| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
 Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:00 pm Post subject: |
 |
|
Arsene Wenger believes his Arsenal side have all the necessary building blocks to become one of the true greats of European football - but accepts it is the ability to deliver silverware by which his young Gunners will ultimately be judged.
The Arsenal squad travelled to Milan this afternoon knowing a campaign which had already surpassed expectation and promised so much now hangs in the balance.
While the Gunners remain top of the Barclays Premier League, their five-point advantage has swiftly been eroded by Manchester United down to just one, following a last-gasp home draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.
Tomorrow night they face European champions AC Milan for a place in the quarter-finals at the San Siro, where Wenger's men will need to recapture the form shown when sweeping aside city rivals Inter 5-1 at the same venue back in November 2003.
That, of course, was a squad driven by Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and captain Patrick Vieira, one which would go onto record an unbeaten domestic championship campaign as Wenger's 'Invincibles'.
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:00 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Cesc Fabregas maintains Arsenal are not "scared" at the prospect of taking on Champions League holders AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday night - and backed Arsene Wenger's young Gunners to play their way into the quarter-finals.
Arsenal held onto top spot in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday by virtue of a stoppage-time equaliser from substitute Nicklas Bendtner which rescued a last-gasp draw against Aston Villa.
Fabregas felt that result - dug out when everything seemed to be going against the Gunners following a difficult week in the wake of Eduardo's horrific leg injury at Birmingham - showed this squad have the mental strength needed to mount a sustained assault for the game's biggest honours.
However, for the 2006 Champions League runners-up to progress into the last eight of this season's elite European club competition, Arsenal will have to do it the hard way.
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Sir Alex Ferguson is banking on Manchester United chalking up another important milestone and advancing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday.
Victory over Lyon will see his side equal Juventus' record in the competition of ten straight home victories in the competition.
The match is finely balanced after the first leg in France finished all square at 1-1.
United breezed past Sporting Lisbon, Dynamo Kiev and Roma this season at home.
That gave them a firm foothold in the group stages and they finished first in style.
Asked why United are so formidable at Old Trafford in Europe against top teams, Ferguson replied: "We have been good."
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Gordon Strachan has made pride the main aim for his Celtic players in the second leg of their Champions League tie against Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night.
The Scottish champions are 3-2 down from the first game at Parkhead where they were outplayed for almost the whole 90 minutes.
To add to a daunting task, Celtic will have to win their first-ever away game in the tournament if they are to make the quarter-finals but manager Strachan is most concerned with his players putting on a show.
"You always want to win every game for your pride, it's a big thing in football," Strachan said.
"We are angry that we lost the first leg although we understand that we played against a great side.
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Carlo Ancelotti's job as coach of AC Milan is not on the line going into Tuesday's Champions League game against Arsenal, according to club president Silvio Berlusconi.
With the Rossoneri effectively out of the title race - city rivals and Serie A leaders Inter are 18 points clear of them - rumours have been circulating that World Cup-winning former Italy boss Marcello Lippi may be poised to replace Ancelotti.
But Berlusconi insists he will stand by his man, even if they are unsuccessful in their last-16 second leg clash at the San Siro.
He said: "Tuesday's game is crucial for our season.
"But even if Milan are eliminated from the Champions League, I would not bring Marcello Lippi to the Rossoneri bench, despite my fondness for Lippi, whom I consider a great coach.
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The Dutch football association have named Bert van Marwijk as Marco van Basten's successor as Holland coach.
The Feyenoord boss has been appointed to lead the team's qualification bid for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and will take up the position on July 1.
Van Basten is standing down after this summer's European Championships in Austria and Switzerland.
A statement issued by the KNVB today confirmed 55-year-old Van Marwijk, who has been given a two-year contract, would be officially unveiled at the end of this month.
"The presentation of Bert van Marwijk takes place on March 31, when the rest of the technical staff have also been appointed," the statement read.
Van Marwijk led Feyenoord to UEFA Cup glory in 2002 before departing for an unproductive spell at German outfit Borussia Dortmund between 2004 and 2006.
He returned to De Kuip at the start of this season and has led Feyenoord to fourth place in the Eredivisie standings and the semi-finals of the Dutch Cup.
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The Dutch football association have named Bert van Marwijk as Marco van Basten's successor as Holland coach.
The Feyenoord boss has been appointed to lead the team's qualification bid for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and will take up the position on July 1.
Van Basten is standing down after this summer's European Championships in Austria and Switzerland.
A statement issued by the KNVB today confirmed 55-year-old Van Marwijk, who has been given a two-year contract, would be officially unveiled at the end of this month.
"The presentation of Bert van Marwijk takes place on March 31, when the rest of the technical staff have also been appointed," the statement read.
Van Marwijk led Feyenoord to UEFA Cup glory in 2002 before departing for an unproductive spell at German outfit Borussia Dortmund between 2004 and 2006.
He returned to De Kuip at the start of this season and has led Feyenoord to fourth place in the Eredivisie standings and the semi-finals of the Dutch Cup.
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:03 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Arsene Wenger has managed to convince himself that a 0-0 draw at the Emirates against AC Milan was a better result than a victory as they go into the second leg.
The Gunners go to the San Siro needing a goal to guarantee their advance into the Champions League quarter-finals, and Wenger insists that is a healthier situation than trying to defend a 2-0 lead.
That could explain why Arsenal fluffed chance after chance in that first leg - was it manager's orders?
"What is good from the first result is we know every time we get the ball we are incited to go for a goal," said Wenger.
"When you win 2-0, away from home sometimes subconsciously you think you only have to defend. On that basis 0-0 is not a bad result because you know defence is not good enough. You know you will have to attack as well."
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:03 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Gary Megson believes Bolton have the mentality to beat Barclays Premier League relegation thanks to their efforts on foreign soil.
The Wanderers boss has been heartened by seeing his team defy the odds to hold the likes of Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Cup.
Not only that, Red Star Belgrade were beaten on their own formidable patch.
Bolton return to European action on Thursday when they face Sporting Lisbon on the back of a 3-1 home defeat by Liverpool in the league.
It means they are now only ahead of third-bottom Reading on goal difference and relegation is a real threat.
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Striker Mikael Forssell has spelt out his determination to shake off his 'injury-prone' tag as the Birmingham player believes the best years of his career lie ahead of him.
The Finnish international is patience personified when asked umpteen times to go into the details of the knee problem which at time threatened his career.
But Forssell is hoping he is slowly but surely showing he is still the top quality player who four years ago scored 19 goals for City when on loan from Chelsea before the move eventually became permanent.
His hat-trick against Tottenham on Saturday highlighted his deadly finishing in front of goal, a quality which Blues boss Alex McLeish has been desperate to see in his team as they bid to finish off some promising performances.
Forssell said: "I'm asked about my knee injuries but I don't want to think about it any more. I've actually been back from that for about two and a half years.
"I had an injury 18 months ago but it wasn't that serious. It was earlier in my career when the problems were a concern.
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Ryan Babel is convinced Liverpool can outsmart Everton and claim a Champions League place.
Rafael Benitez's side will snatch fourth spot from their Merseyside rivals in the Barclays Premier League should they defeat West Ham at Anfield on Wednesday.
Both teams are in good form, with Liverpool beating Bolton on Sunday before Everton overcame Portsmouth.
Babel, 21, is looking for the Reds to take advantage of their game in hand in midweek .
"We have to maintain the pressure on Everton," said the Dutch winger.
"I am sure they will drop points before the end of the season.
"If we keep winning, we will claim that fourth place."
Babel marked his fifth successive start for Liverpool by scoring his eighth goal of the campaign in the 3-1 victory at the Reebok.
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Ryan Babel is convinced Liverpool can outsmart Everton and claim a Champions League place.
Rafael Benitez's side will snatch fourth spot from their Merseyside rivals in the Barclays Premier League should they defeat West Ham at Anfield on Wednesday.
Both teams are in good form, with Liverpool beating Bolton on Sunday before Everton overcame Portsmouth.
Babel, 21, is looking for the Reds to take advantage of their game in hand in midweek .
"We have to maintain the pressure on Everton," said the Dutch winger.
"I am sure they will drop points before the end of the season.
"If we keep winning, we will claim that fourth place."
Babel marked his fifth successive start for Liverpool by scoring his eighth goal of the campaign in the 3-1 victory at the Reebok.
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The boy who first caught the eye at Bury is poised to complete a remarkable journey from League Two to the Champions League quarter-finals in the space of three seasons.
Colin Kazim-Richards or Kazim Kazim as he prefers to be known now struts his stuff alongside Roberto Carlos and Alex at Fenerbahce.
Legendary Brazilian Zico is his coach and on Tuesday night the 21-year-old winger hopes to take another giant step forward.
Fenerbahce face Sevilla in the second leg in Spain, holding a 3-2 advantage after advancing beyond the knock-out stages for the first time.
Kazim, who apparently earned £50 a week at Bury, is anxious to continue mixing it with Europe's finest.
"Getting through the knockout stages was the biggest thing to happen to the club, so every game is like a cup final," he told ITV.
While the London-born player has embraced his new environment, he admitted: "It was a culture shock, totally different to life in England.
"It is intense in Turkey. One minute they can hate you, the next you are God. But everything in life has a purpose."
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Shrewsbury have parted company with manager Gary Peters by mutual consent.
The former Preston boss - who had been in charge since November 2004 - leaves with the Shrews in 16th place in Coca-Cola League Two, despite having been the beaten play-off finalists last season.
They are without a win in seven games and were beaten 4-1 at Barnet on Saturday.
Peters said: "The negativity towards me at the moment might be affecting the team and whatever we can do for us to get results we need to do.
"If that is by me leaving the club then that is what needs to be as I don't want that negativity to get to the players.
"The results that we've had over the last 12 games haven't been good enough and I wouldn't have been surprised if I had been sacked.
"That hasn't been the case and it has been a mutual agreement between the chairman and myself that I have decided to leave Shrewsbury Town."
Chairman Roland Wycherley added: "It was a very difficult decision bearing in mind the way Gary has taken the club forward, particularly the trip to Wembley last year, and the year on year progress that we have made.
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
john the tinca
I HAVE THE POWER.
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5482
Location: Derby.DERBY DISABLED ANGLING CLUB. CHAIRMAN
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:06 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Shrewsbury have parted company with manager Gary Peters by mutual consent.
The former Preston boss - who had been in charge since November 2004 - leaves with the Shrews in 16th place in Coca-Cola League Two, despite having been the beaten play-off finalists last season.
They are without a win in seven games and were beaten 4-1 at Barnet on Saturday.
Peters said: "The negativity towards me at the moment might be affecting the team and whatever we can do for us to get results we need to do.
"If that is by me leaving the club then that is what needs to be as I don't want that negativity to get to the players.
"The results that we've had over the last 12 games haven't been good enough and I wouldn't have been surprised if I had been sacked.
"That hasn't been the case and it has been a mutual agreement between the chairman and myself that I have decided to leave Shrewsbury Town."
Chairman Roland Wycherley added: "It was a very difficult decision bearing in mind the way Gary has taken the club forward, particularly the trip to Wembley last year, and the year on year progress that we have made.
_________________
BRAINSTORMING FORUM
FOOTBALLPOSTS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Join! (free) 
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
