Monday, December 7, 2009
Marseille’s Souleymane Diawara Does Not Regret Tackle That Injured Real Madrid Star Cristiano Ronaldo
It Won't Be Easy To Knock Real Madrid Out Of Champions League - Marseille Striker Fernando Morientes
Champions League : Fernando Morientes (Olympique de Marseille) vs Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
Should the French outfit manage to beat Madrid by three goals at Stade Velodrome and Milan beat Zurich away, Los Blancos would go out of the competition at the group stages.
"Nobody can deny that it is going to be difficult to beat Real Madrid 3-0, but in football you never know," he toldAS.
:It depends on the mental and physical state or Madrid. It is difficult but we know we can score three goals but Madrid never leaves the pitch without scoring."
The veteran striker says he expects the home support to get right behind is side in the game and give them a chance of creating an upset.
"The people here are going to respond, they have given great importance to this game.It's going to be difficult but beautiful, you don't get to play a game of this nature every day," he remarked.
Arsenal Will Not Move For Ruud Van Nistelrooy - Arsene Wenger
Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Real Madrid (PA)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has rubbished reports suggesting that he could make a January swoop for Real Madrid's out-of-favour Dutch striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Los Merengues are eager to offload the veteran hitman and north London has been touted as a likely destination, with Tottenham Hotspur also alleged to be interested.
However, Wenger has waved away those rumours with a chuckle, pointing out that the Gunners faithful hold little affection for the former Manchester United star.
He said in The Mirror: "It would not be the best of starts, bearing in mind our past relationship! You have my number - you can text me all the names you find!"
Arsenal's front line is looking thin with Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo all out injured, so much so that Andrey Arshavin was forced to play centre-forward in Saturday's win over Stoke City.
Van Nistelrooy is just one among many strikers to have been linked with a winter switch to the Emirates, and Wenger admitted that he may have no choice but to delve into the market next month.
"We’re at the beginning of December, if we are in the same situation with injuries in January then I will see," he said.
"But we can’t dream too much of finding a world class player because that’s what is needed to strengthen our team.
"But they also need not to be European cup-tied and who is also free so we must hope Father Christmas is good to us!"
Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Valencia: Los Che Edge Late Show At San Mames
Javi Martinez, Marchena, Athletic, Valencia (MARCA)
Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Valencia - Lineups/Stats
La Liga Table, Fixtures, Results
Athletic Bilbao's late penalty miss put paid to any hopes of a dramatic late draw against a spirited Valencia side who go third in La Liga.
Goals from David Villa and Jeremy Mathieu either side of an Iker Muniain strike saw a thrilling second half at San Mames, David Lopez smashing a last-gasp spot-kick off the woodwork.
The game took a while to get going as both sides tried to impose their own style on the game. Valencia probed with their swift counterattacking, passing game while the hosts tried to bulldoze their way to Cesar's goal.
A lively Pablo Hernandez produced some excellent close control at times and seemed to pop up all over the pitch and almost fashioned an opener after 18 minutes, beating three defenders down the right but Juan Mata couldn't direct his cross on target at the near post.
The hosts refused to let Los Che settle into their rhythm and Mata's effort was as good as it got in the first 45 for the visitors. Oscar De Marcos, on for the injured Fernando Llorente added an attacking flair to Los Leones efforts but his shot, from 25 yards sailed wide as the Basque outfit failed to trouble Cesar in the first half.
The second half began in similarly tentative style with neither side asserting dominance. Ten minutes in Villa had a glorious chance to put the visitors in front after a tremendous ball over the top from Carlos Marchena. El Guaje raced clear of Mikel San Jose but with just the Gorka Iraizoz to beat, he opted for an audacious lob and miscued, much to the relief of the San Mames faithful.
A minute later the simmering atmosphere exploded into life as Iker Muniain gave the hosts the lead, reacting quickest as Cesar spilled Javi Martinez's shot to fire Bilbao in front.
The stadium rocked for a matter of minutes though as Pablo Hernandez's clever byline run opened the Basque back line and his cross found Villa at the far post. This time the prolific striker made no mistake, volleying his effort into the turf and finding the far corner of the net to silence San Mames.
After the equaliser the game settled down briefly, until Koikili saw red for a second yellow after a foul on Juan Mata.
Los Che sniffed a sixth away victory which would send them third in the table and substitute Nikola Zigic caused havoc in the Bilbao defence, forcing Iraizoz off his line to punch clear on one occasion. The punch was a poor one and Mathieu smashed a volley home from 15 yards to give the visitors the lead.
Bilbao were then gifted an opportunity to equalise with just four minutes remaining but David Lopez hit the post from the spot after David Navarro had felled Javi Martinez in the box.
The hosts pressed for an equaliser and Iriazoz, up for a flurry of set pieces in stoppage time, almost grabbed it with a late, late header but it wasn't to be.
Los Che, just the second team to win at San Mames this season, jump above the other team to do so, Sevilla, into third place in the Primera Liga. They face Real Madrid next week, with a chance of going second.
Chelsea's Michael Ballack Warns Of Manchester City Threat
EPL: Michael Ballack, Chelsea - Burnley (PA)
Chelsea's Michael Ballack claims the blue half of Manchester could pose as great a threat to the London club's title hopes as their Red Devil neighbours.
United cut Chelsea's Premier League lead to two points on Saturday thanks to the latter's 2-1 defeat by Manchester City, who lay a further nine points back in sixth place after a recent run of draws.
“We respect every team behind us and we lost against a strong team,” the German international told The Times.
“It looks like they are ready to fight for the title. I don’t know what their target is but they showed today that they have a good team and with a bit of luck they can beat teams like us.
"They have spent a lot of money and they have a lot of good players so it is not a surprise.”
However, the midfielder still felt his side could easily have won Saturday's game after taking the lead just eight minutes in thanks to Emmanuel Adebayor's own goal.
Adebayor made amends before half time and Carlos Tevez scored the winner after 56 minutes, but Ballack echoed Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti in pointing to the decisions of referee Howard Webb in the build-up to both City goals.
“If you put a lot of effort into the game, and two strong teams are playing each other, it sometimes comes down to a few decisions [by the referee],” said Ballack.
“But you have to accept it."
“You have the benefit of slow motion so you can imagine what our opinion is (about the alleged Richards handball) but you can’t change it.
"The referee took the decision and it is football.
"I didn’t see the incident that led to the free kick [for Tévez’s goal] but it decided the game.”
Leaders Chelsea have now lost three games already this season, all away from home, but Ballack denies they are susceptible on their travels.
He added: "We bounced back after defeats to Wigan and Aston Villa and we must do it again.
“We could have got a draw if we had scored the penalty Frank [Lampard] had saved, and that would have been a good away result.
"Even after that, Didier Drogba had a good chance to equalise as well so we have to take some positives from the game.
“We have played a lot of good games away. At home we are very strong. There is not a weakness.”
Sevilla Forward Frederic Kanoute Doubtful For Champions League Tie Versus Rangers
Fred Kanoute, Sevilla
The Mali international picked up the knock in the 1-1 home draw with Valladolid on Saturday evening and has not trained with the rest of the squad today, instead operating under a lighter schedule to monitor the extent of the problem.
AS reports that Kanoute’s strike partner Luis Fabiano is also a doubt, having also suffered an ankle injury and is unlikely to be included in the squad for the match at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Wednesday evening.
The defensive duo of Sebastian Squillaci and Julien Escude are also being closely monitored, but are likely to make their return for the trip to Sporting Gijon next weekend.
The Rojiblancos need a point to secure top spot in the group and give themselves the opportunity of an easier match at the last 16 stage.
However, coach Manolo Jimenez is expected to shuffle his pack as his side have now not won in three matches following the disappointing draw with Valladolid.
Everton 'Keeper Tim Howard: Television To Thank For Jermain Defoe Penalty Save
Tim Howard - Everton
The American stopper denied Spurs' in-form striker Jermain Defoe from the spot as the Toffees picked up a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park, and revealed the abundance of TV footage had helped his preparation for the kick.
"Louis [Saha] gave me a little word of advice," he toldSky Sports after the game, "But I kind of knew what to expect from Defoe.
"To be honest, there is so much video footage available these days, that not one penalty isn't there to see."
Howard also paid tribute to Everton's supporters, and claimed that their support had played a crucial role in their side's rousing late fightback.
"For me it [a potential move away from Goodison Park] is difficult to talk about, because I want to stay," said the USA international, "Today the crowd were up for it, and thankfully we gave them something to cheer."
I Have Spoken To Yaya Toure's Agent About Barcelona Future - Txiki Begiristain
Yaya Toure - Barcelona (Getty Images)
Begiristain in unhappy that Toure’s representative Dimitri Seluk has been expressing his concerns in the media over the Ivorian's lack of regular first-team action.
Sky Sports reports that Seluk has urged the Blaugrana to offer Toure a more frequent first-team role, or else be prepared to sell the player during the January transfer window.
Begiristain did not take kindly to Seluk’s comments and hopes that a recent meeting between the pair should put any transfer talk to bed by insisting that the 26-year-old remains part of coach Pep Guardiola’s plans.
“I have contacted the agent and our position is clear,” he said, before adding, “The most important thing is Toure.
“I am satisfied with his performances and with the dialogue between coach and player. They must be the protagonists. In football, interviews are normal for the players, but not so much with agents.”
Toure made the switch to the Camp Nou in 2007 from French side Monaco for a fee of €9m.
Spurs trial for Sociedad keeper Riesgo
GettyImages
Asier Riesgo has joind Tottenham on trial.
Riesgo, 26, was a Spain Under-21 international and spent last season on loan at Recreativo Huelva before returning to Segunda Division club Sociedad.
Redknapp needs cover for first-choice goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes because Carlo Cudicini suffered injuries to his pelvis and wrists in a motorcycle accident and is expected to miss the rest of the campaign.
"Asier will train next week with Tottenham,'' read a statement from Sociedad.
Redknapp will be expected to make a decision on whether he wants to sign Riesgo but no fee has been agreed between the two clubs at the moment.
Manchester United tempted by "ideal" Dzeko
Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan rates Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko as "ideal for the English league'' and has hinted the Red Devils could consider a move for the player.
GettyImages
Edin Dzeko has hinted he would like to move to AC Milan next summer.
Dzeko, 23, has attracted interest from teams in Spain, Italy and England, with United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal all linked with him in recent weeks.
But the Bosnia forward had repeatedly hinted that his preferred destination, should he move from Germany, would be Serie A side AC Milan.
The striker scored 30 goals in 33 appearances to help Wolfsburg lift the Bundesliga title last season and has 11 already this campaign.
Dzeko scored against Sir Alex Ferguson's side when the sides met in the Champions League earlier this season and Phelan has admitted the club have been looking at him since.
"I'm sure there are a number of teams looking at him. Are we one on them? We are looking at talent all of the time and we are in there with the rest of them,'' Phelan said.
"He showed his threat in the game at Old Trafford and he appeals because he is a tall, skilful boy and in some ways he is an ideal player for the English league.
"He has stature, his feet are good and he is producing some good performances. I am sure everybody has looked at him.''
By :- soccernet Staff
Everton 2 - 2 Tottenham Hotspur : Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard saved a last minute penalty from Jermain Defoe to earn his side a 2-2 draw against Tottenham at Goodison Park.
Hero Howard denies Spurs
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe opens the scoring against Everton
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard saved a last minute penalty from Jermain Defoe to earn his side a 2-2 draw against Tottenham at Goodison Park. The Toffees fought back from a two-goal deficit through Louis Saha and Tim Cahill, but still needed Howard to save a point.
Everton scored twice late on and goalkeeper Tim Howard saved an injury-time penalty as the hosts fought back to draw 2-2 with Tottenham at Goodison Park.The visitors led through Jermain Defoe's 13th goal of the season and Michael Dawson's header, both scored early in the second half.
However, strikes from substitute Louis Saha and Tim Cahill in the last 12 minutes and Howard's spot-kick save earned a point.
The result cost Spurs the chance of returning to third in the table and despite the morale boost it also extended Everton's woeful run to one win in their last nine Barclays Premier League matches.
EIGHT MISSING FOR REDS : Defensive crisis for United
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is facing a major defensive headache afterbeing left with just two fit defenders in his first-team squad.
GettyImages
Gary Neville's name has been added to a long list of injured Manchester United defenders
United ended yesterday's 4-0 Premier League win over West Ham with Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra at centre-back and Ryan Giggs at full-back after Gary Neville and Wes Brown added to an already-lengthy injury list.
Evra and young Belgian Ritchie De Laetare United's only two fit defenders, with reserve player Corry Evans -brother of centre-back Jonny - likely to be called into the squad for Tueday's Champions League clash with Wolfsburg.
Both Neville and Brazilian Fabio are suffering from groin problems, Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand have calf injuries, John O'Shea is out with thigh trouble, while Edwin van der Sar, Rafael and Brown are all missing too.
Young centre-back James Chester, winner of the club's Reserve Player of the Year Award last season, was included in United's Champions League squad, but is currently on-loan at Championship side Plymouth Argyle, while fellow defensive prospect Craig Cathcart is also on-loan, at Watford.
A draw for United against Wolfsburg would win the group but Ferguson's more pressing concern is being able to field a defence that can compete with the reigning Bundesliga champions.
First choice centre-back Vidic was missing from yesterday's line-up with flu but is expected to return to form a makeshift central defensive partnership with midfielder Carrick in Germany, with Darren Fletcher starting - as he did against West Ham - at right-back.
"Evra must be the smallest centre half in the world,'' said the United boss. "But he's a good reader of the game. He's quick and determined.
"I don't know where I'm going to get a back four for Tuesday. Probably Nemanja Vidic will be back from flu and I'll probably play Carrick alongside him.''
By:- Soccernet Staff
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Fulham 1 - 0 Sunderland : Fulham's Bobby Zamora scores the winning goal
Fulham's Bobby Zamora scores the winning goal
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora fired his club back into the top half of the Premier League then taunted his critics with his celebration at Craven Cottage.
The 28-year-old struck early on against Steve Bruce's men then pushed team-mate Damien Duff out of the way to finish off his gesture.
While Zamora's work-rate is appreciated by boss Roy Hodgson, his goal against Sunderland was only his 10th in two seasons since arriving from West Ham.
It means Fulham leapfrog over Sunderland into eighth, with their form reliant on home performances - they have not lost on their own turf since September.
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova was sat next to Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn in the directors' box - and she saw Zamora hit the net with a winner after seven minutes.
Before that the visitors almost grabbed an early lead. Steed Malbranque, still jeered by home fans after leaving the club in 2006, was found when Lorik Cana robbed Paul Konchesky and slipped the ball through - but Mark Schwarzer was equal to the finish.
Then came Zamora's moment. Duff laid the ball back to John Pantsil on the right flank and when the ball came over Zamora zipped in front of Phil Bardsley to head home.
It was Zamora's sixth of the season and sparked his volatile celebration. He told his critics to "shut up'' after pushing team-mate Duff in the chest.
Sunderland's poor start also included a booking for Kieran Richardson, triggering a suspension as it was his fifth of a season where he has already been banned following a red card.
Cristiano Ronaldo Apologised After Red Card Against Almeria - Real Madrid's Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema,
The former Lyon striker said that CR9 expressed regret for seeing red...
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has said that colleague Cristiano Ronaldoapologised to the squad in the dressing room after his red card in the 4-2 win over Almeria on Saturday evening.
Madrid had to fight back from 2-1 down against Hugo Sanchez’s plucky side, but despite netting the clinching goal Ronaldo was dismissed following a kick at Juan Ortiz that saw him pick up his second bookable offence.
Ronaldo had moments earlier missed a penalty, and seeing red means that the Portuguese star will miss the trip to Valencia next weekend, but French striker Benzema said that CR9 was remorseful after the match, and that his team-mates accepted his words of apology.
He told journalists in the post-match press conference, “In the dressing room he told us he was sorry, what happened is something that can happen to anyone.
“Surely he was disappointed for missing the penalty, but he is a great professional and he wants the team to win.”
Ronaldo has only just returned to first-team action following a persistent ankle injury that had kept him out of action for two months of the campaign.
Barcelona Star Lionel Messi Collects Golden Ball Award; Thanks Teammates
Lionel Messi, Barcelona (Getty Images)
The superstar is hopeful of having another incredible season, at both club and international level...
2009 Ballon d'or winner Lionel Messi collected his award in France this morning, and the gracious star was appreciative of the efforts of his team-mates that allowed him to be recognised for the honour.
The Argentine amassed 473 points to receive more than double the support of second placed Cristiano Ronaldo, and also well clear of his club colleague Xavi, who finished third.
During the ceremony, which was broadcast on French television, the 22-year old took the opportunity to ensure the Barcelona squad were thanked for their efforts.
He said, “I dedicate the Golden Ball to my colleagues, and I share this trophy with them. I want to thank my family, my friends, and my brothers who are always there for me.”
Messi also set his sights on winning the award again in 2010, and in doing so help Barcelona to even greater success than their Triplete-winning season of 2008/09.
He continued, “Hopefully I can win again, it would be great to win some more. But that depends on how good we are with Barcelona and how Argentina perform at the World Cup.”
‘The Flea’ also offered his opinion on Thierry Henry’s controversial handball that allowed France to progress to the World Cup in South Africa at Ireland’s expense.
“I do not know what I would have done instead,” he commented, before adding, “I think [Thierry] did the right thing, he apologized and we cannot put all of the blame on him.”
Arsenal Target West Ham United's Forward Carlton Cole - Report
Carlton Cole (score4africa)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to launch a January move for West Ham United striker Carlton Cole, according to a report in The Daily Mirror.
With Robin van Persie sidelined for five months with an ankle ligament injury and Nicklas Bendtner also out for a few weeks, the Gunners need a front man with power and pace.
The 26-year-old Cole certainly fits the bill, and the cash-strapped Hammers would surely find a bid of around £15 million hard to resist.
Although currently sidelined for around another four weeks with a knee injury, Cole appeals to Wenger because he is also eligible for the Champions League.
Liverpool Midfielder Alberto Aquilani Wishes Roma Well Ahead Of Derby Della Capitale
Alberto Aquilani - Liverpool (PA)
“I have arranged everything and I will watch the game here in England with my sister, my girlfriend and a few friends,” he told Il Romanista.
“I will not be at the Olimpico, because I was I had a game with Liverpool yesterday, but I would not miss this match for the world.”
Aquilani left his hometown club over the summer in a €20 million deal, and the 25-year-old confessed: “I have been asked over the past days if I will miss playing this derby: yes, a little bit.
“But I made a choice and it’s no use looking back. Let’s look ahead to tonight’s encounter. I won’t make any predictions, but I wish Roma good luck.
“We will all root for them from here, as always. But a little bit more this evening, because it is a special night for all the Romanisti.”
Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger Happy With Playing Andrey Arshavin As Striker
EPL: Andrey Arshavin and Arsene Wenger, Arsenal v Sunderland (PA)
The diminutive Russian led the line on Saturday against a Stoke City side known for their resolute defending, and managed to both find the net himself and win a penalty (which Cesc Fabregas missed) in the 2-0 win.
"I don't think he was a big fanatic to play centre forward but I'm convinced he can play there because he has good body power, good movement and technique," Wenger is quoted by the Press Association as saying.
"He made intelligent movements and it worked today. He got a goal but could have had two or three and overall he did very well."
The Frenchman revealed that he will likely deploy the former Zenit St Petersburg star in an advanced role again to test his potential as a regular option up top.
He said: "I have to try it again to see if it works, at home and away from home, and to find a balance because I have many technical players around the team - [Tomas] Rosicky, [Samir] Nasri, Fabregas and [Emmanuel] Eboue.
"They all can penetrate from deep positions and that's needed when you have a player like him.
"We'll see. At the moment we don't have much choice, of course.
"[Theo] Walcott is out, [Nicklas] Bendtner is out and Robin van Persie as well."
Alessandro Del Piero Salutes Juventus’ Character After Defeat Of Inter
Juventus celebrating - Juventus-Inter - Serie A
Juve were coming off two straight defeats in all competitions and yesterday’s win will go a long way towards boosting their morale ahead of a key Champions League clash with Bayern Munich next week.
“This victory tastes really good, because of the result and the way we played,” Del Piero beamed on Sky Sport Italia.
“We wanted to give a response and managed it, rediscovering certain qualities that are fundamental to us. In spite of everything, it’s important to get a result we really craved for.
“And it can be useful going into the match with Bayern, but we will have to be shrewd and humble.
“With this agonistic passion we can beat anyone, but without it we will struggle like it happened in the past.
“We must preserve this kind of aggression and desire to win in order to find the right stability.”
A draw with the Bavarians on Tuesday night will be enough for Juve to progress to the knockout stage of the Champions League.
Inter Captain Javier Zanetti: Serie A Title Race Will Go Down To The Wire
Fight - Juventus-Inter - Serie A
Juve prevailed 2-1 in an incident-packed affair courtesy of a superb second half effort from Claudio Marchisio and Beneamata Skipper Javier Zanetticoncedes the Old Lady and city rivals Milan will give his side a run for their money this term.
“The league was never over,” he told Sky Sport Italiaafter the encounter.
“Milan are doing well and these points were important. We will have to fight until the very end.”
Milan moved to within four points of the Nerazzurri after a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Sampdoria yesterday afternoon, while third-placed Juve now sit five points behind.
Mourinho was sent from the dugout for dissent after Giorgio Chiellini’s opener and the Portuguese controversially stayed away from the press room in the post-match.
“He didn’t even speak with us,” explained Zanetti. “He just greeted us. But I think we all saw the match: it was a balanced game that was settled by a great Marchisio goal.
“There was little difference between us and Juve.”
Manchester United Cough Up Over £90m To Various Firms Over Two Years - Report
CL: Outside of Old Trafford, Manchester United vs, Milan
News of the World reports that Manchester United have spent over £90 million in paying various companies over a two-year period, despite the crushing amount of debt that surrounds the club.
The tabloid claims that the Old Trafford giants have had on their payroll an array of firms who employ a wide range of professionals, from magicians to demolition experts.
However, the report stops short of hurling allegations at the Red Devils, as it is explicitly stated that there remains no suspicion that the club have done anything wrong with regard to their financial affairs.
A spokesman for United allegedly said: "Manchester United is a multi- faceted business which operates 364 days a year across many areas aside from football matches.
"These include catering, conferencing, maintenance and the other central administrative costs you would find in any company.
"In 2007-08 we had operating expenses of £170m on a turnover of £257m - the biggest profit ever recorded by a football club."
Despite recording a huge profit, United are still said to be about £650m in the red.
Chelsea Manager Carlo Ancelotti: Manchester City Will Improve Further
CL: Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea
Emmanuel Adebayor handed the lead to the visitors with an early own-goal before redeeming himself later on in the encounter, and Carlos Tevez sealed the memorable victory with a free kick.
"They [City] will do better in the future," Ancelotti is quoted by Sporting Life as saying.
"They have a very good squad and some very good players.
"When you change a lot of players you need time to get the right people into the team.
"Their future is going to be better than their past. They are going to do well, although I don't know whether it will be this season."
Barcelona's Alves And Messi Delighted With Deportivo La Coruna Win
Speaking to Sport after the match, Messi said, "All the teams know us, and it gets harder to win games."
"We barely have time to rest, but our objective is always to win, starting with Dinamo Kiev."
Meanwhile, Daniel Alves paid tribute to Messi, saying, "That is why he won the Ballon d'Or, to give us goals and wins."
"We played with a lot of force and patience.
"We must continue in this vein."
Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Reveals 'Positive' Steps In Javier Mascherano Talks
Javier Mascherano - Liverpool
The Argentina captain has been heavily linked with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona, as the former Corinthians player and his family were said to have become disenchanted with life in England.
However, Benitez is confident that he can convince the 25-year-old to prolong his stay at Anfield.
"We were talking with him and his agent a month ago about our idea and his idea," Benitez told the News of the World.
"Everyone can see he's doing really well and has come back to his best. We were really pleased to talk to him to make progress. We have plenty of time but we are happy with him and he is happier now, too.
"He has two more years on his contract, we were talking before and we will sit down sooner rather than later and talk about the future.
"The last conversations that we had were very positive."
Deportivo La Coruna Coach Lotina Satisfied Despite Barcelona Loss
Miguel Angel Lotina, Deportivo La Coruña
Speaking to Marca after the match, Lotina said, "It was more or less as we expected."
"The unknown quantity was whether Barca would relax at all. They played with great rhythm.
"We put in a great effort, but is not easy to endure them for ninety minutes."
He then analyzed his team's performance in greater detail, continuing, "I can't take anything away from the players."
"We are a team who works very hard. Barca were causing us problems when the second goal came.
"Guardado had a problem at the time, so we were temporarily down to ten men.
"Filpe had to cover Alves, so Pedro was left alone."
Finally, Lotina paid tribute to Barcelona, stating, "We were playing against a team who won the treble last year."
"It will be a long time before we see another team like this."
Real Madrid Sporting Director Valdano Pleased With Almeria Win
Jorge Valdano, Real Madrid
Real Madrid maintained their perfect record at home in the league against Almeria, and Jorge Valdano emphasized that things were moving in the right direction.
Speaking to Marca after the match, Valdano said, "Ronaldo is a very passionate man, who has a positive effect."
"His energy drives the team forward.
"But it can also make him make mistakes like taking his shirt off after scoring."
Valdano then dissected the game, continuing, "We had to fight until the end."
"If you do not take advantage on the scoreboard, they can always hurt you.
"Thanks to the fans and the talent of the team, we got the three points we deserved."
Real Madrid Boss Pellegrini: Cristiano Ronaldo Is Not Selfish
Ronaldo is now set to miss the crunch clash against Valencia, but speaking to Marca after the match, Pellegrini defended his star player, saying, "He does not have a problem with anyone else."
"It was not bad sportsmanship not to celebrate the goal. It is difficult not to dwell on it when you miss a penalty.
"I thought Alves touched him, and it was a clear penalty.
"Hugo (Sanchez) disagrees, but the referee is the one who decides."
Pellegrini then commented on Ronaldo's red card, continuing, "He got the first yellow for taking his shirt off, and the second was avoidable."
"We have an important game against Valencia next. I do not think that he deserves to miss it.
"I did not see it well, but I think he was trying to get the ball when he hit the other player."
Pellegrini then talked about the team's performance in general, stating, "Almeria went ahead but even they couldn't believe it."
"Luckily we remained calm and claimed a comfortable victory. I believe we played an almost perfect game.
"We showed that we didn't tire during the last 20 minutes."
Deportivo La Coruna 1-3 Barcelona: Messi Magic Seals Blaugrana Win
Ibrahimovic, Filipe Luis, Deportivo La Coruña, Barcelona (MARCA)
Two sensational goals from Lionel, and one from Zlatan Ibahimovic were enough to ensure that Barcelona won a tricky fixture away at Deportivo La Coruna.
Barcelona went into the game with a poor recent record at the Riazor, and Pep Guardiola was taking no chances, putting out his strongest possible lineup, as did Depor.
The game started in lively fashion, with Barca dominating possession as expected, but Depor exhibiting their danger on the counter. Chances remained at a premium during the early stages though, with only a volley from Messi and an Ibrahimovic header coming close.
Barca continued to boss the play, and Messi was in thick of it, jinking past about four defenders on 20 minutes, before seeing his shot well saved by Daniel Aranzubia. 'La Pulga' was the most threatening player on the park, and it was no surprise when he got on the scoresheet on 26 minutes. Receiving the ball from Daniel Alves on the edge of the box, he turned brilliantly before firing an unstoppable shot into the bottom right hand corner, to give Barca the lead.
The Blaugrana showed no signs of letting up after scoring, and Depor were struggling to touch the ball at all. Messi was causing havoc, and Ibrahimovic should have done better when played through by the Argentine, but he failed to take it around Aranzubia. Then, on 38 minutes, completely against the run of play, Depor claimed an equalizer. Aranzubia's goal kick was headed into Adrian's path by Sergi Busquets, and the striker in turn headed past Valdes, much to the shock of Pep Guardiola. Valdes could certainly have done more to stop it, and it was a careless mistake from Barca that ruined all their earlier good work.
There was still time for one more chance in the first half, when Ibrahimovic's brilliant backheel released Messi, only for Aranzubia to come to the rescue once more and palm his shot away. That was the last major action of an exciting first half that provided plenty of positives, and some negatives, for both sides.
The second half started in familiar fashion to the first, with Barca controlling all the play, but still looking susceptible to the counter. For all their possession, however, the Blaugrana were not creating the same amount of chances as they were in the first, as fatigue from an eventful journey to A Coruna perhaps began to show.
On the hour mark, Miguel Angel Lotina made the first change of the match, taking Adrian off for Juca. For the first time, both sides were getting sloppy, with a number of misplaced passes preventing any serious threats at goal. In an effort to change that, Guardiola replaced Thierry Henry with Pedro, as the clock struck 70 minutes.
Depor continued to frustrate Barca as the match wore down, with Messi providing the only direct threat with his trademark dribbling. It looked as though the Blaugrana would struggle to find another goal, but then, with ten minutes remaining, the Ballon D'Or winner showed just why he won the award. Pedro did well to chip the ball into his path near the six yard box, and Messi showed another string to his bow, as he headed past Aranzubia into the bottom corner.
Depor continued to fight valiantly after going behind, but Barca still looked the more likely to score, with Messi coming close again with another header. However, with four minutes left, the home side wasted a glorious chance to equalize, as Guardado's square ball failed to find Bodipo, who would only have had Valdes to beat.
It was to be a costly miss, as Barca scored their third seconds later, to seal the victory. On a rare foray forward, Eric Abidal played an excellent ball into the box, whereIbrahimovic was waiting to smash home a sublime first time effort into the roof of the net.
That proved to be the final action of the match, as Barca claimed a hard-fought but well deserved win, to maintain their five point lead on top of the table.
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