..::Football III::..

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Udinese 2-1 Fiorentina: Muriel gives Zebrette crucial Coppa Italia advantage

Luis Muriel netted late on to earn Udinese a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in their Coppa Italia semi-final, first-leg clash at the Stadio Friuli on Tuesday night.

In slippery conditions, a late strike from the Colombian substitute strike sunk the visitors.

Captain Antonio Di Natale was the man to hand Udinese the lead in the first leg, scoring from close range nine minutes before the break to register his first goal of this year's competition.

However, when the 36-year-old was dispossessed on the stroke of half-time, Fiorentina quickly got the ball to Juan Vargas, who delivered a thumping effort in off the crossbar to equalise in style.

Just when the game looked to be heading for a draw, Muriel produced a rasping strike that beat Neto and put the home side on top.

Modibo Diakite, a January loan signing from Sunderland was handed a first start for Fiorentina, while 17-year-old Simone Scuffet continued in goal for Udinese after making his debut in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Bologna.

Despite a lively opening, neither side were able to force a shot on goal in the opening exchanges, limited instead to wayward crosses and misplaced final balls.

Gabriel Silva's deflected cross from the left after 19 minutes caused Neto an uncomfortable moment before Vargas had Fiorentina's best effort, forcing Scuffet to tip his shot round the post.

Those opportunities brought the game to life somewhat, as both sides attacked regularly without creating a host of chances.

Giampiero Pinzi was next to threaten Neto's goal, with the Brazilian parrying his effort into the path of Roberto Pereyra, who could only find the side-netting with his follow-up effort.

However, veteran striker Di Natale put Udinese ahead, tapping home Pereyra's cross after Silvan Widmer had helped drive a quick break from the hosts.

Di Natale is set to retire at the end of the current season and he looked to have ensured his side went in ahead at the break.

However, Vargas' fierce left-footed drive from outside the area levelled the scores, crashing in off the crossbar to leave Scuffet helpless and register what could prove to be a crucial away goal.

After the interval, Fiorentina began well, with Joaquin's volley well blocked by Silva from Borja Valero's cross before Alessandro Matri's improvised chest and volley threatened Scuffet's goal.

Muriel eventually got the winner eight minutes from time, when his long-range strike crept in off Neto's right-hand post.

It extends Udinese's winning run against Fiorentina to three matches in all competitions and boosts their hopes of revenge for their Coppa Italia round of 16 exit against the same opponents last season.

 

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Gomez ready to return to training, reveals Fiorentina boss Montella

Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella has revealed that star summer signing Mario Gomez is ready to return to training.

The Germany international joined the Viola from Bayern Munich last July for a reported €20 million but has not featured for the Italian outfit since September because a knee injury.

However, Montella revealed after Tuesday night's Coppa Italia semi-final, first-leg defeat at Udinese that Gomez is now set to make his comeback.

"The German is coming off four months of inactivity but he will return to training with the team from tomorrow [Wednesday]," the former Italy international told Rai Sport. "But his inclusion will be gradual."

Fiorentina succumbed to a late Luis Muriel goal at the Stadio Friuli, with Juan Vargas having earlier cancelled out Antonio Di Natale's opener.

However, Montella was pleased with his side's performance in Udine and is in a confident frame of mind ahead of next week's second leg.

"We left Muriel in too much space for the goal but, overall, I'm satisfied," the ex-Roma boss stated. "The Colombian unlocked a game that seemed destined to finish in a draw.

"Congratulations to them for believing in themselves but we could have also won the game.

"The tie is still open, though. The return leg will decide everything."

Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin was also quick to admit that the tie remains very much in the balance.

"Our dream goes on, even if everything remains open," he mused. "It was an even game.

"I liked my Udinese, but I also loved Fiorentina. Along with Juventus and Roma, they are playing the best football in the league.

"I am very pleased with my boys, though. It will be tough in the second leg, but we can continue to dream."

 

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Atletico boss Simeone: Real Madrid have improved

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes that on Wednesday night his troops will be facing a stronger Real Madrid side than the one they defeated earlier this season.

The Rojiblancos triumphed 1-0 when the city rivals met at the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga in September, with Diego Costa netting the only goal of the game 11 minutes in.

However, Simeone feels that it would be a mistake to attach any great significant to that result ahead of Wednesday's Copa del Rey semi-final, first-leg clash.

"When we faced Madrid, in week six of the league, they’d had very few games with their coach [Carlo Ancelotti]," the Argentine told reporters.

"They’ve got better and have developed a 4-3-3 that works well for the attackers they’ve got. There’s no doubt they’re better now."

However, Simeone insists that he is looking forward to the challenge of trying to upset Madrid once again.

"Last weekend I said that the more times you play the best, the better you get," he explained.

"With how tough they make it for you. I’d play every friendly against them. Every single friendly of the summer."

 

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Boateng: Milan's misery makes me cry

Kevin-Prince Boateng has admitted that the manner of his exit from AC Milan remains an "open wound" for him and says that the club's current predicament brings him to tears.

The Ghana international was surprisingly shown the San Siro exit last summer but says that he remains a huge fan of the Rossoneri, revealing that it pains him to see the Serie A side currently languishing in 10th place in the standings.

"Milan for me is still an open wound," the Schalke attacking midfielder told Chi. "I watch all the games on TV and it brings me to tears to see their position in the standings.

"I wrote [new Milan coach Clarence] Seedorf a good luck message and I still hear from my former team-mates."

Boateng remains confident, though, that Seedorf can turn Milan's season around, not least because of star striker Mario Balotelli.

"He is so strong that when he eventually takes full awareness of his ability, he will be the best in the world," the Ghana international enthused.

 

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Januzaj: I want to be Manchester United's best player

Manchester United wonderkid Adnan Januzaj has outlined his aim to become the club's best player.

The 18-year-old only made his first-team debut at the start of the current campaign but has gone on to make 17 appearances in the Premier League, cementing his status as a key member of David Moyes' squad in the process.

After such an impressive start to his United career, Januzaj insists he wants to become the club's most important player.

"I am quite pleased with my year, I have done a lot of work and have been integrating into the first team," he told the club's official website.

"I have played games and I think there is more to come. I hope to win trophies at this club and be the best player."

When asked his views on record signing Juan Mata, Januzaj admitted he was hoping to pick up a great deal from the former Chelsea playmaker.

He added: "He is a great player and I think I am going to learn a lot from him.

"He is a technical player who is very clever. He scores goals and gives assists. We are very happy to have Mata at the club."

 

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Berbatov primed to prove worth against Paris Saint-Germain

Dimitar Berbatov believes that Sunday's Ligue 1 clash with Paris Saint-Germain represents a "perfect" opportunity for him to prove his worth to new club Monaco.

The Bulgarian attacker has joined Claudio Ranieri's side on loan from Fulham until the end of the season, having been charged with the responsibility of filling the void left by injured star striker Radamel Falcao.

Berbatov has been presented with a baptism of fire, given his first game comes against Ligue 1 leaders PSG, but he is looking forward to the challenge.

"I think it is perfect for my debut, against a great team, great players," the 33-year-old told reporters on Tuesday.

"It will be a great opportunity for me, a fantastic game in which to show what I can do. It's perfect."

Berbatov added that he is particularly excited by the prospect of sharing a field with PSG forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"The whole world knows Ibra. He is a great player with beautiful technique," the former Manchester United man enthused.

"I have never faced PSG's players. They are favourites for the title but they must come to our home, where it will be difficult for them.

"I saw the qualities of my team-mates in training this morning [Tuesday]. We can do something in this game. It is not a matter of individuals but the collective.

"I am very excited and, to be honest, a little nervous to be here. But I'm happy.

"This is a new chapter in my career. I cannot wait to start training with my new team and start playing.

"Monaco is a great club and this season there is a great opportunity to finish high up the table. I want to help achieve these goals."

Monaco are currently second in Ligue 1, five points behind PSG.

 

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Mertesacker stunned by success of Koscielny partnership

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker admits he is in disbelief over the unbeaten streak that he and Laurent Koscielny have helped to create.

Arsene Wenger's side have not lost a Premier League match since January 2012 when the pair have both finished a game, with the defensive duo notching up 23 wins in 32 outings in that time.The Germany international believes it is an incredible statistic, one that proves how well the two work together.

"It [the statistic] sounds not real to me," Mertesacker told the club's official website. "When I first heard it, it sounded very weird. It's a good statistic but we have to build on that.

"I think we have shown a lot of people who criticised us a lot over the last two and a half years that we know each other much better now."We complement each other well, so it looks like that's a good partnership."I've played with many good centre backs with different qualities.

"But Laurent, he's one of the quickest players I've ever played with, one of the most mobile players, and he anticipates well a lot of balls so he has real strengths to be a good partner."For me it's easy to play alongside him. We both take advantages from each other so that is the main key I think."

 

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Negredo: Arsenal are title favourites

Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo insists Arsenal should be considered favourites to win a closely contested Premier League title race.

Following Chelsea's victory over City on Monday evening, Jose Mourinho insisted that unlike Manuel Pellegrini's men, his young side should not be considered among the front-runners this season.

Arsenal remain two points clear of both at the top of the table, and Negredo believes the Gunners are the team City will have to beat to reclaim the trophy they won in 2012.

"He's throwing balls out," Negredo said of Mourinho. "A week ago he said we were't favourites and now he says we are. The favourite right now is Arsenal and we still have to play against them.

"We must do our best until the end of the season and then we will see who is the best."

On the Chelsea defeat he added: "I think it was not our best game, but it is best to forget it as soon as possible. [Chelsea] were good, more effective and in the end that's what is most important.

"[My shoulder] was not 100 per cent. I tried to give my best, but now I have to recover and pick up the pace. We have to work and forget this game."

Team-mate Jesus Navas insisted City played well in defeat to Chelsea and controlled much of the game.

He said: "They made the goal. I think we were running the game but there were a couple of actions in which we were a bit undecided.

"We tried but we have to keep working. There is still a lot of the season ahead and many tough opponents still to face."

Negredo also believes City should be viewed as underdogs heading into their two-legged Champions League battle with Barcelona despite their prolific scoring form this season.

"Looking at the history, for the numbers of titles they have, Barcelona is the favourite," he insisted.

"It is true that now they are not as good as in previous years but Barca are always Barca and you have to be very careful with them. We must have the courage to face them.

"We have a good squad, quality and anything can happen if we do things right."

 

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We cannot keep Draxler forever, admits Schalke chairman

Schalke chairman Clemmens Tonnies has admitted that the club cannot expect to keep Julian Draxler in the long-term.

The 20-year-old was the subject of a late bid from the Gunners last month after a delegation was sent to Germany to negotiate a big-money move for the playmaker, though the Bundesliga club rejected the offer.

Speaking at SpoBis, a sports business conference in Dusseldorf, Tonnies stressed he would be keen to see Draxler continue his development in Gelsenkirchen for the next two seasons but conceded the Germany international would eventually move on.

"We cannot keep a super talent like Julian forever. But it also wouldn't be fair to refuse players to jump on the train that is waiting for them," Tonnies is quoted as saying by SID.

"We are often talking. I told him he should stay with us another two, three years and that a move would be too early for him now."

Tonnies also moved to alleviate concerns that Draxler could become the latest Germany prospect to join runaway Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, adding: "He won't go to Bayern, I know that."

 

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Blanc relief at avoiding extra-time against Nantes

Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc was a relieved man after his players managed to avoid extra-time in Tuesday night's Coupe de la Ligue semi-final against Nantes.

An additional 30 minutes appeared an inevitability when Olivier Vigneau cancelled out Zlatan Ibrahimovic's opener in the closing stages.

However, the Swedish striker netted a last-gasp winner to send PSG through to their fifth Coupe de la Ligue final, much to Blanc's delight.

"In the first half, Nantes refused to play," the World Cup winner told France 2.

"In the second half, they realised that they could not win without changing [their approach]. They played higher [up the field].

"My team were maybe a little tired but they avoided extra-time and that was very good for us."

PSG will now meet either Olympique Lyonnais or Troyes in the tournament decider.

 

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I didn't join Inter for money, insists Hernanes

Hernanes insists that he joined Inter to achieve his ambitions and that the switch from Lazio was not motivated by money.

The Brazil midfielder left Lazio for San Siro on the final day of the January transfer window in a €20 million move, leading to furious supporter protests against Lazio president Claudio Lotito.

Hernanes, however, has stressed it was his decision to leave the club as he aims to fight for the Serie A title and play in the Champions League."I want to clarify that no-one forced me to say anything," he told GoldTV. "I chose to go away and it was not a question of money.

"After a fantastic three-and-a-half years, where I was always treated with dignity by Lotito and [sporting director Igli] Tare, I realised that if I wanted to play in the Champions League or win the Scudetto, I had to try something new."With Lazio, me and my team-mates were not able to reach certain goals. So, as soon as the opportunity came, I took it.

"I thought about, when Inter came in for me, and I made my decision. Again, after three-and-a-half years, I realised I would not have been able to achieve my dreams with Lazio."Inter made me an offer. This is a team that has a name, a higher outlook where maybe I can achieve my goals. It is not a question of money."

Hernanes joined Lazio from Sao Paulo in August 2010 and helped them win the Coppa Italia last season.The 28-year-old could make his debut for Inter against Sassuolo on Sunday.

 

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Manchester United exile Zaha hoping to become Cardiff City favourite

Manchester United loanee Wilfried Zaha has set his sights on becoming a fans' favourite with Cardiff City in the coming months.

Zaha made the temporary switch from Old Trafford on transfer deadline day, and came off the bench for his Cardiff debut on Saturday, setting up Craig Bellamy for the equaliser in the 2-1 success over Norwich City.

And after struggling for game time at United - Zaha played just 28 minutes of Premier League football under David Moyes - the 21-year-old revealed he was just happy to be involved on Saturday.

"I was just glad to get on," he said. "We needed the crowd to help and the noise the fans made helped us to push on.

"I'm happy. I hope to be one of the fans' favourites and every game I come on, I will give it my all."

The win over Norwich lifted Cardiff off the foot of the table, and the England international believes the result will provide a huge boost as they look to avoid the drop back to the Championship.

"We can get out of the relegation zone if we just believe, and getting those points has helped a lot," he said.

 

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Mignolet: Training with Suarez & Sturridge has improved me

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet says training with Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge is improving him as a goalkeeper.

The Belgium international moved to Anfield from Sunderland ahead of the 2013-14 campaign, and has kept seven clean sheets in 24 Premier League appearances so far this term.

And Mignolet believes that going up against Suarez and Sturridge - who are the top-flight's most prolific strike pairing with 37 league goals between them this season - is helping his development.

"It's nice to play against them day in, day out on the training pitch because they make me better as a goalkeeper," he told reporters.

"As a goalkeeper, I see it every day and I know what they can do to the opposition. If you go one v one against either of them, then as a goalkeeper you learn lots of things from them.

"I also know what other goalkeepers are in for and the quality Daniel and Luis have, and together it is unbelievable."

Mignolet went on to say that the life of a keeper can sometimes be tough, although he believes this is merely an occupational hazard.

"Not all things always go your way and you have to accept that," he added. "That's what you are going to get as a footballer. I just try to do the things I'm asked to do.

"I just try to stay as focused as I always am, relax and make sure I can help the team out whenever I can."

 

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Ronaldo ban to be decided on Wednesday

Real Madrid will discover on Wednesday the length of Cristiano Ronaldo's ban following the Portugal captain's sending-off on Sunday.

The Spanish FA (RFEF) have announced that they will meet to discuss a suitable punishment for Ronaldo on February 5, the same day that los Blancos face city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

The former Manchester United attacker was shown a straight red card following a clash with Carlos Gurpegui Ander Iturraspe during Sunday's 1-1 La Liga draw away to Athletic Bilbao.

Under the RFEF's disciplinary system, the ban could cover anything from one game to in excess of three should the offence be considered to have been an act of violent conduct.

Madrid's next three league matches come against Villarreal at the Bernabeu on Saturday, away to Getafe on Sunday, February 16 and at home to Elche the following Saturday, although the RFEF could decide to include the second-leg of the Copa semi-final clash with Atletico as part of any ban enforced upon Ronaldo.

Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti hit out at referee Miguel Ayza's decision to send his star man off after the match on Sunday, saying: "I was not close to it, but the pictures show that it was a bit exaggerated."

The 2013 Ballon d'Or winner, who turns 29 on the day of the disciplinary hearing, has scored 32 goals in 30 games for Madrid this season.

 

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Arsenal do not fear February run-in, says Szczesny

Wojciech Szczesny says Arsenal are not daunted by a difficult month of fixtures this February.

The Gunners are set to face Liverpool twice and Manchester United in the Premier League, plus Bayern Munich in the Champions League, all in the space of 11 days.

But the Polish shot-stopper, whose defensive record boasts 11 clean sheets this season in the Premier League, insists his team are looking forward to the prospect of a season-defining month.

“We’re looking at it as a chance to create an even bigger gap between us and the teams behind us. We’re looking forward to it and I hope we can show people what we’re made of,” Szczesny told reporters.

"We’ve got a difficult run but we’re looking forward to it. It’s good to be around the top but right now what we care about right now is being top at the end of May. It really doesn’t matter to us now.

“We’ve got hard games, but every single game in the Premier League is difficult at the moment - there are no weaker teams.

“I’m looking forward to the big games, every player looks forward to games against big opponents and world class players. We’re looking forward to it.”

The 23-year-old is confident the Arsenal defensive unit is up to the task of keeping Liverpool's free-scoring strike partnership of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge quiet at Anfield.

He added: “They have been fantastic - their goal-scoring record speaks for itself. They’re great players.

"We managed to keep a clean sheet against them at home and we’ll try to do exactly the same thing away from home and hope for a result. Our defensive record, especially at home, has been fantastic.

“I’ve never felt scared facing anyone, so we’re looking forward to it because we’re always excited to play against fantastic players.

“We know if we keep clean sheets we have got every chance of winning the game so that’s been the case. I think it is 11 games at home we have kept 10 clean sheets. You can see it’s massive for us.

“We realise if you want to win the championship then you have to be solid defensively and that is the most important thing. We know that clean sheets gives you the best platform to go and win games. If we can keep a few more until the end of the season then we can get our rewards."

 

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Rio Ferdinand still valued at Manchester United - Moyes

Manchester United manager David Moyes has insisted he still considers Rio Ferdinand a valuable member of his Old Trafford squad.

The former England captain has struggled with injuries this term, falling behind Jonny Evans and Phil Jones in the pecking order, making just seven Premier League appearances this season.

But with Jones and Evans doubts for Sunday's visit of bottom-of-the-table Fulham, Moyes says Ferdinand could return to the starting line-up after making just two outings in the last two months.

"Rio is back training," Moyes told reporters. "He is back and we will continue to use Rio at the right times and the right moments.

"He has made a great contribution, especially in the first half of the season. He has competition for centre half, but he is very much valued and looked at as one of the senior players here."

Moyes also revealed that Ferdinand helped him make the transition to Old Trafford after being named as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor.

He added: "He was a big part in helping me to settle. He helped me get my feet under the table a little bit."

 

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Anderson: I never said players want Manchester United exit

Anderson has rejected quotes attributed to him claiming a number of Manchester United players are keen to leave Old Trafford.The midfielder reportedly said "a lot of people want out", even naming winger Nani, after he completed a loan move to Fiorentina - adding that he has no intention to return to the club.

But, writing on his Instagram page, he insisted the interview never happened and underlined his affection for United."I'm shocked and surprised with a supposed interview that never existed," he wrote.

"I never gave any interview, much less to say bad things about a club that I love, a club where I grew up and that gave me so much. Shame on you!!!!
"I'm like a fan and love the club."Anderson arrived at United seven years ago in a big-money move from Porto but failed to live up to initial expections and has now joined Fiorentina until the end of the season with the option of a permanent move.

 

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Ronaldo will not face lengthy ban, insists Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is confident that Cristiano Ronaldo will not receive a lengthy ban for his red card in the 1-1 La Liga draw against Athletic Bilbao.

Ronaldo was dismissed in the second half of the encounter after an altercation with Carlos Gurpegui and Ander Iturraspe, and could receive a ban of more than three games should the Spanish FA (RFEF) deem the offence to be an act of violent conduct when their disciplinary board meets on Wednesday.

Ancelotti, however, believes the Portugal international will escape with a one-match suspension and will be available for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final with rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening.

"I don't think we will have to wait for the committee's decision. I am convinced that he will not be heavily punished for what happened. Cristiano will start on Wednesday," the Italian coach said at a press conference.

"I don't know what to say about Ronaldo's gesture when he left the pitch. I don't think he meant anything bad with it. He was obviously unhappy with his dismissal as it was a harsh decision.

"Cristiano is often provoked on the pitch and concedes a lot of fouls. His gesture wasn't that bad."

Ancelotti also revealed Gareth Bale and Raphael Varane could both make a return to the side following injury lay-offs, and admits he is eager to keep a clean sheet in their first-leg clash at Santiago Bernabeu.

"Every derby or Clasico is the most important game for the club and the fans," he continued. "Tomorrow a different Real Madrid will play compared to the team that played Atletico in the League.

"Atletico are organised, solid and compact. Simeone is doing a great job and has a great team. He says they are not favourites to win the title to get rid of pressure.

"Atletico have maintained the same quality and are still organised. They are more confident now because they've won many games.

"We will have the support of our fans tomorrow which is always important. We have to try to keep a clean-sheet and win the game."

 

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Martino: Barcelona will not stumble again

Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino has dismissed suggestions his side are not good enough to win La Liga, insisting they will not stumble again this season.

The Catalan club slipped three points behind Primera Division leaders Atletico Madrid following their shock 3-2 defeat at home to Valencia at the weekend.

Barca conceded two goals in 11 minutes in the second half after taking the lead through Alexis Sanchez, with Paco Alcacer firing a 59th-minute winner after Lionel Messi had equalised from the penalty spot, but Martino maintains their second-half showing should not rule them out of the title race.

"I don't think there will be any more stumbling," the Argentine told the club's official website. "For 45 minutes we played poorly but the club cannot be ruled out of the league.

"We know that in more and more games we are making errors and it is getting harder to recover. But whenever there is a loss, in the next game there is a chance of redemption."

Martino believes his side must be more ruthless in closing out games for the remainder of the season after surrendering their early advantage on Saturday."We need to be able to close matches off. Normally when the team starts ticking, we end up winning games by two or three goals," he added.

Barcelona take on Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

 

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Mourinho: Hazard is the best young player in the world

Jose Mourinho believes Eden Hazard is the best young player in the world after he helped Chelsea record a 1-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The 23-year-old was one of several players to impress as the Blues ended City's 100 per cent home record, and Mourinho believes the Belgian attacker, in time, can emulate Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"He needs to keep his feet on the ground," Mourinho told reporters. "He still has to improve but he is probably the best young player in the world with legs to go there [to the level of Messi and Ronaldo].

"Give him time, and Willian, [Andre] Schurrle, [Mohamed] Salah too. Give them time. They need good results and so this result is very important for them."

Mourinho believes his side are still evolving and learning, with Monday's victory over City an important lesson in their development, but suggested his side remain the underdogs in the race for the title.

"We are a team in evolution but this is the kind of performance that helps the team to grow up a lot. Tactically and mentally I think it was fantastic," continued the former Real Madrid boss.

"A victory is a victory but a victory against a very good team is better than against an ordinary team. This is also good for the Champions League because we have big opponents so this is a good feeling and a good experience. Today was special.

"We love the big games. When you love it maybe you feel extra-motivated. The best thing for our evolution is to play matches under pressure, to be close to the leaders, and today we came here and played against the leaders and we deserved it.

"There are two horses and a little horse - a little horse that still needs milk and work and to learn how to jump. There are two big horses and the last horse, a horse that next season can race.

"We have beaten the best team twice. In the first game we won because Fernando [Torres] was bright; now we won because we were the best team."