Week 7

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 7

Football Academy · Cult Status

Game of the week in Serie A had to be the 3-3 draw between Roma and AC Milan. On the pitch, it was a close fought first half that finished 1-1 but then both teams kicked on a gear in the second half. AC Milan took a 3-1 away lead before being pegged back by 2 goals in 2 minutes for Roma. The game was filled with chances evenly distributed between the two sides and both played good attractive football throughout. However the result follows two back to back losses in the league for Milan and resulted in the immediate resignation of new manager Chris Hanton. Hanton's decision to leave has been met by harsh criticism by Italian press and AC Milan fans having only recently joined from Real Madrid. One ex-player angrily asked what had changed since the contract talks. "Milan's aims will still be the same, the squad has barely changed, he hasn't even given it a go. Some managers are over paid and over hyped. We need a real manager in charge here not a wannabe."

The other key match saw Palermo draw 2-2 with last seasons 3rd placed Sampdoria. Palermo and Sampdoria were the only two teams level on points with reigning champions Juventus and the draw will heavily lean the title race in their favour, but it keeps Palermo above Sampdoria in the table on goal difference.

Player of the week was also in this match. Ex-Getafe striker Daniel Parejo was signed by his old manager for a large fee to join him at his new job in Italy and has been in sintilating form since his move. 9 goals and 3 asissts in just 6 games show the threat the Palermo striker carries and with 23 league goals this season he isn't the only player who can cause problems for them.

To finish our round up we go on 'Genoa Watch' after the manager was given an ultimatum by his board last week. In a must win game Genoa took all three points against Lazio but 4-2 against the relegations battlers will do nothing to boost confidence at the high spending club.

The best game in Serie B was a 3-2 away win for Ascoli at Torino. Ascoli had lost 3 on the trot before this match but some attacking football produce an impressive 3 goals that saw off a Torino side struggling for any form at all. Striker Palladino scored the first and set up the second in an impressive match for the away side.

The individual performance of the week game from striker Pietro Arnulfo who scored a brace for Parma at home to play-off chasing Udinese. Parma have now turned in two successive impressive performances that could kick start their season and help them push up into the automatic promotion race.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Match of the day had to be the top of table clash between 2nd placed Sevilla and reigning champions Real Valladolid. Sevilla stunned Valladolid, scoring an astonishing 6 goals in the first 40 minutes to cruise in at half time 6-1 up and apparently with the points in the bag. Peter Whittingham turned in a man of the match performance grabbing 4 goals in those first 40 minutes. However 'a game of two halves' never seemed more fitting as Valladolid turned 6-0 at 40 minutes around to 6-5 with 6 minutes remaining, but couldn't find that elusive equaliser in the dying minutes. Sevilla don't move top, with Barcelona beating Real Madrid 3-1 in another crunch game to move top on goal difference. Real Valladolid drop to third and showed the first signs in a long time they might not be title winners this season.

Other important results came at the other end of the table where newly promoted Athletic Bilbao heaped pressure on underperforming Recreativo Huelva manager Dale Price with a 2-1 away win that sees Bilbao move up to 7th in the table but Recreativo slip to 11th with just 1 point from the first 6 matches, form that could result in a sacking should things fail to turn around.

Valencia put in the performance of the week in the Spanish Segunda Division beating play-off chasing Almeria 4-0 at home. Astonishingly Valencia are yet to concede a single goal in the league this season under new manager Stuart Price and a hattrick from ex-Manchester City striker Alejandro Torres Roman contributed to another strong performance from the league topping side. Racing Santander continued their improvement with a strong 2-0 win that moves them up to 2nd place in the league.

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Inter keep win in perspective ahead of Juve test

Inter Milan manager played down his sides win this week against lowly Empoli, but was glad that fans finally had started seeing better performances from the famous side. Inter dominated the game throughout, but will be well aware that they were up against one of the weaker sides in Serie A, with tougher tests certainly ahead.

Speaking from the clubs training complex Rollings pledged the win to the fans, but was reserved in his praise for the win.

"No doubt we are delighted that we could show the fans a better performance. I spoke very openly about how recent outings had been unacceptable for this club and in that respect we are pleased that we have shown we can play. However, with the greatest respect to Empoli we know they are likely to be towards the bottom of the league this year and we need to transmit such performance into games against bigger opposition."

The young welsh boss then moved his attention to the upcoming match against league champions Juventus, and future challenges beyond.

"Realistically I don't think many clubs will take points off Juventus this season so we probably need to be realistic about that one. Some players need a rest and we may take the opportunity with one or two lads. It is great to test myself against Steve Jenkins as he is a top manager but we hope next season we will be able to give him more to think about...that's the goal! The following four games after that see us play Roma, Reggina, the derby against AC Milan and then Brescia, and we have targeted 9 points from those four fixtures. We have the loan of Roman Pavlyuchenko rearranged for this week and I have high hopes he will help us achieve that goal. We will then re-asses our goals at the mid-season point and see if we can reward the fans with a good cup run in either the Italian cup or UEFA cup."

Finally, Rollings spoke about his early experiences in the San Siro hotseat:

"I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far, and feel like I am learning each day I come into work here. Inter Milan are by far the biggest team I have been involved with managerially and I have to step up to the challenge. I feel like I am improving the squad and working towards the boards targets so am optimistic about what I can achieve here. One thing I know however is that one way or another I will leave Milan as a better manager than when I arrived."

-- Edited by Spartikus47 on Tuesday 30th of November 2010 12:01:32 PM

Stu · Cult Status

The Question: Can Real Murcia overcome Valencia's record-breaking defence?

Stuart Price is unlikely to spring any tactical surprises but Real Murcia must be ready for a war of attrition if they want to break down the strong defence of the early league leaders Valencia.

Valencia beat Almeria last week and set a record for the longest spell without conceding a league goal in all three countries, 540 minutes stretching back to the first league game Price was in charge of. But while that had the whole of Valencia nodding in approval at the solidity of their defence, the rest of the football world had ignored the feat until this week. "Valencia are a big club going through a tough time in their history. It is hard to get teams to take us seriously in the worst league in Spain. We have won all our games in all competitions and not conceded a league goal and I just hope we can continue this good form and catapult ourselves as high up in to la Liga as we can" Stuart Price told the press.

Along with their defence the 4-0 win against Almeria last week took Valencia's goal tally to 21 in six games and led their manager, Stuart Price, to speak of the need to play good football at both ends of the pitch. "The defensive record is important because next season if we go up we will need to stop much better attackers, but its important to keep scoring goals. A1-0 win in this league could be turned in to a 1-0 loss against better opponents so we need to keep showing potency up front." Only nine other teams have scored more goals than Valencia in any of the other leagues.

The age make-up of the Valencia side is changing rapidly, as philosophy of Price starts to shine through the squad with the oldest players now Scott Carson and Mo Sissoko just 30. The manager has told his chairman he will take away the fear of retirements and give some young players the chance this season to claim a shirt number from one to eleven ready for hopefully playing next season in the top league. "Normally I loan players out to prove they are good enough. Aaron Ramsey spent a long time out on loan even when he was good enough for the league I was in I wanted to maximise his development and I knew at Man City he wouldnt be a star but in another league he could be the top player. Valencia have fallen so far down before I came here that the young players have the chance to impress me with out leaving the club. Most of the team is the right side of 25 and that is important for building a team when most other big teams are buying players of 30 years and having to replace them after one or two seasons."

With Valencia, Price has stuck with his 3-4-3 formation with the only issue being who should play in midfield. Valencia are on the look out for a right winger who will match the youthful and skilful look of the rest of the team. Mertesacker joined from his old team Man City to help Mo Sissoko and young Valencia graduate Banega in defensive midfield and Schweinsteiger and De Bellis have helped the team going forwards. "We miss width in midfield. Our young wingbacks are very good but at times I want to give them some support on the wings and the midfield is too narrow. If any managers have a young winger they dont want to put the time in to improve we have Mo Sissoko and Scott Carson transfer listed and we have some money to see a deal through."

Price was asked what he thought about the arguments between chairman and manager in the media and the owner of Napoli was nonchalant on the disagreements. "People have the chance to buy a team but for me this is a chance to build a working relationship with another manager. I have always worked closely with other teams I have brought in as feeder clubs for my young players. The relationship I have with Andy at Napoli is no different to how I was with my feeder club managers. I picked Andy because I trusted him and I saw him as a manager with a good future in the game. If I thought he was wrong for the job I wouldnt have approached him and if he didnt think the ambitions for Napoli and the plan of growth was too restricting he wouldnt have accepted the job, so I have to say we are working well together. This season I have left Andy to it if I was over his shoulder each week he would probably walk away so I respect his decisions even if at times they might not be exactly what I would do. He repays me by moving the team in the right direction from the foundations to the performances on the pitch. I know the foundations can be built quicker than performances so we agreed there would be lots of time for him to get his feet under the table. This season is the season we picked from the very start to start moving up. I think if people rush things relationships will break down. There are other set ups who are succeeding with chairman and manager working well. I just think people with a short fuse or a week to week view of the game arent suited to it." Napoli have had a hit and miss start to the season but Price has backed Andy Fletcher to shine and has had a word privately with on loan winger Aaron to start to show his true skills in Serie B in the next few weeks.

Liam · Cult Status

After an 11 goal display in one of the biggest fixtures in La Liga, with both teams having won all 5 of their opening fixtures, both Sevilla and Real Valladolid provided more than was expected of them as a 6-5 goal fest entertained the 35,000 fans at the sold out Municipal Jose Zorrilla, with the travelling Sevilla fans coming away the happiest, but most shaken. Liam Riste gave Sevilla FC Television an interview on the action packed weekend!

SFCTV: With two of your normal starting eleven out due to injury, surely you couldn't have predicted this win?
LR: Well the game was definitely worth waiting for, I would just like to say again, a Happy Birthday to Simon Jenkins and unfortunately his team didn't give him points as presents! Now... Van Bommel & Jonno (Evans) are key defensive players so I did stress the fact we may have to go out there, put our dignity on the line and try to out-score Valladolid. It was a gamble as we could have been bulldosed at the back and our attack could have been mis-firing, but we won, that's all that counts!

SFCTV: You mentioned you had two players out which weakened your defence, Real Valladolid on paper should have narrowly beaten you according to shots on target etc?
LR: Our first few lines of defence may have been weaker, but the Zap(arain) in goal may have well been our coach at times as he seemed to beat out majority of the advances. We were so prolific which won us the game. The strike force is a frightening sight but when playing like they were... They could have beaten anyone!

SFCTV: Can you run us through your thoughts thoughout the game as you must have been panicing come finish?
LR: Well at 1-0 up, I was thinking what a good start it was to score early. 3-0 up and I was thinking that there is a long way to go but I was more than pleased. 6-0 up after 35mins and Peter Whittingham having scored 4, I was wondering what sort of team Simon had fielded to be honest, because they didn't resemble the side I know or feared! They started to pull pack & I told myself I wouldn't worry until it got to 3; by 70mins I upped that to 4 and when they scored the 4th, followed by the 5th with 6minutes to go... I died a little! every second felt like a minute & when the final whistle finally went, I have to admit, screamed like a little girl.

SFCTV: In other games, Barcelona came back to beat Real Madrid and take the top spot, what do you make of that after just beating the Champions?
LR: Slightly annoyed! I washoping to mark the victory with the deserved top spot, but Barcelona also have a 100% win record and with our defence not being up to scratch, pipped us on goal difference. They have harder games to come though and we would like to be there in the not so distant future!

SFCTV: You have 3 injuries this week and play Bilbao. Are you still confident of a win?
LR: Moreso to be honest. No disrespect to Bilbao, but I have big games coming up & some players just need the break. The players out are players I would have rested and I have a good enough squad that don't want to let me or the fans down! We will not want to let our record drop just yet, especially after keeping it alive having played the Champions.

SFCTV: Well good luck and thanks for your time.
LR: Cheers.

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Parma Looking to make it 3 wins in a row

After a comfortable 2-0 over Udinese Jonny Sinclair was looking forward to another tough opponent in the face of Andy Fletcher's Napoli side who have a lot of talented youth players not to mention the best striker in the divison Ezequiel Lavezzi who already has 5 goals to his name this season.

Good win against Udinese last week and you must have been pleased with Pietro's contribution?

'I was pleased with the last match we kept a clean sheet which is always good and the fact Pietro Arnulfo got two goals with his performance will do him the world of good because he has been playing well but just not getting the goals however he managed to put them away and we hope he can carry on doing that for the rest of the campaign and hopefully keep getting the player of the week every week as well!

Napoli this week what sort of game are you expecting?

'Napoli is going to a very difficult game like us they have some very talented young players and we are going to be at the top of our game to beat them they have some match winners but we do to and if we play like we have the last few weeks I don't see why we shouldn't be taking all 3 points with us'

Anything lined up in the tranfer window?

'Transfer wise we have another young attacking centre midfielder coming to us this week as a result of the money we couped from the sell of Alessandro De Vitis he is coming in from Real Madrid which speaks volumes in itself and i'm sure the Parma fans will be very pleased with this signing and the end of Goran Maric loan spell we also will be planning on trying to sign him permently he's been performing well so far he has got a couple of assits and hopefully he can start getting a few more goals however i'm seen enough of his quality to want to sign him.

-- Edited by Sinky2707 on Thursday 2nd of December 2010 12:47:12 PM

Fletch · Cult Status

Napoli Manager Rings the Changes

A recently quiet Napoli manager, Andy Fletcher has today announced changes to his squad for this weekends fixture, Napoli have lost ground on promotion rivals, although still in the play offs, 1 point in their last 2 games has meant the training ground has not been a happy camp.

"Players were rightly down after two bad performances, we should be doing better and Ive told them that, they are professionals and some are on large wages and supposedly senior professionals, I have asked them to stand up and be counted."

"I have made several changes for this weekends fixture, some performances were not enough to keep your place in the team, its time we dug in and produced results, I'm expecting a turnaround this week, for me, for the fans and for the chairman."

Rhino · Cult Status

Hanton Back at the San Siro

Chris Hanton has returned to the hot seat at Ac Milan this evening after talks with the clubs board of directors, There will be no further comment on what went on last week but the club is fully behind Hanton.

Hanton has watched the 1st team train this morning and is looking forward to the game this weekend.

Cult Status

Gunners hire Jonk
Famed Dutch youth coach Wim Jonk sat next to Jamie Walker in a quickly arranged interview with some London newspapers this evening. A media black out on the transfer policy at Arsenal was lifted to announce the arrival of Jonk to the coaching set-up. "We wanted to get Wim here to help produce some more top athletes and I am glad we could agree on a price. The academy is a bit of an unknown but at that price we all felt it was worth it if we can produce just one new star at Arsenal from it all." Arsenal missed out on signing young left midfielder Miralem Pjanic and the manager was disappointed. "We put a late bid in because Mira would have been a good player to try and make a star of. We were beaten to it by a late bid from Man Utd. We could not have monitored it any closer and we feel aggrieved by the timing of the bid but in this climate where FIFA gives world cups to mafia people we do not expect the decision to be changed. I do not know if there is an accurate clock to show one way or the other but I will know not to go by GMT next time I try to bid." Walker left a copy on the desks of every journalist at the meeting to show why he was aggrieved by the decision to make what they would of the times.

-- Edited by 10 on Friday 3rd of December 2010 06:36:22 PM

Luke_C · Cult Status

Luke Coakley speaks to ICWALES.co.uk

Luke the big signing of Danny this week, and his debut against Coventry?

Yes Danny is a massive signing for the club, he starts against Coventry and then returns to Liverpool on loan as part of the deal agreed and to keep our wage bill at a suitable level for Cardiff City while we remain in the championship we must count the pennies.

Some are saying Coventry is the toughest test of the season?

Yes its going to be tough of course, they also like to play football so I believe it will be a high scoring game but we will go for the kill and play attacking football like I promised when I arrived.

Do you expect any further signings in the coming weeks?

Of course we have Jack Rodwell coming in at the mid season point and have a midfielder coming in on loan next week to add some depth into the squad.Other than that I see very few changes to the squad, I am happy with the quality we have managed to brought in so unless results dont match up to the quality we have then this will be the squad.

Look a strange week in Milan for your former club, Chris Hanton quit and is back within a week, any thoughts?

I famously quit Milan about 2 seasons ago and returned the same day after a dispute, the chairman isnt one to hold a grudge but I have bigger concerns than that.The squad practically the same as last season, infact I would say stronger than last season but for some reason they seem to be struggling.Glancing at the table I think they have already dropped the same amount of points in six games as they did all of last season so clearly something isnt right.I like Chris (Hanton) as a person and manager, he has great experience but I do wonder if he has the enthusiasm for this job in Milan.Its practically mission impossible to catch Juventus at the moment but the fans wont tolerate anything less than second and at the moment that will be a test.

Goblets · Cult Status

Goble ends association with FA

After a turbulent few seasons in charge of Barcelona...Adam Goble has sensationally ended his reign....

Press - Mr Goble, why now....top of the league with it all in front of you...

AG - I'm sorry gents, I feel now is the time.

Press - Ramsey, Gourguff and Walcott joined...and you leave now?....

AG - Yep, I feel I've done enough at the club to leave some kind of legacy...I think that Barca team could beat their rivals this season.

Press - So why leave the Camp Nou? Is it due to not getting the player you wanted in the scouting?....

AG - Completely....yes. I wont mince my words, I'm upset and annoyed at Juventus's decision and for that reason....I'm done.

Press - Juventus played the game and waited till one minute to the deadline....is that hard to swallow?

AG - Yes...very hard. They played the game, I didnt, they won. Unfortunately some of us were working on the training ground until this time. This is what my issues is...some have to train to earn a living, some have time to place offers at 1758.57. We cant all be at the right place, when required....for this reason I do not feel I can continue my duties as Barcelona Manager. As I obviously cannot conduct myself with the commitment required, I tender my immediate resignation.

With that Goble shrugged his shoulders with a bewildered look....and left the Camp Nou in an unmarked car and left via the Underground Car Park........

Tezza · Cult Status

Siena News

Manager Terry Manifold was in a better mood after Siena got back into winning ways at Torino tonight. The tactics employed worked well with Siena not only making the chances but finally they capitalised on them and produced goals.

Jajalos return was welcomed and the 3 4 3 system used for the match paid off with a front line receiving the service that has been missing lately.

Both of Sienas on-loan players scored in what was a very exiting match between two sides who like to pass the ball around.

PRESS.

That must have been very pleasing to watch?

TM.

Yes that was a lot better and I think we may have turned the corner. It was a bit of a shock to go down within three minutes but It did the trick and woke us up.

My two loans really earned their money today with some smashing efforts. We lose Krikic in a few weeks and we may miss him.

PRESS.

What has changed since last week?

TM.

We played the wrong formation last week and we paid for it. Today at home we pushed forward more and were a lot more positive with our approach. The team is only just settling down after many staff changes and a different approach to preparing for matches. I hope this is the start of the rest of the season. We are 7 points adrift from the top of the league and are currently in fifth place.

PRESS.

It is being reported that you have signed OHara from Cagliani tonight.?

TM.

Yes we have managed to secure his signature and he joins the team over the weekend. I was anxious to lower the numbers of players a little more and bring in a more experienced midfielder to add to the youngsters The average age of the team is down to 27 and now we can look forward to easing and moulding them into a promotion side.

PRESS.

Will that be the last change?

TM.

Yes I think so, although you never say never in this game. We need initially to get to the play-offs and then have a real go at it. Next season will be the time to add to the side and then I think Siena will be in a position to take on anyone. The Chairman has promised money but I would rather wait and see where the gaps appear this season.

Adams · Top Flight Player

Bilbao shock Sevilla!

Manager Jonnie Adams has told fans to enjoy the celebrations after causing the upset of the season beating a star studded Sevilla team who only last week beat the league champions.

Athletic Bilbao had won 3 out of 6 games but Sevilla looked ahead to bigger matches rather than take them seriously. Rampant Bilbao scored 3 goals in a game they dominated to beat second placed Sevilla who had been unbeaten before this game.

Former Sheffield United striker Opoku Agyemang was in inspired form, scoring the first 2 goals to double his tally in Spanish football this season.

The disjointed visitors, previously unbeaten this season, conceded again as midfielder David Gutierrez Santamaria scored after the break.

Though Sevilla manager Liam Riste was forced to drop van Bommel Kaka and Klose because of injuries he admitted before the game he would have dropped them anyway because Bilbao were unworthy of his strongest team with more pressing matches coming up.

Quote:
SFCTV: Are you still confident of a win?
Liam Riste: Moreso to be honest. No disrespect to Bilbao, but I have big games coming up & some players just need the break.

So it still registers as something of a shock that Athletic Bilbao, only promoted to La Liga last season, ran out such convincing and deserved winners against the team only second on goal difference.

"Before the game manager Liam Riste spoke to Sevilla TV and told them he expected an easy win. He paid very little attention to us and the players felt snubbed. We put his interview on repeat every meal time and he did my team talk for me. His defenders will be having nightmares about my strikers for weeks after that match."

Before the season the media thought manager Jonnie Adams would be under pressure this season with such a small and inexpensive squad but he continues to repay the faith his chairman Jamie Best shows in him by getting the very best out of his players. "Other teams have more resources and more expensive well known players. We just want to keep doing what we are doing and hope that will be enough."

Athletic Bilbao have been in such strong form against all the odds this season the manager has refused to comment on speculation he might be poached by a bigger team when the press have suggested his results might make him more suited to a proper top division team not a team as small as Athletic Bilbao. Adams has told the press the unthinkable of European football for Bilbao couldn't be further from his mind.

-- Edited by Adams on Saturday 4th of December 2010 05:18:09 PM

-- Edited by Adams on Saturday 4th of December 2010 07:50:03 PM

Besty · Cult Status

Jamie, a 4-1 loss away to Fiorentina, certainly doesn't help your cause to keep your job does it?

It is a bad loss, i tried to go all out attack but it didnt work. I make no apologies for trying to play attacking football as i thought this would work but it didn't so we now have to go and beat our opposition in the next four games. Credit to Fiorentina on the win but i think we are capable of beating them, it just didnt happen tonight.

You say you have to win your next four games, do you really believe you can get anything against Juventus, let alone beat them?

I guess we will see but i do have the belief yes, i would have walked away before now if i didnt believe in the players, the transfers over the coming weeks will show the club is moving forward and if we dont beat Juve then at least the players will be in place for the next manager to come in and push forward.

So you are basically saying that you wont be in the job after the Juve game?

Absolutely, the chairman gave me an ultimatum of 15 points minimum out of the next 18 available so if we dont beat Juventus then i will expect to be out of a job, i am praying that we pull through and do get a result because i still have the belief that we can do well this season, whether it be in Europe or domestically, our league form just hasn't represented this yet and so i have to be prepared for the worst if i dont deliver what is required.

You mentioned transfers, who will be joining over the next few weeks then?

Well we have completed the signing of a central midfielder this week from Eastern Europe, we will also be bringing in a superb striker from Spain. Next week will see a solid CB come in to help us stop leaking goals, and also the replacement winger for Sanchez who left last week. I am also working on other deals which i hope can be completed as it will make us even stronger.

A quick word for the club you are chairman of, Athletic Bilbao and their manager Jonnie Adams?

What a job that lad has done, he came to me after he got Sheffield United promoted and i could see that he had something special, i dont think anyone could have predicted what he would achieve in such a short space of time though. A cracking manager and a real nice lad, i have backed him with every decision and he has certainly repayed me and the club with the results in La Liga this season so long may it continue.

mg1 · Cult Status

Galeozzie disappointed with latest defeat to Man City.

SSN: Another loss this week sees you drop to seventh in the table.

MG: Yes I was extremely disappointed with the result. Man City have gone through a lot of changes since they won the league last year but they can still field an extremely strong first 11. I thought we battled hard today and we are slightly disappointed not to come away with anything from the game. However we have some very important games coming up and if we can string a few wins together hopeful we can start to move up the table.

SSN: Many of the fans felt that the goal shouldn't have stood due to a foul at the start of the move. Do you think they have a point?

MG: Definitely! It was a clear foul and I can't believe the ref let play carry on, the boy went in two-footed and should have been sent off.

To be honest I felt the ref missed a lot, in my opinion Man City were very close to crossing the line today and I must admit I was a bit surprised to see such tactics from one of Simon's teams. However this a tough division and we just need to ensure that we continue to put the same effort in as we did today and I am sure the results will come.

SSN: The have been rumors this week of a couple of new editions to your squad. Can you confirm anything?

MG: Yes I can confirm that Darren Bent will be joining this week from Atletico.

Vega a very talented CB will also be joining from Sampdoria with Moura going in the other direction.

Next week will see Kader Keita join Genoa to complete the deal that saw Sanchez join us recently.

I am also currently in talks with a couple of manager regarding some players but cannot confirm anything at the minute.

SSN: and it is true that Rodwell could be leaving once he returns from loan?

MG: Yes, Jack will be leaving for Cardiff at the half season point with Akinfeev joining us as part of the deal.

SSN: Thanks for your time

MG: Thanks

-- Edited by mg1 on Saturday 4th of December 2010 08:43:30 PM

-- Edited by mg1 on Saturday 4th of December 2010 08:48:42 PM

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Napoli 1-3 Parma

Parma's quality too much for Napoli.

Jonny Sinclair was in a great mood after Parma ran out comfortable winners away to Napoli thanks to a double from Goran Maric and a goal from Pietro Arnulfo.

'We got about them early on and really took a hold of the game and we took our chances well the fact we were 2-0 up after 17 minutes gave us great confidence Goran and Pietro were causing all sorts of problems and this performance is all about the players and their hard work on the training field and I think we're finally starting to play well again after last year's struggle the only thing wrong with the performance was that we conceded in the last few minutes which was a shame but the players were brilliant for me today and the fans can go back home very happy with their team'

Liam · Cult Status

A very disgruntled and angry Liam Riste gave a heated press conference on the back of his sides 3-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao, to end Sevilla's 100% winning streak. After hearing recent comments from Jonnie Adams, Riste responded rather negatively.

SFCTV: You were so confident of a win, what happened?
LR: We lost! Do the maths... their 3 goals was more than our 1...

SFCTV: You don't sound very happy with the result, would you care to comment on the team's performance from your perspective?
LR: With pleasure! I was embarrassed at how the players condoned themselves on the pitch against a very unimpressive Bilbao side... They are not exactly world beaters and for some players to give the performance and attitude they gave was unacceptable. The fans deserve better, the squad deserve better and I demand better! Some players were given the chance to impress and failed miserably!

SFCTV: So what exactly did you say to them after the match?
LR: Nothing! They weren't worthy of my presence in the changing room so they were left to ponder...

SFCTV: You seem very aggrovated by the performance, the result was on the back of a thriller against Valladolid, surely this makes it harder to take?
LR: Are you trying to wind me up?!

SFCTV: No not at all!
LR: Harder?! We beat Champions and lose to... Sorry? (Bilbao) Thanks... Exactly my point! This is proof of how certain players pull the strings in this team and maybe this will open the eyes of the Chairman to see our starting eleven is starstudded and some squad players are stargazers!

SFCTV: Jonnie Adams had this to say: "we put his interview on repeat every meal time and he did my team talk for me." What do you make of that?
LR: I believe Sevilla are a club to look up to. This generous gift of three points is exactly what the festive season is all about. I would also like to take this opportunity to offer my services at making inspirational team talks for any other inexperienced manager who doesn't think he can quite cope with doing that part of his job. I don't charge much, if anything!

SFCTV: So what do you expect in response to this performance?
LR: I expect my players to up their games, maybe actually show up and play football... Getafe are another side we are expected to beat and performance levels need to be massively increased. Training sessions will be gruelling over the next few days as I can't personally smash some players around, so physically will have to do!

SFCTV: Thanks for you time...
LR: ...

dirkdiggler · World Class Player

New Real Madrid manager speats to the media following the narrow victory over Real Mallorca

How are you finding the new job?

"I am delighted to be given the opportunity at this great club. I have enjoyed working with the players but am suprised at how tired some of the players are. I don't know where they went for their pre-season but intend to find out and steer clear of there."

Three points at the weekend, happy with the performance?

A win is a win at the end of the day. There are improvements to be made but it will take a bit of time."

It has been an indifferent start so far. How do you intend to get more consistency?

"It hasn't been as strong a start as I would have hoped. However, suspensions to key players have been a right pain. The players had better improve their discipline sooner rather than later. If they are unable to control themselves on the field I will look to other players who can."

You seem a bit angry about the situation?

Of course I am, since I have been here I have only ever been able to select one centre back out of three. That is not acceptable in my eyes. These players, and others, have to understand that it makes life more difficult for their team mates."

Jimmy Briand has left the club. That move may upset some fans?

"That is possible. I have made a decision to change the team and I am confident that Iannelli will be a good addition to the team along with Sodinha. I also have a very experienced striker and a young defender coming in this week. I may also have a young striker joining on loan as well. These additions will add some depth to the squad that should bode well in the coming weeks."

With that the Real Manager left to prepare for the next match

paulh_85 · Cult Status

Harrington looks forward after playing "big 3"

So your 3rd loss in 7 games this season, but you still sit in the much sought after 4th place, are you happy with how the season has gone so far?

it could always be better of course, i feel we pushed a fantastic barcelona side all the way and we perhaps a little unlucky not to get a draw, however 4th place is the target, so the season really starts here, we must work hard in the next few matches to make sure we get the wins we really need, then look forward to the madrid derby which should be a cracker.

You seem in good spirits, unlike some of your fellow La Liga managers in recently! Do you have an opinion on recent events?

well its a shame to see whats happened at Barcelona, Adam is a great manager who was having a fantastic season. He also has some massive games coming up so to see him leave is quite sad, i hope there is a change of heart and a way back for him, as it would be bad for Spanish football to lose a manager like Adam.

As for what has come out at Sevilla, i have to say it leaves a sour taste in my mouth to see another manager react like that to a defeat. Personally i think Liam has got carried away after what was a great win against Valladolid, but to dismiss a team like Bilboa in the way that he did wasnt right. Liam has done well at Sevilla, and obviously looked at this season as his best chance of some silverware, but if your going to load a team with players close to drawing out their pension, then you have to expected them not to last a whole season. Its for that reason they wont win the league so i would hope liam learns to be a bit more gracious in defeat, and give credit where its due to the fantastic job that Jonnie is doing. The pressure is starting to show on him, i mean he thinks he has Getafe next when infact he plays Sociadad, another strong side although trying to guess which Sociadad will turn up is a tough job in itself!

So back to matters at your own club, Darrent Bent has left this week and there are rumours about who will replace him, can you clarify this for us?

All ill say is we have a deal in place but i wont be naming names yet. Gonzalez has joined from Real Madrid on loan and in return, one of our players will be joining them this week. We had to rest zeigler against Barcelona as he has played a lot of football recently, so extra cover in this position is something we have been looking at for a while.

Ash · Cult Status

Espanyol 4-2 Getafe

Espanyol manager Ashley Harris spoke to the media following his side's 4-2 win over Getafe.

Press: A good win for you, are you pleased with the perfromance?

AH: Yes, i think you always have to be pleased when you win in this league. It's very tough so i'm always pleased when we get 3 points. I would of like to have won by a bigger margin but you can never be to greedy as shown by other results this weekend! A special mention must go to Marc Pedraza who hasn't had many opportunities this season but due to Cassano's injury he had a chance to come in and he thorughly took that chance scoring 2 goals and picking up 2 assists, so he had a hand in all of our goals and throughly deserved his man of the match award. Hopefully he can reproduce that kind of performance next week against Valladolid and really stake a claim for a first team place.

Press: This result leaves you in 7th, where can you go from here?

AH: Well it will be interesting to see how high we can finish up the league. I said at the start of the season that i was hopefuly we could finish 4th, but the defeat last weekend against Athletico has made it really difficult for us. We are 2 points behind both Madrid's and you would say we have the harder fixture list between now and the halfway point so the players will really need to produce some really high level performances to challenge those 2 sides. However we are not giving up and you never know in football what's around the corner so we remain positive.

Press: This week it's Valladolid, followed by Sevilla, what are you expecting from the games?

AH: Well to be honest i'm just looking for the players to go and show a great attitude and really put a shift in and we will see what happens. Valladolid are a fantastic side and obviously they are big favorites for the game but i shall remind the players of the Sevilla result this week which shows that upsets do happen. As for Sevilla it will be the biggest game of the season for me on a personal level. Me and Liam are great friends and have been waiting to play each other for a long time, so hopefully we can cause an upset there and compound his misery!

Press: You mentioned Liam and Sevilla, what do you make of the result this week and the subsoquent reactions?

AH: Well all I know is that after he beat Valladolid I could hear his high pitched girlish screams from over here in Barcelona, he was that delighted. So it was obviously very frustrating for him to then lose to Bilbao the folowing weekend. Personally i may try and get hold of Jonnie as i know him well from our Segunda title battle last season and see if he has any tips for me on how to beat Sevilla! I know how frustrating his Bilbao side are from last season and he has done a great job there so well done to him. Hopefully Liam and Sevilla can bounce back from this as nothing would please me more than seeing him win La Liga as he throughly deserves it and i firmly believe he will do it.

Press: Thanks for your time.

AH: Always a pleasure.

Tezza · Cult Status

Siena News

Siena play Chievo in the 2^nd round of the Cup on Tuesday night. Terry Manifold, Sienas manager, has been very active in the transfer market this season. There wasnt a lot of money available at the start of the season in the transfer budget but that hasnt stopped Terry changing the team out of all recognition. Whether this will secure promotion this season it is too early to say, but, it wont be for the want of effort on behalf of the manager.

PRESS,

Do you think you can get anything against Chievo in the cup?

TM,

Cup matches are a time to try something different. I always find you can open up a little and be less cautious. We will be trying out different tactics on Tuesday night and if things go according to plan we will earn more than a victory, we will have a better idea of how to play against Raymond Farnells Chievo in the league.

PRESS,

What about Friday and Ascoli?

TM,

Ascoli are currently 7^th in the league and are just beginning to pick up.

Raymond Cini has a good squad of players and I think they will be there at the end of the season I am sure of that.

I will of course be disappointed if we dont win. As for a score I think it will be close.

PRESS,

How are your Transfer dealings going?

TM,

Jamie OHara joined us from Cagliari this week to add a little more maturity to the midfield. He looks a very useful addition to the side.

Andrea Poli came available this week and will be coming in on loan from Chelsea next week. The Chairman is very keen that he gets first team experience and we are very grateful he has let him come here.

I am currently in negotiations with an Italian league manager about a possible swap. If it comes off it could be my last deal for a while. My Chairman tells me there is money available for future dealings but I want to see this team perform first over a few weeks. We have a young side and I think we will still be running when some of the others are on the floor.

PRESS,

Will that be the rebuilding done?

TM,

I would think so. I believe with that squad we should have a reasonable chance if I can get them working together.

belizeno · Cult Status

Catania Manager fustrated after home loss

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

RE: Week 7

LAG01 · World Class Player

The recent comments of Manager Louis Galeozzie have appeared on the Sociedad fans website today, it would appear that a member of the fan club made an inquiry as to the current selection policy employed this season:

Fan:

Louis it appears fellow managers in La Liga are commenting on your selection policy this season and as a lifelong fan I would be interested to know the reasoning behind selections in recent weeks?

Louis Galeozzie:

I understand the concerns of the fans and note the comments made following the recent European game and all I can say is I am following the same selection policy as last season which resulted in the clubs survival in the top flight.

I made the decision at the start of last season folowing promotion to target particualr games and teams in the league where I believe we can gain the best return in terms of points.

Ideally I would like to play the best players available in all matches but you have to pick your battles in this league given the gulf between the top five teams and the rest.

I know it can be frustrating to the fans but I only want what is best for the club, the chairman and the fans and will continue to priotise matches where necessary. I have so far approached things in the same manner this season.

I think you will find that I began playing stronger teams against some of the better sides in the second half of the season once a realistic assessment could be made of fitness levels of the more experienced players and the risk of injury.

It is essential that the key players are available for the games we are targeting and this is why it is necessary on occasion to rest some players of these key games.

You will note that this season I have put out what I have considered my strongest available side for the Real Madrid and I would also point out that last year we achieved a return from games in the second half of the season against a couple of the tops side one of whom was Real Madrid.

So I would ask the fans to please bear with us as we wish to consolidate our position in the top flight and build on this in the years to come.

Tezza · Cult Status

Siena News

Tuesdays Cup match against arch rivals and promotion chasing Chievo was a very a stubborn affair with very few chances going to either side. No one wanted to lose this one and the game on the pitch reflected that. In the end it went down to penalties with Siena snatching the result after 10 penalties were taken.

PRESS.

Not a great spectacle was it?

TM.

No it wont go down as a match to remember on DVD but we held Chievo for the whole match and made it pay when it counted. Our defence was terrific. I must say that I dont normally play the long ball but we needed to keep our shape at the back and it worked tonight.

PRESS.

You now play Palermo in the next round, what are your thoughts?

TM.

Yes, we now go in with the bigger boys and what a team to be drawn against. Palermo have done extremely well since they gained promotion last year and we will need to be at our best to get anything from them. Callum Ward has done very well at Palermo and I look forward to testing the water at that level.

They are currently 2nd in Serie A and are flying.

Many thanks I will see you at the weekend.