Ferguson: No stupid errors in Europe

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has told his side to avoid the "stupid errors" that marred last season's UEFA Champions League campaign, following Thursday's draw for the group stage.

United have been drawn alongside Braga, Galatasaray and CFR Cluj in Group H, in what appears to be one of the more straight-forward groups in this season's draw.
However, United failed to emerge from a group last term that featured Benfica, Basel and Romanian debutants Otelul Galati.

It's always a difficult type of match.

 

SAF on playing Galatasaray 

 

Ferguson, whose squad has been bolstered by the arrival of former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, is particularly concerned by the prospect of playing in the hostile environment they can expect in Istanbul against Galatasaray.

"We have the experience of playing against Galatasaray in the past and we will always remember the 'Welcome to Hell' banners," Ferguson told ManUtd.com. "So it's always a difficult type of match.
"We have drawn Portuguese clubs a number of times over the past few years - the likes of Benfica, Sporting Lisbon and Porto - so we have the experience of playing in Portugal on many occasions. Braga are one of the improving teams in that country.

"Obviously, we've never played Cluj before but, after the experience of last year, we don't want to make any stupid errors this time. We will play our strongest team to make sure we get through."

Valcke: The preparations are right on track

Thursday’s executive meeting of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ Organising Committee (LOC) in Rio de Janeiro was followed by a press conference attended by LOC President Jose Maria Marin, LOC Management Board members Bebeto and Ronaldo, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke, and the Executive Secretary of the Brazilian Ministry of Sport Luis Fernandes. FIFA.com rounds up their views on the meeting. 

LOC President Jose Maria Marin:
We’ve just had a very productive meeting in which the preparations for the FIFA Confederations Cup and the FIFA World Cup were discussed. I would like to draw everyone’s attention to the perfect harmony and integration that exists between the LOC members, Bebeto and Ronaldo, FIFA and the federal government. We are working towards the same objective, which is to show the world that Brazil has the skills and the ability to stage a great FIFA World. Of all the various topics that came up for discussion at the meeting, what gave me the greatest happiness was the large number of volunteers who want to help out at these major events. I can only put that enthusiasm down to the example set by Bebeto and Ronaldo. They are famous names, but more than anything else they are loved and respected both here and around the world. 

On Recife at the FIFA Confederations Cup
We are giving close support to Eduardo Campos, the governor of Pernambuco state, and are in constant contact with him. Worker numbers have increased and I have no doubt that the stadium will be ready in time. 

FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke:
We spoke a lot at the meeting about the stadiums and the investments the government is making in telecommunications, infrastructures in the 12 Host Cities and tourism. It is worth remembering that tourism is one of the main legacies of the FIFA World Cup. There is a process of exchange between all the parties involved. We are not just working together in analysing the situation and the progress being made, but also with the purpose of finding solutions. We were very impressed on our visit to Cuiaba, for example. We could see at the meeting that there is not a single stadium that’s code red (critically behind schedule) for 2014, not one in a critical situation. That could change at any time but at this stage of the preparations there are no stadiums that are code red. We still have to check Recife, which will be done in October, with a final decision being announced in the first week of November. We’ve reached a level of cooperation that all the parties were looking for. 

On the level of satisfaction with the construction work
We're on the right track. That’s the message from the meeting. There are challenges and that’s normal with any host nation 22 months before the event. We now have to work with all the Host Cities to guarantee people can get around. That’s the most important part of our work with the LOC, through their Operations Director Ricardo Trade and the Management Board members Bebeto and Ronaldo. That’s why we’re visiting the 12 Host Cities and why we can say that they’re all committed to working and using the FIFA World Cup not just to organise the event at the stadiums but to change cities and create new urban mobility programmes and new accommodation plans. The 12 Host Cities are working very hard and very well.

On the schedule of visits for the rest of the year
We’ll be visiting Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro in October, and we’ve got an executive meeting on the 18th. The next time we’ll meet up after that will be on 28 November.

On urban mobility
There are a lot of projects forming part of the urban mobility legacy, and the FIFA World Cup is only the start. When I talk about challenges I’m referring to operational ones as opposed to general issues. That’s why we have working groups bringing together representatives from the LOC, FIFA and the federal government to discuss aspects such as accommodation and airports. There’s not one project that’s been left behind or forgotten. All are being handled in different ways but at the same pace. 

On Recife
FIFA has no problem in relation to Recife. All that needs to be done is for the deadlines to be met so that we know that all the requirements will be fulfilled and that we can start selling tickets for the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Executive Secretary of the Brazilian Ministry of Sport Luis Fernandes:
It was a long but very productive meeting. What stood out for me was that we’ve achieved further developments that take the cooperation between FIFA, the LOC and the federal government to a new level. There are two dimensions to that. The first concerns the monitoring and evaluation of the construction work and infrastructure projects, with a joint assessment being made of the progress of the work and joint decisions taken on the actions needed to guarantee handover in time for the events. The second dimension is that we are now moving from the infrastructure planning and execution phase to a phase in which operational plans are drawn up, which involves a considerable degree of integration. 

On urban mobility
The fundamental point is that we are looking on the FIFA Confederations Cup and the FIFA World Cup as opportunities to bring about the sustainable development of Brazil. A lot is said about the stadiums, but the FIFA World Cup gave us the chance to put together essential projects for the event itself as well as other projects generated by it, and these investments have generated very positive results. All key structures will be in place in time for the World Cup. All the projects that form part of our network of responsibilities are subject to regular inspections, and the next one is scheduled for October.

Bebeto:
This was my third meeting and I’ve learned an awful lot from it. When I was playing football my concern was to win the game. That was what I focused on. But as a member of the LOC I can see just how big and difficult a job it is to organise this event, which is why we rely on the support of volunteers. We launched the Programme last Wednesday in my home city of Salvador, and we’ve been very pleased with the response from the people of Brazil. We’ve had applications from all over the country and we’ve already reached our target of 90,000. Today we’ve gone up to 95,000. We are very grateful and we are going to keep on working hard to ensure that the FIFA World Cup leaves a very big legacy for Brazil.

Ronaldo:
We made important visits to Cuiaba and Manaus, and we are still very optimistic about the preparations at both venues. We are also delighted with the participation of the people of Brazil in the Volunteer Programme, which is very important to the success of the FIFA World Cup. You can’t stage a major sporting event without the participation of volunteers.

Málaga bank on Saviola experience

Javier Saviola brings UEFA Champions League experience to Málaga

UEFA Champions League debutants Málaga CF can count on the services of forward Javier Saviola after the former Argentinian international reached an agreement to rescind his contract with SL Benfica.

It has been a summer of high-profile departures from La Rosaleda – including Santi Cazorla, José Rondón and the retired Ruud van Nistelrooy – leaving coach Manuel Pellegrini keen to reinforce his squad. The club have thus endeavoured to strengthen their attack by signing Saviola on a one-year deal.

The 30-year-old scored 24 goals in 69 top-flight appearances in his three seasons with Benfica after joining from Real Madrid CF, where he failed to nail down a starting place during a two-year stint. Formed at CA River Plate, Saviola was first brought to Europe by FC Barcelona and amassed 49 goals in 123 Liga outings during two spells at Camp Nou, between which he played on loan at AS Monaco and Sevilla FC.
a
A scorer of 11 goals in 40 internationals for Argentina, Saviola will look to help Málaga through UEFA Champions League Group C following Thursday's draw in Monaco, with the Boquerones due to meet AC Milan, RSC Anderlecht and their matchday one opponents on 18 September, FC Zenit St Petersburg.

Suarez spares Reina's blushes

Suarez: Scored crucial late goal

Brendan Rodgers' side dominated the second leg of their qualifying round play-off at Anfield but were punished for not adding to their 1-0 aggregate lead when Reina let a David Templeton shot squeeze through late on.

With extra time looming, Liverpool rallied and Suarez made amends for missing two earlier gilt-edged chances with a fine finish in the 88th minute.
It was a victory the Reds thoroughly deserved, played out against the backdrop of Friday's impending transfer deadline.

With £35million club record signing Andy Carroll conspicuous by his absence - as it transpired, finalising a loan move to West Ham - Rodgers handed a first start to 18-year-old striker Adam Morgan.

With 17-year-old Raheem Sterling having featured in the two previous games, Rodgers has not been afraid to give youth a chance but there was still an experienced look to his side.
Captain Steven Gerrard and star forward Suarez, both rested for the first leg at Tynecastle, were included along with the likes of Reina, Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel.
With Rodgers having expressed a liking for "multi-functional" players, England winger Stewart Downing was fielded at left-back while Jordan Henderson, whose future has been the subject of speculation, was given a chance.

Hearts fielded the same side that started the first leg last week with captain Marius Zaliukas overcoming a thigh injury.
The Scottish side played some neat football and were not intimidated by Liverpool's reputation.
But aside from a dipping early shot wide from Callum Paterson, they lacked penetration and the hosts dominated.

Suarez tricked his way into the box but his shot was blocked for a corner.
Downing crossed for Morgan, who let the ball run for Gerrard but could not control the skipper's return inside.
Morgan's enthusiasm saw him catch Templeton with a late tackle but he escaped unpunished and grew in confidence playing in front of a fired up Gerrard.
Morgan headed back another deep cross from Downing and Suarez reached it to get a header on target but Zaliukas hacked off the line with Jamie MacDonald beaten.
Hearts appealed for a penalty when Paterson went down with Carragher in close proximity, but contact was ruled minimal.

Morgan tested MacDonald with a long-range shot as Liverpool came forward again but the goalkeeper managed to clutch the ball at the second attempt as Gerrard hunted the rebound.
Gerrard then weaved his way into the Hearts area to get in a shot but MacDonald blocked his shot - and the Scots breathed another sigh of relief when Morgan side-footed home in the 34th minute, only to have the effort ruled out as the ball had gone out before Suarez crossed.
Liverpool maintained the pressure in the second half with Jonjo Shelvey finding space to shoot wide from 25 yards.

The hosts seemed certain to take the lead in the 65th minute when Suarez, who had been goaded by the Hearts fans, timed a run perfectly to race through on MacDonald's goal.
As Manchester City's Carlos Tevez had done at the same end on Sunday, Suarez looked poised to take it round the goalkeeper and score but his touch was heavy and the chance was wasted.
Suarez's finishing ability was again brought into question just moments later, when after doing the hard part to beat Zaliukas, he blasted wide.

Sterling replaced Morgan to a huge ovation and immediately looked lively as he chased a first senior goal - denied only by a vital block by Daniel Grainger after one good run.
MacDonald tipped over a header from Skrtel but the Slovakian was ruled offside anyway.
Despite Liverpool's dominance Hearts were still only a goal away from taking the tie to extra-time.
Joe Allen escaped after Dale Carrick went down under his challenge outside the area but Sterling was punished for a push on Templeton 25 yards out.

Grainger lined up a shot but his effort was deflected for a corner off the wall.
That was a warning for the Reds and Hearts made them pay for their earlier profligacy six minutes from time.

Templeton seized on a clearance and took a couple of touches before firing at Reina.
It was well struck but the keeper should still have dealt with it, only it squirmed through his grasp.
Liverpool were forced to rouse themselves for one last push and Suarez made no mistake as he burst down the left and fired low across goal from a tight angle.

AVB gives up on Moutinho

Andre Villas-Boas appears to have given up his pursuit of Joao Moutinho, claiming it will be "impossible" for Tottenham to sign the Porto playmaker.
Spurs are renowned for their last-minute forays into the transfer market. Last season they snapped up Scott Parker on deadline day and the year before they made a sensational swoop for Rafael van der Vaart.

Moutinho was expected to be the focus of their attention on deadline day tomorrow, but Tottenham appear unlikely to sign the 25-year-old due to a 40million euro (£31.7million) release clause in his contract.

"It's an impossible deal for the club," Villas-Boas told a press conference.
"You have to bear in mind that this is a player with a 40million euro release clause.
"This volume of money is out of Tottenham's possibility.
"Bearing in mind that this is a key player for club and country, you wouldn't say that you would get him at half the price and half the price is already bigger than Tottenham's record fee."
The Portuguese, who has added Jan Vertonghen, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Mousa Dembele and Emmanuel Adebayor this summer, also appears pessimistic about his chances of signing Brazil forward Willian from Shakhtar Donetsk for the same reason.

"We had initial contact with Shakhtar, (who) again (are) a club in a position with wealthy owners, (and are) not easy to deal with," Villas-Boas added.
"We can't say that it's over but we have approached the club and at the moment it's a deal that doesn't seem to be happening."
A last-minute bid for both players tomorrow cannot be ruled out given Daniel Levy's history of 11th-hour deals, but it is unclear whether Porto or Shakhtar will be willing to drop their asking price for the respective players.

What did become clear on Thursday is that Jermain Defoe is certain to stay at White Hart Lane.
Defoe has been linked with a number of clubs after Spurs chased a host of international strikers, but Villas-Boas has persuaded the 29-year-old that he is an integral part of his plans this term.
The former West Ham man, currently in his second spell at the north London club, has signed a new three-year deal.

Of the players who could leave Spurs tomorrow, Van der Vaart is the most high-profile.
Hamburg have bid around £8million for Van der Vaart but Villas-Boas has told the German club they must up their bid significantly if they are to re-sign a player they sold to Real Madrid in 2008.
"We have had interest from Hamburg, but an offer of that dimension is not something the player deserves," Villas-Boas said.

"Tottenham should be respected as a club. (The transfer) doesn't seem to be happening."
Villas-Boas confirmed his interest in signing Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, with whom the Londoners have been in contact regularly for the last week or so.
"We are very comfortable with our goalkeepers, (but) we can take into account that there is a future that we have to prepare for," said the Spurs boss, whose current first choice, Brad Friedel, is 41.
"In that sense we have studied possibilities in that position as well and throughout the goalkeepers available, Hugo is one of the best."

Villas-Boas' plans for the season were dealt a major blow on Thursday when Younes Kaboul was ruled out for between three and four months after undergoing knee surgery.
The France defender excelled for the Londoners last term and was seen as Villas-Boas' first-choice centre-back - a stance which seemingly left Michael Dawson with no future at Spurs.
The club captain held talks with QPR but decided against moving to the west London outfit, but they may rekindle their interest tomorrow.
Kaboul's injury may mean the England centre-back remains at White Hart Lane even though Villas-Boas confirmed that he already knew Kaboul could be sidelined for some time when he told Dawson he was free to talk to QPR.

When asked whether he would consider a bid for Dawson, Villas-Boas replied: "I don't think so.
"We have known about this possibility (that Kaboul would be ruled out) for quite some time. It was even in the discussions I had with Michael.
"At the moment that leaves us with four (fit) central defenders, so we are happy with the situation as it stands.
"It is a massive blow to lose Younes."

Celtic boss Lennon aims high

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has challenged his side to mark their return to the UEFA Champions League by winning their group after they were drawn Thursday alongside European giants Barcelona.
Lennon accepts the Spanish side are favourites to top a Group G also featuring Benfica and Spartak Moscow and indeed win the tournament.

But he is keen to make sure the Scottish champions are not over-awed by the prospect of mixing with European football's elite for the first time since 2008/09, a place they secured with a 2-0 home win over Swedish club Helsinborg on Wednesday that led to a 4-0 aggregate victory.
Asked at Celtic's training ground if his main aim was to finish third in the group and at least ensure Europa League football after Christmas, former Hoops captain Lennon said: "No. Win it. It is maybe unrealistic but why do you want to finish third? I think Barcelona are favourites or joint favourites [to win the tournament].

We have to improve our away record in the Champions League if we can to give ourselves any chance of getting through the group.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon "How do you play against them? Well you can watch them as much as you like but they currently have some of the best individuals of all time," he said. "I think Benfica will be strong, I think Moscow will be strong, they have got financial clout behind them but anything can happen in the group stages, particularly if we can start the group well and maximise the home advantage.

 

"It [Europa League] would be worst case scenario, but if you finish first or second you get into the last 16. Let's not get carried away, let's see what fixtures are coming up.
"We have to improve our away record in the Champions League if we can to give ourselves any chance of getting through the group, maximise the home games but looking at the three teams it is going to be a difficult thing to do.

"It is where we want to be. It is what we worked so hard for," he said. "We are in it, it is fantastic to be here and we are going to make the most of it and enjoy it."

Monaco award to Stefano Borgonovo Foundation

Michel Platini (left), Chantal Borgonovo and Fabio Cannavaro at the award presentation in Monaco

The UEFA Monaco Charity Award has been presented to the Stefano Borgonovo Foundation in support of research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The €1m cheque was handed over to Stefano Borgonovo's wife Chantal and Italian football great Fabio Cannavaro by UEFA President Michel Platini at tonight's official gala dinner following the UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Monaco.

"This year's Monaco Charity Award reflects UEFA's commitment to improving health across Europe. Those of us who are able to play football may take the ability to move for granted. By donating the funds to the Stefano Borgonovo Foundation we hope to make a positive contribution to ALS treatment research and also provide support to ALS patients and their families," said the UEFA President.

Stefano Borgonovo, the former AC Milan and ACF Fiorentina striker of the late 1980s and early 1990s, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at the age of 42. It is a severe neurological condition that causes the progressive loss of all muscle function. The Stefano Borgonovo Foundation was set up by the former Italian international, his wife Chantal and eldest daughter Alessandra on 13 December 2008 with the goal of helping the 350,000 ALS sufferers worldwide.

"The foundation is honoured to receive the UEFA Monaco Charity Award, which is the biggest single donation we've ever been given," said Chantal Borgonovo. "With the backing of UEFA we will drive forward our campaign in Italy through much-needed investment into research into stem-cell transplantation therapy for neurological disorders."

The €1m will be spent on pioneering stem-cell research led by Professor Angelo Vescovi, one of the discoverers of brain stem cells. The clinical trial of stem-cell transplantation started when a 31-year-old patient with ALS received injections of stem cells into his spinal cord in June this year in the hope they will slow down the progression of the disease.

The foundation currently provides services to help families of ALS sufferers and will launch Hospital At Home, a pilot programme for the care of patients in their homes. It aims to develop a fully equipped service to assist ALS sufferers at all stages of the disease through a mobile laboratory with all the necessary diagnostic equipment and software.

Last year's UEFA Monaco Charity Award went to streetfootballworld, a leading organisation in the field of development through football. The NGO invested the funds into the implementation of the Respect Your Health – Euroschools 2012 project, as part of the UEFA EURO 2012 Respect campaign, the official social-responsibility initiative for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.
The campaign promoted healthy lifestyles by focusing on smoking prevention, responsible alcohol consumption, healthy diet and physical activity among young people and their families in the UEFA EURO 2012 host cities.