Training to Play

Lithuania win over Czechs is Scotland's best hope

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:11:56 +0100

Lithuania win over Czechs is Scotland's best hope :

Just how do you defeat Spain, one of the best international sides ever seen, if not the best? The best place to start is with Ottmar Hitzfeld, given the German was the man who guided the Swiss to that stunning win in Durban last June.

“If you want to play an attacking game against Spain, you will lose by a big margin,” he said after their clash.

“Our aim was to have two compact lines behind our strikers. We didn’t want to lose too much energy fighting for the ball.

“We concentrated and were organised from the start.”

And that is how to beat Spain. What Hitzfeld didn’t mention was the luck factor, something the Scots had in abundance in the two games against France in the last European campaign.

Another era of ItalJuve

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:47:31 +0100

Another era of ItalJuve :

It is far from a new phenomenon for a country to call upon a large number of stars from a single club, and Italy themselves have quite the history – particularly in relation to Juventus – and it has proven to be a winning formula for them in the past.

The Azzurri’s first-ever World Cup win in 1934 came in the middle of a run of five straight Scudetti for the Turin side, and the likes of Giovanni Ferrari, Raimundo Orsi and Umberto Caligaris were among a nine-strong band of Juve players in the 22-man squad which triumphed on home soil under Vittorio Pozzo. Four years later, Italy grabbed a second world title immediately after the Bianconeri had added a Coppa Italia win to their roll of honour. The 1930s remains the second most successful decade in the club’s history.

Bruce vows to prove doubters wrong

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:09:42 +0100

Bruce vows to prove doubters wrong :

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has once again insisted he is the right man for the job amid fresh speculation over his future.

Sources on Wearside have dismissed suggestions that Bruce’s job is under threat with Martin O’Neill being lined up to replace him at the Stadium of Light. However, there is little doubt results need to improve if the manager is to retain the support he currently enjoys from owner and new chairman Ellis Short.

Zinedine Zidane learns the A-ZZ of management

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:22:31 +0100

Zinedine Zidane learns the A-ZZ of management :

The ex-France, Juventus and Real Madrid superstar has started a two-year university diploma at Limoges to become a manager and is dreaming of coaching Les Bleus. Zizou said: “France manager? Why not? It would not be bad. Anything is possible in life.”

Current coach Laurent Blanc is not yet quaking in his boots as Zidane has two years of hard studying ahead.

Pep won't sign long-term deal

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:44:26 +0100

Pep won't sign long-term deal :

Pep Guardiola says he does not want to be tied down to a long-term contract at Barcelona because he needs to feel free to decide his future. The 40-year-old was promoted from Barcelona’s B team in June 2008 to replace Frank Rijkaard at the helm of the senior side.

Since then Guardiola has extended his contract with the reigning Spanish and European champions on a year-by-year basis, with his current deal due to expire next June.

Chelsea want long Andre Villas-Boas stay

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:20:09 +0100

Chelsea want long Andre Villas-Boas stay :

The 33-year-old former Porto boss took over at Stamford Bridge in June. Buck told BBC Sport: “We do envy Arsene Wenger at Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in terms of longevity, but it shouldn’t be longevity for longevity’s sake.

“It has to be the right guy in the job for 10 or 15 years and, in light of Andre’s age, he may well be that guy.” Buck added: “Everyone thinks his age might have been a negative but it’s a positive.”

Wenger, 61, is celebrating 15 years at Arsenal since his appointment in 1996. Ferguson, 69, arrived at Manchester United a decade earlier and, in November, will mark 25 years as manager at Old Trafford.

Transfer deadline quotes of the day

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:32:11 +0100

Transfer deadline quotes of the day :

As transfer deadline day continues, BBC Sport rounds up the best of the quotes from those involved in the day’s action.

“I always wanted to go to play abroad. I love football, I love watching it, I love talking about it.” Joe Cole after his move from Liverpool to Lille.

“He’s a good character, a fantastic person, a proper family man, a real good pro. He’ll be great around the place for us.” Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is pleased to have secured the signature of West Ham midfielder Scott Parker.

Source

Messi, Xavi & Ronaldo up for Uefa award

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:27:58 +0100

Messi, Xavi & Ronaldo up for Uefa award :

Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Xavi will fight Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo for the Uefa Best Player in Europe award after the list of nominees was announced.

The inaugural award will take place in August and the final trio have been announced after a jury of 53 sports journalists representing each of the Uefa member associations scaled down the list which included Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, and Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta.

Gabbidon deal done

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:14:58 +0100

Gabbidon deal done :

QPR have completed the signing of Danny Gabbidon following his release by West Ham.

The 31-year-old defender, who made 113 appearances in six years with the Hammers, has agreed a one-year deal at Loftus Road.

He becomes Rangers boss Neil Warnock’s third signing of the summer, along with fellow former Hammer Kieron Dyer and Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd.

Gabbidon told Rangers’ official website: “Hopefully I can bring experience to the table having played in the Premier League for a number of years.

Mourinho asume más poder: también es mánager deportivo del Real

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 19:38:18 +0100

Mourinho asume más poder: también es mánager deportivo del Real :

El Real Madrid anunció hoy que José Mourinho será, además del entrenador del primer equipo, el mánager deportivo, con lo que el portugués consiguió plenos poderes en su parcela.

El Real Madrid imita así el “modelo inglés”, algo insólito en la Liga española hasta ahora, y Mourinho obtiene todo el margen de decisión en materia deportiva, desde fichajes a planificación de viajes o elección de médicos.

Software "Mourinho Tactical Board" ajuda futebol de alta competição

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:30:19 +0100

Software "Mourinho Tactical Board" ajuda futebol de alta competição:

É mais uma ferramenta de trabalho para o futebol de alta competição. Chama-se “Mourinho Tactical Board”. O GPS da táctica foi pensado pelo treinador do Real Madrid e já chegou a 180 países. O software foi desenvolvido por uma empresa de Barcelos.

Bent wants N'Zogbia at Villa

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:49:03 +0100

Bent wants N'Zogbia at Villa :

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent believes Wigan winger Charles N’Zogbia would be a “fantastic” signing for the club.

Villa boss Alex McLeish is looking to bolster his squad after seeing Stewart Downing leave for Liverpool and Ashley Young for Manchester United.

Last week, Wigan turned down a £9 million bid from Villa for N’Zogbia, with Latics chairman Dave Whelan seeking £10 million for the Frenchman.

Bent accepts that the departures of Downing and Young will be felt, but is hopeful that Marc Albrighton, 21, can continue his development and that N’Zogbia can be brought in.

Alexis Sanchez joins Barcelona from Udinese for £23m

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:32:40 +0100

Alexis Sanchez joins Barcelona from Udinese for £23m :

Alexis Sanchez is set to join Barcelona from Udinese for a fee of £23m, which could rise as high as £33m.

The Chilean winger, who will undergo a medical on Monday, has signed a five-year deal with the La Liga and Champions League holders.

Sanchez, 22, was voted Serie A’s best player last season having scored 12 times in 31 games.

Sanchez, who has 40 caps for Chile, signed for Udinese in 2006 from Chilean side Cobreloa.

Al míster madridista no le sentó nada bien que los médicos le ...

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:17:03 +0100

Al míster madridista no le sentó nada bien que los médicos le comunicaran tan tarde la baja de Xabi Alonso. Además, Mourinho se pillo un buen cabreo con una jugada de Marcelo.

Ronaldo hat-trick propels Real Madrid win

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:59:47 +0100

Ronaldo hat-trick propels Real Madrid win :

Cristiano Ronaldo scored three goals in a devastating nine minute second-half spell on Wednesday to propel Spanish giants Real Madrid to a 3-0 victory over Mexico’s Chivas Guadalajara.

Ronaldo, a former world footballer of the year, was thwarted by Chivas keeper Luis Michel in the first half of the friendly.

Michel stopped one of the Portuguese star’s signature free kicks in the 6th minute and shortly afterwards denied a Ronaldo headed attempt off a corner.

Udinese confirm Barcelona deal for Sanchez

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:39:39 +0100

Udinese confirm Barcelona deal for Sanchez :

The Serie A outfit have finalised a deal with the European champions for the Chile international, with an official announcement to be made in the coming days.

Barcelona have reached an agreement with Udinese over the signing of Alexis Sanchez, according to Gino Pozzo, the son of Udinese club owner Giampaolo Pozzo.

Speaking with Spanish radio station RAC1 upon his arrival on Wednesday at Barcelona’s El Prat airport, Pozzo stated that “the agreement with Barcelona for Alexis Sanchez is complete.”

Mourinho Tactical Board for iPad on the iTunes App Store

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:00:06 +0100

Mourinho Tactical Board for iPad on the iTunes App Store:

Learn more, read reviews, and download Mourinho Tactical Board by Brandit on the iTunes App Store.

See this product

Gunners complete Gervinho signing

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:39:32 +0100

Gunners complete Gervinho signing :

Arsenal have completed the signing of striker Gervinho from Lille for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £10.5 million.

The Gunners announced last week a deal had been agreed and the paperwork has now been approved, with Gervinho penning what Arsenal would only describe as a “long-term contract”.

Gervinho, who helped Lille to win the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double last season, said: “It’s a great feeling to be an Arsenal player. I’m very happy. I’ve always dreamed to play for this club. I’ve achieved this dream now and I am so happy. It’s one of the most beautiful days of my life.”

Man City manager Mancini expects Aguero developments

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:52:38 +0100

Man City manager Mancini expects Aguero developments :

Manchester City are closing in on a deal to sign Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero, BBC Sport understands.

The move comes despite the deadlock in Carlos Tevez’s proposed move to Brazilian outfit Corinthians.

The Tevez transfer is on hold after the Brazilian side contradicted City boss Roberto Mancini’s claim that a deal had been agreed.

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David Beckham: "I'll prove I'm still the Real deal"

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:52:31 +0100

David Beckham: "I'll prove I'm still the Real deal" :

Becks and his LA Galaxy team-mates are gearing up for the World Football Challenge in the States, which also features Premier League champions Manchester United.

And the England international is looking forward to proving he can still cut it among the best players in the world.

Beckham, who starred for Madrid from 2003 to 2007, said: “I spent four amazing years at Real Madrid.