Robben to ABC: "I very much want to play my first derby"

Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Arjen Robben comentó, en una entrevista a ABC, las ganas inmensas que tiene de jugar su primer derbi como jugador del Real Madrid y los grandes jugadores del equipo rojiblanco. El madridista reconoció el gran momento por el que atraviesa el equipo blanco.

"I very much want to play my first derby. I'd hardly been here three months in the first one that took place after my signing and I was injured in the following two. It will be special"

"The coach never said the team played better without me. I spoke to him about it and he told me he didn't mean that. I focus on one-on-ones or on dribbling past two defenders, which entails some risk. I don't pass the ball as much as players like Gago or Guti. I'm a different kind of player."

"The team has performed as usual without me. I don't think my absence changed the way in which the team defended or attacked. We won in any case and that's what counts."

"I didnt' watch the Atletico-Barcelona game because I was with my family. I've been told it was a magnificent match with many goals. Atletico are good team and we have much respect for them. It will be a special clash for all of us. We are confident and hope to win."

"Atletico have many good players, but their four forwards -Maxi, Simao, Aguero and Forlan- are probably their most dangerous men."

"Atletico will want to play a good game. Every team in Spain tries to do well in attack. It's different in Engalnd; sides there, such as Liverpool, focus more on defending and staying in their half of the pitch."

"I can play down either wing, but it's important that defenders don't know where I'm going to come from. I've been playing down the right wing a lot in the last few months and I feel comfortable there."

"We didn't mind when we were 12 points behind Barcelona and don't mind now. We have to focus on ourselves. We are playing well and we are also confident. We are a quality team that is winning its games. We just have to wait for Barcelona to make mistakes."

"I feel honoured to play with Raul. He is a great captain and a great professional. He is far from finished."

"I guess I'm having my best run since I arrived here. What's important to me is to be fit. I've been playing non-stop since December and that's great. I am able to showcase my skills better when I don't get injured so often."

Real Madrid Official Website

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Cannavaro to AS:"There is no euphoria on the team"

Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Fabio Cannavaro gave an interview to AS in which he talked about tonight's derby with Atletico. The defender also praised Aguero and Forlan.

"There's no euphoria on the team because we know we haven't achieved anything yet. Barcelona still have a four-point lead. We have to keep working, stay quiet and prepare for each game at a time. People forget about things too easily in football. Excuses and doubt take over when things don't work out."

"Pepe will miss the derby. That Portuguese guy has some nerve(laughs)! He wants to rest for the Liverpool match! He is an impressive defender and he is playing very well, but this team has many players capable of being starters. He will be a great loss on an individual level, but I always think about the team and I believe even you could play for us if we perform well!"

"Kun Aguero is very good at one-on-ones, but he still needs a little extra to be a superstar. I don't really want to say this out loud because I'm sure he'll score two goals if I do, but I think he sometimes misses too many chances for a striker. He is young and he still has to learn. He will be a superstar. He reminds me of Romario in his style, but Romario scored more goals."

"I think Forlan is great. He runs a lot, shoots with both feet, puts pressure on defenders, he is intelligent and very fast... It's hard to defend against both of them (laughs). I will defend against the one who attacks down the left, but I prefer to defend against counterattacks because I prefer to anticipate a team's play."

Real Madrid Official Website

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Juande Ramos: "The game was always open"

Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J.O'Donnell

Juande Ramos analysed the derby for the press.

"We needed a victory in order for our streak to continue. We faced a complicated opponent and the game was always open; both teams could have won. We could have taken the lead early on. Robben, Marcelo and others had chances on goal and the game would have been very different if they had scored. Atletico could have won the game with their counterattacks."

"Atletico always play like this because they have fast and dangerous men in attack. The necessity to win a game forces you to attack. Tonight reminded me of a King's Cup game; victory is all that counts in that championship."

"I took Raul off because I wanted to freshen up our attack with Van der Vaart's brilliant set piece skills. We had chances to win the game. Guti hasn't played 90 straight minutes in a long time. He isn't as fit as the rest and I decided to substitute him. I wanted the team to have more physical drive."

"We were able to reduce the distance with Barcelona in eight points in just a couple of weeks, so I believe we can do the same now that the distance between us is six points. The difference is just two games. There are 12 matches left in La Liga, but we must now concentrate on our Anfield game. It will be a tough and thrilling encounter and my men are anxious to make the fans happy."

Real Madrid Official Website

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Cup final dress rehearsal

Barca take on Athletic Bilbao at the Nou Camp at 20.00 tonight (live on R@dio Barca), 67 days before the two meet again in Valencia to decide who takes this year’s Spanish Cup.
Both teams are sure to be keen to put down a marker ahead of the Cup Final on May 13th, with both equally in need of the points right now, if for rather contrasting reasons. Barca will be hoping to put an end to their disappointing run of five games without a win and maintain their lead at the top, whilst Bilbao need a win to lift them well clear of the relegation battle just below them. Pressure on Tonight’s game isn’t the final then, but there is still plenty of pressure on Barca, who have seen their lead at the top whittled away over the last three weeks from 12 to just 4 points as they took just one point out of nine. Madrid, who also play tonight, have themselves enjoyed a winning streak and three points against Bilbao would certainly ease any possible doubts in the Barca fans minds. Four defenders out Both clubs are coming off hard semi finals in midweek and although they were successful, there’s still a price to pay. For Barca, Caceres’ red card in Mallorca means he’s out for tonight’s game, as are the injured Abidal and Milito. To add to Guardiola’s problem’s, a fourth defender, Dani Alves, is also suspended and so youngster Alberto Botia has been drafted in to the squad and may well get the chance to make his first team debut at some point tonight. Three out for Bilbao Bilbao are also missing players, with three of the heroes who figured in Wednesday night’s win over Seville not travelling for the game after picking up knocks: Aitor Ocio, David López and Ion Vélez. Crucial clash Tonight’s game is set to be a crucial point in this season’s La Liga campaign as Barca look to recover their form and their winning ways. It’s also, just as importantly, going to be a fascinating rehearsal for the Cup Final in Valencia. The Barca fans will be hoping that it’s their team who take the points in the first clash tonight and the Cup in the second act in May.

Barcelona Official Website

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Barça and Athletic in five previous finals

The two clubs with that have won the Copa del Rey on the most occasions in history are due to meet on May 13 in Mestalla in the final once again as FC Barcelona take on Athletic Club de Bilbao.Barça are back in the final eleven years after the last time, when they beat Mallorca in 1998, and their opponents will be Los Leones, who have not appeared in this stage for 24 seasons. The last time Athletic were in the final they lost 2-1 to Atlético de Madrid in 1985. The last meeting Curiously, the Basque Country club last won the cup the year before their last apearance when they played against FC Barcelona in the Bernabéu in 1984 thanks to a solitary goal from Endkia. That game has been remembered down the years for incidents on the pitch after the match. 1920 and 1932 Back in 1920, the two teams first met in the final when they played in El Molinón in Gijón and Barcelona ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Martínez and Alcántara. Some 12 years later Barça and Athletic met again, this time in the Chamartín stadium in Madrid and the Basque out won this time 1-0 with Bata netting the winner. 1942: Copa del Generalísimo The final in 1942 was a difficult encounter for both sides as they played in the post-war era and it was a hard-fought encounter. Escolà and Martín both scored twice for Barcelona while Iriondo, Elices and Zarra replied for the Athletic in a 4-3 win for the Catalan outfit. 1953: Kubala and Manchón Kubala and Manchón were decisive when Barcelona met Athletic again eleven seasons on as they helped the team to a 2-1 win on June 21, 1953. Venancio scored for Athletic.

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Guardiola: “Breaking the run”

Pep Guardiola believes that FC Barcelona can “break the run” of five games without victory when Athletic Club de Bilbao visit Camp Nou and has faith in “the strength and solidarity” that they have shown.On the day that he was presented as the new coach of Barça, Guardiola stated that he would not promise any silverware, but that the team would work very hard and in the next few weeks of the season that it what will be needed. “We are sure that we are a team that are prepared to work,” he said. “I think we saw that on Wednesday and because of that we are in any kind of trouble. Things are not that bad.” Strength and solidarity “The strength and solidarity” are key things in the team, according to the coach and he knows that he cannot promise victory every game, “but I want to see hard work to try and push ourselves as far as possible. We are intent on trying to keep going right until the end of the campaign.” Improving the play Despite going for five consecutive games without a win, Guardiola does not think that the team have any anxiety and are confident of “breaking the run” ahead of the game against Athletic. “Our intention is to maintain our good feeling and to improve our play.” Cup encounter Guardiola is very knowledgeable about every team in the team league and he has seen Athletic play on various occasions. The trainer has already congratulated his opposite number on reaching the Copa del Rey final and they will meet again on Saturday. “Games like they have the other day happen every 15 of 20 years. But when they do nobody will forget them and they will want o take that form into this next match.” Dress rehearsal The game this weekend will not show how the Copa del Rey final will go, which is due to be played on May 13, but Guardiola admitted that he it could help to learn a few things. “They have good players at the back and players with great spirit, like Yeste, Orbaiz and David López. Protecting Messi Lionel Messi has been the target of some fouls and hefty tackles again recently and Guardiola reiterated his desire to see referees protect the more skilful players. “One day they will really do some damage,” he stated. “Lately, he has been knocked to the floor almost every time he receives the ball. The referees have an obligation to protect players that are having that done to them. Not only Messi, but anyone.”

Barcelona Official Website

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Marchisio: «The next are 10 crucial days»

Six points which Claudio Marchisio gave Juventus since the beginning of the second round. After the goal against Fiorentina now it was the turn for the one against Napoli. The youngster is continuing to improve match after match and his relationship with the goal is making him more important every day.
It is a Marchisio who is also learning leadership skills inside and outside the field. At the end of the match he launched the team towards the crucial moment of the season: «Ten fundamental days await us. Ten days which are also fundamental to Inter and Roma. We have three competitions to play and the fact that we are still fighting on all fronts means that we are a great team. I am happy with my second goal because it once again allowed us to win a crucial match against Napoli who especially in the second half caused us difficulties».

Juventus Official Website

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Ranieri: «We must fight for the maximum»

Claudio Ranieri is visibly satisfied after the match against Napoli especially seeing that the team returned to winning after the undeserved defeat against Chelsea: «The most important thing is to prepare well for the match after the Champions League. I must applaud the team who played well and especially during the second half when we were more tired and they pressed us».
What was different from the match against Napoli in the Coppa Italia: «We used the same system like in the Coppa Italia. The midfield played really well, remaining always concentrated even when playing against 3 midfielders, recovering and winning back some really good balls».
How much does the work load count at this time of the season seeing that even Chelsea found it hard to win against Middelsborough? «Everybody feels the pressure at this time of the season. It is not easy to play every 3 days. We must now recover our energy to playa against Lazio in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday night».
What are your hopes for the championship?: «We must fight for the maximum and then at the end be satisfied at the end of the season. The athlete must work hard and give his maximum and must be able to accept a defeat if this comes».

Juventus Official Website

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All about the “Derby della Mole”

The day of the “Derby della Mole” is here. The date is once again that of the 7th of March 27 years later. The last time it was played on this day, back in 1982, was a day to remember for Juventus who won the match 4-2 after a come-back with Gaetano Scirea as protagonist.A few hours before kick-off, Juventus.com is bringing you some useful information to help you appreciate the event.TORINO AT HOMEFive victories, three draws and five defeats: Torino’s home performances are definitely better then those in the matches played away from home where they only obtained 6 out of the 24 points obtained up to now.It is interesting to take a look at the production of chances (in brackets as opposed to the results) when the granata registered defeats: Torino-Inter 1-3 (5-6); Torino-Lazio 1-3 (5-5); Torino-Cagliari 0-1 (8-5); Torino-Fiorentina 1-4 (3-7); Torino-Roma 0-1 (2-4). PROGRESS They started off well in the first two days of the championship with a home victory against Lecce and the draw away in Reggio Calabria. The defeat at the Olimpico against Inter saw the start of a see-saw period.On the 8th match day, after the first round derby decided by Amauri’s match-winner, De Biasi’ s team was last in the table together with Reggina. The come-back was immediate: the following week the granata beat Atalanta 2-1 and climbed out of the last spot. At the end of the first round, however, the situation was still a worrying one: Toro were third from last and therefore in the relegation zone with two points from a safe spot. With the start of the second round the scene changed drastically. The team, coached by Walter Novellino registered 6 draws and a victory against Udinese.THE DERBY ON THE 7TH OF MARCHThere are two matches played on the 7th of March in the history of the derby. The first dates back to the 1953/54 championship when the bianconeri and the granata registered a goalless tie even due to the Dane John Hansen missing a penalty. The match played in 1982 is definitely a memorable one. The granata went ahead with two goals scored on the 19th and 21st minute in less then 3 minutes with Bonesso and Dossena the scorers but before the end of the first-half the result had already been turned round thanks to a goal by Tardelli and two by Scirea. In the seconds half, with one minute to go, Irishman Brady gave the Curva Filadelfia the joy of a 4-2 end result. STOPPAGE TIME GOALSThe goal scored by David Trezeguet during stoppage time during the last Torino-Juventus played on the 30th of September 2007 remains amongst the greatest satisfactions for the binaconeri. The derbies won at the end of the match are the most loved by the supporters. It is something which happens approximately once every ten years and which began during the 1968/69 season when Pietro Anastasi scored the winning goal after the goals by Menichelli and Combin.Ten years later during the 1978/79 season it was a left-footed diagonal shot by Antonio Cabrini which brought a long domination by the opponents. In 1987/88 it was Ian Rush who scored the match winner in what seemed to be a match destined to end in a 1-1 draw with goals by Tricella and Polster. According to Boniperti the best way to win a derby is by an own-goal scored in the last minute of the match. This occurred during the 1992/93 season and the joy was even greater due to a great come-back. After the goal by Sordo at the beginning of the second half, it was Vialli who equalized. At the 92nd minute just under the curva Scirea, a shot by Moeller was deviated by Venturin denying Marchegiani of an easy save.

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LET'S LOOK FORWARD

At the end of the match against Werder Bremen, Gianluca Zambrotta is disappointed about the failure to qualify and looks to the future: 'Now we only have to look forward and not give up because the league isn't over.'

MILAN - Here are the declarations made by Gianluca Zambrotta following Milan-Werder Bremen 2-2:

"We are all disappointed about not qualifying, we haven't had the chance to talk about it yet, but we tried to go through in every way giving everything until the end.

Now we only have to look forward and not give up because the league isn't finished, there are still many games to go and we are fighting to reach one of our objectives which is to finish within the first three positions. We have to go forward without letting our morale drop.

Conceding comebacks is one of our biggest problems which we haven't managed to solve yet. We conceded a goal like in the first leg, like in the derby, we'll have to review these moves to avoid them in the future and improve.

At this moment we have to stay close to the coach, stay close together to get past this moment of the season which certainly isn't positive."

Milan Official Website

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NO DRAMA, THE TURNING POINT IS CLOSE

Coach Carlo Ancelotti has clear ideas: the moment is a delicate one, but we must not make any drama. Let's work well and recover the injured players: then after the match against Atalanta there will be the turning point.
GENOA – These are the declarations of coach Carlo Ancelotti at the end of Sampdoria-Milan 2-1:
“We are surely going through a delicate moment, in which the results are not in line with the performances. Today we did not play in an exceptional way, it's true, but it still was a normal game. In the first half we did not play quickly and the fact that we had just one attacker on the pitch penalized us in the offensive phase. However we controlled well, we did not have big dangers, we did not find much difficulty in containing Sampdoria.”
“The game direction made us a bit nervous, especially for the systematic fouls on Pato. Every time he started to run he was being stopped. They blocked him so not to allow him to gain speed. He suffered many evident fouls and was not protected at all.
“We must think about making this moment pass with the least possible damage. And we must not make too much drama because I’m sure that by working well, we can make it end soon, both consolidating the third place as well as having more time to train with serenity. From this point of view it’s fundament to recover the injured players (let’s hope that next week will be decisive for Kaka and Ronaldinho) as well as winning next Sunday. The turning point will be after the match against Atalanta: there will be a battle, we will have to suffer, but afterwards things will surely improve.”
“For the Champions League there's us, Genoa, Fiorentina and Roma: we all start on the same level, But we have very good possibilities because we are ahead now and also with the recovery of the injured players, our results can only improve.”

Milan Official Website

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POSITIVE INDICATIONS

Milan's delegate administrator Adriano Galliani is happy about the welcome received by Milan during the last friendly of the Rossoneri's season in Qatar and he's satisfied by the indications that came from the match.

DOHA - Here are the declarations made by Delegate Administrator Adriano Galliani after the friendly Al Sadd-Milan 1-2:

"With this match against Al Sadd Milan have terminated the series of friendlies programmed for this season.
Here in Doha played in a wonderful stadium, in front of a very warm crowd.
We are proud we had the chance to play this match and it's right that a team like Milan have the chance to show themselves in these countries far away from Italy where the welcomes are always very warm.
This friendly was also a chance to see some positive indications from the pitch.
Already from Sunday against Atalanta we have to do well again in the league, trying to recover all our injured players."

Milan Official Website

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Zanetti: "Three chances, three goals"

GENOA - Javier Zanetti spoke on Inter Channel after Inter's 3-0 Tim Cup semi-final first leg defeat to Sampdoria.
He said: "Sampdoria had three shots on goal and scored three goals. We tried really hard in the second half but we never managed to score. They took the match to us, playing at a high tempo and with lots of pressing."
Commenting on the many bookings at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, the Inter captain explained: "It wasn't a nervous match. It was the pitch that was slippery."

Inter Official Website

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Maicon: "We gifted them the result"

GENOA - Maicon came on for Nelson Rivas at the start of the second half in Genoa, delivering crosses galore as the Nerazzurri looked to reduce Sampdoria's three-nil lead.
"The goals scored by our opponents came from inattentions of ours, we gifted them the result," the Brazilian defender told Inter Channel after Wednesday's national cup semi-final first leg.
"This game is over now. Now we have to think the return match. On Saturday we have another difficult match to play but we took a hard blow today.
"From the bench, I can say that we controlled the first half, even after Nelson's unfortunate error. The match was still in our hands but it was hard for everyone after the second and third goals.
"This match is in the past now. We have to rest because there's another very important match against Genoa on Saturday."

Inter Official Website

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Mourinho: "Angry? No. I'm proud of myself"

APPIANO GENTILE - After Wednesday's national cup semi-final first leg against Sampdoria, Inter return to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris again on Saturday to face Gian Piero Gasperini's Genoa in Serie A Week 27.
"It will be an important match tomorrow," José Mourinho told journalists in his pre-match press conference. "Genoa play well, quickly and in a manner suited to the characteristics of their players. They are a high-quality team, they play good football without pressure because their only pressure is to play well.
"With their current position in the table they can get into the UEFA zone, and maybe even the Champions League. They play with great joy and tranquillity and this is positive for them."
Cristian Chivu and Walter Samuel miss the second Genoa trip of the week through injury. Maxwell, Julio Cruz and Victor Obinna have been left out of the squad for technical reasons, while Patrick Vieira is unavailable through suspension.
"In defence there will be the same players who were on the pitch against Sampdoria, with Nicolas Burdisso and Davide Santon as well," explained Mourinho. "Cambiasso and Stankovic will return in midfield, and Julio Cesar in goal. And yes, Ibrahimovic will play from the first minute."
It was a visibly different José Mourinho who faced the press today. Asked how he was feeling, the Inter coach replied: "I'm not angry. If you really want to find an adjective to describe how I feel, I could say 'proud'. But I'm not angry. Proud of what? Proud of myself."
In Tuesday's press conference Mourinho mentioned that in 91 days' time he will go on holiday. "I said that in 91 days, which are now 87, I will say goodbye to all of you, but only because I definitely won't be spending my holidays in Italy," clarified José, adding that he will dedicate time to his charity initiatives in Africa followed by spells in the USA, "because I like it there", and his native Portugal, "because it's obvious".
"I work every day with my staff to prepare for next season and I'm certainly not preparing anything for another coach."

Inter Official website

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GERRARD HOPING FOR TORRES REUNION

Steven Gerrard is hoping his formidable front line partnership with Fernando Torres can be reunited in time to fire the Reds to glory at the end of the season.
Gerrard has now resumed action after recovering from a hamstring tear while Torres is hoping to be back in the starting line-up for next Tuesday's Champions League clash with Real Madrid. The Liverpool skipper admits the constant injury problems which have affected himself and Torres over the course of the season have been a major source of frustration - but with so much still to play for this term he is hoping the pair can soon begin terrorising opposition defences once again. "It's been frustrating because I certainly love playing with him and from reading some of the things he's said, he loves playing with me," said the skipper. "Ideally we want to end the season playing together and performing for the team. "I spoke to him a couple of days ago and he seems very optimistic so fingers crossed he can pull through for Tuesday because you know how much I like playing against Everton, and I'm sure it's the same for him playing against Madrid." Despite a seven point gap to Manchester United at the top of the table, Gerrard is refusing to write off the Reds' title chances and was pleased the players bounced back to winning ways in midweek against Sunderland. "It was a comfortable win and it lifted everybody," he added. "We've struggled at home this season but in midweek we were patient and got our rewards. It was important to bounce back with a win and a good performance. "The following night it was frustrating watching Newcastle play United because there were times when I thought United could drop points. Newcastle went in front and then I was off the couch when they almost scored a second. "United seem to be playing well and getting the results but if teams believe they can take points off them then I am sure it will happen sooner or later. It's important for us not to let the gap get any bigger and if they make mistakes we have to be ready to pounce. Of course, we all know how big our game at Old Trafford is going to be. "Our season is still very much alive. We're not giving up in the title race and we're 1-0 up in the Champions League and one win away from a place in the last eight. "It's important people stay positive and upbeat and not be down or worried about things."

Liverpool Official website

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XABI FRUSTRATED BY CITY BAN

Xabi Alonso admits he will cut a frustrated figure this weekend when he watches Liverpool's clash with Manchester City from the stands.
Having collected five yellow cards so far this term, the Reds' Spanish midfielder will serve a one-match ban for the visit of Mark Hughes' men, who themselves go into the game having won just once away from home this season.

With Manchester United hitting top form at the top of the table, Alonso insists three points are a necessity against City - and he's hoping for a far less dramatic game than the one played out between the two sides earlier in the campaign.

"It's always frustrating to watch games from the stands but I have known for a while I was likely to miss a match at some point and it has to be this one on Sunday," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"The important thing is all our international players came back fit and also had some time off. It's important to have some time to disconnect during the middle of the season and now we can look forward to the game with Manchester City, which is going to be very important for us if we want to challenge for the title.

"Hopefully it won't be as dramatic as our game at City when we were two goals down at half-time. We had to play with a lot of belief in that second half and score three goals, which eventually we managed. This time hopefully it will be more comfortable.

"They are a good team even though they haven't got the best of away records this season, so we know we will be in for a tough match."

Alonso's absence could be tempered by the possible return of Steven Gerrard from hamstring trouble, although the Liverpool skipper is expected to start the game from the substitutes' bench.

"It's good to see Stevie coming back but we have to wait until he is one hundred per cent," added Alonso.

"It's not intelligent to rush him back. Whenever he feels okay he will be a big part of our squad again."

Liverpool Official Website

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KUYT: WHY WE HAVEN'T PEAKED YET

Dirk Kuyt today promised Kopites they have yet to see the best of the current Liverpool side - claiming many of his teammates were only just reaching their peak.

The Reds sit second in the Premier League and look like serious title contenders for the first time since 2002 - but the Dutch forward is convinced there is even more to come over the coming seasons.

Kuyt told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It's right to say we have players who are just reaching their peak.

"Steven Gerrard just seems to get better every season. Maybe he hasn't even reached his peak yet. He scores loads of goals and everyone can see how important he is. It's the same with Fernando and a few others.

"We have a lot of young, talented players who have now been at the club a long time.

"I think this is the best team I have played with at Liverpool."

Next up for Rafa Benitez's men is the visit of Manchester City on Sunday.

Kuyt scored a last-minute winner at the City of Manchester Stadium earlier in the season, one of a host of late comebacks which ensured Liverpool were still in the hunt after Christmas.

The 28-year-old puts this new-found ability to turn games around down to a familiarity in the dressing room.

He explained: "It was a crazy game and a really important one. We were 2-0 down at half-time but saw a completely different Liverpool side in the second half.

"I think the comebacks have been possible because the team has been together for longer. All the players know each other better, and I also think there are a lot of players here who are getting better each year."

If Liverpool are to complete a double over Mark Hughes' side, Kuyt believes Brazilian star Robinho must be kept on a tight leash.

The Holland international admits he has been surprised by how quickly Robinho has settled into life in the Premier League.

"He's a fantastic player and he's done really well," he said. "It's not easy coming from the Spanish league because it's more physical here. I thought it would be tough for him but he's shown he can do really well here. He's scored a lot of goals and I'm sure as City get stronger as a team he'll become even better."

Liverpool go into this weekend's game on the back of a two-week break from competitive action.

Benitez allowed his players a few days off following last week's internationals - something Kuyt believes will be of benefit as the season progresses.

"The manager gave us a few days off so I went back to Holland to see family and friends. The whole family went and enjoyed it," he said.

"Hopefully it will be my last opportunity to go back this season, because that would mean we are doing really well.

"We're all ready for the rest of the season now. If we'd have got through in the FA Cup we would have been playing but we have to see this as an opportunity to be fresh for the games ahead."

Liverpool Official Website

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TWO MORE RULED OUT

Guus Hiddink has ruled Nicolas Anelka and Deco out of today's
visit to Coventry City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The pair, who also sat out of the midweek visit to Portsmouth,
could feature against Juventus in the Champions League on
Tuesday.
'[Anelka] is not in the squad, we tried to get him available
for the Juve game, but it will be close. We will see,' said
Hiddink.
'Deco made progress in his training but you have to be careful
with muscle injuries. We don't want to take a risk, nor does
he, and he is not feeling fully confident to be in the squad
today. We will see how he will react for the upcoming Juve
game.'
This follows the news that Paulo Ferreira will be absent for
the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury, but
Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien could be involved after
coming through reserve team duty on Monday.

Follow the action anywhere on Saturday via Chelsea Mobile or
with full audio online commentary on Chelsea Plus.

Fans travelling to the Ricoh Arena for the FA Cup
quarter-final clash between Coventry City this Saturday can
get all their direction and parking information here.

Chelsea official website

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MORE HIDDINK ON COLE

Temporary coach Guus Hiddink has been further discussing
events surrounding Ashley Cole this week, adding that Paulo
Ferreira's injury did not influence his decision to select the
England man for duty this afternoon.
Cole was detained by police in the early hours of Thursday
morning, but trained with the squad on Friday and travelled to
Coventry for today's FA Cup clash.
Hiddink explained that he had strong words with his left-back,
but would have involved him in his squad anyway had cover
Ferreira not been ruled out for the rest of the campaign after
rupturing a cruciate ligament.
'I have thought about this, what is the proper decision for
the club, but no. Paulo was badly injured but it has no
influence on the decision,' said the Dutchman.
'It would have been a poor decision if I judged that, and we
can play others in this [position]. Malouda could play in this
position, even Riccy Carvalho could play over there, so it was
not of any influence on this decision.'
Regarding Cole, whose form this season has been some of the
best since he arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of
2006, Hiddink added:
'I had a firm talk with him because we have many things ahead
in the upcoming weeks.
'You have to take some incidents as an advantage. I think the
team and Ashley must always react on those situations, it must
strengthen them to go for their targets. There are two
knockout games coming up and they must show their strength,
starting Saturday.'
The 62-year-old was even able to smile as he contemplated
Cole's physical and mental states, and explained the decision
for the defender not to train on Thursday.
'Mentally he was a little out of order but physically he is in
good shape, there is no problem. I don't know how the beds are
in the police cells.
'Sometimes you have to have a little laugh about it, but once
more he made his apologies and didn't suffer too much
physically. I have seen him training and he was okay. When we
heard the news then we said "You stay", because it was not a
usual night.'
Having been in coaching since 1982, Hiddink has seen plenty of
similar stories in his time, and insists this is not an
English issue. Such behaviour will however, have consequences.
'I can tell you stories of Dutch players as well, which I wont
do. It's not Dutch, Spanish or Russian - anywhere in the
world. Maybe there are one or two countries I think, but I
don't know, maybe Korea is a little different in this, but
even then I don't know. It is not depending on which passport
you have.
'If you drink too much then it is having a setback on your
condition. When they have dinner and a glass of wine or
something that's not damaging, that's normal. In this, they
have responsibility. We try to work hard and improve on every
aspect of the game. Physically you can harm yourself and then
you harm the team as well.
'I cannot and will not control their private life. I think
they must be intelligent people to have success in a big club
or in football. I am not a police officer to control that, nor
am I a father figure. I want to have an open, direct relation
so I can speak to them very directly.'
Now, the attention will finally turn to football, and the
prospect of making the last four of the FA Cup this afternoon.
It will be a welcome change of focus.

Chelsea Official website

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TEAM NEWS: COVENTRY CITY V CHELSEA

Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien return to the Chelsea
bench but Guus Hiddink names an unchanged starting line-up.
The FA Cup is being taken seriously with Didier Drogba again
leading the attack, flanked by Salomon Kalou and Florent
Malouda who continues in the absence of Nicolas Anelka.
Ashley Cole retains his place and Frank Lampard equals Eddie
McCreadie's Chelsea career total of 410 appearances which
places him seventh equal in our all-time list.
Coventry replace injured left-back Danny Fox with Marcus Hall
and move Freddy Eastwood from attack to the left of midfield
to make space for the return of masked man Leon Best up front.
Former Crystal Palace and Birmingham striker Clinton Morrison
is also back in attack having started on the bench midweek.
Chelsea will line-up in a 4-3-3 formation as follows:
1 Petr Cech
17 José Bosingwa
33 Alex
26 John Terry (c)
3 Ashley Cole
13 Michael Ballack
12 John Mikel Obi
8 Frank Lampard
21 Salomon Kalou
11 Didier Drogba
15 Florent Malouda
Substitutes: 40 Hilario, 35 Juliano Belletti, 42 Michael
Mancienne, 6 Ricardo Carvalho, 5 Michael Essien, 18 Ricardo
Quaresma, 9 Franco Di Santo.
Coventry are expected to line-up in the following 4-4-2
formation:
Westwood; Wright, Dann (c), Turner, Hall; Henderson,
Gunnarsson, Doyle, Eastwood; Morrison, Best.
Subs: Marshall, Ward, Osbourne, McPake, Beuzelin, Thornton,
Simpson.
The referee is Steve Bennett.

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Wenger - X-rated tackles need longer bans

By Chris Harris

Arsène Wenger wants to see longer suspensions for players who commit dangerous tackles.The Premier League has been tainted in recent weeks by a string of X-rated challenges with Newcastle's Kevin Nolan sent off for his foul on Everton striker Victor Anichebe while the midweek game between Wigan and West Ham was marred by wild tackles.Arsenal have been on the receiving end of two high-profile incidents in the past three years. Abou Diaby suffered a serious ankle injury following a two-footed challenge by Sunderland's Dan Smith in May 2006 and Eduardo's leg was broken by Martin Taylor of Birmingham City last year.Wenger does not believe that a three-match ban is sufficient in those cases and has long advocated stiffer punishments. The Arsenal manager explained how he would address the situation when the topic cropped up at his pre-match press conference on Thursday."They [the Football Association] could create a special committee to analyse if a three-game suspension is enough or not," said Wenger. "But I feel that 10 matches is not enough for some of the tackles we have seen."I have seen some horrible tackles this season and I don't think the punishment is sufficient. Kevin Nolan's tackle on Victor Anichebe the other week was horrendous. An accident can happen when two people go for the ball but it is very rare. What I see is that guys go into the tackle to hurt the player. There is not sufficient punishment."Maybe we need to be stronger with our own players but sometimes you see the players make horrendous tackles and then say to the referee, 'What's wrong there?' You think, 'my friend, touch your head because you have completely lost touch with reality'. It is unbelievable but they know what they have done."It concerns me when I see someone jumping in like a mad guy as we have some players who weigh 90 kilos and can run the 100 metres in 11 seconds. If they jump in they completely destroy an opponent."I like tackling because it’s a fantastic technique. What I don’t like is when the referees punish all the tackles without distinction and I’m scared that might force the good tackles out of the game. "A good tackle is beautiful to watch; you see the guy sliding in, and trying to play the ball. But when you see the guy go in with two feet – one level with the knee and one above the ball – you say ‘bye, bye, go home, what are you doing on a football pitch?’ "The danger is of the people just going in blindly. When you do a good tackle you are relaxed, completely relaxed and you master every movement you do. You know your target is to get the ball from the opponent without hurting him. But I don't see many good tacklers now."

Arsenal Official Website

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Clichy - Managerial stability lets us focus

By Declan Taylor

Gael Clichy believes that Arsenal’s continued managerial stability since the arrival of Arsène Wenger has enabled the Club to flourish. Wenger is currently halfway through his 11th full season in charge at Arsenal, making him the Premier League’s second-longest serving manager behind Sir Alex Ferguson who has been at Old Trafford since 1986. Clichy thinks this hands the Gunners an advantage over clubs who favour a ‘revolving door’ policy to management because solidity behind the scenes allows the players to focus firmly on football. “When I heard Arsenal wanted to sign me, the most important thing was that the boss was here and that he'd be here for many years to come,” said Clichy at Thursday’s pre-match press conference. “When you see a club like Chelsea who change managers, have a few in a year, it's difficult. “As a footballer you just want to focus on football but when something like that happens with your coach it's difficult to cope with. “That's the main thing for Arsenal, to have someone like Arsène Wenger as a manager. “You can play well even without your best player in the team but the club cannot have success with many different coaches.“I guess he will leave one day, he will retire one day, but I truly feel he will stay until at least the end of his contract. “Arsenal are his club. If he has to move on he will but it's not a concern, as players we just have to keep focused on the performance on the pitch. The boss has shown that he has a lot of commitment to this club and all the success is down to him.”

Arsenal Official Website

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Wenger - Consistency the key in top-four race

Arsène Wenger believes that "consistency" will be the key to Arsenal's pursuit of a top-four finish.Tuesday night's victory over West Bromwich Albion, coupled with Aston Villa's defeat at Manchester City, left the Gunners just three points behind Martin O'Neill's side in the race for a Champions League place.Arsenal have not lost in the Premier League since November but Villa have suffered a dip in form as injuries start to take their toll and fatigue sets in after a campaign which started way back in July with the Inter-Toto Cup.Wenger needs Villa to drop at least three points between now and the end of the season and he also wants to rein in Liverpool and Chelsea during the run-in. However, the Frenchman's aims will only be met if his team keeps churning out the right results."It is down to our consistency and our performances," said Wenger."Villa are in [the race for a top-four place] and Everton are in it. There is a place for one of the three teams. I believe we will do it, but our target is to catch back on Chelsea and Liverpool because they are not unattainable, not out of reach."I believe in our strengths, motivation and quality and that's why I am confident we will do it. It is a marathon season for Aston Villa and that's why I believe the top quality is consistency."We are consistent now so let's keep our spirit and determination and we will do it."

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Transfer Rumours: May 08

As the season comes to a close, the tabloids are already speculating as to the extent of United's potential summer transfer activity.The Reds have long been linked with reinforcements upfront, and Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano is becoming an increasingly regular name linked with Old Trafford.Reports suggest that Sir Alex Ferguson has been impressed by the prolific forward, and wants to tie up a dual summer move for Fabiano and Brazilian team-mate Daniel Alves.

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Berba 'can be like Eric'

Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with Dimitar Berbatov's contribution in his first season at United and hopes the Bulgarian can have the same long-term impact on the side as Eric Cantona.Berbatov has already popped up with several crucial goals for the Reds – something Frenchman Cantona made a happy knack of during his four-and-a-half seasons with the club."Dimi is a different player to what we had last season," Sir Alex said. "He has a patience and composure in the final third of the field, which is helping us. "He’s scored four or five winning goals for us now. Cantona used to score important goals and if Berbatov continues to, then it’s an emphatic result for us."United are seven points clear at the top of the league and Ferguson admits he couldn't have hoped to be in a better position heading into the run-in."If you’d asked me at the start of the season where I’d like to be in March, it wouldn't have been far off where we are at the moment," he said. "We’re in the position we want to be and the next week is important. If we navigate it well, there are a lot of exciting things ahead for us."

Mun Utd Official website

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Sir Alex sees Wenger's point

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Arsene Wenger's widely-reported comments on Cristiano Ronaldo's "arrogance" have been misinterpreted.
Friday's What The Papers Say article on ManUtd.com carries quotes from Wenger in which he claims Ronaldo "provokes" opposition defenders, but Ferguson feels his Arsenal counterpart has been misquoted.
"I don’t think he actually said that," Ferguson told reporters at his press conference ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final at Fulham. "I think you’re trying to twist something to get a story. What he said is that sometimes Cristiano appears he’s arrogant – there’s a difference. "I can understand what Arsene is saying. When a player expresses himself in such an entertaining way then defenders don’t enjoy it. It was exactly the same when George Best was playing. Ronaldo's great assets are that he has wonderful courage and always wants to entertain and do something good with the ball."Ronaldo is statistically the most fouled player in the Premier League and was on the receiving end of a Steven Taylor swipe on Wednesday, which the Newcastle defender followed up with a lunge at Michael Carrick. Taylor was booked and referee Steve Bennett later confirmed it was for the second tackle. After reviewing video footage, Bennett said he would have booked Taylor for the foul on Ronaldo, which would have therefore amounted to a red card. But the FA are powerless to change punishments that would involve two yellow cards rather than a single red. Not that Ferguson is too bothered.

The Reds boss said: "I’m not really upset about it at all – it doesn’t do us any good anyway if he gets punished after the event. He should be punished at the time.
"On the other hand we didn’t want Taylor suspended because he can play against Chelsea and Arsenal now! And with the position Newcastle are in it would have been devastating for them to lose him, given the injuries they have at the moment. "I didn’t think at any stage during the game on Wednesday that Ronaldo was badly treated. It was a fair game played in a great spirit and Newcastle worked their socks off. The referee handled the game perfectly well – it was just that one incident that he obviously didn’t see, but it’s over with now."

Man Utd Official Website

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