Football News

Monday, February 23, 2015

Canadian university offers chance to study Ronaldo

A Canadian university is offering fans of Cristiano Ronaldo the opportunity to take a course in the Real Madrid star.

The University of British Columbia Okanagan is enrolling for a fourth-year sociology module on Ronaldo due to his popularity and influence on Portuguese and global society.

Luis LM Aguiar, associate professor of sociology in UBC Okanagan’s Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences, said: "Sociology is nothing if not the delving into the processes of structuring identities and experiences and exposing the social forces that push these processes.

"In this case, I'm interested in how Ronaldo has been used to construct several discourses about who he is, what makes him distinct as a footballer, what is his relationship to Portugal, Madeira (his hometown) and indeed Portuguese identity."

During the semester-long course, students will examine the stereotypical image of Ronaldo and the Portuguese diaspora.

"Ronaldo is said to embody features and characteristics of speed, strength, competetiveness, dogged work ethic, discipline, and adaptability," added Aguiar.

"These features are also in a sense 'very Portuguese' since the Portuguese outside the homeland are nothing if not constructed as hard workers, disciplined and determined. Even as a global athlete transcending geographical boundaries, Ronaldo cannot escape the stereotypical constructions of 'the Portuguese'.

"My two greatest passions are football and critical sociology. A course on Cristiano Ronaldo gives me the opportunity to combine the two.

"While I’m an admirer of Ronaldo, I’m also a sociologist interested in understanding the social and economic forces driving the various constructions of this athlete and what this says about our contemporary values and culture."

Ronaldo is not the first Madrid name to become the subject of higher education. Staffordshire University offered students the chance to take a module in 'David Beckham studies' prior to the former England captain's move from Manchester United to Spain.

Ancelotti: Madrid do not fear Atletico

Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that Real Madrid are not afraid of Atletico Madrid ahead of this weekend's derby at the Vicente Calderon.

The Champions League holders have been unable to beat their city rivals in five previous meetings so far this season - drawing twice, while losing the other three - yet Ancelotti remains optimistic about his side's chances of bagging the full three points on Saturday.

"We are not afraid of Atletico," Ancelotti said at a press conference.

"We are not thinking about a draw. We are preparing for games with the intention to win them.

"The team is incredibly motivated. We are high on confidence and we have no doubt that it will be a great game."

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to the Madrid squad after a two-match ban and Ancelotti has stressed the Portugal international is raring to go, while also praising Isco following his fine run of form.

"Cristiano is raring to go and as motivated as ever after his suspension," he said.

"Isco is absolutely indispensable for this team."

Madrid will have to make do without the services of Sergio Ramos, Pepe and James Rodriguez due to injury, while Marcelo is unavailable due to suspension.

"We are not thinking about the players we are missing. Both Fabio Coentrao and Alvaro Arbeloa can play at left-back," Ancelotti said.

"We believe in Raphael Varane and Nacho Fernandez at centre-back."

Madrid hold a seven-point lead over Atletico ahead of Saturday's encounter.

Guardiola: Bayern not in crisis

The former Barcelona coach has laughed off concerns over the Bundesliga leaders' form, while apologising for his behaviour against Schalke

Pep Guardiola has insisted that Bayern Munich are not in crisis following their difficult Bundesliga restart.

The Bavarians dominated the German top flight in the first half of the season, winning 14 out of 17 games and drawing the other three.

They were beaten 4-1 by Wolfsburg in their first game after the winter break, though, before they were held to a 1-1 draw by Schalke on Tuesday.

Nevertheless, Guardiola sees no reason for panic and says it should not come as a shock to see Bayern drop points during the campaign.

"Crisis? There's no crisis. Things like this happen," Guardiola said at a press conference.

"You can lose one or two games every now and then. We could even lose three or four games. It's impossible to always win the title with a 25-point lead over our rivals."

Guardiola went on to explain Bayern's decision to appeal Jerome Boateng's three-game ban following his red card in the 1-1 draw with Schalke.

"There is no discussion about it, that it was a red card and a penalty," he said.

"However, a three-game ban for a foul like that is too much."

Guardiola also had his say on criticism of his outburst against the linesman versus Schalke and was quick to apologise for his actions.

"I apologise for what I did, to the Bundesliga and to all other teams. I am really sorry about what happened," he added.

"I am a Catalan and I am often very emotional. I am still a relatively young coach, so maybe that explains a bit what happened."

Atletico Madrid - Real Madrid Betting: Back Cristiano Ronaldo to mark his comeback with a goa

Our man in Madrid, Phil Kitromilides, explains why he is so excited to find La Liga's top scorer at odds against to score anytime in a fixture in which he boasts a superb record

Cristiano Ronaldo returns from a two-match suspension for one of the biggest games of the season as Real Madrid make the short trip to the south of the Spanish capital to face Atletico.

The Ballon d'Or winner turned 30 this week and will be desperate to celebrate with a goal against a side upon whom he has wreaked havoc in the past.

Ronaldo has netted 15 times against the Rojiblancos and unsurprisingly is the shortest-priced player to score at anytime, offered at 5/4 (2.20) by William Hill.

While he may lead the market and understandably so, that price is big enough to make regular punters on La Liga extremely excited, given that Ronaldo is practically never offered at odds-against to score at anytime in a domestic game.

He has already scored twice against Diego Simeone's men this season and the fact that he takes penalties should also be considered: Madrid (and Ronaldo) have scored seven spot-kicks in the last 15 derbies, a stat that should only add weight to the confidence of this selection.

For the hosts, their goal threats are varied, with top scorer Mario Mandzukic leading the way at 17/10 (2.70)to score at anytime and the Croatian is in decent form, having netted 11 league goals.

The headlines have been made elsewhere, though, with Fernando Torres having had quite an impact on the Madrid derby since rejoining his boyhood club, scoring twice at the Bernabeu to eliminate the holders from the Copa del Rey.

Torres is offered at 2/1 (3.00) to find the back of the net, while Antoine Griezmann can be backed at 9/5 (2.80), and Atleti's prowess from set pieces makes Diego Godin a constant threat at 5/1 (6.00).

Yet given his form, his record in this fixture and his status as the world's best player, there really is no better bet than backing Ronaldo to score and the price offered is too tempting to turn down

Sergio Ramos ruled out for five weeks

Real Madrid will have to make do without the services of Sergio Ramos for about five weeks due to a hamstring injury.

The Spain international picked up a knock in the opening stages of this week's encounter with Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu and was forced to leave the pitch after just nine minutes of play.

Ramos has since undergone a series of tests and Madrid have now confirmed the centre-back faces a spell on the sidelines due to a torn hamstring.

"Following tests carried out on Sergio Ramos by the Real Madrid medical service at the Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital, the player has been diagnosed with a torn hamstring in his left leg. His progress will be monitored," a statement on the club's official website reads.

The 28-year-old's injury means he will miss this weekend's derby with Atletico Madrid as well as the Champions League round-of-16 tie against Schalke, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti ready to turn to Raphael Varane and Nacho Fernandez during his absence.

"Ramos' injury is serious. He will be out for the next five weeks, but I believe in Nacho and Varane," the Madrid boss said at a press conference.

"They are good players and have plenty of enthusiasm."

Ramos has made 29 appearances in all competitions for Madrid so far this term, scoring six goals in the process.

QPR - Southampton Preview: Rs begin life without Redknapp

QPR begin life without Harry Redknapp on Saturday as Southampton visit Loftus Road in the Premier League looking to compound a difficult week for the hosts.

After more than two years in charge at the club, Redknapp resigned on Tuesday citing a need for knee surgery, leaving QPR in the Premier League's bottom three.

Chris Ramsey and Kevin Bond are in temporary charge and will look to return the club to winning ways after a run of seven games without victory in all competitions.

Ramsey could welcome back Sandro (knee) and Armand Traore (toe) into the matchday squad and Ramsey explained his hope that the players would respond to his changes in training.

"From the point of view that we had a manager of great stature before, I think we're going to have to maintain some of the things he did, but I'll also be myself and implement my own ideas," he said.

"I haven't got the personal relationships with the players that the last manager had but it's an opportunity now for everyone to show what they can do.

"It's all hands to the pump, it's a clean slate and everyone who is fit and available will be in contention for a place.

"I believe we've got more than enough talent here to see ourselves safe between now and the end of the season."

While QPR will hope to make the most of home comforts - having lost 11th consecutive league games on the road - Ronald Koeman's Southampton have enjoyed their travels in recent weeks.

Maximum points from trips to Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Newcastle United have helped maintain their place in the top four - despite Sunday's 1-0 reversal at home to Swansea City.

With United not in action until Sunday, a draw for Koeman would see Southampton climb to third with the Dutchman boosted by the likely returns of Victor Wanyama (hamstring) and Morgan Schneiderlin (thigh).

On Redknapp's exit, Koeman told reporters: "I was surprised when I was watching television and I saw that decision because I think it is a difficult job because they are bottom of the league.

"But we try to do the maximum and, while we were very disappointed with the result against Swansea, we were not disappointed with how we played.

"It's tough for everyone and we know that teams like Tottenham, Liverpool, Man United are coming back after a difficult start to the season."

Koeman will be without the suspended Ryan Bertrand while recent signing Filip Djuricic will have to wait for his debut, having not yet had his work permit finalised.

Allegri: Scudetto race not over yet

The Juventus coach has warned that anything can still happen in Serie A and added that AC Milan will not be pushovers in this weekend's Derby d'Italia

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has warned that the Serie A title race is not over just yet and is eagerly anticipating Saturday's match versus AC Milan.

The reigning Italian champions hold a seven-point lead over Roma in the table heading into this weekend's games, but Allegri is adamant his side cannot afford to allow their standards to slip - especially against his former side.

"Have we already won the Scudetto? No chance," Allegri said at a press conference.

"There's still a long way to go and Roma are firmly in the hunt.

"We'll require great intensity from a technical standpoint if we want to come away with an important result against Milan.

"Milan may have had a few problems in January but played well in December, beating Napoli and drawing with Roma. They have done well in the January transfer market, bringing in four decent international players. Milan won their last game and can get themselves into a position to fight for a European place."

Allegri is also delighted with Juve's own dealings in the January window, during which they sealed return deals for Stefano Sturaro and Alessandro Matri.

"We've had a fine transfer window," he said. "Matri scored seven goals in the first half of the term and is an important contribution.

"Sturaro possesses important qualities: he still needs to adapt but he's a very level-headed and mature guy. He can play in several positions across the midfield and also just in front of the defence."

The Juventus coach also had his say on Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi, insisting the former striker has a long coaching career ahead of him despite his turbulent time at San Siro so far.

"Inzaghi's got all the right characteristics to enjoy a successful managerial career," he added.