for the Champions league, he has no preferences.

Alexander Hleb spoke at a press conference on Thursday and told reporters that he wasn’t playing as well as he did with Arsenal and so it was a “difficult” season. However, he firmly denied any regrets over his decision to move to Barcelona. “Not playing is a difficult situation for me but I don’t regret signing for Barça, one of the best teams in the world”.

A new experience for Hleb

Hleb also admitted that living in Barcelona had been a new experience for him: “It’s not being easy to adapt here. I’m in a team where practically all the players can get into the starting eleven and getting a game is difficult. That’s a new situation for me, from which I have to learn. What I have to do is work hard and keep on training so that I can give my best when the team needs me”.

A change of attitude

Alexander Hleb explained that he has had a change of attitude, which has had a positive effect on his morale: “Before Christmas I was fairly upset because I only knew that I wanted to play and I couldn’t. I didn’t understand what was happening. However, now I’m better because I understand that I need a little more time to settle in”.

No preferences for the Champions League

Next up for Barça is the draw for the Champions League on Friday. Hleb has no preferences as to the quarterfinal opponent though he accepted that the English teams are difficult and that Porto is the team he knows least about: “All the rivals are difficult and so they will require maximum concentration”.

news from www.fcbarcelona.cat

Waiting to know the opponent

2009-03-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

Waiting to know the opponent

news from www.fcbarcelona.cat

On Friday Barça will find out which team they’ll have to take on in the quarterfinals of the Champions League: Liverpool, Chelsea, Villarreal, Bayern Munich, Porto, Arsenal or Manchester United.

The draw will be held at 12.00 on Friday.

There are no restrictions on possible pairings and the order in which the matches will be played is still to be decided. The semifinal draw will also be made.

Barça representatives

The draw will take place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon (Switzerland). FC Barcelona will be represented by Club president Joan Laporta, sports vice-president Rafael Yuste, Albert Perrín, the director responsible for relations with international bodies and football associations, technical director Txiki Begiristain and director of football Raül Sanllehí.

After the draw, they will greet the representatives of the opposing team and speak to media.

The calendar

Both legs of the quarterfinals will be played in April. The first leg will be on 7th or 8th and the second leg a week later. The semfinals are scheduled for 28th or 29th April and 5th or 6th May. The final will be hosted by the Rome Olympic Stadium on 27th May.

Messi: “The second leg, at home”

2009-03-20T05:19:00.000-07:00

19.03.2009 16:54

Messi: “The second leg, at home”

Miriam Nadal

Speaking just hours before the Champions League draw, Leo Messi doesn’t know which team he would prefer but is absolutely certain he wants the second leg in the Camp Nou.

Leo Messi is hoping luck will be on Barça’s side in Nyon and that the second leg is at the Camp Nou: “I don’t know who I want to get but I’d like to finish at home”

Speaking at the presentation of the proceeds from the book '39 historias solidarias alrededor del deporte', Messi also gave his opinion on the possibility of a triple crown for Barça this season. “The team is on the right track to achieve the treble both physically and mentally. Doing it or not is a question of time”.

Messi also took the opportunity to insist on his loyalty to Barça: “If it’s down to me, I’ll stay for life. There are things money can’t buy and I’m happy at Barça”.

The Argentine international also spoke about the disagreements between fellow countrymen Maradona and Riquelme, who has ruled himself out of the national team. He went on to say that he “didn’t mind” who wears the number 10 shirt for Argentine.

Messi thanked Fabio Capello, manger of the England team, for his recent praise and assured reporters that there’s no fear of Real Madrid in the squad, as Gudjohnsen. remarked in a recent press conference: “We have respect both for the club and for the players”.

News from http://www.fcbarcelona.cat

Steven Gerrard Goals video

2009-03-13T05:23:00.000-07:00

Second Goal(28') : Steven Gerrard in UEFA Champions League 10/03/2009
full match --> LIVERPOOL 4 - 0 REAL MADRID

Download : Rapidshare | Mediafire

Third goal Steven Gerrard (47')
Download : Rapidshare | Mediafire

Download video Liverpool FC Goals

2009-03-13T04:35:00.000-07:00

UEFA Champions League 10/03/2009
LIVERPOOL 4 - 0 REAL MADRID

Goals Video Clip : LIVERPOOL FC 4 - 0 REAL MADRID

first goal (16') :Fernando Torres ---> show goal click here
Download : Rapidshare | Mediafire

Second Goal penalty (28') : Steven Gerrard ---> show goal click here
Download : Rapidshare | Mediafire

Third goal (48') : Steven Gerrard ---> show goal click here
Download : Rapidshare | Mediafire

Fourth goal(89') : Andrea Dossena ---> show goal click here
Download : Rapidshare | Mediafire

download full goals click Here

Full Match Video : LIVERPOOL 4 - 0 REAL MADRID
Download Torrent : Mininova
Download : Mediafire

Video Goals Fernando Torres

2009-03-13T04:04:00.000-07:00

Fernando Torres Goal
LIVERPOOL vs REAL MADRID in UEFA Champions League 10/03/2009
Fernando Torres (16') first goal (full score Liverpool 4 - 0 Real Madrid)

Download : Rapidshare | Mediafire

Ronaldinho

2009-03-11T04:42:00.000-07:00

Ronaldinho in AC MILAN

Ronaldinho in Barcelona FC

Ronaldinho in National team Brazil

Full Name	:	Ronaldo de Assis Moreira
Date of Birth	:	21 March 1980
Place of Birth	:	Porto Alegre, Brazil
Height	:	182 Cm (5 ft 11 1/5 in)
Playing Position	:	Attacking midfielder Second Striker
Current Club	:	AC Milan Number 80

Barcelona's Brazilian forward Ronaldinho has won the Fifa 2004 World Player of the Year award

Ronaldinho from Brazil, seen in this May 17, 2006 file photo, lifting the UEFA Champions league trophy in Paris, was named FIFPro world player of the year for the second straight time, Monday, Nov. 6, 2006. The FC Barcelona midfielder won the award after a vote by fellow professionals. FIFPro is the international players' organization

Tuncay Sanli

2009-02-28T20:39:00.000-08:00

Full Name	:	Tuncay Sanli
Date of Birth	:	16 January 1982
Place of Birth	:	Sakarya, Turkey
Height	:	182 Cm (5 ft 11.5 in)
Playing Position	:	Attacking midfielder, Stiker
Current Club	:	Middlesbrough Number 17

Tuncay in Middlesbrough

AC MILAN

2009-02-26T06:08:00.000-08:00

Home Colours -----Away colours ------Third colours

San siro

Full Name	:	Associazione Calcio Milan
Founded	:	16 Desember 1899
Ground	:	Sansiro
Nickname	:	Rossoneri il Diavolo

Francesco Totti

2009-02-25T05:06:00.000-08:00

Full Name	:	Francesco Totti
Date of Birth	:	27 September 1976
Place of Birth	:	Rome, Italy
Height	:	180 Cm (5 ft 11 in)
Playing Position	:	Attacking,midfielder,Striker
Current club		AS Roma, number 10

Alexandre Pato

2009-02-25T04:28:00.000-08:00

in Internacional
Pato in national team

Full Name	:	Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva
Date of Birth	:	2 September 1989
Place of Birth	:	Pato Branco, Brazil
Height	:	179 Cm (5 ft 10.5 in)
Playing Position	:	Striker
Current Club	:	AC Milan Number 7

Andriy Shevchenko

2009-02-22T06:12:00.001-08:00

Full Name	:	Andriy Mykolayovych Shevchenko
Date of Birth	:	29 September 1976
Place of Birth	:	Dvirkivschyna, Soviet Union
Height	:	183 Cm (6 ft 0 in)
Playing Position	:	Striker (Forward)
Current Club	:	AC. Milan Number76

in Chelsea

in AC Milan

Liverpool

2009-02-20T05:17:00.001-08:00

home colours----Away colours---third colours

Full name	:	Liverpool Football Club
Nickname	:	The Reds
Founded	:	1982
Ground	:	Anfield

That was then : Steven Gerrard holds up the European Cup in 2005 - this year the ticker tape could be in short supply		Anfied Opened 1884, Capacity : 45.276

Ricardo Kaka

2009-02-17T04:56:00.000-08:00

Full Name	:	Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite
Date of Birth	:	22 April 1982
Place of Birth	:	Brasilia, Brasil
Height	:	186 Cm (6 ft 1 in)
Playing Position	:	Forward
Nick Names	:	Kaka, The Golden Boy
Current Club	:	AC Milan ( Italy )

in AC Milan

Branislav Ivanovic

2009-02-17T02:53:00.000-08:00

Full Name	:	Branislav Ivanović
Date of Birth	:	22 February 1984
Place of Birth	:	Sremska Mitrovica, SFR Yugoslavia
Height	:	188 Cm (6 ft 2 in)
Playing Position	:	Defender
Current Club	:	Chelsea
Number	:	2

Thierry Henry

2009-02-15T21:48:00.000-08:00

Full name : Thierry Daniel Henry
Date of birth : 17 August 1977
Place of birth : Les Ulis, Essonne, France
Height 188 Cm (6 ft 2 in)
Playing position Striker/Winger
Club information
Current club FC Barcelona
Number 14
Youth career

1983–1989 CO Les Ulis
1989–1990 US Palaiseau
1990–1992 ES Viry-Châtillon
1992 Clairefontaine
1992–1995 AS Monaco

Senior career
1994–1998 AS Monaco
1999 Juventus
1999–2007 Arsenal
2007– FC Barcelona

National team
1997– France

Individual

* UEFA Football Championship Team of the Tournament: 2000
* Confederations Cup top goalscorer: 2003
* Confederations Cup Golden Ball: 2003
* FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2006
* PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2002–03, 2003–04
* European Golden Boot: 2004, 2005
* Premier League top scorer: 2001–02, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06. Henry was also top scorer in all four league divisions in 2004 and 2006
* Onze d'Or: 2003, 2006
* PFA Team of the Year: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
* FWA Footballer Of The Year: 2002–03, 2003–04, 2005–06
* World XI Striker: 2006
* UEFA Team of the Year: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006
* French Player of the Year: 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
* Barclays Player of the Month: April 2000, September 2002, January 2004, April 2004
* FIFA 100
* Time 100: 2007

Fernando Torres

2009-02-15T06:43:00.000-08:00

Full name : Fernando José Torres Sanz
Date of birth : 20 March 1984
Place of birth : Madrid, Spain
Height : 6 ft 1 in 185 cm
Playing position : Striker

Club information
Current club Liverpool
Number 9

Youth career
1995–2001 Atlético Madrid

Senior career
Years Club
2001–2007 Atlético Madrid
2007– Liverpool

National team
2002–2003 Spain U21
2003– Spain

Individual

* Nike Cup top scorer: 1999
* Algarve Tournament Player of the Tournament: 2001
* Algarve Tournament top scorer: 2001
* UEFA European under-16 Championship Player of the Tournament: 2001
* UEFA European under-16 Championship top scorer: 2001
* UEFA European under-19 Championship Player of the Tournament: 2003
* UEFA European under-19 Championship top scorer: 2003
* PFA Team of the Year: 2007–08
* Premier League Player of the Month: February 2008
* Liverpool top scorer: 2007–08[88]
* UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2008
* FIFPro World XI: 2007–08

Robinho

2009-02-13T05:52:00.000-08:00

Full name Robson de Souza
Date of birth 25 January 1984
Place of birth São Vicente, Brazil
Height 173 Cm 5 ft 8 in
Playing position Striker
Club information
Current club Manchester City
Number 10
Senior career
2002–2005 Santos
2005–2008 Real Madrid
2008–
Manchester City

National team
2003– Brazil

Emmanuel Adebayor

2009-02-13T05:41:00.000-08:00

Full name Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor
Date of birth 26 February 1984
Place of birth Lomé, Togo
Height 6 ft 3 in 191 cm
Playing position Striker
Club information
Current club Arsenal
Joined Arsenal 13 January 2006
Number 25
Senior career
Years Club
1997–1998 Sporting Club de Lomé
1999–2001 FC Metz B
2001–2003 FC Metz
2003–2006 AS Monaco
2006– Arsenal

National team Togo

* PFA Team of the Year: 2007–08
* BBC African Footballer of the Year: 2007
* African Player of the Year: 2008
* Togo Footballer of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Steven Gerrard

2009-02-12T04:53:00.000-08:00

Full name Steven George Gerrard
Date of birth 30 May 1980
Place of birth Whiston, England
Height 6 ft 0 in 183 cm
Playing position Midfielder
Club informationCurrent club Liverpool
Number 8
Youth career
1987–1997 Liverpool
Senior career
Years Club
1997– now Liverpool
National team
1999 England U21
2000– England

* PFA Young Player of the Year: 2000–01
* UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2004–05
* UEFA Champions League Final Man of the Match: 2004–05
* FIFA Club World Championship Silver Ball: 2005
* PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2005–06
* FA Premier League Player of the Month: March 2001, March 2003, December 2004, April 2006
* FA Cup Final Man of the Match: 2005–06
* FIFPro World XI: 2006–07, 2007–08
* UEFA Team of the Year: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07
* PFA Team of the Year: 2000–01, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08

David Beckam

2009-02-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

Full name : David Robert Joseph Beckham
Date of birth : 2 May 1975
Place of birth : Leytonstone, London, England
Height : 6 ft 0 in 183cm
Playing position : Midfielder
Club information
Current club : Milan
(on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy)
Number 32

Wayne Rooney

2009-02-06T15:15:00.000-08:00

Wayne Rooney in Evertoon

in National Team England
in Manchester United

Full Name : Wayne Mark Rooney
Date of birth : 24 October 1985
Place of birth : Croxteth, Liverpool,England
Height 5 ft 10 in (178 c m)
Playing position : Striker(Second striker)
Club information
Current club Manchester United
Number 10
Youth career
1996–2002 Evertoon (Number 18)
Senior career
Years Club
2002–2004 Evertoon
2004– Manchester United
National team
2003– England

chelsea fans

2009-02-05T05:01:00.000-08:00

Manchester United

2009-02-04T06:21:00.000-08:00

Crest History Manchester United

+/- 18381960-19731973-1998

1998...

Home Colours-----Away Colours-----Third Colours

Full Name	:	Manchester United Fottball Club
Founded	:	1878 First name Newton Heath L&YR F.C
Nickname	:	The Red Devils
Ground	:	Old Trafford

Old Trafford Stadium Manchester United , Capacity 76,212

The Manchester United team celebrates with the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Luzhniki Stadium on May 21 2008 in Moscow, Russia

Chelsea

2009-02-04T05:19:00.000-08:00

This is the the first Chelsea badge showing one of the famous Chelsea Pensioners that gave rise to our early nickname. It was never worn on any shirts however but did appear on later matchday programmes.

When Ted Drake became Chelsea manager in 1952, he instigated a move away from the old 'Pensioners' tag and wanted a new image to go with the new nickname, the Blues. While the new design was being worked on, this cipher of the club's initials was used for a solitary season as a stop-gap.

Probably the most famous of the Chelsea badges and used for 33 years, this design was inspired by the civic coat of arms of the Metropolitan Borough of Chelsea.

The lion was derived from the Arms of Earl Cadogan who was president of the club and also held the title Viscount Chelsea. The staff is that of the Abbot of Westminster whose jurisdiction extended over Chelsea. The roses represent England and the footballs more obviously represent the game.

Chelsea did not start wearing badges on their shirts until 1960 making this the first one used in that way. For the first few seasons the full badge, complete with circle, was sewn onto the shirts.

However due to the complexity of the design several simplified variations were stitched into the shirts during the 60s and 70s, even though the full design complete with circle remained the official club badge. The cup triumphs of the early 70s were marked with the addition of an FA Cup symbol and stars.

In 1986 the club adopted our fourth badge to make the most of the growing merchandising opportunities around football. While the design of the lion and CFC letters was always constant, several colour combinations were used over time and the design was at various times used within circle or shield outlines.

The badge was used for almost 19 years and many fans will have started supporting Chelsea knowing no other form. While it served the club well, fans inundated the new board of directors with demands for a return to the old-style design to take Chelsea into a new era, especially ahead of the centenary year.

Launched in November 2004, the new badge became effective from May 2005. Additionally, a special centenary version was used during that initial commemorative year.

At the launch, Peter Kenyon said: "We are incredibly proud of Chelsea's heritage. The design of this new badge is based on the one from the 1950s and it was a conscious decision to do this.

"As we approach our centenary year, and the club embarks on a new and very exciting era, it is appropriate that we have a new identity that reflects our tradition and can represent us for the next 100 years." (from www.chelseafc.com)

Full name : Chelsea Football Club
Nickname(s) : The Blues
Founded : 14 March 1905

2005/06 LEAGUE TITLE

91 points from 38 games

2004/05 LEAGUE TITLE

95 points from 38 games

1954/55 LEAGUE TITLE

52 points from 42 games

2007 FA CUP

Chelsea 1 - 0 Manchester United

2000 FA CUP

Chelsea 1 - 0 Aston Villa

1997 FA CUP

Chelsea 2 - 0 Middlesbrough

1970 FA CUP

Chelsea 2 - 1 Leeds (replay)

1998 CUP WINNERS CUP

Chelsea 1-0 Stuttgart

1971 CUP WINNERS' CUP

Chelsea 2 - 1 Real Madrid (replay)

1998 SUPER CUP

Chelsea 1 - 0 Real Madrid

2007 LEAGUE CUP

Chelsea 2 - 1 Arsenal

2005 LEAGUE CUP

Chelsea 3 - 2 Liverpool (aet)

1998 LEAGUE CUP

Chelsea 2 - 0 Middlesbrough

1965 LEAGUE CUP

Chelsea 3 - 2 Leicester

2005 COMMUNITY SHIELD

Chelsea 2 - 1 Arsenal

2000 CHARITY SHIELD

Chelsea 2 - 0 Man Utd

1955 CHARITY SHIELD

Chelsea 3-0 Newcastle United

Inside AdWords: A new year, a new traffic model for Ad Planner

2009-02-01T03:07:00.000-08:00

Inside AdWords: A new year, a new traffic model for Ad Planner

Michael Ballack

2009-01-30T06:26:00.000-08:00

Full name	Michael Ballack
Date of birth	26 September 1976 (1976-09-26)
Place of birth	Görlitz, East Germany
Height	1.89 m (6 ft 2+¹⁄₂ in)^[1]
Playing position	Midfielder

Career History:

Club

Season

Comp.

Apps
(as sub)

Goals

Chelsea

2007 - 08

League

16 (2)

FA Cup

1 (1)

League Cup

1 (2)

Euro Cups

7 (0)

Chelsea

2006 - 07

League

23 (3)

FA Cup

3 (0)

League Cup

5 (1)

Euro Cups

10 (0)

Bayern Munich

2005 - 06

League

26 (0)

Euro Cups

6 (0)

Bayern Munich

2004 - 05

League

25 (0)

Euro Cups

9 (0)

Bayern Munich

2003 - 04

League

28 (0)

Euro Cups

8 (0)

Bayern Munich

2002 - 03

League

26 (0)

Euro Cups

6 (0)

Leverkusen

2001 - 02

League

29 (0)

Euro Cups

15 (0)

Leverkusen

2000 - 01

League

27 (0)

Euro Cups

5 (0)

Leverkusen

1999 - 00

League

22 (1)

Euro Cups

2 (0)

Kaiserslautern

1998 - 99

League

22 (6)

Club performance			League		Cup		Continental		Total
Season	Club	League	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Germany			League		DFB-Pokal		Europe		Total
1995–96	Chemnitz	2. Bundesliga	15	0			-		15	0
1996–97	Chemnitz	Regionalliga	34	10			-		34	10
1997–98	Kaiserslautern	Bundesliga	16	0	2	0	-		18	0
1998–99	Kaiserslautern	Bundesliga	30	4	2	0	5	0	37	4
1999–00	Bayer Leverkusen	Bundesliga	23	3	0	0	2	2	25	5
2000–01			27	7	2	0	5	1	34	8
2001–02			29	17	4	1	15	7	48	25
2002–03	Bayern Munich	Bundesliga	26	10	5	4	7	1	38	15
2003–04			28	7	3	2	8	0	39	9
2004–05			27	13	4	3	9	2	40	18
2005–06			26	14	5	1	6	1	37	16
England			League		FA Cup		Europe		Total
2006–07	Chelsea	Premier League	26	5	9	1	10	2	45	8
2007–08			18	7	0	0	7	2	25	9
2008–09			13	1	4	3	5	0	16	4
Total	Germany		281	85	27	11	57	14	365	110
Total	England		57	12	9	1	21	4	88	20
Career Total			338	97	36	12	78	18	453	130

National team

**All-time national team performance**
National team	Year	Friendlies		International competition		Total
National team	Year	App	Goals	App	Goals	App	Goals
Germany	2008	8	1	8	3	12	4
	2007	1	0	1	0	2	0
	2006	7	3	7	3	14	6
	2005	7	3	4	4	11	7
	2004	10	7	3	1	13	8
	2003	1	0	4	2	5	2
	2002	3	1	8	5	11	6
	2001	2	0	7	6	9	6
	2000	5	0	4	0	9	0
	1999	1	0	2	0	3	0
Total		41	15	48	24	89	39

[edit] International goals

Scores and results table. Germany's goal tally first:

#	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1.	28 March 2001	Olympic Stadium, Athens, Greece	Greece	2-1	4-2	FIFA World Cup 2002 qualifying
2.	2 June 2001	Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland	Finland	1-2	2-2	FIFA World Cup 2002 qualifying
3.	6 June 2001	Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania	Albania	2-0	2-0	FIFA World Cup 2002 qualifying
4.	10 November 2001	Olimpiysky National Sports Complex, Kyiv, Ukraine	Ukraine	1-1	1-1	FIFA World Cup 2002 qualifying (European Play-offs)
5.	14 November 2001	Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, Germany	Ukraine	1-0	4-1	FIFA World Cup 2002 qualifying (European Play-offs)
6.	14 November 2001	Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, Germany	Ukraine	4-0	4-1	FIFA World Cup 2002 qualifying (European Play-offs)
7.	1 June 2002	Sapporo Dome, Sapporo, Japan	Saudi Arabia	3-0	8-0	FIFA World Cup 2002
8.	21 June 2002	Munsu Cup Stadium, Ulsan, South Korea	United States	1-0	1-0	FIFA World Cup 2002
9.	25 June 2002	Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea	Korea Republic	1-0	1-0	FIFA World Cup 2002
10.	21 August 2002	Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria	Bulgaria	1-1	2-2	Friendly match
11.	7 September 2002	S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas, Lithuania	Lithuania	1-0	2-0	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
12.	16 October 2002	AWD Arena, Hannover, Germany	Faroe Islands	1-0	2-1	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
13.	10 September 2003	Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, Germany	Scotland	2-0	2-1	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
14.	11 October 2003	AOL Arena, Hamburg, Germany	Iceland	1-0	3-0	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
15.	31 March 2004	RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany	Belgium	3-0	3-0	Friendly match
16.	27 May 2004	Dreisamstadion, Freiburg, Germany	Malta	1-0	7-0	Friendly match
17.	27 May 2004	Dreisamstadion, Freiburg, Germany	Malta	2-0	7-0	Friendly match
18.	27 May 2004	Dreisamstadion, Freiburg, Germany	Malta	5-0	7-0	Friendly match
19.	27 May 2004	Dreisamstadion, Freiburg, Germany	Malta	6-0	7-0	Friendly match
20.	23 June 2004	Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal	Czech Republic	1-0	1-2	UEFA Euro 2004
21.	16 December 2004	International Stadium, Yokohama, Japan	Japan	2-0	3-0	Friendly match
22.	19 December 2004	Busan Asiad Stadium, Busan, South Korea	Korea Republic	1-1	1-3	Friendly match
23.	4 June 2005	Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland	Northern Ireland	2-1	4-1	Friendly match
24.	4 June 2005	Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland	Northern Ireland	3-1	4-1	Friendly match
25.	15 June 2005	Waldstadion, Frankfurt, Germany	Australia	3-2	4-3	FIFA Confederations Cup 2005
26.	18 June 2005	RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany	Tunisia	1-0	3-0	FIFA Confederations Cup 2005
27.	25 June 2005	Frankenstadion, Nuremberg, Germany	Brazil	2-2	2-3	FIFA Confederations Cup 2005
28.	29 June 2005	Zentralstadion, Leipzig, Germany	Mexico	4-3	4-3 (a.e.t.)	FIFA Confederations Cup 2005
29.	17 August 2005	Feijenoord Stadion, Rotterdam, Netherlands	Netherlands	2-1	2-2	Friendly match
30.	22 March 2006	Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany	United States	4-0	4-1	Friendly match
31.	2 June 2006	Borussia-Park, Mönchengladbach, Germany	Colombia	1-0	3-0	Friendly match
32.	6 September 2006	Stadio Olimpico, Serravalle, San Marino	San Marino	4-0	13-0	UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
33.	7 October 2006	Ostseestadion, Rostock, Germany	Georgia	2-0	2-0	Friendly match
34.	11 October 2006	Tehelné pole, Bratislava, Slovakia	Slovakia	2-0	4-1	UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
35.	15 November 2006	GSP Stadium, Nicosia, Cyprus	Cyprus	1-0	1-1	UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
36.	31 May 2008	Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany	Serbia	2-1	2-1	Friendly match
37.	16 June 2008	Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna, Austria	Austria	1-0	1-0	UEFA Euro 2008
38.	19 June 2008	St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland	Portugal	3-1	3-2	UEFA Euro 2008
39.	11 October 2008	Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany	Russia	2-0	2-1	FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifying

John Terry

2009-01-29T23:19:00.000-08:00

Name:	John Terry
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	07/12/1980
Height:	6' 2" (187cm)

Position:	Defender

Position:

Defender

Career History:
Club	Season	Comp.	Apps (as sub)	Goals
Chelsea	2007 - 08	League	23 (0)	1
		FA Cup	2 (0)	0
		League Cup	2 (0)	0
		Euro Cups	10 (0)	0
Chelsea	2006 - 07	League	27 (1)	1
		FA Cup	4 (0)	0
		League Cup	2 (0)	0
		Euro Cups	10 (0)	0
Chelsea	2005 - 06	League	36 (0)	4
		FA Cup	4 (0)	2
		League Cup	1 (0)	1
		Euro Cups	8 (0)	0
Chelsea	2004 - 05	League	36 (0)	3
		FA Cup	1 (0)	1
		League Cup	5 (0)	0
		Euro Cups	11 (0)	4
Chelsea	2003 - 04	League	33 (0)	2
		FA Cup	3 (0)	1
		League Cup	2 (0)	0
		Euro Cups	13 (0)	0
Chelsea	2002 - 03	League	16 (4)	3
		FA Cup	5 (0)	2
		League Cup	3 (0)	0
		Euro Cups	1 (0)	1
Chelsea	2001 - 02	League	32 (1)	1
		FA Cup	3 (2)	2
		League Cup	5 (0)	0
		Euro Cups	4 (0)	1
Chelsea	2000 - 01	League	19 (3)	1
		FA Cup	3 (0)	0
		League Cup	1 (0)	0
Nottm Forest	1999 - 00	League	5 (1)	0
Chelsea	1999 - 00	League	2 (2)	0
		FA Cup	2 (2)	1
		League Cup	1 (0)	0
Chelsea	1998 - 99	League	0 (2)	0
		FA Cup	2 (1)	0
		League Cup	0 (1)	0
		Euro Cups	1 (0)	0

Manchester United

2009-01-29T18:47:00.000-08:00

Roneey and Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo

2009-01-29T07:07:00.000-08:00

in Sporting CP

Full name Cristiano Ronaldo Santos Aveiro
Date of birth 5 February 1985
Place of birth Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Playing position Winger

Club Information
Current Club
Manchester United Number 7
Joined United: 12 Aug 2003
Youth career
1993-1995 CF Andorinha
1995-1997 CD Nacional
1997-2001 Sporting CP
Senior career
2001- 2003 Sporting CP
2003 Manchester United

National team
2002 - 2003 Portugal Under 21
2003 - Portugal

* UEFA Euro 2004 Team of the Tournament
* FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year: 2004–05, 2005–06
* Portuguese Footballer of the Year: 2006–07
* UEFA Team of the Year: 2003–2004, 2006–07, 2007-08
* FIFPro World XI: 2006–07, 2007–08
* PFA Young Player of the Year: 2006–07
* PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2006–07, 2007–08
* PFA Fans' Player of the Year: 2006–07, 2007–08
* PFA Premier League Team of the Year: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08
* FWA Footballer of the Year: 2006–07, 2007–08
* Barclays Player of the Season: 2006–07, 2007–08
* Barclays Player of the Month: November–December 2006, January 2008, March 2008
* Barclays Golden Boot: 2007–08
* Barclays Merit Award: 2007–08
* European Golden Shoe: 2007–08
* UEFA Club Forward of the Year: 2007–08
* UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2007–08
* FIFPro World Player of the Year: 2007–08
* Ballon d'Or: 2008
* FIFA World Player of the Year: 2008
* FIFA Team of the Year: 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo kisses a golden boot trophy awarded to him as 'FIFPro Player of the Year 2008' in a presentation ahead of their English Premier League

FA Awards 2008

Manchester United Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo kissing his trophy on a French TV set after he won the European footballer of the year award, the "Ballon d'Or" (Golden ball), on December 7, 2008 in Boulogne-Billancourt, outside Paris. Ronaldo beat Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres to the honour on the back of a phenomenal 2007-08 season in which he scored 42 goals for his Premier League and Champions League-winning club. Ronaldo becomes the first United player to win the award since the late George Best in 1968.

Biography Didier Drogba

2009-01-29T03:38:00.000-08:00

-->Ddidier Drogba in Marseille

Didier drogba in Chelsea

Full Name	:	Didier Yves Drogba Tebily
Date of Birth	:	11 March 1978
Place of Birth	:	Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
Height	:	189 Cm (6 ft 2.5 in)
Playing Position	:	Stiker
Current Club	:	Chelsea Number 11


			Britain's Prince William reaches out to give Chelsea's Didier Drogba his winners medal as he celebrates with the trophy after his team beat Manchester United 1-0 to win the FA Cup final soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday May 19, 2007



			Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba poses with his trophy after being named 01 March 2007 African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). In 2006, Drogba helped Ivory Coast reach the final of the African Nations Cup and he also played in the World Cup finals

Frank Lampard

2009-01-29T02:41:00.000-08:00

Lampard in West Ham United

Lampard in Chelsea

Full Name	:	Frank James Lampard, Jr.
Date of Birth	:	20 June 1978
Place of Birth	:	Romford, England
Height	:	183 Cm (6 ft 0 in)
Playing Position	:	Midfielder
Current Club	:	Chelsea Number 8

Frank Lampard celebrates with the Premier League trophy in 2005

VIDEO GOALs
Frank Lampard Goals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu1QEkeNg18 --> Chelsea - Hull City
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ut8o-1X96U&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyq3fGDdaVg&NR=1 --> Wigan - Chelsea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvMab1ehDN8&NR=1 --> Wolves - Chelsea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-BsapHMJsA&feature=related --> Charlton - Chelsea

Picture Football Club

2009-01-28T03:40:00.000-08:00

Club in England
Fulham
Hull City

england club, foto bola, Logo
West Ham
Wigan Atlentic

Everton
Aston Villa

Manchester United
Chelsea

Liverpool
Arsenal

Joe Cole

2009-01-27T06:18:00.000-08:00

Joe Cole ( West Ham Utd)

Joe cole in Chelsea <----

Name : Joseph John Cole

Date Of Birth:

8th November, 1981

Place Of Birth:

London, England

Height : 5' 9" --> 175cm

current club : Chelsea Number 10

Position: Midfielder

Games played by Joe cole 2008/2009

17-08-2008 English Premier Chelsea 4-0 Portsmouth --> 1
20-08-2008 International England 2-2 Czech Rep --> 1
24-08-2008 English Premier Wigan 0-1 Chelsea --> 0
31-08-2008 English Premier Chelsea 1-1 Tottenham --> 0
06-09-2008 World Cup Andorra 0-2 England --> 2
10-09-2008 World Cup Croatia 1-4 England --> 0
13-09-2008 English Premier Man City 1-3 Chelsea --> 0
16-09-2008 European Cup Chelsea 4-0 Bordeaux --> 1
21-09-2008 English Premier Chelsea 1-1 Man Utd --> 0
05-10-2008 English Premier Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa --> 1
29-10-2008 English Premier Hull 0-3 Chelsea --> 0
01-11-2008 English Premier Chelsea 5-0 Sunderland --> 0
04-11-2008 European Cup Roma 3-1 Chelsea --> 0
22-11-2008 English Premier Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle --> 0
26-11-2008 European Cup Bordeaux 1-1 Chelsea --> 0
09-12-2008 European Cup Chelsea 2-1 CFR Cluj --> 0
14-12-2008 English Premier Chelsea 1-1 West Ham 0
22-12-2008 English Premier Everton 0-0 Chelsea --> 0
26-12-2008 English Premier Chelsea 2-0 West Brom --> 0
28-12-2008 English Premier Fulham 2-2 Chelsea --> 0
03-01-2009 English FA Cup Chelsea 1-1 Southend --> 0
11-01-2009 English Premier Man Utd 3-0 Chelsea --> 0
14-01-2009 English FA Cup Southend 1-4 Chelsea --> 0

ARSENAL

2009-01-26T00:07:00.000-08:00

Arsenal logo first crest from 1888

A version logo of the Arsenal crest used from 1949

Crest Arsenal 2001/2002

crest 2002

Full name : Arsenal Football Club
Nickname(s) : The Gunners
Founded : 1886 as Dial Square
Ground : Emirates Stadium

Premier League Champions: 1931, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1938, 1948, 1953, 1971, 1989, 1991, 1998

FA Cup Winner: 1930, 1936, 1950, 1971, 1979, 1993, 1998

League Cup Winner: 1987, 1993

FA Charity Shield Winner: 1998

Cup winners cup Winner: 1994

UEFA Cup Winner: 1970