Welcome To Dipo Liadi's blog: February 2014

28 February 2014

Musa Yahaya Set To Earn 250,000 Pounds Anually

Nigeria U17 star forward Musa Yahaya will pocket 250,000 Pounds Sterling in his first year as a pro with Spurs in the EPL.

Yahaya chose Spurs ahead of several of Europe’s top clubs including Manchester City, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen.

Top sources have confirmed that the 16-year-old Yahaya will be started on an annual salary of 250,000 Pounds at the London club.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has hit out at the Premier League fixture schedule and believes a lack of rest is making life "difficult" for his players.

The Blues are currently preparing to play their third game in the space of eight days, after returning from their midweek Champions League tie in Turkey to face Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday.

"We all prefer to play game after game after game - but we all want to play game after game after game with equal conditions for every team,” said Mourinho.

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa and Bayern Munich playmaker Thiago Alcantara have been included in the Spain squad for Wednesday’s friendly against Italy, but Manchester United’s recent £37 million signing Juan Mata and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres both failed to make the cut.

Veterans of Spain’s 2010 World Cup success including Alvaro Arbeloa, Fernando Llorente, Carles Puyol and La Roja’s all-time record goalscorer David Villa are among the other big names left out for the match at the Estadio Vicente Calderon in Madrid, which represents Spain’s final friendly before Vicente Del Bosque names his 23-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil.

The 63-year-old boss told the news conference at which the squad was announced that enough time remained for those omitted to play well enough to make him change his mind.

TOTTENHAM 3 DNIPRO 1: Watch Emmanuel Adebayor`s Brace

ALEX FERGUSON: My Tough Teacher Inspired Me With Belt Lashes

Sir Alex Ferguson terrifies his grandchildren by showing them the belt his former teacher used to beat him with during his school days.

And the ex-Manchester United manager, who said he was usually punished for fighting in the playground, insists his teacher remains an inspiration to him.

Along with several other members of his class, Ferguson gatecrashed Elizabeth Thomson’s wedding and they stayed in touch for the rest of her life. She left him the leather strap in her will, along with a note that read: “You’ll know more about this belt than anyone.”

Tottenham came from behind to beat 10-man Dnipro and advance to the last 16 as Emmanuel Adebayor stuck twice to see off the spirited Ukrainians 3-1 on the night.

Having lost 1-0 in Dnipropetrovsk last week, Tim Sherwood's side were further up against it when Roman Zozulya headed the visitors in front shortly after the break before rallying to win 3-2 on aggregate.

The tie swung back in their favour in 13 second-half minutes as Christian Eriksen levelled on the night before Zozulya received a red card for a headbutt on Jan Vertonghen, who seemed to go down easily.
Spurs soon made light work of turning around the tie as Adebayor struck twice in four minutes to set up a tie with Benfica, who eased into the next round as they completed a 4-0 aggregate win over 10-man PAOK Salonika.

MUST READ: 659 Million United Fans Write David Moyes

David Moyes,

I write you this letter on behalf of the 659 million United fans worldwide who are at a loss to explain how the champions of England have descended into mediocrity overnight, and I have a strong suspicion that you haven’t got the faintest idea either. I will proceed to spell it out for you:

Coaching Staff

It is widely accepted that your first and possibly biggest error of judgement was relieving three hugely influential members of our esteemed coaching staff, namely Mike Phelen, Rene Meulensteen and Eric Steele, of their duties. The players trusted and respected these individuals, Fergie’s right hand men, who knew the club inside out and who could have passed on invaluable insight from the great man himself. However, for reasons I cannot fathom you decided their knowledge and experience were surplus to requirements, and instead replaced them with Steve Round, Jimmy Lumsden and Chris Woods.

Manchester City duo Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy have missed out on a place in the France squad for the friendly with Netherlands on March 5 as Antoine Griezmann and Lucas Digne received their first call-ups.

Nasri recently returned to action for City and had said earlier this month that he was desperate to secure a place in Les Bleus’ World Cup squad this summer after failing to make the cut in 2010, but he will not feature in the warm-up match against the Dutch at the Stade de France next month.

Didier Deschamps has instead handed a chance to Real Sociedad’s Griezmann, who until last month was banned from representing his country after taking a taxi to a Parisian nightclub while on duty with France's under-21 side in November 2012.

Former Super Eagles utility player, Garba Lawal has disagreed with national team Head Coach Stephen Keshi over the dropping of Villareal FC of Spain striker, Ike Uche from the team that will represent Nigeria at the 2014 FIFA World Cup squad on issue bothering on discipline.

Speaking in Abuja, Lawal stated that it is wrong of Keshi to drop one of the country’s best strikers for alleged acts of indiscipline adding that on the contrary the young man does not have a disciplinary record with the Super Eagles.

“I don’t believe in that statement. When you say a player is not disciplined, there should be evidence to prove that. If you say he is undisciplined, how come he is doing so well at his club without any complaints?," says Lawal.

Uefa president Michel Platini says Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could win the Ballon d’Or for the next 10 years, but backed Neymar to eventually dethrone his Barcelona team-mate at Camp Nou.

The Frenchman believes that the current criteria for the award will mean that the Portuguese and Argentine will be the main contenders for the next 10 years. In January, Platini voiced his discontent at Franck Ribery's failure to win the award after a treble-winning season at Bayern Munich, with the France international finishing in third place.

“Under the current criteria, we're heading for Messi, Cristiano, Messi, Cristiano... for 10 years,” said Platini, speaking to Le Journal du Dimanche.

Patrice Evra has told RMC that everyone is "behind the new manager" at Manchester United with David Moyes under fire.

Evra, who has won five Premier League titles since joining United in 2006, was in the United side beaten 2-0 at Olympiakos in Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first-leg, which represented the nadir of a difficult campaign.

However, the France international feels it was no surprise the squad had struggled after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson last summer.

Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Olympiakos on Tuesday was their first ever loss to Greek opposition, adding to the list of records and landmarks set in David Moyes’ first season at Old Trafford.

The Premier League champions have suffered also historic defeats to West Bromwich Albion, Everton, Newcastle, Swansea and Stoke. Meanwhile, Moyes registered the club’s best away win in Europe for more than half a century, broke their transfer record and awarded the most lucrative contract ever at Old Trafford.

Here is how various milestones have been set in an eventful six months:

GALATASARAY 1 CHELSEA 1: Watch Jose Mourinho`s After Match Interview

SCHALKE 1 REAL MADRID 6: Ronaldo, Bale & Benzema Hit Brace In Six-Star Show

Real Madrid virtually secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League on Wednesday night with a stunning 6-1 demolition of Schalke. The nine-time European champions had only won once before in 25 trips to Germany but victory was secured at the Veltins-Arena as Real's most potent attacking weapons came to the fore.

Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo all scored twice as an insatiable Madrid left Schalke requiring a miracle at the Bernabeu in three weeks time despite Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scoring the goal of the night in time added-on.

Schalke won a corner in the first minute and nearly took the lead but captain Benedikt Howedes' header from distance drifted wide of Iker Casillas' right-hand post.

Jose Mourinho admits he would consider a return to Inter if Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich no longer wanted him at Stamford Bridge.

The 51-year-old spent two seasons with the Italian club and left in 2010 having won Serie A, the Champions League and the Coppa Italia in his final campaign.

"Right now I'm fine at Chelsea, but in the future Abramovich could decide that my adventure here is over," Mourinho told Mediaset.

Louis Saha believes the Manchester United players are to blame for their current predicament, not manager David Moyes.

After a tumultuous season the Scotsman has come under increasing pressure following the Red Devils’ 2-0 Champions League defeat at the hands of Greek champions Olympiakos.

But their former striker has insisted their players must take responsibility for their woeful performances this campaign.

JOSE MOURINHO: Galatasaray Crowd Earned Draw For The Turkish Side

Jose Mourinho claimed Galatasaray's infamous crowd helped the Turkish side come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Champions League last-16 first leg.

The Blues dominated the opening stages, carving through the host's surprisingly pourous defence and deservedly took the lead through Fernando Torres.

Gala boss Roberto Mancini quickly altered his tactics and saw his side draw level when defender Aurelien Chedjou took advantage of slack Chelsea defending at a corner.

OLYMPIACOS 2 MAN UNITED 0: Watch Moyes` After Match Interview

So sorry for the Red Devils.......

MANCHESTER UNITED: David Moyes Is Still In Charge

David Moyes remains the manager of Manchester United despite speculation to the contrary.
Rumours of an imminent announcement on the New York Stock Exchange spread on social media on Wednesday, with the suggestion it would state that Moyes was to leave the club following Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat to Olympiacos in the Champions League.

The odds on Moyes being the next Barclays Premier League manager to leave his post shortened dramatically, but it is understood the Scot is still very much in charge at Old Trafford and the club are baffled by the reports that their manager was set to leave his position.

The Red Devils have always made it clear that Moyes will be given time to prove that he is the right man to maintain the success delivered by predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson.

25 February 2014

CHELSEA: Mourinho Caught Lamenting Over Chelsea Strikers

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has slammed his lack of striking options - as he eyes a swoop for Monaco forward Radamel Falcao.

The Blues chief is said to have commented on the lack of depth he has up front and questioned Samuel Eto'o's age in what he thought was an 'off-the-record' conversation with a Swiss businessman at a sponsor's event. The comments were recorded and aired by French television station Canal Plus according to reports in the national newspapers.

Mourinho was quoted in various reports as having told the businessman: "The problem with Chelsea is I lack a striker. I have Eto'o but he is 32 years old, maybe 35, who knows?"

Didier Drogba has said he would consider a return to Chelsea if Jose Mourinho came calling for him but suggested he could still extend his Galatasaray contract.

Drogba, who helped Chelsea to become European champions before leaving for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in 2012, is set for a reunion with his former club when the Blues visit Istanbul in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old is out of contract in the summer and, asked by the Daily Mail if he could return to the Premier League, he replied: “If, and I say if, by any chance it could happen, it would only be with one team.

Chelsea midfielder John Obi MIkel is a target of Italian giants Inter who are looking for a defensive midfielder to shore up their middle.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Walter Mazzari has sent his main scout to monitor the Nigerian whose contract at Stamford Bridge lasts till 2017.

Mikel has seen his Chelsea place come under threat with the arrival of Nemanja Matic in January and has also been curtailed by minor injuries. Rated at 15 million Euros, the prize could be too high for the San Siro club who are also mauling a loan move in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes that "anything is possible" for teams who reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The Blues are in Turkey ahead of the first leg of their round-of-16 tie with Galatasaray, which takes place on Wednesday.

While Mourinho, who has persistently played down Chelsea's chances of winning the Premier League title, claims that his club should not be considered one of the favourites for European glory, he is aware that the most fancied teams do not always prevail.

"Chelsea won it [in 2012] when it was not the favourite; I won it twice [with Porto and Inter] when I was not the favourite; I didn't win it when my team [Real Madrid] was one of the favourites so this competition, because of the knockout, has space for a surprise."

Confederation of African Football CAF have announced that the Egyptian giants Al Ahly have overtaken the Italian powerhouse AC Milan as the club with the most internationally recognized titles.

Many in the Italian media asked AC Mailan to remove the sentence " Il Club Piu Titolato Al Mondo " that means " The Most Successful Club in the World" from their kits after the Egyptian side Al Ahly exceeded their number of 18 titles after they won the African Super Cup last week giving them title number 19.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani had said they will ask FIFA to verify Al Ahly titles before making the suggested modification.

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, supersport.com can report has promised to help the Super Eagles of Nigeria and other African countries representing the continent in the 2014 FIFA. World cup in Brazil .

CAF made the call after a meeting held last weekend in Cairo, Egypt, saying that it will make the CAF Centre of Excellence in Mbankomo, Cameroon, available to the continent's representatives to help with their preparations for the World Cup. Most notably Caf also said it will cover the cost of the teams’ stay while in the competition.

Nigeria star Mikel Obi has been declared fit for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash with Galatasaray. The absence of Nemanja Matic in the Champions League for the Blues this season has left Chelsea with the option of keeping Mikel fit for the Champions League. Mikel alongside David Luiz and Oscar hves been passed fit to make the trip to Turkey.

Luiz and Mikel missed ‘The Blues’ 1-0 win over Everton on Saturday and Oscar hobbled off in the second half with an ankle injury, but all three are likely to feature on Wednesday night as Chelsea medics declared them fit.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says he is desperate to win the Champions League for a second time, ahead of his side’s last-16 first leg at Olympiakos. Rooney, 28, ended speculation about his future last week when he signed a new five-and-a-half year deal with United and after celebrating with a goal in Saturday's Premier League victory over Crystal Palace, he has now turned his attention to European matters.

It has been three years since the Red Devils reached the Champions League quarterfinals and Rooney is ready to stop the rot.

“You always want to win it,'' Rooney told a news conference in Piraeus. “One is never enough, especially at this club. You have to keep trying to get into the final when you are at this club.

Raul believes that Carlo Ancelotti has put together the best Real Madrid side in recent years. The Blancos legend will be an interested spectator when the Liga leaders travel to Germany on Wednesday to take on another of his former sides, Schalke.

The 36-year-old striker, who spent 16 years at the Santiago Bernabeu and two in Gelsenkirchen, believes the Champions League last-16, first-leg clash will be a tough game for both sides, though he feels that Madrid are as strong as they have been for some time.

"I love both teams,I spent my best moments as a footballer with them and I really wish them good luck

REAL SOCIEDAD 3 BARCELONA 1: Watch The Goals And Celebration

ROBERTO MANCINI: Galatasaray Will Need A Miracle To Beat Chelsea

Roberto Mancini has told talkSPORT that his Galatasaray side will need to summon another miracle to beat Chelsea in the Champions League last-16. The former Manchester City boss has already guided the Turkish club through a difficult group which included Real Madrid and Juventus to set up a clash with the Blues.

But Mancini concedes they will have to be at their absolute best to progress when the two sides meet in the first-leg at the Turk Telekom Arena next Wednesday, live on talkSPORT.

"I know Chelsea very well. For us it will be a very difficult game because Chelsea are used to playing these important games but we want to play a good game if it’s possible," he told Keys and Gray.

John Mikel Obi’s days at Chelsea could be numbered as the club look set to offload the Nigeria international at the end of the season.

According to reports in England, Blues boss Jose Mourinho has informed Mikel he can leave the side for a small fee this summer.

The Premier League giants have already started looking for Mikel’s replacement, with Olympique Marseille’s Gianelli Imbula identified as a potential successor.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez took aim at Chelsea's gamesmanship after their late, late 1-0 defeat on Saturday. John Terry’s stoppage-time winner came from a Frank Lampard free-kick that Martinez insisted should never have been awarded. And he also claimed that Chelsea’s record at Stamford Bridge is down to "more than playing well every week."

He said: "I thought in the second half it was an impossible job for the referee to get the right calls in dead-ball situations or around the box.

"We saw today why Chelsea are 74 games unbeaten at home. An incredible know-how. Using every single trick in the book to try to get advantageous positions.

Nemanja Vidic believes Manchester United can win the Champions League in what will likely be his final season at the club. The 32-year-old skipper confirmed earlier this month that he will leave Old Trafford at the end of the current campaign, with Inter having all but finalised a deal to bring the Serbian to San Siro.

"I believe we can do something special in the Champions League. I really do," the Serbia international told reporters after beating Crystal Palace 2-0.

"I believe that if we keep playing as we did - solid - and improve our form again we have a chance to do something good for the rest of the season. That means fourth place and the Champions League."

CHELSEA 1 EVERTON: Watch Jose Mourinho`s After Match Interview

ARSENAL 4 SUNDERLAND 1: Watch The Goals And Highlght

LIVERPOOL 4 SWANSEA 3: Reds Win Seven-Goal Encounter

Liverpool have kept their hand firmly in the Premier League title race after they twice recovered from surrendering their lead to beat a resilient Swansea 4-3 in a gripping Anfield encounter. With only one goal left to aim for this season for the Reds – a top-four finish – there should be no excuse for a loss of concentration as the club look for their first top-flight triumph since 1990.

But that’s exactly what happened, as they let a 2-0, and then a 3-2, lead slip against the plucky Welsh outfit, before the Merseysiders’ prolific attack made amends, as Jordan Henderson struck late on to secure three points for the hosts.

Red boss Brendan Rodgers has installed a quick-start attitude to his side this season, and today was no different as they opened the scoring after just three minutes,Daniel Sturridge slotting into an open net for his 21st goal of the season after a perfect slide-rule pass from Raheem Sterling.

Jose Mourinho Happy With Chelsea's Late Win Over Everton

Jose Mourinho believed his Chelsea side atoned for their recent draw at West Brom by claiming a late winner against Everton. The Premier League leaders were held to a 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns in their previous top-flight fixture as Victor Anichebe popped up with an 87th-minute equaliser for the struggling hosts.

Chelsea looked set to drop points again on Saturday as Roberto Martinez's Everton held firm at Stamford Bridge while creating opportunities of their own.

Yet Mourinho's men made a vital breakthrough in injury-time, fit-again captain John Terry being credited with the goal after challenging Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard from a Frank Lampard free-kick.

After suffering a 2-0 first leg loss to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night having played the majority of the match with 10 men, Arsenal returned to winning ways with a dominant win to close the gap to league-leaders Chelsea to one point.

Giroud has been left out of the starting line-up for the past two games and he took five minutes to get on the scoresheet on his comeback following a neat finish from Jack Wilshere's pass. The France international then pounced on Santiago Vergini's terrible back pass to grab his second goal after the half-hour mark as Sunderland could hardly get into the match.

With Arsenal in complete control, the third strike of the day rivalled their fine team goal that Wilshere scored against Norwich at the beginning of the season, with Tomas Rosicky scoring after some superb one-touch passing on the edge of the Sunderland box. Rosicky dinked the ball over Vito Mannone from Giroud's backheel flick to end a move he began.

CHELSEA 1 EVERTON 0: Watch John Terry`s Late Goal

Super Captain.....

Tony Pulis: David Moyes Can Turn Things Around At Manchester United

Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis has backed David Moyes to turn things around at Manchester United. Moyes has endured a tough start to life in charge at Old Trafford with United currently 11 points adrift of the top four.

Palace, who have won their last three home matches, host United on Saturday knowing a victory could move them to within three places of the defending champions.

But Pulis insists Moyes was the right man to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson and will, in time, get the Red Devils back on track. "David has had a tough start but they have some fantastic players," said Pulis.

Mesut Ozil has been left out of the Arsenal squad that will attempt to reignite the club’s title challenge against Sunderland on Saturday. Arsene Wenger has decided to rest the German international in the aftermath of his much-criticised display in midweek, when the playmaker missed a penalty as the Gunners were defeated 2-0 by Bayern Munich in their first-leg Champions League clash.

Ozil was given the day off training on Friday and told he could put his feet up when second-placed Arsenal host Gus Poyet’s improved Sunderland team at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Ozil has started each of Arsenal’s last four fixtures, against Liverpool (twice), Manchester United and Bayern, which were crammed into a draining 11-day period.

Chelsea left it late but eventually saw off a dogged Everton in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off. A game of few chances looked destined to end 0-0, until captain John Terry popped up deep in injury time to hand the Blues maximum points, breaking Mersey hearts in the process.

Terry returned to the Chelsea XI after injury, replacing David Luiz, who missed out altogether through injury. Lacina Traore was due to lead the line for Everton after notching on debut against Swansea, but pulled up in the warm-up, meaning Steven Naismith was drafted in.

The Scotland international helped set up the first chance of the game, cushioning the ball for Leon Osman, whose powerful drive brought a fine save from Petr Cech. Gary Cahill was then called into action at the same end, the England man making a fine block to deny Kevin Mirallas.

Sunshine Stars players and officials were involved in a fatal accident on Friday evening on their way from Ijebu Ode where they have been camping ahead their 2014 Nigeria Premier League opener with Enyimba of Aba.

Information gathered says the crash occurred in Ore , a settlement very close to Ondo town . Though no death was recorded, six players of the Akure Gunners were reported to have been hospitalized while four of the side’s officials sustained minor injuries.

Vidic' Inter Milan Deal Is 90% Done

Inter president Erick Thohir has confirmed that Manchester United centre-back Nemanja Vidic is set to sign for the Italian club for next season. Vidic said earlier in February that he would leave United once his contract had expired and Goal revealed that the Serbian, who spent eight years at Old Trafford, has agreed to join the Nerazzurri on a two-year deal in the summer.

Thohir confirmed to reporters on his arrival in Italy on Thursday that a deal is very close to completion, which would see the 32-year-old join the San Siro side.

"Vidic? I can not say more than that it is 90 per cent done. When everything is completed we will make an announcement. Do not make me say anything that is not concrete yet," he said.

Manchester United remain confident that Wayne Rooney will sign a new contract, but there is no timescale for the striker to put pen to paper and formally commit his future to the club.

Rooney has been in talks with the Premier League champions for several weeks but reports suggested a deal was being held up by a dispute over the England international’s image rights.

But the United are unconcerned, a source told ESPN, and while they have not put a date on when negotiations will be concluded, it is expected to be soon.

“I know how Mesut Ozil takes penalties. I knew he would wait a long time before deciding in which corner to shoot but of course he could have picked any corner.” – Manuel Neuer on his saved penalty from Mesut Ozil.

Mesut Ozil and Manuel Neuer have been team mates for Germany’s international side for some time as well as in the Under-21s.

What is not that well know is they even went to the same school – as the picture above proves. Both Mesut Ozil and Manuel Neuer went to the Gesamtschule Berger Feld school which is close to Schalke’s Veltins Arena. It is one of the largest secondary schools in Germany and often features highly rated young footballers who go on to play for Schalke.

The brand new statute of Dennis Bergkamp has arrived at Arsenal. The Dutch legend will have his legency set in stone outside the Emirates stadium this weekend, joining fellow Arsenal heroes Thierry Henry, Herbert Chapman and Tony Adams.

Arsenal will officially unveil the Bergkamp statue on February 22, ahead of the Premier League clash with Sunderland. The statue will be placed above the Armoury store outside the stadium, and 44-year-old Bergkamp will attend the match with the Black Cats after the unveiling at 11:30am.

See the first picture of the brand new giant statue of Dennis Bergkamp below.

Mesut Ozil has issued an apology to Arsenal fans for his performance in the 2-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.

The German playmaker missed a penalty he had won in the early stages before being used as an auxiliary defender on the left wing once Wojciech Szczesny had been red-carded, with the former Real Madrid man heavily criticised for a supposed lack of work rate.

Writing on his Facebook page, Ozil said: "The next morning doesn't feel better either. Sorry guys - it wasn't planned that way. Outnumbered it was really hard to win against this team."

It’s been a season of transition and upheaval so far for Manchester United and their new manager David Moyes. In the Scot’s first season at Old Trafford, Moyes’ squad have struggled with injury problems, lost their mental stronghold over opponents and faltered under the cloud of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

Languishing in seventh position in the league, United’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions league, via their league position, look all but gone with 11 points separating the Red Devils and Liverpool in fourth.

Yet, with Manchester City and Arsenal facing superior opponents in the last 16, and with Chelsea’s focus on the league, could United be England’s best hope of victory in this season’s Champions League?

ARSENAL 0 BAYERN: Watch Wenger's After Match Interview

SHOCKING! Wenger Did Not Shake Guardiola

Several hours after Bayern Munich beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates in the Champions League, top German journalist Raphael Honigstein took to Twitter to relay an observation from the Bavarians.

According to the Guardian writer, Bayern Munich officials were left “puzzled” as Arsene Wenger did not shake Pep Guardiola’s hand before or after the game.

Wenger’s non-handshake could have been just a co-incidence, however it was definitely noticed by the Munich management and one can presume the Arsenal manager will be quizzed on this claim in his upcoming press conferences before the Gunners next match at home to Sunderland on Saturday in the Premier League. See Raphael Honigstein’s twitter report on Arsene Wenger not shaking Pep Guardiola’s hand below.

Arsene Wenger has criticised Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben for making the most of Wojciech Szczesny's foul in the first half which resulted in Arsenal being reduced to 10 men.

Mesut Ozil had a penalty given then saved in the Champions League last-16 first leg before referee Nicola Rizzoli returned the favour to die Roten when the Gunners goalkeeper clattered into the Bavarians' Dutch attacker, earning him a red card.

David Alaba missed the subsequent spot kick but, after Bayern went on to dominate the game and scored through Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller, Wenger hit out at what he considered to be theatrics from Robben.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger questioned the penalty style adopted by his German midfielder Mesut Ozil, after he missed a crucial spot kick in Arsenal's 2-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich.

Ozil’s relaxed approach to his eighth-minute attempt allowed his German international colleague Manuel Neuer to palm away with relative ease, and Wenger admitted he is not a fan of the slow-paced approach adopted by his 42.4 million-pound club-record buy.

"I prefer that people run properly at the ball," Wenger told Sky Sports when asked about of Ozil’s penalty technique. "Look, everyone has their own style and you have to respect that there is not one way of penalty taking. He feels comfortable like that, it’s his style."

That Bayern Munich are ahead in this last-16 tie is down to Manuel Neuer, not Toni Kroos or Thomas Muller. The majority of the second half may have played out like a lot of Bayern matches play out - with Pep Guardiola's team in the Arsenal half, probing and dragging the opposition from side to side looking for an opening, but they were given that right to compete by a virtuoso display from Neuer in the Bayern goal. For all the passes, all the possession and all the shots on target, this win was very easy to analyse. It was the goalkeeper who won it for them.

The half-time break brought a turnaround, not only in their fortunes against 10 men, but in their strategy. Those 15 minutes gave Bayern the chance to calm down and remind themselves of their superiority. Were it not for Neuer, that would not have happened.

"You automatically feel confident when you know that you have the best goalkeeper in the world standing behind you," Dante said last month.

PABLO ZABALETA: Man City Will Fight Back In Spain

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta still harbours hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League despite needing to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Barcelona at Camp Nou.

Martin Demichelis' red card proved costly as Lionel Messi scored the resulting penalty – which City felt should have been a free-kick just outside the area – and Dani Alves rubbed salt into the wounds with a second goal late on.

The Spanish champions will be expected to finish off the job in the second leg next month, but Zabaleta is refusing to rule his side out of the tie and will be going to Catalunya with the belief they can progress.

Former Real Madrid coach and sporting director Jorge Valdano has told El Larguero that Gareth Bale has looked "downcast" in recent games due to fitness issues, the expectations generated by his world-record transfer fee and competition from youngster Jese Rodriguez.

Bale has been a peripheral presence in Madrid's latest matches, while many fans and pundits in the Spanish capital have been wowed by the zip and confidence of youth product Jese, 20, on the other wing.

Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti maintains that he will not be swayed by Bale's fee in deciding whether to start Jese ahead of the Welsh star on current form, and Valdano believes the former Tottenham talisman is not yet showing his true worth.

Chelsea striker Demba Ba says the Stamford Bridge outfit cannot afford to slip up against Everton when the Premier League title race recommences this weekend.

Jose Mourinho's side were held to a 1-1 draw at struggling West Brom in their last top-flight game, and then lost 2-0 in their FA Cup fifth-round tie at Manchester City last Saturday. The west London club are still top of the table despite dropping points at the Hawthorns, but face a stern test when Roberto Martinez's top four-chasing team travel to Stamford Bridge.

And Senegalese frontman Ba, who has not featured in Chelsea's last two games, has stressed the importance of responding from their recent setbacks against the Merseysiders.

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan could be in Brazil to support the Super Eagles during their World Cup campaign this summer.

The country’s number one citizen was on Wednesday installed as the Grand Patron of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club in Abuja.

"The Year 2014 is a very important one for our nation, as we have the FIFA World Cup and the Commonwealth Games ahead of us. The Federal Government will not relent in giving support to all our athletes in all sports to excel,” President Jonathan said.

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20 February 2014

19 February 2014