Former England striker Mark Hateley believes that Andy Carroll should leave Liverpool, according to reports at talksport.
The son of current AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi, Pier Silvio – president of the holding company that own the Rossoneri, admitted recently that he would love to bring Andy Carroll to the club.In an interview with The Sun, Silvio stated “As a future target I’d like to bring Carroll to the club. I must admit that for his body build, and after seeing his header in the Euros, I would like to have Carroll at the club”.Mark Hateley, who played for Milan for 3 years in the mid-eighties believes that a move to Italy would be perfect for the former Newcastle frontman.“It would be breath of fresh air for Andy Carroll,” he told talksport hosts Hawksbee and Goldstein. “It would be great to go away and test himself in a new environment, a new culture and a different way of living.”.He continued, “That was key for my development when I was so young”.“They teach you the game inside and out, that’s what they do in these countries, especially Italy. Big strikers have always been a handful. It would be great for Andy and…it’ll be great for England. At his age you’re still very young and very raw. He’s got great strengths in his game already but he still has a lot of weaknesses. They (Milan) can deconstruct his game and build it back up again to the way a European centre-forward should be.”There has been no offer from Milan for Carroll at this time and it is thought that new manager Brendan Rodgers will want to hold onto all of his current strikers.[ad_pod id=’dfp-mpu’ align=’right’]
It was certainly a mixed start for all of the promoted sides over the opening weekend of the season, where QPR look well out of their depth, the Swans caved in at Eastlands and Norwich will take comfort from an encouraging start. But the big question is who will survive the drop come May?
Let’s start with QPR a side largely assembled of freebies headed by two troubled front men were dire to say the least at Loftus Road. A game many would have fancied Neil Warnock’s men to take the spoils to get the all important first win of the season on board, but Owen Coyle’s side had different ideas and look set to build on last seasons success and secure a top 10 finish. Gary Cahill’s opener will add another couple of million onto his price tag.
Neil Warnock has a few doubters myself included there is no argument he is a top bloke and is refreshingly honest but he is not cut out for success at the top flight as his time with Sheffield United proved when they bottled it when they seemed all but safe with ten games to go. I can’t see him being there too much longer as QPR will struggle to string any sort of run together to stay up.
The most impressive outing from the new boys came at the DW Stadium where for much of the game Paul Lambert’s well drilled and organised team were the better team. Home form is key for Norwich and their fans can build up a terrific atmosphere (something that cannot be said for QPR) and with battering ram in Grant Holt leading the line they will score goals. Lambert has instilled a positive mantra since lift the club off its knees only 2 years ago, and they will provide a few shocks along the season and will be up for the fight against the teams in and around them.
Wales’ first Premier League side kicked off on Monday and for 45 minutes more than held their own at Eastlands. Despite a distinct lack of a genuine attacking threat, Swansea looked organised and in all honesty the 4-0 score line was harsh. Brendan Rodgers has taken note from the time he spent under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and will adopt a attractive style of play particularly at home, with former Chelsea man Scott Sinclair and Nathan Dyer providing genuine threat from the flanks. The Swans play the better football of the three sides but could this be their downfall as City proved on Monday they will get exposed by the better sides especially on the road.
There is no doubt about it is going to be a tough season for all of the new teams and I cannot see how on earth QPR are going to beat the drop, boardroom unrest along with an oddly assembled side make for what could be a season of horrors for men from Loftus Road. Norwich will battle and fight tooth and nail over the course of the season but will this be enough I think so. Paul Lambert has the tactical awareness to shut up shop when they have the lead, something Ian Holloway must of wished he had done on a number of occasions. As last season proved they don’t know when they are beaten scoring 16 times after the 86th minute.
Swansea will be the easier on the eye and will produce some wonderful football like they did at Wembley in May, but I worry about their defensive fragility. They have a wonderful opportunity to put Welsh football on the map and they will make an entire nation proud (apart from the capital perhaps).
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Overall I can see only one of Swansea and Norwich surviving who? I cannot decide but one thing is certain if the battle to beat the drop is half as intense as last season we are all in for a treat enjoy!
Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out the possibility of Manchester United making signings during this January transfer window. Sir Alex Ferguson normally stays away from the market in January but with the spending power of Manchester City and Chelsea, it seemed that Ferguson would act this January. Although Manchester United are top of the table and have remained unbeaten this season, many Manchester United fans feel the squad needs a few tweaks if the club are too push for domestic honours this season.
There is no doubt that this Manchester United squad lacks star quality of other squads that Sir Alex Ferguson has put together. The squad is young and will get better, but I feel Ferguson is missing a massive opportunity by staying away from signings this January. Manchester United have put themselves in a fantastic position; a position many could only dream of in October, so why not take advantage by adding a top class player to the mix. The obvious weakness for Manchester United is the continued absence of Owen Hargreaves from the squad. Manchester United have been linked with Lassana Diarra. The Frenchman would be a superb acquisition for United and lighten the load on Darren Fletcher.
If Manchester United are to win the Premier League this season, their task would be made easier if Sir Alex Ferguson made one or two signings in January. It is difficult to say the squad needs such a revamp – due to the position they have found themselves in in, but Manchester United haven’t played well this season and Chelsea have allowed their rivals back into a title race that looked over eight games ago. If clubs continue to drop points, Manchester United will win the Premier League this season. If Arsenal or Chelsea find consistency and put pressure on this Manchester United side, they could crumble.
As well as buying a top quality player that could ultimately replace Owen Hargreaves at Manchester United, there are still a few areas of the squad where Manchester United are light. At left back, a significant injury to Patrice Evra and Manchester United would struggle in a big way. Fabio Da Silva hasn’t showed the potential of his brother and Jonny Evans is the only other player that would be seen to cover at left back. United would be a different team both defensively and offensively, and without the passion, determination and craft of Evra, United would struggle. Added to this the fact that Ferguson wants to send Jonny Evans out on loan for the remainder of the season, and it is clear United need to invest in quality cover for Evra.
There is no need for massive clear outs of the Manchester United squad, but a few tweaks this January could go a long way to United regaining their Premier League crown. Rather than bring in fresh faces, Ferguson has a vast selection at his fingertips and he is looking to loan out some of his fringe players. Long term this will benefit the players but it will weaken the squad for the remainder of the season. Without a plan to bring in any players, an injury crisis at Old Trafford later in the season could derail their title bid.
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There is no doubt that every Manchester United fans trusts Sir Alex Ferguson’s’ judgement in the transfer market but there would be a greater feeling of optimism if Ferguson was looking. Tottenham thought their business was done by the end of the transfer window in the summer, and up pops Rafael van der Vaart. Manchester United could not afford to miss out on a player of such quality for a bargain price again, and if even if Ferguson is not actively seeking to buy, hopefully the club are still open if a player in the same circumstances comes along.
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In an age where transfer market prices are inflated to levels not seen since the Weimar Republic, most clubs can forget about signing truly world class players in the peak of their careers. A far more feasible possibility is to develop your own stars through the academy system.
However, with such a plan comes undeserved hype and promises that can’t be fulfilled. How many times have rave reviews been handed out like 1920s Deutschmarks only to leave us disappointed when the subjects of such praise fade into to the oblivion of lower league football?
For every Wayne Rooney or Cesc Fabregas there are plenty of Quincy Owusu- Abeyies who disappeared in to the void of footballing anonymity. And I know what you’re thinking, ‘with so many unreasonably over-hyped, over-priced and under skilled stars to choose from how can you decide on ten?’ And you’d be right; but needs must, so here they are.
Click on Michael Johnson to unveil the top 10
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Follow Hamish on Twitter @H_Mackay
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Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez is refusing to get complacent ahead of Sunday’s Copa America final against Paraguay in Buenos Aires.Tabarez’s side will enter the final as heavy favourites, as they bid to claim a 15th Copa America title, but the 64-year-old said they will face a stern test from Paraguay, who are yet to win a match in normal time in the tournament.
“I think just about everyone at this level knows how to play against teams that are supposedly superior, this is a part of the game,” Tabarez said.
“Those who think that because they are from some country or because they have a strong history that they will always win titles, then I think they are dreaming too much.”
Star Uruguay striker Diego Forlan was named best player at last year’s World Cup in South Africa, but hasn’t scored for his country since the end of that tournament.
The Atletico Madrid marksman is delighted to have his strike partner Edinson Cavani back in the squad, and is looking forward to the contest.
“We are delighted to be here,” Forlan said. “It’s my first ever final with Uruguay and the truth is I’m relaxed, just resting and getting ready for the game.”
“We know it’s going to be tough but we’re doing everything we can to be ready in the best way possible, to get to the game in good form on Sunday.”
Paraguay, meanwhile, look set to be without injured striker Roque Santa Cruz and defender Aureliano Torres.
Their cause will be further complicated by the absence of coach Gerardo Martino and his assistant Jorge Pautasso from the touchline after both men were banned after a brawl at the end of their semi-final victory over Venezuela.
Martino admitted his side would face a stern test from the in-form Uruguayans.
“Yes, they are probably the best team in the tournament,” Martino said.
“Maybe if you analyse an individual moment there might have been a team that played better, but Uruguay has been a solid for some time and are very confident in what they do.”
“All that they have done is to (do) what they have been doing the last three years, more or less. This is the time and they have come very solidly to play and it should be noted.”
At Christmas time everyone likes an old story. If it is unashamed football clichés you are looking for, perhaps direct your attention to what promises to be a pivotal battle for both sides and their hopes for retaining top-flight status for next year.
Both Mick McCarthy and Roberto Martinez will have earmarked this fixture for weeks now as one where the traditional three point stocking filler from Santa Claus would be most needed.
Neither man would have thought that this season would be free of these sorts of battles, particularly considering the torrid autumn experienced at both the DW and Molineux.
It is hard not to watch Wolves and feel that for all their enterprising football, the ability to grind out wins in games of this fashion is missing from their armoury. Whilst I would expect Wigan to have the Premier League experience necessary to pull out a result here, I believe both sides’ fear of defeat will outweigh their desire to land a decisive blow for Premier League survival.
For as many precocious and fledgling talents coming through in the Premier League this term, there is as many wily old heads of experience and those battling competitors that continue to struggle on despite being written off in several quarters as calamitous, past it and playing beyond their sell by date. Let’s be honest; football is a relatively short career and who can blame the elder pros for sticking around a little while longer, earning a decent wage and engaging in the game they love.
Nevertheless, this is where the rose tinted picture stops for the following fifteen pros. Maintaining their playing days yes, but in terms of performances, it has been a downward spiral for some, with tired legs, lacklustre performances and consistency seen a far rarer basis than more prosperous times in their career.
Injury has curtailed some careers, but the willingness to remain contracted despite a cynical essence of embracement from the supporter’s shows some players might be hanging on just too long.
Whilst Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and even Kevin Phillips down in the Championship continue to roll back the years with their ever-consistent displays, for these guys they might be better sitting up with a cup of tea spectating Match of the Day rather than watching themselves back from the afternoons action. So without further ado, here are the top 15 ‘past it’ Premier League pros.
Click on the Man United duo below to see the Top 15
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Who’s had it at your club? Is it time to show them the door? Follow me @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989
Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce’s attempt at delivering a humorous, tongue-in cheek observation about his managerial capabilities back-fired spectacularly over the weekend.
After claiming his managerial style would be more suited to that of La Liga giants Real Madrid, Allardyce was immediately ridiculed by the British media who labelled him as ‘arrogant’ and ‘delusional’. Allardyce’s comments may not have gone down well, but here’s some that did, from some of football’s most famous faces:
Arsene Wenger
‘I did not see the incident’ is one quote usually attributed to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, however the Frenchman has a deeper, philosophical side which he likes to revel in from time to time.
‘Le Professeur’, who once claimed to have started his football education talking to locals in his parent’s French pub, delivered this timeless classic when questioned about his attacking philosophy at Arsenal. Although looking back, he may have just been talking about Swedish winger Freddie Ljungberg’s pants. Wenger revealed:
“When you’re dealing with someone who only has a pair of underpants on, if you take his underpants off, he has nothing left—he’s naked. You’re better off trying to find him a pair of trousers to complement him rather than change him.” Indeed.
Ian Holloway
Current Blackpool manager Ian Holloway earnt his reputation as something of a wordsmith following his entertaining post-match interviews in the Championship, before his recent revival of the Seasiders.
After overseeing a languid QPR win against Chesterfield in 2003, Holloway poetically compared his side’s display to a night out on the pull.
“To put it in gentleman’s terms if you’ve been out for a night and you’re looking for a young lady and you pull one, some weeks they’re good looking and some weeks they’re not the best,” Holloway explained.
“Our performance today would have been not the best looking bird but at least we got her in the taxi. She weren’t the best looking lady we ended up taking home but she was very pleasant and very nice, so thanks very much, let’s have a coffee.’
Sir Matt Busby Manchester United’s Sir Matt Busby revealed the secret behind his phenomenal success at Old Trafford later on in his career. Busby identified George Best as the man at the centre of his tactical plans, saying:
‘It was a very simple team talk. All I used to say was: “Whenever possible, give the ball to George Best.”’
Simple as that.
Continue reading on PAGE TWO for Cloughie…
Harry Redknapp Just a quick one from Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, explaining the problems of communicating with his side’s foreign contingent:
“Samassi Abou don’t speak the English too good.”
Bill Shankly Liverpool manager Bill Shankly never missed an opportunity to wind up local rivals Everton, bringing the club’s Red supporters closer together in doing so. Shankly’s most famous speech will forever remain his views on football, life and death, however the one below remains one of my favourites.
“When I’ve got nothing better to do, I look down the league table to see how Everton are getting along.”
Brian Clough
Brain Clough had wit, charm and charisma in abundance and his humorous quotes could have easily filled a list of on their own. After announcing himself as in ‘the top one’ managers in the game, Clough was also keen to emphasis how he believed the beautiful game should be played. He famously said:
“If God had wanted us to play football in the sky, He’d have put grass up there.”
Jock Stein
Jock Stein is regarded as one of the finest managers in the history of football after becoming the first manager to win the European Cup with a British side in 1967. Stein was an uncompromising figure who strived to be the best; his philosophy was summed up when he uttered the immortal words:
“Celtic jerseys are not for second best, they don’t shrink to fit inferior players.”
Continue reading on PAGE THREE for the Special One and more…
Jose Mourinho
Self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho arrived at Chelsea in 2004 and soon developed a habit of winding up rival managers. One memorable moment was Mourinho claiming he was more afraid of catching Bird Flu than of Manchester United winning the title, while one of his most controversial was his description of Arsenal’s Wenger:
“I think he is one of these people who is a voyeur,” said the Portuguese coach. “He likes to watch other people.
“There are some guys who, when they are at home, have a big telescope to see what happens in other families. He speaks, speaks, speaks about Chelsea.”
Bob Paisley
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Bob Paisley was Liverpool’s most successful ever manager with six league titles and three European Cups. Despite his success, Paisley never forgot the bad times:
“Mind you, I’ve been here during the bad times too – one year we came second.”
Sir Alex Ferguson
A list of famous football quotes wouldn’t be complete without a mention for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. When asked by a journalist what his greatest challenge was, he replied:
“My greatest challenge is not what’s happening at the moment, my greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool right off their f*****g perch. And you can print that.’
Any more quotes you would like to add? Leave your comments below. You can read more of my blogs HERE or follow me on Twitter.
Harry Redknapp has stressed that speculation surrounding Tottenham making a move for Manchester City forward Emmanuel Adebayor is 'absolute nonsense'.
Spurs have been increasingly linked with a raid for the former Arsenal striker, who has become frustrated with his lack of first-team football at Eastlands over the course of this season. But Redknapp has hit out at speculation suggesting he could look to take Adebayor to White Hart Lane in a deal that might result in Gareth Bale going in the opposite direction.
Redknapp described the claims as "absolute nonsense".
He added on Talksport: "I've never made any enquiries for Adebayor whatsoever. I keep seeing in the papers that we're after him. I've never ever asked about him or enquired about him."
Redknapp also ruled out the possibility of Bale being allowed to depart Tottenham in the near future.
"We don't want to sell Gareth Bale," he said.
"At the end of the day it won't be my decision, it'll be above my head but it would take an absolute fortune one day to buy him.
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"For me, at this particular time, he's got to be the Footballer of the Year in this country. I can't think of anyone who's done as well as him.
"He's not a player that we would really want to sell. You've got to hang onto your best players. If Tottenham want to be a club that's always looking to get in Champions League football you can't sell those players."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Paul Pogba’s relationship with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been filling newspaper columns for weeks now.
After the midfielder was dropped a handful of times, questions were raised over the £89m man’s long-term future at Old Trafford.
Pogba has been relatively quiet about the speculation, but that has not prevented pundits and fans from commenting on the situation.
While speaking to SkyBet, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp claimed that the former Juventus star will not ever forgive his manager for leaving him out of the first XI a handful of times.
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So far this season, the midfielder has made 23 appearances in all competitions, including 18 in the Premier League, in which he has scored three goals and created nine assists.
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Mourinho has come under fire from all quarters over the last few days due to his outbursts in the media.
It seems that Redknapp is throwing fuel to the fire, and United fans have had plenty to say.