Michezo magazetini leo...

Michezo magazetini leo...

Status
Not open for further replies.
Valencia readies for Raul's return with Schalke


storypage_APlogo_01.png




PRINT RSS



Updated Feb 14, 2011 2:49 PM ET
Raul Gonzalez will return to Spain for the first time since his move from Real Madrid when Schalke plays Valencia on Tuesday in the Champions League.
The former Spain striker helped Madrid win 15 trophies over 18 seasons before moving to the Bundesliga. Raul has scored 12 goals in 28 appearances for Schalke in his first season abroad, helping it finish top ahead of Lyon in its Champions League group.


"I'm very optimistic," Raul said. "We showed what we're capable of doing in the group stages. And we've got the advantage of playing at our home ground in the return leg."
Raul has scored 13 goals in 25 games against Valencia, including the 3-0 Champions League final triumph in 2000. The 33-year-old former Spain striker, who scored 323 goals in 741 appearances for Madrid, will move ahead of AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi as UEFA's all-time leading goalscorer with his next goal. The pair are tied with 70 goals each.
"Raul magnifies this tie," Valencia coach Unai Emery said on Monday.
While Schalke has never lost at the Mestalla Stadium, Valencia comes into the match in excellent form. The Spanish club has won six of seven matches for its best start to a calendar year since 1949-50. A 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid on Saturday moved it into third place in the league.
Valencia's attack is hoping to get an extra boost and have forward Juanma Mata back in the lineup after the Spain international missed several weeks because of an ankle injury.
"He's on course and wants to play, but whether or not his problems allow how him to is another thing," Emery said. "He'll do all he can to be available."

Tue., Feb. 15​
AC Milan vs. Tottenham | Preview
Valencia vs. Schalke | Preview
Wed., Feb. 16​
Arsenal vs. Barcelona | Preview
AS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk | Preview
Tue., Feb. 22​
Copenhagen vs. Chelsea
Lyon vs. Real Madrid
Wed., Feb. 23​
Marseille vs. Manchester United
Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures

Valencia is returning to the knockout round for the first time in four years while Schalke is back after three seasons. Both clubs went on to reach the quarterfinals that last time.
Schalke managed draws in its previous two games at the Mestalla, while the clubs split the two games played in Germany. Valencia hasn't beaten a German opponent on home soil since a 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in 1996.
"This game is so important that we must erase the statistics from our minds and just go out and give our all," said Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, who trails only Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi and Mario Gomez with five goals scored in the competition.
"We're playing at home, and I'm sure if we continue on the path that got us here it will serve us well. We have the confidence and we need to use that."
While Mata could return, midfielder David Albelda will miss the first leg due to suspension. Brazilian striker Jonas is available after arriving in the January transfer window from Gremio.
Schalke is coming off its fifth win in eight games - a 1-0 win over Freiburg - to reach 10th in the Bundesliga after it spent much of the first half of the season flirting with the drop places.
"They're a complete, strong team," Emery said. "They're enjoying a great Champions League campaign but they haven't found consistency in the Bundesliga. Either way, we expect a strong Schalke squad."
Raul is not the only one making his return to Spain. Former Madrid teammate Christoph Metzelder is also coming back and Jose Manuel Jurado is returning after joining Schalke from Atletico Madrid.
 
Arsenal set to take the attack to Barcelona


storypage_APlogo_01.png




PRINT RSS

1 comments »

Updated Feb 15, 2011 8:43 AM ET
Arsenal plans to remain faithful to its attacking philosophy against Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday despite having been comprehensively outplayed by the Catalan club in the competition last year.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his team won't sit back and merely defend at Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the last-16 match.


"If we manage to get them under pressure, we will create chances," Wenger said.
But he acknowledged he may have to change tactics for the return leg at the Camp Nou, where Lionel Messi scored all four goals as Barcelona crushed Arsenal 4-1 in the second leg of their quarterfinal last year to win 6-3 on aggregate.
Arsenal hopes to exploit the defensive weaknesses evident in Barcelona's 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon on Saturday.
But stopping Messi, who has shown no signs of being tamed, may be more difficult to accomplish. Messi has scored 40 goals in all competitions this season, including 24 in the Spanish league.
Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby urged his teammates not to be obsessed with Messi, who has won two FIFA World Player of the Year awards under coach Pep Guardiola.
"We need to be focused on the way we defend and not be focused on one man," Diaby said. "We know that individually he is really good, but if we do the job together I think it will be difficult for him. For me, that is the best way to control him and control the game."

Tue., Feb. 15​
AC Milan vs. Tottenham | Preview
Valencia vs. Schalke | Preview
Wed., Feb. 16​
Arsenal vs. Barcelona | Preview
AS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk | Preview
Tue., Feb. 22​
Copenhagen vs. Chelsea
Lyon vs. Real Madrid
Wed., Feb. 23​
Marseille vs. Manchester United
Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures

Diaby played in both legs against Barcelona last year and can vouch for the visitors' depth of talent and skill.
"When you focus on one man it is never a good idea, because they have also got (Andres) Iniesta, Xavi (Hernandez), (David) Villa - so many players," he said. "The most important thing is to be well organized defensively and, when we have got the ball, play our game."
The last time Barcelona played at Emirates Stadium, the team produced a sensational attacking display in the first half that was foiled by save after save from Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia. The game ended 2-2.
Arsenal look to have a more settled team this time, with main striker Robin van Persie expected to start after having missed last year's matches because of injury.
Arsenal's midfield has also been tougher defensively this season and the emergence of Jack Wilshere as a gritty complement to captain Cesc Fabregas has been a boost.
Barcelona winger Pedro Rodriguez said his team isn't taking anything for granted.
"They're a great team and very difficult opposition with very good players, especially up front," Rodriguez said, adding that the form of Fabregas and Van Persie will make it "a very difficult tie, different from last year as maybe they are more dangerous."
The Gunners beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 last Saturday, putting an embarrassing result against Newcastle behind them from the previous weekend. The team surrendered a 4-0 lead to draw 4-4.
Arsenal also hopes to be lifted by the return of Samir Nasri, who has been sidelined for two weeks with a hamstring injury. Barcelona, meanwhile, confirmed that center back Carles Puyol would not make the flight because of a knee injury.
 
AS Roma hoping to regain form in Champs League


storypage_APlogo_01.png




PRINT RSS



Updated Feb 15, 2011 8:12 AM ET
AS Roma goes into its Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk desperately keen to give its season positive direction after two major losses in Serie A.
On Saturday, Claudio Ranieri's side slumped to a 2-0 loss at home to a rampant Napoli, while the week before Inter Milan ran riot in a 5-3 win at the San Siro.


"Our enthusiasm is not at its best. I think you all know the problems, too," midfielder Simone Perrotta said. "We're in a situation that has been dragging on for some time.
"Now our objective is to finish in the top four to qualify for the Champions League (next season). As always, this squad will gather round the coach so we can try to continue doing well."
The club has been in talks for weeks with a potential new owner in the United States. U.S. businessman Thomas Di Benedetto is reported to be in line to buy the club, but has yet to complete the sale.
"The takeover talks aren't the problem, although I cannot deny in some situations, especially difficult ones like this, it would help to have a club behind us," Perrotta said. "I don't want to explain what type of problems they are though."
Ranieri is likely to bring at least one of Francesco Totti or Jeremy Menez back into the team for the match at Rome's Olympic Stadium.
Both strikers started the loss to Napoli on the bench, with Menez coming on at halftime and Totti in the 77th.

Tue., Feb. 15​
AC Milan vs. Tottenham | Preview
Valencia vs. Schalke | Preview
Wed., Feb. 16​
Arsenal vs. Barcelona | Preview
AS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk | Preview
Tue., Feb. 22​
Copenhagen vs. Chelsea
Lyon vs. Real Madrid
Wed., Feb. 23​
Marseille vs. Manchester United
Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures

Philippe Mexes and Nicolas Burdisso are also likely to return to the starting lineup after missing the Napoli game through suspension. Their absence was obvious as Napoli was able to cut through the heart of Roma's defense on numerous occasions.
"The trouble is at the moment we can't seem to stay solid," Perrotta said. "Often the strikers are left on their own and have to invent something. It's a situation we have to look at carefully, because on Wednesday we have Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League."
Donetsk hasn't played a competitive game since its win against Braga on Dec. 8 sent it through to the last 16 as a group winner.
During the Ukrainian Premier League's winter break, Shakhtar played nine friendlies, winning five, and it enjoys a healthy 12-point lead in the league.
"Roma's players have a lot of experience in the Italian championship and the Champions League," Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu said. "Their attackers have great individual skill. Any of them can decide the outcome of the match.
"Our advantage is youth. In our attacking line all our guys are explosive."
Centerback Oleksandr Kucher is out with a knee injury, and Vasyl Kobin has an injured Achilles tendon, while Taras Stepanenko is doubtful with a knee injury.
Influential Brazilian playmaker Fernandinho is back in training after recovering from a broken leg and should feature in the second leg.
"I think the main thing is for us to score an away goal," said captain Dario Srna.
 
Iniesta: Barca not invincible


RivalsDM



PRINT RSS

23 comments »

Updated Feb 15, 2011 10:24 AM ET
Andres Iniesta is wary of the threat Arsenal pose to Barcelona's European dreams - and insists they travel to Emirates Stadium with caution.
The Catalan giants are set to face the Gunners in the last-16 of this season's competition, in a re-run of a quarter-final clash from the 2009/10 campaign.

Tue., Feb. 15​
AC Milan vs. Tottenham | Preview
Valencia vs. Schalke | Preview
Wed., Feb. 16​
Arsenal vs. Barcelona | Preview
AS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk | Preview
Tue., Feb. 22​
Copenhagen vs. Chelsea
Lyon vs. Real Madrid
Wed., Feb. 23​
Marseille vs. Manchester United
Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures

Barca emerged victorious on that occasion, claiming a 6-3 aggregate success, and are well fancied to prolong their continental adventure this term.
Iniesta, though, insists Pep Guardiola's Primera Liga leaders are not 'invincible' and admits they will need to proceed with caution as they prepare to visit Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
The Spain international said: "We are not a machine. It won't be easy. This isn't a walk along the promenade for us.
"But Barcelona never take the field looking to be arrogant. That would be an enormous error.
"People speak about the matches last year but things are completely different.
"No two games are ever the same and we are aware Arsenal will be very motivated this time. That makes them even more dangerous.
"Barcelona aren't invincible and going to London is risky.
"We can win the first match but we face a battle to stop Cesc Fabregas and a team which will want to show its very best against us."
Gunners skipper Fabregas continues to be strongly linked with a return to his Catalan roots in the not too distant future, but Iniesta is keen to steer clear of that subject for now.
He said: "The future of Cesc depends on the teams and we accept their decisions. For now he is the leader at Arsenal but we are not obsessed about him.
"The Gunners have an excellent squad and it will be an error for us to forget about the others."
While Iniesta is in cautious mood ahead of a midweek meeting with Arsene Wenger's men, his midfield colleague Pedro insists Barca will stick to their positive game plan when they arrive in North London.
He said: "It will be a nice, open game where we hope for a good result.
"We're going out to win. Getting a decent result in the first leg is always good. We aim to do that and finish it off at home."
 
Arsenal set to take the attack to Barcelona


storypage_APlogo_01.png




PRINT RSS

1 comments »

Updated Feb 15, 2011 8:43 AM ET
Arsenal plans to remain faithful to its attacking philosophy against Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday despite having been comprehensively outplayed by the Catalan club in the competition last year.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his team won't sit back and merely defend at Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the last-16 match.


"If we manage to get them under pressure, we will create chances," Wenger said.
But he acknowledged he may have to change tactics for the return leg at the Camp Nou, where Lionel Messi scored all four goals as Barcelona crushed Arsenal 4-1 in the second leg of their quarterfinal last year to win 6-3 on aggregate.
Arsenal hopes to exploit the defensive weaknesses evident in Barcelona's 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon on Saturday.
But stopping Messi, who has shown no signs of being tamed, may be more difficult to accomplish. Messi has scored 40 goals in all competitions this season, including 24 in the Spanish league.
Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby urged his teammates not to be obsessed with Messi, who has won two FIFA World Player of the Year awards under coach Pep Guardiola.
"We need to be focused on the way we defend and not be focused on one man," Diaby said. "We know that individually he is really good, but if we do the job together I think it will be difficult for him. For me, that is the best way to control him and control the game."

Tue., Feb. 15​
AC Milan vs. Tottenham | Preview
Valencia vs. Schalke | Preview
Wed., Feb. 16​
Arsenal vs. Barcelona | Preview
AS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk | Preview
Tue., Feb. 22​
Copenhagen vs. Chelsea
Lyon vs. Real Madrid
Wed., Feb. 23​
Marseille vs. Manchester United
Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures

Diaby played in both legs against Barcelona last year and can vouch for the visitors' depth of talent and skill.
"When you focus on one man it is never a good idea, because they have also got (Andres) Iniesta, Xavi (Hernandez), (David) Villa - so many players," he said. "The most important thing is to be well organized defensively and, when we have got the ball, play our game."
The last time Barcelona played at Emirates Stadium, the team produced a sensational attacking display in the first half that was foiled by save after save from Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia. The game ended 2-2.
Arsenal look to have a more settled team this time, with main striker Robin van Persie expected to start after having missed last year's matches because of injury.
Arsenal's midfield has also been tougher defensively this season and the emergence of Jack Wilshere as a gritty complement to captain Cesc Fabregas has been a boost.
Barcelona winger Pedro Rodriguez said his team isn't taking anything for granted.
"They're a great team and very difficult opposition with very good players, especially up front," Rodriguez said, adding that the form of Fabregas and Van Persie will make it "a very difficult tie, different from last year as maybe they are more dangerous."
The Gunners beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 last Saturday, putting an embarrassing result against Newcastle behind them from the previous weekend. The team surrendered a 4-0 lead to draw 4-4.
Arsenal also hopes to be lifted by the return of Samir Nasri, who has been sidelined for two weeks with a hamstring injury. Barcelona, meanwhile, confirmed that center back Carles Puyol would not make the flight because of a knee injury.



PRINT RSS




Member Comments

Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.
LOG IN TO ADD A COMMENT Page 1 of 1 PREV PREV NEXT NEXT


Post Comment

  • Report Abuse RedWhiteAndOrange
    • 2/15/2011 8:34:10 AM
    It is universally accepted that arsenal's best defense is offense. We just have to watch our shape, track back like our lives depend on it, pressure barca in the midfield when they have the ball, and finish our chances.....

    no problemo!

    ...hey, why is diaby talking as if he were going to play???....hmmm
LOG IN TO ADD A COMMENT Page 1 of 1 PREV PREV NEXT
 
Redknapp calls for all-out attack


RivalsDM



PRINT RSS



Updated Feb 15, 2011 6:53 AM ET
Harry Redknapp will send Tottenham out at the San Siro on Tuesday night urging them to attack and throw everything they have got at AC Milan.
Redknapp was forced to endure a humiliating first half the last time his side visited the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in October.

Tue., Feb. 15​
AC Milan vs. Tottenham | Preview
Valencia vs. Schalke | Preview
Wed., Feb. 16​
Arsenal vs. Barcelona | Preview
AS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk | Preview
Tue., Feb. 22​
Copenhagen vs. Chelsea
Lyon vs. Real Madrid
Wed., Feb. 23​
Marseille vs. Manchester United
Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures

Spurs had been tipped to cause an upset against Inter but they found themselves reduced to 10 men and 4-0 down at the break after a dreadful first-half display littered with defensive errors.
Gareth Bale's sublime second-half hat-trick restored some pride that night but Tottenham's defensive frailties continued to be exposed throughout their Champions League group stage campaign in which they conceded 11 goals from four matches.
The Welshman will be absent after failing to recover from a back injury and the absence of Tom Huddlestone (ankle) and Jermaine Jenas (suspension) has left Redknapp short of options in midfield.
And with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Pato, and Robinho among the Milan ranks, Redknapp would be forgiven for ordering his remaining players available to play cautiously tonight, but he insists that is not an option.
He said: "Attacking football is what got us here in the first place. We have had a go all through this competition so we will have a right go again at San Siro.
"We can score here. I don't want to concede bags of goals for sure. We can't afford to make the same mistakes and can't start like that again but as far as shutting up shop goes it's a non-starter because we don't have the players here."
Bale's withdrawal is a big blow for Tottenham given his inspirational role in their narrow defeat here four months ago and in the 3-1 win at White Hart Lane in the reverse fixture in November.
Niko Kranjcar has played well in Bale's absence, scoring two in his last two games.
Redknapp is glad the Croatia midfielder decided to turn down the chance to leave White Hart Lane last month and is convinced he will be put in a good performance on Tuesday evening.
He said: "The most difficult part of this job is leaving people out of the team but to be fair Niko just got on with it, kept working hard and got back in.
"Niko genuinely is a great lad. He never came in to tell me he didn't want to travel away from home or anything."
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Our Community

Regional Communities

Back
Top Bottom
Menu
Forums
New posts
Log in
Register