I left Malaga because I want to play regularly, admits Buonanotte

EXCLUSIVE
By Matias Baldo

New signing Diego Buonanotte has revealed to Goal.com that his desire to play a more important role was the reason behind his decision to swap Malaga for Granada.

The diminutive Argentine completed his switch in a deal worth 2.3 million in January and is hopeful that under new coach Luca Alcaraz he will be given more chances to play.

"I left because I needed to find continuity, I need to play and be taken into account more by the coach," Buonanotte told Goal.com.

But having moved from Champions League high-flyers Malaga to relegation-threatened Granada, the former River Plate star is under no illusion as to the task facing his new side.

"Our target as a group is obviously to get the points in order to avoid relegation," he continued.

"At present, we are not [in] the relegation places but we are far too close."

The Andalucian side entertain a resurgent Real Madrid on Saturday in the Primera Division, however, Buonanotte is optimistic his new team can collect points.

"We have to start getting points at home and this starts by working hard during the week," he added.

"Now we have a big game against Real Madrid and though it will be tought, we need to start collecting the points we need."

Despite being happy at his move, Buonanotte does regret failing to make an impact at Malaga, and says he did not believe he was a favoured player of coach Manuel Pellegrini.

"The team (Malaga) made the Champions League and are now in the knockout. Personally, in the last two months I played and I scored in the Champions League, the Copa del Rey and La Liga. I though I was doing well, [but] I was left disappointed.

"I thought [I would] stay after enjoying more playing time. However, I did not stay because I knew I was not a favorite of Pellegrini. He did not ask me to go however, it was my decision."
Via: I left Malaga because I want to play regularly, admits Buonanotte

Moyes confirms failed Everton bid for Negredo

Everton manager David Moyes has confirmed that the club attempted to sign Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo on transfer deadline day.

The Toffees made the Spaniard their top target after missing out on Twente midfielder Leroy Fer due to a problem with the player's medical.

Moyes' side were willing to spend 10.4 million on Negredo on the final day of the transfer window but the forward's club were holding out for a higher fee.

The Everton boss told reporters: "We wanted to add players if we could who could go into the team and we tried to do that right up to the end, but for reasons out of our control it didn't happen. It wasn't for the want of trying, that is for sure.

"We tried [for Negredo], but it didn't work. They wanted a lot more money than we offered."

Meanwhile, Moyes also revealed his concerns with the Goodison Park pitch ahead of Saturday's match against Aston Villa.

He added: "I've not even spoken to the groundsman. The groundsman's not said anything about it.

"But it's not as if we've played loads of games at Goodison this year. It's not as if we've had loads of cup ties or lots of reserve games on it, so it's not had an awful lot of football played on it."
Via: Moyes confirms failed Everton bid for Negredo

Alcaraz delighted at facing Real Madrid on Granada debut

New Granada head coach Lucas Alcaraz is looking forward to making his debut against Real Madrid.

The much-travelled tactician took over from Juan Antonio Anquela this week as the club attempt to rectify their season and stave off the threat of relegation.

Alcaraz, who arrives after a stint with Aris in Greece, returns to the club he left 15 years ago and is excited to be facing Real Madrid on his debut match.

To start at home, against Madrid in the Primera Division - you cannot pick a better script. What we face is well known, the 46-year-old told reporters today.

I have lacked the time to do what I intended so far. Madrid will be a tough opponent, player for player. But I prefer to think of our chances.

We have to have the motivation of the players to address the lack of time we have had to prepare a new playing model.

When there is a change on the bench there is always a reaction. Everyone tries to show more intensity and interest. We lack the hours to work with what we have in mind, but I see the determination.

It is one thing to want to convey this and another to translate it. Within this framework is also the experience and motivation of the players.

We have to defend as a team. We cannot think of a specific player [in reference to Cristiano Ronaldo]. Broadly speaking, we want a team that does not give up on any facet of the game.

We intend to take the initiative in games and be an organised team. We need to improve our concentration, attention and individual responsibility.

Granada will host Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday night and will have to greatly improve on their home form which has seen them pick up just two wins from 10 outings if they are to come away with anything against Jose Mourinho's men.

Via: Alcaraz delighted at facing Real Madrid on Granada debut

Atletico Madrid-Real Betis Betting Preview: Why backing 2-3 goals looks a sound investment

Having met in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey just a couple of weeks ago, these two sides will be familiar with the various threats posed by the opposition, and Sunday's game at the Vicente Calderon should be an entertaining encounter. In the corresponding cup clash 15 days ago, Atletico won 2-0 and BetVictor price them at 9/20 (1.45) to claim three points this evening. Betis meanwhile are priced at 7/1 (8.00) for the win with the draw offered at 18/5 (4.60).

It is worth bearing in mind that it is a long time since anyone beat Atletico Madrid at home in any competition. Indeed nearly ten months have passed since los Rojiblancos tasted defeat at the Calderon and of the 23 subsequent matches, Atleti have won 22. Furthermore it is also worthy of consideration the fact that Alvaro Negredo's penalty for Sevilla in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Thursday was the first goal that Atletico Madrid had conceded at home since early November, ending a run of ten successive home clean sheets.

Those statistics alone should have punters rushing to back Diego Simeone's men in some way, yet the Argentine will be demanding a lot more from his side than he saw in their last league outing when they were humbled 3-0 at Athletic Bilbao. Betis too will be keen to bounce back having also suffered a 3-0 defeat in their last game, just down the road from Atletico Madrid at Rayo Vallecano.

Having scanned BetVictor's numerous markets for the game, perhaps the best bet would appear to be backing 2-3 goals in the match at the healthy price of 17/20 (1.85).

This is an intelligent bet because it gives punters plenty of options, but analysing recent result it also looks to have a great chance of paying out, having proved the correction selection in Atletico's last six matches, as well as in Betis' previous five encounters. To add more compelling weight to the argument for investing in 2-3 goals, this bet paid out in both legs of the cup quarter-final between these sides, and has also paid out in five of their last seven meetings.

For a value bet, back Atleti to win 2-0 at 11/2 (6.50) as remarkably this has been the score in three of their last four home games.


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Phil Kitromilides is a sports broadcaster working on TV in Madrid. You can also follow Phil on Twitter.
Via: Atletico Madrid-Real Betis Betting Preview: Why backing 2-3 goals looks a sound investment

Neymar: I will not leave Santos for free

Neymar has insisted that he will not leave Santos for free once his contract expires in 2014.

The Brazil striker has long been linked with a move away from his current club, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all credited with an interest in the player.

The 20-year-old has always insisted that he will only move on when the time is right, and has now hinted at signing an extension to his current deal to ensure his side do not end up empty-handed.

"With everything the club have done for me and my family, leaving for free is not an option," he told reporters.

"But it's something very distant and we still have to talk. First I'll try to win some trophies and then I'll think about it. I don't know if I'll be leaving for free.

"It depends on the club and if they want to let me go for nothing."

Meanwhile, his agent, Wagner Ribeiro, has also insisted that Santos will be rewarded when their prize asset eventually makes the move to Europe.

"Neymar's family are very grateful to Santos, the club that built him as a player and projected him to world fame.

"Certainly at the end of his contract they will study the best way for him to continue in Brazil or go to Europe with Santos benefiting from it somehow.

Via: Neymar: I will not leave Santos for free

Arsenal boss Wenger delighted by Monreal signing

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed delight after the club completed the signing of left-back Nacho Monreal from Malaga on deadline day.

The 26-year-old agreed a long-term contract with the Gunners on Thursday evening to become their sole addition of the January transfer window.

And Wenger has revealed that the north London club had been watching the Spaniard over a prolonged period.

We are delighted that Nacho Monreal has agreed to join us, Wenger told the clubs official website.

We have been monitoring him for some time now and are really pleased that weve been able to agree this move today.

Monreal is a strong left-sided defender with good experience at both club and international level. He is a technically gifted player, a good crosser in the final third and strong in the air.

Monreal will add quality to our squad and of course, to our defensive unit. We all look forward to him playing for us.

The former Osasuna defender is in line to make his Gunners debut on Saturday when Arsenal entertain Stoke at the Emirates Stadium.
Via: Arsenal boss Wenger delighted by Monreal signing

Jordi Alba sees long-term future at Barcelona

Jordi Alba has made it clear that he is very happy with life at Barcelona and has no intention in leaving the Camp Nou side again any time soon.

The Spain international joined Barca from Valencia at the start of the 2012-13 campaign after previously being part of the club's youth academy, and he has no regrets about his return to the Blaugrana.

"It was a dream to come back and Im playing at a good level. It feels like Ive been here for years. I hope to stay a very long time," Alba was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"Im at the best club in the world and I play for the team that plays the best football. Im very content, I cant ask for more."

The 23-year-old has made 18 Liga appearances so far this term, scoring two goals in the process.
Via: Jordi Alba sees long-term future at Barcelona