WHUFC.com
It may have been a longer journey to the north-west but Gianfranco Zola is ready for the Reds
19.04.2010
Gianfranco Zola is confident his team are on the right road to survival but was taking nothing for granted before tonight's major meeting with Liverpool at Anfield. The squad travelled up by coach on Sunday afternoon but regardless of the change in travel plans after the no-fly restrictions imposed across the country, nothing will deter Zola from the task at hand. The squad may have been grounded but he is keen to let his players' ambition and sense of adventure take flight.
"The confidence is certainly higher than before but I am not complacent. I know what this season has been like. I will keep the pressure on the players and make sure they have the right attention when they go on the pitch on Monday. The only way to get out of this is to have a fighting spirit and that still remains. "That is the good thing about football. Sometimes situations change quickly. We have just worked hard and have spent more time on the organisation of the team and more defensive work. That has produced some good results. "Everyone is pulling in the same direction. The players in the team and those that are injured, they are all really focused on getting the best out of the season. They really want this team to stay up and do well."
While his players have newfound belief, Zola said overcoming adversity in the first half of the season will stand him in good stead now and in the future. "Without a doubt what has happened this season will make me a better manager. I am not joking when I say this season is worth five years of normal coaching experience. "I will make the most out of it for sure. The players have a new belief. We got a very good result against Everton when they had won the previous seven matches. They had beaten Manchester United, Chelsea and others. We will not go to Liverpool beaten and will fight until the end."
While his team coped admirably without Scott Parker in last weekend's 1-0 win against Sunderland and will have to do so again, Liverpool have had their own selection concerns. Fernando Torres is out while Steven Gerrard could be forgiven for having an eye on Thursday's major European night. "[Torres and Gerrard] are massive players for them," said Zola, well aware of their impact along with Glen Johnson and Javier Mascherano when Liverpool won the reverse fixture in September. "When they are on the pitch it is a big difference. They are important players for the team. It is a pity for them that they didn't have them for much of the season, they have had so many injuries. Their problems this season lie with that."
Indeed, it is the Reds and not their visitors who are in the spotlight now for off-field issues. "It is good after a year and a half that we are a little bit out of the spotlight,." Zola added. "It is OK. That will give the players the opportunity to work with more tranquillity and without it affecting their attention. It is vital. We are at the stage where we cannot afford any more mistakes. We have to be 100 per cent focused. Zola has certainly not dwelt on his own "problems", despite previously losing Carlton Cole for a two months and injury-hit campaigns for the likes of Herita Ilunga, Jack Collison and Zavon Hines who promised so much. With "everything smooth" off the pitch, nothing matters other than getting the necessary points. "We have to deal with this situation. It is not the time for talking any more."
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Behrami wants birthday bonus
WHUFC.com
Valon Behrami wants nothing but many happy returns in terms of points at the Reds on Monday
19.04.2010
Valon Behrami will hope to celebrate his 25th birthday tonight with a memorable win away to Liverpool but he is not expecting any gifts from good friend Alberto Aquilani. The Switzerland midfielder was imperious in an unfamiliar left-wing position in the 1-0 win against Sunderland last weekend and may well retain that role at the Reds. Should he find himself up against Aquilani, the two will have plenty to talk about. Finally finding his feet at Liverpool, the Italy midfielder spent a significant time at Chadwell Heath with the club's medical staff last spring. He joined Behrami, who at the time was out with a knee problem, for an intense period of rehabilitation before he left AS Roma for Liverpool in the summer. Behrami said he would not find it strange to be taking on an old mate. "We played against each other when we played for Lazio and Roma, so we are used to meeting each other in a big match. It will be a pleasure to see him, but I hope for us it is going to be good and a bad day for him!"
The Hammers favourite is in no doubt about his friend's quality, which he has started to show after a lengthy injury absence. "It has been hard for him, coming into English football. It is very different but he is a very good player and getting back from his injury, of which he is still in pain with sometimes "He has not yet been able to show all of his quality yet, but in the future he will be one of the best players for Liverpool. They haven't really seen what he can do. When he is a 100 per cent fit and gets used to English football, he will show it. In Italy, he was one of the best players." "He needs to just get fit again. He has had bad injury and just needs some time to get in a good condition and I am sure he will be of quality to his team."
Behrami is set to be as important to his own side on Monday night and has spoken of a strong week's work on the training ground. He hoped the fact that few people were expecting the Hammers to take anything back to London - as was the case earlier this month in the draw at Everton - would work in their favour. "We are confident. We have worked very well this week in training after a very good win at home, so the confidence is there. We know we are going there to play what is a very good team. The expectation is not on us, but we will go there to quietly do our job to try and get a good result. "If we can work hard like in the last two games then hopefully we can get some more points and this will be good for us. To win on my birthday would be very nice."
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Mixed feelings for Carr
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Tony Carr was happy to win but disappointed to see Dominic Vose sent off at MK Dons
19.04.2010
Academy Director Tony Carr will take his Under-18s to Arsenal on Wednesday on the back of a comprehensive 4-0 win in the FA Premier Academy League at MK Dons. While Carr was pleased to see his West Ham United youngsters extend their unbeaten run to six matches on Saturday, he was disappointed to see Dominic Vose sent off and Blair Turgott forced off with an ankle injury.
Following a goalless opening 45 minutes, Danny Subuola, Matthias Fanimo, Dylan Tombides and Vose all found the target after half-time to complete a comprehensive success. However, the day was soured late on when Vose was given his marching orders for spitting, leaving Carr perplexed. "Dominic got sent-off for an off-the-ball confrontation when he spat in the other boy's face. It was totally unacceptable and he deserved to be sent-off. We were 4-0 up at the time and it was totally unnecessary. The game was not played that way - it was not a dirty game. It was just a moment of madness and he will now be banned for three matches."
Earlier, Carr had been pleased with how his team had broken down the hosts' stubborn resistance. "We went in 0-0 at half-time, but we had the best chance of the first half when Dylan got on the end of a low cross from Matthias, but the goalkeeper somehow got in the way of it. "We had a lot of the ball in the first half, but they also created a couple of half-chances and could have gone ahead just before the break. They played a one-two on the edge of our penalty area, but their player took an extra touch and the ball got away from him. After that, we dominated. "Danny scored the first goal on 55 minutes following good work from Dominic, who squared the ball for Danny to make it 1-0. A short time later, we scored again in similar fashion when Matthias finished George Moncur's low cross. "Dylan put us 3-0 up before Dominic scored a good individual goal, cutting in from the left and firing the ball in off the inside of the far post. "It was a very comprehensive victory in the end. MK Dons had a young side out too on what was a difficult pitch, but our own young players did well and it was obviously good for us to win the game."
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Gianfranco Zola out to end West Ham's Anfield jinx
BBC.co.uk
Gianfranco Zola's West Ham are aiming to become the first Hammers side to beat Liverpool at Anfield in 47 years when the two sides meet on Monday. West Ham, who are three points above the Premier League relegation zone, have taken four points in two matches. And manager Zola feels a renewed energy to work hard is behind the revival.
"The last few games haven't been pretty but the work rate and desire has been top class. That's why we will get important points," he said. The 43-year-old also believes Liverpool, who are waiting to hear if the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Thursday will go ahead in the wake of the disruption caused by the volcanic ash cloud, remain dangerous even without the injured Fernando Torres. Torres will miss the rest of the season because of knee surgery but Zola added: "Liverpool can still cause us problems. Torres is a big asset but I like David Ngog, he can be a problem for us. "We don't have to think about Torres' injury being an advantage for us, we still need to perform and do very well."
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is equally wary of West Ham. "I think they have a great manager and a good team," stated the Spaniard. It will be tough for teams at the bottom but I think they can stay up. "West Ham have four games to play and one win should be enough - hopefully it will be next weekend and not today."
Seventh-place Liverpool, who were put up for sale by owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett on Friday, still hope to land fourth place and secure the final Champions League qualifying position. Benitez is targeting maximum points from the final four games to give the Reds an outside chance of catching Tottenham, who are fourth and eight points clear of Liverpool. "Always in football things can change in one week but we have to win our games," added Benitez. "For us, it is not difficult to concentrate on our job, it is just to win four games, get 12 points and see what happens. "I think we deserved to win against Fulham but we couldn't so we have to make sure we do it against West Ham."
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Zola - Reds rely on big two
Hammers boss feels injuries to key men have cost Liverpool dear
Last updated: 19th April 2010
SSN
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola believes Liverpool rely too heavily on Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard. The Reds are in danger of seeing their season implode, with even a top-seven finish no longer guaranteed. Having come so close to claiming the Premier League crown last term, few at Anfield could have envisaged witnessing such a dramatic fall from grace. Part of the problem for the Reds has been injuries to key men at crucial times, restricting Rafa Benitez's options. Star turns Torres and Gerrard have both spent time in the treatment room and Liverpool have suffered in their absence. Worryingly for the Reds, as they look to end the season on a positive note, Torres is set to sit out the run-in with a knee injury. He will therefore be missing for Monday's home date with West Ham, and Hammers manager Zola believes Benitez's men are not the same proposition without their Spanish hit-man. "Gerrard and Torres are massive players, when they are on the pitch it makes a big difference to Liverpool," he said. "It's a pity they haven't been available for the whole season because of injuries and Liverpool's problems lie within that. "Liverpool don't have the same number of players as Manchester United, Manchester City or Chelsea. "When they are in good form they can be a really good team. They can stand with United and Chelsea. "But Torres has had too many injuries and it's a big ask for them without him." West Ham will be looking to build on an upturn in fortune at Anfield, with four points taken from their last two matches against Everton and Sunderland. Optimism has now been returned to the squad and Zola believes his side are ready to battle their way to Premier League safety. "The last few games haven't been pretty but the work rate and desire has been top class and that's why we will get important points," he added.
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Bayern eye up Hammers ace
Cole catching German giants' eye
Last updated: 19th April 2010
SSN
Skysports.com understands West Ham striker Carlton Cole is a surprise target for German giants Bayern Munich. Cole has caught the eye of Bayern's scouts after impressing for West Ham over the last few seasons. The former Chelsea man has netted nine goals this season and he has established himself in Fabio Capello's England plans. Bayern are thought to be keen on reshaping their ageing squad and Cole is one of a number of players on their summer shopping list. Cole, who is believed to have attracted the interest of Arsenal and Liverpool during the January transfer window, is a key member of Gianfranco Zola's squad and has been instrumental in their recent improved form. The 26-year-old's priority is believed to be on securing West Ham's survival and pushing for a place in England's squad for this summer's World Cup finals. West Ham would be loath to lose Cole, but could face a battle to keep hold of the powerful frontman if Bayern follow up their interest this summer.
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Ilan eyes Hammers stay
Striker hoping to secure new deal
Last updated: 19th April 2010
SSN
West Ham striker Ilan has revealed he is hoping to win a long-term deal at Upton Park. The Brazilian arrived from France in January on a deal to the end of this season. Ilan has impressed in recent weeks scoring two crucial goals in the last two games against Everton and Sunderland. The 29-year-old is happy with how things have gone so far at West Ham and would be happy to extend his stay in East London. "In my mind I feel I can get the goals to help the club," Ilan told the Daily Mirror. "I am happy with my contribution considering the minutes I have played. And at 29, I feel I am in my prime and ready to do well and stay here."
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Liverpool v West Ham preview
Torres out for Reds, Hammers missing Parker
Last updated: 19th April 2010
SSN
skysports.com prediction: Liverpool 1 West Ham 0
Sky Bet odds: Liverpool 2/5 Draw 10/3 West Ham 8/1
One to watch: Steven Gerrard
Liverpool play host to West Ham on Monday aiming to keep alive their lingering hopes of finishing in fourth spot. The Reds have fallen eight points behind Tottenham in the race to finish in the top four and their hopes suffered a further blow when Fernando Torres was ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery. Torres, who missed last weekend's goalless draw with Fulham, faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after being forced under the knife again in an injury-plagued campaign. It means young Frenchman David Ngog is likely to start in attack against West Ham or Dirk Kuyt could be shifted from his right-sided role to his preferred forward position. Daniel Agger is set to continue at left-back with Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio still sidelined through injury. Reds boss Rafa Benitez could shuffle his pack with Thursday's Europa League semi-final with Atletico Madrid in mind. West Ham travel to Anfield aiming to maintain their upturn in form after picking up four points from their last two games. The Hammers are just three points above the drop zone and they will be looking to put more breathing space between themselves and their relegation rivals with a positive result on Merseyside. Scott Parker misses the game as he completes his two-match ban. Luis Boa Morte is close to full fitness after recovering from a knee injury but will not be risked at Anfield despite having played for the reserves. Kieron Dyer (hamstring), Herita Ilunga (knee), Jack Collison (knee) and James Tomkins (ankle) are out but Mido is back after missing the 1-0 victory over Sunderland through illness.
Possible starting XIs
Liverpool: Reina, Kyrgiakos, Carragher, Agger, Johnson, Benayoun, Aquilani, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard, Ngog.
West Ham: Green, Upson, Faubert, Da Costa, Spector, Kovac, Noble, Behrami, Stanislas, Cole, Ilan.
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Callejon race hots up
Hammers tracking Spanish striker
By Francisco Acedo Last updated: 19th April 2010
SSN
West Ham are reported to have entered the race for Espanyol's highly-rated striker Jose Callejon. The Hammers are said to have sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old in action during Saturday's Catalan derby, in which Espanyol held Barcelona to a 0-0 draw. Blackburn and Wigan are also believed to have expressed an interest in the talented frontman, but are considered to be outsiders to land his signature. Espanyol have already revealed that they will be willing to part with Callejon over the summer, if the price is right. They rejected an offer of €4million (£3.5m) during the January transfer window, but would have had to pass 15% of that fee onto Real Madrid. The capital giants included such a clause in Callejon's contract when they offloaded him in 2008. However, that agreement is set to expire on 30th June, meaning Espanyol will keep 100 per cent of any fee generated. That has convinced them that the time may be right to sell, with reports suggesting a €5million (£4.4m) offer would be enough to force their hand.
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Ilan promises West Ham relegation rescue after revealing how he saved former club St Etienne from the drop
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 11:56 AM on 19th April 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham striker Ilan has vowed to save his new club from Premier League relegation after revealing how he rescued former side St Etienne from the drop in France. The on-loan Brazil forward has bagged three goals since his arrival at Upton Park, two of which were vital strikes - a late equaliser at Everton and the winner in West Ham's last outing, at home to Sunderland. Ilan will form part of the side hoping to take a further step towards safety at Liverpool on Monday night. The Hammers are just three points clear of the deaded drop zone, but the striker says his experience in France will help in the relegation dogfight Ilan, St Etienne's skipper at the time, scored the first goal on the final day of last season in a 4-0 win against Valenciennes that saw his side escape trouble. The club was going through relegation danger and I scored a goal on the last day to help us survive,' Ilan told the Mirror. 'At St Etienne I was captain for the second half of the season. We needed to win and another result to go our way on the final day. 'As a skipper representing the club and the supporters, it felt as good as if you win the league. That was an achievement and if I can do the same for West Ham I would be very happy. 'I hope in the next two games to get the points to ensure we don't go through the same emotions on the last day. 'West Ham have the team to get a result at Liverpool. We know it is going to be hard but we feel we can get a result.' Ilan, 29, who has three Brazil caps, added: 'In my mind I feel I can get the goals to help the club,' said Ilan. 'I am happy with my contribution considering the minutes I have played. And at 29, I feel I am in my prime and ready to do well and stay here.'
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West Ham striker Carlton Cole could be on his way to Germany as giants Bayern Munich line up a summer move
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:26 PM on 19th April 2010
Daily Mail
German giants Bayern Munich are lining up a surprise summer bid for West Ham striker Carlton Cole. The 26-year-old has scored nine goals in 26 games this season for the struggling Hammers, and still hopes to be included in England's World Cup squad. And Bayern Munich, who are aiming to win their fifth European Cup this term, are lining up a move according to German newspaper Bild. The paper also report that some of Europe's brightest prospects, such as Anderlecht's Romelu Lukaku and Lille's Eden Hazard. will be targeted. Bayern, who recently knocked Manchester United out of the European Cup, already have Ivica Olic , Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose up front. They may still look to add to their options however, having let Italian star Luca Toni leave for Roma.
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