Tuesday Football
06 May 2008
by Jerrad Peters
The Green Stain left a black mark on the Paulista, Sunday. After attempting to rush the Parque Stadium in Sao Paulo following the second-leg of the state championship final, a group of Mancha Verde ultras – otherwise known as the Green Stain – clashed with police who prevented their gaining access to the grounds. The Palmeiras supporters hurled projectiles and bottles at the police and were, in turn, repelled with tear gas and volleys of rubber bullets. Hostilities initially broke out in the second-half of Palmeiras’ 5-0 drubbing of Ponte Preta in Sao Paulo. After setting off flares in the terraces, host fans were confronted by police as clouds of smoke enveloped sections of the stadium.
When Mathieu Flamini bolted Arsenal for AC Milan at the weekend, he may have instigated a mass exodus from Emirates Stadium which, unless halted, could hamper the London club for years to come. Arsene Wenger, understandably perturbed at the Frenchman’s sudden exit, must have been even more distressed when he awoke to find transfer rumors regarding two of his remaining star players plastered across the back pages, Tuesday morning.
06 May 2008
by Jerrad Peters
The Green Stain left a black mark on the Paulista, Sunday. After attempting to rush the Parque Stadium in Sao Paulo following the second-leg of the state championship final, a group of Mancha Verde ultras – otherwise known as the Green Stain – clashed with police who prevented their gaining access to the grounds. The Palmeiras supporters hurled projectiles and bottles at the police and were, in turn, repelled with tear gas and volleys of rubber bullets. Hostilities initially broke out in the second-half of Palmeiras’ 5-0 drubbing of Ponte Preta in Sao Paulo. After setting off flares in the terraces, host fans were confronted by police as clouds of smoke enveloped sections of the stadium.
When Mathieu Flamini bolted Arsenal for AC Milan at the weekend, he may have instigated a mass exodus from Emirates Stadium which, unless halted, could hamper the London club for years to come. Arsene Wenger, understandably perturbed at the Frenchman’s sudden exit, must have been even more distressed when he awoke to find transfer rumors regarding two of his remaining star players plastered across the back pages, Tuesday morning.
Alexandre Hleb, it seems, is seriously considering an offer from Inter Milan. The 27-year-old was one of Wenger’s most reliable players this season and is among the most sought-after English-based as the summer transfer period approaches. Far from mere hearsay, the report of Inter’s interest in the Belarusian has been acknowledged by Wenger, himself. As a matter of fact, the manager may levy a complaint with FIFA regarding the alleged tapping-up of his player.
Of even more concern is the status of Cesc Fabregas. The talismanic 21-year-old is the latest target of Real Madrid, where president Ramon Calderon is hoping to increase the national content in the ranks.
“Something nice about Cesc is that he is Spanish,” remarked Calderon in conversation with the Spanish press. “And this is one of my objectives – to make Real Madrid more Spanish.”
Fabregas, incidentally, agreed a contract extension in 2006 which will keep him at the Emirates until 2014. But with Flamini already gone and Hleb likely to follow, the central midfielder may have second thoughts about remaining in north London.
Everton are keen to sign Joaquin from fallen Spanish giants Valencia. The 26-year-old winger is one of a handful of players who will request a transfer from the Mestalla after the current season; and David Moyes believes the Spanish international to be comfortably within the Toffees price range. Although the player made a lucrative, 32M-euro move from Real Betis in 2006, Valencia chairman Augustin Morera would be willing to part with Joaquin for as little as 12M-pounds.
Wigan are pondering a move for Egyptian ace Amr Zaki. The 25-year-old striker helped his country to a second consecutive African Nations Cup in February and was the subject of a 4.1M-pound offer from the Latics in January. Wigan boss Steve Bruce was on hand to watch Zaki’s club side, El Zamalek, hammer Aluminum 5-1 in the Egyptian General League on Sunday. Zaki scored twice and did nothing to dissuade Bruce’s already considerable interest.
Everton are keen to sign Joaquin from fallen Spanish giants Valencia. The 26-year-old winger is one of a handful of players who will request a transfer from the Mestalla after the current season; and David Moyes believes the Spanish international to be comfortably within the Toffees price range. Although the player made a lucrative, 32M-euro move from Real Betis in 2006, Valencia chairman Augustin Morera would be willing to part with Joaquin for as little as 12M-pounds.
Wigan are pondering a move for Egyptian ace Amr Zaki. The 25-year-old striker helped his country to a second consecutive African Nations Cup in February and was the subject of a 4.1M-pound offer from the Latics in January. Wigan boss Steve Bruce was on hand to watch Zaki’s club side, El Zamalek, hammer Aluminum 5-1 in the Egyptian General League on Sunday. Zaki scored twice and did nothing to dissuade Bruce’s already considerable interest.
“I think the most important thing for a club like ours is to get a striker who can make a difference,” commented Bruce. “And that is where I would spend the money if I could source some.”
Barcelona will unveil Pep Guardiola as their new manager at the conclusion of the season. The 37-year-old, currently in charge of the club’s B-side, will come into the job with the recommendation of both president Joan Laporta and sporting director Txiki Begiristain. The board of directors will ratify the decision next month. Guardiola was an integral part of Barcelona’s championship sides of the early 1990s under Johann Cruyff and earned 47-caps for Spain.
Barcelona will unveil Pep Guardiola as their new manager at the conclusion of the season. The 37-year-old, currently in charge of the club’s B-side, will come into the job with the recommendation of both president Joan Laporta and sporting director Txiki Begiristain. The board of directors will ratify the decision next month. Guardiola was an integral part of Barcelona’s championship sides of the early 1990s under Johann Cruyff and earned 47-caps for Spain.
Have a question about football? Email your query to jerradpeters@gmail.com.
Jerrad Peters is a football journalist based in Winnipeg, Canada. His weekly column for the Winnipeg Free Press is the largest of its kind in the country. A regular contributor to ESPN Soccernet, his work has also appeared on TheMirror.co.uk, Canadian-soccer.com, Footy247.co.uk, Foot2ball.com, and Squadinfo.com.
Jerrad Peters is a football journalist based in Winnipeg, Canada. His weekly column for the Winnipeg Free Press is the largest of its kind in the country. A regular contributor to ESPN Soccernet, his work has also appeared on TheMirror.co.uk, Canadian-soccer.com, Footy247.co.uk, Foot2ball.com, and Squadinfo.com.
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