Snak

Diego Osella: "No perder en esta cancha es una motivación"

SANTA FE -- El técnico de Colón de Santa Fe, Diego Osella, consideró esta noche que "no perder" en la cancha de San Lorenzo (0-0) "es una motivación" extra para el plantel `Sabalero`, que sorpresivamente continúa en lo más alto de la clasificación, al desarrollarse la octava fecha del torneo Final.

"No perder en esta cancha ante un rival de esta envergadura es una motivación extra para nosotros", sostuvo el DT `sabalero`.

Colón, que lleva siete encuentros sin perder (cuatro triunfos, tres empates), llegó a las 15 unidades y mira a todos desde arriba, aunque su lucha está en tratar de mantener la categoría, mejorando su promedio del descenso.

"La idea era neutralizar las bandas, por los dos costados. Y la verdad que nos salieron bien las cosas", expresó el ex entrenador de Patronato de Paraná, que asumió la conducción al comienzo de la temporada, en reemplazo de Mario Sciacqua.

Tras la derrota en el partido inaugural con Racing (0-3), el equipo santafesino parecía hundirse en el promedio del descenso. Sin embargo, de a poco y con mucho sacrificio, Colón empezó a resurgir y ahora está fuera de la zona `roja`.

"Nosotros somos ésto. No nos sobra nada. Tenemos que sacar puntos para incrementar nuestro promedio", confió Osella.

A Bauza le dolió menos el empate ante Colón que el de la Copa Libertadores

BUENOS AIRES -- El entrenador de San Lorenzo, Edgardo Bauza, destacó que le dolió "más el empate de Unión Española" del miércoles último que el que obtuvo Colón de Santa Fe (0-0) en el Nuevo Gasómetro, por la fecha 8 del torneo Final de Primera División.

"Me dolió más el empate (1-1) de Unión Española el miércoles pasado. Ese partido estaba prácticamente resuelto", sentenció el entrenador `Azulgrana`, una vez finalizado el encuentro ante el conjunto `Sabalero`.
El ex técnico de Rosario Central y Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito sostuvo que su equipo "no jugó mal hoy" y consideró que para llevarse los tres puntos apenas le faltó "estar acertado en la definición".

"Tuvimos seis o siete ocasiones pero no concretamos. La intención era no desordenarse atrás para que no nos llegaran de contragolpe", contó Bauza.

"Intentamos ganarlo pero no pudimos. Buscamos por distintos caminos, inclusive con las variantes que hicimos en la segunda parte", agregó el DT. Para el `Patón` Bauza, el equipo mejorará el funcionamiento cuando "los mediocampistas ofensivos aporten" lo que generaron el semestre pasado, con Juan Antonio Pizzi como DT y la correspondiente obtención del título del Inicial 2013.

Por último, el entrenador rescató el esfuerzo que brindaron sus dirigidos: "Estamos jugando cada tres o cuatro días y los muchachos están dejando todo", reseñó.

El plantel del `Ciclón` practicará mañana, a las 10.00, en la Ciudad Deportiva, a puertas cerradas. El lunes, el equipo repetirá la rutina en el mismo escenario y el martes habrá el pertinente ensayo de fútbol, de cara al partido del jueves en Santiago de Chile ante Unión Española (estadio Santa Laura), por la cuarta fecha del grupo 2 de la Copa Libertadores de América.

Jorge Almirón, DT de Godoy Cruz: "No hay que volverse loco"

BUENOS AIRES -- El DT de Godoy Cruz de Mendoza, Jorge Almirón, sugirió el sábado no "volverse loco" por la permanencia del equipo en zona de descenso, luego del empate con Tigre en Victoria, donde se mostró superior al rival.
"Trataremos de salir de esta situaciones pero no hay que volverse loco. Ojalá podamos repetir el rendimiento de hoy en el próximo partido y ganar de local, que es lo importante", dijo de cara al juego con Arsenal en Mendoza.

Sobre la igualdad sin goles con Tigre, Almirón consideró: "El arquero rival (Javier García) tuvo un partido muy bueno, hicimos lo necesario para ganar pero no se pudo".

Godoy Cruz, que sumó su cuarto partido sin ganar, quedó con 12 unidades en el campeonato y sigue penúltimo en la tabla de promedios.

Fabián Alegre, DT de Tigre: "Nos cuesta ganar, esa es la realidad"

BUENOS AIRES -- El director técnico de Tigre, Fabián Alegre, reconoció el sábado que a su equipo le "cuesta ganar" y asumió su "responsabilidad" por la campaña, tras sumar el quinto empate sin goles en ocho fechas del torneo Final.

"Nos cuesta ganar, esa es la realidad, y cuando las cosas no salen, siempre la responsabilidad es mía", aceptó el entrenador luego de la igualdad 0-0 ante Godoy Cruz de Mendoza.

A modo de consuelo, agregó: "No ganamos pero tampoco perdemos con los que pelean abajo. Si Tigre se queda en Primera, estos puntos serán importantes, pero para eso debemos esperar que transcurra el campeonato".

En relación al partido con los mendocinos, Alegre opinó que Tigre "no jugó un buen partido, pero generó varias situaciones de gol", aunque también resaltó la actuación del rival cuando calificó de "excepcional" la tarea de su arquero Javier García.

"Para los espectadores fue un lindo partido pero para nosotros fue sufrido. Lo pudimos haber ganado pero también perdido", concluyó.

Con este resultado, Tigre mantuvo la diferencia de ocho puntos respecto de Godoy Cruz (situado en zona de descenso) y sumó nueve en el torneo Final.

Copa Libertadores Preview: Gremio eye commanding gap

Gremio could open up a handy lead in Group 6 of the Copa Libertadores if they can overcome Argentina´s Newell´s Old Boys on Wednesday.

The Brazilian club lead their group by three points heading into the fourth matchday of the South American continental competition and could stretch that to six with a win in Argentina, if Colombia´s Atletico Nacional also lose to Nacional in Uruguay.

But Gremio will know they face a tough task in overcoming Argentina´s reigning Torneo Final champions, as Newell´s held the Porto Alegre club to a 0-0 draw in Brazil last week.

Enderson Moreira´s Gremio top Group 6 with seven points, three ahead of Newell´s and Atletico Nacional, while Nacional have just one point.

Gremio have not conceded in the Copa Libertadores group stage so far but also failed to score against Newell´s on matchday three.

After a fairly even first half, Gremio pushed hard after the break but Ze Roberto, Hernan Barcos and Para were all unable to beat Newell´s goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman.

Moreira will no doubt want more from Ramiro when his side travels to Argentina as the 20-year-old attacking midfielder was Gremio´s best player in their opening two matches.

Ramiro set up Gremio´s winner in their 1-0 victory at Nacional, while he also registered a goal and an assist in his team´s 3-0 triumph over Atletico Nacional on matchday two.

Top spot will be on the line in Group 1 this week with leaders The Strongest travelling to second-placed Velez Sarsfield on Tuesday.

Both clubs have six points from three games, as do third-placed Atletico Paranaense of Brazil, who host Peru´s Universitario on Thursday.

The Strongest defeated Velez 2-0 last week with a brace from Pablo Escobar but the Bolivian outfit will undoubtedly find it more difficult in Argentina as they do not travel well traditionally.

Halfway through the group stage, Group 2 is the tightest with all four clubs within a point of each other.

Bottom club Union Espanola of Chile have three points from three draws but could move top of the group if they win their home game over Argentina´s San Lorenzo on Thursday.

San Lorenzo have four points after being held 1-1 at home by Union last week but the Argentine club only trail Brazil´s Botafogo and Independiente del Valle of Ecuador on goal difference.

Botafogo lost 2-1 in Ecuador last week but could get their revenge on Tuesday when they welcome Independiente to Rio de Janeiro.

In Group 3, leaders Deportivo Cali travel to Lanus and Cerro Porteno host O´Higgins, while in Group 4 Santa Fe welcome Zamora to Colombia and Atletico Mineiro face Nacional Asuncion.

Real Garcilaso will hope to bounce back from two straight defeats in Group 5 when they travel to Universidad de Chile, while Cruzeiro will take on leaders Defensor Sporting, as Bolivar clash with Flamengo and Leon host Emelec in Group 7.

In Group 8, Santos Laguna are set to play Deportivo Anzoategui and Penarol line up against Arsenal.

Report: Milan to target Paris Saint-Germain’s Alex and Botafogo’s Dória for new look back line

Milan head coach Clarence Seedorf is hoping to bring in two Brazilian defenders ahead of next season, according to reports.

Tuttomercatoweb claims the 37 year-old will target former Botafogo team-mate Dória and Paris Saint-Germain veteran Alex, as he looks to rebuild his struggling side.

Alex would be available on a free transfer, as his current deal expires in the summer, but Dória would command a substantial fee, believed to be upwards of €10 million.

Seedorf has enjoyed a mix start to management, with a lack of strength in depth largely blamed for poor results. Of the Dutchman’s current defensive options, Adil Rami and Philippe Mexès have uncertain futures. The former is on loan from Valencia, while Mexès was linked with the likes of Monaco and Arsenal in the January transfer window.

Sporting Kansas City linked with loan move for Fluminense defender Igor Julião

Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City are looking at the possibility of bringing in Fluminense defender Igor Julião, according to reports.

globoesporte.com suggests that the 19 year-old will be allowed to leave Flu in a temporary switch, with Peter Vermes´ side favourites to secure a deal.

Igor Julião made 20 appearances as Fluminense were relegated from the Brasileirão last term, but head coach Renato Gaúcho is expected to prefer his more experienced defensive options, as he looks to bring the Rio de Janeiro-based outfit back up to Brazil’s top flight at the first attempt.

Should Igor Julião sign with Sporting Kansas City, he will join fellow Brazilian Paulo Nagamura, who has been with the club since 2012.

Internazionale wing-back Jonathan would accept Italy call up

Internazionale wing-back Jonathan has admitted he would accept a call up to the Italy national team.

Azzurri head coach Cesare Prandelli was in the stands to see the Conselheiro Lafaiete native net in Inter’s 2-0 win against Hellas Verona on Saturday night and Jonathan hopes he impressed.

“It’s difficult, as Prandelli hasn’t called me so far and there is also some red tape to resolve,” he said, as reported by Football Italia. “If he calls me, then I am ready to go. For now I’m keeping my feet on the ground.”

Sambafoot Sunday: A Case For Luisão, Brazil’s Bald Eagle.

There might be a gap in the Brazil squad for a fourth centre back, could Luisão be the man to fill it?

Luisão’s performance for Benfica in their midweek Europa League tie has led to predictable, but not undeserved calls for him to be included in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s World Cup squad.

Sambafoot’s Stuart Maclennan reported the story after the centre back scored two goals in his side’s 3-1 victory away to Tottenham Hotspur, with suggestions that he could be the fourth choice defender for Brazil this summer.

It may come as a surprise to hear that Luisão has been to the last two World Cups with his country, but he failed to make an appearance at both Germany in 2006, and South Africa 2010. His two international tournaments of note were Brazil’s 2004 Copa América win, where he netted in the final against Argentina, and their 2009 Confederations Cup triumph.

So Luisão does have the international experience, despite not playing a single game at the two World Cups he’s been involved in, and the 33-year-old does have a history of winning with his country in the tournaments he’s actually played in.

A captain at club level, he would add extra experience to a Brazil side which will be relying on several of their younger players to do the business further up the pitch, and would slot into a back line which already includes some of Brazil’s older heads.

His goals against Spurs give him a personal haul of five for the season in all competitions, and his threat from set pieces could add a different dimension to a Brazil side which may be lacking in this area.

The three central defenders called up by Scolari for the recent friendly against South Africa look to have secured their places in the squad, but come the summer a fourth will be required. Beyond Thiago Silva, David Luiz, and Dante, there are a whole host of players who will have an eye on this final place.

Youngsters Marquinhos of PSG, and Botafogo’s highly regarded left sided centre back Dória have both been called up in the past year, with the PSG man’s impressive performances in the Champions League putting him in pole position. Elsewhere, players such as Atlético Mineiro’s Réver, who was an unused squad player in the 2013 Confederations Cup triumph, and the likes of Dedé of Cruzeiro and Henrique of Napoli look to have missed the boat, save for a late injury crisis.

For a competition with such a large Brazilian representation, the Portuguese league is criminally overlooked when it comes to Brazilian squad selection. The impressive Porto quartet of Danilo, Alex Sandro, Fernando Reges, and centre back Maicon, are seemingly nowhere near the squad, and Luisão’s Benfica team-mates Guilherme Siqueira and joint top scorer Lima might also have hoped to at least be given a chance to impress in friendlies.

Despite this apparent ignorance of the league he plays in, Luisão will hope that Benfica progress in the Europa League and this continental exposure will put him on Scolari’s radar, if he isn’t on it already. He’ll aim to make himself the safe selection for the World Cup squad, as opposed to the younger and less experienced Marquinhos who could be seen as more of a risk.

Home sides dominant halfway through Libertadores

It is halftime in the group phase of the Copa Libertadores, South America´s equivalent of the Champions League. The 32 teams are distributed in eight groups, and now each team has played all of its group rivals once. An ideal time, then, to draw early conclusions? Perhaps not.

At this stage the statistics are skewed by the fact that all the teams have played three matches –- either two at home and one away, or vice versa. This has a dramatic effect on the outcomes so far.

Home advantage counts in South America. Usually, both in the Libertadores and in the continent´s World Cup qualifiers, there is a rough ratio of three home wins for every one away. In Europe, triumphs for the visitors tend to be twice as common.

By way of explanation, we can cite factors such as the long journeys in South America, challenging climatic variations, such as altitude, intimidating atmospheres created by the fans -- which in turn can have an effect on referees -- and so on.

Whatever the cause, the action this year has been even more heavily weighted than usual in favour of the hosts. Twelve matches have been drawn. Thirty have gone to the home team. Just six have been won by the away side -- a ratio of five to one.

The points table, then, will probably look very different at the end of this week, when all the teams are in action. By Thursday night everyone will have played twice home and away, meaning that any conclusions drawn in a week´s time will be much more reliable.

At this stage the safest bet is that those sides who have dropped points at home are in trouble, while those who have picked up points away are sitting pretty.

None are sitting prettier than reigning champions Atletico Mineiro of Brazil. No team has managed to win all three of its matches. Only three have managed two wins and a draw. Atletico are one of them, despite having played two of those matches away. Mexico´s Santos Laguna are in a similar situation. In what always looked like the hardest group, Gremio are the other team to have accumulated seven points, but two of their matches have been at home.

For these three sides, one win from the remaining three matches should be enough to seal a place in the knockout rounds. And since Atletico are notoriously strong in their Independencia stadium (a remodeled version of the ground where England beat the U.S. in the 1950 World Cup) then it is all but impossible to imagine Ronaldinho and company missing out on the last 16.

Once qualification is assured, much will be made of the need to keep accumulating points, in order to gain an advantage in the knockout phase. The match-ups in the last 16 are not drawn out of a hat. They work as follows: the top two from each group go through. The group winner with the best statistical record meets the second-placed team with the worst record, the second-best group winner meets the second-worst second placed team, and so on. The group winner also guarantees the right to play the second leg at home.

On paper these look like advantages well worth fighting for. In practice, it does not always work out that way. Statistics have their limitations. It is by no means certain that the worst teams are the ones with the least impressive record in the group phase. Take, for example, Velez Sarsfield of Argentina. In impressive manner they won their first two matches. The third was away to The Strongest of Bolivia, at the extreme altitude of La Paz. Also in the race to win the domestic league title, Velez decided it was not worth taking their first team on such an awkward trip. They fielded a reserve side and lost 2-0 -- a defeat which might push them down the standings at the end of the group phase, but which does nothing to alter the fact that they will be very dangerous opponents.

Moreover, it is hard to prove that there is a concrete advantage in playing the second leg at home. True, it worked last year for Atletico Mineiro -- poor away in the decisive stages, but consistently able to mount a comeback in front of their own fans. But in recent years there have been as many victories for the side playing the first leg at home -- theoretically the weaker team. This could well have been enhanced by the introduction of the away-goals rule, which often works to the advantage of the visiting side in the second leg.

For the vast majority of sides caught up in the Libertadores dogfight, such considerations are hardly relevant at the moment. Only five teams are unbeaten, while seven are without a win. Bizarrely, Union Espanola of Chile belong to both categories, having drawn all three of their matches, leaving them bottom of the group -- but since two of those draws have been away, they can still feel confident of success.

Most teams are currently thinking of nothing more than getting over the line and qualifying for the next stage. The coming week will shed plenty of light on who might be most likely to fight their way through to the knockout stage.