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Ferguson rests Wayne Rooney against Schalke with Chelsea game in mind

• Sir Alex Ferguson omits several key players for second leg
• Manchester United prioritise weekend Premier League fixture



  • Daniel Taylor
  • guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 3 May 2011 18.11 BST <li class="history">Article history
    Wayne-Rooney-of-Mancheste-007.jpg
    Manchester United's Wayne Rooney will be rested against Schalke in the hope he has recovered from a tight hamstring for the Chelsea game. Photograph: Kerim Okten/EPA

    Sir Alex Ferguson will take a calculated risk in the second leg of Manchester United's Champions League semi-final against Schalke by leaving out several key players to prepare for the potential title decider against Chelsea on Sunday.
    Ferguson, aiming for his third final in four years, spoke at length about the importance of his team not allowing complacency to jeopardise their 2-0 first-leg lead, but the United manager also made it clear he is prioritising the weekend fixture against a Chelsea side that have moved within three points of the league leaders.
    Uppermost in his thoughts is to avoid a repeat of what happened last season when United followed up their Champions League exit against Bayern Munich by losing three days later against Chelsea in the game that effectively meant the championship returning to Stamford Bridge.
    "If you look at the experience of last year, we lost a Wednesday game against Bayern, and the team was very tired against Chelsea in the next game," Ferguson said. "That has to have a bearing on my team selection [against Schalke]. There will be changes, but hopefully the nucleus of the team will still be good enough to win the game."
    Ferguson can also draw on the memories of playing Wayne Rooney in the return leg against Bayern when he was carrying an ankle injury, subsequently losing his most important striker for key matches of the run-in. Rooney, once again, has fitness concerns, unable to train because of a tight hamstring, and Ferguson is expected to start with a 4-5-1 formation with Dimitar Berbatov in attack. Ferguson said Rooney and Javier Hernández would be kept back for Sunday, and he will also consider resting, among others, Rio Ferdinand and Edwin van der Sar.
    "We are still confident on the league front, with a three-point lead and three games to play," he said. "Two of those games are at home and I'm sure we will hit our targets. We must be favourites because we're three points ahead but that can evaporate quickly, as we saw on Sunday [the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal]. We're in a great position and, though we didn't play as well as we know we can at the Emirates, we still have players in good form all over the field."
    Chelsea, he said, could expect a significant improvement from his team on United's own ground, where they have not lost all season. "It's always been the case at this club that if we lose a game we recover." Berbatov has become an increasingly peripheral figure at Old Trafford, starting only two of the last 12 matches and Ferguson also spoke about the possibility of Michael Owen being involved despite being restricted to four starts all season. Ferguson, nonetheless, was careful not to say anything about Schalke that could be seen as overly presumptuous ahead of his 250th European match as a manager.
    "Schalke have nothing to lose. That's the message he [Ralf Rangnick] will be imparting to his team. I think we'll find they will have a real go because there's nothing else they can do. The interesting thing about Sunday was that the last four European teams [United, Schalke, Barcelona and Real Madrid] all lost. There are statistics that show the European games do take it out of you. Sunday's match is a huge one, which is why I have to pick the right team."
    United have never lost a Champions League match at home by more than one goal, but Ferguson flinched when it was put to him that the club's supporters now considered their passage to the final to be a formality. "That's the over-optimism supporters have got. We don't share that because we feel there's still a lot to do. It's easy to get complacent in modern life – there are many examples of it – but I know Manchester United don't regard it as a formality. We must still keep our feet on the ground. I was interested to hear the Schalke coach saying after our game: 'Perhaps United will feel too secure and Schalke can spring a surprise.' That tells you Rangnick's team will have a go, and we must take nothing for granted."Even so, it would represent one of the more devastating moments in United's recent history were they to surrender their place at Wembley on 28 May, and Ferguson used the moment to commend the club's beleaguered owners. "They [the Glazer family] don't have any criticism from me or anyone within the club. We feel comfortable with the way the club is run and conduct our business. It's always an outside thing."
    Ferguson also reiterated that he would not be trying to talk Van der Sar out of staying another season. "If I was giving advice to Edwin right now I would say retire because he is at the absolute pinnacle of his career."
    Ends

 
Mariga mchezaji anayelipwa zaidi Afrika Mashariki Send to a friend Tuesday, 03 May 2011 21:11

NAIROBI, Kenya
KIUNGO wa kimataifa wa Kenya na Inter Milan, MacDonald Mariga ametajwa kuwa ndiye mchezaji anayepokea kipato kikukwa zaidi kuliko wote Afrika Mashariki akiwa anaweka kibindoni dola 1.3m kwa mwaka.

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Nyota wengine wa Afrika ambao wako katika orodha lakini wakiwa mbali sana ni Sulley Muntari ambaye anapata Euro milioni mbili wakati Kevin Prince Boateng anachukua Euro milioni moja kwa mwaka.

Wengine na klabu zao katika mabano ni Waalgeria Abdelkader Ghezzal (Siena) Euro 600,000, Mourad Meghni (Lazio) Euro 400,000 na Hassan Yebda (Napoli) Euro 700,000.
 
TP Mazembe inakibarua kwa Casablanca Send to a friend Tuesday, 03 May 2011 21:10

JO'BURG, Afrika Kusini
MABINGWA watetezi TP Mazembe watashuka dimbani mwishoni mwa wiki kuwakaribisha Widad de Casablanca wakiwa na kumbukumbu ya kufungwa bao 1-0 kwenye mchezo wa kwanza wa robo fainali ya Ligi ya Mabingwa.

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Wacuba hatihati Send to a friend Tuesday, 03 May 2011 21:23

Imani Makongoro
UENDA maandalizi ya Tanzania katika fainali za Michezo ya Afrika (All Africa Games) ikaingia dosari kutokana na makocha Wacuba kutojua hatma ya mikataba yao ya kuendelea kufundisha timu za taifa za ngumi, judo na riadhaa.

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Juventus baulk on Aquilani fee


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Updated May 4, 2011 5:11 AM ET
Juventus have warned Liverpool that they must lower their asking price for midfielder Alberto Aquilani.
The Serie A club are keen to sign the 26-year-old midfielder, who was allowed to spend the entire season on loan at Juve after failing to make an impact at Anfield.

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Reports have suggested that Liverpool will demand £16m for Aquilani's services, but Juve sporting director Giuseppe Marotta insists his club are not willing to shell out the current fee.
"There is a buy-out clause that has to be activated by 15 May," Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
"We'll try to reach an agreement before the deadline. I can certainly say we will not sign Aquilani for the sum set by Liverpool."
Milan are also thought to be interested in Aquilani and may make an approach if Juventus are unable to thrash out a deal.
 
No Seedorf offer from Milan


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Updated May 3, 2011 1:37 PM ET
Veteran Clarence Seedorf has revealed that AC Milan have yet to offer him a contract extension to remain at the San Siro.
The 35-year-old Dutch midfielder will become a free agent this summer.


"My future is uncertain," Seedorf said. "The club has not made me an offer.
"It's still early to say whether I will stay or I will leave. You should ask (AC Milan vice-president Adriano) Galliani."
Seedorf joined Milan from city rivals Inter in the summer of 2002 and has since made well over 200 appearances for the Rossoneri.
"I have always given everything I had for the team," Seedorf said.
"I am proud of being the foreigner that has made the most appearances for Milan."
Seedorf has scored three goals in 27 league appearances for Milan this season.
Sunday's 1-0 triumph over Bologna left Milan one step closer to their first scudetto since 2004, leaving them eight points clear of second-placed Inter with three games remaining.
 
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  • Report Abuse acmilanrox99
    • 5/3/2011 3:54:33 PM
    I love Seedorf but it's time to move on for the good of Milan and Clarence himself!

    I've seen many rumors linking us to strikers but I don't think that's our most pressing position. Gaillani please bring in another creative CM!

    But until then, Milan will go marching onto the Scudetto.

    Forza Milan!
  • Report Abuse PMaldini333
    • 5/3/2011 2:05:59 PM
    Milan4life > let's just say the nickname "Hulk" is very fitting for this kid, plus he is quite skilled....look him up on youtube...there are some good clips of him.
  • Report Abuse Milan4life
    • 5/3/2011 12:50:09 PM
    Over the year, we've picked up some key players from INTER - Seedorf and Pirlo being prime examples! Things just work better at MILAN 😉

    @Maldini: I've read numerous reports that Hulk is a transfer target, but I've never seen the kid in action. What's his story??? I know he's been instrumental for Porto, but that's about it. Is he Ibra'esque?
  • Report Abuse marcbarca
    • 5/3/2011 12:09:30 PM
    Seedorf is one of the classiest players I have ever had the privilege of following. One of my all-time favorites. Wish Inter had never let him go.
  • Report Abuse PMaldini333
    • 5/3/2011 12:06:51 PM
    have you seen this Brazilian kid, Hulk, who plays for FC Porto?.....dayum, that dude's a beast...would be a nice summer pick-up for Milan....and yes..it is OOOOOOONNNNNNN.....FORZA MILAN...and then on to Champions League Glory next season.....look out Barca...here come the Rossoneri (even with their ugly new jerseys...LOL)
  • Report Abuse Milan4life
    • 5/3/2011 11:58:28 AM
    So Ibra is back and apparently Pato will be available for the Roma tie as well! And all we need is ONE POINT FROM THREE GAMES?! IT"S OOOOOOOOOOON!!!
  • Report Abuse Milan4life
    • 5/3/2011 8:06:27 AM
    Yea, that's kinda what I was thinking. Doubt the contract extension is coming. not to take anything away from his contributions over the years, but it's time to turn the page and make way for the next Milan generation. Grazie, Clarence!
  • Report Abuse PMaldini333
    • 5/3/2011 6:56:44 AM
    We love you Clarence...you've been pure class for us for many seasons but I'm afraid it's time to go.....we need youth on the team....you will be missed!
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Moratti: We're not Inter Tevez


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Updated May 3, 2011 4:50 AM ET
Massimo Moratti insists Inter Milan have not held any talks about a possible move to sign Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez this summer.


The Argentinian forward was reported to have met with Inter officials during a recent trip to Italy but president Moratti claims there has been no contact between his club and the 27-year-old forward.
When asked about Tevez's recent trip to Milan, Moratti said on the club's official website: "I saw that on TV but there is no connection at all with us."
Tevez has three years remaining on his City contract but there is growing speculation he will leave this summer, having made a transfer request in December before later withdrawing it.
 
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  • Report Abuse IMPORTzine
    • 5/3/2011 8:03:45 PM
    Chelsea should buy Tevez and team him up w/ Torres
  • Report Abuse mexican_bandito
    • 5/3/2011 6:38:07 PM
    Maybe he was there for the other Milan???
  • Report Abuse acmilanrox99
    • 5/3/2011 4:13:02 PM
    Tevez should join Napoli...

    Cavani, Lavezzi, Tevez, and Hamsik. That'd be unstoppable.
  • Report Abuse SpidermanItalia
    • 5/3/2011 10:58:10 AM
    Philly---Bent for 24 million has outproduced Dzeko for 27. In the end looks like Aston Villa got a better price. Bent is a proven commodity in the EPL. Dzeko is an unknown. So one would thin Dzeko should cost less. Eastlands wasn't Dzekos first choice and I wouldn't want someone on my squad who's heart is not into it.
  • Report Abuse PhiladelphiaHotSpur
    • 5/3/2011 8:40:21 AM
    Make it happen Inter...............

    City minus the Argentinian .....................a much different squad.

    And Dzeko.............is this boy gonna cut it in the EPL ??
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Juventus beats 10-man Lazio


ita_simone_pepe_pi_rf_050211_20110502172024495_660_320.JPG
Simone Pepe's late goal gave Juventus full points.



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Updated May 3, 2011 3:43 AM ET
ROME (AP)

Simone Pepe scored in the 87th minute to give Juventus a 1-0 win over 10-man Lazio on Monday in a Serie A match between two clubs desperate to secure a place in Europe next season.

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Pepe, who missed a large portion of this season due to injury, scored with an angled shot that deflected in off a defender.
Six minutes earlier, Lazio midfielder Cristian Ledesma was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for tripping Felipe Melo to stop a Juventus counterattack.
Lazio remained in fourth place - which carries the final Champions League berth - but is only one point in front of both Udinese and Roma. Juventus, which is seventh, moved within four points of Lazio with three matches remaining in the Italian league.
''This is a great satisfaction. It was a tough match and this is a big result,'' Pepe said.
Lazio had dominated until Ledesma was sent off.
Lazio midfielder Christian Brocchi missed close chances in the 27th and 43rd and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon blocked a long shot from Hernanes in the 69th.
In the 66th, Lazio players argued they should have been awarded a penalty and replays showed they may have been right, with Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini making contact with Sergio Floccari inside the area.
 
Juventus beats 10-man Lazio


ita_simone_pepe_pi_rf_050211_20110502172024495_660_320.JPG
Simone Pepe's late goal gave Juventus full points.



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Updated May 3, 2011 3:43 AM ET
ROME (AP)

Simone Pepe scored in the 87th minute to give Juventus a 1-0 win over 10-man Lazio on Monday in a Serie A match between two clubs desperate to secure a place in Europe next season.

Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats

Pepe, who missed a large portion of this season due to injury, scored with an angled shot that deflected in off a defender.
Six minutes earlier, Lazio midfielder Cristian Ledesma was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for tripping Felipe Melo to stop a Juventus counterattack.
Lazio remained in fourth place - which carries the final Champions League berth - but is only one point in front of both Udinese and Roma. Juventus, which is seventh, moved within four points of Lazio with three matches remaining in the Italian league.
''This is a great satisfaction. It was a tough match and this is a big result,'' Pepe said.
Lazio had dominated until Ledesma was sent off.
Lazio midfielder Christian Brocchi missed close chances in the 27th and 43rd and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon blocked a long shot from Hernanes in the 69th.
In the 66th, Lazio players argued they should have been awarded a penalty and replays showed they may have been right, with Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini making contact with Sergio Floccari inside the area.






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  • Report Abuse turiddhu
    • 5/2/2011 9:51:37 PM
    udinese-lazio might decide next week the last champions spot
  • Report Abuse Milan4life
    • 5/2/2011 6:42:12 PM
    Juve barely scraped by! The red card was unjust... not to mention Lazio should have had a penalty... But a win is a win.
  • Report Abuse Don86
    • 5/2/2011 5:22:10 PM
    Robbing that 4th spot from Lazio would be sweet.
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Baggio: Totti deserves plaudits


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Updated May 4, 2011 6:26 AM ET
Roberto Baggio has hailed Francesco Totti after the Roma captain's two goals at Bari left him fifth in the all-time Serie A scoring charts.
Totti, 34, now has 206 goals, which is one more than Baggio managed during his playing career from 1986 to 2004.

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"I compliment Totti because many can score 100 goals but to pass the 200 mark, few achieve that," said Italy legend Baggio.
"Totti has fought so much and has won each challenge. He has given everything, putting in love on and off the pitch.
"For all that he has achieved, he deserves all this satisfaction. He merits all the applause."
Totti made his Serie A debut in 1993 at the age of 16 and has spent his entire career with Roma, his hometown club.
There was speculation that Totti could retire earlier this season after a poor start to the campaign.
However, the former Italy international has recovered his form under coach Vincenzo Montella to lead the Giallorossi in the race for a top-four finish.
"He, like others that suffer setbacks, has been doubted, but through courage and pride, he has emerged," said Baggio.
"I tell Totti not to give up, to continue and to focus on the next record because he has the strength and the condition to score many more goals."
Silvio Piola, who won the World Cup with Italy in 1938, tops the all-time Serie A scoring list with 274 goals, followed by Gunnar Nordahl (225), Giuseppe Meazza (216), Jose Altafini (216) and Totti.
 


RVP: Time to make the final step


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Updated May 4, 2011 5:58 AM ET
Robin van Persie has called on Arsenal to make the "final step" and become Premier League champions next season.
The Gunners blew the title race wide open when they beat Manchester United 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, meaning the leaders are now only three points ahead of Chelsea, whom they host this weekend.

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Birmingham 1-1 Wolves | Recap
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Arsene Wenger's men, though, look likely to have no further say in the destiny of the championship after a series of draws in their recent 16-game unbeaten run left them with too much to do.
However, the battling victory over United - achieved without injured captain Cesc Fabregas - has at least renewed the squad's battered self-confidence as they look to fend of FA Cup finalists Manchester City and secure automatic Champions League qualification.
While van Persie, 27, accepts another season of what might have been is difficult to take, the 19-goal Dutchman insists Arsenal can rise to the challenge in 2012.
"It is time to make that final step," van Persie told Arsenal TV Online. "We came so close a couple of times and achieved a [Carling Cup] final this year, but we need to play at least two or three finals and be involved in those circumstances.
"If you look at Manchester United, we can be better than them but they are [most likely] in the final of the Champions League, have a big chance of winning the Premier League and were in the semi-final of the FA Cup.
"We want to be in those positions and it's up to us to do that."
Van Persie also feels Arsenal have paid a heavy price for not being able to get maximum points from encounters against the likes of Sunderland and Blackburn, while beating Chelsea and United at home, as well as recording a famous Champions League last-16 first-leg victory over Barcelona in February.
"If you look back at a couple of games this year, like Sunday or against Chelsea, we didn't let these big games count because we dropped points against other teams," van Persie said. "It makes it very frustrating."
The Dutchman continued: "The win over United was needed, as it was about pride and honour.
"If we had lost and Manchester City won their game in hand, they could have gone over us, which would have been a disaster, basically."
Arsenal hope Fabregas will shake off his thigh injury to make the trip to Stoke on Sunday, with Samir Nasri (hamstring) and centre-half Johan Djourou (leg) also concerns.
Off the pitch, American tycoon Stan Kroenke must this week send out formal documents for his proposed takeover, having taken his holding up to 63% after buying stakes from late Danny Fiszman and Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith.
However, the deal is buy no means done, with major shareholder Alisher Usmanov indicating he may hold onto his 27%, while the likes of Arsenal Supporters Trust have urged all minority shareholders not to sell as they believe the club should not be owned by any single individual.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have announced a three-year partnership deal with home appliance manufacturer Indesit "to help drive their business in the UK and throughout Europe", which will start at the pre-season Emirates Cup on July 30.
 
Mikel hoping to cement his place


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Updated May 4, 2011 6:06 AM ET
John Obi Mikel has revealed his determination to make the Chelsea holding role his own - and just wants to "help this team win trophies".
Mikel's return to the starting XI has co-incided with the Blues' remarkable end-of-season surge that has seen them close to within three points of Manchester United with three games remaining.


The 24-year-old has divided the critics since moving to Stamford Bridge almost six years ago, which followed a bitter wrangle with United for his services.
He appeared to come of age last season when Chelsea won the Double for the first time in their history but, after starting this term in the side, found himself out of the team in the midst of the club's worst run in the league for almost 15 years.
His return has seen the Blues win their last five league games and he was able to celebrate his 200th appearance for the club in Saturday's 2-1 win over Tottenham.
He now looks certain to start again at Old Trafford this weekend and told his club's official website: "I had a good run from the start of the season until about January and then I wasn't playing so much.
"Now I have started playing again and I just want to keep playing as much as I can and help the team win games and trophies and this is my aim and this is why I am in this club."
He added: "I just want to help this team win trophies, that is my aim and as long as I am playing and this team is winning games and trophies then I am happy."
Mikel produced arguably one of his best performances of the season on Saturday.
He said: "When you play teams like Tottenham, Arsenal or Manchester, these teams can hurt you in counter-attack and this is one thing the manager and the defenders behind me asked me to do in this game."
 
Mikel hoping to cement his place


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Updated May 4, 2011 6:06 AM ET
John Obi Mikel has revealed his determination to make the Chelsea holding role his own - and just wants to "help this team win trophies".
Mikel's return to the starting XI has co-incided with the Blues' remarkable end-of-season surge that has seen them close to within three points of Manchester United with three games remaining.


The 24-year-old has divided the critics since moving to Stamford Bridge almost six years ago, which followed a bitter wrangle with United for his services.
He appeared to come of age last season when Chelsea won the Double for the first time in their history but, after starting this term in the side, found himself out of the team in the midst of the club's worst run in the league for almost 15 years.
His return has seen the Blues win their last five league games and he was able to celebrate his 200th appearance for the club in Saturday's 2-1 win over Tottenham.
He now looks certain to start again at Old Trafford this weekend and told his club's official website: "I had a good run from the start of the season until about January and then I wasn't playing so much.
"Now I have started playing again and I just want to keep playing as much as I can and help the team win games and trophies and this is my aim and this is why I am in this club."
He added: "I just want to help this team win trophies, that is my aim and as long as I am playing and this team is winning games and trophies then I am happy."
Mikel produced arguably one of his best performances of the season on Saturday.
He said: "When you play teams like Tottenham, Arsenal or Manchester, these teams can hurt you in counter-attack and this is one thing the manager and the defenders behind me asked me to do in this game."
 
Maxi targets Liverpool stay


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Updated May 4, 2011 9:07 AM ET
Liverpool winger Maxi Rodriguez has expressed his happiness with life at Anfield amid reports he could be sold in the summer.
The Argentine, a January 2010 signing from Atletico Madrid, has scored four goals in two games for Liverpool, including a hat-trick against Birmingham, to help the Reds overtake Tottenham in fifth position.


The prospect of European football next season, which had looked extremely unlikely, is now within reach and the 30-year-old hopes he will still be at Anfield to experience it.
"I am really happy here," said Maxi. "The people have treated us really well.
"The type of life we have here, the way of life, is very different to what we were used to after nine years in Spain but I am enjoying everything.
"How can you not enjoy it? I am at a great club and it is great to play here."
Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, are expected to overhaul their squad in the summer and it has been reported that Maxi would be sold.
But, with two years remaining on his contract, the wideman is focused on life at Anfield and hopes to help the club to European glory and a return to the Premier League's top four.
"Obviously it is everyone's dream to play in the Champions League. Not just for the players, but for the club," said Maxi.
"That is where Liverpool want to be and deserve to be. But at the moment that is maybe not realistic so getting in the Europa League is our target.
"If we have to play in the Europa League, we will play in it and try to win it."
 
Juventus baulk on Aquilani fee


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Updated May 4, 2011 5:11 AM ET
Juventus have warned Liverpool that they must lower their asking price for midfielder Alberto Aquilani.
The Serie A club are keen to sign the 26-year-old midfielder, who was allowed to spend the entire season on loan at Juve after failing to make an impact at Anfield.

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Reports have suggested that Liverpool will demand £16m for Aquilani's services, but Juve sporting director Giuseppe Marotta insists his club are not willing to shell out the current fee.
"There is a buy-out clause that has to be activated by 15 May," Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
"We'll try to reach an agreement before the deadline. I can certainly say we will not sign Aquilani for the sum set by Liverpool."
Milan are also thought to be interested in Aquilani and may make an approach if Juventus are unable to thrash out a deal.
 
Mick desperate for derby win


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Updated May 4, 2011 9:13 AM ET
Mick McCarthy is convinced Wolves will be in the Premier League next season if they beat West Brom in Sunday's Black Country derby at Molineux.


Wolves could win and still finish the weekend in the bottom three, but McCarthy believes three points would be worth more than local bragging rights.
"If we win on Sunday, then I don't doubt for one minute we'll stay up," he said.
"If we win this one, we go into our last two games with far more confidence after an away draw at Birmingham and a home win.
"It's no good thinking and wishing it though - we have got to do it which is completely different against a team in form.
"We could win the next three or draw two and win one and stay up - I don't know what it's going to take. This result won't be a defining one - unless we win, and then it will be defining."
 
Szczesny: AW's the one and only


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Updated May 3, 2011 5:44 AM ET
Wojciech Szczesny maintains it is "ridiculous" to suggest Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has run out of ideas and should be replaced.
The Gunners may have beaten Premier League leaders Manchester United 1-0 at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, but their hopes of a first trophy since 2005 have long gone.


Some critics and supporters alike have questioned whether Wenger, who transformed the Gunners since taking charge in September 1996, remains the right man for the job as Arsenal look to keep up with their big-spending rivals.
However, 21-year-old goalkeeper Szczesny - one of the youngsters relishing in the chance handed by Wenger this season - insists Arsenal's future is very much in the right hands.
"It is ridiculous. If you ask any of the players, they will stand by the manager," the young Pole declared.
"He built this thing from nothing and I believe he is the best manager in the world.
"He puts his reputation on the line with young players."
Wenger's continued faith in youth failed to deliver once again in 2011 as his side suffered a shock Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham at Wembley, which was followed by swift exits from the Champions League in Barcelona and FA Cup at Old Trafford before a costly run of draws then defeat at Bolton put pay to any title hopes.
It was a mix-up between Szczesny and defender Laurent Koscielny, the 25-year-old summer recruit from Lorient, which gifted Birmingham striker Obafemi Martins a dramatic late winner at Wembley - a moment from which Wenger believes his squad never really recovered.


Szczesny believes such deep frustrations can only make the squad stronger.
"We all take individual responsibility for our mistakes, and everyone has played their part in this season's disappointments," he said.
"We just have to take it as a team. You can't blame the boss. He stood by the team all season."
Szczesny added: "There is a lot of frustration, to see other teams fighting for the title.
"We have really worked hard the whole year, have done our best every day in training and we have given 110% in the games.
"It is frustrating not to be in the side that wins the championship, but we have shown we have the quality.
"It is just a matter of whether we can step up next season.
"We believe we are good enough, that we have a lot of years in front of us and a lot of trophies to win - so let's be patient and show next year that we are good enough to win it."
 
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  • Report Abuse DynamoGunnerReborn
    • 5/3/2011 5:08:30 PM
    Sounds like a prescription for spine there USA_MF.

    I might add a GK to that list and a winger...
  • Report Abuse USA_MADRID_FAN
    • 5/3/2011 3:44:29 PM
    Arsenal needs 1CB, 1DM, and one more CS. RvP is the best, but he's not enough
  • Report Abuse NasriGooner07
    • 5/3/2011 2:45:57 PM
    to be honest what we need are quality subs...we need to purchase a starting quality cb and dm/cm, but most of all we need to sign 3-4 quality subs who can come off the bench and change a game. rosicky, bendter, denilson just dont cut it.

    we have some top class players on the reserves or loaned out that could beocme good subs too: lansbury, coquelin, thomas, gibss could be big ya never know
  • Report Abuse DynamoGunnerReborn
    • 5/3/2011 1:59:49 PM
    I'm still hoping that Frimpong comes back to full health. He looked like the real deal last season and was ready to join the squad this season, but he did his knee during pre-season. That was a huge loss for fans of the youth academy as he looked like serious competition and understudy for Song...
  • Report Abuse irishyid
    • 5/3/2011 1:07:37 PM
    Coming soon my new Avatar, but do not worry I will still dish out the same LOVE.
  • Report Abuse irishyid
    • 5/3/2011 1:00:29 PM
    !Dyno, You guys need another holding mid, you can have Palacios ,the worst insult I can pay a Spurs player is go ahead join the goons I don,t care , its not that he dos,nt play hard its that he loses the ball so easily and thats why he sits.
  • Report Abuse DynamoGunnerReborn
    • 5/3/2011 11:59:35 AM
    I hear ya mathyew. I do think tho, that some of our defensive inadequacies can be dealt with through training and team focus, not just through personnel. Wenger gave these kids a lot of slack to express their game on the pitch. I think everybody is learning that if they want to win, they are going to have to add some tricks to the team "arsenal". I think this summer the focus should be: adding steel, closing down, winning the ball, defend and counter... Add that to our squad's current possession ground game and improved crossing game, and we should see some improvement. A commanding CB would of course help too tho...
  • Report Abuse mathyewc
    • 5/3/2011 11:52:32 AM
    DGR,
    more to the point, more tackles than denilson. We have to many offensive minded players. not enough committed defenders. hands on hips and a slow jog follow too many stifled attacks. not every failed offensive foray deserves to be mourned.
  • Report Abuse DynamoGunnerReborn
    • 5/3/2011 11:43:32 AM
    True dat Mathyew.

    He made more successful tackles in that half of football than I've seen in his whole time here. He looked great.
  • Report Abuse mathyewc
    • 5/3/2011 11:35:24 AM
    Mojo,

    those annoying articles above the "ADD A COMMENT" button. All those words to read. so much simpler just to start typing. He would be our starting keeper. There, i've just saved you the burden of having to read all those "paragraphs."
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