I WANT TO GIVE THE MAXIMUM

The new Rossoneri striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar talked today about his condition, the welcome he received from his team mates and his desire to score many important goals for Milan.

(ON THE PHOTO: KLAAS JAN HUNTELAAR IN ACTION DURING THE TIM TROPHY)

MILANELLO - Here are the declarations made today at Milanello by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar exclusively to Milan Channel's microphones:

First of all, Klaas, how are you?
"I'm doing well, I'm training a lot these days. My team mates are coming off the match, personally I still need to improve my condition."

How are you doing here at Milan with your new team mates?
"Very well, they're all friendly with me. It's a very calm environment where you work well, I'm happy to be here."

You often talk with Flamini. You've played together once in London. What do you remember from that game, in which you also scored a nice goal.
"It was the goodbye match for Bergkamp. It was nice because Bergkamp was a great player, we won 1-0 and won in his honor, for the end of his career and I also scored a nice goal."

The next match is a special one for the city of Milan, the one between Milan and Inter. Everyone is waiting for this game. Maybe you'll play at San Siro for the first time, how do you feel about that?
"It's certainly a nice match for my debut. It's a derby, a very tough match and it will be nice to play this game for the first time."

What do you know about Inter? Have you studied your opponents?
"I know a few things about Inter. They drew their first match. I think they're a good team, we played them in Pescara and I think they're strong. We hope to win."

Mourinho has said Milan are very strong. Do you it's a good omen or just superstition?
"I don't know, but we're here to play and give the maximum. We have to build our luck on our own, we'll try to play a great match."

In the past you have scored against Inter in the Champions League. Do you think you can repeat yourself?
"Yes, if I have a chance I'll try to score. The other time it happened with Ajax, I hope it will happen with Milan this time."

Are you happy about the idea of playing with Ronaldinho and Pato?
"We've trained together. It's nice to play with those two, but also with my other team mates because we are a team, we play like a team and this is the road to follow in order to win."

Your nickname is 'The Hunter,' do you like it?
"They started calling me that in Holland. It doesn't matter what the people call me, for me it's important to play well. The rest is part of spectacle."

You chose the number 11 shirt, which you had never used in the past.
"It's true, in the past I had the number 9 and 19, but they weren't available so I chose the 11 without problems."

Do you feel like making a promise to Milan's fans?
"I'll try to score many goals, but the important thing is to play as a team and score many goals like a team. We are strong, but we must show it on the pitch. I hope many people come to support us in the stadium and we can satisfy them."

By:galuca pippo

Brazilian Fans Rate Barcelona's Lionel Messi Higher Than Real Madrid's Kaka

Fans from the football-mad nation have already broken down the match-up.

Ahead of the superclasico between Argentina and Brazil in Rosario on September 5, Brazilian fans voted which team have superior players, with results ending up rather even.

Lancenet! provided fans with the most probable starting XI of both teams, with votes made for each of the 22 players in their respective positions. For instance, in the battle of the goalkeepers, Inter Milan's Julio Cesar proved much superior to Catania's Mariano Andujar with 63.4% of the votes, compared to 36.6% for his opposite number.

From the midfield up to the attack Brazil were clear victors, with five wins. Daniel Alves (55.1%) to Javier Zanetti, Juan (59.6%) to Gabriel Heinze, Lucio (61.2%) to Nicolas Burdisso and Andre Santos (56.1%) to Fabricio Coloccini.

Up front, Sevilla's Luis Fabiano (53.2%) beat Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero. But strangely enough, from then on the Argentines were victorious.

The most lopsided triumph was for Javier Mascherano (70.9%) against the unpopular Gilberto Silva. Maxi Rodriguez (52.4%) edged Felipe Melo, Jesus Datolo (54.7%) beat Elano and Carlos Tevez (57.2%) got the better of Robinho.

Finally, in the battle of the superstars Lionel Messi (55.6%) proved too strong for Kaka.

Brazilian football supporters are well-known for being very critical of their national team, especially since Dunga was appointed coach.

Gregory Sica

Reina tells Liverpool fans to hold their nerve

Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina has urged fans not to be too despondent at recent results.

"The fans can trust us until the end because as a team we have always been strong," he told the club's official website.

"Obviously we are disappointed because it is not normal for us to play three games and lose two of them, but we have to look forward, try to improve and carry on with our title challenge.

"We are the same team as last season - the same team that won 86 points in the league.

"Nothing has changed except that some players have left and some have come in, but we are still a strong team.

"We have plenty of good players in the dressing room and we have to look forward because as soon as we win two or three games in a row things will change a lot."

The former Barcelona keeper thinks 82 points could be enough to secure top spot this time around.

"Teams like Villa, Tottenham and Man City will be involved in the title race and I think the eventual champions will probably win no more than 82 points this season," he continued.

"Tottenham are playing at a good level. They were probably better than us in the first game of the season, especially in the first half.

"But it is too early to speak about teams. We have to wait a little bit longer."

By:Shane Evans

Reflections on the past, hope for the future

Xavi and Puyol are on the verge of playing their second European Super Cup. The first one in 2006 was a sad experience but they are both confident it will be a different story this time around.

With two days to go before Friday’s match against Shakhtar, reflections on the defeat against Sevilla and hopes for the one against Shakhtar are inevitable. Carles Puyol has bitter memories of the Super Cup final against Sevilla in 2006: “It was a really bad match. Sevilla were much better and deserved the victory”. But as the saying goes, defeat makes you stronger. “Now there’s a new opportunity that we must not let get away: We’ll fight hard in Monaco to bring the Cup back here”.
Similarities Many people saw the defeat against Sevilla as the end of a cycle. Xavi recognises the similarities with the present but also highlights the differences: “It’s true that they’ll tell us that there are similarities but the players are intelligent and they know the past”. The captain’s confident

Puyol is determined to look to the future and focus on Friday’s match: “It’s another game. We know that we have to prepare it well. We know we’re up against a very difficult opponent and who’ll be really fired up, so we have to be the same. I’m confident it’ll turn out well”.

A team with credit

Xavi told reporters: “People are reminding us too much about what happened three years ago. This year the team has earned a lot of credit”. He emphasised the players’ “humility” and concluded: “It can all go very well”.
by:carlos higuain

Eduardo set for 'massive season'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes this will be a "massive season" for Croatia striker Eduardo.

The centre-forward looks set for a start in Wednesday night's Champions League qualifier second leg against Celtic, with the Gunners manager ready to rest Robin van Persie.

Following the best part of a year out of the game after an horrific leg injury suffered at Birmingham City in February 2008, Eduardo opened his account for the new campaign in the 6-1 Barclays Premier League win at Everton on the opening day.

Wenger is glad to have the Brazilian-born Croatia marksman back firing on all cylinders.

normal player

"Eduardo was one of the players we missed terribly because he can score goals and provide," said Wenger.

"It is a massive season for Eduardo because he was out for such a long time - he was out before he could prove what a big player he is.

"In the first season for the first six months, he did not play a lot. When he then came in and showed his class, he was then injured and lost a whole season.

"Now he is in the third season, without having the opportunity until now to prove how good he is."

Wenger admitted he was relieved to see the forward back in action.

"I had doubts about his injuries and only fools would say they had no doubt," he reflected.

"When you see his first injury, you had to have doubts, but he has shown his strength of character - and now I have no doubts any more about him because for me he is completely a normal player."

By:frank clement

Redknapp keen to keep hold of Modric

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp says Luka Modric is worth a new contract.

Modric, 23, is already on a long-term deal after arriving from Dinamo Zagreb last year, and has reacted to wild speculation about a move to Manchester United by suggesting he is happy at Spurs and would be willing to sign fresh terms.

"If I was the chairman I would certainly be looking to tie him up as soon as we can because he is an amazing footballer," Redknapp said.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told Redknapp he is an admirer of the Croatia international after the playmaker's successful first year in England.

my feelings

But Modric said: "I feel great at Tottenham and I have given no thought to moving to a different club. My contract runs until 2013 and I am just thinking about staying.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Tottenham offer me a new contract as that is something which happens in England. But, even if that doesn't happen, my feelings will not change.

"I am happy at White Hart Lane and I will continue to give my all for Tottenham, as I always have."

Meanwhile Redknapp is tipping his £9m signing Peter Crouch to make an impact this season and earn a place in England's World Cup squad.

"I want to see them all achieve what they want to achieve," Redknapp said. "I want to see Peter at the World Cup, I want to see Jermain (Defoe) at the World Cup, I want to see Tom Huddlestone break into the England team and Jermaine Jenas push into the team.

"I'd love to see Ledley (King) go to the World Cup. I think he is another who could go - he's that good. It's a nightmare (with his knee injury) - if he played next time for England he wouldn't make the Man United game on the Saturday."

By:charlie sam

Lescott welcomes change

The England defender was presented to the press after signing a five-year contract with City.

"I'm excited to have joined a great club, and after talking to Mark Hughes I know that the club's ambitions and mine are similar. Now I just want to get out there with the lads," he said.

"It was time for me to make the change, and my target now is to just play as many games as I can this season - you don't join a big club like this and expect to go straight in.

"We want to finish as high as we can in the league of course, and fourth place is achievable when you look around the dressing-room. We've signed players from some of the biggest clubs in the world, and that shows the ambition here.

"I think we're better equipped than Everton to finish fourth. I reached the FA Cup Final last season, which is an achievement. The next step is to win a trophy. I sense that feeling here."

extra weight

Lescott is now the third costliest defender in the world after Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand and AC Milan's Alessandro Nesta. But the player denies this is an extra weight on his shoulders.

"I've a lot to live up to but not because of the money. I put a lot of pressure on myself and make demands of myself," he said.

"It's a demanding season with a World Cup to follow. I've managed to get into the England squad, now I want to try and cement my place for the World Cup, a massive goal for me."

Hughes believes he has signed a player capable of being as good Ferdinand and Chelsea captain John Terry.

He said: "I fully expect him to become the best central defender in the country. He is at the stage of his career where there is further development in him.

"He is at a club on which there is a huge focus. He will have to deal with that. That makes players grow. We have invested a lot of money in him and with that comes a responsibility.

"Joleon can be as good as John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. That is the challenge for Joleon. It will not faze him. He is a driven young man and wants to be the best he can be."

Manchester City also presented their new Brazilian defender signed Sylvinho.

By:shane evans

“A single match against Shakhtar will be difficult”

Gerard Piqué is well aware that it will be no easy task to beat Shakhtar on Friday in Monaco: “Last year they showed us that they are a great team and they ended up winning the UEFA Cup. A single match will be difficult”.

The Barça players go head to head with Shakhtar Donetsk in Monaco on Friday. They met twice last season in the Champions League group stage so Gerard Piqué knows what the Ukrainians can do and assured reporters on Tuesday that a single match final “will be very difficult”.

Lesson learned

However, he is convinced there will be no repeat of the experience in 2006 when Barça were beaten 3-0 in Monaco by UEFA Cup champions Sevilla, a blow that conditioned the rest of the 2006-07 season: “We mustn’t think about what happened then. We’ve learned our lesson and I’m sure it won’t happen again. It’s impossible and I’m not nervous about that. We can win or lose but this will be another great year. The boss won’t let that happen”.
Maximum motivation

Piqué stressed that the squad is ready to win the second trophy of the season: “We’re going into the match to win. In the Spanish Super Cup match against Bilbao the team showed that the standard reached is pretty good and that we can win. When you win titles the excitement and pride makes you even more determined”.

More competition in the squad

Regarding the possible incorporation of Ukrainian central defender Chygrynskiy, Piqué told reporters it would bring more competition to the squad and would therefore be positive: “If both the boss and the director of football want him then he must have quality. Competition is good in a football team. It makes everyone push themselves to the maximum to get a place in the team”.

Focussed on themselves

Piqué played down the media hype surrounding Real Madrid signings Kaká, Cristiano and Benzema: “When do we hear about Messi, Iniesta and Ibrahimovic? This is all nonsense. It doesn’t make me angry. I just don’t care and it means more pressure on them. We just have to focus on the European Super Cup and on the League, which starts on Monday”.

Starting again

Finally, Piqué emphasised that the past is now water under the bridge and that the competitions in the season just starting have to be won all over again: “The level of the close season is something in the past. When the season starts it all begins again. Obviously, Real Madrid will win matches and what we have to do is win more. It helps to have practically the same team as last years. It doesn’t matter how Real Madrid plays. When the season begins we’ll see who the best is”.
By:Shane evans

The Champions League returns

The Champions League returns

Real Madrid will learn who their first opponents will be on Thursday at 18:00 CET

Carlos Cristobal / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Monaco's Grimaldi Forum will host the Champions League draw on Thursday at 18:00 CET. Real Madrid will be one of the team's in the second drum.

The Whites and their supporters are particularly excited about this year's edition of the tournament because ots final will be held at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in May.

The 32 participant sides will be divided into eight groups of which the two group leaders will make it to the Last 16 after the first round. The 2009/10 Champions League will kick-off on 15 September. The first leg of the Last 16 will take place on 16 and 17 February 2010. The final will be held at the Bernabeu on 22 May.

DRUM 1	DRUM 2
FC Barcelona	Olympique Lyonnais
Liverpool	Inter Milan
Chelsea	REAL MADRID
Manchester United	CSKA Moscow
Milan	AZ Alkmaar
Arsenal	Juventus
Sevilla	Glasgow Rangers
Bayern Munich	Porto
DRUM 3	DRUM 4
Olympiacos	FC Copenaghe
Olympique Marseille	VfL Wolfsburgo
Dynamo Kiev	Standard Liege
VfB Stuttgart	Maccabi Haifa
Fiorentina	FC Zurich
Atletico Madrid	Rubin Kazan
Girondins Bordeaux	Unirea Urcicenin
Besiktas	DVSC Debreceni

by:alex ahsley

"I'll fight for a spot in the line-up"

Drenthe: "I'll work hard to prove I'm worthy of playing for Real Madrid"

Carlos Cristobal / Translation by Manuel Arcedillo

Royston Drenthe talked about his team-mates and the up-coming season in a press conference held after the training session.

What’s your opinion on Sneijder’s situation?
He’s a good footballer and a nice guy. It’s a decision from the Club and I can’t comment on that. He’s training well, but the squad can’t do anything about his situation.

At the end of last season many people thought you were going to leave Real Madrid but finally you remain in the squad…
It’s normal to talk about releasing players at the end of each season, but I always believed I would stay here. I signed a five-year contract and I want to have much success here. I’m working hard, as the rest of my team-mates.

What’s your role in the team this season?
The coach has talked to me and he is happy about my performance. There are many quality players and there will be tough competitors for each spot in the line-up, but I’m willing to fight for one of them.

This will be your third season at the Club. Is your period of adaptation over?
I feel at home in the country, in the city and at the Club. There are many new players and I’m happy with them too.

What advice could you give to Cristiano Ronaldo to ease his adaptation?
Cristiano is very professional and he has no need for advice. I don’t think he’s having any problems. You always need some time to adapt to a new team, but all the new signings feel fine.

How’s Sneijder getting on?
Naturally, he isn’t happy, but I can’t talk about that. He’s my friend.

Does the squad want Sneijder to stay?
We don’t talk about that. It’s a difficult situation for everyone.

Do you feel comfortable playing as left back?
Yes, although I don’t know if I’ll be in the starting line-up because there are many players. I’ve played many minutes during the preseason and that’s important for me.

You look happy after leaving behind difficult moments. What has changed for you?
I’ve worked hard to get to this point. I know I have enough quality to play for this Club. I belong to Real Madrid and I want to prove I’m worthy of it.

Has Real Madrid reached a level similar to Barcelona’s?
There are many new players, but we’ve built a team. We’ve worked hard in preseason and now we must wait for the official games to analyse the team.

How’s your music coming along?
I take it easy. I like doing music, but I’m focused on football. I’m always listening to my iPod and whenever I have time I record something at the studio. I write music mostly at home.

The Champions League draw is on Thursday. Do you have any preferences?
I only care about winning games, although it’s not an easy thing to do. There are many tough teams out there, but if we’re in good shape we can overtake them because our side is very strong.

How do you feel about the start of La Liga?
Our first game is against Deportivo La Coruña. Last season we also made our debut against them and they defeated us at their stadium. It’s an important match, but I think we’ll achieve a good level throughout the season.

Do you have more laughs with Kaka or with Cristiano?
I have laughs with both, and with the rest of the team too. It seems to me as if the new players have been in the squad for a long time. We are all very happy.

by:kill bane

"I want to be the best player in the world"

Benzema: "Discovering the passion exuded at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has changed my life"

Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Karim Benzema told L'Equipe that he is amazed by the Madridistas' passion at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The player also said he feels comfortable on the team.

"Not being the best player in the world means you still have to make progress. We all have a personal goal in life. Mine is to be the best player in the world."

"Discovering the passion exuded at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has changed my life. We have to give spectacle for the fans. There is so much passion here! It's crazy!"

"Lass has helped me to adapt to the team. I feel comfortable playing with Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul and Kaka. I know I had a good preseason."

by:stephen rude.

Yossi Benayoun is confident Liverpool can overcome a mixed start to the 2009-10 season and mount a strong challenge for the Barclays Premier League ti

Yossi Benayoun is confident Liverpool can overcome a mixed start to the 2009-10 season and mount a strong challenge for the Barclays Premier League title. The Reds suffered their second loss from the opening three matches of the campaign as Aston Villa claimed a shock 3-1 victory at Anfield on Monday evening.

However, Benayoun is adamant it is far too early for anyone to be writing off Rafael Benitez's side.

"Of course we are very disappointed. We didn't expect to lose but it was just one of those games," said the Israeli utility man.

"We need to try and improve and quickly, starting on Saturday against Bolton.

"We didn't play like we can play, we didn't move the ball like we did against Stoke in the second half.

"We missed our chances, particularly in the first half, and we conceded two goals from set-pieces.

"The second goal was a major blow. Losing 1-0 half-time you think you can get back into it, but 2-0 right on half-time put everyone down a little bit.

"We played a bit better in the second half, but everything went wrong for us.

"To lose two out of three is unusual for us. We lost only twice through the whole of the last Premier League season, and we have to show that we are still a strong team.

"We need to recover from this and look to work game by game, and work hard to play better.

"At a club like Liverpool, if you lose two or three games then people will ask if we are strong enough to win the league. But there is still a long way to go, everything can change.

"If we go on a long winning run then people will start talking differently about us."

Liverpool are back into action on Saturday afternoon when they take on Bolton Wanderers ahead of a two-week international break - and Benayoun acknowledges they must improve at the Reebok Stadium.

Nevertheless, the 29-year-old is hopeful a victory over the Trotters can kick-start an unbeaten run and he insists the Reds have the necessary quality within their ranks to go all the way in the race for the championship.

He said: "I don't think it's the senior players who need to come to the fore, it's all of the players. We know what we need to do to improve. This was one of those.

"I'm sure we have enough quality. We still think we can win the title. Maybe we cannot lose any more games until the end of the season, but we believe we are strong enough to be there at the end of the season. But it's too early to speculate, we just need to look to get a run of winning games.

"We have a lot of good players here already, enough to win the league. Aquilani is still injured and can bring us a lot of good things, we have a very strong squad, and we don't need to look at those kind of excuses after losing two games. We have enough quality to win games.

"It's important to get a winning run together, but maybe it's good that we have an international break coming up after the Bolton game.

"We have to try and come back stronger and we have games that we believe we can win. If we can win three or four games then the confidence can come back."

He added: "Because there are other teams that are stronger, I feel the big four will lose more points than expected. Villa have proven they can beat anyone, and I'm sure Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal will have tough games against the likes of Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham.
"Hopefully, at the end of the season we will still be there."
by:bilyl gun

Touré returns to the Louis II after a three-year absence

Touré Yaya is going back to Monaco for the European Super Cup final three years after leaving there to sign for Barça.

The Ivory Coast international played for just one season (2006-07) in Monaco before his performances earned him a transfer to FC Barcelona. A great season in Monaco

Touré Yaya joined Monaco when he was 23 from Greek side Olympiakos, his first major European team. He had a shaky start as the then coach Lázló Bölöni left him on the bench for the first ten matches. However, after a run of poor results the coach was sacked and new man Laurent Banide immediately assigned Touré Yaya an important role in the team.

Versatility

Touré became a key player in the team and Monaco climbed from second bottom at the end of October to ninth by the end of the season. He alternated between attacking and defensive midfield roles and became the star of the team.

Touré Yaya played 27 matches with Monaco, scoring five goals and making such a name for himself that he was rewarded with a move to FC Barcelona.

Three more players with a Monaco connection

Apart from Touré Yaya, three other Barça players have a past link with Monaco. Mexican international Rafael Márquez played there for four seasons after joining the French club from Atlas de Guadalajara in 1999 at the age of 20. In France he won a league title (2000), a Super Cup (2000) and a League Cup (2003), and was voted best defender in Ligue 1 at the end of his first season. After four excellent seasons, Márquez signed for Barça in the summer of 2003.

Henry and Abidal

The first team’s two French stars also started their football careers at Monaco. Thierry Henry made his professional debut with Monaco at the age of 17, playing there from 1994 to 1999 and winning a league title (1996/97) and a Super Cup (1997) before moving to Juventus.

Eric Abidal signed for Monaco at the age of 21 in July 2000. He spent two seasons there and played 26 games before being loaned to Lille, where he made his name as one of the top players in the country.
By:macedona

GERRARD RECEIVES LDSA AWARD

	Steven Gerrard was presented with the Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association's Player of the Season award at a special ceremony at Melwood today.
The Reds skipper received the honour after members of the LDSA nominated him their star man of 2008-09.

Liverpool FC disability liaison officer Colin McCall told us: "I think it was Steven's drive and determination that helped him to win the award.

"He had an all round excellent season. When your team are down, you look to your captain to help pick them back up, and that's certainly what he did throughout last season."

Upon hearing of the LDSA's visit, the likes of Rafa Benitez, Sammy Lee, Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina were also keen to take the opportunity to drop by and say hello.

"We've always had a great relationship with the players and it's been fantastic to be invited down and given the chance to make this presentation," continued Colin.

"The disabled fans are a very integral part of Liverpool Football Club and some of them are the most loyal supporters around.

"Through thick and thin they'll always be there, whether it be a Wednesday night against Grimsby, or a game with Manchester United - they are very loyal fans."
LDSA committee member Tommy Hutchison added: "I've had a smile on my face for almost the last 48 hours leading up to this event. It was a lifelong dream to come here and present Steven with the award.

"He is a worthy winner because of his all round contribution to the team, not just as a player, but also as the captain of the team.

"This was shown in a number of games we found ourselves behind in last season.

"With the captain firing the team up, we went on to come back and win most of the games we'd fallen behind in. That in itself is tremendous leadership."
By:soccer forum

If Celtic score first, hold on to your hat'

Trailing 2-0 in the Champions League Play-off Round with a second-leg trip to Emirates Stadium on the horizon. Perhaps any other team in Europe would have all but given up.

Not Celtic.

They qualified for this stage after over-turning a 1-0 aggregate deficit against Dinamo Moscow with their first away victory in Europe for six years.

So with that 'monkey off their back', Tony Mowbray’s men will travel to North London full of hope, if not expectation. But that's more than enough for them.

Ahead of the clash we spoke to Hugh Keevins of the Daily Record for a reflection on the first leg, Mowbray’s positive football and the magic of Aiden McGeady.

THE STORY SO FAR
“For 44 minutes at Parkhead it was a marvellous contest and the 60,000 crowd at Celtic were in the match. Then when the ball came off William Gallas’ back it seemed to drain the life from the Celtic players. They were never the same team after. When they should have started the second half on fire they didn’t and then when the second goal went in, all hope was lost for the night.

“Celtic felt that Arsenal were lucky with the goals but - to his eternal credit - Arsène Wenger was the first man to use the word ‘lucky’ in the press room at Celtic Park after the game. If you’re a realist, you know that Arsenal in Glasgow were a better side than Celtic. If you’re a realist you know that Arsenal with their two-goal start at the Emirates must be the overwhelming favourites this time.”

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL
"Celtic need to score, clearly. To be fair to Tony Mowbray his approach to football is a positive one. Some Celtic fans believe, in fact, that he may be too positive; there isn’t enough emphasis on defence. Celtic this season have been caught out, particularly Gary Caldwell, at the back. However, he knows that he must win by at least two goals, so that will be Celtic’s philosophy.

“I think you used the perfect expression earlier on when you said ‘monkey off their back’. Celtic under Gordon Strachan twice went to the last 16 of the Champions League and never won away from home. Celtic under Martin O’Neill went to the final of the Uefa Cup against Porto in Seville in 2003 but, in terms of the Champions League under Martin O’Neill in a team with Jon Hartson, Chris Sutton, Henrik Larsson, did not win away from home in a Champions League match. So it was a monkey off Celtic’s back. Six years of trying to get that achievement on the record books. So now they come to Arsenal by far the underdogs, but ready to give it a go."

CAUSE FOR CONCERN
“I watched Arsenal on Saturday take Portsmouth apart. The opening that they made to that match, even though they scored after 18 minutes, they should have scored two or three times before then. So I expect Arsenal to go at Celtic in the same way they went at Portsmouth. The big question in my mind is can Celtic’s defence withstand that sort of opening, and will Artur Boruc in the Celtic goal need to be as commanding as David James was for Portsmouth.”

CUP FEVER
“I would say the majority of fans are realists and believe that Celtic will be in Friday’s Europa League draw not Thursday’s Champions League draw. However, they went to Dinamo Moscow a goal down and for the first time in six years won a Champions League match away from home. That proves that you can never say never.

“Celtic supporters go everywhere, and you’ll find this at the Emirates, they go everywhere believing that their team can do something. They scored five goals at the weekend. They’re buoyant. They are missing Landry N’Guemo because of suspension, and he will be a big miss. But no man, woman or chid who enters the Emirates tomorrow night to support Celtic will tell you the tie is over.”

MAN OF THE MOMENT
“He’s pretty much the heart and soul of Celtic, the fans adore him. He’s committed himself to Celtic. He’s had interest from down south, Tottenham, if I’m allowed to mention that word. They have had a big interest. He’s the one player who’s probably outstanding at Celtic. So much is expected of him, and that’s probably a burden on his shoulders. They go into every game expecting Aidan McGeady to be a magician but I’m quite certain he’ll revel on the centre stage at the Emirates."

IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL
“Very entertaining; this is football from a different world so far as we in Scotland are concerned. I say that without a blush and I say that knowing that the majority of the people in Scotland would agree with me. Arsenal under Arsène Wenger have always been a tremendously attractive side to watch. The talent seems to be endless. When you can bring on Aaron Ramsey for Cesc Fabregas and he scores. When Kieran Gibbs can play as well as he did at the back and still be a teenager, when you’ve Jack Wilshire whose already had a go at Rangers. Then you get to the glitterati at Arsenal - a fabulous squad."

THE EMIRATES EFFECT
“There are so many Celtic fans who live in and around London. Many will come from Glasgow to see the Emirates because they’ve never had the chance before. They will come and they will create a party atmosphere. They will hope that Celtic can get the first goal and give them a match they can get their teeth into. But rely on this: you’ll hear more from the Celtic supporters than, with respect, you will from the Arsenal fans. I was a little surprised at how quiet the Emirates was on Saturday for the Portsmouth match, despite the scarves being given out to the fans. Celtic supporters will come and they will rock the Emirates.

“The first goal’s vital. If Celtic score it, hold on to your hat. If Arsenal score it, then I think Celtic supporters will say, well the tie is beyond us, let’s hope that the team can now give a credible show and allow us to leave the Emirates with our heads held high having come probably 500 miles from Scotland to see the game.”

By Declan Taylor

Wenger: ‘Liverpool are still in title race'

Despite having seen Liverpool lose two of their opening three Premier League games, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has refused to write off the Merseysiders’ chances in the title race.

The Anfield side responded to a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham on the opening weekend with a 4-0 win against Stoke last week. However on Monday they suffered their first home League defeat since 2007 by going down 3-1 to Aston Villa.

In spite of their poor form, Wenger believes Rafael Benitez’s side have had two tough early-season fixtures and should still be considered a threat in the battle for the Premier League title.

“They had two tricky opponents,” said Wenger. “Tottenham are on a high at the moment, and when you play Aston Villa at home, you know they can be dangerous on the counter-attack.

“But I do not discount Liverpool. I believe they will still be a threat for the title.”

By Nick Teale

Manager praises Gallas' ‘mental strength’

Arsène Wenger has paid tribute to the mental strength of William Gallas after losing the captaincy last season.

The 31-year-old was replaced as Arsenal skipper by Cesc Fabregas last November but bounced back with some impressive performances in the season’s run-in.

The Frenchman has picked up where he left off this term with a trio of towering performances alongside summer-signing Thomas Vermaelen in the heart of defence. What’s more, he has found the net, albeit sometimes scruffily, in all three games.

Speaking at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Wenger hailed his compatriot’s attitude to losing the captaincy before lifting the lid on the defender’s long-term future.

“I feel it was certainly a big blow to him, but he has shown his mental strength, and [that’s] what I respect a lot,” the manager said.

“Secondly he has worked even harder and it was quite an amusing situation because now suddenly he’s captain of the French national team.

“That shows you he has taken the right attitude, what we expect from a top level sportsman.”

“[We haven’t discussed a new contract] yet, no. We are early in the season, and we will see later, but he is now a big influence in the side.”

Gallas has averaged more than one goal every ten games for Arsenal during his four years at the Club, more than any other regular member of the back-four.

But what does the manager make of his current goal-a-game ratio?

“What is most important for me is that he's looking sharp defensively,” said the manager. “We know that the goals he will score some of them are a bit accidental but very helpful.

“What I mean is that it's not what I expect from him. But as a defender I'm very happy. That's all I want from him.”

By Declan Taylor

Boss delighted by Reds reaction

nited's resounding win at Wigan answered plenty of questions posed by last week's shock defeat at Burnley, but Sir Alex and his players insist they were never listening to criticism from outside the club.

A giddy media reaction met the Reds' slip at Turf Moor, with a huge magnifying glass held over the team in terms of tactics and personnel but, as ever, internal inspection was the only reaction within the club's Carrington training centre.

"We can't worry about these things," Sir Alex told MUTV. "We've got to look at the reality of what we're talking about, and the reality of Wednesday was disappointing.

"We're not going to kill ourselves because of it, but we're going to take reminders of it, lessons and experience from it. We all know we've got players with great experience at our club winning trophies over the years.

"We still aren't prepared for the kind of setback we got on Wednesday. It shouldn't have happened, but it did happen, and we had to do something about it. You're always looking for a response. and we got a good one."

have ears for the opinions that truly matter.

"To be honest we're not that concerned what anyone outside the club has to say," said Rooney, scorer of a brace at the DW Stadium. "The people who matter speak to us and that's who we listen to - we don't listen to anyone else."

"It's a similar story for United as it has been for me personally in terms of critics," said Owen. "They've won the league so many times in the last ten years or so and, of course, in the last three

"It's almost inevitable that one bad result leads to people talking about a possible crisis. But you only need to look at what happened on the pitch today to get your answers."

by:mantud.com

Berba's Euro dream

Sir Alex’s men find out on Thursday who they’ll face in this season’s UEFA Champions League group stage. And whoever the Reds are drawn alongside, Dimitar Berbatov is confident United will excel.

In fact, the Bulgarian striker says he’s already dreaming of lifting the trophy in Madrid next May.

“After what happened in last year’s final I think we’re even more determined in Europe this time around,” he told ManUtd.com.

“For me, losing in Rome was doubly frustrating because I wasn’t at the club when the team won in Moscow – I’ve never won the Champions League so losing to Barcelona was very upsetting.

“This year our aim is to make it all the way to Madrid. The Bernabeu is one of the best stadiums in the world and I know we’re good enough to make it back there and, this time, win it.”

Berbatov expects the defending champions Barcelona to be tough to beat, but warned “there are many clubs with very, very good players”.

“And remember,” he said, “when you say the name Manchester United it inspires respect in a lot of people. Nobody will fancy playing us.”
by:Macedona sport

Sneijder snub forces Inter Milan to look elsewhere

Inter Milan are being forced to look elsewhere for a trequartista after being rejected by Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

Sneijder insists he is staying at Real, despite Inter having a bid for the Dutchman accepted last week.

Now, Inter are seeking alternatives, with Roma attacking midfielder Julio Baptista emerging as a top target, says Tuttosport.

The Brazilian is rated highly by Inter president Massimo Moratti, though coach Jose Mourinho is not sure.

Lazio striker Goran Pandev is also under consideration, though Mourinho will not consider parting with Marco Materazzi in any swap deal for the Macedonia international.

Man Utd boss Ferguson in new bust-up with Carrick

There are reports of a new row between Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and midfielder Michael Carrick.

The Manchester Evening News says the alleged Carrick fall-out surfaced on fans' forums on the web and followed a quote attributed to Sir Alex when Carrick was omitted from the 18 on duty for the league opener against Birmingham.

"There's no injury to Michael Carrick. You'll have to ask him why he's out," Ferguson was said to have told a TV station.

It followed a supposed verbal spat between Carrick and the manager at the Community Shield against Chelsea.

The 28-year-old has won the Premier League title in every one of his three seasons as a United player since he moved from Spurs for around £18m in the summer of 2006.

But the speculation over a bust-up has also sparked talk of a return to White Hart Lane for the England midfielder in a swap deal - plus £10m for Spurs - that would bring Luka Modric to Old Trafford.

By:tribalfootball

OFFICIAL: Joleon Lescott Completes Manchester City Move

Manchester City have announced via their official website that they have successfully signed England international defender Joleon Lescott from fellow Premier League side Everton.

The 27-year-old penned a five-year deal with City that will see him earn £90,000 a week with his new club.

"I am absolutely delighted to welcome Joleon to Manchester City. He is an England international who has proved his Premier League ability during his time at Everton," Citizens boss, Mark Hughes, said of the transfer.

"In bringing Joleon to the Club I feel we have recruited a defender of the very highest quality. He can play in a number of defensive positions, and I’m positive he will make a significant impact for us."

Lescott himself has voiced his relief at completing the move, stating that he feels Eastlands will feel like home sooner than most may have originally thought.

"I'm over the moon to get the move completed, and I'm looking forward to training with the lads as I've not trained for a few days," the defender said.

"I know some of the lads already - I'm close friends with Shaun [Wright-Phillips], we've played against each other since we were 16 or 17. The way this club is moving on, I'm really looking forward to being a part of that."

A press conference will be held tomorrow at the City of Manchester Stadium at 11am to unveil the defender to the media.
by:Stephen Crawford