Week 19

richj363 · Cult Status

Week 19

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Ascoli Win Crunch Game Aginst Udinese to reduce the gap to only one point for the automatic spot

Ascoli produced a terrific display away from home against second placed Udinese after falling behind after 13 minutes thanks to Nathan Tyson Ascoli dominated the match and thanks to two goals by Frederic Kanoute, Ascoli got the all important win giving them a 6th win on the trot and from being 8-10 points adrift of the automatic promotion spot at the half way point in the season

Jonny what a brilliant performance from your lads to get an away victory against Udinese

Yes it was a fantastic performance by the lads we were unlucky to go behind in the first place you only have to look at the match facts after thegame we had 13 chances to Udinese's 5 and away from home that is superb we are now only one point behind Udinese now we have won 6 in a row which is brilliant and we have a real chance of getting ahead of Udinese in the league now

Jonny did anyone stand out for your team today?

It was again a great team performence but Freddy Kanoute was superb Udinese couldn't stop him you wonder why he is retiring with performances like that and its a shame cause we'd love him to stay for at least another season but its not to be and our Goalkeeper Antonio Di Matteo who we signed earlier this season from Livorno impressed me he's only 19 and he was thrown in for his senior debut because Andres Isaksson was injured I didn't want to put him in such a crucial game but he performed brillantly and if he can play like that every time he pulls on the shirt he'll has a bright future for us

You have Siena next week who are fourth another tough game?

Yes it's another tough game as we were beaten by them earlier in the season 1-0 so we know it'll be a tough game but we are ten times stronger than when we played them last time and we have all the confidence to win the game we just need to make sure we play like we have for the past 6 games and we will win for sure

This is the final week for signings have you planned any?

No I haven't the money we do have I plan on using next season when we know what divison we'll actually been in but Mauro Pucello is going on loan to Atalanta for the remaining games as he hasn't played many games this season and hasn't performed very weel but Im sure Terri can help rebuild his confidence and get him performing in the last few games but thats the only piece of movement this week

Thanks for speaking to us again

No problem thanks for having me

Liam · Cult Status

Sky Sports News today managed to get an interview with the Aston Villa manager Liam Riste a day before they are set to play in the Semi-Finals of the cup against Man City, here is how it went:

SSN: You have Carew out injured and you face a strong Man City team in the Semi's, do you have any plans and what are your expectations?
LR: Well obviously losing Carew is a blow for us but we have adquate cover and wish him a speedy recovery from the minor knock he took against West Ham. I am confident we will play well against Man City and all the players are geared up at the prospect of getting to the final! We will give 110% to get through and it would be a great achievement for the players and club to make the final.

SSN: You lost last weekend against West Ham 3-1, what was your opinion on that loss and does it affect morale with a Semi-Final so soon after?
LR: Well we had to rest players against West Ham and gave our young talent a run-out which they have patiently waited for. The team that played against West Ham didn't disappoint and played well, but West Ham are a strong team and have high quality players; they are always a threat to any team. The morale is unaffected as the players realise what is at stake in the cup so they have forgotten about the loss and looking ahead now!

SSN: You have Spurs next weekend and since the last time you met, there was differences of opinion shall we say.. and Richard Jefferies has stated this week that it's all forgotten.What do you think about it all?
LR: Since we last beat Spurs on their own soil infront of thier home fans, they have brought in some new faces in an attempt to bulster their league position. I would say that they are currently sitting not much better than they were previously but have produced some good results as of late which has relieved Rich of some of the pressure that was building up on his shoulders. As for the previous comments being forgotten about, that is definitely not the case! My players feel insulted by them and have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Spurs at Villla Park...

SSN: What do you predict for the game against Spurs then?
LR: We have a cup game tomorrow which we will be focussing on for the meantime. Having such a big cup-tie before the Spurs game isn't ideal but I will still be looking for 3 points come the final whistle. Spurs' players will be rested up so if they don't get the result that Rich wants, there is no excuse for them.

SSN: Thanks for your time and good luck in the cup.
LR: Thanks.

pricey · Cult Status

ESPN SPORTS INTEVIEW WITH SUNDERLAND MANAGER DALE PRICE

Good evening Mr Price how are you feeling after this weeks game?

I am absolutely delighted with how the lads played against Southampton I thought we would win but didnt thing we would beat them in the way we did.

Crystal Palace almost slipped up against Fulham did you think they we going to draw?

When our game finished they were still playing it would have been great if Fulham had held on but there was always a thought in the back of my mind that Palace would score right at the end.

With 4 games left can you still take Sunderland up?

Yes I feel we have a really good chance and I as well as the players will do everything we can to take them up.

Your remaining game are Forest and Leicester away and Sheffield United and Palace home good run in or not?

I think its a very good run in we can and will win all 4 its all about resting key players now and using them correctly. Out of the 4 games we only see Palace as a challenge which we should as they were in the championship last season I have said that Sheffield United are not contenders and are punching above their weight. Forest had a good start with all the loan players they had but they have fallen away.

There has been alot of talk about chairmen putting money into their clubs what is your take on this?

I think chairmen should only really give money out if the club deserve it. Take us for example I think that when I take Sunderland up we will need about 4 or 5 million so I can get the players that I have identified for our push to the Premiership

There has been talk of star striker Martyn Waghorn could be leaving the club any truth to this?

I can confirm that we have had a number of offers this week for Martyn and I have spoken to him about these but he has assured me that he is very happy at the club and doesnt want to move I have told him that if an offer comes in that we cant turn down then we will have to take it. He was happy that we wasnt looking to cash in on him.

Thank you for taking time to speak to us Mr Price good luck with the rest of the season

Thanks

-- Edited by pricey on Monday 21st of September 2009 06:05:53 PM

Stu · Cult Status

Cup Fever Hits Manchester

Are the players looking forward to the Aston Villa game?
"We have been working on tactics over the weekend. A few of the older players are starting to look a little tired so I did not want to work them hard in training with two games in a week. Some people might say the other game is the big match but ask any of our fans or any of the Aston Villa fans and they will tell you this game is huge. It gives two teams that have not experienced success recently a chance of a cup final. No one is taking that lightly"

Is the league your main priority?
"I was charged with breaking the top three in one and a half seasons. We are third nearing half a season in charge. Our league form is ahead of schedule and I think that gives the players the freedom to take a break and look for something a bit special. I have managed in cup finals before and I want to get back there. The players have the same hunger. I think Liam has had his head turned by the Tottenham match and that can only help us. They have a tough fight to the end of the season and we could do them a favour if we can put them out of the cup"

How did you feel the Manchester derby went?
"We put a plan into action and I think it worked. I was disappointed we conceded when I told them to go out and make it hard for United but the goal and the result pleased me so we will take that forward. A loss would have put us in trouble with Liverpool but the draw gives us a little bit of room if we mess up in another match. Liverpool looked tired against Coventry and that gives us hope of holding on to third"

What did you think about the Arsenal news?
"I am surprised Simon wants to leave them but they should be much higher in the league. We have been lucky because their problems have taken away one of the teams I expected to have to fight to get inside the top four. We only have to worry about Liverpool and that makes my job alot easier. I hope he does well what ever club he joins"

Any transfer news?
"We signed young Wilson from Bristol City but he will be used as cover in defence til he is old enough to hold down a first team place. We made a few approaches for one more big name but nothing has bared fruit but we will keep looking. The squad is a little small and still needs some work"

Thanks Stu

Stu - Man City

richj363 · Cult Status

SSN caught up with Richard Jefferies after training today to reflect on comments made by the Aston Villa manager Liam Riste

SSN Liam seems to think nothing has been forgotten from earlier in the season.

RJ Well i thought it was time for things to calm down but if his players are still uptight thats up to them, I made a comment about them earlier in the season which was an honest post game comment which i still stand by, In hindsight maybe i shouldn't have said it but these things happen.

SSN Liam still seems to think you are under a lot of pressure

RJ Well we are not safe are we ? So guess we are still under pressure, but to say we are in the same situation as earlier in the season is a ridiculous thing to say, My players know they have to keep winning but there is little doubt that Villa and Blackburn are under much more pressure than us. Xavi has added the quality that we have needed and he has brought out the best in other players around him, notably Watson who has been great.

SSN So what do you think about the Villa game ?

RJ Well of course it will be a hard game, they have a point to prove. But i'm confident in my teams ability and the loss of Carew is huge for them. So bring it on we are ready.

paulh_85 · Cult Status

Harrington eagerly awaiting cup clash

After Two narrow defeats against Barcelona this season, how optimistic are you going into tonight's semi-final?

the whole team is feeling confident and looking forward to the match, this now is a complete re-vamp to the team who lost 1-0 only 7 weeks ago. We can now play the type of football that I, and the players want. Barcelona are a terrific team with some of the worlds best players, our strategy will be attack, attack, attack. This one really could be game of the season!!

Three players are in line to make their debuts for you tonight, with many people talking about teams needing time to gel, how will this effect the performance?

It wont be a problem, Harte and Ventola have been here for a while now, while rochenback has been training with us for a week before signing, these players have been brought here to do a specific job and they are up for the challenge. There have been many changes at this club and there are many more to come, but these guys are professionals and dont get phased

When you arrived at the club, you told the fans not to judge you on this season, but the next, do you still stand by your statement that this seasons league position is irrelevant?

Well its obvious that the cup is now our main focus, however, having had a good rivalry with Simon at Valladolid, finishing above his side is an aim of ours. However, you only need to look at our midfield next season to know what we are trying to achieve, Lennon, Zeigler and Nasri will form the main part of the team, and none will be in the side against Barca tonight, planning for the next season has meant selling players i would rather have kept too, but it was always my aim to use my first season here to mould the club the way i wanted it

So if the job of progession starts next season, what can the fans expect in terms of league sucess?

Well its important to keep a sense of realism, we dont have the resources to keep up with the top 4. When i got to this club i was told the top 4 was the aim of the chairman but that view will have to change as we will start well behind Espanyol and Valladolid next season. I dont think the current board have the resources to push this club towards the top 4 so things will have to be done gradually, its all about making the right decisions. if we can finish next term in 5th place that will be a sucess in my view, unless there is an unexpected change in the funds made available.

Thanks Paul, and best of luck for tonight

-- Edited by paulh_85 on Tuesday 22nd of September 2009 12:31:13 PM

Safehands · Cult Status

Arsenal Post Match Conference

Arsenal Manager Simon Newcombe was in good spirits as Arsenal clinching a place in the FA League Cup final after a quite remarkable 7-6 victory over incumbant league champions Chelsea

" Ill try and keep this brief but I couldnt let the evening go by without praising each and everyone of the players and club staff tonight. It has not been an easy season for the club this year, indeed so bad has it been that I tendered my resignation to the board last week as I had begun to question my ability to bring silverware to the club"

"The victory tonight was a vindication of sorts and I remain extremely proud of the performance and the manner of the victory. It was one of those rare games in football tonight. The attacking qualities were there for all to see - but defensively I think myself and my rival manager at times could have shot all his defenders and goalkeeper!!"

"Ill try not to descend into the world of football cliches - but ala Alan Hanson, in terms of hunger and desire, strength in depth and pure fighting spirit - we were a match for anyone"

"Especially having recently having had a similar outing against Real Madrid in Europe, sadly which ended in defeat, and facing a crunch match with Liverpool in the league at the weekend - I am thrilled for the players and everyone connected with the club"

"This will go down in history as a special night for every Arsenal fan, especially as it is the first time we have beaten Chelsea under my tenure. But the truth is we have won nothing but oppurtunity tonight and still face a tough challenge to beat Man City in the final. I can promise you this though - If I am still at the helm - we wont lose the cup through lack of effort"

"Lastly id like to pass on my best to the Chelsea manager for his part in a quite amazing game of football. There are few better managers in top flight football, and huge credit must go to the manager, the players, and the club. I wish them well and im sure they will soon consol themselves with another league title and perhaps more........"

The Arsenal Manager then left the conference to spend some time celebrating with the squad, and even some delighted board directors. While Newcombes future remains uncertain with the London club - perhaps tonight it is time to forget the uncertainties and enjoy the victory

Liam · Cult Status

Sky Sports News caught up with Liam Riste for a quick interview after the previous nights' cup games which saw Aston Villa crash out of the Semi-Finals 3-0 to Man City...

SSN: Obviously its disappointing to be knocked out. How are you and the team feeling after this loss?
LR: The players are feeling down at the moment and it's a hard pill to swallow! They played out of their skin and I couldn't have asked for a better performance. This was shown by going in 0-0 at half time.

SSN: No offence, but when you say your team played out of their skin but lost 3-0... What are you saying about your team?
LR: Hahaha, I will never put my team down unless deserved! We managed to keep a clean sheet up until half time and then a downfall in the second half cost us. I think it's clear for all to see just why we fell so heavy in the second half when I read off my injury list for that game alone! So here goes:

GK Sorensen
RB Bencheriff
CB Garay
LB Gallas
MD Galletti
ST Owen

And having Carew out beforehand was a blow. You have to ask questions of the Man City tactics when you come away from a game with over half your team crocked... Some favour Man City have done us by knocking us out of the cup...

SSN: Wow, that's a big injury list and you face Spurs this weekend!
LR: Unfortunately we do, yes. Which has ruined that game for us as we have 7 players out injured, of which 6 would have started against them. I dont doubt that when Richard Jefferies reads this he will be a little disappointed that the game isn't going to be as good as first promised, but I'm sure that's not going to worry him and he'll be pleased at this news.

And lastly, I would just like to congratulate everyone involved at the club for making it possible for Aston Villa to make it to the cup Semi's in their maiden season in the Premiership under my leadership. And a big thank you to Randy Lerner for the investment which has bulstered our squad and put Aston Villa in a decent position so far this season. Not forgetting.... A massive thank you for all the fans who have supported us in our dream cup-run, it is a pleasure to manage a team with such support!

SSN: Thanks again.

Turney · Cult Status

Sky Sports News caught up with Valencia manager Martin Turney after his side were beaten 4-2 in the Spanish Cup Semi Final.

After being knocked out of both cup competitions, would you view this season as a success or failure.

It was successful as it could be because we have some ageing legs in our side and with no real funds to add players to the squad we have achieved about as much as we could. We have a few good youngsters coming through the team notably Zarate and Aaron who's on loan at Middlesboro but with players coming towards retirement it would be very hard to improve on 4th in league campaigns and the latter stages of cup competitions.

With speculation of the Arsenal Job being available and the fact that you are an Arsenal fan would you consider a move back to England.

I am very happy at Valencia and have settled really well in my time at this club but only one team that I would consider leaving Valencia for and that would be Arsenal who I obviously have emotional ties to. If Arsenal don't come in for me then I see myself at Valencia for a very long time and look forward to the challenges ahead of me at this club.

-- Edited by Turney on Wednesday 23rd of September 2009 03:52:51 PM

madhibee · Cult Status

Sky Sports News interview Chelsea manager John Brady

What are your thoughts on quite an extraordinary match?

"First off, congratulations to Simon and his team for reaching the final. I do hope that Arsenal go on to win the tournament as I think they deserve it.

I am absolutely gutted with the result, especially for the fans. How we conceded seven goals is beyond belief and I have certainly not held back with the team after the match. No offence to Arsenal, but we should not lose that many goals with the quality that we have. I will be making sure that it will never happen again while I am in charge."

Obviously you are not happy, what about the players?

"They are clearly disappointed with the performance, and so they should be. I expect them to roll up their sleeves and get the win against Blackburn at the weekend in order to clinch the title as it is the least they can do for the fans."

With that, John Brady returned to the traing ground

Besty · Cult Status

Inter manager Best gutted at Semi-Final defeat

Jamie, you went out to a strong Juventus team tonight on penalties what are your thoughts on the game?

Well naturally i am gutted as i thought we had a really good chance but all credit to Juventus they are in the final and i hope they go on to win it now. We showed greay spirit to come from behind twice and when we got our noses in front in extra time i thought we would win but as soon as it went to penalties it's anybody's game and unfortunately we lost out.

You played a slightly weakened team do you think this affected the result at all?

No not at all. Luca (Castellazi) deputised for Julio Cesar in goal as he had taken a knock previously and he did well again so no excuses there. Ivan (Zivanovic) stepped in for Milito as he was feeling a bit tired i think the long season is finally catching up with him and he had a cracking game, also Arturo came in on loan and had a fantastic game with the exception of missing his spot kick, all in all i think everyone performed we just didnt practice our penalties as well as Juventus!

Word has it that Gabriel has played his last game for the club is this true?

Nothing has been confirmed yet but we are in negotiations with a Spanish team about Gabriel and one other player which would also see a player and a sum of money coming in the opposite direction but this has yet to be confirmed as mentioned and talks are still ongoing but if a deal is to be done then it will be have to be pretty sharp as the transfer window closes on Friday as we are all well aware.

So the league remains your only chance of glory, what do you think your chances are there?

As good as anyone elses.

Is that all you've got to say?

There is still a little way to go yet and we face some stiff tasks against some strong opponents so nothing is for certain yet, although i do think all the teams chasing the Serie A title will drop points before the end of the season.

Thanks for your time Jamie.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Soccer Star have announced a special magazine release ahead of the run in to the end of the English season. The following articles will be published this weekend.

- Peter Hill-Wood interview: The Newcombe Era
- Report on money in English football
- Talented new managers
- Championship's Champions
- Sheffield United: The Locker Room
- Stars of the future
- The Sunderland curse

Luke_C · Cult Status

Italiancup.co.uk spoke to welsh manager Luke Coakley

Luke you must be delighted with the win and the performance against Fiorentina in the Italian Cup Semi Final?
The most important thing was to get to the final. Milan in recent years have done well and then have run out of legs around this time but this season we are still looking strong so we will do what we can to bring silverware back to the club. The performance against Fiorentina was one of the best of the season, we moved and pass the ball with so much quality and against a very good team.

This now almost certainly puts you in Europe now, do you believe you can improve on last seasons European fortune?
Nothing is certain yet so we keep going until it is certain and the best way of doing that is winning the cup, its a big challenge against Juventus but one we will enjoy. We are also competing in the league and despite being 5th at the moment we are in touching distance of the top so we just try to win our remaining games and hope results go for us, its not as far fetched as it may sound.

Much has been made in the Italian Media regarding Briand scoring two against you while you pay his wages. Do the club admit that they made a mistake in now getting a clause in his loan deal to stop him playing against you?
We know what a quality player Brian is, why else would we have paid 14 million for him? We did have a clause that he couldn't play against us if we decided with Mark Rollings (previous Sampdoria manager) i'm sure if we spoke to the FA he wouldnt have played but we felt it was beneficial to his progress that he gets as many games as possible. IM more disappointed we didn't get a third to win 3-2 rather than disappointed he scored.

You have Parma this week and another former player Kallstrom up against you, what type of performance do you expect from Parma and will Kallstrom be playing?
Kallstrom should be playing and I see no reason he shouldn't be, we sent him out on loan to get games. Parma have some very good players so we will need to be strong but if we play to our potential we should win, if we don't then Parma have the quality to punish us.