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Monday, November 12, 2012

Iniesta: I do not hate Pepe

The Barcelona midfielder has attempted to calm the rift between himself and the Real Madrid defender, and insists that there is no reason why the two could not one day be friends








Barcelona star Andres Iniesta has revealed that he holds no hatred towards Real Madriddefender Pepe.




The pair were surrounded by controversy because of a verbal row after the 2-2 Clasico draw earlier this season, but when questioned whether or not the two can see past their differences, Iniesta responded in a positive manner.

"I can be friends with him, why not?" he told SportYou magazine.

"There was a point in time when I said what I thought of him, I did not like him, but now, why not?"

The Spain international also played down the on field tension between Lionel Messi and David Villa and spoke about the differences between the Blaugrana and Madrid in relation to their respective youth systems.

"What we have seen are things that remain on the field. These things happen at all workplaces," he added.


"Every club is different. I've been fortunate to be where I am, and what matters is that people trust the cantera. Otherwise, it is not worth it."


Chelsea reveal Terry out for 'weeks' rather than 'months' after MRI scan


The 31-year-old centre-back injured his knee after Liverpool striker Luis Suarez fell awkwardly on him during the two teams' 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday
Chelsea have confirmed that John Terry will be sidelined for "weeks" rather than "months" following the defender's MRI scan on his cruciate ligament injury.


After being left out for the club's Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk, the captain put the Blues ahead in the first half against Brendan Rodgers' side before being stretchered off in the 38th minute with suspected cruciate ligmanet damage


Chelsea revealed on their official website, however, that the problem was not as bad has some had originally feared, stating: "Today's MRI scans on John Terry's right knee thankfully show no significant damage to the cruciate ligaments.

"Chelsea Football Club's medical team will conduct further tests over the next two or three days once the swelling has subsided to determine how long John will be out but it will be a matter of weeks, not months."

The game marked the skipper's first league appearances since serving a four-match ban for racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

Manager Roberto Di Matteo had lamented after the game Terry's withdrawal as a turning point, with the Blues going on to lose their lead and draw 1-1.

Rajagobal: We must win the two friendlies



Malaysia supremo, Datuk K. Rajagobal verified that the friendlies against Hong Kong and Bangladesh are "must win" games





A day after stern words from Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) number 2, Tengku Abdullah regarding Malaysia's poor displays, Datuk K. Rajagobal labelled the friendly matches against Hong Kong (14 Nov) and Bangladesh (20 Nov) as must win games for the Malayan Tigers.




"Definitely, we must win to boost morale and confidence of the players," he told reporters after delivering a motivational talk to 50 children of Felda settlers who were picked to join an educational trip to Tan Sri Vincent Tan's Cardiff City Academy in Wales.




The Malaysia chief also confirmed that he will only submit his final squad of 22 players a day before an integral derby against Singapore on November 25.




On Tengku Abdullah's strong message yesterday, Rajagobal told Utusan that he had no choice but to field second stringers due to injuries suffered to the first team players.




Rajagobal has recently came under-fire from local football fans who were frustrated with Malaysia's defeats to Vietnam and Thailand.







-FROM GOAL.COM




Safiq Rahim urges Malayan Tigers to rise


National team skipper, Safiq Rahim has called on his teammates to achieve positive results from the remaining friendly matches
















Malaysia national team captain, Safiq Rahim has urged his teammates to rediscover winning form against Hong Kong this Wednesday to restore the faith of the largely concerned local football fans.




"I am urging my teammates to achieve a good result against Hong Kong as it is one of the real tests before the big opening match against Singapore," he told ESPNstar




Johor bound Safiq has been vocal lately due to the criticism directed at the national team for two lackuster defeats against Vietnam and Thailand.




The Malayan Tigers are set to kick off their Suzuki Cup defence against rivals, Singapore (November 25), followed by Laos (November 28) and Indonesia (December 1).