Welcome To Dipo Liadi's blog: May 2015

29 May 2015

REAL MADRID: Benitez To Be Unveiled On June 3rd

Real Madrid have already earmarked a date and time for Rafa Benítez to be unveiled as their new gaffer: Wednesday 3rd June at 13:00. The official presentation will take place in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, following which the new manager will give a press conference to the media.

The coach's road to Madrid is more or less a straightforward one and shouldn't suffer any unexpected last-minute changes given the fact that negotiations are at an advanced stage, although there are still a few things that Benítez and Florentino Pérez have to straighten out before the agreement is made official. As is customary, Benitez will sign his new contract in the Bernabéu offices just before he is unveiled.

Andres Iniesta has played with some of the best forwards in the world, and he ranks Luis Suarez among the best to have played for Barcelona. Luis Suarez "can only get better" after enjoying a superb first season with Barcelona, according to team-mate Andres Iniesta.

Uruguay international Suarez moved to Camp Nou in a reported £75million deal from Liverpool in July. The forward has scored 24 goals in all competitions this term and has played a vital role in helping Barcelona to the Liga title, as well as the finals of the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League.

MUST WATCH: Football' Top 20 Assists Ever

Knee Injury Sidelines Welbeck From FA Cup Final

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says striker Danny Welbeck is set to miss the FA Cup final against Aston Villa on Saturday. Wenger confirmed Welbeck's knee problem is likely to rule him out next weekend and could put a question mark over whether the striker will be fit for England's upcoming friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin and the Euro 2016 qualifier away to Slovenia.

Asked if he thought the 24-year-old former Manchester United player could be fit for the final, Wenger said: "Welbeck will be short because he has not practised yet."

There was better news for Wenger about club captain Mikel Arteta, who may return to Arsenal's Cup final squad following calf and then ankle problems that have sidelined him since November.

Didier Drogba will not play for another English team when he leaves Chelsea and may follow Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard by ending his career in the United States. The 37-year-old former Ivory Coast forward played his final game for Chelsea when the Premier League champions beat Sunderland 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"There are some really fantastic teams in the Premier League but my love for this club...I can't share it with another English team," he told the Daily Telegraph on Monday.

"Since I put the news I am leaving Chelsea on social media, I was in the dressing-room and I was receiving some calls from teams which is really unusual.

The Real Madrid members hold Carlo Ancelotti in higher regard than they did José Mourinho during the latter's last season at the helm. The margin is fine, but significant nonetheless.

In a poll whose results were published on 9th January 2013, Mourinho scored 6.68 out of 10, compared to Ancelotti's recent 6.95. Timing is of the essence here, since the latest survey was conducted at the end of a disappointing season, while opinions of the Portuguese coach were canvassed at a time when Real Madrid were still in the running for success in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. His popularity may well have fallen even further at the end of what was ultimately a trophyless campaign following a cup-final defeat to Atlético at the Bernabéu and a European semi-final exit to Dortmund.

Speculation has been rife that Rafael Benitez will be Real Madrid's next coach, and one agent believes it is almost certain to happen. Rafael Benitez is a "99 per cent" chance of taking over at Real Madrid, according to Carlo Ancelotti's agent.

Ancelotti was sacked by Real on Monday after his team finished second to Barcelona in La Liga and were eliminated in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. His agent, Ernesto Bronzetti, said the rumours of Napoli coach Benitez being in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu next season were almost certainly true.

Ronaldo Grabs Pichichi & European Golden Boot With 48 Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo netted three goals in the final fixture against Getafe to put his league haul for the season at 48. In addition to nabbing the Pichichi Trophy for the top scorer in Spain, he also secured the Golden Shoe as the most prolific player in European league action.

The Portuguese star previously topped the goalscoring charts both last season, with 31 goals, and in 2010/11, with 41. Since moving to Real Madrid, Lionel Messi has been the only player capable of knocking CR7 off his perch, winning the Pichichi Trophy on three occasions: in 2009/10 (34 goals), 2011/12 (50) and 2012/13 (45).

NIGERIA: FIFA Officials Set To Train Refs In Abuja

FIFA Regional Development Officer, Carlos Manuel Neves and Technical Instructor, An Yan Lim Kee Chong arrived Nigeria on Friday for a one-week FIFA Member Association Refereeing Course starting in Abuja on Sunday. NFF consultant on refereeing, Mr. Linus Mba, who is the local coordinator for the programme, told thenff.com that the Nigeria Football Federation had finalized arrangements for the two officials, as well as Malawian Mark Nzengo (physical instructor) who would arrive on Sunday, to be issued visas at the point of entry, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. “I can tell you that all arrangements have been concluded for a very successful programme that will benefit our referees, assistant referees and referee assessors more than ever before. I can also tell you that we have successfully re-designed this year’s programme, with the permission of NFF President Amaju Pinnick, to tally with the vision of the new NFF administration of intensive and rigorous training of our referees to meet with universal best standards. “There will be a total of 61 assessors at the course, as well as eight FIFA referees and 11 FIFA assistant referees.

Ronaldo wants to carry on at Real Madrid, but first he wants to clear up a few matters concerning next season's team. PSG, and more importantly, Al Khelaifi's millions are knocking on his door. For now, the Portuguese isn't answering, as he is more interested in projects than money.

Ronaldo's allegiance to Real Madrid has some caveats. He wants to know more details regarding the club's sporting project and has said as much to Florentino Pérez. Once he has been provided with all the necessary information, he will make a decision.

The player's talk with the president was meant as a step forward in the forming of the team for next season, not as the first move to bump up his salary. The Portuguese ace has always had enough bargaining ammunition in his hands and could have knocked on Florentino's door more or less at any time these past years with various offer from other clubs.

Though he has yet to sit down with Florentino Pérez or José Ángel Sánchez, word has reached Carlo Ancelotti's camp that the coach won't be kept on at Real Madrid.

The Italian tactician has taken the news in his stride, accepting that this is how the cookie crumbles in the football business. He won't put up any resistance when it comes to rescinding the year left on his contract and his only regret is at not being able to finish the job he started two seasons ago.

Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has accused the La Liga club of freezing him out by dropping him from the team after talks on a contract extension broke down even though he was fit to play.

Germany international Khedira, who joined Real from VfB Stuttgart in 2010, will leave Real for free at the end of the season, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as Juventus, reportedly keen to sign him.

The 28-year-old has barely featured since the turn of the year, with Real citing a series of minor injuries as the reason for his absence, but Khedira told sports daily Marca the club had decided he was no longer wanted.

When Jose Mourinho's Chelsea days are over, the Portuguese has revealed he would like to remain in England. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says he would like to remain in England when his days in the Stamford Bridge hot seat come to an end.

Mourinho is currently enjoying a second stint in west London, having spent successful spells at Inter and Real Madrid following his initial Chelsea exit in 2007, and guided his side to the Premier League title this term.

While insisting he has no plans to call time on his Chelsea career, Mourinho is keeping an open mind about managing another English club in future.

We Want Dick Advocaat To Stay - Jermain Defoe

Dick Advocaat has guided Sunderland to safety and Jermain Defoe wants to see the Dutchman agree a new deal with the club. Jermain Defoe says Dick Advocaat has the backing of the whole Sunderland squad to stay on as head coach after steering the club to Premier League safety.

Wednesday's 0-0 draw at Arsenal secured Sunderland's top-flight status for another season, with Advocaat having earned 12 points from eight matches at the helm. The Dutchman's deal expires after the final game of the season at champions Chelsea and he expects a decision to be taken next week, with Defoe hoping the 67-year-old - who was in tears at the final whistle at the Emirates Stadium - sticks around.

Fatigue cost Arsenal in Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Sunderland that ended their pursuit of second place in the Premier League, manager Arsene Wenger has said. Arsenal could not break down a resilient rearguard display from Sunderland, who guaranteed their own top-flight status with the point.

While the draw was almost certainly good enough to secure third place and a spot in next season's Champions League group stages, it was a disappointing result for Wenger who said his side were tired from Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

Blame Man City, Man U, Liverpool & Arsenal For Chelsea' Loss To West Brom - Jose Mourinho

Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool were to blame for Chelsea's loss to West Brom – according to Jose Mourinho. Jose Mourinho blamed Chelsea's nearest rivals for his team's 3-0 loss to West Brom in the Premier League on Monday.

A brace from Saido Berahino and a second-half goal from Chris Brunt saw Tony Pulis' men to their win at The Hawthorns, with Cesc Fabregas sent off in the 29th minute for Chelsea.

With the title already wrapped up, Mourinho said his side were unable to play at the intensity required.

Jose Mourinho Angered By Fabregas' Red Card

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho expressed his frustration after Cesc Fabregas was sent off in bizarre fashion as the champions were defeated 3-0 at West Bromwich Albion.

The Spanish midfielder is set to miss the first two matches of next season plus the final game of this campaign at home to Sunderland on Sunday following his first half dismissal after he kicked the ball against Chris Brunt.

Mourinho felt that a more experienced referee than Mike Jones would have resolved the situation with a mere lecture after tempers flared following a Diego Costa and Gareth McAuley off the ball coming together 29 minutes into the action at the Hawthorns.

Stoke City notched their highest-ever points tally in the Premier League and winger Peter Odemwingie is pleased to have contributed. Stoke City winger Peter Odemwingie is revelling in the club's record-breaking season and believes it will lay the groundwork for silverware in the future.

Mark Hughes' side played out a goalless draw at relegated Burnley last week as Stoke collected their 51st point of the 2014-15 campaign - the first time the club have broken the 50-point barrier since earning promotion to the Premier League in 2008.

ATLETICO MADRID 0 BARCELONA 1: See The Lionel Messi' Goal That Won La Liga Title

WEST BROM vs CHELSEA PREVIEW: All The Facts & Statistics You Need To Know

ARSENAL vs SUNDERLAND: Dick Advocaat Eyes Point Against Arsenal

A draw at Arsenal will be enough for Sunderland to end a disappointing Premier League season on a high by avoiding relegation. Sunderland visit Arsenal on Wednesday needing just a point to confirm their Premier League survival.

Dick Advocaat's men missed the chance to make sure of their top-flight status for next season last Saturday as they were held to a 0-0 home draw by Leicester City. But the Wearside club still hold a three-point advantage over third-bottom Hull City and only require a draw at the Emirates Stadium to stay up.

REAL MADRID vs JUVENTUS PREVIEW: All The Facts & Statistics You Need To Know

FIFA Bans Reynald Temarii For Eight Years Over Corruption Issue

Reynald Temarii has been banned from all football-related activities for eight years after accepting money from Mohamed bin Hammam. Former FIFA executive committee member Reynald Temarii has been banned from all football-related activity at national and international level for eight years for accepting a substantial payment from Mohamed bin Hammam.

The adjudicatory chamber of the independent FIFA Ethics Committee ruled that Temarii, the general director of the Tahiti Football Association, took a sum of €305,640 from then FIFA Executive Committee member and AFC President bin Hammam in January 2011.

LA LIGA: Ancellotti Gets 2-Match Touchline Ban

Carlo Ancelotti will be banned for Real Madrid's last two games in La Liga after sarcastically applauding match officials. Real Madrid will have to contest their La Liga run-in without coach Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout after he was hit with a two-match touchline ban.

The charge relates to Real's 2-2 draw with Valencia last weekend, when Ancelotti allegedly sarcastically applauded match referee Carlos Clos Gomez. Ancelotti was found to be in breach of the Spanish Football Federation's rule 117, which declares that anyone who "address referees, managers or officials in terms or attitudes of contempt or disregard…are punishable by suspension".

CHELSEA 1 LIVERPOOL 1: Watch The Goals & Highlights

Bayern Munich Can Win Barcelona To Stun The World Of Football - Thomas Muller

Thomas Mueller believes Bayern Munich can make a statement to the footballing world by surmounting their three-goal deficit to beat Barcelona in Tuesday's Champions League semifinal.

Bayern left themselves with a mountain to climb in Munich in order to reach the June 6 final in Berlin after losing last Wednesday's first leg 3-0 at the Camp Nou. Having already turned over a 3-1 first-leg defeat to triumph 6-1 against Porto in the quarterfinals, Mueller believes Bayern can again pull off the unlikely and shock the Spanish league leaders.

Giorgio Chiellini feels Juventus must score at the Santiago Bernabeu in order to progress to the UEFA Champions League final. Defender Giorgio Chiellini knows Juventus cannot afford to play with an overly defensive approach in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid.

The Serie A champions visit the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Turin. Ex-Real striker Alvaro Morata gave Juve the lead before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised, only for Carlos Tevez to settle the contest with a 57th-minute penalty.

I Will Miss Steven Gerrard - Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho says he will "miss" Steven Gerrard when the Liverpool captain leave the Premier League at the end of the season. Gerrard cancelled out John Terry's fifth-minute opener to secure his side a share of the spoils at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but the 1-1 draw effectively ended Liverpool's Champions League qualification hopes.

Mourinho had described Gerrard as his "dear enemy" in the lead up to the game, revealing he had tried to sign him for Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid before praising him again after Sunday's game.

The Gunners legend puts Olivier Giroud in that bracket, but says he needs support if they are to launch a serious challenge to the title. Thierry Henry has declared that Arsenal need THREE top strikers if they are to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title.

The Gunners could still win the FA Cup and finish second in the top-flight this season, but Henry doesn't think it is enough, given that they have gone a decade without a championship. The Frenchman points to the fact he had Sylvain Wiltord, Nwankwo Kanu, Davor Suker and Dennis Bergkamp providing competition for him during his glory days at Highbury.

Liverpool's slim hopes of a top-four finish were effectively ended despite holding Premier League champions Chelsea 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool claimed a creditable 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, although the result effectively quashes their hopes of qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League.

Brendan Rodgers' side came into Sunday's clash with the Premier League champions seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who were 2-1 winners at Crystal Palace 24 hours earlier.
Although Liverpool became only the fourth side to take anything away from Stamford Bridge in the league this season, their inferior goal difference means they would require a sizeable and improbable swing to overtake United in the final two matches of 2014-15.

Who is better - Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Diego Maradona believes it is too close to call and they are at the same level. Diego Maradona reckons any debate over whether Lionel Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo or vice versa is flawed as the duo are equally matched.

The best two players in world football have again showcased their talismanic qualities this season, Messi netting 53 goals in all competitions for Barcelona and Ronaldo scoring one more for Real Madrid.

Manu Garba Targets Third World Title With Nigeria's U20 Team

Head coach of Nigeria's U20 national team Manu Garba says his personal target at the 2015 Fifa U20 World Cup in New Zealand is to win his third World title. Garba won the Fifa U17 World Cup twice as a assistant coach to Yemi Tella led Golden Eaglets at Korea in September 2007 and later as head coach at the United Arab Emirate edition in 2013.

The 49-year-old admits the task will not be easy, but still believes his side have all it takes to make history and do the country proud. The former Golden Eaglets coach is confident that the depth, size, and quality of players in the squad could go far in breaking the international jinx at U20 for Nigeria.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says he was "forced" to sign Memphis Depay to prevent him from joining Paris Saint-Germain. It was confirmed on Thursday that winger Depay would move to Old Trafford from PSV for an undisclosed fee, an announcement that ended 12 months of speculation linking the 21-year-old with a transfer to the Premier League.

However, Van Gaal insists that - in an ideal world - he would not have delved into the transfer market until the end of the season.

AFCON: NFF Approves Keshi's Program

The Nigeria Football Federation has approved the programme for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers submitted by Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi. The trainer submitted his programme to the NFF few days after he was unveiled as the coach for his second spell in charge.

He has suggested the month of May for the commencement of his team’s camping in Abuja which the NFF has duly obliged to.

Pep Guardiola has come in for a lot of criticism by the German press following the 3-0 beating meted out by Barcelona at the Camp Nou. "The hardest of defeats", "Humiliation", "Debacle" are just some of the newspapers' headlines.

"Guardiola, beaten by Barcelona, had no time for emotional reunions" reads the headline of Bild newspaper, which then goes on to describe the "sad return" of Barça's "prodigal son" to what was his home, in a match that "showed him the limitations" that his new team, Bayern, had.

Arrigo Sacchi says Lionel Messi just like Diego Maradona after watching the Barcelona star's masterclass in the Champions League win over Bayern Munich. The 27-year-old scored twice in his side's 3-0 win in the first leg of their semi-final tie at Camp Nou on Wednesday, before creating Neymar's goal that effectively decided the tie.

"Messi has overcome a difficult period and has found back his extraordinary form," Sacchi was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick has revealed that a formal document formalizing their relationship with the Football Association in order for the country to benefit from the English football expertise.

Pinnick who held a meeting with his counterpart from England, Greg Dyke at the Wembley Stadium on Tuesday said the FA is keen to work with the NFF and will do all it takes to uplift Nigeria football.

Nigeria’s senior national team maintained their 45th position in the latest Fifa world ranking released on Thursday. The African champions were adjudged the same rank in the world according to the ranking released earlier in April.

The Eagles are now the eight-ranked African side behind Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Tunisia, Senegal, Cape Verde and Guinea.

Despite losing eight matches in a row and facing calls for the sack, Newcastle United head coach John Carver has not lost any self-belief. John Carver believes he is the "best coach in the Premier League" and insists he was not asked to resign his position at Newcastle United.

It has been a testing week for Carver, who saw Newcastle team slump to an eighth consecutive defeat in Saturday's 3-0 loss at Leicester City, leaving them just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Carver made the headlines in the aftermath of that match when he stated that he thought defender Mike Williamson got himself sent off on purpose for a late challenge on Jamie Vardy, when already on a yellow card.

06 May 2015

JUVENTUS 2 REAL MADRID 1: Watch The Goals & Highlights

Stopping Lionel Messi Is Impossible - Pep Guardiola

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has warned his players that they have no chance of stoppiong Lionel Messi if the Barcelona star is in the mood. The 44-year-old coached the Argentine at Camp Nou for four years and enjoyed great success by moving him from the flank to a central attacking role.

The former Spain international will return to the club he represented as player and coach in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday and is worried about the impact his old charge could have.

Nigerian Billionaire and Africa’s richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said he is still interested in buying EPL club, Arsenal. In an interview with Bloomberg, Dangote said he will make fresh attempts at buying the London club despite his rejected bid in 2010.

“I still hope, one day, at the right price, that I’ll buy the team. I might buy it, not at a ridiculous price but a price that the owners won’t want to resist. I know my strategy.

Despite having already sealed the Premier League title, Nemanja Matic says Chelsea are as hungry as ever for a win against Liverpool. Nemanja Matic insists Chelsea remaing hungry for victory at home to Liverpool this weekend, despite having wrapped up the Premier League on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho's men made sure of their first league crown since 2010 with a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace - PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard netting the winner on the stroke of half-time.
However, with matches against Liverpool, West Brom and Sunderland still to come, Matic says Chelsea will not be taking their foot of the gas.

We actually thought this was over. Oh well… Emmanuel Adebayor who is originally from Togo but plays for Tottemham took to his Facebook page about 16 hours ago to pour out his pains on how his family dealt with him. Though Adebayor, his siblings and mom have all been having major family issues for as long as 12/13 years, we thought it was over when Adebayor posted a picture of himself and his sister on his instagram page few months ago, but no we were wrong. Adebayor still feels hurt, and only God knows what happened yesterday that prompted him to find solace in the hands of his Facebook followers. Just too sad, he sounds hurt and I pray that God will comfort him. Below is what he wrote.

VIDEO: Watch The Chelsea Premier League Title Celebration

Martins Hits Brace Over New York City FC

Obafemi Martinsgot two goals for Seattle Sounders in their 3-1 victory against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium. A goal in each half of the encounter ensured Seattle secured their third consecutive win and fourth in five, while their hosts remain winless in seven matches.

Obagoal put his side in the 23rd minute after he ran down a through ball and slotted a breakaway goal in the 23rd minute that gave his side a half time lead. Nine minutes on restart of the second half, Mehdi Ballouchy pulled the hosts on level times before Clint Dempsey put Seattle in the lead again four minutes later.

After clinching the Premier League title with Chelsea on Sunday, Jose Mourinho once again hit out at critics of his side. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says his side are worthy Premier League champions, despite criticism from some quarters over the course of the season.

The 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge sealed Chelsea's fourth Premier League title and Mourinho's third with the club. Mourinho has previously spoken at length about criticism in the media of his players, most notably from Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness, and aimed another dig following the weekend's celebrations.

Hapoel Beer Sheva midfielder John Ogu has picked up the Isreali Ligat ha’Al award for Player of the Month in April – his second winning this season, Ogu, 27, scored four league goals in 29 games. He was instrumental to his side’s qualification for the Isreali state Cup final where they will face Nosa Igiebor’s Maccabi Tel Aviv on the 20th of May.

The Nigerian along with his compatriot Austin Ejide, were both on from start to finish as they defeated Hapoel Afula 7-0 in the semi-finals of the competition.

Nigeria international defender, Efe Ambrose has emerged champion in Scotland’s Premiership on Saturday with Celtic. Celtic wrapped up the title without kicking a ball as their closest challengers, Aberdeen failed to win on match day 35 of the competition.

The Bhoys had thrown down the gauntlet with a classy 5-0 win over Dundee 24 hours earlier.
Aberdeen had to win at Tannadice Park on Saturday but failed to do that as they suffered a 0-1 defeat to a spirited Dundee United side.

A lack of goals is worrying Louis van Gaal late in Manchester United's season.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal bemoaned his team's lack of firepower as their grip on a top-four spot loosened.

United have lost three straight Premier League matches, including a 1-0 loss to West Brom on Saturday, to be just four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool. Van Gaal's men are without a goal in those three defeats, leading to worries they may battle late in the Premier League season.

29 May 2015

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