Premier League: Kuyt stays at Liverpool, Avram Grant backs Robert Green and Roberto Mancini thrilled
Kuyt wishes to stay put:
Dirk Kuyt, the Netherland international, has been busy with the World Cup, as his team has reached the final of the tournament. They will face Spain in Soccer City, and is therefore concentrating his energy fully on winning the trophy for his country. He is yet to talk with the new Liverpool manager, Roy Hodgson, who replaced Rafa Benitez, and will sort out his future after returning from the World Cup.
He looks forward to assuring his new manager about his plans to stay at Anfield, and stated that Liverpool is a club of huge heritage. He was disappointed that in his four years at the club so far, he is yet to win something, but vowed to change that in the next season. He hopes to meet the manager soon, and expects the manager to let him stay, and be a part of Liverpool’s redemption, after slipping to the 7th spot this season from a previous 2nd in 08/09. He claimed that he has been touch with others at the club, and confirmed that the manager seeks to have a chat with him, but stated that it could not be possible at the moment owing to the focus on the trophy.
The Dutch international had a troubled season in Anfield, but was happy to put that all behind when he played a major role for taking his side to the FIFA World Cup final. He admitted that it was a mentally tough season at Liverpool, but was happy to end it on a high by reaching the final. He was frustrated with the fact that a club like Liverpool was unable to get any silverware, and claimed that the side possessed the quality to topple any opponent. He was thankful to the Dutch manager for giving him a week off after the season, which gave him enough time to gain some composure. He added that he trained hard for earning a spot in starting XI of his national side, and his team’s hard work paid off when they reached the final.
Grant tips Green to bounce back:
Former Chelsea manager Avram Grant took over the reins of West Ham United. He was vocal about his support for the English keeper Robert Green, who had a troubled World Cup campaign. He was all set to be a permanent starting keeper for England, but failed to impress. England took an early lead in their opening match against USA, only to find themselves on level terms, thanks to the simplest of goal keeping errors by Green. A meek shot from Clint Dempsey would have been the simplest of saves, but the ball slipped through the keeper’s gloves, and past the goal line. England drew the match and such an error at such a stage cost Green the chance to play for his side. He was replaced by veteran David James, and many believe that Green’s international career may well be over.
His club’s new manager, Avram Grant however backed Green to bounce back and recover. He stated that even the best goal keepers make silly mistakes at such stages, pointing towards German keeper Oliver Kahn’s fumble at the 2002 World Cup. Spanish keeper Iker Casillas also made a huge blunder in their opening game against Switzerland, which caused the European Champions to lose. He added that he was happy with the mental fitness of Robert Green, who seemed strong and solid. He praised Robert Green’s ability, and looked forward to work with the keeper at West Ham.
Mancini excited about next season
Manchester city manager, Roberto Mancini, has already signed three players to strengthen his squad. Jerome Boateng, Yaya Toure and David Silva are the names added to the already star studded City side, and seem like a huge threat to the top four. Manchester City finished fifth in the league, as well as reaching the Carling Cup semi finals, which they lost to rivals Manchester United. Mancini however told the official website of the club that he was counting on the days to start off the new season, and is excited with the quality and talent in his squad. He added that the supporters of the club deserve a better side than the previous. City hopes to jump start their campaign when they face Spurs in the opening match of the season.
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