Tag Archives: backs

Kop legend backs Torres

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Liverpool striking legend Robbie Fowler reckons Fernando Torres (9/1 to be Premier League top scorer 2010/11) is “not as far away” from his top form as doubters around Anfield seem to be suggesting.

The Spanish number nine has endured a struggle in 2010, with a catalogue of injuries blighting his year. The latest one he sustained in the World Cup final for Spain means he missed most of pre-season training and has showed signs of lacking fitness during Liverpool’s opening Premier League matches.

Fowler, who scored 183 goals for Liverpool during two spells at the club, claims it is only a matter of time until Torres is banging in the goals for Roy Hodgson’s side as they look to get back into the Premier League top four. (Liverpool 2/1 to finish in top four outright)

The Reds have had a difficult start to the season but showed during the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at the weekend they are building as a team under Hodgson.

Fowler told Liverpool’s official website that Torres’ performance at Old Trafford, particularly during the second half showed it “was evident” that “he will get results” if his team-mates get the ball to him.

The Liverpool legend, now aged 35 and playing for Perth Glory in the Australian League, is no stranger to injury problems and he told Liverpool fans it can “take time” to get back to your best level after an injury.

“He’s [Torres] had more than his fair share in recent times. Even just a fraction of a percentage makes a massive difference at his level, and in a couple of weeks he’ll probably look a different man again,” said Fowler.

“When he’s at the top of his game then his touch and pace are a deadly combination, but it’s probably not quite there yet as he’s still coming back from a series of injuries that can affect that first explosive moment on the ball.

“You can never question his contribution to the team, because he is prepared to put in a shift up front on his own against some of the best – and toughest – defenders in the world, and believe me that’s not easy.”

Fellow Kop legend Kenny Dalglish, who had been linked with a return to the Anfield hot seat during the summer, has said that Liverpool need to concentrate on winning the Premier League rather than looking for Cup successes.

Hodgson’s side face Northampton at Anfield in the Carling Cup (Liverpool 1/7 to win, Northampton 11/1, draw 11/2) on Wednesday night and the manager is expected to make a number of changes as he gives opportunities for fringe players to impress.

Despite the obvious opportunities for success in the Carling Cup, FA Cup and also the Europa League, former boss Kenny Dalglish has told BBC Radio Merseyside that Liverpool should make it a priority to be “back to where they should be” and winning titles – something they have not done since he was in charge in 1990.

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Hammers boss backs Green

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Rob Green can bounce back from his World Cup disaster and hit new heights this season, says West Ham boss Avram Grant (Hammers 9/2 to be relegated).

The Hammers manager says that, although Green and other England players may get a rough ride from fans – particularly of opposition clubs – early this season it should not affect their form.

Green’s clanger saw him allow a harmless-looking shot from USA’s Clint Dempsey to find the net in England’s opening 1-1 draw at the World Cup.

The keeper was axed for the rest of the tournament but has been publicly backed by his club manager.

“I believe any player needs to give answers on the pitch,” Grant told the club’s official website.

“I remember David Beckham after the World Cup in 1998, it was his best season. I remember Cristiano Ronaldo in 2006, the supporters did not like him and it was his best season.

“In the 2002 final Oliver Kahn conceded a goal my grandmother could have stopped and Germany lost the title, but he was still a good goalkeeper.

“Rob is a very good goalkeeper, very good mentally, high quality.

“It will not be the last time a goalkeeper lets a goal in like that, there were many at the World Cup.

“But with the support – it happened to Beckham and it happened to Ronaldo and I hope his reaction will be the same.”

Green was overlooked for this week’s friendly against Hungary, even though Ben Foster withdrew with an injury and Paul Robinson announced his international retirement.

But the West Ham (1/8 to stay up) boss feels Green has no intention of following Robinson’s lead and says he can force his way back into Fabio Capello’s plans.

“I didn’t have to speak to him,” said Grant. “It’s part of the game.

“I don’t think he needs to retire because in my opinion he will play many games for the England team. At the moment he is one of the top two goalkeepers in the country.”

Meanwhile, Grant says he is preparing to live out his dreams at Upton Park.

As a young man in Israel, he says he loved the way West Ham (20/1 to finish in top six) would try to entertain with attacking football.

He visited the club and sat at the feet of former boss Ron Greenwood.

Grant told the Daily Express: “I know everything about West Ham and their traditions. I know what they believed in, how they wanted to play the game and be judged. It was probably the main reason I took the job. I absorbed everything about them and about English football too

“I would very much like to carry on the traditions of this club.

“This season, for me and for West Ham, is a big challenge, but always success is a journey, not just a target.”

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Brown backs goal line technology

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Wes Brown would welcome goal-line technology being introduced into the Premier League (Manchester United 11/2 to win the Premier League).

The issue was reignited at the World Cup when England’s Frank Lampard had a clear goal disallowed against Germany in the second-round tie between the two bitter enemies. The ball crossed the line and the decision arguably affected the destiny of the game.

Had the goal been awarded, England would have clawed the game back to 2-2 at a time when they were in the ascendancy. As it was, Germany eventually ran out 4-1 winners to hand England their heaviest ever World Cup defeat. Now, England need to bounce back by winning Euro 2012 (England 9/1 to win Euro 2012 ).

Speaking about video technology and that specific incident, Brown said; “I think it has to be brought in for the goal line.

“I was as disappointed as everyone else when I saw Frank’s effort disallowed against Germany. The ball was so far over it was incredible.

“It would only take a few seconds to check whether the ball had gone over. It works well in tennis and I think it would be a great addition to our game.”

Brown has been awarded 23 England caps but has fallen out of favour recently, largely due to injury. However, he insists that he is still positive about his prospects, both at international and club level. On the injuries, he admitted he is happy to bow to the expert knowledge of the physios.

Brown was conducting a question and answer session with supporters on manutd.com and also thanked France boss Laurent Blanc for offering him defensive advice during his spell at Old Trafford.

“He gave me lots of advice when he was at the club, just little things here and there, ” said Brown.

“He always talked about the different aspects of defending and really helped me with my game.”

In other United news, Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Dimitar Berbatov, describing the Bulgarian striker as a “class act”.

Berbatov has failed to shine at Old Trafford and has only scored 26 goals in 86 appearances, a dearth when compared to the likes of Wayne Rooney.

However, Ferguson believes that he adds value to the side beyond goalscoring and admits the future at United looks bright (Berbatov 40/1 to be Premier League Top Scorer ).

With Mame Biram Diouf, Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda all featuring in their recent friendly against Celtic at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, Ferguson is spoilt for options up front. Add Berbatov, Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Michael Owen returning to injury and it is clear that United will score goals next season.

Speaking about his strikers, and the 3-1 victory against Celtic, the United boss said; “We are happy with the strikers we have got. You have to decide what is the best combination.

“Berbatov and Diouf in the first half did very well.

“Diouf has got different talents to Macheda and Welbeck. He penetrates, he is quick and aggressive. He is an interesting player and it suited Berbatov.”

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Dalglish backs Hodgson

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Liverpool (8/1 to win the Premier League) legend Kenny Dalglish has backed the appointment of Roy Hodgson as the former Fulham boss signs a three-year-deal at the Anfield club.

Hodgson was unveiled as the new manager on Thursday after Rafa Benitez was given a £6m compensation deal to leave the club.

The Spaniard has now moved to Italian giants Inter Milan and now Hodgson has stepped in to the role as he looks to restore Liverpool to their top four status in the Premier League.

Despite applying for the job himself, Dalglish supported the new signing, stating that he was more than happy with the appointment.

He said: “I look very favourably on the appointment.

“I have known Roy a long time and have a great respect for him.

“We’ve not had detailed conversations yet but my interests are in Liverpool,” he added.

Dalglish failed to secure the position as the new manager of Liverpool as Martin Broughton decided it was not in the best interest for the club despite the Scot leading the Merseyside club to their last league title.

Hodgson believes that he and Dalglish will be able to work together at the club despite the former Liverpool boss being looked over for the job.

He said: “I don’t feel at all awkward about the situation.

“Kenny was entitled to suggest to the board that he wanted to be considered. The board made it clear to me that they didn’t want that to happen, as the chairman (Martin Broughton) has outlined.

“As far as I’m concerned, it shouldn’t affect my relationship with Kenny in any way,” he added.

Hodgson’s first task is to try and keep hold of Liverpool’s top players before the start of the Premier League season.

The club won’t be playing Champions League football this campaign after finishing in seventh place in the top flight last season.

There are fears that the likes of Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano and captain Steven Gerrard could be on their way out of Anfield and Hodgson will be trying his best to secure the services of these players.

Liverpool will take on Arsenal in the pick of the opening day matches at Anfield (Liverpool 5/4, draw 9/4, Arsenal 7/4) before they take on Manchester City at Eastlands.

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Rafa backs Dalglish for Reds job

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Kenny Dalglish is 15/8 to become the next manager of Liverpool and former Reds boss Rafa Benitez says the Scot is keen to take charge at Anfield once again.

Liverpool are on the look out for a new boss after parting company with Benitez and the Spaniard, who has quickly taken charge at Inter Milan, says that Dalglish is the man the Reds board should turn to.

Dalglish is a legend at Anfield and would no doubt be a very popular choice with the fans but it remains to be seen whether he could match the success he had during his previous spell in charge.

The Scot won three league titles and two FA Cups from 1985 to 1991, which included the double in his first year, beating Merseyside rivals Everton in the process.

Dalglish went on to manage Blackburn where he won another league title, Newcastle and Celtic but he has not been at the helm since leaving Parkhead back in 2000 and that is a long time to have been out of the game.

Management has moved on a lot over the last 10 years and there has to be a huge question mark over whether Dalglish is the man as many believe he may have lost touch with the game.

However Benitez is not concerned and believes Dalglish is definitely the man to get the fans back on board and bring the glory days back to the club.

“I think Liverpool should look at Kenny Dalglish,” the Spaniard revealed. “He is the man for the job. The owners should listen to the fans because they are unhappy.

“No one knows the club better than Dalglish and he would be perfect there. He wants the job and in my opinion he should get it.”

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson remains evens favourite to take charge but the Cottagers would want to be compensated heavily and the easy route for the Reds would be to hand Dalglish the job.

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Silva backs Fab stay

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Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva has suggested that Cesc Fabregas should stay at Arsenal (6/1 to win the 2010-11 Premier League) rather than move to Spanish giants Barcelona.

Fabregas has been strongly linked with a return to the club where he started his career as a youngster.

However, Silva, who spent six years at the Emirates before moving to Greek side Panathinaikos, believes the Arsenal captain should stay at the Gunners.

He said: “I hope he stays. He is a big person and must ask himself and think very carefully if he has to go or not.”

“But of course the final decision (is something) he has to do. In case this situation happens, it will be a big blow for Arsenal. But let’s wait and see,” he added.

Barcelona have already had a £30m bid turned down for the Fabregas but have stated that they will continue their efforts to sign the player during this summer’s World Cup.

The 23-year-old is currently preparing for Spain’s opening game of the tournament, which is against Switzerland on June 16.

Fabregas will be looking to feature in the starting line up for a side that are seen as one of the favourites to lift the World Cup on July 11.

Spain (18/5 to win the World Cup) have been bolstered by the return of Fabregas who fractured his fibula playing in the Champions League against Barcelona.

Liverpool’s Fernando Torres has also returned from injury however Andres Iniesta could miss out on the opener against the Swiss after picking up a leg injury against Poland.

Fabregas featured for the first time since the injury against South Korea and came close to hitting the back of the net after hitting the crossbar in a match the Spanish won 1-0.

Former team-mate Silva is also preparing for the World Cup with another side who are tipped to well in the tournament in South Africa.

Brazil face Group G minnows North Korea in their opening game and will look to put their stamp on the competition. The 33-year-old believes the Samba boys can live up to the expectations that they face before every World Cup.

He said: “Of course, in our squad everyone is happy to be here and to represent our country.

“But we know our responsibility in the game and what it means to all of us what it means to wear this shirt.”

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Camoranesi backs Italy for glory

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Mauro Camoranesi believes that no side will want to play Italy (12-1 to win the tournament) at the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

The Juventus winger has been named in coach Marcello Lippi’s 30-man preliminary list despite having a disappointing qualifying campaign for the Azzurri.

Whether or not he is given the nod for the final 23-man squad remains to be seen but the Argentine-born Italian feels confident that the reigning champions are still the side to beat at the World Cup, four years on from glory in Germany.

“This is a very strong Italy squad for the World Cup and if I look at our opponents, nobody wants to take us on,” he said.

“The other teams know they’d be facing a side that has lifting the trophy as its sole objective.”

Whether or not teams such as Spain (4-1 favourites to lift the trophy), Brazil (5-1) and England (6-1 to win their first World Cup since 1966) will be quaking in their boots following the Juventus’ winger’s comments is open to question but Camoranesi also revealed whom he feels might have a say in proceedings this summer.

“History tells us the favourites for the World Cup are always the same, basically: Germany, Brazil, Argentina, and France,” he added. “On top of them Spain have proved they are very strong by winning Euro 2008 and will fight to the end.”

The 33-year-old also believes that England have a chance with Fabio Capello in charge as they have improved “a great deal” in recent times.

While the market suggests that Italy could have their work cut out to defend their title over the coming weeks, they are 1-14 to make it out of Group F, with Slovakia priced at 5-4, Paraguay on offer at 1-2 and New Zealand the outsiders at 12-1.

Spain have never won the sport’s most prestigious event but are favourites to go all the way this summer and are, not surprisingly, 21-10 favourites to be top European team.

England are next best priced at 13-5, while Holland trade at 13-2, the Italians can be backed at 7-1 with Germany on offer at 15-2.

Many pundits are predicting a wide open contest in southern Africa this time around and Italy’s aging squad might find the conditions catch up with them, despite Camoranesi’s bullish comments heading into the pre-tournament warm-up games.

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Lampard backs Drogba

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Chelsea’s midfield star Frank Lampard believes Didier Drogba will finish the season as the Premier League’s top goalscorer (Drogba 10/11 to be the FA Premier League Top Goalscorer 2009/2010).

The Ivory Coast striker has been in fine form throughout the campaign despite departing for African Cup of Nations duty in January and a number of injury concerns.

Despite missing a number of games for Chelsea this season the 32-year-old has managed to bag 25 Premier League goals this campaign.

The current Premier League top scorer is Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney (Rooney 11/10 be the FA Premier League Top Goalscorer 2009/2010) but the England international looks set to miss the rest of the season with a groin strain, allowing Drogba the opportunity to pip him at the post.

Rooney has scored just one more goal than Drogba, which means if the Stamford Bridge star can find the net twice more in Chelsea’s remaining league fixtures he will end the season as the league’s top scorer.

Lampard is confident his team-mate will manage to overtake Rooney and end the season as the most prolific striker in the Premier League.

He said: “The way Didier played against Stoke is what he’s about, people talk about Rooney being missing and he is the player of the year but we have also lost players for large parts of the season. It all evens itself out.

“Didier wants to be the top scorer in the league, he deserves to be. Let’s hope in the next two games he will score the goals to make him that.”

Chelsea travel to Anfield on Sunday where they will face Liverpool, before their final league fixture of the season where they take on Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge.

If the Blues pick up maximum points they will secure the Premier League title (Chelsea 1/2 to secure the Premier League title) as they currently enjoy a one point advantage over second placed Manchester United, with both teams having played the same number of games.

However, it will not be a straightforward task for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Wigan may have successfully avoided relegation but Liverpool are still in the hunt for fourth spot (Liverpool 14/1 to finish fourth in the FA Premiership Top Four Finish market) and will be a stern test on their home ground.

If Chelsea are to secure their first Premier League title in four years they will need Drogba to be on top form, and with Rooney unlikely to play again this season the Ivorian could well secure the top goalscorer award while helping his side clinch English football’s top prize.

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Elliott backs survival instincts

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Burnley midfielder Wade Elliott is confident the Clarets can become the latest side to pull off the great escape and avoid relegation this season ahead of their must win game against Liverpool (4/7 to win in the 90 minutes betting).

Burnley are currently seven points from safety with just three games left to play and they will be down on Sunday if they lose against the Reds.

A draw would also see the Clarets effectively relegated as they would be six points behind seventeenth-placed West Ham with two games left and with the Hammers enjoying a much better goal difference.

Burnley, who were promoted last season through the play-offs, had enjoyed a strong start to the season but under new manager Brian Laws have won just two of their last 16 matches in the league, leaving them on the brink on a swift return to the Championship.

The Lancashire outfit will be hoping they can recapture some of that early season form which saw them beat Manchester United at home back in August.

Burnley have lost just six games at home so far this season with only Fulham the only side in the bottom half of the Premier League boasting a better record on their own turf.

Heading to Turf Moor on Sunday will be fourth place chasing Liverpool, looking to cut the gap on Tottenham to just two points after Spurs were beaten 3-1 by Manchester United.

The Reds (16/1 top four finish) also have just three games left to try and secure a spot in next seasons Champions League and are the current outsiders having played a game more than the other sides chasing fourth.

Reds manager Rafael Benitez will bring his side to Turf Moor having not seen them win away from Anfield since December and off the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Atleticho Madrid (8/11 to beat Tenerife on the weekend Euro coupon) in the Europa League on Thursday.

Liverpool got to Spain via road and rail and it will be interesting to see how much the arduous journey has taken out of Benitez’s men.

They will once again be without star striker Fernando Torres while Reds fans will certainly be hoping Steven Gerrard ups his game having faltered to deceive in recent weeks.

Despite the wealth of talent up against his side on Sunday Elliott remains confident Burnley can win this game, and their next two against Birmingham and Tottenham, to secure another season in the Premier League.

“We know we are relying on people to do us favours now. We have to do the best we can in the final three games, see how far it takes us and hope someone helps us. Unfortunately, even the volcano eased up so Liverpool could fly back home,” said Elliott.

“I don’t know if we need a miracle but we need some big performances and a few favours. But there are precedents for it.”

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