Tuesday, 1 April 2014

Guardiola wary of United threat

Guardiola wary of United threat

Guardiola wary of United threat

Posted: 31 Mar 2014 11:07 AM PDT

Holders Bayern are firm favourites for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, despite it being played in Manchester. The Bavarian giants have swept aside all before them this term, with the Bundesliga title already sealed in record time. They have lost just once in 41 outings this term and face a United side who languish seventh in the Premier League and have lost seven home games in all competitions this season. Guardiola is wary of David Moyes side though, and says the firepower at his counterparts disposal - such as Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata - could result in a surprise. He said: Manchester United are one of the worlds best teams. It doesnt matter what situation theyre in right now. Manchester United have good players. These two games could be the best two performances of their season. They can beat us. Guardiola was also asked about the future of midfielder Toni Kroos, who has been linked with a move to United. The 24-year-old is a regular for both club and country but has not agreed to an extension on his contract, which expires in July next year. The Spaniard was keen to refute the talk linking Kroos to Old Trafford, though, and said, extension or no extension, that he will play his football for Bayern next season. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer added Uniteds poor league position does not mean they are ripe for the picking - using the example of Chelsea, who beat the Germans in the 2011-12 UEFA Champions League final despite struggling domestically. We know just how well Manchester United can maintain their focus, Neuer said. The name Manchester United deserves a lot of respect alone. They fought back well against Olympiacos (in the round of 16). Think of Chelsea who finished sixth and went on to win the Champions League - unfortunately. Bastian Schweinsteiger, a key member of Bayerns midfield, shared a similar view. Its something very special to be able to play at Old Trafford, he said. Everyone knows what to expect tomorrowit will be an incredibly difficult game.

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Rummenigge adamant Kroos will stay put

Posted: 31 Mar 2014 09:43 AM PDT

Kroos' contract with the Bundesliga champions expires at the end of next season and has so far not agreed to a new deal. A potential transfer away from the Allianz Arena has been mooted, with Premier League side Manchester United - who face Bayern in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals first leg on Tuesday - linked with the midfielder. The 24-year-old has previously hinted that he would be keen to play in England, but Rummenigge has moved to end the speculation over Kroos' future. "Toni Kroos is sure to play in a Bayern Munich shirt next year as well," Rummenigge said ahead of Bayern's clash at Old Trafford. Kroos has established himself as a regular with Bayern and was a key part of the side that won the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal last season. The Germany international has made 41 appearances in all competitions for Bayern this term, scoring three goals.

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The FourFourTwo Preview: Man United vs Bayern Munich

Posted: 31 Mar 2014 09:02 AM PDT

The lowdown "If I hadn't had success at Aberdeen I definitely couldn't do it," Sir Alex Ferguson commented in 1990 upon winning his first silverware at United after nearly four years in charge. "To be at Manchester United you have got to have real bottle and character… I had to dig deep into my personal resources because when you get a lot of criticism doubts begin to creep into your own mind." If there is one person who can relate to the dark cloud currently following Moyes around like a stray dog, it will be the man sitting in the directors' box, gloomily casting an eye over his chosen one and wondering where it all went wrong. Ferguson's strong conviction that Moyes will get it right is probably 90% responsible for his fellow Scot still being in the dugout today, as the almost universal battering of Everton's former gaffer continues. That 'Moyes out' 'Moyes sacked' 'Moyes joke' and 'Moyes meme' are four of the first five Google suggestions when you type in the United manager's name pretty much sums up their current predicament. And after two absolute pastings at the hands of Manchester City and Liverpool - the first time in history both rivals have done the double over the Red Devils in the same season - it won't be too comforting to see European champions Bayern Munich rocking up to town. Ah, Bayern Munich. Where to begin? Their 7-0 whitewash against Barcelona over two legs of their Champions League semi-final last season represented a passing of the baton of European football dominance from pint-sized Catalan princes to German geniuses and their new brand of "muscular tiki-taka" (whatever that is). Bayern took that baton and haven't looked back since. An incredible 53-game unbeaten league run - 17 games more than any side has managed in Bundesliga history - has seen Pep Guardiola's team wrap up the title in record time with a team that marries tactical strength with hard work, physicality with intelligence and individual brilliance with an almost perfect team ethos. Following on from their treble-winning season, Bayern have added the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and 24th Bundesliga crown, and they arrive at Old Trafford looking to steamroller a hesitant team devoid of confidence and continue their quest to become the first team to win back-to-back Champions Leagues. Anyone who watched the meek and hapless way United folded against Man City might call this Mission Impossible. Then again, we doubt even Tom Cruise would fancy this one. Player to watch: Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich) On the night the outgoing English champions were getting slapped senseless by their next-door neighbours, Bayern were in Berlin, cake-walking their way to the title. Deployed in a central midfield role that has helped revitalise the erstwhile full-back's career, Pep's tactical realigning of the German has been a revelation. Lahm has had a distinguished career in defence, but has shown incredible technique and tactical intelligence in the way he's adapted seamlessly to the challenges of a deep-lying midfielder. Against Hertha Berlin last week Lahm completed 100% of his passes, the full 134/134, on a night when United's starting trio of midfielders Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Tom Cleverley only completed 136 passes between them. Guardiola has two choices at Old Trafford. He may deploy Lahm as a holding midfielder to help grab control of the game centrally, distribute passes and dictate play in his customarily excellent, metronomic fashion. Alternatively, the Spanish sage may wish to revert Lahm to right-back (as he did against Arsenal at the Emirates) and allow him freedom down the right flank to cause mischief while an extra, more offensive midfield option such as Thomas Muller attempts to befuddle United centrally. Given Patrice Evra's first-leg suspension, one imagines Lahm will play centrally and the pacier, more aggressive Rafinha will join forces with Arjen Robben to double-team the inexperienced Alex Buttner. It could get ugly. The managers Moyes has lost 13 games in his first season at United so far. Guardiola has lost 14 games in nearly five years in all competitions. We think that pretty much sums this one up. Best of luck, Moyesie! Facts and figures United have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their 8 Champions League games this season; no side has kept more. Since the 1999 final, United have won just 1 of their 6 CL encounters with Bayern (W1 D2 L3). United have won their last 5 CL matches against German opposition, 2 of which came against Bayer Leverkusen this season. United have scored in each of their last 14 CL meetings with German clubs, but the last one to stop them scoring was Bayern in March 2002. Bayern have won 7 successive CL away games and are unbeaten in their last 9 away from home (W8 D1). Bayern have only failed to score in 1 of their last 27 CL matches, but it came against English opposition (at home to Arsenal in March 2013). More FFT Stats Zone facts FourFourTwo prediction While Moyes has said he sees weaknesses in this Bayern team, it's difficult to envisage United having the personnel or tactical nous to pull off a remarkable result. The United of yesteryear would have been pumped for this one. The United of today has won one of 13 games against the Premier League's top nine. 3-0 Bayern. Man United vs Bayern Munich LIVE ANALYSIS with Stats Zone

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Giggs: Man United are not underdogs against Bayern

Posted: 31 Mar 2014 08:58 AM PDT

After an inconsistent season, the challenge ahead of United is a daunting one given reigning European and German champions Bayern's stunning form this season, but player-coach Giggs does not feel Pep Guardiola's side are necessarily favourites for Tuesday's clash at Old Trafford. Premier League champions United have lost seven games at home in all competitions this term, while Bayern have lost just once in 41 outings. However, Giggs was bullish about the Old Trafford outfit's prospects of springing a surprise. "We don't see ourselves as underdogs," said the Welshman on Monday. "We see ourselves as Manchester United, playing at home in the Champions League. "These are two huge clubs with two great histories, two teams who have played football the right way." Giggs was also quick to deny reports his rapport with manager David Moyes was beginning to feel the strain over his lack of first-team action, and insisted he was prepared to wait for his opportunity. "The relationship is good, there is no problem with the manager," he added. "I know a lot of stuff has been said (in the media) but I don't know where it has come from. "Of course, as a player you want to play all the time but I know I'm not going to play every game. The last time I played (against Olympiacos) was my first start in six or seven weeks but we have a lot of players to choose from. "You've seen from the performance against Olympiacos that I'm always ready to play. That's what you have to do, not sulk because you're not playing. "You've got to be ready to play for the team and I was."

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Moyes insists United ready for Bayern tie

Posted: 31 Mar 2014 07:21 AM PDT

United's inconsistent season has seen them tumble out of contention in domestic competitions, but Moyes' men remain in Europe, albeit with a tough task against the defending champions in the quarter-finals. A 4-1 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday lifted spirits around Old Trafford after crushing recent defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool. And Moyes is relishing the Bayern clash ahead of the first leg in Manchester on Tuesday. While United have defensive concerns over Rafael da Silva and Patrice Evra, Moyes thinks there is still belief within his squad that they can go into the return game in Germany with an advantage. "It's been a very good competition for us so far in my short time here, and now we've got the ultimate test in Bayern Munich," said Moyes on Monday. "I think the pressure is equally balanced because we want to win the game as much as they do. "We go into the game knowing, on our day, we are as good a side as any. We have to show it more often but I have got great belief in the players. "I get the feeling all the players want to play. "In training, their attitude suggests they all want to play in the big games and this is a big game. "It's an obvious thing to say but it's a two-legged tie and we have to make sure both games are important. "We're mindful we want to go to Germany with every opportunity to go through so there's always a bit of caution in the first leg. "But we'd love to go to Germany with a win under our belts because it would set us up nicely." The two sides have not faced each other since meeting in the last eight of the 2009-10 Champions League, when Bayern progressed on away goals following a 4-4 draw on aggregate.

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Facts: Which drop-dodging loanee completed all 12 of his tackles this weekend?

Posted: 31 Mar 2014 03:30 AM PDT

Our dear friends at Opta have been busy collating the standout statistics from a potentially pivotal weekend of top-flight action in England. The lead changed hand for a 20th time this season as Liverpool climbed to the summit with their latest romp against Tottenham; an eighth straight success for the Reds. Brendan Rodgers' side were able to capitalise on Chelsea losing away from home again, this time at Crystal Palace, while Manchester City dropped two points at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal fought back to earn a draw. Analyse all of this weekend's games yourself by getting stuck into Stats Zone, in-app or online at www.fourfourtwo.com/statszone Man United 4-1 Aston Villa The first 4 shots on target in this match all resulted in goals. Villa conceded a round-high 16 fouls in this match. Michael Carrick didn't misplace a pass (20/20) in his 45 minutes of action. Crystal Palace 1-0 Chelsea No side had more shots off target than Chelsea this weekend (10). Palace made a round-high 61 clearances in this game. Southampton 4-0 Newcastle Newcastle didn't attempt a shot of any kind (inc. blocked) in this match until the 52nd minute. Southampton had more shots (23) than any other side this weekend. Stoke 1-0 Hull Hull attempted just 5 shots (including blocked) in this game – their lowest figure in a PL match this season. Stoke made more unsuccessful passes (109) than any other side this weekend. Swansea 3-0 Norwich Swansea completed more passes (465) than any other side this weekend. Swansea made just 2 flick-ons in this match, the fewest of any side. West Brom 3-3Cardiff 48% of West Brom's passes were in the attacking third, the highest ratio of any side this weekend. Arsenal 1-1 Man City Arsenal attempted 10 shots (including blocked) in this match – 9 of which came in the second half. Santi Cazorla was the only player with 100+ touches this weekend (105). Fulham 1-3 Everton Everton have scored the highest percentage of second half goals in the PL this season (71%). Everton managed a round-high 39 touches in the Fulham box in this game. Lewis Holtby won 12/12 tackles in this game, both round-high figures. Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham Liverpool had the best pass-completion rate this weekend of 87%. Spurs were the only side not to make a successful cross from open play this weekend.

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Larsson demands action against hooliganism

Posted: 30 Mar 2014 11:15 PM PDT

Hooliganism reared its ugly head on the opening day of the Allsvenskan season after a Djurgarden fan was assaulted on the way to a game. The 40-year-old was treated at the scene before he was taken to a Helsingborg hospital, where he died of head injuries. The match between Helsingborg and Djurgarden went ahead until it was abandoned late in the opening half as news of the fan's death filtered through. Larsson, a 106-cap hero for the Swedish national team between 1993 and 2009, has demanded action in the fight against hooliganism. "What the hell are we doing? I mean, we're supposed to be going to football," the former Celtic, Barcelona and Manchester United striker told Swedish TV station CMore. "Now there is a mother and a father sitting at home, crying their eyes out. It's awful. "We need to get rid of it from Swedish football." It is the second time this year a Swedish club has been involved in an altercation with an opposing team after Djurgarden's friendly match against Germany's Union Berlin in January was abandoned due to riots inside the stadium. The match was initially delayed in the Swedish capital after both sets of fans invaded the pitch, tossing flares across the stadium, before the game ended in the 74th minute.

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Buttner: I can get the better of Robben

Posted: 30 Mar 2014 10:43 PM PDT

David Moyes' United are being given little chance of upsetting Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, with the first leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday. With regular left-back Patrice Evra suspended, Buttner is expected to be given the big job of minimising Robben's impact. The Dutch full-back is excited about the prospect despite facing arguably the world's best player. "I feel confident about playing them. I know what Arjen Robben can do and I'm ready for him. I've watched him so I know how he plays," Buttner said. "I've never played against him before and I haven't watched videos or anything like that to study him, but I know enough from what I've seen to know how he plays the game. "He's very good one against one, especially when he comes inside. I have to focus on that game and be confident in my own quality. I know I can get the better of him. "It's not under discussion how good he is, we all know that, but this kind of big game is why you play football. It's what it's all about." Buttner is unlikely to remain at United beyond this season and the 25-year-old is eager to show what he is capable of against Bayern. "It's a big game on Tuesday, but it's a chance for me to show what I can do," he said. "It's been vital for me to get the two matches, because it would have been difficult not to play and that to have to face a big game like Bayern. "I probably still need a bit more, but two games should be OK. After that I hope I can get even more matches."

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