Weekly Soccer News, January 3, 2011
Beckham influence lauded by Redknapp
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has said that David Beckham's influence at Spurs could be "better than all the coaching in the world".
Beckham has reportedly expressed a desire to return to the English Premier League with Spurs, the club he spent two years at as a schoolboy before signing professionally for Manchester United.
After watching his side move up to fourth place in the EPL with a 1-0 win over Fulham, Redknapp also compared the former England captain, who has spent the past two MLS close seasons on loan at AC Milan, with ex-England striker Teddy Sheringham.
Redknapp said: "When I took Teddy Sheringham to Portsmouth, I used to just say, 'Watch him train. Watch everything he does'. He does it 100 percent right. And I think Beckham's like that. They tell me after training, he spends an hour out there practising. If young players see that, it's better than all the coaching in the world."
Xavi incredible: Guardiola
Coach Pep Guardiola has hailed Xavi's record-equalling 549th appearance for Barcelona as an "incredible" feat.
Despite having another five seasons remaining on his contract at Camp Nou, the 30-year-old Ballon d'Or shortlisted midfielder has already become the decorated club's longest servant alongside former Spain defender Migueli.
After watching his team celebrate Xavi's milestone with a 2-1 win over Levante, Guardiola said, "I played 300 here and I thought that was a lot, but what he has done is incredible. If his tendons hold out, I think he could get to 700."
Xavi has won five Primera Division titles, two UEFA Champions Leagues and a FIFA Club World Cup with Barcelona as well as both the World Cup and European Championship with Spain.
Allegri: Ronaldinho didn't try hard enough
Massimiliano Allegri has claimed that a "lack of willingness" speeded Ronaldinho's departure from Milan.
Ronaldinho, 30, joined Milan from Barcelona in 2008, but the Brazilian fell down the pecking order after Zlatan Ibrahimovic and compatriot Robinho joined last summer. Allegri's side have also added Antonio Cassano from Sampdoria in the January transfer window.
"Maybe there was a lack of willingness on his part," Allegri told Sky Italia. I was convinced that Ronaldinho could have a great season … but then everyone has to take their own responsibility."
The 2004 and 2005 World Footballer of the Year is poised to joined hometown club Gremio.
Kashima into AFC Champions League
Kashima Antler's have secured Japan's final AFC Champions League place following a 2-1 win over Shimizu S-Pulse to win the Emperor's Cup.
Goals either side of half-time from Brazilian midfielder Fellype Gabriel and Takuya Nozawa secured with club's fourth Emperor's Cup triumph and meant they would join J -League champions Nagoya Grampus, Gamba Osaka and Cerezo Osaka in the continental tournament, proving some consolation for Kashima's Brazilian coach Oswaldo Oliveira after a disappointing domestic campaign.
"It was a very difficult season for us as we had been expected to win the J-League title for a record fourth straight time and we failed," he said. "It was very disappointing that we couldn't."
Roaring to the Premier's Plate
Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou has claimed that the A-League pacesetters can improve even further despite Sunday night's 1-0 away victory over second-placed Adelaide United giving them a virtually unassailable 11-point lead at the top of the table.
Despite losing popular striker Reinaldo during December and captain Matt McKay to international duties with Australia at the Asian Cup, Jean Carlos Solorzano's strike was enough to see off the Reds at Hindmarsh Stadium and extend their unbeaten run to 19 matches.
The Roar have lost just once this season, in September against Melbourne Victory, and are in pole position to claim the Premier's Plate for the first time in the club's history.
Tevez Transfer Request - 13 December World Soccer News - Carlos Tevez hands in shock transfer request, then thinks again.
Zenit Win Russian League - 15 November World Soccer News - Zenit seal Russian League as Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma are the 2010 AFC Champions League champions.
Carlos Tevez Criticism - 29 October World Soccer News - Carlos Tevez attacks money hungry and unambitious team mates.
Becks To Sue - 1 October World Soccer News - This week David Beckham to sue and a look at Shinji Kagawa in the Bundesliga.
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