Sunday, June 10, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
We think Mclaren’s tactics are too conservative. He daren’t drop either Gerard or Lampard from his starting line-up. This degrades the English midfield actually as both of them play almost the same role.
In the coming match against Israel, England should try to acquire more ball possession and score more goals in the 1st half. In this case, Lampard could be used as a spearhead to torment Israel’s defenses and create more opportunity for his teammates. In the 2nd half, Gerard should be subbed in to aid in the defense. Having a good midfielder in the pitch like him(Gerard) Mclaren couln use him as an ace during their counterattack.
In the back, Terry and Ferdinand are among the best contemporary central defenders so they are able to organize the defensive line well and are most unlikely to make costly mistakes.
Carragher is the best replacement for Gary at the right back. He is quite consistent this season and quite the unsung hero in the Kops. Due to Cole’s suspension and Bridge’s injuries, Barry can stand out to play in the left back. Having played in EPL for so many years, Barry is actually a quality player but of no fame. He should be able to fit in the England squad very quickly.
If England wishes to sweep all the points today, West Ham’s Benayoun and Chelsea’s Ben Sahar are the key players to be watched out for. Bolton’s Ben Haim might have his own way to limit Rooney’s and Johnson’s space.
In the coming match against Israel, England should try to acquire more ball possession and score more goals in the 1st half. In this case, Lampard could be used as a spearhead to torment Israel’s defenses and create more opportunity for his teammates. In the 2nd half, Gerard should be subbed in to aid in the defense. Having a good midfielder in the pitch like him(Gerard) Mclaren couln use him as an ace during their counterattack.
In the back, Terry and Ferdinand are among the best contemporary central defenders so they are able to organize the defensive line well and are most unlikely to make costly mistakes.
Carragher is the best replacement for Gary at the right back. He is quite consistent this season and quite the unsung hero in the Kops. Due to Cole’s suspension and Bridge’s injuries, Barry can stand out to play in the left back. Having played in EPL for so many years, Barry is actually a quality player but of no fame. He should be able to fit in the England squad very quickly.
If England wishes to sweep all the points today, West Ham’s Benayoun and Chelsea’s Ben Sahar are the key players to be watched out for. Bolton’s Ben Haim might have his own way to limit Rooney’s and Johnson’s space.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
McClaren's dilemma
Steve McClaren’s tactics are too conservative. He dare not drop any of Gerard or Lampard from his starting line-up and this degrade the English midfield actually coz both of them almost play the same role.
In the coming match against Israel, England shud try to have more ball possession and score more goals in d 1st half. In this case, Lampard could be used as a spearhead to torment Israel defense and to create more chances for team mates. In d 2nd half, Gerard shud be subbed in to help in d defense. Having a hardworking midfielder in d pitch like him McClaren can use him as an ace in counter attack.
In d back, Terry n Ferdinand r among d best contemporary central defenders so they r able to organize d defensive line well and r most unlikely to make costly mistakes.
Carragher is d best replacement for Gary at de right back. He is quite consistent this season and d unsung hero in d Kops march towards a memorable season. Due to Cole’s suspension and Bridge’s injuries, Barry can stand out to play in d left back. Having played in epl for so many yrs, Barry is actually a quality player but of no fame so he can fit in d England squad very quickly.
If England wishes to get all d 3 points today, West Ham’s Benayoun and Chelsea’s Ben Sahar r players to be watched out. Bolton’s Ben Haim might have his own way to limit Rooney’s and Johnson’s space.
In the coming match against Israel, England shud try to have more ball possession and score more goals in d 1st half. In this case, Lampard could be used as a spearhead to torment Israel defense and to create more chances for team mates. In d 2nd half, Gerard shud be subbed in to help in d defense. Having a hardworking midfielder in d pitch like him McClaren can use him as an ace in counter attack.
In d back, Terry n Ferdinand r among d best contemporary central defenders so they r able to organize d defensive line well and r most unlikely to make costly mistakes.
Carragher is d best replacement for Gary at de right back. He is quite consistent this season and d unsung hero in d Kops march towards a memorable season. Due to Cole’s suspension and Bridge’s injuries, Barry can stand out to play in d left back. Having played in epl for so many yrs, Barry is actually a quality player but of no fame so he can fit in d England squad very quickly.
If England wishes to get all d 3 points today, West Ham’s Benayoun and Chelsea’s Ben Sahar r players to be watched out. Bolton’s Ben Haim might have his own way to limit Rooney’s and Johnson’s space.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Ballack: I Need to Improve
Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has admitted he has not been happy with his form this season. The German international has failed to hit the heights since his move to Stamford Bridge last summer.Ballack believes he needs to improve his game to win over the Chelsea fans after conceding he has found it hard to adapt to life at Chelsea.
"I can't say I am super happy. I know I have to improve but it's not easy," Ballack told the Sunday Mirror, "This is a big club. They've won two titles and it's always difficult for a new player to come into a winning team."
"I wanted a challenge here and that's why I signed for Chelsea. It was a big challenge and one I felt was good for me at this stage of my career.
"It wasn't easy in the beginning here but I think the future is looking better. I will give my best for the club and we will see."
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Ferguson Still Eyeing Treble After Cup Draw
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson vowed to keep his side's treble quest alive after seeing them survive an FA Cup scare at Middlesbrough.
The Premiership leaders surrendered a 1-0 lead and then had to come from behind to clinch a replay at Old Trafford on Monday, March 19 courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo's 68th-minute penalty.
However, the draw came at a cost with keeper Edwin van der Sar facing a scan tomorrow on a calf muscle damaged during the warm-up and defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic picking up injuries which could rule them out of next Saturday's Premiership clash with Bolton.
Asked if the treble dream was still alive, Ferguson said: 'We are still there. 'The name of the game is to keep winning. That is the best recipe and best energy-enhancer of all time, winning. We can handle that.
'They (Middlesbrough) are still in the cup too. We will approach it the way we did today. We will use our squad in the right way.
'We will start utilising our pool, which we have been doing for the last three weeks.'
United dominated the first half and went ahead on 23 minutes when Wayne Rooney blasted home his first goal in eight games.
However, Boro dragged themselves back into the tie a minute before half-time when Lee Cattermole smashed a shot on the turn past reserve keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.
The Teessiders got their noses in front within two minutes of the restart when George Boateng took advantage of some woeful marking to head home Downing's corner, but the Dutchman's joy was to turn to misery on 68 minutes.
He blocked Rio Ferdinand's flick-on with his hands and referee Rob Styles had to hesitation in pointing to the sport, and Ronaldo calmly stroked home his 17th goal of the season.
Ferguson told Sky Sports News: 'It was one of the best performances for quite a while, for weeks. The rhythm was back, the speed was back and it was terrific to see that.
'It was a good pitch, everything was in our favour and then the goal at half-time brought Middlesbrough back into the game.
'The goal from the corner kick was a bit of bad marking on our part, but we never gave in.
'Manchester United are expected to keep going - they did and we got a deserved equaliser.'
On van der Sar's injury, he added: 'He has a calf injury and we will send him for a scan tomorrow - hopefully it is not serious.'
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate was delighted with his side's performance, and warned United not to write them off ahead of the replay. He said: 'Everybody will have written us off - I think most people wrote us off before the game today, and we came very, very close to turning them over.
'When you are in the position we were in, you have the belief you are going to go on and win it.
'We had that belief all week that we could win the tie today, and that was the expectation once we went ahead with the way we have been playing.
'We played well in the second half and you think you are going to get there.
'We were obviously bitterly disappointed to concede, but we are still in there.
'We have got to remember they put their strongest side out today - that is a mark of the respect they have for us as a team.
'We have pushed them all the way again and we are still in there fighting.'
Boateng was furious with the penalty award, although Southgate took a more philosophical view. He said: 'I have had a look at it again. At the time, I felt it was very harsh.
'He did raise his hands, the only thing I feel is he was only a yard away from him when it was flicked and it is very difficult for anybody to adjust their body in that split-second of time.
'But there we go, we do not complain about referees' decisions here afterwards. He gave it honestly and we have to live with that.'
The Premiership leaders surrendered a 1-0 lead and then had to come from behind to clinch a replay at Old Trafford on Monday, March 19 courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo's 68th-minute penalty.
However, the draw came at a cost with keeper Edwin van der Sar facing a scan tomorrow on a calf muscle damaged during the warm-up and defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic picking up injuries which could rule them out of next Saturday's Premiership clash with Bolton.
Asked if the treble dream was still alive, Ferguson said: 'We are still there. 'The name of the game is to keep winning. That is the best recipe and best energy-enhancer of all time, winning. We can handle that.
'They (Middlesbrough) are still in the cup too. We will approach it the way we did today. We will use our squad in the right way.
'We will start utilising our pool, which we have been doing for the last three weeks.'
United dominated the first half and went ahead on 23 minutes when Wayne Rooney blasted home his first goal in eight games.
However, Boro dragged themselves back into the tie a minute before half-time when Lee Cattermole smashed a shot on the turn past reserve keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.
The Teessiders got their noses in front within two minutes of the restart when George Boateng took advantage of some woeful marking to head home Downing's corner, but the Dutchman's joy was to turn to misery on 68 minutes.
He blocked Rio Ferdinand's flick-on with his hands and referee Rob Styles had to hesitation in pointing to the sport, and Ronaldo calmly stroked home his 17th goal of the season.
Ferguson told Sky Sports News: 'It was one of the best performances for quite a while, for weeks. The rhythm was back, the speed was back and it was terrific to see that.
'It was a good pitch, everything was in our favour and then the goal at half-time brought Middlesbrough back into the game.
'The goal from the corner kick was a bit of bad marking on our part, but we never gave in.
'Manchester United are expected to keep going - they did and we got a deserved equaliser.'
On van der Sar's injury, he added: 'He has a calf injury and we will send him for a scan tomorrow - hopefully it is not serious.'
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate was delighted with his side's performance, and warned United not to write them off ahead of the replay. He said: 'Everybody will have written us off - I think most people wrote us off before the game today, and we came very, very close to turning them over.
'When you are in the position we were in, you have the belief you are going to go on and win it.
'We had that belief all week that we could win the tie today, and that was the expectation once we went ahead with the way we have been playing.
'We played well in the second half and you think you are going to get there.
'We were obviously bitterly disappointed to concede, but we are still in there.
'We have got to remember they put their strongest side out today - that is a mark of the respect they have for us as a team.
'We have pushed them all the way again and we are still in there fighting.'
Boateng was furious with the penalty award, although Southgate took a more philosophical view. He said: 'I have had a look at it again. At the time, I felt it was very harsh.
'He did raise his hands, the only thing I feel is he was only a yard away from him when it was flicked and it is very difficult for anybody to adjust their body in that split-second of time.
'But there we go, we do not complain about referees' decisions here afterwards. He gave it honestly and we have to live with that.'
Dida Signs New Deal
Milan keeper Dida has signed a new contract at the club tying him down to the Rossoneri until 2010.Dida's existing deal was set to expire in the summer and there had been some disparity between the club's offer and player's demands. Milan had also been linked with moves for Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon and Celtic's Artur Boruc.
However, the 33-year-old Brazil man has decided to stay at Milan, ostensibly until the end of his career, having spent the last six years at the club since joining from Corinthians in 2000.
Milan face runaway Serie A leaders and city rivals Internazionale on Sunday.
Cole Targets Comeback Against Valencia
Joe Cole has told Jose Mourinho that he will be ready to make his first-team return by the time they face Valencia in the Champions League next month.
Cole has been out for most of the season with a stress fracture of the foot and underwent surgery in a bid to cure the problem.
Mourinho was resigned to losing the England midfielder for the rest of the season but Cole now looks set to time his return perfectly as Chelsea face the Spanish side in the last eight of the Champions League. Mourinho said: 'Joe Cole told me that he will be ready for Valencia. The fact that he is saying that will push him. So if not for Valencia maybe for the next week after that. Now he has a target and for me that is good.
'Joe was a key player last season . It was the best season of his life and he was crucial from the first moment to the last. He had an unbelievable season. This season he has had five minutes here and there, and finally surgery and out for a long time.'
Meanwhile the club were not commenting on suggestions that contract talks with captain John Terry have stalled even though Mourinho said on Friday that Chelsea would do all they could to keep both the defender and his England colleague Frank Lampard. Chelsea will look to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup against Spurs today - knowing that it will only add to their growing fixture pile-up.
If Chelsea or Manchester United reach the last four, then their Premiership game scheduled for April 15 will be moved to the last week of the season.
But Mourinho took his mind off today's clash with Spurs with his usual Friday kick-about with son Jose and his schoolmates at home. The Chelsea coach revealed that he winds down every Friday by playing football in his back garden with stones for goalposts and Jose junior demanding to play against his dad.
While Spurs counterpart Martin Jol tours London art galleries looking at Dutch art, Mourinho takes his mind off the pressure with a carefree knockabout.
Mourinho explained: 'I don't know Martin but maybe he has older kids than I have. When they are older they like to spend more time with boyfriends and girlfriends than their parents. My time for that hasn't arrived yet. They are 10 and eight - they still want to spend time with me and my wife.
'For example, every Friday, every boy from my kid's class, goes to my house. There are not many, there are only seven. They go to my house and we have a game. I play too. My son does not want to play with me, he wants to be on the other side.
'It is four against four and it lasts until they are tired and go back to their playstations. My wife takes them to my house when school finishes and when the game is over around five or six pm, their families pick them up.
'On Mondays after school they have an extra activity and they choose football. I go to watch on Mondays and on Fridays they come to my house. I play for a draw. I want them all to be happy. It is fantastic.'
Cole has been out for most of the season with a stress fracture of the foot and underwent surgery in a bid to cure the problem.
Mourinho was resigned to losing the England midfielder for the rest of the season but Cole now looks set to time his return perfectly as Chelsea face the Spanish side in the last eight of the Champions League. Mourinho said: 'Joe Cole told me that he will be ready for Valencia. The fact that he is saying that will push him. So if not for Valencia maybe for the next week after that. Now he has a target and for me that is good.
'Joe was a key player last season . It was the best season of his life and he was crucial from the first moment to the last. He had an unbelievable season. This season he has had five minutes here and there, and finally surgery and out for a long time.'
Meanwhile the club were not commenting on suggestions that contract talks with captain John Terry have stalled even though Mourinho said on Friday that Chelsea would do all they could to keep both the defender and his England colleague Frank Lampard. Chelsea will look to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup against Spurs today - knowing that it will only add to their growing fixture pile-up.
If Chelsea or Manchester United reach the last four, then their Premiership game scheduled for April 15 will be moved to the last week of the season.
But Mourinho took his mind off today's clash with Spurs with his usual Friday kick-about with son Jose and his schoolmates at home. The Chelsea coach revealed that he winds down every Friday by playing football in his back garden with stones for goalposts and Jose junior demanding to play against his dad.
While Spurs counterpart Martin Jol tours London art galleries looking at Dutch art, Mourinho takes his mind off the pressure with a carefree knockabout.
Mourinho explained: 'I don't know Martin but maybe he has older kids than I have. When they are older they like to spend more time with boyfriends and girlfriends than their parents. My time for that hasn't arrived yet. They are 10 and eight - they still want to spend time with me and my wife.
'For example, every Friday, every boy from my kid's class, goes to my house. There are not many, there are only seven. They go to my house and we have a game. I play too. My son does not want to play with me, he wants to be on the other side.
'It is four against four and it lasts until they are tired and go back to their playstations. My wife takes them to my house when school finishes and when the game is over around five or six pm, their families pick them up.
'On Mondays after school they have an extra activity and they choose football. I go to watch on Mondays and on Fridays they come to my house. I play for a draw. I want them all to be happy. It is fantastic.'
Who deserve to be in the Three Lions starting line-up?
JAMIE CARRAGHER'S talismanic performance against Barcelona has proved that he can cope with the world's best attackers.
Carra kept Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi at bay throughout Tuesday's Champions League tie.
The Kop hero also marshalled his defensive line superbly and was only undone when Barca piled on the pressure and Eidur Gudjohnson netted his 75th-minute winner.
After the match Liverpool and England ace Steven Gerrard hailed Carragher as the best centre-half in the world.
And with John Terry doubtful for England's qualifiers against Israel and Andorra, Carra is pushing for an England start.
But who do you think is the nation's best centre-half?
Is it Rio Ferdinand who has been at the heart of Manchester United's rise to the top of the Premiership?
Or England skipper Terry whose passion and commitment have never the country down?
Maybe you reckon Jonathan Woodgate should get the call for his displays at Middlesbrough this season?
Or is it Carragher, who has never really had the chance to shine for the Three Lions but has starred for Liverpool in recent seasons?
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