Kim Swee mohon restu

Oleh MUHAMMAD DAYNE AZMIN
dayne.ghazali@utusan.com.my

SEPANG - Sejurus tiba dari Pakistan semalam, pengendali skuad Olimpik negara, Ong Kim Swee sudah mempunyai perancangan tersendiri bagi menghadapi persaingan pusingan kedua kelayakan Olimpik yang dijadualkan berlangsung 19 dan 23 Jun nanti.

Namun, bagi melancarkan segala apa yang telah dirancang, beliau berharap Jawatankuasa Pertandingan Tempatan Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (JKPT FAM) merestui permintaannya untuk menangguhkan tiga perlawanan Liga Super yang akan berlangsung mulai 14 hingga 21 Jun.

Selain itu, Kim Swee juga berharap dapat melakukan beberapa aksi persahabatankelas A bergantung kepada lawan yang akan ditemui skuad Olimpik negara pada pusingan kedua.

''Bagi melakukan persiapan mantap untuk pusingan kedua, saya mahu mengumpul semua pemain bagi menjalani latihan bersama di Kuala Lumpur selepas pertemuan dengan Selangor pada 24 Mei sehingga hari perlawanan.

''Dalam tempoh berkenaan, saya menagih beberapa perlawanan persahabatan kelas A memandangkan kami bakal berdepan pasukan-pasukan yang lebih baik pada pusingan seterusnya.

''Atas sebab itu, saya meminta jasa baik Jawatankuasa Pertandingan Tempatan FAM agar menangguhkan tiga perlawanan Liga Super yang akan Harimau Muda A lalui pada 14, 17 dan 21 Jun, " katanya yang ditemui di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) selepas tiba dari Pakistan bersama para pemain dan pegawai, semalam.

Skuad Olimpik negara mara ke pusingan seterusnya selepas menewaskan Pakistan dengan agregat 2-0, hasil kemenangan di Stadium Shah Alam pada 23 Februari walaupun terikat tanpa jaringan pada perlawanan kedua di Lahore, Rabu lalu.

Bagi perlawanan persahabatan, Kim Swee menjelaskan dia akan memilih pasukan yang mempunyai kemampuan setanding dengan skuad yang akan ditemui pada pusingan kedua.

''Sebagai contoh, andai kata kita diundi berdepan Jepun, saya akan memilih lawan dari benua dan gaya permainan yang sama seperti Korea Selatan, samalah juga sekiranya kita bertemu dengan mana-mana pasukan Asia Barat, kita akan memilih pasukan dari benua yang sama.

''Jadi selepas 30 Mac, selepas kita mengetahui lawan kita, barulah saya dapat melakukan strategi bagi mengenal pasti kekuatan serta kelemahan lawan kita.

''Tetapi segala perancangan itu hanya boleh dilakukan jika Jawatankuasa Pertandingan Tempatan bersetuju memberikan ruang kepada kami berlatih secara bersama sebulan ini," ujarnya sekali lagi.

Tiga perlawanan yang diminta oleh Kim Swee untuk ditangguhkan terbabit ialah membabitkan pertemuan dengan Terengganu (14 Jun), Sabah (17 Jun) dan Pahang (21 Jun).

Dalam masa sama, Naib Presiden FAM, Datuk Affandi Hamzah yang juga pengurus skuad Olimpik berjanji akan mengajukan perkara itu untuk diteliti mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Pertandingan Tempatan.

''Saya akan cuba meminta supaya semua ahli Jawatankuasa Pertandingan Tempatan (JKPT) menilai kembali jadual pertandingan ketat yang sedang dilalui oleh Harimau Muda di dalam kempen Liga Super dan kemungkinan melakukan sedikit rombakan.

''Ia penting supaya tidak menjejaskan prestasi semasa skuad Olimpik di peringkat antarabangsa yang sedang mengharungi kelayakan Olimpik," ujarnya yang juga Timbalan Pengerusi JKPT.

Sabar dulu Mew Choo - Rashid

Oleh Norzie Mohd. Khasbi
sukan@utusan.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR - Biarpun mengakui permainan Wong Mew Choo sudah statik dan dia tidak mungkin kembali ke zaman kegemilangannya, namun ketua jurulatih perseorangan negara, Rashid Sidek masih berharap bekas juara Terbuka China itu kekal dalam skuad kebangsaan untuk tempoh yang lebih lama.

Tegas Rashid, seandainya Mew Choo memilih untuk berundur sekarang, ia adalah satu kerugian besar buat badminton wanita negara, yang ketika ini masih mencari tapak untuk mengukuhkan kedudukan di pentas antarabangsa.

Pemain pelapis seperti Lydia Chia dan Tee Jing Yi makin menunjukkan peningkatan, namun belum mampu menandingi Mew Choo, manakala bekas perseorangan kedua negara, Julia Wong baru kembali dari kecederaan panjang dan sejauh mana dia mampu cemerlang tidak diketahui.

Justeru, Mew Choo adalah satu-satunya pemain yang dapat 'menghidupkan' badminton wanita negara, bukan saja untuk bersaing dengan pemain terbaik dunia, malah menjadi perangsang kepada pemain-pemain muda.

"Saya akui sekarang ini prestasi Mew Choo tidak sehebat dulu dan sukar untuk dia kembali kepada zaman kehebatannya ketika menjuarai Terbuka China 2007. Bagaimanapun, dia tetap pemain wanita terbaik Malaysia dan hingga kini, kedudukannya tidak boleh diganti.

"Ia akan menjadi satu kerugian besar buat Malaysia andai Mew Choo berundur sekarang, bukan saja kita sukar bersaing di peringkat antarabangsa tetapi mungkin sedikit menjejaskan pembangunan pemain wanita. Jadi, saya harap Mew Choo mempertimbangkan untuk berada lebih lama lagi dalam skuad kebangsaan,'' kata Rashid ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di Birmingham semalam.

Rashid tidak menolak, kekalahan 16-21, 16-21 pada pusingan pembukaan kepada jaguh China, Wang Xin memang amat mengecewakan ratu badminton negara itu, malah dia ada berkata kepadanya bahawa dia sudah tidak berdaya lagi.

Begitupun Rashid percaya, Mew Choo sebenarnya masih mampu memberi cabaran terbaik jika tidak diganggu kecederaan, sambil melihat pemain itu masih memiliki kekuatan fizikal untuk bersaing dengan jagoan dunia yang lain.

"Masalah Mew Choo adalah kecederaan yang kadang kala datang dan tiba-tiba pergi, tetapi kalau dia berada dalam fizikal terbaik, dia sebenarnya pemain yang berbisa dan mampu menggerunkan lawan.

"Bagaimanapun semuanya terpulang kepada Mew Choo, hanya dia yang tahu bagaimana keadaan dirinya, sama ada masih boleh meneruskan karier atau tidak. Saya dan pemain yang lain hanya boleh berharap, pada akhirnya dia yang harus menentukan apa yang terbaik untuk dirinya,'' kata Rashid lagi, yang melihat Mew Choo sebagai sandaran terbaik Malaysia untuk memenangi pingat emas Sukan SEA, selain layak ke Sukan Olimpik 2012.

Brazil's Luis Fabiano (left) shoots to score during the 2010 World Cup Group G match against Ivory Coast in Johannesburg on June 20, 2010. — Reuters pic

"It is the realisation of a dream and a gift for all the Sao Paulo community," club president Juvenal Juvencio told the club's website (http://www.spfc.com.br).

"Luis Fabiano has a 'tricolour' soul and will bring to our team the quality, fun, irreverence and fighting spirit that have always characterised him."

The 30-year-old, who led the line for Brazil at the World Cup finals in South Africa last year, was unsettled in his sixth season with Sevilla after losing a regular place in the team. — Reuters

Brazil's Luis Fabiano (left) shoots to score during the 2010 World Cup Group G match against Ivory Coast in Johannesburg on June 20, 2010. — Reuters pic

Spain's Rafael Nadal plays a return to Belgium's Ruben Bemelmans during their Davis Cup World Group first round match in Charleroi March 4, 2011. — Reuters pic

The world number one was sidelined for 10 days after losing to fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in the Australian Open quarter-finals and has competed in only two Davis Cup matches since then.

Nadal is back in action at the Indian Wells ATP tournament, where he won the title in 2007 and 2009, and will launch his campaign against South African Rik de Voest in the second round today.

Asked by reporters what his goals were for 2011, the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open champion replied: "The goal is the match of tomorrow. That's the first goal, no? We will see.

"I felt I was in very good position to try to start this season very well. I felt perfect but I was unlucky in the beginning of the season, so I am just trying to find again the performance of the beginning of the season."

Nadal, bidding to become only the third man to hold all four grand slam titles at the same time, was stunned 6-4 6-2 6-3 by Ferrer in the last eight at Melbourne after suffering a leg injury early in the match.

"That's part of the game," Nadal said of his premature departure from the first grand slam event of the season.

"In the second game, I felt the leg. That's what happened. I tried to recover very fast and practise in Mallorca, so that's what I did. I played Davis Cup last week, and I'm here to try my best."

CUP WINS

Nadal won both of his singles encounters in Spain's first-round Davis Cup tie against Belgium last week, describing his form there as "normal".

He was delighted to be back in the California desert at Indian Wells for the opening Masters Series event of the season at a venue he has long enjoyed.

"I don't have any reason to not play well here because I was playing really well before the injury and I came back," Nadal said.

"I need to adapt a little bit to this court, because I think the bounce is like crazy and the ball is very fast. But I always love this tournament, and I always played well in this tournament."

The Spanish left-hander was optimistic he could swiftly regain the form he displayed during his 2010 campaign where he won an ATP World Tour-leading seven titles in nine finals.

"The (season-ending Tour) finals in London I think was a very high level for me," Nadal said. "I have to try to be at this position another time.

"I'm trying my best every day practising. And for sure winning matches, if I am winning matches, everything is gonna be a little bit easier." — Reuters

BIG RED MONSTER : Negredo (right) will give Barcelona a tough time

Sevilla have not been performing as expected this season. So they are now in an unfamiliar eighth in the Primera Liga table.

Fortunately, they are still very much in the race for at least a place in the Europa League next season by starting to get more points in the coming matches.

And it will be a great boost for manager Gregorio Manzano's men if they can somehow send packing champions and leaders Barcelona, whom they entertain at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Monday (4am).

It's obviously not an easy task as the Catalans have not been beaten on their travels so far this season but Sevilla can pose a threat if they raise their game.

Never mind the fact that Los Rojiblancos or "The Red-White" will not have the services of chief striker Luis Fabiano because of a knee injury.

The Brazil international, who has 10 goals so far in the league, will be out for at least six weeks.

However, Sevilla have another talented striker in Madrid-born Alvaro Negredo, also known as La fiera de Vallecas or "The beast of Vallecas", to get things going for them.

He has also scored 10 league goals thus far and can be their hero in demolishing Barca if given right support.

The 25-year-old Negredo, who stands at 6'1", used to be play for Real Madrid B but failed to find a place in the senior team because of the presence of superstars at Santiago Bernabeu.

There are several quality players who can lend support to this hitman in troubling the Barca defence — like pacey wingers Jesus Navas, Diego Capel and Diego Perotti.

The Catalans, likely to be without injured veteran centreback Carles Puyol, can expect some trying time from Negredo.

Eric Abidal and Co must be alert if they do not want to go back to Barcelona empty-handed for the first time in an away match.

Negredo is not alone in Sevilla's bid to find the net... Remember the man from Mali — Frederic Kanoute?

He may not be as prolific as before but the former Tottenham star can contribute as well to their cause. It can turn into an interesting contest.

But still, Barca need to win this one based on their current form.

The Catalans have to if they want to maintain their seven-point lead over bitter rivals Real.

The Madrid outfit should not have much problems to get three points when they entertain lowly Hercules at the Bernabeu on Sunday (3am).

Never mind Los Blancos will not have the services of the injured Cristiano Ronaldo.

In fact, manager Jose Mourinho may even rest some key players in view of their Champions League last-16 return-leg clash against French club Lyon in midweek at the same venue.

The teams drew 1-1 in the first-leg and the Portuguese tactician wants the team at their best in the second.

But Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas is taking a cautious approach against Hercules.

"Even though they are fighting to avoid relegation, we need to take notice of them because they beat Barca at home earlier in the season," said Casillas.

"Right now we can't afford to drop any points."

Oh yes, there is this story coming out from France.

A French village team — with a passion for Barca superstar Lionel Messi — have seen their president suspended by the Federation Francaise de Football after making a "joke" bid for the Argentine.

FC Borne, a second division club who play in the Haute-Loire league, saw president Cedric Enjorlas banned for six months by the FFF as they did not welcome his gesture.

The Guardian reported FFF stopped FC Borne from making their bid known by refusing to submit it to the Spanish FA, meaning Barca failed to receive it.

"One cannot accept such behaviour. It is perhaps a joke but we are here to judge the facts," said Yves Begon, head of FFF registration office.

Enjolras explained the reason why he made the bid.

"To submit bids among small clubs, you need to fill out forms on the Internet. I decided to register a bid so I typed the name Lionel Messi, his date of birth and his parent club into the system.

"Then the league transmitted the request to the federation. They were shocked by it and refused to send it to their Spanish counterparts. I have been suspended for six months, of which three are suspended. It was just a joke, to amuse friends.

"I'm going to have to spend three months in the bar."

Good for him. He will come out with more crazy ideas while spending his time at bars.

Adios!

KUALA LUMPUR: Barely a month after quitting the national team, shuttler Hafiz Hashim (above) is back in the news.

He announced his intention to remain the nation's No 2 shuttler at a Press conference in Bangsar this morning.

"I want to play in the 2012 London Olympics," said Hafiz, 28.

Hafiz, ranked No 24 in the world, will have to improve his world ranking to play in the Olympics. He will have to work his way into the top 16.

Luckily for him, time is on his side as he has until May next year to climb do that.

Hafiz hopes that by joining the KL Racket Club (KLRC) on a one-year contract he will be able to realise his wish.

He will train alongside KLRC's other players Yeoh Kay Bin and K. Yogendran.

The shuttler is in talks with China-based sports brand, Li-Ning, for apparel and racquet sponsorship.

Hafiz would still love to don national colours and would not turn down BAM if they invited him to play in the Sea Games or the Thomas Cup.

INDIAN WELLS, California (AP) - Juan Martin del Potro showed he was getting back toward his best by blasting past Radek Stepanek 6-4, 6-0 in the first round of the BNP Parisbas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Thursday.

Del Potro, the 2009 U.S. Open champion, was out most of last year with a wrist injury.

He has opened this year by winning 14 of 18 matches and his eighth career title, at Delray Beach, Florida.

"I played better than him," Del Potro said after his first win over Stepanek in three tries. "I take all my opportunities, especially in the second set, and was very focused on my serve."

Del Potro said he injured the wrist in his previous match with Stepanek in the fall of 2009. He had surgery in May.

He was out eight months following the surgery and his ranking tumbled from No. 5 in 2009 to No. 257 at the end of 2010. He is No. 90 now, and not sure how close he is to being fully recovered.

"I was out a year, a long time," he said. "Maybe I had my best form today. I can improve my game, everything, my serve and my approaches. I don't know if I can play better or not, but I know the way to improve day by day. It's a long road to be in the top players again. It's very tough to play good tennis after a year out of competition, but I'm trying."

Del Potro will take on 2010 tournament champion Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia in the second round.

Former world No. 1 Dinara Safina of Russia got into the second round by beating Arantxa Parra Santonja of Spain 6-3, 6-3.

Also through to the second round is American Donald Young, a former junior star. He advanced with a 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 win over Potito Starace of Italy.

Young, who earned his berth in the main draw by qualifying, will face No. 5 Andy Murray of Great Britain in the second round.

"I'm excited," Young said. "I'm happy to get into the next round and see how it goes. It's been and up and down year, but I'm pretty excited the way things are going. When you earn your way in (to a tournament) it makes you feel good about yourself."

Young's win set a tone for the Americans.

Qualifier Ryan Sweeting was a 6-4, 6-1 winner over Marcel Granollers of Spain and Tim Smyczek, another qualifier, beat Illya Marchenko of the Ukraine 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia, Victor Hanescu of Romania, Micheal Berrer of Germany, Somdev Devvarman of India, Rainer Schuettler of Germany, Xavier Malisse of Belgium, Ivo Karlovic of Croatia, Mischa Zvervev of Germany, Richard Barankis of Lithuania and Rik De Voest of South Africa also advanced. The South African will play top-seeded Rafael Nadal in the second round.

American wild card Christina McHale beat Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan 6-3, 6-1; Elena Baltacha of Great Britain was a 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 winner over Roberta Vinci of Italy and Urszula Radwanska of Poland toppled Bojana Jovanovski of Serbia 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (6).

Others moving into the second round: Sloane Stephens of the U.S - who will take on top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki - Simona Halep of Romania, Shuai Peng of China, Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic, Agnes Szavay of Hungary, Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain, Sofia Arviidsson of Sweden, Laura Pous-Tio of Spain, Shaui Zhang of China, Anna Chakvetadze of Russia and Iveta Benasova of the Czech Republic.

INDIAN WELLS, California (AP) - American qualifier Donald Young will play Andy Murray in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells after coming from a set down to beat Italian Potito Starace on Thursday.

Young, a standout at junior level who has been unable to translate that dominance onto the main tour, won 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 to set up a clash with the fifth-seeded Scot.

"I'm excited," Young said. "I'm happy to get into the next round and see how it goes. It's been an up and down year, but I'm pretty excited the way things are going. When you earn your way in (to a tournament) it makes you feel good about yourself."

South Africa's Rik de Voest progressed to a second-round meeting with No.1 seed Rafael Nadal when his first-round opponent Pere Riba of Spain retired after losing the first set 6-4.

Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia, Victor Hanescu of Romania, Michael Berrer of Germany and Somdev Devvarman of India all progressed, as did American qualifiers Ryan Sweeting and Tim Smyczek.

In the women's draw, American wild card Sloane Stephens set up a second-round clash with top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki by beating U.S. qualifier Jamie Hampton 6-2, 6-4.

China's Peng Shuai won through to a second-round meeting with compatriot Li Na, American wild card Christina McHale beat Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan 6-3, 6-1; Elena Baltacha of Great Britain was a 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 winner over Roberta Vinci of Italy and Urszula Radwanska of Poland toppled Bojana Jovanovski of Serbia 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (6).

Others moving into the second round were Simona Halep of Romania, Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic, Agnes Szavay of Hungary, Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain and Iveta Benasova of the Czech Republic.

Pasangan unggulan keempat Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan yang tampil dalam pertandingan pembuka babak delapan besar di National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, Jumat petang waktu setempat (pukul 24.00 WIB) kalah oleh pasangan Malaysia Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong 19-21, 25-23, 11-21.

Sedangkan adik Kido, Bona Septano yang berpasangan dengan Mohammad Ahsan, menyerah kepada pasangan China Chai Biao/Guo Zhendong 18-21, 17-21.

Pasangan Kido/Hendra sempat mengembalikan peluang mereka untuk menang saat bangkit setelah tertinggal 4-11 dan memenangi game kedua 25-23 sekaligus memaksakan digelarnya game penentuan.

Namun pada game ketiga, pasangan juara Olimpiade dan Asian Games tersebut melakukan banyak kesalahan sehingga tidak mampu mengulang seperti yang terjadi pada game kedua ketika kembali tertinggal 6-11 saat interval.

Ganda putra Malaysia yang menjadi unggulan kelima itu akhirnya maju ke semifinal setelah bermain selama 49 menit.

"Tidak tahu mengapa, mainnya sedang tidak enak nih," ujar Hendra Setiawan saat ditanya penyebab permainan mereka yang banyak menghasilkan kesalahan terutama pada game penentuan.

Sementara Kido mengakui, akibat tertekan oleh permainan lawan --yang mengalahkan mereka untuk keenamkalinya dari sembilan pertemuan-- mereka menjadi banyak melakukan kesalahan sendiri.

Kekalahan dua ganda itu membuat Indonesia tidak mempunyai wakil di semifinal turnamen bergengsi dengan total hadial 350 ribu dolar AS tersebut. (ANT/K004)

Editor: B Kunto Wibisono
COPYRIGHT © 2011

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Pada babak semifinal di DBL Arena Surabaya, Jumat malam, tim asuhan Fictor Gideon Roring itu menang 76-69 dalam pertandingan yang berlangsung sengit dan ketat.

Aspac yang sempat tertinggal di dua kuarter awal, mampu membalikkan keadaan dengan unggul tipis 57-55 hingga akhir kuarter ketiga.

Namun, SM Britama mampu bangkit di kuarter terakhir dengan menekan pertahanan Aspac dan menambah 21 angka, sementara Aspac hanya mampu membukukan 21 angka.

"Point guard" SM Britama, Faisal Julius Achmad, tampil impresif dengan menyumbangkan 26 angka dan tujuh "rebound", sementara Amin Prihantono dan Christiano Ronaldo Sitepu masing-masing membukukan 13 dan 11 angka.

Sedangkan dari kubu Aspac, angka tertinggi dicetak Pringgo Regowo dengan 17 poin dan delapan "rebound", ditambah Mario Gerungan yang mengoleksi 14 angka.

Dengan hasil ini, SM Britama yang musim 2010 tampil sebagai juara Liga Basket Indonesia (IBL), kembali berpeluang mempertahankan gelar juara pada kompetisi basket profesional yang kini berubah nama menjadi NBL Indonesia.

Dari tiga kali pertemuan dengan CLS Knights di babak reguler NBL musim ini, SM Britama memenangkan semua pertandingan, namun dengan skor cukup tipis.

Pertemuan pertama pada seri II di Bandung, SM Britama mengalahkan CLS 66-60, kemudian seri III di Solo kembali menang 70-64 dan seri terakhir di Jakarta juga menang 72-67.

Tuan rumah CLS Knights tidak bisa dianggap enteng, karena telah membuktikan ketangguhannya dengan menundukkan tim unggulan Pelita Jaya Esia Jakarta 68-53 di laga semifinal, Kamis (10/3). (ANT/K004)

Editor: B Kunto Wibisono
COPYRIGHT © 2011

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KIEV, KOMPAS.com - Striker Dinamo Kiev, Andriy Shevchenko, menegaskan bahwa timnya belum pasti lolos ke babak perempat final Liga Europa, meski mengantongi kemenangan 2-0 atas Manchester City di leg pertama 16 besar Liga Europa, Kamis (10/3/2011). Menurutnya, segalanya masih bisa terjadi di leg kedua, 17 Maret mendatang.

Apalagi, tambahnya, pertandingan tersebut akan berlangsung di Manchester of Stadium, stadion yang terkenal angker bagi lawan yang datang.

"Ini baru leg pertama. Pertandingan di Manchester tentu akan berbeda," tegas Sheva.

Meski demikian, Sheva senang timnya bisa menang di partai pertama. Apalagi para fans terhibur dengan penampilan mereka.

"Kami lega bisa meraih kemenangan. Aku pikir fans kami sangat menikmati pertandingan ini," kata Sheva.

Ketika ditanya hal yang sulit dalam pertandingan itu, Sheva menjawab, "Apa hal yang paling sulit? Merekatkan strategi kami. Kami bermain sangat baik dari sisi taktik dan aku harus memberikan kredit untuk pemain belakang kami." (SKY)

MUENCHEN, KOMPAS.com - Pelatih Bayern Muenchen, Louis van Gaal, dipastikan bakal meninggalkan klubnya akhir musim ini. Ia merasa berat hati meninggalkan anak-anak asuhnya yang telah ia latih sejak musim lalu.

Ya, manajemen Bayern memutuskan memberhentikan Van Gaal bulan Mei mendatang. Padahal, kontrak pelatih asal Belanda itu baru berakhir tahun depan. Bos-bos besar Bayern seperti Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Uli Hoeness dan Franz Beckenbauer harus mengambil keputusan ini menyusul rentetan hasil buruk "FC Hollywwod".

Bayern tersingkir di Piala Jerman pekan lalu. Di Bundesliga, peluang mempertahankan gelar juara juga sangat kecil karena Bayern terpaut 19 angka dengan Borussia Dortmund di puncak klasemen. Segalanya makin buruk karena dalam tiga laga terakhir, "Der Bavarians" terus menderita kekalahan.

Kendati demikian, Van Gaal mengaku optimistis ia dapat pergi dengan kepala tegak. Target terakhirnya adalah mengantar Bayern finis di zona Liga Champions. "Saya ingin pergi dengan kebanggaan. Semoga saya bisa meninggalkan klub ini lewat pintu depan. Ini semua tentang kehormatan," tandas Van Gaal.

"Saya sedih karena tidak bisa melanjutkan pekerjaan saya di sini, tapi mungkin lebih baik bagi klub jika saya pergi," tuntasnya. (YS)

Sabtu, 12/03/2011 02:07 WIB

Adebayor Mau Terus Bersama Madrid
Okdwitya Karina Sari - detiksport

Adebayor didatangkan ke Santiago Bernabeu pada akhir Januari silam. Ia dipinjam sampai akhir musim untuk mengisi pos yang ditinggalkan Gonzalo Higuain yang absen panjang akibat cedera.

Selama berseragam "Putih", penampilan mantan striker internasional Togo itu tidak jelek-jelek amat. Adebayor telah tampil tujuh kali dan menyumbangkan dua gol.

Selain soal performa, hal lain yang membuat Adebayor semakin betah yaitu sambutan hangat para Madridistas yang begitu hangat terhadapnya.

"Aku bisa memberi tahu. Aku mendengar namaku dinyanyikan di seluruh stadion. Sungguh penting untuk merasa dicintai. Aku akan melakukan segalanya untuk bertahan disini selama mungkin," ungkap Adebayor kepada AS dikutip ESPN Star.

Dengan begitu banyak kualitas yang dimiliki Madrid, Adebayor meyakini kalau Los Blancos akan mampu meraih banyak gelar. Sesuatu yang belum dapat diraihnya ketika membela Arsenal maupun City.

"Aku datang kemari untuk melakukan seuatu. Aku telah bertahun-tahun bermain di level teratas tapi masih hampa gelar," lanjut striker jangkung ini.

"Bagiku, yang terpenting adalah memenangi trofi. Ketika aku bergabung Arsenal, aku tidak pernah menyangka aku tidak memenangi sesuatu. Di sini aku harus melakukan segalanya untuk membuatnya mungkin," tandas Adebayor.

( rin / rin )

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Sabtu, 12/03/2011 01:24 WIB

Giggs: MU Tak Perlu Panik
Okdwitya Karina Sari - detiksport

Dobel kekalahan tersebut diterima MU kala ditekuk 1-2 oleh Chelsea dan digulung 1-3 oleh Liverpool. Hal itu membuat 'Setan Merah' semakin dekat dengan rival-rivalnya di klasemen juga menurunkan mental skuad.

MU akan kembali dihadapkan pada ujian berat dengan melawan Arsenal di perempatfinal Piala FA, Minggu (13/3) dinihari WIB.

Jika kembali menelan kekalahan, tak hanya dipastikan gagal juara Piala FA namun ini akan menjadi catatan kekalahan terburuk sejak 2001.

"Jika Anda memenangi 10 laga beruntun atau telah menderita sejumlah kekalahan, Anda harus terus memiliki ketenangan dan tidak terpengaruh," ungkap pemain legendaris MU itu kepada The Sun.

"Kritikan selalu datang. Kami sudah memiliki dua kekalahan beruntun. Di luar klub, orang-orang sedang berpikir apa yang salah.

Menurut Giggs jalan keluar untuk mengatasi semua itu adalah dengan bermain dengan baik. Dan itu harus dilakukan mulai besok (vs Arsenal).

"Hanya ada satu cara untuk menghentikan ini semua yaitu melakukannya di atas lapangan. Hal itu yang akan kami lakukan, dimulai besok," lugas Giggs.

( rin / rin )

MMS eksklusif dari Old Trafford, Mau?? ketik Reg REDVIEW kirim ke 333 (khusus pelanggan tri) www.tri.co.id/MU

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Valencia semarak impian United

MANCHESTER - Pengurus Manchester United, Alex Ferguson sudah tidak sabar untuk melihat penampilan semula Antonio Valencia bagi menaikkan semula perjuangan skuad The Red Devils itu.

Pemain sayap Ecuador itu mengalami patah buku lali ketika aksi Liga Juara-Juara menentang Rangers pada September lalu.

Setelah enam bulan berehat, Valencia kembali disenaraikan United untuk aksi suku akhir Piala FA menentang Arsenal di Old Trafford awal pagi esok.

Namun, kehadiran Valencia menyaksikan Ferguson pula kehilangan Nani yang terpaksa diketepikan lima minggu akibat kecederaan ketika bertemu Liverpool minggu lalu.

Menurut Ferguson, kehadiran bekas pemain Wigan itu mampu memberi tonik baru buat barisan kendaliannya.

"Dia (Valencia) telah mempamerkan aksi yang cukup mantap musim lalu. Dia memiliki kekuatan dan keseimbangan ketika membawa bola.

"Biarpun Nani turut melakukan persembahan yang baik musim ini, kami cukup merasai ketiadaan Valencia sepanjang enam bulan ini," kata Ferguson.

Namun, Ferguson hanya dapat menggandingkan Nani dan Valencia pada awal April depan yang pastinya menjadi tempoh terpenting dalam mengejar kejuaraan musim ini.

"Kami boleh menggunakan Nani atau Valencia pada sayap kiri. Ia pasti memberi kami ruang dan kepantasan," jelasnya.

Valencia, 25, dibawa Ferguson ke Anfield ketika United tewas 1-3 di tangan Liverpool minggu lalu tetapi dia tidak dimasukkan pada perlawanan tersebut.

Ketiadaan Nani pula membuka ruang buat Gabriel Obertan mencuri tempat dalam kesebelasan utama. - Agensi

Wenger label UEFA diktator

LONDON - Pengurus Arsenal, Arsene Wenger (gambar) melabelkan Kesatuan Bola Sepak Eropah (UEFA) sebagai diktator setelah dia didakwa atas kesalahan berkelakuan tidak sopan ketika aksi Liga Juara-Juara bertemu Barcelona pada Rabu lalu.

Menurut Wenger, badan induk bola sepak Eropah itu sepatutnya lebih bersiap perikemanusiaan.

Wenger dan pemain tengah Arsenal, Samir Nasri didakwa UEFA kerana menggunakan bahasa kurang sopan terhadap pengadil dari Switzerland, Massimo Busacca pada penghujung perlawanan tersebut yang menyaksikan Arsenal tewas 1-3 dan tersingkir menerusi agregat 3-4.

Wenger dan Nasri mempertikaikan tindakan Busacca melayangkan kad kuning kedua seterusnya kad merah kepada penyerang Arsenal, Robin van Persie kerana sengaja menyepak bola setelah wisel ditiupkan.

"Kami semua faham pengadil boleh melakukan kesilapan dalam tindakannya tetapi kini ia menjadi seperti diktator. Tiada lagi tolak ansur.

"Saya rasa dalam sesuatu perlawanan, tindakan seumpama itu tidak sepatutnya. Sudah tentu saya tidak akan mengaku bersalah terhadap sebarang dakwaan.

"Saya tak faham kenapa saya dianggap bersalah. Ia satu tindakan memalukan apabila pengadil melayangkan kad merah tersebut. Ia tindakan yang silap," kata Wenger.

Tambah pengurus veteran itu, aksi pertama di Emirates sesuatu yang menarik manakala aksi kedua di Nou Camp telah dimusnahkan oleh pengadil.

"Semua orang kini hanya akan ingat insiden kad merah itu. Tapi UEFA sepatutnya lebih berperikemanusiaan dan meminta maaf tentang apa yang berlaku.

"Mereka tidak boleh menghukum orang yang tidak melakukan apa-apa kesalahan," jelas Wenger.

Kes melibatkan Wenger dan Nasri itu akan didengar UEFA pada 17 Mac ini. - Reuters

Wozniacki bidas mulut pengkritik

INDIAN WELLS, California - Entah mana silapnya, kedudukan Caroline Wozniacki selaku pemain tenis wanita No. 1 dunia kini mula dipersoalkan.

Ada segelintir pihak terutamanya pihak media mendakwa pemain Denmark itu masih belum layak bergelar jaguh No. 1 dunia kerana dia tidak pernah meraih kejuaraan dalam kejohanan-kejohanan Grand Slam.

Berikutan itu, Wozniacki dikatakan kurang senang dengan dakwaan yang dilemparkan ke atas dirinya itu.

"Saya tidak percaya saya perlu membuktikan sesuatu kepada mana-mana pihak sekalipun.

"Kamu tidak boleh menduduki ranking No. 1 dunia dengan hanya menjuarai kejohanan-kejohanan kecil sahaja.

"Saya tahu saya merupakan seorang pemain yang baik dan saya telah mencatatkan keputusan yang baik dalam tempoh dua tahun kebelakangan ini," kata Wozniacki yang kini berusia 21 tahun.

Wozniacki mara ke pentas final kejohanan Grand Slam pertamanya pada Terbuka Australia 2009 tetapi tewas di tangan pemain jauh lebih berpengalaman, Kim Clijsters dari Belgium.

Begitupun, Wozniacki masih ada sebab untuk mendabik dada apabila meraih gelaran juara dalam tiga kejohanan WTA pada tahun yang sama.

Tahun lalu pula, dia berjaya meraih enam gelaran juara dalam sirkit WTA.

Ia sekaligus melonjakkan kedudukannya ke ranking No. 1 dunia buat pertama kali pada Oktober 2010.

"Saya sentiasa dahagakan kedudukan teratas dunia. Ia merupakan impian setiap pemain dan saya telah bekerja keras untuk mengecapinya.

"Jika kamu bertanya kepada orang di luar sana sama ada mereka mahu menjadi pemain tenis No. 1 dunia, sudah pasti mereka menjawab, ya.

"Mereka juga akan mengatakan perkara yang sama jika ditanya untuk bergelar juara pada kejohanan Grand Slam.

"Saya pula mahu melakukan kedua-duanya. Apabila saya menamatkan karier saya kelak, kita akan lihat sejauh mana pencapaian saya. Setakat ini, semuanya berjalan dengan baik," jelas Wozniacki. - Reuters

Bethanie Mattek-Sands returns a shot to Vera Dushevina in their opening round match at the WTA and ATP Master Series on Wednesday. Bethanie won 6-4, 6-4. — AP picture

Bethanie, the highest ranked American in the women's draw, said she just wanted to hit her shots and get off the court as quickly as possible on the opening day of the US$9 million (RM27 million) men's and women's hard-court tournament.

The American, who turns 26 later this month, achieved her goal of winning in straight sets but the Russian made her work for it.

"I was just going to grind it out," Bethanie said. "There were a couple of long points there at the end where I lost and I was like 'I can't believe I ran all that way'. I was just trying to keep the points short."

Bethanie said she has been sick since competing in Dubai last month. She felt bad enough to call for the trainer to come to the court in her match against Vera.

Bethanie advances to the second round where she will face Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova who needed two tiebreakers to beat Polona Hercog 7-5, 7-6 (8-6).

Coco Vandeweghe began her run at Indian Wells by rallying to beat Edina Gallovits-Hall 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 on the Stadium Court.

In other first round women's matches on Wednesday, Czech Lucia Safarova beat Kristina Barrois of Germany 7-6 (11-9), 6-7 (7-5), 6-0, Alize Cornett of France surprised Swiss Patty Schnyder 6-1, 6-4 and Kimiko Date-Krumm defeated Yaroslava Shvedova 6-4, 7-5.

Defending champion Jelena Jankovic and World No 1 Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark headline the women's field.

The women's draw includes two-time winners Daniela Hantuchova (2002, 2007) and Kim Clijsters (2003, 2005) and three other former winners, comprising Maria Sharapova (2006), Ana Ivanovic (2008) and Vera Zvonareva (2009).

Reigning Roland Garros champion Francesca Schiavone, Australian Open finalist Li Na of China and 40-year-old Kimiko, the oldest player in the event, are also competing.

Although the seeded players here enjoy first-round byes, there are a number of intriguing matchups when the men get underway late yesterday with first-round action.

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro is expected to be tested in his opening match against former top 10 Czech Radek Stepanek. The winner will play Indian Wells defending champ Ivan Ljubicic.

Rising star Milos Raonic will have his hands full with 13th seed Mardy Fish of the US. Canada's Raonic, a wildcard, has made the biggest leap of any player on the tour rocketing from 156th in the world at the start of the season to 37th.

The 20-year-old Raonic recently won his first ATP Tour title in San Jose.

Three-time former champion Roger Federer will face the winner of a first-round match between Japan's Kei Nishikori and Igor Andreev of Russia.

The men's draw also features World No 1 Rafael Nadal, hard serving Ivo Karlovic of Croatia and reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic. -- AFP

KUALA Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) will battle three continents when they face Yayasan Negri Sembilan (YNS) in the first leg semi-final of the TNB Cup at the Tun Razak Stadium today.

The other semi-final will see 'diesel engine' Sapura take on and TNB Cup holders Tenaga Nasional.
KLHC, with seven national players, former internationals and national juniors, will face three Pakistanis and five Indian players as well as one a Bangladeshi.
"It does feel like Malaysia playing against a combination of India and Pakistan, but I am confident that we will win and enter the final," said KLHC skipper Azlan Misron.

Azlan, who had skippered the national team before, was among the those who helped Malaysian finish second in the Asian Games.
His confidence stems from the fact that KLHC beat YNS with comfortable 6-3 and 7-2 scores margins in the League.
"We know their style of play, and it should not be a problem for us to start with a win in the first leg, and then consolidate our position in the return leg," said Azlan.

However, the match is not expected to be as lopsided as in the League, as YNS have all but one of their foreign players for the semis.
"We did not have a full side in the League as many of our foreign signings went back to play in their domestic tournaments regularly, and as we suffered as a consequence.
"However, with the exception of Prabhjot (Singh), we will have the full squad and if India and Pakistan can click like they did in the quarter-finals, we have a 50-50 chance," said YNS coach Hasnizam Ah Sim.

The Pakistanis are penalty corner specialist Mohamed Imran, Shakeel Abbasi and Mohamed Waqas Sharif. The five Indian players in YNS are Deepak Thakur, Probhjot Singh, Vivek Gupta, S. Aravind and goalkeeper Tarun Thammanah. The Bangladeshi is Mosuir Rahman Biplop.
As for Sapura, TNB coach Nor Saiful Zaini said: "They are like a diesel engine, as they struggled at the start, but are in full steam right now. They are a dangerous side, and we will have to give our best to deny them a spot in the final."
Sapura skipper S. Kuhan said their main concern will would be Tenaga goalkeeper S. Kumar.
"For me, Kumar is the best goalkeeper in the world and TNB are built around him and his stout defenders Amin (Rahim), Baljit Singh and Madzli Ikmar.
"I expect Kumar to make our life difficult in both legs, but we have our own plans on how to overcome that because we have three penalty corner flickers who have been scoring regularly in the League," said Kuhan.
A thin line separates teams in the semi-finals, and the first leg results might not be enough to claim a the final ticket to the final.