Manchester United midfielder Nani has stated that England may struggle in Euro 2012 without Wayne Rooney.
The Three Lions striker is banned for the first two games of the tournament against France and Sweden, leaving Roy Hodgson’s men slightly short up front.
Portugal star Nani has stated that he feels that Rooney’s absence could be crucial for the side’s chances.
“Rooney is a key man and two matches without my United companion could be too much for England,” Nani stated to The Sun.
“Roo is angry about his absence because he knows he’s the man to score goals and he won’t be there working for the team.
“I sincerely want England to reach the quarter-finals but it’s not going to be easy.
“For an England team without Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry is vulnerable because they are suffering in all departments of the team.
“These players are so important for the team and their replacements are not at the same level.
“These absences place many doubts about the English for the Euros. England need to make their biggest effort because injuries are destroying the team.
“It’s incredible to lose so many men each week.
“England do have players of sensational quality but that does not guarantee success. They must perform as a unit and not depend on individuals.
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“Danny Welbeck could cause a lot of harm and break down defensive systems. The kid has improved a lot this season and justifies his presence in the team,” he concluded.
Nani was struggling with injury, but is expected to be able to feature for Portugal against Germany in his nation’s tournament opener.
Luka Modric seems keen on Chelsea, Arsene Wenger is intent on holding on to Nasri and Sir Alex has all but ruled out a move for Wesley Sneijder. So what happens if that’s that for incoming transfers at Old Trafford?
The denial of Sneijder interest could obviously be a smokescreen but as much as I admire Sneijder, he isn’t a perfect fit for us right now. An incredibly gifted midfielder who will give us a new dimension in Europe and can win a game on his own. Yes. But someone who will track back as part of a centre midfield two and enjoy playing in deeper role’s when the boss’ tactics require. No.
It is also conceivable that we could make a late swoop for Modric or Nasri. With the defence bolstered and a new keeper signed up, midfield is our weak point but would it be catastrophic if we stuck with what we have?
United were criticised last season for being functional, with pieces of magic from Nani and Berbatov seeing us through the first half of the season and the Rooney/Chicharito partnership carrying us through the second. I believe this just re-iterated that football is a team game and a good squad is needed to be successful.
And I also think we would be fine with what we have if the season started tomorrow.
Ryan Giggs found some exceptional form in the second half of last season but I would imagine Sir Alex will use him even more sparingly this campaign, with important cameos replacing the match-winning performances we are used to. And of course Paul Scholes has retired.
On the other hand, we really missed Darren Fletcher last season and he hasn’t travelled to America, instead staying at Carrington to undertake some individual conditioning. Hopefully this will help him shake off the virus which has plagued him since March. Add a fit Darren Fletcher to an on-form Michael Carrick and things don’t look so bad.
Carrick went from strength to strength in the latter part of last season and started to show glimpses of his form of three years ago. Fletch and Carrick are equally comfortable in a 4-4-2 of 4-3-3 and keeping them fit and on form will be key to any success we have, whether we sign another midfielder or not.
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Then there is Anderson, who I did a piece on last month. If he can continue his progression from last season into this one, he will be a force to be reckoned with and may find himself quickly becoming one of our key players. I hope Anderson can hit the ground running this year and have no doubt that if he does, he will get better and better.
The width will look after itself, with Nani fulfilling his potential last season and likely to get even better this year. There is also a full-season to come from Antonio Valencia, who was unbelievably good last season, all things considered, bar the champions league final. Park Ji-Sung also missed a chunk of last season and showed his importance with some great performances during the run-in last season. And Ashley Young has joined, who I am not a massive fan of, but I do believe he will add something to the squad and I think he will improve while learning at United.
Then there are the two youngsters whose names seem to be on everybody’s lips. Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison. Pogba in particular I think will get some first-team action this season, with many commenting how much he has filled out over the summer, adding to his already impressive physical prowess. Sir Alex talked of debating with himself whether to take the young midfielder on tour in the States before deciding against and as far as Morrison is concerned, if he focuses on his football and puts everything into his United career, the sky is the limit.
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So, while a Modric/Nasri/Sneijder would be welcomed at Old Trafford, a new attacking midfielder is not the be all and end all. There are plenty of other reasons for excited optimism around Old Trafford this season.
Read more of Daniel Cross’ articles at ‘The Busby Way’
Aston Villa’s new record signing Darren Bent intends to lay low until the anger has subsided following his abrupt departure from Sunderland.Bent, 26, joined Villa on Tuesday in a surprise move worth between 17 and 24 million pounds after rocking the Sunderland hierarchy by handing in a transfer request.
With Sunderland fans enraged at losing their leading goal-scorer mid-way through a promising English Premier League season, the noted user of social networking website Twitter will not risk sharing his thoughts just yet.
“While it’s fresh in everyone’s mind I’m going to be public enemy number one up there,” Bent said.
“I’m sorry it ended the way it did. I won’t be Twittering for a few days. I can imagine that I’m getting annihilated by the Sunderland fans.”
“Once the dust settles, I’m sure they will remember me for more than just the way I left. I had two great years at Sunderland and I hope that’s how people remember me up there, playing well and scoring goals for them.”
“They are having their best season for a long time in the league and I’m sure they think I’m just abandoning them. But these opportunities don’t come around too often.”
“Some people said my mind got turned and my form dipped, but I don’t believe it. All strikers go through periods when you score goals and don’t score goals.”
Bent is now the most cumulatively expensive British footballer, with career transfers totalling approximately 53 million pounds. But he rejected accusations that he is a mercenary.
“It does hurt to be honest,” Bent said.
“When I was at Charlton I could have gone to West Ham for double but I chose for footballing reasons to go to Tottenham. I am sure people will have opinions on why I have joined Villa given where they are (17th in the league).”
“But I believe Villa are in a false position and it’s a massive football club with massive tradition and massive history.”
The good news kept coming for Villa fans, with manager Gerard Houllier declaring that Ashley Young and Stewart Downing were ‘not for sale’.
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“He will be a tremendous asset,” Houllier said of star signing Bent.
“This is a great day for our fans and a major milestone for Aston Villa football club.”
“Obviously if you buy a player of that calibre that means the chairman is backing you.”
Though they finished the season with both the Champions League and FA Cup trophies, Chelsea fans will still have been disheartened by the club’s sixth place finish in the Premier League. With their worst league finish since Roman Abramovich purchased the club in 2003, it is clear that some work is needed in order to make the team competitive for the league title once more and ensure they can maintain their position as challengers for the league title in the long term.
The most urgent factor for Chelsea this summer should be the appointment of a new manager. Despite Roberto Di Matteo’s success in the latter half of the season, the transition to a permanent role is by no means secure. Pep Guardiola and Fabio Capello are among the names to have been linked to the position though nothing is yet concrete. The job needs to be offered to someone soon in order to provide stability in pre-season and with the former Barcelona coach taking a sabbatical and Capello out of experience in club management, the decision does not seem a hard one. If the saga is allowed to drag on for too long it would only serve to create uncertainty and disconcertment in the dressing room.
However, despite not having a coach to lead the team next season the club have already started their overhaul of the squad. The departure of Didier Drogba leaves a hole up front but since his 29-goal haul in the 2009/10 season the Blues have not been in possession of a prolific goal scorer. Frank Lampard continues to find the back of the net on a regular basis but a striker is needed that can match the prowess of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Sergio Aguero at their Premier League rivals.
A few years back Fernando Torres would have been considered as one of the most esteemed strikers in the league but his continual battle for form has seen him find the net just 12 times in 67 appearances. If he cannot rediscover his best goal scoring form then Chelsea could be left dangerously short of firepower once more. But instead of purchasing yet another forward, there are options already open to the club. Daniel Sturridge ended the season with 11 league goals from a wide position, yet his spell at Bolton Wanderers last year suggested that he can handle the rigours of operating as a lone striker in the Premier League. Romelu Lukaku could also provide some promising back up if he is not sent out on loan. Trusting in these players could prove vital to propel Chelsea up the league standings and back into contention for the league title.
The other problem area with the playing squad remains in attacking midfield. Capturing Marko Marin could prove to be a shrewd piece of business as his pace in the wide areas is something that the Blues have been severely lacking since Arjen Robben and Damien Duff terrorised full-backs under Jose Mourinho. The club decided to release one such player in Salamon Kalou but are reportedly close to snatching the signing of another impressive wide player from the hands of Manchester United and Manchester City in Eden Hazard. This could also see Juan Mata move back into his favoured position in behind the striker and offer the starting line-up much more balance.
However, with UEFA’s Fiancial Fair Play regulations gradually becoming stricter the need to graduate youth players from the academy has never been more prevalent. Josh McEachran and Gael Kakuta will both be returning from their respective spells away from Stamford Bridge during the off season and need to be integrated into the first team. Allowing young players an increased level of responsibility in the senior squad is essential to create a tighter unit for the coming years.
Looking further to the future, for Chelsea to be considered as one of the most reputable clubs in world football they will need a new stadium. The Blues have clearly outgrown their current home and regular crowds of 60,000 upwards would not only help create increased revenue but also provide an ever more intimidating atmosphere when playing at home.
This summer will be pivotal as to the direction in which Chelsea head in the coming years. With the right moves, focusing on both the short term and long term needs of matters both on and off the field, the Blues could once again become a competitive force in the upper echelons of the Premier League.
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Do you believe Chelsea can challenge for the Premier League title next season? Let me know on Twitter.
Peru midfielder Juan Manuel Vargas praised his side’s team spirit after they qualified for the Copa America semi-finals on Saturday.The 27-year-old Fiorentina star starred in the 2-0 extra-time victory over Colombia, scoring in the 112th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
The match had only gone to extra time after Radamel Falcao missed a second-half penalty, with goals from Vargas and Carlos Lobaton sealing victory for the Peruvians.
The win has set up an unlikely semi-final for Peru, with Vargas talking up their team spirit after the match.
“This group was very united on the pitch,” Vargas said.
“Now we have another, more important game (in the semi-finals) and we have four days to work at it and maintain what we have at the moment.”
“My goal came as a result of the work I put in on the pitch. But for me the important thing is to score the goal and help the team win.”
Peru manager Sergio Markarian echoed Vargas’ thoughts after the win and said that he has had to tinker with the team’s mentality, preferring results over style.
“We have good players,” Markarian said.
“Before, it was said that we play nice football but I have strived to make the team more efficient. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice style for substance.”
“The squad is united and this is critical. I have 22 players and none of them complained whether they played or not.”
“It is vital that we do everything we can from now until the semi-final. It will be difficult to recover.”
The weekend’s football was hardly the goal fest of last week, but it provided some important results at the top and bottom of the Premier League. Everton and Birmingham thwarted both Tottenham and Chelsea’s title aspirations, while Wigan are edging their way out of the bottom three with a hard fought draw.
In the papers this morning there have been a mixed bag of stories, as Redknapp is confirmed on England’s shortlist; Carlos Tevez backs Mancini, while Mark Hughes remains unconvinced by Arsenal’s defensive pairing.
Redknapp on England shortlist – Daily Telegraph
Tevez backing Mancini – Sky Sports
Houllier ‘made Liverpool winners’ – Guardian
FA dismiss Fifa breakaway – Daily Telegraph
Harry rubbishes Ade talk – Sky Sports
It’s Hugh ‘n cry for Magpies – Sun
Hughes not convinced with Koscielny and Squillaci pairing – Mirror
Fergie keen to bring Stoke defender Shawcross back to Old Trafford – Daily Mail
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Ancelotti losing sleep – Sky Sports
Liverpool battle Bayern München for Palermo midfielder Josip Ilicic – IMScouting
Swindon Town’s six points in the space of 72 hours over the Easter weekend has almost guaranteed the Robins an automatic promotion place. With back-to-back clean sheets accumulating with two 1-0 victories, Swindon now require just two wins for promotion and three to be crowned as League Two Champions.
Dull…
Swindon started Friday’s game by making two changes from their win over Barnet. The game started off very flat and was rather uneventful. The travelling fans were, of course, in good voice and provided the first half’s entertainment with an array of chants.
Fly On The Wall…
Di Canio’s half time team talk did spark Swindon into life. Within 53 seconds of the restart a Lee Holmes header across the face of goal to the waiting Paul Benson was enough for him to stab the ball home from two yards out. Morecambe applied pressure throughout the second half but failed to make Wes Foderingham work up a sweat in the Swindon Goal.
Reaction…
Paolo Di Canio was not at all happy with his players after the game: ‘Some of them are only young and they have a lot to learn but they need to look at themselves. Paul Benson was an absolute warrior and ran his socks off and got his reward.’
Swindon Goalkeeper Wes Foderingham:‘Great win today! Probably one of the ugliest games of the season. We have one hand on the title now for sure. Great support again.’
Aden Flint ‘Another massive 3 points today!! Battled to get the result. Great support as well.’
Northampton…
Lee Holmes’ 52nd minute cross- come-goal was what separated the sides at the County Ground. Holmes, who is on loan from Southampton until the end of the season, netted his first goal since returning for his second spell with the Wiltshire side. The Cobblers had few chances throughout the game and could only muster just two shots on target all game. A crowd of 8,745 saw six shots on target with just two for the visitors.
Elect…
Swindon’s home form this season has certainly helped them to achieve their current position, 12 wins in 13 games at home is a genuine sign of deserving to be Champions.
What’s Next…
The Robins face 20th place Plymouth Argyle on Saturday as they look to secure automatic promotion. At the beginning of March Plymouth where looking almost certain to be relegated but a late resurgence by Carl Fletcher’s men have seen them almost secure league status for another year. Only requiring four more points the Pilgrims will be more than motivated for this fixture. The reverse game in October saw a late strike from Raffaele De Vita securing all three points for Swindon. That victory left Plymouth rock bottom and The Robins in a lowly 10th place.
Reaction…
Swindon Goalkeeper Wes Foderingham: ‘Another win, another clean sheet can’t complain roll on Saturday got a cheeky feeling we will be celebrating promotion!’
Northampton Town Manager Aidy Boothroyd: ‘I can’t knock the spirit but what games like this show is – with the greatest of respect to Swindon – there are fine margins between being where we are to where they are.’
Chris Smith…
Before the Easter weekend I had the fortuitous chance to ask the Samsung, ‘Win A Pro Contract’ winner Chris Smith some questions. Chris was one of four players selected to spend a week training at Swindon by Swindon manager Paolo Di Canio. Chris, who was studying Sports Coaching and Development at Staffordshire University, was picked as the winner after impressing Di Canio and his backroom staff.
1/ When did you first start playing football? Why did you decide to play football?
I first kicked a ball when I was around 2-3 and started playing lads and dad’s football when I was 6-7 years old. I chose football because my family love the sport and my brother used to play, also my great Grandad used to be a good footballer.
2/ How does it feel to be a part of the Swindon football team?
It feels amazing to be a part of such a good club and team with the current success. Even to be a professional is a great achievement. I don’t know what it’s like to play for Swindon yet in front of such a big crowd but i get a buzz off playing football and playing in front of crowds (my biggest is around 1000). I can only imagine what it would be like to play at somewhere like the Camp Nou (99,354 capacity).
3/ Would you trade football for any other sport? Why or Why not?
I wouldn’t swap football for any other sport but if I had to choose, then it would be between tennis, cricket, golf or UFC. This is because they all involve a ball, apart from UFC and they are my favourite sports to watch. Also I reckon I would be good at fighting (maybe).
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4/ What inspires you to play football?
My love for the game and my dad inspire me to play football. My dad has always been there for me throughout and pushed me to be better and picked me up when things haven’t or isn’t going right (same with my mum).
5/ Do any past players motivate you to do your best during a game?
Paolo Di Canio always aspires to be and to do better. Current players such as Beckham, Gerrard, Scholes, Rooney, Messi and more, always make you want to be the best you can and work as hard as possible to be better.
I wish to thank Chris for taking the time out to talk to me to answer my questions, much appreciated.
You can follow me on Twitter for even more Swindon Town discussion.
Barcelona look set to make a shock move for Chelsea defender David Luiz, according to The Sun.
The Brazilian only moved to Chelsea from Benfica in January of this year in a £21 million deal but now it seems the European Champions may be about to offer £27.5 million for the 24-year old.
Luiz made an impressive start to his Premiership career playing 12 games last season and scoring 2 goals on the way, including a fantastic finish against Manchester United. The defender is happy at Chelsea but is rumoured to be willing to listen to an offer from Barcelona.
The Catalan giants are looking for a long-term replacement for defensive stalwart Carles Puyol. At 33, the club captain struggled last season with a knee injury and only managed 28 games for the club.
Chelsea are unlikely to want to sell the Brazilian international, who has 5 caps to his name and signed a four-year contract in January.
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The club have just appointed Andre Villas-Boas as new manager and are unlikely to sell any players without his blessing. However, his arrival could spell the end of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka at Stamford Bridge with the expected arrival of Santos striker Neymar. The 33-year old is also expected to move for former players Falcao and Joao Moutinho, both still at Porto.
With everything that is good happening on the pitch, the potential move to the Olympic Stadium is becoming a massive concern to Tottenham fans off it. The East-London venue, already home to West Ham’s Upton Park, is hugely unpopular with the majority of fans who believe the club should stay true to their roots and stay in the North of the capital. Is seems a matter of head against heart with most fans choosing the latter, but who could blame them?
A Spurs fan with the most sentimental of connections with White Hart Lane would agree that it’s time for a new stadium, or a least a re-development of the old one. The clubs recent transformation under Harry Redknapp into a force in the Premier League can only be aided with a bigger ground which can in turn bring in bigger revenue. But a move into enemy territory? No wonder Spurs fans are unhappy; the only thing worse would be ground-sharing at the Emirates.
There is, of course, some method behind the madness. The ambitious Tottenham board believe the only way forward is to a move into a bigger stadium. What better than one which will be state-of-the-art and ready and waiting to use? Logically, the argument stands up. But the flip side is retaining the history of football. Is money more important than the legacy of Tottenham Hotspur?
Fans certainly don’t think so. The petition, ‘Say no to Stratford Hotspur’ is picking up speed and has over 2,000 signatures already. Speaking to the Haringey Independent the creator of the petition, Tim Framp, explained that Spurs are much more than money-making gimmick.
He said: “Tottenham is more than just a name. It is the traditions that you love. The people you drink with in the pubs before the match. The people that have become your friends that you sit with in the stands.”
There is an alternative idea which seems to sit more favourably among Spurs supporters. Tottenham are awaiting the final decision on whether they can have planning permission on Northumberland Park, considerably closer to White Hart Lane than the Olympic Stadium would be. But this causes its own problems: Can Spurs afford to have a new stadium to pay off? Will this impact on the clubs spending in the next few years? Take Arsenal for example. Since moving into the Emirates, Arsene Wenger has been unable to spend as freely as he would perhaps have liked. Although he insists that is his choice, considering the club have been without a league title since 2004, I’m not so sure.
It really is a fight between head and heart. Disregarding any sentiment, the logical move for Tottenham would be to the ready-made stadium which could bring in the type of revenue the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal benefit from week in, week out. There-in lies the platform to make a real attempt at winning the Premier League. Of course this type of emotional connection with footballs great legacies cannot be ignored as it runs much deeper than any money-making scheme. It’s understandable Spurs fans oppose the move, but when you talk of the potential success and financial implications on the club, is it time to let go?
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Administrators have revealed that up to five different bids are expected from investors keen to buy financially-stricken Scottish champions Rangers.
The Ibrox club have had to bring in Edinburgh-based administrators Duff and Phelps to help solve their debt crises, but a number of interested parties are ready to battle it out to become the side’s new owners.
“We have been in detailed conversation with a number of parties over the last couple of weeks and the best and final bids are due to be submitted by Wednesday at 5pm,” David Whitehouse told the Rangers website.
“It could be we end up with at least four possibly five bids being submitted.
“If it becomes clear after the bids then we would want to be backing one horse very soon after Easter and then concluding a deal within a few weeks – in other words ownership change – and Rangers would come out of administration at that point.
“We need to have ownership change before the end of the season.
“I am told that Craig Whyte will not be an impediment to any deal,” he concluded.
Sale Sharks owner Brian Kennedy, a Singapore-based consortium and American investors Club 9 Sports are all believed to be interested parties.
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