AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri took plenty of positives from his side’s 2-1 Coppa Italia victory at Sampdoria on Wednesday.
Not only do Milan advance to the semi-finals following the hard-fought win, but Allegri was also able to throw first-up starts to two new signings in Mark van Bommel and Urby Emanuelson.
Van Bommel joined Milan on a six-month contract from Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich in the January transfer window, and Emanuelson moved to the San Siro from Dutch giants Ajax.
Both showed plenty of promise on in their debuts in the red and black shirts of Milan, though van Bommel struggled with Milan’s structure in the second half.
“It wasn’t easy to win here,” Allegri said.
“The guys have done a good job and deserved to be qualified in the Coppa Italia since we really value this competition. Therefore I’m very satisfied by their performance.”
“It wasn’t easy since we had two new players and also guys who had played less. This proves that the group has a good understanding and wants to achieve important results.”
“(Van Bommel) is a great player and will soon be integrated within the team, just like Emanuelson. They have played a good match, despite the fact that this was their first day with the teammates.”
Allegri also brushed off an angry reception given to former Sampdoria star Antonio Cassano, who came on for Robinho in the 78th minute.
“I think that these boos may represent more love and not hate for Cassano, since he has given lots to Sampdoria and Sampdoria has given him lots,” he said.
“They have given him the chance to play in one of the most important teams in the world. This has happened thanks to Sampdoria.”
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Sampdoria coach Domenico di Carlo said first-half errors cost his side a place in the semi-finals, with both of Alexandre Pato’s goals attributable to mistakes in Sampdoria’s back half.
“We paid the price with two errors today at the start of the match with Milan,” di Carlo said.
“Then in the second half we got better on the pitch trying to be more aggressive. I’m happy despite losing because of our performance in the second half.”
Tottenham have announced that Andre Villas Boas has been appointed as their new manager.
The Portuguese trainer has signed a three-year deal at the White Hart Lane club and has brought two members of his backroom staff with him; first-team fitness coach Jose Mario Rocha and Daniel Sousa, head of opposition scouting.
The ex-Chelsea boss is looking forward to getting started with his new team.
“Tottenham Hotspur is a great club with a strong tradition and fantastic support, both at home and throughout the world,” he told the club’s official website.
“I feel privileged to be its coach. For me, this is one of the most exciting coaching positions in the Premier League. I have had several discussions with the chairman and the board and I share their vision for the future progress of the club.
“This is a squad any coach would love to work with and together I believe we can bring success in the seasons ahead,” he revealed.
The likes of David Moyes and Laurent Blanc were also rumoured to be in consideration, but Daniel Levy is glad to have landed his number one choice.
“I am delighted that Andre has agreed to become our new head coach. He has an outstanding reputation for his technical knowledge of the game and for creating well-organised teams capable of playing football in an attractive and attacking style.
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“Andre shares our long-term ambitions and ethos of developing players and nurturing young talent, and he will be able to do so now at a new world class training centre,” he concluded.
Manchester City signing Sergio Aguero is confident he can adapt his game to the demands of the English Premier League.Argentina international Aguero completed a move from La Liga club Atletico Madrid to City for a reported fee of 35 million pounds on Thursday.
The 23-year-old forward has just 10 days until City take on local rivals Manchester United in the FA Community Shield.
The Premier League season then begins for City with the visit of promoted Swansea on August 15, with Aguero keen to be involved.
“I’m sure I’ll settle in well to the team,” Aguero told City’s website.
“I don’t think I’ll need to change my style.”
“I’ll obviously be doing my best to do what the manager says, and try to work the way he wants me to, and of course he will know how he wants to use me.”
Aguero’s arrival comes with his international teammate Carlos Tevez, City’s captain and top scorer last season, agitating for a move away from England to be closer to his family.
Set to move to Manchester with his wife and child, Aguero, who made his first team debut for Independiente at the age of 15 and moved to Madrid when he was 18, insists he will have no trouble in his new surroundings.
“I think I’ll adapt to life in England – I don’t like hot weather, so I’ll be fine there,” he said.
“I’m sure I’m going to enjoy myself here and life will be fine.”
Aguero is already aiming to help his new side beat United in the season-opening Community Shield, lifting what he hopes will be the first of many trophies in a City shirt.
“I think it’s a clasico, a derby that every fan wants to see,” Aguero said.
“People count down the days to the match.”
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“Of course there has to be a winner, but you have to be happy and enjoy it as well as focusing because you know it’s an important game.”
“Someone has to win, and all the better if it’s us.”
“I saw the FA Cup victory (over Stoke in May), and it’s clear that from now on this is a team that will be competing for important things every year.”
“Let’s hope that there will be quite a few trophies.”
Continuing our look into the foreign wags that put the Premier League ones to shame…
Arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Gigi Buffon has made giant strides in world football and has been pivotal to both club and international success in recent years. There aren’t many centre forwards who enjoy playing against Buffon when he is on top of his game; hence why Juventus are so keen to keep him in Turin.
While his exploits on the pitch continue to draw widespread recognition, his exploits off the pitch draws an equal amount of adulation as he dating one of the most beautiful women in the world. Alena Seredova is a former Czech supermodel and TV presenter whose surname actually translates to ‘ugly person’ – let’s be honest by flicking through the gallery she is anything but and puts most of the Premier League wags in the shade.
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Click on image below to see Gigi’s latest lady
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You often got the impression during Harry Redknapp’s reign as Tottenham manager, that if he’d won the Europa League, he’d use the trophy as a doorstop or an elaborate vase, such was the way in which he valued Europe’s secondary cup competition. The pain of playing league games on a Sunday, the indignity of appearing on Channel Five and the unglamorous Thursday night excursions to Eastern Europe, seemed to be a little too much for the now former Spurs manager.
But for all its misgivings, it still represents the chance to bring some silverware to the club that requires a fair bit of prestige and pedigree to attain it. Considering their last European triumph, in the guise of the Uefa Cup, came in 1984, why shouldn’t Tottenham Hotspur try to win the Europa League next season?
The detractors are probably already reading this aghast with mockery and there can be no denying that the current Europa League format has its fair share of serious faults. The group stage element feels bloated and unnecessary, especially to clubs looking to make a sustainable assault on the Premier League as well.
There are obvious issues in the concept of starting a full-strength XI in Kazan on a Thursday and then expecting them to come out all guns blazing for the league game on the Sunday. Considering you have to play six times before you even reach the knockout stages, then it is understandable that managers and fans have reservations about putting all their resources into the Europa League’s opening phases.
The riches and necessity of the Uefa Champions League , also serve to blur the relevance of it’s little, Europa brother. The swell in Spurs’ revenue to the tune of over £30million during their Champions League season, tells you everything you need to know. Champions League football brings in more money, more money means better players, etc. It’s not rocket science to divulge why everyone around the club wants and needs to get back in there and if that means sacking off a trip to PAOK Salonika, then so be it.
As a footnote too, the opportunity to blood some of Tottenham’s youngsters was a pleasure to see for all involved. Much more could be done to give some of the kids a chance in the Premier League, but credit where it’s due to Redknapp.
But the lampooning of the Europa League feels like it amounts to something of a witch-hunt in the national press. Nobody denies that the riches and grandeur of the Champions League are unrivalled. But there is something quite macabre and depressing about the mockery and devaluation of the Europa League. Football is all about business and balance sheets, but why are we all so keen to dispose with the chance to go to a European Cup final and win some silverware, just so we can attain a fourth or fifth placed league finish? The annuls of history remember the likes of Mark Falco, Graham Roberts and Steve Archibald as they sank Anderlecht in the ’84 Uefa Cup final. Will they really look back so fondly at a team, who say, finished a gallant fifth under the new manager next season?
There is a clear element of romanticism and nostalgia from 1984 that isn’t quite so applicable in today’s footballing landscape- of course, the game has changed immeasurably since then. But look at the teams and the ties that came about once you discount the excessive group phase element last season. Lazio, Porto, Ajax and Valencia are all European teams with pedigree and history; needless to say, they offer some fantastic away-days for supporters.
Some of the football played in the latter stages too, was outstanding. All of the ties in the round of 16 were highly competitive, superb examples of European football. How can fans turn the nose up at the ‘quality’ on show, after the way Athletic Bilbao dismantled Manchester United? Is it that we’re so blinded by the supposed all-conquering Premier League, we’ve lost sight of what genuine quality and achievement is?
The Bilbao tie against United in particular, raised some uncomfortable truths for English football. But the papers had it down as nothing more than a bad day for United. Of course, how could the Europa League, a European cup-competition, offer anything in the way of real quality? But over two-legs, the team that finished second in our domestic league, were completely outmaneuvered by a team that finished 10th in La Liga. We need to take the blinkers off- winning the Europa League is a superb achievement.
Before people point to it’s glaring lack of financial clout too, it should be noted that the Europa League cannot and should not be viewed in the same league as either of the domestic cups- Fulham’s run to the final in 2010 brought them £12million in extra revenue. It’s hardly anything to be laughed at.
Perhaps the problem lies more with the financial pressures of football, than it does with the aspirations of clubs. The fact any club who simply reaches the Uefa Champions League group stage will earn more than the eventual winners of the Europa League is warped and wrong, and it is skewing the priorities of football clubs.
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Of course supporters want a bite of the big apple and the riches that come with it and Spurs fans are no different. Having sampled the tastes of the San Siro and the Santiago Bernabeu, why would you not want more? Maybe it’s because it has been that long since winning a trophy, that we’ve forgot what it feels like.
Watch the scenes at the end of Atletico Madrid’s 3-0 win over Bilbao in the Europa League final. That is what football should be about. Winning trophies, basking in glory and putting your name in the history books. Once we get past the stigma that this country seems to have built up around the Europa League, hopefully we will give it our best shot to try and lift the thing. Winning one European trophy will feel a hell of a lot sweeter than celebrating qualifying for another. For now, anyway.
How does the Europa League make you feel? A worthless obstacle in the way of Champions League riches? Or the chance to bring some silverware to the mantle at White Hart Lane? I want to hear what you think, for all things Spurs, follow @samuel_antrobus
Barcelona have agreed to sell striker Bojan Krkic to Roma, the La Liga side announced on Friday.In a convoluted deal that sees the Spain Under-21 international head to Serie A for 12 million Euros, Barcelona have agreed to buy Bojan back for 13 million Euros at the end of the 2012-13 season.
Should Roma wish to block the move and keep the 20-year-old, they will have to pay an additional 28 million Euros.
Bojan struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular under Pep Guardiola at Camp Nou due to competition from the likes of David Villa, Pedro and Lionel Messi.
He had previously been linked with a move to Villarreal and Udinese but made it clear that if he were to leave, he would prefer to team-up with Roma manager and former Barcelona player Luis Enrique.
And his aims are to show Barcelona what they will be missing now that he is gone.
“As you know, after 12 years playing here, I have not received a lot of trust these last few years, I have not been given the required opportunity to prove myself and that is very hard,” Bojan told reporters.
“However, I consider myself privileged for being a part of this team during these years in which Barcelona became the best team in the world.”
“I just want to be happy in football again. I am just 20 years old and I want to prove all that I couldn’t here. To return here? You never know. It will not depend just on me.”
However, what was supposed to be an amicable departure sounded anything but as the striker hit out at being cast aside in key games.
“People have not been fair with me. It is one of the reasons why I am leaving. Especially in the (Champions League) final in London,” he added.
“To be able to win is remarkable, but not being able to play was very hurtful.”
“I will miss my team-mates, the city, to play in Camp Nou, to defend the shirt that I have always worn. I hope to recover my happiness at Roma.”
Harry Redknapp says it is win or bust as far as Tottenham’s title ambitions are concerned as the North Londoners face their biggest game of the season at White Hart Lane tomorrow afternoon. Most neutrals believe that Spurs will end the unbeaten run, although I can imagine many home supporters begging to differ.
At FFC we have seen a mixed bag of articles which includes why a Spurs’ move to Stratford has its financial benefits; six youngsters who represent the future at White Hart Lane, while cheap shots at Tottenham are strange to say the least.
We also look at the best Tottenham articles around the web this week.
* VIDEO: The GREATEST Premier League goal ever…you decide! *
Sorry Rafa, Tottenham need to buy!
A transfer masterstroke by Harry Redknapp?
Caption Competition: New arrival at Tottenham training
This cheap shot at Tottenham is strange to say the least
£200m of reasons why Spurs move is worth considering
Rumours of Becks’ decline have (always) been greatly exaggerated
SIX ‘boy wonders’ who represent the future for Tottenham
Bad attitude or badly treated at White Hart Lane?
One way to resolve this transfer debacle with Tottenham
Transfer gamble, but should Spurs or Liverpool take a punt?
The most pointless signing by Tottenham in years?
*Best of WEB*
Large banana skin avoided with ease. – Spurs Musings From Jimmy G2
If Stratford Hotspur happens, it ends there… – Dear Mr Levy
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Interview With Five in Midfield – Who Framed Ruel Fox?
Spurs New Stadium – The Public Speaks – Tottenham On My Mind
David Lammy MP DOES Favour Moving Out Of N17 – When He Can Get Away With It – Harry Hotspur
Barcelona are thought to be weighing up a move for Manchester City right-back Pablo Zabaleta, according to The Sun.
The Catalan giants may need a replacement for Dani Alves, who has emerged as a potential target for big-spending French side Paris Saint-Germain, and could be set for an exit from the Camp Nou this summer.
Zabaleta has impressed in the Etihad Stadium outfit’s title charge, adding an attacking facet to his game alongside strong positional sense.
Barcelona are thought to be ready to make a £10 million bid for the Argentina international, who knows the city well after playing for Espanyol for three seasons before his move to England.
Zabaleta currently competes with Micah Richards for a place on the right side of City’s defence, but as yet there has been no inclination whether the newly-crowned English champions would consider selling the South American.
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So it’s been an interesting week in the on-going Carlos Tevez transfer battle. The situation really goes back to the middle of last season, when Tevez handed in a transfer request. At the time Manchester City were able to neutralise that situation and they had hoped that qualification for the Champions League would convince Tevez to stay. Manchester City had a relatively successful season by qualifying for the Champions League and winning the FA Cup. However, come the end of the season the stance of Carlos Tevez remains relatively unchanged and the Argentine is still looking for a move.
Some people may be questioning why Carlos Tevez wants to leave and in an ideal world where he would want to go. What it doesn’t appear to be is a case of a lack of confidence in the ability of Manchester City to win trophies, but rather that the player wants a change of league. This is perhaps understandable given he has spent time playing for West Ham, Manchester United and Manchester City in the Premier League. But that fact that the player has asked for a transfer should come as little surprise, considering this is a player that doesn’t typically stay at any club for more than 2 years.
The striker had requested that he returned to South America for family reasons and this prompted a £40m offer from former club Corinthians. However, the Brazilian club were under significant pressure to get the deal done. The main reason behind this was the closure of the Brazilian transfer window on Thursday. However, there were also certain assurances that Manchester City were seeking that most notably included the assurance that Tevez would not sign for a European club within the next two years.
With these two issues in mind Corinthians have made the decision to pull out of the deal, presenting problems for Tevez and for Manchester City. The Manchester club have now confirmed that they would require a transfer fee of at least £50m for a European club. But Manchester City may find a lack of suitors at that price point. Most clubs would probably love to have Carlos Tevez at their disposal, but £50m is a huge investment to spend on one player.
So what can Manchester City do? Reconsider their valuation of the player or be willing to accept any offer that came their way. Quite a dilemma for City, but what do supporters feel would be the best move going forward – especially as Tevez is clearly determined to quit Eastlands?
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Another disappointing week for Roy Hodgson, after two poor results and performances have caused unrest among supporters on Merseyside. I am sure that no one was more disappointed that this afternoon’s game was called off than the Liverpool boss, who could have done with a confidence boosting result ahead of the Christmas period.
At FFC we have seen a mixed bag of articles which includes Liverpool’s transfer battle; six questions for John W Henry, while three things Reds fans want this Xmas.
We also look at the best Liverpool articles around the web this week.
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Ciao Elena – Bernardo’s woman puts the Premiership wags in the shade
The Top TEN Liverpool Tattoos…well sort of
Why a January move to Liverpool isn’t such a ridiculous idea
Liverpool face battle to secure January move
Whatever happened to Neil Mellor?
Lucas v Anderson – A Brazilian Battle
The Top TEN Premier League prospects for 2011
Tottenham swoop highlights Liverpool’s plight
The SIX questions I would like to put to John W Henry
Top TEN most wanted PL transfers in January
Three things a Liverpool fan wants this Christmas
Some stocking fillers for Liverpool fans
*
Click here to see the best LIVERPOOL blogs around the web this week.
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The Great Liverpool FC cannot drift into the abyss – This is Anfield
Wake Me Up In May – Kopblog
Hodgson’s defence just doesn’t add up – Live4Liverpool
In defence of Roy Hodgson – This is Anfield
One positive change Liverpool need to make – Our Kop
FOUR Positions that HAVE to be strengthened in January – Live4Liverpool
A letter to Roy Hodgson: Please leave – This is Anfield