Italy make hard work of Malta

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Italy claimed their first win of the FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign, although it was a less than convincing 2-0 performance against Group B rivals Malta in Modena.

Goals at either end of the match from Mattia Destro and Federico Peluso sealed the points for the home side, which sees them tied with Bulgaria on four points at the top of the standings.

However, they will not be happy with the manner of the win as they did little to show they had learned the lessons from last Friday's 2-2 draw with the Bulgarians.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was looking for an improved performance on their opening qualifier and things looked hopeful when Gli Azzurri took the lead after just five minutes.

Claudio Marchisio's pass from the right landed at the feet of Destro, who smashed a shot into the bottom right corner from 18 yards.

Another goal almost followed five minutes later from an Alessandro Diamanti free-kick, but Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg did brilliantly to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Pablo Osvaldo had the home side's next chance soon after with a header from Andrea Pirlo's corner but the Roma striker steered the ball past the left post.

Another chance fell Osvaldo's way after 25 minutes as Italy continued to drive forward in numbers but defender Luke Dimech cleared the ball for the Maltese.

Pietro Ghedin's men had barely had a look-in so far but reminded the Italians of their presence on the half-hour with a long-range effort from Michael Mifsud which flew over the bar. Gli Azzurri responded with a cross-shot from Diamanti which was easily saved by Hogg.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon had been surplus to requirements for much of the half, but had to get his fingertips to a right-footed strike from Roderick Briffa after 33 minutes as Malta threatened a surprise equaliser.

The momentum quickly swung back Italy's way, however, although Leonardi Bonucci and Pirlo were both wasteful with chances before the interval.

Malta keep hosts honest
Italy continued to rule the roost at the start of the second half and defender Andrei Agius had to clear a threatening strike from Lorenzo Insigne. Osvaldo also saw his volley held by Hogg in the Malta goal as another chance went begging.

And nerves began to jangle around the Alberto Braglia stadium after 60 minutes when Briffa drilled a shot narrowly over the bar for the unfancied visitors.

The midfielder unleashed another strike six minutes later which had to be booted out of the area by Antonio Nocerino, before Italy launched an attack down the other end which resulted in Marchisio firing over the bar.

The home side began to settle down once more and Bonucci put another effort high of the mark before Destro saw his effort saved by Hogg as Malta continued to frustrate their opponents.

Giampaolo Pazzini was unable to turn Gli Azzurri's fortunes either, smashing the ball past the left post, but they eventually made the breakthrough in stoppage time when Pirlo's corner was neatly headed home by Peluso.

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Four more goals for Romania

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Romania continued their winning start in FIFA World Cup™ qualifying Group D with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Andorra in Bucharest.

Gabriel Torje, also on target against Estonia last week, opened the scoring before Costin Lazar effectively wrapped up the match before half-time.

Andorra occasionally threatened as Romania eased off after the break but Valerica Gaman and Alexandru Maxim gave the scoreline an emphatic look in stoppage time.

Andorra's Sebastian Gomez actually had the first chance of the game from an early Marc Pujol free-kick but missed the target. Romania then began to settle and Alexandru Bourceanu curled an effort over before Torje had a shot blocked.

Torje opened the scoring after 29 minutes with a powerful left-footed strike from 12 yards and Gheorghe Grozav twice went close to adding a second. The hosts eventually doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when Lazar struck from the edge of the area.

Romania lost Bogdan Lobont and Ciprian Marica to injury in the second period and, aside from another Torje shot, were quiet until the closing moments.

Pujol shot over for Andorra before Romania stirred and Josep Anton Gomez saved from Lazar two minutes from time. Gaman then struck after a free-kick and Maxim added the fourth with a shot from the left.

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Colombia, Venezuela surprise winners

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Radamel Falcao put in a man of the match display as Colombia came from a goal down to claim a surprise 3-1 win at Chile in the South American 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers.

In an encounter that saw both sides reduced to ten men, Atletico Madrid striker Falcao scored one and set up another as Colombia remained in second place in the table.

Despite midfielder Gary Medel being sent off in the 34th minute for hitting Luis Perea, Chile took a half-time lead through Matias Fernandez following a blunder from the Colombian defence.

In the 41st minute Chile's Matias Fernandez struck from outside the box to beat Colombia keeper David Ospina.

However, James Rodriguez levelled just before the hour mark with a free-kick, while Aldo Ramirez teed up Falcao, who put Colombia ahead in the 73rd minute at the Estadio Monumental.

Two minutes later, Teofilo Gutierrez linked up with Falcao before finishing with aplomb although Colombia were also then reduced to ten men when defender Abel Aguilar was sent off for a second bookable offence with six minutes remaining.

"This is a magnificent win for us. We were sure it was going to happen," Falcao told reporters in Santiago. "This is the result of the maturity of a team who did not give up after Chile's goal."

Colombia are now on 13 points in the CONMEBOL qualifying zone, the same as Ecuador, who played out a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in Montevideo.

Former Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo put Ecuador ahead with a seventh minute penalty before Edinson Cavani gave the Uruguayans a share of the spoils in the 66th minute.

Ecuador then saw Manchester United midfielder Antonio Valencia sent off in injury time.

Argentina remain top of the group despite a 1-1 draw at Peru in Lima. Carlos Zambrano had put the hosts in front after 22 minutes but Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain (38) drew level for Argentina.

Salomon Rondon's double gave Venezuela a shock 2-0 victory at Paraguay. Rondon struck in either half as Venezuela strengthened their hold on sixth on 11 points, just one point off an automatic qualifying position.

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Van Gaal calms RVP fears

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Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal played down concerns over the fitness of Robin van Persie after the Manchester United striker was replaced at half-time during last night's FIFA World Cup™ qualifying victory

Van Persie was forced out of the 4-1 win in Budapest after suffering a knock to his thigh, with Klaas Jan Huntelaar brought on in his place, but the Oranje boss insisted he was merely erring on the side of caution.

"We took off Robin for precautionary measures," Van Gaal told the SBS6 television channel. It doesn't seem to be too serious, but you never know. We didn't want to take any risks."

Van Persie's injury scare came after the Dutch had already lost Arjen Robben to a groin strain in the warm-up, with the Bayern Munich winger's misfortune allowing Jeremain Lens into the starting XI.

And Lens did not let his opportunity pass him by, turning in a man-of-the-match display. The PSV Eindhoven striker, winning only his sixth cap, scored twice and hit the crossbar before setting up the fourth goal for Huntelaar.

Young defender Bruno Martins Indi scored his first international goal, rendering Balasz Dszudszak's eighth-minute penalty for the hosts irrelevant in the final analysis.

"I have to highlight Jeremain Lens' performance," Van Gaal told reporters. "He had an excellent game despite the fact he only got into the starting XI just before the match started."

Van Gaal has marked the start of his second spell in charge of Holland by giving opportunities to a host of new faces. Feyenoord midfielder Jordy Clasie was among those to impress last night, but the coach reserved praise for experienced pair Joris Mathijsen and Maarten Stekelenburg, both of whom have been edged out of the first team by younger players in recent times.

Stekelenburg returned to the fold last night after Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul was ruled out through injury, while defender Mathijsen entered the fray after an hour when Martins Indi picked up a knock.

"Immediately after Krul could not continue I could tell Stekelenburg he would goalkeeping," said Van Gaal. "Both he Mathijsen have behaved as professionals. Which is how it should be, but it is not always."

Van Gaal added that his move towards younger players represented a risk, but was delighted that so far it had paid off with two wins from two in Group D.

"It's about the experience," he said. "As a club coach you can easily take such a risk. As a national coach it is that much harder. It's a risk. Because if it goes wrong, then my head gets chopped off. But six points from two games, six goals for and one against. That's fine."

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Shakira: The Brazil is ready to shine

After enjoying a smash hit with Waka Waka at 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the Colombian singer Shakira became more more involved in the world of football. As well as regularly attend matches and by supporting social projects related to sport, it is also a partner of Barcelona and the Spain central defender Gerard Pique and plans to be at the Brazil in the next world final.

Sitting for an interview with the star, FIFA.com asked what she expected from the 2014 Brazil and for its reaction to the strong support that Colombian colleagues gave tournament volunteers program. 7 450 Non-Brazilian applicants, some 908 (12%) hail from Colombia, more than any other country and well ahead of the second place with 509 Argentina and the Spain in third with 504.

FIFA.com:No foreign country has provided the Colombia Brazil Cup World Cup more candidates for 2014 volunteers program. Why do you think so many Colombians want to be part of the event?
Shakira: It's great to hear. Love the young football in my country and I imagine having the World Cup to return to Latin America, after so many years, that's really the motivation. In addition, there are many players of Colombian football excelling in Europe right now, including Falcao, who is a great source of inspiration for young people. It takes the love of the sport to a whole new level in my country.

How would you describe the experience and the atmosphere of the World Cup?
What is most interesting to me was seen so many different cultures come together to celebrate the world of football. There was a unique energy in Germany and South Africa, which I never felt before. I liked the distinct color and the perfection of the the World Cup in Germany and incomparable energy and the heat of the South Africa in the last World Cup. It really is an incredible experience, I recommend at all if the opportunity.

Waka Wakais a song about believing and seizing the opportunity to shine. Do you see similarities between the South Africa 2010 and 2014 to the Brazil?
Obviously in Latin America myself and after spending much time in the country, I know that Brazilians and their culture very well. I imagine that this will be a unique and unforgettable experience. The Brazil is the land of opportunity, and its inhabitants will be ready to show the world their potential and to share their culture. What makes the incredible World Cup, it is that each of them is distinctly influenced by the host country, so you are introduced into a way for the country and its inhabitants. In this regard, I think the Brazilians will open their arms and embrace all the people who come to enjoy the games, just like South Africa did.

Do you like Brazilian music? What kind of music would you recommend to fans to come abroad to Brazil 2014?
Absolutely! I just finished recording a song with my Brazilian friend, Ivete Sangalo. We sang together at Rock in Rio last year also. I listen to lots of music from the Brazil, and its rhythms such as samba and bossa nova are known and loved around the world.

Are there any particular host city you want to visit to Brazil 2014?
I had the opportunity to visit several Brazilian cities over the years and I've loved with all. I expect to be there during the upcoming FIFA World Cup and intend to visit cities as much as possible.

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Mexico flying high under De la Torre

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Jose Manuel de la Torre had barely completed five years as a head coach when, with the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifying campaign looming, he was handed the Mexico reins ahead of candidates with considerably more experience. But, as well as the three domestic trophies he had conquered in a very short space of time, it was his modern approach to the game that earned him this much-coveted opportunity. 

And the 46-year-old tactician has not disappointed those who appointed him to take charge of El Tri. Indeed, he has enjoyed the best start by a coach in the history of the Mexican senior side, overseeing victories in his first ten competitive matches. 

“In general terms, the Mexican game is in a strong and healthy state," said Javier Aguirre, who led Mexico at Korea/Japan 2002 and South Africa 2010. "The senior team are also thriving under Chepo de la Torre, who’s doing great work with them. Overall, the outlook is very positive.”

Judging by the results secured so far, El Vasco Aguirre would appear to be correct in his optimistic assessment of De la Torre’s tenure. In the Mexican’s first tournament as national coach, the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, his charges captured the trophy in impressive style, racking up six wins and 22 goals in the process, while conceding just four. 

Although it may not appear all that surprising at first glance, no previous Mexico coach has ever experienced a similar level of early success. Looking back at former incumbents’ records is therefore a valid method of measuring the performance of the Guadalajara-born supremo. 

Of Mexico’s last five four-year FIFA World Cup cycles, just one, during which Ricardo La Volpe led the nation to Germany 2006, has begun and ended with the same coach in control. In the Argentinian’s first ten competitive encounters, he steered his players to eight victories and two draws.

Including friendlies, De la Torre has, from a total of 23 games, recorded 17 wins, four draws and two defeats, whereas La Volpe only managed to achieve ten wins, nine stalemates and four losses from the same number of encounters.

“Nobody wins by just strolling through games," explained Chepo, making it clear that he views concentration and day-to-day work as being crucial to attaining success. "You win through putting in a lot of effort, hard work and tireless running, by knowing how to handle yourself and by making sure that these factors give you the upper hand.”

Modified mentality
De la Torre, who steered Guadalajara to the league title in his first year as a club coach and subsequently won two further titles with Toluca, typifies the new footballing mindset in Mexico. The country's national sides have now very much got a taste for victory and go into tournaments with the firm belief that they can emerge on top of the pile.

What, then, is his secret? According to the ex-international, it can be summed up by fostering a winning mentality and by putting the team ahead of the individual. “Our approach has remained the same across the board," he said. "That’s been very satisfying for everyone, from our youth teams right up to the senior side.”

“This sport is one in which 24 players take part but only 11 start, while the others must make their way to the bench or the stands," chipped in Javier Chicharito Hernandez, one of the stars of the current Mexico XI. "There’ll always be competition for places, and it’s great when it's really difficult for the coach to pick the team.” 

Having guaranteed their ticket for the final six-team Hexagonal qualifying round after beating group rivals Costa Rica on 11 September at the Estadio Azteca, El Tri’s dream of appearing at Brazil 2014 remains very much alive.

“We’re preparing non-stop, because I know it’s not going to be easy. We’ve made a firm commitment to accomplishing our main objective, which is to qualify; that’s the target,” said De la Torre, who is well aware that any slip-up caused by overconfidence, brought on by the team’s impressive start, could do serious damage to Los Aztecas’ qualification chances.

But the excellent displays thus far have raised expectations among a Mexican faithful hungry for sporting success and recognition, and which has high hopes for De la Torre’s new-look side. And going by the results his players have chalked up under his command, he is certainly on the right track.

Mexican Football Association President Justino Compean is better placed than anyone to sum up De la Torre’s effect on his country’s national side: “Hopefully in 2014 we can enjoy a nice little surprise, like the one we got from Luis Fernando Tena [coach of the Olympic team] at London 2012, and the ones Chepo keeps giving us with the seniors. Let's hope we can all feel honoured to witness and play a part in Mexico taking the next step.”

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Terry retires from international football

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Chelsea captain John Terry has announced his immediate retirement from international football, accusing the Football Association of making his position "untenable".

The 31-year-old said in a statement: "I am today announcing my retirement from international football. I would like to thank the England managers who have selected me for my 78 caps.

"I have had great pleasure in sharing that honour with all the players that I've played with. I would like to thank them, the fans and my family for their support and encouragement during my international career.

"Representing and captaining my country is what I dreamed of as a boy and it has been a truly great honour. I have always given my all and it breaks my heart to make this decision. I want to wish Roy [Hodgson] and the team every success for the future.

"I am making this statement today in advance of the hearing of the FA disciplinary charge because I feel the FA, in pursuing charges against me where I have already been cleared in a court of law, have made my position with the national team untenable.

"I now look forward to playing for Chelsea FC, and challenging for domestic and European honours, and I want to thank the fans and the club for their continued support."

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Deschamps: It's always good to win

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Didier Deschamps encouraged France's players to enjoy the taste of victory after seeing his side overcome Belarus 3-1 in their second 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifying match on Tuesday.

Second-half goals from Etienne Capoue, Christophe Jallet and Franck Ribery put paid to the Belarusians and sent France top of Group I ahead of their 16 October showdown with world and European champions Spain in Madrid.

Deschamps was overseeing his first game as national coach at Stade de France, the stadium where he led Les Bleus to victory as captain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and he was pleased to have marked his return with victory.

"It's always a very good evening when you win," said Deschamps. "And it's becoming rarer and rarer to score three goals at the highest level, so you have to savour it."

With France having won 1-0 in Finland in their opening game on Friday, Deschamps' side are three points clear of Spain, who began their title defence with a narrow 1-0 win over Georgia on Tuesday.

Deschamps has built his managerial reputation upon a pragmatic approach to winning matches and he emphasised his belief that wins at international level cannot be taken for granted.

"Spain's great team only won 1-0 in Georgia," he said. "It's difficult for everyone. We should savour these six points, but it's a reward for the general spirit. The players feel good together. That's only background noise if you don't see the result on the pitch, but there's a collective desire to make an effort and to hassle (opposition players)."

Against a Belarus side ranked 76th in the world, Deschamps opted for a slightly experimental 4-3-3 formation that saw Ribery aligned next to Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud in a lopsided attacking trident.

Benzema began the game in an unfamiliar right-wing role, but displayed plenty of confident touches and although he did not score himself, he did set up Ribery for a coolly taken goal in the 80th minute. "He was out of position," said Deschamps of Benzema's new role.

"I know he's not an out-and-out winger, but in order to make Giroud the focal point, Karim made lots of effort in the build-up. He made an effort in defence as well. It seemed to me the best solution to cause them problems."

Deschamps also praised Toulouse midfielder Capoue, who came into the team for the injured Abou Diaby and opened the scoring in the 49th minute to mark his first France start with his first international goal.

"He was playing in a different position to at Toulouse," said Deschamps of Capoue. "He has quality and he was rewarded tonight, but the most important thing is the team. We'll remember his first goal for the national side.

"He's not comfortable with his back to goal, but he got himself forward and that's what I'd asked of him. He's not there to be a number 10 and he doesn't have 50 caps either. I won't ask any more of him."

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Late penalty secures point for England

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Steven Gerrard was sent off as Frank Lampard's 86th-minute penalty spared England's blushes in a 1-1 draw with Ukraine at Wembley.

Gerrard was red-carded two minutes from the end of a poor display from Roy Hodgson's men in their FIFA World Cup™ qualifier. The hosts were saved when Yevhen Khacherdi blocked Danny Welbeck's flick with his arm, allowing Lampard to drive home from the spot to earn England a point.

Gerrard's dismissal followed shortly afterwards for a second yellow card. The Liverpool man becomes the 14th England player to be sent off, although the damage is not too bad as he only misses the visit of San Marino next month.

Ukraine will be cursing a missed opportunity, though. Oleg Blokhin's men came agonisingly close to what would have been a deserved victory. In Yevhen Konoplyanka, they had not only the game's star performer but also scorer of a goal worthy of winning any match.

And, while defeat was avoided, clearly there is so much work ahead of Hodgson and his team if they are to reach Brazil 2014. It had not gone unnoticed that the last time England went into a competitive game with John Terry, Ashley Cole and Rio Ferdinand all missing from their starting line-up was against Croatia almost five years ago.

That miserable night was the last time England had lost a qualifying match on home soil. It was a record that soon became obvious was going to be tested. Only three minutes had elapsed when Oleg Gusev's cross flicked off Leighton Baines, dipped over Joe Hart and clipped the outside of a post.

Joleon Lescott cleared another Gusev cross, then Roman Zozulia failed to capitalise on Konoplyanka's neat approach work. During those dodgy opening minutes, England's passing was awful, costing them a chance to build up any momentum.

Five-goal winners in Moldova on Friday and third-ranked team in the world, but any sense of superiority was shaken out of England by spirited opponents. Andriy Shevchenko's retirement, far from weakening the team, created a greater bond, which new captain Anatoliy Tymoschuk marshalled around the field in impressive fashion.

It might have been different had Jermain Defoe's thunderous effort not been ruled out. Defoe's disbelief was obvious. Yet it was also beyond doubt he had shoved a textbook rugby hand-off into the neck of Andriy Yarmolenko.

Gerrard was trying to inspire, like a good captain should. Clearing a goalbound Ruslan Rotan effort at one end, driving a pass through for Defoe at the other, the striker's flick almost releasing James Milner.

It was the prelude to Tom Cleverley's succession of glaring misses. Defoe showed admirable unselfishness when he opted to steer Gerrard's cross back into the six-yard box rather than go for goal himself from an acute angle. Cleverley raced in, looking certain to gobble up the chance with only Andriy Pyatov to beat.

Unfortunately, the Manchester United man fired straight at the Ukraine goalkeeper, whose reactions were up to the task. Cleverley then flicked Lampard's pass well wide from a good position, before lifting the ball against the outside of a post from Milner's pass.

Konoplyanka stuns Wembley
Amid the personal anguish, Ukraine had seized the initiative. After Denys Garmash had let England off the hook by heading over when he crept into space to meet Yevhen Selin's cross, Konoplyanka showed them no mercy. Stepping inside Gerrard, the highly-rated midfielder sent a 25-yard effort curling over Hart and into the top corner.

In a second-half littered with yellow cards, six of them for England including Gerrard's double caution, Baines needed to make a timely intervention to prevent Zozulia reaching Konoplyanka's cross.

Glen Johnson, among those to get booked after the break, went close at the other end but the introductions of Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge were inevitable given how the game was panning out.

The decision to replace Baines with Ryan Bertrand was less obvious, especially as young duo Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana both offered more attacking invention from the bench for all their inexperience. Welbeck almost profited from Sturridge's cross nine minutes from time, but prodded against a post.

Redemption came shortly afterwards, with Lampard converting from the spot, just as he did in Chisinau on Friday. But the outcome will fool no one, least of all Hodgson, into thinking that England really do deserve to be rated as highly as they are currently.

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Brazil Serie A wrap: Mineiro fall to Nautico, Neymar stars for Santos

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Atletico Mineiro missed a chance to climb to the top of the Serie A table, while a Neymar brace saw Santos account for Coritiba on Sunday.

Mineiro, led by former world player of the year Ronaldinho in search of their first championship title since 1971, would have overhauled league leaders Fluminense with a win away to Nautico Recife.

But the hosts, despite the dismissal of Josa Dos Santos in the dying stages, held on for a 1-0 victory courtesy of Elierce Souza’s strike in the 49th minute.

The result leaves Mineiro in second, two points behind Fluminense, who suffered a shock loss at home to lowly Atletico Goianiense on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Brazil forward Neymar scored twice in the second half as Santos came from behind for a 2-1 win at Coritiba.

Deivid opened the scoring for the home side on nine minutes before Neymar struck in the 71st and 83rd minutes to hand Santos their second consecutive win.

In other matches, third-placed Gremio were held to a 1-1 draw at Flamengo.

The visitors took the lead through Marcelo Moreno in the 18th minute but were left disappointed as substitute Oliveira Adryan ensured the points were shared on 62 minutes.

Goals from Romarinho on 22 minutes and Paulinho on 54 minutes handed Corinthians a 2-0 victory at cellar-dwellers Palmeiras, who had Michel Luan sent off for a second caution in the 26th minute.

Fourth-placed Vasco da Gama and Cruzeiro played out a 1-1 draw, while Internacional rallied from two goals down to clinch a 2-2 draw at home to Sport Recife.

Strikes from Santos Helder in the 73rd minute and Claudio Pitbull on the stroke of full-time secured Bahia a 2-1 win at home to Figueirense, who took the lead through Julio Cesar on 33 minutes but were unable to hold on for the victory.

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Nelsen slams ´ embarrassing ´ Terry

Ryan Nelsen criticized John Terry's attempt to land in the to box in an attempt to a penalty for Chelsea in their 0-0 draw with QPR.

Terry had claims for a penalty rejected by referee Andre Marriner first half after contact, but the New Zealand International calls Nelsen not granting a spot kick was correct.

"If you ask John, he just fell," Nelsen told reporters. "He fell. I loved him, of course, but he just fell.

"He does it for anyone in their box. I said to him: ' that was a bit painful, John ', and he laughed when he ran away. I think he say nothing-he was too shy.

"It happens all the time. You watch him fall-that's life. Fortunately, it didn't work. The ref was smart enough to see it.

"He was nowhere near the ball, was never going to win, so he just fell. He was just trying to get a fine and try to get something for his team to win. I wouldn't make anything from it ".

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Wenger: Szczesny still number one

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Arsene Wenger said Wojciech Szczesny will continue as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper despite making an error against Southampton.

Szczesny, returning after a two-game absence due to a rib injury, looked uncertain throughout and was directly at fault for Southampton’s only goal when he failed to collect a routine high ball into the box, spilling it straight to Danny Fox who duly blasted in the first goal Arsenal have conceded so far this season.

However, the young goalkeeper retains the faith of his manager, with Wenger insisting Szczesny will continue in goal for the Gunners.

“Wojciech is number one unless I change my mind. That is clear. That’s why he came back in goal,” he told the club’s official website.

“You cannot change a goalkeeper every time he makes a simple mistake, because then you have three bad keepers. The confidence is needed.”

Wenger went on to acknowledge the role played by Vito Mannone’s form in Szczesny’s absence as a cause for the latter’s poor performance on Saturday.

“It’s a special position where confidence is needed,” the 62-year-old said.

“Maybe he put himself a little bit under pressure because he knows Mannone played well at Stoke and at Liverpool. I think he played better in the second half.”

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Barcelona success a dream, says Busquets

Sergio Busquets has admitted that his success at Barcelona has taken him by surprise.

The 24-year-old his first-team debuted in 2008 and has since become an important cog in the midfield, winning three La Liga titles, as well as two Champions League trophies along the way.

Busquets said that he never expected to be such a major player in the club or win so many trophies.

"Everything is so quickly gone through and the truth is that I never thought I would win so many titles," told the Spain international reporters.

"I am very happy. My role has been important, I've played a lot, and I never would have thought it. I hope that I will be more years with Barca and more titles win. "

Busquets discussed the importance of fellow midfielder Thiago Alcantara, then back to the action in the 4-1 victory over Getafe match at the weekend.

"He is a very important player and we have missed him. It is clear that he brings a lot to the team and he has power and quality. He is very young and he will be very important, "he said.

Barcelona currently sit at the top of the Primera División with 12 points from four games.

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