Thursday, August 4, 2011
Liverpool's Stewart Downing not paying attention to 20m pound price tag
The England winger insists performances on the pitch and not transfer fees will define him at Anfield and reveals the new-found ambition at the club by targeting a title win.
Stewart Downing has dismissed his 20 million pound price tag and maintains that his performances on the pitch will make or break him as a Liverpool player.
Downing moved to Anfield along with Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam this summer as Kenny Dalglish looks to build a side capable of regaining a top-four finish.
"It's about picking up where I finished off last season with Aston Villa, carrying on my form and not doing anything differently," he told reporters. "Just because of the fee, it doesn't mean I have to change.
"I'm being brought in to do what I did at Aston Villa, whether that's on the left or right. I'm not sure where the manager sees me playing but I just want to do well for Liverpool. Last season was probably my most consistent season and I just want that to continue. It's a big season for me personally and the club, and I want to get in the England team as well. Hopefully Liverpool will see the best of me."
Liverpool's aim is to once again compete in the Champions League, but Downing believes that the club could eventually be aiming even higher.
"This club has high expectations and it's a club that deserves to be in Europe," he said. "In the past they've have done very well and I'm sure the players and the manager will want to do well for the owners and get into that top bracket.
"I think we've certainly got the squad now, there's a lot competition for places in a way there maybe hasn't been in the past, so I think it's got to be an aim.
"In the long term the ambition would be to win the league, it doesn't happen overnight, it's a building process and hopefully we've started it with the players Kenny's brought in this summer, along with the top players he already had.
Stewart Downing has dismissed his 20 million pound price tag and maintains that his performances on the pitch will make or break him as a Liverpool player.
Downing moved to Anfield along with Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam this summer as Kenny Dalglish looks to build a side capable of regaining a top-four finish.
"It's about picking up where I finished off last season with Aston Villa, carrying on my form and not doing anything differently," he told reporters. "Just because of the fee, it doesn't mean I have to change.
"I'm being brought in to do what I did at Aston Villa, whether that's on the left or right. I'm not sure where the manager sees me playing but I just want to do well for Liverpool. Last season was probably my most consistent season and I just want that to continue. It's a big season for me personally and the club, and I want to get in the England team as well. Hopefully Liverpool will see the best of me."
Liverpool's aim is to once again compete in the Champions League, but Downing believes that the club could eventually be aiming even higher.
"This club has high expectations and it's a club that deserves to be in Europe," he said. "In the past they've have done very well and I'm sure the players and the manager will want to do well for the owners and get into that top bracket.
"I think we've certainly got the squad now, there's a lot competition for places in a way there maybe hasn't been in the past, so I think it's got to be an aim.
"In the long term the ambition would be to win the league, it doesn't happen overnight, it's a building process and hopefully we've started it with the players Kenny's brought in this summer, along with the top players he already had.
Former Japan international Naoki Matsuda passes away aged 34
The Yokohama F. Marinos legend has lost his battle for life after he was rushed into intensive care after collapsing in training earlier this week
Japan's 2002 World Cup star defender Naoki Matsuda passed away today after collapsing at club training on Tuesday morning following a cardiopulmonary arrest.
The Japan international and Yokohama F. Marinos legend was just 34 years old.
Matsuda had been in a critical condition after being rushed to the hospital on Tuesday having collapsed after finishing a warm-up run with club Matsumoto Yamaga. Doctors placed Matsuda on an artificial respirator and said he was in an "extremely critical" condition.
Matsumoto manager Yoshiyuki Kato had told a press conference that Matsuda's condition hadn't improved on Wednesday.
Matsuda passed away on Thursday at 13:06 local time.
Doctors believe he may have suffered a heart attack which may have been due to the rising temperatures in Japan.
Kyodo News reported there had been a recorded 43 deaths in two months through the end of July due to heat stroke in Japan.
The former Japan international spent 15 years at Yokohama, making 385 appearances and scoring 17 goals, before joining Matsumoto earlier this year.
Japan's 2002 World Cup star defender Naoki Matsuda passed away today after collapsing at club training on Tuesday morning following a cardiopulmonary arrest.
The Japan international and Yokohama F. Marinos legend was just 34 years old.
Matsuda had been in a critical condition after being rushed to the hospital on Tuesday having collapsed after finishing a warm-up run with club Matsumoto Yamaga. Doctors placed Matsuda on an artificial respirator and said he was in an "extremely critical" condition.
Matsumoto manager Yoshiyuki Kato had told a press conference that Matsuda's condition hadn't improved on Wednesday.
Matsuda passed away on Thursday at 13:06 local time.
Doctors believe he may have suffered a heart attack which may have been due to the rising temperatures in Japan.
Kyodo News reported there had been a recorded 43 deaths in two months through the end of July due to heat stroke in Japan.
The former Japan international spent 15 years at Yokohama, making 385 appearances and scoring 17 goals, before joining Matsumoto earlier this year.
Barcelona's Pep Guardiola unfazed by heavy Chivas defeat
The Champions League-winning boss isn't too worried about his side's friendly loss and is confident his team will be ready for the Spanish Supercopa.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola admitted that the Catalans' preseason isn't going according to plan following their latest pre-season loss to Chivas de Guadalajara, but added that he is confident his players will deliver when it matters most.
The Spanish champion was beaten by Manchester United last week and was humbled on Wednesday as Chivas proved to be too strong, running out 4-1 winner.
"We are a bit behind on schedule for several reasons. However, I have a lot of confidence in these players and I know we'll play better in the league and the other competitions," Guardiola said in the post-match press conference.
"The Spanish Supercopa and European Supercup are pretty close, but we will improve in the upcoming weeks. The mentality of the players will make the difference. We need a bit more time. I know that there's not much more time left, but we'll be ready."
Barcelona takes on Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa on Aug. 14 at Santiago Bernabeu and meets its rival at Camp Nou three days later. The European Supercup against Porto will be played in Monaco on Aug. 26.
"We have to forget about this result and shift our focus to the upcoming games," Guardiola said. "This loss won't change anything for us."
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola admitted that the Catalans' preseason isn't going according to plan following their latest pre-season loss to Chivas de Guadalajara, but added that he is confident his players will deliver when it matters most.
The Spanish champion was beaten by Manchester United last week and was humbled on Wednesday as Chivas proved to be too strong, running out 4-1 winner.
"We are a bit behind on schedule for several reasons. However, I have a lot of confidence in these players and I know we'll play better in the league and the other competitions," Guardiola said in the post-match press conference.
"The Spanish Supercopa and European Supercup are pretty close, but we will improve in the upcoming weeks. The mentality of the players will make the difference. We need a bit more time. I know that there's not much more time left, but we'll be ready."
Barcelona takes on Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa on Aug. 14 at Santiago Bernabeu and meets its rival at Camp Nou three days later. The European Supercup against Porto will be played in Monaco on Aug. 26.
"We have to forget about this result and shift our focus to the upcoming games," Guardiola said. "This loss won't change anything for us."
Sneijder's 3-4-3 incompatibility, Alvarez's lack of pace - question marks hang over Gian Piero Gasperini's Inter
A mixed pre-season, with injuries and absences taking their toll, means the team must adjust quickly to overcome AC Milan and clinch Supercoppa glory.
As Inter prepares for a heated Supercoppa Italiana battle against neighbor AC Milan on Saturday in Beijing's Bird's Nest, life thus far under Gian Piero Gasperini has yet to truly take flight.
Pre-season friendlies have been a mixed bag for the ex-Genoa man’s new side. The Dublin Super Cup presented difficult challenges, where the world champion defeated Celtic but then lost to Manchester City a day later.
Given the Premier League’s earlier start to the season than Serie A, perhaps some blame can be ascribed to superior fitness on the Citizens' part. Inter has also been missing a large number of important players, including Julio Cesar and captain Javier Zanetti, due to Copa America commitments. However, the team, as of yet, has not fully responded to Gasperini’s methods.
The side plays much like his old Genoa, primarily utilizing a 3-4-3 formation, although Gasperini has tried a number of different formations based on the personnel available. The trio of center-backs often sits deep and only pushes forward individually, if at all. The midfield quartet can be separated into two groups, with the two central midfielders playing in a traditional defensive-offensive coupling and the two wide men often pushing forward to support the attack.
Theoretically this should give Inter a numerical advantage, especially towards the defensive half of the side, but the system was exposed against Galatasaray due to sloppy play.
Questions must be asked as to whether Wesley Sneijder, so lethal as a trequartista, is being wasted by playing deeper in the line-up. His days at Ajax have given him the tactical flexibility to play in many different positions, but his acquisition was initially heralded as a missing link between the midfield and attack.
Indeed, it has been the offense that has given most cause for concern under Gasperini. Ricardo Alvarez had a bright start to life in black and blue but has shown some difficulty adjusting against tougher sides. Furthermore, the likes of Samuel Eto'o and Giampaolo Pazzini may be wasted in a front three without proper midfield support. Gasperini’s formation is an interesting one that tries to emphasize attacking play, but could result in squeezing many of Inter’s players into unfamiliar roles.
The Nerazzurri may find life rather difficult against Milan given the aforementioned absences, along with missing Yuto Nagatomo and back-up keeper Emiliano Viviano. Massimiliano Allegri’s side has reinforced quietly over the summer, adding key ingredients to an already-winning formula in the form of Philippe Mexes and Taye Taiwo. Manchester City proved that a physically domineering team can be immensely effective against a developing Inter, a fact that could favor the Serie A champion given the nature of players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mark van Bommel.
Beneamata fans need not despair, however. The outfit should undoubtedly develop a better understanding over time, if Massimo Moratti can exercise more patience with Gasperini than he has shown with the likes of Rafael Benitez. Unlike the City game, this is an official match with a desired trophy on the line against an eternal rival; form going into derbies often has little effect on the final outcome.
For Gasperini's side to take home silverware from China, they must look to stretch Milan’s defense and attack the full-back positions, the weak point of the Rossoneri in recent seasons. Allegri's men, though, are definitely early favorites, as the team has had a full year playing under the same tactician, and can call upon a proven midfield that runs on grit. Gasperini’s Inter may yet come good, but the decision to stick with his trusted formation rather than one that better suits his players could yet haunt him.
As Inter prepares for a heated Supercoppa Italiana battle against neighbor AC Milan on Saturday in Beijing's Bird's Nest, life thus far under Gian Piero Gasperini has yet to truly take flight.
Pre-season friendlies have been a mixed bag for the ex-Genoa man’s new side. The Dublin Super Cup presented difficult challenges, where the world champion defeated Celtic but then lost to Manchester City a day later.
Given the Premier League’s earlier start to the season than Serie A, perhaps some blame can be ascribed to superior fitness on the Citizens' part. Inter has also been missing a large number of important players, including Julio Cesar and captain Javier Zanetti, due to Copa America commitments. However, the team, as of yet, has not fully responded to Gasperini’s methods.
The side plays much like his old Genoa, primarily utilizing a 3-4-3 formation, although Gasperini has tried a number of different formations based on the personnel available. The trio of center-backs often sits deep and only pushes forward individually, if at all. The midfield quartet can be separated into two groups, with the two central midfielders playing in a traditional defensive-offensive coupling and the two wide men often pushing forward to support the attack.
Theoretically this should give Inter a numerical advantage, especially towards the defensive half of the side, but the system was exposed against Galatasaray due to sloppy play.
Questions must be asked as to whether Wesley Sneijder, so lethal as a trequartista, is being wasted by playing deeper in the line-up. His days at Ajax have given him the tactical flexibility to play in many different positions, but his acquisition was initially heralded as a missing link between the midfield and attack.
Indeed, it has been the offense that has given most cause for concern under Gasperini. Ricardo Alvarez had a bright start to life in black and blue but has shown some difficulty adjusting against tougher sides. Furthermore, the likes of Samuel Eto'o and Giampaolo Pazzini may be wasted in a front three without proper midfield support. Gasperini’s formation is an interesting one that tries to emphasize attacking play, but could result in squeezing many of Inter’s players into unfamiliar roles.
The Nerazzurri may find life rather difficult against Milan given the aforementioned absences, along with missing Yuto Nagatomo and back-up keeper Emiliano Viviano. Massimiliano Allegri’s side has reinforced quietly over the summer, adding key ingredients to an already-winning formula in the form of Philippe Mexes and Taye Taiwo. Manchester City proved that a physically domineering team can be immensely effective against a developing Inter, a fact that could favor the Serie A champion given the nature of players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mark van Bommel.
Beneamata fans need not despair, however. The outfit should undoubtedly develop a better understanding over time, if Massimo Moratti can exercise more patience with Gasperini than he has shown with the likes of Rafael Benitez. Unlike the City game, this is an official match with a desired trophy on the line against an eternal rival; form going into derbies often has little effect on the final outcome.
For Gasperini's side to take home silverware from China, they must look to stretch Milan’s defense and attack the full-back positions, the weak point of the Rossoneri in recent seasons. Allegri's men, though, are definitely early favorites, as the team has had a full year playing under the same tactician, and can call upon a proven midfield that runs on grit. Gasperini’s Inter may yet come good, but the decision to stick with his trusted formation rather than one that better suits his players could yet haunt him.
Tracked by Barcelona and heading for Liverpool - Jose Enrique is ready to become Spain's new left back
The 25-year-old defender was Joan Capdevila's predecessor at Villarreal and could become the veteran's successor for La Roja as Vicente del Bosque prepares for Euro 2012.
Jose Enrique appears ready for the big time. Cast adrift by coaches early on his career, forced to ply his trade in the lower divisions and then work his way up, the road to the top has been long and at times arduous for Liverpool's prospective new left back, but the move to Merseyside may be just the tonic he needs to take that final step and claim the coveted left back position for his country.
Now 25, the Valencia-born defender began his career at Levante B in Spain's Third Division. Opportunities were few and far between, however, until one day, the player confronted his coach. The reply from boss Jose Luis Oltra was simple: when the left back is sent off, you will get your chance. That happened the following Sunday and it represented the start of something special for the promising player.
After 19 appearances and one goal for Levante, Jose Enrique was snapped up by city rival Valencia, although the youngster endured a prickly relationship with coach Quique Sanchez Flores and failed to make a single appearance at Mestalla.
Loaned to Celta Vigo, the left back was unable to displace former Argentina defender Diego Placente, but still made 14 league appearances and received rave reviews in Galicia, where Joan Capdevila was turning in solid performances week after week at regional rivals Deportivo La Coruna.
Jose Enrique went off to Villarreal and was joined at El Madrigal by Capdevila for a brief period in the summer of 2007. Capdevila had failed to reach agreement with Deportivo and was snapped up by Villarreal on a free transfer. Jose Enrique had enjoyed a fine debut season at the club, though, and many fans were briefly bewildered at the need for two such quality left backs.
Jose Enrique was soon made available, however, and Newcastle beat Liverpool and Manchester City in the race for his signature. "A big offer came in for me," the player explained last year in an interview. "They paid just over 9 million euros for me, which was a million more than Chelsea had paid for Asier del Horno."
Del Horno, signed by Jose Mourinho after coming through the youth ranks and impressing at Athletic Bilbao, was seen as Spain's fullback of the future, but the Basque has since slipped down the ladder and is now at Levante, where Jose Enrique started out.
Jose Enrique appears ready for the big time. Cast adrift by coaches early on his career, forced to ply his trade in the lower divisions and then work his way up, the road to the top has been long and at times arduous for Liverpool's prospective new left back, but the move to Merseyside may be just the tonic he needs to take that final step and claim the coveted left back position for his country.
Now 25, the Valencia-born defender began his career at Levante B in Spain's Third Division. Opportunities were few and far between, however, until one day, the player confronted his coach. The reply from boss Jose Luis Oltra was simple: when the left back is sent off, you will get your chance. That happened the following Sunday and it represented the start of something special for the promising player.
After 19 appearances and one goal for Levante, Jose Enrique was snapped up by city rival Valencia, although the youngster endured a prickly relationship with coach Quique Sanchez Flores and failed to make a single appearance at Mestalla.
Loaned to Celta Vigo, the left back was unable to displace former Argentina defender Diego Placente, but still made 14 league appearances and received rave reviews in Galicia, where Joan Capdevila was turning in solid performances week after week at regional rivals Deportivo La Coruna.
Jose Enrique went off to Villarreal and was joined at El Madrigal by Capdevila for a brief period in the summer of 2007. Capdevila had failed to reach agreement with Deportivo and was snapped up by Villarreal on a free transfer. Jose Enrique had enjoyed a fine debut season at the club, though, and many fans were briefly bewildered at the need for two such quality left backs.
Jose Enrique was soon made available, however, and Newcastle beat Liverpool and Manchester City in the race for his signature. "A big offer came in for me," the player explained last year in an interview. "They paid just over 9 million euros for me, which was a million more than Chelsea had paid for Asier del Horno."
Del Horno, signed by Jose Mourinho after coming through the youth ranks and impressing at Athletic Bilbao, was seen as Spain's fullback of the future, but the Basque has since slipped down the ladder and is now at Levante, where Jose Enrique started out.
Official: Chelsea signs Barcelona youngster Oriol Romeu
Chelsea has announced the signing of Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu on a four-year deal.
The Blues confirmed last month that they had agreed a fee believed to be in the region of 4.5 million pounds for the defensive midfielder to make a move to the west London club.
The club confirmed on its official website: "Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Oriol Romeu Vidal from Barcelona on a four-year-contract. The 19-year-old will join us once his duties with Spain's U-20 World Cup squad in Colombia are complete."
According to El Mundo Deportivo, Barca will have a chance to buy back the midfielder for a certain fee during the first two years of his time in England. But during the next two years of his contract, the Spanish club would get preference if it matches an offer that has already been accepted for the player.
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is believed to have harbored an interest in Romeu since his days at Porto, and has assured the teenager that he has a role to play in the first team.
As well as playing for his country at Under-20 level, Romeu has also represented Spain at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels in the past.
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