Harry Redknapp is praying he does not lose Tom Huddlestone for Tottenham's Champions League double-header against Inter Milan after UEFA subjected the midfielder to trial by television.
Sunday, 19 June 2011
Redknapp fears Huddlestone woe
Harry Redknapp is praying he does not lose Tom Huddlestone for Tottenham's Champions League double-header against Inter Milan after UEFA subjected the midfielder to trial by television.
FC Zurich v Real Madrid
Ronaldo returns for Real
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return when Real Madrid open their Champions League campaign at FC Zurich.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return when Real Madrid open their Champions League campaign at FC Zurich.
Arsenal can expect reduced offer for Cesc Fabregas this year says Barcelona president Sandro Rosell
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell tells Arsenal to expect a much reduced bid for Cesc Fabregas this summer.
Carson in England frame - Clemence
Ray Clemence has assured Scott Carson he has not been axed by England boss Fabio Capello but has lost his place in the squad because his goalkeeping rivals are in slightly better form.
Ref chiefs: Attwell made good call
Stuart Attwell was right to award Liverpool their controversial opening goal in today's 2-2 draw against Sunderland, refereeing chiefs said tonight.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/ref-chiefs-attwell-made-good-call-875895404.html
Malouda - Give us credit
Two-goal hero Florent Malouda helped Chelsea move four points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a 4-0 victory over Blackpool at Stamford Bridge but believes they have yet to receive the plaudits they deserve.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/malouda-give-us-credit-517299627.html
Guedioura blow for Wolves
Wolves midfielder Adlene Guedioura could be out for up to six months after fracturing his tibia in Sunday's Barclays Premier League defeat to Aston Villa.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/guedioura-blow-for-wolves-559743081.html
Chelsea in talks with striker Romelu Lukaku
Anderlecht have confirmed for the first time they and Chelsea are in discussions over Romelu Lukaku moving to Stamford Bridge.
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Wenger has faith in Fabianski
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has called on Lukasz Fabianski to repay his faith and prove he is a "world-class goalkeeper" by helping dump north London rivals Tottenham out of the Carling Cup on Tuesday night.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/wenger-has-faith-in-fabianski-849657443.html
Agger: No rift with Hodgson
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger insists he has no issues with manager Roy Hodgson's tactics and will continue to fight for his place in the team.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/agger-no-rift-with-hodgson-695592590.html
Fletcher: We need to concentrate
Darren Fletcher has urged his Manchester United team-mates to cut out the lapses of concentration that are wrecking their bid for Premier League glory.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/fletcher-we-need-to-concentrate-691602341.html
Rangers improve Whittaker offer
Steven Whittaker's agent says Rangers have tabled a "substantially improved offer" to the defender after rejecting three bids from Bursaspor.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/sport2/hi/football/13796210.stm
Saturday, 18 June 2011
Hodgson refusing to get downhearted
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson insists he is no worse a coach now than he was three months ago and that he is currently enduring "a bad moment".Michael Ballack Frank Lampard Steven Gerrard Cristiano Ronaldo
Gillespie declared bankrupt
Former Northern Ireland international Keith Gillespie has been declared bankrupt.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/gillespie-declared-bankrupt-747135727.html
Kuyt apologises for Anfield loss
Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has apologised to the club's fans after the 2-1 defeat to Blackpool at Anfield.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/kuyt-apologises-for-anfield-loss-780021053.html
Rooney: I'm only human
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes he should be allowed to play his way back into form and has defended himself against recent criticism.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/rooney-im-only-human-7837905.html
Zabaleta out of Magpies clash
Roberto Mancini has confirmed Pablo Zabaleta will miss Manchester City's Premier League clash with Newcastle on Sunday.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/zabaleta-out-of-magpies-clash-35079954.html
Arsenal can expect reduced offer for Cesc Fabregas this year says Barcelona president Sandro Rosell
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell tells Arsenal to expect a much reduced bid for Cesc Fabregas this summer.
Houllier backed to succeed at Villa
Gerard Houllier has been backed to bring the glory days back to Aston Villa by the man who served as his personal strategic advisor for four years during his spell in charge of Liverpool.
Pearce: I'm not ready for England
Stuart Pearce insists he has enough on his plate as he tries to steer the England Under-21 team into the European Championships without worrying about who should succeed Fabio Capello.
Friendlies arranged to help Johnson
Fulham have organised a series of friendlies behind closed doors to help striker Andy Johnson get back to full fitness following his eight-month injury lay-off.
Samaras eyes regular start
Georgios Samaras grabbed a hat-trick in the 6-0 thrashing of Inverness at Celtic Park on Wednesday night then claimed he is ready to battle for a place in the team.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/samaras-eyes-regular-start-504049444.html
Collins full of praise for Heskey
James Collins has hailed Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey as "a players' player" who has not received the credit he deserves during his career.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/collins-full-of-praise-for-heskey-227930710.html
Hughton excited by Blues challenge
Chris Hughton has told his Newcastle players they should relish their Carling Cup third-round trip to free-scoring Chelsea.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/hughton-excited-by-blues-challenge-78500441.html
Houston defends formation
Scotland assistant manager Peter Houston offered a robust defence of the 4-6-0 formation used by Craig Levein in Friday's defeat by the Czech Republic claiming it was a "great strategy" which could be repeated in the future.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/houston-defends-formation-525792884.html
Novak Djokovic is ready to put his Wimbledon doubters out to grass | Simon Cambers
It seems remarkable that some people still think the Serb cannot adapt his game to the courts of SW19
Given that Novak Djokovic has recently won two grand slam titles, enjoyed a 43-match winning streak and led his country to Davis Cup glory, it must irk him a little that, when it comes to Wimbledon, many still question whether he can cope with grass.
Having learnt his game on clay in Serbia and perfected it on hard courts, Djokovic would seem to have the perfect game for modern-day grass courts, which are far slower than their equivalents a generation ago. His returns are arguably the best in the world, his serve is vastly improved and his movement, according to Andy Murray, is "unbelievable".
At least Djokovic is in good company. Until Rafael Nadal won the Wimbledon title in 2008 plenty of people felt the Spaniard's game would not translate to grass. Those people have gone pretty quiet of late and the chances are that the Djokovic doubters will have to shut up pretty soon too.
Despite all that, it is probably fair to say that grass might be the hardest surface for the Serb to win on. Having skipped Queen's in order to recover from a knee injury and generally recover his strength after five almost perfect months, Djokovic goes into the Championships with very little match practice on grass.
He looked good in his one grass-court match, a straightforward win over the Frenchman Gilles Simon in an exhibition event this week, but he will need to be on top form from the outset at the All England Club. His first-round opponent, J�r�my Chardy, is more than capable of giving him a rough ride.
But to say that the 24-year-old is vulnerable would surely be to overstate things. If he reaches the final, he will achieve a lifelong dream by becoming the world No1 and, even if he does not make it that far, he will assume top spot if Nadal does not successfully defend his crown.
Djokovic has already proved that he can play on grass, by reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals twice, including last year. And that has been despite the fact that 12 months ago he was struggling with a faulty serve that was letting him down at the biggest moments. In many ways it was his defeat here last year by the Czech Tomas Berdych that prompted Djokovic to take stock.
Without giving details, Djokovic said that he had overcome some "tough periods in my private life" in the middle of last year. After reaching the final of the US Open in September he led Serbia to their first Davis Cup victory and then went on an unbeaten run of 43 matches, sweeping to victory over Murray in the final of the Australian Open and winning six more titles until he was beaten by Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the French Open.
Certainly his peers know that, if he is not the absolute man to beat, he will be a massive danger to their hopes of winning the title. One of Murray's former coaches, Brad Gilbert, who is now a commentator for ESPN, said there was no technical reason why Djokovic should not win.
"Last year when he got to the semis, he wasn't nearly the player that he is now," the American said. "He was really struggling with his serve and his forehand wasn't as dominant. But the guy moves outrageous [sic], like a gazelle, and he's serving so much better this year. It's incredible. His return is off the charts.
"Last year I was surprised he didn't beat Berdych in the semis. I would think that getting to the semi-finals last year will give him the confidence that he can win this event. He's definitely one of the four favourites to win it. There's no question."
Djokovic has played down the importance of the "gluten-free diet" that he has been following recently but the fact is that he looks lean and strong and fitter than ever. His physical strength had been an issue in the past, with allergies affecting him at times in big matches and injuries causing him to retire on more than one occasion at grand slam championships.
But the 2011 version of Djokovic is a different animal and the former world No1 John McEnroe, for one, believes he really will be tough to beat. "I always thought it was a physical thing with him," McEnroe said. "Why can't he breathe? Is it because it is hot? When I saw Novak, he seemed he was in incredible shape but you didn't know if some of his problems were in his head, that they were mental.
"Here last year he should have beaten Berdych but he didn't play a good tactical match. But he's been there. Certainly, if there is ever an example of someone who has made a conscious decision about something, [it is him]. People are saying it is his diet ? if that was all it was I would guarantee [that] everyone on the tour would go on this gluten-free diet."
The former women's Wimbledon champion Chris Evert believes the defeat by Federer at the French Open will probably spur Djokovic on even more.
"I always remember whenever I lost a match going into a major, I was pissed [off]," she said. "It made me so much more determined. Having all that pressure of being undefeated for the whole year and is he going to continue it at Wimbledon? Now the pressure's off. I think that will be a positive for him."
For Djokovic himself it is all about confidence and that is something he is not short of. "This is the highest I've been in the rankings and I'm definitely very satisfied with the way I've played in the last six, seven months," he said. "It has been the best period of my career.
"I'm just trying to keep the momentum, keep playing well. The grass-court season is very short for all of us, so we are trying to get ready for Wimbledon, which is the most important tournament."
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2011/jun/17/novak-djokovic-wimbledon-grass-courts
Ben Arfa set for hospital release
Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa is to leave hospital on Thursday as he begins the process of recovering from his double leg fracture.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/ben-arfa-set-for-hospital-release-170103231.html
Van der Sar slams retirement claims
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has rubbished suggestions he has decided to retire at the end of the season.
Friday, 17 June 2011
Ref chiefs: Attwell made good call
Stuart Attwell was right to award Liverpool their controversial opening goal in today's 2-2 draw against Sunderland, refereeing chiefs said tonight.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/ref-chiefs-attwell-made-good-call-875895404.html
Lennon not critical of defenders
Neil Lennon refused to point the finger at centre-backs Glenn Loovens and Daniel Majstorovic after Celtic had to recover from a ropey opening to beat Hamilton at Parkhead to go top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/lennon-not-critical-of-defenders-392033783.html
Reds confirm two bids
Liverpool have confirmed they have received two offers to purchase the Barclays Premier League Club on a day that also saw owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett attempt to remove two senior figures from the club's board of directors.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/reds-confirm-two-bids-621450694.html
Lampard absence continues
Chelsea will be without midfielder Frank Lampard against Manchester City on Saturday.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/lampard-absence-continues-587359789.html
Ferdinand backs Rooney to star
Rio Ferdinand is backing Wayne Rooney to deliver a top notch performance after his recent problems in England's Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro at Wembley on Tuesday.
McCourt pulls out
Paddy McCourt has lost his fitness battle and pulled out of the Northern Ireland squad to face Italy and the Faroe Islands in Euro 2012 qualifiers.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/mccourt-pulls-out-449901291.html
Michael Ballack Frank Lampard Steven Gerrard Cristiano Ronaldo
Race for Gary Cahill: Arsenal now in pole position ahead of City
Reluctance of Dedyrck Boyata to be makeweight hindering Eastlands bid
Terry still haunted by Moscow miss
Chelsea captain John Terry stands on the brink of a Premier League and FA Cup double insisting it still would not compensate for the hurt of failing to win the Champions League.
Report: Olympiacos v AZ
Torosidis earns Olympiacos win
A headed goal from Vassilis Torosidis got Olympiacos off to a winning start in Champions League Group H on the nig...
A headed goal from Vassilis Torosidis got Olympiacos off to a winning start in Champions League Group H on the nig...
Johnson dismisses form worries
Manchester City winger Adam Johnson has baulked at suggestions his form may have dipped after two eye-catching performances for England.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/johnson-dismisses-form-worries-861549095.html
Attwell 'not dropped'
The Premier League have insisted that referee Stuart Attwell has not been dropped for this weekend's top-flight programme following Saturday's controversial match at Anfield.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/attwell-not-dropped-971687576.html
Liverpool takeover timeline
2004: March - Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is revealed to be interested in buying a stake in the club.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/liverpool-takeover-timeline-859120620.html
Keane impressed by McGeady form
Aiden McGeady's move to Spartak Moscow can help him hit new heights for Ireland, according to his international manager and captain.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/keane-impressed-by-mcgeady-form-504403080.html
Italy match abandoned amid violence
Italy's Euro 2012 Group C qualifier against Serbia was abandoned by UEFA after just six minutes had been played due to crowd disturbances.
City reveal huge losses
Manchester City have swept past Manchester United in the pay league for players, the club's annual report revealed.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/city-reveal-huge-losses-174462720.html
Cardiff given Mackay green light
Cardiff City have been given permission to speak to Watford manager Malky Mackay.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/sport2/hi/football/13680791.stm
Double blow for Wales
Wales midfielder Joe Allen and striker Ched Evans have been ruled out of Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/double-blow-for-wales-224075521.html
Maloney relishing Scotland return
Shaun Maloney hopes to make the move from pub to pitch for Scotland`s Euro 2012 qualifying double-header against the Czech Republic and Spain.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/maloney-relishing-scotland-return-674967288.html
Levein out to exploit weaknesses
Craig Levein claims Scotland can exploit weaknesses in Spain despite branding them the strongest opponents the national team have ever faced.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/levein-out-to-exploit-weaknesses-281965826.html
Ricketts happy with shock results
Bolton defender Sam Ricketts believes last weekend's shock results breathed new life into the Premier League.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/ricketts-happy-with-shock-results-852751136.html
Thursday, 16 June 2011
Everton rally round Fellaini
Everton have defended Marouane Fellaini following criticism of the midfielder's use of the elbow.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/everton-rally-round-fellaini-281165234.html
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