News sport

Theo upbeat ahead of Bayern clash

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in breàking news,criçket live,cricket s,crıcket lıve score,india cricket live,live,live cricket,lïve cricket score,news sport,Soccer Soccer Extended RSS,sportnews,sports

Theo Walcott insists Arsenal will salvage their Champions League campaign against Bayern Munich.

|||

Theo Walcott insists Arsenal will salvage their Champions League campaign against Bayern Munich on Tuesday by emulating their ruthless demolition of Manchester United.

Arsene Wenger's side are in severe danger of failing to reach the knockout stages for the first time in 16 years after two dismal defeats.

The Gunners were beaten at Dinamo Zagreb and then suffered the embarrassment of losing at home to Olympiakos, leaving them pointless at the bottom of Group F.

Another loss when Bayern visit the Emirates Stadium would put Arsenal on the verge of a stunning exit and, with so much on the line, the German champions' imperious form this season makes facing them even more daunting opponents.

Yet Arsenal go into the crunch clash in good form after winning 3-0 at Watford on Saturday.

England forward Walcott claims the north Londoners will have no reason to fear Bayern if they tear into them with the kind of high-tempo attacking style that led to a 3-0 rout of United in the Premier League earlier in October.

“We just need to move on from the first couple of (European) results, they have happened. We know we are capable of getting results against Bayern Munich and we obviously want to put things right,” Walcott said.

“Looking at our last home match against Manchester United, the intensity of our game was different to what it was like against Olympiakos in the Champions League.

“We want put it right and we just need to work hard, and that is what it comes down to.

“If everyone is doing their job on the day it is difficult to beat us.

“We know the talent is there. We haven't started in the Champions League how we would have liked to, but we will work hard and try to put it right.”

Bayern have won on each of their last two visits to the Emirates en route to knocking out the Gunners in the last 16 in 2013 and 2014 and it would be little surprise to see them inflict another damaging blow.

Pep Guardiola's team have won all of their opening nine German league matches -- a Bundesliga record -- and between them Thomas Mueller and Robert Lewandowski have already scored 21 league goals.

Poland forward Lewandowski is enjoying a sensational spell of form, having registered 15 goals in his last seven appearances for club and country.

Walcott acknowledges the magnitude of the task facing Arsenal, but refuses to feel inferior to the swaggering Germans.

“Playing against Bayern and their quality is of course going to be a good challenge for us and a difficult game,” Walcott said.

“We know we can beat anyone and we are going to be completely ready for this one.”

Although there is less at stake for Bayern, who have won their first two Group F fixtures, Wenger and his players have been warned not to expect an easy ride.

Guardiola says this is Bayern's “first final” in the competition as the Bundesliga leaders aim for a first Champions League crown under the former Barcelona boss.

And he concedes time is running out to lift the European title both he and the club craves in the third -- and potentially final -- year of his current contract.

“My time here won't have been complete if we don't win the Champions League title. I know where I am, so this isn't a problem for me,” Guardiola said.

However, aware of Bayern's status as favourites on Tuesday, captain Philipp Lahm cautioned against complacency.

“We have won the first nine games, there is a long way to go, but it is impressive how much this teams wants it,” Lahm said.

“It won't be easy (in London), but we're ready. Arsenal are definitely better than zero points from two games.” – AFP

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1NPziFx

Newcastle bags first win in style

Georginio Wijnaldum plundered four goals as Newcastle United thrashed Norwich City 6-2 at St James' Park.

|||

Georginio Wijnaldum plundered four goals as Newcastle United thrashed Norwich City 6-2 at St James' Park on Sunday to belatedly claim their first win of the Premier League season.

Wijnaldum was a member of the Holland team that had failed to qualify for Euro 2016 earlier in the week, but he shrugged off the disappointment with a brilliant quadruple that eased some of the pressure on Newcastle manager Steve McClaren.

Ayoze Perez and Aleksandar Mitrovic also found the net, while Moussa Sissoko played his part with four assists, as Newcastle secured a league victory at the ninth attempt ahead of next weekend's trip to northeast derby rivals Sunderland, who replaced them at the foot of the table.

“I thought the front four were excellent, especially 'Gini',” said McClaren.

“I'm so pleased for everyone at the club. We've had to be patient, the fans especially.”

Wijnaldum told Sky Sports: “Of course we needed the win. We played a few games when we played good, but at end of the game, we only had one point.

“Every day we work hard to get the result we got today (Sunday).”

Norwich were 3-2 down at half-time, having scored through Dieumerci Mbokani -- making his full league debut -- and Nathan Redmond, who also hit the post in the second half.

But despite a strong start to the second period they ended up well beaten, leaving Alex Neil's side just three points above the relegation zone in 16th place.

“It's never nice when you concede six,” said Neil. “We need to regroup and make sure we defend a hell of a lot better in our next game.”

Newcastle showed four changes to the team thrashed 6-1 by Manchester City on their previous outing -- in which Sergio Aguero had scored five goals -- with Rob Elliot notably replacing Tim Krul in goal after the Dutchman ruptured knee ligaments on international duty.

The hosts went ahead in the 14th minute when Sissoko picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box and threaded a pass through to Wijnaldum, a close-season signing from PSV Eindhoven, who steered a low shot into the bottom-left corner.

Robbie Brady sounded the Norwich revolt, cracking a shot against the post from 30 yards, and the visitors equalised in the 20th minute when Martin Olsson's delicious left-wing cross was stabbed home by Mbokani.

Wijnaldum restored Newcastle's lead six minutes later with a downward header from Sissoko's clipped cross and Perez made it 3-1 when he found the bottom-left corner at the second attempt following a block by Olsson.

But Newcastle's defensive frailties were exposed again just 48 seconds later when Olsson's deep cross from the left was adroitly side-footed home on the volley by Redmond.

After Wijnaldum had cleared a header from Newcastle old boy Sebastien Bassong off the line early in the second half, the hosts scored a fourth goal of exceptional quality in the 64th minute.

Sissoko led a break from Newcastle's right-hand corner flag that culminated in him flighting a pass to Mitrovic, who chested the ball down, let it bounce, and lashed it past John Ruddy with his left foot.

Two minutes later it was 5-2 as Daryl Janmaat crossed from the right for Wijnaldum to head home his hat-trick goal.

Redmond then drove a low shot against the upright, but Wijnaldum had saved the best for last, cutting in from the left and smashing a 25-yard shot inside the right-hand post. – AFP

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1LxrVMR

Wasteful Bafana blow it

Shakes Mashaba’s men failed to find the back of the net in their disappointing clash with Angola on Saturday.

|||

Johannesburg – Bafana Bafana will go into the second leg of the CHAN 2016 qualifiers with their goal-scoring boots on if they are to secure a place in the tournament in Rwanda.

Shakes Mashaba’s team failed to find the back of the net at the Rand Stadium on Satuday, letting Angola seal the win.

Mateus da Costa and Manuel Afonso scored for the visitors.

Bafana were first to threaten though, with a cross from Luvuyo Memela looking for Bongani Ndulula and Ruggert Nyundu, but the Angolans cleared the danger.

In the 12th minute, a couple of neat touches from Afonso and Alfredo Kulembe led to the winger testing Wayne Sandilands for the first time, but the Bafana goalkeeper was alert to the danger.

Memela then dribbled his way into the opposition box, but was stopped by the Angolan back four.

Afonso wasted an inviting opportunity in the 27th minute, following a low cross from Jacinto Dala.

Sandilands was brought into the action when a powerful Dario de Sosa shot was brilliantly saved by the Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper.

Michael Morton fired a long-range effort but Angola ‘keeper Hipolito Damiao saved with ease.

The game went into the break with both teams unable to break the deadlock.

Angola went on the attack in the second period, luring Bafana into making errors at the back.

Percy Tau replaced Ruggert Nyundu in the Bafana team.

His presence was felt immediately, the striker going through on goal with his first touch of the ball.

The visitors took the lead in the 54th minute, courtesy of a long-range strike from De Costa.

As Mashaba’s men went in search of an equaliser, their shots either lacked venom or went wide.

Afonso continued mesmerising on the right wing.

In the 84th minute, a cross from Zwane from the right side almost saw the hosts get the equaliser.

The ball found Memela inside the box, but his header hit the crossbar.

Mashaba’s men continued pressing with Lakay taking charge of most of the attacks, but his shots were either blocked or saved by Damiao.

With the game heading into injury time and Angola looking to take the one-nil goal advantage, star winger Afonso made it 2-0.

Afonso chipped the ball into the net, leaving Sandilands stranded. The hosts looked like a beaten side, their counter-attacks remaining fruitless.

The team will now go into Saturday’s second leg in Luanda with a difficult task, having to score at least three goals and not conceding if they are to pull the rabbit out of the hat.

Rand Stadium

South Africa 0

Angola (0) 2

Da Costa 54, Afonso 90

– THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1Lur3J1

Jose: I'll not face the sack

Jose Mourinho claims his job at Chelsea is safe even if the champions finish mid-table in the Barclays Premier League.

|||

London - Jose Mourinho claims his job at Chelsea is safe even if the champions finish mid-table in the Barclays Premier League.

Mourinho has convinced himself that he is protected by his four-year contract and insists he still has the total support of the Chelsea board following their disastrous start.

Chelsea’s manager spoke with owner Roman Abramovich shortly after the shock 3-1 defeat by Southampton at home in their last fixture before the international break.

Abramovich then went in to a board meeting to discuss Mourinho’s future before the club issued a statement confirming their backing. Asked if he will still be manager if they finish mid-table, Mourinho replied ‘yes’. He added: ‘For me the important thing is the owner and the board’s message to myself, and before the statement came out, I was having the feedback from the owner and the board.

‘Obviously we know, in a couple of months, we will be in a position we normally have to be. But the reality now, today, tomorrow, before the game starts, is the reality of the numbers, and the numbers are very cruel but objective. We need points.

‘So the statement was not something new for me. That support I’d got before. Why did the statement come out? Maybe to close you off. Maybe to stop the rumour that I could be on my way out because the support to myself was not made by the statement, but by a normal conversation.

‘I met the owner before dinner so, when I went to dinner, I knew (I was staying). But even before that, I knew what brought me here. I know the conversation we had two years ago. I knew what made me sign a new contract, and the reasons the owner and board decided to give me a new contract. They didn’t have to. I still had two years, so they didn’t have to give me a new contract. So what I know is what I know from them.’

Mourinho also confirmed that he will appeal against the decision of the FA’s independent regulatory commission to fine him £50,000 and give him a suspended one-match stadium ban for his comments after the defeat against Southampton.

Chelsea’s manager has studied the written reasons, which are expected to be published by the FA next week, and is convinced that he has become a special case.

He said: ‘I want to appeal because I disagree totally, and not just partially, but totally with the decision. It’s obviously my decision.’

Diego Costa returns from a ban as Chelsea face Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge today and Mourinho saluted the Brazilian for admitting that he returned from the close season break in poor physical condition.

Mourinho said: He’s an honest guy. I think it was the consequence of a difficult last third of the season: suspension, injury, re-injury, not playing, disappointment, not participating in the best period of the season.

‘Go on holiday, go to Brazil. The food is much better than here. He stays there at home and comes back in bad condition.

‘He could say or use many excuses for our bad moment. He chose himself and his condition as one of the factors. So, respect.’

Daily Mail

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1OAYXBP

Klopp's Kop reign begins with draw

Juergen Klopp's reign as Liverpool boss began with a few points made but only one gained from their clash with Spurs.

|||

London - Juergen Klopp's reign as Liverpool manager began with a few points made but only one gained from an exciting, end-to-end 0-0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Klopp's new team displayed signs of the high energy, high-pressing full-throttle footballing style he perfected at Borussia Dortmund, but without the injured Daniel Sturridge in attack, they lacked the guile to break down a resilient Spurs defence.

Spurs though displayed the high-pressing game which their coach Mauricio Pochettino favours but the hosts failed to find a route to goal and in the end a draw was a fair reflection of the game.

Spurs have now stretched their run to eight league matches without defeat since the opening day while Liverpool have drawn six of their last seven games in all competitions with Klopp now a little wiser about his new side.

Tottenham are now seventh in the table with 14 points, a point clear of Liverpool in ninth.

Liverpool were totally dominant for the first 20 minutes until Spurs began to establish themselves and took charge for the rest of the first half.

Divock Origi had Liverpool's best scoring chance in that opening spell when he headed against Hugo Lloris's crossbar from inside the six-yard box.

Yet even though Liverpool's high-pressing game, epitomised by some marauding menace from Emre Can, penned Spurs back, their defence held firm.

Gradually Spurs gained a foothold in midfield with Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela seeing more of the ball.

With Clinton Njie, who replaced the injured Nacer Chadli after 11 minutes, having an increasing influence, Spurs looked the more dangerous side.

Njie forced Simon Mignolet into an excellent, full-stretch diving save after 28 minutes with a swerving shot from the outside of his right foot then Harry Kane and Dele Alli forced Mignolet and defender Mamadou Sakho into two vital blocks in the 37th minute.

Njie went close again with a sizzling shot from 20 metres that hit the top of the net four minutes before the break.

Neither team created a real clear-cut scoring chance in the second half, but the play was no less entertaining.

Liverpool never regained their early dominance, and at times had to defend with nine men behind the ball as Spurs came forward in search of the winner.

While the hosts never found an opening, they at least ended Liverpool's run of five successive league wins over them which included victories of 5-0 and 3-0 at White Hart Lane in the last two seasons.

Reuters

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1LghgZb

Former Everton manager Kendall dies

Everton's most successful manager Howard Kendall who led the club to two league titles in the 1980s, died aged 69.

|||

London - Everton's most successful manager Howard Kendall who led the club to two league titles in the 1980s, died on Saturday aged 69.

“It is with great sadness that Everton Football Club has learned of the passing of Howard Kendall,” Everton said in a statement on their website (www.evertonfc.com).

“The most successful manager in the history of the Club and one of the greatest players to pull on the Everton jersey. He passed away in hospital in Southport this morning at the age of 69, surrounded by loved ones.”

Kendall began his playing career as a defender at Preston North End in 1963 before he moved to Everton four years later.

He originally joined Preston as an apprentice in 1961 and three years later, aged just 17 years, 345 days, he became the youngest player to appear in an FA Cup final since 1879.

Second Division Preston lost a thrilling final 3-2 to West Ham United and although success alluded him that day, he gained plenty after moving to Everton in 1967.

He was again, however, a beaten FA Cup finalist in 1968 when Everton lost a dour final 1-0 to West Bromwich Albion.

Having been converted into a midfielder, he went on to win the top-flight First Division title in 1970 when the much-celebrated midfield of Colin Harvey, Alan Ball and Kendall - Everton's “Holy Trinity” - won the title by nine points from Leeds United in 1970.

Kendall was a hard-tackling robust midfielder with a deft creative touch and was widely regarded during his playing career as the best never to be capped by England.

He had played for England at every junior level from Schoolboy to Under-23 and had captained England to victory in the Little World Cup, as the youth edition was called then, in 1964.

He went on to play for Birmingham City, Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers and a brief spell at Everton before moving into management at Blackburn in 1979.

He managed Everton in three spells beginning from 1981 to 1987, when he won two league titles, an FA Cup and European Cup Winners Cup.

He returned to Everton twice more from 1990-93 and from 1997-98.

He also managed Athletic Bilbao in Spain, Manchester City, Greek side Xanthi as well as Notts County and Sheffield United, and ended his career with a return to Greece at Ethnikos Piraeus.

Reuters

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1PoL3To

Wayne will find a way, says LVG

Louis van Gaal has challenged Wayne Rooney to improve on a poor goalscoring record at his old club Everton.

|||

London - Louis van Gaal has challenged Wayne Rooney to improve on a poor goalscoring record at his old club Everton as Manchester United travel to Goodison Park.

Rooney has been declared fit to play on Saturday despite missing England’s Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania with an ankle injury. But he has failed to score on his last six visits to Everton, a run stretching back eight-and-a-half years to United’s 4-2 win on Merseyside in 2007.

In fact, Rooney’s last away goal anywhere in the Premier League came 11 months ago.

Asked if he was concerned by that sequence, Van Gaal said: ‘Yes, but maybe against Everton that can change. I have heard his average there is not so good. So it’s getting time that he changed that pattern. I’m a manager who analyses opponents and gives him advice as to how we can disorganise Everton’s defence, then maybe he can score.’

United’s trip comes on the back of a 3-0 loss at Arsenal. Van Gaal admitted that he has endured an ‘awful’ two weeks since then, and said: ‘We cannot accept that. Not just me. Not only my members of staff, but the players cannot accept it from each other.

‘We want to be champions so you have to behave like champions.’

One man who has made a champion start to his United career is Anthony Martial, who was named Barclays Player of the Month for September.

Daily Mail

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1jKdYnF

Mata’s rallying call to United

Juan Mata has called on his team-mates to conquer a red-hot October schedule that will have a major impact on their Premier League hopes.

|||

Juan Mata has called on his Manchester United team-mates to conquer a red-hot October schedule that will have a major bearing on their hopes of winning the Premier League.

United have not hit peak form consistently this season and yet sit just two points off the top of the Premier League ahead of Saturday's tricky trip to Everton.

They might have gone into the international break as leaders had they not collapsed to a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal in their last match, a performance described by their baffled manager Louis van Gaal as their worst since he took charge at the club in July 2014.

For van Gaal, that Arsenal loss was the start of a testing run of fixtures that continues at Goodison Park.

His team face a long trip to Russia to face CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday, then leaders Manchester City visit Old Trafford next Sunday before United travel to in-form Crystal Palace.

Van Gaal has a number of injury concerns - most notably with his captain Wayne Rooney, who sat out England's wins over Estonia and Lithuania because of an ankle problem.

Bastian Schweinsteiger suffered a thigh injury in training while on international duty with Germany and will be assessed, as will fellow midfielder Michael Carrick who, like Rooney, missed both England matches during the international break.

Defender Marcos Rojo withdrew from the Argentina squad for recent World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay with the hamstring trouble that has kept him out of United's last four matches.

Centre-back Paddy McNair will definitely be unavailable, having only just been released from a Helsinki hospital, where he spent three nights after rupturing his liver during Northern Ireland's 1-1 draw in Finland last Sunday.

Spanish midfielder Mata, though, feels United will have underlined their title credentials if they can cope with the tests that lie ahead.

“We have to get ready for a few games that are going to be tough and thrilling,” Mata said.

“October is meant to be a very difficult month and we must be ready for it.”

Everton fans could have been forgiven for fearing the worst when they saw their club's opening 10 Premier League fixtures - with eight of those games against last season's top eight.

Yet Roberto Martinez's side are seventh and have been beaten just once so far, by leaders Manchester City, and have secured impressive victories over Southampton and Chelsea in the process.

Martinez sees no reason to fear a United side who have suffered defeat on their last three visits to Goodison Park.

“We should push ourselves at Goodison and use the special atmosphere that we have at home to help us,” Martinez said.

The manager is helped by the fact that a number of key players are close to returning from injury.

Centre-back John Stones, who has not played since suffering a knee injury during a 2-1 League Cup third-round victory at Reading on September 22, is back in full training.

So too are midfielders Tom Cleverley and Steven Pienaar.

Cleverley has recovered from an ankle problem suffered against Tottenham in late August, while Pienaar is over a hamstring injury sustained in pre-season.

Everton are also bolstered by the continuing impressive form of midfielder Ross Barkley, who performed well in both of England's Euro 2016 qualifiers during the international break, scoring in a 3-0 victory over Lithuania on Monday.

“What is clear is that he is a sensational prospect,” Martinez said.

“I'm a bit surprised by the hype that has developed because of the two performances for England, as we've seen Ross hit those levels since the first day of the season.” – AFP

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1G9Heic

Is Jose losing the dressing room?

Jose Mourinho is fighting to stay in control of the Chelsea dressing room amid reports players are beginning to turn on him.

|||

Jose Mourinho is fighting to stay in control of the Chelsea dressing room amid reports players are beginning to turn on the manager.

The Blues have endured a torrid start to the season and head into this weekend's game against Aston Villa in 16th place, with Mourinho already conceding that their title defence is over after just eight games.

The Portuguese has not been afraid to publicly criticise the performance of his team at times this term while he has also singled out players who have not lived up to his expectations.

The likes of Nemanja Matic, Cesar Azpilicueta and Oscar are understood to have been criticised by Mourinho in front of the rest of the squad, creating unrest among the players and backroom staff.

The London Evening Standard is now reporting that the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan tactician faces being turned upon by members of his squad who have become unhappy with his treatment.

While the 'Special One' still retains the support of captain John Terry he still faces a battle to restore the harmony in the dressing room which was a big part of Chelsea's success last season. - Female First

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1LodryR

Difficult start to Klopp era

The Jurgen Klopp era at Liverpool will begin in earnest when the German takes charge of Liverpool at White Hart Lane.

|||

The Jurgen Klopp era at Liverpool will begin in earnest on Saturday when the crowd-pleasing German takes charge of his first Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur.

Klopp has been appointed as the successor to Brendan Rodgers on a three-year contract with the brief of reviving a team who have won only one of their last nine games inside 90 minutes in all competitions.

He might have preferred an easier venue for his first game than White Hart Lane, where Spurs crushed Manchester City 4-1 in their last home match, but he wants his players to embrace the challenge.

“Some things you can change instantly: mentality, readiness,” said Klopp, whose side are 10th in the table, a point below eight-place Tottenham.

“That is all you can change. To get really tuned as a team takes time, but I am really not interested in the problems we could have on Saturday.

“I want to see more bravery, more fun in their eyes. I want to see that they like what they do. I saw that in the week (in training) and that is good.”

If his seven-year spell at Borussia Dortmund is a reliable indicator, the rewards for impressing Klopp in the early days of his tenure could be significant.

Of the 18 players called up for his first game, a 3-2 win away to Bayer Leverkusen in August 2008, seven featured in the squad that faced Bayern Munich in the Champions League final five years later.

Saturday's match, Liverpool's first since the 1-1 draw at derby rivals Everton that proved to be Rodgers's last, will be closely scrutinised for clues as to how Klopp intends to reverse the club's fortunes.

Work-rate and aggressive pressing were the cornerstones of his approach at Dortmund, who he led to two Bundesliga titles, and he is likely to find willing adherents in grafters like James Milner.

But forward Danny Ings, another hard-running player, is expected to miss the rest of the season after reportedly succumbing to a knee ligament injury in training on Wednesday.

Teenage defender Joe Gomez sustained a similar injury the day before and Klopp will also be without captain Jordan Henderson and close-season signings Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino for his English baptism.

The trip to north London will offer a useful point of comparison for Klopp because Spurs, like Liverpool, seek above all to close the gap on the heavyweight quartet of Chelsea, Arsenal and the two Manchester clubs.

In that respect, Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino has had a 17-month head start on Klopp, having been appointed in May 2014.

Another advocate of aggressive, high-pressing football, Pochettino steered Spurs to a fifth-place finish last season -- one place above Liverpool -- and recent signs suggest that his philosophy is bearing fruit.

Since losing at Manchester United on the opening day, Spurs have gone seven league games unbeaten and the rout of City showcased the improvements that Pochettino has wrought from his young, hard-working squad.

He, too, must contend with missing players as new signing Son Heung-Min and midfielders Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb are injured, while Eric Dier is suspended.

Spurs have lost their last five league games against Liverpool, shipping 18 goals in the process, but Pochettino has been doing his homework on how Klopp is likely to approach the game.

“We can use the information because in the last few months Liverpool have played in different ways and changed the system,” Pochettino said.

“How we analyse Dortmund and the way Klopp played, it's similar concepts that we can take.

“We have some references -- maybe we give too much information - but the first half against Arsenal, they played in a similar style he played with Dortmund last season.

“We have a lot of resources to research the information. But in the end the truth is Saturday and how they put in place his ideas.” – AFP

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1LodpqE

Kroenke payment dominates Arsenal AGM

Arsenal's shareholders and supporters questioned a multi-million pound payment to majority shareholder Stan Kroenke at the club's AGM.

|||

Arsenal's shareholders and supporters questioned a multi-million pound payment to majority shareholder Stan Kroenke at the club's AGM on Thursday, discomfiting chairman Chips Keswick.

The club paid Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE), owned by Kroenke, 3 million pounds ($4.6 million) for unspecified “strategic and advisory services” for the second successive season.

Shareholders repeatedly asked for details of the services the payment had procured, with the situation escalating to the point where Keswick was asked: “Is there a written contract or is it like (Michel) Platini and (Sepp) Blatter's verbal agreement?”, which prompted an irate response.

“I am not Mr Platini, I am not Mr Blatter, and there is not a written whatever-you-wanted because as I have explained, good advice is where you can get it and how you get it and if you get good advice then you succeed.

“I don't know how many of you here run your own businesses but those of you who do will know that the best advice you can get is the quick advice from people - and this is the point - in other organisations who know more about the problem than you do.

“If you are humble enough to accept that then you go and you get good advice. That is precisely what we do at the Arsenal with KSE,” Keswick said.

Manager Arsene Wenger spoke of his legacy, saying he was determined to leave the club in such good health that his successor would be more successful.

“I am resolute and absolutely committed until the last day of my contract to bringing big success back to this club, as well to leaving the club in a position where it can do even better when I leave,” he said.

“That is very important to me that I leave the club in the shape that the guy who comes after me can do better.”

The Frenchman admitted that Arsenal must improve on the two FA Cups they have won since 2005, but added that he was proud to have qualified for the Champions League for 18 seasons in a row.

“Only one club in Europe, Real Madrid, has done better with 19.

“We want more and I am the first to agree that it is not enough. If it was easy everyone would have done it,” he said. – Reuters

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1NfDGu9

Wenger talks up Arsenal’s title chances

It is 11 years since Arsenal were last crowned kings of English football, Arsen Wenger made is determined to end that barren run.

|||

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal have a strong chance of winning the Premier League and the Gunners boss has backed his players to vindicate his claims at Watford on Saturday.

Wenger's side went into the international break in second place, two points behind leaders Manchester City after a 3-0 thrashing of Manchester United that sparked hope of a sustained challenge for the title.

It is 11 years since Arsenal were last crowned kings of English football, but Wenger made it clear he was more determined than ever to end that barren run.

And he hinted to shareholders at the club's annual meeting that should he achieve that then he might step down, having been in charge since 1996.

“We want more than third and winning the FA Cup, we have the potential to do more,” Wenger said.

“I know you want to ask me - will we win the championship this year? I think we are back in contention and we have a good chance.

“All of our numbers confirm that we have the potential to be in the fight. We are now equipped around the whole team to say we are really advanced in the way we work, prepare and develop players.

“I know I have faced some adversities, but I am more motivated than ever, more committed than ever.

“I am resolute to commit until the last day of my contract here to bring back big success to this club and leave this club in the position it can do even better when I leave.”

Key to Arsenal's chances of ending their title drought is the form of Alexis Sanchez, who has scored nine goals in his last five games.

Three of those were for Chile however and the long journey to and from South America has made him a doubt for the Watford game.

“We have to see if we have to protect him in our next game or not,” Wenger said.

“I cannot do a lot about him playing. He came off against Manchester United with a hip problem, a problem with the rotator muscle and he wanted to go.

“He played in the last two games and we have to see how he comes back but it is always a tricky situation.”

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny faces a fitness test, but midfielders Mikel Arteta and Matthieu Flamini are definitely available.

Watford, promoted from the Championship last term, have made a solid start to the season, thanks to a solid defensive foundation.

They have conceded just seven times in their eight games, but scored just six times themselves.

The Hornets have developed a habit of shedding managers even when they are winning and Quique Sanchez Flores, the former Real Madrid defender, is the latest to take the helm.

Unsurprisingly, he was not expecting to establish a Wenger-style dynasty at Vicarage Road, especially as managers in his native Spain didn't seem to last long either.

“We live in another philosophy, we think in another philosophy,” he said.

“Sometimes in Spain we don't wait until the end of the season to change. In Spain it is difficult to ever think of a manager managing for 20 years.

“This is the first time I've faced Arsene Wenger. He has experience and we have respect.

“What Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger did is very difficult to match in other countries. It is impossible.

“In other countries it is completely different. Times changes but it is very difficult for other managers.” – AFP

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1Qzs4Tt

Klopp’s challenge to Liverpool players

Jurgen Klopp has challenged Liverpool's under-performing stars to rediscover their swagger when the new Reds boss gets his first taste of the EPL.

|||

Jurgen Klopp has challenged Liverpool's under-performing stars to rediscover their swagger when the new Reds boss gets his first taste of the Premier League against Tottenham on Saturday.

All eyes will be on Klopp's eagerly anticipated debut at White Hart Lane following the highly-regarded German's recent appointment as successor to the sacked Brendan Rodgers.

The charismatic 48-year-old's impressive track record at Borussia Dortmund has established him as one of Europe's top coaches and his arrival has rekindled enthusiasm among Liverpool fans who had grown disillusioned with Rodgers' trophyless reign.

But, with Liverpool slumping to 10th place after just one win in their last nine matches in all competitions, Klopp is well aware he faces a major rebuilding job before he can dream of emulating legendary Anfield managers like Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and Kenny Dalglish.

“I have met two kinds of people in the last week: most of them say 'We'll win the league' and the other guys look at me like 'What have you done? Why are you here?',” Klopp said.

“Both are not right in this moment. It is not interesting what people think about this.”

While Klopp is cautious about revealing his own ambitions, he has already identified one key problem that needs to be solved if Liverpool are to get back on track quickly.

He believes the players were hamstrung by a fear of failure as the pressure mounted on Rodgers and he wants them to forget about past mistakes.

“Some things you can change instantly: mentality, readiness,” Klopp said.

“To get really tuned as a team takes time but I am really not interested in the problems we could have on Saturday.

“I want to see more bravery, more fun in their eyes. I want to see that they like what they do.”

While Klopp will steal most of the headlines this weekend, new Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce returns to the Premier League facing arguably the toughest challenge of his career.

The second bottom Black Cats turned to Allardyce after Dick Advocaat quit, making him the first man to take charge of bitter north-east rivals Newcastle and Sunderland.

Allardyce, who left West Ham at the end of last season, has a well-earned reputation for helping clubs punch above their weight.

But Sunderland have failed to win any of their first eight matches and defeat in Allardyce's debut at struggling West Bromwich Albion would be a hammer blow.

“It's a big challenge. Even at this early stage of the season, it's clear that we are in trouble,” Allardyce said.

“It could take the vast majority of our 30 matches to get safe.”

Only Newcastle are keeping Sunderland off the foot of the table and the winless Magpies suffered another setback when Netherlands goalkeeper Tim Krul was ruled out for the rest of the season.

“It's a massive blow for us, you're talking about one of the best players in our team,” Newcastle manager Steve McClaren said ahead of Sunday's match against Norwich.

“Here, it just seems to be one disaster after another.”

Remarkably, Jose Mourinho ranks among the managers most under pressure following Chelsea's woeful start to their Premier League title defence.

Feted as champions in May, the Blues are now languishing in 16th place following a 3-1 home defeat against Southampton.

That loss came amid reports of dressing room rifts and prompted Mourinho to make an impassioned defence of his credentials.

But young Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has no doubts Mourinho is the man to get the champions back in the groove, starting against Aston Villa on Saturday.

“We think he is the manager for Chelsea,” Loftus-Cheek said of the squad. “When he criticises you that's only so you get better, so we are all backing Jose.”

Leaders Manchester City host Bournemouth bolstered by captain Vincent Kompany's return after a five-game injury absence, but Manuel Pellegrini's side will be without star striker Sergio Aguero and key midfielder David Silva after both suffered knocks on international duty.

Second placed Arsenal will face Watford for the first time in nine years when they travel to Vicarage Road, while third placed Manchester United are at Everton.

Fixtures

Saturday

Chelsea v Aston Villa, Crystal Palace v West Ham, Everton v Manchester United, Manchester City v Bournemouth, Southampton v Leicester, Tottenham v Liverpool, Watford v Arsenal, West Brom v Sunderland

Sunday

Newcastle v Norwich

Monday

Swansea v Stoke

AFP

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1RLNNsn

FA fine is a ‘disgrace’- Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has described his English FA fine as a “disgrace” and branded his suspended one-match stadium ban “astonishing”.

|||

London - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has described his English FA fine as a “disgrace” and branded his suspended one-match stadium ban “astonishing” after his comments about referees.

Mourinho was fined 50 000 pounds ($77,425) and threatened with a future stadium ban on Wednesday for saying referees were afraid to award penalties to the Premier League champions after Chelsea's 3-1 home defeat by Southampton on Oct. 3.

“...I'm happy I don't have an electronic tag. I also think that 50 000 pounds ($77,340.00) in the world where we live today is an absolute disgrace...,” he said on Thursday.

“I also think that the possibility of getting a stadium ban is also something absolutely astonishing.”

The FA said the stadium ban would be invoked should Mourinho commit a similar offence in the next 12 months.

Mourinho attacked the governing body at a launch event for his new book where he said it was unlikely he would finish his career at Chelsea due to the demands of the modern game.

Asked how long he would be a coach, Mourinho, 52, said: “It's difficult to say but... I would risk 15 more, I'm in the middle, I did 15 and I have 15 more to do, finish with 67... Maybe later, if I can, but I would say normally 15 more years.

“Can I stay 15 more years at Chelsea football club? I don't think so, I don't think modern football allows it anymore, so normally I will not finish my career at Chelsea, I would like to, but I don't think it's possible.”

Mourinho also continued his long-running verbal battle with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

The Chelsea boss appeared to criticise the FA's decision not to punish Wenger for calling referee Mike Dean “weak” and “naive” following Arsenal's 2-0 defeat by Chelsea last month.

Wenger also escaped without punishment when he pushed Mourinho in the technical area in October 2014.

“Afraid costs 50 000 pounds. Weak and naive - you can do it,” Mourinho added. “We can push people in the technical area. We can, no problem.”

Chelsea, whose poor start to the season has left them languishing in 16th place after eight games, 10 points adrift of leaders Manchester City, host Aston Villa on Saturday. – Reuters

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1PwApJq

Ings blow for Klopp, Liverpool

Liverpool striker Danny Ings has suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in training and will be out for the rest of the season.

|||

London - Danny Ings, who won his first England cap on Monday, has suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in training and will be out for the rest of the season, according to British media reports on Thursday.

The 23-year-old forward, who joined Liverpool from Burnley in the summer and has scored three goals in his eight appearances - including the strike at Everton in their last match under Brendan Rodgers two weeks ago - is likely to miss the Euro 2016 finals next summer.

Ings, who came on as a second-half substitute in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania on Monday, was injured during new coach Juergen Klopp's first session in charge on Wednesday and is the second Liverpool player to suffer a serious long-term injury this week.

Young defender Joe Gomez, who signed from Charlton Athletic in the summer and has played seven times for the club, was injured playing for England Under-21s against Kazakhstan on Tuesday.

The injury to Danny Ings leaves Belgian youngster Divock Origi, who has made four appearances for the club, as Liverpool's only fully fit striker.

Christian Benteke is still recovering from a hamstring injury and Daniel Sturridge has played just three times after a series of injuries curtailed his appearances last season.

Roberto Firmino, another attacking option for Klopp, has not played for three weeks, and will not be fit in time for Liverpool's match at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. - Reuters

from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1PwArkz