Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has admitted that he is eager to play more games for Chelsea, and has vented his frustration at a lack of first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
The France international has been largely a fringe player since Andre Villas Boas took over as manager in the summer; this is something that Malouda is not used to.
“I am the kind of player who needs to play week in, week out and the manager knows that,” he told The Daily Star.
“I am expecting to start more games because that’s my standard and it’s what I’ve been doing for the last two seasons.
“I am trying to show, when I get the time, that I have the quality to start games,” he concluded.
Another frustrated figure at the London club is Romelu Lukaku, who has also spoken of his displeasure at having to watch from the sidelines.
“You have to be willing to make sacrifices if you really want to succeed at a big club, so I have to be patient.
“However, if my situation doesn’t change in the next six months, I might opt for a one-year loan spell elsewhere.
“That could be in England or in a country like France. I could have a good year at another club, and then return to Chelsea as a better player,” the Belgium international concluded.
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Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has praised Real Madrid and expects them to improve from their 5-0 El Clasico defeat in November.On that occasion, a David Villa double handed Barca a memorable victory, but Guardiola knows it will be a different story at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
“I have always held Madrid in high regard, since I was young through to when I was a player – and now as a manager.” Guardiola said.
“Football-wise, they are better than they were in the first game. They are faster than us and are more powerful, and they also shoot more than us.”
“They were better than us in a lot of aspects in the first game, and now they have spent more time together.”
“They are using different ways of playing and making things more difficult to control, and we will try to impose our game as best we can.”
It is the first of four El Clasico fixtures in less than three weeks and Guardiola admits he does not know how to prepare or plan for so many high-profile matches in such a short period of time.
He also said that Real Madrid will enter Sunday’s long-anticipated fixture as favourites, despite the drubbing they received last time the two sides met, but hopes his side can continue their good record at the Bernabeu.
“We know that it is a ground at which we have won for the past three years,” he said.
“But Madrid are favourites there, just as Barcelona are at the Camp Nou. Their tradition and fans carry weight, and the way that the team have played has left a big impression on me. We will have to have a very good game in order to beat them.”
West Ham United have completed the signing of defender Lars Jacobsen from Blackburn Rovers following Premier League ratification.
The Hammers agreed a deal to sign the Denmark international ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline and Jacobsen has now been given permission to join the Upton Park club.
The 30-year-old full-back spent just one season at Ewood Park following a similar short stint at Everton the year before.
Meanwhile, the Hammers have also announced the signing of Belgian goalkeeper Ruud Boffin.
The 22-year-old has arrived from Dutch outfit MVV Maastricht on a two-year contract.
"We have combined youth with experience this window and are pleased with the work we have done, even in these challenging times for the club," chairman David Sullivan told the club's official website.
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"Half of our eight signings are 23 or under and we are confident they can become major players for the club, while the other four have a wealth of international experience."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, Tal Ben Haim, Winston Reid, Pablo Barrera, Frederic Piquionne and Victor Obinna were the other players to arrive at Upton Park during the summer transfer window.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
When Wenger bought Arteta in the final hours of the summer transfer window it was met with mixed feelings from the majority of Arsenal fans. A good signing yes, but to be signed for £10m at the age of twenty-nine when he had a history of injury problems, and signed without a medical. It wasn’t ideal by any stretch of the imagination. In fact for many fans that wanted more of a marquee signing it was somewhat of a disappointment. However there aren’t many on the red side of north London who aren’t now grateful for the presence of the uncapped Spaniard in their side.
Arteta has been praised for his consistently decent performances and the air of calm that he has brought to a team that was floundering a little when he arrived. Clearly Arsenal fans are warming to Mikel, why wouldn’t they after performances like his against City at (middle)Eastlands last weekend. I must admit however that until recently I hadn’t realised quite how good he has been for Arsenal. The role he plays is an unassuming one, a role where only truly exceptional performances will be noticed and much of his good work will go largely unnoticed.
For example, his role in midfield seems to be largely to keep the ball ticking over, to provide an outlet for the defenders and provide a link between the defensive side to the team and the more attacking element; bearing this in mind consider the fact that he has only been caught in possession fourteen times all season. The level of consistency this would be an asset for any team, but particularly for Arsenal who can become nervy towards the end of their games when their lead is narrow.
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The Spaniard also has the highest average number of passes per game out of all midfielders in the Premier League with over 79.2 per game and a pass completion rate of 89%, a figure that very few can even come close to. Obviously if his role was purely to set up other, more creative players then this would not necessarily be an impressive feat but frankly Arteta does attempt more complex, defence splitting passes and can even get himself on the score sheet.
On top of this he provides competition for all of Arsenal’s young and developing central midfielders; something that is necessary if Arsenal are to get the best out of players like Ramsey and Wilshere. Another issue that was clear before Arteta’s arrival was the huge amount of pressure on Aaron Ramsey to pick up where Fabregas left off. Let’s face it, that was always going to be a monumental task, but the fact that he has Arteta to share the burden can only be beneficial for him. Ramsey already has the pressure of being an international captain; it is essential that he has a team mate in a similar mould to help him out at Arsenal whilst Wilshere is injured.
One of the criticisms that some Arsenal players in the latter years of the careers, such as Arshavin and Rosicky, have faced recently is that they seem to lack the desire to perform when they play for Arsenal. This is not a criticism that can be levelled at Arteta. Despite being closer to the end of his career than the beginning this is the first real time he has had the chance to play at a big club and only his second ever time in the Champions League. It really is a case of now or never for Mikel, and it shows in his performances. Against Man City he was everywhere, helping in defence before joining in with the counter attacks. He shows a level of desire that not all have at Arsenal, and it is refreshing. Often you feel as though the signings your club makes don’t always appreciate the pride involved in playing for your club, especially one as historic as Arsenal, but Arteta has come in from day one and given his all, and it has been more than good enough. It has been exceptional. Fans talk about how Song is underrated, how Vermaelen has stabilised the defence, but to underplay the role that the former Everton man has played in providing stability and consistency to Arsenal since September would be a display of ignorance that is insulting to the efforts of Arteta since he moved to London.
For more Arsenal news and views follow me on Twitter @H_Mackay
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Dwayne De Rosario could not quite inspire New York Red Bulls to a win on his debut, while Portland picked up their first-ever MLS point.Dane Richards handed visitors New York a 47th-minute lead after getting on the end of De Rosario’s pass – his first touch for his new club – but the game was to finish 1-1 when Cam Weaver equalised just three minutes later.
Canadian international De Rosario joined the Red Bulls on Friday from Eastern Conference rivals Toronto FC and was only afforded a spot on the bench for his new side’s trip to Houston Dynamo on Saturday.
He watched an often dour first half from the sidelines, but was involved immediately after his injection for Moroccan midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy.
Recruited to fill the playmaker role in New York’s midfield, the 32-year-old instantly endeared himself to his new club’s fans by providing the defence-splitting pass for Jamaica striker Richards to score.
The advantage lasted just three minutes, however, when Weaver’s deft chip beat Red Bulls goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul.
It stayed that way for the remainder of the game, despite Richards, Luke Rodgers and designated player Thierry Henry going close for New York and Brad Davis shooting wide for Houston.
In other matches, Vancouver Whitecaps came from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at home Kansas City.
Forward Teal Bunbury struck a brace early in the second half and Sierra Leone striker Kei Kamara also netted to put visitors Kansas 3-0 up by the 63rd minute.
Atiba Harris pulled one back on 72 minutes for the Whitecaps, but they still looked destined for defeat before two stoppage-time strikes from Brazilian forward Camilo Sanvezzo salvaged an improbable point.
The Portland Timbers gained their first point in Major League Soccer with a 1-1 draw away to the New England Revolution.
Rookie Stephen McCarthy put the Revolution ahead with his first goal in MLS, before Jack Jewsbury levelled on 38 minutes to earn a draw for the Timbers.
Toronto FC drew 1-1 at home to Chivas USA, with Alan Gordon equalising for the hosts after Alejandro Moreno put Chivas ahead after just two minutes.
Two years ago Newcastle earned an impressive draw on the opening weekend of the Premier League season at Manchester United. The result and notable performance of debutant, Jonas Gutierrez fuelled predictions of a resurgence under Kevin Keegan. The following month saw the resignation of Keegan which left the club in disarray. Newcastle fans will know that this time round, the Magpies face Manchester United on Monday, the result will not dictate the trajectory of their season. After defying the critics and returning swiftly back to the top flight, is survival the aim or do fans harbour more lofty ambitions? Will Chris Hughton, once the loyal caretaker, be able to deliver what so many high profile managerial appointments couldn’t?
Hughton argues that a season in the Championship, despite being hugely successful, has tempered the usual pre-season optimism which permeates the Newcastle faithful. The manager is confident of Premier League survival and flatly rebukes those who question the lack of summer spending at St James’ Park. Similarly to other clubs there is a requirement to reduce a substantial wage bill and search for value in the transfer market. Accordingly he has acted shrewdly, signing the resourceful James Perch from Nottingham Forest and swooping for Dan Gosling and Sol Campbell on free transfers. The seemingly rotund Campbell appears a smart signing as the veteran centre back showed he was still capable of operating at this level for Arsenal last season and will bestow knowledge and experience to his team-mates. The other acquisitions together will the possible loan signings of Hatem Ben Arfa and Tom Cleverley suggest the club is looking for a youthful, attacking zeal in midfield which may surprise and unsettle opponents.
A year in the wilderness has had a rehabilitative effect on many of Newcastle’s most prominent players. The Argentine duo of, Gutierrez and Fabricio Coloccini have started to justify their considerable price tags. Coloccini was named in the Championship Team of the Year and the ‘Spiderman’ developed an excellent understanding with Jose Enrique on the left flank. Kevin Nolan and Alan Smith both flourished last year, displaying their battling qualities and commitment to the cause. The Liverpool born midfielder scored 17 goals from midfield last season and will be considered along with Smith to inherit the captaincy following Nicky Butt’s retirement.
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The continued efforts of these senior campaigners will serve the Magpies well next season but goals from midfield will be harder to come by against Premier League defences. Andy Carroll emerged as a powerful, burly centre forward who can score goals and formed an effective partnership with Peter Lovenkrands. A tally of 19 goals last season aroused the attention of Fabio Capello who may call up the player for England’s Euro 2012 qualifiers. Should injuries or suspensions disrupt Newcastle’s attack, fans will be unenthusiastic at the prospect of relying on Xisco or Shola Ameobi. Nile Ranger has been tipped for a bright future as a tall and fast forward but is still just 19-years old. The old adage that a goal-scoring centre forward can propel a team up the league still stands.
A mixture of youthful, raw talent, seasoned professionals and veterans should guide Newcastle to Premier League safety this term. Naturally fans will demand more than this but should be mindful of the new financially responsible approach adopted by the club. Further loan signings may be imminent as Newcastle seek to add creativity to their midfield. A decent cup run and taking the spoils in the Tyne-Wear derby would be a welcome bonus. If come next May the club finish above Steve Bruce’s Sunderland and secure survival it would be a good start back to life in the Premier League.
Marouane Fellaini may have arrived in England as an unknown, signing for Everton for a club record £15 million from Standard Liege, but he has quickly developed a cult-like status among Everton fans.
The Belgian has been one of David Moyes’ star players in recent seasons, attracting interest from Europe’s big guns including Manchester United and Real Madrid.
His size, versatility and technical ability means Fellaini has a lot to offer Moyes’ side who have seen their fair share of injuries.
He’s also hard to miss in and around the city of Liverpool. And along with him is on-off girlfriend is Lara Binet.
Binet, who is also from Belgium, is a beauty queen and former Miss Belgium contestant.
Click on the image below to see Ms Binet in all her glory
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Queens Park Rangers extended their lead in the Championship after Swansea were the only team in the chasing pack to win on Saturday.Hogan Ephraim’s 46th-minute goal at the Keepmoat Stadium gave QPR a 1-0 win away to Doncaster Rovers.Neil Warnock’s team are now nine points clear of second-placed Norwich after they could only draw 1-1 away to Hull City.Zak Whitbread put Norwich ahead 26 minutes in at the KC Stadium, but veteran Nick Barmby equalised for Hull in the 72nd minute.Swansea City are one point behind Norwich after their 3-2 win at home to fellow top-six side Nottingham Forest.Scott Sinclair’s opener and a brace from Fabio Borini guaranteed all three points for Swansea, with Kris Boyd’s effort and a late consolation from Paul Anderson not enough to salvage a draw for the visitors, who remain sixth.Leeds United, one point above Forest in fifth, suffered a surprise 2-0 loss away to third bottom Sheffield United. Cardiff City in fourth place also dropped points with a 3-3 draw away to Millwall – Steve Morison’s 87th-minute equaliser snatching a share of the spoils for the hosts at the New Den.Nathan Ellington struck the winner four minutes into injury time as bottom side Preston North End beat Coventry City 2-1 while second-from-bottom Scunthorpe United went down 2-0 away to Ipswich.Crystal Palace twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at home to Derby County, while Middlesbrough also fought back from a goal down to beat visitors Watford 2-1. David Nugent’s first-half goal proved to be the winner as Portsmouth beat Leicester City 2-1 away from home.Brett Pitman and Nicky Maynard were on target as Bristol City saw off the visit of Burnley 2-0, while Mathieu Manset scored the only goal of the game in Reading’s 1-0 win away to Barnsley.
Martin O'Neill is unsure where James Milner will be playing his football this season as reports suggest Manchester City are ready to launch another bid to sign the Aston Villa star.
Milner said last month that he was keen to join City who have already had one offer for the England international rejected by O'Neill.
Villa have put a £30million price-tag on the former Leeds and Newcastle star's head, while O'Neill has confirmed he has spoken with chief executive Paul Faulkner about the matter.
"I only had a brief conversation with Paul today, and it was the briefest of briefs," O'Neill told Sky Sports News."I don't think there's any more news to tell.
"I don't really know if Milner will stay. I don't think at this stage I'd be in a position to give you a definitive answer. Naturally I've said before that, almost everyone to a man, would want James to stay at the football club."
Milner has injured his back in training and O'Neill continued:"It's a problem really because we've been unable to get it sorted out for these couple of days.
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"He had some back spasms, but he didn't have those when he arrived here, it was just in training the other day, so it was best not to have him involved."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has applauded his backline for their performances so far this season, and feels his defenders and goalkeeper have been a major reason behind the Tyneside club’s excellent start to the campaign.
The St James’ Park club are one of only two unbeaten sides in the English top flight this season, and currently sit in third place after winning seven of their first eleven games.
Similarly, the Geordies have the best defensive record in the league, conceding only eight goals this term, and Pardew is full of praise for his rearguard.
“There have been a lot of goals in the Premier League. There are some fantastic players and sometimes, as much as you can defend and have all your disciplines in place, someone can produce a bit of quality to unlock it,” he told Mirror Football.
“Fortunately for us, for whatever reason, that hasn’t happened too often – and long may that continue.
“Our resilience and defensive quality are getting us over the line,” he concluded.
Newcastle have a difficult run of fixtures coming up over the next month that will really test their ambitions this season, starting with a trip to take on league leaders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium after the international break.
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