Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has been fielding questions as to who he regards to be the best player in the World, and he unequivocally selected his very own Cristiano Ronaldo as number one.
The Portuguese boss was interviewed by Telemadrid regarding the development of his project at the Santiago Bernabeu, and his opinion on who the superior player between Ronaldo and Barcelona rival Lionel Messi is.
Comparing the two, Mourinho responded, “There are two options – Cristiano, and Messi. If you consider Cristiano to be one, then Messi is two. But for me it is clear – Cristiano is number one.”
The former Chelsea coach also hinted that if he were only able to triumph in one tournament this season, he would greatly enjoy becoming the first coach to successfully defend their Champions League title the following season, after his exploits with Inter during 2009-10.
He remarked, “The Champions League is the competition of competitions. It’s the most important and largest in terms of quality.
“I do not want to sound selfish, but I want the Champions League this year because I want to defend my title, but to also bring it to Real Madrid where it belongs.”
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Can Spain do without Xavi
Spain will miss Xavi in Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Lithuania but the European and world champions have other players capable of filling the injured playmaker's shoes, according to defender Carlos Marchena.
Xavi has an Achilles problem and asked coach Vicente del Bosque to rest him for the Lithuania match on Friday in Salamanca and the trip to play Scotland in Glasgow on Tuesday.
His role in directing Spain's play around the centre of the pitch and threading passes through to the forwards will likely be taken on by his Barcelona team mate Andres Iniesta.
"Xavi is important in this team but there are others who can do his job calmly and confidently," Marchena said at Spain's training base outside Madrid.
"We hope to be prepared so that we don't notice anyone's absence," he added.
Injuries have also deprived Spain of fellow midfielder Cesc Fabregas and forwards Fernando Torres, Pedro and Jesus Navas.
Marchena said the team had moved on from last month's humbling 4-1 defeat by Argentina in a friendly in Buenos Aires and were confident of securing a second successive win in Group I on Friday.
"We know that that's football and it can happen that one day you lose," he said. "We analyse the mistakes internally so that they are not repeated. That's football and you can lose sometimes. It doesn't matter."
Xavi has an Achilles problem and asked coach Vicente del Bosque to rest him for the Lithuania match on Friday in Salamanca and the trip to play Scotland in Glasgow on Tuesday.
His role in directing Spain's play around the centre of the pitch and threading passes through to the forwards will likely be taken on by his Barcelona team mate Andres Iniesta.
"Xavi is important in this team but there are others who can do his job calmly and confidently," Marchena said at Spain's training base outside Madrid.
"We hope to be prepared so that we don't notice anyone's absence," he added.
Injuries have also deprived Spain of fellow midfielder Cesc Fabregas and forwards Fernando Torres, Pedro and Jesus Navas.
Marchena said the team had moved on from last month's humbling 4-1 defeat by Argentina in a friendly in Buenos Aires and were confident of securing a second successive win in Group I on Friday.
"We know that that's football and it can happen that one day you lose," he said. "We analyse the mistakes internally so that they are not repeated. That's football and you can lose sometimes. It doesn't matter."
'Revolted' Wenger fumes
Arsene Wenger has hit out at the levels of violent play in the Premier League, saying that he has been "revolted" by what he has seen and that the authorities are not handling the problem.
"What is amazing is that players are not punished later on," the Arsenal manager added in an interview with French TV station TF1.
"Since the start of the season there have been too many instances for it to be a coincidence. We have to fight against it."
Wenger also criticised the league's handling of the horror tackles which have been prevalent this season.
"Not really," he said when asked if he felt footballing authorities were tackling the problem. "We have to fight to keep commitment in the game to fight against violence."
The Frenchman also praised the Dutch decision to drop Nigel De Jong for his leg-breaking tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa last week.
"You have to praise what the Netherlands have done following that horrific tackle," he said.
"What is amazing is that players are not punished later on," the Arsenal manager added in an interview with French TV station TF1.
"Since the start of the season there have been too many instances for it to be a coincidence. We have to fight against it."
Wenger also criticised the league's handling of the horror tackles which have been prevalent this season.
"Not really," he said when asked if he felt footballing authorities were tackling the problem. "We have to fight to keep commitment in the game to fight against violence."
The Frenchman also praised the Dutch decision to drop Nigel De Jong for his leg-breaking tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa last week.
"You have to praise what the Netherlands have done following that horrific tackle," he said.
Javier Hernandez, The Promising Player
Manchester United’s defensive worries have temporary subsided while their Champions League campaign has ignited in a close encounter at the Mestalla.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have leaked goals at the back this term and facing a side who current top the Spanish League, United looked destined to concede at some stage.
But following their frustrating draw in the first game of their group stage against Rangers at Old Trafford, United have now picked up a win which will undoubtedly boost their chances of topping Group C.
Valencia started the match in typical Spanish style and kept possession for the opening minutes. United’s early touches were greeted with whistles and jeers, which have developed into a custom when English sides play away in Europe.
Valencia approached the game in a different fashion to how they have started their domestic season. Instead of playing two in attack, the hosts opted for Roberto Soldado to act as a lone striker. Dimitar Berbatov was the sole forward for United, and his nearest team-mate was Anderson, who acted as a support man in a similar fashion to how he played at his former club Porto before moving to Old Trafford in 2007.
Following their defensive errors of late, a welcome reintroduction to United’s back line was the inclusion of Rio Ferdinand. The centre-back replaced Jonny Evans, who had been prone to mistakes during their opening games in the Premier League.
Another new addition to United’s starting lineup was Michael Carrick. The midfielder made his first start of the season following his recovery from injury but in the opening half he looked distinctly off the pace, and a heavy touch allowed Pablo space on the edge of the area, but the Valencia wide man blazed his shot over.
But the best chance of the opening half fell to Soldado. As Van der Sar flapped at a cross from the left, the ball flew into the path of the striker who had an open goal but his header ballooned over the bar. Valencia should have been a goal ahead, however, a more concerning issue for United was the poor marking that constantly threatens to lead to a goal being conceded.
United found it difficult to create chances in the first half. Berbatov was frequently isolated, despite showing the work-rate required to operate as a lone forward and Ji-Sung Park struggled to cope with a buccaneering mentality of Miguel. Nani, on the opposite flank, displayed a typical lack of consistency in his final ball and while Anderson showed brief glimpses of being able support the attack, the Brazilian was instructed to sit deeper to quash the threat of the hosts’ midfield.
Valencia started brightly in the second half and the lively Pablo worked the free space he was given on the right wing and having cut inside, the midfielder flashed a shot past Van der Sar’s post.
Berbatov had a good chance to put the visitors in front after the Bulgarian turned away from David Navarro but Valencia’s goalkeeper, Cesar Sanchez, denied the striker with a save with his legs.
Midway through the second half, Valencia opted to revert back to their familiar domestic style as Aritz Aduriz was brought on to partner Soldado in attack. The pair instantaneously combined but Soldado’s effort was unable to fully test Van der Sar.
The second half replicated the first in as much as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances. United went close six minutes from time as Nani’s cross was met by substitute Javier Hernandez at the back post, but the striker could only find woodwork.
But United completed their smash and grab victory one minute after they hit the post. Both substitutes combined as Federico Macheda fed through Hernandez and the Mexican darted past both centre-backs and slotted the ball neatly into the bottom corner.
Valencia applied the pressure in the final five minutes, but United were able to show resilience at the back to keep the hosts at bay. Ferguson will be pleased with the win as their European campaign is now ignited, but even more promising is the way United managed to keep a clean sheet against the current leaders of La Liga.
Valencia started brightly in the second half and the lively Pablo worked the free space he was given on the right wing and having cut inside, the midfielder flashed a shot past Van der Sar’s post.
Berbatov had a good chance to put the visitors in front after the Bulgarian turned away from David Navarro but Valencia’s goalkeeper, Cesar Sanchez, denied the striker with a save with his legs.
Midway through the second half, Valencia opted to revert back to their familiar domestic style as Aritz Aduriz was brought on to partner Soldado in attack. The pair instantaneously combined but Soldado’s effort was unable to fully test Van der Sar.
The second half replicated the first in as much as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances. United went close six minutes from time as Nani’s cross was met by substitute Javier Hernandez at the back post, but the Mexican could only find woodwork.
But United completed their smash and grab victory one minute after they hit the post. Both substitutes combined as Federico Macheda fed through Hernandez and the Mexican darted past both centre-backs and slotted the ball neatly into the bottom corner.
Valencia applied the pressure in the final five minutes, but United were able to show resilience at the back to keep the hosts at bay. Sir Alex Ferguson will be pleased with the win as their European campaign is now ignited, but even more promising is the way United managed to keep a clean sheet against the current leaders of La Liga.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have leaked goals at the back this term and facing a side who current top the Spanish League, United looked destined to concede at some stage.
But following their frustrating draw in the first game of their group stage against Rangers at Old Trafford, United have now picked up a win which will undoubtedly boost their chances of topping Group C.
Valencia started the match in typical Spanish style and kept possession for the opening minutes. United’s early touches were greeted with whistles and jeers, which have developed into a custom when English sides play away in Europe.
Valencia approached the game in a different fashion to how they have started their domestic season. Instead of playing two in attack, the hosts opted for Roberto Soldado to act as a lone striker. Dimitar Berbatov was the sole forward for United, and his nearest team-mate was Anderson, who acted as a support man in a similar fashion to how he played at his former club Porto before moving to Old Trafford in 2007.
Following their defensive errors of late, a welcome reintroduction to United’s back line was the inclusion of Rio Ferdinand. The centre-back replaced Jonny Evans, who had been prone to mistakes during their opening games in the Premier League.
Another new addition to United’s starting lineup was Michael Carrick. The midfielder made his first start of the season following his recovery from injury but in the opening half he looked distinctly off the pace, and a heavy touch allowed Pablo space on the edge of the area, but the Valencia wide man blazed his shot over.
But the best chance of the opening half fell to Soldado. As Van der Sar flapped at a cross from the left, the ball flew into the path of the striker who had an open goal but his header ballooned over the bar. Valencia should have been a goal ahead, however, a more concerning issue for United was the poor marking that constantly threatens to lead to a goal being conceded.
United found it difficult to create chances in the first half. Berbatov was frequently isolated, despite showing the work-rate required to operate as a lone forward and Ji-Sung Park struggled to cope with a buccaneering mentality of Miguel. Nani, on the opposite flank, displayed a typical lack of consistency in his final ball and while Anderson showed brief glimpses of being able support the attack, the Brazilian was instructed to sit deeper to quash the threat of the hosts’ midfield.
Valencia started brightly in the second half and the lively Pablo worked the free space he was given on the right wing and having cut inside, the midfielder flashed a shot past Van der Sar’s post.
Berbatov had a good chance to put the visitors in front after the Bulgarian turned away from David Navarro but Valencia’s goalkeeper, Cesar Sanchez, denied the striker with a save with his legs.
Midway through the second half, Valencia opted to revert back to their familiar domestic style as Aritz Aduriz was brought on to partner Soldado in attack. The pair instantaneously combined but Soldado’s effort was unable to fully test Van der Sar.
The second half replicated the first in as much as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances. United went close six minutes from time as Nani’s cross was met by substitute Javier Hernandez at the back post, but the striker could only find woodwork.
But United completed their smash and grab victory one minute after they hit the post. Both substitutes combined as Federico Macheda fed through Hernandez and the Mexican darted past both centre-backs and slotted the ball neatly into the bottom corner.
Valencia applied the pressure in the final five minutes, but United were able to show resilience at the back to keep the hosts at bay. Ferguson will be pleased with the win as their European campaign is now ignited, but even more promising is the way United managed to keep a clean sheet against the current leaders of La Liga.
Valencia started brightly in the second half and the lively Pablo worked the free space he was given on the right wing and having cut inside, the midfielder flashed a shot past Van der Sar’s post.
Berbatov had a good chance to put the visitors in front after the Bulgarian turned away from David Navarro but Valencia’s goalkeeper, Cesar Sanchez, denied the striker with a save with his legs.
Midway through the second half, Valencia opted to revert back to their familiar domestic style as Aritz Aduriz was brought on to partner Soldado in attack. The pair instantaneously combined but Soldado’s effort was unable to fully test Van der Sar.
The second half replicated the first in as much as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances. United went close six minutes from time as Nani’s cross was met by substitute Javier Hernandez at the back post, but the Mexican could only find woodwork.
But United completed their smash and grab victory one minute after they hit the post. Both substitutes combined as Federico Macheda fed through Hernandez and the Mexican darted past both centre-backs and slotted the ball neatly into the bottom corner.
Valencia applied the pressure in the final five minutes, but United were able to show resilience at the back to keep the hosts at bay. Sir Alex Ferguson will be pleased with the win as their European campaign is now ignited, but even more promising is the way United managed to keep a clean sheet against the current leaders of La Liga.
Champions लीगुए Rigging
A trial has begun in Germany of four men accused of fixing 32 professional football matches in Europe, including three UEFA Champions League ties and 12 Europa League fixtures.
The majority of the games involved are in the lower leagues of nine European countries, and do not involve major European domestic competitions.
According to the BBC, up to 300 games in 15 countries are under suspicion and this is likely to be the first of several trials with German police understood to have 250 suspects involved in what is described as the biggest fraud scandal in the history of the sport in Europe.
The four unidentified accused, including one professional footballer, are a part of a group of 15 arrested last year. In police custody since November 2009 they are said to have benefited to the tune of several million euros after bribing match officials and players to throw games.
UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino have called for severe penalties for those found guilty of match-fixing.
"UEFA will be demanding the harshest of sanctions before the competent courts for any individuals, clubs or officials who are implicated in this malpractice, be it under state or sports jurisdiction," UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino said as quoted by CNN.
"I would like to thank the German authorities for their action and for the good collaboration. This case proves that it is possible for a state investigative authority to work closely together with a sports governing body when it comes to corruption or match-fixing."
The majority of the games involved are in the lower leagues of nine European countries, and do not involve major European domestic competitions.
According to the BBC, up to 300 games in 15 countries are under suspicion and this is likely to be the first of several trials with German police understood to have 250 suspects involved in what is described as the biggest fraud scandal in the history of the sport in Europe.
The four unidentified accused, including one professional footballer, are a part of a group of 15 arrested last year. In police custody since November 2009 they are said to have benefited to the tune of several million euros after bribing match officials and players to throw games.
UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino have called for severe penalties for those found guilty of match-fixing.
"UEFA will be demanding the harshest of sanctions before the competent courts for any individuals, clubs or officials who are implicated in this malpractice, be it under state or sports jurisdiction," UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino said as quoted by CNN.
"I would like to thank the German authorities for their action and for the good collaboration. This case proves that it is possible for a state investigative authority to work closely together with a sports governing body when it comes to corruption or match-fixing."
Montenegro Coach Zlatko Kranjcar Warns England That His Side Will Not ‘Just Roll Over’ At Wembley
Montenegro coach Zlatko Kranjcar has warned Fabio Capello’s England that the Group G table toppers are full of confidence and their wins over Wales and Bulgaria were “no fluke”.
Tuesday’s visitors to Wembley current sit above the Three Lions in the Euro 2012 standings with a perfect record having gleaned nine points from their opening three games
They will hope to continue that run against England and whilst Kranjcar admitted the home side would be favourites, he is confident his team can get a result at Wembley.
“England are still the favourites to win the group but we are not going to London as shopping tourists, we will be looking to prove our worth and get something out of this game," the coach told Sky Sports.
"This team has the capacity to capitalise on any blunders England might make so we won't just roll over.
"We have shown against the Swiss that we are capable of playing good football against tough opponents, and that 1-0 wins over Wales and Bulgaria were no fluke.
“The players have accepted my vision and performed with the utmost commitment and professionalism, hence we now believe we are good enough to at least finish runners-up in the group and clinch a play-off berth.”
The Montenegrins' danger-man is undoubtedly Roma striker Mirko Vucinic who bagged the winner in games against Wales and Switzerland but Kranjcar believes his entire team and the fans deserve credit.
"[Mirko] Vucinic was outstanding against Switzerland and so were the back four, marshalled superbly by our goalkeeper Mladen Bozovic,” he added,
"The fans were fantastic and played a key role in the victory, it felt as if there were four times as many of them in the terraces."
Tuesday’s visitors to Wembley current sit above the Three Lions in the Euro 2012 standings with a perfect record having gleaned nine points from their opening three games
They will hope to continue that run against England and whilst Kranjcar admitted the home side would be favourites, he is confident his team can get a result at Wembley.
“England are still the favourites to win the group but we are not going to London as shopping tourists, we will be looking to prove our worth and get something out of this game," the coach told Sky Sports.
"This team has the capacity to capitalise on any blunders England might make so we won't just roll over.
"We have shown against the Swiss that we are capable of playing good football against tough opponents, and that 1-0 wins over Wales and Bulgaria were no fluke.
“The players have accepted my vision and performed with the utmost commitment and professionalism, hence we now believe we are good enough to at least finish runners-up in the group and clinch a play-off berth.”
The Montenegrins' danger-man is undoubtedly Roma striker Mirko Vucinic who bagged the winner in games against Wales and Switzerland but Kranjcar believes his entire team and the fans deserve credit.
"[Mirko] Vucinic was outstanding against Switzerland and so were the back four, marshalled superbly by our goalkeeper Mladen Bozovic,” he added,
"The fans were fantastic and played a key role in the victory, it felt as if there were four times as many of them in the terraces."
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