Showing posts with label Title. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Title. Show all posts

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Guardiola savours Barcelona title

Josep Guardiola

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was enjoying the moment after his side claimed a third successive Primera Division title.



A 1-1 draw at Levante was enough to ensure Barca could not be caught by second-placed Real Madrid. Guardiola's men are now six points ahead of Real with two games remaining, but boast the better head-to-head record, which is the deciding factor if the teams are level on points.



Guardiola said: "After a difficult season we've competed against a great team (Real) and now we should enjoy what we've achieved. We want to enjoy it, eat well, dance a lot, sing a lot ... do a lot of everything.''



Barca can now concentrate on preparations for the forthcoming Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley.



"Now is the time to party, that's what winning this title deserves, and we have time to prepare for the final in London,'' Guardiola added. "We have to really savour this and celebrate it with family and friends. These are things that you never forget.



"I also hope people have enjoyed watching us play, that would be the best reward. In the league the reality is that if you are champions at the end it's because you deserve it. Once again we have done an excellent job in this competition.



"I dedicate the title to the squad. We've done things really well and all this is thanks to the players and the effort they've made. They are unique. They are an enormously strong bunch of players.''



However, Guardiola claimed it was not all smooth sailing for his side, who suffered with injuries towards the end of the campaign.



"Three-quarters of the season was spectacular," he said. "At the end we've not been quite so good, but we've always continued being competitive.



"There are things to improve. We need to take into account the incredible schedule these players have had over the last two years.



"We've also had a lot of difficulties with regards absentees. Every year it takes a huge effort (to win the league), and this is the lesson.''



Lionel Messi said: "I'm very happy because it's been a very tough title. It's taken a lot of hard work to be champions and more so against a great rival like Real Madrid. Now we have to enjoy it.''



Barca midfielder Xavi was delighted after becoming only the third Barca player to win six league titles, following in the wake of Antoni Ramallets (between 1947-1960) and Guardiola (1990-1999).



"It's taken a lot of hard work and this team deserves a lot of credit. We need to congratulate everyone associated with Barcelona,'' he said in AS. "The fans deserve it and I imagine that today we will celebrate with them in the streets.''



Captain Carles Puyol now has five Primera Division winners' medals. The Spain centre-back, who missed the game at Levante, said: "I have to be calm but I'm very happy, it's different when you experience it from outside.



"I've been in the stands but I'm very pleased. We've worked very hard and today we've got the rewards. Now to celebrate it and rest a little to prepare for the (Champions League) final.''



View the Original article

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Chelsea can still win title - Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti

Manager Carlo Ancelotti says Chelsea can retain the Premier League title, but he believes his side will have to win their remaining 9 games to do so.



Late goals by David Luiz and Ramires inflicted a 2-0 win over Manchester City to take Chelsea into third spot.



And despite trailing leaders Manchester United by nine points, Ancelotti said: "We have to try to win every game.



"There'll be an international break and when the players come back, I'd like to see the same spirit and attitude."



"It was a very good result and performance," Ancelotti told BBC Sport after the win over City. "We are showing good spirit and good football and all the players are fit.



"It was important to put pressure up front and not concede. We could have done better in the final third in the first half but after the break we did better and we put the pressure on.



"Luiz and Ramires - fantastic performances and fantastic goals. Ramires, in particular. He's improving very well.



"Luiz's goal was a surprise. Defensively, he worked with fantastic tempo for a long time and his performance was really good."



The Italian boss also defended his £50m signing striker Fernando Torres, who looked short of confidence as the Spaniard continued his goalscoring drought before being substituted with 20 minutes remaining.



"He doesn't have to lose his confidence," commented Ancelotti. "We have to be patient and so does he. The goal will arrive."



View the Original article

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Didier Drogba : Chelsea Out Of Title Race

Didier Drogba has admitted that the Premier League title is out of reach.

The Chelsea striker was talking after their progress into the Champions League quarterfinals following their 0-0 draw with FC Copenhagen.

The Ivory Cost star said: “To be honest: the chances are very, very small yes.

“We must now focus on the third place.”



View the Original article

Share

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More