Saha debut delights Moyes

Saha debut delights Moyes

Everton new boy Louis Saha won praise from manager David Moyes after an impressive first outing for the club in the 2-2 draw at Hull City.

The 30-year-old France international came on as a half-time replacement at the KC Stadium, despite being short of full fitness after a number of injury problems during his time with Manchester United.

Moyes told the club's official website: "Louis made a big difference to how we played when he came on. I was glad to get him out there.

"I don't think it was a gamble to play him. If I'd started with him, he'd have been happy, but I felt the best way was to bring him along slowly.

"He's not had many games, so we're gambling in that he hasn't played any reserve games and just been training for two weeks.

"I said when we signed him that if I could get him fit for half the games this season, then he could win us some points and that's what I'm hoping for.

"He's gone about his work well, quietly and there's no doubt there's a very, very talented footballer there and everybody I've spoken to has told me that.

"There were signs during the second half that he can give us that and, if he can, then it will be great for us."

Saha debut delights Moyes

Saha debut delights Moyes

Everton new boy Louis Saha won praise from manager David Moyes after an impressive first outing for the club in the 2-2 draw at Hull City.

The 30-year-old France international came on as a half-time replacement at the KC Stadium, despite being short of full fitness after a number of injury problems during his time with Manchester United.

Moyes told the club's official website: "Louis made a big difference to how we played when he came on. I was glad to get him out there.

"I don't think it was a gamble to play him. If I'd started with him, he'd have been happy, but I felt the best way was to bring him along slowly.

"He's not had many games, so we're gambling in that he hasn't played any reserve games and just been training for two weeks.

"I said when we signed him that if I could get him fit for half the games this season, then he could win us some points and that's what I'm hoping for.

"He's gone about his work well, quietly and there's no doubt there's a very, very talented footballer there and everybody I've spoken to has told me that.

"There were signs during the second half that he can give us that and, if he can, then it will be great for us."

Ronaldo urged to be a hero

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to ensure that he eventually leaves the club a hero with the Old Trafford faithful.

The 23-year-old Portugal ace had seemed set to quit United in the summer after making it known that he wanted to join Real Madrid, but opted to stay put after talks with Ferguson.

Ronaldo's start to the new campaign has been hampered by his recovery from ankle surgery, but he marked his first start this season with a goals in the 3-1 Carling Cup third round win over Middlesbrough.

Ferguson said afterwards: "I think Cristiano has come to accept that at this stage of his career, United is the place for him.

"Southern Europeans want at some point to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona, so I understood what was going on in Cristiano's mind when he declared he wanted to join Real.

"But once we had talked he accepted it was a move for the future.

"I pointed out to him how much better it would be to leave like Eric Cantona, with the fans loving and appreciating him.

"The crowd still chant Cantona's name and I told Cristiano 'leave a hero like Eric' and one day he will, but not yet."

Ronaldo urged to be a hero

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to ensure that he eventually leaves the club a hero with the Old Trafford faithful.

The 23-year-old Portugal ace had seemed set to quit United in the summer after making it known that he wanted to join Real Madrid, but opted to stay put after talks with Ferguson.

Ronaldo's start to the new campaign has been hampered by his recovery from ankle surgery, but he marked his first start this season with a goals in the 3-1 Carling Cup third round win over Middlesbrough.

Ferguson said afterwards: "I think Cristiano has come to accept that at this stage of his career, United is the place for him.

"Southern Europeans want at some point to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona, so I understood what was going on in Cristiano's mind when he declared he wanted to join Real.

"But once we had talked he accepted it was a move for the future.

"I pointed out to him how much better it would be to leave like Eric Cantona, with the fans loving and appreciating him.

"The crowd still chant Cantona's name and I told Cristiano 'leave a hero like Eric' and one day he will, but not yet."

Cahill return boosts Megson

Cahill return boosts Megson

Bolton Wanderers manager Gary Megson is hoping the return from suspension of Gary Cahill can help kick-start his side's stuttering start to the new season.

Cahill has missed the Trotters' last three games following his red card in the Carling Cup defeat to Northampton Town last month.

Wanderers have picked up just one point during his absence, but Megson is delighted to have the former England Under-21 international back in his ranks for Saturday's trip to Manchester United.

"I think any team would miss that quality because I do happen to believe that he is the best young centre-half in the country," he told the club's official website.

"We have missed his qualities - he has got pace and he's good in the air. He's not the finished article yet but we were bound to miss him and it will be great to have him back.

"We need our better players out on the pitch because we haven't got a huge squad.

"He's been training all the time and he has done his work - he trains like a demon.

"It's probably not the ideal place to get chucked back in but I'm sure he'll relish it."

Meanwhile, Megson has revealed that Sweden striker Johan Elmander could also make his comeback from a hamstring injury at Old Trafford.

Cahill return boosts Megson

Cahill return boosts Megson

Bolton Wanderers manager Gary Megson is hoping the return from suspension of Gary Cahill can help kick-start his side's stuttering start to the new season.

Cahill has missed the Trotters' last three games following his red card in the Carling Cup defeat to Northampton Town last month.

Wanderers have picked up just one point during his absence, but Megson is delighted to have the former England Under-21 international back in his ranks for Saturday's trip to Manchester United.

"I think any team would miss that quality because I do happen to believe that he is the best young centre-half in the country," he told the club's official website.

"We have missed his qualities - he has got pace and he's good in the air. He's not the finished article yet but we were bound to miss him and it will be great to have him back.

"We need our better players out on the pitch because we haven't got a huge squad.

"He's been training all the time and he has done his work - he trains like a demon.

"It's probably not the ideal place to get chucked back in but I'm sure he'll relish it."

Meanwhile, Megson has revealed that Sweden striker Johan Elmander could also make his comeback from a hamstring injury at Old Trafford.

Roman reveals Spurs shock

Roman reveals Spurs shock

Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has revealed his shock at the intensity of training sessions at his new club.

The 26-year-old Russia international joined the north London club in a £13.8million deal on transfer deadline day and has endured a difficult start to life in England with a side struggling at the foot of the table.

The former Spartak Moscow striker has made two appearances in which he has failed to make any real impact and Pavlyuchenko has spoken of his surprise at the work he has been required to put in during training sessions.

"In England they have a different system of training," he told Russian media.

"Right now the games are on Wednesday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday. The training is like this - those who played get to recover and the rest do light training with the ball. It's not that tough.

"But when there is a week's gap between games, training is serious. I barely survived it when I'd just arrived.

"I looked at my watch and saw that the training session had gone on for exactly two hours! Then another half-an-hour in the gym. Two-and-a-half hours. Can you imagine that?

"I trained like never in my life before. The weights started to get to me, and I stopped and said to the trainer, 'I can't do this'.

"That's how they work. I'm shocked. I thought it would be a lot easier."

Roman reveals Spurs shock

Roman reveals Spurs shock

Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has revealed his shock at the intensity of training sessions at his new club.

The 26-year-old Russia international joined the north London club in a £13.8million deal on transfer deadline day and has endured a difficult start to life in England with a side struggling at the foot of the table.

The former Spartak Moscow striker has made two appearances in which he has failed to make any real impact and Pavlyuchenko has spoken of his surprise at the work he has been required to put in during training sessions.

"In England they have a different system of training," he told Russian media.

"Right now the games are on Wednesday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday. The training is like this - those who played get to recover and the rest do light training with the ball. It's not that tough.

"But when there is a week's gap between games, training is serious. I barely survived it when I'd just arrived.

"I looked at my watch and saw that the training session had gone on for exactly two hours! Then another half-an-hour in the gym. Two-and-a-half hours. Can you imagine that?

"I trained like never in my life before. The weights started to get to me, and I stopped and said to the trainer, 'I can't do this'.

"That's how they work. I'm shocked. I thought it would be a lot easier."

Scolari snaps up Mineiro

Scolari snaps up Mineiro

Chelsea manager manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has added Brazilian midfielder Mineiro to his squad to cover for the long-term absence of Michael Essien.

Ghana international Essien is likely to miss most of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament earlier this month while playing for his country.

Mineiro was a free agent after being released by Hertha Berlin at the end of last term and becomes the third Brazilian player at Stamford Bridge where he joins compatriots Juliano Belletti and Alex.

The defensive midfielder, who has represented his country on 24 occasions, has penned a deal that will keep him with the Blues until the end of this season.

Scolari said of Mineiro on the club's official website: "He is a player that I need because I lost Michael Essien for six months. I have one midfielder like him, (John Obi) Mikel.

"So this week he will not play, but maybe after 15 days to two weeks, he is ready to play normal games.

"He needs to play some games in the reserve team, and for me it is very good because I have one more player in this position. If not I have to put in Belletti or (Paulo) Ferreira, or (Michael) Ballack, and they are not for this position.

"I say to fans of Chelsea, if they remember (Claude) Makelele, Mineiro is the same. Good positionally, a very good marker. He is a man that works for the other players and he is also a good man outside of the pitch."

Scolari snaps up Mineiro

Scolari snaps up Mineiro

Chelsea manager manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has added Brazilian midfielder Mineiro to his squad to cover for the long-term absence of Michael Essien.

Ghana international Essien is likely to miss most of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament earlier this month while playing for his country.

Mineiro was a free agent after being released by Hertha Berlin at the end of last term and becomes the third Brazilian player at Stamford Bridge where he joins compatriots Juliano Belletti and Alex.

The defensive midfielder, who has represented his country on 24 occasions, has penned a deal that will keep him with the Blues until the end of this season.

Scolari said of Mineiro on the club's official website: "He is a player that I need because I lost Michael Essien for six months. I have one midfielder like him, (John Obi) Mikel.

"So this week he will not play, but maybe after 15 days to two weeks, he is ready to play normal games.

"He needs to play some games in the reserve team, and for me it is very good because I have one more player in this position. If not I have to put in Belletti or (Paulo) Ferreira, or (Michael) Ballack, and they are not for this position.

"I say to fans of Chelsea, if they remember (Claude) Makelele, Mineiro is the same. Good positionally, a very good marker. He is a man that works for the other players and he is also a good man outside of the pitch."

Tevez: City Pesaing Baru MU

Berita Bola: Manchester - Carlos Tevez menaruh perhatian lebih dengan bergabungnya Robinho ke Manchester City. Ia meminta skuadnya waspada karena Citizens kini bisa menjadi sebagai penantang baru dalam perebutan gelar juara.

Keberhasilan City mengalahkan Chelsea untuk menggaet Robinho menjadi perhatian khusus Tevez. Striker Manchester United ini melihat kedatangan pemain Brasil itu akan berdampak besar bagi klub yang kini dimiliki Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investmen (ADUG) tersebut

Tevez: City Pesaing Baru MU

Berita Bola: Manchester - Carlos Tevez menaruh perhatian lebih dengan bergabungnya Robinho ke Manchester City. Ia meminta skuadnya waspada karena Citizens kini bisa menjadi sebagai penantang baru dalam perebutan gelar juara.

Keberhasilan City mengalahkan Chelsea untuk menggaet Robinho menjadi perhatian khusus Tevez. Striker Manchester United ini melihat kedatangan pemain Brasil itu akan berdampak besar bagi klub yang kini dimiliki Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investmen (ADUG) tersebut

Brasil Optimistis di Tengah Tekanan

Berita Bola: Teresopolis - Badai tekanan tengah menerpa Brasil akibat penurunan performa mereka. Meski demikian, nada optimisme tetap disuarakan jelang pertemuan melawan Cile pada kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2010.

Adalah hal yang aneh apabila melihat Brasil gagal meraih hasil maksimal dalam suatu turnamen. Jika melihat catatan lima kali juara Piala Dunia yang dimiliki, rasanya kegagalan sekecil apapun dapat menimbulkan kritik terhadap mereka sendiri.

Brasil Optimistis di Tengah Tekanan

Berita Bola: Teresopolis - Badai tekanan tengah menerpa Brasil akibat penurunan performa mereka. Meski demikian, nada optimisme tetap disuarakan jelang pertemuan melawan Cile pada kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2010.

Adalah hal yang aneh apabila melihat Brasil gagal meraih hasil maksimal dalam suatu turnamen. Jika melihat catatan lima kali juara Piala Dunia yang dimiliki, rasanya kegagalan sekecil apapun dapat menimbulkan kritik terhadap mereka sendiri.

Kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2010 Tanpa Frings & Ballack, Jerman Tetap Pede

Berita Bola: Oberhaching - Absennya Torsten Frings dan Michael Ballack tidak menurunkan semangat Jerman. Bastian Schweinsteiger yakin Jerman tetap akan menang meskipun tanpa diperkuat kedua bintangnya itu.

Pelatih Joachim Loew sedang mempersiapkan skuadnya guna menghadapi dua laga penting babak kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2010. Pada Sabtu ini Jerman akan menghadapi Liechtenstein di Vaduz, tiga hari kemudian tim Panser akan menghadapi Finlandia di Helsinki.

Kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2010 Tanpa Frings & Ballack, Jerman Tetap Pede

Berita Bola: Oberhaching - Absennya Torsten Frings dan Michael Ballack tidak menurunkan semangat Jerman. Bastian Schweinsteiger yakin Jerman tetap akan menang meskipun tanpa diperkuat kedua bintangnya itu.

Pelatih Joachim Loew sedang mempersiapkan skuadnya guna menghadapi dua laga penting babak kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2010. Pada Sabtu ini Jerman akan menghadapi Liechtenstein di Vaduz, tiga hari kemudian tim Panser akan menghadapi Finlandia di Helsinki.

Pavlyuchenko Kisah si Bekas Tukang Mabuk

Berita Bola: London - Roman Pavlyuchenko sudah berlabuh di White Hart Lane. Fans Tottenham Hotspur tentu berharap dia memang tepat menggantikan Dimitar Berbatov -- dan tidak sering lagi mabuk-mabukan.

Pavlychenko, yang dibeli Spurs dari Spartak Moskow senilai 14 juta poundsterling, pada awalnya boleh jadi akan sering dibanding-bandingkan dengan Berbatov, yang meraih sukses selama dua musim membela klub London utara tersebut.

Pavlyuchenko Kisah si Bekas Tukang Mabuk

Berita Bola: London - Roman Pavlyuchenko sudah berlabuh di White Hart Lane. Fans Tottenham Hotspur tentu berharap dia memang tepat menggantikan Dimitar Berbatov -- dan tidak sering lagi mabuk-mabukan.

Pavlychenko, yang dibeli Spurs dari Spartak Moskow senilai 14 juta poundsterling, pada awalnya boleh jadi akan sering dibanding-bandingkan dengan Berbatov, yang meraih sukses selama dua musim membela klub London utara tersebut.