Man City boss Hughes to meet Kaka family.

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes hopes to meet AC Milan star Kaka and his Dad, Bosco Leite, this week. 

The Daily Mail says Hughes hopes to meet Kaka and his father Bosco Leite this week, but he clearly has some work to do if the views expressed by the26-year-old Brazilian during his team’s recent training camp in Dubai are any guide. 

In a previously unpublished interview conducted before Milan accepted City’s world-record offer, Kaka said: "City can be a big team in the future. And Robinho can help them, no doubt. 

"I want to play at the highest level, in the biggest competitions and to win them. 

"There is always talk about other clubs but I am happy with Milan. 

"Robinho could have played for another team, a big team like he did at Real Madrid, or Milan, but he trusts in the project of City. 

"Of course, I speak with Robinho. At the moment they are not going well but City have got a big project for the future. 

"So that could be a good thing."

http://www.tribalfootball.com

Read more...

Arsenal Injury News 2

Please note The injury news on Arsenal.com is updated only from Arsène Wenger's press conferences and his interviews with Arsenal TV Online. For clarification purposes, this is dated.

Cesc Fabregas
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Cesc Fabregas will be out for "three to four months" after suffering a serious knee injury against Liverpool on Sunday. The Arsenal captain was hurt in a challenge with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso at Emirates Stadium and hobbled off the pitch at half-time. Arsène Wenger hoped Fabregas' spell on the sidelines would be limited to a matter of weeks but his worst fears were realised after the Spaniard went for a scan on Monday.

Tomas Rosicky
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Tomas Rosicky will be back in March “at the earliest”. The Czech midfielder was last seen in an Arsenal shirt on January 26 when he hobbled off after nine minutes of the FA Cup tie with Newcastle at Emirates Stadium. The problem turned out to be his hamstring tendon and, according to Arsène Wenger, “the recovery period was slower than expected”. Rosicky underwent revision surgery in Germany in November but it will be well into the New Year before the 27-year-old plays again. "He's doing rehab at the moment,” said Wenger. “He's back here on December 17 and then hopefully we can start to work with him. But it's a long-term prospect - maybe March at the earliest."

Theo Walcott
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The winger dislocated his shoulder during an England training session on Tuesday November 18. However, reports that his injury could blight the rest of Walcott's career appear to be wide of the mark. "Theo had a dislocated shoulder and he had surgery. He will be out three months," confirmed Wenger

Eduardo
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Eduardo made his long-awaited return to action with 45 minutes for Reserves against Portsmouth at Underhill in December. However, the striker has not featured for the first team and is not expected to play against Bolton Wanderers.

William Gallas
Thursday, January 8, 2009
William picked up a hamstring injury and is expected to sit out for three weeks.
"However unfortunately we have lost William Gallas with a hamstring problem," said Wenger. "I think Gallas and Silvestre will be out for three weeks"

Mikael Silvestre
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Mikael Silvestre limped off with a thigh injury during the first half of the FA Cup Third Round tie with Plymouth last Saturday. Wenger said: “I think Gallas and Silvestre will be out for three weeks.”

http://www.arsenal.com

Read more...

Chelsea onto winner with Disney Soccer partnership

While Luiz Felipe Scolari's players were struggling with the demands of the Premiership's festive programme, their young Chelsea teammates were again spreading the Blue word across the United States.

As part of their strategic push into North America, Chelsea's academy took part in the highly-acclaimed Disney Soccer Showcase in Orlando last week.

It was the second consecutive year that Chelsea's U17 squad had participated in the youth tournament, regarded by US soccer powerbrokers as the best in the country.

Early in 2007, Chelsea and Disney’s Wide World of Sports announced a long-term partnership to help promote soccer at all levels in the US. Under the terms of the four-year agreement, Chelsea became the official pro club of Disney’s Wide World of Sports and also the presenting sponsor of Disney’s Soccer Showcase Series.

Patrick Dicks, the Area Manager of Disney Field Sports, says the partnership with Chelsea is great reward for everyone involved in a tournament that has been running since 2000.

"The success comes with team work and the team we have been able to assemble within the Soccer Department," Dicks explained to tribalfootball.com. "The Showcase has grown from 71 teams to over 420 teams with over 400 teams on the waiting list.

"The guest experience is superior due to our dedicated cast members, from the grounds crew who make these fields so good to play on to the team who puts up the goals, everyone is dedicated to making this a once in a lifetime experience for young American soccer players. If I was a young soccer player this would be the one place I would want to come and play!"

After aggressively sourcing partner clubs in 2008, Chelsea staff were able to get a close look at two new members of their club network - CASL Academy of North Carolina and Match Fit Academy of New Jersey. Both teams were among the 428 to take part in the Disney event.

Chelsea management took their participation seriously and with a team that included FA Youth Cup hero Frank Nouble and recent Uruguayan signing Jhon Pirez, they won the U17 championship impressively, knocking off Javanon from Louisville, Kentucky, in the final with a 5-0 victory.

But it won't be just silverware Chelsea could be taking back with them to London. During the tournament, an All-Star team was selected (pictured below), which will travel to Stamford Bridge to train at the Chelsea academy and compete against international competition.

There is a genuine chance that Chelsea will uncover an American gem or two from this squad as Disney's Soccer Showcase is renowned for kicking off the college careers of some of the US's best players.

As Dicks explains: "There have been too many notable players to mention over the past eight years, we have had some of Europe's finest talent grace the Showcase along with some of the best talent in the current US National Team squad, all have come through here and experienced this tournament.

"I would say the best talent comes through the Showcase due to the relationships we have with US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. Not only do we have the top club teams participating, but we had the Olympic Development Regional Teams here last week as well as the US Soccer Academy teams.

"There was some great soccer and talent for all the college coaches to see."

Indeed, while Chelsea are partner sponsors, that hasn't stopped European rivals from muscling in on prospective signings. And a staggering 700 college coaches were in attendance last week to run their eye over potential recruits.

Among the difficulties local MLS and European clubs face when seeking American talent, is the vast number of young players throughout the country. Better than anyother tournament, over the years Disney's Soccer Showcase has been able to bring together the majority of America's best youth players in the one place.

"Over the past four years, more and more professional teams have sent scouts to watch America's finest," revealed Dicks. "We have had several clubs from England attend, along with scouts from Germany, Spain, Italy and Mexico.

"There is a wealth of youth soccer talent in the United States and I have witnessed first hand the attention the major soccer playing countries now are paying to the Disney Soccer Showcase."

A strong showing from the Disney Allstars in London and global interest in the Showcase is sure to grow.

http://www.tribalfootball.com

Read more...

Mido deny the statements, if he wants to move.

Middlesbrough striker Mido has denied reports of a move to Turkish club Besiktas.

The 25-year-old, Egypt international has insisted he has no plans to seek an exit away from the Premier League.

He told Filgoal: "No one has spoken with me about an offer from Besiktas, and I am not interested in playing in Turkey anyways.

"It surprises me why my name is usually mentioned in Turkish media. Last season they claimed I was going to Fenerbahce as well."

He added: "I am willing to remain in the Premier League. If Boro agreed to sell me to an English club then I will go, otherwise I am staying for now."

http://www.tribalfootball.com

Read more...

The Iranian Style

Iran have demolished Singapore 6-0 in the opening Asian Cup qualifier in Tehran.

It took a while for the home team to kick into gear but after the opening goal to Majid Gholamnejad in the 43rd minute, the floodgates opened.

The Iranians job was made easier when Singapore’s Ismail Yunos was sent off six minutes before the break.

A ten-man Singapore was punished shortly after the break when goal scoring legend Karim Bagheri doubled the lead and soon after a third goal was added by Gholamreza Rezaei.

The result was put beyond doubt thanks to Mazyar Zareh who struck from long range and to rub salt into the Lions’ wounds, substitute Mohammed Nouri added two quick goals late in the piece to take the tally to six.

Iran coach Ali Daei was pleased with the result but looking forward to more challenging contests.

"The players are getting better and better in terms of tactics and organisation," Daei said.

"They are young but they will do good things. I told the players to use this as preparation for more important matches."

http://www.tribalfootball.com

Read more...

Internazionale Milan must forget CR7

Marco Tronchetti Provera has urged Inter Milan not to bid for Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reacting to reports last night that Inter president Massimo Moratti was preparing a £70 million offer for the new World Player of the Year, shareholder Provera, said: "I hope that it does not happen, I think that it will not happen."

The Pirelli chairman continued: "Granted this is not my responsibility. I believe that there is no need to buy him, even if Cristiano Ronaldo is a great champion and it is a joy to see him play. Inter is a very strong team which has great champions."

Provera added: "I hope that Inter does not buy him because I am a friend of Moratti, and to spend £70 million ... I hope that it does not happen, I think that it will not happen."

www.tribalfootball.com

Read more...

Man Utd. will defeat Chelsea, it's true!!

10 Januari 2009, Chelsea akan terbungkam oleh kemenangan indah dari MU...

Ada anggapan yang menyatakan Chelsea susah menang jika lawannya adalah tim-tim nomor wahid, sepertinya minggu ini hal itu akan menjadi kenyataan.

The Theatre of Dream will be filled by demon's blood...   

Read more...

Man City boss Hughes pleased with deal for Chelsea' Bridge

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is delighted to be wrapping up the £10 million signing of Chelsea fullback Wayne Bridge.

He believes Bridge has made the right move to get back into Fabio Capello’s England team.

Hughes said: “Wayne wants to try and establish himself in the England team.

“Fabio Capello has said he needs to see players playing week in, week out. Wayne had success at his club but you come to a point in your career when you want to play every week.

“If you’re not sure you’re going to play or if you’re just having one game here or one game there, maybe your focus will drift.

"It’s credit to him when he has played for Chelsea he has been able to maintain that high standard and keep his focus.”

Hughes played alongside Bridge towards the end of his career at Southampton in the late 1990s.

And now he is looking forward to the 28-year-old bolstering City’s leaky defence as he bids to turn their season around.

Sparky said: “I know Wayne and we’re not just getting a good player but a good character, too."

Read more...

Barcelona's Henry slams media over Ronaldinho treatment

Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has hit out at the media's treatment of Ronaldinho.

Ronaldinho quit Barca in the summer for AC Milan and Henry admits: "I've never known such poor treatment given to a player who had given so much to Barcelona.

"It is true that he also failed at timely moments during his last season at the Camp Nou, but at times he was treated like a murderer, like he had killed someone.

"He is a man with a big heart and we were all saddened by the way things were reported about his behaviour that were not true."

www.tribalfootball.com

Read more...

Wenger - We can cope with economic downturn

Arsène Wenger believes that Arsenal's "naturally healthy situation" leaves them in good shape to cope with the current economic downturn.

The Frenchman has warned for some months that the repercussions of the recession will eventually be felt in football. Some clubs - particularly those which live beyond their means - could feel the pinch. However, Wenger thinks Arsenal's prudent approach will hold them in good stead in the months and years to come.

"No [the financial crisis is not a worry for me]," said the manager.

"I believe that the way we managed the Club means we have put this Club, in this crisis, in a very strong position, because we do not live on the edge.

"We live in a naturally healthy situation - we do not depend on one person, we do not depend on the banks because we make our profit. We respect our balanced budget, so I believe that we will not be in trouble."

"Fifteen clubs are for sale, it is simple. And nobody is buying. I don't know what will happen. I do not know more about the economy than specialists, who are much more knowledgeable about the economic culture.

"I just know three months ago specialists said a barrel of oil would go to $200 but now it is under $40. So do not ask us what will happen in football."

www.arsenal.com

Read more...

AC Milan ace Kaka admits Real Madrid, Chelsea contact

AC Milan star Kaka doesn't see himself leaving the club in 2009.

He said: "I do not think so. It's true that my name has been approached twice by Real Madrid and then also Chelsea. There are always rumours with the market ...

"But I think that there will never be a problem between myself and Milan until my goals and those of the club are no longer the same."

Kaka admits 2008 wasn't a memorable year for Milan.

"I and AC Milan have not won anything. In 2007, however, we won almost everything ... The difference is remarkable."

Read more...