lundi 19 janvier 2015
dimanche 11 janvier 2015
The death of the star Taylor Nnigeron
He died on Saturday, the American comedian and writer, actor Taylor Negron at the age of 57 years, after a bitter struggle with cancer.
Chuck Negron news of the death was announced cousin Negron through video Mayweather has published via YouTube site.
Said Chuck: I want to inform you that my cousin Taylor was gone .. I am his mother and his brother Alex were all beside .. Vlerkd safely.
It is noteworthy that the march Taylor Negron began in 1979, and in the tally of more than 100 pursuant television, as well as drawing talent, which he enjoyed.
Federer crowned Brisbane and achieve victory No. 1000
Wrote Swiss star Roger Federer, a new watershed in the history of tennis, having achieved victory No. 1000 on Sunday on his way to win the International Championship Brisbane, Australia.
Federer joined Alasitorten Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl in crossing the barrier of thousands victory at the tennis courts.
And beat Federer on Canadian Milos Raunic outcome of 6/4 and 6/7 (2/7) and 6/4 on Sunday in the final match of the tournament.
Federer / 33 / and forced to run a marathon rally in the final set before it hit a new milestone in the amazing career that saw his coronation to 17 titles in the four major championships Grand peace.
Federer needed less than two and a quarter hours to win before he received the trophy from Rod Laver.
Said Federer, who won 83 titles throughout his career. "It's an extraordinary moment, there is about it, achieving the 1000 victory means a lot to me, I will never forget this game, never."
He added, "Milos gave a great game and waiting for a bright future, for me it is a dream to be back next year."
Federer became the first player to achieve the victory of a thousand or more since Lendl achieved the same feat in 1992, noting that the only other player who achieved the feat is Connors.
For his part, Raunic who won a lonely Federer said, came in the quarter-finals Persie last season while losing eight times in front of him, "It's moments like to play for them."
"It's a very special week for me, it's hard to stand here in the face of a lot of Champions Grand Slam."
"The day was a milestone in the march Roger, when you hear his achievements scored during the warm up I thought he was looking for win No. 2000 and No. 1000 is not a victory."
Ribery: I'm afraid to win the Ballon d'Or to Cristiano Noir account
He star Franck Ribery Bayern Munich gets his wish that his colleague Manuel Neuer best player in the world title during the delivery ceremony of the Golden Ball, which will take place on Monday in the Swiss city of Zurich.
And hair Ribery Player former France sorely disappointed after losing the title in front of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the last year during the last round of voting.
Neuer and compete with each of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Barcelona star, winning the title four times previously, the most prominent Neil individual award in the world of football.
Said Ribery on Sunday while he was in camp Bayern current diameter: "Of course, Manuel has a great chance .. He is the best goalkeeper in the world for me .. I have won many titles and was the best player in the German team in the World Cup which was won by .. not can do more than that for me .. must be a winner without a doubt. "
It was Karl-Heinz Rummenigge Bayern Munich president had said at the same time the German Press Agency dpa that he hopes to win Neuer but it seems to him that Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid star will win again.
He said: "When I look at what the experts said during the past few days is clear to me that Ronaldo is the most likely candidate .. If you are honest to say that I'm afraid that too" .arsenal
He added: "Winning the World Cup likes to be a decisive factor .. It is the most important event."
Neuer is the first guard who stand to win the Golden Ball Award for its system currently in the final stage since 2010, and he did not nominate any other goalkeeper to win the title in previous years.
It is noteworthy that the German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn won the second place in 2002.
The myth of the Soviet Lev Yashin is the only goalkeeper who won the Golden Ball for more than 50 years, specifically in 1963.
Neuer could be the first player in the Bundesliga who wins the award for the best player in the world, unlike fellow former German captain Luther Matthews, who won the award in 1991 when he was playing within the ranks of Inter Milan.
More than 70% of the masses of the riyal stand against Ronaldo
The voice of more than 70% of the masses Real Madrid in favor of the Welsh star Gareth Bale against top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo in the incident that took place yesterday between the two stars in the game that Real won three clean at home to Espanyol.
Ronaldo has expressed extreme anger at the Bill after preferred the latter shot the ball and wasting goalscoring opportunity in the time he was able the slider to Ronaldo and donate goal on a plate, which is the second time that Bill is characterized by selfishness, after the result of a similar match Valencia in the league.
Ronaldo anger on Bill raised the ire of the crowd, which began firing whistles on Ronaldo, even followers from behind screens voted 72% in favor of the Bill in the referendum conducted by the newspaper "Marca" is close to the Royal Group.
vendredi 9 janvier 2015
Lionel Messi staying in Barcelona because of the "promise" made
Raises controversy Lionel Messi Barcelona striker and coach Luis Enrique significant concerns from leaving the Argentine star to the walls of the club.
But Henk Ten Cate, a former assistant coach of the Dutch Frank Rijkaard, who led Barca between 2003 to 2006, today confirmed that Lionel Messi will not leave the team despite the current lack of happiness in the Camp Nou.
Kate spoke today, saying: "dissatisfaction Messi clear and problems surfaced two years ago. Leo made a covenant and promise not to leave Tito Vilanova team on his deathbed. "
He added: "However, I believe that the transmission of Macy's in everyone's interest, the great gymnast spent a long time here and wish to play in another team and experience a new challenge," Carter: "Messi is worth a lot of money, but the price begins to decrease now. I wish I could be in the same level in the next ten years, but we know that this is impossible. "
He said assistant coach Rijkaard: "It is not normal that flashing star as Messi did. Most stars are playing starness for 7 or 8 years old, and quite frankly Messi last season was not at its best. "
It is noteworthy that Macy's was a close friend of the late Villanova, who lost his battle against cancer and died in April 2014 aged 45 years.
Official: Victor Valdes signed for Man United
Manchester United, the club announced on their official on the Internet, with the signing of former goal keeper Victor Valdes Barcelona.
Valdes signed a contract for 18 months with the possibility of renewal for an additional season, the club without giving any financial details of the deal.
And this sign Valdes said in a statement to the official site for Man United: "It's a real honor to sign for Manchester United. I would like to thank Louis van Gaal and the club's giving me the opportunity to train with the team and regain my form and my fitness. I have worked with Louis van Gaal during my time in Barcelona and the opportunity to work with him here at Manchester United once again is a dream come true. "
As the uncle said: "" I am delighted to sign with Victor. Victor goalkeeper has great experience and his record speaks for. Will join the club as a guard's second goal .. "
Valdes, 32, a graduate of the School of Amasya, he joined the first team to Barcelona in 2002. He went on to win 21 of Kabe with the Spanish club.
Casillas: "Ancelotti is better than Mourinho"
Ancelotti or Mourinho?:"Ancelotti is better than Mourinho. With Mourinho I had a love-hate relationship. In his time here I did not speak of him when he was in my locker room, nor do I think that I have to talk now when he is already managing another team and I’m with my team. It would be a bit self-seeking and little cowardly on my part".
What do you wish for Mourinho?:"That things go very well for him. In the time that he was at Real Madrid, he won titles and you have to give him thanks".
And shake his hand?:"If I cross paths with him tomorrow I am going to extend my hand, then it will be up to him if he shakes it. I think he would shake".
Did you think about leaving?:"Of course I thought about leaving, but I want to finish my career at Real Madrid".
Xabi Alonso:"It does not interest me what he says. In the last years our relationship has not been adequate".
Ballon d'Or:"Obviously Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the Ballon d’Or. A goalkeeper, as well".
Messi:"I would not sign him. We are very good with those of us here and accomplishing great things".
Messi and Luis Enrique nearly came to blows
The power struggle between Lionel Messi and Luis Enrique over the past week can be traced back to an altercation during training last Friday.
Messi had flown in from Argentina, where he spent his Christmas holidays, at around 15:30, in the nick of time for the 17:00 training session.
By all accounts, the bust-up was over something minor, but there was already bad blood between the star player and coach and the incident served to push Messi over the edge.
It all started when Enrique didn't award Messi a free-kick during a practice match when the Argentine was adamant that he had been fouled. They had it out on the training pitch, but that wasn't the end of it. After the match, Messi went looking for the manager to complain about the decision and things started to get heated. The pair nearly came to blows but then Neymar, who had got wind of the argument, showed up and pulled them apart, while Messi continued to voice his disgruntlement.
The incident was the catalyst for further run-ins, with Enrique riling Messi by naming him on the bench at the Anoeta - something the Argentine was not expecting at all, despite only having trained twice in the run-up to the game - and the star allegedly getting his own back with his no-show during Monday's open-doors training session.
Isco: "They kick us around and we get the cards"
Isco Alarcón complained about Clos Gómez's performance in the Copa del Rey derby. "It's odd how Atlético de Madrid kick us around yet we get sanctioned with more cards. I don't know if it's because we don't know how to foul properly. I don't get it", said the player, annoyed that the 'Rojiblancos' were given two yellow cards fewer even though they committed thirteen fouls more than Real (23, compared to 10).
Ronaldo on ice
Cristiano Ronaldo knew full well he would start the derby on the bench. Carlo Ancelotti had agreed to give the Portuguese star a break as the player seemed to have lost some intensity in the previous weeks.
Ronaldo needs a break once in a while - and missing the derby won't be the last - in order for him to make it to the end of the season in good shape. Neither the player nor the coach wants a repeat of last season.
Ronaldo has performed outstandingly in the first part of the season, but he needs to be careful with his knee and avoid pushing himself too far. In the last few weeks he hasn't performed to the best of his abilities and for this reason Carlo Ancelotti and Ronaldo both agreed he should start the new year with a rest.
jeudi 8 janvier 2015
BMW M4 gives her first laser lights in the world
Awarded the BMW German car M4 Coupe, the new lamps laser system and OLED modern technology to be the first commercial vehicle in the world develop this system.
Appeared this car new in Bajunha mail consumers gallery CES 2015, which is currently being held in Las Vegas, US.
The merged BMW laser technology with OLED (organic light-emitting diodes) to provide the best possible illumination of the road in the history of the auto industry, it also works in conjunction with the GPS navigation system for lighting the way for the driver according to the maps in the system and automatically to be a driver familiar with the street and the details of the system guiding and warning passers-by or cross a distance of not less than 100 meters animals.
The system also allows the light to reduce the space for more focused on the road, rather than a broad area is useful, with the name of Visionary system allows reading traffic signs on the road and put it clearly in the dashboard
Break clause and salary ... fanciful way to join Chelsea Messi
It seems that interest in Chelsea the star Lionel Messi is not just talk for media consumption, where it seems that the blue London willing strongly in the annexation of Leo to the stars battalion owned, and since it is difficult to Barcelona approval to sell the first star of the clause is the first solution.
The Daily Star of London newspaper confirmed that Roman Abramovich wants to pay the $ 200 million pounds which is the value of the penalty clause for the Liberation of Messi from Catalonia and attached to the English club, which Samay to provide salary is estimated at 200 million pounds for six years, which means that the value of the deal will be 400 million pounds, and such amount with a new and exciting adventure will make Leo seriously consider moving with private achieved everything with Barcelona, as well as the problems between him and Luis Enrique coach and management on the other hand.
Why the World newspaper said Real Madrid's defeat in the cup
Dealt with European newspapers on Thursday defeat suffered by Real Madrid on Wednesday evening against Atletico Madrid (2/0) in the first leg final price of the King of Spain Cup competition at the Vicente Calderon stadium.
The newspaper "Sport" Spanish: "Atletico Madrid appear in different face against Real Madrid, Atletico got a very good result before the return leg in Spain Cup, Real Madrid will perish three-game losing streak after being crowned champion of the world."
The newspaper "El Mundo Deportivo" Spanish: "Atletico Madrid smelling cup, Simeone kept Real Madrid without a win in 2015 after Raul Garcia scored a penalty obtained after fucking work of Sergio Ramos and became close to qualifying."
The newspaper "Marca" Spanish: "Everything is now in the hands of Atletico Madrid, who achieved a great victory in the derby against Real Madrid (2-0) with two goals from Raul Garcia and Jimenez, while Real Madrid now needs to be a heroic return to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on next Thursday. "
The newspaper "L'Equipe" French: "Atletico Madrid face a painful blow to Real Madrid and won (2/0) in the first leg of the final price of the Spain Cup, while the hopes of Real Madrid has become in danger after losing for the second time in a row after (22 ) consecutive victory. "
The newspaper "Bild" German: "Atletico Madrid punished historic rivals Real Madrid and defeat him (0/2) in the first leg of the final price of the Spain Cup thanks to goals from Raul Garcia and Jimenez, and the presence of the young Norwegian player Martin Odejard in the stands."
The newspaper "preliminary" Argentine: "Diego Simeone impose his authority on the Spanish capital derby and win (2/0) over Real Madrid in the final price of the Spain Cup, defeating Real Madrid look better prepared to face Barcelona in the Spanish league on Sunday."
The newspaper "The Guardian", said: "Fernando Torres finally win over Real Madrid in his first match with Atletico Madrid in the Spanish King's Cup after he had to leave the Spanish club and return to it at a later time after seven and a half years."
Ancelotti: There is no crisis after defeat
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Italian Carlo Ancelotti, coach of Real Madrid talk about the crisis in the team refused after his defeat by Atletico Madrid in the first leg two straight Spanish King's Cup final price, which is the second loss in a row that the starboard "Almirengji" After the Valencia match in La Liga.
Commented Ancelotti, in press statements, seated on Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench "Cristiano was exhausted, and therefore did not start key."
He explained, "We controlled the game until the penalty. Missed the depth. Atletico Madrid face a very tough, we need to play more toward the goal "Alrokhiblancos.
"It was difficult to create chances. Try Benzema and Bill, but have not been able "from the registry.
Commenting on receiving the second team defeats Tuwalia, he said, "to talk about is exaggerated crisis. There is still the second leg match. "
He noted, "We do not have great chances to qualify to the next round, but we will try with all our might."
Payment and Sami Khedira essential, he said, "We have made a good match. Did not commit errors Tmrkzh was good. "
Nadal may surprise .. apologizes for Australian Open
Likely Matador Rafael Nadal, world number three, to apologize for the fight competitions Australian Open tennis tournament first grand slam of the season, which begins just days after the Australian city of Melbourne.
According to this reaction from Nadal after the loss of surprise that he received yesterday in Doha by first official match of the season, because of the slow recuperation after multiple injuries he received at the end of last season.
Nadal is suffering from several injuries, including in the back and wrist as well as worms excess process he underwent almost two months ago, not to mention the psychological state of mind that is suffering because of them move away from the stadiums.
Nadal stressed that the period in which alienates him from participating in the Australian Open is not great, where less than two weeks is considered almost, Nadal said: "We'll see how things go in the coming days and months, you spin a good start but I could not."
He Nadal: "I would like of course to play Australia Open, a tournament that I love so much, but I do not know how it would be like in the coming period, I'll try to work on myself in order to catch up with them, though not I will share in Rio and Buenos Aires Beyond".
Nadal in the Volvo Ocean Racing yacht in Abu Dhabi
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal during his inspection team "Mapfre" Spanish Co in the third stage of the Volvo Ocean Racing Yacht Club in Abu Dhabi
The teams participating in the Volvo Ocean Race has kicked off today with the third stage towards the city of Sanya in China, from Abu Dhabi, a large popular, which is keen to encourage the team Abu Dhabi participating in this race, which includes the United Arab Emirates seas and the only Arab in this global event of the ocean just Khaled presence
The third round and flying to East Asia was launched this afternoon included a presentation effectiveness symbolically to the master each participant team led by "Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing," Representative of the capital on a yacht, "Azzam" and led by Ian Walker winning Mead mechanisms silvers Oolympitin.
Final events included a presentation of traditional band sailors from the UAE have made a range of marine songs that reflect the heritage of the UAE in front of visitors to the village
mercredi 7 janvier 2015
St George Illawarra Dragons deny lodging Russell Packer contract
St George Illawarra have denied wanting to fast-track Russell Packer's return to the NRL and claim a playing contract for the former New Zealand test prop hasn't been lodged at Rugby League Central.
Packer was released from prison on Monday, having served 12 months of a two-year sentence for assaulting a man outside a Sydney bar in November 2013.
The 25-year-old joined Newcastle on a four-year contract at the start of last year but never got the chance to play for the club after his agreement was torn up following his incarceration.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor has publicly stated his desire to sign Packer, who would need to pass an assessment by the NRL's integrity unit before any paperwork can be ratified.
However, the joint-venture now say they're more interested in helping Packer get his life back on track before discussing any possible signing.
Packer has a close relationship with the Dragons' director of recruitment and retention Peter Mulholland, who joined the club from Newcastle late last year, and has been in constant contact with him since his release.
"The club has not sought to register a playing contract with the NRL, however, it has agreed to play a part in his rehabilitation through its established programs in education and welfare," a statement said.
"This is because of the long association Peter Mulholland has had with Russell and his family.
"Russell has a strong desire to spend time with his fiancee and two children, continue his education and seek employment in the community, ahead of any rugby league priority.
"Clearly, for Russell to return to the NRL he will need to demonstrate to the Dragons and the NRL that he is ready to have a contract registered."011.
New Zealand Football backs FIFA president Sepp Blatter to serve fifth term in power
New Zealand Football and all 10 other Oceania Football bodies will vote to give embattled FIFA president Sepp Blatter another four years in power.
This afternoon the Oceania Football Confederation issued a press release following its annual congress – announcing confederation boss David Chung has walked to another term unopposed, and, that "a resolution unanimously supporting FIFA president Joseph S Blatter in his bid for re-election was supported by a letter signed by all 11 OFC member associations."
Blatter, 78, had vowed that his fourth term as FIFA boss would be his last, only to change his mind and seek a fifth term in the wake of continued allegations of corruption inside world football.
The pressure on Blatter, and on FIFA to reform, has increased to new levels with outrage over the handling of a report into alleged vote-buying for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Investigator Michael Garcia resigned after saying the report he wrote was misrepresented by FIFA, while FIFA says it will now release a version of the actual report.
Chung was described as being "both ecstatic and humbled" at retaining his position as OFC boss for another four years and expressed support for Blatter's fifth term as world football boss.
"The next four years will be an exciting period for the OFC and I am sincerely thankful to the member associations of OFC for putting your trust in me as your president," Chung said during his acceptance speech.
"I would like to take the time to congratulate those members elected to the OFC executive committee and I look forward to working with you in this next term and will rely on your expertise and experience to help guide OFC in the right direction.
Chung, 53, acknowledged the continued support for Blatter and helping OFC make grounds in developing the game throughout the region courtesy of the various FIFA development initiatives provided over the past four years.
Chung noted that while some member associations are not officially represented on the executive committee, he is committed to running a transparent organisation and therefore invites those non-elected members to attend meetings as observers.
"We need to be united, transparent and make collective decisions for the good of OFC," he said.
"You must know that OFC is not an independent organisation, it belongs to you the members and our vision for the next four years is for the benefit of the members and you our stakeholders; your clubs, players, coaches, referees and administrators."
Working on his vision for the next four years, Chung outlined three points which his administration will focus on.
"We will continue to grow the game through Development Programmes and to popularise football in the region through television, radio and new competitions, continue to create pathways for our elite players and teams and strive to create revenue and become financially sustainable so we can reinvest in growing the game and creating pathways for our elite players and teams."
With his re-election as president, David Chung also becomes a FIFA vice-president with immediate effect. He will be officially presented to the Congress of FIFA on the 1st of June.
The OFC Executive Committee sees just one new member join the newly elected group. American Samoa's Iuli Alex Godinet makes up the committee alongside Lee Harmon (Cook Islands), Rajesh Patel (Fiji), Laupama Solomona (Samoa), Barnabas Anga (Soloman Islands) and Lambert Maltock (Vanuatu).
Other matters addressed during the OFC Congress saw the unanimous endorsement of the 11 Point Plan to Combat Match Fixing, which was adopted by the Executive Committee in November 2014.
Premier League pining for Paul Clement
Paul Clement has been an unsung hero during Real Madrid's glorious last year and a half. His work behind the scenes hasn't gone unnoticed in England, though, where several clubs have sought to entice him to become their no. 1.
Last summer, both Southampton and West Bromwich Albion approached Clement about launching his managerial career, but Carlo Ancelotti's right-hand man decided to decline their overtures. "A few opportunities have come my way, but this is a difficult place to leave", the assistant stated after confirming that he would be sticking by the Italian's side for at least another year.
The offers have kept flooding in during the season. Crystal Palace - who have since appointed Alan Pardew - and Newcastle (the club Pardew left) are the latest two sides to sound out Clement, but both were hindered by wanting to bring in the Englishman right away.
Everything points towards Clement honouring his word and staying loyal to Ancelotti - whom he has worked with since the Italian's time at Chelsea - and Real Madrid until the end of the campaign. Though he loves life at the Bernabéu, he is ambitious and plans to plot his move into management in July, when he will be able to sit down and carefully consider his options.
MLS hopeful over Ronaldo future
MLS could be Ronaldo's next stop when his time at Real comes to an end.
The player's agent, Jorge Mendes, told French media outlet Telefoot as much. Mendes was talking about Ronaldo's future and remarked that after Real Madrid "he might go to the United States… Only God knows".
It is not the first time that Ronaldo has been linked with MLS. In 2012, the player expressed his admiration for the North American league and said, "I'd like to play in the U.S. one day".
"Messi and Cristiano took it easy in 2014"
Diego Maradona has endorsed Manuel Neuer's Ballon d'Or credentials. "Neither Messi nor Ronaldo are my choice: my candidate is Neuer, who did more to merit the award", the Argentinian legend stated on Cuban radio.
"Ronaldo and Messi took it easy [in 2014]", added Maradona, who is the latest high-profile figure to wade into the debate over who should capture the biggest individual honour in world football, which will be handed out on 12th January.
Ronaldo and Messi have won the accolade twice and four times respectively, while Neuer - who lifted the 2014 World Cup with Germany in Brazil and also tasted Bundesliga and German Cup glory with Bayern Munich - is bidding to claim it for the first time. The 28-year-old is also looking to become the first German to be awarded the Ballon d'Or since Lothar Matthäus in 1990 and to end an even longer run since a goalkeeper last took the prize.
Zubi's seven deadly sins
Andoni Zubizarreta never fully convinced the press or the fans during his spell as Barcelona's director of football. These are some of the factors behind his unsurprising sacking.
1.Centre-back chaos: Since age and a string of injuries got the better of Carles Puyol and the veteran finally hung up his boots, Barcelona have failed to land a suitable replacement. Last summer they paid over the odds for Jérémy Mathieu, a left-back by trade, while the high-profile central defender they did sign, Thomas Vermaelen, is still injured. The upshot is that Javier Mascherano continues to do a job as a stop-gap, while Luis Enrique is having to call on Gerard Piqué, whose best form is behind him.
2.The sale of Thiago and Cesc: With Xavi Hernández's retirement only a matter of time, Barça appeared to have two tailor-made, home-grown candidates in their ranks to take on the maestro's mantle in midfield. However, Pep Guardiola poached Thiago Alcántara for Bayern by paying his (bafflingly low) release clause and Cesc Fàbregas returned to London in the summer following Ivan Rakitic's arrival. The very same Rakitic whom Luis Enrique has overlooked in several big games this season.
3.Víctor Valdés's exit: A dressing-room leader and one of the most influential players for Barça in recent years, Valdés left the club under a cloud after failing to agree a new contract. Zubizarreta was unable or unwilling to persuade the goalkeeper, who had kept it steady between the 'Azulgranas' sticks for nearly a decade, to stay.
4.'Neymar-gate': Though he may have had nothing to do with the ins and outs of the transfer, Zubi's image was stained by the scandal over the signing of the Brazilian, particularly the lies over how much the forward cost.
5.The transfer ban and his 'parting shot': On Sunday the ex-keeper accepted his share of the blame for the transfer ban the club was given by FIFA, which the CAS recently rubber-stamped. However, he also suggested that club president Josep Maria Bartomeu was the main culprit, a dig that was probably the last nail in his coffin.
6.Complicity in the academy's fall from grace: Numerous promising home-grown players have been forced to leave the Camp Nou in recent years, seeking out pastures new both abroad and in Spain. Bojan, Marc Muniesa, Thiago, Isaac Cuenca and Cristian Tello are just a few examples. The time of Pep Guardiola and having 11 academy graduates in the starting line-up is long gone and La Masia's heyday looks to be over, despite the current coach's faith in the likes of Munir.
7.Unsuccessful succession planning: Guardiola's departure left Zubi with the tough task of finding a replacement for the best coach in the club's history. The bid for continuity through Tito Vilanova was thwarted by the former assistant's illness and subsequent passing. Tata Martino didn't work out as was hoped and Luis Enrique is already being questioned just months into his reign.
"Real will have to work their socks off to beat us"
The Atlético coaching staff are convinced that they can give Real Madrid a run for their money.
Not so long ago Atlético would head out onto the pitch to play Real Madrid as the underdogs, but those days are now confined to the past. The 'Rojiblancos' went 14 years without winning a derby and it destroyed their morale.
However, that all ended with the Copa del Rey final at the Bernabéu. Since then, Atlético have stood up to Real and they have come out on top on several occasions. In fact, the last time was this season away in the league.
And so it is no surprise that the Atleti coaching staff no longer consider themselves Real's whipping boys but their equals. "Real will have to work their socks off to beat us", they confess in private.
They have no qualms about acknowledging the enormous talent of their rivals tomorrow, but they are also convinced that Real will have to sweat blood if they want to beat them. They are determined that the tie will not be a repeat of last year's Copa del Rey semi-final, when it was all over after the 3-0 defeat at the Bernabéu.
Nevertheless, the team based on the banks of the Manzanares are well aware of the tough schedule ahead of them - they visit Barça in the league between the two games against Real -, so we can expect rotations by Simeone to ensure his best players are fresh for the Nou Camp. There can be no doubt that Real Madrid and Barcelona pose two tough tests which will show what Atlético are made of.
Barça are crumbling
Barcelona are heading down a slippery slope. Josep María Bartomeu has given his all in good faith, but the mess that he inherited as incoming president was simply too big, making it impossible to restore order.
Victories and good play may have generated a smokescreen over the questionable decision not to call elections after Rosell's departure, but recent defeats and poor play coupled with the deluge of legal problems have made it all the clearer. Barça are crumbling.
Luis Enrique's decision not to start Messi and Neymar at the Anoeta set alarm bells ringing. The fact that 'Los Azulgranas' were unable to take advantage of Real Madrid's slip-up at the Mestalla simply made things worse.
That was only the start, however. Next up was news of Messi failing to attend the open-doors training session on Monday.
Some members of the board had already demanded Bartomeu show Zubizarreta the door as a stiff warning to Luis Enrique. Bartomeu responded by firing the club's sporting director on Monday.
The former goalkeeper's exit will do little to alleviate the unrest among Luis Enrique's players. Not just Messi, although the Argentine star is, of course, the most high-profile case. To put it simply, he cannot stand his coach. Barça know that hiring Luis Enrique was a mistake. He currently lacks the qualities to lead a group of stars that you might find at any of the world's big clubs.
Just to make matters worse, the latest catastrophe arrived in mid-afternoon when revered former captain Carles Puyol announced his departure...
My dear enemy
Torres and Arbeloa, Griezmann and Illarra, Mandzukic and Kroos... Old friends who will be enemies in the derby.
MEMORIES OF ANFIELD. After meeting each other as enemies in the Madrid derby in 2005, destiny united Torres and Arbeloa at Liverpool. Together they knocked Real Madrid out of the Champions League.
FROM LYON, ONWARDS AND UPWARDS. Benzema and Tiago were with the French team at the same time before making the leap to stardom. They won league titles together and climbed towards the upper echelons.
GROWN IN ZUBIETA. Griezmann and Illarra arrived at the capital after leaving Real Sociedad on a high to join one of the two Madrid giants. Youth team comrades yesterday, opponents today.
CHAMPIONS TOGETHER. Mandzukic and Kroos will never forget the 2012-13 season where, whilst sharing a dressing room, they won the European Cup through a goal from the Croatian in the final.
CROSSING THE DIVIDE. Juanfran and Casillas were together at Real Madrid more than ten years ago. The current Atlético man left for Osasuna before making the jump and signing for the Whites' rivals.
MAGIC AND DISAPPOINTMENT. Isco and Jesús Gámez are part of Málaga's and Champions League history, where they were dramatically knocked out in the quarter-finals two seasons ago.
To those can be added players who regularly share a dressing room as part of the Spanish national team, such as Juanfran, Ramos, Koke, Casillas or Raúl García among others.
No great Epiphany for Messi
According to Spanish television station CUATRO, the Argentinean player, who didn't attend the training session open to fans on Monday due to a bout of gastroenteritis, did turn up at the Sant Joan Despí training complex on Epiphany.
Having been unable to train the previous day, he had to present himself at Barcelona's facilities as all players that need medical clearance to train do and he did so despite the fact that Luis Enrique had given the whole squad the day off.
In the wake of much chatter for not being alongside his first team colleague on the day they went through their paces in front of thousands of 'Culé' fans, Leo Messi posted a statement on his Facebook account saying, "I would have liked to have been at the Christmas training session. I've never missed it before, but these things can't be controlled. I hope every child's dreams come true. All the very best".
Under Luis Enrique, footballers who are out for medical reasons must go to Barcelona facilities every day for recuperation, and since Messi was out for the open training session for medical reasons, his visit to Sant Joan Despí can be seen as totally routine.
Leo Messi continues to be the source of talking points at Barcelona recently and not for his quality on the pitch.
Luis Enrique wanted to reprimand Messi
Lionel Messi's absence from Monday's open training session for fans did not sit well with Luis Enrique, who wanted to reprimand him.
Luis Enrique did not fully believe that the Argentine had gastroenteritis, which saw him miss the training session organised by the Barça boss following their defeat in San Sebastian.
According to reports in Barcelona newspaper 'Sport', the three team captains, Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets were the ones who calmed down the Barça manager and avoided any further disruption to the Barcelona dressing room.
The players thought that treating a player of Leo Messi's calibre like that was not in the team's best interests for the future and managed to convince the coach to change his mind. However, the three will meet up with the Argentine forward to talk over everything that happened.
According to reports from other media sources, Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets had already contacted Messi to calm him down, and may have even told him that the current Barcelona boss's days in the dugout are numbered.
After missing Monday's training session, especially with it being an open session for Barcelona's youngest fans, the Argentine apologised through a statement on his Facebook account and also turned up at the club's training ground despite the squad having the day off.
Ronaldo and Benzema have beef with Bale
The Real Madrid dressing room have not yet forgiven Gareth Bale for his monumental miss at Mestalla and are still angry with the Welshman.
It was that counter-attacking move in which Bale failed to look to his left to put Benzema through on goal. The Real Madrid squad will not forget such a golden scoring opportunity easily.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema both made their feelings very clear to him out on the pitch. Both the Portuguese and the Frenchman berated the Welshman for going it alone and at several points in the game appeared to talk amongst themselves about Bale's selfish decision. Their gestures, which were caught by 'Cuatro' TV's cameras, left no room for doubt.
Real Madrid went from taking the lead to trailing by a goal in the space of just five minutes, which made Bale's mistake all the more relevant. The Welshman hung his head as his teammates chewed him out for not passing the ball. He did not look to the sidelines either when Ancelotti angrily gestured towards him from the technical area. He knew full well that his choice was going to haunt him later on.
The Real Madrid players are not angry with Bale for not scoring, but for the decision he made. However, Ronaldo also missed an absolute sitter for Real Madrid and nobody said anything to him.
Growing tension between Messi and Luis Enrique
Lionel Messi's week at Barcelona has been dominated by how he was benched at the Anoeta and was not in attendance at the open-doors training session at the Miniestadi on Monday.
According to Spanish radio station COPE, the Argentine believes that it will not be possible to change the team's current situation with Luis Enrique in the dugout.
Word has also come out from Messi's cohort that the coach makes decisions without guidance from his colleagues and considers himself to be the bee's knees. The Argentine is also said not to understand why the board supports him.
Luis Enrique, meanwhile, does not understand why Messi failed to attend the training session which was designed for passionate, young supporters to see their idols get put through their paces. There seems to be increasing evidence that the distance between the two is growing.
Bale and ten others at the Calderón
Carlo Ancelotti is considering making a few changes to the starting line-up to face Atlético from the last match against Valencia, but Gareth Bale will not be among them.
The Italian manager reiterated his confidence in the Welshman and confirmed he will start. As will Keylor Navas, who will play throughout the tournament whatever happens. The focus is on those two players.
The rest of the team will be more or less the same, with a few changes here and there that shouldn't affect the overall functioning of the team. Varane will play in central defence, possibly for Sergio Ramos, and on the left, Fabio Coentrao could come in for Marcelo.
In midfield, Toni Kroos and Isco seem to be fixtures and right now the only uncertainty is whether it is to be James Rodríguez or Sami Khedira. Carlo Ancelotti announced the changes with his players' recovery in mind and the Colombian is among those who have played the most this season.
There are definitely no novelties up front. The BBC (Bale, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo), will attempt to make up for their poor game at the Mestalla and seal their first great performance of the year, with last Sunday's match and the infamous Bale moment, where he tried to finish himself when Benzema was better placed, in the back of their minds.
mardi 6 janvier 2015
Carles Puyol announces his departure from Barcelona
Amid the storm at Barça, Carles Puyol also announced on Monday that he has left the club. He was assistant to the sacked director of football Zubizarreta. Puyol made a statement on Facebook.
“With this statement I want to announce that I have decided to end my employment with Football Club Barcelona. These three-and-a-half months have given me the opportunity to see the other side of the club. I learned a lot, I’m very grateful and now I would like to experience other things from another perspective and elsewhere. I want to grow both personally and professionally so that, in the future, hopefully someday I can return and give back everything you have given me during these unforgettable years. I remain extremely grateful to my employees, directors, president and sporting team for trusting me and helping me in this transition, it has not been easy. And especially to the fans. As a player I always felt very close but now, after my retirement, I feel even closer.
I wanted to say goodbye with my boots on, but life is not always how you want it to be.
I have been, and still am, very lucky to feel so much love, so I can only say THANK YOU and to know that I always carry you in my heart.
Long live Barça”.
Keylor, Khedira and Varane to come in for derby clash
There will not be a raft of new faces in the Madrid team after the game at the Mestalla. There will not be a revolution. The defeat in Valencia has changed Carlo Ancelotti’s plans somewhat. The Italian does not like to make wholesale changes and even less so after a game in which his players are questioned. The same players who helped him to a run of 22 straight wins.
Keylor will be in goal. The coach said himself on October 24 that “he [Navas] will play in the cup and occasionally in the league”. The main change in the team will be Khedira, who has only played 247 of 2,610 possible minutes this season, just nine per cent of the action. Ancelotti wants him to renew his contract and he will gradually get him into the team. With it he will also seek to give a rest to his midfield, so tired from the minutes so far this season, especially after the injury to Modric. Khedira will come into the middle three but it is unclear whether he will replace James (who he replaced at the Mestalla following a por performance) or Isco. There is no change expected in the front three. Only Bale could drop out with Khedira’s arrival: both Isco and James could replace the Welshman.
In defence Arbeloa should have played but the fact Carvajal will miss the weekend league clash against Espanyol through suspension means he could play against Atleti. Varane will also play for Ramos, who preferred to feature in the Mestalla than the cup, and Coentrao could come in for Marcelo.
Recovery session with Marcelo training separately
Real Madrid started their preparations for Wednesday night’s Copa del Rey match against Atlético Madrid. A recovery session was held for the players who started Sunday’s defeat against Valencia at the Mestalla. The only one who did not take part in the recovery session was Marcelo, who took to the training pitch for a solo session.
The rest of the players from the first team squad, plusMedrán, of Castilla, and Molina, of Juvenil A, took part in a session for ball work. The three goalkeepers also took part in their own specific session. The only absentee was Modric, who continues his recovery from a thigh injury.
