Aitor Karanka admits the main challenge he faces in the coming days is to strike the perfect balance between consistency and energy. His Nottingham Forest side return to action when they face Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow night, in the second of seven games in the space of 21 days. Following an encouraging display against Swansea on Saturday, the Reds boss is well aware of the value of consistency and does not want to make changes for the sake of it. But the club have been carefully monitoring energy levels since their return from Wales and he says that has to be a factor in their team selection against the Owls. “That is the key now, to try to know who is 100 percent and who is not,” said Karanka. “Who do we need to leave out of the team and who do we need to bring in? “It is about picking the right first XI. I need to find the best formation and the best XI. “I have a lot of questions in my head when it comes to both, but they are positive questions to … [Read more...] about ‘That is the key now, to try to know who is 100 percent’
100 percent game
Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford, still mum on injury, not 100 percent yet
CHICAGO – The plan for Corey Crawford is being closely guarded by the goaltender and the Blackhawks. The final result, at least for Crawford, is a foregone conclusion. Asked Friday if he has any doubt he can return to the form that made him one of the NHL’s top goalies, Crawford responded, “No, I don’t doubt that at all.” That was perhaps Crawford’s most emphatic answer in his first public comments since he missed the final part of last season with an upper-body injury, a key factor in the Hawks’ tumble into last place in the Central Division. Although the Hawks signed veteran goaltender Cam Ward to a $3 million, one-year deal in free agency, Crawford’s health remains the organization’s biggest question heading into training camp. “I’m feeling pretty good right now,” Crawford said on the first day of the team’s annual fan convention. “I’m not at 100 percent yet, but we’ve come a long way in … [Read more...] about Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford, still mum on injury, not 100 percent yet
Tite: Neymar is not 100 percent
Marcelo will be Brazil's captain for their opener in Russia Brazil coach Tite admitted that Neymar is still not 100 percent ahead of the opening World Cup game against Switzerland. Neymar missed the end of the season for Paris Saint-Germain with a foot injury and has targetted a return in Russia. "Neymar is not 100 percent but he is privileged physically, his sprinting is impressive but still he is not going full out," said Tite. "He is better than we were expecting and ready to have a great World Cup." Tite reinforced the idea of Brazil being a team and that not everything is down to Neymar. "I don't feel like he is the leader, our strength is in the bond between everyone," he continued. "I know that there are a lot of people that like him and many that don't like him. What is important is that in the national team there is a group with different characteristics and everyone does their bit. "We are a strong, competitive side, with a defined style of play, tactically strong and … [Read more...] about Tite: Neymar is not 100 percent
‘100 percent hearsay’: Serena slams Sharapova book ahead of French Open clash
Serena Williams turned up the heat on Saturday ahead of her French Open clash with bitter rival Maria Sharapova, saying the claims about her in the Russian's book were "hearsay" and not "necessarily true". Sharapova, who Williams has beaten 18 times in a row, claimed in her recent memoir 'Unstoppable' that Serena "hated" her for hearing her cry after the 2004 Wimbledon final. The fourth-round match at Roland Garros on Monday will be the first time the two have faced off since the American's win in the 2016 Australian Open quarter-finals -- Sharapova's last match before serving a 15-month doping ban. "I think the book was 100 percent hearsay, at least all the stuff I read and the quotes that I read, which was a little bit disappointing," said Williams after her 6-3, 6-4 third-round win over Julia Goerges. "I have cried in the locker room many times after a loss, and that's what I have seen a lot of people do. I think it's normal. "It's a Wimbledon final, you know. So it's just, like, I … [Read more...] about ‘100 percent hearsay’: Serena slams Sharapova book ahead of French Open clash
‘He’s got to make sure it’s 100 percent right’ – Canaries legend warns Maddison not to rush his recovery
A Norwich City legends side are hosting Inter Milan on May 20th at Carrow Road, in aid of the Community Sports Foundation. Pictured are (from left) Grant Holt, Darren Huckerby, Darren Kenton, Scott Howie, Daryl Sutch and Darren Eadie. Picture: Ian Burt Archant 2018 Norwich City legend Darren Eadie knows the frustration of injuries all too well and is warning James Maddison not to rush his summer rehabilitation. Norwich City Legends will host Inter Forever at Carrow Road in May. The Canaries’ star playmaker picked up knee ligament damage on the final day of the season and faces eight weeks of recovery, with the hope of missing just a week of pre-season. After a breakthrough campaign of 15 goals and 11 assists for the England Under-21 international it remains to be seen whether that will be with City or one of the many Premier League clubs linked with big-money interest. It is a situation Eadie knows much about after knee problems denied him England recognition and forced him … [Read more...] about ‘He’s got to make sure it’s 100 percent right’ – Canaries legend warns Maddison not to rush his recovery