Hunger drives on determined Del Piero

At 34, Alessandro Del Piero is just as desperate for UEFA Champions League glory as he was as a young player and he insists the desire to lift the trophy is the same regardless of his team's fortunes in Serie A.

New ground
The first knockout round tie at Stamford Bridge finds the Juventus captain breaking new ground because the Bianconeri have never before met Chelsea FC in UEFA competition. "I'm very happy to be playing at a stadium where I have never played before, it gives me lots of incentive," Del Piero said. "It is such a massive competition that everyone wants to win. Obviously the fact we are not at the top of our league should give us incentive to improve, but the truth is we want to win it no matter what position [in the league] we are in."

Invaluable experience
The Italian international helps lend great experience to Claudio Ranieri's side along with midfielder Pavel Nedvěd and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, and agrees that this could be an important factor at this stage of the competition when there is precious little to separate opponents. At the same time, though, he stresses the part the younger members of the Juve squad can play. "We are very united in our intentions and what we want to do," Del Piero added. "Yes, perhaps people look to [the experienced players] a little bit more but we have a very good set of players who know their strengths and have intelligence. So we should not dwell too much on the question of who has more influence on the team."

English domination
The tie is one of three that bring together rivals from Serie A and the Premier League. Last season England produced both UEFA Champions League finalists in Chelsea and Manchester United FC, and Del Piero sees no reason why the English clubs should not continue to dominate, saying: "Speaking selfishly, I would not mind if there was an English team in the final every year as long as they didn't win it. All the teams at this stage of the competition are very strong and the English sides are particularly well-equipped to reach the latter stages. I imagine that also goes for the next few years."

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Abel willing and ready to make history

Having reached the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds for the first time, defender Abel says the opportunity to "continue making history" is high among the motivating factors for a Sporting Clube de Portugal side taking on FC Bayern München at the Estádio José Alvalade.

Great performance
After four failed attempts to negotiate the group stage, Sporting finally qualified for the last 16 with two games to spare in November. They then warmed up for their first knockout round debut by producing arguably their best performance of the season on Saturday, defeating Lisbon rivals SL Benfica to boost their Liga title challenge.

'Confident'
"Without doubt, we're well-prepared for this one," said Abel, who is tipped to replace Pedro Silva at right-back after being overlooked for the 3-2 derby triumph. "We feel very good at the moment, we are confident of getting through to the next round. We have a lot of different factors to motivate us, and to continue making history is one of them."

Bayern strength
Despite the German champions slipping to fourth spot in the Bundesliga after suffering their first home reverse since September – at the hands of 1. FC Köln at the weekend – Abel dismissed talk of Sporting wearing the favourites' tag. "This is our debut at this level and against a team like Bayern we're not favourites," he said. "The league and the Champions League are totally different in every way. They're one of the best-known and strongest teams left in the competition."

Ribéry threat
Should Abel earn a place in Paulo Bento's starting XI, the 30-year-old is likely to come face to face with Franck Ribéry. Abel is an admirer of Bayern's talismanic Frenchman, yet knows the Lions cannot afford to concentrate solely on the midfielder: "He's a player we know very well, as he is world-famous now. He has a lot of respect throughout the football world, but they have quality throughout their team."

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Ramos reins in Madrid expectation

Optimism, not euphoria – that is the prevailing mood at Real Madrid CF ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League first knockout round first leg with Liverpool FC, according to the home team's coach Juande Ramos.

'Perfect attitude'
The clubs share 14 European Champion Clubs' Cups between them as well as 49 domestic titles, all of which will add to the sense of occasion at the Santiago Bernabéu. Talk of mutual respect has been staple fare, but Madrid look to have momentum on their side thanks to a run of nine consecutive league victories, culminating in Saturday's 6-1 demolition of visitors Real Betis Balompié. "I wouldn't say we're euphoric but we're optimistic because things have been going well," said Ramos. "Maybe some fans are euphoric but the attitude of the players is perfect."

Small details
In turmoil when the draw was made on 19 December, Madrid now believe they can rein in Liga leaders FC Barcelona having already reduced the gap from 12 points to seven. Likewise, continental hopes have been rekindled and the Spanish titleholders are desperate for their first UEFA Champions League quarter-final appearance since 2004. "That's important for the club," explained Ramos. "It's going to be very close, between two sides at a similar level. It will be decided by the small details and it's not going to be easy given we face a historic team like Liverpool."

Robben return
Sacked by Tottenham Hotspur FC in October, Ramos insists he "has nothing to prove" as he renews acquaintances with English opposition and warned Liverpool they can expect a warm reception: "The Bernabéu has no reason to envy Anfield for atmosphere. We need the fans to help us get going and we know they'll be there." Influential winger Arjen Robben should also be present after recovering from a hip injury and Ramos can similarly call upon fit-again midfielders Guti and Wesley Sneijder, with the latter competing with Marcelo for a berth on the left.

Gerrard doubt
For Liverpool, Steven Gerrard's hamstring injury continues to provide the major selection intrigue. "We'll decide after training, but the important thing is whether he can give us anything on the pitch," said manager Rafael Benítez. Should Gerrard feature, it would prove a huge boost to a team struggling for inspiration. Sunday's 1-1 home draw with Manchester City FC was the Merseyside club's eighth stalemate in 13 Premier League outings and left them seven points behind Manchester United FC – the same deficit facing Madrid but more indicative of decline than resurgence.

Kennedy goal
Despite that form, Liverpool will seek to match the outcome of their only other competitive encounter with Madrid – the 1981 European Cup final in Paris, settled by an Alan Kennedy strike. "You're talking about two of the biggest sides in Europe with lots of Champions Leagues between them," explained Benítez. "Big teams with big players." Having spent a large chunk of his career as a player and coach in Madrid's youth and reserve set-up, the 48-year-old is uniquely placed to make that judgement. "I have good memories here," he added, no doubt hoping Wednesday yields many more.

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Fearless Sarriegi relishes Villarreal test

It has been an interesting UEFA Champions League season for Spanish defender José Sarriegi given that his goals have brought both heartache and joy to Panathinaikos FC.

Famous win
An unused substitute in Panathinaikos's opening Group B defeat by FC Internazionale Milano, the 30-year-old then had the misfortune to score an early own goal away to Anorthosis Famagusta FC on Matchday 2 which heralded a second successive loss for the Greens. But football can be kind as well as cruel, and it was Sarriegi who got the historic winner when Henk ten Cate's side subsequently defeated Inter at San Siro en route to topping the section ahead of the Nerazzurri.

Coach intervenes
Asked whether he had another goal in his boots at El Madrigal, where Panathinaikos face Villarreal CF in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday, the centre-back could not even form a response, never mind give it, before coach Ten Cate leant over and said: "He's got two saved up this time!"

'No fear'
Panathinaikos's success in Milan came either side of victories against Werder Bremen and Anorthosis, a sequence which has fuelled belief as they look to reach the last eight for the first time since 2001/02. Sarriegi said: "What we've discovered this season is that we can beat anyone anywhere, not just in our own stadium. Obviously it's a difficult tie against Villarreal but we are so full of confidence and motivation that it holds no fear for us. It's kind of the coach to predict that I've got more goals up my sleeve but as long as we come away having scored and given a proper account of ourselves, I don't care whether I get near the opposition goal or not."

Llorente threat
He does, however, find it easy to identify a goal threat at the other end of the pitch where Joseba Llorente will seek to add to his three group-stage strikes for Villarreal. Sarriegi, a former Athletic Club Bilbao and Deportivo Alavés player, said: "I know and like Llorente, he's a friend. He has the striker's knack of knowing exactly where to be and when. We will all have to watch him because one slip will be all he needs."

Victory a must
Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna is also relishing renewing ties with an opponent, Panathinaikos midfielder Gilberto. "It will be the first time I've faced him since we lost to Arsenal in the 2006 semi-finals – it will be interesting," said the Spanish international. "I think it's fair to say that Panathinaikos are favourites because they won a difficult group in style while we were runners-up in ours. But we're at home, in front of our own fans, and the minimum requirement is to win this match with a difficult game to come in Greece in two weeks' time."

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Robben not out for Liverpool revenge

Arjen Robben insists thoughts of revenge will be far from his mind at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday when he and his Real Madrid CF colleagues attempt to build a healthy advantage in their UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie with Liverpool FC.

'That's football'
The Dutch international winger knows all about Liverpool from his three-season stint with Chelsea FC. Twice Robben faced the Reds in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and twice he tasted defeat, having his penalty saved by Pepe Reina during the shoot-out in 2006/07, two years after the initial loss. "As a football player, if you're that close to a Champions League final, it's very hard to accept," he said. "But that's life, that's football. You have to try to learn from it and win the competition next time around. I've also won things in my career; you always have happy and sad moments. I'm just looking forward to the game."

No saviour
Having recovered from a hip strain, Robben should return to his now usual role on the right flank, but despite being touted by many as Madrid's most dangerous player, he will find a team that has thrived in his absence. Last week's 4-0 win at Real Sporting de Gijón was followed by Saturday's explosive 6-1 victory against Real Betis Balompié, with all six goals coming before Robben made his comeback at the start of the second half. "I don't see myself as the saviour of this team," explained the 25-year-old. "They scored ten goals in the last two games without me and there's a lot of quality and confidence. For me, it was just good to get back to playing again and now I'm ready."

Ramos impact
The Betis result made it nine wins in succession for Juande Ramos and his charges – the club's best run since 1985/86 – and Robben credits the former Tottenham Hotspur FC manager with turning Madrid into a force to be feared again. "We've changed how we play a little," he said. "We now play with two wingers, whereas we only used to use one. Defensively, we're more organised as well." In personal terms, Robben also feels Ramos has made a positive impact since taking the reins in December: "The coach gives me a lot of freedom. He just wants me to play my game and I switch a lot with the players up front. He's given me confidence."

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Ranieri unfazed by Chelsea return

Revisiting the club where he spent four memorable years, Claudio Ranieri is proud of his achievements at Chelsea FC but that will not sway him from his intention of taking Juventus past his old side and into the quarter-finals of Europe's élite club competition.

Happy return
Ranieri was manager at Chelsea from 2000 to 2004, leading the team to a UEFA Champions League semi-final in his last season in London, and although he betrayed a trace of nostalgia in discussing his return to Stamford Bridge, he has not let the primary goal slip from his focus. "It feels good to be back," he said. "Even when the draw was made, it was a good feeling – one does not forget four years. But we have to concentrate on the game."

Lasting legacy
The Italian coach was succeeded at Chelsea by José Mourinho, who went on to claim back-to-back English titles, but the nucleus of that championship-winning squad was brought in or nurtured by Ranieri. Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele, Petr Čech and Joe Cole were all signed by the 57-year-old, while John Terry became a regular and then captain under his stewardship. However, Ranieri is typically modest about his tenure. "I don't think I wrote much in the pages of history here, but the time I spent here was wonderful, the third year in particular when we qualified for the Champions League," he said. "I think I have been given credit by the fans – they always give me a good welcome when I come back and say 'thanks Claudio, you did well here'."

Rotation reputation
Dubbed the 'Tinkerman' by the British press because of his squad rotation policy, Ranieri steered Chelsea to the runners-up spot in England in 2003/04. However, his tactical decisions backfired in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg at AS Monaco FC that season, when, with the hosts down to ten men and the game delicately poised at 1-1, his substitutions did not have the desired effect and Monaco ran out 3-1 winners. "I think that's history and we're here to write a new page," he said. "The main thing I remember is the return leg, where we conceded just before half-time. We might have gone on to the final if that hadn't happened, but that's history and we cannot change it."

New approach
With Guus Hiddink installed as Chelsea's latest manager – their third in 18 months – in place of Luiz Felipe Scolari, Ranieri believes the approach to success has changed in the years since he left England. "I agree with Sir Alex Ferguson: football's changing. Here in England you did have the time to bring in young players. Now everyone wants to come top but there can only be one winner. People want instant success but football isn't like that. You need time to build a team and, yes, money is important to do that, but not the most important thing, which isn't necessarily a bad thing."

©uefa.com 1998-2009. All rights reserved.

Ranieri unfazed by Chelsea return

Revisiting the club where he spent four memorable years, Claudio Ranieri is proud of his achievements at Chelsea FC but that will not sway him from his intention of taking Juventus past his old side and into the quarter-finals of Europe's élite club competition.

Happy return
Ranieri was manager at Chelsea from 2000 to 2004, leading the team to a UEFA Champions League semi-final in his last season in London, and although he betrayed a trace of nostalgia in discussing his return to Stamford Bridge, he has not let the primary goal slip from his focus. "It feels good to be back," he said. "Even when the draw was made, it was a good feeling – one does not forget four years. But we have to concentrate on the game."

Lasting legacy
The Italian coach was succeeded at Chelsea by José Mourinho, who went on to claim back-to-back English titles, but the nucleus of that championship-winning squad was brought in or nurtured by Ranieri. Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele, Petr Čech and Joe Cole were all signed by the 57-year-old, while John Terry became a regular and then captain under his stewardship. However, Ranieri is typically modest about his tenure. "I don't think I wrote much in the pages of history here, but the time I spent here was wonderful, the third year in particular when we qualified for the Champions League," he said. "I think I have been given credit by the fans – they always give me a good welcome when I come back and say 'thanks Claudio, you did well here'."

Rotation reputation
Dubbed the 'Tinkerman' by the British press because of his squad rotation policy, Ranieri steered Chelsea to the runners-up spot in England in 2003/04. However, his tactical decisions backfired in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg at AS Monaco FC that season, when, with the hosts down to ten men and the game delicately poised at 1-1, his substitutions did not have the desired effect and Monaco ran out 3-1 winners. "I think that's history and we're here to write a new page," he said. "The main thing I remember is the return leg, where we conceded just before half-time. We might have gone on to the final if that hadn't happened, but that's history and we cannot change it."

New approach
With Guus Hiddink installed as Chelsea's latest manager – their third in 18 months – in place of Luiz Felipe Scolari, Ranieri believes the approach to success has changed in the years since he left England. "I agree with Sir Alex Ferguson: football's changing. Here in England you did have the time to bring in young players. Now everyone wants to come top but there can only be one winner. People want instant success but football isn't like that. You need time to build a team and, yes, money is important to do that, but not the most important thing, which isn't necessarily a bad thing."

©uefa.com 1998-2009. All rights reserved.

COMMUNICATION AND ARGUMENT IN THE QUR'AN

[COMMUNICATION AND ARGUMENT IN THE QUR'AN] In the Qur’an, Allah tells us that talking with others about religion is one of the most important acts of worship that believers can perform. This worship encompasses ever aspect of life. In their words, demeanor, and attitudes, believers are responsible every moment for telling others about the good moral life and for representing of Islam.

Their conversations among themselves are actually mutual communications of religion. They call upon each other to follow the Qur’an’s commands and to show its morality in their lives. In short, communicating religion is part of each believer’s identity. On the other hand, as the Qur’an tells us, arguing belongs to the unbelievers’ general make-up. Therefore, believers must always be careful of how they spread religion so that such efforts do not tend toward argument. Arguing has no place in the Qur’anic morality.

In this book, we will examine with detailed reference to the Qur’an the methods and rationale that believers should use when communicating religion to others and see the satanic nature of arguing.

Oct 09, 2008

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