(Soccer365.com) - Chicago Fire coach Dave Sarachan was walking on air after his charges scooped up the 2006 U.S. Open Cup with a sound 3-1 defeat of Los Angeles.

"I can't help but smile," he told MLSNet. "It's just not very often you get to say you're a champion and we've made it a priority this year to try and win a couple championships and you saw tonight the guys put everything into it tonight."

"L.A. didn't make it easy," offered Sarachan. "We knew even with 2-0 at halftime that we were going to be in for a fight, and sure enough they get that goal, and yet the poise that we showed and the confidence to keep playing and withstand their barrage."

"You just keep your fingers crossed and maybe we catch them on the counter, which we did, and game, set, match."

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Posted by soccer365 at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Barcelona goal monster Samuel Eto’o could miss the rest of the calendar year after injuring his knee in their Champions League draw at Werder Bremen.

"He has suffered a tear to the outside of the meniscus in his right knee," announced club medico Ricard Pruna.

"Early indications point to a recovery period of between two and three months."

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Posted by soccer365 at 10:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Goal.com) - Claudio Ranieri says he would have no hesitation about taking over at Leeds United if chairman Ken Bates offered him the job.

The Championship club are currently looking for a new manager after parting company with Kevin Blackwell.

Bates and Ranieri were together at Chelsea, and the Italian told The Sun: "Ken knows me very well. If Ken wants Claudio, he should phone Claudio.

"If he wants to strike a good deal with me and then wants Leeds back in The Premiership, I am the man for the job.

"I am ambitious and Mr Bates is too.

"I could take Leeds back into The Premiership. But my target would be to take them back into Europe too, at least in the Uefa Cup.

"I worked under Ken Bates for three years at Chelsea and, if he wants these things for Leeds, my message is 'No problem, call me'.

"I'd love to come back to England. What matters is the ambition of the club and the programme it would have for the future.

"I have worked in the Italian league, in England and in the Spanish league, too. I would be prepared to work in any of those countries again.

"But if you want the truth, my first choice would be England.

"You cannot beat the atmosphere there. It is so exciting."

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Posted by soccer365 at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Inter Milan chief Massimo Moratti has urged the team to regain their swagger in order to avoid further displays like their home Champions League loss to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.

The Nerazzurri could not crack the visitor’s net, then succumbed on a pair of second half strikes.

"We tried to play a match to contain Bayern in the first half, maybe this is not allowed in the Champions League," stated Moratti. "We must aim at winning, without too much prudence."

"Otherwise, it becomes a psychological problem and you always find problems in scoring goals."

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Posted by soccer365 at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - U.S. National Team netminder Kasey Keller has made the startling revelation that he would become a field player if he had it all to do over again.

Despite all of his success, the Borussia Mönchengladbach star admits to wondering how the other 10 players live.

"Nobody would want to become a keeper if they knew," Keller cracked German magazine Rund. "But somebody has to do the job."

"Even at the level I’ve achieved, I am totally serious."

"We cannot run with the ball or make challenges, we always have the same stress level," explained the American Abroad. "People say ‘Well, today you had a calm afternoon’."

"That doesn’t happen – I must always be attentive whether I am in the action or not."

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(Goal.com) - FC Copenhagen striker Marcus Allback has taken a swipe at Thomas Gravesen following the Champions League clash with Celtic on Tuesday.

Dane Gravesen came up against his fellow countrymen Copenhagen at Parkhead, and although he emerged on the winning side, former Aston Villa striker Allback was left unimpressed.

He said: "We did not think too much about Thomas Gravesen. We tried to just play our game and we know how he is.

"I was involved in one incident with him. He was so afraid to tackle me that he put his foot right up to cover himself and into me. So I told him that.

"I said 'You're afraid to put a proper tackle in, Gravesen.' He did not take it too well."

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(Soccer365.com) - FC Groningen have rewarded coach Ron Jans with an improved deal on the eve of their UEFA Cup tie decider against Partizan Belgrade.

Gang Green trails 4-2 from the first leg, but the manager has been impressively building a winner over his five years on the job.

"I really like it here and we just decide from year to year whether we want to continue with each other," said Jans.

"I do not feel my job is done here yet."

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Posted by soccer365 at 09:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Bayern Munich striker Claudio Pizarro was quite proud to have taken part in the team’s slump-buster against Champions League foe Inter Milan on Wednesday night.

The Bavarians had not won in Italy over their last seven tries.

"We are very happy because we've made a piece of history," Pizarro told uefa.com. "The team hasn't won here for along time and I'm very happy because it's important to stay top of the group."

"It was a very tough, physical match, but we kept trying to play football and stuck to our game plan, which was to pass the ball and take our chances."

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Posted by soccer365 at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Arsenal vice-president David Dein says manager Arsene Wenger can stay at the club for as long as he wants.

The Frenchman, who has won three league titles with the Gunners, celebrates his 10th anniversary at the club this week.

Dein said: "We want him for the rest of his career. If he wanted to give up the tracksuit he'd be invaluable in the boardroom in a technical role."

Wenger’s Arsenal travel to Charlton this weekend as they look to win their fifth match on the bounce.

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Posted by soccer365 at 09:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard has assured observers that he is instructing his charges to be prepared for a tough Champions League fight at Werder Bremen.

The Germans dropped a pair of two-goal decisions to Los Blaugrana in last year’s edition.

"Bremen are an excellent side and made life hard for us here last term," he told reporters.

"I'm sure they've learned from the experience of playing against us, but my players are by no means satisfied with what we've achieved so far and we'll continue to work hard to meet our own expectations."

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(Soccer365.com) - Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini is already feeling the heat and has declared their Wednesday Champions League clash with Bayern Munich a must-win game.

"We've played one and lost one, so it's essential for us to get some points on the board," he reasoned. "We can't afford to be chasing already at this early stage."

"The players need to think before they act," urged Mancini. "They must think calmly and do the right things."

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(Goal.com) - Liverpool entertain Galatasaray in the Champions League Group C match tonight aiming to build on the away draw they secured gainst PSV Eindhoven two weeks ago.

And manager Rafael Benitez believes if they take full advantage of playing at Anfield they should negotiate the group and reach the knock-out stages.

Benitez, who guided Liverpool to their fifth European Cup triumph in 2005, said: "We got a good draw in our first group match in Eindhoven - that was important. But we must follow that up with a home win now. If you win three home games, you should qualify for the next stage.

"The team now has more confidence and they are playing at home, where we have a good record over the past year.

"We are playing with a high tempo and I feel we are in the right mood and form now."

Benitez added: "I have watched Galatasaray's last few games and they like to control the ball and they do not play too deep. But we must play with pace and stop them controlling and passing the ball.

"If we let them do that, then they can be dangerous. They are used to winning as the best team in Turkey, they have quality and dangerous players so we must press them and win the ball back quickly."

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(Soccer365.com) - AS Roma defender Christian has admitted to feeling uneasy over their Champions League visit to Valencia, but says the club can find a way to win.

"I know from personal experience that you need real personality as a team to win here," he assured. "Not many sides take three points from the Mestalla and you have to find a way to prevent the volcanic support here connecting with the team."

"It's an old-fashioned atmosphere, the fans are right on top of you, but I'm 100% sure that this Roma team has enough personality to get the scoreline we want."

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(Goal.com) - Milan playmaker Kaka was left frustrated by the tactics deployed by coach Carlo Ancelotti during the 0-0 Champions League draw with Lille on Tuesday night.

The Brazilian and Clarence Seedorf were fielded in more advanced roles, with Alberto Gilardino up-front on his own, and Filippo Inzaghi left on the bench.

"Personally I much prefer the tactic with two forwards, as that way I don’t have to hold on to the ball so much," said Kaka.

"When we play that style (with one striker) I always get marked very closely and by the end of the game I had no energy left to create anything.

He added: "Some say I’m egotistical when I run with the ball and go for a one-on-one, but when you’re a forward then it’s necessary. With two strikers it’s easier for me to release the ball and get the whole team moving."

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(Soccer365.com) - Benfica defender Luisão admits to having a great admiration for Tuesday Champions League foes Manchester United, but would just assume jump start their campaign with a victory.

The Portuguese giants have stumbled out of the league gate, but will look to take control of Group F by repeating last year’s Stadium of Light success against the Red Devils.

"We didn't start the league season well, but it's a UEFA Champions League match with a wonderful atmosphere," Luisão told reporters. "We hope to win and to move into first place in the group."

"We are going to be up against a great team," he added. "We had a lot of respect for Manchester United last season and we respect them just as much this time round."

"They have many top players and we have to watch them closely."

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(Soccer365.com) - Still reeling from their sound Champions League Group E opening defeat to Lyon, Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello has placed priority #1 on beating Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday night.

"It's a vital match," he asserted. "After a defeat like that, it is of huge importance that we take the three points."

"We know that when Dynamo play away from home they can be a very dangerous team," instructed Capello.

"They have a lot of pace in their side and we have to be wary of that."

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says team-mate Wayne Rooney will come good despite his indifferent start to the season.

The England star has not scored since the opening day and has attracted criticism for some average displays.

"If Wayne had scored against Reading on Saturday, the questions about him would probably not be being asked," said Ferdinand.

"I thought he did well at the weekend and got stronger as the game went on.

"But, as we all know, strikers are judged on goals. Everyone knows what a quality player he is and once he scores, people will soon be singing his praises again."

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - D.C. United boss Peter Nowak was pleased to see his side collect the Eastern title with a weekend win over New York, but admits to being concerned over their sudden misconduct crisis.

The capital crew survived a Facundo Erpen ejection to hold off the Red Bulls 4-3.

“You cannot score three goals then give the other team a gift so they can come back,” Nowak told MLSNet. “It's unacceptable right now.”

“We had two red cards against Chicago, and another red card tonight.”

“We cannot go with this kind of mentality,” said the coach. “It was a beautiful performance from us tonight, though."

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(Soccer365.com) - Hamburg manager Thomas Doll knows his side don’t have time to worry about their poor league start when they host dangerous Champions League visitors CSKA Moscow.

The injury-hit Rothosen have surprisingly started the Bundesliga campaign with but four points from five games.

"We cannot think of our position in the league and cannot get overly concerned that everyone is saying everything has gone downhill," insisted Doll. "Against Moscow, we have another chance to show what we can do and take another step forward."

"We do not have a lot of time to recover, but we will find our rhythm."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - French strugglers Lille are busy working on a plot that sees them defeat Champions League giants AC Milan.

"We beat Manchester United last year," stated defender Mathieu Chalme. "Nothing is impossible and it is good to play in the Champions League right after bad domestic results."

"We have two consecutive (Champions League) home matches and we must take four points from these games if we are to advance."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Goal.com) - Five home-based players have been named in a 30-man provisional Ivory Coast squad by new coach Uli Stielike for the 2008 African Nations Cup qualifier against Gabon in October.

Stielike’s move is to encourage promising home-based talent in a squad that is mostly composed of foreign-based players.

The five home-based players that have been named are goalkeepers Stephane Dimy, Aristide Zogbo and Tiasse Kone as well as midfielder Didier Ya Konan and the defender Bakary Soro.

Ivory Coast are in Group 1 and will be playing their opening group match in October.

Only three teams are in the group and only the top team will qualify for the finals.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Beveren, Belgium), Stephane Dimy (EFYM), Aristide Zogbo (Issia Wazi), Tiasse Kone (Africa Sports)

Defenders: Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure (both Arsenal, England), Abdoulaye Meite (Bolton, England), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart, Germany), Mamadou Doumbia (Istres, France), Steve Gohouri (Young Boys, Switzerland), Seydou Kante (Beveren, Belgium), Bakary Soro (Asec Mimosas)

Midfielders: Kader Keita (Lille, France), Yaya Toure (Monaco, France), Didier Zokora (Tottenham, England), Emerse Fae (Nantes, France), Kanga Akale (Auxerre, France), Romaric N'Dri (Le Mans, France), Didier Ya Konan (Asec Mimosas), Guy Demel (Hamburg, Germany), Christian Manfredini (Lazio, Italy), Gilles Yapi Yapo (Young Boys, Switzerland)

Strikers: Didier Drogba (Chelsea, England), Aruna Dindane (Lens, France), Bonaventure Kalou (PSG, France), Arouna Kone (PSV Eindhoven, Holland), Bakari Kone (Nice, France), Boubacar Sanogo (Hamburg, Germany), Amara Diane (PSG, France), Kandia Traore (Le Havre, France)

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Heerenveen striker Rob Friend is hoping that Feyenoord starlet Jonathan Guzman will choose to play for Canada instead of opting for Holland, as he is pondering.

"It would be an enourmous loss for Canadian soccer if Jonathan didn’t play for the national team," said the target man.

"The problem is really that many Canadians who play in Europe think in a sporting way – you see this with Owen Hargreaves."

"The boy spent the first 17 years of his life living in Canada, but plays for England," noted Friend.

"I understand that players want to play for the bigger teams, but naturally it is a shame for Canadian soccer."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) - Valencia forward Francesco Tavano has threatened to search for the exit door if he isn’t given a chance to show his wares in league play.

The Italy hitman has yet to see time since arriving from Empoli for €10 million this summer.

"To me, it seems everything I have done in my career up to now has been a waste," Tavano told Corriere dello Sport. "It seems that I have not ever done anything in my life."

"Here they do not consider me."

"(General manager Amadeo) Carboni says to be calm, but it is not easy, also because it is not he who selects the team," blared Tavano.

"Now I have asked my agent to come here so we can talk, because I cannot go on like this."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has started jogging as he begins his comeback from his latest hamstring injury.

The Welsh star was ruled out for up to a month after injuring himself in the 3-2 win over Celtic two weeks ago.

"Things are going okay," Giggs told MUTV.

"I did some light jogging for the first time on Sunday. All I can do now is wait and see how the injury progresses."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - West Ham United defender Jonathan Spector may still be waiting on his league debut for the club, but he found time to greet graduates of a youth program that helps hard luck school drop-outs get their lives back on track.

The American Abroad, who is in the final stages of recovery from a spring shoulder setback, greeted a large group of youngsters from the The Prince's Trust.

The social organization provides job training to 16-25 year olds in East London, getting many back in school.

"I think it's good that West Ham is so involved within the community, and with the Prince's Trust in particular, as it has a huge impact and makes a big difference to these children's lives," Spector told the club website.

"I found it a very humbling experience to hear about what they had gone through and see what they had achieved."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Perú coach Franco Navarro has disclosed that attack ace Nolberto Solano could end his international retirement once he has regained fitness.

"We know that Solano has another motivation now and that he is thinking about the chance of returning to the national team if I recall him," he explained.

"What is most important at the moment is that he has time to get recovered from an injury that is not letting him play at Newcastle," noted Navarro.

"We will wait to see how recovers and then we will decide when we will recall him, as we don't want to disturb the work that Newcastle are doing with him."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Michael Essien after the Ghanaian’s strong start to the season.

Essien was criticised for some average displays after his big money move from Lyon last season but is now showing his true worth.

"Everything is perfect defensively," said Mourinho. "Offensively he has more qualities and scored his goal (against Werder Bremen).

"From a disciplinary point of view, he is completely clean. He has not one single yellow card.

"This is because everything is about the strength of his body not about bad fouling or actions in the game."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from topping New York on Wednesday night, New England boss Steve Nicol praised his side for covering the injured absence of midfield stopper Shalrie Joseph.

"I think clearly losing Shalrie is a blow to us," he told MLSNet. "He's a big influence on the team, but I think you saw tonight that we have a good squad and everyone has picked up the slack."

"The three guys in the middle of the park did a great job for us both going forward and defensively."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Inter Milan assistant coach Sinisa Mihajlovic claims the team were motivated to win at AS Roma on Wednesday night in order to lower the San Siro heat.

"All this criticism, most of it unjust in my opinion, made us angry," he told reporters. "We turned that anger into something positive."

"We've got a great group of players," asserted Mihajlovic. "We showed that a couple of weeks ago in Florence and now we've done it again here."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Goal.com) - Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech says Andriy Shevchenko needs time to get used to English football after his move from Milan.

The Ukrainian has scored just twice for the Stamford Bridge outfit, with one of those coming in the Community Shield.

"He will need some time,” Cech told sport.

"English football is much different than Italian where he received a lot of passes behind the defence or between defenders and he could squeeze between them and score goals.

"Here, everybody has a big respect for him so he is always surrounded by many players who don't allow him to run away.

"Also our midfield must get used to him.

"Anyway he showed with his two goals that he is a striker with talent from God."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Soccer365.com) - Red Bulls coach Bruce Arena has tipped recent acquisition Markus Schopp to pay big dividends when next season rolls around.

The former Austria ace made his MLS debut with a second half appearance in New York’s Wednesday loss at New England.

"I thought he showed that he is going to be a quality player," Arena told MLSNet. "However, we realize this year that it is going to be hard to get him to a point were he is going to play 90 minutes."

"He's a player that we think next year is going to be important for us," he added. "We're obviously going to try and get as much out of him as we can this year."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says team-mate Wayne Rooney believes he can be better than club legend George Best.

The 20-year-old has excelled at Old Trafford since his big-money move from Everton in 2004, and in his book Rio My Story, Ferdinand reveals the extent of his ambitions.

“We were talking about [George] Best, Bryan Robson and [Eric] Cantona and how they were legends at United and he went, ‘I’ll be the best player to play for United’, and smiled,” said Ferdinand.

“Deep down he really does believe he is, but he’s not being cocky.

“People can see he’s so good that it’s possible he will be the best United player of all time, provided he can steer clear of the unfortunate injuries.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Soccer365.com) - Longtime U.S. Women’s National Team star Shannon MacMillan has quietly retired from international soccer after a career that spanned 175 caps over 12 years.

The University of Portland product was a 1996 Olympic and 1999 Women’s World Cup champion

MacMillan scored 60 goals with the Lady ‘Nats and was named the 2002 U.S. Soccer Women’s Athlete of the Year.

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Bayern Munich chairman Karl Heinz Rummenigge has publicly suggested that coach Felix Magath should take his players to task more often.

"I've told him that I would advise him not to keep protecting his players because all you do is give them an alibi," the former striker told German daily tz.

"The team has to know that they must perform better, indeed much better than that."

"I think it's time to stop looking for explanations for poor games and defeats," insisted Rummenigge.

"I can only advise everyone at the club to put their foot on the accelerator as we are now entering a crucial phase in the season."

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez says that Steven Gerrard will not always be able to play in his preferred position of central midfield.

The England international has featured on the right and left for Liverpool this season, with the likes of Momo Sissoko and Xabi Alonso playing in central midfield.

"Steven is happier playing in the middle and we know that but I cannot put Xabi or Momo on the wing," said Benitez.

"If they are playing well, we know Steven has a lot of quality and we can use him in another position, on the right, the left or behind the main striker, that will benefit the team.

"Zinedine Zidane played on the left many times even though he preferred to play just behind the strikers and Ronaldinho plays on the right, even though he would prefer to be behind the strikers too.

"That's how it is with good players. They can play in any position. Steven is our captain and he knows that."

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(Soccer365.com) - Spain midfielder David Albelda believes the players are overly consumed by club affiliations, which he says cannot be blamed on coach Luis Aragones.

The Iberians stand fifth in Group E ahead of an October Euro2008 qualifer at Sweden.

"Whether Luis Aragones is there or not, it will be very difficult to achieve anything because there is no unity," the Valencia star told Spanish radio. "In fact, it more like disunity."

"The players and the fans are disillusioned," offered Albelda. "The fans identify more with their clubs, as do the players."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - The agent for Ajax midfield terror Wesley Sneijder claims his client has no knowledge of reported interest from Barcelona.

The Holland star has been linked with AC Milan, Manchester United and Real Madrid in the past.

“Wesley has told me that he is perfectly happy to stay at Ajax,” Sjaak Swarts told Amsterdam television show De Godenzonen.

“He does not want to leave anytime soon.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Former Nigerian international Stephen Keshi is a prospective candidate to take up the job as Kenya coach thus replacing former France goalkeeper Bernard Lama.

According to reports, Kenya Football Association officials are talking to Keshi on the possibility of taking up the job.

"We are in touch with Stephen Keshi and a Briton, Collin Stewart, who are ready for the job.

"But we are leaving our options open," said KFF Secretary General, Dan Omino.

"Keshi is especially more interested in the job and was making enquiries even last week about the possibility of stepping in," he added.

Omino also confirmed that Lama, who was hired last month to guide the team to the 2008 African Nations Cup, had left the job after he missed an ultimatum to return to camp by Monday.

Lama returned to France last week after Kenya lost to Eritrea in their opening qualifier for the 2008 African Nations Cup early this month and threatened not to return if the Kenya football authorities failed to meet his conditions.

"I'm asked to qualify the team for the African Nations' Cup and then the World Cup without having the minimal means required to do so," Lama wrote in a column in French sports weekly L'Equipe Magazine.

According to Omino, Lama requested that the team train in Europe as well as having an 88 million Kenya shilling (US$1.2 million) budget for the team approved where an independent body will be charged to manage it, something that did not go down well with the Kenyan football authorities.

"This was not realistic to us. We can't afford that kind of money here," said Omino.

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(Soccer365.com) - AS Roma executive Rosella Sensi has revealed that the club are hard at work on an improved contract for coach Luciano Spalletti.

The former Udinese mastermind has the Giallorossi off to a fast start, but his current deal runs out at the end of the season.

"Luciano Spalletti will remain for a long time on Roma's bench," assured Sensi.

"The team are doing good things, but let's keep our feet on the ground."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) - Los Angeles star Landon Donovan has proudly stated that he doesn’t even spend time thinking about another move across the pond.

The U.S. attacker has come under fire from some observers for cutting his Bayer Leverkusen stays short when the going got tough, but he insists life is better at home in California.

"I'd probably become a better soccer player just from the day-in, day-out grind of it there," the Galaxy ace told Reuters. "But I wouldn't be a better person. I wouldn't be a happy person."

"I'd be pretty miserable."

"Spain or England might fit my style, but the last time I checked there weren't any teams knocking on the door to get me," continued Donovan. "I'm not going anywhere for a while."

"There are a lot of factors that would go into it: the country, the language, the people, the playing situation… I have no time for going over and trying out and doing things like that - that doesn't interest me."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (20)

(Soccer365.com) - AS Roma manager Luciano Spalletti has revealed that midfielder Francesco Totti will not be available to Italy coach Roberto Donadoni for October’s EURO2008 qualifiers.

"For now, Francesco will not play with the national team," he told Sky Italia. "I spoke to Donadoni after lunch and this is what he confirmed to me."

Totti is not yet 100% from the ankle injury he suffered in February and has opted to remain on the proper comeback trail.

"Francesco is working well and is continuing his treatment," assured Spalletti. "But he fears he is not in the condition to give his best to the Italy team."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

(Goal.com) - Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he thought his time at Old Trafford was over after being pictured with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon last year.

The pictures sparked speculation of a move to Stamford Bridge, and Ferdinand has now revealed the extent of Sir Alex Ferguson’s anger.

"I feared the worst when the picture was in the papers and decided that I would go and see the manager when I arrived for training and explain," he said in his book, which is being serialised in The Sun.

"I didn't need to. He called me in first thing and went absolutely bananas. He said 'what the hell's going on?'

"He hammered me and quite rightly. I got the treatment. I'd never seen him so angry; it was far worse than when I missed the drugs test. Much worse.

"I couldn't say a lot because I was in the wrong. I just said again 'boss, I don't want to sign for nobody. I want to sign for Man United. I told you at the beginning I want to sign for United'.

"For a moment I was worried he was going to say, I'm going to sell you.

"The meeting went on for 15 minutes and he was going: 'You know how people will interpret it. It doesn't matter what you said.

"It doesn't matter if you were talking about the price of milk, the time of day or the colour of the table you were sitting at. It's just so stupid of you to go there and meet Kenyon'."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) - Atlético Madrid striker Fernando Torres claims he was never going to leave the club this summer, despite all the speculation.

The Spain ace revealed that he rebuffed every approach from some eager Real Madrid presidential candidates.

"After a very hectic summer when nobody thought I would end up staying here, the most important thing was that I wanted to stay and the club wanted me here," said Torres.

"The club knows that many important teams came in with a lot of money, good for both me and the club, but nothing is more important than feelings."

"I have never said I wanted to leave," he declared. "There is not the money nor the titles to make me change my mind."

"I have extended my contract for three years, but it could become more."

"Not all the Real Madrid presidential candidates called me, but some did," concluded Torres. "I directed them to Atlético because my intention was to continue."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech says that Didier Drogba has proved his critics wrong.

The Ivory Coast star was targeted by the Blues fans after some poor performances last season but has started the new campaign strongly and scored a spectacular goal against Liverpool at the weekend.

"He got over this (the booing) and you can see him playing well again for us," said Cech. "Last season, he was injured at the beginning of the season and it was difficult for him.

"Against Liverpool, he was the man of the match. He did everything. He was fighting and he kept fighting to the end of the game when everyone could see he was tired.

"He was on his limits, working hard and he scored a spectacular goal. He's scored goals like this before, in his first season, but he's a great striker. He can do everything."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Barcelona vice president Txiki Begiristain has knocked back conjecture that coach Frank Rijkaard has been told to bench Javier Saviola.

The Argentina forward could have left during the summer transfer window, but rejected all options to fight for his Nou Camp place.

"There has been absolutely no recommendation from the club telling Rijkaard not to call him up, as it is possible that he will be needed some day," he told local radio. said Begiristain to a Barcelona based radio station.

"However, there were opportunities to find a solution to this situation."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Robinho believes that he has what it takes to earn a regular place in the Real Madrid team and is prepared to play anywhere to make it happen.

The Brazilian has started as a substitute in all four of the team's games this season, but is determined to show coach Fabio Capello that he should be starting.

Despite that, Robinho recognises that he has a lot to learn: "I try to show my quality in every training session and to give everything," he said."But there is still room for improvement.

"I know that I have the ability to be a regular in the team.

"There a lot of good players here and during training it is the coach that must decide who players.

"Everyone wants to play, but only 11 can and I am prepared to earn my place."

Reflecting on the change of fortune in the second half against Real Sociedad at the weekend, Robinho is confident that Madrid can take that form into their next game against Real Betis on Saturday.

After a drab first period, Capello's side lifted themselves after the break to defeat the San Sebastian outfit 2-0.

"The team changed in the second half on Sunday and we improved a lot and I hope that we can carry on playing like that, we have to show how good we can be," Robinho said.

"In the opening period the team looked tired, but we lifted things after half-time and managed to win.

"Capello told me to play out wide, to find space for Guti. I always try to follow his instructions in order to keep playing.

"I feel that I am stronger on the left side, but if I am asked to play more centrally then it is not a problem.

"The coach likes me to move about and not to just stay out on the left."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:38 PM |