Ibrahimovic: Nobody can stop PSG

The Swede, who has scored 37 times already this season, cannot foresee PSG crumbling in Ligue 1 and called for them to galvanise for European glory.

-Zlatan Ibrahimovic has taunted Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 rivals by suggesting that nobody can stop the runaway leaders.Laurent Blanc's side cruised to a 2-0 victory over Olympique de Marseille on Sunday, capitalising on second-placed Monaco's defeat to Saint-Etienne to take a commanding eight-point lead in the French top tier.PSG are now heavy favourites to retain the title they won last season for the and their star striker doubts any team can catch them before the end of 2013-14."We have our destiny in our own hands," Ibrahimovic told Ligue 1's official website. "It all depends on us. We need to keep on getting the job done."If we start to relax and not give 100 per cent, we could end up punishing ourselves. But I don't think that another team can stop us. There is only us."Maxwell and Edinson Cavani, who came off the bench to return from a short spell out injured, scored the goals which secured PSG a Classique victory at the weekend - their fourth in a row.Ibrahimovic, who has scored 37 goals in all competitions so far this season, hopes the entire team can continue chipping in as they strive for European glory with the club leading 4-0 over Bayer Leverkusen after the last-16 opening leg."Cavani was really good, and scored a great header," Ibrahimovic added. "It's great for the team. In the coming months, we have a lot of very important matches, and we'll need everyone."We have a great chance of winning the league title. For the Champions League, we had a great first leg. Now we have an advantage, but in the quarter-finals anything can happen."

Prandelli: Italy will face Spain at World Cup

- The Azzurri boss has no doubts that his side will come face-to-face with their Euro 2012 vanquishers this summer, so did not want a friendly versus them beforehand.

 

 

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has revealed that he did not want to face Spain in a friendly on Wednesday as he is "convinced" that the two nations will collide at this summer's World Cup.

The pair clashed twice at Euro 2012, playing out a 1-1 draw in the group stage before la Roja claimed the trophy with a resounding 4-0 victory in the final.

Consequently, Prandelli feels that there is little to be gained by tackling Vicente del Bosque's men again so soon before a World Cup in which they could run into one another in the semi-finals.

"We will face a strong team, which is being renewed without any drop in the quality of their play," he told reporters at the unveiling of their new PUMA kit in Milan.

"It would have been better not to play this game, in my opinion, but organisers imposed it upon us.

"I didn't want to play it because I'm convinced of progressing in the World Cup and I'm convinced that we will meet again then."

Prandelli is also concerned that Italy's fans will read too much into the outcome of Wednesday's friendly at the Vicente Calderon.

"In Italy, because of the way we are, the result counts for so much," he mused. "If we win on Wednesday, everyone will think that we're already in the semi-finals of the World Cup! If we lose, it'll be a disaster.

"Of course, if we draw it will have served no purpose."

Meanwhile, Prandelli reiterated that he has yet to decide if he will remain on as Italy coach after the World Cup but confirmed that he is set to imminently discuss his future with the football federation.

"We'll talk further about my contract in the middle of March," he revealed. "But I'm happy here."

Football & Education OXFORD UNITED

Launched in 2007 the Oxford United Football and Education Academy provides talented young sports people, both male and female, with the chance to combine playing and coaching with academic studies.

2007 saw the launch of the Boys scheme with 27 students enrolled on the course, while 2008 saw the launch of the girl's scheme which increased our numbers to 65 enrolled. The academic programme allows each student to develop their ability as a football player, whilst acquiring valuable knowledge and skills through educational courses such as the Btec Certificate in Sports Performance (equivalent to 3 x A levels), FA Coaching certificates and Physiotherapy certificates.

2008 also saw some changes in the practical element of the scheme increasing from one squad to three. This allowed The Oxford United Football and Education Academy to enter a team into the Youth Conference League, The English Colleges Boys League and also The British Colleges Girls Amateur league.

2009 was a big year for the Girls Football and Education Academy with the squad entering the British Colleges Girls Amateur league playing against teams such as West Ham, Reading and Birmingham. The boys entered their fourth year in the Youth conference Premier league with the standard improving each year.

2011 Saw the Football & Education Academy take another step forward by offering apprenticeships to talented boys aged 16/17. This will involve the student studying a Btec Sports Science qualification and a NVQ in Coaching, Teaching and Instructing. The apprenticeship squad will train on a daily basis and will be involved in regular training sessions with Oxford United's elite youth team.

The Football and Education Academy will provide the most up to date, comprehensive and high quality training for those wishing to break into the sport industry. The benefits include:

    Daily individual coaching & team coaching by UEFA Qualified Coaches

    Organised fixtures against local and national opposition (YCL, BCS and ECFA)

    Nationally recognised qualifications that can lead directly to employment or further study on University degree programmes

Study and Qualifications gained can also lead to opportunities in the following fields:

  -  Professional sports person

  -  Coaching

   - Sports Therapy

   - Fitness Industry

  -  Leisure Management

   - Teaching

   - Higher Education

  -  Overseas Scholarships