Thursday, 10 April 2014

Guardiola proud of Bayern

Guardiola proud of Bayern

Guardiola proud of Bayern

Posted: 09 Apr 2014 09:47 PM PDT

The Bundesliga champions came from behind to claim a 3-1 win in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg, completing a 4-2 victory on aggregate. Guardiola said his side deserved their spot in the semi-finals, hailing them for proving too good for a defensive United outfit. Its not easy to play against eight players in the box, that happened in Manchester too, and we decided to try to create a little bit of passing in the middle, the Spaniard said. Quickly going to the (likes of) Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery and create the crosses. Manchester defend, Chelsea defend well, Arsenal defend well, the flankers, the crosses. At the end after 1-1, we played much, much better and deserved naturally to be in the semi-finals. Patrice Evras stunning 57th-minute opener gave United a shock lead, but Bayern hit back almost immediately through Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic. Guardiola said he had no time to adjust his tactics in between Evras opener and Mandzukics opener, and Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben finished off the tie. The former Barcelona coach said all the other semi-finalists Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea had plenty of quality. Every team has its qualities, Guardiola said. Real Madrid has an outstanding team, a lot of great players and they also have a lot of ball possession with (Xabi) Alonso, (Luka) Modric and so on. Atletico Madrid have such passion. They are in this situation for the first time. The fans they have and how they support them at the moment, its unbelievable. It wouldnt be easy to play against them. And Chelsea is an English team with a lot of experience - with (Petr) Cech, (Branislav) Ivanovic, (John) Terry and (Frank) Lampard, plus they have a coach (Jose Mourinho) with a lot of experience as well.

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Forlan urges Suarez to sign for Man United

Posted: 09 Apr 2014 05:57 PM PDT

Suarez is set to play UEFA Champions League football at Anfield next season after scoring 29 goals to put the club on the verge of their first Premier League title in 24 years, but it has not prevented talk of a possible off-season switch. His goalscoring exploits have attracted interest from Manchester City, who are reportedly preparing a big-money offer, though director Ian Ayre was quick to play down a potential departure in an interview with BBC Radio Five this week. However, Forlan, who scored 17 goals during his three-season spell at Old Trafford, believes a move to the red side of Manchester would be the best decision for his career. That is despite United languishing in seventh position, seven points adrift of the final Champions League spot. "We spoke a few days ago," the 34-year-old Cerezo Osaka striker was quoted as saying in Brazilian sports paper Lance!. "He asked me if I think he should stay at Liverpool. "All I told him was to think about going to Manchester United. I know he loves Liverpool, the fans and the city. "But I think the best thing for his career would be to move to Old Trafford." If Suarez was to make the switch to Old Trafford, he would be the first player to transfer between the two clubs since Phil Chisnall in 1964. Former United defender Gabriel Heinze came close to signing for Liverpool in 2007 before he eventually joined Real Madrid.

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Moyes hints at new Man United signings

Posted: 09 Apr 2014 03:08 PM PDT

United were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, as they fell to defeat against Bayern Munich. After an inconsistent campaign in the Premier League they look unlikely to qualify for the competition again next season, with fourth-placed Arsenal currently seven points ahead in the Premier League with five games remaining. Moyes has come under pressure from sections of the Old Trafford crowd in recent weeks, but he remains adamant that he will continue with the job he took on from Alex Ferguson and revealed that work is already under way to bring new faces in to the club. And the Scot was insistent that failure to secure a place in Europe's top competition would not deter top-quality players from joining them. "The club have never had any problem (about the Champions League), they've always been looking to spend the right money on the right players if they are available, it had nothing to do with Champions League football," he told Sky Sports following defeat in Munich. "And any players we've quietly discussed with are more than happy to join Manchester United. "As I say, I think there are ones who have quietly… somebody might have had a quiet word in their ear, they've all been keen to come because here it'll be a short thing, not a long thing, and they're all very keen to join such a great club."

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Moyes rues schoolboy error in Bayern loss

Posted: 09 Apr 2014 02:46 PM PDT

United took the lead in their quarter-final second leg at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday through Patrice Evra's thunderbolt strike, a goal that gave Moyes' men the lead on aggregate and cancelled out Bayern's away goal from the first leg. But Bayern responded within 22 seconds of the restart to level through Mario Mandzukic, the Croatian getting ahead of Evra to head home Franck Ribery's cross. That was the impetus that the defending champions needed and Pep Guardiola's side went on to secure a 3-1 win on the night, 4-2 on aggregate, as Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller added the second and third. And while Moyes was proud of his team's performance, he conceded that allowing Bayern to equalise so quickly was a costly error. "I am pleased with their (the players') performance, but a couple of small errors cost us in the end," he said. "The 30 seconds after we scored the first goal is poor, as a schoolboy you are told not to concede a goal straight away after scoring. "We conceded too quickly. It's always going to be tough, but after the first goal you need to give five or 10 minutes (without conceding). "I don't know if the concentration went after the goal, but we had enough experience on the pitch to do that. "I never thought we were out of the game, we needed to score one more goal but obviously the third one killed us." Defeat ends any hopes United had of lifting a trophy this season, and with their inconsistent form in the Premier League they may not to make the competition next term. "We've not got (the) Champions League (next season) but I believe it is not far away," he added. "Hopefully it will only be one year (away) where we have to rebuild. "My focus now is on getting this team back in the competition. "There is no shame in losing to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. We played really well and showed the qualities we've got."

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Robben relieved to survive Man United scare

Posted: 09 Apr 2014 02:40 PM PDT

The defending European champions booked their place in a third consecutive semi-final with a 3-1 victory in Munich on Wednesday, progressing 4-2 on aggregate. After controlling possession throughout the first half the hosts were shocked into life when Patrice Evra's thunderous left-foot drive put United ahead. Bayern immediately responded with a goal 22 seconds after the restart through Mario Mandzukic, before Thomas Muller and Robben finished the job. "We played well in the first half," the Netherlands international said."(But) the first 10 to 15 minutes of the first half was a disaster. "We were so slow and you can't do that in the Champions League because you will be punished - and we were. "The goal was a wake-up call, because we went on to score three goals. "Our goal is to reach the final. We will get one more opponent and our task is to beat them." Fellow goalscorer Muller felt the Bundesliga champions had done enough to progress to the last four, and praised the way they responded to Evra's strike. "It was a very intense evening," he said. "Thankfully we managed to score the equaliser right after Manchester took the lead. "I think we deserved to progress. "It took some patience but thankfully we managed to do enough in the end." Bayern are joined in the semi-finals of this season's competition by Atletico Madrid after they eliminated Barcelona, while Chelsea and Real Madrid booked their places on Tuesday.

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UEFA Champions League: Bayern 3 Man United 1

Posted: 09 Apr 2014 01:42 PM PDT

A 1-1 draw in Manchester last week meant United claimed a shock aggregate lead at the Allianz Arena when Patrice Evra hit a stunning 57th-minute strike. The goal awoke Bayern from their slumber though, and Mario Mandzukic quickly levelled proceedings. And Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben also netted as three goals in the space of 17 minutes sealed a 4-2 aggregate victory for Pep Guardiola's side. Bayern have now reached the semi-finals of Europe's premier club competition for the third season in a row. The result signals an end to United's hopes of winning a trophy this season – something that has not happened since the 2004-05 campaign. Mandzukic, Muller, Robben, Franck Ribery and Mario Gotze all started for Bayern in an aggressive line-up but it was the visitors who were able to create the first real chance. Darren Fletcher, replacing the injured Marouane Fellaini, created it, playing a long ball forward to Wayne Rooney, who controlled on the edge of the penalty area. The England international was caught in two minds though, and after missing the chance to find the unmarked Shinji Kagawa to his left, his shot on goal was blocked. United had the ball in the net in the 17th minute, but the goal did not stand with Antonio Valencia drifting into an offside position when converting a Rooney cross. Bayern eventually recovered from their slow start and as expected, dominated possession, but they were frustrated by their opponents, who were happy to sit back and soak up pressure. Clear-cut chances were few and far between, with Ribery and Toni Kroos both missing the target before the break, but the game burst into life after Evra's goal. The left-back ran onto a loose ball and hit a 20-yard left-foot rocket that flew into the top-right corner, an effort that gave Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer no chance. Bayern's reaction was outstanding, though, as they responded within 22 seconds from the restart through Mandzukic. Ribery stood up a cross to the back post and the Croatia forward nipped in front of Evra to head past Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea from six yards. Bayern took the lead for the first time in the tie just nine minutes later, with Robben given too much time to cross on the right, and his low ball was swept home by Muller, who reacted quicker than Nemanja Vidic. Robben then sealed the win with 14 minutes left, as he danced across the edge of the penalty area before shooting into the bottom-left corner, with the help of a Vidic deflection. Substitute Claudio Pizarro had a late chance to extend Bayern's lead even further but his toe-poked effort was easily collected by De Gea. It mattered little though, as Bayern's Champions League defence gathered more pace.

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Gary Pallister: I have a recurring dream about being attacked by crocodiles

Posted: 09 Apr 2014 08:30 AM PDT

Hi Gary. Bryan Robson once told us that he dreamt his alarm clock was an oncoming car and punched it to smithereens. Ever done anything similar? Hmm – I wonder if Robbo had been out the night before? I do have a recurring dream about being attacked by crocodiles, though. I remember once being able to see a crocodile above the door in my bedroom. I was trying to scream, but I couldn't – I was frozen. My missus woke up and somehow broke the spell, but it was so vivid it put the fear of God up me. That's weird. Gary Mabbutt has nightmares about being attacked by lions, while John Barnes has them about being savaged by sharks… It's strange. I'm fascinated by crocodiles and watch all the nature programmes, but I saw one in Disney World once and it sent a shiver through me. Apparently the United lads went to a crocodile farm in South Africa recently. There's no way I'd have gone. My dream might have come true. Have you ever punched a clock? I get angry, but I don't express it by punching clocks. The thing that frustrates me is assembling furniture. I did a bed recently and it drove me mental. The directions are never straightforward. The worst is on Christmas Eve. It'll be 2am, time is running out, and you're stuck there looking at instructions for a doll's house. If you could visit return to any time in history, when would you pick? The age of the dinosaurs. I'd look at these massive creatures roaming the earth and see how ferocious they were. Surely this doesn't tally with your terror of crocodiles? True. I'd have to be in a safe haven while looking upon these beasts. But I'd like to know why they became extinct. It would be research – maybe it could help mankind prepare for armageddon. Good plan. What's your favourite dinosaur? I suppose it's the T-Rex. Top of the food chain, the ultimate predator. Everyone says T-Rex, Gary. What's your second favourite? Pterodactyl – the flying dinosaur. That's quite scary, with its pointy head and massive wingspan. It's almost bat-like, but massive. I'm seeing an ITV show here: Dinosaurs with Gary Pallister. I'd be like Ross from Friends – get a life! Changing tack from palaeontology, would you spend a year dressed as a grandfather clock in return for a superpower? [Long ponder] I do quite fancy being invisible. I'd sneak around everywhere. I'd be in top-secret superpower meetings and the manager's office when he's picking the team, listening in to what people really think of you. I'd be like Harry Potter. But would you don the clock suit to earn it? I think I'd have to say no to that one. They'd put you in the loony bin first. I'm not sure how it would go down in the sponsors' lounge. Sensible. Returning to Bryan Robson, he told us that if he could only drink three liquids for the rest of his life, they'd be Budweiser, white wine and Ribena. He's not thought this through. You need water in there. You can't live off booze and Ribena. Robbo says he can. But isn't Ribena a child's drink? No. I like Ribena. I'll often pick up a carton at the petrol station – get some Vitamin C back into the body. But you need water. I'd go for water, Guinness and Jack Daniel's. Without water you'd be dead in a year… although it would be a fun year. Your name is an anagram of 'gallery art rips'. Ever wanted to destroy a piece of art? Most modern art makes my blood boil. I see a lot of it that I'd happily destroy. And people spend fortunes on this crap. I like a nice painting, but I'm not a big gallery-goer. Finally, what do you wish those boffins would invent? Eternal life, I suppose. Then we could all be like Highlander. Mind you, it sounds good, but maybe it could be a curse – who knows? Forever is a long time. Never a truer word spoken. Thanks for chatting, Gary! Cheers. This interview was originally published in the May 2013 issue of FourFourTwo.

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Agent: Kroos will stay at Bayern until 2015

Posted: 09 Apr 2014 02:04 AM PDT

Reports this season have suggested the 24-year-old playmaker could leave the Allianz Arena, with Premier League side Manchester United – who take on Bayern in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday – touted as a likely destination. However, speaking ahead of Bayern's crucial clash, Kroos' representative Volker Struthrubbished the stories. "For months we've been hearing all kinds of rumours, and we won't comment on them," he toldBild. "But currently I believe that Toni will stay at Bayern at least until 2015." Kroos has made 46 appearances in all competitions this season, racking up three goals and 11 assists. The midfielder is under contract at the Bundesliga giants until summer of 2015.

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Scouted: The elegant defender who will infinitely improve Man Utd or Spurs back-line

Posted: 09 Apr 2014 12:30 AM PDT

The 60-second story Ezequiel Garay swapped the capital of Spain for its Portuguese equivelent in the summer of 2011, joining Benfica after failing to nail down a first-team spot at Real Madrid. The Argentine defender quickly established himself as a reliable and high-quality performer, and has got better and better each season. Garay forms a rock solid defensive partnership with captain Luisão at the heart of Benfica's defence. Both players have been exceptional this season, especially since the turn of the year, with the Eagles shipping a miserly seven goals in 22 games in 2014. And seven is precisely the number of goals Garay has contributed at the other end in 2013/14, including crucial strikes in big games against Porto and Tottenham Hotspur. Constantly linked with a move away from Benfica, the fact the Portuguese club only have 50% ownership of Garay perhaps explains why they have resisted the temptation to cash in a highly sought-after player so far. Why you need to know him A supremely elegant centre-back, it is a pleasure to watch Garay gliding around the pitch. Credit must go to the Argentine for showing humility and a supremely professional attitude after being shown the door by Real Madrid. Rather than dwell on the disappointment, he simply knuckled down and has given magnificent service to Benfica. Truth be told, the move away from the Bernabeu was mutually beneficial for the player and his new club. Even at a club of Real's size, he was too good a player to be a back-up. His committed and classy displays make it a certainty he will be back in one of Europe's major leagues very soon. And at 27-years-old, Garay is at the peak of his powers. Strengths An unflappable defender, his excellent reading of the game, clean tackling and flawless concentration make him an extremely polished and disciplined centre-back. He has averaged four yellow cards a season since joining Benfica three years ago despite being a near ever-present, and has never seen red during that time. As you would expect from someone standing over 6ft 2in, he is extremely strong in the air, an asset he uses to good effect at both ends of the pitch. In addition to being a fine exponent in the art of defending and a potent attacking threat, Garay's raking long-range passes rarely miss their target. Weaknesses Garay is not the fastest of defenders and at times it seems he would benefit from being a little more aggressive. As such, he is best suited alongside a more rugged centre-back partner, as is the case at Benfica with Luisão. They said... Former Benfica captain and Portugal central defender Paulo Madeira: "Garay has been fantastic. People said he was expensive when Benfica bought him, but now they say he was cheap. If Manchester United sign Garay they will be very well served and his absence will be felt by Benfica." Did you know? Ezequiel Garay is one of those players who appears not in the least weighed down by the responsibility of being an elite-level footballer, always playing with a smile on his face. Such a cheerful disposition may not be disconnected to the fact he is married to stunning Spanish model Tamara Gorro. The high-profile couple, who never miss a chance to publicly express their love for each other on Twitter, are expecting their first child this summer. What happens next? Zenit St. Petersburg were reportedly close to signing him in the January transfer window, with the club and player apparently turning down a hugely lucrative offer. Manchester United have long been linked with him, and recently Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest. With just one year left on his contract at the end of the season, it is all but certain Garay will be playing elsewhere come August. "We will have talks to clarify the situation in the summer. With just a year left on Garay's contract it's logical that there will be news," said his agent Rafael Zurro. Talentspotter ratings Shooting 5 • Heading 9 • Passing 7 • Tackling 8 • Pace 5 • Dribbling 5 • Creativity 6 • Work-rate 8

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