Tag Futebol

An exciting new era for youth football begins this evening, with the Next Gen series kicking off. It is an international tournament, with 16 of the worlds best clubs showcasing their stars of the future in an exciting knockout competition. The likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Celtic are all featuring in the inaugural challenging 6 month international competition. In light of the competition, should the FA look to set up an elite Premier League for the academy sides rather than the regional Premier Academy Leagues which currently exist?

Next Gen is hailed as the new era in competitive football, providing competition on a level that isn’t seen through the regional Premier Leagues. Players will be able to test themselves against world class opposition players trained and nurtured by the best sides in Europe, which can only be of benefit for youth development in this country. It’s a unique opportunity for youth players to experience all aspects of a competitive, large international tournament, including adapting to an unfamiliar style of play, prolonged periods of travel and two match weeks, which are more likely to help them transition into the first team, than the current Premier Academy Leagues, with its lack of competitiveness, as well as its constraints and restrictions.

Unlike playing in the reserves or the Premier Academy League, Next Gen will stretch players, and this is likely to improve their play. Many promising young academy graduates haven’t been provided with enough consistent high quality challenges in the regional leagues, so it could help more to reach senior levels, but more needs to be done on the domestic front to improve the standards of youth football.

Aside from the FA Youth Cup, English youngsters don’t really have enough competitive games, in order for them to frequently test themselves. The Premier Academy League is made up of 40 clubs currently split into four regional leagues, 2 southern and 2 northern, meaning the best sides may only play each other once over the season or not at all, this format lacks that competitive edge for players to be able to benefit from it. Youth football in this country has been stagnant, and now is the time for long overdue progressive ideas to make the difference.

Should the FA do away with the regional leagues and set up one elite Premier Academy League for the best academy’s in the country? It would perhaps provide a greater competitive edge, if there was one elite league and the matches week in week out were of a higher standard. If the best academy’s are playing against similar opposition, then this is likely to increase competitiveness and standards. Playing against similar level opposition on a consistent basis is likely to improve the youth development in this country.

However, there are some problems associated with making a single elite Premier Academy League. It is likely to widen the gulf between the Premier League elite teams and the rest. This could pose a big problem to the smaller academies, with restrictions and constraints on travel and rules lifted, they could find themselves forced out of being able to compete on that level with the cash rich Premier League sides. It could potentially go the other way and kill youth development in the country with smaller clubs in different regions missing out, and subsequently the talent in the local area slipping through the net. Academies could also become more elitist, and it could encourage young players to join bigger clubs, with clubs like Crewe, Huddersfield, and Mk Dons missing out. However, small the academy, they serve to fulfil the potential of local talent around the community, so to wipe this out would be a travesty.

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It is difficult to see where the FA should go next. If they set up an elite Premier Academy League and replace the regional leagues, it is likely to improve standards short term, and provide those players with a consistent competitive basis, through which to improve. However, if it is only the cash rich Premier League sides who can afford to compete on such a level then it could spell disaster for the youth development in this country as a whole, as smaller academies will simply be unable to compete and could potentially be wiped out. Whatever the FA decide to do next to improve the standards of youth football in this country, it is important that the changes come from them, and not just the Premier League, it is key that the football leagues must be consulted as well. Youth football standards certainly need to improve, and the Next Gen series is likely to provide the basis for that, now it is time for the FA to start thinking things through and see whether an elite Premier Academy League could be the way forward.

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Do you think the FA should set up an elite Premier Academy League? Let me know your thoughts by commenting below or follow me on Twitter @LaurenRutter for more comment and debate.

Japan manger Alberto Zaccheroni praised midfielder Shinji Kagawa for his match-winning performance in their Asian Cup win over Qatar.

Kagawa scored a brace to help book his side a spot in the final four of Asia’s premier soccer tournament on Friday, as they came from behind with 10 men to beat the host nation 3-2 in Doha.

The Qataris had the game in their own hands when they went 2-1 up in the second half following the dismissal of Japan’s Maya Yoshida, but Zaccheroni’s side were inspired by the 21-year-old Kagawa’s equaliser and found a winner late on through Masahiko Inoha.

Zaccheroni said Kagawa’s second-half performance inspired Japan to victory.

“I know what he can do on the pitch and what he can do for the team. The way he performed today I am very satisfied,” Zaccheroni said.

“In the first half he did not really show what he can do on the pitch but in the second half he did.”

The Italian boss said the way Japan toughed out victory was a credit to the spirit of the side.

“It was a great comeback and I could see the good mentality from our players. Eventually Inoha grabbed the winner and that shows what Japanese football is all about,” he said.

“Even though we were a man down, normally teams think about defence but we didn’t, we had the bravery to keep attacking and eventually we won the match.”

Qatar manager Bruno Metsu was proud of the performance his squad put up on Asian football’s biggest stage.

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“We played very well against Japan. We frightened them and we were very skilful in the match,” Metsu said.

“Not many teams could play so well against a good team like Japan and I think we should applaud the Qatari team for a very good technical performance.”

“We have shown the whole world that Qatar is a strong team. We showed that we can play good football, although we still made mistakes and we conceded goals because of these mistakes.”

There’s no end to the drama being a Nottingham Forest fan.

Whilst fans of other clubs rest, put their feet up, and cheer on the nation in their Euro 2012 campaign, the Forest takeover saga has occupied the minds of the supporters, and largely occupied their tweets.

We knew it was set to be an exciting, rumour filled summer, but we didn’t quite expect it to be this hectic.

Kuwaitis, Russians, Americans, Chinese, Malaysians and Irish have all been linked to the takeover of the club, either through the newspapers, or those intent on being at the heart of a rumour on Twitter. Some rumours though, have been beyond ridiculous. Big Phil Scolari was allegedly seen wandering around Nottingham, searching for a new home. This link may seem bizarre to some, but Scolari took an interest in Forest under the Brian Clough days, and since then, has often been labelled a ‘Forest admirer’. Surely the rumours could struggle to top that.

What next, the Queen arriving in Nottingham to finalise a deal to take over the club?

Oh no, we’ve had that as well. Luckily however, there was a lot more humour connected to that, than the others.

Forest, a few days ago, were without a sponsor, without a kit, ownerless, and player sales seemed inevitable, and the mood was fairly gloomy. Fortunately, having found a sponsor, in ‘John Pye & Sons Auctioneers’, and with that, releasing an away kit, things seem to be picking up, improving the mood.

Following the arrival of the new sponsors, came contrasting statements. John Pye claiming “a takeover is imminent”, with Mark Arthur, the CEO, attempting to lower the expectations, and calm the people down who may have got carried away by Pye’s words, by stating, “We are hopeful to have new owners in for the new season”,

The last thing Mark Arthur said he was more than hopeful for?

Darren Pratley and Peter Whittingham “wanted to join the club”, commented the much criticised Chief Executive. The Forest fans can be forgiven, for taking what he says with a pinch of salt.

The summer at Forest up to this point, has been eventful, to say the least. The fascinating factor being, most of these rumours have come from journalists in Kuwait, linking businessman Fawaz Al-Hasawi with the takeover. It doesn’t take much to get Forest fans excited, and dreaming of being the next Manchester City, and this has certainly been the case.

Many of the Forest faithful urging this pending takeover to hurry up, as they wait impatiently, seeking assurances of Forest’s future.

To these fans, it must be asked, would they rather the process was long, drawn out, and strenuous, consequently meaning the owner could be intensely researched, to find out whether they do have the financial tools they’re promising…

Or, do they want a rushed takeover, because those involved in the takover looking after the Forest side of the technicalities are too keen on ensuring Forest’s short term future is secure, so they could now focus on starting the season?

The latter introducing the strong risk everything could go wrong within months, and Forest would be left in tatters. Whilst it may be frustrating, the delay the fans are suffering currently, is the best thing for us, although it may not feel it.

If recent rumours are to be believed, the sleeping giant of Nottingham Forest may finally be awoken. Despite the uncertainty over the Kuwaiti businessman’s wealth, the plans that have been reported would get even the most pessimistic of Forest fans sitting up, and taking notice.

Neil Warnock’s name has been frequently linked over the past few weeks, and his tussle with Ken Bates continues, increasing the likelihood that this may happen. Warnock, a proven winner and Championship expert “has always wanted to manage Forest”, according to David Johnson, who knows him from his loan spell at Sheff Utd.

Whilst all of this speculation goes on, Steve Cotterill is preparing for the worst case scenario, that Forest won’t get new owners, and he has to begin the season with a threadbare squad. As he posed for photos during the away kit reveal, it must have been lingering in the back of his mind, that all of this may plunged into irrelevance, in just a few weeks time.

One thing that can’t be doubted about Cotterill, is the way he’s conducted himself, when his position has been questioned, by either newspaper rumours, or fans.

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When the time comes, and the takeover does indeed go through, Twitter and fans forums will combust with excitement.

What may not be visible, is the reality needed when a takeover goes through. Nottingham Forest aren’t Man City. Money does not buy success.

It feels like the chapter of finding a new owner may be coming to an end, but there’s a longer chapter to come, with a lot more drama…

Which is just how Forest fans like it!

@will_forest to get in touch via Twitter.

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Cesc Fabregas will meet with Arsene Wenger this week in an attempt to force through a move to Barcelona, according to the Guardian.

The saga, which has engulfed the 24-year-old midfielder’s career for the last few years, finally looks like coming to an end.

Fabregas, valued at £35 million, will plead with Wenger to allow him to move to his boyhood club. The Frenchman is resigned to losing his most prized asset despite insisting he would keep Fabregas at the club.

Arsenal have just returned from their tour of Malaysia and China and Fabregas will look to discuss the situation with Wenger face to face, instead of handing in a transfer request that could ruin their relationship.

The Spaniard is grateful to the Gunners boss for turning him into one of the best midfielders on the planet and hopes to convince Wenger that allowing him to join Pep Guardiola’s side is the best solution for him and the club.

Barcelona are just £4 million away from Arsenal’s apparent valuation and Wenger believes the whole saga has to come to an end for the good of the players at the club.

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Wenger said: “We have to stop at some stage … I hope we can close that very quickly in our favour. For us, it’s important that the team settles psychologically as quickly as possible because we have a tough start.”

He is confident of keeping Samir Nasri but it looks increasingly likely that Fabregas will be playing at the Nou Camp as opposed to the Emirates Stadium next season.

David Beckham will be a surprise addition to the Tottenham ranks this January as Harry Redknapp remains confident a loan move will be concluded shortly. It is the kind of signing that has split the Spurs faithful right through the centre, with many questioning the actual motives behind this short term deal.

At FFC we have seen a mixed bag of articles which includes the best move for Walker and Tottenham; a deal where Spurs have nothing to lose, while Harry should snap up Mrs van der Vaart

We also look at the best Tottenham articles around the web this week.

* VIDEO: The GREATEST Premier League goal ever…you decide! *

Despite struggles at Tottenham, he surely deserves a better transfer than that?

The best move for Tottenham and the player?

A deal where Spurs have nothing to lose and everything to gain?

VIDEO: Harry should snap up the other Van der Vaart on this showing

Forget Becks, this should be Tottenham’s transfer priority this month

The Top TEN January transfer window disasters

A DEAL that offers Tottenham anything?

TEN things we have learned about Tottenham in 2010

Spurs prepared to offer player exchange to land striker

Top TEN Transfer Window guarantees this January

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Best of WEB

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The snarling elegant beast in need of Carroll…or a ballerina – Dear Mr Levy

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So we lost a battle but the war’s still on. – Spurs Musings From JimmyG2

Some F.A Cup Magic And a Moan About Alan Hansen – Who Framed Ruel Fox?

A Striker, Not Becks Please. Ta. – Tottenham On My Mind

Beck to the Future – Dear Mr Levy

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Holy Crap – it’s live fantasy football! Become part of Man United v Liverpool and play Picklive for FREE Watch and bet live – spices up any game!

I mentioned in my blog ‘Africans at the Palace’ a few weeks ago that Palace striker Kwesi Appiah had signed up to play in the inaugural iPAY2PLAY charity football tournament.The brainchild of former Ghana U21 International Papa Agyemang and Peterborough United’s Gabriel Zakuani, iPAY2PLAY aims to raise money for HIV awareness projects in developing areas of Africa through sponsorship, particularly by means of professional footballer and celebrity endorsement.The first ever tournament is scheduled to kick off Monday 21st May at 1pm at Lucozade Powerleague, Wembley Stadium.Each participant will pay towards their place and also raise money.TeamIMANI alongside Tackle Africa (www.tackleafrica.org )will provide a platform for participants to raise funds to help bring change to the lives that really need it.TackleAfrica deliver HIV education through football coaching in six African countries, helping save lives through the beautiful game. Peterborough and Congo player Gabi Zakuani and TeamIMANI will be visiting Ghana with TackleAfrica in June.I’ve actually had the huge privilege to visit Uganda, Zambia and Kenya to help deliver TackleAfrica projects in those countries, alongside a team of other UK-based, TackleAfrica trained volunteers.  TA have developed an amazingly innovative training mannual which combines basic football drills such as passing or shooting, with HIV education messages, and I’ve seen first hand how well this works. It provides behaviour changing education in some of the communities in sub-Saharan Africa worse hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.  The overwhelming love for football, and the English game in particular means that TackleAfrica have a fantastic platform for delivering these projects to an audience that laps it up.The iPAY2PLAY tournament has managed to land some major players from the Premier League and international areas, and in addition to our Kwesi, the long list of players and celebrities is below. Click on their names to donate to their fundraising pages.Gabriel Zakuani – Peterborough and DR CongoKwesi Appiah – Crystal PalaceLeon Legge – BrentfordEmmanuel Frimpong – ArsenalYannick Bolasie – Bristol CityEddie Kadi – Comedian and DJKazenga LuaLua – Brighton and Hove AlbionLomana Tresor LuaLua – Blackpool and DR CongoCraig Mackail-Smith – Brighton and Hove AlbionAlbert Adomah – Bristol City and GhanaMatthew Briggs – FulhamKevin J – ComedianKwadwo Asamoah – Udinese and GhanaJustin Hoyte – MiddlesboroughLethal Bizzle – Rap starKojo – Comedian and DJCarlton Cole – West Ham and EnglandNile Ranger – Newcastle and England U21

iPAY2PLAY will consist of four 5-a-side teams; three of which are comprised of professional players & celebrities and one of a corporate sponsors. Teams will play each other once, after which there will be a further two matches between the first and second-placed teams and third and fourth-placed teams to determine the Champions and third and fourth places respectively.

iPAY2PLAY will be covered by Sky Sports, BBC Sport, VOX Africa TV, The Voice Newspaper and many more.

Partners include: TeamIMANI, The Sports Clinic, Tackle Africa, Lucozade Powerleague and Everyday I’m Tackling.

If anyone wants to get involved, there are opportunities for much needed corporate sponsorship.

If your company are interested in entering a team to play against professional footballers, contact [email protected]

To donate £20 or more, text ‘IPAY12’ and your amount to 70070 or visit www.justgiving.com/ipay2play

TeamIMANI® (Swahili: Faith) is a London-based sports and lifestyle apparel brand which aims to transcend religious and political divisions, instead promoting the idea of unity, inspiration through faith alone.

www.teamimani.com

Tweets by TeamIMANI

http://www.facebook.com/TeamIMANI

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes the rules concerning the tapping up of players must be reviewed.Wenger has watched as clubs have chased Arsenal’s Samir Nasri throughout the off-season, with Manchester United and Manchester City strongly linked to the France midfielder.

Although the rules say that clubs cannot speak to players without the permission of the clubs involved, Wenger feels that they are not respected.

When quizzed if he thought other clubs had tapped-up his players, Wenger offered this response: “I would like to return the question to you.”

“What do you think? We live in a realistic world. I do not want to assess what I cannot prove.”

“I know how things happen. It doesn’t necessarily go through the player or the agent but I think it is a rule that has to be reviewed. It’s not really respected.”

Wenger re-iterated that he did not want to lose Nasri and captain Cesc Fabregas, who has been linked with a return to Barcelona.

Wenger said any additions to the squad would be focused on quality, and that he would not add players for the sake of it.

“It’s not the number, it’s the quality,” he said.

“How many will leave the club? I said from the start I will fight to keep everybody. Nicklas Bendtner might go and Emmanuel Eboue might go. They can talk to clubs, but the rest I will fight.”

Wenger’s first addition to his squad was Lille striker Gervinho, who is said to have cost around 10 million pounds.

The new Arsenal striker bagged a brace against Cologne in a 2-1 friendly win on Saturday and Wenger was pleased with what he saw.

“You could see how quick he is to get behind defenders,” he said.

“He has qualities that are always very interesting for a team like us. I hope (he’ll be a bargain). When you see all the fees around you become dizzy.”

“We do what we want and we look first at the quality of the player and after if we have the money we spend it. In this case he wanted to join us. He had only one year on his contract, so it was a good opportunity for us.”

Everton anchorman Marouane Fellaini admits his team-mates are angry following last week’s shocking 4-1 Premier League home loss to West Bromwich Albion and they want to put the record straight at Chelsea this Saturday.

The giant Belgian makes a return to the squad after missing the previous three games after seeing red in last month’s 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers and he now wants to play his part in the capital after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

“All the players are still angry after losing that game at home,” he said.

“We are hoping for a good performance now to bounce back. Chelsea are a big team and a dangerous team. But we have a good record against them and tend to play better against good teams.

“Hopefully it’s the same again. We are motivated to do well against the big players. I have had a frustrating time.

“I was injured then I got back training again, the manager gave me confidence, I played again and then was sent off.

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“It is positive in a way because I have thought a lot about it and I know it is my mistake, my error and I will not do it again. I have trained hard while I have been suspended and am ready to play. The manager will decide whether I play or not but I am ready.”

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Brazil is a country that has provided an endless conveyor belt of talent across the Atlantic Ocean and onto European shores. Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho are just a select few of imports from the Samba nation that took the continent by storm, achieving huge success. There are many youngsters hoping to follow the well-trodden legendary path onto the greatest stage of club football and one such player is Interncaional striker Leandro Damiao. The 22-year-old has been incessantly linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur recently and with the club being accused of faltering at the final hurdle, he could certainly be the man to end their status as underachievers.

Damiao is not your typical Brazilian striker. He is an imposing, languid forward who provides a tremendous physical presence. Capable of scoring any kind of goal, he has already amassed a large portfolio from acrobatic finishes to poacher’s strikes. He rose to prominence last year as he netted an impressive 38 goals in 51 games for Internacional. Deadly in the box, Damiao has a fantastic sense of positioning that frequently puts him in the right place at the right time.

His excellent form for the Porto Alegre side was noted by Brazil coach Mano Menezes who drafted the prolific forward in for international duty. Damiao has since made five appearances for the Selecao with his first international goal coming against Ghana in September last year. Having made a strong case for regular selection, the 22-year-old is now widely tipped to lead the line for Brazil at the 2014 World Cup.

Despite his youth, Damiao is no stranger to responsibility. A fixture in one of Brazilian football’s premier clubs, the commanding striker is not one to shy away from the big occasion. Not long after his 21st birthday Damiao came on from the bench in the 2010 Copa Libertadores final. With his team narrowly hanging on to a first-leg advantage the striker made an instant impact, putting his side into the lead within four minutes of being on the pitch and leading the side to continental glory.

Another part of that Copa Libertadores winning unit was Sandro, a player who has enjoyed immense development in north London since his transfer. The deal was struck as part of the two clubs affiliation and the midfielder will no doubt attempt to encourage his compatriot to join him at White Hart Lane. Sandro may have endured a difficult start in the English capital but his progression will provide sound reasoning for Damiao to seriously consider a move to Tottenham.

Damiao rapid progression never ceases to amaze and he is becoming an ever more rounded player. Tottenham are looking to make Emmanuel Adebayor’s loan move from Manchester City permanent, but in the Brazilian they would possess ambitious striker, eager to make his mark on the European stage. The Togolese may have impressed during his spell at White Hart Lane, but Damiao offers different qualities. He thrives with the ball played into him and remains composed under pressure. He can retain the ball and involve the players around him, bringing the best out of the supporting wide players and midfielders.

He may not be proven on the European stage but the 22-year-old represents a cheaper and more exciting prospect. Tottenham will face stiff competition to acquire his services with both Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus taking an interest in the striker, but if they can win the race for his signature it could prove to be a real coup in the coming seasons.

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Who do you think could be the man to solve Tottenham’s striker problems? Let me know on Twitter.

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Emmanuel Adebayor has stated that he will train by himself instead of returning to Manchester City, as the former Arsenal striker has been omitted from the club’s pre-season tour to the United States.

The 27-year-old found himself out of favour with Roberto Mancini in 2010/11 and spent the second half of the season on loan at Real Madrid. Following the Spanish side’s decision not to take up a permanent deal for the attacker, the former Togo international has confirmed he has been summoned back to England in an impersonal e-mail.

“This is very hurtful and insulting and says a lot about Manchester City,” the African frontman told The Sun.

“On the one hand they want to become the biggest, most successful club in the world, yet the people who run the club are not acting in that way at all. No one at City is man enough to speak to me face-to-face to explain. I just received an email from Brian Marwood’s secretary, a lady at the club called Claire, telling me to report for training on July 9,” he continued.

However, whilst City’s first team has travelled across the Atlantic to start pre-season fixtures, Adebayor has maintained that he will not be training with the reserve side in their absence.

“When I spoke to the other players, I found out the first team was leaving for the pre-season tour of the USA on July 8. So it’s clear they don’t want me here but no one even called. Brian Marwood just got his secretary to send me an email. And I heard this was the same with at least six other players.

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“But I can tell them this. I will not be turning up on July 9 to train with the reserves. No chance. I will train on my own,” he concluded.

The comments all but confirm a departure from Eastlands, with Tottenham, Paris St Germain and Zenit St Petersburg being linked with a move for him this summer.