Didier Drogba will not hear of Chelsea being beaten as they prepare for Tuesday's Champions League game at Barcelona, insisting "the best is yet to come" from the team.
The Ivorian has scored nine goals in 12 games since Guus Hiddink replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari, under whose tenure as manager Drogba's future at Stamford Bridge appeared in doubt. The Dutchman rested him for yesterday's 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham to keep the 31-year-old striker fresh for the trip to Camp Nou when Chelsea face Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.
"That is the competition I know all Chelsea fans want to win, and it would be special to achieve this," Drogba said. "Last season we came so close, the width of a post, and we know it will be difficult – Barcelona are a strong team, but we are confident we can stop them."
After losing the final on penalties to Manchester United last season, Drogba wants to go one better this time around and add to his trophy haul with Chelsea. "Since I have been a Chelsea player there are many memories that I cannot forget," Drogba added. "But I think the best is yet to come. I still want to achieve more with Chelsea and we are working hard on it every day."
Getting the better of the Blaugrana would be another famous win against the odds for Hiddink. His problems include Ashley Cole's suspension, with Jose Bosingwa deputising for the England left-back at Upton Park yesterday, and Ricardo Carvalho out injured.
It may be a makeshift defence, but Hiddink feels his side need to show adventure themselves. After success as an underdog with South Korea and Australia, Hiddink said: "Let's try to trick the bookies once more. We were focused on the West Ham game but it was not easy because everyone is thinking about Tuesday when we have this very difficult, huge clash against the best team, I think, in Europe or in the world.
"We must not drop and wait until the storm is coming. We must try to harm as well, that is always our intention in big European games. If we wait, we will have problems. It will be a huge game, a difficult game, but we have to try to be controlled and we must score."
Bosingwa has just returned from a hamstring injury and was given an hour against the Hammers. "He is capable I think but we have to take into consideration it is different to play [Lionel] Messi, with all respect to West Ham," Hiddink said. "Jose is confident, it is a huge task because in my opinion he is one of the most attractive players in terms of efficiency and to watch."
Nicolas Anelka, the Chelsea striker, is brimming with confidence heading into the Barcelona game. "We have already beaten Juventus and Liverpool, who are both big sides, we know we can do it, so now we have to beat Barcelona," he said. "If you want to win this trophy you know you will have to be able to beat a lot of very good teams.
"It is important to get a good result in the first match. If you lose that one by a big score the tie is almost finished. So it is very important for us to get something from the Nou Camp."
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Holders United head through to quarter-finals
Manchester United FC progressed to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after headed goals from Nemanja Vidić and Cristiano Ronaldo earned them a 2-0 victory over FC Internazionale Milano.
Nervy night
The champions of England, Europe and the world remain on course for an unprecendented quintuple of trophies this term after surviving an uncomfortable encounter with the Serie A leaders, who could easily have scored at least one goal. Inter's coach José Mourinho arrived here with a reputation for getting results against United – most famously with FC Porto five years ago – but while he left with a chorus of "You're not special any more" ringing in his ears, his side certainly ensured a nervy night for their hosts.
Urgent start
Rather than energise United, Vidić's fourth-minute opening goal seemed to send Sir Alex Ferguson's men into their shells in a stuttering first-half display. Vidić had rewarded an urgent start when he got clear of Patrick Vieira and met Ryan Giggs's corner with a powerful header which flew inside an unguarded far post. Yet United, apparently unsure whether to defend their advantage or push on, did neither.
Carelessness
Inter's attempts to find a way back into the tie initially foundered on Zlatan Ibrahimović's isolated status up front, but United's uncharacteristic carelessness soon encouraged the five-man Nerazzurri midfield to venture forward in support, and chances came. After Giggs had surrendered possession – not the first United player to do so – Inter won a free-kick 35 metres from goal and from Maicon's delivery, Ibrahimović directed a header down into the ground and up on to the crossbar.
Inter on offensive
Stanković then tried his luck with a long-range strike that Edwin van der Sar touched wide and the Serbian missed a better opening soon after when Ibrahimović's superb curling pass left him clear at the far post. As the ball bounced in front of him, however, he failed to keep his effort down and it flew over. Although Giggs and Wayne Rooney combined to put John O'Shea clear, Júlio César saving at his feet, the half ended with Inter on the offensive as Ibrahimović broke on to Mario Balotelli's through ball and drove a low shot past the far post.
Switch rewarded
Sulley Muntari, scorer of an FA Cup winner here for Portsmouth FC, replaced Vieira at the break but more telling was Sir Alex's decision to switch Giggs to a central attacking role with Rooney moving out left. The dividend was immediate, Rooney crossing for Ronaldo to head his first UEFA Champions League goal since last year's final in Moscow. Dimitar Berbatov then brought a close-range stop from Júlio César but Inter had one last throw of the dice.
Winning machine
Adriano came on in the 58th minute and within 60 seconds the Brazilian had volleyed an Esteban Cambiasso cross against the inside of the far post, the ball running back across the line with Van der Sar beaten. Inter's chance of a fightback was gone and their quest for a first European crown since 1965 is over for another year. No such worries for Sir Alex as his winning machine rolls on to the last eight – and a tenth UEFA Champions League quarter-final in 13 seasons.
Nervy night
The champions of England, Europe and the world remain on course for an unprecendented quintuple of trophies this term after surviving an uncomfortable encounter with the Serie A leaders, who could easily have scored at least one goal. Inter's coach José Mourinho arrived here with a reputation for getting results against United – most famously with FC Porto five years ago – but while he left with a chorus of "You're not special any more" ringing in his ears, his side certainly ensured a nervy night for their hosts.
Urgent start
Rather than energise United, Vidić's fourth-minute opening goal seemed to send Sir Alex Ferguson's men into their shells in a stuttering first-half display. Vidić had rewarded an urgent start when he got clear of Patrick Vieira and met Ryan Giggs's corner with a powerful header which flew inside an unguarded far post. Yet United, apparently unsure whether to defend their advantage or push on, did neither.
Carelessness
Inter's attempts to find a way back into the tie initially foundered on Zlatan Ibrahimović's isolated status up front, but United's uncharacteristic carelessness soon encouraged the five-man Nerazzurri midfield to venture forward in support, and chances came. After Giggs had surrendered possession – not the first United player to do so – Inter won a free-kick 35 metres from goal and from Maicon's delivery, Ibrahimović directed a header down into the ground and up on to the crossbar.
Inter on offensive
Stanković then tried his luck with a long-range strike that Edwin van der Sar touched wide and the Serbian missed a better opening soon after when Ibrahimović's superb curling pass left him clear at the far post. As the ball bounced in front of him, however, he failed to keep his effort down and it flew over. Although Giggs and Wayne Rooney combined to put John O'Shea clear, Júlio César saving at his feet, the half ended with Inter on the offensive as Ibrahimović broke on to Mario Balotelli's through ball and drove a low shot past the far post.
Switch rewarded
Sulley Muntari, scorer of an FA Cup winner here for Portsmouth FC, replaced Vieira at the break but more telling was Sir Alex's decision to switch Giggs to a central attacking role with Rooney moving out left. The dividend was immediate, Rooney crossing for Ronaldo to head his first UEFA Champions League goal since last year's final in Moscow. Dimitar Berbatov then brought a close-range stop from Júlio César but Inter had one last throw of the dice.
Winning machine
Adriano came on in the 58th minute and within 60 seconds the Brazilian had volleyed an Esteban Cambiasso cross against the inside of the far post, the ball running back across the line with Van der Sar beaten. Inter's chance of a fightback was gone and their quest for a first European crown since 1965 is over for another year. No such worries for Sir Alex as his winning machine rolls on to the last eight – and a tenth UEFA Champions League quarter-final in 13 seasons.
Inter fail to match United mark
The players of FC Internazionale Milano departed Old Trafford late on Wednesday night lamenting their failure to defend "at key moments" of their 2-0 defeat by Manchester United FC.
'Paid the price'
United struck four minutes into each half – first through Nemanja Vidić and then Cristiano Ronaldo – to secure a 2-0 aggregate win and leave the Italian champions to reflect on what might have been from a match where they hit the post and crossbar and spurned several other openings. "United scored at the key moments and we paid the price for that," said Inter skipper Javier Zanetti. "We showed a lot of character and after their opening goal we took charge of the game but unfortunately we couldn't get the goal. But we go out with our heads held high."
One thing missing
Inter forward Zlatan Ibrahimović sent a header on to the crossbar during a threatening spell by José Mourinho's visitors in the latter stages of the first half, when Dejan Stanković also passed up a close-range opportunity. "The only thing lacking was a goal," Ibrahimović said. "They scored early in both halves and when that happens it can kill you but we continued to play. We hit the woodwork twice [Adriano volleyed against the post after the break] and I went close a couple of other times. We played with confidence and character but it was not enough. I am disappointed because we really wanted to win this trophy. It was my goal for the season but we have to look forward and win the championship."
Vieira admits blame
Inter may be on course to retain their Serie A crown – they hold a seven-point lead over second-placed Juventus – but they have been eliminated in the first knockout round for three seasons running now, this loss following defeats by Valencia CF in 2007 and Liverpool FC last term. Midfielder Patrick Vieira said: "We played better this season than the last but ultimately there is no difference – it is the same outcome. We are out of the competition and I am really disappointed because I think we had a team that could have gone much further." Vieira admitted his culpability for United's first goal when he allowed Vidić a free header from Ryan Giggs's corner. "The first goal was my fault, I lost my man," he said, adding ruefully: "When they scored that goal it changed the game. At 0-0 we still had a chance but when we conceded it was psychologically important for them."
'Paid the price'
United struck four minutes into each half – first through Nemanja Vidić and then Cristiano Ronaldo – to secure a 2-0 aggregate win and leave the Italian champions to reflect on what might have been from a match where they hit the post and crossbar and spurned several other openings. "United scored at the key moments and we paid the price for that," said Inter skipper Javier Zanetti. "We showed a lot of character and after their opening goal we took charge of the game but unfortunately we couldn't get the goal. But we go out with our heads held high."
One thing missing
Inter forward Zlatan Ibrahimović sent a header on to the crossbar during a threatening spell by José Mourinho's visitors in the latter stages of the first half, when Dejan Stanković also passed up a close-range opportunity. "The only thing lacking was a goal," Ibrahimović said. "They scored early in both halves and when that happens it can kill you but we continued to play. We hit the woodwork twice [Adriano volleyed against the post after the break] and I went close a couple of other times. We played with confidence and character but it was not enough. I am disappointed because we really wanted to win this trophy. It was my goal for the season but we have to look forward and win the championship."
Vieira admits blame
Inter may be on course to retain their Serie A crown – they hold a seven-point lead over second-placed Juventus – but they have been eliminated in the first knockout round for three seasons running now, this loss following defeats by Valencia CF in 2007 and Liverpool FC last term. Midfielder Patrick Vieira said: "We played better this season than the last but ultimately there is no difference – it is the same outcome. We are out of the competition and I am really disappointed because I think we had a team that could have gone much further." Vieira admitted his culpability for United's first goal when he allowed Vidić a free header from Ryan Giggs's corner. "The first goal was my fault, I lost my man," he said, adding ruefully: "When they scored that goal it changed the game. At 0-0 we still had a chance but when we conceded it was psychologically important for them."
English teams dominate draw lineup
There will be an English flavour to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final draw in Nyon on Friday 20 March after Manchester United FC and Arsenal FC swelled the Premier League contingent to four by eliminating Italian opposition on Wednesday.
Open draw
Holders United, 2-0 winners on the night and on aggregate against FC Internazionale Milano, join Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC in the hat along with an Arsenal side who needed penalties to oust AS Roma after both legs finished 1-0 to the home team. FC Barcelona and east-coast rivals Villarreal CF are also still involved, although fellow Spanish Liga side Club Atlético de Madrid were knocked out by FC Porto on away goals. FC Bayern München, 12-1 aggregate victors against Sporting Clube de Portugal, complete the eight-team lineup. The draw is open and without country protection.
Stadio Olimpico final
The event at UEFA HQ begins from 12.00CET and will be conducted by UEFA General Secretary David Taylor and the ambassador for the Rome final, Bruno Conti. The quarter-final first legs will be played on 7/8 April and the return matches the following week. The four winning teams will know who they will meet in the semi-finals – taking place on 28/29 April and 5/6 May – as those pairings will also be decided during the draw ceremony. The final will be played on Wednesday 27 May at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 20.45CET.
2008/09 UEFA Champions League quarter-final lineup
Club Country
Arsenal FC England
Chelsea FC England
FC Barcelona Spain
FC Bayern München Germany
FC Porto Portugal
Liverpool FC England
Manchester United FC England
Villarreal CF Spain
Open draw
Holders United, 2-0 winners on the night and on aggregate against FC Internazionale Milano, join Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC in the hat along with an Arsenal side who needed penalties to oust AS Roma after both legs finished 1-0 to the home team. FC Barcelona and east-coast rivals Villarreal CF are also still involved, although fellow Spanish Liga side Club Atlético de Madrid were knocked out by FC Porto on away goals. FC Bayern München, 12-1 aggregate victors against Sporting Clube de Portugal, complete the eight-team lineup. The draw is open and without country protection.
Stadio Olimpico final
The event at UEFA HQ begins from 12.00CET and will be conducted by UEFA General Secretary David Taylor and the ambassador for the Rome final, Bruno Conti. The quarter-final first legs will be played on 7/8 April and the return matches the following week. The four winning teams will know who they will meet in the semi-finals – taking place on 28/29 April and 5/6 May – as those pairings will also be decided during the draw ceremony. The final will be played on Wednesday 27 May at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 20.45CET.
2008/09 UEFA Champions League quarter-final lineup
Club Country
Arsenal FC England
Chelsea FC England
FC Barcelona Spain
FC Bayern München Germany
FC Porto Portugal
Liverpool FC England
Manchester United FC England
Villarreal CF Spain
Cissokho reaching new heights with Porto
As the final whistle blew and the Estádio do Dragão erupted with joy as FC Porto reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since their triumphant 2003/04 campaign, one player in the home ranks must have been pinching himself to make sure it was real.
Meteoric rise
Aly Cissokho was plying his trade in the French second tier with FC Gueugnon at this point last year. The left-back arrived in Portugal in the summer of 2008, signing for Vitória FC, and made such an impression in his first five months in the Liga that Jesualdo Ferreira had no hesitation in making the 21-year-old his first addition of the winter transfer window. "This is something else for me," Cissokho told uefa.com. "I've just arrived at Porto, it's my first time at a big club, and it's a long way away from the level where I started in France.
Tough adaptation
"In January, I had the chance to sign for Porto and with it the opportunity to play in the Champions League," continued Cissokho. "You have to raise your level straight away and it's not easy. It's the top level. You're playing against international players, the best players in the world, so you have to have twice as much concentration as before."
English challenge
Having reached the last eight in his first season in the UEFA Champions League, the Blois-born defender is well aware the opposition will only get tougher. "There are some big teams in the competition," he said. "There are lots of the English teams in there who are always difficult to play against, so we have to get ready to put in a big performance so we can qualify for the semi-finals."
'Very content'
His captain Lucho was happy just to savour the moment after making the last eight for the first time since he arrived in northern Portugal from CA River Plate in 2005. "We're very content," he said. "I think we put in a great performance, and it's a very happy dressing room. Even though there are lots of strong teams left in the competition, we got the better of a strong opponent in this round so we can be happy."
Nothing to fear
The Argentinian international concluded: "We'll take whichever team comes up [in the draw]. They will all be difficult to play against. First we owe it to ourselves to enjoy this moment, and then we'll start working towards the next stage."
Meteoric rise
Aly Cissokho was plying his trade in the French second tier with FC Gueugnon at this point last year. The left-back arrived in Portugal in the summer of 2008, signing for Vitória FC, and made such an impression in his first five months in the Liga that Jesualdo Ferreira had no hesitation in making the 21-year-old his first addition of the winter transfer window. "This is something else for me," Cissokho told uefa.com. "I've just arrived at Porto, it's my first time at a big club, and it's a long way away from the level where I started in France.
Tough adaptation
"In January, I had the chance to sign for Porto and with it the opportunity to play in the Champions League," continued Cissokho. "You have to raise your level straight away and it's not easy. It's the top level. You're playing against international players, the best players in the world, so you have to have twice as much concentration as before."
English challenge
Having reached the last eight in his first season in the UEFA Champions League, the Blois-born defender is well aware the opposition will only get tougher. "There are some big teams in the competition," he said. "There are lots of the English teams in there who are always difficult to play against, so we have to get ready to put in a big performance so we can qualify for the semi-finals."
'Very content'
His captain Lucho was happy just to savour the moment after making the last eight for the first time since he arrived in northern Portugal from CA River Plate in 2005. "We're very content," he said. "I think we put in a great performance, and it's a very happy dressing room. Even though there are lots of strong teams left in the competition, we got the better of a strong opponent in this round so we can be happy."
Nothing to fear
The Argentinian international concluded: "We'll take whichever team comes up [in the draw]. They will all be difficult to play against. First we owe it to ourselves to enjoy this moment, and then we'll start working towards the next stage."
Five-star Barça simply the best for Alves
Not even the disappointment of losing two home goals to Olympique Lyonnais en route to qualifying for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals could douse the exuberance of the FC Barcelona players following a 5-2 second-leg victory at Camp Nou which completed a 6-3 aggregate success.
Great prospects
What had been a procession in the first half thanks to an outstanding individual performance from Thierry Henry and four goals in 18 blistering minutes became a much harder-fought second period as Lyon drew inspiration from the responses of Jean II Makoun and Juninho Pernambucano. But Josep Guardiola's players remained almost awestruck by the power of their own performance and predicted that great things lie ahead for them in this competition. Brazilian full-back Daniel Alves said: "I think if we continue to play like this it is going to be almost impossible to beat us. Everyone around us seemed to be predicting that in Lyon we had an easy draw, but our players were fully aware of how difficult they would be to beat. They gave us a very difficult game, but we put on an exceptionally good first half.
Decisive stage
"I'm happy for two main reasons," added the 25-year-old. "Firstly we've achieved our key objective which was to make sure we made it to the quarter-finals. Secondly as soon as we arrived at the part of the season when the matches are decisive we've begun to play at a very good level. Even in games which we haven't won we have shown eagerness to play and no complacency at all." Perhaps the hurdle which the 2006 UEFA Champions League winners must still overcome is their defensive fallibility, having conceded eleven times in the competition compared to the three allowed by holders Manchester United FC. Former Old Trafford defender Gerard Piqué accepted the point, but remained buoyant after his team's five-star attacking display.
Best performance
"Our first-half performance was one of the best 45 minutes I can remember seeing from any team," said the Catalan. "I'm very proud of that and I know that the people who come to see us expect to see goals. But it's true that as a defender you go home wishing you had also kept a clean sheet. However, I'm happy with the quality of our play and the five goals we've scored against a difficult opponent." For Alves the draw, in Nyon on 20 March, holds no fears despite the ominous presence of four English Premier League clubs.
English threat
"To win the Champions League you have to play against and beat the very best," he said. "The best teams, like the English quartet, are always in this latter stage. But I'm certain all the other clubs are unhappy that Barcelona are through to the quarter-finals because we will be a dangerous rival for any club. We'll face the draw we get and show what we're capable of."
Great prospects
What had been a procession in the first half thanks to an outstanding individual performance from Thierry Henry and four goals in 18 blistering minutes became a much harder-fought second period as Lyon drew inspiration from the responses of Jean II Makoun and Juninho Pernambucano. But Josep Guardiola's players remained almost awestruck by the power of their own performance and predicted that great things lie ahead for them in this competition. Brazilian full-back Daniel Alves said: "I think if we continue to play like this it is going to be almost impossible to beat us. Everyone around us seemed to be predicting that in Lyon we had an easy draw, but our players were fully aware of how difficult they would be to beat. They gave us a very difficult game, but we put on an exceptionally good first half.
Decisive stage
"I'm happy for two main reasons," added the 25-year-old. "Firstly we've achieved our key objective which was to make sure we made it to the quarter-finals. Secondly as soon as we arrived at the part of the season when the matches are decisive we've begun to play at a very good level. Even in games which we haven't won we have shown eagerness to play and no complacency at all." Perhaps the hurdle which the 2006 UEFA Champions League winners must still overcome is their defensive fallibility, having conceded eleven times in the competition compared to the three allowed by holders Manchester United FC. Former Old Trafford defender Gerard Piqué accepted the point, but remained buoyant after his team's five-star attacking display.
Best performance
"Our first-half performance was one of the best 45 minutes I can remember seeing from any team," said the Catalan. "I'm very proud of that and I know that the people who come to see us expect to see goals. But it's true that as a defender you go home wishing you had also kept a clean sheet. However, I'm happy with the quality of our play and the five goals we've scored against a difficult opponent." For Alves the draw, in Nyon on 20 March, holds no fears despite the ominous presence of four English Premier League clubs.
English threat
"To win the Champions League you have to play against and beat the very best," he said. "The best teams, like the English quartet, are always in this latter stage. But I'm certain all the other clubs are unhappy that Barcelona are through to the quarter-finals because we will be a dangerous rival for any club. We'll face the draw we get and show what we're capable of."
Torres retreads path to glory
In an exclusive interview with the UEFA Training Ground, Liverpool FC striker Fernando Torres discusses his first steps in football, the keys to his early success and the role of the coach. The Spanish international scored the winning goal in the UEFA EURO 2008™ final, but here the 24-year-old former Club Atlético de Madrid star reveals how it all might have been so different had he been allowed to play in goal like his brother. To watch the interview in the UEFA Training Ground, click here.
First steps …
My first team when I was a kid was called Parque 84, because we were all born in 1984. I was five years old. At four or five, just imagine, all running after the ball. My family doesn't have a great football tradition. They are not the type of family that gathered at weekends to follow the matches so there was no clear team. The only one who supported a team was my grandfather who was a die-hard Atlético fan and that's why I support Atlético.
On playing in goal …
My love for football has more to do with my brother, who was a goalkeeper for the team of Fuenlabrada and he needed somebody to take shots at him and train him. As a younger brother that was my job. That's how I got involved and started to enjoy it. I wanted to be like my brother, just like every young boy, so I wanted to be a goalkeeper but he didn't let me. He said: "I'm the goalkeeper and you have to take shots." I always liked that position. When I was young I played a few matches as a goalkeeper, but once when I was playing on a cement pitch I broke my teeth diving to save a ball, so my brother and above all my mother forbade me to play as a goalkeeper.
You have to be happy, it's about having fun and nothing else
On support …
The support of my family was very important to my development especially my father and brother. All of them gave their time, leaving work or studies aside, to support me. It was also important my parents didn't put any pressure on me. You see fathers watching their kids' matches as though it was a professional game where they can say whatever they want. Treating kids that way is just horrible. I was lucky because my mother always told me: "Don't play for our sake. If one day you are tired of playing for Atlético then so be it. You can stay here and play in the neighborhood." You have to be happy, it's about having fun and nothing else.
On joining Atlético …
We did a trial match with lots of kids, a 20-minute game, playing eleven against eleven ... so you had 20 minutes to impress them. It went well for me. I went through all the tests until I got to the minor categories at Atlético. I progressed every year, always playing with kids mostly one or two years older. It was important to compete with older people who are better than you, technically and physically stronger, and think more than you. It helped me grow. I matured a lot sooner and when I turned 17 I was in the first team. Everything went pretty fast from then on, when I look back and I can't even remember it clearly.
On coaching …
The coach is often the person who keeps you balanced. When you start to think too much of yourself they have to help you iron out your faults and improve your virtues. To have a coach who idolises you is bad. The coach has to be consistent and always remind you that you can always improve. Even when you score two or three goals you could still have done some things better. That's a real coach. I was lucky to have worked with many like that, who will put a break on your euphoria and tell you what a disaster you were in defence. That is the kind of coach you want, one who will teach you and expect more of you every day.
On Luis Aragonés …
[At Atlético] he taught me not only how to behave on the pitch but also how to behave in the dressing room. Being a young player you have to be the first to arrive and the last to leave. Also, how to respect your team-mates: be humble and not speak too much. These are things we're losing in the dressing room, but I think they're important. On the pitch he made me suffer. He left me on the bench or even in the stands. I was substituted in a lot of matches because he would expect a lot of me. I had two years with him and once he was gone I missed him and all the chats, the reprimanding and the desire he has for you to do better. At the time you can't see it because you think he's asking too much of you but like everything in life, once it's
First steps …
My first team when I was a kid was called Parque 84, because we were all born in 1984. I was five years old. At four or five, just imagine, all running after the ball. My family doesn't have a great football tradition. They are not the type of family that gathered at weekends to follow the matches so there was no clear team. The only one who supported a team was my grandfather who was a die-hard Atlético fan and that's why I support Atlético.
On playing in goal …
My love for football has more to do with my brother, who was a goalkeeper for the team of Fuenlabrada and he needed somebody to take shots at him and train him. As a younger brother that was my job. That's how I got involved and started to enjoy it. I wanted to be like my brother, just like every young boy, so I wanted to be a goalkeeper but he didn't let me. He said: "I'm the goalkeeper and you have to take shots." I always liked that position. When I was young I played a few matches as a goalkeeper, but once when I was playing on a cement pitch I broke my teeth diving to save a ball, so my brother and above all my mother forbade me to play as a goalkeeper.
You have to be happy, it's about having fun and nothing else
On support …
The support of my family was very important to my development especially my father and brother. All of them gave their time, leaving work or studies aside, to support me. It was also important my parents didn't put any pressure on me. You see fathers watching their kids' matches as though it was a professional game where they can say whatever they want. Treating kids that way is just horrible. I was lucky because my mother always told me: "Don't play for our sake. If one day you are tired of playing for Atlético then so be it. You can stay here and play in the neighborhood." You have to be happy, it's about having fun and nothing else.
On joining Atlético …
We did a trial match with lots of kids, a 20-minute game, playing eleven against eleven ... so you had 20 minutes to impress them. It went well for me. I went through all the tests until I got to the minor categories at Atlético. I progressed every year, always playing with kids mostly one or two years older. It was important to compete with older people who are better than you, technically and physically stronger, and think more than you. It helped me grow. I matured a lot sooner and when I turned 17 I was in the first team. Everything went pretty fast from then on, when I look back and I can't even remember it clearly.
On coaching …
The coach is often the person who keeps you balanced. When you start to think too much of yourself they have to help you iron out your faults and improve your virtues. To have a coach who idolises you is bad. The coach has to be consistent and always remind you that you can always improve. Even when you score two or three goals you could still have done some things better. That's a real coach. I was lucky to have worked with many like that, who will put a break on your euphoria and tell you what a disaster you were in defence. That is the kind of coach you want, one who will teach you and expect more of you every day.
On Luis Aragonés …
[At Atlético] he taught me not only how to behave on the pitch but also how to behave in the dressing room. Being a young player you have to be the first to arrive and the last to leave. Also, how to respect your team-mates: be humble and not speak too much. These are things we're losing in the dressing room, but I think they're important. On the pitch he made me suffer. He left me on the bench or even in the stands. I was substituted in a lot of matches because he would expect a lot of me. I had two years with him and once he was gone I missed him and all the chats, the reprimanding and the desire he has for you to do better. At the time you can't see it because you think he's asking too much of you but like everything in life, once it's
Vidić relieved to pass test of nerves
Manchester United FC may have advanced to the last eight of the UEFA Champions League but goalscorer Nemanja Vidić admitted that nerves nearly got the better of them against FC Internazionale Milano.
Lost their way
Vidić nodded the first of United's two goals as they secured a 2-0 aggregate win over the Italian champions on Wednesday but in between his fourth-minute opener and Cristiano Ronaldo's second four minutes after the restart, the home team lost their way and very nearly paid the price as Inter went close to equalising on several occasions.
'Got a little nervous'
"We played well until we scored the goal," said Vidić, whose powerful header brought his sixth goal in all competitions this season. "After the goal we got a little bit nervous because we knew how important it was not to concede and Inter had two good chances to score in the first half that they didn't take. The manager didn't tell us to play defensively but we knew that if we lost a goal it would change everything and it is difficult against Italian teams because they are very good tactically. I think we played better in Milan as we didn't give them any chances there."
Key partnership
If United were not at their best, they still managed to earn their sixth clean sheet of this European campaign – more than any other side in the competition – as they stretched their unbeaten run in the UEFA Champions League to a competition-record 21 matches. "There is a mentality here to win games," said Vidić, whose partnership with Rio Ferdinand has been a key factor in United's success this term. Besides a record-breaking run of shutouts in the Premier League, Sir Alex Ferguson's men have conceded just three goals in eight games in Europe – two fewer than at this stage last year.
'Winning breeds confidence'
Ferdinand felt United rode their luck against Inter, who struck the woodwork twice, but said they were confident of winning even when lacking their usual fluency. "In this kind of game you will have to ride your luck at times but when you have opportunities you have to take them and today for us we came through. We didn't play particularly well but I don't think we have any reason to fear anyone. We have won a lot of games since Christmas and winning breeds confidence. We are at a moment where, at times, we are not playing particularly well but getting results through sheer determination and a will to win." The statistics provide impressive support: United have won 14 and drawn two of their last 16 games – and one of those draws was their victory over Tottenham Hotspur FC on penalties in the League Cup final
Lost their way
Vidić nodded the first of United's two goals as they secured a 2-0 aggregate win over the Italian champions on Wednesday but in between his fourth-minute opener and Cristiano Ronaldo's second four minutes after the restart, the home team lost their way and very nearly paid the price as Inter went close to equalising on several occasions.
'Got a little nervous'
"We played well until we scored the goal," said Vidić, whose powerful header brought his sixth goal in all competitions this season. "After the goal we got a little bit nervous because we knew how important it was not to concede and Inter had two good chances to score in the first half that they didn't take. The manager didn't tell us to play defensively but we knew that if we lost a goal it would change everything and it is difficult against Italian teams because they are very good tactically. I think we played better in Milan as we didn't give them any chances there."
Key partnership
If United were not at their best, they still managed to earn their sixth clean sheet of this European campaign – more than any other side in the competition – as they stretched their unbeaten run in the UEFA Champions League to a competition-record 21 matches. "There is a mentality here to win games," said Vidić, whose partnership with Rio Ferdinand has been a key factor in United's success this term. Besides a record-breaking run of shutouts in the Premier League, Sir Alex Ferguson's men have conceded just three goals in eight games in Europe – two fewer than at this stage last year.
'Winning breeds confidence'
Ferdinand felt United rode their luck against Inter, who struck the woodwork twice, but said they were confident of winning even when lacking their usual fluency. "In this kind of game you will have to ride your luck at times but when you have opportunities you have to take them and today for us we came through. We didn't play particularly well but I don't think we have any reason to fear anyone. We have won a lot of games since Christmas and winning breeds confidence. We are at a moment where, at times, we are not playing particularly well but getting results through sheer determination and a will to win." The statistics provide impressive support: United have won 14 and drawn two of their last 16 games – and one of those draws was their victory over Tottenham Hotspur FC on penalties in the League Cup final
Saturday, March 7, 2009
chelsea confront man utd
Chelsea welcome John Terry back into their defence while Manchester United have Rio Ferdinand available again after his back problem.Sir Alex Ferguson will field Cristiano Ronaldo after he emerged unscathed from a car crash this week and Patrice Evra returns from suspension following his altercation after last season's game at Stamford Bridge.Sunday's showdown sees United look to step up their title bid after a shock defeat to Derby County in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg."Half the world will watch this game," declared Luiz Felipe Scolari ahead of the Old Trafford clash, the 100th 'Big Four' clash for both clubs in the Premier League era.The Blues have taken more points from United at their Manchester home than any other team but the hosts have not conceded in the last 11 hours and 12 minutes of league action, since Samir Nasri's strike at Arsenal.Chelsea have won none of their last three big four clashes, while United have won none of their last four, but Scolari has plenty of options in defence for a change with five centre backs available and Terry's return from a ban a major boost.Michael Ballack is also available and Jose Bosingwa should shake off a knock to feature with Scolari likely to decide between either Didier Drogba or Nicolas Anelka as a lone striker. Florent Malouda is out injured.United welcome Ferdinand and Evra back at the expense of Jonny Evans, probably their best player on Wednesday, and John O'Shea with Carlos Tevez likely to be on the bench.Pivotal Player: Cristiano Ronaldo. He is not living up to his billing as the world's best and needs a big performance. United's reliance on his influence is obvious and Ashley Cole is always a formidable opponent for him.
Nigeria moves to 19th position in FIFA ranking
All but one of Nigeria's World Cup qualifiers' opponents climbed up in the monthly FIFA rankings released on Thursday. It is the last for the year Even though Nigeria move into the world top 20, up three places to 19th from the previous ranking, two of their three World Cup/African Nations Cup foes also improved.Kenya, who meet Nigeria on June 6 next year are the biggest African movers in the latest world rankings table, jumping 17 places to 68th. The Harambee Stars have benefited from a good run in 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, winning through to the final stage which begins in March. Tunisia, feared as the most potent of the three opponents Nigeria have to beat to qualify for the World Cup, have a slight jump from 47th position of last month to 46. But Mozambique, the least rated of the teams in Group B fell three steps from 92 to 95th position in the world rankingCameroon remain the highest placed African side, in 14th place overall, while Egypt jump five places to 16th.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Why Adebayor beat AboutrikaMany questions
Former Eagles Chief Coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, has said that football fans and other stakeholders should celebrate with Arsenal and Togo international striker, Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor on the 2008 African Footballer of the Year award bestowed on him on Tuesday in Lagos by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).According to Onigbinde, the call had become imperative since nothing could be done by anybody to alter the award. "We have different interpretations on issues like this," Onigbinde began. "There are criteria that had already been laid down for recipients to fulfill before one wins the award."Apart from the performance on the pitch, behaviour both on and off the pitch, consistency, remaining a good ambassador of the game etc. are all part of the considerations. And if Adebayor was found worthy having fulfilled those criteria, the only thing we should do is to congratulate him instead of insinuating that another player ought to have won the award."Chief Onigbinde bared his mind on the recent Glo/CAF Awards because of the snide remarks by many that Egypt and Al Ahly playmaker, Aboutrika, who won the BBC African Player of the Year was robbed, as it seems he met most of the criteria the Modakeke chief highlighted.Speaking further, Chief Onigbinde said that one of the problems we have in this part of the world has been people reaching conclusions out of ignorance. He said that even those who were supposed to know better still make the same mistake of reaching conclusion without having substantial evidence. According to him, when the provisional list for the awards was made available by CAF, Nigerians complained about the non-inclusion of our players in the list. He recalled that he explained then the conditions for listing players for the awards and asked those who were not comfortable with the list to check if Nigerian players met those criteria."One of the problems we have in this part of the world is that we reach conclusions without having concrete evidence. And I am sure we do this out of ignorance. What baffles me is that those who are in the position to know some of these rules also join in this expression of gross ignorance.Meanwhile, the 2002 World Cup coach has described the Legend Award bestowed on the former captain of the then Green Eagles, Christian Chukwu, as "good omen" for Nigerian football. Onigbinde said the former Super Eagles’ coach deserved the honour for his contributions to the development of football on the continent. He recalled that Coach Chukwu played football very well and gave his all to both club and country."You will recall that Chukwu played football for many years and I don’t think there was any time he fouled the rules of the game. His attitude both on and off the pitch speaks volumes. He has remained a good role model for the up-coming players. And without missing words, I would say that Chukwu is a good ambassador of football. Even as a coach, you cannot fault his qualities. So, he deserves the award for his contributions to football development on the continent."This is the period we should celebrate Chairman Chukwu because this recent feat of his will motivate the up-coming players to realise that hard work must be recognised one day," the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) consultant on technical matters concluded.
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