Monday, December 28, 2009
MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA 2 FULHAM 1 | Latest Chelsea News | Team & Transfer News | Chelsea FC | Chelsea
MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA 2 FULHAM 1 | Latest Chelsea News | Team & Transfer News | Chelsea FC | Chelsea
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Theme of the Week: How Much Time Should an EPL Manager Be Given?
The theme of this week is dictated by the recent sacking of "Sparky" and all the ensuing discussions. Let us know what you think.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
CITY CONFIRM MANCINI REPLACES HUGHES
CITY CONFIRM MANCINI REPLACES HUGHES
Italian takes over with Kidd as No2
MANCINI: City have pinned their faith in him
UNDER-PRESSURE HUGHES ON BORROWED TIME
Crucial week for Sparky with Hiddink, Mancini and Jose in the wings.
MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed that Mark Hughes has been sacked with Roberto Mancini installed as his replacement.
The former Inter Milan coach was at the 4-3 victory against Sunderland on Saturday, which proved to be Hughes's last match in charge.
All of Hughes' backroom team have been fired as well but ex-Manchester United favourite Brian Kidd will be Mancini's number two.
City have lost only two Premier League games all season and are through to the last four of the Carling Cup, with two eagerly-anticipated ties with neighbours United to come in the New Year.
The Eastlands outfit were scheduled to announce the news at 7.30pm but instead brought forward their statement by an hour.
Chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak said: "Roberto is a hugely experienced manager with a proven track record of winning trophies and championships. His experience and track record speak for themselves.
"What is absolutely clear is that Roberto believes in Manchester City's potential to achieve at the highest level and importantly in his own ability to make this happen.
"My hope is that our incredible fans will join us in welcoming Roberto to the football club."
We will have more reaction and the best insight and analysis of the news later this evening.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Chelsea 3 v 3 Everton
A result that does nothing to answer doubts about Chelsea's set-piece defending this season gives Everton their fourth draw in a row at Stamford Bridge.
It won't be often that Didier Drogba scores twice at home and Nicolas Anelka finds the net too and the Blues don't win but from going a goal down to a free-kick, and then rapidly turning it into a 2-1 lead, a long throw allowed the Toffees to equalise seconds before the break.
Drogba's second goal, and his 18th of the campaign, put his side 3-2 up on the hour but before you could even say 'best striker in the world', another free-kick aberration had cost the Blues their hard-won lead and ultimately two points.
Injury-hit Everton lined-up in the same traditional 4-4-2 shape that Man City played a week ago and again the Chelsea midfield was found lacking. There was plenty of possession but not enough guile, and although Everton's chances were limited, the Blues defence won't sleep easily tonight either.
Lack of experience was certainly no excuse. There were no surprises in the Chelsea team given the announcement by Carlo Ancelotti 24 hours earlier. Michael Ballack was fit again and from the side that lost at Man City, Joe Cole was the natural replacement for Deco, who was unavailable due his father's illness; and Mikel likewise for the injured Michael Essien.
Ashley Cole was making his 150th Chelsea appearance.
Chelsea, as all Blues followers were expecting following the past week, looked on their toes from the off. Drogba shot across goal on three minutes after muscling past Neill onto a good Ballack pass.
At the other end, Jo was allowed to carry the ball in field and given space, the Brazilian shot from 20 yards and Cech saved for a corner.
But then came the moment that would truly test the confidence in the camp. Everton were awarded a free-kick midway inside our half and Baines's delivery was hard to defend.
Terry leapt with Saha and deflected the Everton's striker's goalbound header. It bounced off the post and with Cech diving, the keeper was helpless as the rebound bounced off him and in. There were 11 minutes gone.
Were the wheels coming off? The initial response shouted 'no chance'.
The equaliser took just six minutes to manufacture and what a great team goal it was too!
Carvalho nipped possession away on halfway and charged forward. The pass came into Lampard immediately who found Drogba. Fifteen yards out, the finish gave Howard no chance.
Just five more minutes play were needed to take the lead and it came courtesy of Anelka's first league goal since early October. Terry challenged at a corner and then Ivanovic foraged the ball from a forest of legs. Anelka, in an instant, smashed it high into the net.
Now Ancelotti's men were flying forward but another dangerous Baines delivery found Saha for a moment's concern. The Everton striker headed down and wide. Then from a free-kick from the same area the visitors had scored from, the left-back played it only inches in front of Saha's dangerous run.
The former Fulham and Man United striker was looking a threat, and was certainly giving Terry a run for his money in the air.
Chelsea won a free-kick right on the edge of the area on 36 minutes, Heitinga, in for injured Yobo, booked for his foul on Anelka. The Blues tried a little subterfuge, Drogba complaining to the ref as Lampard went for goal but he slammed his kick into Fellaini. The rebound was skied by Drogba.
Howard twice needed to save to prevent Everton falling further behind at the break, an Anelka long-range dig warming the hands on a cold day.
But then came an injury on the stroke of half-time that would have an instant impact. Terry bravely headed a ball away from Jo's feet but bizarrely the striker was the one hurt; hurt enough to replaced by Yakubu.
The Nigerian's first tough was to put the ball in the net from close range after Terry's loose touch. The defence had been trying to deal with Fellaini's flick-on from a long throw. How deadball deliveries are hurting at the moment!
Chelsea sent wave after wave of attack at the Matthew Harding End goal at the start of the second half but without truly troubling Howard. A couple of headers were flicked wide and Joe Cole, who was finding it hard to produce telling deliveries, had an acrobatic shot blocked.
The clumsy-tackling Fellaini was offering occasional hope by handing out free-kicks.
The pressure paid dividends on the hour. Ivanovic chipped to the far post and with the diminutive Pienaar helpless against the power of Drogba, the Ivorian volleyed home. It was Ivanovic's second assist of the match.
Anelka then drilled a long shot wide but just three more minutes passed before Everton's equaliser.
Once more a free-kick from deep struck with a low trajectory had the rearguard all at sea. Cech came but Carvalho headed clear - only as far as the head of Saha who knew little about it as the ball looped off it and into the Shed End net.
Cech was furious with what had happened, but the inquest had to wait until later. There was still a game to be won.
Ballack almost did the trick with a 74th minute free-kick, pushed over from just under the crossbar by Howard. Then Ivanovic tried to find a team-mate rather than go for goal when three Blues shirts evaded the offside call.
Malouda replaced Joe Cole at the tip of the diamond with quarter-of-an-hour to go.
Howard needed to stretch and tip over again as Drogba's poke from a tight-angle dropped on target. And then the striker's stooping header was gathered comfortably
The game entered its final 10 minutes with Everton seemingly content with a draw.
Carvalho headed Malouda's free-kick over at the near post before he was replaced by Belletti. Ivanovic moved into central defence as Ancelotti declined to change the team shape.
A change did come in the final three minutes with Borini on for Mikel to play as part of a front three.
The final chance came from a Chelsea counter-attack, a rare sight in this game. Borini hared down the left, his cross found its way wide to Malouda whose chip in was cleared. From the edge of the area, Ballack drilled wide.
That was it for the day. No wins in four, and questions to be answered. Next up, Avram Grant's Portsmouth.
Chelsea (4-diamond-2): Cech; Ivanovic, Carvalho (Belletti 85), Terry (c), A Cole; Mikel (Borini 87); Ballack, Lampard; J Cole (Malouda 75); Anelka, Drogba.
Scorers Drogba 17, 60, Anelka 22.
Scorers Drogba 17, 60, Anelka 22.
Everton (4-4-2): Howard (c); Hibbert, Neill, Heitinga, Baines; Pienaar, Rodwell, Fellaini, Bilyaletdinov; Jo (Yakubu 45+2), Saha (Agard 90+3).
Scorer Cech o.g 11, Yakuba 45+2, Saha 63.
Booked Heitinga 36.
Scorer Cech o.g 11, Yakuba 45+2, Saha 63.
Booked Heitinga 36.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
DEFOE: ENGLAND HAVE A CLUB MENTALITY NOW
It was difficult to take Eriksson's axe
By Greg Gobere, 05/12/2009
IT DEFINITELY feels different this time around.
From the moment World Cup fever broke out in Cape Town on Friday night, when the phony war ended and the real business began, it felt different.
In the past, we have heard talk of England's Golden Generation. Anything less than a semi-final was beneath them.
At other times, there has been relief. A guilty feeling of being lucky to reach the Finals. But when you look at Fabio Capello, all you see is calm. Confidence, resilience and calm.
The mood of the nation seems to echo the man in whom they are entrusting all their faith.
For Jermain Defoe, it feels different... because under Capello, things are different.
He said: "We've moved on as a squad and things aren't the same any more. We have a manager who really makes the difference. He has helped everyone feed off the confidence of winning games and performing well like no one else did before.
"You can have the best players in the world together, but you need someone to really make you believe you can get to the top. It's like when Jose Mourinho went to Chelsea. He said he already had winners in the team but he had to make them really believe they could win things.
"We're all together on and off the pitch and it's all down to Capello's approach. That goes from the coaching staff right down. The whole set-up is perfect.
"We have a real club mentality at England now. Every training session has the same intensity as a competitive game.
"That's how the manager wants it and you can see what he's done has worked wonders for us.
He always tells me: 'Keep it going, get in the box, make the runs, get in behind them'. He gives you confidence and we give him hard work and respect.
"The key thing is the spirit in the team. It's incredible - the best I've seen - and that's because we've got the best manager we've had in a long, long time.
"What Capello does is give everyone a fair opportunity. Reputation counts for nothing. He'll pick players who are all flying at their clubs and allow you to continue that momentum for England. It was never like that before."
Heartbreak has been the biggest talking point in Defoe's international career so far.
In 2006, he was snubbed by Sven Goran Eriksson for unseen - and unplayed - 17-year-old Theo Walcott during a striker shortage. The decision still grates.
He recalled: "It was devastating when I was overlooked for the last World Cup. Especially when you feel like you deserve to go. I had been involved in every squad and felt like I contributed to my country going to the Finals. When I found out I wasn't going, I couldn't understand it. It was difficult to take.
"For some reason which I still don't understand the manager didn't pick me." It was even worse when England failed to qualify for Euro 2008.
He added: "There was no way I was going to miss out on the Euros. I was confident of going to the Finals this time but it ended up feeling much worse because that last game against Croatia was down to us and we just didn't perform. It's as simple as that. All we needed was a win or a draw and we lost on our home turf. Look at the players we had at the time. There were no excuses."
Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland could offer five solid reasons why Defoe should be dusting off his suitcase this summer, butthe Tottenham hotshot is anything but complacent.
He said: "Even if someone from the England set-up said to me today: 'You're going to the World Cup 100 per cent, the squad is picked', I still wouldn't let that affect me. As players we try to put the tournament to the back of our minds but watching the draw made it all seem real. I couldn't ignore the anxious feeling in my stomach as they called the names."
The fact that the tournament is taking place in South Africa has only made the striker's desire to be a part of it burn brighter.
He added: "This is happening in Nelson Mandela's country. The struggle that he's been through puts everything in perspective. To me he's an inspiration but I don't think you'll find one person who would tell you any different.
"I've been to Cape Town and Johanesburg before and I loved it there. It's a beautiful country. It was unbelievable. The music in the airport and people dancing were like nothing I had ever seen before. The World Cup is going to be like Disneyland. That's why I need to keep working just as hard in training, trying to improve and keep scoring goals. That's all I want to do. I want to be the best. Otherwise, there is no point. I might as well stay at home and watch it on TV. I've been lucky enough to make my mark so far but if the goals dried up tomorrow, the last thing I would do is sit back and think I'd done enough. This manager picks on merit. You've got to perform.
"People say how well I'm doing under Capello but that's only because I've been given a fair opportunity this time around. A lot of the boys can say the same thing. He's just fair. He just wants to win so if you're on form, he'll use you. There's no favouritism.
"To go to a World Cup or even be in an England squad, you've got to play well and earn it. If someone else steps up for their club and I'm not playing well, he has to go in my place. Otherwise it's not fair. Even if I score four goals in my next England game, it means nothing if I don't get things right for Tottenham."
The striker's refusal to take anything for granted runs right through him. To him, even group minnows Algeria will pose more than a substantial threat to England's progress in South Africa.
DEFOE: Wants to avoid more heartbreakHe said: "These are games that we should win and luckily we have experience of playing USA and Slovenia but no international side is easy.
"I remember USA being a very fit side so they will be able to keep up with our tempo. Landon Donovan is great player for them and they definite be the toughest team we face.
"There wasn't any particular factor that stood out with Slovenia but they along with Algeria are the perfect example of how you need to change your approach and be patient to break teams down.
"At this level, everyone is a real danger. No one will have an easy game at the World Cup and we are no different. People think playing against teams like Algeria is easy but it's the opposite. Everyone is more than technically sound at international level. If they put 10 men behind the ball, you have to show patience and creativity to break them down. It's hard for everyone. Look at how Argentina and Portugal struggled to get to the Finals, yet they'll go there as strong favourites. Everyone will be looking at the usual teams to win it. But for me, Spain are definitely a team to watch. Look at their strength in depth.
"It's crazy to think that players like Xabi Alonso, worth £30m to Real Madrid, and Cesc Fabregas (below), another unbelievable player, might not even get in the starting line-up!
"But I honestly think people will hate the thought of playing us just as much as teams like Spain."
Defoe was also quick to dispel whispers that England lack depth after their second team failed to muster a challenge against Brazil.
"People can say what they like," he said. "I look around in the changing room all the time and think 'If he comes on he can make an impact or if he comes on he can change our pace'.
"Look at the Holland game. Three players came on at half-time.
"I managed to get two goals but James Milner created havoc and Carlton Cole totally bullied their defence to gets us those goals.
"The manager has a Plan B - and a Plan C."
By Greg Gobere, 05/12/2009
IT DEFINITELY feels different this time around.
From the moment World Cup fever broke out in Cape Town on Friday night, when the phony war ended and the real business began, it felt different.
In the past, we have heard talk of England's Golden Generation. Anything less than a semi-final was beneath them.
At other times, there has been relief. A guilty feeling of being lucky to reach the Finals. But when you look at Fabio Capello, all you see is calm. Confidence, resilience and calm.
The mood of the nation seems to echo the man in whom they are entrusting all their faith.
For Jermain Defoe, it feels different... because under Capello, things are different.
He said: "We've moved on as a squad and things aren't the same any more. We have a manager who really makes the difference. He has helped everyone feed off the confidence of winning games and performing well like no one else did before.
"You can have the best players in the world together, but you need someone to really make you believe you can get to the top. It's like when Jose Mourinho went to Chelsea. He said he already had winners in the team but he had to make them really believe they could win things.
"We're all together on and off the pitch and it's all down to Capello's approach. That goes from the coaching staff right down. The whole set-up is perfect.
"We have a real club mentality at England now. Every training session has the same intensity as a competitive game.
"That's how the manager wants it and you can see what he's done has worked wonders for us.
He always tells me: 'Keep it going, get in the box, make the runs, get in behind them'. He gives you confidence and we give him hard work and respect.
"The key thing is the spirit in the team. It's incredible - the best I've seen - and that's because we've got the best manager we've had in a long, long time.
"What Capello does is give everyone a fair opportunity. Reputation counts for nothing. He'll pick players who are all flying at their clubs and allow you to continue that momentum for England. It was never like that before."
Devastating
Heartbreak has been the biggest talking point in Defoe's international career so far.
In 2006, he was snubbed by Sven Goran Eriksson for unseen - and unplayed - 17-year-old Theo Walcott during a striker shortage. The decision still grates.
He recalled: "It was devastating when I was overlooked for the last World Cup. Especially when you feel like you deserve to go. I had been involved in every squad and felt like I contributed to my country going to the Finals. When I found out I wasn't going, I couldn't understand it. It was difficult to take.
"For some reason which I still don't understand the manager didn't pick me." It was even worse when England failed to qualify for Euro 2008.
He added: "There was no way I was going to miss out on the Euros. I was confident of going to the Finals this time but it ended up feeling much worse because that last game against Croatia was down to us and we just didn't perform. It's as simple as that. All we needed was a win or a draw and we lost on our home turf. Look at the players we had at the time. There were no excuses."
Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland could offer five solid reasons why Defoe should be dusting off his suitcase this summer, butthe Tottenham hotshot is anything but complacent.
He said: "Even if someone from the England set-up said to me today: 'You're going to the World Cup 100 per cent, the squad is picked', I still wouldn't let that affect me. As players we try to put the tournament to the back of our minds but watching the draw made it all seem real. I couldn't ignore the anxious feeling in my stomach as they called the names."
The fact that the tournament is taking place in South Africa has only made the striker's desire to be a part of it burn brighter.
He added: "This is happening in Nelson Mandela's country. The struggle that he's been through puts everything in perspective. To me he's an inspiration but I don't think you'll find one person who would tell you any different.
"I've been to Cape Town and Johanesburg before and I loved it there. It's a beautiful country. It was unbelievable. The music in the airport and people dancing were like nothing I had ever seen before. The World Cup is going to be like Disneyland. That's why I need to keep working just as hard in training, trying to improve and keep scoring goals. That's all I want to do. I want to be the best. Otherwise, there is no point. I might as well stay at home and watch it on TV. I've been lucky enough to make my mark so far but if the goals dried up tomorrow, the last thing I would do is sit back and think I'd done enough. This manager picks on merit. You've got to perform.
"People say how well I'm doing under Capello but that's only because I've been given a fair opportunity this time around. A lot of the boys can say the same thing. He's just fair. He just wants to win so if you're on form, he'll use you. There's no favouritism.
"To go to a World Cup or even be in an England squad, you've got to play well and earn it. If someone else steps up for their club and I'm not playing well, he has to go in my place. Otherwise it's not fair. Even if I score four goals in my next England game, it means nothing if I don't get things right for Tottenham."
The striker's refusal to take anything for granted runs right through him. To him, even group minnows Algeria will pose more than a substantial threat to England's progress in South Africa.
DEFOE: Wants to avoid more heartbreakHe said: "These are games that we should win and luckily we have experience of playing USA and Slovenia but no international side is easy.
"I remember USA being a very fit side so they will be able to keep up with our tempo. Landon Donovan is great player for them and they definite be the toughest team we face.
"There wasn't any particular factor that stood out with Slovenia but they along with Algeria are the perfect example of how you need to change your approach and be patient to break teams down.
"At this level, everyone is a real danger. No one will have an easy game at the World Cup and we are no different. People think playing against teams like Algeria is easy but it's the opposite. Everyone is more than technically sound at international level. If they put 10 men behind the ball, you have to show patience and creativity to break them down. It's hard for everyone. Look at how Argentina and Portugal struggled to get to the Finals, yet they'll go there as strong favourites. Everyone will be looking at the usual teams to win it. But for me, Spain are definitely a team to watch. Look at their strength in depth.
"It's crazy to think that players like Xabi Alonso, worth £30m to Real Madrid, and Cesc Fabregas (below), another unbelievable player, might not even get in the starting line-up!
"But I honestly think people will hate the thought of playing us just as much as teams like Spain."
Impact
Defoe was also quick to dispel whispers that England lack depth after their second team failed to muster a challenge against Brazil.
"People can say what they like," he said. "I look around in the changing room all the time and think 'If he comes on he can make an impact or if he comes on he can change our pace'.
"Look at the Holland game. Three players came on at half-time.
"I managed to get two goals but James Milner created havoc and Carlton Cole totally bullied their defence to gets us those goals.
"The manager has a Plan B - and a Plan C."
CHELSEA NEW FAVOURITES TO LAND SUAREZ
Uruguay star is Stamford Bridge bound
SUAREZ: Chelsea new favourites to sign him
By Adam Marshall, 09/12/2009
CHELSEA have moved into pole position to land Ajax's highly-rated forward Luis Suarez.
The Premier League leaders have made the most of their contacts in Holland by setting up a deal to bring the Uruguay international to Stamford Bridge next year.
Any transfer would be dependent on the London club's appeal against a transfer ban being successful but it is understood that everything is in place with the player and his representatives for the striker to seal a switch to the English capital.
Chelsea are allowed to sign players in January whilst their appeal is pending but Ajax are likely to want to keep the South American until the summer.
Ajax will fight to keep the 22-year-old forward but the lure of playing for Carlo Ancelotti's side is set to prove too strong.
Indeed, Rik van den Boog, the club's CEO, told Voetbal International on Wednesday night: "I just asked Luis about what the papers released today, which spoke of his signature on a pre-contract with Chelsea.
"And he insists he knows nothing.
"Ajax also have no knowledge of anything."
Manchester United and Tottenham have previously been linked with Suarez but Chelsea's move appears to have been a decisive one, despite the expect denial from the Amsterdam ArenA.
Ancelotti has stressed he does not necessarily need reinforcements in January despite losing players to the African Cup of Nations but the Blues have been tracking some of the world's top talent since the season got underway.
SUAREZ: Chelsea new favourites to sign him
By Adam Marshall, 09/12/2009
CHELSEA have moved into pole position to land Ajax's highly-rated forward Luis Suarez.
The Premier League leaders have made the most of their contacts in Holland by setting up a deal to bring the Uruguay international to Stamford Bridge next year.
Any transfer would be dependent on the London club's appeal against a transfer ban being successful but it is understood that everything is in place with the player and his representatives for the striker to seal a switch to the English capital.
Chelsea are allowed to sign players in January whilst their appeal is pending but Ajax are likely to want to keep the South American until the summer.
Ajax will fight to keep the 22-year-old forward but the lure of playing for Carlo Ancelotti's side is set to prove too strong.
Indeed, Rik van den Boog, the club's CEO, told Voetbal International on Wednesday night: "I just asked Luis about what the papers released today, which spoke of his signature on a pre-contract with Chelsea.
"And he insists he knows nothing.
"Ajax also have no knowledge of anything."
Manchester United and Tottenham have previously been linked with Suarez but Chelsea's move appears to have been a decisive one, despite the expect denial from the Amsterdam ArenA.
Ancelotti has stressed he does not necessarily need reinforcements in January despite losing players to the African Cup of Nations but the Blues have been tracking some of the world's top talent since the season got underway.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Beckham World Cup Saga
Ardiles feels Beckham could miss finals
Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
Ossie Ardiles believes David Beckham might be left out of Fabio Capello's England squad for the World Cup next summer.
• Read Ossie Ardiles' column here
Ardiles, who won the 1978 World Cup with Argentina, believes Capello will spring a major shock when he announces his squad for South Africa - and Beckham might be that shock.
Beckham has agreed to move to AC Milan on loan from LA Galaxy in order to keep fit and ensure he is ready to make history as the only Englishman ever to play in four successive World Cup finals.
But Ardiles, who wants England to win if his own country cannot, says Beckham could be a surprise omission from Capello's final squad selection.
In an exclusive World Cup column for ESPN Soccernet, Ardiles said: "The fact that Capello is in charge means you can be assured that he will select the right balance in his squad, and he will make sure he gets his selection spot on. If that means leaving out David Beckham, that is what he will do.
"In fact, there is more competition for places on the right side of midfield than anywhere else in the team. Capello has dynamic young players such as Theo Walcott,Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips and James Milner, so I don't think Beckham is a certainty.
"I think that Lennon is a certainty, and Capello has been careful not to say anything to suggest that Beckham is definitely going. People have assumed Beckham is a certainty but, if you listen to Capello carefully, he has not said Beckham will definitely go. Let's wait and see. There could be a major surprise from Mr Capello, and there will be a big surprise for many if Beckham doesn't go, and I could see that happening."
Ardiles has also revealed that he could see Cristiano Ronaldo facing an early exit after Portugal were placed in a group with Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea.
"Of course, Brazil's group is always going to be eye-catching, and there is no doubt that Ivory Coast are the best team in Africa," he said. "Portugal are a great team on their day, but they are not reliable.
"For that reason, I predict that Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo will be going home early, with Brazil and Ivory Coast going through. If Ronaldo does go out early, so be it - that's the way the game can go sometimes."
Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
Ossie Ardiles believes David Beckham might be left out of Fabio Capello's England squad for the World Cup next summer.
 |
• Read Ossie Ardiles' column here
Ardiles, who won the 1978 World Cup with Argentina, believes Capello will spring a major shock when he announces his squad for South Africa - and Beckham might be that shock.
Beckham has agreed to move to AC Milan on loan from LA Galaxy in order to keep fit and ensure he is ready to make history as the only Englishman ever to play in four successive World Cup finals.
But Ardiles, who wants England to win if his own country cannot, says Beckham could be a surprise omission from Capello's final squad selection.
In an exclusive World Cup column for ESPN Soccernet, Ardiles said: "The fact that Capello is in charge means you can be assured that he will select the right balance in his squad, and he will make sure he gets his selection spot on. If that means leaving out David Beckham, that is what he will do.
"In fact, there is more competition for places on the right side of midfield than anywhere else in the team. Capello has dynamic young players such as Theo Walcott,Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips and James Milner, so I don't think Beckham is a certainty.
"I think that Lennon is a certainty, and Capello has been careful not to say anything to suggest that Beckham is definitely going. People have assumed Beckham is a certainty but, if you listen to Capello carefully, he has not said Beckham will definitely go. Let's wait and see. There could be a major surprise from Mr Capello, and there will be a big surprise for many if Beckham doesn't go, and I could see that happening."
Ardiles has also revealed that he could see Cristiano Ronaldo facing an early exit after Portugal were placed in a group with Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea.
"Of course, Brazil's group is always going to be eye-catching, and there is no doubt that Ivory Coast are the best team in Africa," he said. "Portugal are a great team on their day, but they are not reliable.
"For that reason, I predict that Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo will be going home early, with Brazil and Ivory Coast going through. If Ronaldo does go out early, so be it - that's the way the game can go sometimes."
Tom Cruise to Start for Arsenal Today
Ramsey ready to hit Olympiakos 'where it hurts'
Soccernet staff
Arsene Wenger has hailed youngster Aaron Ramsey's ability to hit teams "where it hurts" ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League match against Olympiakos.
• Fabregas wants target man
• Preview: Olympiakos v Arsenal
With first place in Group H secure, Wenger will unleash Ramsey and his other youngsters at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium. Ramsey will likely play in Cesc Fabregas's driving midfield role, amid claims from the skipper the club should sign a more direct striker.
Ramsey might not play in the right position to fit that bill in the future, but he does play in that style, according to Wenger.
"He has spirit, and something that is very interesting, he is an efficient player, gets in the box at the right moment and is a penetrating player," Wenger said. "He is not a guy who goes right across the pitch - Ramsey goes where it hurts, and when he gets there, he is a good finisher.''
Ramsey has come a long way since joining Arsenal from Cardiff in the summer of 2008. He netted a second Premier League goal of the campaign in the 2-0 win over Stoke last weekend, while his European appearance record has already reached double figures. Wenger firmly believes Ramsey has the pedigree to make an impact at the highest level.
"Ramsey is just 18, but is quite ahead for his age because he already plays in the Wales national team and is at a top-level club," Wenger said.
Wenger, meanwhile, denied suggestions former Arsenal striker Dennis Bergkamp was set for an imminent return to the club.
"Dennis Bergkamp will be a very good coach, but at the moment, we have not looked for anybody,'' said Wenger. "If one day we do, I will consider former players, but at the moment, we have not.''
Soccernet staff
Arsene Wenger has hailed youngster Aaron Ramsey's ability to hit teams "where it hurts" ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League match against Olympiakos.
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• Fabregas wants target man
• Preview: Olympiakos v Arsenal
With first place in Group H secure, Wenger will unleash Ramsey and his other youngsters at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium. Ramsey will likely play in Cesc Fabregas's driving midfield role, amid claims from the skipper the club should sign a more direct striker.
Ramsey might not play in the right position to fit that bill in the future, but he does play in that style, according to Wenger.
"He has spirit, and something that is very interesting, he is an efficient player, gets in the box at the right moment and is a penetrating player," Wenger said. "He is not a guy who goes right across the pitch - Ramsey goes where it hurts, and when he gets there, he is a good finisher.''
Ramsey has come a long way since joining Arsenal from Cardiff in the summer of 2008. He netted a second Premier League goal of the campaign in the 2-0 win over Stoke last weekend, while his European appearance record has already reached double figures. Wenger firmly believes Ramsey has the pedigree to make an impact at the highest level.
"Ramsey is just 18, but is quite ahead for his age because he already plays in the Wales national team and is at a top-level club," Wenger said.
Wenger, meanwhile, denied suggestions former Arsenal striker Dennis Bergkamp was set for an imminent return to the club.
"Dennis Bergkamp will be a very good coach, but at the moment, we have not looked for anybody,'' said Wenger. "If one day we do, I will consider former players, but at the moment, we have not.''
ESPNsoccernet: UEFA Champions League
Ferrara admits Juventus were second best
Juventus coach Ciro Ferrara admitted his side only had themselves to blame for their failure to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
The Turin giants needed a just a point against Bayern Munich to progress to the last 16 but were stunned by a 4-1 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday night. After victory over rivals Inter Milan in Serie A at the weekend, theBianconeri were high on confidence, but they were second best to an impressive Bayern side.
Bayern keeper Hans-Jorg Butt's penalty on the half-hour mark cancelled out David Trezeguet's opening strike, before the German side went ahead shortly after the break courtesy of Ivica Olic. Two late goals sealed an impressive performance to secure their place in the last 16 at Juve's expense.
Bordeaux's 2-0 victory over Juventus in their previous match secured the French side's qualification to the next round, leaving Juve and Bayern to go head-to-head for the second qualification spot, and Ferrara admitted his side were well beaten.
"In the last two matches we haven't done anything to deserve to go through," said Ferrara. "Bayern were the superior side. They played like a great team and we had lots of problems. It's a huge disappointment not only for myself but for the players and for the fans. To leave this competition hurts.
"We have to analyse what went wrong. But I don't want to find excuses. I don't think it is right to blame several players because the performance of everyone was not up to standard. Bayern were superior in every facet of the game. They made life difficult for us and they created a lot while we did little.''
Despite the shock exit, club president Jean Claude Blanc was swift to reassure Ferrara his job was safe. "The coach is not in danger," he said. "Ciro is and remains the coach of Juventus. We move forward with our project."
Bayern coach Louis van Gaal was delighted with his side's emphatic win, as nothing less than a win would have been good enough to progress to the knock-out stages. Van Gaal went for an attacking line-up which paid dividends, but he admitted he had not played his cards close to his chest.
"We've played the last few games with the same side so if we were scouted I don't think we could have surprised Juve so much," he said. "We just simply played really well and in the dressing room afterwards all I said was 'well done and let's continue like this'."
Juventus coach Ciro Ferrara admitted his side only had themselves to blame for their failure to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
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The Turin giants needed a just a point against Bayern Munich to progress to the last 16 but were stunned by a 4-1 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday night. After victory over rivals Inter Milan in Serie A at the weekend, theBianconeri were high on confidence, but they were second best to an impressive Bayern side.
Bayern keeper Hans-Jorg Butt's penalty on the half-hour mark cancelled out David Trezeguet's opening strike, before the German side went ahead shortly after the break courtesy of Ivica Olic. Two late goals sealed an impressive performance to secure their place in the last 16 at Juve's expense.
Bordeaux's 2-0 victory over Juventus in their previous match secured the French side's qualification to the next round, leaving Juve and Bayern to go head-to-head for the second qualification spot, and Ferrara admitted his side were well beaten.
"In the last two matches we haven't done anything to deserve to go through," said Ferrara. "Bayern were the superior side. They played like a great team and we had lots of problems. It's a huge disappointment not only for myself but for the players and for the fans. To leave this competition hurts.
"We have to analyse what went wrong. But I don't want to find excuses. I don't think it is right to blame several players because the performance of everyone was not up to standard. Bayern were superior in every facet of the game. They made life difficult for us and they created a lot while we did little.''
Despite the shock exit, club president Jean Claude Blanc was swift to reassure Ferrara his job was safe. "The coach is not in danger," he said. "Ciro is and remains the coach of Juventus. We move forward with our project."
Bayern coach Louis van Gaal was delighted with his side's emphatic win, as nothing less than a win would have been good enough to progress to the knock-out stages. Van Gaal went for an attacking line-up which paid dividends, but he admitted he had not played his cards close to his chest.
"We've played the last few games with the same side so if we were scouted I don't think we could have surprised Juve so much," he said. "We just simply played really well and in the dressing room afterwards all I said was 'well done and let's continue like this'."
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Dark Blue Kit Brings Bad Luck to the Blues!
Chelsea needs to get back to its blue kit after today's disappointing loss at Cityh! Gooners and ManUre fans don't get too excited, this is just a blip in a long and busy season.
Friday, December 4, 2009
World Cup Draw
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
Group E: The Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
Group E: The Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Gooners in Trouble!
The Gooners continue to go down hill. They were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Man City after being destroyed at home by the Blues on Sunday! I watched the second half of the game last night and I can say that it was highly entertaining watching Silvestre trying to skipper the defense :-).
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