Posts Tagged ‘Juventus’

The Old Lady aims to tame the Wild Rovers

July 28th, 2010 Dean Saliba

soccerlens logo The Old Lady aims to tame the Wild Rovers

On Thursday evening in the Dublin suburb of Tallaght, history will be made. Shamrock Rovers, a club that not many outside of Ireland will be familiar with, will play host to one of the powerhouses of Seria A, Juventus. In July of last year, amid much fanfare, Rovers played the ‘Galacticos’ of Real Madrid in a friendly match which was seen by many as the rebirth of a club that in the previous decade had experienced relegation from the Premier League and entered into examiner-ship.

For a period of almost ten years anyone that passed through Tallaght would have noticed the ugly concrete shell that was the partially completed stadium of Shamrock Rovers. This grim semi-completed structure was a symbol of the turmoil that the club was experiencing at the time and without the loyal support and financial aid of the supporters group the “400 club” Ireland’s most decorated club side (with a record 14 League Titles and 24 FAI cup titles) may have ceased to exist.

The fact that Shamrock Rovers came so close to extinction makes the visit of Juventus such a significant event. The Hoops chairman Jonathan Roche, a Tallaght local was in dreamland following their 1-0 away victory against Israeli side Bnei Yehuda in the second leg of the previous round.

Roche said:

“This will be one of the biggest games in the club’s history. We played Manchester United and the Busby Babes in the past, we played Bayern Munich and played Celtic in the 1980s but Juventus in Tallaght will be something else. A year ago we had Real Madrid for a friendly, now it’s Juve in a competitive game. It doesn’t get much better.”

So this truly is a clash of David and Goliath proportions. Last year prior to the Hoops friendly with Real Madrid it was reported that while Ronaldo was expected to earn around £154,000-a-week with Madrid, Shamrock Rovers’ wage bill for the entire 22-man squad was just £12,800-a-week.

Gary Twigg who finished the 2009 season as the top scorer in the League of Ireland with 24 goals is one of the only full-time professionals and reportedly earns £850-a-week during the season. Compare this with the likes of Gianluigi Buffon and Alessandro Del Piero who earn in excess of £4m per annum and one cannot deny the gulf in size of these clubs.

Nevertheless, as anyone who has a passing interest in Serie A will know, Juventus have not been without their problems in recent years and La Vecchia Signora is still recovering from the Calciopoli scandal that saw the club relegated to Serie B in 2006. Following the false dawn of the 2007–2008 season where Claudio Ranieri led the club to 3rd place in their first return season in Serie A, Juve now finds itself under the stewardship of its fourth manager in three years, Luigi Delneri. The man who led Sampdoria to Champions League qualification last season has a massive job on his hands and all eyes will be on Juve’s first competitive game on Thursday night.

So far in pre-season Juventus have performed reasonably well and the 2-1 victory over Lyon last weekend where Diego showed some of the magic that he is capable of and new signings Motta and Pepe also impressed will have given the squad a much needed boost in confidence.

Juventus do have some injury concerns leading into the game against Rovers. Center-halves Leonardo Bonucci (knee injury) and Nicola Legrottaglie (flu) are slight doubts. This is an area Juve can ill afford to be without their strongest players where the physical approach of Shamrock Rovers (especially around set pieces) may cause the Juventus defense some problems.

The fact that the Irish side are in the middle of their domestic season will also mean that they will be in prime physical condition, however the difference in quality should prove too much in the end and the Italian giants would be hoping to bring back a lead to Modena (where the game will be played because U2 have a concert scheduled in the Stadio Olimpico in Turin on the same day) for next weeks return leg.

Whatever happens on Thursday in Tallaght, the fervent capacity crowd of 6,000 should be in for a night to remember when two clubs steeped in history that happen to share a lot in common (in terms of historical success and recent demise) will no doubt produce a game that will go into the football folklore of the Emerald Isle and who knows might even leave some Irish eyes smiling.

“The Old Lady aims to tame the Wild Rovers” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to sign Benfica and Brazil star Ramires for £20m?

July 24th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to sign Benfica and Brazil star Ramires for £20m?Fiorentina Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to sign Benfica and Brazil star Ramires for £20m?liverpool Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to sign Benfica and Brazil star Ramires for £20m?

England

Chelsea To Sign Benfica Star?

As reported here earlier, Chelsea will sign Benfica midfielder Ramires next week for £20m, according to ESPN Soccernet sources.

Analysis: If you need to be impressed, see here and here (you’ll especially enjoy what happens around the 1:15 mark). Chelsea are getting a good one, and he’ll only get better learning from some of the best midfielders in the world.

Milner Saga Turning Ugly?

Well, it appears we’re going to ‘he said, he said’ territory with the James Milner to Manchester City saga. After Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill said yesterday that Milner told him before the World Cup that he wouldn’t be signing a new contract with the club, that he wanted to leave, and that a deal could be done at the right price, the Daily Mail reported today that a ‘friend’ of Milner’s said that Milner said no such thing.

Analysis: Well, considering that O’Neill’s comments weren’t exactly of the scathing variety, then there’s really no reason for such a report to come out aside from just wanting to cause problems. Besides, you’d have to seriously question why a manager of O’Neill’s reputation would come out and attribute such comments to one of his star players if it wasn’t true. Come on.

Poulsen To Replace Mascherano At Liverpool?

According to Goal.com, Liverpool could move for Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen if Javier Mascherano leaves for Inter Milan.

Analysis: No disrespect to Poulsen, who’s a solid and accomplished midfielder (and quite the bringer of pain), but this would be a bit of a step back in quality for Liverpool. If he’s not starting regularly for Juve, I don’t see him as more than a squad player at Liverpool.

Stoke To Cough Up Crazy Cash For Cole?

According to ESPN Soccernet, Stoke City are set to make a £14m bid for West Ham striker Carlton Cole.

Analysis: With his height, Cole’s head would certainly be a perfect match for some long Rory Delap throws into the box, wouldn‘t it? Cole would fill the need for a double-digit goal scorer, which is what Stoke are in need of if they want to make a move up the Premier League table, but £14m? With that, Stoke would do well to put in the highest bid for Nice’s Loic Remy instead of helping West Ham be able to fund their own bid for Remy.

Spain

Ozil Close To Barcelona Move

According to an exclusive report on Transfer Market Web, Barcelona have agreed terms with Werder Bremen star Mesut Ozil.

Analysis: Makes perfect sense if it happens. Sure, Fabregas would be the ideal capture, but he is unavailable as unavailable can be. Ozil, however, is available, for a far cheaper fee at that, and he’ll bring every bit the production and plenty of potential. Still too soon though to write this one off as signed, sealed, and delivered yet.

Stuttgart Star Sets Sights On Spanish Switch

VfB Stuttgart midfielder Sami Khedira has stated that he is currently deciding on a move to Real Madrid, and he will make his decision within the coming days. (ESPN Soccernet)

Analysis: Well, I can’t say I see him staying. He has only a year left on his contract, and I think Stuttgart would much rather get a relatively decent fee for him this summer instead of losing him for nothing next summer.

Italy

Milan Hot On Honda

According to Goal.com, AC Milan are in the midst of discussions to land Japanese star Keisuke Honda. Milan reportedly put in an offer of €13m to CSKA Moscow on Thursday, which fell short of CSKA’s asking price of €15m, but sources say that a deal could be struck soon.

Analysis: Whether it’s to Milan, Madrid, Merseyside, or elsewhere, it’s been quite a quick rise for Honda, and I’m not surprised. When I first saw highlights last year when he was still with VVV Venlo, I was very, very impressed. He’s only gotten better in the last year, and the best is yet to come.

Germany

Wolfsburg Stick To Stance On Stars

Wolfsburg sporting director Dieter Hoeness says that striker Edin Dzeko and attacking midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic are not for sale this summer, at any price. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: No surprise here, despite all of the speculation and both stating their desire to leave. They are two players that Wolfsburg needed to keep in order to make a serious run at the Bundesliga title and at the very least land a Champions League place. Throw in their new arrivals, and I fully expect to see it happen. If it doesn’t, then I can see Wolfsburg softening their stance next summer.

Hertha Star Heads To Hamburg

It’s a third new face in the span of a week at Hamburg SV, as the club have landed Hertha Berlin midfielder Gojko Kacar. According to reports, HSV have splashed out an initial £4.5m for the 23-year-old, with a further £800k dependent on their qualification for European football. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Hamburg have added three players in Kacar and defenders Heiko Westermann and Dennis Diekmeier who will boost the club’s hopes of being able to earn a Europa League spot and perhaps even make a run at a Champions League place.

Greece

Riera Signs For Olympiakos

Olympiakos have completed the signing of Liverpool winger Albert Riera. Liverpool will receive £3.3m up front for the former Espanyol star, and they will receive a further £1.6m if Olympiakos capture the Greek league title. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Look at the reception that Olympiakos fans gave Riera upon his arrival yesterday. Perhaps they just wanted a good reason to party it up, or they think just that highly of their new arrival. Either way, don’t let ‘em down, Albert.

Russia

Spartak To Land Gervinho?

According to French media sources, Lille have accepted a €20m bid from Spartak Moscow for highly-rated Ivorian forward Gervinho. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Curious move this would seem to be, what with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, and others mentioned as potential destinations. But Spartak are going to be in the Champions League (qualified for the group stages via a runner-up league finish last season) and would offer him some handsome wages, not to mention more than enough funds for Lille to land a replacement. And he would be just the player Spartak need to put them back into contention for a Champions League place, as they currently sit seventh in the league, 14 points behind Zenit St. Petersburg after only 13 matches.

USA

Marquez Moves To MLS

Thierry Henry could be joined by a former Barcelona teammate in New York. Goal.com reports that veteran defender Rafael Marquez has agreed a release from his Barcelona contract and is set to move to the New York Red Bulls on a four-year deal that will be confirmed next week.

Analysis: Marquez has looked primed for an exit this summer, so this wouldn’t be unexpected. Another wage off of Barcelona’s books, which comes in handy right now. For the Red Bulls, adding Marquez would only aid their chances to catch up and pass Columbus in the Eastern Conference in the second half of the season.

“Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to sign Benfica and Brazil star Ramires for £20m?” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Dzeko and Misimovic are going nowhere, says Wolfsburg director Hoeness

July 24th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Dzeko and Misimovic are going nowhere, says Wolfsburg director HoenessFiorentina Dzeko and Misimovic are going nowhere, says Wolfsburg director Hoenessmanchestercity Dzeko and Misimovic are going nowhere, says Wolfsburg director Hoeness

VfL Wolfsburg sporting director Dieter Hoeness has set the record straight once again, and perhaps for the final time this summer, about the futures of star striker Edin Dzeko and playmaker Zvjezdan Misimovic.

For the second straight summer, the 24-year-old Dzeko has been linked with a big-money move, with Manchester City and Juventus said to be battling it out for his signature. However, going by the comments of Wolfsburg managing director Dieter Hoeness, he‘ll have to wait until at least next summer, as will Misimovic, 28, who has been linked with the likes of Fiorentina and Atletico Madrid.

‘We have decided to end the recurring speculation: both Edin Dzeko and Zvjezdan Misimovic will be staying at Wolfsburg, no matter what offers come in for them.’

‘We did not want this speculation to become endless as we move closer to the start of the season.

‘It made no sense to continue going around in circles. Now everybody can concentrate on the new season.’

Both players have spoken of their desire to leave Wolfsburg this summer, but it should come as no surprise that both will be staying put. Wolfsburg have held firm in their stance on their stars over the last couple of summers, both because of their importance and because of a lack of a need to sell to buy, given the sizable amount of funds at their disposal.

After winning a first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2008/09 season, Wolfsburg disappointed last season, as they finished eighth in the league, crashed out of the Champions League in the group stage, and lost to Fulham in the Europa League quarterfinals.

Despite the disappointing results for the team, the Bosnian duo put together fine individual campaigns last term. After scoring 26 league goals in Wolfsburg’s title-winning campaign, Dzeko scored 22 league goals last season and tallied 29 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, while Misimovic led the Bundesliga in assists for the second straight season with 13 and finished with 14 goals and 18 assists in all competitions.

But Wolfsburg have landed a new manager in former England manager Steve McClaren, and by holding on to their stars and adding several talented new faces in defense, midfield, and up front, the club should be back in the thick of the Bundesliga title race this season.

“Dzeko and Misimovic are going nowhere, says Wolfsburg director Hoeness” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Forbes Rich List: Manchester United Are The World’s Most Valuable Football Club

July 22nd, 2010 Dean Saliba

championsleague Forbes Rich List: Manchester United Are The Worlds Most Valuable Football Clubacmilan Forbes Rich List: Manchester United Are The Worlds Most Valuable Football Clubliverpool Forbes Rich List: Manchester United Are The Worlds Most Valuable Football Club

Forbes’ inaugural SportsMoney 50-50 standings (a system used to rank the 50 most valuable teams and the 50 most valuable athletes across the whole of world sport) were announced yesterday and, although the ‘teams’ segment is predominantly populated by American sports franchises, sitting pretty in the top spot is Premier League outfit Manchester United.

United have reaped the financial benefits of lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes on Nike and Aon, as well as a myriad of other income-generating endeavours (such as their in-house television channel MUTV, which is currently beamed into over 190 million households worldwide) to secure themselves an estimated global value of over $1.8 billion (£1.1 billion).

All in all, nine football clubs made the top 50, here’s how the SportsMoney list breaks down in terms of their ranking…

1. Manchester United (1st on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $1.83 billion (£1.19 million) / Estimated revenue: $459 million (£300 million)

United are thought to have upwards of 333 million followers across the world, with a core contingent of 139 million supporters.

2. Real Madrid (6th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $1.32 billion (£864 million) / Estimated revenue: $563 million (£368 million)

Real have a higher income rate than Manchester United, but much higher overheads. Los Blancos also recoup $225 million in broadcasting fees, the highest in global sport.

3. Arsenal (8th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $1.18 billion (£772 million) / Estimated revenue: $369 million (£241 million)

The Gunners have a relatively low global revenue, but the consistently high attendances at their new 60,000 capacity Emirates stadium contributed to their $102 million ‘operating income’ (i.e. ticket sales etc.) for last season – which is the second highest in the Premier League behind Manchester United.

Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium

Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium

4. Barcelona (25th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $1 billion (£654 million) / Estimated revenue: $573 million (£375 million)

Barca secured $220 million in broadcasting revenue and online media deals last season.

5. Bayern Munich (27th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $990 million (£648 million) / Estimated revenue: $406 million (£265 million)

Die Roten are the highest ranking German side by quite a margin, as no other Bundesliga club came anywhere near to making the top 50. Their double-winning domestic season, coupled with their appearance in the Champions League final are sure to boost their revenue next year.

6. Liverpool (41st on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $822 million (£538 million) / Estimated revenue: $304 million (£199 million)

Liverpool had seen a consistent increase in sponsorship revenue over the past few years, but their disappointing showing last season may have a negative impact on their future income.

Ronaldinho 300x208 Forbes Rich List: Manchester United Are The Worlds Most Valuable Football Club

Ronaldinho in action for AC Milan

7. AC Milan (43rd on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $800 million (£523 million) / Estimated revenue: $276 million (£180 million)

The Rossoneri saw their revenue fall by $54 million after failing to qualify for the Champions League in the 2008/09 season.

8. Juventus (47th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $656 million (£429) / Estimated revenue: $285 million (£186 million)

The Bianconeri are currently on target to complete a new state-of-the-art, 40,000 capacity stadium by June of next year, which will be sure to boost their operating income.

9. Chelsea (48th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $646 million (£423) / Estimated revenue: $340 million (£222 million)

Chelsea’s renewed shirt sponsorship deal with telecoms giant Samsung will net them $48 million over the next three years.

* * * * *

Please note that these results are an educated estimation of each respective club’s value not their residual wealth, hence the reason why cash-rich clubs such as Manchester City do not feature.

“Forbes Rich List: Manchester United Are The World’s Most Valuable Football Club” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayern’s Lahm?

July 15th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayerns Lahm?Fiorentina Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayerns Lahm?liverpool Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayerns Lahm?

England

Lahm Deal No Walk In The Park?

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United could make a move for Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm, but any deal could hinge on whether or not United are willing to part with Park Ji-Sung, who is wanted by Bayern.

Analysis: With Bayern in pursuit of Ajax’s Gregory Van der Wiel, Lahm could be United’s for the taking if they really want him. Park has been a dependable squad member and stepped up in big moments on numerous occasions, but as the second leg of United’s Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern last season showed, having some experience and steadiness at right back can be a real difference maker.

Sunderland Swoop For Manchester Starlets

Sunderland are hopeful of finalizing a deal for young Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck within the coming days, and the club could also be set for a move for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Neither player looks to have a chance at many first-team opportunities at their respective clubs this coming season, so a move is in their best interests. Onuoha can be an immediate starter for Sunderland, Welbeck will greatly benefit from the chance to earn significant Premier League experience. And even if there’s a logjam at striker, Steve Bruce can find a place for him as a winger, so he should find opportunities there for the taking.

Birmingham Bid For Clyne

Birmingham City have made a bid of £1.25m for Crystal Palace right back Nathaniel Clyne. (The Sun)

Analysis: With Palace likely set for a battle to stay up this season, selling Clyne right now could be considered, given that being in League One wouldn’t do much for his value. However, he stands to have a lot more value to the club if he stays and helps their fight to stay up than if he leaves for what can be thought of as a rather small sum with his talent and potential in mind.

Wigan Loan Al-Habsi

Wigan have signed goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi on a season-long loan from Bolton. (The Sun)

Analysis: With the injury cloud always looming and ready to rain down on Chris Kirkland, it’s a smart move for Wigan to land another goalkeeper with Premier League experience. Al-Habsi performed well for Bolton in his extended spell of action in the 2007/08 season, and he could step in and do a job if needed.

Spain

Barcelona Target Bilbao Star

Barcelona are pondering a move for Atletico Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Martinez is one of the brightest prospects in Spanish football (which is saying a lot, considering the young talent they have), and he was a top target for Liverpool last summer. With Barca looking to meet frustration on the Cesc Fabregas front yet again, he makes for a fine backup option, but Barcelona’s financial situation could price them out of a move unless some sales can be made soon.

Aduriz Set For Valencia

Valencia have agreed a €4m fee for Mallorca striker Aritz Aduriz, who will underdog a medical at his prospective new home tomorrow. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: David Villa he is not, but he is a reliable scorer. Valencia will certainly miss Villa and Silva, but they will survive and flourish, thanks to old faces (Juan Mata, Joaquin, and Pablo) and newer ones. Alejandro Dominguez should be a significant contributor in his first full season at the club after coming from Rubin Kazan in January, and Aduriz and fellow new signing Alberto Costa will also do their part to make sure that the two Davids aren’t missed too much.

Atletico Eye Godin

Atletico Madrid are interested in Villarreal center back Diego Godin, who‘s coming off of an impressive World Cup performance for Uruguay. Villarreal could sell the 24-year-old if an offer around €15m comes in. (Goal.com)

Analysis: If there’s any area that Atletico need to spend big, it’s at the back. The addition of Godin wouldn’t be a cure-all for their defensive woes, but it would significantly boost their hopes of having an all-around successful 2010-11 campaign.

Italy

Juve Enter Fray For Forlan

According to Italian news reports, Juventus could be set to make a €20m bid for Atletico Madrid star and World Cup Golden Ball winner Diego Forlan. (Goal.com)

Analysis: It makes a lot more sense for Juve to make a run at Forlan instead of Edin Dzeko with numerous factors in mind. The only negative when it comes to a Forlan deal is his age, but when you’re capable of reaching a goal total as high or higher than your age, well, it’s just a number.

Milan Agree Papastathopoulos Deal

AC Milan and Genoa have come to an agreement over Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos. AC Milan will have the 22-year-old on loan next season and then sign him permanently for €7m next summer. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Another much-needed step towards giving the squad a much younger look. Papastathopoulos (say it five times fast!) was a steady performer for a Genoa defense that was one of the worst in Serie A, and he has the potential to be a key cog in Milan’s back line for years to come.

Roma Look To Seal Burdisso Deal

After Inter Milan rejected their initial bid of €3.5m for defender Nicolas Burdisso, Roma are hopeful that an improved bid of €6m will be enough to land the Argentine international. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Inter may want €10m, but with Roma not having much room to maneuver in the transfer market right now, Inter shouldn’t find it hard to find a compromise over a player who Roma needs a lot more than they do at this point.

Fiorentina Close On Insua

Fiorentina have agreed a fee of £5m with Liverpool for left back Emiliano Insua. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Liverpool could’ve certainly benefited from having him in the side next season, but he should step in and be an immediate starter for Fiorentina.

“Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayern’s Lahm?” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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