Soccer News, Rumours, Results and Analysis

Soccer News and Rumours

Monday 1 July 2013

HAMBURG SIGN ARSENAL DEFENDER

Hamburg have signed Switzerland defender Johan Djourou on loan from Arsenal.
The 26-year-old has moved to Hamburg on an initial one-year loan deal with the Bundesliga club having the option to make the move permanent next summer.
Johan Djourou: Signed for Hamburg on loan
Djourou, who undertook his medical with the northern Germany club this morning before putting pen to paper on his contract, spent the second half of last season on loan with Hamburg's Bundesliga rivals Hannover after joining during the January transfer window.
Djourou said on Hamburg's official website: "I'm very happy now that everything is sorted. HSV are a big club, with a lot of quality and great fans.
"I am convinced that this is the right step for my career."
Hamburg's director of sport Oliver Kreuzer said: "Johan was a priority as the defence is a very important part of our team. He has leadership qualities but is also fast, good in the air and very good on the ball."
The versatile Ivory Coast-born defender joined Arsenal as a 16-year-old in 2003 and has made 144 appearances for the Gunners.

SCOLARI: I COULD RECALL RONALDINHO AND KAKA

Brazil boss Felipe Scolari has refused to rule out veteran stars Ronaldinho and Kaka from the Brazil squad that will compete in the 2014 World Cup.

Having fallen out of favour for the national side in recent years, the two veterans have been recalled for friendly matches by the former Chelsea boss in 2013.
Scolari hints at possible Ronaldinho and Kaka recalls
However, neither of them were part of the 23-man squad that went to the Confederations Cup, but the 64-year-old says he has not decided which players to take to the World Cup.

"We will keep an eye on every Brazilian player, in Europe and in Brazil, to ensure the best players will be included in the national team in 2014," Felipao told Italpress.

"All will be well received when observed and we will make the squad for the World Cup, the door is open to everyone.

"I already have a good group but I can not promise that any of them will be at the World Cup, I will do my analysis and we are open to every great player."

BLATTER: CONFEDERATIONS CUP WAS A SUCCESS

FIFA President Sepp Blatter on Monday declared the Confederations Cup football tournament a success despite clashes between police and protesters near some matches.
As host nation Brazil was beating Spain in Sunday's final of the 2014 World Cup warm-up tournament, police officers were unleashing a barrage of tear gas canisters and stun grenades outside Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium.
Blatter said he was ''not going to discuss'' police actions to repel protests outside some of the grounds in Brazil over the last two weeks.
Sepp Blatter
''Thanks to all those who have helped to make this competition such a success despite ... of all this unrest and protests,'' Blatter said.
''I am happy to come to the conclusion now, with the sporting results and also - with at least the impression that - the social unrest is now resting. I don't know how long but it is now resting.''
Many of Brazil's anti-government protesters expressed anger at the lack of investment in public services compared with the billions of dollars being spent on next year's World Cup.
''Football is connecting people in the stadia and connecting people outside the stadia and ... I am sure that we will have a wonderful World Cup next year,'' Blatter said at a news conference.

''When you have next year the World Cup, or you have the Olympic Games here (in 2016), you can never make everybody happy. We tried to make everyone happy.''
Although Maracana Stadium workers and FIFA volunteersappeared to be affected by the tear gas wafting into the venue on Sunday, the Brazilian government believes the tournament was not marred by the disorder in the streets.
''I am quite sure no one was bothered because of the protests,'' Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo said through a translator. ''Of course there were some acts of violence but we just faced these challenges ... the problems are still there, we never try to hide this.
''We are not a perfect country. We are still a country with many unbalances, differences between the regions and these demonstrations did not happen by chance.''
Jose Maria Marin, president of the local organizing committee and the Brazilian football confederation, condemned violent acts by some protesters.
''Any peaceful demonstration must be respected ... it is part of democracy,'' Marin said. ''I will not accept robbery and violence and mobs - nobody wants this kind of thing.''

SWANSEA JOIN RACE TO SIGN INCE

Swansea have joined the race to sign in-demand winger Tom Ince from Blackpool.
According to Sky Sports, talks are underway between the two clubs over the possible transfer of the England U21 international.
Tom Ince: May be set for a move to the top flight
However, Premier League new boys Cardiff are also in the running to sign Ince, having tabled a bid believed to be in the region of £8m for the 21-year-old.
Ince's father Paul is the manager of Blackpool and said on Sunday: "Cardiff have come in massively for Thomas and the chairman has accepted their offer
"But Thomas loves it here and has told me he's in no rush to leave the club.
"I think it's 50/50 at the moment. It's a tricky one for me. Ideally you want your son to be playing in the Premier League, but you also want him to be playing for you."

KARANKA PAYS TRIBUTE TO MOURINHO

Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka has paid tribute to Jose Mourinho and says it was an honour to have worked alongside the Portuguese for three years.

The newly appointed Chelsea boss endured a turbulent final year at Santiago Bernabeu, in which he had reportedly fallen out with a number of players towards the end of his three-year stay in the Spanish capital.
Karanka proud of Mourinho partnership
However, the 50-year-old seems to have retained the affections of his second-in-command at Madrid, who says it was a "privilege" to have worked with the Portuguese coach.

He told DTLux Magazine: "I was the person who knew Mourinho better than anybody else and I have to say that it was a privilege to work with him.

"I am proud to be able to say I am a friend of his. It was my first experience in the coaching field, and it was an incredible experience with him."

Mourinho chose the 39-year-old as his assistant upon taking the reins at the Bernabeu in 2010 and Karanka often deputised for the former Inter boss during his media commitments.

Karanka, who is contracted to Madrid until 2016, has declined the opportunity to follow Mourinho to west London, but could leave during the off-season after new coach Carlo Ancelotti chose Zinedine Zidane as his assistant.

PRANDELLI: VERRATTI, INSIGNE ARE THE FUTURE OF ITALY

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says Marco Verratti, Lorenzo Insigne and Alessandro Florenzi will be stalwarts in the national team going forward.

The trio have all impressed for their country at youth level and the former Fiorentina boss is optimistic about his side's future after securing a third-placed finish at the Confederations Cup.

"Verratti, Insigne and Florenzi will be part of our large squad in the future," the 55-year-old told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Prandelli: Verratti and Insigne are Italy's future"I like that there is competition. We still have a long way to go, even though we are on the right track.

"When there's change, the mechanisms won't always trigger quickly, but our philosophy has always remained the same."


He went on to say one of the keys to getting through 120 minutes in their penalties victory over Uruguay on Sunday was his side's mental approach to the game, rather than their fitness.

"We played the best first half of this tournament, then in the second half, as expected, we had physical difficulties, we could no longer be brilliant and we suffered.
But the most important key to our success was our character.

"I am very proud due to the fact that the team has always responded well to my tactical suggestions. But now we will have to take it a step further."

STURRIDGE: I EXPECT LIVERPOOL TO WIN TROPHIES

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge expects the club to be challenging for trophies under manager Brendan Rodgers.
Last season was a transitional one as the Northern Irishman began to implement his vision at Anfield.

It was an inconsistent campaign with some positive displays which saw the Reds finish seventh.
However, Sturridge, who had an immediate impact on his arrival in January for £12million and provided some much-needed support up front, is encouraged by his five months under Rodgers.
"With the philosophy that the manager has we should be challenging for honours," said the England international.
Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool
"I think it's going to be great for us in the future and we can move forward.
"I think we did things last season, both prior to me coming here and then with my help, to deliver some better statistics than we have had in previous years in terms of goals and attacking play.
"It's exciting to be part of that philosophy and the new regime that the manager is forming for us to move forward as a club."
Sturridge's first 10 goals for the club were the quickest in the Premier League for Liverpool and gave the side impetus at the turn of the year.
He hopes to be able to maintain that form when the new season kicks off next month, especially with Luis Suarez suspended for the first six matches if he is still at the club by then with doubts persisting over his future.
"We'll all be doing everything in our power to make sure that Liverpool is a club that is challenging for Premier League titles because the fans have been waiting for that for a long time and hopefully next season we'll be in the running," he told the official monthly LFC magazine.
"When you play in the Premier League, everybody's goal is to lift that trophy, to have the celebrations and to know that you've succeeded and been a champion over everybody else in the division.
"So the main aim for next season and the seasons ahead is to try and help the team do well in the Premier League.
"I'm sure with the philosophy that the manager has, we'll be able to do that."

ETHIOPIA STRIPPED OF WORLD CUP WIN

Ethiopia has been stripped of three points in World Cup qualifying for fielding an ineligible player in a game against Botswana, handing South Africa a lifeline for next year's tournament in Brazil.
 South Africa's Thuso Phala (L) controls the ball past Ethiopia's Abebaw Butako

FIFA says Ethiopia has forfeited its 2-1 win in Botswana on June 8 because Minyahile Beyene played in that game when he should have been suspended for receiving two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers. FIFA has awarded the match to Botswana 3-0.
The sanction means Ethiopia is now only two points ahead of South Africa and three ahead of Botswana and not guaranteed a place in Africa's final playoffs for the World Cup ahead of the final round of Group A games in September.
FIFA's disciplinary committee also fined Ethiopia's federation 6,000 Swiss francs ($6,348).

THIAGO SILVA: VILANOVA WANTED ME AT BARCA

Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Thiago Silva has revealed that Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova tried to convince him to join the Catalan giants.

The two clubs faced one another in the Champions League quarter-finals back in April and the Brazilian says he was approached by the Blaugrana one of the matches.

"Tito is a guy I admire,"
the 28-year-old was quoted as saying by Sportyou.
Thiago Silva: Barcelona tried to sign me
"After the match between PSG and Barcelona in the Champions League I had a chat with him and he invited me to come play for Barcelona.

"There have been no negotiations yet though, I remain calm for now and want to enjoy my holiday.

"In football you never know, but right now I'm happy at PSG, I'm very quiet, I speak daily with the president, it is very difficult to get out of there."

The former AC Milan man went on to say that French champions are not in a position where they are forced to sell players for financial reason.

"PSG do not sell players, it is a very different situation to that at Milan."

KOSCIELNY INSISTS HE'S HAPPY AT ARSENAL

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from the club this summer.

Koscielny has been reportedly interesting the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich following a strong second half of the season.

Koscielny: I'm happy at Arsenal


But the 27-year-old says he has no intention of leaving Arsenal and is happy with life at the club.

Asked if he was seeking a move from Arsenal, Koscielny told reporters: "I never said that. I feel very well at Arsenal.

"I am aware it’s a great club and I have a four-year contract. I know there’s talk about me and Barcelona and Bayern, but people make their own conclusions.

"The facts are simple: I have a contract at a club where I am happy. Full stop. We all know how situations change in football but I repeat that I’m not one to make castles in the sky.

"I live in the moment, I seek nothing but to play the best I can.

"In my mind my goal is to win trophies with Arsenal with whom I’m about to start pre-season training. I’ve no ulterior motives.

"I’m at a healthy club, which plays beautiful football, doesn’t lose money every year, sticks to its own budget and plays in the Champions League. Not many players can say the same."

LYON CONFIRM SWANSEA BID FOR GOMIS

Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed that the club have held talks with Swansea City over the sale of striker Bafetimbi Gomis.
However, the 27-year-old has so far refused to accept a move away from the club - which in turn forced the sale of Anthony Martial to Monaco over the weekend.
Bafetimbi Gomis: Interest from Swansea
To report a balanced financial set of results for the year, Lyon had to sell by the weekend and with Gomis hesitating they had to look elsewhere for money, and Monaco came in for the highly-rated Martial.
Aulas says that Swansea have already agreed terms for the French international striker.
"I had the feeling and I was even almost sure we could have convinced Bafe [to leave]," Aulas told L'Equipe.
"The Swansea chairman came to Lyon to sign the commitment and we checked the offer was superior to what Bafe earns at Lyon."
Aulas insists that they are looking to sort out Gomis' future, but it is down to the player's behaviour.
"It has become a behaviour problem more than a sporting problem. I could not imagine he would go against his own interests."

RAMOS: WE ARE NOT MACHINES

Sergio Ramos feels it was only a matter of time before Spain would be beaten at a major tournament following their 3-0 loss against Brazil in Sunday's Confederations Cup final.

Vicente del Bosque's men had dominated international football in recent years as they won back-to-back European titles as well as the 2010 World Cup, but their trophy haul came to an abrupt end at the Maracana on Sunday.
Sergio Ramos: Spain are not machines
"We have gained a lot of important achievements and one day, the moment has to arrive when you don’t win. We aren’t machines. Our conscience is clear because we gave the best we had," the defender told AS.

"Sometimes things just don’t turn out for you and that is what happened to us right from the first minute. They got an early goal and then withdrew.

"We must congratulate Brazil because they showed that they know how to play against Spain."

Spain had to settle for third spot the last time they featured at the Confederations Cup in 2009.

MANCHESTER UNITED APPOINT NEW BACKROOM STAFF

Manchester United have named Steve Round as the club's new assistant manger as David Moyes officially begins his Old Trafford reign.

Moyes arrived at Carrington - now officially renamed the AON Training Complex - at 08:00BST on Monday morning to start work as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor, and the Premier League champions have wasted little time in announcing his backroom staff.

Manchester United confirm new coaching staff as Moyes begins Old Trafford reign


As well as Round, who has worked with Moyes since 2008, Chris Woods has been named goalkeeping coach while Jimmy Lumsden has also been handed a role behind the scenes.

"I have worked with Steve, Chris and Jimmy for a number of years and I am delighted they have decided to join me at this great club," Moyes said.

"They bring great qualities in their respective fields and I know that, like me, they feel that this is a challenge to relish. I have great faith that together, we can build upon the success this Club has enjoyed over many years."

Chief Executive Ed Woodward, who has taken over from David Gill, added: "I believe with David and his new team in place, along with our current backroom staff, we can now start preparing for the new season ahead.

"This is an exciting and challenging time for the club and I have great belief that David and his team will have all the energy and attributes needed to help this club continue in its long-standing traditions."

United have also announced a sponsorship deal with Thai telecommunications company True, who will become the Red Devils' official mobile partner and MUTV broadcaster in Thailand.

LYON CONFIRM SWANSEA BID FOR GOMIS

Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed that the club have held talks with Swansea City over the sale of striker Bafetimbi Gomis.
However, the 27-year-old has so far refused to accept a move away from the club - which in turn forced the sale of Anthony Martial to Monaco over the weekend.
Bafetimbi Gomis: Interest from Swansea
To report a balanced financial set of results for the year, Lyon had to sell by the weekend and with Gomis hesitating they had to look elsewhere for money, and Monaco came in for the highly-rated Martial.
Aulas says that Swansea have already agreed terms for the French international striker.
"I had the feeling and I was even almost sure we could have convinced Bafe [to leave]," Aulas told L'Equipe.
"The Swansea chairman came to Lyon to sign the commitment and we checked the offer was superior to what Bafe earns at Lyon."
Aulas insists that they are looking to sort out Gomis' future, but it is down to the player's behaviour.
"It has become a behaviour problem more than a sporting problem. I could not imagine he would go against his own interests."

TYMOSHCHUK: LEAVING BAYERN WAS DIFFICULT

Anatoliy Tymoshchuk has admitted that leaving Bayern Munich for Zenit St Petersburg on a free transfer this summer was a tough decision to make.

The Ukrainian midfielder had an expiring contract with the Bundesliga giants and eventually decided not to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena, but return to his former club instead after four years at Bayern.
Tymoshchuk: Leaving Bayern a difficult decision
"It was very hard to say farewell, but it's always been like that, whenever I've left a previous club. It's always a difficult decision when you choose to move on, and it affects the family too, especially when you're playing with such a good team like here in Munich, at an amazing level and with such great success," the midfielder told the official Bayern website.

"We all get on very well with each other, and I'll certainly stay in touch with a number of the players. I've had four superb years.

"There have been so many good moments. I've had four outstanding years here, with many moments I'll never forget. The first championship in 2010, and the treble this season were outstanding, only seven teams have ever managed that."

The 34-year-old previously wore the Zenit jersey from 2007 until 2009.

LLORENTE: WE WANT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AT JUVENTUS

Fernando Llorente has set his sights on Champions Leage glory with Juventus following his free transfer from Athletic Bilbao.

The 28-year-old underwent his medical at the weekend having already agreed a four-year deal with the Serie A champions in the wake of his decision not to extend his expiring contract with Athletic and is hungry for honours next season.
Llorente targets Champions League glory with Juventus
"Juventus are the strongest team in Italy and one of the best in Europe as well," Llorente was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport.

"The club's project is spectacular. Juventus want to win the Champions League. That's one of the reasons why I came here.

"I never thought that I would leave Athletic, but things have turned out differently. I cannot wait to start this new adventure."

Llorente had made over 300 official appearances for Bilbao over the past nine years.

RAMOS: WE ARE NOT MACHINES

Sergio Ramos feels it was only a matter of time before Spain would be beaten at a major tournament following their 3-0 loss against Brazil in Sunday's Confederations Cup final.

Vicente del Bosque's men had dominated international football in recent years as they won back-to-back European titles as well as the 2010 World Cup, but their trophy haul came to an abrupt end at the Maracana on Sunday.
Sergio Ramos: Spain are not machines
"We have gained a lot of important achievements and one day, the moment has to arrive when you don’t win. We aren’t machines. Our conscience is clear because we gave the best we had," the defender told AS.

"Sometimes things just don’t turn out for you and that is what happened to us right from the first minute. They got an early goal and then withdrew.

"We must congratulate Brazil because they showed that they know how to play against Spain."

Spain had to settle for third spot the last time they featured at the Confederations Cup in 2009.