Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini blamed poor refereeing decisions for his side’s 2-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final loss to Roma on Thursday.
Roma took the lead after 65 minutes when Mirko Vucinic finished well after being picked out by a quality ball from Daniele De Rossi, and Rodrigo Taddei put the result beyond doubt with a 90th-minute strike.
But Chiellini believes his side should have been awarded a penalty when Alessandro Del Piero was brought down by Philippe Mexes late in the second half, and insisted the Roma defender should have been sent off for the challenge.
“I am disappointed to go out of the Coppa Italia,” Chiellini said.
“The game was headed for a 0-0 draw and without a piece of magic would not have been unlocked. “
“If then Del Piero had got a penalty and Mexes had been sent off, we would perhaps have seen a different game.”
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“That aside we experienced a difficult moment. The players coming back from injury are forced to play immediately and can’t recover calmly.”
“We have to roll up our sleeves and get back to winning ways with the help of our fans.”
Manchester United were pipped to the title on the final day of last season by bitter rivals Manchester City, relinquishing their stranglehold on the league in the process. A key part of manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s gameplan last term was the blooding in of several younger faces, yet the Da Silva twins – Fabio and Rafael – still both struggled for time on the pitch. It begs the question, when will they ever break into the starting eleven?
Liverpool clinched the signings of Florent Sinama Pongolle and Anthony Le Tallec in a joint deal back in 2001 from French club Le Harve to much fanfare, reportedly beating off competition from the likes of Juventus and Barcelona in the process after the pair sparkled in the European U-16 Championships and later the U-17 World Championship. At the time, the move was heralded as something of a transfer coup, beating some of Europe’s elite to the signatures of two of its hottest prospects.
However, while at Anfield, they failed to make the grade in the first-team despite their reported huge promise. They were shifted about on loan to various countries in an attempt to grant them the first-team opportunities that they were being deprived of at their parent club before finally being allowed to move on, with Sinama Pongolle moving to Spanish side Recreativo in 2006 and Le Tallec ending up at Le Mans in France in 2008.
I think it’s fair to say that both struggled to live up to the hype and while the Da Silva twins are clearly players of more potential and greater quality, you have to wonder if the two situations are in danger of mirroring themselves with both players being linked with loan moves away this summer.
The Manchester United defence isn’t in the best of shape. It’s sure to be bolstered by the return of club captain and all-round hard egg Nemanja Vidic, alongside either Jonny Evans or Rio Ferdinand in central defence. Then, of course, there are the likes of utility defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, while Patrice Evra firmly remains the club’s first-choice left-back.
Nevertheless, the defence is in more of a state of flux than in years gone by; these are transitional times for the United back four and, you would think, the ideal period for both the Da Silva twins to make their mark, but a series of niggling injuries and penchant for the treatment table have seriously hindered their progress in recent years.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Everton left-back Leighton Baines this summer, which would indicate that Ferguson has finally cottoned on to the significant drop in performance of Evra over the past year or so. This would indicate two things – firstly, that the club are in the market for a new left back and long-term heir to the Frenchman and secondly, that Ferguson simply doesn’t trust Fabio yet.
Rafael battled gamely with John O’Shea the year before last for the right-back role and with the Irishman having surprisingly been allowed to move to Sunderland at the beginning of last season, the spot was there for the taking, but he went on to make just 18 appearances in total last term and you have to wonder if his chance has now passed, more by circumstance as opposed to any real fault of his own.
They both clearly have fantastic potential – energetic, committed (sometimes too much) and with an excellent work-rate – the only thing really missing is the fact that they lack positional discipline, which is something that’s easily solved the more that they play, but they’ve made just 44 league appearances between them in the last two seasons.
Injuries have hugely restricted their development at a crucial time in their respective careers. Now should be the time when we are talking about how settled the side are when it comes to the full-back positions for the next decade or so, particularly when you consider their age, but it still hasn’t happened yet.
Ferguson has utilised the loan market to his benefit in the past, with Danny Welbeck at Sunderland and Tom Cleverley at Wigan both earning rave reviews playing week-in, week-out which granted them the platform to push on once they returned to Old Trafford, and the Da Silva twins are more than capable of doing the same.
However, with both Welbeck and Cleverley, you could understand why their route into the starting eleven remianed blocked for the time being, considering the established players and depth of talent that they had in front of them, but that simply doesn’t apply to Fabio and Rafael.
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The French pair of Le Tallec and Sinama Pongolle were expected to achieve great things at Anfield but ultimately, they not only fell well short, they were cast by the wayside and there remains a very real worry that Ferguson is beginning to see a future beyond the talented Brazilian twins, instead choosing to cast his eye elsewhere at more reliable and durable options. If they manage to stay at the club next season, it will remain the biggest of their careers, for even the word ‘potential’ has an expiry date on it.
The clubs pushing for a spot in the top four have to try and compete both on and off the pitch. Whilst in terms of recent achievements on the pitch teams like Liverpool and Tottenham are falling behind their rivals, both have invested time in considering a new stadium to better compete at the top of the Premier League and in Europe. But should both clubs consider the perils of investing heavily in a new ground?
Building a new, bigger stadium would on the face of it be a huge bonus with increased gate receipts and larger revenues that improved infrastructure can generate. The growth of teams often comes hand in hand with investment on and off the pitch. In recent months both Tottenham and Liverpool have been reportedly keen on building new stadiums. The disappointment over missing out on the Olympic Stadium has not deterred Spurs and Daniel Levy from believing that a new ground is essential to Tottenham’s future growth. Liverpool have been weighing up the prospects of redeveloping Anfield or building a completely new stadium. But would the financial burden of a new ground come at the cost in other areas of the clubs?
Arsenal’s move to the Emirates from Highbury in 2006 was a fantastic long-term move for the Gunners but the project cost £390million with a reported loan of £260million to finance the move. The burden of debt (thought to reach nearly £318million at Arsenal in recent years but now slashed considerably) will always have an impact of financial resources and free cash available in other areas of the club, most notable to fans would be transfer fees and wages. Loans taken out for new stadiums mean interest rates and repayments are a continued issue. The true effect of the debt on spending will only be known by the Gunners’ hierarchy but Arsenal’s conscientious spending on new players in recent years has meant that whilst their infrastructure has improved greatly, they have not developed sufficiently on the pitch.
But there are fantastic benefits of having a new ground. The Gunners are reaping the awards of increased gate revenues and being able to sustain competitiveness with an impressive stadium. There is no doubt that to expand, infrastructure is often key. The fact that Arsenal can generate nearly £94million from a 60,000-seat stadium compared to just under £37million in the 36,000 capacity White Hart Lane hit Spurs hard. But clubs like Tottenham and Liverpool must consider whether they are happy being potentially uncompetitive in the transfer market until sufficient revenues could be generated from any move?
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Plans for Spurs’ new £400million stadium will need to be properly financed so there is no long-term debt effect. Tottenham have applied for public funding whilst another possible option reported last month was asking supporters to pay some of their fees for long-term contracts upfront that would effectively part fund any new stadium and hopefully pay off any debt quickly, thus reducing any impact on player investment.
Liverpool are facing the same issue as Spurs and are considering whether redevelop their famous home Anfield or build a new ground in their push for growth. The Reds’ plans have hit many stumbling blocks recently in their desire to increase Anfield’s 45,000 capacity. A potential move to Stanley Park would be an ideal way for Liverpool FC to continue to expand as a brand and business but the financial burden for a club riddled with recent money problems would be a huge risk for the current owners to take.
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The prospect of a new stadium is exciting for any club but for teams like Liverpool and Tottenham, chasing the top tier of the Premier League both on and off the pitch is risky business. The burden of stadium debt may take a toll on other areas of the club and like Arsenal have shown, a new ground doesn’t generate instant success on the pitch. Fans may be looking forward to watching their team in an impressive new stadium in years to come but the true scale of such an investment may come at a cost to more than just the bank balance of clubs.
Should Liverpool and Spurs burden themselves with debt for a new stadium? If you want to read more of my bite size, 140 character views and thoughts follow me on Twitter @jennyk5
Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has praised his ‘physically and technically superior’ side for outlasting Wigan Athletic 2-1 on Tuesday.
Gabriel Agbonlahor headed Villa into the lead five minutes after the restart of the English Premier League encounter, and Ashley Young made it 2-0 from the penalty spot 12 minutes later.
James McCarthy drew one back for Wigan in the 80th minute but Villa held on through a frenetic final 10 minutes plus stoppage time to record back-to-back wins for the first time under Houllier.
The Villa boss, who took over the position left vacant by Martin O’Neill in September, was delighted by the character shown by his side to hold on for a valuable three points at DW Stadium.
“I think we had everything,” Houllier told Sky Sports.
“They (Wigan) really made it difficult at the start. We had a couple of chances but we didn’t control the game as much as we did in the second-half.”
“I think we were physically and technically superior to them. The players today, in terms of the discipline and the effort, were tremendous.”
He added: “It’s never easy. There’s a very fine line between winning and losing.”
“I was disappointed because I wanted to see a clean sheet for the defenders. But at the same time I was happy with the way we reacted. They were composed and confident and not scared.”
“But I was very pleased with my players because, after a huge game against Manchester City (on Saturday), I thought that some of them could be flat.”
“But they worked very hard, probably as hard as they did last Saturday. Nathan Baker and (Jean) Makoun, I thought, did extremely well.”
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was deflated by the loss but could still take a number of positives from the close-run match.
“When you play at home, you are disappointed (to lose),” Martinez said.
“But, looking at the first-half that we had, we created two very good chances and sometimes that lack of composure, or good defending, will stop you from getting that first goal.”
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“In the second half, in a very short period, we conceded a goal from a corner and then the second goal from a penalty is a real mountain to climb.”
“But the reaction from then on was brilliant to see; we got one goal back and it seems like, if the game had been longer, we would have got something.”
“I’ve got no problem with losing a football game when you show that desire and that effort. I think the players today performed in a great manner.”
“We never gave in and that’s very, very important.”
Arsenal target Olivier Giroud has today announced that he will not decide his future until the European Championships are over, as The Sun reports.
The 25 year old Frenchman has impressed in Ligue 1 this season, with 21 goals to aid Montpellier to their first ever title. Arsene Wenger is said to be interested in Giroud in an attempt to help take the goal scoring burden from club captain Robin Van Persie.
A reported £12.8 million release clause is attracting Wenger to lure Giroud from Stade de la Mosson, but Champions League runners up Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in signing the French star.
Now both Bayern and Arsenal will be forced to be patient and keep their fingers crossed as Giroud focuses on representing France in Euro 2012.
It is believed that Arsenal scout Giles Grimandi has been closely watching Giroud since March and reporting back to Arsene Wenger inLondon. Giroud himself has said that he ‘loves the French feel at Arsenal’; and this is something that Wenger will no doubt hopes will help the 25 year olds decision after Euro 2012.
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For now Arsenal fans must watch on closely, and see how their summer target fares at the European Championships, especially as his team face England on June the 11th.
The Premier League season kicked-off in usual fashion with controversial decisions, sending offs and dives aplenty, which is undoubtedly going to bring the referees in the spotlight in the press in next few hours.
I guess English football fans wouldn’t have it any other way and the longer the authorities continue to turn a blind eye to the use of technology to assist officials, then we will continue to have these grey areas that fuels supporters ranting and moans on football phone-ins, forums and websites like ours.
However there were some great goals to talk about this afternoon and thanks to the good people of ESPN and their NEW Goals App – we are all able to enjoy them without having to wait for the match highlights on MOTD later this evening. There are eleven strikes to enjoy from this afternoon’s games, including a wonder goal from Sunderland’s Seb Larsson.
Click here to see today’s Premier League action and download ESPN’s New GOALS APP – simply a must have for every football supporter.
Martin O’Neill is reportedly in line to replace Avram Grant as West Ham United manager, regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s match against Arsenal.West Ham are bottom of the English Premier League, but have lost only one of their last seven games under Grant, seemingly earning the former Chelsea manager a stay of execution.
West Ham beat Birmingham City 2-1 in a Carling Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday, but it appears even having one foot in a Wembley final will not be enough to dissuade West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan from showing Grant the exit.
The 55-year-old Israeli, who took over at Upton Park with a four-year deal in June 2010, has been consistently linked with the sack throughout a difficult first half of the season for West Ham.
He left Fratton Park after failing to save Portsmouth from relegation in 2009/10 and was also removed as Chelsea manager in 2008, despite guiding both clubs to the FA Cup and Champions League finals respectively.
Survival specialist Sam Allardyce, who was dismissed from Blackburn Rovers in December, had been tipped to replace Grant, but O’Neill has now emerged as the surprise front-runner.
The 58-year-old Northern Irishman – a former Leicester City and Celtic boss – made an abrupt exit from Aston Villa at the beginning of the season.
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After reportedly walking out of Villa Park due to transfer budget cuts and a perceived lack of ambition from the club’s owner, he is an unlikely choice to take over at relegation-threatened West Ham.
West Ham host title challengers Arsenal at Upton Park on Saturday.
Legendary football manager Arsene Wenger has today been announced as the official coach for the FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC) 2012.
It was recently discovered in a survey carried out by FIFA that 58% of FIWC players believe that playing FIFA 12 can actually improve their performance in real life. The addition of Wenger as coach will add to the overall FIWC experience as he will be delivering football tips and advice helping gamers get the most out of their team and improve tactical knowledge.
Fans will be able to view Wenger’s comments in the FIWC weekly newsletter, on FIFA.com and video content will be available through FIFA’s official Youtube channel.
Wenger commented on his delight at being named FIWC coach saying, “It is an honour for me to be able to act as the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2012 coach. I know that especially young players enjoy virtual football and I see this development as very positive. The love of football is what brings professional players, trainers, amateurs and fans together. There are various ways in which to live out this passion and the FIWC is undoubtedly one of those.”
Wenger also spoke about the similarities between the FIWC and actual football as he said, “The players who play in the FIWC have to make quick decisions just as top class (football) players do. They have to quickly analyse the situations they face at a very quick pace and therefore the players who make the best decisions will win. That is what it is all about, it is analysing the game at a high speed and making the right decisions.”
The FIWC is the world’s largest online gaming tournament, organised by FIFA in association with Presenting Partners EA SPORTS ™ and PlayStation®. The event gives football fans the chance to live out their passion for football by competing against each other at FIFA ’12 with chance of qualifying for the Grand Final in Dubai. Over 1,000,000 players around the world are registered making the FIWC a fiercely competitive tournament, offering the prize of USD 20,000 as well as an invitation to the FIFA Ballon d’Or to meet the biggest football stars in the world.
Any Football FanCast readers Fancy winning a Sony Playstation Vita just by playing FIFA 12 – click here to find out more
Roberto Mancini is unlikely to punish Mario Balotelli further after his latest tantrum during Manchester City’s friendly against LA Galaxy.Striker Balotelli attempted an outrageous showboat in Sunday’s match at the Home Depot Centre, pirouetting on the ball and trying to backheel it into the net, but missing wide of the post.
Mancini substituted the former Inter Milan bad boy after just 30 minutes, with a heated exchange taking place between the two Italians on the touchline.
Balotelli then sulked on the bench for the rest of the half and failed to emerge to watch the second half.
“I hope this is a lesson for him,” Mancini said.
“In football you always need to be professional, always serious and in this moment he wasn’t professional.”
“If you are serious, you can play 90 minutes. If not, you can come and sit by me on the bench.”
“He needs to understand his behaviour has to be good in every game – not just in a final or a semi-final but every game.”
“He knows he made a mistake. Football should always be serious and if you have a chance to score, you should score.”
Stiff disciplinary action might have been expected from some, but Mancini, who has taken a relaxed line on touchline disputes in the past, believes the embarrassment of being withdrawn after only half an hour is punishment enough.
“Mario is young, I want to help him and that is the end of it,” he said.
“To take him off after 30 minutes is enough punishment. It won’t have been easy for him but it has to be a lesson.”
It was suggested that Balotelli claimed he thought he was offside, explaining why he attempted the trick.
But Mancini declined to reveal what was said during the furious exchange between player and coach.
“It was in Italian,” he said.
“In English I would find it difficult to give you the translation. But Mario is streetwise, he knows he was not offside.”
Following a 1-1 draw against the MLS side, Manchester City went on to win the match 7-6 on penalties, with goalkeeper Joe Hart striking the decisive spot kick.
Star striker Darren Bent has admitted he is interested in extending his contract at Sunderland.
The 26-year-old hitman has been a sensation since moving to the Stadium of Light from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, scoring 34 goals in 53 appearances.
This form has allowed him to assert himself in the England squad and so it comes as no surprise that he is enjoying life on Wearside.
He has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent times despite his current contract taking him up until 2013. And with the high regard he holds for manager Steve Bruce, he has admitted he is happy to extend his stay.
Speaking to the News of the World, Bent said:"I can't believe how well it's gone. If the offer of an extension came up I'd be more than happy to sign it.
"It's all about the football up here. It's all passion, passion, passion, but the supporters' intensity has never scared me.
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"They are looking at me to get the goals and that is a massive confidence booster."
Bent has also hailed Bruce's man-management skills, saying that he has the ability to be the next England manager.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email