Favori de sa confrontation face à la Fiorentina, le Bayern a souffert pour l'emporter mercredi soir en huitième de finale aller (2-1). Un résultat contre lequel peuvent enrager les Florentins dont le sentiment de s'être fait flouer peut paraître légitime.
Les Allemands, qui se sont heurtés à une équipe italienne à la peine en Serie A mais bien en place mercredi soir à Munich, ont fait la différence en fin de chaque période. Alors que l'on file vers la pause, Ribéry, de nouveau titulaire, obtient un penalty pour une obstruction de Kroldrup. Une sentence que Robben se fait un plaisir de transformer (45e+3). Au retour des vestiaires, Kroldrup se fait pardonner en égalisant du droit à bout portant devant Butt (50e).
Si le Bayern décroche finalement une 13e victoire de rang, toutes compétitions confondues, il le doit à une erreur de M.Ovrebo, le même arbitre qui avait déjà suscité la polémique la saison dernière lors de la demi-finale retour Chelsea-Barcelone (voir lien ci-dessous). Alors que la Fiorentina évolue à dix depuis la 73e minute (Gobbi exclu pour un coup de couse sur Robben), Klose inscrit de la tête un but entaché d'un hors jeu très net, Olic le servant de la tête alors que l'attaquant allemand se trouve entre le gardien et le dernier défenseur florentin (89e). La Viola s'incline mais garde ses chances de qualification intactes. Le match retour le 9 mars sera très chaud.
(Lu sur France Football)
Affichage des articles dont le libellé est football. Afficher tous les articles
Affichage des articles dont le libellé est football. Afficher tous les articles
jeudi 18 février 2010
mercredi 17 février 2010
CL 2010: Héroïques Lyonnais
Auteurs d'un match sensationnel, les Lyonnais ont remporté (1-0) le premier round face au Real Madrid en huitième de finale de la Ligue des champions. Mais, problème, il y a encore un match retour à disputer.
«Ce sera un grand match», avait prévenu Zinedine Zidane. Le conseiller du président Perez au Real Madrid n'a pas eu tort. Sauf que ce sont les Lyonnais qui ont enflammé ce huitième de finale de Ligue des champions. Ce mercredi soir, à Gerland, les hommes de Claude Puel furent héroïques face aux stars espagnoles. Parfaitement organisés en 4-1-4-1, ils bousculèrent alors constamment les Madrilènes, bien trop dépendants des coups de rein d'un certain Cristiano Ronaldo, finalement bien cerné par les excellents Réveillère, Cissokho ou Cris.Si les défenseurs firent le boulot, les joueurs offensifs aussi. A l'image de Cesar Delgado, énorme ce soir, qui fut dans tous les bons coups. C'est même lui qui réveilla le public à la fin de la première période en trouvant le poteau sur une reprise de volée monumentale (41e). A la pause, les Lyonnais regagnèrent les vestiaires sous les applaudissements mérités de Gerland. Mais le meilleur était encore à venir. Et pas besoin d'attendre bien longtemps.
Seulement deux minutes après le retour des vestiaires, Jean II Makoun libéra les siens. Récupérant le ballon au milieu de terrain, le Camerounais accéléra et déclencha sa frappe des 25 mètres qui trouva la lucarne droite de Casillas (1-0, 47e). La folie gagna logiquement les travées de l'enceinte lyonnaise. Déjà pas au point avant l'ouverture du score, les Madrilènes disparurent complètement par la suite. L'entrée en jeu de Karim Benzema, salué comme il faut, ne changea strictement rien. Les Lyonnais continuèrent leur récital et ne furent quasiment jamais inquiétés. Logiquement, ils s'imposèrent (1-0). Mais interdit de s'enflammer. Tout n'est pas encore gagné. Si la première partie du contrat est rempli pour l'OL, il serait dangereux de penser dès maintenant à la qualification. Car Lyon devra encore jouer 90 minutes à Santiago Bernabeu. Un stade où les Espagnols ont toujours marqué au moins un but cette saison...
(Tanguy Le Seviller pour France Football)
«Ce sera un grand match», avait prévenu Zinedine Zidane. Le conseiller du président Perez au Real Madrid n'a pas eu tort. Sauf que ce sont les Lyonnais qui ont enflammé ce huitième de finale de Ligue des champions. Ce mercredi soir, à Gerland, les hommes de Claude Puel furent héroïques face aux stars espagnoles. Parfaitement organisés en 4-1-4-1, ils bousculèrent alors constamment les Madrilènes, bien trop dépendants des coups de rein d'un certain Cristiano Ronaldo, finalement bien cerné par les excellents Réveillère, Cissokho ou Cris.Si les défenseurs firent le boulot, les joueurs offensifs aussi. A l'image de Cesar Delgado, énorme ce soir, qui fut dans tous les bons coups. C'est même lui qui réveilla le public à la fin de la première période en trouvant le poteau sur une reprise de volée monumentale (41e). A la pause, les Lyonnais regagnèrent les vestiaires sous les applaudissements mérités de Gerland. Mais le meilleur était encore à venir. Et pas besoin d'attendre bien longtemps.
Seulement deux minutes après le retour des vestiaires, Jean II Makoun libéra les siens. Récupérant le ballon au milieu de terrain, le Camerounais accéléra et déclencha sa frappe des 25 mètres qui trouva la lucarne droite de Casillas (1-0, 47e). La folie gagna logiquement les travées de l'enceinte lyonnaise. Déjà pas au point avant l'ouverture du score, les Madrilènes disparurent complètement par la suite. L'entrée en jeu de Karim Benzema, salué comme il faut, ne changea strictement rien. Les Lyonnais continuèrent leur récital et ne furent quasiment jamais inquiétés. Logiquement, ils s'imposèrent (1-0). Mais interdit de s'enflammer. Tout n'est pas encore gagné. Si la première partie du contrat est rempli pour l'OL, il serait dangereux de penser dès maintenant à la qualification. Car Lyon devra encore jouer 90 minutes à Santiago Bernabeu. Un stade où les Espagnols ont toujours marqué au moins un but cette saison...
(Tanguy Le Seviller pour France Football)
CL 2010: Un Rooney à la milanaise
Pour la première fois de son histoire, Manchester United s'est imposé sur la pelouse de l'AC Milan en 8es de finale (3-2). Une victoire que les Mancuniens doivent surtout à leur buteur, Rooney, auteur d'un doublé de la tête. Ronaldinho, même impérial, n'aura quant à lui pas suffit.
On a beau dire, les Brésiliens sont géniaux. Samba dans le sang, ils ont pour habitude de réchauffer les coeurs et les ardeurs. Une culture vous diront-ils. Ronaldinho Gaucho Assis de Moreira n'échappe pas à cette règle. D'un San Siro plein a craqué, le Brésilien en a tout simplement fait sa piste de danse. Du moins pour un temps. Coup du sombrero, talonnade sambiste, crochet musical, l'ancien Parisien a offert aux quelques 83 0000 spectateurs un véritable one-man show à la brésilienne. Une leçon de salsa pas vraiment au goût des Mancuniens, loin d'être venus jouer les touristes ébahis en terre milanaise. Et pourtant. C'est stupéfaits que les hommes de Ferguson assistent, stoïques, au show Ronaldinho. Pas le temps de fermer la bouche que le Brésilien fait déjà mouche (3e, 1-0). Une reprise de volée contrée et le match est lancé (3e, 1-0). Les minutes passent sans que Manchester n'inquiète une seule seconde Dida. Alors pour redonner un peu de piment à une rencontre à sens unique, mais aux occasions milanaises gâchées, il fallait bien un coup du sort. Danseur improvisé, Scholes s'est essayé à son tour à la samba. Pas vraiment esthétique, c'est le moins que l'on puisse dire, mais terriblement efficace sur sa reprise de volée du...protège-tibia (36e, 1-1).Le Ronnie bouillant prend subitement la douche froide. Intouchable jusqu'à présent, le Brésilien, non retenu en sélection par Dunga, baisse nettement de régime, à l'image de son équipe. Proche de la rupture devant la star anglaise Rooney, auteur de 21 buts en 25 matches de Premier League, le Milan s'en remet alors aux coups de pied arrêtés de Pirlo (53e) et de l'ancien Mancunien Beckham (58e) pour faire bonne figure. Sans grand succès. A la recherche de son premier but en C1, Rooney ne tarde pas à exaucer son voeux. Peu après l'entrée en jeu de Valencia, l'attaquant anglais profite d'un centre parfait de l'Equatorien pour placer une tête croisée de toute beauté (66e, 1-2). Manchester United tient là sa revanche de la demi-finale 2007, remportée par les Rossoneri. Et ce n'est pas fini. Le meilleur buteur anglais punit dans la foulée les Italiens d'une nouvelle tête (74e, 1-3). Son premier doublé sur la scène européenne. La première victoire de l'histoire de Manchester United sur la pelouse de l'AC Milan, malgré la réduction du score de Seedorf d'une prodigieuse madjer (85e, 2-3) et l'expulsion de Carrick (90e+1). Pour espérer se qualifier, les Rossoneri devront s'imposer 2-0 à Old Trafford lors du 8e de finale retour, le 10 mars prochain.
(Lu sur France Football)
On a beau dire, les Brésiliens sont géniaux. Samba dans le sang, ils ont pour habitude de réchauffer les coeurs et les ardeurs. Une culture vous diront-ils. Ronaldinho Gaucho Assis de Moreira n'échappe pas à cette règle. D'un San Siro plein a craqué, le Brésilien en a tout simplement fait sa piste de danse. Du moins pour un temps. Coup du sombrero, talonnade sambiste, crochet musical, l'ancien Parisien a offert aux quelques 83 0000 spectateurs un véritable one-man show à la brésilienne. Une leçon de salsa pas vraiment au goût des Mancuniens, loin d'être venus jouer les touristes ébahis en terre milanaise. Et pourtant. C'est stupéfaits que les hommes de Ferguson assistent, stoïques, au show Ronaldinho. Pas le temps de fermer la bouche que le Brésilien fait déjà mouche (3e, 1-0). Une reprise de volée contrée et le match est lancé (3e, 1-0). Les minutes passent sans que Manchester n'inquiète une seule seconde Dida. Alors pour redonner un peu de piment à une rencontre à sens unique, mais aux occasions milanaises gâchées, il fallait bien un coup du sort. Danseur improvisé, Scholes s'est essayé à son tour à la samba. Pas vraiment esthétique, c'est le moins que l'on puisse dire, mais terriblement efficace sur sa reprise de volée du...protège-tibia (36e, 1-1).Le Ronnie bouillant prend subitement la douche froide. Intouchable jusqu'à présent, le Brésilien, non retenu en sélection par Dunga, baisse nettement de régime, à l'image de son équipe. Proche de la rupture devant la star anglaise Rooney, auteur de 21 buts en 25 matches de Premier League, le Milan s'en remet alors aux coups de pied arrêtés de Pirlo (53e) et de l'ancien Mancunien Beckham (58e) pour faire bonne figure. Sans grand succès. A la recherche de son premier but en C1, Rooney ne tarde pas à exaucer son voeux. Peu après l'entrée en jeu de Valencia, l'attaquant anglais profite d'un centre parfait de l'Equatorien pour placer une tête croisée de toute beauté (66e, 1-2). Manchester United tient là sa revanche de la demi-finale 2007, remportée par les Rossoneri. Et ce n'est pas fini. Le meilleur buteur anglais punit dans la foulée les Italiens d'une nouvelle tête (74e, 1-3). Son premier doublé sur la scène européenne. La première victoire de l'histoire de Manchester United sur la pelouse de l'AC Milan, malgré la réduction du score de Seedorf d'une prodigieuse madjer (85e, 2-3) et l'expulsion de Carrick (90e+1). Pour espérer se qualifier, les Rossoneri devront s'imposer 2-0 à Old Trafford lors du 8e de finale retour, le 10 mars prochain.
(Lu sur France Football)
mardi 16 février 2010
100e match pour Casillas
Ce soir contre Lyon, en huitième de finale aller de la Ligue des champions, Iker Casillas disputera son 100e match dans la compétition. Il deviendra ainsi le 13e joueur de l'histoire à atteindre cette barre symbolique. Comme le rappelle France Football dans son édition de mardi, le gardien du Real Madrid a débuté en C1 le 15 septembre 1999 au Pirée contre l'Olympiakos (3-3). Le portier espagnol a eu souvent à s'employer puisque seulement 27 de ses 99 matches se sont conclus sans encaisser de but.
1. Raul (Espagne), 129 matches
2. Roberto Carlos (Brésil), 120
3. Ryan Giggs (Galles), 116
4. Paul Scholes (Angleterre), 112
5. Paolo Maldini (Italie), 109
6. Thierry Henry (France), 108
7. Gary Neville (Angleterre), 107
Clarence Seedorf (Pays-Bas), 107
9. Oliver Kahn (Allemagne), 103
David Beckham (Angleterre), 103
Luis Figo (Portugal), 103
12. Andreï Chevtchenko (Ukraine),100
14. Iker Casillas (Espagne), 99.
* Ces statistiques ne prennent en compte que les matches à partir des phases de groupes, et cela depuis la création officielle de la compétition, en 1992.
1. Raul (Espagne), 129 matches
2. Roberto Carlos (Brésil), 120
3. Ryan Giggs (Galles), 116
4. Paul Scholes (Angleterre), 112
5. Paolo Maldini (Italie), 109
6. Thierry Henry (France), 108
7. Gary Neville (Angleterre), 107
Clarence Seedorf (Pays-Bas), 107
9. Oliver Kahn (Allemagne), 103
David Beckham (Angleterre), 103
Luis Figo (Portugal), 103
12. Andreï Chevtchenko (Ukraine),100
14. Iker Casillas (Espagne), 99.
* Ces statistiques ne prennent en compte que les matches à partir des phases de groupes, et cela depuis la création officielle de la compétition, en 1992.
jeudi 11 février 2010
Buchtmann quit Liverpool
je ne comprends pas la phylosophie de notre academie, voila l'un des jeunes les plus prometteurs que l'on achète pour une somme intelligente malgrè la concurrence, qui se distingue en réserve et en équipe junior allemande mais on ne lui donne jamais sa chance en équipe première avant de le revendre pour une bouchée de pain (j'ai lu entre 100,000 et £2m). Où est la logique? Pourquoi personne donne d'explications? En 5 ans, seul Insua a sauté la pas, ca fait pas beaucoup! Mais au moins, il a fait ça malgré les progrès évidents qu'il lui restes à accomplir! Espérons qu'il y a réellement du monde qui frappe à la porte (mais il semble que l'on préfère bouleverser notre défense plutôt que de donner une chance à un Derby ou un défenseur central ou même un avant-centre, i semble qu'on en a à la pelle d'excellents, comme Nemeth par exemple dont on attend en équipe de jeunes sans arrêts avec des mentions exceptionnelles mais sans plus de retombées...
lundi 8 février 2010
Liverpool back in Big Four
Jamie Carragher believes normal service has been resumed in Liverpool's defensive ranks - but warned the Reds will face a tough task in keeping Arsenal at bay on Wednesday evening.
Saturday's 1-0 victory over Everton moved Rafael Benitez's side into fourth place in the table and means they have now kept six clean sheets in their last seven Barclays Premier League outings.
Carragher admits the derby triumph has increased the 'feelgood factor' within the camp, and the vice-captain is eager for Liverpool to continue their defensive defiance at the Emirates.
"It is not just three points, it has a massive impact and everyone is buzzing," he said.
"But that can change if the result doesn't go our way at Arsenal.
"We beat Manchester United (in the league) and then played Arsenal in the Carling Cup and lost.
"It is important we keep that feelgood factor after the Arsenal game and that will be by making sure we get a good result.
"We are going into the game in a great frame of mind but Arsenal away is always difficult.
"We have been to the Emirates for a couple of years now and I don't think we've won there yet so it is something we are going to have to do sooner or later and hopefully Wednesday will be the time.
"For the last four or five years we have been good defensively under Rafa and we are just getting back to our normal selves.
"If you keep clean sheets you are going to win games."
Saturday's 1-0 victory over Everton moved Rafael Benitez's side into fourth place in the table and means they have now kept six clean sheets in their last seven Barclays Premier League outings.
Carragher admits the derby triumph has increased the 'feelgood factor' within the camp, and the vice-captain is eager for Liverpool to continue their defensive defiance at the Emirates.
"It is not just three points, it has a massive impact and everyone is buzzing," he said.
"But that can change if the result doesn't go our way at Arsenal.
"We beat Manchester United (in the league) and then played Arsenal in the Carling Cup and lost.
"It is important we keep that feelgood factor after the Arsenal game and that will be by making sure we get a good result.
"We are going into the game in a great frame of mind but Arsenal away is always difficult.
"We have been to the Emirates for a couple of years now and I don't think we've won there yet so it is something we are going to have to do sooner or later and hopefully Wednesday will be the time.
"For the last four or five years we have been good defensively under Rafa and we are just getting back to our normal selves.
"If you keep clean sheets you are going to win games."
samedi 6 février 2010
Kuyt offre une victoire cruciale à Liverpool face à Everton
L'attaquant néerlandais Dirk Kuyt, auteur du but victorieux de Liverpool face à Everton (1-0) dans le derby de la Mersey, à Anfield lors de la 25e journée du Championnat d'Angleterre, a relancé les espoirs des Reds de décrocher une place en Ligue des champions la saison prochaine. Malgré l'exclusion du défenseur grec de Liverpool, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, peu après la demi-heure de jeu (34e) pour un tacle assassin sur Fellaini, Everton n'a pas su prendre le match en main.
Grâce à ce succès, les hommes de Rafael Benitez poursuivent leur belle série (sept matches sans défaite). "L'équipe a joué un très bon match. Pour nous, c'est un résultat crucial. J'ai senti que les supporteurs étaient vraiment derrière nous. Nous avons bien défendu et nous nous sommes montrés dangereux en contre", a jugé le technicien espagnol, qui a salué "l'engagement de ses joueurs".
Grâce à ce succès, les hommes de Rafael Benitez poursuivent leur belle série (sept matches sans défaite). "L'équipe a joué un très bon match. Pour nous, c'est un résultat crucial. J'ai senti que les supporteurs étaient vraiment derrière nous. Nous avons bien défendu et nous nous sommes montrés dangereux en contre", a jugé le technicien espagnol, qui a salué "l'engagement de ses joueurs".
jeudi 4 février 2010
Why does no one ever snap up David Silva?
Another transfer window has passed and Valencia CF have once again held on to one of their brightest stars, David Silva. Is he overhyped, seeing as Europe’s elite clubs have passed up the opportunity to sign him?
Let’s be honest Valencia are also a very big club and in Spain, behind Real Madrid and Barcelona, no other team can match them in terms of history and fan base. But with Valencia’s financial problems, Silva is up for sale.
And with his agents, Amadeo Rengel and Julio Llorente, seemingly touting him about in the media, why hasn’t the tricky winger been snapped up?
His agents said: “Now Silva only thinks to play in and arrive well to the 2010 World Cup but we cannot deny that big clubs have asked about his situation and we transmitted the question to Valencia.
“The decision rests with Valencia but Silva will also decide at the right moment – but at this moment we are very calm.”
And with the club also talking about the possibility of selling their two assets, David Villa being the other one, surely if the interest is genuine it will see Silva move on in the summer.
Valencia sporting director Fernando Gomez told Las Provoncias TV: “If there was a moment that arrived that we cannot stand it anymore, then of course we must sell and they [Villa & Silva] would be sold.
“We made a great effort in the summer to keep them, but if the economic situation continues, then things could become very serious.”
The 24-year-old has made 23 appearances for Valencia this season, netting six goals. Real, Barcelona and Manchester United are all said to be keeping close tabs on the Gran Canaria-born forward. Rafa Benitez is also said to be a big admirer but it is unlikely Liverpool could afford the reported asking prices.
And Silva has also spoken of the interest shown in him from others clubs, often a sign that a player desires a move to pastures new.
“It is true that there was a bid from a big English club,” he told The News of the World.
The versatile attacker, who can play out wide or as a support striker, has often been noted for his similarity to the man whose number he took over at the Mestella, Pablo Aimar. The Argentina international went on to play for Real Zaragoza and Benfica after he left Valencia in 2006. If Silva is as good as many make out he should have far higher aspirations.
(lu sur FootballFanCast.com)
Let’s be honest Valencia are also a very big club and in Spain, behind Real Madrid and Barcelona, no other team can match them in terms of history and fan base. But with Valencia’s financial problems, Silva is up for sale.And with his agents, Amadeo Rengel and Julio Llorente, seemingly touting him about in the media, why hasn’t the tricky winger been snapped up?
His agents said: “Now Silva only thinks to play in and arrive well to the 2010 World Cup but we cannot deny that big clubs have asked about his situation and we transmitted the question to Valencia.
“The decision rests with Valencia but Silva will also decide at the right moment – but at this moment we are very calm.”
And with the club also talking about the possibility of selling their two assets, David Villa being the other one, surely if the interest is genuine it will see Silva move on in the summer.
Valencia sporting director Fernando Gomez told Las Provoncias TV: “If there was a moment that arrived that we cannot stand it anymore, then of course we must sell and they [Villa & Silva] would be sold.
“We made a great effort in the summer to keep them, but if the economic situation continues, then things could become very serious.”
The 24-year-old has made 23 appearances for Valencia this season, netting six goals. Real, Barcelona and Manchester United are all said to be keeping close tabs on the Gran Canaria-born forward. Rafa Benitez is also said to be a big admirer but it is unlikely Liverpool could afford the reported asking prices.
And Silva has also spoken of the interest shown in him from others clubs, often a sign that a player desires a move to pastures new.
“It is true that there was a bid from a big English club,” he told The News of the World.
The versatile attacker, who can play out wide or as a support striker, has often been noted for his similarity to the man whose number he took over at the Mestella, Pablo Aimar. The Argentina international went on to play for Real Zaragoza and Benfica after he left Valencia in 2006. If Silva is as good as many make out he should have far higher aspirations.
(lu sur FootballFanCast.com)
mercredi 3 février 2010
Liverpool FC sign Serbia international Milan Jovanovic
RAFAEL BENITEZ’S summer squad rebuilding began in earnest yesterday when Milan Jovanovic sealed a move to Liverpool.
The Serbia international has signed a pre-contract agreement that will see him arrive from Belgian club Standard Liege at the end of the season.
Jovanovic’s consistently impressive form had attracted a clutch of potential suitors from across Europe, including Italian giants AC Milan.
He was reported to be stalling over a move to Liverpool until assurances were made over the long-term future of Benitez.
And the 29-year-old has now negotiated a three-year deal at Anfield that commits him to the club until at least 2013.
Jovanovic boasts a record of almost a goal every other game during his spell at Liege, for whom he played against both Liverpool and Everton in Europe last season.
A regular for Serbia, he is expected to play a key role for his country in this summer’s World Cup finals in South Africa.
Jovanovic will have endeared himself to Liverpool supporters with his claims a year ago of having turned down a move to neighbours Everton by saying: “Everton aren’t a big club. That club I have turned down already.”
Benitez remains interested in Marouane Chamakh, the Bordeaux striker, also available on a free transfer in June.
Jovanovic’s imminent arrival is a sign of Benitez planning for life at Anfield beyond the end of the season, despite continued interest from Juventus.
Jamie Carragher believes such rumours are nothing new and is confident Liverpool can ignore outside influences ahead of Saturday’s visit of Everton.
He said: “Liverpool has always had speculation about managers, players, players coming, players going and it’s the same as managers.
“People always want to talk about the club, whether it is positively or negatively, and if you play for Liverpool you have got to get used to that as part of the job.”
Liverpool have included promising youngsters David Amoo, Daniel Pacheco, Alex Kacaniklic, Gerardo Bruna, Steven Irwin and Robbie Threlfall in their 35-man squad for the Europa League. But new signing Maxi Rodriguez is ineligible after appearing in the Champions League for Atletico. Liverpool take on Romanian champions Unirea Urziceni with the first leg at Anfield on Thursday, February 18.
(Ca m'a l'air vraiment presque officiel en fait. Bon choix. Lu dans le Daily Post)
The Serbia international has signed a pre-contract agreement that will see him arrive from Belgian club Standard Liege at the end of the season.
Jovanovic’s consistently impressive form had attracted a clutch of potential suitors from across Europe, including Italian giants AC Milan.
He was reported to be stalling over a move to Liverpool until assurances were made over the long-term future of Benitez.
And the 29-year-old has now negotiated a three-year deal at Anfield that commits him to the club until at least 2013.
Jovanovic boasts a record of almost a goal every other game during his spell at Liege, for whom he played against both Liverpool and Everton in Europe last season.
A regular for Serbia, he is expected to play a key role for his country in this summer’s World Cup finals in South Africa.
Jovanovic will have endeared himself to Liverpool supporters with his claims a year ago of having turned down a move to neighbours Everton by saying: “Everton aren’t a big club. That club I have turned down already.”
Benitez remains interested in Marouane Chamakh, the Bordeaux striker, also available on a free transfer in June.
Jovanovic’s imminent arrival is a sign of Benitez planning for life at Anfield beyond the end of the season, despite continued interest from Juventus.
Jamie Carragher believes such rumours are nothing new and is confident Liverpool can ignore outside influences ahead of Saturday’s visit of Everton.
He said: “Liverpool has always had speculation about managers, players, players coming, players going and it’s the same as managers.
“People always want to talk about the club, whether it is positively or negatively, and if you play for Liverpool you have got to get used to that as part of the job.”
Liverpool have included promising youngsters David Amoo, Daniel Pacheco, Alex Kacaniklic, Gerardo Bruna, Steven Irwin and Robbie Threlfall in their 35-man squad for the Europa League. But new signing Maxi Rodriguez is ineligible after appearing in the Champions League for Atletico. Liverpool take on Romanian champions Unirea Urziceni with the first leg at Anfield on Thursday, February 18.
(Ca m'a l'air vraiment presque officiel en fait. Bon choix. Lu dans le Daily Post)
mardi 2 février 2010
Reds close on Jovanovic deal
I don't know how this is possible with the transfer window being now officially shot down and no official media release, Sky Sports News understands Liverpool are close to agreeing a pre-contract deal with Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic.
The Reds, along with AC
Milan and Premier League rivals Birmingham, have long been linked with the 28-year-old and now seem to be on the verge of getting their man.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has stepped up his efforts to capture Jovanovic, who is out of contract with Liege in the summer, after failing in a pursuit of Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones.
Serbia international Jovanovic is reported to be on the verge of signing terms that would guarantee he moves to Anfield after participating in this summer's World Cup to offer an alternative to injury-prone Fernando Torres.
It has been suggested that Jovanovic was only prepared to sign for Liverpool if the club offered guarantees that Juventus target Benitez would stay on Merseyside beyond the end of this season.
But it appears that an agreement over a three-year deal with an option for an additional 12 months is close.
This story has been reproduced from today's media, including Sky Sports who tend to be reliable. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.
(lu sur LiverpoolFC.tv)
----------------------------------------------
Liverpool are on the verge of a deal to sign Milan Jovanovic on a free transfer in the summer after further talks with the Standard Liege and Serbia striker.
Sportsmail reported last month how 28-year-old Jovanovic had given his word on a move to Anfield.
Negotiations on a pre-contract agreement for the 28-year-old to join them in the summer are at an advanced stage.
Frosty reception: Next season’s Merseyside derby will be an interesting one for Serbia international Jovanovic
The Serbia international is out of contract at the end of the season and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been tracking the player for some time.
Barclays Premier League rivals Birmingham and Serie A giants AC Milan were also believed to be interested in the former Lokomotiv Moscow forward, who is reportedly ready to sign a three-year deal at Anfield.
The capture of Jovanovic would reinforce Benitez’s continued assertions that he plans to remain at Liverpool for the long term despite strong interest from Juventus to make him their coach at the end of the campaign.
If the player does complete his move to Liverpool, he has already done plenty to endear himself to Reds fans.
Just over a year ago he was linked with Merseyside rivals Everton, as well as Aston Villa, but rejected a move to Goodison Park out of hand.
‘Everton aren’t a big club. That club I have turned down already,’ he told Serbian website Blic online at the time. (Daily Mail)
Liverpool have attempted to ward off rival interest by offering Jovanovic a free transfer and personal terms of about £10m over three years.
(lu dans Telegraph)
The Reds, along with AC
Milan and Premier League rivals Birmingham, have long been linked with the 28-year-old and now seem to be on the verge of getting their man.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has stepped up his efforts to capture Jovanovic, who is out of contract with Liege in the summer, after failing in a pursuit of Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones.
Serbia international Jovanovic is reported to be on the verge of signing terms that would guarantee he moves to Anfield after participating in this summer's World Cup to offer an alternative to injury-prone Fernando Torres.
It has been suggested that Jovanovic was only prepared to sign for Liverpool if the club offered guarantees that Juventus target Benitez would stay on Merseyside beyond the end of this season.
But it appears that an agreement over a three-year deal with an option for an additional 12 months is close.
This story has been reproduced from today's media, including Sky Sports who tend to be reliable. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.
(lu sur LiverpoolFC.tv)
----------------------------------------------
Liverpool are on the verge of a deal to sign Milan Jovanovic on a free transfer in the summer after further talks with the Standard Liege and Serbia striker.
Sportsmail reported last month how 28-year-old Jovanovic had given his word on a move to Anfield.
Negotiations on a pre-contract agreement for the 28-year-old to join them in the summer are at an advanced stage.
Frosty reception: Next season’s Merseyside derby will be an interesting one for Serbia international Jovanovic
The Serbia international is out of contract at the end of the season and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been tracking the player for some time.
Barclays Premier League rivals Birmingham and Serie A giants AC Milan were also believed to be interested in the former Lokomotiv Moscow forward, who is reportedly ready to sign a three-year deal at Anfield.
The capture of Jovanovic would reinforce Benitez’s continued assertions that he plans to remain at Liverpool for the long term despite strong interest from Juventus to make him their coach at the end of the campaign.
If the player does complete his move to Liverpool, he has already done plenty to endear himself to Reds fans.
Just over a year ago he was linked with Merseyside rivals Everton, as well as Aston Villa, but rejected a move to Goodison Park out of hand.
‘Everton aren’t a big club. That club I have turned down already,’ he told Serbian website Blic online at the time. (Daily Mail)
Liverpool have attempted to ward off rival interest by offering Jovanovic a free transfer and personal terms of about £10m over three years.
(lu dans Telegraph)
Greek stopper on the way to Liverpool
Following the trend of Greek imports started by Sotorios Kyrgiakos for his solid plays in central defence since last month, reports in Greece suggest that Greek international and Olympiacos Vasilis Torosidis is on his way to Liverpool to have a medical before finalising a move to the red half of Merseyside.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez
has been tracking the 24-year-old since injury news to Glenn Johnson and has reportedly bagged his man. Soitrios Kyrgiakos who signed for Liverpool in the summer is keen for his Greek colleague to join him at Anfield.
Benitez, who has dismissed talk that he has signed a pre-contract with Juventus is still confident Liverpool will finish fourth in the Premier League, and is keen to add to his squad after signing Maxi Rodriguez from Atletico Madrid. However, Benitez is only looking for loan signings and bargains.
Torosidis was coveted last summer by the likes of Juventus, Bayern Munich AS Monaco and Rangers.
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
(lu sur LiverpoolFC.tv)
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez
has been tracking the 24-year-old since injury news to Glenn Johnson and has reportedly bagged his man. Soitrios Kyrgiakos who signed for Liverpool in the summer is keen for his Greek colleague to join him at Anfield.Benitez, who has dismissed talk that he has signed a pre-contract with Juventus is still confident Liverpool will finish fourth in the Premier League, and is keen to add to his squad after signing Maxi Rodriguez from Atletico Madrid. However, Benitez is only looking for loan signings and bargains.
Torosidis was coveted last summer by the likes of Juventus, Bayern Munich AS Monaco and Rangers.
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
(lu sur LiverpoolFC.tv)
Reds seek investors
Same story again: Liverpool seekinvestors not to replace the broke and lying American pair but to backup their plans.
Rafa back-up
Liverpool hope to boost their plans to build a 60,000-seat stadium by bringing in new investors before the end of the season.
With plans to move to a new stadium in Stanley Park currently on hold, the Anfield club have begun the search for new funding to bring them back on track.
The club's managing director, Christian Purslow, has revealed there are a number of interested parties keen on investing in Liverpool and that the club need a cash injection or they will be forced to remain at Anfield.
"When I arrived we agreed with the owners that we had to look for new investors," Purslow told Spanish newspaper AS.
"There are interested parties and I would like to get it sorted out before the end of this season. Without investment there won't be a new stadium."
But if they do not find new investment Liverpool will look to try to compete with their rivals by remaining at Anfield.
He added: "That's plan B: run the club in the most responsible way possible.
"We are generating a healthy profit and meeting our obligations, while remaining competitive in the transfer market and with the wages we are paying."
Purslow is also confident the Reds will finish in the top four and that star players such as Fernando Torres
"We will be in the Champions League, for sure. We are not a selling club," noted Purslow.
Rafa back-up
Purslow also dismissed continued speculation linking manager Rafa Benitez with a move to Juventus in the summer, claiming the Spaniard is part of a long-term strategy at Anfield.
Purslow said: "We have not considered, nor are we going to consider, a future without Benitez.
"The plan calls for five years of stability in the coaching staff and the (playing) staff.
"It is normal that big clubs are interested in Rafa. The coach himself has denied (the rumours linking him to Juventus)."
(lu sur Sky Sports)
dimanche 31 janvier 2010
Compte à rebours: 130 jours du début de la Coupe du Monde de football FIFA 2010
Un petit widget utile de la FIFA, maintenant coutumier du fait, avec infos franco-française en haut et rappel des groupes en bas. On est dans le groupe A.
Et toujours d'actualité, le classement FIFA. Incroyablement, on est encore dans le TOP 10.
Et toujours d'actualité, le classement FIFA. Incroyablement, on est encore dans le TOP 10.
jeudi 28 janvier 2010
Liverpool: 'Kaca' strikes as Reds progress
Liverpool Reserves booked their place in the last four of the Senior Cup following a stylish 4-0 victory at Ashton Town on Wednesday night.
John McMahon's side dominated from start to finish and deservedly got back to winning ways courtesy of goals from Alex Kacaniklic, substitute Jordy Brouwer, Jay Spearing and Emmanuel Mendy.
It was the second-string's first win of 2010 and means they will now head into next week's Lancashire County Cup second round clash at Bolton full of confidence.
In front of a sparse crowd in Wigan, the Reds made the early running and almost took a first minute lead. Some good approach play down the left flank by Kacaniklic saw the ball worked into the area but both David Amoo and Spearing had low efforts blocked.
Four minutes later and Daniel Ayala came even closer, stabbing a Spearing corner from the right just wide at the near post.
The hosts had barely made it out of their own half but did threaten briefly when Christian Boxby's thumping drive was superbly tipped over by Chris Oldfield in the Liverpool goal.
However, it was as good as it got for the North West Counties VODKAT League outfit in the first period as the visitors poured forward at every opportunity.
Mendy had looked particularly dangerous down the right flank and it was no surprise that his pace provided the chance for the opening goal on 14 minutes.
A long ball over the top sent the Senegalese defender racing towards goal and when Ashton 'keeper Carl Lloyd missed the ball, he sent over a low cross for David Amoo. The former Millwall man saw his goalbound shot well blocked, leaving Kacaniklic to arrive and coolly slot home.
The Swede is capable of flashes of genius on his day and he produced a delightful run and cross on 21 minutes that Amoo came within inches of turning home.
Lloyd was then forced to make a smart save to deny Mendy before Nikola Saric flashed a 20 yard piledriver just past the upright.
The away side continued to probe for a second just before the interval but both Kacaniklic and Amoo spurned their chances when well placed.
It was a similar story after the break with most of the action taking place in the Ashton half and it was no surprise when Brouwer doubled the advantage within two minutes of the restart after replacing Saric.
A third followed on 58 minutes when a free-kick was awarded on the left edge of the home side's area following a foul on Chris Mavinga, leaving Spearing to step up and curl a low shot into the far corner.
With any thought of a potential upset now over, the Reds continued to attack and after Brouwer fired wide from 12 yards, Mendy sealed the win seven minutes from time.
Liverpool Reserves: Oldfield, Irwin, Mavinga, Threlfall, Ayala, Spearing (Kohlert 60), Plessis, Kacaniklic, Mendy, Amoo (Palsson 68), Saric (Brouwer 46).
Liverpoolfc.tv man of the match: Alex Kacaniklic
(lu sur LiverpoolFC.tv)
John McMahon's side dominated from start to finish and deservedly got back to winning ways courtesy of goals from Alex Kacaniklic, substitute Jordy Brouwer, Jay Spearing and Emmanuel Mendy.
It was the second-string's first win of 2010 and means they will now head into next week's Lancashire County Cup second round clash at Bolton full of confidence.
In front of a sparse crowd in Wigan, the Reds made the early running and almost took a first minute lead. Some good approach play down the left flank by Kacaniklic saw the ball worked into the area but both David Amoo and Spearing had low efforts blocked.
Four minutes later and Daniel Ayala came even closer, stabbing a Spearing corner from the right just wide at the near post.
The hosts had barely made it out of their own half but did threaten briefly when Christian Boxby's thumping drive was superbly tipped over by Chris Oldfield in the Liverpool goal.
However, it was as good as it got for the North West Counties VODKAT League outfit in the first period as the visitors poured forward at every opportunity.
Mendy had looked particularly dangerous down the right flank and it was no surprise that his pace provided the chance for the opening goal on 14 minutes.
A long ball over the top sent the Senegalese defender racing towards goal and when Ashton 'keeper Carl Lloyd missed the ball, he sent over a low cross for David Amoo. The former Millwall man saw his goalbound shot well blocked, leaving Kacaniklic to arrive and coolly slot home.
The Swede is capable of flashes of genius on his day and he produced a delightful run and cross on 21 minutes that Amoo came within inches of turning home.
Lloyd was then forced to make a smart save to deny Mendy before Nikola Saric flashed a 20 yard piledriver just past the upright.
The away side continued to probe for a second just before the interval but both Kacaniklic and Amoo spurned their chances when well placed.
It was a similar story after the break with most of the action taking place in the Ashton half and it was no surprise when Brouwer doubled the advantage within two minutes of the restart after replacing Saric.
A third followed on 58 minutes when a free-kick was awarded on the left edge of the home side's area following a foul on Chris Mavinga, leaving Spearing to step up and curl a low shot into the far corner.
With any thought of a potential upset now over, the Reds continued to attack and after Brouwer fired wide from 12 yards, Mendy sealed the win seven minutes from time.
Liverpool Reserves: Oldfield, Irwin, Mavinga, Threlfall, Ayala, Spearing (Kohlert 60), Plessis, Kacaniklic, Mendy, Amoo (Palsson 68), Saric (Brouwer 46).
Liverpoolfc.tv man of the match: Alex Kacaniklic
(lu sur LiverpoolFC.tv)
mercredi 27 janvier 2010
Liverpool : Hot-shot Chamack tempted by Reds
A report in L'Equipe today claims Marouane Chamakh is tempted by Liverpool’s offer to sign him on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The Morrocan striker met
with representatives from Liverpool earlier this month and was reportedly offered a contract worth 28 million euros over four seasons at Anfield.
Chamakh is out of contract at Bordeaux at the end of the campaign and can sign a pre-contract with a foreign club. Along with Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham and Sunderland are also interested.
The French newspaper suggests Chamakh will not reveal his decision until after Bordeaux's Champions League knockout tie with Olympiakos and is in no rush to make a decision.
The 26-year-old striker is likely to wait and see whether Liverpool qualify for the Champions League and how the next few weeks pan out for manager Rafa Benitez.
In 2009/2010, Chamakh has scored nine goals in 26 appearances for Bordeaux in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.
(lu sur LiverpoolFC.tv)
The Morrocan striker met
with representatives from Liverpool earlier this month and was reportedly offered a contract worth 28 million euros over four seasons at Anfield.Chamakh is out of contract at Bordeaux at the end of the campaign and can sign a pre-contract with a foreign club. Along with Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham and Sunderland are also interested.
The French newspaper suggests Chamakh will not reveal his decision until after Bordeaux's Champions League knockout tie with Olympiakos and is in no rush to make a decision.
The 26-year-old striker is likely to wait and see whether Liverpool qualify for the Champions League and how the next few weeks pan out for manager Rafa Benitez.
In 2009/2010, Chamakh has scored nine goals in 26 appearances for Bordeaux in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.
(lu sur LiverpoolFC.tv)
Liverpool : Kyrgiakos MOTM vs Wolves
Sotirios Kyrgiakos continued his excellent form against Wolves on Tuesday night to clinch your vote as Liverpool's Man Of The Match.
The Greek turned in another commanding performance at the heart of the Reds' defence in the goalless stalemate at Molineux.
Thousands of you took part in our post-match poll - and here's how the voting went:
---------------------------------------------
C'est incroyable comment tout ça s'est passé. On a acheté ce joueur comme quatrième défenseur parce qu'on s'est retrouvé juste en défense centrale et on avait plus de couverture à droite après le départ d'Arbeloa, forçant Carragher à droite après des années au centre où il était devenu un véritable rock (il y ait toujours, ce qui est incroyable et vraiment déplorable). Et au final, ce grec quasi-inconnu (du moins de part chez nous) enfile les titres de MOTM comme des perles. Qui s'en plaindrait? Carragher peut-être mais ça prouve bien une chose: à part la faiblesse de Lucas, on a des progrès à faire sur les ailes, on n'y a pas le bon personnel, ni derrière ni devant, nulle part ailleurs.
The Greek turned in another commanding performance at the heart of the Reds' defence in the goalless stalemate at Molineux.
Thousands of you took part in our post-match poll - and here's how the voting went:
---------------------------------------------
C'est incroyable comment tout ça s'est passé. On a acheté ce joueur comme quatrième défenseur parce qu'on s'est retrouvé juste en défense centrale et on avait plus de couverture à droite après le départ d'Arbeloa, forçant Carragher à droite après des années au centre où il était devenu un véritable rock (il y ait toujours, ce qui est incroyable et vraiment déplorable). Et au final, ce grec quasi-inconnu (du moins de part chez nous) enfile les titres de MOTM comme des perles. Qui s'en plaindrait? Carragher peut-être mais ça prouve bien une chose: à part la faiblesse de Lucas, on a des progrès à faire sur les ailes, on n'y a pas le bon personnel, ni derrière ni devant, nulle part ailleurs.
Liverpool : Why Rafa could find signing Turan a little ‘Arda’ to resist
The relationship between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray is widely recognised as one of the fiercest rivalries in World football. A simply audacious attempt by Fenerbahce chairman, Aziz Yildirim, to lure Galatasaray golden boy, Arda Turan, fuelled months of debate among pundits and fans.Having already signed Emre Belozoglu, previously seen as a product of the Galatasaray youth system, it may be that this was simply an attempt by Yildirim to rub salt in to an already open wound at the Ali Sami Yen. Galatasaray responded by giving Arda the captains arm band and, under the guidance of Frank Rijkaard, he has flourished once again in the Red and Yellow of ‘CimBom’.
As the rumours once again begin to circulate about Arda’s future, I ask the question, what is all the fuss about Arda Turan?
Arda is widely regarded as the hottest product of the Galatasaray youth system for the past decade. Technically excellent with both feet, strong in possession and the ability to play on either flank, or as a second striker, has helped his rapid progression at both club and international level.
Turan was one of the stars of Euro 2008. His last gasp-winner against Switzerland sent the hosts crashing out and was followed by a goal against Croatia to help Turkey into the knock-out stages.
Liverpool fans will undoubtedly have been scouring the internet for videos of their latest transfer target and few will have been disappointed in watching a player whose mazy runs and numerous assists have put him on Europe’s radar once again.
With reported interest from Manchester City, claims that he wishes to play for a club who play in red will have been music to Liverpool fans ears, and with Liverpool desperately in need of some added flair, he could be an ideal signing.
Should he continue to produce the quality that has provided 15 assists and 2 goals this season, it would be ‘Ard’ to see him resisting the calls of Europe for much longer.
(lu sur FootballFanCast.com)
Liverpool : Javier Mascherano targets double swoop
Javier Mascherano believes that Liverpool can salvage something from this season by lifting the Europa League in addition to qualifying for the Champions League.
Despite failing to build on last season's second-place finish in the Barclays Premier League, the Argentina captain has faith that the Reds can restore some pride by meeting the two targets to ensure that the current campaign can be considered a success of sorts.
Having crashed out of the Champions League, in addition to the Carling and FA Cups, Liverpool will face Unirea Urziceni next month in the Europa League and Mascherano, 25, sees no reason why Rafael Benitez's side cannot sweep all before them between now and the end of the season.
He said: "The target for us is to try and be in the top four in the league and to win the Europa League.
"For me the Europa League is important because at the moment it is the only competition we can win.
"Okay, it is not the Champions League but I want to win something with Liverpool and we have the chance to do that in the Europa League, so we will try our best to win that.
"Also, if you win the Europa League you can play in the UEFA Super Cup against the Champions League winners and that would be really good for the team and the club, so we will see."
The Reds travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers tonight with just a point separating them from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City and Mascherano feels that last week's win over Harry Redknapp's side will act as a springboard against the club's two main contenders for fourth.
He added: "It is only one point and that can be turned around in a single game. Obviously it doesn't depend only on us but the win against Tottenham reduced the gap on them, which is good for us. We are not too far away."
(lu sur Click Liverpool)
-------------------------------------------
Ah l'optimisme... Même si je veux bien y adérer.
Despite failing to build on last season's second-place finish in the Barclays Premier League, the Argentina captain has faith that the Reds can restore some pride by meeting the two targets to ensure that the current campaign can be considered a success of sorts.
Having crashed out of the Champions League, in addition to the Carling and FA Cups, Liverpool will face Unirea Urziceni next month in the Europa League and Mascherano, 25, sees no reason why Rafael Benitez's side cannot sweep all before them between now and the end of the season.
He said: "The target for us is to try and be in the top four in the league and to win the Europa League.
"For me the Europa League is important because at the moment it is the only competition we can win.
"Okay, it is not the Champions League but I want to win something with Liverpool and we have the chance to do that in the Europa League, so we will try our best to win that.
"Also, if you win the Europa League you can play in the UEFA Super Cup against the Champions League winners and that would be really good for the team and the club, so we will see."
The Reds travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers tonight with just a point separating them from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City and Mascherano feels that last week's win over Harry Redknapp's side will act as a springboard against the club's two main contenders for fourth.
He added: "It is only one point and that can be turned around in a single game. Obviously it doesn't depend only on us but the win against Tottenham reduced the gap on them, which is good for us. We are not too far away."
(lu sur Click Liverpool)
-------------------------------------------
Ah l'optimisme... Même si je veux bien y adérer.
dimanche 24 janvier 2010
Liverpool: Jovanovic snubs Liverpool over fears Benitez will be sacked
Milan Jovanovic is ready to snub a summer move to Liverpool – over fears Rafa Benitez will be sacked before he gets there!
Liverpool met the Standard Liege hitman’s representatives last week – and have offered a three-year deal worth £10million for the player to join them on a free in June.
Though Anfield is his first choice, the in-demand Jovanovic, also wanted by AC Milan, Birmingham and Valencia, is worried about Benitez’s long-term position.
Kop co-owner George Gillett gave the Spanish coach another vote of confidence in midweek.
Yet despite that – and Liverpool’s win over Spurs keeping them in contention for the Premier League top four – his future remains in serious doubt.
And it is that uncertainty which could leave Jovanovic no option but to reject a dream move to Merseyside.
Sources close to the Serbian star, 28, have confirmed that while no decision has been made, Benitez’s problems mean Liverpool are in danger of missing out.
A pal of Jovanovic told the Daily Star Sunday: “It’s tough for Milan. He loves the idea of playing at Liverpool but he’s wary Rafa (inset) may not be the manager by the time he signs.
“Then there is the problem of Rafa’s record of buying players for big money and not playing them. Milan has been warned about this.”
Robbie Keane, Ryan Babel, Peter Crouch and Craig Bellamy are just some of the star names who have fallen foul of Benitez’s controversial rotation system.
And that appears to make Birmingham the favourites to land Jovanovic this month because, unlike their rivals, they want the player now.
In an effort to seal a deal in the current transfer window, the high-flying Blues are promising to match the personal terms on offer to Jovanovic at Anfield .
St Andrews chiefs also say they are ready to cough up the £6.5m fee demanded by Liege.
Our insider added: “You simply cannot rule out Birmingham.
“They are not nearly as big as AC Milan or Liverpool but at least Jovanovic could be sure of playing every week.”
Maxi Rodriguez insists he has joined Liverpool for one thing – a Premier League title medal.
The Argentine midfielder (left) walked into a crisis when he signed from Atletico Madrid last week.
The Reds were immediately knocked out of the FA Cup as Reading pulled off a shock win.
And Liverpool were rocked by losing Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard to injury.
But the midweek win over Spurs has made Rodriguez, 29, insistent they are destined to finish in the top four – and then have a tilt at the title next season.
He said: “There is no doubt in my mind that Liverpool can definitely win a league title.
“It’s a group mentality issue really, a mental thing as a team.
“It has been a fairly bad first half of the season but now the top-four finish is a perfectly realistic target for this season.
“Liverpool is a club that can aspire to win trophies and success – and that still applies to this season.”
(lu sur Daily Star Sunday dont on connait la fiabilité et la propension à soutenir les Reds)
Liverpool met the Standard Liege hitman’s representatives last week – and have offered a three-year deal worth £10million for the player to join them on a free in June.
Though Anfield is his first choice, the in-demand Jovanovic, also wanted by AC Milan, Birmingham and Valencia, is worried about Benitez’s long-term position.
Kop co-owner George Gillett gave the Spanish coach another vote of confidence in midweek.
Yet despite that – and Liverpool’s win over Spurs keeping them in contention for the Premier League top four – his future remains in serious doubt.
And it is that uncertainty which could leave Jovanovic no option but to reject a dream move to Merseyside.
Sources close to the Serbian star, 28, have confirmed that while no decision has been made, Benitez’s problems mean Liverpool are in danger of missing out.
A pal of Jovanovic told the Daily Star Sunday: “It’s tough for Milan. He loves the idea of playing at Liverpool but he’s wary Rafa (inset) may not be the manager by the time he signs.
“Then there is the problem of Rafa’s record of buying players for big money and not playing them. Milan has been warned about this.”
Robbie Keane, Ryan Babel, Peter Crouch and Craig Bellamy are just some of the star names who have fallen foul of Benitez’s controversial rotation system.
And that appears to make Birmingham the favourites to land Jovanovic this month because, unlike their rivals, they want the player now.
In an effort to seal a deal in the current transfer window, the high-flying Blues are promising to match the personal terms on offer to Jovanovic at Anfield .
St Andrews chiefs also say they are ready to cough up the £6.5m fee demanded by Liege.
Our insider added: “You simply cannot rule out Birmingham.
“They are not nearly as big as AC Milan or Liverpool but at least Jovanovic could be sure of playing every week.”
Maxi Rodriguez insists he has joined Liverpool for one thing – a Premier League title medal.
The Argentine midfielder (left) walked into a crisis when he signed from Atletico Madrid last week.
The Reds were immediately knocked out of the FA Cup as Reading pulled off a shock win.
And Liverpool were rocked by losing Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard to injury.
But the midweek win over Spurs has made Rodriguez, 29, insistent they are destined to finish in the top four – and then have a tilt at the title next season.
He said: “There is no doubt in my mind that Liverpool can definitely win a league title.
“It’s a group mentality issue really, a mental thing as a team.
“It has been a fairly bad first half of the season but now the top-four finish is a perfectly realistic target for this season.
“Liverpool is a club that can aspire to win trophies and success – and that still applies to this season.”
(lu sur Daily Star Sunday dont on connait la fiabilité et la propension à soutenir les Reds)
Liverpool: Gillett insulte Benitez
LIVERPOOL co-owner George Gillett communicated his analysis of the club’s troubles last week by conducting an interview with a remote radio station in Toronto, Canada.
What an insult. Doesn’t the owner of a major Premier League club have a duty to speak directly to the supporter through local radio and papers in Liverpool, and then to the national media in England?
Among his thoughts was the notion that Rafa Benitez is one of the five best managers in the world. My answer is a current top 10, in purely alphabetical order of Ancelotti, Blanc, Capello, Ferguson, Guardiola, Hiddink, Hitzfeldt, Lippi, Mourinho and Wenger.
Rafa is good, but he’s not even the best football manager in the city where he works.
(lu sur Express.co.uk)
------------------------------------------------
Mais jusqu'ou iront-ils pour installer la confiance et tenir leurs promesses, ces amricains, c'est tout simplement incroyable, révvoltant...
------------------------------------------------
In the meantime, Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has agreed a deal to sell his baseball team, the Texas Rangers.
Hicks has an agreement in place to sell the team to a group headed by Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg and Rangers pitching legend Nolan Ryan for a price that could exceed $500 million (£310million).
Following lengthy discussions, an accord was struck late on Saturday night in Texas, and came 24 hours after an exclusive negotiating window had expired.
"Together, we have worked exhaustively since last month to attain this agreement," Hicks said in a statement.
Complex
"It's a complex business deal that positions the franchise positively for the future."
The deal must still be approved by Major League Baseball and the banks that hold the debt on the Hicks Sports Group, and may not be finalised until April.
Any Reds fans hoping for the proceeds of the deal to be invested in the struggling Anfield outfit may be disappointed.
Late last year, Hicks' fellow Liverpool owner George Gillett sold the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team for a reported 550 million Canadian dollars (£323million), but has not invested that money in the Premier League club.
(lu sur Sky Sports)
What an insult. Doesn’t the owner of a major Premier League club have a duty to speak directly to the supporter through local radio and papers in Liverpool, and then to the national media in England?
Among his thoughts was the notion that Rafa Benitez is one of the five best managers in the world. My answer is a current top 10, in purely alphabetical order of Ancelotti, Blanc, Capello, Ferguson, Guardiola, Hiddink, Hitzfeldt, Lippi, Mourinho and Wenger.
Rafa is good, but he’s not even the best football manager in the city where he works.
(lu sur Express.co.uk)
------------------------------------------------
Mais jusqu'ou iront-ils pour installer la confiance et tenir leurs promesses, ces amricains, c'est tout simplement incroyable, révvoltant...
------------------------------------------------
In the meantime, Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has agreed a deal to sell his baseball team, the Texas Rangers.
Hicks has an agreement in place to sell the team to a group headed by Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg and Rangers pitching legend Nolan Ryan for a price that could exceed $500 million (£310million).
Following lengthy discussions, an accord was struck late on Saturday night in Texas, and came 24 hours after an exclusive negotiating window had expired.
"Together, we have worked exhaustively since last month to attain this agreement," Hicks said in a statement.
Complex
"It's a complex business deal that positions the franchise positively for the future."
The deal must still be approved by Major League Baseball and the banks that hold the debt on the Hicks Sports Group, and may not be finalised until April.
Any Reds fans hoping for the proceeds of the deal to be invested in the struggling Anfield outfit may be disappointed.
Late last year, Hicks' fellow Liverpool owner George Gillett sold the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team for a reported 550 million Canadian dollars (£323million), but has not invested that money in the Premier League club.
(lu sur Sky Sports)
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