Klopp praises young gun Gudogan Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp has been surprised by Ilkay Gundogan, who 'has come on leaps and bounds' this season.
The Germany midfielder has become a crucial part of the BVB side after a meagre start to life at the Westfalenstadion following his 2011 move from Nurnberg, and the former Mainz boss is thrilled with the way his charge has developed.
"Back then, Ilkay was virtually still an advanced youth player. He had only just finished his school exams. We recognised his abilities early on," Klopp told Bild.
"But the fact he is so good has surprised us. In a very good team, Il
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Category: News Views: 1074 Added: SkyDate: 21.03.2013 - 23:56
Bayern can win Champions League, says Toni Fiorentina striker Luca Toni believes his former side Bayern Munich have the potential to go all the way in the Champions League.
The Bundesliga leaders take on another of the veteran's old teams, Juventus, in the quarter-finals.
While Toni says Juventus will be concentrating fully on the match, he feels Jupp Heynckes' men could reach the final in May.
"It will be nice to watch the game. Juve will have to be very careful because Bayern can go all the way," he told Tuttosport.
"They will be two tough games because we are talking abo
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Category: News Views: 757 Added: SkyDate: 21.03.2013 - 23:49
Van Gaal questions FIFA rankings Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal believes the FIFA rankings do not reflect how well his side have been playing since he took over in 2012.
Van Gaal's side are listed as the world's eighth best team. despite having a 100 percent record in their World Cup qualifying campaign ahead of Friday's match against Estonia.
Netherlands' standing in the rankings is bemusing van Gaal, who questioned just how accurate they were.
"Oranje were sixth at the time I started, now we're eighth, while no official matches have been lost," he told AD.
Category: News Views: 859 Added: SkyDate: 21.03.2013 - 21:52
Szczesny apologises to Arsenal, Wenger Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has apologised for the comments made by his father, who blamed Arsene Wenger for the shot-stopper's form.
The 22-year-old recently lost his place in the Arsenal starting 11 due to what Wenger described as 'mental fatigue'.
It prompted the player's father to complain to a Polish newspaper over the manager's treatment of his son.
The Poland international has issued a statement on the Arsenal website distancing himself from his father's comments.
"I would like to apologise for the comments made by my father
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Category: News Views: 866 Added: SkyDate: 21.03.2013 - 21:50
Van Persie slams ´cowardly´ UEFA Manchester United forward Robin van Persie has blasted UEFA as 'cowardly' following their decision to stand by referee Cuneyt Cakir.
The Turkish official controversially sent off Nani in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid, a game which Sir Alex Ferguson's men went on to lose, having led at the time of the red card.
"That red card was heavily unjustified," van Persie told reporters.
"It was not even a yellow card or a free-kick. Nani couldn't do anything about it, he hardly touched (Alvaro) Arbeloa.
Category: News Views: 821 Added: SkyDate: 21.03.2013 - 21:47
Govou backs Benzema, Giroud pairing Former France winger Sidney Govou believes Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud can form a good partnership for the national side.
Coach Didier Deschamps looks set to tinker with his squad for Friday's match against Georgia, having hinted he could start with both strikers in a 4-4-2 formation.
And Govou, who represented France at four major tournaments and now plays for Evian TG, believes the system could work once the pair get used to one another.
"The pairing of Giroud and Benzema? It is the opinion of the coach. We need to see if they can play together ahead of the next few years," he told RMC.&nb
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Category: News Views: 855 Added: SkyDate: 21.03.2013 - 21:46
Ferdinand defends Qatar trip Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has dismissed criticism of his decision to fly to Qatar to work as a television pundit.
The 34-year-old withdrew from Roy Hodgson's squad for the World Cup qualifying double header against San Marino and Montenegro, citing his need to follow an 'intricate pre-planned programme' to stay fit.
The Peckham-born centre-back was widely criticised when it emerged that he would travel to the Middle East during the international break to comment on Friday's clash against San Marino on television.
But Ferdinand has defended his actions on Twitter, writing: "I've f
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Category: News Views: 746 Added: SkyDate: 21.03.2013 - 21:38
