style of football

Zola feels Drogba provoked

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:28:36 -0600

Former Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola insists Didier Drogba must have been provoked into throwing a coin.

Ivory Coast striker Drogba is under fire for his actions while celebrating his 27th-minute opening goal and investigations into the incident have been launched by the Metropolitan Police and the Football Association.

Chelsea were dumped out of the competition 5-4 on penalties by the Coca-Cola Championship side after the game ended 1-1 after extra-time.

Drogba issued a post-match apology for his behaviour but it may not save him from further action.

However, West Ham coach Zola says Drogba is an honest player and must have been provoked into such a reaction.

"I know Drogba is a very composed and honest player," said Zola. "He is always fair.

"If he reacted, maybe he has been insulted and that is not good in football.

"A couple of weeks ago there was an anti-racism campaign. I don't know if this was a racist act or not.

"The crowd has to respect the players, and the other way round.

"I don't know what happened but I know he is a fair player and an honest player - a straight player.

"You have to understand they are human beings and when you are playing an important match you are under pressure.

"Sometimes your composure can be lost. It's not easy, you are walking on the edge all the time.

"A little bit of commonsense is good from both sides. There have been a couple of situations when I was struggling on the pitch and getting abuse from the crowd. I was very close to reacting.

"It's totally understandable. Some moments you can hold yourself and others you can lose it a little bit."

But a three-match ban for Drogba is the only appropriate punishment, according to players' chief Gordon Taylor.

Taylor, the chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, believes the precedent for Drogba's misdemeanour is already there, and that a similar punishment should be expected.

"It's there for all to see, he's done something that's against the rules required of players, and a similar situation resulted in a three-match ban for Jamie Carragher," Taylor said.

"So it would be very difficult to avoid an accusation that they (the FA) are inconsistent if they don't follow that line

"Drogba got wrapped up in the situation and it is a fact for footballers that they're not supposed to celebrate in front of opposition supporters.

"The last thing that players need to do is respond in that way. He knows he's done wrong, he apologised immediately after the game, but this happened in the heat of the moment and unfortunately there will be consequences now."

In 2002, Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was red-carded for throwing a coin back into the crowd.

He received a mandatory three-match ban but the FA did not punish him further and the police took no action. However, the club fined the defender and warned him as to his future conduct.

Meanwhile, Burnley have vowed to co-operate with all investigations into the matter.

"The club does not condone any misbehaviour from supporters and we will gladly co-operate with any inquiry into the incident, either from the FA or Chelsea," a statement read.

"In closing, we do not believe this matter should detract from one of the club's most memorable nights in recent times."

Ferdinand impressed by rising stars

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:25:39 -0600

Rio Ferdinand believes the future is bright for England after this week's Carling Cup showcased some of the up-and-coming homegrown talent.

Football Association director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking is concerned at the lack of funding for youth programmes in this country, but Ferdinand was more upbeat about the players set to burst through in the next two or three years such as Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere and Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck, who played for their clubs to good effect this week.

"You are always interested to hear about good young English players no matter where they are playing," Ferdinand said at a sponsoredbyyou.com event organised by England sponsors Nationwide Building Society.

"You like to cast your eye over them and have a little look and see how they are doing," he added. "It's encouraging for England. It looks like they have some real talented players down at Arsenal and we've got some coming through at United as well.

"The manager at United doesn't like us talking too much about the young players and putting pressure on them but I feel someone like Danny Welbeck has got a real chance of becoming a top player.

"He's at a club where it's difficult to get into the team, especially in his position because we've got some quality players there.

"But he is someone who does things in training sessions that make you think he's got something most people haven't. So the future should be good for England."

Meanwhile, Ferdinand has given his backing to the FA's plans for tougher drug testing in football.

The proposals, which would bring football into line with other sports, would require players to notify authorities of their whereabouts for one hour each day and would involved drug testing at their homes.

The defender said: "I think it sounds fair. If it brings us up to the level of all the other sportsmen, then I'm in favour. It's good."

Torres: I'd return to Atletico

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:49:22 -0600

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has refused to rule out the possibility of him returning to former club Atletico Madrid.

Torres earned legendary status at Atletico during his 12 years there before moving to Liverpool in 2007.

The 24-year-old Spain international said it was the right time to leave, but he would love to wear the red and white of Atletico again.

"I hope to experience many things still, but for me it is an exceptional club," said Torres.

"I don't know if I will retire there, but I would like to go back and finish some things that are left to do.

"When I was there I couldn't do any more, but I would like to go back."

He added: "Right now I have no plans to leave England. Not to Spain, not to Italy, not to another English club."

Torres has taken the Premier League by storm since leaving his homeland, scoring 33 goals in all competitions during his first season at Anfield.

That has put him in the running to win the Ballon d'Or as the European player of the year, although he does not believe he has much chance of taking that award.

"No. There is a clear favourite. I think there have been very few years when there has been someone who has done so much to deserve the award as Cristiano Ronaldo did last season," Torres added.

Benzema set for Juve move

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:38:16 -0600

According to reports, Italian giants, Juventus are set to sign Frenchman, Karim Benzema at the end of the season.

One of the hottest properties in Europe at the moment, the much sought-after striker who is currently plying his trade at Ligue 1 champions, Olympique Lyon might be playing for Juventus next season in a swap deal involving another Frenchman, David Trezeguet.

Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and AC Milan have all shown interest in the player but with Lyon president, Jean-Michel Aulas said to be a big admirer of Trezeguet, Juventus will be the prime candidate to land the youngster.

20-year-old Benzema, has had a fabulous two years scoring goals aplenty for his club side while slowly inching his way past superstars like Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka to become Raymond Domenech's chief striker.

Trezeguet who is currently sidelined by a long-term injury has made over 200 appearances for the Italian side since joining them from Monaco back in 2000.

With 130 goals in his time there, he is one of the most prolific foreign strikers in Bianconeri history.

Milan 'bitter' about leveller

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:34:36 -0600

AC Milan have not lost in 13 games but they will have a "bitter" taste heading into training this week after their draw with Lecce.

This comes after being knocked off the top of the table following a draw at Lecce.

Ronaldinho provided further evidence that he is returning to top form after his summer move from Barcelona with a goal in the 80th minute at Lecce but the home side spoiled the evening for the Rossoneri with a stoppage-time strike from Andrea Esposito.

Not only did Carlo Ancelotti's men drop two points, but city rivals Internazionale leapfrogged them into first place after their 1-0 victory against Udinese.

"We are bitter with the result," Ancelotti said. "We expected a victory but there was little we could do.

"The glass is half full. We should have won but we take home just a point."

Nevertheless, Ancelotti tried to remain positive.

"At Lecce, we have handed our best performance on the road this season," he said. "We have handed in a very good performance in every respect.

"My team is healthy and will continue to be in the next games.

"I am satisfied with Ronaldinho's goal but even more so with the general performance of my team."

Milan had hit the Serie A summit for the first time in four years last weekend.

Now, heading into next Sunday's home game against Chievo, they are level on 23 points with Napoli and just one behind Inter.

Marney pledges future to Tigers

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:29:46 -0600

Dean Marney has signed a new three-year deal with Hull that will keep him at the KC Stadium until 2012.

The midfielder, who has played in all but one of City's Barclays Premier League games this season, was signed by former manager Phil Parkinson from Tottenham in 2006 for a then club-record fee.

Marney told the club website, www.hullcityafc.co.uk: "My initial deal was due to be up next summer, so it's nice to get things sorted out and now I can just concentrate on trying to stay in the team."

He added: "There was never any doubt that I wanted to stay. We're a Premier League club and I would be mad to think about leaving.

"I'm settled here now and I'm enjoying my football."

Marney began his career as a trainee at Spurs, scoring two goals in 11 appearances, before enjoying loan spells at Swindon, QPR, Gillingham and Norwich.

He has made nearly 100 appearances for the Tigers and last season helped them gain promotion to the top flight for the first time in their history

Cole confirms retirement

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:24:20 -0600

Former Manchester United and England striker Andy Cole has confirmed his immediate retirement from the beautiful game.

The 37-year-old joined his home-town club Nottingham Forest in the summer but failed to score in 11 appearances before his contract was cancelled two weeks ago.

That prompted speculation Cole would call time on a playing career that brought him 289 goals, 15 England caps and a host of honours - including five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League winners' medal.

Today Cole told The Times: "I wouldn't change a thing. I've lived the dream."

But it certainly was not a dream swansong for Cole at Forest, and he revealed his frustration at his treatment by manager Colin Calderwood.

"It's not the ideal ending," he continued.

"It just wasn't working out. I told them from the outset that I didn't want to go there to sit on the bench, because I didn't want to be perceived as sitting back and making easy money.

"It was a strange one from the start. I never knew what my role was. Was it a PR thing, to sell a few more season tickets?

"I felt like the manager wouldn't have a conversation with me. I don't know if it's the right word, but he seemed kind of intimidated by me.

"(In September) I told him [Calderwood] that I wanted to go and that I would serve three months' notice if they wanted me to, which was in my contract.

"He said 'no, give it another month' - which I was prepared to do - and then suddenly, a few weeks later, the club start putting it around that they've sacked me or that I've walked out.

"I just wish Forest could have been honest."

Cole is now hoping to go into coaching and help the next generation of goalscorers.

"I've all this experience. I don't want to keep it to myself," he said.

"I want to give something back. I don't think it's the end of the Andrew Cole story. I hope it's a new chapter."

Tevez saga decision on hold

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:18:09 -0600

West Ham face a nervous wait before discovering whether their legal fight against Sheffield United is finally over.

High Court Judge Nigel Teare will reserve judgment for several weeks before deciding whether to grant the Blades a permanent injunction preventing West Ham taking an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.

The judge has told the clubs he will make a decision before Christmas.

Until that ruling there will be no attempt by either side to take the matter further with CAS.

Meanwhile, the independent arbitration panel under Lord Griffiths that found against West Ham in September has told the clubs that a decision on the level of damages will not be made before the middle of March next year.

Sheffield United are claiming up to US$77 million in compensation after the arbitration panel ruled that Tevez should not have been permitted to play in the final matches of the 2006-07 season, when the Argentina striker helped West Ham avoid relegation.

West Ham had argued that they had already been punished by the Premier League - they were fined US$8.5 million - and were merely following league instructions.

The arbitration panel decided however that the Hammers had not abided by their pledge to end all third-party agreements in relation to Tevez.

Chelsea not considering move

Sun, 9 Nov 2008 12:16:27 -0600

Chelsea have denied the club are ready to leave Stamford Bridge and build a new stadium at a site in Battersea.

Chelsea have been linked with numerous stadium moves in the past, including nearby Earls Court, but the club will not sanction any new build until redevelopment of Stamford Bridge has been entirely ruled out.

A statement from Chelsea read: "This story is total nonsense. Chelsea is not actively considering moving to this site in Battersea."

It continued: "Chelsea has been linked with a whole host of high profile sites in London before, including this one.

"We are approached on a regular basis by developers and others with a commercial interest in driving up the price of property.

"The architects HOK have not been commissioned by Chelsea to build a stadium and do not work for the club. Their approach was unsolicited.

"Chelsea's position on stadium development is very clear. We will not be considering moving away from our present stadium until all possibilities of redeveloping Stamford Bridge are exhausted.

"Most people are well aware of the difficulties involved in redeveloping Stamford Bridge."

Villa shocked by two-goal Tuncay

Sun, 9 Nov 2008 12:08:53 -0600

Aston Villa missed out on reaching a Champions League spot as Tuncay earned Boro a 2-1 win at Villa Park.

Tuncay capitalised on a dreadful mistake by Steve Sidwell with two minutes remaining to earn Boro their second away success of the season.

Sidwell had cancelled out Tuncay's 34th-minute opener on his full league debut for the home side with an equaliser three minutes later.

But Tuncay's late winner spared team-mate Afonso Alves' blushes after he was guilty of one of the misses of the season.

The Brazilian looked certain to score with eight minutes remaining after Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel had parried a low shot from Didier Digard, but somehow shot wide from five yards out and was immediately substituted.

Martin O'Neill made five changes from the side which beat Slavia Prague in midweek but striker John Carew failed a late fitness test on a hip problem.

James Milner, given a free role behind Gabriel Agbonlahor, had his best game for the club since his £12million switch from Newcastle in August.

But Boro played their full part in an open and entertaining game and Stewart Downing caused problems for Nigel Reo-Coker and Carlos Cuellar down the left flank.

Villa looked the more threatening in the early stages and it needed a good tackle by Chris Riggott to halt Agbonlahor inside the box after he had seized a pass from Sidwell.

Sidwell then released Gareth Barry but the England midfielder failed to make full contact with his left-footed drive which was comfortably saved by Ross Turnbull.

Boro came more into the game and it needed a superb tackle from Cuellar to halt Tuncay 15 yards out as he prepared to shoot.

Alves just failed to make contact with an inviting low centre from the impressive Downing which flew across the box.

Ashley Young, in front of Fabio Capello's right-hand man Franco Baldini, won himself a free-kick just outside the box after being fouled by Jeremie Aliadiere.

The winger's curling attempt hit Gary O'Neil and was tipped over the bar by Turnbull. Barry's ensuing corner was met by Martin Laursen but his header skimmed past the post.

After 34 minutes a mistake by Nicky Shorey gifted the opening goal to Tuncay.

Downing whipped in a cross from the left flank which Shorey was first to react to, but he only deflected the ball into the path of Tuncay to crash a low shot past Friedel from eight yards.

The lead lasted just three minutes before Sidwell delivered the Villa equaliser.

Agbonlahor's initial goal-bound shot was cleared by Andrew Taylor but the ball broke to Milner and his measured cross to the far post was headed in by Sidwell.

Justin Hoyte and Tuncay then combined to free Alves who pulled his shot wide, while Friedel beat out a Downing drive as Boro finished the first half in the ascendancy.

Villa made a purposeful start to the second half and Agbonlahor gave a demonstration of his electrifying pace when skipping clear of Riggott after running onto a pass from Barry.

He burst into the box but just overran the ball and allowed Turnbull to position himself and block the eventual shot.

Milner continued to impress and turned past Pogatetz before delivering another dangerous centre but Sidwell's header which flew over the bar.

Barry was having more of an influence than in the opening 45 minutes and another good ball found Young in acres of space on the left but he overhit his pass for Agbonlahor and Turnbull was able to collect.

Barry then got to the byline and cut the ball back to Milner, whose first time drive forced a fine save out of Turnbull.

Aliadiere was booked for a foul on Young who was also then cautioned for bringing down O'Neil.

Young came to Villa's rescue when clearing a Riggott header off the line but Alves should have won the game for Boro when he amazingly shot wide with the goal at his mercy after Friedel had parried Digard's drive.

But with two minutes left Tuncay cashed in on an error by Sidwell to earn Boro the points.