Copa del Rey 2013: Largest Explanations Why True Madrid May Clinch Match... - Bleacher Report

Real Madrid emerged as the apparent favorites for the 2013 Copa del Rey after whipping opponents Barcelona 3-1 at the Nou Camp to move right through to the tournament final. And while their adversary remains yet unknowna'with Sevilla enjoying Atletico Madrid on Wednesdaya'the Spanish leader will soon be too good in the ultimate here. Regardless of who they play in the final, Real Madrid will be topped the 2013 Copa del Rey winners. Wish to know what allows such a strong statement to be made? Continue reading to start to see the biggest explanations why. Mark Ramos/Getty Images Success over Barcelona Going right down to Barcelona at the Nou Camp could have been the most likely outcome, if Real Madrid was going to be eliminated in the Copa del Rey final. The Manhunter Liga leaders had been in prominent form all season long, and hadn't dropped at the Nou Camp all year, yet through the beauty of Cristiano Ronaldo and the tactical success put up by Jose Mourinho, Los Blancos appeared with a seemingly comfortable win in hand. And whoever they play in the final, it will undoubtedly be described as a much simpler sport than playing the Catalan club on their home soil. In the end, if they could get at the Nou Camp once the stress is at its best, the ultimate must (ironically) be much simpler than that. As as which may appear bizarre. Jasper Juinen/Getty Photographs Prominent Attack Because of the important, driving type of attack that Barcelona constantly hire, Madrid had to settle-back and attempt to hurt their competitors on the counterattack. Their attacking dominance wasn't displayed to the whole extent, but as we have observed against the great majority of their opponents in 2010, Mourinho's area is a lot more than effective at causing damage right throughout the message. The Champions League Round of 16 fitting could testify to that, and whoever they play in the Copa del Rey final is going to do the same. Cristiano Ronaldo will float in to the middle; Angel Di Maria will do the exact same. With Mesut Ozil creating chaos on each side of the trio, Madrid's strike will undoubtedly chalk up a plethora of shots on target and attacking chances for Los Blancos. And given how they scored three goals in the semifinal on hardly any chances, one can only wonder how fatal they'll be with more opportunities. Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Photos Squad Level Whoever Madrid performs in the final, you can assume that the Spanish winners will have a way to personal challenges fought right across the field. They will have the ability to accomplish that making use of their amazing squad depth, gives a myriad to them of possibilities based on what they want in certain circumstances. Jose Callejon, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Luka Modrica'all were empty substitutes for Los Blancos here, and provided the form that Kaka has been around as of late, it's an unbelievable testament to the range of expertise that Real Madrid have at the moment. Nevertheless, they need to line up to have the strongest and most complete team in the ultimate. Their team is just that great right throughout the field. Who do you think will win the 2013 Copa del Rey? Review below or hit me on Twitter:

More Info: Bayer 04 Leverkusen - VFB Stuttgart [Live Football]

Toon Army on the slide: Plans unveiled for playground slides outside Newcastle ... - Mirror.co.uk

Plans have been submitted to install the fun playground equipment outside St James' Park part as a major redevelopment

Plans have been submitted to install the fun playground equipment outside St James' Park part as a major redevelopment.

It said it has worked with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the police to ensure the plans meet safety regulations.

Adrian Waddell, NE1's director of operations, said: "The slides are intended to inject some fun into the city centre and take their inspiration from Holland, where slides have been installed in a busy railway station to speed up access to train platforms and to inject new life into an area.

"NE1's slides, like the rest of our pocket parks, are designed to attract attention and get people talking and the slides will certainly do that."

Tom Robinson, from Robinson Landscape Design, which has helped design the installation, said: "We want people to look differently at public spaces, see the space in a different way and use it differently.

"Being playful and doing something a little unusual aims to encourage people to spend more time here enjoying the city.

More Info: NAC - SC Heerenveen [Live Football]

True Madrid has arrived in Barcelona

Football Premier-league: Rafa Benitez slams Chelsea supporters and...

Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Chelsea director Rafa Benitez has hit out at the conduct of the clubas fans during his reign and proved he'll leave the team at the conclusion of the growing season. More to follow along with.

Link: KRC Genk - RSC Anderlecht FC [Live Football]

Deciding Whats Wrong at CHELSEA|Chelsea FC 360

During the past few weeks, it is clearly obvious that the overall vibe at the club has been somewhat toxic. The stalemate between the fans, the Chelsea hierarchy and manager Rafa Benitez has created a rift which has caused disunity at Stamford Bridge. To add fuel to the fire, the media has not exactly been discreet about the current issues and it does not appear that these daily reports will stop in the near future.

It is difficult to grasp what exactly is wrong at the club; it seems that there are a number of causes that has lead to the disrepute. Some say Roman Abramovich is the cause, others say it is Technical Director Michael Emenalo; most fans say it's Rafael Benitez, where the media believes it is the Chelsea Supporters that are to blame. The context of the situation makes it difficult to formulate a solution to the problems.

Since Abramovich purchased Chelsea Football Club in February 2003 the billionaire has invested more than GBP1 billion into it. His money was invested in all facets of the club both on and off the pitch and as a result the club won league titles, cup titles, FA Cups and recently the much coveted Champions League trophy.

It is without a doubt that it has been the club's most successful period in its 108 year history and Abramovich is the sole reason for that. His self imposed media ban often leaves the Russian misunderstood by the media. He is very much loved by Chelsea fans and rightly so, though along with the triumphs, the club has certainly had its fair share of controversies.

Abramovich's lack of respect towards the game has been evident throughout his tenure as the Boss. The way he has handled "business" at Chelsea in regards to manager dismissals, lack of disciplinary actions for certain players and the possible move from Stamford Bridge has been questionable and is a reflection of the negative reputation of the club.

Inappropriate behaviour by players, controversial referee decisions, along with racism and fidelity problems are only some of the issues that have marred the perception of the club to the public eye. With these concerns along with the context of Abramovich's wealth, the press would repeatedly portray the club in a negative light, often exaggerating their problems and depicting them in the media as the 'enemies of football'.

In regards to the matters on the field, the main negative issue was the coaching carousel. The club has experienced nine different managers in the last ten years. A Chelsea manager's average tenure of twelve months makes it quite difficult to leave their impression at the club. Abramovich is quite ruthless with them and often a few losses on the board or no success at Champions League level will lead to their demise.

Some say he has every right to do what he wants for it is his club whilst others say it is ridiculous. Each dismissal more often than not has been unjustified which has left many onlookers wondering what goes on in his mind. Most Chelsea supporters disagree with some of the managerial dismissals but have collectively defended him. Romans passion for the club is matched by his investment and the fans acknowledge the importance to support him, until now. His latest managerial appointment has caused unrest with most Chelsea fans.

Yes Abramovich was ultimately the person that hired Benitez, but to be fair he does not control the Spaniard. The way he has handled himself both on and off the pitch at Chelsea is a testament to the man's arrogance.

The hatred that blues fans have for Benitez dates back six or seven years when the two clubs duelled in heated Champions League encounters. At the time Benitez named the Chelsea faithful 'plastic' and has stated that players like Lampard and Drogba were overrated. He also further stated that he would never coach at Stamford Bridge.

In his first press conference as Chelsea manager, journalists gave him countless opportunities to apologize to the fans. Benitez did not take the initiative and issued no apologies for his past comments, instead saying that at the time he was very passionate about being coach of Liverpool and he would not hesitate to say the same thing now, under the Chelsea banner.

The way he handled himself in that press conference solidified his arrogant personality. A two sentence apology could have made the difference between support and hatred but once again his pride was in the way.

Furthermore, Benitez showed his lack of sensitivity towards the issue when he stated that all he needed to do was to win and the fans would turn around and support his appointment. True, the points would definitely have helped his cause with some fans but it seemed that all he was trying to portray to the media was that the supporters could be 'bought' with the illusion of winning.

More importantly, on the field he has showed no tactical prowess often with substitutions that have made people wonder if he knew what he was doing. Furthermore losses at home against teams at the bottom of the table, a draw against a third division side in Brentford and the loss against Corinthians at the Club World Cup has obviously contributed to why the fans think he is simply incapable of being manager.

The most important facet of football management is something that Benitez lacks the most. It's the ability to get the players to trust him and to play for him which separates good managers from great ones. Some managers might have lack of tactical experience or lack of talent in their squad but if they can inspire their players to believe in themselves and the cause it can eventuate to winning trophies. Robbie Di Matteo is a perfect example of this.  He won the Champions League and the FA Cup with possibly the least talented Chelsea team in the last six years, but he inspired them to glory.

Benitez is a man that does not show emotion, he's a man that does not like to get close with his players and leaves the relationship strictly professional. It seems the way he manages the squad is the opposite of what the team needs at this point. It has been noted in the press that the players know that his dismissal is imminent therefore the care factor towards him and his methods are low. Though still the problem does not lie solely on Benitez as he can only control the issues on the pitch and not off it.

As Technical Director, the role of Michael Emenalo is primarily football related. Issues such as managerial changes, player acquirement, selling players and contractual conditions are decided by him. Even though it is Abramovich that ultimately approves these decisions, it is the responsibility of the Technical Director to advice him correctly so that Abramovich (who is not a football person) can make the right decision to benefit the team on the field. Therefore Emenalo must be held responsible for lack of knowledge and mismanagement.

His experience to get to where he is today is very limited which questions how he obtained that position in the first place. A former Nigerian international, Emenalo spent his years prior to Chelsea coaching an under 12's girls side in Tucson, Arizona along with a volunteer coaching role at Virginia Tech University. He was then hired by Avram Grant to be a scout and was promoted to Assistant First team coach when Ray Wilkins left the club which then led him to his current post.

His lack of experience has resulted in many issues for the team. The players are exhausted through the strenuous schedule because the roster is very thin. There are currently twenty three players out on loan and the manager seems to think that lack of personnel have reflected on the clubs negative results this season. These loan moves were all approved by Emenalo.

Furthermore, the weekly debacle about player contracts for some senior players along with the lack of recruitment proves that this man is incapable of his position. When a player is unhappy whether it is because of the manager, club condition or their contractual situations their performances on the field will ultimately suffer. It is important that when the player is on the pitch or training paddock that his mind is clear, this is the primary role of Michael Emenalo. Simply, the facts show that he does not have the ability to handle his responsibilities.

Success in football is measured by the results on the field. For this to occur there are a number of factors off the field that needs to be corrected. Clearly the major problem at Chelsea is that they are not performing as well as they have been through the last decade, and for this, the Technical Director must fall by the sword. Though through the tough times it is the fans who provide positive support and passion that helps the players and the club to redeem itself.

But according to the media it is in fact the fans that are the cause of all the unrest at Stamford Bridge. Through the past Chelsea fans have been known for their great passion through their chants, the atmosphere they create and most importantly the way they support the club through tough times. For most supporters seeing the club right now is barely comprehendible. They have never seen this type of disunity before. Looking from the outside in, it seems that each negative result does not affect them as much as it used to.

The press blame the section of fans that are against Rafa Benitez for creating the negative atmosphere during games. Though it is important to state that there are also a number of Chelsea fans who have chosen to see past the appointment and instead support the team on the field and not lash out at the manager.

These two sets of fans have caused conflict amongst each other and their disagreements contribute to the negative vibe at home games. The pessimistic support along with insulting songs and boos influences the mind of each player which in turn affects their way of play.

The underlying factor is that most of them feel betrayed by the Chelsea hierarchy. Most fans labelled the handling of Di Matteo's dismissal as classless and the hiring of Rafa Benitez was seen as unforgivable. It is no secret that Abramovich is the sole person that makes these decisions which in turn has caused some fans to aim their disgust at him as well.

Aside from what Benitez and the executives might think, it is not only wins that will solve this problem with the fans. They must feel part of the club, the passion must come back and they should feel included in the decision making. The hierarchy knows who the supporters don't want and not taking their opinion into consideration has proven to be the most toxic pill to swallow. The fans are the bread and butter and their support is imperative to Chelsea's longevity and therefore they cannot be blamed for their ill feeling against the club.

Lately, the events at Stamford Bridge show a disconnection between the board and the supporters. There is no definitive answer to what is wrong at Chelsea at the moment. Right now the club is in a transition phase where old players and the old culture are being phased out for the next generation.

Proper leadership both on and off the pitch is vital to the success of this transition and at the moment the club has it all wrong. To ensure success at Stamford Bridge, Abramovich needs to assemble a team both on and off the field that can work as one.

First, the club needs a manager who can extract the best out of the players, who is tactically great and is able to inspire the team and the supporters. Also they need a Technical Director with credible experience that is able to handle the issues at the club with professionalism and class.

Most importantly, once the correct people are acquired, Abramovich needs to trust in them and create stability at the club. This will get the fans on his side again and re-create the passion that they are known for.  It is time to create a new identity at Stamford Bridge and unite the club once again.

During the past few weeks, it is clearly obvious that the overall vibe at the club has been somewhat toxic. The stalemate between the fans, the Chelsea hierarchy and manager Rafa Benitez has created a rift which has caused disunity at Stamford Bridge. To add fuel to the fire, the media has not exactly been discreet about the current issues and it does not appear that these daily reports will stop in the near future.

It is difficult to grasp what exactly is wrong at the club; it seems that there are a number of causes that has lead to the disrepute. Some say Roman Abramovich is the cause, others say it is Technical Director Michael Emenalo; most fans say it's Rafael Benitez, where the media believes it is the Chelsea Supporters that are to blame. The context of the situation makes it difficult to formulate a solution to the problems.

Since Abramovich purchased Chelsea Football Club in February 2003 the billionaire has invested more than GBP1 billion into it. His money was invested in all facets of the club both on and off the pitch and as a result the club won league titles, cup titles, FA Cups and recently the much coveted Champions League trophy.

It is without a doubt that it has been the club's most successful period in its 108 year history and Abramovich is the sole reason for that. His self imposed media ban often leaves the Russian misunderstood by the media. He is very much loved by Chelsea fans and rightly so, though along with the triumphs, the club has certainly had its fair share of controversies.

Abramovich's lack of respect towards the game has been evident throughout his tenure as the Boss. The way he has handled "business" at Chelsea in regards to manager dismissals, lack of disciplinary actions for certain players and the possible move from Stamford Bridge has been questionable and is a reflection of the negative reputation of the club.

Inappropriate behaviour by players, controversial referee decisions, along with racism and fidelity problems are only some of the issues that have marred the perception of the club to the public eye. With these concerns along with the context of Abramovich's wealth, the press would repeatedly portray the club in a negative light, often exaggerating their problems and depicting them in the media as the 'enemies of football'.

In regards to the matters on the field, the main negative issue was the coaching carousel. The club has experienced nine different managers in the last ten years. A Chelsea manager's average tenure of twelve months makes it quite difficult to leave their impression at the club. Abramovich is quite ruthless with them and often a few losses on the board or no success at Champions League level will lead to their demise.

Some say he has every right to do what he wants for it is his club whilst others say it is ridiculous. Each dismissal more often than not has been unjustified which has left many onlookers wondering what goes on in his mind. Most Chelsea supporters disagree with some of the managerial dismissals but have collectively defended him. Romans passion for the club is matched by his investment and the fans acknowledge the importance to support him, until now. His latest managerial appointment has caused unrest with most Chelsea fans.

Yes Abramovich was ultimately the person that hired Benitez, but to be fair he does not control the Spaniard. The way he has handled himself both on and off the pitch at Chelsea is a testament to the man's arrogance.

The hatred that blues fans have for Benitez dates back six or seven years when the two clubs duelled in heated Champions League encounters. At the time Benitez named the Chelsea faithful 'plastic' and has stated that players like Lampard and Drogba were overrated. He also further stated that he would never coach at Stamford Bridge.

In his first press conference as Chelsea manager, journalists gave him countless opportunities to apologize to the fans. Benitez did not take the initiative and issued no apologies for his past comments, instead saying that at the time he was very passionate about being coach of Liverpool and he would not hesitate to say the same thing now, under the Chelsea banner.

The way he handled himself in that press conference solidified his arrogant personality. A two sentence apology could have made the difference between support and hatred but once again his pride was in the way.

Furthermore, Benitez showed his lack of sensitivity towards the issue when he stated that all he needed to do was to win and the fans would turn around and support his appointment. True, the points would definitely have helped his cause with some fans but it seemed that all he was trying to portray to the media was that the supporters could be 'bought' with the illusion of winning.

More importantly, on the field he has showed no tactical prowess often with substitutions that have made people wonder if he knew what he was doing. Furthermore losses at home against teams at the bottom of the table, a draw against a third division side in Brentford and the loss against Corinthians at the Club World Cup has obviously contributed to why the fans think he is simply incapable of being manager.

The most important facet of football management is something that Benitez lacks the most. It's the ability to get the players to trust him and to play for him which separates good managers from great ones. Some managers might have lack of tactical experience or lack of talent in their squad but if they can inspire their players to believe in themselves and the cause it can eventuate to winning trophies. Robbie Di Matteo is a perfect example of this.  He won the Champions League and the FA Cup with possibly the least talented Chelsea team in the last six years, but he inspired them to glory.

Benitez is a man that does not show emotion, he's a man that does not like to get close with his players and leaves the relationship strictly professional. It seems the way he manages the squad is the opposite of what the team needs at this point. It has been noted in the press that the players know that his dismissal is imminent therefore the care factor towards him and his methods are low. Though still the problem does not lie solely on Benitez as he can only control the issues on the pitch and not off it.

As Technical Director, the role of Michael Emenalo is primarily football related. Issues such as managerial changes, player acquirement, selling players and contractual conditions are decided by him. Even though it is Abramovich that ultimately approves these decisions, it is the responsibility of the Technical Director to advice him correctly so that Abramovich (who is not a football person) can make the right decision to benefit the team on the field. Therefore Emenalo must be held responsible for lack of knowledge and mismanagement.

His experience to get to where he is today is very limited which questions how he obtained that position in the first place. A former Nigerian international, Emenalo spent his years prior to Chelsea coaching an under 12's girls side in Tucson, Arizona along with a volunteer coaching role at Virginia Tech University. He was then hired by Avram Grant to be a scout and was promoted to Assistant First team coach when Ray Wilkins left the club which then led him to his current post.

His lack of experience has resulted in many issues for the team. The players are exhausted through the strenuous schedule because the roster is very thin. There are currently twenty three players out on loan and the manager seems to think that lack of personnel have reflected on the clubs negative results this season. These loan moves were all approved by Emenalo.

Furthermore, the weekly debacle about player contracts for some senior players along with the lack of recruitment proves that this man is incapable of his position. When a player is unhappy whether it is because of the manager, club condition or their contractual situations their performances on the field will ultimately suffer. It is important that when the player is on the pitch or training paddock that his mind is clear, this is the primary role of Michael Emenalo. Simply, the facts show that he does not have the ability to handle his responsibilities.

Success in football is measured by the results on the field. For this to occur there are a number of factors off the field that needs to be corrected. Clearly the major problem at Chelsea is that they are not performing as well as they have been through the last decade, and for this, the Technical Director must fall by the sword. Though through the tough times it is the fans who provide positive support and passion that helps the players and the club to redeem itself.

But according to the media it is in fact the fans that are the cause of all the unrest at Stamford Bridge. Through the past Chelsea fans have been known for their great passion through their chants, the atmosphere they create and most importantly the way they support the club through tough times. For most supporters seeing the club right now is barely comprehendible. They have never seen this type of disunity before. Looking from the outside in, it seems that each negative result does not affect them as much as it used to.

The press blame the section of fans that are against Rafa Benitez for creating the negative atmosphere during games. Though it is important to state that there are also a number of Chelsea fans who have chosen to see past the appointment and instead support the team on the field and not lash out at the manager.

These two sets of fans have caused conflict amongst each other and their disagreements contribute to the negative vibe at home games. The pessimistic support along with insulting songs and boos influences the mind of each player which in turn affects their way of play.

The underlying factor is that most of them feel betrayed by the Chelsea hierarchy. Most fans labelled the handling of Di Matteo's dismissal as classless and the hiring of Rafa Benitez was seen as unforgivable. It is no secret that Abramovich is the sole person that makes these decisions which in turn has caused some fans to aim their disgust at him as well.

Aside from what Benitez and the executives might think, it is not only wins that will solve this problem with the fans. They must feel part of the club, the passion must come back and they should feel included in the decision making. The hierarchy knows who the supporters don't want and not taking their opinion into consideration has proven to be the most toxic pill to swallow. The fans are the bread and butter and their support is imperative to Chelsea's longevity and therefore they cannot be blamed for their ill feeling against the club.

Lately, the events at Stamford Bridge show a disconnection between the board and the supporters. There is no definitive answer to what is wrong at Chelsea at the moment. Right now the club is in a transition phase where old players and the old culture are being phased out for the next generation.

Proper leadership both on and off the pitch is vital to the success of this transition and at the moment the club has it all wrong. To ensure success at Stamford Bridge, Abramovich needs to assemble a team both on and off the field that can work as one.

First, the club needs a manager who can extract the best out of the players, who is tactically great and is able to inspire the team and the supporters. Also they need a Technical Director with credible experience that is able to handle the issues at the club with professionalism and class.

Most importantly, once the correct people are acquired, Abramovich needs to trust in them and create stability at the club. This will get the fans on his side again and re-create the passion that they are known for.  It is time to create a new identity at Stamford Bridge and unite the club once again.

Link: Sunderland - Fulham FC [Live Football]

Hasta manhattan project vista? Laudrup flattered by Real Madrid link and says he is 'certain... - Mirror.co.uk

"It is just a pleasure that the lovers think that I could be the next Real Madrid director, we will have what are the results in June or July," says Swans manager Ian Walton Swansea City employer Michael Laudrup has revealed he's "certain" to go back to Spain to manage in Manhunter Liga and has suggested it might actually be this summer amid attention from Real Madrid. Only hours after his part had romped to victory in the Capital One Cup final, some thing he referred to as a career high', Laudrup appeared on the El Larguero show on Valencia-based station Cadena Ser and proposed that he might be back in Spain next year, having previously maintained La Liga factors Mallorca and Getafe. He has also played for both Barcelona and Real. "It is really a delight that the lovers think that I really could function as next Real Madrid manager, we will see what goes on in June or July," said the former Denmark international, who just arrived at Swansea after Brendan Rodgers' move to Liverpool last summer. "It is for certain that I'll go back to Spain, but I don't know when," included Laudrup. "Spain is much like my 2nd home, but I am enjoying my knowledge in the Premier League." Michael Regan Bradford Town v Swansea City - Capital One Cup Final When quizzed on the practicalities of managing his team the 48 year-old in addition has maintained in his native Denmark and Russia, but focused on the differences between Manhattan project Liga and the Premier League. "In Spain, most of the groups wish to play good baseball but here there are certainly a large amount of different styles, it is harder to get ready for games," he explained.

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany suffers setback - Telegraph.co.uk

But having overcome the problem he sustained against Stoke, the Belgian defender is now battling against an injury to his other calf which has flared up during his rehabilitation from the initial injury.

City manager Roberto Mancini is hopeful that Kompany will be fit to travel to Villa Park, with the 26-year-old due to undergo intensive treatment this week ahead of a possible return to full training.

But with Sunday's 2-0 win against Chelsea proving to be the fifth game that Kompany has missed since the Stoke fixture, Mancini is wary of rushing the centre-half back into action until he is fully recovered.

The victory against Chelsea moved City to within 12 points after league leaders Manchester United. But although the champions are closer to the group of teams chasing second spot, City goalkeeper Joe Hart insists that Mancini's players will continue to focus on catching United rather than worry about being caught by the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal.

"You've got to look up rather down," Hart said. "It's going to be really hard and we've got a lot to do, but we're going to have a damn good go at doing it.

"Even if there are four games to go and we are 12 points behind, we'll still believe. We've got to. We've got to keep fighting because you never know. We have just got to keep going."

The defeat of Chelsea was City's first league victory in a month – a period which included a 3-1 defeat at Southampton – but Hart claims that the loss at St Mary's must be put in the past.

"We all under-performed against Southampton, but that's gone," Hart said. "You can't do anything now, other than move on from that. You have got to look forward. You can speculate and talk about the past but we have just got to look forward and try to win. The only way is up for us."

Via: Jaguares - Santos Laguna [Live Football]

Everton FC star admits interest In Chelsea FC move - SportsNewsIRELAND

Marouane Fellaini has admitted that he is interested in a potential move to Chelsea, but reiterated that he will not push for a move away from Everton.

Fellaini's excellent form for the Toffees has seen him linked with a move to Stamford Bridge but to date no bid has been made for the 25-year-old midfielder.

As there are still three years remaining on his contract with Everton, Fellaini will not try to force a move, but did admit he would welcome the opportunity to play Champions League football:

"Am I interested in Chelsea? It's normal, right? I've never played in the Champions League," Fellaini is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror.

"I'm happy here, I know everyone, I get along with my team-mates. It's my home. On the other hand, I also want to take the next step. Fate will decide.

"Everton paid £20 million and do not want to sell me for nothing. If a big club wants me, they will have to pay the price."

More Info: Silkeborg IF - AaB Aalborg [Live Football]

Barcelona to face Real Madrid in Copa semi-final - IBNLive

Madrid: With crucial Champions League games looming, Barcelona and Real Madrid could have done without the distraction of playing each other twice in five days, starting with a King's Cup semi-final second leg on Tuesday.

The two "Clasicos" - the second a La Liga clash at the Bernabeu on Saturday - will provide rich entertainment for fans but they are relatively insignificant compared to Barca's game at home to AC Milan on March 12 and Real's match at Manchester United a week earlier.

Real Madrid would have midfielder Xabi Alonso and forward Karim Benzema back from minor injuries for King's Cup semi-final second leg at holders Barcelona, coach Jose Mourinho said on Monday.

Barcelona are still reeling after going down 2-0 to Milan at the San Siro, though they fought back from a goal down for a 2-1 La Liga win at home to Sevilla.

The pair missed Saturday's 2-1 comeback La Liga victory at Deportivo La Coruna, when Mourinho initially left top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench but brought him on in the second half to set up Gonzalo Higuain's late winner.

The King's Cup is never a priority for Spain's dominant pair as long as they are still alive in Europe's elite club competition and the domestic league, and Real have all but given up on a second consecutive La Liga title after slipping 16 points behind leaders Barca with 13 games left. Barca are still reeling after going down 2-0 to Milan at the San Siro in Wednesday's last-16 first leg, though they picked themselves up and fought back from a goal down for a 2-1 La Liga win at home to Sevilla on Saturday.

Real, held to a 1-1 draw by United at the Bernabeu On February 13, also came from a goal down to win on Saturday, beating bottom side Deportivo La Coruna 2-1 at the Riazor with Cristiano Ronaldo coming off the bench to set up Gonzalo Higuain for the winner. Assistant Barca coach Jordi Roura, standing in for Tito Vilanova who is recovering from throat surgery, praised his players for putting Wednesday's shock reverse behind them.

"You can lose a match but the really important thing is the reaction," he told a news conference after the Sevilla game. "It was a really tough game and they scored against us while we had the match more under control," he added. "But once again the team rose to the occasion and showed the pride needed to secure a very important victory for the league campaign. Their reaction was splendid." Cup holders Barca have a slight advantage ahead of Real's visit to the Nou Camp, which will be the 224th meeting between the arch rivals in all competitions, after they secured a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu in last month's first leg.

Cesc Fabregas fired Barca ahead five minutes after halftime and Raphael Varane nodded in an equaliser for Real nine minutes from the end. Real beat Barca 1-0 to win the Cup in 2011 and Barca eliminated them in the last eight last term. The successful side after Tuesday's showdown will meet Atletico Madrid or Sevilla in May's final. The pair meet at Sevilla's Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on Wednesday with Atletico holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg at the Calderon.

Barca struggled to create scoring chances against both Milan and Sevilla, leading some to question their slavish adherence to a possession-based playing style and ask whether they had an effective "Plan B" when faced with ultra-defensive sides. They have also found it tough to keep a clean sheet in recent outings and Roura said it was something they needed to improve if they were to keep alive their hopes of a treble of trophies this term.

"It's true that we are having the odd problem in that sense and it's something to improve on, above all in our positioning in defence," Roura said. "Obviously it concerns us and we want to improve that and other things," he added. Barca's World Player of the Year Lionel Messi can equal the record goal tally for "Clasicos" of 18 held by former Real great Alfredo Di Stefano with a goal on Tuesday.

Via: SKN Sankt Pölten - KSV 1919 [Live Football]

Stoke City: It's nice to playing again, says Stoke's new boy Shea - This is Staffordshire

The £2.5m signing from FC Dallas was handed his debut after just 24 minutes of the 1-0 defeat at Fulham when his fellow left-winger Matthew Etherington suffered a back injury.

The game was Shea's first after four months out following surgery on his right foot, so he understandably looked a little rusty as he got his first taste of the Premier League.

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Shea said: "It's been a long time out and I am glad to be back. It wasn't the way I wanted to play, or the team, but hopefully we can get better.

He said: "I'm not 100 per cent, but am getting better and am almost there. I just have to keep playing and get back into it.

"I don't think I played very well today, but it's good to get a taste. Every team has their own style and the league here is faster so you just have to get used to it."

The powerful forward made an instant impression, scoring with a powerful header after coming on as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 defeat at home to Hartlepool in League One.

Stoke's new keeper Jack Butland also impressed, making a number of saves as Birmingham eased their relegation fears with a 2-0 win at the Championship's bottom club, Peterborough.

Before Saturday, Barnsley had won all four of the games in which Delap had played, including an FA Cup win at MK Dons which has earned them a quarter-final at Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Mama Sidibe got off to a winning start on loan at Tranmere. The striker played for the opening 69 minutes as Rovers romped to a 5-1 win at Colchester United to move up to third in League One.

Rovers boss Ronnie Moore was delighted with the Stoke striker's performance, but revealed he could be a doubt for their home game with Notts County on Tuesday.

Moore said: "We've lacked experience recently, but big Mama got up there, he held it well and everything stuck to him. I thought he was excellent. The problem is he's got a little twinge on his hamstring."

Via: RC Lens - Epinal [Live Football]

System FC : The Good, Terrible And 'Invisibility Cloak' Of Lukas Podolski - The Hard Handle

Lukas Podolski has made a reasonably good begin to his Arsenal profession this season. We take a peek at his report card so far and explain the good and the maybe not so good part of his sport. Such may be the exalted position occupied by footballing media in todayas sporting landscape which they effortlessly get season-long stories for football clubs. For Arsenal this season, itas all been concerning the departure of Robin van Persie and how Wengeras hastily accumulated group of ragamuffins have did not cope with said departure. Every decent opportunity overlooked is supported by avan Persie would have obtained thata and other nuggets of wisdom-y wisdom; every Man United gain with van Persieas name on the score sheet elicits an aoh how Arsenal could do with this man in their ranks!a; and any specially impressive piece of skill by Arsenalas recent forwards effects in athat was a first toucha and similar encomiums. Yes, we obtain it. Not that the press are wrong, by itself. The Gunners positively miss having the silky-toed Dutchman cause the line for them; any team could have the touch when one of the most readily useful strikers in Europe leaves in his prime. Where in fact the media are wrong is in testing Arsenalas substitute strikers, namely Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, by the same yardstick as they do van Persie. As players changing to a new team and a new place, it would be nigh-on unrealistic you may anticipate from them the footballing pyrotechnics that van Persie conducted in his final year at the Emirates. Seen in isolation, both of Arsenalas newly-unwrapped frontmen experienced decent starts to their jobs in red-and-white. We focus here on Lukas Podolski, who was simply bought from Cologne for approximately 10 million pounds and has performed both as a lone striker and large remaining forward for the Gunners to date. When term of Podolski signing for Arsenal reached their modern fan-base, there is practically an equal split between expectation and apprehension: expectation that FC Cologneas hero and one of many cornerstones of the German national team would rise to the next stage and persuade be profitable, and tension that Prince Poldi would turn out to be an damp squib as he'd at Bayern Munich. Eight months later on, there's been remarkable evidence to give credence to both of the aforementioned ideas, as Podolski has periodically pleased and disappointed. Podolskias skill-set is well publicized: a of a foot, bloody-minded directness, quick transitions on the counter-attack, and correct delivery from the wings. Thereas a wonderful conciseness in the way he represents when on music a' every pass is sharp, every give-and-go is no showier than it needs to be, every tackle put in is sans frills, tracking back is finished with a minimum of fussa a confident and happy Podolski is unbeeindruckt in the face area of risks. Such laconicism flourishes best when itas surrounded by expressiveness, and Arsenalas unperturbed German has expectedly had his best activities when the entire midfield and strike-force have fired on all cylinders. Podolski will never run rings around the whole resistance team and rating with a bodacious pelvic thrust; he'll be the one fizzing a simple but dangerous cross into the field, or kneeing the ball into the web after a corner-time struggle, or busting a gut to supply an encouraging run on the table. Podolskias most readily useful sport within an Arsenal top up to now came against West Ham at home, and his performance that day highlighted the logo terseness of expression properly. After the guests had taken a shock lead, the Gunners were brought by Podolski back to the fit with a tracer-bullet of a shot from thirty yards out. Then, in the second half, he played an understated but successful one-two with Giroud before moving in Cazorla for 3-1. Hardly a minute later, he'd the ball on the left side again, and sprayed an cross-field ball for Walcott to score. Again, the replays were hardly over when he charged down along side it just like a methodical rhino and hit a low cross for Giroud to push house. Net-buster of a goal in the initial half aside, there was no aOh snap!a time of genius from Podolski in that game, no transcendental bit of skill that made one apply eyes to oneas. It was simple things done simply, it was moving from position A to Z without taking a multitude prevents in unnecessary alphabets along the way. As Podolski is economical in his virtues, so is he indifferent in his deficiencies. Rarely are you going to see Podolski having an abjectly horrible sport, losing moves like billy-o, or tanking shots left, right, and center. Podolskias bad games are his hidden games: games where in actuality the sum of his contributions is to generally speaking shy away from any substantial contribution, place an erratic foot or two out for treating, and pass the ball back once again to his full-back. While Gervinho hilariously fails (but tries) and draws all manner of invective in his path, Podolski can lay on a hammock and sip pina colada on the left side. A new player periodically switching off for games is not unheard of, but this recent Arsenal staff doesnat have the required quality to properly carry people. On a poor time, Podolski has most of the end product of a rigor-mortis stricken cadaver. It was never more apparent than against Bradford. Podolski was very nearly a of Arsenal that rainy night: theoretically superior to the weight, but hemmed down and forced in to impotence by enthusiasm, travel, and effort. He unfailingly had two players snapping at his heels, haranguing him in to making errors, and he couldnat handle it. Itas said about great players that they can make a moment of brilliance also on a bad day, but Podolski seems more suited to moments of performance than moments of brilliance. Given that he's a well-honed poacheras impulse, anything thatas an issue at Ashburton Grove, but one only needs to look at how Podolski gets substituted across the 70 minute level usually to learn that heas certainly not your amoment of magica type of person. Maybe not in Arsene Wengeras eyes so far, anyway. To consider, Podolskias report card up to now might read something to the track of aGood start, but can do bettera. His playing design is rife with a common sense thatas not-so-common, and one can see him using charge as one of the leaders of this staff in the years to come. Nevertheless, there are a good few jagged arrows in his quiver that he needs to straighten out if he wants to make the leap up from Prince to King. Etc Abhishek Iyer is a freelance basketball author and spends the majority of his time wallowing in the wetlands of BigFourZa with a tear-stained Arsenal scarf. Apart from that, he's an contributor to 90 Minutes, Arsenal Vision and, obviously, The Hard Tackle. Follow him on twitter a' @Nickspinkboots

Link: Lekhwia - Al-Shabab [Live Football]

West Bromwich Albion vs. Sunderland: Final report 2-1, Lukaku brace considers... - SB Nation

Romelu Lukaku won in both halves as West Bromwich Albion acquired the items in a victory over Sunderland. The match was begun by the hosts on the back foot, and Sunderland were only too pleased to exploit poor play from the Baggies midfielders. Claudio Yacub was the worst problem, and a missing move from the Argentine found Steven Fletcher free at the top of the box. The striker's low shot was a few coats of paint from obtaining the back of the web, thumping off the base of Ben Foster's right hand post, with Danny Graham failing to change the recovery. But that 24th-minute event sparked West Brom into life, and they came roaring at the Black Cats defense for the others of the half. Youssuf Mulumbu must have put them forward 1-0 after Liam Ridgewell's exceptional mix found him unmarked at the edge of the six-yard field only to mind broad, and Romelu Lukaku's properly great goal was disallowed as a result of Seb Larsson's foul on Steven Morrisson. Nevermind advantage, eh, ref. It is maybe not from the question that Roger East was attempting to replace his mistake shortly when he called a punishment on Craig Gardner shortly afterwards. It did not seem especially plausible for the best back to have moved his arm out from the method of Chris Brunt's cross, nevertheless the whistle blew straight away nevertheless, and Lukaku swing home the spot kick to make it 1-0 to West Brom. Sunderland had a chance to equalise shortly after halftime each time a corner-kick stimulated scramble left Foster fully uncovered, and Stephane Sessegnon's fragile, off-balance snap shot was only kept out by the presence of Mulumbu on the back post. West Brom were still in control, however, and they had opportunities to go further ahead through the outstanding Lukaku, who'd a trio of close calls before he was eventually ready to net again -- although in notably fortunate trend. There is nothing lucky concerning the way he blew past John O'Shea on the side, but Titus Bramble's poor backpass coupled with Simon Mignolet's saw the ball ricochet off the big Belgian from point-blank range and jump straight in. The readers responded well, however, and Sessgnon had an excellent work held out by Foster before eventually finding the back of the web from 15 meters since the West Brom defence didn't clear their lines. Which should have set up a grandstand finish, nonetheless it was the Baggies who seemed closer to rating again, and Mignolet was called in to action with a fantastic save yourself from Brunt following yet another Bramble mistake. There were a number of close calls on Foster's goal, and James McClean may have gone better when he was allowed a last-second volley from ten yards which he grew over, however it came as not surprising at all when East blew the whistle for full time and gave West Brom a well-earned gain.

Via: Sanfrecce Hiroshima - FC Bunyodkor [Live Football]

WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2 - SUNDERLAND 1: LUKAKU PLAYS IT BY THE ... - Daily Star

The on-loan West Brom striker has ploughed through the Old Trafford star's autobiography to pick up all he can about how to deal with hitting the headlines as a youngster.

And he is obviously a quick learner, showing the same kind of deadly goal touch as the Rooster with a double against Sunderland.

Baggies' boss Steve Clarke said: "Lukaku is in a rich vein of form. He's got quick feet for a big man. We're delighted he chose to come here and further his education.

Clarke's men have reached the 40-point mark but they were inches from dropping two points when Black Cat John O'Shea thought his header had crossed the line to level.

West Brom took the lead in the 34th minute when Liam Ridgewell's cross hit Craig Gardner's hand and a penalty was awarded despite Sunderland protests.

On the stroke of half-time the visitors were again in uproar as Adam Johnson's shot hit Gareth McAuley's arm but no penalty was given.

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill said: "There were two big decisions. A penalty against us and a similar one at the other end not given. They were penalties.

O'Neill saw Sunderland go close again when Sessegnon grabbed at a half chance which saw the ball squirm towards the target only for Youssouf Mulumbu to clear.

The Belgian hit his second in bizarre circumstances when Titus Bramble was guilty of a dreadfully short backpass which Mignolet raced off his line to clear.

But the keeper only succeeded in battering the ball against Lukaku and it flew at full pace into the unguarded net behind him.

Via: Kickers Offenbach - VFL Wolfsburg [Live Football]

Spurs anxiety no body - Dembele - Clubcall

Moussa Dembele promises Tottenham don't fear any group while they target the Europa League and a fourth-place Premier League finish. The Belgium international served Andre Villas-Boas' side secure a League last-16 double-header against Inter Milan with a leveller in Lyon on Thursday to close a 3-2 aggregate win.And his attention is now turning to Monday night's Premier League London derby at West Ham with fourth-placed Spurs seeking the gain to recover the four-point lead over rivals Arsenal before next weekend's north London showdown at White Hart Lane.Spurs blew a lead over the Gunners last year to find yourself missing out on third place and eventually Champions League qualification when Chelsea won the trophy against Bayern Munich in May which intended last spot wasn't good enough.However, Dembele feels Spurs are a different idea these days and he claims their unbeaten league function stretching back to December shows they are brimming with confidence."We don't have to worry any team," said Dembele."People have value for all of us. If you are in a winning mood it's important in the league."We have two more very important activities coming up in the league so the confidence will remain high and that is good for us."On the Hammers trip, he added: "It will be a real game, for sure, but we're used to it and this is a unique match for us and the fans too because it is a derby."Punters can use their free choice to back Spurs to end the year in the top four and add the Europa League trophy to the White Hart Lane trophy case.

Segunda DivisiAn: FC Barcelona T 1-0 HArcules CF: Fit Assessment - Barca Blaugranes (weblog)

Barcelona N concluded their longest losing streak of the season with a great performance against HArcules. After three successive losses Barcelona T concluded their losing streak with a victory over HArcules CF. The sole purpose of the game was won midway through the next half by Rafinha, but the gain got a severe cost with Alejandro Grimaldo pushed from the game by as a torn ACL what was later confirmed. Beginning XI: Oier Olazabal; Patric, Sergi GAmez, Marc Muniesa, Carles Planas; Sergi Roberto, Ilie Sanchez, Rafinha; Joan Angel RomAn, Jean Marie Dongou, Luis Alberto Bench: Jordi Masip, Alejandro Grimaldo, Edgar IA, Gustavo Ledes, Javier Espinosa, Kiko Femenia, Sergio Araujo In an effort to prevent the stretch of poor results several changes were made by Eusebio in the starting lineup. Patric and Ilie came back following a very long stretch during which they fought to have off the counter. The very best news of the overall game was the inclusion of Roberto and Muniesa in the starting lineup, both returning from injuries. As a result of the severeness of the harm the defense encountered in the preseason the return of Muniesa was specially encouraging. The very first chance of the game went along to HArcules, but an easy goal was prevented by a last second tackle from Patric by Javier Portillo. The others of the initial half was outlined by good goalkeeping. Ismael Falcon was tested in the 18th minute. A shot was fired by roberto on goal, however it was admirably held out by the HArcules goalkeeper. At the half hour mark it absolutely was Oier's turn to exhibit his goalkeeping skills. Nacho GonzAlez looked destined to rating, but Oier made a leaping save to push the ball to the article to keep the overall game scoreless. Five full minutes later, after a handball by Nacho on the left side, Alberto submitted a cross and the ball crossed the goal-line with Rafinha getting the final touch on the ball. However, the play was whistled dead due to a foul by Gomez on the goalkeeper and the target did not count. Three minutes later Rafinha won a free end on the side of the package, simply to the proper of Hercules' target. As has been the case all season, Alberto moved around go, but his attempt sailed just within the crossbar. In the 41st minute Planas and Muniesa played a wonderful one-two deep in their region, which offered Planas a lot of room on the left side. Near the penalty box Planas discovered Roberto alone in the guts, but the midfielder's shot was excellently preserved. Roberto had still another opportunity to place the hosts in the cause, but he returned the jump just wide of Falcon's right article. At the stroke of halftime Dongou exhibited some attractive dribbling, making his way into the region. Then he found Alberto, who was overlapping to his left, in space to take the last picture. His attempt was elevated by alberto, nevertheless the keeper once more made a good save your self. At halftime Roberto kept in the dressing room, obviously perhaps not being healthy enough to perform several half after lacking in regards to a month by having an injury. He was replaced on the message by Grimaldo who took his place on the wing with BarAa's development beginning to look more like a 4-2-3-1. BarAa B began the 2nd half where they finished the first one - with good force toward Hercules' target, but desperate for an easy method at night goalkeeper. BarAa suffered a terrible blow in the 58th minute when Grimaldo had to keep the frequency because of an apparent right leg injury. He created a darting run down the best side, but being interrupted by the defense he got over him, and on the landing way was given by the knee with Grimaldo going down in lots of pain. He was replaced on the frequency by Kiko Four minutes later Dongou made still another run between three defenders, however, the goalkeeper was once again there to stop the ball from crossing the goal-line. Barcelona finally broke the deadlock in the moment when Rafinha discovered the back of the net. The midfielder received the ball from Patric at the edge of the box with his back again to the web. Rafinha then made a quick change that gave him more then enough space to choose his place and beat the owner to the far post. Soon after, Rafinha had an opportunity to double the cause, after he was setup by Dongou, but he slightly mishit the edge shot which sent the ball sailing over the bar. Barcelona continued to press for the insurance purpose, with most plays going through Rafinha and/or Dongou, but BarAa fought to create a clear scoring opportunity. In the 85th moment Dongou received four defenders to herself and then passed the ball to Kiko on the right side. Kiko put the ball to Patric on the side of the package, however the right back fired a weak picture that was easily stored by Falcon. In the moment Eusebio made the final replacement of the overall game, changing Roman with Espinosa. Just before being subbed off Roman dismissed a great picture from about 17-yards out, but on it's solution to the target it got deflected and trickled just inches wide of the article. The final chance of the game was produced by Espinosa, who displayed some outstanding dribbling in limited time, when he was brought down on the very edge of the field. Alberto curled it around the wall, but was unlucky hitting Dongou, who was hoping to get from the way. The score remained 1-0 in support of a three game was snapped by Barcelona B who losing streak. Barcelona T is going to be doing his thing again on Sunday once they travel to the Canary Islands to get on UD Las Palmas.

Link: Aberdeen FC - Ross County [Live Football]

Chelsea slump to Man City loss - Fulham Chronicle

City were dominant to start, and dominant in the end, with the only real respite for the visiting Blues being a Frank Lampard penalty saved by Joe Hart.

John Terry was dropped to the bench for the six-pointer – Chelsea sources cited 'managing the squad' as the reasoning. Managing it in an 'interim' fashion, presumably.

Picking David Luiz ahead of him at centre half risked providing post match ammunition for the sizeable anti-Rafa brigade. City started better, Chelsea preferring to sit back and play on the break.

On the quarter hour a corner found Matija Nastasic on the edge of the six yard box, the Serb's header drawing a remarkable diving save from Petr Cech.

Four minutes later City went close again: David Silva laying-off to Sergio Aguero. The forward ran into the box and, with Cech closing him down just enough to put him off his ultimate destination, put it out for a goal kick.

Chelsea were being punished for their own mistakes, giving the ball away far too easily – their undoing against City in a number of recent meetings.

Meanwhile, they gave glimpses of the positional indiscipline that threatens to spoil the party every time Luiz is featured in defence - the Brazilian going walkabout more than once to leave gaps a more alert City forward-line might seize upon.

Chelsea again lapsed into sitting-back mode; Jack Rodwell went close two headers, both saved by Cech; Pablo Zabaleta with a volley from outside the box, blocked by Gary Cahill.

But, with 50 minutes on the clock, the advantage was handed squarely to Chelsea as referee Andre Marriner pointing to the spot after Joe Hart had muscled Demba Ba to the ground.

The official somehow saw fit to keep his red card in his pocket, possibly because replays showed Ba to be heading marginally away from goal when the incident took place.

Lampard stepped up, seeking his 200th Chelsea goal. But, uncharacteristically, it was a soft effort: placed low to the left, within the reach of the diving Hart.

City were the only real benefactors. Just after the hour David Silva cut a ball back from the Chelsea goal line to Yaya Toure – on the edge of the box.

He waved around three defenders, before threading a ball at a tight angle past Cech and into the net. A goal of real quality needed to beat a keeper on top form.

Chelsea, who probably should have mixed things up before the goal, made changes that after the goal made little sense.

In need of goals Benitez took off the two readiest sources of them, in Lampard and Eden Hazard, and brought on Oscar and Moses. Nothing happened.

Being run ragged in midfield, and with 10 minutes to play Benitez took off Mikel – their only real claming midfield influence - for Fernando Torres.

Ramires, dropped back into the holding role where he seldom looks comfortable, gave the ball away three times within about 90 seconds.

On the third, it ended up squared to sub Carlos Tevez who - given an acre of space by the retreating Ivanovic and Cahill, thumped the ball home from the edge of the box.

The difference between the sides a conservative two goals on the day, a more telling seven points over the season so far.

More Info: Rouen - Girondins Bordeaux [Live Football]

QPR 0 - Manchester United 2: Harry Redknapp desires for happier earnings - Express.co.uk

Harry Redknapp is wanting his fortunes change soon But what he will perhaps not find waiting for him as a present from Sandra or the youngsters, is just a player with the quality of Ryan Giggs. And boy does the QPR manager need one right now. Manchester United attained Loftus Road as favourites for the concept. Thanks to yet another show by the evergreen Giggs, they left with the red ribbons ready to be tied onto the trophy. The fat lady might not be performing just yet, but she sure as heck is clearing her throat. As for Harry and QPR, the decline looms ever closer, regardless of the A20 million allocated to players in January. But Redknapp believes that in Bobby Zamora and Loic Remy, he's the strike partnership that could still have them out of trouble. The situation will undoubtedly be keeping them both healthy. Welshman Giggs was 39 last November and incredibly he's still going strong in Unitedas cause. This match was his 999th senior look for club, country and the GB Olympic team and just how he struck Unitedas minute, game-clinching, purpose 10 minutes from time rolled right back the years. He hit his first-ever United purpose at Loftus Road in 1994, in a 3-2 win. Unitedas other stunning goalscorer on Saturday, full-back Rafael, was a child at the time. Ryan Giggs ratings for United Ryan is incredible. It is getting dull. He's the exact same in training, he just loves to play basketball. He represents, he scores, he allows. Rafael Da Silva Rafael said : aRyan is unbelievable. It is getting dull. He is exactly the same in teaching, he just likes to play football. He represents, he ratings, he assists.a You just have to defy age a' and Redknapp is performing it as well as Giggs, thinking about the pressure. He said: aIt is my birthday a few weeks, on March 2. aI think there is no better solution to commit it than with 90 minutes finding abuse at Southampton. Theyall be calling a to me for my time at Portsmouth.a Saints supporters, of course, will never forgive Redknapp for his two spells in charge at Portsmouth. But more importantly, for the fact he did not keep Southampton up in his short stint in demand in 2005. But he does not frequently don't keep groups up. West Ham, Pompey and Spurs have all benefited from his capability to work the miracle and prevented relegation. QPR might be trapped seven things adrift of protection today but Redknapp said: aNow we have got Zamora and Remy together that's our chance. aIf Bobby is struggling, then we're struggling. He will give some thing to you if he keeps fit. aEven a half-fit Bobby is just a top person. He needs an operation on his hip, but he's still going out there. At the very least now I believe we will report. All season has been scored only 19 goals by us. But Bobby can score, Remy can score. aThereas enough games left a' 11. It's still wide open. aI still nice us. Everybody thinks we are gone. But it can be changed by you so quickly. aAt Portsmouth I'd a c**p team and we got 20 items from 10 activities and stayed up. It ainat impossible.a

More Info: FC Lorient - Stade Brestois [Live Football]

Leading League: Manchester Town 2-0 Chelsea... - Chelsea Hamilton Academical Web log

Late Saturday night our Dear Leader, Nick emailed me to kindly ask if I fancied doing a match report for the City game. Just a year ago I would have willingly accepted such a chance to exercise the literary grey cells for such a prestigious game.

But after a few minutes thought I sadly had to answer no. One very good reason was my prearranged golf game which I needed to win in order to avoid a match series defeat. The other key reason sadly was my own current level of apathy and disinterest in everything Chelsea.

I played a very competitive game but in the end was overcome by a man on top of his game who ruthlessly exploited my every error. A shame but I lose this series with head held high, and now go 3-2 down in the series of series. I competed. I fought. I never gave in.

I only ever ask the same of Chelsea, but sadly this fight has all but disappeared from the team. So instead of a match report I will discuss the current malaise surrounding the club, from the owner to the fans and areas in between.

If you want a match report, you'll find very good ones at the BBC website and many others. If you want to read the thoughts of a man venting his spleen… then read on.

Where to start? This feels like I'm a forensic scientist picking over the corpse after its unexpected and sudden death. But the patient isn't dead yet, so perhaps I'm more the palliative care nurse, watching helplessly but compassionately as the patient rallies and fades as the inevitable demise looms.

Chelsea Football Club is ill. Very ill. But although the diagnosis is serious it's necessarily terminal. There is still hope for the club to remain a decent competitor, to cross swords with others in search of great prizes. But it needs treatment and radical treatment in my view.

The rot is set through the upper echelons of the club, extending its shadow of bleakness across the playing staff and through to the fans, every day spreading its insidious toxic fog a little deeper into the performances of the players and into the spirit, trust and faith of the supporters. Of course I still use that quaint old term 'supporter' because I believe any successful club needs the level of blind unfettered devotion they supply in order to survive and hopefully prosper. These are the people who buy the tickets, spend the money in the ground, and buy the programmes and the merchandise. They spread the word, they evangelise, they agonise, they adore, and they love the club. But we're no longer supporters in the eyes of Chelsea Football Club.

No, you see in the eyes of Fat Ron and the board, including the demon Abramovich we're not supporters. They don't want supporters.

They want customers to spend money. They want to build the 'brand' like typical vile money men and marketeers. The brand brings the loyalty, not the team. Not the football. Not the passion. Results will help of course, but the new world of the casual supporter, resplendent in their fancy dress, adorned with the loathsome friendship scarves means there is far more passing casual football tourism going on. Come and experience the atmosphere of a real English football match is the brand mantra. Except that the 'supporters' that stubbornly remain are an ageing band of ne'er do-wells, male-oriented and increasingly confused by the changing world around them. The supporters have finite match day resources as they attend regularly, so invariably spend less each game. The football tourist customer may go to handfuls of games a season, maybe even just the one. They may take their family which is admirable. That may initiate the youngsters into the excitement of football. But only if the excitement exists and at Chelsea the excitement factor barely has a pulse. The atmosphere is not toxic as some describe. It is non-existent. Games are almost observed in dinner party style near silence, the murmur of the watchers occasionally rising to nearly audible levels. Shut your eyes and you could be in a busy Harvester. A toxic atmosphere means something interesting is occurring, a good atmosphere means the crowd is happy, but the dull levels we currently experience indicate that the supporters have been ground down into an apathetic mental mincemeat. The customers on the other hand watch their football, see some famous players, take some photos and then disappear after the game. Some may even know the result.

Since we sold our collective souls to the Devil that is Roman Abramovich, we've seen the good times. Riches and trophies only ever dreamt of have arrived with regularity. Until now we've accepted the managerial merry-go-round as a sign of Abramovich trusting in some sort of chaos theory to deliver results. And results have been delivered. It started with l'enfant terrible of football, Jose Mourinho. He came in, he saw, he changed everything, he conquered. The press loved him then hated him. Other coaches either loved him or hated him. He was Marmite. You couldn't feel apathetic towards him. The press smears soon took hold and everything about him was box office. A criticism of medical facilities at Reading, criticism of referees, criticism of the press. It all added up and eventually Abramovich decided Mourinho was too big a liability and sacked him. It wasn't the liability issue in truth, but more likely the fact that Mourinho was box office stuff. And he was the bigger name. The fact that Mourinho attained this as part of his fortress mentality was irrelevant. He was upstaging Abramovich and the club in general. Abramovich had already undermined him by appointing an utter conman as Director of Football (Avram Grant). Then he humiliated him a bit more with Hollywood signings Ballack and Shevchencko. One worked and worked very well. The other was already in the knacker's yard. Mourinho recognised this but persevered, to no avail. Even he couldn't work the miracle of resurrection with Sheva's career.

Since then we've veered between coaches with dizzying speed. Grant was appointed and everyone knew this was a huge fraudulent act on Grant's behalf. Everyone except the dictator at the helm of the club. Scolari followed, Hiddink fought the fires left by Scolari but knew he wasn't a long-term option. Abramovich then captured his coveted target, the much-loved Carlo Ancelotti who delivered a thrilling double in his first year, only to be ejected the following year having failed to win a trophy with an underpowered squad. In fairness Ancelotti didn't cover himself in glory by remaining largely silent over the sacking of Wilkins but that aside, he had been hung out to dry by the club. Andre Villas-Boas followed, then Roberto De Matteo, one sacked for sticking to his coaching guns, the other because he shouldn't have been given the job anyway despite winning the FA Cup and the coveted Champions League.

And now we have the coach the supporters didn't want. Now I'll be honest and say I didn't despise Benitez. I couldn't care less about the alleged (and bollocks) previous slurs he was said to have made on Chelsea. But time had dimmed my memory of just how mediocre he really was at Liverpool. The point is, the club, the hierarchy of power, in reality Abramovich alone, knew how the bulk of the fans felt about RDM and Benitez. And yet, with utter contempt for the supporters (not the customers) they sacked a loved one and appointed the hated one. I say 'they' but mean 'he'. The collective 'they' is a fictional construct reflecting the board. The board are a collective of frauds, charlatans and yes-men, lining their pockets with money from the fans whilst not giving a shit about them. Fuck 'em, they're just customers. Customers are the king. Unless of course you are selling to them in which case you make them think that whilst you smile and rob them blind.

Now we have seen how Benitez has 'improved' us. We're out of the Champions League (yes, RDM's issue in reality), but failed to get the League Cup final after two of the most dismal semi-final ties we've ever seen. We lost the World Club cup final to a team who would barely beat QPR on a normal day. Of course, we need to bear in mind we failed to beat QPR this season as well. One of the select few that failed in fact. Aren't we lucky? When we sacked RDM we were four points off the top. We're now 19 points away from them. That alone is disgraceful. The press to my knowledge have yet to ask the fat fraud Ron Gourlay how this is better than before. How has this made our objectives for the season more achievable?

Even the Ministry of Truth would have trouble spinning that as better. But of course the Ministry of Truth has already done some work. For those who don't know they've already replaced the team photo outside Stamford Bridge of the Champions League winners with a new one where Robbie Di Matteo has been airbrushed out. If that doesn't smack of a despotic paranoia and rewriting of history then what does? Did I think RDM was the man for the future? I was undecided, but I do know he deserved better treatment, the chance to rectify a blip, and he damn well deserves to be enshrined in Chelsea history for ever. That one act of picture removal is shameful, despicable, underhanded and utterly cowardly. I'm ashamed of the club and everything it portrays at the moment.

Since Rafael Benitez took the helm, Aston Villa aside, we have delivered a sterile brand of tippy-tappy, slow, ineffective, dull football. It's as if Benitez is having the longest piss over the Chelsea fireworks ever. Of course for Benitez it's a great move as I've alluded to before. He's in the limelight doing what he (and others) would describe as an impossible job. He can fail and blame the culture of the club and claim he did a decent job. This may not be far from the truth. Let's face it better than him have come and gone after working for this utter lunatic asylum of a club.

I think he'll go post-season, and before the season ticket renewals are due. But the damage is done for many 'supporters'. My own @GrocerJackUK Twitter timeline is full of people saying they'll not renew. In honesty, I'm in the same place. £1000 on a season ticket could be well spent on so many other things. That makes me sad. Supporters are being marginalised and frozen out as the club attracts new customers. Who knows, we may be pioneers of a new relationship between clubs and fans. I won't be part of it though.

You might not like these, but for me they are now necessary if we are to gain any respect and dignity associated with the name of Chelsea Football Club. Yes, the community schemes are nice and worthy and good, but in truth nobody knows about them. Or probably cares. Good news doesn't sell. We are a laughing stock of a club, currently making notable basket case clubs like Newcastle, Blackburn, West Ham and Liverpool look like paradigms of serenity and calm.

The first thing is to sack Benitez and sack him now. Yes it makes us look mad, but only in the sense that it's just another mad irrational act from an off the scale lunatic anyway. Forgotten in a few days, they could go back to Hiddink for another temporary hand on the tiller until the season's end and the precious mammon of fourth place is achieved.

Then in the summer recruit Mourinho to come back and rebuild the fortress and restore our former formidable reputation.

Then sack Gourlay and employ a proper CEO who knows the football business. As in knows football. And also knows business. That Peter Kenyon chap seemed to know a bit about both.

Then Roman, walk away. Sell the club. Move away from everything Chelsea. I trust you to sell to the right people but your time is done. You've used us to gain the respectability you crave. It's time to move on and let new money, new ideas and new visions to set the club's strategy. Yes, Roman, strategy. All top 'businesses' have it. Lots of top clubs have it. Even Arsenal have it. You don't though, and whilst you don't then neither does the club outside of building the brand and attracting revenue.

Those actions won't fix it immediately, but would send us on the way to where we should be and should have been since that fateful day in 2007 when you sacked the best manager we ever had.

I'm a 'supporter'. This club has been in my blood for 42 years. I've cried for it. I've cried with despair and joy for it. I want to die one day doing the same. What I don't want is to shuffle off this mortal coil in hopefully 30 odd years with a dim and distant memory of something I used to care about which ultimately in one mad 12 month period discarded me and everything I stood for.

The Guardian, Jamie Jackson: "As United coast past their latest obstacle – as they did in the 2-0 win at QPR – City continue to scramble results and appear nothing like the threshing machine of last season. They had to survive a rare Frank Lampard miss from the penalty spot – courtesy of Joe Hart's save – before Yaya Touré and Carlos Tevez confirmed a deserved win against a Chelsea side that lacked fluency."

The Daily Telegraph, Chris Bascombe: "Lampard, normally so reliable from the spot, saw his well struck kick pushed away. City then piled on the pressure and deservedly took the lead thanks to a brilliant individual goal by Toure as he danced his way through a packed Chelsea defence and side-footed past Cech on 63 minutes. A superb second from Tevez late on completed an accomplished second half performance."

The Independent, Ian Herbert: "Eden Hazard and Frank Lampard didn't afford the manager so much as a cursory glance when, justifiably on the basis of their contributions, he substituted them. None of his players, in fact, displayed stomach for a fixture bereft of the edge it has carried in recent seasons, when the nation's two most moneyed clubs have collided with impact."

The Official Chelsea FC Website: "In a game that sprung to life after a first half of limited opportunities, Chelsea were left to rue a saved Frank Lampard penalty when Yaya Toure gave the home side the lead soon after. Substitute Carlos Tevez sealed the result with a late strike."

Via: AJAX - AZ [Live Football]

Drivers ... and Danica ... start your engines!

Of course, this year is different. Danica Patrick is the first woman to start from the pole in a Cup race, and Franco hinted beforehand that he was planning an audible. As unpredictable as ever, he passed on a chance to copy the command that was used when Patrick raced in the Indianapolis 500, "Lady and gentlemen, start your engines."

One day after a harrowing crash injured dozens of fans in the stands, those same seats are filling up for the Daytona 500.

"These should be good seats," said Rick Barasso, as he settled into a spot that was right in the danger zone when Kyle Larson's car slammed into the catch fencing on the final lap of a Nationwide Series race Saturday. "I mean, what are the chances of it happening again?"

That seems to be the attitude of the fans heading into the Daytona 500, the season-opening Cup race and biggest event on the NASCAR schedule. Most people say it's worth the risk to sit next to the ear-rattling action — no more than 20 feet away for those in the first row. They love to hear the engines, smell the exhaust, and feel the wind whipping in their face as 43 cars go by at nearly 200 mph.

Raymond Gober returned to the same location where he was nearly struck by a bolt from Larson's car. He scooped up the debris as a souvenir, though he acknowledged being a little nervous about his seat on the back row of the lower level. He even considered wearing his motorcycle helmet to the 500, but figured "everybody would start laughing at me." Next year, he plans to buy an upper-level seat in the main grandstand.

There are grim reminders of what happened Saturday: a bloody spot that had been washed down (not entirely, though), a tire mark on a seat, another seat that was partially bent from getting struck by that same tire.

EDITOR'S NOTE — "Daytona 500 Watch" shows you the Daytona 500 and events surrounding the race through the eyes of Associated Press journalists. Follow them on Twitter.

Link: Bayern Munich - Borussia Dortmund [Live Football]

Liverpool FC game reportedly amongst 680 possible match fixes

Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet have come out with a stunning claim this evening, just hours after Europol said over 680 games have been fixed worldwide.

Much of the press speculation in the UK revolved around the fact a Champions League game based in England, over the last 3 to 4 years, was one of the fixed matches and Ekstra Bladet seem certain that it was Liverpool's 1-0 win over Debrecen in 2009.

They suggest that Debrecen goalkeeper Vukasin Poleksic was bribed to ensure that there were over 2.5 goals in the match.

However, Liverpool had a poor night in front of goal and Poleksic only conceded one, where he punched out a shot from Fernando Torres into the path of Dirk Kuyt to claim the winner.

In text messages recovered by police – the people behind the match fixing bemoaned the fact Steven Gerrard missed some presentable chances against Debrecen.

Later on in the Champions League group stage of 2009, Poleksic was once again allegedly bribed for the match against Fiorentina which the Italians won 4-3.

Poleksic has since subsequently been banned from all football activities for failing to report match fixing activities.

Ekstra Bladet add in their report this evening just how difficult it is to prove match fixing – after all in the case of Liverpool's win over Debrecen can we really be sure the keeper was trying to let in three or more goals?

They also say that whilst big clubs such as Liverpool and Fiorentina stick out like sore thumbs in this report, there is no evidence to link them with any match fixing whatsoever.

More Info: UD Levante - Osasuna [Live Football]

Iker healing from injury wants with winning a championship this season

Iker Casillas says his recovery from a broken bone in his hand goes better than expected and he might be back between the Real Madrid posts the moment late March.

Casillas' hand was broken by an accidental end from his team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa all through Madrid's Copa del Rey quarter-final recreation at the Mestalla on January 23.

It absolutely was feared he'd experience 90 days on the sidelines, and the club moved quickly to sign Diego Lopez for 3.5 million from Sevilla to perform in their likely season-defining activities against Barcelona in the Copa and Manchester United in the Champions League.

The Madrid club chief told reporters on Thursday morning, at the beginning of a new club store at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, that the initial timeframe had just been a worst-case scenario.

"I am feeling very positive," Casillas said. "The surgeon gave the worst-case scenario to me, he explained it might get 90 days. But last week when the splint was removed, I was told I'd four weeks left. Now I am doing effective exercises to have flexibility and strength back in the finger."

Casillas said he'd been spending so much time at Madrid's Valdebebas education facility to obtain right back playing when possible.

"Until now I've not had much power in it, but I'm receiving it back little by little," he explained. "We are at the halfway point of the injury. I have still got a month to go. I'll need certainly to work more and suffer more to obtain back the mobility of before. I am getting excited about returning. It is worse being off the message than on it."

The big event was also attended by Casillas' team-mates including Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria, Jose Callejon, Nacho and Kaka, while coach Jose Mourinho was missing.

Alonso told reporters that he did not know yet whether he would recover from his crotch problem over time for next Tuesday's Copa semi-final second leg at Barcelona's Camp Nou.

"I am in the healing stage," the midfielder said. "I am looking to get better the moment possible, to have rid of the vexation and return in top form. Plenty of people ask when I'll get ready. I desire to manage to play against Barca, but I do not have a solution right now."

Former Liverpool person Alonso stated that, with the link balanced at 1-1, whoever obtained first in the Champions League last 16 return sport at Manchester United on March 5 will be favourites to advance.

"They will have the help of these fans," he explained. "It will probably be a challenge. The side that scores first will soon be favourites. Old Trafford is a good ground and it's the sort of match most of us like to play. The link is extremely open."

Di Maria stated that it could suit Madrid to be playing away from home in both of the future, potentially season-defining, activities.

"Things are getting well and we hope to carry on this way," he explained. "We know that we have to have big matches in both tournaments and that it will perhaps not be easy. Maybe playing away is likely to be in our favor because we do well when things are against us. We've had this week to work with the simplest way to approach the activities. I hope everything goes well."

Benzema, who remains question for Saturday evening's La Liga game at Deportivo La Coruna, said he wasn't concerned about his recent bad form before goal.

"I hope that I score more goals than I have to date, but the important thing is the squad and to win the future matches," he said. "We have to come together to win. We've a fantastic team and we are all in good form."

Bundesliga: Eintracht Frankfurt 0 Freiburg 0 - Soccerway

Bundesliga high-flyers Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg could not be separated on Friday, playing out a 0-0 draw at Mage Solar Stadion.

Aigner found himself in the spotlight again early in the contest, heading wide from a good position before missing the target again on 16 minutes.

It took the hosts until close to the hour mark to threaten the Frankfurt goal, Jan Rosenthal and then Matthias Ginter forcing Stefano Celozzi to clear off the line in quick succession.

With 14 minutes remaining, Jonathan Schmid was played through on goal by Max Kruse, but Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp pulled off a good stop to preserve the deadlock.

Johannes Flum then missed a chance to win the game for the home side with in the 85th minute, heading over the bar from Rosenthal's inviting delivery.

The draw sees Frankfurt stay fourth, three points ahead of Freiburg, who have defied expectations so far this season to sit fifth in the standings.

Via: San Martín - Newells Old Boys [Live Football]

Kaka executed terrific in the game vs Deportivo La Coruna

"From the initial moment of the second half we saw an alteration of attitude. We did not win because of the alternatives, that have been made in the twelfth second of the second half, but because of the change we made. It absolutely was the attitude of all the participants that sparked the recovery.

"It is true that seriously he [Kaka] is playing well. He is helped by his state of mind and this is very important to the group, that he's playing well and that he's another alternative. That's always positive. 

Kaka's performance also earned the reward of assistant mentor Aitor Karanka, who was simply pleased with the reaction of the group after going behind to a Riki attack on 35 minutes. 
"We knew that Deportivo weren't playing well and saw us being an possibility to change their fortunes. But in the 2nd half we increased our play, we scored two goals and we could take the three points home with us." 

Before Blaugrana surrounded out Sevilla later on Saturday morning, the gain moved Real to within 13 points of league leaders Barcelona. Inspite of the profit remaining the exact same, Kaka thinks victory over Depor can enhance Real's likelihood of claiming wallpaper this phrase. 

"I am much better. What we've nearby is fascinating and it is the important area of the season and if the director wants me to play I will be there to simply help in these matches." 

"The team is playing well and things are becoming better for me also. In basketball anything changes quickly and I'm happy to support the team win. 
"[It was] an essential victory in a very difficult match. In the first half we were a little troubled and we made a few errors. In the second half we improved and we won three points which are essential for us and for what is to come over the next few weeks," Kaka told the club's officials website. 
True originated from behind at the Riazor, with Kaka rating the equaliser before Gonzalo Higuain scored an 88th-minute champion for the visitors. After putting up with a cause with limited sport time, Kaka now thinks he can help his staff as they check out keep their La Liga and Champions League hopes alive. 

Kaka has expressed delight at his new change in fortunes, because the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback win over Deportivo Manhunter Coruna. 

Kaka executed well in the game against Deportivo La Coruna

"From the very first second of the next half we found an alteration of attitude. We did not get because of the substitutions, that have been made in the second of the 2nd half, but because of the change we made. It absolutely was the attitude of all people that started the recovery.

"It is true that honestly he [Kaka] is playing well. His state of mind helps him and this is important for the team, that he is another option and that he is playing well. That's usually good. 

Kaka's performance also received the reward of assistant coach Aitor Karanka, who was simply pleased with the result of the team after planning behind to a Riki attack on 35 minutes. 
"We knew that Deportivo were not playing well and saw us as an possibility to change their fortunes. In the next half we increased our play, we scored two goals and we could actually simply take the three points house with us." 

Before the Blaugrana surrounded out Sevilla down the road Saturday evening, the gain moved Real to within 13 points of group leaders Barcelona. Regardless of the profit remaining the exact same, Kaka thinks success over Depor may raise Real's odds of claiming silverware this expression. 

"I am a lot better. What we have around the corner is fascinating and it is the decisive area of the time and if the manager wants me to play I'll be there to simply help in these matches." 

"The group is playing well and things are becoming better for me too. In baseball everything changes quickly and I'm very happy to help the team win. 
"[It was] a significant victory in a very hard match. In the initial half we were only a little troubled and a few mistakes were made by us. In the second half we increased and we won three points that are important for us and for what is to come over the next several weeks," Kaka told the club's officers site. 
Real originated from behind at the Riazor, with Kaka rating the equaliser before an 88th-minute winner was scored by Gonzalo Higuain for the visitors. After putting up with a difficult spell with limited sport time, Kaka now thinks because they turn to keep their Manhunter Liga and Champions League hopes alive he is able to help his group. 

Kaka has expressed delight at his new change in fortunes, since the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback win over Deportivo La Coruna.