LOAN MOVE?

The American striker of Los Angeles Galaxy Landon Donovan was being heavily linked with a loan deal and return to Everton that would be done in January but the veteran players shut down those rumors as he confirmed that via twitter.

“I will not be going on loan’’ as Donovan said that he needs to rest and prepare himself for 2014 which will be hectic and busy according to him.

Rumors and reports also emerged suggesting the 31 years old forward that the MX club Atlas was considering on bringing him to Mexico but Donovan had other things in mind as he said in twitter.

“I never say never but I will not be playing in Mexico. Except for playing in TJ to beat them’’. “Donovan said as he went on to talk about the rumors that were linking him to Mexico.

Even at his 31 years of age Donovan still has plenty more to offer in his football career but he is also working on a backup plan when his days of playing in the pitch reach an end. Donovan went on to try broadcasting as he joined Fox Sports’ regular studio team as he took on the role of being a guest analyst for the network’s coverage of the UEFA Champions League.

Donovan spoke his mind about the teams that are fighting it out in the European competition and he is really taking into consideration taking a permanent position or has a more intimate role in the world of broadcasting.

Being a player with such a long career that saw Donovan going from Germany to United States, from the MLS to the Bundesliga, he can provide a better understanding of players and clubs and at the same time staying close to football, is one of the main reasons why Donovan wants to take broadcasting up when his soccer career eventually comes to an end.

LIVERPOOL SWITCH FORMATION

Liverpool recently changed their formation to a 4-3-3 from the 3-5-2 formation that has been so successful for the club since the start of the season. However, even with this change in formation, they managed to get a comfortable 4-0 win over relegation threatened Fulham just before the international break. One of the conspicuous absentees from the match was Kolo Toure, who had been replaced by Daniel Agger. The former Manchester City and Arsenal defender has been one of the best players for Liverpool since moving to Anfield on a free transfer in the summer.

Toure was entirely left out of the squad, which prompted speculation that he had fell out with manager Brendan Rodgers. The former Swansea manager, though, has rejected such speculation by insisting that he dropped the 31-year-old only because he felt the need for a change in order to give games for the squad. The Ivory Coast international has been an ever present for Liverpool this season. Due to the fact that the club do not have European matches this season, Rodgers does not have enough matches to rotate his team.

“I just decided to change it. I have said to the players that between now and January we have one game a week. The players are working very well and very hard on a daily basis but I need to give oxygen to some players, so they can see a light at the end of the tunnel. It is important that I use the players well. Kolo has been sensational since he has been in but Daniel Agger is a top player. I just need to balance the team out when I can,” said Rodgers.

He felt the need to give some game time to other players in order to keep them happy and motivated. He has also promised to keep making such changes until January.

PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Italian international Stephan El Shaarawy appeared like one of the findings of the season after he scored 14 goals in the Serie A last season. However, a return of just two goals in the second half of the season coupled with a poor pre-season has led to many question in the effectiveness of the 20-year-old. Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has rejected suggestions that he is not up to the mark by saying that he will soon find his form. Only the arrival of Mario Balotelli to the San Siro helped the club reach the third position in the table.

The former Manchester city man is once again expected to be a key player for Milan in the upcoming season. Allegri has said that El Shaarawy will be able to find his form once again if he manages to work hard in training. The striker will face competition for the first-team places this season after the club extended the contract of Brazilian striker Robinho. The presence of these players is expected to increase the competition for places at the club, which Allegri believes is a good thing. El Shaarawy’s place in the national team is also under threat due to this poor form.

He made his debut for the Italian national team a year ago.

“El Shaarawy just has to keep working. He was thrown into the limelight at a young age and he needs to find the right balance and remain relaxed. He is training well and he has done good things and things less well in matches as everyone has. He just needs to stay focused. Everyone needs to question themselves each day and you have to keep looking to the future. Stephan has all the qualities to get back to how he was playing last year,” said Allegri.