Courtois to have knee surgery

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Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois needs knee surgery and will be out for “quite a long time,” manager Jose Mourinho said.

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London - Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois needs knee surgery and will be out for “quite a long time,” manager Jose Mourinho said on Friday.

The 23-year-old Belgium international will miss the champions' Premier League game at Everton on Saturday and the start of their Champions League group campaign.

Bosnian Asmir Begovic, signed from Stoke City this year, will replace Courtois who sustained the injury in training.

“I cannot tell you much but I can tell you he needs surgery in his right knee and will be out for quite a long time,” Mourinho told reporters.

“The doctors have to be more specific but I think today we will be ready to give out more information.

“It is a big blow, it is not easy to have the best goalkeeper in the world injured but it's easy to have one of the best in the world to play and we have Begovic to play,” Mourinho added.

“I'm very sad for Thibaut and the team but we have a top keeper - Begovic will be in goal.”

Chelsea, who sold long-time first-choice keeper Petr Cech to Arsenal in June, have made a disappointing start to the season, taking four points from their first four matches to fall eight points behind leaders Manchester City. – Reuters



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De Gea signs new United deal

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Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has signed a new four-year contract, the club said.

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London - Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has signed a new four-year contract, the club said on Friday, a week after a proposed transfer to Real Madrid collapsed.

The Spain international, 24, almost joined Madrid on transfer deadline day, but the deal fell through as the necessary paperwork was not filed in time.

His previous deal was set to expire at the end of the season.

“I am delighted to be starting this new chapter in my United career,” De Gea said in a statement on the club website (www.manutd.com).

“I have always enjoyed playing with these great players in front of our fantastic fans. Manchester United is a special club and Old Trafford is an ideal place for me to continue to develop my career.

“I'm looking forward to putting a difficult summer behind me and concentrating on working hard to improve and help my team mates to be successful.”

De Gea was left out of United's opening games of the season, but could return to the starting lineup for Saturday's clash against arch-rivals Liverpool.

“I am absolutely delighted David has signed a new contract. He is one of the best goalkeepers in world football,” manager Louis van Gaal said.

“I am very pleased that he will be part of the team for many years to come.” – Reuters



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United can down Chiefs - Igesund

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By tradition Chiefs are expected to slug it out for the championship while on paper it seems SuperSport have what it takes to fight for the Absa Premiership title.

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It may be early days but the clash between Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United tomorrow evening is set to give indications about title credentials of the two PSL contenders.

By tradition Chiefs are expected to slug it out for the championship while on paper it seems SuperSport have what it takes to fight for the Absa Premiership title. Both have tasted the league glory since the inception of the PSL. Chiefs have won the title four times while SuperSport have won it three times.

Though the season is just three matches old, SuperSport have already beaten one of the big teams in Orlando Pirates, who they edged 1-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, but coach Gordon Igesund says his team is yet to gel.

“It’s early days. I don’t think many of the teams are as fluid as they would like to be. I know we are not. I know we are still integrating players into how we want to play. It takes time for the team to really gel but they are getting better and better. The fluency is coming slowly,” said Igesund.

“I am happy with the way things are going so far. It’s always a fantastic game to play Chiefs because we expect these teams to be challenging for the championship and to take points is important.”

The match will also be a test for Chiefs’ priorities since they will be playing Ajax Cape Town in the MTN8 final next weekend. Will Steve Komphela and his men go all out or will they hold back with the view of reserving their best for the final? Igesund doesn’t think so.

“I don’t think Chiefs have one eye on the cup final. They have got to prepare a team for the game against us. Whichever way they prepare the team it’s their problem. I am focusing on my team on what we have to do. “We tried to identify some weaknesses and strengths in their team and hopefully we can counteract those,” said the four-time league winning coach.

Igesund has been keeping an eye on Chiefs and knows which players his men have to keep in check if they are to claim victory tomorrow.

“(Siphiwe) Tshabalala is playing very well. Yeye (Letsholonyane) is playing in a more advanced position. They have got good movement in their team. I know they are focusing on my team a little bit. They have got to be concerned about players like Jeremy Brockie, Kingston Nkhatha, Thuso Phala, Dove Wome, David Mathebula,” he said.

Last season SuperSport were the first team to beat Chiefs. That SuperSport have fared well against Chiefs is likely to have the men from Tshwane psyched up for the tomorrow’s battle.

“Psychologically it is always good to know that we have beaten this team not only once but a couple of times. We played against the best and we have beaten them,” said Igesund.

FIXTURES

(all games start at 3pm, unless stated)

TOMORROW

Golden Arrows v Mamelodi Sundowns

At Chatsworth Stadium

TV: SS4

Last Season: Did Not Play

Results so far

Arrows: WDL

Sundowns: DWL

Prediction: Sundowns 2, Arrows 0

Free State Stars v Chippa United

At Goble Park

TV: SABC1

Last season: Stars 2, Chippa 0

Results so far:

Stars: LLL

Chippa: DLW

Prediction: Stars 1, Chippa 2

SuperSport United v Kaizer Chiefs

At Peter Mokaba Stadium

Kick-off: 6pm

TV: SS4

Last season: SuperSport 2, Chiefs 0

Results so far

SuperSport: WDD

Chiefs: DWD

Prediction: SuperSport 1, Chiefs 1

Ajax Cape Town v Polokwane City

At Cape Town Stadium

Kick-off: 8:15pm

TV: Highlights on Monday

Last Season: Ajax 1, Polokwane 1

Results so far

Ajax: DWW

Polokwane: WLD

Prediction: Ajax 2, Polokwane 1

Maritzburg United v Bloemfontein Celtic

At Harry Gwala Stadium

Kick-off: 8.15pm

TV: SABC 1

Last Season: Maritzburg 0, Celtic 0

Results So far

Maritzburg: DLL

Celtic: LDW

Prediction: Maritzburg 0, Celtic 1

SUNDAY

Jomo Cosmos v Platinum Stars

At Olen Park

Kick-off: 3pm

TV: SS4

Last Season: Did not play

Results so far

Cosmos: DDD

Stars: DDW

Prediction: Cosmos 1, Stars 1

University of Pretoria v Bidvest Wits

At Tuks Stadium

Kick-off: 3pm

TV: SABC 1

Last Season: Tuks 0, Wits 0

Results so far:

Tuks: LWL

Wits: WLW

Prediction: Tuks 1, Wits 2 - The Star



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United players’ frustration with LVG

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The regimented system that Louis Van Gaal has installed at Manchester United is taking it’s its toll.

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It was Louis van Gaal’s obsession with possession that was the breaking point. Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick had to state their case.

Manchester United had beaten Tottenham at Old Trafford the day before but the atmosphere at the Carrington training complex afterwards was not one of euphoria, more of despair.

Respect for the hardline Dutch coach with the Iron Tulip moniker has never been in question but the regimented system Van Gaal had installed was taking its toll.

Players groaned at the monotony of training, the team meetings, unit meetings for the defence, midfield and attack — oh, and the debriefs. The blunt, often critical delivery of video analyst Max Reckers and the abrasive manner in which Victor Valdes and Rafael da Silva were despatched from the first team dressing room.

Rooney and Carrick, as captain and vice-captain, are ‘afforded special privileges’ says Van Gaal, and they plucked up the courage to air the team’s views. There was no challenge of authority, merely a plea to hear their case. Van Gaal took it on board but little has changed.

As the mercurial Brian Clough famously mused ‘we talk about it for 20 minutes then we decide I was right’.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is damning in his assessment. ‘It’s not a type of football I enjoy watching,’ he said. ‘It’s methodical and really slow going side to side.’

Methodical is the operative view shared by several of United’s players; jaded by repetitive training drills and the constant dissection of their every move.

The cavalier spirit of Sir Alex Ferguson’s era may be a distant memory but the attention to detail is essential to Van Gaal’s famed philosophy.

Video analyst Reckers enjoys a central role yet his input is not always enjoyed by the players. A perceived tendency to concentrate on weaknesses rather than strengths is not thought to have helped matters, along with forensic examinations of each player’s positioning.

As you would expect, Van Gaal has unswerving faith in his compatriot, a former hockey player.

‘It’s unbelievable because he’s not only my computer guru, he’s like my son,’ said Van Gaal. ‘But he’s not called Van Gaal, his name is Max Reckers and he is a performance analyst. He collects all the data that we need. We have a lot of data because at Manchester United there was already a philosophy that you have to measure everything and it’s called the sport science department. It’s unbelievable what organisation you have to make for such a big group at such a big club.’

That organisation and regimented tone has been set for some time: train, eat, sleep, repeat. In his defence, Van Gaal protected his players from an arduous summer tour across the USA last summer but made it clear they were there to work. Training times were adjusted to coincide with the kick-off of their next match. On Wednesday this week, players returned from international duty but had a light session at 5.30pm, with tomorrow’s teatime kick-off against Liverpool in mind.

That is not unwelcome for United’s players, their concern is a lack of enjoyment and freedom to be more expressive.

As Ferdinand observed: ‘You associate Manchester United with pace and power, explosive fantasy in the final third, but that’s not the way it is now.

‘Manchester United fans are having to re-educate themselves. You’re not going to see what you saw for the last 25 years. Van Gaal has got a clear idea of how he wants the team to play. It’s very methodical.’

The approach has so far failed to ignite United’s campaign and with just three goals scored —three fewer than bottom club Sunderland — in four games.

Addressing United executive club members on Wednesday evening, Van Gaal admitted he did not expect his side to win the title this season but that next year was realistic. To those who queried the recent capitulation to Swansea and worried about what could be expected against Liverpool, he stated: ‘Don’t worry, we will win.’

The Dutchman, it seems, possesses no doubt about his methods. His players may beg to differ. – Daily Mail



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Fans told to support Arsenal players

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Arsène Wenger told anxious Arsenal fans that simply signing players is not a magical solution to all of their problems.

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Arsène Wenger told anxious Arsenal fans yesterday that simply signing players is not a magical solution to all of their problems. Arsenal did not sign a single outfield player in the transfer window which, given Danny Welbeck's injury, triggered new frustration among the supporters.

Facing questions ahead of tomorrow's game with Stoke City, Wenger told Arsenal fans to get behind their existing players, rather than hoping for them to be replaced by seemingly superior ones.

“I think to support the club and support the team is to stand behind the players,” chided Wenger. “It is not always expecting someone coming down from heaven to sort out all your problems. Support is believing in the players in the squad, and this is a good opportunity to do that for our supporters.”

After the signing of Petr Cech at the start of the summer, Arsenal did not buy any other players, a policy which became even less popular after the news that striker Welbeck would be out for the rest of 2015 after knee surgery.

Wenger insisted yesterday that the club could not find “an efficient solution” in the transfer market and the bad news about Welbeck did not push him into the market.

“It doesn't change anything,” Wenger explained. “You either find someone who strengthens your squad or not. Whether we have players injured or not doesn't change the problem.

“The solutions we had were not convincing at all. In the end you do not buy to give one hope, you want to buy because the players who come in can help your squad to be stronger. Buying and selling is one way to strengthen your team but that's not the only way.”

Wenger also revealed that midfielder Jack Wilshere is recovering “slower than expected” from an ankle injury which has cost him the start of this season.

Arsenal had initially hoped that Wilshere would be ready this weekend, after the September international break, following a hairline fracture to his ankle which he sustained in training on 1 August.

“I have not seen Jack in the last two or three days,” Wenger said. “He is progressing slowly. It is slower than expected as I expected him to be back and available after the break, but unfortunately he will not be available for Saturday. He had a little setback and I have to know about it, but I can't tell you much more as I have no medical information.” – The Independent



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Martial set for United debut

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Anthony Martial is set to make one of the most eagerly awaited debuts in recent Premier League history this weekend.

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Anthony Martial is set to make one of the most eagerly awaited debuts in recent Premier League history when his new club Manchester United cross swords with Liverpool on Saturday.

Martial, 19, signed from Monaco on transfer deadline day for a reported initial fee of £36 million (about R760-million) that could rise to £58 million and the French striker will be expected to enliven an attack that has scored only three goals in four league games.

Liverpool are also short of goals, having netted only twice so far this season, and with each side looking to steady the ship after defeats, there will be pressure to perform on both sets of players.

“Liverpool is the perfect game to have to come back to after the international break,” United assistant manager and former scourge of Liverpool Ryan Giggs said at a supporters' event this week.

“Old Trafford will be bouncing for a late kick-off. All the players are looking forward to it and I'm sure the fans are, too.

“Liverpool is always a special game and it's even more special when you win, so we can't wait.”

Martial, who will wear the number nine shirt, stands to become the first United player to make his debut in a home game against Liverpool since Ernie Thompson in November 1936.

United manager Louis van Gaal has described the fee for Martial as “ridiculous”, but despite having spoken of the need to give him time to settle in, the Dutchman could do with the teenager finding his feet quickly.

Of the three goals United have scored in the league this season, one was an own goal by Tottenham Hotspur's Kyle Walker and the other was scored by Adnan Januzaj, who is no longer at the club.

And while Wayne Rooney returns to Old Trafford after setting a new England scoring record of 50 against Switzerland on Tuesday, he is without a league goal since April.

Van Gaal must also decide whether to restore goalkeeper David de Gea to his starting XI, having sidelined him citing concerns about his focus prior to the collapse of the Spaniard's proposed move to Real Madrid on deadline day.

In midfield, Michael Carrick is a doubt after withdrawing from England duty with a calf complaint.

While United have looked reasonably solid in defence, it will not have escaped Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers's attention that makeshift centre-back Daley Blind was bullied by Bafetimbi Gomis during their 2-1 defeat at Swansea City.

Liverpool have a bruising forward of their own these days in Christian Benteke, who scored twice against United for Aston Villa last season, and are likely to look to isolate him against the lightweight Blind.

Liverpool have problems of their own in attack, however, and will be without Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho through suspension after he was sent off in their chastening 3-0 loss at home to West Ham United.

Daniel Sturridge has returned to training after undergoing hip surgery in May but may not be risked, while there are doubts over midfield trio Adam Lallana (thigh), Jordan Henderson (ankle) and Joe Allen (hamstring).

Liverpool enjoyed a 3-0 win at Old Trafford amid the embers of David Moyes's ill-fated reign as United manager in March 2014, but were beaten twice by their old enemies last season.

After losing 3-0 in Manchester in mid-December, Liverpool went on a 13-game unbeaten run that appeared to have resurrected their season, only for Van Gaal's men to inflict a 2-1 defeat upon them at Anfield in March.

“We have to try to approach it the same way we approach every single game, but we know there is a lot of talking and the fans are more excited about it,” says Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva.

“For the players that have never played the fixture, they just have to try to approach it the same way they always do.” – AFP



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Cape opens it’s arms to Chiefs

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Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille announced that she will support Kaizer Chiefs desire to play thre of their home mayches in the Mother City.

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Ajax Cape Town remain undeterred in their opposition to Johannesburg-based Kaizer Chiefs’ proposal to play three of their home games at the Cape Town Stadium.

Yesterday, mayor Patricia de Lille held a press conference to announce that she will support the Soweto club’s desire to play in the Mother City. While official approval for the proposal still has to come from Council, De Lille’s support means that it is a mere formality.

“The City of Cape Town is committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive space for all its residents, sporting codes and cultures. We also have a responsibility to make the Cape Town Stadium a financially viable venue. I have, therefore, supported an event proposal for Kaizer Chiefs to play three of their home matches during this season at the Cape Town Stadium,” said De Lille in her official statement.

“This event proposal will be tabled at full Council and for final approval, and I will recommend that we approve Kaizer Chiefs hosting Wits on December 19, Platinum Stars on January 24 and SuperSport United on February 20.

“The proposed agreement forms part of a one-year contract, with an option to cancel or renew for a further two years. We have a duty to use our stadium to promote public events that are for the benefit of the people of Cape Town.

“Nothing will hinder Ajax Cape Town from playing their home matches at the Cape Town Stadium, in line with the three-year agreement they have signed with the City.

“We will also continue to support local clubs as we have done for years. We live in a diverse city and it is only right that we form partnerships with stakeholders that reflect this diversity and that provide opportunities to use our beautiful stadium.”

Ajax chief executive Ari Efstathiou says he will convene an urgent meeting today with his club’s management staff to decide on their next step.

“The issue here is that, right from the very start to the present time, the City has never been truthful with us,” said Efstathiou. “Yes, we have a three-year deal with the City, but we will now be reviewing our position.

“I guess if the City feels it wants to support an outside club, it can do so – but to say that they support local clubs, that I find quite strange. Speak to any of the clubs in the Cape and you will get a different answer.

“Also, we cannot see the financial viability of the Chiefs deal. We have asked the City to show us on what grounds the deal is financially viable, and they still haven’t been able to do so.”

Santos chairman Goolam Allie was as disappointed. “I think the Mayor’s decision is based on a rather narrow way of thinking and it’s an indictment on all the football clubs and footballers in the Cape,” said Allie. “All in all, it sums up the general attitude the City has towards local football.

“If this is the way they want to save a white elephant stadium, then they aren’t going about it the right way. Think about it… what will three Chiefs home games do towards the overall viability of the Stadium? Nothing…”

As for Chiefs, they aren’t concerned about the controversy their presence here has created. They are just concerned about building their brand.

“We are excited,” said Chiefs’ marketing director Jessica Motaung when she met with Independent Media journalists yesterday. “We have lots of support in Cape Town. We have 40 active branches in the city and, whenever I meet with them, there is an outcry that we should play more games in the Cape.

“The plan forms part of the club’s strategy to bring the team closer to its loyal supporters in the Cape and to grow its national fan base.”

When asked about the current controversy, Motaung said: “I was shocked… But I think that perhaps something good can come of it. Whatever the issues are between local football clubs and the City, perhaps now is the time for introspection. There’s an opportunity to fix whatever the problems are.

“It’s time to stop the fighting and collaborate. The parties need to sit around a table and plan how they can take football in this city forward. And we are hoping that our presence here can encourage the growth of football in the Cape.

“It’s time to stop the anger and the negativity, and use us to do something positive for football in the Cape. Just as we hope that, by being here, we can inspire youngsters to continue to take up football as a sport, and then go on to play for the local Cape clubs sometime in the future.” - Cape Times



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‘Everybody wants to kill’ Chelsea

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Eden Hazard admits Chelsea are struggling to adapt to life as Premier League champions because “everyone wants to kill you”.

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Eden Hazard admits Chelsea are struggling to adapt to life as Premier League champions because “everyone wants to kill you”.

Jose Mourinho's side are already eight points adrift of leaders Manchester City after winning just one of their opening four matches.

The Blues desperately need to get back on track when they face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday in a clash which has added intrigue following Chelsea's unsuccessful bid to sign Toffees defender John Stones.

But Hazard is one of numerous Chelsea stars who have so far failed to replicate the fine form that took them to the title last term.

And the Belgium playmaker believes that is partly due to the extra pressure of defending the title, an honour which leads opponents to raise their game to unexpectedly high levels against Chelsea.

“It's difficult to play as a champion because everyone wants to beat you, everyone wants to kill you,” Hazard told fashion website HypeBeast.com.

“We wear the gold badge and... yeah, it's very good. We had a fantastic season last season... if we could do the same this season we'd be good.

“Every day I try to reach a better level. This is my job, every day I try to score. Every game I try to score.

“I just want to be champion. I just want to be a champion and win everything like I did last season.”

Mourinho has had two weeks to stew on the home loss to Crystal Palace - only the second defeat in 100 home Premier League games for the manager - that ensured Chelsea entered the international break on a low.

The contrast with the start to last season could hardly be more stark.

Then, Chelsea flew out of the blocks, rising immediately to the top of the table, a position they held on to before being crowned champions in May.

This time, Mourinho's side have stuttered through the opening weeks with the manager admitting his team are still short of their best.

Mourinho has pointed to last season's experience when City closed an eight-point gap in December before allowing Chelsea to break clear again as evidence of the way in which the table can be transformed.

But already the Blues are playing catch-up and a training ground injury to keeper Thibaut Courtois this week did nothing to lift the mood.

The Belgium international suffered a knee injury and faces an anxious wait before learning the full extent of the injury and is expected to miss the trip to Merseyside, with Asmir Begovic set to deputise.

Everton went into the international break on the back of a commendable 0-0 draw at Tottenham, but it came at a cost.

Midfielder Tom Cleverley will be out for between six and eight weeks with ankle ligament damage sustained in that game, while Bryan Oviedo - who played at left-back in that match - is struggling with a knee problem.

Against that backdrop, Everton manager Roberto Martinez is relieved to have kept Stones from Mourinho's clutches.

The England international had a transfer request rejected, while Everton snubbed three bids approaching £30 million ($46 million) from Chelsea, yet Martinez is confident his young centre-back will put the saga behind him with no complaints.

“John has gone from strength to strength in a period of high pressure and has used it in the right way, taking the support of everyone at the club and has performed with incredible maturity and composure,” he said.

“Any story or any backlash still from the transfer window I am not going to entertain.

“Our interest is to look after every player who represents the club, they need understanding and we are going to look after the human being as well as we look after the footballer.” – AFP



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United open contract talks with De Gea

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Manchester United have opened contract talks with David de Gea after the Spain goalkeeper was on the verge of joining Real Madrid.

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Manchester United have opened contract talks with David de Gea less than two weeks after the Spain goalkeeper was on the verge of joining Real Madrid, according to reports on Thursday.

De Gea was on course to get his wish of a move to Real on transfer deadline day until an administrative error caused the deal to collapse at the last minute.

The 24-year-old hasn't played for the Premier League club this season after being dropped by United manager Louis van Gaal, who claimed de Gea had told him he wasn't in the right frame of mind to play while the transfer saga dragged on.

When the Madrid switch fell through it was feared De Gea's relationship with van Gaal might prove broken beyond repair.

But the BBC and a number of English national newspapers said on Thursday that the Spain international, voted United's player of the year for the last two seasons, is willing to talk about a new deal.

Pictures carried by the Daily Mail showed De Gea's agent, Jorge Mendes, in Manchester on Thursday, giving rise to talk of negotiations and increasing speculation that De Gea will return to the United line-up for Saturday's clash against arch rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.

There was no comment from the club on De Gea's future on Thursday, but van Gaal will be quizzed on the situation when he gives his first press conference since deadline day on Friday. – AFP



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It’s all about the team for Makola

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Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola scored on his debut for Bafana in the Nelson Mandela Challege against Senegal.

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Scoring on debut is always special, but scooping the Man of the Match award and securing a vital win for your country, is extraordinary.

This was the case for Orlando Pirates star midfielder Mpho Makola whose incredible strike in the 78th minute meant Bafana Bafana retained the Nelson Mandela Challenge trophy with a 1-0 win over Senegal at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

The winger creating space for himself, before launching a powerful shot outside the box which gave Senegal goalkeeper Khadim Ndiaye no chance.

Not only did Makola help Shakes Mashaba’s team lift the trophy again, but this was also their first win over the Lions of Taranga.

“It was a great goal. I’m happy that my team managed to win, it was a good game after all,” said Makola.

“Every player wants to play for the national team and be a regular. But it is more about being consistent, that is something I want to do.”

As much as the goal was important for the midfielder, it was also critical for the team as well, after falling out 3-1 to a lowly ranked Mauritania in the Afcon qualifiers over the weekend.

“I’m excited, it was all about redeeming ourselves after the performance we showed over the weekend.

“It was more about Nelson Mandela, we did it for him tonight. I’m happy with my performance and my goal.”

With the national duty out of the way for now, Makola will be travelling to Egypt today with the Pirates team for their final CAF Confederations group stage match against Zamalek.

The Buccaneers and the White Knights are level on points in group B, with the Egyptians topping the standings with a better head to head record.

“They are top of the log. But we are going to approach the game the way we always do. I’m looking forward to the game, we want to top the group and hopefully get the first leg away when we go into the semi-final.” - The Star



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Courtois injury blow for Chelsea

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Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has injured his knee and is likely to miss their visit to Goodison Park to take on Everton.

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Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has injured his knee and is likely to miss the champions' visit to Goodison Park to take on Everton on Saturday, British media reported.

The Belgium international returned to Chelsea fully fit after international duty, but limped out of his first practice session on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old could be facing an extended period on the sidelines and the club will discover the full extent of the problem after more tests are conducted on Thursday.

Chelsea, who lie 13th in the table on four points from four games, can bring in Asmir Begovic as a replacement, having signed the former Stoke City keeper in the close season after Petr Cech departed for Arsenal. – Reuters



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LVG laments ‘ridiculous’ Martial fee

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that the fee paid for striker Anthony Martial was “a ridiculous amount of money”.

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that the fee paid for teenage French striker Anthony Martial was “a ridiculous amount of money”.

The 19-year-old, who only won his first cap for France after the deal went through, cost a staggering reported fee of £36 million ($55.1m, 49m euros) from Monaco just before the transfer window closed last week.

It is believed the fee could rise to £58 million, and van Gaal, speaking at an event in Manchester for executive United season-ticket holders, said: “It was a ridiculous amount of money, but it's the crazy world we are in.”

The Dutchman added that the fee reflected a trend of United being routinely quoted “£10 million more” for players.

In addition, he said that Martial had been signed for the club's “next manager”, and suggested that would be his current assistant Ryan Giggs.

Van Gaal was quoted by The Times as saying: “I have not bought Martial for me - I have bought him for the next manager of Manchester United.”

He added of Giggs, who was alongside him at the event: “I feel I am introducing the next manager of Manchester United.” – AFP



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Pirates target top spot

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Orlando Pirates’ Caf Confederations Cup game on Sunday will be the first time that Thabo Rakhale has played in Egypt.

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Orlando Pirates’ Caf Confederations Cup game on Sunday will be the first time that Thabo Rakhale has played in Egypt.

Against Zamalek, the skillful midfielder expects similar weather and field conditions to the ones the Buccaneers found in Tunisia, where they defeated CF Sfaxien 0-1 in July.

“That day our performance was superb, I’d say,” Rakhale said this week.

At the Petro Sport Stadium, Pirates will find a similar opponent style-wise, playing to the North African brand of structure and toughness.

The Egyptian giants came out on top when they visited Orlando Stadium in July, coming back from a goal down to defeat Pirates 2-1.

“I think the lack of experience is why we ended up losing that game,” Pirates coach Eric Tinkler said of the defeat. “We didn’t know how to protect our lead, we didn’t know how to play for the result. But I think if you looked at the games after that we improved in that area.”

Rakhale said that the team will try to use their superior mobility and versatility to get around Zamalek’s defence, while maintaining their own structure.

“The coach gives us the freedom to go all over the field for as long as we’re keeping the shape of the formation,” the midfielder said.

“The type of formation we want to play, in terms of offense, is going to be very different to the type of formation we’re going to be using defensively and it’s about the players being able to adapt,” Tinkler said.

Both sides are level on points and have already qualified for the semi-finals. What remains is which team will top Group B. Securing the top spot will earn an away first leg in the semis, which the Sea Robbers view as an easier route to the final.

On a personal level Rakhale added that the team’s continental adventure has given him a chance to gain experience and confidence.

“As a player it helped me grow,” he said. “It has helped in a way that I can mark and attack at the same time.” - The Star



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Wenger happy with attacking options

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Arsene Wenger defended his transfer policy, saying he was satisfied with his Arsenal squad and had plenty of options in attack.

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London - After failing to score in their opening two home Premier League games for the first time in 36 years, Arsenal will be looking for their first goals and their first win at the Emirates Stadium this season when they play Stoke City on Saturday.

Manager Arsene Wenger has been roundly criticised by many of the club's fans for failing to strengthen his team during the transfer window, especially in attack.

Arsenal are sixth in the table with seven points from their opening four matches that include a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace, a 1-0 win at Newcastle and a goalless draw with Liverpool.

But two of those three goals were own goals, and Arsenal appear to have a lack of firepower up front with Danny Welbeck's injured knee keeping him out of the side at least until Christmas time.

Including their 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Community Shield in August, Arsenal have only scored four goals in five games so far.

Wenger though, defended his transfer policy on Thursday, saying he was satisfied with his squad and had plenty of options in attack too.

“I have made over 300 transfers and every time the decision you make is do you buy the player to strengthen your squad, or not.

“The solutions we had were not convincing at all and in the end you do not buy to give wrong hopes.

“You want to buy because the players who come in can help your squad to be stronger.

“Buying and selling is one way to strengthen your team but it is not your only way.”

Welbeck, scored only four league goals in his first season at Arsenal following his move from Manchester United just over a year ago, but knows where the net is as his 14 goals in 33 England appearances prove.

Without him, the burden falls on Olivier Giroud, who has scored once this season, and Alexis Sanchez, who hasn't scored any, as Wenger's senior front two, although Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey have consistently backed up with goals from midfield in the past.

Wenger said Arsenal did want to sign a forward but couldn't find one to improve the squad.

“It's about finding an efficient solution,” he said. “They don't just drop down from heaven.”

Asked about Giroud's start to the season - he was jeered by French fans for a series of missed chances in France's friendly against Serbia on Monday - he replied: “I have confidence in the ability and quality of our strikers.

“Of course I'm confident that I have enough cover and enough quality.”

The last time Arsenal failed to score in their opening two league matches was in the old First Division in August 1979 when they lost 2-0 to Ipswich Town and drew 0-0 with Manchester United at Highbury - the same sequence they have had this season with a 2-0 loss to West Ham followed by the draw with Liverpool.

If they are looking for omens, their third home game ended in a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough, a result that would delight everyone connected with the club this weekend. – Reuters



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AVB set for Zenit exit

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Andre Villas-Boas has refused a contract expansion and will step down as Zenit St. Petersburg coach at the end of the current season.

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Moscow - Andre Villas-Boas has refused a contract expansion and will step down as Zenit St. Petersburg coach at the end of the current season, the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur coach has said.

“At the end of the last season the club offered me the chance to extend my contract, but I refused this offer and at the end of this season I will leave my post,” the 37 year-old Portuguese, currently serving a six-match touchline ban, told the club website (www.fc-zenit.ru).

The former Porto manager took over at Zenit in March 2014 and helped the club win the 2014-15 Russian Premier League title.

In their current campaign, Zenit are third in the table, six points behind the leaders CSKA Moscow.

“We did not undertake the work during the transfer window that we had expected and the squad is limited. It has not been strengthened with the exception of those players who came at the start of the transfer window. The limit on foreign players has changed,” Villas-Boas said.

“Even despite this we will carry on working and we need to get points to catch those who are in front of us, while we will also try to be successful in the Champions League,” he said.

Villas-Boas was banned by the Russian Football Union earlier this month for pushing the fourth official during Zenit's home match with Krylia Sovetov. – Reuters



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