Following a poor start to the season Real Betis will be relatively pleased with how they finished 2008, despite the fact they have picked up just one point from their last four games.
Los Verdiblancos start the new year with a tricky trip to Almería and Marca reports today they will have to do without midfielder Juande.
The young Spaniard has played just a handful of games this season, and he will now miss the first three of 2009 with injury.
The player has not trained since his return from the winter break, and whilst doctors did rule out any serious injury, they confirmed today that he does not have a problem with his pubis.
He will now miss the match with Almería, as well as the Copa Del Rey clash with Real Unión and the La Liga match with Málaga.
The good news is that whilst Juande is out, Sergio García and Damiá look like they could recover from injuries to play against Almería.
Real Betis currently sit 13th in the La Liga table, but are just five points above the relegation zone at the start of year.
Coach Paco Chaparro will be hoping that his side can rediscover some of the form that saw them win three of their five matches in November.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
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Friday, January 2, 2009
Maxi And Agüero Fit To Play Against Valencia
Atlético Madrid might have finished 2008 on a high but they start 2009 with a tough test, as they travel to the Mestalla to take on Valencia.
Even though the home of Los Che has not been a fortress so far this campaign, with visitors twice picking up all three points, it will undoubtedly be a difficult match for Atleti.
Coach Javier Aguirre has received some good news ahead of the clash though, with both Maxi Rodríguez and Sergio Agüero fit to play on Saturday evening.
Marca reports that even though the pair had to pull out of training on Tuesday, they have returned, and despite having to take it easier than usual, they will be able to start against Valencia.
Along with the duo the coach will also be able to recall Giourkas Seitaridis to the squad, who missed the last two games of 2008 due to injury.
The Greek international might not always have been first choice for Atlético, but he has certainly improved this season, and his return will boost the morale of the team.
Atlético will take part in their first training session of the new year this evening, as they prepare for the clash with Valencia, which takes place at 22.00 CET on Saturday.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Avila looks to build upon rookie season in 2009
Five Star Atletico Madrid Smash Sporting Gijon
Even though the home of Los Che has not been a fortress so far this campaign, with visitors twice picking up all three points, it will undoubtedly be a difficult match for Atleti.
Coach Javier Aguirre has received some good news ahead of the clash though, with both Maxi Rodríguez and Sergio Agüero fit to play on Saturday evening.
Marca reports that even though the pair had to pull out of training on Tuesday, they have returned, and despite having to take it easier than usual, they will be able to start against Valencia.
Along with the duo the coach will also be able to recall Giourkas Seitaridis to the squad, who missed the last two games of 2008 due to injury.
The Greek international might not always have been first choice for Atlético, but he has certainly improved this season, and his return will boost the morale of the team.
Atlético will take part in their first training session of the new year this evening, as they prepare for the clash with Valencia, which takes place at 22.00 CET on Saturday.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Avila looks to build upon rookie season in 2009
Five Star Atletico Madrid Smash Sporting Gijon
Eto'o To Help Build Hospital In Cameroon
The rector of Yaounde University II-Soa, Jean Tabi Manga, revealed in the presence of Eto'o that the Cameroon international has agreed to help finance the construction of a hospital at the institution.
"This is not only a humanitarian act by Eto'o, but confirms his commitment to the emergence of our institution," declared an elated Manga.
Eto'o used the occasion to hand out scholarships from his foundation to over 50 outstanding students at the Yaounde University, from political Science majors to those studying economics and management.
Each scholarship is worth about €1,000.
The Barcelona star has used part of his wealth to support several causes in his native country. He has also been known to pay out special bonuses to his fellow Cameroon teammates.
Samm Audu, Goal.com
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Thursday, January 1, 2009
Poll Results: Quaresma - Transfer Flop Of The Season!
Yesterday we asked the readers to vote on who was the biggest summer signing flop: the man who came to a club with high expectations but has so far disappointed.
The results ran as follows:
* Ricardo Quaresma (Inter)
35.00%
* Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan)
20.00%
* Jô (Manchester City)
17.00%
* Aliaksandr Hleb (Barcelona)
13.00%
* Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur)
7.00%
* John Arne Riise (AS Roma)
6.00%
* Jozy Altidore (Villarreal)
2.00%
Then came the discussion on the Goal.com Forums in our Worst Summer Signing thread. Here are some of the top replies.
'lvpyang' said:
"Andriy Shevchenko. From the biggest flop at Chelsea to another flop at AC Milan. Whatever happened to that striker that we all feared just a few years ago? Maybe he went somewhere - off to Mars. Man, Andriy, you are such a disappointment!"
'giancarlo' added:
"The biggest flop is Quaresma. Oh man... how much they paid for him was definitiely not worth it. If you compare him to Ronaldinho, he's a total utter flop... in fact a disaster. In the beginning of the season people obviously compared the two, and many gave Quaresma the edge because he was younger... obviously, Ronaldinho has been the better player by several miles."
'simonpegg' said:
"Yes I agree that Quaresma has been the biggest flop by some distance. You know, that is quite suprising seeing as he moved to Italy and Serie A where the level has dropped to something similar to the Portuguese Liga these days. I thought he would be skinning those idle oldies like Materazzi and Maldini alive. Oh well. Better luck next time 'Special One'. That is now the 78th flop that has been purchased on his watch. Dear oh dear."
Remember to check back each weekday for a new Goal.com poll!
--Goal.com team
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The results ran as follows:
* Ricardo Quaresma (Inter)
35.00%
* Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan)
20.00%
* Jô (Manchester City)
17.00%
* Aliaksandr Hleb (Barcelona)
13.00%
* Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur)
7.00%
* John Arne Riise (AS Roma)
6.00%
* Jozy Altidore (Villarreal)
2.00%
Then came the discussion on the Goal.com Forums in our Worst Summer Signing thread. Here are some of the top replies.
'lvpyang' said:
"Andriy Shevchenko. From the biggest flop at Chelsea to another flop at AC Milan. Whatever happened to that striker that we all feared just a few years ago? Maybe he went somewhere - off to Mars. Man, Andriy, you are such a disappointment!"
'giancarlo' added:
"The biggest flop is Quaresma. Oh man... how much they paid for him was definitiely not worth it. If you compare him to Ronaldinho, he's a total utter flop... in fact a disaster. In the beginning of the season people obviously compared the two, and many gave Quaresma the edge because he was younger... obviously, Ronaldinho has been the better player by several miles."
'simonpegg' said:
"Yes I agree that Quaresma has been the biggest flop by some distance. You know, that is quite suprising seeing as he moved to Italy and Serie A where the level has dropped to something similar to the Portuguese Liga these days. I thought he would be skinning those idle oldies like Materazzi and Maldini alive. Oh well. Better luck next time 'Special One'. That is now the 78th flop that has been purchased on his watch. Dear oh dear."
Remember to check back each weekday for a new Goal.com poll!
--Goal.com team
Del Nido Hopes For Year Of ‘Consolidation’ For Sevilla
Alex Ready To Quit Chelsea
College Cup memories for Hoops trio
Defender of the Year Marshall to return to Crew
Real Madrid Move For Arsenal's Wenger
According to The Mirror, Real Madrid haveofferedArsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, €26 million to become their head coach next summer.
Juande Ramos, who was sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in October, is currently in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu, but his contract lasts only until the end of the season.
Thus, unless the former Sevilla boss turns around the Merengues' domestic form in remarkable fashion, or leads them to a 10th European Cup triumph, a newgaffer will be required. And who better to take the reins in Spain than a man who has been approached for the job three times in the past?
Usually, this rumour would be a non-starter due to the fact Wenger has never broken a contract and has more than two years remaining on his current deal at Ashburton Grove. But the Frenchman's position is under close scrutiny for perhaps the first time since he succeededcaretaker Pat Rice following Bruce Rioch's departure in 1996.
At the halfway point of the season, Arsenal are all but out of contention for the Premier League title. They sit fifth in the standings, 10 points behind leaders Liverpool.
Furthermore, Wenger's reluctance to delve into the transfer market for experienced, top-drawer talent has left sections of the club's fans fuming - especially after the departures of Gilberto Silva, Mathieu Flamini, Lassana Diarra and Aleksandr Hleb in recent times.
Combine all thatwith the behind-the-scenes unrest which is rocking the Emirates at the moment, andThe Professormay well decided to pull up anchor and sail off on an Iberian adventure.
Wenger is Arsenal's most successful manager, having collected three Premier League crowns andfour FA Cups during his 12-year tenure.
Mike Maguire, Goal.com
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Renan: Valencia Must Keep The Pace With Barcelona
As Spain's festive footballing break draws to a close, Valencia re-enter the Liga race eleven points off top spot.
But Los Che have a chance to leapfrog Atletico Madrid and also pull closer to Barcelona with a win over the capital side at the weekend.
Goalkeeper Renan Brito looked ahead to this encounter by telling a press conference, "We want to win in order to move into second place and also reduce the gap to Barcelona.
"We want to play well and to help turn our Mestalla into a fortress. With the strength of our fans behind us we can have a great game."
The Brazilian goalkeeper admitted, though, that Atleti's forward line posted a considerable threat.
"The Spanish league is characterised by great attacking players, and Atletico Madrid certainly have those," he went on.
"However, we also have great players and they will have to worry about David Villa, Juan Mata, and so on."
Although the former Internacional man will tonight celebrate New Year with his teammate and countryman, Edu, he reminded the press that Valencia will be back in training on January 1st, making them unique among the front-runners.
"We have to train on New Year's Day because we have two key matches coming up," he argued.
"We must have a strong working mentality in order to be in good physical condition, so it's expected that we'd train."
Steve Michaels, Goal.com
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Hoops eye South American talent
Barcelona Chief Laporta: Messi Makes Me Proud
But Los Che have a chance to leapfrog Atletico Madrid and also pull closer to Barcelona with a win over the capital side at the weekend.
Goalkeeper Renan Brito looked ahead to this encounter by telling a press conference, "We want to win in order to move into second place and also reduce the gap to Barcelona.
"We want to play well and to help turn our Mestalla into a fortress. With the strength of our fans behind us we can have a great game."
The Brazilian goalkeeper admitted, though, that Atleti's forward line posted a considerable threat.
"The Spanish league is characterised by great attacking players, and Atletico Madrid certainly have those," he went on.
"However, we also have great players and they will have to worry about David Villa, Juan Mata, and so on."
Although the former Internacional man will tonight celebrate New Year with his teammate and countryman, Edu, he reminded the press that Valencia will be back in training on January 1st, making them unique among the front-runners.
"We have to train on New Year's Day because we have two key matches coming up," he argued.
"We must have a strong working mentality in order to be in good physical condition, so it's expected that we'd train."
Steve Michaels, Goal.com
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Hoops eye South American talent
Barcelona Chief Laporta: Messi Makes Me Proud
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Hugo Sánchez: Barcelona Must Slip Up For Madrid To Win Title
One of the all-time greatest goalscorers and Pichichi winners in La Liga, Hugo ‘Hugol’ Sánchez has made a return to Spanish football as the new coach of modest UD Almería.
After settling in and conducting his first training session with the struggling Andalucian side, the Mexican took some time off to speak to RNE, Radio Nacional de España.
He covered several topics, including his main coaching objective with his new club while also giving his thoughts on his former team, Real Madrid, and their quest for a 32nd La Liga crown.
“At Almería, I want to instil character and determination in the team so they can achieve their goals. I want the players to have discipline, order and speed in their attack,” he said during the interview.
“As a trainer, I have changed. Now, I am more careful with my statements to the press because when I was the head coach of Mexico, my words were often twisted into lies,” the 50-year-old added.
There has already been speculation that Hugo Sánchez is using his stint at Almería as a stepping stone to take over the hot-seat at the Santiago Bernabéu in the near future.
“I do not rule out the possibility of coaching any team in La Liga. But it would be best if Barcelona did not call for me because I would have to say no to them,” he jibed.
Regarding Los Blancos and Barça in this season’s title race, Hugol analysed: “It will be very difficult for Madrid to win the league. For that to happen, Barcelona will have to slip up a lot.
“At Madrid, they do not lack real men. There’s plenty of quality and talent but perhaps they are missing a few reinforcements. But it is not in my place to talk about that,” he concluded.
Hugo Sánchez is the only player in the league’s history, along with Athletic Bilbao’s mythical Telmo Zarra, to score 38 goals in a single season. He has won the Pichichi trophy on five occasions, behind Zarra’s all-time tally of six, but he holds the joint-record of winning it four times in succession, levelled with Alfredo di Stéfano.
KS Leong, Goal.com
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