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
Saturday, January 24, 2009
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
Real Madrid President Boluda In Advanced Stages Of Benzema And Ronaldo Talks - Reports
Vicente Boluda might have only just stepped into the presidential shoes at Real Madrid but it appears he is already making moves.
The former vice-president is reportedly in advanced stages of talks with both Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo about moves to the Spanish capital this summer.
Marca reports that the new president does not want to damage any possible plans for whoever wins the elections though, so he wants to speak with the candidates to discuss the deals.
It is thought that he wishes to arrive at some sort of consensus, that will allow him to either conclude the moves, or break them off.
In the case of Ronaldo, it is reported that the deal is almost done, whilst for Benzema, it is known that the player wishes to play for Real Madrid.
The main problem with regards to a deal for the Frenchman could be the asking price of Lyon, which is believed to be above €60 million.
Whether or not Real Madrid would pay this much, especially as they have just signed Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, is not clear, and it could be a deal-breaker.
It seems likely though that they will pay any amount of money to bring Ronaldo to the Bernabéu though, after tracking him for most of his time at Manchester United.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
The former vice-president is reportedly in advanced stages of talks with both Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo about moves to the Spanish capital this summer.
Marca reports that the new president does not want to damage any possible plans for whoever wins the elections though, so he wants to speak with the candidates to discuss the deals.
It is thought that he wishes to arrive at some sort of consensus, that will allow him to either conclude the moves, or break them off.
In the case of Ronaldo, it is reported that the deal is almost done, whilst for Benzema, it is known that the player wishes to play for Real Madrid.
The main problem with regards to a deal for the Frenchman could be the asking price of Lyon, which is believed to be above €60 million.
Whether or not Real Madrid would pay this much, especially as they have just signed Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, is not clear, and it could be a deal-breaker.
It seems likely though that they will pay any amount of money to bring Ronaldo to the Bernabéu though, after tracking him for most of his time at Manchester United.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Ranieri: Juventus Are Interested In Diego And Winning The Champions League
Claudio Ranieri has finally revealed Juventus' penchant for Werder Bremen midfielder Diego after months of speculation, and the coach has also turned his mind towards the Champions League final.
The Bianconeri are scouring the market heavily as they look for an ideal replacement for Pavel Nedved at the end of the season. The former Lazio man is believed to be retiring. Diego has long been on Juve's transfer radar, and Ranieri has finally revealed his liking for the Brazilian ace.
"Diego? I will not say yes or no," Ranieri told Juventus Channel.
"Diego is very strong, he is an incredible player and we are looking at him.
"We have to value him in every way, I like him, but we need to see where he will fit within our well oiled machine.
"Bringing in a new player and getting him used to the set up will not be easy and it cannot be rushed."
Apart from bringing in a replacement for Nedved, the Champions League is one of Ranieri's objectives. The coach admits he will do all he can to drag his side to the Rome final in May.
"We will try, I will even pay to be there," added Ranieri.
"We have to have the will and the dream of getting there. We hope to meet Chelsea while we are in good shape.
"The Champions League gives plenty of nervous moments and I hope my players will be ready."
Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com
Mariano Pernía: Málaga Match Must Be A Turning Point For Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid need to use their match with Málaga this weekend as a "turning point" according to Mariano Pernía.
The defender told Marca today they know they can return to the top four again, however, that they need to pick up all three points on Sunday.
"The team is not playing as it did in December and because of that results are not coming. We have already had a slip in the league though, and we managed to fix it and be in second before Christmas, so we need to focus on improving and returning to the top three," he stated.
"It is important to react as soon as possible, this Sunday must be a turning point. It is very important to win the games that are coming up against our direct rivals and, if we win these games, we will go into the big matches with the necessary confidence."
One of the most worrying thing for Atlético, besides the poor results, is that they have not even been playing well, and up front they have struggled to score goals.
Pernía has faith in the two strikers and says that the relationships inside the team are good.
"Up front we definitely have a lot of quality; before we were not heroes and now we are not the bad guys. For sure, [Diego] Forlán and [Sergio] Agüero are great and in one move can win a game but if we finish third or higher at the end of the season, it will be thanks to everyone," he declared.
"Our relationship is very good, we must be strong in tough times; already we have had two or three difficult situations and we must continue going forward.
"Many statements have been misinterpreted. In moments of crisis we know that papers try to take anything that will sell, but we are the same players, with the same potential."
Along with Maxi Rodríguez, Pernía is a doubt for the match with Málaga this weekend, but he confirmed today that it is not a break or a bad injury, and he should return soon.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
The defender told Marca today they know they can return to the top four again, however, that they need to pick up all three points on Sunday.
"The team is not playing as it did in December and because of that results are not coming. We have already had a slip in the league though, and we managed to fix it and be in second before Christmas, so we need to focus on improving and returning to the top three," he stated.
"It is important to react as soon as possible, this Sunday must be a turning point. It is very important to win the games that are coming up against our direct rivals and, if we win these games, we will go into the big matches with the necessary confidence."
One of the most worrying thing for Atlético, besides the poor results, is that they have not even been playing well, and up front they have struggled to score goals.
Pernía has faith in the two strikers and says that the relationships inside the team are good.
"Up front we definitely have a lot of quality; before we were not heroes and now we are not the bad guys. For sure, [Diego] Forlán and [Sergio] Agüero are great and in one move can win a game but if we finish third or higher at the end of the season, it will be thanks to everyone," he declared.
"Our relationship is very good, we must be strong in tough times; already we have had two or three difficult situations and we must continue going forward.
"Many statements have been misinterpreted. In moments of crisis we know that papers try to take anything that will sell, but we are the same players, with the same potential."
Along with Maxi Rodríguez, Pernía is a doubt for the match with Málaga this weekend, but he confirmed today that it is not a break or a bad injury, and he should return soon.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Sevilla's Diego Capel 'Tired' Of Contract Talk
Sevilla winger, Diego Capel has declared his frustration today at constant questioning of his contract situation with the Andalucian club.
Capel, who came on last night to devastating effect in the Copa Del Rey, told Marca that he is just trying to concentrate on playing football.
"I am tired of speaking about it [contract issues]. Everything is the same, I am relaxed, and I want to continue playing. Speaking about it now, I do think that it is a story," he mused.
Certainly, after the performance last night, where he came off the bench to create havoc down the wing against Valencia, Sevilla will want to tie him down as soon as possible.
However, he remained modest today, saying he just did what he could, and that they know they have a tough task in the return leg.
"The only thing I can do, is what I am able to and, in the minutes I have, to do it the best I can. Things are turning out well and each day I am getting better. I am very pleased in that sense," he declared.
"Valencia always play better away, and they have players, that at any moment, can make things difficult. We know they are very dangerous."
Indeed, it looked as though Sevilla would be taking a lead from the first-leg when they led 2-1, but they were shocked by two late goals from Valencia.
Capel admitted that they regret not winning the game, but that they are still in the tie, and he also added he thought Adriano's goal was offside.
"The team played well in the second-half, and it is frustrating, that after coming back, we gave it away in the last minutes. We still have the attitude we had though, and that is that we are at home next, and can win it there," he opined.
On Adriano's goal, he admitted: "I thought they were going to whistle at first, but the move continued, it was all very fast. Looking at it, it was offside, but it all happened quickly."
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Capel, who came on last night to devastating effect in the Copa Del Rey, told Marca that he is just trying to concentrate on playing football.
"I am tired of speaking about it [contract issues]. Everything is the same, I am relaxed, and I want to continue playing. Speaking about it now, I do think that it is a story," he mused.
Certainly, after the performance last night, where he came off the bench to create havoc down the wing against Valencia, Sevilla will want to tie him down as soon as possible.
However, he remained modest today, saying he just did what he could, and that they know they have a tough task in the return leg.
"The only thing I can do, is what I am able to and, in the minutes I have, to do it the best I can. Things are turning out well and each day I am getting better. I am very pleased in that sense," he declared.
"Valencia always play better away, and they have players, that at any moment, can make things difficult. We know they are very dangerous."
Indeed, it looked as though Sevilla would be taking a lead from the first-leg when they led 2-1, but they were shocked by two late goals from Valencia.
Capel admitted that they regret not winning the game, but that they are still in the tie, and he also added he thought Adriano's goal was offside.
"The team played well in the second-half, and it is frustrating, that after coming back, we gave it away in the last minutes. We still have the attitude we had though, and that is that we are at home next, and can win it there," he opined.
On Adriano's goal, he admitted: "I thought they were going to whistle at first, but the move continued, it was all very fast. Looking at it, it was offside, but it all happened quickly."
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
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