Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #941
Michezo magazetini leo...
Michezo magazetini leo...
- Thread starter Rutashubanyuma
- Start date
- Status
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #942
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #943
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #944
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #945
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #946
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #947
Wenger: Beating Barca 'difficult but possible'
Published 14:32 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Arsene Wenger said it would be "difficult but possible" for Arsenal to overcome Barcelona.
He told the club's website: "Revenge is not on my mind. We want to qualify and we want to knock them out. So is it difficult? Yes. Is it possible? Yes.
"Barcelona are certainly the favourites [for the competition] and a famous team but, on their side, they did not want us either because they know they will get a game.
"I think we are better than last year and we have a good opportunity to show that."
The match will also give Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas the chance to face his former club at the Nou Camp - he missed the away leg last year with a cracked bone in his fibula.
Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta said: "Obviously there will be a lot of talk about Cesc until the tie starts. That's logical.
"He's a player who learnt his trade at Barca and for him it will be a very special game.
"He will be able to come up against his Spain team-mates and play in the Nou Camp with Barcelona as a rival, which he couldn't do last season."
Published 14:32 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Arsene Wenger said it would be "difficult but possible" for Arsenal to overcome Barcelona.
He told the club's website: "Revenge is not on my mind. We want to qualify and we want to knock them out. So is it difficult? Yes. Is it possible? Yes.
"Barcelona are certainly the favourites [for the competition] and a famous team but, on their side, they did not want us either because they know they will get a game.
"I think we are better than last year and we have a good opportunity to show that."
The match will also give Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas the chance to face his former club at the Nou Camp - he missed the away leg last year with a cracked bone in his fibula.
Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta said: "Obviously there will be a lot of talk about Cesc until the tie starts. That's logical.
"He's a player who learnt his trade at Barca and for him it will be a very special game.
"He will be able to come up against his Spain team-mates and play in the Nou Camp with Barcelona as a rival, which he couldn't do last season."
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #948
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #949
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #950
Arsenal draw Barcelona
Published 11:21 17/12/10 By Martin Lipton
Arsene Wenger's worst fears were confirmed today as Arsenal were handed a Champions League last 16 tie with Barcelona.
The Emirates boss predicted yesterday that he had a feeling his men would face a re-run of last term's last eight game against Pep Guardiola's side.
And that expectation came to pass in Nyons as North London neighbours Spurs were also handed their worst possible opponents and a game with AC Milan.
But Chelsea were handed a massive boost by landing rank outsiders FC Copenhagen, while Manchester United will have to conquer the maelstrom of the Stade Velodrome by playing French champions Marseilles.
While the draw brought a repeat of last season's Final in Madrid, with Inter Milan facing Bayern Munich, it was the two tough calls for the North London clubs that took the eye.
Arsenal, who paid the price for not winning their group and could only have had Barca, Real Madrid, Schalke or Bayern Munich, were destroyed by Lionel Messi last season, who scored four in the Nou Camp second leg after Nicklas Bendtner had briefly put the Gunners ahead in the tie.
Wenger conceded yesterday that Guardiola's side, now with David Villa up front, represented an even more formidable obstacle this time round and he said: "I know who we will get!
"It doesn't matter who I want. If I say we want Barcelona you won't believe me. I don't even think about it. I hope we get who I feel we will get.
"I watched them beat Real Madrid 5-0 and on the night Barcelona were outstanding and played at a high pace. It was some of the best football I've ever seen.
"They played outstandingly well for 90 minutes. What was surprising was that they had no weak moment in that game. Their determination and focus for 90 minutes was spot-on. The quality was unbelievable.
"When you see a performance like that you are encourage to get to that level. It is good that teams show how well you can play football. It was the best performance of the season in European football."
Just like Arsenal, Spurs' "reward" for beating holders Inter Milan to top spot in Group A was the toughest they could have had.
Milan are top of Serie A and Redknapp's side were four down at half-time when they visited the San Siro in September, before Gareth Bale's hat-trick changed the mood if not the result.
Tottenham have only met Milan once before in Europe, when Steev Perryman scored both goals at White Hart Lane in the 1972 UEFA Cup run as Spurs beat the Italians 3-2 on aggregate en route to beating Wolves in the Final.
Chelsea, last out of the hat, got the draw every group winner wanted, with the Danish champions the outsiders in the field after seeing off Panathinaikos and Rubin Kazan to finished behind Barcelona.
And United will be happy with their draw too, even if Didier Deschamps' team are particularly dangerous on home soil and have attacking threats in the shape of Mathieu Valbuena, Loic Remy, Brandao and Andre-Pierre Gignac.
The first legs will be played on February 15/16/22/23 with the second legs on March 8/9/15/16.
Full draw:
AC Milan v Tottenham Hotspur
Roma v Shakhtar Donetsk
Valencia v Schalke
Inter Milan v Bayern Munich
Lyon v Real Madrid
Arsenal v Barcelona
Marseille v Manchester United
Copenhagen v Chelsea
More to follow.
Published 11:21 17/12/10 By Martin Lipton
Arsene Wenger's worst fears were confirmed today as Arsenal were handed a Champions League last 16 tie with Barcelona.
The Emirates boss predicted yesterday that he had a feeling his men would face a re-run of last term's last eight game against Pep Guardiola's side.
And that expectation came to pass in Nyons as North London neighbours Spurs were also handed their worst possible opponents and a game with AC Milan.
But Chelsea were handed a massive boost by landing rank outsiders FC Copenhagen, while Manchester United will have to conquer the maelstrom of the Stade Velodrome by playing French champions Marseilles.
While the draw brought a repeat of last season's Final in Madrid, with Inter Milan facing Bayern Munich, it was the two tough calls for the North London clubs that took the eye.
Arsenal, who paid the price for not winning their group and could only have had Barca, Real Madrid, Schalke or Bayern Munich, were destroyed by Lionel Messi last season, who scored four in the Nou Camp second leg after Nicklas Bendtner had briefly put the Gunners ahead in the tie.
Wenger conceded yesterday that Guardiola's side, now with David Villa up front, represented an even more formidable obstacle this time round and he said: "I know who we will get!
"It doesn't matter who I want. If I say we want Barcelona you won't believe me. I don't even think about it. I hope we get who I feel we will get.
"I watched them beat Real Madrid 5-0 and on the night Barcelona were outstanding and played at a high pace. It was some of the best football I've ever seen.
"They played outstandingly well for 90 minutes. What was surprising was that they had no weak moment in that game. Their determination and focus for 90 minutes was spot-on. The quality was unbelievable.
"When you see a performance like that you are encourage to get to that level. It is good that teams show how well you can play football. It was the best performance of the season in European football."
Just like Arsenal, Spurs' "reward" for beating holders Inter Milan to top spot in Group A was the toughest they could have had.
Milan are top of Serie A and Redknapp's side were four down at half-time when they visited the San Siro in September, before Gareth Bale's hat-trick changed the mood if not the result.
Tottenham have only met Milan once before in Europe, when Steev Perryman scored both goals at White Hart Lane in the 1972 UEFA Cup run as Spurs beat the Italians 3-2 on aggregate en route to beating Wolves in the Final.
Chelsea, last out of the hat, got the draw every group winner wanted, with the Danish champions the outsiders in the field after seeing off Panathinaikos and Rubin Kazan to finished behind Barcelona.
And United will be happy with their draw too, even if Didier Deschamps' team are particularly dangerous on home soil and have attacking threats in the shape of Mathieu Valbuena, Loic Remy, Brandao and Andre-Pierre Gignac.
The first legs will be played on February 15/16/22/23 with the second legs on March 8/9/15/16.
Full draw:
AC Milan v Tottenham Hotspur
Roma v Shakhtar Donetsk
Valencia v Schalke
Inter Milan v Bayern Munich
Lyon v Real Madrid
Arsenal v Barcelona
Marseille v Manchester United
Copenhagen v Chelsea
More to follow.
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #951
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #952
United not 'singing and dancing' yet, says Rio
Published 15:46 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Rio Ferdinand insists there has been "no singing and dancing" at Manchester United, even though they are top of the Premier League.
Having clambered above Arsenal and Manchester City courtesy of Monday's win over the Gunners, while retaining a precious game in hand, United are now obvious favourites to claim a record 19th league championship.
Victory at Chelsea on Sunday really would generate a feeling that Sir Alex Ferguson's men had one hand on the trophy.
But there is no sense of euphoria among Ferdinand and his team-mates, merely a steely determination to reclaim a piece of silverware they believe belongs to them.
"We are not singing and dancing about being top," he said. "We will sing and dance in May if we are still top. I would rather be there then. We just want to win that league."
At this point 12 months ago, Ferguson was also preparing a side to visit west London.
On that occasion Fulham was the destination and United were forced to name a team with Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick at centre-half due to an injury crisis.
It is hardly a surprise defensive performances have improved markedly this term.
Ferdinand and long-time partner Nemanja Vidic completed their 10th Premier League game together against Arsenal and it would be a major shock if Ferguson split them up for the Chelsea trip.
"I don't know if it is just down to me and him being together," Ferdinand said of United's improvement. "The whole thing is not as fragmented this season.
"No matter what team you are, you are going to suffer when you don't have centre-backs playing in that position.
"But I am comfortable with Vida. We have played together for a few years. We know each other's games inside out and that feeds through to the other players."
United have not won at Stamford Bridge since 2002 and should be relishing the contest given Chelsea's recent dismal form.
But former West Ham skipper Ferdinand has been around too long to believe form will be a factor this weekend.
"Top-of-the-table clashes are about what happens on the day," he said. "The type of form you are in doesn't matter.
"There are enough players on the pitch to win the game. Whoever plays best on the day or gets that little bit of luck will come out winners.
"These kind of games are like auto-pilot. You don't have to think too much because you know each other's games so much.
"We have played against them loads in the last few years. They are a good side. We will never doubt that."
Nevertheless, six points in front with a game in hand - assuming United win - would be a pretty healthy position if this league season was not so uncertain.
"It would be a blow to them if we got six points in front," Ferdinand said. "But they were six or seven clear of us a month ago.
"It can all change so quickly if you have a bad run. It would be a good boost for us if we could win but it won't define our season."
Published 15:46 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Rio Ferdinand insists there has been "no singing and dancing" at Manchester United, even though they are top of the Premier League.
Having clambered above Arsenal and Manchester City courtesy of Monday's win over the Gunners, while retaining a precious game in hand, United are now obvious favourites to claim a record 19th league championship.
Victory at Chelsea on Sunday really would generate a feeling that Sir Alex Ferguson's men had one hand on the trophy.
But there is no sense of euphoria among Ferdinand and his team-mates, merely a steely determination to reclaim a piece of silverware they believe belongs to them.
"We are not singing and dancing about being top," he said. "We will sing and dance in May if we are still top. I would rather be there then. We just want to win that league."
At this point 12 months ago, Ferguson was also preparing a side to visit west London.
On that occasion Fulham was the destination and United were forced to name a team with Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick at centre-half due to an injury crisis.
It is hardly a surprise defensive performances have improved markedly this term.
Ferdinand and long-time partner Nemanja Vidic completed their 10th Premier League game together against Arsenal and it would be a major shock if Ferguson split them up for the Chelsea trip.
"I don't know if it is just down to me and him being together," Ferdinand said of United's improvement. "The whole thing is not as fragmented this season.
"No matter what team you are, you are going to suffer when you don't have centre-backs playing in that position.
"But I am comfortable with Vida. We have played together for a few years. We know each other's games inside out and that feeds through to the other players."
United have not won at Stamford Bridge since 2002 and should be relishing the contest given Chelsea's recent dismal form.
But former West Ham skipper Ferdinand has been around too long to believe form will be a factor this weekend.
"Top-of-the-table clashes are about what happens on the day," he said. "The type of form you are in doesn't matter.
"There are enough players on the pitch to win the game. Whoever plays best on the day or gets that little bit of luck will come out winners.
"These kind of games are like auto-pilot. You don't have to think too much because you know each other's games so much.
"We have played against them loads in the last few years. They are a good side. We will never doubt that."
Nevertheless, six points in front with a game in hand - assuming United win - would be a pretty healthy position if this league season was not so uncertain.
"It would be a blow to them if we got six points in front," Ferdinand said. "But they were six or seven clear of us a month ago.
"It can all change so quickly if you have a bad run. It would be a good boost for us if we could win but it won't define our season."
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #953
Ferdinand wary of passionate Marseille fans
Published 15:25 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Rio Ferdinand has the chance to revisit an old haunt following today's Champions League knockout stage draw.
Ferdinand was not at Manchester United when the Red Devils last faced Marseille in 2000, but two years earlier he was at the Stade Velodrome as a non-playing member of the England side which beat Tunisia in a World Cup group stage encounter.
With its 60,000 capacity and partisan southern French crowd, Ferdinand knows United are in for a hot night when they head out for the first leg on February 23.
"It will be a hard place to go," Ferdinand said. "You are talking about passionate fans in a big stadium. I went there with England in the 1998 World Cup, so I know it will be tough."
Although United have tended to get the better of recent encounters with French teams, a defeat to Lille in Paris was a major factor in their ultimate demise in the group stage of the 2005-06 competition, so 32-year-old Ferdinand is taking nothing for granted against a side which includes United old boy Gabriel Heinze.
"We have come across French teams a fair bit," he added. "They have always been tough games and never with loads of goals. I don't expect this will be much different.
"But this is the knockout stage and where you earn your pennies. It is not a league situation. There is no chance to make up ground. We have to be right on the day."
Published 15:25 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Rio Ferdinand has the chance to revisit an old haunt following today's Champions League knockout stage draw.
Ferdinand was not at Manchester United when the Red Devils last faced Marseille in 2000, but two years earlier he was at the Stade Velodrome as a non-playing member of the England side which beat Tunisia in a World Cup group stage encounter.
With its 60,000 capacity and partisan southern French crowd, Ferdinand knows United are in for a hot night when they head out for the first leg on February 23.
"It will be a hard place to go," Ferdinand said. "You are talking about passionate fans in a big stadium. I went there with England in the 1998 World Cup, so I know it will be tough."
Although United have tended to get the better of recent encounters with French teams, a defeat to Lille in Paris was a major factor in their ultimate demise in the group stage of the 2005-06 competition, so 32-year-old Ferdinand is taking nothing for granted against a side which includes United old boy Gabriel Heinze.
"We have come across French teams a fair bit," he added. "They have always been tough games and never with loads of goals. I don't expect this will be much different.
"But this is the knockout stage and where you earn your pennies. It is not a league situation. There is no chance to make up ground. We have to be right on the day."
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #954
United game will not decide the title, says Ancelotti
Published 15:31 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Carlo Ancelotti today insisted Chelsea's Barclays Premier League title challenge would not be killed off by a defeat to Manchester United this weekend.
Sunday's crunch clash at Stamford Bridge has been billed in some quarters as decisive for the Blues' hopes of retaining their title, with their recent miserable run seeing them drop three points behind United having played a game more.
Under-pressure manager Ancelotti is well aware a loss could eventually see that gap soar to nine points, but was adamant such a deficit could be recovered in the most unpredictable title race for years.
"A lot of teams are involved at the top of the table, maybe five teams," said Ancelotti, who yesterday reaffirmed his commitment to see out his contract despite reports suggesting he had become disillusioned at the club.
"For this reason, there are a lot of important games in the season and it's too early now to say that it could be a decisive game."
However, the Italian did acknowledge the match could be crucial for his side's state of mind following a five-game winless streak in the league, their worst for more than a decade.
"It's an important game also for your confidence," said Ancelotti, whose side did the double over United last season on their way to winning the title by a single point.
"We beat Man United last year. It was good for the mentality, for the character, for the personality of the team."
Chelsea's hopes will be boosted by the return of star midfielder Frank Lampard, who Ancelotti confirmed would start on Sunday.
England international Lampard came through the final 12 minutes of last weekend's 1-1 draw at Tottenham and a practice match yesterday following three and a half months on the sidelines.
"This team needs Lampard's ability to score from midfield, it needs his experience," Ancelotti said.
"It's very good news for us and he can help in the next game because he is fresh and he has a strong desire to come back to play."
Despite his lack of match action, Ancelotti is confident Lampard is no more at risk of suffering another injury than any other player on Sunday.
"Obviously, we are not sure 100% because when a player goes onto the pitch, maybe he can have an injury," he said. "But I think that we did everything to maintain Frank's health as much as possible."
Sunday's 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane was an improvement on Chelsea's recent performances and Ancelotti revealed confidence levels had returned to normal as a result.
But he admitted United - who have made a club record 16-game unbeaten start to a league season - would be even more buoyant.
"They arrive at this game better than us, with more confidence," he said. "But I think that to play against Man United can be fantastic motivation for us.
"We have to use this game to move on from a difficult moment. I think that difficult moment is finished.
"There was a different atmosphere in the training ground this week and I hope, in the game, we are able to do the best."
Today also saw Chelsea handed the easiest possible Champions League draw when they were paired with FC Copenhagen in the last 16.
Ray Wilkins, whose shock sacking as assistant manager coincided with the Blues' current run, revealed the club are hell bent on finally winning European football's premier club competition this season.
Ancelotti, who had Wilkins as his right-hand man during last term's historic double success said: "When you win the Premier League and when you win the FA Cup, the next step is to try to win a European competition.
"I think last year we didn't do well in that competition. This year, we want to do better."
Published 15:31 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Carlo Ancelotti today insisted Chelsea's Barclays Premier League title challenge would not be killed off by a defeat to Manchester United this weekend.
Sunday's crunch clash at Stamford Bridge has been billed in some quarters as decisive for the Blues' hopes of retaining their title, with their recent miserable run seeing them drop three points behind United having played a game more.
Under-pressure manager Ancelotti is well aware a loss could eventually see that gap soar to nine points, but was adamant such a deficit could be recovered in the most unpredictable title race for years.
"A lot of teams are involved at the top of the table, maybe five teams," said Ancelotti, who yesterday reaffirmed his commitment to see out his contract despite reports suggesting he had become disillusioned at the club.
"For this reason, there are a lot of important games in the season and it's too early now to say that it could be a decisive game."
However, the Italian did acknowledge the match could be crucial for his side's state of mind following a five-game winless streak in the league, their worst for more than a decade.
"It's an important game also for your confidence," said Ancelotti, whose side did the double over United last season on their way to winning the title by a single point.
"We beat Man United last year. It was good for the mentality, for the character, for the personality of the team."
Chelsea's hopes will be boosted by the return of star midfielder Frank Lampard, who Ancelotti confirmed would start on Sunday.
England international Lampard came through the final 12 minutes of last weekend's 1-1 draw at Tottenham and a practice match yesterday following three and a half months on the sidelines.
"This team needs Lampard's ability to score from midfield, it needs his experience," Ancelotti said.
"It's very good news for us and he can help in the next game because he is fresh and he has a strong desire to come back to play."
Despite his lack of match action, Ancelotti is confident Lampard is no more at risk of suffering another injury than any other player on Sunday.
"Obviously, we are not sure 100% because when a player goes onto the pitch, maybe he can have an injury," he said. "But I think that we did everything to maintain Frank's health as much as possible."
Sunday's 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane was an improvement on Chelsea's recent performances and Ancelotti revealed confidence levels had returned to normal as a result.
But he admitted United - who have made a club record 16-game unbeaten start to a league season - would be even more buoyant.
"They arrive at this game better than us, with more confidence," he said. "But I think that to play against Man United can be fantastic motivation for us.
"We have to use this game to move on from a difficult moment. I think that difficult moment is finished.
"There was a different atmosphere in the training ground this week and I hope, in the game, we are able to do the best."
Today also saw Chelsea handed the easiest possible Champions League draw when they were paired with FC Copenhagen in the last 16.
Ray Wilkins, whose shock sacking as assistant manager coincided with the Blues' current run, revealed the club are hell bent on finally winning European football's premier club competition this season.
Ancelotti, who had Wilkins as his right-hand man during last term's historic double success said: "When you win the Premier League and when you win the FA Cup, the next step is to try to win a European competition.
"I think last year we didn't do well in that competition. This year, we want to do better."
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #955
Lampard will start against United, confirms Ancelotti
Published 14:42 17/12/10 By Martin Lipton
Carlo Ancelotti today confirmed Frank Lampard will star against Manchester United on Sunday - as he admitted Chelsea got the Champions League draw they wanted.
Ancelotti's men, beaten by Inter Milan at the last 16 stage last term, came out of the hat in Nyon with Danish outsiders FC Copenhagen, managed by former Wimbledon midfielder Stale Sorbakken.
And the Blues boss, gearing up for Sunday's vital showdown with the league leaders, did not try to pretend he was unhappy.
Ancelotti, whose side have not won in their last five league matches, said: "I think it was a good draw, although Copenhagen had a good performance in the group and were able to draw against Barcelona at home.
"Copenhagen are a good team. They don't have lot of experience in the Champions League but obviously we have to pay attention.
"I think when you win the Premier League and the FA Cup the next step is to try to win the Champions League. Last year we didn't do well in that competition. This year we want to do better, after that disappointment."
Chelsea do not travel to Denmark until the end of February, by which time their chances of retaining the domestic crown may be settled and Ancelotti believes Lampard's return to his starting side after nearly four months out will make a massive difference.
"Frank played 60 minutes in a practice game on Thursday without a problem and finally he will play Sunday. He will start.
"It's very good news because it's Lampard. This team missed Lampard and his ability to score from midfield and experience. He can help us because he is fresh and has strong desire to come back to play.
"We waited a lot of time with him. We didn't take a risk and he didn't either. Obviously we're not sure 100 per cent when a player goes onto the pitch he can have an injury but we did everything to maintain Frank safe as much as possible."
As for Sunday's clash, with Didier Drogba also expected to be back in the starting side and Chelsea knowing they will leapfrog United again with a win, Ancelotti added: "United and Arsenal are the most important games.
"Last year United were our most difficult opponents. They were in the fight for the title to the last game and it will be the same this year.
"Of course, last year was good, we were able to win both games. Now they have an advantage in the table and want to use this game to improve our results.
"It is a different story this time. They will come into this game better than us, with more confidence.
"But to play against United can be fantastic motivation for us, to use this game to move on from the difficult moment. I think the difficult moment is finished, there was a different atmosphere on the training ground this week and I hope that in the game we are able to do the best."
Published 14:42 17/12/10 By Martin Lipton
Carlo Ancelotti today confirmed Frank Lampard will star against Manchester United on Sunday - as he admitted Chelsea got the Champions League draw they wanted.
Ancelotti's men, beaten by Inter Milan at the last 16 stage last term, came out of the hat in Nyon with Danish outsiders FC Copenhagen, managed by former Wimbledon midfielder Stale Sorbakken.
And the Blues boss, gearing up for Sunday's vital showdown with the league leaders, did not try to pretend he was unhappy.
Ancelotti, whose side have not won in their last five league matches, said: "I think it was a good draw, although Copenhagen had a good performance in the group and were able to draw against Barcelona at home.
"Copenhagen are a good team. They don't have lot of experience in the Champions League but obviously we have to pay attention.
"I think when you win the Premier League and the FA Cup the next step is to try to win the Champions League. Last year we didn't do well in that competition. This year we want to do better, after that disappointment."
Chelsea do not travel to Denmark until the end of February, by which time their chances of retaining the domestic crown may be settled and Ancelotti believes Lampard's return to his starting side after nearly four months out will make a massive difference.
"Frank played 60 minutes in a practice game on Thursday without a problem and finally he will play Sunday. He will start.
"It's very good news because it's Lampard. This team missed Lampard and his ability to score from midfield and experience. He can help us because he is fresh and has strong desire to come back to play.
"We waited a lot of time with him. We didn't take a risk and he didn't either. Obviously we're not sure 100 per cent when a player goes onto the pitch he can have an injury but we did everything to maintain Frank safe as much as possible."
As for Sunday's clash, with Didier Drogba also expected to be back in the starting side and Chelsea knowing they will leapfrog United again with a win, Ancelotti added: "United and Arsenal are the most important games.
"Last year United were our most difficult opponents. They were in the fight for the title to the last game and it will be the same this year.
"Of course, last year was good, we were able to win both games. Now they have an advantage in the table and want to use this game to improve our results.
"It is a different story this time. They will come into this game better than us, with more confidence.
"But to play against United can be fantastic motivation for us, to use this game to move on from the difficult moment. I think the difficult moment is finished, there was a different atmosphere on the training ground this week and I hope that in the game we are able to do the best."
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #956
Holloway dismisses Blackburn rumours as 'rubbish'
Published 15:54 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has rubbished speculation that he is a potential successor to Sam Allardyce at Blackburn.
Rovers are looking for a new manager after the shock sacking of Allardyce by the club's owners, Indian poultry firm Venky's, on Monday.
Holloway's name has been mentioned in some reports in connection with the vacancy, but as far as the 47-year-old is concerned, he is going nowhere.
"I know I've got a few chickens but it is ridiculous to link me with that. It is absolute rubbish," Holloway told the Blackpool Gazette.
"I signed a contract at Blackpool in the summer, which lasts this season and next season, and I am more than happy. I don't need to talk to anybody.
"I haven't got an agent and I don't really want one any more. I am just happy talking to my chairman about the job I'm doing here. I am privileged to have this job and I am trying to do the best I can."
Asked at a press conference today about Allardyce's dismissal, Holloway expressed his bafflement at the decision.
"It seems an absolute load of nonsense, but they own the club, they can do what they like and they have obviously done it," Holloway said.
"For me, they obviously don't know what football is about because a good manager like that with a great track record, and where they are in the league, it is not easy. Not everyone can do it and I hope it doesn't backfire on them.
"Sam has a proven track record of how he does things. Good luck to them, that's all I'd like to say. None of it makes sense, but maybe football doesn't."
Published 15:54 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has rubbished speculation that he is a potential successor to Sam Allardyce at Blackburn.
Rovers are looking for a new manager after the shock sacking of Allardyce by the club's owners, Indian poultry firm Venky's, on Monday.
Holloway's name has been mentioned in some reports in connection with the vacancy, but as far as the 47-year-old is concerned, he is going nowhere.
"I know I've got a few chickens but it is ridiculous to link me with that. It is absolute rubbish," Holloway told the Blackpool Gazette.
"I signed a contract at Blackpool in the summer, which lasts this season and next season, and I am more than happy. I don't need to talk to anybody.
"I haven't got an agent and I don't really want one any more. I am just happy talking to my chairman about the job I'm doing here. I am privileged to have this job and I am trying to do the best I can."
Asked at a press conference today about Allardyce's dismissal, Holloway expressed his bafflement at the decision.
"It seems an absolute load of nonsense, but they own the club, they can do what they like and they have obviously done it," Holloway said.
"For me, they obviously don't know what football is about because a good manager like that with a great track record, and where they are in the league, it is not easy. Not everyone can do it and I hope it doesn't backfire on them.
"Sam has a proven track record of how he does things. Good luck to them, that's all I'd like to say. None of it makes sense, but maybe football doesn't."
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #957
Grant treating every game like his last
Published 15:50 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Avram Grant denies he has been given an ultimatum by the West Ham board of three games to save his job - and maintains he goes into every match like it could be the last.
The Irons are facing a battle for top-flight survival, currently four points adrift of safety, after just one win from the previous 11 in the Barclays Premier League.
However, Grant has nevertheless guided his injury-hit side into the semi-finals of the Carling Cup, where they will face Birmingham.
Whether or not the former Chelsea and Portsmouth boss will still be around for those ties in early 2011 has been the subject of intense media speculation.
West Ham start a run of potentially season-defining fixtures against the sides around them in the table at Blackburn tomorrow, with the new owners at Ewood Park having axed Sam Allardyce - in turn linked to any potential vacancy which may crop up at the Boleyn Ground.
Reports suggested the board - who only appointed the Israeli during the summer - have demanded at least one victory from the hectic festive schedule, or will be ready to make a change in the dugout, which could cost the debt-laden East End club around £5million to dispense with Grant's services.
However, the West Ham manager - who has already had one 'Save our Season' match already - insists those rumours have no foundation.
"This is not true. Nobody from the board spoke with me about it," Grant declared.
"I speak with the owners all the time, but I didn't speak with them about this specifically."
Grant quipped: "I will make it more simple for you - I approach every game like it's the last game of my job in football.
"When you are in the football business, especially when you are a manager, you never know what is around the corner.
"The first priority is always the next 90 minutes and that's what we are focusing on, nothing else."
Grant insists he remains fully focused on dragging the Irons off the bottom.
"I have a job to do and I never felt differently," he said.
"I am thinking about how I can succeed with my team.
"If I thought I didn't believe in this team then maybe I need to think about other things, but I believe in this team."
The Hammers boss remains convinced his team can pick up the points they need to beat the drop.
"They showed good spirit last week against Manchester City and that is what I need to focus on," he said.
"I don't need to think about what is happening in one week or one month because I need to think about things that I can control and not things I cannot control.
"I think we have a good chance to stay in the league, and that we have a good chance of following our vision for the club, being a very good club next year.
"We know what we want from ourselves, but for the moment, we need to take points to do it.
"It's not a good situation, but it is something that is possible. It's hard, but we can do it."
Grant was less than impressed by the decision of Blackburn's new owners to remove Allardyce, who had helped stabilise the club.
"Personally I don't like it because we're not even in the middle of the season," he said.
"Even if the owners have a different vision, which we need to respect because they are new owners and sometimes they have different visions and can do what they want, I don't think this was the right time to do it."
Grant continued: "I never know when it is a good time to play against a team like Blackburn because they are a good side.
"They are playing well at home, but we have other ambitions.
"We want to do our business and not focus on other people's troubles."
Grant is keen to bring in some fresh faces during January, and has been linked with Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara, whom he had on loan at Portsmouth.
"We will analyse everything and are thinking about how we can make the squad stronger in certain areas," Grant said.
"We know what positions we can be stronger and better in and we are looking for players.
"We have some names, but for the moment nothing is done.
"We are not thinking about players leaving - but anything is possible.
Published 15:50 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Avram Grant denies he has been given an ultimatum by the West Ham board of three games to save his job - and maintains he goes into every match like it could be the last.
The Irons are facing a battle for top-flight survival, currently four points adrift of safety, after just one win from the previous 11 in the Barclays Premier League.
However, Grant has nevertheless guided his injury-hit side into the semi-finals of the Carling Cup, where they will face Birmingham.
Whether or not the former Chelsea and Portsmouth boss will still be around for those ties in early 2011 has been the subject of intense media speculation.
West Ham start a run of potentially season-defining fixtures against the sides around them in the table at Blackburn tomorrow, with the new owners at Ewood Park having axed Sam Allardyce - in turn linked to any potential vacancy which may crop up at the Boleyn Ground.
Reports suggested the board - who only appointed the Israeli during the summer - have demanded at least one victory from the hectic festive schedule, or will be ready to make a change in the dugout, which could cost the debt-laden East End club around £5million to dispense with Grant's services.
However, the West Ham manager - who has already had one 'Save our Season' match already - insists those rumours have no foundation.
"This is not true. Nobody from the board spoke with me about it," Grant declared.
"I speak with the owners all the time, but I didn't speak with them about this specifically."
Grant quipped: "I will make it more simple for you - I approach every game like it's the last game of my job in football.
"When you are in the football business, especially when you are a manager, you never know what is around the corner.
"The first priority is always the next 90 minutes and that's what we are focusing on, nothing else."
Grant insists he remains fully focused on dragging the Irons off the bottom.
"I have a job to do and I never felt differently," he said.
"I am thinking about how I can succeed with my team.
"If I thought I didn't believe in this team then maybe I need to think about other things, but I believe in this team."
The Hammers boss remains convinced his team can pick up the points they need to beat the drop.
"They showed good spirit last week against Manchester City and that is what I need to focus on," he said.
"I don't need to think about what is happening in one week or one month because I need to think about things that I can control and not things I cannot control.
"I think we have a good chance to stay in the league, and that we have a good chance of following our vision for the club, being a very good club next year.
"We know what we want from ourselves, but for the moment, we need to take points to do it.
"It's not a good situation, but it is something that is possible. It's hard, but we can do it."
Grant was less than impressed by the decision of Blackburn's new owners to remove Allardyce, who had helped stabilise the club.
"Personally I don't like it because we're not even in the middle of the season," he said.
"Even if the owners have a different vision, which we need to respect because they are new owners and sometimes they have different visions and can do what they want, I don't think this was the right time to do it."
Grant continued: "I never know when it is a good time to play against a team like Blackburn because they are a good side.
"They are playing well at home, but we have other ambitions.
"We want to do our business and not focus on other people's troubles."
Grant is keen to bring in some fresh faces during January, and has been linked with Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara, whom he had on loan at Portsmouth.
"We will analyse everything and are thinking about how we can make the squad stronger in certain areas," Grant said.
"We know what positions we can be stronger and better in and we are looking for players.
"We have some names, but for the moment nothing is done.
"We are not thinking about players leaving - but anything is possible.
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #958
Real seeking revenge against Lyon
Published 15:16 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Real Madrid will have revenge on their minds as they face Lyon.
Madrid were knocked out at the last 16 stage for the sixth successive time last year after losing 2-1 on aggregate to the French outfit.
Madrid sporting director Miguel Pardeza said on his club's website: "We still have last year's tie fresh in our minds and I hope this year we are the team to go through.
"The team is ready and we are now more familiar with Lyon."
Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas, whose side reached the semi-finals for the first time last season before falling to Bayern Munich, said: "It's hard to pick a favourite. Madrid are better than last year and it makes for an interesting match. It will be intense and hard for them."
Lyon are also set to come against their former striker Karim Benzema again.
Aulas added: "Benzema is a much-loved player in Lyon and I hope it's an important match for him."
Published 15:16 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Real Madrid will have revenge on their minds as they face Lyon.
Madrid were knocked out at the last 16 stage for the sixth successive time last year after losing 2-1 on aggregate to the French outfit.
Madrid sporting director Miguel Pardeza said on his club's website: "We still have last year's tie fresh in our minds and I hope this year we are the team to go through.
"The team is ready and we are now more familiar with Lyon."
Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas, whose side reached the semi-finals for the first time last season before falling to Bayern Munich, said: "It's hard to pick a favourite. Madrid are better than last year and it makes for an interesting match. It will be intense and hard for them."
Lyon are also set to come against their former striker Karim Benzema again.
Aulas added: "Benzema is a much-loved player in Lyon and I hope it's an important match for him."
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #959
Grant denies he has been told he has three games to save his job
Published 15:08 17/12/10 By Neil McLeman
Avram Grant has claimed he has not been told he has three games to save his job.
The Premier League's bottom club face four fixtures against teams in the bottom half of the table starting at Blackburn Rovers tomorrow.
The Israeli manager knows he must start to win or he will face the sack.
But Grant insisted: "Nobody from the club has spoken to me about this. It is a difficult question for me to answer. The board hasn't spoken to me. I will make it simpler for you. I approach every game as if it is my last game. When you are in football, you never know what is around the corner."
But Grant said he was already planning to spend in the transfer window next month.
"I think January can help us," he continued. "First of all with injured players returning because we have three or four midfielders out with injury."
Published 15:08 17/12/10 By Neil McLeman
Avram Grant has claimed he has not been told he has three games to save his job.
The Premier League's bottom club face four fixtures against teams in the bottom half of the table starting at Blackburn Rovers tomorrow.
The Israeli manager knows he must start to win or he will face the sack.
But Grant insisted: "Nobody from the club has spoken to me about this. It is a difficult question for me to answer. The board hasn't spoken to me. I will make it simpler for you. I approach every game as if it is my last game. When you are in football, you never know what is around the corner."
But Grant said he was already planning to spend in the transfer window next month.
"I think January can help us," he continued. "First of all with injured players returning because we have three or four midfielders out with injury."
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #960
Houllier: Players must adapt to my methods
Published 15:21 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Gerard Houllier insists there is no major rebellion at Aston Villa, but stressed players must "adapt or die" when a new manager takes charge.
Houllier has played down reports of dissent over the training methods he has implemented since replacing Martin O'Neill three months ago.
The ex-Liverpool boss is adamant there was "no incident" involving stand-in skipper Richard Dunne, who was axed for last Saturday's home clash with West Brom.
And Houllier stressed playing some of his out of favour senior players in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Leicester was not a punishment but to help them maintain match fitness.
He said: "I've read about dissent in the squad over training methods but it is not true. I know it is different to what it was before but it is not true and the players will adapt gradually.
"We do a lot of work with the ball, we play a lot of games, we do some tactics as well.
"Do people have to adapt to a new manager and methods? In a way, yes. You adapt or you die.
"We are changing a lot of things and that upsets the comfort of some players."
Houllier added: "I am not going to talk about the players who are dissenting and not happy. Any manager who runs a team knows the players who are playing are happy, and the players who are not playing are not happy.
"They think the methods are not good and they think the manager is not the right person but we have to live with that.
"We know that we are changing things, we know that sometimes people are whingeing and moaning but they have a fantastic job.
"They are paid high wages to play and enjoy football. This is a fantastic job and sometimes you forget that."
Houllier confirmed that Dunne's replacement, Carlos Cuellar, will again start in tomorrow's clash at Wigan.
He said: "There was no an incident with Richard Dunne. Not at all. I took a football decision not to play him and Cuellar came in and did extremely well and he will be playing against Wigan."
Asked about Dunne's reaction to being axed, Houllier said: "It is not a punishment when you play a behind-closed-doors game to help players keep their fitness.
"It is a punishment when you don't play at all, when you are left out, but I had a lot of players who either had not played for a long time or needed a game to restart like Nigel Reo-Coker.
"We wanted to have that game. We would probably have done it a week or two earlier but because of the snow we couldn't do it so it was an ideal opportunity to have it with Leicester.
"Robert Pires, John Carew, Nathan Delfouneso, Stephen Ireland; all those not involved for a long time played that game. Some we gave 70-80 minutes, others played the full game.
"It was just an ideal means of training and keeping the match fitness because the problem is the reserves don't have many games and, because of the weather, a lot of games have been called off."
Houllier does not expect to make many signings during the January transfer window and has faith in the crop of young talent emerging at Villa.
He said: "Hopefully there will be at least one signing or two. Is that enough? We are surviving this year and also we have got some young players coming up."
Published 15:21 17/12/10 By MirrorFootball
Gerard Houllier insists there is no major rebellion at Aston Villa, but stressed players must "adapt or die" when a new manager takes charge.
Houllier has played down reports of dissent over the training methods he has implemented since replacing Martin O'Neill three months ago.
The ex-Liverpool boss is adamant there was "no incident" involving stand-in skipper Richard Dunne, who was axed for last Saturday's home clash with West Brom.
And Houllier stressed playing some of his out of favour senior players in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Leicester was not a punishment but to help them maintain match fitness.
He said: "I've read about dissent in the squad over training methods but it is not true. I know it is different to what it was before but it is not true and the players will adapt gradually.
"We do a lot of work with the ball, we play a lot of games, we do some tactics as well.
"Do people have to adapt to a new manager and methods? In a way, yes. You adapt or you die.
"We are changing a lot of things and that upsets the comfort of some players."
Houllier added: "I am not going to talk about the players who are dissenting and not happy. Any manager who runs a team knows the players who are playing are happy, and the players who are not playing are not happy.
"They think the methods are not good and they think the manager is not the right person but we have to live with that.
"We know that we are changing things, we know that sometimes people are whingeing and moaning but they have a fantastic job.
"They are paid high wages to play and enjoy football. This is a fantastic job and sometimes you forget that."
Houllier confirmed that Dunne's replacement, Carlos Cuellar, will again start in tomorrow's clash at Wigan.
He said: "There was no an incident with Richard Dunne. Not at all. I took a football decision not to play him and Cuellar came in and did extremely well and he will be playing against Wigan."
Asked about Dunne's reaction to being axed, Houllier said: "It is not a punishment when you play a behind-closed-doors game to help players keep their fitness.
"It is a punishment when you don't play at all, when you are left out, but I had a lot of players who either had not played for a long time or needed a game to restart like Nigel Reo-Coker.
"We wanted to have that game. We would probably have done it a week or two earlier but because of the snow we couldn't do it so it was an ideal opportunity to have it with Leicester.
"Robert Pires, John Carew, Nathan Delfouneso, Stephen Ireland; all those not involved for a long time played that game. Some we gave 70-80 minutes, others played the full game.
"It was just an ideal means of training and keeping the match fitness because the problem is the reserves don't have many games and, because of the weather, a lot of games have been called off."
Houllier does not expect to make many signings during the January transfer window and has faith in the crop of young talent emerging at Villa.
He said: "Hopefully there will be at least one signing or two. Is that enough? We are surviving this year and also we have got some young players coming up."
- Status