“We cannot hold back players. Those who want to leave may do so,” director B. Balaji Rao told the Times of India, amid speculation that senior players such as goalkeeper Paul Robinson and midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen are set to leave. Rao also stressed that owners Venky’s, a family-owned chicken farm operator, are “here...
Posts Tagged ‘ Midfielder ’
Fabrice Muamba invited to attend Bolton’s clash with Tottenham as recovery from cardiac arrest continues
On Saturday the 24-year-old former England Under-21 midfielder took to his Twitter account for the first time since the incident, posting a message to thank people for their “prayers, love and support” and wishing his team-mates well ahead of their match at Sunderland that afternoon, which they drew 2-2. Next up for Bolton is...
Swedish midfielder Stefan Ishizaki scores goal with volley from own half – video
Swedish midfielder Stefan Ishizaki scored an impressive volley from his own half during an Elfsborg game against Orebro as part of the Allsvenskan Swedish league on Monday night. The ball came to Ishizaki, whose first-time effort flew back down the pitch and beat the keeper from a full 70 metres
Xavi confident Barcelona can recover from defeat to beat Chelsea
Press Association Barcelona’s Xavi believes his side will be able to pick themselves up for their Champions League match against Chelsea. Photograph: Alvaro Barrientos/AP The Barcelona midfielder Xavi is confident the Catalan club will pick themselves up from Saturday’s defeat to Real Madrid and land some more silverware this season. The 2-1 loss to...
Pep Guardiola concedes title to Real Madrid and focuses on Chelsea
Agencies Pep Guardiola watched his side’s 55-game unbeaten home run come to an end against Real Madrid. Photograph: Sergio Carmona/Reuters The Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola, has conceded the La Liga title to Real Madrid after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at the Camp Nou. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the decisive goal after 73 minutes to give Madrid...
Barcelona’s title hopes hinge on clásico triumph, admits Xavi
Reuters Barcelona’s midfielder Xavi believes it is all or nothing for his side against Real Madrid. Photograph: Lluis Gene/AFP/Getty Images Barcelona‘s chances of retaining their La Liga crown rely on them beating the leaders Real Madrid in el clásico at the Camp Nou on Saturday, their midfielder Xavi has said. José Mourinho’s Real hold...
Fabrice Muamba returning to football would not surprise me at all, says Bolton manager Owen Coyle
“We’ve all seen the sad events in Italy,” added Coyle in a reference to the death on Saturday of Livorno midfielder Piermario Morosini after he suffered a heart attack on the pitch. While Muamba’s return to health is the priority for both himself and his club, Scottish manager Coyle said he could yet play...
Brandao’s extra-time winner gives Marseille French League Cup glory
Reuters Marseille celebrate their third successive French League Cup victory. Photograph: Benoit Tessier/Reuters An extra-time goal by the Brazilian Brandao gave Marseille a 1-0 victory over Lyon on Saturday and a third successive French League Cup. Brandao, who came on as a late substitute in a drab final at the Stade de France, scored...
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic facing FA charge over off the ball clash with Wigan’s Shaun Maloney
The Football Association are aware of a video which appears to show Ivanovic punching Wigan Athletic midfielder Maloney in the midriff moments before Juan Mata’s controversial winner in the Chelsea‘s 2-1 Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge. The FA will ask referee Mike Jones to confirm he and his assistants did not witness the...