Latest La Liga News

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WILSHERE REMAINS A COYLE TARGET

Bolton boss Owen Coyle admits he is still a big admirer of Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere.

Coyle spoke to Arsene Wenger about Wilshere when he was manager at Burnley but a potential loan deal failed to materialise before he left Turf Moor to join Bolton.

The 18-year-old was not part of the Arsenal squad that won 2-0 at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday and a hamstring problem means he is a doubt when the two sides meet again at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, but Coyle is keeping a keen eye on the midfielder.

Asked if his interest in Wilshere was still there, Coyle said: "Always. I admire good players and that kid is certainly a good player."

He added: "I'm a little bit uncomfortable talking about it because we play Arsenal on Wednesday and I don't think that's the way we should go about it.

"But he's a fantastic young player, a player I believe will eventually play in the Arsenal first team and for England.

"He's one that I've always admired, but I think that conversation is for after Wednesday night when we've played Arsenal, and we'll take it from there."

Another player linked with Bolton is veteran Real Madrid midfielder Guti, whose contract at the Bernabeu is up at the end of the season.

If he were to move to the Reebok Stadium, the 33-year-old Spaniard would be following in the footsteps of veteran stars like Ivan Campo and Fernando Hierro that Sam Allardyce brought to the club from Madrid, but Coyle said he had not made any approach for the player.

"Guti has always been a fantastic player, a top player in world football all his days, and I think the job Sam Allardyce did at this football club was unbelievable and all credit to him," Coyle said.

"I think what you do is you recognise if there is a position that you think can help the football club and there is the right kind of player available then you look to strengthen it and bring in accordingly.

"But I haven't had any conversation about Guti with anybody."

Coyle also confirmed he had not made enquiries about Sheffield United's Matt Kilgallon or Stoke's Andy Wilkinson.

He said: "I'd be quite comfortable telling you if I'd spoken to anybody about any of those players and I haven't.

"I think we all recognise that because there is a transfer window there will be speculation and if a new manager comes in, you're going to be linked with everyone from Guti to whoever else is thrown up.

"If and when I have news, you will be the first to know about it."

One player who could be about to sign on with Wanderers is United States midfielder Stuart Holden, who has impressed Coyle during a trial with the club.

"Stuart did well since he came in," said Coyle.

"He's picked up a little thigh injury in the last couple of days which has curtailed his movement a little bit.

"But he's done well and I'll have a chat with him today and his representative and see where we go from there."

 

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DUSCHER RELISHING DEPOR DUEL

Sevilla midfielder Aldo Duscher believes his side now have the "responsibility" of going all the way in the Copa del Rey after eliminating Barcelona in the last round.

Duscher travels to former team Deportivo la Coruna in the first leg of the quarter-finals on Wednesday knowing that all eyes will be on his current side after they knocked out the Catalan giants on away goals.

Barca achieved a sense of revenge last weekend when they beat Sevilla 4-0 in the league and the 30-year-old knows it is down to Los Rojiblancos to prove they deserve their place in the last eight.

"After knocking out a great team like Barca, it's clear that now we have the responsibility to go as far as possible," said Duscher, who spent seven seasons at Depor.

"We have to fight to the death against Deportivo, believing in ourselves.

"We know that the team, apart from the last defeat, are good and we hope to get through the stage."

Depor and Sevilla met last year at the last-16 stage with the Rojiblancos easily progressing 5-1.

Sevilla also won through when the pair were pitted against each other in the semi-finals three years ago.

And Manolo Jimenez's men will be favourites to advance yet again.

Should they do so they will face either Real Mallorca or Getafe, who clash tomorrow night at the ONO Estadi with the hosts looking to maintain their 100% home record this season.

Despite making hard work of their last-16 tie against second-division Rayo Vallecano, Mallorca are in impressive form this campaign and moved up to fourth in the Primera Division standings thanks to a 2-0 defeat of Depor at the weekend.

The islanders have won all 11 of their home matches in all competitions this term and Mario Suarez is looking to continue that record to set them in good stead for the second leg.

"Getafe are a very good team who do things well in the league but we want to continue on our good home run and show some good football," he said.

"We know that if we do things as we did against Depor, we have a very good chance to go to Getafe with a good result."

Celta Vigo, the smallest side left in the competition, travel to Atletico Madrid on Thursday hoping to continue their giant-killing exploits.

The second-division strugglers have already seen off Tenerife and Villarreal on the way to the quarter-finals and are now looking to claim another top-flight scalp.

The winners of that tie will meet either Racing Santander or Osasuna, who meet at El Sardinero on Thursday.

The return legs will be played next week.

 

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XEREZ TURN TO GOROSITO

Xerez have appointed Nestor Gorosito as their new coach.

The Primera Division strugglers have been managerless for the past week after sacking Jose Angel Ziganda following a miserable start to their first-ever top-flight campaign.

They picked up a point at fellow strugglers Real Zaragoza at the weekend but are now nine points off safety.

Gorosito becomes Xerez's third coach in less than a year, Esteban Vigo having left the club in the summer soon after leading them to the Segunda Division title.

The Argentinian has had spells in charge of River Plate, Argentinos Juniors and Rosario Central during an eight year managerial career.

Gorosito's only European stint was the three years he spent as a player at FC Swarovski Tirol in Austria.

The 45-year-old took his first training session on Tuesday.

 

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SPURS CONFIRM VAN NISTELROOY INTEREST

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed the club are interested in signing Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy on loan.

Former Manchester United frontman Van Nistelrooy had been linked with the English Barclays Premier League club and now Redknapp has revealed he would not turn his back if the deal was right.

Redknapp also scoffed at suggestions Tottenham are trying to land Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster as he prepared his side for the league clash with Liverpool at Anfield.

However, it is likely that unhappy Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko would have to leave to make way for 33-year-old Van Nistelrooy.

Pavlyuchenko is keen to return home to Russia but Redknapp is not looking to increase the number of strikers at his disposal.

"It's interesting but it depends what the deal is," said Redknapp of the possibility of landing Van Nistelrooy.

"The chairman would deal with that side but he's an interesting player. He was fantastic in England and a great goalscorer.

"If he was available it could be of interest. It's not impossible ... if it was right we could be interested."

Discussing Pavlyuchenko, Redknapp confirmed: "Pav is looking to move. He was tremendous in training this morning. Only if someone came in and it was a good offer though, otherwise it would not be possible."

Tottenham are well stocked with strikers, and Redknapp said: "I could not have five. It is difficult enough with four and I find it hard leaving one out of the picture.

"As for Foster, I never made any offer whatsoever. Ben's a good keeper but I'm looking for back-up. Foster and David James (the Portsmouth goalkeeper) want to go to the World Cup - not sit on the bench as a number two."

Redknapp believes it is the perfect time to take on Liverpool who are without Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard through injury.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has also come under fire from several former Anfield stars and some fans as the Reds have endured a terrible season.

Redknapp said: "They are two world-class players in one team and will be a big 'miss' in the next few weeks.

"It is a good time to be playing them. I hope their injuries are not bad and they will be back next week but if they're not playing, they're not as strong.

"Rafa has done a great job over the years and I am sure he can handle whatever comes his way. If we play as well as we can we've got a big chance.

"It is another very important game at a difficult place. I have never been to Liverpool yet and had an easy game. The atmosphere is fantastic and there is no better place. It is an amazing arena.

"We are looking to go there and be positive. We are not set up to go and defend."

Redknapp has injury concerns over captain Ledley King, who trained for the first time in 10 days today because of his long-standing knee problem.

"We won't really know until Wednesday," added Redknapp. "It depends what reaction he gets and how his knee reacts to a training session.

"When he trains, you don't know how his knee will react. It's a nightmare for him."

 

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XAVI THINKS GUARDIOLA WILL STAY

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has backed coach Pep Guardiola to sign a contract extension with the club.

Guardiola has yet to commit to a new deal which would keep him at the Spanish and European champions beyond this season.

President Joan Laporta said on Monday that the Catalan giants were resigned to rivals trying to lure the 39-year-old away.

He added that Guardiola should decide by the beginning of April whether he planned to stay on and that he also wanted sporting director Txiki Begiristain to agree a new deal.

But Xavi believes the manager, who led Barca to an unprecedented six trophies in 2009, wants to stay on at the club.

The Spanish international said on Tuesday: "I can't imagine a Barca without Guardiola.

"He is a fundamental cog in this machine and I think his contract renewal is imminent but it depends on him."

He added: "I believe (Guardiola) wants to continue and that he is content here, that he feels important within the club.

"To me he looks like he is enjoying the work with the same enthusiasm as the first day.

"Pep is very intelligent and it's clear that he won't make a mistake as he always has the good of the club and of the players in mind. He is not an egoist."

 

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SPURS' RUUD INTEREST AT EARLY STAGE

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admits his interest in Ruud van Nistelrooy has only got as far as a chance conversation between the club's chief scout and the player's agent.

Redknapp yesterday said he would be interested in signing Van Nistelrooy but only if he could offload unsettled Roman Pavlyuchenko.

But the Spurs boss has now gone on to explain his interest in the Real Madrid striker has not been followed up to any real extent.

"I don't even think we've gone that far," admitted Redknapp.

"It was just his name cropped up and Ian Broomfield, the chief scout, spoke with his agent and that's as far as it's gone really.

"I've got four strikers here at the moment so I certainly don't want five, it would be a bigger problem, I don't need that problem."

Pavlyuchenko wants a return to Russia after his unhappy spell at Spurs but although Zenit St Petersburg have made their interest in him known, no deal is likely at this stage.

"I think Zenit have been in and made contact with the chairman, I don't know where it's at with that one. I think there's been one or two English clubs interested as well.

"I'm not sure if he will be here at the end of January. It won't bother me, if he's here, great. I'm pleased to have him here.

"He can play, he's just been unlucky. I've got Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane. I'm sure in the next three or four games he'll get to play and start a game probably."

Redknapp is happy to face Liverpool tonight with Crouch and Keane in his side instead of them lining up for the Merseysiders.

Keane returned to Spurs after a short spell with the Reds but Redknapp is reluctant to criticise Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

"I didn't see Robbie play there," said Redknapp. "It's a game of opinions and I wouldn't question Rafa's decision.

"He obviously wasn't crazy about him, but we've all done that with players. You have players who other people think are great and you don't think they're so great and you let them go.

"Everybody thinks why did you let them go but, at the end of the day, the only person's opinion is the manager - we stand or fall in what we believe in.

"He obviously saw he wasn't in Rafa's plans, obviously he didn't fancy him that much."

Redknapp may be forced into the transfer market for a centre-half with Jonathan Woodgate in America for treatment on his long-standing groin problem and Ledley King still struggling with his knee.

"Well, if I've only got two, and Ledley's long term, it's going to be a problem, we'll have to look at it for sure," said Redknapp.

"Woodgate is in America for a month having treatment on his groin which is not good.

"Ledley's injury is long-term, there's nothing you can do with that, that's been going on for years with Ledley."

 

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GOROSITO CONFIDENT OF XEREZ SURVIVAL

New Xerez coach Nestor Gorosito is confident they can stave off relegation despite their precarious position.

Gorosito was named as the permanent successor to Jose Angel Ziganda, who was sacked last week following a miserable start to Xerez's maiden Primera Division campaign.

Under Ziganda, Xerez had picked up seven points and seven goals from 17 games, and although they managed to record a goalless draw at Real Zaragoza under interim coach Antonio Poyatos on Sunday, they are still in nine points adrift of safety at the foot of the table.

It is looking bad for last season's Segunda Division champions, but Gorosito insists there is still hope.

"I have every confidence that if we all pull together we will surely be able to achieve our objectives," said the 45-year-old Argentinian.

"The sporting reality is not good, but we are hopeful of turning the situation around. The important thing is the performance of the players."

Regarding his appointment, the former River Plate, Argentinos Juniors and Rosario Central boss added: "It's a privilege and an honour that they've looked to me.

"I've been following Spanish football from Argentina and know what's going on.

"When they contacted me, I took it very seriously.

"I know the reality of the club, we are confident that with hard work we can change the sporting situation."

 

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RONALDO NOT WORRIED BY GOALLESS 2010

Cristiano Ronaldo is unconcerned about not yet getting off the mark in 2010, insisting the goals will soon come.

Ronaldo enjoyed a flying start to his Real Madrid career, scoring nine times in seven matches following his world-record £80million move from Manchester United last summer before suffering an ankle injury against Marseille in September.

That injury kept the Portugal international sidelined for around two months, but he was back on the goal trail soon enough with four goals in five appearances following his comeback.

However, the 24-year-old has not been able to find the back of the net since the winter break, going scoreless in the games against Osasuna, Real Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao - from which Madrid have only picked up four points.

Ronaldo is taking it in his stride though, saying: "I'm not worried about not having scored. These things will come naturally because I'm working the same as I always do. I'm not getting worked about it, I'm sure the goals are going to come."

Ronaldo and his Madrid team-mates are currently in Albania for a friendly match against KS Gramozi Erseke on Wednesday evening.

Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini named a strong squad for the trip, with the only absentees being the injured Pepe, Gonzalo Higuain, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rafael van der Vaart, and Mahamadou Diarra, who has just returned from African Nations Cup duty.

Madrid, who were able to travel to Albania for Wednesday night's match due to their elimination from their Copa del Rey earlier this season, are back in league action on Sunday when they host Malaga.

 

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GUARDIOLA HAPPY TO AGREE BARCA DEAL

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola admitted it would be tough for him to find a better home than the Nou Camp after agreeing to stay in charge of the Catalan giants for another 12 months.

Speculation had been mounting about Guardiola's future at Barca with the 39-year-old's existing contract running out this summer, but the announcement at a Nou Camp press conference should bring an end to that - at least for the time being.

Guardiola's new deal will tie him to the Spanish, European and world champions until the end of the 2010/11 season, although the agreement will not be signed until after this summer's presidential elections.

"Nowhere am I going to be better than I am here," said Guardiola, who as a player and former captain with Barca represented the club between 1990-2001 and won six league titles, the European Cup and two Copa del Reys among a host of other trophies.

Guardiola did concede, though, that there was likely to be a time limit for his tenure in charge of the club.

"I know that sooner or later I will cease to be coach of Barca and I have to enjoy the time I'm here to the maximum," he added.

"A coach of Barca can't be here for life just because I think you have to sign for short periods during which the coach has to earn things, with the players, with the fans...

"I wanted to see if that was happening, if I had the support of the players, the board.

"I feel strong enough to carry on. I don't want to be here for what we've done but for what we must do now."

Guardiola has been a revelation since being promoted from Barca's B team in the summer of 2008 to replace Frank Rijkaard in charge of the senior team.

In his first season in charge Guardiola helped Barca become the first Spanish team ever to win the treble of Champions League, Primera Division and Copa del Rey.

Then the all-conquering Catalans added three more trophies in 2009 to cap their record-breaking year, winning the Spanish and European Super Cups last summer and then picking up the Club World Cup in December.

In total, Barca have won 67 of their 95 competitive matches under Guardiola, losing just nine times, whilst scoring an average of more than 2.4 goals per game.

Guardiola, who has recently been linked with a move to Manchester United as a possible replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson when the Scot steps down at Old Trafford, admits he would have preferred to wait until the end of the season to make any announcement about his future.

However, he felt recent events, primarily last week's Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Sevilla, had changed things.

"It (cup exit) makes the weeks seem longer. It had created a situation that was already uncomfortable for everyone - we had to kill the issue," he said.

Barca president Joan Laporta, who said this weekend that he wanted a decision from Guardiola on his future by Easter, was delighted to secure the ongoing services of someone he believes is the top coach in the game.

"I think that it's very good news for everyone associated with Barcelona because we all wanted Pep to continue," Laporta said.

"He doesn't like me saying it, but Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the world and we are proud to continue to have him here."

Laporta also insisted that this summer's elections had no influence on today's announcement regarding Guardiola.

"The electoral process is independent of all this," he said.

"This leaves us very calm and, putting myself in the shoes of the possible (presidential) candidates, I think they will have peace of mind of knowing who the coach will be and they will only have to be concerned about establishing the conditions and length of his contract."

 

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SEVILLA WITH ONE FOOT IN SEMIS

Sevilla took a huge stride towards the last four of the Copa del Rey tonight after defeating Deportivo La Coruna 3-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at the Riazor.

Sevilla, the 2007 winners who last week dumped out holders Barcelona at the last-16 stage, opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Alvaro Negredo headed home Spain team-mate Jesus Navas' cross.

Renato Dirnei then doubled the Andalusian side's lead in the 67th minute following good work by substitute Diego Perotti, and two minutes later Navas added a third to make Sevilla overwhelming favourites to progress in next week's home leg.

Manolo Jimenez's side could have recorded an even bigger win but for some indifferent finishing and the heroics of home goalkeeper Manu, while the closest Depor came to scoring was when Juan Rodriguez struck the woodwork in the first half.

Sevilla also knocked Depor out of the cup last season after recording a 5-1 aggregate win over the Galician outfit at the last-16 stage.

In the evening's earlier match Real Mallorca saw their perfect home record come to an end as they were beaten 2-1 by Getafe.

Mallorca went into the match having won all nine of their Primera Division matches and both of their Copa del Rey ties at their Ono Estadi ground this season, but they came unstuck against a Getafe side who are looking to reach the final for the third time in four years.

All three goals came in the second half, with Manu del Moral and new signing Miku - making his debut after joining the club last week having been released by Valencia - putting Getafe 2-0 up by the 66th minute.

Mallorca gave themselves a boost for the second leg though when Gonzalo Castro pulled a goal back in injury time.

The remaining two quarter-final first legs take place tomorrow, when Atletico Madrid host Celta Vigo - the only non-Primera Division side remaining in the competition - and Osasuna go to Racing Santander.

The second legs of all four quarter-finals are scheduled to be played next week.

 

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MAN CITY KEEN ON FLAMINI AND GAGO

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed his interest in AC Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini and Fernando Gago of Real Madrid.

Flamini was strongly linked with a loan switch to Eastlands earlier in the week but the Serie A side claimed they were yet to receive an official offer.

The former Arsenal player has slipped down the pecking order under coach Leonardo and is keen to feature regularly in the coming months to ensure he features in France's World Cup squad.

Although primarily a defensive midfielder, Flamini has also been operating at right-back for the San Siro side and could be brought in by City to bolster their backline.

Real's Argentina international midfielder Gago has found regular action limited with the Spanish giants and has been linked with a January switch.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini insisted earlier this month that he did not want to see the 23-year-old move on and believes he can make a contribution to the Santiago Bernabeu cause.

Mancini has brought in defensive midfielder Patrick Vieira for the remainder of the season from Inter Milan, but the France international is still to feature due to a calf injury.

The Italian believes the former Arsenal ace could return for the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester United next Wednesday, but is keen to further bolster his squad as the Eastlands outfit chase a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Mancini told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I need players. I hope that Vieira is fit for the return.

"Perhaps Real Madrid will give me Gago, maybe Milan (give me) Flamini..."

Despite the vast financial resources available to City, Vieira's arrival and the proposed moves for Flamini and Gago would not involve a transfer fee.

Mancini, brought in to replace Mark Hughes in December, has no problem with the approach being taken by the club's hierarchy.

He added: "I think they are putting me to the test. I won't disappoint them."

 

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EGYPT LINE UP SPAIN FRIENDLY

African champions Egypt will play Spain in a pre-World Cup friendly on June 4, the Egyptian Football Association have confirmed.

The Pharaohs, who failed to qualify for the global spectacle in South Africa, will be looking to offer a much sterner test to their European counterparts after their last meeting in 2006 ended in a 2-0 loss.

"I sat down with (coach) Hassan Shehata and he has no problems with playing the game," EFA president Samir Zaher told www.filgoal.com.

Spain, one of the World Cup favourites, will use the game at a yet-to-be-decided venue as preparation for their opening match against Switzerland on June 16.

The north Africans are currently defending their continental crown in Angola, where they are bidding for a third consecutive title and seventh overall.

 

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KANOUTE ENDS MALI CAREER

Fredi Kanoute has retired from international football following Mali's exit from the African Nations Cup on Monday.

The Sevilla striker, who scored 23 goals in 38 appearances since his debut in 2004, confirmed his decision after Mali beat Malawi 3-1 - a victory that was meaningless as the Eagles bowed out of the competition.

"That's life," he told the Angolan Angop news agency. "I'm sorry I couldn't succeed in helping my team go further at the Nations Cup, which now marks my retirement."

The 32-year-old scored twice in Angola - in the 4-4 draw against the hosts in the opening game and in the win over the Flames - and was already back in Spain with his club.

The French-born forward, who resumed training with Sevilla on Thursday, continued: "I can't find the words to describe how upset I am, it really hurts me. After we were knocked out in 2008 we really wanted to do well here.

"For my last appearance in this competition I wanted to go as far as possible. We will now take stock of our team," the 2007 African Footballer of the Year added.

 

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NACHO NOVO DROPS CELTA VIGO HINT

Rangers striker Nacho Novo has admitted he would be interested in a move to Celta Vigo.

The Spanish side have been linked with a move for Novo whose contract at Ibrox expires at the end of the season.

Novo is in the dark about a possible move to hometown club Celta Vigo and insists he is happy with life at Rangers

"I know nothing of Celta. What has been written has not come from me," Novo told the Daily Record.

"I'm happy at Rangers and would like to continue for some time.

"I would say though that if there was something real from Celta, I would be excited about it. But the club haven't contacted me."

Novo has revealed he has snubbed overtures from Greece with Larissa believed to have tabled a bid for the 30-year-old

"I was contacted with an offer from Greece, but economically, it was not enough," added Novo.

"I appreciate their interest, but, frankly, I wasn't going to go there. My priority is to stay with Rangers. I owe this club almost everything."

 

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ALMERIA READY FOR TOUGH TEST

Juan Manuel Lillo will face his most difficult test to date as Almeria coach as he prepares to take his side to European hopefuls and Andalusian rivals Sevilla.

Lillo was handed the reigns just before the winter break and has responded to the challenge of staving off a Primera Liga relegation battle by going three games unbeaten.

The first of those was a nervy 1-0 win over bottom club Xerez, followed by a draw with Villarreal and a home stalemate with a Tenerife side who have struggled on the road.

Sixth-placed Sevilla represent a different class of opponent for Lillo's men, though, and a positive result at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan would be his finest effort yet.

Despite the three-game undefeated run, Almeria remain just two points clear of the drop zone, a standing that makes their trip to Sevilla all the more important.

Lillo concedes their opponents represent a tough assignment but wants his players to rise to the challenge.

"It is hard to play Sevilla at any time, but we will do so tomorrow at 6pm and on that day, at that time maybe we can do so as equals.

"We have to make sure collectively that our rivals do not take an advantage despite the fact that on paper they are superior.

"We have to be bossy on the field and see if Sevilla can play with the ball close to their own goal. They also play well on the break when they steal possession so we must make sure when they do that they are far from our half."

Lillo is also wary of preparing to face specific individuals when the sides meet after Manuel Jimenez's selection was thrown into some doubt by a 3-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna in the Copa del Rey.

That result, with an altered XI, came on the back of four league defeats, as some fringe players staked their claim for promotion to the starting team.

"Maybe the league (regulars) will want to get back on track after taking the victory in the cup.

"They are all gifted players, they train every day with the team and have been chosen to play a part in a big squad so we will not be influenced by who played on Wednesday.

"Sevilla have so much in the locker and the players can easily."

Jimenez's hand is likely to be significantly strengthened by a number of big names returning to first-team contention.

Adriano and Federico Fazio are ready for action having spent time on the sidelines in recent weeks, while striker Frederic Kanoute is available once again having returned from Mali's unsuccessful African Nations Cup campaign.

More pleasing still is the likely return to starting duties of Luis Fabiano, who made a brief cameo in the Depor win after six weeks out injured. Diego Perotti could also feature after a substitute's role in the same match.

 

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DIARRA UNWORRIED BY WIDENING GAP

Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra has played down the five-point gap to leaders Barcelona as the Primera Division season reaches its midway point this weekend.

Madrid started 2010 just two points behind their arch rivals and could have taken over top spot, but poor away form, which has seen them return from trips to Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao with just one point and no goals scored, has undermined their efforts.

Fortunately for Manuel Pellegrini's side they are at home this weekend, where they boast a 100% record, but Diarra admits they need to step up their game on the road if they are to keep the pressure on Barca.

He said: "We need to improve our away performances and continue winning in the Bernabeu. We were unable to score in each of our last two league matches away, but such things can happen in football.

"Since returning from Bilbao we have been working hard to improve and to be able to score in our upcoming matches."

Nevertheless, the France international insists Barca's advantage is nothing to be worried about.

"A five-point lead for Barcelona is only a matter of two games. Things can change quickly in football," he said.

Hoping to stop Madrid from making it nine home wins from nine this weekend are a Malaga side who have yet to win away and lost heavily on their last trip to the capital earlier this month, going down 5-1 in the cup to Getafe.

However, that is the only defeat Malaga have suffered since November 1, and last weekend they gained revenge over Getafe with a 1-0 win that lifted them out of the relegation zone.

Reigning champions Barca will be in buoyant mood for their trip to fourth-bottom Real Valladolid following yesterday's news that sextuple-winning coach Pep Guardiola has committed himself to the club for next season.

Guardiola's existing contract runs out this summer and there has been plenty of speculation about his future, but he has verbally committed to staying with the Catalan giants for another 12 months and will put pen to paper following this summer's presidential elections.

Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said: "All the players wanted him to continue as he has done an excellent job. With this news we are all much more relaxed. I never thought a club like Barcelona would allow a coach like Guardiola to get away."

Whilst Ibrahimovic is delighted about the news, he is less pleased about his own form at present.

The Swedish ace has scored 13 goals in all competitions since his big-money summer move from Inter Milan, but he has found the back of the net only once in his last six games.

It is not the lack of goals that his troubling Ibrahimovic though, but his performances lately.

"When I play badly, I recognise it and I think that I've played badly in the last two games. I can play much better," he said.

"I'm not worried by going a while without scoring. If the team wins, it doesn't matter who scores the goals. I'm much more disappointed, for example, with the cup elimination."

That cup elimination came at the hands of Sevilla, who followed up their triumph over holders Barca with a 3-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna in the away leg of their quarter-final tie last night.

That has put the Andalusian side within touching distance of the semi-finals, but they have much to improve on in the league where four successive defeats have dropped them down to sixth. On Saturday Manolo Jimenez's side face Almeria.

Also on Saturday is Barca's match, as well as an interesting battle between fifth-placed Depor and seventh-placed Athletic Bilbao.

Madrid are in action on Sunday, along with Sporting Gijon-Racing Santander, Tenerife-Valencia, Villarreal-Real Zaragoza and Espanyol-Real Mallorca.

Also, bottom club Xerez will be under the guidance of new coach Nestor Gorosito as they look to close the six-point gap on second-bottom Zaragoza when they host Osasuna.

The other game will see improving Atletico Madrid looking for their fifth win in six games in 2010 when they make the short trip to local rivals Getafe.

 

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SALVIO JOINS ATLETICO

Atletico Madrid have finally completed the signing of Argentinian striker Eduardo Salvio.

Salvio has been heavily linked with the Primera Division club and has been in Madrid since Monday discussing the deal.

And Atletico announced on Friday the 19-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal at the Vicente Calderon.

Salvio progressed through the ranks at Lanus and his impressive form has already earned him two caps for Argentina.


Salvio was thrilled to move to the Primera Division. "Above all I want to thank Atletico Madrid for giving me this opportunity," said Salvio.

"I'm starting a new stage in my sporting career and I am very happy to be here.

"To start I hope to have a good season in these months that are left in the competition.

"I'm confident that I can give a lot of joy to the Atletico people."

Atletico beat off a host of clubs to the youngster's signature, paying Lanus a reported 10 million euros.

Club president Enrique Cerezo believes that in Salvio, who can also play as a winger, they have secured an important player for the future.

"By signing Salvio, Atletico Madrid has got one of the great promises of South American football," he said.

"A talented footballer, brilliant, with a promising future ahead.

"He is only 19, but already since he was little he has proved to be a player different to the others, destined to become one of the great footballing figures in his country and let him now leave his mark at Atletico Madrid.

"Many teams wanted to have his services, but he decided to sign for Atletico Madrid and make his debut in European football with the red and white shirt.

"Furthermore, he did it at a decisive moment, in which he is playing for the opportunity to participate in the World Cup in South Africa and we are confident that Salvio will not disappoint us.

"For us it is a great delight to be able to count on a young footballer of these characteristics.

"A skilful player, explosive and versatile, who can play as well as a winger as as a striker, strengthening even more our team in these two areas."

Salvio becomes Atletico's second signing of the window - and is also likely to be their last - following the arrival of Tiago on loan from Juventus.

With the arrival of Salvio, Atletico could be resigned to seeing his compatriot Sergio Aguero leave at the end of the season - with the striker being heavily courted by the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid.

 

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SUSAETA ISSUES CHALLENGE

Athletic Bilbao midfielder Markel Susaeta has urged his team-mates not to let their concentration drop as they prepare to face a wounded Deportivo la Coruna tomorrow.

Athletic secured a fine 1-0 win at home to Real Madrid last weekend to lift them to seventh in the Primera Division standings.

The Basques scored through Fernando Llorente after just two minutes and somehow managed to weather the storm for the rest of the match against a rampant Madrid outfit.

However, Susaeta insists that victory will mean nothing if they do not repeat that feat at Depor.

"We have to continue our good form," he said. "We can't drop the urgency because otherwise the victory the other day won't mean anything.

"We have to go out there giving it everything to take another small step forward.

"We're not going to lose our focus just because we beat Real Madrid.

"The match against Depor will be difficult but we're going there to win.

"We are in a very good situation and if we win at the Riazor we will place ourselves in an exciting position."

Athletic sit just a point behind fifth-placed Deportivo La Coruna and a win away to the Galicians will lift Joaquin Caparros' men into the top five, where they briefly sat earlier on this season.

Defender Fernando Amorebieta believes that would prove they are genuine contenders for a Champions League place.

"Victory would be vital to continue fighting for the top places," he said. "The team are focused and we are in a very good situation.

"Looking at how the team is, giving everything and picking up results, we can be hopeful.

"By beating Depor we would be in the top five and that is a situation which allows us to believe we can finish there."

Javi Martinez has recovered from a bout of gastro-enteritis and should feature.

Susaeta is likely to be the only change from the starting line-up against Real Madrid, with the midfielder set to come in for the suspended Carlos Gurpegi.

Depor will be glad to switch their attention back to the league after Wednesday night's hugely disappointing 3-0 defeat at home to Sevilla in the Copa del Rey.

The Galicians now have very little chance of progressing to the semi-finals of the cup, but they remain in a strong position in the league and are still very much in contention for a place in next season's Champions League.

Miguel Angel Lotina's men sit just two points behind fourth-placed Mallorca, having lost against the islanders at Son Moix last weekend.

It is the first time Depor have lost two consecutive matches this season but former Athletic goalkeeper Dani Aranzubia is not overly concerned.

"We know that this slump can happen," he said. "It's very difficult to keep up the rhythm that we were playing with.

"We have a very tight calendar and added to that we have a lot of injuries."

Depor have been boosted by the news that Filipe has passed a fitness test and been included in the squad. The defender last missed a game when he was suspended in November 2007 - against Athletic -

but had been rated as a serious doubt.

Andres Guardado and Sergio Gonzalez both miss out again.

 

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BARCELONA COACH ON GUARD

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola claims finishing the first half of the Primera Division season unbeaten would mean nothing ahead of the trip to Real Valladolid.

The league leaders have the chance to do just that on Saturday night in Valladolid, while a win would ensure the Catalans complete the first half of the campaign at least five points clear of closest challengers Real Madrid.

While Madrid, who host Malaga on Sunday, have already lost three times in the league this season, Barca have won 14 and drawn four.

But Guardiola, who verbally agreed to remain at Barcelona for another year earlier this week, knows there is no glory attached to finishing top at the halfway stage.

"Finishing the first half unbeaten doesn't win you any titles," he said.

"It's an anecdote - there are 20 games to go and that's an eternity."

Barcelona face a Valladolid side who have won just three times in La Liga all season, and who lost their last home match 4-0 to Atletico Madrid.

Nevertheless, Guardiola expects an intense clash.

"They are a very intense and aggressive team that oblige you to be very attentive and they pressurise you from the front," he said.

Guardiola's only real doubt comes in the centre of midfield, where he will look for a defensive-minded player to complement the skills of Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Yaya Toure is away at the African Nations Cup, while Sergio Busquets misses out through injury.

That could mean a return to the side for Seydou Keita, who is back from the continental tournament in Angola following the elimination of his national side, Mali.

Mexico defender Rafael Marquez is another option, having played in central midfield for the whole season during 2004/2005. Catalan defender Gerard Pique can also play in central midfield.

Up front, Zlatan Ibrahimovic will start, despite a poor recent run of form which has seen the Sweden striker score just two goals in the last seven matches.

The former Inter Milan forward admits he is well below his brilliant best.

"I'm a realist - when I play badly I admit it and in the last match I played bad, bad, bad," he said.

"I haven't felt good about my game but I will improve and I am working hard."

Despite his poor run, Ibrahimovic has struck 13 goals already this season.

Valladolid head into the encounter just a point above the relegation zone following a disappointing first half of the season.

The Castilians have won just once in the last five league matches and coach Jose Luis Mendilibar knows his side will not be expected to take anything from the match.

"They are big favourites, but we have a chance," he said.

"However, we will have to be at the top of the top of our game to beat them."

Sisi misses out through injury once again, with the winger needing an operation following a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

 

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FABREGAS ON COURSE FOR WORLD CUP


Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas feels he is "looking good" to be fully fit for Spain at the World Cup.

The 22-year-old midfielder has been out of action since suffering a cracked bone in his fibula during the Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash against Barcelona on March 31, and missed the Gunners' end to the season.

Fabregas has been in Spain stepping up his rehabilitation work, as he aims to be ready for their opening match in South Africa, against Switzerland at Durban on June 16.

Writing his captain's notes in the Arsenal match programme for the final Barclays Premier League game against Fulham, Fabregas revealed: "I am pleased to say that my recovery from a cracked fibula is on schedule.

"I have started jogging for the first time, and it looks as if I will begin running again properly on Sunday.

"I am happy with how things are going and now I just have to be patient, making sure I come back as strongly as I can."

Fabregas continued: "On May 24, I will join up with the Spanish national team and should be able to join in a bit when we play Saudi Arabia five days later.

"The timing is looking good for the World Cup, but I am sad not to have played a part in the end of Arsenal's season."


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