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..::Football II::..
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Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Valencia (Agg 3-2): Nervous hosts edge into quarterfinals
Paris Saint-Germain was made to work hard for a 1-1 draw against Valencia on Wednesday evening at Parc des Princes, a result that saw Carlo Ancelotti’s side qualify for the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the first time since 1995 with a 3-2 aggregate success.
In an affair lacking in quality and excitement for long periods, the Spaniards grabbed the lead thanks to a stunning strike from Jonas early in the second half that was of a standard not in keeping with what had preceded it. PSG, which was lacking the suspended pair of Marco Verratti and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, battled back quickly, though, and Ezequiel Lavezzi equalized.
From the outset it was clear that the home side was in an indecisive mood, and this allowed Valencia to set the tempo for much of the game.
The Spaniards would regret their failure to make headway early in the match, though. Despite bossing the game, Sirigu was rarely seriously tested. With quarter of an hour gone, Roberto Soldado should have made the Italian work harder when he got a clear sight of goal, and a scuffed effort wide from Tino Costa with half an hour played rather summed up their efforts.
Only Jonas would show any serious intent during the opening period, but his shot in the 45th minute was punched clear by Sirigu.
Although they struggled to test Salvatore Sirigu in the home goal, los Che deservedly grabbed the lead 10 minutes into the second period when Jonas blasted home with his right foot from the edge of the area.
Ancelotti responded by introducing Kevin Gameiro, and the substitute would play a key role in invigorating the previously stale home side. A positive run through the center of defence was rewarded by a lucky break that saw the ball break to Lavezzi, who needed two attempts to ultimately beat Vicente Guaita.
Even this equalizing goal struggled to prompt much of a reaction from the home side, which had to withstand a good deal of pressure from its guest in the closing stages, with Alex and Thiago Silva outstanding in the heart of the defense, while Blaise Matuidi’s energy in the center of the field helped subdue Valencia.
Los Che would ultimately fail to find the goal that would have sent the match to extra time, but the aggregate loss was a fate dictated by the first leg in Spain rather than the team's considerable efforts in the French capital. For the part of PSG, it looked a side well short of the quality to be a serious Champions League contender.
Paris Saint-Germain was made to work hard for a 1-1 draw against Valencia on Wednesday evening at Parc des Princes, a result that saw Carlo Ancelotti’s side qualify for the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the first time since 1995 with a 3-2 aggregate success.
In an affair lacking in quality and excitement for long periods, the Spaniards grabbed the lead thanks to a stunning strike from Jonas early in the second half that was of a standard not in keeping with what had preceded it. PSG, which was lacking the suspended pair of Marco Verratti and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, battled back quickly, though, and Ezequiel Lavezzi equalized.
From the outset it was clear that the home side was in an indecisive mood, and this allowed Valencia to set the tempo for much of the game.
The Spaniards would regret their failure to make headway early in the match, though. Despite bossing the game, Sirigu was rarely seriously tested. With quarter of an hour gone, Roberto Soldado should have made the Italian work harder when he got a clear sight of goal, and a scuffed effort wide from Tino Costa with half an hour played rather summed up their efforts.
Only Jonas would show any serious intent during the opening period, but his shot in the 45th minute was punched clear by Sirigu.
Although they struggled to test Salvatore Sirigu in the home goal, los Che deservedly grabbed the lead 10 minutes into the second period when Jonas blasted home with his right foot from the edge of the area.
Ancelotti responded by introducing Kevin Gameiro, and the substitute would play a key role in invigorating the previously stale home side. A positive run through the center of defence was rewarded by a lucky break that saw the ball break to Lavezzi, who needed two attempts to ultimately beat Vicente Guaita.
Even this equalizing goal struggled to prompt much of a reaction from the home side, which had to withstand a good deal of pressure from its guest in the closing stages, with Alex and Thiago Silva outstanding in the heart of the defense, while Blaise Matuidi’s energy in the center of the field helped subdue Valencia.
Los Che would ultimately fail to find the goal that would have sent the match to extra time, but the aggregate loss was a fate dictated by the first leg in Spain rather than the team's considerable efforts in the French capital. For the part of PSG, it looked a side well short of the quality to be a serious Champions League contender.
Juventus 2-0 Celtic (Agg 5-0): Matri and Quagliarella ease Italian giant into last eight
Juventus cruised into the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League with a comfortable 2-0 win over Celtic at the Juventus Stadium.
With a 3-0 advantage from the first leg, Antonio Conte's men proved devastating on the counterattack as goals from Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella either side of the break ensured their progression to the next stage.
Given that advantage, a Juve side with five changes from last Friday's Serie A draw with Napoli predictably showed minimal urgency during the early exchanges and were content to draw Celtic forward and look to hit them on the counterattack.
Joe Ledley was attempting to give the Scottish side some direction from midfield but it was not until the 21st minute that it looked liked breaking through a defense that had conceded just four times in its seven previous European matches this season. The Welshman arrowed a sweetly-struck attempt from 25 yards that came agonizingly close to finding the top corner.
But at the highest level such margins can often prove costly, and Neil Lennon's men suffered a hammer blow as the Bianconeri took the lead three minutes later.
Gary Hooper was caught on the ball by Andrea Barzagli and the center back fed Quagliarella in the area. Fraser Forster was equal to the forward's shot but could only send it into the path of Matri who followed up for a simple finish.
Hooper almost immediately atoned for his error as his touch drastically changed the direction of Kris Commons' shot, but Gianluigi Buffon readjusted to turn the ball behind.
However, there was nothing the keeper could do as Giorgios Samaras drifted in from the left and flashed a low cross across the face of the goal. However, Hooper also failed to react quick enough as the pass evaded his stretching toes for an easy goal.
At the start of the second half the Old Lady showed a greater desire to attack and could well have doubled its lead soon after the restart. Matri teed up Quagliarella inside the area from Paul Pogba's pass into the area, though this time Forster was able to parry the striker's shot away to safety.
Celtic's ambition had visibly taken a knock and a free header from Efe Ambrose that bounced down and over the bar just before the hour mark was as close as they came to finding the net.
Juve would once more make the visitors rue that missed chance as Arturo Vidal beat the offside trap, latching onto an exquisite Andrea Pirlo pass and squaring to Quagliarella to add the finishing touch with 65 minutes played.
The tempo of the game soon fizzled out with the outcome clearly finalized, leaving Celtic winless in 10 visits to Italy. The Bianconeri, meanwhile, go marching on into the quarter-finals.
Juventus cruised into the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League with a comfortable 2-0 win over Celtic at the Juventus Stadium.
With a 3-0 advantage from the first leg, Antonio Conte's men proved devastating on the counterattack as goals from Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella either side of the break ensured their progression to the next stage.
Given that advantage, a Juve side with five changes from last Friday's Serie A draw with Napoli predictably showed minimal urgency during the early exchanges and were content to draw Celtic forward and look to hit them on the counterattack.
Joe Ledley was attempting to give the Scottish side some direction from midfield but it was not until the 21st minute that it looked liked breaking through a defense that had conceded just four times in its seven previous European matches this season. The Welshman arrowed a sweetly-struck attempt from 25 yards that came agonizingly close to finding the top corner.
But at the highest level such margins can often prove costly, and Neil Lennon's men suffered a hammer blow as the Bianconeri took the lead three minutes later.
Gary Hooper was caught on the ball by Andrea Barzagli and the center back fed Quagliarella in the area. Fraser Forster was equal to the forward's shot but could only send it into the path of Matri who followed up for a simple finish.
Hooper almost immediately atoned for his error as his touch drastically changed the direction of Kris Commons' shot, but Gianluigi Buffon readjusted to turn the ball behind.
However, there was nothing the keeper could do as Giorgios Samaras drifted in from the left and flashed a low cross across the face of the goal. However, Hooper also failed to react quick enough as the pass evaded his stretching toes for an easy goal.
At the start of the second half the Old Lady showed a greater desire to attack and could well have doubled its lead soon after the restart. Matri teed up Quagliarella inside the area from Paul Pogba's pass into the area, though this time Forster was able to parry the striker's shot away to safety.
Celtic's ambition had visibly taken a knock and a free header from Efe Ambrose that bounced down and over the bar just before the hour mark was as close as they came to finding the net.
Juve would once more make the visitors rue that missed chance as Arturo Vidal beat the offside trap, latching onto an exquisite Andrea Pirlo pass and squaring to Quagliarella to add the finishing touch with 65 minutes played.
The tempo of the game soon fizzled out with the outcome clearly finalized, leaving Celtic winless in 10 visits to Italy. The Bianconeri, meanwhile, go marching on into the quarter-finals.
Defoe: This is the best Tottenham squad I've been in
The England striker has spent eight years of his career with the north London club, but he feels the current crop of players is the most impressive of his time at White Hart Lane Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has hailed the current squad at White Hart Lane as the best he has played with for the club.
Defoe joined Spurs for the first time in 2004, but left for Portsmouth in January 2008 before returning to north London a year later.
Collectively, the England striker has spent eight years of his career at the club, but with the likes of Gareth Bale, Moussa Dembele and Jan Vertonghen in the current team, he believes it is the best Spurs side he has been a part of.He told reporters: "I think it probably is the best squad since I have been here. As a player I have always said when you are playing with good players it makes it easier. Especially as a forward, you know you are going to get chances in a game to score.
"There are players that could walk into other top teams in the Premier League, but it is great for everyone and keeps you on your toes because you know if you get an opportunity you have to take it. We have that winning mentality in training - it is just a good time to be here.
"There are players that can come into the team and do well so there is that competition which is always healthy. It is a great time to be at the club, we are playing with great players and the sky is the limit."
Defoe enjoyed a impressive first half to the current campaign, but the forward has been troubled by injuries so far in 2013. However, he says he is feeling fine once again.
He continued: "I feel good and have trained for a full week with no problems, so I'm ready to go. I was having a joke with Scott Parker yesterday and we were saying sometimes that if you have got a little knock you just need to stay on it and make sure you're fit and ready because if you are out of the squad someone will come in and they will do well, because it is such a good team to play in."I have been here for many years now and in my opinion, in terms of team spirit it is the best it has ever been.
"Everyone is buzzing around the training ground and putting the work in. Even the players that are injured are working hard to get back.
"It is the winning mentality that I think we have got now. In games when things aren't going great everyone gets stuck in and just keeps going, it is a good thing to have. It is important to have that I think."Up next for Spurs is a Europa League tie against Inter, a fixture that brings back memories of Bale's scintillating display against the Italians in the Champions League in 2010, and Defoe is not surprised that the Wales international is showing that form week-in week-out this season.
He said: "I don't think he [Bale] has surprised me to be honest, he is a great player and what he has done over the past couple of months has been unbelievable.
"Even when he was at Southampton I always thought back then that he was special and it was always a matter of time until he cold make that step up into the Premier League and do the same.
"He has realized that he is a good finisher - in fact he is a great finisher with a great left foot. When things aren't going well in a game he can just take the ball, beat two players and score. I think he has got 16 league goals, that is amazing."
The England striker has spent eight years of his career with the north London club, but he feels the current crop of players is the most impressive of his time at White Hart Lane Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has hailed the current squad at White Hart Lane as the best he has played with for the club.
Defoe joined Spurs for the first time in 2004, but left for Portsmouth in January 2008 before returning to north London a year later.
Collectively, the England striker has spent eight years of his career at the club, but with the likes of Gareth Bale, Moussa Dembele and Jan Vertonghen in the current team, he believes it is the best Spurs side he has been a part of.He told reporters: "I think it probably is the best squad since I have been here. As a player I have always said when you are playing with good players it makes it easier. Especially as a forward, you know you are going to get chances in a game to score.
"There are players that could walk into other top teams in the Premier League, but it is great for everyone and keeps you on your toes because you know if you get an opportunity you have to take it. We have that winning mentality in training - it is just a good time to be here.
"There are players that can come into the team and do well so there is that competition which is always healthy. It is a great time to be at the club, we are playing with great players and the sky is the limit."
Defoe enjoyed a impressive first half to the current campaign, but the forward has been troubled by injuries so far in 2013. However, he says he is feeling fine once again.
He continued: "I feel good and have trained for a full week with no problems, so I'm ready to go. I was having a joke with Scott Parker yesterday and we were saying sometimes that if you have got a little knock you just need to stay on it and make sure you're fit and ready because if you are out of the squad someone will come in and they will do well, because it is such a good team to play in."I have been here for many years now and in my opinion, in terms of team spirit it is the best it has ever been.
"Everyone is buzzing around the training ground and putting the work in. Even the players that are injured are working hard to get back.
"It is the winning mentality that I think we have got now. In games when things aren't going great everyone gets stuck in and just keeps going, it is a good thing to have. It is important to have that I think."Up next for Spurs is a Europa League tie against Inter, a fixture that brings back memories of Bale's scintillating display against the Italians in the Champions League in 2010, and Defoe is not surprised that the Wales international is showing that form week-in week-out this season.
He said: "I don't think he [Bale] has surprised me to be honest, he is a great player and what he has done over the past couple of months has been unbelievable.
"Even when he was at Southampton I always thought back then that he was special and it was always a matter of time until he cold make that step up into the Premier League and do the same.
"He has realized that he is a good finisher - in fact he is a great finisher with a great left foot. When things aren't going well in a game he can just take the ball, beat two players and score. I think he has got 16 league goals, that is amazing."
Celtic boss Lennon says star names may move on
The Parkhead boss expresses his pride in his young side as it managed to make its way into the last 16 of the Champions League before falling to defeat against Juventus Celtic boss Neil Lennon has admitted he made have to sell some of his star players who helped the SPL leader to the last 16 of the Champions League.
After watching his side crash out at the hands of Italian side Juventus, Lennon knows that clubs will be looking to swoop in on players such as Victor Wanyama, and admitted that some may want to move.
"We'll see in the summer how many players want to progress elsewhere," he told Sky Sports. "It's a progression for us, we want to bring in younger players, develop them and sell them on, that strategy has worked well for us."
The 41-year-old former Hoops skipper admitted that there was a gulf in class between his side and Juventus that was reflected in the 5-0 aggregate scoreline
"I think quality counts at the end of the day and our finishing at times let us down. Our buildup play was very good and just our execution, Ambrose had a great chance just after halftime that would have made it 1-1 and who knows what would have happened.
"In the final third we had some good play, Samaras has flashed one across the goal and you're expecting Gary Hooper to finish and [Gianluigi] Buffon's made a superb save from a deflected shot, but on the night class tells in the end and I think that told over the two games.
"I hope [my team have] learnt a lot, I hope they move on with their careers and they've done the club very proud and I'm proud to be a manager here in this fantastic stadium.
"I hope these young guys blossom from this experience, but last 16 is cutthroat and Juventus were clinical over the two games."
The Parkhead boss expresses his pride in his young side as it managed to make its way into the last 16 of the Champions League before falling to defeat against Juventus Celtic boss Neil Lennon has admitted he made have to sell some of his star players who helped the SPL leader to the last 16 of the Champions League.
After watching his side crash out at the hands of Italian side Juventus, Lennon knows that clubs will be looking to swoop in on players such as Victor Wanyama, and admitted that some may want to move.
"We'll see in the summer how many players want to progress elsewhere," he told Sky Sports. "It's a progression for us, we want to bring in younger players, develop them and sell them on, that strategy has worked well for us."
The 41-year-old former Hoops skipper admitted that there was a gulf in class between his side and Juventus that was reflected in the 5-0 aggregate scoreline
"I think quality counts at the end of the day and our finishing at times let us down. Our buildup play was very good and just our execution, Ambrose had a great chance just after halftime that would have made it 1-1 and who knows what would have happened.
"In the final third we had some good play, Samaras has flashed one across the goal and you're expecting Gary Hooper to finish and [Gianluigi] Buffon's made a superb save from a deflected shot, but on the night class tells in the end and I think that told over the two games.
"I hope [my team have] learnt a lot, I hope they move on with their careers and they've done the club very proud and I'm proud to be a manager here in this fantastic stadium.
"I hope these young guys blossom from this experience, but last 16 is cutthroat and Juventus were clinical over the two games."
Varane eyes PSG in Champions League quarterfinal
The French defender says he would "love" to face Carlo Ancelotti's side as the lineup for the next round of the competition shapes up Raphael Varane has expressed his desire to face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinal of the Champions League after Real Madrid’ s victory over Manchester United in the round of 16 tie.
The Frenchman signed for los Blancos from Lille on the recommendation of Zinedine Zidane and has impressed with a string of assured performances since breaking into the first team in 2013.
“It would be a pleasure to play against PSG,” the 19-year-old told beINSPORT. “Why not a French team? I’d love it.”Madrid won 2-1 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, whilst Ligue 1 leader PSG progressed after a 1-1 draw with Valencia at Parc des Princes. The quarterfinal draw will be held on March 15.
Madrid’s next match is away to Celta in La Liga and it currently finds itself in 3rd position, two points behind neighboring Atletico and 13 adrift of league leader Barcelona.
The French defender says he would "love" to face Carlo Ancelotti's side as the lineup for the next round of the competition shapes up Raphael Varane has expressed his desire to face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinal of the Champions League after Real Madrid’ s victory over Manchester United in the round of 16 tie.
The Frenchman signed for los Blancos from Lille on the recommendation of Zinedine Zidane and has impressed with a string of assured performances since breaking into the first team in 2013.
“It would be a pleasure to play against PSG,” the 19-year-old told beINSPORT. “Why not a French team? I’d love it.”Madrid won 2-1 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, whilst Ligue 1 leader PSG progressed after a 1-1 draw with Valencia at Parc des Princes. The quarterfinal draw will be held on March 15.
Madrid’s next match is away to Celta in La Liga and it currently finds itself in 3rd position, two points behind neighboring Atletico and 13 adrift of league leader Barcelona.
Victory over Celtic was not easy, says Matri
The 28-year-old striker opened the scoring for the Old Lady, but admitted the tie was tougher than the aggregate result suggests Alessandro Matri says Juventus' 2-0 Champions League win over Celtic was not as comfortable as it appeared on the surface.
The striker opened the scoring after 24 minutes, and though the Bianconeri went on to book their place in the Champions League quarterfinals, with Fabio Quagliarella wrapping up a 5-0 aggregate win, he contemplated how it could so easily have gone sour.
"It seemed to be an easy game for us but it was not. If we had conceded an early goal it would have been tough for us tonight," Matri said to reporters after the game.
"I scored both in the first leg and tonight, I am happy especially because I could celebrate it in front of our supporters.
"I still feel hungry for more, of course I would like to play every game but it's not possible. I have to do all I can when I am on the pitch."
Paul Pogba agreed with the sentiments of his teammate and offered his opinion that Antonio Conte's men must expect to be pushed to their limits in every game if they hope to go further in the competition.
“We played very well and are all very happy with the result, as this was a difficult game for us," he said.
"I don’t know how far we can go. We hope to win this Champions League, as we must keep going like this, knowing every game is difficult. We are Juve, so we must win.
"The supporters always want me to shoot from long distance because I scored a few goals like that, but that's not easy. The game was not as easy as it seemed tonight."
Juve joins fellow qualified outfits Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain in the draw for the quarterfinals on March 15.
The 28-year-old striker opened the scoring for the Old Lady, but admitted the tie was tougher than the aggregate result suggests Alessandro Matri says Juventus' 2-0 Champions League win over Celtic was not as comfortable as it appeared on the surface.
The striker opened the scoring after 24 minutes, and though the Bianconeri went on to book their place in the Champions League quarterfinals, with Fabio Quagliarella wrapping up a 5-0 aggregate win, he contemplated how it could so easily have gone sour.
"It seemed to be an easy game for us but it was not. If we had conceded an early goal it would have been tough for us tonight," Matri said to reporters after the game.
"I scored both in the first leg and tonight, I am happy especially because I could celebrate it in front of our supporters.
"I still feel hungry for more, of course I would like to play every game but it's not possible. I have to do all I can when I am on the pitch."
Paul Pogba agreed with the sentiments of his teammate and offered his opinion that Antonio Conte's men must expect to be pushed to their limits in every game if they hope to go further in the competition.
“We played very well and are all very happy with the result, as this was a difficult game for us," he said.
"I don’t know how far we can go. We hope to win this Champions League, as we must keep going like this, knowing every game is difficult. We are Juve, so we must win.
"The supporters always want me to shoot from long distance because I scored a few goals like that, but that's not easy. The game was not as easy as it seemed tonight."
Juve joins fellow qualified outfits Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain in the draw for the quarterfinals on March 15.
Ancelotti: It's very difficult for us to win the Champions League
The Italian hinted that lifting the famous trophy would be a big ask for his side, but promised the Parisians would do their utmost in the next round Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke of the difficulty his side faced as it secured a 1-1 draw with Valencia to progress to the Champions League quarterfinals 3-2 on aggregate.
Jonas had levelled the tie for the visitors with a second-half strike, before Ezequiel Lavezzi restored parity minutes later, as an under-performing French outfit limped into the last eight for the first time since 1994-95.
The Italian trainer maintained that while his side was not at its best, it had done well in the competition so far.
"It was very hard, a very difficult game. They [Valencia] played really well. We were not at our best in the first half," the 53-year-old told Sky Sports.
"After we conceded the goal, we did better. It's a very important result for the club, to reach the quarterfinals after 18 years is very important.
"The goal we conceded woke us up. We were controlled too much in the first half. It's very difficult for us to win [the Champions League], but it's our aim to do our best. At the start, everyone said the team didn't know what they were going to do, but we won the group, won the last 16, and we hope to do well in the quarterfinal."
Midfielder Blaise Matuidi also echoed his coach's words, but insisted that the team can be proud of its achievement and vowed to fight to reach the semifinals.
"It's great but it's true that we fought like dogs for that. We have done something great and now anything can happen," the 25-year-old told reporters after the match.
"We have done something great, and now anything can happen. We are still in three competitions (the Champions League, Ligue 1 and Coupe de France), which many people tend to forget. We showed we're in the mix. We will fight until the end."
The Italian hinted that lifting the famous trophy would be a big ask for his side, but promised the Parisians would do their utmost in the next round Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke of the difficulty his side faced as it secured a 1-1 draw with Valencia to progress to the Champions League quarterfinals 3-2 on aggregate.
Jonas had levelled the tie for the visitors with a second-half strike, before Ezequiel Lavezzi restored parity minutes later, as an under-performing French outfit limped into the last eight for the first time since 1994-95.
The Italian trainer maintained that while his side was not at its best, it had done well in the competition so far.
"It was very hard, a very difficult game. They [Valencia] played really well. We were not at our best in the first half," the 53-year-old told Sky Sports.
"After we conceded the goal, we did better. It's a very important result for the club, to reach the quarterfinals after 18 years is very important.
"The goal we conceded woke us up. We were controlled too much in the first half. It's very difficult for us to win [the Champions League], but it's our aim to do our best. At the start, everyone said the team didn't know what they were going to do, but we won the group, won the last 16, and we hope to do well in the quarterfinal."
Midfielder Blaise Matuidi also echoed his coach's words, but insisted that the team can be proud of its achievement and vowed to fight to reach the semifinals.
"It's great but it's true that we fought like dogs for that. We have done something great and now anything can happen," the 25-year-old told reporters after the match.
"We have done something great, and now anything can happen. We are still in three competitions (the Champions League, Ligue 1 and Coupe de France), which many people tend to forget. We showed we're in the mix. We will fight until the end."
Scolari: Neymar wouldn't play at Barca
The Santos star has been linked with a switch to Camp Nou on numerous occasions over the last 24 months, but Felipao believes the time to leave Brazil has temporarily passed Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari is of the opinion that Neymar would not get a game at Barcelona, and believes that he is better off remaining at Santos for now.
The 21-year-old talent has been linked with the Catalunya club, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich heavily over the past few months, though he remains rooted in South America.Scolari, who entered his second stint as Selecao head coach late last year, thinks that it would be tough to join the Blaugrana now and hopes for the sake of the national team that Neymar stays in his homeland until after World Cup 2014.
"Neymar should have gone to Barca two years ago, but now it is better that he stays at Santos," declared Scolari to reporters today.
"How would he adapt? Would he be by himself? Would he start games? Would he play in this star-studded Barcelona team? For the World Cup of 2014 and for Brazil, it is preferable that he does not go right now."
Neymar was named alongside the likes of Kaka, Dante, Dani Alves and Lucas Moura is Scolari’s squad announcement on Tuesday ahead of friendly games against Italy and Russia in mid-March.
The Santos star has been linked with a switch to Camp Nou on numerous occasions over the last 24 months, but Felipao believes the time to leave Brazil has temporarily passed Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari is of the opinion that Neymar would not get a game at Barcelona, and believes that he is better off remaining at Santos for now.
The 21-year-old talent has been linked with the Catalunya club, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich heavily over the past few months, though he remains rooted in South America.Scolari, who entered his second stint as Selecao head coach late last year, thinks that it would be tough to join the Blaugrana now and hopes for the sake of the national team that Neymar stays in his homeland until after World Cup 2014.
"Neymar should have gone to Barca two years ago, but now it is better that he stays at Santos," declared Scolari to reporters today.
"How would he adapt? Would he be by himself? Would he start games? Would he play in this star-studded Barcelona team? For the World Cup of 2014 and for Brazil, it is preferable that he does not go right now."
Neymar was named alongside the likes of Kaka, Dante, Dani Alves and Lucas Moura is Scolari’s squad announcement on Tuesday ahead of friendly games against Italy and Russia in mid-March.
Wenger urges Arsenal to stay strong in wake of Tottenham defeat
Despite the club’s recent travails in domestic and European cup competitions, the French manager is confident the Gunners will rally as they approach the season’s home stretch.
Arsene Wenger admits his immediate priority is to galvanize his Arsenal squad after a string of chastening big-game defeats.
The Gunners endured ignominious exits from both domestic cups, and look set to crash out of the Champions League after a comprehensive 3-1 home defeat to Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Arsenal has taken just four points from seven matches against clubs currently in the reckoning for a top four finish, and Wenger is concerned over the impact such losses could have on his team.
"You will never know how they can absorb those blows and how the team responds to disappointment. This is the most worrying aspect for me,” he told reporters. "I am not worried about us potentially coming back against Bayern, I am more worried about consequences that could manifest in the heads of our players.”
Despite the club’s stuttering form, Wenger is optimistic the Gunners can stage their trademark late-season surge, which secured them third place in the Premier League at the death last season.
"From the experience of how to handle the end of the season, we know how to deal with that. We have had lots of experience,” he added. "If you want to know, I am still solid, but I can't tell you that I feel great right now because my job is about winning games and when you lose you will not find a single coach in this world who feels good."
Despite the club’s recent travails in domestic and European cup competitions, the French manager is confident the Gunners will rally as they approach the season’s home stretch.
Arsene Wenger admits his immediate priority is to galvanize his Arsenal squad after a string of chastening big-game defeats.
The Gunners endured ignominious exits from both domestic cups, and look set to crash out of the Champions League after a comprehensive 3-1 home defeat to Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Arsenal has taken just four points from seven matches against clubs currently in the reckoning for a top four finish, and Wenger is concerned over the impact such losses could have on his team.
"You will never know how they can absorb those blows and how the team responds to disappointment. This is the most worrying aspect for me,” he told reporters. "I am not worried about us potentially coming back against Bayern, I am more worried about consequences that could manifest in the heads of our players.”
Despite the club’s stuttering form, Wenger is optimistic the Gunners can stage their trademark late-season surge, which secured them third place in the Premier League at the death last season.
"From the experience of how to handle the end of the season, we know how to deal with that. We have had lots of experience,” he added. "If you want to know, I am still solid, but I can't tell you that I feel great right now because my job is about winning games and when you lose you will not find a single coach in this world who feels good."
Messi: Barcelona will do everything to turn around Milan tie
The Argentine insisted the Blaugrana are still in with a fighting chance of progression, while he also commented on the national team, the Bundesliga and two British stars Lionel Messi has made it clear that Barcelona will "do everything" in its power to turn around its Champions League last-16 tie with AC Milan.
The Catalan giant crashed to a 2-0 reverse in the first leg at San Siro a fortnight ago, leaving its European fate hanging in the balance despite its favorites tag upon the draw being made in Nyon.
But while the forward is aware of the Rossoneri's defensive aptitude, Real Madrid's victory over Manchester United and the emergence of German clubs this season, he is remaining optimistic about his side's fortunes.
"We can do it. It will be complicated, but we'll get our chances to go through," the 25-year-old said at the launch of 'Team Messi'. "Never did the Italians play in our box. We will do everything to try to beat them like they did to us. Italian teams are very well organized and leave no spaces at the back. Hopefully Tuesday is the day that we can score the first goal from open play."
He added, "Bayern [Munich] and [Borussia] Dortmund are almost certain to be in the last four, they are doing great and they deserve to be [in the knock-out stages]. Madrid are proving to be very strong and are a candidate to win the Champions League, as were [Manchester] United."
A wretched run of form has seen Barca defeated in three of its last five matches, and Messi is determined to bounce back from the jaws of adversity as quickly as possible.
"I've had bad spells before. I've experienced many losses in my time, but I hope to enjoy many more successes like we've had in recent years," he explained. "I'm not sad. Hurt, yes, but not sad. We don't like to lose, but this is the perfect time to bounce back. I have the desire to win every day and I always want more."
Messi also spoke about Argentina's ambitions at World Cup 2014 in Brazil and revealed that winning the international trophy would be the "pinnacle" achievement of his footballing career.
"The national team is going through a good spell, having overcome some complex situations, and we have a lot of room for improvement. We come alive in big games, and we want to book our place in Brazil for the World Cup," he remarked."Winning [the World Cup] would be the dream of any footballer. It would be the pinnacle, but we can only talk about that for now."
The futures of Gareth Bale and Wayne Rooney have come under the spotlight recently, as both Premier League attackers have been linked with moves to La Liga, but the No. 10 admits he cannot fathom either of the duo pitching up at Camp Nou.
"They are two top players. You always want to play with the best, but I think it would be very difficult for them to join Barca. They are already at great clubs," he concluded.
The Argentine insisted the Blaugrana are still in with a fighting chance of progression, while he also commented on the national team, the Bundesliga and two British stars Lionel Messi has made it clear that Barcelona will "do everything" in its power to turn around its Champions League last-16 tie with AC Milan.
The Catalan giant crashed to a 2-0 reverse in the first leg at San Siro a fortnight ago, leaving its European fate hanging in the balance despite its favorites tag upon the draw being made in Nyon.
But while the forward is aware of the Rossoneri's defensive aptitude, Real Madrid's victory over Manchester United and the emergence of German clubs this season, he is remaining optimistic about his side's fortunes.
"We can do it. It will be complicated, but we'll get our chances to go through," the 25-year-old said at the launch of 'Team Messi'. "Never did the Italians play in our box. We will do everything to try to beat them like they did to us. Italian teams are very well organized and leave no spaces at the back. Hopefully Tuesday is the day that we can score the first goal from open play."
He added, "Bayern [Munich] and [Borussia] Dortmund are almost certain to be in the last four, they are doing great and they deserve to be [in the knock-out stages]. Madrid are proving to be very strong and are a candidate to win the Champions League, as were [Manchester] United."
A wretched run of form has seen Barca defeated in three of its last five matches, and Messi is determined to bounce back from the jaws of adversity as quickly as possible.
"I've had bad spells before. I've experienced many losses in my time, but I hope to enjoy many more successes like we've had in recent years," he explained. "I'm not sad. Hurt, yes, but not sad. We don't like to lose, but this is the perfect time to bounce back. I have the desire to win every day and I always want more."
Messi also spoke about Argentina's ambitions at World Cup 2014 in Brazil and revealed that winning the international trophy would be the "pinnacle" achievement of his footballing career.
"The national team is going through a good spell, having overcome some complex situations, and we have a lot of room for improvement. We come alive in big games, and we want to book our place in Brazil for the World Cup," he remarked."Winning [the World Cup] would be the dream of any footballer. It would be the pinnacle, but we can only talk about that for now."
The futures of Gareth Bale and Wayne Rooney have come under the spotlight recently, as both Premier League attackers have been linked with moves to La Liga, but the No. 10 admits he cannot fathom either of the duo pitching up at Camp Nou.
"They are two top players. You always want to play with the best, but I think it would be very difficult for them to join Barca. They are already at great clubs," he concluded.
Manchester United close to deal for Leicester starlet Schlupp
The 20-year-old forward has been on trial with the Red Devils for over a month and his Championship manager hinted that the youngster may move to the Premier League leaders Leicester City starlet Jeffrey Schlupp is on the verge of joining Premier League leaders Manchester United after spending a month on trial at Old Trafford, according to Foxes boss Nigel Pearson.
The German-born Ghana international has played for the Red Devils' Under-21 side twice in the past week and the striker - who can also play at left-back - performed well enough for his current manager to suggest a deal may be on the cards.
"We'll be discussing this week what the next step is," he told BBC Radio Leicester. "As soon as we find that out we will let you know. [Schlupp] has done well."
Schlupp has played 35 games for the Blues after coming through the youth system, and hit six goals in 10 appearances while on loan at Brentford in 2011, with former Leicester boss Sven-Goran Eriksson believing he could be a great player.
"He's a very, very good football player with very good talent. I wanted to keep him," Eriksson added. "If he is ready for Manchester United, I do not know. It is a big thing for him but would be a big loss for Leicester if it happens."
The 20-year-old forward has been on trial with the Red Devils for over a month and his Championship manager hinted that the youngster may move to the Premier League leaders Leicester City starlet Jeffrey Schlupp is on the verge of joining Premier League leaders Manchester United after spending a month on trial at Old Trafford, according to Foxes boss Nigel Pearson.
The German-born Ghana international has played for the Red Devils' Under-21 side twice in the past week and the striker - who can also play at left-back - performed well enough for his current manager to suggest a deal may be on the cards.
"We'll be discussing this week what the next step is," he told BBC Radio Leicester. "As soon as we find that out we will let you know. [Schlupp] has done well."
Schlupp has played 35 games for the Blues after coming through the youth system, and hit six goals in 10 appearances while on loan at Brentford in 2011, with former Leicester boss Sven-Goran Eriksson believing he could be a great player.
"He's a very, very good football player with very good talent. I wanted to keep him," Eriksson added. "If he is ready for Manchester United, I do not know. It is a big thing for him but would be a big loss for Leicester if it happens."
UEFA Europa League 2013.03.07 Round Of 16 1st Leg Fixtures
UEFA Europa League 2013.03.07 Round Of 16 1st Leg Fixtures
Anji Vs Newcastle United
Stuttgart Vs Lazio
Plzen Vs Fenerbhce
Steaua Vs Chelsea
Benfica Vs Bordeaux
Tottenham Vs Inter
Levante Vs Rubin
Basel Vs Zenit
patta gamek yayiUEFA Europa League 2013.03.07 Round Of 16 1st Leg Fixtures
Tottenham Vs Inter
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