Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Jornada 33

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Hull City: Fans narrowly back Tigers name change in ballot

Hull City season card holders have narrowly voted in favour of owner Assem Allam's plan to change the Premier League club's name to Hull Tigers.

The Football Association will decide on the proposals when its council meets on Wednesday, though its membership committee has already made a recommendation to reject the plans.

A total of 2,565 of those eligible voted for the change, to 2,517 against.

Fans' group City Till We Die said the result was "largely meaningless".

Of the club's 15,033 season card holders, 5,874 responded, with 792 voting they were "not too concerned and will continue to support the club either way".

Hull history
Formed in 1904, they first wore black and amber shirts for their maiden Football League campaign the following year. They moved to present ground, shared with Hull FC rugby league club, in 2002, after 56 years at Boothferry Park.

Those in favour voted "Yes to Hull Tigers with the Allam family continuing to lead the club" while those against voted "No to Hull Tigers".

Allam, 74, has said he will walk away from the club if the name change is blocked.

The Egypt-born businessman believes a Tigers brand will be more marketable, and said he considered the word City to be "lousy" and "common".

In a statement, City Til We Die said: "The truth of the matter is that this result is largely meaningless, either as a true measure of opinions regarding either the name change proposal, or the supporters' desire to see Dr Allam and his son Ehab stay."

It said there were "yawning deficiencies" in the ballot, including the "loaded nature of the questions".

In August, it was announced the name of business that runs the club had been changed to Hull City Tigers. Four months later, the club applied to the FA to change its name to Hull Tigers from next season.

Allam, who moved to Hull in 1968, took charge of the club in December 2010 and last season oversaw promotion to the top flight for only the second time in the club's 109-year history.

He is credited with rescuing the club from administration but has been at odds with many supporters over his plans to change the club's name.

Allam said in a newspaper interview last year that his opponents could "die as soon as they want", with manager Steve Bruce later claiming the owner had been misinterpreted.

Hull are 12th in the Premier League and will reach the FA Cup final for the first time on Sunday if they beat League One side Sheffield United in their first semi-final since 1930.

The team's "Tigers" nickname is thought to have been coined by a Hull Daily Mail reporter in 1905, in reference to the club's black and amber kit.

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Christian Eriksen's late stunner earned a point for Tottenham as they came from three goals down to draw 3-3 in a thriller at West Brom.

Spurs did little to alleviate the pressure on rookie boss Tim Sherwood early on with some woeful defending allowing the home side to race into a three-goal lead without having to do a great deal.

Matej Vydra scored the fourth fastest Premier League goal of the season after just 31 seconds to break the deadlock, before returning captain Chris Brunt had all the time in the world to volley in the second just three minutes later.

Emmanuel Adebayor then missed a great chance to get Spurs back in it, but saw his tame penalty easily saved by Baggies keeper Ben Foster.

Best of the Match

Man of the Match: Christian Eriken. Was at the heart of Spurs' second-half revival
Goal of the Match: Christian Eriksen. Superb strike late on to earn a valuable point for Spurs.
Save of the Match: Ben Foster. Incredible double save in the first half to deny Paulinho and Danny Rose.
Talking Points: Will this result save Sherwood? Will they need to improve their defending? Are West Brom in trouble?

And Stephane Sessegnon punished Adebayor's miss by racing past Vlad Chiriches to net the third.

Kyle Naughton's deflected cross beat Foster to give Spurs hope before the break, and set the tone for what was a different away side in the second half.

Harry Kane deservedly put Spurs back in it from close range before Eriksen fired in a late equaliser after sustained pressure from the visitors for the whole 45 minutes.

The result still leaves Spurs with a mountain to climb if they are going to secure a top-four finish, while Pepe Mel will be wondering what he has to do to claim his first home win as West Brom boss.

It was a remarkably slow start by the visitors, who were extremely careless at the back, and were punished immediately.

Danny Rose was easily beaten down the right flank by Morgan Amalfitano, who whipped a fierce cross into the box, which Hugo Lloris could only palm into the path of Vydra, who smashed the ball into the empty net.

Albion swiftly added another, taking advantage of sloppy play at the back by Spurs as Steven Reid's cross dropped to Brunt via a flick-on and the Baggies skipper volleyed home sweetly.

Tottenham looked to hit back quickly and, after Kane had fired an attempt wide, the visitors were awarded a penalty around the quarter-hour mark when referee Neil Swarbrick ruled Amalfitano had fouled Rose in the West Brom box.

The subsequent effort from the spot by Adebayor was tame and Foster was able to get down to his left to keep it out.

Spurs had an escape in the 26th minute when Amalfitano, allowed considerable space in the area, received the ball from Youssouf Mulumbu and drilled it at Lloris, who pushed it over the bar.

However, a third soon followed, as Jonas Olsson's long hopeful ball forward from defence was headed backwards by Kaboul and taken by Sessegnon, who drove forward while holding off Chiriches before slotting beyond Lloris.

Spurs' hopes of a comeback were soon boosted. Only three minutes after Sessegnon's strike, the away side had a goal back when Olsson diverted a cross into the box past his own goalkeeper.

And moments later Foster pulled off a great double save, pushing away Paulinho's shot before denying Rose on the rebound.

Tottenham kept up the pressure after the restart and, after Rose put an attempt wide, Foster produced further heroics, palming behind an Aaron Lennon strike and then jumping to keep out a lofted Eriksen free-kick.

Rose was in the thick of the action once again when he went down in the West Brom area claiming a foul by Reid, only to pick up a booking from Swarbrick for his trouble.

Kane twice went close before getting his goal, rising to head in from Lennon's cross.

The equaliser came in dramatic circumstances as the ball came to Eriksen in the box after a cross was flicked on and the midfielder got the better of Reid before cracking the ball into the net.

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Wes Brown's 75th-minute own goal gave Everton a 1-0 victory at Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Toffees' seventh win in a row moves them up to fourth in the table, two points above Arsenal with five games to go in the race for a Champions League qualifying berth. They have now amassed their highest points tally - 66 to date - in a single Premier League campaign, surpassing the 65-mark they reached in 2007-08.

In contrast, the Black Cats remain bottom with no wins in eight games. They are now seven points from safety, although they do have two games in hand on the three clubs immediately above them.

Best of the match

Man of the match: Gerard Deulofeu, was very lively down the left-hand side, beating Marcos Alonso several times and put the ball in for the winning goal.
Moment of the match: Everton taking the lead to move them fourth in the standings thanks to Wes Brown's unfortunate own goal.
Attempt of the match: Steven Naismith firing wide of an open goal, failing to take advantage of Vito Mannone's woeful headed clearance.
Save of the match: Mannone denying Ross Barkley from close range, palming the volleyed effort wide of goal.
Talking point: Everton grinding out a narrow win, despite not being at their best and moving into fourth position, two points clear of their closest rivals Arsenal.

In truth, defeat was somewhat harsh on the hosts, although Everton may feel they deserved a break against Gus Poyet's men after losing 1-0 in the Boxing Day meeting at Goodison Park after an inspired display by Vito Mannone.

The Sunderland goalkeeper had his moments in this game too, but could not keep the ball out after it deflected off Brown when Gerard Deulofeu played it across from a tight angle with a quarter of an hour remaining.

Roberto Martinez made just one change to his starting line-up. Deulofeu replaced Kevin Mirallas as the Everton manager otherwise kept faith with the men who started last Sunday's 3-0 win over Arsenal.

Poyet left out Carlos Cuellar and Santiago Vergini, while Liam Bridcutt was absent after his partner went into labour. Skipper John O'Shea, Jack Colback and Connor Wickham all came in, with Colback and full-back Phil Bardsley included despite the manager's admission that they look likely to leave the club at the end of the season.

The Stadium of Light was far from full but the 38,445 fans in attendance did see their team make a decent enough start, with Ki winning a free-kick via a James McCarthy foul. Fabio Borini blasted the set-piece over the bar.

After Deulofeu had dallied when played through on goal, Steven Naismith cleverly turned Brown in the box to set himself up for a great chance - but the in-form Scotland striker lashed his shot too high.

Adam Johnson was then booked on 18 minutes for a pull on Leighton Baines.

John Stones kept the scoreline blank with a timely intervention just after the half-hour mark, the young defender getting between the goalline and Borini's shot on a tight angle after the Italian had taken the ball around Tim Howard following Baines' short backpass.

Having stolen a yard on Brown, Romelu Lukaku snatched a shot across goal and wide of the far post three minutes later after being set up by Baines, as Everton looked to finish the first half strongly.

Poyet was left fuming just before the interval, however, when referee Lee Probert missed what looked to be a blatant bodycheck on Johnson by Baines.

Seamus Coleman and Bardsley were both booked early on in the second period, for fouls on Borini and Naismith respectively.

Bardsley's header from a corner had to be cleared by Everton, before Ross Barkley came on to replace Leon Osman in the 58th minute.

In the 62nd minute, Mannone attempted to head clear a long kick by his opposite number Howard but only succeeded in finding Naismith. However, the Scot volleyed wide with an open goal beckoning.

After Johnson fired wide at the other end, Mannone saved well from Barkley after he stabbed Sylvain Distin's cross towards goal but, after Seb Larsson replaced Colback, disaster struck for Sunderland.

Deulofeu got past Marcos Alonso to the byline on the right and his cross hit Brown before squirming in at the near post. It was the seventh own goal Sunderland have conceded so far this season.

Howard saved from Ki and Borini also went close before the final whistle blew.

Everton have home games against Crystal Palace on Wednesday and Manchester United on Sunday, while Sunderland travel to face Manchester City in midweek before heading to Chelsea on Saturday.

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Crystal Palace inched their way towards Premier League safety after Jason Puncheon handed them a 1-0 win over Aston Villa.

The Palace winger scored the only goal of the game with 16 minutes remaining to help Tony Pulis' side to their third straight win and leapfrog their opponents in the table, moving onto 37 points with five games remaining.

Best of the match:

Man of the match: Yannick Bolasie - The Palace winger was the liveliest player on the park and created the only goal of the game.
Goal of the match: Jason Puncheon - He bagged the winner after 76 minutes after turning Ryan Bertrand before lashing his left-foot shot in off the far post for his sixth of the campaign.
Miss of the match: Cameron Jerome somehow managed to strike the underside of the crossbar from two yards out with the goal at his mercy.

Controversy of the match: Bolasie's cross clearly struck Ciaran Clark's chest, but referee Howard Webb pointed to the spot. He changed his mind after having a word with his assistant.
Save of the match: Julian Speroni was called into action with a stunning one-handed save to deny Andreas Weimann from grabbing an equaliser.
Stat of the match: Palace have now won five of their last seven Premier League home matches, and has lost just three times in their last 12 at Selhurst Park.
Talking point: Palace have all-but assured top flight football next season, but are Villa in serious danger of relegation after this damaging defeat?

Meanwhile, Villa suffered their fourth straight defeat with a toothless display and slipped to four points off the bottom three. They are now without an away win since New Year's Day.

The game in south London started at a pace that suggested the game was being played at the end of the season with both sides already planning their summer holidays.

Villa laboured for the majority of the game and Palace did eventually move through the gears. But for wasteful finishing from Yannick Bolasie and Cameron Jerome, they would have been out of sight before Puncheon's 76th-minute winner.

Cagey opening

After a cagey opening spell, the first action of note came as Kagisho Dikgacoi was forced off through injury on 18 minutes, with Pulis opting to replace the South Africa international with Marouane Chamakh.

The visitors came close to opening the scoring moments later but Jerome was in the right place at the right time to turn a tame Ciaran Clark header off the line after the ball had evaded Julian Speroni's grasp.

With the game ambling along neither side was able to get a firm foothold on proceedings, with a long-range effort from Villa's Ashley Westwood charged down by Damien Delaney. It was the best chance either side could muster until seven minutes before the interval.

Joe Ledley was fouled by Westwood and Palace put together a wonderful training ground set-piece as Joel Ward, Mile Jedinak and Puncheon combined to tee up Bolasie.

The winger was through on goal but miscued his effort woefully under close pressure from Grant Holt, with Palace's penalty appeals correctly turned down by referee Howard Webb.

Chamakh then came close as he went to head Adrian Mariappa's deep cross just wide with the hosts finally starting to have an impact on the game.

The returning Gabriel Agbonlahor had been quiet in the first half but had his first sight of goal shortly after the break, curling an effort from outside the box which Speroni gathered with ease.

But it was the home side who wasted another golden opportunity to open the scoring, with Bolasie involved once more.

The Congo international saw a deflected shot pushed into the path of Jerome by Brad Guzan but the striker could only turn the rebound on to the crossbar from two yards out.

Palace authority

The Eagles soon re-established the authority on the game they held at the end of the first half and Bolasie was unfortunate to see a 25-yard drive fly just wide of Guzan's right-hand post with the USA international beaten.

There was a moment of confusion just after the hour mark as Webb pointed for a penalty to the hosts for a handball against Nathan Baker after communicating with his assistant.

But, after further consultation the penalty decision was overturned, much to the fury of the home supporters inside of Selhurst Park.

But their jeers turned to howls of delight with 14 minutes remaining as Bolasie's cross evaded Chamakh but dropped to Puncheon, who converted on the turn to put the Eagles ahead.

The goal took Puncheon clear as Palace's leading Premier League scorer for the campaign and he was unlucky not to add another as he cut inside before seeing an effort clip off the post.

Lambert threw on Marc Albrighton and Andreas Weimann as he looked to give his side more impetus going forward and it was the latter who forced a smart save out of Speroni as he flicked Holt's downward header towards goal.

That proved to be the last meaningful threat to Palace's third consecutive league win.

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis plays down Cardiff team 'leak'

Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis has played down reports the club were given Cardiff's team-sheet a day before their Premier League defeat of the Bluebirds.

The Eagles beat the Welsh team 3-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium on 5 April.

Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman claims his team's line-up was leaked to Palace 24 hours before the game, though a formal complaint is yet to be made.

"Irrespective of who or where it has come from, it is pure speculation until the team-sheet comes in," said Pulis.

Cardiff, who remain in the bottom three despite a 1-0 win at Southampton on Saturday, are taking disciplinary action against two employees over the alleged leak.

Pulis's side followed up their defeat of Cardiff with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa to further ease their relegation fears.

He added: "For three weeks we have picked the same formation and same team, we haven't changed anything.

"Although I try and avoid it myself, I have known managers change the team 10 minutes before the team-sheets have gone in so it is very difficult to say it is definitely going to be that team."

The Welshman, whose side have won three successive league games to climb seven points above the relegation zone, said he would not trust anyone with insider information on an opposing team.

He said: "I'm never, ever convinced what team we are going to play against until that team-sheet comes through the door."

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Hugo Rodallega's first-half goal was enough to give Fulham a crucial 1-0 victory in their pursuit of Premier League survival and condemn Neil Adams to defeat in his first game as Norwich manager.

Rodallega's close-range finish in the 40th minute gave the Cottagers a second consecutive win for only the second time this season and puts them two points from safety with four matches to play.

Norwich, who have now lost their past seven away fixtures, arguably had the better chances in a pulsating contest at Craven Cottage but the visitors lacked incision in the final third.

Best of the Match

Man of the Match: David Stockdale. Made numerous authoritative saves to retain a clean sheet and deny Norwich the equaliser they so craved.
Goal of the Match: Only one to pick from but Hugo Rodallega took his chance well after a fine delivery from Lewis Holtby.
Save of the Match: David Stockdale. An outstanding reflex effort to deny Ricky van Wolfswinkel his first goal in 20 hours of football.
Talking point: Can Felix Magath mastermind the great escape for Fulham? Is the writing on the wall for Norwich given their closing fixtures?

The Canaries now face an unenviable task to hold off their relegation rivals with their remaining games coming against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

The hosts started brightly and had the first shot of the game in the fifth minute when Pajtim Kasami drove forward from midfield but his shot from distance went well wide.

Moments later Nathan Redmond drew a sharp save at the other end with a snapshot towards David Stockdale's near post as Norwich gradually settled into the game and began to enjoy the majority of possession.

Steven Whittaker's lofted cross-field pass lured Jonny Howson into an audacious volley but his effort was deflected behind.

Just before the quarter-hour mark, a routine ball up to Kasami was flicked into the path of Rodallega who stumbled before firing wide of the far post.

Norwich were the more measured side in possession but their slow build-up play was easy to absorb for the hosts, who looked to find their front two at every opportunity.

It was the Canaries though who had the best chance of the match in the 28th minute when Martin Olsson's cross found Ricky van Wolfswinkel and his first-time effort produced an excellent save from Stockdale.

The Fulham keeper was called into action again from the resulting corner as Leroy Fer's header was saved and Bradley Johnson put the rebound wide.

The Cottagers were rattled and, with the home crowd agitated, John Heitinga committed a needless foul 25 yards out. Robert Snodgrass nearly made him pay but the midfielder's bending free-kick clipped the bar on its way over.

The home side regained their composure however and in the 40th minute took the lead as Lewis Holtby delivered a free-kick from the left and Rodallega half-volleyed high into the net from close range.

The second period began just as frantically as the first with Snodgrass testing Stockdale early on with a shot from the edge of the box.

Rodallega almost doubled the hosts' lead in the 55th minute but his downward header was cleared off the line by Olsson.

Norwich should have equalised moments later as Johnson's chipped ball through found Olsson whose heavy touch across the box looked certain to give Snodgrass a simple finish but Brede Hangeland scrambled across to make a crucial block.

The home side seemed to lose energy as the second half went on but, while Norwich began to dominate possession, the visitors struggled to create any clear-cut chances.

Michael Turner went close from a corner in the 74th minute but his header towards goal was diverted away by Rodallega.

Fulham grew increasingly nervy in the latter stages but the expected Norwich onslaught never really materialised.

Instead it was the Cottagers who should have finished with a flourish as Ashkan Dejagah blazed over with only the keeper to beat but it made no difference as the hosts were able to see out a vital victory in the race for survival.

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Bottom club Sunderland earned a stunning win at Chelsea that severely dented the Blues' title hopes and gave leaders Liverpool a major boost.

Connor Wickham followed up Marcos Alonso's shot to equalise after Samuel Eto'o had given Chelsea the lead.

After several Chelsea chances, Sunderland were given a penalty when Cesar Azpilicueta fouled Jozy Altidore.

And Fabio Borini scored to inflict Jose Mourinho's first home Premier League defeat in 78 games as Chelsea manager.

The award of a marginal penalty so late in the game sparked anger on the Chelsea bench and Mourinho had to restrain assistant coach Rui Faria, who was seeking to confront referee Mike Dean.

Faria was sent to the stands to watch the final stages as the match - and quite possibly Chelsea's chances of winning the league - fizzled out.

Rui Faria is restrained by Jose Mourinho Faria is restrained with Mourinho in the background before being hustled away by Chelsea staff

The shock result leaves the second-placed Blues two points behind Liverpool, who will play their game in hand against Norwich on Sunday before hosting Chelsea a week later.

Meanwhile, Sunderland, who had secured a point at title-chasing Manchester City in midweek, closed to within three points of Norwich, who are occupying the final spot above the relegation zone.

While the result was a huge coup for the Black Cats, it represents a devastating blow for Mourinho, who must rouse his men for their trip to Atletico Madrid for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.

Once again, the Portuguese was left lamenting the inadequacies of his strikers as the Blues only converted one of their 31 chances in the absence through injury of their top scorer Eden Hazard.

The Blues had begun the match confidently, as Eto'o capitalised on some slack Sunderland marking from a corner to open the scoring.
Willian's delivery found the Cameroon frontman, who pounced in front of Lee Cattermole to notch his 12th goal of the season from close range.

Sunderland's equaliser also came from a corner as the ball was sent directly to Alonso in acres of space on the edge of the area. The Spaniard's low drive was only parried by Schwarzer and Wickham reacted quicker than John Terry to score his third goal in a week.

Chelsea were denied a goal on the half hour when Nemanja Matic was adjudged to have fouled Jack Colback as he nodded the ball down for Terry to sweep home a volley.

Shortly afterwards, Sunderland were saved by the woodwork as Vito Mannone somehow managed to deflect Branislav Ivanovic's header from point-blank range onto the underside of the bar.

Sunderland were indebted to their goalkeeper three more times as he saved from Matic, Mohamed Salah and Willian.

And in a frantic end to the half, two penalty appeals were turned down by referee Dean as Alonso appeared to handle inside the box and Sebastian Larsson shoulder-barged Ramires off the ball in front of goal.

Clearly irked by what he saw as an unfair challenge, Ramires was lucky to escape punishment moments later as he elbowed Larsson in full view of Dean.

Chelsea picked up where they left off in the second half as a brisk counter-attack ended with Eto'o sweeping narrowly past the post.

Mourinho brought on Demba Ba for the final half hour, but even the in-form Senegalese striker could not find his range as he sliced horribly wide from Willian's cut-back.

As the half wore on, the Blues' efforts became increasingly desperate and disjointed as they were repeatedly unable to produce a finish to beat Mannone.

Chelsea's commitment to attack left them exposed on the break and they paid the ultimate price as Azpilicueta's slip let in Altidore down the right.

Azpilicueta slid in to try to challenge the American and was ruled to have brought him down.

Former Chelsea forward Borini, who is on loan from Liverpool, kept a cool head to slot the ball past Schwarzer to send the visiting Sunderland fans into raptures.

Substitute Andre Schurrle responded with a dipping shot from 30 yards which again saw Mannone produce heroics to tip over, before the Italian confidently gathered a Terry header to snuff out Chelsea's last hope.

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Interesante entrevista con Roberto Martínez la que publica hoy El Mundo:

Cuando aterrizó en el Everton hace diez meses, Roberto Martínez(Balaguer, 1.973) se citó con David Moyes en un intento de conocer por dentro su legado de once años. También quiso hablar con leyendas del club como Howard Kendall, el técnico más exitoso de su historia. Y se empeñó en inculcar a los jugadores nuevos el significado de defender la camiseta los 'Toffees' colgando fotos de los tiempos gloriosos de la entidad en las escaleras que conducen al vestuario de la ciudad deportiva. "No muchos equipos del fútbol británico pueden decir que tienen nueve ligas", afirma con entusiasmo. Un esfuerzo de inmersión cultural que siempre ha acompañado sus dos décadas en el fútbol británico desde que fichó como jugador del Wigan. Hasta el punto que funde su castellano con exóticas ráfagas de gramática inglesa. Esta jornada recibe alManchester United de su predecesor con una mejora considerable de la obra heredada y acariciando la codiciada cuarta plaza deChampions. Es el entrenador de moda de la Premier y asume con naturalidad ser prácticamente un desconocido en su país de origen.

Cuando Pepe Mel debutó contra usted dijo que Roberto Martínez "es más inglés que español". ¿Eso es un halago?

Es la percepción que se tiene sobre mí. A lo mejor por números sí. Vine con 21 años y llevo 19 temporadas en el fútbol británico. Es una gran parte de mi vida, pero soy catalán y español y eso nunca cambiará. En España no se me conoce a nivel futbolístico. Tuve una experiencia fantástica en el Zaragoza B, debuté en el primer equipo en el Calderón el año que ganó la Copa del Rey y eso es un orgullo.

¿Y qué cosas conserva de España aparte del jamón de Jabugo que tiene en su despacho?

¡Es mi gran debilidad! También el Cola-Cao, el café... Cuando llegué en 1.995 no podías encontrar café. Cuando veo a los chicos españoles quejándose en el vestuario les digo: si hubierais venido en el '95, no os hubierais adaptado ni de lejos. Ahora puedes comprar de todo. En el '95 incluso hacer la siesta era un problema porque a las 4 de la tarde cerraba todo. Este país se ha europeizado.

¿Qué ha hecho para adaptarse tan bien, aparte de casarse con una escocesa?

¡Casándote con una escocesa puedes enfadar a un inglés! (sonríe con ironía) Como jugador español tienes dos opciones cuando llegas. Buscar lo que te hace feliz y no abrirte, aunque ese futbolista acaba quedándose muy poco tiempo. O, en mi caso, entender el fútbol de otra manera. Me chocó enormemente que todo lo que habíamos aprendido era llevado a otro extremo: preparación, forma de jugar, de marcar goles. Eso me apasionó. Quise aprender el inglés perfectamente, estudié dos post grados de marketing y negocios en la Universidad de Manchester. Y cuando no podía aprender más, empecé a trabajar en TV comentando La Liga en Sky Sports para poder pensar en inglés. A partir de ese momento, me adapté muy bien a la forma de vivir aquí.

Su capacidad de oratoria en inglés puso en pie a Anfield en el homenaje a Hillsborough...

Fue una experiencia única. Nunca he sentido tanta emoción al hablar con un grupo de gente que está unida por el fútbol. Fue un gran honor representar al Everton en una situación tan delicada. Emocionalmente podía sentir el dolor de las familias. En el fútbol siempre existirá rivalidad entre los dos clubes, pero lo que pasó ahí fue una tragedia para Liverpool. La ciudad sufrió muchísimo. Lucharon 25 años para llegar a la verdad. Es un caso bastante especial.

En ese discurso recordó que pertenece a una familia muy futbolera.

Sí, mi padre fue futbolista y entrenador. Siempre entrenó cerca de Balaguer. Nació en Zaragoza, viajó mucho. Mis padres acabaron asentándose y abriendo una tienda de zapatos en Balaguer. Mi padre entrenaba a sus equipos de una forma superprofesional, con gran pasión y yo aprendí muchísimo con él. ¡Conmigo se enfada mucho! Es muy curioso y no para de preguntarme cosas. Para mí es una referencia y un héroe. Desde pequeñito siempre quise jugar al fútbol, ser entrenador y tener una tienda de zapatos.

Falta la tienda de zapatos...

¡Espero convencer a mi mujer para abrir una! (ironía)

¿Su apego al fútbol de posesión es una seña de identidad española?

Sí. Fue por influencia de Johan Cruyff cuando llegó al Barcelona, esos primeros seis meses muy difíciles. Es entender que si quieres cambiar algo drásticamente, tiene que haber mucho trabajo y muchos momentos duros. A mí me entusiasmó. Y a partir de ahí, observar el producto final. Me entusiasmó cómo un equipo podía controlar partidos en Europa y fuera de casa manteniendo la portería a cero y defendiendo con el balón. A partir de ahí he intentado aprender mucho de entrenadores como Toshack en la Real, Maturana en el Valladolid, Sacchi en Milan. Siempre me ha interesado ver cómo entrenadores llegan a una cultura distinta y trasladan sus ideas a través de diferentes métodos.

Y el destino convirtió a Jordi Cruyff en uno de sus mejores amigos.

Sí. Fue mi padrino de boda y el padrino de mi niña. Y yo el padrino de su hijo Julen. Nos conocimos en Mánchester cuando yo firmé por el Wigan y él por el Manchester United en unos restaurantes donde nos juntábamos los españoles, el Harpers y el Rincón de Rafa. A partir de entonces desarrollamos muy buena relación.

Ese estilo de fútbol de posesión no cuajó muy bien en el Swansea de League One cuando debutó como entrenador pero acabó dándole una FA Cup con el Wigan a pesar del descenso...

¡Me costó convencerles! (sonríe) Pero de la misma manera sabía que, si podíamos inculcarlo, los resultados serían maravillosos. Cuando fui jugador del Swansea, evitamos el descenso y perder el estatus profesional. Fue una situación muy difícil. Ya tenía relación con los fans muy cercana y sabía que tendrían más paciencia conmigo que con un desconocido. Y luego conocía a todos los jugadores. Sabía dónde iban de juerga. El juego de posesión fue un shock. Siempre se había jugado con 4-4-2 típico británico, con centros. Cambiar a tres delanteros no fue fácil. Siempre me acordaré. Fue en un partido contra el Swindon, en casa, después de 5 ó 6 meses, ganamos 2 a 1. Y desde entonces no volvimos a mirar atrás. ¡A ver quién es el valiente que se atreve a cambiar el estilo porque no lo aceptarían!

Ahora en la Premier se baja el balón. Los equipos de arriba lo hacen, incluso Mourinho lo intentó con el Chelsea en el primer tramo de temporada.

La Premier ha cambiado mucho en los últimos años. Pero aún tiene esa gran capacidad de sorprenderte. La variedad de estilos es patente. Ahora el fútbol de posesión puede ser practicado por un equipo que acaba de ascender. Eso antes era impensable. En las divisiones inferiores había la percepción de que si jugabas bien, no asciendes.

Con el Everton ha sido fiel a su estilo. ¿Esperaba un impacto tan positivo en poco tiempo?

Sí. Yo tenía muchísima confianza. Cuando llegué en verano, analicé a los jugadores y sabía que había una mezcla fantástica de talento y experiencia. Con esas dos virtudes, sólo falta que el jugador sea abierto y tenga la valentía para hacer las cosas de forma diferentes. En la séptima sesión de entrenamientos vimos mejorías que en otros equipos nos habrían costado 6 ó 7 meses. Sabía que el equipo estaba dispuesto a cambiar la filosofía de grupo.

El Everton fichó muy bien en verano como ocurrió con la cesión de Lukaku. Y Deulofeu les ha dado puntos pero también lo ha dosificado. ¿Por qué?

Cuando llegas como un chico joven al fútbol británico, y yo tengo la experiencia de primera mano, parece que alguien te envía a la luna. Ni estás preparado ni lo entiendes. Y todo lo que te han dicho en tu etapa de formación se pone en entredicho. Gerard para mí es uno de los talentos más importantes del fútbol mundial y va a ser un gran futbolista. Yo creo que este año en la Premier le va a ayudar muchísimo. Es importante dosificarle para que entienda conceptos del fútbol británico y también comprender cómo es el fútbol fuera de Barcelona, que es algo importante. La reacción ha sido increíble, desde un punto de vista físico, de entender el fútbol, ha sido una aventura muy buena.

¿Teme que tenga que volver por la sanción de la FIFA al Barça?

Cuando tomas la decisión de traer a un jugador cedido quieres que sea un éxito para el futbolista, para el equipo al que pertenece y para nosotros. Nos faltan cuatro partidos y ha sido un éxito rotundo para las tres partes. Es lo único que me interesaba. A partir de ahí haremos lo que siempre le guste y sea importante para el club que tiene los derechos Gerard. No me preocupa lo del futuro.

¿Todavía es factible la Champions después de la última derrota contra el Crystal Palace?

Sí, es más factible ahora que a principio de temporada. La gente tiene que estar muy desilusionada después de esa derrota pero hemos sacado 21 puntos de 24. Nos hemos metido en la lucha por el cuarto puesto sin tener derecho a ello como los seis equipos que todo el mundo pensaba a principio de temporada. Estamos a un punto de Arsenal con el average a nuestro favor. Es muy difícil pero estar en esta situación a cuatro partidos ya es un motivo de celebración.

Paradójicamente su antecesor David Moyes no ha tenido la misma suerte que usted en el Manchester United...

Cada club es distinto y tienes que analizar el porqué. Seguro que hay razones importantes. En este Everton hay muchísimo de Moyes. Cuando llegas como entrenador a un equipo que ha tenido éxito, la clave es cambiar muchas cosas sin perder nada.

¿Cómo recibirá Goodison Park a David Moyes?

Ahora se recibe al técnico del Manchester United, no el ex entrenador del Everton. Los dos clubes tuvieron situaciones difíciles en el mercado de verano por Fellaini y Baines (el United fichó a Fellaini y tanteó a Baines). El aficionado tiene memoria, es normal que lo quiera reflejar. Lo importante es que David Moyes, el ex técnico del Everton, siempre será una leyenda.

¿Le gustaría volver a España a entrenar en un futuro? Su nombre ha aparecido en alguna lista de futuribles del Barça.

Pero no ha habido contactos en absoluto. Me ha gustado mucho que haya cambiado la percepción hacia el Everton, ha cogido a muchos aficionados por sorpresa y eso me llena de orgullo. Y en el fútbol, cuando las cosas van bien, la gente habla con cariño y siempre hay especulaciones. Es un piropo futbolístico.

¿Se atreve con ese debate manido sobre cuál es la mejor liga del mundo? ¿Premier o La Liga?

Sí, sí. ¡A mí me encanta ese debate! La respuesta es muy clara. Es cuestión de gustos. Está claro que a nivel organizativo, estructuración, marketing y producto, la mejor liga es la Premier y las cifras están ahí para reflejarlo. A nivel de estilos, juego, honradez, darlo todo al máximo en cada partido, no hay debate. El ADN de la competición en la Premier es único. Pero se tiene que experimentar para entenderlo.

'Mi ftbol es una sea de identidad espaola' | Ftbol | EL MUNDO

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Liverpool opened up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a hard-fought win at Norwich.

Second-placed Chelsea had lost on Saturday and the Reds capitalised, with Raheem Sterling arrowing in a long-range shot to put them ahead.

Luis Suarez guided in a second only for Gary Hooper to slot in for Norwich after keeper Simon Mignolet's error.

Sterling scored with a deflected shot before a Robert Snodgrass header gave the Canaries hope but the Reds held on.

It was a frantic finish at a boisterous Carrow Road and the home side almost salvaged a point only for Mignolet to save a Ricky van Wolfswinkel header.

Liverpool were given a scare by Norwich but managed to secure an 11th successive league win, which confirms their place in next season's Champions League, ahead of next Sunday's home game against Chelsea, a visit to Crystal Palace and a meeting with Newcastle at Anfield.

Chelsea's surprise defeat at home to Sunderland on Saturday had added to the expectancy surrounding the Reds at Carrow Road.

But following a storming start, they had to determinedly drag themselves over the line to earn a victory which brings closer a first title since 1990.

Norwich suffered a sixth defeat in eight outings, although they can take heart from a battling display. They are two points above the relegation zone with games at Manchester United and Chelsea to come before they play Arsenal at home.

The Canaries ultimately paid the price for a disappointing first half, which began with Sterling sidestepping Bradley Johnson and powering a 22-yard shot, which took a slight deflection off defender Michael Turner, past keeper John Ruddy.

Joe Allen had an angled drive fended away by Ruddy as Liverpool made a typically energetic start, with a second goal not taking long to arrive.

Sterling turned from scorer to provider as he bent a low right-wing ball into the path of Suarez, who guided a sidefoot home for his 30th league goal of the campaign.

Norwich rallied and striker Hooper latched on to a Turner knockdown but was denied the chance to get a shot away courtesy of two tigerish Allen tackles.

A swerving long range Nathan Redmond effort was also palmed away by Mignolet, with Norwich continuing to the apply the pressure after the break.

The home side received their reward for their efforts when Mignolet mistimed his attempt to punch away Steven Whittaker's cross and Hooper tapped in from eight yards.

Suarez could have eased Liverpool's nerves but sent a shot from just inside the box narrowly wide.

It was left to Sterling to restore the visiting side's two-goal advantage, with the Reds forward racing at the Norwich defence before his effort looped in following a deflection off Bradley Johnson.

The Canaries refused to be disheartened and Snodgrass had a shot palmed around the post, while a Redmond strike was diverted wide off the head of defender Martin Skrtel.

The home pressure eventually told again when Snodgrass headed in - but despite going close with Van Wolfswinkel's header, an equaliser eluded them.

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Arsenal kept control of the destiny of the fourth and final Champions League spot as Lukas Podolski scored twice in an easy Premier League win at Hull.

Arsenal stay a point clear of Everton - who beat Manchester United - but nearly conceded to a Shane Long effort.

The Gunners took control as Santi Cazorla set up Aaron Ramsey to fire in and Podolski buried a half-volley.

Podolski turned in a loose ball after the break and Hull never threatened to peg back their FA Cup final opponents.

The two teams will meet again at Wembley on 17 May and Hull's fans began the afternoon by reminding their opponents of their 100% record at the venue, having won the 2008 Championship play-off final, and the recent FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United.

The Tigers will have to perform a lot better if they are to stifle a rejuvenated Arsenal in next month's encounter, though, and still have a faint threat of relegation hanging over them.

Steve Bruce's side are six points above the drop zone but have three away games - at Fulham, Aston Villa and Manchester United - before finishing their league campaign at home to Champions League-chasing Everton.

Arsenal will hope to finish their own season by not only securing fourth spot but repeating this victory to clinch their first silverware in nine years.

Achieving those aims might be enough to persuade manager Arsene Wenger to extend a contract that expires at the end of the season.

Played in blustery conditions which caused an early hold-up in play as advertising hoardings were blown across the pitch, and against opponents committed to pressing high and hard, this match had the potential to be a tough one for the Gunners.

But apart from a couple of early opportunities for Hull, most notably when Long cleared the bar from a tight angle and Jake Livermore drilled against the post from distance, Arsenal looked secure.

Jake Livermore helps clear the pitch Hull players clear the pitch after hoardings blow onto the playing surface

The visitors' opening goal arrived as Mesut Ozil, a peripheral figure on his first start in six weeks, fed Cazorla and the Spaniard poked a well-weighted pass through for a surging Ramsey to apply the finish.

Ramsey only returned to action earlier this month after a thigh injury picked up on Boxing Day, and showed the attacking intelligence that Arsenal have often missed in his absence.

With half-time looming referee Jonathan Moss ignored appeals for a foul as Nikica Jelavic went down in a challenge with Mikel Arteta, Arsenal swept upfield and Ramsey's chested lay-off gave Podolski the space to fire a crisp shot into the bottom corner.

Nine minutes after the break, the German's second all but ended the game as a contest.

Again Hull failed to shut down the space once Arsenal smuggled the ball through their first line of defence and Cazorla had time to look up at the byeline and pick out Ramsey on the edge of the box.

Steve Harper could only parry the Welshman's first-time effort back out into the six-yard box and Podolski was first to the loose ball to notch his fifth in as many games.

Arsenal could have had more. Olivier Giroud hit the bar after a misjudgement by Harper, Per Mertesacker nodded just over, and Ramsey brought a good save out of the Hull goalkeeper.

Oddly, Arsenal's win makes Hull's qualification for Europe more likely.

If Arsenal make the Champions League, they will no longer need the place in the Europa League which is reserved for the FA Cup winners.

That spot would go to Hull - regardless of whether they are victorious in next month's Wembley showcase.

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner will not discuss his future at the club until the end of the season.

Reports have suggested that Lerner is planning to sell Villa in the summer, provided his struggling side remain in the Premier League.

Villa edged five points clear of the drop-zone after Saturday's battling 0-0 home draw with Southampton, but speculation about Lerner's future has taken attention from this result.

Lerner does not want Villa to be distracted from their survival fight, but his official statement has fuelled suggestions he could walk away in the summer.

He told the club's official website "Following the point yesterday at Villa Park, there have been stories about my selling the club. On a personal level, I had hoped the emphasis would have been on the amazing effort on the part of our manager and our players to regroup throughout a very difficult week.

"Injuries to Libor (Kozak) and Christian (Benteke), compounded with the early loss of Jores (Okore) and the difficult rehab of Charles (N'Zogbia) have no doubt left Paul with far less to work with than is fair.

"Still, Paul Lambert has done nothing but work within the parameters I've set, put the club first and continue to trust his players.

"As regards my personal role at the club and the steady rumours of a sale, I will address these after the season. Paul Lambert, Paul Faulkner and I speak daily and remain committed to the immediate job of limiting distraction and confusion in order that Villa have the best chance possible of finishing on a strong note."

Manager Lambert still retains the backing of Lerner, despite a difficult season for the Midlands outfit, but the arrival of a new owner could raise doubts about the Scot's future.

Lerner is thought to be considering 'significant' offers for Villa from Russia and the United States.

Lambert: Lerner still passionate

Lambert praised Lerner's contribution to Aston Villa and, when asked, was adamant the chairman is still passionate about the club.

"Without a doubt," said Lambert. "I don't think you do what he's done and not be passionate about it. He loves this club.

"Randy's always been great with me as an individual and someone to talk to.

"What he's done here has been phenomenal. We've got an incredible training ground due to him and an incredible stadium, it's been fantastic.

"He has spent one hell of a lot of money since he's been at the club."

But Lambert did agree that Villa may continue to finish in the bottom half of the table unless more funds can be found for signings.

"The finances are vital for this league," he said. "The better the players you buy, the better chance you have of doing something.

"All the players I've been linked with cost one hell of a lot of money. If you don't have it, then you have to work within the parameters that you've got.

"With this league, and how hard it is, you've got to look at it and say, 'Okay, we can go and get x, y and z'. But the big ones I've been linked with, you couldn't do it."

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Manuel Pellegrini insists his Manchester City players will keep fighting for the Premier League title, despite their week to forget.

Liverpool's 3-2 win at Norwich on Easter Sunday means City sit nine points behind the Reds, albeit with two games in hand, ahead of Monday's encounter with West Brom.

Pellegrini's side were held to a surprise 2-2 home draw by bottom club Sunderland in midweek - a result the Chilean blamed on lingering effects of a 3-2 defeat by Brendan Rodgers' side just days earlier.

But he shrugged off suggestions that Liverpool's continued charge could further sap motivation against the Baggies.

"No, I think it was more difficult between Liverpool and Sunderland," Pellegrini said. "Now we have more time for the team to recover.
"I think that we are all conscious that we cannot play in the same way that we played against Sunderland.

"And I think it will not be so difficult (to raise players' spirits) as for the last game."

Liverpool's victory at Carrow Road was their 11th in a row but Pellegrini predicted further late twists, as Sunderland again provided with a shock win at Chelsea.

"I am absolutely sure the other teams will drop points in the same way we did in the last game," he said.

"We have 15 more points to play for and we will try and win the most amount of points.

"The game against Sunderland was a disappointment because we always want to win but, as I said before that game, playing against relegation-threatened teams during the last games of the season is not easy.

"It happened with Everton against Crystal Palace and with us.

"The performance in every game is very important and I hope we are going to improve our performance against West Brom."

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was pleased with his side's performance as a double from Lukas Podolski and one from Aaron Ramsey secured a 3-0 win at Hull City.

Ramsey, on his first Premier League start since returning from injury, opened the scoring after 31 minutes when he fired past Steve Harper, before Podolski added a second with an emphatic finish just before the break.

The Germany international added his second of the afternoon - his fourth in two games - early on in the second half as Arsenal cruised to the three points at the KC Stadium.

Hull did hit the woodwork through Jake Livermore in the opening 45 minutes, but Wenger was satisfied with how his side controlled the game and avoided some early scares to seal the win.

"We kept a clean sheet, we scored three goals and overall, I believe that performance was good," he told Sky Sports.

"We were tested in the first half from a very physical game. We responded with great movement and scored.

"In the second half, we controlled and it was easier and overall, it's a convincing win.

"We looked dangerous to score goals again. We had a few away games where we looked toothless and to think our combination game and our speed in the game was back and they looked like scoring.

"In the Premier League, you're always a bit apprehensive before every game and you want your team to perform as well as you can and when your players are out, you have to cope with it."

Wenger also hailed the form of Podolski and remained insistent that he is most effective from out wide rather than his preferred role as a central striker

"I think so," said Wenger when asked if the left wing is Podolski's best position.

"He's popping up in the box at the right moment, it's more important for him to be consistent there. I think it suits him to have a physical player in front of him."

Hull appealed for a foul in the build-up to Arsenal's second goal as Mikel Arteta clipped Nikica Jelavic, but Wenger was not convinced.

"Honestly, I didn't feel it was a foul," he said. "If he had given it I would have not complained but it was 70 yards from the goal."

The two sides are set to meet again at Wembley in the FA Cup final next month, but Wenger was keen to concentrate on securing a top-four finish despite cruising to the win over Steve Bruce's men.

Winning their three remaining league fixtures will clinch Champions League football for the Gunners after capitalising on Everton's midweek loss to Crystal Palace.

"Premiership is Premiership. Every game is different. The Cup final will be different," he said.

"For us at the moment, we are completely focused on the Premiership to finish as strong as we can.

"It's in our hands to win our games so let's just focus on winning the games. We have a great desire to do it and I think we can, but it's down to the quality in the games."

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

David Moyes is facing the sack as Manchester United manager, according to unconfirmed reports.

Moyes has endured a difficult reign since taking charge of United last summer, but the club were expected to stand by the Scot, despite a lack of success in domestic and European competitions.

United's board appear set to cut short Moyes' six-year deal in the wake of the latest 2-0 defeat at former club Everton, which left United 13 points adrift of the Premier League top four.

Reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League did briefly ease the pressure on Moyes, but they bowed out with a 4-2 aggregate defeat against Bayern Munich.

Sir Alex Ferguson had urged the club to give the next manager time when he stepped down in May after a glittering spell at Old Trafford, but owners, the Glazer Family, seem to have lost patience.

Ferguson, who has watched many of United's games from the stands, himself had a tough start to his 27-year spell in charge, but went on to win two Champions League trophies, 13 Premier League titles and five FA Cups.

United are expected to spend heavily in the summer and a successor would be entrusted with the transfer fund, which is reported to be around £150million.

Holland manager Louis van Gaal, who is leaving after the World Cup, Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp, and Paris St Germain's Laurent Blanc have been tipped as possible contenders to replace Moyes.

Sky Sports pundit Tony Cottee suggested that Moyes had lost the backing of his players.

Speaking on Gillette Soccer Special, Cottee said: "The key question is has he got the support of the players?

"Looking at the performances, I would say no at the moment. Players are very powerful these days."

Sky Bet have slashed the odds on Moyes' departure to 1-10, naming Van Gaal as 4-1 favourite to succeed him, with Klopp at 5-1 and veteran winger Ryan Giggs at 6-1.