(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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Posted by soccer365 at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(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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Posted by soccer365 at 03:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(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 (1)

(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 (1)

(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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Posted by soccer365 at 03:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(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 (1)

(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 (1)

(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 (2)

(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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(Soccer365.com) - AZ Alkmaar midfield general Stijn Schaars has opined that their weekend match-up with Feyenoord is no longer a prime Eredivisie contest because the Rotterdammers have slipped in recent years.

Despite a four-game winning streak, Feyenoord are already six points behind third place AZ after 12 games.

"There is not the same status there anymore," said Schaars, providing supple bulletin board material for Erwin Koeman’s side. "Feyenoord are now below the top clubs."

"I think they will even be surprised when they come up against us."

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(Soccer365.com) - Houston Dynamo netminder admitted that thre was no way he was giving up the final shootout ball from Sunday’s MLS Cup victory over New England.

The keeper stopped Jay Heaps to start the celebrations, and left with the evidence.

"Some (MLS) official tried to come and take the ball from me, but I just wrapped it up," Onstad told the Houston Chronicle.

"I'm taking it (the ball) home with me and putting it in my trophy case."

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(Goal.com) - England captain John Terry admitted that while the national team failed to get to grips with the 3-5-2 formation in their defeat by Croatia last month, it is a system they should be quite capable of playing effectively in future.

After losing that game 0-2 with a below-par performance, England play Holloand in a friendly in Amsterdam tonight, and Terry feels the squad contains the players who should be able to adapt comfortably to different formations.

He also disputes the notion that England are not as good technically as other leading international teams.

Terry told journalists: "We all agree the formation didn't work in the Croatia game but at the same time we've all played 3-5-2 at club level - and just about every time Chelsea have switched to that system we've gone on to win the game.

"It didn't work in Zagreb but it is still in the locker for the future and we've got defenders who can play that role. On that particular night it just didn't happen.

"I've watched the game again and at times it was sloppy at the back against Croatia but, like I said, we've all played it at club level so really there is no excuse."

He continued: "It baffles me when people say other countries are better technically than us. When we look at our players and the league we play in, it baffles me because we are playing in the best league in the world.

"Okay, from the word go people are getting at each other and at each other's throats but you see people like Stevie [Gerrard] and Lamps [Frank Lampard] spraying balls around the park and showing great left and right-foot finishing.

"But there is no point saying 'we've got this player who can do this and that'. We really need to now start showing and doing it tomorrow night against Holland and onwards from there."

Regarding England's mixed start under manager Steve McClaren, Terry said: "We did have a few games where we won at the start of the season and things were going well.

"Things were on a high and as captain I didn't like what I experienced against Croatia. It wasn't nice at all.

"It's not nice whether you are losing playing in the park with your mates or in a massive game. I just hate losing no matter what I am doing. But it is the worst feeling ever when playing for your country.

"The fans get frustrated because they know we have got the squad of players to get results and go to places like Croatia and win games even though it was a tough place to go.

"I understand the fans. They were kept behind and as we came out afterwards things were spoken and shouted out. It is not nice but we can understand their frustration.

"We are feeling exactly the same as them. But they are the ones who have paid for their tickets and travelled half-way around the world supporting us and we do need to get back to winning ways and repay them."

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(Soccer365.com) - Hamburg midfield phenom Benny Feilhaber reports that coach Thomas Doll has given him the chance to retain his starting place when injured teammates return.

The American Abroad was pressed into service last month, while the manager was missing several midfielders.

International players David Jarolim and Raphael Wicky have recovered, but neither return knocked Feilhaber form the line-up.

"(Coach Doll) told me that I've been playing really well and it's going to be a difficult task for guys to earn spots back," he told the New York Times. "It's also going to be difficult for me to keep my spot."

"It's all in the competition - when the other guys come back it will raise their game and my game because I'll be working hard to keep my spot."

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(Soccer365.com) - With glamour sides such as Arsenal interested, Lyon wingback extraordinaire Eric Abidal conceded that he was unsure whether he would prefer to stay with the French kings.

"I haven taken any decision about my future for the moment," Abidal told AFP. "I have met with the coach and the chairman - they want to propose me a contract extension."

"I'm not ruling out this offer," he added. "I know a number of foreign clubs are following me."

"For the moment I don't know if I want to leave or stay," concluded the France international. "I will have to make a choice - I just hope I will make a good one."

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(Goal.com) - Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina admits he is flattered by reported interest from Valencia.

Although Ches number one Santiago Canizares recently agreed a fresh two-year deal with the club, Valencia are keen to find a long-term replacement for the 36-year-old.

Valencia director of sport Amedeo Carboni has reportedly contacted Reina’s agent to check on the player’s status.

"The interest of Valencia is flattering to me," Reina told AS.

"Though at this moment I want to be focused on helping Liverpool return to our best form, which is most important.

"We'll see what happens in the future."

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez would surely be reluctant to allow his fellow countryman to leave despite his indifferent form this season.

However, Reina made his name with Valencia’s rivals Villarreal and may not be adverse to a move back to Spain.

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(Soccer365.com) - New England midfielder Daniel Hernandez figures the team weren’t supposed to win MLS Cup against victors Houston on Sunday.

The Revs took the lead through Taylor Twellman in the second extra session, but quickly allowed a Brian Ching equalizer that forced the deciding penalty shootout.

"Any coach will tell you: after you score, don't let your guard down," Hernandez told MLSNet. "You can't let stuff happen like that, not in the final."

"We let it slip away and that's what makes it more disappointing."

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(Soccer365.com) - AC Milan executive Ariedo Braida has revealed that he was given the cold shoulder by Real Madrid transfer targets Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuain.

The former is a midfielder at Boca Juniors, while the latter plays up front for rivals River Plate.

Gago’s agent has already begun talks with Real general manager Predrag Mijatovic.

"The players only want to go to Madrid," Braida moaned to Spanish daily AS on his way out of Argentina.

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(Soccer365.com) - In the aftermath of losing a third MLS Cup final in four years, New England strike star Taylor Twellman admitted it could be time to return to Europe.

The St. Louis native former played with 1860 Munich in Germany, and seems to feel it may be the right time to hop the pond again.

"I'm at the stage now where I'll sit down with my family and make the best decision for us as a family," Twellman told MLSNet.

"Obviously, financially, I think it's the time for me to make that right choice."

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(Goal.com) - Real Madrid have clinched the signing of Marcelo from Fluminese for a deal reported to be around €7 million. Roberto Carlos also signed a one-year extension.

The 18-year-old left-sided defender has signed a six-year deal at the Santiago Bernabéu and is viewed as the long-term replacement for Roberto Carlos.

After under-going a medical in Madrid, Marcelo will be presented on Wednesday and then will be free to move to Spain when the winter transfer window opens again in January.

It is believed that he could spend the second half of the current campaign playing for Real Madrid Castilla in the second division as he adapts to his new surroundings.

Club president, Ramón Calderón, was delighted to have captured the highly-rated young full-back and stated that Roberto Carlos has welcomed the move too.

"He is an important signing for us," the Madrid supremo said. "He is a young player who will inject some freshness into the side and is part of our plan to bring younger players into the squad.

"We are very happy because he is a pearl that half of Europe wanted.

"Roberto Carlos is very happy and Marcelo is coming to replace him, when he allows him to," he joked.

So happy is Roberto Carlos that his compatriot is joining that he has put pen-to-paper on a new one-year extension to his current contract at Madrid.

The veteran defender will stay at the club until 2008 after talks over a new deal were finally resolved following the omission of a buy-out clause from the contract.

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(Soccer365.com) - Kansas City Wizards star Josh Wolff is on trial with German second division side 1860 Munich, who are eager to buy a new quick striker.

"(He) wants to move to Europe," Lions manager Stefan Reuter told the club website. "We are now giving him that chance with us, and we’ll see what happens."

Wolff narrowly missed out on a summer transfer to Derby County when he failed to acquire a U.K. work permit.

Should the U.S. international ink a deal with 1860, he would team up with World Cup 2002 and 2006 teammate Gregg Berhalter, who serves as the team’s captain.

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(Soccer365.com) - Houston forward Brian Ching exclaimed that the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player award he received after the Dynamo’s victory on Sunday will take the honor position on his trophy case.

The Hawaii native hit the key equalizer with six minutes remaining in overtime, then did his part from the spot during the deciding shoutout.

"It's the best award I've ever won because it came in the course of our team winning a championship," Ching told MLSNet. "We have a lot of MVPs on this team, but there's only one award."

"I'm happy to accept it as a reflection on our group of guys who just kept battling when things looked bad."

Ching conceded that he surrendered emotionally for a brief moment after Taylor Twellman put the Revs ahead in the 112th minute.

"My heart sank, but I told myself I wasn't leaving this field without giving it my all," he admitted. "I knew my teammates were feeling the same thing."

"We've just got a bunch of warriors."

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The two Juventus players will receive a new deal to remain also at the club after their retirement.

Alessandro Del Piero and Pavel Nedved's decision to remain with the Bianconeri despite being demoted to Serie B, will be rewarded by the club with a new contract for the two aging players.

In fact, both Del Piero and Nedved will be offered a new contract with a future inside the same club, even though it is not yet sure what roles they will have. It has been rumoured that Del Piero might even be given the Presidency of the club in the future, but that must still be confirmed.

In the meantime, Juventus are also working for their present team and the latest name to be linked with the Old Lady is Valencia's David Villa.

Apparently, the Bianconeri have offered Zalayeta plus 8 million Euros for the services of the 24 year-old Spanish striker.

With regards to the defensive department, Juventus are considering to get one or more of the following players for next year: Felipe, Coda, Zapata, Barzagli and Givet.

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(Soccer365.com) - New England coach Steve Nicol admitted it maytake a while to get over the disappointment of dropping the MLS Cup final to Houston in such a heartbreaking fashion.

The manager was able to squeeze out a sincere congrats to countryman Dominic Kinnear, boss of the winning Dynamo, yet felt quite miserable over a lost lead with six minutes left in extra time that led to the fatal penalty shootout.

"If we weren't going to win it, then I am glad that Dominic won it," Nicol told MLSNet. "We are good mates, but one of us wasn't going to win today."

"I can't tell you how bad it feels (to lose the final in this manner)."

"I guess the key was losing the goal right after we had scored," he reasoned. "That has really been our downfall."

"When you score, the one thing you expect is to that you will be tight."

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(Goal.com) - Newcastle United's England international midfielder Kieron Dyer was a relieved man when he made his comeback as a substitute in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Manchester City, because a couple of weeks ago he was scared he might lose the sight in one of his eyes.

The injury-plagued former Ipswich player had only just returned to action following five months on the sidelines when he suffered a freakish training-ground accident.

Dyer, 27, was rushed to a specialist after catching his eye on a pole last month, and said today that at one stage he feared he might be blinded.

He told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: "I thought I had lost the sight in one eye. My sight completely went.

"And when I looked at the doctor's face and he did not want to say how bad it was, I realised it was bad."

Happily, however, his sight eventually returned, and although his eye has not completely recovered yet, the prognosis is that he suffered no permanent damage.

That is good news for both Dyer and Newcastle, who have endured a miserable time with players on the injury front.

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Frisco, TX (Sports Network) - Heading into the 2006 Major League Soccer Cup Championship Sunday at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, many figured it would come down to the performances of the Houston Dynamo's and the New England Revolution's top scorers - Brian Ching and Taylor Twellman.

What many didn't know was it would be after almost two hours of regulation and overtime soccer to happen.

The two star strikers scored within a minute of each other in the second overtime of the game to force a shootout - which Houston won 4-3 to capture the 2006 MLS Cup.

"It can be a cruel way to decide a championship, but those are the rules that we play with and our team is the fortunate one today," Houston head coach Dominic Kinnear said.

Houston's Ching was the MVP because of his equalizer in the 114th minute, just a minute after New England's Twellman's go-ahead tally as well as his game-winning penalty kick in the shootout.

"Can't say enough about my teammates and how they battled through the move and the heat, they are kind of just warriors man," Ching said. "That's the best way to describe those guys and I think you saw that tonight and as soon as (New England) scored we fought back. We weren't going to lose tonight."

After battling to a 0-0 tie after 90 minutes of regulation, the two teams battled to a 1-1 tie after two 15 minute overtime periods.

Twellman got the championship's first goal in the 113th minute after taking a pass from Khano Smith while streaking down the middle of the field. He unleashed a left-footed strike from about 18 yards out that found the right corner of the net.

"I think everybody in the stands that was a Houston fan and all our players on the field were like 'oh crap,'" Ching said. "Immediately after that it was like ok, I'm going to do everything I can to score a goal. I wasn't going to give up and that's just the mentality of our team and it's been our mentality all year long."

Before the Revolution even had a chance to finish celebrating their goal, Ching answered. He headed a Brian Mullan cross into the corner of the net from about eight yards out, just past an outstretched Matt Reis.

"When Chingy's header hit the net, I was in a state of disbelief because (the equalizer) happened so fast," Kinnear said. "You go from complete despair to complete elation so I think the path that led me from despair to elation was too fast for my mind to catch up with it. People were jumping on the bench when we scored and I wasn't jumping because I couldn't believe it."

"We just weren't mentally tough to see the game through, we had about five minute left, that's the old adage when you score that's your most vulnerable time and I don't think we did the right things to win the game," Reis said.

With that, the two teams went to the shootout.

With Houston winning the penalty-kick shootout 3-2, New England's Pat Noonan missed high on his chance. Houston's Brad Davis' chance was then saved by New England goaltender Reis before Twellman tied the score at three. Ching put Houston up 4-3 before Jay Heaps' chance was saved by Houston goaltender Pat Onstad to preserve the Dynamo victory.

"To be honest with you I didn't have a clue what (Heaps) was going to do," Onstad said. "It was one of those things that I actually thought before he hit it to go to my left, next thing you know I'm going to the right."

Houston took the play to New England early in the first half, holding the majority of the possession in the first 15 minutes before New England took the momentum.

New England had the best opportunity of the opening frame in the 24th minute. Twellman was given a chance after a low, hard cross from Joe Franchino found him at the far post. Twellman missed the opportunity as he headed the ball right at Onstad.

There were very few chances in the second half as the teams' back-lines shut down most of the respective offensive buildups.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 07:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - With the MLS Cup final only 48 hours away Soccer365 can exclusively reveal Clint Dempsey will be playing in the final in Frisco, Texas this weekend.

The US international has been struggling with an ankle injury since New England’s play off opener against the Chicago Fire but revealed:

“I’m happy with the way things are going, it was frustrating not being able to help my teammates in the playoffs because of the ankle strain so that my main focus right now.

“Its getting better I think. I’ll definitely be able to play in the finals so my main focus is to get better and be optimistic, because I think it will get better and hopefully we can end the season on a good note, we’ve got into the play offs and hopefully we can win the final.

“I got hurt in the process trying to help the club. I'm doing my best for the MLS and New England and hopefully they can see that in me. I'm currently at the 70 percent area and once I'm at the 90 percent area I’ll be ready to help my team mates out.”

While the team has coped with his absence his 8 goals and 4 assists this season he will undoubtedly add fire power to The Revolution offense, and give the side’s confidence a massive boost when the US national teams only goal scorer in Germany steps out on to the field on Sunday.

Dempsey also confirmed to Soccer 365 more of the details of his likely transfer destination in the January window, and how he dreamed of playing for Arsenal and Manchester United as a child:

“As a youngster I watched Arsenal and Man Utd a lot, they were the two teams, it would be awesome to play for them, but realistically I realize I wouldn’t not stand much of a chance of getting playing time at the moment, so I'm just looking forward to England and playing in the league so I'm just doing everything I can to be there.

Dempsey has also taken a more philosophical approach to his failed move to Charlton earlier in the season, “I'm not getting upset about it no matter what happens, I still have plenty of career. So let’s see what happens in this transfer window and hopefully they will let me go and make some money off me.

“I admit it did take the wind out of my sails because they didn’t let me go so there was no reason to give them everything I have, they weren’t doing what was best for me, but I realize I had to give the coaches and players the best I have, because everyone’s job and future is at stake so I'm just trying to do what I can.

Since Dempsey’s World Cup heroics in Germany this summer, he has gained a host of European admirers, and while he would not be specific as to his next club he did reveal Reading and Fulham could be likely destinations:

“At the moment there are a few mid table teams that I might go to, I can’t go into it right now, but there has been some stuff said in the papers and I would say its been accurate, its all very interesting and I'm just looking forward to see what happens. The EPL is such an exciting league- I just hope I make that move and develop my game and prove myself at that level.”

Former Liverpool legend and New England coach Steve Nicol also backed Deuce to succeed in Europe, “In the last 12 months he has learned very quickly. I think going to the World Cup taught him a lot.

‘It was a real springboard. He really has improved out of all recognition. He has great vision and a winners mentality, he sees things a lot early than most other players. I don’t think he will have a problem fitting in anywhere, the one thing footballers enjoy doing is being with other good football players.

However, given Nicol links with one of Europe biggest club and burgeoning reputation as a manager, he was unable to dampen speculation of a possible move back to the big time, “if I do well some-one might be interested and you go from there so we’ll see what’s happens, but at the present time, I’ll keep my head down, and I'm looking forward to the final on Sunday.”

The former Liverpool player also added David Beckham would be welcomed by the MLS Cup finalist, “Yes we’d have him but I think he will go where he wants to go. Having said that, him and his missus will decide where they want to go, and that will be that I'm not holding out for it. He’s a quality player, there’s a lot of stuff said about him but he can play the game and we’d certainly have in at our place.”

By Andrew Rogers

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Former France superstar Zinedine told a crowd on his goodwill tour to Bangladesh that he would like to coach the national team one day.

"I’m bowled over with the enthusiasm of all the people here," Zidane said in Dacca.

"I’m not interested in making a return to the field, but I would be interested in coaching Bangladesh some time in the future."

The midfield wizard holds most major world honors in his trophy cabinet, including winners medals from World Cup ’98, Euro2000 and the Champions League.

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(Goal.com) - Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has suggested he could move for David Beckham were the former England captain to become available.

Beckham’s contract at Real Madrid expires at the end of the season, and although he has insisted he is happy to stay at the Bernabeu, a renewal looks no closer to being agreed.

"I think everybody would be interested in David Beckham," Hughes told The Sun.

"I am sure if he came on the open market, there would be a few people in the queue for him. He is an exceptional talent and has been for a long time."

Beckham has this week been linked with a move to the US.

The former Manchester United star was in action for Real in the Copa Del Rey on Thursday night and was on target as his side beat Ecija 5-1 to qualify for the last 16 of the competition.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Soccer365.com) - Houston midfield ace Ricardo Clark is downhearted by the fact that he will be serving a ban while the Dynamo battle New England for the MLS crown, but says his teammates can handle the job without him.

The pivot man picked up his second yellow card in their semifinal victory against Colorado and will be forced to sit MLS Cup.

"It really didn't hit home until the end of the game," Clark told the Houston Chronicle. "That's when I realized that I wasn't playing the next game."

"It's very disappointing to have to miss the game, especially since it's my first MLS Cup," he admitted.

"Without me on the field, I'm a hundred percent confident my teammates will step up."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Ronaldinho? Nope. Buffon? Maybe. Henry? S'il vous plait...

It appears Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has been tabbed to win his first Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award as Europe's top footballer, says a source close to Goal.com.

The Frenchman led his club team to a runner-up finish in the Champions League last season, and he helped inspire France to the World Cup finals.

French magazine France Football awards the Ballon d'Or, which is voted on by European journalists, one from each member country of UEFA. Only players on European clubs are eligible for the award.

Reports last week hinted that Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was being tapped for the award, which would make Buffon only the second goalkeeper ever to be so honored.

Barcelona forward Ronaldinho is the reigning Golden Ball winner, and the Brazilian recently picked up the FIFPro award for World Player of the Year in a voting by fellow footballers.

If Henry does win the award, he will be the first Frenchman to win since Zinedine Zidane won in 1998. Henry also would become the first Premiership-based player to win since Liverpool's Michael Owen won in 2001.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

(Goal.com) - Ronaldo has been ruled out for at least a month after tests showed that he has strained ligaments in his knee during the midweek encounter with Écija.

The Brazilian striker netted his first goal in 215 days for Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey victory on Wednesday, but that has been overshadowed by another injury setback.

After struggling to recover from a knee injury since the World Cup Finals, Ronaldo's return to action was delayed by Fabio Capello as the Italian coach wanted to ensure that he was fuly fit.

His goal in the cup encounter won many plaudits and his partnership with Ruud Van Nistelrooy looked to finally be working.

The last time that the former Barça and Inter striker scored for Madrid was on April 8 in the 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in the Santiago Bernabéu.

Now though, Ronaldo faces at least another four weeks on the sidelines and doctors have warned that if the latest injury fails to improve then he could well face more surgery.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Though he feels he has unfinished business in Columbus, Crew coach Sigi Schmid refuses to be drawn into discussing whether he will return for the 2007 season.

Schmid is considered a possible choice for assistant should pal Jürgen Klinsmann get the U.S. Men’s National Team post, so the 53-year old is holding cards close to vest.

"Nobody right now is going to commit verbally as to what they’re thinking of doing in the future," he told the Columbus Dispatch. "You have to respect that."

"This last year was not something that sits well with me," Schmid conceded. "But I also think we’ve built a nucleus and we have ingredients that are there, a lot of things in place."

"You’d like to see the fruition of the work we’ve done, see it all come together."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has ended press speculation by admitting that D.C. United phenom Freddy Adu would be arriving for a two-week trial on November 18th.

The U.S. Under-20 captain will first meet up with that squad in Florida before jetting off to England.

The Red Devils can agree to sign Adu, but would not be able to bring him over until he turns 18 next summer.

"We've known about him for a long time," Ferguson told the club website. "We tried to get him some years ago, but he signed for D.C. United."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Frisco, TX (Sports Network) - D.C. United midfielder Christian Gomez took home the coveted 2006 Major League Soccer MVP award on Thursday as the announcement was made at Pizza Hut Park, the site of Sunday's MLS Cup.

"I'm very happy to have been nominated," Gomez said through a translator. "This will, in a way, make up for the sadness of the D.C. United fans with us not making it to the championship."

During the regular season, the 2006 MLS All-Star helped lead his team to the best record in the league (15-7-10), behind his 14 goals and 11 providers. Gomez finished second in scoring behind fellow MVP candidate, Jeff Cunningham (16 goals), tying for first with Cunningham in assists.

Gomez was a two-time Player of the Week winner, notching his first after a two-goal opening half performance in United's 2-1 triumph over Chivas USA, while the second came three weeks later with a one goal, two assist performance as D.C. came out the 4-3 victor against the Red Bulls.

The Argentine middy did not lose his offensive threat ability in the playoffs, scoring the only two goals tallied by the D.C. squad in the three postseason fixtures. The MLS sophomore notched the 77th minute game-winner in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, before knocking home a second-leg aggregate-winner in a 1-1 draw against New York, allowing United to move on.

"It's been a great year for Christian, and he continued with his great performance," D.C. forward Jaime Moreno said following the team's advancement to the conference finals. "He never surprises me because I knew what kind of player he was.

"That's just what he does in practice, he trains hard and he plays better every time."

Riding on the wings of Gomez is what the red and black did all season, but despite his efforts, United saw their season come to a close in a 1-0 Eastern Conference Final loss to the New England Revolution.

The 32-year-old is the first Argentinean player to win not only an individual end of the season MLS award, but the MVP, as he becomes the second D.C. player to capture the award.. Marco Etcheverry won it in 1998 for the Nation's Capital.

The other two 2006 nominees were Dwyane De Rosario, the 2006 All-Star MVP, and Jeff Cunningham, the 2006 Golden Boot winner. De Rosario will take to the pitch on Sunday for Houston, as the Dynamo and New England Revolution meet in the MLS Cup Final at 3:30 p.m. ET in Frisco.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Speaking to reporters in Belgrade, UEFA presidential candidate Michel Platini expressed his desire to shake up the Champions League allotments.

Platini is running against Sweden's incumbent Lennart Johansson for the UEFA presidency, and the French legend said he would like to make the Champions League, European club football's top tournament, more representative.

“Italy, England, Germany and Spain should have three clubs each in the Champions League so that teams from other leagues that are not in the same financial bracket can compete with them on the pitch.

"There are not enough champions taking part in the competition as it is.

“There are many countries in Europe whose clubs can't hold onto their most talented players but they still deserve a chance to play against the top clubs.”

"My mission is to protect soccer and I believe everyone will benefit from the idea to get more leagues, countries and clubs in Europe involved in the Champions League,” he added. Platini also addressed fears of major sponsors pulling out if lesser-known teams entered the Champions League at the expense of some of the more established names in European football.

"It would be a more European competition and as such would actually entice sponsors.”

“I don't divide soccer between the rich and the poor,” Platini continued.

"As for the wealthiest leagues,” he reasoned. “They would actually benefit from having three automatic slots in the Champions League each rather than two plus another two in the qualifying rounds."

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(Goal.com) - Italy's World Cup-winning manager Marcello Lippi has confirmed that he will resume coaching next season after completing his year's sabbatical.

The master tactician has been linked with a number of managerial positions around the world since guiding Italy to success in the summer and then resigning almost immediately.

The ex-Juventus manager has declined offers to manage Mexico and Libya, preferring instead when he returns to coaching to do so with a club side.

Lippi did confirm last month that he would be partial to the experience of coaching in Spain's Primera Liga.

"I will return to coach next season," said Lippi.

"I have already received seven or eight offers from Europe and America, but I haven't received a single one from Italy this current season.

"I still don't know if those teams that have shown an interest will be also be interested in me next season."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Despite a calamitous start to the 2006/07 campaign, Hamburg sporting director Dietmar Beiersdorfer has reiterated that coach Thomas Doll is not on the chopping block.

The Rothosen have been dumped out of Europe and the German Cup, while floundering near the bottom of the Bundesliga table after 11 games.

"I don't believe there is a better trainer for us," Beiersdorfer insisted after sitting down with Doll in the wake of a 2-0 loss at Stuttgart on Tuesday.

"All we talked about was the need to keep going and that we would eventually be rewarded."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol thanked people for their supporter after learning of his father's death last week.

Puyol's father, Josep Puyol, died in a work-related accident last Friday at the age of 65. Puyol missed Barcelona's Liga match against Deportivo over the weekend as a result of what he calls the "worst moment" of his life.

On Tuesday, the Spanish international published a letter of thanks for all of the support he and his family have received:

"In the worst moment of my life, the show of affection and respect that my family and I have received has helped us to fill the gap that such an irreparable loss has left us. Thank you to everyone for making us feel that there are things in life that make it easier to carry on.
"I will never forget all the support that I have received in recent days and will always be grateful to you all.

"On behalf of the Puyol Saforcada family, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone."

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(Soccer365.com) - New England coach Steve Nicol had Taylor Twellman’s back after the oft-maligned striker hit a classy winner against D.C. United to lift the team into MLS Cup.

The St. Louis native turned cruelly on a Pat Noonan center, and the boss says that should end talk of disappearing “TnT”.

"That was a pure goalscorer's goal," Nicol told the Washington Post. "You won't see a better goal than that in any league."

"I must tell you, anybody saying anything negative about Taylor in big games now looks a wee bit silly."

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Posted by soccer365 at 06:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Fulham defender-turned-midfielder Carlos Bocanegra says he is having fun patrolling an unfamiliar position for manager Chris Coleman.

Injuries forced the coach to push the American Abroad into defensive midfield, and the former Chicago Fire star is showing well.

"I played there when I was quite a bit younger, but never at a high level like the Premiership," Bocanegra told the club website. "I am enjoying it."

"The toughest thing about the position has been receiving the ball with my back to goal, but I think I am adapting to the position with each game," he noted. "It’s a challenge, but one I am really relishing."

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Posted by soccer365 at 06:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - According to reports in China, Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven are chasing Chinese teenage goalkeeping sensation Wang Dalei and have offered 800,000 euros to secure his services.

The 17 year-old is highly regarded at his club Shanghai United and spent time on trial Inter Milan earlier in the season.

If United accept the offer, Wang could be a PSV player by the end of the year.

"If negotiations are smooth, the entire transfer process may be completed by Dec. 31," Liu Jun, Shanghai’s deputy general manager, told the China Youth Daily.

PSV have reportedly also offered a ten per cent sell-on clause and will make provisions for Wang to spend some more time playing in China.

Wang has been named in China’s squad for the forthcoming Asian Games.

In other new, Shanghai Shenhua’s twin midfielders Sun Xiang and Sun Ji are expected to arrive at PSV soon for a two-week trial.

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Posted by soccer365 at 06:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - D.C. United coach Peter Nowak stated he could not fault his players for effort after their 1-0 MLS playoff defeat to visiting New England.

"We all know that we played one of the best games in a very long time," he told the Washington Post. "The team should be really proud of how we play."

"It's just not meant to be - so many chances, creative play, everything was in place, except the goal."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - The trainer-manager of Manchester United celebrates two decades at Old Trafford, but does not need celebrations: the solitary first place in the Premiership is enough.

He got the gift he wanted. Yet another victory, a straightforward 3-0 win over Portsmouth, allowed United to bounce ahead in the standings and they are now three points clear of Chelsea, who were beaten 2-1 by Tottenham. Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated 20 years at the helm of Manchester United insisting there would be no celebrations. Only a lunch in his honor: he's been at Old Trafford since November 6 1986, and two days later he lost his first match in charge, a 2-0 defeat at Oxford United.

Chosen by Sir Bobby Charlton for the way he managed to break the Rangers-Celtic hegemony with Aberdeen, Fergie managed to reconstruct United to his own image, leading them to their first league title in 26 years in 1993.

Trophies - After three difficult years, the turnaround came on 7 January 1990 with the victory over Nottingham Forest that won United the FA Cup, the first of 24 trophies with the Red Devils: 8 Premier Leagues, 1 Champions League (1999), 1 Cup Winners' Cup (1991), 5 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 5 Community Shields, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 1 European Supercup.

Unique achievement - "Twenty years coaching the same club is a great achievement - Sir Alex conceded, - time has flown by. There have been great days, but I always look ahead, like I always have, like Manchester always have. Today they've done well not to turn the occasion into a circus, to just do things as normal."

All of his players wanted to dedicate him a goal. Despite their fourth place, Portsmouth acted as something of a sparring partner. Ferguson is hoping his team's superb start can give them back their Premier League title after three seasons of watching Arsenal and Chelsea celebrate. But he's ready to continue on for many more years, despite the 65 candles he will blow come December 31st.

"It's a scandal", he boomed, "that some people think I should retire. Just because there are people who don't want to work you cannot denigrate those who wants to go on. Certain attitudes make me sick."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - If a weekend loss to lowly Wolfsburg wasn’t bad enough, embattled Hamburg boss Thomas Doll has learned that Juan Pablo Sorin must join their crowded injury ward.

"It seems he'll be out for three or four weeks," Hamburg medico Oliver Dierk told reporters.

Sorin joins teammates Collin Benjamin, Nigel de Jong, Guy Demel, David Jarolim and Vincent Kompany in recovery for the early season stumblers.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - For the second straight year, Ronaldinho has been selected by his peers as the best player in the world.

Barcelona ace Ronaldinho claimed his second straight FIFPro World Player of the Year Award, which is voted upon by fellow professional soccer players. The Brazilian found himself on the FIFPro World XI as a result (scroll below for the list).

"This is a huge honour and also provides important motivation to keep striving for future progress," said Ronaldinho.

Barcelona players raked in several awards. Lionel Messi was selected for the ASPIRE Young FIFPro Players Players' Award, and Samuel Eto'o was voted FIFPro Merit Award winner for his inspiring stance against racism in football. The team itself was honored with the FIFPro Players for Peace Award for Barcelona's decision to allow UNICEF to advertise on the club's shirt. Four Barca players appear on the World XI list.

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo won ASPIRE FIFPro Young Player Fan Award.

The FIFPro World XI included four players from Italy's World Cup team and three players from runners-up France.

FIFPro World XI 2006

G - Gianluigi Buffon /Italy /Juventus
D - Lilian Thuram /France /Barcelona
D - Fabio Cannavaro /Italy /Real Madrid
D - John Terry /England /Chelsa
D - Gianluca Zambrotta /Italy /Barcelona
M - Andrea Pirlo /Italy /AC Milan
M - Zinedine Zidane /France /Retired
M - Kaka /Brazil /AC Milan
F - Samuel Eto'o /Cameroon /Barcelona
F - Thierry Henry /France /Arsenal
F - Ronaldinho /Brazil /Barcelona

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Goal.com) - Real Madrid striker Ronaldo has insisted last week’s comments about Fabio Capello were misunderstood.

The Brazilian, who has recently recovered from injury, expressed frustration about his lack of first-team involvement, suggesting he didn’t know what he had to do to start a match.

He has now said: "People did not understand what I was saying.

"Capello didn't trust me because I wasn't ready to play. I now want to follow Capello's instructions to the letter so I can play. That's what I want, more than anything."

Ronaldo started in the 2-1 defeat by Celta Vigo on Sunday, before being replaced by David Beckham in the second-half.

"I am not happy. I'm not a big head. I am always unhappy when my team loses," he said.

"But I'm content because people have been able to see me play again. That's what the people want and now I just want to start scoring goals.

"I am wrecked ... wrecked. I started cramping in my legs 20 minutes after halftime and that's why I had to come off. But I'll be better for the run."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - US defender Cory Gibbs made his training debut with new club Charlton on Thursday and coach Iain Dowie admitted it was a sight for sore eyes.

The Addicks have stumbled out of the gate this season, with many of their problems coming at the back.

"Cory is still a long way away, but it's his first day training, so it's a very positive thing for the lad," Dowie told the club website.

Gibbs is in the final stage of recovery from knee surgery and the American Abroad hopes to be ready to play in mid-November.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid strike ace Ronaldo has admitted he doesn’t know quite how to win the starting favor from coach Fabio Capello.

The Brazil star is sitting behind Ruud van Nistelrooy, despite having rounded into shape.

"I don't know what the criteria are to win a place in the starting line-up," Ronaldo told Spanish paper ABC. "The worst thing about not playing is not having the confidence of the coach and not knowing how to win it back."

"Capello doesn't have faith with me at the moment, if he did he would have played me more."

Nevertheless, he says he is not heading into retirement anytime soon.

"I expect to complete my contract here and then to have two years more in Brazil or the United States," stated Ronaldo. "I will retire at 35."

"I am a fighter and this is the moment to do battle," he declared. "It is a small problem compared to others."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

(Goal.com) - Ivory Coast international Kolo Toure believes Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger is playing a big role for the success of many players.

The 25-year-old defender, who recently signed a new contract with the Gunners, said Wenger’s influence in the game has helped key names with the likes of Liberia’s George Weah and Thierry Henry of France.

"Mr Wenger knows what he is doing. He is really clever. He has built so many players," explained Toure to the Daily Express.

"You see players like George Weah, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, they all come from Wenger. He helped them be where they are.”

Moreover, Toure believes that some current crop of players with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Philippe Senderos and himself all have great potentials under Wenger as they continue to excel in their career.

"He is helping us now as well, players like me, Cesc Fabregas, Philippe Senderos, all the young players at Arsenal. It's a dream of us to play for this great club.

"It is always difficult to get into a big club like this and when you are really young like us, it is even more difficult.

"I am one of the oldest now at 25. Some of them here are just 18 and they are doing really well.

"When he sees a player, he knows what they can do. You feel like a family member. You can joke, play together. It's fantastic."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Boca Juniors phenom Fernando Gago has gone on the record as saying he would delight in the opportunity to suit up for Real Madrid in the near future.

"It would be a dream to play for them," he told Spanish daily AS. "They are a very big club, it would be a tremendous challenge."

"For now, I have a contract with Boca and it is a question of talking," said Gago. "I believe that I could adapt."

"I did not used to win the ball back enough, but I believe I have corrected that now."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Carlos Tevez’s agent has refuted claims that the striker could be on his way to Barcelona in January.

The Catalans had been linked with a swoop for the Argentinian who has failed to hit the heights since moving to Upton Park in August.

But agent Adrian Roucco told www.ole.com.ar: "These kind of things are always managed through formal offers.

"If there is anything, the player and I have to be informed. If I have not been told anything, it means that there's nothing official.

"All the rest is speculation, as has been going on for several months.

He added: "Up to now, there has been no official offer. It is all speculation. If it wasn't, this information would be more important.

"Tevez stays at West Ham."

Reports have claimed that Barca may be in the market for a new striker after losing Samuel Eto’o with a serious knee injury.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - After failing to make the playoffs for the first time in team history, the pressure falls on President and GM Alexi Lalas to turn things around in 2007. And the former U.S. national team star took a moment to speak with Soccer365’s Andrew Rogers about the Galaxy missing the playoffs, Landon Donovan and the U.S. National Team, plans for the future and more…

by Andrew Rogers

During Alexi Lalas’ sixteen years in professional football he has had an uncanny knack of feeling at ease in the most pressurized of circumstances, dealing with the situation and attaining substantial degree of success. As a World Cup player no less, he helped lead a back line of a team that was essentially semi professional past one of the best international sides of the decade- Columbia, and held out against the eventual world champions for over an hour- Brazil.

As a professional he still remains the only American to have done the business in the Italy- it is worth noting the league was at the height of it powers, and the son of Birmingham, Michigan was going toe to toe with likes of Vialli, Baggio and Maldini. His successful venture in Europe, combined with experience as a player on both coasts and in the mid west, dictate that he is a key asset in the development of US Soccer, especially when you add his GM experience.

It was therefore unsurprising that he is somewhat vexed by his current predicament. As GM the of most prestigious franchise the club find themselves not in the play offs for the first time in their history, unfamiliar with defeat the former LA defender was characteristically bullish about returning the club to winning ways when he spoke exclusively to Soccer 365 this week:

Alexi what happened this year?
“That’s the question, its was a difficult season for Los Angeles on and off the field it was disappointing to say the least there are plenty of things we can point to on and off the field whether it be the loss of our coach or Doug Hamilton, or the World Cup factor affecting us, but the fact is we hold ourselves to a higher standard here at The Galaxy and unfortunately we didn’t live up to it so I like to think this was a complete aberration and we will get back to where we want to be.

Did the hype and implementation of the Chelsea partnership have an affect?
No, the partnership we have with Chelsea and any of the other people that the world views as leaders in the football, they are all positives, and all of our teams need to be able to do that, as I said before The Galaxy whether you’re a player or working for the organisation, sets very high standards, and is a team on and off the field that measures itself against the best in the world as well as the MLS, and its our lofty goals that’s the type of challenge that I enjoy, and the reason why The Galaxy are viewed as the premier club in the MLS.

What about the Donovan factor?
It was a disappointing World Cup for the team and US Soccer because it was a wasted opportunity, and Landon was part of the team. Individually he didn’t have a good World Cup and the team didn’t have a good World Cup, it happens to the best of them, you only have to see a team like France to understand the World Cup is a combination of timing and a little bit of luck, playing well and getting the right kind of group. It didn’t happen for Landon or the team this summer, and he took full responsibility as a leader of The Galaxy and the national team, and that is part of his job, he got his knock, and he took them like a man, and got on with the business of The Galaxy, I know he was disappointed, and was even more disappointed that he couldn’t help The Galaxy this year. But I have got a feeling that you are going to see a rejuvenated, Landon Donavan and Galaxy come 2007.

The club clearly didn’t functions as many of the fans have come to expect, how are you going to put things right?
I think any kind of changes have to be put in the context, of not just the past season but he past two seasons, we unfortunately wasted an opportunity after last season, and winning the double glossed over a lot of problems that existed a year ago. We didn’t do the proper thing and during this year we didn’t do enough to make these changes, so myself and Frank Yallop, have learned from our mistakes and we are going to use this season to the best of our abilities to make sure when this team steps on the field in April it will be competitive from the beginning of the season to the very end.

I’ve explained to the coach how I feel about the MLS Cup. I really don’t care about it, all I really care about right now is winning the Supporter Shield. If we do that the play off’s and the MLS cup, that will all come later, our focus as The Galaxy is to win the Supporter Shield, and being the best team and most consistent from start to finish. That produces and championship in my mind and it also gives us, the quality the fans deserve because they are paying from April through to hopefully November and they deserve a team that is successfully and entertains through the year.

As much as it pains me I will tip my hat off to DC United, they can bomb out of the play off for all I can, but what they have given their season ticket holder over this year, in overall performance should be applauded. Unfortunately we don’t celebrate it enough when the team wins the Supporters Shield and plays consistently good soccer throughout the year. That’s something we have to all strive to and their needs to be a lot more focus, and attention on the team that do it for 8 months as opposed to the team that turn in on for the final few games.

How have you found your transition at The Galaxy?
It’s been challenging, eye opening and fun. It’s an incredible opportunity, and the premier job if you’re a GM in the MLS, we’ve got great history and resources, and the best stadium in the league and you are looked at as the jewel of the MLS. I don’t take that lightly and I want to make sure on my watch, that this team does well and progresses on and off the field.

It tough work but its great work I love being involved in the game, and love being able to make positive changes to this organisation going forward, but like I said before, I don’t take it lightly, as a player I knew what it meant to play for LA, and now as a GM.

You must be disappointed at not making the play offs?

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(Soccer365.com) - Schalke 04 general manager Andreas Müller has declared that the team will do everything in their power to keep playmaker Lincoln from jetting off to title rivals Bayern Munich.

The Royal Blues reportedly shot down a €6 million offer from Bayern this past summer.

"It's very important to keep him on the basis of a long-term contract," he asserted. "He would not enjoy elsewhere, certainly not in Munich."

"We have to wait and see what the player wants, but he is a vital factor in our long-term planning."

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(Goal.com) - Uefa president Lennart Johansson has said the governing body is "sure" to investigate the Champions League match between Barcelona and Chelsea.

There were ten bookings during the game, and frequent occasions when players surrounded the referee, who was confronted on the pitch at the end by Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard.

"I cannot deny that we have been sleeping by not taking action earlier," said Johansson after the tempestuous encounter - the latest such meeting between these two sides.

"I'm sure now things will happen as it was so obvious and the people we had in place who saw it will report it."

Chelsea must expect a fine because any team whose players collect five or more bookings in a match are automatically punished.

The size of the fine and any penalty for Rijkaard will depend on the reports of Italian referee Stefano Farina and Uefa match delegate Wolfgang Thierrichetr.

Uefa, anxious to eradicate instances of players surrounding the referee during a match to harangue him, may choose to make an example of both clubs - as well as of Rijkaard.

"I'm against this behaviour but I don't make the decisions, they are taken by the disciplinary bodies," said Johansson.

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(Soccer365.com) - Veteran New York netminder Tony Meola has informed coach Bruce Arena that he will look for a new team if the #1 job is in question.

"I'm not coming to sit on the bench," he told the Daily News. "I have no interest in that."

"If it's (Arena's) intention to have me on the bench, it doesn't interest me at all."

Meola, who has 250 career MLS starts, lost his starting place to Jon Conway during the playoffs.

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(Goal.com) - Jose Antonio Reyes, on loan to Real Madrid from Arsenal for the season, has made it clear that he never wants to return to the Gunners.

Reyes got his "dream" move to Real on transfer deadline day, with Julio Baptista going the other way, and both loan transfers are expected to be made permanent.

Jn an interview with FourFourTwo magazine, Reyes said: "I do not think I failed in the Premiership but English football is very hard.

"I struggled to adapt to England and so did my family. I do not even want to think about going back."

Now 23, Reyes added: "Everything in England is shut at 5pm, there is nothing to do, nowhere to go. I just got bored.

"I would not say it is a relief to be back in Spain, but I am happy here.

"I always wanted to come to Real Madrid and would love to end my career here.

"Hopefully we will win something this season to prove we are a new Madrid and it will go from there. I am convinced we can."

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(Goal.com) - Arsenal endured a frustrating night at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, dominating their Champions League Group G encounter with CSKA Moscow and creating chance after chance but failing to convert any of them.

But Thierry Henry was concentrating on the positives of a 0-0 draw in which the Gunners played some sumptuous football but lacked a cutting edge.

"In a game like that," saud the French striker, "you are closer to exploding into a great team than not heading in the right direction.

"We did not play at our best against Everton [last Saturday], and did not show our class - but the commitment was there from the start against Moscow and we had opportunities to score a goal from every angle of the pitch.

"When I went in to the dressing room, I said to the guys that we lost the same kind of game against Man City.

"It is more alarming and frustrating when we had the type of performance that we had against Everton - however, it is difficult to have a go at the team with the way we played against Moscow.

"Although I know there is frustration that the result was not there, we are still in a good position to qualify."

Henry revealed that none of the Arsenal team could believe that they failed to earn a comfortable win, given a performance which manager Arsene Wenger described as the best he had seen in the Champions League during his 10 year at the club.

And the captain added: "We have won games in Europe during my time when I did not know how we won. Against Moscow, I do not know how we did not.

"As the skipper, when I walked back into the dressing room I could not say anything to the team. We had the right aggressiveness, the right attitude and played good football.

"We created chances once again and did not put the ball in the back of the net... Cesc had one, Robin [van Persie] had three. We had so many opportunities.

"How the shot from Tomas [Rosicky] did not go in, I still ask myself - but sometimes football is a bit weird.

"I have been in a situation where I have been the guy who has missed a sitter and maybe he is going to be the guy who makes us win at West Ham on Sunday."

With Porto winnin against bottom club Hamburg, it is between CSKA, Arsenal and Porto as to who will qualify for the last 16.

Hamburg visit the Emirates on November 21, before Arsenal complete their programme in Porto.

Henry said: "We made it difficult for ourselves when we lost that game at Moscow.

"If we now have to go to Porto needing a win, that is the way we are going to have to do it.

"We would rather not go there needing a win or draw - but if it goes down to that, so be it."

Henry had used his captain's column in the match programme to call for unity from the fans, because some had jeered the team and left the stadium early when Everton frustrated the Gunners at the weekend.

However, he told reporters after the draw with CSKA: "They were brilliant - geeing us up when we were missing chances.

"They were right behind us. I did not have any doubt about it. Right from the start the fans had the right attitude."

Henry added: "You know me... it is never in a bad way - but I will always say what I feel."

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London, England (Sports Network) - It was a frustrating night at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday for Arsene Wenger's side as Arsenal dominated the play on its home soil and created a myriad of scoring chances, only to come away with a share of the points against CSKA Moscow.

The Gunners entered the match one point back of the Russian champions after falling 1-0 a fortnight ago in Russia.

Arsenal watched scoring chance after scoring chance go by the wayside and in the end failed to find the back of the net. Moscow, although outplayed for the majority of the match, still has failed to concede a goal in the group stage and stays in the top spot in Group G with eight points, still one ahead of Arsenal.

The first quality chance that Arsenal had to get on the board came in the 17th minute when Gilberto slid a pass from the right flank into the box. Thierry Henry got on the other end of the ball and one-touched it just wide of the right post.

Eight minutes later, the home side was on the attack once again, this time it was Tomas Rosicky and Francesc Fabregas who teamed up for a good opportunity. The duo played a nice 1-2 at the top of the box, with Fabregas picking up the return pass and maneuvering around Moscow keeper Igor Akinfeev. He found himself staring at an open net but fired the ball into the outside of the net from a tough angle.

The best chance of the game came in first-half stoppage time when Henry beat two defenders and dashed down the left wing and into the box. The high-flying Frenchman then slid a pass to Rosicky, who was set up only six yards from goal. With a gaping net staring him in the face, the Czech international promptly fired the ball into the arms of Akinfeev, who was laying on the ground at the near post.

The teams went into the half still goal less, and Rosicky left the pitch with a stunned look on his face.

Moscow's lone chance to snatch all three points came in the 57th. Striker Vagner Love outran defender William Gallas to a loose ball, and then, after shaking Gallas, moved in on keeper Jens Lehmann. The towering German snuffed out the chance though, and kept goose eggs on the board.

The North Londoners continued to press forward and nearly found their much- needed breakthrough in the 64th, as Henry continued to be at his play-making best. He fired a ball through the face of the goal that just narrowly missed the sliding Robin Van Persie at the back post.

Akinfeev was called upon once again in the 81st when a strong header by Gilberto from 12-yards out was headed into the lower left corner. The young keeper, however, got a hand to the shot with a full-extension dive to keep the game deadlocked.

In the other Group G match on Wednesday, FC Porto downed Hamburg for the second straight time to move into a second-place tie with Arsenal. The Portuguese side earned a 3-1 win at AOL-Arena as Luis Gonzalez tallied just before halftime, and Lisandro Lopez doubled the score line in the 61st before Porto held on for the two-goal win.

AC Milan took a huge step towards qualification for the knockout stage with a big 4-1 win over Anderlecht. Brazilian Kaka had a big hand in the win as his three goals provided the Italian club with a 3-0 lead before the teams traded goals down the stretch. Milan leads Group H with 10 points, and saw its lead increase as second-place Lille suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of AEK Athens. Nikos Lyberopoulos provided the lone tally for the Greek squad, who now sit just one point behind Lille for second.

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(Soccer365.com) - Two starts into his Bundesliga career, Hamburg midfield phenom Benny Feilhaber is drawing raves from coach Thomas Doll – but he says the big time is easier going than the Reserves.

His first full contest took place at Bayer Leverkusen, and early strugglers HSV booked their first win of the campaign.

The American Abroad has taken full advantage of a selection crisis to solidify the team’s defensive midfield position.

"That's just my way of playing soccer," Feilhaber told Hamburger Morgenpost. "It's actually easier for me to play Bundesliga than Regionalliga."

"You have a lot more options, everything's so much faster."

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(Soccer365.com) - Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini breathed a sigh after his team booked a slim Champions League win away to a pesky Spartak Moscow group.

A Julio Cruz strike would be all they would need to see off the Russians for the second straight time.

"It was important to win," said Mancini, who has come under early season fire. "Spartak are an excellent team and we had many worrying moments."

"We were tired and wasted a lot of scoring chances."

"We are very satisfied now," he beamed to reporters. "We won, we won away, and we won on artificial turf."

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(Goal.com) - Frank Rijkaard was a member of the AC Milan side which was the last to retain the European Cup - in 1990 - but the Barcelona manager admits that his reigning European champions are in danger of not reaching the knock-out phase of this season's tournament, never mind retaining the trophy.

Barca have five points from their four games in Group A, and are out of the qualifying places following their 2-2 home draw with Chelsea.

The added-time equaliser by Didier Drogba snatched two precious points away from Barca and leaves the Catalans in third place behind Chelsea and Werder Bremen.

Rijkaard acknowledged Barca's predicament when he said: "There's no margin for error now. We have to beat both teams and win our last two games. We just have to do it."

Regarding the Chelsea game, he said: "We played a good match and showed a good attitude and the public recognised that.

"Chelsea played very well and created chances. They are a strong team. They play very hard.''

Barca can still qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League, as long as they win their final two group games, away to Levski Sofia and at home to Werder Bremen - but they have obviously made life difficult for themselves by gleaning a solitary point from the six that were up for grabs in their two clashes with Premiership champions Chelsea.

It was a compelling spectacle at Cam Nou last night, a pulsating match with its inevitable sprinkling of controversies; and of course Barcelona came within a hair'ss breadth of winning it 2-1. But Chelsea's resilience and dogged spirit earned them an equaliser and despite the good football they played, Barca are left with a hill to climb.

The outcome offered more ammunition to those who claim that Barcelona have gone off the boil since last season.

After winning two successive Spanish titles and the European Cup, Rijkaard's side are again setting the pace in the Primera Liga, albeit with a bit less dash and exuberance than they showed last Autumn.

But the defeat by Chelsea in London two weeks ago, and the recent loss (always regarded as a humiliation in Catalonia) against Real Madrid have sown doubts about Barca's durability.

Expectations are so high at Camp Nou, where the motto is "Mes que un club" - more than a club - that such results, and last night's home draw, are hard for the fans to take.

As Raddy Antic, a former Barca coach, told BBC Sport: "For Barcelona fans it's never enough just to win. The club has to win with style. It is the same with Real Madrid. Their coach Fabio Capello is being criticised for Real's style of play, even though they are only two points behind Barcelona. That is the pressure these coaches work under."

Now Barca face a tough challenge to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League, and Rijkaard is likely to be criticised for persisting with his rotation policy.

The two title-winning seasons of 2004-05 and 2005-06 saw Rijkaard stick with a fairly settled starting XI, but this season he has been regularly ringing the changes, and inevitably some players struggle to come to terms with being "rotated."

"Giovanni van Bronckhorst played in the [first] game against Chelsea but was not even included in the squad against Real Madrid," Antic pointed out, adding: "That type of decision makes it difficult for van Bronckhorst but also for the other players - they think that might happen to them."

Then there is the loss of Samuel Eto'o. All sides have to cope with losing key players through injury, but Ronaldinho's game in particular seems to have suffered from the absence of the Cameroonian striker.

Henrik Larsson has also been missed, particularly as an impact player able to come off the substitutes' bench to influence the course of a match, and Rijkaard has been criticised for playing Lionel Messi on the wide right of midfield rather than closer to goal.

Moreover, the Dutch coach is without the assistance of the tactically perceptive and popular Henk ten Cate this season, following his appointment as Ajax coach in the summer. So some are seeing Rijkaard's task this year as a tougher one than last year's.

And in terms of retaining the European crown, history is also against him.

Barcelona's victory in the Champions League final against Arsenal last May was the club's second triumph in Europe's premier competition. The first was in 1992 when Barca beat Sampdoria in the last season before the format of the competition changed to the Champions League.

Two years before that, Rijkaard was in the AC Milan side that beat Benfica 1-0 to retain the trophy they'd won 12 months earlier by defeating Steaua Bucharest 4-0.

That victory put Milan in a select group of eight clubs who've won the competition in successive seasons - though no club has retained the trophy during the Champions League era.

Barca's arch-rivals Real Madrid set the bench-mark by winning the European Cup in each of the first five years of its existence (1955-56 to 1959-60 inclusive). Ajax (1970-71 to 1972-73) and Bayern Munich (1973-74 to 1975-76) both won the tournament three years on the trot.

And Benfica (1960-61 and 1961-62), Internazionale (1963-64 and 1964-65), Liverpool (1976-77 and 1977-78) and Nottingham Forest (1978-79 and 1979-80) were all European champions two years running.

Remarkably, for a decade (1971 until 1980) four clubs took it in turns to win and retain the European Cup, but no club has managed that feat since - apart from Milan in 1988-89 and 1989-90.

And it looks at the moment as if Barcelona will struggle to change that statistic.

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(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from completing his debut MLS season, Chivas USA freshman sensation Jonathan Bornstein says he will come back for next season a grizzled pro.

The former UCLA Bruin started each of the 32 games, notching six goals and four assists from several positions.

"I think it's just been a slow buildup to getting my mentality and my confidence," the versatile youngster told the San Bernadino Sun. "Bob had the confidence in me to start me at left fullback."

"The transition to just becoming what they call a good pro; that, in effect, has been the biggest thing," said Bornstein. "I think I've reached that point."

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(Soccer365.com) - In the aftermath of a 2-0 home victory over Galatasaray that clinched their place in the Champions League knockouts, PSV Eindhoven Phillip Cocu expressed belief that they can go deep into the tourney.

"Our defense is as sturdy as a house, made of concrete," boasted the Farmers captain.

"We have gelled with the new players really well, all the conditions are there to play good football and get good results."

Cocu and mates will go after first place in the group when they visit Liverpool on Matchday 5.

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(Goal.com) - "It's time Lev Yashin had a worthy successor", the legendary triple Golden Ball winner said.

After a lot of criticism aimed at Italian football, "Le Roi" Michel Platini remembered about his period in Italy as a Juventus player in the 80's and shared some thoughts on the next Ballon D'Or award, which as usual will be awarded from votes by a selection of the world's premier sports journalists at the end of the year.

"It would be the right thing to give it to an Italian - Platini said - history says that in the year of the World Cup it's a rule to give it to a member of the winning nation. Which is a rule I agree with." But who? Captain Cannavaro, midfield orchestrator Pirlo, or goalkeeper extraordinaire Buffon?

Platini's chosen one reveals a passion still present for his old black and white colors of Juventus: in fact, his choice turns out to be the goalkeeper. "He deserves it the most, but also Cannavaro had a magnificent World Cup. But it's time for Lev Yashin (famously the only keeper ever to win the award) to have a worthy successor", Platini concluded. The living football legend then went on to give his opinions on the various football leagues, naming the Spanish one as the "most beautiful", while the Serie A is the "hardest", and the Premier League is "the most entertaining".

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(Soccer365.com) - Red Bulls coach Bruce Arena says not only does he want to lead an MLS destroyer, but he needs to for the sake of the game in America.

"That is the reason I came back," he told the Newark Star Ledger. "Parity doesn't bring fans to games."

"Fans want to see good teams, they want to see dynasties and they don't mind seeing teams struggle and other teams excel."

"I think that's good for sports, when you have front-runners and teams that struggle," offered Arena. That's the real animal."

"Parity is a stupid concept, I really believe that."

"Two or three dominant teams in this league will be good for the league," he asserted. "I think everyone likes chasing Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, those type of teams."

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