Football trainer blasts Moyes’ coaching methods

Renowned football trainer Raymond Verheijen has 

blasted manchester United manager David Moyes 

and has labelled his coaching methods as 

prehistoric.

David Moyes

The issue cropped up after Dutch international striker Robin van Persie injured himself in a pre-season game in Japan Tuesday.

Van Persie, who was the top scorer for United last season, was taken off at half-time after experiencing a tightness in his thigh.

“In Sydney Moyes said: ‘We’ve overtrained Robin this week to build up his fitness’. (In Japan) he picked up muscle injury. It really makes you wonder how these prehistoric training methods can still take place at the highest level,” Verheijen, who has worked with Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City, wrote on his Twitter account.

“The only way to solve this problem in Jurassic Park is to improve education of these dinosaur coaches, fitness clowns & scientific cowboys,” Verheijen further said.

He criticised coaches who still relied on the old-age methods and said that most of them were in “denial”.

“All over the world in pre-season you see the pattern ‘overtraining-fatigue-injuries’. Always avoid accumulation of fatigue in pre-season,” he tweeted.

“But as long as most dinosaurs are still in denial & ignore how things develop in other countries, nothing will ever change in Jurassic Park. Obviously, players like RVP should learn to protect themselves better against ‘overtraining’ & ‘punishing training’.”

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo massages little boy before match

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo gives a massage to a little boy before the start of the match between Bournemouth FC and Real Madrid begins.

Serie A clubs Lazio and Genoa implicated in match-fixing allegations

                            
                                            Lazio’s matches under investigation

 

Italian football federation (FIGC) has released a statement that says the Serie A clubs Lazio, Genoa, lower league side Lecce and eight more players are alleged to have been involved in match fixing in the 2010/11 season.

They have been reported to the disciplinary tribunal and the hearing is set to take place on July 24 at Cremona. Lazio’s final two matches of the 2010/11 season, when they beat Genoa at home and Lecce away, are under scanner.

The players reported were Stefano Mauri (Lazio), Mario Cassano and Carlo Gervason (Piacenza), Alessandro Zamperini (Fidene), Omar Milanetto (Genoa), and Massimiliano Benassi, Stefano Ferrario and Antonio Rosati (Lecce).

Cremona prosecutor Roberto Di Martino said: “There is an absolute super abundance of evidence about the Lecce-Lazio match. Gamblers have appeared to win some two million euros on the game and paid 600,000 euros to bribe the players.”

 

 

SHARE YOU COMMENTS BELOW 

Thomas Vermaelen set to miss pre-season with back injury

A back injury for Thomas Vermaelen have definitely ruled him out of Arsenal’s Far East tour. It is a big blow to the Arsenal captain, who was looking forward to being fit and ready for action in the coming season.

Thomas Vermaelen

Being an injury concern for a while now, it is quite possible that Vermaelen may have cracked a bone in his lower back. It is important to remember that he was also nursing a thigh injury, which is now thought to be linked to his back issues.

With all the emphasis on the midfield and forward positions in the transfer window, it might be a wake up call for Arsene Wenger. Without the services of Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou, the squad does look short on experience. Wenger may be forced to look into Ignasi Miquel and Bacary Sagna, who was sometimes used as a centre-half last season. The message may be clear here, and he may definitely have to strengthen the back.

You can share your views with us on the story in the comments section below.

Nike ambush Adidas at Bayern Munich: Fines for Götze, Gomez and Kirchhoff

Not all is well at German treble winners FC Bayern Munich, the club fined the trio of Mario Götze, Mario Gomez and Jan Kirchhoff for wearing Nike-branded products at club events where the players are by contract obliged to wear Adidas or non-branded clothing.

Bad Start? - Mario Gotze

Last Tuesday Bayern Munich had officially welcomed Mario Götze from Borussia Dortmund and Jan Kirchhoff from FSV Mainz 05, but both the Nike-contracted players wore Nike T-Shirts at the press conference, which as expected was not to the liking of the clubs official kit partner and co-owners Adidas.

Adidas had said on the day of the press conference in a statement, “The pictures from today’s press conference with Mario Gotze have negatively surprised us. Contractually it is not permissible because it is an official function of Adidas partner Bayern Munich. We have already discussed with Bayern Munich.”

But what made matters worse is the fact that at the clubs Trentino training camp in Italy, Mario Gomez was photographed wearing a Nike hat against the rules of the club and their partnership with Adidas, which only allows players to wear their own boots but everything else has to be Adidas branded.

Adidas are a long-time sponsor and partner of the UEFA Champions League winners and besides Audi they are a 9.1 percent stakeholder in the club, while the German sportswear giant’s CEO, Herbert Hainer, is a member of Bayern Munich board of directors.

No details have been disclosed about the amount of the fines though it is being speculated to be in the region of €10,000 with all three players accepting the punishment and the money going as a donation to the German flood victims.

Share your views on the story in the comments below.

‘Robert Lewandowski to sign for Bayern Munich next summer’ – Jurgen Klopp

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has admitted Robert Lewandowski wants to join German treble winners Bayern Munich next summer, quashing all rumours of a move to the Premier League.

Robert Lewandowski and Jurgen Klopp

Manchester City and Chelsea were the latest clubs to join Manchester United in the race to sign the Polish striker but Lewandowski is said to have turned down all big-money contracts.

Klopp told Welt am Sonntag: ”I think it is a known fact that Robert is going to play for Bayern after the upcoming season,’ he told Welt am Sonntag. Now the only question is how to shape the time until then.

“That is our concern and it is our commitment to our fans and members to ensure that we will have a more competitive team in the upcoming season.

“Up to a certain point we were with Robert’s desire for change and were ready to talk. But nothing happened so we had to eventually say: ‘[A sale] now no longer works for us.

“And now we want to prove that, with a quality player like Robert, we can be successful in the coming year. Our results in the coming season are what we’re all about. I know that Robert and I see it the same way.”

Having sold Mario Gotze to their German rivals, Dortmund had earlier confirmed Lewandowski won’t be sold to Bayern Munich this summer. The prolific striker helped his side to reach the Champions League finals and he is expected to stay at Dortmund at an expected pay-rise.

The 24-year-old will be leaving when his contract expires in 2014.

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

David Villa to sign for Atletico Madrid

Barcelona have announced that they have agreed a deal in principle to sell David Villa to Atletico Madrid, with the transfer fee to be rising upto 5.1 million Euros, and Barcelona having the right of 50% of any future sell on fee.

David Villa is on his way to Atletico madrid

Atletico were looking to find a striker to replace Radamel Falcao, whom they sold to AS Monaco. Villa is Spain’s all-time top scorer with 56 goals from 92 appearances, but has struggled with injuries recently, and also found opportunities limited in the Barcelona team. Switching to Atletico will give Villa a better chance of first-team action.

The striker has been targetted by Tottenham Hotspur in this transfer window, and was pursued by Arsenal in the winter transfer window.

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

FC Schalke 04 sign talented teenager Leon Goretzka

Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04 have signed highly talented 18 year-old Leon Goretzka from Ruhr valley neighbours VfL Bochum, who themselves play in the 2. Bundesliga.

Leon Goretzka

Last season, Goretzka as a 17-year-old played 32 matches for VfL Bochum in the German second tier and comparisons with the legendary Michael Ballack are being made.

It took the transfer a while to be completed this summer, actually it still isn’t complete with financial details to be worked out but Leon Goretzka yesterday had his first training session with the royal blues as a guest player.

Asked why he moved to Schalke, Goretzka said, “I was determined to take the next step in my career and I want to continue developing on a high level. With this objective in mind I see Schalke as the right address for me. The conditions are perfect here. The standard in training is higher. Schalke are a big club who are always in contention at the top and represented in Europe.”

“I also want to finish my school-leaving exams, for me that’s very important. By moving to Schalke, I’m not compelled to change schools in the decisive phase. The club and my school have assured me of their full support. I’m very grateful for that because at no time was it an option for me to leave school early,” Goretzka added.

The Goretzka signing follows the new Schalke 04 strategy of signing talented, young German players. The club already has in-house talents in 19-year-old Julian Draxler, who is a regular with the first team and a German international; then there’s 17-year-old Max Meyer, who is said to be the next big thing in German football, and 20-year-old defender Sead Kolasinac. Besides these, the club signed 21-year-old Christian Clemens from FC Koln.

About the new strategy of giving youngsters a chance Goretzka said, “it was certainly one of the key reasons for my move! Schalke’s youth work has been superb for years. The way young players are developed here is outstanding. Julian Draxler is a very good example of that. His progress impresses me. He’s two years older than me but has already achieved an incredible amount. I think I can get the odd tip from him and learn a few things. Julian has come on fantastically well and shown that you can make it as a young player.”

The future looks bright for Schalke, but these youngsters all might need to develop into regular Bundesliga players quickly, which the demanding Schalke fans will demand.

Meanwhile, Germany can also be happy to have youngsters like Leon Goretzka following in the footsteps of Mario Götze, Thomas Müller and Julian Draxler.

Leave your comments on this story below.

Nicolas Anelka joins West Brom

Former Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid striker Nicholas Anelka agreed to a two-year deal worth £5m with West Brom, which will fetch him £50,000 a week. This transfer makes him the highest-ever earner for the Baggies.

Back to the Premier Lague - Nicolas Anelka

Albion boss Steve Clarke seems to be excited about Anelka joining him at Midlands club. He also rejoices the moment he had worked with the 34-year-old at Chelsea.

He stated,”This is a great boost. The more quality stars you can bring in the better and no one can question Nicolas’ quality.I worked with him at Chelsea.He’s got a great work ethic and if you add that to the obvious talent he’s got I think he can be a top signing.”

Nicolas Anelka last played for Juventus.



Leave your comments below.

Marco van Ginkel becomes Jose Mourinho’s second signing at Chelsea

Chelsea look all set to sign Marco Van Ginkel from 
Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem. The 20-year-old Dutch 
midfielder made his international debut against 
Germany last November.

Marco van Ginkel

He becomes Jose Mourinho’s second signing at Chelsea after the arrival of German international forward Andre Schurrle from Bayer Leverkusen.

The club statement said: “The player will join Chelsea subject to a medical, agreement of personal terms and legal documentation.”

Reports say that he is being valued at about £8m. Making his first-team debut in April 2010, Van Ginkel became a regular last season and was one of the prime reasons behind Vitesse finishing fourth in the Dutch league.

 

Leave your comments below.

Borussia Dortmund sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for an undisclosed fee

Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from St-Etienne for an undisclosed fee.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has signed a five-year-deal with Borussia Dortmund

The 24-year-old striker, who was also being chased down by English club Newcastle United, has penned down a contract with the Champions League finalists until June 2018.

Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc told the club’s official website: ”We are very pleased that in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang we were able to sign a player we really wanted. He is offensively very versatile, has a lot of pace in his game, is a threat in front of goal and will provide us with more options.”

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the second highest scorer in the previous season of Ligue 1 with 19 goals.

Share your views with us in the comments below.

C IPAD LESSONS
Click Here!
Click Here!

Rooney would fit well with Barcelona: Gerard Pique

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has become the latest man to join the list of people who have been urging Wayne Rooney to join their club this summer.

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has been linked to a number of clubs following Sir Alex’s announcement that the striker has asked to leave the club for a second time in less than three years.

The 26-year-old Spaniard, who was a team-mate of Rooney at Manchester United for three years, has said that Rooney possesses all the qualities of a top class striker and he won’t have problems in adapting if the striker is to join the La Liga champions.

Gerard Pique is quoted by Mirror as saying: “I know he has what’s needed to be one of the three best players in the world. He’d fit well with Barcelona.”

Rooney has also been linked with a possible move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are also believed to be considering the option of adding Rooney to their squad.

Pique also believes that Wayne Rooney would be an ideal signing for the La Liga Champions as Rooney has the ability to perform in different positions up front.

“He can adapt to many positions. He’s best as the centre-forward, but we have even seen him on left or right side.”

“He is very versatile, strong, fast, has great technique. I don’t think he would have any problems adapting,” added Pique.

Share your views on the story in the comments below.

FIFA again bars Iraq from hosting football friendlies

World soccer body FIFA has again barred Iraq from holding any friendly football matches due to soaring violence, just three months after the ban was lifted.

An Iraq supporter in the crowd waves a flag during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Asian Qualifier match between the Australian Socceroos and Iraq at ANZ Stadium on June 18, 2013 in Sydney, Australia.

Iraq received the notification from FIFA Wednesday and the ban will be in force until further notice, reports Xinhua.

FIFA has issued a resolution to prevent any friendly matches in Iraq after increasing attacks on playgrounds and an assault in which Mohamed Abbas, the coach of the Karbala football club, was killed.

FIFA decided March 21 to lift a ban that had been imposed on Iraq to prevent it from hosting any friendly matches.

On March 26, Baghdad hosted a friendly between Iraq and Syria and the home team won 2-1.

On May 27, the Iraq lost 0-1 to visiting Liberia in another friendly in Baghdad.

High-profile bomb attacks are still common in Iraq despite the dramatic decrease in violence since its peak in 2006 and 2007, when the country was engulfed in sectarian killings.

The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said Monday 761 Iraqis were killed and another 1,771 were wounded in acts of terrorism and violence in June.

You can share your views in the comments below.

Rodgers: Gerrard still an integral part of Liverpool

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is convinced that the persistent shoulder injury that troubled Steven Gerrard in the recent past will not be an issue for them next season and that the skipper is still an integral part of his squad.

Steven Gerrard and Brendan Rodgers

Gerrard didn’t feature in the final two matches of last season as he underwent surgery to rectify his shoulder problem. But he has been sighted at training sessions with his teammates recently.

Rodgers said: “He’s 33 now, but Steven is still an integral part of what I’m trying to do here and will be for the next few years.”

“He had his operation towards the end of the season and the plan was for him to continue his rehab over the off-season. It’s a big credit to him – he’s worked tirelessly over the summer.

“He won’t be too far away. He looks great and is in great condition.”

Rodgers was also thrilled with the signing of Kolo Toure, particularly after the retirement of Jamie Carragher.

He said: “”Losing someone like Jamie Carragher was going to leave a massive hole for us in terms of his experience.”

“Kolo’s experience is going to be really important for us – but not just that. He’s someone with a winning mentality.

“There weren’t too many available who were better than Kolo Toure. He’s played with big clubs, he understands what a winning mentality is about. He’s a good man as well – he knows what the culture is like at a big club.”

Do leave your comments below.

Ryan Giggs appointed player-coach of Manchester United

Ryan Giggs has been appointed as the player-coach of Manchester United with immediate effect.

New Role!

The 39-year-old veteran, who is one of  Britain’s most decorated footballers, has already signed a one-year extension to his contract early this year and he will be combining his duties as a member of the first-team squad and the player-coach of the club.

David Moyes told the club’s official website: “I’m delighted that Ryan has accepted the chance to become player/coach. His success and ability to adapt his game over a number of years gives him an unrivalled perspective on the modern game. His career is an example to any aspiring young player and I’m sure that both he and the players will benefit from his new role.”

Giggs, who was delighted to be appointed a player/coach, said: “It’s a great privilege to be appointed a player/coach. I hope I will be able to bring my experience to bear, having been both a player and part of the Manchester United family for so long. It’s no secret that I have been taking my qualifications and I see this as the first step in my future career. I’m really looking forward to working alongside David and the team.”

Leave your comments on the story below.