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Home , Abdoulaye Faye, Afonso Alves, Alan Hutton, Bobby Zamora, Bruce Arena, Darius Vassell

December 27 ° 2007 ellowcard Y Festive period telltale for titles By Justin Beckett Staff Writer

Unlike most of their Euro- pean counterparts, the teams in the have avoided the large meals and larger festivities. With most teams playing between around five games in a little over two weeks, a good deal of silverware could soon be decided. Manchester United kicked off the festive period by retaking the top of the table by one point over trailers Arsenal while Chlesea also fell further behind. Meanwhile, the third round of the FA cup kicks off a few days after the new Inside today: year with teams seeing the EPL title slipping away surely Beckham to train eager to cement their place with Arsenal in the competition. Two sides will be afforded Osorio intro’d as even more work thereafter as Everton travel to Stamford Red Bulls coach Bridge for their Carling Cup semifinal against Chelsea. Preview of UCL With the African Cup of knockout stages Nations set to strip many teams, including Chelsea of top players, the deepest squads, United and Liver- pool, could be the favorites when the ice begins to thaw. Certainly, Red Devils would be more than happy to extend their current advan- tage before things get serious in Europe in February. Football Association Yellowcard ° December 27 ° 2007 Respect Chelsea lose skipper for 6 weeks starts ESPN Soccernet top. Chelsea skipper John Last time around, Terry will be out until Chelsea must get by without John Ter- it was subsequent at least February, just with after the start of the ry over the Christmas and new year pro- champions Man- knockout stages of gramme for the second successive season chester Unit- the Champions after their captain was yesterday ruled out ed who led sec- League. AP players for a ‘‘minimum’’ of six weeks. ond-placed Chel- photo Terry, who was missing over a similar sea both before and So, period last season because of a back prob- after Terry’s mid-sea- Ports- lem which required surgery, was diag- son injury. mouth’s As Chelsea prepare veteran nosed almost exactly a year later with three broken bones in his foot. for a series of fixtures in defend- which they ought to be able er Sol Chelsea lost only at Liverpool in Terry’s absence last time but were held to league to prosper even without Ter- Camp- ry, the England defender’s bell is Justin Beckett draws by Reading, and Aston Villa over Christmas. availability for his coun- tired Editor’s Corner try’s first match under The Blues must nonetheless be hoping Arsenal could not get by a resilient Pompey at . Getty Images photo of the new coach they can fare better without their captain beratement players receive — against Switzerland on 12 months on — having heard from club Premier League Roundup from host fans. February 6 — becomes doctor Bryan English that, like last time, Now, I’m all for leaving another imponderable. racial and sexual banters out Terry may not be available again until Feb- Medical updates will Portsmouth ground Gunners of songs and chants, especially ruary. therefore doubtless be when they are directed at spe- ‘‘We will continue to assess John over sought on a daily cific players, but Sol has been By Justin Beckett came to the thrashing at the . the next couple of days, but I would imag- basis. around long enough to know Staff Writer Scouser’s rescue in the 90 min- and ine he will be out for a minimum of six better than this; but maybe it ute as Liverpool escaped with 3 (2) and Christiano Ronaldo would weeks,’’ English told Chelsea TV. comes from playing under the Terry was injured in a challenge with Portsmouth kept Arsenal points in a 2-1 win over lowly also find the back of the net. always vocal . on the back foot for much of County. New manager Arsenal’s Emmanuel Eboue in Sunday’s 1-0 General harassment is apart Premier League defeat at the Emirates Sta- the night and earned a well- and Alex McLeish was extatic after a of all sports, ranging from foot- deserved point at Fratton Partk. continued to place themselves own com- dium, which left them third in the table ball, to American college bas- and six points adrift of the Gunners at the Zat Knight, Ricado Carvahlo among the Premier League’s elite bined with efforts from Mikael ketball, to even the cricket and were all sent off as each scored in Everton’s 2-0 Forssell and a Gary McSheffrey pitch. It is the fan’s both priv- with straight red cards as Aston win over Bolton. penalty for a 3-0 win over strug- iledge and responsibility to Villa pushed Chelsea to its limits Nolberto Solano gave West Ham. gling Middlesbrough. (by non-threatening means) ina 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge. hopes of a victory only for Dave Kit- ’s success at Wigan unnerve their side’s opponents. Evans’ Ipswich and Tom Hud- son of Reading to equalize on the continued as a goal by Ryan Tay- Yes, when things turn vio- dlestone each netted a pair as Tot- hour mark, leading to a 1-1 draw. lor in the 65th minute saw his lent, as they seem to every sin- temham forcefully saw off Ful- Manchester United put former side pick up a home win over gle time Manchester United Town takeover ham 5-1 and moved away from skipper ’s Sunderland to Newcastle and move out of the arrive in Rome, that’s not only the danger zone. the sword in a comprehensive 4-0 bottom three. inappropriate, but reviling. But original songs directed at a approved rival club are as much apart of football as the pitch or the net. ESPN Soccernet success,’ he Premier League Table Refs: No clampdown Then there’s the issue of told support- Team PD W D L PT respect that both Campbell Media entrepreneur Mar- ers. Man Utd. 19 14 3 2 45 on two-footed tackles and Redknapp have consis- cus Evans’ takeover of Ips- ‘‘We are Arsenal 19 13 5 1 44 tently touched on this year. wich received the go-ahead delighted to Chelsea 19 11 5 3 38 ESPN Soccernet discussed at the regular pre-sea- But respect, or the lack there at an emergency general have Marcus Liverpool 18 10 6 2 36 son meetings the PGMO hold of, also begins on the pitch. meeting. Evans’ tremendous support Man City 18 10 4 4 34 Referees chiefs have denied with managers and players. When half of the Chel- More than 400 fans were behind us — and I want to sea roster surrounds a referee Everton 19 10 3 6 33 officials have been ordered to ‘‘They were reminded of the in attendance at Ipswich’s publicly thank him for his evertime a whistle is blown, Portsmouth 19 8 7 4 31 clamp down on the two-footed key point surrounding the exces- Corn Exchange as an over- belief in, and commitment that’s also inappropriate. Aston Villa 19 8 6 5 30 tackle but are merely enforcing to, Ipswich Town Football sive use of force in the tackle. When players can throw whelming 98.4% major- West Ham 18 7 5 6 26 existing policy. Club. ‘‘A player who jumps into a temper tantrums whenever ity voted to accept Evans’ Blackburn 18 7 5 6 26 The two-footed tackle has tackle two-footed is not in con- they may be shown a card, or 87.5% purchase of the ‘‘This deal is indicative of Newcastle 19 7 5 7 26 been under the spotlight recent- trol of himself and therefore if he when EIGHT managers have Championship club. the changing face of foot- Reading 19 6 4 9 22 ly following a spate of red cards, makes contact with the player, quit or been sacked before Jan- Ipswich’s official website ball now, with clubs needing Spurs 19 5 6 8 21 including Boxing Day dismissals ball and player, or if the referee uary for a lack of results, that www.itfc.premiumtv.co.uk investment to try to compete Birmingham 19 5 3 11 18 for Chelsea’s on an even footing. determines there to be excessive also shows a lack of respect. quoted chairman David Bolton 19 4 5 10 17 Reading’s Brynjar Gunnarsson. ‘‘We believe Marcus malice in the challenge, he will I’ll end with this: Roy Sheepshanks’ appraisal of Midd’brough 19 4 5 10 17 But the spokesman for the Keane’s very young Sunder- the situation. Evans’ investment provides be dismissed. Wigan 19 4 4 11 16 Professional Game Match Offi- land side are deep in relega- ‘‘Marcus Evans is commit- the best opportunity for this — — — — — — — — — — — — — ‘‘There has been no ‘clamp- cials Board denied there had tion territory. Yet we here no ting serious resources to our football club to move for- Fulham 19 2 8 9 14 been an instruction to be any down’ on the tackle or new complaints from Roy Keane club and taking all the risk ward, return to the Pre- Sunderland 19 3 5 11 14 stricter than they usually are. directive issued - referees are or his players. Maybe that’s in our pursuit of Premier- mier League and stay Derby 19 1 4 14 7 The spokesman said: ‘The issue simply applying the law as it has because respect begins in the ship football and increasing there.’’ of the two-footed challenges was always stood.’’ locker room, not in the stands. ° Dec. 27 Yellowcard ° December 27 ° 2007 Who’s coming in? Who’s going out? Berbatov and Lehmann among those likely to have new homes in January

ESPN Soccernet goalkeeper Heinz Muller (Barnsley). Still a tin Hoyte (Arsenal). Yohan Mollo termole (Sheffield Utd) could be loaned would cost around £4million and would little short defensively, could (Monaco) and Johan Vogel () have out to gain more experience, while Fabio be a great signing for . Jason ARSENAL also plumb for someone like Matthew Taylor also caught the eye of . Rochemback (Sporting ) has been Brown (Blackburn) could come in as goal- Outgoing: Goalkeeper (Portsmouth). FULHAM deemed surplus to requirements. keeping cover, while there has also been could return to Germany, with midfielder BOLTON Outgoing: Ageing defender Ian Pearce Incoming: Never having replaced Yaku- speculation over the future of impressive ing plenty of attention, (Juventus) and Lassana Diarra Outgoing: New man Gary Megson has could be on his way to the Championship, bu or , Southgate needs goals striker Maltese Michael Mifsud (Coventry although the Hammers (Lyon) also unhappy at sitting on the bench. a chance to make his mark on the squad in while Leicester may also seek to keep hold and the Championship’s top scorer, James City). Reading need some defensive tight- would be reluctant to let him Abou Diaby () and Nicklas January and he may help of loaned striker Collins John. Beattie (Sheff Utd), should be top of his list. ening, and that may come from Sebastien go. Fringe players Luis Boa Bendtner (Birmingham) are also reportedly (Newcastle), (Read- Incoming: Kyle Lafferty (Burnley) is the Daniel Cousin (Rangers) and Seyi Olofinja- Puygrenier (Nancy) or Badr El Kaddouri Morte (Tottenham) and Nigel growing tired of life on the sidelines. ing) and contract rebel Jussi Jaaskelain- latest Northern Irishman to be linked with na (Wolves) are less attractive prospects (Dinamo Kiev). Quashie (Stoke) may be asked Incoming: Athur Boruc (Celtic) could be en (Newcastle) through the door. Nicolas Lawrie’s Sanchez’s side, although he would SUNDERLAND to move on, while Bobby Zamo- a good buy to replace the unhappy Lehm- Anelka (Chelsea) has also been attracting cost around £3million. (West NEWCASTLE Outgoing: With Roy Keane looking to ra (Fulham) has been constantly ann and give some competition to Manu- plenty of attention. Ham) or (Watford) may come Outgoing: The rumours persist that assemble a squad capable of staying in the linked with a move. el Almunia for the goalkeeping spot. Johan Incoming: With money to spend, Zoltan cheaper. (Man City) could be on his top flight, the Black Cats will probably not Incoming: Pacey winger Giles Djourou may be welcomed back from loan Gera (WBA) would give Bolton some much LIVERPOOL way out, but far more likely is the depar- sell many first-team players - unless a club Barnes (Derby) could come in if to cover for Kolo Toure, who will be on duty needed creativity.If Anelka leaves, while Outgoing: (Man City) is the ture of (Derby). Emre (Gala- come in for star striker (Liv- the Hammers can persuade him to at the African Cup of Nations. Croatian star Megson could bring in some Championship most likely to attract attention, at 6’7’’, and tasary) has failed to cement a place in the erpool) at £12million. Veteran midfielder ignore other interest. Unhappy Dji- Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb) has also been steel to firm up the defence in the form of could be brought in by former England boss side and may return to Turkey. (Sheffield Wednesday) bril Cisse (Marseille) may return to linked. Chris Morgan (Sheff Utd) or Paul Robin- Sven Goran-Eriksson. (Bar- Incoming: Brazil defender Edmilson (Bar- will go, along with Daryl Murphy (QPR), ASTON VILLA England to fight for a son (WBA). celona) has also caught the eye of Europe’s celona) has caught ’s eye, but but there should be more arrivals than place among West Ham’s Outgoing: (Juventus) is CHELSEA elite, although doesn’t actually belong to the won’t arrive until the summer. A couple of departures. multitude of strikers. yet to sign a new deal and has been attract- Outgoing: Transfer rumours surround- Reds yet. other defenders are on the list, notably Ben Incoming: Indeed, Keane may turn to WIGAN ing some Italian attention given that he’ll be ing Chelsea are always blown out of pro- Incoming: A good central defender is Tozer (Swindon), (Rangers), his former club for players in the form of Outgoing: (Norwich) is available on a free transfer. Striker Shaun portion, but likely moves could be Wayne key to cover the Reds’ backline, with Ste- (Chelsea) and Ivica Draguti- , or almost certainly on his way to the Maloney (Celtic) has not impressed and Bridge (West Ham) or Shaun Wright-Phil- ven Taylor (Newcastle) and Ezequiel Garay novic (Sevilla). (Man Utd) to help bolster the club’s shaky Championship after being deemed could return to Scotland, (Mid- lips (Man City), but is unlike- (Racing Santander) linked. Pacey strik- PORTSMOUTH defence. Former Red Devil surplus to requirements by new dlesbrough) is unhappy. ly to trim his expensively assembled squad er (Valencia) has expressed an Outgoing: Portsmouth will be hit hard- (LA Galaxy) has incredibly been linked with boss Steve Bruce. Incoming: Goalkeeper (Liv- just yet. interest. est by the African Nations Cup, but are a loan move back to the Premier League, (Sheff Utd) has also been attracting erpool) has impressed on loan, although Incoming: A doubtful move for Ronald- MAN CITY certain to get rid of two English players in but more likely recruits are Jason Roberts interest and could be let go. not with England, and could be given a per- inho (Barcelona) has dominated the head- Outgoing: Bianchi (Napoli) and January. Matthew Taylor (Reading) would (Blackburn) and flame haired midfielder Incoming: Left- manent deal. Winger Giles Barnes (Der- lines, while Nikolas Anelka (Bolton) and (Birmingham) should make be a great signing for any club, while Steven Sidwell (Chelsea). back David Mur- by) is also attracting Martin O’Neill’s inter- Brazilian starlet Lulinha (Corinthians) could way for some new strikers, as Georgios David Nugent (Derby) is another who TOTTENHAM est and could form a wide partnership with phy (Hiberni- be brought in in the absence of Didier Samaras may be left to fight for his place. just wants to play regularly. Fans’ favou- Outgoing: Where to start? With an an) could be . Drogba. Incoming: A striker is top of the agenda rite Pedro Mendes (Aston Villa) and Sean unhappy strikeforce, one of either Dimitar BIRMINGHAM CITY the first of DERBY COUNTY for January, maybe even two. Peter Crouch Davies (Sunderland) could also find them- Berbatov (Man Utd) or (Man Bruce’s Outgoing: With takeover talk still rife Outgoing: Young winger Giles Barnes (Liverpool), Afonso Alves (Heerenveen), selves at new clubs in the New Year. City) could leave in January. Defensive misfit trans- at St Andrews, new boss Alex McLeish (Aston Villa) is the Rams’ key attribute and Nikolas Anelka (Bolton), Michael Owen Incoming: Loans will be key for wheel- Younis Kaboul may be loaned out, while Tom fer revo- will trim the squad to his own specifica- could be on his way in order to boost his (Newcastle) and Adriano (Inter) have been er-dealer ‘Arry, with Portuguese midfield- Huddlestone (Derby) could look elsewhere lution, tions. Radhi Jaidi (Bolton) or Mikael Forssell hopes of playing at the highest level. Welsh- linked and Mexican Nery Castillo (Shakhtar er Tiago Gomes (Estrela da Amadora) and for regular playing time. Wayne with Paul (Hannover) could be on their way out, after man Rob Earnshaw () has not been Donetsk) has already been confirmed. Eidur Gudjohnsen (Barcelona) linked. Routledge (WBA) and (Samp- defender Martin Taylor (QPR) who will be Robinson given a chance to impress. MAN UTD Peter Crouch (Liverpool) would cost a doria) seem to be out of favour under the (WBA) not the first to go. few quid, but Redknapp is more likely to Ramos regime and should find themselves Incoming: A side that can’t defend, and Outgoing: Wes Brown (Newcastle) could far behind. Incoming: Rangers’ players Kris Boyd and look at the lower divisions for his deals. new clubs while they still can. can’t score. Where to start? Perhaps with be a high profile departure after failing to Defence is Barry Ferguson have already been linked with Cue speculation over left-back Ben Toz- Incoming: Ramos may not like the January MLS star Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wiz- sign a new deal, but mostly it’s the fringe the priori- a McLeish reunion. Milan Baros (Lyon) or er (Swindon), David Bell (Luton), Nathan transfer window, but will certainly bring in ards), or the unhappy David Nugent (Ports- players that look to be leaving ty, although Darius Vassell (Man City) could fill a striking Dyer. a few players to bolster Spurs’ faltering cam- mouth). Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham) and in January. The likes of Phil Bardsley (Sheff Bruce may gap, although the Blues would probably pre- READING paign. Speculation is rife that he may go to Bobo Balde (Celtic) could do a job defen- Utd), (Wolves) and John- find it hard fer Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal). former club Sevilla to bring in Fredi Kanoute sively. ny Evans (Sunderland) may find it hard to Outgoing: Of all the Reading players, to attract BLACKBURN and Daniel Alves, although they would cost EVERTON break in. left-back Nicky Shorey (Man Utd) has been a quality Outgoing: The explosion of Chris Sam- attracting the most attention, which may in excess of £20million. Strengthening in Outgoing: Andrew Johnson (West Ham) Incoming: Dimitar Berbatov (Tottenham) defend- ba onto the Rovers scene could spell the explain the club’s interest in Matthew Tay- defence is key, so Dani Jarque (Espanyol) or has been linked with a move away from continues to be linked, while £7m-rated er to the end for Andre Ooijer (Feyenoord); while lor. The Royals have a small squad, so can Julien Escude (Sevilla) could find themselves the club despite signing a new deal; while striker Stevan Jovetic (Partizan Belgrade) JJB, given the McCarthy/Santa Cruz strike partner ill-afford to sell many players, although Jem thrown in at the deep end, especially with rumours persist in the transfer of Scottish could be a cheaper, and younger, option. the club’s could see Jason Roberts (Derby) move on. Karacan (Bournemouth) may extend his left-back out for three months. striker/midfielder James McFadden (Celtic). Nicky Shorey (Reading) is an interesting current Incoming: Fresh from an impressive Cham- loan deal on the south coast, where he has WEST HAM Incoming: Defensively, the Toffees could option at left-back. league pions League campaign Yssouf Kone (Rosen- been impressing. Outgoing: (Arsenal) has use a dash of youth and that could come MIDDLESBROUGH position. borg) could come in, along with German in the form of out-of-favour right-back Jus- Outgoing: Young midfielder Lee Cat- Incoming: Matthew Taylor (Portsmouth) been in the form of his life and is attract- UEFA Champions League ° Dec. 27 Yellowcard ° December 27 ° 2007 Champions League draw Champions League draw United Benitez relishing clash ESPN Soccernet in ourselves. ‘‘All the teams are diffi- land Liverpool will draw on their cult to beat but we have some recent Champions League expe- experience of this. rience when the time comes for ‘‘Hopefully we will see their ‘very difficult’ last-16 tie another of those performances against Inter Milan, according to in the knockout stages. Lyon ‘‘I think they (Inter) will be manager Rafael Benitez. The Reds boss accepts facing worried, for sure. They know By Ben Hibbs the leaders is the price we are a good team and any- ManUtd.com the club must pay for finishing thing can happen in two second in their group. months’ time.’’ Manchester United have been Despite a strong finish - when The sides have not met drawn against strong opposition a 4-0 victory in Marseille in their competitively since a notori- in the French champions, Olym- final match secured passage into ous European Cup semi-final pic Lyonnais. But the Red Devils the knockout phase - a poor start in 1965 when Inter went on have faired well in the past against with one draw and two defeats to lift the trophy for a second the side now run by former Pom- has made the second stage all year in a row. pey manager Allain Perrin. the more difficult. The Italians won 4-3 on Have we met before?: Yes, However, Benitez knows his aggregate but their 3-0 sec- twice. And United are unbeaten side are capable of beating any ond leg win in the against the French champions. The team in Europe on their day - was shrouded in accusations Reds were 2-0 down at half time as their now famous comeback that the referee was bribed to will hope to pick up where left off against the French champions. Getty Images photo in the teams’ first ever meeting in from 3-0 down against AC Milan With recent losses to both Manchester United and Chelsea, Rafael Benitez ensure Liverpool lost. September 2004. But two second- in the 2005 final showed. will need to succeed in Europe to keep the team’s American owners at Reds chief executive Rick half Ruud van Nistelrooy strikes How did they do in the group mouth manager Alain Perrin. He a tricky customer and a real goal They also beat Barcelona in bay. Getty Images photo Parry said: ‘‘With some of the earned a valuable point in Group stages?: Lyon are not as strong lasted just eight months at Fratton threat. He already has three goals their run to last season’s final, fans that memory will add a D. A rare goal and as they were a couple of sea- Park before being sacked for poor from six group stage matches. where the Milanese claimed ‘‘Everybody was expect- ‘‘They have good players certain piquancy to the match- another from van Nistelrooy gave sons ago. They lost their open- results. Since taking over at Lyon Dangerous from set-pieces. revenge in , and that gives ing a difficult draw and Inter and experience in Europe. It is es. It is a long time ago but the Reds victory back at Old Traf- ing two games - both 3-0 score- in May 2007, Perrin has contin- Any European history?: Despite the manager hope for the rest of Milan are one of the top sides,’‘ very difficult but we know the it’s the first time we’ve played ford later in the year. lines - to Barcelona and Rangers. ued the success of Gerard Houl- being tipped by some as potential this campaign. he said. team and we have confidence them since then.” Where do they play?: Stade But they recovered well and were lier as Lyon, who have won the winners in recent seasons, Lyon Gerland. Lyon plan to move to unbeaten in their next four games, title six seasons in a row, have never got past the quarter a new stadium in 2010, but for including a 3-0 win at Ibrox to currently remain top. finals, although they are almost now this 43,051-capacity stadium seal their passage to the Last 16. Who’s their star man?: Juninho certainly the toughest side United Chelsea awarded remains their home. Who’s the boss?: Former Ports- Pernambucano. The Brazilian is could face in this year’s Last 16. Olympiacos tie finishing on the same amount of points as table-toppers Real Arsenal draw holders A.C. Milan Madrid. Avram Grant believes that Wire Reports ‘‘That’s A.C.hievable because we ran over their Group D oppo- Olympiakos will not be the Commenting on the views Celtic boss eyes elite 8 have plenty of young players who nents. pushovers that many people that Chelsea should already are predicting. start preparing for the quar- Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal are improving, as we saw against The Italians meanwhile played how tough the challenge that ter-finals, Grant told Sky Sky Sports have nothing to fear from their BlA.C.kburn in the Carling Cup. Thursday with one eye on France Chelsea have drawn the lies ahead will be, he is equally Sports: “We will see after the Champions League showdown ‘‘It’s an exciting draw. If you and the other on the weekend Greek champions in the last upbeat about his side’s chances of game how easy it was. I think Celtic manager Gordon against A.C. Milan. look at last season’s results then as Milan’s dreadful run at home 16 of the UEFA Champions making it into the quarter-finals. Werder Bremen and Lazio Strachan is confident his side The Gunners have paid a high it’s the hardest draw because they continued when they lost 2-1 to League, and the general feel- “The guys were all wrapped probably thought like that, can overcome UEFA Champi- price for finishing second in are the champions. Catania in an Italian Cup last 16 ing is that the Blues have got up in the fog and cold on the but they did well in the group ons League favourites Barcelo- Group H after being matched ‘‘It’s a big challenge but if you first-leg match. lucky in being paired with one training pitch then suddenly stage. na in the second round of the against the defending champions ask me do we have a chance to A.C., who beat Boca Juniors of the supposed weaker sides they got the news they’d drawn “They lost to Madrid in competition. in today’s draw for the last 16. knock them out then I say yes. 4-2 on Sunday to win the Club left in the competition. Barcelona and there was a kick Madrid with 10 players, they Strachan’s men were drawn But a defiant Wenger is con- ‘‘After what happened two sea- World Cup, returned to domes- Grant though feels that to the training after that,” Stra- won against Werder Bremen against the 2006 winners on vinced Arsenal, who were beat- sons ago we have a job to do. We tic action on a high but the loss those who believe his side will chan told Sky Sports News. home and away and against Friday and will meet for the en Champions League finalists must do it the hard way but we’re means they have failed to win have it easy in the next round “They’re really looking for- Arsene Wenger: Wary but confident. are mistaken, and that every Lazio. first leg in Scotland in Febru- in 2006, can topple the Italian not responsible for the draw. Photo courtesy of Arsenal.com against Italian opposition at the ward to it but they deserve it ary before they make the trip giants. ‘‘If you want to win the Cham- San Siro this season. team at this level is equal. “I don’t think it’s an easy because they’ve worked hard The Greek side did quali- game. All the teams we could to Spain for the reverse fixture to get to where they’re at. It’s a ‘‘It’s an interesting draw. I pions League then you have to Wenger will hope that Milan- Milan coach Carlo Ancelot- fy convincingly out of a tough play against are more-or-less two weeks later. fantastic last 16 and we’re just believe we can do it if we play at beat the biggest clubs. continue their current domestic ti fielded a weakened side with While the boss is aware of delighted to be a part of it.” our best,’’ he said. ‘‘A.C. Milan are a very big form against the Gunners, where one eye on Sunday’s league der- group, losing only once and of the same level.” ‘‘It’s a good target for us to get team — world and European they sit 11th in Serie A, rather by with Inter Milan but paid the stronger for the match. champions. But we can do it.’’ than the 13-point roughshot they price. England Yellowcard ° December 27 ° 2007 England introduces Rooney: Fabio can make U21’s set England ‘legends’ for Eire ‘Fab’ulous manager showdown ESPN Soccernet role after Steve McClaren’s sacking. With English football at low ebb following ESPN Soccernet The FA After an unsuccessful spell with an English- McClaren’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008, man in charge of the national team, the FA acted quickly to appoint Capello only Wayne Rooney has vowed to Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadi- the FA decided to search three weeks after the former Middlesbrough help Fabio Capello become an um is set to host a vital Euro 2009 Europe for their new boss had been given the boot. England ‘‘legend’.’ qualifier for ’s Eng- ‘world class’ man- And his speaks for itself. Speaking for the first time since land U21 side. ager and found Capello’s first, and arguably his best, side the Italian was appointed nation- The U21s will take on Repub- Italian Fabio were the AC Milan team of the early 1990s - al team boss, Rooney revealed his lic of Ireland on 5 February. The Capello ready including the likes of , Ruud excitement at the arrival of the team currently head their qualify- and willing to Gullit and Frank Rijkaard. former AC Milan, Juventus, Roma ing group and have two remaining take over the Winning the Scudetto four times, under and Real Madrid coach and said home games to secure qualifica- job. Capello, Milan dominated the domestic scene he cannot wait to meet him. tion for the Euro 2009 play-offs. With and translated that success onto Europe by Capello will start work on Jan- The squad, including South- nine winning the Champions League in 1994. uary 7 and Manchester United ampton midfielder Andrew Sur- Smashing Barcelona 4-0, Capello showed league striker Rooney is already thinking man, are unbeaten in their qual- that Italian sides could attack as they dis- titles about February’s friendly against ifying campaign with 16 points mantled a Catalan side boasting the talents of and Switzerland at Wembley. from six games. Having won their Romario and . one ‘‘I’m looking forward to it,’’ said first five games, the U21s secured Football Association chief executive Bri- Cham- the striker, speaking at a spon- a 1-1 draw away to earli- an Barwick is in no doubt the 61-year-old pions sored by you visit to Wellington er this month. fits the perfect ‘‘template’’ for a winning League School, Altrincham. Coach Stuart Pearce said: coach to lead England into a new era - after trophy ‘‘It’s always exciting when you “We’re really looking forward to in his 16 years he and FA director of football development get a new manager and you don’t to win playing this match in Southamp- as a coach, the Sir Trevor Brooking pledged to scour the know if he’s going to change your games. Hopefully we can ton. St Mary’s is a fantastic stadi- 61-year-old was planet for a ‘‘world-class’’ coach to succeed things or what he’s going to do. do that as a team and I’m sure um and the support of a big pas- the best quali- Steve McClaren, who was sacked following ‘‘So, of course I’m interested to we’ll be giving 110% for the new sionate crowd will be a tremen- fied of all the the abject failure of the Euro 2008 qualify- right. We can’t look back - we just meet him and work under him. manager. dous boost for the players. candidates ing campaign. have to look forward. His record is brilliant at club lev- ‘‘But what I’m looking forward “Our last home match at Mil- and made it ‘‘The FA’s strategic review will be published ‘‘A country like ours, we can’t el so I’m sure he can bring some- to most now is winning trophies. ton Keynes sold out three weeks clear that he in March 2008, and it will take us through the go two major tournaments with- thing extra to England as well. A country with the talent we’ve ahead of the game so that just would inter- next five years of our life at the Football Asso- out qualifying. We have to make ‘‘I was pleased when he was got as footballers we should be shows the interest that there is ested in the ciation,’’ said Barwick. sure we do everything right and appointed actually because, with up there challenging for the main everything properly for World in the England U21 team at the his record, that’s the main thing. two trophies.’’ Cup qualification.’’ moment and it would be superb ‘‘As an Englishman, you want That process starts with the Capello has already made it if we could get a full house at St Could Capello’s squad be on the best man for the job who is kick-off of England’s World Cup clear he wants his players to have Mary’s. going to try to help us win tro- qualifying campaign next autumn. huge pride in the England shirt “The match against Ireland will phies. And personally I think he is Rooney added: ‘I think we’ve and show passion for their coun- be a very important one. We have their way to the United States? the best man.’’ definitely got the quality to quali- try. got ourselves into a good position Rooney has promised Capello fy for the next World Cup. It was Rooney agreed, saying: ‘‘To play in the group but we are not yet the tricky away trips taken care of Wembley on ESPN Soccernet will have the full backing of the for your country is something I’m qualified. it in the space of a week. Feb. 6 and a trip a big disappointment not qualify- England players for his first game ing for the Euros but now we’ve extremely proud of. It’s a great “We won 3-0 in Ireland in High on Fabio Capello’s ‘to do’ However, with some 3,479 air to for an against Switzerland. got to look forward and look to honour for me and my family and October but we know this will be list when he officially takes up miles between and Alma- encounter with France. ‘‘Hopefully we can win some- get to the World Cup, everyone around me. It’s some- a very tough game. Three points his role as new England manager ty on the borders of the Russian A clash with Auld thing for him and help him ‘‘We were all bitterly disap- thing you can’t explain, really. against the Irish would put us in on January 7 will be to thrash out Federation and Asia, the Kazakh- Enemy Scotland has not yet become a legend for England,’’ pointed not to be at Euro 2008. ‘‘Every time the national an excellent position to reach the the fixture list for the 2010 World stan game may well be considered been ruled out, with the fixture he said. It’s a nightmare to be honest. But anthem comes on, you get shivers play-offs for the next European Cup qualifying campaign. enough of a journey in itself. sure to fill Wembley - though it ‘‘Obviously, the main thing is we’re obviously trying to put that down your spine.” U21 Championship.” With no competitive game until Finishing the campaign at would open Capello up to pos- the autumn, the 61-year-old cer- Wembley may have back-fired sible embarrassment should his tainly has plenty of time to weigh against the Croats for McClaren’s men fail to produce a compre- up just who is fit to wear the men, but England remain a dif- hensive performance. Three Lions shirt with a renewed ficult team to beat at their own There has been plenty of Keeper Robinson: ‘I’m getting back to my best sense of pride. national stadium, having secured interest from other sides who ESPN Soccernet en’s reign as Vassell. Victory at Eastlands put Spurs The meeting to arrange the fix- decent results in the run-up to have qualified for the European England boss - ‘‘I was very pleased with how into the semi-finals - but they tures was originally scheduled to that all-or-nothing showdown. Championships. A game against Tottenham goalkeeper Paul but he feels his I played - my form is coming were furious at Didier Zokora’s be held in Zagreb on December During his unveiling in Lon- Holland remains a possibility, confidence is Robinson has staked his claim back,’’ said Robinson. red card for a tackle on . 19. However, that was postponed don, Capello talked about build- the two nations having drawn 1- returning. ‘‘I did have a dip in confi- ‘‘I don’t think the referee to win back his England place until early in the new year. ing his plans during the four 1 in Amsterdam during Novem- Against dence, and it affected my perfor- made a good decision. Didier is The scheduling of the winter friendly matches between now ber 2006. under Fabio Capello, insisting: Manchester mances a little bit. not a dirty player,’’ said full-back fixtures, particularly in the likes of and the opening of the qualifying There has also been sugges- ‘‘I’m getting back to my best.’’ Paul Robinson City in the Car- ‘‘But my confidence is com- . Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan, campaign. tion of a short overseas tour, per- The 28-year-old made a series ling Cup yes- ing back to me now, and I think Spurs’ appeal to the Football are likely to be crucial. Two of those have already haps to the United States or the of high-profile errors earlier in terday, he kept Spurs ahead with people can see from my perfor- Association was denied as they One option would be to press been confirmed - against Euro Far East, where the English game the season and was dropped for a polished performance and a mances that I’m getting back to failed to overturn Steve Bennett’s for a ‘double-header’, with two of 2008 co-hosts Switzerland at is extremely popular. the last game of Steve McClar- stunning save to deny Darius my best.’’ decision. MLS Yellowcard ° December 27 ° 2007 Beckham Osorio introduced as to train new Red Bulls coach with Associated Press de Grandpre said Tuesday in introducing the club’s 11th coach in its 12-year history. “As long as we Arsenal will have some lee- can look our fans in the eyes and tell them we left way in his first season as the latest coach everything on the field, that’s what we want.” Associated Press of the Red Bulls. He won’t With Osorio, the Red Bulls have had nearly have to win the MLS Cup cham- twice as many coaches in than any other MLS club, David Beckham is expected pionship next year. only two of whom finished with winning records. to train with Premier League Osorio joins the Red Bulls “With all due respect for the previous coaches, club Arsenal early next year to after half a season with the I think what makes me different, personally, is that prepare for the Major League Chicago Fire, who rallied I’m a well-balanced coach,” Osorio said. Soccer season. Beckham would likely use from last place in the Eastern The Red Bulls, who have had only five winning Conference to come within the club’s training facility, seasons in their 12 years, hope Osorio can over- one game of the MLS Cup. which is close to his English He replaces former U.S. come their seemingly star-crossed club’s fortunes home, before the Los Angeles national team manager and succeed where other managers such as Arena, Galaxy begin their season on , who resigned World Cup champion and Q&A March 29, Arsenal manager in November after 1½ Bora Milutinovic have not. Arsene Wenger said Friday. years. At the time, Red Bulls Osario came to the United States from Colom- “We will help him to get managing director Marc de bia in 1984 and spent all but three of the next 16 fit and prepare for the sea- Grandpre said winning the years in the New York area. He played for second- son,” Wenger told BBC Radio. MLS Cup was the expecta- division professional teams in the area as well as Schmid makes tough “There’s a good chance that tion the club had with Arena. coaching. He was an assistant in 2000 and 2001 he will come in January, but “Juan will not be fired if we with the MetroStars, which were bought by Red it’s not decided.” don’t win the championship,” Bull and renamed last year. Beckham is hoping to play his 100th game for England on roster choices Feb. 6 in an exhibition against MLS Net fielder, which we did, and based a few players to your first team? Switzerland, the first match on the other players we felt we for new coach Fabio Capello. MLS teams get extra “[Beckham] has 99 caps Q: Coach, in the past two needed to protect, Ned was a A: I think Crew Juniors is very SuperDrafts, the only players player we had to leave exposed exciting and the Crew Soccer and I hope he will get 100, if you have selected who have and San Jose jumped on him. Academy as the upper part of not 100 then 120,”Wenger foreign player slot seen significant playing time that is even more exciting. The said. are Jason Garey and Brandon Q: What is the current sta- fruits of the youth programs are The 32-year-old midfielder’s Associated Press would employ an entire- delphia or St. Louis that Moss. What do you look for in tus Andy Herron? probably a few years down the last game for the Galaxy was ly non-American roster would bring the league to draft prospects that makes you line but it’s something our team, an exhibition against the Wel- but said the changes were 16 teams. think they can be an immedi- A: Andy was out of contract along with all teams in MLS, lington Hurricanes in New teams will each be grant- made for flexibility and to Clubs had been limit- ate contributor to the team? at the end of this season. We need to pursue. The ownership Zealand on Dec. 1. ed one more roster spot accommodate the addi- ed to four “senior inter- have not settled on a new con- has shown a committment to Wenger dismissed sugges- to acquire another foreign tion of the San Jose Earth- nationals” and three A: You’re always trying to tract yet so his situation with invest and it’s going to bene- tions that Beckham could play player next season. quakes expansion team “youth internationals” - Madrid step up look at positional needs, which our team is up in the air. fit the young soccer players out for Arsenal A corresponding rule next season. - non-Americans under are important, but you’re also there and will eventually give us during the change will allow them to “We believe we need the age of 25. The league trying to find the best soccer Q: Sigi, what do you think more quality coming to MLS. MLS break. trade those slots, enabling to dip into the interna- is abolishing the distinc- Altidore interest players available. The draft class about the pro prospects of some a club to field an entire tional market in the short tion between the two and Associated Press and Jozy’s really happy from the last two years will of the players on OSU’s final four Q: Last season we made a roster of non-Americans. term,” said Gazidis, who increasing the number to about the news,” Richard turn out better. Brad Evans was team? Balc and Brunner seem to great move in acquiring Schel- added that MLS’ recently eight on the 28-man ros- be getting a lot of attention. lotto. What kind of scouting The rules announced Real Madrid is report- Motzkin told The Associ- injured for the majority of last created youth develop- ters -- with the option to network is in place to bring Tuesday will allow Chivas edly interested in American ated Press. “We all know season, but we still expect big USA to mimic its Mexican ment program will pro- trade for more. A: We’ve had both Brun- more international caliber teenage star . information has been pub- things in this coming season. namesake in Guadalajara, vide players in the medi- The league’s board And Kei Kamara, who recently ner and Xavier Balc to train players to the Crew? Sporting director assis- lished about this. Jozy’s hap- which boasts never hav- um to long term. “Ameri- of governors decided to traded away, had scored a few with us in the summer months. tant Carlos Bucero had py with where he’s at in ing fielded a non-Mexi- cans are and will be the increase foreign-player goals for us but he allowed us I think Eric Brunner has had a A: Scouting network for this stage of his career with can. It could also result in backbone of league. But limits just before the MLS traveled to New York amid to get Brian Carroll who will be very good season and is one of most MLS teams is the coach- an MLS team appearing I don’t think I’m say- Cup championship on reports the Spanish champi- the Red Bulls, but we’ll see a good addition to our team. the better defenders in college. ing staff. No MLS team is like London club Arsenal, ing anything controver- Nov. 18 in Washington. ons were interested in sign- what happens.” And Xavier has certainly scored financially able to put scouts which can generate an sial when I say we don’t It also agreed to not ing the 18-year-old New Altidore made his U.S. Q: Why did you choose to timely goals for Ohio State. out there and compensate entire starting side with- believe the domestic tal- count for at least two York Red Bulls striker, the national team debut in a 1- leave Ned Grabavoy unpro- With only one pick in the first and pay for them. You spend out a native Englishman. ent pool is limitless. more years three players team said Friday. 0 friendly win over South tected in the expansion draft? round, the chances of us getting a lot of times on the phone. Foreigners without non- “Every expansion is whose salary exceeded Altidore’s agent wouldn’t Africa on Nov. 17. one or both of them with the Just recently I spent 10 days in resident alien status will be going to dilute talent, and the $400,000 individual say if he had met with He scored four goals as A: Unfortunately you can’t success they’ve had is something Europe with Robert Warzycha. limited to 112 of the 392 that’s not desirable for maximum under the “des- Bucero, but confirmed his the United States reached protect everyone in the expan- you don’t know right now. I might still be going down to players in the league, or anybody,” Gazidis said. ignated players rule” -- an client’s interest in Madrid. the quarterfinals at the sion draft and that was a diffi- South America before the sea- just under 30%. Besides the Earth- exemption that allowed “We’ve heard of the under-20 World Cup ear- cult decision for us. But we had Q: What is the status of the son. With the work we’ve been MLS deputy commis- quakes, Seattle will join teams to acquire a player interest and for any soc- lier this year, and had nine an inkling that we would be Crew Juniors program and do able to do, we’re constantly sioner Ivan Gazidis said MLS in 2009, with anoth- outside the approximate cer player it is a thrill to be goals in 22 games in Major able to work a trade for a mid- you see that eventually feeding exploring options. it was unlikely any team er team possibly in Phila- $2.2 million salary . linked with Real Madrid, League Soccer this season.