Zidane was behind one of my best seasons, says Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo says Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane was the catalyst for one of the best seasons of his career in 2015-16. The Portugal international scored 51 goals in the last campaign and lifted the Champions League, a feat for which he gives credit to the coach.
The forward is now the odds-on favourite to win the Ballon d'Or having been included in the 30-man shortlist for the award and he credits Zidane for much of that, hailing his ability to boost the squad's morale within a short space of time.
Ronaldo also discussed some of his other coaches, describing former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson as having the biggest effect on him and highlighting present Old Trafford manager Jose Mourinho for his deep thinking.
Thursday 3 November 2016
Manchester united official club statement
Manchester united official club statement
"The club can inform our globality fans around the world that the club has no intention of making any management changes for 3 years and for good willing even more for stability of our club,thereby we stand by the manager Jose mourinho and his staff to continue their work and make progress on the pitch to at least 2019 and we offer them our backup and support to work without pressure and unnecessary tensions created by the press as the manager will be here in the long-run and we request our fans to support the team and the manager because success we enjoyed over the twenty years was created merely by stability and we want to give the manager that this time because changes after changes do not answer transitional problems on the pitch and we will continue spending in transfer windows to reach our trademark goal of being back at the pinnacle of english and european football"
Ed woodward CEO&Glazers family jointly press statement,25.10.2016 2:30 PM BST,Manchester,England.
"The club can inform our globality fans around the world that the club has no intention of making any management changes for 3 years and for good willing even more for stability of our club,thereby we stand by the manager Jose mourinho and his staff to continue their work and make progress on the pitch to at least 2019 and we offer them our backup and support to work without pressure and unnecessary tensions created by the press as the manager will be here in the long-run and we request our fans to support the team and the manager because success we enjoyed over the twenty years was created merely by stability and we want to give the manager that this time because changes after changes do not answer transitional problems on the pitch and we will continue spending in transfer windows to reach our trademark goal of being back at the pinnacle of english and european football"
Ed woodward CEO&Glazers family jointly press statement,25.10.2016 2:30 PM BST,Manchester,England.
Jose Mourinho is takManchester United are currently level on points with first-placed Feyenoord on six points. But the Dutch side are top of Group A by virtue of the head-to-head stat following Feyenoord's 1-0 win over the Red Devils in September. Fenerbahce, who United overcame 4-1 at Old Trafford two weeks ago, remain third on four points, with Zorya Luhansk bottom of the group on just one point. THE 21 PLAYERS THAT TRAVELLED TO INTABUL ARE: De Gea Romero, Johnstone Blind, Jones Darmian Fosu-Mensah Rojo Shaw Fellaini Herrera Mkhitaryan Lingard Mata Pogba Schneiderlin Young Ibrahimovic Martial Rashford Rooney Predict Man United correct starting eleven tonight!ing 21 players with him to Istanbul for Manchester United's Europa League meeting with Fenerbahce tonight.
Manchester United are currently level on points with first-placed Feyenoord on six points. But the Dutch side are top of Group A by virtue of the head-to-head stat following Feyenoord's 1-0 win over the Red Devils in September. Fenerbahce, who United overcame 4-1 at Old Trafford two weeks ago, remain third on four points, with Zorya Luhansk bottom of the group on just one point.
THE 21 PLAYERS THAT TRAVELLED TO INTABUL ARE:
De Gea
Romero, Johnstone
Blind, Jones
Darmian
Fosu-Mensah
Rojo
Shaw
Fellaini
Herrera
Mkhitaryan
Lingard
Mata
Pogba
Schneiderlin
Young
Ibrahimovic
Martial
Rashford
Rooney
Predict Man United correct starting eleven tonight!
THE 21 PLAYERS THAT TRAVELLED TO INTABUL ARE:
De Gea
Romero, Johnstone
Blind, Jones
Darmian
Fosu-Mensah
Rojo
Shaw
Fellaini
Herrera
Mkhitaryan
Lingard
Mata
Pogba
Schneiderlin
Young
Ibrahimovic
Martial
Rashford
Rooney
Predict Man United correct starting eleven tonight!
Monday 31 October 2016
Sunday 23 October 2016
MOURINHO: I WON'T BE THE SPECIAL ONE IF I DON'T WIN TITLES AT MAN UTD
MOURINHO: I WON'T BE THE SPECIAL ONE IF I DON'T WIN TITLES AT MAN UTD,
The Portuguese coach has accepted that his famous moniker will not apply at Old Trafford if he does not bring back the success they enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson
Jose Mourinho has admitted there will be "nothing special" about him if he fails to bring silverware to Manchester United.
The Portuguese coach famously dubbed himself 'the Special One' upon arriving in the Premier League with Chelsea in 2004.
The Portuguese coach has accepted that his famous moniker will not apply at Old Trafford if he does not bring back the success they enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson
Jose Mourinho has admitted there will be "nothing special" about him if he fails to bring silverware to Manchester United.
The Portuguese coach famously dubbed himself 'the Special One' upon arriving in the Premier League with Chelsea in 2004.
Benatia reveals why Guardiola does not communicate with his players
Benatia reveals why Guardiola does not communicate with his players
Juventus defender Medhi Benatia has explained why he believes Pep Guardiola does not communicate well with his players. The defender claims the Catalan once told him that a poor relationship with a number of his former Barcelona stars has led him to focussing purely on being a coach.
The Morocco international joined Guardiola's Bayern Munich from Roma in 2014 and won two Bundesliga titles and the DFB-Pokal before moving to Juve on loan in August.
Benatia revealed Guardiola and Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri place similar tactical demands on their players, but he claims that the Manchester City manager is more distant with his squad as a result of some negative experiences during his resoundingly successful four-year spell in charge of Barcelona.
Juventus defender Medhi Benatia has explained why he believes Pep Guardiola does not communicate well with his players. The defender claims the Catalan once told him that a poor relationship with a number of his former Barcelona stars has led him to focussing purely on being a coach.
The Morocco international joined Guardiola's Bayern Munich from Roma in 2014 and won two Bundesliga titles and the DFB-Pokal before moving to Juve on loan in August.
Benatia revealed Guardiola and Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri place similar tactical demands on their players, but he claims that the Manchester City manager is more distant with his squad as a result of some negative experiences during his resoundingly successful four-year spell in charge of Barcelona.
Saturday 22 October 2016
Real Madrid star beats Serena Williams, Neymar, LeBron James and Dan Carter to title of world's most charitable sports star
Real Madrid star beats Serena Williams, Neymar, LeBron James and Dan Carter to title of world's most charitable sports star
Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the world's most charitable sports star, havingdonated millions of pounds of his fortune to worthy causes.
The 31-year-old Portuguese star was named by Dosomething.org as the most charitable sportsperson, topping the Athletes Gone Good list of 20 stars.
Athletes Gone Good: sport's most charitable stars
1 Cristiano Ronaldo
2 John Cena
3 Serena Wiliams
4 Yuna Kim
5 Neymar
6 Lebron James
7 Heather O'Reilly
8 Maria Sharapova
9 Mo'ne Davis
10 Richard Sherman
11 Charlie White and Meryl Davis
12 Dan Carter
13 Roman Reigns
14 Ronda Ronsey
15 Lindsey Vonn
16 Tom Daley
17 Bethany Hamilton
18 Saina Nehwal
19 Rabil
20 Shahid Afridi
Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the world's most charitable sports star, havingdonated millions of pounds of his fortune to worthy causes.
The 31-year-old Portuguese star was named by Dosomething.org as the most charitable sportsperson, topping the Athletes Gone Good list of 20 stars.
Athletes Gone Good: sport's most charitable stars
1 Cristiano Ronaldo
2 John Cena
3 Serena Wiliams
4 Yuna Kim
5 Neymar
6 Lebron James
7 Heather O'Reilly
8 Maria Sharapova
9 Mo'ne Davis
10 Richard Sherman
11 Charlie White and Meryl Davis
12 Dan Carter
13 Roman Reigns
14 Ronda Ronsey
15 Lindsey Vonn
16 Tom Daley
17 Bethany Hamilton
18 Saina Nehwal
19 Rabil
20 Shahid Afridi
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has reached 100 wins in European competition with the Gunners.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has reached 100 wins in European competition with the Gunners.
The milestone was reached with a 6-0 victory over Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League, thanks to a hat trick from Mesut Ozil and other goals from Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Frenchman has now been with the north Londoners for over 20 years, and has reached the incredible mark after qualifying for the Champions League in every one of his seasons with Arsenal.
Despite this brilliant achievement, the 66-year-old is yet to win a European competition.
This doesn't look like changing this season, with the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid as well as others all seen as more likely to win the competition.
However, there still aren?t many managers who can boast of so many victories in all of their careers, let alone in just continental competitions...
The milestone was reached with a 6-0 victory over Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League, thanks to a hat trick from Mesut Ozil and other goals from Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Frenchman has now been with the north Londoners for over 20 years, and has reached the incredible mark after qualifying for the Champions League in every one of his seasons with Arsenal.
Despite this brilliant achievement, the 66-year-old is yet to win a European competition.
This doesn't look like changing this season, with the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid as well as others all seen as more likely to win the competition.
However, there still aren?t many managers who can boast of so many victories in all of their careers, let alone in just continental competitions...
I'd love Modric at Man Utd!
I'd love Modric at Man Utd!
Ryan Giggs has revealed that he would love to see Luka Modric sign for Manchester United. The Welshman is a big fan of the Real Madrid midfielder although his dream to have the 31-year-old at Old Trafford looks impossible, with him only recently having inked a new deal.
The Real Madrid midfielder was strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford during his Tottenham days although eventually decided to make the move to the Bernabeu in 2012.
And United legend Giggs would still be delighted to see the 31-year-old sign for the Red Devils, telling UEFA: "Croatia have great players and my current favourite is Modric - I would love him to join Man Utd!"
Ryan Giggs has revealed that he would love to see Luka Modric sign for Manchester United. The Welshman is a big fan of the Real Madrid midfielder although his dream to have the 31-year-old at Old Trafford looks impossible, with him only recently having inked a new deal.
The Real Madrid midfielder was strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford during his Tottenham days although eventually decided to make the move to the Bernabeu in 2012.
And United legend Giggs would still be delighted to see the 31-year-old sign for the Red Devils, telling UEFA: "Croatia have great players and my current favourite is Modric - I would love him to join Man Utd!"
Messi returns for Argentina as Aguero keeps place
Messi returns for Argentina as Aguero keeps place
Under-fire Sergio Aguero has kept his place in the Argentina squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Colombia, with Lionel Messi also returning. The Manchester City striker has not been dropped despite his poor form at international level, while the captain is back in contention after an injury lay-off.
Aguero has not scored in five qualifiers and missed a penalty in their poor 1-0 home defeat by Paraguay on October 12, with the Manchester City striker subsequently admitting he was feeling the threat of being dropped.
However, Argentina boss Edgardo Bauza has retained faith in the former Atletico Madrid forward and he will be joined by a familiar face in Messi, who returns to the fold after missing the Paraguay loss and a 2-2 draw in Peru through injury.
Under-fire Sergio Aguero has kept his place in the Argentina squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Colombia, with Lionel Messi also returning. The Manchester City striker has not been dropped despite his poor form at international level, while the captain is back in contention after an injury lay-off.
Aguero has not scored in five qualifiers and missed a penalty in their poor 1-0 home defeat by Paraguay on October 12, with the Manchester City striker subsequently admitting he was feeling the threat of being dropped.
However, Argentina boss Edgardo Bauza has retained faith in the former Atletico Madrid forward and he will be joined by a familiar face in Messi, who returns to the fold after missing the Paraguay loss and a 2-2 draw in Peru through injury.
Mourinho: Abramovich and I were not friends at Chelsea
Mourinho: Abramovich and I were not friends at Chelsea
Jose Mourinho has the utmost respect for Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich but insists they were not friends during his two stints as manager at Stamford Bridge. The Manchester United boss says he was never close to the billionaire but insists he had plenty of respect for the Russian during his time with the Blues.
Mourinho takes his Manchester United side to London on Sunday, his first return to Stamford Bridge after being sacked by Abramovich in December 2015, just seven months after leading the club to the Premier League title.
It was the second time he had left Chelsea after a three-year spell came to an abrupt end in 2007 with reports suggesting it was the result of a falling-out with the club's billionaire owner.
He said: "No, but we always had that kind of relationship. He was the owner and I respected him like that. I was the coach and I was respected like that. We were never close friends."
Jose Mourinho has the utmost respect for Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich but insists they were not friends during his two stints as manager at Stamford Bridge. The Manchester United boss says he was never close to the billionaire but insists he had plenty of respect for the Russian during his time with the Blues.
Mourinho takes his Manchester United side to London on Sunday, his first return to Stamford Bridge after being sacked by Abramovich in December 2015, just seven months after leading the club to the Premier League title.
It was the second time he had left Chelsea after a three-year spell came to an abrupt end in 2007 with reports suggesting it was the result of a falling-out with the club's billionaire owner.
He said: "No, but we always had that kind of relationship. He was the owner and I respected him like that. I was the coach and I was respected like that. We were never close friends."
Thursday 20 October 2016
Drogba demanded he be left out of Montreal squad
Drogba demanded he be left out of Montreal squad
Didier Drogba demanded that he be left out of the Montreal Impact's 18-man squad for Sunday's derby game with Toronto FC after learning he would not start the match.
The Impact have claimed that Drogba?s exclusion was due to a minor back injury but a source has told that Drogba has had a falling out with coach Mauro Biello after learning that he planned to start Matteo Mancosu instead of the Ivory Coast international.
Earlier in the week, transfer rumours had linked Drogba with a potential loan move to Serie A during the MLS offseason.
Didier Drogba demanded that he be left out of the Montreal Impact's 18-man squad for Sunday's derby game with Toronto FC after learning he would not start the match.
The Impact have claimed that Drogba?s exclusion was due to a minor back injury but a source has told that Drogba has had a falling out with coach Mauro Biello after learning that he planned to start Matteo Mancosu instead of the Ivory Coast international.
Earlier in the week, transfer rumours had linked Drogba with a potential loan move to Serie A during the MLS offseason.
Ander Herrera set a Premier League record for this season at Anfield last night.
Ander Herrera set a Premier League record for this season at Anfield last night.
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera was in fantastic form against Liverpool on Monday night and set a new record for the current Premier League season.
The central midfielder, who was recently called up to the Spain squad, started the season out of Jose Mourinho's plans, but has become a vital cog in the middle of the park in recent weeks.
The 27-year-old 2014 signing from Athletic Bilbao has built up a strong partnership alongside Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba, which was evident on Monday night at Anfield.
Herrera covered every blade of grass and his ability to nip the ball where it mattered most was evident, after Herrera completed 11 interceptions ? more than any other player has managed in a single league game this season.
Herrera, who was chosen as Man of the Match against Jurgen Klopp?s side, was criticised at times last season under the stewardship of Louis van Gaal, but finally seems like the player Manchester United fans have waited for.Herrera covered every blade of grass and his ability to nip the ball where it mattered most was evident, after Herrera completed 11 interceptions ? more than any other player has managed in a single league game this season.
Herrera, who was chosen as Man of the Match against Jurgen Klopp?s side, was criticised at times last season under the stewardship of Louis van Gaal, but finally seems like the player Manchester United fans have waited for.
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera was in fantastic form against Liverpool on Monday night and set a new record for the current Premier League season.
The central midfielder, who was recently called up to the Spain squad, started the season out of Jose Mourinho's plans, but has become a vital cog in the middle of the park in recent weeks.
The 27-year-old 2014 signing from Athletic Bilbao has built up a strong partnership alongside Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba, which was evident on Monday night at Anfield.
Herrera covered every blade of grass and his ability to nip the ball where it mattered most was evident, after Herrera completed 11 interceptions ? more than any other player has managed in a single league game this season.
Herrera, who was chosen as Man of the Match against Jurgen Klopp?s side, was criticised at times last season under the stewardship of Louis van Gaal, but finally seems like the player Manchester United fans have waited for.Herrera covered every blade of grass and his ability to nip the ball where it mattered most was evident, after Herrera completed 11 interceptions ? more than any other player has managed in a single league game this season.
Herrera, who was chosen as Man of the Match against Jurgen Klopp?s side, was criticised at times last season under the stewardship of Louis van Gaal, but finally seems like the player Manchester United fans have waited for.
Top 4 Richest Ghanian footballers
4. Kwadwo Asamoah
Club : Juventus fc
Salary : $ 1.6 million
Age : 9Th December 1988 (27 years)
Kwadwo Asamoah is mostly regarded as the best footballer in Ghana due to his consistent effort and level of professionalism for both the national team and his club side, he plays for Italian giants Juventus.
He earns 1.6 million as his salary. Even though he has been faced with numerous injuries he was also crowned Serie A?s best left back in the 2013/14 season for a wonderful display.
3. Sulley Ali Muntari
Club : Ittihad FC
Salary : $ 1.7 Million
Age : 27Th August 1984 (31 years)
Suleyman Ali ?Sulley? Muntari is a Ghanaian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Saudi Arabian club Ittihad FC.
Sulley is also regarded as a businessman aside his football trade, he deals in selling of high and expensive luxurious cars where he only trade with billionaires around the world.
2. Michael Essien
Club : Panathinaikos
Salary : $ 6.1 Million
Age : 3Rd December 1982 ( 33 years )
It is no surprise to Ghanaians that Michael Essien is on the rich list in Ghana because he has earned much over the period with his previous clubs (Lyon, Chelsea fc,Real madrid, AC Milan) through to where he is now at Panathinaikos.
1. Asamoah Gyan
Club : Shanghai SIPG
Salary : $ 7.9 Million
Age : 22Nd November 1985 ( 30 years )
Black stars captain and Shanghai SIPG attacker is the richest footballer in Ghana at the moment, he earns $315,000 after tax from his club and also with other sponsorship deals and endorsements from huge firms around the world.
It was reported recently that black stars captain Asamoah Gyan has bought a private jet but it seems it turned out to be a rumour because we are still waiting for the final confirmation from the forward.
Sunday 16 October 2016
THERE IS NOTHING TO SPLIT MESSI AND RONALDO, SAYS MARADONA
THERE IS NOTHING TO SPLIT MESSI AND RONALDO, SAYS MARADONA
The Argentine legend feels that there is little to separate the stellar duo, and feels Neymar can soon bring himself to the same level
Football icon Diego Maradona says there is nothing to choose from between Real Madrid and Barcelona rivals Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The stellar pair's ongoing rivalry has dominated the footballing landscape this decade, perhaps taking the baton from Maradona's own dispute with Brazilian great Pele over which of them is the sport's greatest player.
Having emerged from the cursed shadow of a 'next Maradona' to establish his own legend, Messi has won eight Liga titles and four Champions Leagues in a glittering 12 years as a senior Barcelona player.
*How Schweinsteiger fell into Man Utd misery - and it's not all Mourinho's fault*
Ronaldo, a four-time league champion in England and Spain as well as three-time Champions League winner, seized a crucial advantage over Messi in the race to be this era's greatest this year as he captained Portugal to Euro 2016 glory.
Messi has lost all four of his major finals with Argentina and reversed a retirement after going down to Chile in this year's Copa America finale, but Maradona maintains the Barca star remains at Ronaldo's side.
"These two are superior to the rest.
Messi isn't better than Cristiano Ronaldo and vice versa," Maradona told Marca .
"Ronaldo always shows great passion and, honestly, it bores me to repeat that Messi doesn't have to win a World Cup to be a phenomenon. Enough of that!
"If you don't have personality, and don't sing the national anthem, then you should be left alone.
"The kid had every right to retire from the national side in the summer, and then he returns and still gets criticised!"
International success makes Ronaldo favourite for this year's Ballon d'Or, a fourth win would take him one behind Messi's record tally of five.
However, Maradona said of the award:
"For me, the Ballon d'Or is not accurate.
"For example in 2014 Manuel Neuer was a finalist with Messi and Ronaldo. The German should have won, he'd just lifted the World Cup!"
Chelsea's Willian confirms the death of his mother*
Messi's club-mate Neymar has emerged as a potential pretender to the Argentine and Ronaldo's throne and Maradona admitted he revels in watching the Brazilian play.
"Ronaldo and Messi are no longer in a two-horse race, there are three running to win," he said.
"I knew that Brazil wasn't going to stand by after Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Kaka, then Neymar emerged and entertains everyone.
"I love watching him play, you can kick him 200 times and he'll still run at the defence again and again."
The Argentine legend feels that there is little to separate the stellar duo, and feels Neymar can soon bring himself to the same level
Football icon Diego Maradona says there is nothing to choose from between Real Madrid and Barcelona rivals Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The stellar pair's ongoing rivalry has dominated the footballing landscape this decade, perhaps taking the baton from Maradona's own dispute with Brazilian great Pele over which of them is the sport's greatest player.
Having emerged from the cursed shadow of a 'next Maradona' to establish his own legend, Messi has won eight Liga titles and four Champions Leagues in a glittering 12 years as a senior Barcelona player.
*How Schweinsteiger fell into Man Utd misery - and it's not all Mourinho's fault*
Ronaldo, a four-time league champion in England and Spain as well as three-time Champions League winner, seized a crucial advantage over Messi in the race to be this era's greatest this year as he captained Portugal to Euro 2016 glory.
Messi has lost all four of his major finals with Argentina and reversed a retirement after going down to Chile in this year's Copa America finale, but Maradona maintains the Barca star remains at Ronaldo's side.
"These two are superior to the rest.
Messi isn't better than Cristiano Ronaldo and vice versa," Maradona told Marca .
"Ronaldo always shows great passion and, honestly, it bores me to repeat that Messi doesn't have to win a World Cup to be a phenomenon. Enough of that!
"If you don't have personality, and don't sing the national anthem, then you should be left alone.
"The kid had every right to retire from the national side in the summer, and then he returns and still gets criticised!"
International success makes Ronaldo favourite for this year's Ballon d'Or, a fourth win would take him one behind Messi's record tally of five.
However, Maradona said of the award:
"For me, the Ballon d'Or is not accurate.
"For example in 2014 Manuel Neuer was a finalist with Messi and Ronaldo. The German should have won, he'd just lifted the World Cup!"
Chelsea's Willian confirms the death of his mother*
Messi's club-mate Neymar has emerged as a potential pretender to the Argentine and Ronaldo's throne and Maradona admitted he revels in watching the Brazilian play.
"Ronaldo and Messi are no longer in a two-horse race, there are three running to win," he said.
"I knew that Brazil wasn't going to stand by after Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Kaka, then Neymar emerged and entertains everyone.
"I love watching him play, you can kick him 200 times and he'll still run at the defence again and again."
DIEGO FORLAN; NEYMAR's ROUGH TREATMENT IS A MARK OF RESPECT, IT HAPPENS TO ALL STRIKERS INCLUDING ME
DIEGO FORLAN; NEYMAR's ROUGH TREATMENT IS A MARK OF RESPECT, IT HAPPENS TO ALL STRIKERS INCLUDING ME
Diego Forlan writes a weekly column for The National, appearing each Friday. The former Manchester United, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid striker has been the top scorer in Europe twice and won the Golden Boot at the 2010 World Cup. Forlan's column is written with the assistance of European football correspondent Andy Mitten.
Neymar had a tough time playing in Brazil?s 5-0 win against Bolivia last week, picking up a yellow card for dissent which meant he missed Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Venezuela.
Bolivian defender Yasmani Duk also elbowed him and Neymar left the field with his face covered in blood. Duk said he was just trying to block him, but he was also critical of Neymar?s behaviour and accused him of not respecting opponents.
It is not the first time.
I understand why Athletic Bilbao players did not like him showboating when Barcelona were leading 3-0 in the Copa del Rey final.
Neymar was criticised by his manager Luis Enrique because he did not need to do it. His team had won, everyone knew that. Humiliation is not good for anyone.
Yet I would defend Neymar's right to do tricks. It is the style in which he plays football, whether his team are winning or losing, the way he has become one of the best players in the world. I think that talent ? and the entertainment it brings should be allowed to shine above any aggression.
Kids love Neymar's skills and as long as he stays within the rules, what is the problem
Neymar is much more than tricks and flicks, though. Many players are good at tricks without having the all-round game to complement them.
Neymar can stand out in the biggest games. He fits in and enhances one of the world?s best teams.
He knows the team are more important than the individual and works for them. He is not sulky and self-centred, but a player who continues to improve. He crosses, he assists.
He is not a forward like Ruud van Nistelrooy, someone who you get the ball to in front of goal knowing that he will fight for it and score with any part of his body, someone you can deliver a high ball to. But Neymar is intelligent, he is fast and he can get past a player ? that is the hardest thing to do.
He has also become stronger and Barca have done a good job on him. He is 10 kilograms heavier than when he arrived from Santos. Such changes to a body have to be handled delicately, but Barca have some of the best backroom staff in the world and they have done it well.
It is a mark of respect to the former Santos striker that so many defenders want to stop him and get frustrated by him. Pele, the most famous Santos player of all, had the same effect on players.
My father played against Pele and said he would get kicked a lot more than Neymar. Everyone wanted to stop Pele, the genius. Players got away with so much more than and my father regales me with stories of horror tackles, fights between players on the pitch and off them all across South America.
Yet Pele was strong, too. He had to defend himself. He had to kick back if needed. That was a part of his game which is not always mentioned.
Now, if you tackle from behind you will be sent off, but defenders will always try to unnerve any attacker.
I have had it throughout my career, the game within a game. I would not repeat some of the things that have been said to me, but sometimes it is best just to smile and laugh, or do the thing that will annoy them most: score. But when it first happens really badly it is not a pleasant experience.
At the age of 21, I played for Independiente in the Copa Mercosur away to Colo-Colo, the most successful Chilean club, in Santiago. The atmosphere was vicious towards us.
The big Chilean defender marking me abused me from the first minute calling me an Argentine this and an Argentine that.
Relations are not the best between Chile and Argentina, but maybe he did not realise that I was from Uruguay. It would have been like me criticising him for being a Mexican.
I kept explaining to him that I was from Uruguay, but maybe he just wanted to believe that I was Argentine to motivate himself. By the second half, I was really annoyed by his words and struck him.
There was blood, he went down. The referee did not see it, but we were both sent off. We lost 2-1. I said nothing more. What happened on the pitch stayed on there.
We played back in Buenos Aires against Colo-Colo. Our group was tight and we needed to win in our Avellaneda stadium, where the noise is so loud it burns the ears of opponents.
I was up against the same defender.
Nothing was said this time. I scored twice and we won 2-0. I celebrated with my shirt off. We qualified from our group and knocked Colo-Colo out. I moved to Manchester United a few months later.
Because I was young and because television was not wall-to-wall then and social media did not exist where people want to know everything about everything, I?m sure the defender knew very little about me.
That could be to my advantage, but knowledge levels about opponents are so much higher now.
You are briefed on the players you will be against, what they are like and what they do.
When I played against Neymar for Uruguay in the Confederations Cup semi-final in 2013, we knew everything about him. We played well in Brazil, it was 1-1 until the 86th minute. Space was tight and the defending excellent. We did not get many chances and nor did Neymar, until Paulinho got the winner, set up by Neymar.
I was cursing them at that moment. But deep down, I respected them, too.
Diego Forlan writes a weekly column for The National, appearing each Friday. The former Manchester United, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid striker has been the top scorer in Europe twice and won the Golden Boot at the 2010 World Cup. Forlan's column is written with the assistance of European football correspondent Andy Mitten.
Neymar had a tough time playing in Brazil?s 5-0 win against Bolivia last week, picking up a yellow card for dissent which meant he missed Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Venezuela.
Bolivian defender Yasmani Duk also elbowed him and Neymar left the field with his face covered in blood. Duk said he was just trying to block him, but he was also critical of Neymar?s behaviour and accused him of not respecting opponents.
It is not the first time.
I understand why Athletic Bilbao players did not like him showboating when Barcelona were leading 3-0 in the Copa del Rey final.
Neymar was criticised by his manager Luis Enrique because he did not need to do it. His team had won, everyone knew that. Humiliation is not good for anyone.
Yet I would defend Neymar's right to do tricks. It is the style in which he plays football, whether his team are winning or losing, the way he has become one of the best players in the world. I think that talent ? and the entertainment it brings should be allowed to shine above any aggression.
Kids love Neymar's skills and as long as he stays within the rules, what is the problem
Neymar is much more than tricks and flicks, though. Many players are good at tricks without having the all-round game to complement them.
Neymar can stand out in the biggest games. He fits in and enhances one of the world?s best teams.
He knows the team are more important than the individual and works for them. He is not sulky and self-centred, but a player who continues to improve. He crosses, he assists.
He is not a forward like Ruud van Nistelrooy, someone who you get the ball to in front of goal knowing that he will fight for it and score with any part of his body, someone you can deliver a high ball to. But Neymar is intelligent, he is fast and he can get past a player ? that is the hardest thing to do.
He has also become stronger and Barca have done a good job on him. He is 10 kilograms heavier than when he arrived from Santos. Such changes to a body have to be handled delicately, but Barca have some of the best backroom staff in the world and they have done it well.
It is a mark of respect to the former Santos striker that so many defenders want to stop him and get frustrated by him. Pele, the most famous Santos player of all, had the same effect on players.
My father played against Pele and said he would get kicked a lot more than Neymar. Everyone wanted to stop Pele, the genius. Players got away with so much more than and my father regales me with stories of horror tackles, fights between players on the pitch and off them all across South America.
Yet Pele was strong, too. He had to defend himself. He had to kick back if needed. That was a part of his game which is not always mentioned.
Now, if you tackle from behind you will be sent off, but defenders will always try to unnerve any attacker.
I have had it throughout my career, the game within a game. I would not repeat some of the things that have been said to me, but sometimes it is best just to smile and laugh, or do the thing that will annoy them most: score. But when it first happens really badly it is not a pleasant experience.
At the age of 21, I played for Independiente in the Copa Mercosur away to Colo-Colo, the most successful Chilean club, in Santiago. The atmosphere was vicious towards us.
The big Chilean defender marking me abused me from the first minute calling me an Argentine this and an Argentine that.
Relations are not the best between Chile and Argentina, but maybe he did not realise that I was from Uruguay. It would have been like me criticising him for being a Mexican.
I kept explaining to him that I was from Uruguay, but maybe he just wanted to believe that I was Argentine to motivate himself. By the second half, I was really annoyed by his words and struck him.
There was blood, he went down. The referee did not see it, but we were both sent off. We lost 2-1. I said nothing more. What happened on the pitch stayed on there.
We played back in Buenos Aires against Colo-Colo. Our group was tight and we needed to win in our Avellaneda stadium, where the noise is so loud it burns the ears of opponents.
I was up against the same defender.
Nothing was said this time. I scored twice and we won 2-0. I celebrated with my shirt off. We qualified from our group and knocked Colo-Colo out. I moved to Manchester United a few months later.
Because I was young and because television was not wall-to-wall then and social media did not exist where people want to know everything about everything, I?m sure the defender knew very little about me.
That could be to my advantage, but knowledge levels about opponents are so much higher now.
You are briefed on the players you will be against, what they are like and what they do.
When I played against Neymar for Uruguay in the Confederations Cup semi-final in 2013, we knew everything about him. We played well in Brazil, it was 1-1 until the 86th minute. Space was tight and the defending excellent. We did not get many chances and nor did Neymar, until Paulinho got the winner, set up by Neymar.
I was cursing them at that moment. But deep down, I respected them, too.
LEO MESSI AND CRISTIANO RONALDO MISS OUT ON RONALDINHO LIST OF FOOTBALL'S TWO ALL-TIME GREATS
LEO MESSI AND CRISTIANO RONALDO MISS OUT ON RONALDINHO LIST OF FOOTBALL'S TWO ALL-TIME GREATS
The debate of the greatest ever footballer will never end as there will always be somebody who would have a divided opinion about the issue. The latest celebrity to add his opinion to the matter is Brazilian legend, Ronaldinho.
The former Barcelona superstar believes that neither the Argentine living legend, Lionel Messi, nor the best Portuguese player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, come close to being the greatest ever.
Speaking to AS, the former Paris Saint-Germain man believes that Diego Armando Maradona and countryman, Pele, are the two best players of all time.
In the history of football I only look at Maradona and Pele,? the World Cup winning Brazilian told AS.
Both are world football greats.?
Given how Lionel Messi has evolved over the years, it feels like a bit of a surprise to not read Ronaldinho name his former team-mate among the greatest ever. However, when asked about who could win the Ballon d?Or for this year?s performances, the former Milan man opined that it would be a really tough choice, before naming his Barcelona prot�g� as the favourite.
All the players have done a brilliant job, it is tough to choose,? he said. ?Ok, I will be honest with you, I am backing Messi!?
Further speaking about the current Argentina captain, the nightlife-loving Brazilian said that he was incredibly delighted to see his friend happy. He is also pleased to see the Barcelona number 10 trace back from his decision to retire from the national team and decide to play for La Albicileste again.
I am delighted to see him happy, if he made the decision to come back to Argentina and he is happy so am I, because I am his friend.?
Not only Ronaldinho, but almost every Argentina fan could breathe a sigh of relief now with their champion back in the foray. Without the former Newell?s youth player, Argentina have a terrible record as they have won only one game in seven without the current Ballon d?Or holder.
Argentine won all their three games of the qualifier in which Lionel Messi has played. Without him, however, it is a pitiful story. With the recent 1-0 loss to Paraguay at home, Argentina sit on the 5th spot of the qualifying campaign.
And it seems as though only the five-time Ballon d?Or winner could save them from the blushes of embarrassment.
The debate of the greatest ever footballer will never end as there will always be somebody who would have a divided opinion about the issue. The latest celebrity to add his opinion to the matter is Brazilian legend, Ronaldinho.
The former Barcelona superstar believes that neither the Argentine living legend, Lionel Messi, nor the best Portuguese player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, come close to being the greatest ever.
Speaking to AS, the former Paris Saint-Germain man believes that Diego Armando Maradona and countryman, Pele, are the two best players of all time.
In the history of football I only look at Maradona and Pele,? the World Cup winning Brazilian told AS.
Both are world football greats.?
Given how Lionel Messi has evolved over the years, it feels like a bit of a surprise to not read Ronaldinho name his former team-mate among the greatest ever. However, when asked about who could win the Ballon d?Or for this year?s performances, the former Milan man opined that it would be a really tough choice, before naming his Barcelona prot�g� as the favourite.
All the players have done a brilliant job, it is tough to choose,? he said. ?Ok, I will be honest with you, I am backing Messi!?
Further speaking about the current Argentina captain, the nightlife-loving Brazilian said that he was incredibly delighted to see his friend happy. He is also pleased to see the Barcelona number 10 trace back from his decision to retire from the national team and decide to play for La Albicileste again.
I am delighted to see him happy, if he made the decision to come back to Argentina and he is happy so am I, because I am his friend.?
Not only Ronaldinho, but almost every Argentina fan could breathe a sigh of relief now with their champion back in the foray. Without the former Newell?s youth player, Argentina have a terrible record as they have won only one game in seven without the current Ballon d?Or holder.
Argentine won all their three games of the qualifier in which Lionel Messi has played. Without him, however, it is a pitiful story. With the recent 1-0 loss to Paraguay at home, Argentina sit on the 5th spot of the qualifying campaign.
And it seems as though only the five-time Ballon d?Or winner could save them from the blushes of embarrassment.
MARC TER STEGEN, MASCHERANO, AND LUIS SUAREZ RETURN TO BARCELONA TRAINING
MARC TER STEGEN, MASCHERANO, AND LUIS SUAREZ RETURN TO BARCELONA TRAINING
Barcelona, Oct 13 (IANS) Barcelona coach Luis Enrique led his football team during Thursday's training session that witnessed the return of German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Argentine defender Javier Mascherano and Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, following their return from their national duty.
The workouts took place in presence of all available players for the upcoming La Liga match against Deportivo La Coruna at the Camp Nou in round eight of the competition on Saturday, reports Efe.
Barcelona B players Marlon, Nili, Moises and Romera also took part in the training.
Barca is scheduled for another training session on Friday.
The Catalans stumbled in their last La Liga encounter before the international break, when they lost 3-4 against Celta Vigo, and thus, settled for the fourth place in the standing behind Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Sevilla, respectively.
Barcelona, Oct 13 (IANS) Barcelona coach Luis Enrique led his football team during Thursday's training session that witnessed the return of German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Argentine defender Javier Mascherano and Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, following their return from their national duty.
The workouts took place in presence of all available players for the upcoming La Liga match against Deportivo La Coruna at the Camp Nou in round eight of the competition on Saturday, reports Efe.
Barcelona B players Marlon, Nili, Moises and Romera also took part in the training.
Barca is scheduled for another training session on Friday.
The Catalans stumbled in their last La Liga encounter before the international break, when they lost 3-4 against Celta Vigo, and thus, settled for the fourth place in the standing behind Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Sevilla, respectively.
CAF African Player of the Year nominees revealed (ONLY 1 Ghana Footballer Involved)
CAF African Player of the Year nominees revealed (ONLY 1 Ghana Footballer Involved)
1. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City)
2. El Arabi Hillel Soudani (Algeria & Dinamo Zagreb)
3. Islam Slimani (Algeria & Leicester City)
4. Samuel Eto?o (Cameroon & Antalyaspor)
5. Benjamin Mounkandjo (Cameroon & Lorient)
6. Serge Aurier (Cote d?Ivoire & PSG)
7. Eric Bailly (Cote d?Ivoire & Manchester City)
8. Yao Kouasi Gervais ?Gervinho? (Cote d?Ivoire & Hebei Fortune)
9. Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Roma)
10. Mohamed El Neny (Egypt & Arsenal)
11. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Dortmund)
12. Andre Ayew (Ghana & West Ham)
13. Victor Wanyama (Kenya & Tottenham)
14. William Jebor (Liberia & Wydad Athletic Club)
15. Mehdi Benatia (Morocco & Juventus)
16. Hakim Ziyech (Morocco & Ajax)
17. John Mikel Obi (Nigeria & Chelsea)
18. Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria & Manchester United)
19. Ahmed Musa (Nigeria & Leicester City)
20. Cedric Bakambu (DR Congo & Villareal)
21. Yannick Bolasie (DR Congo & Everton)
22. Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool)
23. Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal & Napoli)
24. Keegan Dolly (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)
25. Itumeleng Khune (South Africa & Kaizer Chiefs)
26. Mbwana Samatta (Tanzania & Genk)
27. Aymen Abdennour Tunisia & Valencia)
28. Wahbi Khazri (Tunisia & Sunderland)
29. Dennis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)
30. Khama Billiat (Zimbabwe & Mamelodi Sundowns)
1. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City)
2. El Arabi Hillel Soudani (Algeria & Dinamo Zagreb)
3. Islam Slimani (Algeria & Leicester City)
4. Samuel Eto?o (Cameroon & Antalyaspor)
5. Benjamin Mounkandjo (Cameroon & Lorient)
6. Serge Aurier (Cote d?Ivoire & PSG)
7. Eric Bailly (Cote d?Ivoire & Manchester City)
8. Yao Kouasi Gervais ?Gervinho? (Cote d?Ivoire & Hebei Fortune)
9. Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Roma)
10. Mohamed El Neny (Egypt & Arsenal)
11. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Dortmund)
12. Andre Ayew (Ghana & West Ham)
13. Victor Wanyama (Kenya & Tottenham)
14. William Jebor (Liberia & Wydad Athletic Club)
15. Mehdi Benatia (Morocco & Juventus)
16. Hakim Ziyech (Morocco & Ajax)
17. John Mikel Obi (Nigeria & Chelsea)
18. Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria & Manchester United)
19. Ahmed Musa (Nigeria & Leicester City)
20. Cedric Bakambu (DR Congo & Villareal)
21. Yannick Bolasie (DR Congo & Everton)
22. Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool)
23. Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal & Napoli)
24. Keegan Dolly (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)
25. Itumeleng Khune (South Africa & Kaizer Chiefs)
26. Mbwana Samatta (Tanzania & Genk)
27. Aymen Abdennour Tunisia & Valencia)
28. Wahbi Khazri (Tunisia & Sunderland)
29. Dennis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)
30. Khama Billiat (Zimbabwe & Mamelodi Sundowns)
Former Manchester United centre-back Gary Pallister believes Wayne Rooney should start against Liverpool next Monday.
Former Manchester United centre-back Gary Pallister believes
Wayne Rooney should start against Liverpool next Monday.
The 30-year-old has been omitted from Jose Mourinho's starting XI for the last three games, bringing a long run of unjustified selection to an abrupt end.
Man United travel to Anfield three points behind Jurgen Klopp's side, and could move up to third with a win.
Speaking on Sky Sports earlier today, Pallister advocated Rooney's involvement in what promises to be a fiery encounter.
Unleash the beast, he said. No, genuinely. He actually said that.
If Jose feels Wayne is ready to come back in for the game, he will be desperate to prove people wrong.
He has handled it really, really well in the last few weeks and especially in his press conference alongside Gareth [Southgate].
I think that shows great maturity. I think if that had happened to Wayne when he was 23/24 it would have been a different scenario.
You would be a fool to write Wayne Rooney off. He is too talented for that.
Even if Rooney was producing the performances we saw in, say, 2008, I'd still have reservations over playing him on Monday.
This is because, for whatever reason, Rooney has never performed well at Anfield. Even in his irresistible pomp, alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, the Englishman would freeze, almost as if the hysteria surrounding the occasion crossed his wires.
It is a proverbial bogey-ground for the 30-year-old; very rarely does one specific arena inhibit a player's performance in such a dramatic way. I mean, it's not like Ronaldo would go to Ewood Park and suddenly suffer a complete collapse in form. That said, Ewood park was always a horrible bogey-ground for United as a whole.
Either way, with Rooney well and truly entering the nadir of his time at United, sending him into the unfavourable Anfield cauldron would only further dampen his already depleted confidence.
Wayne Rooney should start against Liverpool next Monday.
The 30-year-old has been omitted from Jose Mourinho's starting XI for the last three games, bringing a long run of unjustified selection to an abrupt end.
Man United travel to Anfield three points behind Jurgen Klopp's side, and could move up to third with a win.
Speaking on Sky Sports earlier today, Pallister advocated Rooney's involvement in what promises to be a fiery encounter.
Unleash the beast, he said. No, genuinely. He actually said that.
If Jose feels Wayne is ready to come back in for the game, he will be desperate to prove people wrong.
He has handled it really, really well in the last few weeks and especially in his press conference alongside Gareth [Southgate].
I think that shows great maturity. I think if that had happened to Wayne when he was 23/24 it would have been a different scenario.
You would be a fool to write Wayne Rooney off. He is too talented for that.
Even if Rooney was producing the performances we saw in, say, 2008, I'd still have reservations over playing him on Monday.
This is because, for whatever reason, Rooney has never performed well at Anfield. Even in his irresistible pomp, alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, the Englishman would freeze, almost as if the hysteria surrounding the occasion crossed his wires.
It is a proverbial bogey-ground for the 30-year-old; very rarely does one specific arena inhibit a player's performance in such a dramatic way. I mean, it's not like Ronaldo would go to Ewood Park and suddenly suffer a complete collapse in form. That said, Ewood park was always a horrible bogey-ground for United as a whole.
Either way, with Rooney well and truly entering the nadir of his time at United, sending him into the unfavourable Anfield cauldron would only further dampen his already depleted confidence.
Liverpool players before Clash with Manchester United
2014/2015 1st leg at Old Trafford...
GERRARD: we beat them last season at Old Trafford, so I'm fully sure we'll repeat it again. RESULT- MAN UNITED 3:0 LIVERPOOL.
2014/2015 2nd leg at Anfield.....
LALLANA: We lost woefully earlier at Old Trafford, but I'm sure this is a must win game for us to improve our Champions League hope.. RESULT- LIVERPOOL 1:2 MAN UNITED.
2015/2016 1st leg at anfield.
CLYNE: I haven't played against Man united in a Liverpool shirt, but we will accept nothing but winning because I want to beat my former teammates (Shaw/Scheiderlin). RESULT- MAN UNITED 3:1 LIVERPOOL.
2015/2016 2nd leg at Anfield.
K.Toure: We've lost 3 in a row against them, but we have a new manager and an improved team now, you can see our peformance against Man city (4:1) and Chelsea 3:1, so we're sure we will be the winning team after 90 mins. RESULT LIVERPOOL 0:1 MAN UNITED.
2016/2017 1st leg at Anfield.
MANE: I strongly believe in my team and our performance, so I'm sure we'll surely beat Man united. RESULT LIVERPOOL, MAN UNITED.
GERRARD: we beat them last season at Old Trafford, so I'm fully sure we'll repeat it again. RESULT- MAN UNITED 3:0 LIVERPOOL.
2014/2015 2nd leg at Anfield.....
LALLANA: We lost woefully earlier at Old Trafford, but I'm sure this is a must win game for us to improve our Champions League hope.. RESULT- LIVERPOOL 1:2 MAN UNITED.
2015/2016 1st leg at anfield.
CLYNE: I haven't played against Man united in a Liverpool shirt, but we will accept nothing but winning because I want to beat my former teammates (Shaw/Scheiderlin). RESULT- MAN UNITED 3:1 LIVERPOOL.
2015/2016 2nd leg at Anfield.
K.Toure: We've lost 3 in a row against them, but we have a new manager and an improved team now, you can see our peformance against Man city (4:1) and Chelsea 3:1, so we're sure we will be the winning team after 90 mins. RESULT LIVERPOOL 0:1 MAN UNITED.
2016/2017 1st leg at Anfield.
MANE: I strongly believe in my team and our performance, so I'm sure we'll surely beat Man united. RESULT LIVERPOOL, MAN UNITED.
Sunday Head-Lines Sport News
Leicester hand trial to 'next Vardy'
Leicester City have handed a trial to Harrow Borough striker Ibrahim Meite, who has scored 10 goals in 14 games in the Ryman League, in a bid to uncover the next Jamie Vardy.
Source: Daily Mail
Tottenham desperate to sign Isco
Tottenham are keen to strike a deal to sign Real Madrid midfielder Isco while he is out of favour at the Santiago Bernabeu and will launch a bid in January.
Source: Marca
Aubameyang ready to leave Dortmund
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to leave Borussia Dortmund next summer. Manchester City, Chelsea and PSG are interested in the striker but Real Madrid's interest may end due to their transfer ban.
Source: Daily Mirror
Juve want Cesc in Bonucci deal
Juventus are willing to allow centre-back Leonardo Bonucci to join Chelsea if they receive an offer of 50 million plus Cesc Fabregas in return.
Source: The Sun
Pogba key to Man Utd Griezmann deal
Manchester United hope that Paul Pogba could be the key to them landing Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.
Source: The Sun
Leicester City have handed a trial to Harrow Borough striker Ibrahim Meite, who has scored 10 goals in 14 games in the Ryman League, in a bid to uncover the next Jamie Vardy.
Source: Daily Mail
Tottenham desperate to sign Isco
Tottenham are keen to strike a deal to sign Real Madrid midfielder Isco while he is out of favour at the Santiago Bernabeu and will launch a bid in January.
Source: Marca
Aubameyang ready to leave Dortmund
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to leave Borussia Dortmund next summer. Manchester City, Chelsea and PSG are interested in the striker but Real Madrid's interest may end due to their transfer ban.
Source: Daily Mirror
Juve want Cesc in Bonucci deal
Juventus are willing to allow centre-back Leonardo Bonucci to join Chelsea if they receive an offer of 50 million plus Cesc Fabregas in return.
Source: The Sun
Pogba key to Man Utd Griezmann deal
Manchester United hope that Paul Pogba could be the key to them landing Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.
Source: The Sun
Saturday 15 October 2016
Jurgen Klopp says he is 'not allowed' to like Manchester United players.
Jurgen Klopp says he is 'not allowed' to like
Manchester United players.
But that hasn't stopped him from branding club captain Wayne Rooney 'world class'.
Klopp insists he knows the rules about praising United players when you are manager of Liverpool.
But he says Rooney, who scored the winner at Anfield last season, is among the best in the world despite his recent spell on the bench for both United and England.
He said: "I am manager of Liverpool FC so I know it is not allowed to like United players!
"Rooney is a goal scorer and a threat. A situation like this can happen in a long career. From my side, he's a world-class player."
Rooney scored against Liverpool last season.
Klopp has also revealed his admiration for Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic ahead of United's visit to Anfield on Monday night.
He added: "They are both world-class players, when they?re in your team they are not worst than last year, for sure.
"Unfortunately this is a really strong side from Manchester, they know about football, they?re experienced, cool in the right moments, they don?t need world-class performances to win a game.
"Even on rainy days, it?s possible to score and win but it doesn?t mean they will win the game. It just means they have a chance."
Manchester United players.
But that hasn't stopped him from branding club captain Wayne Rooney 'world class'.
Klopp insists he knows the rules about praising United players when you are manager of Liverpool.
But he says Rooney, who scored the winner at Anfield last season, is among the best in the world despite his recent spell on the bench for both United and England.
He said: "I am manager of Liverpool FC so I know it is not allowed to like United players!
"Rooney is a goal scorer and a threat. A situation like this can happen in a long career. From my side, he's a world-class player."
Rooney scored against Liverpool last season.
Klopp has also revealed his admiration for Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic ahead of United's visit to Anfield on Monday night.
He added: "They are both world-class players, when they?re in your team they are not worst than last year, for sure.
"Unfortunately this is a really strong side from Manchester, they know about football, they?re experienced, cool in the right moments, they don?t need world-class performances to win a game.
"Even on rainy days, it?s possible to score and win but it doesn?t mean they will win the game. It just means they have a chance."
MOURINHO DISCUSSES THE ART OF MOTIVATION
MOURINHO DISCUSSES THE ART OF MOTIVATION
Jose Mourinho has explained how he believes his players need to be self motivated as the manager strives to build his team at Manchester United.
Although the boss is renowned for being an excellent man manager, capable of extracting the absolute maximum out of his squad, he insists the drive to succeed must come from the individual.
As he seeks footballers with an introspective attitude, Mourinho is clear that his motivational methods can only work if a player is willing to reach his full potential.
"I think it's more about people's nature," Jose told UEFA at a recent coaching conference. "It's who you are and I always felt that it was my biggest motivation. I think when you need external sources of motivation, you are not so strong as you can be. External sources of motivation are exactly that external sources.
"The motivation can belong to yourself. It's a little bit like myself as a leader. When I have to motivate players, the one thing is I am an extra source of motivation to a player that is already motivated. But when I have to motivate people that are not motivated, then I am not the extra source of motivation. I am the source of motivation and that is not enough.
"It's about yourself. You cannot wait for other people to motivate you. You cannot wait for other people to criticise you. You have to be critical of yourself. You cannot be waiting for other people to praise you as maybe they will never do it. So you have to judge yourself. You have to analyse yourself and be introspective. You have to know when you are doing well or doing wrong and where you have to improve.
"I think it's much more about the individual and then the people that surround us are external, extra sources of motivation."
Jose Mourinho has explained how he believes his players need to be self motivated as the manager strives to build his team at Manchester United.
Although the boss is renowned for being an excellent man manager, capable of extracting the absolute maximum out of his squad, he insists the drive to succeed must come from the individual.
As he seeks footballers with an introspective attitude, Mourinho is clear that his motivational methods can only work if a player is willing to reach his full potential.
"I think it's more about people's nature," Jose told UEFA at a recent coaching conference. "It's who you are and I always felt that it was my biggest motivation. I think when you need external sources of motivation, you are not so strong as you can be. External sources of motivation are exactly that external sources.
"The motivation can belong to yourself. It's a little bit like myself as a leader. When I have to motivate players, the one thing is I am an extra source of motivation to a player that is already motivated. But when I have to motivate people that are not motivated, then I am not the extra source of motivation. I am the source of motivation and that is not enough.
"It's about yourself. You cannot wait for other people to motivate you. You cannot wait for other people to criticise you. You have to be critical of yourself. You cannot be waiting for other people to praise you as maybe they will never do it. So you have to judge yourself. You have to analyse yourself and be introspective. You have to know when you are doing well or doing wrong and where you have to improve.
"I think it's much more about the individual and then the people that surround us are external, extra sources of motivation."
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has urged the club's supporters to show respectful behavior ahead of their Premier League clash with rivals Liverpool on Monday. By virtue of being the biggest game in the history of football, tension is already building on both sides. This fixture has been marred by tension especially after the Munich and Hillsborough incidents, and Mourinho believes that both sides need to be calm and show good sportsmanship throughout the match.
The two clubs have also released a joint statement urging their fans to show respect for one another. Part of the statement also added that those fans who would be involved in discriminatory acts would be ejected from the stadium with a possible option of facing criminal charges. Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated derby, Mou told reporters: ''In football we have some football tragedies, if you can say that, which is a big match that you lost, the mistake that some player did, this kind of thing - you can make fun of it in a positive way.
But the human tragedy is something much more serious. It's the last thing somebody should use in a football pitch because they were really big tragedies, not to forget but to respect. I will be really sad in such a big football match if that was a negative point. WATCH: Liverpool vs Man Utd in words and numbers This will be the 197th meeting between the two sides since April 28, 1894 when Manchester United was still known as Newton Heath. Out of the 196 meetings, man united have won
79, drawn 52 and lost 65. Liverpool vs Manchester United TV
The two clubs have also released a joint statement urging their fans to show respect for one another. Part of the statement also added that those fans who would be involved in discriminatory acts would be ejected from the stadium with a possible option of facing criminal charges. Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated derby, Mou told reporters: ''In football we have some football tragedies, if you can say that, which is a big match that you lost, the mistake that some player did, this kind of thing - you can make fun of it in a positive way.
But the human tragedy is something much more serious. It's the last thing somebody should use in a football pitch because they were really big tragedies, not to forget but to respect. I will be really sad in such a big football match if that was a negative point. WATCH: Liverpool vs Man Utd in words and numbers This will be the 197th meeting between the two sides since April 28, 1894 when Manchester United was still known as Newton Heath. Out of the 196 meetings, man united have won
79, drawn 52 and lost 65. Liverpool vs Manchester United TV
Manchester United plan to introduce away ticket exchange next year
Manchester United plan to introduce away ticket exchange next year
Fans who cannot attend away games will be able to give tickets to season ticket holders a limited number of times
Fans who cannot attend away fixtures will be allowed to offer their spot to a season ticket holder of their choosing who also applied for that ballot, a limited number of times per season, if the club is informed in advance.
United are working towards the more relaxed rules next season and relented on their strict regulations in a meeting with M.U.S.T - the Manchester United Supporters? Trust this week.
Supporters will not face bans for transferring tickets to friends who meet criteria, should they inform the club.
United will now look at the intricacies of the plans, while MUST are looking at canvassing fan thoughts on other pertinent issues, particularly youth ticketing at Old Trafford. They will also talk about the specifics of the new away scheme.
Fans who cannot attend away games will be able to give tickets to season ticket holders a limited number of times
Fans who cannot attend away fixtures will be allowed to offer their spot to a season ticket holder of their choosing who also applied for that ballot, a limited number of times per season, if the club is informed in advance.
United are working towards the more relaxed rules next season and relented on their strict regulations in a meeting with M.U.S.T - the Manchester United Supporters? Trust this week.
Supporters will not face bans for transferring tickets to friends who meet criteria, should they inform the club.
United will now look at the intricacies of the plans, while MUST are looking at canvassing fan thoughts on other pertinent issues, particularly youth ticketing at Old Trafford. They will also talk about the specifics of the new away scheme.
Juan Mata says Manchester United against Liverpool is a game "like no othe
Juan Mata says Manchester United against Liverpool is a game "like no other"
"This has been a different week due to the international break, but it?s now over and we are already focused on the Premier League, where we have one of the biggest games of the year: our visit to Anfield Road," Mata wrote in his blog.
"As you know, this is a special game for the Manchester United fans and, in general, one of the greatest clashes of the season in European football."
Mata, who scored both goals in an impressive 2-1 win away to Liverpool last year, added: "I have been lucky to enjoy it in the past and I can assure you that this is a game like no other. This time, with both teams in a good moment, I hope we see a spectacular football match.
"We are really looking forward to show what we are capable of, to play well and be competitive. After our last draw, the team wants to play as soon as possible to get the three points, as we did the last two times we played in Anfield in the Premier League, and to confirm that we are on the right track. I really hope so."
"This has been a different week due to the international break, but it?s now over and we are already focused on the Premier League, where we have one of the biggest games of the year: our visit to Anfield Road," Mata wrote in his blog.
"As you know, this is a special game for the Manchester United fans and, in general, one of the greatest clashes of the season in European football."
Mata, who scored both goals in an impressive 2-1 win away to Liverpool last year, added: "I have been lucky to enjoy it in the past and I can assure you that this is a game like no other. This time, with both teams in a good moment, I hope we see a spectacular football match.
"We are really looking forward to show what we are capable of, to play well and be competitive. After our last draw, the team wants to play as soon as possible to get the three points, as we did the last two times we played in Anfield in the Premier League, and to confirm that we are on the right track. I really hope so."
Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Real Madrid (Jose and klopp Head-to-Head)
Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Real Madrid (Champions League Group D, October 2012)
The first time Klopp and Mourinho went head-to-head was in a Champions League group stage clash four years ago while in charge of Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid respectively.
The former took the spoils on this occasion after his side edged a thrilling encounter at the Westfalenstadion thanks to strikes either side of half-time from forward Robert Lewandowski and left-back Marcel Schmelzer, sandwiched in between Cristiano Ronaldo's customary Real goal.
After the game, Klopp gave an insight into his tactics against Mourinho sides when saying: "They had more of the ball? but that was not a bad thing for us."
Real Madrid 2-2 Borussia Dortmund (Champions League Group D, November 2012)
The two managers did not have long to wait before coming up against each other again as Madrid entertained Dortmund in their next Champions League Group D contest at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, the 'Special One' was still left waiting for his first win over Klopp after a 2-2 draw in the Spanish capital, with Los Blancos grateful to Mesut Ozil's last-minute free kick rescuing them a point.
Nonetheless, Mourinho was given notice of what to expect in any future meetings with Klopp-managed teams after a pulsating first half from the Bundesliga champions had seen them deservedly lead 2-1 at the break.
And while both went on to qualify from the group, it was Klopp who earned the bragging rights after his team topped the section ahead of Real.
Borussia Dortmund 4-1 Real Madrid (Champions League semi-final first leg, April 2013)
Five months later and the two super coaches were once again plotting each other's downfall, with a place in that season's Champions League final at Wembley Stadium at stake for the victor.
Back in front of Dortmund's Yellow Wall, though, the Portuguese's team were annihilated after a four-goal blitz from Lewandowski, and this despite the tie still being level with 40 minutes to go.
Mourinho was quick to make his feelings clear after the full-time whistle, saying: "My team is so naive that Lewandowski scores four goals and we don't foul him once."
Real Madrid 2-0 Borussia Dortmund (Champions League semi-final second leg, April 2013)
In the build-up to the return clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, a game that would ultimately decide Mourinho and Real's season, tensions were understandably high between the two men.
"I have said a little bit about Dortmund and that's enough," said Mourinho ahead of the match. "Since the day of the draw, Klopp talks every day."
The Dortmund boss was unperturbed, though, responding: "Mourinho says I speak too much? That's what one of my teachers used to tell me. I don't care, I don't think about this."
And when asked whether this was mind games, Klopp added: "I'm not intelligent enough to understand what it should be. But it's no problem, now I'll shut up, and everything is okay."
Despite Mourinho recording his first victory over the all-smiling German at his fourth attempt, courtesy of late goals from Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos, it was a bittersweet moment as Klopp's men still edged Real 4-3 on aggregate to progress to the final against Bayern Munich.
And by the end of that campaign, Madrid and Mourinho had also parted company?
Chelsea 1-3 Liverpool (Premier League, October 2015)
Klopp made it three wins from five encounters with Mourinho after getting the better of the-then Chelsea manager to register his first victory as Liverpool boss last October.
At the time, the champions were struggling near the foot of the table having lost five of their opening 10 league fixtures and Klopp increased the pressure on his rival by inflicting the Blues' sixth defeat of the campaign.
And yet it had all started so well for Mourinho, whose side took an early lead through Ramires, only to then collapse following Philippe Coutinho's brilliant strike in first-half injury time.
Further goals followed after the break from the Brazil playmaker and Christian Benteke, with Klopp even finding time to sympathise with his beaten opponent after the game.
"Things like this happen," he said. "I had a similar situation at Dortmund last year. The good thing was no one in the club was in doubt of my situation. I feel for him of course, but it's work."
The first time Klopp and Mourinho went head-to-head was in a Champions League group stage clash four years ago while in charge of Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid respectively.
The former took the spoils on this occasion after his side edged a thrilling encounter at the Westfalenstadion thanks to strikes either side of half-time from forward Robert Lewandowski and left-back Marcel Schmelzer, sandwiched in between Cristiano Ronaldo's customary Real goal.
After the game, Klopp gave an insight into his tactics against Mourinho sides when saying: "They had more of the ball? but that was not a bad thing for us."
Real Madrid 2-2 Borussia Dortmund (Champions League Group D, November 2012)
The two managers did not have long to wait before coming up against each other again as Madrid entertained Dortmund in their next Champions League Group D contest at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, the 'Special One' was still left waiting for his first win over Klopp after a 2-2 draw in the Spanish capital, with Los Blancos grateful to Mesut Ozil's last-minute free kick rescuing them a point.
Nonetheless, Mourinho was given notice of what to expect in any future meetings with Klopp-managed teams after a pulsating first half from the Bundesliga champions had seen them deservedly lead 2-1 at the break.
And while both went on to qualify from the group, it was Klopp who earned the bragging rights after his team topped the section ahead of Real.
Borussia Dortmund 4-1 Real Madrid (Champions League semi-final first leg, April 2013)
Five months later and the two super coaches were once again plotting each other's downfall, with a place in that season's Champions League final at Wembley Stadium at stake for the victor.
Back in front of Dortmund's Yellow Wall, though, the Portuguese's team were annihilated after a four-goal blitz from Lewandowski, and this despite the tie still being level with 40 minutes to go.
Mourinho was quick to make his feelings clear after the full-time whistle, saying: "My team is so naive that Lewandowski scores four goals and we don't foul him once."
Real Madrid 2-0 Borussia Dortmund (Champions League semi-final second leg, April 2013)
In the build-up to the return clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, a game that would ultimately decide Mourinho and Real's season, tensions were understandably high between the two men.
"I have said a little bit about Dortmund and that's enough," said Mourinho ahead of the match. "Since the day of the draw, Klopp talks every day."
The Dortmund boss was unperturbed, though, responding: "Mourinho says I speak too much? That's what one of my teachers used to tell me. I don't care, I don't think about this."
And when asked whether this was mind games, Klopp added: "I'm not intelligent enough to understand what it should be. But it's no problem, now I'll shut up, and everything is okay."
Despite Mourinho recording his first victory over the all-smiling German at his fourth attempt, courtesy of late goals from Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos, it was a bittersweet moment as Klopp's men still edged Real 4-3 on aggregate to progress to the final against Bayern Munich.
And by the end of that campaign, Madrid and Mourinho had also parted company?
Chelsea 1-3 Liverpool (Premier League, October 2015)
Klopp made it three wins from five encounters with Mourinho after getting the better of the-then Chelsea manager to register his first victory as Liverpool boss last October.
At the time, the champions were struggling near the foot of the table having lost five of their opening 10 league fixtures and Klopp increased the pressure on his rival by inflicting the Blues' sixth defeat of the campaign.
And yet it had all started so well for Mourinho, whose side took an early lead through Ramires, only to then collapse following Philippe Coutinho's brilliant strike in first-half injury time.
Further goals followed after the break from the Brazil playmaker and Christian Benteke, with Klopp even finding time to sympathise with his beaten opponent after the game.
"Things like this happen," he said. "I had a similar situation at Dortmund last year. The good thing was no one in the club was in doubt of my situation. I feel for him of course, but it's work."
Top Ten Most Supported Club In The World.
Top Ten Most Supported Club In The World.
1. Manchester United: Manchester United have the most fans around the world, with an astonishing 659 million Red Devils (nearly a tenth of the world's population). This fan-base put them 1st in the list of most popular football club.
2. Barcelona: Barcelona might have won everything in recent five years, but they are only the second most popular football club,with approximately 260 million. fans.
3. Real Madrid: Real Madrid are 3rd in list of most popular football clubs with an estimated 180 million fans.
4. Chelsea: Chelsea are another club to have a huge fan base at Asia which leads them to have 140 million supporters worldwide which puts them 4th in the list of most popular football clubs.
5. Arsenal : Arsenal have a strong fan base at Asia and Africa that has led them to have 115 million fans worldwide.
6. AC Milan : AC Milan are supported by 98 million fans around the world. AD: Sponsered Content from Google.
7. Liverpool : Despite of failing to seize Champions League spot in recent years, Liverpool are estimated to have 70 million global fans.
8. Bayern Munich: Bayern Munich are estimated to have 50 million fans which makes them 8th in the list of most popular football clubs.
9. Inter Milan: Inter Milan: Inter Milan are expected to have 24 million fans world-wide.
10. Juventus: Juventus are currently placed at 10th in the list with 21 million fans across the world
1. Manchester United: Manchester United have the most fans around the world, with an astonishing 659 million Red Devils (nearly a tenth of the world's population). This fan-base put them 1st in the list of most popular football club.
2. Barcelona: Barcelona might have won everything in recent five years, but they are only the second most popular football club,with approximately 260 million. fans.
3. Real Madrid: Real Madrid are 3rd in list of most popular football clubs with an estimated 180 million fans.
4. Chelsea: Chelsea are another club to have a huge fan base at Asia which leads them to have 140 million supporters worldwide which puts them 4th in the list of most popular football clubs.
5. Arsenal : Arsenal have a strong fan base at Asia and Africa that has led them to have 115 million fans worldwide.
6. AC Milan : AC Milan are supported by 98 million fans around the world. AD: Sponsered Content from Google.
7. Liverpool : Despite of failing to seize Champions League spot in recent years, Liverpool are estimated to have 70 million global fans.
8. Bayern Munich: Bayern Munich are estimated to have 50 million fans which makes them 8th in the list of most popular football clubs.
9. Inter Milan: Inter Milan: Inter Milan are expected to have 24 million fans world-wide.
10. Juventus: Juventus are currently placed at 10th in the list with 21 million fans across the world
Tuesday 11 October 2016
TER STEGEN APOLOGISES FOR ERRORS AFTER BARCELONA DEFEAT,
TER STEGEN APOLOGISES FOR ERRORS AFTER BARCELONA DEFEAT,
The 24-year-old gifted a fourth goal away as his side slipped to a surprise defeat and admits the result could have been much different if he had not made that mistake
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has apologised to his Barcelona team-mates after the goalkeeper's mistakes helped Celta Vigo record a dramatic 4-3 victory at Balaidos, preventing Luis Enrique's men from going top of La Liga.
The 24-year-old gifted a fourth goal away as his side slipped to a surprise defeat and admits the result could have been much different if he had not made that mistake
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has apologised to his Barcelona team-mates after the goalkeeper's mistakes helped Celta Vigo record a dramatic 4-3 victory at Balaidos, preventing Luis Enrique's men from going top of La Liga.
LUIS ENRIQUE DEFENDS CALAMITOUS TER STEGEN AFTER BARCELONA DEFEAT,
LUIS ENRIQUE DEFENDS CALAMITOUS TER STEGEN AFTER BARCELONA DEFEAT,
The coach has refused to blame the German for Sunday's result and says the whole squad must take responsibility for the loss which saw them miss the chance to move top
Luis Enrique has sought to take responsibility for Barcelona's 4-3 loss at Celta Vigo on Sunday following an error-strewn display from goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Individual mistakes cost Barcelona
The German's individual mistakes had a major influence on the outcome as the champions suffered their second defeat in seven La Liga matches so far this season.
But former Celta coach Luis Enrique attempted to shift the blame away from the 24-year-old shot-stopper following a result that left Barca fourth, two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid going into the international break.
"The defeat is for everyone," he told
Barca TV . "First for me, myself, I am the one responsible for the team. Now we have to pick ourselves up.
The coach has refused to blame the German for Sunday's result and says the whole squad must take responsibility for the loss which saw them miss the chance to move top
Luis Enrique has sought to take responsibility for Barcelona's 4-3 loss at Celta Vigo on Sunday following an error-strewn display from goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Individual mistakes cost Barcelona
The German's individual mistakes had a major influence on the outcome as the champions suffered their second defeat in seven La Liga matches so far this season.
But former Celta coach Luis Enrique attempted to shift the blame away from the 24-year-old shot-stopper following a result that left Barca fourth, two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid going into the international break.
"The defeat is for everyone," he told
Barca TV . "First for me, myself, I am the one responsible for the team. Now we have to pick ourselves up.
Friday 7 October 2016
The 10 most profitable stadiums in Europe (based on matchday revenue in 2014-15 season
The 10 most profitable stadiums in Europe (based on matchday revenue in 2014-15 season, according to Deloitte study)
1. Emirates Stadium (Arsenal): 132 million euros
2. Santiago Bernabeu (Real Madrid): 129.8
3. Camp Nou (Barcelona): 116.9
4. Old Trafford (Manchester United): 114
5. Stamford Bridge (Chelsea): 93.1
6. Allianz Arena (Bayern Munich): 89.8
7. Parc des Princes (Paris Saint-Germain): 78
8. Anfield (Liverpool): 75
9. Etihad Stadium (Manchester City): 57
10. Signal Iduna Park (Borussia Dortmund): 54.2
1. Emirates Stadium (Arsenal): 132 million euros
2. Santiago Bernabeu (Real Madrid): 129.8
3. Camp Nou (Barcelona): 116.9
4. Old Trafford (Manchester United): 114
5. Stamford Bridge (Chelsea): 93.1
6. Allianz Arena (Bayern Munich): 89.8
7. Parc des Princes (Paris Saint-Germain): 78
8. Anfield (Liverpool): 75
9. Etihad Stadium (Manchester City): 57
10. Signal Iduna Park (Borussia Dortmund): 54.2
Some hidden facts about Manchester United.
some are on this platform may be by accident but let me tell you this best place to be united family...... are you aware united is the only club whose player survived plan crash the same player won the first world cup for England won first champion league for manutd until another united player took it from him he hold the records of the player with highest goals for England are you also aware united is the only club that has produced a world best player you just lost his father and the club stood firmly by him just a year after the incident he became the first footballer from English to win world best and your aware that united is the club highest level of investment around the world are are what make realmarid top united consistently in richness is as result of British rules that individual club does not have right to absolute TV right in which Spanish enjoyed are you aware that backbone rovers won premiere league bcs one our legend a French origin kick a fan of another club and he was ban for 8months and coming out the ban to score heartrick in his first match.......the list is endless today manutd own the most decorated British and with highest premiership appearance...... I'm proudly united
TOP 5 CLUBS WITH MOST FANS IN THE WORLD
5. Arsenal 125 Million Fans
They are known all over the World for their
never ending noise about their great club.
From Africa to Asia and America they stand
and shout they will win Champions League
this season but this have not worked for the
gunners in Europe so far. Their numbers
continue to swell year in year out especially
in Asia and Africa. They stand at 5th World
wide.
4.Chelsea 145 Million Fans
The Premier League Champions fan base is
the fastest growing in the top 50 clubs in
Europe. The London side joined the big
boys in 2004 after the acquisition by
Russian billionaire Roman Abromavich.
Chelsea won Champions League tittle in
2012 beating Bayern Munich at their own
stadium. Their African fan base has also
seen a lot of growth in the last few years.
They are 4th globally.
3. Real Madrid 195 Million
Fans
Despite the fact that the Los Blancos is the
most successful club in the World, they still
lag behind when it comes to their fan base
all over the World. They are third world
wide.
2. Barcelona 290 Million Fans
European Champions in 2015, 2011 and
2009 but they still are not the most famous
football club all over the World. They boast
of one of the strongest teams in the World
at the moment with stars like Neymar, Luis
Suarez and four time world player of the
year Lionel Messi. They however are not
the most liked team globally standing at the
2nd place.
1. Manchester United 670
Million Fans!
Manchester United has been ranked yet
again in 2015 as the most popular team
globally going by their fan base. From
United States,Africa,Asia,South America
and even Europe, the Red Devils remain the
undisputed kings of the World.
They have not won a single trophy in two
years since the departure of long serving
manager Sir Alex Ferguson. This has not
however affected their growth both
financially and also in terms of supporters.
It remains the biggest club world wide in
terms of fan base.
They are known all over the World for their
never ending noise about their great club.
From Africa to Asia and America they stand
and shout they will win Champions League
this season but this have not worked for the
gunners in Europe so far. Their numbers
continue to swell year in year out especially
in Asia and Africa. They stand at 5th World
wide.
4.Chelsea 145 Million Fans
The Premier League Champions fan base is
the fastest growing in the top 50 clubs in
Europe. The London side joined the big
boys in 2004 after the acquisition by
Russian billionaire Roman Abromavich.
Chelsea won Champions League tittle in
2012 beating Bayern Munich at their own
stadium. Their African fan base has also
seen a lot of growth in the last few years.
They are 4th globally.
3. Real Madrid 195 Million
Fans
Despite the fact that the Los Blancos is the
most successful club in the World, they still
lag behind when it comes to their fan base
all over the World. They are third world
wide.
2. Barcelona 290 Million Fans
European Champions in 2015, 2011 and
2009 but they still are not the most famous
football club all over the World. They boast
of one of the strongest teams in the World
at the moment with stars like Neymar, Luis
Suarez and four time world player of the
year Lionel Messi. They however are not
the most liked team globally standing at the
2nd place.
1. Manchester United 670
Million Fans!
Manchester United has been ranked yet
again in 2015 as the most popular team
globally going by their fan base. From
United States,Africa,Asia,South America
and even Europe, the Red Devils remain the
undisputed kings of the World.
They have not won a single trophy in two
years since the departure of long serving
manager Sir Alex Ferguson. This has not
however affected their growth both
financially and also in terms of supporters.
It remains the biggest club world wide in
terms of fan base.
Sunday 2 October 2016
SUN. OCT 2, 2016. PAPER TALK
SUN. OCT 2, 2016. PAPER TALK
Manchester United have launched a raid on rivals City for four of their key UK-based scouting team.
Hugo Lloris and Toby Alderweireld are set to join the long list of players to commit their futures to Tottenham.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has urged the club to hand a new deal to key man Fernandinho.
Pablo Zabaleta insists he always knew former team-mate Mauricio Pochettino would become a great manager.
Francesco Guidolin is on the brink at Swansea and is set for showdown talks with the club's owners on Sunday after the defeat to Liverpool
Bruno Martins Indi says Jose Mourinho has benefited from Louis van Gaal's decision to field Manchester United's youngsters
Gareth Southgate is mulling over a shock England call-up for Burnley defender Michael Keane.
Everton are weighing up a bid for Sevilla's former Blackburn midfielder Steven N'Zonzi.
England are exploring the possibility of Celtic hitman Moussa Dembele's eligibility.
Jesse Lingard is set to be named in Gareth Southgate's first England squad.
Quinton Fortune says the 13-year-old Marcus Rashford played like Ronaldinho.
Right-back Matteo Darmian will leave Manchester United in the January transfer window.
Arsene Wenger was sounded out by Manchester United about the prospect of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson.
Chelsea and Borussia Monchengladbach are contesting Thorgan Hazard's contract. The winger left Stamford Bridge last year, with the Blues claiming the deal included a buy-back option.
Juventus have joined the race to sign Liverpool target Alexander Isak from AIK.
Manchester United are lining up a January swoop for Monaco defensive midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Bastian Schweinsteiger has been offered a way out of his Manchester United nightmare by FC Dallas.
Manchester United have launched a raid on rivals City for four of their key UK-based scouting team.
Hugo Lloris and Toby Alderweireld are set to join the long list of players to commit their futures to Tottenham.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has urged the club to hand a new deal to key man Fernandinho.
Pablo Zabaleta insists he always knew former team-mate Mauricio Pochettino would become a great manager.
Francesco Guidolin is on the brink at Swansea and is set for showdown talks with the club's owners on Sunday after the defeat to Liverpool
Bruno Martins Indi says Jose Mourinho has benefited from Louis van Gaal's decision to field Manchester United's youngsters
Gareth Southgate is mulling over a shock England call-up for Burnley defender Michael Keane.
Everton are weighing up a bid for Sevilla's former Blackburn midfielder Steven N'Zonzi.
England are exploring the possibility of Celtic hitman Moussa Dembele's eligibility.
Jesse Lingard is set to be named in Gareth Southgate's first England squad.
Quinton Fortune says the 13-year-old Marcus Rashford played like Ronaldinho.
Right-back Matteo Darmian will leave Manchester United in the January transfer window.
Arsene Wenger was sounded out by Manchester United about the prospect of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson.
Chelsea and Borussia Monchengladbach are contesting Thorgan Hazard's contract. The winger left Stamford Bridge last year, with the Blues claiming the deal included a buy-back option.
Juventus have joined the race to sign Liverpool target Alexander Isak from AIK.
Manchester United are lining up a January swoop for Monaco defensive midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Bastian Schweinsteiger has been offered a way out of his Manchester United nightmare by FC Dallas.
For those who think that it is unheard of for Ghana's FA President to be both a member of CAF
For those who think that it is unheard of for Ghana's FA President to be both a member of CAF Executive Committee as well as a member of the FIFA Council and should therefore step down as FA head, please take a quick look at the designations of the following 19 members of the FIFA Council:
1. ANGEL MARIA VILLAR LIONA
*1st Vice President of UEFA
* Spanish FA President
2. DAVID CHUNG
*President of Oceania Football Confederation
*President of Papua New Guinea Football Association
3. SHEIKH SALMAN
*President Asian Football Confederation
*Member Bahrain Football Association
4. DAVID GILL
*Member UEFA executive committee
*Vice Chairman, English FA
*Member, Manchester United board
5. ALEJANDRO DOMINGUEZ
*President of CONMEBOL
*Vice President of FIFa
6. VICTOR MONTAGLIANI
* President of CONCACAF
*President of Canada Soccer Association
7. ALEKSANDER CEFERIN
*President of UEFA
*President of Slovenia Football Association
8. SENES ERZIK
* Vice President of UEFA
* Honorary President of Turkish Football Association
9. HANY ABO RIDA
*)President of Egypt Football Association
*Member CAF executive committee
10. VITALY MUTKO
* Minister of Sports, Russia
* President of Russia Football Union
11. SUNIL GULATI
*President of US Soccer Federation
*Vice President of FIFA
* Senior lecturer in economics, Columbia University
12. CONSTANT OMARI
*CAF executive committee member
*President DR Congo Football Association
13. PRINCE ABDULLAH
*President Malaysia FA
14. SHEIKH AHMAD AL-FAHAD
*President of Olympic Council of Asia
*President of Kuwait Football Association
*Member International Olympic Committee
15. KOZO TASHIMA
*Member of Asia Football Confederation Executive Committee
*President of Japan Football Association
16. SONIA BIEN-AIME
*Member of CONCACAF Executive Council
*President Turks and Caicos Island Footbal Association
17. PEDRO CHALUJA
*Member CONCACAF executive council
*President of Panama Football Association
18. LUIS HERNANDEZ
*Member of CONCACAF Council
*President Cuba Football Association
19. WILMAR VALDEZ
*President of CONMEBOL
*President of Uruguay Football Association
1. ANGEL MARIA VILLAR LIONA
*1st Vice President of UEFA
* Spanish FA President
2. DAVID CHUNG
*President of Oceania Football Confederation
*President of Papua New Guinea Football Association
3. SHEIKH SALMAN
*President Asian Football Confederation
*Member Bahrain Football Association
4. DAVID GILL
*Member UEFA executive committee
*Vice Chairman, English FA
*Member, Manchester United board
5. ALEJANDRO DOMINGUEZ
*President of CONMEBOL
*Vice President of FIFa
6. VICTOR MONTAGLIANI
* President of CONCACAF
*President of Canada Soccer Association
7. ALEKSANDER CEFERIN
*President of UEFA
*President of Slovenia Football Association
8. SENES ERZIK
* Vice President of UEFA
* Honorary President of Turkish Football Association
9. HANY ABO RIDA
*)President of Egypt Football Association
*Member CAF executive committee
10. VITALY MUTKO
* Minister of Sports, Russia
* President of Russia Football Union
11. SUNIL GULATI
*President of US Soccer Federation
*Vice President of FIFA
* Senior lecturer in economics, Columbia University
12. CONSTANT OMARI
*CAF executive committee member
*President DR Congo Football Association
13. PRINCE ABDULLAH
*President Malaysia FA
14. SHEIKH AHMAD AL-FAHAD
*President of Olympic Council of Asia
*President of Kuwait Football Association
*Member International Olympic Committee
15. KOZO TASHIMA
*Member of Asia Football Confederation Executive Committee
*President of Japan Football Association
16. SONIA BIEN-AIME
*Member of CONCACAF Executive Council
*President Turks and Caicos Island Footbal Association
17. PEDRO CHALUJA
*Member CONCACAF executive council
*President of Panama Football Association
18. LUIS HERNANDEZ
*Member of CONCACAF Council
*President Cuba Football Association
19. WILMAR VALDEZ
*President of CONMEBOL
*President of Uruguay Football Association
I'm not dead; and not sick Abedi Pele
I'm not dead; and not sick Abedi Pele
Ghanaian football legend, Abedi Pele, has denied reports on some online new portals that he has died after a short illness faraway in France. The report, on some unknown news websites, started making the rounds on some social media platforms on Friday evening. But the three-time winner of the African Footballer award, who captained the Black Stars for years, told Rahman Osman of Citi Sports, that he is very much alive and well.
According to him, he has been at his home at East Legon, and that he is not treating any ailment as suggested. He said the report is just a hoax, and so he would not comment further on it. Abedi Pele was one of the first great African players to make an impact on European club football.
Although he has retired from football, his name lives on, as his children, Andre Dede Ayew and Jordan Ayew, feature prominently at Westham and Aston Villa respectively, in the English Premier League. They are also both players of Ghana?s senior national team, the Black Stars.
About Abedi Pele Abedi Pele played for teams in Switzerland, Germany, Italy and most famously France, where he was very instrumental in Marseille's prominence in the European Champions League during the early 1990s.
He is arguably Africa's most decorated and honoured football player ever, winning the France Football Magazine African Player of the Year Award three times, was the inaugural winner of the BBC African Sports Star of the Year in 1992, and the corresponding Confederation of African Football award twice.
He was also awarded the golden ball award for being the best player at the 1992 African Cup of Nations, and was the ?man of the match? in Marseille?s historic European Champions League final win over Milan in 1993.
Abedi Pele played for Ghana 73 times and is considered the greatest football player in his country's history, and among the best in Africa. Until 7 June 2013 when he was surpassed by Asamoah Gyan, he was the top goal scorer for Ghana's Black Stars with 33 goals.
He was a fixture in the African Championships of the 1980s and 90s with his national team, and a member of Ghana?s victorious team in the 1982 African Cup of Nations, but he never had an opportunity to play in the FIFA World Cup, as the Black Stars failed to qualify for the competition during his career.
Ghanaian football legend, Abedi Pele, has denied reports on some online new portals that he has died after a short illness faraway in France. The report, on some unknown news websites, started making the rounds on some social media platforms on Friday evening. But the three-time winner of the African Footballer award, who captained the Black Stars for years, told Rahman Osman of Citi Sports, that he is very much alive and well.
According to him, he has been at his home at East Legon, and that he is not treating any ailment as suggested. He said the report is just a hoax, and so he would not comment further on it. Abedi Pele was one of the first great African players to make an impact on European club football.
Although he has retired from football, his name lives on, as his children, Andre Dede Ayew and Jordan Ayew, feature prominently at Westham and Aston Villa respectively, in the English Premier League. They are also both players of Ghana?s senior national team, the Black Stars.
About Abedi Pele Abedi Pele played for teams in Switzerland, Germany, Italy and most famously France, where he was very instrumental in Marseille's prominence in the European Champions League during the early 1990s.
He is arguably Africa's most decorated and honoured football player ever, winning the France Football Magazine African Player of the Year Award three times, was the inaugural winner of the BBC African Sports Star of the Year in 1992, and the corresponding Confederation of African Football award twice.
He was also awarded the golden ball award for being the best player at the 1992 African Cup of Nations, and was the ?man of the match? in Marseille?s historic European Champions League final win over Milan in 1993.
Abedi Pele played for Ghana 73 times and is considered the greatest football player in his country's history, and among the best in Africa. Until 7 June 2013 when he was surpassed by Asamoah Gyan, he was the top goal scorer for Ghana's Black Stars with 33 goals.
He was a fixture in the African Championships of the 1980s and 90s with his national team, and a member of Ghana?s victorious team in the 1982 African Cup of Nations, but he never had an opportunity to play in the FIFA World Cup, as the Black Stars failed to qualify for the competition during his career.
Friday 30 September 2016
Fenerbahce striker Robin van Persie has told Feyenoord TV
Fenerbahce striker Robin van Persie has told Feyenoord TV
that Manchester United's opening Europa League defeat has
created "a bit of a stir" and that it is "amazing" to be in the
same group as them.
Van Persie saw his side drawn in Group A against two of his
former clubs -- United and Feyenoord -- and was intrigued to
see the Premier League club lose 1-0 to the Dutch team on
the opening day.
The Netherlands striker, 33, is excited about the prospect of
facing United -- and has not ruled out a comeback to play in
England later in his career.
"We followed the draw when we were in the coach, on the way
to an away match," Van Persie said. "We first heard that we
were drawn with Manchester United, which was already
amazing for me. Feyenoord coming out as the third team was
absolutely brilliant.
"I keep up with the results of clubs I have played for.
Feyenoord is in first place and everyone is positive. Them even
beating Manchester United does create a bit of a stir."
Discussing the future, Van Persie -- who is contracted to
Fenerbahce until 2018 -- added: "We've moved around in
recent years and that suits me very well. Over the years, I have
seen that you cannot really plan your career. You have to take
it as it comes. There are all kinds of things in your path and
you accept it or not.
"That's how I will approach the last few years. I'm open to
everything. I've been away from the Netherlands for 13 years
and that suits me fine. Whether it's in England, Turkey or
wherever.
"The kids are involved. They are even more English than Dutch
because they grew up there. There comes a time when they
also get a bigger say in where they'd like to live and be."
On Thursday, Fenerbahce face Feyenoord at the Sukru
Saracoglu Stadium and United take on Zorya Luhansk at Old
Trafford.
The Turkish side snatched a 1-1 away against Zorya Luhansk
in their opening game thanks to Simon Kjaer's injury-time
equaliser.
that Manchester United's opening Europa League defeat has
created "a bit of a stir" and that it is "amazing" to be in the
same group as them.
Van Persie saw his side drawn in Group A against two of his
former clubs -- United and Feyenoord -- and was intrigued to
see the Premier League club lose 1-0 to the Dutch team on
the opening day.
The Netherlands striker, 33, is excited about the prospect of
facing United -- and has not ruled out a comeback to play in
England later in his career.
"We followed the draw when we were in the coach, on the way
to an away match," Van Persie said. "We first heard that we
were drawn with Manchester United, which was already
amazing for me. Feyenoord coming out as the third team was
absolutely brilliant.
"I keep up with the results of clubs I have played for.
Feyenoord is in first place and everyone is positive. Them even
beating Manchester United does create a bit of a stir."
Discussing the future, Van Persie -- who is contracted to
Fenerbahce until 2018 -- added: "We've moved around in
recent years and that suits me very well. Over the years, I have
seen that you cannot really plan your career. You have to take
it as it comes. There are all kinds of things in your path and
you accept it or not.
"That's how I will approach the last few years. I'm open to
everything. I've been away from the Netherlands for 13 years
and that suits me fine. Whether it's in England, Turkey or
wherever.
"The kids are involved. They are even more English than Dutch
because they grew up there. There comes a time when they
also get a bigger say in where they'd like to live and be."
On Thursday, Fenerbahce face Feyenoord at the Sukru
Saracoglu Stadium and United take on Zorya Luhansk at Old
Trafford.
The Turkish side snatched a 1-1 away against Zorya Luhansk
in their opening game thanks to Simon Kjaer's injury-time
equaliser.
LOFTUS-CHEEK: I LOOKED UP TO LAMPARD AT CHELSEA
LOFTUS-CHEEK: I LOOKED UP TO LAMPARD AT CHELSEA
The talented midfielder looked to one of the greatest ever to wear the Blues? shirt for guidance and inspiration as he made his way through the ranks at Stamford Bridge
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has revealed he looked up to Frank Lampard while coming through the ranks at Chelsea.
Despite playing in midfield, Lampard is the all-time leading goalscorer in the Blues? history, having struck 211 times in all competitions.
And as a central midfielder with an eye for goal himself, Loftus-Cheek has admitted that he looked to the West Ham academy product for guidance and inspiration.
?Growing up in the youth team, the player I looked up to most was Frank Lampard,? he said.
The talented midfielder looked to one of the greatest ever to wear the Blues? shirt for guidance and inspiration as he made his way through the ranks at Stamford Bridge
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has revealed he looked up to Frank Lampard while coming through the ranks at Chelsea.
Despite playing in midfield, Lampard is the all-time leading goalscorer in the Blues? history, having struck 211 times in all competitions.
And as a central midfielder with an eye for goal himself, Loftus-Cheek has admitted that he looked to the West Ham academy product for guidance and inspiration.
?Growing up in the youth team, the player I looked up to most was Frank Lampard,? he said.
MAN UTD FIXTURE LIST A 'POISONED GIFT' - MOURINHO,
MAN UTD FIXTURE LIST A 'POISONED GIFT' - MOURINHO,
The former Chelsea manager has hit out at the scheduling of his side's fixtures, giving particular attention to the grudge match with Liverpool on October 17, a Monday
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has described his team's hectic fixture list as a "poisoned gift".
Mourinho's men are set for a busy run after the international break, with five matches in 13 days.
And the former Chelsea boss, whose team beat Zorya 1-0 in the Europa League on Thursday, has hit out at the schedule, singling out his side's clash with Liverpool on Monday October 17 for particular scrutiny.
"Well, we could play Liverpool on the Saturday, we could play Liverpool on the Sunday, but we play Liverpool on the Monday [October 17]," Mourinho said.
The former Chelsea manager has hit out at the scheduling of his side's fixtures, giving particular attention to the grudge match with Liverpool on October 17, a Monday
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has described his team's hectic fixture list as a "poisoned gift".
Mourinho's men are set for a busy run after the international break, with five matches in 13 days.
And the former Chelsea boss, whose team beat Zorya 1-0 in the Europa League on Thursday, has hit out at the schedule, singling out his side's clash with Liverpool on Monday October 17 for particular scrutiny.
"Well, we could play Liverpool on the Saturday, we could play Liverpool on the Sunday, but we play Liverpool on the Monday [October 17]," Mourinho said.
LUKAKU: I AM NOT ON SUAREZ'S LEVEL YET,
LUKAKU: I AM NOT ON SUAREZ'S LEVEL YET,
The Everton and Belgium striker has acknowledged that he still has a long way to go before he is mentioned alongside the likes of the Barcelona star and Sergio Aguero
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has acknowledged he still needs to improve if he is to reach the same level as Barcelona ace Luis Suarez and other top strikers.
Man Utd fixture list is a 'poisoned' gift - Mourinho
Lukaku netted 18 goals in 37 Premier League appearances last term, but the Toffees endured an inconsistent campaign and finished 11th in the table, costing Roberto Martinez his job at Goodison Park.
And the Belgium international says his ability to have a greater impact on his club's fortunes stands between him and reaching the highest level.
The Everton and Belgium striker has acknowledged that he still has a long way to go before he is mentioned alongside the likes of the Barcelona star and Sergio Aguero
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has acknowledged he still needs to improve if he is to reach the same level as Barcelona ace Luis Suarez and other top strikers.
Man Utd fixture list is a 'poisoned' gift - Mourinho
Lukaku netted 18 goals in 37 Premier League appearances last term, but the Toffees endured an inconsistent campaign and finished 11th in the table, costing Roberto Martinez his job at Goodison Park.
And the Belgium international says his ability to have a greater impact on his club's fortunes stands between him and reaching the highest level.
The match officials who have been appointed for the Premier League Matchweek 7 fixtures are below.
The match officials who have been appointed for the Premier League Matchweek 7 fixtures are below.
FRIDAY 30 September,
7pm Everton vs Crystal Palace
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Assistants: S Bennett, R West
Fourth official: K Friend
SATURDAY 1 October
11.30am Swansea City vs Liverpool
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistants: G Beswick, A Nunn
Fourth official: P Tierney
2pm Hull City vs Chelsea
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistants: J Collin, I Hussin
Fourth official: M Jones
2pm Sunderland vs West Bromwich Albion
Referee: Stuart Attwell
Assistants: S Burt, D Bryan
Fourth official: M Atkinson
2pm Watford vs AFC Bournemouth
Referee: Mike Dean
Assistants: S Long, D Cook
Fourth official: G Scott
2pm West Ham United vs Middlesbrough
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Assistants: D Cann, M Wilkes
Fourth official: A Marriner
SUNDAY 2 October
11am Manchester United v Stoke City
Referee: Bobby Madley
Assistants: M Perry, E Smart
Fourth official: M Jones
1:15pm Leicester City v Southampton
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Assistants: S Child, P Kirkup
Fourth official: R East
1:15pm Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City
Referee: Andre Marriner
Assistants: S Beck, A Garratt
Fourth official: J Moss
3:30pm Burnley vs Arsenal
Referee: Craig Pawson
Assistants: A Holmes, S Ledger
Fourth official: L Mason
FRIDAY 30 September,
7pm Everton vs Crystal Palace
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Assistants: S Bennett, R West
Fourth official: K Friend
SATURDAY 1 October
11.30am Swansea City vs Liverpool
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistants: G Beswick, A Nunn
Fourth official: P Tierney
2pm Hull City vs Chelsea
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistants: J Collin, I Hussin
Fourth official: M Jones
2pm Sunderland vs West Bromwich Albion
Referee: Stuart Attwell
Assistants: S Burt, D Bryan
Fourth official: M Atkinson
2pm Watford vs AFC Bournemouth
Referee: Mike Dean
Assistants: S Long, D Cook
Fourth official: G Scott
2pm West Ham United vs Middlesbrough
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Assistants: D Cann, M Wilkes
Fourth official: A Marriner
SUNDAY 2 October
11am Manchester United v Stoke City
Referee: Bobby Madley
Assistants: M Perry, E Smart
Fourth official: M Jones
1:15pm Leicester City v Southampton
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Assistants: S Child, P Kirkup
Fourth official: R East
1:15pm Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City
Referee: Andre Marriner
Assistants: S Beck, A Garratt
Fourth official: J Moss
3:30pm Burnley vs Arsenal
Referee: Craig Pawson
Assistants: A Holmes, S Ledger
Fourth official: L Mason
Thursday 29 September 2016
FRANCE SQUAD IN FULL:
FRANCE SQUAD IN FULL:
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (PSG), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Crystal Palace)
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Barcelona), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Layvin Kurzawa (PSG), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Jeremy Mathieu (Barcelona), Bacary Sagna (Manchester City), Djibril Sidibe (Monaco), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Midfielders : Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace), N'Golo Kante (Chelsea), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Dimitri Payet (West Ham), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Moussa Sissoko (Tottenham), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Nabil Fekir (Lyon)
Forwards : Kevin Gameiro (Atletico Madrid), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Tigres), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Anthony Martial (Manchester United).
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (PSG), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Crystal Palace)
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Barcelona), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Layvin Kurzawa (PSG), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Jeremy Mathieu (Barcelona), Bacary Sagna (Manchester City), Djibril Sidibe (Monaco), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Midfielders : Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace), N'Golo Kante (Chelsea), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Dimitri Payet (West Ham), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Moussa Sissoko (Tottenham), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Nabil Fekir (Lyon)
Forwards : Kevin Gameiro (Atletico Madrid), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Tigres), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Anthony Martial (Manchester United).
Barcelona and Real Madrid suspend European Super League talks
Barcelona and Real Madrid suspend European Super League talks
Barcelona and Real Madrid have assured La Liga officials that they will temporarily suspend any involvement with a breakaway European Super League and remain committed to participating in Spain's domestic division for the foreseeable future.
La Liga clubs met in private in Manchester over the past two days to discuss details of how they can forge a more united approach both domestically and internationally as part of their drive to catch up with the growing financial strength of the Premier League.
Adolfo Bara, La Liga's director general of marketing on future plans and global strategy, said, "For the time being, Barcelona and Real Madrid have given us an amnesty as far as the European Super League is concerned."
Barcelona and Real Madrid have assured La Liga officials that they will temporarily suspend any involvement with a breakaway European Super League and remain committed to participating in Spain's domestic division for the foreseeable future.
La Liga clubs met in private in Manchester over the past two days to discuss details of how they can forge a more united approach both domestically and internationally as part of their drive to catch up with the growing financial strength of the Premier League.
Adolfo Bara, La Liga's director general of marketing on future plans and global strategy, said, "For the time being, Barcelona and Real Madrid have given us an amnesty as far as the European Super League is concerned."
Metro TV CEO Promises Fat Qualification Bonuses For Great Olympics
Metro TV CEO Promises Fat Qualification Bonuses For Great Olympics
AFTER securing promotion from zone Three of the Division One League [DOL] to play in the nation?s top flight league next season, the playing body of Accra Great Olympics have promised an undisclosed special qualification bonus by Mr. Talal Fattal, CEO of Metro TV, and other members of the club?s Board of Directors.
The Accra-based traditional club gained promotion from the Division One League following a vital 2-1 wins over Mighty Jets in their penultimate league fixture at the MATS Park at Teshie ahead of the last game against Istanbul on Sunday.
An inside source revealed that, The players of the club will be given special money by the management team so the players can be motivated to perform better in the premiership next season.
It has been a difficult campaign for them which involved many difficult fixtures but they were able to sail through and we believe with this bonus they would be very pleased and can even play better next season , ?? he added .
ALSO READ: Ghana Striker Majeed Waris Donates Sports & Learning Items To School in Northern Region
According to him, the incentives would be given to the players after their final Division One League fixture against Istanbul at the Fire Service Park at Teshie.
Meanwhile, the Head Coach of the club Godwin Attram, has told the Graphic Sports that Olympics had returned to stay in the premiership for long and were ready to contend with every opposition.
We have been away for just two season and since we are back we will not struggle in the bottom three again.
we are here to show Ghanaians how Olympics have evolved in the past 10 months and compete with any club at the top. He said.
Source: Graphic Sports
AFTER securing promotion from zone Three of the Division One League [DOL] to play in the nation?s top flight league next season, the playing body of Accra Great Olympics have promised an undisclosed special qualification bonus by Mr. Talal Fattal, CEO of Metro TV, and other members of the club?s Board of Directors.
The Accra-based traditional club gained promotion from the Division One League following a vital 2-1 wins over Mighty Jets in their penultimate league fixture at the MATS Park at Teshie ahead of the last game against Istanbul on Sunday.
An inside source revealed that, The players of the club will be given special money by the management team so the players can be motivated to perform better in the premiership next season.
It has been a difficult campaign for them which involved many difficult fixtures but they were able to sail through and we believe with this bonus they would be very pleased and can even play better next season , ?? he added .
ALSO READ: Ghana Striker Majeed Waris Donates Sports & Learning Items To School in Northern Region
According to him, the incentives would be given to the players after their final Division One League fixture against Istanbul at the Fire Service Park at Teshie.
Meanwhile, the Head Coach of the club Godwin Attram, has told the Graphic Sports that Olympics had returned to stay in the premiership for long and were ready to contend with every opposition.
We have been away for just two season and since we are back we will not struggle in the bottom three again.
we are here to show Ghanaians how Olympics have evolved in the past 10 months and compete with any club at the top. He said.
Source: Graphic Sports
Bechem United Are Flying Their Players To Turkey To Sell
Bechem United Are Flying Their Players To Turkey To Sell
Ghana MTN FA Cup champions Bechem United will travel to Turkey for their pre-season training, but club say main aim of the trip is to finding market for their players in the European country.
The management of the Brong Ahafo-based side have said they are cash-strapped going into the CAF Confederations Cup next season and without any source of financial assistance, they have resorted to flying their players to Europe, specifically Turkey to do business.
Publish Relations Officer of the club Kwaku Danso told Atinka FM, the club plans to go to Europe to sell most of its players to finance their Africa campaign.
We will travel to Burkina Faso to play some friendly matches and also try shape up our squad for the confederations cup, Danso said
We will also travel to Turkey to play some matches but the Turkey trip will purely be business?,
ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi Terminates Contract With Kotoko
You know we have no other source of funding for the club aside our owner pumping in his money so if the opportunity comes, we will take some of our key players there with the aim to sell to clubs in Turkey and make some money, He added
Ghana MTN FA Cup champions Bechem United will travel to Turkey for their pre-season training, but club say main aim of the trip is to finding market for their players in the European country.
The management of the Brong Ahafo-based side have said they are cash-strapped going into the CAF Confederations Cup next season and without any source of financial assistance, they have resorted to flying their players to Europe, specifically Turkey to do business.
Publish Relations Officer of the club Kwaku Danso told Atinka FM, the club plans to go to Europe to sell most of its players to finance their Africa campaign.
We will travel to Burkina Faso to play some friendly matches and also try shape up our squad for the confederations cup, Danso said
We will also travel to Turkey to play some matches but the Turkey trip will purely be business?,
ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi Terminates Contract With Kotoko
You know we have no other source of funding for the club aside our owner pumping in his money so if the opportunity comes, we will take some of our key players there with the aim to sell to clubs in Turkey and make some money, He added
Current Ghanaian Players Are Bunch of Lazy Guys- Malik Jabir
Current Ghanaian Players Are Bunch of Lazy Guys- Malik Jabir
Ex Ghana international Malik Jabir has described the new generation of Ghanaian players as a pack of lazy guys who are physically not fit.
Jabir represented the Black Stars of Ghana between 1966 and 1977 and only missed out on a place in the 1978 Afcon squad after personally opting out.
In an interview with Kumasi-based Ultimate FM, Jabir explained that the difference between his generation of players and the current crop, the latter?s dedication to training and hardwork, resulting in their overall fitness, whiles the latter are just not serious about training.
The main difference lies in training. We used to do double sessions of 2 hours each, everyday. And if you missed one day, you were kicked out of the team.
Unfortunately, they have not seen the way we did things and don?t have any role models. The senior ones among them are lazy, and what you end up with is a pack of lazy guys,? he told host Benjamin Yamoah.
ALSO READ: Ghanaian Prophet Blames a Juventus Player For Kwadwo Asamoah's Injuries
Jabir, who has previously coached the national U-23 team the Black Meteors and is currently the technical director of Asante Kotoko, also bemoaned the lack of strength in the modern day Ghanaian footballer.
They are physically not fit and I think because they don?t eat the right food, they are not strong. A lot,? Jabir concluded.
Malik played for Asante Kotoko between 1964 and 1977, winning the Africa Cup of Champions (now CAF Champions league) in 1970 and as a manager in 1983.
Ex Ghana international Malik Jabir has described the new generation of Ghanaian players as a pack of lazy guys who are physically not fit.
Jabir represented the Black Stars of Ghana between 1966 and 1977 and only missed out on a place in the 1978 Afcon squad after personally opting out.
In an interview with Kumasi-based Ultimate FM, Jabir explained that the difference between his generation of players and the current crop, the latter?s dedication to training and hardwork, resulting in their overall fitness, whiles the latter are just not serious about training.
The main difference lies in training. We used to do double sessions of 2 hours each, everyday. And if you missed one day, you were kicked out of the team.
Unfortunately, they have not seen the way we did things and don?t have any role models. The senior ones among them are lazy, and what you end up with is a pack of lazy guys,? he told host Benjamin Yamoah.
ALSO READ: Ghanaian Prophet Blames a Juventus Player For Kwadwo Asamoah's Injuries
Jabir, who has previously coached the national U-23 team the Black Meteors and is currently the technical director of Asante Kotoko, also bemoaned the lack of strength in the modern day Ghanaian footballer.
They are physically not fit and I think because they don?t eat the right food, they are not strong. A lot,? Jabir concluded.
Malik played for Asante Kotoko between 1964 and 1977, winning the Africa Cup of Champions (now CAF Champions league) in 1970 and as a manager in 1983.
Premier League Statistic so far....
[9/29, 11:29 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Most goals
1. Manchester City 18
2. Liverpool 16
3. Arsenal 15
4. Manchester United 12
5. Chelsea 10
6. Crystal Palace 10
7. Everton 10
8. Tottenham Hotspur 10
9. Watford 10
10. Leicester City 8
11. Hull City 7
12. Southampton 7
13. West Bromwich Albion 7
14. West Ham United 7
15. Middlesbrough 6
16. Burnley 5
17. Sunderland 5
18. Swansea City 5
19. Bournemouth 4
20. Stoke City 4
[9/29, 11:29 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Hits woodwork
1. Man City 4
2. Bournemouth 3
3. Everton 3
4. Tottenham Hotspur 3
5. Hull City 2
6. Liverpool 2
7. Middlesbrough 2
8. Southampton 2
9. Chelsea 1
10. Leicester City 1
11. Manchester United 1
12. Stoke City 1
13. Swansea City 1
14. Watford 1
15. West Bromwich Albion 1
16. West Ham United 1
17...... 0
18.......0
19..... ..0
20........0
[9/29, 11:30 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Goals from Header
1. Crystal Palace 5
2. West Ham United 5
3. Manchester United 4
4. Everton 3
5. Middlesbrough 3
6. West Bromwich Albion 3
7. Arsenal 2
8. Burnley 2
9. Leicester City 2
10. Manchester City 2
11. Tottenham Hotspur 2
12. Swansea City 1
The rest zero.
[9/29, 11:30 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Goals from counter attacks
1. Man City 3
2. Arsenal 1
3. Chelsea 1
4. Manchester United 1
5. Tottenham Hotspur 1
6. West Bromwich 1
[9/29, 11:30 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Goals from outside the box
1. Burnley 3
2. Liverpool 3
3. Chelsea 2
4. Crystal Palace 2
5. Manchester City 2
6. Stoke City 2
7. Arsenal 1
8. Bournemouth 1
9. Everton 1
10. Hull City 1
11. Leicester City 1
12. Manchester United 1
13. Middlesbrough 1
14. Southampton 1
15. Watford 1
[9/29, 11:30 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Goals from penalties
1. Liverpool 3
2. Manchester City 3
3. Arsenal 2
4. Chelsea 1
5. Hull City 1
6. Leicester City 1
7. Manchester United 1
8. Stoke City 1
9. Sunderland 1
10. Swansea City 1
11. Watford 1
12. West Bromwich Albion 1
13. West Ham United 1
[9/29, 11:30 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Most goals concedes.
1. West Ham United 16
2. Stoke City 15
3. Hull City 12
4. Sunderland 12
5. Leicester City 11
6. Watford 11
7. Swansea City 10
8. Bournemouth 9
9. Chelsea 9
10. Liverpool 9
11. Middlesbrough 9
12. Burnley 8
13. Arsenal 7
14. Crystal Palace 7
15. Manchester United 7
16. Southampton 6
17. West Bromwich Albion 6
18. Manchester City 5
19. Everton 4
20. Tottenham Hotspur 3
[9/29, 11:30 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Most red card
1. Hull City 2
2. Bournemouth 1
3. Manchester City 1
4. Sunderland 1
5. Watford 1
[9/29, 11:30 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Most backwards passes
1. Manchester City 562
2. Liverpool 528
3. Chelsea 491
4. Southampton 482
5. Arsenal 476
6. Middlesbrough 469
7. Hull City 460
8. Manchester United 456
9. Tottenham Hotspur 446
10. Everton 442
11. Crystal Palace 431
12. Bournemouth 384
13. Leicester City 354
14. Watford 338
15. West Ham United 336
16. Burnley 335
17. Swansea City 316
18. Stoke City 276
19. West Bromwich Albion 251
20. Sunderland 225
1. Manchester City 18
2. Liverpool 16
3. Arsenal 15
4. Manchester United 12
5. Chelsea 10
6. Crystal Palace 10
7. Everton 10
8. Tottenham Hotspur 10
9. Watford 10
10. Leicester City 8
11. Hull City 7
12. Southampton 7
13. West Bromwich Albion 7
14. West Ham United 7
15. Middlesbrough 6
16. Burnley 5
17. Sunderland 5
18. Swansea City 5
19. Bournemouth 4
20. Stoke City 4
[9/29, 11:29 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Hits woodwork
1. Man City 4
2. Bournemouth 3
3. Everton 3
4. Tottenham Hotspur 3
5. Hull City 2
6. Liverpool 2
7. Middlesbrough 2
8. Southampton 2
9. Chelsea 1
10. Leicester City 1
11. Manchester United 1
12. Stoke City 1
13. Swansea City 1
14. Watford 1
15. West Bromwich Albion 1
16. West Ham United 1
17...... 0
18.......0
19..... ..0
20........0
[9/29, 11:30 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Goals from Header
1. Crystal Palace 5
2. West Ham United 5
3. Manchester United 4
4. Everton 3
5. Middlesbrough 3
6. West Bromwich Albion 3
7. Arsenal 2
8. Burnley 2
9. Leicester City 2
10. Manchester City 2
11. Tottenham Hotspur 2
12. Swansea City 1
The rest zero.
[9/29, 11:30 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Goals from counter attacks
1. Man City 3
2. Arsenal 1
3. Chelsea 1
4. Manchester United 1
5. Tottenham Hotspur 1
6. West Bromwich 1
[9/29, 11:30 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Goals from outside the box
1. Burnley 3
2. Liverpool 3
3. Chelsea 2
4. Crystal Palace 2
5. Manchester City 2
6. Stoke City 2
7. Arsenal 1
8. Bournemouth 1
9. Everton 1
10. Hull City 1
11. Leicester City 1
12. Manchester United 1
13. Middlesbrough 1
14. Southampton 1
15. Watford 1
[9/29, 11:30 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Goals from penalties
1. Liverpool 3
2. Manchester City 3
3. Arsenal 2
4. Chelsea 1
5. Hull City 1
6. Leicester City 1
7. Manchester United 1
8. Stoke City 1
9. Sunderland 1
10. Swansea City 1
11. Watford 1
12. West Bromwich Albion 1
13. West Ham United 1
[9/29, 11:30 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Most goals concedes.
1. West Ham United 16
2. Stoke City 15
3. Hull City 12
4. Sunderland 12
5. Leicester City 11
6. Watford 11
7. Swansea City 10
8. Bournemouth 9
9. Chelsea 9
10. Liverpool 9
11. Middlesbrough 9
12. Burnley 8
13. Arsenal 7
14. Crystal Palace 7
15. Manchester United 7
16. Southampton 6
17. West Bromwich Albion 6
18. Manchester City 5
19. Everton 4
20. Tottenham Hotspur 3
[9/29, 11:30 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Most red card
1. Hull City 2
2. Bournemouth 1
3. Manchester City 1
4. Sunderland 1
5. Watford 1
[9/29, 11:30 AM] ?+265 884 08 48 34?: Most backwards passes
1. Manchester City 562
2. Liverpool 528
3. Chelsea 491
4. Southampton 482
5. Arsenal 476
6. Middlesbrough 469
7. Hull City 460
8. Manchester United 456
9. Tottenham Hotspur 446
10. Everton 442
11. Crystal Palace 431
12. Bournemouth 384
13. Leicester City 354
14. Watford 338
15. West Ham United 336
16. Burnley 335
17. Swansea City 316
18. Stoke City 276
19. West Bromwich Albion 251
20. Sunderland 225
Most losses.
Most losses.
1. Sunderland 5
2. West Ham United 5
3. Stoke City 4
4. Swansea City 4
5. Bournemouth 3
6. Burnley 3
7. Hull City 3
8. Leicester City 3
9. Middlesbrough 3
10. Watford 3
11. Chelsea 2
12. Crystal Palace 2
13. Manchester United 2
14. Southampton 2
15. West Bromwich Albion 2
16. Arsenal 1
17. Everton 1
18. Liverpool 1
19. spurs 0
20. man city 0
1. Sunderland 5
2. West Ham United 5
3. Stoke City 4
4. Swansea City 4
5. Bournemouth 3
6. Burnley 3
7. Hull City 3
8. Leicester City 3
9. Middlesbrough 3
10. Watford 3
11. Chelsea 2
12. Crystal Palace 2
13. Manchester United 2
14. Southampton 2
15. West Bromwich Albion 2
16. Arsenal 1
17. Everton 1
18. Liverpool 1
19. spurs 0
20. man city 0
Most yellow cards
Most yellow cards
1. Watford 20
2. Chelsea 17
3. Stoke City 16
4. West Ham United 16
5. West Bromwich Albion 15
6. Crystal Palace 13
7. Manchester City 13
8. Liverpool 12
9. Manchester United 12
10. Middlesbrough 11
11. Southampton 11
12. Sunderland 11
13. Arsenal 10
14. Swansea City 10
15. Tottenham Hotspur 10
16. Burnley 9
17. Leicester City 9
18. Everton 8
19. AFC Bournemouth 6
20. Hull City 6
1. Watford 20
2. Chelsea 17
3. Stoke City 16
4. West Ham United 16
5. West Bromwich Albion 15
6. Crystal Palace 13
7. Manchester City 13
8. Liverpool 12
9. Manchester United 12
10. Middlesbrough 11
11. Southampton 11
12. Sunderland 11
13. Arsenal 10
14. Swansea City 10
15. Tottenham Hotspur 10
16. Burnley 9
17. Leicester City 9
18. Everton 8
19. AFC Bournemouth 6
20. Hull City 6
Best goal ratios of Premier League players
Best goal ratios of Premier League players
28/9/2016
Sergio Aguero boasts the most prolific mins-per-goal ratio in PL history, but which other players to have scored at least ten goals also make the top 10?
#1: Sergio AgueroMatches: 154
Goals: 107
Mins per goal: 106.0
#2: Thierry HenryMatches: 258
Goals: 175
Mins per goal: 121.8
#3: Adam Le FondreMatches: 34
Goals: 12
Mins per goal: 124.3
#4: Ruud van NistelrooyMatches: 150
Goals: 95
Mins per goal: 128.2
#5: Javier HernandezMatches: 103
Goals: 37
Mins per goal: 130.2
#6: Diego CostaMatches: 60
Goals: 37
Mins per goal: 134.9
#7: Harry KaneMatches: 91
Goals: 51
Mins per goal: 137.4
#8: Luis SuarezMatches: 110
Goals: 69
Mins per goal: 138.8
#9: Robin van PersieMatches: 280
Goals: 144
Mins per goal: 139.7
#10: Hernan CrespoMatches: 49
Goals: 20
Mins per goal: 140.7
28/9/2016
Sergio Aguero boasts the most prolific mins-per-goal ratio in PL history, but which other players to have scored at least ten goals also make the top 10?
#1: Sergio AgueroMatches: 154
Goals: 107
Mins per goal: 106.0
#2: Thierry HenryMatches: 258
Goals: 175
Mins per goal: 121.8
#3: Adam Le FondreMatches: 34
Goals: 12
Mins per goal: 124.3
#4: Ruud van NistelrooyMatches: 150
Goals: 95
Mins per goal: 128.2
#5: Javier HernandezMatches: 103
Goals: 37
Mins per goal: 130.2
#6: Diego CostaMatches: 60
Goals: 37
Mins per goal: 134.9
#7: Harry KaneMatches: 91
Goals: 51
Mins per goal: 137.4
#8: Luis SuarezMatches: 110
Goals: 69
Mins per goal: 138.8
#9: Robin van PersieMatches: 280
Goals: 144
Mins per goal: 139.7
#10: Hernan CrespoMatches: 49
Goals: 20
Mins per goal: 140.7
JUST LET HIM PLAY' - POGBA TIPPED TO SHINE IN FREE ROLE BY FORTUNE
'JUST LET HIM PLAY' - POGBA TIPPED TO
SHINE IN FREE ROLE BY FORTUNE
The world's most expensive footballer settled into life at Old Trafford with a goal against Leicester and the ex-South Africa international believes there is more to come Paul Pogba can become an all-time Manchester United great if he?s allowed to flourish in a free role
according to former United player Quinton Fortune EIGHT Premier League managers accused of taking bungs.
The worlds most expensive footballer thrived in a more advanced role during the 4-1 win against
Leicester City last weekend and Fortune believes the key to success is surrounding Pogba with players who allow him freedom to express himself. The 23-year-old opened his United account with a
goal against the champions in the absence of Wayne Rooney and Fortune says there is much more to
come from the ex-Juventus star. For me, his role?s just got to be to play his game, let
the team win and his natural ability will show,
Fortune told Goal. Griezmann is final chance to challenge for Ballon d Or
They have got more ball players around him now. [Juan] Mata and [Ander] Herrera allow him to be free. The problem with Pogba is that he is strong, can defend and attack - he can do everything. Sometimes that can be a negative thing. Just put him on the pitch, forget all the complications and the tactical stuff. Just let the kid play. At Juventus, Pogba was accompanied in midfield by
the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Sami Khedira, and Fortune tips Pogba to shine when he gains a strong understanding with his current United team-mates.
When he was so successful at Juve, the players around him were Pirlo and Vidal, said Fortune. He
was allowed to express himself. Pirlo left and he took over that role and became more responsible. You will get to see that confidence, the understanding with team-mates. He is come into a team where they have been playing a certain style for two years and he is come in with a new style. [Jose] Mourinho is trying to implement his way of playing.
Verratti: I'm here to win CL Eyebrows were raised when United sanctioned a world record 110m deal to re-sign their own former youth team player but Fortune insists that it was the
right thing to do regardless of the price tag. I would ve done anything to get him back, Fortune
admitted. We didnt want him to leave in the first place. We all know, even before he left, what he was like. He?s got stronger at Juve, he is a better player now for that experience.
He scored a good goal so that will settle him down. Everyone will support him and they love him from before. He is a very humble guy. You speak to everyone at the training ground and they say he is anamazing kid who is not fazed by the hype. He gets on with the job. Allardyce hits back at media Fortune recognises that Pogba had to endure some tough moments in his first few United outings but put that down to the player attempting to prove himself too quickly in a new environment.
Like every human being he wanted to do everything at the beginning, Fortune said. That happens with the pressure, the price tag, but now he looks like hes taking it in his stride, not trying to do stuff he hasnt before.
But to have a player like that in your team is fantastic. He is coming from Italy where it?s more
tactical. The Premier League is tough. Ben Arfa fighting to save PSG career Some players take a season to adapt; he?s having to adapt quickly because of the price tag. Some wouldn?t be able to deal with it. He was probably trying too hard the first few games I m Pogba, Im here and want to show you - but is showing what he can do now. Theres much more to come.
SHINE IN FREE ROLE BY FORTUNE
The world's most expensive footballer settled into life at Old Trafford with a goal against Leicester and the ex-South Africa international believes there is more to come Paul Pogba can become an all-time Manchester United great if he?s allowed to flourish in a free role
according to former United player Quinton Fortune EIGHT Premier League managers accused of taking bungs.
The worlds most expensive footballer thrived in a more advanced role during the 4-1 win against
Leicester City last weekend and Fortune believes the key to success is surrounding Pogba with players who allow him freedom to express himself. The 23-year-old opened his United account with a
goal against the champions in the absence of Wayne Rooney and Fortune says there is much more to
come from the ex-Juventus star. For me, his role?s just got to be to play his game, let
the team win and his natural ability will show,
Fortune told Goal. Griezmann is final chance to challenge for Ballon d Or
They have got more ball players around him now. [Juan] Mata and [Ander] Herrera allow him to be free. The problem with Pogba is that he is strong, can defend and attack - he can do everything. Sometimes that can be a negative thing. Just put him on the pitch, forget all the complications and the tactical stuff. Just let the kid play. At Juventus, Pogba was accompanied in midfield by
the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Sami Khedira, and Fortune tips Pogba to shine when he gains a strong understanding with his current United team-mates.
When he was so successful at Juve, the players around him were Pirlo and Vidal, said Fortune. He
was allowed to express himself. Pirlo left and he took over that role and became more responsible. You will get to see that confidence, the understanding with team-mates. He is come into a team where they have been playing a certain style for two years and he is come in with a new style. [Jose] Mourinho is trying to implement his way of playing.
Verratti: I'm here to win CL Eyebrows were raised when United sanctioned a world record 110m deal to re-sign their own former youth team player but Fortune insists that it was the
right thing to do regardless of the price tag. I would ve done anything to get him back, Fortune
admitted. We didnt want him to leave in the first place. We all know, even before he left, what he was like. He?s got stronger at Juve, he is a better player now for that experience.
He scored a good goal so that will settle him down. Everyone will support him and they love him from before. He is a very humble guy. You speak to everyone at the training ground and they say he is anamazing kid who is not fazed by the hype. He gets on with the job. Allardyce hits back at media Fortune recognises that Pogba had to endure some tough moments in his first few United outings but put that down to the player attempting to prove himself too quickly in a new environment.
Like every human being he wanted to do everything at the beginning, Fortune said. That happens with the pressure, the price tag, but now he looks like hes taking it in his stride, not trying to do stuff he hasnt before.
But to have a player like that in your team is fantastic. He is coming from Italy where it?s more
tactical. The Premier League is tough. Ben Arfa fighting to save PSG career Some players take a season to adapt; he?s having to adapt quickly because of the price tag. Some wouldn?t be able to deal with it. He was probably trying too hard the first few games I m Pogba, Im here and want to show you - but is showing what he can do now. Theres much more to come.
Gary Neville: Ibrahimovic-Rashford the ideal strike pairing for Man Utd
Ibrahimovic-Rashford the ideal strike pairing for Man Utd ? Gary Neville
Gary Neville believes the forward pairing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford will see Manchester United reap the most reward. The duo shone alongside each other in the weekend demolition of Leicester City, and the former Red Devils' captain backs them to keep it up together.
The duo formed part of the devastating United attack that put Leicester City to the sword in a 4-1 victory at Old Trafford last weekend.
Rashford - who has forced his way into Jose Mourinho's plans - scored the third of four first-half goals for the hosts, who dropped captain Wayne Rooney to the bench. Neville said, "Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford seem to be a fit. Ibrahimovic is clever enough to find the runs of Rashford. Rashford is clever too. He isn't just a runner and a finisher."
Gary Neville believes the forward pairing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford will see Manchester United reap the most reward. The duo shone alongside each other in the weekend demolition of Leicester City, and the former Red Devils' captain backs them to keep it up together.
The duo formed part of the devastating United attack that put Leicester City to the sword in a 4-1 victory at Old Trafford last weekend.
Rashford - who has forced his way into Jose Mourinho's plans - scored the third of four first-half goals for the hosts, who dropped captain Wayne Rooney to the bench. Neville said, "Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford seem to be a fit. Ibrahimovic is clever enough to find the runs of Rashford. Rashford is clever too. He isn't just a runner and a finisher."
Wednesday 28 September 2016
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has arrived in the Egyptian capital Cairo
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has arrived in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, for the CAF Extraordinary General Assembly scheduled for Thursday, 29 September 2016.
He touched down on the morning of Wednesday, 28 September 2016 and was met on arrival by a CAF delegation led by its President, Issa Hayatou. The delegation included members of the CAF Executive Committee and officials of the Egyptian Football Association.
The CAF Extraordinary General Assembly will be the first time Infantino will be attending the session which represents the legislative and supreme organ of CAF on African soil since taking over the reins of FIFA last February.
He previously attended the 38th CAF Ordinary General Assembly held on 11 May 2016 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Meanwhile, preparations for the CAF Extraordinary General Assembly has reached fever pitch with the arrival of delegates from the various National Associations.
High on the agenda is the election of two persons onto the FIFA Council, taking Africa?s representation to seven.
The contenders are Ahmad (Madagascar), Almamy Kabele Camara (Guinea), Djibrilla Hima Hamidou (Niger), Kwesi Nyantakyi (Ghana) and Augustin Senghor (Senegal).
He touched down on the morning of Wednesday, 28 September 2016 and was met on arrival by a CAF delegation led by its President, Issa Hayatou. The delegation included members of the CAF Executive Committee and officials of the Egyptian Football Association.
The CAF Extraordinary General Assembly will be the first time Infantino will be attending the session which represents the legislative and supreme organ of CAF on African soil since taking over the reins of FIFA last February.
He previously attended the 38th CAF Ordinary General Assembly held on 11 May 2016 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Meanwhile, preparations for the CAF Extraordinary General Assembly has reached fever pitch with the arrival of delegates from the various National Associations.
High on the agenda is the election of two persons onto the FIFA Council, taking Africa?s representation to seven.
The contenders are Ahmad (Madagascar), Almamy Kabele Camara (Guinea), Djibrilla Hima Hamidou (Niger), Kwesi Nyantakyi (Ghana) and Augustin Senghor (Senegal).
Ferdinand: on Rashford
Ferdinand: “I think Marcus Rashford should be selected for the senior squad next week and be unleashed against Malta. Including his hat-trick for the U21s against Norway earlier this month, no English striker has scored more goals since he made his professional debut in February. I don’t care how old you are, that record warrants a place in the squad. He has been the best striker in this country since February in terms of output - the statistics don’t lie.”
Thiago Alcantara: Atletico defence best in the world
Thiago: Atletico defence best in the world
Thiago Alcantara believes Bayern Munich are facing the best defensive side in the world in Atletico Madrid, but is confident they can triumph in Wednesday's Champions League encounter. The Spaniard is well aware of how strong Diego Simeone's side are at the back and is keen for revenge after losing out to them last term.
However, Thiago believes that Bayern - now coached by Carlo Ancelotti - have learnt plenty of lessons from that two-leg defeat and is backing the team to leave the Vicente Calderon with all three points.
He said, "It's important for us to win the away games, or at least take home as many points as possible. They defend better than us, better than Barcelona, better than any other team in the world. It will be tough."
Thiago Alcantara believes Bayern Munich are facing the best defensive side in the world in Atletico Madrid, but is confident they can triumph in Wednesday's Champions League encounter. The Spaniard is well aware of how strong Diego Simeone's side are at the back and is keen for revenge after losing out to them last term.
However, Thiago believes that Bayern - now coached by Carlo Ancelotti - have learnt plenty of lessons from that two-leg defeat and is backing the team to leave the Vicente Calderon with all three points.
He said, "It's important for us to win the away games, or at least take home as many points as possible. They defend better than us, better than Barcelona, better than any other team in the world. It will be tough."
ENGLISH FOOTBALL STATISTICS
ENGLISH FOOTBALL STATS
MOST CHAMPIONSHIPS
1. 20 - Manchester United
2. 18 - Liverpool
3. 13 - Arsenal
MOST FA CUPS
1. 12 - Arsenal
1. 12 - Mancester United
3. 8 - Tottenham Hotspurs
MOST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
1. 5 - Liverpool
2. 3 - Manchester United
3. 2 - Nottingham Forrest
MOST COMMUNITY SHIELDS
1. 21 - Manchester United
2. 15 - Liverpool
3. 14 - Arsenal
MOST TROPHIES OVERALL
1. 63 - Manchester United
2. 60 - Liverpool
3. 43 - Arsenal
MOST RELEGATED CLUBS
1. 5 - Chelsea
2. 5 - Manchester City
3. 4 - Tottenham Hotspurs
Now know the big clubs belong and where the small clubs belong.
From today know ur size u small clubs
MOST CHAMPIONSHIPS
1. 20 - Manchester United
2. 18 - Liverpool
3. 13 - Arsenal
MOST FA CUPS
1. 12 - Arsenal
1. 12 - Mancester United
3. 8 - Tottenham Hotspurs
MOST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
1. 5 - Liverpool
2. 3 - Manchester United
3. 2 - Nottingham Forrest
MOST COMMUNITY SHIELDS
1. 21 - Manchester United
2. 15 - Liverpool
3. 14 - Arsenal
MOST TROPHIES OVERALL
1. 63 - Manchester United
2. 60 - Liverpool
3. 43 - Arsenal
MOST RELEGATED CLUBS
1. 5 - Chelsea
2. 5 - Manchester City
3. 4 - Tottenham Hotspurs
Now know the big clubs belong and where the small clubs belong.
From today know ur size u small clubs
Phil Jones is closing in on a first-team return after suffering ligament damage
Manchester United have had a fantastic week, beating
Northampton to progress in the cup and then backing
that up with a stunning 4-1 victory at home to Leicester
City. Now they are set to welcome another player back
from an injury.
Phil Jones is closing in on a first-team return after suffering ligament damage, which must
be a huge relief to Jose Mourinho, who is yet to see the 24-year-old in action.
United?s defender hasn?t featured for the first-team since January due to a whole host of injuries, but Jose clearly has faith in him after giving the centre-back a spot in his
25-man Premier League squad.
The next few months are absolutely huge for the man
once touted as the next Duncan Edwards, and this season certainly feels like make or break for him.
Hopefully, he can get over this injury and come back
stronger. Then really kick on and cement a place in the
starting line-up for the rest of the season.
Northampton to progress in the cup and then backing
that up with a stunning 4-1 victory at home to Leicester
City. Now they are set to welcome another player back
from an injury.
Phil Jones is closing in on a first-team return after suffering ligament damage, which must
be a huge relief to Jose Mourinho, who is yet to see the 24-year-old in action.
United?s defender hasn?t featured for the first-team since January due to a whole host of injuries, but Jose clearly has faith in him after giving the centre-back a spot in his
25-man Premier League squad.
The next few months are absolutely huge for the man
once touted as the next Duncan Edwards, and this season certainly feels like make or break for him.
Hopefully, he can get over this injury and come back
stronger. Then really kick on and cement a place in the
starting line-up for the rest of the season.
Allardyce: England manager leaves after one match in charge!
Breaking: Allardyce: England manager leaves after one match in charge!
Sam Allardyce has left his post as England manager by mutual agreement with the Football Association after one match and 67 days in charge.
It follows a newspaper investigation claiming he offered advice on how to "get around" rules on player transfers.
Allardyce, 61, is also alleged to have used his role to negotiate a deal worth �400,000 to represent a Far East firm.
An FA statement said Allardyce's conduct "was inappropriate" and Gareth Southgate will take temporary charge.
Sam Allardyce has left his post as England manager by mutual agreement with the Football Association after one match and 67 days in charge.
It follows a newspaper investigation claiming he offered advice on how to "get around" rules on player transfers.
Allardyce, 61, is also alleged to have used his role to negotiate a deal worth �400,000 to represent a Far East firm.
An FA statement said Allardyce's conduct "was inappropriate" and Gareth Southgate will take temporary charge.
Tuesday 27 September 2016
Smalling: Rooney Still Our Main Man
Smalling: Rooney Still Our Main Man
Manchester United? defender Chris Smalling has claimed that captain ?Wayne Rooney is still the club's main man. Rooney was dropped by ??Jose Mourinho on Saturday for the clash against ??champions Leicester City??.
"Whatever the situation is, whatever game, whether he is on the bench or playing or whatever, he is always that same type of character and that's why he is England's main man and our main man," saidsmalling.
Manchester United? defender Chris Smalling has claimed that captain ?Wayne Rooney is still the club's main man. Rooney was dropped by ??Jose Mourinho on Saturday for the clash against ??champions Leicester City??.
"Whatever the situation is, whatever game, whether he is on the bench or playing or whatever, he is always that same type of character and that's why he is England's main man and our main man," saidsmalling.
Monday 26 September 2016
SPORTS TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester City and Chelsea want to sign Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, 29, in January. (Daily Star)
However, Juve director Giuseppe Marotta says there has been no contact from City. (Mediaset Premium via Manchester Evening News)
Striker Wayne Rooney, 30, is prepared to accept he is no longer an automatic pick for Manchester United following manager Jose Mourinho's decision to drop him for Saturday's match against Leicester. (Daily Mirror)
Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 27, says he "made a promise" to his dying grandfather to one day become a Real Madrid player. (Sun)
Stoke City are considering bringing in former Hull boss Steve Bruce to replace Mark Hughes. (Daily Express)
Manchester United might have a better chance of signing 25-year-old Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann now he has left his agent.
(Independent)
Former Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski says midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, 32, might leave Manchester United for Major League Soccer in the United States . (Bild - in German)
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is to meet with Swansea's United States investors before their takeover at Liberty Stadium. The new owners also want to talk to former USA coach Bob Bradley. (The Sun)
Nearly 15,000 people have signed a petition calling for hedge-fund owners Sisu to sell Coventry City. (Coventry Telegraph)
Premier League champions Leicester City are struggling to defend set-pieces because of a grappling crackdown, says full-back Danny Simpson. (Daily Telegraph)
Best of social media
Bristol City's former West Ham midfielder Gary O'Neil is perplexed by the Hammers' recent poor fortunes. The east London club were beaten 3-0 at home by Southampton and remain 17th in the Premier League with three points.
And is this ex-Manchester United defender a good luck charm? Nemanja Vidic was at Old Trafford on Saturday to watch his former side defeat Leicester 4-1.
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba hits back after Arsenal forward Theo Walcott tweets his delight at beating Chelsea 3-0 on Saturday.
And finally
Newcastle United goalkeeper Matz Sels closed his Twitter account following criticism from some of the club's fans after the 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.
RAIOLA: IBRAHIMOVIC THREATENED TO BREAK MY LEGS OVER POGBA DEAL,
RAIOLA: IBRAHIMOVIC THREATENED TO BREAK MY LEGS OVER POGBA DEAL,
The representative revealed his client's bizarre ultimatum over the biggest transfer of the summer - which as a taekwondo black belt, may not have been entirely in jest!
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola has claimed the experienced attacker threatened to "break his legs" if he allowed Paul Pogba to move anywhere other than Manchester United.
Raiola represents both players and he has revealed Ibrahimovic made it very clear that he would be unhappy if the France international did not end up at Old Trafford.
The representative revealed his client's bizarre ultimatum over the biggest transfer of the summer - which as a taekwondo black belt, may not have been entirely in jest!
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola has claimed the experienced attacker threatened to "break his legs" if he allowed Paul Pogba to move anywhere other than Manchester United.
Raiola represents both players and he has revealed Ibrahimovic made it very clear that he would be unhappy if the France international did not end up at Old Trafford.
INJURED DE BRUYNE DOUBTFUL FOR BARCELONA & MAN UTD CLASHES
INJURED DE BRUYNE DOUBTFUL FOR BARCELONA & MAN UTD CLASHES
The midfielder is facing four weeks on the sidelines, meaning he is likely to miss the trip to Camp Nou on October 19 and potentially the derby on October 26
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne faces around a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
The Belgium midfielder limped out of City's 3-1 victory at Swansea City on Saturday afternoon after playing a part in two of the Blues' goals.
Pep Guardiola revealed after the match that De Bruyne would undergo scans on Sunday, and according to sources close to the player those initial tests have detected a muscle tear.
The 25-year-old is expected to travel to Barcelona on Monday for further tests and treatment, according to City Watch .
The midfielder is facing four weeks on the sidelines, meaning he is likely to miss the trip to Camp Nou on October 19 and potentially the derby on October 26
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne faces around a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
The Belgium midfielder limped out of City's 3-1 victory at Swansea City on Saturday afternoon after playing a part in two of the Blues' goals.
Pep Guardiola revealed after the match that De Bruyne would undergo scans on Sunday, and according to sources close to the player those initial tests have detected a muscle tear.
The 25-year-old is expected to travel to Barcelona on Monday for further tests and treatment, according to City Watch .
MAN CITY MUST TELL'S GUARDIOLA TO STOP, SAYS TOURE'S AGENT,
MAN CITY MUST TELL 'S GUARDIOLA TO STOP, SAYS TOURE'S AGENT,
The midfielder has been frozen out under the Catalan boss, and his representative has again taken the former Barcelona head coach to task over his treatment of his client
Yaya Toure's agent Dimitri Seluk has launched a fresh attack on Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, urging the club to intervene and tell him the midfielder is considered as "family" at the Etihad Stadium.
The midfielder has been frozen out under the Catalan boss, and his representative has again taken the former Barcelona head coach to task over his treatment of his client
Yaya Toure's agent Dimitri Seluk has launched a fresh attack on Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, urging the club to intervene and tell him the midfielder is considered as "family" at the Etihad Stadium.
AURIER HANDED TWO-MONTH PRISON SENTENCE
AURIER HANDED TWO-MONTH PRISON SENTENCE
The PSG full-back was in court on Monday over an attack on a police officer, although the Ivory Coast international will not serve time in prison as it is a 'convertible' sentence
PSG full-back Serge Aurier has been given a two-month prison sentence for allegedly attacking a police officer.
The 23-year-old is accused of assaulting the officer after he was pulled over in May, and asked to take a breath test.
Aurier, who was alleged to have elbowed the officer in the chest, has claimed in an interview that he was "brutalised" by the police, and subsequent reports have claimed that he will appeal the court's decision.
?It was violent,? Aurier said on French television in June. ?The police officers got out of the car, insulted me, brutalised me, my lip was smashed
The PSG full-back was in court on Monday over an attack on a police officer, although the Ivory Coast international will not serve time in prison as it is a 'convertible' sentence
PSG full-back Serge Aurier has been given a two-month prison sentence for allegedly attacking a police officer.
The 23-year-old is accused of assaulting the officer after he was pulled over in May, and asked to take a breath test.
Aurier, who was alleged to have elbowed the officer in the chest, has claimed in an interview that he was "brutalised" by the police, and subsequent reports have claimed that he will appeal the court's decision.
?It was violent,? Aurier said on French television in June. ?The police officers got out of the car, insulted me, brutalised me, my lip was smashed
AURIER HANDED TWO-MONTH PRISON SENTENCE
AURIER HANDED TWO-MONTH PRISON SENTENCE
The PSG full-back was in court on Monday over an attack on a police officer, although the Ivory Coast international will not serve time in prison as it is a 'convertible' sentence
PSG full-back Serge Aurier has been given a two-month prison sentence for allegedly attacking a police officer.
The 23-year-old is accused of assaulting the officer after he was pulled over in May, and asked to take a breath test.
Aurier, who was alleged to have elbowed the officer in the chest, has claimed in an interview that he was "brutalised" by the police, and subsequent reports have claimed that he will appeal the court's decision.
?It was violent,? Aurier said on French television in June. ?The police officers got out of the car, insulted me, brutalised me, my lip was smashed
The PSG full-back was in court on Monday over an attack on a police officer, although the Ivory Coast international will not serve time in prison as it is a 'convertible' sentence
PSG full-back Serge Aurier has been given a two-month prison sentence for allegedly attacking a police officer.
The 23-year-old is accused of assaulting the officer after he was pulled over in May, and asked to take a breath test.
Aurier, who was alleged to have elbowed the officer in the chest, has claimed in an interview that he was "brutalised" by the police, and subsequent reports have claimed that he will appeal the court's decision.
?It was violent,? Aurier said on French television in June. ?The police officers got out of the car, insulted me, brutalised me, my lip was smashed
AURIER HANDED TWO-MONTH PRISON SENTENCE
AURIER HANDED TWO-MONTH PRISON SENTENCE
The PSG full-back was in court on Monday over an attack on a police officer, although the Ivory Coast international will not serve time in prison as it is a 'convertible' sentence
PSG full-back Serge Aurier has been given a two-month prison sentence for allegedly attacking a police officer.
The 23-year-old is accused of assaulting the officer after he was pulled over in May, and asked to take a breath test.
Aurier, who was alleged to have elbowed the officer in the chest, has claimed in an interview that he was "brutalised" by the police, and subsequent reports have claimed that he will appeal the court's decision.
?It was violent,? Aurier said on French television in June. ?The police officers got out of the car, insulted me, brutalised me, my lip was smashed
The PSG full-back was in court on Monday over an attack on a police officer, although the Ivory Coast international will not serve time in prison as it is a 'convertible' sentence
PSG full-back Serge Aurier has been given a two-month prison sentence for allegedly attacking a police officer.
The 23-year-old is accused of assaulting the officer after he was pulled over in May, and asked to take a breath test.
Aurier, who was alleged to have elbowed the officer in the chest, has claimed in an interview that he was "brutalised" by the police, and subsequent reports have claimed that he will appeal the court's decision.
?It was violent,? Aurier said on French television in June. ?The police officers got out of the car, insulted me, brutalised me, my lip was smashed
AURIER HANDED TWO-MONTH PRISON SENTENCE
AURIER HANDED TWO-MONTH PRISON SENTENCE
The PSG full-back was in court on Monday over an attack on a police officer, although the Ivory Coast international will not serve time in prison as it is a 'convertible' sentence
PSG full-back Serge Aurier has been given a two-month prison sentence for allegedly attacking a police officer.
The 23-year-old is accused of assaulting the officer after he was pulled over in May, and asked to take a breath test.
Aurier, who was alleged to have elbowed the officer in the chest, has claimed in an interview that he was "brutalised" by the police, and subsequent reports have claimed that he will appeal the court's decision.
?It was violent,? Aurier said on French television in June. ?The police officers got out of the car, insulted me, brutalised me, my lip was smashed
The PSG full-back was in court on Monday over an attack on a police officer, although the Ivory Coast international will not serve time in prison as it is a 'convertible' sentence
PSG full-back Serge Aurier has been given a two-month prison sentence for allegedly attacking a police officer.
The 23-year-old is accused of assaulting the officer after he was pulled over in May, and asked to take a breath test.
Aurier, who was alleged to have elbowed the officer in the chest, has claimed in an interview that he was "brutalised" by the police, and subsequent reports have claimed that he will appeal the court's decision.
?It was violent,? Aurier said on French television in June. ?The police officers got out of the car, insulted me, brutalised me, my lip was smashed
Sunday 25 September 2016
Mesut Ozil Hails Impact of Arsenal New Boys Mustafi and Xhaka as Gunners Hammer Chelsea
Mesut Ozil Hails Impact of Arsenal New Boys Mustafi and Xhaka as Gunners Hammer Chelsea
Mesut Ozil says he has been impressed by how quickly Arsenal summer signings Shkodran Mustafi and Granit Xhaka have adapted to the Premier League.
Mustafi and Xhaka have been impressive since arriving from Valencia and Borussia Monchengladbach respectively, with the duo garnering further acclaim for their efforts in the 3-0 victory over Chelsea on Saturday.
Arsene Wenger's transfer business in the summer looks to be paying dividends and Ozil has explained that the influx of new talent has lifted Arsenal's spirits.
Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi's game by numbers vs. Chelsea:
12 clearances
10 interceptions
4 tackles
2 blocks
1 clean sheet
They have been fully integrated from the first day. They are guys who just get on with everyone and bring positive energy to the team," Ozil told Arsenal's? official matchday programme.
I have known Shkodran from the German national team and we spoke a lot about this club before his transfer.
He had a few questions for me, about the team, the manager and the city. We spoke about things and I was pleased that he eventually decided to move here.?
Ozil started the season slowly after his exertions with Germany at Euro 2016 in the summer but was outstanding against Chelsea, scoring his side's third goal and delighting the crowd with his trademark range of passing and footwork.
Here comes Granit - Coquelin's hobbling off after picking up a knock blocking Kante's shot
Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 24, 2016
Speaking after the match, Ozil said the performance had proved Arsenal's doubters wrong by playing quick, adventurous attacking football to which the Chelsea defence crumbled.
"Many so-called experts had already written us off after the second matchday," Ozil told Goal. "But a Premier League season is long and we're currently improving from game to game.
"In the first half we played exactly the kind of football we want to play -- quick combinations so that our opponents didn't even get the chance to tackle."
All SPORTS NEWS
STRICTLY SPORTS NEWS
FOOTBALL
Swansea City could approach Ryan Giggs if 'dead man walking' Francesco Guidolin is removed as manager - chairman Huw Jenkins considered a move for the former Manchester United assistant earlier this summer but was blocked by the club's new American owners.
Manchester City face a FIFA enquiry after
being accused of 'trafficking' schoolboy
Benjamin Garre, a player they signed from
Argentina's Velez Sarsfield under the noses
of Manchester United and Barcelona when
he turned 16.
Arsene Wenger is plotting a 40m raid on Real Madrid to sign striker Karim Benzema next summer.
Yaya Toure is furious with agent Dimitri Seluk after his shocking rant against Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
Christian Pulisic is stalling on a new deal at Borussia Dortmund, sparking fresh speculation over a January move to Liverpool.
Jon Obi Mikel expects to leave Chelsea in January and is mulling over options in MLS.
Aston Villa are hopeful of signing Benfica striker Victor Lindelof, a previous target for Chelsea.
Arsenal are growing increasingly concerned over midfielder Aaron Ramsey's slow recovery from a hamstring injury.
QPR owner Tony Fernandes wants Steve McClaren to join the club in a senior role as he looks to engineer a recovery from their slow start to the season.
Emmanuel Adebayor has been accused of smoking and drinking by French club Lyon after they rejected the chance to sign the striker.
Tottenham are confident of beating off competition from Liverpool to sign Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon in January.
Everton, West Brom and Crystal Palace are among a host of Premier League clubs to have scouted Norwich City twins Jacob and Josh Murphy.
Yaya Toure will have his choice of clubs in January when the nightmare last few months of his Manchester City career are expected to come to an end.
Hatem Ben Arfa could be handed a Paris Saint-Germain escape by Southampton when the transfer window reopens in January. Ben Arfa is reportedly unhappy in the French capital weeks after joining the
club.
Aston Villa have fined Jack Grealish �50,000 for staying out until 8am at a party in Birmingham last weekend.
Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom says he would ' play in goal' if it meant him earning more first-team minutes at the Premier League club.
Lionel Messi will be out for three weeks after suffering a groin strain as he limped off in Barcelona's 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid .
EFL fourth-round draw:
West Ham v Chelsea
Manchester United v Manchester City
Arsenal v Reading
Liverpool v Tottenham
Bristol City v Hull City
Leeds v Norwich
Newcastle v Preston
Southampton v Sunderland
*CRICKET*
Seamer Toby Roland-Jones took 4-31 as Middlesex turned the screw on title rivals Yorkshire on day two at Lord's.
*FORMULA 1*
McLaren deny Apple investment talks, Arrivabene
reports denied, Carey wants to hold GPs in world's 'greatest cities'...
*OLYMPICS*
Rome is set to confirm that it is pulling out of the race to host the Olympics in 2024.
*TENNIS*
Andy Murray is backing proposals to change the format of the Davis Cup but is against having the final played at a neutral venue.
*BOXING*
Kell Brook believes Anthony Crolla will win a "barnstormer" with Jorge Linares to get British boxing back to winning ways.
FOOTBALL
Swansea City could approach Ryan Giggs if 'dead man walking' Francesco Guidolin is removed as manager - chairman Huw Jenkins considered a move for the former Manchester United assistant earlier this summer but was blocked by the club's new American owners.
Manchester City face a FIFA enquiry after
being accused of 'trafficking' schoolboy
Benjamin Garre, a player they signed from
Argentina's Velez Sarsfield under the noses
of Manchester United and Barcelona when
he turned 16.
Arsene Wenger is plotting a 40m raid on Real Madrid to sign striker Karim Benzema next summer.
Yaya Toure is furious with agent Dimitri Seluk after his shocking rant against Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
Christian Pulisic is stalling on a new deal at Borussia Dortmund, sparking fresh speculation over a January move to Liverpool.
Jon Obi Mikel expects to leave Chelsea in January and is mulling over options in MLS.
Aston Villa are hopeful of signing Benfica striker Victor Lindelof, a previous target for Chelsea.
Arsenal are growing increasingly concerned over midfielder Aaron Ramsey's slow recovery from a hamstring injury.
QPR owner Tony Fernandes wants Steve McClaren to join the club in a senior role as he looks to engineer a recovery from their slow start to the season.
Emmanuel Adebayor has been accused of smoking and drinking by French club Lyon after they rejected the chance to sign the striker.
Tottenham are confident of beating off competition from Liverpool to sign Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon in January.
Everton, West Brom and Crystal Palace are among a host of Premier League clubs to have scouted Norwich City twins Jacob and Josh Murphy.
Yaya Toure will have his choice of clubs in January when the nightmare last few months of his Manchester City career are expected to come to an end.
Hatem Ben Arfa could be handed a Paris Saint-Germain escape by Southampton when the transfer window reopens in January. Ben Arfa is reportedly unhappy in the French capital weeks after joining the
club.
Aston Villa have fined Jack Grealish �50,000 for staying out until 8am at a party in Birmingham last weekend.
Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom says he would ' play in goal' if it meant him earning more first-team minutes at the Premier League club.
Lionel Messi will be out for three weeks after suffering a groin strain as he limped off in Barcelona's 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid .
EFL fourth-round draw:
West Ham v Chelsea
Manchester United v Manchester City
Arsenal v Reading
Liverpool v Tottenham
Bristol City v Hull City
Leeds v Norwich
Newcastle v Preston
Southampton v Sunderland
*CRICKET*
Seamer Toby Roland-Jones took 4-31 as Middlesex turned the screw on title rivals Yorkshire on day two at Lord's.
*FORMULA 1*
McLaren deny Apple investment talks, Arrivabene
reports denied, Carey wants to hold GPs in world's 'greatest cities'...
*OLYMPICS*
Rome is set to confirm that it is pulling out of the race to host the Olympics in 2024.
*TENNIS*
Andy Murray is backing proposals to change the format of the Davis Cup but is against having the final played at a neutral venue.
*BOXING*
Kell Brook believes Anthony Crolla will win a "barnstormer" with Jorge Linares to get British boxing back to winning ways.
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Manchester United fans SLAM Paul Pogba after ’embarassing’ cameo against Sevilla
The Frenchman started the game on the bench but entered the pitch on the hour mark for Marouane Fellaini when the tie was still 0-0 on ...
