30 March 2008 Kismis United - KING OF THE COURTS 2008 @ NUS - The Aftermath!

Kismis United - King Of The Court 2008 @ NUS Report

Complaints

Okay now to the tournament we paid 10 each total of $70 for the tournament and no goodie bag, no official ref,not allow to take fixture list and rules and regulations and 2 Team in a single court while other teams have the benifit of having 1 team in a court at the sports and recreational center.We even had to suffer under the bright hot sun for 3 hours+ total of waiting time for our 4 matches.The non-official ref didn't really care about physical challanges and in the end finally resulted in a fight between 2 teams at the court which is partly the non-official ref fault as well as the organisers.Reducing the court size has directly contribute to more physical challanges as well.

First Match - 1st Half

My 1st tournament as a keeper and my first test was to face the strongest team in our group.We started with the 3 @ the back and 1 upfront tatics.Tackles were flying in from the first half and Alvin got the most challanges and the ref don't even bother to whistle and slightly siding with the opponent for obvious reason which i won't state in this blog.Made a great save in the first half according to Alvin as the shot from opponent is dropping in the top right corner of the goalpost.Both teams have not much chances in the 1st half and ended 0-0 at half-time.

First Match - 2nd Half

Switch over kick off the Opponent with a shot that goes wide.There come the turn of misfortunate event when MS made an error pass during the corner straight towards the opponent feet and the opponent quickly break away and soon it is 1 on 1 with me and I dive to the right which I am almost sure that i would saved the shot but unfortunately I was wrong he send me the wrong direction and shoot left.I turned my head and saw the ball in the back of the net i felt really dissapointed as we should not concede a goal considering the limited chances our opponent had made in that match.We went offensive but to no avail as the opponent defence is strong and the final whistle is up and the game Ended 1 - 0 Lost much our the team dismay.

2nd Match - 1st Half

Okay getting over the misery of losing to the strongest team in the group we had to win or draw to have a good chance of qualifying to the quarter-finals of The King Of The Courts.Same formation as the first match we started off brightly as a kismis corner came in and Neo completely unmarked connecting with the ball but sent it just wide of the target ! A golden opportunity to take the lead which we wasted.This miss chance has help our Opponent to Wake Up their Idea which they exactly did as they take the lead with excellent attacking play opening up our right flank and Opponent strong and accurate shot towards the near post made me hardly had any time to react a mistake from my part as I should not concede at the near post but the shot was very powerful and accurate just into the gap between me and the post which i couldn't beileve it that I conceded in such a manner.

2nd Match - 2nd Half

Subs came in and we go offensive and put pressure on the opponent but fail to apply the finishing touch towards the stubborn defence of the opponent.The Opponent had a free kick and the shot was not powerful but on target ! Amazingly I tot the free kick is indirect when it is not and let the shot past me thinking that it will be our ball but it wasn't to be.I promise myself next time try to save any balls indirect or direct towards my goal.3rd goal came soon after as our team lost the will to fight. The match ended 3-0 Lost in a match full of mistakes by me.

3rd Match - 1st Half

We must win this to keep our hopes alive in the quarter-finals, a draw or lost will means that we will be out of the tournament for sure with a meaningless game to go if we do not win this one. Excellent corner again found Unmarked yong siang and he too similar to Neo connected to the shot but went narrowly wide and we are gutted to miss such a great chance.We continue to slighty dominate the match thruout the first half trying a few long shots towards goal but not on target !

3rd Match - 2nd Half

Subs came in and we try going more offensive and we totally dominated and we have 3 or 4 half chances our long shots were either inaccurate or straight towards the keeper.A furstrating 0 - 0 draw really especially when we dominated the 2nd half of the match but fail to convert any chances into a vital goal.A Clean Sheet for me which obviously i am happy with but not with the result as I think we should have won.

4th Match - 1st Half

A totally meaningless match really in the context of the tournament but who cares ? Let just enjoy the last 12 minutes of the tournament and get on with life ! Finally the "SuperStar Entrance" of the so called "Star Goalkeeper" to play as a striker which is my usual position in futsal.2 Strikers were on this time Me and Neo as we seek to score our first goal of the tournament and we were determined to break the duck and win the match for our pride as this team is the weakest in the group and we saw them as a chance to win our first game of this tournament. We dominted the 1st half right from the start as the Opponent kick off.We pressure high up the court which inturn resulted in our kick-ins due to their bad passing as well as bad ball control.I had a golden chance 1 on 1 with the keeper but I too much time to control the ball when i could have just shoot towards goal or slip it sideways to MS to score what a glorious chance wasted by me.But I didn't give up and continue to pressure the defence and almost got my reward as the defender fail to control the ball from the keeper properly and I then took control of the ball and back pass it to Neo which just missed the target.MS and Neo shot goes way of the target.2 Corner came in taken by me towards Daniel narrowly wide out of the target both attempts.

4th Match - 2nd Half

Started off with a great bang I set up Neo for a shot at the halfway line which goes narrowly out of the target that make the keeper scramble towards his right.Me And Daniel counter attacking great ball from the defence towards daniel and I was beside him completely unmarked but he choose to take on the shot goes flying high out of the target completely.Then I started pressing alone upfront and the keeper did not dare to pass the ball defender as he know that his defenders ball control is not good and that my high speed pressurzing "Defending From The Front" is working effectively as he keep kick the ball high and far to our goal kick giving possession straight back to us and invited more pressure to his team.But somehow mysteriously we conceded a goal despite dominated as an error from our player losing possession at the half way line then a good thru wall to the striker and a good finish by the striker.

We did not have any intention to give up as we were very very determined not to lose and also to score @ least a goal in this tournament which our team is seeking all day.Neo Set up a shot for me and my powerful shot just off target very dissapointing.Again Neo tackle and got possession of the ball @ the midway line and slip an excellent through ball to me to finish one on one with the keeper !!!! My shot towards the far post was SAVED unbeileveable for me really as I tot I took on the right option but fail to score !! My shot was on target !!

Beep* Beep* Beep* There goes the final whistle and we Lost the match 1 - 0 against the weakest team of the group.A disastrous result for us really as we dominated the match from start to finish. Our finishing has let us down and I also think we played the wrong formation but anyway there is many room for improvement as a team and as a player for everyone.We will trian hard and look forward towards the next futsal tournament that come our way and try our best to achieve better results in the next tournament.

Interested in joining our futsal or field team ? Contact me @ SuperSaiyanJin@hotmail.com

Author- Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng

UCL Preview - 1st Clash: Arsenal Vs Liverpool @ The Emirates

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal

Striker Emmanuel Adebayor is set to start after being rested for Saturday's game at Bolton. Midfielder Abou Diaby is available because his suspension after being sent off in that match does not apply to European football.

Last Starting XI (v Bolton): Arsenal: Almunia, Toure, Senderos (Walcott 59), Gallas, Clichy, Hleb, Flamini, Fabregas, Diaby, Bendtner (Adebayor 60), Van Persie (Justin Hoyte 90). Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Eboue.

Squad: Arsenal (from): Almunia, Eboue, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Hleb, Flamini, Fabregas, Walcott, van Persie, Adebayor, Lehmann, Diaby, Bendtner, Hoyte, Senderos, Gilberto, Denilson.

Liverpool

Midfielder Javier Mascherano is likely to return to the side after serving a one-game suspension. Defenders Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio are also back in the squad after recovering from injuries.

Last Starting XI (v Everton): Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Lucas, Gerrard (Crouch 90), Alonso, Babel (Benayoun 82), Torres (Pennant 89), Kuyt. Subs Not Used: Itandje, Finnan.

Squad: Liverpool (from) Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Aurelio, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Voronin, Crouch, Torres, Pennant, Lucas, Itandje.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arsenal - Fabregas, Van Persie, Adebayor

lWhile Cesc Fabregas will provide the Gunners' main creative impetus, and his midfield battle with Javier Mascherano will probably be pivotal, it will be goals that decide the tie, and Arsenal will be looking to Dutchman Robin van Persie, a player with the big game temperament, to deliver after returning to full fitness from the knee injury sustained while on international duty with Holland last October. Van Persie has scored eight goals despite restricted appearances, and now has 42 in his Arsenal career. Emmanuel Adebayor, likely to partner him in attack against Liverpool, has 39 to his credit - 23 of them scored this season.

Liverpool - Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard

It has to be Fernando Torres at the moment, the striker who is in electric form and whose partnership with midfielder Steven Gerrard has proved dazzlingly productive in recent weeks. Torres now has 28 goals to his account this season, and Gerrard 19, with the pair of them scoring nine times in Europe. Torres has been praised from all quarters this week, deservedly so, and is flourishing as the main striker in Benitez's more settled side. His pace could trouble the Arsenal defence, and the Spaniard will undoubtedly provide the main goal threat to the Gunners.

PREDICTION

The next seven days promise to produce three epic battles between two of English football's genuine heavyweights, and this first one, while not decisive, will undoubtedly set the tone. Arsenal have home advantage and will be buoyed by Saturday's comeback win. But Liverpool are the European specialists, and have also struck a rich vein of form at the right time - their defeat at Old Trafford notwithstanding. It will probably be a tense, tight, cat-and-mouse affair, though Arsenal will be desperately trying to open the game up, Liverpool to close it down. It could go either way, but Liverpool under Benitez have yet to win on Arsenal turf, and the Gunners, having turned a psychological corner at Bolton, could go on and win this first leg.

Expert Prediction - Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool

My Prediction - Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool

Latest Football News

Cech stays at home but Lamps travels to Turkey

Petr Cech will not play for Chelsea in the club's Champions League quarter final first leg against Fenerbache after an ankle injury prevented the Czech goalkeeper from travelling to Turkey.Avram Grant had been sweating on the fitness of his first choice goalkeeper and Carlo Cudicini is expected to continue deputising in goal for tomorrow evening's fixture in the Sukru Saracoglu stadium.The game will be Cudicini's biggest since the Champions League semi-final second leg against AS Monaco in 2004 which Chelsea drew 2-2.Cech's ankle injury has forced him out of the last seven games and Grant confirmed that he did not make the flight to Istanbul.Meanwhile,

Frank Lampard has been declared fit for the game after overcoming a stomach bug that kept the midfielder out of England's friendly against France and the Premier League fixture against Middlesbrough on Sunday.Lampard's inclusion comes as a surprise after Grant admitted that he was too sick to train with the squad yesterday.But Chelsea's leading scorer has travelled to Istanbul and is expected to play some part as Chelsea look to secure a semi-final place against Arsenal or Liverpool.Fenerbache have yet to lose a European tie at the stadium this season and stand in goalkeeper Cudicini is likely to be tested by Zico's attacking style."My philosophy as a player and a coach did not change, the entertainment side of football is about scoring goals," the Brazilian legend said.

Pizarro: Ronaldo Is Just A Big Head

Roma midfielder David Pizarro has described Cristiano Ronaldo as big-headed following the 2-0 defeat to the Red Devils.
Ronaldo scored Manchester United’s opener and Rooney sealed the win twenty three minutes from time to leave the Giallorossi with some tough work to do in the return leg. Pizarro was disappointed with the loss and he has also branded Ronaldo as nothing but a big head. “We played our game and we are disappointed that we were not able to make the most of our chances,” the midfielder told Il Romanista. “It’s obvious that games are decided by certain episodes but we have to see how many shots they had.“It just went badly even though we created plenty, if we scored we would not have lost. “We still believe in both the Scudetto and Champions League, this team will never give up. “Ronaldo? He’s just a big head.” The Giallorossi have it all to do in Manchester. The Premier League side have one foot in the Semi Final and they are in a commanding position to go through.

Ronaldo Doesn’t Impress Me - Berlusconi

Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has sensationally declared that he is not impressed by the quality of Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Berlusconi’s Milan have had a simply dreadful season, and are already out of the Champions League, and struggling to qualify for next season’s competition as they languish in sixth place in Serie A. The Rossoneri are expected to conduct a summer revolution, with a host of old players such as Cafu, Serginho, Giuseppe Favalli and Dario Simic, all to be released. A number of top-class players have been linked with a move to San Siro ahead of next season, and Berlusconi was asked about a few names. "Amauri? Drogba? These are good players, but my players are also my good,” he said. “Cristiano Ronaldo? He doesn’t impress me. We have our own champions.” Ronaldo will be looking to prove the former Italian prime minister wrong tonight during the Champions League clash with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. The Portuguese wizard has been in stunning form this campaign, scoring 35 goals in 38 games in all competitions.

Stankovic: Things Not The Same Now

Dejan Stankovic has admitted that Inter are not the same team they were three months ago, and puts this down to physical problems and tiredness.
During the first half of the season the Nerazzurri looked like an unstoppable machine, winning 18 and drawing five of their first 23 Serie A games. This helped them open an authoritative 11 points advantage over Roma at the top of the table. However Inter have since gone on a dreadful run of form, and as well as being eliminated in the Champions League by Liverpool, they have won only two of their last eight league games. This has seen Roma close to within four points, and some are even predicting that the Giallorossi could go on to snatch the title. "The team is a bit tired and this can be seen,” Stankovic told Il Messaggero. “Some of us are forced to play with some physical problems and, therefore, are unable to give their best. “Certainly, we are not the same team that we were three months ago when we dominated the championship with victories.” Stankovic has been particularly criticised for his poor recent form, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has reportedly been carrying an injury, has also disappointed, and has not scored in open play since January 20.

We have quality to win UCL, insists Anelka

Nicolas Anelka believes Chelsea have the quality to win the Champions League this season and is ready to bide his time on the bench or the wing to start his trophy haul with the club.
Anelka, 29, returns to former club Fenerbahce as Avram Grant's men look to seize the initiative in their Champions League quarter-final, with the France striker having come full circle since he left Istanbul.
He joined Bolton in August 2006 before signing for Chelsea in the January transfer window earlier this year.
Now playing in the tournament he won with Real Madrid, Anelka feels he can achieve the same with Chelsea.
``Like Real Madrid we are a big club with a big squad and big players,'' he said.
``It's always difficult to win the Champions League but I think we have the quality to win this title because of the way we play and the number of big players we have.''
Anelka was bought to bolster Chelsea's chances of a first Champions League triumph, although Didier Drogba is the preferred lone striker and he has often been played on the flanks or left out.

When paired together recently against Arsenal the pair turned the match and inspired victory from the jaws of defeat, but Anelka is happy to play wherever Grant selects him.
``I'm very new at the club so I need to get used to my team-mates and learn the way we play,'' he added.
``It's not difficult, when the manager asks me to play I play, when he asks me to be on the bench I try to help the team when I go on.
``It will be the same until the end of my contract. I'm just pleased to be here and playing for Chelsea and will try my best all the time.
``When we have the chance to play together we will do it the best we can, it will be good. But you have a manager who decides what to do and I think he knows what to do.
``For the moment he wants to play three (forwards) and me on the left or right so I will do my best to play in that position.
``We have to work also in training. Chelsea play with one striker up front so first we have to do it in training and after we will do it in a game. As long as we are winning...''
Anelka has fond memories of Istanbul after winning the league title in his first season, although the manner of his departure means a mixed reception is likely when the first leg of the tie gets under way at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

``When we won the title we went to the city centre on the open-top bus and it took us four hours to do 500 metres,'' Anelka recalled.
As for tomorrow night he added: ``We have to stay focused. We know how to do it and the most important thing is to come back to London with something good.
``Our fans have to come and support the players and I think every time we've come away they have done that. The message I would say is to do the same like they usually do.''
Grant managed Maccabi Tel Aviv in the same stadium 11 years ago but only managed a 1-1 draw which meant they failed to progress, but he is confident of a better outcome this time.
With Fenerbahce undefeated at home in the Champions League this season, Chelsea could be relying on their stubborn defence to keep them on top.
A record of six consecutive clean sheets has been the feature of their European campaign, rather than entertaining in the manner Zico's Fenerbahce have.
``We try all the time to combine both of them but you cannot do it all the time,'' Grant said. ``In the Champions League it's more important to qualify.
``If you play good (football) you have a better chance to qualify.
``So we will try to do both but the most important thing after these two game is to be in the semi-finals.
``They play good football but we believe in our strength to win, even if we know it will be two tough games.''

Transfer Zone

Rafa: Three Signings Already Confirmed

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has been keen to reveal that he has already made headway in his bid to strengthen the club ahead of next season.

The Anfield Club are desperate to close the gap on the league's leading sides, and as such their manager has already got a jump on the summer transfer market, with a trio of new players already confirmed."We have agreements with two young players and one senior player who will be a starting XI player. That deal is already done," trumpeted Benitez. "We are also making plans for our preseason tour and talking to players here about new contracts."The press have been speculating that the 'senior player' is likely Schalke's highly rated Brazilian full-back Rafinha, while the two youngsters are also believed to be South American in origin. Perhaps more significantly than the signings themselves is that it strongly indicates that Benitez is planning for a future at Liverpool.
The Spanish tactician is said to be on the wishlists of several of La Liga's top clubs, and Inter Milan are also supposedly intent on luring him away from Anfield.

Evra Could Leave United

Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra has revealed he has yet to extend his contract, sparking speculation of a possible transfer from the Premier League giants.

The 26-year-old moved to Old Trafford from AS Monaco in January 2006, and has since established himself as arguably the best attacking fullback in the Premier League.
The French international, who has one year remaining on his current contract, has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal despite having discussed the matter with the Manchester United directors. And while Evra waxed lyrical about his love for the Red Devils, he also made it clear that a move is certainly not out of the picture.
"We have already had one meeting about my contract," Evra told News of the World. "The directors know my position.
"I give my all for this club. I love the club and its winning mentality.
"When I play video games I cannot be another English team. It's a crisis when we lose one match here.
"I haven't lost two in a row in two years. There's incredible stress.
"Even if we were to draw against a team like Arsenal, we would get a volley from the manager.
"But that does not mean everything. I may leave next year or in two years."

Mancini Put Up For Ebay Sale

An Italian football fan has caused more than a few chuckles across the country after putting Roberto Mancini up for sale on Ebay...

The joker posed as the embattled Internazionale boss in order to court bids from English clubs.With rumours rife that 'Mancio' is set to be replaced in summer, with Jose Mourinho said to be leading the race for the nerazzurri hotseat, the auctioneer no doubt thought the time ripe to lampoon the boss.The item description includes lines such as:"I am a top Italian coach, although I can't provide my name for privacy reasons."I'm in a well-paid job and I've won lots of Italian competitions in the past."But now I have problems with the team, and my boss."I love England and I speak better English than Fabio Capello, so please help me as I'd love to be a big team coach."With Mancini's future far from certain, maybe the truth could be stranger than fiction in this instance.

Inter To Jose: You Have One Week

A report from the English press has claimed that José Mourinho has just one week to accept or reject the job as Inter's next manager

Speculation raged last week that the ex-Chelsea boss had flown to Italy to meet Nerazzurri officials just a day ahead of Inter's crunch Serie A clash against Lazio. Mourinho has since denied those reports, but The Sun are nonetheless claiming that the Portuguese's agent, Jorge Mendes, did travel to Milan to hold talks without his client. Mourinho has said he doesn't want to meet Inter president Massimo Moratti, suggesting that he's not interested in the €30m four-year deal the San Siro outfit have put on the table. He supposedly has one week to accept or decline the Nerazzurri offer, but Mourinho is said to be keeping his options open with AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid all possibly opting for a change of coach this summer.

Mourinho To Begin Chelsea Revolution At Inter?

The probable arrival of Jose Mourinho as Inter coach this summer will spark a Chelsea-style revolution at the club, according to the Corriere dello Sport, with Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Ricardo Carvalho all set to join their former boss at San Siro.

The Italian press is almost unanimous in their belief that Mourinho will replace current Inter boss Roberto Mancini at the end of the season. His former student Drogba is certain to quit Chelsea, as he wants a new challenge abroad, and the only question mark up until now is where he will end up. A number of sources in Italy last week stated that Drogba has already told his Chelsea team-mates that he will be signing for Inter.
Lampard also wants to try out his luck abroad, and he would relish the opportunity to work with Mourinho once again. The Portuguese tactician would also bring one of his favourite players, Carvalho, with him. The central defender played under Mourinho at Porto, before moving to Chelsea with him in 2004. Inter President Massimo Moratti would splash out around €50-60m on Drogba and Lampard, and would stump up some additional cash for Carvalho. The Corriere also says that Mourinho has requested the signing of Sevilla midfielder Seydou Keita, who has impressed since signing for the Andalusians from Lens last summer.

Chelsea Continue To Monitor Huntelaar

The Daily Mail reports that Chelsea are attempting to land Ajax forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar during the summer transfer window after another favourable performance from the Dutchman...

The striker, who is said to be rated at £18m (€22.8m), netted twice in his side's 4-2 win over his own ex-club, Heerenveen, at the weekend.Among the spectators was Hans Gillhaus, a Chelsea scout, who has previously monitored the Dutch international on behalf of his London paymasters.The 24-year-old striker is also keenly admired by Chelsea's chief scout, one Frank Arnesen, while former Ajax manager Henk Ten Cate, who now serves as assistant boss at Stamford Bridge, knows Klaas' capabilities all too well.Real Madrid and a host of Italian clubs are also said to be interested in Huntelaar, who is under contract until 2010.

Arsenal Team News And Preview

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor is set to start in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Midfielder Abou Diaby is available because his suspension after being sent off against Bolton on Saturday does not apply to European football.

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano is likely to return to the side after serving a one-game suspension.
Defenders Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio are also back in the squad after overcoming injuries.
Wednesday's clash at the Emirates Stadium is the first of three meetings between the teams in seven days, with the second leg at Anfield next Tuesday.

Sandwiched between them is a Premier League match on Saturday that Arsenal must win to keep up with leader Manchester United.
Both teams were in impressive league form at the weekend.
Liverpool strengthened their hopes of finishing fourth by edging out rivals Everton 1-0.
And the Gunners fought back from going two goals down and having Diaby sent off to beat Wanderers 3-2 and end a run of four successive league draws.

Arsenal (from): Almunia, Eboue, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Hleb, Flamini, Fabregas, Walcott, van Persie, Adebayor, Lehmann, Diaby, Bendtner, Hoyte, Senderos, Gilberto, Denilson.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Aurelio, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Voronin, Crouch, Torres, Pennant, Lucas, Itandje

Wenger prepares for Gunners' 'moment of truth'

Arsene Wenger insists an in-form Arsenal can 'beat everybody in the world' as the Gunners enter their 'moment of truth'.

Tomorrow night's clash with Liverpool at Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie begins a four-match spell which will end with Wenger's men either still having it all to play for, or facing up to another barren campaign.
Arsenal face the Reds three times in the space of a week - with their Barclays Premier League encounter sandwiched between two European ties - and then head to Old Trafford to take on leaders Manchester United on April 13.
The manner in which his men fought back from going 2-0 down and seeing midfielder Abou Diaby sent off to secure a morale-boosting victory at Bolton on Saturday - their first in the Barclays Premier League since February 11 - was not lost on the Gunners boss as he prepared his squad for their latest European adventure, albeit against more 'local' opposition.
Arsenal booked their place in the last eight of the Champions League with a superb victory over holders AC Milan, winning 2-0 in the San Siro.
To progress further towards Moscow, the Gunners must also dispose of the 2007 runners-up.
Yet Wenger - who guided Arsenal to the final two seasons ago - has full confidence in just what his side can achieve when on form.
'We feel we can beat them and that is the most important thing,' Wenger insisted.
'On the day, it is about producing a good performance.
'If we do - I am convinced we will - we can beat Liverpool, Milan, everybody in the world.
'I want them to play without any restrictions, with no fear. Just with belief that we are a great side and we can achieve it.
'I believe in my team. Is it better or less good, I let you judge. But I believe in the way we play the game and in our quality.'


Wenger accepts Arsenal are now entering the defining phase of their campaign, but feels having so many vital matches in such quick succession could just work in their favour.
'The good thing is that you cannot think too much. You prepare for one game, then focus on the next one. That's very exciting,' reflected the Arsenal boss.
'You know always that if you have done well in the season, when you go into March and April, it is the moment of truth. You work the whole year for that.'
Arsenal now trail leaders United by six points, but there are still key clashes between the top three to come.
Wenger observed: 'While Manchester United have the advantage, they have a difficult schedule as well.
'They have six games to go and four of them are away from home. One time they play against us, and they are at Chelsea as well.'
Wenger declared: 'We believe we can still win the championship and that is not impossible.
'You think I have been fighting since the first day of the season in the championship to finish second? I want to finish first.
'Don't count on us to give up now after all we have gone through since the first game of the season.'

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes 28-goal Fernando Torres can prove inspirational as the Reds go in search of a third Champions League semi-final appearance in four seasons.
Wenger accepts cutting off the supply to the £20million Spanish striker will prove key.
'Torres has done extremely well. Even in Spain, he didn't score as many goals as he does now,' said the Arsenal manager.
'We know we have to keep him quiet.'
Wenger maintained: 'I will try to get a balance because they are also good in the air and good on the counter-attack on the flanks.
'[Steven] Gerrard can hit long balls when they win the ball back, especially to [Ryan] Babel.
'Basically, when they get crosses in for Torres, he is dangerous.'
Wenger fully expects an exciting clash tomorrow, despite both sides knowing each other so well.
'We go for it and that always gives the other team a response,' he said.
'I can't speak about Liverpool versus Chelsea, but Arsenal versus Liverpool have always been good games and pacey games.
'Maybe it'll change. We'll see, but I'm not convinced.'
Having guided Arsenal to the Double twice, the European Cup remains the only thing missing from Wenger's CV.
The French coach still plays back the 2006 Champions League final, when the 10-man Gunners were with 14 minutes of victory over Barcelona in Paris.
'If you ask me whether I want to win it, I'd say: 'Yes, of course,' How much? If I stopped my career every day and thought: 'Do I commit suicide, but I haven't won the Champions League', I would hope not as I hope I will have won it by then,' joked the Arsenal manager.
However, Wenger declared: 'Let's make it happen this year. Why should we already be thinking about next year? We are in it. We want to go for it.'

Liverpool Team News

Torres ready to shoot down Gunners

In-form Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is full of confidence and has Arsenal in his sights in tomorrow's Champions League quarter-final.
The Spain international has scored 11 goals in his last 10 matches - including the winner in Sunday's Merseyside derby - and has found the net four times in his previous four European outings.
Torres has 28 goals for the season and would dearly like to score at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow to give Liverpool an important advantage heading into the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
'The first game at the Emirates will be very difficult. The most important thing is to score - if we score it is very good for the Anfield game but Arsenal play very well and it is very difficult to win,' he said.
'They won a very difficult game on Saturday (beating Bolton 3-2 with 10 men) but we have confidence again now and we have the confidence to go and win against Arsenal.'
The team produced the perfect response to the defeat to Manchester United a week last Sunday by claiming derby day bragging rights thanks to Torres' solitary strike.

And that goal, which saw him become only the fifth player in the club's history to score in six successive home games, has boosted the Spaniard ahead of tomorrow's crucial encounter.
'Whenever you have a bad result, you need a big game with a good result,' added the 24-year-old. 'Every player is over the Manchester United result and the important thing is to win.
'Now we have an important game coming against Arsenal and six games in the league.'
If there is anything Torres needs to add to what has been a stunning debut season in England it is the ability to score regularly away from home.
So far 19 of his 21 league goals have come at Anfield, with 15 of those coming in front of the Kop.
Torres admits he is more comfortable playing at home but cannot explain why.
'I always feel confident that I can score at Anfield. I've got 19 Premier League goals here now which is fantastic for me, and I seem to score most of those in front of the Kop,' he said.
'I don't know why that is, but I'm always scoring at that end. It must be something about the stand, it is just different. I always feel confident when I'm facing that end of the pitch.'
Despite the majority of Torres' goals coming at home, Liverpool's legendary record goalscorer Ian Rush believes the Spaniard has the necessary credentials to become feared across Europe.
'Torres has something that can make him really special,' said Rush. 'When you've got pace and can kick with both feet, like he can, you are always going to cause the opposition problems.
'Defenders don't actually know which foot he is going to kick with. That's what makes him special. He has been a revelation.'

Rush believes Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will play his usual tactical game against Arsenal and will probably look to win the tie back at Anfield.
'I think the game will be really tight and Liverpool will have the advantage simply because of the second leg,' he told uefa.com.
'I think they will go to Arsenal in the first game and just try to contain them. If you let Arsenal play, they're a joy to watch and I feel Liverpool's job will be to try and stop them playing.
'If they can get a draw, I think they can win back at Anfield. The atmosphere and the support Liverpool will have there will give them a head start.'

Skipper Gerrard calls on Liverpool's fear factor

Captain Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool are the team feared by others in the Champions League.
The five-time European champions face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow in a quarter-final first leg.
Although the Gunners have dominated their domestic clashes in recent seasons - with Liverpool winning just three times in the last seven years - Gerrard believes European matches are a different prospect.
And he pointed to the Reds' Champions League victory over AC Milan in 2005 and appearance in the final again last season as proof of their credentials.
'We are a good side in Europe and we are always confident whoever we come up against we can qualify,' he said. 'I think other teams are more concerned about us because we have proved over the last two or three years we are one of the best sides in the competition.

'We have nothing to fear - just go there full of confidence and give it our best shot.'
Confidence is high after Sunday's victory in the 207th Merseyside derby, which Gerrard believes was the ideal preparation for facing English opponents in the Champions League.
'A big derby win and the fans are happy and the players are happy,' said the England midfielder. 'It is going to be a really tough game (against Arsenal) but we are looking forward to it now and go into it full of confidence.'
Gerrard would have preferred to be facing less familiar opposition - the teams faced each other four times in the league, FA and Carling Cups last season and will, by a quirk of the fixture list, also play in the Barclays Premier League this weekend.
However, he accepts it is just another hurdle to overcome.
'Before the draw was made you are looking for a team in (continental) Europe but you get what you are given and to win this cup you have to beat the best,' added the 27-year-old.
'When we won it in 2005 we had to beat all the best teams so I'm sure we will have to do it again.
'If you look at our games against Chelsea (they played the Blues three successive seasons in the Champions League) they were slightly different from the league games.
'It is a cup competition and it is different from playing for three points. I'm sure it will be different but we know we are in for two very tough games.'
Gerrard is also hopeful Arsenal's faint Premier League title hopes will mean they are not fully focused on European glory.
The Gunners stayed in the race for the title on Saturday after coming from 2-0 down to beat Bolton 3-2 with 10 men.
'They have one more thing to play for. Had they not won maybe it would have made it more difficult for us. Now they have still got half a chance in the league maybe that will distract them a bit.

UCL - Schalke 0-1 Barcelona Aftermath

Slomka: We Showed Too Much Respect
Schalke trainer Mirko Slomka was left bemoaning the amount of respect his side showed their Spanish opponents, which has given the Königsblauen an uphill task in the second leg.

A first half strike from teenage sensation Bojan Krkic handed Barcelona a 1-0 win at the Veltins Arena in the first leg of the quarter final, which puts the Catalans in a the driving seat ahead of the second leg at the Nou Camp next week.
Schalke rallied in the second half but never had the cutting edge to find a way back into the game.
“When you play against Barcelona, you have to have respect” Slomka admitted. “But I never thought that we would show that much respect.
“In the second half we had a number of quality chances, which we were unfortunately unable to take.

“We warned the players against situations like the one that led to their opening goal. Manuel Neuer sadly didn’t hold the ball, but it was a whole series of errors which gifted them the goal.”
Striker Gerald Asamoah agreed with his trainer’s assessment but is still holding on to a glimmer of hope ahead of the second leg in Spain.
“We showed far too much respect in the first half” he admitted. “We should have put pressure on them from the start.
“Unfortunately it didn’t work out tonight with a goal for us. We were unlucky to lose, but still have hope for the return leg.
“If there wasn’t hope, there would be no point in going there” Asamoah added.

Pressure Made It Easier For Us - Rijkaard
Frank Rijkaard believes that all the controversy that surrounded Barcelona in the build-up to their game against Schalke helped the team's preparations.

The Blaugrana had come under increasing pressure after losing to Real Betis at the weekend, but bounced back by taking command of their Champions League tie.Even Rijkaard's future was doubted if Barça failed to win in the Arena AufSchalke on Tuesday and the coach thinks that all that only aided his side."It was a lot easier to prepare the team due to the noise that was being created," he explained."We went into the game with a great mentality. With all the noise from outside the dressing room it made things a lot easier. We all knew just how difficult things were."We still have a chance in the Spanish league too. We have shown that we had the capability to endure when the other team cmae forward."Bojan Krkic scored the only goal of the game in the 11th minute when he became the first player born in the 1990's to score in the competition and became the second youngest to ever score.Rijkaard was very impressed with the youngster and was not afraid to offer him a bit of praise after his matchwinner set the team up for the second leg in Camp Nou next week."He stands out because he does things that the great players do," he added.

It was a strange game, Barcelona were a little more 'anti-football' than we're used to seeing, a few dives and feigning injury as well as a little time-wasting.They were good value for their win, as they controlled proceedings on the most part in the midfield, but the deep-lying defence did their utmost to make it difficult and almost gift Schalke a way back into the game in the second half.Schalke for their part were desperately lacking inspiration and allowed themselves to be dominated by a Barcelona side that will have come into the game with a fair share of nerves.Schalke missed Jones and Rakitic in midfield for the steel and creativity, but as it is they slumped to a defeat and the advantage is all with Barcelona now.

Schalke 04

Neuer - 5: Could and should have done better with Thierry Henry's initial shot which rebounded back to the Frenchman and allowed him to set up the only goal of the game. Will be disappointed after it was his heroics who got his side to this stage.

Rafinha - 5.5: Another star player who was caught cold for the goal. Should have been tighter to Thierry Henry before he ran in behind. Struggled in the first half but became a little more confident and composed in the second.

Krstajic - 5: Struggled with Bojan and generally failed to be as imposing as he would have liked.

Bordon - 6: Did a decent job leading the backline, made a crucial intervention to stop Bojan adding a second. Could have scored an equaliser at the death.

Westermann - 6.5: Showed promise going up and down the left flank and kept Barcelona busy as much as he could, lacked end product to score any higher.

Kobiashvili - 5: Wasn't as involved as he could have been and will have wished he could have done more to break up Barcelona's endless spells of passing possession.

Ernst - 6: Did a little bit better than his defensive midfield partner to get his foot stuck in and made some good challenges, missed a great chance to level things up in the second period, but was influential box-to-box on the most part.

Asamoah - 5: Largely uninvolved wide on the right hand side, looked dangerous when running with the ball but was rarely given the opportunity. His poor touch let him down.

Altintop - 5: Lost possession one time too many when Schalke did go forward, but did a good job tracking back and helping out the midfield when he could.

Pander - 5: Disappointing set-piece deliveries in the first half, and the onus was on the German international to deliver in that regard considering it was Schalke's only genuine, consistent threat on Barcelona's goal. He improved in the second period and posed the occasional threat, but still needed to provide more when his side needed it.

Kuranyi - 5.5: An average showing. Did what he could with what came to him, made himself as much of a nuisance as possible. Maybe a little unlucky to be substituted quite early on, there wasn't a lot he could have done better

.Substitutes: Sanchez - 5, Larsen - 5, Lovenkrands - n/a.

Barcelona

Valdes - 6.5: Untroubled. Guilty of spilling a Pander effort but also tipped a decent header over the bar from close range.

Zambrotta - 5.5: Put in a solid showing at right back and dealt with almost everything that came his way. Could have maybe got forward a little more in the second half to keep Barcelona in control of the game, but was most likely under instructions to drop back.

Puyol - 6: Was put under little to no duress and dealt with everything that came his way with relative comfort.

Milito - 5.5: Like his partner, was solid without needing to be inspiring. Committed a few more careless fouls.

Abidal - 4.5: Uneasy just about every time he was involved in the game and was quite clearly the weak link in Barcelona's defence. A bizarre and almost inexplicable loss of form as of late for the French international.

Xavi - 7: Mercurial in the middle of the park as his passing game kept his side in control in the first half. Did his utmost to maintain that status in the second period, though he saw less of the ball due to slightly more negative tactics employed as the game went on.

Toure - 7: Did a tidy job mopping up whatever threat Schalke posed going forward and barely put a foot wrong.

Iniesta - 7: Energetic and always involved in the first half. Superb through-ball to initiate the play that earned Barcelona the goal. Drifted out of the game slightly in the second half.

Eto'o - 6: Largely uninvolved out wide on the right, but scores fairly well for playing his position with discipline and doing his utmost to stretch a very compact defence.

Bojan - 7: Always made himself a nuisance in and amongst the defence. Was in the right place at the right time to hammer home from close range.

Henry - 7: Played a crucial part in the only goal of the game and scores well by default for that reason. Troubled Rafinha in the first half, in the second period he was not quite up to the task.

Substitutes: Marquez - 5, Giovani - 5, Sylvinho - 6.

UCL Roma 0 - 2 Man U Aftermath

Spalletti: The Result Punishes Us

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti admits that the defeat to Manchester United on Wednesday night is a heavy result.The Giallorossi lost 2-0 to the Red Devils in the Stadio Olimpico after goals by Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney saw the Premier League leaders run out comfortable winners. Spalletti now believes that qualification will be difficult but he is confident that his side will go to Old Trafford to try and overturn the result.

“The result doesn’t show the game we played,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
“We played how we should have and we deserved more both at the begining of the game and in the second half.
“When they took the lead we should have raised our game.
“The result punishes us quite a lot and now qualification is very difficult however we have scored two goals away from home in different Champions League games so we will go there to play for qualification.
“We need to acknowledge what has happened and try and overturn the situation.”
Roma have it all to do in the second leg at Old Trafford. Last year the Lupi lost 7-1 in Manchester. No doubt they will be hoping to avoid the same humiliation this time around.

Victorious Ferguson: I Should Have Switched Rooney Sooner

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson professed himself to be "very, very pleased" after his side produced an impressive tactical performance to beat Roma 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Asked by ITV Sport if he rated their performance as United's best in Europe this season, manager Sir Alex Ferguson hesitated before saying: "Possibly, yes, in view of the quality of the opposition."He added: "It was a very good team against us." Ferguson said his side had had to defend well because Roma could have scored on at least couple of occasions.However, Ferguson also admitted: "I should have put Rooney through the middle sooner," a reference o the tactical change that reaped almost immediate dividends when Rooney added United second with another potentially priceless away goal.Ferguson praised his team's "good, disciplined performance," and stressed: "We didn't lose a goal, which is vital."And he summed up the night by saying: "I'm very, very pleased."

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the opener with a stunning header, claimed United were well worth their victory.Ronaldo produced a brave, spring-heeled jump to power a Paul Scholes cross down into the net and set United on their way to a commanding first leg lead."It's a very good performance. Everyone knows it's a tough game. Roma played very well, but we created a few chances,"

Ronaldo told ITV1 before leaving the pitch in Rome."I think we deserved this win."It was his 36th goal of a remarkably productive season, and he added: "It's a good header, and I feel very happy because I scored the goal and I helped the team."Asked about the contribution of the United defence, Ronaldo praised his team-mates. Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Wes Brown provided a solid platform and Ronaldo acknowledged this when he said: "Rio, Vid and Pat and everyone played very well.

"The Portugal winger now feels United have an excellent opportunity to win the competition."I think we have a great chance. The team played fantastic. The team is more mature," he said. "Of course, Manchester United want to win this season."

Esposito: We Can Still Go Through
Roma striker Maurizio Esposito admits Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal just before half time severly damaged the Giallorossi’s chances of a win but he still believes his side can conquer the Red Devils at Old Trafford.

The home side lost 2-0 on the night even though they looked like the better team for most of the game. However goals by Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo conquered Rome, leaving Esposito downbeat.
“We played a great team and we began fairly well and we should have scored,” Esposito told Sky Sport Italia.
“However Ronaldo’s goal at the end of the second half seemed to have chopped us down.
“We tried getting back in the second half and we had several chances of scoring but we were not able to.
“Then when they scored a second, we were no longer able to re-shape the game.”
Esposito is also confident of causing an upset in the second leg at Old Trafford.
“This side is capable of getting a result on any pitch and we have shown this in the past where we have won in important places," he said. “It will be very hard but we can still do it.”
The Giallorossi will be hoping they can pull off a miracle in Manchester however their chances of doing so are very thin given the 2-0 deficit.

Roma

Doni – 5: In the first two-thirds of the game he did not have a single save to make, yet Roma found themselves 0-2 down. Could do nothing on Ronaldo’s goal, but he was at fault for spilling the ball into the path of Rooney for the second.

Cassetti - 6: Defensively he neutralized the threat of Ronaldo for long spells, although he was beaten in the air by the winger for the first goal. When the game opened up after the second goal, he naturally found Ronaldo's pace impossible to deal with.

Mexes – 5.5: Disappointing. Was turned by Rooney in the build-up to Ronaldo’s goal, then seemed to lose his head in the second half, getting booked for dissent.

Panucci – 6: Relatively sound, although he missed two glorious chances to score for his side, heading over from a corner, and volleying the ball over from just six yards.

Tonetto – 7: Bombed up-and-down the left flank and was desperately unlucky to see his shot go inches past the post when the score was 0-1. An energetic display.

De Rossi – 7: Roma’s best midfielder as usual. Held back and protected the defence in the first half, and was the reason Utd had just one shot in the first half. After the break he was forced to push forward, and as a result the gaps opened up behind him.

Aquilani – 6: Was hugely impressive in the last round against Real Madrid, but did not stand out tonight. His long-range shooting let him down.

Pizarro – 6: Blew hot and cold. Some creative play, but also a number of loose passes. A stylish player, but he often lacks substance.

Taddei – 5.5: Never really got into the game did the Brazilian. Looked fragile and low on confidence at times, and was never really able to get at Evra before he was replaced on 59 minutes.

Mancini – 5.5: Was expected by many to really give Brown a hard time down the left, but this never really materialized. His final ball was also very poor.

Vucinic - 7.5: Roma's main threat, he was immense up-front, and it is a mystery how he never scored tonight. In the first half, he shot inches wide when all alone with Van der Sar, while after the break he brought out a stunning stop from the Dutchman. Also created Tonetto's excellent opportunity.

Substitutes: Giuly - 6, Cicinho – 6, Esposito - N.A

Man Utd

Van der Sar – 7.5: One world class save from Vucinic's header, in addition to some faultless goalkeeping throughout. Everything stuck to him, unlike at the other end with Doni.

Brown - 6.5: The 28-year-old was supposed to be United's weak link but he was rarely troubled by Mancini. Very steady display and crossed for Rooney's goal.

Ferdinand – 8.5: An absolute rock in defence. Made countless tackles and interceptions, including a superb one in the first half. A real leader, especially after Vidic's injury.

Vidic - 6: Was solid in the opening half-hour, until he picked up an injury during an aerial challenge with Vucinic, and was forced off the pitch.

Evra – 6: Coped relatively comfortably with Taddei, even if he was occasionally caught out of position. Offered little going forward.

Anderson - 5: Off-the-pace, and made very little impact on the game. Was second to most balls, and this led to his booking. Was replaced on 55 minutes for the more defensive-minded Hargreaves.

Scholes – 6.5: In truth Scholes did not offer one of his trademark European performances, but he did make one crucial contribution in creating Ronaldo's goal.

Carrick – 6: Was let off the hook on a couple of times, losing Panucci at a corner, and also being turned by Vucinic on his first half chance. However he was disciplined and could have added a third when he fired wide.

Park Ji Sung – 6: The South Korean never stopped running but there was not too much quality. Having said this, it was his header across goal that was spilled by Doni when Rooney scored.

Ronaldo – 7.5: In the first 66 minutes he made just one contribution, but it was a crucial one as he headed home to give his side the lead. After Rooney scored a second, the game opened up, and in this scenario Ronaldo is simply unstoppable. He went on to wreak havoc, hitting the post, firing a volley inches over, while running at the Roma defence every time he got the ball.

Rooney - 8: Very impressive. Started the move for Ronaldo's goal by beautifully turning Mexes. Scored the second in fortuitous circumstances, but he was alert to turn the ball in. Could have maybe added another, but all in all a great display.

Substitutes: O’Shea – 6.5, Hargreaves – 6, Tevez – N.A

A Pre Match News

Roma star Daniele De Rossi has branded United's Cristiano Ronaldo a liar for claims made in his autobiography. Meanwhile, Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been told by Giallorossi counterpart Luciano Spalletti to forget the bottle of Italian red at full time.

De Rossi is incensed by Ronaldo's boastful claims in his book that Roma stars were begging him for mercy during last season's 7-1 Champions League thrashing at Old Trafford. The Portuguese wrote that the Giallorossi players felt embarrased by his display of skills and tricks, asking him to stop to avoid them losing further face. Ronaldo's Telling Lies"We never said anything like that," blasted De Rossi. “If he really wrote that, then maybe he does not remember too well what actually happened."

"We want to set the record straight this time," added the Italy midfielder with a view to avenging last season's pummeling. Wine-ing SpallettiMeanwhile, it appears that resentment from the Roma side isn't restricted to those on the pitch. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he was looking forward to catching up with Roma coach Spalletti at full-time, joking that the Italian always had a good bottle of wine on offer. But the Giallorossi coach bit back, telling Fergie in no uncertain terms that there would be no niceties on Tuesday. "This time there will be no gifts from me," he said. “We gave them seven gifts at Old Trafford last season. There will be no wine and there will be fewer goals.”

Spalletti: United Can't Play Abroad
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has stoked the fires ahead of tonight's game with Manchester United by claiming the Red Devils just can't deliver in Europe away from Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side did not win either of their previous two games against Spalletti's Roma at the Olimpico and despite winning their other two away group games this season they struggled to a draw in Lyon in the last round. Added to that, last season saw an embarassing defeat away to Kopenhagen in the group stages, with another loss against Celtic and a mauling in Milan in the semi-finals. All in all, Fergie's side have won just 3 of their last 18 European away matches. Spalletti has acknowledged the strength of the Red Devils at Old Trafford, but says his Roma side will be out to give United another away day European nightmare tonight. Roman Fortress"We will make sure we turn the Stadio Olimpico into a fortress for the visit of United," vowed the Giallorossi boss. "United are the best team in the world, but it's a long time since they got a very important win abroad. They're fantastic at Old Trafford, but they never dominate a match away. They are very good on the counter-attack, but they aren't good at controlling games."

Roma Spalletti wants to avoid Chelsea in Quarter

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti wants to avoid Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The Eternal City giants book their place after win over Galatico Real Madrid in the Last 16

"If I could choose, I would avoid a meeting in the next round with Chelsea," Spalletti said.

"But in any case, we will have to accept the rival that the draw will give us."

For Those Who Love Sheva - Latest News

Unsettled Andriy Shevchenko has told Chelsea supremo Roman Abramovich that he is fed up of being "undervalued" and left on the bench.
The Ukraine star striker has told the Russian billionaire Stamford Bridge owner that he will leave Stamfoidge in the summer, according to news reports in the Italian media on Monday.
Abramovich is said to have "offered little resistance" and the return of the £30million transfer flop to AC Milan - Shevchenko's former club - looks set for later this year.

The 31-year-old has been left on the bench recently, and last week - when his team-mates were preparing for last week's victory over Olympiakos - the 2006 World Cup star was plating against Reading reserves at Brentford's Griffin Park.
He has long hinted that he wants a return to Milan and last week AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi said they would welcome him back.

The Italian newspapers also revealed that Shevchenko's model wife Kirsten was due in Milan this afternoon for the second viewing of an apartment.
The new home is in the centre of the city's fashion district a stone's throw from the Cathedral and designer boutiques.

Mallorca 7-1 Recreativo Huelva HT : 5 - 1

Half Time The Score Is 5-1 and no Recreativo player was sent off thru out the game it is 11 against 11

Juan Arango smashed a hat-trick as rampant Real Mallorca hammered Recreativo Huelva on Sunday.The midfielder started the ball rolling in the 18th minute and two goals apiece for Daniel Guiza and Iglesias Valero gave the hosts a commanding lead by half-time.Arango grabbed two more goals in the space of three second-half minutes to complete the rout, reducing Marco Ruben's 40th-minute effort to a mere consolation for the visitors.The heavy defeat heightens Recreativo's relegation worries as they remain in the bottom three, while Mallorca move up to 11th.Intriguingly, the opening exchanges contained scant attacking activity before the home side burst into life after opening the scoring.It was a set-piece which proved to be Recreativo's undoing, Ariel Ibagaza's corner nodded on by Jose Carlos Nunes into the path of Arango, who headed home. Three minutes later Mallorca doubled their lead when Guiza received the ball in space on the left side of the penalty area and coolly slotted past goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino.Guiza put the hosts firmly in the driving seat in the 31st minute when he collected a pass from Iglesias Valero and placed a low shot under Sorrentino.And the contest was all but over in the 37th minute.

Ibagaza was again involved in the build up, feeding Valero inside the box who fired home.Recreativo were shell-shocked by this point but they managed to pull a goal back in the 40th minute when Jorge Carlos Martins' corner was met by Ruben, who finished from close range.Within a minute they were back to four goals behind. Guiza turned provider by releasing Valero and he calmly waited for Sorrentino to advance before rolling the ball under him.Recreativo's luck did not improve in the second half and just two minutes after the restart Guiza played in Arango who struck a firm shot into the centre of the goal.Arango completed the scoring and his hat-trick three minutes later when Ibagaza, who deserved to be on the scoresheet after an all-action display, sent him through one-on-one with Sorrentino and the midfielder finished with aplomb.Tuni Adrover had a chance to add to the already heavy scoreline in the 77th minute but his shot from the left was well saved by Sorrentino in the last of the action.

Latest Chelsea News

Chelsea's Lampard: Best I've played in years



Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard believes he's enjoying some of the best form of his career.
He told the Sunday Mirror: "I think it's been one of my best seasons and it's just unfortunate that I've missed three months of it.
"Now that I'm back I feel very fresh and hungry. The game against Olympiacos was great and I want to carry that form on until the end of the season.
"I have a lot to offer. It was a bit of a rest for me even though you work very hard to get fit again.
"You come back hungry and strong and I think we have a few players like John Terry in the same boat."



Lampard happy alongside Chelsea pal Ballack



Frank Lampard insists he can play alongside Michael Ballack in Chelsea's midfield. "Our attitude towards each other is very good," Lampard told the Sunday Mirror.
"If you want to fight with another player you're only going to be unsuccessful as a group. Far from anything like that, I respect him as a top player and we get on very well.
"We've not played together a huge amount - about three games this season - but good, intelligent players can play together.
"I know the last two occasions have been very successful. We've been setting things up for each other and playing very well in the team unit."



Grant under increasing pressure at Chelsea



Avram Grant is battling to keep his job after Chelsea's humiliating FA Cup defeat at Barnsley on Saturday.
The Sun says Grant is under severe pressure for the way Chelsea crumbled in Saturday's embarrassing 1-0 defeat - just weeks after losing the Carling Cup final to Spurs.
Grant said: "I feel responsible. I never in my life have put responsibility on other people.
"I'm the manager and am responsible for everything.
"When my team loses at Barnsley there will be many negative things said about it - and I will accept it.
"We needed to win this game and we didn't do it. It's as simple as that.
"We have two major competitions left. I am concentrating on them not other things."
Grant cancelled his players' scheduled day off yesterday and hauled them in for a post-match inquest.
Israeli Grant added: "It's very sad because we'd played so well in the last week.
"It's disappointing. This team has shown that they can play good football."



Chelsea powerbrokers stunned by Grant selection



Senior Chelsea figures were stunned by Chelsea boss Avram Grant's team selection for their FA Cup elimination at Barnsley on Saturday.
The Times says neither Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, nor Peter Kenyon, the chief executive, attended the match, preferring to watch it on television. It is thought that there is some disbelief over Grant�s team selection in a competition that was seen as Chelsea�s to lose by senior figures at the club.
Coming only a fortnight after the 2-1 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, Grant is under severe pressure and it has been made clear that Chelsea will have to win one of the two remaining prizes if his reign is not to come to an inglorious halt only eight months after succeeding Jos� Mourinho. Grant�s close relationship with Abramovich may result in him being moved to another role, but a new man is likely to be given the team selection duties.



Ten Cate blasts Chelsea players over leaks



Chelsea assistant coach Henk ten Cate has accused some Blues players of leaking news to the media.
The controversial 53-year-old coach used an interview in a Dutch newspaper to blast the Stamford Bridge dissenters.
Ten Cate said: "What really annoys me is that members from the squad deliberately leak stuff. The training ground should be a safe zone - especially the changing room. I have a problem with it when people from the squad deliberately leak."



Chelsea coach Ten Cate: Media gag my idea



Chelsea assistant coach Henk ten Cate has revealed it was his decision to ban him from speaking to the local media.
In an interview with De Telegraaf, the former Barcelona No2 said: "You wouldn't expect pressure from the media, given that we are doing well, but the pressure is enormous. We can't plan more than 10 games ahead because it's all about a battle for survival for us.
"One bad run of results and you're out. You just can't afford to lose here. I came to Chelsea because I was looking for peace. I wanted to work at the top level and I was looking, at the same time, for peace.<> "That was a condition for me when I came here. I didn't want to talk to the media. I refused to do it. I loved the quietness. The only obligation is that I speak to Chelsea TV, the club's TV channel."

Latest Football News

Hicks terminates DIC sale talks
Co-owner Tom Hicks has revealed he has "terminated discussions" with Dubai International Capital over their bid to buy a stake in Liverpool.

DIC, the investment arm of the Dubai government, were hoping to buy a minority stake in the club, but following lengthy discussions, Hicks has issued a statement which read: "Based on a meeting held earlier today in Dubai between my representatives and officials of Dubai International Capital LLC, as well as other recent contacts between us and them, I have decided to terminate any further discussions with DIC regarding their possible purchase of a minority stake in Kop and, in turn, in the club."
The statement continued: "DIC made it clear that if they invested in the club, they would want it to be managed by committee.
"Based on my 13 years of successful experience as an owner of professional sports teams, and based in particular on the situation at Liverpool Football Club over the past year, it is clear to me that such a committee approach would not be in the best interest of Kop, of the club or of the club's loyal and passionate supporters.
"Accordingly, I have decided to exercise my right under the Kop Football (Holdings) Limited partnership agreement to veto any sale of any portion of Kop and the Club to DIC.
"I and my colleagues and representatives will continue to explore a number of other options with regard to the ownership of Kop and the club aimed at achieving an appropriate ownership, financial and organisational structure for Kop and the club over the long term."
Talks had been taking place between DIC and Hicks about how a joint relationship would work.
Fellow American George Gillett is understood to have agreed in principle to sell 49% of his 50% stake to DIC, and the other 1% to Hicks to give the Texan a controlling interest.
DIC have accepted that Hicks will not sell his share in Liverpool in the near future, but would insist on a clause giving them first refusal to buy his stake.

Man Utd boss Ferguson made furious phone call to refs boss

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made an angry phone call to refs boss Keith Hackett after their FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth, it has been revealed.
The Mirror says Fergie blasted Hackett following ref Martin Atkinson's failure to give a penalty when Cristiano Ronaldo was brought down in the 1-0 defeat.
But Fergie - who is set to be hit with an FA misconduct charge for his outbursts - went a step further on Saturday night by calling Hackett to deliver a fresh barrage of abuse.
He vented his anger and accused the refs' chief of allowing standards among officials to reach an all-time low following what he perceived as Atkinson's blunder which cost United their chance of the Treble.
But Hackett put Fergie in his place, informing the United boss he was not responsible for appointing officials to FA Cup matches, the responsibility falling to the FA.

Gerrard warns Liverpool to stay focused

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says there's still a long way to go in their battle clinch Champions League qualification this season.
After victory over Newcastle United, the 27-year-old told liverpoolfc.tv: "It was a comfortable win. The lads at the back did their job with the clean sheet, and the lads up front got the goals, but credit has to go to the team because it was a team display.
"It's easy to let your mind wander ahead of the Milan game but it was important we stayed focused. It could have affected the performance, so credit to the boys for being very professional and doing the job right. Now we can focus on Inter Milan. It will be a very difficult game but we're confident we can qualify.
"We'll show them a lot of respect but, like I said, we're confident, we're playing well and we got a fantastic result against them at home. Now we need to go finish the job off."

Liverpool's Babel using Henry as inspiration

Liverpool ace Ryan Babel has revealed he's using Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as inspiration as he establishes himself on Merseyside.
"Thierry started as a left winger. Further on in his career he became a striker and real goalscorer," said the Dutchman.
"That is what I want too. I am happy to play on the wing at Liverpool but eventually I hope I can do for the team what Thierry did at Arsenal. "I met Henry for the first time with Ajax when we played Arsenal in the Champions League in 2005. It is fantastic that I was able to visit him at the end of last year for a few days in Spain."
Babel, 23, added: "I also go and see Robin van Persie a lot in London.
"He has told me how to protect myself against the tough defenders in the Premier League and in the Champions League."

Liverpool boss Benitez: Midfield now built for Gerrard

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed he's released Steven Gerrard from his defensive duties in central midfield.

The Reds skipper is clearly relishing the fact two holding midfielders allow him to bomb forward.
Benitez admitted: "Stevie now has the same freedom he had as a right winger, when he came inside.
"He's enjoying it because he knows he can go forward with no problem as he has the two behind him.
"The understanding with Torres is very good. They bring the best out of each other - you could see that with the second goal.
"With the freedom he has now, and the quality going forward, he is unstoppable. His understanding with those around him is very good."
Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan is certain Gerrard's best days still lie ahead. He added: "When I used to see kids with Gerrard on the back of their shirts, I used to say to the mum and dad, 'Good role model for your kid'.
"He's not just a good player but carries the burden of responsibility in other areas very well. I am a big fan of his. And I think there's more to come, definitely. He is 27, still young and is going to get better.
"He is outstanding at the moment but his best years are still to come."

Newcastle fans turn on Ashley at Anfield

Mike Ashley was targeted by Newcastle United fans during Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Liverpool.
The Journal says Toon owner Ashley generally sits with the Newcastle fans rather than in the directors box at away games, and reports in Liverpool claim he was targeted by angry supporters on Saturday.
After the third goal a Magpies fan is said to have accused the billionaire of ruining Keegan�s chances of assembling a good team by failing to provide him with sufficient transfer funds. In a separate incident, a drunken fan allegedly lunged at Ashley.

UEFA open laser case against Lyon

UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Lyon after home supporters aimed a laser at Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo during their Champions League clash at the Stade Gerland.
Portugal winger Ronaldo was dazzled by the laser before and during the first leg of the last-16 tie on February 20.
UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Committee will examine evidence in preparation for a hearing on March 20.
Lyon earned a 1-1 draw in that game but then lost the second leg 1-0 to be knocked out of the competition.

Spanish media say Primera Liga title race is over

Spanish media predicted the end of the Primera Liga title race on Monday after leaders Real Madrid went eight points clear of Barcelona at the weekend.

Real's 2-1 comeback win at home to Espanyol on Saturday, coupled with Barca's 2-1 defeat by Villarreal at the Nou Camp on Sunday, restored a healthy advantage that had been trimmed to just two points two weeks ago.
'Real Madrid escape again,' sports daily Marca said on Monday, while Mundo Deportivo wrote: 'Without (injured Lionel) Messi there is no Barca and no title race.'
Barca president Joan Laporta described Sunday's game as 'disastrous' as Villarreal played a sensible holding game, packing the midfield, breaking rapidly and effectively to a deserved win with goals from Marcos Senna and Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Villarreal are now just four points short of Barca in third place, with 11 games left in the season.
Real also went behind in their game against Espanyol at the Bernabeu, and like Barca had to endure murmurs of unrest and whistles from their fans before coming back with a goal from Gonzalo Higuain and a dubious penalty from Raul.
'It wasn't a game for the gallery,' a taciturn coach Bernd Schuster observed.
While the top two struggled it was the likes of lesser-lights Villarreal, Racing Santander, Getafe and Real Mallorca who provided the entertainment over the weekend.
Copa Del Rey semi-finalists Racing were the surprise package of the first half of the season, and have recovered from a dip in form to climb to fifth place, level on 44 points with fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.
The Cantabrians beat 10-man Real Betis 3-0 at home on Sunday to stay on course for a possible first appearance in a major European competition.
'Our objective from the start of the season was to avoid relegation and we have achieved that mathematically with this win. Now we can start to dream of other things,' said coach Marcelino.
Their Cup semi-final opponents Getafe made it nine games unbeaten in all competitions with a 3-0 away win over Real Murcia on Sunday, spoiling new coach Javier Clemente's first game at the helm of the hosts.
Michael Laudrup's modest side show little sign of fatigue as they chase a potential cup double. They are 2-1 up from the away leg of their UEFA Cup last-16 tie against Benfica.
Real Mallorca ended a run of five consecutive league draws with a spectacular 7-1 demolition of Recreativo Huelva, with Venezuela forward Juan Arango bagging a hat-trick in the islanders' biggest ever win in the top flight.
'It's a game every coach dreams of witnessing, but we haven't really won anything. It is still only three points,' Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano said.

FA hand Blackburn Rovers misconduct charge

Blackburn Rovers have been charged with misconduct by the Football Association as a result of their players' behaviour during the game with Newcastle United on March 1.
The FA have alleged that Rovers were guilty of 'failing to ensure that their players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion' in the match at St James' Park, which they won 1-0 thanks to a last-minute goal by Matt Derbyshire.
Blackburn have until March 25 to respond to the charge.

Cesc to become Arsenal's best ever paid

Arsenal are ready to make Cesc Fabregas the highest paid player in the club's history.
After their 0-0 draw at Wigan yesterday, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger insisted Cesc would have to wait until the summer before opening new contract talks.
However, the Sunday Mirror says Gunners sources admit they will need to put Fabregas on a par with Steven Gerrard, Cristiano Ronaldo and John Terry as the Premier League's top earners in the £130,000-a-week bracket.
That will mean topping the biggest pay packet in Arsenal's history - the £120,000 a week paid to Thierry Henry in his final year at the club.
An Arsenal insider said: "We're aware of the situation with Cesc and we will be looking at it in the summer.
"We want to keep him at the club and are not afraid to bring him into line with other high profile players in the Premier League."
Arsenal are keen to secure Fabregas as soon as possible to stop him using a FIFA loophole to buy himself out of his current contract.

Latest Football News

FIFA to consider longer ban for Taylor

FIFA are to examine Martin Taylor's infamous foul on Eduardo to see whether the Birmingham defender's three-match ban should extended, it can be revealed.

The world governing body are to call for the Football Association to send them the disciplinary file on the incident involving Taylor, which left the Arsenal striker with a badly-broken leg.
Taylor has insisted the tackle was clumsy rather than malicious, and that has been accepted by Arsenal.
But FIFA president Sepp Blatter said his organisation have the right to ask for such files to ensure that appropriate sanctions have been issued.
Blatter, speaking in Gleneagles following a meeting of the International FA Board, said: 'We will ask for the file.
'We have now the right to ask national associations to give us the file - and if we, the authorities, feel it [the suspension] is not enough then we will come back on that.'
Blatter said the issue of 'violent attacks' needs to be looked at, adding it has even been suggested that offenders should be suspended for the same length of time as their victims are out injured.
Blatter added: 'I told the International Board that a player who is deliberately attacking another player and tries to demolish a player should be banned, and not only for three matches but temporarily banned or a life ban depending on the severity of the attack.
'Why the hell should footballers demolish each other?'

FA to review Fergie blast at match officials

The Football Association are to review Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's comments about referee Martin Atkinson after his side's 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth in the FA Cup yesterday.
Ferguson was also highly critical of referees boss Keith Hackett for his apparent lack of action in dealing with underperforming officials.
'Managers get sacked because of things like that and he's going to referee a game next week,' said Ferguson yesterday.
'He (Hackett) is not doing his job properly and he needs to be assessed.
'I'm assessed as a manager, players are assessed, referees should be assessed properly by the right people. That performance should not be accepted by our game.'
A spokesman for the FA said: 'We are aware of the comments and will be giving them consideration.'
Should any action be taken against Ferguson and he is found guilty he would be fined rather receive a touchline ban.
United were aggrieved that Atkinson failed to give a penalty for Sylvain Distin's challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo.
But Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp said: 'I didn't think it [Distin on Ronaldo] was a penalty. I don't think we made a bad tackle during the game.
'There was only one bad tackle - and that was made by a Manchester United player (Wayne Rooney was booked for a feet off the ground lunge at Niko Kranjcar).
'I thought he [the referee] got it bang on. If it was a penalty I would be the first to say `we got away with that one'.
'I think Ronaldo pushed it too far and I didn't see anything wrong with the challenge.
'Our penalty (Tomasz Kuszczak bringing down Milan Baros) was a banker penalty.'
Following Ferguson's comments, the Professional Game Match Officials Board released a statement which confirmed Hackett's role in selecting referees.
A spokesperson for the PGMO told PA Sport: 'This is clearly a matter for the Football Association.
'However, as a point of information, Keith Hackett has no responsibility for the selection of match officials for FA Cup games.'

Latest Chelsea News

Grant enjoying Chelsea pressure

Avram Grant is relishing the pressure that comes with guiding Chelsea towards success - even if it means upsetting members of his squad.

Against Tottenham in the Carling Cup final it was Michael Ballack and Joe Cole who missed out, while Didier Drogba was rested at the weekend in the Premier League.
It is this competition for places that Grant feels will keep Chelsea in the hunt for three trophies this season.
"Any player that is in the squad expects to play," he said.
"I don't want to be with a squad where players don't want to play. We are a big squad with good players.
"Only 11 can play - I checked, to play with more, but they don't allow it.
"Any formation or 11 I pick, there will be big players on the bench.
"The bench is very important for us, and also the players not in the squad. This is life in a big club."
Keeping the squad happy is a problem Grant is mastering.
"Life in football today is a lot of pressure," he added.
"I think it is good - because when you are in a big club it pushes you always to achieve the best things.
"I think it is good pressure. I like it, personally."
However, Grant was lost for words to describe what failure against Olympiacos would mean - with the Greek champions earning a goalless draw in the first leg of the last-16 clash.
"If we will not qualify ..... I don't know the word, I think you know it better than me," he said.
England midfielder Cole, meanwhile, has bought into the idea of the whole squad needing to be utilised during the season.
"For me, my job is to play for Chelsea when selected and play as well as I can," said Cole.
"I don't pay attention to any of the drama surrounding this football club. My job is to perform as well as I can, and that's what I'll do.
"I think that applies for every big club - Manchester United, Arsenal - all the top clubs in England have big player left out.
"As footballers, you are responsible for one thing and one thing only - and that's your performance. That is regardless of everything on and off the pitch.
"I hope I play, and all I'm concerned with is 'can I help Chelsea get a result?"'

Jose still loves Blues but wants to 'kill' them

Jose Mourinho has warned Chelsea he is out to 'kill' them when he returns to management.

The former Blues boss reiterated his love for the club he managed for more than three years before his sensational departure in September.
But he is desperate to meet them in Champions League combat next season and knock them out of Europe.
'I hope to play them next season in the Champions League,' said the Portuguese, speaking in Valencia at the official global launch of MiCoach.
'If I play them in the Champions League, I want to go there and kill them - that's my message.'
Mourinho was replaced by Avram Grant, who had originally been brought to Stamford Bridge as director of football.
He refused to express an opinion on his successor, saying: 'I feel nothing for him, I feel everything for the club, but not for him personally.
'I still feel Chelsea is a part of me, I'll have Chelsea in my heart forever.
'I left and for five months you couldn't get a bad word from me in relation to the club and you cannot do it in the future too.'
Mourinho's departure was shrouded in mystery, with the build-up dominated by rumours of a falling out with billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.
But he revealed he and the Russian had kept in contact and were on good terms.
'I think it was last week that I spoke with people from the club,' he said.
'I was speaking with Mr Abramovich and (chief executive) Peter Kenyon because we still keep in touch.
'I was telling them I wish them always good, I wish them always to succeed, I wish them always to win.'

Berlusconi wants Sheva to replace Ronaldo

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has reiterated his desire to take Andriy Shevchenko back to the San Siro this summer, describing him as the 'ideal choice' to replace the injured Ronaldo.

Brazil striker Ronaldo is likely to be sidelined until November after undergoing surgery on ruptured knee ligaments in Paris last month.
And Berlusconi believes Chelsea's former Milan favourite Shevchenko can fill the void.
He said: 'I think regularly about Shevchenko and I often speak to him.
'The fans would understand that this would be the ideal choice for us. He is a player who is ready to help and for us that would be the ideal solution.
'I don't think that (Chelsea owner Roman) Abramovich will have a problem in letting him go.'
Shevchenko became Milan's second all-time leading goalscorer in a glorious seven-year spell which ended in the summer of 2006 when he joined Chelsea for £30million.
However, he has failed to shine at Stamford Bridge, although his record of 20 goals in 68 appearances is still respectable.

Milan Can Have Sheva For €10m – Report
AC Milan seem increasingly likely to re-sign Andriy Shevchenko, and can buy him for €10m, according to the Gazzetta dello Sport.

Many people have painted Milan's exit from the Champions League on Tuesday night as the end of an era, and it is clear that the club needs to make some reinforcements in the summer. The primary position that needs strengthening is up-front, and yesterday President Silvio Berlusconi declared that he wanted to bring back Chelsea’s Andriy Shevchenko to San Siro. “I regularly hear from Andriy,” the former Italian prime minister revealed. “And I believe that Roman Abramovich will have no difficulties letting him go. “The fans should understand that it would be the right choice. Andriy is a personable player and represents the best solution for us.” Shevchenko had seven glorious years with Milan, until he moved to Chelsea for €45m in 2006. The move has not worked out well however, and the Gazzetta says that the 31-year-old will be allowed to rejoin his former club if Milan come up with €10m.