Messi: “We have to be at our best against Real Madrid"

The Barça number 10 has revealed: “The dynamic of competitive football doesn’t allow us to enjoy what this team is achieving, but maybe in the future it will be given the credit it deserves” 

As far as the match against Real Madrid on Tuesday is concerned, Messi told us: “We have to be at our best against Real Madrid because otherwise we won’t get through the tie”

Leo Messi featured in the Barça TV programme ‘El Marcador’ after the game against Sevilla, where he spoke about the defeat away to AC Milan and Tuesday’s Copa del Rey return leg against Real Madrid in the Camp Nou. He insisted that the best way to prepare for the busy schedule of key matches coming up is not to hold himself back: “For years now I’ve been used to playing a lot of matches. My body feels better if it doesn’t rest”. The Argentine forward is the Spanish league’s top scorer with 38 goals, but he emphasised: “The most important thing is to win matches. If I can help with goals, then that’s always better”.

El Clássico an early final

Tuesday’s Cup game is one of the most important matches of the season so far and the 1-1 draw from the first leg leaves the tie – and a place in the final - wide open: “We have to be at our best against Real Madrid because otherwise we won’t get through the tie”. He’s determined to forget about any controversy hanging over from the first leg in the Bernabeu. “The only thing I’m thinking about right now is for myself and the team to put in a good performance and reach the final. What other people say doesn’t affect me in the least”. He confirmed that Barça will be .looking for a win on Tuesday night: “In front of our own fans we don’t have any other option than to go for a win against Real el Madrid; we can’t start thinking that a goalless draw would see us through”.

The setback in Milan

Messi summed up the mood ahead of Tuesday’s game: “We mustn’t drive ourselves crazy about the result in Milan or the first half against Sevilla. We have to pull ourselves together because there are some decisive games coming up”. And he pointed to Barça’s record over the last few years. “The dynamic of competitive football doesn’t allow us to enjoy what this team is achieving, but maybe in the future it will be given the credit it deserves”.

Check out the video on You Tube 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9MVipSA3IC4

adidas brings Orlando Pirates Football Club to Fons Luminis Secondary School to coach youth

 

Soweto, Thursday 31 January 2013 – Today fifty learners from Fons Luminis Secondary School had a world class training session with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions, Orlando Pirates at the school’s sports grounds in Soweto.

This comes after the Diepkloof-based school received the most number of votes in a competition run by adidas as part of its advertising campaign to promote the Soweto Derby and its partnership with Orlando Pirates among young people in Soweto.

“We printed A1 posters which were distributed to 220 schools in Soweto which our partner – School Media – hand-picked as the right target market for the campaign. Learners were invited to enter the competition where they voted by SMS or MXit for their school to be chosen for a coaching clinic,” says Zobuzwe Ngobese, Public Relations Manager at adidas South Africa.

In addition to the Orlando Pirates coaching clinic, five learners also stood a chance to win a VIP experience during the Soweto Derby – which took place late last year. Fons Luminis beat two other contenders for the coaching clinic, Itekeng Primary School (2nd place) and Itsaneng Primary School (3rd place).

“We are delighted to take some time off our busy schedule and share some very important football lessons with young people. Although Orlando Pirates Football Club is a club of international stature, we always welcome the opportunity to do coaching development in our own communities as this falls under our CSI campaigns which involves the entire team and must take place once every season ,” says Mickey Modisane, the Public Relations Officer at Orlando Pirates Football Club.

adidas South Africa, proud supporter and technical sponsor of the Orlando Pirates Football Club,  believes strongly in shaping future, local football heroes from an early age. “It is with such competitions that adidas as a brand can reach out and give back to the communities that ardently support local football – staying true to both the adidas and Orlando Pirates Football Club ethos of uplifting the communities they serve,” adds Ngobese.

As part of the private training session, Fons Luminis Secondary School first team football squad also received adidas sponsored football kits, soccer balls and bibs. “We are grateful to both adidas and Orlando Pirates for honouring their commitment to our school. They have left a positive legacy and have put our school on the map – their visit will motivate our kids to believe in their dreams,” says Mrs Sekgale, the Principal at Fons Luminis Secondary School.

For further information please contact:

Zobuzwe Ngobese

PR Manager at adidas South Africa

Email: zobuzwe.ngobese@adidas.com

Tel: 021 442 6352

 adidas presents The Official Match Ball for the UEFA Champions League Final 2013

- Wembley’s seventh final provides the inspiration behind the design -

- Ball to be used on-pitch for ‘The Road to Wembley’ -

Herzogenaurach / London, 30^th January 2013 – Yesterday adidas unveiled the official match ball to commemorate the UEFA Champions League Final 2013 taking place at Wembley Stadium on 25^th May. The adidas Finale Wembley was revealed to the public yesterday as it was announced that the ball will be used on-pitch for the remainder of the season.

The ball has been designed to celebrate the UEFA Champions League Finals that have taken place at the ‘home of football’ over the last 50 years. The road to Wembley really gets underway during the knockout stages of the competition during which the ball will be introduced on-pitch. Wembley has seen some of the greatest teams in history compete for the top trophy in European football. From the AC Milan team in ’63, Manchester United in ’78, Ajax in ’71 to Liverpool’s ’78 side and Barcelona’s all-conquering teams in ’92 and again in 2011, Wembley has born witness to some fantastic sides lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy.

The aesthetic of the ball reflects these events, incorporating the years in which the finals took place into the well-known star panel design - an iconic feature of adidas’ official match balls for the competition. The technical graphics and the expressive colour scheme come together to reflect the grandeur of the occasion where this year’s winners will be crowned in front of the near 90,000-strong crowd.

The Vice President of Global Sports Marketing Football for adidas, Claus Peter-Mayer talked about the development of the ball, “adidas has created a ball to celebrate the finals staged at Wembley which, in turn, is a fitting tribute to this season’s eventual finalists and a wonderful compliment to what is surely going to be a great occasion.”

Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Events SA Marketing Director stated “The ball is bold, iconic and almost regal in appearance which, for us, brilliantly reflects the UEFA Champions League values and the fact that this year’s final will be held in London. This season will see the ball used on-pitch for all knockout stage matches along the road to Wembley where the Kings of Europe will be crowned on what promises to be another historic night of European club football.”

adidas has a rich history in developing match balls having been the official supplier for all major UEFA and FIFA tournaments since 1970. This year’s ball will be the twentieth Official Match Balladidas has produced for the UEFA Champions League competition.

The adidas Finale Wembley will be used on field during UEFA Champions League matches from February 12th and is available for purchase in adidas retail stores and associated stockists as of 1^st February. For further information on adidas products and services please visit: www.facebook.com/adidasfootball or www.adidasnewsstream.com.

Technology:  The ball features an outer coating texture designed to provide optimal grip at the point of impact. The thermally bonded star panel design on the match ball, based on the design of the UEFA Champions League logo, provides a seamless surface and, as such, a truer flight.

Notes to Editors:

adidas Production of Official Match Balls since 1970

adidas’ experience in football production is unparalleled. adidas has been making footballs since 1963 and is now the world’s leading manufacturer, always at the cutting edge of technology. adidas has supplied the Official Match Balls to all major UEFA and FIFA tournaments since 1970, and since 2006 is also the Official Supplier of the match ball for all UEFA Champions League games. The adidas Finale ball has been used for the UEFA Champions League Final since the 2000/2001 season. Since 2008, adidas is also the Official Supplier of the match ball for the Africa Cup of Nations organized by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF).

For further information please contact:

Zobuzwe Ngobese

PR Manager at adidas South Africa

Email: zobuzwe.ngobese@adidas.com

Tel: 021 442 6352

The Chance Global vs. The Nike Academy

After travelling the world, playing and training at some the most recognized clubs in the world The Chance World tour will lock horns with The Nike Academy this Saturday.

For many of the young talented footballers it has been an incredible experience, one of South Africa's very own Charlie 'Computer' Tsotetsi will most certainly agree. Tsotetsi has progressed through the ranks right from the The Chance regional trials in South Africa to be a star in the Global team, the performances put in will give him a great chance of playing football in Europe. Places in The Nike Academy set up will be up for grabs and Tsotetsi will be hoping to grab it.



Earlier in the week The Cross Trainer Global Team caught up with South Africa's Michael Koopowitz, a young player signed up to The Nike Academy last year. During his time at the academy Koopowitz has developed his overall game and learnt a lot about the English game, he has goals of signing a professional contract soon as well as one day putting on the green and yellow of Bafana Bafana.


The Cross Trainer Q&A With Michael Koopowitz

Xtrainer : As a South African at The Nike Academy are you looking forward to the possibility of having a fellow country-man join you?

Koop : Yeah, I am really looking forward to meeting up with Charlie, will be cool to play against him and hopefully with him in the future.

Xtrainer : A lot of South Africans dream of being in your position, playing in a great academy in England...what advice would you give to them?

Koop : Keep working hard at whatever you do, work on every aspect of your game. Even the little things, take extra time after training hours to fix unwanted habits in your game (or outside the game) whether it be working on nutrition, conditioning or technique. Everything counts in football, the more you do the better you'll be. 

Xtrainer : Do you feel more South Africans can make it in England/Europe?

Koop : Honestly I don't think so at the moment because our development structure is no-where near good enough and the standards some of our country's academies and clubs live up to are not that standards demanded of you in the European game. Having said that don't get me wrong I feel that there are definitely players in South Africa who are talented enough to be great players anywhere in the world, but we need to improve the development in our country. I feel the players need to be guided correctly in coaching from a young age and given a chance.

We certainly enjoyed catching up with Michael Koopowitz and we are looking forward to watching the boys battle it out this Saturday.


If you looking to follow the boys on Twitter you can  hit the follow here :
Charlie Tsotetsi     https://twitter.com/Computer_Tso
Michael Koopowitz     https://twitter.com/MichaelKoop7

Make sure to pass on your best wishes to the boys as they fly the South African flag high, also make to cheer on Charlie Tsotetsi as we are confident he will join Koopowitz in The Nike Academy. From the Xtrainer crew we all wish you guys the best of luck this weekend.

Here is a short film of The Chance story - Enjoy!

AC Milan vs. Barcelona, 2013 UEFA Champions League: Preview

Barcelona have been upset many times by some combination of teams with excellent players and managers who come up with an excellent tactical plan. AC Milan, at present, do not have either of those things.

Between the weekend's match against Parma and this week's early training sessions, Milan have lost a few key players through injury. They're also without Mario Balotelli, who is cup-tied. Their dynamic forwards and midfielders will either be limited or not dressed at all when they face Barcelona at the San Siro, and it's fair to wonder whether or not this match is worthy of any serious analysis.

Of course, Massimiliano Allegri and Jordi Roura both disagree. Allegri doesn't want his team to give up before the match starts, while Roura doesn't want his to be complacent. There's no denying the huge gap in quality between the two sides in their current state, though, and there's no question that Barcelona is a heavy favorite to win, even in Milan. It's going to take a colossal series of errors from Barcelona and a terrific performance by the Rossoneri for this tie to remain interesting into the second leg.

Team News

Xavi has returned from an injury for Barcelona and is nearly certain to dress, but it's possible that he won't start. Adriano and David Villa did not make the trip to Milan. Over the weekend, Adriano picked up a hamstring injury that will keep him out of Wednesday's game. Villa has been in a hospital for over a week with a kidney ailment.

Milan found out on Tuesday that they will be missing Antonio Nocerino and Mathieu Flamini, a couple of solid two-way midfielders who would have been massive assets for Milan. Mario Balotelli is cup-tied, Giampaolo Pazzini is out injured, and Stephen El Shaarawy will have to pass a late fitness test to play.

Projected lineups (left to right)

AC Milan (4-3-3): Christian Abbiati; Kévin Constant, Philippe Mexès, Cristián Zapata,Ignazio Abate; Massimo Ambrosini, Sulley Muntari, Riccardo Montolivo; Kevin-Prince Boateng, Bojan Krkić, M'Baye Niang

FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Victor Valdes; Jordi Alba, Gerard Piquè, Carles Puyol, Dani Alves;Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fàbregas; Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Pedro Rodriguez

Key Matchups

Whoever starts in midfield for Milan vs. everyone on Barcelona: Oh dear. That is not an encouraging midfield. Ambrosini's best days passed him by at least five years ago and Sulley Muntari has been dire this year. Riccardo Montolivo has the occasional brilliant match, but without either of Nocerino or Flamini to do some running for him, things could get rough in the center for the Rossoneri. All of Barcelona's players will end up deep in the center on the attack at some point, so there's not even one or two particular players to account for.

Victor Valdes vs. the derp monster: Milan's best chance of getting a goal (or two) is probably a Victor Valdes error (or two). He's generally an excellent keeper, but occasionally makes horrible errors that leave viewers wondering how in the world he became Barcelona's No. 1 and stayed there for so long. Tito Vilanova won't be too broken up if Valdes walks on a free and he gets, say, Marć-Andre ter Stegen to replace him.

Lionel Messi vs. Philippe Mexes and Cristian Zapata: Okay, so these guys can't stop Messi if he's at his best. We can't even pretend this is a legitimate "matchup", but they have to be careful about when they close down. Messi can't be given unlimited time and space, but Barcelona's goals are generally aided by a defender stepping out on Messi too quickly. Messi drops deep to get the ball, a defender chases, that space is opened up and the Blaugrana spot it. It's the typical Barcelona goal recipe. Mexes and Zapata need to avoid giving away those gifts.

Prediction

Poor Milan. They've done well to get back into a Champions League place in Serie A, but their injuries and the absence of Mario Balotelli is going to make it nearly impossible for them to steal a result. Barcelona win, 2-0.

By Kevin McCauley on Feb 19, 6:18p

 

Be Mercurial (Training)

Continuing with the Mercurial Vapor IX launch, a number of training clips have been put out for you to see.
If you want to be the best you have to train like the best, Nike Football have given you the opportunity to understand how you can become Mercurial.

The biggest asset you can have as a footballer is speed, but you need to know how to control that speed and use it effectively on the football field.

Here are 4 top tips!

• Take Your Speed & Endurance To The Next Level (Fast Feet)
• Skin The Back-Line With Lightning-Fast Moves (Quick Cuts)
• Every Second Counts, Make Sure You Get Off To The Best Possible Start (Start Strong)
• Stay Balanced At All Times (Boost Your Balance)

The Nike Mercurial Vapor IX

Nike football are continuing to revolutionize the landscape, with the launch of their new Mercurial Vapor IX boot.

Yesterday Team Cross Trainer Global was able to learn more about the new speed freak boot, in the famous Nike Mercurial range. Cross Trainer hosted the wonderful event known as the Nike Football players lounge and last night we were able to watch certain clips and hear in-depth information behind the change in the already successful boot.

No boot delivers explosive speed and style quite like the Nike Mercurial Vapor. They are football's longest serving speed boot, built for high-powered acceleration and delivered in dynamic, bold fashion. Now nine generations strong, the Vapor is back to stake its claim as football's most electrifying boot. 

The Mercurial Vapor boot range has always been known not only for the boots' performance, but the bold and unique color designs Nike use. The Mercurial Vapor IX is no different, the bright pink and purple combo as well as the orange and yellow mash up are unique and outstanding. To be a Mercurial footballer you not only have to possess the speed and power but bravery to be seen wearing such boots. As some of the coaches I've been coached by used to say, if you going to wear boots that everyone can see you wearing from a mile away...you better perform. 

As we were told last night the Mercurial Vapor IX is engineered with a completely new upper to deliver a level of support and touch for players to deliver a deadly combination of speed and skill when it matters most. Nike’s new Speed Control texture on the upper gives players the confidence to perform at speed with enhanced friction that combines with a snug and responsive fit a hallmark of Mercurial boots. As well as the new added Nike ACC (All Conditions Control) element Nike added to the previously launched Nike CTR 360 Maestri III, the Speed Control texture of the MV IX wraps around the foot, giving the boot friction when necessary without compromising on the soft touch the player requires. The upper also locks down the foot and prevents unnecessary movement within the boot, while a minimal and soft heel area maximizes comfort and therefore the performance of those wearing them. 

Traction is everything for the player who relies on explosive speed. Twin studs at the back allow for a quick release from the turf, and the asymmetric design of the stud configuration delivers an explosive start. Highly responsive blades also allow for game-altering changes in direction at speed. On the basis on the great reviews given from the professional that wear the famous boot, it shows that Nike have been able to improve the boot through the generations. 

If you are a player that plays in a wide or striking position and you feel you have the skill, speed and confidence to wear a boot worn by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar...simply pop by your nearest Cross Trainer store and BE MERCURIAL!