The Russian manager told a press conference that "of course" Spain are the favourites as they meet his men. However, he was defiant in his admission.
"Tomorrow Spain are favourites, but what we want to do is break the streak of the favourites," he pronounced.
Adding that his side were felling "well", he stated that reports of a confrontation of sorts between Sychov and another squad member at training was being blown out of proportion.
"Yesterday's was a gentle training session, but sometimes these clashes occur between peers," he said.
"This morning we reviewed the status of all our players and they're all well.
"Tomorrow we'll face a powerful team, and many of our players will make their major tournament debut.
"But I want to see a Russian team that steps out to play football, because if we play with our style we can make things hard for Spain. I don't want to see a team with fear."
Hiddink, of course, has previous when it comes to Spain. His Korean side eliminated the Furia in 2002 in the World Cup.
"They're different circumstances, different teams and different selectors," he said, dismissing the relevance.
Wilhelmsson Surprised By Raúl’s Spain Absence
Chelsea - Rijkaard Link Resurfaces
Monday, June 9, 2008
Cerezo Restates: Kun Agüero Is Not For Sale
The 'presi' spoke out briefly at a press conference following an agreement between the Atleti foundation and the Ministry of Healthy for the Community of Madrid.
"Kun is not for sale," he boomed.
"He is a core player for Atlético's coming season."
He continued, "I always say, a player leaves a team when he wants to go. But neither does Kun want to leave us nor do we want him to go.
"Agüero wants to play here and we want him to play here - that's all that needs to be said."
Economic Troubles?
The young Argentine, however, may not be joined by too many new signings after the acquisitions of Tomas Ujfalusi and John Heitinga.
"The economic situation isn't just a problem this year, but has been for almost a lifetime," sighed the boss.
"It's bad. We try to provide the numbers and buy the best we can at affordable prices, but what we do is assure that the player who does come is verified as being important to the team, despite the crisis.
"We're working on building quite a good squad, showing class of the calibre of the Champions League."
Maradona Persuades Aguero To Join Inter?
Klinsmann watches Demichelis and Sosa
Agero-Stankovic Part-Exchange Mooted?
"Kun is not for sale," he boomed.
"He is a core player for Atlético's coming season."
He continued, "I always say, a player leaves a team when he wants to go. But neither does Kun want to leave us nor do we want him to go.
"Agüero wants to play here and we want him to play here - that's all that needs to be said."
Economic Troubles?
The young Argentine, however, may not be joined by too many new signings after the acquisitions of Tomas Ujfalusi and John Heitinga.
"The economic situation isn't just a problem this year, but has been for almost a lifetime," sighed the boss.
"It's bad. We try to provide the numbers and buy the best we can at affordable prices, but what we do is assure that the player who does come is verified as being important to the team, despite the crisis.
"We're working on building quite a good squad, showing class of the calibre of the Champions League."
Maradona Persuades Aguero To Join Inter?
Klinsmann watches Demichelis and Sosa
Agero-Stankovic Part-Exchange Mooted?
Euro 2008 Preview: Spain - Russia
Luis Aragonés and Guus Hiddink have both placed the emphasis of their pre-match build-up to this tantalising opener on not losing, so caution could be the order of the day in Innsbruck on Tuesday afternoon.
The two sides met in the opening game of Euro 2004 with Spanish edging a very tight encounter with a solitary goal from Juan Carlos Valerón and it could take just a single effort to separate the two sides here.
For Spain the pressure is as intense as ever with all kinds of baggage being taken into a major tournament with them once again along with the high expectations of public that believes success should be theirs, but inevitably will not be.
During his tenure Aragonés has been pilloried and derided and rarely praised with chapters like his outburst against Thierry Henry, his omission of Raúl and his arguments and rants at the media all having seen him earn more and more critics.
Then there is the performance of his team who have been accused of passing far too much while lacking the penetration to be able to play a major role in the tournament this summer.
Spain had relied on a steadfast defence, but even that is being picked at after Carlos Marchena weak clearance allowed Peru to score against Iker Casillas last week in a friendly.
While the media revel in highlighting and dissecting Spain's mistakes, all this may well be creating something of a siege mentality within the camp because all the players are certainly singing from the same songsheet in front of the media.
In the game against the United States and Peru recently, the team looked like a unit, but it is not look effective or incisive and that is an old problem that Aragonés is going to have to solve.
When a free-scoring striker at club level like Fernando Torres claims that the system is hampering him, then maybe it is time to consider a change.
Defensive Challenge
Against Russia, the Spanish will come up against a team that will defend in numbers and pose the kind of problem that has caused them so many problems throughout the qualifying period.
Guus Hiddink has unashamedly seen his side through to Austria and Switzerland utilising the counter-attacking system as well as being able to rely on England to fall at every hurdle to let them through.
After missing out on the World Cup Finals two years ago, the Russians have gone back to the drawing board under their Dutch coach and introducde a number of young, hungry players to lift them back to the top.
Players such as Igor Akinfeev is the number, with Vyacheslav Malafeev and Vladimir Gabulov more than capable back-ups, while Aleksandr Anyukovand Denis Kolodin are outstanding at the back.
The former Valencia, Real Madrid and Real Betis boss switches between 3-5-2 and 4-4-2 effecitvely and that has turned his current side into a very solid unit that conceded just seven goals in the entire qualification campaign.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Yuri Zhirkov, Vladimir Bystrov, Ivan Saenko and Dmitri Torbinskiy all offer something going forward while Igor Semshov and Konstantin Zyrianov add to a midfield group that will give the coach plenty of options.
Up front Oleg Ivanov has been called in to replace Pavel Pogrebnyak, who was forced out through injury, while Andrei Arshavinis suspended for the first two games.
Previous Meetings
There is not much history between the two countries with only two previous meetings since the fall of Berlin Wall, but before that the Spanish and the Soviet Union marked a memorable chapter in la Furia Roja's past.
In 1960 Spain were withdrawn from the first ever European Championships tournament because Generalisimo Francisco Franco had now wanted his team to face the Soviet Union.
Four years later though he knew that the groundswell of support for the Spanish team in Madrid was too big to let him prevent the team from playing in the final against the Soviets.
Chus Pereda gave the home nation the lead early, but just two minutes later Galimzian Khusainov equalised and the visitors were back in the game in front of a very nervous dictator.
It was not until the 84th minute that Marcelino finally netted to give the Spanish victory and hand them their first and, incredibly, only major tournament victory to date.
RECENT FORM
Real to enter Hleb hunt
Jose wants big club or nothing
Aragonés Linked With América
The two sides met in the opening game of Euro 2004 with Spanish edging a very tight encounter with a solitary goal from Juan Carlos Valerón and it could take just a single effort to separate the two sides here.
For Spain the pressure is as intense as ever with all kinds of baggage being taken into a major tournament with them once again along with the high expectations of public that believes success should be theirs, but inevitably will not be.
During his tenure Aragonés has been pilloried and derided and rarely praised with chapters like his outburst against Thierry Henry, his omission of Raúl and his arguments and rants at the media all having seen him earn more and more critics.
Then there is the performance of his team who have been accused of passing far too much while lacking the penetration to be able to play a major role in the tournament this summer.
Spain had relied on a steadfast defence, but even that is being picked at after Carlos Marchena weak clearance allowed Peru to score against Iker Casillas last week in a friendly.
While the media revel in highlighting and dissecting Spain's mistakes, all this may well be creating something of a siege mentality within the camp because all the players are certainly singing from the same songsheet in front of the media.
In the game against the United States and Peru recently, the team looked like a unit, but it is not look effective or incisive and that is an old problem that Aragonés is going to have to solve.
When a free-scoring striker at club level like Fernando Torres claims that the system is hampering him, then maybe it is time to consider a change.
Defensive Challenge
Against Russia, the Spanish will come up against a team that will defend in numbers and pose the kind of problem that has caused them so many problems throughout the qualifying period.
Guus Hiddink has unashamedly seen his side through to Austria and Switzerland utilising the counter-attacking system as well as being able to rely on England to fall at every hurdle to let them through.
After missing out on the World Cup Finals two years ago, the Russians have gone back to the drawing board under their Dutch coach and introducde a number of young, hungry players to lift them back to the top.
Players such as Igor Akinfeev is the number, with Vyacheslav Malafeev and Vladimir Gabulov more than capable back-ups, while Aleksandr Anyukovand Denis Kolodin are outstanding at the back.
The former Valencia, Real Madrid and Real Betis boss switches between 3-5-2 and 4-4-2 effecitvely and that has turned his current side into a very solid unit that conceded just seven goals in the entire qualification campaign.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Yuri Zhirkov, Vladimir Bystrov, Ivan Saenko and Dmitri Torbinskiy all offer something going forward while Igor Semshov and Konstantin Zyrianov add to a midfield group that will give the coach plenty of options.
Up front Oleg Ivanov has been called in to replace Pavel Pogrebnyak, who was forced out through injury, while Andrei Arshavinis suspended for the first two games.
Previous Meetings
There is not much history between the two countries with only two previous meetings since the fall of Berlin Wall, but before that the Spanish and the Soviet Union marked a memorable chapter in la Furia Roja's past.
In 1960 Spain were withdrawn from the first ever European Championships tournament because Generalisimo Francisco Franco had now wanted his team to face the Soviet Union.
Four years later though he knew that the groundswell of support for the Spanish team in Madrid was too big to let him prevent the team from playing in the final against the Soviets.
Chus Pereda gave the home nation the lead early, but just two minutes later Galimzian Khusainov equalised and the visitors were back in the game in front of a very nervous dictator.
It was not until the 84th minute that Marcelino finally netted to give the Spanish victory and hand them their first and, incredibly, only major tournament victory to date.
RECENT FORM
Real to enter Hleb hunt
Jose wants big club or nothing
Aragonés Linked With América
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Maradona Persuades Aguero To Join Inter?
Atletico Madrid star Aguero is undoubtedly one of the best young players in world football, and at the age of just 20 many people are tipping the Argentine forward for greatness.
Aguero has a minimum fee release clause set at a staggering €55m, a price that Premiership outfit Chelsea are considering meeting.
Inter are also desperate to bring the skillful attacker to San Siro, and are believed to have recently offered Atletico €25m plus midfielder Dejan Stankovic, which the Spaniards rejected.
The Nerazzurri now regard the world’s greatest ever footballer, Diego Maradona, as the key to pushing through a transfer.
Maradona’s daughter, Janina, is going out with Aguero, and Inter hope that Maradona can use his influence to persuade his potential son-in-law to join the Beneamata.
El Pibe d’Oro recently enjoyed lunch with Massimo Moratti, on the same day that Roberto Mancini was sacked as coach of Inter, and it has been suggested that the pair spoke about Aguero.
Inter deny Mourinho deal
Hleb’s Agents Meet With Barcelona
Agero-Stankovic Part-Exchange Mooted?
Aguero has a minimum fee release clause set at a staggering €55m, a price that Premiership outfit Chelsea are considering meeting.
Inter are also desperate to bring the skillful attacker to San Siro, and are believed to have recently offered Atletico €25m plus midfielder Dejan Stankovic, which the Spaniards rejected.
The Nerazzurri now regard the world’s greatest ever footballer, Diego Maradona, as the key to pushing through a transfer.
Maradona’s daughter, Janina, is going out with Aguero, and Inter hope that Maradona can use his influence to persuade his potential son-in-law to join the Beneamata.
El Pibe d’Oro recently enjoyed lunch with Massimo Moratti, on the same day that Roberto Mancini was sacked as coach of Inter, and it has been suggested that the pair spoke about Aguero.
Inter deny Mourinho deal
Hleb’s Agents Meet With Barcelona
Agero-Stankovic Part-Exchange Mooted?
Galliani: Chelsea Let Us Talk To Drogba
Galliani earlier this week told Sky Sports that his meeting with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon was based around the transfer market, but only today have more details come to light.
The transfer guru spoke to the Gazzetta dello Sport about his discussions with the London club, revealing that Ivorian hitman Didier Drogba is near the top of their list.
"Chelsea have given us authorisation to open negotiations with Drogba," he said.
However, the vice-president revealed that another Milan target, Andrei Shevchenko, will not be returning to San Siro.
"Unfortunately, we received the response that we feared. Chelsea will not put Andrei up for sale. This conclusion is upsetting."
Meanwhile Galliani confirmed once again that the rossoneri are in talks with unsettled Barcelona star Samuel Eto'o.
Maradona Persuades Aguero To Join Inter?
Manchester United Target Miguel
Chelsea chase Scolari
Milan deny Drogba talk
The transfer guru spoke to the Gazzetta dello Sport about his discussions with the London club, revealing that Ivorian hitman Didier Drogba is near the top of their list.
"Chelsea have given us authorisation to open negotiations with Drogba," he said.
However, the vice-president revealed that another Milan target, Andrei Shevchenko, will not be returning to San Siro.
"Unfortunately, we received the response that we feared. Chelsea will not put Andrei up for sale. This conclusion is upsetting."
Meanwhile Galliani confirmed once again that the rossoneri are in talks with unsettled Barcelona star Samuel Eto'o.
Maradona Persuades Aguero To Join Inter?
Manchester United Target Miguel
Chelsea chase Scolari
Milan deny Drogba talk
PSG Continue Striker Search
As yet there has been little luck for newly installed President of PSG Charles Villeneuve in the transfer market despite grand promises.
The Parisian club have been handed a double snub this weekend as they continue their bid to strengthen their side ahead of next season's Ligue 1 campaign.
In search of a physical-type centre forward the Parisians cast their eyes to former Nantes man Florin Bratu. The Dinamo Bucharest forward managed 14 goals in his domestic championship last season but is unlikely to make a swift return to France as his club turned down an offer of nearly €2 million made by Villeneuve.
Of the French clubs interested in the powerful striker (Valenciennes, Lorient and Lille being the others) PSG command the greatest budget and would be expected to win the race for Bratu's signature if he was to leave Bucharest for France.
Money does not seem to have been a factor in Sinama-Pongolle's decision to remain in Spain. Coveted by Saint-Étienne as well as PSG the rapid forward seems set to remain on the Iberian Peninsula after closing in on a deal with Atlético Madrid, according to l'Equipe on Sunday.
With Atleti the 23 year-old forward would be given the opportunity to play in the Champions League next term whereas his French suitors could offer only the UEFA Cup.
PSG must now cast their net elsewhere. Johan Elmander of Toulouse is considered a potential target.
Aguirre Well Supported For Run-In
Anelka Ready To Assert Himself
Crosas: Barça Here For Benzema
Milan plot major striker move
The Parisian club have been handed a double snub this weekend as they continue their bid to strengthen their side ahead of next season's Ligue 1 campaign.
In search of a physical-type centre forward the Parisians cast their eyes to former Nantes man Florin Bratu. The Dinamo Bucharest forward managed 14 goals in his domestic championship last season but is unlikely to make a swift return to France as his club turned down an offer of nearly €2 million made by Villeneuve.
Of the French clubs interested in the powerful striker (Valenciennes, Lorient and Lille being the others) PSG command the greatest budget and would be expected to win the race for Bratu's signature if he was to leave Bucharest for France.
Money does not seem to have been a factor in Sinama-Pongolle's decision to remain in Spain. Coveted by Saint-Étienne as well as PSG the rapid forward seems set to remain on the Iberian Peninsula after closing in on a deal with Atlético Madrid, according to l'Equipe on Sunday.
With Atleti the 23 year-old forward would be given the opportunity to play in the Champions League next term whereas his French suitors could offer only the UEFA Cup.
PSG must now cast their net elsewhere. Johan Elmander of Toulouse is considered a potential target.
Aguirre Well Supported For Run-In
Anelka Ready To Assert Himself
Crosas: Barça Here For Benzema
Milan plot major striker move
Friday, June 6, 2008
Villarreal Aim For Porto Ace
The Yellow Submarine have already signed the likes of Joseba Llorente this summer, but president Fernando Roig is apparently eager to augment his squad with a big-money, big-name player, too.
President Fernando Roig, who believes that a central, creative player is called for, is said to be willing to splash the cash, but the trademark cautious nature of Villarreal will also come to the fore.
As CEO José Manuel Llaneza put it, Villarreal have "less right to make mistakes in order to compete with the big clubs." In other words, if they make a significant signing, they have to get it right.
To this end, Porto's Argentine ace Lucho González has been alighted upon as a possible choice. Villarreal were interested in him last season but Porto were unwilling to sell; the current off-pitch crisis engulfing the blue-and-white club now, though, could see them make a deal.
This may also see Porto lower their earlier asking price of €20m - a significant factor for a Villarreal side that's never spent more than €12m on a single player.
Jose - Special One no bad thing
Boro To Sign Gera?
Paulo Assunção Leaves Porto
President Fernando Roig, who believes that a central, creative player is called for, is said to be willing to splash the cash, but the trademark cautious nature of Villarreal will also come to the fore.
As CEO José Manuel Llaneza put it, Villarreal have "less right to make mistakes in order to compete with the big clubs." In other words, if they make a significant signing, they have to get it right.
To this end, Porto's Argentine ace Lucho González has been alighted upon as a possible choice. Villarreal were interested in him last season but Porto were unwilling to sell; the current off-pitch crisis engulfing the blue-and-white club now, though, could see them make a deal.
This may also see Porto lower their earlier asking price of €20m - a significant factor for a Villarreal side that's never spent more than €12m on a single player.
Jose - Special One no bad thing
Boro To Sign Gera?
Paulo Assunção Leaves Porto
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