Week 4

Luke_C · Cult Status

Week 4

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings happy with Inter pressure

New Inter Milan manager Mark Rollings has insisted he in content his changing side will deal with the pressure of their poor start, and suggested brighter times are ahead. Rollings' men suffered a morale denting 5-0 loss at the hands of previous club Sampdoria this week, leaving media and pundits highlighting the risk of relegation. Rollings spoke frankly about the prospect in his post-match press call but suggested he was happy to deal with the pressure.

"When you are managing a club as famous as this then you expect pressure. I knew what the job was when I took over and I am more confident than ever in my ability to achieve what is expected. It is a chance for me to establish myself in the top levels of football management and in that respect the challenge remains the same. Many people have had their say on our recent performances, but to be frank, their opinions are insignificant to the development of this football club."

Rollings' recruitment drive looked set to continue this week with Italian officials set to ratify the registration of Brazilian striker Shwenk from Middlesbrough, who swaps clubs with Alberto Paloschi. Veteran Lucio is also set to rejoin his former manager Gareth Gardener in the North-East in a £7.3million deal. Rollings is know to have cash and collateral to spend, and suggested fans could expect much more movement.

"We have others lined up and will be adding them to the squad over the coming weeks. We have also targeted very specifically the players we want to take us forwards and will continue to chip away at those. Inter Milan will be a stronger team when I am finished with them and fans should start looking forwards to more successful times which justify the famous heritage of this massive club."

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Cardiff City v Southampton

ITV Wales News caught up with Southampton manager and life long Cardiff City fan Steve Davies-Evans ahead of his sides tricky trip to The Cardiff City Stadium this week. Andrea Benfield and Jonathan Hill chatted to Davies-Evans this evening.

Andrea: Well hello Steve and welcome back to Cardiff. How does it feel to be coming back to Cardiff with the intent to make them lose?

SDE: [Laughs] Well when you put it like that then yeah I guess it is abit surreal. It's great to be here though and really looking forward to the game.

Jonathan: Incase people didn't already know Steve, you're a huge Cardiff City fan is that right?

SDE: Yeah I am and have been from the age of 7 really. My brother started taking me to Ninian Park at a young age and I caught the big ever since. It's a while know since my first ever game against Colchester [laughs again].

Jonathan: How did City do that day?

SDE: If my memory serves me correctly, we won two-nil with Carl Dale and Nathan Blake getting the goals.

Andrea: Wow that is a good memory! In all seriousness though, you're Southampton team are enjoying a good start to life in the Championship unbeaten but is this your stiffest test yet?

SDE: Yeah without question. Cardiff are a superb side with an even better manager. Not many teams will get anything against Cardiff this season let alone at their place.

Jonathan: Cardiff City manager Luke Coakley has today stated that you are likely to play down your chances of success this weekend, is he right?

SDE: [Laughs], Yeah I did have a little chuckle about that. Listen, Luke is a great manager and to be honest, City couldn't have a better guy in charge there. He's been in this game for a while now so Luke knows what he's saying.

Andrea: In what way?

SDE: Well They are obviously massive favourites for this game. The two teams were two divisions apart last season and when you look at their team, it ouzes class in almost every position. Put that together with a war-chest as big some of the top premiership teams, they are obviously destined for a return to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

Jonathan: Do we sense abit of gamesmanship there Steve?

SDE: Ha, listen our "Big-games" this season aren't against the likes of Cardiff. We simply can't compete with them at the moment. We've just come up from League one and are looking to consolidate in this division before we think about going on to try and get promotion. Cardiff are a massive team in this division and are it will be a very hard game this weekend.

Andrea: How do you rate what Luke Coakley has done so far at Cardiff then?

SDE: Well I guess it's far too early to say that he's done anything spectacular yet because Cardiff should be winning games easily at thie level and they are so he's doing what's asked of him I guess. I do believe that they will go up this year but the real test will be when Luke starts playing the really tough teams of this world in the Premiership. Luke is a great guy though and he is more than welcome to some of the famous Davies-Evans Sheppeards Pie for sure.

Jonathan: Steve, Thank you very much for coming on and good luck this weekend, although not too much good luck.

SDE: Cheers guys and thanks for having me.

Luke_C · Cult Status

Cardiff v Southampton

City fans go head to head

Its going to be an interesting game with both managers being big city fans?

No doubt the fans will give Steve (Southampton manager) a good reception before kick off, he is a city fan and we look after our own although come kick off I expect he will get the same abuse as other managers get at Ninian Park.

Southampton manager Steve Davies-evans was very complimentary about you and your chances at Cardiff.

While playing his chances down? (laughs).Im just impressed he hasnt moved clubs since my last interview to be honest. Even though he is playing it down its always a big game when your playing top of the table and the favourites for the league so even if it is only 3 games in so he will have his players ready for a fight.

Surely he has a point though you have just come down from the premiership and have a strong squad?

Yes we do have a strong squad but at the moment its no-where near as strong as it was when we were in the premiership.We have sold a lot of very good players since then hence the large war chest we have and we have added very little to the squad.

What are you plans for the transfer money you have available?

Well I do have a few deals lined up but after the game Saturday im hoping to sit down with Steve, have a glass of wine and a bit of Sheppards pie and run through the deals I have as Steve has experience of spending thirty million pound.

You happy to take a rivals advice?

Steve is a rival but also a good friend but just to clarify when I said I would be asking for his advice it was so I could do the opposite (laughs).

Some rather harsh words Mr Coakley?

Harsh but fair (smiles), im having a bit of fun but I do believe steve is at his best when he is wheeling and dealing and I think his success at Southampton proves that, I do wish he had stayed at Blackburn when he took over as I believe he could have made them a force.He has strong links with his chairman so its given him a chance to build at Southampton which I hope he sticks at.

Finally your former club AC Milan are currently in forth position, how to you predict there season to go?

They have played three and won three, its just goal difference letting them down at the moment but with the players they have I expect that over the season that will improve and im sure they will get second, to finish first may be a little to much but they have a good manager in Chris Hanton so time will tell.

Any thoughts on the other teams in Serie A?

Well I think Chris at Sampdoria is doing an excellent job, I made no secret of the fact I thought he should have got the Milan job but I think he will get third spot this season and that would be quite an achievement.Being a former Milan manager I cant say it pains me to see Inter Milan in the relegation zone, its a false position as the players they have are far to good to go down. Especially after they got Smalling on what was practically afree transfer, it must have felt Christmas had come early and like a fourteen million pound injection when he got that deal.In all seriousness though Mark Rollings has proved himself over and over so I just dont see how they can struggle over time, Mark just needs to stamp his authority on the squad and they will be fine.

Liam · Cult Status

After an action packed weekend, Sevilla manager Liam Riste gave an exclusive late night press-conference to Sevilla FC Television to answer questions and also reveal the clubs' new signing!

SFCTV: A very convincing 4-2 win over high profile Real Madrid must have put a smile on your face?
LR: I was very pleased with how comfortable we beat Madrid, they are a good team with some world class players and we dominated the game from start to finish. Unfortunately I can't rub this victory into Chris (Hanton) due to the untimely sacking, but I would just like to take the time to thank the Real Madrid board for sacking such an experienced manager before our game.

SFCTV: Most of the teams you considered your pre-season rivals for the top 3 spots won at the weekend, how do you feel about that?
LR: Well we have no part in other games, it would have been nice to have seen a few of them drop points of course, but the main focus is on our performances. Atletico Madrid lost out to Real Valladolid, but we kept our 100% win record going so we have the momentum coming into our clash with the better Madrid side.

SFCTV: Atletico Madrid could possibly be one of your bogey teams, how important is this momentum you mention to the game this weekend?
LR: Momentum is all about confidence. Atletico's loss may have deflated the players slightly, and with the added pressure on them this week to get a result, the thought of back to back losses could see Paul (Harrington)'s side crumble under the pressure. It has to be said though that Atletico Madrid & Espanyol were both bogey teams for me who took crucial points away from us at a vital time, so I am eager to try to put this behind us and take maximum points.

SFCTV: Well moving on to the main event of this evening, the unveilling of your recent signing. Just before we focus on this new addition, a quick question on the departure of Aleksandr Kerzhakov. How did you feel about letting go of such a talent?
LR: Alek has been a servant to this club for such a long period and had formed a partnership with Klose that is one of the best in footballing history! Just look back at the history of their partnership with both of them making it among the best in the league with assists and goals! It was a tough decision to let one of them go, but Alek was happy to adopt a new challenge and club in Italy. So I would just like to say to him again a very hearty thanks for all his hard work and loyalty over the years to Sevilla FC and all the best at his new club from all the management here and most certainly, the fans.

SFCTV: Well he most certainly left you with a present in the shape of the last goal against Real Madrid and a hat-trick the week before! Now if you wouldn't mind, can we meet your new arrival to don the Sevilla shirt?
LR: Most certainly. Here he is...

David Villa takes a seat and joins his new manager at the desk in front of the press, ready to answer questions.

SFCTV: So David, a warm welcome to Sevilla Football Club. Are you happy to be back in Spain?
DV: I'm delighted to be back home, playing for a top Spanish team and to be re-united with Liam, whom I spent over 3 seasons with in England whilst at Aston Villa. I can't wait to get stuck in at the club and to wear my new number 7 Sevilla shirt for the first time.

SFCTV: Liam, you seem over the moon with your new signing, you must be looking forward to the weekend even moreso now? What have you got to say to the few critics that believe your signing David Villa is maybe a bit old however?
LR: I don't see how there can be any critics when any club signs any player of the ability the David brings. However old, he is still capable of making a difference and what a big difference he can make, which he did week in, week out for me when leading my Aston Villa attack for several seasons only a few years ago!
I am almost certainly geared up for the post-match showers now as well as looking forward to seeing him entertain the fans on the pitch and to see him develop a partnership with the prolific Miroslav Klose. This will certainly shake up oppostion defenders with the thought of these two to deal with.

SFCTV: Do you think you can follow Aleksandr Kerzhakov's footsteps and form a prolific partnership with Miroslav Klose, David?
LR: Klose is one of the world's best strikers and a great guy. I have met with the team and we get along great. The boss has already got us working together and it is coming along just nicely in training so far, so we will have to see if we can take it from the training ground to the main stage!

SFCTV: It's getting late now so will leave it at that. We shall look forward to seeing you both at the weekend. It was nice to meet you David and we are glad to have you on board. Thanks for your time.
DV: Thank you for your warm reception.
LR: Cheers.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans: "Pressure is all on Cardiff City"

Southampton manager Steve Davies-Evans has today re-opened his "War of words" on Cardiff City manager Luke Coakley after the Bluebirds Boss was less than kind in describing Davies-Evans' recent CV of jobs. Speaking to BBC Solent, Davies-Evans clarified that his team were under-dogs and that anything less than a win for Cardiff would be a huge shock!

BBC Solent: Steve, how are preperations going for the game?

SDE: Excellently. The lads have worked realy hard so far this week and we have two training sessions before we head off to Cardiff on Friday.

BBC Solent: And will the words of Luke Coakley still be ringing in your ears?

SDE: [Laughs], Listen Luke is a top manager and hence why he's been given such a great job but who is Luke kidding? He's obviously trying to big up our team incase a shock does happen. Football is a betting industry and if we got something at Cardiff, it would be a coupon buster for sure. My lads will do everything possible to get something from that game and are ready to give 200% to do so but we will still have to rely on Cardiff having an off day. That's not talking us down, that's being realistic.

BBC Solent: Stinging words?

SDE: Well no not really. Everyone loves an underdog so I guess we'llhave the support of the neutrals but lets not get carried away, this isn't a cup final....it's one game! I've said previously, the games that will decide our future aren't the ones against massive clubs like Cardiff city with the player power and masses of money. If Luke does however want to continue to give my players extra motivation then let him carry on as we are looking to pin his inspirational words up in the dressroom on the weekend and at this rate, we won't be able to see the walls.

BBC Solent: Coakley quipped that he may come to you for advice on spending large loads of money, would you help him?

SDE: Luke is a big boy and good enough in the transfer market so I'm sure he'll do fine. He just needs to remember one thing, with the £30 million I spent at Sheffield Wednesday, that squad were promoted that season and as the Cardiff fans, including myself want them to go up, the pressure will be on to make sure that even penny of that money is spent correctly or there will be plenty of people waiting to have a say.

BBC Solent: Saints fans have been pretty impressed with some of the players coming through the doors this season, do you have anymore lined up?

SDE: Yes we have a new goalkeeper who is joining us on loan this week from a top club in Spain. We are then looking to let one defender go and one to coming in this week which will alow us to help inhance another area of the team which we will look to do next week. It's going to be abit of a change over the next few weeks but if all goes well, we will be alot stronger for it.

Ash · Cult Status

Espanyol manager Ashley Harris spoke to Spanish television this week to look ahead to the Zaragoza game at the weekend.

STV: Firstly Ashley, a second win for you after you beat Recreativo 2-1. Were you pleased with the performance?

AH: Sort of. At the end of the day it's about the 3 points, but i felt we could have played a little better and perhaps made the scoreline more comfortable. However i have to be pleased as this makes it 6 points out of 6 for me and we have to remember that Recreativo are a very good side who have shown they can compete with the better teams in this league and they have an experienced manager so just to win is very good. There is alot more to come from my players in the coming weeks and i feel that we are moving in the right direction.

STV: Any transfer news for us?

AH: Well i can say that Espanyol will look a little different in the coming weeks. A few players will be moving on and a few top quality players will be coming in so look out for that. I really feel that the signings will improve this side massively and will give us the impotus needed to really push towards the top 4 and make this a great season for this football club.

STV: Can't you give us a little more?

AH: No, you will just have to wait and see but it is exciting times for this football club.

STV: It's a special game for you this weekend against your old club Real Zaragoza that you left at the start of the season. How will you feel before kick off?

AH: Yes, it is very special for me and obviously i am very much looking forward to it. It will be great to see all of the players agian and i had a great 2 seasons there. Although we are at home i hope to get a good reception from the travelling Zaragoza fans as i'm sure they understand my reasons for leaving and i wish them all the best in their battle to stay up. It will be a tough game for us so i'm just concentrating on that and trying to ensure Espanyol get the 3 points and then hopefully i can say hello to my old friends there after the final whistle.

STV: Finally Ashley, Sevilla have signed David Villa. Surprised?

AH: Ha! Not in the slightest. To be honest i'm more surprised that the Roma manager didn't try and get £30m off Liam as he probably would have payed it to get his shower buddy back! It's a great signing for them and it leaves them with a devastating strikeforce and i know that Liam is delighted. The only worry is that the other Sevilla players might get jealous with the special treatment that David will get!

STV: Thank you for your time Ashley.
AH: No problem, any time.

Luke_C · Cult Status

Coakley looking to end Saints unbeaten run

Luke how happy are you with your team building so far?

Well to be honest my first target was to get rid of the deadwood at the squad, we had three right right midfielders, two right backs and not enough quality in key areas so my first thought was to sell and then rebuild in those key areas.We have brought in some good players and vitally have kepy cash aside to increase the stadium, that was a priority for me and the long term plan of the club

Luke Southampton manager Steve Davies-Evans says the pressure is all on you?

Yeah I seen the interview and I agree with Steve to be honest.The pressure is on us as a club every game and this game is no exception.Personally ive managed at Manchester City and Milan before this so I feel little pressure.We are the home team and I fully expect us to win this game but this is football and nothing can be certain of course but I hopewe can end Southamptons good start to the season.

How pleased are you with the current squad and do you have any team news for the Southampton game?

Im very pleased, we have a lot of quality but the squad will only start getting stronger in the coming weeks at the moment we are about half way through the rebuilding process and im pleased.With regards to the Southampton game I can confirm that Jaakkola, Kuzmanovic and Redondo will have there first starts of the season but other than that nothing has been decided.

Kuzmanovic a recent new 8million pound signing, what does he bring to the squad?

Well if Steve is right and people will be counting the pennies I spend then I have no doubt they will be delighted with this signing.A quality player at a good age and an excellent price and he gives us an extra attacking option but he will also put in a shift defensively. I will admit that other players Im looking to bring in may be over value but sometimes in the transfer market you have to do that to get that player.I paid over the odds for Adam Johnson but I now have a player who isalready a good player and who will get better and better and be on the left side for Cardiff City over the next ten years

Steve correctly pointed out that his Sheffield Wednesday team was promoted the season he spent that thirty million, maybe you should ask his advise after all?

This is true but I believe it took another manager to get that promotion.I dont believe that money was well spent well but that is just my opinion and I think deep down Steve knows that but thats the past and now he is going some very good work at Southampton and Im sure he has learnt from this mistakes and he is now into his second season at Southampton which in itself is quiet an accomplishment for Steve .

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans: Coakley can bang a drum better than Kieth Moon"

Southampton manager Steve Davies-Evans was stopped by Sky Sports News journalist Bryn Law as he left St Marys this afternoon. The Welshman declared that Cardiff must be worried about his Southampton team if they are willing to go to such lengths to talk them up.

Steve, just a quick word...

SDE: go on then, make it quick [laughs]

Have you heard Luke Coakleys latest words??

SDE: Yes, yes I've read his latest addition to war and peace! Although I'm sure it's Green Peace that will actually surfice with the amount of tress that must be being hacked down to cover his column inches!

Is there any reply??

SDE: Well I read that Luke is still banging the job drum, to be fair...it must be like Keith Moom meets Ringo Star at Cardiff with the amount of drum banging he's doing! Yes Luke, I've had more jobs, yes....I have a past but dear god son, stop living in the past. I take it he failed to mention the promotion with Southampton on half the money?? Thought so. As for the "It took a different manager" line, stats show that when I left, they were 4th and where did they finish that season....yep, 4th so not much changed to be fair. With the side I built which wasn't added too at all, I would have got them promoted too but that's if's and but's and not worth the paper that Luke Coakley would want to write yet more on!

Luke did actually praise the job you are doing at Southampton but does want to end your unbeaten run

SDE: Of course he does Bryn! That's like saying that You admire Cristiano Ronaldos skill but you do have a chuckle when he falls flat in his backside! Listen, is it a coincidence that a normally media shy manager has suddenly felt the need to come out and big up his opponents, I guess you will have to decide but one things for sure, with his new found love affair for Southampton Football Club, maybe it's me that should be feeling the pressure as he clearly fancies a job on the South Coast. Now if you will excuse me Bryn, it's getting late and my daughter hasn't been sleepig very well recently so I'm
gonna read her Mr Coakleys recent press releases to send her off! Nite all!

With that the Welshman drove off into the distance....THE END

Tezza · Cult Status

Siena News

Siena are away this weekend to Catania in what should be a real contest. Both sides come from lack lustre draws last week and will be trying to impress and get back winning.

PRESS,

Any predictions about the weekend?

TM,

I think it will be a great opportunity to give a first game to Costa & Vivo my new signings. I was very impressed with them in their first training session at the Club and if that form and skill comes out on Friday, then we are in for a treat. I know that Amilcar has been very busy building a more competitive side at Catania and things are looking better. I know, for instance, what Tavera can do, he was with me at Atalanta. Hennessey between the posts will be difficult to get through and I do admire Acevedo.

PRESS,

Do you want to make a predition?

TM,

I will be disappointed if we dont win. As for a score I think we will score a couple of goals.

PRESS,

How are your transfer dealings going?

TM,

This week will see the completion of the early season transfers with Packer going out and Bradley Wright Phillips and a very smart young defender coming in. Nathan Bakers mother has been to see me in order to look at the facilities. She is good enough to fill the centre back position on her own. Nathan will be put to work as soon as he arrives and I am expecting great things of him given time.

I have also been offered a young striker on loan next week and that is something I am taking very seriously.

PRESS,

Anything more to add?

TM,

Yes. Wait till you see the new strip!

Luke_C · Cult Status

Luke Coakley spoke to bbc.co.uk/football

Steve thinks your killing the trees?

I have to be fair he has a point; I recycle everything so now speaking to you on the BBC website in the know how it wont be printed.I just hopeMr Davies Evans isnt to busy worrying about my carbon footprint and remembers the Sheppards Pie, ive already got the wine.

Luke you have been unusually highly involved in the media this week, Steve thinks the pressure is getting to you?

Haha yeah it could be that of course.If Im going to be truthfully honest ticket sales for this game havent been the best, the style of football Southampton play hasnt grabbed the imagination of the fans so I wanted to let the fans know what is happening at the club and since ticket sales have improved. I am also doing a question and Answer on the official forum if Steve also wants to put any questions to me.

So the pressure isnt getting to you?

The pressure is on me but it isnt getting to me no.Im more concerned about Steve, he has gone from calm to having a bit of an outburst to talking about drummers, saving the trees and is even now reading his daughter my interviews, maybe looking for some kind of advice im not sure but he clearly has me on the mind.

What is the key area of the Southampton team you will be looking at?

They have a strong strike force so my centre backs will need to be on top of there game.Jay Bothroyd has the ability to win a game.We will look to dominate in midfield and feed our strikers as quickily as possible.I think Steve can guess my line up and the way I will set up, its not difficult ive always gone out to attack at all my clubs.Steve then has the decision of does he try and stop my players or play there own game and go for a win.Im really looking forward to the game.

In the interview he pointed out you may want the job?

Well i very happy at Cardiff as I pointed out to Mr Price the Southampton chairman last week.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us.

My pleasure

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Southampton launch first Twitter page for fans

Southampton Football Club are the first team to launch their own Twitter Page to keep fans and followers abreast of latest news, transfer dealings and competitions. Speaking ahead of the pages launch this afternoon, Saints media Guru Craig Murray spoke of his sides pride at being the first to launch this sort of Social Networking tool.

"We're really please! This football club really needs move with the times and this is something that we've been looking at for some time now to be honest. When manager Steve Davies-Evans took over, he insisted on taking the club forward in every aspect so this is just another part of the jigsaw fitting into place.

We want all fans alike to follow us @FA_Saints where they will be able to keep up to date with all the latest news and confirmation on signings before anyone else. I'm sure that rival managers will do it also but we're delighted to be the pioneers in the world of FA Football."

Remember, you can follow all the latest news about FA Southampton Football Club @FA_Saints