Category Archives: SPORTS

Cesc Fabregas high of last season came crashing down as he was embroiled in all kind of negativity this season around at Chelsea FC and it appears two Italian giants will be looking to land him in the summer.

The 28-year-old midfielder had a drastic change in fortunes this season for the Blues as he went from being the number one assist maker in the Premier League last season to finding himself on the bench on numerous occasions this time around.

Fabregas is even rumored to have handed in a transfer request at Chelsea FC, which would not be surprising as he has found himself in the eye of the storm during the Jose Mourinho sacking saga. He was reported as one of the players who was against the Portugese manager and was one of the trio of Blues players, including Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, who were labelled as rats and booed by their own fans following Mourinho’s departure from the club.

Italy calling

The former Arsenal and Barcelona player could well be on the move to Italy, as local newspapers there have suggested that he is attracting interest from Italian clubs Juventus and Internazionale and one of the two could well be his next destination, if his status in Chelsea does not change.

According to The Daily Mail, “Milan or Turin could suit the 28-year-old… Juventus lost a number of key players in the summer and with Paul Pogba constantly linked with a move to Spain, Fabregas could prove a worthy addition if he can rekindle his form.

A new and improved Inter Milan may need to prepare for Champions League football next season, with Roberto Mancini’s side currently top of the league.”

source:theheraldtackel.com

Manchester United ended a run of four straight defeats in all competitions as they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League on Monday.

United manager Louis van Gaal had urged his team to be brave for the visit of the champions and they began firmly on the front foot, with both Juan Mata and Anthony Martial striking the woodwork in the first half.

David de Gea made fine saves from John Terry and Pedro but the home side were in control for the majority of the opening hour against a Chelsea team lacking any real punch in attack without the suspended Diego Costa or the injured Loic Remy.

The contest was more balanced in the second half, with Nemanja Matic wasting a glorious chance for Chelsea shortly after Ander Herrera almost broke the deadlock.

United continued to push for a winner and Wayne Rooney volleyed their best chance over with four minutes to go.

Mata was inches away from giving United an ideal start against his old club as he rattled the crossbar in the third minute with a fierce half-volley from just inside the area.

De Gea reacted superbly to tip Terry’s header over the top from a Willian corner but the woodwork came to Chelsea’s rescue again when Martial cut in and hit the inside of the near post with a low drive.

United were comfortably in charge and Thibaut Courtois was called into action again in the 28th minute to tip the recalled Rooney’s drive from 25 yards over the crossbar, but it was De Gea who made the next key stop with a brilliant double-save to deny Pedro and then Cesar Azpilicueta on the follow-up just after half-time.

Martial continued to give Branislav Ivanovic a torrid time and another surging run saw him cross for Herrera in the six-yard box but Courtois reacted superbly to block his effort and claw the ball away from the line.

United were on top but Matic spurned a great chance on the counter-attack to give Chelsea the lead as he blazed over with only De Gea to beat after being played clean through by Pedro.

United threw on Memphis Depay to increase the pace in attack as they pushed to seal that first win since their visit to Watford on 21 November. And they could have snatched it late on, Rooney volleying over at the far post after a fine cross from substitute Cameron Borthwick-Jackson.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal: “For me, it (his future) is not an interesting subject because I cannot have any influence on that, I can only work with my players and you can see they are fighting for me.

“Even after this result the fans were applauding so I cannot say I’m very much concerned. In this football world you never know, but I’m fully confident in the board and my players.

“Will I resign? On the contrary. When the players can give such a performance with a lot of pressure, there is not any reason to resign for me. Maybe the media wants me to but I shall not resign. It’s not a question of staying, it’s a question of fulfilling my contract.”

Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink: “On the one hand, I am happy with a point because we had a difficult game, but on the other, we had two big chances to get three points. We were lacking some attacking players and had to adapt. In general, I’m happy.

“Hazard is very mobile and can go either way. His preference is the left and he’s doing very well in the centre. All our strikers are injured, so we have to adapt.”

source:premierleague.com

Mourinho’s family are thought to have little desire to return to Madrid

Former Chelsea manager is more inclined to wait and see how United situation develops before considering a quick return to the Bernabeu.

Jose Mourinho is resisting the temptation to explore a quick return to his former club Real Madrid as he waits to see how the situation will develop at Manchester United and elsewhere in Europe before making a final decision on his next job.

Madrid, where Mourinho left in 2013 to come back to Chelsea, have expressed an interest in bringing him back at some point, potentially as a prompt replacement for his old rival Rafa Benitez. But Mourinho is currently unwilling to revise his opinion that a swift return to Madrid would not be in the best interests of his career or his personal life.
As made clear in the statement released by his representatives CAA in the aftermath of his sacking from Chelsea this month, Mourinho is ready to work and would start immediately if he felt it was the right job. However, he left Madrid because the politics around the manager’s role – the expectation that he spent time networking with officials and media – was not to his tastes. He felt that he was obliged at Madrid to accept responsibilities far beyond the usual sphere of coaching players
There is no appetite either among Mourinho’s family – his wife Tami, daughter Matilde and son Jose junior – to return to the city. It has always been Mourinho’s view that he could have stayed beyond the three seasons he spent in Spain and that the club wanted him to do so, however fractured his relationship with some players had become. Since his sacking from Chelsea, there have been inquiries by Madrid about his future plans.

Currently third, Madrid play Real Sociedad on Wednesday and Gary Neville’s Valencia on Sunday before the winter break. They scored ten goals against Rayo Vallecano in their last league game, which followed defeat to Villarreal. As ever, the margins between what constitutes success or failure are fine indeed and Benitez’s position is by no means guaranteed over the next few weeks.

Mourinho’s attitude towards Madrid could change if it turns out that the club is his best chance of a return to elite-level football in the next six months. He could yet surprise the football world by picking a less-powerful club but the likelihood is that his return will be with one of the big names in European football.

For the meantime, Mourinho is waiting to see how events play out for his friend and former boss Louis van Gaal at United, who face Chelsea today at Old Trafford. The Portuguese coach has spent some of the previous week with friends sea-fishing off the coast near Setubal. He has now left Portugal for a family holiday.

For the first time in Mourinho’s career there is no clear next move. With the exception of his first club, Benfica, and his previous sacking at Chelsea in 2007, Mourinho has always had a job in the pipeline when he has left a club. This is relatively new territory for him and he has decided to give himself more time to make the right decision this time around.

Those close to Mourinho say that an international job is not currently on his agenda. He misses the day-to-day interaction with players and is not interested in a job where there are such long periods of inactivity.

source:telegraph.co.uk

A stirring first-half display helped Stoke City hand Manchester United a third consecutive defeat in the Barclays Premier League, as Mark Hughes’ side downed the visitors 2-0 at the Britannia Stadium on Boxing Day.

United came to Stoke on the back of six matches without a win in all competitions and four in the league, and first-half goals by Bojan Krkic and Marko Arnautovic ensured another miserable day for Louis van Gaal.

The United manager opted to drop captain Wayne Rooney to the bench for tactical reasons. However, that decision did not pay dividends, with United struggling in attack before Bojan put Stoke ahead with a simple 19th-minute finish.

The Spaniard capitalised on a defensive error from Memphis Depay to open the scoring but there was nothing fortunate about Stoke’s second, which came in the 26th minute courtesy of a stunning long-range strike from Arnautovic.

Rooney was brought on for Memphis at half-time but, although United improved in the second half, they were unable to produce a comeback and have lost four matches in a row in the same season for the first time since 1961.

Arnautovic curled an early free-kick wide but it was a poor piece of defending that allowed Bojan to tap Stoke into the lead. Depay’s attempt at a defensive diving header presented the ball to Glen Johnson, who pulled the ball back for Bojan to prod in with David De Gea stranded.

Just six minutes later Arnautovic doubled the buoyant hosts’ advantage in magnificent fashion.

The Austrian unleashed a fierce swerving right-footed effort that flew beyond De Gea after Bojan’s free-kick had struck the wall.

Depay forced Butland into a low save with a 30-yard free-kick but the match would have been beyond United had Arnautovic not curled wide when one-on-one with De Gea having been put through by Bojan.

United dominated possession following Rooney’s introduction and were denied a route back into the game as Butland produced an excellent point-blank save to thwart Marouane Fellaini after the Belgian had met the United captain’s low cross.

De Gea did well to prevent Ashley Young from turning a cross into his own net and make it 3-0 and it was Stoke who finished the stronger.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal: “My thoughts are that we didn’t dare to play football in the first half and then we gave a very bad goal away. That was too much. They scored from a free-kick and then it was half-time.

“We have spoken with each other and I have to say the second half was much better, we created one or two chances and you have to score. Then the belief is coming back and we played better in the second half, but the problem is we didn’t dare to play. That is my analysis.”

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes: “It was another tremendous performance from us, and at key times a very professional one I would suggest. On another day we could have scored another goal or two so that is the only slight disappointment from today.

“To win the game 2-0 given the determination United would have had coming here today is hugely satisfying and I don’t think anybody can have any complaints at the outcome of the game.”

source:premierleague.com

Liverpool ended a run of four matches without a win as Christian Benteke’s second-half strike handed Barclays Premier League leaders Leicester City a 1-0 defeat, their first away from home in the league this season.

Claudio Ranieri’s side struggled to make an impact against their Merseyside rivals at Anfield on Boxing Day and failed to score for the first time in the Barclays Premier League this season.

Divock Origi came close twice in the first half before he was forced off with a hamstring injury, but his replacement Benteke fired in Roberto Firmino’s cross with 63 minutes played to clinch a much-needed victory for Jurgen Klopp and condemn Leicester to just a second league defeat of the season.

Manchester City recovered from their defeat by Arsenal with a ruthless 4-1 victory over Sunderland, but there were concerns as captain Vincent Kompany limped off on his comeback from injury.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side turned on the style at the Etihad Stadium with the recalled Raheem Sterling and Wilfried Bony part of an excellent attacking unit alongside Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.

Sterling opened the scoring with a header and Yaya Toure quickly doubled the lead in superb fashion from long range.

Bony headed in his fourth goal in his last six appearances, De Bruyne got on the scoresheet with his 10th goal in all competitions this season and, after Fabio Borini scored a consolation for Sunderland, Bony blazed a penalty over the crossbar.

It mattered little and City are three points adrift of Leicester, while Sunderland remain in 19th.

Harry Kane scored twice in the first half as Tottenham Hotspur boosted their hopes of a top-four finish in the Barclays Premier League with a 3-0 win over Norwich City.

Kane broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after 26 minutes before doubling both his and Spurs’ tally just before the interval with a low drive from a tight angle. Substitute Tom Carroll added a third in the 80th minute, his first league goal with a well-struck shot from outside the area.

The result means Mauricio Pochettino’s side sit two points clear of Crystal Palace in fourth place. Norwich remain 17th, a place above Newcastle United on goal difference ahead of the Magpies’ evening match with Everton.

Oscar missed a late penalty to deny Guus Hiddink a winning start to his second spell in charge of Chelsea as Watford claimed a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

The defending Barclays Premier League champions beat Sunderland 3-1 last weekend and looked set to maintain that momentum when Diego Costa put them ahead.

However, Quique Sanchez Flores’ side drew level before the break when Troy Deeney converted a penalty following a handball from Nemanja Matic.

Watford continued to look dangerous after the interval and moved ahead in the 56th minute, Odion Ighalo setting a club record by scoring in his fifth successive BPL match.

But they were denied a historic away win when Costa equalised.

Oscar missed the chance to secure three points and successive league wins for the first time this season when he sent his spot-kick over the bar with 10 minutes remaining after Eden Hazard was fouled.

Chelsea were handed a further blow when Costa was shown a fifth yellow card, ruling him out of their next match against Manchester United.

Ki Sung-yueng’s early goal earned Swansea City an important 1-0 victory at home to West Bromwich Albion, their first victory in eight matches.

The Swans came into the match winless since 24 October, with their poor run of form leaving them in relegation trouble and prompting the exit of Garry Monk, the manager.

The win for caretaker manager Alan Curtis guided his team out of the bottom three to 18th place, two points below West Brom.

The goal came after Angel Rangel’s shot hit a post and ricocheted off Boaz Myhill, who could not gather, allowing Ki to race in and stab the ball over the line from close range.

Jordan Ayew continued his impressive form to earn Aston Villa a 1-1 draw at home to West Ham United.

The Aston Villa forward converted a spot-kick for his fifth goal of the season after Angelo Ogbonna had brought down Rudy Gestede. This cancelled out a goal from Aaron Cresswell, who had opened the scoring seconds before the half-time whistle.

Despite the point for Villa that closes to four the gap on Sunderland at the bottom, Remi Garde, the manager, remains without a win since replacing Tim Sherwood, while West Ham have not tasted victory in eight matches, drawing their last five.

AFC Bournemouth were denied a fourth consecutive victory as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace at the Vitality Stadium.
Some of the best chances fell to AFC Bournemouth’s former Palace striker Glenn Murray, but he failed to score as both sides felt the absence of key players who might have made the difference.

Without Connor Wickham in attack, Palace laboured in front of goal and AFC Bournemouth became the first team to keep a clean sheet at home against Alan Pardew’s men since Leicester City two months earlier.

The draw took AFC Bournemouth to 20 points before the halfway point in the season. Palace, meanwhile, sit fifth, two points shy of the top four.

source:premierleague.com

Oλοκλήρωσε τη διαδρομή του σε 123 ημέρες κάνοντας παγκόσμιο ρεκόρ

Ένας Νεοζηλανδός ποδηλάτης αποφάσισε να κάνει το γύρο του κόσμου πάνω σε ένα ποδήλατο.

Ο Άντριου Νίκολσον, τέως πρωταθλητής αγωνιστικού πατινάζ και νυν καθηγητής γυμναστικής, ξεκίνησε το περασμένο καλοκαίρι ένα ταξίδι πάνω σε δυο τροχούς με στόχο να καταρρίψει το παγκόσμιο ρεκόρ που κρατούσε από το 2010.

Ο 45χρονος Νίκολσον είχε ως στόχο να κάνει τη μακρά και επίπονη αυτή διαδρομή σε λίγο λιγότερο από 125 ημέρες, ρεκόρ που κατείχε, από το καλοκαίρι του 2010, ο Βρετανός ποδηλάτης Αλαν Μπέιτ.

Και τα κατάφερε, καθώς ολοκλήρωσε τη διαδρομή του σε 123 ημέρες που φυσικά δεν είναι 123 ημέρες «καθαρού» ποδηλατικού χρόνου.

Μέσα σε αυτά τα 123 μερόνυχτα συμπεριλαμβάνονται, σύμφωνα με τους κανόνες της δοκιμασίας και τα χρονικά διαστήματα εκείνα που ο αθλητής θα μετακινούνταν με αεροπλάνο ανάμεσα σε ηπείρους που ενδιάμεσα τους μεσολαβούν ωκεανοί – οι οποίοι, φυσικά, δεν γίνεται να καλυφθούν με ένα ποδήλατο.

Άρα, η όλη διαδρομή, εκτός από καλά πνευμόνια και μπόλικη αντοχή, απαιτούσε και σωστή οργάνωση των αεροπορικών ταξιδιών καθώς ακόμη και μια καθυστέρηση στις πτήσεις από ωκεανό σε ωκεανό, θα μπορούσε να στοιχίσει στον Νίκολσον το «σπάσιμο» του ρεκόρ.

Το τετράμηνο ταξίδι του Νίκολσον ξεκίνησε στις 12 Αυγούστου από την πρωτεύουσα της Νέας Ζηλανδίας, το Όκλαντ. Από εκεί, ο Νίκολσον ταξίδεψε αεροπορικώς μέχρι το Βανκούβερ και αφού διέσχισε τον μισό Καναδά, πέρασε κατόπιν τα σύνορα των ΗΠΑ μέχρι την ανατολική ακτή.

Από εκεί, πέρασε αεροπορικώς τον Ατλαντικό ωκεανό και συνέχισε τον ποδηλατικό του μαραθώνιο, διασχίζοντας όλη την Ευρώπη, περνώντας από Πορτογαλία, Ισπανία, Γαλλία, Γερμανία, όλα τα Βαλκάνια και μετά περνώντας από την Κωνσταντινούπολη στην Μέση Ανατολή και την Ασία.

Η διαδρομή του σε εκείνο το σημείο έπρεπε να είναι προσεκτική, όπως λέει, καθώς υπήρχε πιθανότητα να εισέλθει με το ποδήλατο του σε διάφορες εμπόλεμες ζώνες.

Έτσι, αφού πέρασε από την Τουρκία στο Ιράν, κατόπιν επέλεξε να μην διασχίσει το Πακιστάν και το Αφγανιστάν και αντ’ αυτού να ταξιδέψει αεροπορικώς για την Ινδία.

Από εκεί, διέσχισε όλη την ΝΑ Ασία, περνώντας διαδοχικά από Λάος, Βιρμανία, Καμπότζη, Ταϊλάνδη και Μαλαισία και καταλήγοντας στην Ινδονησία.

Από εκεί ταξίδεψε αεροπορικώς για την Αυστραλία, της οποίας την νότια ακτή διέσχισε από άκρη σε άκρη, καταλήγοντας πριν μερικά 24ωρα στο Σίδνεϊ, όπου το ποδηλατικό του ταξίδι έλαβε τέλος, μετά από 29.179 χλμ.

Μάλιστα, σχεδίασε στο προσωπικό του μπλογκ τη διαδρομή, ώστε αυτή να γίνει αντιληπτή απ’ όλους:

Όπως είπε ο Νίκολσον, προκειμένου να καταρρίψει το ρεκόρ, θα έπρεπε να κάνει περί τα 240-250 χλμ. καθημερινά.

Επίσης, δεν είχε μαζί του κανέναν άλλον και θα έπρεπε να αντιμετωπίσει τυχόν δυσκολίες που θα ενέσκηπταν αποκλειστικά μόνος του.

Όπως τονίζει, αποδίδει την επιτυχία του στο γεγονός πως είναι μαθημένος στον πρωταθλητισμό, καθώς από το 1992 μέχρι το 1998 συμμετείχε σε τρεις Χειμερινούς Ολυμπιακούς Αγώνες στο αγωνιστικό πατινάζ.

«Επίσης, φρόντιζα κατά τη διάρκεια της διαδρομής να μην κάνω παράλληλα πράγματα που ενδέχεται να με αποσυντονίσουν, όπως λόγου χάρη το να ακούω μουσική από το iPod μου», συμπληρώνει.

Μέσα σε αυτά τα 29.000 χλμ., ο Νίκολσον αναγκάστηκε να αλλάξει τέσσερα ζευγάρια λάστιχα και τρεις αλυσίδες στο ποδήλατο του, ενώ ως πιο δύσκολο κομμάτι της διαδρομής του αναφέρει τις αχανείς εκτάσεις της τουρκικής Ανατολίας, εκεί όπου «η μοναχική διαδρομή μπορεί να σε καταβάλλει, ειδικά σε ψυχολογικό επίπεδο»

Όπως επισημαίνει, κοντά στο τέλος του ταξιδιού του, στην Αυστραλία, κόντεψε να καταρρεύσει από την εξάντληση, όμως δεν το έβαλε κάτω.

«Ναι, μπορεί να έχεις πρησμένα πόδια και να είσαι έτοιμος να καταρρεύσεις σωματικά, όμως ο ανθρώπινος οργανισμός είναι τέτοιος που πάντα έχεις κρυμμένες δυνάμεις που σου επιτρέπουν να συνεχίσεις λίγο ακόμη, μέχρι να επιτύχεις τον στόχο σου», καταλήγει ο 45χρονος Νεοζηλανδός.

Πηγή:Νέος Κόσμος

A goal in each half has delivered Western Sydney three points for Christmas as they accounted for Newcastle 2-0 at Pirtek Stadium on Thursday night.
A first Hyundai A-League goal from Alberto Aguilar and a Mark Bridge strike did the damage for the home side, who now sit five points clear at the top of the standings.

The Jets will feel aggrieved not have been awarded a first-half penalty, as well as have a marginal off-side call go against them but have now failed to score in their last four outings.

Tony Popovic made four changes to the eleven that started in Perth last weekend with attacking trio Mark Bridge, Romeo Castelen and Federico Piovaccari all named, while Dimas replaced suspended Spanish compatriot Andreu.

Newcastle had Daniel Mullen back from injury ahead of schedule, with the centre-back having missed the last seven matches, while Cameron Watson replaced the suspended Jason Hoffman.

GOALS

1-0 Alberto (45+2) – In the shadows of half-time Scott Jamieson whipped in a free-kick that found Alberto unmarked at the back stick. The Spaniard made good connection with his header and although Birighitti got his body behind the ball was unable to keep it out.

2-0 Bridge (70’) – Substitute Dario Vidosic made an almost immediate impact when some fine footwork on the edge of the box drew a save from Birighitti. The parry fell to Bridge who produced a deft touch to make space before finding the back of the net with a composed finish.

KEY MOMENT

The Jets were arguably unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when the scores were deadlocked after the Wanderers appeared to handle the ball in the box. Defenders Scott Neville and Daniel Mullen both attacked a Jets corner, with Neville’s leading arm seemingly making contact with the ball. While the handball was spotted the call went against Mullen and Western Sydney were let off the hook.

OPTA DATA KEY STATS

Wanderers striker Mark Bridge has now scored in each of his last five starts.

Newcastle’s loss is their first at Pirtek Stadium after they were previously the only remaining unbeaten side at Western Sydney’s home ground.

The result extends the Wanderers unbeaten run to nine matches (W8 D1).

The Jets have now failed to score in their last six hours of A-League football.
HIGHLIGHTS REEL

Romeo Castelen seemed destined to double the home side’s advantage when he scooted away from his marker on the hour mark. The Dutchman showed his speed and agility, first tearing down the sideline before cutting inside but the cover defence arrived just in time to smother Castelen’s shot over the bar.

TREATMENT TABLE

A head clash between Scott Neville and Nick Cowburn left both players worse for wares after they competed for the ball. Cowburn had to be taken to the sideline for treatment and was subsequently substituted at the break.

COACH KILLER

Tony Popovic hasn’t had a lot to worry about during his side’s unbeaten run but the finishing ability of marquee striker Federico Piovaccari continues to be a concern. Although the Italian had scored in his last two outings he had numerous chances to add to his season tally but his placement was lacking.

THE FINAL WORD

The Wanderers will certainly enjoy their Christmas turkey having extended their lead at the summit and unbeaten run to nine matches.

Western Sydney have now equalled the record for scoring two or more goals in eight straight games and will look to extend that run at home against Adelaide on New Year’s Day.

It’s the total opposite for Newcastle who are now winless in their last eight matches and have failed to score in their last four.

That little bit of luck continues to evade the Jets and no doubt Scott Miller will look to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.

TEAMS

Western Sydney Wanderers: Redmayne(GK), Neville, Alberto, Topor-Stanley(c), Jamieson, Dimas, Pepper, Nichols (Vidosic 64’), Castelen (Santalab 88’), Bridge (Mebrahtu 80’), Piovaccari

Newcastle Jets: Birighitti(GK), Mullen, Boogaard(c), Kantarovski, Watson, Alivodic, Poljak, Trifunovic, Carney, Cowburn (Jackson 46’), Kitto (Crowley 71’)

Scorers: Alberto 45+2, Bridge 70’

Yellow cards: Cowburn (9’), Topor-Stanley (56’), Trifunovic (64’), Carney (84’)

Red cards: nil

Conditions: 22°C, clear

Read more at http://www.a-league.com.au/article/wanderers-claim-christmas-eve-honours/1atpa3ft90j1n16bvbh81ggg64#fRbUgQbCDt2L6Ebp.99

source:a-league.com.au

Newcastle Jets coach Scott Miller says while the Western Sydney Wanderers will be tough to beat they do have weaknesses.

The Jets travel to Parramatta Stadium tonight to take on the ladder leaders.

The teams met in early November, with the Wanderers taking the points thanks to a two-one win.

Miller said the Jets will need to be on their toes for the entire match.

“It’s an overall compact unit and they’ve also got their weaknesses,” he said.

“But in the final third they’re very compact in the willingness to find space in and around the centre backs and fullbacks and pace in the wide areas certainly are a threat.”

Jets defender Daniel Mullen has been named in the squad, after missing the past two months with a knee injury.

But the Jets will be without Jason Hoffman due to suspension, after receiving his fifth yellow card last week.

Miller said the atmosphere and strong crowd support at Parramatta Stadium always provides a good game.

“We’ve reviewed the game from the weekend and there was a lot of positive moments and it’s just that transition of playing a more compact style and a lot more options in and around possession and managing the game,” he said.

source:abc.net.au

Under-fire manager says he can revive the team’s fortunes as speculation grows about the Dutchman’s future.

Louis van Gaal has forced Manchester United’s board to make the final decision on his future by making clear that he will not resign.

The United manager, whose job is under threat after a run of only three wins in 13 matches, is continuing to insist that he can revive fortunes. He made a speech to his players at their Christmas lunch on Monday calling for unity ahead of a key run of fixtures, beginning at Stoke on Boxing Day.

The former Holland coach declared over the weekend that he felt he still had the support of the players and the board, despite his team’s poor form, and retains belief that he can save his job, even though the odds are against him.

With Van Gaal determined to fight on, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and club owners the Glazer family must decide whether to sack the manager and face the prospect of making a compensation ­payment of around £10 million to terminate his contract.

The manager is scheduled to hold a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to preview the trip to Stoke. He is set to lose his job if United lose either at the Britannia Stadium, or against Chelsea at Old Trafford next Monday.

United declined to comment on reports surfacing on Tuesday that Woodward was in a meeting in London to discuss the future of the manager, although the club’s board is continuing to consider its options.

Some reports had suggested that former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had been in discussions about the future of Van Gaal, but the Scot has not attended any such meetings nor would be expected to be part of any process to decide a successor.

Pep Guardiola, the Bayern Munich coach, and Ryan Giggs, who is assistant manager, are in contention but the agent for former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who had been considered the prime candidate to replace Van Gaal, denied on Tuesday night that there had been any contact between United and the Portuguese.

“There is nothing,” said Jorge Mendes when asked about possible talks.

Mourinho is a free agent after being sacked by Chelsea last Thursday and he has indicated that he is keen to remain in England.

United’s 2-1 defeat at home against Norwich City on Saturday was their sixth successive match ­without a victory, dropping them to fifth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Leicester.

During that winless run, they were also eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage, and their poor domestic form has put at risk their chances of qualifying for next season’s elite competition.

The unadventurous style of play exhibited by Van Gaal’s team has also drawn criticism from a host of former United players, most ­notably Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand.

Mark Hughes, the former United striker who now manages their next opponents, Stoke, has suggested that the players at Old Trafford must shoulder responsibility for improving the club’s performances.

Hughes said: “More often than not, if you’ve got a strong squad of players, and leaders within that group, they can get themselves together, shake themselves out of it and do something about it.

“That’s what all Manchester United teams of the past have done and I would expect them to do it again.”

source:telegraph.co.uk

Branislav Ivanovic says Chelsea must put the thought of salvaging their campaign in the Champions League to the back of their minds.

With the Blues 11 points off fourth place, winning the European Cup is now their best hope of qualifying for the competition again next season

The Blues face Paris St Germain, who knocked them out in the last 16 last season, at the same stage this term.

Chelsea play the first leg in February but the defender says they must concentrate on improving their position in the Premier League where they are 15th.

He said: “It’s weird to play the same team again, this is the third year in a row, but we will have plenty of time to think about the Paris game later.

“It was very difficult and emotional for us when we went out to them last season so we will have special motivation this time around.

“The Champions League has been completely different from the Premier League this season. We did well and we finished first in the group.

“That didn’t give us any benefit for the draw this time as we will play a difficult game against PSG, but we are not scared to play any team in the world with the quality we have.

“But until the first leg in February, we have to be focused on the Premier League and make sure we change our situation in that competition before the Champions.
League starts again.”

source:standard.co.uk

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