ADELOWO BLOG

Pochettino Facing Make or Break Decision over Emmanuel Adebayor at Tottenham

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<a href="http://bleacherreport.com/tottenham-hotspur" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #003366; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tottenham Hotspur</a> head coach Mauricio <span class="spellcheck" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pochettino</span> was decidedly "happy" with his team after Sunday's 1-0 win over<a href="http://bleacherreport.com/southampton" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #003366; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Southampton</a>. It was, after all, their first Premier League victory since August.</div>
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Mauricio Pochettino was pleased his Spurs side got back to winning ways against his former club Southampton, now managed by Ronald Koeman.</div>
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"We are still improving after three months in charge and a new philosophy," he told his post-match press conference. "But happy today with how we got the three points, happy with the performance and happy with what the team showed."</div>
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There should be some satisfaction among all that in an improved performance from striker <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/emmanuel-adebayor" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #003366; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Emmanuel Adebayor</a>. After a mostly lacklustre recent run of Premier League outings, he certainly needed to show his manager something.</div>
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The highlight from the Togo international was his role in Christian<span class="spellcheck" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Eriksen</span>'s winner.</div>

Pochettino Facing Make or Break Decision over Emmanuel Adebayor at Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino was decidedly "happy" with his team after Sunday's 1-0 win over Southam...

Premier League: John Terry warns Chelsea not to let up

07:19 Unknown 0

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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; margin-bottom: 1.2em;">Chelsea captain John Terry has urged his team-mates to avoid complacency following their impressive start to the Premier League season.</strong></div>
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Sunday's 2-0 victory over Arsenal in a hot-tempered clash at Stamford Bridge was Chelsea's sixth win in seven </div>
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 and earned them a five-point advantage over reigning champions Manchester City heading into the international break.<br />
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Given Jose Mourinho's history of claiming titles from the front, the Blues have been installed as firm favourites to win their first Premier League title since the 2009/10 season.</div>
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But with 31 league matches remaining in a long and arduous campaign, Terry is fully aware that Chelsea cannot afford any lapse in momentum while stressing the importance of taking advantage of slip-ups from their title rivals.</div>
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"Clearly it (the title race) is not over," Terry said. "Other teams have been in this position. It's nice to have the lead but when you're at the top everyone wants to shoot you down.</div>
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"That's the good thing about the Premier League and why everyone loves it. Teams are out to get us because we are at the top and playing well.</div>
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"The international break is here and we need to come back and maintain our form after that as well. It's very important we do that.</div>
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"You're just hoping when you're at the top and have a five-point cushion and more on certain teams, a couple of them slip up again and that increases.</div>
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"If that happens, it's a lot of points to give up early on. All we can do is keep winning and wait for those teams to slip up."</div>
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Terry also played down concerns over the fitness of star striker Diego Costa, who has made a sensational impact on the Premier League with nine goals in seven league games since joining from Atletico Madrid in a £32million deal in the summer.</div>
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Mourinho has claimed the Spain international has been restricted in training due to a lingering hamstring problem, but Terry added: "I'm not sure where that's coming from.</div>
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"He isn't showing that in training. He looks sharp, he looks angry, he looks aggressive. He's fit and that's the main thing. Diego has been a nightmare for defenders. He popped up with another great finish against Arsenal."</div>
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Costa scored Chelsea's second after latching onto a superb lofted through-ball from former Gunners skipper Cesc Fabregas, who has been </div>
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inspirational</div>
 in the centre of the Blues' midfield this season.<br />
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"When it's quiet and tight like that you need someone to open up the defence," Terry said of Fabregas. "He's not only shown it against Arsenal but from day one."</div>

Premier League: John Terry warns Chelsea not to let up

Chelsea captain John Terry has urged his team-mates to avoid complacency following their impressive start to the Premier League season. ...

David Luiz: “It was my choice to leave Chelsea, they offered me a new contract”

07:14 Unknown 0

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The transfer of David Luiz from Chelsea to Paris Saint Germain for a reported fee of 50 million pounds is widely believed to have been one of the best pieces of business ever conducted by the current Premier League leaders.</div>
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Luiz was rarely used in defence by Jose Mourinho during his last season at Chelsea and is considered by many to be a “Playstation footballer” not reliable enough for the very best.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="b-hbp-video b-uploaded" frameborder="0" height="266" id="BLOGGER-video-3dcf4b5ef2cb359a-3188" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dym22TnXKSyfw63LEsRa_mZ8FAdwWt5tcKePV8Jalry4H79OaPiLA7e0p0zY0NLc2NuvGwnbqOt8fcF0Whj0hD2lcrX3b0YNO9XyWuGZ5C5Wj53pfIyOYh9GxE_Cv5Q_VWFZGY&origin=sportlands.blogspot.com" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div>
However, PSG thought differently, spending almost all their summer budget on Luiz and now the Brazilian defender has claimed that Chelsea wanted to keep him, <a href="http://globoesporte.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/futebol-frances/noticia/2014/10/david-luiz-lamenta-empate-e-afirma-que-chelsea-quis-renovar-contrato.html" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.1s; border: 0px; color: #118a21; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">during an interview with mega Brazilian portal Globo Esporte, on Monday</a>.</div>
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After PSG’s 1-1 draw with Monaco, Luiz discussed his move from London to Paris: “I made many friends there, it was my choice to quit Chelsea because they offered me a renewed contract.</div>
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Luiz continud: “But I think the cycle had ended there, I was very happy, I won two European titles, but there are moments in life when the cycle ends. I made the right choice and I am very happy in Paris.”</div>
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Chelsea supporters and perhaps Jose Mourinho will be very amused by this.</div>
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As it stands, Luiz is set to join up with the Brazil squad for the mouthwatering clash with Argentina on Saturday in Beijing.</div>
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The interview conducted by Globo Esporte with David Luiz after PSG’s 1-1 draw with Monaco is on the video above – in Portuguese.</div>

David Luiz: “It was my choice to leave Chelsea, they offered me a new contract”

The transfer of David Luiz from Chelsea to Paris Saint Germain for a reported fee of 50 million pounds is widely believed to have bee...

Why Arsenal were right not to re-sign Cesc Fabregas

05:53 Unknown 0

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<figure class="alignnone img-container"><figcaption>Cesc Fabregas played against Arsenal for the first time as a Chelsea player yesterday (Picture: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Yesterday Cesc Fabregas reminded Arsenal fans of his quality. Despite
 his excellent form at Chelsea, I still think Arsenal made the right 
call by not signing him.<br />

Arsenal had first refusal on signing Fabregas when he was allowed to 
leave Barcelona. Arsene Wenger opted not to take advantage of this and 
has earned much criticism for this decision.<br />

The Gunners are deficient in some areas of their squad, but they 
certainly aren’t lacking in midfielders with attacking instincts. Whilst
 neither are as good as him yet, both Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey 
have proven to be key players for Arsenal. Wilshere was Arsenal’s bright
 spark against Chelsea, and after his man of the match performance 
against Manchester City, he is starting to develop a consistency of form
 in the big games, exactly what the club need.<br />

Another stand out performer against Chelsea was Santi Cazorla. The 
Spaniard has been given more of a central role this season and has 
looked very comfortable. With Mesut Ozil yet to hit top form and Abou 
Diaby set to return to fitness, Arsenal definitely don’t lack quality in
 Fabregas’ position.<br />

Some raise the point that we should have signed Cesc purely to 
prevent Chelsea signing him. This is the weakest argument of all, if 
Fabregas wasn’t available Chelsea would have signed someone as good or 
better, even if it meant spending £50million of Paul Pogba – they would 
have done it.<br />

Arsenal’s squad isn’t good enough to challenge Chelsea, but this is 
not because we didn’t sign Fabregas. We are deficient of quality in 
defensive midfield and still lack a world class striker. I think Danny 
Welbeck has the potential, but Diego Costa showed Arsenal exactly what 
they were missing with his clinical finish yesterday.<br />

Whilst Mathieu Flamini had one of his better games yesterday, it’s 
clear the Gunners lack a presence in midfield. Patrick Vieira has never 
been properly replaced and with all Arsenal’s attacking talent, someone 
of his ilk is essential to providing the right balance in this side.<br />

<strong>MORE: <a href="http://metro.co.uk/2014/10/06/why-arsenal-are-about-to-go-on-a-massive-winning-run-4893872/">Why Arsenal are about to go on a massive winning run</a></strong>

Why Arsenal were right not to re-sign Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas played against Arsenal for the first time as a Chelsea player yesterday (Picture: Getty Images) Yesterday Cesc Fabregas rem...

Chelsea Linked With Surprise Cut-Price Move for £50m Goal Machine

05:47 Unknown 0

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<em>Stamford Bridge side chase PSG forward.</em><br />
<span id="more-474004"></span><br />
Chelsea have surprisingly been linked with an interest in PSG forward Edinson Cavani with <a href="http://talksport.com/football/chelsea-linked-cavani-psg-fans-turn-misfiring-forward-141006117487" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">talkSPORT</a> claiming that Jose Mourinho could look to bring in the Uruguayan in a cut-price raid.<br />
<strong>Read more:</strong><br />
<em><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/2014/09/07/arsenal-target-sami-khedira-has-verbal-agreement-to-sign-for-chelsea-next-summer/" target="_blank">Khedira Chelsea</a>: Blues reach verbal agreement with German midfielder</em><br />
The 27 year old Parc des Princes star is said to be unsettled in the 
French capital and Mourinho is keen to further strengthen his attack in 
view of Didier Drogba’s advancing years and this source believes that 
the former Napoli could be available ‘on the cheap’ having failed to win
 over PSG’s fan-base.<br />
Mourinho has seen new signing Diego Costa 
adapt amazingly well to life in the Premier League with fellow summer 
signing Loic Remy yet to be offered much of a role in Chelsea’s first 
team set-up, though apparently this won’t stop the west London side 
targeting yet another striking option.<br />
By all accounts Cavani is 
unhappy about being used primarily in a wide-attacking role, with Zlatan
 Ibrahimovic being Laurent Blanc’s starting option in a central striking
 spot, however when given the chance to shine up front the powerful 
South American was found wanting.<br />
With Swedish international 
Ibrahimovic out injured Cavani was handed the chance to lead the PSG 
line against rivals AS Monaco on the weekend but did not impress, 
furthering speculation that the Ligue 1 side could be open to offers for
 a player they spent £50m on last summer.<br />

Chelsea Linked With Surprise Cut-Price Move for £50m Goal Machine

Stamford Bridge side chase PSG forward. Chelsea have surprisingly been linked with an interest in PSG forward Edinson Cavani with talkSP...

Why This Arsenal Star Should Be Allowed To Leave In January If The Right Offer Comes By.

05:39 Unknown 0

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He’s not showing signs of improvement; it doesn’t 
look like he’s getting into the team any time soon. He’s spoken about 
“blood”, “streets” and “solutions”, not exactly football-related terms 
but allusions to discontentment, the lamentations of a player with a 
hand on the exit knob.</div>
Poldi is on his way out, and should be allowed to leave – sooner, than later.<br />
The German International – Lukas Podolski was called upon by Wenger 
in the second half against Chelsea to do something Alexis could not do 
for the best part of 70 minutes. Given his overall play in his previous 
games this season, even the League Cup defeat at home to Southampton 
where he played the whole game, you’d be a real believer to have 
expected anything special from the substitute. Chamberlain and Rosciky 
came in and made good movements, running at the Chelsea opposition but 
there was nothing from Podolski. Left, right or center, you just don’t 
know where he fits in the most.<br />
In a word, there is none. We’ve had some fun being with him, but it appears it’s time to move on.<br />
Podolski himself has expressed his discontent at not having the 
opportunity to play on a more regular basis, having made just the one 
start this season, with 5 lackluster sub appearances. As “a full 
blooded, street player”, Poldi feels he needs to play more regularly 
which may see him seek solutions elsewhere if the situation shows no 
signs of improvement at the Emirates. Rumours during the August window 
had linked Podolski with an exit from London, with the likes of Juventus
 being mentioned as a potential destination.<br />
Wenger was quick to dismiss such suggestions, especially in the wake 
of the demand for strikers in the team, stating that the German 
International was in his consideration, one of the many strikers in his 
team, and was, hence, very much part of his plans.<br />
But if Juventus are serious about the player, and present some good cash, it’s a no-brainer not to grab both cash and hands.<br />
In truth, his best season was his first, in which he scored very many
 goals, and assisted a lot too. He is easily one of the players who keep
 the dressing room lively and so the team spirit which has seen brought 
about a flourishing togetherness between the players could be attributed
 to him in part. He’s also identified very much with the fans, while his
 tweetography reveals a passionate Gooner. Yet, he’s a footballer and 
must do all his talking on the pitch, helping the team win games, 
scoring or making them.<br />
At the moment, even the tweets have been cupped in a cyst while the 
showing on the pitch has not got better. You wonder if January won’t be a
 perfect time to say goodbye, especially if other Germans in Marco Reus 
of Julian Draxler are available – more than perfect replacements for the
 waning 29-year old Podolski

Why This Arsenal Star Should Be Allowed To Leave In January If The Right Offer Comes By.

He’s not showing signs of improvement; it doesn’t look like he’s getting into the team any time soon. He’s spoken about “blood”, “str...

Reports: Man Utd set to offer Michael Carrick one-year extension

05:20 Unknown 0

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Manchester United are set to offer Michael Carrick a new deal to tie the midfielder down at the club until 2016, reports the <em>Daily Express</em>.<br />

The 33-year-old has yet to play in the current campaign after 
damaging his ankle ligaments during pre-season, but he has returned to 
training and could make his comeback after the international break.<br />

<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.squawka.com/news/michael-carrick-gives-manhester-united-boost-by-returning-to-first-team-training/189094" target="_blank"><span style="color: #339966;"><strong>Michael Carrick gives Manchester United boost by returning to first-team training</strong></span></a></div>
Carrick’s current contract is due to expire next summer, but Louis 
van Gaal believes he remains an important member of his squad, and he 
wants the experienced midfielder to help summer arrival Daley Blind 
adapt to the holding midfield role in the Premier League.<br />

Talks over a one-year extension are believed to be progressing well, 
and reports suggest the deal could even be signed as soon as next week.<br />

The England international has been working with the development squad
 at Old Trafford as he steps up his recovery, and Van Gaal 
said: ”[Carrick] is, of course, injured but he is coming back from a 
heavy injury and he has trained the last two days on a lower level with 
the second team.<br />

“So that is [designed] to make the step easier for him to come back 
to play in a match because a player who is coming back from a heavy 
injury also has a little bit of fear to play with resistance.<br />

“So that is why we let him train with the second team for the last 
two days. I think, after the international break, he can maybe play some
 minutes but we have to wait and see. He is doing well, better than we 
had expected.”<br />

<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.squawka.com/players/michael-carrick/stats#avg.-defensive-actions#manchester-united-%28current%29#english-barclays-premier-league#8#season-2013/2014#64#all-matches#1-38#type" target="_blank"><strong>FINISHED READING? TAKE A LOOK AT THIS STAT THEN</strong></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Carrick made 80 interceptions last season, the third-highest total of all Premier League midfielders.</div>
<span><br />Read more at http://www.squawka.com/news/man-utd-set-to-offer-michael-carrick-one-year-extension/191021#rMYf00USoB6cWiZ0.99</span></div>
<br />

Reports: Man Utd set to offer Michael Carrick one-year extension

Manchester United are set to offer Michael Carrick a new deal to tie the midfielder down at the club until 2016, reports the Daily Expres...

Liverpool FC manager Brendan Rodgers confident Raheem Sterling will sign new Reds deal

04:55 Unknown 0

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<figure class="inline-image clearfix "><figcaption>
<span>Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is confident Raheem Sterling will sign a new deal.</span>
</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="http://www.dailypost.co.uk/all-about/brendan-rodgers">Brendan Rodgers</a> says <a href="http://www.dailypost.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc">Liverpool </a>are “relaxed” over <a href="http://www.dailypost.co.uk/all-about/raheem-sterling">Raheem Sterling</a> signing a new contract despite continued speculation linking him with a move away from Anfield.<br />
The
 Reds boss has revealed that chief executive Ian Ayre has held talks 
with the 19-year-old’s team about a fresh deal and believes “everything 
is calm”.<br />
<a href="http://www.dailypost.co.uk/all-about/raheem-sterling">Sterling </a>is
 reportedly attracting interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid and it 
has been suggested he is reluctant to put pen to paper with the Reds.<br />
But <a href="http://www.dailypost.co.uk/all-about/brendan-rodgers">Rodgers </a>is unconcerned by the rumours and says the <a href="http://www.dailypost.co.uk/all-about/england-football-team">England </a>winger knows <a href="http://www.dailypost.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc">Liverpool </a>is the right club to help his career develop.<br />
Liverpool are expected to offer Sterling, who is currently under contract until 2017, <a href="http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/liverpool-fc-raheem-sterling-must-7764273">a significant wage hike to reflect his growing stature in the squad.</a><br />
The teenager is understood to earn around £30,000 a week at present but the Reds are ready to pay him much more.<br />
And Rodgers is confident that a deal can be sorted soon.<br />
“It is not a big issue for us,” <a href="http://www.dailypost.co.uk/all-about/brendan-rodgers">Rodgers </a>said.<br />
“Ian Ayre has spoken to his representatives and is quite relaxed.<br />
“The
 club is dealing with the agent so everything is calm. The boy is 
remarkably happy here and there are no secondary thoughts about anything
 else other than continuing to play for <a href="http://www.dailypost.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc">Liverpool </a>and he still has a lot of growth and for that the best place for him to be is here.<br />
“His representatives know that and we as a club respect that so that will get sorted out with time.”<br />

Liverpool FC manager Brendan Rodgers confident Raheem Sterling will sign new Reds deal

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is confident Raheem Sterling will sign a new deal. Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool are “relaxed” ...

£35m target puts on show for Chelsea, Mourinho confirms he's chasing him

04:47 Unknown 0

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Jose Mourinho was aghast recently when Jorge Jesus suggested that 
he'd been economical with the truth about interest in Talisca. Benfica 
signed the 20 year old Brazilian in the summer and heralded his arrival 
as that of a unknown, a rough gem which Benfica had found in South 
America before anyone else had awoken to his existence.<br />

Mourinho didn't agree with that and made it clear that Talisca was certainly a name known to him, <span>speaking in Portugal (</span><a href="http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=904540" target="_blank">picked up by Record</a><span>) about the player when asked for ones to watch this season in Liga Sagres </span><span>"I think </span><span>Benfica
 hired well... They say Talisca is unknown, but he is so unknown that 
he's only not playing in England because of a work permit. If he had, he
 was here! There were many Englishmen, great teams and important, they 
wanted. Moreover, there were those who wanted to hire, even though he 
could not play for now. wanted to hire, put in a minor league and hope 
that eventually came to the selection, and then get the work permit."</span><br />

<span>That led to <a href="http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=905201" target="_blank">Record</a><span> claiming
 that Mourinho had wanted to buy Talisca in the summer and loan him out 
to Vitesse. It was no surprise given the Chelsea manager's comments but 
the choice of the Dutch club was perhaps something of an educated guess.</span></span><br />

<span><span>Benfica manager Jesus wasn't happy with Mourinho comments and said <span>"</span>Talisca is a young star and that Benfica came first once again demonstrates the quality in what we do... they knew Talisca how I knew D'Artagnan."</span></span><br />

<span><span>In turn Mourinho snapped back "I think he's close to D'Artagnan, lives and reads Alexandre Dumas, a<span class="goog-text-highlight">nd I admire him for that. </span>I confine myself to my identity, I do not read Dumas. I have a different life."</span></span><br />

<span><span>All very entertaining and excellent publicity for 
the works of Dumas, perhaps more pointedly it showed how 
closely Mourinho had been watching Talisca. Record have explained 
previously that Talisca has a buyout clause at Benfica of £35m/€40m but 
that's seen more as a protection, Chelsea could probably buy him for 
less.</span></span><br />

<span><span>Mourinho and Jesus have done the media equivalent 
of kissing and making up and their spat was never really seen as 
something serious, or something which would damage relations between 
Chelsea and Benfica.</span></span><br />

<span><span>Whilst the circus has been playing out, Talisca 
himself has been getting on with things and putting on a show for all 
interested clubs including Chelsea. The Premier League leaders have 
watched Talisca in action at least once this season for Benfica and he's
 been impressing generally. </span></span><br />

<span><span>The Brazilian scored Benfica's first goal on Sunday
 in a 4-0 victory over Arouca and continued an impressive scoring streak
 which has impressed Jorge Jesus. Mourinho's comments will see Talisca 
highlighted more than most, by both the Portuguese and British media, 
but the youngster's performances on the pitch are writing headlines 
themselves</span></span>

£35m target puts on show for Chelsea, Mourinho confirms he's chasing him

Jose Mourinho was aghast recently when Jorge Jesus suggested that he'd been economical with the truth about interest in Talisca. Benf...

Manchester United to announce ‘exciting’ Park Ji Sung news tomorrow

04:28 Unknown 0

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXIiGubBAoi00kyOT5RP5SfQoisGHdL-J09I4o1hIEIfL5_lq-fsvDo1TCT7bgKE9_Fnypjeqw4KHSN3hBqL9iiIrUoye9FIJcB__bAVYe8b7dJJH5L6XAmKxr_xM2h96A4qhnLAiQ1j5/s1600/ByxqadXIMAAOFiI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXIiGubBAoi00kyOT5RP5SfQoisGHdL-J09I4o1hIEIfL5_lq-fsvDo1TCT7bgKE9_Fnypjeqw4KHSN3hBqL9iiIrUoye9FIJcB__bAVYe8b7dJJH5L6XAmKxr_xM2h96A4qhnLAiQ1j5/s1600/ByxqadXIMAAOFiI.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.8479995727539px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<a href="http://www.manutd.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e74c3c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Manchester United</a> have revealed they are set to announce some ‘exciting’ news about Park Ji Sung tomorrow.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.8479995727539px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
The 33-year-old retired from football in May 2014 due to ongoing problems with a knee injury to end a 14 year professional career.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.8479995727539px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
Park spent seven years at Old Trafford and scored 19 goals in 134 appearances during United’s most successful period in history. He left the club with nine medals including four Premier League titles and one Champions League.</div>
<div class="ebzNative" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.8479995727539px;">
</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.8479995727539px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
As Park has now retired from football, the announcement could be that he becomes a club ambassador for United and fans would have no complaints if Park Ji Sung was involved again with United in some capacity.</div>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.8479995727539px;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Read more: <a href="http://thepeoplesperson.com/2014/09/30/manchester-united-announce-exciting-park-ji-sung-news-tomorrow-54377/#ixzz3EnUYkL2h" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #003399; text-decoration: none;">http://thepeoplesperson.com/2014/09/30/manchester-united-announce-exciting-park-ji-sung-news-tomorrow-54377/#ixzz3EnUYkL2h</a> <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Follow us: <a href="http://ec.tynt.com/b/rw?id=dVFiAunS8r5kLGacwqm_6r&u=peoplesperson_" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e74c3c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@peoplesperson_ on Twitter</a> | <a href="http://ec.tynt.com/b/rf?id=dVFiAunS8r5kLGacwqm_6r&u=ThePeoplesPerson" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e74c3c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">ThePeoplesPerson on Facebook</a></span>

Manchester United to announce ‘exciting’ Park Ji Sung news tomorrow

Manchester United have revealed they are set to announce some ‘exciting’ news about Park Ji Sung tomorrow. The 33-year-old retired ...

Cristiano Ronaldo not interested in Manchester United return

04:24 Unknown 0

<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;">By </span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Lucas%20Navarrete" rel="author" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a427a; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Lucas Navarrete</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="m-entry__byline-tw-handle" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;"><span class="ss-social" style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-user-select: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: SSSocial; font-style: normal; position: relative; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; top: 3px; white-space: nowrap;"></span> <a href="http://twitter.com/LucasNavarreteM" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">@LucasNavarreteM</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;">on Sep 30 2014, 12:49p</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px; font-style: italic; line-height: 30px;">While the Portuguese star is keen on finishing his career with the red devils, he sees that retirement far enough. That way, Cristiano Ronaldo is not interested in a short-term Manchester United return.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5;">There have been strong rumors around a potential return by Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United, but the truth is that the Portuguese star doesn't want to leave Real Madrid. While Ronaldo has admitted publicly that he enjoyed his time in Manchester, even saying that he could seek a potential retirement after playing for the red devils, Cristiano Ronaldo thinks he's still capable of playing at his best form for at least three or four seasons with Real Madrid.</span><br />
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<i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">El Mundo</i> journalist Eduardo Inda, known for being<i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> Marca</i>'s Editor-In-Chief three years ago, reported during Monday's <i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Chiringuito de Jugones</i> that Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't want to join Manchester United.</div>
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It's obvious, these are small campaigns to make Florentino Pérez nervous. Cristiano Ronaldo would not return to Manchester United, he doesn't like the environment there even though he's grateful to the club because that's where he was raised as a footballer. If he was to leave, he would join PSG first.</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
Sources close to Real Madrid confirm that these rumors could have been spread to cover up Manchester United's poor start of the 2014-2015 Barclays Premier League. While there will surely be some more speculation over Ronaldo's future, Ronaldo's intention is to stay with Real Madrid until the end of his contract. That way, Ronaldo would be free to join United or any other team in 2018.</div>
</div>

Cristiano Ronaldo not interested in Manchester United return

By Lucas Navarrete  @LucasNavarreteM on Sep 30 2014, 12:49p While the Portuguese star is keen on finishing his career with the re...

FC Basel v Liverpool FC: Three key questions before the Reds' Champions League trip to Switzerland

04:20 Unknown 0

<br />
<figure class="inline-image clearfix "><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN89KVXXTJ46BNYH_e3DXCQYGDroucCe3g_keO7XDLRy2Ds4ABTWcxceJgGLXwQvGWcYyAY5wtzYR1bgidKupFfpLRZxoTkG2XR0427k7ZPfaqlf0y7WTO-roX_ASe6qafB8MoVePW4hy/s1600/balo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN89KVXXTJ46BNYH_e3DXCQYGDroucCe3g_keO7XDLRy2Ds4ABTWcxceJgGLXwQvGWcYyAY5wtzYR1bgidKupFfpLRZxoTkG2XR0427k7ZPfaqlf0y7WTO-roX_ASe6qafB8MoVePW4hy/s1600/balo.jpg" /></a></div>
<figcaption>
 </figcaption><figcaption>Liverpool's Mario Balotelli rues a missed chance against Everton
</figcaption>
</figure>

<br />
<h3>
<strong>How will the Reds react to derby disappointment?</strong></h3>
They weren't beaten on Saturday, but Phil Jagielka's last minute exocet was like a <a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/sport-opinion/john-aldridge-evertons-derby-sucker-7852142">knife through red hearts.</a> Liverpool's players trudged off the pitch afterwards, heads bowed and shoulders slumped as if in defeat.<br />
<a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/brendan-rodgers">Brendan Rodgers</a>
 must now pick them up and convince them that the Everton captain's bolt
 from the blue was exactly that, and that the Reds were more than worthy
 victors on the day.<br />
The Reds are three games without a win in the
 Premier League, but attention must turn to the Champions League now, 
and they face a vital game with Basel.<br />
They must find a way to get
 a result in Switzerland. Beating Basel could be key to qualifying for 
the next round. Rodgers men will surely be eyeing an away win over 
Ludogorets to go with their 2-1 victory at Anfield, and Real Madrid are,
 quite rightly, expected to go on and win the group. Second place could 
be a toss up between the Swiss champions and the Reds, get a result on 
enemy territory, and Liverpool can feel confident of qualification.<br />
Lose, and Group B will start resembling Everest.<br />
Liverpool
 played well on Saturday, not exceptionally, but they looked better than
 they have since the win over Tottenham in August. The ball was moved 
well, <a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/jordan-henderson">Jordan Henderson</a> and <a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/steven-gerrard">Steven Gerrard</a> dominated in midfield and <a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/adam-lallana">Adam Lallana</a> turned in his best performance since his move to Anfield.<br />
Meanwhile <a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/mario-balotelli">Mario Balotelli</a> was a thorn in Everton's side all afternoon and Liverpool's defence looked solid.<br />
The
 Reds must repeat the performance in Switzerland. They have the quality 
to get on the ball and control the game against Basel, but they will 
also find, just as they did against Ludogorets, that teams at this level
 are tactically sound and technically good. It certainly won't be easy 
for Liverpool and they must find a way to impose their qualities, such 
as pace and power, on a disciplined side.<br />
They certainly can't go into the game feeling sorry for themselves.<br />
The last time Liverpool travelled to Basel needing a result was in November of 2002. They ended up 3-0 down within half an hour.<br />
Gerard
 Houllier's side battled back to make it 3-3 that day but it still 
wasn't enough. The Reds must avoid similar disappointment this time 
around.<br />
Picking them up from Saturday's shock is a decent starting point.<br />
<h3>
<strong>Can Mario Balotelli find the mark?</strong></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjK2Ngfs4ZU0GCXcZNkUgKRoraJmIoy5h6gdyVp5xyQiHxG2Q1EWVZYR-0hb3T_V8d1eef_2cdRA-gQVpD-fid3rMzpcXoKSV7ZNENWUE1sgaJ5TetyDAElRQpfkxSA-ipBGGFL5migmZ6/s1600/balo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjK2Ngfs4ZU0GCXcZNkUgKRoraJmIoy5h6gdyVp5xyQiHxG2Q1EWVZYR-0hb3T_V8d1eef_2cdRA-gQVpD-fid3rMzpcXoKSV7ZNENWUE1sgaJ5TetyDAElRQpfkxSA-ipBGGFL5migmZ6/s1600/balo2.jpg" /></a></div>
<h3>
<strong> </strong></h3>

FC Basel v Liverpool FC: Three key questions before the Reds' Champions League trip to Switzerland

Liverpool's Mario Balotelli rues a missed chance against Everton How will the Reds react to derby disappointment? They wer...

The Month: September – The thirst is real

04:18 Unknown 0

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<span class="time published" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;" title="30-Sep-2014T12:00:39+0000">SEPTEMBER 30, 2014</span><span style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase;"> </span><span class="post-comments" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: url(http://therepublikofmancunia.com/wp-content/themes/platinum/images/icon-dot.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: initial; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 2px 10px; text-transform: uppercase;"><a href="http://therepublikofmancunia.com/the-month-september-the-thirst-is-real/#respond" rel="nofollow" style="color: red; text-decoration: none;">LEAVE A COMMENT</a></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
With no Champions League football and domestic cup action not until the new year, a lack of games has culminated into a rather interesting thirst for football in this post-Ferguson era. It must be the one upside of Manchester United either not being that good any more, or us just not knowing whether they are good any more. If it’s the latter, the next game is what you desperately need to make your mind up. Three points can calm you for a week, but one point or none at all has you counting down to an ordinary league game — <em>of which they are 38!</em> — as if it’s a much-needed holiday.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
September has been good for that. The 4-0 win over Queens Park Rangers was your typical “so <em>what </em>were you saying?” game, but the implosion at Leicester, from 3-1 to 3-5, confirmed all of our worst fears (for six days). It’s fickle, yes. Oddly enough, though, the excruciating wait was a nice reminder of why we dedicate an unhealthy portion of our lives to this. So edging past West Ham to win 2-1 was pretty satisfying – and a good note to end the month on.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
There’s always been a ‘must win’ feeling around any game, but, apparently, now more than ever. Along with little to cling onto in midweek, there are the harsh lessons taught by David Moyes. It probably explains the overreaction that followed the drubbing of QPR, but who wasn’t caught up in it all? It’s not as if an easy fixture has guaranteed maximum points for United in the last 14 months. And, more importantly, it marked a new era — one that, from afar, looks in better shape than the last. Angel di Maria carried on from where he left off at Real Madrid, Daley Blind was a reassuring presence in this ‘defensive midfield’ position, and Ander Herrera looked like he’d been at the club five years. With Louis van Gaal looking on, and with the power to summon <em>Radamel Falcao</em> from the bench, again: who wasn’t caught up in it all?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
Leicester City weren’t. All that good work, so similar to what we saw against QPR, was undone after an hour. The defence imploded, Leicester rallied (with some help from the officials, but no excuse) and it appeared that the previous week was a false dawn. Remember, there were a lot of false dawns last season. West Ham might be the second of this campaign, a game seemingly demonstrating that United can indeed defend as well as attack. Thus Paddy McNair’s late, match-saving headed clearance was the highlight, the Northern Irishman drafted in for his debut because his side were without four players. Looking at the names of those crocked, maybe we could have all been a little less surprised. Elsewhere, Herrera delivered again, along with players like Rafael and Robin van Persie showing their worth in style.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
Not much needs to be said about Wayne Rooney’s red card, though, except that this ‘new’ United seem intent on making football as agonising as possible. Depending on the result, that’s not always a bad thing.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<strong>Player of the month: </strong>Ander Herrera should have awards given to him for being an influential midfielder and Rafael for simply being Rafael. But September belongs to Angel di Maria, who deserved to be on the winning side after his goal at Leicester.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<strong>Elsewhere:</strong> Written in this part of <a href="http://therepublikofmancunia.com/the-month-van-gaal-thinks-august-is-overrated/" style="color: red; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">last month’s column</a>: “Meanwhile, Chelsea are going to win the league.” They really are.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<strong>Ten years ago: </strong>September 2004 (’04/05): This was a memorable month for United and, especially, new signing Wayne Rooney. Three debut goals at home to Fenerbahce was quite a way to announce himself. How bad must the Turkish side have been, though, considering that a midfield of David Bellion, Eric Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson and Ryan Giggs (well …) were far too strong for them. In the league, a Mikael Silvestre double was enough to see off Liverpool and United ended September in 5th place.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<strong>Reasons to be cheerful: </strong>If United do struggle in October, remember that they can only struggle a maximum three times.</div>

The Month: September – The thirst is real

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT With no Champions League football and domestic cup action not until the new year, a lack of game...

Mata predicts bright future for McNair at Manchester United

03:49 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbcDrHT210k8T-_36I4kKN9sqk96JxM0aE241_5BShJwkzHOhwZDRGfvKnIcLwmcDvkivZEImHdgfmwp4lwxM9jix8vpmFuJL8rlx9PuH6I0-rn30bhMEoOpjZQwWNsmg6JG-PmITl94I/s1600/mcnair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbcDrHT210k8T-_36I4kKN9sqk96JxM0aE241_5BShJwkzHOhwZDRGfvKnIcLwmcDvkivZEImHdgfmwp4lwxM9jix8vpmFuJL8rlx9PuH6I0-rn30bhMEoOpjZQwWNsmg6JG-PmITl94I/s1600/mcnair.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="copy-paste-block">
juan Mata believes that <a class="word-link" href="http://talksport.com/football/manchester-united" title="Manchester United">Manchester United</a> youngster Paddy McNair has a bright future ahead of him.<br />

McNair, 19, made his debut for United at the weekend in the <a href="http://talksport.com/football/premier-league-round-man-united-win-despite-rooney-red-costa-fires-chelsea-again">2-1 victory over West Ham</a> and Mata feels that this is only the beginning of a successful career for the Northern Irish defender.<br />

"It was unforgettable for Paddy McNair. Making a debut with 
Manchester United in Old Trafford being just 19 is amazing, and I am 
sure he will always remember this day," Mata wrote on his website.<br />

"It's good for the young players to see that they can fit in the 
first team. It has always happened in this club and it's a good 
tradition to keep.<br />

"It's good for the young players to see that they can fit in the first team. In my opinion, Paddy has a bright future ahead."<br />
<span><br />Read more at http://talksport.com/football/mata-predicts-bright-future-mcnair-manchester-united-140930116382#1EXMLQrr4S61Y4tR.99</span></div>
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<span><br /></span></div>

Mata predicts bright future for McNair at Manchester United

juan Mata believes that Manchester United youngster Paddy McNair has a bright future ahead of him. McNair, 19, made his debut for Unit...

Man City line-up v Roma – £32m man to pay the price?

03:46 Unknown 0

<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVknLNeMCulQRY0SuYWxH2pt5lt7GIMG7lYItGrmqOmYQC4UJZ6ADGbcn6OdeFaJ2qn4VLnBjBWMvYG7aZzjvV4p7B-ipVzRBt2E-0geyDoiSFb_mhah-qVPpcsMZa0crqwUVOHwuvNzD/s1600/spo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVknLNeMCulQRY0SuYWxH2pt5lt7GIMG7lYItGrmqOmYQC4UJZ6ADGbcn6OdeFaJ2qn4VLnBjBWMvYG7aZzjvV4p7B-ipVzRBt2E-0geyDoiSFb_mhah-qVPpcsMZa0crqwUVOHwuvNzD/s1600/spo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="copy-paste-block">
Manuel Pellegrini’s Man City side may have shown excellent resolve to regroup themselves during a frantic 4-2 victory over <a class="word-link" href="http://talksport.com/football/hull-city" title="Hull City">Hull City</a> at the weekend, but the Chilean knows that they can ill afford the same sort of slip ups against a very good <a class="word-link" href="http://talksport.com/football/roma" title="Roma">Roma</a> side on Tuesday evening.<br />

City were perhaps a little unfortunate not to sneak a point from 
their opening round clash with Bayern Munich, and next for the Premier 
League champions is the visit of Serie A giants Roma, who arrive buoyed 
from a comprehensive win over <a class="word-link" href="http://talksport.com/cska-moscow" title="CSKA Moscow">CSKA Moscow</a>.<br />

Clearly not adverse to rotating his players, Pellegrini will need to 
get the recipe right on Tuesday evening or risk handicapping his side as
 they look to progress from the group stages for the second time in 
their history.<br />

The likeliest change looks to be that of goalkeeper Joe Hart for Willy Caballero. Hart was outstanding against <a class="word-link" href="http://talksport.com/football/bayern-munich" title="Bayern Munich">Bayern Munich</a>,
 but found himself relegated to the bench against Hull, a move he 
admitted as frustrating, but with Pellegrini admitting to the gravity of
 Tuesday’s match, it is expected that he will turn to the England man.<br />

Ahead of him also presents something of a dilemma for the City boss, 
especially following Eliaquim Mangala’s horror show performance at the 
weekend. That may have cost the Frenchman a starting spot against Roma, 
leaving Martin Demichelis as the likeliest selection alongside captain <a class="word-link" href="http://talksport.com/vincent-kompany" title="Vincent Kompany">Vincent Kompany</a>.<br />

City know that chances and goals will be needed if they are to take 
the initiative in this clash, so could result in a system that utilises 
two main attackers, rather than the target man approach used against 
Bayern.<br />

Stevan Jovetic has been confirmed as being named in the squad, but we suggest that will mean Edin Dzeko and <a class="word-link" href="http://talksport.com/sergio-aguero" title="Sergio Aguero">Sergio Aguero</a> will be reunited, as per the weekend, with widemen around them.<br />

<em>Below is how Man City could line-up</em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Sn80oZ2RFsFqtizGCgPuMI6NsQfp4bcaCWPfuvaYKFKWy1xfxZrNlL_MijIeH-aJrh15oyN5Z8Lbyfsz9ewt6LLLwOGOZE5rEdZWJh95XXfVNEjHw1mF5UR_I_OpLvM65bR5yAanDs63/s1600/Manchester-City-formation-tactics.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Sn80oZ2RFsFqtizGCgPuMI6NsQfp4bcaCWPfuvaYKFKWy1xfxZrNlL_MijIeH-aJrh15oyN5Z8Lbyfsz9ewt6LLLwOGOZE5rEdZWJh95XXfVNEjHw1mF5UR_I_OpLvM65bR5yAanDs63/s1600/Manchester-City-formation-tactics.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span></span></div>

Man City line-up v Roma – £32m man to pay the price?

Manuel Pellegrini’s Man City side may have shown excellent resolve to regroup themselves during a frantic 4-2 victory over Hull City at...

Champions League live scores, results: Manchester City v Roma, Sporting v Chelsea - Costa's deputies have a lot to learn, Joe Hart wants to play every game

03:43 Unknown 0

<h2>
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart doesn't fancy a role on the sidelines</h2>
<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5gw79fnvymJs2vKPUmWdyP5olAFh6uFO_jiS8PrEMcs18fP1p3XXZsHrT4ihPEYEpfL33NHZBWJX7wbjaZPsyKGca6QyB6CmK8yOFpb4YZCEh2H-jxZLMt7b_smY3rHf-AXYFnm3S0J2/s1600/sport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5gw79fnvymJs2vKPUmWdyP5olAFh6uFO_jiS8PrEMcs18fP1p3XXZsHrT4ihPEYEpfL33NHZBWJX7wbjaZPsyKGca6QyB6CmK8yOFpb4YZCEh2H-jxZLMt7b_smY3rHf-AXYFnm3S0J2/s1600/sport.jpg" /></a></h2>
<br /><div style="background: #efefef;">

</div>
<div class="column double">
        This interactive tournament guide includes details of all 
fixtures and includes live results and statistics. The fixtures 
"Overview" (button at top right) goes to a fixture page detailing the 
dates for every fixture in the season. Click on the club crest to select
 all the fixtures for a particular team. The fixture gives the location 
and the time each match is due to start.<br />
Matchtrackers can be seen
 by clicking on any fixture. Before a match the tracker shows the team 
lineup or squad and head-to-head statistics. During the match there are 
two pages of live data - one showing a timeline of key events in the 
match as they happen -- goals, substitutions, red and yellow cards. The 
other, Live Statistics, shows possession, shots on target, fouls against
 and saves.<br />
<h3>
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart wants to play every game</h3>
Manchester
 City goalkeeper Joe Hart says he sees no benefits in manager Manuel 
Pellegrini's decision to rest him for the last two domestic games ahead 
of tonight's Champions League tie with Roma and has declined to discuss 
the fact that he has not been offered a new contract.<br />
Sitting next
 to Pellegrini at yesterday's press conference, Hart – whose fine 
display in City's opening match at Bayern Munich matched performances at
 Real Madrid and at home to Borussia Dortmund in the past three seasons –
 was twice offered the chance to discuss the "positives" of being rested
 in favour of Willy Caballero for City's last two matches – the 7-0 
League Cup defeat of Sheffield Wednesday and Saturday's 4-2 league win 
at Hull City.<br />
"Of course I want to play every game, that is my 
nature, my professionalism," he initially said. "I am not the manager, 
just a player. I live by the decisions of the manager."<br />
But 
pressed on the "positives," of being rested, he added: "It is hard for 
me to see it that way. I am sure when I retire from football I will see 
them but right now I am not going to see them."<br />
It was an an 
awkward press-conference moment and another one followed when Hart 
passed up the opportunity to discuss the prospects of him signing a new 
contract "soon" and instead turned to Pellegrini, sitting to his right, 
to encourage an answer.<br />
"Me and Joe know what happens with that 
issue," Pellegrini said. "It is important to know how to manage it, but 
it is not the most important thing now." Asked how he responded, Hart 
muttered something unintelligible. Asked to repeat it, he said: "The 
same."<br />
The sense from within the club is that City anticipate no 
problems in agreeing new terms with Hart, despite the fact that his own 
current contract is now entering its final two years, while Vincent 
Kompany, Samir Nasri, Edin Dzeko, David Silva and Sergio Aguero have 
been given new deals. However, the 27-year-old said that he was ready to
 meet the challenge of battling Caballero for a place in the team.<br />
"We
 have always had good goalkeepers since I have been here: going back to 
David James, [Andreas] Isaksson, Kasper [Schmeichel], Shay Given, 
[Costel] Pantilimon, Stuart Taylor – it has always been a fight for me 
to keep my place and that will continue."<br />
Pellegrini indicated 
ahead of tonight's game that reaching the quarter-finals – rather than 
lifting the Champions League trophy – is City's aim this season and that
 he will not jeopardise the club's Premier League campaign by making the
 tournament his club's be-all and end-all.<br />
"If we can fight for 
the Premier League title and get further in the Champions League, that 
would be progress," said the Chilean, whose side were eliminated by 
Barcelona in the last-16 last year. "But if we have to leave behind the 
Premier League to win the Champions League, then for me that isn't 
progress.<br />
"It's important to progress in the Champions League, but
 not by forgetting the domestic league. We won't focus all we have on 
the Champions League and see what happens in the Premier League."<br />
Tonight,
 City will seek to win an opening home game in the group stage for the 
first time in four attempts against a Roma team who have won their 
opening six games in Serie A and the Champions League.<br />
Pellegrini,
 who will again be without the defensive midfield presence of Brazilian 
Fernando while restoring Stevan Jovetic to the squad, also said that 
City's French midfielder Samir Nasri has undergone groin surgery and 
will be out of action for a month.<br />
<h3>
Diego Costa's Chelsea deputies have a lot to learn</h3>
Jose
 Mourinho is back in Portugal tonight, as he chases his third European 
Cup, but trying to find a way to win without his most important player 
in that quest.<br />
Chelsea spent £30m on Diego Costa this summer, 
hoping he would be the man to make the difference after narrowly missing
 out on the Premier League and Champions League titles last season.<br />
Everything
 that Costa has done so far – scoring eight goals in six league starts –
 has suggested that he can be that decisive influence, even more so than
 the brilliant Cesc Fabregas.<br />
Except for one issue: Mourinho does 
not believe that Costa's hamstrings allow him to play three matches each
 week and so tonight, away at Sporting Lisbon, he may be rested in 
favour Loic Remy.<br />
Costa has two deputies in £10.5m summer signing 
Remy and club legend Didier Drogba, but only Remy and Costa have 
travelled to Lisbon and neither the Frenchman nor the Ivorian have shone
 in their starts so far this season. Costa is first choice and the other
 two need to catch up.<br />
Mourinho admitted, in the aftermath of 
Chelsea's 3-0 defeat of Aston Villa on Saturday (Costa started and 
scored, naturally), that this side is "made to play with Diego", and 
having a different striker up front requires some recalibration of the 
type that will be needed at the Estadio Jose Alvalade this evening.<br />
"If
 Diego can play, I play Diego," Mourinho explained. "The team had a 
pre-season with him. The team worked with him a lot of times. He's 
playing with us every match in the Premier League. So the team, at this 
moment, is more made to play with Diego.<br />
"I think Remy's learning 
how to play with us. Didier is learning how to play again in a top 
competitive situation. So I would prefer to play Diego, but I'm happy 
with Didier and Remy, if I have to start with them, no problems."</div>
<h2>
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</h2>

Champions League live scores, results: Manchester City v Roma, Sporting v Chelsea - Costa's deputies have a lot to learn, Joe Hart wants to play every game

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart doesn't fancy a role on the sidelines This interactive tournament guide includes det...

Noble spills the dressing room beans

04:27 Unknown 0

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<div class="byline">
  <span class="sep">Posted <span class="sep"> by </span> <span class="author vcard"><a class="url fn n" href="http://www.claretandhugh.info/author/hugh5outhon1895/" title="View all posts by Hugh5outhon1895">Hugh5outhon1895</a></span> on </span> <span class="entry-date"><a href="http://www.claretandhugh.info/noble-spills-the-dressing-room-beans/" rel="bookmark" title="12:13 pm">September 20, 2014</a></span> in <span class="entry-categories"><a href="http://www.claretandhugh.info/category/whispers/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Whispers">Whispers</a></span> </div>
Mark Noble has been running the rule over his team mates in a Soccer AM special feature and claims:<br />

O Andy Carroll is the <strong>worst trainer</strong> declaring: “When he came here he was terrible. Then Saturday comes and he will win you the game”<br />
O James Collins has the <strong>best nickname</strong> with Mark saying: “His wife calls him Ginge, his Mum and Dad call him Ginge, we call him Ginge …but I’m not sure his kids do.”
<br />
O Kevin Nolan is the <strong>biggest moaner</strong>. Noble said:” He’s always moaning even if we are winning. He is always moaning and is honestly not a morning person!”<br />

O He claims that Joey O’Brien is the<strong> most intelligent</strong> saying: I’ve learned a lot from him. He reads many books so I have a lot of useless information now.<br />

O James Tomkins is the<strong> vainest</strong> bloke in the dressing room. “He’s a good looking boy and spends rather a lot of time looking in mirrors.<br />

O Ricardo Vaz Te is the <strong>best dancer</strong><br />

O Carlton Cole is the <strong>biggest joker</strong> and is always creating a laugh with “some classic one liners.”<br />

and<br />

O Alex Song is the<strong> worst dresser</strong>. He must look in the mirror and think he looks good but no!”<br />

Noble spills the dressing room beans

Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 20, 2014 in Whispers Mark Noble has been running the rule over his team mates in a Soccer...

Paul Lambert saw Arsenal in Dortmund on Tuesday night

04:18 Unknown 0

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<br />
 By Myles Palmer<br />
<b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Arsenal are unbeaten in 15 games at Villa Park. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> But that’s ancient history. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Every
 football match is different because the circumstances surrounding every
 football match are different, even if the 22 players are the same. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Since
 Dortmund are an energy team who generate momentum, and sustain their 
attacks with verve, I thought Oxlade should have started in the 
Westfalenstadion, since he is a high–energy competitor who can hold the 
ball, run fast with it, and chase opponents.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> I reckon Oxlade could play for Klopp in a year or two.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When Villa won 1-0 at Liverpool, big centreback <span style="color: red;"><b>Nathan Baker</b></span> had a very good game. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Gabby Agbonlahor scored early and they just sat back and <b><span style="color: red;">Fabian Delph’s</span></b> pressing was colossal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> I read a story about Gabby a few years ago in <i>The Guardian.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">But I can't find the piece in their archive, so maybe it wasn’t <i>The Guardian.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i> </i>THE ARTICLE SAID SOMETHING LIKE THIS: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The
 six youth coaches at Bodymoor Heath, their training ground, would sit 
round a table every summer and discuss the progress of the youngsters 
one by one, keeping some, letting others go. </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When it came to Agbonlahor, a local lad and a Villa supporter, five of the six coaches voted to let him go. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">But
 the senior youth coach said, “Look, he’s got this raw pace. I know his 
first touch puts the ball nearer Newcastle than Birmingham, but let’s 
keep him for another year and see what happens. What’s it gonna cost 
us?” </span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Today we learned that Villa boss Paul Lambert went to Dortmund on Tuesday to watch their game against Arsenal. </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Midfielder Lambert was out of contract at Motherwell in 1996 and without a job. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">His agent asked him if he was willing to play abroad. He was and he</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> agreed to go to Borussia Dortmund </span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">on trial.</b><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The
 club was then coached by the great Ottmar Hitzfeld and Lambert had 
played against Dortmund in the Uefa Cup two years previously. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hitzfeld signed him and turned him into a defensive midfielder whose precise passes started good moves from deep positions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lambert
 played 44 games for Dortmund in his only season there and they reached 
the Champions League Final in Munich, where they played the Juventus, 
the holders. </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lambert made the first goal and marked Zidane out of the game and Dortmund won 3-1. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Then
 Celtic signed him and he played there for seven years. He captain 
Celtic in the 2003 Uefa Cup Final in Seville where they took Joe 
Mourinho’s Porto into extra time before losing 3-1 after having a player
 sent off. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">At that time I used to write about football for <i>The Scotsman</i>, <i>90 Minutes</i> and <i>FourFourTwo. </i></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hugh Southon and I used to phone loads of footballers and get 600 words off them. Hughie gave me scores of numbers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Doing
 this over a period of time, and talking to Hughie every day, and 
talking to an influential agent in the Midlands, I got to know a lot 
about what was really going on inside many clubs, most of which was 
unpublishable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">And I became quite pally with Ray Wilkins, Chris Waddle, Darren Anderton and Mark Draper. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Only
 two players ever asked where I got their phone number: Keith Curle and 
David Ginola. My reply to both was, “From another journalist.” </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">One day I had to get hold of Paul Lambert, so I sent a fax to Dortmund. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Later
 on that afternoon I realised I’d blown it. This was an international 
week and I should have realised that Lambert would not be in Germany.  
Damn! He would have flown to Glasgow, where Scotland had a home game. I 
cursed my stupidity, my inability to get the basics right. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">But at 6.30pm the phone rang. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“Is that Myles Palmer?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“Yes.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“Paul Lambert. What can I do for you?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I thought, “What a gentleman!” </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Dortmund had forwarded my fax to Largs, Scotland’s training HQ on the Ayrshire coast.</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">20th September 2014</span></b></span>

Paul Lambert saw Arsenal in Dortmund on Tuesday night

By Myles Palmer Arsenal are unbeaten in 15 games at Villa Park. But that’s ancient history. Every football match is different becau...

Marvels

12:16 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEtWf5VwzKBlooMmnxkRE0FCRPxo86lmmMl9MUaqccCFdZ_XC2tFJDmjx2pWXBmC3yLRh0HOJzkadSQesndDj6i_KFST4MrTNkkurU_2gLBJi8nqgjx9BaaTnconzFs7Y_EYDfK5XIhJf/s1600/download.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEtWf5VwzKBlooMmnxkRE0FCRPxo86lmmMl9MUaqccCFdZ_XC2tFJDmjx2pWXBmC3yLRh0HOJzkadSQesndDj6i_KFST4MrTNkkurU_2gLBJi8nqgjx9BaaTnconzFs7Y_EYDfK5XIhJf/s1600/download.png" width="640" /></a><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Younes Kaboul captain, Emmanuel Adebayor vice-captain along with Hugo Lloris. Captain Marvels or not so marvellous?</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>This has kicked up a bit of a self-deprecating storm among the Tottenham faithful. Yes, Hugo Lloris makes sense if you're going to stipulate the captaincy with preferences such as playing consistently and being a top performer. Is he captain material? Yes, you can't help but respect him as a player. Is a goalkeeper the best choice? That depends on what the expectancy of a modern day captain is meant to be. Lloris will no doubt shout and command and do what he does to defend his goal regardless of the armband. He leads by example but won't be able to stroll around the centre of the pitch shouting out instructions to outfield players pushing forward. Still, it's good enough for a keeper to be the captain of the French national side. Just not for Spurs. Second choice, only after an arm-wrestle with Adebayor.</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>So step forward Kaboul - the natural choice based on his time at the club. Perhaps not perfect if you dwell too much on his absence from the first team with injuries. I can't shake the feeling that we've gone with someone that has simply been at the club longer rather than someone who might be better suited based on talent. Then again, would you be content with Jan Vertonghen who hasn't had the opportunity to impress Mauricio Pochettino? Is he more likely to scream and instruct than Kaboul?</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Spurs need leaders all over the pitch. We need mentality strong footballers that are reactive to the games twists and turns and look to naturally encourage each other. The captain in this utopia is nothing more than the chosen one that makes sure things tick over. I'm not trying to undervalue the role or Kaboul. The concern is that Michael Dawson was also vocal but he wasn't the best defender. Is that contradiction hurtful to the armband? What with the neat collection of centre-backs we now have in our squad you would think that by virtue of being made captain he's guaranteed a starting role. If not, then Adebayor takes over.</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Yes. Adebayor is vice-captain. I can only assume that this is based on the players influence and character in the dressing room and on the training pitch. He's popular within the club. Again, we come back to whether a captain needs to be tactically astute, spotting the odd positional headache, calming down players that might be getting into a spot of bother and also firing up players to take the game by the scruff of the neck...and...er...not getting an unnecessary red card.</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Some captains have an aura about them, say like Ledley King. Others are physically intimidating and all inspiring, say like Graham Roberts. All that matters is how their team-mates react to their presence.</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Both captain and vice-captain seem to be the politically correct choices within the club but both questionable. Kaboul's form and ability to avoid the treatment table remains a topic of debate. Adebayor seems to inspire his team-mates but can disappear in games if he's struggling. Lloris quality is undeniable but is he left waiting for Ade to be benched/injured/playing in the African Cup of Nations?</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>However, I doubt Pochettino would give armbands to players that genuinely couldn't deliver what he expects of a captain. The fact that we need leaders across the team, if you want to embrace a positive we have three players that can inspire and with the official responsibility given to them, the onus is on them to do so.</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>

Marvels

Younes Kaboul captain, Emmanuel Adebayor vice-captain along with Hugo Lloris. Captain Marvels or not so marvellous? This has kicked up ...

Chelsea’s Hazard talks ‘will end with a new contract’ insists Mourinho

06:20 Unknown 0

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<div class="hs-text-container">
Jose Mourinho expects Eden Hazard to commit
 his long-term future to Chelsea after revealing the Belgium playmaker 
is discussing a contract extension.</div>
Hazard, 23, signed for a 
reported £32 million (Dh190.4m) from Lille in 2012 and has become an 
increasingly influential figure in his two years at Stamford Bridge.<br />
Hazard
 has three years to run on his current deal, but Mourinho believes 
Chelsea will tie him down in a bid to hold off continued interest from 
Paris Saint-Germain.<br />
“We have big hopes that he will go from a top
 player to reach higher levels,” said Mourinho, speaking on the eve of 
the Champions League Group G opener with Schalke.<br />
“He’s a player we want to keep. It’s true Chelsea is trying to have an agreement for a new contract.<br />
“It will be a question of time. It will end with a new contract.<br />
“He wants to commit to us and we want to commit to him for the future.”<br />
Didier Drogba has shrugged off an ankle injury to be in contention after taking part in training on Tuesday.<br />
The striker was the only injury concern after missing Saturday’s Premier League win over Swansea City.<br />
The final act of Drogba’s first spell was scoring the decisive penalty in the 2012 European Cup final win.<br />
Mourinho
 won the 2004 Champions League with Porto and the 2010 tournament with 
Inter Milan and is bidding to be the first manager to lift the trophy 
with three different clubs.<br />
He said: “Do I want to try to win it again? Of course.<br />
“What drives me is to try to win. I work for my club, for my players and for the club supporters. I don’t work for myself.<br />
“If
 I win it once more, to win with three clubs is unique. But even if I 
don’t do it, how many top managers in the world have only one or even 
not a single one?<br />
“The greatest in our country (Sir Alex Ferguson), he won it twice.<br />
“If
 at the end of my career I’ve achieved that situation, then good, but 
it’s far from being an obsession and it’s not something that I think 
about a lot.<br />
“I have the ambition to win it again, but in this moment I only think about don’t play Europa League.<br />
“We have a championship of six matches and three opponents (in Group G) and we have to do everything to qualify.”<br />
Chelsea,
 who also face Sporting Lisbon and Maribor, reached the semi-finals last
 term, losing to eventual runners-up Atletico Madrid, and finished third
 in the Premier League.<br />
After beginning the domestic season with 
four wins from four, hopes are high and Mourinho thinks he has a 
stronger squad this term.<br />
He said: “It’s not easy to improve what we did last season. In spite of that I think we are a better team.”<br />
The
 team has had the unfamiliar presence of Petr Cech on the substitutes’ 
bench after a decade in the first team, with Thibaut Courtois displacing
 him as first-choice goalkeeper.<br />
Mourinho declined to reveal who would start in goal, but insisted he has not designated competitions for his goalkeepers.<br />
“Don’t
 be surprised if he (Cech) plays a Champions League game or a Premier 
League game, or if Courtois plays a League Cup game,” Mourinho said.<br />
“What
 I don’t do is this competition is for me and this competition is for 
you. I must make choices. Petr is more than ready to play every game.<br />

Chelsea’s Hazard talks ‘will end with a new contract’ insists Mourinho

Jose Mourinho expects Eden Hazard to commit his long-term future to Chelsea after revealing the Belgium playmaker is discussing a contr...

Robin van Persie must be dropped by Manchester United

06:17 Unknown 0

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<strong>When <a href="http://www.givemesport.com/manchester-united" target="_blank">Manchester United</a> paid <a href="http://www.givemesport.com/arsenal" target="_blank">Arsenal</a>
 £24 million for Robin van Persie in August 2012, eyebrows were raised 
because of the Dutch striker's advancing years and checkered injury 
record. Not to mention the fact the Red Devils didn't appear to require 
another forward; they had more pressing concerns, such as recruiting a 
new top-class central midfielder, after all.</strong><br />

Ferguson wouldn't usually have given the green light to such a deal -
 but Van Persie was the Premier League's best striker at the time and 
Manchester United had been beaten to the title months earlier by local 
rivals Manchester City by virtue of goal difference.<br />

Keen to make sure that wouldn't happen again, and knowing this would 
be his final season in charge of the Red Devils, Ferguson went all in 
and brought Van Persie to Old Trafford - fully aware, surely, that 
within a few seasons the striker would have entered the early stages of 
decline.<br />

<strong>Related links</strong><br />

- <strong><a href="http://www.givemesport.com/503805-manchester-united-40-qpr-player-ratings" target="_blank">Manchester United 4-0 QPR: Player Ratings</a></strong>- <strong><a href="http://www.givemesport.com/502479-robin-van-persie-should-be-worried-about-manchester-united-role" target="_blank">Van Persie should be worried about Man Utd role</a></strong>- <strong><a href="http://www.givemesport.com/501514-louis-van-gaal-set-to-drop-robin-van-persie" target="_blank">Louis van Gaal set to drop Robin van Persie</a></strong>

Robin van Persie must be dropped by Manchester United

When Manchester United paid Arsenal £24 million for Robin van Persie in August 2012, eyebrows were raised because of the Dutch striker...