No magic bullet to beat Barcelona, says Rijkaard

FormerBarcelona boss Frank Rijkaard believes that there is no "magic bullet" that can be used to beat the Blaugrana.

The Dutchman left Camp Nou in 2008 and has since seen Pep Guardiola revolutionise the club - winning 14 titles in four seasons - while Tito Vilanova has overseen Barca's best ever start to a league season in the current campaign.

And Rijkaard, who is currently Saudi Arabia head coach, believes that organisation is crucial when you play against the Catalan club, but believes that Jose Mourinho's method will not always pay off.

"Theres no magic bullet, but you have to adapt to their style," the Dutchman told Fifa.com.

"Most of the clubs who have had success against Barcelona have relied on a highly organised and disciplined defence.

"Inter and Chelsea have both sent Barcelona out of the Champions League and then you have Real Madrid [who won La Liga in 2011-12].

"You could call it the 'Jose Mourinho recipe for success', which he began while he was at Chelsea. If you play Barcelona that way 10 times, you might beat them once, but it certainly doesn't guarantee success."

When asked who he thinks will win the upcoming Ballon dOr - which is between Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta - Rijkaard rooted for the Argentine forward, who he hailed as "exceptional".

"I'm going for Lionel Messi, because I think he's the best player on the three-man final shortlist and he's performed brilliantly this year," the ex-Ajax star continued.

"He's an incredible person. Messi is not simply a uniquely talented footballer. He's also strong mentally, very bright and exceptionally dedicated to his job.

"Personally speaking I enjoy watching him play and I'm deeply proud of him and what he has achieved. Quite simply, he's the best."

Via: No magic bullet to beat Barcelona, says Rijkaard

Arsenal table 12.5m offer for Adrian Lopez

EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey

Arsenal have tabled a bid for Atletico Madrid striker Adrian Lopez, Goal.com can reveal.

The Londoners have submitted a formal offer of around 12.5 million, which is lower than the 18m release clause in the forward's contract.

Goal.com understands that Arsenal opened talks with Atletico to sign the 24-year-old Spain international before Christmas and have now made their move in an attempt to capture the player in the January window.

As revealed by Goal.com in October, Arsene Wenger has been closely pursuing Adrian, as he is known in his homeland, for months after failing to sign him last summer.

The Arsenal manager has set his sights firmly on Spain in the search for a centre-forward and has also made enquiries for David Villa and Fernando Llorente, who are out of favour at Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao respectively. While Wenger is continuing to closely monitor the experienced pair's situations, the more youthful Adrian is currently his No.1 target to reinforce the club's striking department.

Demba Ba, who is in talks with Chelsea, has also been on Wenger's radar but the Frenchman has had misgivings about the prolific Newcastle United striker because of his chronic knee problems.

Despite Wenger's recent mixed public messages about the possibility of a third Arsenal spell for Thierry Henry, it is understood that a six-week loan from New York Red Bulls for the club's record scorer remains on the agenda.

However, Henry is regarded as cover for Gervinho, who will be on Africa Cup of Nations duty from the middle of January, and Wenger wants a permanent signing to challenge Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott for a central striker role at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal have been encouraged in their pursuit of Adrian by the knowledge that he has a buy-out clause in his contract.

The Premier League club have initially stopped short of triggering it with their first offer, as they try to take advantage of Adrian's diminished status in Diego Simeone's title-challenging team.

Despite scoring for the Spanish national team this season, the forward has started just six of Atletico's 17 La Liga matches, scoring two goals.

Nevertheless, Wenger has received excellent feedback from his scouts on Adrian, who has the versatility to play anywhere across the front three and has been hailed in some quarters as the new Villa.

He has a proven scoring record at age-group level for his club and Spain, won the Golden Boot at the 2011 European Under-21 Championship - scoring five goals for the tournament winners - and followed that up with 18 goals for Atletico last season.

Despite the likelihood that club team-mate Falcao, who has been blocking his path at Vicente Calderon, will join Chelsea either in January or in the summer, Adrian has failed to agree a new contract with the club and is keen to join the Gunners.
Via: Arsenal table 12.5m offer for Adrian Lopez

I hope Iniesta wins the Ballon d'Or, says Del Bosque

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque wants Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta to win the 2012 Fifa Ballon d'Or.

The Spaniard played a major role as la Roja swept all before them to win Euro 2012, and has also earned plaudits for his continued good performances with the Blaugrana.

And although many have suggested that the three-man race for the individual award will be dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the 62-year trainer believes Iniesta has a good chance of coming out on top.

"I hope that Iniesta wins the Ballon dOr, and I think that he will have a lot of votes," he told AS.

Del Bosque also defended his recent squad selections, stating that he is spoilt for choice and often finds it difficult to accommodate all of the talented players that Spain is currently producing.

"We try to be fair, but you can never please everybody," he continued. "The complicated thing with Spain is not calling up new players, but finding space for them. For some to come in, others have to go out. Those that are in have shown that they are capable. It's not easy.

"But I know exactly what we have coming, the Michus, Aspases and Thiagos, all of those footballers that have shown on the pitch that I should be taking notice of them. They all have merits, whether they have followed the logical path with the Under-21s, like Thiago, Iker Muniain, Ander Herrera and the others, or those that have blossomed later, like Michu or Benat."

And the former Real Madrid coach is confident that the competition for places is playing a major part in keeping the current squad hungry for success.

"We have a stable block of players. I believe that this group still has legs. The most important thing is that these players maintain the desire to win and do not settle for what they have already done.

"But they are showing that they are capable. They showed it this summer, when they won the Euros after winning the World Cup. And they have also shown it in keeping Spain at the top of the Fifa rankings over the past five years. If winning the World Cup, or the Euros, proves a good month of competition, then being No.1 for five years proves more."

Reflecting on 2012, Del Bosque was grateful for the attitude of his players, not least because he believes they can inspire others to overcome problems in their own lives.

"I am happy that the Spanish players want to make the national team, that they want to help, improve and make their mark with Spain," he concluded. "I am also very satisfied with the reception that we have had wherever we have gone, especially in the countries of the Americas that we have visited [for friendlies].

"The image of Spain that the national team projects is a good one. Football is inspirational, it is proof that young people can do well and overcome adversity. There is no need to be pessimistic, the opposite, in fact."

Via: I hope Iniesta wins the Ballon d'Or, says Del Bosque

'Neymar & Messi together would be spectacular' - Ramalho

Santos head coach Muricy Ramalho is of the opinion that Neymar would be most suited moving to Barcelona, and he believes Lionel Messi and the 20-year-old would be spectacular together.

The Brazil international was on the long list for the Ballon dOr, while the Blaugrana attacker is one of the final three nominees and is the favourite to win it again.

Ramalho hailed his star player as a rare talent and believes that he is destined to become a world-beating footballer in the not-too-distant future.

"He is a great player, and he will become a genius," the coach told Sport.es. "He's on the road to becoming as good as Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo - that type of player who only appears on the world stage very occasionally."

The Santos boss is adamant that Neymar would fit better at Camp Nou than Real Madrid due to the style of football that the Catalan club play.

"Barca are the team that best fit the characteristics of Neymar," Ramalho added. "Everyone likes watching their football. They are a team that plays free-flowing football.

"Today, Madrid have a great coach, but they are very tactical. [Jose] Mourinho plays rigid tactics and they must be obeyed.

"From my point of view it is difficult to do that with Neymar. Neymar cannot put in a fixed position and left there. That would be killing the boy. So, today, the ideal team for him is Barcelona.

"Great players understand each other. [Barca] have many great players and have been playing well together for a long time. Neymar would grow so much there.

"One day I'd like to see it. I'd love to see together the 'pair' [Messi & Neymar] to see what would happen. And I am sure it would be something really spectacular."

Via: 'Neymar & Messi together would be spectacular' - Ramalho

From marvellous Messi to the Muamba miracle - 2012 in numbers

ANALYSIS
By Danny Hart

What a year of football we have had. Chelsea and Manchester City lifted silverware in the most remarkable of circumstances, Lionel Messi broke record after record, and Spain continued to dazzle on the international stage.

Along the way, certain facts and figures have stood out above the rest - from QPR's awful away days to the ruthless world of football management.

So, from the sublime to the downright ridiculous, Goal.com takes a look at 2012 in numbers.

1 - Swindon Town beat more Premier League clubs away from home in 2012 than QPR. The Rs failed to win in 19 attempts against top-flight sides on the road, while Paolo Di Canio's side shocked Stoke at the Britannia Stadium in the Capital One Cup.

7 - Luka Modric failed to win a trophy in four years at Tottenham, but it took the Croatian midfielder just seven minutes to win silverware at Real Madrid, coming on as a late substitute in the Supercopa victory over Barcelona.

11 - For the first time in the club's history, Everton fielded a starting XI without a single Englishman against Leeds United in the Capital One Cup. Former international Phil Neville made an appearance from the bench, though.

46 - Liverpool picked up just 46 points during 2012. That tally would have seen them finish 13th in the Premier League last season - below West Brom, Swansea and Norwich.

57 - Henning Berg took charge of only 10 matches during his 57-day reign at Blackburn Rovers. He won one game in his return to Ewood Park, losing six times and drawing the other three.

76 - Roberto Di Matteo needed just 76 days to win the FA Cup and Champions League after being appointed Chelsea's caretaker manager on March 4.

94 - However, after being given the job on a permanent basis in the summer, 94 days into the new season Roman Abramovich sacked the Italian.

310 - Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel started 310 Premier League matches in a row before he was replaced by summer signing Hugo Lloris for a match against Aston Villa on October 7.

10,000 - Celebrity Arsenal fan Piers Morgan lost 10,000 in a bet with Samir Nasri when the former Gunners midfielder won the Premier League with Manchester City.

80,000 - Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner was fined 80,000 for revealing the name and logo of a bookmaker on his underwear while celebrating a goal during Euro 2012.


2 - Bradford City have beaten more Premier League teams than QPR in the 2012-13 season. The League Two club knocked out Wigan and Arsenal on penalties in the Capital One Cup, while QPR's victory over Fulham on December 15 is their only in the top flight this campaign.

3 - He may have had another inconsistent year in front of goal, but Fernando Torres was one of English football's most decorated players in 2012, winning three major trophies. Along with team-mate Juan Mata, he added to May's FA Cup and Champions League triumphs by helping Spain win Euro 2012.

7 - It took Emile Heskey just three months to score seven goals for Newcastle Jets after joining the club in October - the same number of goals he scored in his last three seasons at Aston Villa.

26 - Of the 26 matches Darron Gibson featured in for Everton and Republic of Ireland in 2012, he lost just one - a 2-0 defeat to West Brom in September. Even then he was substituted after 20 minutes due to injury when the game was still goalless.

31 - Senegalese strikers Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse scored 31 Premier League goals between them in 2012. Ba has been Newcastle's star for much of this season but Cisse stole the limelight following his move from Freiburg last January (see right).

51 - Jermain Defoe has been a regular in England squads since 2004 but it was not until his 51st cap - a 1-1 draw with Ukraine in September - that he played a full match for his country.

66 - Chelsea have a 66.6 per cent win record in Premier League matches that Frank Lampard has featured in over the last 12 months, compared to a 21.4% win record when the veteran midfielder has not played (see below).

78 - Fabrice Muamba's heart stopped for 78 minutes after he suffered a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup tie between Tottenham and Bolton in March. Thankfully he made a full recovery.

90 - Lukas Podolski has featured in 24 matches for Arsenal, including 23 starts, since his summer move from Koln but has completed 90 minutes in just two games.

1100 - The 1100 goals scored in the Premier League during 2012 is the highest in a calendar year since the league's inception in 1992.

1130 - Former England striker James Beattie ended a goal drought lasting 1130 days by scoring in Accrington Stanley's 3-1 win over Fleetwood Town in November. He had featured for Stoke, Blackpool, Rangers, Sheffield United and current club Accrington during a run of 54 games without finding the net.


3 - Messi started the year by winning his third consecutive Ballon d'Or award, beating Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona team-mate Xavi to the prize.

5 - In a 7-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in March, he became the first person to score five goals in a single Champions League game. Ten players had done so in Europe's elite club competition in the past but nobody had achieved the feat in the Champions League era.

12 - He often receives critics for not turning up on the international stage, but Messi's 12 goals for Argentina in 2012, which included a hat-trick against Brazil, equalled Gabriel Batistuta's record for goals in a calendar year for his country.

14 - Although he ended the 2011-12 Champions League campaign on a sour note with a missed penalty in the semi-final to Chelsea, Messi's 14 goals that season saw him crowned the competition's top scorer for the fourth year in a row.

50 - The Barcelona star scored 50 goals in the 2011-12 La Liga season, beating Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 40 set in the previous campaign. He already has 26 after 17 league games in 2012-13.

63 - The 25-year-old averaged a goal every 63 minutes for club and country in 2012.

91 - Messi beat Gerd Muller's record of 85 goals in a calendar year by scoring in a 2-1 win over Real Betis, and went on to net a further five to end 2012 on 91.

107 - It emerged after Messi's record-breaking feat that former Kabwe Warriors striker Godfrey Chitalu scored 107 goals in 1972. The Zambian FA attempted to ratify the tally but Fifa does not keep official records and refused to get involved.

2018 - Messi celebrated an outstanding personal year by extending his contract at Camp Nou to the summer of 2018.

460,000 - He was said to have turned down a weekly wage of 560,000 after a Russian club reportedly met his 250 million Barcelona release clause.

Now you have seen a selection of the best facts and figures from the last 12 months, have you got a better one to share? Leave your suggestions in the comment box below!

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Via: From marvellous Messi to the Muamba miracle - 2012 in numbers

Cartoon of the Day: Happy New Year! Stars prepare to bring in 2013

Spain secured their place in the pages of football history, Chelsea marched to an unlikely Champions League triumph and two of the greatest players of all time have smashed yet more records. 2012 will be difficult to match.

With the fixtures in the world's major leagues wrapped up for the current calendar year, the game's biggest and brightest can celebrate a job (mostly) well done.

But there's plenty more to look forward to in 2013. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will carry on and, in all likelihood, reach a few more remarkable landmarks. A mouthwatering last 16 of the Champions League awaits. And, when all else fails, there's Mario Balotelli.


Via: Cartoon of the Day: Happy New Year! Stars prepare to bring in 2013

Falcao's future will be decided in the summer, says Marin

Atletico Madrid general manager Miguel Angel Gil Marin has revealed that Radamel Falcao's future will not be decided until the summer.

The striker has long been linked with a move away from Vicente Calderon following his scintillating form in 2012, with Chelsea believed to be at the front of the queue for his signature.

However, the player himself stressed he has no plans to depart the club in the January transfer window, and Marin has stressed that discussions will be left until the end of the season.

He told AS: Hes a great player. He is one of the best in the world and has now been awarded as such in Dubai [at the International Sports Conference].

By signing him when we did it was very high risk. Thank God that it went well. People doubted him and the amount that we had paid. Our trust in him has been proven. We spoke with him before he came, we were right in the player, as a professional and as a person.

What about his future? The commitment to him is that at the end of the season we will decide what is best for both parties and we will help him to decide, he has earned the right to decide.

I know that he is comfortable in our League, in our city and in our club.
Via: Falcao's future will be decided in the summer, says Marin

Maradona: It is great that Mourinho dropped Casillas

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho does not owe anyone an explanation for dropping Iker Casillas in his team's 3-2 loss to Malaga, according to Diego Maradona.

The Spain international was surprisingly snubbed by the Portuguese in favour of understudy Antonio Adan for the visit to Andalusia, and los Blancos' defeat saw Barcelona increase their lead over the Spanish capital club in La Liga to 16 points.

The Argentine legend, who is currently unemployed after leaving his position at Al Wasl, thinks that Mourinho should be able to pick whoever he wants, even if that means omitting the club captain.

"I think it is great that Mou benched Casillas. Mourinho is the boss. It is done and it does not matter whether he won, lost or drew," the Argentine told reporters in Dubai, at a press conference which Mourinho was also attending.

"Mourinho is the coach, and it does not matter what Casillas or the others may say. You hire a coach and you have to stand by him, you choose a goalkeeper and you have to stand by him, you hire a full-back and you have to stand by him.

"Ill give you an example. Arbeloa has nothing in comparison with Dani Alves, but he is playing at Real Madrid. And who has questioned him? How many goals has Arbeloa scored? How many shots has he had? Lets see who has the best team player-by-player and then talk."

The former Napoli star also hailed Mourinho as a truly brilliant coach, and believes that the Portuguese sits at the very top of his profession alongside former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.

"I think Mourinho is a phenomenon," Maradona added. "Along with Guardiola, he has demonstrated personality and ideas. They have everything you require in a technician to lead a group.

"And it is not easy, it is very difficult to gather many heads in a dressing room, as confusion can enter and make it much easier to lose a game."

Mourinhos men currently sit well behind Barcelona in La Liga at the halfway stage of the campaign, and Maradona revealed that he expected such a dip in form.

"Madrid always have a physical slump and then suffer," the former Blaugrana attacker continued. "But that does not happen with Barcelona."

Via: Maradona: It is great that Mourinho dropped Casillas

Capello: Nobody is bigger than Madrid

Fabio Capello has claimed that no one person is bigger than Real Madrid, amid talk of whether Jose Mourinho was right to drop club captain Iker Casillas.

Since the 3-2 Malaga defeat in which Antonio Adan was preferred, players, coaches and pundits alike have commented on whether the Spain goalkeeper should have been snubbed by the Portuguese head coach.

But Capello believes that the brand of Los Blancos is bigger than anybody else, with the exception of club legend Alfredo Di Stefano and former president Santiago Bernabeu.

When you train at Madrid, you should know that before and after you, there is Madrid and the Madrid fans, the Russia head coach told reporters.

Above the coach and the players, above everyone, is the name of Madrid.

The only one who has done something different and whose name is closest to that of Madrids is Santiago Bernabeu, as ex-president. And as a coach and player, Di Stefano.

Capello, a famed disciplinarian and former Madrid boss, believes that players must respect a coachs decision should they choose to drop them and believes that behaviour should impact upon selection.

The players are very fortunate for their work, the Italian said. As a coach I only ask for respect, for the people to work with me and to be disciplined.

Some players get angry when I change them, but I explain that the changes are made to improve the game. It does not help to be angry.

I ask them why they think they have to play, if I decide to play someone else. Not everything is held in the field, the behaviour is also important.

Via: Capello: Nobody is bigger than Madrid

Simeone: Falcao is crucial to Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone has hailed his star striker Radamel Falcao as crucial to Atletico Madrid, and praised his ability to consistently score goals.

Training has restarted for the second-placed La Liga club as the winter break approaches its end at the turn of 2013, and the Argentine head coach revealed that the 26-year-old has an insatiable desire to improve his game.

"Falcao is crucial [to Atletico] and he has progressed a lot," Simeone acknowledged in an interview with the newspaper The Spectator. He never tires of creating goals. Its crazy.

"I had never seen such desire, because he has a hunger, a need for improving and becoming better. He knows that this is his strength, such is his forcefulness to succeed."

Simeone added that he considers Falcao "the best" attacker he has ever coached.

Atletico sit nine points behind league-leaders Barcelona having played 17 games, but seven points clear of local rivals Real Madrid despite losing their derby recently.

Via: Simeone: Falcao is crucial to Atletico Madrid

Deportivo sack head coach Oltra with side sitting bottom of La Liga

Deportivo La Corunas president has confirmed that the club have sacked coach Jose Luis Oltra over an irreversible run of form.

The Spanish side sit rock-bottom of La Liga with 12 points from 17 matches, though just three points off the tip of the relegation zone.

The former Tenerife boss guided Deportivo back to the top flight in the 2011-12 season but has struggled to string victories together this campaign, and Augusto Cesar Lendoiro insisted that change is necessary.

"It's a decision that didn't come today, it was taken before the assembly following the defeat against Espanyol [on December 20]," the president told reporters at a press conference on Sunday.

"The situation became irreversible. We're not fans of changing the coach, but a shake-up was needed that had to come from this, because you don't have other options to make changes in the team."

Via: Deportivo sack head coach Oltra with side sitting bottom of La Liga

Xabi Alonso in the dark over contract situation at Real Madrid

Spain international Xabi Alonso has admitted that he is in the dark over his contract situation at Real Madrid.

The former Liverpool midfielder, who remains a key cog in Jose Mourinhos team, is tied to the Blancos until 2014.

With 18 months left on his deal, questions have been raised over whether he will sign an extension with the club, or leave in the foreseeable future.

"I've no idea what will happen", Alonso confessed to reporters.

Prior to the winter break in Spain, Iker Casillas was dropped for Madrids 3-2 defeat to Malaga, and when asked to comment on the issue, Alonso remained tight-lipped.

"Now is not the time to talk about that, I'll discuss it another time."

The reigning Spanish champions are currently 16 points behind Barcelona in La Liga, sitting third, with Atletico Madrid in second place.

Via: Xabi Alonso in the dark over contract situation at Real Madrid

Rosell: Barcelona value spirit of fair play above winning trophies

EXCLUSIVE
By Mohamed Haji Khani in Dubai

Sandro Rosell has claimed that the blueprint to Barcelona's success in recent years is their duty to play fairly rather than winning at all costs.

The Blaugrana have lifted three La Liga titles in the last four years and were crowned European champions twice in the same period. In the president's eyes, their trophy sweep has been the product of implementing moral values and a no-nonsense philosophy within the Camp Nou set-up.

"I'm very happy with our investment in La Masia," Rosell told Goal.com. "My happiness increases when I see our starting XI made up of only players from our youth academy.

"Our focus goes beyond technique and tactics, we want our players to become good people and be respectful humans.

"They have to be united and hard-working. For our club, winning titles is not as important as fair play because our players are role models for children all over the world.

"If any of our players dont follow our values well enough, we will not co-operate with them. This shows that football is not our priority."

Rosell then downplayed Barcelona's role in the fight for Catalan independence before adding that the health of coach Tito Vilanova is paramount to the side's cause.

"Politics should not mix with sport," he added. "We, as a club, distance ourselves from politics. We dont mix the case for Catalunya with football.

"In my opinion, today belongs to the future. Now, the most important thing for us is Titos health."

Via: Rosell: Barcelona value spirit of fair play above winning trophies

Alba: It's easy to play with Barcelona because they have so much quality

Jordi Alba has claimed that the quality in the Barcelona side makes it easy to play for them.

The 23-year-old has settled seamlessly into the team since he rejoined the Blaugrana from Valencia in a 14 million deal this summer, and he has credited the abilities of his team-mates for making the transition so easy for him.

"It is very easy to play here. There is so much quality," he told Mundo Deportivo.

"There is a desire to continue to win and a unity here. Both [Alex] Song and me, who are new, were made to feel like one of them from day one."

Alba admitted he never thought he would get another chance at Camp Nou after he left his boyhood club as a youngster.

"There many who dream like you and there isn't room for everyone, although for years there have been more possibilities," he said.

The full-back also paid tribute to Unai Emery, his old boss during his Valencia days, for shifting him to a wide defensive position when he broke into the side at the Mestalla.

"He converted me back to play on the wing, and thanks to that change, I am who I am today," he admitted.

Alba expressed his delight after enjoying a sensational year on the pitch, having won Euro 2012 with Spain before completing his dream move to a Barcelona side which has stormed clear at the top of La Liga.

"This year has been very nice to me and I can not really have any complaints," he added.

"I consolidated my place in the national team with the role I had at Valencia, I won the European Championship, I joined the club of my life, I came home ... And above all, we are [league] leaders. The truth is I could ask for no more."
Via: Alba: It's easy to play with Barcelona because they have so much quality

Top 10 most read Goal.com articles of 2012

It has been another year full of ups and downs in football, and yet again Goal.com has been on hand to provide the most comprehensive coverage of the beautiful game the world over.

Working tirelessly to deliver the best possible product to our readers, Goal.com prides itself on its unrivalled editorial knowledge, breadth of news coverage, match analysis, team and transfer news and much, much more.

And, with so much having gone on throughout 2012, our editorial staff are just as eager as our readers to find out which articles and editorials were the most popular over the calendar year.

So, without further ado, may we present to you the list of our 10 most-read articles of the year:

Via: Top 10 most read Goal.com articles of 2012

I think Ronaldo will stay but I don't know about Mourinho, says Pepe

Real Madrid centre-half Pepe believes Cristiano Ronaldo will extend his contract with the club, but is not so certain that boss Jose Mourinho will do the same.

The former Manchester United attacker is rumoured to have grown unhappy with life at the Bernabeu, and has been recently linked with a move to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.

The French side are also reportedly interested in Mourinho, who is enduring a difficult period at Real Madrid as his team find themselves in third place in La Liga, 16 points off arch-rivals and table-toppers Barcelona.

"Cristiano is happy at Real Madrid and focused on helping the team. I'm sure he'll extend his contract," Pepe said in an interview with Grande Area.

"However, I'm not sure what Mourinho will do. There are no certainties. Only the boss knows what the future holds for him, but I hope he stays because we need him."

Pepe then took the time to comment on los Blancos' recent struggles in La Liga, and stated that the team have only themselves to blame.

"It's not about Barcelona being better, it's about Madrid being worse.

"At Madrid we are like one big family. We're all united because we know we have to be, otherwise we're going nowhere."
Via: I think Ronaldo will stay but I don't know about Mourinho, says Pepe

Llorente insists depleting contract will not mean loss of focus

Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has insisted that his depleting contract will not cause him to lose focus and seek out a new club.

The Spain internationals deal with the Basque club comes to an end at the climax of the 2012-13 season, and he has been linked with a number of high-profile clubs ahead of the winter transfer window.

"Starting in January, I can sign with any team, but that does not worry me," the forward told reporters at a football tournament in Tenerife.

"The only thing that worries me is being fit to help my team.

"I will try to do my best from here to the end of the season. I would not wish to be in the situation I'm going through now with my club, things happen and you have to accept [that].

Llorente looks likely to leave Athletic either in January or in the summer having confessed his desire to part ways with the Liga club, with Serie A champions Juventus one of the most-rumoured destinations.

Via: Llorente insists depleting contract will not mean loss of focus

Bojan return to Barcelona possible, says father

Bojan Krkic could return to Barcelona in 2013, his father has revealed, despite not having shone during his time in Serie A.

The attacker was sold to Roma for an estimated 12 million in 2011 but was loaned out to AC Milan for this season, but Barca retain a buy-back option on their former player.

Bojans father told CONE: "He's in a privileged situation because he belongs to two of the biggest clubs in the world. You can't rule out him going back to Barcelona."

The 22-year-olds parent also hinted that Tito Vilanova being in charge made Camp Nou a more enticing prospect, hinting at troubles with former head coach Pep Guardiola.

"The Guardiola matter is in the past and the truth is that with Tito we've always had a good relationship and mutual appreciation," he added. "We don't talk about Guardiola anymore."

His current club, Milan, will face Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League in February, and the Spaniards father admitted that his son would have liked to have played a less daunting side.

"He would have preferred other opponents, or at least facing Barcelona later, because any team that comes up against them is inferior," he concluded.

Via: Bojan return to Barcelona possible, says father

Piatti says Valencia must improve for the fans

Valencia winger Pablo Piatti has admitted that his side must find a winning formula in order to replicate past glory and placate a frustrated fan base.

Los Che, who lie ninth in La Liga, are struggling to cement a spot in the top half of the table and sit nine points off third place.

I've always been a positive person and I try to take the best out of a bad situation, but it has been a year of many ups and downs," the 23-year-old said.

"Personally I've experienced some very nice situations. I played in competitions that I never dreamed of playing in. I hope though, that my personal success can be accompanied by team success as well.

We want to win titles and give joy to the fans.

Valencia have finished third in the last two Liga seasons and looked capable of shaking up a Spanish title race often seen as a competition between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

But the sale of talented stars like David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata, designed to service debts incurred while building a new stadium, have taken their toll in the current campaign.

Via: Piatti says Valencia must improve for the fans

Barca's Rafinha wants to face brother Thiago with Brazil

Barcelona starlet Rafinha has stated that he would love to face his brother and Spain international Thiago while playing for Brazil one day.

The Blaugrana attacking midfielder admitted that such an encounter will have his father, former Selecao star Mazinho, torn apart over who of his sons to support.

"I do not know who my father will support," Rafinha admitted to Mundo Deportivo. "It will not be pretty, but now I'm not thinking about it. He [Thiago] decided to play for Spain and I am with Brazil. We have to wait.

"The feeling of playing with Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, [Lionel] Messi, [Carles] Puyol and everyone else is amazing.

"The realization of that dream was wonderful. Notwithstanding the nervousness, I think I did a good job. This Barca will be considered the best ever. It is a fantastic group to play with."

The brothers father, Mazinho, was part of the Selecaos World Cup 1994 team which lifted the trophy in the USA after a penalty shoot-out victory over Italy in the final.
Via: Barca's Rafinha wants to face brother Thiago with Brazil

Falcao rules out January transfer

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao has ruled out the possibility of leaving the club in the January transfer window.

The likes of Manchester City and Chelsea are reportedly interested in securing the services of the prolific Colombian attacker, who has netted 17 goals in 16 Liga games so far this season.

However, Falcao made clear that he is only focused on his current team, but did not rule out a scenario in which he leaves the team in the summer of 2013.

"I've still got three years left on my contract with Atletico. That's where I'll be until the end of the season, after that we'll see what happens," the striker told reporters in Dubai.

"I'm only thinking about my club. I know there is a lot of speculation but hopefully it won't affect me. At this moment my reality is Atletico and I'm happy here.

"There will be another league in the future, but I still have three years left on my contract.

"The club have gone to great lengths to ensure I stay this year so I'm only focused on fulfilling my own and the club's objectives."

Falcao then commented on the Liga title race, with Barcelona currently hold a nine-point advantage over second-placed Atleti.

"Barcelona now have a significant advantage and they look unshakable. We know that if they maintain the gap it's going to be very difficult to fight them for the title.

"We're improving all the time and hopefully we can continue to pick up points. We'll see where we are at the end of the season."
Via: Falcao rules out January transfer

Falcao thanks team-mates after being named Globe Soccer's best player of 2012

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao has expressed his gratitude after being named Globe Soccer's best player of 2012.

The 26-year-old was awarded the prize at the star-studded event in Dubai, and he was quick to pay tribute to his fellow players at both his club and in the Colombia national squad after a tremendous year on the pitch.

"Without the help of my team-mates at Atltico and in the Colombian national team I couldn't have won what I have won," he told reporters upon receiving the trophy.

Falcao remained coy on whether or not he felt he was a worthy winner, adding: "I'm not the right person to decide who has been the best player this year. There are people who are qualified to make that decision. I'm very happy about the trophies won with Atletico and for the amount of goals I've scored. This is all very important in my career."

The former Porto forward was equally pleased to represent his home country at the event in the middle east, stating the importance of putting Colombian football on the map.

"It's very important to me and for Colombian football to be present at these events and to win this type of prize," he continued. "It makes me happy to be able to put the name Columbia in the limelight, so it is known around the world."
Via: Falcao thanks team-mates after being named Globe Soccer's best player of 2012

Mourinho: I fear Juventus in the Champions League

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has admitted he is wary of the threat posed by Juventus in the Champions League.

The Serie A champions finished top of a difficult qualifying group to progress to the knock-out phase, and the Portuguese boss has acknowledged that Antonio Conte's side will be tough to beat in this season's tournament.

"I'll be honest: I do not like[Juventus] because I'm afraid of them," he said in an interview with Tuttosport. "And I say that Conte's team can win the Champions League.

"It is a collective, an extremely compact, solid, almost unsinkable ship. Missing a top player in attack? That's just as well, I believe. This means that the goals can come from anywhere and at any time: a midfielder, a striker from outside the box. I mean it: it does not matter if there is a [Karim] Benzema or [Gonzalo] Higuain in a team structured like that.

"This reminds me of my Porto in 2004. And if anyone, by chance, had forgotten, Porto won the Champions League final in Gelsenkirchen."

Mourinho's future at Santiago Bernabeu has been shrouded in uncertainty of late, with los Blancos having all-but surrendered their Liga crown to Barcelona amidst a string of controversial incidents, the latest being the decision to drop Iker Casillas from the side.

The former Chelsea trainer admitted he has been forced to reflect on his future after recent events, but stressed he remains committed to the Spanish capital club as they strive for their 10th European crown.

"After the defeat last Saturday in Malaga I've got to think long and deeply about my situation and Real Madrid," Mourinho continued. "I spent Christmas in Portugal with my family and now I'm here in Dubai where I said goodbye to many friends.

"And I came to one conclusion: football changes, changes, changes, virtually every day, every minute, almost every second. But there is only one thing that does not change: the team is always the coach."

When asked whether he would bid an early farewell to Real Madrid, he added: "I'll answer by quoting a phrase of Sir Alex Ferguson: 'I'm too old to quit.' And I, if I may, I am still too 'young' to do so.

"My stated goal is to win a third Champions League with three different teams: with Real after Porto and Inter. No one has ever succeeded. And for Real Madrid it would be the 10th Champions League, the only team to reach double digits."



Via: Mourinho: I fear Juventus in the Champions League

Maradona: Mourinho is one of the world's top coaches

Diego Maradona says he believes that Real Madrids Jose Mourinho is one of the world's top coaches.

The Portuguese guided the Blancos to the Liga title last season, and has also won the top-flight league trophy in Portugal, England and Italy, alongside two Champions League successes.

Maradona, whose coaching career has not been anywhere near as glittering as his playing days were, believes that the former Inter boss attention to every member of the squad has helped him thrive at the top.

"The results he has achieved speak volumes for his ability, he told reporters at a sports conference in Dubai on Friday, where Mourinho was also speaking.

I've seen him coaching and he's top. He devotes a lot of attention to all the players on the team, from first to last.

"I was a player who wanted to be known, but it's a fine thing when a coach isn't only concerned with you, but also with your team-mates, because they are the ones who help you on the pitch.

"He's earned respect because he fields the team he wants to and a good coach knows all his players."

The 52-year-old also admitted it is his ambition to coach Napoli, where he spent seven years of his playing career.

He added: To be the coach of Napoli is my dream, but first there is the issue of taxes, tied to my old contract.

Maradona is currently on a coaching hiatus, having left his former club Al Wasl earlier in 2012, with his most notable position to date coaching Argentina at the 2010 World Cup when they reached the quarter-final stage.

Via: Maradona: Mourinho is one of the world's top coaches

Guardiola will return next year, says Laporta

Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes that Pep Guardiola will return to coaching in 2013.

The former Spain international is currently on a hiatus, having stepped down as Camp Nou boss at the end of last season, handing the reins to Tito Vilanova.

Laporta, who remains a close friend of Guardiolas, thinks that Paris Saint-Germain would not fit the coachs methods but speculates he will take a job which allows him to be creative.

"I think Pep will return as coach next year. He has a great personality, very clear ideas and he is very intelligent, he told Swedish outlet Expressen.

I have the honour of having good relations with him and, for me, he is the best coach in the world.

All the big clubs would have Guardiola as coach. What would it take to convince him? He likes to create.

There will be many reasons influencing his choice, he would analyse them all. I think he wants to have the power to decide on all sporting matters and must be comfortable working there.

Paris? It is not obvious how they would convince Guardiola to coach there. I do not know if Paris Saint-Germain have the adequate structure for him."

Via: Guardiola will return next year, says Laporta

Anzhi rubbish rumours of 250 million bid for Messi

Anzhi Makhachkala have rubbished rumours linking them with a staggering 250 million bid for Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Reports in Mundo Deportivo had suggested that the Argentina international had rejected earning 30m a season with the Russian club, after his buy-out clause was allegedly met.

However, their marketing consultant German Tkachenko quashed the story as totally false, and insisted that the side do not operate that way in the transfer market.

"There isn't a shred of truth in it," he told Russian newspaper Sport-Express.

"Asking a question about this, let alone writing about it, shows a lack of understanding about how Anzhi's sporting model is designed and what its principles and priorities are."

Spanish media reported that Messi not only dismissed the Russian offer, but duly signed a new contract tying him to the club until 2018.

Former Camp Nou striker Samuel Etoo, who played with Messi at Barca, made the switch from Spain to Russia, and is currently the highest paid footballer on the planet, on a reported 20m per year.

Via: Anzhi rubbish rumours of 250 million bid for Messi

Mourinho shrugs off Casillas snub as a success for coaches

Jose Mourinho believes that despite Real Madrids 3-2 defeat by Malaga before the winter break, his decision to omit Iker Casillas was a success as it showed that coaches continue to pick teams.

The Portuguese selection of Antonio Adan between the sticks instead of the club captain caused many fans to raise eyebrows, and the Blancos subsequently lost at La Rosaleda.

However, Mourinho - who was talking at a conference in Dubai alongside Argentina legend Diego Maradona - played down the defeat and hailed the influence of coaches continuing in modern day football.

"Maybe it looked like a bad week, but it's been fantastic, he told reporters in UAE.

Football changes greatly, but there is one thing that doesn't: the teams continue to be picked by the coaches."

The Blancos return to Champions League action in February against 2010-11 finalists Manchester United in the last 16 of the elite European competition.

Mourinho said of the tie: It'll be a thrilling clash and we're keen to beat a team who have a different philosophy to Real Madrid."

The former Chelsea boss also talked about former United player Cristiano Ronaldo, who will likely play a key role in the matches, and Mourinho praised his star players effort to succeed.

"He's a star, everyone wants a player like him, because of his character and his determination, he said.

Everyone knows he's the best and they are right behind him. His natural habitat is at the world's biggest teams."

Mourinho also rubbished reports of him taking Carlo Ancelottis head coach role at Paris Saint-Germain any time soon, and wished the Italian all the best at Parc des Princes.

"My future at PSG? I do not think so, the ex-Inter boss added. I think that Ancelotti is good and will be very successful in Paris.

Via: Mourinho shrugs off Casillas snub as a success for coaches

Mourinho needs our support, says Di Stefano

Former Real Madrid forward Alfredo Di Stefano is of the opinion that everybody should support coach Jose Mourinho during the difficult times the club is enduring.

The Liga title holders are currently in third place in La Liga, already 16 points behind leaders Barcelona, and have a tough task at hand as they face Manchester United in the round of 16 of the Champions League.

Real Madrid recently succumbed to a 3-2 defeat to Malaga in a game in which captain Iker Casillas was relegated to the bench. In addition, there have been rumours that star striker Cristiano Ronaldo could be contemplating an exit from the club.

Di Stefano called for support for Mourinho, and reaffirmed his belief that los Blancos are capable of fighting for titles.

"Mourinho is doing a difficult job and you have to support him. Especially as there is still so much to be achieved this season," the 86-year-old told Marca.

"We still have to fight for titles and I am confident that we can win the Champions League."

Real Madrid resume La Liga action on January 6, when they meet Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Via: Mourinho needs our support, says Di Stefano

Mourinho hasn't told Casillas why he was dropped, reveals Karanka

Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka has revealed that Jose Mourinho has not told goalkeeper Iker Casillas why he was dropped from the starting XI against Malaga.

The captain was snubbed in favour of understudy Antonio Adan for the clash against the Andalusians, who eventually emerged winners after a battling performance in a 3-2 victory.

Karanka believes Mourinho does not owe anyone an explanation for his actions, and insisted that the Portuguese's decisions should not be questioned.

"Mourinho doesn't have to justify why a player plays or not. But he knows which players need explanations more than others," the 39-year-old was quoted as saying by Marca.

"Iker wasn't given any explanation about why he was dropped. As a coach, you pick whoever you think is going to do the best job."

Karanka also took time to explain why he regularly replaces Mourinho in press conferences, reminding the public of the Portuguese's cold relationship with Spanish journalists.

"A while ago he told me I would have to face the media regularly. This is because he doesn't have a good relationship with journalists."

Via: Mourinho hasn't told Casillas why he was dropped, reveals Karanka

'When things go wrong, it's the foreigners who pay' - Carlos Secretario backs Pepe claims

Carlos Secretario has backed claims made by Real Madrid defender Pepe that Portuguese players and coaches often receive unfair treatment in Spain.

The Blancos defender suggested recently that he has often felt under pressure when playing in La Liga as a result of his nationality, and the former right-back has added his support to the comments.

Secretario told Antena 1:"For the short time I was at Real Madrid I know that when things go well, everyone is well treated, but when they go wrong, as a rule, it's the foreigners who pay."

The former Porto player also pointed to the treatment of compatriot Jose Mourinho, who has consistently drawn criticism from some quarters since taking charge at Santiago Bernabeu in 2010.

"The Spanish are very nationalistic. They demand a lot from the coach simply because he is Portuguese. And Mourinho, by his nature, is widely disliked," Secretario added.

However, Miguel Cardenal, president of the Spanish Sports Council (CSD) insists that Portuguese players and coaches are widely respected within the country due to their impact upon the Spanish game.

"You have to convince him that he [Pepe] is not right, that we have great affection here for the people of Portugal, and that the Portuguese have contributed hugely to our football ... [There are] wonderful Portuguese players, coaches, who have given much to the Spanish game," Cardenal told Radio Marca.

"You have to find out what Pepe did to feel this way, to let him see the opposite: that he is loved here, that the fans of his team have backed him even during difficult times."
Via: 'When things go wrong, it's the foreigners who pay' - Carlos Secretario backs Pepe claims

'Statistics are like mini-skirts, they don't reveal everything' - Goal.com's most memorable quotes of 2012

The modern world of 24-hour news coverage can be tedious, but with more microphones than ever before being thrust in the faces of those at every level of the game, you're bound to unearth some classics.

And so as 2012 comes to an end, Goal.com thought it only right we take a look back at some of the funniest, weirdest, most controversial, and most heartfelt sound bites from what has been another wonderful year of football.




- Montpellier owner Louis Nicollin was none too impressed with the Rossoneri's alleged pursuit of Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, comparing vice president Adriano Galliani to the bald-headed protagonist Kojak from the 1970s crime flick.


- 2012 saw a fair few Panenka-style chipped spot-kicks, and the man himself, Antonin Panenka, was typically humble when asked about his legacy from 12 yards.


- Zlatan gave his seal of approval like only Zlatan can.


- Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini reminds the Rossoneri of their financial limitations.




- Fair to say Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin wasn't in the mood to answer one particular journalists line of questioning following his sides defeat to England at Euro 2012.


- Sir Alex Ferguson was less than impressed with Ashley Williams' 'disgraceful' decision to hammer the ball into the back of Robin van Persie's head from all of six inches.


- Pune FC co-founder Rajeev Piramal is still wondering what exactly they were all playing for.


- Reading's Jimmy Kebe emphatically reminded all at the club that they still have his confidence.


- Montpellier owner Louis Nicollin revealed the extent to which his team shocked the country when they beat some of Ligue 1's heavy-hitters to the 2011-12 title.


- Former Juventus director Luciano Moggi has his say on on the club's '30th' Scudetto success.


- Diego Maradona continued his war of choice words over who's the greatest of all time.




- Walking sound bite Mario responded in typical Balotelli fashion when asked why he doesn't show as much joy as one might expect upon finding the net in Manchester.


- Philadelphia Union manager Peter Nowak defended his decision to move on Sebastien Le Toux, the team's all-time leading scorer and the undisputed fan favourite.


- Nicolas Anelka is flying the flag for football's last intellectuals.


- Carlos Tevez suggested Gary Neville should concentrate on one job at a time.




- Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella struggled for words to describe his captain after a staggering 2012 for the Barcelona forward.


- His international team-mate Javier Mascherano found a few, however.


- Arsenal's Arsene Wenger had us all in mind when he wrote our headlines for us with this lovely little line of alliteration.


- Ajax's Ryan Babel provided us all a little perspective when looking back on his ill-fated time at Liverpool, though it probably did little to raise his own spirits.


- Fair to say South Korea head coach Choi Kang-Hee knows who he'll be voting for when the Ballon' dOr form ballot arrives on his doorstep.

- Argentina's general manager Carlos Bilardosingle-handedly keeping theBilardismo philosophy alive.




- Fifa President Sepp Blatter offers another modern interpretation of the world outside the Fifa House.


- Agent Mino Raiola bites back in a lexical fashion that would no doubt please his star client, Zlatan.


- Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim offered an interesting analogy when asked about his sides poor home form prior to their Champions League clash with CFR Cluj.


- Steaua owner Gigi Becali reminded us all that football is for everyone.


- Poor Diego Maradona Jr. offered yet another olive branch to Diego snr.



- QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt makes eyes at, well, everyone.


- How sweet; Jose Mourinho wishes that one day he'll have the Colombia goal machine all to himself.


- Newcastle's Demba Ba was fairly non-committal in his response to reported interest from north London.


- Last we checked, Thiago Silva is now sleeping soundly in that of PSG.


- Anderlecht's Lucas Biglia was a little less specific.




- Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard at the end of a year that has finally seen the major step forward for those who never gave up their pursuit for justice following the Hillsborough Disaster.


- Fabrice Muamba remains as charismatic as ever following his terrifying ordeal at White Hart Lane earlier this year; the world is lucky to have him.


- Ronaldinho reminded us all that while there are far more important things in life than football, the game can help us all through our most trying moments.


- Aleksandar Duric, still got it.
Via: 'Statistics are like mini-skirts, they don't reveal everything' - Goal.com's most memorable quotes of 2012

Iniesta: Villa is a key player for Barcelona

Andres Iniesta has called for Barcelona to keep hold of "key player" David Villa in the January transfer window.

The Spain international has been linked with a move to the Premier League at the turn of 2013, with Chelsea mentioned as a possible destination for the ex-Valencia star.

However, Iniesta believes that Villa is important to the Blaugrana succeeding this season and hopes that he remains at Camp Nou.

"I don't know if that's a possibility," he told reporters, when asked about the sale of Villa in January at a ceremony to celebrate the renaming of Albacete's training ground after him.

"I don't think [it will happen]. Personally I wouldn't like it, because Villa is a key player."

Barca currently sit top of La Liga having forged an intimidating 16-point lead over their perennial rivals Real Madrid.

And despite Tito Vilanova side's dominance, Villa has been unable to break into the first-team and has been limited to appearances off the bench since returning from injury at the start of the campaign.
Via: Iniesta: Villa is a key player for Barcelona

Albiol wants 'best in the world' Ronaldo to remain at Real Madrid

Raul Albiol wants Cristiano Ronaldo to remain at Real Madrid as he considers the forward to be the best footballer in the world.

Although the Portuguese star has not intimated a move away from Santiago Bernabeu, his 'unhappy' episode in September showed that his future is far from concrete.

And Los Blancos defender Albiol said he hopes that the former Manchester United forward remains a Madrid player for the foreseeable future.

"I don't know if he'll renew his contract or not, but Cristiano Ronaldo is the best in the world," Albiol told reporters at a promotional event in Valencia on Thursday. "And we want him to be with us for as long as possible."

Albiol also spoke out against the furore that has been caused by club captain Iker Casillas being dropped by Jose Mourinho for Madrid's 3-2 defeat by Malaga in the final match before the current winter break.

"After 10 years as the No.1 keeper, the day Casillas is on the bench is a surprise for everyone," the defender admitted.

"But at the same time, the controversy it's generated has been too much. Even Iker said so.

"We should forget about these things that come from outside and work as hard as possible to win trophies in 2013."
Via: Albiol wants 'best in the world' Ronaldo to remain at Real Madrid

Romeu: Barcelona striker Villa would be welcome at Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu has tipped Barcelonas out-of-favour striker David Villa to join the Premier League club, saying he would be welcome at Stamford Bridge.

Speculation has been rife over the forwards future of late, with several clubs linked with Spains leading goalscorer including fellow Premier League outfit Swansea City.

The 31-year-old forward has been in and out ofthe Catalansstarting line-up since returning from a six-month absence after breaking his leg in December 2011.

Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta stated this week that the club had no intention of letting Villa leave, but Romeu would be delighted if his fellow Spaniard was to join the European champions.

Romeu told Spanish radio showEsports Cope: "I don't know what Villa's situation is, but if a great player like him comes, the record goalscorer with the national team, he would be welcomed and we would be happy."

Via: Romeu: Barcelona striker Villa would be welcome at Chelsea

Herrera: I want to play for Athletic Bilbao for a "long time"

Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera says he wants to play for the club for a "long time" to come.

The 22-year-old joined the side in 2011 and, after just a year at the Sam Mames, says he is now ready to commit his long-term future to the La Liga side.

I'm very happy in Bilbao. Playing here you realise what it means to be in the club. Im in no hurry, I want to play here for a long time," he told UEFA.com.

"I want to enjoy the club. Also, we have a debt to our people," he added.

Despite his short time with Los Leones, the midfielder says he has a clear idea over the principles of the Bilbao side.

"It's a feeling that passes from generation to generation. It is a very special club for my philosophy," he said.

"The fan feels totally identified with the players because we are all in the area, we have been raised in the same places as them.

I'll stick with the atmosphere of Bilbao, and the feeling that you could do something big, he added.

Via: Herrera: I want to play for Athletic Bilbao for a "long time"

Tabarez: Barcelona are the best I have ever seen

Oscar Tabarez says the current Barcelona side is the best he has ever seen.

The Catalan club were hugely successful during Pep Guardiolas four-year tenure, and now - under Tito Vilanova - they have romped to the top of La Liga and are strong favourites to win the Champions League.

Tabarez, whose South American side will face the likes Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique in the summer in their 2013 Confederations Cup group, believes Barca have earned their success due to a strategy of long term investment.

"Football is becoming more global all the time, which is why other influences emerge that are linked to organisational factors," he told Fifa.com. "These could be economic reasons, youthndevelopment systems or lengthy projects whose roots go back many years.

"Barcelona are a clear example of that. Were all spellbound by how expressive their football is, which is the best Ive ever seen.

"But it didnt come about in two or three years, did it? Playing football like Barcelona isnt as simple as seeing a suit you like in a shop window, going inside and buying it.

"Footballs not like that. In football you have to find the right material, the buttons and the right tailor, then you have the suit made and it still might not look the same [as in the shop window]. That process takes a lot of time, knowledge and preparation."

Uruguay enter the Confederations Cup as Copa America winners, and they have been drawn with World Cup winners la Roja, Tahiti and an African nation that has yet to be decided.

"Our objective, first and foremost, is to enjoy it," Tabarez admitted. "Every time an international competition featuring such important teams comes around, you hold out hopes of going as far as possible.

"Were well aware that were going to face some great teams. Spain are currently setting the standard, theyre winning the biggest tournaments of them all [and] the way they play is the envy of everyone else and theyre having a big influence on the game at the moment.

"Whichever African team makes it will be a powerful side. And Tahiti deserve plenty of respect and will provoke a lot of curiosity too - lets see what role theyll play."

Brazil also enter the competition as hosts ahead of the 2014 World Cup and Tabarez praised the recent appointment of Luiz Felipe Scolari.

"Essentially, he brings the coaching ability hes already proven on many occasions," the Celeste coach continued.

"And whats more, he offers both wide-ranging experience and specific knowledge of the national team, which is a very unusual environment."

"It [international management] is a difficult enough job as it is, but Brazil is where I think its hardest."

Via: Tabarez: Barcelona are the best I have ever seen

Villa's future 'in Barcelona's hands', admits agent

David Villas future is in the hands of Barcelona, according to his agent Victor Onate.

The Spain international has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Chelsea and Arsenal mooted as potential destinations for the ex-Valencia man, who has reportedly become tired of a bit-part role at Camp Nou.

But the managing director of VOS Marketing - which represents the forward - insist that Villa will respect the contract he has signed unless Barca allow him to leave.

"There is always speculation about David because he is a great forward, but his future is in the hands of Barcelona," Onate told Sky Sports.

"They have a contract and it is important to always respect such documents."

The 31-year-olds current deal runs until 2014 and it would still come as a surprise if coach Tito Vilanova sanctioned the departure of the striker in the January transfer window.

Via: Villa's future 'in Barcelona's hands', admits agent

Mourinho has no problem with Casillas, says ex-Madrid goalkeeper Buyo

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Paco Buyo insists that Jose Mourinho has no personal problem with Iker Casillas, and thinks the club captain was dropped for form reasons.

The reigning La Liga champions are 16 points behind perennial rivals Barcelona with the winter break under way, and sit third behind Tito Vilanovas league-leading side and Atletico Madrid.

Buyo criticised the Madrid squad for their performances this season and insisted that there are too many at Santiago Bernabeu that are not up to the task, while claiming that the Spain international is not necessarily in the head coachs bad books.

"I refuse to think that Mourinho has anything personal against Casillas," he told Marca.

"If we look at performance, the majority of players are not up to the level the supporters and shareholders would wish. Something is going wrong.

"It would be unfair to point the finger at Iker for the Malaga substitution. I am not going to name names, but there are many who are not up to the mark.

"Success in Europe has covered them with much praise, but it has had an effect on the drop in form and confidence of Real Madrid."

The former Blancos shot-stopper believes that Barcelona have got La Liga in the bag already, and says that Mourinho must now focus his efforts on Champions League success.

Buyo, 54, added: "If [Barca] lose this league title to Real Madrid it would be a disaster, but I cannot believe [they] would lose seven games in the league.

"If you lose the league to Barca there is no need to tear up your kit. You have to go down fighting and working hard. If they do that then they will be good for the Champions League."
Via: Mourinho has no problem with Casillas, says ex-Madrid goalkeeper Buyo

Caminero: Atletico made a titanic effort to keep Falcao

Jose Luis Caminero has revealed the "titanic efforts" that Atletico Madrid were forced to make in order to keep Radamel Falcao at the Vicente Calderon this season.

The striker joined Los Rojiblancos in the summer of 2011 from Porto for a reported 40 million and scored 36 goals to fire his side to fifth place in La Liga and help win the Europa League trophy.

His exploits unsurprisingly saw him linked with a move away, but the sporting director is delighted to reap the rewards for the hard work he put in to ensure the Colombian remained loyal to the club.

"You have to appreciate the efforts made by the club," he told the club's official website. "In these times it is difficult to keep a player of his class.

"You can bet it was a titanic effort and we thank them [Falcao and his representatives].

"We have all benefited [from his stay] and we are happy to have one of the best players in the world at this club."

Caminero then lavished praise on coach and former midfielder Diego Simeone for steadying the ship shortly after his arrival last December and building on his initial success by guiding Atleti to second spot this term, while securing their progression in Europe and the Copa del Rey.

"Simeone is a clear point of reference," he added. "He was here as a player and knows what is required and what is sought for the identity of the club.

"He has given the team the desire to win. His guts and character can be seen in our fast style of play. The side is conscious of the need to go game by game and it shows in every match.

"It has been a job well done and the players and the coach have connected quickly with each other.

"Their work is what has made the team. The fans and the club are united, there is a positive feeling and it is a very good time where we all want to keep working."

The ex-Spain international also looked ahead to the second half of the campaign and was certain that the capital outfit are well on course to reach all of their objectives come May.

"We ended 2012 on a high note," Caminero remarked. "Our main objective [for the season] was to get into the Champions League and we are still working on that idea.

"We also want to go as far as possible in Europe and the Copa del Rey. The commitment of the players and the coach is sky high and I give a very good score for a difficult year.

"We are required to face every game like a final, but we are prepared to take on any challenge."
Via: Caminero: Atletico made a titanic effort to keep Falcao

Portuguese players face huge pressures in La Liga - Pepe

Real Madrid defender Pepe believes Portuguese players are under a lot of pressure in La Liga.

After being named the winner of the 2012 Artur Agostinho award for Person of the Year in Portugal, the 29-year-old claimed he and his compatriots come under increased scrutiny playing in Spain.

"There is a lot of pressure on the Portuguese in La Liga," he told Record, before highlighting a clash with Getafe's Javier Casquero in the 2008/09 season which made him consider quitting the sport altogether.

"After Casquero, I was forever marked throughout the world," he continued.

"They still call me assassin today. I was tempted to quit football."

Pepe also said he wanted to secure an "historic" 10th Champions League title with Los Blancos this season in order to make up for their poor league campaign.

"We must be realistic, we are in a very complicated situation in the league. To earn la Decima would be historic," he said.

With Real Madrid inconsistent on the pitch, speculation has mounted over the future of coach Jose Mourinho and attacker Cristiano Ronaldo, with the duo linked with big-spending Paris Saint-Germain.

But Pepe stressed that the future of his compatriots was entirely in their own hands, adding that he would not consider following them out of Santiago Bernabeu just yet, but that a return to his homeland was tempting.

"If Cristiano or the boss make the decision to leave, it will be their choice," he continued. "I will not choose the same option just because they leave. I will make my decision at the right time.

"Porto is a club I would like to return to. It was a club where I learned a lot as a player."

The 29-year-old added that he would love to see Ronaldo claim the Ballon d'Or early next month for his achievements in the game over the past year, but conceded it was unlikely he would pick up the prize.

"I would love Cristiano to win the Ballon d'Or, for being my friend, for doing so much for football, having been in the top three five times in the last six years, and for winning the league. But it seems he is not going to be the winner," he said.

Pepe also revealed his pride to have claimed the accolade for Record's Person of the Year in Portugal, adding: "2012 was a very special year for me.

"I am delighted to have received this award and I am grateful for the support of the people who believe in me.

"It's an award of great importance and I thank my team-mates because, without them, I would not have succeeded.

"I receive it with joy and enthusiasm."
Via: Portuguese players face huge pressures in La Liga - Pepe

Former Sevilla keeper Dasayev says Casillas is tired

Retired Sevilla goalkeeper Rinat Dasayev has suggested that fatigue may have played a part in Iker Casillas' recent omission from the Real Madrid team.

Jose Mourinho controversially dropped the Blancos captain for the 3-2 defeat by Malaga, citing the move to play Antonio Adan as a "purely technical decision" amidst widespread criticism from club officials and supporters.

Although the former USSR intermational admits the decision to leave out the Spain icon came as a shock, he feels the number of matches he has played over recent seasons could perhaps be taking its toll on the player.

The 55-year-old told AS: "Of course it was a surprise. Casillas is a very good goalkeeper.

"Maybe [he is] a bit tired after playing so many club and international games in the past few seasons. The Spanish league, the Champions League, the World Cup, the European Championships - that's a lot of tournaments."

Mourinho came under fire for the decision to start Adan ahead of Casillas in the defeat to Manuel Pellegrini's men, although the skipper himself accepted the cut as a footballing decision.

Spartak Moscow legend Dasayev, a runner-up at the 1988 European championships, spent three seasons playing in La Liga with Sevilla shortly before his retirment in 1991.
Via: Former Sevilla keeper Dasayev says Casillas is tired

Goal.com's bumper festive quiz: Part two starring Cristiano Ronaldo

Temperatures may be plummeting but the Premier League season is certainly hotting up as the hectic Christmas programme of matches now hits full swing.

Away from the drama on the pitch and your traditional Christmas dinner at home, though, we have some more content to get your teeth into!

All in the name of some festive fun, Goal.com have produced a bumper festive quiz! We are running a mini-quiz every day from Monday to Friday, with pictures, trivia and football-based brainteasers.

Read on for part one and have a go at the questions, leaving your answers in the comments box below. Enjoy!

GUESS THE YEAR



What year was the above picture of Cristiano Ronaldo taken?

GUESS THE LINK



What is the link between the three men in this picture?

GUESS THE KIT



Which team is this?

TRIVIA

Who is the only current Premier League player to have scored for six different top-flight teams?

Nicky Barmby, Les Ferdinand, Craig Bellamy, Marcus Bent, Andy Cole and Robbie Keane are the former Premier League players who have achieved the feat.

Check back on Wednesday for round three of our fun festive quiz!
Via: Goal.com's bumper festive quiz: Part two starring Cristiano Ronaldo