The former England captain David Beckham has accepted the thought of never playing for Real Madrid again "hurt a lot" when manager Fabio Capello froze him out of first-team duty earlier this season.
He endured some uncertainity with his Spanish club after signing a contract worth an estimated $248 million with the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer.
After Beckham signed with the Galaxy, Capello said the star had played his last game for the Spanish team
Speaking to British television station Sky Sports 2, the former Manchester United midfielder conceded that he was shocked.
"I was really surprised. He (Capello) has always been pretty fair with me," Beckham said. "He's been really respectful of me as a person and a player and that's why it was such a surprise. But he's shown what sort of a person and man - and manager - he is now.
"I was thinking I would never play (for Real) again and it was hurting me a lot."
But Beckham continued to train hard and eventually convinced the Italian manager that he was worthy of a recall before dramatically scoring upon his return to the lineup.
Beckham, 31, refused to criticize Capello when he was stuck on the sidelines, explaining that he has too much respect to lash out at his boss.
"I'm thankful (to Capello). I would never come out publicly and criticize him," Beckham said. "He's too respected in the game and I respect him. (I reacted) the same way I've always come back from things, like whenever people say I'm not up to the job. I proved to him I am a professional. I think he said, 'How can he be committed to the team when he's signed to someone else?'"
"But I proved I am committed; it doesn't matter if I'm going. I'll still go flying into tackles and try and win something with this team."
Now Beckham, who has just returned to the side after a knee injury, will play a part in Real's unlikely bid for the Primera Liga title and get the chance to compete once again in what he considers to be one of the world's finest sporting arenas.
"For me playing at the Bernabeu is one of the best feelings in the world," Beckham said. "I always loved playing at the Bernabeu and when I look back, playing at the Bernabeu will be the highlight of playing at Madrid except, obviously, for wearing the famous white shirt."
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Champions League Reaction : Ferguson Salutes Manchester United's Perseverance'
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his players side after they overcame a half-time 2-1 deficit to defeat AC Milan 3-2 in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford.
A fortunate early goal from Cristiano Ronaldo - that Milan goalkeeper Dida played no small part in - had United in front, but Kaka twice got the better of the hosts' makeshift defence to put Milan ahead.
However, United showed character as they fought back to win through two Wayne Rooney efforts and Ferguson now feels his side have a "magnificent chance" of reaching the final in Athens.
"We kept playing our football, some of which was fantastic, and dominated the second half," the Scot was quoted as saying by BBC Sport after the match.
"Some of the football we played was absolute quality, really top class. We've got a magnificent chance now. We're in front and they know that - it's a really big game now.
"They have got a really difficult game on their hands now. We are chasing the Premiership and this is the biggest boost we could have got.
" (Paul)Scholes' pass for Rooney's equaliser was fantastic, just a little flick but what a pass."
Rooney too paid tribute to team-mate Scholes, saying: "I see him do it every day in training. He's brilliant. He is a joy to play with, a genius.
"It's a great feeling. It was a difficult match but when it got late we kept going. We knew the victory would make it a little bit easier for the away leg.
"And to get a goal in the last minute is a great feeling.
"It was fantastic. At 2-1 behind at half-time against a very good Milan team, we knew it would be difficult to get the win. The manager told us too keep pushing, keep going and we'll get the goals, and we did."
Champions League Report : Old Trafford Explosion by Rooney Last-minute Goal
Wayne Rooney's stunning last-minute winner kept Manchester United's hopes of reaching the Champions League final alive after an Old Trafford classic.
Cristiano Ronaldo's fifth minute header put United in front, only for AC Milan to draw level through Kaka's angled drive after 21 minutes.
Kaka put Milan ahead from close range before the interval, but Rooney turned in Paul Scholes' pass on the hour.
Rooney then lashed an instant 20-yard finish past Dida in injury time.
It was a moment of magic that gave United a precious lead to defend going into the second leg in Milan.
United opened in sparkling fashion, and it took a desperate intervention from Alessandro Nesta to divert Rooney's shot over the bar.
But they were ahead in the fifth minute when Ronaldo met Ryan Giggs' corner with a firm header, which Dida palmed into the air and could then only divert into the net.
United were firing on all cylinders up front - but all the time Milan, in the shape of Kaka, were waiting to probe their suspect and under-strength rearguard.
And the strike they feared came after 21 minutes when Kaka took Clarence Seedorf's pass and accelerated away from Gabriel Heinze and fired a left-foot angled drive across Edwin van der Sar.
A high-quality encounter saw Rooney just fail to get on the end of Giggs' cross and Ronaldo bring a crucial block from Dida with a 25-yard power drive.
But Brazilian superstar Kaka was an ever-present threat, and he took advantage of shambolic United defending to grab a crucial second away goal for Milan after 36 minutes.
Kaka chased a long pass, and when Heinze and Patrice Evra collided, he moved smoothly into top gear to slide a perfect finish past Van der Sar.
Evra was then booked for dissent - a yellow card that rules him out of the second leg in Milan, an inconvenience United did not need given their lack of defensive resources.
Michael Carrick wasted a glorious opportunity to put United level after 47 minutes when he side-footed wide of an open goal when he arrived unmarked at the far post on the end of another dangerous Giggs corner.
Milan lost captain Paolo Maldini to a knee injury at half-time, then were robbed of Gennaro Gattuso with a knee problem - with the combative midfield man being replaced by Cristian Brocchi.
Kaka was giving a master-class, escaping the offside trap to shoot across the face of goal then playing a sumptuous one-two with Seedorf only to volley narrowly over.
United desperately needed inspiration, and a moment of genius from Scholes provided as they drew level after 59 minutes.
Scholes instinctively lifted the ball into the path of Rooney, whose finish was half-stopped by Dida but rolled in.
United were suddenly buoyant again, and the unpredictable Dida saved brilliantly from Darren Fletcher after Rooney's cross was headed into his path.
Fletcher forced Dida into a save at his near post as United pressed for what would be a crucial lead to take to the San Siro.
Dida the finger-tipped Ronaldo's dipping drive inches wide as United mounted a spell of sustained pressure in the closing stages.
United's sheer courage was rewarded when Rooney ran on to Giggs' pass and fired past a startled Dida to send Old Trafford wild in celebration.
Cristiano Ronaldo's fifth minute header put United in front, only for AC Milan to draw level through Kaka's angled drive after 21 minutes.
Kaka put Milan ahead from close range before the interval, but Rooney turned in Paul Scholes' pass on the hour.
Rooney then lashed an instant 20-yard finish past Dida in injury time.
It was a moment of magic that gave United a precious lead to defend going into the second leg in Milan.
United opened in sparkling fashion, and it took a desperate intervention from Alessandro Nesta to divert Rooney's shot over the bar.
But they were ahead in the fifth minute when Ronaldo met Ryan Giggs' corner with a firm header, which Dida palmed into the air and could then only divert into the net.
United were firing on all cylinders up front - but all the time Milan, in the shape of Kaka, were waiting to probe their suspect and under-strength rearguard.
And the strike they feared came after 21 minutes when Kaka took Clarence Seedorf's pass and accelerated away from Gabriel Heinze and fired a left-foot angled drive across Edwin van der Sar.
A high-quality encounter saw Rooney just fail to get on the end of Giggs' cross and Ronaldo bring a crucial block from Dida with a 25-yard power drive.
But Brazilian superstar Kaka was an ever-present threat, and he took advantage of shambolic United defending to grab a crucial second away goal for Milan after 36 minutes.
Kaka chased a long pass, and when Heinze and Patrice Evra collided, he moved smoothly into top gear to slide a perfect finish past Van der Sar.
Evra was then booked for dissent - a yellow card that rules him out of the second leg in Milan, an inconvenience United did not need given their lack of defensive resources.
Michael Carrick wasted a glorious opportunity to put United level after 47 minutes when he side-footed wide of an open goal when he arrived unmarked at the far post on the end of another dangerous Giggs corner.
Milan lost captain Paolo Maldini to a knee injury at half-time, then were robbed of Gennaro Gattuso with a knee problem - with the combative midfield man being replaced by Cristian Brocchi.
Kaka was giving a master-class, escaping the offside trap to shoot across the face of goal then playing a sumptuous one-two with Seedorf only to volley narrowly over.
United desperately needed inspiration, and a moment of genius from Scholes provided as they drew level after 59 minutes.
Scholes instinctively lifted the ball into the path of Rooney, whose finish was half-stopped by Dida but rolled in.
United were suddenly buoyant again, and the unpredictable Dida saved brilliantly from Darren Fletcher after Rooney's cross was headed into his path.
Fletcher forced Dida into a save at his near post as United pressed for what would be a crucial lead to take to the San Siro.
Dida the finger-tipped Ronaldo's dipping drive inches wide as United mounted a spell of sustained pressure in the closing stages.
United's sheer courage was rewarded when Rooney ran on to Giggs' pass and fired past a startled Dida to send Old Trafford wild in celebration.
Third PFA Award for Wonderful Ronaldo
Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has earned his third award in as many days after being named the Official PFA Fans' Player of the Year.
On Sunday night, Cristiano Ronaldo was crowned both Players' Player and Young Player of the Year and on Tuesday he was awarded the fans' award.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, himself an award winner on Sunday night, paid tribute to his 22-year-old. He said: 'He's been fantastic. His improvement and development have been superb. He is the best player in the world. It's easy for a manager to say that but he's getting that accolade from everywhere, not just me. When that happens it is difficult for some players but he is so level-headed.'
The Portuguese star said: 'I put myself to the test and it succeeded. The pressures ended up strengthening me and the boos gave me even more strength. Ive matured and
calmed down, and these awards have given me even more motivation to be successful.'
PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor also paid tribute to the treble award winner, saying: 'He is the most exciting player in the country at the moment. The quickness of his feet and the skills he possesses make you think, at times, that he's from another planet.
'This season was a big test for him, both of his temperament and his ability to rise above the abuse he received after the incident with Wayne Rooney at the World Cup, and he has passed with flying colours in every department.
'I wasn't sure, after the World Cup, if things would get back to normal at Old Trafford, but Cristiano has shown great maturity and proved himself to be a top, top player. All credit to Sir Alex for resolving what was a difficult situation. 'All credit to Cristiano too because he has developed from a player who perhaps used to run down too many closed avenues in his early days at United, to a wonderful entertainer whose tricks and skills are much more constructive, and productive, these days.
'He is much more of a team player now and, as is the test of all great forwards, he knows how to find the back of the net - as he has done on so many occasions this season. 'He has still got all the tricks and, if he was to perform them on the stage at the London Palladium, you would have to stand up and applaud.
'For him to be able to perform them on a football field, at full speed with everything going on around him, makes it all the more remarkable and it is great that Sir Alex continues to encourage him to do so, whereas at some clubs he might have been told to 'keep it simple'.'
On Sunday night, Cristiano Ronaldo was crowned both Players' Player and Young Player of the Year and on Tuesday he was awarded the fans' award.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, himself an award winner on Sunday night, paid tribute to his 22-year-old. He said: 'He's been fantastic. His improvement and development have been superb. He is the best player in the world. It's easy for a manager to say that but he's getting that accolade from everywhere, not just me. When that happens it is difficult for some players but he is so level-headed.'
The Portuguese star said: 'I put myself to the test and it succeeded. The pressures ended up strengthening me and the boos gave me even more strength. Ive matured and
calmed down, and these awards have given me even more motivation to be successful.'
PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor also paid tribute to the treble award winner, saying: 'He is the most exciting player in the country at the moment. The quickness of his feet and the skills he possesses make you think, at times, that he's from another planet.
'This season was a big test for him, both of his temperament and his ability to rise above the abuse he received after the incident with Wayne Rooney at the World Cup, and he has passed with flying colours in every department.
'I wasn't sure, after the World Cup, if things would get back to normal at Old Trafford, but Cristiano has shown great maturity and proved himself to be a top, top player. All credit to Sir Alex for resolving what was a difficult situation. 'All credit to Cristiano too because he has developed from a player who perhaps used to run down too many closed avenues in his early days at United, to a wonderful entertainer whose tricks and skills are much more constructive, and productive, these days.
'He is much more of a team player now and, as is the test of all great forwards, he knows how to find the back of the net - as he has done on so many occasions this season. 'He has still got all the tricks and, if he was to perform them on the stage at the London Palladium, you would have to stand up and applaud.
'For him to be able to perform them on a football field, at full speed with everything going on around him, makes it all the more remarkable and it is great that Sir Alex continues to encourage him to do so, whereas at some clubs he might have been told to 'keep it simple'.'
Alex Ferguson: Roma Repeat Is Impossible
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Manchester United's expectant fans there is no likelihood the Red Devils will repeat their seven-goal rout of Roma against AC Milan tonight.
After dismantling one major foe from Serie A, United meet a true Italian giant in the Champions League semi-finals looking to avenge European Cup defeats at the same stage in 1958 and 1969.
However, the hosts' chances of success have been badly affected by injury with all of Ferguson's first-choice defenders ruled out, plus Park Ji-sung and Louis Saha.
It leaves the United chief effectively choosing from 11 outfield players with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the man set to miss out among the experienced stars.
Yet, even without such a major problem to overcome, Ferguson accepts what happened against Roma three weeks ago was one of those experiences that will probably never be repeated.
'It is difficult to think we can get to that standard,' said the Scot. 'That was a once-in-a-lifetime result.
'But, with the players we have, we should still expect a very good performance.
'The players want to reach a high level because of the quality of our opponents. The importance of the occasion demands the best performance to get us through.
'It is not going to be easy but it is never going to be that in the semi-final of this competition.'
With so many defenders out, the emphasis will be on United's superb array of attacking players to get the result required.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes - first and third in the PFA Player of the Year awards on Sunday - plus Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs, will carry United's major threat.
And it is a man Ferguson knows well, Gennaro Gattuso, who will attempt to stop them.
The United boss has followed Gattuso's career with interest since he spent a year at Rangers and the combative World Cup winner went so far as to claim Ferguson tried to buy him when he was at Sampdoria.
'He is a player we have always admired,' said Ferguson. 'He is an excellent footballer who has matured really well at Milan in the last two years.
'When he was younger he was more aggressive. He still has that Glasgow narkiness but he is also far more mature in his game.'
After dismantling one major foe from Serie A, United meet a true Italian giant in the Champions League semi-finals looking to avenge European Cup defeats at the same stage in 1958 and 1969.
However, the hosts' chances of success have been badly affected by injury with all of Ferguson's first-choice defenders ruled out, plus Park Ji-sung and Louis Saha.
It leaves the United chief effectively choosing from 11 outfield players with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the man set to miss out among the experienced stars.
Yet, even without such a major problem to overcome, Ferguson accepts what happened against Roma three weeks ago was one of those experiences that will probably never be repeated.
'It is difficult to think we can get to that standard,' said the Scot. 'That was a once-in-a-lifetime result.
'But, with the players we have, we should still expect a very good performance.
'The players want to reach a high level because of the quality of our opponents. The importance of the occasion demands the best performance to get us through.
'It is not going to be easy but it is never going to be that in the semi-final of this competition.'
With so many defenders out, the emphasis will be on United's superb array of attacking players to get the result required.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes - first and third in the PFA Player of the Year awards on Sunday - plus Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs, will carry United's major threat.
And it is a man Ferguson knows well, Gennaro Gattuso, who will attempt to stop them.
The United boss has followed Gattuso's career with interest since he spent a year at Rangers and the combative World Cup winner went so far as to claim Ferguson tried to buy him when he was at Sampdoria.
'He is a player we have always admired,' said Ferguson. 'He is an excellent footballer who has matured really well at Milan in the last two years.
'When he was younger he was more aggressive. He still has that Glasgow narkiness but he is also far more mature in his game.'
Bobby Charlton brands Jose 'Senseless' for Penalty Jibes
Sir Bobby Charlton has branded Jose Mourinho 'silly' and 'senseless' for complaining there is one rule for Manchester United and another for Chelsea where penalties are concerned.
Chelsea boss Mourinho was incensed that Manchester United avoided two spot-kicks being awarded against them in the past week, while his own club had a handball appeal rejected at Newcastle on Sunday.
Both Sheffield United and Middlesbrough had what appeared strong claims for penalties waved away in their Premiership trips to Old Trafford, prompting Mourinho to say: 'It looks like there is a rule in football that it is forbidden to give a penalty against Manchester United.'
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday refused to be drawn into a war of words with his Chelsea counterpart but Old Trafford legend and club director Charlton told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It's a little bit silly really.
'Considering he's a very intelligent man, to come out with statements like that is a little bit silly.
'It's a nonsense really. We've played in so many matches this year when we've not had the decisions and they've been quite obvious really.
'But you get on with it, you move on. I thought it was a little bit senseless.It makes good copy for the media and he's obviously a marvellous coach. But sometimes, really, I think some of the statements are quite unnecessary.'
Chelsea boss Mourinho was incensed that Manchester United avoided two spot-kicks being awarded against them in the past week, while his own club had a handball appeal rejected at Newcastle on Sunday.
Both Sheffield United and Middlesbrough had what appeared strong claims for penalties waved away in their Premiership trips to Old Trafford, prompting Mourinho to say: 'It looks like there is a rule in football that it is forbidden to give a penalty against Manchester United.'
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday refused to be drawn into a war of words with his Chelsea counterpart but Old Trafford legend and club director Charlton told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It's a little bit silly really.
'Considering he's a very intelligent man, to come out with statements like that is a little bit silly.
'It's a nonsense really. We've played in so many matches this year when we've not had the decisions and they've been quite obvious really.
'But you get on with it, you move on. I thought it was a little bit senseless.It makes good copy for the media and he's obviously a marvellous coach. But sometimes, really, I think some of the statements are quite unnecessary.'
Tuesday 24 Apr : Today's Gossip in Newspaper
Arsenal defender William Gallas is on Real Madrid's hit-list of summer transfers. (Various)
Middlesbrough hope to sign Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davis in a £3m deal. (Various)
Midfielder Zheng Zhi will ask for a move if Charlton are relegated to the Championship. (The Sun)
Crystal Palace striker Dougie Freedman wants a new two-year deal or he will walk away from the club when his contract expires in the summer. (Daily Mirror)
Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres, who has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool, has the Merseyside club's famous 'You'll never walk alone' slogan on the inside of his captain's armband. (The Sun)
Coventry midfielder Colin Cameron will be released at the end of the season because he does not feature in manager Iain Dowie's future plans. (Daily Mirror)
Chelsea are planning a £45m bid for Valencia striker David Villa. (Daily Star).
Manchester City and Everton are vying to sign Cardiff striker Michael Chopra for £4m. (Daily Star)
Ex-France star Zinedine Zidane is ready to come out of retirement to join Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire. (Daily Mirror)
Liverpool say they have not forgotten about Benfica winger Simao Sabrosa since a bid for the winger was rejected in 2005. (Independent)
Sheffield United defender Chris Armstrong is at the centre of a tug-of-war between Scotland and England. (Daily Record)
Hibernian and Dunfermline have sold less than 5000 tickets for their Scottish Cup semi-final. (Daily Record)
Everton are prepared to meet Hibernian's £4m valuation for Scotland midfielder Scott Brown, which could see off the interest from Rangers and Celtic. (The Sun)
American tycoon Stan Kroenke is set to meet the Arsenal board so the directors can listen to his £500m takeover plan. (Daily Mirror)
Chelsea's Didier Drogba says revenge over Liverpool is his side's motive in their Champions League semi-final against the side who knocked them out in 2005. (Daily Mirror)
Liverpool's Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, says the Merseysiders are not fazed by the Stamford Bridge crowd. (Various)
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce fears the club's bid to qualify for Europe could be wrecked by an injury crisis. (The Sun)
Brazilian player Cleberson was booked because he kissed a referee. The Cabofriense defender gave match official Ubiraci Damasio a peck on the cheek after a foul was given against him and after being shown a yellow card, Cleberson said: "I did not know it was against the rules." (The Sun)
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho broke a Uefa two-game touchline ban two seasons ago by being sneaked into his side's dressing room in a laundry basket. (Various)
Portsmouth keeper David James doubts England boss Steve McClaren saw him break the clean sheet record against Aston Villa on television because: "I think there was a documentary on the Discovery Channel at the same time".
Middlesbrough hope to sign Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davis in a £3m deal. (Various)
Midfielder Zheng Zhi will ask for a move if Charlton are relegated to the Championship. (The Sun)
Crystal Palace striker Dougie Freedman wants a new two-year deal or he will walk away from the club when his contract expires in the summer. (Daily Mirror)
Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres, who has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool, has the Merseyside club's famous 'You'll never walk alone' slogan on the inside of his captain's armband. (The Sun)
Coventry midfielder Colin Cameron will be released at the end of the season because he does not feature in manager Iain Dowie's future plans. (Daily Mirror)
Chelsea are planning a £45m bid for Valencia striker David Villa. (Daily Star).
Manchester City and Everton are vying to sign Cardiff striker Michael Chopra for £4m. (Daily Star)
Ex-France star Zinedine Zidane is ready to come out of retirement to join Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire. (Daily Mirror)
Liverpool say they have not forgotten about Benfica winger Simao Sabrosa since a bid for the winger was rejected in 2005. (Independent)
Sheffield United defender Chris Armstrong is at the centre of a tug-of-war between Scotland and England. (Daily Record)
Hibernian and Dunfermline have sold less than 5000 tickets for their Scottish Cup semi-final. (Daily Record)
Everton are prepared to meet Hibernian's £4m valuation for Scotland midfielder Scott Brown, which could see off the interest from Rangers and Celtic. (The Sun)
American tycoon Stan Kroenke is set to meet the Arsenal board so the directors can listen to his £500m takeover plan. (Daily Mirror)
Chelsea's Didier Drogba says revenge over Liverpool is his side's motive in their Champions League semi-final against the side who knocked them out in 2005. (Daily Mirror)
Liverpool's Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, says the Merseysiders are not fazed by the Stamford Bridge crowd. (Various)
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce fears the club's bid to qualify for Europe could be wrecked by an injury crisis. (The Sun)
Brazilian player Cleberson was booked because he kissed a referee. The Cabofriense defender gave match official Ubiraci Damasio a peck on the cheek after a foul was given against him and after being shown a yellow card, Cleberson said: "I did not know it was against the rules." (The Sun)
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho broke a Uefa two-game touchline ban two seasons ago by being sneaked into his side's dressing room in a laundry basket. (Various)
Portsmouth keeper David James doubts England boss Steve McClaren saw him break the clean sheet record against Aston Villa on television because: "I think there was a documentary on the Discovery Channel at the same time".
Sir Alex Disprove Jose Penalty Outburst
Sir Alex Ferguson has responded to Jose Mourinho's outburst over an penalty appeal that Middlesbrough were denied against Manchester United by arguing that John O'Shea touched the ball in his contentious challenge on Lee Dong-Gook.
After seeing that incident pass unpunished, and another by Gabriel Heinze on Luton Shelton in United's defeat of Sheffield United on Tuesday, Mourinho lost his temper yesterday when Chelsea were refused a spot-kick against Newcastle. However, Ferguson said today: "I have looked at Saturday's incident and O'Shea definitely got the ball, there is no doubt about it."
After Middlesbrough were denied a last minute-penalty at Old Trafford on Saturday — Sheffield United believed themselves similarly victimised the previous Tuesday — Mourinho made reference to an alleged handball offence by Stephen Carr in the first half. His intervention may draw interest from the Football Association.
“We are fighting for the Premiership even against new football rules,” the manager said. “One rule is that penalties are not allowed against Manchester United and the other is that Chelsea don’t get penalties. With these new football rules, we are doing well and if someone punishes me for speaking the truth, it is the end of democracy.”
The allegations carried a sinister undertone, although Mourinho denied it. “I’m just speaking about facts,” he said, “not conspiracy, so nobody can punish me. It looks as if it’s forbidden to give a penalty against United or in our favour. If anyone tells me it wasn’t a penalty for Sheffield, a penalty for Middlesbrough or one for us against Newcastle, I will go to my optician.”
Yet the tenth-minute incident involving Carr at St James’ Park was not clear-cut and other statistics cast doubt on Mourinho’s contention. United have had three penalties awarded against them at their own ground — albeit in comfortable victories over Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers — while Chelsea have scored from the spot on five occasions this season.
He was more sanguine about Friday’s statement by Peter Kenyon, the Chelsea chief executive, who said that Mourinho would not be dismissed this summer. Roman Abramovich was on Tyneside to witness a disappointing performance, but Mourinho is still to discuss his future with the club’s owner. One element of friction appears to have been resolved, with Mourinho saying that his backroom staff were to be awarded new contracts and that “no” additions were being imposed upon him. “The story is over,” he said. “I have worked with the board for almost three years. It feels good and we’ll work together for the future.”
After seeing that incident pass unpunished, and another by Gabriel Heinze on Luton Shelton in United's defeat of Sheffield United on Tuesday, Mourinho lost his temper yesterday when Chelsea were refused a spot-kick against Newcastle. However, Ferguson said today: "I have looked at Saturday's incident and O'Shea definitely got the ball, there is no doubt about it."
After Middlesbrough were denied a last minute-penalty at Old Trafford on Saturday — Sheffield United believed themselves similarly victimised the previous Tuesday — Mourinho made reference to an alleged handball offence by Stephen Carr in the first half. His intervention may draw interest from the Football Association.
“We are fighting for the Premiership even against new football rules,” the manager said. “One rule is that penalties are not allowed against Manchester United and the other is that Chelsea don’t get penalties. With these new football rules, we are doing well and if someone punishes me for speaking the truth, it is the end of democracy.”
The allegations carried a sinister undertone, although Mourinho denied it. “I’m just speaking about facts,” he said, “not conspiracy, so nobody can punish me. It looks as if it’s forbidden to give a penalty against United or in our favour. If anyone tells me it wasn’t a penalty for Sheffield, a penalty for Middlesbrough or one for us against Newcastle, I will go to my optician.”
Yet the tenth-minute incident involving Carr at St James’ Park was not clear-cut and other statistics cast doubt on Mourinho’s contention. United have had three penalties awarded against them at their own ground — albeit in comfortable victories over Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers — while Chelsea have scored from the spot on five occasions this season.
He was more sanguine about Friday’s statement by Peter Kenyon, the Chelsea chief executive, who said that Mourinho would not be dismissed this summer. Roman Abramovich was on Tyneside to witness a disappointing performance, but Mourinho is still to discuss his future with the club’s owner. One element of friction appears to have been resolved, with Mourinho saying that his backroom staff were to be awarded new contracts and that “no” additions were being imposed upon him. “The story is over,” he said. “I have worked with the board for almost three years. It feels good and we’ll work together for the future.”
Monday, April 23, 2007
Eric Cantona : Roy Keane Is a Good Competitor for Fergie
Manchester United legend Eric Cantona believes Roy Keane has the credentials to become a long-term contender for the Old Trafford manager's job.
Cantona, who played alongside Keane, now Sunderland manager, at United, pinpointed the similarities between Sir Alex Ferguson and his former captain.
'It is important that [Ferguson`s eventual succesor] is somebody who knows how the club works, he needs to be very strong mentally and a strong person and Roy Keane is one of those,' Cantona told Sky Sports.
Cantona, now 40, won four Premiership titles at Old Trafford and is widely seen as playing a talismanic role in the revival of a club, where he still holds iconic status.
However, the Frenchman does not see Ferguson bowing out just yet.
'Ferguson keeps himself young and needs football to stay young and football needs him,' he added.
Cantona, who played alongside Keane, now Sunderland manager, at United, pinpointed the similarities between Sir Alex Ferguson and his former captain.
'It is important that [Ferguson`s eventual succesor] is somebody who knows how the club works, he needs to be very strong mentally and a strong person and Roy Keane is one of those,' Cantona told Sky Sports.
Cantona, now 40, won four Premiership titles at Old Trafford and is widely seen as playing a talismanic role in the revival of a club, where he still holds iconic status.
However, the Frenchman does not see Ferguson bowing out just yet.
'Ferguson keeps himself young and needs football to stay young and football needs him,' he added.
Cristiano Ronaldo Intends to Improve after PFA Double
Cristiano Ronaldo intends to take his game to another level after scooping both the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year awards.Not since Andy Gray won each of the coveted accolades 30 years ago has one player dominated the voting of his fellow professionals in such fashion.Ronaldo, 22, has been in awesome form for Manchester United as the Red Devils remain on course for a Barclays Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League treble.His achievement is all the more remarkable given the negative press he received after England's demise in the World Cup last year.The Portuguese winger declared it was a 'big honour' to be singled out by his peers - but does not intend to rest on his laurels.Ronaldo said: 'I want to keep working hard and getting better because these trophies have now given me more motivation.'At this moment, I am consistent. I am more mature now and I am playing better.'This great team has helped me as well, because when the team win it is more easy for us all to play with more confidence.'Everything is right this season and I am really enjoying it.'Ronaldo, who on accepting his main accolade from United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, declared the best was yet to come from him this season, added: 'I am still young and I am learning more every day.'I have much time to learn more and improve myself.'I try to improve all aspects of my football - not only in training but also in games.'Fellow United midfielder Paul Scholes finished third in the voting for the senior award, with Chelsea striker Didier Drogba second.United's Ryan Giggs had also made the shortlist for player of the year, along with Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and last year's winner Steven Gerrard of Liverpool.Fabregas was runner-up in the young player category with Tottenham and England's Aaron Lennon claiming third.Among the other nominees were Ronaldo's Old Trafford team-mate, England striker Wayne Rooney, Reading forward Kevin Doyle, 23, and 18-year-old defender Micah Richards of Manchester City.It was Manchester United who took centre stage at a gala dinner held at the Grosvenor House hotel last night - with eight of their players making it into the Premier League team of the year and manager Sir Alex Ferguson being honoured with the PFA Special Merit Award.Ferguson paid tribute to his multi-talented young winger, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon in a £12.2million deal in August 2003.The United boss said: 'When we saw him play in a pre-season friendly for Sporting against us, at half-time I knew we had to get him and I said to [then chief executive] Peter Kenyon 'we are not leaving the stadium until we get the boy'.'At this moment in time, I think he is the best player in the world and his season has been incredible.'
Ferguson Orders Cristiano Ronaldo to Cut down on Training
Ronaldo, who was last night became the first man in 30 years to win both the main prize and the young player award from his peers, is a key figure in Manchester United's treble bid.Sir Alex Ferguson has ordered Cristiano Ronaldo to cut back on his practice to prevent the PFA Player of the Year burning himself out.With so many defenders injured, and both Park Ji-sung and Louis Saha sidelined as well, there will be even more pressure on the 22-year-old to deliver over the final weeks of the campaign.And Ferguson is anxious the winger does not extend himself too much on the training ground.'You have to drag Cristiano off the training pitch sometimes because he likes to practice so much,' said Ferguson.'It is part of his but maybe he overdid it a little last week.'We are trying to preserve his energies for the important games, so we are going to have to cut back on his practice.'He really has been carrying the banner for us for a long time now but we are really down on players now so there is a big onus on the boy.'Although Ronaldo has been below par in United's last two games by his own high standards, his confidence should be be boosted by the two goals he scored in the seven-goal rout of Roma in the last round.His performance that night in particular drew comparisons with legends such as Pele and Diego Maradona from team-mate Patrice Evra.At the time, Ferguson did little to dissuade anyone from the view he could reach that standard, although the Scot now admits it is slightly over the top.'Cristiano has this new publicity comparing him with Pele and Maradona. Of course it is ridiculous because he is only 22,'said Ferguson.'He has a lot to go before he can be considered at that level. He has to play consistently in European games and also World Cup games before you can judge how great he is.'But that is all in front of him.'At this moment he is the best player in the world and I don't say that lightly because there are so many fantastic players around.'His season has been incredible, 21 goals from a winger is exceptional. His position in the game at this moment is very high.'
Champions League : Ferguson Is Ready for Milan
Ferguson is facing the unhappy prospect of tackling the six-time winners without his entire first-choice defence at Old Trafford.
In addition, Park Ji-Sung and Louis Saha are also ruled out, leaving the United boss with only a 13-man senior squad to choose from, a group that includes two goalkeepers in Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak.
Yet, Ferguson is refusing to dwell on such a disastrous position.
And, with attacking talent such as new PFA Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney to call on, the United boss remains confident his side can get a positive result which would leave them well placed to confirm an all-English final in Italy next week.
"I don't have any fears about it," said Ferguson. "The mood in the camp pleases me.
"At this time of year, you are always looking for signs of nerves and, while we have concerns about the injuries, I don't see any nerves.
"It is not going to be an easy, but the name of the game in these situations is to win and not lose a goal.
"That is our plan and, if we can achieve it, it would be a massive result for us."
With Patrice Evra fit enough only for a place on the bench, Ferguson has little option other than to name Darren Fletcher at right-back.
John O'Shea will partner Wes Brown in the middle and, with Kieran Richardson missing too, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to be the only outfield player on a seven-man bench who has even appeared in the Barclays Premiership this season.
Contrast that with the vast experience in the visiting line-up and it is little wonder Milan are now favourites to complete a hat-trick of semi-final successes over the Red Devils, having also beaten them in 1958 and 1969.
In addition, United suffered at the Rossoneri's hands at the first knockout stage two years ago, while the last of Milan's six triumphs in the competition came at Old Trafford in 2004.
In fact, the only member of Ferguson's squad who has enjoyed any kind of notable success against Milan is Edwin van der Sar, who was part of the Ajax side who beat the Serie A giants in the 1995 final.
"It is a long time ago now but there are similarities in the two seasons," said the veteran Dutchman.
"We are good enough to win this competition, you cannot hide the fact.
"But you could say that about all four semi-finalists. From now on, everybody has to be at their best and show it on the pitch."
Bizarrely, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has offered his own tactical insight into the contest, arguing Milan coach Carlos Ancelotti would be well-advised to pitch legendary defender Paulo Maldini into direct conflict with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The battle is unlikely to materialise given 39-year-old Maldini now operates in the heart of Milan's defence, whereas Ronaldo will be stationed on the right of United's midfield.
However, there is genuine intrigue over who will emerge triumphant between United's youth and Milan's experience, with Ferguson believing Maldini loses nothing, despite his age.
"Paulo Maldini is one of my favourite European players of the last 15 years," enthused Ferguson.
"I watched him in the quarter-final against Bayern Munich and he went through the entire 90 minutes without making a tackle, which is an art form itself.
"He is 39 now but he must still be at the top of his game because there is no way a club of Milan's size can afford to carry anyone because he has had such a great past.
"Sometimes, I look at my own team and wish we had more experience in certain situations. But equally I get encouraged by the hope and the future of the younger players who, in particular games, can really excite people.
"Paulo Maldini will leave a legacy for young players like Rooney and Ronaldo but it is very difficult to say what is best at this moment in time."
In addition, Park Ji-Sung and Louis Saha are also ruled out, leaving the United boss with only a 13-man senior squad to choose from, a group that includes two goalkeepers in Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak.
Yet, Ferguson is refusing to dwell on such a disastrous position.
And, with attacking talent such as new PFA Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney to call on, the United boss remains confident his side can get a positive result which would leave them well placed to confirm an all-English final in Italy next week.
"I don't have any fears about it," said Ferguson. "The mood in the camp pleases me.
"At this time of year, you are always looking for signs of nerves and, while we have concerns about the injuries, I don't see any nerves.
"It is not going to be an easy, but the name of the game in these situations is to win and not lose a goal.
"That is our plan and, if we can achieve it, it would be a massive result for us."
With Patrice Evra fit enough only for a place on the bench, Ferguson has little option other than to name Darren Fletcher at right-back.
John O'Shea will partner Wes Brown in the middle and, with Kieran Richardson missing too, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to be the only outfield player on a seven-man bench who has even appeared in the Barclays Premiership this season.
Contrast that with the vast experience in the visiting line-up and it is little wonder Milan are now favourites to complete a hat-trick of semi-final successes over the Red Devils, having also beaten them in 1958 and 1969.
In addition, United suffered at the Rossoneri's hands at the first knockout stage two years ago, while the last of Milan's six triumphs in the competition came at Old Trafford in 2004.
In fact, the only member of Ferguson's squad who has enjoyed any kind of notable success against Milan is Edwin van der Sar, who was part of the Ajax side who beat the Serie A giants in the 1995 final.
"It is a long time ago now but there are similarities in the two seasons," said the veteran Dutchman.
"We are good enough to win this competition, you cannot hide the fact.
"But you could say that about all four semi-finalists. From now on, everybody has to be at their best and show it on the pitch."
Bizarrely, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has offered his own tactical insight into the contest, arguing Milan coach Carlos Ancelotti would be well-advised to pitch legendary defender Paulo Maldini into direct conflict with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The battle is unlikely to materialise given 39-year-old Maldini now operates in the heart of Milan's defence, whereas Ronaldo will be stationed on the right of United's midfield.
However, there is genuine intrigue over who will emerge triumphant between United's youth and Milan's experience, with Ferguson believing Maldini loses nothing, despite his age.
"Paulo Maldini is one of my favourite European players of the last 15 years," enthused Ferguson.
"I watched him in the quarter-final against Bayern Munich and he went through the entire 90 minutes without making a tackle, which is an art form itself.
"He is 39 now but he must still be at the top of his game because there is no way a club of Milan's size can afford to carry anyone because he has had such a great past.
"Sometimes, I look at my own team and wish we had more experience in certain situations. But equally I get encouraged by the hope and the future of the younger players who, in particular games, can really excite people.
"Paulo Maldini will leave a legacy for young players like Rooney and Ronaldo but it is very difficult to say what is best at this moment in time."
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