If you enjoy my blog, please consider clicking on some of the ads. I could use the income =D

Thursday, September 8, 2011

EPL

Arsenal Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta maintains he should not be perceived as a replacement for Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri at Stadium Emirates. Aston Villa Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov has no plans to retire from international football despite Bulgaria's failure to qualify for the Euro 2012. Blackburn The agent of Hoffenheim striker Vedad Ibisevic claims his client would still be interested in making a move to Blackburn Rovers in January. Bolton David Ngog hopes his time spent as Fernando Torres' understudy will help him as he bids to prove himself as a Premier League striker at Bolton. Chelsea Raul Meireles says he had no desire to leave Liverpool during the summer and only handed in a transfer request because Chelsea made their move. Everton Everton new signing Denis Stracqualursi is confident he can score goals in the Premier League - and is using Carlos Tevez as his role model. Fulham New Fulham striker Bryan Ruiz believes he can handle the pressure of high-expectation and is aiming to make a difference at Craven Cottage. Liverpool Raul Meireles says he had no desire to leave Liverpool during the summer and only handed in a transfer request because Chelsea made their move. Manchester City Manchester City defender Micah Richards is confident of facing Wigan this weekend despite withdrawing from England duty due to a hamstring. Manchester United Manchester Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists that new signing David de Gea needs time to adapt to the physical nature of the Premier League. Newcastle United Steven Taylor is intent on cementing a permanent place in the heart of Newcastle United's defence, after struggling with injuries last season. Norwich City Young Norwich midfielder Korey Smith has been told to stay focused by assistant manager Ian Culverhouse and wait for his first-team chance. Queens Park Rangers QPR new signing Anton Ferdinand says he had no plans to leave Sunderland until the club told him he was free to discuss a move to Loftus Road. Stoke City Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is relishing the return of injured Ricardo Fuller, who he rates as one of the best forwards in the Premier League. Sunderland Striker Nicklas Bendtner has vowed to show Sunderland fans his best form after again venting his frustration over a lack of chances at Arsenal. Swansea City Swansea have received international clearance from FIFA for Federico Bessone, but are still awaiting news on Darnel Situ and Rafik Halliche. Tottenham Benoit Assou-Ekotto is confident Spurs fans will bury their past dislike of Emmanuel Adebayor and give him the backing he needs to score goals. West Brom It was reported that West Brom have no intention of letting Craig Dawson go out on loan, while the player himself is more than happy to stay. Wigan Athletic Roberto Martinez believes the international break has been beneficial for Wigan and he is excited at the potential within his new-look squad. Wolverhampton Mick McCarthy is fully focused on getting Wolves ready to face Tottenham despite disruptions caused by the international break and injuries.

La Liga

Athletic Bilbao Bilbao could play their Europa League game against Slovan Bratislava at MSK Zilina instead as EUFA found the Belasi's stadium to be inedequate. Atletico Madrid Atletico Madrid are set to have a full squad to take on Valencia once Falcao, Perea, Turan, Courtois and Salvio returned to the club on Friday. Barcelona Barcelona star Lionel Messi admitted that he dreams of playing in the Argentine league in the future, and particularly for Newell's Old Boys. Espanyol Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino admits he was surprised by Pandiani's fitness, Romaric's technical ability and the aggressive play of Weiss. Getafe Getafe coach Luis Garcia is determined to maintain their own football against Real Madrid even though is missing eight players due to injury. Granada Granada manager Fabriciano Gonzalez believes his squad will compete well in the La Liga as they have the right mix of youth and experience. Levante Goalkeeper Gustavo Munua said critics underestimated Levante last season and believes his club will do another 'miracle' and achieve survival. Malaga Striker Ruud van Nistelrooy believes the injection of petrol-dollars, which has revolutionised teams like Malaga, are positive for football. Osasuna Good news for Osasuna after it was confirmed that Javad Nekounam did not suffer any serious injury and could be available for the weekend game. Racing Santander Racing Santander defender Francis admitted that he is desperate to make his season debut after missing their first match through suspension. Rayo Vallecano Rayo Vallecano defender Mikel Labaka is not worried about competition for places as he is confident that everybody will be given time to play. Real Betis Betis midfielder Javier Magro Matilla hopes that his side will be a revelation in the La Liga and believes they have done well in the market. Real Madrid It was reported that Real Madrid could make a January bid for Hernanes as coach Jose Mourinho is still keen on the Manchester United striker. Real Mallorca Real Mallorca goalkeeper Juan Calatayud has recovered from injury and is likely to take over from Dudu Aouate for their trip to Real Betis. Real Sociedad Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi admits he is a little tired from his international duty but he should be able to start this weekend. Real Zaragoza Bad news for Real Zaragoza coach Javier Aguirre after it was confirmed that Edu Oriol tore a muscle and is out of their clash against Rayo. Sevilla Sevilla president Jose Maria is confident in his war against Barcelona and Real Madrid, likening it to the French Revolution - unstoppable. Sporting Gijon Sporting Gijon goalkeeper Juan Pablo believes 33 is the right age for a goalkeeper and would like to celebrate it with a victory over Osasuna. Valencia Valencia striker Roberto Soldado believes their upcoming matches against Atletico, Barcelona and Sevilla will expose his squad's true level. Villarreal Villarreal midfielder Ruben Garcia has stressed the importance of shackling Alvaro Negredo if they are to relaunch their season this weekend.

Serie A

AC Milan Liverpool-owned midfielder Alberto Aquilani hopes to stay with AC Milan for many years as he is growing tired of moving around every summer. AS Roma Roma captain Francesco Totti has said he will support boss Luis Enrique's efforts, as he calls for unity following recent tensions at the club. Atalanta Atalanta sports director Pierpaolo Marino admits he fears Rodrigo Palacio and Juraj Kucka the most when his side face Genoa this weekend. Bologna Bologna midfielder Nico Pulzetti is very happy in his new colours and warned his team that a match against Fiorentina is never an easy one. Cagliari Cagliari's new midfielder Sebastian Eriksson is set to undergo surgery on Friday, while Thiago Ribeiro has arrived at the club from Brazil. Catania Maxi Lopez has admitted that he was disappointed to miss out on a move to Fiorentina, but he respects Catania's decision to keep hold of him. Cesena Cesena sporting director Lorenzo Minotti has admitted that the capture of striker Adrian Mutu helped them lure other players during the summer. Chievo Chievo midfielder Luca Rigoni is pleased with the new arrivals and is convinced they have a good team, ahead of the start of the new season. Fiorentina It was rumoured that Riccardo Montolivo is set to renew his contract at Fiorentina for another 5 years and will earn EUR2 million per season. Genoa Good news for Genoa coach Alberto Malesani as Dario Dainelli and Cesare Bovo have fully recovered and will be available to take on Atalanta. Inter Milan Inter playmaker Wesley Sneijder has admitted he wanted to join Manchester United but thought perhaps the Red Devils never really wanted him. Juventus Amauri's agent tries to calm things down at Juventus, stating that it is normal for a player to express their like or dislike about a transfer. Lazio Bad news Lazio coach Edy Reja after it was confirmed that Albanian midfielder Lorik Cana will be sidelined for at least 15 days due to injury. Lecce Lecce midfielder Christian Obodo has warned his side not to give too much space to Udinese, who can take advantage with their quality players. Napoli Joan Capdevila's agent declared that the defender is open to the idea of leaving Benfica and has urged Napoli to make their interest known. Novara Novara director Mauro Pederzoli is happy with their summer dealings and believes the acquisition of Morimoto was their best piece of business. Palermo Palermo striker Fabrizio Miccoli expects his team to undergo a transition year and would not kid himself by talking about European football. Parma Parma captain Morrone is proud to start the season against Juventus and in Bianconeri's new stadium, but warned his side will go for the win. Siena Siena beat their youth side 5-0 in a training session after Emanuele Calaio, Pablo Gonzalez and Alessandro Gazzi found the back of the net. Udinese Udinese star striker Antonio Floro Flores is likely to miss their season opening match against Lecce as he is still carrying a calf problem.