Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez insists Hugo Rodallega will bounce back from his moment of madness against Everton.The club’s top scorer gifted a point to Everton on Saturday by giving away a penalty and Wigan were pegged back from their lead to draw 1-1.
Relegation-threatened Wigan cannot afford another slip-up as they are still in the bottom three ahead of Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa.
Martinez said: “We are all disappointed with what happened, but Hugo has the full support of everyone at the football club.”
“He is a very strong character, and he’ll win many points for us in the future.”
“His performance against Everton was very, very good.”
“His action reflected the responsibility and the tension that games this time of year come with, and it’s important we all learn from it.”
“Experiences like this make you a better player, and hopefully he can carry on working hard and scoring goals.”
“Hugo is a very positive person, but it was a difficult moment for him as you can imagine.”
“To work so hard and not be able to finish with a winning feeling is hard to take.”
“But Hugo has a strong group of players around him and he’s ready to get rid of that frustration as quickly as possible.”
Martinez is sweating on the fitness of key duo Charles N’Zogbia (dead leg) and Momo Diame (groin) ahead of the Midlands trip.
The pair both picked up knocks in that Everton draw and face a race against time to recover for Saturday’s game.
“We have been treating them and will see how they progress during the week,” Martinez said.
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“It is important we give them as long as we can before we can make a decision.”
“I have got a feeling it will end up being a really, really late call on them both, and we are prepared for that.”
“Both players are absolutely desperate to be involved and help the team – I love that kind of attitude.”
“But we have to make the right decision for all parties, whatever it is, that will enable us to win the football match.”
Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed suggestions that Ryan Giggs could succeed John Toshack as Wales manager.
Toshack's six-year reign was brought to an end by mutual consent on Thursday following Wales' losing start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.
Wales lost 1-0 to Montenegro to leave their hopes of qualifying from a competitive Group G looking bleak.
Several names have been linked with the job since Toshack's departure, with Giggs reported to be top of the Welsh FA's hit-list.
However, Ferguson claims the 36-year-old midfielder will not be taking his first steps into management with his national side as he is too important to the Red Devils.
"I spoke to him. It will not happen," said Ferguson."It is impossible to do both (playing and managing).
"At his age, Ryan needs to use all his energy and concentration to be here.
"It is a big season for him. It maybe his second last, it may be his last. We want it to be the second last.
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"The best way for that to happen is for him to concentrate on being here."
Former Fulham boss Chris Coleman and current Wales Under-21 manager Brian Flynn are now the two frontrunners for the role.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
It appears Manchester United’s hopes of signing midfielder Wesley Sneijder have taken another hit as the Dutchman looks to be staying at Inter Milan, reports the Mirror.
Wesley Sneijder has long been on the radar of Alex Ferguson, who is looking to add quality of the Dutchman’s ilk into an often toothless Man United midfield.
However, much like the outcome of the protracted transfer saga of this past summer, Sneijder looks to be staying put.
Sneijder’s representative Soren Lerby told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I really think Wesley will stay at Inter. A few weeks ago he said he was 90 per cent sure he would stay.”
Lerby also brought up the fact that there are problems between Sneijder and Inter officials, something United will surely continue to monitor.
The Dutch international has been troubled by injury this season, resulting in only eight league appearances and the single goal.
United’s great rivals Manchester City also appear keen on landing the creative midfielder, with a swap deal involving Carlos Tevez suggested.
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Barcelona can take a big step towards a third successive La Liga title on Saturday when they welcome struggling Osasuna to the Nou Camp.Pep Guardiola’s men are eight points clear of Real Madrid on top of the league table with just six games to play, and they will no doubt have been stung by their 1-0 loss to Jose Mourinho’s side in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey final.
In a blow for the reigning champions, defender Adriano has been ruled out of action for four weeks after injuring a hamstring in the cup defeat.
Osasuna are sure to be fighting tooth and nail, having lost their past three matches to leave them sitting just two points outside the drop zone in 16th position.
Real Madrid kept their slim title chances alive thanks to a late penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo that salvaged them a 1-1 draw against Barca at the Bernabeu last weekend, and they will face another stern test on Saturday against third-placed Valencia.
Saturday’s other match pits fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao against 12th-placed Real Sociedad who are just five points clear of the bottom three.
Bilbao are in pole position for one of two Europa League places for next season, and they have a two-point cushion over sixth-placed Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, with eighth-placed Espanyol a further point behind.
On Sunday, Atletico – the 2009-10 Europa League champions – take on a Levante side who have won eight of their past 12 games to sit in ninth place, while Sevilla welcome fourth-placed Villarreal to the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Espanyol face a tricky trip to Sporting Gijon and Getafe travel to Mallorca.
At the bottom of the table, a loss for Almeria at Real Zaragoza would make their La Liga survival incredibly difficult, while second bottom Hercules host Deportivo La Coruna.
Malaga, who are outside the drop zone by just goal difference, travel to Racing Santander.
A comprehensive 4-0 victory ensures that Tottenham will be mixing it with the big boys in Europe this season. The draw hasn’t been overly kind to Harry Redknapp’s men, although you do feel that they’ll have a great chance of progressing to the knock-out stages.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of Spurs blogs which has included…Tottenham’s financial stance a refreshing change; a signing Spurs cannot afford to miss out on and the kick-start to Tottenham’s spending spree.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Tottenham stories on the Web this week.
Tottenham’s financial stance a refreshing change from the norm
A signing that Spurs cannot afford to miss out on
Do footballers care about the fans when they cross the divide?
UEFA figures only serve to highlight Premier League club’s disdain
The kick-start to Tottenham’s spending spree?
Why youngsters need to take a lesson from ‘Arry
‘Just can’t get enough’ – Part One: Harry Redknapp
Failed at Spurs, improved at West Ham, but Hodgson found the right formula
Transfer gamble for Harry but one that could bring a great return
The Adventures of Spurs in the Champions League
Should Premier League clubs gamble while they still can?
Top TEN Premier League ‘Marmites’ who continue to divide supporters
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Best of Web
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Are we there yet? – Dear Mr Levy
Well qualified – Spurs Musings from Jimmy G2
A New Dawn. Innit. – Harry Hotspur
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Gareth Bale – the jinx who has hit the jackpot at Tottenham – Guardian
Haircuts and a Humdinger – Who Framed Ruel Fox?
63.02%, triffic – Dear Mr Levy
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Click on the image below to see the gallery of Valon Behrami’s stunning girlfriend
Last Monday, in the fixture soon to be known as the Oil Rag derby – at least by my regular readers, Chelsea hosted Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, with the Premier League leaders 10 points clear of their hosts. A week and two fixtures later, including Manchester City ’s first loss all season to a media-persecuted Chelsea side, and the gap between the two sides has only shrunk by one to nine points.
Before the game, Roberto Mancini was quick to display his awareness of his fellow title contenders, in a season where pundits and press continue to link City and the title synonymously, “I think [Chelsea] can win it,” said Mancini , of the side that won the title in 2010, “Last year Chelsea had a big lead [over Manchester United ] but in the end United won the title by seven or eight points plus,” stated the Italian, showing an appreciation of Ferguson’s bounce-back-ability. It is a threat that Manchester City are fully aware of, “In my opinion, United are still favourites.
They’ve been there and done it,” said Manchester City right back Micah Richards , “United were favourites at the start of the season and regardless of how we’ve played, they are still firm favourites,” continued the defender, downplaying a derby demolition of United, that saw 6-1 illuminate the Old Trafford scoreboard.
The words may have seemed unambitious to title-aspiring Citizens, especially considering they went on to lose to to Andre Villas-Boas ’ men, but in hindsight the consciousness displayed was wise.
Despite losing, ultimately to a Frank Lampard penalty fired home straight down the middle, Manchester City revived their run of form instantaneously, winning a less than straightforward tie against Arsenal at Etihad on Sunday. A David Silva goal was enough to secure all three points in a game which ensured Manchester City would have the status as top for Christmas in their own hands, something they’ve achieved three times previously, but never going on to win the league. Silva ’s goal was Man City’s 50th Premier League goal this season, 16 games in, making them the fastest team to reach this tally since Spurs in 1962/63. Their 1-0 victory against the Gunners was their last fixture against teams in the top 7.
In their fixtures against Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle, City have acquired 13 points from an available 18, losing only once – their only loss all season. This is where Manchester City are proving their mettle, with Mancini, against the best. Last season, Manchester City gained just 9 points against the 2009/10 Top Four. This season, Manchester City have already levelled that points tally against the Top Four of 2010/11, excluding themselves.
This potential, and most-importantly on-target, improvement in form against the top teams in the Premier League, is where Manchester City can make up the points that will keep their heads above, who they consider, the favourites still, Manchester United. Last season City proved that they could start rolling out default victories against the lesser teams of the division, picking up 18 points from 18 against the three teams promoted to the Premier League.
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They’ve done it again so far this season too, picking up victories against Q.P.R, Norwich and Swansea, but last year’s campaign questioned City’s credentials as title contenders as they came unstuck against the bigger teams. Convincing and at times comprehensive, defeats to Manchester United , Chelsea , Arsenal and Liverpool ensured that Manchester City finished 3rd, 9 points off of their rivals, Manchester United, who won the top-flight for the 19th time.
This season it is Manchester City that can go into Christmas as the league leaders, but it isn’t just their improved form against the top teams that are keeping Manchester City as the pace setters. In a modern game, increasingly lacking in demure, it is Mancini ’s modest approach, becoming more and more transpired through his players too with every interview, that could act as a strong foundation for the richly-assembled squad to go on and win City’s first top-flight title in over 40 years.
“We can’t think that we can win the title without a fight from United,” said Mancini, appreciating that experience can often stand strong against talent, “It’s impossible.” Mancini’s demeanour, the coiffed hair, brazen scarf and affable suits make his appeal all the more thorough and the attitude he display, is setting his players in the right mindset for a title challenge in which, despite the evident quality and unparalleled form so far this season, they don’t seem to be the favourites to everyone.
If there’s one man you want on board to disseminate a message from the manager to the fans, the players, the world, it is the only player playing every week that has been there since his youth career: Micah Richards .
“Just because we were clear for so long does not mean we’re going to walk the title,” said the England international, “In my mind there is no pressure on us because teams like United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have been doing it for so long.” He continued to emphasize the Mancini-imposed philosophy of continuity, which is becoming ever more present at the Etihad – they’re unbeaten there in 2011 at home winning 26 from 28 and drawing two, “‘It’s about carrying on doing what we’ve been doing.
We’ve done well because we feel there’s no pressure on us.
We just go out and play our football.” If City continues to impress against the best, there is no stopping them in their quest for the Premier League, ‘We came into the season just trying to build on last time and fighting United, who are current champions. To win the league would be a massive achievement.”
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Article courtesy of Jordan Florit from This is Futbol
The Professional Footballers’ Association has announced the nominees for its Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards.Arsenal playmaker Samir Nasri, along with Tottenham’s leftback-turned-winger Gareth Bale, were nominated for both honours.
Bale’s teammate Rafael van der Vaart, who has had little difficulty settling into the English Premier League following a 11th-hour move from Real Madrid on August 31, was named among the list for the open age award.
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez’s stellar form in front of goal earned him a nomination, while England midfielder Scott Parker was also recognised for his fine displays that have kept West Ham’s hopes of avoiding relegation alive.
Also nominated are Manchester United defensive lynchpin Nemanja Vidic and Charlie Adam, who has been the central figure in Blackpool’s first season in the top-flight since 1971.
Nominated for the Young Player of the Year award are Bale, Seamus Coleman (Everton), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Nani (Manchester United), Nasri and Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).
Harry Kane sounds like a gangster from a Guy Ritchie movie, but he is actually Spurs’ latest young star to have been tipped for great things. Whilst he is not yet a household name amongst football fans, that could well change in the next few years. The 17 year old is regarded as one of the club’s top academy prospects, on Kane’s biography on the official Spurs’ website it says,
“Playing just behind a central striker, Harry made a huge impact during his first full season in our Academy, establishing himself as one of the most highly-rated young players at the club.”
Harry Kane is a product of the Spurs’ youth system and in the 2008-09 season played in the Under-16’s side that competed in the Copa Chivas and Bellinzona tournaments in Mexico, scoring three goals.
In the 2009/10 season Kane played 22 times for Tottenham’s Under-18’s, scoring an impressive 18 goals, he was also named on the first team bench for two matches last season, which is no mean feat for a 17 year old in what is a strong Spurs’ squad. Kane’s good form for Tottenham did not go unnoticed, and he made his international debut for England Under-17’s during the campaign. So far he has made three appearances for England Under-17’s, scoring two goals in the process. Upon his call up to England, Spurs’ Under-18 coach Alex Inglethorpe stated on the club’s website that,
“It’s fantastic for the academy and Harry that he’s been recognised in this way. He’s a lovely lad, a terrific young player with a great work ethic and one who will keep on improving.”
Kane is also renowned as something of a dead ball specialist, scoring two free kicks in one game for the Under-17’s against Watford last season. With set-pieces becoming an increasingly important part of the game, this will stand Kane in good stead to make an impact as he steps up to the next level.
Goals are the currency of football and any player who can score a lot of them will always be in high demand. Harry Kane’s youth career has so far yielded a good number of goals, and this is what has made him really stand out in the Spurs’ academy. Kane is amongst some other highly rated young prospects at Tottenham, with Dean Parrett and John Bostock the most notable of these. These players add to the already large stock of exciting young English players Spurs’ have on their books, including Danny Rose, Kyle Walker and Kyle Naughton to name just a few, whilst Aaron Lennon and Tom Huddlestone are still only 23.
Harry Kane may not be a name known by many outside Tottenham Hotspur, but if he can continue the excellent form he has showed in his fledgling career to date his reputation is sure to grow. Goalscoring will never fail to get a player noticed, and Spurs’ and England fans will be hoping he is just as lethal as his career progresses.
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It will be interesting to see if Kane will be able to take full advantage of a talent that seems really remarkable. It could be just what Tottenham needs to get back into contention for the Premier League and be relevant again in Europe as well.
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Online bookmakers in the UK and around the world seem likely to give young Kane credit as a reliable prospect. The English talent is being credited as a potential top scorer for the new Premier League season. We are confident that many football betting enthusiasts will pick Hurricane as their king of goalscorers.
A good way to find the best odds on Premier League’s next leading scorer is to check out the list of the best betting sites offered by CasinoPilot. You will also find exclusive tips and guides for your football bets that will help you increase your chances of landing good winnings.
When things look bleak at Chelsea, owner Abramovich has one default setting – buy a big money striker. First Shevchenko and now Torres. With both epic failures, you could be forgiven for thinking that the one the billionaire Russian has his heart set on this January is Berbatov, yet according to Barcelona based publication Sport, Chelsea have strong interest in Gonzalo Higuain, the Real Madrid striker who has scored 12 goals in 13 La Liga games and the man who AVB feels can revive his strike force.
Despite Higuain’s importance to the Real Madrid team, president Perez is prepared to listen to any offers that meet his valuation according to Sport, and with Anelka wanted by Spurs and clearly unfancied by AVB, and Drogba turning down a contract extension for one final pay day, Chelsea need forwards who can score desperately, and with their season falling apart at the seams, the Argentine Higuain is seen as the man to do this.
How much of this actually will come to pass in January remains to be seen, and whilst it is more than credible to believe Chelsea are after Higuain, it remains dubious if Real will actually sell such a prolific forward, and may just be a low attempt to unsettle the side from a pro Barcelona paper before the Classico.
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It has come to that stage in the year, where fans can start to look back on their season and decide which of their players have done well and which were poor. Today I am creating a let-down eleven.
I have had to exclude some pretty poor players. I think Manchester United players Gabriel Obertan and Bebe have been hugely unsatisfactory this season, but we already knew Obertan was bad and Bebe has hardly played enough. Another enormous let-down was Mauro Boselli, but he has since left Wigan who obviously realised this.
Players like Jovanovic and Squillaci were bought as squad players, so I would not class them as being as disappointing as others, despite playing poorly. As for Laurent Koscielny, he has been unfortunate that Thomas Vermaelen has been injured all year, and that his ‘keepers have been dire. All the same, he has not made the impression many expected and misses out narrowly.
The players that follow have disappointed most, in comparison to what is expected of them.
Click on Manuel Almunia below to see the Let Down XI
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