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Aquilani targets Juventus move


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Updated Feb 24, 2011 11:26 AM ET
Alberto Aquilani will look to make a permanent move to Juventus in the summer after his loan from Liverpool, according to the player's agent.
Juventus boss Giuseppe Marotta admitted recently that he fully expects to seal a permanent deal for the 26-year-old midfielder in the summer.
Aquilani endured a difficult spell at Liverpool following his big-money move from Roma in 2009, with the club eventually agreeing to a season-long loan with the Turin giants in the summer.
Juve have the option to buy the playmaker; an option Aquilani's agent Franco Zavaglia believes will be utilised.
"Juventus and Liverpool have established an agreement for the player," Zavaglia told Radio-Mercato.
"The Bianconeri's leadership is absolutely determined to retain the player at the end of the season and they have repeated it several times.
"Everything that has been said recently about Aquilani is just assumptions. Liverpool will not discount the player and he will only be sold on the pre-determined basis.
"If Juventus will not retain him, he returns to Liverpool even if the player wants to play in Italy, but I don't think in Italy there is another club other than Juventus which can take him."



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  • Report Abuse acmilanrox99
    • 2/25/2011 2:38:39 PM
    No comparison between Del Piero and Gerrard? They're not at all similar players, no, but they're both legends of the same level.
  • Report Abuse Foritsagrandoldteamtoplayfor
    • 2/25/2011 11:36:39 AM
    No comparison between DelPiero and Gerrard...DelPiero has nor will he ever tackle...Nevermind run..
  • Report Abuse Foritsagrandoldteamtoplayfor
    • 2/25/2011 11:31:51 AM
    LFC has won 5(five or cinque) and 3( towlol...my italian is not good enough) uefa cups there isn't enough room on LFC's jersey for those stars...Fair he was hurt at first but proved he couldn't cope with the pace. He likes to dwell on the ball(that might be why he was injured so often)..He has time to do that in Turin...I won't be sad to see the back of him...Great point PowderScouser..Spot on
  • Report Abuse Arsenal_til_I_die
    • 2/25/2011 1:22:30 AM
    Love that last line: shouldn't it be "...but I don't think in Italy there is another club other than Juventus which would want him." ??
  • Report Abuse Arsenal_til_I_die
    • 2/25/2011 1:21:14 AM
    Hey Juvenile in Odicuore: I will say that Series A is better than LaLiga, but the fact is the PL has the biggest audience across the GLOBE - you know, the one you live on that includes a free trip around the sun? No football league has a bigger audience in more countries: that should tell you something. Don't blame anyone else posting here if it doesn't.
  • Report Abuse PowderScouser
    • 2/24/2011 11:48:47 PM
    Ahh, the voice from Moggiopoli. One star for each team relegated?
    Live up to the contract. You like the guy so much? Take the Aquapuss and pay up.

  • Report Abuse ynwa_in_la
    • 2/24/2011 11:13:49 PM
    yeah whatever dude, you Juve guys need to relax.

    It was a long term solution that fell apart because of a lot of reasons. Maybe he didn't want to play Roy ball.

    But the team site says 11M or no go. If he stays at Juve, you guys are gonna have to cough up more than 6M. As an Italian "National" team player, I think he should be slightly offended by that low ball bs.

    And if he wants out, the new boys showed they could sell with the right price, but lets be serious.

    Cheers guys Pink, PS 99

  • Report Abuse juventinodicuore
    • 2/24/2011 8:28:22 PM
    your stupid premier league could be better and tougher but guess what we italians have 4 stars in our chest..when was the last time or only one haha u guys had??? and now...whos better than who???
  • Report Abuse acmilanrox99
    • 2/24/2011 5:45:47 PM
    Aquilani barely got a go in England.
  • Report Abuse PowderScouser
    • 2/24/2011 5:20:55 PM
    It's not any money lost to NESV. The old owners bought AA payed for with borrowed money from the banks. So NESV got him as part of the package and selling him is now income.
    You can debate his ability as in Italy and Europe all day. In the EPL he proved to be a lightweight, easily pushed around and injured with 2 total goals against bottom feeder clubs. The guy just didn't work out and he's better off in Italy where players prefer kissing to tackling and the toughest guy around is a wank named Gatuso.

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Del Piero looking for consistency


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Updated Feb 25, 2011 10:36 AM ET
Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero admits his side desperately need to find consistency if the Bianconeri are to secure European qualification this season.
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The Turin giants lost 2-0 at Lecce last Sunday to fall out of the Europa League places, and they face a crucial clash with Bologna on Saturday.
Consistency has been Juve's main problem this campaign.
Having lost at Udinese and Palermo, Juve bounced back with victories at Cagliari and against Inter Milan.
However, their hopes of clinching a third straight victory for the first time this season were tarnished at the Via del Mare stadium last weekend.
"It's useless to underline how important the game against Bologna is for us," Del Piero said. "Especially, in view of last weekend's defeat at Lecce.
"Our focus is completely placed on returning to victory and finding consistency.
"We have been thinking of this game since 16:48 of last Sunday."
The Turin giants are seventh in Serie A, seven points behind Lazio who hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.
Juventus coach Luigi Del Neri will not be able to call on Gianluigi Buffon, with the goalkeeper serving a one-match ban on Saturday.
Marco Storari will replace Buffon in goal while Alessandro Matri is expected to partner Luca Toni in attack.
Bologna travel to Turin in 12th position in the standings, nine points clear of the drop zone.
The Rossoblu lost 1-0 to Roma on Wednesday to concede their first defeat at the Renato Dall' Ara stadium this year.
Bologna coach Alberto Malesani has urged his players to put that setback behind them and concentrate on taking a positive result this weekend.
"We need to forget about this defeat and concentrate on our next game which will be another test for us," Malesani said.
"Juve will be looking to make amends in front of their home fans and we will have to be at our very best if we are to surprise them."
The visitors will be bolstered by the return of Evangelos Moras, Daniele Portanova, Diego Perez and Henry Gimenez from suspension.



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  • Report Abuse juvieman
    • 2/25/2011 5:59:38 PM
    After beating Inter we loose to Lecce. It doesn't get any more inconsistent than that. It wasn't that we lost the game, but Lecce dominated us.

    Don't get me started on Diego. BTW, how are things working out at Wolfsburg?

  • Report Abuse Delpiero_ALA_Rooney10
    • 2/25/2011 5:44:46 PM
    Well Diego is **** honestly. Del Piero at his currnet state is better than him
  • Report Abuse BRAZZ
    • 2/25/2011 2:29:50 PM
    I never understood letting Diego go. Despite the below par season he had last year I don't understand why Juve didn't give him aniother year before pulling the plug. Seems like another season with no CL football is coming up, who would have thought they would see Juve out of Champions League Football so many times in the past 5 years.
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Napoli without Lavezzi for AC Milan clash


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Updated Feb 24, 2011 8:48 AM ET
Napoli will have to overcome the loss of Ezequiel Lavezzi for Monday's match at AC Milan in which a win would draw the team level with the Serie A leaders.
Lavezzi is one game into a three-match ban for spitting at Roma defender Aleandro Rosi. The Argentine has been a mainstay of Walter Mazzarri's team this season, alongside Uruguay forward Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik in attack.
Lavezzi's partnership with Cavani, in particular, has been crucial to Napoli's unexpected return to near the top of the standings. Milan leads by three points from Napoli, with Inter Milan a further two points back and Lazio seven off the pace with 12 rounds remaining.

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"There is nothing we can do," Mazzarri said. "Lavezzi is one of our key figures and he has been taken away from us.
"To be penalized when we are at our most crucial stage of the season leaves a bitter taste and we don't have a natural replacement for Pocho (Lavezzi), but we have to live with that. Napoli honors football and we will demonstrate our growth yet again."
Napoli has been keeping pace with Milan since the start of 2011 and has been steadily improving ahead of the meeting at the San Siro. Two weeks ago, Cavani scored twice in the 2-0 win away to Roma at Olympic Stadium. A week ago, Juan Zuniga scored in a 1-0 victory against Catania.
"We overcame another test of our maturity," Mazzarri said. "I had a great response from everyone and this means that I can truly count on all my men."
While Napoli was playing Villarreal in the last 32 of the Europa League later Thursday, Milan has had a low-key week and will have had more than a week's rest since beating Chievo Verona by kickoff time.
Italy defender Gianluca Zambrotta is the latest player to return to training, although Andrea Pirlo and Massimo Ambrosini are both unfit.
"It will be a challenging match," Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati said. "Napoli is having a great championship and its results speak for themselves.
"Cavani is one a number of excellent attacking players that Napoli has and all of them can cause us problems."
Inter, the defending champion, lost 1-0 at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday. In the league, though, Leonardo's side has looked impressive and new signings Giampaolo Pazzini, Yuto Nagatomo and Houssine Kharja have helped the team close the gap on Milan.
"It is still an open championship race," midfielder Dejan Stankovic said. "It is isn't over yet because we still believe in what we can do.
"It is normal to be tired at this stage of the season after playing every three days in January and February. We have to put these wins behind us because there is always another game coming up a few days later."
Inter is away to Sampdoria on Sunday, and Nagatomo is likely to return to the starting lineup after he made way for Cristian Chivu for the match with Bayern.
"I think that Nagatomo has progressed in every game he has played," Leonardo said. "He is a good alternative for us."
Lazio needs a win at Cagliari to keep ahead of the improving Udinese in the fourth and final Champions League place.
Brazilian playmaker Hernanes continues to be Lazio's inspiration. He has scored seven times so far this season, including two goals in the past three games.
"This player can influence the whole team," Lazio coach Edy Reja said. "He has great skills and isn't just a great midfielder, but is able to finish well. He makes goals and finishes."
Also, it is: Juventus vs. Bologna; Catania vs. Genoa; Bari vs. Fiorentina; Brescia vs. Lecce; Cesena vs. Chievo Verona; Palermo vs. Udinese and Roma vs. Parma.



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  • Report Abuse acmilanrox99
    • 2/25/2011 8:49:32 AM
    JC_YNWA; Sorry, I didn't notice how unclear I was being about my statement haha. That goal was probably a mistake because he was going down for the header and his leg probably just popped up when he was diving. The BALL hit his leg.

    But what I meant is that even though the goal was probably scored by accident, that just shows how good he really is at scoring.

  • Report Abuse PMaldini333
    • 2/25/2011 8:31:01 AM
    Milan winning Europe is out of the question this year. As JC points out below, Milan have a couple of key players who are ineligible this year, and let's not forget the injury to Inzaghi. Say what you want about him but the man DOES know how to score ESPECIALLY in CL matches. Let's focus on the Scudetto this year, and then we'll conquer Europe next year!!
  • Report Abuse JC_YNWA
    • 2/25/2011 6:35:33 AM
    Milan definitely beefed up their squad in the January transfer window. They also have a few key players from the first half of the season back from injury. But, the new recruits where mostly cup tied and that fields a weaker team during the CL games. I don't expect Milan to get past the spurs. Miracles do happen though!
  • Report Abuse JC_YNWA
    • 2/25/2011 6:30:29 AM
    Rox, your statement is a loaded oxymoron. It clearly can't be a mistake, not intending to do what he did, if it was natural instinct. instinct means he had full intent to do what he did. Was it luck, probably, but surely not a mistake.

    Edson Cavani is the standout for me in this years Serie A. He has that killer poacher instinct. Just bury it in the back of the net, doesn't need to be pretty or flamboyant, just do the job and magic will be made.

  • Report Abuse marcbarca
    • 2/24/2011 6:49:55 PM
    I've never been more pasionate about wanting this match to end in a draw...
  • Report Abuse juvieman
    • 2/24/2011 6:32:06 PM
    I think I'm pulling for Napoli to win this match for one reason only. Watching Robinho bring the ball down with his arm and then celebrate the goal and if it was the greatest of his career left me with a sick feeling in my gut. I understand it's not his fault the ref missed the call. It's just the principle of it all. I still think that Milan will win the title, but Napoil is the underdog in this race and since Juve fell apart a few weeks back (when Cavani score that wonder goal), I think I'll pull for the little guy.
  • Report Abuse acmilanrox99
    • 2/24/2011 2:10:32 PM
    Yes, good goal. But like I said, it was probably a mistake! But it still shows his natural instinct.
  • Report Abuse milanfan21
    • 2/24/2011 12:56:31 PM
    www.youtube
    .com/watch?v=87gGX9J3dRs

  • Report Abuse milanfan21
    • 2/24/2011 12:55:07 PM
    that is the one -- it was his third goal and one angle shows it was a scorpion -- or it appers to be.
  • Report Abuse acmilanrox99
    • 2/24/2011 11:49:18 AM
    milanfan 21, against Juve? It was a heck of a goal but it was probably by accident, too good to be purposefully done. Still, he finishes anything.

    turiddhu, agreed. We gotta slow down the pace.

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Roma beats Bologna 1-0 in first game under Montella


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Updated Feb 23, 2011 3:13 PM ET
Roma gave Vincenzo Montella a winning start as coach, beating Bologna 1-0 from Daniele De Rossi's goal in the Serie A on Wednesday.
Montella, a former Roma and Italy striker, took over from Claudio Ranieri on Monday. Ranieri resigned on Sunday after the capital club had slumped to four consecutive losses.

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De Rossi scored just before halftime after Mirko Vucinic had taken advantage of poor defending.
The game was the continuation of the match that was called off due to heavy snow on Jan. 30, and so began at the point it finished with a Bologna corner in the 16th minute.
"The defense was exceptional and Vucinic did a massive amount of work," Montella said. "I have a group of guys who want to work."
Roma midfielder Fabio Simplicio had the first chance early on. De Rossi picked him out with a through ball behind the defense, but goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano beat his shot away.
Bologna then went close on two occasions. Goalkeeper Doni stopped Riccardo Meggiorini's low volley and Nicolas Burdisso blocked a shot from Gaston Ramirez after John Arne Riise had knocked the ball into his path.
Roma took the lead when Bologna defender Federico Casarini dithered on a ball that was played over the defense, allowing Vucinic to dispossess him. The Montenegrin pulled the ball back for De Rossi, who fired a shot that deflected off Nicolo Cherubin to beat Viviano at the near post.
In the second half, both sides struggled to find a way through packed defenses. Roma midfielder Matteo Brighi had a late chance to wrap the match up, but Viviano came off his line to smother his shot and clear the danger.
"We have found our fighting spirit again after perhaps losing it in the last few games," De Rossi said. "Today there was a fighting spirit that we may have lost in other circumstances, but we have to try and keep hold of it from now on."


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  • Report Abuse turiddhu
    • 2/23/2011 3:43:30 PM
    the goal came off a derossi shot which was deflected off a bologna defender, otherwise this game had 0-0 written all over it.good idea from montella to keep totti on the bench,then when he came in in the last 20 minutes and stretching on the sidelines he looked like a 90 year old man getting out of bed.
  • Report Abuse ScribbleyDoibus
    • 2/23/2011 2:11:41 PM
    those new away kits are really weird but i like. and "flying" start hahaha good one fox
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It's all in the mind for Montella


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Updated Feb 22, 2011 9:39 AM ET
Roma's new coach Vincenzo Montella has revealed he will focus on the psychological rather than technical and tactical status of the team.
The Eternal City giants have appointed their former striker Montella to replace Claudio Ranieri, who resigned following Sunday's 4-3 defeat at Genoa.
The outcome marked Roma's third consecutive league defeat and left the club in eighth place, nine points behind fourth-placed Lazio.

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"I think the team's main problem is above all a mental block," said Montella, who was unveiled to the media on Tuesday. "The players are sensitive and they are carrying inside them this big weight.
"They need to free themselves from this burden and this is the first step we need to take so that they can play at their true potential."
Under Ranieri, Roma finished second last season in Serie A .
They made a solid start this term and remain alive in the Coppa Italia and the Champions League.
Roma have suffered a dip in form off late and their last win dates back to January 22 when they hammered Cagliari 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Their poor run since then has distanced the Giallorossi away from their aim of a top-four finish this season.
"I have spoken to Ranieri," added Montella. "He has given me some advice and I respect him as coach.
"I have accepted this role with enthusiasm and I have the great fortune to coach Roma and to train great players.
"This is not a good time but I am counting on the players' will to bounce back.
"I will talk to some of them.
"But we are all professional and all the players have to accept my team selections with calmness and professionalism."
Montella, who at 36 has become the youngest coach in Serie A this season, does not think his lack of experience will be a disadvantage.
"This was not my idea but I have accepted this role with calmness," he said. "My aim is to do well until the end of the season, when my contract expires.
"I will bring out my best to help the team but the future does not interest me.
"I'm just concentrating on the task at hand."
Roma travel to Bologna on Wednesday before hosting Parma this weekend.



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  • Report Abuse turiddhu
    • 2/22/2011 10:40:36 PM
    totti needs to retire period. you just can't cut it on just kicking corner kicks and foul shots and be a dead weight on the shoulders of your teammates the rest of the time.besides the playing i think the mentality of the team is just not right with him in there. unless he goes the airplane is in for a rocky flight.
  • Report Abuse Don86
    • 2/22/2011 5:35:23 PM
    Your in part right Materazzi, most of all they have alot of nobodies on this team, useless dead weight. They need many players, to begin with a GK, LB, RB, another star MF and ST. We need to secure a CL spot and the new owners will invest. Montella being hired is just to keep the locker room peaceful and friendly. Ancelotti is coming in the summer.
  • Report Abuse materazzi
    • 2/22/2011 4:00:25 PM
    Roma needs to get rid of Totti if they ever wanna become true CL contenders
  • Report Abuse BirthFootballDeath
    • 2/22/2011 3:50:49 PM
    Oh come on...Montella a huge success? You all must lay off that pipe. Terrible choice for a coach. I dont care who you are, if you recently hung up your boots and are now heading for coaching, you got some major work to do. And you better know what you are doing. I would be very surprised to see Montella around as the manager any longer than a year
  • Report Abuse halnone
    • 2/22/2011 11:55:33 AM
    I have a feeling Montella will be a huge success at Roma. The fans already love him because he played there for 10 years.
  • Report Abuse marcbarca
    • 2/22/2011 10:51:49 AM
    I wonder how much Totti had to do with Montella's hiring? Totti looms very large in this squad. If Totti deserved to be sitting on the bench in favor of younger players, would Montella have the gonads to pull off such a move? Hard to tell.

    One thing Montella can do is instill fighting spirit into these players. That was sorely lacking in their last few matches. In the last France match Menez and Mexes played brilliantly. They should be able to reproduce that form for Roma if they are hungry enough.

  • Report Abuse RedDevilz
    • 2/22/2011 10:38:08 AM
    Pep would never cave in to POT.
  • Report Abuse forza_milan
    • 2/22/2011 10:10:31 AM
    This could be a good move. Italy as a whole needs to get out from under the old guard. If he does not cave in to the pressure of Totti he may do just fine.
  • Report Abuse RedDevilz
    • 2/22/2011 9:54:49 AM
    They need to hire pep guardiola. He is the only one that can take them to CL/League glory.
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Bale on track for Milan clash


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Updated Feb 24, 2011 7:15 PM ET
24/02/2011 18:14 +0100

Redknapp had to do without the Welsh star for last week's first leg at the San Siro due to a back injury but the 21-year-old wide-man is now back in training. Spurs do not have a Premier League game this weekend so Redknapp has taken the opportunity to take his squad to Dubai for some warm-weather training. Tottenham visit Wolves next weekend before facing Milan on March 9 and Redknapp believes Bale may be ready in time. "We're hopeful," he said. "He's back training and we'll look at him tomorrow (Friday). "He's starting to run and do some work with the fitness coaches, so he could be available. We need him, he's a big player for us. "It's not a holiday, we're going to train and work hard," Redknapp added. Sunshine "We've got a few injured players and we've brought them all along, and hopefully a bit of sun of Gareth Bale's back, and a few of the others, might do them good." Despite Bale's absence, Spurs still managed to pull off a thoroughly-deserved 1-0 win in Milan to continue a memorable European campaign. It began with a woeful start in their qualifier against Young Boys before they recovered to win 6-3 on aggregate. They then topped a group featuring Inter Milan, beating the holders and setting all sorts of scoring records along the way. Spurs are now on the brink of the quarter-finals but Redknapp warned the job is not done yet. "We went to Young Boys first game, were 3-0 down after 20 minutes and I thought 'well, this is the end of our European campaign'," he said. "But we came out of that one then won the group and now we've got a chance to reach the last eight. "But it's still not over this tie. They'll be coming to White Hart Lane and they've got forwards that can hurt you so it's still going to be dangerous. "We've just got to keep going. I think everyone just wanted to avoid Barcelona really, but then Arsenal are in a good position and could go there and turn them over. It's not impossible, it's all to play for. "I watched Bayern Munich last night get a good result at Inter Milan (1-0) so you'd have to say the two favourites are Barcelona and Real Madrid." It is all a far cry from when Redknapp stepped into the Spurs hotseat following the sacking of Juande Ramos in October 2008, with the team bottom of the Premier League. "It's been unbelievable, from where we were when we started out to where we are now," said Redknapp. "We've been lucky, it's been upwards all the way. "But you never know in this game, you can have a great run then a couple of defeats and suddenly it all turns."
 
Crocked Adam to see specialist


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Updated Feb 25, 2011 11:32 AM ET
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has revealed Charlie Adam will see a specialist over a mystery abdominal injury.
Seasiders captain Adam is suffering abdominal problems after matches and the club are keen to get to the bottom of the injury.
Sat., Feb. 26
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Everton vs. Sunderland
Newcastle vs. Bolton
Wigan vs. Man Utd
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Sun., Feb. 27
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Stoke City vs. West Brom
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Adam is facing a two-match suspension following his 10th booking of the season against Tottenham in midweek and Holloway has decided to send him to a medical expert to try and resolve the problem.
"Charlie went to see a specialist about something that's happening to him," said Holloway.
"We want to sort it out."
Holloway also praised James Beattie after helping Blackpool to beat Tottenham in midweek, despite the death of his father a week ago.
"He lost his dad last week and still played in the reserves on Monday," added Holloway.
"You wouldn't have known he has lost his dad. It's happened to me, so I know how hard it is. So to do what he did was total professionalism."
Beattie, who is currently on loan at Bloomfield Road from Rangers, has impressed since joining and Holloway believes he is proving to be a key member of his squad.
"He has done so much in his career and we are lucky to have him," continued Holloway. "He has so much strength of mind and aggression. The other night I felt sorry for Michael Dawson when Beattie went up for a header.
"You can make runs off the back of him, knowing he will get the ball to you."



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  • Report Abuse Arsenal_til_I_die
    • 2/25/2011 7:05:25 PM
    Could have upped the GD!
  • Report Abuse Arsenal_til_I_die
    • 2/25/2011 6:58:18 PM
    HAAHA! Good one webman! Maybe he should have worn his cape!
  • Report Abuse webman8
    • 2/25/2011 4:12:18 PM
    Crocked skipper beats HotSpurts...wonder what he could do if he wasn't "injured"?!
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Bruce: Winter break makes sense


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Updated Feb 24, 2011 7:48 AM ET
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has backed Sir Alex Ferguson's call for a winter break which could help to revitalise the FA Cup.
Bruce made no secret of his dismay at a fixture schedule which saw his team play five games in the space of a fortnight around the turn of the year, and has joined his former manager in backing the kind of lay-off introduced in many European countries.

Sat., Feb. 26
Aston Villa vs. Blackburn
Everton vs. Sunderland
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West Ham vs. Liverpool
Man City vs. Fulham
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Stoke City vs. West Brom
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Manchester United boss Ferguson has suggested adopting something similar to the German model, in which teams are given a break in January and then resume with their domestic cup competition.
Bruce won the FA Cup three times during his spell at United and retains a great affection for the competition and, amid suggestions that the format could be changed, he believes a possible revamp and winter break could be combined to mutual benefit.
He told the Black Cats' official website: "We have to try to arrest something.
"I have had the privilege of going all the way in the FA Cup, and getting to the latter stages is a fantastic thing for any club.
"My thoughts on it are that the competition needs a radical revamp.
"For example, the third round is usually the first Saturday after New Year when everyone is spent up from Christmas, and it becomes a problem for people after they have shelled out the money for their season tickets.
"Maybe we could try to restructure things. I've seen Sir Alex's quotes on a mid-season break - if we're going to be successful as a nation, that has to come into play.
"We are the only nation who doesn't do it. Certainly that would mean a lesser summer, but [a mid-season break] would be common sense and I agree with Sir Alex.
"You could start off your fixtures again with two FA Cup ties when people haven't seen football for a while. We could kick off again with back-to-back FA Cup ties."



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  • Report Abuse Arsenal_til_I_die
    • 2/25/2011 7:43:54 PM
    I agree with this: may keep many an injury from happening!
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Hazard unsure of English switch


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Updated Feb 24, 2011 7:53 AM ET
Lille midfielder Eden Hazard - linked with Arsenal and Liverpool - has revealed he is not interested in a move to the Premier League.
Hazard has caught the eye of clubs across Europe this season after a string of strong performances in Ligue 1.

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Rated at £20million, the 20-year-old is believed to be on the radar of Arsene Wenger, with Liverpool also said to be among the potential suitors.
Yet despite interest from some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, the Belgian believes he is not best suited to English football.
"I appreciate England a lot, Germany as well, but my characteristics respond more to Spanish football," Hazard is quoted as saying in The Sun.
"Furthermore, this country corresponds to my temperament, the heat and the beautiful stadiums."



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  • Report Abuse BluesFan7
    • 2/25/2011 4:51:48 PM
    He feels the EPL is too "HAZARDous"!!!
  • Report Abuse rkujay
    • 2/25/2011 2:37:15 PM
    He should have a talk with Torres and Modric. Too slight of build for the EPL IMHO.
    And isn't it everyone's dream to mix work with holiday? Could do worse for that mixture than France.

  • Report Abuse TripleOpticVision
    • 2/25/2011 1:11:48 PM
    *shrugs* guess he just hasn't had a face to face meeting with arsene yet. that usually does the trick.
  • Report Abuse goonerkraft
    • 2/24/2011 4:08:59 PM
    "Does he want to be on holiday!" That's too funny, mate.

    Apparently the lad can only play between latitude 42N and 50N. What a load of shyte.

  • Report Abuse acmilanrox99
    • 2/24/2011 1:09:23 PM
    I hope he doesn't go to Real or Barca. Seriously, the league just keeps on becoming more and more of a 2-legged race. What they need is for other smaller teams to be able to purchase players. Which of course isn't happening become of the financial gains Real and Barca get from their TV contracts. Unfortunate really, I see him going to Real.
  • Report Abuse rotwiessessen222
    • 2/24/2011 12:59:20 PM
    Good point marc, I know that Bayern have already looked at him a couple of times and are interested in his services and I am sure Real will be in the hunt too. It will be all about the money and everything else is just talk. Hazard does have great potential though and he won't stay at Lille long.
  • Report Abuse marcbarca
    • 2/24/2011 12:50:30 PM
    Zifane has been trying to get Real Madrid to get this guy for 6 months now. He definitely is good enough to play on either Real or Barca. Hazard has been fantasic and well taught by coach Rudi Garcia. I read he is signing a new contract with Lille today, but don't be fooled. It's only so Lille can have more bargaining power when the big boys come calling.
  • Report Abuse Foritsagrandoldteamtoplayfor
    • 2/24/2011 12:19:37 PM
    Does he want to play or be on holiday...lol..Hope Liverpool don't sign him...Maybe he can stay in France, holiday in Spain an dtake tours of Bernabeau and Nou Camp.
  • Report Abuse fazlov
    • 2/24/2011 10:08:00 AM
    What a giant ****. He's basically begging for Barca and Real to show interest. Reality check ****...you're not that good.
  • Report Abuse ArsenalGreek13
    • 2/24/2011 9:48:06 AM
    Doubt this is true....Im sure hed love to play in the EPL....I think there have been past quotes saying that as well....but the sun and women of Spain are a great draw😉
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Rosell: Pep better option for Barca


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Updated Feb 25, 2011 10:26 AM ET
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell believes Pep Guardiola is a better option as the club's coach than Jose Mourinho.
Guardiola signed a one-year extension this week to remain at Barca until the end of next season and should he complete it, will become only the fourth coach to last for four or more entire campaigns at the Nou Camp.
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Since his arrival in 2008, Guardiola has led Barca to eight trophies already and with the club still fighting for three more at the business end of the current campaign, Rosell says renewing his coach's contract was an easy decision to make.
"Every day that goes by, I like our (club) model more, and I like it even better with Pep," he told Tv3.
"We are delighted to have him here."
And Rosell says Guardiola's sentimental attachment to Barcelona makes him a better option than Mourinho.
"Pep represents Barca sentimentally, while Mourinho only represents Madrid professionally," he said.
"And Mourinho is a lot more expensive than Pep," he added.
Barca have a five-point lead over Madrid with 14 rounds of the Primera Division remaining, but Guardiola has key players missing for the trip to Mallorca.
Captain Carles Puyol, goalkeeper Victor Valdes and midfielder Xavi all miss out through injury, while right-back Dani Alves is suspended.
Barca's only defeats this term have come when Puyol has been unavailable, while the absence of Xavi and Alves creates a selection headache for Guardiola.
Three youth team players - midfielder Thiago Alcantara, goalkeeper Ruben Mino and right-back Martin Montoya - have all been drafted into the squad as cover, although none are likely to start at the Iberostar Stadium tomorrow.
Despite those worries and a stubborn Madrid side, Mallorca coach Michael Laudrup - who played for both of Spain's big two - believes the Catalans will win the Primera Division title for the third year running.
"I believe they will be champions because they have more points and will be able to slip up several times, unlike Madrid," he told Sport in an interview.
The Danish coach, however, believes the title will go down to the wire.
"I've been in Spanish football for 20 years and I've never seen a title decided at the end of January or in February," he said.
"It will be decided in May."
Laudrup was a member of Barca's mythical 'Dream Team' under Johan Cruyff, but the Dane believes the current version is even better.
"This Barca and (Frank) Rijkaard's are better than the one from my era - they have more individual resources," he said.
"Pep's team is the best one of all; even without the ball they pressure all the time and they have (David) Villa, (Lionel) Messi, Pedro, Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta and Alves.
"The 'Dream Team' will always have one thing they haven't got, though - we came before them."
At Mallorca, the scenario is very different.
"We have very little money and most of the players are in their first year in the top division," Laudrup added.
"But I work with the peace of mind that there are good football people here and they let me get on with my job."
Laudrup is set to be without defender Ivan Ramis and striker Victor Casadesus for the visit of Barcelona.
Mallorca, in 11th place with 31 points, surprisingly held Barca to a 1-1 draw at the Nou Camp earlier this season.



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  • Report Abuse SpidermanItalia
    • 2/26/2011 12:46:57 AM
    Chefs' Special!
  • Report Abuse thelastnumber10
    • 2/25/2011 8:09:01 PM
    lol then what would Mourinho be?
  • Report Abuse SpidermanItalia
    • 2/25/2011 5:19:43 PM
    lastnumber10---Shouldn't Guariola be paprika or something? "Pepricka" 😉
  • Report Abuse thelastnumber10
    • 2/25/2011 5:06:58 PM
    Only reason Mourinho and Guardiola are different as coaches is because one takes the more defensive approach to the game while the other is an all out attacker.... One is humble and the other is arrogant. Salt and Pepper.
  • Report Abuse SpidermanItalia
    • 2/25/2011 4:44:34 PM
    Reasons he could stop
    1) Burned out---understandable it happens and it is a stressful line of work
    2) Wants to spend time with family---understandable
    3) He does not like the direction the club is heading---one has to question some of the things Rosell has done. Being Catalan Pep knows what "Mes Que Un Club" is all about and may not want to associated with Rosell and his policies i.e. kit sponsorship, cantera and membership polices

  • Report Abuse barcelonafan4life
    • 2/25/2011 4:21:40 PM
    I agree with Rosell. Pep has done so much for barcelona.. Mourhinio is a great Manager but for barcelona pep is just the man we want there......... and i personally believer that at the end of next season he will stay...... As a player and a Coach he has given so much to Nou Camp... why stop now!!!!!
  • Report Abuse Barca-v-History
    • 2/25/2011 3:05:59 PM
    Mourinho and Guardiola are Apples and Oranges

    Most Cules probably wouldn't want Mou in the first place. They are almost the exact opposite of each other and represent totally different views.

    Its official this guy is unanimously agreed on as a joke.

  • Report Abuse Soccerfan8
    • 2/25/2011 2:07:45 PM
    at least guardiola hasn't got a huge ego like mourinho. i'd take guardiola over mourinho any day.
  • Report Abuse thelastnumber10
    • 2/25/2011 11:48:39 AM
    *facepalm* Rosell..... Your an IDIOT.
  • Report Abuse anti-madridista
    • 2/25/2011 11:48:36 AM
    Rosell = Jon Cryer = Matthew Broderick

    Shame on all the fans who voted this guy in. Just your typical president. Promise, promise, promise, and then screw everything up.

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Ramos happy with 'direct' Mourinho


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Updated Feb 25, 2011 10:11 AM ET
Sergio Ramos believes Jose Mourinho's "very direct" approach makes him the ideal man to lead Real Madrid as they head into the crucial phase of their season.
Real trail Barcelona by five points in the Primera Division, and that could be up to eight points by the team Mourinho's team kick off at the Riazor against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday evening.
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Barcelona face Real Mallorca immediately prior to Real's match.
Ramos is confident that, in Mourinho, Real have a coach who will keep the players united whatever the circumstances.
"Mourinho has a good relationship with everybody and has given this team stability that it didn't have in other seasons," Ramos told Real Madrid C.F. - Web Oficial | Official Web Site.
"On a personal level you can learn a lot from a manager like Mourinho because of his experience and also because he is very direct with his players. I'm very happy to be working with him."
A 1-1 draw with Lyon in the Champions League on Tuesday was not ideal for Real, particularly after they went ahead.
But the performance of former Lyon striker Karim Benzema, who came off the bench to score the 100th goal of his career, was pleasing for Mourinho.
And considering Benzema scored twice in the away match at Deportivo last season, including a strike following a remarkable backheel from Guti, as Real ended an 18-year wait for a win at the Riazor, the Frenchman could be pushing to start the match.
"He is fit to be a starter at Real Madrid," Mourinho said.
"He has made progress on all aspects of the game.
"I felt bad for benching him at the start (against Lyon) because this was his homecoming, but it was better for him to come on in the second half."
One player who will certainly be absent for Real is midfielder Sami Khedira who tore a muscle in his left thigh and has been ruled out until mid-March.
Andres Guardado returns from injury for Deportivo, and the Mexican is taking an upbeat approach to the visit of the capital giants.
"We can beat anyone. On paper they are favourites but we know what we can do at home. We expect to have a good game, knowing that the Riazor will be with us."
Deportivo head into the weekend with three points separating them from the relegation zone.
They were crushed 6-1 at the Bernabeu in October, but Guardado said: "We're not looking for revenge for the 6-1 defeat, but we want to pick up points for the situation we are in.
"We respect Real Madrid a lot but want to show a lack of respect on the field and win in a good manner."



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  • Report Abuse AREACODE876
    • 2/25/2011 7:47:54 PM
    i would love to see Jose play 3 defenders 1 def-midfielder 2 attacking-midfielder 2 wingers and a strikers. Ramos, Pepe, Carvalho, Xabi Alonso, Kaka, Ozil, Ronaldo, Di Maria and Benzema.
  • Report Abuse AREACODE876
    • 2/25/2011 7:40:38 PM
    Ramos plays better at CB and should be use as one. Marcelo is more of a winger than a LB and when goes forward Ramos should stay and play as a CB so the team will have a 3-2-4-1 formation on the field with Ronaldo closer to the striker.
  • Report Abuse Rea1Mad
    • 2/25/2011 6:14:54 PM
    Arbeloa brings one thing to the field: dependability. He isn't artistic, creative, or fast. But his positioning is excellent, and he will foul opponents repeatedly in an area that doesn't create danger. Exactly the opposite of Ramos, who is dumb, big, and fast. Arbeloa can play both wings, and when he subs for Marcelo, the offensive play breaks down, but the defense picks up. What does Mou want? Dependability is a big factor. I can't fault his logic when he puts Arbeloa on one wing or the other. When he is in, regardless of your disdain for his play, bad things don't happen.
  • Report Abuse stier4
    • 2/25/2011 5:44:16 PM
    One of my favorite players! Love to see him storming forward like a crazy winger, but just hate to see his mistimed and dangerous tackles. A very good goal scorer (headers)! Van der Wiehl is probably more effective than Ramos, but I think he might not be coping very well with Mourinho's tight management style.
  • Report Abuse marcbarca
    • 2/25/2011 3:59:43 PM
    RealMad do you think Arbeloa is better than Ramos? I don't. Not sure what the issue is with Ramos, but he's clearly not to level he once was.

    And as an Inter fan, I can only hope that Real may the large sum it will take to get Maicon to the Bernabeu. Maicon is a good, but he's 31 and already showing signs of slowing down in my opinion. Spending more than 15m on that guy would be madness, I think. Problem is, Inter probably won't let him go for less than 25m.

  • Report Abuse Rea1Mad
    • 2/25/2011 2:49:03 PM
    Too bad Mourinho isn't happy with you. He's liking Arbeloa's consistency, and he loves the thought of Maicon joining him. Sergio is on the short list for transfer out this summer.
  • Report Abuse marcbarca
    • 2/25/2011 12:49:17 PM
    In 2008, I thought Ramos was one of the great right backs in World football.

    Now.......not so much.

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Barcelona looks to regain form against Mallorca


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Updated Feb 24, 2011 10:44 AM ET
Barcelona will be hoping to overcome its recent dip in form at Mallorca on Saturday to protect its five-point lead over Real Madrid in the Spanish league.
Barcelona, the two-time defending champions, began the month by setting a league record of 16 straight wins but have since stumbled in a 2-1 Champions League loss at Arsenal and were unconvincing in a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao last weekend.

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Barcelona will be without midfielder Xavi Hernandez, defender Carles Puyol and goalkeeper Victor Valdes for the match at Iberostar Stadium.
But Lionel Messi, the FIFA World Player of the Year who leads the league with 25 goals, returned to training Thursday after a few days working alone in the gym. Jefferon Suarez also trained with the squad more than a month after being sidelined by a leg injury.
"Every game is dangerous, especially when Madrid is winning all of its games and doesn't look set to drop off," Barcelona striker David Villa said. "To be leaders and depend on ourselves is a privilege we need to hold on to."
Arsenal and Bilbao both played better after going down 1-0 in matches Barcelona largely controlled. Since coach Pep Guardiola took over in 2008, Barcelona has always struggled in February, having never won a Champions League game in that month and dropping points in the league.
Mallorca, 11th in the standings, has a single victory in its past six games.
Madrid plays at Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday having won three straight league matches. The team also drew 1-1 at Lyon in the Champions League on Tuesday. Karim Benzema scored and showed improved form that could lead to coach Jose Mourinho counting on him down the final stretch of the season.
"He's back," Zinedine Zidane said of Benzema. "He's in good form."
Madrid is without midfielder Sami Khedira due to a leg injury, while Deportivo is expected to play Mexico forward Andres Guardado for the first time since December.
Deportivo is 13th and three points above the drop places, and comes into the match after Daniel Aranzubia headed in a 95th-minute equalizer against Almeria on Sunday to become the first goalkeeper to score from open play in league history.
Third-place Valencia, 17 points behind Barcelona, plays Sunday at Athletic Bilbao, which has lost two straight matches.
Villarreal trails Valencia by two points and is winless in three ahead of Sunday's match at Racing Santander, which has won both games since Marcelino Garcia Toral took over as coach.

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Atletico Madrid should have both Argentina striker Sergio Aguero and Uruguay forward Diego Forlan available for Saturday's game against Sevilla, which was knocked out of the Europa League on Wednesday.
Both teams won titles last season but are chasing Europa League qualifying as they face double-digit deficits to Villarreal and the last automatic qualifying spot into the Champions League. Both arrive on the back of league wins, however Sevilla has won only 14 of its 71 visits to the Vicente Calderon - but two of those have come in the last five seasons.
Getafe celebrates its 65th anniversary Sunday at Hercules and looking to keep pace with the Europa League spots. Paraguay striker Nelson Valdez is a game-time decision for Hercules.
Espanyol, which has lost four straight ahead of Sunday's game against Real Sociedad, is sixth and in the last European place with 37 points, one back of Bilbao and three ahead of Sevilla.
"The only bill I have left which is outstanding (against Espanyol) is a victory," said Sociedad striker Raul Tamudo, who returns to Espanyol for the first time since leaving the club last offseason. The former Spain striker started his career with the Barcelona-based club 15 years ago.
In the other 25th round of games, it's: Sporting Gijon vs. Zaragoza, Levante vs. Osasuna and Malaga vs. Almeria.



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Injured Madrid midfielder Khedira out for three weeks


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Updated Feb 23, 2011 4:02 PM ET
Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira will be sidelined for up to three weeks because of a leg injury.


Madrid says a medical scan Wednesday on the Germany international revealed a torn muscle in his left leg.
Khedira has been a regular in coach Jose Mourinho's starting lineup since arriving in the offseason from Stuttgart after an impressive World Cup. Khedira has started in 27 of his 32 appearances this season.
Khedira will likely miss at least three league matches, starting Saturday at Deportivo La Coruna, but should be back for the return leg of the last-16 match against Lyon in the Champions League on March 16. Madrid drew 1-1 Tuesday at Lyon in the first match.
Madrid trails Spanish league leader Barcelona by five points.



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  • Report Abuse nirvana490
    • 2/24/2011 6:21:50 PM
    well khedira will come back in
    no time he could do it
    on on man! we need you

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Wenger defends Toral swoop


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Updated Feb 25, 2011 1:19 PM ET
25/02/2011 15:44 +0100

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell described the Gunners' pursuit of the 16-year-old as "a little immoral", with the youngster set to follow current captain Cesc Fabregas from the Nou Camp to north London. Reports in Spain suggest Arsenal paid around 350,000 Euros (£296,000) for Toral, who was free to sign with any professional club. Wenger, however, denied there was any issue with Arsenal's policy, the Premier League club having also signed both Fran Merida, now at Atletico Madrid, and 18-year-old centre-half Ignasi Miquel, who made his first-team debut in the FA Cup tie at Leyton Orient last Sunday, from Spain in the past. "You forget that this boy is English. He has an English passport, his mother is from England and hopefully he will join us in the summer," Wenger said. "We have players who leave us for other professional clubs in England. "We have done what just is legal. "I love Barcelona, I love Catalonia - I have nothing against them, but when a player who is half English and Spanish wants to join us, why should we turn him down if its all legal? "If we have done something illegal, I will say 'sorry, my boy, we cannot do it'. "Plenty of players leave us under exactly the same rule." Wenger, though, would not be drawn on Rosell's comments. "I do not want to go further on that front because it is very difficult," he said. "If you go in the academy of Barcelona and you look where all the players come from, come back to me and we can talk about it."
 
Rosell: Pep better option for Barca


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Updated Feb 25, 2011 10:26 AM ET
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell believes Pep Guardiola is a better option as the club's coach than Jose Mourinho.
Guardiola signed a one-year extension this week to remain at Barca until the end of next season and should he complete it, will become only the fourth coach to last for four or more entire campaigns at the Nou Camp.
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Since his arrival in 2008, Guardiola has led Barca to eight trophies already and with the club still fighting for three more at the business end of the current campaign, Rosell says renewing his coach's contract was an easy decision to make.
"Every day that goes by, I like our (club) model more, and I like it even better with Pep," he told Tv3.
"We are delighted to have him here."
And Rosell says Guardiola's sentimental attachment to Barcelona makes him a better option than Mourinho.
"Pep represents Barca sentimentally, while Mourinho only represents Madrid professionally," he said.
"And Mourinho is a lot more expensive than Pep," he added.
Barca have a five-point lead over Madrid with 14 rounds of the Primera Division remaining, but Guardiola has key players missing for the trip to Mallorca.
Captain Carles Puyol, goalkeeper Victor Valdes and midfielder Xavi all miss out through injury, while right-back Dani Alves is suspended.
Barca's only defeats this term have come when Puyol has been unavailable, while the absence of Xavi and Alves creates a selection headache for Guardiola.
Three youth team players - midfielder Thiago Alcantara, goalkeeper Ruben Mino and right-back Martin Montoya - have all been drafted into the squad as cover, although none are likely to start at the Iberostar Stadium tomorrow.
Despite those worries and a stubborn Madrid side, Mallorca coach Michael Laudrup - who played for both of Spain's big two - believes the Catalans will win the Primera Division title for the third year running.
"I believe they will be champions because they have more points and will be able to slip up several times, unlike Madrid," he told Sport in an interview.
The Danish coach, however, believes the title will go down to the wire.
"I've been in Spanish football for 20 years and I've never seen a title decided at the end of January or in February," he said.
"It will be decided in May."
Laudrup was a member of Barca's mythical 'Dream Team' under Johan Cruyff, but the Dane believes the current version is even better.
"This Barca and (Frank) Rijkaard's are better than the one from my era - they have more individual resources," he said.
"Pep's team is the best one of all; even without the ball they pressure all the time and they have (David) Villa, (Lionel) Messi, Pedro, Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta and Alves.
"The 'Dream Team' will always have one thing they haven't got, though - we came before them."
At Mallorca, the scenario is very different.
"We have very little money and most of the players are in their first year in the top division," Laudrup added.
"But I work with the peace of mind that there are good football people here and they let me get on with my job."
Laudrup is set to be without defender Ivan Ramis and striker Victor Casadesus for the visit of Barcelona.
Mallorca, in 11th place with 31 points, surprisingly held Barca to a 1-1 draw at the Nou Camp earlier this season.



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  • Report Abuse SpidermanItalia
    • 2/26/2011 12:46:57 AM
    Chefs' Special!
  • Report Abuse thelastnumber10
    • 2/25/2011 8:09:01 PM
    lol then what would Mourinho be?
  • Report Abuse SpidermanItalia
    • 2/25/2011 5:19:43 PM
    lastnumber10---Shouldn't Guariola be paprika or something? "Pepricka" 😉
  • Report Abuse thelastnumber10
    • 2/25/2011 5:06:58 PM
    Only reason Mourinho and Guardiola are different as coaches is because one takes the more defensive approach to the game while the other is an all out attacker.... One is humble and the other is arrogant. Salt and Pepper.
  • Report Abuse SpidermanItalia
    • 2/25/2011 4:44:34 PM
    Reasons he could stop
    1) Burned out---understandable it happens and it is a stressful line of work
    2) Wants to spend time with family---understandable
    3) He does not like the direction the club is heading---one has to question some of the things Rosell has done. Being Catalan Pep knows what "Mes Que Un Club" is all about and may not want to associated with Rosell and his policies i.e. kit sponsorship, cantera and membership polices

  • Report Abuse barcelonafan4life
    • 2/25/2011 4:21:40 PM
    I agree with Rosell. Pep has done so much for barcelona.. Mourhinio is a great Manager but for barcelona pep is just the man we want there......... and i personally believer that at the end of next season he will stay...... As a player and a Coach he has given so much to Nou Camp... why stop now!!!!!
  • Report Abuse Barca-v-History
    • 2/25/2011 3:05:59 PM
    Mourinho and Guardiola are Apples and Oranges

    Most Cules probably wouldn't want Mou in the first place. They are almost the exact opposite of each other and represent totally different views.

    Its official this guy is unanimously agreed on as a joke.

  • Report Abuse Soccerfan8
    • 2/25/2011 2:07:45 PM
    at least guardiola hasn't got a huge ego like mourinho. i'd take guardiola over mourinho any day.
  • Report Abuse thelastnumber10
    • 2/25/2011 11:48:39 AM
    *facepalm* Rosell..... Your an IDIOT.
  • Report Abuse anti-madridista
    • 2/25/2011 11:48:36 AM
    Rosell = Jon Cryer = Matthew Broderick

    Shame on all the fans who voted this guy in. Just your typical president. Promise, promise, promise, and then screw everything up.

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Walcott set to miss Barcelona match


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Updated Feb 25, 2011 9:36 AM ET
LONDON (AP)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Theo Walcott is likely to miss the second leg of the Champions League last-16 match against Barcelona on March 8 because of injury.
Walcott was carried off on a stretcher after spraining his ankle in the second half of Arsenal's 1-0 win over Stoke in the Premier League on Wednesday.
The England winger has been ruled out of Sunday's League Cup final and Wenger says the player will miss the next ''two or three weeks.''
Wenger says ''I would say it's very unlikely he will be fit for the second leg of the Barcelona game. I imagine the worst so maybe I will be surprised in a positive way.''
Arsenal will take a 2-1 lead to the Camp Nou stadium from the first leg.
 
Arsenal meets Birmingham in League Cup final


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Updated Feb 25, 2011 9:28 AM ET
LONDON (AP)

Birmingham will look to shatter Arsenal's bid for a historic haul of four trophies in one season when the two Premier League teams meet in Sunday's League Cup final at Wembley.
Arsenal is still involved in the latter stages of the Champions League and the FA Cup, and the London side is also close behind Manchester United as the race for the league title goes down to the wire.
The four-pronged assault on honors could be catching up with the Gunners, however, with star players picking up injuries in recent weeks. Captain Cesc Fabregas and England winger Theo Walcott are definitely out this weekend, while striker Robin van Persie has struggled with a hamstring problem over the past week.
Birmingham, whose sole piece of silverware came when it won the League Cup in 1963, is sensing the chance of an upset, with the pressure also on Arsenal to end a six-year trophy drought.
''They are overwhelming favorites and everyone is writing us off outside of our camp,'' Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome said. ''That is going to add the pressure on them, and also them not winning a trophy for a while.
''They had a league game on Wednesday, have a narrow lead in the Champions League against Barcelona, and have also got an FA Cup replay. They are in a lot of competitions so hopefully we can catch them slipping.''
Recent results suggest it will be one-way traffic at Wembley.
Arsenal has lost only once in 2011, and the come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their last-16 match will have increased the belief and confidence within the squad. The Gunners also beat Birmingham 3-0 in the league at St. Andrew's in January.
''We want to go for every single competition,'' Wenger said. ''How far will we go? I personally believe we can go in every competition to the end ... but we can as well stop very quickly.''
How many trophies Arsenal wins this season, if the club wins any at all, is likely to depend on how fit the squad stays.
Fabregas and Walcott are both out with injuries sustained in the 1-0 league win over Stoke on Wednesday, which put the Gunners a point behind United.
Van Persie, who will be captain in the absence of Fabregas, and center back Laurent Koscielny were declared fit by Wenger on Thursday after they missed the Stoke game but goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and defender Thomas Vermaelen are long-term absentees.
Arsenal will arguably miss Fabregas the most.
''He is disappointed. We all feel sorry and sad for him,'' Wenger said. ''The only way we help him now is to win the cup as he contributed a lot in this competition.''
Arsenal's last trophy came in 2005 when it beat Manchester United on penalties to win the FA Cup.
Birmingham has excelled in the cup competitions this season - it is also in the FA Cup quarterfinals - but is under the threat of relegation from the Premier League.
Blues manager Alex McLeish is relishing his team's underdog tag.
''They (Arsenal) have not won anything for five years and that has got to be at the back of their minds,'' he said. ''I know that maybe they won't talk about that openly but I'm sure it will be at the back of a few of the players' minds.''
Former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb (knee) is Birmingham's major injury concern while winger David Bentley and defender Curtis Davies are both cup-tied.
With Arsenal in League Cup action, the team's rivals in the title race will look to take advantage.
United has two away games in the space of four days - at Wigan on Saturday and fifth-place Chelsea on Tuesday - and could pull seven points clear with back-to-back wins.
Third-place Manchester City, which is seven points behind Arsenal, hosts Fulham on Sunday, when Liverpool travels to second-bottom West Ham.
On Saturday, bottom-place Wolverhampton Wanderers is at home to Blackpool, fifth-bottom Aston Villa hosts Blackburn, Sunderland goes to Everton and Bolton visits Newcastle.
Stoke hosts fourth-bottom West Bromwich Albion on Monday.
 
Klopp stresses Bayern respect


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Updated Feb 25, 2011 11:42 AM ET
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has moved to lower expectations ahead of his side's trip to Bayern Munich on Saturday.
Thirteen points separate the two sides in the Bundesliga, with Dortmund knowing a win for them would practically end Bayern's hopes of retaining their title with 10 games of the season remaining.
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However, although it is Dortmund enjoy the cushion at the top, Klopp insists Bayern must be respected.
"It is too early for us to see ourselves on a par with Bayern," he said.
"However, in just one game, a lot can happen."
Dortmund could be without their regular number one goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller after he sprained his knee in training this week.
A decision on his inclusion will be made on Saturday morning and, if he is not fit to play, he will be replaced by Australian goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak, who would be making his Dortmund debut.
Klopp is not reading too much into the probable change, though.
"If Roman is fit, then he will play, but if not, then instead of having one of Germany's best goalkeepers between the posts, we will have one of Australia's best.
"If so, we will play with probably the youngest side Dortmund have every played a Bundesliga match with."
Bayern did not have any time to revel in their win 1-0 over Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.
"When you experience games like this, then you should be able to say let's enjoy the moment, but unfortunately we have another very important game on Saturday," said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge at the after-match banquet.
"We must carry on where we have left off in that game."
Fortunately for coach Louis van Gaal, that game has not left its mark on his side and he has a fully-fit squad to choose from for tomorrow's top-of-the-table clash at the Allianz Arena, where Dortmund have not managed to win since 1991.



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  • Report Abuse rotwiessessen222
    • 2/25/2011 10:47:57 PM
    Kraft was huge at the San Siro and hopefully he will be tomorrow too !

    I am even more curious to what Van Gaal comes up with for LB and the CDM spot next to Schweinsteiger???

    Maybe Kroos and Klose can get some extended minutes in the second 45 of tomorrows clash with Dortmund.

  • Report Abuse Steve_Mannschaft
    • 2/25/2011 7:20:52 PM
    Warsteiner isn't bad. Most German beers are superior to the swill here in the States. Bayern buried themselves early this season with injuries and sloppy play against inferior opponents. Focus now should be solidifying 2nd and a CL spot and continuing to peak at the right time for the Champions League. Watched the Inter match again and Kraft's play really stood out. LVG made the right move elevating him to start.
  • Report Abuse rotwiessessen222
    • 2/25/2011 7:10:51 PM
    No Warsteiner this weekend, only Bavarian beer
  • Report Abuse rotwiessessen222
    • 2/25/2011 6:50:01 PM
    Klopp can say whatever he wants to say, the bottom line is his team will have its hands full on Saturday trying to stop Bayern from scoring and we will see which side is the one smiling when the final whistle blows.
  • Report Abuse Dallaskraut
    • 2/25/2011 2:13:47 PM
    What dreck!!!
  • Report Abuse marcbarca
    • 2/25/2011 1:13:16 PM
    HAHA Well said Dex.

    I also thought Bayern did well at the San Siro. No telling how much confidence that win will put into the squad either. That said, BvB are a very young squad immune to pressure. They are just having fun leading the pack.

  • Report Abuse Dex
    • 2/25/2011 12:09:10 PM
    Who writes this crap?! A win for BvB would PRACTICALLY end Bayern's hopes of retaining our title??? Believe me Bayern and the supporters dont have hope anymore. Realistically it is virtually impossible to overcome a 14 point lead in 10 matches. BvB would have to drop over dead. So that statement is a VERY moot point.
    Regardless of who BvB has between the posts this is not going to be an easy match to WIN. Most of the time BvB's starting X play both offense and defense so if Mitch is in he will have enough coverage to make beating BvB a tough challenge. However if we play like we did at San Siro then we should come away with a positive result. I believe there is mutual respect from both clubs and the only one who should be taken lightly is RivalsDM. Between you and Trecker....

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Young Australian could get Bundesliga debut


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Updated Feb 24, 2011 8:34 AM ET
Little-known Mitch Langerak could play a key role in possibly the biggest match of the Bundesliga season when Bayern Munich hosts leader Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
The 22-year-old Australian could make his Bundesliga debut as Dortmund's goalkeeper at the Allianz Arena.

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Regular goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller is injured and looks likely to miss the match that Bayern needs to win to stay in the hunt for the championship.
"Mitch would be completely capable to stepping in for Roman for a while," Dortmund goalkeeper coach Teddy de Beer said.
Weidenfeller, who plays behind the best defense in the Bundesliga with only 13 goals conceded in 23 games, injured his left knee in practice this week and will have a late fitness test before a decision is made.
Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp was relaxed about the situation, joking, "we'll throw a few balls at him (Weidenfeller) in the hotel on Saturday and see if he can play."
Langerak, who played for Melbourne Victory, signed for Dortmund before the season started and was seen as an investment in the future. He has only one official appearance for Dortmund's reserve side and has never played in the Bundesliga.
Bayern is at the turning point of its season. The team won at Inter Milan 1-0 on Wednesday, putting itself in a good position to reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League over a team it lost to in last season's final.
Next week, Bayern plays Schalke in the German Cup semifinals.
Bayern's already slim chances of defending the Bundesliga title would be all but over if it doesn't beat Dortmund on Saturday.
Bayern is 13 points behind now and unless it cuts the gap on Saturday, it's hard to see how it could still claim the title in the 10 matches remaining.
Dortmund and Bayern also have the league's top-scoring attack and Langerak could be making his debut against the league leading scorer Mario Gomez (18 goals), plus the likes of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.

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Bayern switched goalkeepers during the midseason break and 22-year-old Thomas Kraft distinguished himself in Milan against Inter.
Bayern's bosses believe their side is the favorite.
"We have the better team," Bayern president Uli Hoeness said.
Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin said his team was under no pressure.
"We've produced so much throughout the season already. There is no doubt the two best teams in Germany are playing against each other," Sahin said.
That could be questioned by Bayer Leverkusen, which is second in the standings and 10 points behind Dortmund - and three points ahead of Bayern.
Leverkusen travels Sunday to Werder Bremen, which is trying to reverse its free fall and avoid slipping into the relegation zone.
Wolfsburg, another former champion seeking to stave off relegation, opens the 24th round Friday at home against bottom-place Borussia Moenchengladbach. Stuttgart, which is equal on points with Moenchengladbach, travels to slumping Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.
Also Saturday, it's: Schalke vs. Nuremberg; Hoffenheim vs. Mainz; Cologne vs. Freiburg; Kaiserslautern vs. Hamburger SV; and St. Pauli vs. Hannover.



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  • Report Abuse Steve_Mannschaft
    • 2/25/2011 7:27:47 PM
    Wow, Schalke_USA you are more of a fatalist than I am. Good luck tomorrow and against Valencia in March. Lighten up, Brother. I'm confident about Bayern against Dortmund. They will be ready and play well.
  • Report Abuse Schalke_USA
    • 2/25/2011 2:14:25 PM
    GolTV caters to its pocket book only. It's Spanish La Liga coverage is pretty woeful, too.

    The U.S. needs another soccer channel to fill the void of two pretty woeful broadcasters: Fox Soccer Channel and GolTV. And Fox Soccer Plus doesn't count. Perhaps it's time to bring back Setanta Sports.

    I'm already bracing myself for horrible disappointment tomorrow as FC Schalke 04 is thoroughly dismantled and humiliated by 1. FC Nurnberg.

  • Report Abuse rotwiessessen222
    • 2/24/2011 11:51:05 PM
    That is because GOLTV caters to La Liga and their spanish speaking audience, but I feel your pain.
  • Report Abuse marcbarca
    • 2/24/2011 6:57:31 PM
    The match of the year and these GolTV ****** are showing this thing on a 4 hour delay. 'Knocking my head against the wall'
  • Report Abuse rotwiessessen222
    • 2/24/2011 6:38:49 PM
    Brazz, BVB are not champs yet and after this weekend they are going to feel like they still have a ways to go.
  • Report Abuse Dex
    • 2/24/2011 5:03:09 PM
    If we play like we did yesterday the only balls that will be pulled out of the net will be from behind Mitch. The way Kraft played against Inter he should have a lesser problem against BvB! Just as long as our front like can finish off some of their chances we should be alright. My biggest worry is to figure out how to watch the match.
  • Report Abuse marcbarca
    • 2/24/2011 4:24:28 PM
    I hear ya Brazz. I love Dortmund. Stadium rocks. Fans are incredible. Kit is top notch. Coach is outstanding. What's not to love?
  • Report Abuse BRAZZ
    • 2/24/2011 2:25:55 PM
    Ror/Dex
    Bayern better be ready to pull balls out of their net this weekend!! The new Champs are my friends!!

  • Report Abuse Dex
    • 2/24/2011 1:57:04 PM
    Trial by fire. Robben will fire in from the right, Ribery will fire in from the left and Mueller and Gomez will fire in from center. But Dortmunds defense might be tough to break through if they do stick Mitch between the posts. I think Dortmund will try to lock the box up. Or if they score early they will park the bus and hope for the best.
  • Report Abuse rotwiessessen222
    • 2/24/2011 12:52:09 PM
    Yes, I wonder what kind of reception Robben and Ribery will give him???
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St. Pauli has problems filling squad for match


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Updated Feb 24, 2011 11:18 AM ET
A former St. Pauli defender who now plays for the reserves and also works in the club's media department has been training for a possible comeback because six first-team defenders are missing for the upcoming Bundesliga match against Hannover.
St. Pauli coach Holger Stanislawski has called up Hauke Brueckner to train with the first team because he is running out of defenders.
The club says the 30-year-old Brueckner could end up in the squad for Saturday's match. Brueckner played for St. Pauli when it was in the lower tiers.



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