Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has admitted that talks over a new contract with midfielder Sebastian Larsson have stalled in recent weeks.
The 25-year-old Sweden international's current deal runs out at the end of the season, with Larsson having so far failed to reach an agreement over a fresh contract.
McLeish told Press Association Sport:"There is nothing doing at the moment with Seb's contract.
"We were hopeful we could get something done, but it is up to Seb. He is now in a good position for himself if he wants to become a Bosman. But we will keep trying to entice him.
"I think he had a great game on Saturday. His delivery from the wide area was great.
"Seb doesn't have to beat a man. He can get the ball around an opponent with his terrific curl on the ball.
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Arsenal forward Thierry Henry has told the club’s fans not to expect heroics from him in every match, and stated that he will be happy if he can help the club succeed over the next two months.
The Gunners’ all-time top goalscorer came off the bench to score the winner against Leeds on Monday night in a dream return to the Emirates, and secure an FA Cup fourth round tie with Aston Villa.
However Henry has stated that he won’t be able to replicate the form that shot him to legendary status in his first stint in North London, and he is back to help Arsene Wenger.
“I know I scored, but that is not going to happen every time I play. I don’t know if my runs were intelligent or not but that’s the way I play,” the French forward told Arsenal Player.
“I am going to try to bring what I can. Maybe another time it won’t be enough, but I will always try my best.
“I love the club – I say it so many times. We are not going to redo the story – I just love the club and that’s how it is.
“If the boss needs me for 30 seconds, a minute, if he doesn’t need me, I am going to try to be around the guys and help in the dressing room.
“I always want more so I don’t know if it is going to be a goal, a pass or a tackle.
“I am here to be another player, to help the squad and that is it,” he finished.
Arsenal travel to the Liberty Stadium next to take on Swansea on Sunday.
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It promised to be an explosive FA Cup semi final and it didn’t disappoint as Mario Balotelli’s antics at the final whistle got United players a little hot under the collar. It wasn’t the greatest Manchester derby of recent memory, but City fans won’t mind one iota as the win gives them a golden opportunity to end their trophy drought.
In the papers this morning there have been a mixed bag of stories that includes Capello set to lose his trusted assistant; Wenger’s pre-season compromise, while Dalglish believes Liverpool can bridge gap.
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Ferguson rues Scholes’s ‘red-mist moment’ against City – Guardian
Capello faces losing Baldini to Roma – Daily Telegraph
Hiddink will urge Chelsea to go Dutch as he rules out return – Daily Mail
Man United consider surprise return for Forlan – Mirror
Balotelli wink was no big deal, says Mancini – Guardian
Wenger’s pre-season compromise – Sky Sports
Abramovich: A problem and a solution – Guardian
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Dalglish believes Liverpool can bridge gap – Daily Telegraph
Arsenal warning: Don’t expect Kroenke to splash the cash like Abramovich – Daily Mail
Tuesday’s transfer window came and went for Arsenal fans but there were to be no more new faces coming to the Emirates. This season has seen Arsene let go of a number of experienced players while only bringing in three players to replace those that have left. Gunners fans have long had trust in Wenger’s transfer policy and no doubt his financial prudence is to be heralded but in letting a wealth of experience leave the club without replacing them, has Arsene Wenger threatened Arsenal’s title challenge?
I believe that he has. Wenger has allowed a slew of experienced players to leave the club at important positions, letting centre-backs William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Philippe Senderos and Sol Campbell move on to pastures new while bringing in French defenders Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci as replacements. With all those players gone, there is a definite lack of experience at centre-back with Thomas Vermaelen and the injury-prone Johan Djourou the only two with Premier League experience. And only a season each at that.
New signing Laurent Koscielny has had a mixed start in his first few games for the Gunners. He looked assured against Liverpool in Arsenal’s opening game of the season but off the pace against Blackburn where he was passed easily by El-Hadji Diouf to set up Blackburn’s equalising goal. To take some of the burden off young Koscielny, Arsenal have signed experienced French international Sebastien Squillaci from Sevilla but like Koscielny, he too will have to make a rapid adjustment to the physical demands of the Premier League if he is to be a success in England.
You can make a case that Wenger knows the right time to let certain players leave when they are past their best. He allowed Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira to leave Arsenal and he has since been vindicated in his decision to do so. But his decision to let so many experienced players go has left the Arsenal boss with few options and a thin squad which threatens to be stretched even more by fitness concerns and injuries to key players that seem to be mounting up.
With Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner suffering a fresh setback in his recovery from a groin injury and Robin van Persie out for up to a month with an ankle injury suffered against Blackburn on the weekend, Wenger has been forced to start new signing Marouane Chamakh maybe a little earlier than he would have wanted.
Goalkeeper has long been a concern for Arsenal fans and the club’s failure to land Mark Schwarzer this transfer window will not have filled those fans with a great deal of confidence. Manuel Almunia and Lukascz Fabianski have failed to consistently prove that they are good enough to keep goal for a club of Arsenal’s standing.
Arsenal’s results so far in the league have been encouraging and the Gunners sit in 2nd place in the Premier League table. However, as the season wears on, the failure to strengthen the squad could be a huge problem for Arsenal as they look to sustain their title challenge.
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A welcome addition to the Premier League’s Wag arena – Click on image below to view gallery
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To buy or not to buy – the big question facing Arsene Wenger this January. Thanks to a bit of bad luck and a series of injuries Arsenal currently find themselves without a single fit full-back. Bacary Sagna is out of action as is fill-in full-back Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs. The recent news that Andre Santos is facing three months out on the sidelines stirred up some panic amongst fans. How would the Gunners adapt to this latest crisis?
The answer, it seems, is to play four centre-backs in all four of the defensive positions. How long that solution will prove successful remains to be seen. So should Wenger bring in some cover during the January transfer window?
And who could they bring in? Wenger may well be tempted to bring in Taye Taiwo , the Nigerian International who isn’t getting much of a look in at AC Milan. It’s rumoured that Newcastle United are entering negotiations with Milan to take him on loan, but couldn’t the Gunners hijack such a deal?
He’s even more appealing given the fact that Nigeria didn’t qualify for the African Cup of Nations this year and thus won’t be off for an extended period of time next year.
The danger of bringing in another player is that once all the left-backs at the club are all fit, they just won’t get a look in. Competition within the squad is one thing, but it has to be remembered that there is a 25-man-squad limit, and having 5 full-backs just doesn’t seem necessary.
But a loan move does have some appeal. Santos will be absent for three months (let’s not forget that with these long-term injuries it’s often difficult to assess how long the recovery period will be) and will take time to recover fitness and find some form.
With Taiwo on loan, there’d be no rushing players who aren’t quite ready back onto the pitch. The likes of Gibbs and Santos will be left to recover at their own pace. What’s more, I think at this stage in their careers, Taiwo is a better player than Gibbs.
Unfortunately he’s played in the Champions League for Milan and would thus be cup-tied should he join Arsenal on loan.
On balance however, this is an area Arsene needs to consider carefully this January and I for one hope he finds someone to bring in with a loan deal. And who better that Taiwo?
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What’s your take? Do Arsenal need to bring in a full-back this January?
Article courtesy of Harry Cloke from This is Futbol
As a Liverpool fan I’ve enjoyed watching Spurs the Champions League this season. A bit like Blackpool in their first Premier League campaign, they have attacked fearlessly, even against the big guns, and have been a joy to watch (except maybe for Tottenham fans with heart conditions!) Last night against Madrid though, I was beginning to think that what looked like Harry Redknapp taking to the Champions League like a duck to water, may have been more of a case of beginner’s luck.
Spurs fell victim to Murphy’s Law last night as everything that could go wrong did go wrong. With the official reason being given as a sore throat, Aaron Lennon was a late, late withdrawal from Spurs starting XI. He was replaced by Jermaine Jenas whose form this season has been indifferent at best; the change was hardly like for like. As a result Spurs started the game very slowly. My thoughts were that Niko Kranjcar would have given the team better balance than Jenas, but as he was a doubt going into the game and Redknapp though better of it, especially with Bale and Gallas only just back from injury. Adebayor doesn’t strike fear into many defences these days but Gallas would not have been relishing the opportunity to mark his old team mate given his prolific history against Tottenham. It was Jenas however who lost the on-loan Man City big man as headed Real into a deserved early lead.
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Real continued to press and perhaps it was out of frustration at lack of decent supply that caused Peter Crouch to lunge needlessly at Marcelo and get a second yellow. After watching the replays back even the referee Felix Brych, who was very quick to flash his cards early on, might agree the sending off was harsh. Going down to ten men left Spurs under even more pressure as they struggled to hold on to possession. It was Spurs however who had the better of the chances in the remainder of the half. They’re new make-shift front pairing of Rafael Van der Vaart and Bale creating a few half chances on the counter attack that could have gotten Tottenham right back into the game.
As good as Van der Vaart can be he offers little as a lone striker; Harry opted to swap him for Jermain Defoe for the second half. Understandably though it was Madrid who came out all guns blazing. Madrid were simply better in every area of the pitch, with Xabi Alonso pulling the strings and completely outshining the surprisingly poor Luka Modric in midfield. Ronaldo and Marcelo gave an out-of-his-depth Vedran Corluka a torrid time all night and it was from this side where the cross came for Adebayor to get his second, again a free header, Benoit Assou-Ekotto the guilty party this time. From there it was plain sailing for Real. Gomes, who had made a few fine saves, could do little about Di Maria’s superb strike from the corner of the box. Bale was off the pitch receiving treatment when the goal was scored, but even if he had been fully fit a repeat of his San Siro hat-trick was never going to happen. Casillas was a spectator in the second half.
Ronaldo rounded off what turned out to be an easy night at the office for Real with a thundering strike to the near post, Gomes not covering himself in glory this time. Even super-flop Kaka was allowed on for a cameo appearance. With the tie now effectively over, and Spurs unlikely to qualify for next year’s tournament, they will have nothing to lose in the second leg. Premiership fans’ attentions now turn to the Chelsea v Manchester United clash tonight, the winners of which now look likely to play Schalke 04; arguably an easy route to the final.
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Jose Mourinho would have preferred a much sterner test last night, he even looked genuinely upset in his post-match interview when talking of Crouch’s dismissal. Having effectively lost La Liga to Barca at the weekend, the Champions League represents his only hope of a major trophy in what could potentially be a one-season stint at Madrid. Jose says he has great respect for Redknapp, maybe because Harry has never beaten him… will they be locking horns in the Premiership again next season?
As the start of the new Premier League season fast approaches fans will be busy assessing their club’s activities in the transfer window. Supporters of West Ham United would have noticed that their club has been busier than most this summer, adding five new players to Avram Grant’s squad. Despite the foibles of West Ham’s co-owners they have honoured their pledge to back the new manager with funds in the transfer market. Their activities will have Hammers fans quietly confident of an improved showing this campaign. Senior players at the club, including its captain Matthew Upson have expressed their view that the squad looks its strongest for a few seasons. But as the club has failed in their attempts to sign high-profile players such as Yakubu, Loic Remy and Neymar are they still a few signings away from where they would like to be?
The first positive to draw from this summer is that talk of a fire sale at Upton Park has not materialised. Previous transfer windows have seen West Ham fans collectively breathing a sigh of relief that their best players had not been sold. Despite reported interest from Stoke in Carlton Cole and Mark Noble and Spurs’ bid for Scott Parker the owners remain adamant that the core of the team will not be disbanded. The club’s reported interest in ageing stars such as Riquelme, Pires and Beckham have not bore fruit. However this will come as some relief to fans who feared an influx of ‘geriatricos’ would be brought to the Boleyn if only for the replica shirt sales.
Avram Grant’s first summer signing was the former Villan, Thomas Hitzlsperger. ‘The Hammer’ is an all-rounder who can be expected to bring some added steel and experience to the midfield, helping to close out games and contribute offensively too. Extra creativity in midfield has been acquired through the acquisition of Mexican international Pablo Barrera. The youngster was used as a substitute in the World Cup but is blessed with pace, good close control and accurate crossing ability. As a natural winger he should bring much needed width to the side which never compensated for the loss of Matthew Etherington.
However after last season defence and attack were always likely to be the key areas of concern for West Ham. A vast number of fans were left bemused by the club’s decision to release Guillermo Franco and Ilan. Both forwards had impressed with timely goals especially Ilan whose diving header at Goodison Park to clinch a 2-2 draw lifted spirits at the club immeasurably. Frederic Piquionne has been signed from Olympique Lyonnais for a fee of £1 million and will team up with Avram Grant for a second time following his loan spell at Portsmouth last season. He will add depth to the forward line but is unlikely to bring a plethora of goals having never been prolific during his career. Fans therefore may still be craving for a quick, skilful forward who can net fifteen plus goals whilst former a partnership with Cole. The club have seemingly missed out on capturing Remy and have decided against signing the portly Milton Caraglio.
In defence the club have secured the services of Tal Ben Haim on loan and announced the signing of Kiwi defender, Winston Reid earlier today. Reid is aerially strong and whilst Ben Haim has earned a reputation for making clumsy challenges, both players can play at full back which will strengthen the club’s defensive options. Julien Faubert and Jonathan Spector were both exposed last season after being far too casual in defence.
Typically of West Ham’s co-owners, transfer dealings have frequently been conducted with a degree of hyperbole. When the club’s website referred to being close to signing a “young international who represented his country to distinction at the 2010 Fifa World Cup,” thoughts drifted to Mesut Ozil before it transpired to be Reid. It has been a broadly successful transfer window but Hammers fans will be hoping for at least one more signing that would signal the club’s renewed hope and ambition ahead of the 2010/11 season.
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With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery
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Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is under investigation from the FA again, as he reportedly made an obscene gesture towards Fulham fans in his side’s 1-0 defeat to The Cottagers on Monday night.
The Uruguay international was visibly frustrated in The Reds loss in London, and was pictured raising his middle finger to the home faithful in wake of the defeat.
The FA, who are already looking into supposed racist comments that the South American forward made to Patrice Evra back in October, will examine the incident closer.
Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish refused to comment on the situation, and feels that Suarez needs to be protected better from the authorities.
“I’ve not seen the picture and I am not taking anybody’s word for it. But until you have proved it is true to me, I won’t comment,” he told Sky Sports.
“At the end of the day, we will look after Luis the best we can and I think it is about time he got a bit of protection from some people,” he stated.
Dalglish was also furious with chants from the Fulham faithful aimed at Suarez, which branded him a cheat.
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Bolton manager Owen Coyle is not fazed by the club’s mounting injury problems as he looks to end the season in a Europa League spot.Coyle will be missing a host of first team regulars when he takes his seventh-placed side to Birmingham at the weekend, with Mark Davis, Sam Ricketts and Stuart Holden all on the sidelines.
However the 44-year-old Scot believes possible replacements Fabrice Muamba and Tamir Cohen can use this opportunity to stake a claim for a permanent place in the starting line-up.
“We’ve shown before when we’ve picked up serious injuries that the lads can cope with it,” said Coyle
“What it does is allow somebody to step into the fray and show their quality.”
Midfielder Holden’s absence, with cruciate ligament damage, is arguably Bolton’s biggest blow and he has only returned to club action this season after a long spell out with a broken leg.
However Coyle is confident the 25-year-old will come back stronger from the setback which has ruled him out for six months.
“Stuart is obviously disappointed by what has happened to him, and what happened to him last year when he had a broken leg.”
“He managed to bounce back at the very end of the season to go to the World Cup so he knows how difficult it can be when you’re injured.”
“But he has such a positive mindset and we encourage him in that to make sure, when he comes back, he comes back bigger and better. He did that the last time and he will again.”
“He’s set for a glittering career, so, as disappointing as it is for him now, I’ve told him he’s got to look at the bigger picture and know he’s got so much to look forward to.”
Coyle had better news this week in the shape of Gary Cahill, who shone on his first senior start for England in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Ghana, and his manager is sure it will not be his last.
“People have said he looked like a top player, that’s because he is a top player,” Coyle continued.
“What England need are players at the back to pass the ball out to them, and there will be none better at that than Gary Cahill, because he’s so comfortable on the ball.”
With news this week that Thierry Henry has completed his move to MLS outfit New York Red Bulls I’ve heard some fans wishing him well and others, more expectedly, brandishing him a ‘sell out’. Before falling too easily into the second bracket it’s worth considering the player’s career and history and, as you can see from his staggering record, Henry’s is anomalous in its successes.
The argument against Henry is simply that, at 32, he still has quality to offer teams who play at a higher standard than the American league. Considering the fitness levels of the modern footballer i.e. more and more players can survive at the very top flight well into their mid thirties (Maldini did it until he was 40, Beckham, Cannavaro, Giggs, Scholes), Henry certainly has a good few years left on the pitch. I also don’t doubt that a host of clubs would have been willing to take on the 32-year-old in some capacity. But we’re looking at this from a fan’s perspective; changing the scope of reason slightly we should ask what is the player’s motivation?
Henry enjoyed unparalleled success at Arsenal. He picked up every individual award on offer, was top scorer for an unprecedented four seasons, became Arsenal’s all time leading goal scorer, the first player to retain the European Golden Boot, and picked up two Premier League winners’ medals. His time at Barcelona, though underplayed in our media, was a huge success (and he played a pivotal role in the 2008/2009 treble winning campaign, netting 26 goals): winning La Liga twice, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish and European Super Cups, and the World Club Championships. He has won every single title club football has to offer.
Accounting for his international record takes his achievements to more fantastical heights: winning the World Cup in 1998, the European Championship in 2000, and the Confederations Cup in 2003 (finishing as France’s top scorer in each competition and picking up the Golden Boot and Golden Ball in the Confederations Cup). So Henry has won absolutely everything that club football and international football has to offer. Why be a journeyman for the next couple of years in European football thus allowing his legacy as a player to be smeared by wanton performances?
Spending a few seasons playing regularly at a club where his experiences and ability is considered indispensable, enjoying the twilight of his career (because, at the end of it all, this is what matters most) in a hugely popular city, and getting paid handsomely represents a far more appealing offer. And even if the sole purpose of the move is for comfort and material value, does it really matter? He’s achieved everything he possibly could have in a career that saw him become one of the best players in the world for half a decade.
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