, thats a culture that has been bred by those at the top at New | Forum

Melbourne Victory has failed in its bid to sign Ghanaian international Michael Essien. Dominic Solanke Jersey .The former Chelsea star has knocked back an offer from the A-League club to join as a marquee player for the 2016-17 season despite him reportedly ending his contract with Greek club Panathinaikos this week.The club has been in constant discussions with Michael and his representatives but due to some personal issues Michael has unfortunately decided not to move to Melbourne, a Victory spokesperson told News Corp Australia.The 33-year-old Ghana midfielder scored 17 goals in 168 matches for Chelsea, playing in their 2009-10 Premier League-winning season, but his time at Panathinaikos was hampered by injury.The failure to sign Essien frees up cash from Football Federation Australias $1million pot of funding to help A-League clubs sign big-name players, including star Melbourne City recruit Tim Cahill.Had Essien signed, the well would have been almost dry, although his success in Australia could have prompted the FFA to increase the war-chest next season.(An increase would be) hard for season 12 but were certainly going to look at it again for season 13, FFA chief executive David Gallop said earlier this week.Its obviously pleasing that we allocated an amount of money and were getting to use it.Essiens shun takes off some of the gloss from an otherwise successful A-League off-season for the FFA thanks to the high-profile signings of Tim Cahill, Brett Holman, James Troisi, Rhys Williams and Bernie Ibini. Roberto Firmino Liverpool Jersey . The third-ranked Ivanovic, who won the event in 2008 and 10, served five aces and broke Wickmayer, also a former winner in 2009, five times. "The result looked easier than it really was," Ivanovic said. Mohamed Salah Jersey .C. -- Calgarys Kevin Koe did it the hard way again. http:///...jk-Liverpool-Jersey/ . LOUIS -- Alexander Steen scored a power-play goal with 59.Rafa Benitez is relishing the challenge of securing Newcastles Premier League status and fulfilling the clubs potential, according to Guillem Balague. The former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss has been tasked with preserving Newcastles top-flight status following Steve McClarens sacking on Friday morning.The Spaniard has signed an initial three-year deal at St James Park, with Sky Sports News HQ understanding the contract features an opt-out clause should the club be relegated to the Sky Bet Championship. Rafas ups and downs Ups and downs of the Spanish manager But Balague believes Benitezs vast managerial experience will yield a response from Newcastles under-performing squad.Rafa wants to take over at Newcastle, Balague told his weekly Q&A. The main condition for him is that he gets the control Steve McClaren didnt have.Without that, change will be difficult. As such, Im pretty sure the negotiations have included that kind of conversation. Benitez smiles as he leaves St James Park after signing a 3-year contract Rafa will have asked if the position is a managerial role - that means having more control and authority than previous managers - to which Newcastle replied yes.Another part of the negotiations concerned the length of the contract, he didnt want just a few months at St James Park. Adam Lallana Jersey. He believes in the potential of the club but will need time to work on it and take Newcastle where he believes they deserve. Whats wrong at Newcastle? The problems which cost Steve McClaren Once appointed he obviously has ten games in which to save. I am convinced that with the order he will bring, the authority he will have in the changing room - from his CV and importance as one of Europes top ten coaches - the players will stand up and listen.McClarens stint at Newcastle was cut short just nine months after his appointment.The former England manager won just seven of his 32 games in charge, six of which came in the Premier League. He believes in the potential of the club but will need time to work on it to take Newcastle to where he believes they deserve to be. Sky Sports Spanish football expert Guillem Balague Newcastles owner backed McClaren in the transfer market with a host of big-money signings both in the summer and January.Despite this, Balague believes McClarens demise came from his inability to take full control of dealings at Newcastle.I feel sorry for McClaren because he was never given that control, he added. Without that you cannot change the culture of a club that absolutely needs to be changed. Steve McClaren was relieved of his duties on Friday morning Players think of themselves and not of the collective, thats a culture that has been bred by those at the top at Newcastle.Such a change will take longer than 10 games but, obviously, the priority for Rafa is to utilise the attacking quality they have and remain in the Premier League. Also See: Newcastle appoint Benitez Newcastle latest LIVE! Newcastle sack McClaren Balague Q&A ' ' '