Hughes Talks Up Returning Robinho

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes will unleash Robinho on Hull on Saturday believing the Brazilian can remind everyone what a class act he is.

The £32.5million striker has not made a Premier League appearance for the Blues since mid-August, the vast majority of that absence created by a stress fracture of an ankle that he suffered on World Cup duty for Brazil in Argentina.

That three-month void has been filled by endless speculation about the 26-year-old's future, most of which has suggested he will depart Eastlands for Barcelona, if not during the January transfer window, then at the end of the season.

Hughes has tended to bristle at such talk, insisting the man he invested a British record sum in to sign from Real Madrid at the start of last season will remain where he is.

But now Robinho is ready to make his comeback, Hughes wants attention to be focused on the forward's on-field contribution and to remind people about the ability that brought him to City's attention in the first place.

"Robinho is an outstanding player," said Hughes.

"If anyone is out for a long period sometimes you can forget how accomplished they are.

"Having worked with him this week and seen him back in the group, we can see the qualities that he can bring to the side.

"We are delighted that he is back and fit and well because he will have a real influence for us this year I am sure."

More than once over the last few weeks, Hughes has insisted Robinho is going nowhere, despite on-going interest from the European Cup winners.

It is a stance that is not going to change at any point soon, although as one of the game's most notable attractions, Hughes accepts Robinho will always be the subject of intense debate.

"Robinho is a guy that generates comment and since he has been out with his injury the news has clearly not been about what he is doing on the pitch," said the City chief.

"Instead it is about what might happen and comments about his future, more often than not from people without any valid insight.

"What we have to accept with Robinho is that he is a big name in the world of football and people feel the need to write stories about him on a regular basis."

Hughes' most immediate priority is turning a run of six successive Premier League draws into a sequence of victories, starting when his side entertain Hull.

In that sense, Robinho's contribution could be invaluable.

"He could have turned some of those draws into victories," agreed Hughes.

"If you get him into key areas he is one of the best in the world with his ability at close quarters.

"It is something we have lacked when teams have tried to come and frustrate us."

City found the solution in the corresponding fixture last season when they scored five times.

That encounter was more memorable for Phil Brown's controversial half-time team-talk when the visitors were already four goals adrift.

It has gone into the annals of history as a moment of folly and the point at which Hull's outstanding start to Premier League life turned sour.

However, as a fellow manager, Hughes does not believe Brown deserves to be pilloried.

"Phil obviously felt it was something he needed to do," said Hughes.

"If it had got the desired reaction it would have been viewed as a masterstroke.

"But it didn't turn around the game and as a consequence it has been thrown back at him more times than he would have wanted.

"Half-time is one of those periods when a manager can have an influence and I do not believe you should be criticised for taking a different approach."

s: football365

Noise will be a Nuisance for Fergie

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hopes he can make himself heard above the Pompey Chimes at Fratton Park on Saturday.

Having accepted his punishment for attacking referee Alan Wiley's fitness following United's draw with Sunderland on October 3, Ferguson will be consigned to the stands as United visit bottom side Portsmouth.

And he has already worked out the directors box is not located in a position which will make communication with coaches Mike Phelan and Rene Meulensteen particularly easy at one of the country's noisiest grounds.

"All the lines of communication are in place but the problem you have got is that Fratton Park is such a noisy place," Ferguson said.

"The directors' box is towards the home end where all the noise comes from. It is a good racket for sure. It is a terrific football stadium."

At least Ferguson will be able to enjoy a post-match glass of wine with Avram Grant in some degree of comfort afterwards.

The pair have remained in contact during Grant's enforced exile from the game, having been sacked as Chelsea boss in the wake of their Champions League final defeat to United in the Moscow rain in May 2008.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich believed Luiz Felipe Scolari was a better option, only for that move to become so disastrous that Guus Hiddink had to be called in to sort the mess out.

"Sometimes you don't understand everything in football," Ferguson added.

"Getting to the final of the European Cup was an achievement. Chelsea were within one penalty kick of winning it and they also finished second in the league.

"But it might have been the fact that someone else has come onto the horizon. They might have looked upon it as progress to get a different manager in.

"Nonetheless, it was disappointing for Avram, having achieved what he did.

"But he has never shown any bitterness. He has got on with his life."

Grant's new role is trying to re-establish Portsmouth as some kind of Premier League force.

Given all the turmoil behind the scenes, and the dismantling of a squad good enough to win the FA Cup in 2008 under Harry Redknapp, some pundits believe Portsmouth are certainties for the drop.

But Ferguson is not so sure and, after analysing Pompey's recent performances, he feels Grant can look forward to better times.

"Portsmouth have some very good players," said Ferguson. "I have looked at their videos and they may be in a false position.

"But being bottom of the league does create a reaction from owners and management of a club.

"It doesn't matter which club it is, when you have a change of ownership there will be a certain amount of disruption.

"You get new policies coming in, or there might be a new financial outlook. You can see how it can have an effect on the pitch.

"And owners of a club don't like to see their team at the bottom of the league. That is the danger position.

"If you are third or fourth bottom you think everything will be okay. But when you see your team going bottom it creates a dread about where they are going to be next season."

s: teamtalk

Brown is The Best

Sir Alex Ferguson still rates Wes Brown as England's most natural defender despite all his injury woes.

With Rio Ferdinand missing due to a long-standing back complaint and both John O'Shea and Jonny Evans sidelined after picking up injuries on international duty earlier this month, Manchester United are now relying on Brown and Nemanja Vidic for the solidity they have been missing lately.

And Ferguson has been delighted by the early results.

Although the Red Devils lost their 23-match unbeaten home record in the Champions League when they were beaten by Besiktas on Wednesday night, United kept the Turks at bay for almost all of the game.

It followed a clean sheet against Everton last weekend. And, with another required at Fratton Park tomorrow when United tackle crisis club Portsmouth, Ferguson is happy to place his trust in Brown's abilities.

"When Wes Brown is fit, he is the best natural defender in the country," said Ferguson.

"I keep thinking he is only 22 or 23 but we were doing a summary of our players' ages and contracts the other day and I saw Wes is 30.

"But he has such a young approach to life which you have to pay tribute to the lad for.

"He has done well to deal with all the things he has had to deal with and still come out fighting."

Brown's catalogue of injuries include cruciate operations on both knees, a broken ankle and a succession of muscular problems, the latest of which effectively ruled him out of the whole of last season.

It robbed the Manchester-born defender of a chance to build on his most consistent campaign, which ended with the Champions League penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea in Moscow in May 2008.

"Players need a run of games to achieve consistency and get the timing and tempo of their game correct," said Ferguson.

"We are seeing that at the moment. Now he is fit again and looking fantastic, he gets better all the time. Long may it continue."

Meanwhile, Ferguson confirmed within his assessment of individual player contracts, it had been established Vidic's does not run out until 2012.

However, given the Serbian's stated desire to remain at Old Trafford and his position as one of the most influential players in the Scot's squad, it is a situation that will be looked at.

Ferguson added: "Nemanja's contract runs until 2012, which is a good bit away but the time will always come when good players' contracts come under review."

s: football365

David Villa Select Premier League

Valencia bomber, David Villa is one player who becomes a contestant coveted Premier League club. Four of the top European clubs Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are interested woo take it off when El Che.

So far, Villa was not sure where the English club will be leaving the moorings when the Mestalla. Only departure hampered Valencia management policies that peg the value of 50 million pounds transfer.

Meanwhile, residents of the big club last season are four possibilities could only pocket poured 40 million pounds. Rumors about the Villa dipredikasikan increasingly crowded market before the opening of the transfer volume II, January 2010.

This year 27 players expressed a desire to survive in La Liga, with a record of Real Madrid dressing.

"I do not close the door to any club that would end my career, too. I want to enjoy football the way I want," said Villa told the Daily Star as reported by Goal, Friday (27/11/2009).

"I have received many offers, but I have to choose the right clubs. Participating bids from Premier League clubs which I still consider," he concluded.

Liverpool players support Benitez

If Rafael Benitez in a precarious situation because performance never improved Liverpool, Liverpool players make a show of his manager's defense. "We support him fully," says Pepe Reina.

Benitez would have kicked dispekulasikan easy management of the Reds because they are eliminated in the Champions League and is currently not in a strategic position as one candidate won the English League.

The man was indeed a new Spanish signing a contract extension recently, but if Steven Gerrard et al achievements continue to sag, it is not impossible she might be in danger.

"Benitez has credibility and support 100 percent of the players," he said Reina in the official club website. "He's a great coach and knows how to make players out best ability."

"He has done important things for the club and will continue to do so. When he's under pressure, it was when he put his best ability. He is very competent to reverse the situation in Liverpool," added the goalkeeper who is also from "State Matador" was.

Reina admits that the results of recent experience is not ideal Liverpool. But he was confident the team will rise. One reason is that several key players were injured as Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera.

"We know that Torres is fit only 70 percent were more than 100% more attackers on the planet," said Reina.

"It is important to us that she recover and really fit. Liverpool is a team with Torres and others. Without him, the team is different. It's not means we depend on him, but he is very important because redoubtable among other teams."

Barcelona must win

Psychological warfare began to take place late bigmatch clasico early Spanish La Liga next week between Barcelona against Real Madrid. Gerrard Pique who started the war drum beat going to brag Madrid.

According to the current Pique Barca in very good condition. The proof of success forces bent Pep Guardiola 2-0 Inter Milan in the Champions League even though it was no Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Especially in the later duel bomber is expected to have recovered from injury and will strengthen Barca.

Although the camp no danger Madrid also threatened by the return of Cristiano Ronaldo after a long injury, Barca remained optimistic that his team would come out a winner and take back the seat which led the standings early this week carried.

"I believe in this team who always play to attack in every game, no matter whoever his opponent. When playing normally, we will win because now we are in good condition and I am optimistic can achieve positive results in action later, "said this tough defender.

However, Piquer still considered Madrid as against a very tough and hard to beat. It's also causing competition struggles this season championships will be more severe.

"I think Madrid is very good defense that needs a lot of opportunities to score goals. They are also very strong as evidenced by always dominate the game and very good in counterattack, "said Pique.

"The struggle for the title this season will be more severe. They already knew a lot about us even though they still need adaptation, "he concluded.

Barcelona 1000 times better than Madrid

Psywar still ongoing before the duel between Barcelona El Clasico against Real Madrid at Camp Nou, Monday (30/11/2009) morning pm. Is a legend and former Barca coach Johan Cruyff who helped heat up the atmosphere of the game by claiming Barca 1000 times better than Madrid.

New strength was raised Madrid superstar landed the number was not lessened poenilaian Cruyff at Barcelona. He considered Barca under Pep Guardiola farm became a force in the world's best football that has the technical and quality is well above the Madrid game.

"Barcelona is the defending champion who played 1000 times better than Madrid," said Cruyff told Reuters.

"Very happy to see Real Madrid play their own way. Everyone was amazed at their game and also their technical quality. Everyone enjoyed it, "said Cruyff.

Although the current standings pemuncak Madrid becomes meaningless Madrid but better than Barca. Dutch origin man was still assessing Barca better inside and out.

"That is something external that has nothing to do with the game later. Madrid lead but they did not play well, "he concluded.

Ferguson Support Grant

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson fully supports the new Avram Grant was appointed to save Portsmouth from the threat of relegation this season.

Ironically, Ferguson and Grant will meet at Fratton Park in the Premier League continued on Saturday (28/11). MU needed a victory to get closer distance with the standings leaders Chelsea and Portsmouth require a full rate in order to leave the position of caretaker.

The last meeting occurred two coaches in the Champions League final in 2008 when Grant was still gush, and losing to Chelsea's "Red Devils". Grant returned to the Premier League coach to replace Paul Hart who was fired for poor performance.

"Portsmouth bring in new coach and they would expect a positive response. Portsmouth has good players, but they were disturbed by the change in ownership of the club," Ferguson said in a press conference on Friday.

"I've seen tapes of their matches and did not seem to appear real. We knew Avram since he was at Chelsea. He's experienced and I'm sure he'll get the right reaction from his players.

"We will go through a difficult party for Portsmouth needed a good result. With the presence of Avram, I believe Portsmouth can rise and achieve results," added the coach of the Scottish geeks this.

For the party tomorrow, Manchester United lost three players back; Jonny Evans (ankle injury), John O'Shea (foot injury) and Rio Ferdinand (back injury). But Ferguson did not worry because Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic both able to duet with in the heart of the defense.

"Vidic and Wes Brown played fantastic lately. If Wes Brown fit, then he is the best natural defender in England. Cooperation of both players that make us strong defense," he said.

Ancelotti Face Dilemma in the Middle Line

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti faced with the problem of selection of players in the sector against Arsenal after the fifth gelandangnya in tiptop condition.

Ancelotti has five players who are playing the good and fit, including midfielder Frank Lampard who is surprisingly recovered more quickly from his thigh injury.

"All of my midfielders in very good condition. Michael Ballack, Lampard, John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien and Florent Malouda. And I only need three people to play," said the Italian coach after leading the practice on Friday (27/11 ).

Ancelotti using diamond formation used to install the striker duo Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka on the front lines with Deco sustained as a player that is free to move anywhere. Behind him; Ballack, Lampard and Essien became the first solid wall to block the opponent's attack at an early stage.

But Lampard injury since early November, Chelsea could even win the two fight. England midfielder appeared without it and Ballack and Deco, the Blues beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 in the Premier League and then the middle of last week grind FC Porto 1-0 in Champions League.

In particular, the former AC Milan coach was praised Lampard's injury is able to restore quickly, including by going to Serbia for the placenta therapy.

"Lampard in top condition. He's the last two with a good practice. He was a true professional player. Recovery for the party really important derby in terms of technical and psychological," said Ancelotti.

The meeting with Arsenal on Sunday will be very interesting because Chelsea have conceded the least goals in the Premier League this season. Chelsea also had the benefits of posture and physical strength of Arsenal which was a short game advantage in one-two touch football and drain quickly.

But the Gunners are constrained by a sharp loss of two strikers, Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner, and wing defender Gael Clichy is injured.

"We have an advantage in the procession posture dead ball, but football is not merely contain a free kick. We want to play better than Arsenal.

"That's why we must master the fundamentals midfield. If the sector can be controlled Arsenal then we'll trouble," Ancelotti said that in his first season was able to bring Chelsea lead the standings with five points advantage from nearest rivals, Manchester United.

If Chelsea win, then John Terry and his colleagues will leave Arsenal, who still has one match remaining more, with a distance of 11 points. But Ancelotti dismissed the importance of leading the standings in the competition this time.

Ancelotti desired by the team is playing good football. That's why he admired Arsenal game full of attacking spirit and quality of Arsene Wenger since handled for 13 years.

"Arsenal played very well. They use the same philosophy for years. Chelsea can play better in this case by using the quality approach to the spirit, strength and mental," he concluded.

PSV Focus Aim Altintop

Giants in the Dutch Eredivisie, PSV was the focus of monitoring expertise Schalke 04 striker, Halil Altintop. Turkish players are considered able to play nicely on a number line. This statement is as reported to Westline.

Highly rated striker first is to find regular football team hard to come by in this season Konigsblauen and ready to go to get first team action elsewhere.

Altintop joined Schalke in the summer of 2006 after being recruited from Kaiserslautern. She had competed as much as 94 times with an impressive performance in Gelsenkirchen and able to score sixteen goals.

26-year-old player is going to keep playing at Schalke to go through a number of Bundesliga matches until the end of next summer. This of course makes Altintop could receive a contract from another club next year on the stock.

PSV coach Fred Rutten was rumored to admire the Turkish National Team players. Even Eindhoven who are interested to have agreed the amount of the contract value at terbanderol Altintop.

Racism, Prohibition threatened Juventus Olimpico Use

Juventus threatened prohibited from using the Stadio Olimpico Grande in European competition.Because the stadium is very vulnerable to acts of racism committed by Amauri, Juventus supporters.

Some time ago, in contempt tehadap Amauri Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli. The incident happened when Juventus host Udinese in Serie-A further, last weekend. In one moment, supporters of the camp Juventus Curva Nord and Sud Cirva singing, "When you jump, Balotelli (sorry) to die."

Apparently, the song is characterized smells of racism. This langung impact to Juventus. They rewarded a fine of 18,000 pounds.

Nevertheless, Amauri is not deterrent to acts of racism. They returned to insult when Juventus Juventus come to the follow-up Bordeaux in the Champions League.

This forced FIGC president Giancarlo Abete spoke. Abete asked Juventini not return to racism as Juve host Bayern Munich in the Champions League Matchday sixth.

Abete stressed, if the acts of racism happen again, then Juventus prohibited from using the stadium. According to, Abete no tolerance for racism and sanctions should be given firm.

"We are against racism. There should be no tolransi for those who discriminate or to groups of people who think they can take the opportunity to do so," he said.

Palermo to 16 of Coppa Italia

Coach Delio Rossi made his debut in a positive way by bringing Palermo qualify for the Big 16 Italian Cup after beating Reggina 4-1 at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia, Thursday (26/11).

Rossi was appointed as the new coach of Palermo earlier this week to replace the sacked Walter Zenga. Uniquely, Palermo will face former club upbringing Rossi, Lazio, in the next round.

Palermo opened the advantage when the game entered the 28th minute through a penalty Fabrizio Miccoli after Edison Cavani violated in the forbidden zone.

However, Reggina, who currently plays in Serie B, able to respond to the second round 1-1 at the new place three minutes by Sergio Volpi.

But after that Palermo step on the gas and do not want to give another chance at Reggina. After winning Cavani Palermo brought back to the 57th minute, striker Igor Budan had bought up two goals in five minutes to change the position 4-1.

The victory also belongs to Napoli, 10 players hit with a score of 1-0 Cittadella by Mariano Bogliacino scored at minute 28.

But in another fight, humiliated Atalanta Serie C team (Lega Pro) 0-1 through goals Lumezzane Michele Marconi. Atalanta became the Serie A teams that are excluded from the fourth round after smothering Siena 0-2 Novara gurem team yesterday.

Atalanta's defeat makes supporters angry and asked the coach Antonio Conte is no longer achieve results in the face of embarrassing AS Roma on Sunday, the day after tomorrow.

The addition to Atalanta and Siena, Serie A deputy who had earlier thrown the Parma, Bologna, Cagliari and Bari when undergoing a third round of the past.