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Tezza


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Week 17
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The ITALIAN DOMESTIC CUP. SEMI_FINALS

 

 

 

The Italian Cup Semi-Finals are on Monday night and the prospect for the four clubs playing is a place in the Final. All four have done exceptionally well so far with Sampdoria and Reggina  deserving a special mention as they started out on this contest many weeks ago.  The two Serie B team sides represented on Monday are currently top and third in the league. The outcome of this round is not something I would like to gamble on but, I would like to hazard a guess at possible outcomes.

  

Reggina v Sampdoria 

 

Carl Robson's Sampdoria are still riding high and winning matches. Their last match was a walkover against a poor Udinese side. The score line of 5 goals do not give the victors credit for a really fine display. They could have scored 10. Reggina are also coming off a win this weekend when they saw off Empoli by a convincing 2 goals.

 I think this could well be the banker and Sampdoria should have no problem getting through this round against a very consistant Reggina who are third in Serie B, but don't seem to have the class to beat the league leaders. Daniel Robertson's side will need more than luck to get through this one.

 

Genoa v Juventus

 

This must be the draw of the competition with both teams capable of going all the way. Steve Jenkins side comes in for a real test on Monday night, Genoa will not be easily pushed aside and he will need all his cunning to secure a win. It will not be as easy as putting 8 past Palermo at the weekend. As I have reported in the past Steve is a master at controlling the midfield play and then using his two excellent forwards to snap up the opportunities. Bojinov has scored a terrific 24 goals this season with Montella snapping up 3 at the weekend to put his tally on 23. This must be the a dream striking duo.

  

Genoa are still boiling over with confidence and continued their excellent run by beating Lazio 2-1 at the weekend. Callum Ward is still smiling and I dont think it is wind. His two match winners, Palajo and Jano, have scored a mere 13 and 12 goals in what is a very good campaign. Another good front end duo but unfortunately a fair way down the chart.

 

This should be a real cracker with a victory coming from Juventus in a low scoring match.

  

Revised betting on the Cup. Juventus 11-8 Genoa 2-1 Sampdoria 4-1 Reggina 8-1.

 



-- Edited by Tezza on Sunday 5th of February 2012 09:42:59 PM

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                          Coakleys Corner

 

 

Wigan 1 Preston 0

Preston poor form continued in a dull game where Wigan took all three points.   Preston who have now only collect one point in nine.  While inform Wigan are now undefeated in eight games but it took a fine striker from inform striker Fornaroli currently on loan from Sampdoria to win the game.

Coakleys Corner

Wigan are looking strong for a play/off place and at the moment they are my tip.  They have used the loan market well and have some good players.  Preston have a big squad but are lacking quality throughout.  A loan signing could really give them the boost that they are lacking

 

 

Wolves 1 Sheffield Wednesday 2

Wednesday boss Rob Holden took this opportunity to rest several key players against struggling Wolves.  This almost backfired in dramatic fashion needing an 89minute winner to keep there 100% record in the league.    Wolves will feel unlucky in a game bookies would only take bets on a home win or draw.  Wolves who are still 4 points from safety will take confidence in this performance.

Coakleys Corner

Wednesday are already up so Rob will now be thinking ahead to next season.   He will be looking at the fringe players and deciding who is good enough for the step up.    In saying that he will want to take them up with a 100% record and today they nearly got caught.  Wolves have picked up more points than anyone in the bottom 5 over the last 5 games and were unlucky today.   Wolves have 4m in the bank and if they could pick up a retiring player for good value it could make a big difference.

 

 

 Middlesboro 1 Liverpool 1

Boro continued there form in taking points off the big boys with a good point  against second in the league Liverpool.   Boro look on early lead on 7 minutes with defender Richard Keogh converting after good work from Reyes.  Liverpool then put on the pressure and continued to create however despite the attacking abailities of Ronaldo, Van Persie and Darren Bent they only managed a poor 5 attempts on target.  Thankfully for  Liverpool fans one of those shots was the equaliser with recent signing Phil Jones heading in a inch perfect cross from now departed Martyn Waghorn who after the game joined Newcastle United on loan.

Coakleys Corner

Its another great point for Boro, Gareth Gardiner will be more than happy with the point.  Although Chelsea dominated shots on target show Boro as 4 and Liverpool as 5 which is surprising when you look at the Liverpool team.   Boro have had a great season though and will still be looking to sneak into the UEFA Cup places at my expence (Cardiff City).  They have a number of injuries now so how they deal with those injuries will be key.   As for Liverpool, they will be massively disappointed, they have only lost one game all season but its these type of draws that have cost them this season.   The title is long gone but Mark (Galeozzie) will want to finish second  and will be keeping an eye on Pompey.

 

Leicester 3 Cardiff 5

Coakleys Cardiff Corner

To win this game was vital, we knew we couldnt underestimate Leicester.   It was a very open game but we expected that to be the case.    We know that if we can create chances that we will score goals.   We now hold a 6 point gap over Middlesboro in 7th so we will be resting players against both Chelsea and Manchester United with the view to the games against Manchester City in the semi finals of the UEFA Cup and the league game against Spurs.  We run with a small squad so rotation is vital. 



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Palermo in deep trouble
Palermo played host to Juventus this week and all they got from the game was an 8-0 hammering. Palermo find themselves only 3 points clear of the drop zone and need to get some wins on the board if they are to avoid going down to Seria B next season. Next week they face Parma a side that a just below them in the league with only 1 point separating the teams.

Brescia all but down
This seasons whipping boys Brescia have found it very hard in Seria A. They have almost been put out of their misery as another loss this week, their 15th this season, means they are 13 points from safety with only 15 points left to play for. They will be relegated next week if they lose to Catania, another team that need to get a win to avoid going down this season.

Siena in 3 in a row shock
Siena managed by Terry Manifold has now won their third game in a row, something that has come as a shock to many in the Italian Media. This week they beat Messina 3-0 to move closer to securing a play-off spot. Terry has come out in the media and basically said he hopes to play Atalanta (a side that he hasnt beat while Dale Price has been in charge) in the play-off semi finals as that would be an almost guaranteed pass into the final. I have to feel a little sorry for Terry as I think he is getting a little delusional in his old age. The two teams meet in 4 weeks in a game that Terry might have to win to stay in the play-off places.


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Manchester United Manager Resigns

Craig Radford has announced that he is resigning from his managerial position at The Red Devils with immediate effect..

After lengthy discussions with The Chairman and Board members it is understood that Radford is seeking time away from football for the foreseeable future.

"I just want to thank both the fans and everyone involved in running the club for their support since I was first appointed manager. My decision to leave the club has been extremely difficult, especially due to the fact that Manchester United are my boyhood club. At present I am in need of time away from football. I hope that everyone understands my decision, and I am not ruling out a return to football management. Thank you."



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Good luck Craig.

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Jozz


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COPA Semis Preview
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In the lead up to the Spanish Semi Finals reporter JD Jaques caught up with the Real Valladolid manager Simon Jenkins, following his sides 6-4 win over Valencia in the league this week. Real Vallodolid are being tipped to do the league and cup double after being knocked out of the European cup by Valencia last week in what was quite a shock to some pundits.
 
 
Simon, you lost to Valencia in the European Cup last week, but have beaten them this week 6-4 in the league. Would you have given up this weeks league win and your place at the top of La Liga for a win in the European Cup?

It's a tough question, the league is priority but had I chosen Europe instead, I believe I would have been able to claw the points back later on in the season. Still, what's done is done and I'd rather look forward instead of back.
 
You beat Valencia in the semi final of the Copa last year - can you do it again this season?
 
Whilst Stu has created a strong team, I believe Valladolid are still the best team in Spain and one of, if not the best in Europe. An admin error on the teamsheet left key players out of the European game, particularly noticable was Tevez's absence from Europe. The fact that he score four times in the league game shows the impact he could have had if he'd been on the pitch. It's disappointing but stuff happens.
 
Will you be resting in form players like Tevez against 2nd placed Real Madrid in the league this week, ahead of the semi? Or is that too much of a risk? 
 
I assess the fitness and performance of every player before the match and decide on the day. Form is not an issue, everyone in the squad is there because they are capable of performing to the highest standard.
 
Before your loss in the European Cup you were odds on for the quadruple again. That's not possible now, but what is this season?
 
I would hope to bring in a few key players to replace the older members of the squad. I've known that we may need a season or two away from quadruple challengers for a couple of seasons now, so this may as well be it.
 
Finally, will you be cheering Stuart Price and Valencia on as the surviving Spanish team in the European Cup when they face Sheffield Wednesday?


I will not be paying attention to the European cup anymore than I've been paying attention to... say, English League One. We are not participating and I have more important things to focus on. Obviously come the end of the season I'd like to see a Spanish team flying the flag as victors of the tournament.



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Jozz


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JD Jaques said that his team were going to take the positives out of their performance after suffering a defeat to Sheffield Wedensday in the league.

"The players were gutted straight after the game. We had managed to hold our own against what is the most freely scoring team in England. The lapse of concentration in our defence to allow them to get the winner in the 89th minute is something we will need to learn from. A point would have been a great result, but we ended up with none. We will look to where we performed well and use them to learn lessons for the future. In addition the tactics we adopted nearly paid off which is a positive to take from the game."

"There are other teams where we would expect to get a result that we still have to play, and we will have to ensure that happens in those games."



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drunkbishop


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Ahead of his sides match against Birmingham this week, Blackburn Manager Chris Bishop spoke to Sky Sports News.

How has your first season at Blackburn Rovers been?
"Starting the season with just 2 defenders, and one of them out with an injury, certainly didnt help us get off to a good start. But I think the players have really grown into the second half of the season, we're in with a shout at the playoffs which I didnt think was going to be possible, although staying away from that relegation zone is still my priority! Weve been helped by the arrivals of Frings and the loan signing of Mosquera. Theyve come from a great club and a manager who has achieved a lot in a short space of time for Liverpool FC, so their influence has been undeniable. Frings is an experienced player and has helped the youngsters around him."

A point at Goodison Park, were you happy with that?
"Everton are a good side and I thought that we were unlucky not to get the win, but it was an evenly fought match and to take a point from Everton is a good result, especially with the win at home to West Brom last week. Birmingham will be another tough game and I'm looking forward to it"

Any Transfer news to report?
"Unfortunately Gio Plasmati will be leaving us this week, hes a top player who deserves another shot at the Premiership. Were hopeful that we can get a right back and right midfielder in before the transfer window shuts just to give us a bit of a lift for the final few matches. Weve also had interest from a top side taking Rodrigo Possebon on loan to the end of the season which could really help the boy develop. And we say goodbye to Alan Judge and Andre Cuneaz and wish them the best in their future endeavours, theyve done a solid job for the club this season"



-- Edited by drunkbishop on Thursday 9th of February 2012 08:55:42 AM

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Tezza


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Siena  News

 Siena looked good today away at Torino who sit just below them in the league.   

It was never going to be an easy match but after a very cautious first half Siena turned on the pressure and won the match 2-1. 

PRESS. 

You continue to improve. You must be delighted?  

Terry.  

Yes, we took a little time to settle and the conditions were not ideal today, but the lads did me proud. 

PRESS. 

I have to mention that the loans played a big part again.  

Terry.  

That goes without saying, but this year is the year I will get promotion for Siena. That has always been my long term objective and it is looking possible at last. The loans obviously assist the teams performance and a team like Siena cant affort to buy their way into Serie A. 

PRESS. 

Your front two of Fontana and Berbil were really up for it today.  

Terry.  

These two have been fantastic since they arrived. Their attitude and skill are first class. I am indebted to Seb Carter at Crystal Palace for sending the pair to me. 

I have to mention young Gallego today. He is only 16 but I felt that without the pressure of getting into the play-offs I could play him. He did exceptionally well.

PRESS. 

How do you see the rest of the season going?

 Terry.  

With todays result we maintain the 5th position in the league and I still think we will stay there.  Whilst Atalanta won today I think we can close the gap but, the final positions are unlikely to change.

 



-- Edited by Tezza on Saturday 11th of February 2012 10:16:07 PM

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Wolves Pegged Back

Following Wolves draw with Aston Villa this week BBC Sport cuaght up with the Wolves Manager.

BBC: Were you dissapointed with a draw?

"To be honest yes. They missed a pnealty with the first action of the game and that inspired us. We hit the woodwork twice and I thought that it was going to be one of those days. But we got a great goal with Barreto linking up with Craig Lindfield. We looked like we would hold on to the win, but Villa are a good side and didn't give up."

BBC: Do you think Martin Turney will be dissapointed to only draw

"I think he probably expected a win, given their place in the table. But it shows how much we have progressed to almost get a draw against Sheffield Wednesday last week and almost beat Villa".

BBC: Can you finish outside the relegation places this season?

"That has been the aim all along. We are 4 points of safety but have a much better goal difference than Reading and Sheffield United, who we are chasing. And we still have to play both those teams."

BBC: Any reinforcements coming in?

"It doesn't look like it unfortuantely. We were hoping to try and get a decent striker, but no one wants to swop those in our squad for a better player. So we have to go with what we have got. But they are up to the job."

 



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