Luigi Delneri has played down talk of a Champions League place, insisting Juventus are focusing on their Serie A clash with Fiorentina.The Turin club are six points from Lazio in fourth on the league table, but have hit form in the run home to the end of the season.
Victory over Fiorentina would be Juventus’ fourth league win in succession, and Delneri stated that extending his side’s positive run was his main focus – not a Champions League spot.
“All the games have hidden dangers, so it will be a complicated and difficult match with Fiorentina,” he said.
“It’s going to be an important game and our recent wins have allowed us to remain in the hunt for an objective right to the end.”
“If you don’t set targets week by week, then you won’t achieve them. I don’t believe you can think long-term, so focusing only on Fiorentina must be our plan right now.”
Juventus are missing defender Giorgio Chiellini, midfielder Momo Sissoko and strike duo Vincenzo Iaquinta and Fabio Quagliarella, though Gianluigi Buffon is back after illness and should replace Marco Storari in goal.
“I understand Marco Storari wanted to make his mark during Buffon’s absence and has worked hard in training,” Delneri said.
Barcelona are appealing UEFA’s proposal to ban playmaker Andres Iniesta from the Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid.Iniesta is under investigation for picking up a yellow card in the quarter-final first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk, which ruled him out for the return clash in the Ukraine and also wiped his record for the semi-finals.
UEFA have issued a report alleging the Spanish midfielder collected the booking on purpose, and should the European body suspend the 26-year-old, he will miss the first semi-final leg against Madrid at the Bernabeu.
“FC Barcelona have this evening submitted an appeal to UEFA against the proposed imposition of an additional game suspension for Andres Iniesta following the yellow card he picked up against Shaktar at the Nou Camp on April 6th,” a statement on the club’s site read.
“FC Barcelona believe that the arguments outlined in their appeal, based on the good faith of the player and the disproportionate nature of the proposed sanction will be sufficient to rebut these allegations.”
According to sources at the club, Liverpool Director or Football Damien Comolli is set to have a busy summer as the club look to overhaul the playing squad. Despite spending over £50 million in the January transfer window, new owners the Fenway Sports Group look set to open the chequebook again to fund numerous acquisitions. But, following a resurgence since the reappointment of Kenny Dalglish as manager and the emergence of some bright young talent such as Jay Spearing, is a complete overhaul exactly what the Merseyside club need?
Admittedly Liverpool is a club still in transition after the departure of Rafa Benitez and ill-fated reign of Roy Hodgson. Despite a superb recovery to sixth in the table and the recent acquisitions of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, there are still many squad members still to prove their worth. The likes of Milan Jovanovic, Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen have failed to make any real impact whilst many fans would be glad to see the back of Sotirios Kyrgiakos and David N’gog. Worryingly for fans, iconic academy products Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard are both the wrong side of 30 and there will soon come a day when they fail to play week-in week-out. But, the club must be careful to avoid a repeat of the constantly revolving door and poor signings that appeared under Rafa Benitez.
Following a turbulent year and a change in ownership, the club must first look for some stability. For example, the club are yet to confirm the long-term future of Kenny Dalglish with his current deal expiring at the end of the season. And, whilst Damien Comolli looks to be directing current player recruitment, if it is Dalglish who will manage the club next season then surely he should have a great deal input into transfer dealings.
But Dalglish has done well to transform the current squad into one challenging for European football. The likes of Spearing, Martin Kelly and Jonjo Shelvey have successfully broken into the first team, whilst the new strike partnership of Carroll and Suarez have only been at the club for a short period of time and will come good with time. Alberto Aquilani and Emiliano Insua could still return from their loan periods. But, with new owners keen to make their mark on the club and with a new record kit deal worth a reported £25 million a year, expect signings this summer.
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But what will it take for the club to return to the top four of the Premier League? The most recent club to break the mould were Tottenham who did so through some shrewd transfer dealings and exciting attacking football under Harry Redknapp. Manchester City’s recent charge has come off the back of heavy investment from owner Sheikh Mansour.
Whilst buoyed by the finances of Fenway, the club can by no means compete with the likes of Manchester City or Chelsea in the transfer market. And, with a squad beginning to gel under Dalglish, this could be a good thing. Don’t forget that Comolli is the man often credited with the signings of Gareth Bale, Tom Huddleston and Luka Modric at Tottenham and who will surely look to sign future stars.
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Fans have called out for exciting talents such as Alexis Sanchez and defensive reinforcements in the mould of Gary Cahill, whilst a midfield enforcer in the mould of Javier Mascherano is still to be signed. And, with money clearly available and owners willing to invest, there will be signings this summer. But, Liverpool must be careful to invest the money wisely in order to improve rather than necessarily overhaul the much improved squad that has emerged under Dalglish.
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England under-21s have been handed arguably the toughest draw for the group stage of this summer’s European Championship in Denmark by joining Spain, Czech Republic and Ukraine in group B. Stuart Pearce’s men, who were runners-up in 2009 and semi-finalists two years earlier, appear to have paid the price for narrowly failing to secure seeded status for the tournament as they now face a struggle to qualify from the strongest of the two groups.
Group A seems to be the gentler of the two groups, containing hosts Denmark, Switzerland, Belarus and Iceland, who were seeded just ahead of England. The Three Lions have been teamed with Spain for the second consecutive tournament, having beaten them during the group phase in 2009, and they begin this summer’s campaign against the Spanish on June 12th in Herning, where they will also play Ukraine four days later.
But despite the toughest of draws, what are England’s chances of returning with the trophy they last won in 1984? The under-21s also triumphed two years previously in 1982, but the format of the competition has altered dramatically since then, and now imitates the structure of senior competition. Fabio Capello’s side disappointed in South Africa last summer, but Pearce’s young squad is considered one of the most promising on the continent, the likes of Jack Wilshere, Andy Carroll and Daniel Sturridge providing significant encouragement.
Spain are currently odds on favourties to win the competition outright, but despite the senior squad adding the World Cup to their Euro 2008 title last year, the country’s Under-21 side have not been crowned European champions since 1998. That said, manager Luis Milla, is confident his side can emulate their elder counterparts, explaining: “They know what it means to compete. They are used to a certain model, a way of playing, that is very similar at all age levels, and they’ve grown in that system. So they understand the game in a very similar way, and we focus very much on that.” What’s more, Juan Mata and Javi Martinez, who were both members of the 2010 World Cup winning squad, are likely to be called up by Milla for under-21 duty in Denmark, forming part of a very threatening team.
England’s best chance lies in the attacking potency of Pearce’s squad. Daniel Sturridge produced an exceptional individual display, scoring the third, in a 4-0 rout of Denmark at the end of March, when Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, the highly talented Sunderland pair, also found the net. The only worrying fact is that it was the youngsters’ first win in four games, and England lost the following game, at home against Iceland, having taken the lead. History indicates that pre-tournament form never guarantees the continuation of momentum once the finals competition begins, and England certainly have as good a chance as Spain to bring home the trophy with a squad now brimming with Premier League experience.
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Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano has left the club after repeatedly butting heads with coach Jose Mourinho.Club president Florentino Perez announced Valdano’s departure on Wednesday, saying he wanted to give Mourinho more authority in line with the role of a manager in English football.
Valdano said he was sad to leave his post, but is convinced Mourinho’s staying on will be good for the club.
“I have always respected Real Madrid. I’ve never turned the club into a battlefield,” Valdano said.
“I always put my position as director general before who I am, and I have always avoided fighting that battle.”
“I have great respect and love for this club, and all my efforts were aimed at living up to the greatness of this team.”
“I believe Jose Mourinho staying on is good for a club that’s been unstable in the past. It needs to settle for a reasonable period of time. He’s done a good job, I believe he is a good coach and I find it normal that he stays on.”
“It is always painful to leave people and places you love. The public had to know about this and I wished to say goodbye.”
Perez said giving Mourinho more power was the way forward after a season that yielded just one trophy, the Copa del Rey.
“The experience of the season just ended has shown the need for new organisation at the club, giving autonomy to our coach,” Perez said.
“This is the first step in our reorganisation process which we will develop in the coming weeks.”
“I will not hide how painful the departure of Jorge Valdano is. We have come a long way together but my feelings cannot be a reason for not fulfilling what I believe is my obligation. Jorge, I appreciate all your hard work and dedication.”
But Perez denied the Portuguese coach had pressed for Valdano to be relieved of his duties.
“Mourinho did not make any demands. He asked for more autonomy in line with how English clubs are organised,” Perez said.
Newcastle United have signed Lille midfielder Yohan Cabaye on a five-year deal for a reported fee of 4.3 million pounds.The 25-year-old helped Lille to a double of Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France last season, but told his team-mates before their final game of the campaign that he was bound for the English Premier League.
“This is a fantastic move for me,” Cabaye said.
“I have enjoyed great times with Lille but the time is right now to test myself against the best and playing for Newcastle United in the Premier League does just that.”
“My first impressions of the club and the city are that it is a lovely place and the stadium is magnificent.”
Cabaye’s good form with Lille, where he made more than 250 appearances, scoring 39 goals, earned him a France debut against Norway in August.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said he was pleased that his first signing of the close season was a player with a reliable record at the highest level.
“We are delighted to have signed Yohan on a five-year contract,” Pardew said.
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“He has a first class pedigree having proved himself at the top level in France, both for his club and the national team.”
“He will add great quality to our squad and I am really looking forward to working with him.”
Although Sir Alex Ferguson’s smiling embrace of Pep Guardiola following his Manchester United side’s schooling at the hands of Barcelona in last month’s Champions’ League Final at Wembley was interpreted as the Scot’s eventual acceptance of the Catalan club’s European dominance, and the confirmation that Ferguson’s European legacy may remain at just two titles once he retires, the Old Trafford outfit’s prompt transfer activity this summer appears to signal an immediate desire to topple the Camp Nou empire.
Nothing has been finalised yet but it seems Spanish Under-21 goalkeeper David de Gea will arrive in Manchester imminently to complete a transfer worth in the region of £20million, Phil Jones has already secured his first professional transfer by leaving Blackburn for a fee of £16.5million, and Ashley Young sealed a move to Manchester United player this week to the tune of £17million+.
Wesley Sneijder, Luka Modric and Alexis Sanchez have also been heavily linked with an Old Trafford move, and though de Gea and Jones have been ‘bought’ with strategic necessity – de Gea to replace the retired Edwin van der Sar and Jones as a long-term solution to Rio Ferdinand – Young’s potential appearance in the red of United next season has caused confusion in several quarters. The club may have struggled against Barcelona but conquered the Premiership yet again with an all too familiar swagger for the twelfth time, largely thanks to the League’s top assister, Nani, and the dependable performances of Park Ji-Sung, not to mention that Ferguson retains the services of Antonio Valencia; arguably the most capable winger of the three. So what then is the need for a fourth wide-man at Old Trafford and what could Young provide Ferguson that he may not have accomplished from his current creative charges?
First and foremost Young is, as his name would imply, at a good age to adjust instantly at a club in the higher reaches of the League. Having made his name at Watford in the Championship and for four years at Villa Park, the 25 year-old has experienced a natural career progression and was a palpable stand-out in an otherwise flat Aston Villa side last season, scoring 9 and assisting 14. He is incredibly versatile and has adapted to a number of attacking positions under four different managers in the Premiership in as many years, and has conceded as much, saying: “I believe in being versatile and I’m happy to play on the left, on the right or through the middle.”
His pace and trickery are unequalled by England standards and his noticeable flair had him recognised by none other than Real Madrid just two years ago. He has featured 15 times for his country, is considered by Fabio Capello as a significant part of his future plans and scored in England’s 2-2 draw with Switzerland earlier this month. Young is consistent with corners, something Nemanja Vidic would relish, and free-kicks, an area that hasn’t been effectively addressed since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.
He has been more-or-less the first name on the team-sheet at Villa so will have to acknowledge the difficulties in forcing his way in to a talented team like United. In my view, his quality aligned with an adaptability which allows him to play anywhere across the front make him an ideal signing for the club whose inventive force has weakened since the retirement of Paul Scholes. Links to Liverpool have perhaps muted the excitement of United fans, but Young is likely to prove the doubters wrong in no time.
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Porto’s Rolando has stated that he would love to work with former manager Andre Villas Boas again, and has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Chelsea.
The Portuguese champions had a massively successful 2010/11, winning their domestic league and the Europa League, with much of the credit given to attackers Hulk and Radamel Falcao. Despite this, the side from the Estadio do Dragao had a miserly defence also, and the Portugal international centre back was the key reason for this.
Similar to what Jose Mourinho did when he first joined Chelsea, the new coach is expected to raid his former club for players, something the 25-year-old would relish.
“Andre Villas-Boas has my number. If he is interested, he knows that I loved working with him,” the Cape Verde born man stated in The Daily Mail.
“I have been in Porto for three years now and now could be a good time to leave, I just want to continue to win, whether here or somewhere else. There are clubs in Europe who Porto cannot compete with, financially, and if an offer comes in, we will see,” he concluded.
Villas Boas is yet to make his first signing as Chelsea manager.
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Liverpool’s restructuring under Kenny Dalglish continued last week, with the signing of Blackpool’s Charlie Adam being heralded by many as one of the missing pieces in the Anfield midfield, a quality passer with a pin-point final ball. However some have questioned his class, saying that he is a one-trick pony who can hit a good freekick but not much else.
With all respect to the Blackpool team that Adam formed a key part of last season, one of the reasons behind the confusion over his quality is due to the unpredictable nature of the Tangerines over the last year. Playing Blackpool last season was similar to playing Russian Roulette; you simply had no idea whether they would be firing on all cylinders or shooting blanks.
So let’s look past the team and just focus on Adam. While his goalscoring record was impressive last season, scoring more in the league than Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney with his total of 12 goals, it is important to note that only 2 of those came from open play. 8 were penalties, for which he will be behind Steven Gerrard and probably Dirk Kuyt in the pecking order at Anfield, and 2 were from freekicks. But goals are not what he is here to score, but instead provide.
One area that Liverpool have been lacking in is a left-footed set piece taker, with the unfortunate Fabio Aurelio injured more often than not. This gives the Reds a more reliable variation when it comes to freekicks and corners. Last season Adam put 196 balls into the box, and although less than 1 in 4 found an orange shirt, you have to think that Andy Carroll will be a more combative target man than the likes of DJ Campbell, so that figure will increase. Further encouragement for the likes of Carroll comes from the news that he created a total of 80 chances last season, of which only 8 were taken by his Blackpool team mates. A more prolific goalscorer will surely feast on the chances created by the Scot, and if he at least works the goalkeeper there is always the chance that Luis Suarez will be in the area fast enough to tuck away the rebound.
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A lot has been made at Liverpool about the failure to replace Xabi Alonso following his move to Real Madrid two years ago, and some see the arrival of Charlie Adam as a step towards putting that right. The Spaniard, made famous for his long-range passing (and shooting), has been sorely missed by the Merseyside club, and comparisons between new and old players are always bound to arise. Adam’s passing ability is one of the key aspects of his game, and last season he proved that by making an accurate long or chipped pass every 7.5 minutes per game. His forward-looking game is also something that will benefit the team, making 63% of his passes upfield and only 27% backwards or to either side. This positive approach is something that will benefit the Liverpool side as a whole.
For many fans, the signing of Andy Carroll was a turning point under the new owners, a sign of genuine ambition and a new focal point for the faltering Liverpool attack. But in footballing terms, it was just the beginning of a new wave. And this new wave needs players that have the ability to create chances. Charlie Adam is arguably one of these players. As is Stewart Downing, touted by many to be soon following the former Blackpool midfielder through the doors at Anfield. Downing may not have the star power of an Alexis Sanchez, but he offers what Dalglish is looking for; young, British and with ability. All that Adam needs is some discipline in order to stop his sometimes sloppy ball-retention, and he will be free to fuel the Anfield strikeforce.
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Inter Milan defeated Celtic 2-0 despite being reduced to 10 men in their Dublin Super Cup pre-season match on Saturday.Luc Castaignos and Giampaolo Pazzini scored first-half goals to put the Italian side ahead at the Aviva Stadium, and despite Tiago Motta’s dismissal for a second yellow card, Inter held on to record a victory.
Despite the win, Inter remain second on the Super Cup table after day one following Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over an Airtricity XI of players from the Irish Premier League.
With new signing Sergio Aguero watching on from the stands, Roberto Mancini fielded a side largely made up of reserve and youth team players, but it made little difference as the English Premier League side controlled the match.
One of City’s forgotten men, Shaun Wright-Phillips, broke the deadlock on 52 minutes, before Adam Johnson made it 2-0 seven minutes later and young substitute Luca Scapuzzi finished off the victory with a third on 83 minutes.
City will face Inter on Sunday to decide the winner of the tournament.
In London, Arsenal threw away a two goal lead and were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors in the Emirates Cup.
Robin van Persie and Aaron Ramsey had given the Gunners a comfortable lead in the first half, only for defensive lapses to allow Lucas Viatri and Pablo Mouche to equalise for the Brazilian side after the break.
The New York Red Bulls top the Emirates Cup table after day one following their 1-0 win over French side Paris Saint-Germain, with Joel Lindpere scoring the winner in the 27 minute.
Fernando Torres was on target as Chelsea won the final of the Barclay’s Asia Trophy 2-0 against fellow EPL side Aston Villa.
Youngster Josh McEachran opened the scoring in the first half before Tores deflected a Florent Malouda strike past Villa goalkeeper Shay Given to register just his second goal in a blue shirt.
Blackburn easily defeated Hong Kong side Kitchee 3-0 in the third-place playoff.
Elsewhere, Everton beat newly relegated Birmingham City 2-1 at St Andrews, Bolton defeated Conference outfit Newport County 3-1 and Norwich won 3-0 away to Coventry City, while West Brom and Wolves also recorded narrow victories over Bristol City and Ipswich Town respectively.