Inter legend Suarez: Balotelli not world class

The former Spain international has questioned the forward's ability to rise to the big occasion when he does not have a strong supporting cast

Inter legend Luis Suarez has claimed that last weekend's Milan derby proved that Mario Balotelli still cannot be considered a world-class player.

The Rossoneri forward struggled to make an impact in the game at San Siro, as Massimiliano Allegri's struggling side slumped to a 1-0 defeat, with Rodrigo Palacio scoring the only goal of the game with just four minutes to go.

Suarez was extremely underwhelmed with Balotelli's contribution to the AC Milan cause, arguing that the obvious dearth of talent around him cannot be used an excuse for such a sub-standard showing in one of the most famous fixtures in world football.

"One sees a world-class player in games like the derby, meaning he is not one yet," the former Spain international told Tiki Taka. 

"Palacio and [Inter midfielder Fredy] Guarin played like world-class players, without the support of the team ..."

Balotelli has managed just six Serie A goals this season for Milan, who are currently languishing in 13th place in the standings.

Capello: Seedorf not ready for AC Milan role

The Russia boss believes the Dutchman should not be approached to replace Massimiliano Allegri and claims Serie A has suffered from a lack of talent arriving from overseas

Fabio Capello believes Clarence Seedorf is not yet ready to be given the responsibility of coaching AC Milan.

The former Rossoneri midfielder has been touted as a possible replacement for Massimiliano Allegri, whose future remains firmly in doubt following the team's dismal first half to the 2013-14 campaign.

Although he feels Seedorf - now playing for Botafogo - is benefitting from his stint in Brazil, Capello believes the Dutchman would be better off avoiding the San Siro hotseat for the time being.

"I advised him to go to Brazil over the Arab countries or Russia a year ago. Clearly, he is gaining from the experience, but to immediately take responsibility of Milan is something else," the Russia coach told LaGazzetta dello Sport.

Capello believes Milan's current struggles are endemic to Serie A, with a lack of major foreign talent arriving within the league meaning young Italian players no longer have the same role models of past generations.

"Juventus and Roma are at the top because they have invested more in recent years. This hasn't happened with the Rossoneri. I think Allegri has done his duty to the full and doesn't deserve much criticism.

"The real problem is the depletion of our league. In my day we had the best talent coming in from all over the world and our young players could grow alongside them, stealing their secrets. Now there is a lack of reference points."

Capello believes the Scudetto has become a three-horse race this season and believes champions Juventus could falter if they focus too heavily on reaching the Europa League final, which will be held at Juventus Stadium.

"I don't see any particular problems for the Bianconeri, although Roma are having an outstanding season and Napoli are deservedly in the hunt.

"The only question is their double efforts in the Europa League, with the final in Turin. Juve can look to this title and become distracted."

Real Madrid see Alonso as a lost cause

MIGUEL SERRANO 12/27/2013

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While Ancelotti and co. try to convince Xabi Alonso to stay on at Real Madrid for a few more seasons, the higher-ups at the Bernabéu see the 'Los Blancos' player's future with the club somewhat black.

Alonso's agent has not even sat down with the club

The general feeling in the Real offices is that there's "a 90 per cent chance" that the ex-Liverpool player will not renew and think that his time at the club will come to an end in June.

Although Real should by now be in the final stretch of negotiations with the player regarding his renewal, the club insists that as yet Xabi's agent, Iñaki Ibañez, has not even sat down with the club to put forward an offer.

"We have neither spoken about money, nor seasons, nor anything, as there have been no negotiations", they insist at the club. It is the precisely the player's shyness to sit down and listen to an offer that has convinced them that the Basque has no desire whatsoever to stay.

Real is prepared to offer Alonso an improved contract for two seasons with an optional third

Real Madrid is prepared to offer Xabi Alonso an improved contract for two seasons with an optional third - a contract that would make him one of the highest-paid players in the team. However, for the player it isn't about money, but something more personal.

In the Bernabéu, all are certain that Alonso has made up his mind to leave the nest, but are also certain that the player will be wanting to walk in an upright and dignified manner and through the front door, with his head held high.

NOT PLAYING SINCE AUGUST, DORTMUND ADMITS PLAYER'S BACK INJURY

Real Madrid watches Gündogan's back

On 14th August, Ilkay Gündogan played his third official game of the season. After exploding onto the European scene, leading Dortmund to the Champions League final, the young German midfielder had guaranteed himself starter status in his team.

After having just won the German SuperCup against Pep Guardiola's Bayern, Gündogan was playing a friendly game for Germany against Paraguay. The player felt a sharp pain in his spine and had to be taken off.

500 days have passed by since then and the Dortmund midfielder has not played a single minute. Although at the beginning, the player was only expected to be out for six weeks, his recovery is proving to be taking a lot longer, with his reappearance being postponed again and again. At Dortmund, they admit that the player has a back injury, but are unwilling to go into details.

Real Madrid is looking on not without concern. 'Los Blancos' have an agreement with the German club, with Real having a first-buy option with preferential treatment in the summer, as well as having a verbal agreement with the player regarding his contract. Now, of course, 'Los Blancos' will put the player under the microscope before putting pen to paper.

'Le Parisien' says PSG could sign Messi

PSG believes it could be in with a shout of signing Leo Messi. The newspaper 'Le Parisien' has listed a number of reasons why the Argentine might join the Paris club for €180 million, if he were to want to leave Barcelona that is.

The reasons that the French paper lists include his recent problems with the Spanish tax authorities, the arrival of Neymar – who is taking some of the limelight away from the player who's picked up the Ballon d'Or for the last four years – and the recent comments directors of the club have made about him.

Messi has a release clause of €250 million, but 'Le Parisien' says that the move could be completed for around €150-180 million if the Argentine were to push for an exit from Barcelona. PSG is one of the few clubs that could afford to pay such a huge sum.

The project at PSG could contribute to convincing Messi, continues the article. The Argentine would play with an all-star squad including players such as Ibrahimovic, Lucas Moura, Thiago Silva, Cavani and Lavezzi. Furthermore, Ibrahimovic doesn't have anything against Messi. Quite the contrary, the Swede has always said that Messi is the best player in the world.

Customize your Android home screen experience

Breathe new life into your Android phone with these excellent apps and utilities

Turn your Android into the coolest smartphone on the block with these awesome apps!

(Credit: Scott Webster/CNET)

Of all the great features that come with Android, I think perhaps my favorite is endless customization. If you don't want to root the device to go deep into modifying, there's still so much you can do with just apps. For example, you can give yourself a fancy home screen.

I've gathered a small handful of my favorite home screen apps here, but nothing that requires root access. Rather, these are the sorts of apps you can install and play around with on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Come next weekend, you just might have a completely different-lookingAndroid experience.

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Nova Launcher (Prime)

There are a number of launcher applications that let users override the standard look and feel that comes with the phone's out-of-box experience, but Nova Launcher Prime ($4.00) is one of my favorites. Don't like the preset shortcuts across the bottom of your handset? Not a fan of the app drawer setup? You can change all that.

Nova Launcher Prime is one the more feature-rich launcher apps for Android.

(Credit: Scott Webster/CNET)

In a nutshell, Nova Launcher alters the way your phone behaves when tapping the Home button. Specifically, you can define how many panels you have, the number of icons that fit on the home screen, scrolling effects, and much more.

I also appreciate the way I can sort my app drawer, hide unused titles, and organize content into tabs. Other minor touches include infinite scrolling panels, custom grouping, menu transparency, and transitions. Suffice it to say, I'm constantly backing up and restoring fun layouts all the time.Among Nova Launcher Prime's options is selecting the grid size (number of rows and columns), placing a persistent Google Search bar, and tweaking margins. I love using the launcher's revolving door effect. It looks much cooler than a simple slide. Additionally, users can opt to remove icon labels, allow for widgets to overlap, and lock the desktop in place.

A particularly fun, and easy, way to spice things up is to replace the icons representing apps and games. There are innumerable icon packs or themes that one can download to adjust the overall aesthetics. Some of the more popular ones I've encountered along the way are Tersus,Snack Pack, and MIUI 5. Again, hit up some forums or search Google Play and you'll find some rather inspiring stuff.

Nova Launcher Prime isn't the only option for those looking to customize the home screen; the free version is a great way to take advantage of most options and settings. At nearly 5 million installs, the free Nova Launcher is a popular and feature-rich home screen launcher. Others you may enjoy include Go Launcher EX, Apex Launcher, and ADW.Launcher.

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Solo Launcher

The best thing about Solo Launcher is that it's a totally free alternative to premium launchers. Indeed, you'll find a host of customization and personalization settings, many of which could cost $4 or more elsewhere.

Solo Launcher is a completely free launcher with many premium features

(Credit: Solo Launcher Team/Google Play)

Solo Launcher not only operates quickly and efficiently, but it also plays nice with themes from other launchers. Want to change the icon pack? Feel like mimicking the look of a Sony or Huawei? No problem. Other easily configured settings include live wallpapers, lock screens, and colors.

In addition to the general aesthetics, you'll be able to adjust home screen transitions, layouts, the app drawer, and home screen dock. I'm a big fan of unread notifications for missed calls, texts, and e-mails, and Solo Launcher provides this at no cost. Once you find a look that you really enjoy be sure to back it up. That way, you can return to it later should you wish to tinker about.

The launcher comes with a weather widget, and the developers also provide a number ofadditional apps and tools to further enhance your experience.

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Ultimate Custom (Clock) Widget (UCCW)
As the name implies, the free Ultimate Custom (Clock) Widget app lets users create custom widgets that can be placed on just about any home screen. Regardless of whether you're using a stock launcher or something more tailored, UCCW can enhance the look of your desktop. While it's possible to create your own clock, weather, or battery widget, UCCW can also be used for tweaking notifications, alarms, and other options.

Three clock widgets made easy with Ultimate Custom Widget.

(Credit: Scott Webster/CNET)

Indeed, it might feel a bit daunting the first few times you try to design your own widget with all your choices for color, transparency, shapes, and fonts. I suggest looking around for templates and already-existing widgets being shared by the community. Poke around the Google Play Store and forums for UCCW UZIP files and go from there.

One of the features I appreciate most is the ability to mimic the feel of other smartphone experiences; it's a breeze to sample the HTC Sense 5 UI or Motoblur without much effort. Once you're feeling confident, try overlapping a couple of widgets (like time and weather) for a nice layered effect.

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HD Widgets

If you're the type who prefers to dress up your existing home screen without heavy adjustments, I recommend checking out HD Widgets. As one of the more flexible $2.00 you can spend, this app provides endless widget layouts.

Regardless of whether you're looking to add a full-screen weather and combination widget or a simple app shortcut, HD Widgets does it in style. Users have myriad options to choose from, including text colors, fonts, background transparency, and layout.

The developer, Cloud.tv, recently rolled out an entirely new subset of themed widgets that adds another 60 free templates to the mix. Centered around the aesthetic of Android Jelly Bean, theColourform pack features Google's Roboto font and even more ways to jazz up the home screen.

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Zooper Widget

Zooper Widget might best be described as a tool to create really great Android widgets. Sure, it's actually a bundle of preset widgets, but that's just the beginning.

Zooper Widget is not unlike Photoshop for creating Android widgets.

(Credit: MyColorScreen)

The app comes with a number of free templates and customizable options and provides a great jumping off point. Play with Zooper for any length of time and you'll find that it's easy to create a battery indicator, missed calls and message widget, or calendar. What's more, you can also create widgets to monitor networks and data usage, Wi-Fi connections, and other system settings.

If for no other reason, you'll want to have Zooper installed so you can download other widgets from the community. Take a look through Google Play and you'll find scores of gorgeous, functional widgets already designed by people just like you

Zooper Widget is free to download, however, there's also a Pro version ($1.99) which opens the door to new possibilities. In addition to removing ads, you'll also pick up the ability to save templates to SD cards, and integrate with Buzz Launcher.

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DashClock Widget

Those of you running Android 4.2 may have encountered the ability to create widgets on the lock screen. As one of the more handy features in Jelly Bean, lock screen widgets provide at-a-glance information such as text messages, calendar appointments, and other notifications. TheDashClock Widget app takes this to another level with a more customized and robust list of what you can see.

DashClock Widget works for Android 4.2+ smartphones and tablets.

(Credit: Roman Nurik)

Among other bits of info, DashClock Widget provides users with current local weather, missed calls and unread messages, unread Gmail and/or priority e-mails, and your next calendar appointment. What I like most about this app is that it can deliver all of this on a single panel. Rather than swiping through various screens, DashClock Widget puts it all in one, easy-to-read spot.

Also worth noting is that the app is extensible, meaning it plays nice with other apps. Developers are able to take advantage of extensions that add relevant details to the lock screen. Two such apps that I've found to be helpful are DashClock Keep Extension and DashClock Battery Extension.

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Have your say
There are scores of Android apps that allow users to customize their experience; I have only listed a smattering of my favorites. Which apps do you use to tailor your Android experience? Do you fancy a particular launcher or icon pack? Where do you find your inspiration? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

The Greenback Bull Market Is Coming

By: Suzanne McGee

Published: December 17, 2013

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It will make a fashionably late appearance, but the dollar rally is expected to arrive in 2014. We’ve been waiting for it since the Federal Reserve first broached the idea of tapering in May, and interest rates began moving higher as a result. Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are about 25 percent higher now than they were at the start of this year. Ten-year Treasury yields are up a full percentage point over the same period.

Historically, periods of higher interest rates have been linked very closely to strength in the greenback. But these cycles are multi-year periods, and what happens during any given six- or 12-month timespan within that time frame might not be the same as what happens over the cycle as a whole. So, even though the dollar’s value has moved up, down and sideways at various points this year, Credit Suisse’s foreign exchange analysts say in a recent report called “2014, The Year of the Dollar” that a larger trend is visible on the horizon. A multi-year bull market in the U.S. currency will begin in the new year, according to their forecasts.

In an early October report, the analysts noted that the dollar rally had stalled against the G10 currencies. Despite weakening a bit this month, the dollar has been trending higher since mid-October. The Bank of England’s effective exchange rate data shows that at 86.54 as of Dec. 13, the dollar is approximately 6 percent stronger than it was at the beginning of the year. Credit Suisse expects the trade-weighted dollar index to rise to 90.70 over the next three months and to 95.99 over the coming year.

The analysts say a likely divergence in monetary policymaking among the world’s largest central banks in the New Year should give the rally traction. Consider the following three examples:

–While pundits expect the Fed to start reducing quantitative easing measures either this month or next, the Bank of Japan is widely expected to step up its own asset-buying program early next year.

–With inflation at worryingly low levels, the European Central Bank is not only unlikely to raise rates, but could actually ease further.

–The mining investment boom that had thus far helped Australia to avoid most of the negative effects of the Great Recession has just about run its course. Credit Suisse’s analysts expect mining investment to peak at about 8 percent of GDP this year. The Australian economy is due for a major rebalancing, and if the value of the Aussie doesn’t fall on its own, the Reserve Bank of Australia will come under more pressure to push it down by cutting interest rates again. The central bank already made 25-basis-point cuts in both May and August of this year, leaving the current cash rate at 2.5 percent.

As a result of the above, the Credit Suisse analysts expect the yen and the Australian dollar to fall “substantially” against the greenback, and for the euro to follow suit later on. They expect the dollar-yen exchange rate, for example, to rise to 120 yen for every dollar from its current level of about 103, according to the most recent forecasts in a Dec. 11 report called “A Differentiated December.” And while an Australian dollar now gets you about $0.89, a year from now, it will only get you $0.80 this time next year, the analysts forecast. Similarly, a single euro will currently buy you about $1.38, but they expect that to fall to $1.24 by next December.

And the analysts don’t expect the moves to be short-lived. Rather, they consider early 2014 to be the long-awaited start of a period of dollar outperformance of a kind that historically has lasted anywhere from six to nine years. It took six months for the divergence to get going, so the dollar’s response to interest rate changes is neither automatic nor immediate. Indeed, in seven out of eight recent periods in which interest rates rose – the first in March 1972 and the most recent in June 2004 – the dollar actuallylost value in the first year of each multi-year cycle before eventually following the more logical trajectory of strengthening.

Investors were not simply being irrational by shunning dollars just as they are expected to begin appreciating. Consider what it means to “own,” or to be long, the dollar. Most investors seeking a way to profit from changes in exchange rates turn to government bonds, and in the case of the dollar, that means Treasuries. Given the size of the U.S. government’s current account deficit, which is financed with regular auctions of Treasury bills and notes, odds are that these investors already have a significant chunk of Treasury securities in their portfolios. And as rates were rising, they were watching the value of those assets erode. With little clarity on just how far rates could go, the risk of buying too soon was akin to doubling down on an unfavorable investment—and the possibility that the new purchases would soon be declining in value as well. What we witnessed for much of 2013 is the outcome of that thought process in action. As the yield on the 10-year Treasury has risen, foreign owners of these bonds have responded by selling, rather than by buying more.

Markets have for some time been expecting the Federal Reserve to start reducing monthly asset purchases either in December or January, and Credit Suisse forecasts that U.S. Treasury yields are likely to stabilize soon at a new, higher level (around 3 percent on 10-year notes, up from 2.86 percent now). Considering both of those things, history and logic suggest that investors would focus less on their recent capital losses (and the fear of adding to them) and more on the opportunity presented by higher yields. That mindset shift seems now to be under way, if belatedly so. It’s a great reminder that even if two market trends tend to frequent the same parties, they may not always arrive together.