(Soccer365.com) - Teenage sensation Freddy Adu will turn his back on Manchester United at the end of this week despite an impressive trial at the world’s biggest club.

The Ghanaian born winger has surprised a skeptical team, with his skill while training with The Red Devils youth academy, but he has insisted that he wants to play for Real Madrid citing a belief that the EPL is too physical for him.

Alexi Lalas recently explained, his concerns as to Adu’s unsuitability to the EPL, the former Padova defensive men explained:

“He can play but I worry about his size. He needs the right club, otherwise he’ll get swallowed up on and off the pitch. He's not a player that can adapt to anything."

Adu is apparently in agreement with the former international, and added another twist to his on going transfer saga, when sources close to Adu revealed:

“Its fair to say everybody has been surprised by Freddy’s level of talent. He may not be the biggest but he proved he has a good skill and can play at this level. However, he’s said he wants to sign for Real Madrid, because he feels he’ll be more suited to Spanish game, which unlike England is less physical.”

Manchester United and Chelsea had both been considered to be front runners for the soccer phenom’s signature, despite a perceived lack of progress at DC United. And suffering the ignominy of being benched while trying to claw back a 0-1 deficit, against the New England Revolution in this year’s MLS play offs.

Adu first mentioned a possible move to Spain in 2004, but may have also been prompted to turn his attentions to The Madrid giants, having seen fellow international Tim Howard been shown the door, and the persistent unrest at Chelsea from the likes of Joe Cole, Robben, and Wright Phillips for receiving limited first team opportunities.

The MLS’s original boy wonder, Bobby Convey has nothing but sympathy for the seventeen year old and worries that too much is being expected of Adu:

“Freddy is 17. He has people around him that fill his head with ideas, and with different ways of thinking, he has a lot of pressure on him and he hasn’t progressed as fast as he wanted to.

“I’ve known Freddy for while now and he is a good player and a nice guy. He is very young. He will be good some day and, he is good now. It’s his choice I can’t say anything else what ever he thinks is best for himself he should do it.

Should Adu realize his European dream, he will have to wait until he turns 18 on June 2nd, 2007 before completing a move according to FIFA regulations.

by Andrew Rogers

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

(Soccer365.com) - Fiorentina strike star Luca Toni feels the club would have cancelled out their Italian wiretap scandal penalty faster if fortune had smiled on them a little more.

La Viola are 18th on five points, but would be fourth were it not for the 15-point deduction from the start of the season.

"This year we're less lucky than last year," shrugged Toni. "However, we're still having a great league season and I don't see a Fiorentina side in trouble."

"Unfortunately, there's penalization which we have to recover and we are doing our utmost to climb up."

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(Soccer365.com) - With talk swirling of a weekend signing, Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri has warned Real Madrid that they must up their bid to land Fernando Gago.

"The player wants to go to Real Madrid, but there are other alternatives that are even more attractive to Boca," he told Marca. "Madrid need to stretch as far as they can, but there are other options."

"Unless someone shoots me and my fellow directors there is no chance that Gago will be presented by Real before Sunday," added Macri.

"That day he will be playing for Boca to help them become champions."

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(Goal.com) - Zinedine Zidane (a three-times winner), last year's winner Ronaldinho and European Player of the year Fabio Cannavaro have been named as the three remaining candidates on the final shortlist for this year's Fifa World Player of the Year award - which means France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has missed out again.

Henry was the only player to appear in the finals of both the Champions League and the World Cup last season, though he finished on the losing side both times.

The winner of the award will be revealed on 18 December. It is voted for by the coach and the captain of each of the 207 national teams, who each pick their top three players of the year.

Italy and Real Madrid defender Cannavaro picked up the Ballon D'Or award for European Footballer of the Year earlier this week.

Barcelona and Brazil forward Ronaldinho won the World award in each of the last two seasons and is one of the favourites again this year.

Zidane retired from playing football after the World Cup final last summer, though he was sent off in that match, which was not planned. He could win the award for a fourth time, following his recognition in 1998, 2000 and 2003.

The women's award category sees Kristine Lilly (USA), Renate Lingor (Germany) and Marta (Brazil) shortlisted.

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(Soccer365.com) - Udinese strike ace Vincenzo Iaquinta has categorically denied that he is on the verge of joining AC Milan.

"There's no truth," insisted the world champion. "I also read about this link in the newspapers, but I think exclusively about playing at Udinese."

"I have a contract up till 2010 – then, we shall see about my future."

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(Goal.com) - Koeman and Van Basten are the alternatives should Rijkaard leave for Milan.

For now there are only rumours, but by June they could become realities. If Ancelotti will no longer have the full trust of the Milan entourage, Frank Rijkaard is top of the list of possible substitutes. There are many hints: he's an ex-Rossonero player and it's well known that the staff always prefers coaches who have been at the club before as players. Moreover, there is a special clause in Rijkaard's Barça contract that says he would be allowed to leave if an offer were to come from Milanello.

This is why Barcelona want to think about the future already. Two names are on Laporta's shortlist, who aims to maintain a continuity in the project. The theme color here here is orange, and it doesn't have to do with Barça's new away jersey. In fact it seems that the Spanish president is intent on continuing with a Dutch coach to guide the club on the near future. And the possibilities are Ronald Koeman, ex Barcelona player still famous for his free kick goal that in 1992 gave them the Champions League in the final against Sampdoria and now coach of Sampdoria, but particularly Marco van Basten, a big friend of Rijkaard, also an ex-Milanista and possible competitor of Frank for the Milan coaching job.

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(Soccer365.com) - D.C. United boss Peter Nowak has advised Manchester United trialist Freddy Adu to forget Old Trafford for now and spend a few seasons with an Eredivisie power.

"He's a young kid and he needs matches," the coach told the Guardian. "I think he should go to PSV or Ajax or somewhere they have a tradition of raising young players."

"At a place like Ajax, the young kids come through together and they grow up together; the team is shaped around them."

Adu has previously stated an admiration for the Amsterdam giants, but seems openly after a Premiership address for next season.

"In the biggest environment at the club with the biggest budget it will be hard for them to wait for him to develop," opined Nowak. "I still feel he needs the minutes and the experience."

"Does Freddy want to have to go to Watford on a rainy Wednesday where he'll have 6’ 4” goons on his back all night? The Dutch league is a very technical league and he will be better suited for that at his age."

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(Goal.com) - Goal.com’s Clemente Lisi examines the Red Bulls’ decision to trade star midfielder Amado Guevara and what Bruce Arena hopes to get in return.

The New York Red Bulls traded Amado Guevara to Chivas USA on Monday in return for a Designated Player slot and a third-round draft pick in next year’s MLS SuperDraft.

Giving up on Guevara, the former captain of the Honduran national team, means the Red Bulls can take advantage of a second Designated Player slot -- also known as the “Beckham Rule” -- which was adopted by Major League Soccer two weeks ago to help attract high-profile players to the league. The rule gives MLS clubs the authority to acquire players outside the $2 million salary cap currently imposed on all teams.

After joining the then-MetroStars in 2003 from Honduran club CD Motagua, Guevara played 103 regular season games over four seasons, recording 32 goals and 36 assists. He was named MLS MVP in 2004 after recording 10 goals and 10 assists during the regular season. Guevara recorded eight goals and five assists last season. At the same time, he wasn’t always the easiest player to get along with. When Guevara wasn’t scoring, he amassed 30 yellow cards and four red cards during his time in New York.

“Amado has been an outstanding player. However, if we look at the first 11 years, we weren’t going anywhere,” said Red Bulls head coach Bruce Arena. “One way to improve this team is through the designated player spot. Therefore, we had to let go of our best player to acquire this spot.”

MLS, which for all of its 11 seasons paid for all players out of one fund, will be responsible for up to $400,000 of the designated players’ salary with the remainder paid by the team. Each MLS franchise will get one designated player roster slot, which can be traded among teams. No team will be allowed more than two designated players.

The Red Bulls now have two slots and $725,000 worth of room under the salary cap. The trade is the latest in a series of moves by Arena, which included trading striker Edson Buddle to expansion Toronto for defender Tim Regan and placing goalkeeper Tony Meola and veterans Steve Jolley, Peter Canero and Chris Henderson on waivers.

Arena, who coached D.C. United to two MLS Cup titles, is hoping to sign two world-class players who are better than Guevara. Real Madrid’s Ronaldo and Inter Milan’s Luis Figo have been talked about as two possible targets. Arena did not dismiss either possibility.

“Everyone’s on my shopping list,” he said. “I’m like a kid making up his Christmas list, and some of the requests are unreasonable," Arena said. “We're not closing the door on anyone.”

Arena also said there is “no timetable” on when the Red Bulls will fill its two designated player slots, but hopes to sign at least one player during the January transfer window.

“We have a lot of work to do on this roster,” he added.

Arena wouldn’t reveal which players he had on his short-list, but added that the Red Bulls had “been in contact with players, agents and club throughout South America and Europe. We have players in mind.”

Arena agreed that the “Beckham Rule” is a positive move for MLS, but reiterated that there needs to be a balance between American players and foreign-born ones.

“We don’t want to create an environment like the NASL or the Cosmos, who were running around buying up foreigners,” explained Arena.

“We know that it would not work economically for our league.”

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(Soccer365.com) - Reading winger Bobby Convey has concluded his stateside rehab to rejoin the club, though it is still uncertain when he will be fit to take the field.

The US star has been suffering from lingering knee pains and was given some time to rest.

"Bobby is 80-90% there, but there's some concern regarding the knee still," Royals physio Jon Hearn told the club website.

"We'll look into that in the next few days."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Despite groans from the rest of Ligue 1, Lyon winger Florent Malouda clams the five-time defending French champs are seeking to take this year’s crown by a monumental margin.

The dynasty side have already opened up a 14-point lead after only 15 matches.

Auxerre coach Jean Fernandez recently told reporters: "Lyon will be champions."

"They are in a league of their own - you have Lyon on one side and on the other side you have seven to eight clubs fighting to finish second or third."

Malouda, however, feels no sympathy.

"We will continue to increase our lead," he asserted. "We want to win everything this season and we want our lead in the league to be as huge as possible."

"That will boost our confidence for the other competitions."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Arsene Wenger believes it was a "mistake" not to award the prestigious Ballon d'Or to Thierry Henry as European Player of the Year. The Gunners' boss also feels that the World Cup represents the "lowest level" of football.

Henry was beaten into third place by two Italian World Cup winners - captain Fabio Cannavaro, who collected France Football magazine's Ballon d'Or, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Henry, 29, had helped Arsenal reach their first European Cup final and also reached the World Cup final of his career with France.

And Wenger felt his striker deserved more recognition. Asked what he thought about the outcome of the voting, he responded:

"It is a mistake. It shows that the people who vote look only at the World Cup, which when you speak about elite football, in my opinion, is the lowest level in football that you can see at the moment.

"They make their decision on that."

Wenger continued: "If you see Italy playing against Togo or South Korea you cannot say that Cannavaro has a good game or even Thierry Henry has a good game, that he is the best player in the world - look at the players he plays against.

"To be consistent in a big championship like in England or in the Champions League for me would be much more appropriate than three weeks in the World Cup."

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(Soccer365.com) - Marcus Hahnemann is a large part of Readings promotion and early success in the English Premiership. The American Abroad keeper took a moment to speak with Soccer365’s Andrew Rogers about playing top flight football, the U.S. national team and more…

by Andrew Rogers

Last time Soccer 365 caught up with Marcus Hahnemann, Reading FC had just lost to Luton Town in the Championship, little did the former Seattle Sounder realize what the next 3 month would entail. The Royals were promoted to the Premiership with a record breaking points tally, and Hahnemann was picked for the US World Cup squad in Germany.

Joining him for coffee at his former Starbuck haunt in Fulham he reflected on how different his life had been last time he was here- out of contract and without a club he had contemplated joining Walsall!

This time, having got one over on former MLS pal Brian McBride and his former club, Reading currently lie one point outside of a Champions League places, and his current form given that Reading were written off at the start of the season, should secure him a starting spot for the MNT against Denmark.

Clearly delighted at extending his club’s unbeaten run to 3 games, and keeping his fourth shut out of the season, the former Fulham goalie was open and candid as he spoke exclusively to Soccer 365.

Marcus, of course three points against Fulham must have meant a lot to you, but the real big issue must have been Thanksgiving how did that work out?
I spent it with the family. We had two huge seventeen pound turkeys’. We didn’t shoot them as I didn’t have the opportunity, it doesn’t seem to work like that here in England! But it was great fun.

Last time you were here did you expect to be a top flight player in one of the greatest leagues in the world?
No. It was a really tough time, we really didn’t know what was going to happen, we were eating into our savings and we looking at probably heading back to the States. The TV deal with the football league had just collapsed so the clubs had no money for transfers.

It took a while for Reading to come in for in me, which was around August but when it did happen it was nice. I had played there the year before on loan so I was comfortable and relieved at the situation. The stadium was nice and I enjoyed my loan time so there was no question of me being able to enjoy myself.

So what were you thinking about when coming back to Fulham, you never got the chance to prove yourself here?
Maik Taylor was the number one keeper back then. He never got injured or anything, so I played only four games in the three years I was there, it was frustrating. This is one of the games I've been looking forward to since I knew we were getting promoted. I was like I can’t wait to go back to Fulham. To see Carlos, Brian and to see a lot of my old friends that work for the club like Chris Coleman who was the player and captain when I was there.

Three American players were involved in the game, has US soccer come a long way in the last few years?
To have three Americans playing in one Premier League game is amazing. It took me back to my MLS days, I had to keep an eye out for McBride on the corners he is so good in the air. But they had a lot of good guys in the air, Brian especially he got a few against me in the MLS so I had to make sure he was well marked.

How is the contract situation working out, there were whispers that you may have been heading back to the MLS?
I don’t think so. I never looked to go anywhere else I just wanted a little more money. I wanted more, they didn’t want to pay me as much, that’s how it works. I haven’t signed anything yet but we pretty much agree on what we want, I believe anyway. It should happen next week. I won’t be going back to the MLS as a designated player at this point.

Last time we met, yourself and Bobby Convey couldn’t speak highly enough of Eddie Johnson when you played with him at the national camps, how is he been training since he came over?
Eddie has done great and he really fits in with the guys. He has settled in and hangs out with a few of the players so it is really working out for him here, I hope he signs in the January window, he would strength our squad and that’s the one thing you have to keep looking to do. The gaffer seems to be impressed and Eddie has what it takes to do well at this level.

Obviously you other compatriot BC is struggling with his knee at the moment, what is the situation?
Well since he got injured it definitely hasn’t been quiet. Hunty (Stephen Hunt) had that incident with Chelsea that was blown out of all proportion, it was really unfair. Having said that Hunty has come through and done well, he’s played a lot of games since Bobby got injured, he’s looked really good and played really good, all that stuff is behind us and we’ve moved on and get on with playing.

Bobby is coming back real soon, and well be really eager to reclaim his place in the side, he just needs to rest it and get some strength back, then he’ll be up and running.

Have you heard anything on the MNT coaching situation?

To read the complete Marcus Hahnemann interview visit Soccer365

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(Soccer365.com) - With transfer headlines en vogue, MLS chief Don Garber has boasted that the 10-yeard entity currently has the buying power to land Real Madrid outcast David Beckham – but was quick to assure that such a move is not yet on the table.

"We have the money to sign stars like David Beckham," he asserted.

"Beckham is under contract with Real Madrid and we won't speak with him until the right moment."

The longtime England captain has recently found himself second choice under Real boss Fabio Capello, further fueling rumours.

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(Soccer365.com) - Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann has happily extended his stay with the Premiership side though the summer of 2008.

"The more time I've spent here the better it's got, and I've never hidden the fact that I wanted to stay," the American Abroad told the club website.

"My family is happy here, this is the club where I made my name and got back into the national team."

Hahnemann has worked 206 contests for the Royals since arriving from Fulham and helped the club gain their first-ever promotion to the Premiership last season.

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(Goal.com) - Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole was not exactly the most popular player on view at Old Trafford on Sunday as the Blues drew 1-1 with Manchester United - and he has done little to improve his standing in United eyes by warning the Red Devils that Chelsea have not been playing anywhere near their best as yet.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has already taunted United about missing the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership. Now Cole has said United should be worried because the Blues will storm ahead as soon as they start playing to their potential.

He told the London Evening Standard: "We we are not performing anywhere as well as I know we can. I have faced Chelsea in past years and they have been brilliant. We are not hitting that peak and when we do - watch out.

"It's still early but you don't want to go six points behind a great team like Manchester United. They're playing well and hopefully that is an advantage for us. We're not playing well and are only three points behind. This is the period when the title is won.

"We have qualified for the Champions League [knock-out stag] and we have to pick up our Premiership form after a good second-half performance at Old Trafford."

Meanwhile, Ricardo Carvalho, pictured scoring the second-half goal that brought Chelsea level after Louis Saha had put United ahead, expects Chelsea to defend their title successfully once again.

"We are the best team in England and we are going to prove it. We will be champions," he said. "The goal I scored was important because it gave us a draw and prevented United from increasing the gap. I didn't train all week and am very satisfied because manager Jose Mourinho trusted me."

Mourinho added: "I saw Ricardo's ankle after the West Ham game and I saw him three days ago and I didn't think he had the possibility to play. There was an improvement and at the last moment he was ready to play. I said I was happy because I wanted to show confidence and a positive image, but I didn't know if he would play.

"For me he was man of the match. He was fantastic defensively and also scored an important goal. The medical department deserve dinner on me for the work they have done."

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(Soccer365.com) - Leeds United manager Dennis Wise was singing the praises of left-sider Eddie Lewis after a sterling display helped the strugglers top Plymouth on the weekend.

The American Abroad assisted on Robbie Blake’s early opener, then grabbed the winner for himself.

"Eddie Lewis has done very well," exclaimed Wise. "It was a lovely finish by him and it was nice to see him celebrate like he did."

The Whites have begun the season in the fog, but claimed victories in two of their last three to pull away from the Championship drain.

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Traditional French power Olympique Marseille have taken D.C. United midfielder Brian Carroll on trial in hopes of signing the U.S. internaiotnal.

"(He) is actually on trial with Marseille," read a prepared statement.

"Carroll is one of the brightest international defensive midfielders."

L’OM coach Albert Emon is openly courting the American to fill a hole in defensive midfield.

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Argentina striker Carlos Tevez has apologised to West Ham United for storming out of the Boleyn Ground after being substituted by manager Alan Pardew in the 67th minute of Saturday's 1-0 win against Sheffield United.

Tevez was replaced by Teddy Sheringham and reacted by going straight down the tunnel and then leaving the stadium before the final whistle - a breach of club discipline.

Pardew made it clear that he was very disappointed by what he saw as a show of petulance by Tevez.

But at Monday's training session, Tevez tried to mend fences by apologising to the manager and his team-mates.

"I would just like to say that I left the ground in anger on Saturday," he said. "It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, which I regretted almost straightaway.

"I know I did very wrong in going and I have made it clear to the manager and my team-mates that I in no way meant to disrespect them."

Pardew has accepted the apology and is letting the rest of the team decide how much Tevez should be fined.

He said: "Carlos reported as normal for training on Monday morning and immediately offered his apologies to the players and staff.

"He assured me there was no disrespect intended on his behalf to the players, fans or me.

"He knows he made the incorrect decision in leaving and has decided he would like the players to vote on how much his fine should be and that it should go to the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

"The players will be given the chance to offer their opinions on Tuesday morning."

Speculation persists that Tevez, 22, will leave the Hammers when the transfer window reopens in January, along with compatriot Javier Mascherano, who joined at the same time in a double deal with Brazilian side Corinthians. Neither of the two World Cup stars has been able to make an impact so far at Upton Park.

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Carson, CA (Sports Network) - The United States Women's Nation Team had to get through Southern neighbor, Mexico, last week in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup to earn a berth in the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup this summer in China.

On Sunday night at The Home Depot Center in Carson, in took a penalty kick in stoppage time of the second 15 minute overtime period to decide a the Gold Cup crown between the U.S. and its Northern neighbor, Canada, after the teams were knotted at one after 90 minutes of regulation.

U.S. veteran Kristine Lilly buried the chance in the 120th minute after the American side dominated most of the extra time. The PK was awarded after Natasha Kai was taken down right in front of the Canadian net while stretching for a loose ball.

The U.S. win over Canada was its second in the past three weeks after the teams met in the championship game of the Peace Queen Cup in Seoul, South Korea. The U.S. also won that contest on a goal from Lilly, 1-0.

On Sunday both regulation goals were scored in the first half with the U.S. getting on the board first - a Leslie Osborne tally in the seventh minute.

The U.S. played a long free kick into the area which was headed but not cleared by Canada's defense. Osborne struck the bouncing ball with her left foot from about 18-yards out, just past Canadian goaltender Erin McLeode.

The equalizer by Canada, which was scored at the end of the first half in stoppage time, was almost identical to the U.S. goal.

After taking a free kick into the area, the ball was deflected by a U.S. defender right to Canada's Randee Hermus. Hermus made no mistake by one-timing the shot with her left foot past American 'keeper Hope Solo to tie the score at one, which is how the first half and regulation ended.

The U.S outshot Canada 21-7 in the game, getting eight of those shots on goal.

The American women have won every CONCACAF title they have played in, beating Canada four times - including Sunday's win - and Brazil once, in 2000, when it was a guest team. Canada won the 1998 CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament when the USA did not participate because it had already been given a berth to the 1999 WWC as the host.

With the win, the U.S. not only claims regional bragging rights and the CONCACAF championship, but stretches its all-time record unbeaten streak to 32 games.

Earlier in the day, Mexico and Jamaica battled at The HDC for third place in the Gold Cup and, more importantly, a chance at the last berth in the WWC. Mexico prevailed 3-0 in the game and will play a home-and-home series with Japan for the last spot.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has suggested that seldom-used playmaker Julio Dos Santos may need to go on loan for seasoning.

The Paraguay starlet has made only four appearances on the season.

"It doesn't make much sense in the moment for him," he stated.

"Maybe Dos Santos should use the winter transfer window to find another club, where he would be given the chance to play more often."

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(Goal.com) - David Odonkor is to undergo tests to see whether he will require surgery after suffering a knee injury in Germany's UEFA Euro 2008 qualifier against Cyprus last week.

The Real Betis Balompié forward damaged his kneecap during the encounter and if tests back up the early prognosis then the 22-year-old could be out of action for around three months.

Betis’ Doctor Tomás Colero confirmed that the player had suffered an injury but is keen to do further tests to see the extent of the damage when Odonkor returns to Spain.

With the club already short on attacking firepower, the news will come as a real blow to coach Javier Irureta who is rumoured to be looking to bring in a new forward in the winter transfer window.

Odonkor, who has completed only one game for Betis this season in the league, remained in Germany with the permission of his club until Thursday, as his wife is due to undergo surgery there.

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Athens, Greece (Sports Network) - A 32nd-minute goal from AEK Athens' Julio Cesar was all the home outfit needed for a 1-0 upset victory over Group H powerhouse, Milan in Champions League Matchday 5 play on Tuesday.

After waiting 22 CL games for a victory last time out, AEK took its winning ways into the Tuesday fixture and on the wings of superb goalkeeping from Stefano Sorrentino, the Athenians just need one more point in its match against RSC Anderlecht on December 6 to advance.

AEK defender Trainos Dellas came out on fire only one minute in, taking a Daniel Tozser corner over the bar with his head, as he stood unmarked. Milan got its chance soon after when Kaka flew down the right flank and curled a perfectly-placed cross to Clarence Seedorf, whose effort was deflected wide.

Sorrentino came up with a hat-trick of saves eleven minutes before his offense granted him some cushion with Cesar's 32nd-minute game-winner. Cesar won a free-kick outside of the 18 and bent the shot around the wall and into the back of the net without time for movement from goalkeeper Dida.

The Greek club wasn't done there, and continued to press with chances from Nikolaos Liberopoulos, who fired his opportunity wide before Cesar tried again with a far-post curler that Dida sprawled out to punch away. As the half wound down AEK packed it in and Milan couldn't get any quality chances.

Milan still sits on top with 10 points in five games, while AEK moves into second with seven. Lille and Anderlecht each picked up a point on Tuesday, battling to a 2-2 draw at the Stade Felix-Bollaert, as Lille now has six points to Anderlecht's three.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Lyon defender Cris has publicly questioned new Brazil coach Dunga for not selecting him to dance with the Samba Kings.

"I can't understand what is going on," he shrugged. "I don't make the choice."

"I just have to wait, but sometimes that is difficult to accept."

The center back has been among the top UEFA backliners over the past few seasons, yet has only earned 16 caps.

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(Soccer365.com) - The agent for Lyon wing man Florent Malouda has rubbished reports that the France international is in the Inter Milan transfer crosshairs.

“My client has a contract with his current team up till 2010,” snorted Phillipe Flavier. “Surely, Malouda attracts the interest of various European clubs - in fact, English and Spanish clubs have already come forward.”

“I heard about Inter, but I don’t think they are interested,” he continued. “In any case, they must talk to Lyon.”

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(Goal.com) - Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insisted that Chelsea travel to Bremen with full seriousness, and will not play with a second string team.

There have been reports in the English press that Jose Mourinho could field a weak team against Werder Bremen, allowing the Germans to win.

That could leave Barcelona's Champions League campaign in the balance, something that Mourinho and Chelsea apparently wouldn't mind.

Mourinho insisted that he was not taking the game lightly: "We cannot go there with a second team."

However, he did go on to suggest that if Chelsea were beaten, and Barcelona went out of the competition as a result, it wouldn't be his responsibility: "If Bremen beats Chelsea and Barcelona are out of the competition, that is not our war. It's not our problem.

"We go there to try to get a result. The next game is Manchester United, but it could be Manchester United or Manchester City. We go to Bremen to play a serious game."

Barcelona are currently two points behind Werder Bremen, and need to win both their games to assure themselves of qualification.

However, as long as Bremen don't beat Chelsea, it would all come down to a winner-take-all clash at Camp Nou in two weeks' time, no matter what Barcelona manage against Levski Sofia on Wednesday.

Should Bremen win, anything but a win would knock Barcelona out tomorrow!

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When the UEFA Champions League resumes Tuesday for Matchday 5, Groups E, F, G and H will be in action to further set the tables for the knockout rounds.

No game will generate more enthusiasm and passion from the squads' respective fans than the Manchester United at Celtic clash in Glasgow.

Both clubs are known for the fanatical support from their followers.

Celtic, who have won 11-straight in the Scottish Premier League, are second behind United in Group F, just three points back. A win or a tie by United would guarantee the English club a spot in the final 16, while Celtic can qualify if they win and the other Group F contest between Benfica and Copenhagen ends in a draw. A defeat for either Benfica or Copenhagen ends that team's chance of advancing.

In Group F's top two teams' first meeting on Matchday 1, United captured a 3-2 win for one of the Scottish champions two losses. The other loss was a 3-0 contest to Benfica. United is coming off a 1-0 loss to Copenhagen in its last Champions League contest.

United star striker Wayne Rooney is coming off a two goal performance in Manchester's seventh-straight Premiership win this weekend, and should also be a huge factor in Tuesday's game.

The English squad heads into the match relatively healthy, while Celtic striker Kenny Miller has recovered from an ankle injury and will play but defender Gary Caldwell is very doubtful after suffering a knee injury this weekend.

In Group G, the best matchup figures to be FC Porto at CSKA Moscow.

Moscow, the newly crowned Russian champions, will try to get over its hangover after winning its second straight league championship this weekend. CSKA, who boast one of the top defenses in the Champions League, have yet to give up a goal in four contests. The Russian champions sit in first in the group with eight points, while Porto and Arsenal - who host last-placed Hamburg - are tied for second with seven points.

Moscow can confirm a top-two finish with victory, while that coupled with an Arsenal loss at home would clinch the top spot. With Hamburg already fixed in last place, any other results would leave the qualifying picture wide open heading into Matchday 6, the final group game.

In Group H, AC Milan needs just a draw in its match with AEK Athens to earn a spot in the final 16. An AEK loss would also give Lille a chance to move on, assuming it beats last placed Anderlecht at home, Tuesday. A draw will also keep the Belgian club's European aspirations alive if Milan beats AEK.

In Group E, the top two teams, Lyon and Real Madrid, have already qualified for the round of 16, but will contest the top spot when they meet in Spain. Lyon have the advantage following their 2-0 Matchday 1 win, but a Real win on Tuesday will force the announcement of the Group E winner to the final day. Steaua Bucuresti will host Dynamo Kiev in the other group contest.

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(Soccer365.com) - Fulham manager Chris Coleman is dropping hints that the club are trying to land New England star Clint Dempsey in January.

"Nothing is set in stone yet, but he is a player I admire," said the coach.

The US international has also received an offer from Charlton, with Atlético Madrid and West Ham United also reportedly in the running

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(Soccer365.com) - Despite a strong Serie A start, Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti has instructed the side to keep their nose to the grindstone.

The Nerazzurri sit top of the table, but have suffered title collapses in the past.

"It's a great time for us and we're obviously very happy, but we also know we have to continue like this for a long time because we haven't achieved anything yet," said Zanetti

"We are a very good side, with several options in every position and extremely strong in every sector of the pitch."

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(Goal.com) - Michel Platini has suggested that based on displays over the entire season, Henry or Ronaldinho should have won the Golden Ball ahead of Fabio Cannavaro. If it had to be the World Cup that decided it, the Frenchman suggested it should have been Buffon.

"I have said it on several occasions: the players who deserve the Golden Ball most are Ronaldinho and Henry," said the French legend to Italian radio.

The Frenchman had been quoted saying a couple of weeks ago that it can be expected that an Italian will get the Golden Ball: "History says that in the year of the World Cup it's a rule to give it to a member of the winning nation."

Platini insisted that if the award had to be decided on the basis of the World Cup, it should still not have been Cannavaro: "If the award goes to a World Cup winner, Juventus goalkeeper Buffon deserves it most.

"However, cosidering the entire season, the best ones are most certainly Henry and Ronaldinho."

Platini joins anoth legends - Johann Cruyff and Gianni Rivera - in publicly suggesting that the Golden Ball should not have gone to the Italian skipper.

Only this morning, Cruyff had suggested that he would have preferred that the award had gone to Henry, for making it to the finals of the Champions League and the World Cup.

Rivera, meanwhile, had suggested that Cannavaro was winning the Golden Ball because of Buffon's displays, and his own high profile move to Real Madrid.

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(Soccer365.com) - Despite claims to the contrary, River Plate president Jose Maria Aguilar claims the club have not agreed to send strike sensation Gonzalo Higuain to Real Madrid.

"This is not close to happening," he asserted . "We have received bigger offers for the player than that of Real Madrid."

Among the other suitors for the youngster are AC Milan and Paris St. Germain.

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(Goal.com) - Manchester United have revealed that they are planning to erect a specially-commissioned statue at Old Trafford as a tribute to 'Sixties icons George Best, Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton.

The dealth of Best last year triggered calls from fans for a memorial to honour his achievements with United, and the club have agreed, and widened it to include Law and Charlton, the other members of a legendary trio in Matt Busby's outstanding side.

"The club has been looking at how to commemorate its great figures for some time," said chief executive David Gill.

"Too often, we feel we have to wait until our heroes have passed away to recognise their talent."

Top sculptor Philip Jackson has been chosen to create the statue, which will take 18 months to sculpt.

Gill added: "We are very excited that this statue will honour the efforts not only of George Best, whose death came tragically early in his life, but also two of the game's finest forwards - Denis Law and Bobby Charlton.

"Manchester United is proud of its heritage and we believe that this statue will be evidence of that. The fact it will be on Sir Matt Busby Way could not be more appropriate."

Currently there is just one statue near the stadium - that of Busby himself, although there is also a clock on the East Stand wall that honours the victims of the Munich air disaster of February 1958.

Best, Law and Charlton between them played 1,633 games for Manchester United, and scored a combined total of 665 goals for the club.

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(Goal.com) - Don Fabio insisted that it was important to win against Lyon on Tuesday night, but not to avenge the 2-0 loss on the first match-day.

"This match is not about revenge, said Capello. "It is just a game that we want to win because we are better now than we were when we played them last time."

Speaking about the 2-0 defeat at the Stade de Gerland in September, he said: "I don't think we had a good first half in the first leg, but we did much better in the second half and had some chances to score. It's obvious that this is a different Real Madrid.

"We know one another better and we've got that extra something. We're definitely going out there to win."

Surprisingly, he reduced the importance of securing first place in the group: "The most important thing is that we have qualified for the next round. It's important that we win tomorrow, but not crucial.

"Most tend to think that you're better off finishing first in the group in order to play the first game away and the second at home. You can't let that affect your mindset. A team has to take the pitch every day and play like they know how to.

"We always try to win when we take the pitch. That's what we always strive for. But iit's ok if we don't finish first. We'll be second."

He also warned about Lyon: "They always bring their 'A' game in Champions League matches. I am sure they will be very motivated. Every team that plays in the Bernabéu wants to have a good match."

Real Madrid need to win by three goals to move into first place in Group E ahead of the final matchday.

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(Soccer365.com) - New England attacker Clint Dempsey has revealed that negotiations are underway with at least one team across the pond, but he isn’t naming names.

The US World Cup standout has been linked with the likes of Atlético Madrid, Fulham and West Ham United of late.

"Things are happening quickly," Dempsey told The Daily Sentinel. "Europe has the best of everything: more money, more competition, a better environment because of the fans."

"In the MLS, you don't get the support that you need," he said. "When you get a chance like this, you want to make the best of it."

"I have to prove to myself that I can do it."

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(Soccer365.com) - New Mexico boss Hugo Sanchez will get his chance to silence detractors after making a bold declaration on the goals for his tenure.

"I want us to be world champions and not limit ourselves to the quarter or semifinals," he told reporters.

The former El Tricolores goal monster had long lobbied for the job, making several enemies along the way.

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(Goal.com) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is said to be furious with France coach Raymond Domenech.

The Gunners boss is reportedly frustrated that William Gallas and Thierry Henry were made to play the entire 90 minutes of France’s friendly with Greece on Wednesday evening, while Chelsea's Claude Makelele and Manchester United's Louis Saha and Patrice Evra only played half.

With the Gunners playing Newcastle on Saturday and Hamburg on Tuesday it is likely to mean three matches in seven days for the duo.

Domenech’s actions could further strain relations with Wenger who was critical of the France coach’s decision to play Henry for all of the friendly against Bosnia in August.

Last month Wenger compared international coaches to joyriders.

He said: "What the national coaches are doing is like taking the car from his (club manager's) garage without even asking his permission.

"They'll then use his car for 10 days and abandon it in a field without any petrol left in the tank.

"We then have to recover it, but it is broken down. Then, a month later, they'll come to take your car again — and for good measure you're expected to be nice about it."

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(Soccer365.com) - Reading manager Steve Coppell claims the forthcoming visit from Kansas City forward Eddie Johnson is not intended as a trial.

The US international is no stranger to England, having trained with Manchester United on more than one occasion.

"He is just coming over for an educational visit, he'll see how we do things and have a look at how we prepare," he told the club website. "I wouldn't even like to speculate on what might happen in the future, and we haven't even explored any transfer."

"It's the offseason in the States, so the opportunity is there, and he's just someone who has been on the radar for a lot of clubs."

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(Soccer365.com) - AS Roma executive Rosella Sensi has categorically rejected all rumours relating to the departure of coach Luciano Spalletti – most notably, those that have him headed to AC Milan after the season.

"Who said anything about this? We are holding on to Spalletti tightly!" exclaimed the director.

Spalletti has done fine jobs now at Udinese and Roma, and has been mentioned as a possible successor to Carlo Ancelotti at San Siro.

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