Snak

No Napoli offer for Leandro Damião, says Internacional president

Internacional´s president Giovanni Luigi has denied claims that Napoli made an offer for Leandro Damião, amid rumors he might join Zenit.

The striker has been linked to a number of European clubs in recent years, but so far none have match Internacional´s asking price.

Giovanni Luigi talked with Rádio Gaúcha about Leandro Damião, he said: "Leandro Damião is focused. There has been no contact in the last days. They talked about Napoli, but nothing official has come."

Internacional have already sold promising midfielder Fred and defender Rodrigo Moledo to Ukrainian football, and are not eager to sell yet another key player.

Zenit are, however, believes to still be interested and are expected to make an offer soon. Internacional demand 25 million Euros to sell the striker.

Napoli, Liverpool target Martinez

The race to sign Jackson Martinez is hotting up with Napoli revealing their interest in the highly sought-after striker.

Liverpool are said to be interested in the Porto man with Brendan Rogers seeing him as an ideal replacement for Arsenal and Real Madrid target Luis Suarez but they now face stiff competition from the Italian side.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed on Twitter that Martinez was a player the club would welcome but insisted the decision will ultimately be up to manager Rafa Benitez.

"With regards to another forward, we have to analyse the strength and the quality of the players that we have with boss Rafael Benitez," De Laurentiis wrote.

"The addition could be Martinez or it could be a lot of other players. Benitez will make the decision."

The 26-year-old Colombian international was one of Europe´s most prolific scorers last season, finding the back of the net 33 times in 43 games in all competitions.

Dely Valdes: Panama has to be perfect…again

ARLINGTON, Texas – Though its June results may have been somewhat uneven, Panama is enjoying a memorable July.

The Panamanians slipped during World Cup Qualifying last month, losing two straight games after a scoreless draw with Mexico in the CONCACAF hexagonal and falling from the group lead down to fifth place with a 1-3-2 record (6 points).

Today, the Canaleros find themselves on the cusp of making history at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. They will try for their first confederation crown, when it faces the four-time champion United States in Sunday’s final at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Needless to say, head coach Julio Dely Valdes has been quite pleased with his team’s recent performances, especially since bouncing back from a difficult qualifying spell in which the Central American side lost dropped consecutive 2-0 road matches to Costa Rica and the United States.

Dely Valdes stated he did not lose faith in the team and neither did the players.

"The coaching staff, the players, the directors despite what happened in the month of June, we never lost faith,” said Dely Valdes. “The president of the federation, they give us our faith. I think the fans did lose it at some point. We lost consecutive games in qualifying and we hadn´t experienced that negative streak. We couldn´t lose faith in a team.”

Before Panama defeated Mexico in Wednesday´s semifinals, Dely Valdes said his squad would have to play a perfect game. He thought it did in registering a 2-1 victory at Cowboys Stadium.

The same goes for Sunday´s encounter as well.

"Panama has to make a perfect game again," Dely Valdes continued. "We try to be better than the rival. We were able to see that [Wednesday]. We were able to block out key players from the Mexican National Team and we´ve been able to go up against them. Other teams have good things and bad things and we´re going to go up against the U.S. team and block those good points they have against us. I think that will be the key to the game."

The only time the Americans and the Panamanians battled in a Gold cup final, the U.S. managed to win in a penalty-kick shootout, 3-1, after the two teams played to a 120-minute scoreless draw. Dely Valdes remembered it as a very even match.

"We have to match what we did in 2005," he said. "On this occasion, we´re way better than we were in 2005 with a team that is always going to the opposing goal, that has a great backline. We´re going to go up against a rival with a great squad, but I think we have great possibilities of lifting the cup for the first time in history."

The U.S. has scored more goals (19) than any other team in this Gold Cup, while Panama has allowed the fewest goals (three).

"So it´s going to be a great match," Dely Valdes concluded.

Suarez pleased with Honduran effort at Gold Cup

ARLINGTON, Texas -- His team may have been eliminated in the semifinals, but Honduras head coach Luis Fernando Suarez left the CONCACAF Gold Cup feeling upbeat.

He was able to give a number of young players international experience, while also continuing to build depth in a squad that is now looking forward to the resumption of World Cup Qualifying in September.

"We´ve played lots of games," he said after the Central American side dropped a 3-1 decision to the United States at Cowboys Stadium on Wednesday night. . We got a lot of games for a lot of player who hadn´t had a chance with the national team, a lot of players who got a first call-up this time around. That´s very important for the future for us. We knew coming in that many players had played well. They continued to do so in the tournament.

"The balance is not so negative for Honduras. We played five games, we won three, and lost two."

Beyond what the Catrachos demonstrated on the field, Suarez was most impressed with the players´ attitude, especially after a loss.

"The attitude of the players has always been very positive," he said. "They responded to defeat and they came back to a always with a very positive attitude, wanting to comeback to represent the national colors of the team. And that´s a lesson I would like for all of the players to take away. Whenever the players wear the colors of Honduras, they´re going to represent their country and they are going to do the best they can to do that."

While wearing those colors on Wednesday, the Hondurans had difficulty keeping pace with the United States, a dilemma that several teams tried to cope with since the start of the tournament.

"We had various problems to overcome the United States," Suarez said. "Their technique was very good today. They were very aggressive. We could not overcome all those factors. Physically, they were much better and superior to us. Unfortunately, they beat us in just about every aspect of the game.

"What we did well, we were able to even up things a little bit in the second half to a certain point. But even then, the U.S. was really superior."

Suarez said his defense was not up to par in that encounter.

"The defensive strength of the team was missing," he noted. "They made errors. We have to give credit to the United States. They did things offensively, but at the same time, we made things easier for them, the way we played defensively. What we have done in the past in terms of defensive strength, we weren´t able to replicate today. With a team that is speedy and with creative attack as the United States, that is obviously going to be a problem."

It certainly did not help that Suarez could not start forward Rony Martinez and midfielder Marvin Chavez, whom he said "weren´t ready to go."

"They could be good options as substitutes but they weren´t ready to go physically from the start," he added.

Both players came on as second-half substitutes.

"Many of the Honduran players came into the tournament without a pre-season,” Suarez commented. “They´ve been through the World Cup Qualifying tournament and were taxed physically. For that reason, we knew the physical preparation of the players would be something that they had to deal with."

Honduras is back in action on August 14 with a friendly against Bolivia, before facing Mexico in a crucial Sept. 6 qualifier in Mexico City.

Sæson optakt Chile...


Apertura preview: Chile’s soccer season kicks off Friday

Opinion: After a giant-killing Copa Chile group stage, league’s opening round promises weekend of surprises.

Chile’s first division is back in action starting Friday, as the country’s biggest clubs get stuck into another 17-round fight for the highest national honors.

This season, Universidad de Concepción rises from the second division to once again stake a claim for top-flight soccer, while current titleholders Unión Española will look to extend dominance over historic heavyweights Colo Colo and Universidad de Chile.

Ins and outs

The lead into the Apertura saw several managerial changes, and more than 60 player transfers.

The market was kind to the big teams, with less poaching from wealthy foreign clubs than in previous years, perhaps due to disappointing showings by Chilean sides in last season’s Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana. By pedigree, the biggest international transfer was Eugenio Mena from “La U” to Brazilian club Santos — a big blow to the Santiago side. By press, the most hyped deal saw 18-year-old left-back Cristián Cuevas leave boyhood club O’Higgins to join José Mourinho’s Chelsea project.

Conversely, Cobreloa’s impressive run for the title last season now seems a poisoned chalice — the team has lost goal threats Marco Sebastián Pol and Francisco Pizarro to Santiago Wanderers and O’Higgins respectively, and Bryan Cortes has left the club to fill the gap left by Mena in “La U’s” midfield.

Universidad de Chile decided they’d have the northern club’s manager, Marco Antonio Figueroa, as well. The silverware-laden Sampaoli years have ended, and the powers that be at “La U” have chosen to cure the club’s hangover by replacing Dario Franco after one season with journeyman Figueroa. “La U” will be the 12th club the Chilean has managed in as many years.

The biggest non-transfer news comes in the form of Española star striker Gustavo Canales. After much courting from both Colo Colo and former club “La U,” it seems the Argentine will stay put. Meanwhile, fellow Española net-getter Sebastián Jaime will stand in front of a tribunal shortly to answer for his involvement in last week’s highly entertaining Copa Chile brawl.

A new look

After last season’s “transition tournament,” the league has now transitioned … into the same format as the transition tournament. To explain: Last year, Chile’s National Professional Football Association (ANFP) set plans in motion for a move from the Mexican league format — two annual Apertura and Clausura playoff tournaments — to the European style of a home and away league system.

Last season’s 17-round season — which included no playoffs and was decided on points — was supposed to be the handover into a new 34-game year. Instead, the ANFP opted to keep the Apertura and Clausura system, but also do away with the playoffs.

Some believe this is the worst of both worlds — losing both the drama of the playoff system and the intense competitiveness of a home and away league. Others believe whatever they believe.

Key clashes

This weekend is one of tough decisions for the betting man, with two big teams heading into ties on the back of poor form.

Copa Chile holders “La U” finished this season’s group stage rock bottom of its table, and Española also failed to progress. Still, both teams would be odds-on to triumph this Saturday over Rangers and Antofagasta respectively.

Sunday will see new — or veteran by the club’s standards — manager Gustavo Benítez lead out Colo Colo against Audax Italiano. Despite the departure of star striker Carlos Muñoz to the Middle East, Chile’s most supported club has enjoyed good preseason form and is in the Copa Chile last 16. Italiano has the ability to damage Colo Colo, however, especially through two-time golden boot winner Sebastián Sáez.

Newly promoted Universidad de Concepción will hope to take decent Copa Chile form into a tricky fixture away at Cobreloa, while former “big three” side Católica entertain Ñublense.

The Apertura 2013’s inaugural match kicks off tonight with Palestino at Everton — here’s the fixture list ...

Schedule:

Friday 26/07, 8 p.m. Everton vs. Palestino
Saturday 27/7, 12:30 p.m. Huachipato vs. S. Wanderers
Saturday 27/7, 3 p.m. Unión La Calera vs. Cobresal
Saturday 27/7, 5:30 p.m. Universidad de Chile vs. Rangers
Saturday 27/7, 8 p.m. Antofagasta vs. Unión Española
Sunday 28/7, 3:30 p.m. Audax Italiano vs. Colo Colo
Sunday 28/7, 4 p.m. Iquique vs. O’Higgins
Sunday 28/7, 4 p.m. Cobreloa vs. Universidad de Concepción
Sunday 28/7, 6 p.m. Universidad Católica vs. Ñublense

Granada sumó a Christian Bravo

GRANADA -- El Granada CF ha fichado para las próximas cinco temporadas al joven extremo chileno Christian Bravo, internacional sub-20 con su selección y que en principio reforzará al filial rojiblanco, que esta campaña se estrena en Segunda División B, según ha anunciado el club granadino.

Bravo, de 19 años, procede del Universidad de Chile, con el que debutó en 2011 en la Primera división chilena, y disputó recientemente con el combinado sudamericano el Campeonato del Mundo sub-20.

El jugador, que ha llegado hoy a Granada, se ha comprometido con los andaluces para cinco temporadas, aunque jugará la próxima campaña con el Granada B, principal filial rojiblanco, en Segunda B, ha precisado la entidad granadinista al anunciar esta incorporación.

El Granada ha calificado a Bravo como "un jugador con muchísima proyección" que supone "un refuerzo de lujo para la plantilla" del Granada B y ha destacado que con su incorporación siguen "apostando firmemente por un proyecto integral de fútbol base, en el que los jugadores crezcan y puedan ayudar al club en todas las categorías".

Coach Markarian "We have a chance to qualify"

Peru football coach Sergio Markarian said the September qualifying matches against Uruguay and Venezuela are death matches for his team looking to get to the 2014 World Cup.

"We think we have a chance to qualify and we have to play to the death to try to win both games," Markarian said in an interview with Satellite UCV website.

Markarian was optimistic on achieving two wins that could put Peru on the road for a place at the 2014 Brazil World Cup after a 32 year absence.

"We are alive. There are many people who say that we will not classify. Let´s face it, it´s understandable, but we are still in the qualifiers," said the Uruguayan strategist.

He argued that if Peru does not classify "honestly I will be happy with my work, unfortunately some circumstances determine that the selection process has a tinge of failure."

Markarian took over the team in July 2010 with the aim of qualifying for a World Cup after a three decade drought.

He is concerned about the poor performance of some Peruvian players and the growth of Uruguayan football, his first opponent in Lima on September 6.

He said the match against Uruguay "is very difficult" because it has grown football wise after their participation in the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Peru will play Aug. 14 against South Korea in Seoul in a friendly four days before their matches with Uruguay and Venezuela.

Argentina leads the South American qualifiers with 26 points followed by Colombia (23), Ecuador (21), Chile (21), Uruguay (16), Venezuela (16), Peru (14), Bolivia (10) and Paraguay (8).

Chelsea´s Lucas Piazon ready for Premier League loan

Chelsea midfielder Lucas Piazon has confirmed he is open to a season long loan in the Premier League, admitting he’s not ready for The Blues’ team just yet.

The 19-year-old has been told be manager Jose Mourinho that he needs one more year of development before he is ready to compete for a first team place at the club.

Piazon wants to get this year of development in the Premier League with Liverpool and new-boys Crystal Palace reportedly looking at the possibility of bring the youngster in on loan, reports The Express.

Speaking at a community project while on Chelsea’s Far East tour, the Brazilian said: "To be fair, I think I am too young to be playing at Chelsea. So I’m fine. It’s hard to break into this Chelsea team. It’s good for me to be going out on loan.


"Last season I stayed half the season at Chelsea and half at Malaga. It was good for me to play in La Liga and the Champions League. In this next season I will try to stay in the Premier League - it’s important for me to stay in England and get used to the league where Chelsea play. English football is different to Spanish and I need to get used to the physical side.

"So it is important to find the right club before the start of the season. When I went to Malaga it was in the middle of the season. The manager knew all the players but he didn’t know me well. It was a bit difficult. I would prefer to have time to get to know the team.

"But I have no idea where I will go. I told everyone I would concentrate on this part of pre-season and I will talk about it with my dad when I get back to England at the weekend."

Wolfsburg step up Luiz Gustavo chase

Wolfsburg have stepped up their pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo as they look to bolster their midfield for next season.

Mike Schussler, a club executive, has confirmed the club have contacted Bayern over the availability of the Seleção international.

The 26-year-old has been pushed down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena following the summer arrivals of Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcântara

Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs confirmed that they were interested in bringing the player to the club, and now director Mike Schussler has revealed discussions with the European Champions have begun.

Schussler was quoted by Bild as saying: "We had contact and I have placed our interest.

"We want things to run correctly."

Luiz Gustavo, who joined Bayern from Hoffenheim for €17 million in 2011, has a contract with the Bavarians until 2015.

The Brazilian is also reportedly being eyed up by Arsenal who are looking to build a squad capable of challenging in England next season.

Liverpool lead chase for Atlético Mineiro star Bernard - report

Liverpool are leading the chase for Atlético Mineiro star Bernard according to reports emerging in England.

Sports Direct News claims that the Reds are the frontrunners for the Brazilian´s signature despite other reports suggesting Arsenal are close to a deal.

The youngster helped his side clinch their first Copa Libertadores triumph on Thursday and it is expected that he has played his last game for the club.

According to L´Equipe earlier this week, Arsenal had agreed a deal to sign the midfielder but manager Arsene Wenger dismissed the reports as simply "not true" and a medical has failed to arise so far.

Bernard will be allowed to leave Atlético should they receive an offer closer to €25 million with FC Porto also interested in the player along with Shakhtar Donetsk.

FC Porto may have the advantage due to their links with Bernard´s third pary owner BMG who own 50 percent of the player´s rights.