Moratti: "I see no conspiracy" Ranieri and Obi, 1-match ban

The Inter president's comments on Braschi's words after Inter v Napoli: "Declarations of common sense, responsibility is needed on the part of everyone. There are no hard feelings, but the match was distorted and I don't think that the refereeing is a reaction to Calciopoli." Fines for Cordoba, Milito and Zanetti

Massimo Moratti, 66 years old, president of Inter Milan. ANSA

Inter president Massimo Moratti commented on the statements of Braschi ("The match from the referee Rocchi was below par, but he remains one of the best in Europe, highly regarded by myself and others.") after the hotly contested Inter v Napoli match on Saturday evening. Moratti stated: "I read the entire statement by Braschi. It was a declaration of common sense, trying to calm things down, but nobody is looking to go overboard here. Certainly, the bad feelings came at the end of the match and remained for what could have been a game that, from our way of seeing things, was a little distorted by this situation. There are no hard feelings remaining, nor a desire to do God knows what. We need to be very careful, because it could have been a beautiful game." Then Moratti went further and extended the discussion to the topic of Calciopoli: "I don't think the refereeing is a response to the events of Calciopoli. That would be a childish reaction. Last year, the referees were very good. I hope I can say the same thing at the end of this season. I don't want to think about conspiracies; there are no prerequisites at the moment to think something like that."

Ranieri and obi, 1-match ban — Meanwhile, the Serie A Disciplinary Commission has handed a one-match ban to Inter coach Claudio Ranieri, who was sent off at halftime of Inter v Napoli, and to Obi, who was shown a red card (double yellow) in minute 42 when Napoli were awarded the penalty. Cordoba and Milito, both in the stands, received fines of 10,000 euros, and Javier Zanetti was fined 1,500 euros: all for their insults directed towards the referee Rocchi.

http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/03-10-2011/moratti-see-no-conspiracy-803150037868.shtml

Bolton 1 - 5 Chelsea

Chelsea's Frank Lampard celebrates the sixth hat-trick of his career

Frank Lampard scored a hat-trick as Chelsea thrashed bottom side Bolton on an afternoon to forget for Wanderers goalkeeper Adam Bogdan.

Former Bolton loanee Daniel Sturridge headed home after only 90 seconds before Lampard swept home the second.
Two errors from Bogdan allowed the pair to make it 4-0 by half-time before Dedryck Boyata headed home a second-half consolation.

Lampard hails 'special hat-trick

But Lampard restored the four-goal advantage with a close-range finish.
The emphatic win moved Andre Villas-Boas' men back into third place above surprise package Newcastle and three points behind Manchester United and Manchester City.
Lampard stole the show with a vintage performance to silence some of his recent critics.
The 33-year-old, who was dropped from the England team last month and also found himself struggling to break into the Chelsea starting XI, caused problems for the home side throughout with his trademark forward runs.

Continue reading the main story

• Frank Lampard has overtaken 1930s legend George Mills as Chelsea's fifth highest league goalscorer, with 119
• Lampard's hat-trick was his third in the Premier League
• Defeat for Bolton means it is their worst league start for 109 years

And the Premier League's all-time top-scoring midfielder proved he has not lost the knack of being in the right place at the right time with a trio of clinical finishes.
Bolton's goal was the first they have scored against Chelsea at the Reebok Stadium in nine successive defeats.
And with Bolton suffering a wretched run of five straight home defeats - their worst run in 109 years - Chelsea fans would have been forgiven for expecting a comfortable win.
But surely they did not anticipate the ease with which their team raced into an almost impregnable half-time lead.
Without the suspended Fernando Torres, Villas-Boas brought in Didier Drogba and Sturridge and his players responded with a majestic attacking display.
Bolton's defenders should have been fully aware of the threat posed by Sturridge after he scored eight goals in a 12-match loan spell at the Reebok last season but they left him unmarked to powerfully head home Juan Mata's corner with less than two minutes on the clock.
Chelsea dominated the opening 20 minutes as they tore Bolton apart with their quick movement and incisive passing.
Then Sturridge turned provider when his square pass was confidently drilled home by Lampard on his 350th Chelsea appearance.
The home fans, not to mention Bolton boss Owen Coyle, looked shell-shocked as the visitors raced into their two-goal advantage.

Coyle vows to fight on at Bolton

But much worse was to follow in a madcap three minutes just before the half-hour mark.
First Bogdan, making his first Premier League start of the season in place of the injured Jussi Jaaskelainen, weakly palmed Sturridge's fierce shot into the net.
And moments later he could only parry a strike from David Luiz, who Bolton had allowed to saunter towards their goal from his own half, into the path of Lampard to slam home from close range.
Coyle was left with the momentous task of lifting his players during the half-time break - but whatever he said clearly had some effect with Boyata heading home Martin Petrov's free kick within 60 seconds of the restart.
However, any glimmer of hope was quickly extinguished when Lampard bagged Chelsea's fifth - for the sixth hat-trick of his career - after exchanging passes with Drogba.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle: "We gave ourselves absolutely no chance early in the game - in the first 90 seconds we've switched off at a set piece and allowed a free header which costs us a goal.
"I think we could have defended the second goal better because we had enough people back.
"Adam Bogdan is a young goalkeeper who we know will have a terrific career.
"But he knows he's had a difficult day today - the third and fourth goals should have been easily mopped up. That gave us an absolute mountain to climb."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15051291.stm

Lee Dixon doubts Arsenal's ability to challenge for Europe

Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon believes the Gunners' current defensive problems could leave them struggling to make the Premier League's top eight.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger accepted after a 2-1 defeat by Tottenham on Sunday that the title was out of reach and they would focus on the top four.
But Dixon said: "I think top four is out of their reach now, I really do, so you are looking at top six.
"Yet the way they are playing now, can they reach the top eight?"

ARSENAL'S INJURIES

Continue reading the main story

• Thomas Vermaelen (centre-back)
• Johan Djourou (centre-back)
• Sebastien Squillaci (centre-back)
• Laurent Koscielny (centre-back)
• Bacary Sagna (right-back)
• Jack Wilshere (central midfielder)
• Abou Diaby (central midfielder)

Arsenal's struggles in defence were compounded after the game when the club learned that right-back Bacary Sagna would be out for three months after breaking his leg following a collision with Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
And they are also without injured centre-backs Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou, as well as long-term absentee Jack Wilshere.
The Gunners' defeat at Spurs was their fourth of the season - and leaves them 15th in the Premier League table.
But Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke recently moved to reassure an under-pressure Wenger, by saying the Frenchman is the only person who will decide if he leaves his position.

TACTICS BLOG

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Dixon believes both Tottenham goals were preventable and further proof of Arsenal's weakness at the back

Read more of the blog

Goals by Rafael van der Vaart and Kyle Walker earned Tottenham victory at White Hart Lane and Dixon believes the strikes were indicative of Arsenal's fragility.
"It is difficult for them because they are not showing any consistency in performances," he added.
"There are a lot of pluses and it's not all doom and gloom but ultimately it all falls back to the same thing. They are frail and they can concede goals from schoolboy errors.
"Until they stop that they will carry on being frail and that's the worrying sign."
On the performance against Spurs, Dixon added: "It is getting embarrassing. Arsenal get themselves into positions where they are the better team in midfield for big chunks of the game but defend like schoolboys by giving two goals away and numerous other chances that can be avoided.

Arsene Wenger hurt by 'painful defeat' against Tottenham

"The second goal was a great strike by Walker, and the keeper was beaten by the swerve of the ball, but it came from a throw-in where there was no danger whatsoever and they just let Sandro run into the box without anybody getting within five yards of him.
"You can pick the positives out of the midfield which was a lot more coherent than Spurs at times, and Francis Coquelin played well, but it's all wasted.
"They can complain about the handball for Van der Vaart's goal but it could have been avoided 30 seconds before with basic defending."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15152030.stm

Udinese, alone at the top Bologna in last place

Guidolin's team (leading the league, at least until the end of Juve v AC Milan) overwhelmed the Rossoblù 2-0 with a goal in each half: one from Benatia and a penalty from Di Natale. Bologna threatened only once. Bisoli in danger

Benatia celebrates after making it 1-0. ANSA

The 2-0 defeat that Udinese handed to Bologna leaves them at the top of the table, leading in the Serie A (alone, at least until the end of Juventus v AC Milan this evening); it is something that has never happened in the history of the Italian top flight. Eleven points, seven goals forward and, most importantly, only one goal conceded (the best defence in the league); all these things make the team from Friuli the one to beat. But beneath the numbers there is also a lot of substance, from the strength of a collective that plays from memory, to their individual efforts; Torje in particular has shown himself to be an excellent foil to Di Natale. Benatia opened the scoring in the first half and a penalty from Di Natale closed things out. Bologna were practically harmless spectators in the first 45 minutes, but then became more involved after halftime. But only one point in five games condemns them to the bottom of the rankings, along with Cesena. Bisoli can certainly not feel too comfortable.

benatia opens — In the first half Udinese, who welcomed back Ferronetti after 15 months, obtained the maximum results with almost minimal effort. The team from Friuli only had to play by memory, and even in times of low inspiration all they needed to do was to switch to autopilot and avoid lowering their attention too much, which was enough to keep them in control. It was also enough to score goals, since the opponent they were facing today was Bologna. The visitors, who were careless, often disjointed, and never with an inspiring idea, immediately lost Antonsson to a muscle problem (Loria took his place). They tried to limit the damage as much as possible, which was until the 29th minute. Then, as tradition called for (it was their sixth goal scored in the first half hour), Udinese took the lead, thanks to the merits of Benatia. It was his first goal this season, but it also had much to do with Bologna's rearguard, which was definitely distracted on this occasion. The Moroccan's celebration, sucking his thumb with his hand on his forehead, was a dedication to his daughter with a fever. But then Benatia's thoughts moved on, and he was back to closing down spaces and pushing forward, playing an inventive game of great depth. Bologna settled down a bit better on the flanks, but the hosts firmly maintained the initiative and ball possession, giving the impression that they could find the second goal whenever they wanted. Basta found the net in the 44th minute after a nice combination with Torje, among the best in black and white, but Peruzzo disallowed the Serb's goal for offside. Di Vaio finally troubled Handanovic in the only opportunity that Bologna created in the entire first half, but the Udinese keeper did well to thwart the effort.

Di Natale scores the penalty to make it 2-0. ANSA

di natale seals it — The second half got underway and the pace of the game had picked up: Raggi had a shot and Di Natale responded with a machine-gun fire. Agliardi managed to save twice and the third, from a great position, ended up in the side netting. This all happened in the space of a few minutes. Bisoli sent on Acquafresca for a flagging Di Vaio. In spite of the high temperatures both teams looked sharper and more tenacious than they had in the first half. Finally Handanovic was called upon to intervene on a left-footed Diamante free kick. Bologna seemed to be growing in confidence, but Udinese didn't ease off on their attacking play(Agliardi saving from Torje, before he was replaced by Abdi), although it was better organised that in the first half. Then, as only the great teams can, when Bologna were playing their best football of the match, Udinese sealed the game with a knock-out blow: Armero sped down the left wing, Perez pulled him down from behind in the box (picking up a yellow card, so he'll miss the next game, in Novara after the break)and Totò Di Natale's right foot shot from the spot sent Agliardi the wrong way. This happened on 27 minutes meaning that the game was virtually over. If you look at the rest of the match it was all Udinese and no Bologna, who had resigned themselves to their fourth consecutive defeat and bottom place in the league table. Bisoli's future looks bleak.

http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/02-10-2011/udinese-alone-at-the-top-803135973413.shtml

Mamma mia Napoli! But Inter are furious

An incredible 0-3 at San Siro. Napoli top of the league with 10 points. Nerazzurri furious with the referee, Rocchi, for showing Obi two yellow cards and awarding a non-existent penalty. Julio Cesar saved Hamsik's shot from the spot but Campagnaro scored from the rebound. Ranieri also received a red card. Lethal attacks on the break during the second half by Maggio and Hamsik

The end of the season is a long way off, but Christian Maggio has given an idea of where Napoli could be come May - league champions. After beating AC Milan, Mazzarri's team have now won away at San Siro. The match against Inter was decided by him, Maggio, who first won a rather controversial penalty and then helped to set up the second goal. For the Nerazzurri fans, who began leaving the stadium after Hamsik had made it 3-0, the architect of Inter's defeat was someone else: Gianluca Rocchi from Florence. The referee made a serious mistake and Napoli took full advantage of it and exploited their double advantage like big clubs do. The really big clubs. Napoli are now top with 10 points, while Ranieri suffered his first defeat since taking over at Inter, who lost at home for the second time in three matches.

The questionable red card for Obi and penalty. Ansa

the episode — It is impossible, this time, not to start with the slow-motion replay. The key episode occurred in the 41st minute of the first half. Maggio accelerated past Obi and the Inter player pushed him, but if it was a foul, it began outside the penalty area. Rocchi pointed to the spot and sent off Obi, wwho had already been booked for a tackle on Lavezzi in midfield. Even then Inter had protested as Obi may have got the ball. Add to this the fact that Campagnaro scored from the rebound after Julio Cesar had saved Hamsik's penalty by encroaching into the penalty area (as did two Inter players) and you understand why the situation became a little bit heated. There was also however a foul by Zanetti on Lavezzi, who had been freed down the right, when the score was 0-0, but this is not what people will be talking about for the next few days. The 10 Inter players found it difficult to regain their composure, but Julio Cesar's angry outburst only received a yellow card from Rocchi. At the end of the first half, The referee gave Ranieri his marching orders, however, for protesting.

two and three — The match, which was very even in the first half (Inter scored through Pazzini, but the forward was offside), only had one possible outcome. Napoli in the second half dominated the match and their opponents in the way big clubs do. They made sure of the result within 12 minutes. Pandev, who did little to make the Nerazzurri fans miss him, was replaced by Mascara. The substitute played a long ball to Maggio. Nagatomo was ahead of him, but he allowed the Napoli player to stick out a leg and flick the ball over Julio Cesar. The new leaders then exploited the wide open spaces and attacked Inter on the break. Zuniga missed a sitter to make it 3-0 after being set up by Hamsik, but the Slovak made no mistake when he was put through by Lavezzi. Three-nil and that was the end of it - to the joy of De Laurentiis in the stands.

any good news for inter? — During the 41 minutes of the match in which they had the same number of players, Inter played well, with the important return of Maicon on the right and a 4-3-2-1 in which Pazzini was a kind of "battering-ram" up front and Forlan and Alvarez fed off of him. The Argentinian is good on the ball, but he lacks pace. There were lots of overlaps and one-twos, even though the midfield was still a little slow. Nagatomo's mistake in the second goal also greatly affected the final outcome.

napoli top — Napoli, on the other hand, showed once again for the whole 90 minutes that they cover the whole pitch well (a three-man defence does not mean just defensive passes) and they are lethal when they rapidly switch play to attack. Cannavaro is immense in defence, Inler and Gargano are able to switch play quickly and have great vision, and when Lavezzi sets off, there's no stopping him. And then there is the team's mentality. The team has grown. It has grown a lot. And it can still be there come May.

http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/01-10-2011/mamma-mia-napoli-803125390819.shtml

"Beat my record for goals? There is nothing impossible"

Cristiano Ronaldo attended the 2011 gala MARK Trophies to collect scorer award and said when asked if he could overcome his record for goals (41) that "in football nothing is impossible. Everything can be beat. I hope to exceed that figure. No I keep both in any particular. They are all special to me. I want to thank my teammates and the team for letting me get this trophy. "

"Let's see what happens in the coming years. You never know if someone or I can beat. Whoever does, will deserve," he said during the awards ceremony. When asked why he gave two assists in the match against Espanyol, the Portuguese international said: "He must also assist their peers in that facet of the game. It's part of my job. My colleagues and I also happen to me also them. We must do the best for the team. We must succeed, and they help me and I them, "he said.

Good taste of last season
Christian also took time to discuss last season and admitted that "it was a good year for me. The title of top scorer is very important and if we continue to help peer succeeding."
http://www.marca.com/2011/10/03/futbol/equipos/real_madrid/1317645445.html

The best Italy to reach the quarter-finals Mallett: "The Azzurri are like my children"

The visibly moved coach chose his starting line-up for Sunday: "We have the same chances as Ireland of qualifying and we should be proud of that”. Masi replaces McLean, while Benvenuti and Van Zyl keep their places. O’Connell back for the Irish, while O'Gara starts

Mauro Bergamasco and Keith Earls. Afp

For the most important match, it is the most experienced Italy. There are no surprises in the team selected to face Ireland on Sunday (9.30am Italian time) in a match that will decide which of the teams qualifies for the quarter-finals of the World Cup. The only (announced) change to the team that beat the United States on Tuesday is the return of Andrea Masi at full-back in place of Luke McLean after was left out as a precaution in the match at Nelson because of a slight calf strain. There are however two surprises in the Irish starting line-up, both the halfbacks: Ronan O’Gara will play at fly-half and Conor Murray at 9. O'Gara, who is Ireland's leading scorer, has been preferred to the younger Jonathan Sexton because of his experience and because of his better goalkicking in this World Cup. Murray has been preferred to Eoin Reddan and Isaac Boss, probably because of his attacking skills. Murray, who is only 22 years old and plays for Munster (where he is third-choice scrum-half behind O’Leary and old man Stringer) has only had one start for the national team. If this is not a gamble by the Irish coach, Declan Kidney, then it's not far short.

VISIBLY MOVED — The match that will be played under the roof of the Otago Stadium could be the 42nd and final match of Nick Mallett's time in charge. "I have already thanked the players for everything they have done in these four seasons - explained the South African coach, visibly moved - I preferred not to wait until Sunday because on the day of the match everybody must be totally focused on what is happening on the pitch. It's been a great four years. They have never let me down and by playing their hearts out they have managed to overcome the most difficult moments, the most difficult situations. I will be leaving behind an exceptional group, which has improved vastly and where there is still room for improvement. It's not going to be easy to leave them because these boys have been my Italian family and when a parent has to leave a child, it's always a very painful moment. But now we need to concentrate on the match against Ireland. The whole of our long training programme was centred on this match. Five days rest between one match and another is not very much - the scrum had to work very hard against the United States. But we can do well and there is now an awareness that we can match them. I have chosen my strongest line-up, without any hesitation. The 13 tries we've scored in the last two matches show that in attack were heading in the right direction. In defence we need to make a few adjustments, because any mistakes against Ireland will be very costly". The battle is approaching and the uniforms are about to be given out.

http://english.gazzetta.it/More_sports/30-09-2011/the-best-italy-to-reach-the-quarter-finals-803111336833.shtml

The 'Mou Team' Kick it more than the 'Pep Team'

The Real Madrid made ​​good the maxim that the best defense is a good offense. Mourinho's team has the highest average in the league scorer in the history of the White House, with 2.74 goals per match. In little over a year, the Luso exceeds even the average striker 'Pep Team', scoring 2.68 goals per day.

Explains daily Marca on Saturday, Mourinho's team has already made history in the Real Madrid striker to exceed the average of the team that Villalonga Pepe ran between 1954 and 1957. Team averaged 2.56 goals per game and that attackers had Di Stefano, Gento, Rial, Molowny Olsen.

These figures are exciting if you consider that this team came to win two league titles, two European Cups and two UEFA Latinas.
http://www.marca.com/2011/10/01/futbol/equipos/real_madrid/1317420091.html

Football scouting firm Scout7 unveils video innovation

As the world’s scouts converge on South Africa seeking to cherry pick the next Lionel Messi, an online firm has created a new system allowing them to work from their own armchair.
Birmingham-based football scouting specialist Scout7 has unveiled a new system which allows people within the game to watch and compile reports on matches throughout the world on the internet.
Scout7, which is based at Birmingham Science Park Aston, already supplies scouts from 120 clubs including Chelsea, Liverpool, Sevilla and Olympique Marseille with its database of close to 100,000 players from 127 countries.
Its latest development – which follows a host of contract wins – allows people from the club to watch and edit footage from matches from every major league in the world.

Company founder Lee Jamison believes the technology can help clubs reduce their reliance on agents – who cost Premier League clubs about £80 million a year.
He said: “Through the video system the clubs can watch more football than has ever been possible before and with travel getting more expensive clubs are able to monitor many leagues and when they are in a position where they want to go over and see they player they can do that with a lot more knowledge.
“Clubs are wising up.
‘‘They are not going to have to be so reliant on agents contacting them about players – they can be driven by their own views and intelligence.
‘‘Agents will always be needed, but they don’t have to come to the table so early when clubs are finding the players themselves.
“The clubs can see what level the player has been operating at and how many games they have played, which means they aren’t taking such a risk.
“It is due diligence in the true sense of the word.
‘‘The club secretary and chief executive can use the system to see that the club has gone through a professional process to bring a player in.”
Mr Jamison first had the idea for Scout7 in 2000. Ten years later the company has signed up 120 clubs, turns over about £1.5 million and employs 23 people in Birmingham.
The firm has about 40 employees, including several posted around the world in Germany, Spain, France and South America, compiling information on players.
The company’s database and online systems costs between £20,000 and £60,000-a-year for Premier League sides, based on their requirements. And the development of adding video footage, which is part of a deal with a German company, has already seen Spanish teams Real Sociedad and Villareal, French side Lens and Russian giant Spartak Moscow sign up.

http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/technology-and-innovation/2010/06/11/football-scouting-firm-scout7-unveils-video-innovation-65233-26630707/

Arsenal chief Gazidis predicts bright future despite fall in club's profit and turnover

In a year that saw Arsenal miss out on four major trophies in a matter of weeks, the clue have also reported a slight slump in their financial performance.
The Gunners reported group turnover for the previous financial year as £255.7million, down from £379.9million in 2010, while profit before take was also reduced from £56million to £14.8million.
A reduced income from property sales at the Highbury redevelopment and increase of player wages have played their part.

Talking shop: Arsene Wenger (right) and Ivan Gazidis at the Emirates

The high-profile summer sales of captain Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri are not taken into account in this period however.
The 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium, though, continues to more than pay its way as continued improved matchday income helped to reduce the group’s overall debt down from £135.6million to £97.8million, much of which is secured on low, fixed-interest rate bonds paid back over a long period against the cost of relocation in 2006.
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis told the club's official website: 'In terms of our financial base and in terms of our platform, we are very secure - it’s a good set of results again.

'We haven’t seen the same kind of profits from the property side that we have seen in the past but that was entirely to be expected. Our property business is debt-free so any new sales of property do accumulate cash, which is very positive for the future.
“We didn’t have the same kind of profit from player sales that we had in the previous season and that explains the slight reduction in profit, but this is a very solid, very healthy set of results and it gives us a good platform to move forward from.”

Despite Arsenal’s robust performance off the pitch, Gazidis accepts what happens on it will always be what comes first for the fans, who have not seen their team lift a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup.

In charge: Stan Kroenke launched a takeover at Arsenal earlier this year

'I think it’s important to start by saying that what our fans care about is what happens on the pitch and how their club represents them,' he said.
'The reason we even get into talking about the financial results is only because the financial base of the club is important for creating those two things. That’s what this is all about.'
This summer saw a break from tradition as the Gunners headed out on an Asian tour for matches in Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur.
Gazidis feels the Arsenal brand will continue to develop as the north London club look to keep pace with the likes of Manchester United in terms of sponsorship deals.
He said: 'It [commercial] will drive the club forward so as the property money that we have coming in over the next few years begins to come to the end of its natural life we will have really strong commercial revenue streams that come in year after year that can put us right at the top of the game.'
As UEFA prepare to implement Financial Fair Play, Gazidis believes Arsenal’s self-sustaining model has given the club 'a great platform for success”.

Home: Arsenal continue to take advantage of the Emirates increased capacity

He added: 'The way the club is run is something that we know our fans are very proud of, but they look at the world and they see that player costs are accelerating upwards and they wonder if we can compete.
'I believe we can, I believe we have a really good financial basis to do that, and I also think the football world is moving in our direction.
'We represent the future of the world and all the other clubs are trying to get towards a sustaining model like Arsenal already has.
'We feel we are well set for developments that are going to happen in the game over the next few years.
Arsenal’s accounts also revealed a significant reserve of ‘cash and short-term deposits’ at some £160m.
While Gazidis stressed that money was 'working capital' going forwards, the chief executive maintained funds were always available to the manager should he wish to use them.
'Certainly we do have money that would be available to spend in the transfer market as Arsene decides is necessary to supplement the squad,' Gazidis said.
'Again it’s a healthy cash position to be in and with the ability to make moves in the player market if we want to.”
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2043849/Arsenal-report-fall-proft-turnover.html?ITO=1490&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+dailymail%2Farsenal+%28Arsenal+FC+|+Mail+Online%29

Jordi Alba: "Del Bosque was not wrong with me"

Jordi Alba, Valencia player who has entered for the first time in a call for the national team, said at a news conference that Del Bosque "not wrong" to include on the list for the next two games.

"I was taking a shower and have come to congratulate all the partners"

"I was taking a shower and have all come to congratulate me. The guys helped me a lot, I found a position in the field that was not mine, and thanks to them and the coaching staff I'm there," he stated.

The player has thanked especially the Valencia coach Unai Emery to trust him as a left back, a position he played at first to meet fellow low, but later continued to play.

"When I came here and was not very nice inside, and the coach believed in me in this position in the field. I have yet to grow and improve a lot I did not expect this has been a surprise to me," he said.

The player has admitted that throughout his career he has had "many days of happiness, but this is a very special" and has admitted he hopes to "do well" with the selection, "the most for any player."

"Thank God I have touched me this time, I'm very happy with the call. In my position there have been players who are not used to going, it's good to see them coach," said the player of Valencia.

Greeting Villa
Jordi Alba, who had been capped sub'19 categories, and sub'21 sub'20, has revealed he has spoken with former teammate David Villa, one of the players selected before the press conference.

"I spoke to Villa and has congratulated me. I'm happy to go to the best team in the world, with players of that quality. Meet the 'Guaje', Juan Mata and David Silva will make it easier to me," he pointed .
http://www.marca.com/2011/09/30/futbol/seleccion/1317383355.html

Juve, important against AC Milan A test of our quality

The first meeting with one of the big names in their new stadium for Conte's team, who are first after the matches against Parma, Siena, Bologna and Catania. Last season Gattuso scored the winner in Turin and stretched the gap between them to 20 points: Juve must show that they have reduced the gap at least on the technical side

The match against AC Milan on Sunday night will be crucial for Juventus. Not just because of their league positions: Juve are on top and the Rossoneri are reigning champions not to mention the bookies' favourites. But there's more to it than that.

Gattuso scoring in Turin last season. Ansa

past fixtures — The last time they met in Turin in 2011 still has to be cancelled from memory, the last time they played in the Stadio Olimpico: one of the Bianconeri's most painful memories from last season's disastrous run. It ended up 1-0 for AC Milan with a Gattuso goal. But it was such an embarrassingly weak display by the Old Lady: who for the length of the 90 minutes didn't manage to worry goalkeeper Abbiati at all. At the end of the match the gap between the two had increased to 20 points, on account of their ninth league defeat and their third on the trot in what was then Delneri's Juve. All AC Milan had to do to take home the three points was the bare minimum. The match ended with the fans chanting Luciano Moggi's name and one banner which read: "Winning isn't important at Juventus, it's the only thing that counts" as it was hastily rolled up in despair.

test — Not that August's Trofeo Berlusconi went any better for Juve, which had since been taken over by Conte. The Bianconeri had fielded their strongest team; AC Milan had to play their reserves, without Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, as well as Pato and Robinho, who won't be there on Sunday either. The first half was all one way for AC Milan, then Juve, because of the number of substitutions allowed in a friendly, managed to catch up slightly with the form they have been showing with this new Juve 2011-12 and this was their first match. It finished 2-1. But AC Milan's showed they had the same superiority as they did at the end of the previous season.

Milos Krasic, scored, but didn't shine at Catania. Ansa

gaps to fill — That's all there is to Juventus v AC Milan in the eyes of Juve. They need the points but there's still a long way to go till the end of the season. It'll be more important for Pirlo, the great former-Milanista, who would love to show that this juve can take them on and that the difference in quality is nearer to what it used to be. That this Juve can match them - more than with the proverbial tenacity - but technically and showing they can be challengers for the title. Some problems still persist, today as they did then. They haven't been able to decide: Chiellini in the centre or left back? Juve still haven't managed to find a suitably effective left winger, and they don't look so good in the centre of midfield: They have conceded 3 goals in 4 games against teams which on paper should be in the relegation battle. Prandelli guaranteed for Chiellini today: "He's a sure thing," said the Italy coach. No matter what position he plays. There are even more doubts about the external players in midfield. Krasic today is still looking for that lost identity from Week 28 in last year's Serie A. At the time the mystery object was Martinez, now it's Elia, both of whom are being crushed by exorbitant market values. Before there were no first-choice strikers, now between Vucinic, Matri, Del Piero and Quagliarella we still have to see who is capable giving the Bianconeri that kick they need to get started.

Andrea Pirlo taking a free-kick against Catania. Ansa

points for — There are problems, but there are also positive aspects. Juve will play this match in their best condition: the squad are almost all fully fit (apart from Iaquinta), while AC Milan are still devastated by injury problems. They had a rest in midweek, while AC Milan suffered a lot in the Champions League. They are super-confident because, like Udinese they are looking down on everybody else from the top spot, because of their "soft" fixture list. They have a splendid new stadium, the Juventus stadium, which will be sold out and on top of that they are bursting with enthusiasm. They have Pirlo in the driving seat which means a lot. They have a coach who knows what a winning mentality means and what daily bread is, which at Juve has been instilled into the history of this club. Now it's all up to Lichtsteiner, Vidal and Vucinic who all cost double figures of millions of Euro to show they have adopted the Bianconeri mentality and that Juve can be considered challengers for that Scudetto. What better test could there be than to beat the reigning champions?

http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/29-09-2011/juve-important-against-ac-milan-803093840621.shtml

Ranieri responds to Mazzarri "But it IS a title-clash"

Milano, 30 September 2011

The Inter coach: "Napoli are ready to challenge for the scudetto, but we'll put up a fight. My team can play with humility, but I said: 'let's go out and win the league'". Meanwhile Maicon, Stankovic and Pazzini pass fitness tests

Claudio Ranieri, 59, Inter coach. Ap

"You need to be able to show humility to get anywhere, and this team, my team, can show humility when they need to," was how Claudio Ranieri began his press conference in the lead-up to the Napoli game. This match against Napoli is a top-of-the-table clash. The Azzurri are playing well and they have grown in stature and experience and have been playing well in Europe. I watched them suffer at Manchester City, but then they were able to pick themselves up. They played against Villarreal with real character. They have what it takes to challenge for the title," the Inter coach continued.

STANKOVIC is back — News on the squad for the match: Maicon and Stankovic are back after lengthy injuries. Pazzini is also on the list of available players for Napoli. Maicon is fit and can play. Claudio Ranieri confirmed this during the press conference on the eve of the game against Napoli. "A red arrow along the wing,"is what the coach called him. He also touched on Stankovic's condition: "We'll see. I still have to work this one out, I'll decide the evening before the game. I'll put all the information from the past few days together and field the best team. Stankovic had a nasty injury, the team are doing well, then there'll be a break." Ranieri went on to explain that Pazzini "still has 24 hours and he's doing well, he wants to play and there's a good chance he can."

Enough suffering — Ranieri and his memories of Napoli. "When I arrived there it was the first year in the post-Maradona era and everything had to be rebuilt. I trained fantastic players, I gambled on Zola and it paid off," said Ranieri. I always have fond memories of the teams I've played for and coached, I'm happy Napoli are getting back to the level they used to be, even though we'll do everything in our power to beat them. I'm fond of Napoli, but we have to win at all costs," he went on."I've suffered enough, that's our goal and we're going to get there. I didn't tell the players to go out and win the Scudetto for me. I said: 'let's go and win it together.'"

responsibility — "What was my first talk to the team about? I can't remember... I have always had great respect for Inter players, they never give up. If you haven't got the right spirit, you won't get the results. That's what I told them. About playing Zarate with Milito and Forlan? Perhaps, I've shuffled the team around a bit." Then on the Nerazzurri coach's San Siro debut. "Responsibility towards the fans? If I didn't feel that I wouldn't have become a coach, I've always loved the thrill and the excitement this job brings. I want the team to do well and I want the fans to really get behind us so we can give them good reason to cheer." 

http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/30-09-2011/ranieri-responds-to-mazzarri-803105770581.shtml

West Ham want Carlos Tevez on loan from Manchester City

 

West Ham are interested in bringing Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez back to Upton Park.

Football League rules allow him to sign for a Championship club on loan, even though the transfer window has closed.

City manager Roberto Mancini said the 27-year-old refused to come on against Bayern Munich on Tuesday and will not feature for the Manchester club again.

Tevez insists he has nothing to apologise for and believes his team-mates will back his version of events.

Late on Thursday, a senior official at another of the Argentine's former clubs, Corinthians, told the BBC that the Brazilian side were "at the moment not thinking about" a loan move for the player.

TEVEZ IN ENGLAND

Continue reading the main story

• Jul 2009 - present Man City: 91 appearances, 53 goals
• Aug 2007 - Jul 2009 Man Utd: 97 appearances, 34 goals
• Aug 2006 - Aug 2007 West Ham:29 appearances, 7 goals

In July, Tevez came close to joining Corinthians before the Brazilians pulled out of the move.

City thought a £40m deal had been agreed after the striker told the Premier League outfit he wanted to return to South America, but he remained at Etihad Stadium.

Tevez became a fans' favourite in his previous spell at Upton Park as he helped save the Hammers from relegation in 2006-07 before leaving for Manchester United.

But his stay was also marked by controversy.

In April 2007, West Ham were found guilty by a Premier League tribunal of acting improperly and withholding vital documentation over the ownership of Tevez and compatriot Javier Mascherano when they signed the duo in 2006.

Earlier on Friday, West Ham completed a deal for Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia on a one-month emergency loan after Robert Green was ruled out for around six weeks.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15130051.stm

Wenger wants to be the best

Arsene Wenger celebrated his 15th anniversary in charge of Arsenal on Friday insisting his ambition remains to make the Gunners the best club in the world.

Wenger has not won a trophy for six years and the club's struggles will be brought into sharp focus on Sunday in the north London derby against Tottenham at White Hart Lane. However, he is certain the Emirates trophy cabinet will soon be required.

"The vision is to make this club the best club in the world, it is as simple as that," said the Frenchman. "To carry through the values we think are important in the game. I'm very proud of the values I defend in the game and we will try to continue to do that."

When asked how long it might take to put Arsenal on top, Wenger added: "In my life I hope. You may say to me I have to live very long, I don't know. I want to try to give my best because only the best is acceptable and if I don't manage to do it I am very sad. Like when we had a bad start to the season, it is uncomfortable but we keep going."

How long did Wenger think he would last at Arsenal when he arrived in 1996?

"One week, two weeks if I was lucky," he said. "I didn't know. I was in exactly the same frame of mind as I am now. I try to do well and see if it works or not, rejected or not, can win or not, like any manager when you come in somewhere."

Wenger had earlier received a rousing vote of confidence from owner Stan Kroenke who said: "Arsene's our man. As an owner, that's who we put our confidence in. Maybe it is one of those times when we have to work our way through, maybe with some young players.

"There are some really good players that Arsene thinks can be special. Sometimes you go through periods like that."

Wenger admitted he was grateful for the public support, adding: "There is never need to panic, panic doesn't solve problems. I am grateful he (Kroenke) has confidence in my abilities to sort our problems out because that is not easy to find in football.

"I have been very lucky to spend 15 years at this club. I live in the present and the future so I hate to look back. I use the history to improve, that's what I want to do. I am grateful and lucky to have spent so much time at this club."http://www.football.co.uk/arsenal/wenger_wants_to_be_the_best_rss1869249.shtml

Stoke City NewsFixturesResultsInformationLeague TableNews ArchiveStatisticsSquadPremier League NewsForum SWANSEA v Stoke: Playmaker Leon Britton's fitness a major concern for Rodgers

Doubtful: Britton will undergo a fitness test Midfielder Leon Britton is the major fitness concern for Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Stoke at the Liberty Stadium. Britton is still struggling with the back complaint that saw him withdrawn early against Chelsea last weekend but Rodgers is hopeful his playmaker will be available. Striker Danny Graham could come back into the starting line-up in place of Leroy Lita but midfielder Ferrie Bodde is set to undergo yet another operation in the latest setback to his recovery from a series of knee injuries. Garry Monk and Ashley Williams are again the only fit centre-halves with Alan Tate (broken leg), Steven Caulker (knee) and Kemy Agustien (hamstring) all sidelined. Provisional squad: Vorm, Williams, Taylor, Britton, Graham, Sinclair, Dyer, Dobbie, Routledge, Monk, Lita, Moore, Bessone, Moreira, Rangel, Allen, Tremmel, Gower, Richards, Lucas. CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM NEWS THIS WEEKEND
http://www.football.co.uk/stoke_city/swansea_v_stoke__playmaker_leon_britton_s_fitness_a_major_concern_for_rodgers_rss1868923.shtml

Esporte Interativo and ESPN awarded media rights

Esporte Interativo and ESPN are the beneficiaries of the remaining media rights deals that have been announced for the 2012–15 UEFA Champions League in Brazil.

Following the recent award of certain 2012–15 UEFA Champions League media rights to Globo in Brazil, UEFA announced today the award of the remaining media rights to Esporte Interativo and ESPN.
Free-to-air thematic sports channel Esporte Interativo has renewed its media rights to broadcast the Tuesday first-pick live match up until the quarter-finals. As of the quarter finals, Esporte Interativo will screen on a live basis the second pick of the matchweek. In addition, Esporte Interativo will show a highlights programme each matchweek, as well as the UEFA Super Cup live and the UEFA Champions League final delayed.
ESPN, meanwhile, has acquired all rights for the UEFA Champions League for exploitation across the three ESPN-branded channels ESPN, ESPN Brasil and ESPN HD. As a minimum, ESPN will broadcast two live games per matchnight on ESPN and ESPN Brasil, both on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as well as the final and the UEFA Super Cup. In addition to the live matches, one Wednesday highlights programme and four delayed games will also be screened every matchweek.
All rights have been granted on a platform-neutral basis. Both broadcast partners will therefore exploit the rights via television, internet – on esporteinterativo.com.br and espn.com.br – and on mobile.
Commenting on the award of these media rights in Brazil, UEFA said: "UEFA is happy to renew its partnerships with Esporte Interativo and ESPN. Both partners have proven their dedication and the extent of their commitment to Europe's top tier football competition during this cycle and UEFA looks forward to continuing these successful relationships through to 2015."
This announcement concludes the sale of UEFA Champions League rights in Brazil. In respect of the sale of UEFA Europa League media rights, the process is ongoing and further announcements will be made in due course.

Related Items

• Globo deal signed in Brazil
• Globo gets EURO 2012 broadcast rights
• Brazil claim U-20 title
• Latin America deals signed
• Central and Latin American rights

©UEFA.com 1998-2011. All rights reserved.

http://www.uefa.com/uefa/events/tv/news/newsid=1691930.html

Pulis impressed by Crouch

Stoke boss Tony Pulis admits he has been impressed by record signing Peter Crouch's humility since the England striker arrived at the club last month on transfer deadline day.

Crouch - recruited from Tottenham for £10million - followed up his equaliser in the 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw with Manchester United on Saturday by netting another on Thursday night as the Potters came from behind to beat Besiktas 2-1 in the Europa League, his 23rd goal in 51 games in UEFA club competitions.

Asked about Crouch's scoring statistics, Pulis said: "It's great for Peter and it's great for us, although the big thing was the way he worked off the ball and the way he defended their crosses. Their set-plays were very good and Crouchy was fantastic defending them."

He added: "The players have really taken to him and he is a great lad in the dressing room. Given what Peter has done in his career, to come and join in and be part of what we've got, and be as humble as he has been, is fantastic.

"I have to say the likes of (fellow summer signings) Jonathan Woodgate, Matthew Upson and Cameron Jerome have been exactly the same. They have all really bedded in because they have just bought into what we are trying to do, and long may it continue."

The win over Besiktas at the Britannia Stadium saw Stoke rise to the top of Europa League Group E and means they go into Sunday's Premier League trip to Swansea having lost just once in 13 games in all competitions so far this season.

Pulis feels home victories will be key if the Staffordshire side are to progress in the tournament, something echoed by their Danish stopper Thomas Sorensen.

"It's a big win for us, for sure," Sorensen told www.stokecityfc.com. "We have targeted the games here at the Britannia Stadium as matches where we want to get three points, and we feel if we are to qualify then we are going to have to win our home games.

"We had the confidence that we could do it against Besiktas having already played well and beaten some very good teams here this season, but to actually get that win on the board in our first home game of this stage is very pleasing for us.

"It definitely puts us in a good position now, and it will give us even more confidence going in to the rest of the games in the group. It wasn't easy, though - they are a very good side and they showed it. But we did well and in the second half I thought we looked like the only side who would win the game."

http://www.football.co.uk/stoke_city/pulis_impressed_by_crouch_rss1869215.shtml

UEFA Champions League

"European Cup" redirects here. For the competition trophy, see European Champion Clubs' Cup. For other uses, see Champions League (disambiguation).

UEFA Champions League

The current UEFA Champions League official logo, in use since 1992
Founded	1955 (1992 in its current format)
Region	Europe (UEFA)
Number of teams	32 (group stage) 76 or 77 (total)
Current champions	Barcelona (4th title)
Most successful club	Real Madrid (9 titles)
Television broadcasters	List of broadcasters
Website	Official website
2011–12 UEFA Champions League

The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It is the most prestigious club competition in European football. The final of the competition is the most watched annual sporting event worldwide, drawing over 145 million television viewers.
Prior to 1992, the tournament was officially called the "European Champion Clubs' Cup", but was usually referred to simply as the "European Cup". The competition was initially a straight knockout competition open only to the champion club of each country. During the 1990s the tournament began to be expanded, incorporating a round-robin group phase and more teams. Europe's strongest national leagues now provide up to four teams each for the competition. The UEFA Champions League should not be confused with the UEFA Europa League,formerly known as the UEFA Cup.
The tournament consists of several stages.In the present format, it begins in mid-July with three knockout qualifying rounds and a play-off round. The 10 surviving teams join 22 seeded teams in the group stage, in which there are eight groups of four teams each. The eight group winners and eight runners-up enter the final knockout phase, which culminates with the final match in May. The winner of the UEFA Champions League qualifies for the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
The reigning champion of the competition is Spanish club Barcelona. Real Madrid are the most successful club in the competition's history, having won the tournament nine times, including the first five seasons it was contested. Spanish clubs have accumulated the most amount of victories with 13 wins, while England has the largest number of different winning teams, with a total of four clubs having won the title.The title has been won by 21 different clubs, 12 of which have won the title more than once. Since the tournament changed name and structure in 1992, no club has managed consecutive wins, with Milan being the last club to successfully defend their title, in 1990.

AC Milan beat Plzen

Zlatan Ibrahimovic captivating action to bring AC Milan flexed his guests Viktoria Plzen two goals without reply in the second matchday of Group H Champions League at the Stadio San Siro on Wednesday (28 / 9).
This result puts Milan in second place of Group H standings with four points on goal difference from Barcelona to celebrate goals in other games. Plzen itself is at the top three with a single digit.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri Ibrahimovic played straight from the start although the Swede had just recovered from injury. The result proved to be effective. Ibra scored one goal and provided one assist.
Milan straight out attack from the beginning of the fight. The game has been running for five minutes, Antonio Cassano almost makes Milan winning kick can still be thwarted when Marek Cech with his legs.
Cech again saved Plzen in the middle of the first half when able to kick dismissed two kicks from Ibrahimovic.
A few minutes before halftime, Plzen almost shocking the public the San Siro. Horvath unfortunately failed to finish the bait Bakos.
After the break, Milan increasing the intensity of their attacks. Milan incessant attacks led to a penalty on 52 minutes when one player touches the ball in the box Plzen forbidden. Ibrahimovic is believed to be the executioner successfully deceiving Cech.
A few minutes later, Milan should be able to double its superiority kick hard if not rebound from the goalkeeper Cassano Plzen.
Plzen could have the opportunity to equalize in the 60th minute when Horvath kick can still be thwarted by Christian Abbiati.
Milan doubled his lead on 66 minutes. This time with a cool trick Cassano Cech after complete bait mature than Ibrahimovic. 2-0 score lasted until dispersal.
Probable teams:
AC Milan: 32-Christian Abbiati; 20-Ignazio Abate (52-Mattia De Sciglio 87) 0.13-Alessandro Nesta, 33-Thiago Silva, 77-Luca Antonini (2-Taye Taiwo 78), 4-Mark Van Bommel, 10 -Clarence Seedorf (18-Alberto Aquilani 70), 22-Antonio Nocerino, 28-Urby Emanuelson; 11-Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 99-Antonio Cassano
Viktoria Plzen: 24-Marek Cech; 27-Frantisek Rajtoral, 28-Marian Cisovsky, 18-David Bystron, 8-David Limbersky; 11-Milan Petrzela, 10-Pavel Horvath, 20-Petr Jiracek, 26-Daniel Kolar (16 - Vladimir Darida 90 +2), 6-Vaclav Pilar (9-Martin Fillo 75); 23-Marek Bakos (5-Michal Duris 67).
http://biangbola.com/news/berita-liga-champions/2011/09/29/ac-milan-bekap-plzen.html