Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka concedes his side cannot win the La Liga crown, but insisted they will continue to fight for wins.Speaking after Real’s 6-2 demolition of Sevilla, Karanka said his team – who sit five points behind league leaders Barcelona with three games remaining – will continue to push hard for wins.
Barca have four matches remaining, and play host to Espanyol on Sunday, but Real’s emphatic win means their fierce rivals will have to wait until at least next week before wrapping up a third successive La Liga crown.
Karanka was taking responsibility for his club’s media duties in the absence of Jose Mourinho, who was handed a five-match ban by UEFA on Friday following comments he made after Real’s 2-0 loss to Barca in their Champions League semi-final first leg on April 27.
“We will continue fighting and winning matches out of respect for everyone,” Karanka said.
“We need to pick up the pieces and learn from our mistakes heading into next season.”
“We cannot lose points in matches in which at first glance we are the superior team. Every point is important is such close league races.”
“The fact that we have played better on the road than at home in recent weeks is a fact. Looking at the schedule you see all these hard away matches, but we lost matches that we didn’t expect to lose.”
Real’s win on Saturday was powered by four goals from superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who lifted his tally for the 2010-11 season to 46 goals in all competitions.
Guangzhou came from a goal down to beat Henan Jianye 3-1 on Sunday, preserving their 100 per cent start to the Chinese Super League season.Henan, second from bottom in the table, led through Leandro Netto’s 71st-minute strike.
But goals from Zheng Zhi, Jiang Ning and Feng Xiaoting, all in the final 13 minutes, turned the match around to ensure Guangzhou finished the day one point clear at the top.
Beijing Guoan moved to second after a 2-0 win at home to Qingdao Jonoon.
Portuguese striker Roberto and Honduran midfielder Walter Martinez notched both goals late on for Beijing.
Hangzhou Lucheng are third, level on points with Beijing, after they saw off the visit of Shandong Luneng 1-0, with Shen Longyuan netting the only goal in the 65th minute.
Liaoning Hongyun took fourth place, two points off the lead, courtesy of a 2-1 win at Nanchang Bayi.
Visitors Liaoning led through first-half efforts from Yu Hanchao and Yang Xu.
Zhu Baojie pulled back for the home side on 65 minutes, but Nanchang were unable to find the equaliser.
In other matches, Chengdu Blades defeated Shaanxi Chanba 1-0 away from home.
Australian striker Adam Kwasnik – on loan from A-League champions Central Coast Mariners – struck the winner 18 minutes into the match.
A 2-1 win at home to Tianjin Teda saw Shanghai Shenhua retain fifth place, while bottom side Shenzhen Ruby gained a point with a 0-0 draw away to Dalian Shide.
Jiangsu Shuntian climbed out of the relegation zone with their first win of the season, 1-0 at home to Changchun Yatai.
Kolo Toure became ‘obsessed with his weight’, according to the English FA’s hearing into the Manchester City defender’s doping ban.Toure was handed a six-month suspension on May 26 after failing a doping test, with the 30-year-old admitting to taking his wife’s diet tablets.
Claims that Toure had received permission from Manchester City club doctor Jamie Butler were denied by a commission into the hearing, with the details released on Friday: “(Butler) never told him it was safe to use water tablets. He would have unequivocally have said such were prohibited and should not be used,” a report read.
The report said ‘the FA does not positively assert that (Toure) had an intention to enhance sporting performance or to mask the use of a performance-enhancing substance’.
But it also stated ‘there was no dispute that (Toure) was at fault’, and the committee rejected the request from Toure’s counsel Adam Lewis that the suspension should not be longer than three months.
The six-month suspension was upheld as the ‘appropriate penalty’, as was the date (March 2) it was handed down.
Toure can return to playing for City from September 2, but will be subjected to a two-year period of target testing that began in May.
Thierry Henry’s red card and five second-half goals could not split the Portland Timbers and the New York Red Bulls in the MLS on Sunday.Dwayne de Rosario’s 94th-minute penalty – awarded after Rodney Wallace handled the Red Bull attacking midfielder’s cross inside the area – ensured the game would finish 3-3.
It was the final twist in a fascinating second-half tale at the Timbers’ Jeld-Wen Field, after the first half ended 1-0 courtesy of Austin da Luz’s fifth-minute goal for the visitors.
Designated player Henry had set De Rosario away on the left, and his pull back was dummied by the French forward to allow 23-year-old midfielder Da Luz to score past Portland goalkeeper Troy Perkins.
The scoreline lasted just two minutes of the second half, when Nowegian midfielder Jan Gunnar Solli’s clearing header only fell as far as Jack Jewsbury.
The Timbers midfielder placed his low to the left of New York goalkeeper Greg Sutton to level the score at 1-1.
Just one minute later, Portland had the lead when former New York defender Kevin Goldthwaite backheeled Eric Brunner’s knock-down past Sutton.
But while Goldthwaite’s match against his former side was to prove memorable, Stephen Keel ensured his return to Portland would be rather more forgettable when his own-goal handed the Timbers a 3-1 lead on 67 minutes.
The New York defender slid Jorge Perlaza’s cross past Sutton after the Colombian striker had beaten the off-side trap.
Henry made it 3-2 after neat interplay with Estonia international Joel Lindpere soon after, and Portland wasted a chance to sew the game up when Jewsbury hit a 77th-minute penalty against Sutton’s left-hand post.
Henry’s match soured when he was handed a straight red card for a tangle with Adam Moffat in the 92nd minute, but New York ensured they did not go home empty handed when De Rosario made no mistake from the spot with virtually the last kick of the game.
English Premier League club Chelsea have lodged a complaint to the Malaysian FA over racist abuse targeting Yossi Benayoun.The Israeli midfielder was jeered and booed during the club’s 1-0 friendly victory over the Malaysia national team in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
Chelsea, who toured also toured Thailand and Hong Kong as part of their pre-season programme, feel the baiting was of an anti-Semitic nature, with Malaysia being a largely Muslim country.
“Notwithstanding most fans behaving appropriately on the night, we believe Yossi was subjected to anti-Semitic abuse by a number of supporters at the game,” a statement posted on the club’s website on Wednesday read.
“Such behaviour is offensive, totally unacceptable and has no place in football.”
Chelsea also explained why an initial complaint was not made, with the incident not rearing its head until six days after the match had been completed.
“The club did not make representations at the time as it was initially unclear as to the nature of the abuse Yossi received, as several players from both teams experienced similar treatment, sometimes louder and longer.”
“However, having taken time to consider the issue fully, it has become apparent that a formal complaint was necessary.”
“Our stay in Malaysia was, on the whole, a very positive experience for all the team travelling on the pre-season tour. It is a shame, therefore, that the behaviour of a minority of supporters is also a memory we take away.”
The Football Association of Malaysia will investigate the matter, with its findings to be published in the coming days.
Hearts held champions Rangers to a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the Scottish Premier League season.Ally McCoist’s men needed a second-half equaliser from Steven Naismith to pick up a point in front of their home fans at Ibrox on Saturday.
Uganda international David Obua had given the visitors the lead on 16 minutes when he headed in a corner from full-back Danny Grainger as Hearts looked set for an upset.
But forward Naismith levelled 13 minutes into the second half, placing home a cross from Sasa Papac to earn Rangers a point.
Elsewhere, Motherwell recorded an impressive 3-0 win over Inverness CT.
First-half goals from Steven Hammell and Jamie Murphy set the hosts on their way at Fir Park before midfielder Keith Lasley sealed the win with less than 15 minutes to play.
Hammell’s deflected shot found the net on 25 minutes for a rare goal before a pass from Nicky Law put Murphy through to make it 2-0 moments later.
Lasley put in a third in the 77th minute in a comprehensive win for Stuart McCall’s team.
In the day’s other game, Aberdeen and St Johnstone played out a 0-0 draw.
Aberdeen midfielder Ryan Jack was sent off for a late tackle on Murray Davidson after 65 minutes but the visitors could not make the most of their numerical advantage.
With only a few weeks left in the transfer window it would seem that Sir Alex has finished his summer spending, but has he gone far enough? There are no doubts that he has brought some very talented youngsters to the club, in his record breaking summer of spending. Fergie was given the biggest transfer chest of his 25 years at the club, £100million, to create his final, great side. Over the summer he has brought in Ashley Young-£16m-Phil Jones-£16.5m-and David de Gea-£18.3m-who are all bright young prospects, but they aren’t the finished articles, so will these signings alone be enough to replace what they have lost and propel them to a 20th league title?
It would seem as if United are still lacking a replacement for the retired Paul Scholes. Wesley Sneijder has been rumoured, but time is ticking on the transfer window, and it remains to be seen whether that will go ahead. Perhaps Sir Alex has a cheeky last minute deal up his sleeves that will surprise us all. The young players they have signed are undoubtedly quality, but surely they need more top quality players of the likes of Sneijder, to stay ahead in the league and narrow the gap between them and Europe’s finest. Bringing big names to the club is not without risk though, there is always the possibility of an expensive flop-i.e. Juan Sebastian Veron-which is why it proves to be cautious in the market, however they do need a world class signing to take them that step further in Europe.
If they don’t get anyone in to replace Scholes, then what options do they have? They could move Ryan Giggs into the centre, or even Wayne Rooney, although that could be a waste of his talents in front of goal. Perhaps they will bring in one of the youngsters at the club like Tom Cleverley. Scholes is a huge player to lose, his retirement marks the end of an era, so replacing him will be a difficult challenge. Perhaps Fergie is testing the water with his current squad. Should they struggle in midfield in the early part of the season, he might then look to strengthen in January, maybe with a bid for Arsenal’s Samir Nasri, whose contract will be expiring next summer which could affect his price-tag.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’right’]
Man City and Liverpool have spent big over the summer and are likely to provide tough threats to United’s crown along with Arsenal and Chelsea. It seems like the players United have signed are built for the future and will come into their own over the next few years, along with the wealth of talent in their reserve and youth team’s. This side will be at its peak in the next few seasons, but United still should have enough quality to put up a strong defence of their crown next season.
As well as trying to stay ahead on the domestic front, Sir Alex will be determined to meet the challenge set by Barcelona, after the demolishing that they suffered in the Champions League Final at Wembley. The gap between the sides was huge and no clearer in evidence than in the centre of the park, United seem to need a player of massive ability to close the gap between the sides. However, it is difficult to see how any team can compete with a side that has been such a long time in the making, with its foundations running back to 1992. Barcelona themselves, have spent big, making additions-notably Alexis Sanchez who it was rumored United where interested in-to continue to improve their squad. They are undoubtedly the best team Fergie has faced in his 25 years at United, and he will want to bow out having given absolutely everything in the challenge to take them down. Of course it would be naive to focus solely on Barcelona, they need to concentrate on winning week in and week out, and not be obsessed by the challenge and the benchmark that Barca have set in Europe.
One things for certain, Fergie will not rest until United are at the pinnacle of world football once more. He has spent big on the creation of his last great side, but is it enough to stay ahead of their domestic rivals or to reach the bar set by Barcelona?
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Let me know your thoughts below or follow me on Twitter @LaurenRutter
Sunderland and Blackburn have been put on red alert after Papa Demba Cisse admitted he wants to leave Freiburg, the Daily Mail understands.
£12.5 million rated Cisse scored 22 goals in the Bundesliga last season and has already struck four in three games in the current campaign heightening interest from the Premier League.
The Senegalese hit man has declared his is ready to move to a bigger club despite having three years to run on his deal in Germany.
Cisse said: “I want to leave. Yes I have a contract but I really want to try playing at a different level.”
Despite a summer spending spree that included the £13 million acquisition of Connor Wickham Black Cats boss Steve Bruce still wants to bring another striker to the Stadium of Light.
Bruce has been prompted into targeting a new front man after two embarrassing defeats to local rivals Newcastle and Championship side Brighton in the space of four days.
Rovers manager Steve Kean is also in the market for players with striker David Goodwillie the only new face at Ewood Park this summer.
With a week left of the transfer window both clubs will have to move swiftly if they are to secure the strikers signature.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
However they’ll both have to wary as Freiburg are likely to instigate a bidding war in an attempt to drive up the price.
Chelsea manager Andre Villas Boas has defended striker Fernando Torres following his horror miss against Manchester United, and feels his side are still title contenders.
The Spanish forward has been the subject of criticism due to uninspiring performances since his £50 million move from Liverpool in January, and despite scoring in a 3-1 defeat on Sunday, missed a second clear-cut chance.
Torres rounded Reds goalkeeper David de Gea in the 83rd minute, only to slice his effort wide of the post; but the Portuguese coach has come to his defence, comparing the miss to Wayne Rooney failing to convert a penalty in the game.
“You have to be fair that the best world strikers have both missed great opportunities. It happened to Fernando but it happened to Wayne Rooney, too,” he told reporters after the game.
“But, yes, a 3-2 score at that period of the game would give us a mental edge for the rest of the match.”
The victory has extended United’s unbeaten run to five matches, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s men are now top of the league, five points clear of Chelsea.
Despite this, Villas Boas has still backed the Stamford Bridge club to be in the title run come the end of the season.
“What I can say is that last year we started very well and unfortunately it didn’t happen towards the winter period,” he told Sky Sports.
“This way at the moment we are five points behind Man Utd but we could say we wouldn’t expect Man City to lose points at Fulham, so this Premier League is unpredictable.
“We always consider ourselves title contenders and will have to get three points straightaway against Swansea because it gives us a good mental reaction to a defeat. And it’s important for us to continue to believe in our work.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“They are in a good position now but it is very, very early. Nothing that would happen here will mean anything in the Premier League table, and today, not that I want to overemphasise it, you had Man City going to Fulham and Fulham getting a point.
“Arsenal lost and Liverpool lost, so all five contenders are there and anything can happen. The most regular has been United but we showed we are up to the levels of the champions – it is just this time this game didn’t go our way but we will be up there competing for the title and I am glad Sir Alex corroborates in this opinion,” he concluded.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has admitted that Emmanuel Adebayor must take a pay cut if he wants to secure a permanent deal at White Hart Lane.
The Togolese striker is currently on loan for the season at the North London club from Manchester City, and has scored three goals in four consecutive Spurs’ victories in an impressive start to his time with Redknapp’s men.
Despite the fact that he seemingly has no future at the Etihad Stadium and would be available at a cut-price transfer fee, Redknapp has admitted the forward will need to take a drop from his current £150,000-a-week wages.
“If Emmanuel maintains his current form I would love to keep him but his wages are going to be a major stumbling block, that’s for sure,” the coach told The Sun.
“I have no idea how much we are paying towards his wages at the moment as the chairman [Daniel Levy] deals with those issues but I suspect they are massively subsidised by City.
“The only way we can realistically get a deal done is if Emmanuel is prepared to take a substantial pay-cut and put his football before money,” he concluded.
Spurs continue their march towards Champions League football with a trip to St James’ Park on Sunday.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.