Rutashubanyuma
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Michezo magazetini leo...
Michezo magazetini leo...
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Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #5,062
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
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- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #5,063
Wenger: Stojkovic can succeed me
9 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 6:47 AM ET
Arsene Wenger sees Nagoya Grampus Eight coach Dragan Stojkovic as the ideal candidate to eventually succeed him at Arsenal.
Talking to the Serbian media, Wenger has confirmed that he is very close to Stojkovic - who is currently in charge of Nagoya Grampus Eight, the team the Arsenal boss was with prior to moving to England.
Wenger, 61, actually signed Stojkovic as a player for Nagoya, and the Serb returned to take charge of the club in January 2008.
Wenger has kept in close contact with the 45-year-old, who he admits has an almost identical footballing philosophy to his own.
"I'd love Piksi [Stojkovic's nickname] to be my successor," he told Vecernje Novosti.
"There are a hundred reasons for that. His football philosophy is almost identical to mine. Our ideas are the same and we both strive for perfect football.
"I knew he was going to have his teams playing attacking football with many passes. He has done that, showing he will be a great coach.
"I told him that if he could transmit his football imagination to his players he would fly high."
Wenger revealed that Stojkovic, who has just won the league in Japan, is a regular visitor to England.
"Dragan comes to London at least once a year," Wenger confirmed.
"We meet up, chat and try to outsmart each other.
"It's a great achievement for him to have won a championship. I was a coach in Japan for two years and didn't manage it even though I had Piksi, who was the best player in the league, in my team."
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Gunnerkidd
2/6/2011 7:06:54 PMrwo....did u check ur inbox....u saw what pool did chelsea today....thats what i was telling u about Report Abuse
marcbarca
2/6/2011 5:21:40 PMLOL Greek, that is very true. I read a book on how Wenger got the Arsenal job when no one really knew who he was outside of Strasbourg or Nagoya. I guess that was the single greatest job interview ever. Report Abuse
mathyewc
2/6/2011 5:05:58 PMbluesfan,
Ha. nothing easier than spending someone else's money. i love hearing from "fans" who describe wanton spending as a "system" Report Abuse
ArsenalGreek13
2/6/2011 3:53:20 PMBF7, serious????...Wenger is one of the greatest managers ever in England....he has really changed the game in many ways....
This guy would be a great replacement like 4 years from now....Like Marc said, he was a good player and Wenger says they share the same philosophies....When Dein convinced Arsenal to hire Wenger many people said 'who'? Report Abuse
marcbarca
2/6/2011 1:38:42 PMDragan Stojkovic was one the most creative players around when he played. That dude was unreal. Report Abuse
RedWhiteAndOrange
2/6/2011 11:03:02 AMYou gotta big head bf. Report Abuse
BluesFan7
2/6/2011 10:58:43 AMCan he replace you like,.... next season? Some gunner fans would love that... but not me.. I want you to keep brining in that youth & not buying year after year!! Report Abuse
RedWhiteAndOrange
2/6/2011 7:21:14 AMSay Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??? Report Abuse
piken79
2/6/2011 7:16:29 AMwow Wenger, I am sure the board will consider him but if he get 1 poor season he will surely get the sack. I might start following his record.
9 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 6:47 AM ET
Arsene Wenger sees Nagoya Grampus Eight coach Dragan Stojkovic as the ideal candidate to eventually succeed him at Arsenal.
Talking to the Serbian media, Wenger has confirmed that he is very close to Stojkovic - who is currently in charge of Nagoya Grampus Eight, the team the Arsenal boss was with prior to moving to England.
Wenger, 61, actually signed Stojkovic as a player for Nagoya, and the Serb returned to take charge of the club in January 2008.
Wenger has kept in close contact with the 45-year-old, who he admits has an almost identical footballing philosophy to his own.
"I'd love Piksi [Stojkovic's nickname] to be my successor," he told Vecernje Novosti.
"There are a hundred reasons for that. His football philosophy is almost identical to mine. Our ideas are the same and we both strive for perfect football.
"I knew he was going to have his teams playing attacking football with many passes. He has done that, showing he will be a great coach.
"I told him that if he could transmit his football imagination to his players he would fly high."
Wenger revealed that Stojkovic, who has just won the league in Japan, is a regular visitor to England.
"Dragan comes to London at least once a year," Wenger confirmed.
"We meet up, chat and try to outsmart each other.
"It's a great achievement for him to have won a championship. I was a coach in Japan for two years and didn't manage it even though I had Piksi, who was the best player in the league, in my team."
PRINT RSS
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 COMMENTPage1 of 1 PREV NEXT
Report Abuse
Gunnerkidd
2/6/2011 7:06:54 PMrwo....did u check ur inbox....u saw what pool did chelsea today....thats what i was telling u about Report Abuse
marcbarca
2/6/2011 5:21:40 PMLOL Greek, that is very true. I read a book on how Wenger got the Arsenal job when no one really knew who he was outside of Strasbourg or Nagoya. I guess that was the single greatest job interview ever. Report Abuse
mathyewc
2/6/2011 5:05:58 PMbluesfan,
Ha. nothing easier than spending someone else's money. i love hearing from "fans" who describe wanton spending as a "system" Report Abuse
ArsenalGreek13
2/6/2011 3:53:20 PMBF7, serious????...Wenger is one of the greatest managers ever in England....he has really changed the game in many ways....
This guy would be a great replacement like 4 years from now....Like Marc said, he was a good player and Wenger says they share the same philosophies....When Dein convinced Arsenal to hire Wenger many people said 'who'? Report Abuse
marcbarca
2/6/2011 1:38:42 PMDragan Stojkovic was one the most creative players around when he played. That dude was unreal. Report Abuse
RedWhiteAndOrange
2/6/2011 11:03:02 AMYou gotta big head bf. Report Abuse
BluesFan7
2/6/2011 10:58:43 AMCan he replace you like,.... next season? Some gunner fans would love that... but not me.. I want you to keep brining in that youth & not buying year after year!! Report Abuse
RedWhiteAndOrange
2/6/2011 7:21:14 AMSay Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??? Report Abuse
piken79
2/6/2011 7:16:29 AMwow Wenger, I am sure the board will consider him but if he get 1 poor season he will surely get the sack. I might start following his record.
Rutashubanyuma
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- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
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- #5,064
Carragher backing for Torres
29 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 5:38 PM ET
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has backed Fernando Torres to be a success for Chelsea after spoiling the Spain striker's Blues debut.
Carragher has helped the Merseysiders triumph 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE
Sat., Feb. 5
Stoke City 3-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 2-2 Fulham | Recap
Everton 5-3 Blackpool | Recap
Man City 3-0 West Brom | Recap
Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal | Recap
Tottenham 2-1 Bolton | Recap
Wigan 4-3 Blackburn | Recap
Wolves 2-1 Man United | Recap
Sun., Feb. 6
West Ham 0-1 Birmingham | Recap
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool | Recap
BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures
Raul Meireles hooked home from close range after 68 minutes to secure three points for Kenny Dalglish's visitors - moments after Torres had been replaced by Salomon Kalou.
Carragher told Sky Sports 1: "Good players come and go.
"We've played against plenty of players (who have left)... we used to play against Robbie Fowler when he went to Leeds... it's not easy. You know the quality.
"Fernando is one of the best strikers in the world and I'm sure he'll prove that for Chelsea but he's not with us now. We've got to focus on our own team, do our own jobs and that's what we did."
The win saw the Reds move up to sixth in the Premier League standings as the club continue their recovery under caretaker boss Dalglish following the departure of Roy Hodgson.
Carragher admitted the players did not perform well enough under Hodgson, but is now keen to look to the future and would love to see Dalglish installed as permanent boss.
"I have great respect for Roy so I'd never say 'things have changed for the better' and that type of stuff," he said.
"As a club and as players we didn't do enough to help the manager out - the performances weren't good enough and obviously the managers take the brunt of it.
"Things have improved now ad Kenny coming has got everyone onside.
"That's not our decision. That's up to the club owners. For everyone, especially me and Stevie (Gerrard), he's a hero to us. The results are obviously going very well. If you're asking me, obviously I'd love him to be the manager."
Dalglish refused to drawn on whether he should be offered the manager's job full-time.
"My concern is the Wigan match next week,'' he said.
"The owners have been fantastic in their support during the transfer window.
"You've got to give credit to them. I think by their actions they are makin decisions that are in the best interests of this football club.''
Dalglish admitted Liverpool were "on a good roll at the moment''.
"That's four clean sheets on the bounce which is really important for us. And four victories. We have to take each game as it comes.''
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted his team were below par.
He said: "We did not play well. Our performance was not good enough to win this game.
"Liverpool defended very well and we were not able to find the space."
29 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 5:38 PM ET
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has backed Fernando Torres to be a success for Chelsea after spoiling the Spain striker's Blues debut.
Carragher has helped the Merseysiders triumph 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE
Sat., Feb. 5
Stoke City 3-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 2-2 Fulham | Recap
Everton 5-3 Blackpool | Recap
Man City 3-0 West Brom | Recap
Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal | Recap
Tottenham 2-1 Bolton | Recap
Wigan 4-3 Blackburn | Recap
Wolves 2-1 Man United | Recap
Sun., Feb. 6
West Ham 0-1 Birmingham | Recap
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool | Recap
BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures
Raul Meireles hooked home from close range after 68 minutes to secure three points for Kenny Dalglish's visitors - moments after Torres had been replaced by Salomon Kalou.
Carragher told Sky Sports 1: "Good players come and go.
"We've played against plenty of players (who have left)... we used to play against Robbie Fowler when he went to Leeds... it's not easy. You know the quality.
"Fernando is one of the best strikers in the world and I'm sure he'll prove that for Chelsea but he's not with us now. We've got to focus on our own team, do our own jobs and that's what we did."
The win saw the Reds move up to sixth in the Premier League standings as the club continue their recovery under caretaker boss Dalglish following the departure of Roy Hodgson.
Carragher admitted the players did not perform well enough under Hodgson, but is now keen to look to the future and would love to see Dalglish installed as permanent boss.
"I have great respect for Roy so I'd never say 'things have changed for the better' and that type of stuff," he said.
"As a club and as players we didn't do enough to help the manager out - the performances weren't good enough and obviously the managers take the brunt of it.
"Things have improved now ad Kenny coming has got everyone onside.
"That's not our decision. That's up to the club owners. For everyone, especially me and Stevie (Gerrard), he's a hero to us. The results are obviously going very well. If you're asking me, obviously I'd love him to be the manager."
Dalglish refused to drawn on whether he should be offered the manager's job full-time.
"My concern is the Wigan match next week,'' he said.
"The owners have been fantastic in their support during the transfer window.
"You've got to give credit to them. I think by their actions they are makin decisions that are in the best interests of this football club.''
Dalglish admitted Liverpool were "on a good roll at the moment''.
"That's four clean sheets on the bounce which is really important for us. And four victories. We have to take each game as it comes.''
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted his team were below par.
He said: "We did not play well. Our performance was not good enough to win this game.
"Liverpool defended very well and we were not able to find the space."
Rutashubanyuma
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- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
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- Thread starter
- #5,065
West Brom fires manager Di Matteo
1 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 4:32 PM ET
West Bromwich Albion fired manager Roberto Di Matteo on Sunday as the team battles against relegation from the Premier League.
A 3-0 loss to Manchester City on Saturday was West Brom's 13th loss in 18 games in all competitions, leaving the team only two points above the drop zone.
The 40-year-old Di Matteo had been in charge for less than 20 months before West Brom announced Sunday that he was being "relieved ... of his duties and placed ... on gardening leave."
"This has been a tough decision but we, as a board, believe it is the right one to give the club the best possible chance of remaining in the Premier League," West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace said in a statement. "Our poor sequence of results stretches back more than three months and there has been little sign of it coming to an end.
"If this run continues much longer, achieving our goal of retaining our Premier League status will become increasingly difficult. That is why we felt compelled to act now."
Di Matteo, a former Italy midfielder who was hired by West Brom in June 2009, secured the team's instant return to the Premier League last May.
After losing two of its first nine league games, West Brom was a contender for Europa League qualification. But the team has won only three times since then and taken one point from its past three games.
"This club's track record proves we do not take such decisions lightly, with Roberto being only our fourth manager or head coach in almost 11 years," Pearce said. "We are in a results-driven industry and felt we had no choice but to act now."
Assistant coach Michael Appleton will take over on an interim basis.
Di Matteo retired from playing due to injury in 2002 after struggling to recover from a triple leg fracture two years earlier.
The former Chelsea player impressed in his first managerial job at MK Dons, guiding the team to the 2009 League One playoffs in his only season in charge before moving to West Brom.
1 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 4:32 PM ET
West Bromwich Albion fired manager Roberto Di Matteo on Sunday as the team battles against relegation from the Premier League.
A 3-0 loss to Manchester City on Saturday was West Brom's 13th loss in 18 games in all competitions, leaving the team only two points above the drop zone.
The 40-year-old Di Matteo had been in charge for less than 20 months before West Brom announced Sunday that he was being "relieved ... of his duties and placed ... on gardening leave."
"This has been a tough decision but we, as a board, believe it is the right one to give the club the best possible chance of remaining in the Premier League," West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace said in a statement. "Our poor sequence of results stretches back more than three months and there has been little sign of it coming to an end.
"If this run continues much longer, achieving our goal of retaining our Premier League status will become increasingly difficult. That is why we felt compelled to act now."
Di Matteo, a former Italy midfielder who was hired by West Brom in June 2009, secured the team's instant return to the Premier League last May.
After losing two of its first nine league games, West Brom was a contender for Europa League qualification. But the team has won only three times since then and taken one point from its past three games.
"This club's track record proves we do not take such decisions lightly, with Roberto being only our fourth manager or head coach in almost 11 years," Pearce said. "We are in a results-driven industry and felt we had no choice but to act now."
Assistant coach Michael Appleton will take over on an interim basis.
Di Matteo retired from playing due to injury in 2002 after struggling to recover from a triple leg fracture two years earlier.
The former Chelsea player impressed in his first managerial job at MK Dons, guiding the team to the 2009 League One playoffs in his only season in charge before moving to West Brom.
Rutashubanyuma
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- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
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- #5,066
Ancelotti defends Torres debut
5 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 5:02 PM ET
Carlo Ancelotti claimed Fernando Torres "did a good job" despite a disappointing debut in Chelsea's 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
£50million man Torres had been the name on everyone's lips in the build-up to Sunday afternoon's much-hyped Premier League clash following his British transfer record move from Anfield.
However, it was not to be a dream debut for the Spaniard, who put an early 20-yard effort high into the stands and was replaced by Salomon Kalou after 68 minutes.
Moments later and the Reds fans - who had taken great delight in barracking their former Kop idol throughout the match - were celebrating when Raul Meireles slammed the ball in after a mix-up between Chelsea keeper Petr Cech and Branislav Ivanovic which was enough to secure another victory for Kenny Dalglish's improving side.
Ancelotti, however, maintained: "The problem wasn't that Torres played - he did a good job on the pitch.
"We had difficulty finding enough space in front, because Liverpool defended very well and they put three defenders in the middle, and we didn't find the right way to attack them.
"We were too slow playing from the back. We didn't find the space."
Ancelotti continued: "Fernando tried to do something, used his movement and did a good job.
"We have to work in training to combine with the other strikers, but that's normal.
"I took him off because, after 60 minutes and a very busy week, it was good for him to come off.
"Fernando has experience, he has confidence and didn't show problems before the game.
"He was enthusiastic to play, excited, and it didn't show a problem.
BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE
Sat., Feb. 5
Stoke City 3-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 2-2 Fulham | Recap
Everton 5-3 Blackpool | Recap
Man City 3-0 West Brom | Recap
Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal | Recap
Tottenham 2-1 Bolton | Recap
Wigan 4-3 Blackburn | Recap
Wolves 2-1 Man United | Recap
Sun., Feb. 6
West Ham 0-1 Birmingham | Recap
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool | Recap
BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures
"We have to give Fernando time to adjust to the shape, but I think that he will do it quickly."
Ancelotti sees no reason why deploying Torres, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka in a front three should not work.
"We played a fantastic game with this shape at Sunderland and wanted to reproduce that," the Chelsea boss said, "but Liverpool were strong defensively, put strong pressure on in their half, and we were not able to find the solution.
"The right result would have been a draw, but this is football."
Ancelotti insisted: "The problem was not putting these players together. These players have a lot of quality and I will try everything to put them together.
"Obviously we could play better as a team, not just in front.
"When you don't play quickly from the back, you have difficulty playing well up front."
Chelsea now find themselves 10 points behind Manchester United, unable to capitalise on the leaders' shock 2-1 defeat at bottom club Wolves yesterday.
"We are disappointed because we had an opportunity to close the gap, but now we are still the same distance," Ancelotti said.
"Maybe now we have less possibility to close the gap, but we have to try again. We have to try to fight again for the title.
"The Premier League is very difficult in every game, so it could happen that United can lose again."
Liverpool, meanwhile, have now won four league games in succession in Dalglish's tenure, which currently is only supposed to be until the end of the season.
The Reds are now up to sixth place, just six points behind Tottenham and Chelsea but having played a match more.
Ancelotti said: "Liverpool played very well, with fantastic power, play and attitude. Obviously they can come back to fight for fourth place."
5 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 5:02 PM ET
Carlo Ancelotti claimed Fernando Torres "did a good job" despite a disappointing debut in Chelsea's 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
£50million man Torres had been the name on everyone's lips in the build-up to Sunday afternoon's much-hyped Premier League clash following his British transfer record move from Anfield.
However, it was not to be a dream debut for the Spaniard, who put an early 20-yard effort high into the stands and was replaced by Salomon Kalou after 68 minutes.
Moments later and the Reds fans - who had taken great delight in barracking their former Kop idol throughout the match - were celebrating when Raul Meireles slammed the ball in after a mix-up between Chelsea keeper Petr Cech and Branislav Ivanovic which was enough to secure another victory for Kenny Dalglish's improving side.
Ancelotti, however, maintained: "The problem wasn't that Torres played - he did a good job on the pitch.
"We had difficulty finding enough space in front, because Liverpool defended very well and they put three defenders in the middle, and we didn't find the right way to attack them.
"We were too slow playing from the back. We didn't find the space."
Ancelotti continued: "Fernando tried to do something, used his movement and did a good job.
"We have to work in training to combine with the other strikers, but that's normal.
"I took him off because, after 60 minutes and a very busy week, it was good for him to come off.
"Fernando has experience, he has confidence and didn't show problems before the game.
"He was enthusiastic to play, excited, and it didn't show a problem.
BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE
Sat., Feb. 5
Stoke City 3-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 2-2 Fulham | Recap
Everton 5-3 Blackpool | Recap
Man City 3-0 West Brom | Recap
Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal | Recap
Tottenham 2-1 Bolton | Recap
Wigan 4-3 Blackburn | Recap
Wolves 2-1 Man United | Recap
Sun., Feb. 6
West Ham 0-1 Birmingham | Recap
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool | Recap
BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures
"We have to give Fernando time to adjust to the shape, but I think that he will do it quickly."
Ancelotti sees no reason why deploying Torres, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka in a front three should not work.
"We played a fantastic game with this shape at Sunderland and wanted to reproduce that," the Chelsea boss said, "but Liverpool were strong defensively, put strong pressure on in their half, and we were not able to find the solution.
"The right result would have been a draw, but this is football."
Ancelotti insisted: "The problem was not putting these players together. These players have a lot of quality and I will try everything to put them together.
"Obviously we could play better as a team, not just in front.
"When you don't play quickly from the back, you have difficulty playing well up front."
Chelsea now find themselves 10 points behind Manchester United, unable to capitalise on the leaders' shock 2-1 defeat at bottom club Wolves yesterday.
"We are disappointed because we had an opportunity to close the gap, but now we are still the same distance," Ancelotti said.
"Maybe now we have less possibility to close the gap, but we have to try again. We have to try to fight again for the title.
"The Premier League is very difficult in every game, so it could happen that United can lose again."
Liverpool, meanwhile, have now won four league games in succession in Dalglish's tenure, which currently is only supposed to be until the end of the season.
The Reds are now up to sixth place, just six points behind Tottenham and Chelsea but having played a match more.
Ancelotti said: "Liverpool played very well, with fantastic power, play and attitude. Obviously they can come back to fight for fourth place."
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #5,067
Blues boss Carlo craved Torres
222 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 6:55 AM ET
Carlo Ancelotti insists he "really wanted" Fernando Torres and that the forward was not thrust upon him by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea paid a British record £50million fee to sign Torres from Liverpool on transfer deadline day and the striker is set to make his debut against his old club on Sunday.
TURNING POINT
Jamie Trecker presents his five keys to victory as Chelsea and Liverpool meet in the 'Game before the Game' this Sunday with coverage starting at 10 a.m. ET on FSC.
However, there have been suggestions that the deal for Torres was the wish of Abramovich, who presented former manager Jose Mourinho with the gift of Andrei Shevchenko in 2006.
Ancelotti, though, is adamant that Torres had been a long-term target for the Blues and that he was fully behind the drive to bring the Spain international to Stamford Bridge.
The Premier League champions also secured Brazil defender David Luiz before the window closed and Ancelotti is happy with the club's transfer business.
The future
"No, it's not the same as Shevchenko," said Ancelotti. "I really wanted Torres for this squad. I asked for Torres.
"Torres was a player that we wanted at the end of the last season. We tried then but it was impossible. We tried again and there was a chance at this time.
"We speak day by day about any player, about how we have to improve the team. Day by day we spoke that we needed to have defenders because we had a lot of problems with Alex. So we found a very good defender in David Luiz.
"If he is a present for me I have to say thanks! He is a very good player. I think he is a present for the club.
"I think that Torres for us is important because he is the present. He is also the future of the club because he is still young at 26, as well as having a lot of experience."
222 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 6:55 AM ET
Carlo Ancelotti insists he "really wanted" Fernando Torres and that the forward was not thrust upon him by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea paid a British record £50million fee to sign Torres from Liverpool on transfer deadline day and the striker is set to make his debut against his old club on Sunday.
TURNING POINT
Jamie Trecker presents his five keys to victory as Chelsea and Liverpool meet in the 'Game before the Game' this Sunday with coverage starting at 10 a.m. ET on FSC.
However, there have been suggestions that the deal for Torres was the wish of Abramovich, who presented former manager Jose Mourinho with the gift of Andrei Shevchenko in 2006.
Ancelotti, though, is adamant that Torres had been a long-term target for the Blues and that he was fully behind the drive to bring the Spain international to Stamford Bridge.
The Premier League champions also secured Brazil defender David Luiz before the window closed and Ancelotti is happy with the club's transfer business.
The future
"No, it's not the same as Shevchenko," said Ancelotti. "I really wanted Torres for this squad. I asked for Torres.
"Torres was a player that we wanted at the end of the last season. We tried then but it was impossible. We tried again and there was a chance at this time.
"We speak day by day about any player, about how we have to improve the team. Day by day we spoke that we needed to have defenders because we had a lot of problems with Alex. So we found a very good defender in David Luiz.
"If he is a present for me I have to say thanks! He is a very good player. I think he is a present for the club.
"I think that Torres for us is important because he is the present. He is also the future of the club because he is still young at 26, as well as having a lot of experience."
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #5,068
Torres: Duo's exit was crucial
0 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 2:53 PM ET
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres claims he left Liverpool for Stamford Bridge because he was 'not getting what he was promised'.
The Spain forward this week moved to west London in a blockbuster £50million deal in a transfer which sparked fury on Merseyside.
TURNING POINT
Jamie Trecker presents his five keys to victory as Chelsea and Liverpool meet in the 'Game before the Game' this Sunday with coverage starting at 10 a.m. ET on FSC.
Torres, who could play against his former club if he makes his Blues debut today, once said he would not play for another English club.
But he has now defended Monday's move and indicated the sales of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid and Javier Mascherano to Barcelona - under previous owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks - were key factors.
He said: "I said that at that moment, I didn't think I would play for another club - because at that moment Liverpool were giving me what they promised ... but not now,
"I think one of the important points is in my first two seasons at the club, they played in the semi-finals of Champions League and finished second in the Premier League, very close to Manchester United.
"Then we were very, very close to being one of the top teams for a long time because everyone was together and everyone was moving in the right direction.
"But when you let Alonso and Mascherano leave, that is a clear message. It was important, not so much for me, but for the club."
0 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 2:53 PM ET
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres claims he left Liverpool for Stamford Bridge because he was 'not getting what he was promised'.
The Spain forward this week moved to west London in a blockbuster £50million deal in a transfer which sparked fury on Merseyside.
TURNING POINT
Jamie Trecker presents his five keys to victory as Chelsea and Liverpool meet in the 'Game before the Game' this Sunday with coverage starting at 10 a.m. ET on FSC.
Torres, who could play against his former club if he makes his Blues debut today, once said he would not play for another English club.
But he has now defended Monday's move and indicated the sales of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid and Javier Mascherano to Barcelona - under previous owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks - were key factors.
He said: "I said that at that moment, I didn't think I would play for another club - because at that moment Liverpool were giving me what they promised ... but not now,
"I think one of the important points is in my first two seasons at the club, they played in the semi-finals of Champions League and finished second in the Premier League, very close to Manchester United.
"Then we were very, very close to being one of the top teams for a long time because everyone was together and everyone was moving in the right direction.
"But when you let Alonso and Mascherano leave, that is a clear message. It was important, not so much for me, but for the club."
Rutashubanyuma
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Wilshere riled by ref Dowd
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Updated Feb 6, 2011 5:36 AM ET
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has slammed the decision-making of referee Phil Dowd and says inconsistent officiating is "killing the game".
Dowd sent off Wilshere's midfield colleague Abou Diaby in the 48th minute at St James' Park after he reacted to a challenge by Joey Barton by shoving the Newcastle player to the ground.
But Wilshere believes a later incident involving Kevin Nolan and Wojciech Szczesny, in the immediate aftermath of the first of Barton's two penalties, was just as serious and should have seen the Newcastle captain receive the same punishment as Diaby.
Newcastle came from 4-0 down to hold Arsenal at St James' Park.
In a post on his official Twitter page, Wilshere wrote: "Inconsistent refereing needs to stop.its killing the game.if Diaby goes..whats the difference between that and Nolan on our keeper!?? joke"
The criticism of the officiating could leave 19-year-old Wilshere open to Football Association action.
Former Liverpool striker Ryan Babel was fined £10,000 by the FA last month when he posted a doctored photo of referee Howard Webb in a Manchester United shirt, following a 1-0 defeat for Kenny Dalglish's team at Old Trafford.
59 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 5:36 AM ET
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has slammed the decision-making of referee Phil Dowd and says inconsistent officiating is "killing the game".
Dowd sent off Wilshere's midfield colleague Abou Diaby in the 48th minute at St James' Park after he reacted to a challenge by Joey Barton by shoving the Newcastle player to the ground.
But Wilshere believes a later incident involving Kevin Nolan and Wojciech Szczesny, in the immediate aftermath of the first of Barton's two penalties, was just as serious and should have seen the Newcastle captain receive the same punishment as Diaby.
Newcastle came from 4-0 down to hold Arsenal at St James' Park.
In a post on his official Twitter page, Wilshere wrote: "Inconsistent refereing needs to stop.its killing the game.if Diaby goes..whats the difference between that and Nolan on our keeper!?? joke"
The criticism of the officiating could leave 19-year-old Wilshere open to Football Association action.
Former Liverpool striker Ryan Babel was fined £10,000 by the FA last month when he posted a doctored photo of referee Howard Webb in a Manchester United shirt, following a 1-0 defeat for Kenny Dalglish's team at Old Trafford.
Rutashubanyuma
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'Fed up' Roman seeks Spurs exit
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Updated Feb 6, 2011 5:18 AM ET
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko insists he will look for an escape route from White Hart Lane in the next transfer window.
TRANSFER SPECIAL
Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.
The 29-year-old is frustrated by not getting a regular run of games under manager Harry Redknapp despite recovering from a troublesome groin injury.
Pavlyuchenko said: "The way I see it, the manager just doesn't trust me and it doesn't matter if I play well, score goals or try my best in training - nothing will make him change his mind about me.
"So I'm not going to extend my contract, which expires at the end of next season, and will try to leave the club over the summer transfer window.
"Even when I do play well or score a goal, I don't get a chance in the next game. Quite frankly, I'm fed up with sitting on the bench and waiting for my chances.
"The last two matches I was totally healthy but still didn't get even the smallest chance, even during our team's 4-0 drubbing by Fulham."
17 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 5:18 AM ET
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko insists he will look for an escape route from White Hart Lane in the next transfer window.
TRANSFER SPECIAL
Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.
The 29-year-old is frustrated by not getting a regular run of games under manager Harry Redknapp despite recovering from a troublesome groin injury.
Pavlyuchenko said: "The way I see it, the manager just doesn't trust me and it doesn't matter if I play well, score goals or try my best in training - nothing will make him change his mind about me.
"So I'm not going to extend my contract, which expires at the end of next season, and will try to leave the club over the summer transfer window.
"Even when I do play well or score a goal, I don't get a chance in the next game. Quite frankly, I'm fed up with sitting on the bench and waiting for my chances.
"The last two matches I was totally healthy but still didn't get even the smallest chance, even during our team's 4-0 drubbing by Fulham."
Rutashubanyuma
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Saha hails Toffees teammates
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Updated Feb 6, 2011 6:10 AM ET
Everton's four-goal hero Louis Saha deflected praise after his starring role in this afternoon's stunning 5-3 win over Blackpool.
The striker underlined his recent return to form by taking his tally to eight in his last six games as the Toffees came from 3-2 down to win a Barclays Premier League thriller at Goodison Park.
Having never even scored a hat-trick in England's top flight before, Saha's performance was an obvious career highlight but the 32-year-old preferred to focus on the performance of the team.
The Frenchman said: "It is always a nice feeling when you are scoring goals and winning is the main thing about being a footballer.
"I am glad today we got the result we deserved.
"I feel very good. The confidence in the camp is really good - it helps you when you get lads who are fully confident."
Saha felt he should have had five but had another disallowed after referee Kevin Friend blew for a foul on Seamus Coleman seconds earlier.
Saha said: "The referee, once he blew he couldn't come back. It is a shame because it is a rule where it could be advantage - but the main thing is to get three points."
Former Fulham and Manchester United striker Saha opened the scoring in the 20th minute but Ian Evatt levelled with a shot that hit a post and appeared to cross the line before Alex Baptiste made doubly sure.
After being frustrated by Friend, Saha did add another early in the second half but Blackpool roared back in characteristic fashion through full debutant Jason Puncheon and captain Charlie Adam.
Saha evened the scores once again and then secured the win after a fine Jermaine Beckford volley put Everton back in front.
BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE
Sat., Feb. 5
Stoke City 3-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 2-2 Fulham | Recap
Everton 5-3 Blackpool | Recap
Man City 3-0 West Brom | Recap
Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal | Recap
Tottenham 2-1 Bolton | Recap
Wigan 4-3 Blackburn | Recap
Wolves 2-1 Man United | Recap
Sun., Feb. 6
West Ham 0-1 Birmingham | Recap
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool | Recap
BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures
Everton manager David Moyes said: "Where do you start with Louis? It was just a top, top performance.
"Anybody who has played against him, with him or managed him will tell you he has that ability.
"That is why he has been involved with France teams and at World Cups. He has that quality.
"He has probably not shown it as often as he can do but today's performance was right up there with the best."
Everton's victory was only their third in 15 Premier League games.
Moyes added: "If we hadn't won it it would have been completely wrong. We were the better team, had the chances.
"You probably always need to score three goals to beat Blackpool and we needed four certainly, and thankfully we got a fifth too."
Blackpool remain one of the most entertaining teams in the competition but luck appears to have deserted them after a run of just one win in eight outings.
Manager Ian Holloway said: "Words fail me really. The character of the lads was outstanding, that was a tough game.
"We had a bit of luck first half really, we all know that. It should have been a goal for Everton. He blew the whistle far too early.
"That lifted us going in at half-time, I must admit. "I felt quite positive coming out for the second half but, suddenly, 2-1.
"I thought that would have knocked us like skittles but I think the lads again showed great character.
"We got 3-2 up and I tried to do what we did against Liverpool - played five at the back and four across midfield to try to block things up.
"To let three goals in with that formation at that time of the game is absolutely devastating after what has happened in previous games."
1 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 6:10 AM ET
Everton's four-goal hero Louis Saha deflected praise after his starring role in this afternoon's stunning 5-3 win over Blackpool.
The striker underlined his recent return to form by taking his tally to eight in his last six games as the Toffees came from 3-2 down to win a Barclays Premier League thriller at Goodison Park.
Having never even scored a hat-trick in England's top flight before, Saha's performance was an obvious career highlight but the 32-year-old preferred to focus on the performance of the team.
The Frenchman said: "It is always a nice feeling when you are scoring goals and winning is the main thing about being a footballer.
"I am glad today we got the result we deserved.
"I feel very good. The confidence in the camp is really good - it helps you when you get lads who are fully confident."
Saha felt he should have had five but had another disallowed after referee Kevin Friend blew for a foul on Seamus Coleman seconds earlier.
Saha said: "The referee, once he blew he couldn't come back. It is a shame because it is a rule where it could be advantage - but the main thing is to get three points."
Former Fulham and Manchester United striker Saha opened the scoring in the 20th minute but Ian Evatt levelled with a shot that hit a post and appeared to cross the line before Alex Baptiste made doubly sure.
After being frustrated by Friend, Saha did add another early in the second half but Blackpool roared back in characteristic fashion through full debutant Jason Puncheon and captain Charlie Adam.
Saha evened the scores once again and then secured the win after a fine Jermaine Beckford volley put Everton back in front.
BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE
Sat., Feb. 5
Stoke City 3-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 2-2 Fulham | Recap
Everton 5-3 Blackpool | Recap
Man City 3-0 West Brom | Recap
Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal | Recap
Tottenham 2-1 Bolton | Recap
Wigan 4-3 Blackburn | Recap
Wolves 2-1 Man United | Recap
Sun., Feb. 6
West Ham 0-1 Birmingham | Recap
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool | Recap
BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures
Everton manager David Moyes said: "Where do you start with Louis? It was just a top, top performance.
"Anybody who has played against him, with him or managed him will tell you he has that ability.
"That is why he has been involved with France teams and at World Cups. He has that quality.
"He has probably not shown it as often as he can do but today's performance was right up there with the best."
Everton's victory was only their third in 15 Premier League games.
Moyes added: "If we hadn't won it it would have been completely wrong. We were the better team, had the chances.
"You probably always need to score three goals to beat Blackpool and we needed four certainly, and thankfully we got a fifth too."
Blackpool remain one of the most entertaining teams in the competition but luck appears to have deserted them after a run of just one win in eight outings.
Manager Ian Holloway said: "Words fail me really. The character of the lads was outstanding, that was a tough game.
"We had a bit of luck first half really, we all know that. It should have been a goal for Everton. He blew the whistle far too early.
"That lifted us going in at half-time, I must admit. "I felt quite positive coming out for the second half but, suddenly, 2-1.
"I thought that would have knocked us like skittles but I think the lads again showed great character.
"We got 3-2 up and I tried to do what we did against Liverpool - played five at the back and four across midfield to try to block things up.
"To let three goals in with that formation at that time of the game is absolutely devastating after what has happened in previous games."
Rutashubanyuma
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Coyle fury over Cahill decision
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Updated Feb 6, 2011 5:27 AM ET
Bolton manager Owen Coyle pointed the finger at referee Mark Clattenburg after his side were beaten 2-1 by Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham were awarded two penalties within 60 seconds at the start of the first half.
Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart scored the first but put his second spot-kick wide after being ordered to retake it because players had encroached into the area.
While Bolton equalised in the second half through on-loan striker Daniel Sturridge before a spectacular injury-time winner from Niko Kranjcar, it was the referee's refusal to award Bolton a penalty when Gary Cahill went down under a challenge from Steven Pienaar which incensed Coyle.
Clattenburg instead booked Cahill for diving and Coyle said: "It was a wonderful game, two teams going all out to win but we feel very disappointed to be leaving with absolutely nothing.
"It was a stonewall penalty. The lad's left his leg out, Gary's tried to step over him to get his shot away.
"To compound that and to book Gary Cahill for simulating which, let's not beat about the bush, what he is saying is that Gary Cahill was cheating in trying to gain an advantage of a penalty, that's one thing that lad would never do.
"It was one each at the time. In the second half we were terrific and scored a good equaliser and at one each we were well placed to go on and win the game. But for that not to be given. There was also a challenge on Lee Chung-yong when he stepped on the park, we could be here all day."
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp appeared to have some sympathy with Coyle.
Redknapp said: "From where I was sat I thought the ref had given a penalty. It might well have been a penalty. If it was a penalty we've got away with it."
Redknapp, however, was more interested in saluting Kranjcar after for his spectacular 25-yard winner.
BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE
Sat., Feb. 5
Stoke City 3-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 2-2 Fulham | Recap
Everton 5-3 Blackpool | Recap
Man City 3-0 West Brom | Recap
Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal | Recap
Tottenham 2-1 Bolton | Recap
Wigan 4-3 Blackburn | Recap
Wolves 2-1 Man United | Recap
Sun., Feb. 6
West Ham 0-1 Birmingham | Recap
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool | Recap
BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures
He revealed German club Werder Bremen had made an £8million bid for Kranjcar in the transfer window last month.
Spurs turned it down despite Kranjcar, who came on after 77 minutes for Wilson Palacios, struggling to break his way into Redknapp's team.
Redknapp said: "He didn't want to move and I didn't want to push him out. Last year he was one of the players of the season. He trains hard, he has a great attitude, he doesn't spit his dummy out when he is not in the side and you need good people. He trains every day of his life as if his life depends on it.
"It's hard for him. We've got Gareth Bale and Lennon and Luka Modric and it's difficult to guarantee him a regular place."
Redknapp's one concern was a calf injury which saw Van der Vaart replaced at half-time by Pienaar.
Van der Vaart will miss Holland's international in midweek but Redknapp is hopeful he will be fit for the Champions league match against AC Milan the week after next.
Redknapp believed Tottenham should have wrapped up the match in the first half after being give those two penalties.
Van der Vaart dispatched the first with aplomb but seemed to be affected by the decision to retake the second and pushed it wide.
Redknapp said: "It was an amazing start. If we had converted the second penalty it would have made life easier. How many times do you see a penalty retaken? You would retake every penalty if you looked at that too carefully.
"But Bolton never gave up and both sides played a very open game. They could have finished us off. It took great ability from Niko to finish the game."
Coyle added: "It's hard to take when you come to Tottenham and go toe to toe with them and show real quality and for those players to leave with nothing after the quality they've offered is disappointing."
0 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 5:27 AM ET
Bolton manager Owen Coyle pointed the finger at referee Mark Clattenburg after his side were beaten 2-1 by Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham were awarded two penalties within 60 seconds at the start of the first half.
Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart scored the first but put his second spot-kick wide after being ordered to retake it because players had encroached into the area.
While Bolton equalised in the second half through on-loan striker Daniel Sturridge before a spectacular injury-time winner from Niko Kranjcar, it was the referee's refusal to award Bolton a penalty when Gary Cahill went down under a challenge from Steven Pienaar which incensed Coyle.
Clattenburg instead booked Cahill for diving and Coyle said: "It was a wonderful game, two teams going all out to win but we feel very disappointed to be leaving with absolutely nothing.
"It was a stonewall penalty. The lad's left his leg out, Gary's tried to step over him to get his shot away.
"To compound that and to book Gary Cahill for simulating which, let's not beat about the bush, what he is saying is that Gary Cahill was cheating in trying to gain an advantage of a penalty, that's one thing that lad would never do.
"It was one each at the time. In the second half we were terrific and scored a good equaliser and at one each we were well placed to go on and win the game. But for that not to be given. There was also a challenge on Lee Chung-yong when he stepped on the park, we could be here all day."
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp appeared to have some sympathy with Coyle.
Redknapp said: "From where I was sat I thought the ref had given a penalty. It might well have been a penalty. If it was a penalty we've got away with it."
Redknapp, however, was more interested in saluting Kranjcar after for his spectacular 25-yard winner.
BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE
Sat., Feb. 5
Stoke City 3-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 2-2 Fulham | Recap
Everton 5-3 Blackpool | Recap
Man City 3-0 West Brom | Recap
Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal | Recap
Tottenham 2-1 Bolton | Recap
Wigan 4-3 Blackburn | Recap
Wolves 2-1 Man United | Recap
Sun., Feb. 6
West Ham 0-1 Birmingham | Recap
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool | Recap
BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures
He revealed German club Werder Bremen had made an £8million bid for Kranjcar in the transfer window last month.
Spurs turned it down despite Kranjcar, who came on after 77 minutes for Wilson Palacios, struggling to break his way into Redknapp's team.
Redknapp said: "He didn't want to move and I didn't want to push him out. Last year he was one of the players of the season. He trains hard, he has a great attitude, he doesn't spit his dummy out when he is not in the side and you need good people. He trains every day of his life as if his life depends on it.
"It's hard for him. We've got Gareth Bale and Lennon and Luka Modric and it's difficult to guarantee him a regular place."
Redknapp's one concern was a calf injury which saw Van der Vaart replaced at half-time by Pienaar.
Van der Vaart will miss Holland's international in midweek but Redknapp is hopeful he will be fit for the Champions league match against AC Milan the week after next.
Redknapp believed Tottenham should have wrapped up the match in the first half after being give those two penalties.
Van der Vaart dispatched the first with aplomb but seemed to be affected by the decision to retake the second and pushed it wide.
Redknapp said: "It was an amazing start. If we had converted the second penalty it would have made life easier. How many times do you see a penalty retaken? You would retake every penalty if you looked at that too carefully.
"But Bolton never gave up and both sides played a very open game. They could have finished us off. It took great ability from Niko to finish the game."
Coyle added: "It's hard to take when you come to Tottenham and go toe to toe with them and show real quality and for those players to leave with nothing after the quality they've offered is disappointing."
Rutashubanyuma
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Bruce shares out blame for loss
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Updated Feb 6, 2011 6:25 AM ET
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce bemoaned his defence and the officials after Stoke staged a late comeback to win 3-2 at the Britannia Stadium.
The Black Cats took a second-minute lead through Kieran Richardson, his fourth in three matches, but John Carew scored his first since joining from Aston Villa last month just after the half-hour although he appeared to be offside.
Within three minutes of the second half starting the visitors were ahead again when Asamoah Gyan took advantage of a defensive error by Robert Huth to score his ninth of the season.
However, the visitors came under an aerial bombardment from long throws, corners and free-kicks and they eventually cracked under pressure.
Carew, on his home debut, met Jermaine Pennant's inswinging free-kick seven minutes from time, with the ball seemingly coming off his arm, but Huth appeared to get the slightest final touch.
And in the third minute of added time another Pennant set-piece allowed Huth to slide in the winner from three yards.
"It is tough. It is always difficult when you lose a game you don't think you should do," Bruce said.
"We have spoken all week about defending set-pieces - you have to be brave, you have to head it.
"But you also need the officials to do their job as well and Carew is a yard offside for the first one.
BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE
Sat., Feb. 5
Stoke City 3-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 2-2 Fulham | Recap
Everton 5-3 Blackpool | Recap
Man City 3-0 West Brom | Recap
Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal | Recap
Tottenham 2-1 Bolton | Recap
Wigan 4-3 Blackburn | Recap
Wolves 2-1 Man United | Recap
Sun., Feb. 6
West Ham 0-1 Birmingham | Recap
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool | Recap
BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures
"But I also needed my goalkeeper and defenders to control the 18-yard box better than we did today and unfortunately it has cost us the match.
"The second goal is also dubious if you watch it. You need your players to be strong but you need the officials to do their job and they've not done it properly today.
"The two decisions for the first two goals are bad enough. Carew's offside is blatant and it is the linesman's job to spot that."
Stoke manager Tony Pulis admitted even he could not clear up the confusion over the scorer of their second goal, initially credited to Carew but then given to Huth.
He said he had left the two players to argue about it in the dressing room after the game.
"They are fighting over it as we speak but it doesn't matter to me," said the Potters boss.
"Robert is desperately disappointed with the two goals we have conceded and obviously he is going to try to claim the two he claims he scored.
"I have no problems with that at all. It makes no difference, as long as we scored."
Pulis also dismissed the controversy over their second equaliser.
"Some say John handballed it but we deserved that one," he added.
"When we played Sunderland at their place Lee Cattermole handballed it with his left hand, caught it with his right and threw it out for a corner and the ref gave a corner when he should have given a penalty and sent the player off.
"If we've had a little bit back I am absolutely delighted."
0 comments »
Updated Feb 6, 2011 6:25 AM ET
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce bemoaned his defence and the officials after Stoke staged a late comeback to win 3-2 at the Britannia Stadium.
The Black Cats took a second-minute lead through Kieran Richardson, his fourth in three matches, but John Carew scored his first since joining from Aston Villa last month just after the half-hour although he appeared to be offside.
Within three minutes of the second half starting the visitors were ahead again when Asamoah Gyan took advantage of a defensive error by Robert Huth to score his ninth of the season.
However, the visitors came under an aerial bombardment from long throws, corners and free-kicks and they eventually cracked under pressure.
Carew, on his home debut, met Jermaine Pennant's inswinging free-kick seven minutes from time, with the ball seemingly coming off his arm, but Huth appeared to get the slightest final touch.
And in the third minute of added time another Pennant set-piece allowed Huth to slide in the winner from three yards.
"It is tough. It is always difficult when you lose a game you don't think you should do," Bruce said.
"We have spoken all week about defending set-pieces - you have to be brave, you have to head it.
"But you also need the officials to do their job as well and Carew is a yard offside for the first one.
BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE
Sat., Feb. 5
Stoke City 3-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 2-2 Fulham | Recap
Everton 5-3 Blackpool | Recap
Man City 3-0 West Brom | Recap
Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal | Recap
Tottenham 2-1 Bolton | Recap
Wigan 4-3 Blackburn | Recap
Wolves 2-1 Man United | Recap
Sun., Feb. 6
West Ham 0-1 Birmingham | Recap
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool | Recap
BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures
"But I also needed my goalkeeper and defenders to control the 18-yard box better than we did today and unfortunately it has cost us the match.
"The second goal is also dubious if you watch it. You need your players to be strong but you need the officials to do their job and they've not done it properly today.
"The two decisions for the first two goals are bad enough. Carew's offside is blatant and it is the linesman's job to spot that."
Stoke manager Tony Pulis admitted even he could not clear up the confusion over the scorer of their second goal, initially credited to Carew but then given to Huth.
He said he had left the two players to argue about it in the dressing room after the game.
"They are fighting over it as we speak but it doesn't matter to me," said the Potters boss.
"Robert is desperately disappointed with the two goals we have conceded and obviously he is going to try to claim the two he claims he scored.
"I have no problems with that at all. It makes no difference, as long as we scored."
Pulis also dismissed the controversy over their second equaliser.
"Some say John handballed it but we deserved that one," he added.
"When we played Sunderland at their place Lee Cattermole handballed it with his left hand, caught it with his right and threw it out for a corner and the ref gave a corner when he should have given a penalty and sent the player off.
"If we've had a little bit back I am absolutely delighted."
Rutashubanyuma
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Spanish La Liga Roundup, Feb. 6
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Updated Feb 6, 2011 5:22 PM ET
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a double to lead Real Madrid to a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday as the Spanish giants stayed seven points behind league leader Barcelona.
Jose Mourinho's team had to win after its fierce rivals opened up a 10-point gap through their league-record 16th straight win on Saturday.
Madrid responded to the challenge with a convincing performance to stay perfect in 11 games at Santiago Bernabeu stadium this season.
EUROPEAN LEAGUES
Italian Serie A
Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats
Spanish La Liga
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German Bundesliga
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French Ligue One
Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats
Scottish Premier League
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Dutch Eredivisie
Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats
"We know our margin of error is limited," said Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, who started his career with Sociedad. "The important thing is the victory and to keep earning points."
Kaka opened the scoring in the eighth minute, placing a left-footed shot into the far corner after Sociedad midfielder Gorka Elustondo had erred in clearing a cross and the ball fell to the Brazil playmaker in the area.
Ronaldo blasted in the second in the 21st, feinting with his right, before crossing to his left and firing in from outside the area and ending his four-game scoring drought.
The Portugal forward then headed home a corner by Mesut Oezil in the 42nd, and Emmanuel Adebayor capped the win in the 89th with his first league goal since joining Madrid on loan from Manchester City.
Real Sociedad got its consolation goal when a shot by Raul Tamudo was blocked by goalkeeper Iker Casillas but rebounded off Alvaro Arbeloa and into the net in the 72nd.
Casillas played his part in Madrid's victory by twice denying Tamudo from point-blank range in the first half.
Mourinho said he was focusing on his own team's performance, rather than catching Barcelona.
"I am here to end in first place, but if we end up second, it's not a problem," he said. "The only thing we can't do is give away the competition."
Elsewhere, Valencia beat Hercules 2-0, while Sevilla and Malaga drew 0-0 in a dull Andalusian derby as both teams let important points slip.
After dropping five of its last nine points and struggling to score, Mourinho deployed his most attacking starting 11 of the season with Ronaldo and Kaka playing alongside Oezil, and Adebayor leading the attack.
The new-look lineup showed immediate results, Kaka sending a shot just wide of the left post 20 seconds in. And the former AC Milan star soon put his team ahead.
Sociedad looked to counterattack and came close to surprising the hosts moments after Kaka's opener, Casillas spilling a cross but quickly recovering to make a great save of a strike by Tamudo.
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After a week of speculation about Ronaldo's form, he answered his critics by peppering Sociedad's goal with shots and made it 2-0 before Casillas again saved a stabbed shot from Tamudo from inside the six-yard box.
"Going into halftime up 3-0 was very good and (Casillas) was largely responsible for that," Alonso said.
Ronaldo's second pulled him level with Lionel Messi on 24 goals in their personal duel to be top scorer. Messi had provisionally moved ahead of Ronaldo with his hat trick against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Ronaldo has 34 goals in all competitions, compared to Messi's 40.
Madrid could have made a rout of it in the second half. Ronaldo came close to a a third, Kaka hit the crossbar and Oezil had a goal disallowed for offside.
At Mestalla stadium, Aritz Aduriz scored Valencia's opener two minutes before halftime, controlling a pass by strike partner Roberto Soldado and tapping past goalkeeper Juan Calatayud for his ninth goal of the season.
Tino Costa made it 2-0 with a curling left-footed free kick in the 53rd.
With its sixth win in seven games, Valencia closed to within one point of third-place Villarreal, while Hercules slumped to a fourth straight defeat.
After an uneventful first half at Sanchez Pizjuan stadium, Sevilla improved following the restart but could not break through as Alexis Ruano and Frederic Kanoute missed clear-cut chances.
Malaga's best scoring opportunity came near the final whistle, when Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop had to save Weligton's header.
Sevilla moved into seventh place but remained six points away from the Europa League positions.
"These slip ups are moving us farther away from our goal (of playing in Europe next season)," said Sevilla coach Gregorio Manzano. "We have to try harder to convert our scoring chances."
Last-place Malaga fell four points from safety as its relegation rivals- Levante and Almeria- won this week.
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Updated Feb 6, 2011 5:22 PM ET
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a double to lead Real Madrid to a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday as the Spanish giants stayed seven points behind league leader Barcelona.
Jose Mourinho's team had to win after its fierce rivals opened up a 10-point gap through their league-record 16th straight win on Saturday.
Madrid responded to the challenge with a convincing performance to stay perfect in 11 games at Santiago Bernabeu stadium this season.
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"We know our margin of error is limited," said Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, who started his career with Sociedad. "The important thing is the victory and to keep earning points."
Kaka opened the scoring in the eighth minute, placing a left-footed shot into the far corner after Sociedad midfielder Gorka Elustondo had erred in clearing a cross and the ball fell to the Brazil playmaker in the area.
Ronaldo blasted in the second in the 21st, feinting with his right, before crossing to his left and firing in from outside the area and ending his four-game scoring drought.
The Portugal forward then headed home a corner by Mesut Oezil in the 42nd, and Emmanuel Adebayor capped the win in the 89th with his first league goal since joining Madrid on loan from Manchester City.
Real Sociedad got its consolation goal when a shot by Raul Tamudo was blocked by goalkeeper Iker Casillas but rebounded off Alvaro Arbeloa and into the net in the 72nd.
Casillas played his part in Madrid's victory by twice denying Tamudo from point-blank range in the first half.
Mourinho said he was focusing on his own team's performance, rather than catching Barcelona.
"I am here to end in first place, but if we end up second, it's not a problem," he said. "The only thing we can't do is give away the competition."
Elsewhere, Valencia beat Hercules 2-0, while Sevilla and Malaga drew 0-0 in a dull Andalusian derby as both teams let important points slip.
After dropping five of its last nine points and struggling to score, Mourinho deployed his most attacking starting 11 of the season with Ronaldo and Kaka playing alongside Oezil, and Adebayor leading the attack.
The new-look lineup showed immediate results, Kaka sending a shot just wide of the left post 20 seconds in. And the former AC Milan star soon put his team ahead.
Sociedad looked to counterattack and came close to surprising the hosts moments after Kaka's opener, Casillas spilling a cross but quickly recovering to make a great save of a strike by Tamudo.
FOXSOCCER.TV
The home of the best LIVE soccer and rugby awaits at FoxSoccer.tv -- don't miss a second of the action.
After a week of speculation about Ronaldo's form, he answered his critics by peppering Sociedad's goal with shots and made it 2-0 before Casillas again saved a stabbed shot from Tamudo from inside the six-yard box.
"Going into halftime up 3-0 was very good and (Casillas) was largely responsible for that," Alonso said.
Ronaldo's second pulled him level with Lionel Messi on 24 goals in their personal duel to be top scorer. Messi had provisionally moved ahead of Ronaldo with his hat trick against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Ronaldo has 34 goals in all competitions, compared to Messi's 40.
Madrid could have made a rout of it in the second half. Ronaldo came close to a a third, Kaka hit the crossbar and Oezil had a goal disallowed for offside.
At Mestalla stadium, Aritz Aduriz scored Valencia's opener two minutes before halftime, controlling a pass by strike partner Roberto Soldado and tapping past goalkeeper Juan Calatayud for his ninth goal of the season.
Tino Costa made it 2-0 with a curling left-footed free kick in the 53rd.
With its sixth win in seven games, Valencia closed to within one point of third-place Villarreal, while Hercules slumped to a fourth straight defeat.
After an uneventful first half at Sanchez Pizjuan stadium, Sevilla improved following the restart but could not break through as Alexis Ruano and Frederic Kanoute missed clear-cut chances.
Malaga's best scoring opportunity came near the final whistle, when Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop had to save Weligton's header.
Sevilla moved into seventh place but remained six points away from the Europa League positions.
"These slip ups are moving us farther away from our goal (of playing in Europe next season)," said Sevilla coach Gregorio Manzano. "We have to try harder to convert our scoring chances."
Last-place Malaga fell four points from safety as its relegation rivals- Levante and Almeria- won this week.
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