Sunday, December 29, 2013

Ronaldo: My favourite player? Me!

Hopefully for Cristiano Ronaldo’s sake, modesty is not one of the criteria that needs to be met in order to win the Ballon d’Or in January.

The forward may be frontrunner to win the prize after a barnstorming year at Real Madrid but when given the chance to voice his appreciation for another star in football, he spurned the opportunity.

When asked who his favourite player in the world was after receiving an award in Dubai, Ronaldo replied with a smile: "Me!"
Sunday, December 29, 2013 12:00

No winter break for Pellegrini and Manchester City

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini insists he does want the Premier League to implement a winter break with his side currently on a superb run of form.

The Chilean’s men have beaten title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks to move to just a point from the top of the table.

City face Crystal Palace and Swansea in the coming days as part of a busy festive schedule but Pellegrini is happy with life in England saying it is the same for all teams.
Saturday, December 28, 2013 11:04

My interview with Kislany, nagy FOCI in Hungarian

My interview with the Hungarian blog "Kislany, nagy FOCI". Thank you Ágnes László

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Negredo the beast tames Liverpool and Suarez

Manchester City leapfrogged Liverpool in the Premier League table with a 2-1 win over the Reds at the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day.

Brendan Rodgers’ men had spent Christmas as league leaders but drop down to fourth despite taking the lead in the game through Philippe Coutinho.

City, however, preserved their perfect home Premier League record with Vincent Kompany equalising before Alvaro Negredo netted the winner.

The Spaniard has now netted in each of his last nine appearances at the Etihad Stadium with City now just a single point behind Arsenal as the title race hots up.
Friday, December 27, 2013 11:37

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Bore draw leaves Liverpool top at Christmas

It was a match which left little Christmas cheer for football fans as Arsenal and Chelsea played out a goalless stalemate at the Emirates Stadium on Monday evening.

But that draw was good news for Liverpool as they can celebrate on December 25 knowing they are leading the Premier League with Luis Suarez in red-hot form heading into the New Year.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 12:00

Jese 'living the dream' after saving Real Madrid

Jese Rodriguez claims he was "fulfilling a dream" after he scored a late winner in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Valencia on Sunday.

Carlo Ancelotti's side had taken the lead twice through Angel Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo, only to be pegged back on each occasion by Pablo Piatti and Jeremy Mathieu.

But as the match at the Mestalla looked to be heading for a stalemate, Jese popped up with a goal which has kept Madrid five points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

“I was looking for Zidane in the celebrations as his support is a big influence for me," Jese explained after the match. "He and the coach give me a lot of love and Zidane is a big reason why I stayed at the club.”
Monday, December 23, 2013 12:00

Bayern on top of the World

Bayern Munich brought their sensational 2013 to a spectacular end with victory at the Club World Cup on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola's side, who won the Bundesliga and Champions League last season, beat Raja Casablanca 2-0 in the final of the competition in Marrakesh.

Bayern wasted no time in establishing a hold on the game, scoring in the seventh minute through defender Dante, before Thiago Alcantara found the back of the net shortly after.

The victory leaves Bayern boasting an impressive trophy haul as the New Year approaches, and having shot to the top of the table in Germany heading into the winter break, there could be plenty more to come for Guardiola and Co.
Sunday, December 22, 2013 12:00

Liverpool fend off Arsenal & Real Madrid with new Suarez deal

Luis Suarez is staying put for the time being after the striker signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool on Friday.

Brendan Rodgers was forced to fend off bids from Arsenal in the summer transfer window, while Real Madrid were preparing a move for the Uruguay international in January.

The Spanish club will now be inclined to rethink their approach for the striker, who has a buyout clause in his new deal which allows him to be sold to a non-British club for a set price.
Saturday, December 21, 2013 10:00

Friday, December 20, 2013

Dzeko ready to step into Aguero's shoes

You could have forgiven Manchester City fans for cursing their luck following the news that in-form attacking sensation Sergio Aguero would be out of action for at least a month.

But fear not... Edin Dzeko is here and he's ready to lead City's Premier League title charge.

The Bosnian said: "Sergio being out is very bad for the team because he has had an amazing season so far. He has been scoring a lot of goals and he is obviously a very important player for us.

"But that's life. Now we have to try to play games without him, and try to keep winning. I am a striker that has scored goals all my life and I love to do it.

"When I get a chance I try to do my best."

Stepping into Aguero's shoes, and shirt, might be a bit of a problem, though. The Argentine stands at just 5'8" while team-mate Dzeko towers in at 6'4".

Friday, December 20, 2013 12:00

Raja Casablanca beat Ronaldinho

Raja Casablanca made a historical achievment after beating Atletico Mineiro at the club world cup semi final with a 3-1 to face Bayern Munich in the final.