David Villa will not play for Valencia this weekend after limping off against Sevilla in the Copa Del Rey last night.
The striker didn't manage to complete twenty minutes of the match due to cramps in his left thigh, and AS reports that he will now miss the match with Real Mallorca.
The news will be a blow to Unai Emery and to the team, but the good news is that it is not a repeat of a previous injury, that saw him come off against Athletic Bilbao last weekend.
Indeed, apparently it is just a case of the player needing some rest, and he should be back for the Copa del Rey return-leg next week.
Along with Villa, Joaquín may not make the match at the weekend as he is struggling with an injury that he picked up yesterday against Sevilla.
Many of the Valencia players who took part in the game at the Mestalla trained indoors today, and so many were absent that Emery had to call on ten players from the reserve team.
David Silva, David Albedla, Miguel Brito and Fernando Morientes all carried out specific work in the gym, whilst Renan should find out on Monday whether or not he will have to have an operation on his injury.
Valencia travel to Mallorca this weekend knowing that they have to win to keep pace with the top three, who have established a four point lead over Los Che.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Juanfran Not Surprised By Real Madrid Refereeing Bias
After picking up two yellow cards for diving last weekend, Osasuna midfielder Juanfran has said that he is not surprised that he did not win a penalty in the Bernabéu.
Juanfran, who was booked once in the first-half and then again towards of the match, has had the latter of his cards taken away this week by the Competition Committee, however, he claims that he did not dive at either time.
"I simply said the same thing as I did with the second penalty, that I didn't dive. They should take away both, but I just want to play this Saturday, and I already am," he said.
The midfielder also spoke about the game as a whole, and declared that it is not a surprise for sides going to the Bernabéu not to get decisions.
"It is normal, it is in the Bernabéu, against Real Madrid," he began.
"This has happened a few times but I have not seen players sent-off many times. Everyone has seen the injustice that is currently with Osasuna; the referees hardly ever favour us. This has already happened to us and, again, where better than in the Bernabéu, where the repercussion is greater.
"I believe that everyone will have an opinion of what happened and it will effect the referees when they whistle. What has happened to us for the past year-and-a-half has been lunacy. We have had decisions against us that nobody can understand."
Indeed, the two incidents that Juanfran was booked for both appeared to be penalties, and the referee in charge of the game has been sanctioned for his performance.
The Osasuna midfielder was more concerned today by what they had lost at the Bernabéu though.
"What is important to us are the points and I am sure that we would have come away with some if the officials had not made mistakes," he concluded.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Juanfran, who was booked once in the first-half and then again towards of the match, has had the latter of his cards taken away this week by the Competition Committee, however, he claims that he did not dive at either time.
"I simply said the same thing as I did with the second penalty, that I didn't dive. They should take away both, but I just want to play this Saturday, and I already am," he said.
The midfielder also spoke about the game as a whole, and declared that it is not a surprise for sides going to the Bernabéu not to get decisions.
"It is normal, it is in the Bernabéu, against Real Madrid," he began.
"This has happened a few times but I have not seen players sent-off many times. Everyone has seen the injustice that is currently with Osasuna; the referees hardly ever favour us. This has already happened to us and, again, where better than in the Bernabéu, where the repercussion is greater.
"I believe that everyone will have an opinion of what happened and it will effect the referees when they whistle. What has happened to us for the past year-and-a-half has been lunacy. We have had decisions against us that nobody can understand."
Indeed, the two incidents that Juanfran was booked for both appeared to be penalties, and the referee in charge of the game has been sanctioned for his performance.
The Osasuna midfielder was more concerned today by what they had lost at the Bernabéu though.
"What is important to us are the points and I am sure that we would have come away with some if the officials had not made mistakes," he concluded.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Roberto Abbondanzieri And Getafe President Torres Make Peace
It looks as though the Roberto Abbondanzieri transfer saga could be at an end after the Getafe goalkeeper made his peace with club president, Ángel Torres today.
Previously, the Argentine had reported to be furious with what he called "transfer games" concerning his proposed move to Boca Juniors, but it looks as though everything has been resolved.
According to reports, Abbondanzieri and Torres made up with a hug and a kiss at training today. The goalkeeper also confirmed that he will be staying with Getafe until June.
Torres assured that he is "a player of Getafe until June 30" when Boca Juniors will be able to then sign him.
Similarly, the agent of the player, Ricardo Schlieper, stated that relationship between the club and the player is good, explaining: "It is an option that pleases me, and the relations between the two are good."
It looked as though Abbondanzieri would be moving to Boca at one point this winter, but the deal breaker was believed to be his price tag.
Torres declared a few days ago that the reason they had not signed him was because they refused to pay what Getafe wanted and Boca are now seemingly prepared to wait six months for the player, whose contract expires in the summer.
Getafe have slipped down to 14th in La Liga following their defeat to Racing Santander last weekend, and they take on Sporting Gijón this Sunday.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Previously, the Argentine had reported to be furious with what he called "transfer games" concerning his proposed move to Boca Juniors, but it looks as though everything has been resolved.
According to reports, Abbondanzieri and Torres made up with a hug and a kiss at training today. The goalkeeper also confirmed that he will be staying with Getafe until June.
Torres assured that he is "a player of Getafe until June 30" when Boca Juniors will be able to then sign him.
Similarly, the agent of the player, Ricardo Schlieper, stated that relationship between the club and the player is good, explaining: "It is an option that pleases me, and the relations between the two are good."
It looked as though Abbondanzieri would be moving to Boca at one point this winter, but the deal breaker was believed to be his price tag.
Torres declared a few days ago that the reason they had not signed him was because they refused to pay what Getafe wanted and Boca are now seemingly prepared to wait six months for the player, whose contract expires in the summer.
Getafe have slipped down to 14th in La Liga following their defeat to Racing Santander last weekend, and they take on Sporting Gijón this Sunday.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Spanish Debate: How Do Pep's Barcelona Compare To The Class Of 2006?
Frank Rijkaard's Barcelona really did 'graduate' in 2006. A Champions League triumph without a single defeat, coupled with a convincing, successive win of the Primera Division was as good as getting straight As in your exams - or at least in the subjects that mattered.
They were etched in history as outstanding champions; the most illustrious of universities that requires the most disciplined and focused of minds in order to turn that that incredible start into the sort of prolonged success that defines a legend.
Suffices to say, they pissed it all away.
The lazy, arrogant and directionless descent that followed was reminiscent of many a student - they probably weren't paying taxes, either - and the potential to match Real Madrid's Galacticos, AC Milan's Invincibles or Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United went down the drain - but it didn't last long.
It was perhaps just 18 months between one brilliant Barcelona and another. Club legend Pep Guardiola was promoted from his role of 'B' team boss to take his first ever senior coaching role. A risk? Unquestionably - but it looks to have paid off in ways Joan Laporta cannot have even dreamt of being so immediately possible.
The Blaugrana go into 2009 much the same way they went into 2006 - the best team in the world and destined for success - but just how do the two sides compare?
We must first consider that Frank Rijkaard's side were the picture of excellence for almost two years, while 'Los Peps' have managed just over four months of formidable football. That being said, Rijkaard's men completed a cycle; we saw their public and dramatic demise and that of course clouds the judgement, while Pep's side remain pure and untainted by embarrassing failure.
At the back, this side has added experience - and it shows. This season, Barcelona have often played with a patience underpinned by an incredible sense of confidence that they needn't score right away, as they simply will not concede as easily as they used to. Individually, there has been slight improvement in Victor Valdes, with Eric Abidal stronger but less canny than Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Dani Alves of course an incredible addition, but the centre-backs aren't quite the force they used to be.
The added steel in midfield has made all the difference in improving the defence and also breaking down more stubborn opposition. Xavi has kicked up another gear, while Andres Iniesta has been a revelation. The new team lacks a Deco - who when in his prime, rolled all into one that you could want of a player in his position - but the setup is such that they do not need him anymore.
Up front, the new school desperately lack a Henrik Larsson. Guardiola was keen to sign one of Didier Drogba or Emmanuel Adebayor in the summer, but failed on both counts. There is no target up front - no alternative for when the going gets tough - and it is simply a tactical necessity of which a coach as astute as Pep will be painfully aware.
Meanwhile, comparing one Samuel Eto'o with another is a hard task. He has rattled in a disturbing amount of goals so far this season, but his performances haven't always inspired confidence as they once did, and his understanding with Lionel Messi is not yet on a par with what it was with Ronaldinho.
And indeed, when comparing the two No. 10s, it cannot yet be said that Leo is quite what Ronaldinho was when he was on top of the world. Perhaps the Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo of this era, the two friends are separated purely by Ronaldinho's erstwhile ability to do it all, whereas Messi still has his limitations, not to mention comparitive physical fragility. What Messi has on his side is the regime of discipline, something he adhered to even before Pep, and it is something that will ensure that his greatness is not marred by matters of his own undoing.
What can be said of Messi can be said of his team. The class of 2006 was more talented, but Rijkaard and Ronaldinho were very much talismanic of their eventually underwhelming rise and fall. There's a new teacher in town, and while class may not be quite as fun as it used to be, each A is as sweet as the last, and the more they get, the sooner they will surpass their predecessors - and who would bet against it?
Sulmaan Ahmad, Goal.com
They were etched in history as outstanding champions; the most illustrious of universities that requires the most disciplined and focused of minds in order to turn that that incredible start into the sort of prolonged success that defines a legend.
Suffices to say, they pissed it all away.
The lazy, arrogant and directionless descent that followed was reminiscent of many a student - they probably weren't paying taxes, either - and the potential to match Real Madrid's Galacticos, AC Milan's Invincibles or Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United went down the drain - but it didn't last long.
It was perhaps just 18 months between one brilliant Barcelona and another. Club legend Pep Guardiola was promoted from his role of 'B' team boss to take his first ever senior coaching role. A risk? Unquestionably - but it looks to have paid off in ways Joan Laporta cannot have even dreamt of being so immediately possible.
The Blaugrana go into 2009 much the same way they went into 2006 - the best team in the world and destined for success - but just how do the two sides compare?
We must first consider that Frank Rijkaard's side were the picture of excellence for almost two years, while 'Los Peps' have managed just over four months of formidable football. That being said, Rijkaard's men completed a cycle; we saw their public and dramatic demise and that of course clouds the judgement, while Pep's side remain pure and untainted by embarrassing failure.
At the back, this side has added experience - and it shows. This season, Barcelona have often played with a patience underpinned by an incredible sense of confidence that they needn't score right away, as they simply will not concede as easily as they used to. Individually, there has been slight improvement in Victor Valdes, with Eric Abidal stronger but less canny than Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Dani Alves of course an incredible addition, but the centre-backs aren't quite the force they used to be.
The added steel in midfield has made all the difference in improving the defence and also breaking down more stubborn opposition. Xavi has kicked up another gear, while Andres Iniesta has been a revelation. The new team lacks a Deco - who when in his prime, rolled all into one that you could want of a player in his position - but the setup is such that they do not need him anymore.
Up front, the new school desperately lack a Henrik Larsson. Guardiola was keen to sign one of Didier Drogba or Emmanuel Adebayor in the summer, but failed on both counts. There is no target up front - no alternative for when the going gets tough - and it is simply a tactical necessity of which a coach as astute as Pep will be painfully aware.
Meanwhile, comparing one Samuel Eto'o with another is a hard task. He has rattled in a disturbing amount of goals so far this season, but his performances haven't always inspired confidence as they once did, and his understanding with Lionel Messi is not yet on a par with what it was with Ronaldinho.
And indeed, when comparing the two No. 10s, it cannot yet be said that Leo is quite what Ronaldinho was when he was on top of the world. Perhaps the Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo of this era, the two friends are separated purely by Ronaldinho's erstwhile ability to do it all, whereas Messi still has his limitations, not to mention comparitive physical fragility. What Messi has on his side is the regime of discipline, something he adhered to even before Pep, and it is something that will ensure that his greatness is not marred by matters of his own undoing.
What can be said of Messi can be said of his team. The class of 2006 was more talented, but Rijkaard and Ronaldinho were very much talismanic of their eventually underwhelming rise and fall. There's a new teacher in town, and while class may not be quite as fun as it used to be, each A is as sweet as the last, and the more they get, the sooner they will surpass their predecessors - and who would bet against it?
Sulmaan Ahmad, Goal.com
Liverpool Goalkeeper Pepe Reina Respects Reserve Stopper Cavalieri
São Paulo shot-stopper Diego Cavalieri signed for Liverpool last summer in a deal reported to involve a £3 million fee.
In his six-year career at previous club Palmeiras he accumulated over a century of first-team appearances despite his relatively young age for a first-choice goalkeeper.
He is held in high esteem by the Liverpool management as he was awarded Jerzy Dudek's old jersey number: 1.
Spanish glovesman Pepe Reina expects the Brazilian to guard goal in the fourth round of the FA Cup this weekend. He insists that he wishes it was he who would be playing, but would have few complaints if he was overlooked for the starting role.
"I would like to play - I would be lying if I didn't say that - but I think Diego deserves it," Reina told the club's official website.
"I have a lot of respect for what he is doing. Diego played a great game against Preston in the last round of the FA Cup.
"It is not easy when you are not playing regularly, but he works really hard and is a great professional."
Cavalieri has been favoured in the cup competitions thus far this season.
Reina though will reflect on good memories in the FA Cup, having been a key member of the thrilling West Ham United 3-3 final in 2006; a game that was eventually settled on penalties.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
In his six-year career at previous club Palmeiras he accumulated over a century of first-team appearances despite his relatively young age for a first-choice goalkeeper.
He is held in high esteem by the Liverpool management as he was awarded Jerzy Dudek's old jersey number: 1.
Spanish glovesman Pepe Reina expects the Brazilian to guard goal in the fourth round of the FA Cup this weekend. He insists that he wishes it was he who would be playing, but would have few complaints if he was overlooked for the starting role.
"I would like to play - I would be lying if I didn't say that - but I think Diego deserves it," Reina told the club's official website.
"I have a lot of respect for what he is doing. Diego played a great game against Preston in the last round of the FA Cup.
"It is not easy when you are not playing regularly, but he works really hard and is a great professional."
Cavalieri has been favoured in the cup competitions thus far this season.
Reina though will reflect on good memories in the FA Cup, having been a key member of the thrilling West Ham United 3-3 final in 2006; a game that was eventually settled on penalties.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
César Sánchez Feeling Young At Heart With Valencia
New Valencia goalkeeper, César Sánchez, says that he feels like a kid again as he prepares to undergo a medical with his new club.
The former Real Madrid veteran is 37-years-old, but as he spoke today, ahead of his medical exam this evening, and presentation tomorrow, he said he has the "desires of a kid."
Sánchez joins Valencia from Tottenham Hotspur in England where he did not get the chance to play a great deal of first-team football.
However, he says that he has "trained hard" with the London side and doesn't anticipate any medical problems.
"I have just arrived and I should pass the medical exam and then be presented," he told AS .
"I hope that everything turns out well, and that I can contribute and help wherever I am asked."
Regarding a possible start for him this Sunday he didn't sound optimistic, saying, "that is a lot to ask right now."
He did speak briefly about his new club, declaring that they "play good football and are fighting for the league" but, like all the other teams only have a chance "if Barcelona slip up."
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
The former Real Madrid veteran is 37-years-old, but as he spoke today, ahead of his medical exam this evening, and presentation tomorrow, he said he has the "desires of a kid."
Sánchez joins Valencia from Tottenham Hotspur in England where he did not get the chance to play a great deal of first-team football.
However, he says that he has "trained hard" with the London side and doesn't anticipate any medical problems.
"I have just arrived and I should pass the medical exam and then be presented," he told AS .
"I hope that everything turns out well, and that I can contribute and help wherever I am asked."
Regarding a possible start for him this Sunday he didn't sound optimistic, saying, "that is a lot to ask right now."
He did speak briefly about his new club, declaring that they "play good football and are fighting for the league" but, like all the other teams only have a chance "if Barcelona slip up."
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Breaking News: Abbiati Pens Milan Extension
Milan have secured the services of Italian goalkeeper Christian Abbiati for another year after the former Juventus shot-stopper put pen to paper on Thursday afternoon.
Abbiati has been at the club since 1998, but he has spent time out on-loan with Juventus, Torino and Atletico Madrid. He was called back by the club at the end of last season, and has been Carlo Ancelotti's first choice. His contract was set to expire in 2010, but Milan have stepped in and a new deal which will see him play until 2011 has been signed.
A statement on the club's official website reads:
"Official communication AC Milan: Christian Abbiati has signed an extension which will tie him to the club until June 30 2011."
With both Nelson Dida and Zelko Kalac proving their weaknesses in front of goal, the Italians have made sure they have a reliable custodian to help push with their aims for the Scudetto and UEFA Cup this season.
Abbiati's extensions is furthergood news for Milan following the return of Alessandro Nesta from his long injury lay off.
Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
