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"The players are the ones that play, Bielsa and I are on the outside" - Atletico coach Simeone
The efficient Argentine denied claims that he and his counterpart will have a direct influence on the outcome of Wednesday's Europa League final.
Diego Simeone recognized that although Marcelo Bielsa is an important figure for Athletic Bilbao, it will be the players who decide the outcome of the final of the Europa League on Wednesday."The players are the ones that play and we are only on the outside. Like I have always said, I have great admiration for Bielsa, and great memories. He is a great professional," Simeone declared to the press.
The Argentine coach, who lifted the UEFA Cup as a player with Inter Milan, is conscious that in order to win matches of this nature, experience is very important, because the players who are more accustomed to fighting for big things know how to deal with the added pressure and the nervousness better than those who lack experience.
Atletico Madrid boss Simeone expects a "tough" Europa League semi-final against Valencia
'El Cholo' is eagerly awaiting what he believes will be an extremely stiff all-Spanish affair at the Vicente Calderon on Thursday.
Diego Simeone expects his side to be in for an extremely difficult contest when they battle with Valencia in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday.Simeone is well aware of the threat posed by opponents Valencia but believes his team can obtain the desired result if they manage to maintain their concentration throughout the entire ninety minutes.
"It will be a tough match, we have to play serious and to win the game in the best possible manner," said Simeone.
The Argentine praised both sides by stating: "They are two teams that give their all almost always and they know exactly what they are playing for."
Atletico Madrid's Simeone expects "very tough" Europa League clash against Besiktas
El Cholo won't be taking any chances when Los Rojiblancos travel to Istanbul to take on Besiktas on Thursday.
Diego Simeone, the Argentine coach of Atletico Madrid, believes his team's Europa League round of 16 clash with Besiktas in Istanbul will be very complicated, despite the fact that Los Rojiblancos come into the game with a two-goal advantage, after having beaten the Turks 3-1 at the Vicente Calderon in the first leg of the tie.Simeone admitted that his team may have a significant advantage, but that they have to play their hearts out because there is still a long way to go.
"What we saw last week in the game between Arsenal and Milan has taught us that the Cup is unpredictable and, no matter the result, the teams who play at home in the second game are always alive.
Inter's Diego Milito is confident about beating Marseille in the Champions League
The Argentine scoring-machine admitted that the Nerazzurri are desperate to reach the quarter-finals of Europe's biggest club competition.
Inter Milan striker Diego Milito believes that the Italian giants have what it takes to turn around their 1-0 deficit against Olympique Marseille as they set their sights on progressing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday.The Nerazzurri came within seconds from picking up a precious draw in France in the first leg, but ended up conceding a frustrating late goal which has forced them to obtain a victory at the Giuseppe Meazza.
"We are convinced we can overturn the result. We played very well in the first leg and didn't deserve to lose. We are positive that we can win with the help of our own fans," Milito affirmed to Sky.
Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona hospitalised with kidney stones
'El Pibe de Oro' was admitted to a hospital in Dubai for immediate surgery.
Legendary former Argentine World Cup hero Diego Maradona was admitted to a private clinic in Dubai for the removal of kidney stones.Maradona, 51, complained of abdominal pains on Sunday and was immediately taken to hospital. Doctors decided that the Al Wasl coach will need to undergo surgery later Sunday after being diagnosed with kidney stones.
"He felt pain this morning, so he was sent directly to a private hospital in Dubai this afternoon. He will be operated on this evening and he is expected to be discharged tomorrow," declared an unidentified Al Wasl spokesman.
Internazionale vs Parma Report
Diego Milito scores twice as Inter Milan slaughter Parma at the San Siro to extend their winning streak to five matches.
Inter Milan moved within five points of league leaders AC Milan after thrashing Parma 5-0 at the San Siro stadium on Saturday, courtesy of two goals from Argentine hit-man Diego Milito and others from Thiago Motta, Giampaolo Pazzini and Marco Faraoni.It was an extremely one-sided affair, as Inter completely dominated their opponents from the beginning to the end. Claudio Ranieri's side were always in control, and they went ahead in the 12th minute when Milito poked home a superb left-wing cross from fellow Argentine Ricardo Alvarez.
Five minutes later, midfielder Thiago Motta met a rebound with an unstoppable left-footed drive from outside of the area that left Parma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante with no chance.
Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona wants to coach the United Arab Emirates
'El Pibe de Oro' is hoping to be presented with the opportunity to coach the national side.
Diego Maradona affirmed on Wednesday that he would like the idea of taking charge of the United Arab Emirates national team, who sacked their coach a few months ago after a dismal World Cup qualifying campaign.Maradona, who has coached Al Wasl since last May, is rumoured to be one of the candidates to occupy the vacancy left by Slovenian coach Srecko Katanec, after the UAE suffered a 3-1 defeat to Lebanon in September. The national team went on to lose their following three matches when under an interim coach.
The legendary Argentine soccer genius didn't declare whether the UAE FA made him an offer, but he indicated that if he were to receive an offer he would accept it "with pleasure."
Uruguay named South American Team of the Year for 2011
The Copa America champions were by far the best team on the continent in 2011.
Uruguay were named South American team of the Year for 2011 by prestigious French magazine 'France Football.' The two-time world champions won the award, ahead of Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Paraguay.The Uruguayans went on to improve on their World Cup performance, when they finished in fourth-place, by lifting the Copa America for a record fifteenth time. Uruguay remained undefeated throughout the competition and beat Mexico, Argentina and Peru before thrashing Paraguay 3-0 in the final at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires.
Uruguay also lead the South American World Cup qualifiers with two wins and a draw from their first three matches. Their success has been brought down to team work and the overall quality of their squad.
Diego Simeone is presented as the new coach of Atletico Madrid
The former Argentina captain promises big things at the Vicente Calderon.
Diego Simeone promised to help Atletico Madrid relive its glory days upon his official presentation as the new coach of the club at the Vicente Calderon stadium on Tuesday.Simeone, 41, was brought in to replace Gregorio Manzano after Atletico's horrendous start to the season, where not only do they lie in 10th place in La Liga but last week were knocked out of the Copa del Rey at the hands of third-tier Albacete.
"I like an aggressive team. I want to see a strong team, a team which is committed and quick on the break. These are things which Atletico fans have always liked and which they identify themselves with for the love of this shirt," Simeone stated to the press during his first news conference as the coach of the club.
Alfio Basile to become the new coach of Racing Club for the fourth time
The former Argentina boss will be hoping for a successful fourth stint at La Academia.
Alfio Basile has accepted to replace Diego Simeone as the new coach of Racing Club. The former Argentina boss is expected to sign a one-year deal with the popular Avellaneda club on Wednesday."I'm travelling to Buenos Aires to finish the final details, which are only minor and don't put the negotiations under any risks, so that we can say that Alfio will return to Racing, " Norberto Recassens, the agent of the coach, affirmed to Telam.
Recassens left his vacations momentarily, so that he could travel to the Argentine capital to come to an agreement with Racing over the minor details left in the contract, in order to speed up the hiring process.
"Luis is a victim" after FA charge Suarez with racism - Uruguay captain Diego Lugano
Diego Lugano and great part of the Uruguayan national team expressed their undivided support for the Liverpool sharp-shooter.
Several of Luis Suarez's Uruguay team-mates got together to support the Liverpool striker after he received both a heavy sanction and a hefty fine for being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra in October."I can't believe it. They are making a big mistake. It's obvious that in England they have a racism problem which they are trying to address, and it's okay, but here they don't have solid evidence. Luis is a victim. I can't believe that a player like Evra can do this. He is breaking all the ethics of soccer," declared Uruguay captain Diego Lugano.
"All of us know what type of person Luis is, and the values that he has. We are all very hurt. When a team-mate of ours is suffering, we are all suffering. Now all we can do is support him and be on his side," he added.
Carlos Bianchi believes "Messi is better than Maradona and Pele"
The prized tactician regards his blessed countryman as the greatest player of all time.
According to former Argentine coach Carlos Bianchi, Lionel Messi and his club Barcelona are from a completely different planet when compared to the rest.Bianchi, who coached Boca Juniors, Atletico Madrid and AS Roma, amongst others, summed up Barcelona's Club World Cup triumph over Santos as incredible. He believes the 4-0 thrashing confirmed Barcelona's status as the best team in history.
"We are in the presence of the best team in history," stated Bianchi.
"Something similar occurred to me in respect to Lionel Messi: a few days ago, I did a talk for a business, and in the middle of the conference a Brazilian asked me who I considered as the best player in history, Pele or [Diego] Maradona. I responded with all the respect that both deserved, in this moment I see Messi as being superior to everyone."
Sporting CP Lisbon vs Nacional Funchal Preview
A bumper crowd is expected at the Alvalade on Saturday night as Sporting attempt to beat Nacional da Madeira to stay in touch with joint Liga ZON Sagres leaders, FC Porto and Benfica.
Fourteen wins in the Lisbon club’s last sixteen games, an exhilarating brand of football, and a handful of exciting talents emerging has fuelled a wave of optimism not seen at the club for several seasons.Aided by reduced prices for the game, close to 50,000 supporters are expected to be in attendance.
One of Sporting’s star performers this season, Dutch midfielder Stijn Schaars, is suspended for the game. Along with injuries to fellow midfielders Izmailov, Rinaudo and Matias Fernandez, the door again opens for André Martins.
Valencia will show that Chelsea are not favorites tonight – Goalie Diego Alves
English giants Chelsea will be under a lot of pressure to win tonight and Valencia are prepared to make the Blues pay for being inconsistent and inefficient this season.
Chelsea and Valencia have the same number of points and a goalless draw will put the Spanish team into the Round of 16. In a long encounter with Goal.com, Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves revealed Los Che’s view of the encounter. He was quoted as saying:“Chelsea are playing at home but for me, they aren't favorites. The chances are 50-50 and I'm prepared for the 'battle of Stamford Bridge'.
“It's normal that Chelsea will attack our area, but Valencia know how to control such situations. Chelsea have been inconsistent this season and that gives us a big chance, but the players know it will be a tough game over 90 minutes.”
Vaslui vs Sporting CP Lisbon Preview
Buoyant Sporting go in search of consecutive win number eleven on Thursday evening, as they take on FC Vaslui in Romania.
The Lisbon club have never won a competitive match in Romania, but Domingos Paciência and his charges must feel they have a great opportunity of righting that unwanted record. Despite clocking up another victory on Sunday night against Feirense, Sporting looked to be running out of gas somewhat. However, coach Domingos insists his players’ motivation remains sky high despite having practically guaranteed progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
“This team has shown that it has great ambition and a desire to keep playing at the same rhythm. We want a 5th straight win in Europe and an 11th in all competitions, as well as wanting to guarantee first place in the group. So we have plenty of reasons not to switch off and to continue strong,” he said
Sporting CP Lisbon vs Gil Vicente Report
Sporting produced a scintillating display at the Alvalade to put Gil Vicente to the sword, running out 6-1 winners.
If doubts remained as to the title credentials of Domingos Paciência's side, the dazzling display by Sporting last night will have surely dissipated them. The hosts took and early lead when captain Daniel Carriço headed in after being set up by centre-back partner Polga.
Although on top, Sporting did not create much in the way of chances for the rest of the first half. That all changed after the interval, as an inexorable attacking performance left the visitors reeling.
Paraguay vs Uruguay Report
Richard Ortiz stepped up to snatch Paraguay an injury-time draw with Uruguay in a 2014 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
The Paraguayan national team snatched a last-gasp 1-1 draw with Uruguay in a match corresponding to the second round of the South American World Cup qualifiers, looking ahead to Brazil 2014.Olimpia striker Richard Ortiz, who was making his international debut, stepped up in the 92nd minute to level the game, after Diego Forlan had put Uruguay ahead in the 68th minute.
Uruguay, who thrashed Paraguay 3-0 in the final of the Copa America in July, dominated the first half, and looked dangerous each time they pushed forward, especially through Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who was a constant menace to the Paraguayan defense.
Transfer roundup: Mata to Chelsea, Nasri seals Man City deal, Forlan to Inter
A lot has happened lately on the transfer market and updates will keep flowing until the summer transfer window closes…
Juan Mata is officially a Chelsea player. The Spaniard completed his switch on Wednesday and told the press in England following his arrival:“Valencia was a big club but I have left to join a bigger club and it is all about the opportunity to win trophies and I have that here.”
Manchester City also got their star midfielder, Samir Nasri. The French international was delighted to land at Eastlands as he stated:
“Today is a big day for me, it's a new start and I'm looking forward to doing it.”
Uruguay Beat Paraguay 3-0 To Become Copa America Champions
The Uruguayans have finally realized one of their wildest dreams after 16 years of dissatisfaction by demolishing Paraguay in the 2011 Copa America final.
At the start of the tournament, many were eyeing a final fixture involving either giants Brazil or hosts Argentina .There were shocks though as La Celeste progressed through the last stage of the contest thanks to an unbeaten run.Having humbled the Argentines in the quarterfinals in a dramatic encounter, Uruguay were determined to finish their Copa America campaign in style. Fortunately for them, Paraguay proved to be too weak to cause them any harm in Buenos Aires.
Man of the Match Luis Suarez first scored the opener for his country after just 11 minutes, and by half time, the Uruguayans were leading 2-0 thanks to a strike from Diego Forlan. The Atletico Madrid forward netted another goal just a minute from additional time deep into the second half, only to seal what happened to be a comprehensible victory.
Uruguay eclipse biggest giants Argentina & Brazil by reaching 2011 Copa America final
Uruguay are well on track to becoming 2011 Copa America champions! Luis Suarez’s second half brace powered La Celeste Olimpica past Peru to reach the final of the competition.
As of now, many are fancying the Uruguayans to lift the title in Buenos Aires in a week’s time. It’s never easy to oust hosts, is it? We saw Japan stunning Germany at the Women’s World Cup. The rest of the story is easy to tell; the Japanese went on to win the title. Is this something Uruguay are going to emulate at the Copa America?Their chances to do so are big enough. The Uruguayans don’t just have great strikers in the form of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez. They have a great goalkeeper too. Muslera is the name.
This is a shot stopper whose pair of hands make Uruguay’s goal post seem protected by gates. Indeed, Muslera’s performance has caught the eye of the public at the benefit of Oscar Tabarez’s team.