Paul O'Connell: Thrilled to be part of the Lions squad
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Holloway optimistic over play-offs
Holloway optimistic over play-offs
Ian Holloway is confident stuttering Crystal Palace will get over the line and book their place in the npower Championship play-offs.
The Eagles could have secured a top-six spot with victory at south London rivals Millwall on Tuesday but had to settle for a goalless draw in a scrappy, nervy encounter. Palace are now without a win in nine matches but know a point at home to Peterborough should be enough to extend their season and keep their Barclays Premier League dream alive.
Palace boss Holloway said: "We need one more point and with a performance like that I can see us getting it. I want to get Palace in the play-offs and if we do get there I think we'll be a handful."
He added: "I've been confident in my team all along. The fact is we have had an horrendous run, but sometimes you have to enjoy what you get.
"We were a threat, we looked solid and I thought everyone in my team played well so let's enjoy this one.
"Then we've got another one to enjoy on Saturday and we are one of the lucky teams, we are at the right end.
Millwall also have plenty to play for when they head to Derby on Saturday knowing they still need a win to be sure of surviving.
"We don't want to be worrying about what's happening up and down the country," said Lions boss Kenny Jackett.
"It's in our hands and we want to win. We've had lots of big games this season, it's a terrific league and that's why we want to stay in it."
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/millwall/holloway_optimistic_over_play-offs_rss4092375.shtml
Jonny Wilkinson says his absolute priority lies with Toulon after rejecting Lions offer
Jonny Wilkinson: Fly-half focused on Toulon
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Lions 2013: Sam Warburton wants Lions to remain unbeaten
Lions 2013: Sam Warburton wants Lions to remain unbeaten
Lions captain Sam Warburton has set his team-mates the challenge of remaining unbeaten during the tour of Australia.
"I'll go out there with the intention of winning every match," said the Wales flanker who, at 24, becomes the youngest player to lead the Lions.
"I was chatting to tour manager Andy Irvine and he said it's not something that's been done before so that will be a great challenge to set the players.
"To have the opportunity to do this is an unbelievable honour."
The Lions start their 10-match tour on 1 June, when they play the Barbarians in Hong Kong.
Five fixtures against Australia's Super 15 teams follow before the first of three Tests on 22 June.
Lions down under 2013 - Sat 1 June v Barbarians, Hong Kong
- Wed 5 June v Western Force, Perth
- Sat 8 June, Queensland Reds, Brisbane
- Tue 11 June, Combined NSW-Queensland, Newcastle
- Sat 15 June, NSW Waratahs, Sydney
- Tue 18 June, ACT Brumbies, Canberra
- Sat 22 June v Australia, Brisbane
- Tue 25 June, v Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne
- Sat 29 June, v Australia, Melbourne
- Sat 6 July, v Australia, Sydney
The Cardiff Blues back-rower was asked to captain the Lions nine days ago and described his appointment as the "hardest secret I've ever had to keep".
"You just want to tell people, but I managed to keep it to myself. It's unbelievable - an accolade that very few people are able to achieve," he said.
Warburton, who first captained Wales as a 22-year-old in 2011, was picked as captain ahead of more experienced players like Brian O'Driscoll, who will participate in his fourth tour, and Ireland lock Paul O'Connell.
The Welshman, a Lions debutant, said he would lean on the more experienced members of the 37-man squad which consists of 15 Welshmen, 10 players from England, nine from Ireland and three Scots.
"There's a good Welsh contingent of leaders who I can rely on and there are other experienced players in the squad who can help me along the way," said the 2012 Grand Slam-winning captain
"It's an experience I really can't wait to begin. I'm really looking forward to it now and will just keep doing what I do for Wales because I guess that's what Warren has picked me for."
Captaincy an unbelievable honour - Warburton
Lions coach Warren Gatland said he had "huge respect" for Warburton and admitted his captain would also seek advice from Ireland duo O'Driscoll and O'Connell.
"In the last two or three years he's been the most successful captain in the northern hemisphere," said the New Zealander.
"When we sat down to pick a squad, and it's a fantastically strong squad, we decided that Sam would be one of the names among the starting Test XV.
"He's going to need some support from older, experienced players like Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll.
"I have a huge amount of respect for Sam. He's an absolute professional who leads fro the front ad I believe he'll do a fantastic job. "
Lions squad for 2013 tour
Backs: Leigh Halfpenny (Wales), Stuart Hogg (Scotland), Rob Kearney (Ireland), Tommy Bowe (Ireland), Alex Cuthbert (Wales), Sean Maitland (Scotland), George North (Wales), Jonathan Davies (Wales), Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland), Jamie Roberts (Wales), Manu Tuilagi (England), Owen Farrell (England), Jonathan Sexton (Ireland), Conor Murray (Ireland), Mike Phillips (Wales), Ben Youngs (England). Forwards: Dan Cole (England), Cian Healy (Ireland), Gethin Jenkins (Wales), Adam Jones (Wales), Matt Stevens (England), Mako Vunipola (England), Dylan Hartley (England), Richard Hibbard (Wales), Tom Youngs (England), Ian Evans (Wales), Richie Gray (Scotland), Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales), Paul O'Connell (Ireland), Geoff Parling (England), Tom Croft (England), Toby Faletau (Wales), Jamie Heaslip (Ireland), Dan Lydiate (Wales), Sean O'Brien (Ireland), Justin Tipuric (Wales), Sam Warburton (Wales).
Champions League: Borussia Dortmund's Jurgen Klopp to toast reaching Wembley
Jurgen Klopp: Thought Dortmund deserved to reach the Champions League final
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Jurgen Klopp admits he would be a 'muppet' to deny Borussia Dortmund the chance to celebrate after 'deservedly' reaching the UEFA Champions League final.
The Bundesliga club booked their place at Wembley by knocking Real Madrid out of the semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate win despite a 2-0 second-leg defeat in Spain on Tuesday.
It was a nervy night for Dortmund as they held on after late goals from Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos to mean Klopp does not plan to ban his players from partying.
"Dortmund apparently is an all-inclusive club, so we always make things exciting, one way or the other"
Jurgen Klopp
Although they are due to host Bundesliga title winners and potential Champions League final opponents Bayern Munich on Saturday, Dortmund are set to revel in style.
Klopp said: "I will not stop the team from celebrating. I will stay in the hotel, though, and have a few beers there.
"The players deserve some time off after a game like this. I will not deny them that, what kind of muppet would I be if I did?"
Real had dominated the opening 25 minutes against Dortmund in the second leg but they were guilty of missing chances to allow Klopp's side to progress.
And Klopp thought his team were rightful finalists, where they could face Barcelona or Bayern, who meet on Wednesday with the latter holding a 4-0 first-leg lead.
"It was a bit dramatic in the end, despite having a lot of counter-attacks that led to opportunities to take the lead," said Klopp.
"We have ourselves to blame for allowing Real back into the game, as we missed a couple of sitters.
"However, Dortmund apparently is an all-inclusive club, so we always make things exciting, one way or the other.
"They (Real) had a lot to make up for after the first leg but we deserved to go through on aggregate. We deserve to be in the Champions League final."
Source : http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11899/8682738/Champions-League-Borussia-Dortmund-s-Jurgen-Klopp-to-toast-reaching-Wembley
All the details on the Champions League semi-final between FC Barcelona - Bayern Munich
FOOTBALL Previous Article Get all the news, videos, photos, interviews and stats leading up to the Champions League showdown between FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich
NEWS: • Vilanova: “We can never give up on a tie especially when we have 90 minutes to play at home"
• Gerard Piqué: “We have to have the faith of a child and lose our common sense"
• Jupp Heynckes: “We are going to attack”
• Busquets and Abidal to miss the match against Bayern -->
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/millwall/lions_and_palace_face_tense_finale_rss4091669.shtml
Champions League: Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho & Sergio Ramos upset by exit
Jose Mourinho: The Real Madrid boss lost in the semi-finals for the third season in a row
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Jose Mourinho admitted Real Madrid paid the price for missed chances as they again suffered UEFA Champions League semi-final heartbreak.
A 2-0 second-leg victory on the night was not enough for the Spanish giants to fight back against Borussia Dortmund as the German club progressed to the final 4-3 on aggregate.
It is the third season in a row Mourinho and Real have lost in the semi-finals but they had themselves to blame in the opening 25 minutes of their second leg this season.
"The Bernabeu has been fantastic, the fans believed until the end but we did not make it"
Jose Mourinho
As they sought to overcome their 4-1 first leg defeat by Dortmund in the battle to reach Wembley, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Gonzalo Higuain were among the players to miss good opportunities.
And Mourinho said: "My players have given everything. If we had scored earlier, we would have had a chance.
"The Bernabeu has been fantastic, the fans believed until the end but we did not make it."
Goals in the last eight minutes of normal time from substitute Karim Benzema and captain Sergio Ramos eventually gave Real hope of a grandstand finish but it was not to be.
Centre-back Ramos said: "It is a shame. Sometimes you lose, that is football. In Dortmund, we should have played the way we did tonight.
"We feel for the fans. It is a shame to have been so close but the missed chances in the first half were costly."
Source : http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11835/8682697/Champions-League-Real-Madrid-s-Jose-Mourinho-Sergio-Ramos-upset-by-exit
Cal at BYU Saturday for Varsity Cup Championship World Rugby Shop
National No. 1 California faces No. 4-ranked Brigham Young in the Varsity Cup National Championship final Saturday, May 4, at 1 p.m. MT on South Field in Provo, Utah, the home stadium of the Cougars. Advance tickets are available at BYUtickets.com with a live webcast of the championship at YouTube.com/VarsityCupRugby (2 p.m. PT).
In their histories, the Golden Bears (21-0, 5-0 PAC) and Cougars (11-2) have met 10 times, nine of those in the postseason. The only regular-season matchup was in 2001, a 33-22 win for Cal on Witter Rugby Field.
In 1981, Cal beat the Cougars, 6-3, in the Pacific Coast Championships final, with the winning points coming on a 55-meter penalty kick from Mick Luckhurst in the second half, and the Bears repeated the feat in 1983 with a 44-6 win over BYU on campus in Provo. Both of those matches sent the Bears to the national final four, where Cal won national championships on both occasions, edging Harvard 6-3 in overtime at the '81 final in Dayton, Ohio, for their second title and beating Air Force 13-3 at the '83 national collegiate championship in Athens, Ga., for their fourth. Cal defeated BYU again the following year, winning 15-10 in the first round of the Pacific Coast Championships before losing to eventual Pacific Coast champion Long Beach State.
After the Cougars fell to Cal Poly in the 2004 national quarterfinals, Cal went on to beat the Mustangs for national championship number 20. Brigham Young lost to Utah in the 2005 national semis and saw Cal claim the national title over the Utes, 44-7, for national title number 21. The Cougars were defeated by the Bears in the 2006 (29-26), '07 (37-7) and '08 (59-7) national collegiate championships before BYU got over the hump against the Bears with a three-point win in the 2009 title match, but Cal reclaimed the national collegiate crown with wins over BYU in 2010 (19-7, with the 2006-10 finals all hosted by Stanford) and '11 (21-14) in Salt Lake City.
This year, the final takes place on BYU's new home pitch, where the Cougars have never lost a match against collegiate competition.
Cal advanced to this year's consensus national collegiate championship with a 74-6 win over Navy in the semifinal April 27 on Witter Rugby Field, which followed the Bears' 77-0 victory against Notre Dame at the Eastern Super Regional in Annapolis, Md.
Undefeated against collegiate competition in 2013 with their only losses coming against senior men's teams New York Athletic Club and Old Puget Bay Sound, BYU rolled into the final with a 53-20 win over Central Washington in the semifinal April 27 in Provo, preceded by the Cougars' 69-8 victory against Pac Rugby's UCLA in the Western Super Regional in Los Angeles.
The Cougars are stocked with 2012 All-Americans in prop Ray Forrester, lock T.J. Allred and No. 8 Ryan Roundy, the BYU captain, in the forwards; and centers Seki Kofe and BYU footballer Paul Lasike in the backs. Cal counters with three All-Americans of its own in the forwards - Danny Barrett, Brendan Daly and Alec Gletzer - and another in captain Seamus Kelly at outside center.
The Bears' level of experience dips on either side of Kelly, starting with sophomore Nicklas Boyer at scrumhalf. It remains unclear whom the Bears will have at flyhalf with injuries having forced three different starting players over the past three matches at that position. Another underclassmen might be found at No. 12 in sophomore Jesse Milne since Jared Braun could also still be on the mend. Sophomore Andrew Battaglia on the wing is relatively experienced by comparison, but still a second-year player. Senior winger Josh Tucker and junior fullback Jake Anderson provide the most experience in the blue and gold's deep three.
Kelly and Barrett both played all 80 minutes and prop Tanner Mohr saw 10 minutes of action in Cal's last meeting with BYU at Rio Tinto Stadium for the 2011 national collegiate championship. Nobody else in the Bears' lineup has ever faced the Cougars. Meanwhile, for BYU, five players - Forrester, Roundy, Kofe, front rower Ishmael Tilialo and halfback Inoke Funaki - will take the field on Saturday with memories of having played in the 2011 title match against the Bears.
The history between these two teams in national championship meetings has left the rugby fan wanting for nothing. The matches have featured stunning offense, punishing defense and dramatic endings. Three of their six championship title meetings have been decided by a converted try or less, and two of those were by only three points.
Cal vs. BYU has come to epitomize the best of American college rugby. On Saturday, the Bears will attempt to win their 27th all-time national championship on their opponent's home field. It's never been done. And it all adds up to must-see rugby.
Source : http://www.rugbyrugby.com/news/by_country/u_s/7010702/cal_at_byu_saturday_for_varsity_cup_championship
Disappointed by draft position, Geno Smith fires agents
Quarterback Geno Smith, from West Virginia, speaks during a news conference after being selected Friday by the New York Jets with the seventh pick in the second round, 39th overall, in the NFL football draft, Saturday April 27, 2013 in Florham Park, N.J. (Photo: Joe Epstein, AP) Story Highlights - Geno Smith had hoped he would be selected in the first round, but he was chosen in the second
- After being humiliated while waiting at the draft to be picked, he has fired his agents
- Only QB taken in the first round was E.J. Manuel, who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills
Geno Smith thought he would be a top-10 draft pick, maybe even first overall. Instead, he went in the second round.
And now apparently, his agents have paid the price.
Smith has fired his representatives and will now hire a new agent, according to a person informed of Smith's move. The person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because neither Smith nor his former agents have commented publicly on the matter, said a big part of the reason for Smith's decision was his going 39th overall to the New York Jets. DRAFT GRADES: How'd the Jets fare?
Smith declined to discuss the move in an interview on NFL Sirius radio.
"I don't want to shed too much light on it," he said. "The thing that I can tell you is that it's not because of the whole draft experience. It's not because of one particular incident. There's a number of things. And that story, you know, that battle will be fought on a different day. As of right now, I don't feel too comfortable talking about all the details of it.
"First and foremost, I want to make it known that I was never bitter about where I was selected because it's a great selection. Whether it was number one or the last pick, I was coming in with the right mentality, and that's to get better and compete daily. I'm extremely ecstatic to be a part of the Jets organization."
"I'm not bitter about where I was selected, because I'm on a great team and I'm in a great position," he said.
But the move, so soon after the draft, raises questions about whether Smith will be able to deal with the New York media and the adversity that comes with playing under the scrutiny of the largest sports media market in the world. Calls and texts to Smith by USA TODAY Sports were not immediately returned. IDZIK ON TEBOW: Something had to give BELL ON TEBOW: He won't like his options
The person, who confirmed the initial report by Sports Business Journal that Smith had fired Select Sports Group, said Smith's former agents informed him throughout the process there was a chance he would drop.
Smith, in attendance at the draft, sat through the first round as he went undrafted. He said he wouldn't return Friday for the second round, but did, and, in a surprise pick, was selected by the Jets, who already were choking on quarterbacks.
The only quarterback taken in the first round was E.J. Manuel, who went to the Buffalo Bills at No. 16 overall. Rumblings ahead of the draft had the Bills as a potential landing spot for Smith with the eighth pick, which they wound up trading to the Rams. However, Buffalo's interest in Manuel was a well-kept secret.
Under the new CBA, there isn't much wiggle room for rookies to negotiate their deals, so the change in agents won't have much effect on talks between him and the Jets. Last year, the 39th overall pick (Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins) signed a four-year, $4.99 million deal. If Smith had been selected in Round 1, his contract would be worth, at minimum, $6.7 million with roughly $5.4 million guaranteed. 
Man City owner eyes New York MLS team: report
Man City owner eyes New York MLS team: report
Sheik Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, a member of Abu Dhabi's royal family whose investment group owns English Premier League side Manchester City, reportedly wants a Major League Soccer team for New York.
The New York Times reported that Mansour has entered final talks with the US league for a 20th club and is willing to pay a $100 million expansion fee for a team that could be dubbed New York FC and begin play in 2016.
A deal is nearly set, the Times said, to build a $340 million stadium that would seat 25,000 spectators as a new home for the club near the US Open tennis grounds and the home stadium of Major League Baseball's New York Mets.
MLS hopes to announce the deal ahead of Manchester City's exhibition match at New York's Yankee Stadium against English rival Chelsea on May 25, according to the report.
The sheik's group bought Manchester City in 2008 for $330 million and the team won its first Premier League crown in 44 years in 2012.
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/manchester_city/man_city_owner_eyes_new_york_mls_team__report_rss4090702.shtml
Lions: Chris Robshaw decision leaves Conor O'Shea bemused
Conor O'Shea: Disappointed for his Quins skipper
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Busquets and Abidal to miss the match against Bayern
FOOTBALL Previous Article The Catalan and the Frenchman, both of whom are injured, were not named to the team ahead of tomorrow's match
Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano trained apart from the group
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Training session 30/04/2013 Barça took to the training fields of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper this Tuesday afternoon to prepare for tomorrow’s crucial Champions League match against Bayern Munich. On Wednesday morning the players will complete one final training session, at the Camp Nou, before kick off.
Sergio Busquets and Éric Abidal will not feature in tomorrow’s match. The midfielder has not recovered from the injury that kept him from playing against Athletic Club this weekend, while the Frenchman has picked up a calf injury. Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano took part in today’s session, but they did so apart from the group.
Tito Vilanova has named 19 players to the team for tomorrow’s match against Bayern. The manager was not able to select Jordi Alba, who is suspended. Busquets, Abidal, Puyol and Mascherano, all of whom are injured, were not named to the team.
Vilanova: “We can never give up on a tie especially when we have 90 minutes to play at home”
FOOTBALL Previous Article The manager believes that his players need to go into tomorrow's match against Bayern with cool heads: "we have to play a good game and be the better team, then the goals will come"
[+] FCB-BAYERN
“We believe we can fight back, it’s our obligation and we’re convinced [it’s possible],” said Tito Vilanova this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. “We know that it will be very difficult, but we are Barça and we can never give up on a tie especially when we have 90 minutes of play at home.” Vilanova is convinced that his men will leave everything on the pitch, even if, in the end, they cannot overturn the 4-0 from the away leg. “We have to hold our heads high if we are eliminated, we cannot give up; we need to make our fans proud.”
We have to hold our heads high if we are eliminated, we cannot give up; we need to make our fans proud
It’s about playing well
“We have to be ourselves and try to play a good game of football. We need to score goals through our style of play,” explained Vilanova. He also declared that “it’s not necessary to score goals in the first half ... Bayern only scored one in the first half in the away leg".
We have to be ourselves and try to play a good game of football. We need to score goals through our style of play
In addition, the Blaugrana manager admitted that Bayern played an excellent game last week, but the end result was too harsh. “Bayern played a great game but they had a series of favourable situations in their favour. We should have lost that match, but not by so much.”
The power of the Camp Nou
The support from the Camp Nou faithful on Wednesday will be crucial if Barça are to get to the final in Wembley. “If we are going to mount a comeback we need our fans. Both Bayern and Borussia had extraordinary atmospheres last week and that carried the teams forward. We will do our part so that fans find it easier to do theirs.”
If we are going to mount a comeback we need our fans at the Camp Nou
“Messi will have things to say”
The manager confirmed that Mascherano won’t play tomorrow: “he picked up his injury four weeks ago and it takes six to recover, he won’t play tomorrow.” Messi, however, won’t miss the match: “the more in form he is the better our chances of getting to the final, but we can’t heap this kind pressure on him, we have to try to help him. A player as good as Messi, at this point in the competition, will have things to say in tomorrow’s match.”
Bayern braced for wounded Barcelona onslaught
Bayern braced for wounded Barcelona onslaught
Bayern Munich are anticipating Barcelona's bid to overturn their 4-0 deficit to be led by an inspired Lionel Messi rather than the subdued version that turned up in last week's semi-final, first leg.
Bayern take on the Catalan giants at the Camp Nou in Wednesday's Champions League second leg with one foot in the final after the drubbing meted out to Messi and his men in Munich.
World Footballer of the year Messi produced an uncharacteristic limp performance in Munich, but Bayern striker Thomas Mueller believes the Argentine star will be back to his brilliant best on Wednesday.
"In the first leg we barely saw him," reflected Mueller, who scored twice and set up a third in the surprisingly lopsided first leg.
"That was down to us even if we know he was limited with an injury.
"We are going to see another Messi on Wednesday, even if we hope we don't. I think we'll have more work to do with him than the last time.
"Messi is a talisman for them. He's a player who scores 50 goals in the season."
The Germans, intent on atoning for last year's final defeat on home turf to Chelsea, are mindful of letting any hint of complacency scupper their attempt to make it to the Wembley climax.
"We opened the door (to the final) but we haven't gone through it yet," cautioned midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger at the eve-of-match press conference on Tuesday.
"It'll be hard on Wednesday, few teams can offer resistance to Barcelona here," he added.
"We know they've got a lot of pride and we have to be concentrated as we were in the first leg."
Mueller suggested Barca would try to upset their visitors "with their ball possession".
"We've got to defend well, and leave the ball far away from our goalkeeper."
As for last week's surprise result, Mueller maintained that Barcelona had not played as poorly as the scoreline suggested.
"They didn't play a catastrophic match," he reasoned.
"We made the difference physically and mentally. We exploited the set pieces, and our size. And it was thanks to our good defensive work that Barca had few chances."
Mueller added that if anyone was in any doubt as to Barcelona's aptitude as escapologists then they only had to look back on what happened in the round of 16.
Barca looked down and out after losing the first leg 2-0 to AC Milan but ultimately sailed through to the quarter finals with a Messi-inspired 4-0 second leg success.
"I watched that match live. We know Barcelona can cause us harm if we don't turn up. We also saw that Milan had a great opportunity but they weren't able to capitalise on it."
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/bayern_munich/bayern_braced_for_wounded_barcelona_onslaught_rss4089942.shtml
Jupp Heynckes: “We are going to attack”
FOOTBALL Previous Article The Bayern manager says that his team isn't "one that only defends" and he warns that his men will "try to score" at the Camp Nou
"Before the away leg I said that we were going up against the best team in the world and I still believe that," says that manager
Müller: "I hope I'm wrong, but I think we're going to see a different version of Messi than the one we saw in Munich"
Bayern Munich come into tomorrow’s match brimming with confidence but the German’s also have a healthy dose of prudence. “We can’t get carried away by the 4-0 from the away leg. In a semi-final there are two matches and we want to prove that what happened in the first match wasn’t a fluke,” said Jupp Heynckes during this afternoon’s pre-match press conference. “Before the match in Munich I said that two top European teams were going to face each other. For me, Barça continue to be the best team in the world and we’ve prepared accordingly,” he added.
Loyal to their style of play
Heynckes quickly rubbished all speculation that Bayern’s approach to tomorrow’s game will be defensive. “We have our philosophy and we’ve shown that we’re a great team and that we can perform at a high level. We are not going to play defensively tomorrow. We’ll be brave and we’re going to try to score,” warned Heynckes, who went on to praise the Blaugrana. “Barça have been an example of sportsmanship when they’ve won, both on and off the pitch. Bayern have learned from Barça,” he added.
Holding his cards close to his chest
Heynckes was then asked about the six players who are one yellow card away from suspension (Dante, Lahm, Luiz Gustavo, Schweinsteiger, Javi Martínez and Mario Gómez) and if their situation affect his plans for tomorrow’s starting line-up: “I’ve rested a lot of players this season. I have 21 players that have been important and the team’s level of play hasn’t dropped. What’s important is that each of the 11 players that do play are at 100% psychologically.”
Schweinsteiger: “Barça’s pride has been hurt”
Thomas Müller and Bastian Schweinsteiger also talked to press ahead of tomorrow’s match. Müller expects “a different version of the Messi we saw in Munich” and he’s wary of what the Blaugrana are capable of doing at the Camp Nou: “they will play like they always do. In Munich they didn’t have a bad first half and it wasn’t until the end that we extended our advantage.” Schweinsteiger added that “Barça’s pride has been hurt and that makes them dangerous.”
Sunderland appeal Sessegnon red card at Villa Park
Sunderland appeal Sessegnon red card at Villa Park
Sunderland have formerly lodged a claim for unfair dismissal following Stephane Sessegnon's red card at Aston Villa, the Football Association has confirmed.
The 28-year-old Benin international will have his case heard by an independent regulatory commission on Wednesday afternoon.
Sessegnon was sent off by referee Lee Probert during the 6-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Villa Park for a foul on Yacoub Sylla with 21 minutes remaining.
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/sunderland/sunderland_appeal_sessegnon_red_card_at_villa_park_rss4089826.shtml
Spanish League Round Up, Week 33
FOOTBALL Next Article Previous Article This weekend’s La Liga games could prove decisive at both ends of the table come the end of the season, with Real Madrid beating Atletico and Zaragoza, Celta and Granada all winning
Madrid aren’t just lying down and giving up. Although this weekend’s results meant Tito’s team will have to wait a little longer to be proclaimed champions, Real Madrid’s win at the Vicente Calderon actually underlined Barça’s achievement, seemingly certain to retake the title under the onslaught of a great winning run from last year’s league title holders. Madrid’s 1-2 win not only extended their winning record over their city neighbours, it also stretched their unbeaten run in the league to 11 games – during which time they’ve won 10 and drawn just once. But even that remarkable run hasn’t troubled Barça, who still sit 11 points clear and when the title does come, Madrid’s second half surge will surely serve as testament to how well Barça have done to win back La Liga this season, despite their great rival’s best efforts.
Osasuna should be looking over their shoulders. Osasuna took a point from Rayo after their 2-2 draw on Friday night, but with just one win in their last eight games, they now sit only three points off the drop zone after good results for the teams below them -Zaragoza beat Mallorca 3-2, Celta won 0-1 at Getafe, Granada surprised Espanyol 0-1 and Deportivo took a point at Betis(1-1). With trips to Valencia, Granada, and Real Madrid coming up, the Basques will surely have to ensure maximum points from their two home matches against Getafe and Seville if they are to have any hope of keeping top flight football in Pamplona for another season.
Can Manolo Jimenez do it again? Zaragoza’s win over Mallorca was their first of 2013 and leaves them just a point behind Deportivo and safety. Under-pressure boss Manolo Jimenez was brought in to save the club from the drop last season and after Saturday night’s victory he explained: “we’re running out of time, but this result puts us back in the same situation we were in last season - finally, we got a win!”. It was all spills and thrills in the game, as Mallorca, who now sit bottom of the table, two points behind Zaragoza and Celta, took the lead and then fought back to equalise at 2-2 before Rochina secured what could be three vital points for the home side.
Oxlade-Chamberlain learning fast at Arsenal
Oxlade-Chamberlain learning fast at Arsenal
Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has called for everyone to be patient as he looks to "kick on" again next season.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has certainly come a long way in a short time since being signed from Southampton two years ago as a raw talent by Arsene Wenger. However, after being called up into the senior England squad for the first time ahead of the 2012 European Championships, the 19-year-old attacker has made only 11 starts in the Barclays Premier League this term, and just one since February.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, though, feels time is very much on his side, saying in an interview with the official Arsenal matchday programme: "It has been difficult."
He added: "There is always pressure, but maybe people forget that I am only 19 and will still be 19 at the start of next season. When you have a good first season, especially at 18, people hype you up and really want to see you kick on. They expect you to play lots of games and do really well.
"I have tried to carry on from last season, but sometimes you have to realise that you are a young lad and have a lot to learn. The experience of being in a club and league like this is a great education at this age."
Oxlade-Chamberlain has made the difference with his dynamic play when being introduced off the bench, notably when helping to turn the game against Norwich at the Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago when the team were losing 1-0 heading into the final five minutes.
The teenager feels having players who can make a difference on the bench can only aid Arsenal's quest for Champions League qualification, which will continue at relegated QPR on Saturday following the 1-1 draw against title winners Manchester United.
"You always want to start but your responsibility when you are on the bench, especially as a winger, is to come on, change the game and help drive the boys forward, that is what I have been trying to do, to make things happen and add a different dynamic to the game," he said.
"I have been working on things like my team play, my defensive play and getting back into the right positions off the ball and these things aren't often noticed.
"I started pre-season playing in central roles and have played there in training, so I am trying to develop that as well. I am happy with the way things are going and the most important thing is that the team finishes where we need to. I am happy to be a part of that."
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/arsenal/oxlade-chamberlain_learning_fast_at_arsenal_rss4089692.shtml
Lions: Chris Robshaw decision leaves Conor O'Shea bemused
Conor O'Shea: Disappointed for his Quins skipper
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Holloway optimistic over play-offs
Holloway optimistic over play-offs
Ian Holloway is confident stuttering Crystal Palace will get over the line and book their place in the npower Championship play-offs.
The Eagles could have secured a top-six spot with victory at south London rivals Millwall on Tuesday but had to settle for a goalless draw in a scrappy, nervy encounter. Palace are now without a win in nine matches but know a point at home to Peterborough should be enough to extend their season and keep their Barclays Premier League dream alive.
Palace boss Holloway said: "We need one more point and with a performance like that I can see us getting it. I want to get Palace in the play-offs and if we do get there I think we'll be a handful."
He added: "I've been confident in my team all along. The fact is we have had an horrendous run, but sometimes you have to enjoy what you get.
"We were a threat, we looked solid and I thought everyone in my team played well so let's enjoy this one.
"Then we've got another one to enjoy on Saturday and we are one of the lucky teams, we are at the right end.
Millwall also have plenty to play for when they head to Derby on Saturday knowing they still need a win to be sure of surviving.
"We don't want to be worrying about what's happening up and down the country," said Lions boss Kenny Jackett.
"It's in our hands and we want to win. We've had lots of big games this season, it's a terrific league and that's why we want to stay in it."
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/millwall/holloway_optimistic_over_play-offs_rss4092375.shtml
Jonny Wilkinson says his absolute priority lies with Toulon after rejecting Lions offer
Jonny Wilkinson: Fly-half focused on Toulon
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Lions 2013: Sam Warburton wants Lions to remain unbeaten
Lions 2013: Sam Warburton wants Lions to remain unbeaten
Lions captain Sam Warburton has set his team-mates the challenge of remaining unbeaten during the tour of Australia.
"I'll go out there with the intention of winning every match," said the Wales flanker who, at 24, becomes the youngest player to lead the Lions.
"I was chatting to tour manager Andy Irvine and he said it's not something that's been done before so that will be a great challenge to set the players.
"To have the opportunity to do this is an unbelievable honour."
The Lions start their 10-match tour on 1 June, when they play the Barbarians in Hong Kong.
Five fixtures against Australia's Super 15 teams follow before the first of three Tests on 22 June.
Lions down under 2013 - Sat 1 June v Barbarians, Hong Kong
- Wed 5 June v Western Force, Perth
- Sat 8 June, Queensland Reds, Brisbane
- Tue 11 June, Combined NSW-Queensland, Newcastle
- Sat 15 June, NSW Waratahs, Sydney
- Tue 18 June, ACT Brumbies, Canberra
- Sat 22 June v Australia, Brisbane
- Tue 25 June, v Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne
- Sat 29 June, v Australia, Melbourne
- Sat 6 July, v Australia, Sydney
The Cardiff Blues back-rower was asked to captain the Lions nine days ago and described his appointment as the "hardest secret I've ever had to keep".
"You just want to tell people, but I managed to keep it to myself. It's unbelievable - an accolade that very few people are able to achieve," he said.
Warburton, who first captained Wales as a 22-year-old in 2011, was picked as captain ahead of more experienced players like Brian O'Driscoll, who will participate in his fourth tour, and Ireland lock Paul O'Connell.
The Welshman, a Lions debutant, said he would lean on the more experienced members of the 37-man squad which consists of 15 Welshmen, 10 players from England, nine from Ireland and three Scots.
"There's a good Welsh contingent of leaders who I can rely on and there are other experienced players in the squad who can help me along the way," said the 2012 Grand Slam-winning captain
"It's an experience I really can't wait to begin. I'm really looking forward to it now and will just keep doing what I do for Wales because I guess that's what Warren has picked me for."
Captaincy an unbelievable honour - Warburton
Lions coach Warren Gatland said he had "huge respect" for Warburton and admitted his captain would also seek advice from Ireland duo O'Driscoll and O'Connell.
"In the last two or three years he's been the most successful captain in the northern hemisphere," said the New Zealander.
"When we sat down to pick a squad, and it's a fantastically strong squad, we decided that Sam would be one of the names among the starting Test XV.
"He's going to need some support from older, experienced players like Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll.
"I have a huge amount of respect for Sam. He's an absolute professional who leads fro the front ad I believe he'll do a fantastic job. "
Lions squad for 2013 tour
Backs: Leigh Halfpenny (Wales), Stuart Hogg (Scotland), Rob Kearney (Ireland), Tommy Bowe (Ireland), Alex Cuthbert (Wales), Sean Maitland (Scotland), George North (Wales), Jonathan Davies (Wales), Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland), Jamie Roberts (Wales), Manu Tuilagi (England), Owen Farrell (England), Jonathan Sexton (Ireland), Conor Murray (Ireland), Mike Phillips (Wales), Ben Youngs (England). Forwards: Dan Cole (England), Cian Healy (Ireland), Gethin Jenkins (Wales), Adam Jones (Wales), Matt Stevens (England), Mako Vunipola (England), Dylan Hartley (England), Richard Hibbard (Wales), Tom Youngs (England), Ian Evans (Wales), Richie Gray (Scotland), Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales), Paul O'Connell (Ireland), Geoff Parling (England), Tom Croft (England), Toby Faletau (Wales), Jamie Heaslip (Ireland), Dan Lydiate (Wales), Sean O'Brien (Ireland), Justin Tipuric (Wales), Sam Warburton (Wales).
Champions League: Borussia Dortmund's Jurgen Klopp to toast reaching Wembley
Jurgen Klopp: Thought Dortmund deserved to reach the Champions League final
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Jurgen Klopp admits he would be a 'muppet' to deny Borussia Dortmund the chance to celebrate after 'deservedly' reaching the UEFA Champions League final.
The Bundesliga club booked their place at Wembley by knocking Real Madrid out of the semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate win despite a 2-0 second-leg defeat in Spain on Tuesday.
It was a nervy night for Dortmund as they held on after late goals from Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos to mean Klopp does not plan to ban his players from partying.
"Dortmund apparently is an all-inclusive club, so we always make things exciting, one way or the other"
Jurgen Klopp
Although they are due to host Bundesliga title winners and potential Champions League final opponents Bayern Munich on Saturday, Dortmund are set to revel in style.
Klopp said: "I will not stop the team from celebrating. I will stay in the hotel, though, and have a few beers there.
"The players deserve some time off after a game like this. I will not deny them that, what kind of muppet would I be if I did?"
Real had dominated the opening 25 minutes against Dortmund in the second leg but they were guilty of missing chances to allow Klopp's side to progress.
And Klopp thought his team were rightful finalists, where they could face Barcelona or Bayern, who meet on Wednesday with the latter holding a 4-0 first-leg lead.
"It was a bit dramatic in the end, despite having a lot of counter-attacks that led to opportunities to take the lead," said Klopp.
"We have ourselves to blame for allowing Real back into the game, as we missed a couple of sitters.
"However, Dortmund apparently is an all-inclusive club, so we always make things exciting, one way or the other.
"They (Real) had a lot to make up for after the first leg but we deserved to go through on aggregate. We deserve to be in the Champions League final."
Source : http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11899/8682738/Champions-League-Borussia-Dortmund-s-Jurgen-Klopp-to-toast-reaching-Wembley
All the details on the Champions League semi-final between FC Barcelona - Bayern Munich
FOOTBALL Previous Article Get all the news, videos, photos, interviews and stats leading up to the Champions League showdown between FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich
NEWS: • Vilanova: “We can never give up on a tie especially when we have 90 minutes to play at home"
• Gerard Piqué: “We have to have the faith of a child and lose our common sense"
• Jupp Heynckes: “We are going to attack”
• Busquets and Abidal to miss the match against Bayern -->
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/millwall/lions_and_palace_face_tense_finale_rss4091669.shtml
Champions League: Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho & Sergio Ramos upset by exit
Jose Mourinho: The Real Madrid boss lost in the semi-finals for the third season in a row
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Jose Mourinho admitted Real Madrid paid the price for missed chances as they again suffered UEFA Champions League semi-final heartbreak.
A 2-0 second-leg victory on the night was not enough for the Spanish giants to fight back against Borussia Dortmund as the German club progressed to the final 4-3 on aggregate.
It is the third season in a row Mourinho and Real have lost in the semi-finals but they had themselves to blame in the opening 25 minutes of their second leg this season.
"The Bernabeu has been fantastic, the fans believed until the end but we did not make it"
Jose Mourinho
As they sought to overcome their 4-1 first leg defeat by Dortmund in the battle to reach Wembley, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Gonzalo Higuain were among the players to miss good opportunities.
And Mourinho said: "My players have given everything. If we had scored earlier, we would have had a chance.
"The Bernabeu has been fantastic, the fans believed until the end but we did not make it."
Goals in the last eight minutes of normal time from substitute Karim Benzema and captain Sergio Ramos eventually gave Real hope of a grandstand finish but it was not to be.
Centre-back Ramos said: "It is a shame. Sometimes you lose, that is football. In Dortmund, we should have played the way we did tonight.
"We feel for the fans. It is a shame to have been so close but the missed chances in the first half were costly."
Source : http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11835/8682697/Champions-League-Real-Madrid-s-Jose-Mourinho-Sergio-Ramos-upset-by-exit
Cal at BYU Saturday for Varsity Cup Championship World Rugby Shop
National No. 1 California faces No. 4-ranked Brigham Young in the Varsity Cup National Championship final Saturday, May 4, at 1 p.m. MT on South Field in Provo, Utah, the home stadium of the Cougars. Advance tickets are available at BYUtickets.com with a live webcast of the championship at YouTube.com/VarsityCupRugby (2 p.m. PT).
In their histories, the Golden Bears (21-0, 5-0 PAC) and Cougars (11-2) have met 10 times, nine of those in the postseason. The only regular-season matchup was in 2001, a 33-22 win for Cal on Witter Rugby Field.
In 1981, Cal beat the Cougars, 6-3, in the Pacific Coast Championships final, with the winning points coming on a 55-meter penalty kick from Mick Luckhurst in the second half, and the Bears repeated the feat in 1983 with a 44-6 win over BYU on campus in Provo. Both of those matches sent the Bears to the national final four, where Cal won national championships on both occasions, edging Harvard 6-3 in overtime at the '81 final in Dayton, Ohio, for their second title and beating Air Force 13-3 at the '83 national collegiate championship in Athens, Ga., for their fourth. Cal defeated BYU again the following year, winning 15-10 in the first round of the Pacific Coast Championships before losing to eventual Pacific Coast champion Long Beach State.
After the Cougars fell to Cal Poly in the 2004 national quarterfinals, Cal went on to beat the Mustangs for national championship number 20. Brigham Young lost to Utah in the 2005 national semis and saw Cal claim the national title over the Utes, 44-7, for national title number 21. The Cougars were defeated by the Bears in the 2006 (29-26), '07 (37-7) and '08 (59-7) national collegiate championships before BYU got over the hump against the Bears with a three-point win in the 2009 title match, but Cal reclaimed the national collegiate crown with wins over BYU in 2010 (19-7, with the 2006-10 finals all hosted by Stanford) and '11 (21-14) in Salt Lake City.
This year, the final takes place on BYU's new home pitch, where the Cougars have never lost a match against collegiate competition.
Cal advanced to this year's consensus national collegiate championship with a 74-6 win over Navy in the semifinal April 27 on Witter Rugby Field, which followed the Bears' 77-0 victory against Notre Dame at the Eastern Super Regional in Annapolis, Md.
Undefeated against collegiate competition in 2013 with their only losses coming against senior men's teams New York Athletic Club and Old Puget Bay Sound, BYU rolled into the final with a 53-20 win over Central Washington in the semifinal April 27 in Provo, preceded by the Cougars' 69-8 victory against Pac Rugby's UCLA in the Western Super Regional in Los Angeles.
The Cougars are stocked with 2012 All-Americans in prop Ray Forrester, lock T.J. Allred and No. 8 Ryan Roundy, the BYU captain, in the forwards; and centers Seki Kofe and BYU footballer Paul Lasike in the backs. Cal counters with three All-Americans of its own in the forwards - Danny Barrett, Brendan Daly and Alec Gletzer - and another in captain Seamus Kelly at outside center.
The Bears' level of experience dips on either side of Kelly, starting with sophomore Nicklas Boyer at scrumhalf. It remains unclear whom the Bears will have at flyhalf with injuries having forced three different starting players over the past three matches at that position. Another underclassmen might be found at No. 12 in sophomore Jesse Milne since Jared Braun could also still be on the mend. Sophomore Andrew Battaglia on the wing is relatively experienced by comparison, but still a second-year player. Senior winger Josh Tucker and junior fullback Jake Anderson provide the most experience in the blue and gold's deep three.
Kelly and Barrett both played all 80 minutes and prop Tanner Mohr saw 10 minutes of action in Cal's last meeting with BYU at Rio Tinto Stadium for the 2011 national collegiate championship. Nobody else in the Bears' lineup has ever faced the Cougars. Meanwhile, for BYU, five players - Forrester, Roundy, Kofe, front rower Ishmael Tilialo and halfback Inoke Funaki - will take the field on Saturday with memories of having played in the 2011 title match against the Bears.
The history between these two teams in national championship meetings has left the rugby fan wanting for nothing. The matches have featured stunning offense, punishing defense and dramatic endings. Three of their six championship title meetings have been decided by a converted try or less, and two of those were by only three points.
Cal vs. BYU has come to epitomize the best of American college rugby. On Saturday, the Bears will attempt to win their 27th all-time national championship on their opponent's home field. It's never been done. And it all adds up to must-see rugby.
Source : http://www.rugbyrugby.com/news/by_country/u_s/7010702/cal_at_byu_saturday_for_varsity_cup_championship
Disappointed by draft position, Geno Smith fires agents
Quarterback Geno Smith, from West Virginia, speaks during a news conference after being selected Friday by the New York Jets with the seventh pick in the second round, 39th overall, in the NFL football draft, Saturday April 27, 2013 in Florham Park, N.J. (Photo: Joe Epstein, AP) Story Highlights - Geno Smith had hoped he would be selected in the first round, but he was chosen in the second
- After being humiliated while waiting at the draft to be picked, he has fired his agents
- Only QB taken in the first round was E.J. Manuel, who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills
Geno Smith thought he would be a top-10 draft pick, maybe even first overall. Instead, he went in the second round.
And now apparently, his agents have paid the price.
Smith has fired his representatives and will now hire a new agent, according to a person informed of Smith's move. The person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because neither Smith nor his former agents have commented publicly on the matter, said a big part of the reason for Smith's decision was his going 39th overall to the New York Jets. DRAFT GRADES: How'd the Jets fare?
Smith declined to discuss the move in an interview on NFL Sirius radio.
"I don't want to shed too much light on it," he said. "The thing that I can tell you is that it's not because of the whole draft experience. It's not because of one particular incident. There's a number of things. And that story, you know, that battle will be fought on a different day. As of right now, I don't feel too comfortable talking about all the details of it.
"First and foremost, I want to make it known that I was never bitter about where I was selected because it's a great selection. Whether it was number one or the last pick, I was coming in with the right mentality, and that's to get better and compete daily. I'm extremely ecstatic to be a part of the Jets organization."
"I'm not bitter about where I was selected, because I'm on a great team and I'm in a great position," he said.
But the move, so soon after the draft, raises questions about whether Smith will be able to deal with the New York media and the adversity that comes with playing under the scrutiny of the largest sports media market in the world. Calls and texts to Smith by USA TODAY Sports were not immediately returned. IDZIK ON TEBOW: Something had to give BELL ON TEBOW: He won't like his options
The person, who confirmed the initial report by Sports Business Journal that Smith had fired Select Sports Group, said Smith's former agents informed him throughout the process there was a chance he would drop.
Smith, in attendance at the draft, sat through the first round as he went undrafted. He said he wouldn't return Friday for the second round, but did, and, in a surprise pick, was selected by the Jets, who already were choking on quarterbacks.
The only quarterback taken in the first round was E.J. Manuel, who went to the Buffalo Bills at No. 16 overall. Rumblings ahead of the draft had the Bills as a potential landing spot for Smith with the eighth pick, which they wound up trading to the Rams. However, Buffalo's interest in Manuel was a well-kept secret.
Under the new CBA, there isn't much wiggle room for rookies to negotiate their deals, so the change in agents won't have much effect on talks between him and the Jets. Last year, the 39th overall pick (Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins) signed a four-year, $4.99 million deal. If Smith had been selected in Round 1, his contract would be worth, at minimum, $6.7 million with roughly $5.4 million guaranteed.
Man City owner eyes New York MLS team: report
Man City owner eyes New York MLS team: report
Sheik Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, a member of Abu Dhabi's royal family whose investment group owns English Premier League side Manchester City, reportedly wants a Major League Soccer team for New York.
The New York Times reported that Mansour has entered final talks with the US league for a 20th club and is willing to pay a $100 million expansion fee for a team that could be dubbed New York FC and begin play in 2016.
A deal is nearly set, the Times said, to build a $340 million stadium that would seat 25,000 spectators as a new home for the club near the US Open tennis grounds and the home stadium of Major League Baseball's New York Mets.
MLS hopes to announce the deal ahead of Manchester City's exhibition match at New York's Yankee Stadium against English rival Chelsea on May 25, according to the report.
The sheik's group bought Manchester City in 2008 for $330 million and the team won its first Premier League crown in 44 years in 2012.
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/manchester_city/man_city_owner_eyes_new_york_mls_team__report_rss4090702.shtml
Lions: Chris Robshaw decision leaves Conor O'Shea bemused
Conor O'Shea: Disappointed for his Quins skipper
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Busquets and Abidal to miss the match against Bayern
FOOTBALL Previous Article The Catalan and the Frenchman, both of whom are injured, were not named to the team ahead of tomorrow's match
Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano trained apart from the group
- Training session 30/04/2013
Barça took to the training fields of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper this Tuesday afternoon to prepare for tomorrow’s crucial Champions League match against Bayern Munich. On Wednesday morning the players will complete one final training session, at the Camp Nou, before kick off.
Sergio Busquets and Éric Abidal will not feature in tomorrow’s match. The midfielder has not recovered from the injury that kept him from playing against Athletic Club this weekend, while the Frenchman has picked up a calf injury. Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano took part in today’s session, but they did so apart from the group.
Tito Vilanova has named 19 players to the team for tomorrow’s match against Bayern. The manager was not able to select Jordi Alba, who is suspended. Busquets, Abidal, Puyol and Mascherano, all of whom are injured, were not named to the team.
Vilanova: “We can never give up on a tie especially when we have 90 minutes to play at home”
FOOTBALL Previous Article The manager believes that his players need to go into tomorrow's match against Bayern with cool heads: "we have to play a good game and be the better team, then the goals will come"
[+] FCB-BAYERN
“We believe we can fight back, it’s our obligation and we’re convinced [it’s possible],” said Tito Vilanova this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. “We know that it will be very difficult, but we are Barça and we can never give up on a tie especially when we have 90 minutes of play at home.” Vilanova is convinced that his men will leave everything on the pitch, even if, in the end, they cannot overturn the 4-0 from the away leg. “We have to hold our heads high if we are eliminated, we cannot give up; we need to make our fans proud.”
We have to hold our heads high if we are eliminated, we cannot give up; we need to make our fans proud
It’s about playing well
“We have to be ourselves and try to play a good game of football. We need to score goals through our style of play,” explained Vilanova. He also declared that “it’s not necessary to score goals in the first half ... Bayern only scored one in the first half in the away leg".
We have to be ourselves and try to play a good game of football. We need to score goals through our style of play
In addition, the Blaugrana manager admitted that Bayern played an excellent game last week, but the end result was too harsh. “Bayern played a great game but they had a series of favourable situations in their favour. We should have lost that match, but not by so much.”
The power of the Camp Nou
The support from the Camp Nou faithful on Wednesday will be crucial if Barça are to get to the final in Wembley. “If we are going to mount a comeback we need our fans. Both Bayern and Borussia had extraordinary atmospheres last week and that carried the teams forward. We will do our part so that fans find it easier to do theirs.”
If we are going to mount a comeback we need our fans at the Camp Nou
“Messi will have things to say”
The manager confirmed that Mascherano won’t play tomorrow: “he picked up his injury four weeks ago and it takes six to recover, he won’t play tomorrow.” Messi, however, won’t miss the match: “the more in form he is the better our chances of getting to the final, but we can’t heap this kind pressure on him, we have to try to help him. A player as good as Messi, at this point in the competition, will have things to say in tomorrow’s match.”
Bayern braced for wounded Barcelona onslaught
Bayern braced for wounded Barcelona onslaught
Bayern Munich are anticipating Barcelona's bid to overturn their 4-0 deficit to be led by an inspired Lionel Messi rather than the subdued version that turned up in last week's semi-final, first leg.
Bayern take on the Catalan giants at the Camp Nou in Wednesday's Champions League second leg with one foot in the final after the drubbing meted out to Messi and his men in Munich.
World Footballer of the year Messi produced an uncharacteristic limp performance in Munich, but Bayern striker Thomas Mueller believes the Argentine star will be back to his brilliant best on Wednesday.
"In the first leg we barely saw him," reflected Mueller, who scored twice and set up a third in the surprisingly lopsided first leg.
"That was down to us even if we know he was limited with an injury.
"We are going to see another Messi on Wednesday, even if we hope we don't. I think we'll have more work to do with him than the last time.
"Messi is a talisman for them. He's a player who scores 50 goals in the season."
The Germans, intent on atoning for last year's final defeat on home turf to Chelsea, are mindful of letting any hint of complacency scupper their attempt to make it to the Wembley climax.
"We opened the door (to the final) but we haven't gone through it yet," cautioned midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger at the eve-of-match press conference on Tuesday.
"It'll be hard on Wednesday, few teams can offer resistance to Barcelona here," he added.
"We know they've got a lot of pride and we have to be concentrated as we were in the first leg."
Mueller suggested Barca would try to upset their visitors "with their ball possession".
"We've got to defend well, and leave the ball far away from our goalkeeper."
As for last week's surprise result, Mueller maintained that Barcelona had not played as poorly as the scoreline suggested.
"They didn't play a catastrophic match," he reasoned.
"We made the difference physically and mentally. We exploited the set pieces, and our size. And it was thanks to our good defensive work that Barca had few chances."
Mueller added that if anyone was in any doubt as to Barcelona's aptitude as escapologists then they only had to look back on what happened in the round of 16.
Barca looked down and out after losing the first leg 2-0 to AC Milan but ultimately sailed through to the quarter finals with a Messi-inspired 4-0 second leg success.
"I watched that match live. We know Barcelona can cause us harm if we don't turn up. We also saw that Milan had a great opportunity but they weren't able to capitalise on it."
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/bayern_munich/bayern_braced_for_wounded_barcelona_onslaught_rss4089942.shtml
Jupp Heynckes: “We are going to attack”
FOOTBALL Previous Article The Bayern manager says that his team isn't "one that only defends" and he warns that his men will "try to score" at the Camp Nou
"Before the away leg I said that we were going up against the best team in the world and I still believe that," says that manager
Müller: "I hope I'm wrong, but I think we're going to see a different version of Messi than the one we saw in Munich"
Bayern Munich come into tomorrow’s match brimming with confidence but the German’s also have a healthy dose of prudence. “We can’t get carried away by the 4-0 from the away leg. In a semi-final there are two matches and we want to prove that what happened in the first match wasn’t a fluke,” said Jupp Heynckes during this afternoon’s pre-match press conference. “Before the match in Munich I said that two top European teams were going to face each other. For me, Barça continue to be the best team in the world and we’ve prepared accordingly,” he added.
Loyal to their style of play
Heynckes quickly rubbished all speculation that Bayern’s approach to tomorrow’s game will be defensive. “We have our philosophy and we’ve shown that we’re a great team and that we can perform at a high level. We are not going to play defensively tomorrow. We’ll be brave and we’re going to try to score,” warned Heynckes, who went on to praise the Blaugrana. “Barça have been an example of sportsmanship when they’ve won, both on and off the pitch. Bayern have learned from Barça,” he added.
Holding his cards close to his chest
Heynckes was then asked about the six players who are one yellow card away from suspension (Dante, Lahm, Luiz Gustavo, Schweinsteiger, Javi Martínez and Mario Gómez) and if their situation affect his plans for tomorrow’s starting line-up: “I’ve rested a lot of players this season. I have 21 players that have been important and the team’s level of play hasn’t dropped. What’s important is that each of the 11 players that do play are at 100% psychologically.”
Schweinsteiger: “Barça’s pride has been hurt”
Thomas Müller and Bastian Schweinsteiger also talked to press ahead of tomorrow’s match. Müller expects “a different version of the Messi we saw in Munich” and he’s wary of what the Blaugrana are capable of doing at the Camp Nou: “they will play like they always do. In Munich they didn’t have a bad first half and it wasn’t until the end that we extended our advantage.” Schweinsteiger added that “Barça’s pride has been hurt and that makes them dangerous.”
Sunderland appeal Sessegnon red card at Villa Park
Sunderland appeal Sessegnon red card at Villa Park
Sunderland have formerly lodged a claim for unfair dismissal following Stephane Sessegnon's red card at Aston Villa, the Football Association has confirmed.
The 28-year-old Benin international will have his case heard by an independent regulatory commission on Wednesday afternoon.
Sessegnon was sent off by referee Lee Probert during the 6-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Villa Park for a foul on Yacoub Sylla with 21 minutes remaining.
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/sunderland/sunderland_appeal_sessegnon_red_card_at_villa_park_rss4089826.shtml
Spanish League Round Up, Week 33
FOOTBALL Next Article Previous Article This weekend’s La Liga games could prove decisive at both ends of the table come the end of the season, with Real Madrid beating Atletico and Zaragoza, Celta and Granada all winning
Madrid aren’t just lying down and giving up. Although this weekend’s results meant Tito’s team will have to wait a little longer to be proclaimed champions, Real Madrid’s win at the Vicente Calderon actually underlined Barça’s achievement, seemingly certain to retake the title under the onslaught of a great winning run from last year’s league title holders. Madrid’s 1-2 win not only extended their winning record over their city neighbours, it also stretched their unbeaten run in the league to 11 games – during which time they’ve won 10 and drawn just once. But even that remarkable run hasn’t troubled Barça, who still sit 11 points clear and when the title does come, Madrid’s second half surge will surely serve as testament to how well Barça have done to win back La Liga this season, despite their great rival’s best efforts.
Osasuna should be looking over their shoulders. Osasuna took a point from Rayo after their 2-2 draw on Friday night, but with just one win in their last eight games, they now sit only three points off the drop zone after good results for the teams below them -Zaragoza beat Mallorca 3-2, Celta won 0-1 at Getafe, Granada surprised Espanyol 0-1 and Deportivo took a point at Betis(1-1). With trips to Valencia, Granada, and Real Madrid coming up, the Basques will surely have to ensure maximum points from their two home matches against Getafe and Seville if they are to have any hope of keeping top flight football in Pamplona for another season.
Can Manolo Jimenez do it again? Zaragoza’s win over Mallorca was their first of 2013 and leaves them just a point behind Deportivo and safety. Under-pressure boss Manolo Jimenez was brought in to save the club from the drop last season and after Saturday night’s victory he explained: “we’re running out of time, but this result puts us back in the same situation we were in last season - finally, we got a win!”. It was all spills and thrills in the game, as Mallorca, who now sit bottom of the table, two points behind Zaragoza and Celta, took the lead and then fought back to equalise at 2-2 before Rochina secured what could be three vital points for the home side.
Oxlade-Chamberlain learning fast at Arsenal
Oxlade-Chamberlain learning fast at Arsenal
Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has called for everyone to be patient as he looks to "kick on" again next season.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has certainly come a long way in a short time since being signed from Southampton two years ago as a raw talent by Arsene Wenger. However, after being called up into the senior England squad for the first time ahead of the 2012 European Championships, the 19-year-old attacker has made only 11 starts in the Barclays Premier League this term, and just one since February.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, though, feels time is very much on his side, saying in an interview with the official Arsenal matchday programme: "It has been difficult."
He added: "There is always pressure, but maybe people forget that I am only 19 and will still be 19 at the start of next season. When you have a good first season, especially at 18, people hype you up and really want to see you kick on. They expect you to play lots of games and do really well.
"I have tried to carry on from last season, but sometimes you have to realise that you are a young lad and have a lot to learn. The experience of being in a club and league like this is a great education at this age."
Oxlade-Chamberlain has made the difference with his dynamic play when being introduced off the bench, notably when helping to turn the game against Norwich at the Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago when the team were losing 1-0 heading into the final five minutes.
The teenager feels having players who can make a difference on the bench can only aid Arsenal's quest for Champions League qualification, which will continue at relegated QPR on Saturday following the 1-1 draw against title winners Manchester United.
"You always want to start but your responsibility when you are on the bench, especially as a winger, is to come on, change the game and help drive the boys forward, that is what I have been trying to do, to make things happen and add a different dynamic to the game," he said.
"I have been working on things like my team play, my defensive play and getting back into the right positions off the ball and these things aren't often noticed.
"I started pre-season playing in central roles and have played there in training, so I am trying to develop that as well. I am happy with the way things are going and the most important thing is that the team finishes where we need to. I am happy to be a part of that."
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/arsenal/oxlade-chamberlain_learning_fast_at_arsenal_rss4089692.shtml
Lions: Chris Robshaw decision leaves Conor O'Shea bemused
Conor O'Shea: Disappointed for his Quins skipper
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Holloway optimistic over play-offs
Holloway optimistic over play-offs
Ian Holloway is confident stuttering Crystal Palace will get over the line and book their place in the npower Championship play-offs.
The Eagles could have secured a top-six spot with victory at south London rivals Millwall on Tuesday but had to settle for a goalless draw in a scrappy, nervy encounter. Palace are now without a win in nine matches but know a point at home to Peterborough should be enough to extend their season and keep their Barclays Premier League dream alive.
Palace boss Holloway said: "We need one more point and with a performance like that I can see us getting it. I want to get Palace in the play-offs and if we do get there I think we'll be a handful."
He added: "I've been confident in my team all along. The fact is we have had an horrendous run, but sometimes you have to enjoy what you get.
"We were a threat, we looked solid and I thought everyone in my team played well so let's enjoy this one.
"Then we've got another one to enjoy on Saturday and we are one of the lucky teams, we are at the right end.
Millwall also have plenty to play for when they head to Derby on Saturday knowing they still need a win to be sure of surviving.
"We don't want to be worrying about what's happening up and down the country," said Lions boss Kenny Jackett.
"It's in our hands and we want to win. We've had lots of big games this season, it's a terrific league and that's why we want to stay in it."
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/millwall/holloway_optimistic_over_play-offs_rss4092375.shtmlJonny Wilkinson says his absolute priority lies with Toulon after rejecting Lions offer
Jonny Wilkinson: Fly-half focused on Toulon
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Lions 2013: Sam Warburton wants Lions to remain unbeaten
Lions 2013: Sam Warburton wants Lions to remain unbeaten
Lions captain Sam Warburton has set his team-mates the challenge of remaining unbeaten during the tour of Australia.
"I'll go out there with the intention of winning every match," said the Wales flanker who, at 24, becomes the youngest player to lead the Lions.
"I was chatting to tour manager Andy Irvine and he said it's not something that's been done before so that will be a great challenge to set the players.
"To have the opportunity to do this is an unbelievable honour."
The Lions start their 10-match tour on 1 June, when they play the Barbarians in Hong Kong.
Five fixtures against Australia's Super 15 teams follow before the first of three Tests on 22 June.
Lions down under 2013
- Sat 1 June v Barbarians, Hong Kong
- Wed 5 June v Western Force, Perth
- Sat 8 June, Queensland Reds, Brisbane
- Tue 11 June, Combined NSW-Queensland, Newcastle
- Sat 15 June, NSW Waratahs, Sydney
- Tue 18 June, ACT Brumbies, Canberra
- Sat 22 June v Australia, Brisbane
- Tue 25 June, v Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne
- Sat 29 June, v Australia, Melbourne
- Sat 6 July, v Australia, Sydney
The Cardiff Blues back-rower was asked to captain the Lions nine days ago and described his appointment as the "hardest secret I've ever had to keep".
"You just want to tell people, but I managed to keep it to myself. It's unbelievable - an accolade that very few people are able to achieve," he said.
Warburton, who first captained Wales as a 22-year-old in 2011, was picked as captain ahead of more experienced players like Brian O'Driscoll, who will participate in his fourth tour, and Ireland lock Paul O'Connell.
The Welshman, a Lions debutant, said he would lean on the more experienced members of the 37-man squad which consists of 15 Welshmen, 10 players from England, nine from Ireland and three Scots.
"There's a good Welsh contingent of leaders who I can rely on and there are other experienced players in the squad who can help me along the way," said the 2012 Grand Slam-winning captain
"It's an experience I really can't wait to begin. I'm really looking forward to it now and will just keep doing what I do for Wales because I guess that's what Warren has picked me for."
Captaincy an unbelievable honour - Warburton
Lions coach Warren Gatland said he had "huge respect" for Warburton and admitted his captain would also seek advice from Ireland duo O'Driscoll and O'Connell.
"In the last two or three years he's been the most successful captain in the northern hemisphere," said the New Zealander.
"When we sat down to pick a squad, and it's a fantastically strong squad, we decided that Sam would be one of the names among the starting Test XV.
"He's going to need some support from older, experienced players like Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll.
"I have a huge amount of respect for Sam. He's an absolute professional who leads fro the front ad I believe he'll do a fantastic job. "
Lions squad for 2013 tour
Backs: Leigh Halfpenny (Wales), Stuart Hogg (Scotland), Rob Kearney (Ireland), Tommy Bowe (Ireland), Alex Cuthbert (Wales), Sean Maitland (Scotland), George North (Wales), Jonathan Davies (Wales), Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland), Jamie Roberts (Wales), Manu Tuilagi (England), Owen Farrell (England), Jonathan Sexton (Ireland), Conor Murray (Ireland), Mike Phillips (Wales), Ben Youngs (England).
Forwards: Dan Cole (England), Cian Healy (Ireland), Gethin Jenkins (Wales), Adam Jones (Wales), Matt Stevens (England), Mako Vunipola (England), Dylan Hartley (England), Richard Hibbard (Wales), Tom Youngs (England), Ian Evans (Wales), Richie Gray (Scotland), Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales), Paul O'Connell (Ireland), Geoff Parling (England), Tom Croft (England), Toby Faletau (Wales), Jamie Heaslip (Ireland), Dan Lydiate (Wales), Sean O'Brien (Ireland), Justin Tipuric (Wales), Sam Warburton (Wales).
Champions League: Borussia Dortmund's Jurgen Klopp to toast reaching Wembley
Jurgen Klopp: Thought Dortmund deserved to reach the Champions League final
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Jurgen Klopp admits he would be a 'muppet' to deny Borussia Dortmund the chance to celebrate after 'deservedly' reaching the UEFA Champions League final.
The Bundesliga club booked their place at Wembley by knocking Real Madrid out of the semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate win despite a 2-0 second-leg defeat in Spain on Tuesday.
It was a nervy night for Dortmund as they held on after late goals from Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos to mean Klopp does not plan to ban his players from partying.
"Dortmund apparently is an all-inclusive club, so we always make things exciting, one way or the other"
Jurgen KloppAlthough they are due to host Bundesliga title winners and potential Champions League final opponents Bayern Munich on Saturday, Dortmund are set to revel in style.
Klopp said: "I will not stop the team from celebrating. I will stay in the hotel, though, and have a few beers there.
"The players deserve some time off after a game like this. I will not deny them that, what kind of muppet would I be if I did?"
Real had dominated the opening 25 minutes against Dortmund in the second leg but they were guilty of missing chances to allow Klopp's side to progress.
And Klopp thought his team were rightful finalists, where they could face Barcelona or Bayern, who meet on Wednesday with the latter holding a 4-0 first-leg lead.
"It was a bit dramatic in the end, despite having a lot of counter-attacks that led to opportunities to take the lead," said Klopp.
"We have ourselves to blame for allowing Real back into the game, as we missed a couple of sitters.
"However, Dortmund apparently is an all-inclusive club, so we always make things exciting, one way or the other.
"They (Real) had a lot to make up for after the first leg but we deserved to go through on aggregate. We deserve to be in the Champions League final."
Source : http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11899/8682738/Champions-League-Borussia-Dortmund-s-Jurgen-Klopp-to-toast-reaching-WembleyAll the details on the Champions League semi-final between FC Barcelona - Bayern Munich
FOOTBALLPrevious ArticleGet all the news, videos, photos, interviews and stats leading up to the Champions League showdown between FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich
NEWS:
• Vilanova: “We can never give up on a tie especially when we have 90 minutes to play at home"
• Gerard Piqué: “We have to have the faith of a child and lose our common sense"
• Jupp Heynckes: “We are going to attack”
• Busquets and Abidal to miss the match against Bayern-->
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/millwall/lions_and_palace_face_tense_finale_rss4091669.shtmlChampions League: Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho & Sergio Ramos upset by exit
Jose Mourinho: The Real Madrid boss lost in the semi-finals for the third season in a row
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Jose Mourinho admitted Real Madrid paid the price for missed chances as they again suffered UEFA Champions League semi-final heartbreak.
A 2-0 second-leg victory on the night was not enough for the Spanish giants to fight back against Borussia Dortmund as the German club progressed to the final 4-3 on aggregate.
It is the third season in a row Mourinho and Real have lost in the semi-finals but they had themselves to blame in the opening 25 minutes of their second leg this season.
"The Bernabeu has been fantastic, the fans believed until the end but we did not make it"
Jose MourinhoAs they sought to overcome their 4-1 first leg defeat by Dortmund in the battle to reach Wembley, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Gonzalo Higuain were among the players to miss good opportunities.
And Mourinho said: "My players have given everything. If we had scored earlier, we would have had a chance.
"The Bernabeu has been fantastic, the fans believed until the end but we did not make it."
Goals in the last eight minutes of normal time from substitute Karim Benzema and captain Sergio Ramos eventually gave Real hope of a grandstand finish but it was not to be.
Centre-back Ramos said: "It is a shame. Sometimes you lose, that is football. In Dortmund, we should have played the way we did tonight.
"We feel for the fans. It is a shame to have been so close but the missed chances in the first half were costly."
Source : http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11835/8682697/Champions-League-Real-Madrid-s-Jose-Mourinho-Sergio-Ramos-upset-by-exitCal at BYU Saturday for Varsity Cup Championship World Rugby Shop
National No. 1 California faces No. 4-ranked Brigham Young in the Varsity Cup National Championship final Saturday, May 4, at 1 p.m. MT on South Field in Provo, Utah, the home stadium of the Cougars. Advance tickets are available at BYUtickets.com with a live webcast of the championship at YouTube.com/VarsityCupRugby (2 p.m. PT).
In their histories, the Golden Bears (21-0, 5-0 PAC) and Cougars (11-2) have met 10 times, nine of those in the postseason. The only regular-season matchup was in 2001, a 33-22 win for Cal on Witter Rugby Field.
In 1981, Cal beat the Cougars, 6-3, in the Pacific Coast Championships final, with the winning points coming on a 55-meter penalty kick from Mick Luckhurst in the second half, and the Bears repeated the feat in 1983 with a 44-6 win over BYU on campus in Provo. Both of those matches sent the Bears to the national final four, where Cal won national championships on both occasions, edging Harvard 6-3 in overtime at the '81 final in Dayton, Ohio, for their second title and beating Air Force 13-3 at the '83 national collegiate championship in Athens, Ga., for their fourth. Cal defeated BYU again the following year, winning 15-10 in the first round of the Pacific Coast Championships before losing to eventual Pacific Coast champion Long Beach State.
After the Cougars fell to Cal Poly in the 2004 national quarterfinals, Cal went on to beat the Mustangs for national championship number 20. Brigham Young lost to Utah in the 2005 national semis and saw Cal claim the national title over the Utes, 44-7, for national title number 21. The Cougars were defeated by the Bears in the 2006 (29-26), '07 (37-7) and '08 (59-7) national collegiate championships before BYU got over the hump against the Bears with a three-point win in the 2009 title match, but Cal reclaimed the national collegiate crown with wins over BYU in 2010 (19-7, with the 2006-10 finals all hosted by Stanford) and '11 (21-14) in Salt Lake City.
This year, the final takes place on BYU's new home pitch, where the Cougars have never lost a match against collegiate competition.
Cal advanced to this year's consensus national collegiate championship with a 74-6 win over Navy in the semifinal April 27 on Witter Rugby Field, which followed the Bears' 77-0 victory against Notre Dame at the Eastern Super Regional in Annapolis, Md.
Undefeated against collegiate competition in 2013 with their only losses coming against senior men's teams New York Athletic Club and Old Puget Bay Sound, BYU rolled into the final with a 53-20 win over Central Washington in the semifinal April 27 in Provo, preceded by the Cougars' 69-8 victory against Pac Rugby's UCLA in the Western Super Regional in Los Angeles.
The Cougars are stocked with 2012 All-Americans in prop Ray Forrester, lock T.J. Allred and No. 8 Ryan Roundy, the BYU captain, in the forwards; and centers Seki Kofe and BYU footballer Paul Lasike in the backs. Cal counters with three All-Americans of its own in the forwards - Danny Barrett, Brendan Daly and Alec Gletzer - and another in captain Seamus Kelly at outside center.
The Bears' level of experience dips on either side of Kelly, starting with sophomore Nicklas Boyer at scrumhalf. It remains unclear whom the Bears will have at flyhalf with injuries having forced three different starting players over the past three matches at that position. Another underclassmen might be found at No. 12 in sophomore Jesse Milne since Jared Braun could also still be on the mend. Sophomore Andrew Battaglia on the wing is relatively experienced by comparison, but still a second-year player. Senior winger Josh Tucker and junior fullback Jake Anderson provide the most experience in the blue and gold's deep three.
Kelly and Barrett both played all 80 minutes and prop Tanner Mohr saw 10 minutes of action in Cal's last meeting with BYU at Rio Tinto Stadium for the 2011 national collegiate championship. Nobody else in the Bears' lineup has ever faced the Cougars. Meanwhile, for BYU, five players - Forrester, Roundy, Kofe, front rower Ishmael Tilialo and halfback Inoke Funaki - will take the field on Saturday with memories of having played in the 2011 title match against the Bears.
The history between these two teams in national championship meetings has left the rugby fan wanting for nothing. The matches have featured stunning offense, punishing defense and dramatic endings. Three of their six championship title meetings have been decided by a converted try or less, and two of those were by only three points.
Cal vs. BYU has come to epitomize the best of American college rugby. On Saturday, the Bears will attempt to win their 27th all-time national championship on their opponent's home field. It's never been done. And it all adds up to must-see rugby.
Source : http://www.rugbyrugby.com/news/by_country/u_s/7010702/cal_at_byu_saturday_for_varsity_cup_championshipDisappointed by draft position, Geno Smith fires agents
Quarterback Geno Smith, from West Virginia, speaks during a news conference after being selected Friday by the New York Jets with the seventh pick in the second round, 39th overall, in the NFL football draft, Saturday April 27, 2013 in Florham Park, N.J. (Photo: Joe Epstein, AP)
Story Highlights
- Geno Smith had hoped he would be selected in the first round, but he was chosen in the second
- After being humiliated while waiting at the draft to be picked, he has fired his agents
- Only QB taken in the first round was E.J. Manuel, who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills
Geno Smith thought he would be a top-10 draft pick, maybe even first overall. Instead, he went in the second round.
And now apparently, his agents have paid the price.
Smith has fired his representatives and will now hire a new agent, according to a person informed of Smith's move. The person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because neither Smith nor his former agents have commented publicly on the matter, said a big part of the reason for Smith's decision was his going 39th overall to the New York Jets.
DRAFT GRADES: How'd the Jets fare?
Smith declined to discuss the move in an interview on NFL Sirius radio.
"I don't want to shed too much light on it," he said. "The thing that I can tell you is that it's not because of the whole draft experience. It's not because of one particular incident. There's a number of things. And that story, you know, that battle will be fought on a different day. As of right now, I don't feel too comfortable talking about all the details of it.
"First and foremost, I want to make it known that I was never bitter about where I was selected because it's a great selection. Whether it was number one or the last pick, I was coming in with the right mentality, and that's to get better and compete daily. I'm extremely ecstatic to be a part of the Jets organization."
"I'm not bitter about where I was selected, because I'm on a great team and I'm in a great position," he said.
But the move, so soon after the draft, raises questions about whether Smith will be able to deal with the New York media and the adversity that comes with playing under the scrutiny of the largest sports media market in the world.
Calls and texts to Smith by USA TODAY Sports were not immediately returned.
IDZIK ON TEBOW: Something had to give
BELL ON TEBOW: He won't like his options
The person, who confirmed the initial report by Sports Business Journal that Smith had fired Select Sports Group, said Smith's former agents informed him throughout the process there was a chance he would drop.
Smith, in attendance at the draft, sat through the first round as he went undrafted. He said he wouldn't return Friday for the second round, but did, and, in a surprise pick, was selected by the Jets, who already were choking on quarterbacks.
The only quarterback taken in the first round was E.J. Manuel, who went to the Buffalo Bills at No. 16 overall. Rumblings ahead of the draft had the Bills as a potential landing spot for Smith with the eighth pick, which they wound up trading to the Rams. However, Buffalo's interest in Manuel was a well-kept secret.
Under the new CBA, there isn't much wiggle room for rookies to negotiate their deals, so the change in agents won't have much effect on talks between him and the Jets. Last year, the 39th overall pick (Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins) signed a four-year, $4.99 million deal.
If Smith had been selected in Round 1, his contract would be worth, at minimum, $6.7 million with roughly $5.4 million guaranteed.
Man City owner eyes New York MLS team: report
Man City owner eyes New York MLS team: report
Sheik Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, a member of Abu Dhabi's royal family whose investment group owns English Premier League side Manchester City, reportedly wants a Major League Soccer team for New York.
The New York Times reported that Mansour has entered final talks with the US league for a 20th club and is willing to pay a $100 million expansion fee for a team that could be dubbed New York FC and begin play in 2016.
A deal is nearly set, the Times said, to build a $340 million stadium that would seat 25,000 spectators as a new home for the club near the US Open tennis grounds and the home stadium of Major League Baseball's New York Mets.
MLS hopes to announce the deal ahead of Manchester City's exhibition match at New York's Yankee Stadium against English rival Chelsea on May 25, according to the report.
The sheik's group bought Manchester City in 2008 for $330 million and the team won its first Premier League crown in 44 years in 2012.
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/manchester_city/man_city_owner_eyes_new_york_mls_team__report_rss4090702.shtmlLions: Chris Robshaw decision leaves Conor O'Shea bemused
Conor O'Shea: Disappointed for his Quins skipper
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Busquets and Abidal to miss the match against Bayern
FOOTBALLPrevious ArticleThe Catalan and the Frenchman, both of whom are injured, were not named to the team ahead of tomorrow's match
Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano trained apart from the group- Training session 30/04/2013
Barça took to the training fields of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper this Tuesday afternoon to prepare for tomorrow’s crucial Champions League match against Bayern Munich. On Wednesday morning the players will complete one final training session, at the Camp Nou, before kick off.
Sergio Busquets and Éric Abidal will not feature in tomorrow’s match. The midfielder has not recovered from the injury that kept him from playing against Athletic Club this weekend, while the Frenchman has picked up a calf injury. Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano took part in today’s session, but they did so apart from the group.
Tito Vilanova has named 19 players to the team for tomorrow’s match against Bayern. The manager was not able to select Jordi Alba, who is suspended. Busquets, Abidal, Puyol and Mascherano, all of whom are injured, were not named to the team.Vilanova: “We can never give up on a tie especially when we have 90 minutes to play at home”
FOOTBALLPrevious ArticleThe manager believes that his players need to go into tomorrow's match against Bayern with cool heads: "we have to play a good game and be the better team, then the goals will come"
[+] FCB-BAYERN
“We believe we can fight back, it’s our obligation and we’re convinced [it’s possible],” said Tito Vilanova this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. “We know that it will be very difficult, but we are Barça and we can never give up on a tie especially when we have 90 minutes of play at home.” Vilanova is convinced that his men will leave everything on the pitch, even if, in the end, they cannot overturn the 4-0 from the away leg. “We have to hold our heads high if we are eliminated, we cannot give up; we need to make our fans proud.”
We have to hold our heads high if we are eliminated, we cannot give up; we need to make our fans proud
It’s about playing well
“We have to be ourselves and try to play a good game of football. We need to score goals through our style of play,” explained Vilanova. He also declared that “it’s not necessary to score goals in the first half ... Bayern only scored one in the first half in the away leg".We have to be ourselves and try to play a good game of football. We need to score goals through our style of play
In addition, the Blaugrana manager admitted that Bayern played an excellent game last week, but the end result was too harsh. “Bayern played a great game but they had a series of favourable situations in their favour. We should have lost that match, but not by so much.”
The power of the Camp Nou
The support from the Camp Nou faithful on Wednesday will be crucial if Barça are to get to the final in Wembley. “If we are going to mount a comeback we need our fans. Both Bayern and Borussia had extraordinary atmospheres last week and that carried the teams forward. We will do our part so that fans find it easier to do theirs.”If we are going to mount a comeback we need our fans at the Camp Nou
“Messi will have things to say”
The manager confirmed that Mascherano won’t play tomorrow: “he picked up his injury four weeks ago and it takes six to recover, he won’t play tomorrow.” Messi, however, won’t miss the match: “the more in form he is the better our chances of getting to the final, but we can’t heap this kind pressure on him, we have to try to help him. A player as good as Messi, at this point in the competition, will have things to say in tomorrow’s match.”Bayern braced for wounded Barcelona onslaught
Bayern braced for wounded Barcelona onslaught
Bayern Munich are anticipating Barcelona's bid to overturn their 4-0 deficit to be led by an inspired Lionel Messi rather than the subdued version that turned up in last week's semi-final, first leg.
Bayern take on the Catalan giants at the Camp Nou in Wednesday's Champions League second leg with one foot in the final after the drubbing meted out to Messi and his men in Munich.
World Footballer of the year Messi produced an uncharacteristic limp performance in Munich, but Bayern striker Thomas Mueller believes the Argentine star will be back to his brilliant best on Wednesday.
"In the first leg we barely saw him," reflected Mueller, who scored twice and set up a third in the surprisingly lopsided first leg.
"That was down to us even if we know he was limited with an injury.
"We are going to see another Messi on Wednesday, even if we hope we don't. I think we'll have more work to do with him than the last time.
"Messi is a talisman for them. He's a player who scores 50 goals in the season."
The Germans, intent on atoning for last year's final defeat on home turf to Chelsea, are mindful of letting any hint of complacency scupper their attempt to make it to the Wembley climax.
"We opened the door (to the final) but we haven't gone through it yet," cautioned midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger at the eve-of-match press conference on Tuesday.
"It'll be hard on Wednesday, few teams can offer resistance to Barcelona here," he added.
"We know they've got a lot of pride and we have to be concentrated as we were in the first leg."
Mueller suggested Barca would try to upset their visitors "with their ball possession".
"We've got to defend well, and leave the ball far away from our goalkeeper."
As for last week's surprise result, Mueller maintained that Barcelona had not played as poorly as the scoreline suggested.
"They didn't play a catastrophic match," he reasoned.
"We made the difference physically and mentally. We exploited the set pieces, and our size. And it was thanks to our good defensive work that Barca had few chances."
Mueller added that if anyone was in any doubt as to Barcelona's aptitude as escapologists then they only had to look back on what happened in the round of 16.
Barca looked down and out after losing the first leg 2-0 to AC Milan but ultimately sailed through to the quarter finals with a Messi-inspired 4-0 second leg success.
"I watched that match live. We know Barcelona can cause us harm if we don't turn up. We also saw that Milan had a great opportunity but they weren't able to capitalise on it."
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/bayern_munich/bayern_braced_for_wounded_barcelona_onslaught_rss4089942.shtmlJupp Heynckes: “We are going to attack”
FOOTBALLPrevious ArticleThe Bayern manager says that his team isn't "one that only defends" and he warns that his men will "try to score" at the Camp Nou
"Before the away leg I said that we were going up against the best team in the world and I still believe that," says that manager
Müller: "I hope I'm wrong, but I think we're going to see a different version of Messi than the one we saw in Munich"Bayern Munich come into tomorrow’s match brimming with confidence but the German’s also have a healthy dose of prudence. “We can’t get carried away by the 4-0 from the away leg. In a semi-final there are two matches and we want to prove that what happened in the first match wasn’t a fluke,” said Jupp Heynckes during this afternoon’s pre-match press conference. “Before the match in Munich I said that two top European teams were going to face each other. For me, Barça continue to be the best team in the world and we’ve prepared accordingly,” he added.
Loyal to their style of play
Heynckes quickly rubbished all speculation that Bayern’s approach to tomorrow’s game will be defensive. “We have our philosophy and we’ve shown that we’re a great team and that we can perform at a high level. We are not going to play defensively tomorrow. We’ll be brave and we’re going to try to score,” warned Heynckes, who went on to praise the Blaugrana. “Barça have been an example of sportsmanship when they’ve won, both on and off the pitch. Bayern have learned from Barça,” he added.
Holding his cards close to his chest
Heynckes was then asked about the six players who are one yellow card away from suspension (Dante, Lahm, Luiz Gustavo, Schweinsteiger, Javi Martínez and Mario Gómez) and if their situation affect his plans for tomorrow’s starting line-up: “I’ve rested a lot of players this season. I have 21 players that have been important and the team’s level of play hasn’t dropped. What’s important is that each of the 11 players that do play are at 100% psychologically.”
Schweinsteiger: “Barça’s pride has been hurt”
Thomas Müller and Bastian Schweinsteiger also talked to press ahead of tomorrow’s match. Müller expects “a different version of the Messi we saw in Munich” and he’s wary of what the Blaugrana are capable of doing at the Camp Nou: “they will play like they always do. In Munich they didn’t have a bad first half and it wasn’t until the end that we extended our advantage.” Schweinsteiger added that “Barça’s pride has been hurt and that makes them dangerous.”Sunderland appeal Sessegnon red card at Villa Park
Sunderland appeal Sessegnon red card at Villa Park
Sunderland have formerly lodged a claim for unfair dismissal following Stephane Sessegnon's red card at Aston Villa, the Football Association has confirmed.
The 28-year-old Benin international will have his case heard by an independent regulatory commission on Wednesday afternoon.
Sessegnon was sent off by referee Lee Probert during the 6-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Villa Park for a foul on Yacoub Sylla with 21 minutes remaining.
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/sunderland/sunderland_appeal_sessegnon_red_card_at_villa_park_rss4089826.shtmlSpanish League Round Up, Week 33
FOOTBALLNext ArticlePrevious ArticleThis weekend’s La Liga games could prove decisive at both ends of the table come the end of the season, with Real Madrid beating Atletico and Zaragoza, Celta and Granada all winning
Madrid aren’t just lying down and giving up.
Although this weekend’s results meant Tito’s team will have to wait a little longer to be proclaimed champions, Real Madrid’s win at the Vicente Calderon actually underlined Barça’s achievement, seemingly certain to retake the title under the onslaught of a great winning run from last year’s league title holders. Madrid’s 1-2 win not only extended their winning record over their city neighbours, it also stretched their unbeaten run in the league to 11 games – during which time they’ve won 10 and drawn just once. But even that remarkable run hasn’t troubled Barça, who still sit 11 points clear and when the title does come, Madrid’s second half surge will surely serve as testament to how well Barça have done to win back La Liga this season, despite their great rival’s best efforts.
Osasuna should be looking over their shoulders.Osasuna took a point from Rayo after their 2-2 draw on Friday night, but with just one win in their last eight games, they now sit only three points off the drop zone after good results for the teams below them -Zaragoza beat Mallorca 3-2, Celta won 0-1 at Getafe, Granada surprised Espanyol 0-1 and Deportivo took a point at Betis(1-1). With trips to Valencia, Granada, and Real Madrid coming up, the Basques will surely have to ensure maximum points from their two home matches against Getafe and Seville if they are to have any hope of keeping top flight football in Pamplona for another season.
Can Manolo Jimenez do it again?Zaragoza’s win over Mallorca was their first of 2013 and leaves them just a point behind Deportivo and safety. Under-pressure boss Manolo Jimenez was brought in to save the club from the drop last season and after Saturday night’s victory he explained: “we’re running out of time, but this result puts us back in the same situation we were in last season - finally, we got a win!”. It was all spills and thrills in the game, as Mallorca, who now sit bottom of the table, two points behind Zaragoza and Celta, took the lead and then fought back to equalise at 2-2 before Rochina secured what could be three vital points for the home side.
Oxlade-Chamberlain learning fast at Arsenal
Oxlade-Chamberlain learning fast at Arsenal
Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has called for everyone to be patient as he looks to "kick on" again next season.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has certainly come a long way in a short time since being signed from Southampton two years ago as a raw talent by Arsene Wenger. However, after being called up into the senior England squad for the first time ahead of the 2012 European Championships, the 19-year-old attacker has made only 11 starts in the Barclays Premier League this term, and just one since February.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, though, feels time is very much on his side, saying in an interview with the official Arsenal matchday programme: "It has been difficult."
He added: "There is always pressure, but maybe people forget that I am only 19 and will still be 19 at the start of next season. When you have a good first season, especially at 18, people hype you up and really want to see you kick on. They expect you to play lots of games and do really well.
"I have tried to carry on from last season, but sometimes you have to realise that you are a young lad and have a lot to learn. The experience of being in a club and league like this is a great education at this age."
Oxlade-Chamberlain has made the difference with his dynamic play when being introduced off the bench, notably when helping to turn the game against Norwich at the Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago when the team were losing 1-0 heading into the final five minutes.
The teenager feels having players who can make a difference on the bench can only aid Arsenal's quest for Champions League qualification, which will continue at relegated QPR on Saturday following the 1-1 draw against title winners Manchester United.
"You always want to start but your responsibility when you are on the bench, especially as a winger, is to come on, change the game and help drive the boys forward, that is what I have been trying to do, to make things happen and add a different dynamic to the game," he said.
"I have been working on things like my team play, my defensive play and getting back into the right positions off the ball and these things aren't often noticed.
"I started pre-season playing in central roles and have played there in training, so I am trying to develop that as well. I am happy with the way things are going and the most important thing is that the team finishes where we need to. I am happy to be a part of that."
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/arsenal/oxlade-chamberlain_learning_fast_at_arsenal_rss4089692.shtmlLions: Chris Robshaw decision leaves Conor O'Shea bemused
Conor O'Shea: Disappointed for his Quins skipper
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- Wed 5 June v Western Force, Perth
- Sat 1 June v Barbarians, Hong Kong
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