Tag Archives: committed

Zlatan committed to Barca cause

Posted on by
Reply

Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has told Barcelona they have no chance of cashing in on him this summer (Barcelona 4/5f  – La Liga 2010/11 Outright).

The Catalan giants were this week forced to take out a massive 155m euros loan to cover their costs even though they have cashed in on the likes of Yaya Toure and Dmitri Chigrinski this summer.

Barca have also signed Spain World Cup winner David Villa to raise big question marks over the future of Ibrahimovic in their first-choice XI.

But the former Inter Milan hitman says he is staying at the Nou Camp despite a slow start to life in Catalonia following his move from Italy 12 months ago.

Ibrahimovic told a press conference in his homeland: “I was a Barca player when I left (to go on holiday) and I’ll be a Barca player when I go back.

“I have four years left on my contract.

“I want to congratulate everybody that has used my name, because it’s fun to have been at Chelsea, at Manchester City, without having been there.”

Ibrahimovic has also decided to make an international comeback after stepping away from the biggest stage after Sweden failed to make the 2010 World Cup (Sweden 33/1 – Euro 2012 Outright).

The 28-year-old has been handed co-captaincy duties, along with midfielder Anders Svensson, by new coach Erik Hamren.

Ibrahimovic claims he has now recharged his batteries after the disappointment of missing out on South Africa 2010.

He added: “What I have always said is that I am proud to play for the national team.

“You can count on me to be there at the national team’s next game.

“After the last game (against Denmark), when we didn’t get into the World Cup, I felt my motivation disappear.

“So I decided to give up. I had no desire to play. I’m a competitor, I play to win. After your career, you want to be remembered as someone who won.

“If I’m chosen for the next game, I’ll be there.”

Sweden have been drawn in Group E for the Euro 2012 qualifiers (Sweden 11/4 – Group Winner) where they will meet Holland (1/3), Finland (16/1), Moldova (250/1), Hungary (20/1) and San Marino (2500/1).

Totesport.com has installed world champions Spain as 7/2 pre-tournament favourites ahead of Germany (5/1) and Holland (15/2).

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Davies committed to Forest

Posted on by
Reply

Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies insists he is not about to walk out on the 8/1 joint favourites to win the Championship in 2010/11, with the new season less than a month away.

The Scot took Forest into the play-offs last season where they were knocked out by eventual winners Blackpool over two legs.

Davies’ future has been in the spotlight after he was linked with the Celtic job before Neil Lennon got the nod on a permanent basis.

The former Preston and Derby boss also revealed in April that he would make a decision over his role at the City Ground once the season ended, saying: “In the summer I will sit down and I will discuss with my advisors and representatives the way the situation is with regard to the future and we will look at the future and we’ll make decisions.”

However, speculation resurfaced after he admitted right-back James Perch was sold to long-time suitors Newcastle last week without his knowledge.

But Forest chief executive Mark Arthur has played down any suggestion of a breakdown in the relationship between manager and board.

He told the Evening Post: “The chairman had informed Billy on three separate occasions that, should we get another offer for James Perch from Newcastle that was acceptable to the business of the club, then we would not stand in his way.

“Newcastle had also offered to quadruple Perch’s salary and therefore, with our reluctance to offer him a new contract, it would have been wrong to stand in his way.

“When an offer came through that was acceptable to the board I phoned Billy to tell him of the offer and his response was ‘that is the board’s decision and so be it’.”

Davies himself added: “I have two years left on my contract and I will continue to do my job to the best of my ability until somebody else decides otherwise.”

Along with Forest, Middlesbrough are also 8/1 to win the Championship next season with QPR (10/1), Cardiff, Burnley and Reading (all 11/1) also among the frontrunners.

Forest kick off their campaign with a trip to relegated Burnley on August 7 (Clarets 11/10, draw 11/5, Forest 21/10 – 90 minutes).

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Capello committed to England

Posted on by
Reply

Fabio Capello has reiterated his commitment to England (13/5 Top European Team in the World Cup) and has said he has no intention of leaving his post to takeover at Inter Milan.

The Italian is being heavily linked with a return to his homeland to manage the Nerazzuri after Jose Mourinho’s decision to leave after guiding them to an unprecedented treble this season.

The ‘Special One’ is now on the verge of taking over at Real Madrid meaning the hotseat at the Giuseppe Mezza is up for grabs.

Capello is just one name being linked with the post, having enjoyed a great deal of success during his time as a manager in Italy.

The 63-year-old has won the Serie A title with every team he has been a manager at, including three successive titles while with Inter’s arch rivals, AC Milan.

Despite his strong connection with AC, having been a player as well as a coach with the Rossoneri, he is still believed to be on the current European Champions’ wish-list.

However, Capello has dismissed the notion that he will be leaving his post as England (20/1 to play Italy in the final) coach, stating he is happy in his current job.

“I have a contract with the Football Association and the only way it will finish is if they decide to sack me,” said Capello.

“I see my name linked with a lot of jobs in Italy and in Spain, but I’m happy here with the FA.”

Capello has faced a number of questions about his commitment to England this week having been previously quizzed on how he would feel should the Three Lions meet Italy in the final of the World Cup.

On that occasion the former Real Madrid boss said he would be happy to see England beat Italy as he aims to continue his impressive record of winning trophies as a manager.

Capello has said he is currently focused on England as they continue their preparations for the World Cup, with the Italian just three days away from announcing who will make up his final 23-man squad.

The Three Lions face Japan (8/1 to beat England) on Sunday afternoon with Capello revealing who has made the cut in the evening.

England will then head to South Africa ahead of their first game against USA before subsequent matches against Slovenia and Algeria.

ToteSport bookmaker will give you £60 in Free Bets. Click here to check them out.