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Bayern stand firm over £60m valuation of Ribery
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
November 11, 2009
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Chelsea and Manchester City have been shocked to discover that Bayern Munich are still holding out for nearly £60 million for unhappy French winger Franck Ribery.
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Uli Hoeness displays Bayern's determination to hold on to Ribery. For the time being.
The two big-spending Premier League clubs are waiting for Bayern to drop their asking price as the midfielder's contract winds down, and they are also behind Real Madrid in the player's wishlist of clubs.
ESPN Soccernet's 'insider' with close connections to the movers and shakers at Eastlands and Stamford Bridge said: "Bayern want 70 million euros, and that is unrealistic. In any case, the player retains his desire to play in Spain rather than England. His head has been turned by Real Madrid's interest and he is still waiting to see if they will buy him.
"I have got to say he doesn't want to go to England, and it's far too early to say what Real Madrid might do - whether they will have the cash after spending so much on Kaka and Ronaldo. If nothing happens with Real then perhaps Ribery will change his mind.
"If he does change his mind about England then he won't go to Manchester City, because Chelsea offers him the best option in terms of potential achievement, so the door could be open at Chelsea, depending on what they decide to do in the transfer market."
The struggling Bundesliga giants are disappointed with the 26-year-old Ribery's form this season and could accept less for a player they valued at £80 million in the summer, although they would still want a hefty price for a player considered to be one of the best in the world.
Ribery is said to have a poor relationship with coach Louis van Gaal and has shown earlier in his career that his behind-the-scenes problems can affect his form.
However, his contract ends in June 2011, meaning that, next summer, Bayern will be unable to command the kind of fee they have been looking for and, as Ribery declines any new deal on the table, the price will drop to one that will encourage Chelsea to make a good enough offer to tempt Bayern.
Manchester City will match Chelsea, and even surpass any transfer fee and wages. City are even prepared to meet Bayern's valuation and pay the player a record £200,000-a-week in wages, while manager Mark Hughes watched Bayern lose against Bordeaux in the Champions League last week.
For the moment, though, Real are leading the pack and both English clubs will face a tough test to persuade the Frenchman that his future lies in the Premier League.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
three stars back for liverpool
REMIER Liverpool's injury problems appear to be easing somewhat with the news that Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson should all be fit to feature against Manchester City at the weekend.
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Steven Gerrard came on as a first-half substitute against Birmingham
None of the three have been involved with their respective countries during the international break and of paramount importance to Benitez is the news that his captain, Gerrard, appears to have shaken off a troublesome groin problem.
Gerrard has made only one appearance as a substitute since England's game against Ukraine on October 10 but, along with defenders Agger and Johnson, should be available when Mark Hughes' men come to Anfield on Saturday.
Star striker Fernando Torres will not be available though as he continues to undergo treatment for a groin injury.
"Agger is okay. He had a small problem with his back but he's training," Rafael Benitez told the club's official website. "It was a very good decision from Denmark's manager (to withdraw Agger) because he is much better now. I think he'll be okay for the weekend.
"Johnson has been training. Not full sessions, but training, so hopefully he'll be okay for the weekend too. Gerrard is doing well. He finished a full training session today, so if he can carry on then he'll be okay as well. Fernando Torres is training with the physios, so I don't think he'll be available."
Meanwhile, Benitez is adopting a positive outlook regarding Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera, both of whom were expected to be sidelined for four weeks after sustaining hamstring injuries in a 2-2 draw with Birmingham on November 9. David Ngog should be okay to face City despite breaking his nose on international duty but Fabio Aurelio will miss out.
"I was talking about four weeks but they (Benayoun and Riera) are working hard with the physios and doing special treatments," Benitez said. "We have to check but maybe they'll be back earlier than expected."
"We know Ngog has broken his nose but it's not serious. I am not sure yet because we haven't seen him but I think he'll be okay, it won't be serious. He (Aurelio) is improving but still has a little bit of a problem with his calf. It will be difficult for him to play against Man City."
In further news from Liverpool, the club have completed the signing of Luton Town's Under-15 player Dave Moli for an undisclosed fee.
GettyImages
Steven Gerrard came on as a first-half substitute against Birmingham
None of the three have been involved with their respective countries during the international break and of paramount importance to Benitez is the news that his captain, Gerrard, appears to have shaken off a troublesome groin problem.
Gerrard has made only one appearance as a substitute since England's game against Ukraine on October 10 but, along with defenders Agger and Johnson, should be available when Mark Hughes' men come to Anfield on Saturday.
Star striker Fernando Torres will not be available though as he continues to undergo treatment for a groin injury.
"Agger is okay. He had a small problem with his back but he's training," Rafael Benitez told the club's official website. "It was a very good decision from Denmark's manager (to withdraw Agger) because he is much better now. I think he'll be okay for the weekend.
"Johnson has been training. Not full sessions, but training, so hopefully he'll be okay for the weekend too. Gerrard is doing well. He finished a full training session today, so if he can carry on then he'll be okay as well. Fernando Torres is training with the physios, so I don't think he'll be available."
Meanwhile, Benitez is adopting a positive outlook regarding Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera, both of whom were expected to be sidelined for four weeks after sustaining hamstring injuries in a 2-2 draw with Birmingham on November 9. David Ngog should be okay to face City despite breaking his nose on international duty but Fabio Aurelio will miss out.
"I was talking about four weeks but they (Benayoun and Riera) are working hard with the physios and doing special treatments," Benitez said. "We have to check but maybe they'll be back earlier than expected."
"We know Ngog has broken his nose but it's not serious. I am not sure yet because we haven't seen him but I think he'll be okay, it won't be serious. He (Aurelio) is improving but still has a little bit of a problem with his calf. It will be difficult for him to play against Man City."
In further news from Liverpool, the club have completed the signing of Luton Town's Under-15 player Dave Moli for an undisclosed fee.
ancelloti noy ready for italy job has he enjoys his stay at blues
Carlo Ancelotti says he is tempted by the chance to lead Italy but is only thinking about Chelsea for now.
AP
Ancelotti wants to continue his "beautiful adventure" at Chelsea
Marcello Lippi, who led the side to World Cup success in 2006, has returned to coach the side following Roberto Donadoni's disappointing Euro 2008 campaign, but he has come under fire from fans and the press for his refusal to select the likes of Antonio Cassano and Amauri.
Lippi is expected to leave Italy after the finals next summer but, while Ancelotti admits he would love to coach an international side, he insists he is intending to stay at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future.
"I like the idea of coaching a national team, but at the moment, I'm staying at Chelsea," he told La Repubblica. "In June, I want to enjoy the live games as a spectator.
"I won't be the Italian coach next season. I'm the Chelsea coach and I want to finish this beautiful adventure."
Meanwhile, Napoli sporting director Riccardo Bigon has denied reports Chelsea are set to make a January swoop for Marek Hamsik.
Reports in England have claimed that Chelsea are lining up a bid for Slovakia midfielder Hamsik, who scored the only goal of the game as his country beat USA in a friendly at the weekend.
However, Bigon insists they have no intention of allowing the 22-year-old to leave and that the focus is more on potential arrivals than sales.
"There is no official request for buying him," he told Sky Italia. "Marek is indispensable to the club. He is not for sale.
"We have a huge team with 25 players, and it's tough to bring a new addition to the team but, if there's a chance to improve, we will. We will take a look in the next transfer window to see if there's something interesting to do."
AP
Ancelotti wants to continue his "beautiful adventure" at Chelsea
Marcello Lippi, who led the side to World Cup success in 2006, has returned to coach the side following Roberto Donadoni's disappointing Euro 2008 campaign, but he has come under fire from fans and the press for his refusal to select the likes of Antonio Cassano and Amauri.
Lippi is expected to leave Italy after the finals next summer but, while Ancelotti admits he would love to coach an international side, he insists he is intending to stay at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future.
"I like the idea of coaching a national team, but at the moment, I'm staying at Chelsea," he told La Repubblica. "In June, I want to enjoy the live games as a spectator.
"I won't be the Italian coach next season. I'm the Chelsea coach and I want to finish this beautiful adventure."
Meanwhile, Napoli sporting director Riccardo Bigon has denied reports Chelsea are set to make a January swoop for Marek Hamsik.
Reports in England have claimed that Chelsea are lining up a bid for Slovakia midfielder Hamsik, who scored the only goal of the game as his country beat USA in a friendly at the weekend.
However, Bigon insists they have no intention of allowing the 22-year-old to leave and that the focus is more on potential arrivals than sales.
"There is no official request for buying him," he told Sky Italia. "Marek is indispensable to the club. He is not for sale.
"We have a huge team with 25 players, and it's tough to bring a new addition to the team but, if there's a chance to improve, we will. We will take a look in the next transfer window to see if there's something interesting to do."
alex ferguson believes man city would break top 4
Sir Alex Ferguson has changed his tune on whether bitter rivals Manchester City are a top four candidate this season, but ruled out anything other than a two-horse race between his Manchester United team and Chelsea for the Premier League title.
Empics
Have Manchester City's stars won over their harshest critic?
When City revealed a giant poster Manchester featuring former United striker Carlos Tevez in his new sky blue City strip in pre-season, Ferguson reacted angrily and was dimissive of the Eastlands outfit's chances of cracking the top four, let alone challenging the red half of Manchester.
Managers and players, including Chelsea's Frank Lampard, have since talked up City's top four prospects. While Ferguson holds firm that the status of title contenders is exclusively his and Chelsea's, he now also believes City stand as good a chance of any to steal a Champions League place that Liverpool increasingly look like vacating.
Ferguson said: "I could toss a coin and that could be my best chance of deciding who could break into the top four out of Tottenham, Aston Villa, Everton and Manchester City with all the money they have. That's a difficult competition in itself and any one of them is capable of doing that."
Despite the increased threat to the top of the league table, Ferguson insisted that Arsenal and every other team would drop off the pace of United and Chelsea in the early months of the new year.
"I had a feeling about there being a change last season. The top teams are losing games and more points than ever through the early part of the season," he said. "That gives rise to the hope that it could be a very competitive league. But my experience tells me that two teams break away towards the last part of the season.''
Ferguson was speaking at an inaugural dinner of the League Managers' Association Hall of Fame 1000 club, celebrating those who have managed more than 1,000 domestic league or cup matches. The English leagues have boasted 18 such managers, including the late Sir Matt Busby, Sir Bobby Robson, Brian Clough and Alec Stock.
Ten surviving members were present at the Hilton hotel in London and as well as Ferguson they comprised Dave Bassett, Steve Coppell, Brian Horton, Lennie Lawrence, Harry Redknapp, Denis Smith, Jim Smith, Graham Turner and Neil Warnock. Ferguson also admitted football had been taken over by a new breed of chairmen and owners with a hair-trigger for sacking managers.
He said: "It's a different world we're in. Managers were always sacked but in most cases there was a reasonable cause. A run of bad results. But I remember Peter Reid was sacked after five games at Manchester City at the start of the season. Ruud Gullit was sacked a few games into one of his seasons at Newcastle. There is an instant response from chairmen which has been unusual in recent years.
"We have a new breed of chairmen and new owners. It's not the establishment we've got now. We have new owners from Americans, Chinese, Russians. How they achieved their money is not what football is used to. The sudden wealth (has brought) the quick reaction of chairmen to what happens on the football field.''
Empics
Have Manchester City's stars won over their harshest critic?
When City revealed a giant poster Manchester featuring former United striker Carlos Tevez in his new sky blue City strip in pre-season, Ferguson reacted angrily and was dimissive of the Eastlands outfit's chances of cracking the top four, let alone challenging the red half of Manchester.
Managers and players, including Chelsea's Frank Lampard, have since talked up City's top four prospects. While Ferguson holds firm that the status of title contenders is exclusively his and Chelsea's, he now also believes City stand as good a chance of any to steal a Champions League place that Liverpool increasingly look like vacating.
Ferguson said: "I could toss a coin and that could be my best chance of deciding who could break into the top four out of Tottenham, Aston Villa, Everton and Manchester City with all the money they have. That's a difficult competition in itself and any one of them is capable of doing that."
Despite the increased threat to the top of the league table, Ferguson insisted that Arsenal and every other team would drop off the pace of United and Chelsea in the early months of the new year.
"I had a feeling about there being a change last season. The top teams are losing games and more points than ever through the early part of the season," he said. "That gives rise to the hope that it could be a very competitive league. But my experience tells me that two teams break away towards the last part of the season.''
Ferguson was speaking at an inaugural dinner of the League Managers' Association Hall of Fame 1000 club, celebrating those who have managed more than 1,000 domestic league or cup matches. The English leagues have boasted 18 such managers, including the late Sir Matt Busby, Sir Bobby Robson, Brian Clough and Alec Stock.
Ten surviving members were present at the Hilton hotel in London and as well as Ferguson they comprised Dave Bassett, Steve Coppell, Brian Horton, Lennie Lawrence, Harry Redknapp, Denis Smith, Jim Smith, Graham Turner and Neil Warnock. Ferguson also admitted football had been taken over by a new breed of chairmen and owners with a hair-trigger for sacking managers.
He said: "It's a different world we're in. Managers were always sacked but in most cases there was a reasonable cause. A run of bad results. But I remember Peter Reid was sacked after five games at Manchester City at the start of the season. Ruud Gullit was sacked a few games into one of his seasons at Newcastle. There is an instant response from chairmen which has been unusual in recent years.
"We have a new breed of chairmen and new owners. It's not the establishment we've got now. We have new owners from Americans, Chinese, Russians. How they achieved their money is not what football is used to. The sudden wealth (has brought) the quick reaction of chairmen to what happens on the football field.''
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
ronaldo misses play off
BACK FROM ANKLE INJURY
Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to training with his Real Madrid team-mates for the first time since injuring his ankle in late September. He will still, however, miss Portugal's World Cup play-off with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
GettyImages
Ronaldo was injured playing for Real Madrid against Marseille
The £80 million world record signing suffered the injury in a Champions League clash with Marseille on September 30 but was put through his paces at Real's Valdebebas training complex today, taking part in some ball work.
Ronaldo's injury became the subject of controversy earlier this month when Portugal tried to call him up for duty in their World Cup qualification play-off with Bosnia-Herzegovina. He had risked the injury during his country's crucial final group game with Hungary in October but had broken down by half-time, causing an almighty club v country row.
This time, the player has ultimately remained with Real, while Portugal narrowly won the first leg of the play-off without him.
Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to training with his Real Madrid team-mates for the first time since injuring his ankle in late September. He will still, however, miss Portugal's World Cup play-off with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
GettyImages
Ronaldo was injured playing for Real Madrid against Marseille
The £80 million world record signing suffered the injury in a Champions League clash with Marseille on September 30 but was put through his paces at Real's Valdebebas training complex today, taking part in some ball work.
Ronaldo's injury became the subject of controversy earlier this month when Portugal tried to call him up for duty in their World Cup qualification play-off with Bosnia-Herzegovina. He had risked the injury during his country's crucial final group game with Hungary in October but had broken down by half-time, causing an almighty club v country row.
This time, the player has ultimately remained with Real, while Portugal narrowly won the first leg of the play-off without him.
chelsea to sign new players
CHELSEA NEWS
Terry hoping for January signings
By Soccernet staff
November 17, 2009
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Chelsea captain John Terry expects boss Carlo Ancelotti to make the most of the January transfer window and bring in some new faces to bolster the Blues' squad and consolidate their title ambitions.
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Chelsea are top of the league but John Terry reckons new signings will help the Blues consolidate.
Chelsea have had a transfer ban suspended pending appeal so will be free to bring players in when the window opens again.
And with the prospect of Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel heading to Angola for the African Nations Cup in January, Terry expects Ancelotti and owner Roman Abramovich to discuss some possible signings.
"It's good news about the transfer ban being suspended but we lose four good players to the African Nations Cup in January anyway,'' he told the Sun.
"I'm sure the club and the manager are looking into that and having good talks with Roman. I wouldn't be surprised if we do go out and buy because we don't know what's going to happen in the summer - or the following summer.''
Terry hoping for January signings
By Soccernet staff
November 17, 2009
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Chelsea captain John Terry expects boss Carlo Ancelotti to make the most of the January transfer window and bring in some new faces to bolster the Blues' squad and consolidate their title ambitions.
AdrianDennis/GettyImages
Chelsea are top of the league but John Terry reckons new signings will help the Blues consolidate.
Chelsea have had a transfer ban suspended pending appeal so will be free to bring players in when the window opens again.
And with the prospect of Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel heading to Angola for the African Nations Cup in January, Terry expects Ancelotti and owner Roman Abramovich to discuss some possible signings.
"It's good news about the transfer ban being suspended but we lose four good players to the African Nations Cup in January anyway,'' he told the Sun.
"I'm sure the club and the manager are looking into that and having good talks with Roman. I wouldn't be surprised if we do go out and buy because we don't know what's going to happen in the summer - or the following summer.''
james see himself no 1
England goalkeeper David James expects to be fully fit for next summer's World Cup final
David James is hoping to be England's No.1 in South Africa
The 39-year-old missed Saturday's friendly against Brazil because of an ongoing knee problem, which has also seen him given a special training routine which gives him time off on Mondays.
But the Portsmouth stopper is adamant that by the time the World Cup finals roll around, he will be fit and available to be Fabio Capello's first-choice keeper.
"I'm not concerned about my knee and it will not be a reason why I won't be fit for the World Cup," told the Daily Mail. "If the injury was a serious one I'd be looking to rest for a number of weeks and miss a load of games for Portsmouth.
"But I don't need to and that should tell you everything. By managing the situation, I am able to play every week. But I missed England squads earlier in the season because I couldn't train the way the manager [Fabio Capello] wanted me to.
"He has a very strict policy. If you can't do their training before a game he won't pick you and that's fair enough. And I missed the last squad for Brazil because it was considered more sensible to give me a two-week break.
"The same went for a number of the lads. For me, it has proved a good decision because the knee is getting better all the time.''
And James admitted he hopes to win his 50th cap when England next play in March.
"By the time England play again in March my left knee will be fine,' James said. ''I see it as a chance to win my 50th cap, something I'd love to do at Wembley, and if I'm selected I will be fully fit."
He added: "I can see why the manager might be a bit worried but it's not strictly true that I can't train for two days after every game.
"I just have a programme in place for now that is designed to allow the knee time to make a full recovery and it means I don't do any goalkeeping training on a Monday. I just go in the gym and do conditioning work before returning to goalkeeping work the next day.''
David James is hoping to be England's No.1 in South Africa
The 39-year-old missed Saturday's friendly against Brazil because of an ongoing knee problem, which has also seen him given a special training routine which gives him time off on Mondays.
But the Portsmouth stopper is adamant that by the time the World Cup finals roll around, he will be fit and available to be Fabio Capello's first-choice keeper.
"I'm not concerned about my knee and it will not be a reason why I won't be fit for the World Cup," told the Daily Mail. "If the injury was a serious one I'd be looking to rest for a number of weeks and miss a load of games for Portsmouth.
"But I don't need to and that should tell you everything. By managing the situation, I am able to play every week. But I missed England squads earlier in the season because I couldn't train the way the manager [Fabio Capello] wanted me to.
"He has a very strict policy. If you can't do their training before a game he won't pick you and that's fair enough. And I missed the last squad for Brazil because it was considered more sensible to give me a two-week break.
"The same went for a number of the lads. For me, it has proved a good decision because the knee is getting better all the time.''
And James admitted he hopes to win his 50th cap when England next play in March.
"By the time England play again in March my left knee will be fine,' James said. ''I see it as a chance to win my 50th cap, something I'd love to do at Wembley, and if I'm selected I will be fully fit."
He added: "I can see why the manager might be a bit worried but it's not strictly true that I can't train for two days after every game.
"I just have a programme in place for now that is designed to allow the knee time to make a full recovery and it means I don't do any goalkeeping training on a Monday. I just go in the gym and do conditioning work before returning to goalkeeping work the next day.''
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