Lampard Absence a Blessing in Disguise?

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If you’ve taken even a brief glimpse in the tabloids this week, you’ll have seen the slightly unpleasant sight of Chelsea’s Frank Lampard frolicking on the beach and in the swimming pool on the Italian Riviera with breakfast TV reject, and current fiancé, Christine Bleakley.

Looking at photos of the couple in the dazzling Italian sun, compared to the sort of freak weather experienced in the Euros, last Friday, where an electric storm provided more entertainment than the France v Ukraine game, you could perhaps be forgiven for thinking Lampard got off lightly, this summer, when he picked up a pre-tournament injury.

Okay, so, in reality, there is little doubting the fact that Lampard would have savoured every moment of the Euros, especially since the Chelsea midfielder was reportedly keen to banish memories of his goal that wasn’t at the 2010 World Cup. However, was Lampard’s injury actually a good thing for England? Read more “Lampard Absence a Blessing in Disguise?”

MARTINEZ BACKS PLAYERS

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Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has said that he is not looking at any speculation surrounding him and his players. Wigan are currently fighting to stay in the Premier league this season. Roberto Martinez, though, he has done quite impressive job at the club considering that he has extremely limited funds at his disposal. Even though it looked like Wigan were down and out only a few months ago, they have put up a fighting comeback in the Premier league. Wins against Liverpool and Manchester United have elevated them from the bottom of the table to the 17th position in the table.

They will be facing yet another challenge in the form of Newcastle United during the weekend. Ahead of this match, Roberto Martinez has been linked with a move to Greek club Olympiacos in the summer. Further, there has been a lot of speculation surrounding players like Victor Moses, and Hugo Rodallega. Martinez, though, refuses to be carried in a with the speculation by saying that he is not interested in such stories coming out of the media, and is fully concentrating on the job of keeping Wigan Athletic in the Premier league. Following the wins against Manchester United and Liverpool, Wigan opened a five point advantage down near the bottom of the table. However, wins for Bolton and QPR have reduced the advantage to just one point.

“I have got no time to think about that. Those stories are there – so be it – but I don’t think we have to talk about them. With all these stories – as I always said with players – if you get attention from other clubs it must be because we are doing something right. We should all be pleased, but we will never lose concentration on the job in hand,” Martinez said.

AC FEAR NO-ONE

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AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said that his teammates should not be fearful of Barcelona because they have already shown earlier in the season that they are capable of achieving a result against the Spanish club. AC Milan were drawn against Barcelona in the same group. As a result, they have already played them home and away this season. It has been an up-and-down learning curve for AC Milan, as they managed a credible draw against the Catalans at the Camp Nou, while they suffered a narrow defeat at the San Siro. A home defeat would be the last thing on the minds of the AC Milan players, as it would hand Barcelona a major advantage in the tie.

Barcelona also have the advantage of having the second leg at the Camp Nou, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic has urged the AC Milan players not to be fearful of the Catalan club. Barcelona have by far been the best club in the world over the last few years. They have already won the Champions League two times in the last three seasons, and are favourites to win this time around as well. Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently scored his 29th goal of the season and is expected to be the main threat for AC Milan.

“It’s difficult for us to play a match in the style of Mourinho’s Inter, they were a more physical side. We will face Barcelona with courage, motivation and serenity. We have to try and make as few mistakes as possible and play with an attacking mentality,” said AC Milan manager Allegri responding to queries that is AC Milan would adopt a similar strategy to that of Inter Milan a few seasons ago. Inter Milan adopted a very negative strategy and successfully went into the final beating Barcelona.