The Sports Bookie Blog

Heard enough about Ronaldo yet?

February 17th, 2007

More football headlines brought to you by Globet International Sports Betting Limited (Globet).

 

Barcelona willing to sacrifice Ronaldinho for Man Utd’s Ronaldo

This week’s massive bust-up between the Brazilian star and Samuel Eto’o has only confirmed the view of the Barca hierarchy that they cannot both be accommodated in the squad next term because of the clash of wills that could tear apart the club.

And while Real Madrid are also desperate to entice Ronaldo away from Old Trafford, the Catalan giants remain convinced they are in the box seat to get their man. A club source told the Mirror: “The view of president Joan Laporta is that one of them will have to go to make Ronaldo want to come and at the moment that would probably be Ronaldinho.”

Figo: Man Utd’s Ronaldo can be world No1 – at right club

The Inter Milan veteran said of his fellow Portuguese: “He has fantastic qualities and will continue to learn. Sooner or later the title of best player in the world will be his.”

Figo couldn’t resist adding to the speculation over Ronaldo’s future at United, saying: “But yes, such a prize also depends on the club where he is playing and the trophies that he has won with that club. He is ambitious and every year he wants to be better and better – even though he already is in the top bracket.”

Queiroz: Man Utd proved correct over Ruud sale

“Those decisions – one in, one out – are one thing. And of course they can interfere. But in this moment they are a minor part of the overall plan of the club,” Queiroz told BBC Sport.

“The other thing is the core of the group, the structure, the tactical concept, the harmony between the players, the tactical knowledge, making the young players grow up to be more mature, more knowledgeable of the game. Then you add different solutions, buying or selling. But that part of the team is the easiest part. This is what everyone can see.

“Of course, when you lose a player who used to score 30 or 40 goals a season, theoretically it is a concern. But when that decision came up it was important to be sure that the team and structure didn’t suffer with that. And we just keep going because the manager thought we had the right solution. And now it was our belief that some of the problems we had during the [last] season were not related to a, b or c.

“It was part of the main decisions we’ve been doing – giving the opportunity for young players to play, giving the opportunity for them to learn the game and gain experience, to mature.”

Chelsea make contact as Garay confirms Man Utd interest

The 20 year-old Argie has impressed United’s chief scout Martin Ferguson and says: “It’s a joy that such a great team as Manchester (United) is paying attention to me, but at the moment there is nothing official. I had not had a chance to speak with my agent about this news. The club hasn’t said anything either, so there’s no point getting overexcited.”

Meanwhile, it’s emerged today that United will face competition for the £15 million-rated defender with Chelsea and Barcelona also having made formal enquiries with Racing about Garay’s availability this month.

Celtic chairman warns Premiership clubs off “dream manager” Strachan

The former Coventry and Southampton manager was interviewed by Liverpool before Rafael Benitez was appointed to take over at Anfield three years ago and the fact that he is on course to secure a second Scottish championship in succession is certain to have raised his standing south of the border.

“Interest in your players and managers is perhaps inevitable when you are successful,” Quinn said. “But Gordon is absolutely vital to what we are doing here. He has been exceptional for us, a dream football manager. He is a keen student of the game, has great man-management skills and enjoys a good relationship with the board. He doesn’t like what the board do all the time – no manager does – but he gets on with his work without complaining. He is perfectly happy at Celtic, absorbed if not obsessed by the club, and sees the opportunity to take us further. Gordon’s idea of a good night is watching two football videos rather than one.”

Entry Filed under: English Football,European Football