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Messi made it look easy, says Vilanova
Written By Unknown on Monday, December 10, 2012 | 2:30 AM
The 25-year-old netted twice at the Benito Villamarin to break Gerd Muller’s record of 85 goals in a calendar year.
“We are happy that [Messi] helped us with his two goals. He made his record look easy and still has a further three games to continue to help us,” Vilanova told reporters.
“However, I think you should also remember the team and our defensive solidity. We had to suffer [at Betis], we knew it would not be easy, so it wasn’t a coincidence.”
Messi’s team-mates were also quick to pay tribute to the Argentine, with defender Gerard Pique labelling him as the greatest player ever.
“Players are usually valued when they have retired, but Messi is the best player in history even if he has much time left in his career,” he said.
“He is a player with no limits, you have to enjoy every day and every minute, you just have to enjoy him as a football player.”
Andres Iniesta, who Messi claimed deserves to win the Ballon d’Or, also took to his official Facebook account to give his thoughts on a historic evening: “We are well aware of the intensity needed to get these three points, [we are a] great team! Congratulations Leo!”
Goalkeeper Victor Valdes was equally happy for his team-mate and posted a message saluting his efforts: “What a great match! As always, it was a complicated 90 minutes. Congratulations to Leo for having surpassed the record! Good night!”
Source from: http://www.soccernews.com/messi-made-it-look-easy-says-vilanova/109024/
Manchester United to play friendly in Australia
Football Federation Australia have confirmed the match at a press conference in Sydney on Monday morning.
The Red Devils, who sit six points atop the Premier League after their 3-2 win over local rivals Manchester City on Sunday , last visited Australia 13 years ago where they played two matches against the Socceroos.
The game will be played at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on July 20, just three days after the third State of Origin match at the same venue.
The timing of the match means local-based Socceroos may not play, with the game coming just weeks after three vital World Cup qualifiers, as well as the beginning of the East Asian Cup tournament.
But the likes of Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero, former England international Emile Heskey and stars like Marcos Flores, Thomas Broich and Shane Smeltz could all combine in the A-League side, which will be selected by the fans.
“Having Manchester United as the opponent for our first ever A-League All Star game will put the A-League on the world stage,” FFA chief executive David Gallop said.
“I’m absolutely delighted Australian fans will get to see the Red Devils in action against the best A-League players.
“It’s a massive opportunity for our players and one the fans won’t want to miss.”
While the last time United came to Australia the likes of David Beckham, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes didn’t travel, it’s understood the deal is reliant on all the club’s big guns travelling Down Under.
It means the club’s best players like Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Rio Ferdinand and veteran Ryan Giggs should all make the trip, which should ensure a sell-out crowd of 82,000 at the Olympic stadium.
“The game and training camp that will take place in Sydney will be an important part of the team’s preparation for the 2013/14 season,” United Chief Executive David Gill said.
“There are three main reasons we go on pre-season tour. First and foremost is the team’s preparation for the season ahead. But the tour also allows us to engage with our global fan base and network of commercial partners.
“It has been a while since we last visited Sydney and we are looking forward to renewing our relationship with our loyal and enthusiastic Australian fans.”
Source from: http://www.soccernews.com/manchester-united-to-play-friendly-in-australia/109028/
Ferguson hits back at bully claims
The Melbourne Heart boss said before the two sides met at AAMI Park on Saturday that he wouldn’t allow Glory to bully his team, then clashed with Jacob Burns in the tunnel area shortly after the visitors’ skipper had been booked following an off-the-ball altercation with Josip Tadic.
And Aloisi continued the theme in the post-match press conference, complaining about several of the challenges made upon his players during their 1-0 victory.
“At the end of the day, they all keep using this bullying word, claiming that we’re too physical and too strong,” said Ferguson.
“But again, they should go and check their facts and their stats before they make these stupid comments.
“I see he (Aloisi) said that we come in from the back and either kick you a little bit or go right through you and again, I don’t see where he’s coming from with that.
“I’m annoyed that a coach has actually come out and said that about Perth Glory.
“I’m sick and tired of the hype that we get. It’s all wrong.”
Glory have in fact collectively earned only one more yellow card this season than Heart and considerably fewer than both Sydney FC and Newcastle and although Burns has been booked in each of his six appearances, Ferguson feels that the 34-year-old is being victimised.
“I watched the free-kick where he got booked and I don’t think he deserved it,” he said.
“There are times when Jacob does something that I’ll be the first one on his back, but I didn’t think that yellow was warranted.
“Then at half-time he’s seen John Aloisi trying to influence the fourth official and Jacob wasn’t happy with that and rightly so.
“If my captain sees that and is trying to protect his players, that’s the way it should be and he (Aloisi) has got to accept that.
“He’s had his say and Jacob’s had his say and then he follows the player down the tunnel and tried to make something of it.
“Whether he’s done that deliberately to try and kick-start something, that’s something in his own head, but for me, that was definitely wrong.
“He should have gone in his own dressing room,” he said.
Ferguson was less supportive of his side regarding their form in front of goal, however, admitting that having scored just twice in the last five games, something will have to give ahead of Friday’s clash with Newcastle Jets.
Glory have already accounted for the Jets at nib Stadium this season, running out 3-2 winners back in week five and Ferguson revealed that along with returning Socceroos Michael Thwaite and Scott Jamieson, he is also optimistic that both Liam Miller and Ryo Nagai will be fit enough to come into his selection considerations.
Source from: http://www.soccernews.com/ferguson-hits-back-at-bully-claims/109030/
Five-star Falcao hails big win
The Colombia international was in incredible form in the Liga clash and managed to notch up his five strikes in as many shots, becoming the only player in the club’s history to score five goals in a game.
The ex-Porto forward has now notched 19 goals in 15 games for the second-placed Primera Division side, who trail leaders Barcelona by six points as the mid-season break approaches.
“It was an unforgettable evening,” Falcao told AS.
“I did not expect many goals mark but our team play must be emphasised.
“It’s nice to be the only player to ever score five goals and I’m very excited to be involved in the club’s history.”
After losing to Real Madrid last weekend in the derby clash at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Falcao believes the thrashing of Deportivo shows his side are a resilient bunch.
“We are growing mentally and on the field the team is strong,” he said.
“The week was not easy, but we knew we had to do what we always do.”
Falcao was quick to dismiss comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the latter of which stole his limelight on Sunday night by surpassing Gerd Muller’s record of goals scored in a calendar year.
“I do not think about being as big as Ronaldo or Messi,” he said.
“My dream is to make and grow.”
Source from: http://www.soccernews.com/five-star-falcao-hails-big-win/109033/
