Villas-Boas to make use of Lampard’s versatility July 27, 2011 CHELSEA boss Andre Villas-Boas insists he has not ditched 4-3-3 despite his tactical experimentation proving a landslide success in yesterday’s 4-0 win over Hong Kong champions Kitchee. Villas-Boas dabbled in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Frank Lampard in a holding midfield role – and saw the Blues romp to victory in the first of their two [...]
I still know way to goal, says Torres July 26, 2011 CHELSEA striker Fernando Torres insists he’s not suffering from a crisis of confidence and believes the new Premier League season will herald a rapid return to goalscoring form for him. The Spain international has scored just once in competitive action for the west London club since his £50m British record transfer from Liverpool in January. But [...]
Rangers to keep Taarabt July 26, 2011 FOOTBALL: QPR manager Neil Warnock believes Adel Taarabt can be a star of the upcoming Premier League season after the Moroccan’s proposed move to Paris Saint Germain fell through. He said: “You’ve got to have matchwinners in the Premier League and he’s just that.” Rangers are chasing the signing of Southampton winger Jason Puncheon, while former West [...]
Villas-Boas homes in on Argentinian £40m star July 24, 2011 CHELSEA are closing in on the signing of Palermo playmaker Javier Pastore, one of the most sought-after talents in the world, the Italian club said yesterday. The Sicilian side’s vice-president Guglielmo Micciche declared it was “very probable” that Stamford Bridge would be the 22-year-old’s destination. Pastore, who is valued at around £40m, is also thought [...]
Benayoun abused as Chelsea fail to shine under Villas-Boas July 21, 2011 CHELSEA manager Andre Villas-Boas blamed stifling heat after a scrappy 1-0 victory over a Malaysia XI in Kuala Lumpur which was marred by racial abuse of Yossi Benayoun. An own goal from opposition substitute goalkeeper Mohd Izham Tarmizi handed the Blues a late win in the first match of their pre-season tour of Asia. However [...]
Terry hoping world class Modric will join Chelsea July 19, 2011 CHELSEA captain John Terry believes the potential signing of Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric would significantly enhance his club’s chances of regaining the Premier League title. Modric has been the subject of two failed sub £30m bids this summer from the west London club with Spurs adamant that the Croatia playmaker will remain at White Hart [...]
Rovers pull out of India tour July 19, 2011 FOOTBALL: Blackburn have opted out of their proposed pre-season tour of India amid security fears following last week’s terrorist attack in Mumbai. Rovers, owned by Indian poultry firm Venky’s, were due to appear in Pune and become the first Premier League team to play in India, but will now reschedule.
Villas-Boas plans to keep spending after landing Courtois July 17, 2011 CHELSEA manager Andre Villas-Boas has vowed that Belgian goalkeeping prodigy Thibaut Courtois will not be his last signing of the summer. Courtois, 19, is expected to complete his £8m move from Genk this week, becoming the first player to arrive since Villas-Boas took charge last month. The Portuguese is not finished there, with Tottenham playmaker [...]
Arsenal legend Vieira retires July 14, 2011 FORMER Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has announced his retirement and has accepted a newly-created position as Manchester City’s football development executive. The 35-year-old Frenchman hung up his boots yesterday, 18 years after making his debut for Cannes, following a glittering career that has brought him World Cup and European Championship winners’ medals as well as seven [...]
QPR complete double swoop July 13, 2011 FOOTBALL: Premier League new-boys QPR have completed the signings of England internationals Jay Bothroyd and Kieron Dyer. Bothroyd, who made his England debut last November, joins on a free from Cardiff while Dyer, whose career has been beset by injuries, was released by West Ham a the end of last season. Meanwhile, west London rivals [...]