Ronaldinho agrees Milan deal

Ronaldinho has agreed initial terms with AC Milan and the Serie A club will now speak to Barcelona about a deal, Milan and the player's agent have said.

The 28-year-old Brazilian has had a difficult few months at the Camp Nou because of injury and loss of form and a move has long been mooted. The forward is out for the rest of the campaign with a leg injury and a transfer can not officially go through until the end of the season.

"In general Ronaldinho and Milan are in agreement," his agent and brother Roberto de Assis was quoted as saying on the Gazzetta dello Sport website on Saturday. The Gazzetta said a deal up to 2012 worth eight million euros ($12.6 million) a year was in the pipeline with a few clauses to be agreed.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani said: "There is a general agreement with the player. Now a deal has to be reached with Barcelona. Give us time."

Former Barcelona coach Johan Cruyff, who remains an influential figure at the club, said Ronaldinho should leave at the end of the season.

"If things aren't working out and one person doesn't want to stay and the others don't want him then it is the best solution," the Dutchman told reporters on Saturday. 

Spanish and Italian media reports have speculated about a transfer fee of between 20 and 30 million euros while some newspapers have talked about Ronaldinho buying up the rest of his contract at Barca. Milan are fifth in Serie A and in danger of missing next year's UEFA Champions League after a poor season. They were dumped out of this year's Champions League as holders by Arsenal in the first knockout round.

Carlo Ancelotti's men have struggled to score and create goals with Brazilian Ronaldo playing just a handful of games before being ruled out long term with a knee injury. Fellow striker Alberto Gilardino has been lacklustre and world player of the year Kaka has been far from his best.

Despite Milan's troubles, Ancelotti has been assured of his job next term.

source : www.fifa.com

Spain Clinch Semi Final Spot

Spain reached the semi-finals of Euro 2008 after a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over world champions Italy at the Ernst-Happel Stadium on Sunday.

Iker Casillas saved spot-kicks from Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale after a goalless 120 minutes before Cesc Fabregas slid the winning penalty past Gianluigi Buffon.

Casillas, who had kept his side on level terms with a fine save with his feet from Mauro Camoranesi, helped Spain end a string of three straight penalty shoot-out defeats on June 22 in major tournaments - in the 1986 World Cup, Euro 96 and the 2002 World Cup.

Luis Aragones' men now take on surprise package Russia on Thursday in Vienna.

Aragones praised Spain's attitude after the match.

"I would like to congratulate first of all my players for their remarkable behaviour and maintaining their morale during the match," said the 69-year-old.

"It was very difficult because the Italians closed down all the spaces, which made it difficult to play our natural game."


Arsenal midfielder Fabregas was delighted after the game and admitted the players owed it to themselves and their fans after so often falling at the quarter-final stages.

"This is wonderful, it is impossible to find the words to express such an emotion," said Fabregas.

"We are just simply delighted. This is an important victory for this young side. We have been waiting for this for a long time."

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni was understandably disappointed after seeing his side crash out of the tournament.


"Clearly losing on penalties after working so hard doesn't leave us happy," said Donadoni.

"We all spent a lot of energy. You've got to recall those who didn't play tonight. They've got to be the most disappointed, and I'm sorry for them."

Donadoni denied suggestions his side played negatively throughout the game saying he was happy with the contribution of his forwards.

"The forwards did their jobs," Donadoni added. "Even though they didn't score goals, they did some positive things."

source : www.sportinglife.com

Flamini Bids Farewell to Gunners

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger must plan for life next season without Mathieu Flamini.

The 24-year-old midfielder completed his move to AC Milan on Monday, agreeing a four-year contract with the Italian club.

Flamini, out of contract at the Emirates Stadium in the summer, underwent a medical and has reached an agreement over personal terms.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani revealed the signing was imminent after his team's 2-1 triumph over Inter in Sunday's derby.

Wenger admitted on Sunday he was not "super-confident" Flamini would still be at Arsenal next season.

Despite the offer of a lucrative new five-year deal - understood to be worth around £55,000-a-week - from the north London club, his head was turned by Milan's interest.

Juventus were also reported to be tracking the France international, who formed a fine partnership with Cesc Fabregas at the heart of the Arsenal team this season having seemed to have been on his way out of the club at the end of the last campaign.

He put in a fine performance at the San Siro as Wenger's team knocked Milan out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage in March.

The former Marseille man will compete for a place in Milan's midfield alongside Brazil star Kaka and Italy trio Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo and Massimo Ambrosini.

Milan climbed into the final qualifying place for the Champions League on Sunday, leapfrogging Fiorentina who lost 2-1 at Cagliari.

Flamini's last match as an Arsenal player will be Sunday's Barclays Premier League trip to Sunderland, before he officially joins the Milan ranks on July 1.

Milan sporting director Ariedo Braida said: "I have to say Flamini was a player that Ancelotti really wanted and Milan is like a family, where decisions are made jointly."

Inter join race for Ronaldinho

Internazionale are set to fight it out with city rivals AC Milan for the services of Barcelona's in-demand forward Ronaldinho after their president Massimo Moratti confirmed his side's interest.

Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto de Assis revealed on Saturday that talks with Milan are at an advanced stage, but that no deal has yet been reached between the player and the Serie A club.

And Moratti is not going to just sit back and watch one of the hottest talents in world football go to his arch rivals without a fight.

"If Ronaldinho goes to Milan, it will also depend on the willingness of Inter," he said to Italy's Sky television prior to Inter's 2-0 win over Fiorentina on Sunday night.

"We will evaluate our options next week.

"We have an exceptional relationship with Barcelona and Ronaldinho's management team so we will have to see.

"We will also have to see if we decide to pursue this to the end, but if the market is open to Milan it is open to us too."

Inter coach Roberto Mancini copied his Milan counterpart Carlo Ancelotti in singing Ronaldinho's praises after his side restored their four-point advantage at the top of Serie A on Sunday evening.

"He is a great player and a champion and I think such players are interesting to all clubs," he said.

"He is still relatively young and can still do a lot of good."

source : www.ign.com

Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a tirade against rival players who insinuate Cristiano Ronaldo is a diver.

Ferguson claims the winger is one of the most fouled players in the top-flight - and that is backed up by official Premier League statistics - but that the 23-year-old will not allow himself to be kicked out of the game.

The United manager said: "(Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger recently complained that his team are on the receiving end of more fouls than any other.

"I'm not sure about that but what I do know is that Cristiano Ronaldo must be one of the most fouled players in the league.

"The fouls are frustrating, especially for Ronaldo, and I have nothing but admiration for the way he picks himself up and keeps running at people.

"Time after time he is tackled unfairly and often opponents try to indicate that he has dived.

"Of course, when Ronaldo is running at full speed sometimes it doesn't take much to knock him over but the truth is that too many opponents don't know how to tackle properly. And to disguise their shortcomings they accuse him of falling deliberately.

"I am pleased for him with the punishment he has taken lately. I have been making the point about his courage and the fact he is clearly determined that he is not to be kicked out of the game."

According to the Premier League's statistics, the Portuguese winger is in the top five most-fouled players with 61 offences against him so far this season.

But he has not won as many free-kicks as Everton's Mikel Arteta (78), Ashley Young of Aston Villa (77) or Blackburn's David Bentley (72).

Ferguson added: "I will continue to hammer away at the need for protection for football's most skilful players."

Ronaldo was once again United's match-winner with two goals against Bolton to take him to 33 goals for the season, 24 of them coming in the league.

Assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has described the win as "crucial" going into Sunday's match against Liverpool.

Queiroz said: "It was crucial to win and be in this position with eight games left.

"It gives us the right confidence and motivation. It is very positive that from now to the end our it is in our hands."

Ferguson rates Rio Ferdinand as doubtful for Liverpool's visit to Old Trafford with a back problem, but the central defender has been included in Fabio Capello's provisional England squad named today to face France next week.

source : www.sportinglife.com

Lampard concerned over contract

Frank Lampard has told Chelsea he wants his future sorted out as the club continue to stall over a new contract.

The England midfielder is running out of patience over his contract situation, which could remain in limbo until the summer.

Lampard, who scored four goals in Chelsea's 6-1 demolition of Derby last night, insists he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge but is perplexed by the fact no offer has been made.

"I've been approached a few times by the club saying they are going to come to me with something and they haven't," declared Lampard.

"That means they're saying they will have to wait until the summer and I don't really know what that means. I said at the beginning of the season I didn't want to talk about my contract because I wanted to concentrate on my football.

"They have made contact but it hasn't been with any news. They've been saying that something is going to happen but if we wait until the summer and nothing happens, then I've got a year left, which is not a position I want to be in.

"I've made it clear I want to stay here and I want to know what's going on. I love playing for this club, I'm enjoying the greatest days of my career.

"Every time I run out for the club I don't think about the contract but when I am at home I would like it to be sorted out.

"It's dragged on this season and that's not ideal for me."

Lampard's change of emphasis on his contract situation will throw the spotlight back on the club's plans.

Coach Avram Grant refuses to talk about his contract negotiations, saying it is not his area.

Grant believes Lampard will stay but Chelsea are in danger of losing one of their biggest assets if they do not open negotiations before the end of the season.

Lampard took his goal tally for the club to an amazing 107 in almost seven years with his four-goal haul as Chelsea's victory over Derby put them right back in the title race.

They are now just five points behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand.

Both Arsenal and second-placed Manchester United are still to visit Stamford Bridge and those games are likely to have a major bearing on the destination of the Premier League crown.

Lampard became the first Chelsea player to score four goals in a game since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink eight years ago.

The player's goal return from midfield has been phenomenal but he admits he found it hard to hit the net when he first arrived from West Ham as a replacement for crowd favourite Gus Poyet.

"It was a difficult first season when I arrived but there were a few goals that were important to me," said Lampard.

"Looking back it was a great building block to get me where I am now.

"When I signed I knew I needed to score goals for the club and it was a nice pressure to have as I think it spurred me on a little bit.

"My first couple of seasons were a bit quiet on the goal front but the last few have been very prolific.

"I was out in Wimbledon with some friends shortly after joining the club when some Chelsea supporters recognised me. They started asking me how many goals I was going to score for the club and if I thought I could do well at Stamford Bridge.

"Of course I was confident and told the fans they wouldn't be disappointed but I never expected to get 100 goals during my time here.

"I think it has been made easier because I have had the fans behind me from day one.

"They have always supported me and it's been excellent. We have a special relationship and it is something I appreciate.

"It's the first time I've scored four at the top level and it feels very nice to do it - especially from midfield."

Lampard has won back-to-back Premier League titles, two Carling Cups and an FA Cup during his time at the club but out of all his goals there are two that stand out - the double that earned Chelsea the title with a 2-0 win at Bolton in 2005.

"Other than the birth of my two children, that day was the best day of my life," said Lampard.

"Just hearing the commentary gives me goosebumps let alone watching them. It was just a special day all round, for the club, for the fans, everything was meant to be that day. It is something that will live with me forever, it was amazing."

source : www.sportinglife.com

Karim Benzema extends Lyon contract

Lyon striker Karim Benzema has signed a new contract at the club until 2013, with an option for a further one-year extension.

The France international has been attracting the attention of a host of leading European teams after a string of superb performances for Les Gones this campaign, but he has committed his future to the club he joined when he was eight years old.

An statement on the club's website said: "Karim Benzema and the Lyon president agree that this extension is an important moment both for the player and for the club."

The 20-year-old admitted last week he wanted to stay with the French champions, despite speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.

"I want to be at Lyon next year," he told Spanish daily El Mundo deportivo. "There's still so much to do and I want to win titles with Lyon."


(reopens) At the official announcement on Thursday, the 20-year-old Benzema reiterated that he never had any other desire than to win trophies with Lyon.

He said: "In my head it was clear that I wanted to continue my progression here and not exile myself in Spain, England or Italy.

"I'm happy in Lyon, I was born here, I live here, I want to continue learning at Olympique Lyonnais.

"Everyone has faith in me, my team-mates are behind me. I really want to win lots of titles, starting with a cup-league double this season and I'd love to one day win the Champions League with Lyon. There's still so much to do."

Although the five-year contract is the maximum length that can be offered, Benzema did not say that he would stay in France for its duration.

"I can't say how long I'll be here, maybe another two or three years," he added.

"The moment will come, we'll decide it together with the president."

Club president Jean-Michel Aulas, meanwhile, admitted that the club had had to put its hands in its pockets to ensure that their star player was not attracted by lucrative offers from abroad.

"With sporting ambition comes financial ambition," he explained.

"We've done what we thought was necessary so Karim wouldn't be embarrassed to compare what he gets with what he would have got abroad.

"We've done the most possible, he completely deserves it. It was necessary that he not only felt good here but that he had the salary he deserves with his talent, which is immense. We're staking a lot on him."

source : www.sportinglife.com

Milan finally lose

An air of disappointment hangs over AC Milan this morning after the holders were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by two late Arsenal FC goals at San Siro last night.

'They dominated'
Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor struck in the final six minutes as Milan failed to build on a 0-0 draw in the first leg in London, and Brazilian star Kaká was left to concede that his side had been well beaten. "Arsenal deserved to qualify," said the 25-year-old. "They played very well and they were more dangerous than us. We only played well in the first 20 minutes then they took control of the match. They dominated us. It is the first time that I have been eliminated from the Champions League so early, but it happens - that's football."

'Glorious cycle'
Milan have been on a sensational run in the competition since Carlo Ancelotti took over as coach in November 2001. His predecessor Alberto Zaccheroni saw his side eliminated in the second group stage of the 2000/01 campaign and Milan did not compete in the 2001/02 edition, but since then Ancelotti has led his side to at least the last eight in the last five UEFA Champions League campaigns – a run which included European titles in both 2003 and 2007 and a losing final in 2005. Gazzetto dello Sport reflected on this run in a piece entitled 'The end of a glorious cycle.'

Maldini bows out
It was also the end of a glorious period for Paolo Maldini who played in what will be his final UEFA Champions League match last night. The 39-year-old defender has said that he will retire at the end of the season, and he will do so having been a European champion five times in the red and black of Milan. With Ancelotti's side having proved in recent years that they are more than capable of raising themselves to the challenge of European competition despite inconsistent results at home, many thought Maldini would win a sixth winners' medal before retiring.

Learning experience
Yet it was not to be, and the pain of defeat was beginning to dawn for Kaká, whose side are fifth in Serie A, four points adrift of ACF Fiorentina who occupy the fourth and final Italian berth for next season's UEFA Champions League. "Difficult days lie ahead," he said. "However, this team has great experience and we are sure to find the strength to get back on to our feet again and finish fourth in the league. These are important moments which help you to grow and I must also thank the fans who were behind us until the end."

New beginning
Massimo Oddo agreed. "After so many years of success inevitably you have to bow out of a competition, but we have a real will to get back [into the UEFA Champions League]," said the former S.S. Lazio right-back. "Now let's concentrate on the fourth place which we need to get back in." Gazzetta dello Sport concluded matter-of-factly of last night's match: "Ancelotti's side had no chance. The English team were too strong." The paper's front-page headline read 'Milan – The End'. Ancelotti and his team can only hope it was in fact another new beginning.

source : www.uefa.com

Eduardo out for 11 months

Arsenal FC striker Eduardo da Silva is recovering from surgery in a London hospital after suffering a severe break to his left leg and ankle during Saturday's Premier League draw at Birmingham City FC which will keep him out for the rest of the season and Croatia's UEFA EURO 2008™ challenge.

'Horrendous'
The match was stopped for nearly ten minutes as the Brazilian-born Eduardo was treated on the field before being carried off on a stretcher. Birmingham defender Martin Taylor was given a straight red card for his third-minute challenge on the forward. "The tackle was horrendous," said Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger. "I've seen some bad ones before but you are not always punished with a broken leg. The minimum is that the season is over and we're scared it is much longer."

'Fantastic guy'
Eduardo was taken to hospital in Birmingham where he was diagnosed with compound fractures of the tibia and fibula, and medical staff at the ground were also reported to be shocked at the seriousness of the injury. "He is a fantastic guy and to see him in such pain and the shape of his leg was very difficult to take for our players," added Wenger, who said Eduardo had broken his leg and ankle.

Qualifying feat
Born in Rio de Janeiro on 25 February 1983, Eduardo moved to Croatia aged 15 to join NK Dinamo Zagreb as an apprentice. After obtaining Croatian citizenship, he made his international debut against the Republic of Ireland in 2004 and is one of a number of Brazilians playing for other national sides. Eduardo, who joined Arsenal last July, was looking forward to playing for Croatia at this summer's UEFA European Championship. With ten goals overall, he was the second top scorer in qualifying for the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

source : www.uefa.com

Roma closing the gap at the top of four

FC Internazionale Milano's lead in Serie A was reduced to nine points on Sunday when the champions drew 1-1 at UC Sampdoria and second-placed AS Roma beat ACF Fiorentina 1-0.

Impressive Cassano
Hernán Crespo's 76th-minute diving header from Dejan Stanković's cross prevented a depleted Inter from suffering their first league defeat of the campaign after Antonio Cassano had enhanced his claims for an Italy recall by putting in-form Sampdoria ahead. Cassano was allowed to burst into the Inter box unchallenged before firing into the top corner on 65 minutes. Fresh from their midweek UEFA Champions League victory over Real Madrid CF – when Inter were losing at Liverpool FC – Roma triumphed again at the Olimpico against Fiorentina. The match was decided by a 54th-minute strike from Cicinho, who was sent off in added time.

European exertions
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said: "It was a good game as both teams tried to attack and show their qualities. We could have scored a second goal at the end, but I have to admit that they could just as easily have equalised. I think the fans enjoyed the match and we're getting good results, but unfortunately for us Inter are almost flawless." Juventus are not, however, and sit four points behind Roma in third position after succumbing to a stoppage-time Nicola Amoruso penalty at second-from-bottom Reggina Calcio on Saturday.

source : www.uefa.com

NO FA ACTION AGAINST GALLAS

Arsenal captain William Gallas has escaped disciplinary action over his clash with Manchester United's Nani.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the French defender should have been sent off at the weekend by referee Alan Wiley for kicking Nani from behind in response to the Portuguese midfielder indulging in some ball-juggling.

However the Football Association confirmed today that Wiley had looked at video footage of the incident.

An FA spokesman said: "Having viewed the footage, the referee was not satisfied that it showed evidence of violent conduct and therefore no further action will be taken."

For the FA to take action, Wiley would have had to have deemed the clash worthy of a red card for violent conduct.

The decision will be sure to infuriate Ferguson, who said after the 4-0 win by United: "I thought Gallas should have been sent off. The referee must have a look at that again.

"He kicked Nani from behind and the referee called both over because they sized each other up. He should have been red-carded."

Meanwhile, Gallas has warned his team-mates they will have to fight every inch of the way if they are to win the title or enjoy European glory.

Gallas says United will have taken huge confidence from their win over the Gunners in the FA Cup, and that Arsenal's players have to be ready for the conflict.

A visit by AC Milan on Wednesday night is the next challenge facing Arsenal, and Gallas said the team need to step up their approach for both that and the Premier League campaign.

He told Arsenal TV: "The title is a dream and to get that dream you have to fight.

"We have to take it game by game, and we have to be ready for the fight. We know it will not be easy for us, and Manchester United will have confidence and if we want that title we have to fight.

"The defeat was very tough for us. We did not play well. We know we were not good at all.

"Everyone was disappointed and now we have to work and work again to see what we can do in the Champions League and the Premier League.

"We have to put the game behind us. On Wednesday it will be different as we are at home and we can play our game, but away we have to fight and we didn't fight on Saturday."

Source : www.sportinglife.com

TYKES TO FACE HOLDERS CHELSEA

Barnsley have been rewarded for their shock fifth-round victory over Liverpool with a home tie against Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The Tykes beat Liverpool 2-1 in a surprise result at Anfield and now take on Chelsea at Oakwell after Avram Grant's side knocked out Huddersfield in the last 16.

Manchester United were drawn at home to fellow Premier League side Portsmouth, while at least one side from outside the top flight will be in the semi-finals after Bristol Rovers were drawn at home to West Brom having knocked out Southampton in the fifth round.

Sheffield United or Middlesbrough will host Cardiff in the remaining match.

The ties will be played on the weekend of March 8 and 9.

Barnsley will hope there is no repeat of the sides' last meeting in South Yorkshire, which Chelsea won 6-0 in August 1997. Former Blues boss Gianluca Vialli scored four goals that day.

The last FA Cup meeting between the sides, in 1989, was much better for the Tykes, who won 4-0 in a third-round clash.

West Brom booked their ticket to the last eight with a 5-0 victory over Coventry, and now face a difficult trip to the west country to take on Bristol Rovers.

The sides last met in a League Cup tie in 1993, with the Baggies winning the first leg 4-0 in Bristol.

Manchester United have already beaten Portsmouth at Old Trafford this season, with Cristiano Ronaldo's brace on January 30 enough for a routine victory.

Should Boro progress past Sheffield United in their fifth-round replay, they will hope to avoid a repeat of their last meeting with Cardiff, which ended in a 2-1 home defeat in a third-round replay in 1994.

Full Draw

Sheffield United or Middlesbrough v Cardiff

Manchester United v Portsmouth

Bristol Rovers v West Brom

Barnsley v Chelsea

Ties to be played March 8/9

BENITEZ READY FOR INTER

Rafael Benitez has reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool as the five-time European Cup winners bid to salvage their season against the best team in Italy.

The under-fire Anfield chief could hardly have a more difficult task following the wreckage of Saturday's FA Cup humiliation by Barnsley.

With their confidence and quality under the spotlight, Liverpool must confront Inter Milan in the Champions League last 16, a team who are unbeaten in their domestic league all season and 11 points clear at the top of Serie A.

Benitez must feel he has been battered black and blue these last few months as Liverpool have collapsed, and now he comes up against the Nerazzurri, Italy's own merciless black and blue giants.

Inter have lost just three of their last 45 away games in all competitions and are odds-on favourites to deepen the crisis that has enveloped Anfield this season.

But despite being told by critics that he must win the Champions League to save his job, Benitez still believes he will be Anfield manager for some time to come.

He said: "I do not see this as my most difficult time as a manager. I have worked for 21 years now in the job so I have good memories and bad moments.

"So I try to concentrate only on the next game. Obviously I was really disappointed at the weekend, but we must be positive and prepare for this game correctly.

"I feel the disappointment just like any fan. But I must underline that my commitment to this club is still 100%.

"I will try to change the situation. I will support the players and try to improve things."

He added: "The key is to analyse why some players are not performing at their best level, and to try to change that.

"If we want to win trophies, you must not say 'we cannot do this', we must fight to the end.

"As a manager you must support your players if they work really hard. If they do not do that you know what to do at the end of the season.

"But during the season you must support them, work hard with them, and they must compete for positions in the team."

Benitez has taken on board criticism of his squad from local hero Jamie Carragher after the disaster of being knocked out of the FA Cup by Barnsley on Saturday.

Carragher - who will play his 99th European game for the club against Inter - insisted the squad is not good enough, but Benitez revealed the defender was quick to explain his feelings face to face, and the damning headlines.

Benitez said: "I was surprised when Jamie came to me and asked if I had read the headlines in the papers. I hadn't, so he explained that he was trying to be positive. That is fine by me, I know his character and the team do likewise.

"I have talked to Jamie about what he said about us not being good enough, he came to me first thing this morning to explain what he had said and how it looked.

"All I said was that everyone knows we are disappointed, and that we must improve, and we certainly will do that."

And Benitez added: "We cannot change the situation in the other cup competitions, they are gone. But we still have the Champions League and a target of fourth in the Premier League, our aims are still clear and we will fight for them.

"We must think about winning the next game and not about other things around the club.

"Is this the most difficult period for me as a manager? I don't know, but if we win against Inter and move ahead this time will become the easiest.

"But we must win now, that is the only way we can change what is happening."

Benitez will have Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Jose Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio - all rested against Barnsley - back against the Italians.

"The atmosphere between the players is not as bad as people seem to think, they will try to win this game and I am sure they can do it. Then if we beat Middlesbrough next Saturday here, everything will look different."

Benitez also does not believe his future depends on winning the Champions League.

He said: "I do not know too many managers who are told they must win the Champions League. If you win it once it is normally good enough, nobody here is saying we must win the European trophy.

"We must be positive, improve and stop the mistakes. We know we are good team and if we win games the confidence will soar again.

"When I came here the club had gone 21 years since they won the European Cup.

"Everyone is disappointed by the cup result against Barnsley, the players, the staff, everyone in the club. But we cannot change anything now.

"We must keep going, thinking about the Champions League and fourth place in the league.

"We must progress as far as we can in Europe and make sure we are fourth, at least.

"We have more determination now to do well in what is left for us this season.

Source : www.sportinglife.com

ROONEY : BRING ON THE BLUES

Wayne Rooney says he’ll be delighted if United draw Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter final.

The England international got the scoring underway at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon as the Reds romped to a 4-0 victory against top-of-the-league Arsenal.

Minnows Barnsley and Bristol City remain in the competition, but Rooney would prefer a tussle with Avram Grant’s Chelsea.

“I hope we get Chelsea,” Rooney told MUTV. “Personally, I’d like to play them at home and try to knock them out. After that we’ll be through to the semi final and I’m sure we can take things from there.”

Rooney has twice been on the losing side in an FA Cup final and is determined to add a winners medal to his collection this season.

“The FA Cup means a lot to me. I’ve been excited by the competition from a very young age and hopefully we can now go all the way.”

United swept Arsenal aside on Saturday afternoon even though the Reds began the match missing experienced players.

“Last season we had to play all the players in every game,” Rooney said. “Today we had Paul Scholes on the bench and Ryan Giggs got a rest all together. That keeps them fresh and could be key come the end of the season.

“We were very disappointed after last week’s performance against Manchester City. Training was difficult this week and we spent a lot of time talking about the tactics and how we were going to approach the game against Arsenal. I think we got it spon on.”

The FA Cup quarter final draw takes place on Monday 18 February at 13:30 GMT.



Source : www.manutd.com

TYKES STUN REDS AT ANFIELD

Barnsley captain Brian Howard scored a dramatic late winner to give his side a shock 2-1 win over Liverpool in the fifth round of the FA Cup at Anfield.

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt had put his side ahead after he smashed home Ryan Babel's cross in the 32nd minute before Steve Foster equalised with a header for the Coca-Cola Championship side in the 57th minute.

The home side dominated the remainder of the game and Tykes goalkeeper Luke Steele, who was signed on emergency loan from West Brom earlier in the week, produced a string of second-half saves.

The match seemed to be heading for a replay before Howard struck a spectacular winner from 25 yards in the third minute of added time out to put his side into the quarter-final draw.

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher scored twice to help his side complete a 4-0 rout of 10-man Arsenal in a surprisingly one-sided affair between the Premier League top two at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney put Sir Alex Ferguson's side in front in the 16th minute and Fletcher also headed home four minutes later to double the advantage.

Luis Nani (38) latched on to Michael Carrick's pass and drilled the ball past Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann to make it 3-0 before the break.

Arsene Wenger's side were reduced to 10 men four minutes after the interval when Emmanuel Eboue was shown a straight red card for a foul on Patrice Evra.

Fletcher then rounded off the scoring in the 74th minute with a close-range header after good work by Nani down the left flank.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard scored twice to help give his side a 3-1 win over League One Huddersfield at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard opened the scoring with his 100th Blues goal in the 18th minute after he latched on to a Scott Sinclair cross before he calmly placed the ball into the bottom-left corner of the net.

Huddersfield, though, equalised on the stroke of half-time through midfielder Michael Collins.

James Berrett's pass picked out Collins who drilled the ball home.

Lampard restored the home side's advantage in the 60th minute with a close-range finish after Terriers goalkeeper Matt Glennon had parried his initial shot.

Salomon Kalou was sent clear by Lampard 10 minutes later and added a third after he rounded Glennon to calmly slot the ball home.

Roman Bednar scored twice to help book West Brom's place in the quarter-finals they thrashed 10-man Coventry 5-0 win at the Ricoh Arena.

Chris Brunt had given the Baggies a 12th-minute lead and the home side lost Michael Doyle after he was sent off for a foul on Zoltan Gera.

Bednar scored in the 59th minute after a mistake by Sky Blues goalkeeper Andy Marshall before he converted a penalty 10 minutes later.

Substitute Ishmael Miller added another in the 76th minute and Gera added a fifth two minutes later.

Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham scored one goal and created another for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to help give his side a 2-0 win over Wolves at Ninian Park.

Bristol Rovers also caused an upset after they claimed a 1-0 win over Southampton at the Memorial Stadium in the day's early kick-off.

Paul Trollope's Coca-Cola League One team were the better side throughout the match against their Championship counterparts and Rickie Lambert eventually scored the decisive goal in the 84th minute to take his side into the quarter-finals.

The Rovers striker drilled a low free-kick from 22 yards which took a deflection off Saints midfielder Jermaine Wright and sailed past goalkeeper Kelvin Davis.

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RONALDINHO WILL SNUB ITALIAN MOVE

Ronaldinho has told the Italian media that even if Italy's top clubs are interested in him, he has no interest in joining them.

For months there has been widespread speculation suggesting the Barcelona forward is set for a move away from the Nou Camp at the end of the season, following a year in which the former world player of the year has been dogged by poor form and below-par performances.

Italy - and Milan in particular - has long been touted as his most likely destination, but the Brazilian claims he only has an interest in playing for his current club.

"What would I say to any offer from Inter or AC Milan? No thanks," Ronalindho told Italian television show 'Studio Sport'.

"Knowing that a great club appreciates your work is highly motivating, but I'm trying to reach my best form to be able to give my best to Barcelona.

"It's normal that there is some criticism, if we were top of the league things would be different.

"When I go out into town [in Barcelona] I can feel the support of the people, and I hear them singing my name in the stadium so I know there is a lot of affection there."

On Saturday, Ronaldinho scored the winning goal in Barcelona's victory over Real Zaragoza, his first goal since December 12 for his club.

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RAMOS: CUP FINAL MUST WAIT

Tottenham head coach Juande Ramos insists there will be no talk of Wembley until their UEFA Cup tie with Slavia Prague is over next Thursday.

Spurs should have had one foot in the last 16 after taking a two-goal lead at the Strahov Stadium on Thursday, only for Radek Cerny's blunder against his former club leaving the tie poised at 2-1.

In sub-zero temperatures in the Czech Republic capital Dimitar Berbatov opened the scoring and Robbie Keane doubled the lead, with Spurs sensing an easy second leg until Cerny dropped a hanging cross and David Strihavka prodded in.

Now all of Ramos' focus will be on the second leg next Thursday rather than the Carling Cup final the following Sunday.

"Before the cup final we have the second leg of this tie and all our efforts are now concentrated on this match, and before we finish it we won't be thinking about Wembley," said Ramos.

Keane added on five: "In the first half we played brilliantly, they didn't get a sniff.

"We came out in the second half and I don't know what happened, we knew they would come out and make it difficult for us. The second half performance was not good enough.

"We've won the game, that's the most important thing. But we wanted to get the job finished.

"There's still a bit left in this game, we'll get them back to White Hart Lane and there's no reason why we can't go through."

Ramos refused to single out Cerny for criticism despite his error.

"The mistakes can always happen, that is the world of football," said Ramos. "This time it was the turn of Cerny.

"It's quite possible that he seemed really nervous after the goal, more than normal.

"It must be very difficult for him to be at his home ground to play against his former club."

Keane added: "Things happen. He made a mistake but he's big enough to accept that."

Berbatov opened the scoring in the fourth minute when he steered in a volley after Jermaine Jenas' run was halted on the edge of the area.

Keane added his second on the half-hour mark when Jenas split the home defence.

"I think we really controlled the play in the first hour but we became quite nervous and could have achieved a better result," said Ramos.

"We allowed Slavia to react and find a way back and now we have a tough second leg to play.

"The match lasts 90 minutes and we have to take it like that.

We have to accept it. We could have achieved a better result, a more definite win but we cant change it."

Slavia coach Karel Jarolim felt his side relaxed after falling two goals behind.

"We knew there was nothing to lose," he said. "Radek Cerny helped us because he did not catch the ball but it was a good from our player."

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NEVILLE: RONALDO IS ON ANOTHER PLANET

Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes Cristiano Ronaldo is the equal of any of the legends who have graced the club's history.

The Portuguese star has been in scintillating form this season, scoring 27 goals and creating countless more as the Red Devils have maintained their challenges in the Barclays Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

Despite failing to find the net in United's last two winless matches, Ronaldo is rapidly closing in on the 32-goal mark set by the late George Best in 1967-68.

Neville insists it would be fitting for the 23-year-old to beat Best's record given that he now believes Ronaldo deserves to take his place alongside the likes of the Northern Irishman, Sir Bobby Charlton, Duncan Edwards and Eric Cantona in the pantheon of Old Trafford greats.

"In terms of entertainment, performance and production, the player that we're watching now is every bit as good as anything I've ever seen," Neville told United Review.

"He's playing on another planet at the moment.

"His goals tally is exceptional, but the most impressive thing is the appreciation he has for playing in a team.

"His passing, dribbling and crossing are all carefully selected and completed at the right times."

United face Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday looking to strike an important psychological blow against their main title rivals.

Last Sunday's derby defeat at the hands of Manchester City, coupled with the Gunners' victory over Blackburn the following day, saw Sir Alex Ferguson's team slip five points behind the north Londoners in the race for the title.

Although there are no points available at Old Trafford this weekend, United could put a big dent in Arsenal's increasing self-confidence and make a massive statement of intent by sending them crashing out of the cup.

Neville will again miss out as he continues his recovery from the series of injuries which have wrecked his season thus far.

Having spent so much time in the stands this term he has gained a good appreciation of the current squad, and despite their recent struggles he remains unwavering in his belief that they are up there with the best United sides he has played in.

"I said at the start of the campaign that United fans should be as excited as they've ever been and that's been proved," he said.

"We've had the odd blip, but you experience that every year. We're getting to the business part of the season now, there's everything to play for."

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BENITEZ EYES CUP CHANCE

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is intent on making up for his side's virtual elimination from the Barclays Premier League title race by taking a major step towards alternative silverware this week.

Benitez leads his side into Saturday's FA Cup fifth round clash with Barnsley before Inter Milan arrive at Anfield just three days later for a crucial Champions League showdown.

And while Benitez is expected to juggle his starting line-up in order to give himself the best chance of success on two fronts, he is not under-estimating the importance of the clash against the Tykes.

Benitez said: "Your aim is to win every trophy but sometimes you have to be realistic and sometimes you cannot. A lot of teams have the same problem. We have not won the league for 18 years and I have been here for three.

"We will try to win every game in the league to try to finish in the top four. But we know we also have a big chance in both of the cups and we will be taking them seriously."

Benitez was buoyed by last weekend's gutsy draw at Chelsea but will need to reshuffle his defence in search of another clean sheet as Martin Skrtel is ruled out with a calf injury.

Fernando Torres, Sami Hyypia, Fabio Aurelio and Alvaro Arbeloa are all available again but present varying degrees of risk and Benitez is likely to rest all four of them with an eye on the Inter clash.

"All of them will be fit, but the question for me is whether it is a risk I need to take, or do I have other players who can play in those positions?" added Benitez.

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FIFA BLASTS PREMIER LEAGUE PROPOSAL

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has condemned the Premier League's proposal to play matches overseas as "unacceptable" and an "abuse of football".

The Premier League clubs have agreed in principle to look at each playing an extra match every January in a foreign city.

Blatter though has vowed to do all he can to block the League's plans and warned that if they push ahead with the proposals it could torpedo England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.

The FIFA president's criticism follows strong opposition from UEFA counterpart Michel Platini and Asian federation chief Mohamed bin Hammam, and there is now a major doubt about whether the Premier League would even be able to find countries willing to hold the matches.

Blatter said: "To try to have additional exposure and revenue by expanding the league around the world, I think this is not acceptable.

"It will not be acceptable to the FIFA executive committee, I am sure. This will never happen - at least this will not happen as long as I am the president of FIFA.

"We have not been contacted before by the League to ask us what we think of this idea. You speak about rude but I think it is an anti-responsibility.

"If you are the most prosperous league in the world and if you accept that everyone in football has a responsibility to maintain it not only as a business, but as a game.

"Then, all of a sudden you come out with a project which only has business and money behind it."

Blatter said FIFA's statutes were clear that the matches would need the permission of the national associations of the countries where they would be staged - and that he would do all he could to block any attempt to grant that permission.

He added: "According to the statutes and regulations, it is said very clearly that if you want to play any match in a foreign territory outside the country where the teams are coming from you need the authorisation of that association.

"I will bring it to the attention of the executive committee but you can be sure that the executive committee will reject such an inapplication of the statutes.

"And I will ask the national associations in a decision taken by the executive committee not to accept such an initiative which is definitely an abuse of the game. This is definitely abuse of association football."

Blatter said he will take the controversy to FIFA's Congress if the Premier League insist on pushing ahead with their plans.

What will really worry the Football Association however Blatter's warning that the plans could affect England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.

Blatter added: "If you go against the authority of FIFA and the decision-making body which is the executive committee then you cannot expect them to be in your favour later on.

"England will not be the only World Cup bid. I cannot imagine that when you go against the deciding body for the decision on the World Cup in an initiative that will not be accepted by this body, that you will enhance your chances. It will not be diplomatic."

Blatter said he would give Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore the opportunity to state his case to FIFA but would state his views "perhaps even stronger".

He added: "Football cannot be like the Harlem globetrotters or a circus. You must keep the national identity of the clubs."

A Premier League spokesman said: "We look forward to the opportunity to meet with FIFA in order to discuss this matter in full.

"This was always the starting point in relation to this issue of sanction of our proposed international round and as such we will be making no further comment until after that time."

Meanwhile, former Football Association executive director David Davies blamed the Premier League for making their plans public before canvassing opinion throughout the game.

He said on BBC Radio Five Live: "These proposals, as they stand, are unlikely to be able to survive much more of a pounding, the sort of pounding they have had in recent days.

"The reason for that is that there wasn't a widespread consultation before these proposals came forward."

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