Toure targets trophies to save Mancini
Manchester City players feel they must claim some silverware this season to prevent Roberto Mancini from losing his job.
The Italian manager is under pressure at City after a disastrous Champions League campaign was followed by a poor run of form in the Premier League which now sees his side 12 points adrift of leaders Manchester United.
An FA Cup win, starting with their quarter-final against Barnsley, remains City's best chance of glory this season and Kolo Toure says that picking up a trophy is now a must.
"Yes, of course," he said when asked if they needed to win the FA Cup. "It's very important for the players, for us to win, because that will help the manager to be here, for sure.
Category: News
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Date: 19.02.2013 - 19:13
Benitez paying for Liverpool success
Rafael Benitez believes that the disaffection that surrounds him at Chelsea stems from his previous years of success in charge at Liverpool.
Since taking over from Roberto Di Matteo on an interim basis in November, the Spaniard has been pilloried with unhappy supporters, with results doing little to stem the tide.
"The biggest problem is that I was manager of Liverpool and I'm paying for the success I had at Anfield," Benitez told Spanish radio station Radio Gaceta de los Deportes.
"Nevertheless, I just continue working hard and focusing on being successful with Chelsea. All we can do is show complete dedication. When we win, there's no-one in the world happier than me."
Category: News
Views: 797
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Date: 19.02.2013 - 19:12
McFadden returns to Motherwell
James McFadden has signed on at Scottish Premier League side Motherwell until the end of the season after being released by Sunderland.
The Scotland international has made only 14 Premier League appearances for Birmingham City, Everton and Sunderland since suffering cruciate ligament damage during his time at St Andrews in the 2010-11 season.
Black Cats boss Martin O'Neill had been keen to keep McFadden at the Stadium of Light until the end of the season but having made only three substitute appearances for the club so far, the 29-year-old has chosen to return north of the border to the club where he started his career.
"I am really pleased to be back here at Motherwell," McFadden told reporters.
Category: News
Views: 691
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Date: 19.02.2013 - 19:08
FIFA approve goal-line technology for World Cup
FIFA have decided to use goal-line technology (GLT) in the 2013 Confederations Cup and World Cup 2014.
After what the footballing governing body deemed to be a successful trial at the Club World Cup in December last year, GLT will be used at the upcoming international tournament being held in Brazil this year.
Subsequently, GLT will be used at the World Cup in the South American nation, and it is safe to assume that if the two tournaments see the technology implemented successfully then they will be used in future competitions as well.
"The aim is to use GLT in order to support the match officials and to install a system in all stadia, pending the successful installation, and pre-match referee tests," a statement released by FIF
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Category: News
Views: 768
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Date: 19.02.2013 - 19:06
Hodgson: Old guard key to England´s future
England manager Roy Hodgson says his experienced players are vital in the role they play in helping his young stars reach their potential.
The Three Lions' 2-1 win over Brazil at Wembley earlier this month showcased some of the nation's bright young talent with the likes of Jack Wilshere, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck establishing themselves as players in the squad.
The game marked the 150th anniversary of the FA, and also saw experienced players such as Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney integrate with the young talent, a process which Hodgson believes is vital for the team's development.
When asked which young players he had plans for, Hodgson said: "Wilshere, since his debut, everyone thought he would be a fanta
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Views: 866
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Date: 19.02.2013 - 19:04
Lucas: Coutinho can be a star
Lucas Leiva believes Philippe Coutinho can be a Liverpool star once he is given time to adapt to the pace of the Premier League.
The youngster completed his move to Anfield from Inter Milan in January and found the back of the net on his full debut in the 5-0 rout of Swansea City on Sunday.
Lucas expects the 20-year-old's eye-catching display will prove to be just a taste of what his Brazilian compatriot is capable of producing at Anfield in the years to come, although he stressed the importance of giving the South American time to adapt to his new surroundings.
"I'm really happy for him," the Reds star told the club's official website. "We were talking about the pace of the Premier League and even with the training sessions he
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Category: News
Views: 697
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Date: 19.02.2013 - 18:58
Ferguson hails Nani class
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the impact of substitute Nani after his side's 2-1 win over Reading in the FA Cup fifth round.
The Portugal international came off the bench shortly
before half-time for the injured Phil Jones and went on inspire the hosts to victory.
The 26-year-old struck the post before finding the net after the break to put United ahead. He then helped double the hosts' lead with an assist for Javier Hernandez's goal.
"His contribution was terrific," Sir Alex told the club's official website.
"Just after coming on he had two great strikes, one hit the post and the other one was saved. In the second half he got us the opening goal and I ha
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Views: 727
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Date: 19.02.2013 - 18:56