Terry calling for a leap of faith

John Terry has revealed that England are stricken with fear in their match against Andorra, the fear of failure, that is.
After losing out on a place in Euro 2008, the Three Lions are under a lot of pressure to perform and reach World Cup 2010.
England's recent form has been far from impressive, with the team regularly choking when against a worthy opponent.
Fabio Capello's men have not only flopped, but have flopped badly, failing to even conjure up anything close to smooth, flowing efficient football.
It has been observed that the star players of the team always play with a leash around them in international games, as players like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney fail to translate their club success into anything meaningful at the international stage.
England captain Terry has said that it is the fear of failing, along with its repercussions, that has forced its stars to play with an overly cautious state of mind; and that it will take some time to change that way of thinking.
"There's a fear of failure, speaking honestly," said Terry. "It's been like that for the last couple of years now. It's not something you can put your finger on."
"I don't think we'll be able to go out there and completely change it overnight. At club level the lads feel free and can express themselves. That's something the manager and myself are trying to bring out of the lads in the camp," added the recently selected England captain.
"When you walk out on the pitch, everything's the same," the defender concluded. "Once the game's started, we play the short and easy pass, whereas if I was at Chelsea and I hit a long pass that didn't come off, the fans still sing my name."
"The players have to take responsibility out on the pitch."

Saturday 6th September 2008
by espnstar.com

Tags: football, sport, news, Fabio Capello, John Terry, England, World Cup

Eto’o behaviour unchanged at all

Samuel Eto’o was late for training yet again as his tardiness continued after a week that saw him miss three sessions.

Following Barcelona's loss to Numancia in the first round of the campaign, head coach Pep Guardiola has only been able to put his faith in a handful of first-teamers due to international call-ups.
Eto'o asked Barca for time off this week despite not having any games for Cameroon in the international period. This was one of the main reasons there was disharmony during Frank Rijkaard's short reign.
Guardiola even had to call on youth team players as practice players for the training sessions, so Eto'o's lone appearance on Thursday must have given the former Barca captain some glimmer of hope.
However, Eto'o followed his Thursday appearance with a Friday one where he was 45 minutes late, a gesture that has not gone down well with the other training players.
Under the previous regime, Eto'o and Ronaldinho received preferential treatment as long as they could perform on the pitch.
Switching venues from the pitch next to Camp Nou or the Miniestadi, Guardiola prefers to hold training at the club's sports complex outside of the city in Sant Joan Depsí.
Although the sports facility has always been a place to train for the Catalans, the Barca board would prefer to upgrade the premises before moving training there permanently.
There is also the point that the training at Camp Nou would endear the players to the fans, as not many would travel the ten kilometres to the picturesque training facility to watch the team train.

Saturday 6th September 2008

espnstar.com

Tags: football, sport, news, Primera Liga, Barcelona, Samuel Eto’o , Camp Nou

Capello challenges Rooney to end England goal-drought

BARCELONA (AFP) - Fabio Capello believes Wayne Rooney must end his England goal-drought against Andorra on Saturday to shatter the mental block affecting his performances for the national team.

Rooney's last goal for his country was in Russia 11 months ago and the Manchester United striker has scored only twice in competitive internationals since Euro 2004.

It is a woeful run for a player regarded as England's talisman. But Rooney has no problem producing wonder-goals and match-winning displays for United and Capello is convinced he has developed a confidence problem when he pulls on an England shirt.

Rooney struggled once again in last month's 2-2 friendly draw against the Czech Republic as he recovered from a virus, but he is fully fit now and Capello expects a significant improvement in Saturday's opening World Cup qualifier at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.

"He has to score the goal. Psychologically it is very important for the forward. If you don't score goals it is a problem," Capello said. "I think it is very important for Rooney to be perfect physically. The first game he was not fit but now he is better."

With Rooney struggling for rhythm, Capello's decision to drop Michael Owen looks an even bigger gamble.

The Newcastle striker returned from illness and a calf injury to score in his substitute appearances against Bolton and Coventry, but failed to impress Capello in Saturday's defeat at Arsenal.

That was Owen's first start since last season and Capello left the Emirates Stadium certain England's most clinical finisher was not fit to play any part against Andorra or, more importantly, Croatia on Wednesday.

Owen's absence from the squad was seen in some quarters as the end of his England career but Capello insists he could return.

"I saw the last game Michael played. I checked him and I decided not to put him in the squad because he is not fit at this moment," Capello said.

"We have very important games. Andorra is too soon for Michael because it is very important we score a goal.

"The game on Saturday was the first he had started. It is impossible to be fit after the first game. That's why I didn't put him in. But the door is always open to the players not in the squad."

After five friendlies produced mixed results, Capello has quickly arrived at judgement day.

England's lacklustre displays since he replaced Steve McClaren last year have hardly inspired belief that the Italian will turn his team into serious contenders for the 2010 World Cup.

The jeers that rolled down the Wembley stands after the Czech Republic friendly brought back painful memories of England's last clash with Andorra, when a 3-0 win failed to stop McClaren and his players suffering vitriolic abuse.

Another poor performance against the part-timers of Andorra would be potentially fatal ahead of England's most important fixture in Zagreb next week.

But Capello, who has been drilling his side with double training sessions to implement his tactical plans, sees signs of an improvement.

"I think it is a different atmosphere. I saw the players very concentrated on their job and their work during the week," he said.

"I am very happy to have had these five day to work. I have confidence for this game and the next one.

"I saw a lot of improvement because the players understand what I want. In this moment I am very confident for the next two games."

While England's 7,000 travelling fans will be ready with the brickbats if their team splutter again, Capello gladly puts victory ahead of an entertaining display.

"Every game every manager is ready to be judged," he said. "It is one game. It is important because we have to win and play a good game but most important is the three points."

by by Steve Griffiths
http://news.yahoo.com

Tags: football, sport, news, Fabio Capello, Rooney, England, Michael Owen

Bilic, Mancini cool on Hammers link

The shortlist of names in the frame to replace Alan Curbishley as West Ham manager appeared to shrink by two on Friday.

Curbishley resigned on Wednesday, seemingly in protest at the sale of defenders Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney and his own diminishing influence on the make-up of the playing squad.

The prominence of the club's technical director Gianluca Nani appeared to be at the root of Curbishley's dissatisfaction and led many to believe a foreign coach, more attuned to such a management structure, would be handed the job.

But two of the most high-profile names linked to the club have played down their chances of taking over at Upton Park.

Former Hammers defender Slaven Bilic, who has enjoyed great success as Croatia's national boss, admitted he would like to return to the club one day but seemingly ruled himself out until at least 2010.

"I always said West Ham will be my choice when I return to England," he told Croatian sports daily Sportske Novosti.

"However, my contract with the Croatian FA expires in 2010 and I am intending to lead Croatia in this period."

Roberto Mancini's agent also admitted his client would welcome the chance to ply his trade in the Premier League one day, but insists the timing is currently wrong for him to take a job in England.

Mancini was sacked by Inter Milan at the end of last season despite guiding the Nerazzurri to a hat-trick of Serie A titles and still having five years left on his contract at the San Siro.

Giorgio De Giorgis claims Mancini will not take on a new team until finalising his compensation package with Inter.

"Until his contract situation is resolved with Inter, Roberto Mancini won't talk to other clubs: that's the way he is," De Giorgis told Radio Kiss Kiss.

"Roberto loves England and London in particular, something which he has never denied."

Several other names have been linked with the job including former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola and former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni.The shortlist of names in the frame to replace Alan Curbishley as West Ham manager appeared to shrink by two on Friday, after Slaven Bilic and Roberto Mancini distanced themselves from the position.

Curbishley resigned on Wednesday, seemingly in protest at the sale of defenders Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney and his own diminishing influence on the make-up of the playing squad.

The prominence of the club's technical director Gianluca Nani appeared to be at the root of Curbishley's dissatisfaction and led many to believe a foreign coach, more attuned to such a management structure, would be handed the job.

But two of the most high-profile names linked to the club have played down their chances of taking over at Upton Park.

Former Hammers defender Bilic, who has enjoyed great success as Croatia's national boss, admitted he would like to return to the club one day but seemingly ruled himself out until at least 2010.

"I always said West Ham will be my choice when I return to England," he told Croatian sports daily Sportske Novosti.

"However, my contract with the Croatian FA expires in 2010 and I am intending to lead Croatia in this period."

Mancini's agent also admitted his client would welcome the chance to ply his trade in the Premier League one day, but insists the timing is currently wrong for him to take a job in England.

Mancini was sacked by Inter Milan at the end of last season despite guiding the Nerazzurri to a hat-trick of Serie A titles and still having five years left on his contract at the San Siro.

Giorgio De Giorgis claims Mancini will not take on a new team until finalising his compensation package with Inter.

"Until his contract situation is resolved with Inter, Roberto Mancini won't talk to other clubs: that's the way he is," De Giorgis told Radio Kiss Kiss.

"Roberto loves England and London in particular, something which he has never denied."

Several other names have been linked with the job including former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola and former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni.

Saturday 6th September 2008

by www.espnstar.com/football

Tags: football, West Ham, manager, hammers, Mancini, Inter Milan, liverpool, Slaven Bilic, Italy, sport, news

Japan vs Bahrain preview

Japan coach Takeshi Okada is confident his players can do the job on Saturday as they seek to avenge a loss to Bahrain.

The Gulf side claimed a 1-0 win over the Japanese at the National Stadium six months ago although the result did not prevent both teams from advancing to the final round of the Asian qualifiers, where they have been drawn together once again in Group One.

Okada admitted that the loss in March was a regrettable result but pledged to make no major changes to his team's style.

"Bahrain know how we play," said the Japan coach. "They have played with more or less the same players for a long time and have improved their standard, with good collective play in defence and attack.

"But I believe we can stick to our own style and cope with them. We want to play to our full potential and show what we can do on Saturday."

Saturday's match could mark the first international appearance for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Junichi Inamoto since a 4-3 win over Switzerland a year ago.

The former Fulham player has been training with the team in Manama since Tuesday with three other Europe-based players - Shunsuke Nakamura of Celtic, Daisuke Matsui of St Etienne and Makoto Hasebe of Wolfsburg.

Despite the victory against Japan in March, Bahrain coach Milan Macala believes that his side will still be the underdogs on Saturday.

"Of course, Japan must beat us," said the Czech. "We are a small country among the best 10 teams in Asia and our opponents are a strong team, number one in Asia.

"But I always try to take three points whenever I play. I know that we are not the favourites but we can try and with good concentration and preparation, we can take on any team including Japan."

Bahrain are missing midfielder Abdulla Baba Fatadi who is serving a three-game suspension after being sent-off against Thailand in a World Cup qualifier in June.

Friday 5th September 2008

by www.espnstar.com/football

Tags: football, Japan, akeshi Okada, Bahrain, Asian qualifiers, sport, news

Murray: We wanted 'revenge'

Jamie Murray admitted he was "looking for revenge" as he and partner Liezel Huber suffered a 7-6 (8/6) 6-4 defeat to Leander Paes and Cara Black in the mixed doubles final at the US Open.

It was Murray and Huber's fifth grand slam together having reached last year's US Open semi-finals - when they were beaten by Paes and Meghann Shaughnessy - and the last four of this year's Wimbledon.

Murray said: "Last year we came here and it was our first tournament together and unfortunately we lost to (Paes) again in the semi-finals. We were so close. I guess I was looking for a bit of revenge but it didn't happen."

He added: "But it was a great week."

Friday 5th September 2008

by http://www.espnstar.com/tennis

Tags: tennis, Jamie Murray, US Open, wimbledon, sport, news

Murray enjoying centre stage

Andy Murray is relishing his return to Arthur Ashe Stadium for Saturday's US Open semi-final showdown with world number one Rafael Nadal.
British number one and sixth seed Murray will be making his third straight appearance on the main show court at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre, which with a 23,000 capacity is the largest purpose-built tennis arena in the world.
Murray said: "I love playing on that court. For me, the atmosphere there is awesome. I've had great support, and I played two really good matches. I look forward to playing hopefully more matches on there in the future."
Murray made his Ashe Stadium debut on Monday night with a straight-sets demolition of Stanislas Wawrinka and followed up on Wednesday with a four-set thriller against Juan Martin Del Potro to reach the first grand slam semi-final of his career.
He now faces top seed Nadal, who knocked out American Mardy Fish in the early hours of on Thursday morning, confident he can have a large section of the crowd in his corner.
"I think they enjoy my game style," Murray said of the US Open fans. "You know, I think it's a bit different to how a lot of the guys play nowadays, and I think they just enjoy the way I play, and show emotion on the court, and that's what Americans like to see."
Murray claimed the atmosphere was as enjoyable as playing in his home grand slam at Wimbledon.
"It's just very different," he said. "For me the biggest difference is in the middle of the points. At Wimbledon it's so quiet, and then at the end of the points it kind of erupts.
"Here there's a lot of noise going on in the middle of points, and a lot of shouting out during points.
"Just a little bit more laid back, the atmosphere here. But both are great."

Friday 5th September 2008
by www.espnstar.com/tennis/us-open

Tennis

Giggs expects rise of 'big five'

Ryan Giggs has admitted English football may have to start talking about the big five rather than its traditional big four.
Manchester City gatecrashed the elite quartet in spectacular style on Monday, spending a British record £32.5million on Brazilian superstar Robinho, and with the vast wealth of the Abu Dhabi-based United Group for Development and Investment behind them, Giggs feels it will be very interesting to see how the situation unfolds.
"You just have to appreciate the money they have got," Giggs told Key103.
"Signing Robinho is a big statement to football as a whole because he is a world-class player.
"With the amount of money they have got to spend, the next few years will be interesting and we will just have to wait and see what happens."
Although many clubs, such as Newcastle and Tottenham in recent times, and Leeds beforehand, have spent big without achieving the type of success supporters envisaged, Chelsea are the obvious example of immense wealth bringing trophies.
Yet even Roman Abramovich suffered a false start at Stamford Bridge, firing Claudio Ranieri for not winning major trophies quickly enough, and Giggs does not believe the new-look City will be an overnight success either.
"You can't just buy a team - you need stability and a base to work from," he said.
"But obviously major money can be a big influence because it means you can bring quality to your team."
"Having worked with Mark Hughes as my manager (at Wales) and had him as a team-mate, I know what he is all about. It won't faze him. He is a very good manager."

Friday 5th September 2008
by www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league

Football Premier League

Juve to field US$100m Buffon bid?

Juventus could sell Gianluigi Buffon to Man City as the Serie A side are willing to entertain a US$100 million windfall.
The Sky Blues' new owners, Abu Dhabi United are looking to take Man City to the summit of football as they attempt to lure the world's best to the City of Manchester Stadium.
Dr. Sulaim al-Fahim knows he's got the dough to break the bank and bring in the Italian shot-stopper.
"If we can buy the greatest players in the world then we will; we only want the strongest," said Man City's ownership representative.
Sources have it that the Barclays Premier League side are ready to bid as early as the January transfer window.
The Old Lady are not likely to part with their prized keeper, but the bid will undoubtedly raise discussion in Turin.
Buffon is currently the most expensive goalkeeper in the world after Juventus gave Parma US$64 million seven years ago.
The Turin-based club will not want to lose a key component to their team, but no one is irreplaceable, especially in the face of US$100 million.

Friday 5th September 2008
by www.espnstar.com/football/serie-a

Football Serie A