We have some snippet of what is expected from the champions league semi-final games.
Speaking to press about the champions league clash with Schalke.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he would relish facing Real Madrid in the Champions League final but is staying focussed on the game against Schalke first.
“From the moment the draw was made, I thought Real had a big chance, I really did”.
“I think that 5-0 defeat Real suffered against Barcelona would have hurt Mourinho deeply and he won’t be getting beaten like that again, that’s for sure.
“Since then, Real have played Barcelona twice, drawing one and winning the other. For that match, the Copa del Rey final, he put Pepe, normally a centre-back, in midfield and they really got wired in to Barcelona.
“Ronaldo’s header to win the game was fantastic but I have seen him do that before. It was a little similar to the one he scored for us against Roma in Italy.
“I thought maybe the goalkeeper could have done better, but the spring and the power he got – it came from the spine, not the neck.
“He was a threat all night, running behind them. I’m not sure it’s a case of relishing playing against him in the final but the best way to look at it is that I hope we are there.
“Then we can look at it and decide how we feel. I don’t want to be complacent, we want to get to the final first.”
Victor Valdes – victory depends on the type of referee
“We are a team with players who are winners and we want to repeat the triumphs with Barcelona. So, we just have to keep going, and go all out against Real Madrid.
“We know what can happen against Real Madrid. We must take what comes, and it may depend a lot on the referee whether we can play our game or not. But we’re not obsessed about these things.”
Valdes then went on to say that Barcelona should just try and play their own game if they are to be successful.
“We have to do our thing and play the game that suits us. The key will be ball possession, and we have to pass, and pass, until we get a chance on goal.”
“Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are players for whom I have an enormous admiration. What we have in common is that we love this profession. Football is our lives. They are great professionals who look after themselves and who train properly.
“For Giggs to still be playing at this level at 37 years of age is incredible. I would love to swap shirts with Giggs after the game. It would be
a great honour to have that shirt.”
The former Spain international then went on to explain that his move to Schalke last summer has allowed him to solely focus on playing football again.
“I am more relaxed now. At Real Madrid, I had a lot more responsibilities. Now I don’t have to worry about anything else, I can concentrate on getting on with my team-mates, training and playing.
“My life has always been about playing and all the rest of it did not really interest me. I came to realise that when you don’t do those other
things, you save your energy for what counts and what you really love to do, which is playing. Then your career goes that bit longer.”
“I think we are underdogs, yes,” Metzelder said, according to The Telegraph.
“United have so much experience in the Champions League, playing quarter-finals or semi-finals every year.
“United will be more confident of going to London than if they had faced Barcelona or Madrid.”
“I am happy that our work is paying off and that people want to take the same direction that I want to take. I am always calm and I do not want
to lose ambition. We are not just here for one year, but rather a lot more time. I feel better working for Real Madrid each day that goes by.
Any news coming out of Italy is false and I want to continue working peacefully. We will be here this coming preseason to continue working. My teams are always better in the second season and I will work hard to ensure it happens here. I am certain that Real Madrid will be better in the second season.”
Injured players
“Having an injured player is always bad news for a team and a coach. We are upset that Khedira is hurt, but to say that he is done for the season is absurd. He cannot play tomorrow and I can all but guarantee he won’t play on Wednesday either. He will miss both matches, but we hope he can return as quickly as possible.”
“Lass missed Wednesday’s match and Granero played 20 good minutes. Granero always responds well. We are upset that we don’t have Khedira, but that is how our team is built and we will have an answer for his absence.”
“Barcelona is a fantastic team that has won a lot, but they are not the champions of Europe. They are champions of Spain and they have a good chance to repeat. Just because they lost doesn’t mean they are bad. I am stable in both good times and bad and I know we need to remain calm. We won an historic Cup against a very worthy adversary. What I will remember most, though, is our fantastic road to the title because we beat complicated teams like one of this season’s greats, Levante; the runner-up, Atletico; and the champion, Sevilla.
I will also remember the warm embrace from the president.”
Bolton 2 – 1 Arsenal : English Premier League (Sunday, April 24, 2011)
On-loan from Chelsea Daniel Sturridge continued his good form with a neat on 38’ minute. Van Persie replied at 48’ minute. Substitute
finished the game off deep in extra time to kill Arsenal’s hope of Premier league crown.
Next Arsenal faces Manchester United.
Valencia 3 – 6 Real Madrid
Video highlights of Real Madrid’s win against Valencia.
Goal Scorers – 3 x Higuain – 2 X Kaka – 1 X Benzema
szólj hozzá: Valencia v Real Madrid longer
Just before half-time, in the pouring rain, Frank Lampard put Chelsea in front against his former club. First half highlights.
With six minutes to go a sodden Stamford Bridge went a bit mental when Fernando Torres scored his first Chelsea goal with a cracking turn and finish.
Florent Malouda added a late third.
First Half Highlights
Fernando Torres Goal
Florent Malouda Goal
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Here’s Fernando Torres first ever Chelsea goal.
Image via Wikipedia
Good morning all…frustrating last night but we must keep fighting…away fans were brilliant last night! Thanks for your support!
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere believes in fighting till last moment. (http://twitter.com/jack_wilshere)
What a game last night, we played good and happy to score again. To bad we didn’t take 3 points. Next up #SpursWestbrom
Tottenham Hotsputs Rafael Van der Vart – views on 3-3 draw with Arsenal
Mourinho’s positive energy makes him a great coach, and we have a trophy to show our success! http://say.ly/pIFgIO
Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo comments after Copa Del- Rey match against Barcelona. (http://twitter.com/cristiano)
Pre match fuel at 9am, pasta + chicken,honey in a yoghurt + a banana…..oooof!!
Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand shows us his daily routine mea before a match (http://twitter.com/rioferdy5)
Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira is set to return before the end of the season as coach Jose Mourinho has played down concerns after reports suggested he would miss all his club’s remaining fixtures.
German broadcaster ARD and Spain’s AS.com are reporting that the Germany international will play no further part in the season due to the injury he sustained in Wednesday night’s Copa del Rey final win against Barcelona in Valencia.
Real Madrid have not confirmed the news officially, but Mourinho told the press he was stunned to hear talk that his man was out for the rest of term.
Ever eager to avoid mixed messages from the Spanish and German press, the coach clarified the situation.
“The injury to Khedira is important like any other. It’s a limitation for the team and there are players who are hard to replace. It is what it is, bad news, but to say he will not return before the end of the season is absurd,” he said.
“He will not play tomorrow or on Wednesday because there is no miracle in medicine, but we hope he is back soon.”
Madrid are expected to examine the player on Saturday to further diagnose the problem. Their official website said on Friday that Khedira did not take part in the training session ahead of tomorrow’s game at Valencia.
