Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has claimed that his club have yet to field a suitable offer for wantaway Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano.
The 26-year-old is thought to be a target for both Barcelona and Internazionale, but Hodgson says that neither club have made a sizeable bid, with Mascherano having featured in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the weekend.
"I have had two weeks working with him and he is an outstanding player," Hodgson commented.
"He is a top-quality player, one of the best at his job in the world and he showed that once again today.
"Let's be frank, he is playing at Liverpool, which is a good club. How many clubs can he move to which will be better or even at the same level?
"We are not looking at clubs for Javier Mascherano that go into the tens – we are looking at clubs in single figures.
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"As yet we have not received any offers. The fact is we want to keep him here and we will keep him here unless an offer comes in that is correct.
"At the moment it is not there – not on the horizon."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has been given assurances from Juventus that he will not be the subject of more racial abuse when the two sides meet in the Europa League.
Juve were forced to play a match behind closed doors last season after their fans racially abused Balotelli while he was playing a Serie A match for former club Internazionale.
UEFA will be watching when City travel to Turin for a European match later in the season, but the club's chief executive, Jean-Claude Blanc, has reassured the Italian striker that there will be no repeat of the ugly scenes.
He said:"This will be the chance to demonstrate that the standard has been raised.
"Hopefully fans will behave the way they should be behaving and supporting the team and only this.
"Supporting your team is to support your team and not to make remarks of a racist nature toward other players.
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"We will be extremely demanding and intransigent about this."
City will also take on Austrian side Salzburg and Lech Poznan of Poland in Group A of the Europa League.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Redknapp certainly came up with one of the more eye catching headlines last week, as he branded Arsene Wenger a ‘nutter’. Harry believes Wenger is unrecognisable from the man that arrived at Highbury in 1996, he stated,
“All the other nutters were jumping up and down shouting and screaming, hollering and hooting- and this man (Wenger) is not like those idiots. He just sits there and is studying every move that goes on on the pitch like chess. They didn’t lose a game all season. Now he has joined the nutters, you know! In fact, he is one of the key nutters! That is the tension that you are under. It has affected him now.”
Redknapp has raised some interesting questions about Arsene Wenger, and when you think about it, Wenger does seem to have changed since he first became manager of Arsenal.
When Arsene Wenger was appointed as manager at Arsenal, he was a quiet, contemplative coach, which led to him being given the nickname, ‘Le Professeur’. Wenger of course did have his very public feud with arch-rival Sir Alex Ferguson, and was not exactly shy in this respect, but on the touchline he was generally a very calm and calculated character.
It does appear some of the typical stylings of an English manager has rubbed off on Arsene Wenger in recent years. Wenger can often been seen in his technical area gesticulating at his players, shouting at the referee or bringing the fourth official to book, which was perhaps not the case in his first few years in the Premiership. One of the more memorable incidents Wenger has been involved in was at Old Trafford, when he was sent to the stands and stood on a platform behind the dugouts, with his arms outstretched in bewilderment. It was one of the iconic images of last season, but you could not imagine Wenger doing what he did when he initially took over at Arsenal.
Since 1996, Arsene Wenger has become one of the most influential and outspoken individuals in English football. There does not seem to be a day that goes by without a new soundbite from Wenger, and his press conferences and post-match interviews are often highly entertaining, and not infrequently, controversial.
The change seen in Wenger has also made him new enemies. He and Jose Mourinho exchanged bitter barbs within the media when the latter managed Chelsea, and now Tony Pulis and Sam Allardyce have engaged in mind games and wars of words with the Frenchman. The fact that Wenger has become a ‘nutter’, as Redknapp would put it, is not necessarily a negative thing however. It is always good to see passion from a manager on the touchline, and it means his players know exactly where they stand. It is good to hear Wenger defending his players in the media, and outspokenness in a manager can be a positive thing, especially when it gee’s up your own team or negatively affects the opposition.
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Whilst Redknapp had his tongue firmly in his cheek when he called Arsene Wenger a ‘nutter’, there is certainly some truth behind what he was trying to say. The days of Wenger quietly sitting down in his dugout and observing the game are long gone, he is now more often seen prowling the touchline. Being in England for such a long time has definitely seems to have had an affect on the Frenchman, but that is no bad thing.
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In the build-up to the World Cup in South Africa, many would have been excused for naively hoping that England would end years of heartache or citing that this was there year to do. But in the wake of a shameful World Cup and the failure to secure victory at home to a Montenegro side ranked below Burkina Faso surely it is time to re-assess the disparity between the stark reality that England have not earned the right to be considered amongst the elite and the inflated expectations of a football hungry nation.
Their timid strides towards redemption in their previous qualifying games against Bulgaria and Switzerland were banished into the abyss after a display which offered a guileless reminder of just how far they need to progress before being considered for a major competition.
And whilst Montenegro should be credited for coming and making things difficult, the frustration perhaps stemmed from the worrying absence of any ideas or penetration in order to break their defensive wall down. By the time Milan Jovanovic had handled in the box, the feeble nature of the performance dictated a distinct lack of compassion.
The final whistle could not have come sooner for England fans and put for the introduction of the whole-hearted Kevin Davies which elicited a cheer from the crowd undoubtedly racked with tedium by this point and it is now abundantly clear that any burgeoning prospects will have to adapt at an impractical pace for England to have any sort of success at Euro 2012. The stark reality is – England are nowhere near world class, and anybody that holds this view is tainted by the misfortune of delusion. Failure to beat a team of Montenegro’s stature signifies the need for a shift in expectation.
If England are to progress in the future, fans may be aiding them in the brutality that attaches itself with accepting that the likes of Spain, Holland, Brazil and Argentina are streaks ahead of them at the world football top table. The longevity of their re-affirmation there was again laid bare yesterday evening. Whilst England have some excellent players in their ranks, there is only a handful of top quality youngsters coming through; the likes of Adam Johnson, Joe Hart, Jack Wilshere and perhaps Kieran Gibbs. Look beyond those and the “world-class” prospects are sparse.
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It does not constitute a crisis and it is a little harsh that Fabio Capello’s job has again come under scrutiny as the players are as much to blame as the Italian who said:
“I am a fighter. It is one game. We have to fight again. I think we are a good team. The goalkeeper was the best player for Montenegro. This is football. You have to respect little countries. They have good players. At this moment they are psychologically at a high moment having won three games.”
Whilst some of that notion may be true, little countries like Montenegro had England worked out, just like Algeria in South Africa and unfortunately England could only manage a 0-0 draw against both.
Manchester United have recorded an £83.6million loss despite posting operating profits in excess of £100million for the last financial year.
The latest financial figures have revealed that United are the first club to have broken through the £100million operating profit ceiling.
However, the hefty losses for the year ending June 30 will again bring the subject of the Glazer family's controversial ownership to the fore.
Last year United's debt was listed at £716.5million and the annual interest payments of £40million will lead to further criticism from disgruntled supporters.
Media and commercial revenues both grew during the last financial year, but supporters will point to a lack of transfer investment as further reason for disquiet.
Sir Alex Ferguson spent less than £20million on three new players – Chris Smalling, Javier Hernandez and Bebe – which accounts for around half of the sum which left the Old Trafford coffers to service the club's debts.
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United, commonly regarded as the richest club in the world, were debt free before the Glazer family took over in 2005.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce will hand a first Premier League start to record signing Asamoah Gyan against Stoke City this weekend.
The 24-year-old Ghana international’s only previous start since his big-money move from Rennes came in the Carling Cup, but Bruce is prepared to change tactics following the 5-1 drubbing at Newcastle United last time out.
Bruce told the club’s official website:“He is something different. I am sure he will be a big hit in the Premier League.
“He is a little bit off the wall and he will do things that will frustrate you, but he’s got that little bit of brilliance that can win you a match.
“We have invested a lot of money in the kid and I hope he can come in and give us the spark which the crowd will enjoy.
“It’s a response to what happened last week. Our Achilles heel is we haven’t scored enough, so I just think it is right, after what has happened this week that we give the kid his chance.
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“I think he can give everybody a spark and a lift.”
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The post-match or pre-match interview is usually full of cliques, platitudes and quotes that just go through the motions because there are so many to do over such a limited scope of a subject. But as with all rules there are the exceptions that wake us up from our boredom induced slumber and give our attention something to behold. In this countdown are 10 of the best interviews to have been given, they usual involve cathartic release rather than inspirational tirades. Any way enough by way of introduction, here are the chosen few.
Click on image below to see the VIDEOS of TEN classic football interviews
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Manchester City look the favourites to land Benfica defender David Luiz. David Luiz is considered one the brightest talents in European football at the moment and Roberto Mancini is said to be very keen to tie up the deal this January.
Benfica rejected a £32m bid by Manchester City in the summer but after their failure to reach the second round of the Champions League, it seems that the Portuguese club are now ready to part with their prized asset.
The Sun reported last week that a Benfica insider said: “Going out of the Champions League affected our financial plans. We want to re-evaluate the situation.”
The defender would be an invaluable asset for Manchester City due to his versatility. He can double up a left back if needed – something Roberto Mancini looks for in his defenders.
Portuguese newspaper Record reports that Luiz was unhappy when Benfica rejected a bid from Manchester City in the summer, but sold Ramires to Chelsea and Angel di Maria to Real Madrid.
[youtube j-oW7GaBDGY]
Manchester City will face stiff opposition from Chelsea and Inter Milan for his signature but Manchester City are in pole position for the defenders signature – RATE THE RUMOUR
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Jordan booked a place in the Asian Cup quarter-finals with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Syria in Doha on Monday.With Syria needing a victory to progress to the knockout stage, they made the perfect start when Mohamed Al Zeno put them ahead but an own goal to Ali Diab levelled proceedings at half-time before Odai Al Saifi’s second-half strike sent Jordan into the last eight.
Jordan boss Adnan Hamad was happy with the side that beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 last time out, making no changes while Syria manager Valeriu Tia called upon Sanharib Malki to replace the suspended Nadim Sabagh.
The match began at a frenetic pace with Syria on top in the early stages and regularly testing Jordan goalkeeper Amer Sabah, and their early dominance paid off when Al Zeno gave them the lead after 15 minutes.
Malki made a promising run down the right side of the pitch and after getting close to the by-line, shot at Sabah, who could only parry the strike.
The rebound fell invitingly for Al Zeno who was on hand to tap the ball in and give Syria the early edge.
Syria had opportunities to go further in front but Al Zeno and Jehad Al Hussain missed free headers from inside the penalty box while Feras Esmaeel fired wide.
Almost completely against the run of play, Jordan found an equaliser.
Syria goalkeeper Mosab Balhous decided to come for a cross from the left but could not get through a crowd of bodies, with the ball finding the head of Diab who could only manage to put the ball in the back of the net.
The goal highlighted the lack of communication between the Syrian defence and goalkeeper and it was something Jordan would make the most of later in the match.
Referee Abdulrahman Mohammed dished out several yellow cards in the early stages of the second half including one to Balhous, who charged out of his box to clatter Hassan Abdel Fattah.
But Syria continued to attack and could have taken the lead if it were not for a smart save by Sabah who tipped Belal Abduldaim’s free-kick and from the resultant corner Sabah had to react well to save a left-foot rocket from Samer Awad.
Syria piled on the pressure in search of a goal, but Malki and Esmaeel wasted headers before once again a long ball split the Syrian defence open.
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Al Saifi slipped in behind the defensive line and despite the best efforts of Diab, who tried to shield the ball from the Jordan man, he tapped home the all-important second goal.
It was a clever finish from Al Saifi who hooked the ball over the oncoming keeper but the defending was comical and the goal allowed Jordan, who only needed a point to progress, to sit back and defend their lead.
Jordan’s victory sets up an exciting quarter-final clash with Group A winners Uzbekistan.
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a good dose of Premier League football for us footy fans to tuck into and hopefully if the weather holds up we’ll be in for a Boxing Day treat. There is a whole load of football on TV over the xmas period and fantasy football managers will be manically trying to organise their team into a winning one! On Boxing Day Tottenham travel to Aston Villa, Newcastle host Manchester City and Sunderland face Manchester United. However the big one is on the 27th, as Chelsea play Arsenal at The Emirates and Didier Drogba will be looking to terrorise the Gunners’ defence yet again.
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Football Writers’ Association Predictions – Week 19 (26/12-27/12)
Patrick Barclay (The Times)
Home Team
Away Team
Arsenal
V
Chelsea
H
Aston Villa
V
Tottenham
D
Blackburn
V
Stoke
D
Blackpool
V
Liverpool
A
Bolton
V
West Brom
H
Everton
V
Birmingham
D
Man United
V
Sunderland
H
Newcastle
V
Man City
D
Wolves
V
Wigan
H
Sheff United
V
Hull City
A
Arsenal v Chelsea: A must-win if Arsenal are to maintain title challenge
Des Kelly (Daily Mail)
Home Team
Away Team
Arsenal
V
Chelsea
D
Aston Villa
V
Tottenham
A
Blackburn
V
Stoke
A
Blackpool
V
Liverpool
D
Bolton
V
West Brom
H
Everton
V
Birmingham
H
Man United
V
Sunderland
H
Newcastle
V
Man City
D
Wolves
V
Wigan
D
Sheff United
V
Hull City
H
Blackburn V Stoke: Not an attractive fixture on paper, and unlikely to be much better in reality. But Stoke have stability, method and purpose and should be too organised for managerless Blackburn.
Shaun Custis (The Sun)
Home Team
Away Team
Arsenal
V
Chelsea
D
Aston Villa
V
Tottenham
A
Blackburn
V
Stoke
A
Blackpool
V
Liverpool
D
Bolton
V
West Brom
H
Everton
V
Birmingham
H
Man United
V
Sunderland
H
Newcastle
V
Man City
D
Wolves
V
Wigan
H
Sheff United
V
Hull City
D
Aston Villa v Spurs: Aston Villa are not in great form and there are tales of dressing room unrest which should allow Spurs to capitalise.
Continue to PAGE TWO for more predictions…
Andy Dunn (News of the World)
Home Team
Away Team
Arsenal
V
Chelsea
A
Aston Villa
V
Tottenham
A
Blackburn
V
Stoke
A
Blackpool
V
Liverpool
A
Bolton
V
West Brom
H
Everton
V
Birmingham
D
Man United
V
Sunderland
H
Newcastle
V
Man City
D
Wolves
V
Wigan
H
Sheff United
V
Hull City
H
Man United v Sunderland: Steve Bruce’s team might have the most clean sheets in the Premier League but they won’t be adding to that tally at Old Trafford. Fergie does his old boys few favours – expect a resounding home win.
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Martin Lipton (The Mirror)
Home Team
Away Team
Arsenal
V
Chelsea
A
Aston Villa
V
Tottenham
D
Blackburn
V
Stoke
D
Blackpool
V
Liverpool
A
Bolton
V
West Brom
H
Everton
V
Birmingham
H
Man United
V
Sunderland
H
Newcastle
V
Man City
A
Wolves
V
Wigan
H
Sheff United
V
Hull City
H
Blackpool v Liverpool: Losing at home to the Seasiders left Roy Hodgson on the ropes; losing at Bloomfield Road might cut them. But he won’t. Liverpool to win
Steve Bates (The People)
Home Team
Away Team
Arsenal
V
Chelsea
H
Aston Villa
V
Tottenham
D
Blackburn
V
Stoke
A
Blackpool
V
Liverpool
A
Bolton
V
West Brom
H
Everton
V
Birmingham
H
Man United
V
Sunderland
H
Newcastle
V
Man City
A
Wolves
V
Wigan
A
Sheff United
V
Hull City
H
Bolton v West Brom: Bolton are proving themselves a formidable team at The Reebok with four wins in their last six games while West Brom have one away win in their last six on their travels so I’m tipping Owen Coyle’s stars to nick it.
Glenn Moore (The Independent)
Home Team
Away Team
Arsenal
V
Chelsea
D
Aston Villa
V
Tottenham
D
Blackburn
V
Stoke
D
Blackpool
V
Liverpool
D
Bolton
V
West Brom
H
Everton
V
Birmingham
H
Man United
V
Sunderland
H
Newcastle
V
Man City
A
Wolves
V
Wigan
H
Sheff United
V
Hull City
H
Everton v Birmingham: Everton are finally running into form and, as long as they are not complacent, should win