Spain eager to avoid further injuries

Spain attacker Juan Mata insists his side are in good physical condition and remain hopeful of avoiding any further injury setbacks.

Vicente del Bosque is already without David Villa and Carles Puyol ahead of Spain’s opening Euro 2012 clash against Italy.

But Chelsea attacker Mata is adamant Spain will not be hit with any more injuries.

“Hopefully no more injuries will arise of any kind and we will have the time to think about Italy,” Mata told reporters.

The 24-year-old said his team were concentrating solely on adding a third consecutive title to their trophy cabinet, calling on his team-mates to approach the competition in a similar way to the World Cup two years ago.

“Above all, we will be focused. It would be bad for us to play through excess pressure, so we must try to enjoy our football like we did in the World Cup,” Mata said.

Mata, who helped the Spain under-21s to a European Championship triumph in Denmark last year, wished Jose Antonio Camacho the best of luck as coach of China, who lost 1-0 to the world and European champions on Sunday.

“We all greeted him. He is a much-loved coach in Spain and we wish him all the luck in the world while in charge of China,” Mata said.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/spain-eager-to-avoid-further-injuries/95876/

Dempsey maintains Europe dream

Fulham attacker Clint Dempsey has reiterated his desire to play Champions League football sometime in his playing career.

The American signed for Fulham in 2007 from MLS club New England Revolution and enjoyed his most prolific season to date in the 2011-12 season, scoring 23 goals in all competitions.

His blistering form has reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham ahead of the off-season transfer window.

Dempsey has one year remaining on his contract and, while speculation surrounding his future continues to circulate, the 29-year-old insisted that he will give his all for his club.

“What I do is focus on the teams that I play for and I give my heart to them, work as hard as I can to try to make the most of my time and make the most of the career that I have left,” he told reporters.

“The transfer window is open until August 31. It’s no secret that I would like to play Champions League one day in my career.

“If it’s meant to be, it will be.”

Dempsey is currently training with the USA squad ahead of Thursday’s friendly with Brazil, and national manager Jurgen Klinsmann has encouraged the forward to look for a bigger club.

“His goal is the right goal,” the coach said last week.

“If he has the opportunity to go a Champions League team, that’s the creme de la creme in the world of club soccer, then you’ve got to do that.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/dempsey-maintains-europe-dream/95532/