Week 16

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 16

Luke_C · Cult Status

Coakley slams negative press report.

Manchester City manager Luke Coakley spoke to Man City World after a disappointing two all draw with rivals Newcastle.

Luke (Coakley) only a point today and another disappointing result?
In any game if we have not collected three points then its a disappointing but today the performance was just as disappointing. We didnt create enough chance for Etoo and thats something we will look to work on during the week. All season we have played great attacking football and have created a lot of chances, today we never but that is something we will work on and sort out. Newcastle came up with us a couple of seasons back and where far the better team then and I think the fact we are expected to beat them at St James Park shows how far we have come as a team together with our league comparison.

When you first joined Manchester City you played 4-5-1 and today returned to that formation having not used it for over a season now, what was the think behind that?
We lost Anelka and Tumudo last week and Ianelli is out on loan so we simply didnt have the quality upfront available for this week to play anything different. The situation has already been addressed and we will be signing Defoe and Keane over the next two weeks so we will be getting stronger.

Fans are now starting to put some pressure on you; can you bring them back around?
They were annoyed about the defeat to Manchester United and I understand that but I fully believe they are behind me. We have been playing good attacking football this season and we have continued to improve every season since I joined. I read some article today after the game that suggested we havent improved as a club after the chairman invested ten million pounds.Lets get some facts straight we are already one place ahead of last season and only four points away from forth position. Last season we struggled nearly all season and we are now a very healthy sixteen pounds from the bottom three. We have Fulham followed by Everton in the next two games and they are big games for us but this club has plenty to look forward to over the next couple of years.

So this media report has annoyed you? Has the chairman spoke to you about the league position?
No it hasnt annoyed me but I dont think the article is helpful, it has no comments from the fans, it has no comment from my chairman, it has no comment from anyone in fact just someone from the media looking to have a dig and add pressure to under fire managers and I just dont think it is needed. Yes I speak to my chairman and I believe he is happy that we continue to make progress. He has targeted a top six finish and from the start I have said I believe this is a little over ambitious but we still trying and the chairman has made it clear what he sees as a successful season.

The ten million invested maybe has had people to believe not enough improvement has been made?
I cant comment on what other people think but ten million is not a massive amount of money in todays open market. The money was spent on Ianelli who is out on loan for the season to Sunderland; the guy has great potential and is an exciting player. The improvements we have made are not down to the ten million because in theory that money is irrelevant this season now and that was my choice and the right choice for the future of this club in my opinion.

The improvements we have made this season are due to good work from our lads and I dont think they get enough praise for that. I could have spent the money on someone who could make an impact this season who is in there late thirties but this club is to important to me to waste that sort of money on a player for one or two good seasons. I have around thirty million pounds worth of young players out on loan so the future is bright. Ive made it clear from day one in way I want to take this club forward and Im getting on with doing it and Im happy with the progress we are making.

-- Edited by Man_City at 14:52, 2008-10-04

-- Edited by Man_City at 14:52, 2008-10-04

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

"Work starts now!" - Davies-Evans

After their latest win and finally getting into the Playoffs, Cagliari manager Steve Davies-Evans has warned his players that the toughest times are ahead.

"I've just left the lads and they are buzzing at the moment. They have worked so hard to close that 12 point gap between us and the playoffs that we had earlier in the season and now that we are in there, we cannot let it slip away or all the hard work will be for nothing.

We were very good today. I thought we played the best football of the season and our inter-change upfront was deadly. We are creating chances and when you have the caliber of strikers that we do, we expect goals and that's what we got. We have a dynamic front 3 that are really enjoying playing together.

I will make sure that these players do not get carried away and they will still be put through thier paces when they get back to training as there were still things that we can work on. I have just told them that they can have the day off tomorrow though as they fully deserve it. They have been superb in training all week and they followed it up with a very good overall performance so they deserve to take it easy.

We now have a very tough game against Palermo who are cementing 2nd place after another fine win. We feel that we can still take maximum points out of the game thouugh and we will make sure that they do not find it easy when they come to our place next weekend."

So, Davies-Evans clearly happy with the win but it also seems that the Welshman is fully aware of what needs to be done to make sure they claim a playoff place at the end of the season.

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings offers Coventry his committment

After watching his side play out a sintilating 3-5 thriller at Carrow Road to take another fine three points outspoken manager Mark Rollings chose to mark the occasion by announcing his committment to his adopted side. Speculation had been mounting that the young welsh manager was looking to advance his career at a top flight side but Coventry fans can finally be assured that their manager will be here next season at the very least.

'We were superb going forward today. I must give some credit to Norwich, who showed that they are better than their league position suggests. I am enjoying my time at Coventry and we are buiding something very special. I have heard rumours that Mr Ranson was up in Preston lining up my replacement. All I can say is that is news to me. However, I could not blame him for putting contingency plans in place, he has the interest of Coventry City at heart.

However, I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm my committment to Coventry City FC and promise the fans and chairman that I am here for the foreseeable future, or indeed, until they choose they don't want me. Subsequently I will be withdrawing my application for the vacant managers position at Fiorentina and ruling myself out of any forthcoming vacancies'

-- Edited by Spartikus47 at 16:08, 2008-10-04

GarethGardner · Cult Status

Gardner calls on new season funds

Celta Vigo manager Gareth Gardner made a dramatic statement after Celta Vigo fine 3-0 away win at Real Murcia.
" Another great win for Vigo shows we really are 1 of the best teams in this league. I was a very proud man when the Chairman Mr Mourino lept and punched the air in delight today. I must now have a meeting with him asking him for extra funding so we can push Vigo that step further and stay in the Primera next season. This year now seems a foregone conlusion with us 11 points clear with only 18 points left to play for. Im proud of the way the lads have performed this year and have dramatically cut the age of the side in half bringing in very young talented players who are the future of Celta Vigo. I think with added funding I would be able to buy a few older more experianced players to keep us in the Primera and the new youngsters will then come of age and hopefully push for a top half finish in a few seasons time. Due to our guaranteed top 2 finish I am now looking to release more of our younger better players out on loan to keep getting them games and then giving my young players who havnt featured so much this year more experiance.Juanjo will be leaving this week as a favour to my good friend Mark at Coventry City and hopefully give them an extra kick in their pomotion push. Also young Chrissy Brunt could be having a spell at Sheff Utd with a few other players to aid them in their playoff place.The Vigo fans will then see the other young talent we have coming through the Vigo ranks and can guarantee these are young an hungry players who will entertain the crowd and keep playing the free flowing attacking football they have seen of my side this season.I just prey Mr Mourino just looks at the overall job I have done and hard work I have put in and shake up the squad with a little investment next season"

After such a statement Im sure the Celta Vigo fans will be very happy that Gareth has made his intentions of a very bright future for Celta Vigo and they will also be hoping for the same football next season into the Primera.

-- Edited by GarethGardner at 09:20, 2008-10-05

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Game at a time key for Sky Blues

Coventry City fans could be forgiven for pinching themselves in fear of dreaming under the current climate in The Championship. Tipped to struggle after emerging successfully from the lottery that is the play-off system last term, Coventry could only manage a home draw against a similarly unfancied Charlton on the opening day. That result left fans and pundits alike predicting a long and arduous campaign for the Sky Blues, as they adjusted to Championship life.

'We realised after that game with Charlton that there was a fine line in regards to respect and flattery. I think we expected that game to be a lot harder than it was, and backed off and gave too much respect. After that match I sat the lads down and I could see they were all feeling the same as me; We knew at that point we were ready for this league.'

Subsequently Coventry have gone on to take the league by storm, and despite a hiccup against a good West Brom side early on (A defeat they recently avenged) now find themselves sitting in the second automatic promotion slot as the season heads to a tense finale. Promotion however, is a blue word around the midlands club, with Rollings keen to keep his charges feet firmly on the Ricoh Arena turf.

'We have found ourselves in this position due to hard-work and attitude and we cannot let that slip now. The players are mentally tough and do not need me to tell them that the job is nowhere near complete. We must treat every game like a cup final from now on, and we must be aware that there are four or five excellent teams just waiting for us to slip up. Its vital we take one game at a time from here on in!'

As for Rollings future; the mercurial Welsh manager issued a statement of intent towards those of the press who have taken it upon themselves to try and derail the Coventry promotion push.

'The press can write what they like. I made my feelings clear earlier this week. I am staying at Coventry City Football Club, until told otherwise, and am fully focused on taking this great club into the Premier League and beyond. I have a brilliant working relationship with Mr Ranson, and am lucky enough to represent some of the best fans in the English League system. Any question marks about my future are well and truly behind me.'

-- Edited by Spartikus47 at 15:49, 2008-10-06

richj363 · Cult Status

ZARAGOZA BOSS DEFENDS DECISION TO SELL

Stu · Cult Status

RE: Week 16

Fletch · Cult Status

Gimnastic Manager Andy Fletcher Calls for Chairman to Lead the way

Andy Fletcher has asked charismatic Chairman Xavier Salvado to find the funds to drive Gimnastic on to the next division.

"We were close last season and we lost momentum in the play offs, but it proves with strength in depth and some more influential players in key positions we could now be in La Liga"

"We didnt recover from the blow of missing out last season and havent pushed on. Realistically I need £20m to £30m to bring in those players needed. Theres only so much you can do with loans and shopping in the bargain bucket"

"I'm sure Xavier wants us to be in La Liga so I will be expecting early activity in the transfer market using funds that are in place day 1"

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Steve Davies-Evans press confrence

Q - Steve, you've been on a good run and one of the most in-form teams in the division, How do you rate your chances this week?

SDE - I think you have to be positive and think that you can take all 3 points. We're an attacking team and that's what I want to see the boys do this week.

Q - How do you rate the job that Glenn has done at Palermo?

SDE - I think he's done a great job. He hasn't got years of experience to call on which makes the job he's done all the better. He's got an eye for a bargain and I believe that they will end up promoted behind Sampdoria this year, I just hope that we can delay that promotion party slightly.

Q - There have been some reports suggesting that you were considering resting players for this game and excepting a defeat in order to rest a couple of your 'older' players. Can you confirm or deny that?

SDE - Well i'm not about to publicly announce my team but what I will say is that whatever team plays this week will give a good account of themselves.

Q - Your brother has recently applied for the Leeds United job, How would you feel if he joined you in Yorkshire next season?

SDE - It would be good to have him around. We don't get to see eachother a massive amount at the moment due to our geography in Italy so to have him 20 miles down the road would be good. I'm sure he would do a great job for Leeds United and I hope that he gets the job.

Q - Finally Steve, Stuart Price at Sevilla has said this week that his intentions are not to take Cardiff up through the divisions quickly, What is your view?

SDE - I have got alot of time for Stu and I think he's one of the best managers around. I did have abit of a chuckle to myself when I read that he said the club needs stability yet he is willing to give up his job if they don't go up in the first season?? Not sure how stable that is? I understand what Stu means though.

I can see Stu's point but I think that it really depends on how you adapt your team to the new division you are in. Both teams in the Championship aren't guarenteed promotion yet although they are looking good, I know Mark at Coventry well and I imagine that he has already got plans in place whether they achieve promotion or not. He's already pulled a few rabbits out of a few hats this season when it comes to transfers so who would bet against him doing the same in the Premiership?

-- Edited by Bluebird99 at 19:51, 2008-10-08

Football Academy · Cult Status

Rivera critical of Blues boss

Coventry Citys left winger Alberto Rivera has today publicly criticised his manager for his handling of the situation at the club in the last few months. Despite soaring to second in the table the club has fallen further into confusion with the manager stating his desire to join Fiorentina publicly, before promising himself to the club.

"He has done it all wrong in my opinion. If he wants to leave he should leave us so a manager that cares can come in. The fans here deserve the truth if they can't have loyalty. You can't want to leave one day then want to stay for seasons to come the next. If he was honest about how he felt he might have more support in the dressing room, the board room, and the terraces. "

Rivera was dismayed that news broke of his failed move to Charlton recently after being dropped for a loan winger from Roma. Rivera has indicated this might be a change in the managers transfer policy which is being determined by his desire to achieve short term success to aid a move away.

Levy admits managers days are numbered

Daniel Levy called a press conference this morning to explain to the press some of his thoughts surrounding the news that new man in change Chris Hanton wants to join Liverpool. Hanton praised the fans of the London side but was heavily critical of his chairman, blaming Levy for his desire to leave.

"Sometimes a manager should keep quiet. Some things need to be said face to face without the press clamouring in between. I have never had a problem with Chris before I read the newspaper and saw what he'd said. If he expected us to hand him over £50 million when he arrived here he was bound to be unhappy. No chairman in their right mind will throw that much into a club at once. It's just too easy for managers to expect big sums of money to fall in their lap in the current environment. It's a sad state of affairs for this club. I have already been in contact with a close friend who is going to watch an English match this weekend with a view to appointing a new manager. There are consequences for your actions and his days here are numbered after his little outburst."

No word has yet come from Liverpool in reaction to Chris Hanton's interest but Levy's comments are bound to worry the Spurs faithful about who their future lies with.

Glazer expects silverware

Manchester United currently look well off the pace in the Premiership campaign with Chelsea clear at the top and Arsenal looking clear in second place behind them. Until now there has been no rumblings of discontent coming from United, with most people in football expecting some sort of a lull this season with the Red Devils having to replace a number of aging key players.

"This is a big club. The fans expect and so do the board. We understand the league is out of contention this season but we expect something. This club is too big to go empty handed when the season comes to an end. Iain Kochanowksi has our support during this difficult period of rebuilding but we still expect that support to be repaid with some sort of trophy. "

Manchester United have Chelsea in the next round of the European Cup and Championship side Watford in the English Cup, and now seem pushed to win one of those unless they can turn around the league form in style.

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rivera outburst finds Rollings in understanding mood

Coventry City manager Mark Rollings wasted no time in commenting on the recent outburst from Spanish left winger Alberto Rivera, who accused his manager of indecisiveness. Rollings had previously stated his desire to join managerless Fiorentina at the end of the season before performing a dramatic U-Turn and committing his foreseeable future to the midlands club he has guided to second in the Championship. The welsh manager stopped short of hanging his left midfielder out to dry but warned his player to keep his feelings in house from now on.

"Alberto (Rivera) is a fiery character, and thats what makes him such a terrific player. I would be a poor manager if a tried to stifle that. He wants to play every game and that is a testament to his professionalism and determination. The fact is though we have some big games coming up and I wanted to keep the squad fresh for the run in. Alberto is a key player in this team and should be no means consider himself a deputy to anyone. As far as I am concerned I would have preferred that he came to me in private about his concerns but I am a big believer in getting things out in the open and if this gives me the opportunity to express Albertos value to the team I am happy it has happened."

Rollings also reaffirmed his stance on his much debated future, by once again committing himself to his job in hand.

"I made no secret of my feelings towards Fiorentina, and applied for their position as manager. However, after consulting friends and family and taking a long hard think I believe I still have much to achieve at Coventry and therefore will commit myself to the clubs cause. Whatever division we find ourselves in next year I will be here and fighting to take this club forward. As far as i am concerned Barcelona could come in for me and I would refuse."

Flanked by his club captain Matthew Upson, and vice captain Joey Barton it was clear for the gathered press to see that this was Rollings displaying his support at the club. Both spoke out in response to criticism from the press Rollings had less than total commitment from his dressing room.

"The gaffer was straight with us from the outset and explained his reasons for the application to move to Italy. We were disappointed but what can you do. Not once have I had to question the managers feelings towards this club and you only have to come and watch us train to see the enthusiasm he has. Everyone was delighted to hear he changed his mind, and after speaking at length with him several times he has exciting visions for this football club. I have absolutely no doubts over the gaffers committment to this club. (Upson)"

-- Edited by Spartikus47 at 17:14, 2008-10-09

-- Edited by Spartikus47 at 17:17, 2008-10-09

Rhino · Cult Status

Hanton Hits Back

Spurs Boss Chris Hanton spoke to the press today outside his home after being told to stay clear of the club's training ground.

Press Why have you been told to stay away today Mr Hanton?

CH " Well I guess Mr Levy had a statement to make and he didn't want me around for it!, I have not seen Mr levy as yet and he has kept his distance from me which in my eyes is a bit cowardly.

Press What do you have to say about Mr Levy statement ?

CH "He has lost the plot, why should a manager be kept quite if he thinks something is better out in the open ? I feel a little let down by Mr levy saying he was putting 20milion in to give the club a push, but in fact the club already had funds of 19m from sales of young and up and coming talent like young Huddlestone, so the actual figure the chairman put in was 1million".

Press Are you saying that you thought you were getting a 20million extra spending money ?

CH "At first I did think that yes, but then it was explained that the money that was there would be topped up, I was more than happy with that and I know what I wanted to spend it on and I got my man, I just have this feeling a bit like the Arsenal debate last season where if I don't get spurs in the top 4 asap im gone, but I like to work with youth and progress the club which lets face it the club had a very poor season last season and were doing ok this season.

Press If Mr levy was to try and talk things through would it be worth it ?

CH " I would be happy to stay if the Chairman wants to give me 3 seasons without any over the top targets yes, but then again every team wants to get in that top 4 and the likes of Chelsea,Arsenal,Man Utd are always going to be there so it leaves 1 space for likes of Liverpool,Man City,West Ham and Spurs to get in.Mr levy would be happy for me to sell lets say Aguero or Lennon for 2 or 3 thirty + superstars,but where does that leave Spurs in 2 or 3 seasons time ?"

Press Have you heard from Liverpool ?

CH " Nothing at all, and to be honest I don't expect to hear anything as yet either as they know what the situation is here and they might want to see what is going to come of it they have now heard Mr Levy statement and now this so lets wait and see"

Press Thank Mr Hanton for his time and trouble

-- Edited by Rhino at 17:51, 2008-10-09

-- Edited by Rhino at 17:51, 2008-10-09

evertonian · Cult Status

Recreativo welcome new signing Klasnic

Recreativo Huelva have welcomed German striker Ivan Klasnic to the club for his first week of training following a £7m move from Werder Bremen. He is believed to be ready to face Atletico Madrid at the weekend despite being reportedly short of full fitness on his arrival after five weeks without a game. We took the time to speak with the new acqusition at the training ground, alongside new teammate Jesus Vazquez.

Welcome to La Liga, Ivan. How do you feel now you are a Recreativo Huelva player?
I am really happy to be here. To be honest I've been looking to get out of the Bundesliga for a while because I want to play in a more competitive league and prove to the national team manager that I can play well in the FA Evolution setup. I think I've joined an up-and-coming club and hopefully I will fit into the team well and help us to improve.

The team is in very poor form at the moment Jesus. Do you think Ivan's arrival will have a positive influence on the team's form?
No doubt our performances in the last month or so haven't been up to scratch at all. We all know we should have beat Betis last week, we were far the better team both on the teamsheet and in the game. We dominated and it was only through some individual mistakes that we failed to take all three points. Of course we're looking to turn the corner and I think Ivan will give us all a boost, especially Rob and Carlos who have been playing out of their skins week in week out.

The manager is still to sign a contract extension beyond the end of the season. How do you see things panning out?
I know that Rob is desperately trying to focus on our squad and getting us out of our current situation. I can't comment about his future for him, but I do know hes been focused 24/7 lately on his tactics and his transfer policy to try to help us move up the table. None of us know what next season will bring for us, but next season doesn't matter until this one is over.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Berlusconi spotted in Midlands

The AC Milan chairman Silvio Berlusconi was spotted arriving in a Midlands airport today, sparking rumours in the local press that he's here to have talks with one of the managers in that area.

Milan have been without a manager for a number of weeks now and under the caretaker manager have begun the task of overhauling the aging squad. Milan look set to fight down to the wire to hang onto their 3rd place in the league after losing to 4th placed Juventus last week. Berlusconi was quick to avoid the cameras and duck into a waiting limo at the airport entrance. Although no further reports have surfaced yet about where his limo was heading it has stirred up the local reports.

Petty and Wells head Spanish press poll

The football correspondents in Spain took part in a joint poll last week to establish who the leading names in management circles are who are likely to be headhunted for next season. Numerous big clubs are currently unmanaged in Spain and while many outside of the Spanish borders have let this go unnoticed, inside there is much debate over who will be offered which jobs.

The results of the press poll were published today across the Spanish back pages and it was a pair of unlikely candidates who topped the voting. The Spanish reporters have Sunderland's Jonathan Petty and Bristol's Stephen Wells as the front runners for the Spanish vacancies. The selection of the pair of League One managers indicates how overlooked the Spanish press feel their jobs have become, expecting no vastly experienced managers to be in the front running to take over anywhere in the country.