South African striker Benni McCarthy is determined to prove his worth at West Ham United, having struggled during his first few months at Upton Park.
The 32-year-old made just five appearances for the Hammers following his arrival from Blackburn Rovers in January, being hampered by injury and a lack of match fitness.
McCarthy is already back in training and eager to improve, telling the Epping Forest Guardian:"I am very determined and that is why I decided to come back earlier.
"I wanted to make a fresh start. What I couldn't do then, I want to be able to do now. I still have loads to prove to the West Ham fans.
"For me, I am like a new player coming in, because last season I am writing off.
"The injury is completely fine and the weight is back to normal. I have been following my programme since the end of the season.
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"It is the first time that something like this has happened to me and I need to make sure it doesn't happen again.
"I have been training hard for two weeks now and it is all off my own back."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Swansea City’s approach has been a breath of fresh air to the Premier League and Brendan Rogers is finally chalking up the results their early season performances have deserved. The Swans boss is quick to point out that a lot of his success with the Welsh outfit is down to his predecessors who had already laid down an excellent platform for him to work from:
“Certainly Swansea is a club with a tradition of having teams that play good football, and obviously they changed their structure when Roberto Martinez changed from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3, and from that moment the club brought in coaches and managers who understood that way of working and playing. Certainly that enabled me to fast-track and implement my own ideas into the group. They’d had a very good year in the Championship where they had finished eighth. Paulo Sousa took over and did an excellent job and they reached seventh position, and then I had the big challenge to take the club forward on a very limited budget. So it was really about trying to implement my own ideas – but the core of the group knew and believed in that way of playing. It was then a case of developing and improving that way rather than having to create it right from the beginning.”
Brendan Rogers was fortunate to work under, and with, Jose Mourinho and Andre Villas-Boas during his time at Chelsea and both men certainly had an influence over him:
“I think you obviously have your own ambition, and you need people to give you a chance, who think you have the capacity to work at that level. But obviously when you get the chance to work with such managers it gives you a chance to learn from the best and develop, and Jose was a fantastic influence for me. When you move into management, you’re working alone – you can’t look to imitate or be anyone else, and you have to carry your own ideas with you. But the more experience you have the better, and I have been very fortunate to be able to work with lots of very good managers, world-class managers. I have then hopefully been intelligent enough to take on board the good and the bad, and work it into my own identity.”
Rogers is certainly making a good fist of his first time in the Premier League and having had the good fortune of working under a manager like Mourinho, he certainly has had a good grounding of how to grind out results in this division. Whether the Swans take a similar pragmatic approach that Chelsea adopt as the season goes on remains to be seen, but for the time being it is clear that Swansea are going to have a go their own way first.
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For more insight from Brendan Rodgers and other leading managers plus exclusive Barclays Premier League highlights go to www.yahoo.co.uk/sport
Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish will sweat on a knee injury to Alexander Hleb ahead of next Sunday’s Carling Cup final against Arsenal.Hleb was stretchered off the pitch during the Blues’ 3-0 FA Cup fifth round win over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, souring what should have been a celebratory moment for the club as they reached the quarter-finals with ease.The on-loan Barcelona midfielder left St Andrews on crutches and will undergo scans to determine the severity of the injury, but McLeish is hopeful the Belarus international will be back in action in time for the trip to Wembley.”The latest is he’s limping heavily in the dressing room,” McLeish said.”He’ll hopefully have a scan in the next 24 hours. I need to firm that up with the doctor. We’ll know after that if there’s any damage.””It’s his knee. We don’t believe it’s a cruciate (ligament) problem. He got a fair rattle. The guy was late in the tackle.””He’s a great player and we still believe he’ll make an impact for us at some stage this season and hopefully he’ll be okay for the final.”Striker Cameron Jerome should be available despite a minor ankle injury suffered in the win, which was achieved by a squad of fringe players following a number of changes to the first-team side.”(Jerome) went over on his ankle. We don’t think it’s too serious. He should be available,” McLeish said.”We’ve got a thin squad as it is. If Alex misses out then that’s another man down.””In terms of allowing players to recharge batteries, being able to change the team and give the players some much-needed match practice it was a good day for us.””The strength of the squad was shown today. All of the guys who came in all played extremely well. I don’t think we had a passenger today.”
Tottenham are on the verge of sealing a partnership deal with Ecuadorean club Independiente del Valle, as a result of which six of the South American side’s young stars will travel to White Hart Lane this week to begin trial periods at Spurs with a view to a permanent move. Among the triallists is Junior Sornoza, who starred for Ecuador at the South American Under-20 championships.
Although the link is yet to be made official, it represents a new approach to talent scouting by Spurs, who are not alone among Premier League clubs in turning their interests to South America in search of the next Lionel Messi or Ronaldinho. Manchester United have been in a partnership deal with Brazilian side Fluminense since 2007; Liverpool are believed to be pursuing a similar relationship with Uruguayan powerhouse Nacional.
Relationships of this nature are much more common between English and European clubs; a quick search on the internet will bring up countless such parterships. But the European football network is now so tightly interlinked it is becoming difficult for a club to spot a truly undiscovered prospect. Spurs have already established links in unusual places – they are currently affiliated with SuperSport United (South Africa) and South China (Hong Kong).
But the search for talent has, in recent years, been moving ever-closer to South American prospects. Although it is commonplace in Portugal, Spain and Italy (with many Brazilian-born players in the Portugal set-up, and numerous Argentines appearing for Italy), the Premier League is relatively new to scouting in this region. The path has been laid, in large part, by Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic.
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Birmingham have introduced the likes of Jean Beausejour, Wilson Palacios and Cristian Benitez to the Premier League while Maynor Figueroa, Hugo Rodallega and Antolin Alcaraz are currently on the books at Wigan, who also gave Antonio Valencia his first big European break after two years in the Villareal reserves.
Now, though, there is an increasingly Latin feel to the Premier League; clubs are making conscious efforts to expand their scouting network to the continent. Recent seasons have seen Stoke City sign Diego Arismendi from Nacional and Blackburn pluck Mauro Formica from Argentine side Newell’s Old Boys.
The growing success of Central and South American sides in World Cup tournaments, signified by Uruguay reaching the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup, has provided an excellent shop-window for those nations’ key players, as well as the Copa Libertadores, which has marketed a constant stream of young stars being plucked from the continent into Spanish and Italian academies.
With the European game almost completely covered by vast scouting networks, English clubs must look to the next stage of talent identification. If they are to stay ahead of the opposition, it is vital for Premier League sides to start tapping into the previously unexplored depths of South American football talent.
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Leaders Borussia Dortmund travel to Kaiserslautern, while Bayer Leverkusen visit Eintracht Frankfurt in this weekend’s Bundesliga action.
With 13 games remaining, Juergen Klopp’s Dortmund side head to the Fritz-Walter-Stadion 13 points clear of second-placed Leverkusen, seemingly on an unstoppable march towards a seventh Bundesliga title.
Captain Sebastian Kehl, recovering from a hip flexor injury that has kept him sidelined since September, emerged unscathed from a midweek training game and could feature.
The experience and defensive nous of the 30-year-old would be welcomed as the title race nears its closing stages.
Second-placed Leverkusen face a must-win trip to Eintracht Frankfurt if they are to keep alive their dreams of a first German league title.
Bayern Munich, who relinquished a 2-0 lead before losing 3-2 to relegation battlers Cologne on Saturday, welcome Hoffenheim to Allianz Arena.
Louis van Gaal will be able to call on the services of prized Dutch winger Arjen Robben, who missed the Cologne game through illness, as his side look to improve on their fifth-place standing.
In other Saturday matches, Schalke host Freiburg while Stuttgart will look to haul themselves out of the relegation zone when they welcome Nuremberg to the Mercedes Benz Arena.
Following this week’s sacking of Steve McClaren, caretaker manager Pierre Littbarski takes charge of Wolfsburg for their home clash with Hamburg, while bottom-placed Borussia Monchengladbach visit St Pauli.
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On Sunday, Hannover will aim to continue their European ambitions alive when they visit struggling Werder Bremen, who are just one point outside the bottom three.
Sunday’s other match sees Cologne, fresh from their stunning comeback win over Bayern, welcome third-placed Mainz to the RheinEnergieStadion.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has moved to end speculation linking him with the managerial vacancy at Premier League rivals Liverpool.
Redknapp guided Spurs to fourth place last season and has been mentioned as one of the possible successors to Rafa Benitez at Anfield, along with Fulham's Roy Hodgson and several other high-profile names.
However, the 63-year-old told ESPN Soccernet:"I am not being presumptuous turning down Liverpool, because I haven't been offered the job and haven't spoken to anyone about it.
"There is no need, as I have one year left on my contract at Tottenham and I am not thinking about anything other than being at White Hart Lane next season.
"I can tell you that I have not been offered a new contract, but that doesn't mean I am looking to move on – far from it.
"I am loyal to Spurs, I want to stay at Spurs and I have a contract with Spurs, and I'd be happy to sign a new contract at Spurs if I was offered one.
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"But in any case I have one year on my contract."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Tottenham fans are absolutely crucifying Kieran Trippier, despite the Englishman picking up an assist in the 2-0 win over Watford.
There was a subdued atmosphere around Wembley on Monday night as Mauricio Pochettino’s side cruised past Watford.
Whether it was the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, the novelty of Wembley finally wearing off, or simply the end of season blues, both the players and the fans seemed like they weren’t really too fussed about the Monday night clash.
Nowhere was this lack of commitment more apparent than in defence, where Pochettino’s side quite frankly looked half asleep.
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The game was won comfortably in the end thanks to Harry Kane firing in the second goal from a Trippier cross, but the visitors certainly had enough chances to make a game of it, due mainly to silly mistakes at the back from Spurs.
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Trippier is taking plenty of stick for his display, after Richarlison had far too much space on several occasions.
The 27 year-old seems to be the first choice over Serge Aurier, but fans are not happy with his defending on Monday night, and some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
Oh dear, the news Liverpool fans have been fearing for a little while now has broken…. Raheem Sterling wants out. Although his agent has since claimed that things have been “blown somewhat out of proportion”, smoke without fire is rare, and with the Reds’ season confirmed as a failure, claims of seeking trophies and success lend some backing to potential desires to leave.
The 20-year-old has been one of the Merseysiders’ standout performers this season, with his performances far above the level ordinarily expected of such a young talent. He’s led the line for the club, scored the most Premier league goals from open play of anyone in the squad and has worked well when deployed from his natural wide role.
Reports claim that £35m may be needed to lure him away, and should Brendan Rodgers lose the England international a replacement would be needed. But, Liverpool need a player with scope to improve, one able to play all across the front three and one able to fit into the Northern Irishman’s set-up… and all of this for a relatively low fee. Difficult, then! However, here are FIVE options…
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Alexandre Lacazette
Perhaps the ideal solution to the problems at Liverpool is Lacazette. The France international has been, arguably, the most impressive player away from the giants of the game in European football this term, smashing 27 Ligue 1 goals in 33 outings to fire unfancied Lyon to a shock title challenge – they ultimately lost out to PSG, though. In recent days the player himself has suggested that he may leave, which has alerted the Reds.
With pace, an eye for goal and the ability to play on either flank or as a main centre-forward, Lacazette is ideally suited to a Rodgers team, an could provide cover for Daniel Sturridge or potentially work in tandem with him. He is also able to fill Sterling’s role from wide.
Mauro Icardi
Another impressive player on the continent right now is Icardi. The Argentine is not dissimilar to former Kop hero Luis Suarez in his playing style, with high-energy hustle and bustle what is on offer from him. Icardi is, though, a very talented player, with his 19 goals for an Inter Milan team entrenched in midtable battle showing just what he’s capable of in the final third.
Chelsea are the side believed to be leading the race for his signature, but Liverpool have been linked with him since the summer of 2014, so they could opt to swoop.
Saido Berahino
West Brom’s Berahino has enjoyed a fine breakthrough season. The Baggies ace has always had the talent, but often a perceived lack of application has cost him in his pursuit of becoming a Premier League-standard attacker. However, he’s knuckled down at the Hawthorns this term, and a return of 14 goals is impressive given that he’s still only 21.
Liverpool are one of a host of clubs thought to be looking at him this summer, and with West Brom unlikely to be able to resist sizable offers, he could head to Anfield. A quick striker able to occupy roles on the flank or at the apex of a midfield diamond? Perfect.
Stevan Jovetic
Jovetic presents an interesting option. Supremely talented and celebrated during his time with Fiorentina, the Montenegrin certainly has ability. However, his two years at Manchester City have been quiet to say the least, with injuries and competition having limited his playing time. Is he good enough? Could he be saved by Liverpool?
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Reports have revealed that the Reds are indeed keen, and after reviving Daniel Sturridge’s career, perhaps a Premier League giant’s trash could be their treasure again. He appears well-suited to Rodgers’ way of playing, with neat skills and decent finishing ability partnered by an ability to occupy any role in the final third.
Luciano Vietto
21-years-old, pacey, able to play as a striker and from out wide and unlikely to command vast wages, Vietto ticks the boxes for Liverpool. The Argentine has been impressive for Villarreal in La Liga this term, finding the net on 12 occasions to keep the Yellow Submarine in the driving seat for European qualification – a big deal considering their recent relegation/promotion blip.
Liverpool are understood to be keen, but he appears to be a background target.
David Moyes hopes Ryan Giggs’ impending appointment to his coaching team helps Manchester Utd beat Real Madrid to Spurs’ Gareth Bale, according to Clubcall.
Giggs, 39, is set to be confirmed as part of new boss David Moyes’ backroom staff in a player/coach role in the next month after the former Everton manager met him for talks last week.
Moyes wants to bring some key members of his Goodison Park technical staff with him, including head of recruitment Ian Atkins, but United’s top summer transfer target is a player who Sir Alex Ferguson tried but failed to sign in 2007.
Bale’s future at Tottenham is up in the air after his side’s failure to earn Champions League qualification, although many believe it would have been in doubt anyway as the player wants to win trophies and now has his pick of the world’s clubs.
However, only Real Madrid and United are thought to be realistic contenders for the 23-year-old’s signature and the two great euro rivals look set to battle it out for his affections this summer.
Real Madrid will move for Bale if they decide to part company with Cristiano Ronaldo, who has two years left on his Bernabeu contract and is unsure about committing for the long-term.
United do not necessarily need to sell before they can enter the race, but are looking to make room in their top-heavy squad by getting rid of Wayne Rooney.
Spurs may prefer to sell Bale abroad but in the past they have always caved in to United when the money has been right, allowing Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov to follow their hearts north.
If it comes down to a straight choice, Bale’s family and feeling for the club will come into his decision and United hope Giggs – who the Welshman idolised as a teen growing up in Cardiff – could help their cause.
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Bale watched United’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid at Old Trafford in March in a private box with permission from Tottenham.
Leeds fans are furious after their club announced a new sponsorship deal with Uber.
You’d be hard pushed to find a group of fans more frustrated by their club right now than Leeds (okay, maybe Sunderland).
The fans have had to look on in despair as their playoff push has evaporated into thin air, and they’re now just waiting for the season to end.
While fans are worrying about what the future holds, their club have today announced a new partnership with taxi company Uber.
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The club’s official Twitter account stated the deal would “help reduce congestion and address the transport challenges” around Elland Road on match days.
Supporters are now blasting their club for not helping local firms rather than multinational companies.
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All too often in recent transfer windows the club have found lesser talents in foreign leagues rather than focusing on what’s right under their nose, and it’s fair to say fans’ transfer frustrations are being echoed by their thoughts on the new deal.
Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…