(Soccer365.com) - New York midfielder Claudio Reyna believes it would be a great boost for the future of MLS if several of his veteran World Cup 2006 teammates also found their way back to the States to play their soccer.

The former U.S. captain will be making his first appearance in his home league after terminating his contract with Manchester City.

“I think that the designated players should be Americans,” Reyna told the New York Times. “The Beckham situation is unique, something that is great for the league because of the attention it brings.”

“On the other hand, I would like to see guys like (Fulham strike ace Brian) McBride, (Borussia Mönchengladbach keeper Kasey) Keller and (Leeds United winger Eddie) Lewis, who have been in Europe for a long time because I believe they want the league to flourish.”

“I think it’s important to have some older heads around,” he explained. “That’s how the kids learn to become good pros.”

“At (Bayer) Leverkusen, I had Bernd Schuster and Rudi Völler in the locker room every day,” Reyna recalled. “They wanted to win all the time, even on the training ground.”

“It helped me to have a long career.”

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(Soccer365.com) - Fresh Newcastle loan catch Oguchi Onyewu says he is aiming to earn a full transfer from Standard Liège with his play.

"I am not here just for the short term," he told reporters at his Tuesday presentation. "I am definitely here for the long term and to make something special happen."

"I have been following Newcastle for quite some time and saw they were struggling in terms of results, and thought maybe this could possibly be in my future."

Concluded the U.S. backline star: "My work ethic is very high and I just want to contribute something positive to the team."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Goal.com) - It has now been confirmed that Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and coach Felix Magath are parting company with immediate effect. Ottmar Hitzfeld, who led them to the Champions League trophy in 2000-01, amidst multiple domestic triumphs, will take over until the end of the season.

The club have confirmed reports, and Magath will leave the faltering Bavarians after slipping up in both the matches following the Bundesliga winter break.

They went down 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund on Friday and drew 0-0 against Bochum at home on Tuesday, a result that saw them slip to fourth place.

Veteran Bayern goalkeeper Oliver Kahn said after the Bochun draw that any talk of winning a third consecutive championship is firmly on the back burner.

"Even FC Bayern cannot have a season ticket for the title," said the former Germany keeper. "We can also have a weak phase."

With a trip to neighbours Nurnberg looming this weekend, Magath was coming under pressure for the first time since taking over in 2004.

His tactics were criticised by both club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and president Franz Beckenbauer before Tuesday's goalless draw, which was played in front of the lowest crowd ever to attend a Bundesliga fixture at the Allianz Arena.

After the game Magath said: "I think our performance was better than in Dortmund. We played with more engagement and had the odd good chance in the first half.

"Therefore, we can be happy with the draw."

Apparently not in the Bayern boardroom, where the only option left was to charge Ottmar Hitzfeld with turning the ship around, and making something out of the Bavarians' season.

The Bundesliga title is looking difficult unless Werder Bremen and Schalke collapse, and Real Madrid stand in their way in the Champions League. However, Hitzfeld is one coach who knows about beating Los Merengues with Bayern, having dumped them out in the semi-finals in 2000-01. However, he has also been at the wrong end...

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - With a new stadium at least temporarily off the docket, Real Salt Lake owner Dave Checketts says he hopes the fans will simply go about the business of supporting the team during 2007 MLS games.

The stadium project was denied $30 million in finding by Sandy County this week.

"We have a season ahead of us that's very exciting," Checketts told Deseret News. "Our fan base is pretty strong and pretty excited, and I hope they can look past this and let me deal with (the stadium)."

"And they can get into (Rice-Eccles) stadium and get ready to cheer the team because this is going to be a very good club this year."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Goal.com) - Real Madrid sporting director has denied speculation that Los Merengues are looking at Jose Mourinho to replace Fabio Capello.

Jose Mourinho's future at Stamford Bridge has become a matter of intense speculation in recent times.

While the official version remains that both parties want to continue their association, the grapevine suggests that either Mourinho, or Abramovich, will decide to call time by the summer.

Inter Milan were the first club to be linked with the former Porto coach, but Mancini's winning run has helped cool those rumours down.

Real Madrid have been the latest club linked, with reports suggesting that he will replace Fabio Capello at the Bernabeu.

However, sporting director Pedja Mijatovic denied any such move was being considered.

"I know Mourinho has been mentioned," he told Sky Sports News. "I also know Del Bosque has been mentioned. However, what I know for sure is that our coach is Fabio Capello, and we are happy with him.

"All this talk of new signings, players leaving, new coaches, is just made up by some journalists, and I don't think it is very important."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

(Soccer365.com) - Red Bulls general manager Jeff Agoos has rubbished speculation that he was busy trying to bring Olympiakos attacker Rivaldo to New York.

The former Brazil ace has recently been revealed as a target for Mexican side Necaxa.

"There's no truth to our interest in Rivaldo," Agoos told the Herald News. "At this time, we have had no talks with or have had interest enough at this point to pursue him."

"We're not talking to Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho," he cracked, "Or any other player whose name starts with "R" and ends with "O"."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is looking for the Blues to put a great run together, and put some serious pressure on Manchester United in the process.

Chelsea take on Blackburn tonight in the Premiership, and goalkeeper Petr Cech is looking to start applying pressure on Manchester United.

"I think we just need to put togther a run of a few victories, and United will be under pressure," he told Sky Sports News.

"That is what we want to do now, and we have our first opportunity against Blackburn.

"Of course, it will be a difficult game, but we are at home, and we want to keep going."

He was also positive about what looks like Chelsea gradual return to form: "We have seen already the Chelsea that we want to see. I think the most important thing is to just keep winning."

Only yesterday, Frank Lampard also suggested that it was high time Chelsea started trimming the distance between them and the Premiership leaders.

The Blues continue to trail Manchester United by six points, but can draw some hope from the fact that they haven't lost ground in the new year. United play rock-bottom Watford.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) - The United States women’s national team claimed their fifth Four Nations title with a convincing 2-0 win over China in the final group stage match on Tuesday.

Lori Chalupny and Natasha Kai each found the back of the net on opposite sides of halftime while the defense held the host nation scoreless, limiting the chances of their top two scoring threats, Han Duan and Ma Xiaoxu.

''Today we felt like we could come out and just go after China,'' American coach Greg Ryan was quoted to the AP. ''We pressured them in their half. It's great to win the tournament on this note. We can take a lot of confidence from it.''

With the win Ryan extends the team’s unbeaten streak under his guidance to 34 and helped the coach evaluate some of the young talent available for this summer’s World Cup.

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Many of Tinseltown’s elite are anxious for Los Angeles Galaxy catch David Beckham to arrive in August, meaning MLS could soon see its star fan quotient rise considerably.

"He's a massive star," Hugh Grant told YA. "He's gone off his game in the past year a bit, but only slightly."

"I've told Tom (Cruise, a Beckham pal) that he's got to bring David in as soon as he gets here," said famous Spago chef Wolfgang Puck. "I can't wait to bring my son (to Galaxy games)."

Of course, not all of Hollywood has caught Beckham fever yet.

"I didn't know there was a soccer team in Los Angeles," blushed Drew Barrymore.

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

(Goal.com) - Newcastle United have, as expected, signed United States international defender Oguchi Onyewu on loan from Belgian side Standard Liege for the rest of the season.

Onyewu, 24, successfully underwent a medical at St James' Park on Monday.

"We have secured Oguchi Onyewu. He comes across as an impressive person - he is certainly physically impressive," said Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder.

"West Brom were keen to sign him last year, but Oguchi was looking to step higher if he could."

Newcastle have agreed an option to make Onyewu's transfer permanent in the summer.

The Magpies won the race for his signature ahead of several clubs across Europe, apparently including Chelsea.

He previously played for Metz, and played in each of the USA's three World Cup matches in the summer, and was voted the US Soccer Athlete of 2006.

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

(Soccer365.com) - Fresh Lyon catch Fabio Santos claims it was the team’s large Brazilian contingent that compelled him to make the move from Cruzeiro.

The French kings already employ Claudio Caçapa, Cris, Fred and Juninho – the middle pair being former Cruzeiro players.

"It was really important for me that there is a mini colony of Brazilians at Lyon," said Fabio Santos.

"It’s been a long time dream to play in Europe and I hope to conquer many trophies with Lyon."

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - New York coach Bruce Arena believes the acquisition of Dutch veteran Ronald Waterreus will help the team both in net and in the clubhouse.

The former PSV Eindhoven keeper arrives after a successful emergency stint with Eredivisie power AZ Alkmaar.

"We've added a proven goalkeeper with a lot of experience," Arena told MLSNet. "We are hopeful he will assume a leadership role in the locker room which will be beneficial to us."

"Ronald and Jon Conway give us a very strong pair of goalkeepers," he added. "We think this position has been upgraded considerably."

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer has admitted that Manchester United's offer for midfielder Owen Hargreaves is well worth accepting.

However, he also went on to suggest that a deal would probably have to wait until the summer.

"Money talks and I would say United have a good chance - but not until the end of the season," Beckenbauer told Manchester Evening News.
"We know Hargreaves wants to leave. He is under contract, but at the end of the season, maybe yes."

Manchester United failed in their bid to sign Hargreaves last summer with a bid in the region of £14 million, but are said to have bid in excess of £20 million this month to bring the England international to Old Trafford.

While Bayern are said to be happy with the offer, they have stalled over an immediate transfer, with reports suggesting that a deal for this summer could now be struck some time after the transfer window closes.

Hargreaves, meanwhile, has recovered from his fractured leg, and will turn out for the Bavarian giants this week.

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) - After recovering from an injury, Taylor Twellman is back in the U.S. national team mix. The New England Revolution forward is eager to establish himself as a go to striker and spoke with Soccer365's Andrea Canales about his injury, new head coach Bob Bradley, the U.S. v Mexico rivalry and more...

by Andrea Canales

The New England Revolution’s Taylor Twellman, one of the league’s top forwards, joined Bob Bradley’s national team camp recently after declining an earlier invite so he could deal with an injury. Twellman was one of the last players left outside of the World Cup roster last year, and he is looking to be a part of the national team again under Bob Bradley. He answered a few questions for Andrea Canales.

Hi Taylor – how does it feel to be back in the national team camp?
It’s nice. Obviously, it’s my first day back, so I’m trying to ease my way back into things, but it feels good.

How is the injury?
It’s coming along. Obviously, it’s a work in progress, so it’s just – well, it’s kind of been a nagging injury that I’ve had over the last eight months. I’m just trying to get rid of it before the season starts.

This time last year, you were playing well, and later came the disappointment of not making the World Cup roster – in that context what does being in camp this year mean to you?
My approach hasn’t changed, and it never will. As long as I prepare and do my best, that’s all I can ask for. The rest is on everybody else’s shoulders, as long as I’m doing my job.

Since he got into the broadcast booth, Bruce Arena has been saying good things about you as a forward – is there any irony for you in that?
No. I think – obviously, I have the utmost respect for Bruce. I just wish I could have changes his mind a lot earlier and he would have brought me. It’s in the past. It’s a more important matter what I’m having for lunch today, to be honest with you.

What’s your history with Mexico?

For the complete Twellman interview CLICK HERE

Posted by soccer365 at 03:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Los Angeles Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas has declared that, no matter the money spent or reputation gained, David Beckham will not earn a starting spot simply by showing up in August.

"He is one of the best players in the world, but he will have to fight for his place here," the former U.S. star told El Pais. "If he doesn't perform, he will have to go on the bench like anyone else."

"We play a 4-4-2, and although he plays well on the flank, I have thought about playing him in the center because he works so hard."

Lalas also offered his opinion that the astronomical money spent to bring the former England captain over from Real Madrid will pay off for MLS.

"If you want something great, you have to pay for it," he insisted. "Beckham is worth every euro we have paid for him."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (57)

(Goal.com) - Inter notched their 14th consecutive win in Serie A on Sunday night, as the Nerazzurri defeated Sampdoria at the Marassi stadium of Genoa in the 21st matchday of the Italian topflight.

Thanks to this win, Inter maintained an 11 point lead over closest followers Roma, a gap which can virtually guarantee the Scudetto to the Nerazzurri.

However, Roberto Mancini is cautiously advicing everyone not to start celebrating as the season is still long and anything can happen.

"I think that the league is not over yet, on Sunday we have the direct clash against Roma, a team which is going through a good moment."

Mancini also commented his side's performance against the Blucerchiati.

"As soon as Delvecchio was sent off, we relaxed a bit and we became slow and predictable for half hour. Then in the final ten minutes of the first half we did better. After the goal, everything became easier."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - With Ajax set to lure Tottenham midfield bulldog Edgar Davids back home, FC Dallas have revealed that the longtime Oranje star’s salary request was simply out of their range.

Davids, easily recognized on the pitch by his dreadlocks and goggles, was reportedly offered around $800,000 a season by the MLS club during recent talks.

“He asked for more than we could give,” an FC Dallas told Dutch magazine Sportweek.

“(Davids didn’t ask for) as much as Beckham, but still three times more we can pay.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

(Goal.com) - Tottenham manager Martin Jol has suggested that Edgar Davids is close to joining former club Ajax.

The Dutchman has played little part at White Hart Lane this season after making a positive impact in his first campaign in English football.

Jol said: "He played last year but didn't this year. It's better if he plays regularly because of his age.

"They are having a deal with him, they said in Holland, and the only thing is we have to agree with them."

Jol also spoke about a possible falling out between the pair.

"I had so many arguments with him because in Holland he's a legend," added Jol.

"He will ask me 'why aren't I playing' so I tell him. He is a legend and was a very good pro for us, he played on the left when I needed him."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Oguchi Onyewu's transfer saga still has some life left in it.

Reports Friday indicated the American defender was set to complete a weekend move from Standard Liege to French side Marseille, after Onyewu had received interest this month from the likes of AC Milan, Chelsea, Fulham, Inter, Lazio, Lyon, Porto, and Real Madrid.

Now, though, it is reported that Onyewu is in England for a medical at Newcastle United, with a move to finish the season on loan with the Magpies.

"Newcastle United can confirm that Oguchi Onyewu is on Tyneside having a medical with a view to joining Newcastle United," said a statement on the Premiership outfit's Web site.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - PSV Eindhoven midfield general Philip Cocu will surely perk up ears across the Atlantic after admitting that MLS was one of three possible destinations he’d consider at season’s end.

The Farmers have offered an extension, but the veteran is keeping all options open.

“An MLS adventure like David Beckham? I have it in the back of my mind that a period abroad would be enriching,” Cocu told Voetbal International. “But I am still hungry here.”

“As long as I can play at the top level, it would be a sin to play in MLS, Saudi Arabia or Japan.”

“If PSV win the Champions League, perhaps you lose that hunger,” Cocu explained.

“I was not happy with the departures of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Andre Ooijer this summer – who will leave at the end of this season?”

“You don’t get a guarantee that everything runs smoothly with new players ever year,” noted Cocu, currently aiming for a third straight Eredivisie crown.

“At this moment, there is no problem with continuing physically.”

“If the club cannot wait until July, I understand,” he asserted. “Around April, I will sit with the coach.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Soccer365.com) - New York boss Bruce Arena is pleased as punch to have longtime U.S. captain Claudio Reyna on his roster for a third time in three different settings.

The erstwhile Manchester City ace signed with MLS Wednesday after dissolving his Premiership deal six months early.

Arena has also had the privilege of coaching Reyna at the University of Virginia.

"Claudio is a proven player at the highest levels in the game and his experience and leadership skills will improve our team," said the former USMNT coach. "I'm excited to have him as a member of the Red Bulls."

For his part, Reyna is equally as excited to get a chance to play for the Big Apple bunch.

"I'm very excited to be coming back to play at home, minutes from where I grew up," said the midfielder.

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Boca Juniors chairman Mauricio Macri has let Villareal counterpart Fernando Roig know that he will gladly take sudden problem child Juan Román Riquelme off his hands.

The Argentina star is at odds with management over an alleged lack of effort.

"The people at Villarreal know that we can be a solution to the conflict," Macri told Ole. "I wanted to know how he is doing, and to tell him that Boca is a bridge for any type of solution."

"I hope that he responds, I have already left a message for him and if it interests him, he can count on Boca."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Reigning MLS champions Houston have hired Mike Toshack as their new keepers coach, a familiar face to netminder Pat Onstad.

The former Canada Under-20 assistant will join the Dynamo Monday for the opening of preseason camp.

"(He) comes highly recommended," stated Houston boss Dominic Kinnear. "He has worked with our starting goalkeeper in the past, so that obviously helps."

"In addition, (he) has great soccer knowledge, and that makes him a good fit for our team and what we are trying to accomplish this year."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Goal.com) - Lionel Messi is set to return to full training for FC Barcelona next week after recovering from a broken toe and will make be ready to play against Racing Santander.

The Argentinian forward has been out of action since breaking his fifth metatarsal on November 12 and has been sorely missed by the Blaugrana.

Now he has completely recovered from the injury and is expected to go back to training almost fully fit on February 2.

Due to the nature of his absence, Messi has been able to keep his strength up and has been pencilled in to be included in the squad against Racing on February 11.

Under the watchful eye of coach Juanjo Brau, the 19-year-old has been building his fitness up in the club gymnasium and on the sidelines at first-team trainin sessions.

According to the Barça medical team, Messi need have no fear of a reoccurence of the injury as it was a bone and not a muscle problem.

After the draw against Real Betis on Wednesday evening, coach Frank Rijkaard made training at Barça voluntary on Thursday morning and 17 players turned up.

Despite the main focus being on keeping the session light as the players recovered from the game, three first team regulars opted to stay away.

Ronaldinho, who has attended less than a third of the training since the start of the season, Deco and Xavi were all missing.

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) - Houston Dynamo midfield ace Ricardo Clark is currently trying to make inroads with the U.S. National Team, an effort he punctuated with a strong friendly performance against Denmark.

"It was a chance to get out there and prove myself," he told the Houston Chronicle. "I'm not really a regular on the national team, so I'm just trying to get my foot in the door."

The MLS champ won the penalty that led to the ‘Nats equalizer, part of a showing he hopes will get him into the squad for a February 7th Mexico friendly.

"I'm not even sure who exactly is coming into camp," admitted Clark.

"(U.S. coach Bob) Bradley's probably going to screen a lot of the European-based players prior to the camp, and that's going to make fighting for a spot even more difficult."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from heading a late winner against Blackburn, Watford defender Jay DeMerit trumpeted the fighting nature of his teammates.

It was only the second Premiership victory of the season for the Hornets, who took the first step towards climbing out of the league basement.

"We always play hard and have a good work ethic and those things can take you a long way," DeMerit told the club website.

"The team spirit we have here is a never-give-up type of attitude," continued the American Abroad. "We took that into the game and we'll carry on fighting."

"We did that and got three points and now we have to kick-on and do the same every week."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani has confirmed the deal bringing Brazilian super-star Ronaldo to Italy is still on hold.

“Ronaldo won’t arrive today,” Galliani told reporters on Wednesday morning.

“I met once again with Real Madrid’s sports director Franco Baldini. The talks are ongoing, we will talk again soon,” he added.

Baldini arrived in Milan last night to negotatiate with the Milan management.

This is a step forward in the deal, as until yesterday AC Milan only had the player’s ok, while they hadn’t even begun talks with Real.

Real Madrid are currently asking for 8 million Euros to let the player go, however Milan would like to only take over the player’s salary, with the Spanish outfit releasing the player for free.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

(Goal.com) - England will take on Andorra in Barcelona after UEFA insisted that the Euro 2008 qualifier be switched on security grounds.

The Group E encounter will take place at Espanyol's Estadi Olimpic on Montjuïc, which holds 80,000, in the Catalan capital on March 28.

Andorra had asked for permission to play the game in Catalunya, as their national stadium's capacity is only 1,800.

The UEFA Executive Committee upheld the request at a meeting in Germany on Wednesday and stated that the Estadi Olimpic was a perfect venue.

Barcelona has hosted Andorra's international matches before as they took on Ireland and Holland in Barça's Mini Estadi.

In the first game between the teams in the European Championship qualifiers, England eased to a 5-0 victory.

Despite that emphatic win, Steve McLaren's side are in third place in the group, three points behind leaders Croatia and one point behind second-placed Russia.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - U.S. attacker Justin Mapp hopped off the bench to change the tide in their 3-1 friendly win over Denmark this weekend, a feat coach Bob Bradley believes he can repeat many times in the years to come.

The Chicago Fire ace set up Jonathan Bornstein’s with a superb dribble-and-dish.

"Justin is still a player who can do special things," Bradley told Soccernet. "We've seen it in MLS and it was nice to see him produce a really neat piece of skill that led to the second goal."

"In the whole camp, he's still someone who day in and day out has some special ability and now we're just trying to push him to do more to go with that."

For his part, Mapp spoke of the goal rather matter-of-factly considering the highlight reel nature of the play.

"I saw a couple of guys," he recalled. "I didn't really have too many options, so I said, 'What the heck' and went at both of them and found a little seam and got to the end line."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Juventus forward Alessandro Del Piero has revealed that Manchester United were interested in signing him last summer.

The Italian international is enjoying a fine season with the Bianconeri in Serie B, but could instead have been plying his trade in the Premiership.

"It's all true. I could have been a Red Devil," Del Piero said in The Sun.

"Manchester United representatives contacted me in August.

"At first I was flattered, but I never really thought of leaving Juventus.

"I've been playing 13 years in this club and I want to finish my career here. I'm sure Alex Ferguson understood my decision."

Del Piero is Juve’s all-time record goalscorer, and earlier in the season made his 500th appearance for the club.

Juve currently top Serie B and if their good form continues they will be back up in the top flight just a few months after being relegated for their part in the corruption scandal.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

(Soccer365.com) - Standard Liège executive Dominique D'Onofrio has admitted that Olympique Marseille and Porto have joined the race for US defender Oguchi Onyewu, but says none of the suitors have reached an agreement.

Chelsea, Fulham, Lazio and Lyon are also pondering a move for the American Abroad, with the Cottagers having already had at least one offer beat back.

"Just like so many clubs, it is true that the two are showing interest, but there is nothing concrete yet."

Onyewu, who starred for the U.S. at World Cup 2006, is currently slated to travel with the team to Charleroi this weekend.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

(Soccer365.com) - Werder Bremen boss Thomas Schaaf figures he will still have hot transfer topic Miroslav Klose on his side next season.

The Germany star, signed through 2008, has been linked with interest from the likes of Arsenal and Bayern Munich - but the club are not interested in selling the player to a Bundesliga rival.

"The probability of Miro leaving us at the end of the season is remote," Schaaf told German television.

"I think he feels very much at home and is well aware that he is able to achieve all the goals he has set himself with us."

"We're not even thinking about letting Miro go," the coach insisted. "We want to keep him here even longer.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Goal.com) - AS Roma captain Francesco Totti will be able to play in what might be his team’s last chance to extend their almost impossible Scudetto dream.

The good news for the Roma fans came this afternoon when the Italian football federation’s disciplinary commission decided to ban the Giallorosso idol for just one match as a result of the red card he received in the dying minutes of the Livorno match.

This will allow ‘Il Capitano’ to play against Serie A leaders Inter in less than two weeks.

Roma have to win that game as they sit eleven points behind the super-Nerazzurri.

Initially, it was thought that Totti would skip the match as usually a reaction to a foul is punished with a minimum two-match ban.

What appeared to let Totti off easy was the fact that the referee of the game Ayroldi didn’t red card for the push Totti gave to his ‘elbower’, Livorno defender Galante.

Rather it was the fact that the temperamental World Champion refused to go to the referee, who was calling Totti over to show him a yellow-card.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Goal.com) - Lyon manager Gerard Houllier is vying with former Rangers and Lyon boss Paul Le Guen for the signature of unsettled Rangers midfielder Jeremy Clement.

Le Guen made 22-year-old Clement one of his first signings when he became manager at Ibrox last summer, going back to Lyon for the midfielder.

However, Le Guen left Glasgow earlier this month, is now in charge at Paris Saint-Germain and has made it clear he'd like Clement to rejoin him.

But now former Liverpool manager Houllier has entered the race.

Houllier said: "Is [the transfer of] Jeremy Clement still happening? The answer is yes, but we are in competition with another great club."

Clement himself has been quoted as saying he wants to rejoin Le Guen, but nevertheless Houllier is hopeful the player could opt to return to Lyon, the dominant team in France.

"It is a fact, I would really like to have him back here and I think it is fair to say he would prefer to come to Lyon rather than go to Paris," said Houllier.

Clement has been offered a similar package by both Lyon and PSG.

He said: "I came to Rangers because I wanted to work with Paul and believed he could achieve things at Rangers.

"But, with him gone, it's back to the situation beforehand where the SPL just isn't rated in France.

"I obviously have ambitions to play for my country, but I wouldn't achieve them by staying on in Scotland.

"That's why I asked the club's management to let me go. They agreed it was probably best for all concerned.

"I was flattered there was interest from other clubs, including Lyon.

"But I made it clear to everyone I wanted to carry on working with Paul at PSG."

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(Soccer365.com) - Fulham attacker Clint Dempsey was delighted to make his Premiership debut on the weekend, but said the Cottage faithful have yet to see what he can really do.

The U.S. international worked the final 10 minutes, and started the play that led to Vincenzo Montella’s opener.

Fulham eventually were forced to settle for a draw, but Dempsey enjoyed the day.

“It’s always good to get the first game out the way,” he told the club website. “I’ve been traveling back and forth to the States, so it’s been tough getting the training in.”

“I’ve been off for a while so I haven’t played any games since November.”

“The atmosphere on Saturday was great and we’ve got good home support,” said Dempsey. “The level is obviously higher, but if I had to make a comparison I would say it’s similar to playing for the national team: everyone around you is a good player.”

The former New England Rev is also glad to have countrymen Carlos Bocanegra and Brian McBride around to help him acclimate.

"It’s been an easy transition for me because I know two guys on the team,” noted Dempsey. “I’m looking forward to getting fit and making an impact.”

“It’s good to be finally settled and I'll try to get match fit as soon as I can.”

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(Soccer365.com) - Brazil manager Dunga has let resurgent Inter Milan forward Adriano know that he still has a place with the Samba Kings.

The hulking striker was dropped after a lngthy Serie A slump, but has begun ringing the bell again with regularity.

"If he keeps performing positively, he will win back his place in the squad," asserted Dunga. "I'm following him with a lot of interest."

"He is a champion, only those who do not know him would say he is finished."

"I would also like to congratulate Inter for waiting and defending him," he added. "(Roberto) Mancini has done well to reintroduce him at the right time."

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(Goal.com) - German international Jens Nowotny has been forced to call time on his career.

Nowotny, 33, has retired from football according to Kicker.

"The latest injury clinched it," said the former Bayer Leverkusen star.

Nowotny, who was on Germany's World Cup team this past summer, spent ten years at Leverkusen before joining Dinamo Zagreb in July.

The midfielder had inked a three-and-a-half year contract with the Croatian club, but an injury to his left knee cut short the relationship earlier this month.

"To think I may have to wait another 10 months through physiotherapy and returning to training - this is enough," said Nowotny

Nowotny appeared 48 times for his country and played for Germany in Euro 200 and Euro 2004. Then-German coach Jurgen Klinsmann recalled Nowotny to his World Cup squad despite the player's two-year absence from international football.

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Freshly capped U.S. international Jonathan Bornstein was on cloud nine after marking his debut with a goal in front of his entire family.

Unfortunately, the Chivas USA ace banged home a Justin Mapp feed with his folks seated at the opposite end of the Home Depot Center.

“Once I scored, I was wishing my family were in their normal Chivas section because it is right in that corner, but I realized ‘Oh, man, they are way on the other side of the field this time’,” Bornstein told USSoccer.com. “I can never score on the side of the field my family is on.”

Nevertheless, the 2006 MLS Rookie of the Year said he will have no complaints over his big day.

“It was very special,” stated Bornstein. “After the game, I ran over to my dad and gave him my jersey.”

“I told them I was stoked to have them all there, it was a very special moment.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from grabbing two goals and an assist as the U.S. Under-20 National Team booked their place in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, playmaker Freddy Adu admitted his role has evolved as he prepares for his third world championship at the level.

The attacker was often used wide in 2003 and 2005, but now runs the show from the #10 slot.

“I have to be in tune to the game at all times,” Adu told USSoccer.com. “I can’t take plays off, I’ve got to set an example for the rest of the guys and I feel like I did that this tournament.”

“Thomas (Rongen) is a great coach and let’s me be me out there,” said the Real Salt Lake star.

“He lets me take chances, and when I do that, that’s when I’m at my best, and that’s what I did today."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - If the rumours are confirmed, there will be at least two matches of suspension for the Roma captain.

If the first indiscretions that have come through will be confirmed, Francesco Totti will most probably skip the game against Inter at San Siro in two weeks' time.

It seems in fact that referee Nicola Ayroldi showed Totti the red card for a "reaction foul": that's what the match official apparently wrote on his report: if that were the case the captain would almost certainly risk a suspension of not less than two matches and that would prevent him from guiding his team against leaders Inter on the 4th of February.

So this disconfirmes the hypothesis that the giallorosso captain was expelled for not responding to Ayroldi, despite the latter's insistent calls for him after what happened between the Roma number 10 and Galante.

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(Soccer365.com) - New Chivas USA boss Preki says he expects big things from recent MLS SuperDraft catch John Cunliffe, his first pick in charge.

The English native has formerly trained with Bolton and Preston North End, but the coach thinks he’s the classic late bloomer.

"He is very impressive," Preki told Preston Today. "He made it easy for me to pick him."

"He is very smart and has a good soccer brain.

"He can play up front, on the left side and wide on the right," added the former MLS superstar. "We'll see where he fits in."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Aston Villa striker Milan Baros has completed his transfer to Lyon, with John Carew set to move in the opposite direction.

Lyon boss Gerrard Houllier signed Baros when he was the manager of Liverpool, and will be hoping that the Czech Republic international can re-discover his best form at the Stade Gerland.

Baros never hit the heights for Villa after joining from the Reds for £6.5 million.

He actually turned down a move to Lyon when he was still with Liverpool in 2005.

The 25-year-old has scored once for Villa in 17 league appearances this season, though he was also on target against Manchester United in the FA Cup. Last season he scored eight goals in 25 League appearances for Villa, and his record at Liverpool - initially under Houllier - was 19 goals in 68 Premiership appearances. He joined the Reds in December 2001 from Banik Ostrava where he scored 11 in 61 League games.

Lyon were keen to add firepower to their squad because Karim Benzema and Sylvain Wiltord are expected to be out for some time with injuries.

Carew is expected at Villa Park on Monday to discuss personal terms in what will be a possible swap-deal.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

London, England (Sports Network) - Arsenal scored two goals in the final 10 minutes to escape with a 2-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.

Wayne Rooney put the Red Devils on top in the 53rd, but Robin Van Persie's equalizer in the 83rd for Arsenal was followed by Thierry Henry's game-winner with just seconds left.

The loss is especially tough to take for United, considering that they were just 10 minutes away from taking a nine-point lead over Chelsea in the Premiership standings. Now, Sir Alex Ferguson's men are in for a dog fight over the final 14 games of the season with just a six-point cushion.

Arsenal meanwhile, get a big boost from the win, their second in as many games over United this season. The Gunners have a five-point lead over Bolton for the fourth and final Champions League spot, and are just one point behind Liverpool for third.

The first half was filled with intensity and hard tackles but precious little in the way of scoring chances. The best chance for Arsenal came in the 33rd minute when Emmanuel Adebayor carried the ball down the right wing and crossed perfectly for Henry. However, the Frenchman failed to get maximum power behind the header and United keeper Edwin Van der Sar saved comfortably.

United turned up the pressure in first-half stoppage time and forced Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann to make a pair of quality stops to keep the game knotted at 0-0.

Lehmann first punched a cross from the left wing clear, but the ball only made it as far as Rooney, who was positioned 25-yards from goal. The English striker then brought the ball down and fired a half-volley that was headed for the top corner of the net, forcing Lehmann to narrowly tip the ball over the bar. The ensuing corner kick also produced a good chance for United, as Ryan Giggs bent a cross into the box that Henrik Larsson headed towards the lower- right corner of the net. Lehmann once again was up to it and made a nice sprawling stop to keep it out.

The Red Devils carried that momentum into the second half and found themselves in front eight minutes after the restart. Cristiano Ronaldo played a ball down the left flank to Patrice Evra, who sent a cross towards the front of the net. The ball took a slight deflection off Arsenal defender Kolo Toure and found Rooney at the back post. The striker then headed the ball past Lehmann to give United a 1-0 lead.

Midway through the half, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger brought on a pair of attack-minded players in Robin Van Persie and Julio Baptista in an effort to level the match. The move paid off 10 minutes from time.

The Gunners found the equalizer as Tomas Rosicky took control of the ball on the right wing and drove it into the box. Henry then played the ball on with a neat heal-flick and found Van Persie charging towards the back post. The Dutch striker finished the play by hammering the ball into the roof of the goal from close range to even the match.

With the two teams headed for a share of the points, Henry grabbed all three for Arsenal in the dying moments. A cross from Emmanuel Eboue found Henry just inside the penalty spot. This time, Henry got plenty of power behind his header and knocked it just past the outstretched hand of Van der Sar, sending the Emirates stadium into a state of frenzy.

In Sunday's other fixture, Mikel Arteta scored twice to lift Everton past Wigan 2-0 at the JJB Stadium.

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(Soccer365.com) - Columbus Crew general manager Mark McCullers gave it his best shot, but says he simply could not pry former strike star Brian McBride away from Fulham.

The American Abroad runs out of contract this summer, buit is now expected to sign an extension with the Premiership side he leads in scoring for the second straight year.

The Crew were willing to spend over $1 million in salary to lure McBride, but he has opted to remain at Craven Cottage.

"We were in competition for him," McCullers told the Columbus Dispatch.

"We felt all along that if they decided to get serious about signing him they were going to be able to do it and we were not going to be able to compete."

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(Soccer365.com) - U.S. Under-20 ace Quavas Kirk has declared that the team want to finish the job of qualifying for this summer’s FIFA U-20 World Cup early by defeating familiar foe Guatemala.

The teams have met in November, with the Americans taking a 2-1 decision.

“We have a ton of motivation to come out and get the win tomorrow,” Kirk told USSoccer.com. “We want to win the third game and win the whole tournament, but we know if we can get the victory against Guatemala we’ll be in the World Cup.”

“That’s why we’re here, so we’re going to do everything we can tomorrow to accomplish that goal.”

“Everyone looks good,” reports the Los Angeles starlet. “I think we got some of our kinks out in the Haiti game (a tournament opening 4-1 rout) and we’ll be hopefully able to connect a lot better in this game.”

“We were able to get over our nervousness in the first game and now we can just concentrate on the game at hand.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Bayern Munich midfield ace Owen Hargreaves has revealed that he foresees an MLS stretch at some point.

"Towards the end of my career, I could definitely see myself playing over there," the Canadian-born England international wrote in a BBC column.

"It would be interesting especially as I grew up in North America and certainly something to think about."

The Manchester United target admits to monitoring the league, and feels the acquisition of David Beckham can be a big boost.

"There is a lot of potential there," wrote Hargreaves. " (MLS) just needs people like Becks to promote it."

"He is going to bring a lot more people to the games and a bigger fan base, not just the football enthusiasts or kids.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) - With rumours swirling that Ajax goal monster Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will join Juventus after the season, his agent has suggested that the player’s future lies in the Premiership.

Despite Huntelaar’s claims that he will not be leaving Amsterdam anytime soon, the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham are reportedly preparing sizable bids.

"The future of my player is more suited to England," said Vincenzo Morabito.

"The way he plays, and the asking price rule out most Italian clubs."

Huntelaar gets back to action with Ajax this weekend with a short trip to rivals FC Utrecht on the Eredivisie card.

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(Goal.com) - European Champions FC Barcelona have dominated the first eleven that UEFA have chosen as the best hybrid team of 2006.

The Catalan giants have four players and Coach Frank Rijkaard in the ideal unit voted by the European Union of Football Associations' visitors to the organisation's website.

Carles Puyol, Gianluca Zambrotta, Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o are the four Blaugrana players in the list.

Juventus are strictly able to ‘claim’ three if the transferred Gianluca Zambrotta and Fabio Cannavaro are added to Gianluigi Buffon.

Arsenal have two in the shape of ex-Barça junior player Cesc Fábregas and French striker Thierry Henry.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and AC Milan all have one representative each that make up the shining first eleven. But is this really the best line-up from 2006?

UEFA Dream Team 2006 (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)

Defenders: Gianluca Zambrotta (FC Barcelona), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid CF), Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona), Philipp Lahm (FC Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC), Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal FC), Kaká (AC Milan)

Strikers: Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona), Thierry Henry (Arsenal FC) and Samuel Eto'o (FC Barcelona).

Coach: Frank Rijkaard (FC Barcelona).

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(Soccer365.com) - Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan claims new coach Preki will not need to earn the team’s attentions this season.

The former Kansas City Wizards star was officially promoted from assistant to head man this week.

"Just from his playing days alone, we respect the things that he's done," the rookie ace told Press Enterprise. "He obviously knows what he's talking about because he's been there."

"I'm excited because we're going to be a team that's going to play attacking football," said the recent U.S. National Team call-up. "It's going to be fun to watch."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - David Beckham has reportedly blasted back at Ramon Calderon for the comments made by the Real Madrid president this week.

Following the England midfielder’s move to LA Galaxy last week, Calderon said Beckham "will be an average cinema actor living in Hollywood" and claimed he only moved to America because no other club wanted him.

Calderon was unhappy that Beckham agreed to join LA Galaxy without informing the club first.

Beckham is now quoted as saying: "You told the fans that I had already got a house in Los Angeles.

"That is not true. That's a lie. You have treated me with a lack of respect.

"My team-mates will always have my respect, but you never will now."

It remains to be seen whether Beckham will see out the rest of the season at the Bernabeu where he may get few or no first-team opportunities under coach Fabio Capello.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

(Soccer365.com) - U.S. Under-20 coach Thomas Rongen was only partially satisfied with their 4-1 rout of Haiti that opened CONCACAF qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, to be held in Canada this summer.

“I wasn’t happy with our first 20 minutes which is to be expected,” he told USSoccer.com. “They’re young players, there’s some nerves and I didn’t think we played our game.”

“We did well in the last 20 minutes of the first half when we got two goals that were important.”

“Then we started off the second half well, but then didn’t finish off the game as well as I would have liked,” offered Rngen. “We need to focus on being able to play quality football for 90 minutes and not just 50 or 60 minutes, which we did today.”

“Against a good opponent, which both Guatemala and Panama are, we could get punished,” he observed. “The result was good, but we can still play better in my opinion.”

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(Soccer365.com) - D.C. United boss Tommy Soehn has made it no secret that he is delighted to have lured Olimpia goal monster Emilio to the MLS.

“Bringing him in at the stage we have, we’ve got a lot more experience with him,” he told the Washington Examiner after the 28-year old forwards presentation. “We’ve been able to watch games and really put together what kind of player we want to fill the needs we have.”

“He fits the bill in all accounts,” insisted Soehn. “His style of play is very athletic, he’s fast, and he’s got a nose for the goal, and it’s what’s truly needed in our league and what survives in our league.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko has lashed out at his critics, insisting he is being unfairly blamed for the Blues’ current problems.

The Ukraine star has failed to hit the heights since his £30 million move from Milan in the summer, with many suggesting the club’s poor form is down to him.

But he told The Times: "I am being made a scapegoat for things that have nothing to do with me."

He continued: "My contract runs for four years. I am here now and I am staying here. I am continuing to work to fit inside the team. I have been attacked from all sides but I intend to carry on. I will grit my teeth. I am not a quitter. I just want to be kept out of the politics."

There have been suggestions that Shevchenko’s close relationship with owner Roman Abramovich has undermined the authority of manager Jose Mourinho.

"There are things written about my relationship with Roman Abramovich which have been over-exaggerated," he added.

"My relationship with him is the same as every other player. He's the president and I am a player - it is entirely professional.

"I see Abramovich in the dressing-room sometimes or occasionally at training. We might have a quick word with each other but that is natural as we both speak Russian. Maybe I shouldn't speak Russian. Maybe that gives people the wrong idea.

"A lot of things have been said which aren't true. They have caused a lot of hurt to myself and my family. I am a footballer, not a politician. My job is to play, that's all. It is what I've been doing since I was nine years old. People are crossing the limits in what they are saying about me. It is bull***t."

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

(Soccer365.com) - Toronto FC rookie sensation Maurice Edu is proud to join the MLS expansion side after being selected #1 in the SuperDraft and eager to get his career underway.

"Soccer's what I've always wanted to do," the midfielder told the Toronto Star. "I got into it at a very young age and just stuck with it."

The former University of Maryland star admitted he is attracted to the thought of playing in Europe, but wishes to help his home league prosper first.

"I used that to kind of motivate myself with the dream of maybe getting over there," he told reporters. "But I do still have that belief and that hope that soccer will continue to grow in the U.S. and over here as well."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Vasco da Gama returnee Romário is still waiting to have his league paperwork stamped, but the delay gives him ample time to recover from a thigh muscle injury.

The Brazilian goal icon stands 13 goals short of 1000, the magic mark that will finally bring about the 40-year old’s retirement.

“It was a good session,” Romário, formerly a star with the likes of Barcelona and PSV Eindhoiven, said of Tuesday training.

“I had a few shooting pains in my right thigh, but it hurts less each day and I’m getting back to full fitness.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Bolton's Tal Ben-Haim is set to make a £2 million switch to Stamford Bridge.

The Israeli international has entered the final six months of his contract with Bolton, and has shown no intention of penning an extension.

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce admitted recently that he was resigned to losing his centre-half on a Bosman in the summer. However, he had suggested that he would be keeping Ben-Haim at the club until then.

It now appears that Chelsea's £2 million offer for him is making them consider letting him go as soon as this month.

Ben Haim's father, Emmanuel, suggested as much to Daily Mail.

"There are advanced negotiations between the clubs," he said. "We are hoping that Tal will be moving to Chelsea in the next week."

With doubts over Terry's return to full fitness, Mourinho - who is being handed some money to strengthen his defence - is said to want him on board as soon as possible. Chelsea take on Liverpool at Anfield over the weekend.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Despite having Argentina ace Javier Saviola on the market for nearly two years, Barcelona vice president Txiki Begiristain admits the club are considering ways to re-sign the striker.

The Little Rabbit won a UEFA Cup during last season’s loan spell with Sevilla, and he has also been loaned out to Monaco.

Now back with Barça, Saviola’s goal form is making the board reconsider his worth – but the player will still need to agree to a bit of wage cut.

"There is a line between economic and sporting policies," explained Begiristain. "Saviola is playing very well, and his attitude is fantastic."

"He is doing very well, and that is a great argument," noted the executive. "However, things can change, as there are two parties involved in a negotiation."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - New D.C. United recruit Emilio says he has come to MLS to score goals and help the club win more MLS Cup crowns.

The former Olimpia star arrives with less fanfare than new Galaxy star David Beckham, but claims he only needs to get into his new shirt and get to work.

"Obviously I don't arrive in the same fashion that a player like Beckham does, but I'm here to help D.C. on the attack," Emilio told the Associated Press. "My goals have always been the same with any team I've been at: No. 1, to win a championship; second, I want to win the goal-scoring title."

"I think I'm a proven goalscorer, and I think I can help the team in that department."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Fabio Capello has opened the door for David Beckham to play against for Real Madrid and hinted that he wants Ronaldo to stay at the club.

The Italian coach was quoted as saying that the Beckham would not play for the Spanish giants again after agreeing to join LA Galaxy without first informing Madrid.

President Ramón Calderón made his disappointment public, for which he has since apologised, while sporting director Predrag Mijatovic stood behind the decision.

After the incredible publicitity that the move generated, Capello now appears to have made a U-turn and looks set to consider Beckham in the future.

"You cannot discard anything," he stated, when asked whether the Hollywood-bound superstar would play again before the end of the season.

"At the moment this is the line we have decided to follow but you have to be flexible.

"He is a great professional and always shows enthusiasm in training. Ideas can be changed, but it will depend on both the player and the coach."

With rumours that AC Milan want to take Ronaldo on a free transfer, Capello moved to deny that he wants the Brazilian to leave during the winter transfer window.

The Italian club have had their offer rebuffed by Madrid, but stories continue to surface that a buyer is still being sought.

"I still see Ronaldo wearing the Madrid shirt," Capello said. "The players train here every day and Ronaldo is training after a problem. He is a Real Madrid player."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) - With Josh Wolff gone to Germany, Kansas City forward Eddie Johnson knows much more will be expected of him this season.

The U.S. starlet only bagged two goals last term, and says he doesn’t blame the fans and the club for wanting more.

"I’ll take that pressure," he told the Kansas City Star. "There are a lot of things that went on last year and I’ve been doing a lot of thinking this offseason."

"I’m up for all those challenges I’ll face this year."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard believes Real Madrid counterpart Fabio Capello has erred by relegating MLS summer signing David Beckham to the Galacticos garage.

After the former England captain inked his deal to join the Los Angeles Galaxy at the conclusion of his Real deal, Capello banished him to the inactivity, along with Brazil superstar Ronaldo.

"In theory, I wouldn't sideline the player," Rijkaard told Sport. "You always have to look to the interests of the team."

"Everyone wants to win things and if a player has a contract, he can still keep on working."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Goal.com) - Arsenal's Ivorian right-back, Emmanuel Eboue, could give the club a big boost ahead of the weekend's looming showdown with Premiership pace-setters Manchester United.

Eboue says he hopes to recover from his ankle injury in time for the crunch visit of the Red Devils.

The pacy defender's injury originally flared up before Christmas - and recurred during the Gunners' 3-1 FA Cup Third Round victory over Liverpool on 6 January.

"I've been injured since the Portsmouth game and when I trained I still felt it a bit," Eboue told the club's website.

"But I hope to be back for Manchester United. I really, really want to play."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

(Goal.com) - Real Madrid star David Beckham has been branded as ‘lost’ by World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon, in wake of the Englishman's mega-move to the LA Galaxy.

“Beckham has always been seen not as a player, but as a media personality. He has done very well in taking care of his image, but now he is not in the list of football players any longer, but rather in the list of the ‘lost and not found’,” the Juventus keeper told Italian television station ‘La 7’.

“He is now in the city of the stars. He has ended up where we all could picture him,” added Buffon.

Buffon also gave his opinion on the amount of influence he believes the wives/girlfriends of players should have on their companions.

”I think women of athletes should not influence the most important decisions for our careers. I am lucky, Alena is always happy about my choices,” he said.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)

(Soccer365.com) - Following a draw against countryman Tim Howard and Everton, Reading netminder Marcus Hahnemann admitted that he could have played Andy Johnson’s late equalizer better.

The strapping American Abroad rushed off his line to beat the forward to a long serve into his area, but he ended up stranded by a quick bloop header from the Toffee.

“I thought I could come get it and he just nipped in front of me,” Hahnemann told BBC’s Match of the Day. “I’m a little disappointed that I couldn’t get there, but I was just trying to help out the defense.”

“It’s a little frustrating because we played pretty sold defensively,” he continued. “At 1-nil up, we thought we could sneak (the win).”

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Posted by soccer365 at 06:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Chelsea's Czech international goalkeeper Petr Cech could be back in the Blues' side to face Liverpool next Saturday after recovering from the fractured skull he sustained at Reading on 14 October.

That horrific injury had been expected to keep him out of action for the rest of the season. But Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said:

"He's back, he's ready to play in the next game. For us he's magnificent.

"I have to decide whether to keep Hilario in the goal for a couple more weeks but Petr's ready for the game."

Cech wore protective headgear as he took part in the warm-up before Chelsea's 4-0 win against Wigan at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

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Posted by soccer365 at 05:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - David Beckham is hoping to secure an early release from his Real Madrid contract in order to join up with LA Galaxy as soon as possible, according to Major League Soccer chief Don Garber.

Beckham, 31, who has six months left on his Real contract, last week announced that he had agreed to join the MLS club in August.

"I understand his lawyers are working to secure a possible amicable exit from Real. We're not able to pay the buy-out clause," Garber told Marca newspaper.

"We want him to have it as soon as possible. David's keen to come sooner."

The MLS season kicks off in April, and Beckham will be hoping to join Galaxy in time to prepare for that.

The player's Madrid and former Manchester United team-mate, Ruud van Nistelrooy, said he is not sure if Beckham will leave before his Real deal expires in July.

"I don't have a clue," said he Dutchman. "He will make a decision, maybe he has already made his decision but I don't know anything about that."

On Sunday, Real's coach, Fabio Capello, criticised former England captain Beckham for signing his contract with LA Galaxy before telling the Spanish side of his decision.

"Beckham signed his contract before he spoke with Madrid and for me that doesn't seem right," said Capello, who as a result has said he is no longer in his plans and consequently won't wear the famous white shirt again.

Beckham watched his team-mates beat Real Zaragoza 1-0 in the Primera Liga at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

"Before the game he was in the dressing room, wishing us well," revealed Van Nistelrooy. "It was good to see.

"His attitude is always good, caring for the team, for the club. That's what he will keep doing.

"As players we care for each other and feel for one another if things happen that are not nice for another one. That's what I had with David.

"We try to support him, be there for him as much as we can. We can't change what has happened, unfortunately."

Capello's own future at Real is said by some to be under threat because he has not made the positive impact on the team and their results that many had expected.

The Italian coach claims the decision to leave Beckham out of the team from now on was not one made solely by him.

"If the president says it is my decision, I say that it is the technical staff, Fabio Capello, Predrag Mijatovic and Franco Baldini, who have taken the decision," he said.

Sporting director Mijatovic added: "Much has been said over the last few days. The coach took a decision and I respect it.

"I think it is logical for a player who has signed a contract with another team to have very limited chances of playing, especially if we take into account that we have many young players who are dying to prove themselves."

Meanwhile, Beckham's coach when he arrives at LA Galaxy, the former Ipswich Town player and Canada coach Frank Yallop, said the superstar will have a key role in his team.

"I'm not giving too much away but I would think he'll play centrally for us," said Yallop.

"We need him on the ball as much as possible and that's the best place to play him I would think."

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(Soccer365.com) - U.S. Under-20 coach Thomas Rongen says Real Salt Lake attacker Freddy Adu is growing well into his role as captain ahead of qualifying for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, set for Canada this summer.

"He has become our vocal leader and he also shows the way with the way he plays on the pitch and in training," the boss told FIFA.com. "He is a unique player with a unique set of experiences and skills."

"He takes his job as captain very seriously and he is an important bridge from the coaching staff to the squad."

The U.S. are preparing for the CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament, to be held in Panama later this month.

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Olympique Marseille flank terror Franck Ribéry has insisted he will not be leaving during the winter transfer window.

The France ace has been heavily linked with approaches from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

"I won't leave in January," Ribéry told France Football. "I want to finish here and have fun at Marseille."

"Why not go on with l'OM next season if we get qualification for the Champions League?"

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Goal.com) - AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has revealed that David Beckham turned them down before penning his deal with Los Angeles Galaxy.

Inter had been linked with the former England skipper, but Galliani revealed that even Milan had made an approach.

"There was a chance that he would have come to Milan," Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He has now decided to go to Los Angeles, but if he had stayed in Europe, we would have signed him.

"However, he has chosen a different adventure and a different life in America."

Galliani also hinted towards a new approach in the market, with emphasis on youth development as well.

"We will try to be more like Arsenal than Chelsea," he said. "We intend to scout for youngsters and discover fresh talent, like Ronaldinho when at Gremio. He should not be in PSG or Barcelona [as in Milan should snap up such players].

"However, when it comes to that, Italian league suffers economically compared to others, such as that or Spain."

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

(Soccer365.com) - U.S. defender Jimmy Conrad was one of the newbies during the run-up to World Cup 2006, but he now finds himself among the senior citizens in Bob Bradley’s first National Team camp.

The Kansas City Wizards ace made two appearances in Germany, and the group gathered to prepare for a January 20th friendly with Denmark is largely comprised of MLS youngsters.

“This year, I’m the second-oldest field player, so that alone gives me that veteran feeling, just being someone who’s been around,” Conrad told the Kansas City Star.

“This is obviously the first camp before the next World Cup cycle, so Bob’s going to want to see a lot of new guys, a lot of young guys and give them their chance.”

“It’s going to be a fun process to see which guys prove they can play at this level and which guys can’t,” noted Conrad. “Hopefully, they can push me along the way to make me better.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Ajax defender Zdenek Grygera is finally set to join Juventus when his contract expires this summer.

"Juventus have behaved correctly with us and informed us officially that they have signed the player for the next season," Ajax general manager Martin van Geel told De Telegraaf.

"We have not discussed the option of him moving in January, but if the Bianconeri were interested in this opportunity then we would be willing to discuss the possibility of finding a financial agreement."

Inter Milan made a last ditch attempt to snare the Czech Republic star, who expressed a desire to play for Juventus many months ago.

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Goal.com) - Riquelme is facing a crossroads at Villarreal as the number 8 has moved from being a club stalwart to having a foot out of the Castellón de la Plana outfit. The latest buzz from Spain and Germany suggests that the playmaker may be set for Bayern Munich.

As Ballacks’ recent criticism hinted, Bayern Munich are in need of more creative options in midfield and Juan Román Riquelme is seen as a potential way of jazzing up the Bavarians’ play with a different approach and pace to their existing options.

There’s been some nerves chafed within the Villarreal squad and Pellegrini has cut the midfielder from the last two matches and probably the upcoming fixture too. Villarreal are slated to welcome a suitably juicy bid as the Argentine looks for a new challenge.

The figure quoted for a potential move to take place hovers around the 18 million Euro mark and follows hot on the heels of recent declarations by Bayern Munich boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge that the club was searching for a midfielder.

In declarations made to German TV station ‘Sport1’, Rummenigge admitted that the Roten will be doing some winter shopping. "We’re continuing with the negotiations to sign a midfielder and I hope that we’ll be able to announce a new arrival soon", he explained.

Villarreal are slated to arrange a serious meeting with Riquelme and his agent to define the player’s position on staying and giving his all or making a move away from Spain and try his luck in the Bundesliga.

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Fulham manager Chris Coleman feels he has captured a star in the making with the signing of U.S. international Clint Dempsey from the New England Revolution.

"I have been watching Clint for a while now and he is an aggressive, offensively-minded player with a great deal of skill and aptitude," he told the club website.

"He also has a great attitude towards the game which is very important to me when I sign a player," noted Coleman.

"It may take a little time for Clint to get used to the Premiership, but when he does, I have no doubt that he will have an exciting impact for Fulham."

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied a charge of improper conduct and requested a personal hearing.

The Football Association charge relates to the Gunners' 2-2 draw against Portsmouth on 16 December, when he was sent to the stands for the second half after critical comments to referee Steve Bennett.

Wenger disputed Bennett's award of a free-kick in first-half stoppage time from which Pompey took the lead.

He complained to the fourth official at the time, and continued his argument with Bennett down the tunnel.

"I will not accept any charge," said Wenger last month. "It's scandalous."

He added: "I think I am big enough to say when I am wrong and big enough to accept it, but on this particular incident I don't accept what has happened.

"I arrived (in England) 10 years ago and believe me I have seen 10 times worse than what happened on Saturday.

"I complained because I didn't feel it was a free-kick but I didn't use any bad language.

"It didn't disturb me too much and I don't expect to be banned. Do you want me sent to jail?"

Wenger was fined £10,000 in December and warned about his future conduct following his touchline set-to with former West Ham boss Alan Pardew, who escaped punishment for his part in the row.

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Charlton Athletic defender Cory Gibbs remains in wait for his Premiership debut until next season after learning a second follow-up operation on his troublesome knee will keep him out another six months.

"The latest operation took place on January 3rd and Cory has now started his early rehabilitation in the US and feels a lot happier about his knee," Charlton medical chief Wayne Diesel told the club website.

"He's currently still in the US being assessed as the swelling goes down after the operation and we hope to have him back at the club at the end of January to pick up his progress," he continued. "We are not going to rush things."

Gibbs arrived from Feyenoord last summer, but has not featured due to the aftereffects of a 2005 knee injury suffered in a U.S. v. England friendly.

He fell victim again during the run-up to World Cup 2006, but appeared last month to be nearing a full return.

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has hinted that Javier Saviola could yet be handed a fresh deal to stay on beyond the end of the season.

The rabbit might finally have worked his way into Rijkaard's plans, if the Dutchman's comments are anything to go by.

His two goals against Alaves on Wednesday have earned him more praise than ever by Rijkaard, and the gaffer has now gone one better by hinting - even if indirectly - that the diminutive Argentine might yet have a future at Camp Nou.

"If you ask me about the player's work, I can tell you that he works and works," said Rijkaard. "Saviola has behaved very well until now, and it is a pity that injuries have affected his reaching top form.

"However, he has always portrayed a good image, is very loved by the fans, and has unquestionable quality."

Rijkaard then suggested that he was not in the least against offering him a new contract: "I am not against it in anyway. If he deserves it, he should get it. He chose to stay on at Barça after rejecting offers from other teams, and the only thing I ever said was that we have three forwards, Etóo, Gudjhonsen and Saviola.

"I will most certainly give my valuation of the player to [technical director] Txiki [Begiristain]. We will have to speak about it. Let us see what happens."

The Argentine can negotiate with other clubs starting this month, and is already said to have an offer from Sevilla, for whom he played last season.

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) - Fulham signing Clint Dempsey admitted it was load off his mind after the UK Home Office granted him the work permit that allowed his transfer from the New England Revolution to take place.

A positive appeal hearing lets the U.S. star hop the pond on a deal that could be worth as much as $4 million to MLS.

“I’m real happy that everything has been sorted out regarding the work permit and I can’t wait to get started training with the guys,” Dempsey told the club website.

“It’s been an ambition of mine to come to England and play in the Premiership,” added Dempsey.

“I’m excited that I’ve been given the opportunity to do that, and look forward to helping Fulham with their future campaigns.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - FC Dallas coach Steve Morrow has divulged that the team are in talks with Tottenham over midfield bulldog Edgar Davids.

With David Beckham already in the league fold, the former Holland star could become the next big name to cross the Atlantic.

"We are actually in negotiations," Morrow told BBC Radio. "We've been speaking for a couple of weeks."

"We spoke to his agents and have been told he is available."

Davids, easily recognizable on the pitch for his goggles and a Dutch lion’s mane of dreads, has spent most of his career starring for Ajax and Juventus.

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

For David Beckham, it will be a new start. For Los Angeles, it's a new star. Beckham will join the LA Galaxy in August after his contract ends with Real Madrid this June.

Beckham released the following statement on Thursday:

'This week, Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract by a further two seasons.

'After discussing several options with my family and advisers to either stay here at Madrid or join other major British and European clubs, I have decided to join the Los Angeles Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year.

'I would like to thank the supporters and people of Madrid who have made my family and I feel so welcome in my time here, making this an extremely difficult decision to make.

'I have enjoyed my time in Spain enormously and I am extremely grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to play for such a great team and their amazing fans.

'I am proud to have played for two of the biggest clubs in football and I look forward to the new challenge of growing the world's most popular game in a country that is as passionate about its sport as my own.

'For the rest of this season I will continue to give 100% to my coach, team mates and fans as I believe Fabio Capello will bring this club and its supporters the success they truly deserve.'

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (24)

(Goal.com) - David Beckham could be leaving Real Madrid as early as this month after sporting director Pedja Mijatovic revealed that the club will not be renewing his contract - which is set to expire at the end of the season.

Beckham had been stalling over a new contract, reportedly unhappy with the terms, and the lack of first team action. Meetings over the last four months, mainly at the behest of Real Madrid, failed to produce a result.

A conclusion to this saga was expected by next week, with Beckham set to give his final decision on Real's offered terms.

However, that seems to have changed in the aftermath of the 2-0 defeat to Deportivo at the Riazor, following which a crunch emergency meeting was called on Wednesday.

It seems to have been decided there that the former England skipper will not be given a new deal, and sporting director Pedja Mijatovic has confirmed the decision to a Sky channel.

He also let glimpse that Antonio Cassano was likely to leave in the winter transfer window, and refused to deny that Inter Milan could be his next destination.

As for the crisis, Mijatovic argued that it was merely "a crisis of results," and that he had full faith in Capello, whom he had signed because of his ability to "resolve such problems."

Inter have denied interest in Cassano, Milan have denied interest in Ronaldo, but everyone's eyes will now be on Beckham, and on whether he moves this January, or sees out the final six months of his contract.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Goal.com) - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has dismissed allegations that he has had to deal with unrest in the Blues' dressing-room from players unhappy about the contribution of Michael Ballack.

There have been reports in both the English and German media hinting at disquiet about the form of the Germany star, who joined Chelsea in the summer.

Speaking ahead of tonight's Carling Cup semi-final against League Two Wycombe Wanderers, Mourinho said: "Reports about problems in the dressing room are not correct.

"Do we want more from him [Ballack] in terms of performance? Not from him, from everybody."

Mourinho also added that press comment and speculation would not pressurise him into changing his team.

He said: "If the objective is to put some kind of pressure on me, then no chance, because I pick the team, nobody else does it. Press opinions, other player opinions are not for me.

"He plays against Wycombe and I hope it is the first step for him to play his first English cup final."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Fabio Capello has ruled out resigning as coach of Real Madrid as an option for him. Refuting suggestions that the technical body should shoulder the blame for Real's failure, Don Fabio blamed everyone equally, and said that the players had not been fighting to honour the club's shirt.

"In the last two games, we have lost our character, and the desire that we had until then," said Capello in a press conference. "When I arrived, I said that we had to fight for the t-shirt, to rediscover our values, but I have not seen that.

"Now, we have taken measures to solve that. One of them has been to train behind closed doors [no media, fans], in order to recover full concentration. We have analyzed many things, and why they happened in the recent games, and this is the most important conclusion that we have reached."

He also refuted suggestions that the technical team should take the blame: "When you win, you win together, and when you lose, it is together again. The fault lies with everyone. Something has happened, and we do not have the same desire that we had."

He also assured that Diarra, who has missed the last to games, will return: "Tomorrow, he will start in Seville against Betis. We have spoken of players who fight, who have desire, do not hesitate in putting a foot [into a challenge], but who also have quality."

Having spoken about Diarra, he refused to comment on Ronaldo: "I do not like to speak of every individual. We are all winning and losing." He also went on to suggest that there would be changes in the team against Real Betis: "Tomorrow, we will see some small changes. We are going to use some different players."

Finally, he was asked if he had considered throwing in the towel. "In my head, that is simply not an option," he quipped.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - A report from the FIFA Technical Committee has come down harshly on players that feigned injury to great effect during World Cup 2006.

"At this World Cup, the deplorable habit that involves players staying down for no apparent reason after minor collisions, thus causing frequent breaks in play, was increasingly in evidence," read the report.

"The ensuing attacks by the team in possession were accompanied by wildly gesticulating coaches and assistants on the touchline, protests from the defending team, who often simply stayed where they were, and a reaction from the crowd until such time as the referee stopped the game."

"In some cases, the player lying on the ground was treated for quite a while before being led off the pitch and was often ready to come back on before the game had been restarted," it continued.

"When play eventually continued, the ball was played back to the team who had been in possession... but in a place that put them at a clear disadvantage."

"What unquestionably began as a gesture of fair play is developing into a method of disrupting the other team's play," said the report. "It is time to put a stop to this abuse of fair play."

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(Soccer365.com) - Columbus coach Sigi Schmid says the team aren’t likely to do any preseason training outside of America this season.

The Crew traveled many miles before last term, and the boss feels it had a draining effect in the latter parts of the schedule.

"Last year, it was very important to get (quality) games," coach Sigi Schmid said. "This year, I think we need to find the right mix of games and training times."

"There’s a chance we might not make an overseas trip."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Goal.com) - Samuel Eto'o is set to make an early return to training next Monday after meeting with medical advisers at Barcelona, according one of the club's doctors.

The Cameroon international was expected to be out of action for five months after he damaged his meniscus in October, but he has beaten the odds and has been given the green light.

Barça club doctor, Ramón Cugat, explained that Eto'o would start training again nder the supervision of Emile Ricart, who has been with the striker since the beginning of his rehabilitation.

"We held a meeting with Eto'o, the doctors of FC Barcelona, with Alejandro Echevarría and Emile Ricart, and we all agreed how weel things were going," Cugat explained.

"Everyone agreed that he could begin to train again. He has a strong desire to return and to play and score goals again.

"It was then decided that, under the guiance of Emile Ricart, that he should start training again next Monday.

"Since he has been injured he has always shown the character of a real winner. He is someone that always, always wants to win."

Cugat emphasises that Eto'o is still some way from kicking a ball again and will start his training regime with physical exercises to build up his strength to start with.

The former Real Madrid and Mallorca goalscorer has stated recently that he is confident he can finish the season as the league's top goalscorer, despite having scored only four goals this term.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Thierry Henry should have been better protected from injury earlier in the season.

Henry recently returned to the starting line-up after an eight-match absence due to injury and apparent World Cup burn-out.

Wenger said: "It was more mental than physical. Thierry just had no resources any more.

"It is the same after every World Cup. Players who come straight out of that do not feel completely ready to go for it again.

"If they are not protected a bit then they don't survive beyond October or November and that is what happened with Thierry."

Wenger also hit out at France coach Raymond Domenech for refusing to rest Henry earlier in the season.

"I knew Thierry and William Gallas would hit the wall if they were used in friendlies," he added.

"That is why I was so angry when my players were selected for 90 minutes in the games with Bosnia and Greece."

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(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from backstopping Nantes to a 1-0 Coupe de France victory over Guingamp, comeback man Fabien Barthez stated he would be in top form in less than a month.

The former France star came out of a brief retirement to help the club avoid Ligue 1 relegation.

"I retired because I had no proper challenges left, but what Nantes president Rudi Roussillon suggested to me was a proper test," said Barthez.

"I am three or four games short of my best shape."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has left Ronaldinho and Deco out of the squad that will travel to Alaves this evening.

Barcelona take on Alaves in the first leg tomorrow, and coach Frank Rijkaard has left the two stalwarts out of his squad for the second consecutive game.

The duo already missed Sunday's 1-1 draw at Getafe after being unable to return on time from the vacations, and it looks like their physical preparation for the new year has yet to satisfy Rijkaard.

News coming out of Barcelona suggests that Rijkaard is very wary of throwing his key players into the mix if they are even a little short of full fitness.

With the duo likely to play two games every week once Champions League action resumes, the Dutchman is supposedly looking to rest them for some away clashes until then, particularly with the risk of injury being greater in chilly January.

Barca also take on Espanyol in the ever volatile catalan derby this weekend, and this rest will leave them fresh for that game.

Rijkaard will also be without five players through injury - Eto'o, Messi, Zambrotta, Thuram and Oleguer - though Thiago Motta returns to the squad after being declared fit.

Squad: Valdés, Jorquera, Belletti, Puyol, Marquez, Gio, Sylvinho, Olmo, Iniesta, Motta, Xavi, Edmilson, Gudjohnsen, Giuly, Ezquerro, Saviola.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

(Goal.com) - Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon has inked a fresh contract with the club through to 2012, the club have revealed.

The winger's stock has risen since his claim to international fame as David Beckham's energetic substitute at the World Cup, and Tottenham were keen to tie him down to a longer contract.

The young England international signed a new, improved and extended deal that will be effective immediately, for the next five-and-a-half years, handing Tottenham a huge boost for the new year.

Coach Martin Jol was understandably delighted, and heaped praise on the 19-year-old.

"Aaron has taken his chances and made himself into a regular first team player in a short space of time, and we often forget how young he still is," Jol was quoted on the club's official website.

"As a player he is growing and developing, he is a great talent now and clearly there is so much more still to come. He is a prime example of the exciting young talent we are attracting to the club."

Lennon also expressed great satisfaction: "I'm feeling really settled here at the club and I'm thoroughly enjoying my football. There is a terrific spirit in the squad and we have everything to play for this season."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - "But only in June because getting him in January with the season already ongoing is difficult."

Inter coach Roberto Mancini surprisingly opened a spiral of light to the possibility of signing Antonio Cassano in the near future: "I would take Cassano: he has extraordinary technical qualities, even though I understand that it's difficult to put him in the team right now." Mancini added that "getting a player as good as him only brings advantages. His return would do good for all of Italian football." When asked about another "ex-Italian" player, one having a torrid time at the moment, he answered: "Shevchenko? I would take him as well!".

After this brief but surprising interlude on the transfer market, Mancini came back on his players, in particular Figo and Adriano: "With Figo we didn't need to clear anything up. As for Adriano, I'm sure that he will continue working as well as he did the past days, so he can come back better than before."

Vacation time is over now for Inter: tomorrow it's already time for the Coppa Italia quarter finals. And "Mancio" will not want to see his side distracted and does not want to underestimate Empoli, considering the match "very important because we care about this competition and it's also a useful game in view of the game against Torino in the league. When you come back from vacation it's never easy, and this Coppa Italia game will help us freshen up our legs."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - In a declaration sure to rile his critics firther, Ajax chairman John Jaakke has suggested the club move away from their traditional 4-3-3 formation.

The club have struggled to succeed with their brand of Total Football, often drawing or losing games they appear to dominate.

"Dogmatic adherence to recipes from the past is a weakness," he told Het Parool. "Football has changed, but because of past glory, we have insufficiently recognized the consequences (of change)."

"The 4-3-3 is not holy, certainly not when we fail to scout and train the players needed for the system."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has been declared fully fit following an eight month injury lay-off, and makes the squad for tomorrow's Carling Cup clash against Liverpool.

The French midfielder has been out since May with a fractured and dislocated ankle, and could get some time on the pitch at Anfield after successfully completing a full training session with the team.

"We have Diaby in the squad for the first time, and Emmanuel Adebayor is very strongly coming back. Blackburn [at the weekend] is possible for him," said Wenger to the club's website.

"Lauren is not in the squad for Liverpool, he has a small toe injury. William Gallas will not play either. But basically the only real injury is Ljungberg, he needs one more week after Blackburn.

"That is why I said for a long time that I won't buy anyone [in the transfer window]. I knew I had enough players when they came back from injury."

Arsenal will be looking to repeat Saturday's FA Cup triumph over Rafa Benitez's boys.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - With the capture of Clint Dempsey only requiring UK Home Office approval, Fulham manager Chris Coleman has turned his January transfer focus to World Cup 2006 teammate Oguchi Onyewu.

The Standard Liège backline marshal drew an initial bid that was swatted away, but the Cottagers have reportedly come back with an improved offer.

"Goochy's been here to have a look around and have a chat with me," Coleman told Sky Sports News."

"We're close to agreeing a fee with Standard Liège."

Dempsey, meanwhile, will soon find out if he has clearance to join the Premiership battlers, who already boast Americans Abroad Carlos Bocanegra and Brian McBride.

"We’re completing the medical with Clint and we’ve got a date set for the tribunal next week," said Coleman. "He’s a very good attacking midfielder who will be a first team player if everything goes well."

"He’s a real good talent who can play wide left or right and I think he fits the bill in every sense."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) - AS Roma loan capture Francesco Tavano says he can’t wait to start scoring goals with Giallorossi ace Francesco Totti.

"For me, playing with Totti is a dream," he declared. "It's the best thing ever."

Tavano was glad to get away from Valencia for a while, what with his poor relationship with coach Quique Sanchez Flores.

"I did not have a good rapport with the coach, and for everyone it was better that I came here now," he sighed. "Even though the Director of Sports, Carboni, believed in me and still does, but now I will only think about Roma."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Goal.com) - Oguchi Onyewu has now been linked with a move to AC Milan.

Oguchi Onyewu's move to Fulham has been put on hold, and now the American defender may be headed to AC Milan, according to speculation out of Italy.

The Cottagers certainly crave the Standard Liege defender, but Standard Liege has been balking at agreeing terms with the Premiership side -- the asking price for the American a little higher than what Fulham boss Chris Coleman originally thought.

Onyewu, who saw Standard block a move to Real Madrid in August, actually took a medical at Fulham in London, but he returned this week to join up with Standard for training and also to discuss terms with suitors from France, Spain, and Italy.

One of those suitors appears to be AC Milan, who would not be put off by the estimated $4 million asking price for "Gooch."

The Rossoneri, however, still are trying to obtain highly-touted Lazio defender Massimo Oddo, who recently admitted his Lazio future was in doubt because of the offer from Milan.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

(Soccer365.com) - MLS Rookie of the Year Jonathan Bornstein is busy telling everyone to expect great things from new U.S. Men’s National Team boss Bob Bradley as he begins his first camp.

Bradley coached the left-sider with Chivas USA last season before taking over for Bruce Arena on an interim basis.

"He's a great coach," Bornstein told the Associated Press. "He has this knack of really taking a group of guys and bringing them together as one."

"I can see he's already starting to do that here," he added. "In the first meeting, he was telling us how we've got to band together."

"His training sessions are very intense," said the versatile youngster. "He wants the team playing the right style of soccer, very much a one and two-touch style, very nice soccer."

"He instills the work ethic and pushes everyone - the training is harder than the games."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Champions League chasers Palermo have received the bad news that strike ace Amauri is essentially lost for the season.

The Brazilian injured his knee against Siena in December, but the club have no immediate plans to wade into the transfer waters.

"I will have to do the operation," moaned Amauri, who had rang up eight goals during the first half of the Serie A season. "However I'm calm."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Goal.com) - Luis Figo has finalized plans for the next chapter in his playing career.

Luis Figo, 34, will join Asian gians Al Ittihad this summer. The Inter star will see out the remaining six month of his contract for the Nerazzurri before moving on to Saudi Arabia.

"We have signed a one-year contract beginning the first of July, 2007," said Al Ittihad president Mansour al Balwi.

"It is one of the largest deals ever in the Middle East," added al Balwi, who did not disclose financial terms of Figo's contract.

Inter manager Roberto Mancini indicated earlier this week that Figo, who also had been linked with a move to MLS and Red Bull New York at the conclusion of his contract, would remain with the club.

"I have no intention of giving Figo away to any club," Mancini had said at a press conference in Bahrain, where Inter are doing some mid-winter training.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

(Soccer365.com) - Former Oranje netminder Ronald Waterreus is on the verge of joining the New York Red Bulls, according to his agent.

The former PSV Eindhoven star, currently filling in for injury wrecked AZ Alkmaar, has long been rumoured with a move to MLS.

"The details are settled," stated Kees Ploegma. "We first want to get it on paper and see exactly what we have."

"We hope things will be clearer (this weekend)."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Goal.com) - Bayern Munich have revealed that they may be willing to allow Owen Hargreaves to join Manchester United after all.

The German giants have always insisted that the England midfielder is not for sale, despite the player’s desperate pleas to be allowed to leave.

United made their interest known in the summer, but Bayern ensured them Hargreaves would not be leaving.

However, Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer is quoted as saying in the Daily Mail: "In principle, we were right to stick to our guns over Owen.

"If a player has signed a new contract with us, then tries to move for more money, we are within our rights to say no.

"But this is different and if we receive an offer on the scale that has been mentioned it is going to have to be given serious consideration."

United could now make their move as manager Sir Alex Ferguson remains a huge fan of Hargreaves.

However, chief executive David Gill said this week that the club prefers to do its big business in the summer, not January.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

(Soccer365.com) - Mexico strike ace Jared Borgetti says it feels good to be back home after completing a move from Saudi side Al Ittihad to Cruz Azul.

"I am very happy to come back home, and most of all because such an important team as Cruz Azul is interested in me," said the veteran forward. "I am very happy for having the chance to play in Mexican football again."

"I missed my country a lot after being in Bolton and Al Ittihad."

Borgetti was all set to hang up his international boots, but now says he could go for a farewell tourney or two.

"I said that I wasn't going to play any more for the national team, but now I would like to have the chance to retire from duty after the Copa América or the Gold Cup," he declared.

"I know that I am not going to be in the plans of the coach for the next World Cup, so if I have a good performance at Cruz Azul, I expect to be recalled to the national team for these competitions."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - According to reports published in Barcelona-based sports daily ‘El Mundo Deportivo’ (The Sporting World), FC Barcelona have successfully sealed a deal with Independiente de Avellaneda that would bring Óscar Ustari to Camp Nou this summer.

The 20 year-old came to prominence at the start of 2006 with a string of performances with the Argentinean club as well as a great performance in the Under-20 conquest alongside good friend Messi. This convinced then-Albiceleste Coach Pekerman to bring the young sticks man along to Germany instead of other more experienced options.

The move isn’t intended to supplant Víctor Valdés, rather that Ustari will provide extra competition for the local boy and ensure that VV’s game stays at top-notch level. The lack of stiff competition from Jorquera has worried the Blaugrana coaching staff that future over-relaxation may be a temptation – plus they want a suitable replacement in case of injuries to the number 1.

FC Barcelona are rumoured to have sealed the South American’s services for around 10 million Euros. This is seen as a shrewd investment for the future as the player comes with glowing recommendations. Ubaldo Fillol, goalkeeping coach with Argentina from 1999 to 2006 explained why the keeper has already reached European standards.

“He’s capable of estimating both distance and time with precision, dominates his area and chooses the moments to leave his line well. Apart from that he’s got a real will to win and a team personality as well as ability with his feet”, explained the Argentine expert. The last facet is seen as a clincher as Gianluigi Buffon was apparently rejected by Barça for poor ball control.

The passport question is the only negative point to the signing as the player doesn’t have that attractive modern footballing accessory: an EU passport. Nevertheless, Óscar Ustari’s family hails from the Basque Country in Spain and thus there’s a chance of applying for fast track double nationality – and the corresponding passport.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Goal.com) - Although Boca marksman Rodrigo Palacio has been tagged by FC Barcelona as a desired addition to Frank Rijkaard’s front line the deal will now be harder than ever to push through as Boca Juniors renewed the player until 2010.

Rodrigo Palacio has clinched the deal of a lifetime for an Argentina-based footballer as he’ll be earning the previously unheard-of sum of 1 million dollars per year in the South American country. The agreement turns Palacio into the best-paid Argentine domestic footballer ever.

There is, however, a ray of light for Barça as Palacio’s agent included a clause in the deal that allows for a move after six months – i.e. in the summer transfer window – if the La Bombonera club are offered a certain quantity for the forward.

Xeneize boss Mauricio Macri already promised that he’d reject any bid for Gago or Palacio before the Libertadores 2007 Cup (that ends next European summer), but has already sold the former to Real Madrid.

Macri is slated to run for political office soon and won’t want to be seen as a soft touch who bends over as soon as Europeans open their wallets. “Rodrigo deserves extra-special attention”, explained the exec.

The player himself seemed to be far from in a hurry to move to Europe. “I’m comfortable here and want to stay at Boca for a long time”, explained the player. It seems that if the Catalan club really wants the striker then they’ll have to show some even more extra-special attention by upping their initial bid of 18 million Euros to the 25 million mark.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Real Salt Lake chief Dave Checketts believes that new recruit Freddy Adu shouldn’t attempt a move overseas in the near future.

The teen phenom, acquired from D.C. United last month, has been linked with several European clubs over the past two years and recently trained with Manchester United.

“We’ll see what he’s really made of and what he’ll develop into,” Checketts told the New York Times. “The notion at 18 that he’s ready for the EPL - I’ll take that bet.”

“I don’t think he is ready,” he asserted. “I think he needs multiple seasons in Salt Lake, at least.”

“He may think he needs less.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Goal.com) - Arsenal's William Gallas has hit out at former club Chelsea yet again, this time over the way they handed his number 13 shirt to Michael Ballack.

"Nicking the No 13 off me to give it to Ballack was a flagrant lack of respect," said Gallas expressing his bitterness over the incident.

"I could have honoured the last year of my contract and been free at the end of the season. But that would not have been honest with Chelsea. In my head I was no longer there.

"I know people are still asking why I left. I will speak about it one day, I promise, when things are quiet. This is just not the right moment."

While not spilling the beans, he hinted that the dispute might have had something to do with the way he was repeatedly denied an improved contract until the final 18 months of his contract.

"I was fine there [at Chelsea]," he continued. "The squad was fantastic and I won trophies. Mourinho passed on his thirst for victory to me. His way of convincing you that you are the best is unique. But make no mistake, there is no difference between the Gallas of Chelsea and the Gallas of Arsenal. I have got over my turbulent departure now. In any case, I wanted to leave."

The French international had a tumultous final year at Stamford Bridge, punctuated by disagreements with Mourinho over the position he was played in. Having played third fiddle to John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho for much of the previous two years, Gallas finally demanded regular action at centre-back.

However, he was once again forced to spend much of the season playing at left-back. He was also denied an improved contract for two years, and it was only when he looked likely to leave last season that Chelsea spoke to him about a new deal. However, he declined the offer, in light of interest from clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Milan.

Mourinho refused to let him leave in the summer, insisting he would have to see out the final year of his contract even if he didn't want to, as relations between the two became more and more tense. It was only hours before the transfer window closed that a swap deal involving Ashley Cole was worked out between Chelsea and Arsenal.

Gallas has since criticized the Blues, at regular intervals, and the tirade looks set to continue in the new year.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Villarreal manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that the club are working on the loan capture of seldom used Barcelona forward Javier Saviola.

The Catalans seem more interested in selling Saviola, who runs out of contract this summer – but the Argentina ace wants to be able to move freely after the season.

"Saviola's situation, not being able to play, is bad for football," said Pellegrini.

"I don't know the reasons why he isn't playing for Barcelona, but he is a player of great quality who would succeed anywhere he goes."

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Goal.com) - The Portuguese midfielder was expected to go end his career in Saudi Arabia and play for Al Ittihad in a lucrative deal.

Inter are currently in Bahrain for a mini-training camp and on their arrival Roberto Mancini wanted to clear things out with regards to the Luis Figo situation.

According to reports, the 34-year-old player was very close to join Al Ittihad, but latest developments indicate that Figo will see the rest of his contract with Inter.

To replace Figo, Inter were rumoured to be after Real Madrid's David Beckham, which was also denied by the Inter coach.

"Figo will remain in Milan, just like Beckham is a player of Real Madrid and for respect, I don't ever talk about players of other clubs."

Inter are after another striker for this January transfer market, with Cagliari’s Suazo being on top of their list. For the future, the main targets of the Nerazzurri are Messi and Buffon.

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

(Goal.com) - The Juventus coach would prefer some purchases now rather than in summer to be able to help the new arrivals to acclimate themselves straight away.

Didier Deschamps has opened the doors for some possible arrivals in the squad starting from this transfer window, contrary to what was declared in previous weeks.

"It would be better if some new player arrives now. He might be able to integrate himself with the group and learn the language, in case he's a foreigner."

However, Deschamps is already satisfied with the group he has available.

"We have a nice group, full of spirit, quality and mentality. Even to maintain a certain balance, I don't want too many movements.

"I believe it's better to concentrate on players who could be useful also in Serie A. In any way, we shall be careful at not losing any eventual opportunities."

The most likely candidate for the January transfer market remains West Ham's Mascherano who seems very close to a move to Turin.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Goal.com) - Desperate for quality back-up for John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho at centre-back, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is chasing Deportivo's Jorge Andrade. However, Milan are also monitoring the Portuguese international's situation.

Andrade - who has been the backbone of Depor's defence for a few years - is struggling to hold down a regular spot in the starting eleven following his return from injury.

The highly rated Portuguese missed out on the World Cup through a nasty knee injury picked up last February against Barcelona. After eight to nine months of recovery, he was declared fully fit by the Depor medical team, but is now struggling to break into the first team, with Juanma and Lopo having impressed Joaquin Caparros.

He had been linked with Milan and Barcelona even before the injury, and reports of a winter move have refused to go away ever since his return to fitness. It now appears as if Stamford Bridge could be his next destination, with compatriot Jose Mourinho zeroing in on him.

The Portuguese contingent at Chelsea is said to be another positive factor for Andrade, and with Deportivo said to be willing to let him move on for the right price - around 15 million Euros - a quick deal could be thrashed out subject to Andrade's fitness.

However, Milan are also monitoring the situation, and could offer Chelsea some stiff competition.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Fulham manager Chris Coleman claims all that is left for the club to capture New England attacker Clint Dempsey is a rubber stamp from the UK Home Office.

MLS will reportedly receive a £1.5 million fee if Dempsey’s work permit is approved.

"We've agreed a fee, but it still has to go to the tribunal," he stated. "He's had a few injury problems, so he's just a little bit short (of the required 75% of U.S. National Team matches over the past two years), but it's not like he's coming here to sit on the bench."

"He's coming because we've bought him to make a big impact.

"Clint's a wide player up front, can play either flank, strong with pace, a good player, good touch," rated Coleman, who is looking for some wing support on the right.

"I saw him about two years ago and then saw him playing at the World Cup," he added. "Then I went out to watch him playing a few times in the States for New England and have always liked him."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

(Goal.com) - The Inter defender's ambitions for the new year: "The Scudetto is the big objective."

Marco Materazzi's balance of the year that has just finished can probably only be positive: "It was the year of Italy and the defence of Italy - the Inter defender said to Sky - we were a very united group, we all knew what we could achieve. It was the year of Materazzi, of Cannavaro, but also of all the people who supported us and always followed us with passion."

"On a personal and team level I hope I can emulate the year 2006. A scudetto won with Inter on the pitch after so many years would be worth almost like a World Cup. The Champions League is a strange tournament, from one moment to the next you can risk going out. Let's think about the Scudetto which is our big objective, then if we also win the Champions League it will be even better. I promised to put on a new tattoo to my kids, but first we have to win the title."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

(Soccer365.com) -

While conforming the club’s interest in Olympique Marseille winger Franck Ribéry, Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon revealed that the primary target would be a central defender of some repute.

The Galacticos have been linked to the likes of Palermo’s Andrea Barzagli and Standard Liège monster Oguchi Onyewu, but the chief dropped a couple more big names to reporters.

“I’ve heard Pedja (Mijatovic), general manager) talk well of the Frenchman, but now he’s thinking more of other players like Alex (of PSV Eindhoven), (AS Roma star Christian) Chivu.”

“Mijatovic and (coach Fabio) Capello are looking at both the present and the future with an eye to creating the ideal squad.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Goal.com) - Milan stopper Dida has ruled out a return to native Brazil should he part ways with the Rossoneri at the end of the season.

AC Milan are said to be disenchanted with both Dida's form and fitness, and the Brazilian's continuance beyond the summer is in serious doubt.

He is said to have offers from clubs in England and Germany on his table, and wants to continue plying his trade in Europe.

"I will not return to play here," he said from Brazil, where he is on vacation. "I do not know anything about my future, but if I do not renew my contract with Milan, I will play on with another European club."

Milan believe the Brazilian is past his best, and have already started looking for replacements as they try to actively bring down their squad's average age.

Meanwhile, their interest in Antonio Cassano has cooled down given the forward's unwillingness to leave the Bernabeu in the middle of the season. That could change over the next month, but the Milan bosses are currently concentrating on Juve's Bojinov, who has found himself on the fringes of the first team even in Serie B.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) - AS Roma talisman Francesco Totti would like to stay in the game after he retires several years from now, but made it clear he knows his personality is wrong for a manager.

"My contract runs out in 2011, but soon I would like to extend it for another two or three years," he told Italian magazine Number 10. "As long as I am fit I will play on as long as possible."

"When I stop playing we will see what happens," continued Totti.

"I want to stay in football as a director, but never as a coach - it's not in my DNA."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

(Goal.com) - Arsenal and Germany number one Jens Lehmann has insisted that he is not even contemplating retirement at the moment.

Lehmann has hinted in the past that he might step down from the German national team following the 2008 European Championships, but denied that it might be the end of club football as well.

"That is not true," said Lehmann, who will be almost 40 then, to Arsenal TV Online. "I have never mentioned I will retire after the Euros in 2008.

"What I said was I would likely retire from the national team, but I could also have said I would be likely to go on, which then says nothing.

"If I can keep fit, like I am now, then I can go on and on and on, two years at least."

Lehmann is currently speaking with the Gunners about extending his contract beyond the end of the season, though Wenger is only likely to offer a one year deal in keeping with club policy.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - New Sevilla striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov says he is eager to win over the club’s supporters after clinching a €5 million transfer from Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg.

The Russia international says he became interested in playing for the Spanish leaders when facing the team on their way to the 2006 UEFA Cup crown.

"After getting to know Sevilla, the way the team play, the city, the passionate fans, the atmosphere, I fell in love with the place," he told the club website.

"When I knew they were interested in me, I told (Zenit) I wanted to move there."

"I have had lots of messages from Sevilla fans on my personal website," added Kerzhakov, who had been previously linked with the likes of Feyenoord, Newcastle, AS Roma and Tottenham.

"I will do all I can to make sure I don't let anyone down."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari had revealed that he turned down the chance to reclaim the Brazil job before signing a summer extension through Euro2008.

"(Brazilian Federation chief Ricardo Teixeira) called me to see if there was a possibility to return to the national team," he divulged. "I discussed it with my family and they advised me it was not the right time."

"My wife was of the opinion that staying in Europe with the children for a further two years would be important and I agreed."

Scolari also admitted that he would consider taking back the post he held as World Cup champion in 2002 if Brazil land the 2014 tournament as host nation.

"All coaches in this situation would like to coach his national team in that moment," offered Big Phil. "I don't know if it would be me, as I don't have any long-term projects as yet, but we will see."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti has declared that Lionel Messi of Barcelona is the one player in otday’s game that he would break the bank to capture.

“If Barcelona decide to free themselves of him, something I think has slim chances of taking place, I will be the first to make a move,” he told an Italian website.

“For a player like this, I would be ready to spend a fortune,” stated Moratti.

“When Messi plays, it seems that he has eyes behind his head.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)