22 sport Wednesday, January 13, 2010 D PREMIER LEAGUE SOCCER FA CUP Rafa targets Wembley trip to rescue season Maxi deal could be for minimum outlay LIVERPOOL are closing in on their first signing of the transfer window with Maxi Rodriguez due to arrive for a medical today. The Argentine wingers move to Anfield from Atletico Madrid has been delayed by snow, but the 29-year-old is expected at the clubs Melwood training ground this morning. Reports suggest he could move on a free transfer as his current deal expires in the summer and Atletico want him off their wage bill as he no longer figures in the plans of coach Quiqe Sanchez Flores. By Paul Murphy Red alert: Liverpool are determined to win the FA Cup for the first time since their Millennium Stadium success in 2006 Picture: PA Transfer talk Bruce hails a Cab after Kuranyi refuses to travel Steven sneaks through the window at Wigan GALATASARAy are the latest club to be linked with Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, with Evertons Louis Saha a possible replacement as he stalls on a new deal. o STOKES Andy Griffin has joined Championship strugglers Reading on loan. The former skipper, 30, will stay with the Royals until the end of the season. o In demand: Cabanas SundERlAnd boss Steve Bruce has confirmed he wants Paraguay striker Salvador Cabanas. Bruce has turned to the Club America forward after Kevin Kuranyi decided to see out the remainder of his contract at Schalke. Whether a deal is possible for him, I dont know, said Bruce. Hes somebody who would be of interest but Im sure if he became available there would be more clubs interested. RUBIN Kazans Argentine defender Cristian Ansaldi admits all he has heard about a potential move to Roberto Mancinis Manchester City is what he has read in the press. o WIGAN have signed Ivory Coast international Steven Gohouri until the end of the season. The defender had been on trial at the DW Stadium after leaving Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach in December. Gohouri, 28, becomes the Latics second arrival this month following the signing of Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic last week. Gohouri said: There is a lot of quality in the squad but its up to me now to force my way into the team and make an impression. Eager to start: Gohouri DONCASTER ROVERS have refused to comment on the future of manager Sean ODriscoll following reports he has been in talks over the vacant Burnley job. The 52-year-old former Republic of Ireland midfielder has emerged as the favourite to take over at Turf Moor following the controversial defection of Owen Coyle to rivals Bolton last week. Doncaster have neither confirmed nor denied giving the Premier League side permission to approach ODriscoll, who is one of several names on Burnleys shortlist. Other candidates include former Sheffield Wednesday and Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws a one- time Clarets player Leeds boss Simon Grayson and Huddersfield counterpart Lee Clark, who denied yesterday he had been interviewed for the position. Rovers captain Brian Stock said: As managers and coaches go, I do not think there are many that are better than Sean. Every time a job comes up when someone gets sacked in the Premier League you always think Sean will have a chance. ODriscoll heads shortlist at Burnley RAFAEL BENITEZ wants to end a difficult season at Anfield on a high note by winning the FA Cup. The Reds began the campaign dreaming of a Premier League title but seven defeats before Christmas have left them languishing in seventh place and facing a battle to qualify for next seasons Champions League. There has also been controversy off the field with director Tom Hicks Jr forced to leave the board after an e-mail row with a fan while rumours continue to circulate about the clubs financial stability. But league matters and off-field distractions will be put to one side tonight when Benitezs team bid to see off Reading in their FA Cup third-round replay. The Reds boss has admitted results have forced the club to rethink their goals for the season and the Spaniard is desperate for a trip to Wembley. The FA Cup is a very good option for us to win something this year, Be- nitez said. So we have to approach the game thinking about winning. It would be very special to get to Wembley. Weve been to Cardiff [where Liverpool beat West Ham to lift the Cup in 2006], but now we have to think about winning the first game. We know the FA Cup is a massive competition, so we want to progress and go forward as much as we can. Our priority now is one game at a time, so the first one is the most important. Benitez is keen not to allow the Championship visitors a glimmer of hope at Anfield tonight and he added: We have to approach the game think- ing about winning and not giving them any chances or any confidence that they can do something. In the Premier League you have to winandifyoucantyousayunlucky. But in the Cup you have to win. The attitude is more important against teams from a lower division. After that you know you have some quality, but attitude is the key. I re- member [against Barnsley in 2008] and we were not doing badly. We had some chances and then con- ceded in the last minute. It was unlucky but its the same situation now because its a cup competition you have to win and cant make any mistakes. Favourite: ODriscoll Winter warmer: Ferguson in Doha Its time we packed up for winter, says Fergie SIR Alex Ferguson has called on the Premier league to join the other major european leagues and adopt a winter break in January. Fergusons Manchester United side are currently in Doha for a training camp, where he hit out at the packed winter fixture schedule. My experience tells me that when you get to December, it is draining for players to continuously play matches every Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, said the United boss. It is difficult to play football through heavier grounds in cold weather. By December, everybody needs a break. With a break in January you can repair the small injuries the players pick up. even the coaches need a mental break. Ferguson also believes the season should be extended throughout May, as is frequently done on the continent. Top-flight players often continue into early June with their national teams and the Scot added: Why dont we use the whole of May to make up for the loss of matches that are held in January? This idea is supported by all managers in england but has never been considered. And despite Uniteds woeful recent run, which has seen them lose to leeds, Fulham and Aston Villa, Ferguson, 68, insists he has not lost the hunger for success which has seen him win 11 league titles. When you are a football manager, and when you reach my age, you need good health, he said. I know expectations are always high. I am at the right club, at a great club. So, it is easy to be motivated for such a long period of time. My energy is there. u FERGuSON will not face any disciplinary action over his remarks criticising referee Mark Clattenburg for sending off Darren Fletcher. The Scotland midfielder picked up two yellow cards against Birmingham on Saturday and Ferguson appeared to imply Clattenburg had been inconsistent this season and called the decision ridiculous. But the FA decided his remarks did not allege bias or impute the officials integrity. An FA spokesman confirmed: No action will be taken in relation to Sir Alex Ferguson. index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html