Mourinho Return Would be Positive for Chelsea

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has revealed his desire to work with Jose Mourinho and has suggested that if the Portugese boss were to return to Stamford Bridge in the summer it would be a positive thing for the club.

Mourinho left Chelsea in 2007 having won five major trophies in the three full seasons that he was in charge but ever since he moved on to Inter Milan there have been rumours that he is desperate to return to the Blues.

As far as Ivanovic is concerned, Mourinho is just the kind of manager that Chelsea need to succeed Rafael Benitez in the summer; “I think, for a top club, for a big club like Chelsea, we need the best from the players and from the manager and maybe one day it will be a pleasure to work with him (Mourinho),” Ivanovic said. “We’ll see. You never know and it’s not time for us to speak,” he added.

Chelsea currently sit in third place in the Premier League, with a game in hand over their nearest rivals Tottenham Hotspur, but this season has been another of upheaval for Ivanovic’s team and after the deeply unpopular replacement of Roberto Di Matteo with Rafael Benitez he is craving a more settled atmosphere.

“He (Mourinho) was a success and for him personally he’s said that Chelsea is his home and that he loved the club. This is something positive and with that atmosphere you can have good, positive things for the club,” Ivanovic said to the Premier League betting news.

Jose Mourinho looks set to leave Real Madrid in the summer and it would certainly come as no surprise to see him return to Chelsea. As for the Blues, they still have the FA Cup (as well as Champions League qualification) to play for, but if Ivanovic and his team mates have already switched their attention to next term then this campaign could end in disappointment for fans who bet on Premier League.

Clichy still Fancies Title Chances

Manchester City defender, Gael Clichy, insists his side can retain their Premier League title, despite currently trailing their local rivals, Manchester United, by 12 points.

After winning the league for the first time in over 40 years last term, the Citizens have struggled to repeat their form this time around, leading to speculation that boss, Roberto Mancini, could be sacked in the summer.

The champions found themselves in a similar situation this time last year though, only to close the gap on their rivals and eventually win the title on goal difference.

With 10 games left before the end of the campaign, hopes remain high in the camp, especially with them still to visit Old Trafford next month, where they will be looking to repeat last season’s famous 6-1 victory over the Red Devils.

However, Clichy knows he and his teammates cannot get too far ahead of themselves and must take it one game at a time, starting with what promises to be an extremely tricky trip to Everton on Saturday.

Despite the deficit, the Frenchman remains optimistic though and he has warned United that his side will be ready to pounce on any possible slip-ups.

“If you look at the scenario, it is actually not that much different from last season – eight points behind with six games to go last year, 12 behind with 10 to play this time around,” Clichy told the Premier League betting news.

“If United don’t make mistakes, they will win the title, but everyone is saying United have to lose four games. One bad result can become two and then the doubts creep in. You ask yourself ‘Is it going to be the same as last season?’”

Fancy City’s chances? Put your money where your mouth is with a bet on Premier League on Bet365.

Reina’s father hints at Barca return

The father of Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina believes his son would relish the opportunity to return to his boyhood club Barcelona.

Speculation surrounding the 30-year-old’s future has been rife in the last few months and after previously being linked with Premier League rivals Arsenal, it’s now been rumoured that he would prefer a move back to his homeland, with punters who bet on football backing the move.

The stopper grew up at Barcelona’s world famous La Masia academy, forcing his way into the first team as a teenager, before having a highly successful spell at Villarreal which preceded his switch to Anfield in 2005.

Football runs in Reina’s family and his father Miguel also played for the Blaugrana, as well as representing Spain.

The number one spot at the Nou Camp is set to become available in the near feature, following current incumbent Victor Valdes’ admission that he wouldn’t be signing a new deal once his contract expires in 2014.

This has prompted speculation on premier league betting news sites that he could be sold in the summer and after almost seven seasons in the Premier League, Reina Snr believes his son would love the opportunity to return to where his career started.”

“I am absolutely convinced that Pepe would be more than delighted to return to his Barcelona, where they made him into an upstanding man from the time he arrived at the age of 12 until he left,” he told Spanish radio station La Xerxa. “I say it publicly: I would be delighted to see Pepe back at Barca, of course I would.

“Pepe has shown sufficient proof of the calibre of goalkeeper he is and right now – and sorry for the lack of modesty – he would be up to the task and the ideal keeper for FC Barcelona.”

Friedel ready to fight for starting spot

Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel says he has no intention of relinquishing his position to new signing Hugo Lloris and is looking forward to fighting for his place.

The 41-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s top stoppers for over a decade now and the veteran is showing no signs of slowing down as he continues to marshal the Spurs’ defence.

However, his age has understandably caused concern at White Hart Lane, as the club know he cannot go on forever, prompting them to bring in France captain Hugo Lloris from Lyon on the final day of the transfer window.

Although the highly-rated Frenchman joined for £12 million and most Premier league predictions tipped him to be first choice, boss Andre Villas-Boas has already told him he will need to fight for his place and backed Friedel as his number one.

This has understandably troubled the younger goalkeeper, who after being ranked as one of Europe’s top stoppers for a number of years, had understandably expected to walk straight in the side.

Friedel admits that although he respects his new rival, he has no intention of giving up his place in the starting line-up.

However, he insists he fully intends to help the former Nice man continue his development and doesn’t want his ambition to get in the way of his personal relationship with the25-year-old.

“It’s great to have competition,” he told Sky Sports Goals on Sunday. “I’m 41 right now; when I signed the contract at Tottenham I signed as a stop gap while they looked for a long-term No 1 goalkeeper.

“Hugo Lloris is France’s No 1 and he’s going to want to come in and play; it’s a friendly competition, if you like. You have to understand Hugo Lloris is going to be a team-mate, not an enemy.”

Spurs are among the contenders for a top four place according to the latest sport betting, and look well set to compete at the top of the table after putting their shaky start behind them.

Santos Admits to Tough Decisions

Greece coach, Fernando Santos, has admitted that one of his toughest decisions when choosing his provisional 25-man squad for next month’s European Championships was which three goalkeepers to pick.

The 57-year-old former FC Porto and Benfica coach, who has been in charge of the Greece team since 2010, has opted to include Michalis Sifakis, Kostas Chalkias, and Alexandros Tzorvas.

However, he said: “There were five or six players in with a good chance of making the cut. In the end, I chose the goalkeepers who have had more time with the national squad, who played more matches in qualifying.”

Panathinaikos goalkeeper, Orestis Karnezis, was one shot-stopper to miss out on a place in the squad, with Santos explaining: “He played with us once, in the last friendly, but I believe he is not yet ready, he lacks the experience for such a competition.”

Santos has also opted to include the veteran striker, Nikos Liberopoulos, in his squad.

The 36-year-old, who currently plies his trade with AEK Athens, only featured twice in qualifying but has enjoyed a fine domestic season. He has been chosen instead of PAOK striker, Stefanos Athanasiadis.

Santos will take his players to Austria on 22nd May for a pre-tournament training camp.  Greece will play two friendlies while they are there – against Slovenia, on 26th May, and Armenia, five days later.

When the action gets underway in Poland and Ukraine, Greece will face the joint hosts Poland, the Czech Republic, and Russia in Group A. Gamble on Greece’s group with Euro 2012 Group A Betting.

Alternatively, if your football loyalties lie with Germany, Holland, Portugal, or Denmark, check out the Euro 2012 Group B Betting on Betfair.

Al-Habsi holds Wigan belief

Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi says last weekend’s superb victory at Liverpool can inspire the club in their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Latics pulled off a shock 2-1 victory over the Merseysiders at Anfield last Saturday to move off the bottom of the table with the run-in to the season looming.

Roberto Mancini’s side are now level with QPR on 25 points, one behind Bolton but three ahead of Wolves as the battle to avoid the drop intensifies. Those who bet on football will know how close things are.

Wigan have been perennial strugglers in the top flight in the past few seasons, surviving on the last day 12 months ago, and it may well go down to the final weekend of this season before their Premier League status is once again confirmed. Even fans of League One betting will be following things.

Al-Habsi says the win at Liverpool can act as a catalyst for them to secure enough victories to avoid the drop in the eight games that remain despite Martinez’s side facing a tough set of games in the coming weeks. Following this weekend’s clash against Stoke, they take on Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal but Al-Habsi says confidence is now high at the club.

“Of course we can do it,” he told the Evening Post. “We have another eight cup finals to go and the performance at Liverpool will hopefully give us the push we need.

“The fans were amazing on Saturday and we’ll need them again this weekend against Stoke.

“One big push is all we need to stay in this division – we did it last year and I’m sure we can do it again.”

Bolton keeper eye safety

In-form Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Adam Bogdan believes his side will avoid the drop despite the disappointment of tumbling out of the FA Cup on Tuesday.
Bolton boosted their survival hopes with a crucial 2-1 victory over fellow strugglers Blackburn Rovers last weekend but backed that up with a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in their rearranged FA Cup quarter-final tie.

Bogdan was a one-man last line of defence at times – keeping Spurs at bay until late on with a string of high-class saves. The man-of-the-match award was no consolation after their cup exit and fans of Bet Victor will know this.

“I feel very disappointed at being out of the cup. But this is the situation we are in now and we have to focus on the Premier League,” said the Hungarian stopper.
“If we show this fighting spirit for the last few games, then we can make it.”

Bogdan was pleased with his own performance but was keen to downplay the importance, especially since the evening ended in defeat.

“The pressure kept coming and in the end we couldn’t keep them out. Was it my best game for Bolton? Maybe people who keep the records can say,” added Bogdan.
“It was nice the Spurs players congratulated me but they had gone through so it made it easier for them.”

Bolton’s attentions now turn to a crucial six-pointer at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday and people looking at the www.betvictor.com odds will know the importance of this game.

Bolton have improved of late in the Premier League – winning back-to-back games to pull away from the drop zone. Owen Coyle’s side sit one place and one point above the bottom three with a game in hand on their rivals.

They take on a Wolves side with just one win in 16 games and in dreadful form at Molineux.

Bolton and Bogdan have a perfect opportunity to put the cup disappointment behind them.

Cech praises perfect performance

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has hailed his side after they battled hard to a 1-0 victory over Benfica in their Champions League quarter-final encounter on Tuesday night.

The last British club left in the prestigious European competition will take a slender advantage back to Stamford Bridge, thanks to a second-half goal from Salomon Kalou at the Estadio da Luz.

Chelsea’s win in Portugal was the first time in 22 games that Benfica have failed to score on home soil and it took a fine team effort from the west London outfit to secure the victory in midweek. People placing a Champions League bet should bear this in mind.

The Blues have failed to impress in the Premier League this season, as they found themselves well out of the title race in the relatively early stages of the campaign. Fans of Champions League promotions need to bear this in mind.

However Chelsea have looked strong in Europe and under interim manager Roberto Di Matteo, the club have taken a big step towards the Champions League semi-finals thanks to that vital away goal.

Cech was delighted his side kept a clean sheet at the Estadio da Luzand believes his side produced a faultless performance in Portugal.

He told Sky Sports News: “We can say it was a perfect game for us in terms of the result,” he told Sky Sports News.

“We kept a clean sheet and we were patient throughout the game, waiting for our chances to come and in the end we scored on a very good counter-attack.

“Overall, we can be really satisfied because in terms of the game plan we did really well. We didn’t let them play first half and second half we waited patiently for our chance and it came.”

Hart out for revenge

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart says his side will be looking for revenge when they face Chelsea on Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium.

The two teams met earlier in the season, with the Stamford Bridge club handing the Citizens their first defeat of the season in an extremely controversial match and it looks like it could be another exciting match when the two sides meet again.

Roberto Mancini’s men currently sit four points behind city rivals Manchester United in the Premier League table but a win in Wednesday’s crucial match will close the gap to just a single point with just nine games remaining.

Following the dismissal of former boss Andre Vilas- Boas, Chelsea have experienced somewhat of a resurgence, winning in the Champions League victory against Napoli, as well as progressing to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with Sunday’s victory against Leicester.

Hart is expecting a tough match at the Etihad but says he and his teammates owe Chelsea after so many decisions went against them in the match before Christmas.

“One result can literally change everything. It’s madness but it’s great. Being four points behind won’t have any bearing on how we play” Hart told The Sun. “We owe them one. They were the first team to beat us in the league this season”.

After a disappointing run of results, the Citizens lack of experience of winning title has been questioned, with some pundits believing that they’re not ready to win the league. However, the England goalkeeper doubts this and says that they have all the ingredients of a title winning side.

“We have all the ingredients. All we’re short of is the medal round our necks” he added.

Written by Jeff, a fan of http://www.youwin.com/en.

Reina eyes ‘massive game’

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has described their FA Cup quarter-final clash with Stoke City as the club’s most important game of the season.

The Anfield club have already ended their six-year trophy drought with a dramatic Carling Cup shoot-out victory over Cardiff City at Wembley and completed the double over Merseyside rivals Everton earlier this week.

Despite those successes, Reina believes Sunday’s clash against Stoke at Anfield is bigger than anything that has gone before it. www.betvictor.com

“Sunday’s game is perhaps the most important game of the season for us. It will be a cup final for us,” said Reina.

“It is another opportunity for us to get back to Wembley, and that means a lot for us and for the club. To take one step closer to a trophy is an opportunity for us.”

Liverpool, without European football this season, have excelled in the domestic cup competitions but have again flattered to deceive in the Premier League.

Steven Gerrard spared the Reds the ignominy of falling behind neighbours Everton in the table with a magical hat-trick on Tuesday. However, performances like that have proven hard to come by at Anfield this season and Liverpool find themselves ten points off a Champions League spot with ten games to play.

The Liverpool stopper is hoping the 3-0 victory over Everton can spark a late-season charge, starting with the last-eight tie against Stoke. Reina is confident of booking a semi-final spot. Fans of football betting should bear this in mind.

“We have to play our best, and playing at Anfield is something we can take confidence from,” added Reina.

Liverpool’s Carling Cup final appearance was their first trip to Wembley since 1996. The Reds could travel to the home of English football three times in as many months before the end of the season. First, though, they need to get past a resolute Stoke outfit.

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