Michezo magazetini leo...

Omari adai Sh 10m
Friday, 21 January 2011 20:17

Sosthenes Nyoni
ALIYEKUWA mgombea wa kiti cha urais wa Chama cha Soka Zanzibar (ZFA) Amani Makungu amemtaka mrajisi wa vyama vya michezo visiwani humo Mustapha Omari kumlipa Sh 10 milioni ikiwa ni fidia ya hasara aliyoipata baada ya awamu nyingine ya uchaguzi uliopaswa kufanyika Januari 18 kufutwa.

Uchaguzi huo wa awamu ya pili uliamuriwa kufanyika tena baada ya ule wa awali uliofanyika Disema 31 kubatilishwa baada ya kuwepo kwa kasoro kadhaa ikiwemo ya aliyeshinda kiti cha Uraisi Ally Ferej Tamim kubainika kukosa cheti cha kidato cha nne hali iliyomlazimu mwenyekiti wa kamati ya uchaguzi Ally Suleiaman 'Shihata' kutaka urudiwe.

Makungu aliyeshindwa katika katika duru ya kwanza alisema kuwa kitendo cha mrahisi huyo kufuta uchaguzi huo na kumrudisha madarakani Ally Ferej Tamim ni ukiuwaji wa katiba.

"Nimeingia gharama kubwa kwa kujiandaa na uchaguzi, lakini mrajisi ameufuta sasa namtaka anilipe fidia ya Sh 10 milioni vinginevyo nimtamshtaki.

"Isitoshe yeye hana mamlaka ya kuzuia uchaguzi kazi yake ni kusajili vyama au kuvifuta sasa inashangaa pia amemrudisha Ferej huu ni ukiukwaji wa katiba.

"Kwa maana nyingine ni kwamba kama yeye ataakuwa na mamlaka ya kumrudisha mtu madarakani pia atakuwa na fursa nyingine ya kumfukuza mtu kitu ambacho si cha kweli,"alisema Mkungu

Mbeya kujadili soka Friday, 21 January 2011 20:14

Jessca Nangawe
MWENYEKITI wa Chama cha makocha Mkoa wa Mbeya,
Juma Mwambusi amewataka walimu wote wa mpira wa miguu mkoani humo kuhudhuria kikao kitakachofanyika kesho kwenye Uwanja wa Sokoine.

Mwambusi aliiambia Mwananchi jana kuwa kikao hicho kinalenga kuzungumzia agenda mbili kubwa ambazo ni pamoja na kuzungumzia maendeleo ya mchezo huo katika Mkoa wa Mbeya pamoja na uboreshaji katika kufundisha soka.

Alisema kikao hicho kitaanza majira ya saa tatu asubuhi hivyo amewataka wajumbe wote kufika bila kukosa kwani kitazungumzia masuala yanayowalenga wao.

"Lengo la kuendesha kikao hiki ni wajumbe wote kufika katika muda uliopangwa na bila kukosa, tunatarajia kuzungumzia mada kuu mbili ikiwemo kuboresha ufundishaji wa mchezo huu hapa Mkoani kwetu na mambo mengine muhimu kwa maendeleo ya soka,"alisema Mwambusi.

Aidha aliongeza pia licha ya timu yao iliyokua ikishiriki ligi kuu na sasa kushuka daraja itatafutiwa ufumbuzi kwa nia ya kuijenga upya ili kuleta mtazama mpya katika maendeleo ya soka Mkoani Mbeya.

Vinara Man United wasaka kurudisha makali Friday, 21 January 2011 20:11

LONDON, England
WACHEZAJI wa Manchester United wanajua kwamba kwa haraka iliwezanavyo wanatakiwa kurudi kwenye viwango vyao juu ili kuendelea kubaki kileleni hadi mwishoni mwa msimu hapo Mei.

Mabingwa hao mara18, watakuwa wenyeji wa Birmingham leo, wajua uzembe waliofanya katika michezo ya mwishoni mwa msimu yaliwanyima taji la tatu mfululizo kabla ya Chelsea kuwazidi ujanja.

Baada ya suluhu na Tottenham pale Jumapili, sasa United wanatofautia kwa mabao na Manchester City, iliyocheza michezo miwili zaidi. Mashetani hao Wekundu wanamchezaji wako nyuma kwa mchezo moja kwa Arsenal, waliotofautiana nayo kwa pointi mbili.

"Ni wazi tunatakiwa kucheza kwa kiwango chetu ili kushinda mchezo huo," alisema kiungo wa United, Michael Carrick. "Hautakiwa kupata wakati mgumu kila mchezo na kusubili juhudi binafsi za mtu kushinda. Tunatakiwa kucheza vizuri na kuhakikisha tumaliza tukiwa kileleni."

United walilazimishwa sare 1-1 na Birmingham mwezi uliopita baada ya Lee Bowyer kufunga bao la kusawazisha kwa wenyeji hao.

"Tunajua kwamba hatukucheza vizuri," alisema Carrick. "Lakini wote tunamalengo ya kufanya vizuri. Unaposhindwa kucheza vizuri ni wazi ni vigumu kutafuta njia ya ushindi."

Kama wakishindwa, City watakuwa kwenye nafasi nzuri ya kusaka ubingwa wao wa kwanza wa ligi tangu walipofanya hivyo mwaka1968. City watakuwa na kibarua leo dhidi ya Aston Villa, huku safu yake ya ushambuliaji ikiwa imeshafunga mabao 10 katika mechi tatu zilizopita za mashindano yote kulinganisha na magoli matatu ya United.

"Kila mechi tunashinda na kujiweka karibu," alisema winga wa City, Adam Johnson.

City watakuwa na kazi mbele ya mshambuliaji mpya wa Aston Villa,r Darren Bent, ambaye atakuwa na kazi ya kuthibisha kwa vitendo thamani yake ya Paundi 18 milioni zilizotolewa na timu hiyo iliyokuwa kwenye harakati za kusaka kutoshuka daraja.

Arsenal watakuwa wakitaka kukwepa aibu nyingine kutoka kwa Wigan baada ya kulazimishwa sare 2-2 mwezi uliopita ugenini. Tayari kunatofauti ya pointi tano kati ya Arsenal na mabingwa watetezi Chelsea waliokuwa nafasi ya nne.

Mshambuliaji wa Chelsea, Didier Drogba alisema timu yao imepoteza wachezaji wazoefu waliondoka baada ya kutwaa ubingwa msimu uliopita.

"Tumekuwa na wachezaji wengi majeruhi, na timu yetu imebadilika sana msimu huu," Drogba aliliambia jarida la Sports Illustrated kabla ya mchezo wao wa Jumatatu dhidi Bolton.
"Tumewapoteza wachezaji watano bora (Michael) Ballack, (Juliano) Belletti, Deco, (Ricardo) Carvalho na Joe Cole na kuziba nafasi zao na chipukizi kama (Jeffrey) Bruma, (Gael) Kakuta, (Josh) McEachran na (Patrick) van Aanholt. Ni wachezaji wazuri, lakini wanahitaji muda zaidi kuzoea."

Kama wakishindwa, Tottenham wakishida leo dhidi ya Newcastle watakuwa wamesogea kwenye nafasi ya kufuzu kwa Ligi ya Mabingwa. Steven Pienaar aanza kuichezea timu yake mpya tangu kiungo huyo wa Afrika Kusini alipojiunga akitokea Everton wiki hii.

Liverpool haijashinda mechi tatu tangu Kenny Dalglish alipoanza kukinoa kikosi hicho, leo atakuwa akisaka ushindi wake wa kwanza dhidi ya Wolverhampton pamoja akiwa na ahadi ya kupewa fedha za usajili mwezi huu.

Tofauti na Hodgson, Avram Grant ataendelea kukiongoza kinachoshirikia mkia cha West Ham hadi mwisho wa msimu ilisema taarifa ya klabu yake kabla ya mchezo wa leo dhidi ya Everton.

Michezo mingine leo ni ule kati ya Sunderland dhidi ya Blackpool na Fulham dhidi ya Stoke. Mchezo pekee kesho utazikutanisha West Bromwich dhidi ya Blackburn.

Vinara Man United wasaka kurudisha makali Friday, 21 January 2011 20:11

LONDON, England
WACHEZAJI wa Manchester United wanajua kwamba kwa haraka iliwezanavyo wanatakiwa kurudi kwenye viwango vyao juu ili kuendelea kubaki kileleni hadi mwishoni mwa msimu hapo Mei.

Mabingwa hao mara18, watakuwa wenyeji wa Birmingham leo, wajua uzembe waliofanya katika michezo ya mwishoni mwa msimu yaliwanyima taji la tatu mfululizo kabla ya Chelsea kuwazidi ujanja.

Baada ya suluhu na Tottenham pale Jumapili, sasa United wanatofautia kwa mabao na Manchester City, iliyocheza michezo miwili zaidi. Mashetani hao Wekundu wanamchezaji wako nyuma kwa mchezo moja kwa Arsenal, waliotofautiana nayo kwa pointi mbili.

“Ni wazi tunatakiwa kucheza kwa kiwango chetu ili kushinda mchezo huo,” alisema kiungo wa United, Michael Carrick. “Hautakiwa kupata wakati mgumu kila mchezo na kusubili juhudi binafsi za mtu kushinda. Tunatakiwa kucheza vizuri na kuhakikisha tumaliza tukiwa kileleni.”

United walilazimishwa sare 1-1 na Birmingham mwezi uliopita baada ya Lee Bowyer kufunga bao la kusawazisha kwa wenyeji hao.

“Tunajua kwamba hatukucheza vizuri,” alisema Carrick. “Lakini wote tunamalengo ya kufanya vizuri. Unaposhindwa kucheza vizuri ni wazi ni vigumu kutafuta njia ya ushindi.”

Kama wakishindwa, City watakuwa kwenye nafasi nzuri ya kusaka ubingwa wao wa kwanza wa ligi tangu walipofanya hivyo mwaka1968. City watakuwa na kibarua leo dhidi ya Aston Villa, huku safu yake ya ushambuliaji ikiwa imeshafunga mabao 10 katika mechi tatu zilizopita za mashindano yote kulinganisha na magoli matatu ya United.

“Kila mechi tunashinda na kujiweka karibu,” alisema winga wa City, Adam Johnson.

City watakuwa na kazi mbele ya mshambuliaji mpya wa Aston Villa,r Darren Bent, ambaye atakuwa na kazi ya kuthibisha kwa vitendo thamani yake ya Paundi 18 milioni zilizotolewa na timu hiyo iliyokuwa kwenye harakati za kusaka kutoshuka daraja.

Arsenal watakuwa wakitaka kukwepa aibu nyingine kutoka kwa Wigan baada ya kulazimishwa sare 2-2 mwezi uliopita ugenini. Tayari kunatofauti ya pointi tano kati ya Arsenal na mabingwa watetezi Chelsea waliokuwa nafasi ya nne.

Mshambuliaji wa Chelsea, Didier Drogba alisema timu yao imepoteza wachezaji wazoefu waliondoka baada ya kutwaa ubingwa msimu uliopita.

“Tumekuwa na wachezaji wengi majeruhi, na timu yetu imebadilika sana msimu huu,” Drogba aliliambia jarida la Sports Illustrated kabla ya mchezo wao wa Jumatatu dhidi Bolton.
“Tumewapoteza wachezaji watano bora (Michael) Ballack, (Juliano) Belletti, Deco, (Ricardo) Carvalho na Joe Cole na kuziba nafasi zao na chipukizi kama (Jeffrey) Bruma, (Gael) Kakuta, (Josh) McEachran na (Patrick) van Aanholt. Ni wachezaji wazuri, lakini wanahitaji muda zaidi kuzoea.”

Kama wakishindwa, Tottenham wakishida leo dhidi ya Newcastle watakuwa wamesogea kwenye nafasi ya kufuzu kwa Ligi ya Mabingwa. Steven Pienaar aanza kuichezea timu yake mpya tangu kiungo huyo wa Afrika Kusini alipojiunga akitokea Everton wiki hii.

Liverpool haijashinda mechi tatu tangu Kenny Dalglish alipoanza kukinoa kikosi hicho, leo atakuwa akisaka ushindi wake wa kwanza dhidi ya Wolverhampton pamoja akiwa na ahadi ya kupewa fedha za usajili mwezi huu.

Tofauti na Hodgson, Avram Grant ataendelea kukiongoza kinachoshirikia mkia cha West Ham hadi mwisho wa msimu ilisema taarifa ya klabu yake kabla ya mchezo wa leo dhidi ya Everton.

Michezo mingine leo ni ule kati ya Sunderland dhidi ya Blackpool na Fulham dhidi ya Stoke. Mchezo pekee kesho utazikutanisha West Bromwich dhidi ya Blackburn.

Harry reveals Forlan interest - but hitman would have to take a pay cut to join Spurs

Published 23:00 21/01/11 By Darren Lewis

Harry Redknapp has revealed he is tracking Atletico Madrid goal machine Diego Forlan.
But the Spurs boss says Forlan would have to take a pay cut to become part of the White Hart Lane *revolution.
Redknapp travelled to Spain on Thursday to watch the World Cup hitman in action in Atletico's Copa Del Rey defeat to Real Madrid.
Redknapp said: "He's an interesting player. I didn't speak to anyone last night about him, I just went and watched the game really."

Forlan, 31, struggled at Manchester United between 2002 and 2004. But he has thrived in La Liga, first at Villarreal where he lifted the European Golden Boot with Thierry Henry, then at Atletico where he scored twice in last season's Europa League final and ended the season with 28 goals.
At last summer's World Cup, Forlan lifted the Golden Ball as the *tournament's best player. He was also chosen in the best team of the tournament, and he was one of the top *goal-scorers at the World Cup with five goals for Uruguay.
Redknapp, however, fears Tottenham will not be able to match the marksman's £100,000-a-week wages, with Italian giants Juventus also determined to land the striker.
He added: "Diego Forlan has been mentioned but we are not going to get near their wages. They are on 100 grand-plus a week, they are not going to come here."
The Spurs boss takes his team to Newcastle this afternoon, with Rafael van der Vaart branding the Toon an ugly team of long ball merchants.
Spurs' Dutch forward claims Alan Pardew's men are going to be hard to beat because they are so direct.
Van der Vaart said: "It's difficult, for me it's the first time that I'm going to play there.
"It's a nice stadium, and I think it's a good team, strong team. They're not playing the best football but they are really strong and play a lot of long balls."

Malouda's slump worrying Chelsea boss Ancelotti

Published 23:00 21/01/11 By Martin Lipton

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is becoming increasingly concerned about the form of Florent Malouda as the Blues approach the nine days that could define their season.
France winger Malouda, who flew out of the blocks with seven goals in his first four league starts, has scored just once in his last 13 top flights games as Chelsea have dropped out of the title frame.
And while the sub-par displays of Michael Essien, who has been struggling with a toe problem, and malaria victim Didier Drogba have captured the attention, it has emerged that Ancelotti is more worried about what has happened to his best left-sided player.
Ancelotti loves Malouda's versatility and his ability to influence games whether playing as part of the midfield trio or in a more advanced role but the 30-year-old's input into games is seemingly diminishing with every passing week.

Malouda was woeful in the shock loss at Wolves that Ancelotti fears spelled the end of their realistic hopes of getting back into the title race and his only real impression in the win over Blackburn was a two-footed lunge on Mame Biram Diouf which could easily have resulted in a red card rather than just a yellow.
Ancelotti's feelings are understood to be shared by members of the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, surprised that the winger has "escaped" some of the scrutiny that has been placed on Essien and Drogba.
That hints at a concern Malouda is going backwards, with some suggestions that his laudable and hugely important humanitarian relief work to raise massive sums for the victims of the natural disasters in Haiti may have brought the side effects of a loss of focus.
The lack of form was not improved when Malouda played over Christmas with an ankle knock that was affecting him, a sign to the Chelsea management that his commitment to the club and the team in a difficult time was not in question.
But Malouda's current contract has just 18 months to run and with the club accepting there may need to be a major overhaul and freshening up of the squad in the summer, bringing in younger legs, a failure to get back to his best may see Chelsea consider being open to offers in the summer.
While Daniel Sturridge is set to play at Bolton, Malouda is likely to be reprieved from the axe if Frank Lampard is ruled out for the trip to the Reebok.
Calf victim Lampard and skipper John Terry, who has another back problem, have not trained for the last three days and Ancelotti revealed: "We have more possibilities with John Terry. Lampard, I really don't know if he's available or not."
The Chelsea boss added: "We've not won away since October and this is the reason we've lost our position in the table.
"To be objective, we played bad against Wolves and Marseille although we were a bit unlucky at Birmingham and Tottenham. It's important we come back to win. We have to show the bad moment has gone.
"Looking at the way the players have trained, it seems we're really better. The players are fitter, are training with more confidence. But results tell you the truth. It doesn't matter if I feel things are better. We have to make a result."

Dalglish: Liverpool return was the best offer of my life

Published 23:00 21/01/11 By David Maddock

Kenny Dalglish has put Liverpool woes firmly into perspective by insisting it's still the best job offer he's had in his life.
The new Anfield boss reckons the call to return this time around is better than Blackburn, Newcastle, and better even than the chance to take the reigns at Liverpool first time around.
Back then he inherited a European Cup-winning team and took them to an historic double in his first season as player-manager.
But he is still adamant this trumps the lot because of his understanding now of what it means.

"I was only a baby when I was in charge last time, now I'm a granddad, so I was running out of time. Coming in here was the best offer I have had in my life," insisted Dalglish.
"It is very seldom you get offered a job and are fortunate enough to have most things in place, and I wasn't going to turn that down.
"It is the best because it is Liverpool Football Club. The first time was *brilliant but this time is even better.
"There are problems that need to be solved but I wouldn't be here if there weren't any problems and if I didn't think we could solve them. Hopefully we can solve them."
The Reds travel to Wolves this weekend with a staggering record of just two away wins in the Premier League in the past 12 months, and with the relegation zone starting to exercise its deathly grasp.
Liverpool know that another defeat will leave them looking uncomfortably over their shoulders. But for Dalglish, even though it is a new situation, it is not a problem.
In the past, the teams he has *inherited have been very much on the up, but he insisted he is still looking up ahead at the business end of the table, and not towards the bottom.
"We are 12th or 13th and I don't think you can get relegated there, can you? We are setting our sights a bit higher than that, and certainly not looking at the relegation zone," he added.
"I know the away record has been poor, but I can't be held responsible for the past 12 months, can I? We've been bad enough losing at Blackpool without taking that on board.
"The sides below sixth or seventh are all looking at that dotted line above the relegation zone because it is so tight in there.
"But if you win a few games then you can move right up. Our away record isn't acceptable, but they did win at Bolton so they are capable. They've just got to do it more often.
"There will be a psychological element to it but everybody's got to overcome that and we will do our best to help them through it."
Dalglish admits that the game is very different from the last time he was manager at Anfield almost 20 years ago, and jokes that players like Graeme Souness and Jimmy Case would hardly last a minute with modern referees.
But he also argued that some things haven't changed. When asked if he could cope with the new style of management where a director of football takes responsibility for signing players, he said: "It is not that much of a difference to me.
"In my first job at Liverpool Peter Robinson, who was general *secretary, negotiated all the *transfers and players' wages. That wasn't a problem for me. I don't want to get involved in finance.
"I just wanted to stick to playing or picking players. That's the same now. Damien (Comolli) is doing a fantastic job – you can imagine the number of calls he gets about players and what he's got to put up with.
"He can have that every day of the week as far as I'm concerned.
"I don't begrudge him that. Obviously players have a lot more representation now but that's not a bad thing either."
Joe Cole comes back into the first-team picture after a midweek Lancashire Senior Cup run-out.

Edin Dzeko vs. Darren Bent: The £51m shootout!

Published 23:00 21/01/11 By David Anderson and James Nursey

Roberto Mancini is backing Edin Dzeko against Darren Bent in the £51million showdown between this month's biggest signings.
The £27million Dzeko goes head-to-head with Bent this evening following the England striker's record-breaking £24million switch to Aston Villa.
The hotshots will be under the spotlight at Villa Park to see who best lives up to their hefty price tag.
And even though he has taken a big gamble by bringing the untried Dzeko to the Premier League, Mancini believes he made the right choice in the Bosnian.




"Darren Bent is a fantastic striker," said the Manchester City manager.
"He has scored a lot of goals in England. He has scored one goal every two games. That's good and we can see that he is a good player.
"With Darren Bent in their team, Aston Villa will improve a lot.
"We see Dzeko as a similar player. I'm very happy with the choice I made because I think that Dzeko is one of the best strikers in Europe.
"We wanted Dzeko from the summer. He was always our target and now we are pleased we have got him."
Both strikers have impressive track records and Bent bagged 32 league goals in 58 appearances while Dzeko became the top scorer in Wolfsburg's history when he scored his 59th Bundesliga goal on his 96th appearance last year.
Dzeko, 24, made his City debut last Saturday against Wolves and set up Yaya Toure for the Blues' third goal at Eastlands.
It was the 6ft 3ins forward's first game in over a month and Mancini says he needs games to regain his sharpness.
"He needs work," said the Italian. "He didn't play for 40 days and he will improve with games.
"For City he will be a very important player in the future."
And Villa boss Gerard Houllier, who is backing his man Bent to win the shootout, reckons he spotted Dzeko's huge potential two years ago when he recommended the striker to Paris St Germain.
Houllier also rates Dzeko highly after seeing him in February 2009.
He said: "Darren is more mobile, more incisive with his runs, Dzeko is more of a holding type.
"Darren's record speaks for itself but Dzeko is a good striker too and I am sure he will settle well in the English game.
"The first time I saw him in Paris, Wolfsburg lost but I said to the Parisien people: ‘Buy him, he was the best player'.
"That was in UEFA Cup but Wolfsburg then won title and qualified for the Champions League last season.
"Dzeko scores goals and can make goals. He is strong and very skillful and can beat players.
"Sometimes you have tall players who are not as skillful with the ball but he is very skillful.
"Its too early to make an assessment on just one game in England but it's a really good signing."

Houllier: We turned a corner after Eastlands humiliation

Published 23:00 21/01/11 By James Nursey




Gerard Houllier believes his Aston Villa side can prove they are on the road to redemption - just five games after being thumped 4-0 at Manchester City.
The Eastlands humiliation prompted speculation Houllier could be sacked.
But Villa have now lost just once in four matches and Houllier added: "We hit the bottom against City but since then we've been coming back gradually.
"We had a nightmare up there and didn't play well. We were also a bit unlucky with two of the goals.

"They are serious title contenders but it will be a different ball game this time."
Villa must wait to give a debut to new £5million midfielder Jean Makoun after he only just gained a work permit following his switch from Lyon.
Houllier still hopes to sign Blackpool midfield maestro Charlie Adam to use in a 4-3-3 formation.
Striker John Carew, 31, opted against a move to West Brom in favour of a switch to Stoke, who will pay his Villa wages until the summer when his contract expires.
Mirrorsport revealed on October 29 last year Carew was destined for the exit after clashing with Houllier.
The Frenchman, who offloaded Carew from Lyon previously, was livid when he pulled out of October's Carling Cup tie with Burnley an hour before kick-off.
Carew claimed he was ill but his blood tests came back negative leaving Houllier to start without a recognised striker upfront.
Diplomatic Houllier said yesterday: "It was the right move for him at the right time."

Benitez on Liverpool crisis: "It's not my fault, sorry"

Published 12:32 22/01/11 By MirrorFootball

Rafael Benitez has rejected suggestions that Liverpool's struggles are partly down to his management, insisting: "It's not my fault, sorry".
The Reds endured a poor season last year as they finished a lowly seventh under Benitez, before the Spaniard departed and was replaced by Roy Hodgson.
Liverpool's fortunes have plummeted even further since then, however, with Hodgson gone and replaced by Kenny Dalglish with the team currently four points above the relegation zone.
Benitez, who joined Inter Milan in the summer but left before Christmas, told Five Live Sport he acknowledges not all of his moves in the transfer market were successful.

"I agree, so we know we made some mistakes," he said.
"Sometimes, maybe one player is a good player and after he doesn't settle down, but if you see, we have a net spending of between 10, 12 million.
"So I think that this, for a top side...it's not big money.
"And still I would say to you that we are not happy with some of the signings but we are really pleased with the majority of them.
"In the team now, Pepe Reina, Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Fabio Aurelio, Lucas Leiva, Fernando Torres, Maxi Rodriquez, Dirk Kuyt, so it's a massive, massive team.
"I am not taking all the credit, I think the team is good, the problem may be the mentality. So I think Kenny can change these things and will hopefully be good for the team.
"But the other thing is that Christian Purslow (former managing director) and Hodgson, they signed seven players.
"Seven players is enough to change a squad, so you can take responsibility for signings in the past but seven players can change a squad. So you cannot continue with this story about the legacy.
"It's not my fault, sorry."
Benitez believes Dalglish can turn around the club's fortunes.
"They will be much better with Kenny because he knows the club, knows the fans and what they want," he said. "He can talk with the players and they will feel and understand what it means to be Liverpool football players.
"I feel that Kenny has been a very good appointment and hopefully will be successful."

AW: United can emulate 'Invincibles'




Updated Jan 22, 2011 5:26 AM ET
Arsene Wenger thinks Manchester United could emulate his Arsenal 'Invincibles' of seven seasons ago by going a Premier League season unbeaten.

Wolves vs. Liverpool
Arsenal vs. Wigan
Everton vs. West Ham
Man Utd vs. Birmingham
Newcastle vs. Tottenham
Fulham vs. Stoke City
Blackpool vs. Sunderland
Aston Villa vs. Man City Blackburn vs. West Brom Bolton vs. Chelsea Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

But Wenger does not challenge the theory that United have been "a bit lucky" so far, and he suspects United will not be thinking about matching the Gunners' achievement quite yet.
Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted United "stole" a draw at Aston Villa in November, when they fought back from 2-0 down to take a point, and the Scot's side have found wins away from home hard to come by, drawing eight of their 10 fixtures on the road.
United top the table from neighbours Manchester City heading into the weekend, and face Birmingham at Old Trafford tomorrow, looking to stay on target for an undefeated league campaign.
Wenger said, according to The Guardian: "Do you ask me can they still do it?
"Certainly, because they have not been beaten yet. Have they been a bit lucky until now? Certainly, but we'll see. I don't know more than you.
"You really think about winning the championship but with five games to go, you think about: 'Oh, we can add something to that'. That's what happened with us. But you don't think about that with 16 games to go."
United will have 16 games to play after Saturday's tussle with Alex McLeish's men, while Arsenal, currently two points off the leaders' pace, will have 15 remaining after their game against Wigan at the Emirates Stadium.
Wenger said: "What is important is to beat Man United and we will only have the chance, with the run that they are on, if we do exceptionally well until the end of the season.
"So I focus more on that, knowing that they have a difficult schedule as well. If they have five games to go and they are still unbeaten, come back to me and I'll say 'Now, they can do it'."

Mancini hopes Tevez keeps firing


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Updated Jan 22, 2011 5:04 AM ET
Roberto Mancini would love Carlos Tevez's daughters to hang around for the rest of the season if it meant his skipper could maintain his form.
Manchester City hitman Tevez cited the pain he felt at the absence of Katia and Florencia, who live in Buenos Aires, as one of the major reasons behind his well-publicised transfer request in December.

Wolves vs. Liverpool
Arsenal vs. Wigan
Everton vs. West Ham
Man Utd vs. Birmingham
Newcastle vs. Tottenham
Fulham vs. Stoke City
Blackpool vs. Sunderland
Aston Villa vs. Man City Blackburn vs. West Brom Bolton vs. Chelsea Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

Peace has now broken out between player and club and, last weekend, Tevez's daughters acted as mascots for the home game against Wolves.
The Argentina striker marked that occasion by scoring twice and was on target again on Tuesday, even if he also missed a penalty during the FA Cup third-round replay win over Leicester.
With City now fighting for honours on three fronts, Tevez clearly remains a player of huge importance to the Eastlands outfit - so much so that Mancini hopes his children hang around to watch the drama unfold.
"At the moment, Carlos is happy," said Mancini.
"He has his family here and he is scoring in every game. If he continues like that I hope they can stay for the entire season."
Tevez will lead his side into battle once more as City head to Aston Villa and a clash between the two most expensive signings of the transfer window so far - the Blues' £27million new boy Edin Dzeko, and Darren Bent, who could cost Villa £24million following his shock switch from Sunderland.
Spending of that magnitude is one of the reasons why Sir Alex Ferguson is amongst those who feel there is no value in the transfer market.
The counter-argument is that clubs must stump up the going rate if they want to get the players they need.
And in January, Mancini feels that means coming up with a little bit more.
"I am happy Aston Villa spent that money on Bent. It shows that it is not just Manchester City doing it," Mancini smiled.
"When you want to take a player in January, you must pay more than at the end of the season.
"I don't know how much Aston Villa have paid for Darren Bent and I don't know if we paid the right money for Edin Dzeko.
"But Bent and Dzeko were on the market. Real Madrid are looking for a striker now and they can spend money. But it is difficult."

Redknapp ready to sell Kranjcar






Updated Jan 22, 2011 5:35 AM ET
Tottenham are willing to listen to offers for Niko Kranjcar after boss Harry Redknapp revealed the midfielder wants to leave White Hart Lane.
The superb form of wingers Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale has restricted the Croatian to just 12 appearances so far this season.

Wolves vs. Liverpool
Arsenal vs. Wigan
Everton vs. West Ham
Man Utd vs. Birmingham
Newcastle vs. Tottenham
Fulham vs. Stoke City
Blackpool vs. Sunderland
Aston Villa vs. Man City Blackburn vs. West Brom Bolton vs. Chelsea Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

His hopes of pushing for a place in Redknapp's first team took a further blow this week when the Tottenham boss signed Steven Pienaar to compete with Bale for Kranjcar's favoured position on the left wing.
Kranjcar said two weeks ago that he was determined to stay and fight for his place in the team, but it appears that Pienaar's arrival has convinced him that he has no future at the club.
"Niko really is looking to move," Redknapp said.
"I had a chat with him yesterday and he wants to play. He doesn't like playing on the right. He is not happy there. It doesn't suit him.
"He wants to play off the left but Gareth has been playing there and been playing fantastic. He understands that."
Liverpool and Chelsea have been linked with a move for the former Hajduk Split man, whom Redknapp also signed for Portsmouth in 2006.
Redknapp believes Kranjcar will end up moving abroad and admitted that any deal for the Croatia international would have to be permanent.
Redknapp added: "He'd like to play and I've said, 'I understand that Niko and if someone comes in for you then you can go'. Unless he can find a good club here then I think he'll go abroad.
"I think he'd look to go permanently. He's well regarded around the world, he's an international player, he got goals the other week for Croatia in the two games and he plays on the world stage.
"People know what a good player he is. He could play at a top team anywhere really."
Pienaar and South African compatriot Bongani Khumalo have been the only two arrivals so far in what is expected to be a busy transfer window for the north London club.
Robbie Keane, Jamie O'Hara, Giovani dos Santos and Vedran Corluka have all been linked with moves away from White Hart Lane while Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko have been touted as potential replacements for Darren Bent at Sunderland.
Redknapp is not interested in selling Crouch but admitted that Pavlyuchenko, who is understood to be thinking about leaving, could depart.
"I would not be looking to sell Crouch, especially. He has scored the goals in Europe for us," Redknapp said.
"Obviously he is different with his size. He gives you a different option. I am a big fan of him.
"I don't want to sell Pav but if someone made the right offer and he wanted to move, then I am sure that it is something that the club will look at. He has great ability."
Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan has been linked with the club but Redknapp maintains that Tottenham's rigid wage structure means a move for the former Manchester United man is unlikely.
"Diego Forlan has been mentioned but... it's the wages," said Redknapp who watched Forlan play against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey on Thursday night.

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"We are not going to get near their wages. They are on £100,000 plus a week, they are not going to come here."
Redknapp takes Tottenham to Newcastle on Saturday looking to maintain his team's recent good form with a win that will move his team ahead of Chelsea into fourth place.
Magpies owner Mike Ashley offered Redknapp the chance to manage the north-east outfit in January 2008 but he turned the offer down to remain at Portsmouth with whom he won the FA Cup later that summer.
Redknapp ended up moving to Spurs later that year and he has no regrets about his decision.
"He (Ashley) made me a great offer at the time," Redknapp said.
"It's a great club. When you go there and you see 50,000 Geordies, all with Newcastle shirts on, it's amazing, isn't it?
"But I wasn't mad about moving away basically. I didn't really want to be up north at this stage of my life, all the time."

Valencia set for timely return




Updated Jan 22, 2011 7:12 AM ET
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Antonio Valencia's return to action could not be better timed.
The Ecuador wide-man has been sidelined since September, when he suffered a major ankle injury in the win over Rangers at Old Trafford.

Wolves vs. Liverpool
Arsenal vs. Wigan
Everton vs. West Ham
Man Utd vs. Birmingham
Newcastle vs. Tottenham
Fulham vs. Stoke City
Blackpool vs. Sunderland
Aston Villa vs. Man City Blackburn vs. West Brom Bolton vs. Chelsea Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

Ferguson felt initially it would be the end of February when the 25-year-old was fit enough to return and that time scale looks to be fairly accurate given Valencia has now been given the green light to step up his training.
The £17million arrival is now working exclusively with the United medical staff and providing he does not encounter any unexpected setbacks, he should be available again in the middle of a Champions League knock-out clash with Marseille.
And, after spending the season with only one orthodox wide-man in Nani, Ferguson acknowledges Valencia's presence would provide a welcome selection option.
"Antonio has been a fantastic signing for us and his injury has prevented me from having two wide players," said Ferguson.
"We have always had to played someone inside on the left, either Park Ji-sung, who has been fantastic this season, or Ryan Giggs.
"Not having that option has been a loss in certain games."
Valencia certainly provides an alternative attacking threat and it could be argued Wayne Rooney's lack of goals this term is a direct result of the former Wigan man's absence.
"Antonio's ability to take the ball under pressure gives him a great advantage," said Ferguson.
"He has great power, his upper body is very strong and he has a great change of pace.
"We will welcome him back and it will come at a great time for us."

Adam ready to slap in transfer request to force through Reds move

Published 23:00 21/01/11 By David Maddock and Alan Nixon

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Charlie Adam is ready to ask for a transfer after *Blackpool turned down a £4.5million bid for him last night from Liverpool.
The seething *Scottish midfielder is unhappy boss Ian Holloway and chairman Karl Oyston rejected the offer which topped bids from Aston Villa and Birmingham.
Adam was told by Holloway Liverpool were one of the sides he would be sold to – and yet the massive bid was snubbed.
The Blackpool captain, 25, is shocked and spoke to friends and family about his future last night. He will ask to leave even though it will cost him money.

A source close to Adam said: "Charlie is not bothered about cash. He just wants this move. How could anyone stop him?"
He was stopped from moving to Villa when Holloway blasted manager Gerard *Houllier for the approach.
But Holloway said that Adam could go to a top-four club or Liverpool who were an *"exception" to that rule.
Blackpool want Kenny Dalglish's outfit to raise their bid to £8m. But as the player has only 18 months left on his contract, it is unlikely *Liverpool will agree with the Seasiders' valuation.

RM: January shopping expensive




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Updated Jan 21, 2011 11:07 AM ET
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has admitted clubs have to pay over the odds if they want to get hold of decent players in January.

Wolves vs. Liverpool
Arsenal vs. Wigan
Everton vs. West Ham
Man Utd vs. Birmingham
Newcastle vs. Tottenham
Fulham vs. Stoke City
Blackpool vs. Sunderland
Aston Villa vs. Man City Blackburn vs. West Brom Bolton vs. Chelsea Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

The two most expensive purchases of the current transfer window will be on show at Villa Park on Saturday when City visit Aston Villa.
It will allow a direct comparison between the Blues' £27million new-boy Edin Dzeko, and Darren Bent, who could cost Villa £24million following his shock switch from Sunderland.
Spending of that magnitude is one of the reasons why Sir Alex Ferguson is amongst those who feel there is no value in the transfer market.
The counter argument is that clubs must stump up the going rate if they want to get the players they need.
And in January, Mancini feels that means coming up with a little bit more.
"I am happy Aston Villa spent that money on Bent. It shows that it is not just Manchester City doing it," Mancini smiled. "When you want to take a player in January, you must pay more than at the end of the season.
"I don't know how much Aston Villa have paid for Darren Bent and I don't know if we paid the right money for Edin Dzeko.
"But Bent and Dzeko were on the market. Real Madrid are looking for a striker now and they can spend money. But it is difficult."
It could also be argued Villa are paying a premium because of Bent's nationality.
Often, it has been claimed English players cost far more than their continental counterparts.
"Sometimes English players do cost a lot of money," admitted Mancini.
"But Darren Bent was an important player for Sunderland. If a big offer comes in for a player like that, it is normal that the other club would sell."
Mancini has no doubt Bent will prove an astute purchase for Villa.
In a career that has taken him from Ipswich to Charlton and on to Tottenham before he arrived at Sunderland in 2009, Bent has proved himself to be a goalscorer of the highest order.
For all Villa's troubles at the wrong end of the table, there is no reason to assume Bent will lose the happy knack of finding the net, which should ensure the Midlands club rise to a status more befitting Mancini's view of them.
"They changed their manager at the start of the season, which is always hard.

TRANSFER SPECIAL

Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.

"But they don't deserve to be where they are. They are in a false position and Gerard (Houllier) has the experience to get them higher up the table.
"Certainly, this game will be harder for us because, with Darren Bent, Aston Villa will improve a lot."
Whether they will improve enough to beat a side who put four goals past them at Eastlands three weeks ago is open to debate, especially as Dzeko's availability compensates for the absence of Mario Balotelli, who scored a hat-trick during that meeting at Eastlands.
Unlike Balotelli, Dzeko looks like being the kind of player who reserves his eye-catching performances for what happens on the field, with Mancini confirming the Bosnian has impressed during his first two weeks at the club.
"Like everyone else who comes from another country, he needs four or five games to understand the Premier League because it is different from the other championships," said Mancini. "But Edin is working very hard."
The workrate of skipper Carlos Tevez has never been questioned.
And, with his two daughters on an extended visit to England, little wonder the South American is in top form too.
"At the moment, Carlos is happy," said Mancini. "He has his family here and he is scoring in every game. If he continues like that I hope they can stay for the entire season."

Redknapp mugged in Madrid


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Updated Jan 21, 2011 7:43 PM ET
A trip to watch the Madrid derby ended in disaster for Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp after he was mugged by local thieves.
The 63-year-old was in the Spanish capital on Thursday to take in the second leg of the quarter-final clash of the Copa del Rey, which saw Real beat local rivals Atletico 1-0 to reach the last four of the competition.


Redknapp's evening took a turn for the worse prior to kick-off when he and Spurs assistant manager Kevin Bond were walking around the Vicente Calderon stadium.
Two unknown men approached Redknapp, fell to their knees and started tugging at his trouser leg to distract him while four others snatched cash and other belongings from his pockets.
"I'm walking round the outside of the stadium, it's a fantastic atmosphere, there's all little stalls there selling sweets," Redknapp explained.
"I got some sweets, me and Kevin, and it was so packed. The next thing there's two guys on their knees in front of me and I felt someone pull my overcoat.
"I thought 'What's that?', and didn't take any notice. The next thing there's two guys on their knees in front of me and they've got my trousers and they keep doing this (tugging) with them, pulling them.
"I thought 'What are you doing?' The next thing he's got my keys on the floor.
"I didn't know whether to knee him in the gob or not.

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Arsenal vs. Wigan
Everton vs. West Ham
Man Utd vs. Birmingham
Newcastle vs. Tottenham
Fulham vs. Stoke City
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Wigan vs. Aston Villa Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

"And I thought 'Is he a blind man or someone having trouble walking properly. What are they doing, these two blokes?'
"I'm going: 'Let go of my trousers', pushing them away. While I'm doing that they're rifling my pockets, there were about six of them. And then they went.
"I thought 'What are they doing?'. I went to put my hand in my pockets and realised what they'd done.
"They took everything. All my money, credit cards, everything really."
Luckily for Redknapp, his passport remained untouched in his top pocket and he also did not lose his phone.
The Tottenham boss did not report the incident to police and had to borrow money off Bond to pay for a taxi back to his hotel and for dinner before returning to the UK.
He admitted the incident had unsettled him and he left the stadium 15 minutes before the end of the game, which was won thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half strike.
He does not believe that the attackers knew who they were targeting.
"They probably didn't know who I was but they had a result, I'll tell you that," said Redknapp, who has been linked with a move for Atletico striker Diego Forlan.
"I wasn't wearing anything flash. I had an overcoat on. I just probably looked stupid or something, and they thought 'Here's one here, he's not Spanish, obviously, and we're looking for a foreigner.'
"They were probably in this restaurant we were in, drinking the best wine and having the best steak there. Me and Kevin didn't have enough money to have a glass of wine."
Redknapp joked that Bond may have been in on the theft.
"I don't know what Kevin was doing while it was going on," Redknapp said.
"He said 'I saw them doing it.' And I said: 'Why didn't you do anything then? I thought: 'Strange that, Kev.' I hope he wasn't part of the gang! He's got a few quid on him today."

Redknapp blasts Blues over Keane




3 comments »

Updated Jan 21, 2011 7:31 PM ET
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has slammed Birmingham over their conduct during Robbie Keane's failed transfer to St Andrew's.
Spurs accepted Blues' £6million bid for Keane last week before the Midlands outfit pulled the plug on the deal, claiming in a statement from acting chairman Peter Pannu that the striker's wage demands were out of their reach.

TRANSFER SPECIAL

Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.

Keane, 30, denied those claims earlier this week, suggesting that Birmingham had made such an assertion as part of a publicity stunt.
And Redknapp backed Keane's stance, insisting that it was "unfair" of Birmingham to make such a claim about the want-away striker.
"There was never a deal with Birmingham," said Redknapp, who is willing to let the striker leave White Hart Lane this month.
"He never asked Birmingham for money.
"He never got around to discussing a deal with them so when they said they couldn't meet his wage demands that was totally unfair on Robbie because he never made any demands. He never even spoke to them.
"I don't see how the deal could've fallen down on wage demands when he didn't make any. That's a strange one."
Redknapp completed a major transfer coup on Tuesday when Steven Pienaar opted to join Spurs over Barclays Premier League champions Chelsea.
The versatile midfielder, who excelled during time at Everton, has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract for a transfer fee thought to be between £2million and £3million.
Pienaar will travel to Newcastle with his new team-mates today and could make his debut at St. James' Park.

Wolves vs. Liverpool
Arsenal vs. Wigan
Everton vs. West Ham
Man Utd vs. Birmingham
Newcastle vs. Tottenham
Fulham vs. Stoke City
Blackpool vs. Sunderland
Aston Villa vs. Man City Blackburn vs. West Brom Bolton vs. Chelsea Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

But with the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon, Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart already cemented in their positions in the team, Redknapp admits Pienaar has a fight on his hands to earn a first-team spot.
"I couldn't sit here and say he will take someone's place. There is competition for all places," Redknapp said.
"He can play in several positions across midfield. He keeps the ball and he'll enjoy playing in our team.
"He and (Leighton) Baines were fantastic down the left at Everton.
"We have Gareth Bale who plays wide left so it's a difficult position to get into. Aaron (Lennon) has done great as well.
"They have all been doing great so he has to work hard to get into the team."
A number of Spurs players could leave the club this month to make way for new arrivals.
Striker Keane, Jamie O'Hara, Giovani dos Santos, Niko Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka could depart while Roman Pavlyuchenko and Peter Crouch have both been touted as potential replacements for Darren Bent at Sunderland.
The Russian has made 15 starts in all competitions and Redknapp does not think he will be leaving.
"I know Steve (Bruce) is looking for a replacement, but I doubt it very much," the 63-year-old said.
Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi and FC Porto striker Hulk have been linked with Tottenham but Redknapp insists a deal to sign either of the two strikers will not be possible.
Redknapp said: "Rossi? He's a good player but he's not available. Incredible Hulk? No. Not going to happen. I couldn't say we're close to doing anything with anyone."


Redknapp's side have lost just once in their last 14 games and will leapfrog Chelsea into fourth with a win on Saturday.
The former Portsmouth boss knows that Spurs are now entering a crucial period of the season and predicts that the team's away form over the next few games will prove to be a true acid test of their title credentials.
"We have to keep hanging in there with our performances away from home or else we'll find ourselves falling away from the pack," Redknapp said.
"If we can get through the away games it will put us in good shape."
Spurs came out on top in a feisty 2-0 victory over Newcastle last month and Redknapp admits he is expecting a strong test from the Magpies.
"They have got some competitors there," Redknapp said.
"They have a few players who know how to win, like (Joey) Barton and (Kevin) Nolan."

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• Report Abuse PowderScouser
  
  • 1/22/2011 12:38:22 AM
  Pienaar may well displace Pallacios who has been slow and erratic. Harry doesn't have any spare change to waste on a bench sitter.
  
• Report Abuse mathyewc
  
  • 1/21/2011 6:26:48 PM
  Harry's class. wonder what's true. that's a shame he's not playing. always a fan of robbie keane. always made me think of fowler.
  
• Report Abuse irishyid
  
  • 1/21/2011 5:22:08 PM
  We need a result here,COYS.
  

Redknapp blasts Blues over Keane




3 comments »

Updated Jan 21, 2011 7:31 PM ET
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has slammed Birmingham over their conduct during Robbie Keane's failed transfer to St Andrew's.
Spurs accepted Blues' £6million bid for Keane last week before the Midlands outfit pulled the plug on the deal, claiming in a statement from acting chairman Peter Pannu that the striker's wage demands were out of their reach.

TRANSFER SPECIAL

Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.

Keane, 30, denied those claims earlier this week, suggesting that Birmingham had made such an assertion as part of a publicity stunt.
And Redknapp backed Keane's stance, insisting that it was "unfair" of Birmingham to make such a claim about the want-away striker.
"There was never a deal with Birmingham," said Redknapp, who is willing to let the striker leave White Hart Lane this month.
"He never asked Birmingham for money.
"He never got around to discussing a deal with them so when they said they couldn't meet his wage demands that was totally unfair on Robbie because he never made any demands. He never even spoke to them.
"I don't see how the deal could've fallen down on wage demands when he didn't make any. That's a strange one."
Redknapp completed a major transfer coup on Tuesday when Steven Pienaar opted to join Spurs over Barclays Premier League champions Chelsea.
The versatile midfielder, who excelled during time at Everton, has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract for a transfer fee thought to be between £2million and £3million.
Pienaar will travel to Newcastle with his new team-mates today and could make his debut at St. James' Park.

Wolves vs. Liverpool
Arsenal vs. Wigan
Everton vs. West Ham
Man Utd vs. Birmingham
Newcastle vs. Tottenham
Fulham vs. Stoke City
Blackpool vs. Sunderland
Aston Villa vs. Man City Blackburn vs. West Brom Bolton vs. Chelsea Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

But with the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon, Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart already cemented in their positions in the team, Redknapp admits Pienaar has a fight on his hands to earn a first-team spot.
"I couldn't sit here and say he will take someone's place. There is competition for all places," Redknapp said.
"He can play in several positions across midfield. He keeps the ball and he'll enjoy playing in our team.
"He and (Leighton) Baines were fantastic down the left at Everton.
"We have Gareth Bale who plays wide left so it's a difficult position to get into. Aaron (Lennon) has done great as well.
"They have all been doing great so he has to work hard to get into the team."
A number of Spurs players could leave the club this month to make way for new arrivals.
Striker Keane, Jamie O'Hara, Giovani dos Santos, Niko Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka could depart while Roman Pavlyuchenko and Peter Crouch have both been touted as potential replacements for Darren Bent at Sunderland.
The Russian has made 15 starts in all competitions and Redknapp does not think he will be leaving.
"I know Steve (Bruce) is looking for a replacement, but I doubt it very much," the 63-year-old said.
Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi and FC Porto striker Hulk have been linked with Tottenham but Redknapp insists a deal to sign either of the two strikers will not be possible.
Redknapp said: "Rossi? He's a good player but he's not available. Incredible Hulk? No. Not going to happen. I couldn't say we're close to doing anything with anyone."


Redknapp's side have lost just once in their last 14 games and will leapfrog Chelsea into fourth with a win on Saturday.
The former Portsmouth boss knows that Spurs are now entering a crucial period of the season and predicts that the team's away form over the next few games will prove to be a true acid test of their title credentials.
"We have to keep hanging in there with our performances away from home or else we'll find ourselves falling away from the pack," Redknapp said.
"If we can get through the away games it will put us in good shape."
Spurs came out on top in a feisty 2-0 victory over Newcastle last month and Redknapp admits he is expecting a strong test from the Magpies.
"They have got some competitors there," Redknapp said.
"They have a few players who know how to win, like (Joey) Barton and (Kevin) Nolan."

Friedel declared bankrupt in England

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Updated Jan 21, 2011 7:48 PM ET
LONDON (AP)

American goalkeeper Brad Friedel has reportedly been declared bankrupt in England over debts relating to a football academy back home.
The Daily Mirror says the ruling against the Aston Villa 'keeper was made in a Macclesfield county court on Thursday.
Friedel reportedly owes the backers of the Premier Soccer Academies in Lorain, Ohio, about five million pounds ($8 million).
U.S. media reported in July 2009 that Premier Soccer Academies was being sued in the Lorain County Common Pleas Court over unpaid loans of $7.6 million.
The Daily Mirror says repossession proceedings began last month on a house in Ohio belonging to Friedel