In a peculiar twist, Manchester City have issued a formal statement that they have terminated discussions to bring Kaká from AC Milan.
Citizens executive chairman Garry Cook said the following:
“Whilst Manchester City Football Club has an obvious interest in world class players of the quality of Kaka, we owe it to our fans that such a transfer must work on every level; commercially, financially, in terms of results on the field and within Manchester City’s broader community.”
While this shuts the door on the Kaká transfer, their is considerable talk of the behind the scenes event and how this deal unraveled after the terms had apparently been agreed to.
Monday, January 19, 2009
the new and improved Craig Bellamy
It does not take a great deal of insight in the differences in the types of players Mark Hughes is looking to sign for his club as opposed to management and business associates are focused upon. Along with Wayne Bridge, who the manager played with at Southampton, Mark Hughes knows precisely the type of player he needs.
Such is the case of Craig Bellamy who played under Mark Hughes while he led Wales. Their is no other manager in the Premier League that will get more out of the striker and naysayers should expect an enthusiastic performance by the Wales skipper.
Upon arriving in Manchester, he spoke of his future with the Citizens via an interview on the club web-site:
How much of an influence was Mark Hughes and his coaching team in your decision to come to City?
CB: It was a big factor, because they are people that I have worked with since I was 18. They know me better than anybody-else in the football game, and they are people I completely trust in. They have progressed me massively, and I owe them a lot. The added bonus is that it’s Manchester City and the way it is going at the moment with possibly one or two more players coming in over the top of me. I’m fortunate that this opportunity has come along, and I am grateful. I feel I am at my peak and I hope over the next few years to perform really well here.
We’re still in Europe this season, but how exciting are the manager’s and the club’s ambitions for the future?
CB: I think it is going to be incredible here over the next couple of years. It’s not just for me, you speak to anyone in the Premier League and they would want to come to Manchester City. It’s rare for that to happen outside of the top four, but I think there are a lot of players who would like to come to this club. I’ve been given that opportunity, there are other players who would love it, and so it is up to me to make the most of it. This really is a club that in the next couple of years is going to be incredible. There are so many things happening here that are out of this world, for me to part of it was an offer that I just could not walk away from.
Having worked with the coaches here before, are you expecting to hit the ground running in training?
CB: Yes, it’s perfect. In this transfer window, you only have one month and it’s not great either for clubs trying to buy players, or for players themselves. I have to get my mind set on Manchester City straight away and focus on getting as many points as possible between now and the end of the season. I’d like a good run in the UEFA Cup as well, so for me I will be trying to hit the ground with people like Mark Bowen and the other coaches. That will make it a lot easier, and it was a big factor in why I joined.
And you’ve been in good form of late, so you will be looking to pick up again straight away?
CB: I had a long lay-off last year, and then did not get going until October because of an injury I got in pre-season. My form has been really good, but that final little bit was just lacking. I was unlucky, hitting the post a few times but my performances were at a high level. But when the goals go in as well, that gets you noticed. I am in the best form I have been in for a while, so if I can keep that going then City will get to see it.
Do you know any of your new team mates?
CB: I don’t think you need to know people personally, but I have been in the Premier League for a number of years and I have played against quite a few of the lads here. There are some outstanding players here, and maybe one or two more might come in to add to what is already a very good squad.
Welcome Craig Bellamy!
Manchester City is proud to announce the signing of Craig Bellamy from West Ham. The Wales skipper joins the Citizens for an undisclosed fee although rumored to be £14.5m.
Mark Hughes is no stranger to his new striker as he coached him before when in charge of Wales. He said in support of his new man:
“I am delighted to be working with Craig once more. He is an outstanding player who provides us with qualities that we are lacking slightly. He has blistering pace, has bags of of enthusiasm, has a superb attitude to training and will be a great addition to the squad.”
Mark Hughes is no stranger to his new striker as he coached him before when in charge of Wales. He said in support of his new man:
“I am delighted to be working with Craig once more. He is an outstanding player who provides us with qualities that we are lacking slightly. He has blistering pace, has bags of of enthusiasm, has a superb attitude to training and will be a great addition to the squad.”
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Genoa's visions of Champions League
Genoa's visions of the Champions League marched forward with tight 2-0 victory over Lecce today on the strength of Boško Janković stylish goal and Giuseppe Sculli striking before time ran out. The victory continues the Rossoblu's magical ride to fourth in the Serie A table, only two points behind AC Milan.
With Diego Milito still recovering from injury, Gian Piero Gasperini deployed Rubén Olivera, Marco Rossi and emerging star Boško Janković as his striking trident and they did not disappoint. Only a curmudgeonly Lecce back-line and the quick thinking work of their 'keeper Francesco Benussi, turned the Grifone away before the break. While Genoa threatened on the doorstep, including Giandomenico Mesto chance for glory midway of the half, Rubinho had nary an effort in his direction and the match went to break scoreless.
Mario Beretta's adjusted his tactics with the re-start and his Giallorossi asserted their home dominance. Just past the hour mark Giuseppe Sculli entered for Rubén Olivera but momentum is clearly in Lecce's direction. Twenty-one minutes after the restart Simone Tiribocchi is on the verge of giving his side the lead before his touch evades him and Genoa makes them pay dearly for it. Charging into
the six, from Giandomenico Mesto's provion, the former Crvena zvezda man Boško Janković shows his promise once again with an act of genius the Serbian international back heeled the ball to the left of Francesco Benussi and into the net. The Giallorossi, who had put forth a valiant effort so far, were now punch-drunk, wobbling and without bite. Genoa sensed blood and controlled the balance of the match but still thirsted for more and in added-time Ivan Jurić set Giuseppe Sculli up for a clinical finish to bring the match to its final 2-0 score.
With Diego Milito still recovering from injury, Gian Piero Gasperini deployed Rubén Olivera, Marco Rossi and emerging star Boško Janković as his striking trident and they did not disappoint. Only a curmudgeonly Lecce back-line and the quick thinking work of their 'keeper Francesco Benussi, turned the Grifone away before the break. While Genoa threatened on the doorstep, including Giandomenico Mesto chance for glory midway of the half, Rubinho had nary an effort in his direction and the match went to break scoreless.
Mario Beretta's adjusted his tactics with the re-start and his Giallorossi asserted their home dominance. Just past the hour mark Giuseppe Sculli entered for Rubén Olivera but momentum is clearly in Lecce's direction. Twenty-one minutes after the restart Simone Tiribocchi is on the verge of giving his side the lead before his touch evades him and Genoa makes them pay dearly for it. Charging into
the six, from Giandomenico Mesto's provion, the former Crvena zvezda man Boško Janković shows his promise once again with an act of genius the Serbian international back heeled the ball to the left of Francesco Benussi and into the net. The Giallorossi, who had put forth a valiant effort so far, were now punch-drunk, wobbling and without bite. Genoa sensed blood and controlled the balance of the match but still thirsted for more and in added-time Ivan Jurić set Giuseppe Sculli up for a clinical finish to bring the match to its final 2-0 score.
PSG storms forward with victory over Sochaux-Montbéliard
PSG storms forward with its second consecutive victory, upending a tough Sochaux-Montbéliard side 2-1 at Parc des Princes. As expected Francis Gillot’s side were a mountain of problems for the Parisians but through resourceful finishing and tough defending PSG was able to hang on for the 2-1 triumph.
Les Lionceaux started quickly with Václav Svěrkoš teaming up with Turkish international Mevlüt Erdinç to threaten Mickaël Landreau barely seven minutes after the start. It was a clear signal that the visitors were far from a team to be relegated and a battle was on. By the twentieth minute, momentum is shifting like sand in a bottle and the Parisians slowly assert their domain with a powerful attack. Péguy Luyindula’s attempt, following a good run-up of play orchestrated by Stéphane Sessegnon, is pushed aside by the Sochaux ‘keeper Jérémy Gavanon as the pace of the match quickens and the tackles bristle with severity. Although PSG appears to be in control they have been denied from the scoresheet and as the match appears to be headed to the break scoreless, deep into added-time Damien Perquis fouls Jérôme Rothen in the area resulting in the spot being pointed to. Young sharpshooter Guillaume Hoarau steps up and sends the ball into the netting to provide PSG the one goal advantage at the break.
At the re-start Grégory Bourillon is brought in for Claude Makélélé as the Lionceaux fight back with stubborn pride. Six minutes in Czech international Václav Svěrkoš volleys the ball in to draw the match level but just past the hour mark, Péguy Luyindula reaffirms PSG’s need for the experienced striker as he poaches on a close range effort after Sylvain Armand edges Jérôme Rothen’s corner, to give the Parisians the 2-1 lead. The thunderous applause of Parc des Princes awaits Pegguy Luyindula as his afternoon concludes with Ludovic Giuly entering the match. Sochaux brings in Francileudo dos Santos and Ryad Boudebouz for Michaël Isabey and Romain Pitau as they prowl for the equalizer. However the visitors late efforts fell short and PSG took the 2-1 victory.
Les Lionceaux started quickly with Václav Svěrkoš teaming up with Turkish international Mevlüt Erdinç to threaten Mickaël Landreau barely seven minutes after the start. It was a clear signal that the visitors were far from a team to be relegated and a battle was on. By the twentieth minute, momentum is shifting like sand in a bottle and the Parisians slowly assert their domain with a powerful attack. Péguy Luyindula’s attempt, following a good run-up of play orchestrated by Stéphane Sessegnon, is pushed aside by the Sochaux ‘keeper Jérémy Gavanon as the pace of the match quickens and the tackles bristle with severity. Although PSG appears to be in control they have been denied from the scoresheet and as the match appears to be headed to the break scoreless, deep into added-time Damien Perquis fouls Jérôme Rothen in the area resulting in the spot being pointed to. Young sharpshooter Guillaume Hoarau steps up and sends the ball into the netting to provide PSG the one goal advantage at the break.
At the re-start Grégory Bourillon is brought in for Claude Makélélé as the Lionceaux fight back with stubborn pride. Six minutes in Czech international Václav Svěrkoš volleys the ball in to draw the match level but just past the hour mark, Péguy Luyindula reaffirms PSG’s need for the experienced striker as he poaches on a close range effort after Sylvain Armand edges Jérôme Rothen’s corner, to give the Parisians the 2-1 lead. The thunderous applause of Parc des Princes awaits Pegguy Luyindula as his afternoon concludes with Ludovic Giuly entering the match. Sochaux brings in Francileudo dos Santos and Ryad Boudebouz for Michaël Isabey and Romain Pitau as they prowl for the equalizer. However the visitors late efforts fell short and PSG took the 2-1 victory.
Twente continues winning ways against Vitesse Arnhem
Twente continued its winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Vitesse Arnhem. The victory wasn’t easy as Vitesse’s new manager Theo Bos had his club ready for a tough defensive battle. The match also introduced Peter Wisgerhof who just came over NEC Nijmegen and Serbian defender Slobodan Rajković, which each grading out highly by Steve McClaren. De Tukkers broke through at twenty minutes as Kenneth Perez’s corner was re-directed in by Blaise N’Kufo slammed. Opportunities to add to the margin was rare and the home side scored eight minutes into the second half Sébastien Sansoni accepted Rogier Molhoek pass and fired the ball in from just over twenty meters. However Steve McClaren’s side found the winning goal with twenty-three minutes remaining as Kenneth Perez’s incredible year continued as Eljero Elia provided him the ball and followed with a drive from fifteen meters. For the balance of the match Twente’s defending kept Vitesse from breaking into the final third of the pitch and match ended with a 2-1 victory.
FEAR NOTHING
Forget about the recession, forget about crazy transfer prices as our Toffees visit of Anfield is the only match you need to worry about. And while both Liverpool and Everton are desperate for a victory to keep their various goals alive, this match is personal.
David Moyes sounded the charged saying:
“I think that we are playing with a lot of confidence. We’ve done really well no matter who has played and no matter where they have played. It’s always been the way here.
“We’ve not played well in the last two Liverpool games, so we are looking forward to this one.
“I’m quite relaxed about it because I’ve seen how well the players are doing and performing and if they can go and show their potential then they have nothing to fear.
We need to concentrate on game one (in lieu of the FA Cup tie to follow later in the week) and we’re going to try and do everything we can to get a good performance and gain points.”
David Moyes sounded the charged saying:
“I think that we are playing with a lot of confidence. We’ve done really well no matter who has played and no matter where they have played. It’s always been the way here.
“We’ve not played well in the last two Liverpool games, so we are looking forward to this one.
“I’m quite relaxed about it because I’ve seen how well the players are doing and performing and if they can go and show their potential then they have nothing to fear.
We need to concentrate on game one (in lieu of the FA Cup tie to follow later in the week) and we’re going to try and do everything we can to get a good performance and gain points.”
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