Il Manchester United ha battuto il Milan a San Siro per 3 a 2 nell'andata degli ottavi di finale di Champion's League. Il primo tempo era terminato 1-1. Ricca di spunti la cronaca. I rossoneri passano subito in vantaggio al 3' con Ronaldinho il cui tiro, scheggiato da Carrick, spiazza l'estremo inglese, Van Der Saar. Pari del Manchester al 37' di Scholes servito da Fletcher. Nel secondo tempo, doppietta di Rooney al 21' e 29' di testa prima su cross di Valencia e poi di Fletcher. Ma il Milan non è domo e al 40', Seedorf di tacco in area servito da Ronaldinho realizza il 2-3.Nei minuti finali il Milan sfiora anche il pareggio.A fine gara,Leonardo,allenatore del Milan, non drammatizza:"Possiamo ancora farcela".
Milan-Manchester United 2-3
Reti: 3' Ronaldinho (Mi), 36' Scholes (Ma), 66' e 74' Rooney (Ma), 85' Seedorf (Mi)
MILAN (4-3-3) - Dida; Bonera, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini (37' Favalli); Beckham (72' Seedorf), Pirlo, Ambrosini; Pato, Huntelaar (77' Inzaghi), Ronaldinho. All.: Leonardo.
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-5-1) - van der Sar; Rafael (92' Brown), Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Nani (64' Valencia), Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Park; Rooney. All.: Ferguson.
ARBITRO - Benquerença (Portogallo)
Ammonito: Rooney (Ma) Espulso: Carrick al 93' per somma di ammonizioni
Visualizzazione post con etichetta Manchester united. Mostra tutti i post
Visualizzazione post con etichetta Manchester united. Mostra tutti i post
mercoledì 17 febbraio 2010
lunedì 15 febbraio 2010
Champions League - Milan-Manchester,cresce l'attesa
Cresce l'attesa per la gara di andata degli ottavi di finale di Champions League tra Milan e Manchester United in programma domani sera alle 20.45 a San Siro. Gli inglesi, già a Milano, dovranno fare a meno dell'asso gallese Ryan Giggs e del difensore serbo,Nemanja Vidic,entrambi fuori per infortunio.
Sir,Alex Ferguson ha lasciato a casa anche il centrocampista,Anderson. A far crescere l'attesa anche la presenza tra i rossoneri di David Beckman,ex stella dei Red Devils,del quale il veterano Giggs apprezza lo stile da 'professionista' profetizzando per lui 'tre o quattro anni ancora ad alto livello'. Sotto il testo dell'articolo pubblicato oggi dal 'Sun'.
MANCHESTER UNITED defender Nemanja Vidic will miss Tuesday's Champions League encounter with AC Milan at the San Siro.
Vidic, who has yet to play in 2010 after developing a nerve problem in his leg, remains sidelined so United boss Alex Ferguson must decide whether Jonny Evans or Wes Brown will partner new England skipper Rio Ferdinand.
Veteran Welshman Ryan Giggs is also missing after breaking an arm in last week's draw at Aston Villa.
But the remainder of United's first-team squad, with the exception of midfielder Anderson, made the two-hour trip for a meeting with the seven-time winners European Cup winners.
Manchester United old boy David Beckham is expected to play for the Italians, who have beaten the Premier League champions on all four occasions they have met in a two-legged European tie.
And Giggs believes his old team-mate can still operate at the highest level for another four years. He said: "We are different in the sense he has been in the limelight, front page and back, while I prefer to keep myself to myself.
"But I still speak to him. He has not changed as a person.
"He has always loved football. He has always been dedicated and that is still the same now.
"Like myself, Becks looks after himself.
"He is naturally fit and is a natural athlete, so I am not surprised he is still going at all. In fact I reckon he will keep going for another three or four years."
All those seasons of sharing a dressing room and celebrating honours together came to an abrupt end in 2003 when Beckham left for Real Madrid.
Giggs added: "We had a couple of chances to meet when he was at Real Madrid but it is great that it will finally happen and great for Becks to come back.
"It will be fantastic for the fans to see him again because he was a great player for United and still is a great player for England and Milan — and in America as well."
Sir,Alex Ferguson ha lasciato a casa anche il centrocampista,Anderson. A far crescere l'attesa anche la presenza tra i rossoneri di David Beckman,ex stella dei Red Devils,del quale il veterano Giggs apprezza lo stile da 'professionista' profetizzando per lui 'tre o quattro anni ancora ad alto livello'. Sotto il testo dell'articolo pubblicato oggi dal 'Sun'.
MANCHESTER UNITED defender Nemanja Vidic will miss Tuesday's Champions League encounter with AC Milan at the San Siro.
Vidic, who has yet to play in 2010 after developing a nerve problem in his leg, remains sidelined so United boss Alex Ferguson must decide whether Jonny Evans or Wes Brown will partner new England skipper Rio Ferdinand.
Veteran Welshman Ryan Giggs is also missing after breaking an arm in last week's draw at Aston Villa.
But the remainder of United's first-team squad, with the exception of midfielder Anderson, made the two-hour trip for a meeting with the seven-time winners European Cup winners.
Manchester United old boy David Beckham is expected to play for the Italians, who have beaten the Premier League champions on all four occasions they have met in a two-legged European tie.
And Giggs believes his old team-mate can still operate at the highest level for another four years. He said: "We are different in the sense he has been in the limelight, front page and back, while I prefer to keep myself to myself.
"But I still speak to him. He has not changed as a person.
"He has always loved football. He has always been dedicated and that is still the same now.
"Like myself, Becks looks after himself.
"He is naturally fit and is a natural athlete, so I am not surprised he is still going at all. In fact I reckon he will keep going for another three or four years."
All those seasons of sharing a dressing room and celebrating honours together came to an abrupt end in 2003 when Beckham left for Real Madrid.
Giggs added: "We had a couple of chances to meet when he was at Real Madrid but it is great that it will finally happen and great for Becks to come back.
"It will be fantastic for the fans to see him again because he was a great player for United and still is a great player for England and Milan — and in America as well."
domenica 14 febbraio 2010
Milan-Manchester, i precedenti
I precedenti in Europa tra Milan e Manchester United
Coppa dei Campioni
8.5.1958,
Semifinale - Andata
Manchester United-Milan 2-1
Reti: 24’ Schiaffino (Mi), 39’ Viollet (Ma), 80’ rig. Taylor (Ma)
14.5.1958,
Semifinale – Ritorno
Milan-Manchester United 4-0
Reti: 2’ e 76’ Schiaffino (Mi), 50’ rig. Liedholm (Mi), 68’ Danova (Mi)
23.4.1969,
Semifinale – Andata
Milan-Manchester United 2-0
Reti: 33’ Sormani, 49’ Hamrin
15.5.1969,
Semifinale - Ritorno
Manchester United-Milan 1-0
Reti: 70’ R. Charlton
UEFA Champions League
23.2.2005,
Ottavi di Finale – Andata
Manchester United-Milan 0-1
Reti: 78’ Crespo
8.3.2005,
Ottavi di Finale – Ritorno
Milan-Manchester United 1-0
Reti: 61’ Crespo
26.4.2007
Semifinale - Andata
Manchester-Milan 3-2
Reti: 5’ C. Ronaldo (Man) 22’ , 37’ Kaka (Mil) 59’, 91’ Rooney (Man)
02.05.2007
Semifinale - Ritono
Milan-Manchester 3-0
10' Kakà, 30' Seedorf, 78' Gilardino.
Coppa dei Campioni
8.5.1958,
Semifinale - Andata
Manchester United-Milan 2-1
Reti: 24’ Schiaffino (Mi), 39’ Viollet (Ma), 80’ rig. Taylor (Ma)
14.5.1958,
Semifinale – Ritorno
Milan-Manchester United 4-0
Reti: 2’ e 76’ Schiaffino (Mi), 50’ rig. Liedholm (Mi), 68’ Danova (Mi)
23.4.1969,
Semifinale – Andata
Milan-Manchester United 2-0
Reti: 33’ Sormani, 49’ Hamrin
15.5.1969,
Semifinale - Ritorno
Manchester United-Milan 1-0
Reti: 70’ R. Charlton
UEFA Champions League
23.2.2005,
Ottavi di Finale – Andata
Manchester United-Milan 0-1
Reti: 78’ Crespo
8.3.2005,
Ottavi di Finale – Ritorno
Milan-Manchester United 1-0
Reti: 61’ Crespo
26.4.2007
Semifinale - Andata
Manchester-Milan 3-2
Reti: 5’ C. Ronaldo (Man) 22’ , 37’ Kaka (Mil) 59’, 91’ Rooney (Man)
02.05.2007
Semifinale - Ritono
Milan-Manchester 3-0
10' Kakà, 30' Seedorf, 78' Gilardino.
Champions League - Milan-Manchester, tre anni dopo...
A tre anni di distanza è nuovamente Milan- Manchester. L'ultima sfida tra le due big del calcio mondiale risale alla primavera 2007. In palio,allora, c'era la finale di Champions di Atene contro il Liverpool. Oggi,il pass per la semifinale. Ripercorriamo,in particolare,la gara di ritorno con la cronaca pubblicata dal sito del Milan pochi minuti dopo il termine dell'emozionante match e le immagini tv di Sky.
MILANO, 2 MAG 2007 - Piove. A Milano, per tutto il giorno, scende un'acqua come era tempo che non si vedeva. San Siro si veste per la grande serata fin da metà pomeriggio e i tifosi raggiungono lo stadio nel primo pomeriggio all'apertura dei cancelli. Le sensazioni sono forti. C'è voglia di veder giocare questa partita, che vale l'accesso alla finale di Atene. In Grecia c'è già il Liverpool. La fretta di giocare la partita arriva anche dalla notizia della sera prima: fuori Schevchenko, dentro chi si è portato a casa la coppa due anni fa.Il Milan non dispone di Maldini, al suo posto Kaladze, poi tutto come all'Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson, invece, si porta in campo il recuperato Vidic e in panchina Ferdinand.
LA CRONACA - Al 1', anzi dopo 48 secondi, Kakà regala la prima emozione. Il brasiliano, palla al piede, punta dalla trequarti la difesa avversaria. Arrivato al limite dell'area accelera e supera il diretto avversario, calciando in diagonale. Il tiro, però, è una via di mezzo: non centra la porta e non consente a Inzaghi di arrivare alla deviazione. Un paio di minuti più tardi una sventola incredibile di Seedorf (diretta sotto la traversa) viene deviata d'istinto da Van der Sar in corner. Al 7', poi, ancora Kakà in evidenza: Oddo crossa dai 25 metri, basso, il brasiliano arriva deciso con l'interno del piede, ma il suo tocco è debole e l'estremo difensore degli inglesi blocca. La partenza del Milan è fantastica e di conseguenza i rossoneri vengono premiati. Il gol arriva al 10': un lungo lancio in verticale viene controllato da Seedorf, il quale di prima appoggia al limite dell'area di rigore; ecco arrivare Kakà, di prima calcia con il sinistro e infila la palla nell'angolino alla sinistra di Van der Sar.Dal 16' al 17' si fa vedere Pirlo in due circostanze. Prima con un bel lancio in verticale per Inzaghi, anticipato per poco da Van der Sar; poi con un tiro di sinistro da fuori che termina alla sinistra del portiere di qualche centimetro.Il primo tiro in porta del Manchester arriva al 18', quando un disimpegno di testa di Nesta finisce sui piedi di Giggs. Il numero 11 punta Kaladze, che non lo affronta, ma ne rallenta la corsa. Senza trovare altro spazio decide di calciare e Dida può bloccare in due tempi. Dopo alcuni minuti di respiro la sqaudra di Ancelotti torna ad attaccare. Al 27' una buona azione corale porta al traversone Oddo, che si vede deviare il pallone in calcio d'angolo. Dopo 3 minuti, però, arriva il raddoppio, grazie alle incredibili qualità di Seedorf, ma anche a un grave errore della difesa inglese. Su un rinvio sbagliato Pirlo si avventa sulla palla, la centra, sulla respinta recupera Seedorf: controlla di petto, dribbla il diretto avversario con una magia e con un rimpallo favorevole e calcia di collo pieno rasoterra. Palla nello stesso angolo di prima, per il 2-0!La prima palla utile per Inzaghi arriva al 41', quando l'ennesima discesa di Oddo sulla destra, e il seguente traversone, gli permette di calciare il primo pallone. Lo fa bene, perchè impatta come meglio non potrebbe ma la sfera termina fuori di poco.Un altro tiro, il secondo, del Manchester arriva solo al 46', con Cristiano Ronaldo che prova per la disperazione, pressato da Gattuso (fantastico), palla alta.Il primo tempo finisce qui, 2-0.
Il secondo tempo comincia con le stesse formazioni. La pioggia ha diminuito l'intensità e il campo è ancora in pefette condizioni.Dopo un minuto Pippo si conquista un calcio di punizione e da l'opportunità a Pirlo di provare a calciare la sua seconda della partita. Termina alta. Dopo alcuni minuti di un calcio non splendido Kakà risveglia gli animi. Siamo al 53' e un pallone rubato ancora agli avversari da Ambrosini permette a Ricky di alzare il ritmo della corsa palla al piede, supera ancora il suo controllore due volte e prova a calciare da dentro l'area. Sul rimpallo il pallone passa davati a Inzaghi che non riesce a calciare.Il Manchester attacca, tenta di accorciare le distanze e ci va vicino Fletcher al 63', con un tiro dal limite dell'area, su servizio di Rooney, che finisce alla destra di Dida. Dopo due minuti gli inglesi vanno ancora vicini al gol con un bel numero di Giggs sulla sinistra, che mette in mezzo: la palla attraversa tutto lo specchio della porta e viene raccolta dalla parte opposta da Cristiano Ronaldo. Il portoghese mette in mezzo d'esterno e Rooney tenta la mezza rovesciata, ma il contatto con Oddo lo disturba e termina a terra. Gli spazi per il Milan, ora, sono maggiori e con un'azione Jankulovski-Seedorf-Kakà i rossoneri arrivano ancora vicini al gol, proprio con il numero 22, ma una deviazione con consente la gioia. La partita si è improvviasamente svegliata, con qualche lampo dato da entrambe le squadre. Dopo il Milan è la volta della squadra di Ferguson, con un tiro di Cristiano Ronaldo a girare, che finisce la sua corsa alla destra di Dida, ma senza problemi.Al 78' il gol del 3-0: persa la palla dagli inglesi e recuperata da Ambrosini, Gilardino si invola da solo verso Van Der Sar...lo guarda e piazza il pallone alla sua sinistra di piatto. E' il tripudio!!!Prima della fine della gara Ancelotti sostituisce Gattuso e Kakà, stremati. Entrambi escono e San Siro tributa loro la meritata standig ovation. I minuti di recupero sono 3 e il Milan ne ha ancora per provare ad attaccare, ma soprattutto per lottare e riuscire a difendere ancora per pochi secondi e urlare di gioia.......E' FINITA, IL MILAN E' IN FINALE!!!
Milan (4-3-2-1): Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Gattuso (dall' 85' Cafu), Pirlo, Ambrosini; Seedorf, Kakà (dall'86' Favalli); Inzaghi (dal 70' Gilardino).In panchina: Kalac, Bonera, Brocchi, Serginho.
Manchester U. (4-2-3-1): Van Der Sar; O'Shea (dal 77' Saha), Brown, Vidic, Heinze; Fletcher, Scholes, Carrick; C. Ronaldo, Giggs; Rooney.In panchina: Kuszczak, Ferdinand, Eagles, Richardson, Smith, Solskjaer.
Marcatori: Kakà al 10'; Seedorf al 30' p.t.; Gilardino al 33' del s.t.
Arbitro: De Bleechere (Belgio).Ammoniti: Ambrosini (M) al 75'Recupero: 1; 3.
(Fonte Ac Milan.it)
MILANO, 2 MAG 2007 - Piove. A Milano, per tutto il giorno, scende un'acqua come era tempo che non si vedeva. San Siro si veste per la grande serata fin da metà pomeriggio e i tifosi raggiungono lo stadio nel primo pomeriggio all'apertura dei cancelli. Le sensazioni sono forti. C'è voglia di veder giocare questa partita, che vale l'accesso alla finale di Atene. In Grecia c'è già il Liverpool. La fretta di giocare la partita arriva anche dalla notizia della sera prima: fuori Schevchenko, dentro chi si è portato a casa la coppa due anni fa.Il Milan non dispone di Maldini, al suo posto Kaladze, poi tutto come all'Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson, invece, si porta in campo il recuperato Vidic e in panchina Ferdinand.
LA CRONACA - Al 1', anzi dopo 48 secondi, Kakà regala la prima emozione. Il brasiliano, palla al piede, punta dalla trequarti la difesa avversaria. Arrivato al limite dell'area accelera e supera il diretto avversario, calciando in diagonale. Il tiro, però, è una via di mezzo: non centra la porta e non consente a Inzaghi di arrivare alla deviazione. Un paio di minuti più tardi una sventola incredibile di Seedorf (diretta sotto la traversa) viene deviata d'istinto da Van der Sar in corner. Al 7', poi, ancora Kakà in evidenza: Oddo crossa dai 25 metri, basso, il brasiliano arriva deciso con l'interno del piede, ma il suo tocco è debole e l'estremo difensore degli inglesi blocca. La partenza del Milan è fantastica e di conseguenza i rossoneri vengono premiati. Il gol arriva al 10': un lungo lancio in verticale viene controllato da Seedorf, il quale di prima appoggia al limite dell'area di rigore; ecco arrivare Kakà, di prima calcia con il sinistro e infila la palla nell'angolino alla sinistra di Van der Sar.Dal 16' al 17' si fa vedere Pirlo in due circostanze. Prima con un bel lancio in verticale per Inzaghi, anticipato per poco da Van der Sar; poi con un tiro di sinistro da fuori che termina alla sinistra del portiere di qualche centimetro.Il primo tiro in porta del Manchester arriva al 18', quando un disimpegno di testa di Nesta finisce sui piedi di Giggs. Il numero 11 punta Kaladze, che non lo affronta, ma ne rallenta la corsa. Senza trovare altro spazio decide di calciare e Dida può bloccare in due tempi. Dopo alcuni minuti di respiro la sqaudra di Ancelotti torna ad attaccare. Al 27' una buona azione corale porta al traversone Oddo, che si vede deviare il pallone in calcio d'angolo. Dopo 3 minuti, però, arriva il raddoppio, grazie alle incredibili qualità di Seedorf, ma anche a un grave errore della difesa inglese. Su un rinvio sbagliato Pirlo si avventa sulla palla, la centra, sulla respinta recupera Seedorf: controlla di petto, dribbla il diretto avversario con una magia e con un rimpallo favorevole e calcia di collo pieno rasoterra. Palla nello stesso angolo di prima, per il 2-0!La prima palla utile per Inzaghi arriva al 41', quando l'ennesima discesa di Oddo sulla destra, e il seguente traversone, gli permette di calciare il primo pallone. Lo fa bene, perchè impatta come meglio non potrebbe ma la sfera termina fuori di poco.Un altro tiro, il secondo, del Manchester arriva solo al 46', con Cristiano Ronaldo che prova per la disperazione, pressato da Gattuso (fantastico), palla alta.Il primo tempo finisce qui, 2-0.
Il secondo tempo comincia con le stesse formazioni. La pioggia ha diminuito l'intensità e il campo è ancora in pefette condizioni.Dopo un minuto Pippo si conquista un calcio di punizione e da l'opportunità a Pirlo di provare a calciare la sua seconda della partita. Termina alta. Dopo alcuni minuti di un calcio non splendido Kakà risveglia gli animi. Siamo al 53' e un pallone rubato ancora agli avversari da Ambrosini permette a Ricky di alzare il ritmo della corsa palla al piede, supera ancora il suo controllore due volte e prova a calciare da dentro l'area. Sul rimpallo il pallone passa davati a Inzaghi che non riesce a calciare.Il Manchester attacca, tenta di accorciare le distanze e ci va vicino Fletcher al 63', con un tiro dal limite dell'area, su servizio di Rooney, che finisce alla destra di Dida. Dopo due minuti gli inglesi vanno ancora vicini al gol con un bel numero di Giggs sulla sinistra, che mette in mezzo: la palla attraversa tutto lo specchio della porta e viene raccolta dalla parte opposta da Cristiano Ronaldo. Il portoghese mette in mezzo d'esterno e Rooney tenta la mezza rovesciata, ma il contatto con Oddo lo disturba e termina a terra. Gli spazi per il Milan, ora, sono maggiori e con un'azione Jankulovski-Seedorf-Kakà i rossoneri arrivano ancora vicini al gol, proprio con il numero 22, ma una deviazione con consente la gioia. La partita si è improvviasamente svegliata, con qualche lampo dato da entrambe le squadre. Dopo il Milan è la volta della squadra di Ferguson, con un tiro di Cristiano Ronaldo a girare, che finisce la sua corsa alla destra di Dida, ma senza problemi.Al 78' il gol del 3-0: persa la palla dagli inglesi e recuperata da Ambrosini, Gilardino si invola da solo verso Van Der Sar...lo guarda e piazza il pallone alla sua sinistra di piatto. E' il tripudio!!!Prima della fine della gara Ancelotti sostituisce Gattuso e Kakà, stremati. Entrambi escono e San Siro tributa loro la meritata standig ovation. I minuti di recupero sono 3 e il Milan ne ha ancora per provare ad attaccare, ma soprattutto per lottare e riuscire a difendere ancora per pochi secondi e urlare di gioia.......E' FINITA, IL MILAN E' IN FINALE!!!
Milan (4-3-2-1): Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Gattuso (dall' 85' Cafu), Pirlo, Ambrosini; Seedorf, Kakà (dall'86' Favalli); Inzaghi (dal 70' Gilardino).In panchina: Kalac, Bonera, Brocchi, Serginho.
Manchester U. (4-2-3-1): Van Der Sar; O'Shea (dal 77' Saha), Brown, Vidic, Heinze; Fletcher, Scholes, Carrick; C. Ronaldo, Giggs; Rooney.In panchina: Kuszczak, Ferdinand, Eagles, Richardson, Smith, Solskjaer.
Marcatori: Kakà al 10'; Seedorf al 30' p.t.; Gilardino al 33' del s.t.
Arbitro: De Bleechere (Belgio).Ammoniti: Ambrosini (M) al 75'Recupero: 1; 3.
(Fonte Ac Milan.it)
sabato 13 febbraio 2010
Premier League - Manchester City,Vieira 'Non sono bollito'
Il centrocampista,ex Inter e Milan, ora al Manchester City allenato da Roberto Mancini, respinge le accuse di essere un calciatore sul viale del tramonto e rilancia:'Voglio il Mondiale'. Sotto il testo originale dell'articolo pubblicato oggi dal quotidiano londinese 'The sun'.
By ANTONY KASTRINAKIS
The Manchester City midfielder, 33, completed his first full match for Roberto Mancini's Blues in the 2-0 win against Bolton on Tuesday night.
And the former Arsenal and Inter Milan star's beautifully-weighted pass provided Emmanuel Adebayor with the clincher.
Vieira said: "There are some people who were waiting to see if I was going to return to the highest level.
"Those who know me best know in what I conditions I work to get back to my best.
"I've heard a lot of things said about me. They say I'm an old man and that p****s me off.
"It makes me angry because I believe I still have a lot left in me and I can still do a lot.
"In the game against Bolton there are two things.
"I played 90 minutes without any niggles physically or any pain afterwards. I ran during the 90 minutes and even though not everything was perfect, it went well.
"It was positive. I still lack a bit of intensity but I expect it to come. It was my first game in more than a month.
"I still have a lot of work to do but I'm on the right track."
The former Gunners skipper has hardly played in the last couple of seasons.
After being given the cold shoulder by Jose Mourinho at Inter, Vieira quit the San Siro to join City in a bid to claim a World Cup spot with France.
Vieira accepts he still has some way to go before hitting top form.
He has also accepted that he is no longer physically capable of playing every three days.
But he is confident of being in tip-top shape within a month. He added: "Giving the assist to Adebayor gave me satisfaction. The coach asks me to stay in central midfield and push forward.
"I think I rushed a bit at times and lacked a bit of calmness. I was drained.
"But my hunger and determination are always there. I have objectives.
"I miss the rhythm of the games as I played little in the last few seasons.
"I am capable of putting matches together but we must do it intelligently.
"I will talk to the boss. There will come a moment where I won't be able to play every three or four days.
"I will have to skip a game as I can't play six matches on the trot.
"I've integrated well and I am at the disposal of the team. I like touching the ball.
"What pleased me against Hull was playing the simpler way possible. I play like I did at Inter Milan.
"Roberto Mancini has confidence in me. I expect to hit top form in a month."
Vieira won three Premier League championships in his nine years at Arsenal.
And although the Gunners have closed the gap to six points and have an easier looking end-of-season run-in, Vieira insisted his old side remain behind both Chelsea and Manchester United.
He believes Chelsea have all the hallmarks of title-winners and backs them to come out on top this season.
He added: "Chelsea remain favourites for the title.
"It's the most complete side tactically and physically.
"And, as a team, even if Arsenal play the best football, Chelsea and Manchester United are ahead of them."
And the former Arsenal and Inter Milan star's beautifully-weighted pass provided Emmanuel Adebayor with the clincher.
Vieira said: "There are some people who were waiting to see if I was going to return to the highest level.
"Those who know me best know in what I conditions I work to get back to my best.
"I've heard a lot of things said about me. They say I'm an old man and that p****s me off.
"It makes me angry because I believe I still have a lot left in me and I can still do a lot.
"In the game against Bolton there are two things.
"I played 90 minutes without any niggles physically or any pain afterwards. I ran during the 90 minutes and even though not everything was perfect, it went well.
"It was positive. I still lack a bit of intensity but I expect it to come. It was my first game in more than a month.
"I still have a lot of work to do but I'm on the right track."
The former Gunners skipper has hardly played in the last couple of seasons.
After being given the cold shoulder by Jose Mourinho at Inter, Vieira quit the San Siro to join City in a bid to claim a World Cup spot with France.
Vieira accepts he still has some way to go before hitting top form.
He has also accepted that he is no longer physically capable of playing every three days.
But he is confident of being in tip-top shape within a month. He added: "Giving the assist to Adebayor gave me satisfaction. The coach asks me to stay in central midfield and push forward.
"I think I rushed a bit at times and lacked a bit of calmness. I was drained.
"But my hunger and determination are always there. I have objectives.
"I miss the rhythm of the games as I played little in the last few seasons.
"I am capable of putting matches together but we must do it intelligently.
"I will talk to the boss. There will come a moment where I won't be able to play every three or four days.
"I will have to skip a game as I can't play six matches on the trot.
"I've integrated well and I am at the disposal of the team. I like touching the ball.
"What pleased me against Hull was playing the simpler way possible. I play like I did at Inter Milan.
"Roberto Mancini has confidence in me. I expect to hit top form in a month."
Vieira won three Premier League championships in his nine years at Arsenal.
And although the Gunners have closed the gap to six points and have an easier looking end-of-season run-in, Vieira insisted his old side remain behind both Chelsea and Manchester United.
He believes Chelsea have all the hallmarks of title-winners and backs them to come out on top this season.
He added: "Chelsea remain favourites for the title.
"It's the most complete side tactically and physically.
"And, as a team, even if Arsenal play the best football, Chelsea and Manchester United are ahead of them."
Becks must be Evra
By IAN TUCKEY - The Sun
DAVID BECKHAM has been warned his dream clash with Manchester United will turn into a rough ride.
Ex-Old Trafford striker Teddy Sheringham reckons United will unveil anti-Beckham tactics against their former hero in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie with AC Milan.
Sheringham, 43, said: "Alex Ferguson knows everything about him. I'm sure he will make sure Patrice Evra plays right against him.
"Beckham is still a fantastic crosser of a ball and United will be out to deal with him."
BACKING BECKS ... Sheringham
Sheringham also believes on-loan Becks willgo to this summer's World Cup finals — even if he fails to regain his regular starting role with the Italian giants.
The former Tottenham ace said: "I don't think Fabio Capello will think of starting Beckham in the finals, so as long as he plays some games for AC I think he'll be OK."
Sheri rates Barcelona, United and Chelsea as the top contenders for Euro joy.
He added: "I don't think United are quite as effective all-round as last season.
"But in the last six months Wayne Rooney has gone right up there with the best strikers in the world and now Nani is coming through too.
"Rooney is showing this season what a natural finisher he is. He's always had that in him but goals breed confidence.
"Tracking back is part of his game and the superb attitude he has. But once you get a few goals you want to get a few more and stay in good positions where you can get them.
"So all those things are why his goalscoring record has improved."
Sheringham, however, thinks Rooney's transformation from hot-head to hotshot is mainly down to age.
He said: "Rooney is 24 and maturing as a player and a person.
"He doesn't get involved as much. I've seen him watching on as other players argue with refs.
"I've noticed him look at refs as if he can see things from their point of view."
And when Sheri talks body language, you should listen — as he spends hours studying it for his new pursuit poker.
The ex-striker, who came 14th out of 334 in a recent event, said: "I'm using my brain rather than my feet.
"It's a competitive thing, the will to win.
"The top, very experienced players are amazing. They can remember hands they got from three weeks previously.
"And if you make a huge bluff they can stare at you for three or four minutes and spot you making just the tiniest gulp, or see a pulse in your neck.
"You get a massive lift if you do well against all these experts who have been playing for so long."
Ex-Old Trafford striker Teddy Sheringham reckons United will unveil anti-Beckham tactics against their former hero in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie with AC Milan.
Sheringham, 43, said: "Alex Ferguson knows everything about him. I'm sure he will make sure Patrice Evra plays right against him.
"Beckham is still a fantastic crosser of a ball and United will be out to deal with him."
BACKING BECKS ... Sheringham
Sheringham also believes on-loan Becks willgo to this summer's World Cup finals — even if he fails to regain his regular starting role with the Italian giants.
The former Tottenham ace said: "I don't think Fabio Capello will think of starting Beckham in the finals, so as long as he plays some games for AC I think he'll be OK."
Sheri rates Barcelona, United and Chelsea as the top contenders for Euro joy.
He added: "I don't think United are quite as effective all-round as last season.
"But in the last six months Wayne Rooney has gone right up there with the best strikers in the world and now Nani is coming through too.
"Rooney is showing this season what a natural finisher he is. He's always had that in him but goals breed confidence.
"Tracking back is part of his game and the superb attitude he has. But once you get a few goals you want to get a few more and stay in good positions where you can get them.
"So all those things are why his goalscoring record has improved."
Sheringham, however, thinks Rooney's transformation from hot-head to hotshot is mainly down to age.
He said: "Rooney is 24 and maturing as a player and a person.
"He doesn't get involved as much. I've seen him watching on as other players argue with refs.
"I've noticed him look at refs as if he can see things from their point of view."
And when Sheri talks body language, you should listen — as he spends hours studying it for his new pursuit poker.
The ex-striker, who came 14th out of 334 in a recent event, said: "I'm using my brain rather than my feet.
"It's a competitive thing, the will to win.
"The top, very experienced players are amazing. They can remember hands they got from three weeks previously.
"And if you make a huge bluff they can stare at you for three or four minutes and spot you making just the tiniest gulp, or see a pulse in your neck.
"You get a massive lift if you do well against all these experts who have been playing for so long."
martedì 9 febbraio 2010
Manchester Utd will always be in
DAVID BECKHAM still wishes he was a Manchester United player.
That is why he will not be celebrating if he scores against his old club in the second round of the Champions League.
The former England skipper faces United next Tuesday for the first time since his acrimonious departure to Real Madrid seven years ago.
Becks, on loan at AC Milan, is looking forward to his reunion but clearly he would still like Old Trafford to be his permanent home.
He said: "I always wish I was part of Manchester United, it is just in me.
"Even though I am not there any more, I am still a huge fan.
"Coming to terms with not being a United player was certainly the toughest thing I've ever had to deal with.
"When you are a Manchester United player and a Manchester United fan you never want to play for any other club.
"I always want them to do well and ]be successful because the club still means so much to me.
"I've still got season tickets and I will always keep them because I love to watch every game where possible.
"I would love to take my sons one day. United will always be such a special place to me, so we will just have to see what the future holds."
The immediate future sees Milan face United at the San Siro next week with the return at Old Trafford on March 10.
And if Becks finds the net it will be with mixed emotions.
He said: "Sometimes emotion can get the better of you when you score but I do not think I will celebrate. I respect the fans and the club.
"The relationship I have with the fans is still important to me. I went through some difficult times but they never stopped supporting me.
"I would not have got through everything without them. To me, they are the best fans in the world."
The hurt of leaving after falling out with boss Alex Ferguson was still too raw for Beckham to return while at Real.
He left after 13 years with United, playing 394 games and scoring 85 goals. But he feels enough time has passed now.
Becks added: "United was the club I always wanted to play for and I loved every minute of my time there.
"The first few years were hard and there were a lot of things I missed.
"When I was at Real it just never felt right to come back to Old Trafford.
"The thought of playing against United always gave me that sick feeling because I missed the club so much.
"But when the draw was made this time it felt as though it was the right time to go back. I felt really emotional.
"It will also be extremely emotional for myself and my family on the night. It is the biggest club in the world and it is one you always want to be a part of."
That is why he will not be celebrating if he scores against his old club in the second round of the Champions League.
The former England skipper faces United next Tuesday for the first time since his acrimonious departure to Real Madrid seven years ago.
Becks, on loan at AC Milan, is looking forward to his reunion but clearly he would still like Old Trafford to be his permanent home.
He said: "I always wish I was part of Manchester United, it is just in me.
"Even though I am not there any more, I am still a huge fan.
"Coming to terms with not being a United player was certainly the toughest thing I've ever had to deal with.
"When you are a Manchester United player and a Manchester United fan you never want to play for any other club.
"I always want them to do well and ]be successful because the club still means so much to me.
"I've still got season tickets and I will always keep them because I love to watch every game where possible.
"I would love to take my sons one day. United will always be such a special place to me, so we will just have to see what the future holds."
The immediate future sees Milan face United at the San Siro next week with the return at Old Trafford on March 10.
And if Becks finds the net it will be with mixed emotions.
He said: "Sometimes emotion can get the better of you when you score but I do not think I will celebrate. I respect the fans and the club.
"The relationship I have with the fans is still important to me. I went through some difficult times but they never stopped supporting me.
"I would not have got through everything without them. To me, they are the best fans in the world."
The hurt of leaving after falling out with boss Alex Ferguson was still too raw for Beckham to return while at Real.
He left after 13 years with United, playing 394 games and scoring 85 goals. But he feels enough time has passed now.
Becks added: "United was the club I always wanted to play for and I loved every minute of my time there.
"The first few years were hard and there were a lot of things I missed.
"When I was at Real it just never felt right to come back to Old Trafford.
"The thought of playing against United always gave me that sick feeling because I missed the club so much.
"But when the draw was made this time it felt as though it was the right time to go back. I felt really emotional.
"It will also be extremely emotional for myself and my family on the night. It is the biggest club in the world and it is one you always want to be a part of."
Fonte:The Sun
lunedì 8 febbraio 2010
Becks won't celebrate goal
DAVID BECKHAM has vowed not to celebrate if he scores against Manchester United in the Champions League. The England midfielder made 394 appearances for the Red Devils before being sold to Real Madrid for £25million in 2003.
And Beckham, now on loan at AC Milan from LA Galaxy, comes up against Alex Ferguson's men for the first time next week when United travel to the San Siro.
An emotional return to Old Trafford then awaits for the second leg on March 10.
But despite the size of the contest, Beckham believes it would be inappropriate to celebrate should he find the net against his former club.
He said: "Sometimes emotion can get the better of you when you score but I do not think I would celebrate. I respect the supporters and the club.
"The relationship I have with the fans is still important to me. I went through some difficult times but they never stopped supporting me.
"I would not have got through everything without them.
"To me they are the best fans in the world and the support they gave me week in, week out was incredible. Nothing will ever better that."
He added: "I always wish I was part of Manchester United, it is just in me.
"Even though I am not there any more, I am still a huge fan.
"Coming to terms with not being a United player was certainly the toughest thing I've ever had to deal with.
"When you are a Manchester United player and a Manchester United fan you never want to play for any other club.
"I always want them to do well and be successful because the club still means so much to me. I've still got season tickets and I will always keep them because I love to watch every game where possible.
"I would love to take my sons one day. United will always be such a special place to me, so we will just have to see what the future holds."
Beckham, who scored 85 goals in his 13-year spell at United, admits he struggled to cope after leaving his boyhood heroes.
He added: "United was the club I always wanted to play for and I loved every minute of my time there.
Advertisement "The first few years after leaving were hard and there were a lot of things I missed.
"When I was at Real Madrid it just never felt right to come back to Old Trafford.
"The thought of playing against United always gave me that sick feeling because I missed the club so much.
"But when the draw was made this time it felt as though it was the right time to go back. I felt really emotional.
"It will also be extremely emotional for myself and my family on the night. I met so many amazing people during my time there, on and off the pitch, that I am looking forward to seeing everyone again.
"It is the biggest club in the world and it is one you always want to be a part of."
And Beckham, now on loan at AC Milan from LA Galaxy, comes up against Alex Ferguson's men for the first time next week when United travel to the San Siro.
An emotional return to Old Trafford then awaits for the second leg on March 10.
But despite the size of the contest, Beckham believes it would be inappropriate to celebrate should he find the net against his former club.
He said: "Sometimes emotion can get the better of you when you score but I do not think I would celebrate. I respect the supporters and the club.
"The relationship I have with the fans is still important to me. I went through some difficult times but they never stopped supporting me.
"I would not have got through everything without them.
"To me they are the best fans in the world and the support they gave me week in, week out was incredible. Nothing will ever better that."
He added: "I always wish I was part of Manchester United, it is just in me.
"Even though I am not there any more, I am still a huge fan.
"Coming to terms with not being a United player was certainly the toughest thing I've ever had to deal with.
"When you are a Manchester United player and a Manchester United fan you never want to play for any other club.
"I always want them to do well and be successful because the club still means so much to me. I've still got season tickets and I will always keep them because I love to watch every game where possible.
"I would love to take my sons one day. United will always be such a special place to me, so we will just have to see what the future holds."
Beckham, who scored 85 goals in his 13-year spell at United, admits he struggled to cope after leaving his boyhood heroes.
He added: "United was the club I always wanted to play for and I loved every minute of my time there.
Advertisement "The first few years after leaving were hard and there were a lot of things I missed.
"When I was at Real Madrid it just never felt right to come back to Old Trafford.
"The thought of playing against United always gave me that sick feeling because I missed the club so much.
"But when the draw was made this time it felt as though it was the right time to go back. I felt really emotional.
"It will also be extremely emotional for myself and my family on the night. I met so many amazing people during my time there, on and off the pitch, that I am looking forward to seeing everyone again.
"It is the biggest club in the world and it is one you always want to be a part of."
Fonte:The Sun
Iscriviti a:
Post (Atom)
RSS Feed (xml)
