Andre Villas-Boas Expects City To Challenge For Premier League Title

Image Credit Flickr User Gilyo

Andre Villa-Boas has said that he expects Manchester City to challenge for the Premier League title when the new season starts. City have been splashing the cash this summer and yesterday signed Argentine striker Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid in a deal reported to be around the £35 million mark.

The Chelsea boss insists that City will be looking to start the season strong as they aim to win the league, "I think it's pretty clear that they are building a squad to fight for the title," the 33-year-old said.

"It's for Mancini to say what his objectives are but my personal perspective is that they are making good signings and that they can threaten for the league."

The former Porto coach feels it be close race between a number of five clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.

"I think Man United as the title holders will be a reference for everybody but you can see the amount of activity Manchester City have had in the market. It's pretty clear they have a title objective as well," he said.

"Liverpool did more or less the same, Tottenham want to get back into the top four so they'll be challenging and Arsenal are always a threat - we haven't seen the last of them in the transfer market - so everybody is strengthening and as long as everybody feels happy with what they have, everybody competes in a different way."

Chelsea have been relatively quiet in the transfer market so far this summer, but Villas-Boas suggests he will add to squad is the right player becomes available.

"It all boils down to the evaluation period, there's still plenty of time for those decisions," added Villas-Boas.

"The players that we have shown interest in are young and looking to the future of the club, you might see similar moves in the future from us. It is one of the oldest squads in the Premier League, we respect them and we are happy enough with the quality that we have to challenge for the title but we are also looking into the future.

"We are so comfortable at the moment with what we are getting because of the young players we have. Things for the future are brighter for us in that respect."

Fans Show Off New Liverpool Away Kit for 2011/12

Image Credit Flickr User dullhunk

Proud Liverpool fans show off the new Liverpool FC away kit for the 2011-12 season.  You can see the pride on their faces as they boldly hit the yellow with the color equivalent of a Liverpool Kiss.

From left to right: Our Barry, Our Terry, Our Gary, Barry, Terry, Gary, Ba', Te', Ga', Barry, Terry, Gary.

Cough. Well, OK.  Perhaps not - but we are reliably informed the 11/12 away strip will be, in fact, well, yellow.

Fergie Expects City To Be Title Challengers

Alex Ferguson has claimed that he expects Manchester City to mount a realistic title challenge this coming season, both United and City are expected to hit the ground running when the campaign gets underway in August following closely by Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The Scot expects City to be a thorn in United’s flesh this season and Fergie acknowledges that United will have to play at their best if they are to reach their 20th Premier League title, City have emerged as realistic challengers for major honours since Sheikh Mansour's takeover of the club and heavily investing in the team.

He said: "There was a period not so long ago when City were actually in the second division and they were never a thorn in our flesh.

The Manchester United manager also went on to add; "Whereas every year in the past we've had to contend with Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool.

"But winning a trophy does you a power of good. I don't think there's any doubt about that. It takes the pressure off the manager and gives confidence to the players.

"We've experienced it ourselves over the years and we expect City to be challengers next season.

"But nothing changes. One of the teams will always be a thorn in our flesh, whether we like it or not - possibly all four of them."

Ferguson also believes that Liverpool, who have endured a difficult time of late, will be back to their best under Kenny Dalglish this season.

He added: "Liverpool went off the radar for a bit. They are now back on it.

"Long term you know they are going to there."

Ferguson has also reiterated his desire to maintain his position in the United hot seat and has played down speculation that he could retire soon, when speaking about if he looking for retire soon he added;  "Absolutely not,"

"Not at all. I'm not even thinking about it. You just have to keep going.

"The challenge, whether it's with young players or old players, is that you have to do something. There's always that expectation at this club."

Liverpool Interested In Landing Charlie Adam

Liverpool are hoping to persuade Blackpool to let Charlie Adam join the Anfield outfit with Jonjo Shelvey going the other way. Liverpool have made it no secret that they are interested in landing the Scottish midfielder.

Blackpool are resigned to losing their prize asset following their relegation from the Premier League. However, they are holding out for the highest offer for Adam.

A host of clubs are thought to be monitoring Adam's situation with the Seasiders with Aston Villa and Tottenham thought to been preparing to join the chase.

Adam is believed to be keen to make the move to Liverpool having made Anfield his first-choice destination from his list of suitors. 

Steven Gerrard: We Will Challenge For Trophies

Steven Gerrard hopes Liverpool will be able to close the gap on the top four this season and is looking forward to getting the new campaign underway, the Reds captain is also looking forward to resuming the rivalry with Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side recorded their 19th Premier League title last season, edging one ahead in the long-running battle between the old foes.

With Liverpool owners willing to spend big after the aqcustion  of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez last season and having recently signed England Under-21 midfielder Jordan Henderson in a £20million deal, Gerrard is confident the Anfield side can match United and suggested he wants to win more trophies before the end of his Anfield career.

"As a Liverpool fan and a player it's frustrating when you see your arch-rivals lifting trophies but you've got to give credit where it's due. They've won it, they've overtaken us," said the 31-year-old.

"Now the challenge for us is to equalise. We've got to make sure we've got a squad capable of going into the season and competing with Manchester United.

"It's a big statement by the club getting a big signing in early and now we're watching anxiously for a few more to follow. It's exciting times.

"It's important this team delivers very soon because we've been a number of seasons without putting a trophy in the cabinet and that's not what Liverpool is about.

"I want to play well, I want to score goals - but it's much more important that the team plays well and we all end the season happy."

Gerrard is currently undergoing a rehabilitation programme after missing the end of last season after undergoing groin surgery in March.

"I want to come back with a bang, I want to have a big season," Gerrard told Liverpool's official website.
"It's been non-stop football for me since I started when I was 17. I've never had a period of more than four or five weeks out of the game, so it's been nice to rest mentally.

"You don't want to miss games but when you're watching them it gives you that edge, that buzz to get back.

"I'll come back hungry and hopefully there's a very productive season ahead for me."

Kenny Dalglish Slams The Premier League

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has criticised the Premier League for announcing that the first round of the Carling Cup will be played three days after international fixtures, the Anfield outfit kick-off the campaign against Sunderland on 13th August which is just days after England face Holland in a friendly.

Speaking on Liverpool’s official website, the Scot said; "I would ask why the season is starting on a Saturday when there are international friendlies the midweek before.

"Clubs are doing their best to bring in good players and that usually means they are international players.
"There is a free week after the first weekend so I don't understand why we can't start the season on a Sunday to prevent players having to travel back on a Wednesday night in time for a Saturday start.

"If you are going to have international games then have them. But surely it makes sense to put the league games back a day if it's possible. To me it's common sense."

Jordan Henderson Relishing Liverpool Opportunity

Jordan Henderson has insisted that he is eager to for the new season to begin, Liverpool’s new £20million signing from Sunderland who is currently in Denmark at the European Championships with the U21 Squad will be giving his all to fight for a place in the team and says once he makes the starting XI he intends to stay there.

The 20-year-old knows the stiff competition he will face to break into the team, but he is relishing the opportunity and says he would love to play in the middle of the park for the Anfield outfit.

"There'll be competition at any big club but I've got to make sure I work extremely hard and do everything I can to make sure I'm starting," said the youngster.

"If I train well and work hard I'll get my chance - and I'll take it as well. I spoke to the manager and he said I can play in a few positions.

"I'm not really bothered, all I care about is making sure that I'm in the starting XI and playing regular football. If I could choose I'd probably be centre midfield."

Liverpool have invested big in Henderson knows the fans will expect him to live up to his expensive price-tag.

"It's a lot of money but I don't make the figures up," he continued.

"It just shows Liverpool have a lot of faith in me and I'll keep learning and working hard to repay them.
"There are a lot of parts of my game I need to work on. I'll do everything I can."

Viral video by ebuzzing

Jordan Henderson Joins Liverpool

Jordan Henderson has completed his move to Liverpool today, the midfielder has signed long-term contract at Anfield.

The Black Cats accepted an offer from the Reds earlier this week and allowed Henderson to head to Merseyside for talks, The midfielder has already joined the England Under 21 squad in Denmark ahead of the start of the European Championship this weekend.

Henderson is in line to face Spain on Sunday and will remain focused on international duty until later in the summer.

"I'm over the moon, overjoyed to be here and I'm really looking forward to it," he told the club's official website.

"Liverpool's definitely the place to help me come on as a player, and improve me. The club's going in the right direction and it can go as high as it wants."

Henderson is looking forward to playing alongside stars such as ndy Carroll and Luis Suarez, as well as captain Steven Gerrard.

Speaking about Gerrard he said; "He is one of the best players in the world, you want to be playing with him and training with him to try and improve yourself as a player."

"I've trained with him once (for England) and he was unbelievable, to be honest.

"I'm looking forward to it, and there are other good players here who can help me as well.

"Steven has been a massive, massive player for Liverpool for years now and he still is. Hopefully I can learn a lot from him.

"Coming to a massive club like Liverpool, there is always going to be competition.

"Hopefully I can keep working hard, keep improving, and get my chance on the pitch.

"There is a lot to achieve. It's a massive club and we've seen over the last few months how good they are.

"So I'm just coming here to learn and try to improve my game and I'm sure that along the way there will be a lot of happy memories.

"You come to a big club and you want to win things. Liverpool have won a lot in the past and hopefully there is a lot more to come in the future."

Fernando Torres Relishing Summer Break

Fernando Torres believes he will capture his form for Chelsea when the season resumes in August, the hitman has been slow to make an impact since joining Chelsea for £50 million from Liverpool in December.

The former Liverpool man is currently away on international duty with Spain and he scored in their weekend win over the USA, the striker will then go away on holiday with his family after the game against Venezuela to re-charge his batteries.

Torres is looking forward to when he returns to Chelsea for next seasons Premier League campaign and is confident next season will be a lot better for the Spaniard.

"I felt very comfortable from the beginning. I felt good and I was really committed. It has been a tough year for me," said Torres.

"I have only played twice for the national team in recent times. The injuries I have had prevented me from being in good shape. I am happy that the team won and that everything was perfect.

"A lot of things happened over the past 12 months but I am looking forward to the last game of season (against Venezuela) over the next three days.

"I finally get to go on a break. It's been five summers with no holidays and we have a chance to enjoy with family and rest and I am sure next season will be a lot different from the last one."

Xabi Alonso Refuses To Rule Out Liverpool Return

Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso has refused to rule out a return to Liverpool in the future, the Spaniard enjoyed a successful spell at Anfield before leaving for Real Madrid.

Alonso was unhappy when then Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was willing to sell him as he pursued Gareth Barry, which effectively ended Alonso’s Liverpool days but the Spaniard insists that he would never rule out a return to Anfield.

When asked if would ever consider returning to Liverpool, Alonso told Liverpool TV: "Why not?
"I think that in football so many things change, and why not? I have my red passion and if circumstances arrived then why not?

"At the moment I don't know what is going to happen, but it could be a possibility. Never say never."
Alonso, pent five years at Liverpool, but admitted it was a major wrench to leave Anfield and he revealed he still misses the club.

"It was difficult because Liverpool has been and always will be very special," added Alonso. "It is in my heart because I have lived very intense things there.

"I miss lots of things. I miss the lads, I miss the atmosphere at Melwood - it was a great place to work, and the scenario of Anfield is unbeatable.

"The special nights I have been privileged enough to live, those will be in my memory forever and they are difficult to compare anywhere in the world."

Rafa Benitez Eyeing Premier League Return

Rafa Benitez has once against expressed his desire to return to management in the Premier League, the Spaniard says he is 'ready and waiting'.

Former Valencia and Liverpool boss is keen on a return to  after enduring a tough spell while in charge of Inter Milan which ended in December.

Benitez enjoyed success at Liverpool winning the Champions League twice, but after a tense relationship which reached breaking point with former owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks, Rafa was sacked.

"Now we have to think about the future. I am ready, waiting. It is not easy because you don't have many too teams available now, but there is still time," said Benitez

"You are looking for a club with an idea about the future, an idea about how to create something, but at the same time to keep winning.

"Because I came from Spain I have a different vision. I know how you can do things in Spain, Italy or here. After six years at Liverpool I am really pleased to stay in England.

"I know how to manage, I know about business plans, I know how to buy and sell players. In Spain and Italy, they take care of them. Here you have more experience.

"I know what it means after five years in charge of the Academy and you can see now how the young players of Liverpool have progressed.

"I have enough experience and I am still quite young for a manager."

Liverpool Bid Accepted For Andy Carroll

Liverpool FC confirmed this afternoon that Newcastle United have accepted a club record transfer offer for Andy Carroll after the striker asked to leave St James Park.

Carroll had been a subject of a failed bid from Tottenham Hotspur last week and if Torres is sold to Chelsea before the end of the transfer deadline it would of left Liverpool short up front without Torres.

Liverpool has been given permission by Newcastle to discuss personal terms with Andy Carroll, who will now travel to Liverpool for a medical with a view to completing the deal today.

Liverpool Manager Kenny Dalglish had stressed the need for a replacement when a player leaves the club. “If someone’s going to go, you’ve got to have a replacement”,

Andy Carroll has signed a 5-and-a-half year deal at Anfield

Kenny Dalglish has been a busy man in the transfer market after Liverpool confirmed the services of another player earlier, Luis Suarez has signed a five-and-half-year contract at Liverpool. The striker moves to Anfield from Ajax in a deal worth 26.5million euros (£22.7m) and Liverpool are also hoping to announce the signing of Blackpool’s Charlie Adam before the end of the day.

Fernando Torres Joins Chelsea

Fernando Torres has joined Chelsea today for a £50m deal from Liverpool breaking the British transfer record after the Reds initially rejected a transfer bid from Chelsea last week.

The striker then subsequently handed in an official transfer request the next day, which was rejected and today Chelsea made an improved offer which Liverpool found head to resist considering the players had already made up his mind that he wanted to leave Anfield.

Fernando Torres joined Liverpool in the 2007 season and made his competitive debut for Liverpool against Aston Villa in a 2–1 win on 11 August 2007.

Torres has since made 142 appearances and scoring 81 times for the club and the 26 year old now seeks a new challenge in hope of winning silverware at Stamford Bridge.

Having completing his transfer to Chelsea, the striker said; "I am very happy with my transfer to Chelsea and I am looking forward very much to helping my new team-mates this season and for many years to come.

"Having played against Chelsea many times since coming to England, and in some very big games I will never forget.

"I know there are many great players here and I will work hard to win a place in the team. I hope I can score some important goals for the supporters to enjoy this season."

Blackpool's Charlie Adam Submits Transfer Request

Blackpool’s Charlie Adam has handed in a transfer request in hope of pushing through a move during the January transfer window, Liverpool are likely to submit an improved offer after having a £4m offer rejected last week.

The Scottish international turned in another eye-catching display against Sunderland on Saturday despite the ongoing saga over his future.

The Scotland midfielder scored a penalty in the home defeat.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway insists that Adam should stay put until the summer, but now he has to contend with an official request.

Holloway said: 'Has his head been turned? Yes. It can be turned. He understands Liverpool is huge. With Kenny Dalglish in charge, the club is so stable.

'They have got new owners and they are going to get back to what they were and Charlie deserves to play for them one day.

'But that day, for me, isn't right for this football club at this moment in time. Maybe in the summer because it's a much better time to do business.'

Blackpool have since rejected Charlie Adams's transfer request, with hope of keeping hold of him until the season.

Ian Holloway Fears For King Kenny

Ian Holloway has said that Kenny Dalglish cannot fix Liverpool’s problems overnight and hopes the Scot does not tarnish the reputation he currently has with the Fans. Kenny Dalglish is seen as a Legend at Anfield having achieved much success at the club as a manager and as a player.

Liverpool have slipped way behind the top three in recent weeks and Holloway feels King Kenny will have his hands full in rejuvenating the Reds season in hope the blame won't fall on the Scot should he fail succeed this time around,

Blackpool face Liverpool tonight in which it will be Dalglish’s first league game in charge of Liverpool since he resigned 19 years and 11 months ago after he masterminded three title triumphs and FA Cup successes.

Ian Holloway said; "I hope Kenny does brilliantly - after our sides meet.

"But there are problems at Liverpool and it will take time. What Kenny can't do is carry the can for all this.

"I don't see Kenny as being the great golden saviour. I just see him as someone the fans trust at a time when they need to get some trust back.

"Kenny does not deserve to ruin what he's got with the fans - and football fans can be fickle.

"It's a bit like a painter. Sometimes you aren't appreciated until you're gone. Let's hope Kenny will still be appreciated after this stint."

Liverpool Appoint First Team Coach

Kenny Dalglish has moved quickly to bring in Steve Clarke as his First Team Coach at Anfield, The Scot was named as temporary manager until the rest of the season after Roy Hodgson was sacked on Saturday.

Kenny has been given to chance to rejuvenate Liverpool’s season after below-par performances so far this campaign, the Reds are currently lying in twelve position in the Premier League and the fans and players are convinced that Kop legend Dalglish is the right man.

"Steve is a great addition to our team and I'm delighted we've been able to bring him in.

"I am looking forward to working with Steve alongside [assistant manager] Sammy Lee and our other staff."

Clarke, who left West Ham by mutual consent in June 2010 when Gianfranco Zola was sacked as manager, Steve was at Liverpool's Melwood training ground on Monday, he was assistant manager at Newcastle and Chelsea previously and has played over 500 senior games for St Mirren and Chelsea.

He left West Ham by mutual consent in June 2010 after Gianfranco Zola was sacked as manager the previous month

Fernando Torres Calls For Support

Fernando Torres has hit out at claims that he is about to quit Liverpool in the wake of a sacking of another Liverpool manager.  The Spaniard has called for the fans to get behind the team and all pull together.

Roy Hodgson was sacked yesterday after a dismal run in the league. KOP Legend Kenny Dalglish has been put in temporary charge and it was thought that senior players like Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina might look to initiate a move away from Anfield.  It would perhaps only take one player to start this particular stack of dominoes falling.

Yet Torres has made an early intervention to dispel any rumours. Both he and Reina have been linked with a transfer to Manchester United.  However, Torres has categorically rejected any talk of leaving and said, "More than ever, we need to stick together. We must live in the present, from match to match."

In a statement to the press which must have come as a relief to the management of Liverpool, he added: "We need to add more points, win matches and improve our standing in the table. That is our challenge and I demand the total help of our supporters in doing that."

Whether he instigated this public call for support himself or was asked by Dalglish remains unknown.  However, the Spanish player has effectively quashed rumours of his departure from the team.  "My head is in Liverpool and on helping save our season. I am professional and I always fulfil my deals." he said today.

Torres went on to add; "I haven't considered leaving, although in football that depends on the club. Liverpool had a lot of success under Rafa Benitez and that is difficult for anyone to follow. Even if the ball hasn't always dropped our way this season, we have missed out in a lot of matches."

Liverpool remains a team in crisis. However, unless Torres does a Rooney this statement will go a long way to relieving management, players' and fans' fears.

Liverpool confirm Gerrard's injury

Gerrard out for four weeks

Liverpool have been dealt with a injury blow that will rule Steven Gerrard out for up to four weeks, the midfielder suffered a hamstring injury last night while playing for England in the 2-1 defeat against France at Wembley. The skipper will have a scan later today, but after an initial assessment by Liverpool's medical team at Melwood training ground. It is thought that their captain will be sidelined for a month.

England and Liverpool had an agreement that Gerrard should only play for an hour, but after Barry was forced to come off and the England manager said he no choice but keep Gerrard on due to lack of senior players on the pitch and with Gerrard playing on longer than expected, he was forced to withdraw when he pulled his hamstring.

Dr Peter Brukner speaking on Liverpool TV said, "Steven injured his hamstring last night. He's just been in for an early assessment here and it certainly looks like a significant hamstring injury.

"He's just heading off for a scan as we speak and we should have the results of that tonight.

"He's going to be out for a little while, I'm afraid. I'd imagine it could be three to four weeks.
"
Fans were disappointed to see Gerrard play 85 minutes of the friendly match after an agreement with the FA was broke, but Dr Brukner remains philosophical about the situation.

"If you put your hand up to play for your country, you've got to accept how long they want you to play for," he said.

"There were obviously circumstances last night which came together to result in Steven playing for a bit longer than we'd hoped, which is disappointing but there's nothing we can do about that now.

"We'll move on and work as hard as we can to get him back playing for Liverpool as soon as possible."

Earlier in the day head of fitness and conditioning Darren Burgess posted a tweet slamming England's behaviour as 'disgraceful'

He also went on to add, "Unbelievable from all associated with England and English FA with regard to Steven Gerrard's injury. Completely ignored agreement and past history.
 
"Completely amateurish and now we pay for their incompetence. Absolutely disgraceful."

When speaking on the agreement with the FA & Liverpool, England manager Fabio Capello added, "We spoke with Steve and he said he would play one hour, but after Barry's injury we had some problems,"

"That was the reason he stayed on the pitch. If it's possible, the players will play the time we agreed with the club. admitted Capello.

"But Barry was really injured so we needed someone senior on the pitch because it was a really young team. He said he was good.

"They [Liverpool] asked that he can play one hour if it's possible. They can't decide how long a player plays with the national team.

"If it's possible, he'd have played an hour. I understand why they're upset and I'm also upset.

"The problem is that, when you play this game on Wednesday after a lot of Premier League, Europa League or Champions League games, it's possible there might be an injury for a player. The Premier League, every time, is a tough league for the players."

Sick as a Drog

By Matt Scott 
Chelsea’s star striker Didier Drogba has been diagnosed as suffering from Malaria.

The 32-year-old was thought to have been suffering from a virus after missing games against Aston Villa and Spartak Moscow but blood tests have since revealed he has some how contracted malaria.

Drogba was a surprise inclusion in the squad that lost 2-0 to Liverpool at the weekend. He was named on the bench but came on for the second half, having little impact on the game.

Chelsea boss, Carlo Ancelotti, revealed that the Ivory Coast international was not in the starting XI because he complained of a fever during the eve of the game. The Italian tactician is unsure how Drogba managed to contracted it. He said, ‘We found out (on Monday night) when blood tests showed he had malaria. I don’t know where he got it from.’

Despite this, Drogba is in contention to start against Fulham tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge, no doubt hoping to add to his 6 league goals already this season.

Theo Walcott remains upbeat

Theo Walcott on the Premiership title race

Theo Walcott has insisted the title race is still wide open and any one of the top five could be challenge for the championship come the end of the season, Walcott's club side Arsenal suffered a shock defeat to the hands of Newcastle at the weekend and the winger insists the Gunners could very well be challenging for top spot this season.

Walcott remains confident Arsenal will bounce back from their defeat to Newcastle and start pushing the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, speaking on Sky Sports News, the winger said, "Chelsea are very strong, they have excellent, strong and fantastic players, it was great for Liverpool to win and upset them slightly, that is why the Premier League is fantastic,"

"I think there are four or five teams come the end of the season that are going for the Championship, it is great for the neutral it is going to be a great last few weeks to the season, everyone is beating each other.

"I think Chelsea lost six games last year and won the league, so there could be more defeats and we don't mind that as long as we concentrate on ourselves and catch up."

Speaking on Andy Carroll chances with England where the striker hit the winner against Arsenal at the weekend, he said, "He is one of the in-form strikers in the Premier League he is a handful to play against," he said.

"I have had a chance to play with him in the Under-21s when he scored a hat-trick, he is so strong, I am sure if he gets the chance to play for England he will grab it with both hands, he has done tremendously well.

"We [Arsenal] found it very difficult to play against him, and if he gets his chance I look forward to playing with him. He is scoring goals and as a striker that is all you can do."