Spurs need Champions League place, says Walker

Tottenham defender Kyle Walker has confessed the club should have finished third last season and secured a Champions League place.
The 22 year-old right-back was a mainstay in the Tottenham defence last season, earning rave reviews for his form which subsequently led to him clinching the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Despite finding themselves in the top three for the majority of the campaign, a dip in form ultimately cost Spurs Champions League football, something which Walker doesn’t look back on with any fondness.
“Of course we did well to come fourth but I was left with mixed feelings,” he told the Daily Mirror.
“We were 13 points clear of Arsenal at one stage and so we should’ve been third.
“I’ve got no complaints, nor with Chelsea taking our place because they won the Champions League. It’s the rules of the game. It’s life. You have to get on with it, deal with it – and put it right this year.”
It has already been a summer of major upheaval at Tottenham, with the club recently unveiling their new-look training ground, while appointing new boss Andre Villas-Boas.
Walker believes that all these positive changes mean the need for Champions League football is now even greater than before.
He continued: “The new training ground is amazing. It’s only going to make people want to go into training, stay behind and do that extra work. It’s all positive this season.
“We just have to build on those positives, show people what we can do and hopefully finish where we should be finishing.
“And that’s a Champions League position, 100 percent. That’s got to be the minimum requirement for Tottenham now.
“When I signed, that’s what the club was searching for. They got it and won’t settle for anything less now. I don’t settle for second best.”

Kagawa, Powell signings please Ferguson

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the club have done well to get both Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell to the club.
The club unveiled their two new signings as they look to begin their pre-season preparations ahead of the coming campaign, and Ferguson remained keen to say how closely both players had been followed before the club decided to make a move for them.
“First of all, they’re young and we’ve been scouting them both for quite a while now,” Ferguson told reporters.
“Shinji obviously has a higher profile than Nick because (Borussia) Dortmund have had such a fantastic time in the last two years and he came to prominence through that.
“Our scout in Germany was talking about him for a quite while, so we scouted him and decided he was the right type of player we needed at the club.”
The 23-year-old Japanese international midfielder enjoyed a successful two-year stay at Borussia Dortmund, winning the league title in both seasons at the club, and Ferguson remains excited by what the player promises.
He added: “Shinji plays in behind the striker. He’s very quick, has a good vision of the game and his goalscoring record over the last two or three years is very good for that position.
“It was good that he was with a successful team to help him adapt to European football.
“Now he is at that stage where he is a maturing player and over the next few years we will see that at United. It’s a good time for him to come to us.
“We shouldn’t be looking at one player changing the way we play, but he could make a difference.
“He can give us that bit extra in the final third of the field. If his goalscoring record continues he could be a very good player for us.”
Ferguson was also quick to dismiss any suggestion that Kagawa may struggle to adapt to his new surroundings in England, saying his new charge should have no trouble learning the language.
Alongside Kagawa, the club also presented 18 year-old former Crewe prodigy Nick Powell, who had a breakthrough year in League Two, finishing the league campaign with 14 goals, including a sensational volley in the play-off final.
Ferguson said the club had tracked Powell for some time, but decided to move for him shortly before the end of last season, saying he sees his future in a more reserved midfield role.
“We were watching Nick from when he first came into the Crewe team last November and did very well,” Ferguson said. “It got towards the tail-end of the season and we got more serious about him.”

Van der Vaart set for Tottenham stay

Tottenham attacker Rafael van der Vaart has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from White Hart Lane.
With reports circling for some time that the Dutch international is seeking to move closer to his wife who works in Europe, both Schalke and Hamburg are thought to have been in the running for his signature.
However, with nothing concrete on the table, it looks as if he has been priced out of a move and is set to stay.
“It’s unbelievable how my name is speculated around Europe. I can only say these are only speculations. I will probably stay at Tottenham,” van der Vaart told Bild.
With former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas now at the helm, a number of first-team regulars futures are up in the air in what promises to be a summer of high turnover and transition at Tottenham.
After enjoying a fruitful three-year spell with Hamburg from 2005-08, the 29-year-old has refused to rule out a return to Germany in the future, though.
He continued: “Maybe it will happen anytime in the future.”
Van der Vaart moved to England in 2010 after being frozen out of the side at Real Madrid and has since gone on to score 24 league goals in 61 games under Harry Redknapp’s tenure.

Philippines eye AFF Cup success

Philippines team manager Dan Palami believes his side will not go into the 2012 AFF Cup as underdogs.
Palami says his team’s remarkable performance in 2010, which saw them go undefeated in the group stage on the way to a semi-final loss to Indonesia, has given them enough credit to ensure an automatic qualification into this edition’s final stage.
“We are not coming in as a surprise team anymore. We are coming in as one of the favourites,” Palami said.
Regarding their chances in a Group A that will also include Thailand and Vietnam in addition to the winner of the qualification round, Palami said his team would be ready, despite wishing that the draw had played out differently.
“If we want to win, we have to beat the strongest teams. That is the only way to go about it,” he said.
Philippines have been scheduled to face the host Thailand in their opening match on November 24 at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

Altintop set for Gala move

Hamit Altintop is on the brink of completing a transfer from Real Madrid to Galatasaray after arriving at the Turkish club’s training camp.
The 29-year-old midfielder has been tipped to leave Real since the end of last season after failing to make his mark at the Santiago Bernabeu following a free transfer from Bayern Munich in May 2011.
The two clubs are yet to confirm the transfer, but Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim told the club’s TV on Thursday the player has joined up with his players for pre-season.
“Hamit is an important transfer,” Terim said.
“I would like to welcome him personally.
“We have got a player who will be useful for many years. All of our club will benefit.”
The Turkey international, who will start training with the rest of the squad on Friday, also commented on the move, saying: “I believe we have done everything properly. There are no more issues.”
“Tomorrow, I will start working to achieve our targets.”
Hamit began his professional career with Wattenscheid in 2000 and also spent four years at Schalke between 2003 and 2007 before joining Bayern.

UEFA to stick with extra officials

UEFA will continue to use additional assistant referees in the forthcoming season’s cup competitions, the governing body has announced.
The extra officials were initially tested in European Under-19 qualifying competitions in 2008 before being trialled in the 2009/10 Europa League group stages.
Subsequently, trials were then expanded to include the 2011/12 Champions League competition and Euro 2012.
The officials do not have the authority to make independent decisions, and are intended to act as an aid to the match referee in goal-line and penalty area incidents.
A statement on the UEFA website said: “This (decision) follows the International Football Association Board (IFAB)’s unanimous decision on 5 July 2012 to amend the Laws of the Game and allow the use of such extra officials, acknowledging the support they can provide in officiating matches, following the successful trials that were conducted in various competitions over the last few years.”
The decision comes despite the extra official failing to intervene when a legitimate goal was not awarded to Ukraine in their Euro 2012 group match against England last month.
That incident prompted FIFA and the IFAB to approve the introduction of goal-line technology, with the global governing body and UEFA seemingly at odds about which strategy to pursue.

Roma seal Lucca deal

Roma have announced that they have completed the signing of midfielder Jonatan Lucca from Internacional.
The 18-year-old Brazilian has signed a five-year contract with Roma after the two clubs agreed on a 700,000-euro deal.
Lucca, who has already joined up with the rest of the Roma squad at the club’s pre-season training camp in Switzerland, caught the eye of several European sides after impressing for Internacional’s youth team.
He moves to the Stadio Olimpico just days after his new team also completed the signing of another Brazilian, Corinthians defender Leandro Castan.
Roma finished in seventh position in Serie A last season, which saw the club replace Luis Enrique with Zdenek Zeman at the end of the campaign.

Beckham out to fell Timbers

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham says his side are confident ahead of Saturday’s game with Portland Timbers in the MLS.
Reigning MLS champions Galaxy have endured a mixed campaign to date.
They beat Chicago Fire 2-0 away from home in their last fixture, but had suffered successive defeats to Philadelphia Union and San Jose Earthquakes prior to that.
On Saturday they make the trip north to face Portland Timbers, and David Beckham is expecting a typically warm reception from the Oregon natives.
John Spencer, Timbers coach in their inaugural MLS campaign last season, was sacked this month, and replaced on an interim basis by former Portland player Gavin Wilkinson.
“It is always a tough place to go, there is a passionate crowd of 30,00 people (at Portland) and they are a passionate team,” Beckham said.
“We know it is going to be a tough game. Obviously John Spencer being fired from their team and a new manager coming in, sometimes that can be a good thing for a team.
“A team can come together and show a lot of unity. I wish John all the best because he is a good guy and a good manager, but with their team this could be a good thing for them and we shall see.”
Following the clash with the Timbers, Galaxy have another away fixture against Canadian club Vancouver Whitecaps, and striker Robbie Keane knows the squad’s depth will be put to the test.
“The next three games we have coming up (are crucial),” Keane said.
“We have got three games on the road before coming back here (Los Angeles) to play Chivas.
“It is certainly a big couple of weeks for us so these are the games when you need the whole squad of players to pull together. There are going to be a lot players needed in the next few games so it is important everyone is ready for it.”

Beckham to be involved in London Games

David Beckham has revealed he will be involved in the London Olympics despite missing selection in the Great Britain football squad.
The 37-year-old midfielder – who plays his club football with the LA Galaxy in the United States – did a bulk of work in helping London win the rights to host the 2012 Games.
He was controversially left out of Stuart Pearce’s 18-man squad but the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player said he will have some role to play in the Olympics, despite being very disappointed with his non-selection.
“Getting the Olympics was one of the proudest moments (of my life), to be involved with the bid team,” Beckham said.
“It was an incredible moment and obviously all the talk of me possibly performing in the Olympics, it would have been a very proud moment for me.
“Everyone knows how proud I am to represent my country and to do it in my home town and on such a big stage would have been incredible so of course I am disappointed. Life goes on, I am healthy and my family are healthy and at the end of the day I will be there to support the GB team.
“We have got some incredible athletes in every event and it is going to be a proud moment to be there and to know I was part of bringing the Olympics to the East End of London, I am proud of that.
“I have been speaking to Seb Coe (Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games) and a few other people about what I am going to be doing and it is yet to be decided but I will be part of it in some way.
“It is not out there yet but we have talked about a few things.”
The 2012 London Olympics begin on June 27 and run until August 12.

Tore set for Hamburg exit

Turkey international Gokhan Tore is reportedly on the verge of leaving Bundesliga club Hamburg.
The 20-year-old forward was one of the three players who left Chelsea for Hamburg in the off season, making 22 Bundesliga appearances as the German club narrowly avoided relegation.
It is understood coach Thorsten Fink is unhappy with Tore’s attitude and is considering letting the starlet leave, with Maximilian Beister and Son Heung-Min ahead of him in the battle for a first-team berth.
Hamburg, who must raise funds if they are strengthen their squad, have set an asking price of five million euros for the player, with Chelsea entitled to 50 percent of the transfer fee.
Galatasaray are understood to be monitoring Tore’s situation, while a delegation from Russian club Rubin Kazan arrived in Hamburg earlier this week to engage in talks.

Arbeloa warns Spain of Benzema threat

Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa has heaped praise on France forward Karim Benzema ahead of their Euro 2012 quarter-final meeting in Donetsk.
Benzema is yet to get off the mark in the tournament but Arbeloa feels that for all of France’s attacking options, the former Lyon forward is the principal threat to Spain’s chances of progressing to the last four on Saturday.
“They are a really balanced team with a lot of talent up front,” Arbeloa told EFE.
“Logically, a lot of the attention is on Benzema, (Franck) Ribery and, with the form he’s in, (Samir) Nasri. They’re game-changers.
“But at the moment Benzema’s the king of the jungle.
“Karim is one of the best players in the world today and the people who are lucky enough to see him every day are even more aware that nobody has his intelligence for the game.”

Muntari out for six months

AC Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari will spend six months on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery, the club has confirmed.
The Ghana international has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and was forced to have surgery to correct the problem at the La Madonnina clinic in Milan on Tuesday.
A statement on the Serie A club’s website read: “Milan would like to announce that Sulley Muntari has undergone surgery for the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
“The recovery time is around five to six months, excluding complications.”
Muntari put in several consistent displays after joining Milan on loan at the start of the year, and was reported to be set to sign a permanent deal.

Hummels eager for early opener

Germany centre-back Mats Hummels is hoping his side can grab an early goal in their Euro 2012 quarter-final against Greece.
Joachim Loew’s side were the only team to finish the Euro 2012 group stage with a perfect record, finishing top of Group B with three wins from three games, and now face Greece in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Hummels said his team were fully focused heading into the match.
“We don’t want to go out at the quarter-finals, especially not after such a strong showing in the group stages, so we are going into the game extremely motivated and ready,” he told dfb.de.
“We don’t want to make it an exciting and close game. We want to take the lead early.”
Hummels believes Fernando Santos’ side will defend deep and invite pressure, and that Germany cannot afford to be profligate in front of goal.
“That is at least how I expect them to play but we will see,” he said. “I would be surprised if they are the more active of the two sides.
“It depends on how you approach teams like this. We’re naturally going to have more of the possession and it is important to be clinical with the few chances we will create against a team that sits so deep.
“The difficult thing will be not to be caught on the counter-attack and we have to be careful on set-pieces as well.”
Though Loew’s side successfully navigated the ‘Group of Death’, Hummels believes there is still room for improvement.
“Results wise we are doing well but there are still things we can improve on from an individual perspective which we are hoping to see in our game against Greece,” the Borussia Dortmund defender said.

Gomes eyeing Spurs starting spot

Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has vowed to fight for a starting berth at White Hart Lane.
The Brazilian was constantly left on the bench as Harry Redknapp favoured American Brad Friedel, but with the former Portsmouth manager no longer in charge of Tottenham, Gomes is prepared to battle for his place.
Former PSV Eindhoven shot-stopper Gomes had previously made it clear he wanted to move away from north London in search of first-team football.
“It was a very hard season, I was desperate to leave,” Gomes told Arena SporTV. “Now things have changed, as the manager left last week.”
He also spoke of his ambition to get back into the Brazil national squad, and intends to show selectors what he can offer on the pitch.
“I want to return to the national team but I have to play first,” Gomes said.
“Once I’m playing again, my focus will be on returning to the national team. I know how good it is to be there.
“Of course, they are rejuvenating the national team, but I’m only 31, which is a good age. I’ll do very well this season.”
The goalkeeper only managed four appearances last season, with none of those coming in the English Premier League.

Lille complete Martin signing

Lille have announced the signing of highly-rated attacker Marvin Martin from Sochaux.
The 24-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year contract with the 2011 Ligue 1 champions after the two clubs agreed on a reported deal worth 10 million euros.
Sochaux president Alexandre Lacombe had revealed earlier in the month that an agreement had been reached between the clubs, but only now have Lille officially unveiled the player.
“I am very happy,” Martin told Lille’s official website. “I wanted to sign for Lille because they are an ambitious club I have been interested in for a long time.
“You can talk about a real choice here, and I hope from all my heart that everything will go well.”
Martin, who has 14 France caps to his name, has made two appearances at Euro 2012, both as a substitute

Kaka eyes ´dream´ MLS move

Real Madrid playmaker Kaka is dreaming of a move to MLS, according to his agent.
Diogo Kotscho, the Brazilian star’s representative, told the New York Post that his client wants to play in the United States in the near future.
“We don’t speak about (negotiations) even if it is a rumour (or not). What I can say to you right now is that Kaka has a dream to live in the US and play in MLS,” Kotscho said.
Injury-plagued seasons and competition from other star signings have pushed the former AC Milan sensation to the bench at the Santiago Bernabeu with speculation mounting he will move elsewhere.
Kaka, 30, has only appeared in 65 league games for Real Madrid since joining the La Liga champions in 2009.
While Kotscho said the 2002 World Cup winner is considering a move to America, he also made it clear that nothing is imminent.
“If it isn’t now, in the future probably he will join MLS,” Kotscho said.

Greece deserve quarter-final place, says Salpigidis

Greece forward Dimitris Salpigidis insists his side deserve to be in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 ahead of their showdown against Germany.
The 2004 European champions progressed from Group A at the expense of Russia, and Salpigidis is keen to extend his nation’s journey at Euro 2012 by beating Joachim Loew’s men.
“We are at the quarter-finals. The teams that have made it deserve to be here,” Salpigidis said during a press conference.
“I am glad that we made it this far. Obviously it’s going to be a tough game, but we’ll do anything for the victory.”
Giorgos Karagounis will be suspended for the match, and Salpigidis paid tribute to his veteran captain.
“Karagounis is a key player for us and it’s not good for Greece to lose his services,” he said.
“We will play for him on Friday. All the other players are ready to fill the void.”

Amaro throws support behind del Bosque

Spain remain the favourites to win Euro 2012 with Vicente del Bosque at the helm, according to Real Madrid legend Amancio Amaro.
The 61-year-old tactician has been questioned over his decision to exclude the likes of Fernando Torres and Fernando Llorente from his starting line-up in favour of an extra midfielder, but Amaro insists the decisions are all part of a bigger plan.
“Spain are a very strong team who remain favourites for the title. It may not be easy, but we have a team complete in every department,” Amaro told Goal.com.
“Naturally, every supporter is entitled to his own opinion on the line-up employed, but del Bosque said it clearly, the inclusion of an extra midfielder is to retain possession of the ball for as long as possible.
“Del Bosque is very mature, and knows that criticism when things don’t go our way is as normal as praise when circumstances do favour us. It’s only natural our opponents create chances. For now, we should be happy for qualification to the quarter-finals.”
Amaro was left with no doubt when naming who he thought was fundamental to Spain, and reserved special praise for Real Madrid duo Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos.
“I would always consider Casillas, Ramos, (Andres) Iniesta, (Sergio) Busquets, Xavi and (Xabi) Alonso essential in my team,” he said.
“Casillas is captain based on merit, and proved his worth when saving from Ivan Rakitic (in Spain’s 1-0 win over Croatia). Ramos was born to exceed 100 international caps and win many trophies in his career. His many virtues make him an undisputed player for Spain and Real Madrid.”
Spain, the reigning European champions, will continue their defence of the trophy when they take on France in the quarter-finals.

Navas dismisses criticism of Spain

Spain attacker Jesus Navas says his side are ignoring criticism regarding their performance in the 1-0 victory over Croatia.
Vicente del Bosque’s team had to wait until the final minutes for Navas’ match-winning strike and came close to going behind to Slaven Bilic’s men on several occasions.
However, the Sevilla forward says Spain are still well placed to succeed at Euro 2012 and has called for perspective.
“We are distancing ourselves from that criticism,” Navas told reporters. “We are only thinking about football, about going through and about what happens on the pitch.
“We are confident, we were first in the group. There is a lot of desire and confidence about going very far in the tournament.
“It is a key to remain calm for big matches and we are on the right path.”
The Spaniard went on to insist that he and the squad are high on confidence after safely navigating the group stage.
“I feel confident,” Navas said. “This is important. I am really eager to play and to keep enjoying.
“We are scoring, with or without a number nine, because we have a variety of players. We all feel very comfortable.”
The 26-year-old also gave his thoughts on his side’s opponents in the tournament’s quarter-finals, Laurent Blanc’s France.
“Every team can make things difficult for you,” Navas said. “We only have to think about ourselves.
“France will go out trying to win the match. Their defence is strong, just like their midfield. They have quick players to play on the counter and we will have to be very careful.”

Trabzonspor line up bid for Bolton´s Lee

Trabzonspor coach Senol Gunes has targeted Lee Chung-Yong from relegated Premier League side Bolton as a potential recruit.
The pair know each other well from Gunes’ time as manager of FC Seoul from 2007-09, where he handed Lee his debut with the club.
Lee joined Bolton from Seoul in 2009 in a deal worth 2.5 million euros and has one year left on his contract.
But the 23 year old midfielder endured a torrid 2011-12 season, breaking his leg in pre-season before appearing as a substitute in the final two games as Owen Coyle’s side suffered relegation on the final day of the Premier League.
Gunes, who steered Trabzonspor into the Champions League last season, has hinted he would love to bring Lee to Turkey.
“Lee Chung-Yong has always been like a son to me,” Gunes told reporters at Incheon Airport, after visiting the Yeosu World Expo to promote his native country.
“I will explore all the possibilities to sign him.
“I will contact him while I stay in Korea.”
Trabzonspor ended the Turkish Super Lig campaign in third place last season.

Rooney ready to make amends

Wayne Rooney has admitted his red card against Montenegro in October was ‘stupid’ as he will miss England’s first two games at Euro 2012.
Rooney was sent off in England’s final European Championship qualifier for kicking out at defender Miodrag Dzudovic and is now ineligible for England’s group matches against France and Sweden.
The Manchester United striker revealed he ‘regretted it as soon as I did it’.
“It was a stupid thing to do,” Rooney said.
“I regretted it as soon as I did it. I honestly don’t know why I did it.
“It was just one of those moments which I live to regret now.”
Rooney is confident that his England team-mates can do a good job without him before he is available for his country’s final group match against co-hosts Ukraine.
“We’ve got a big squad and a good squad so there’s going to be players available to take over and play the first two games,” the 26-year-old said.
“I just have to make sure I’m in there, getting in amongst the players and getting in the spirit with the players for that first week.”
Rooney believes he owes England’s fans a good performance at international level.
At Euro 2004 his tournament started impressively but ended when he was injured and substituted after 27 minutes of England’s quarter-final loss to Portugal.
Two years later Rooney suffered a metatarsal injury just before the 2006 World Cup, recovered to play in a group match against Trinidad & Tobago but was then red-carded for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho in another quarter-final loss to Portugal.
The Three Lions failed to qualify for Euro 2008 under Steve McClaren, while at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, England’s disappointing campaign included Rooney criticising England fans as he left the pitch after a lacklustre goalless draw with Algeria.
“To be honest in all the tournaments, apart from the first tournament at Euro 2004 maybe, the others have ended in disappointment for England and me personally as well,” Rooney said.
“So it’s something I want to put right.”

Could low expectations help England this summer?

England are preparing for their first game under new boss Roy Hodgson. The friendly against Norway marks the start of a new era in English football.
With the European Championship just over two weeks away Hodgson will have his work cut-out to get his ideas across to his players.
Expectations
England have gone into most international competitions in recent times with big expectations. They have even been favourites with some bookmakers for recent international competitions. However I believe that was because of over-enthusiastic fans hyping the team up.
The whole country gets carried away when England have any sort of success and tends to suffer a bout of depression if the team loses.
I suppose that sums up our football culture. Prior to the start of every international tournament there is this mass wave of optimism in the country that England is finally going to claim silverware.
However, there seems to be little expectation about the England team this time around. Hardly anybody is predicting that England will win the competition and there are no big claims of being the best team in the world.
As a Englishman it feels very unsettling for the country not to be optimistic about our chances of success at a major tournament. However, this could be England’s secret weapon at the Euro’s.
Surprise
England head into the European Championship with a new boss. A new boss means new ideas, so England could just surprise people. The team hasn’t been at their best in the past few months but still qualified for the tournament with relative ease.
Some teams will definitely underestimate the Three Lions and maybe Roy Hodgson’s side can take advantage of that complacency.

Spirit
I’ve heard various players and managers from other nations saying that having a new manager could help team spirit. Maybe they believe that England could produce a performance out of adversity. The team certainly haven’t had long to prepare under Hodgson.
Pressure
The lack of expectancy certainly means that the players will feel under less pressure to perform. Maybe that will give them a freedom in their play that has been missing. At times some England players have looked like rabbits in headlights.
They freeze on the big occasions and don’t produce their best form. With a lack of expectation maybe the team can perform to their maximum and surprise everybody.
Winners
I have to admit I don’t think England have a good enough team to win the European Championship. Most people in England know that and that’s why expectations are so low for Euro 2012.
The Three Lions don’t have enough world-class players to compete with the likes of Germany, Holland or Spain. Football is a funny old game though as a famous ex-footballer used to say and you just never know. England could surprise everybody with their performance but I very much doubt it.
Future
Roy Hodgson must use the European Championship as a stepping stone for the future. He’s came in too late to put his ideas across and bring in his own players, so he really hasn’t had much choice but to select players from the previous regime.
Most people in England have written-off England’s chances at the Euro’s and are focusing on building good foundations for the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. I hope by then England will have a stronger team and a manager who is more settled into his role.
Could low expectations help England this summer?

J.League wrap: Late winner defeats leaders

An injury-time winner from Takuro Yajima has stolen a 3-2 win for Kawasaki Frontale over J. League leaders Vegalta Sendai.
With second-placed Sanfrecce Hiroshima defeating Consadole Sapporo 3-1, Sendai’s lead at the top of the table was cut to just two points on Saturday.
After going behind to Yu Kobayashi’s 21st minute opener, Sendai equalised three minutes later when Shingo Tomita scored and were 2-1 up nine minutes into the second half thanks to a goal from Wilson.
But Sendai could not hold onto their lead and Kawasaki tied the match in the 61st minute thanks to Kyohei Noborizato before Yajima ignited the home crowd with the deciding goal three minutes into injury time.
In Sapporo, Hiroshima were too strong for the bottom-placed side thanks to goals from Hisato Sato, Satoru Yamagishi and Koji Morisaki.
A 90th-minute header from Masato Morishige saved FC Tokyo from defeat to Urawa Red Diamonds.
Urawa looked certain to take home the three points when Marcio Richardes slotted home in the 89th minute after a great run from Yosuke Kashigawa.
But just a minute later Morishige powered the ball into the net from a corner to claim a 1-1 draw.
Jubilo Iwata had a big win smashing Omiya Ardija 4-0 with two goals from Ryoichi Maeda, while Shimizu S-Pulse were held to a 0-0 draw by Yokohama F. Marinos.
Those two results allowed Jubilo to move above Shimizu into third.
In the other league matches, reigning champions Kashiwa Reysol overcame Albirex Niigata 2-0 and Kashima Antlers claimed a 2-1 victory away to Vissel Kobe.

Roma look to Pellegrini

Roma have approached Malaga about Manuel Pellegrini, according to the coach’s agent.
The Serie A club need a new coach after Luis Enrique’s lacklustre stint ended, and have looked to Spain once more.
Pellegrini led the Andalusian side to fourth in La Liga and the coach’s representative has confirmed that the Italian capital city side have been in touch.
“He’s very happy with the experience in Malaga,” Jesus Martinez told Onda Cero.
“Other decisions of the club have nothing to do with him and his clear aim is to continue Malaga’s project with enthusiasm.
“Rumours of contact with Liverpool are not real. Roma called to know his situation but remember that Pellegrini has a contract to fulfill and is proud to do so.
“There is nothing to talk about in the whole affair,” he said.
Pellegrini has previously enjoyed spells in La Liga with Real Madrid and Villarreal.

Dzeko to stay at City

Striker Edin Dzeko will stay at Manchester City as he still has unfinished business at the Etihad Stadium.
Dzeko faces serious competition to get into the squad next season, let alone the first team, if manager Roberto Mancini buys players such as Eden Hazard and Robin van Persie.
Dzeko contributed 14 goals towards City’s title-winning campaign, including a bullet header to bring the score to 2-2 in the dramatic last-gasp win over QPR on the final day.
Mancini often preferred to use Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez as his main striking options but despite the rumours that he could join Italian champions Juventus, the 26-year-old is determined to prove his critics wrong and fire City to a second successive title.
He told Sky Sports: “No, it’s not worrying me because I think I’ve shown that I can play at Man City and that I deserve to play. I’ve scored some very important goals.”
Dzeko, who is expected to line up for Bosnia-Herzegovina in their international friendlies this week, added: “I’m still at Manchester City. For Man City I’m not thinking about my future. I’m just thinking about the games against Ireland and Mexico.
“The coach decides who plays and I respect that. I always tried to do my best all season, even when I didn’t play.
“At the end I scored a goal, maybe one of the most important goals in City’s history, and I’m so proud of that.”

Valbuena eyes Euro success

Mathieu Valbuena admits that France are ambitious going into Euro 2012 and feel they can cause an upset at the tournament.
Laurent Blanc hopes to lead Les Bleus to a more successful tournament than their failure in the 2010 World Cup, and the Olympique de Marseille man has talked up his side’s chances.
“We want to rebuild the image of the France team,” the attacker said.
“We knew the World Cup was going to stick with us for quite some time.
“We will show great things at the Euros. We are ambitious. There is quality in this group. Many things have changed.
“Everybody is concentrating, focused on this objective to have a great tournament. We are not favourites, some nations are more advanced than us, but we are capable of causing an upset.”
It was a poor 2011-12 campaign for Valbuena’s club Marseile, who finished mid-table in Ligue 1, but the 27-year-old is confident that Didier Deschamps’ men can come back stronger next term.
“Tenth place is not worthy of a club like OM. This will be my first year without the Champions League. We must say that it was an accident,” he said.
“There are many requirements for OM and next year we will show something better. It feels good that the campaign is over. I will not deny that it was time it ended. It was a disastrous season.
“We tell ourselves that we must improve. I trust the board to give us a competitive team that can finish in the top three places in Ligue 1.”

Olsen relishing Brazil test

Denmark boss Morten Olsen believes their friendly against Brazil on Saturday is an ideal warm-up match for Euro 2012.
The Scandinavian nation take on Mano Menezes’ men at the Imtech Arena in Hamburg, before facing Australia next weekend.
Olsen feels that the South American powerhouse will test his side, but will give him an idea of the Danes’ standing going into the tournament in Ukraine and Poland.
“We are happy to play them. We picked them specifically ahead of Euro. They are technically skilled and we want to measure ourselves against them,” he said.
“It is important to draw conclusions from the game and erase any mistakes that were made.”
Denmark have been drawn in Group B alongside Netherlands, Germany and Portugal, but despite a difficult pool Olsen is still confident of recreating the unexpected success of the 1992 tournament.
“We are not favourites but of course we have a chance. The others have to advance, we want to advance,” he said.
Meanwhile, Menezes said the selection of young players in his squad was made with the 2014 World Cup in mind.
A number of senior players have not travelled for the game, with Menezes claiming that the Olympics and World Cup in his homeland in two years’ time played a major part in his selection process.
“It is a young team, younger than Denmark. The goal is the Olympic team. We are renovating the team and need young players for 2014,” he said.
Brazil go to North America after the game, with a fixture against the United States on May 30 before taking on Mexico and Argentina on June 3 and 9 respectively.
The former Corinthians boss has vowed to pick a stronger contingent for those games, and will potentially reintroduce the likes of Neymar to the group.
“The team in the U.S will be stronger. And for the last two games I have more time to train with the players,” he said.

Buffon: Balotelli would suit Juve

Gianluigi Buffon said he believed temperamental Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli would fit in at Juventus.
The Etihad Stadium forward has been linked with a move back to his homeland this summer, and his international team-mate feels he would be a success in Turin.
“Would Balotelli fit in at Juve? I’d see him do well here, as he’d fit in with all the strongest teams in the world,” Buffon told Sky Sport Italia.
“He has potential and now we can say a little more than that, because he also proved in many occasions that he can decide a game.
“If Mario came to Juventus he’d certainly become an idol for the fans. He is one of those characters who are in certain ways denigrated – even hated – by opposition fans, but is idolised by his own supporters.”
Juve lifted the Serie A title with an unbeaten campaign in 2011-12, and Buffon has been quick to herald the impact of coach Antonio Conte.
“The coach has been put at the centre of the project with his beliefs and his knowledge of Juve. In general you can never tell quite how much a coach affects a team, but I can say with certainty that our tactician has made a huge impact, more than anyone else, on this campaign,” he said.
“It was possible because the team and club wanted to follow him.”
Finally, Buffon praised outgoing attacker Alessandro Del Piero, who will leave the Turin side this off-season.
“We lose a lot without Alex. First of all I am losing a friend and a companion. We were together for 11-12 years and they were full of incidents, good and less good. There is enormous disappointment to be saying goodbye, as more than ever this year he has shown how he helps the Juve cause,” he said.
“There was never a moment in which we heard him complain, as he always trained hard and set an example to the squad. In fact, he scored three or four goals that proved to be decisive.”

M´Vila has no post-Euro plans

France international Yann M’Vila has stated that his club future will not be decided until after Euro 2012.
The Rennes midfielder is in high demand and has been linked with a big-money move to both Arsenal and Inter, but as yet his future remains in doubt.
With the 21-year-old part of Laurent Blanc’s squad to travel to Ukraine and Poland, M’Vila said nothing will be confirmed until after the competition.
“I think my future will be resolved after Euro 2012,” he told RMC Sport.
“I do not think about it. I am only thinking about the France team. If I have to sign in August, I will. The France team comes first.”
M’Vila was recently arrested for assault, but he feels that incident does not warrant a bad-boy label.
“These are teething problems. Basically, I am a very calm and nice, but when you disrespect me I lose my cool,” he added.
“I have seen it in the press – it is sad for those who support you, your loved ones. I have two kids and I do not feel like they think their father is bad. I have started to get the label of a French bad boy. I do not want it.
“I hope clubs tracking me understand that I am not like that at all.”
M’Vila made 50 club appearances in the 2011-12 season, scoring two goals and getting one assist.

Lampard concerned by Drogba void

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard concedes that the departure of striker Didier Drogba will leave a ‘massive hole’ in the Blues’ team.
The Ivorian forward announced on Tuesday that he had decided not to extend his contract beyond the current season and would seek a new club.
Drogba capped off his eight-year spell in west London by scoring the equalising goal and winning penalty in the Champions League final on Saturday, and Lampard hailed his former team-mate as one of the best the Premier League has ever seen.
“I didn’t see Didier get too many mentions when they were voting for the Premier League team of the past 20 years,” Lampard told The Sun.
“Maybe that’s because people like to make a fuss about the other side of his game. But having played with him for the last eight years I tell you without a doubt that he’s the best striker I’ve ever played with.
“His all-round game is absolutely immense and what happened in Munich on Saturday night just confirmed what I have always believed about him. He should be right up there with Henry, Rooney and Bergkamp among the all-time greats.
“Didier is going to leave a massive hole at our club but I love him as a bloke and I can’t be disappointed he’s leaving because he deserves everything he gets.
“He deserves to go out on a massive finish like this and I just wish him all the best. It’s been an absolute pleasure to play with him and I’m sure he’ll make the right decision about his next move.
“Everything he said in his farewell press conference on Tuesday showed him to be an absolute gentleman and a great bloke.”
Drogba leaves the club having scored over 150 goals in all competitions, including six in eight appearances in Europe’s premier competition this season.
The 33-year-old Lampard also revealed that he had started to doubt whether his generation of Chelsea players would ever get their hands on the Champions League trophy, having suffered defeat in the final against Manchester United in 2008.
“It’s slowly sinking in just what we’ve achieved,” Lampard told talkSPORT. “It’s been such a long time coming and every year we’ve been asked ‘is this the one that’s going to elude you?’
“And, if you’re honest, you do start to wonder if you will miss out. I’m 33, Didier’s 34 and it’s well documented we’ve got a few older boys in the team.
“The Champions League gets harder every year, Barcelona and Real Madrid have improved. So the fact that we’ve finally won it with that kind of performance is something very special to all of us.”

Van der Wiel ready to quit Ajax

Ajax defender Gregory van der Wiel has admitted that he wants to quit the club to take on a new challenge in the Premier League or La Liga.
Roma started a bidding war for the right-back earlier this month with an offer of five million euros on the table for the Dutchman.
With the race for his signature heating up, the defender reiterated his desire to move on to bigger things and listed England or Spain as the ideal locations to further his career.
“I feel for me it’s time to go, I want to make a step to a bigger club. But now I’m just going to focus on the European (Championships) and see what comes,” he told Goal.com.
“Maybe (Euro 2012 is a showcase for me) but I think big clubs already know how I can play and what my skills are. I’m not feeling like this is a show, a final show, but of course if you play well at the Europeans it helps a lot.
“There are two competitions that I like the most, England and Spain.
“The last two years I’m always being connected to such clubs. I don’t focus on that, and my manager only tells me if they’re really concrete interest.
“I’m playing Champions League with Ajax too so that’s the level I want to play at, but you never know how it goes.”
Despite his desire to leave, the 24-year-old was keen to praise the role that his boyhood club played in developing him into the player he is today.
“I was playing at Ajax when I was seven so I (didn’t) know (anything) else than football,” he said.
“I just liked the whole team. I use to play in the midfield but after a while I played central defender, and that’s where I made my debut with Ajax, as a central defender.
“They (Ajax legends Dennis Bergkamp and Frank De Boer) know everything about Ajax and how we want to play and they bring that on to the group so that really works for everybody.”

Vertonghen still keen on Spurs switch

Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen insists he is still keen to join Tottenham next season despite their failure to secure Champions League football.
The highly-rated 25-year-old has long been linked with a move to north London, with Arsenal also thought to have previously been interested.
And although Chelsea’s win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final cost Spurs their place in Europe’s top competition next season, the Belgian says he ranks the White Hart Lane outfit as his ‘preferred option’.
“I never said that I will only leave Ajax for Tottenham. I only said that they are my preferred option,” he told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwesblad.
“I have a good feeling with the club and that matters to me. They have already invited me and want to wrap this up shortly.
“Tottenham missing out on the Champions League doesn’t play a role in my decision, but it could have consequences for their transfer budget.
“They’ve told me that I’m their only option and that’s a big compliment.”
The centre-back also stressed that, while he would prefer a move during pre-season, a decision on his future will be made before the end of the month.
“The transfer talk doesn’t really affect me. I didn’t expect that I’d feel hardly any stress. If the move doesn’t happen now, I’ll stay at Ajax for another season, and can then leave on a free transfer,” he said.
“The chance that we will know more in the next 10 days is rather small. I just want to start pre-season at my new team.”

Kuyt talks up HSV move

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has confirmed reports linking him with a move to Hamburger SV.
The Dutch striker is unhappy with his status at Anfield and is looking to leave the club in search of first team football.
After declaring his exit plans, the 32-year-old was linked with a number of high-profile sides and he has already rejected an offer from former club Feyenoord.
The player admits that he could stay at Liverpool should the new coach promise him regular playing time.
“If Liverpool get a new coach who wants to keep me and wants to give me more games than last season, then that is a possibility,” Kuyt told Bild.
The Dutch international, however, admits he is tempted by the prospect of joining Hamburger SV.
“Yes. HSV is an option. I am proud that such a great, wonderful club have shown interest in me. But, there are other offers.”
Asked whether he plans to decide on his future after the European Championship, Kuyt answered affirmatively.
“Yes. Everything is settled with my agent Rob Jansen. My agent knows what I want. He controls everything for me.”
Kuyt is now set to leave Liverpool after spending six years at Anfield, during five of which he was considered a key player in the side.
However, he has seen his first team chances limited last season and has only scored 2 goals in 34 Premier League appearances.

Gerrard: England will learn from previous heartbreak

England captain Steven Gerrard insists that the Three Lions squad will leave their egos behind for this year’s Euro 2012.
The 31-year-old blamed unrealistic pre-tournament expectations for past failures, but believes that this year the pressure has been lifted somewhat.
And Gerrard, who has been capped 90 times by his country, insists previous heartbreaks will stand the country in good stead for the summer.
“Usually the experience I’ve had going into tournaments is always the golden generation are going to win it, we’re going to do this,” he told the Daily Mirror.
“We put two or three results together and the nation gets carried away and also the players start believing that we’re great. Maybe we go into tournaments believing we’re better than we are.
“I don’t want to be too hard and we have been close, but I feel for the tools that we have got and the players we have had, I do feel we should have done better.
“I think this time there’s a lot of realism about. Expectations are maybe down because we’ve not performed and we haven’t delivered in the previous tournaments.
“That doesn’t mean we’re not going to go into this tournament with belief and confidence that we can cause an upset.
“The pressure and the expectation seems to be slightly in our favour this time rather than a hindrance and weight on our shoulders so we’re hoping we can use that to our advantage.”
The Huyton-born midfielder also reflected on his appointment as skipper under new boss Roy Hodgson, admitting it has been a dream for a long time.
“Throughout my career, since I was a young boy, a lot of people have said that maybe one day I would captain England,” he said.
“My dad has been saying for a long time that he would love me to captain England so it’s just nice to make my family feel proud and they’re chuffed to bits.
“I’ve never been totally confident I would get it because under Steve McClaren and (Fabio) Capello, I’ve missed out on it to other people.
“So it feels as if it has been a long time coming and now I’m going to give it my best shot.”

Borussia Dortmund in controversial swoop for Stuttgart flop

Borussia Dortmund are set to launch an assault on Stuttgart forward Julian Schieber, according to Bild.
The Bundesliga champions are searching for a replacement for striker Lucas Barrios, who has agreed a move to Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande.
According to Bild, BVB have signaled their attention to sign Stuttgart striker Julian Schieber.
The 23-year-old, who has just over a year left on his contract at Mercedes-Benz Arena, has rejected a new contract offer from the Swabians, adding fuel to speculations linking him with a move to Borussia Dortmund.
Stuttgart chiefs are surprised by the player’s decision, but they are aware that cashing in on the forward this summer would be the best possible solution and have, therefore, slapped a €9 million price tag.
Borussia are only willing to bid up to the €6 million mark, but the odds are the two clubs will reach an agreement before the transfer window opens in the summer.
Schieber hasn’t had the best of seasons this term, having scored just 3 goals in 18 Bundesliga appearances.

Khedira sets sights on lifting Euro 2012 trophy

Sami Khedira says Germany will not settle for anything less than the title at this year’s Euro 2012 tournament.
The Germans were beaten 1-0 in the Euro 2008 final by Spain, while they were eliminated by the same opponent in the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup.
However, the Real Madrid midfielder feels that Germany have made plenty of progress since South Africa, and insists that winning Euro 2012 is all that matters.
“I can only agree with Lukas (Podolski) that winning Euro 2012 is all that counts for us,” Khedira told Kicker.
“We had already set our sights on winning the title at the 2010 World Cup, and we’re even more experienced now. The players know how to cope with the pressure. We have made a lot of progress since 2010.”
Germany and Spain have been touted as two of the main favourites at Poland and Ukraine, but Khedira believes that the defending European champions could have a slight advantage.
“Are we on par with Spain? We haven’t achieved anything yet,” he said.
“Spain have won the Euros and the World Cup. They have made history. They have already won a lot and that could make the difference this summer.
“I’m not saying that they’re no longer hungry for more, but it’s very hard to recharge year after year. Successfully defending a title is very difficult. I believe that we’re hungrier for success as we desperately want this title.”
Germany start Euro 2012 with the Group B match against Portugal on June 9.

International friendly preview: Italy v Luxembourg

World powerhouse Italy and minnows Luxembourg meet in a friendly on Tuesday, the first match between the countries since 1981.
The two nations have faced off on six previous occasions, all in World Cup qualifiers, during which the Italians scored 19 goals while conceding just one.
Italian coach Cesare Prandelli has named five uncapped players in his provisional 32-man squad for Euro 2012 and is expected to announce his final 23 on May 29.
Mattia Destro (Siena), Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus), Ezequiel Schelotto (Atalanta), Luca Cigarini (Atalanta) and Marco Verratti (Pescara) have never represented the Azzurri at senior level.
Verratti, who secured promotion to the Serie A next season with Pescara, joins Angelo Ogbonna (Torino) as the only other second division player.
Prandelli has also included strikers Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano, while handing Salvatore Bocchetti a first call-up under his stewardship.
Balotelli returns to the squad after being left out of a friendly against the United States in February following a four-game suspension he received for stomping on Tottenham’s Scott Parker in January
Prandelli will use friendlies with Luxembourg and Russia on June 2 to fine-tune the Italians’ game plan ahead of Euro 2012 matches against holders Spain, Republic of Ireland and Croatia.
Luxembourg, who defeated Macedonia FYR 2-1 in their most recent match, will be looking to keep the score respectable.
Ranked 119th in the world, Luxembourg are likely to hand 17-year-old Chris Philipps just his second cap, while Maurice Deville, who is based at German club SV Elversberg, is expected to make his third appearance.
Deville, a 19-year-old striker, has scored twice in two appearances, with both goals coming in Luxembourg’s 2-1 win over Macedonia at the Josy Barthel Stadium.
Meanwhile, midfielder Rene Peters will equal Carlo Weis’ record of most appearances (87) for the national team.
Peters, a 30-year-old midfielder from local club Jeunesse Esch, has played 86 times for Luxembourg and could break the record against Malta next month.
Parma’s Stadio Ennio Tardini will host the match.

Bafana´s Josephs hangs up the gloves

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs has announced his retirement from international football with South Africa.
The 32-year-old will no longer represent Bafana Bafana, following almost a decade of service to the national team, most of which was spent as back-up to first-choice Kaizer Chiefs keeper Itumeleng Khune.
While many voices in the media have speculated that Josephs’ decision is as a result of the competition between himself and the Amakhosi shot-stopper, a statement released by the Cape Town-born player maintained that injury and family commitments were the source of this sudden change of heart.
“I have been fortunate to be a part of the South African national football team for the past nine years. I have represented South Africa on 22 occasions. On each of these occasions I have been proud and honoured to represent our Rainbow Nation,” his statement read.
“It is with a heavy heart, and after careful consideration and discussion with both my family and manager, that I have elected to retire from international football with immediate effect.
“At the age of 32, keeping in mind the injuries that I have sustained, together with my desire to prolong my career, and considering the fantastic young goalkeepers in our country, I believe that it is the correct time to ‘step aside’.
“In addition, I have spent very little time with my family in recent years, and I believe this decision will give me the opportunity to do so.”
Bafana’s first-choice keeper at the 2008 African Cup of Nations tournament ended his statement by wishing his former national team-mates luck in their World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia on June 1, and Botswana on June 9.
“I would like to thank Safa and all the managerial coaching staff for the honour and privilege they have afforded me by representing our national soccer team,” he said.
“I wish Pitso (national coach Pitso Mosimane) and the boys all the very best in their upcoming qualifiers!”

Milan opt against signing Aquilani, Maxi Lopez

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has confirmed reports that the club will not exercise the options to make loan deals of Alberto Aquilani and Maxi Lopez permanent.
The Rossoneri signed the Italian midfielder on loan from Liverpool last summer, with the option to make the transfer permanent for €8 million.
Even though the club chiefs are satisfied with Aquilani’s performances and would like to keep him at San Siro, they are not prepared to meet Liverpool’s valuation of the player.
“We will not use our option to buy Aquilani before May 31. We will reopen talks with Liverpool in June, though,” Galliani said at a press conference.
Meanwhile, Maxi Lopez arrived from Catania in a similar arrangement as a replacement for Antonio Cassano, but the Rossoneri no longer need the services of the Argentine striker.
“We are satisfied with what he has done, but we will not sign him. Maxi will return to Catania,” Galliani explained.
Maxi Lopez made a total of 11 appearances across three competitions for the Rossoneri and scored 2 goals in the process.
Milan have already agreed to sign Bakaye Traore from Nancy and Fiorentina’s Ricardo Montolivo.

Brazil Serie A wrap: Figueirense edge newcomers

Figueirense kicked off their 2012 campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over newly-promoted Nautico at the Orlando Scarpelli on Saturday.
In wet conditions, a late goal from Caio condemned the 10 men of Nautico to an opening round defeat.
The first half was a goalless affair but three goals in the final 15 minutes livened things up.
Fernandes, a 57th minute substitute, scored Figueirense’s opening goal after 76 minutes before Brazilian striker Araujo converted a spot kick four minutes later to equalise.
Nautico were then reduced to 10 men on 84 minutes when 28-year-old defender Marcio Rozario received a red card for a second bookable offense.
And as the visitors desperately defended for a point, Caio broke their hearts, scoring a goal with virtually the last kick of the game.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Sport Recife was the happier of the two sides, holding star-studded Flamengo to a 1-1 draw at home, while the match between Palmeiras and last season’s Serie B champions Portuguesa finished 1-1 in Sao Paulo.

Barcelona, Real congratulate Chelsea

Barcelona and Real Madrid have congratulated Chelsea for pipping Bayern Munich to the 2011-12 Champions League.
Didier Drogba scored the decisive penalty kick in the shootout to hand the Blues the first-ever European Cup in their 107-year history after 120 minutes could not separate either team at the Allianz Arena on Saturday as the game was deadlocked at 1-1 after extra time.
The two Spanish sides, who were widely expected to participate in Saturday’s final, were dumped out at the last-four stage of the competition by the finalists, but various members from Barcelona and Madrid have nonetheless applauded Roberto Di Matteo’s men for their achievement.
Barca’s official Twitter feed read: “Congratulations to @chelseafc for their first title in the Champions League!”
Defender Gerard Pique wrote: “Congrats to Chelsea! The new Champions League winners!”, while president Sandro Rosell said “Congratulations to Chelsea, champions of Europe”.
Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos was delighted for his Spain team-mates Juan Mata and Fernando Torres, who enjoyed their first taste of glory as European club champions.
“Congratulations to two good friends @juanmata10 and F.Torres. Congratulations winners .. ! Also keep your head up Robben,” Ramos wrote.
Xabi Alonso, however, was engrossed by the occasion: “Football drama II. Congrats Chelsea. Sorry for Bayern.”

Robben rues ´terrible´ missed penalty

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has spoken of his regret at having missed a vital penalty in the Champions League final loss to Chelsea.
The Germans were handed a massive opportunity to regain control of the match in extra time after Didier Drogba had fouled Franck Ribery in the box, but Robben’s spot-kick was weak as Petr Cech dived to his left to save.
The Dutchman admits he is struggling to come to terms with not only the disappointment of Bayern failing to lift a fifth European Cup, but also the impact of his penalty miss, which he feels may have contributed to his side’s eventual downfall.
Chelsea won 4-3 on penalties after the teams were locked at 1-1 after normal time.
“I can’t describe how I feel with words, but it’s been a terrible night,” Robben said after the game.
“Two or three times you feel you have the cup in your hands (during the match) but at the end you stand with nothing.
“It wasn’t a good penalty. I wanted to shoot the ball hard and high in the goal, but the ball didn’t go high enough.
“It was a terrible penalty kick. After that, I still played well but you have to change your mindset at that point (of the penalty miss).”
Robben also revealed that Drogba and UEFA president Michel Platini had sent their commiserations to him in the aftermath of the penalty shootout.
“The fact that Drogba and Platini tried to cheer me up was nice, but it’s worth nothing,” Robben said.
“I wanted that cup but it didn’t happen.”

Diego loving time in Spain

Diego has hinted that he is keen to stay at Atletico Madrid beyond this summer.
The 27-year-old has spent the 2011-12 campaign in the Spanish capital following an underwhelming spell back in Germany with Wolfsburg, and played a key role in Atletico’s revival under Diego Simeone, which also included success in the Europa League.
His Spanish adventure appears to have come to an abrupt end, however, with Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath’s insistence that Diego would return to the Volkswagen Arena, but the Brazilian nonetheless took the time to praise the La Liga club.
“In Spain I have lived magical moments, and it’s generated great pleasure and joy, wearing the shirt of red and white together,” said Diego.
“This year was very positive on both an individual and collective level and I’m delighted.”
Currently on a high, Diego admits he is hoping for a recall to the Brazil squad once again after a lengthy hiatus from the Selecao.
“I hope to be in the plans of coach (Mano) Menezes. I understand that I must perform very well for another opportunity in the Selecao because there is a very large turnout of quality players, but I am confident that I will one day return,” he said.
The gifted midfielder also spoke highly about Atletico team-mate Falcao.
“No words are necessary to describe Falcao while playing for Atletico. He is certainly one of the best strikers in the world,” he said.
“As a human being he is amazing. It’s good to have him as a team-mate.”

Keane fitness boost ahead of Euro 2012

Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane is set to return to training next week as he looks to regain fitness in time for Euro 2012.
Keane had been a doubt to join up with Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad in the coming days after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for current club LA Galaxy.
However, a scan has since revealed that the former Tottenham striker has not suffered a tear and will be fit to feature in upcoming friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary.
A spokesman for the Football Association of Ireland said: “Robbie Keane’s scan result came through today and showed all clear with no sign of any tear or blood.
“He will be assessed when he comes in and should be fine.”
The 31-year-old has 115 caps for the Republic of Ireland has scored 53 times.

Heynckes applauds Chelsea

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes admitted that Chelsea deserved to win the Champions League final on Saturday.
Thomas Mueller gave the Germans the upper hand with less than 10 minutes left at the Allianz Arena, but Didier Drogba equalised moments later for the Blues, before tucking home the winning spot-kick in the penalty shootout.
Nonetheless, Bayern squandered a succession of chances to win the match, including a missed penalty from Arjen Robben in extra time.
But Heynckes confessed that the Blues deserved to lift the trophy due to his own side’s profligacy in front of goal.
“I think I have to say that we played a good match but we were unlucky on occasions,” Heynckes said.
“Our players had a very strong spirit throughout the game and we saw how they played. We attacked from the beginning, and never gave Chelsea the chance to respond.
“Chelsea defended well but we didn’t manage to take advantage from our many chances and unfortunately we missed a penalty. We lost our 1-0 lead and Chelsea deserve the title.”
Heynckes also said that Chelsea should hand Roberto Di Matteo a permanent contract immediately after their success.
“I congratulate Chelsea on their victory,” he said.
“If you wish me to say something about Roberto Di Matteo it is that Chelsea should give him a three-year contract.”

Di Matteo salutes ´amazing achievement´

Interim Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo was ecstatic after his team beat the odds to win the Champions League final on Saturday.
The Blues edged out Bayern Munich 4-3 on penalties after the sides finished 1-1 after normal time at the Allianz Arena.
Chelsea went into the game depleted, missing key players like John Terry, Ramires, Branislav Ivanovic and Raul Meireles, and Di Matteo paid tribute to his side for overcoming their obstacles.
“It was very stressful. It was an amazing achievement by the players,” he told Sky Sports
“The game wasn’t ideal with suspensions, the injuries and we went for 120 minutes with players who haven’t played for three weeks, four weeks, and it’s just been incredible, the passion and the pride that the players have to bring the trophy home.”
Didier Drogba’s equaliser on 88 minutes provided a last-gasp revival for the Blues before the Ivorian buried the decisive penalty.
But Di Matteo refused to single out individuals.
“He scored the goal but I think it’s a team effort, the defence that kept the ball out of the net and the midfield, they’ve been immense tonight,” he said.
Chelsea were on the back foot for much of the match, ceding most of the possession and taking their chances on the counter.
“Bayern is a very good team and they played a very good game tonight,” Di Matteo added.
“We have to play the way that suits us and with the players that we have and the right way to do and win the game.
“I think you deserve your luck as well.”
Di Matteo noted his side’s preparation for a shootout, revealing: “We practice (penalties) all the time during the season and we did again this week.”
With victory in Europe’s premier club competition, questions were asked over Di Matteo’s chances of securing the managerial role at Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis, but the 41-year-old was paying his future no attention.
“We’re going to have a big party tonight with the big trophy with the big ears, that’s what I’m going to do,” he said.

Drogba: We never gave up

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba hailed his side’s never-say-die attitude after they overcame Bayern Munich to win the Champions League final.
The Blues secured a famous 4-3 victory on penalties at their opponents’ home ground after taking the game to extra-time thanks to Drogba’s late equaliser.
The Ivorian also coolly slotted home the all-important final penalty to secure the win for his side, after Bastian Schweinsteiger’s miss handed the Blues the advantage.
“We never give up until the end. This team is amazing. It was written, I think, a long time ago,” Drogba told ITV.
“I want to dedicate this cup to all the managers we’ve had before, all the players I’ve played with before.”
Drogba also praised the performance of goalkeeper Petr Cech, who saved a penalty from Arjen Robben in extra-time before playing a key part as Bayern missed twice in the shootout.
“When we have this guy in goal you have to believe,” he said.

Mueller: We did not deserve to lose

Bayern Munich forward Thomas Mueller claims the best team did not win the Champions League final on Saturday.
Chelsea beat the German side 4-3 on penalties at the Allianz Arena to lift their first-ever European trophy.
Mueller put the Bavarians ahead with only seven minutes of regulation time remaining, but they were ultimately sent packing as Didier Drogba netted an equaliser five minutes later, before stepping up to score the winning spot-kick in the shootout.
“That is football, we have seen it in the past. It is not always the better team that have the cup in the end,” the Germany international told Sky Sports after the match.
“When you score in front of your own fans so close to the end and then you watch Chelsea holding the cup, you can see that a lot has happened.
“It is hard to find words for that, but football is not everything.”
General manager Christian Nerlinger said the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly after Arjen Robben spurned a spot-kick in the first half of extra time as the game ended 1-1.
The former Bayern midfielder maintained that his side were superior throughout the final against Chelsea, and deserved to come away from the Allianz Arena with their fifth Champions League trophy.
“Everyone could see that we deserved the win considering the way the match went,” Nerlinger said.
“Consequently, the mood in the dressing room is very downbeat.”
The 39-year-old general manager won five trophies for Bayern as a player during an eight-year spell from 1990-1998.
In addition to coming second in the Champions League, Bayern also finished as runners-up in the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal to Borussia Dortmund.

Lampard hails Champions League triumph

Frank Lampard says Chelsea winning the Champions League for the first time means everything to those at the club.
In a sensational final against Bayern Munich, the Blues were triumphant on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes that had seen Arjen Robben miss a penalty in extra-time.
Lampard captained Chelsea on the night and he admits finally securing victory in a competition that has been the Holy Grail for the Stamford Bridge club is something special.
“It means everything – we have been trying to do this for so many years now. This is the one we really wanted and we have got it,” he said.
The England midfielder admitted it is difficult to comprehend how his side earned victory on the night, and praised Didier Drogba for his match-winning performance.
“I cannot believe it. The determination we have shown has been unbelievable. We did not play fantastically well but the main man Didier Drogba dug us out of trouble there,” he said of the out-of-contract Ivorian striker.
“He is a hero and without him we would not be here. He scores the goals in the big games.
“I would love him to stay. What he did tonight is what he has been doing all through his career.”
Despite the triumph, the future of interim manager Roberto Di Matteo remains uncertain.
“It is not a question for this moment,” Lampard said of the Italian. “He took us from a struggling team maybe going out of the Champions League and now we have won it, so just look at that.
“I am still lost for words. We should have probably lost the game with the amount of chances they had.
“We rode our luck, but you need luck in this competition if you are going to win it. Today we rode our luck but we deserved it.”

Man City linked with Parma´s Giovinco

Manchester City have expressed an interest in signing Sebastian Giovinco, according to one of the Parma player’s representatives.
Italy international Giovinco is widely expected to leave the Stadio Ennio Tardini in the close season, after an impressive Serie A campaign in which he scored a career-best 15 goals.
Giovinco has been heavily linked with a return to Juventus, while Barcelona, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keen on the forward.
Agent Claudio Pasqualin has now claimed English Premier League champions City are also interested.
“Juve and Parma will have to resolve his co-ownership arrangement, but it’s no secret that Barcelona have sent scouts to watch him play,” Pasqualin told Sky Sport Italia.
“Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid? It’s one thing to be interested in a player, it’s another to start talks.
“Nevertheless, they are not the only two sides to have requested information, Manchester City have as well.”
Giovinco has already spoken of his willingness to return to Juve, but Pasqualin claims neither he nor his fellow agent Andrea D’Amico have held talks with the Serie A champions.
“I still haven’t spoken to (Juventus coach Antonio) Conte and neither has D’Amico,” Pasqualin said.
“Once we have then we’ll be able to give you an answer on that possibility.”
Giovinco is sidelined with a minor knee injury but is expected to be included in Italy’s final squad for Euro 2012.

Euro 2012 Betting Preview: Group Qualification

World football’s focus will be on Euro 2012 this summer, with Poland and Ukraine set to host the 14th edition of the European Championships.
For those who are not familiar with the competition, sixteen of the best national football teams in Europe will compete for the Henri Delaunay Trophy.
The competition includes four four-team groups, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the knockout stages.
Once you reach the knockout stages, also known as the quarter-finals, it’s win or go home.
Draws will no longer get the job done. As a result, nerves will play an even bigger part, and understandably so.
Now then, let’s take a look at the four groups for this summer’s European Championships.
Euro 2012 Betting Odds: Group Qualification

Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic

Russia and Poland are the favorites to advance to the quarter-finals according to the bookmakers.

Russia are 4/9 to advance in the competition, while the co-hosts are 5/6 to reach the knockout stages.

Meanwhile, the Czech Republic are slight underdogs at 6/5 to reach the final eight, meaning that the Euro 2004 champions are 11/8 to survive Group A.

Group B: Holland, Denmark, Germany, Portugal
Group B is undoubtedly the “Group of Death” of Euro 2012. With that said, any of the four teams could technically maneuver their way to the quarter-finals.
However, “technically” does not cut it for some, myself included. Subsequently, Germany are the bookmakers’ favorites, at 1/4, to carry on in the competition.
Die DFB-Elf are closely followed by Holland, who are 1/2 to finish in the top two of Group B.
In contrast, Portugal and Denmark are the underdogs, with the Portuguese given 6/5 odds to achieve a top-two finish, while Denmark round out Group B at 9/2.
Group C: Spain, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Croatia
Defending European and World Cup champions Spain are gigantic favorites, to the tune of 10/1 odds, to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.
Italy, who will be looking to avenge their poor performance in the 2012 World Cup,  are next in line at 8/13.
Subsequently, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland have been marked as the underdogs.
The Croatians are 7/4 to reach the final eight, while the Republic of Ireland are 7/2 to make an improbable appearance in the quarter-finals.
Group D: Ukraine, Sweden, France, England
In a rather peculiar decision, the bookmakers have designated England, yes the Three Lions, as the favorites in Group D.
After failing to qualify for Euro 2008, England are 1/2 to survive Group D, despite Wayne Rooney’s two-match ban.
Furthermore, France are 8/15 to reach the quarter-finals, whilst co-hosts Ukraine are 11/8 and Sweden 7/4 to advance to the next phase of the competition.

RFEF want Villa in Spain squad

Spanish Football Federation president Angel Maria Villar wants David Villa to be included in Vicente del Bosque’s Euro 2012 squad.
Villa has been out of action since suffering a broken leg during Barcelona’s successful FIFA Club World Cup campaign in December.
The former Valencia man has not given up hope on making his comeback in the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao on May 25.
RFEF chief Villar hopes Spain’s record goalscorer can prove his fitness in the final match of the domestic season at Estadio Vicente Calderon, as the national team prepare to defend their European crown in June and July.
“I want David Villa to go to Poland and Ukraine,” Villar is quoted as saying by Marca.
“I do not know if he will be able to attend, but hopefully he will be with the team at the Euros.”
Villar said he has no idea which players will make the final cut, revealing Spain coach Del Bosque has yet to give him any clues regarding the make-up of his 23-man squad.
“I do not know who will go to the tournament,” he said.
“Vicente del Bosque has not told me anything.
“He will inform me a minute before telling a news conference to the media.”
Del Bosque is scheduled to announce his squad for the Euros two days after the Copa del Rey final.

Robben tells Bayern to make it count

Arjen Robben knows Bayern Munich must seize their rare chance to win the Champions League final against Chelsea on Saturday.
Netherlands international Robben believes making it to the final of Europe’s elite club competition is a considerable achievement.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid man is eager to come out on top this time around after losing the 2010 final 2-0 to Inter Milan.
“This is a unique chance,” he told De Telegraaf ahead of the final at Bayern’s Allianz Arena.
“You never know whether you will ever make it to the final of the Champions League again. We have to make it happen now.”
“I think that the lost 2010 Champions League final will only have a positive impact.”
Robben did acknowledge Bayern’s 5-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Pokal final on Saturday has knocked their confidence.
“That definitely was a bit of a blow to our morale,” he said.
“That was a very nice trophy that we wanted to win as well.”

Reja to step down as Lazio coach

Edy Reja says he has left Lazio, rejecting club president Claudio Lotito’s plea for him to continue as head coach.
Reja, 66, twice tendered his resignation during the 2011/12 Serie A season, but was talked round by the Lazio board on both occasions.
The veteran coach has now said he will not be convinced to stay on for the 2012/13 season.
“My adventure at Lazio ends here,” he told Cittaceleste.it.
“President Lotito gave me his support and asked me to stay on.
“Even after my refusal, he invited me to reconsider and take a week to reflect. But I had already made my decision.”
Lazio finished fourth in Serie A, securing Europa League football but missing out on a Champions League qualification playoff berth by two points.

Eredivisie wrap: Vitesse close in on Europa League

Vitesse Arnhem have one hand on a Europa League spot after a 3-1 win away to RKC Waalwijk in the Eredivisie playoffs.
A second-half double from Wilfried Bony secured victory for Vitesse, who now only need a draw against RKC at home on Monday to clinch a spot in next season’s Europa League.
The visitors from Arnhem led at half-time thanks to Tomas Kalas’ long-range goal in the 22nd minute, but RKC hit back 10 minutes after the break when Krisztian Nemeth finished off Furkan Alakmak’s lead-up work.
But the home side’s hopes of taking a lead into Sunday’s second leg were ruined by Bony.
The Ivorian striker scored his first in the 69th minute after collecting a loose ball just outside the penalty area and driving forward to chip RKC goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet.
With nine minutes to go, Bony made it 3-1 with a powerful header from a corner.
In the promotion-relegation playoffs, VVV Venlo came from behind to win 2-1 away to Helmond Sport.
VVV, who finished 17th in the Eredivisie this season, took a big step toward remaining in the Dutch top flight thanks to goals from Ismo Vorstermans and Danny Holla.
After a goalless first half, hosts Helmond took the lead in front of their own fans when Youssef Koubali hit the back of the net in the 57th minute.
But in the last 17 minutes, Holla turned the match around for the visitors.
The 24-year-old midfielder set up Vorstermans for VVV’s first goal in the 73rd minute and then snatched victory with a goal of his own 14 minutes later.
The second leg of VVV’s playoff against Helmond will also be played on Sunday.

Fabregas endorses Vilanova

Cesc Fabregas has backed Barcelona’s decision to appoint Tito Vilanova as replacement for record-breaking head coach Pep Guardiola.
Former Barca player Guardiola announced his departure last month, bringing to a close a four-year spell in charge of the club, during which he became the most successful coach in Camp Nou history.
In a bid to ensure continuity in the dugout, Barca have installed Guardiola’s assistant Vilanova as a replacement.
“First of all, I must say that Tito is a very good person,” Fabregas told El Mundo Deportivo.
“It may sound like a cliche but it’s true – he is a winner.
“He also shares the same virtue with Pep in that he knows how to get the best out of players.
“I do not like to make predictions but Barca should look great with Tito.
“I like the continuity that is being given to the club, because this team has surpassed (Johan Cruyff’s) ‘Dream Team’ and all previous historical records, so that this opportunity has been given to Tito, after Pep has done it all, is very good.
“I know Tito will want to contribute his own personal touch. And I also know that he had an influence on my signing.”
Fabregas returned to Camp Nou in August 2011, rejoining the club he left for Arsenal eight years previously.
The Spain international made a blistering start to the season and, although his form tailed off somewhat toward the end of the campaign, was satisfied with his first year back in Catalonia.
“I played a lot more than people and I expected,” he said.
“It’s a bit surprising that some were saying ‘look, he does not play’, since I knew that I was coming into the best team ever.
“So, I sincerely believe that my first season has been good, although, inwardly, I’m the first to acknowledge that I can give more.
“Adapting to a new position was a difficult challenge and, if I play in the cup final, I will feel proud to say I’ve played 48 games, a figure that I did not reach for four years, though not because I didn’t want to, but because my injuries would allow me to.
“So, if you leave the last three months to one side, I feel good about how I’ve done.”
Fabregas is hoping to be included in the Barca starting line-up for their Copa del Rey final clash with Athletic at Estadio Vicente Calderon on May 25.

Hamburg capture free agent Adler

Hamburg have confirmed the signing of Rene Adler on a free transfer from Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen.
Goalkeeper Adler, who missed all of the 2011/12 season through injury, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with Hamburg.
“If you can get a 27-year-old Germany international goalkeeper on a free transfer, then this is a special opportunity, which we have capitalised on,” Hamburg sporting director Frank Arnesen told the club’s website.
“I hope that by performing well with us, he can earn a recall to the national team.”
Adler has said he is just looking forward to getting back on the field following his injury struggles.
“I absolutely think that I will emerge stronger from the last year,” he said.
“It was a tough time and I had many lows during my rehab, but in the end it has all paid off. I now feel fit and ready.”
Alder, who has been capped 10 times by his country, was not included in Joachim Loew’s preliminary Germany squad for Euro 2012.
The Leipzig youth team player made 138 league appearances for Leverkusen since making his first-team debut in 2006.

Vertonghen talks up Milan switch

Ajax captain Jan Vertonghen says it would be impossible to turn down AC Milan if they made an offer for his services.
Belgium international Vertonghen still has a year to run on his contract with Eredivisie champions Ajax, but has been widely tipped to leave Amsterdam in the close season, with English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur reportedly leading the chase for his signature.
Vertonghen has repeatedly expressed his interest in moving to White Hart Lane, but Ajax’s asking price of 16 million pounds is believed to be a stumbling block.
The centre-back claims he is still entertaining thoughts of joining Milan, having been lavished with praise by the club’s chief executive Adriano Galliani during the group stages of the 2010/11 Champions League.
“I was struck by his words of appreciation after the game,” Vertonghen is quoted as saying by MilanNews.it.
“His words made me blush.
“I like the Premier League, but if Milan call you, you cannot say no.”
Vertonghen, who has been capped 36 times by his country, joined Ajax from Belgian club Germinal Beerschot in 2003.
He has made 155 league appearances for Ajax since debuting for the first team in 2006.

Dalglish reassured Hodgson on Carroll

Roy Hodgson consulted former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish before including Andy Carroll in the England squad for Euro 2012.
Hodgson’s predecessor Fabio Capello criticised Carroll’s lifestyle, suggesting the ex-Newcastle United striker needed to drink less if he was to produce his best form.
Carroll, 23, was involved in several disciplinary breaches during his time at Newcastle, including pleading guilty to common assault charges.
“The profile Andy Carroll brings interests me very much and I spoke to Kenny at some length about him,” Hodgson said.
“I didn’t know him too much and you can be tricked by perceptions of players – by what you hear or read about them – but Kenny praised him for being serious as a professional, so I had no reservations.
“The conversation with Kenny maybe put my mind to rest with regards to the criticism he’s faced for extra-footballing activities. That was very important for me.”
Despite struggling for goals during much of the season, Carroll has been praised for his form in the final weeks of the campaign.
Hodgson confirmed the late improvement, including an outstanding performance as a substitute in Liverpool’s 2-1 FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea, played a role in his decision, but was not decisive.
“I’d like to think I’ve been in the game long enough not to fall for the trick of seeing someone have a great game and giving him an England shirt,” Hodgson said.
“Andy will give me other options because of his target play and ability. He’s capable of making runs into the channels, can turn defences around, and can do damage on crosses.
“It would be fair to say his late burst has maybe given him the nod. It’s hard for players who go to big clubs. It’s more important how he’s feeling at the moment and playing at the moment.
“I shouldn’t be confronting him with the failures of the early part of the season. I should be encouraging him for the successes of the latter part.”

Giggs eager for Olympic opportunity

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs says he would relish playing for Team GB if selected for the London Olympics.
The 2012 Olympics mark the first time since 1960 that Great Britain will be entering a team into the football tournament and Giggs has been named on the shortlist for a possible inclusion.
“I’m on the shortlist so if I get picked then obviously it will be fantastic because I think everyone’s excited about the Olympics coming to London and coming to Britain so we’ll just have to wait and see if I get picked or not,” Giggs said.
During his time as a Welsh national team player, Giggs never qualified for a major tournament.
The London games are Giggs’ last chance to experience an international tournament.
“I’ve never experienced it so hopefully it’ll happen but we’ll wait and see,” Giggs said.

Parker racing to be fit for Euro 2012

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is optimistic Scott Parker will be fit for Euro 2012 following the latest treatment on his Achilles injury.
Parker, who missed Spurs’ win over Fulham last weekend, has had an injection in a bid to resolve the problem.
With Roy Hodgson set to name his provisional squad for the tournament on Wednesday, Redknapp remains hopeful the midfielder will be fit enough for the finals, but conceded that he is likely to miss out if the problem persists.
“He (Parker) has had an injection and hopefully that will do the trick,” Redknapp told Sky Sports News.
“It should settle it down, it might be seven or eight days and then he could be okay to start training again and playing.
“I just hope he is going to be okay for the Euros for his sake and for England as well.
“If the injection doesn’t work then obviously he has got a problem, we will have to see where we go from there and see if something more drastic is done.
“I think they (the medical team) are quite confident the injection could do the trick, so let’s hope so.”
Redknapp has backed four of his Spurs side to earn a place on the plane to Poland and Ukraine, stating that Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe and Kyle Walker are all in with a chance of joining Parker in the squad.
“Yeah I am sure they have got a chance – Aaron, Jermain, Kyle Walker and Scott – so I wouldn’t be surprised if four of them made it but I wouldn’t be sure,” he said.

Liverpool silent on Dalglish rumours

Reports of Kenny Dalglish’s impending departure from Liverpool have been met with silence from the Merseyside club.
Dalglish returned to Liverpool on Tuesday following talks with the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) in Boston
Reports in the press and on social media suggested Dalglish had stepped down as manager or had been dismissed, but the club has so far refused to even acknowledge the speculation around the Scot’s future.
Despite winning the Carling Cup in February and reaching the FA Cup final, the Reds’ eighth-place Premier League finish was their lowest in 18 years, and their overall points total of 52 was their lowest since 1954.
The club’s American owners are eager to challenge for top honours, with a Premier League title as well as a return to the Champions League being their highest priority.
Dalglish flew to the States with assistant manager Steve Clarke to discuss future plans and several reports had suggested that the Scot had decided to quit after a season-and-a-half back in charge.
Recently, an internal re-structuring at Anfield saw the exit of director of football, Damien Comolli along with other senior staff.
Reports suggest that Wigan’s Roberto Martinez is a target for the Anfield board if Dalglish does indeed leave his post.

Who should win this year’s Ballon d’Or?

According to Jose Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo deserves this year’s Ballon d’Or.
The Portuguese international bagged 46 goals and 12 assists in 38 league games for Los Blancos in 2011-12, and added 10 goals and three assists in 10 UEFA Champions League appearances.
More importantly, Ronaldo was the best player on the best La Liga team of all-time.
In 2011-12, Real Madrid became the only club in the history of the Spanish Primera to tally 100 points in a single season.
Los Blancos also set the record for most away points in a season (50), most points in the second half of a season (53) and most league goals scored in a season.
In short, Ronaldo fully deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.
With that said, some may argue that Lionel Messi, who scored 50 goals in La Liga this season, deserves to win football’s most prestigious individual award yet again.
Jose Mourinho begs to differ.
“Cristiano has to be the Ballon d’Or winner, not because he was the top scorer, which he already was last season, but because his goals won the league,” the Real Madrid boss told SIC.
“Messi scored 50 goals that have not been worth anything, just as Cristiano scored 42 last season that were not worth anything.
“Cristiano has not been able to win the top scorer award and I think that should now be offset by the Ballon d’Or.”
‘Second-tier Candidates’
Robin van Persie: The Dutch striker enjoyed his best season in professional football in 2011-12, tallying 38 goals and 10 assists for club and country. In addition, he led Arsenal to a third-place finish after a dismal start to the campaign. Had Arsenal won the English Premier League, Van Persie may have been “right there” with Ronaldo and Messi, but that was never really going to happen.
Mario Gomez: Gomez was on cracking form for Bayern Munich all season long. He finished 2011-12 with 48 goals and five assists for club and county, including 12 Champions League strikes. Even if Bayern Munich win the UCL, Gomez will probably not win the award even though he may deserve it.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Quietly, but surely, Ibra put together a sensational campaign with AC Milan. Although Zlatan failed to win the league title for the first time since the 2003-04 season, he still managed to seal a second place finish for the Rossoneri. Oh and by the way, he registered 28 goals and six assists in 32 Serie A appearances.
All things considered, Cristiano Ronaldo should win this year’s Ballon d’Or despite Real Madrid’s failure to win the Champions League. It’s as simple as that to be honest.

Del Bosque includes surprise selections

Spain head coach Vicente Del Bosque has made a number of surprise inclusions in his preliminary 21-man squad for Euro 2012.
Included in the squad are Benat Etxebarria from Real Betis, Isco of Malaga and Javi Garcia of Benfica, however many of these players can expect to be dropped after players from Chelsea, Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao have played in their upcoming finals.
Chelsea will play in the European Champions League final on May 19, while Barcelona take on Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final on May 26.
Del Bosque will name his definitive list on May 27.
“As you can see, we have included some players that have had a good season, and in the middle of the field we cannot just think of the immediate future of the European Championships, but we are thinking long term because in September we start the qualifying games to go to the World Cup,” Del Bosque said.
“We have to think we have a difficult group and we have to start to find other players in case we need them.”
Injury permitting, the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres can expect to be called into the squad by Del Bosque after they complete their club commitments.
And Spain’s head coach has yet to rule out Barcelona’s David Villa, who broke his leg at the Club World Cup in December.
“We know day by day the process where he is, the recovery process he is doing,” Del Bosque said.
“We have said that it is a particular case and 27th of May we will take the last decision.
“As you can see there are not players of Chelsea, Bilbao and Barcelona because still are playing and this is the case of Villa.”
Spain’s Preliminary Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Reina (Liverpool), David de Gea (Manchester United)
Defenders: Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Alvaro Dominguez (Atletico Madrid), Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Valencia), Nacho Monreal (Malaga)
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Santi Cazorla (Malaga), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Benat (Betis), Javi Garcia (Benfica), Bruno (Villarreal)
Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Roberto Soldado (Valencia), Isco (Malaga), Adrian (Atletico Madrid)

Mancini is a ´winner, says City chairman

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has hailed Roberto Mancini as a ‘winner’ after breaking the club’s title drought.
Defeat at Arsenal in April looked to have ended City’s challenge for their first Premier League title in 44 years, but Manchester United let an eight-point lead slip and Mubarak was delighted with the Italian’s management of the squad following defeat at the Emirates.
“We had two choices,” Mubarak told City’s official website.
“We could either raise the white flag and sulk or pick ourselves up and fight until the last second of this championship.
“I had a conversation with Roberto. We both looked at each other and decided to take the pressure off everyone.
“What Roberto did magnificently was to take the pressure off the entire team.
“Roberto is a winner, he is a very strong character, who wants to win more than anyone I have ever seen. He is so driven and has an incredible amount of energy.”
When asked if the club would continue their spending spree during the transfer window, Mubarak was quick to highlight the current strength of their squad.
“We have a championship-winning team,” the chairman continued. “We are not starting from the same point as in other pre-seasons.
“We have had to improve in a very dramatic manner. Now we have a nucleus. To improve further we have to harness that nucleus.”