(Soccer365.com) - With relegation staring West Ham in the face, Jonathon Spector remains confident the Hammers can turn the tide and beat the drop. The Hammers defender spoke with Soccer365’s Andrew Rogers about the season and how relegation can be beat.

By Andrew Rogers

Given the trajectory of Jonathan Spector’s career one would expect to find the US international in a down beat mood. Three years ago the defender was suiting up for Manchester United in the Champions League. Fast forward to 2007 and the former Chicago Socker is facing up to the very real prospect of becoming a Championship player in England’s second tier.

Spector’s third club in 4 years are in desperate straits, and what seemed like a dream move in joining East London’s West Ham United has fast turned into a nightmare.

Having spent a year on loan at Charlton under the calm eye Alan Curbishley, putting pen to paper with last season’s break out club and FA Cup finalist, appeared to be the perfect move, but the firing of Alan Pardew, a protracted take over bid and highly controversial transfers of Tevez and Mascharano have left Spector in a precarious position, although judging by his disposition at a raining Chadwell Heath Training ground he remained remarkably upbeat, as he spoke exclusively to Soccer 365, he commented:

“I was excited at the prospect of playing for West Ham they performed strongly in the league and just missed out of the FA Cup. I realised I was not going to get much football at Manchester United so I decided to take the opportunity here.

“It’s a young side that’s up and coming and they are pushing to move forward, and to get a place in Europe hopefully. This was ultimately the reason for my move, at that point in my development I felt that playing games was paramount and unfortunately it hadn’t gone that way.

“It hasn’t worked out for us this season, there are still top class players here but we haven’t seemed to be able to get the results that we had hoped for. If I was able to put our finger on what is going wrong then we would not be in this predicament as we would be able to solve it and put it right.

“I’m not sure what the cause of it is, we have had some unlucky results, and had some decisions not go our way but you can’t put it all down to that. Injuries have been a problem and we have been unable stop this and a number of other factors.

“We haven’t been able to perform whether it has been keeping clean sheets at the back or scoring goals up front. We are not in a great situation but our fate is not sealed yet, either. It is our job as players to do whatever we can to help the team stay up."

Spector’s managers have all been quick to enthuse about the 21 years old talent. Ferguson has lauded his, “winning mentality” and he recognizes he has benefited hugely from the wisdom of three of the best managers in England. However, despite the accolades the former Red Devil has found himself under a different kind of pressure from that associated with winning, but feels comfortable battling relegation and for his place, he added:

“To be honest it has been a completely different situation for me, but the football is the same, you go out to win every game whether you are top or bottom of the table. Ultimately your goal is the same, to win the football match and collect the three points.

“It’s a different kind of pressure but you have to deal with it, if you want to be successful. So it’s been a great learning experience for me. And I’ve taken it on board, every club I've been at has taught me a lot.

“Its my 3rd club in 4 years, I've leaned a lot from all the managers, Sir Alex Ferguson, Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley they are three top class managers and I've been fortunate to have played for three big clubs.

“The target is to get out of the relegation scrap and that is what everyone is focused on, its extremely importantly to all of us and the fans, we have to remain positive and are all thinking we will get out of it.

“To be honest I welcomed the signing of Lucas Neil, its put pressure on me but it also helps me to become a better player and anything that does this is a positive thing. He’s a top class players an international and Blackburn are a top club, so its presents an opportunity to learn from him, he has been around longer than me so I can learn how to be a better professional.”

Whatever the outcome of a truly poor campaign, Spector does potentially have the Copa America to look forward to in Venezuela this summer, and is looking forward to the possibility of lining up in an all Premier league defense. However he does have an eye on sorting out Argentina’s star player Tevez, before they meet in the first round, he quipped.

“I haven’t spoken to Tevez about the drew for the Copa America, but it’s a difficult draw for us, but we always want to play against the best teams and players in the world. Maybe I’ll rough him up a bit at the end of the season but right now we really need him.

“There are a number of players in the premier league that could make the defensive line for the national team, DeMerit, Onyewu, Bocanegra and Gibbs, which is obviously great for American soccer and although the league in the US isn’t as established as the league here, its been a big influence on US soccer and helped a lot players make step up over here.”

Andrew Rogers can be reached at andrewrogers@optonline.net

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(Soccer365.com) - New England coach Steve Nicol has revealed that he recently chatted briefly with Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler over a move to MLS, but warned that any move is still a ways off.

"We'd be interested in Robbie," Nicol told PA Sport. "We've spoken, but as of yet there's nothing been settled."

"It's something he's thinking about, but at the moment the first thing is the financial side."

"He's getting his ducks in a row," stated Nicol. "Whether he gets a contract at Liverpool or whether he moves on, he's dipping his foot in the water."

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(Goal.com) - Real Madrid have begun to plan their summer rebuilding programme as Ramón Calderón wants to finally remove all vestiges of Florentino Pérez's reign.

The move has been brought forward with Fabio Capello's team falling behind in the league and facing an uphill task against a confident Bayern Munich side in the Champions League.

Despite bringing in several new faces following his election win last year, Calderón now has time to remould the squad to finally end the club's barren run.

The club supremo is due to hold a series of meetings with sporting director Predrag Mijatovic and B team boss Michel to discuss who should stay and who should go.

Along with several star names from world football, the club are also keen to promote from within and buy in some of the up-and-coming players from the Spanish game.

Alexis at Getafe is one name that has been strongly linked to the club after an impressive season in the centre of the defence with Bernd Schuster's side.

Following Miguel Torres up from the B team, Real Madrid Castilla, on a permanent basis is likely to be Iván De la Red and Javi García.

There is also plenty of money in the bank and the club is continuously linked with several major stars including Cristiano Ronaldo and Cesc Fabregas.

A more realistic proposition could be Chelsea's Arjen Robben, who Calderón promised to sign during his presidential campaign, or Marseill'e Franck Ribery.

Kaká could still be on the agenda, but it is likely that the club will only buy one expensive star, while preferring to bolster the squad with lower priced players.

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(Soccer365.com) - Former ‘Nats boss Bruce Arena simply cannot believe how long it is taking U.S. Soccer to name a permanent successor, and says the federation is damaging the progress made over his reign.

The New York coach believes USSF is leaving Bob Bradley twisting as caretaker manager for too long.

"I don't even think the issue is who should be the next coach, the issue is there should be a coach," Arena told the Star Ledger. "If I was hiring the president of IBM, he would be hired already."

"It doesn't take that much time to hire a national team coach."

"The program has not moved forward as much as it should because of that, so that's what I'm critical of," explained Arena. "I invested eight years into that thing and, despite the results of the last World Cup, we had a steady climb and it has to keep going that way."

"In the history of the world, I don't think it's taken that long to hire a national team coach."

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(Goal.com) - New Fiorentina purchase Arturo Lupoli reveals he declined an extension offer from Arsenal.

Arturo Lupoli, who currently plays on loan for Derby County, signed a 5-year contract on Monday with Fiorentina and will make his return to Italy in July.

In an interview with Gazzetta Dello Sport, the 19 years old forward said The Gunners offered a new contract which he refused to accept.

“Arsenal offered me an important contract extension but I turned it down. Besides Fiorentina, there were other clubs such as Inter Milan, AC Milan, Udinese, Napoli and Valencia who were interested in signing me.”, said Lupoli.

He also specified why he chose to join the Viola: “In the end I chose Fiorentina because Florence is an alluring city. The club decided to invest in young players and has important projects in prospect.”

Arturo Lupoli was member of Parma’s youth team before he embarked on his Premier League experience in the summer of 2004. Months ago he expressed his desire to return to Italy.

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(Goal.com) - FIFA's president, Sepp Blatter, warned during meetings in London today that there were no guarantees that the 2018 World Cup would be held in Europe, so raising question-marks about England's hopes of hosting that particular tournament.

Blatter was in the English capital on Wednesday for talks with Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, and sports minister Richard Caborn.

A possible World Cup bid was thought to be on the agenda.

However, Blatter raised the prospect that the 2018 tournament could be held either in North America or Asia.

The United States of America, China and Australia have all indicated their intention to bid.

In December, Fifa's executive committee will decide whether the World Cup should continue to be rotated between different continents, or if it should be open to all bidders.

Blatter told a media briefing in London: "The executive committee must take a decision whether the rotation should include all the confederations, in which case the 2018 World Cup should be in CONCACAF (north and central America).

"They could also decide that the Americas should be considered as one and then rotation would go to Asia.

"It may also be that the majority of the Fifa executive committee where you have eight European representatives (out of 24) can find the 13 votes needed (for the World Cup to return to Europe)."

Blatter added that his own preference was for rotation to continue to North America, with the USA, Mexico and Canada all capable of hosting the tournament.

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Carson, CA (Sports Network) - It was announced Tuesday that U.S. soccer legends Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy will be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in a ceremony that will be held on August 26 in Oneonta, N.Y. It will be the first time that an all-female class will be inducted in the Player Category.

Hamm was selected on 97.16 percent of the ballots, setting a new high for votes received. Foudy was selected on 83.69 percent of the ballots. It was both players' first ballot in which they were eligible for the award. Both athletes were pivotal members of the WNT's two FIFA Women's World Cup titles and two Olympic Gold medals during their careers.

Hamm, a native of Selma, Ala., played in 275 international matches for the U.S. while scoring a world record 158 goals and a U.S. record 144 assists. Before joining the WNT she played colligately at the University of North Carolina where she won four NCAA titles while leading the nation in scoring three times. She ended her collegiate career as the Atlantic Coast Conference's all-time leading scorer in goals (103), assists (72) and points (278). She received the award as the nation’s outstanding female collegiate athlete two consecutive years and was named U.S. Soccer’s Female Athlete of the Year five consecutive years (1994-1998). She played three years in the now defunct WUSA, leading the Washington Freedom to the championship in 2003. She was also named FIFA Women’s World Player of Year twice (2001-2002).

Foudy, who captained the USA from 2000 until her retirement in 2004 is considered by many one of the greatest leaders in the history of women’s sports. She played 271 times for the USA while scoring 45 goals from the midfield, good for ninth on the all-time U.S. scoring list. A southern California native, Foudy was a four-time All-American at Stanford University. She finished her college career with 52 goals and 32 assists. Foudy also played three seasons in the WUSA for the San Diego Spirit and won the 1997 FIFA Fair Play Award for her work against child labor. She was the first woman and is currently the only American to win the award.

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(Soccer365.com) - Young Heerenveen forward Robbie Rogers has asked out of his contract to search for MLS employment.

The American was only abroad for six months, but now leaves fellow U.S. Under-20 star Michael Bradley behind at the Abe Lenstra on March 1st.

Rogers did not feature for the Eredivisie side, but scored twice for the reserve team during his stay in Holland.

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(Goal.com) - Lionel Messi has admitted that he would relish the chance to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo if FC Barcelona are successful in their quest to sign him.

The Blaugrana have been linked to the Manchester United star and have openly admitted that a massive bid is being prepared for the summer.

If the move were to materialise, Messi would be delighted as he is a big Ronaldo fan.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is an extraordinary player and it would be brilliant to be in the same team as him," the 19-year-old Barça prodigy explained in an interview with Record magazine.

"I do not know if that will happen one day, but I would like it to as he is spectacular."

While Messi is still trying to make his name in European football he already has his sights firmly set on becoming a hero in his native Argentina.

Despite not being a regular in Frank Rijkaard's team, the Santa Fe-born forward is already a very popular figure for his performances in the national team.

His potential has also won him plaudits from Diego Maradona, who has become a close friend.

"One day I would like to be adored by the people in Argentina like Maradona is," Messi explained.

In the same interview Messi was asked about his opinion of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, after the pair clashed two seasons ago when the Barça starlet was accused of diving.

"I cannot say many good things about him," Messi said succinctly.

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(Soccer365.com) - Cruzeiro prodigy Kerlon is on cloud nine after grabbing his first goal for the club in State Cup action against Ituiutaba.

“I’ve been waiting for that goal for almost two years”, explained the 18-year old midfielder.

“I’m really happy and I just hope that this is the first of many goals and I don’t have to wait as long for the next one.

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(Soccer365.com) - New England general manager Mike Burns has some money to play with after the departure of Clint Dempsey, but says the team won’t just look to spend at the first opportunity.

"We are in a unique situation because we are the first team to benefit from the new rules in place regarding the transfer of a player," he told the Boston Globe. "We would rather have someone sooner than later, but we are not going to rush to sign someone just to sign someone."

"We want to find the right guy to fill a need on the field, first and foremost," added Burns. "If that player is also appealing to the market and our fans, that is the best-case scenario for everyone."

Recent rumours have linked Liverpool forward and former Steve Nicol teammate Robbie Fowler, but the coach revealed that move was not imminent.

"Everyone wants to be paid what they think they are worth at the end of the day," he said. "We have a lot more money than we're used to, but for the Beckhams and the big names, maybe it's not enough."

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(Goal.com) - Frank Rijkaard believes that his FC Barcelona side are the underdogs in the tie against Real Zaragoza as the two teams prepare for the secnd leg of the quarter final.

The Dutchman remains confident, but knows that the Blaugrana face a tough task in La Romareda to turnaround the 1-0 deficit from the first leg.

"Zaragoza are the favourites," he said. "This will not be easy for them though.

"Historically, they have a very record in this competition where they have not only knocked us out, but also some other very big clubs.

"They are strong at the back and are always dangerous on the counter-attack. Overall they are a good team.

"But I am always optimistic.

“We are very keen and have a clear objective. To win and stop them from scoring from quick breaks."

Reflecting on the decision to leave Samuel Eto'o out of the squad, Rijkaard explained that all parties felt it would better not to push him to hard.

"He has been left out after discussion with the medical staff and the player," the coach said.

"It is a shame we cannot have him with us, but it is all related to the way his injury is developing”.

Carlos Diogo scored the only goal of the game as Zaragoza stunned Barça by winning in Camp Nou and they have eliminated the Catalan club twice in the last four seasons from the cup.

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(Soccer365.com) - With his starting keeper injured and shallow depth, Watford manager has pointed to defender Jay Demerit as one of two players being given emergency netminder duty.

The American Abroad, along with attacker Darius Henderson, will spend a few extra moments in training working between the pipes - just in case.

"Darius or Jay would go in goal, "Jay has good hand-eye co-ordination, and Darius is happy to have people running and jumping at him."

"We prepare for any eventuality," the relegation fighter announced.

"I will not send them off with the goalkeepers, but there are times when they will do 10 or 15 minutes of work."

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(Soccer365.com) - Los Angeles coach Frank Yallop has admitted that the club would be very interested should Celtic midfielder Thomas Gravesen shake loose from Parkhead this summer.

"I think he could be a superstar in MLS and I'm sure it would be a pleasure for David Beckham to play with him again," he stated to the Herald.

"If he is not satisfied at Celtic, it would be a perfect opportunity to play in MLS with our club."

The former Everton and Real Madrid man isn’t talking exit yet, but his agent admitted that options were being weighed.

"Thomas loves Glasgow and is happy with Celtic, but he doesn't know why he is out of the team at the moment," John Sivebaek told The Scottish Sun daily.

"It is a bit too early to conclude things, but of course, Thomas won't accept being a substitute forever."

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(Goal.com) - Gabriel Milito does not believe that Real Zaragoza are favourites to progress to the semi finals, despite having a quarter final lead over FC Barcelona.

The Argentinian central defender is confident that the Aragónese outfit can beat the Blaugrana, but is wary after last season.

Zaragoza lead the tie after winning 1-0 in Camp Nou in the opening game and have history on their side, having beaten Barça twice in the last four seasons in the cup.

Despite that, Milito knows what a tough task his side face on Wednesday in la Romareda.

"We are not favourites despite having a one-goal advantage," he said.

"Firstly, because it is not a great difference against a very strong opponents and, secondly, because we know from last season what can happen.

After hammering Real Madrid 6-1 in the semi final last year, Zaragoza only just won through after losing the second leg in el Bernabéu 4-0.

"Against Madrid last time we we scored a lot of goals in the first game, but then conceded a lot in the second match and had to work very hard to qualify," Milito clarified.

"It will be intense.

"The key to winning will be strong defending and to ensure that we protect the slim lad that we currently have.

"We will have to be together and make certain that the communication throughout the team is good because we cannot conceded a goal."

Samuel Eto'o could well be a central figure in Barça's bid to overturn his team's deficit and Milito is well aware of the Cameroonian striker's ability.

"He is a player with a lot of quality, possibly one of the best in Europe in his position and is a very important player for them," he concluded.

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(Soccer365.com) - Uruguay star Dario Rodriguez has announced that he will put away his La Celeste shirt after competing at this summer’s Copa América in Venezuela.

The Schalke 04 wingback, who has scored in successive World Cups for Uruguay, did add that he could return later in a technical staff role with the team.

"I have decided to end my international duty after the Copa América," he stated. "After the Copa América, I will not play for Uruguay anymore.

"Then I would like to continue my career in a Uruguayan team, but first I have to finish my contract at Schalke that expires in 2008."

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(Goal.com) - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has spoken of his relief that captain John Terry made such a swift recovery from a head injury after Sunday’s 2-1 win over Arsenal in the Carling Cup final.

Terry swallowed his tongue after accidentally being kicked in the head by Abou Diaby.

The England captain lost consciousness and was stretchered off to hospital but made a stunning recovery and joined his team-mates for the bus trip home.

Mourinho said: "John lost consciousness. That was a major problem.

"At that moment, you just want the player to be fine. Sometimes dramatic things happen. You never know when it happens to you. This season we have already had the situations with Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini and the negative thoughts come directly to your mind.

"The first point is 'is he safe, is the man fine?' His wife is here and his little babies are here, so the most important thing is that the man is safe and is fine.

"I was with the fourth official, who was in direct communication with (referee) Howard Webb. He told him what was going to happen, so I knew everything.

"The Arsenal medical department was already there because they had been treating an injury, so they were close to the situation. Everything was under control.

"I just know he was heading the ball. It would be normal for an Arsenal player to try to kick it five metres from his own goal. The defensive player has to do that.

"John risked himself and the Arsenal player was trying to protect his goal. I have no criticism about that.

"After that, the only thing we know was in that couple of minutes we were worried because he lost consciousness. Once our doctor had arrived half the problem had been solved."

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(Goal.com) - Valencia have dismissed reports linking David Villa with a move to Chelsea in the summer and stated the only way any club could talk to the player is if they meet his buy-out clause.

Reports in both Spain and England have linked the striker to a move to Stamford Bridge, but los Ché are adamant that they do want to sell.

"David is not for sale because we need him," said club president, Juan Soler. "Valencia will only accept if his release clause is met and I warn clubs that are interested in him."

Villa is also said to interest Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez, but with Chelsea said to be ready to splash the cash it cold prove to be difficult for the Reds to compete.

The former Real Zaragoza forward's buy-out clause currently stands at €126m and his contract at Mestalla runs until 2013.

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(Soccer365.com) - Blackburn netminder Brad Friedel is preparing to open his youth academy in August, a move he’s making to level the playing field for young American soccer players.

“I don't like how the youth is developed in the United States,” the American Abroad recently told the Press Enterprise. “I think it's farcical at times.”

“I think about 70-80 percent of the youth coaches are only in it to get paid, and that's across America - there are far too many politics involved."

"We tried to get involved to see if we could formulate a youth academy as they're run in the rest of the world, where it would be free of charge for the kids,” asserted Friedel of his Ohio-based soccer school. "These kids that stay with us year-round will be elite players."

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(Soccer365.com) - Aston Villa attacker Patrick Berger has revealed that a move to MLS at the end of his contract is an option on the table.

“There is a possibility of me going to America,” said the former Czech Republic and Liverpool star. “I know there is an interest, but I can't say anything at the moment because nothing is finalized.”

“I'm prepared to help Villa finish as high as we can in the table, I will then see what the manager has on the table at the end of the season,” added Berger.

“Then I will sit down with the family and do what's best for them and make my decision.”

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(Goal.com) - The Chelsea boss scoffed at claims that the Carling Cup could be his last trophy as a Chelsea coach.

There have been reports that Mourinho himself could walk away from Chelsea in the summer over the lack of support from the board.

However, the Portuguese ruled that possibility out in response to suggestions that the Carling Cup could be his last trophy with the Blues.

"The last? Why?" he asked in response.

"Do you want to believe what you read, or what I tell you?

"I tell you there are only two ways for me to leave Chelsea. One way is in June, 2010, when I finish my contract.

"If the club doesn't give me a new one, it's the end of my contract and I'm out.

"The second way is for Chelsea to sack me.

"There is not a third way - the manager decides to leave and walk away. No chance - I'd never do this to the Chelsea supporters."

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(Soccer365.com) - Toronto FC coach Mo Johnston says U.S. international Conor Casey will join the club as soon as all league paperwork is completed.

The forward arrives to MLS after canceling the remainder of his Mainz 05 contract in Germany.

"He's ours," he told the Toronto Sun. "There's no doubt about that, we just have to be patient."

"Will he get better? Definitely - I expect a lot of goals from him."

"He'll get the opportunity to be a much better player," said Johnston. "But he must come to camp in the right frame of mind."

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(Goal.com) - Ryan Giggs has revealed that the referee gave him the green light to take the controversial quick free-kick that gave Manchester United victory at Lille in midweek.

There was uproar after the Welshman struck the ball while the French tema were still preparing the wall and won the match for the Red Devils.

Lille reportedly threatened to walk off and the barbs have been going backwards and forwards ever since with both sides claiming that they were in the right.

Now Giggs has explained that Dutch referee, Eric Braamhaar, asked him if he wanted to wait or kick the ball quickly.

"The ref came over and said do you want the whistle, and I said no, I will take a quick one," Giggs told the the Manchester Evening News.

"So I said to Wayne, put the ball down, and that was it. I was pleased to see it go in, if it had not I probably would have had a few words off the boss.

"Obviously I was pleased with the result, it was a somewhat contentious goal, but I'm obviously pleased with the points.

"But the last time I scored a goal like that, no one thought about walking off the pitch.

"I was just amazed by what was happening around us, we did not know what was going on, but that's the French I suppose."

Lille launched an official complaint to UEFA over the goal, but have little hope of having the result annulled.

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(Soccer365.com) - New York boss Bruce Arena has revealed that the team will be bringing a third offseason signing on board in the next several days.

"We'll be announcing a new signing either this week or next week," he told the Herald News.

Speculation has centered on Ecuador striker Augustin Delgado, but Liverpool outcast Robbie Fowler – a former Manchester City teammate of new arrival Claudio Reyna – has seen his name enter the conversation.

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(Goal.com) - Former Bayern Munich skipper Stefan Effenberg is impressed with Michael Ballack admitting that he must improve his Chelsea form.

Ballack has failed to make his mark in the Premiership since his summer move.

Michael Essien, Claude Makelele and Frank Lampard have all outdone the former Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich man, and he has been honest to admit he has not done well enough.

"I'm still not dominant and noticeable enough and I am still not scoring enough goals," he had told Premiere.
"It takes a while to settle into a team. Now half a year has passed, and things have worked out reasonably well.

"But I hope that things will work a lot better in the future."

Former Bayern Munich skipper Stefen Effenberg, whole career with the Bavarian giants ended as a result of Ballack's arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, has been impressed with what he has heard.

"I take my hat off to him after these comments," Effenberg told Bild.

"He is very self-critical, and that is the first step to improvement.

"His presence on the pitch has been lacking until now, and also a little luck in finishing."

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(Soccer365.com) - River Plate boss Daniel Passarella has outlined his personal aim for the season: win both the league title and the Copa Libertadores crown.

"I think the fans would like for us to win the Libertadores," he told Goal, "but my objective is to win them both."

The coach, however, did make it clear this was no bold prediction – just a goal.

"We’re not the only team that can win (the league)," noted Passarella. "There are several candidates like Boca, Velez, Estudiantes, Racing and Independient - there is even San Lorenzo."

"We’ve never gone around proclaiming to be favorites," he concluded. "We have a good shot at it, but we’re up against tough teams."

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(Soccer365.com) - Chicago coach Dave Sarachan has revealed that the door is not closed for longtime netminder Zach Thornton.

The Beast was, apart from a cup of coffee with Portuguese giants Benfica, an eight-year starter with the Fire until he ran out of contract at the end of last season.

The team now have Matt Pickens entrenched as the starter, but haven’t decided on a back-up from three candidates.

"I honestly believe he's still capable of being a first-line keeper," Sarachan told the Chicago Tribune. "I don't like seeing him not have a team."

"This has been a hard process, and even harder for him not working."

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Posted by soccer365 at 05:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - West Ham manager Alan Curbishley admits he has found the challenge of taking over at Upton Park more difficult than he thought.

The former Charlton boss was appointed by Eggert Magnusson and the board in December but after beating Manchester United in his first game, the club has not won a Premiership match since.

"It was like going on a blind date when I first met him (Magnusson) as I had never spoken to him before," Curbishley told Football Night on Five. "I don't think any of us envisioned that the relationship was going to be tested so soon. When you've won one game in ten (league matches(, there's no hiding place. There's no hiding place for me, the players and the chairman. I have had a whirlwind eight weeks, but the chairman has had a whirlwind ten weeks.

He added: "I've not really had enough time to impose myself on the squad because the team's changed every week. I found myself picking the team Friday mornings because of injuries and the lack of form."

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(Soccer365.com) - Toronto FC rookie sensation Maurice Edu will be sidelined until next month due to a protracted recovery from a stress fracture suffered in November.

The #1 MLS SuperDraft pick was expected to be back this week, but now looks set to return in mid-March.

Despite the time loss in preseason, coach Mo Johnston isn’t overly concerned about Edu.

"Even if he was out until the middle of the summer, he'd be a great addition to our team," he told the Toronto Star. "He'll be a hell of a pro."

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Posted by soccer365 at 05:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Rafa Márquez believes that FC Barcelona should be confident ahead of their two crucial cup in the next fortnight as they look to recover in both the Champions League and the Copa Del Rey.

Next week, the Blaugrana travel to La Romareda for the second leg of the Copa Del Rey quarter final against Real Zaragoza and then seven days later they take on Liverpool at Anfield.

In both ties Frank Rijkaard's team are losing at the halfway stage, but Márquez does not expect Barça to suffer from nerves and believes that the club's fans should remain positive.

"This is a team that does not hide," he said.

"People must have confidence in us like last season when we played Chelsea and they were expecting us not to win and go out.

"The squad has always been confident, so nothing is impossible, even if it is difficult now.

"We are lacking the depth that we had before and our opponents are marking Ronaldinho more tightly and looking to provoke fouls.

"We have tried to come up with moves and playing in different positions.

"There are not many things that need improving and people should not forget how well we did last season.

"The players have to believe that we can return the level we were at, because we have the quality. The mental side needs work though."

Márquez also believes that FC Barcelona are missing a slice of luck stating: "It is something that every team needs, but against Liverpool they had three or four dangerous moves and scored twice."

With 90 minutes to go in both cup competitions, the Mexican international is not ready to consider defeat in either tie.

"Now is not the time to regret anything, we just have to bounce back in both the Champions League and the Copa Del Rey," he concluded.

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

(Goal.com) - The Rossoneri's strategy for the future seems clear: Buffon is too expensive...

With four keepers currently on the roster (Dida, Kalac, Storari, Fiori, although the hierarchy was never quite clear), but none of them sure of still being at the club next season, Milan are looking for new solutions for the goalkeeping position. The club are seriously thinking about calling back Abbiati who was loaned out to Torino last summer. As they await Torino president Cairo's decision, Milan have already made it clear to Abbiati they would gladly have him back.

The goalkeeper, on his part, has already shown a certain approval for a move back to San Siro. He would also be willing to compete with other goalkeepers for the number one position. However it seems that Dida and Kalac are preparing to depart from the club. Storari would not have any problems to remain second choice. By opting for Abbiati Milan would avoid the more costly and difficult operation of bringing Buffon to the club. The 30-35 million euros necessary to get the keeper would then be utilized to try and buy Ronaldinho.

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Porto, Portugal (Sports Network) - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho left his old stomping grounds on Wednesday with a 1-1 draw in the first leg of his club's Round of 16 clash with FC Porto.

Mourinho, who guided Porto to the 2004 Champions League title, returned to Portugal for the second time with his new club, and left the Estadio do Dragao in good shape for the return leg on March 6 at Stamford Bridge.

Raul Meireles put Porto on the board after 12 minutes, but his opener was erased by Andriy Shevchenko four minutes later, and the two teams played to a stalemate over the final 70 minutes.

The opening 20 minutes of the match produced much in the way of action, including a pair of goals and a key injury.

Early in the contest Chelsea defender, and team captain, John Terry was forced to leave the game after picking up an injury when his feet got tangled up with Porto's Lisandro Lopez. It was a tough break for the England international, who is just returning from back and calf injuries and is the glue that keeps the Blues back line together.

With Terry sitting on sideline and Chelsea waiting to bring in his replacement, Porto took advantage to move ahead in the 12th minute. Helder Postiga worked his way down the left wing and tried to cross the ball into the middle. However, his cross was blocked by Claude Makelele, who headed the ball out of the penalty area. Meireles was waiting for it 25-yards from goal and volleyed a shot that was headed for the net. The ball took a slight deflection off of Chelsea's Frank Lampard and snuck inside the far post for a 1-0 Porto lead.

Despite the tough break, Chelsea responded well with a goal of its own four minutes later. Arjen Robben, who came on when Terry left the game, made an immediate impact, collecting the ball 30-yards from the net moving into the box. The Dutchman then dropped the ball off to Shevchenko, and the much-maligned striker drove a low shot towards the far post that settled into the lower corner, beating Porto keeper Helton to level the match.

Porto then nearly went back on top in the 20th, but keeper Petr Cech kept the game even. Postiga tried to feed a pass into the box for Lopez, but his pass was deflected. The ball took a fortunate bounce for Porto and ended up on the foot of Lopez, who turned and fired a shot on net. Cech closed out on Lopez quickly, though, and deflected the shot wide.

In the 39th minute, Porto was just inches away from the lead, but was denied by the cross bar. Meireles worked the ball down the left flank and slid a pass to Ricardo Quaresma. The midfielder then sent a dipping shot towards the far post that gave Cech no chance to stop it. The keeper was relieved, however, when the ball slammed off the bar and stayed out.

The second half was played at a measured pace, with Chelsea content to control the ball and mount a counter-attack from time to time. Porto were the more aggressive club, knowing that a draw would favor the Blues in the return leg.

Neither side was able to generate any good chances 30 minutes after the restart, but Chelsea produced a number of long-range efforts to test Helton, and nearly found the net.

In the 77th minute, Shevchenko worked some room for himself 20-yards from goal and held off a defender before firing over the top. Just one minute later, the Blues produced more action inside the box. Didier Drogba was played wide to the left of the goal by Lampard, and the Ivory Coast international drove a hard shot past Helton from close range. However, Drogba was left with a tough angle and his shot caromed off the outside of the post and over the end line.

Porto had the better of the play over the last part of the match, but the Chelsea defense held them off and the Blues will take the 1-1 result back to Stamford Bridge.

In Wednesday's other Champions League action, Liverpool handed defending champions Barcelona a 2-1 defeat at Estadio Camp Nou. Deco put the hosts on top 14 minutes in but Craig Bellamy leveled the match before halftime, and John Arne Riise netted the game-winner in the 74th. In an entertaining contest at the San Siro, Inter Milan and Valencia finished in a 2-2 deadlock. Esteban Cambiasso gave Inter a 1-0 halftime lead, but David Villa pulled the visitors even in the 64th. After Sisenando Maicon gave Inter the lead once more, David Silva equalized four minutes from time to give Valencia a great chance to knock off the favored Italian side in the return leg. Wednesday's other contest saw Lyon and Roma play to a 0-0 draw, leaving their matchup very much on the table when the two teams play the second leg in France.

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

(Soccer365.com) - Phoenix Suns superstar Steve Nash has gone on record with his desire to take part in any possible Tottenham takeover.

The Canadian’s brother plays USL soccer, and the two-time defending NBA MVP says he wants to take his involvement past that of a fan.

"If someone were to come in to buy Spurs, I would like to be involved," Nash told the Daily Star. "I suppose you would be talking about a consortium situation."

"As a fan, it appears to me that Spurs are quite profitable and Premiership football teams are obviously becoming a popular investment for businessmen from all over the world."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

(Goal.com) - The Milan vice-President was partially disappointed with the result against Celtic, even though the Rossoneri still remain as favourites to go through to the next round.

Adriano Galliani gave his thumbs up for the Rossoneri's performance on Tuesday night, even though he believes that his team deserved more than a goalless draw due to the good scoring opportunities created by Milan.

"We would have deserved to score; we had the best and clearest chances.

"It's a good result, but it forces us to win in the second leg.

"I saw many positive notes: Kalac was good, I liked a lot Gourcuff, same thing for Jankulovksi.

"For the defence, Siena was just an episode.

“I spoke with the President Berlusconi, who was satisfied with the match.

"We hope that from now till the second leg, San Siro will be open also for the paying spectators."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel has apologised for his rude gesture after scoring a late goal against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Tuesday evening.

Real triumphed 3-2 in the Champions League second phase first-leg match but van Bommel’s late away goal ensures there is all to play for.

The Dutchman said his over-zealous celebration was triggered by previous run-ins with Real players.

"I want to apologise to the Real supporters, I have got nothing against them, only against some of the players," he said.

Van Bommel spent the 2005/06 season at Real’s deadly rivals Barcelona before moving to Bayern in the summer.

Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas was unhappy with his actions.

"You can do whatever you want in the dressing room, but you have to know how to behave on the pitch," he said.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Soccer365.com) - According to the Daily Mirror, New England boss Steve Nicol could make a move for Liverpool outcast Robbie Fowler.

The former England star has seen his playing time sharply decline with the arrival of Craig Bellamy and Drik Kuyt.

Nicol was a teammate of Fowler’s in the early 90’s, during the striker’s first stint at Anfield.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - University of Portland adventurer Matthew Dallman has completed an initial one-week tryout with Premiership side Bolton.

The 21-year-old will now move on to other trials, but could return for another Bolton look.

"I'm very excited to have had a shot with Bolton," Dallman told British daily News of the World.

"But if I don't sign, I have a trial with Bayern Munich and I am in contact with several other clubs."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - New England sport director Mike Burns has revea