Instead of focusing on his players excellent performance against Valencia last night, Chelsea
manager Andre Villas-Boas ensured the focus was on his war of words with the media.
The Blues managed to defeat their Spanish opponents 3-0 at Stamford Bridge, meaning that not
only did they qualify for the next round of the Champions League, but they also topped their
group.
Hoffenheim man's sweary exchange with TV character Ex-Liverpool star Ryan Babel picked an unlikely
fight with kids' cartoon character Spongebob Squarepants over his smoking habits. The Hoffenheim
attacker explained on Twitter how he fell out with a children's entertainer dressed as the TV
character this week.
By Chris Wright
"Oi! Squarepants! Noooo!!!"
I'm pretty sure that's the first and last time I'm ever going to write those words in that
order, but rest assured you read them correctly: ex-Liverpool winger Ryan Babel had a bit of a
benny with an ex-convict Spongebob Squarepants at a children's party after Spongebob 'took his head
off' and started blowing cigarette smoke in the kid's faces.
Sporting Kansas City continued their busy start to the offseason, making another trade. This time,
the team brought in left sided midfielder/back, Bobby Convey from the San Jose Earthquakes. In
return, Sporting KC is sending an international roster spot to the Quakes. A bit of a surprising
move for KC sending the international spot to San Jose, as KC will now go from 9 international
spots to 7, the other spot KC is losing is because it's expiring from the Adam Cristman trade with
DC.
Dalglish hails Maxi's attitude
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish admits Maxi Rodriguez is making it difficult for him to leave the
Argentine out of his starting XI.
View the full story here: Sky Sports
A news article on 2011-12-05 09:19:15 from: Sky Sports
This news item has been reproduced from today's media.
Liverpool's success this season has been built on a foundation of hard work and a strong team
spirit, according to boss Kenny Dalglish.
The Anfield giants can move up to fifth in the Premier League with a convincing victory over Fulham
on Monday night, and are unbeaten in five matches against Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester
City and Chelsea so far this term.
Winter is stupid. Why do we tolerate it? It's the John Terry of seasons. And I don't mean simply
because it tries to make everything white.
I had the alarm chill problem this morning. The alarm went off. I stuck my hand out for another
9 minutes of blissful snooze which made me feel the chill in the air which made me want to not get
up.
Roberto Mancini ahead of the game tonight has spoken of Danny Sturridge and has made it perfectly
clear that he can't believe that Sturridge was able to leave City because he would be a first team
regular if he was still there now.
He said:
"I know Sturridge very well, I have watched him many times because he grew up in
Manchester and someone let him go for almost nothing.
After 45 minutes it seemed that an unlikely conclusion was in prospect for our latest venture
into the Europa League. With Spurs leading and 10 man Rubin Kazan losing to Paok, it looked as
though we may turn over the three point and five goal deficit.
A 1-1 score line in Salonika eventually made anything we did irrelevant but our 4-0 win included
debut strikes for Steven Pienaar and Harry Kane and a second goal in a Spurs shirt for Andros
Townsend.
Manchester City 1 – 0
Arsenal: Match report and player ratings
Since our painful, last visit to Manchester a few months ago, Arsenal have made tremendous
progress. In fact, the club achieved such a fantastic transformation since the late arrival of
experienced, quality players like Arteta, Mertesacker, and Santos that most of us were confident we
could get something out of our game against the other club from Manchester today.
Manchester City 1 – 0
Arsenal: Match report and player ratings
Since our painful, last visit to Manchester a few months ago, Arsenal have made tremendous
progress. In fact, the club achieved such a fantastic transformation since the late arrival of
experienced, quality players like Arteta, Mertesacker, and Santos that most of us were confident we
could get something out of our game against the other club from Manchester today.
Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal
Losses and goals conceded are always more palatable when your team acquits itself well. Giving up,
or turning up expecting to win, or crumbling inexplicably has been something of a hallmark in
recent seasons so one of the most pleasing things about this Arsenal side since October has been
the blossoming of its spirit and its excellent attitude.
Season's greetings Arse addicts. It's been an unusual kind of week with two away games yielding
mixed results. Yet we've probably found more praise for our performance in defeat at Eastlands than
we did for our somewhat serendipitous victory at Villa Park. Football is a funny old, blah, blah,
blah etc.
Uh-oh Adriano, what have you gotten yourself into this time? It seems
trouble never stops following the Corinthians player, who has sadly fallen out of favour with many
Brazilian fans because of his attitude. This time, however, the circumstances are in his
favour.
Liverpool are reportedly showing an interest in Holland international Klaas Jan Huntelaar just days
after the prolific forward distanced himself from a move to Manchester United.
The striker had been linked with a possible move to Old Trafford in the January transfer window,
but Huntelaar made it clear that he was unaware of any interest from the Premier League champions.
Boss delighted with Carroll
Kenny Dalglish has praised Andy Carroll for his excellent attitude and application on and off
the pitch.
View the full story here: Liverpool FC
A news article on 2011-12-28 12:16:22 from: Liverpool FC
This news item has been reproduced from today's media.
'Andy is not low on confidence'
Kenny Dalglish has praised Andy Carroll for his excellent attitude and application on and off
the pitch.
View the full story here: Liverpool FC
A news article on 2011-12-28 12:31:09 from: Liverpool FC
This news item has been reproduced from today's media.
By 1970's Gooner I call it as I see it. And I didn't like what I saw developing before my eyes
during the game against Wolves. Granted they are my second team that I support (due to family
connections) but at the end I was left feeling very disappointed with Arsenal's performance.
Firstly the players' attitude was completely wrong.
Kenny Dalglish says Maxi Rodriguez is a lesson to all
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes the attitude and performances of midfielder Maxi
Rodriguez can be a lesson to everyone.
View the full story here: The Mail
A news article on 2011-12-29 06:52:53 from: The Mail
This news item has been reproduced from today's media.
Dalglish: Liverpool stars could learn a lot from Maxi's attitude
Reds boss praises resurgent Argentinian midfielder
View the full story here: The Mirror
A news article on 2011-12-29 09:11:56 from: The Mirror
This news item has been reproduced from today's media.
Javier Aguirre has been fired by Real Zaragoza terminated, the La Liga club confirmed on Friday
morning. Zaragoza are bottom of La Liga, having lost eight of their last nine league games.
A statement on the club's official website www.realzaragoza.com read:
"Late last night on Thursday, December 29, Real Zaragoza reached an agreement with Javier
Aguirre for the termination of his contract as first-team coach.
Liverpool attitude and commitment pleases Dalglish
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is delighted to have rounded off 2011 with a convincing 3-1 win
over Newcastle at Anfield.
View the full story here: BBC
A news article on 2011-12-30 22:32:23 from: BBC
This news item has been reproduced from today's media.
