Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has survived a knife attack in a Spanish airport that left his bodyguard with a 4cm stab wound.Former Chelsea manager Mourinho was moving through the La Coruna airport and signing autographs for Real fans when a man armed with a knife approached. One of Mourinho’s minders thought he had been punched by the attacker as they moved through the crowd before discovering a wound near his armpit when they boarded the team bus. Mourinho was only told about the full extent of the incident on Friday, a week after it happened. Police are investigating the attack using security camera footage from the airport. El Periodico reported: “Mourinho stopped to sign autographs in arrivals, where a large number of Madrid fans were waiting for the team.””The bodyguard was near the manager and noticed he had been stabbed in the armpit. Mourinho was very worried by the incident.” The club said it suspects the attack was intended for Mourinho. It will arrange increased security around its coach while police investigate.
Spain international Cesc Fabregas looks set to stay at Arsenal for at least one more season after new Barcelona president Sandro Rosell admitted his club may not have the funds to afford him this summer.
Rosell has confirmed that there are currently no talks between the two sides over a deal for the Gunners captain, who left the Camp Nou for north London when he was only 16.
Barca had a reported Euros 29million bid for Fabregas turned down by the Gunners earlier this summer while it was suggested that the player's failure to oust Xavi and Andres Iniesta from the Spain side at this summer's World Cup finals, prompted him to have a change of heart about leaving Arsenal.
"Arsenal feels very hurt by Barca," Rosell told Catalan TV3."They don't want to listen to offers or sell and they are not putting the player (Fabregas) on the market.
"There was a strong dispute a few months ago and they have not forgotten it. He (Fabregas) will arrive, even if it is not now, it will be next year. We will see.
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"One thing that is certain is that we will not go mad trying to sign him. No shareholder would pay Euros 60 or 70million for him. We will not go all out for him. We would only pay his value in the transfer market."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has backed Alan Hutton after the defender injured West Brom’s Shane Long, and has urged him to continue his swashbuckling style of play.
The Scotland international right-back came under criticism after a strong challenge left Long with a knee injury in The Baggies 2-1 win at Villa Park last weekend, with Roy Hodgson in particular vocal in his displeasure.
Despite this, McLeish has stated that it was a 50-50 challenge, and that Hutton was right to go for the ball as he did.
“The unfortunate thing for Hutton was that Shane Long got injured. We are sorry about that outcome,” the former Birmingham manager told Mirror Football.
“But there are tackles like that that go on every week and when there is not an injury at the end of it nobody says anything. The ball was there – Hutton had to stretch for it more than Shane did.
“Unfortunately, you can’t, all of a sudden, reverse the momentum of your body and not make some kind of collision.
“Alan was in a leg-break himself in a tackle with Garry Hay, a Kilmarnock player, six years ago, when I was at Rangers. It was two players sliding in and Alan got a broken leg out of it. So Alan is not that kind of player to do anything deliberately,” he stated.
Despite the criticism, Hutton is set to feature for Villa this weekend against Sunderland at The Stadium of Light.
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Last Sunday lunchtime, Liverpool Football Club burst back onto the English footballing scene in a massive way. In no uncertain terms, Liverpool gave Manchester United a good hiding. Liverpool were up for it, they hassled Manchester United, and when in possession, the movement of Dirk Kuyt, Luis Suarez and Raul Meireles was too much for a Manchester United side who lacked so much, but most of all, passion. Liverpool were simply awesome. Even Steven Gerrard was allowed a poor game, that was how good Liverpool were.
Under Roy Hodgson Liverpool lacked passion. From Hicks and Gillett, to Roy Hodgson himself and down to the players – Liverpool where going nowhere, fast. Since the arrival of Kenny Dalglish, there is a positive energy coming out of Anfield. January signalled both the managers and the clubs intent. Liverpool spent big, and spent well in the transfer window. Kenny Dalglish has motivated his side, they are playing an expansive, attractive style of football and the fans are loving every minute of the ride. Sunday’s result was much more than a win over Manchester United. It was a statement of intent for next season.
When Kenny Dalglish took over from Roy Hodgson, many believed, myself included, that he had nothing to lose. He had inherited a side that wasn’t strong enough and his reputation was never going to be tainted if Liverpool had continued to struggle in the bottom half of the Premier League. However, he has been a breath of fresh air, and most of all he has a footballing vision. Every footballing pundit who said he had been out of the game too long has had to eat their words. He understands how Liverpool need to play both home and away. Liverpool’s triumph’s away to Chelsea and at home to Manchester United, were tactically very different, but still highly impressive. Dalglish taught Carlo Ancelotti and Sir Alex Ferguson a lesson on both occasions – his tactics were spot on.
Even though this season will be seen as a bitter disappointment for Liverpool, the errors of the first half of the season may in fact make Liverpool stronger. In recent memory, Liverpool have never been written off by so many. The club has had to fight negativity at every corner, but they have come out of it the other side. That is the spirit of Liverpool FC, and without a shadow of a doubt it has united the club. Now they are ready to push on. This season doesn’t have to end with a bitter taste. If Liverpool play to the standards they set against Manchester United, they could have a real push for the Champions League, or at least fifth position. Liverpool, under Kenny Dalglish are clearly building something special for the future. We have already seen a few glimpses of what they can do together. First step, Dalglish must be given a long term contract. With that in place, next season could be very special indeed for a club starved of domestic success.
Read more of Tom’s articles at the excellent This Is Futbol
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After a slow start the 2010 World Cup in South Africa has been full of thrills and spills. Portugal netted seven against North Korea and both Brazil and Spain showed their class against the Ivory Coast and Honduras respectively, and the tournament is now moving through the gears. As the group stage of the tournament nears its conclusion and the straight knockout format is due to kick in, expect to see more thrills as there are no second chances. Only then will the battle to be crowned World Cup winners really hot up, with the experience of the final almost unrivalled.
The adrenaline and sense of anticipation that surrounds the World Cup final is something to behold. The thrills that is provides for the players involved, the supporters in the stadium and football fans around the world watching at home will be remembered for a very long time, especially if it’s a classic in the vein of England v West Germany at Wembley in 1966. That is one of those special occasions that go down in history, but something completely different that will give you an adrenaline rush can be enjoyed everyday.
The World Cup final is something that you have to wait a long time for, four years in fact, but you’ll only have to wait until work finishes to drive your Mazda MX-5, although that’s long enough! Getting behind the wheel is a thrilling experience in a car that offers unadulterated driving pleasure. From the feeling of putting your foot to the floor to that of having the roof down and the wind in your hair, driving the MX-5 will give you a buzz from start to finish. That’s something you can’t say about most football matches, apart from a select few.
Hopefully we’ll be graced with a classic or two in the 2010 World Cup that will come close to meeting the needs of thrill seekers around the world. Condor Hang Gliding in the Andes, somersaulting from the nose of a 40 ton whale and racing your friends in a buffalo stampede just aren’t exciting enough. Watching the 2010 World Cup final might just be the only thing that you delay the thrill of getting behind the wheel of a Mazda MX-5 for!
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It has been a good 24 hours for Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle-Walker Peters.
Indeed, the 21-year-old made just his second Premier League start of the season against Leicester City on Sunday afternoon, before penning a new long-term contract at Spurs.
Walker-Peters is now tied to Tottenham until the summer of 2021, and that is an indication that head coach Mauricio Pochettino sees the defender as a player capable of big things.
Tottenham’s crazy 5-4 victory over Leicester City on Sunday was the match on the final weekend of the 2017-18 Premier League campaign.
It was also the first time that Walker-Peters had started a Premier League fixture since the opening weekend of the season away to Newcastle United.
Kieran Trippier has impressed in the right-back area for Spurs this term, but the same cannot be said for Serge Aurier, who has done more harm than good in that position.
Walker-Peters would have been keen to make his point to Pochettino on the final weekend of the season, and that was indeed the case.
The right-back set up Erik Lamela for both of the Argentine’s goals at Wembley, whilst a passing success rate of 72% for a player that delivered a lot of crosses is a very impressive statistic.
Walker-Peters, who is valued at £2.2m by transfermarkt.co.uk, also made two tackles during the 90 minutes, and was not afraid to venture forward, which is shown by his three dribbles on the afternoon.
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The fact that the young Englishman had 79 touches is also extremely impressive, and there is no question that Tottenham benefited from his strong running in a wide position.
Walker-Peters must work on his defensive skills if he is to become a feature for Tottenham in the coming years, but all of the core skills are there, and it was a fine attacking performance from the defender against the Foxes.
All eyes have been on incoming stars at Anfield this summer, as Brendan Rodgers continues to strengthen his side for life after Steven Gerrard, but the issue that should really be concerning Reds supporters is another potential outgoing.
The Daily Mail has reported that the club’s defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva will head a list of players on their way out the door at Anfield, as they look to balance the books.
This simply cannot happen. Lucas is a vital part of this Liverpool squad and should not be sold.
Since his £5m move from Gremio back in 2007 the Brazilian has become a cult hero at the club.
Like many defensive midfielders, his talents often go unnoticed, but the 28-year-old is incredible in this role. The way he recovers the ball and calmly builds an attack from the back has become a vital part of manager Brendan Rodgers’ counter attacking tactics.
No matter who the opponent, the player can be relied on to step up and support his defence and his calm presence on and off the ball has worked wonders for his team-mates.
Last season the midfielder made 32 appearances, despite a number of injuries, and now that Steven Gerrard has departed Lucas is the only natural defensive midfielder at the club.
His position in the team should also now be vital following the addition of a second attacking full back in Nathaniel Clyne. He and Alberto Moreno will be supporting attacks from out wide and Lucas is the obvious candidate to provide the necessary cover for the defence.
However it is not just his on-field abilities that will benefit the team.
Brendan Rodgers has assembled a young squad and players like Lucas are vital to provide advice to those around them still learning their game.
Emre Can is still young and learning his trade at the club, Jordan Henderson is in the, likely, transition of becoming the new club captain and James Milner is adapting to his new status as a Liverpool player.
There has never been a time when Lucas Leiva has been needed more
Add to that his importance in settling new arrivals from South America – Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho were both very vocal in their praise of the midfielder in helping them adapt to life on Merseyside.
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Now following the arrival of big money signing and fellow Brazilian Roberto Firmino, he can again play a key role in settling the new addition, ahead of what will be a difficult first season in English football.
Many would even argue that Lucas has all the characteristics of a good leader and should even be considered for at least a vice captaincy role if he remains at the club past the summer.
It’s clear to see that Lucas plays a massive role at Liverpool both on and off the field and needs to be heavily involved at Anfield next season. Brendan Rodgers simply cannot afford to lose the unsung hero any time soon.
On paper it makes perfect sense. It’s a nod to the future and the recruitment of Leandro Damiao could offer Tottenham long-term stability in attack – something which they’ve lacked in recent years. But at which point is it ok to accept that a ship has sailed? How many times have Tottenham been down this road before in the pursuit for the Brazilian forward? Again, on paper it all looks brilliant. But there is far too much hassle in chasing Damiao’s signature this summer.
The other striker linked with Tottenham, in a move that should signal plenty of flexibility on the formation front, is Roberto Soldado. I’ve been over this one already: Soldado would be an excellent signing for Tottenham, or any Premier League side for that matter. As of now, the Valencia forward is the highest scoring Spaniard in La Liga. He’s currently in the prime of his career and has remained at the peak of his strengths across domestic and European competition.
It’s one of football’s most well-known secrets that Spanish clubs are in financial turmoil. For the right price – and one that really shouldn’t be seen as too steep in today’s market – Valencia would most likely be willing to let Soldado leave this summer. They’re still in the hunt for Champions League football which is naturally a benefit to them, but the player himself may feel that the time is right to move on.
A move for Soldado makes plenty of sense, both in terms of the player’s availability and the ease at which negotiations could take place. In contrast, there have proven to be plenty of hurdles in the way in attempting to acquire Damiao. The Brazilian is reportedly owned by a third-party group and thus Tottenham may be forced to pay well over what they deem the player to be worth. Maybe that’s just the way it is, football is about tough negotiations. But adding the additional headache of third-party ownership is something Spurs can afford to avoid.
You have to ask questions about the club’s scouting network, and that’s not to say they have a poor one in place. In fact, it might be worth questioning how much truth there is to the stories linking Tottenham with Damiao again. Yes, the Brazilian will spearhead Brazil’s attack at the next World Cup alongside Neymar and he was excellent at last summer’s Olympics, but is the gamble worth it? The transition to European football and the Premier League could mean that Spurs only really get going with their strikers midway through the season. Soldado isn’t an issue, but it’s a big investment and plenty of risks with Damiao.
Andre Villas-Boas has urged Tottenham to “raise the bar” this summer and the addition of Soldado will go a long way to doing so. The prospect of pairing the Spaniard with the Brazilian is one that could see Spurs hold one of the deadliest strike forces in England over the next few years. These are both full internationals with the ability to score at least 20 goals a season. Damiao in particular has shown with Brazil that he has the ability to act as provider in the box as well as crafting chances for himself. Soldado meanwhile has the pace and consistency in front of goal to cause damage to any of the defences currently in the Premier League.
But you have to question if it is viable and realistic. Soldado certainly, but Tottenham may find a lot of joy in scouting further into Spain and looking at the forwards currently competing in La Liga. Financially they would be better off, not to mention the fact that there are other clubs reportedly looking at Damiao, including Napoli and Marseille.
A good pair of signings? Potentially yes. But certainly not what Spurs should limit themselves to.
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It feels quite difficult not to be blinded be all the razzmatazz that’s surrounding Manchester United at the moment. A Marouane Fellaini induced defeat at Goodison Park last night may have brought supporters back down to earth, but the summer additions of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa have certainly brought a bit of glitz and glamour back to Old Trafford.
The Hollywood high profile feel of these sorts of acquisition always create a nice sense of pre-season belief, but it’s important not to forget the components of an already successful team. Because there is one player in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side who may not necessarily bestow the flair and high profile of some of his colleagues, but he isn’t half crucial to the team’s future prospects. Antonio Valencia is more industry than ingenious; but he must start games for United.
It was a refreshing sight to see that amongst the influx of talent at Manchester United this summer, there was still room for Antonio Valencia in the starting line-up at Everton last night. It did however, soon become very clear that the Ecuadorian was in the team more as emergency cover than essential winger, as his stint at right back suggested. But whilst he suffered a difficult evening at the hands of the marauding Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar, his first-team prospects may strangely have been handed a boost.
Because for all United’s crisp passing and pretty patterns across the midfield, they failed to really create anything in the way of clear-cut chances. Now, before the sirens come out for media stirring and overreaction, you can’t read too much into the first game of the season; especially against a team as dogged and competitive as David Moyes’ Everton. But they were craving a more direct outlet last night or at least something a little more effective.
And they have the asset to do just that, although emergency right-back probably isn’t the most effective way to deploy him. Antonio Valencia is the quiet man of Old Trafford and his lack of baggage and fuss is perhaps testament to a Premier League profile that is often overshadowed by the likes of Nani and Ashley Young. Valencia gets on with the job and does it effectively. No rubbish, no whining and little theatrics. Just an outstanding work ethic and one of the most wicked deliveries in the league.
It’s always been like that since day one of Valencia’s Old Trafford career. He was brought in amongst a strangely muted atmosphere at Manchester United in 2009, following the £80miilion departure of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, and expectations for the new season were somewhat mixed. Despite the gifted talent of the man that had just departed, Valencia is of course a completely different package to the Portuguese, but that didn’t necessarily stop him being labeled as a replacement.
But Valencia got his head down and stuck to his game, paying dividends for both Manchester United and Wayne Rooney in particular, during his first term in Manchester. United narrowly lost out to Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea for the Premier League title during the 2009-10 term, but Valencia played his part, contributing seven goals and 11 assists in all competitions. The biggest benefactor was Rooney, who owed Valencia more than a few drinks as the winger played a key part in helping the Englishman net 34 goals in all competitions during his real breakthrough season as a goal scorer. Valencia didn’t showcase the sort of showboating or goal scoring talents of his predecessor, but it didn’t matter- his game is about effectiveness and he proved that in abundance.
Even last season, as Sir Alex Ferguson swooped for the services of Ashley Young, some still raised question marks about Valencia’s ability to survive in a squad that boasted both Young and Nani. But the statistics speak for themselves. Valencia knocked up 13 assists in the Premier League last season, second only to David Silva’s tally of 15 for eventual champions, Manchester City. Nani may be more of a match winner, but Valencia is perhaps the more consistent outlet with his almost industrial levels of performance.
He needs to add more goals to his game, but his role is as that of the provider, not the show stealer. His game is built around selflessness- he puts in the sort of tireless shifts defensively that his rivals would baulk at; look no further than Fergie’s decision to start with him in the Champions League final against Barcelona for evidence. But it’s his delivery that is the centerpiece of his game. In a league where we so often talk about the fabled notion of end-product, Valencia has it in abundance and he has produced the goods time and time again. His explosive pace and imposing strength catalyze the wonderful craft of his right foot. No need for step overs and no need for messing around- just a truly scintillating ball into the box.
And this is what Manchester United have to ensure they keep in their starting XI. Sir Alex has a lot of options in midfield now, but he can’t become too seduced by the aesthetically pleasing passing game or creating his own ‘carousel’ as he likes to call it. They need a cutting edge to compliment the craft. Shinji Kagawa is a wonderful prospect but he’s no wide player and his success at Borussia Dortmund came in a far more central role. Balancing the team is an art but there is one man who could prosper more than any from Valencia’s presence in the team.
When you sign a 30-goal-a-season striker, you need to give him the best possible service you have available. Valencia was, as already mentioned, a crucial component in eeking goals out of Wayne Rooney when he started playing higher up the pitch. There’s no reason why he can’t repeat the trick with Van Persie. Young and Nani are both creative outlets and they offer perhaps a more dynamic option to Sir Alex on the flanks. But surely the best bet in terms of getting the best out of Robin van Persie is plumping for the Ecuadorian.
Robin van Persie harnessethe sort of firepower that can see Manchester United back as Premier League champions again. But he’s not going to be able to do it all on his own. But be it Van Persie and Rooney up front together, Rooney just behind, or even Danny Welbeck for that matter, the purest choice of winger to get the most out of your attack must be Antonio Valencia.
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Manchester United host Fulham this Saturday at Old Trafford and it’ll be interesting to see if Ferguson will maintain his faith in Valencia. Let’s just hope he’s played a little bit further up the pitch this weekend.
How do you feel about the role Valencia has to play in the United team this season? Guarenteed starter or forever in Nani & Young’s shadow? Let me know how you’d get the best out of Van Persie on Twitter: follow @samuel_antrobus and tweet me your line-up.
As reported by The Sun, English Premier League side Bournemouth are the latest team to enter the race to sign Celtic star Kieran Tierney.
What’s the story?
The potential and passion of Tierney was again on full display this weekend as the Hoops thrashed Rangers 5-0 at Celtic Park, with the left-back crucial to the performance and leading celebrations with supporters after the match.
Understandable then that he continues to attract interest from the English Premier League.
The Sun say that Bournemouth are the latest team to seek the £20m-rated defender’s signature and are willing to battle with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to land their man.
The paper reckon that the Cherries will attempt to lure him south with the promise of regular first team football in the English top-flight.
Will Tierney be leaving Celtic?
Still just 20 years of age, the Scotland international has plenty of years left at Celtic before entertaining a move away from Glasgow.
The club are in a strong enough financial position to resist attempts to buy him and the player is clearly happy enough at his boyhood heroes.
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With four goals and 11 assists this season, the left-back continues to develop and improve under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers and it’s going to take a massive offer both in terms of financial benefits and personal improvement to lure him away from Glasgow.
The time to leave may come in the future, but in the short-term, the prospect of him leaving seems very slim indeed.