..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: Nothing wrong between me and Real Madrid

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has stressed that his relationship with the club's officials remains unchanged following disappointing performances.

The Liga champions had suffered a 1-0 defeat at Betis on Saturday, and are now in third place, already 11 points behind table-toppers Barcelona.

But, despite the problems on the pitch, Mourinho believes there are none off it.

“Here I am working as I have for many years. There is no question, the relationship with the club is as usual," the Portuguese coach told reporters at a press conference.
"Now, I have a very, very, very good relationship, absolutely superb relationship with the President, and [CEO] Jose Angel Sanchez."
However, the tactician feels he will be judged on results by the end of the campaign, being aware that the club might not be happy with his work recently.

"It is the club that matters and who can say if they are happy with what we are doing. The assessment must be done at the end," he said. “Maybe the club is not happy with me and thinks there is room for improvement."
He then talked about the upcoming Copa del Rey challenge against Alcoyano and hinted about the possibility of playing more youngsters.

“Can we win La Liga? I am thinking about winning the Copa del Rey [now]," Mourinho said. "The 11-point gap and the league I will talk about on Friday."

He added, "I would like people and fans to be kind to our three young players that will play tomorrow. The team need to play very well, and I think we will qualify."

Real Madrid meets Alcoyano on Tuesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pardew: Newcastle having to fight this season

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has admitted his side is "really having to fight" this season, after a difficult start to the Premier League campaign.

The Magpies launched a shock challenge for Champions League qualification last term but, following a 2-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday, currently sit 14th in the top flight.

Pardew conceded that his side's loss to the newly promoted Saints typified its misfortune so far this season.

“There’s no doubt about that. We’re really having to fight," he told the Evening Chronicle. “When we conceded the goal, we showed a little bit of spirit but it was too little, too late.

“We could have had an equalizer at a crucial time with Vurnon Anita. Their goalie made a great save from Davide Santon. But it was too little, too late, really.”

The Englishman bemoaned the absence of Yohan Cabaye and Fabricio Coloccini through injury, but is excited to welcome back the latter in midweek.

“We’ve got players, let’s be honest, that aren’t playing as well as we know they can,” continued Pardew. “We’re struggling for a bit of confidence. We’re missing some key players, but one of them will be back on Wednesday night thank goodness.

“It looks like Steven [Taylor]’s going to miss out, so it’s one thing after another.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City must pay more than 11 million euros for Halilovic, insists Dinamo Zagreb sporting director

Dinamo Zagreb sporting director Zoran Mamic has insisted no deal has been reached with Manchester City for the sale of Alen Halilovic and says the Premier League champion will have to pay more than the widely reported fee of 11 million euros.

Halilovic – who has been dubbed the ‘Balkan Messi’ – is the latest graduate from an academy which has previously produced stars such as Luka Modric, Vedran Corluka and Niko Kranjcar.

But, in the wake of reports that the 16-year-old could be set for a move to the Etihad Stadium, Mamic joked that City would be lucky to get one of the wonderkid’s legs for the 11 million euro fee currently being touted.

“There's no deal [with Manchester City],” he told Croatian newspaper sportske.jutarnji.hr. “We cannot talk about something that hasn't happened yet. But the figure that is mentioned in the English media [11 million euros] - for that kind of money we wouldn't even sell his left leg!”
Halilovic became the youngest-ever player to debut in the Croatian top-flight when he made an appearance from the substitutes’ bench during his side’s 3-1 victory over bitter rival Hajduk Split in September.

A mere 10 days later, he broke another record to become the youngest-ever goalscorer in the league with a glorious chip in a 4-1 win against Slaven Belupo.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Robben nearing Bayern Munich comeback

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has received some encouraging news on the injury front as Arjen Robben is nearing a comeback after spending the past two weeks on the sidelines due to physical problems.

The winger picked up a minor muscle injury in Netherlands' international friendly against Germany earlier this month, and has been out of action ever since.

Robben missed the games against Nurnberg, Valencia and Hannover due to the knock, but the Bavarians are hopeful he will be match fit in time to face Borussia Dortmund next Saturday.

"We're making steps forward day after day. My recovery is going well, and according to schedule," Robben told TZ.

The 28-year-old resumed individual training at the weekend, and is expected to take part in squad training again on Monday for the first time since his injury.

A return against Freiburg on Wednesday seems out of the question, but the match against Dortmund is now a realistic goal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Giroud: It would be a joy to play alongside Henry at Arsenal

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is coy on the chances of a possible loan move for New York Red Bulls striker and club legend Thierry Henry in January, but admitted it would be a “great joy” to play alongside him.


The 35-year-old linked up with his former club last season on a two-month temporary deal, notching two goals in seven appearances, and Arsene Wenger has hinted at a repeat this season despite the MLS side’s sporting director Andy Roxburgh having threatened to block any move.


Even so, Giroud is keen to link up with and learn from his fellow countryman after a series of improved performances for Arsenal saw him notch four goals in his past five outings."[Henry] misses the enthusiasm around the Premier League,” Giroud told French newspaper L’Equipe. "But he didn't tell me if he will be back. It would be great joy to play with him.

He added, "When you come into a new club, there is a time to adapt. Even Thierry Henry experienced it. If I could achieved just half of what he achieved..."

Giroud initially struggled in front of goal following his summer move from Montpellier, but revealed his joy at his new surrounds, admitting that he has taken a shine to London.
"I love that city [London], it is eccentric, and so cosmopolitan. There are so many things to do. You can never be bored," he said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Javi Martinez: My first Bayern goal feels special

Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez has revealed his happiness after opening his account for the club during the 5-0 win over Hannover on Saturday.

The Spain international has endured a difficult start to life at the Allianz Arena since his summer move from Athletic Bilbao, but notched the first as his side cruised to an easy win over Mirko Slomka'a side.

"It was my first goal in the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich, and it's something special," he told Bundesliga.com.

"I'm very happy because it helped the team. I'm taking the ball, it's special for me, and I'm keeping it as a souvenir. I'll look after it very carefully.

"Another win against a difficult team, and I'm very happy to have scored my first goal. The team started very well. We tried to keep the ball in their half and cause them problems right from the start."

Martinez went on to reveal that the over-head kick was the first that he had tried which had come off.

The Spain international added: "I've tried a few in the past, but that's the first that's gone in!"

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vilanova: La Liga title race not over yet

Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova has stressed that the Liga title race is not over, despite his side opening up an 11-point gap to champion Real Madrid.


The Blaugrana cruised to a 4-0 win over Levante on Sunday evening, taking full advantage of los Blancos' 1-0 defeat to Real Betis on Saturday night before to consolidate their position at the top of the table.

However, Vilanova has warned that there is still a long way to go this season, and highlighted the threat posed by current second-placed side Atletico Madrid, which defeated Sevilla 4-0 at Vicente Calderon earlier on Sunday evening.

He told reporters after the match: "We scored very quickly in the second half and that defined the match. The first half was what we expected, because they are a team that works very well [together] and they break quickly.

"The league is not finished. Firstly because we’ve only played third of it, and then because Atletico are behind us and are very strong.

"There’s still a lot to play for, 75 points is a lot. Also, remember that in the first year that we were 11 points clear of Real Madrid and had to go to the Bernabeu and win.

"Atletico have had a good start, which isn’t a surprise as they finished last season very strongly. All we can do is focus on beating Athletic. I want to focus only on us."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

FIFA names Brazil World Cup 2014 mascot 'Fuleco'

FIFA has announced the three-banded armadillo acting as a mascot for the World Cup 2014 in Brazil will be called 'Fuleco.'

The name was determined by an online poll in which almost 1.7 million people from Brazil took part, with 48 percent of them choosing the winner as their favorite over 'Zuzeco' and 'Amijubi.'

According to FIFA, the word 'Fuleco' is a term which is being used to raise awareness about soccer and the environment. The mascot itself represents the three-banded armadillo, which is an endangered species in Brazil and will wear the colors of the Brazilian flag.

The figure had been unveiled in September, with 12 giant, inflatable versions in all the host cities for the tournament. At least three of them have since been taken down, however, following several violent acts against the endangered animal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ozil, Iniesta, Pirlo and Ribery among midfielders shortlisted for World XI

Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil, Barcelona's Andres Iniesta, Juvent Andrea Pirlo and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery have been included in the 15-man shortlist for the World Players' Union, FIFPro, and FIFA World XI 2012.

The list of midfielders comes after the shortlist of five goalkeepers and 20 defenders was revealed earlier this month, with a further list of 15 forwards to be announced on Friday.

Los Blancos midfielder Ozil was rewarded for his performances during his side's successful 2011-12 La Liga campaign.

Spain international Iniesta has been included after some impressive displays for his country at the Euro 2012 tournament, playing a vital part for the world and European champions.

In addition to this, Italy's veteran midfielder Pirlo also features for leading his club to the Serie A title last term and his country to the Euro 2012 final.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery also made the list while Manchester City's Yaya Toure is the only non-European to be selected.

The final XI will be announced on Jan. 9, 2013.

Full 15-player midfield shortlist:

Xabi Alonso (Spain / Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Spain / Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Spain / Barcelona), Steven Gerrard (England / Liverpool), Eden Hazard (Belgium / Chelsea), Andres Iniesta (Spain / Barcelona), Frank Lampard (England / Chelsea), Luka Modric (Croatia / Real Madrid), Mesut Ozil (Germany / Real Madrid), Andrea Pirlo (Italy / Juventus), Franck Ribery (France / Bayern Munich), David Silva (Spain / Manchester City), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany / Bayern Munich), Yaya Toure (Cote d'Ivoire / Manchester City), Xavi (Spain / Barcelona).

Furthermore, the goalkeeper list consists of Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, Petr Cech, Joe Hart and Manuel Neuer.

In the 20-man shortlist for defense, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Thiago Silva and Mats Hummels make an appearance.

 

[Banks PLK]

Ozil, Iniesta, Pirlo and Ribery among midfielders shortlisted for World XI

Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil, Barcelona's Andres Iniesta, Juvent Andrea Pirlo and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery have been included in the 15-man shortlist for the World Players' Union, FIFPro, and FIFA World XI 2012.

The list of midfielders comes after the shortlist of five goalkeepers and 20 defenders was revealed earlier this month, with a further list of 15 forwards to be announced on Friday.

Los Blancos midfielder Ozil was rewarded for his performances during his side's successful 2011-12 La Liga campaign.

Spain international Iniesta has been included after some impressive displays for his country at the Euro 2012 tournament, playing a vital part for the world and European champions.

In addition to this, Italy's veteran midfielder Pirlo also features for leading his club to the Serie A title last term and his country to the Euro 2012 final.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery also made the list while Manchester City's Yaya Toure is the only non-European to be selected.

The final XI will be announced on Jan. 9, 2013.

Full 15-player midfield shortlist:

Xabi Alonso (Spain / Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Spain / Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Spain / Barcelona), Steven Gerrard (England / Liverpool), Eden Hazard (Belgium / Chelsea), Andres Iniesta (Spain / Barcelona), Frank Lampard (England / Chelsea), Luka Modric (Croatia / Real Madrid), Mesut Ozil (Germany / Real Madrid), Andrea Pirlo (Italy / Juventus), Franck Ribery (France / Bayern Munich), David Silva (Spain / Manchester City), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany / Bayern Munich), Yaya Toure (Cote d'Ivoire / Manchester City), Xavi (Spain / Barcelona).

Furthermore, the goalkeeper list consists of Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, Petr Cech, Joe Hart and Manuel Neuer.

In the 20-man shortlist for defense, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Thiago Silva and Mats Hummels make an appearance.

CONGRATS YAYA AND SILVA !

 

[Banks PLK]

Milner: Manchester City should have beaten Chelsea

Manchester City midfielder James Milner believes his side deserved more than a point from its clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge Sunday.

The visitors had the lion's share of possession and chances on but were held to a 0-0 draw as Rafa Benitez earned his first point as Blues boss. Milner feels Roberto Mancini's men merited more and bemoaned their failure to convert the opportunities that came their way.

"We were the better side, we had the better chances and restricted them to not too many,” Milner told the club’s official television channel, City TV. "I thought we played a good game and didn't quite get the three points.

"We have got things to work on. We need to take our chances - we had a number of corners and chances that didn't go our way. When we are on top in games and have territory and chances we are not quite putting teams to bed like we should be. Hopefully we can improve on that during the season. There are positives and negatives to take out of the game."

The former Leeds attacker went on to hail the way in which City kept Chelsea at arm's length, despite things not going its way.

"It shows mental strength because sometimes, when you have those days, it is easy to think it's not our day and sit back and let the other team into the game and have chances themselves," Milner said. "I don't think we did that. We were pretty solid and moved the ball around pretty well. The pitch wasn't the greatest but we tried to be positive and it just didn't happen for us at the business end."

The England international also called for his team to improve on its set pieces in order to make the most of the dead-ball specialists in the squad.

"When you are on top of teams you are going to have set pieces,” Milner added. "We have got quality delivery with 'Kolar' [Aleksandar Kolarov] and David [Silva] and people like that. We need to maybe come up with a few new things and make sure we attack that ball. I'm sure the goals will come."

Escaped our first defeat ! still unbeaten ! draw was better

 

[rcccc]

Betis 1-0 Real Madrid: Benat blow leaves champion on the ropes

Real Madrid potentially lost more ground at the top of the table after falling 1-0 to Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarin on Saturday evening, leaving its title defense in tatters.

Benat scored the only goal of the game, drilling home from the edge of the area after a lapse at the back from los Blancos, who, despite large spells of pressure in the second half, could not find a way through the dogged defensive ranks of a home side that now move joint-fourth in the standings.

More significantly, though, the result means that should league leader Barcelona emerge victorious at Levante on Sunday, then third-placed Madrid will find itself facing an 11-point gap to make up on the Catalans, with a crucial derby against second-placed Atletico Madrid to come in a week's time.

Jose Mourinho made one change to the side that played out a 1-1 draw at Manchester City midweek, with Mesut Ozil stepping into the side to replace Luka Modric.

The visitors fashioned the first chance in the ninth minute when a determined run down the wing by Cristiano Ronaldo saw him tee up Sami Khedira at the edge of the area, but the he could not find the target.

The German international was then found wanting 17 minutes in as he was brushed off with ease by Benat, who picked his spot superbly at the edge of the area and drilled into the bottom corner - the opening coming after Angel Di Maria had given the ball away.

Betis was playing with great spirit, and with the home fans in full voice, found another way through when Ruben Castro raced clear down the left, but saw his lash across goal tipped away from danger by Iker Casillas.

Madrid finally began to show some positibe signs after the half hour mark, and its best opening of the half came when a sublime one-two between Karim Benzema and Mesut Ozil saw the latter play in Di Maria, whose shot clipped the bar.

It should have been level nine minutes before the break after Benzema turned home Xabi Alonso's free kick, but the goal was disallowed for offside despite the Frenchman appearing to be level with the last defender on replays.

But sloppiness and lethargy were endemic throughout the Madrid performance in the first half, as emphasized when Casillas gave the ball away in a dangerous position after electing to engage in keep-ups on his own goal line.

Mourinho could see that his team was in need of a jolt at the break, and hauled off Khedira and Ozil for Modric and Kaka respectively to start the second half.

The result was a more urgent performance in the attacking third, though despite the improved endeavor, Madrid still lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.

Benzema seemed poised to tap in Ronaldo's center on the hour mark, but Antonio Amaya did just enough to touch the ball out of the Frenchman's path.

Kaka tried his luck moments later with a strong effort from 25 yards out, but Adrian was equal to it and pushed away from danger.

But Madrid's eagerness to get forward left gaps at the back, and Betis had two opportunities to pounce on the break. First, Salva Sevilla shot wide after finding space inside the area, before substitute Jorge Molina played in Ruben Castro, who blazed over from inside the box.

Still, the visitors had chances late to get back into the game. Ronaldo's free kick forced the best out of Adrian, who was on his game again to deny Pepe's header from the resulting corner with nine minutes remaining.

But time simply ran out for Madrid, which could not salvage anything from the game, and must now pick itself up in time for the now must-win local derby at home against Atletico next weekend.

 

[rcccc]

Levante 0-4 Barcelona: Ingenious Iniesta inspires Blaugrana to victory

Barcelona maintained its stranglehold on top spot in La Liga with a resounding 4-0 victory over Levante on Sunday evening.

Andres Iniesta was the undoubted star of the show, creating two goals for Lionel Messi and one for Cesc Fabregas, as well as scoring a stunner himself.
.

Robben nearing Bayern Munich comeback

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has received some encouraging news on the injury front as Arjen Robben is nearing a comeback after spending the past two weeks on the sidelines due to physical problems.

The winger picked up a minor muscle injury in Netherlands' international friendly against Germany earlier this month, and has been out of action ever since.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hiddink to retire at the end of the season

Anzhi Makhachkala boss Guus Hiddink has announced that he intends to call time on his coaching career at the end of the season.

The 66-year-old took charge of the Russian outfit in February, agreeing an 18-month contract, and has decided to retire when his current deal expires.

"I wasn't planning to stay at Anzhi for a longer period," the Dutchman told NOS. "Even if we make it to the Champions League, I think I will quit after this season. I'm 66, and you can say that it's enough now."

He added, "You have to watch yourself. You don't want people to say: 'There's that guy again'."

Hiddink's coaching career began at PSV in 1987. Since then, he has taken charge of Netherlands, Valencia, Real Madrid, Russia, Chelsea and Turkey.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA hands Shakhtar's Luiz Adriano one-game ban

UEFA has decided to ban Shakhtar Donetsk striker Luiz Adriano for one UEFA Champions League match after 'failing to uphold the principles of conduct' during last week's 5-2 win over Nordsjaelland.

After a break in play due to an injury, one of the Brazilian's teammates attempted to play the ball back to the Danish side's goalkeeper, only for Adriano to latch on to it and score. The governing body announced the next day that it had brought charges against the player, and he will now sit out the final group clash with Juventus in addition to completing community service.

"The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body today decided to suspend Luiz Adriano for one match," a statement read. "The suspension applies to next week's Champions League group stage game between Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus in Ukraine. The Shakhtar player has also been required to perform one full day of community football service.

"Luiz Adriano had been charged with violation of the principles of conduct during last week's Champions League Group E match against Nordsjaelland in Copenhagen."

The 25-year-old went on to score a hat trick in the clash as Shakhtar sealed its place in the knockout stage of the competition.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool has ‘a bit of money to spend’ in January, confirms Rodgers

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the club has "a bit of money to spend" in the January transfer window and he is hoping to bring in "one or two" players on loan.


The Reds have been linked with moves for host of players including striking duo Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Daniel Sturridge, with Luis Suarez the club’s only established fully fit forward.

However, Rodgers has conceded that are not many names under consideration, he is hoping to boost his squad.

"The squad has been ultra-thin right the way through," Rodgers told talkSPORT. "There will be some money available."

He added, "There have been a million names linked to the club and the brutal honesty of it is that ninety nine percent of those we haven’t been thinking about.

"But there will be a bit of money to spend and hopefully we can get one or two loans in, if that’s possible, to reinforce the group."

The 39-year-old also believes his side is heading in the right direction after extending its unbeaten Premier League run to eight games with the 0-0 draw against Swansea City on Sunday.

"I think we are on the up and improving all the time," Rodgers explained. "It was obviously very difficult at the beginning with tough games and trying to implement new ideas. It’s difficult when you are playing against some of the big sides and established sides.

"The application of the players has been outstanding. They have been superb in terms of wanting to learn, wanting to improve and wanting to work."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea boss Benitez says Torres peaked at Liverpool

Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez believes Fernando Torres peaked during the striker’s spell at Liverpool, but he is hoping the Spaniard can rediscover the form which prompted the Blues to pay 50 million pounds for his services.

"[Torres' form] is not the same now as when he was at his maximum but I think he can come back," he told reporters.

Torres endured another frustrating game during his side’s goalless draw against Manchester City on Sunday - failing to register a single shot on target -and has been heavily criticized for his displays since joining the club for a British-record fee back in January 2011.

While Benitez has admitted the Spain international’s best performances came for his former side, he is hoping his current teammates can help him to recapture his previous form, although he is unsure how long it could take.

"How close? I don't know," Benitez said. "It depends on the rest of the team. I think he can improve but the team has to help him."

"The first thing is to give him some confidence; give him instructions of what he can do in a different way to improve him and the rest of the team a little bit physically.”

The 28-year-old has only managed to net 19 times in 88 appearances for the current European Champions since his big-money arrival, and Chelsea will be looking to end a five-match winless run in the Premier League when the team hosts local rival Fulham on Wednesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Henderson rejects idea of a loan move away from Liverpool

Jordan Henderson has dismissed notions that he could be in line for a loan move away from Liverpool in January, instead reaffirming his desire to stay at Anfield and fight for his place.


The 22-year-old has become a bit-part player since Brendan Rodgers' arrival on Merseyside, having been a regular under former boss Kenny Dalglish, but made his first Premier League start of the season in the goalless draw with Swansea on Sunday.

The 16 million pound former Sunderland midfielder is intent on proving himself to Rodgers and becoming a permanent fixture in his starting lineup.

“A move to Liverpool has to be for life, not just for Christmas,” he told the Daily Mirror. “When I signed for Liverpool, I definitely wanted it to be long term. I want to make sure that when I am given opportunities I work hard and try to take them.


“It might be easier to throw a tantrum and walk away from a big club than fight to make it work. But it just gives me a different incentive to push on and go forward. I think the manager has seen that I have improved since he came into the club and I need to keep doing that and prove I can play in the league.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

AC Milan to make request for 15-year-old Mastour to play in Serie A

AC Milan is set to make a special request to allow talented youngster Hachim Mastour to play in Serie A aged just 15, Goal.com has learned.

Under current rules, no player under the age of 16 can play in Italy's top flight, but the Rossoneri are eager to add some creativity to their ranks before the end of the season.

The Italian, who is of Moroccan descent, reaches that age on June 15, 2013, but he has impressed coach Massimiliano Allegri with his exploits in Filippo Inzaghi's Primavera team.

Club CEO Adriano Galliani, with the backing of president Silvio Berlusconi, is now set to go to the authorities to ask that Mastour be allowed to represent the first team before coming of age.

Meanwhile, Milan is also weighing up a move for Javier Pastore, who has found himself on the Paris Saint-Germain bench in recent weeks, with the 2011 Serie A champions considering a swoop for him.

Another target could be Wesley Sneijder, who has been frozen out of the Inter first team squad until negotiations over his contract are concluded.

A move to either Schalke or Anzhi Makhachkala does not look likely for the former Ajax man, and Berlusconi believes that a bid of 12 million euros would convince the Nerazzurri to part with him.

Milan's 1-0 win over Juventus at San Siro on Sunday saw the club rise to ninth place in the Serie A table.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham boss Villas-Boas hints at extended run for Lloris

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has hinted that summer signing Hugo Lloris may be in line for an extended run in goal for his side.

The battle for a starting place between the Frenchman and Brad Friedel has been on-going at White Hart Lane since the beginning of the season, with Villas-Boas thus far electing for a policy of rotation between the two.

Friedel has more often than not been chosen to start Spurs' league games, with Lloris being picked in the cup competitions. Lloris has been chosen to start his side's last three fixtures, though - including two in the Premier League - and the 35-year-old manager has admitted that there may soon come a point where stability in the position becomes necessary.

"We want to give [the goalkeepers] a run of continuity for them to feel stabilized," Villas-Boas told reporters. "It's important for them and for the team too.

"The main thing here is both keepers have been doing extremely well. We've been shifting the keepers, not on bad performances but on good performances."