Caparros: UEFA Cup Is Possible
Bilbao have been one of the form teams of 2008, but many believe their last chance to chase down a UEFA Cup spot was on Sunday, but losing to Real Mallorca proved to be one setback too many. However, with three games remaining, they now trail sixth-placed Sevilla by nine points, which would mean they would have to lose their final three games and Athletic win all three of theirs.
However, they trail Mallorca in seventh by four points a deficit much more realistic and could therefore usurp the islanders and qualify for the Intertoto Cup, which of course could provide them with their route to major European competition. So first on the agenda will be picking up as many points as possible, starting this Wednesday, against already relegated Real Murcia.
"There are nine points remaining and we are going to fight for it. On Wednesday we are going to try and get a positive result," said Athletic coach Caparros.
"I expect an open game because they will want to make their fans happy and we need to get a good result to help our chances of getting in the Intertoto Cup. It is difficult for them because the biggest misfortune for a team is going down, but Murcia have good players and coach."
That coach is the experienced and somewhat outspoken former Spain manager Javier Clemente, a Basque citizen himself, who represented Athletic as a player and a coach. He has in fact coached them on three separate occasions; the most recent ending just two years ago and was far from successful, but he also led the club during one of its most fruitful periods in the 1980s.
"Javi is an example to us all," added Caparros. "Not only for those who coach at Athletic, but for football in general. He is a benchmark for all the coaches for all that he has done, with his method of work and his style, which is special.Clemente wrote the best pages in the history (of Athletic)."
Goal.com 2008
Bohs handed Welsh Euro test
Bohemians will kick off their 2008 Intertoto Cup campaign against Welsh Premier League side Rhyl in June. The draw for the first European competition of the year was held at Uefa's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Monday.
And Bohs, currently second in the eircom League of Ireland Premier Division, will face a Rhyl side which finished third in the Welsh Premier League which drew to a close last weekend. Opposition from either Latvia or Iceland awaits in the second round should the Gypsies advance,
The first leg will take place at Dalymount Park on either June 21st or 22nd before the return in Wales the following weekend. This year marks the final year for the Intertoto Cup, which was introduced as a Uefa Cup qualification competition in 1995. Bohs can advance to the first round of the Uefa Cup if they successfully negotiate three rounds of the Intertoto Cup in June and July.
www.eleven-a-side.com
Lotina gunning for Uefa Cup
Deportivo La Coruna manager Miguel Angel Lotina fought against relegation for the majority of the season, then started to think of the Intertoto cup and now has his sights set on the Uefa Cup.The Galician club have been struggling this season but a superb run of victories has permitted Los Blanquiazules to reach ninth spot.
Playing in a European competition again is a question of prestige according to Lotina.
"The dressing room wants to qualify for Europe, the players told me," Lotina told AS.
"If we can do it this season that is better than in the next one. I want to play in Europe and Depor want to play in Europe. Not only for financial issues, that are not that good when you play the Uefa Cup, but for the club's prestige. Today we are three or four teams fighting for the Intertoto Cup and with similar schedules."
Copyright Setanta
HEARTS PLAN QUIET SUMMER
Hearts have revealed their summer plans will be tailored towards ensuring next season is a huge success after deciding against entering the Intertoto Cup 2008.
The club have also shelved plans to arrange a high-profile home friendly, despite attracting a huge crowd to Murrayfield for last year's game against Barcelona. Owner Vladimir Romanov is set to name a new manager in the close season as Hearts set about attempting to improve results after a frustrating campaign. They could still finish in the top six this season but are determined to be challenging at the upper end of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League throughout next term.
Managing director Campbell Ogilvie said: "Before anything else the number one priority for Hearts pre-season is ensuring the most effective preparation.
"In future years we might consider the opportunity to participate in a tournament such as the Intertoto Cup, as it offers an excellent route to the UEFA Cup, or another major international friendly such as last year's game against Barcelona which was attended by 58,000 supporters. However, our strong feeling was that our pre-season had to offer the best opportunity to be ready for the start of the new campaign.
"My colleagues in the football department have led the way in these recommendations, and as a club Hearts is entirely behind the rationale involved. 2008-09 is a very important season in the history of Hearts, and everything we do must be right."
2007 Sporting Life UK Ltd, All Rights Reserved.
West Ham skipper Lucas Neill believes Hammers can make UEFA Cup
Captain Lucas Neill has urged West Ham to "keep believing" in UEFA Cup qualification before their crucial visit to Anfield tomorrow.
After Saturday's 4-0 thrashing by Chelsea, the Hammers are now 10 points behind fifth-placed Liverpool in the table with only 11 games to go. And with West Ham deciding not to enter the Intertoto Cup 2008, unless Chelsea or Manchester United win the FA Cup, they will have to climb into the top five to get into Europe.
The defender said: "We've got to keep believing and we've got to regroup. It was a bad day at the office against Chelsea."
Mirror.co.uk
Everton apply for Intertoto Cup
Everton have applied to enter the Intertoto Cup despite currently being placed fourth in the Premier League.
If David Moyes' side can maintain their position they would qualify for the preliminary rounds of the UEFA Champions League. Three further sides go into the Uefa Cup, with Tottenham earning one spot thanks to their Carling Cup victory over Chelsea at the weekend. The Intertoto Cup allows the highest-ranked side not to qualify for the Uefa Cup an alternative route into Europe.
The race for fourth, fifth and sixth place seems set to be a tight affair and Everton have had the foresight to apply to enter the competition.
"Clearly European qualification through our league position or via the Uefa Cup is our main priority," said Everton chief executive Keith Wyness
"However because of the deadline for Intertoto Cup applications, it would be remiss of us not to put our name forward."
Aston Villa, Blackburn and Manchester City have also applied for entry to the Intertoto Cup 2008.
Sky Sports 2008 BSkyB
Eddie ready to ring the cup changes
Eddie Patterson gave an indication of where the priorities lie for both him and his club as the countdown to the Setanta Sports Cup began in earnest. Cliftonville haven't been given the easiest of starts when they make their debut in the competition next Tuesday night.
Patterson's men will travel for a battle with the holders and back-to-back winners Drogheda United. What makes it a little more difficult for Patterson is that he can't get an indication of how the 2008 version of Paul Doolin's side will perform because they haven't played any games yet, but Patterson may have a surprise or two up his sleeve too.
The Reds are very much in the hunt for the Irish Premier League title, only being knocked off the top on Saturday when they suffered a first defeat of the campaign against Dungannon Swifts, which allowed Linfield to overtake them. With a domestic double still to aim for, it appears that is what Patterson wants most.
"We've had a settled team not just over the last number of weeks, but months," said Patterson.
"Some players are maybe lacking match fitness and match sharpness at first-team level. They've been playing reserve games which anyone will acknowledge isn't quite the same standard. That could be a factor in my thinking. The Setanta Cup will maybe give me the opportunity to throw some in and give them 90 minutes at a really competitive level. I won't do it wholesale, but maybe one or two at a time."
The all-Ireland competition has a different look this year as it takes a break after the first half of the group stages before resuming in September. And with that domestic double in mind, Patterson is pleased with the change in format.
"We've been back in training since the end of May in preparation for the Intertoto Cup and it's been a very long season for us, so I would welcome any reduction in games," said Patterson. I'm pleased at having three games deferred until next season and I backed that decision up. I watched the tournament last year, saw Linfield in the semi-finals and the final and have said before that they were out on their feet. They defended very well in both games, but just didn't have the zip to carry it through in the final."
Independent News & Media (NI)
|
