Ronaldo on El Clasico : I’m tired
by danang on Nov.27, 2009, under La Liga
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo was quick to switch his focus to this weekend’s mouthwatering Clásico with Barcelona having made his return to action against FC Zurich after almost two months out through injury.
Ronaldo appeared as a 70th-minute substitute in the 1-0 UEFA Champions League win over the Swiss side, the Portugal international making his first appearance for Madrid since sustaining an ankle injury at the end of September. The former Manchester United man was unable to mark his comeback with a goal, although he did come close right at the end when he was denied by a good save from Zurich goalkeeper Johnny Leoni diving low to his left.
Ronaldo, who only returned to full training on Friday, told Spanish television channel Telemadrid: “I’m tired because I’m still not at 100 per cent, but I’m sure I will return to be how I was before the injury, scoring goals, having good games and helping the team.”
The £80million man, who scored nine goals in helping Madrid win their opening seven competitive games this season, has been sorely missed by the Spanish giants, who won just half of their 10 matches in his absence and were embarrassingly dumped out of the Copa del Rey by third tier Alcorcon. He received a loud cheer from the Madrid supporters when he started warming up during the second half of the Zurich game, and then another ovation when he replaced club captain Raul. (continue reading…)
“I am Rino Gattuso and I cannot wait for someone to get injured in order to play”
by danang on Nov.27, 2009, under International, Serie A
AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso will reconsider his future at the club if he does not get more playing time.
The Italy international, who is a reported target of Manchester City, has seen his minutes on the pitch decrease this term, partly due to injuries as well as coach Leonardo’s rotation policy.
“I am Rino Gattuso and I cannot wait for someone to get injured in order to play,” the midfielder told Corriere dello Sport. “I would be lying if I said that everything is okay. At this time I am not happy because of the injury and the fact that I am not being used much.
“I still feel strong and I am disappointed not to be able to prove it,” he went on. “I don´t accept the thought that I am no longer indispensable.” (continue reading…)
Louis Van Gaal on Luca Toni : he wants away then he must look for a club
by danang on Nov.27, 2009, under Bundesliga
Italian want-away striker Luca Toni can leave German giants Bayern Munich in the January transfer window, coach Louis van Gaal said Thursday, but club bosses are hoping the pair can be reconciled.
Toni earned himself a €25,000 fine on Wednesday for telling the Italian media his relationship with van Gaal “is as good as over” following just four league appearances since the Dutchman took over in July.
With his 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ place on the line, Toni has said he wants to return to Italy during the Bundesliga’s winter break in January in a bid to win back his place in the national team. “The player has indicated he wants away. Then he must look for a club,” van Gaal told German channel Sat 1 after Bayern’s 1-0 win over Maccabi Haifa in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
Bayern’s team manager Uli Hoeness - who was set to replace Franz Beckenbauer as president of the German giants at the club’s AGM on Thursday - said Toni’s behaviour must change, but is hopeful the pair can patch up their differences. (continue reading…)
PEPE REINA vs. EDWIN VAN DER SAR: Who is the best?-an ultimate 4 years analysis-
by danang on Nov.26, 2009, under Premier League

A few weeks ago, I proved that Fernando Torres was a more effective attacking player tha Wayne Rooney. Now it’s time to take a look at Pepe Reina and Edwin Van Der Sar. Both are fantastic keepers; both are very important to their respective teams, but who can rightfully be called the best/most effective goalkeeper?
I have looked at both players’ stats for the last 4 full seasons, going back to the 2005-6 season, which was when both players arrived at their respective clubs.
I have only included competitive games in this analysis, i.e.
Premiership
Champions League
FA Cup
Carling Cup
Super Cup
World Club Cup
I obtained the statistics from the following sources: (continue reading…)
Bayern ready to thwart Chelsea by replacing Louis van Gaal with Hiddink
by danang on Nov.26, 2009, under Bundesliga, Champions League
In-demand Russia boss Guus Hiddink is being tipped for the Bayern Munich hot seat amid growing unrest at the Bundesliga giants.
Louis van Gaal could lose his job if the German side are knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Bayern are third in Group A with just four points from four games as they prepare to face Israeli side Maccabi Haifa. Things are not much better in the German league, in which Van Gaal’s seventh-placed side have won just five of 13 matches.
The poor performance has led to criticism of former Barcelona boss Van Gaal from directors and senior players such as Philipp Lahm.
Bayern accept that star player Franck Ribery and others may leave if they cannot compete with Europe’s finest and former Chelsea boss Hiddink has been identified as the man to turn around their fortunes. (continue reading…)
Sir Alex blame Referee
by danang on Nov.26, 2009, under Champions League
Sir Alex Ferguson has taken his attack on referees into Europe after Manchester United lost their 23-match unbeaten home record in the Champions League with a 1-0 loss to Besiktas. (continue reading…)
Barça-Inter: did you know…?
by danang on Nov.25, 2009, under Champions League
Barça and Inter Milan go head to head on Tuesday evening in the Camp Nou. Here are some of the facts and figures that may influence that match.
- Barça have never lost two European home games in a row.
- This will be the second time Inter Milan has visited the Camp Nou for a Champions League match. In the 2002-03 season they lost here 3-0 in the group stage. However, in the 50’s and 60’s the teams met here twice in the Fairs Cup, with one victory apiece.
- There are six players still active for Barça and Inter Milan who took part in that last meeting on 26th February 2003: Xavi, Puyol and Motta (/now Inter) for Barça, and Toldo, Córdoba and Zanetti for Inter.
- Barça haven’t come up against an Italian club since 2006, when they defeated AC Milan in the CL semi-finals to reach the Paris Final against Arsenal. (continue reading…)
Mourinho : with or without Ibra and Messi it still be a true match
by danang on Nov.24, 2009, under Champions League
BARCELONA - José Mourinho was in a calm mood in the Camp Nou’s press room as he previewed Tuesday’s night pick of the UCL Matchday 5 ties. “Even if we didn’t need points, for me a Champions League game is always a Champions League game, Barça are always Barça and I’m approaching this difficult game with happiness and serenity,” said the Inter coach.
“The only doubt I have for tomorrow is Sneijder. He still hasn’t trained. Two or three days ago I thought there would have been encouraging developments, but there haven’t been. He’s still doubtful, but it’s a doubt I want to dispel tonight after the training session. It’s not something I want to carry over to tomorrow. My preparations for the match won’t depend on the presence of Messi. Chivu will play on the right, so it’s Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Chivu, then the others… I have forgotten them. Zanetti? He’s important, he’s the history of Inter.”
For the second time this season, Mourinho and the Nerazzurri will see their ex-companions Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Maxwell. “What will I say to Zlatan? We will give each other a hug before the game and another after, as always,” said Mourinho. “This match will be difficult from every point of view because Barça are strong as a team and individually, because this isn’t a normal stadium - it’s a voice of one hundred thousand people who want to play and win, who put real pressure on everyone, even the referee, for whom it’s not easy to make decisions. (continue reading…)
Jose Mourinho: I’m not concerned if Messi plays or not
by danang on Nov.24, 2009, under Champions League
Inter Milan manager, José Mourinho, told reporters on Monday evening that he was not worried whether or not Messi plays on Tuesday night. And he claimed to have his own starting line-up more or less decided.
José Mourinho entered the press room just after 5 o’clock. Before that he had been spotted walking around the stadium dressed in an Inter tracksuit and accompanied by his assistants.
No concern over Messi
It remains unclear whether Messi will recover from his injury problems in time for the match. But Mourinho assured reporters that he was not losing any sleep over the matter. “If Messi plays or not, nothing changes”. Whether it’s Messi, Iniesta or Pedro, the Inter defender will be Chivu. (continue reading…)




