..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Bordeaux 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain: Late double ensures happy return for Blanc

Paris Saint-Germain booked themselves a place in the semi-final of the Coupe de la Ligue with a 3-1 victory over Bordeaux on Tuesday.

Laurent Blanc's men qualified for the last four of the competition with an impressive performance, as their bid for a domestic treble gathered pace.The Ligue 1 table-toppers took the lead on the stroke of half-time thanks to the influential Javier Pastore, who starred throughout the match.

The goal came shortly after Puskas award winner Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a volley correctly ruled out for offside, but just after the break, Bordeaux levelled proceedings through Andre Biyogo Poko.That set up a tense finish, but just as extra time looked likely, PSG scored the all-important second goal.

Pastore was the provider, producing an exceptional dink that Rabiot ran onto in the penalty area.And the midfielder scored a classy left-foot finish despite being under significant pressure with just four minutes left.

Matuidi wrapped up the win two minutes later, curling past Bordeaux goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso with his left foot.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lazio 2-1 Parma: Perea fires holders through to quarter-finals

A last-minute goal from Brayan Perea ensured the holders Lazio continued their defence of the Coppa Italia cup with a 2-1 victory over Parma.

The 20-year-old Perea gave the Biancocelesti the lead after 25 minutes of their last-16 encounter at the Stadio Olimpico.

However, Jonathan Biabiany cancelled out the hosts' opener just before the interval as Parma, who went into the tie unbeaten in nine games in all competitions, battled back.

Just two points separate the sides in the Serie A table, and it appeared that extra-time would be required to decide who progressed to the last eight.

But Colombian forward Perea had other ideas, as he struck with his second of the match at the death for the six-time Coppa Italia winners.

Lazio will now meet either Napoli or Atalanta in the quarter-finals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fulham 3-0 Norwich City: Hughton under pressure as Cottagers progress

Fulham will face Sheffield United in the fourth round of the FA Cup after a 3-0 third-round-replay victory over a lacklustre Norwich City on Tuesday.

Darren Bent opened the scoring for Fulham in the 16th minute, driving home from a Patjim Kasami cross, and Ashkan Dejagah added a second before the break. Steve Sidwell then made sure of progression in the 68th minute as the hosts' unbeaten run against the Canaries stretched to a remarkable 15 matches in all competitions.

Fulham will be wary of an upset in round four, though, as League One side Sheffield United have already knocked Premier League opposition out of the competition with their shock win at Aston Villa.

Rene Meulensteen's mind appeared focused on Premier League survival as he he made nine changes from his side's 4-1 defeat to Sunderland on Saturday, including a return for Brede Hangeland, who had been out since October following back surgery. Chris Hughton, whose side are also battling against the drop, made six alterations to the side who lost 2-0 at Everton.

Norwich gave their hosts a scare in the opening minutes at a sparsely populated Craven Cottage - Nathan Redmond drawing a save from Maarten Stekelenburg before Robert Snodgrass struck the crossbar with a superb curling effort from 20 yards.

Following the early threat from the visitors, Sidwell had Fulham's first meaningful shot at goal when he fired straight at Mark Bunn from the edge of the area in the 10th minute.

And it was Meulensteen's men who broke the deadlock six minutes later when a Patjim Kasami pull-back found Bent in space in the centre of the box and the striker made no mistake in drilling the ball beyond Bunn.

Fulham continued to press and Sebastien Bassong had to be strong to outmuscle Bent and make a vital clearance from an Alexander Kacaniklic cross in the 27th minute.

The hosts' persistent pressure paid off four minutes before the break, though, as Kacaniklic broke down the right and squared the ball to to the edge of the six-yard box, teeing up a simple tap-in for Dejagah.

Norwich started the second half strongly but chances were few and far between until Bassong got his head to a Snodgrass free kick just after the hour mark, with Stekelenburg equal to the effort.

However, Sidwell put the result beyond doubt moments later as he powerfully headed home a Sascha Riether cross from the right.

Norwich looked a beaten side thereafter and failed to pose too much of a threat to Stekelenburg's goal.

 

[Persius]

Atletico Madrid 2-0 Valencia (agg 3-1): Godin & Garcia deliver for Simeone's men

Atletico Madrid secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 victory over Valencia.

A header from Diego Godin shortly after half-time gave Diego Simeone's men the lead, which on the balance of play was just about deserved.

Raul Garcia then sealed a 3-1 aggregate triumph when he flicked in following more suspect defending from the visitors, whose night was summed up when Dani Parejo was sent off for a second yellow at the end.

The exertion of Saturday's night clash against Barcelona had seemingly taken its toll on Atletico, who initially looked devoid of any imagination, energy and creativity in an insipid first-half display.

However, Valencia, who made seven changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Celta Vigo, were just as lacklustre, and needed to score on the night if they harboured ambitions of reaching the quarter-finals following a 1-1 draw at Mestalla in the first leg.

Both sides were reduced to speculative efforts from long range to begin with in a match that rarely threatened to spring into life.

Diego Costa came closest for the hosts in the opening 45 minutes, showing good close control before lashing a shot towards the target which was deflected out for a corner.

Thibaut Courtois was rarely tested but Valencia's Juan Bernat brought a comfortable save out of the Atletico goalkeeper to bring an end to a disappointing first half.

Atletico grabbed the elusive opener shortly after the break, as Godin nodded in at the back post from a teasing Gabi corner.

Valencia complained that the set-piece should not have been given in the first place but the Atleti defender took full advantage of some dismal defending to score.

Atletico nearly doubled their lead a few minutes later as Jose Sosa played in an early ball into the path of Garcia, who hit a swerving shot that cannoned off the post.

The hosts weathered some second-half pressure from los Che but Garcia was not to be denied as late on he scored the clincher, flicking on at the near post beyond the helpless Guaita in the Valencia goal to seal a place in the last eight.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

PSG played beautiful football - Blanc

Laurent Blanc believes Paris Saint-Germain played beautiful and expansive football in difficult conditions in their 3-1 victory over Bordeaux in the Coupe de la Ligue quarter-finals.

Javier Pastore had PSG ahead before Andre Biyogo Poko restored parity. However, two late goals from Adrien Rabiot and Blaise Matuidi ensured it would be a happy return for Blanc to his former club and a place in the final four.

"It was a game played like every cup match. We showed beautiful control in the first period despite a difficult pitch," Blanc told the official club website.

"I think we created a lot of opportunities in the game. We were rewarded at the end and that's a good thing.

"In cups, the main thing is to qualify. This match is now done. It is also a good thing to have avoided extra-time."

Pastore, who has found himself on the fringes at the club this season, was pleased with his goal and an assist and believes that he needs to repeat this type of performance in future games.

"I am very happy with my game. I scored and made an assist," the attacker added. "This is the kind of game that I need to achieve. I felt very good and I hope that this will continue.

"We played very well in the first period with a lot of concentration. The goals came then, and this is the most important."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Raul Garcia: Atletico can still challenge on all three fronts

Raul Garcia believes Atletico Madrid have enough strength in depth to continue challenging on all three fronts this season.

Atletico have had a fantastic term so far: they have sealed their progression to the last 16 of the Champions League, had their best start to a La Liga campaign where they currently sit second and booked themselves a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey following a 3-1 aggregate victory over Valencia.

Injuries and suspensions could take their toll with the more games they are involved in, but Garcia is convinced they can cope with the pressure.

"We are still on the same path as before. We have enough depth in the squad to battle in three competitions which is what we are doing," he was quoted as saying by AS.

The midfielder's header was the clincher in a 2-0 win over Valencia in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday after Diego Godin has initially nodded in the opener.

Following the exertions of a demanding encounter against Barcelona on Saturday, Atletico somewhat struggled to lift themselves for los Che, but Garcia says they were made to work hard and believes teams will continue to make it difficult for Diego Simeone's men.

"Valencia are difficult opponents in spite of however they are doing in the league. In the end we prevailed and the result speaks for itself," he said.

“Yes, it’s fair to say that this was a demanding game for us. We have reached the level where we cannot lose any game and now, that’s what makes other teams want to beat us. But physically, the team is still strong."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United right-back Rafael denies exit claims

Manchester United right-back Rafael has refuted claims by his agent that he might leave Old Trafford in the summer.

Cassiano Pereira, the representative of the Brazilian and his twin brother, Fabio, told Calciomercato earlier on Tuesday that, while there will be no movement in the January transfer window, it is "very likely" they can leave the club at the end of the season.

But the Brazil international took to his Instagram account to allay his followers' fears.

In response to some worried fans, he simply replied: "I'm not leaving."

The right-back has made just nine Premier League appearances this season and has been substituted in five of those matches.

Fabio has been linked with a move to Cardiff City in January after failing to break into the United side under new manager David Moyes.

The 23-year-old was on loan at QPR last season and has made just three appearances during the current campaign; 90 minutes against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, a last-minute substitute cameo in the Capital One Cup and five minutes against Swansea in the FA Cup before he was sent off shortly after being brought off the bench.

Cardiff boss and former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently refused to comment on speculation linking the Bluebirds with a move for Fabio and outcast Wilfried Zaha.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rafa inna one

 

[Persius]

Manchester United right-back Rafael denies exit claims

Manchester United right-back Rafael has refuted claims by his agent that he might leave Old Trafford in the summer.

Cassiano Pereira, the representative of the Brazilian and his twin brother, Fabio, told Calciomercato earlier on Tuesday that, while there will be no movement in the January transfer window, it is "very likely" they can leave the club at the end of the season.

But the Brazil international took to his Instagram account to allay his followers' fears.

In response to some worried fans, he simply replied: "I'm not leaving."

The right-back has made just nine Premier League appearances this season and has been substituted in five of those matches.

Fabio has been linked with a move to Cardiff City in January after failing to break into the United side under new manager David Moyes.

The 23-year-old was on loan at QPR last season and has made just three appearances during the current campaign; 90 minutes against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, a last-minute substitute cameo in the Capital One Cup and five minutes against Swansea in the FA Cup before he was sent off shortly after being brought off the bench.

Cardiff boss and former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently refused to comment on speculation linking the Bluebirds with a move for Fabio and outcast Wilfried Zaha.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Meulensteen: West Ham rejected Ravel Morrison bid

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen has revealed that West Ham rejected a bid for Ravel Morrison but claims the midfielder wants to join the Cottagers.

Goal exclusively revealed on January 7 that Morrison had told Sam Allardyce he wanted to move to Craven Cottage, with the promise of a salary increase and the opportunity to reunite with former Manchester United coach Meulensteen particularly tempting.

Speaking after Fulham's 3-0 FA Cup third-round win over Norwich City on Tuesday night, Meulensteen told reporters: "Yes, we did [put in a bid for Morrison] but we got knocked back.

"We need to review it and move on. I'll leave it with [Fulham CEO] Alistair Mackintosh. I'll have to wait and see what happens."

Asked if Morrison wants to join Fulham, Meulensteen stated: "Yes, because I have known Ravel for a long long time. The thing is we have to wait and see how the clubs and everything goes. We'll see what we get.

"The fee is not for me to discuss. I'll leave that to Alistair Mackintosh. I've made my desires clear and will leave them to it. We'll review it because I don't know the ins and outs of how it has been rejected."

The Dutchman has been promised money this January by new club owner Shahid Khan and has been linked with moves for Mohamed Diame, Joleon Lescott and Ryan Bertrand as they look to climb out of the Premier League mire.

Morrison has been in fine form for the Hammers this season, earning plaudits for his return of five goals in 18 games despite the club's difficult campaign thus far. His current contract at Upton Park is due to expire in the summer of 2015.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

No regrets over Barcelona stay - Roberto

Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto says he has no regrets over his decision to stay at Camp Nou and is happy to be compared to team-mate Xavi.

Under Gerardo Martino the 21-year-old has been given an opportunity to break into the first team, and believes his decision to stay and fight for a place at Barca has been vindicated.

"At first it took me aback, but I’ve played 12 consecutive matches now. If I had said a year ago that I would find myself in this situation now, I would have been happy," Roberto told Marca.“At no time did I consider leaving the club. This is my eighth season here and I think I made the right decision to stay."

As for being compared to Xavi, the midfielder said: "He is one of the best midfielders in the world."Roberto, who has been at the Catalan club since 2006, insisted his side’s Copa del Rey clash against Getafe is not a formality despite the Blaugrana leading the match 4-0 on aggregate.

He added: "The tie is far from over. In the league, we were losing 2-0 after fifteen minutes [Barcelona won 5-2] and in the cup, if they score two quick goals, we may be in trouble. We cannot relax.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Yaya Toure rested for Manchester City's FA Cup tie due to back injury

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed Yaya Toure has been playing through a back injury for the last two weeks.

The 30-year-old has scored 10 goals in 20 Premier League appearances this season as City sit one point behind leaders Arsenal in the table.

Pellegrini’s men face an FA Cup third-round replay against Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday evening but the Chilean has confirmed Toure will be rested for the fixture.

"David Silva and Yaya Toure are (out) with small problems," Pellegrini said. "I hope they will be fit for Saturday.

"Yaya has the last two weeks played with a problem with his back, so it is a risk to continue doing that way. It is better for him to rest for two or three days."

Pellegrini has confirmed Sergio Aguero has returned to full training after suffering a calf injury in December and will be available to play against Blackburn.

"Sergio is working normally with the whole squad and he is in the squad list,” said the City manager.

"He is a very important player for us. It doesn’t matter that we are scoring a lot of goals. Sergio will always will be an important player. We are very happy he is coming back."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Newcastle defender Yanga-Mbiwa keen to apologise to Nasri

Newcastle United defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has revealed he tried to apologise to Samir Nasri after injuring the Manchester City man on Sunday.

The centre-back strongly challenged his France team-mate in the second half of his side's 2-0 Premier League defeat, with City boss Manuel Pellegrini claiming he should have been shown a straight red card.

It was initially feared the 26-year-old may be out for several months with a medial ligament injury in his knee, but it has since been confirmed that Nasri will be sidelined for around eight weeks.

"I was waiting to meet him in front of the changing-room door but he got treatment," Yanga-Mbiwa told L'Equipe.

"Then, I immediately tried to get his phone number. I called him several times but he never answered.

"I left a message, I tried again on Monday but I failed to talk to him. I will try again because I want to apologise personally. I was so sorry.

"I just wanted to prevent him from going ahead, make him fall. He stayed upright on the first tackle, but fell on the second one.

"But I clearly didn't want to hurt him or be violent with such a gesture. I wanted to trip him up, there was no nastiness."

And Yanga-Mbiwa admitted his relief that the injury would not rule Nasri out of the World Cup.

"I finally heard it should be a two-month absence and I was relieved," he added. "When I heard it could be broken knee ligaments and it could imperil his World Cup, I felt really bad."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Matri set for Fiorentina medical, confirm AC Milan

AC Milan caretaker boss Mauro Tassotti has revealed that Alessandro Matri will undergo a medical at Fiorentina after a loan deal was agreed between the two clubs.

Matri, who has scored just one goal in 18 appearances in all competitions this season, has found chances limited at the San Siro since he joined from Juventus in the summer.

Fiorentina lost forward Giuseppe Rossi to a knee injury earlier in January and coach Vincenzo Montella has moved swiftly to secure a deal for Matri in order to provide cover in attack."Matri will undergo medical tests at Fiorentina," Tassotti told reporters ahead of Milan's Coppa Italia quarter-final against Spezia on Wednesday.

"[Andrea] Petagna has returned and we have [Giampaolo] Pazzini back tomorrow. [Milan] are well covered in attack."The former Italy international also wished new boss Clarence Seedorf well after the Dutchman was appointed as Massimiliano Allegri's replacement at San Siro, and voiced his confidence that the ex-Rossoneri midfielder can help restore the club to the summit of Italian football.

"I hope that there is a change of mentality and a return to the old values," said Tassotti. "I hope we can realise that this hypothesis is right - there are great players who can be great coaches.

"Certainly, Clarence has the right personality and I'm curious to see how it will work out."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hummels targets comeback against Braunschweig

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels is hoping to be fit for first-team action against Eintracht Braunschweig on January 31.

The defender, who has made over 150 appearances for Dortmund, suffered an ankle injury in Germany's 1-0 win over England in the autumn but is confident he will be ready to return at the end of the month as he looks to help his side climb back towards the top of the Bundesliga.

"The progress is good," Hummels told Bild. "This morning, after a long time, I finally had the ball at my feet again.

"For me it is important that I have completed a whole week of training before I can complete a game again. I hope that I can return after the Augsburg game [January 25]."

Although the 25-year-old has found it difficult to watch his team from the stands, he is happy that they have advanced into the next round of the DFB-Pokal and the knockout stages of the Champions League during a season blighted by injury problems.

"It's been difficult to watch the league but fortunately and most importantly for us is that we have progressed in the Champions League and cup. And getting to second in the league is more than doable.

"If we do the best we can, like we did in the first 11, 12 matchdays, I definitely think we can at least finish third."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hazard can become one of the best in the world - Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes a maturing Eden Hazard has all the attributes to be one of the best players in the world.

The Belgium midfielder has scored 11 so far this season and the Portuguese has seen the 23-year-old move to another level during his second tenure with the Premier League high-fliers - scoring nine and assisting five goals.

He told the London Evening Standard: "Eden can become one of the best players in the world. Now he sees his football and profession with different eyes.

"He understood how there is a gap between the talent and the performance and a gap between the occasional performance and the permanent stability at a high level. He now understands how he can fill this gap.

"He trains much better, he concentrates much better. Tactically, he has had a big evolution. He understands how to put his qualities on the surface of the team. He understands the best way to hide his weaknesses.

"He is 23 and now in his second season in England after an experience in France. He is playing in a Chelsea side trying to win the Premier League, also the Champions League, and is going to the World Cup with Belgium. He has in his hands all the tools to fill these gaps.

"Everyone knows he is a talented player, that he was that when he arrived here. But now he is trying to go to a different level, we are helping him and he is doing it step by step. Hopefully, the big talent can transform himself into the big player."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Seedorf retires to take Milan job

Former AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf has announced his retirement from his playing career to take up the vacant coaching job at San Siro.

Seedorf was heavily linked with the Rossoneri post earlier in the season as Milan struggled to find form under Massimiliano Allegri.

Allegri was relieved of his duties following Milan's shock 4-3 defeat to Sassuolo on Sunday, prompting further speculation that the Dutchman was primed to take the reins of the Serie A giants, and the Netherlands veteran confirmed on Tuesday that a deal is indeed in place for him to take on the role.

"I am here to announce that I will retire from playing after 22 years," the 37-year-old, who has been playing for Botafogo since 2012, told reporters in Brazil.

"It has been a difficult decision, but I am satisfied with what I have achieved in my career. Here at Botafogo I am happy because I leave a team who have qualified for the [Copa] Libertadores.

"I leave an improved club, especially in terms of their mentality and team spirit. Unfortunately, life as a footballer isn't eternal.

"Milan? We will meet again. This experience of the last year and a half has made me grow up a lot and will help me in my next step, as coach of Milan, who have hired me in both an elegant and correct manner.

"I like challenges and coaching Milan will be another challenge in my career. I couldn't say no to Milan after having spent 10 years there.

"The sacking of Allegri was crucial to my decision. The call from [Adriano] Galliani only came yesterday. I want to travel to Milan today. If I don't make it, then I will travel tomorrow.

"I made the decision to join Milan today but last night was a difficult night for me. But I made the right choice. I'm very happy about the opportunity Milan have given me and I'm very motivated.

"I hope that Brazil can have a memorable World Cup and the national team can honour its colours. Thank you."

Seedorf made more than 400 appearances in a stellar 10-year spell with Milan, during which he claimed two Serie A and two Champions League titles.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mkhitaryan: Don't compare me to Gotze

Henrikh Mkhitaryan insists he should not be compared to former Borussia Dortmund star Mario Gotze and has vowed to justify his large transfer fee in the second half of the season.
The 24-year-old, who joined the German outfit for a club record €27.5 million to fill the void left by Gotze's switch to Bayern Munich, has failed to find consistency for die Schwarzgelben this season, with his side currently sitting 12 points adrift of Bundesliga leaders Bayern.

The Armenia international, who has scored five goals in 23 appearances in all competitions, hopes his form will be more consistent in the second half of the season but has urged supporters not to compare him to former BVB stars Gotze and Shinji Kagawa.

"I cannot help it that I have become so expensive. But I will do everything so that Borussia Dortmund do not regret buying me," Mkhitaryan told Waz.

Talking about comparisons made between himself and former Dortmund players, the midfielder added: "Every player is different, you cannot compare us."

Sporting director Michael Zorc is also confident that the former Shakhtar Donetsk man will fully settle in to life at the German club and repeat the form that put him on the radar of several of Europe's elite last season.

"He's had some games where he has not stood out. Others he has almost single-handedly decided the result," Zorc told Waz.

"He came from a league in which he did not need to recover the absolute top level every few days. But that is called for in the Bundesliga and other leagues. At this level he has to get used to that."

Team-mate Marco Reus also believes it is unfair to compare Mkhitaryan to other players, instead insisting that he has the credentials to be a great player for Dortmund in his own right.

"None of us have said that he is supposed to be Mario's successor. He has already shown that he brings his own qualities," Reus added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Matic set for Chelsea medical ahead of €24 million move

Nemanja Matic is set for a Chelsea medical on Tuesday after agreeing the terms of a €24 million move from Benfica.

The Serbia international has confirmed that he has played his last game for the Portugese club as he prepares to become the Europa League champions' first signing of the January window - providing he is given a clean bill of health.

Speaking to Portugese newspaper A Bola about last Sunday's clash with Porto, Matic said: "Yes, it was my last game. I want to thank all the people at the club and all the supporters. Benfica will be forever in my heart. I played here two-and-a-half years, I gave my best in every practice, every game, and now is the right time to leave."

Negotiations to take Matic back to Stamford Bridge were finalised between Chelsea and Benfica in Lisbon on Monday.

Chelsea are believed to have agreed to pay Benfica an initial €22m, rising to €24m with add-ons. Matic, 26, has agreed the terms of a five-and-a-half year contract.

The midfielder first moved to Stamford Bridge in 2009 for €1.8m and was then sold to Benfica two years later as a makeweight in the deal that brought David Luiz to the club. At that time, Matic was valued at around €3m.

The re-signing represents a huge mark-up for the west Londoners but manager Jose Mourinho regards Matic as the type of midfield anchorman the team has been lacking for several years.

Matic explained that he felt it was the right time in his career to move to a club regarded as one of Europe's elite.

He told A Bola: "I want to improve, I want to go to a better league and want to go to Chelsea, the club which I also like.

"I have always given my best for the team, the club and the supporters. I hope you recognise that and understand my position and my desire."

Tall, athletic and comfortable with the ball at his feet, the Serbian will be expected to slot straight into Mourinho's squad for Sunday's home clash against Manchester United.

The Europa League champions expect to partly fund Matic's transfer with the funds from Kevin de Bruyne's sale to Wolfsburg, with the Belgian on the verge of a €18move to the Bundesliga.

Mourinho has been keen to buy a proven defensive midfielder since returning to Stamford Bridge last summer and finding a squad overloaded with playmakers and light in the central areas.

With defender Luiz regarded as a last resort in midfield, Frank Lampard out of contract in the summer and Marco van Ginkel sidelined for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, strengthening in that area has been regarded by the Blues as a priority.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: Manchester United 'trust' Moyes and will give him time

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United have not lost patience with David Moyes and still fully trust him to succeed and rebuild at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils' 2-1 loss to Swansea in the FA Cup was their fifth home defeat of the season, while they have slumped to seventh place in the Premier League table – 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.

But Mourinho feels the pressure Moyes is supposedly under is a fabrication of the media, and is convinced the club will support the man they picked to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson last summer.

“I don’t think David is under pressure,” the Portuguese told London Evening Standard. “The pressure is something virtual. It is something that comes from the media as a consequence of not having the best results.

“The most important thing in all of this is not the pressure that comes from the outside, it’s the reality of the inside. My feeling, which is based on years of communicating with Sir Alex and some inside information, is Man United are not happy, but they are calm. They trust David. David trusts them.

“Are the players blaming the manager and thinking ‘I am safe’? No. The players don’t feel that. They feel all together on this. The manager is calm and they are thinking this is our manager for the next two-three-four-five years. So they’re all together and are going to rebuild again a big team.

“The bad results will finish. They will get back on track, probably too late to win the league because they’re too many points behind the leader.

“The gap is difficult to recover but David has a fantastic job. He’s in probably unique conditions to be stable and to do his work well and achieve success sooner rather than later.”

Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with the Blues looking to keep pace with the leaders while Moyes' men eye a top-four berth.