Saturday, February 18, 2012
Exclusive backstage interviews from SmackDown - "Backstage Fallout" SmackDown February 17, 2012
The Wide-Awake Gossip
Theo Walcott to head a clear-out at Arsenal, Liverpool to 'resist' PSG offer for Suarez and United want Adil Rami...
WALCOTT LEADS CLEAR-OUT
It's a theme seized upon by the Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph following Wednesday's embarrassing capitulation in Milan - there's a feeling that Arsenal must act this summer and chief among those players who should worry about their future is Theo Walcott, hauled off at half-time after another rotten 45 minutes.
There are no possible destinations mentioned for Walcott but we would have thought Liverpool's interest would be a shoo-in as they are without a right winger and Walcott is young, English and presumably overpriced.
Also likely to be available - at a much lower price than Walcott - will be Andrey Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh, Sebastien Squillaci, Tomas Rosicky and Park Ju-young. We'll give you £7.47 for the job lot.
SUAREZ MOVE 'RESISTED'
'Liverpool will resist moves by moneybags Paris Saint-Germain to offer Luis Suarez an escape route from his current turmoil,' claims the Daily Mirror, while making it not at all clear whether Liverpool would actually be averse to selling the Uruguayan.
'No one at Anfield is under any illusions about the distance that needs to be travelled before they can even think about a future for the striker beyond this season,' continues the report. So does that mean they would or would not sell? Our guess is that nobody knows but Thursday's reports in France of a PSG move do seem to have put the chat amongst the pigeons.
UNITED WANT RAMI
We're not sure that Manchester United are in the market for a a centre-half but the Daily Mail claims that scouts watched Valencia centre-half Adil Rami - also a target for Barcelona - on Thursday night at Stoke.
The 26-year-old French international is apparently rated at £20m just a year after joining the Spanish club from Lille for just £5m. For what it's worth, he coped well with Stoke's aerial bombardment at the Britannia.
AND THE REST
Manchester City midfielders Gai Assulin and Abdul Razak are going to Brighton on loan...Manchester United have contracted Mario Gotze's agent Dirk Hebel over a move for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder...Fulham are watching Ghana defender Isaac Vorsah...Cardiff are lining up a swoop for Newcastle's Peter Lovenkrands...Rising star George Long has signed a new four-year deal at Sheffield United - despite interest from Manchester United...Tottenham scouts ran the rule over £12million-rated Ajax centre back Jan Vertonghen...
Barclays Premier League welcomes back African stars
Twelve English-based players took part in African Cup of Nations over last month
Ivory Coast's Yaya Toure has been in magnificent form for Machester City this season.
The African Cup of Nations finished on Sunday, with Zambia winning the tournament for the first time after a penalty shootout victory over Ivory Coast.
The 12 players who left their Barclays Premier League clubs to participate in the competition have now returned to England to help their teams in the final few months of the season.
We take a look at how the 12 fared in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon:
The African Cup of Nations finished on Sunday, with Zambia winning the tournament for the first time after a penalty shootout victory over Ivory Coast.
The 12 players who left their Barclays Premier League clubs to participate in the competition have now returned to England to help their teams in the final few months of the season.
We take a look at how the 12 fared in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon:
ARSENAL
Gervinho (Ivory Coast)
- Matches: Five (played 89, 90, 90, 90, 120 minutes); Goals: One
- Highlight: Scored stunning semi-final winner
"His semi-final goal was a cracker and that's great news for his confidence"
- Wenger on Gervinho
- What he said (on 19th January): "The Ivory Coast are like Arsenal. The Ivory Coast have not won a trophy since 1992. We've got good players and every time we approach a tournament, we say we are going to win it and then we miss out."
- What they said (Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger): "His semi-final goal was a cracker. That's great news for his confidence. Sometimes he rushes his decisions but I was happy he kept calm and finished in a controlled way."
- Marouane Chamakh (Morocco)
- Matches: Two (78, 90 minutes)
- Highlight: Denied by a stunning save in opener v Tunisia
- What he said (on 18 January): "I think Wenger has confidence in me. It was that reason that I left Bordeaux to join Arsenal. I have a lot more to my game and I want to demonstrate my level."
- What they said (Morocco coach Eric Gerets in January): "Players not playing regularly for their club sides will want to give something extra to show their good qualities to their coaches. In a way they are also playing for their places at club level."
CHELSEA
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
- Matches: Six (90, 90, 11, 90, 90, 120 minutes); Goals: Three, but missed two penalties
- Highlight: Scored twice in quarter-final win over Equatorial Guinea
- What he said (in November): "Whenever you go to a competition you go to win. Only one will win the cup, I hope we are going to be the country."
- What they said (Ivory coach Francois Zahoui post-final): "If the veterans still have the motivation they can still play an important role for the team. But these are decisions not to be made now."
- Matches: Five (64, 65, 5, 90, 63 minutes); Goals: One
- Highlight: Scoring with a cool finish against Burkina Faso
"We created chances but luck was not on our side. The penalty shootout is a lottery"
- Salomon Kalou- What he said (post-final): "We created chances but luck wasn't on our side. But that said, not to concede a goal in the whole competition is some feat. The penalty shootout is a lottery."
- What they said (Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas in October): "Everyone wants more playing time, even within what we're doing. Everyone thinks they fall short because we have 26 players and we can only pick 11."
MANCHESTER CITY
Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast)- Matches: Six (90, 90, 90, 90, 90, 120 minutes)
- Highlight: Being part of a defence that did not concede a single goal
- What he said (on 20th January): "I am looking forward to winning the Barclays Premier League again. I won it with Arsenal and would be so glad to win it with Manchester City as well."
- What they said (Man City manager Roberto Mancini in December): "Kolo is part of our plans for this year. Kolo is a good player, a good guy and if he plays or not - because we have a lot of good players - he is part of our plans."
- Matches: Five (90, 81, 90, 90, 87 minutes); Goals: One
- Highlight: Scoring an unstoppable free-kick in quarter-final victory
- What he said: "This isn't the European Cup. Temperature, humidity, grounds and the atmosphere are all very different. To go all the way through is very hard."
- What they said (Mancini at start of January): "I've tried to find another Yaya in the squad but there is no-one. He is an important player for us and without him it will be difficult."
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Demba Ba (Senegal)- Matches: Three (90, 58, 45 minutes)
- Highlight: Hitting the frame of the goal in their opening match
"I'm very focused on the end of the season with Newcastle, we want to achieve something"
- Demba Ba
- What he said (post-tournament): "I'm very focused on this end of season with Newcastle, we want to achieve something and I would like to see it happen."
- What they said (Newcastle boss Alan Pardew in January): "His biggest asset is his personality. He's a winner. Whatever role I have given him, he has tried to do that to the best of his ability - he has played in two or three roles for me. His all-round play has been excellent."
- Matches: Three (23, 90, 45 minutes)
- Highlight: Teed up Ba to hit the woodwork, but was otherwise quiet
- What he said (after a goalscoring debut for Newcastle against Aston Villa): "I've experienced playing in front of some great crowds in the Bundesliga. But nothing quite like this. The best reward for the fans would be to help get them into Europe - they deserve it."
- What they said (Pardew after Cisse's debut): "He has had a great start. It was boys' annual stuff - the goal, his all-round performance. Any Newcastle fan would have been nudging their mate saying, 'We have got a good 'un here, he looks all right'."
- Matches: Four (80, 90, 90, 120 minutes)
- Highlight: Helped set up the goal and was superb in opening win against Sudan
- What he said (pre-tournament): "Every time there is an African tournament, people tell us that we are favourites to win. But when you look at our trophy cabinet there is nothing there... absolutely nothing."
- What they said (Pardew in December): "We are always on our guard with Cheik because we realise that to us, he is very, very important and it would be very, very difficult for someone to take him away from us."
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Armand Traore (Senegal)- Matches: None
- Highlight: Not appearing in a disastrous campaign won't have harmed Traore
"I'm enjoying working with him, he's a bright kid and I think there's more to come"
- Hughes on Taarabt
- What he said (pre-tournament): "I thought, 'I want to be part of this; there is something we can do there'. Everyone is my age, quite young and could be playing for Senegal for the next 10 years."
- What they said (QPR manager Mark Hughes after signing another left-back, Taye Taiwo): "Armand and Taye are both accomplished and allow me to play them both in the same team. We could have a combination of both down the left-hand side."
- Matches: Two (45, 24 minutes)
- Highlight: Saw a fine shot saved in defeat at hands of Tunisia
- What he said (post-finals): "The last couple of months at QPR was disappointing for me because I didn't show what I know I can do. But now we have a new manager and it is a new start for me."
- What they said (Mark Hughes last week): "I'm enjoying working with him. He's a very bright kid, he's good around the place, and I've been really, really impressed with him. I think there's more to come. With the right work and the right direction he could be more effective than he has been in the past."
WIGAN ATHLETIC
Mohamed Diame (Senegal)- Matches: Three (90, 66, 90 minutes)
- Highlight: Decent display in 2-1 defeat against hosts Equatorial Guinea
- What he said (about Wigan's Barclays Premier League survival last season): "We survived on the last day which required effort until the very last second of the season. We really hope not to have to go through something like that again."
- What they said (Wigan boss Roberto Martinez at start of February): "Mohamed is like a new signing. We never expected him back until the end of February, so to get him for the next three games is a real bonus."
Cover Photo for Edge’s WWE DVD, Jericho Confirmed to Host Show, The Rock
“TEAM BRING IT WORLDWIDE: Journey 2 – the #1 ranked movie in the world. THANK U! #PoppethThyPecs #TeamPecPop”
- Chris Jericho confirmed on Twitter that he will be hosting the Revolver Magazine Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles this April. Jericho has hosted the event for the past three years. Jericho also mentioned that while in Los Angeles his week, he did rehearsals for a new project.
As noted before, WWE Champion CM Punk is up for the Most Metal Athlete at this year’s awards.
- Courtesy of Silvervision, below is the official cover photo for “You Think You Know Me? The Story of Edge” which will be released by WWE on DVD and Blu-ray April 10th.
Brodus Clay Tweets, News on the WrestleMania 30 Location and More
- Brodus Clay wrote the following on Twitter regarding reports that his character has been put on hold:
“Don’t believe the hater hype plant funk still in orbit ya dig!”
- NWA Hollywood star Nick Madrid has just completed his second two-day tryout with WWE in less than a month. Madrid is on WWE’s radar as he also worked the Anaheim RAW Supershow and Las Vegas SmackDown tapings last month.
- Regarding WrestleMania 29 being held in the New York area and how it affects WrestleMania 30, a WWE source indicates that WWE officials weren’t even considering the location for WrestleMania 30 yet. WrestleMania 29 was decided on based on the bid that WWE received from the State of New Jersey. Nothing is official for WrestleMania 30 yet and there’s no word if it will be held in New York City to keep with tradition.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Off Day for WWE’s Champion, Rock & Ryder Comment on WM 29, Shane McMahon, More
- WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race was visiting at WWE developmental this week.
- The Hollywood Reporter reports that YOU On Demand, the Chinese company ran by Shane McMahon, has signed a deal with Lionsgate to distribute their movies in China. Shane is YOU On Demand’s chairman and CEO.
- Regarding his WrestleMania 29 appearance, The Rock wrote on Twitter today:
“Met Life Stadium. Home of Wrestlemania 29. 2013. #MetLifeWillGetRocked”
Zack Ryder replied:
“Met Life Stadium. Home of Wrestlemania 29. Z013. #MetLifeWillGetZacked”
- Speaking of The Rock, he has signed on for two more Fast & Furious sequels.
- As noted before, WWE Champion CM Punk and World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan were absent from today’s WrestleMania 29 press conference in New Jersey. Punk noted on Twitter that he was at home catching up on AMC’s Walking Dead and enjoying a lazy day on his couch.
- The Hollywood Reporter reports that YOU On Demand, the Chinese company ran by Shane McMahon, has signed a deal with Lionsgate to distribute their movies in China. Shane is YOU On Demand’s chairman and CEO.
- Regarding his WrestleMania 29 appearance, The Rock wrote on Twitter today:
“Met Life Stadium. Home of Wrestlemania 29. 2013. #MetLifeWillGetRocked”
Zack Ryder replied:
“Met Life Stadium. Home of Wrestlemania 29. Z013. #MetLifeWillGetZacked”
- Speaking of The Rock, he has signed on for two more Fast & Furious sequels.
- As noted before, WWE Champion CM Punk and World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan were absent from today’s WrestleMania 29 press conference in New Jersey. Punk noted on Twitter that he was at home catching up on AMC’s Walking Dead and enjoying a lazy day on his couch.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Olympiacos within sight of Rubin success
Having won 1-0 in Russia, Olympiacos FC welcome FC Rubin Kazan to Piraeus with the winners in their UEFA Europa League tie to take on FC Salzburg or FC Metalist Kharkiv in the round of 16.
David Fuster's deflected shot in Russia has given Olympiacos FC a 1-0 advantage as they look to reach the UEFA Europa League round of 32 at the expense of FC Rubin Kazan.
• Olympiacos hit the winner after 71 minutes in Moscow, but the hero of the match was Northern Irish goalkeeper Roy Carroll, who saved a penalty with his first touch for his new club 14 minutes from time, having replaced Balázs Megyeri – who had been sent off for conceding the spot kick.
Previous meetings
• The clubs have been paired for the first time in UEFA competition.
• Olympiacos's only experience of Russian opposition prior to this season came in 1971 when they lost 2-0 at home and won 2-1 away against FC Dinamo Moskva in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup first round.
• All four of Rubin's meetings with Greek sides prior to this term have ended in draws − two 0-0s against Panathinaikos FC in the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League group stage and a 2-2 draw at home and a 1-1 away against PAOK FC in this season's UEFA Europa League group stage.
Match background
• Olympiacos moved into the UEFA Europa League despite winning three of their last four games in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
• The Greek champions last featured in the round of 32 in 2008/09, losing to an AS Saint-Étienne side featuring Belgian attacker Kevin Mirallas, now at the Piraeus club.
• They were more successful in their only other appearance at this stage, in 2004/05 − the first season since the advent of the UEFA Cup group stage − beating FC Sochaux Montbéliard but losing to Newcastle United FC in the round of 16.
• Rubin are in the round of 32 for a third season in succession; they overcame Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC at this stage in 2009/10 but bowed out to VfL Wolfsburg in the round of 16. They then succumbed to FC Twente last term.
Team facts
• Six of Rubin's 11 group stage goals came within 15 minutes of the restart; they were the most dangerous side in the competition in this early stage of the second half.
• Rubin defender César Navas and his Olympiacos counterpart Iván Marcano were team-mates at Real Racing Club from 2007 to 2009.
• Rubin's Gökdeniz Karadeniz came up against Olympiacos's Francisco Yeste and Pablo Orbaíz when Trabzonspor AŞ met Athletic Club in the 2004/05 UEFA Cup first round. Gökdeniz scored as his side won the home leg 3-2 and Yeste registered in the return fixture, which Athletic won 2-0 in Bilbao.
• Kurban Berdyev has been coach of Rubin since 2001, leading them to Russian titles in 2008 and 2009. Rubin captain Roman Sharonov once said of his serious-minded trainer: "He has football on his mind 24 hours a day. If I thought about football that much I would probably lose my mind."
• Olympiacos's Spanish coach Ernesto Valverde was a forward and later coach with Athletic. He twice lost UEFA Cup finals on penalties with RSC Espanyol, as a player in 1988 and as a coach in 2007, but won the 1989 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup at FC Barcelona. He is in his second spell with the Piraeus club having won the Greek title in his first season, in 2008/09, and again on returning in 2010/11.
Round of 16
• The winners will take on FC Salzburg or FC Metalist Kharkiv in the round of 16 on 8 and 15 March, playing the second leg at home.
• Rubin have met neither of their potential opponents in UEFA competition.
• Olympiacos have never come across Salzburg, but lost 1-0 at Metalist in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup group stage, Edmar scoring an 88th-minute winner in Kharkiv.
Roy Caroll (left) saved a penalty with his first touch.
David Fuster's deflected shot in Russia has given Olympiacos FC a 1-0 advantage as they look to reach the UEFA Europa League round of 32 at the expense of FC Rubin Kazan.
• Olympiacos hit the winner after 71 minutes in Moscow, but the hero of the match was Northern Irish goalkeeper Roy Carroll, who saved a penalty with his first touch for his new club 14 minutes from time, having replaced Balázs Megyeri – who had been sent off for conceding the spot kick.
Previous meetings
• The clubs have been paired for the first time in UEFA competition.
• Olympiacos's only experience of Russian opposition prior to this season came in 1971 when they lost 2-0 at home and won 2-1 away against FC Dinamo Moskva in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup first round.
• All four of Rubin's meetings with Greek sides prior to this term have ended in draws − two 0-0s against Panathinaikos FC in the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League group stage and a 2-2 draw at home and a 1-1 away against PAOK FC in this season's UEFA Europa League group stage.
Match background
• Olympiacos moved into the UEFA Europa League despite winning three of their last four games in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
• The Greek champions last featured in the round of 32 in 2008/09, losing to an AS Saint-Étienne side featuring Belgian attacker Kevin Mirallas, now at the Piraeus club.
• They were more successful in their only other appearance at this stage, in 2004/05 − the first season since the advent of the UEFA Cup group stage − beating FC Sochaux Montbéliard but losing to Newcastle United FC in the round of 16.
• Rubin are in the round of 32 for a third season in succession; they overcame Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC at this stage in 2009/10 but bowed out to VfL Wolfsburg in the round of 16. They then succumbed to FC Twente last term.
Team facts
• Six of Rubin's 11 group stage goals came within 15 minutes of the restart; they were the most dangerous side in the competition in this early stage of the second half.
• Rubin defender César Navas and his Olympiacos counterpart Iván Marcano were team-mates at Real Racing Club from 2007 to 2009.
• Rubin's Gökdeniz Karadeniz came up against Olympiacos's Francisco Yeste and Pablo Orbaíz when Trabzonspor AŞ met Athletic Club in the 2004/05 UEFA Cup first round. Gökdeniz scored as his side won the home leg 3-2 and Yeste registered in the return fixture, which Athletic won 2-0 in Bilbao.
• Kurban Berdyev has been coach of Rubin since 2001, leading them to Russian titles in 2008 and 2009. Rubin captain Roman Sharonov once said of his serious-minded trainer: "He has football on his mind 24 hours a day. If I thought about football that much I would probably lose my mind."
• Olympiacos's Spanish coach Ernesto Valverde was a forward and later coach with Athletic. He twice lost UEFA Cup finals on penalties with RSC Espanyol, as a player in 1988 and as a coach in 2007, but won the 1989 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup at FC Barcelona. He is in his second spell with the Piraeus club having won the Greek title in his first season, in 2008/09, and again on returning in 2010/11.
Round of 16
• The winners will take on FC Salzburg or FC Metalist Kharkiv in the round of 16 on 8 and 15 March, playing the second leg at home.
• Rubin have met neither of their potential opponents in UEFA competition.
• Olympiacos have never come across Salzburg, but lost 1-0 at Metalist in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup group stage, Edmar scoring an 88th-minute winner in Kharkiv.
Ibrahimović inspired by Milan mentality
"We showed the right mentality," Zlatan Ibrahimović told UEFA.com after defying his UEFA Champions League knockout hoodoo with a fine display in AC Milan's 4-0 defeat of Arsenal FC.
Recently labelled the Gulliver of Serie A, Zlatan Ibrahimović is better known for his domestic exploits than for any on his travels. However, his impressive performance in AC Milan's 4-0 victory against Arsenal FC is proof the Sweden striker can also deliver in Europe.
The scorer of just three goals in 21 UEFA Champions League knockout games prior to this season was compared to Jonathan Swift's immortal creation by Juventus coach Antonio Conte for his deadly impact upon Serie A defences. On Wednesday, however, Ibrahimović gave similar treatment to the Arsenal back four, providing two assists for Robinho – after Kevin-Prince Boateng had broken the deadlock for the Rossoneri – and converting the penalty he had earned himself to seal a convincing round of 16 first-leg win.
However, the forward was ready to share the credit with his team-mates. "It was a night of great emotion because we won a difficult match with a great result and the side played brilliantly," Ibrahimović told UEFA.com. "It was the whole team that played well, not just me – without that it couldn't have happened.
"We are happy to take this first-leg result over to London," the 30-year-old continued. "Everybody helped each other out, we played with a great tempo, we played intelligently and everyone showed a great will to win. Above all, we showed the right mentality."
Milan's success was all the more eye-catching given they had endured a difficult four weeks in Serie A, suffering two defeats in six games. "We always had a lot of confidence," Ibrahimović explained. "Despite recent results we always stayed positive.
Milan's totemic front man can look at the 6 March sequel with optimism, having struck twice at Arsenal for FC Barcelona in 2009/10. "It doesn't matter that I've scored against Arsenal before," he added. "Every game is different and you never know what is going to happen. What you've done in the past counts for nothing – what counts is what you do in the future. Tonight's game is not a warning shot to anyone, it's just a good indication to ourselves that we are in form."
Recently labelled the Gulliver of Serie A, Zlatan Ibrahimović is better known for his domestic exploits than for any on his travels. However, his impressive performance in AC Milan's 4-0 victory against Arsenal FC is proof the Sweden striker can also deliver in Europe.
The scorer of just three goals in 21 UEFA Champions League knockout games prior to this season was compared to Jonathan Swift's immortal creation by Juventus coach Antonio Conte for his deadly impact upon Serie A defences. On Wednesday, however, Ibrahimović gave similar treatment to the Arsenal back four, providing two assists for Robinho – after Kevin-Prince Boateng had broken the deadlock for the Rossoneri – and converting the penalty he had earned himself to seal a convincing round of 16 first-leg win.
However, the forward was ready to share the credit with his team-mates. "It was a night of great emotion because we won a difficult match with a great result and the side played brilliantly," Ibrahimović told UEFA.com. "It was the whole team that played well, not just me – without that it couldn't have happened.
"We are happy to take this first-leg result over to London," the 30-year-old continued. "Everybody helped each other out, we played with a great tempo, we played intelligently and everyone showed a great will to win. Above all, we showed the right mentality."
Milan's success was all the more eye-catching given they had endured a difficult four weeks in Serie A, suffering two defeats in six games. "We always had a lot of confidence," Ibrahimović explained. "Despite recent results we always stayed positive.
We may have lost the odd game of late but tonight we won and showed how well we can play against a great side. However it's not over yet. This is only the first leg. We'll have to stay focused for the return in London and then we'll see how we get on."
Milan's totemic front man can look at the 6 March sequel with optimism, having struck twice at Arsenal for FC Barcelona in 2009/10. "It doesn't matter that I've scored against Arsenal before," he added. "Every game is different and you never know what is going to happen. What you've done in the past counts for nothing – what counts is what you do in the future. Tonight's game is not a warning shot to anyone, it's just a good indication to ourselves that we are in form."
Arsenal silenced by Milan fire power
AC Milan 4-0 Arsenal FCThe Italian side have one foot in the quarter-finals after Kevin-Prince Boateng's sumptuous early volley set the tone for a memorable night at San Siro.
AC Milan made a giant leap towards a first UEFA Champions League quarter-final appearance since 2007 after completing an imperious four-goal victory against Arsenal FC.
A spectacular Kevin-Prince Boateng volley, strikes either side of the interval by Robinho and a late Zlatan Ibrahimović penalty condemned Arsène Wenger's side to their heaviest ever European defeat.
The Gunners require five goals when the sides reconvene in three weeks' time in London if they are revive their remote prospects in this competition – even less likely on the evidence of this evening, they cannot afford to concede.
The build-up to the match was dominated by talk of the English hoodoo that has seen Milan eliminated at this stage by Premier League opposition for three UEFA Champions League campaigns running. Yet it was the Rossoneri who haunted Arsenal with a high-octane display of pressing, passing and lethal finishing.
Massimiliano Allegri's side began as they meant to go on when Clarence Seedorf sent a fourth-minute shot fizzing wide. Though the Dutchman had to go off injured soon afterwards, the hosts maintained their momentum, almost taking the lead through his replacement, Urby Emanuelson, who mis-hit Ibrahimović's lay-off from 12 metres out.
The Rossoneri were soon ahead as Boateng – returning from a month-long absence – controlled Antonio Nocerino's pass with his chest before sending a venomous strike in off the bar from a tight angle. Arsenal, laborious in possession, lacked Milan's drive and energy, epitomised by Boateng and Robinho. Not to mention the killer pass, provided time and again by Ibrahimović, including the moment he crossed for Robinho to head in after haring down the left flank.
Boateng broke through to crash a shot into the side netting, while Nocerino skimmed the bar with a ferocious strike. The Gunners were being swamped, and the sight of Laurent Koscielny limping off just before the break represented more bad news. The visitors' other central defender, Thomas Vermaelen, was exposed for Milan's third goal. The Belgian international slipped as Robinho, played in by the impressive Ibrahimović, turned him inside out before dispatching a low angled shot inside the helpless Wojciech Szczęsny's right-hand post.
Wenger introduced Thierry Henry for his 376th and perhaps final appearance for Arsenal, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for only his ninth. The former almost created an unexpected away goal when he conjured a clever flick which set up Robin van Persie. The 28-year-old's shot was on target, but Christian Abbiati pulled off an excellent save to deny the Dutch international.
Abbiati denied Van Persie twice more as the visitors threw caution to the wind – it was clearly not the Gunners' night. Indeed worse was to follow for the visitors when Ibrahimović was upended by Johan Djourou 11 minutes from time. The Sweden striker converted the spot kick for his fifth UEFA Champions League goal of the campaign to cap a fine individual performance; it was not a bad team display either.
AC Milan made a giant leap towards a first UEFA Champions League quarter-final appearance since 2007 after completing an imperious four-goal victory against Arsenal FC.
A spectacular Kevin-Prince Boateng volley, strikes either side of the interval by Robinho and a late Zlatan Ibrahimović penalty condemned Arsène Wenger's side to their heaviest ever European defeat.
The Gunners require five goals when the sides reconvene in three weeks' time in London if they are revive their remote prospects in this competition – even less likely on the evidence of this evening, they cannot afford to concede.
The build-up to the match was dominated by talk of the English hoodoo that has seen Milan eliminated at this stage by Premier League opposition for three UEFA Champions League campaigns running. Yet it was the Rossoneri who haunted Arsenal with a high-octane display of pressing, passing and lethal finishing.
Massimiliano Allegri's side began as they meant to go on when Clarence Seedorf sent a fourth-minute shot fizzing wide. Though the Dutchman had to go off injured soon afterwards, the hosts maintained their momentum, almost taking the lead through his replacement, Urby Emanuelson, who mis-hit Ibrahimović's lay-off from 12 metres out.
The Rossoneri were soon ahead as Boateng – returning from a month-long absence – controlled Antonio Nocerino's pass with his chest before sending a venomous strike in off the bar from a tight angle. Arsenal, laborious in possession, lacked Milan's drive and energy, epitomised by Boateng and Robinho. Not to mention the killer pass, provided time and again by Ibrahimović, including the moment he crossed for Robinho to head in after haring down the left flank.
Boateng broke through to crash a shot into the side netting, while Nocerino skimmed the bar with a ferocious strike. The Gunners were being swamped, and the sight of Laurent Koscielny limping off just before the break represented more bad news. The visitors' other central defender, Thomas Vermaelen, was exposed for Milan's third goal. The Belgian international slipped as Robinho, played in by the impressive Ibrahimović, turned him inside out before dispatching a low angled shot inside the helpless Wojciech Szczęsny's right-hand post.
Wenger introduced Thierry Henry for his 376th and perhaps final appearance for Arsenal, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for only his ninth. The former almost created an unexpected away goal when he conjured a clever flick which set up Robin van Persie. The 28-year-old's shot was on target, but Christian Abbiati pulled off an excellent save to deny the Dutch international.
Abbiati denied Van Persie twice more as the visitors threw caution to the wind – it was clearly not the Gunners' night. Indeed worse was to follow for the visitors when Ibrahimović was upended by Johan Djourou 11 minutes from time. The Sweden striker converted the spot kick for his fifth UEFA Champions League goal of the campaign to cap a fine individual performance; it was not a bad team display either.
Photo: WWE WrestleMania 29 Logo
Alberto Del Rio Disliked By WWE Colleagues - Details
The two-time WWE Champion is seen as off-putting behind the scenes as he portrays himself as a master backstage politician and struts around as a superstar. There is also a perception that he is not over to the level of his sizable push as his matches and promos garner tepid reactions from the audience. Company officials, however, are receptive to the Mexican grappler as they feel he has superstar potential because he's bilingual, tall and has a "great movie star look." His push is also fueled by the company's need for Hispanic stars given the lack of clarity regarding the long-term futures of Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara.
Meanwhile, Del Rio admitted during an interview last week with Bay area sports radio station 95.7 FM The Game that he doesn't like many of his WWE peers. When asked who he liked the least, the second-generation wrestler said that he hates The Miz.
"This is not part of the show. I really dislike that guy. I've tried to punch him in the face several times, not in the ring I mean outside the ring, but he's just like a little girl, he's always running away from me," Del Rio said.
"There's a big difference between The Miz and I, I'm a real athlete, he's just a loud stupid little kid. He's probably one of those guys that was bullied when he was in school, that's the reason he's now oh so loud and he wants to get attention from everybody, but in my case he's the real deal."
Del Rio capped off his Miz rant by saying that he doesn't have many female fans because "he's fat and ugly."
Punk Nominated For Golden God Award, JR Comments On A Texas 'Mania, Pearce-WWE
- NWA World Heavyweight Champion Adam Pearce, who had neck surgery over a year ago, told Brian Fritz of BetweenTheRopes.com that he expected to be in WWE's FCW developmental territory before getting injured and says if it weren't for his age, he thinks he would be there. The 33 year-old Pearce says he doesn't see himself wrestling past this year.
- Jim Ross reminded fans on Twitter why WrestleMania won't be held at Cowboys Stadium in Texas for at least the next two years - the NCAA basketball tournament. JR wrote:
"fans clamoring for Wrestlemania to be in Cowboys Stadium are apparently unaware that do to NCAA basketball it's not available nx 2 years."
- Chris Jericho was in attendance for yesterday's 2012 Golden Gods Awards press conference in Los Angeles with Alice Cooper, Zakk Wylde and others. Jericho hosted last year's awards show but no word yet if he will be involved this year. This year's show takes place on April 11th at Club Nokia in LA.
Jericho rival CM Punk is up for the Most Metal Athlete award this year. Punk goes up against MMA star Gina Carano, motorcross racer Brian Deegan, MLB star Evan Longoria, NBA player Dirk Nowitzki and NFL star Mitch Petrus.
Chris Jericho Video Interview, JR Comments on Orton and Undertaker’s Hair
- Jim Ross wrote the following on Twitter about this week’s hot topics – The Undertaker’s hair and Randy Orton’s status for Elimination Chamber:
“Don’t know why Taker cut his hair but assume we’ll learn more on the next installment of RAW. Obviously Deadman altering his look but why?”
“Re: Orton’s concussion, he’s out of Sundays PPV.WWE travels a medical doctor & certified athletic trainer to every event..4 those who asked.”
"Backstage Fallout" Raw - February 13, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Video: Chris Jericho And CM Punk Discuss The Rock
Chris Jericho's Recent Injury, RAW Action, More
- Stan sent word that last night's WWE RAW Supershow from San Diego had 21 minutes and 58 seconds of in-ring action, down from the previous week and the lowest of the year so far.
- Chris Jericho appeared on KTLA Morning News in Los Angeles today to promote the WWE show at the Staples Center later this month. Jericho talked about the herniated disc injury he suffered while doing Dancing With the Stars.
Jericho said the injury got so bad he couldn't sneeze. What helped him was DDP's Yoga. Jericho added that the yoga has also helped him with his in-ring performance.
WWE Makes Huge Announcement on Elimination Chamber
They have also spoiled the Elimination Chamber change and announced Santino Marella as Randy Orton's replacement. The following comes from WWE's website:
"FRESNO, Calif. – In a grueling Elimination Chamber Wild Card Battle Royal announced by SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long, Santino Marella earned the right to battle Wade Barrett, Big Show, The Great Khali, Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan in the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match.
The Italian Stallion surpassed competitors from Raw, SmackDown and WWE NXT to win the right to replace Randy Orton – who is out of action with a concussion – in Sunday’s Elimination Chamber clash for the World Heavyweight Championship. In the bout’s final, tense moments, Santino sent Raw’s David Otunga tumbling over the top rope to get the victory."
WWE Pushing Tamina, The Undertaker's Hair, More
- In an update from the other day, WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin is actually in Canada shooting scenes for "The Package" - another action movie. Austin is co-starring in the movie with actor Dolph Lundgren.
- As seen during the vignette on Monday night's RAW Supershow, The Undertaker was cutting his hair. This was done because The Undertaker's hair has not grown back enough. Taker shaved his head last year but it was expected that he would be ready to go for WrestleMania 28. After wearing a wig for his return on RAW a few weeks back, it looks like they are turning it into an angle for the Triple H feud.
WWE's website wrote:
"Then, Undertaker appeared on the TitanTron, revealing a shocking moment, taking a razor to his hair and proclaiming "vengeance will be mine.""
- You may have noticed that WWE was referring to Tamina as Tamina Snuka on Monday night's RAW Supershow. WWE is in the middle of pushing the daughter of "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka and using her last name is part of that push.
Tottenham are getting the best out of ‘world-class’ Gareth Bale - Liverpool legend John Barnes
The 22-year-old has been a revelation at White Hart Lane over the past two years and the former Anfield hero feels that his improved decision-making has been key.
John Barnes believes that Tottenham have helped Gareth Bale develop into a "world-class" footballer.
The Wales international has caught the eye again this season with 10 goals and eight assists so far to aid Spurs' push for the Premier League title.
Standout performances over the past 24 months, particularly against the likes of Inter in the Champions League last season, reportedly prompting interest from elite European clubs such as Barcelona.
“He's adapted his game to become world-class,” Barnes told Spurs’ official website.
“Was he a left-back? Was he a left winger? A left-sided midfielder? I think he's found his true position, he's found his true pattern, his method and he's been sensational for the last two years.
“You can't tie him down to a particular position or particular type of player. Is he a winger? Well, we've all seen him score goals from the middle.
“He's an all-round athlete, an intelligent footballer and Tottenham are getting the best out of him.”
Barnes, 48, has watched the former Southampton star improve his decision-making in particular in recent years, something which he feels is key to making the most of Bale’s vast potential.
“His game is not just about getting the ball and beating four players every time, you are not going to be able to do that,” the ex-England international observed.
“He seems to be able to cope with that because there are times when he gets it and lays it off first-time.
“The right decision is when to pass, when to dribble, when to run. What happened a lot - and it happened with me at times and maybe with him earlier in his career - when he got the ball, he probably felt he had to do something special.
“What's happening now is that he's making the right decisions. When there are two men on him, there is a spare man somewhere, and if you move the ball quickly you can find that spare man.
“He's now making those decisions. Maybe he won't be as eye-catching in every game in terms of beating four players, but he's still contributing to the team in helping them be successful.”
The Wales international has caught the eye again this season with 10 goals and eight assists so far to aid Spurs' push for the Premier League title.
Standout performances over the past 24 months, particularly against the likes of Inter in the Champions League last season, reportedly prompting interest from elite European clubs such as Barcelona.
“He's adapted his game to become world-class,” Barnes told Spurs’ official website.
“Was he a left-back? Was he a left winger? A left-sided midfielder? I think he's found his true position, he's found his true pattern, his method and he's been sensational for the last two years.
“You can't tie him down to a particular position or particular type of player. Is he a winger? Well, we've all seen him score goals from the middle.
“He's an all-round athlete, an intelligent footballer and Tottenham are getting the best out of him.”
Barnes, 48, has watched the former Southampton star improve his decision-making in particular in recent years, something which he feels is key to making the most of Bale’s vast potential.
“His game is not just about getting the ball and beating four players every time, you are not going to be able to do that,” the ex-England international observed.
“He seems to be able to cope with that because there are times when he gets it and lays it off first-time.
“The right decision is when to pass, when to dribble, when to run. What happened a lot - and it happened with me at times and maybe with him earlier in his career - when he got the ball, he probably felt he had to do something special.
“What's happening now is that he's making the right decisions. When there are two men on him, there is a spare man somewhere, and if you move the ball quickly you can find that spare man.
“He's now making those decisions. Maybe he won't be as eye-catching in every game in terms of beating four players, but he's still contributing to the team in helping them be successful.”
Fabio da Silva: Luis Suarez handshake snub inspired Manchester United to defeat Liverpool
The Reds forward refused to make peace with Patrice Evra before Saturday's match, causing outrage at Old Trafford and, says the defender, causing the home side to rally
Manchester United defender Fabio da Silva says that Luis Suarez’s controversial decision to refuse to shake Patrice Evra’s hand inspired his side to victory over Liverpool on Saturday.
The Red Devils ran out 2-1 winners in the Premier League clash which was largely overshadowed by the continuing fallout from the racism row engulfing the two players as the Uruguayan, who had served an eight-match suspension for racially abusing the full-back, declined Evra’s outstretched hand.
Fabio, who did not come off the bench during the game, felt the Reds forward’s actions were outrageous, telling Globoesporte: “I believe that in life it is always necessary to forgive.
“Patrice wanted to forgive Suarez. In Anfield he was attacked, but at Old Trafford he offered the hand.
“The action of Suarez was not justified. For me, to reject the hand of someone is very serious. The action of the Uruguayan before the beginning of the match increased our force to defeat Liverpool.
“In the ground, there was calm and the rivalry. But after the action of Suarez, the tension exploded.”
Suarez and Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish have both apologised since for their conduct before and after the game, which saw the Reds remain in seventh place in the table.
The Red Devils ran out 2-1 winners in the Premier League clash which was largely overshadowed by the continuing fallout from the racism row engulfing the two players as the Uruguayan, who had served an eight-match suspension for racially abusing the full-back, declined Evra’s outstretched hand.
Fabio, who did not come off the bench during the game, felt the Reds forward’s actions were outrageous, telling Globoesporte: “I believe that in life it is always necessary to forgive.
“Patrice wanted to forgive Suarez. In Anfield he was attacked, but at Old Trafford he offered the hand.
“The action of Suarez was not justified. For me, to reject the hand of someone is very serious. The action of the Uruguayan before the beginning of the match increased our force to defeat Liverpool.
“In the ground, there was calm and the rivalry. But after the action of Suarez, the tension exploded.”
Suarez and Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish have both apologised since for their conduct before and after the game, which saw the Reds remain in seventh place in the table.
Agent believes Juventus legend Del Piero ideal for MLS
The Bianconeri have already confirmed that the legendary No.10 will leave the club at the end of the season and he has been heavily tipped to move to the United States
Italian football agent Antonio Caliendo believes that Alessandro Del Piero should move to MLS when his time at Juventus comes to an end at the end of the season.
The Bianconeri announced in October that they would not be renewing the legendary No.10's contract when it expires in the summer and since then he has been linked with a number of clubs across the globe.
However, the United States has emerged as his most likely destination and Caliendo believes that Del Piero would flourish on the other side of the Atlantic.
"Well, if it was up to him, he would have continued at Juventus," the agent mused during an exclusive interview with Goal.com.
"So, now, I think that Del Piero is carefully considering his alternatives. Personally, I think MLS would be ideal for him because there he could display his immense talent.
"Think of people like [David] Beckham, who, thanks to MLS, has managed to extend his great career, bringing significant revenue to the entire U.S. soccer movement and also himself.
"A player of the calibre of Del Piero would be suited to MLS."
Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi has already expressed his interest in bringing Del Piero to the Ennio Tardini and Caliendo believes that joining the Gialloblu is a viable option for the former Italy international.
"Well, it's not a solution to be dismissed," he argued. "Del Piero is very attached to his family; they are of great importance to him.
"Maybe he could make a choice like that made by Roberto Baggio when he decided to finish his career at Brescia. He could do great things with [Sebastian] Giovinco."
The 37-year-old Del Piero has now made over 500 appearances in Serie A for Juventus, whom he joined from Padova as a teenager in 1993.
The Bianconeri announced in October that they would not be renewing the legendary No.10's contract when it expires in the summer and since then he has been linked with a number of clubs across the globe.
However, the United States has emerged as his most likely destination and Caliendo believes that Del Piero would flourish on the other side of the Atlantic.
"Well, if it was up to him, he would have continued at Juventus," the agent mused during an exclusive interview with Goal.com.
"So, now, I think that Del Piero is carefully considering his alternatives. Personally, I think MLS would be ideal for him because there he could display his immense talent.
"Think of people like [David] Beckham, who, thanks to MLS, has managed to extend his great career, bringing significant revenue to the entire U.S. soccer movement and also himself.
"A player of the calibre of Del Piero would be suited to MLS."
Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi has already expressed his interest in bringing Del Piero to the Ennio Tardini and Caliendo believes that joining the Gialloblu is a viable option for the former Italy international.
"Well, it's not a solution to be dismissed," he argued. "Del Piero is very attached to his family; they are of great importance to him.
"Maybe he could make a choice like that made by Roberto Baggio when he decided to finish his career at Brescia. He could do great things with [Sebastian] Giovinco."
The 37-year-old Del Piero has now made over 500 appearances in Serie A for Juventus, whom he joined from Padova as a teenager in 1993.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Royce Gracie vs. Dan Severn (Gracie Breakdown w/ CM Punk)
In this special edition classic Gracie Breakdown, Rener is joined by WWE Superstar and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, CM Punk, as they break down the fight that made the Triangle Choke famous overnight. If you haven't seen the epic battle between Royce and Dan Severn in UFC 4, be sure to watch it. For those of you who watched the fight live in 1994, leave a comment below and let us know where you were and what you were thinking as the fight went down.
What Happened After This Week's RAW Supershow
After RAW ended tonight in San Diego, Kane appeared but John Cena sent him back off with an Attitude Adjustment before the advertised dark main event began.
WWE Champion CM Punk retained his title against Dolph Ziggler in the dark main event. Punk won the good but quick match with the GTS. After the match, Punk dedicated his win to Zack Ryder.
Former WWE Champions Backstage At RAW Last Night, Rock Rejects Sequel
- Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio were backstage at RAW last night. Mysterio was there since the show was in his hometown of San Diego. Del Rio is still not cleared to wrestle, which is likely why has wasn't used on TV. He returned to WWE live events in California last weekend, but didn't take any bumps.
- The Rock has turned down one sequel and signed on for another. As noted earlier, The Rock will star in Fast 6, which will start filming in June. He will also not be a part of the Tooth Fairy sequel, which will star Larry The Cable Guy and will be a direct-to-disc release.
Beckham back with LA Galaxy
Chalk up another win for the Los Angeles Galaxy
Only this one wasn’t just for them, it perhaps was an important win for MLS as well. Despite massive offers from numerous European clubs, David Beckham officially chose to remain in the United States, agreeing to new multi-year contract with the Galaxy that keeps the famed midfielder in Los Angeles through the 2013 MLS season.
“I’m committed to the Galaxy. I’m excited about this beginning again,” Beckham said. “We’ve got a very special team, special players, a great staff (and) great owners who look after us and make our lives very special to be a part of the team, this franchise.”
As part of the new agreement between Beckham and the Galaxy, the midfielder will be allowed to be absent from the team during the Summer Olympics, which will be held in London this July. Beckham is expected be one of three overage players selected to compete for the Great Britain squad in the Olympics. The new contract also affirms his right to purchase an MLS franchise once his playing career ends.
“The Galaxy had to be right for him and the league had to be right,” Galaxy head coach/general manager Bruce Arena said. “David coming back to LA confirms that MLS is making progress (and) he believes in the sport in America and he believes in the Galaxy. ”
Beckham enjoyed his finest season in 2011, as he helped the Galaxy win the MLS Cup while setting up 15 goals, which was one behind Houston Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis. Beckham’s stellar season earned him a spot on MLS’ Best XI team and also the league’s Comeback Player of the Year Award, as Beckham’s great season came one year after missing most of the 2010 season due to injury.
Beckham began to draw interest from several European clubs, even before the season began, as Beckham was entering the final year of a five-year 250 million dollar contract (though the actual number was 32.5 million). Interest from abroad only picked up as the season went along, with clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Queens Park Rangers and clubs in Asia and the Middle East being linked to the midfielder.
No club was ambitious about securing Beckham’s services more than Paris Saint Germain. The French Club, owned by Qatar Investment Authority, aspires to be on the same level as European powers Manchester United and FC Barcelona, and they saw the acquisition of Beckham as the first step towards that goal. PSG was serious enough to offer Beckham and 18-month contract that would’ve paid him approximately one million dollars a month.
Yet PSG’s massive riches was apparently not enough to overcome the lure of living in Los Angeles and more importantly, the desires of his family. Beckham and his family have more than established themselves in LA and the possibility of having to uproot his family to another location for a third time apparently did not sit well with Beckham.
“We’ve been very happy here for the last five years, and we felt ‘why change something that works,’” Beckham said about his family situation. “The kids love here (and) I love living here. Los Angeles has been good to us as a family.”
Beckham’s return to Los Angeles for the next two season continues the wild ride of Beckham’s time in Los Angeles and MLS that began five years ago, almost to the day when Beckham rocked the sports world by announcing his intention of signing with the Los Angeles Galaxy. Beckham’s glorious introduction on a sunny July morning at the Home Depot Center was seen as the first step towards taking the Galaxy, MLS and the popularity of the sport in the United States to new heights.
That adventure though got off to a rocky start, as the Galaxy missed the playoffs his first two seasons with the Galaxy, but even worse, turmoil gripped the organization, as players and managers went in and out and the Galaxy locker room became a toxic situation. The low point came in August 2008, when after a 2-1 loss to the then-expansion San Jose Earthquakes, then-manager Ruud Gullit resigned and then-manager Alexi Lalas was fired.
In stepped Bruce Arena, who assumed both positions and immediately began the process of re-tooling the club, but first Arena had to concern himself with Beckham, who went to AC Milan on a short term loan in January of 2009. Immediately, speculation began that Beckham would try to force a permanent stay in Italy, but the Galaxy stood firm, and ultimately, an agreement was worked out that allowed Beckham to remain with the Rossoneri through the end of the Serie A season before returning to LA for the remainder of the 2009 MLS season.
The drama though was only heating up. Just before Beckham was set to rejoin the Galaxy that year, excerpts from a book entitled “The Beckham Experiment” revealed a falling out with the Galaxy’s other star, Landon Donovan. That fire was quickly put out, but then came a highly publicized confrontation with a member of Galaxy supporters group LA Riot Squad in his first game back in a Galaxy shirt. Yet through all the distractions, Beckham played a key role in the Galaxy’s turnaround season that culminated with a trip to the MLS Cup final, but ended in cruel fashion, as they lost to Real Salt Lake on penalties.
Beckham almost didn’t have a 2010 MLS season, as he returned to AC Milan on another short-term loan with the hopes of making England’s World Cup roster, but that quest ended abruptly, as he tore his Achilles in March, and his status as far as the 2010 MLS season was thrown into doubt. Beckham however defied the odds, returning to action in September, but his presence wasn’t enough to get the Galaxy back to the MLS Cup final, as they lost in embarrassing fashion to FC Dallas in the Western Conference Final. 2011 however was a different story, as the Galaxy, bouyed by the mid-season of Irish striker Robbie Keane won its second straight Supporters Shield and in front of 30,000 at the Home Depot Center on a rainy Sunday evening in November, captured the franchise’ third MLS Cup.
“We’re very grateful for what David has done the past five years, but we’re even more excited about the upcoming year,” said Tim Leiweke, president of Galaxy ownership group AEG.
The year begins Monday with the start of preseason training. The Galaxy’s first competitive match of 2012 will be in CONCACAF Champions League play, as they play the first of a two-match series against Toronto FC at the Rogers Centre on March 7 before they open the MLS season three days later, as they host Real Salt Lake in a rematch of last year’s thrilling Western Conference Final.
Charalambides relishing APOEL's adventure
Constantinos Charalambides speaks about the "phenomenal" effect APOEL FC's UEFA Champions League adventure has had on his homeland and the "magical team spirit" at the club.
In only their second ever UEFA Champions League campaign APOEL FC have become the pride of the Cypriot nation by reaching the knockout phase for the first time. However, despite upsetting the odds to come so far, lifelong supporter and captain Constantinos Charalambides sees no reason why his side cannot continue their adventure at the expense of Olympique Lyonnais on Tuesday. "The open style of play suits us," the 30-year-old said. "I'm convinced we can do to Lyon exactly what we did in our group to Shakhtar Donetsk, Porto and Zenit."
As captain of the side can you tell us what this match means for the city?
It's huge. Everyone here lives and breathes this club. I experience it every day; you meet friends on the street wherever you go. APOEL are a Greek phenomenon. They are a topic of discussion at homes, schools and work for the everyday Cypriot. It's not just the fans who are following the team now, but everyone. Cypriots play a lot of football due to our success and that of other Cypriot teams over the last few years and we have done a lot for Cypriot football.
What are the factors behind APOEL's success?
It's the great chemistry we have in the team – we share the same ambitions. There are good kids here, great characters and very good professionals, people who believe in their coaches. There is a magical team spirit that comes naturally from the manager. There is belief. We believe in our team, we believe in our coaches and we believe we can do something in Europe; and that shows in our results. We don't have an inferiority complex. We played against really difficult teams but we went through thanks to good preparation before our matches and we are definitely making less mistakes.
Were you a fan as a young boy?
Yes. I have been an APOEL fan since I was born because my family were. I have always wanted to play for this team. I was eight when I started playing in the academy in 1989 and here we are today.
Has APOEL's success put Nicosia on the map?
Definitely, I don't think anything has caught the attention of Europe as much as this. For a small team from Nicosia to be in the public eye of Europe has shown that Cyprus can succeed. Four or five years ago, no one could have picked out Cyprus or APOEL on a map of Europe, so our success is one future generations will look back on and appreciate.
What are your thoughts about Lyon?
We knew that whichever team we faced would be difficult, and have a Champions League history. They are clearly a bigger club than us with a much bigger budget and better footballers but that doesn't mean anything as we have shown that a small team can reach the knockout stage of the competition and do just as well in this next stage. I am convinced we can do to Lyon exactly what we did in our group to Shakhtar, Porto and Zenit. I believe in this team and with the right approach and a little bit of luck, why not?
How difficult is it to make the step up in quality to the UEFA Champions League?
It's quite difficult because the Champions League is nothing like the Cypriot league. The games are of far higher quality and you give much more on the pitch. For us at APOEL it is different because in the Cypriot league we tend to keep our defence tight and we need to open up our opponents. In the Champions League, you are playing against much bigger teams who want to attack; you need to combat this and yet still play your own game. But I think that a game in which both defenders and attackers have to move around a lot suits us. It's how we prefer to play. I think this is why we have been successful. We like these open games and that's how we will need to play again.
In only their second ever UEFA Champions League campaign APOEL FC have become the pride of the Cypriot nation by reaching the knockout phase for the first time. However, despite upsetting the odds to come so far, lifelong supporter and captain Constantinos Charalambides sees no reason why his side cannot continue their adventure at the expense of Olympique Lyonnais on Tuesday. "The open style of play suits us," the 30-year-old said. "I'm convinced we can do to Lyon exactly what we did in our group to Shakhtar Donetsk, Porto and Zenit."
As captain of the side can you tell us what this match means for the city?
It's huge. Everyone here lives and breathes this club. I experience it every day; you meet friends on the street wherever you go. APOEL are a Greek phenomenon. They are a topic of discussion at homes, schools and work for the everyday Cypriot. It's not just the fans who are following the team now, but everyone. Cypriots play a lot of football due to our success and that of other Cypriot teams over the last few years and we have done a lot for Cypriot football.
What are the factors behind APOEL's success?
It's the great chemistry we have in the team – we share the same ambitions. There are good kids here, great characters and very good professionals, people who believe in their coaches. There is a magical team spirit that comes naturally from the manager. There is belief. We believe in our team, we believe in our coaches and we believe we can do something in Europe; and that shows in our results. We don't have an inferiority complex. We played against really difficult teams but we went through thanks to good preparation before our matches and we are definitely making less mistakes.
Were you a fan as a young boy?
Yes. I have been an APOEL fan since I was born because my family were. I have always wanted to play for this team. I was eight when I started playing in the academy in 1989 and here we are today.
Has APOEL's success put Nicosia on the map?
Definitely, I don't think anything has caught the attention of Europe as much as this. For a small team from Nicosia to be in the public eye of Europe has shown that Cyprus can succeed. Four or five years ago, no one could have picked out Cyprus or APOEL on a map of Europe, so our success is one future generations will look back on and appreciate.
What are your thoughts about Lyon?
We knew that whichever team we faced would be difficult, and have a Champions League history. They are clearly a bigger club than us with a much bigger budget and better footballers but that doesn't mean anything as we have shown that a small team can reach the knockout stage of the competition and do just as well in this next stage. I am convinced we can do to Lyon exactly what we did in our group to Shakhtar, Porto and Zenit. I believe in this team and with the right approach and a little bit of luck, why not?
How difficult is it to make the step up in quality to the UEFA Champions League?
It's quite difficult because the Champions League is nothing like the Cypriot league. The games are of far higher quality and you give much more on the pitch. For us at APOEL it is different because in the Cypriot league we tend to keep our defence tight and we need to open up our opponents. In the Champions League, you are playing against much bigger teams who want to attack; you need to combat this and yet still play your own game. But I think that a game in which both defenders and attackers have to move around a lot suits us. It's how we prefer to play. I think this is why we have been successful. We like these open games and that's how we will need to play again.
Rooney backs Gerrard for England captaincy
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has put aside club rivalry by stating that Liverpool's Steven Gerrard would be the best man to lead England at Euro 2012.
England are without a permanent coach or captain after John Terry was stripped of the armband by the Football Association pending a racial abuse trial and manager Fabio Capello quit in protest.
"For everyone asking, I would love to be England captain. But that's up to new manager to decide. Gerrard is perfect choice for me," Rooney wrote on his Twitter feed.
Rooney, who can not play in the first two Euro 2012 group games against France and Sweden because of suspension, is seen by pundits as an unlikely pick for captain with Gerrard the bookmakers' favourite for the role whoever takes over as coach.
Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce is in temporary charge for this month's friendly against Netherlands with Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp tipped by Rooney and the media to be approached about becoming the full-time coach before or after Euro 2012.
FA Chairman David Bernstein is determined not to rush an appointment and said age was no barrier to 64-year-old Redknapp.
"I can understand the hype around Harry. The guy has done amazingly," he told British newspapers on Sunday.
"He is a fine manager and he is English. This job will be so attractive to many people, we will get interest from serious parties in spite of this hype."
Rooney's preference for midfielder Gerrard as captain comes after the forward scored twice as hosts United beat Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday in a game marred by Luis Suarez refusing to shake Patrice Evra's hand.
Liverpool striker Suarez was banned for eight games for racially abusing Evra in October and his fresh antics were followed by scuffles in the tunnel at half-time between the teams, who are fierce rivals and whose animosity has previously spilled over into the England setup.
Britain's Sunday Telegraph said Prime Minister David Cameron is to stage a summit on racism in football following the Suarez and Terry cases.
"WWE Download" with Dolph Ziggler - Episode 3
Top Ten Surprising Premier League Heroes
From a returning hero to a chunky funster, there have been plenty of rather surprising successes in the Premier League this season. Here are ten overperformers...
10 - Anders Lindegaard
When a club spends £17million on a goalkeeper - particularly a club that has increasingly had to watch the pennies of late - one doesn't expect the reserve keeper to play too much, assuming injuries don't intervene. However, Lindegaard has started eight league games while Sir Alex Ferguson tries to break David de Gea gently into the Premier League, and in that time has arguably looked the more secure keeper. Of course, Lindegaard's games (the early ones at least) have been slightly easier, but it was telling that Lindegaard was selected for both the FA Cup game against Manchester City and the league win at Arsenal. 'Hero' might be a bit strong, and De Gea has certainly looked better in the last couple of games, but the Dane has certainly been more prominent than most - including him, probably - expected in August.
8 - Danny Graham
A couple of years ago, when Graham was playing for Carlisle, I saw him shamble around the pitch looking as much like a footballer as, well, me. This prompted us to simply refer to him as 'Rubbish Danny Graham' in the F365 offices for a while. Ten goals in 20 Premier League starts later, Graham has made us look pretty silly.
7 - Emmanuel Adebayor
A little over a year ago, Adebayor was an unwanted man at Manchester City, cast out with the reserves and other such undesirables. A loan spell at Real Madrid was reasonably successful, but not good enough for Real to take him permanently (which admittedly had plenty to do with the return to fitness of Gonzalo Higuain), and his future didn't exactly look sparkling. Most people expected Adebayor to be a decent signing for Spurs, but to be the man around which a team's system and style was based? Maybe not. Adebayor still has an infuriating 'one game in three' element to his play, and doesn't score enough goals, but he's now second in the assist charts in the division. Quite a signing.
6 - James McClean
One of the key frustrations among Sunderland supporters during the final, turgid days of Steve Bruce was his reluctance to try some of the promising kids that were lurking in the club's reserves. McClean and Ryan Noble, the latter of whom had been scoring goals for sh*ts and giggles in the stiffs, were the two most frequently mentioned, but there is always a danger of placing too much faith in kids because they haven't had the chance to fail yet. In footballing terms, the promise of the unknown is intoxicating, especially if your side is struggling. Noble has only had a couple of substitute appearances since Martin O'Neill's arrival, but McClean has slotted into the side beautifully, providing the sort of pace and direct threat that quite a few sides could benefit from. The kid looks like the real thing already, and it was hardly surprising that there was a minor outcry when Giovanni Trapattoni omitted him from the recent Ireland squad.
5 - Gareth Barry
I'm not a violent man, but there was a moment during the World Cup when, had I been within haymaker distance of Gareth Barry, I might've done something I regretted. You probably know the one I mean - when Germany counter-attacked on their way to slicing through the England defence like a smelly cheese, and Barry's pursuit of Mesut Ozil was so pathetic and slow that I just assumed he had pulled a hamstring. To be fair to Barry, he wasn't fully fit, but I was far from impressed. The feeling continued through last season, when on most occasions Barry looked like a marginally interested observer, watching some lovely football occurring around him, but not participating a great deal. However, this season Barry has kept Nigel de Jong glowering on the bench for the most part. Little more needs to be said.
4 - Leon Britton
We could really have picked any of the mini-Xavis that Brendan Rodgers has in his midfield, but Britton stands out because a little over 12 months ago he was playing for Sheffield United in the lower ends of the Championship, and not doing it particularly well either. Indeed, buying him for £400,000 looked like a curious piece of business for Swansea, given that he'd left the club for the Blades on a free the summer before. However, it offers proof that a player needs the right environment and right style of play to excel - not just talent, or application and so forth. This is something that the likes of Britton and Joe Allen might do well to bear in mind if richer, shinier clubs start sniffing around in the summer.
2 - Grant Holt
He just doesn't look like a professional athlete, does he? Every goal Holt scores in the Premier League is like a punch in the kidneys to most Nottingham Forest fans, given what a lumbering lump he was in League One. With every step up the ladder, from League Two with Shrewsbury, to League One, then the Championship, then the Premier League with Norwich, most have expected him to be found out. But he never has been, scoring goals at every level and sticking nine in already this season, leading to the more excitable Norwich fans to call for him to be in the England squad. He's been good, but steady on chaps.
1 - Yakubu
So, does one praise Steve Kean for spotting a diamond in the rough, or dismiss the deadline-day signing of Yakubu as a desperate last-minute gamble that, through luck, turned out to be good? We may never know, but it does seem churlish to criticise a manager for his mistakes but give him no credit for the things that go well. And it has gone pretty well - 13 goals in 16 league starts is an incredible scoring rate in a decent team, never mind one that has spent the majority of the season in the bottom three. The chunky funster might have an arse the size of a small country, but his goals might - might - just keep Blackburn in the Premier League.
10 - Anders Lindegaard
When a club spends £17million on a goalkeeper - particularly a club that has increasingly had to watch the pennies of late - one doesn't expect the reserve keeper to play too much, assuming injuries don't intervene. However, Lindegaard has started eight league games while Sir Alex Ferguson tries to break David de Gea gently into the Premier League, and in that time has arguably looked the more secure keeper. Of course, Lindegaard's games (the early ones at least) have been slightly easier, but it was telling that Lindegaard was selected for both the FA Cup game against Manchester City and the league win at Arsenal. 'Hero' might be a bit strong, and De Gea has certainly looked better in the last couple of games, but the Dane has certainly been more prominent than most - including him, probably - expected in August.
9 - Thierry Henry
I confess, I didn't believe. I thought this would be awful. I thought it would sour the memory of his first, glorious spell at Arsenal. Having watched a few New York Red Bulls games, I thought people would be shocked at how far Henry had slipped. However, two late winners and three goals in 96 minutes later, I was really very happy to be proved wrong.
8 - Danny Graham
A couple of years ago, when Graham was playing for Carlisle, I saw him shamble around the pitch looking as much like a footballer as, well, me. This prompted us to simply refer to him as 'Rubbish Danny Graham' in the F365 offices for a while. Ten goals in 20 Premier League starts later, Graham has made us look pretty silly.
7 - Emmanuel Adebayor
A little over a year ago, Adebayor was an unwanted man at Manchester City, cast out with the reserves and other such undesirables. A loan spell at Real Madrid was reasonably successful, but not good enough for Real to take him permanently (which admittedly had plenty to do with the return to fitness of Gonzalo Higuain), and his future didn't exactly look sparkling. Most people expected Adebayor to be a decent signing for Spurs, but to be the man around which a team's system and style was based? Maybe not. Adebayor still has an infuriating 'one game in three' element to his play, and doesn't score enough goals, but he's now second in the assist charts in the division. Quite a signing.
6 - James McClean
One of the key frustrations among Sunderland supporters during the final, turgid days of Steve Bruce was his reluctance to try some of the promising kids that were lurking in the club's reserves. McClean and Ryan Noble, the latter of whom had been scoring goals for sh*ts and giggles in the stiffs, were the two most frequently mentioned, but there is always a danger of placing too much faith in kids because they haven't had the chance to fail yet. In footballing terms, the promise of the unknown is intoxicating, especially if your side is struggling. Noble has only had a couple of substitute appearances since Martin O'Neill's arrival, but McClean has slotted into the side beautifully, providing the sort of pace and direct threat that quite a few sides could benefit from. The kid looks like the real thing already, and it was hardly surprising that there was a minor outcry when Giovanni Trapattoni omitted him from the recent Ireland squad.
I'm not a violent man, but there was a moment during the World Cup when, had I been within haymaker distance of Gareth Barry, I might've done something I regretted. You probably know the one I mean - when Germany counter-attacked on their way to slicing through the England defence like a smelly cheese, and Barry's pursuit of Mesut Ozil was so pathetic and slow that I just assumed he had pulled a hamstring. To be fair to Barry, he wasn't fully fit, but I was far from impressed. The feeling continued through last season, when on most occasions Barry looked like a marginally interested observer, watching some lovely football occurring around him, but not participating a great deal. However, this season Barry has kept Nigel de Jong glowering on the bench for the most part. Little more needs to be said.
4 - Leon Britton
We could really have picked any of the mini-Xavis that Brendan Rodgers has in his midfield, but Britton stands out because a little over 12 months ago he was playing for Sheffield United in the lower ends of the Championship, and not doing it particularly well either. Indeed, buying him for £400,000 looked like a curious piece of business for Swansea, given that he'd left the club for the Blades on a free the summer before. However, it offers proof that a player needs the right environment and right style of play to excel - not just talent, or application and so forth. This is something that the likes of Britton and Joe Allen might do well to bear in mind if richer, shinier clubs start sniffing around in the summer.
3 - Demba Ba
If I was Tony Pulis, I would seek out the medical whizz who decided Ba's knee is a 'ticking time bomb' and give him a wedgie every day. That might be slightly unfair, because you never know when a time bomb is going to go off and might go any day, but Ba has now spent a year banging in goals left, right and indeed centre. His time at West Ham looked promising, but anyone can have a decent half-season before disappearing - see Zaki, Amr and about a billion others. However, his form has continued for over a year now, with no significant spells out with injury, scoring 23 goals in 29 league starts. Ba's game, much like Newcastle's, is hardly complicated - he runs his swingers off, is incredibly strong and has a right foot like a traction engine - but it's incredibly effective. How long will it continue? Hopefully, quite a while.
2 - Grant Holt
He just doesn't look like a professional athlete, does he? Every goal Holt scores in the Premier League is like a punch in the kidneys to most Nottingham Forest fans, given what a lumbering lump he was in League One. With every step up the ladder, from League Two with Shrewsbury, to League One, then the Championship, then the Premier League with Norwich, most have expected him to be found out. But he never has been, scoring goals at every level and sticking nine in already this season, leading to the more excitable Norwich fans to call for him to be in the England squad. He's been good, but steady on chaps.
1 - Yakubu
So, does one praise Steve Kean for spotting a diamond in the rough, or dismiss the deadline-day signing of Yakubu as a desperate last-minute gamble that, through luck, turned out to be good? We may never know, but it does seem churlish to criticise a manager for his mistakes but give him no credit for the things that go well. And it has gone pretty well - 13 goals in 16 league starts is an incredible scoring rate in a decent team, never mind one that has spent the majority of the season in the bottom three. The chunky funster might have an arse the size of a small country, but his goals might - might - just keep Blackburn in the Premier League.
Have You Got A Question For Zlatan?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a book out, and you can ask him a question...
OUR BLOG will be given some time with the great man so, altruisitic souls that we are, we've decided to let you ask the questions.
Maybe you'd like to know about his infamous response to a trial at Arsenal. Or what it's like to play with Mario Balotelli. Or why he and Pep Guardiola didn't get on. Or perhaps you'd just like some kung fu tips.
If you have any questions for Zlatan, send them to the usual address - theeditor@football365.com - with 'Ask Zlatan' in the subject line.
We may well ask your question, but be warned - we'll be filtering out any e-mails that include the phrase 'big game bottler.'
Do your worst.
OUR BLOG will be given some time with the great man so, altruisitic souls that we are, we've decided to let you ask the questions.
Maybe you'd like to know about his infamous response to a trial at Arsenal. Or what it's like to play with Mario Balotelli. Or why he and Pep Guardiola didn't get on. Or perhaps you'd just like some kung fu tips.
If you have any questions for Zlatan, send them to the usual address - theeditor@football365.com - with 'Ask Zlatan' in the subject line.
We may well ask your question, but be warned - we'll be filtering out any e-mails that include the phrase 'big game bottler.'
Do your worst.
Arsenal's Thierry Henry not thinking of personal glory ahead of Champions League clash with Milan
The striker is set to head back to the USA with the New York Red Bulls after his loan spell ends but states that team performance is more important than another goal for him
Thierry Henry has admitted that he is not thinking of personal glory as he looks forward to his last game in an Arsenal shirt, Wednesday's Champions League tie with AC Milan.
Henry is set to return to parent club New York Red Bulls after the match at San Siro, but says he is not thinking of scoring a goal against the Italian side, just helping his own team on the night.
"I have not thought about it," he told The Independent. "I just want to help Arsenal on the night.
"I am an Arsenal player for one more game. Milan is Milan. It is another type of game and it is never easy to win away in the Champions League."
Henry is the only player in the current Arsenal squad who appeared in their famous 5-1 victory over Inter Milan in 2003 and admits that the significance of rejoining the club hasn't quite sunken in yet,
"I will look back on it afterwards and see what happened. It has all been kind of unreal."
The importance hasn't been lost on the rest of the squad, however, with Aaron Ramsey praising the French striker before saying Arsenal should aim to take the initiative in Milan.
"It's been a fantastic period for [Henry] coming back to the club that he supports and has done so much for. It's a great story for him so far," he said.
"If we can go [to Milan] and get a few goals and then come back to the Emirates then that's going to be a fantastic result for us. Hopefully, we can get a couple of goals and keep them out as well."
After the weekend's victory against Sunderland in the Premier League, Arsenal are back into the Champions League places, and Ramsey admits it is a good feeling but says his side need to focus on the next game before thinking of anything else.
"It's nice to be level on points in fourth place and back in a Champions League place, where we want to be," he continued.
"We're going to take each game as it comes. Now we'll concentrate on the big game on Wednesday."
Henry is set to return to parent club New York Red Bulls after the match at San Siro, but says he is not thinking of scoring a goal against the Italian side, just helping his own team on the night.
"I have not thought about it," he told The Independent. "I just want to help Arsenal on the night.
"I am an Arsenal player for one more game. Milan is Milan. It is another type of game and it is never easy to win away in the Champions League."
Henry is the only player in the current Arsenal squad who appeared in their famous 5-1 victory over Inter Milan in 2003 and admits that the significance of rejoining the club hasn't quite sunken in yet,
"I will look back on it afterwards and see what happened. It has all been kind of unreal."
The importance hasn't been lost on the rest of the squad, however, with Aaron Ramsey praising the French striker before saying Arsenal should aim to take the initiative in Milan.
"It's been a fantastic period for [Henry] coming back to the club that he supports and has done so much for. It's a great story for him so far," he said.
"If we can go [to Milan] and get a few goals and then come back to the Emirates then that's going to be a fantastic result for us. Hopefully, we can get a couple of goals and keep them out as well."
After the weekend's victory against Sunderland in the Premier League, Arsenal are back into the Champions League places, and Ramsey admits it is a good feeling but says his side need to focus on the next game before thinking of anything else.
"It's nice to be level on points in fourth place and back in a Champions League place, where we want to be," he continued.
"We're going to take each game as it comes. Now we'll concentrate on the big game on Wednesday."
Sir Alex Ferguson: Man United would have made the final of the Champions League if we had progressed
The Red Devils face Ajax on Thursday in the Europa League after failing to qualify for the knockout round of the continent's most elite club competition
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists that his team would have made the Champions League final if they had progressed from the group stages.
This year marks the first time in 16 seasons that United have failed to feature in the knockout rounds and they will instead venture into the Europa League, where they will meet Dutch outfit Ajax on Thursday.
United’s failure to overcome Swiss side Basel in their final group game disappointed Sir Alex and he feels the Red Devils would have made the final had they kept their concentration in that match.
"It was a massive disappointment because my feeling is that if we'd gone through, we would have gone on to the final," the United manager told reporters.
"For me, the problem was the home game against Basel.
"We were 2-0 up and then missed four or five clear-cut chances. We ended up losing our concentration and though we managed to salvage a draw, it was a bad result for us.
"It left us having to go and get at least a point in the return game. And though we dominated the match, we didn't score, and when that happens, you don't deserve to win."
Sir Alex believes the side that defeated them in last season’s final, Barcelona, remain the team to beat in the Champions League, but insists his squad of youthful stars would be a match for the Primera Division giants.
"Barcelona are the best team in Europe - although Real Madrid [currently 10 points ahead of Barca at the top of La Liga] are closing the gap on them," he said. "The lead they've got in the league shows that.
"They might be on the same level as them soon, but for the moment Barca have still got that magical ability to play a game that's beyond everyone else.
"When Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta are on song, they're just unstoppable.
"I think we've got the ambition to compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid and we decided a few years ago to create a structure with young players, like Wayne Rooney and Nani.
"All we've had to do since then is just build things around a few young players. So I don't feel we're that far away from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
"I'm sure we'll show that soon."
This year marks the first time in 16 seasons that United have failed to feature in the knockout rounds and they will instead venture into the Europa League, where they will meet Dutch outfit Ajax on Thursday.
United’s failure to overcome Swiss side Basel in their final group game disappointed Sir Alex and he feels the Red Devils would have made the final had they kept their concentration in that match.
"It was a massive disappointment because my feeling is that if we'd gone through, we would have gone on to the final," the United manager told reporters.
"For me, the problem was the home game against Basel.
"We were 2-0 up and then missed four or five clear-cut chances. We ended up losing our concentration and though we managed to salvage a draw, it was a bad result for us.
"It left us having to go and get at least a point in the return game. And though we dominated the match, we didn't score, and when that happens, you don't deserve to win."
Sir Alex believes the side that defeated them in last season’s final, Barcelona, remain the team to beat in the Champions League, but insists his squad of youthful stars would be a match for the Primera Division giants.
"Barcelona are the best team in Europe - although Real Madrid [currently 10 points ahead of Barca at the top of La Liga] are closing the gap on them," he said. "The lead they've got in the league shows that.
"They might be on the same level as them soon, but for the moment Barca have still got that magical ability to play a game that's beyond everyone else.
"When Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta are on song, they're just unstoppable.
"I think we've got the ambition to compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid and we decided a few years ago to create a structure with young players, like Wayne Rooney and Nani.
"All we've had to do since then is just build things around a few young players. So I don't feel we're that far away from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
"I'm sure we'll show that soon."
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