Dollar on Obudu Mountain

Prize money for Obudu mountain race increased

The prize money for the 5th Obudu international mountain race has been slightly adjusted to accommodate the first African mountain running championships which will hold alongside the Obudu international mountain race next month at the Obudu Ranch Resort in Obudu,Cross River state.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the race,William Archibong revealed that the
total prize money for the two_in_one race has gone up from $227,000 to $245,500.However,the prize money for the
first three positions for both the male and female events remain the same at $50,000,$20,000 and $9,000
respectively to still make the Obudu international mountain race the highest paying mountain race in the world.
The prize money for the 4th to the 10th placed finishers have however been adjusted to
$4,500,$4,000,$3,000,$2,500,$2000,$1,500 and $1,000 respectively.

Archibong also revealed the prize money for the African mountain running championships as follows:The first
prize winner in the strictlt team event will go home with $15,000 while the second and the third placed winners
will get $10,000 and “The African nations mountain race will be competed for by only male runners this year representing their different countries and will be ran side by side the annual Obudu international mountain race”,reveals Archibong who has been the head of the LOC since 2005 when the inaugural edition of the race was run.
The LOC boss also revealed that the prize monies for the best Nigerian finishers (male and female) as well as
those for the media race still remain the same with the first three finishers winning $2000,$1500 and $1000
respectively.

The Obudu international mountain race covers a distance of 11 kilometres uphill to an altitude of 1,575 metres
above sea level taking you to one of the finest tourist destinations in the world,the Obudu Mountain Resort.
The race has already received the support of the new man at the helm of affairs at the World Mountain Running
Association (WMRA),Italian,Bruno Gozzelino who has hinted that the race may get a WMRA Grand Prix status as early
as 2011 if the Obudu LOC makes a request.

The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) is also backing the race and its secretary general,Lamy Fatty wrote
the AFN recently to express their support for the innovative efforts of Governor Liyel Imoke especially regarding
the African mountain running championships.

The race has also attracted the new Commonwealth mountain running champion,Wilson Chemweno of Kenya,WMRA women’s grand prix winner and the race defending woman champion,Andrea Mayr of Austria as well as Czech Republic’s Anna
Pichrtova who won the women’s individual event at penultimate weekend’s World Mountain Running Long Distance
Challenge in Soll,Austria.

Also confirmed for the race is the men’s defending champion,Abebe Dinkesa who will be leading a strong
contingent of Ehtiopian runners including former woman winner,Rehima Kedir to both the international mountain
race and the African championships.

Argentina not invincible -Obuh declares

Chief Coach of Golden Eaglets, John Obuh has said that they had what it takes to beat Argentina today in the final group match of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa stadium, Bauchi.

Speaking with sports journalists shortly before the Eaglets left for Bauchi, Obuh said having seen the Argentines play two matches, he has the antidot to shock them and pick the maximum points at stake to top the group A adding that he has a strategy to stop them
“We did not quite click against the Germans because we had very little knowledge of them and the boys had stage fright but I tell you that after the win over Honduras, confidence has returned and we are raring to go because we have a better knowledge of our opponents.

"The pressure on us to deliver has reduced drastically and we have been able to correct some of the flaws we noticed in the two previous matches of the group adding that the Argentines are good and I have massive respect for them, but my boys are equally good and deserved to be respected too.”

The Argentine is currently leading the table with six maximum points after victories over Germany and Honduras respectively and has already booked their place in the next round of the World Cup. They are seeking to win the cup for the first time after having lost out at the semi final of the championship on three occasion

Spain were better – US coach

United States’ Under-17 coach, Wilmer Cabrere, has described the 10-man Spanish side that beat his team 2–1 at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano on Monday very impressive squad.

In a post match conference, Cabrere stated that the rival team had quality players and knew how to finish well, even though he was quick to give kudos to his young side, who he said tried to come back into the game.

He said that his team had good possession of the ball and produced a number of options, but were up against a side that defended very well too.
He described the Spanish side as a very good one and one of the favourites in the tournament to win the throph.

He looks forward to the next match with optimism.
In his assessment of the game, the Spanish coach, Gines Melendez, while congratulating his opponents, said the Americans have bright future as the side exhibited great promise and hope.
He declined to comment on the officiating of the game, but offered a word of appreciation to the organisers and the people of Kano State for a wonderful reception to his team.

Uruguay bank on luck to scale through Next Round

Uruguay coach, Roland Marcenaro is banking on luck to see his wards through the group as they lock horns with Korea Republic today in Kaduna in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Group F duel. “We have a united and intelligent team featuring players, who know what they want, and also earned that little bit of luck you need in the South American championship.

If we can continue to count on these factors, we'll put up a fight in Nigeria,” Roland Marcenaro, Uruguay coach.

Despite producing a steady stream of world-famous players over the years, Uruguay have achieved very little at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. The only time they managed to advance beyond the group stage in their three previous appearances in the finals was at New Zealand 1999, when they went out in the quarter-finals to Ghana despite Ruben Olivera's inspirational performances. Having first qualified in 1991, Los Charrúas last rubbed shoulders with the world's best in the category four years ago.

Uruguay secured their place at Nigeria 2009 after putting together a string of fine results in the opening group phase of the South American qualifying competition, held in Chile. Victors against Chile and Venezuela, they drew 1–1 with Ecuador and lost 2–0 to Argentina, performances that proved good enough for a place in the four-team play-off group comprising the second and third-placed teams in the two sections. And after kicking off with a 1–1 draw against the Bolivians, La Celeste recorded a 2–0 defeat of Colombia and a 3–1 victory over Ecuador to ensure their fourth appearance in the finals.

Uruguay’s prime objective is to go farther than they have ever done before in the competition, which would equate to a place in the last four. Even so, such is the quality of Marcenaro’s side that the fans and the country’s football media are entertaining hopes of an even greater achievement.

When the best youths from two traditionally powerful footballing giants cross swords with two hungry challengers from north Africa and Asia, the mixture is set to be as enthralling as it is exotic. Lovers of this combination need look no further than Group F.
Italy and Uruguay, and Algeria and Korea Republic, will seek to use the Kaduna stage to enhance their standings in the junior game and create a headline or two. All four teams will be determined to lay out their credentials and perform with credit at the global showdown in west Africa, partly by way of compensation for occasional inconsistency in their respective continental championships.

The youngest generation from FIFA World Cup holders Italy, who were eliminated at the semi-final stage in the European championship, rate as overwhelming favourites in the section. One talking point will be the ability of the tactically mature southern Europeans to cope with the robust play favoured by the Uruguayans, who only secured their passage to Nigeria by a back-door route. Algeria and the South Koreans, each defeated in their continental finals, will be looking to upset the acknowledged big two in the section. Nevertheless, anything could happen in a pool where all the teams could beat any other on their day.

Should the two big-name nations in the group live up to their billing, and barring any upsets along the way, we could well see the youngsters representing the four-time FIFA World Cup winners from Europe and the two-time winners from South America go head-to-head for the honour of winning the section.

In fact, it would rate as a minor triumph for both teams if they were to meet in a form of final match to determine the group winners. Uruguay have lost their last five matches at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, only making it through to the knockout stage at the 1999 tournament in New Zealand. Italy’s record is no better: they have sent their Under-17 juniors to the finals on five occasions but also only survived the group stage once, in Canada way back in 1987.

Francesco Totti: Four Other Clubs Have Made Offers, But I'll Extend With Roma

Roma captain Francesco Totti has revealed he rejected offers from four major clubs, preferring to extend his contract with the Giallorossi.

The legendary number 10 is on the precipice of extending his terms with Roma, and he will sign on for the next five years.

However, with his original deal set to expire in 2010, it was inevitable that suitors would line-up.

However, Totti has always remained loyal to his beloved Lupi and claims he was not interested in moving.

"I have had four offers recently. A big Italian club and three foreign sides flattered me, but I will sign the new deal with Roma, all that's missing is a clause for after my career," Totti told Rivista Romanista magazine.

Totti has also put off talks about the national team return until a few months before the World Cup begins.

"Italy? I hear from Marcello Lippi every now and then, but there is still time to talk about this. We promised each other that we wouldn't speak about it until the spring," concluded 'Il Capitano'.

Valencia Must Not Fear Barcelona - Unai Emery

Valencia coach Unai Emery has given his thoughts on their crucial clash against on Saturday night, and he has told his side to focus on their own talents rather than fear those of the opposition.

"First, we will try to play ourselves and make them concerned about our desire to have the ball," Emery is quoted as saying by Goal.com Spain.

"From there, we will have their players' attention. All of them are dangerous in their own right. They have also scored many goals from set pieces.

"We must close them down and make the game uncomfortable for them. We must use our skills and our own resources.

"You have to give Barcelona a lot of respect, but not fear. We are capable of playing a great game with the help of the fans. We will try to win this game.

"[Lionel] Messi is troublesome, because he is possibly the best player in the world and plays for the best team in the world."

Emery also had a few words for Diego Maradona following his explicit outburst after Argentina's final World Cup qualifier, telling 'El Diez' that he must be more respectful.

"I've had to bite my tongue many times, but you always have to have respect. He will have his reasons for expressing himself like that and not keeping quiet," the Valencia coach concluded.

Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger: Referees Should Keep Their Distance

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes there should be a respectful distance between managers and referees.

The Gunners gaffer thinks that over-familiarity between managers and officials, as well as between players and officials, means that the referee cannot retain his objectivity.

"I have no relationship with the referee. I never speak to any referee," he told reporters at his Friday press conference.

"I believe that the referees have to keep their distance with the players as well.

"Personally I respect the referees and I think the referees have to keep their distances from the managers and the players."

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is currently facing official sanction over his comments about the physical fitness of referee Alan Wiley.

Wenger maintains that emotions often run high after the final whistle, but consistent sanctions must be in place for those managers who overstep the mark.

"You know we are sometimes too excessive after the games," he added.

"What we want is for everybody to be treated exactly the same so there is only one rule in the Premier League.

"When the managers do not respect the code of conduct, this rule has to be applied to everybody and I don't think even Ferguson would want to be treated differently."

Meanwhile, Wenger also insists that developing young English talent remains an aim of his and he anticipates that there will be many more Gunners in the senior England side in years to come.

"Very soon we could have very many [Arsenal players in the England side]," he affirmed.

"We have [Theo] Walcott, we have [Kieran] Gibbs, we have [Jack] Wilshere who pushes on. Soon we might have some others. We have of course Aaron Ramsey, but he is British [Welsh, to be exact], not for England.

"I am highly determined [to bring more English players through]. First we look for quality, but we have improved our quality on all sides.

"We have produced many English players who have not completely made it at Arsenal. They might have made it somewhere else.

"On the England fringes we had players like [David] Bentley, [Steven] Sidwell and [Matthew] Upson who is now back in the England squad. They are quality players who were here."

Manchester City Insist Robinho Is Not Leaving For Barcelona

Manchester City are intent on keeping Robinbo, despite increasing speculation that he wants to leave to join Barcelona.

The nouveau riche Premier League outfit do not want to see one of their prized assets leave before they have begun to challenge for trophies and have dismissed the recent reports.

Barcelona have admitted that they would like to sign Robinho, and the player himself has stated that he would enjoy playing for the European champions.

Various types of deals have been suggested in the media, with a loan move in January being followed up by a permanent switch in the summer when any number of Barca players could join City is the latest rumour.

Despite all that speculation, City insist that the player whom they signed from Real Madrid last year will remain with them.

"Robinho remains an integral part of our squad. Any notion of a loan deal or a permanent deal is totally without foundation," a City source told the Manchester Evening News.

"We have had no contact from Barcelona and nor would we encourage it."

Real Madrid Lead TV's Top Earners

Real Madrid are the world's biggest earners from television revenue ahead of Barcelona as the top two in Spain dwarf the Spanish league's other clubs.

Los Merengues came out on top in the Football Transfer Review study as they were shown to earn €136 million-per-season from their deal with Mediapro.

Barca are third, behind Manchester United, with income of €116 million, while the rest of the teams in la Primera are lucky to earn under 50 per cent of that.

Manchester United are also behind Madrid in marketing; replica kits and other merchandise earn the Spanish giants €129 million each year.

Matchday income is won by the Red Devils though as the Premier League champions make €128 million compared to Madrid's €101 million.

Despite claiming that they have to keep a tight rein on their budget, Bayern Munich are Europe's fourth biggest earner raking in €295 million, with €177 million coming from marketing.

FIFA Open Case Against Argentina Coach Diego Maradona

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has announced that the organization's disciplinary committee will open a case against Diego Maradona following his profanity-laced tirade on live television after Argentina qualified for next year's World Cup.

Blatter was not too happy with Maradona's outburst and commented on the situation on Friday.

"The reports we have received so far leave us no other alternative but to ask the disciplinary committee of FIFA to open a case against the coach Diego Armando Maradona," Blatter was quoted as saying at a press conference in Cairo, Egypt.

The outspoken Argentina coach was delighted to hit back at all the criticism that has been aimed at him following the squad's unconvincing World Cup qualification campaign, as six points from the last two qualifiers saw the Albicelestes through to the finals.

"They can suck it and carry on sucking it," he fumed in the press conference after the dramatic win. "This is for all Argentines, minus the journalists.

"I want to thank my players for qualifying because they played like men and today they consecrated me as a coach. I also want to dedicate this to the whole of Argentina, to my family too, but there is one group who do not deserve this because they have treated me like rubbish.

"I don't usually read the newspapers or listen to sports programmes but my daughters do and they told me what had been said about me. So, I repeat, to all those that said anything against me, keep eating your words."

Chelsea Boss Carlo Ancelotti: I Would Like To Coach Italy Or The Ivory Coast

Carlo Ancelotti is hoping to swap the blue of Chelsea for the Azzurro of Italy in future, though he would also consider a move to the Ivory Coast.

The former Milan man is enjoying life in west London, but he can see himself guiding a national side.

"Me the Italy coach? I would like to in future, but not now. I am Italian, and so I would like to coach La Nazionale, but I am not sure if this will be possible one day," Ancelotti told the BBC.

"I would like to coach an African side. The Ivory Coast is a fantastic side for example."

Another Italian based in London is none other than Fabio Capello. Ancelotti has hailed the England coach, but he doesn't know whether the Three Lions can achieve glory at the World Cup next summer.

"He [Capello] is a great coach with great experience and I am happy that he is doing a great job," added the Italian.

"England are one of the best teams, but no European side has ever won the World Cup outside of Europe. It will be difficult, not only for England."

Cristiano Ronaldo Fit To Play For Portugal Against Hungary - Report

Cristiano Ronaldo has come through training with Portugal without any setbacks and will be ready to face Hungary on Saturday, according to AS.

Ronaldo missed Real Madrid's defeat to Sevilla on Sunday due to an ankle injury he picked up in Los Merengues 3-0 victory over Marseille in the UEFA Champions League last week and only returned to full training yesterday.

Such was Ronaldo's comfort with the ankle yesterday that a scheduled scan on his ankle was declined by Portuguese medical staff and he trained as normal with the squad.

His availability will be a welcome boost for coach Carlos Quieroz as his side prepare to face their final World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Malta. Ronaldo has scored 22 times in 67 appearances for his country.

Portugal currently lie third in European Qualifying Group One, five points adrift of leaders Denmark, and two adrift of second placed Sweden. They must win both remaining fixtures to stand any chance of qualifying for the finals in South Africa next year.

Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas A 2010 Prority For Real Madrid - Report

Despite continuous rumours linking him with a return to Barcelona, Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will reportedly be the subject of a bid from Real Madrid next summer, according to AS.

It is suggested that Madrid's coaching staff already see a shortfall in Los Merengues midfield and have identified Fabregas, along with French midfielder Franck Ribery, as the transfer priorities next summer.

Real's interest is set to scupper what is seen by many as an eventual return to Camp Nou by the 22-year-old midfielder as Los Blancos seem certain to intensify their bid to lure the star Gunner away from the Emirates.

Madrid reportedly offered Arsenal in the region of €40-50 million for Fabregas in 2008 and followed that with a €60 million bid in the summer just passed but the player opted on both occasions to remain in London.

Now it appears that the situation may be changing, with suggestions that Fabregas' departure from North London is inevitable. The progress and development of Arsene Wenger's new breed of starlets including Aaron Ramsey, Vassiriki Diaby and Denilson is said to be key to a potential deal.

Fabio Cannavaro Tests Positive For Doping Substance After Taking Medication

Juventus defender and Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has tested positive during an anti-doping test, according to La Repubblica and Sky Sport 24.

It is believed that he tested positive after taking an anti-allergen in order to prevent an anaphylatic shock from a wasp sting - a potentially fatal reaction if left untreated.

Juventus advised the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) of the administration of the medicine, advising them that it was "only an anti-allergen".

However, there seems to have been a breakdown in communications between the Juventus medical staff and the CONI.

It has been suggested that paperwork was not provided to the authorities that informed them of this course of action, which has led to Cannavaro reportedly being tested and found positive for cortisone.

The defender is now being questioned by the CONI in Turin, having remained in Italy due to his suspension for the Azzurri's match with the Republic of Ireland this weekend.

While there should not be any lasting problems for the world champion, he will hope that the situation is resolved in time to allow his participation in Italy's final World Cup qualifier against Cyprus.

Brazil And Real Madrid Can Make Me World's Best Player Again - Kaka

Real Madrid and brazil playmaker Kaka has declared that he would like to once again be recognised as the best player in world football and he believes that winning trophies with club and country is the key to putting himself back on top.

Kaka won both the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2007 and says that preparation is the key to winning titles and succeeding in achieving those individual accolades once again.

"To be elected again as the world's best have to win collective titles. I think I have the possibility of achieving that with [Real] Madrid and with the Selecao," the 27-year-old was quoted as saying by AS.

"I'm going to make the most to achieve that. Every time when Brazil is well prepared we achieve success, but that did not happen in 2006."

Brazil have already qualified for the World Cup in South Africa next summer with two qualifiers still to be played in the coming days, against Bolivia and Venezuela.

Manchester United Have Shown An Interest In Inter's Julio Cesar - Agent

Manchester United's interest in Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar is real, but the Brazilian is expected to sign a new deal with the Milanese giants, according to his agent, Josias Cardoso.

Voices surrounding the 'keeper on Tuesday claimed that he was wanted by a major club. It now appears that team is none other than Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United. Cardoso has revealed the Red Devils opened up early discourse, but nothing concrete emerged.

"Yes, United have shown an interest in Julio, but they have never made an official offer," the agent told Tuttosport.

Earlier, Nerazzurri director Marco Branca was quick to fire-fight the rumours, claiming a new deal was in the pipeline. Cardoso has confirmed the news coming from Appiano Gentile.

"At the moment we are speaking with Inter about renewing Julio's deal, but we have still not found a consensus," added the agent.

"We hope to reach an accord by the end of the month. This is our objective."

Diego Maradona Threatens To Quit The Argentine National Team

Diego Maradona, the coach of the Argentine national team, affirmed that he hasn't liked several things since he was appointed, and that he will have to evaluate whether he will continue in the position at the conclusion of the World Cup qualifiers.

"I have a commitment with the guys, having said yes to Julio [Grondona] when he invited me to his house asking me to coach the national team was something very nice, but then came lots of things that I didn't like, and we will discuss them later on," said Maradona.

An annoyed Maradona told the press that he will only stay on "under his conditions", and although he didn't reveal what he wants changed exactly, he stated that a solution must be found.

One of the things that Maradona didn't like was that Pablo Zabaleta arrived in Argentina injured after playing for Manchester City. Maradona blamed Carlos Bilardo for this.

It is believed that Bilardo and Maradona have a bad relationship, however, both have tried to deny this in the past. According to Telam both don't speak to each other, and obviously this isn't a positive thing for the national team.

The last fight between the two occurred a few days ago, when Maradona told Bilardo to make sure that Carlos Tevez and Zabaleta didn't play for Manchester City before such crucial World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Uruguay.

Both players finally played, and Maradona exploded when he found out that Zabaleta was injured, and won't be able to participate in either of Argentina's two matches.

"There are things that I didn't like and to continue my conditions will have to be met," insisted Maradona.

Despite the injury setback, Maradona confirmed that he won't call up any more players, and will make do with the players he already has at his disposal.

"I will work with this squad. Now they are looking for players to see if we can replace him," explained Maradona, who is preoccupied with the number of players who are on yellow cards.

"We have a team with lots of yellow cards as we kept on getting yellows in each match, in all of the matches in which we played for our lives."

Even if Argentina manage to qualify for the World Cup, Maradona could possibly step down as the coach of the side if his demands aren't met.

Manchester United Striker Wayne Rooney Eyes England Record

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has ambitions to become England's record goalscorer.

Bobby Charlton currently holds the record for most goals scored for the Three Lions with 49. Rooney has scored 25 times in 55 appearances.

"I spoke to Sir Bobby last week about it and we discussed playing and scoring for England," the 23-year-old told The Daily Star.

"It would be a dream come true to do it and mean so much to me.

"It would also be fantastic if two Manchester United players were to be one and two in the list.

"But don't rule out Michael (Owen) and he still has a chance of the record."

Rooney's club-mate Owen is currently fourth on the list of top sorers for England, with 40 goals - behind Charlton (49), Gary Lineker (48) and Jimmy Greaves (44).

Rooney is keen to win more trophies for his club, but also with his country. He featured for England in Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006, but endured disappointment in both cases.

However, he feels now that Fabio Capello has engendered a much more positive spirit within the Three Lions' camp.

"I do sometimes think about how far I can go in my career and what I can win," he added.

"It is about trophies, isn't it? For Manchester United and England. That is what I play for. And I do want to get better and better.

"The last two tournaments, in 2004 and 2006, were frustrating for me and the team and there is now a feel-good factor under Fabio Capello.

"We are playing as well as at any time since I came into the squad and the one thing you know with Mr Capello is that if you are not playing well you will not be in the team. That keeps us all on our toes and wanting to perform.

"I have played better. I think it's because I am scoring more goals, and forwards are always judged on goals, that people are saying I'm in my best form.

"I honestly believe I can get a lot better. I know I can.

"I would certainly like to score more goals."

Barcelona Moves For Cesc Fabregas And Robinho Dubbed ‘CR10’

Barcelonawill make a move to try and prise Robinho away from Manchester City in January and then add Cesc Fabregas to their squad next summer, according to a report.

El Mundo Deportivo have mimicked Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo's 'CR9' nickname by giving the move for the Premier League-based pair the moniker 'CR10'.

The Catalan daily sportspaper reports that an agreement between Barca president Joan Laporta and Fabregas was sealed in the summer, and now a deal with Arsenal must be agreed.

Whether it is Laporta who seals that move will not matter, because the favourite to replace him at the helm is Sandro Rosell, and he will certainly look to re-sign the Catalan playmaker.

Robinho is also back on the club's agenda, with coach Pep Guardiola hopeful that the Brazilian can become part of his squad.

After taking the reins at Camp Nou last year, the coach told Barcelona that he wanted the skilful forward, but Madrid were unwilling to do business with their arch rivals.

Despite having stated he is happy in England, El Mundo Deportivo believe that Robinho would jump at the chance to move to Barca, and both Laporta and Rosell both are well-positioned to do a deal.

Didier Drogba: Chelsea Win Over Liverpool Shows We Can Win Title

Chelsea striker Drogba believes Sunday's 2-0 win over Liverpool is evidence of the Blues' title credentials.

The London outfit struggled last season against the other 'top four' sides, collecting only four points from a possible 18. Drogba knows that record must improve if they are to bring the Premier League trophy to Stamford Bridge.

"We have learned that a big part of our losing the title last year was our results against the big teams," Drogba told The London Evening Standard.

"We drew at home against Manchester United, and we lost here (Stamford Bridge) against Liverpool and Arsenal, so we wanted to change that trend this season.

"We want to be the team who wins these games against the big teams, and be at the top of the league.

"It's only the first game against a top-four team, but it was important to win it to show that we really want to be champions.

"We will be there. If the other teams want to win the title this season, they will have to fight us hard."

Chelsea were beaten last week by Wigan Athletic and looked below-par in their midweek Champions League win over APOEL Nicosia.

Drogba puts Sunday's improvement down to an improvement in attitude amongst the players.

He added: "Wigan was a disappointment, because if you want to win the league, you can't afford to lose many games like this. The good thing is that we reacted.

"The main thing was a change in the attitude, which was much better against Liverpool."

Rafael Benitez To Blame For Poor Form - Liverpool Co-Owner George Gillett

he already fractious relationship between Rafael Benitez and Liverpool co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks is threatening to sink to a new low, after Gillett pointed the finger at the Reds manager for the club's mixed start to the season.

The American investors have rarely seen eye to eye with Benitez, and have also been on shaky ground with Anfield fans who remain unconvinced over whether their intentions are aligned with the club winning, or purely financially motivated.

Liverpool's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Sunday was already their third in the Premier League this season, and closely followed a reversal of an identical scoreline away to Fiorentina in the Champions League.

Gillett expressed his disappointment with the situation, and made it clear that no blame could be attributed to him and his partner, insisting that questions had to be asked of the coaching staff and not the financial investment.

"We have invested more money than our competitors, in keeping with the history of the club," Gillett said, according to The Guardian.

"In the last 18 months, we have invested £128 million on top of what has come in.

"That means it should be getting better. Now if it's not getting better, it's not Gillett and Hicks; it's the manager; it's the scouting.

"You have to make sure you balance out your analysis. There was plenty of money, so if you have any complaints, take a look at the ins and outs."

Gillett said the £30 million from Xabi Alonso's sale to Real Madrid was fully available to the Spanish manager and added to an already existing transfer kitty of "£22-23 million as part of our budgets".

The Wisconsin native also claimed that Liverpool were "in an extraordinarily good financial position", one that was "far better than Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal".

Carlo Ancelotti: Chelsea Can Complete A Clean Sweep; Milan Will Struggle Without Kaka

Carlo Ancelotti has enjoyed a flying start to his managerial career in England, and buoyed by Chelsea's excellent start to the campaign, he has declared the Blues can win everything this season.

“The lads have been very motivated from the off,” ‘Carletto’ said to Tuttosport.

“I often hear from the owner [Roman Abramovich]. He is satisfied with what we are doing and he told me our football entertains him.

"I have no preferences: my Chelsea want to win everything this season, including the FA Cup.”

But things at former team Milan are not as rosy, and Ancelotti thinks he knows why.

“I did not expect to see them so far down the table,” he mused. “I think there are the conditions to climb back up, but without Kaka…”

The Brazilian ace was sold to Real Madrid this summer, and without their orchestrator Milan have slumped to nine points from their opening seven games, piling pressure on Ancelotti's successor, Leonardo.

Premiership Matchday 8 Result

Hull - Wigan Athletic	2 - 1	10/3/09 15:00
Burnley - Birmingham	2 - 1	10/3/09 15:00
Bolton - Tottenham	2 - 2	10/3/09 15:00
Wolves - Portsmouth	0 - 1	10/3/09 15:00
Man Utd. - Sunderland	2 - 2	10/3/09 17:30
Arsenal - Blackburn	6 - 2	10/4/09 13:30
Everton - Stoke	1 - 1	10/4/09 15:00
West Ham - Fulham	2 - 2	10/4/09 15:00
Chelsea - Liverpool	2 - 0	10/4/09 16:00
Aston Villa - Man City	1 - 1	10/5/09 20:00

Barcelona Confident Of Landing Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas - Report

Barcelona believe that they will secure a deal to re-sign Cesc Farbregas from Arsenal for next season, according to a report in Sport.

The Gunners captain has already been the subject of intense interest from the club he left in 2003, but will reportedly make his long-awaited return next summer.

President Joan Laporta wants to strike a deal before the end of the current season so that Fabregas does not become a player who can be used as a pawn by one of the men vying to replace him at the helm in the forthcoming elections.

Sport is very close to the current Barca administration, and their report, which states that the player also wants a deal to be concluded, can be considered more than just hearsay.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is aware that he is set to lose Fabregas because only his request to chairman Peter Hill-Wood stopped the player leaving in August along with Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Catalan star's arrival would be hugely significant for Laporta, because it was in the months that the current president was campaigning to takeover at Camp Nou that the player left.

Now Cesc is wanted back, and the Blaugrana supremo believes that an agreement will be in place that all candidates for the elections next summer will agree upon. This will also stop rival Sandro Rosell from being able to sign the creative midfielder.

Fabregas knows that his grandfather wants to see him play in the Barca shirt as it was he who first took the Spain international to watch a game at Camp Nou when he was just nine months old.

It is that connection, allied with Barca's determination and Arsenal's inability to win silverware on a regular basis, that is set to cement the move.

Sport believe that Fabregas' recent statements, in which he said he is committed to the Gunners, are signals that he will give everything this term before leaving as a fans' favourite.

No End In Sight For Manchester United Trio Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs And Paul Scholes

Gary Neville has paid tribute to his fellow elder statesmen at Manchester United, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, and revealed that they will continue play for as long as they are wanted by the club.

The 34-year-old right-back has had a difficult time with injury and lack of game-time over the last two seasons, but has refused to suggest that his United career is coming to an end – though he has conceded publicly that his international career is probably over.

In contrast, Giggs and Scholes are very much first-team regulars for Sir Alex Ferguson, and both midfielders have relied on their experience to adapt their games sufficiently to continue to shine at the highest level, albeit having to miss the odd game to recover between matches.

“Giggsy’s performances have been absolutely outstanding,” Neville said on United’s official website.

“He’s been probably our most creative player in key moments – setting up three goals against [Manchester] City, two against Arsenal, and scoring against Tottenham.

“He’s winning us matches and his performance levels are fantastic. Scholesy is still a brilliant player for us, too. He can still control the pace of matches for us, everything sticks with him and he never wastes a pass. They’re still both fantastic.”

Neville revealed that it was the hunger to continue winning trophies that has kept them going.

He continued: “We keep playing because United keep asking us to!
“There’s still an opportunity for us here and we want to keep winning season upon season.

“If the club told us to leave, we’d leave. Playing for this club is the best thing in the world and we’ve been doing it for a long time now. Why would we want it to stop?

“We still feel as though there are contributions to be made on and off the pitch – and so does the manager, which is the most important thing.”

The defender paid special tribute to Red Devils boss Ferguson, who he singled out as the main reason why the three veterans have never wanted to leave their childhood team.

“The boss is the reason we’re still at the club – and the reason we were given an opportunity in the first place,” Neville explained.

“He promoted youth all those years back, sorted out the youth set-up and has pushed it ever since. Young players have always broken through and he’s been the key to us being here so long; he’s in control.

“We’re soldiers, if you like, and we’re happy to do a job that makes him want to keep us here.”

Manchester United Would Not Have Beaten City If I'd Been Playing

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor believes he would have been the difference-maker had he not been suspended for his side's clash with Manchester United.

Mark Hughes' men thrice equalised at Old Trafford, only to leave the pitch crestfallen as Michael Owen struck in the 6th minute of added time to gift-wrap maximum points for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Adebayor, a £25 million summer signing from Arsenal, though, was suspended for the game due to the three-match ban retrospectively imposed on him for his stamp on former team-mate Robin van Persie during the 4-2 victory at the City of Manchester Stadium the week before.

"No way did United deserve to beat us," Adebayor is understood to have told The People. "I am sure I would have scored had I been on the pitch."

"I had a bad afternoon against Manchester United because I am sure that if I had played that day then I would have scored a goal.

"It was a shame that we lost in added time," he lamented. "United did not deserve to win - a fair result would have been a draw."