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Australia great Tim Cahill has side-stepped talk over his club future to focus solely on the Socceroos who will face “11 Ferraris” in Friday morning’s (AEDT) FIFA World Cup qualifier against Jordan in Amman.

While 35 year-old Cahill was coy over his next club move as he nears the end of his one-year deal with Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua, Jordan’s ruddy-faced Belgian coach Paul Put was tuning up the engines of a team he believes can out-motor the Socceroos at the Amman International Stadium.

“I think for me personally when I’m in camp it’s all about the Socceroos,” said Cahill, who has been linked with a mega-money move to the Gulf but might also accept a second year in China.

“My future will be sorted out later on, which is exciting for myself. But the main focus is doing well here.

“If you do well for your country and your club then you get the rewards, whether it be in China or anywhere else like that.”

Put, who was appointed in June, admits his team will need to be super-charged to instigate a repeat of the scoreline between the side’s in Amman three years ago when Jordan upset Australia 2-1.

“We all know if you play Australia it’s a tough game, it’s a big game, because they’ve been proving a lot in the past, and they’re still proving that they are a good team,” the former Burkina Faso and Gambia mentor said.

“They have experienced players who play abroad so we know it will be a hard game but we have been preparing our game as well also because we want to participate in the World Cup. I think every team has that ambition.

“It’s now the time to show yourself. I hope tomorrow we can give the best of ourselves against Australia. Tomorrow I want to see 11 Ferraris on the pitch for Jordan.

“Tomorrow our concentration has to be not 100 per cent, but 500 per cent. Also the motivation, the mentality – I tell you if you have to play against Australia I don’t have to motivate my players.”

Australia’s all-time leading scorer Cahill, who turns 36 in December, has no time-line on when he will call it quits – and little wonder considering the form he is in for both club and country, with eight goals for Shanghai Shenhua in his past 12 games and a brace for Australia in its 3-0 win over Tajikistan last month.

“It’s taking it a game at a time,” he said. “It’s really important being a professional that you play well for your club, then you get selected for your country.

“I’m passionate about continuing and we’ll see how each game goes. We’ll see how long I last.”

Put is exhorting Jordanians to flock behind the national team and create an intimidating atmosphere as the Al-Nashama, who lie two points adrift of the group leading Socceroos, bid to leapfrog them and go top.

“I hope the stadium will be full tomorrow and that the crowd is behind these players.

“There is a great team spirit in our side. I hope all the Jordan people come out and support the boys because we need also this support because we also want to play 12 against 11 tomorrow.

“Australia are very technical. It will be important not to give them the confidence to come into the game.

“We have to try and make it a close game and we will see how we can do it. It will be tough but in football anything is possible.

“If you are afraid it’s better you stay home,” he said.

“We have to challenge Australia and we go for the good result. The best way in football is to attack and win the game. If you rely only on the defence only, it will be tough.

Cahill sees it as a danger match for Ange Postecoglou’s men, adding:

“We’ve been to Jordan before and we know it’s going to be difficult. Whether it will be hot or whether it will be cold, we’ll show up and give the right performance.”

source:theworldgame.sbs.com.au

No two countries coming face to face in this week’s European qualifiers better emphasize the rise and fall of soccer’s fluctuating fortunes than Northern Ireland and Greece, who meet in Belfast on Thursday.

The two nations were in the same Euro 2004 qualifying pool just over a decade ago, with Greece going through as group winner and Northern Ireland a distant last having not scored a goal and accrued only three points, all from draws.

Greece of course stunned the soccer world by becoming European champion the following year, but it travels to Belfast with that achievement a distant memory and its qualifying group positions reversed.

Northern Ireland, on the brink of its first major finals since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, top the Group F standings with one defeat from eight games, while Greece is bottom with three points– all from draws.

Northern Ireland has 17 points, ahead of Romania on 16 and Hungary on 13.

The Irish need just two points from their final two qualifiers against Greece and then Finland in Helsinki on Sunday to seal their place.

Unlike its British neighbor Wales, on the verge of its first finals since the 1958 World Cup, Northern Ireland do not have a standout world class talent like Gareth Bale.

Instead coach Michael O’Neill has blended together a team of good but hardly outstanding players, with striker Kyle Lafferty’s seven goals in qualifying making him the joint third highest scorer behind Robert Lewandowski (10 for Poland) and Thomas Mueller (eight for Germany).

Unfortunately for O’Neill, Lafferty is suspended for the game at the partly-renovated Windsor Park, but West Bromwich Albion defender Gareth McAuley should be fit, although doubts remain about his club mate and former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.

Greece, who arrives in Belfast looking to salvage some pride from what has been a shocking campaign, is still without a permanent coach after a deal to bring German Bernd Schuster fell through at the 11th hour last week.

Under-21 coach Costas Tsanas continues to act as interim boss following the sacking of Uruguayan Sergio Markarian in August.

Greece will be without AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas, who is suspended, and injured Bayer Leverkusen defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos. Those absences meant a first call-up for young AEK Athens defender Adam Tzanetopoulos.

source:ekathimerini.com

FIRED-UP coach Scott Miller insists commitment and passion are more important than club bank balances and labelled those who have written off the Jets as ignorant.

The Jets enter their A-League season opener at Wellington on Sunday as $2.35 favourites to claim back-to-back wooden spoons.

Miller joined captain Nigel Boogaard and Brazilian import Leonardo in Sydney on Tuesday for the league’s season launch.

Many commentators and tipsters share the opinion of the bookmakers and have predicted the Jets will finish among the also-rans for a sixth consecutive season.

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat went further, suggesting the league was in danger of splitting into two distinct halves, the haves and the have-nots.
The Jets, who are in the hands of Football Federation Australia for now, are firmly in the latter.

‘‘The competition can only be as strong as the floor and, at the moment, the gap between the floor and the ceiling is too big,’’ said Muscat whose Victory side are $3.75 favourites to win consecutive championships.

Miller, in his first season as a head coach, said the barbs were ‘‘pretty standard’’ but unwarranted.

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‘‘I have had people speaking to me saying that we have been written off already,’’ he said.

‘‘I find that quite ignorant that you could do that before a game has been played.

‘‘Games aren’t played on a bank balance; they are played through commitment and passion. I think we have a group of players who can demonstrate that.’’

Recommended by Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou, Miller had spent nine years at English club Fulham in a variety of roles. The 34-year-old has a squad with 11 new faces, including a number of fringe players signed by previous coach Phil Stubbins.

Key among the arrivals are proven performers Nigel Boogaard, Mateo Poljak, Labinot Haliti and Cameron Watson as well as imported midfielder Leonardo and striker Milos Trifunovic, who is waiting for a visa to be approved before he can travel to New Zealand.

Miller, who inherits a team that won just three games last season, is desperate for a strong start, despite the Jets’ poor record in Wellington.

Winning is obviously the goal, but at the very least he wants the squad to be organised and hard to break down. ‘‘That is what I will be demanding from the players, structure and organisation,’’ he said. ‘‘When you are sitting in the living room watching the game you can see patterns and understanding, teammates showing commitment to each other.

‘‘If I see it, [assistant] Jean-Paul De Marigny sees it and the community sees it, we will all be happy. We are certainly going there prepared.’’

It has been 16 weeks since Miller’s appointment. He started the rebuild from the back and has placed a strong emphasis on discipline and professionalism.

After losing to Perth on penalties in the FFA Cup, the Jets drew with Melbourne City (1-1) and Brisbane Roar (0-0) before completing the pre-season with a 1-0 win over the Mariners.

Coaches are rarely content, but Miller has been encouraged by the signs.

‘‘I have to commend the players on their application and commitment,’’ he said.

‘‘If we perform the way we are capable of, the players will get respect from the community. That is what I’m looking forward to.’’

Miller has sensed a positive vibe towards him and the team as the season has drawn closer.

‘‘People are very supportive when they come and speak to me,’’ he said. ‘‘People are starting to notice us and take notice of what we are doing. It is all very positive in that sense.

‘‘But I’m under no illusions. I have seen managers in the UK under a lot of pressure, how it affects them and how things can change very quickly.’’

source:theherald.com

Liverpool are close to securing the services of Jurgen Klopp as the club’s new manager.

Talks with the former Borussia Dortmund boss and his representatives are progressing well and the hope is that negotiations will be completed over the next 24 to 48 hours.

The ECHO understands there will be no official announcement on Wednesday with Klopp not expected to fly to Merseyside until Thursday. The Reds are confident that Brendan Rodgers’ successor will be unveiled before the weekend.

The Anfield hierarchy want to ensure Klopp has a full week to prepare for his first game in charge away to Tottenham in the Premier League on October 17.

Publicly, the 48-year-old has refused to be drawn on Liverpool’s interest as he told German newspaper Bild: “There’s nothing to say. Neither a definite yes nor a definite no.”

However, Klopp is ready to cut short his planned year-long sabbatical in order to spearhead an Anfield revival and he is expected to pen a three-year contract.

Former Germany captain and manager Franz Beckenbauer believes Liverpool will be getting one of the best coaches in world football.

“He is fantastic,” Beckenbauer said. “He is one of the best coaches I know in the whole world, and he was really a milestone for Borussia Dortmund.

“He took over the club and made them into a world-class team. If Liverpool has the chance to sign Jurgen Klopp then they should do it.

“He likes to talk. There are not many coaches left in the world that like to talk so much to the players but he is one of them.

“Liverpool is also one of the biggest clubs in the world, so Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp is definitely a good combination. He is also a winner.”

Wise choice

Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who was bought by Klopp back in 2011, is also convinced the Red have made a wise choice.

“I’ve not had that much contact with him recently, and I’ve not followed much of what has been said, but I think Klopp would be a great fit at many clubs and I believe also at Liverpool,” the Germany international said.

“Of course it’s something I can see happening. I think Klopp is capable of helping many top clubs in the world.”

Liverpool assistant boss Sean O’Driscoll, first team coach Gary McAllister and development coach Pep Lijnders oversaw training at Melwood on Tuesday for those players not on international duty.

However, their future remains uncertain with Klopp expected to bring in his own backroom staff in Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz.

Kop legend Robbie Fowler has thrown his hat into the ring if Klopp is looking for someone with links to Anfield’s past.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested,” Fowler said. “If a new manager comes in I’d love to be part of the backroom staff. Liverpool is a massive part of my life.”

source:liverpoolecho.co.uk

Game week 8 of the English Premier League produced many exciting games including Arsenal’s defeat of United and City thrashing Newcastle. But it was all overshadowed with the sacking of Brendan Rodgers from Liverpool and Dick Advocaat’s resignation from the Sunderland job.

It’s all over for Brendan Rodgers and Dick Advocaat

Brendan Rodgers’ tenure at Liverpool Football Club has been nothing but dramatic. From tiki-taka football in his first season to a ruthless high pressing, counter-attacking game in the second season, Rodgers enthralled Liverpool fans and nearly won the Premier League. Ever since the departure of Suarez, Liverpool have never been the same under him, and after a series of disappointing home draws, FSG decided they needed a new man at the helm. Rodgers’ last game, the Merseyside Derby draw at Goodison, summed up the last few months as Liverpool huffed and puffed after taking the lead. The Reds should be thankful to Mignolet’s saves and if it was not for the Belgian, the result would have been completely different.

Just like Brendan Rodgers, the writing was on the wall for Dick Advocaat. The Dutchman, who saved Sunderland by the skin of their teeth last season, simply could not get this Sunderland team to gel together, and despite a defiant draw against West Ham, Advocaat decided to quit. It is indeed worrying for the black cats with another relegation battle in prospect, but they can take heart from the fact that only 1/4th of the season has passed by, and a new manager has time to steady the ship.

Arsenal batter United

Arsenal gave the perfect response to the Champions League disappointment in midweek by beating United 3-0 at the Emirates.

It was the first time they beat their bitter rivals with a 2+ goal margin since 2002. The Arsenal front line of Ozil, Sanchez and Walcott were devastating with their blistering pace and basically won the game in the first 20 minutes. The aging United central midfield had no answer to Arsenal’s onslaught and it seemed for some time in the first half that this was an inverse of the 8-2 thrashing that United inflicted on Arsenal four years ago. United did rally around and Van Gaal’s men produced a much better performance in the second period but it was not enough to get them even a consolation goal.

Chelsea taught a footballing lesson by the Saints

If there is any lack of motivation from the ‘champions’, they can watch and learn from Southampton. The Saints, who keep losing their best players to big clubs every season, still do very well and punch above their weight. Koeman’s men produced the perfect away display by mugging Chelsea with a 3-1 victory in which they pressed very well and their finishing was clinical. Graziano Pelle bullied the Chelsea centre-halves throughout the game, and the likes of Mane, Tadic and Davies benefitted. Both team had contentious penalty appeals, and it was clearly another case of hypocrisy by the Chelsea boss, when he claimed the “referees are afraid to give decisions for Chelsea”. Southampton and Koeman have finally got into the groove, and you wouldn’t put it against them to replicate last season’s performances after an impressive win at The Bridge.

High Five for Kun Agüero

Sergio Agüero provided a master class on clinical finishing as he smashed five goals in a 6-1 win for City against a beleaguered Newcastle United side.

City supporters would have been ecstatic to see their top striker get back on the score sheets and it was also a day of jubilation for Fantasy Premier League managers who had the Argentine in their team. Pellegrini’s men turned on the afterburners in the second half after Newcastle took a shock lead in the first period. The Citizens once again reiterated that they are the team to beat in this league with Agüero, Silva and record signing de Bruyne looking very impressive with their movement and awareness. City fans would be disappointed to see the international break after two important victories, but as far as Newcastle are concerned, the break couldn’t have come at a better time.

The Tynesiders just have to let this moment pass and acknowledge City’s quality. The only positives that they can take from the game is the first half performance, and the fact that they are bottom of the league means they have only one way to go, i.e. the upward direction in the league table. The pressure is mounting on McClaren, and if Newcastle fail to beat Norwich in their next game at home, then there will be calls for a new replacement at Newcastle.

Palace, Leicester and Stoke grab wins, Eriksen shines for Spurs

Crystal Palace continued their impressive start under Pardew as they put in another terrific home performance to outclass West Bromwich Albion with a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park. A Mahrez-less Leicester edged Norwich 2-1 at Carrow Road and Stoke won away at Villa courtesy an Arnautovic strike. Christian Eriksen was the star of the day for Tottenham with his well taken free kicks. The Dane has now scored eight Premier League goals from outside the box since the start of last season, more than any other player. Meanwhile, newcomers Bournemouth and Watford played out a 1-1 draw at the Vitality stadium with Watford keeper Gomes having a brilliant game in front of goal.

source:thehardtackle.com

Olympiakos, conqueror of Arsenal at The Emirates Stadium in midweek, confirmed its domination of the Greek game with an imposing performance at PAOK and a 2-0 win on Sunday. Notably five out of the seven visiting teams in the weekend’s games emerged victorious.

The Reds have stretched their perfect record at the start of the Super League season to six out of six, thanks to goals by Brown Ideye and Luca Milivojevic in the first half, and to Spanish goalkeeper Roberto’s heroics in the second.

So within five days, Olympiakos has therefore scored victories at two of the most difficult places it will visit during the course of this season.

Panathinaikos remained three points off the pace as it scored the only goal of its game at Xanthi through Rasmus Thelander seven minutes from time on Saturday. The result is practically keeping Panathinaikos coach Yiannis Anastasiou at his post.

AEK also needed a late header, by Macauley Chrisantus, to down visiting Atromitos 1-0 and stay alone in third, two points behind Panathinaikos and ahead of its derby with Olympiakos in Piraeus.

On Saturday Panionios had an impressive first 23 minutes at Agrinio putting four past host Panetolikos, before winning the game 5-1 in the end. Levadiakos, on the other hand, left it very late to turn things around at Komotini, but still managed to overturn a 1-0 deficit and win 3-1 in the last seven minutes of the game.

Veria left it even later, scoring from the penalty spot in the last minute of injury time at Kalloni Lesvou to snatch a precious 1-0 win, while PAS Giannina and Iraklis shared a gripping 2-2 draw at Ioannina.

On Monday Asteras Tripolis greets Platanias Hanion.

source:ekathimerini.com

Εμφατική νίκη με 5-1 πέτυχε η Μπάγερν επί της Ντόρτμουντ στο πλαίσιο της 8ης αγωνιστικής της bundesliga, αποκτώντας 7 βαθμούς διαφορά από τους φιλοξενούμενους.

Ετσι μετρά 11 διαδοχικές νίκες από το ξεκίνημα της σεζόν, ενώ τις τελευταίες 20 ημέρες έχουν συντελεστή τερμάτων 24-2 στους έξι αγώνες που έδωσαν! Τι να πρωτοπεί για τον Ρόμπερτ Λεβαντόφσκι, ο οποίος πέτυχε άλλα δύο γκολ σήμερα και έφτασε τα 12 στα τελευταία 4 ματς!

Κι όλα αυτά εναντίον της Ντόρτμουντ που ήταν αήττητη φέτος, αλλά διανύει πολύ κακή περίοδο και προερχόταν από τρεις διαδοχικές ισοπαλίες.

Σε βαριά εντός έδρας ήττα με 3-0 υποχρέωσε τη Σάλκε η Κολονία, που ήταν η πρώτη τη φετινή περίοδο για τους «βασιλικούς μπλε», οι οποίοι μάλλον είχαν μείνει στη νίκη επί του Αστέρα Τρίπολης για το Europa League.

Μετά το 0-1 που σημείωσε ο Μοντέστ στο 45΄ οι γηπεδούχοι κλονίστηκαν και αφού δεν βρήκαν γρήγορα την ισοφάριση στη συνέχεια κατέθεσαν τα όπλα, με αποτέλεσμα τα «κριάρια» να κάνουν… παρέλαση στη «VELTINS-Arena».

Τα αποτελέσματα και οι σκόρερ:

Ντάρμστατ-Μάϊντς 2-3
(27΄ Χέλερ, 57΄ Σάιλερ – 15΄ Μπελ, 24΄ Μαλι, 64΄ Ντε Μπλάσις)

Γκλάντμπαχ-Βόλφσμπουργκ 2-0
(76΄ Νόρντβεϊτ, 79΄ Τραορέ)

Ίνγκολσταντ-Αϊντραχτ Φρανκφούρτης 2-0
(78΄ Γκρος, 84΄ Λεξ)

Ανόβερο-Βέρντερ Βρέμης 1-0
(56΄ Σανέ)

Χέρτα Βερολίνου-Αμβούργο 3-0
(17΄ Καλού, 77΄, 79΄ Ιμπίσεβιτς)

Χοφενχάιμ-Στουτγκάρδη 2-2
(33΄ πεν., 77΄ Φόλαντ – 64΄ Κλίμερτ, 90΄+ Βέρνερ)

Σάλκε-Κολονία 0-3
(45΄ Μοντέστ, 79΄ Γκέρχαρντ, 84΄ Ζόλερ)

Λεβερκούζεν-Αουγκσμπουργκ 1-1

(39΄ Μπελαραμπί – 12΄αυτ. Λένο)

Μπάγερν Μονάχου-Ντόρτμουντ 5-1

(26΄,35΄πεν. Μίλερ, 46΄,58΄ Λεβαντόφσκι, 66΄ Γκέτσε – 37΄ Ομπαμεγιάνγκ)

ΒΑΘΜΟΛΟΓΙΑ
(σε 8 αγώνες)

Μπάγερν Μονάχου 24

Ντόρτμουντ 17

Σάλκε 16

Ίνγκολσταντ 14

Χέρτα Βερολίνου 14

Κολονία 14

Λεβερκούζεν 13

Βόλφσμπουργκ 12

Μάιντς 12

Ντάρμστατ 10

Αμβούργο 10

Αϊντραχτ Φρανκφούρτης 9

Γκλάντμπαχ 9

Βέρντερ Βρέμης 7

Χοφενχάιμ 6

Ανόβερο 5

Άουγκσμπουργκ 5

Στουτγκάρδη 4

Πηγή:in.gr

Η Αρσεναλ, η ομάδα που πριν από μερικά 24ωρα έχασε 3-2 στο «Εμιρεϊτς» από τον Ολυμπιακό, νίκησε διά περιπάτου τη Μάντσεστερ Γιουνάιτεντ στο ίδιο γήπεδο, για την 8η αγωνιστική της Premier League.

Ραγδαία μεταμόρφωση των «κανονιέρηδων» που καθάρισαν το ματς μέσα στο πρώτο 20λεπτο και «γκρέμισαν» τη Γιουνάιτεντ από την κορυφή, στην οποία είχε ανέβει την περασμένη εβδομάδα για πρώτη φορά μετά από δύο χρόνια. Μεγάλος πρωταγωνιστής ο Αλέξις Σάντσες που σκόραρε δις, ενώ το άλλο γκολ σημείωσε ο Οζίλ.

Και να φανταστεί κανείς ότι ο Αρσέν Βενγκέρ πραγματοποίησε ελάχιστες αλλαγές σε σχέσεις με το σχήμα που παρέταξε εναντίον του Ολυμπιακού.

Συγκεκριμένα, τερματοφύλακας ήταν ο Τσεχ (αντί του Οσπίνα), αριστερά έπαιξε ο Μονρεάλ (Γκιμπς), ενώ βασικοί ξεκίνησαν οι Μερτεζάκερ, Ράμσεϊ που την περασμένη Τρίτη αγωνίστηκαν ως αλλαγές.

Βαθμούς και εντυπώσεις μοιράσθηκαν Εβερτον και Λίβερπουλ καθώς αναδείχθηκαν ισόπαλες 1-1. Το τελικό σκορ, διαμορφώθηκε στο πρώτο ημίχρονο, με την Λίβερπουλ να ανοίγει το σκορ στο 41′ με τον Ινγκς και τους γηπεδούχους να ισοφαρίζουν στο 45′ με τον Λουκάκου.

Βαθμούς στην έδρα της Σoυόνσι πέταξε η Τότεναμ, που έμεινε στο 1-1 με την Σουόνσι.

Οι σκόρερ της 8ης αγωνιστικής και η βαθμολογία:

Κρίσταλ Πάλας-Γουέστ Μπρομ 2-0
(68΄ Μπολάσιε, 89΄ Καμπάιγ)

Αστον Βίλα-Στόουκ Σίτι 0-1
(55΄ Αρναούτοβιτς)

Μπόρνμουθ-Γουότφορντ 1-1
(28΄ Μάρεϊ – 45΄ Ιγκάλο)

Μάντσεστερ Σίτι-Νιούκαστλ 6-1
(42΄,49΄,50΄,60΄,62΄ Αγουέρο, 53΄ Ντε Μπράιν – 18΄ Μίτροβιτς)

Νόριτς-Λέστερ 1-2
(68΄ Μποκανί – 28΄πεν. Βάρντι, 47΄ Σλουπ)

Σάντερλαντ-Γουέστ Χαμ 2-2
(10΄ Φλέτσερ, 22΄ Λενς – 45+1΄ Τζένκινσον, 60΄ Παγέ)

Τσέλσι-Σαουθάμπτον 1-3
(10΄ Γουϊλιαν – 44΄ Στίβεν Ντέιβις, 60΄ Μανέ, 72΄ Πελέ)

Εβερτον-Λίβερπουλ 1-1
(45′ Λουκάκου – 41′ Ινγκς)

Αρσεναλ-Μάντσεστερ Γ. 3-0
(6΄,19΄ Σάντσες, 7΄ Οζίλ)

Σουόνσι-Τότεναμ 2-2
(16΄ Αγιού, 31΄αυτ. Κέιν – 27΄,65΄ Ερικσεν)

ΒΑΘΜΟΛΟΓΙΑ
(σε 8 αγώνες)
Μάντσεστερ Σίτι 18
Άρσεναλ 16
Μάντσεστερ Γ. 16
Κρίσταλ Πάλας 15
Λέστερ 15
Γουέστ Χαμ 14
Εβερτον 13
Τότεναμ 13
Σαουθάμπτον 12
Λίβερπουλ 12
Γουότφορντ 10
Σουόνσι 10
Νόριτς 9
Στόουκ Σίτι 9
Γουέστ Μπρομ 8
Μπόρνμουθ 8
Τσέλσι 8
Αστον Βίλα 4
Νιουκάστλ 3
Σάντερλαντ 3

Η Λίβερπουλ ανακοίνωσε την απόλυση του Ρότζερς

Παρελθόν από τον πάγκο της Λίβερπουλ ο Μπρένταν Ρότζερς. Λίγες ώρες μετά τη λήξη του αγώνα με την Έβερτον, όπου για ακόμα μια φορά οι «κόκκινοι» έμειναν μακριά από τη νίκη, η διοίκηση ανακοίνωσε το διαζύγιο.

Ο Βορειοιρλανδός τεχνικός ανέλαβε την ομάδα το 2012, ενώ τη δεύτερη του σεζόν στο «τιμόνι», έφτασε μια ανάσα από το πρώτο πρωτάθλημα μετά το 1990. Τελικά ο σύλλογος του Μερσεϊσάιντ τερμάτισε στη 2η θέση πίσω από τη Μάντσεστερ Σίτι.

Από κει και πέρα η Λίβερπουλ γινόταν ολοένα και χειρότερη, με τον 42χρονο Ρότζερς να χάνει τη στήριξη των οπαδών.

Τελευταία ευκαιρία που του δόθηκε ήταν το περασμένο καλοκαίρι, όπου ξόδεψε αρκετά χρήματα για να φέρει στην ομάδα παίκτες όπως τον Μπεντέκε και τον Φιρμίνιο, χωρίς όμως να αλλάξει απολύτως τίποτα.

Έτσι μετά από μια σειρά κακών αποτελεσμάτων σε Πρωτάθλημα, Κύπελλο και Europa League οι διοίκηση απέλυσε τον Ρότζερς, ενώ πληροφορίες κάνουν λόγο πως η απόφαση είχε ληφθεί πριν το ντέρμπι με την Έβερτον, ακόμα και αν η Λίβερπουλ έπαιρνε τη νίκη.

«Θα θέλαμε να πούμε ένα ειλικρινή ευχαριστώ στον Μπρένταν Ρότζερς για τη σημαντική συνεισφορά που είχε στην ομάδα και να εκφράσουμε ευγνωμοσύνη μας για τη σκληρή δουλειά και αφοσίωση του», αναφέρει ένα κομμάτι της ανακοίνωσης.

«Η αναζήτηση νέου προπονητή είναι σε εξέλιξη», αναφέρει για τον αντικαταστάτη.

Πολλά ρεπορτάζ κάνουν λόγο ακόμα και για συμφωνία με τον Γιούργκεν Κλοπ, χωρίς όμως να υπάρχει κάτι επίσημο.

Πηγή:in.gr

Μετά το «Εμιρέιτς» και τη μεγάλη νίκη επί της Άρσεναλ, ο Ολυμπιακός πέρασε νικηφόρα και από την «καυτή» Τούμπα, καθώς επικράτησε με 2-0 του ΠΑΟΚ στο μεγάλο ντέρμπι της 6ης αγωνιστικής της Σούπερ Λιγκ, συνεχίζει ως πρωτοπόρος έχοντας το απόλυτο των νικών στο πρωτάθλημα και πλέον ατενίζει με ακόμη μεγαλύτερη σιγουριά το μέλλον.

Οι παίκτες του Μάρκο Σίλβα έκαναν μεγάλη εμφάνιση στο πρώτο ημίχρονο και υποχρέωσαν τον ΠΑΟΚ σε παθητικό ρόλο. Στο διάστημα αυτό επέβαλαν τον δικό τους ρυθμό και αξιοποίησαν τις ευκαιρίες που τους δόθηκαν, ενώ περιόρισαν τους γηπεδούχους σε παθητικό ρόλο.

Με επιθετική γραμμή ιδιατέρως επικίνδυνη, αφόπλισαν τα ατού του ΠΑΟΚ και με τα δυο γκολ των Ιντέγε και Μιλιβόγιεβιτς έβαλαν τις βάσεις για τη νίκη, που χωρίς πολύ πίεση στην επανάληψη την διατήρησαν.

Μόλις στο 5′ ο Ντουρμάζ έφυγε από τον Βίτορ και έκανε παράλληλη μπαλιά στα δοκάρια του Ολσεν για να μην προλάβει την πορεία της μπάλας ο Φορτούνης. Στο 18′ ο ΠΑΟΚ κάνει αισθητή την παρουσία του επιθετικά από ενέργεια που ξεκινάει από τους Πέλκα και Μακ και καταλήγει στον Ροντρίγκες, το σουτ του οποίου περνάει παράλληλα από τα δοκάρια του Ρομπέρτο.

Στο 27′ ο Ολυμπιακός ανοίξε το σκορ με τον Μπράουν Ιντέγε. Ο φορ των φιλοξενούμενων πήρε την μπάλα στην περιοχή από τον Φορτούνη και αφού απέφυγει τον Κόστα, πλάσαρε τον Ολσεν για να γράψει το 0-1.

Το γκολ αυτό έδωσε αυτοπεποίθηση στον Ολυμπιακό. Απέναντι στον εμφανώς καταπονημένο ΠΑΟΚ πέτυχεσύντομα και το δεύτερο του γκολ στο 36′ με καρφωτή κεφαλιά του Μιλιβόγιεβιτς από κόρνερ του Φορτούνη. Γκόλ που εδραίωσε την κυριαρχία του Ολυμπιακού απέναντι στον ΠΑΟΚ.

Ο δικέφαλος δημιούργησε και μια καλή ευκαιρία στο 38′ για να ξαναμπεί στο παιχνίδι, αλλά το κοντινό σουτ του Μακ, εξουδετέρωσε σε κόρνερ ο Ρομπέρτο.

Στο 45′ ο Αθανασιάδης έφτασε κοντά στο γκολ όταν ανάμεσα από τρείς αντιπάλους έκλεψε την μπάλα και με ψηλοκρεμαστό σουτ, προσπάθησε να παραβιάσει την εστία του Ρομπέττο, αλλά η μπάλα πέρασε λίγα εκατοστά πάνω από το οριζόντιο δοκάρι του Ολυμπιακού.

Στην επανάληψη ο Τούντορ έριξε στο παιχνίδι τον Μπερμπάτοφ. Στο 53′ ο Ροντρίγκες έκανε ωραία σέντρα στην περιοχή του Ολυμπιακού και ο Βούλγαρος διεθνής πιάνει εν κινήσει μονοκόμματο πλασέ που δεν αιφνιδίασε τον Ρομπέρτο και διατηρείται έτσι το 0-2.

Ο «Δικέφαλος» διατήρησε τον έλεγχο και προσπάθησε να επιτεθεί κυρίως από αριστερά με τον ταχύ και διεισδυτικό Ροντρίγκες χωρίς όμως αποτέλεσμα.

Στο 59′ ο Αθανασιάδης έκανε αισθητή πάλι την παρουσία του, με σουτ από κοντά που έδιωξε ο Κασάμι σχεδόν πάνω στην γραμμή σε κόρνερ. Στο 73′ υπό συνεχή πίεση, ο ΠΑΟΚ πλησίασε στο γκολ αλλά ούτε η κεφαλιά του Τζιόλη βρήκε στόχο, λόγω παρουσίας του Ρομπέρτο, που έκανε εξαιρετική επέμβαση, ενώ στην συνέχεια της φάσης το σουτ του Βίτορ στέλνει την μπάλα πάνω στα χέρια του Ισπανού γκολκίπερ.

Λίγο αργότερα, στο 75΄ η σειρά του Ντουρμάζ να πλησιάσει στο γκολ, αλλά το τελικό σουτ φεύγει άουτ. Ως το τέλος ο Ολυμπιακός δεν κινδύνευσε.

ΠΑΟΚ: Όλσεν, Βίτορ, Κόστα, Τζαβέλλας, Κάτσε, Τζιόλης, Ροντρίγκεζ, Κωνσταντινίδης (28΄Κίτσιου- 74′ Ζάϊρο), Μακ, Πέλκας (46′ Μπερμπάτοφ), Αθανασιάδης.

Oλυμπιακός: Ρομπέρτο, Μασουακού, Σιόβας, Μποτία, Ελαμπελαουί (85′ Σαλίνο), Μιλιβόγεβιτς, Κασάμι, Σέμπα, Φορτούνης (64′ Καμπιάσο), Ντουρμάζ και Ιντέγε (68′ Φιμπόγκασον).

Ο Τούντορ παραδέχθηκε την ανωτερότητα του ΟΣΦΠ και ο Σίλβα δήλωσε χαρούμενος

Ο Ίγκορ Τούντορ δεν κρύφτηκε πίσω από το δάχτυλό του. Ο προπονητής του ΠΑΟΚ παραδέχθηκε ότι κέρδισε ο καλύτερος στη Τούμπα έστω και αν δεν ανέπτυξε πολύ την άποψη του.

«Ήταν καλύτεροι από εμάς. Κατάφεραν να βάλουν ένα γκολ, αλλά εμείς δεν σκοράραμε στις δίκες μας ευκαιρίες, οπότε άξιζε να νικήσουν», αρκέστηκε να πει ο Τούντορ.

Από την άλλη πλευρά ο Μάρκο Σίλβα σε πολύ καλύτερη διάθεση εξήρε την προσπάθεια των παικτών του.

«Το κλειδί του αγώνα ήταν το πρώτο ημίχρονο. Είχαμε επίπεδο και δείξαμε προσωπικότητα. Δείξαμε ότι ήμασταν μια ομάδα που θέλαμε να πάρουμε αποτέλεσμα. Στο δεύτερο ημίχρονο ο ΠΑΟΚ αντέδρασε αλλά το παιχνίδι είχε κριθεί από το πρώτο ημίχρονο», είπε αρχικά ο Πορτογάλος για να προσθέσει:

«Είμαστε πολύ ευχαριστημένοι για την πορεία μας. Όχι για τις 6 νίκες σε 6 παιχνίδια αλλά για το γεγονός ότι οι παίκτες βελτιώνονται καθημερινά. Είμαστε χαρούμενοι που δίνουμε χαρά στους φιλάθλους μας».

Πηγή:in.gr

Arsenal turned in a devastating first-half performance to storm to a memorable 3-0 Barclays Premier League victory over Manchester United.

Goals by Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil in the space of 74 seconds gave Arsenal a 2-0 lead by the seventh minute at Emirates Stadium and Sanchez scored his sixth goal in three matches in the 19th minute.

Petr Cech returned for Arsenal following Arsene Wenger’s decision to rest the goalkeeper for Tuesday’s 3-2 UEFA Champions League defeat to Olympiacos, but the selection decisions made by his opposite number Louis van Gaal are now set to fall under the spotlight.

Van Gaal dropped Morgan Schneiderlin to accommodate Michael Carrick in midfield, but a United’s soft centre was repeatedly exposed by a rampant Arsenal, while Matteo Darmian was substituted at half-time for a second time this season, having switched to right-back to accommodate Ashley Young in the other full-back position.

Aaron Ramsey might have ensured United conceded four first-half goals for the first time in BPL history before the early drama gave way to a more sedate second-half affair, in which United dominated possession but lacked penetration.

Arsenal leapfrog their opponents on goal difference to go second in the table, two points behind the league leaders Manchester City.

Wenger’s men showed no sign of a hangover from their midweek defeat, pressing the visitors deep into their own half from the kick-off, and United crumbled under the pressure in just the sixth minute.

Ramsey slotted a nicely weighted pass down the right channel for Ozil to cut back from the byline and Sanchez beat David De Gea to the ball to net an impudent backheel at the near post.

The Chile forward had the audacity to repeat the trick a minute later, his instinctive flick releasing Theo Walcott to speed past Daley Blind and cross for Ozil to double the advantage with a first-time shot.

There was little evidence of United’s heads having cleared when Arsenal delivered another telling blow.

Walcott picked out Sanchez 25 yards from goal on another sweeping attack and the South American waltzed past Darmian’s challenge before sending a blistering strike into the top corner.

It could have been 4-0 when Sanchez lofted a cross to Ramsey at the back post but the unmarked Wales international sent his close-range volley over the bar.

Cech was a virtual spectator but he made a telling contribution a minute before half-time, saving with his left leg after Anthony Martial took advantage of Per Mertesacker’s slip.

Van Gaal opted for a double change at the interval, with Antonio Valencia and Marouane Fellaini replacing Darmian and Memphis Depay.

There was greater poise about the visitors after the resumption but Ozil fizzed an effort narrowly wide after his 52nd-minute free-kick came back off the wall.

Wayne Rooney, who displayed his frustration when booked for a foul on Ozil, was the next United player to extend Cech with a bouncing drive.

The ex-Chelsea goalkeeper then thwarted Bastian Schweinsteiger before Juan Mata looped a left-footed attempt over.

Arsenal substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain clipped the crossbar with a neat lob in stoppage time, attempting to add the result that ended Man Utd’s run of three consecutive top-flight wins.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: “We did not give them any chances to score and that was vital. We surprised them with our start.

“From Petr Cech to Theo Walcott we only had superb performances. I have managed many strong teams and never had one that played 60 games at the same level.

“You have to accept that we are human beings.”

Manchester United manager Luis van Gaal: “It was a very bad start, without aggression and the will to win. That is the first time I have seen that from my team. I did not expect that.

“We have won our last four matches – I gave the players a day off because they were tired. On Saturday the training was normal, I was very amazed to see that.

“All teams will have a dip.”

source:premierleague.com