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Moyes: I'm the right man for Man Utd
David Moyes has insisted that he is the right man to manage Manchester United despite a tough first season at Old Trafford.
The Premier League champions sit seventh in the table, nine points behind fourth-placed Liverpool and 16 adrift of Chelsea having lost eight of 25 league games.
But, ahead of a difficult trip to title contenders Arsenal on Wednesday, Moyes insisted criticism of his management has not affected his approach.
"I was given a six-year contract because it was a long-term deal," Moyes told reporters.
"It was always going to take time. There is rebuilding going on year after year here, and we will continue to try to do that.
"I just keep doing the job because I know that we’re doing the right job. We’ll do the same things, we’ll make sure things are right - prepare the players well and things will change I have no doubt."
Moyes' side are 21 points worse off than they were after 25 games last season, and the Scot suggested that demonstrates how far United's rivals have come.
"The improvement in the teams in the Premier League has been big," Moyes said. "There have been a lot of improvements from sides in the Premier League and obviously we’ve not done as well as we did last year.
"I think there are certain different reasons for it, I don’t think there’s any particular one. I think there’s a combination of different things - the change of manager being one of them. But lots of other things as well.
"We’re trying to see how our results have not been as good as they have been. They should be, and we will continue to look at that. There’s no one person or one thing [to blame]."
Moyes also defended his players and thanked United fans for the backing he has received since taking over at the club.
"I think the players are doing great. I think I’ve got a great group of players. I’m very fortunate I took over the champions and I think the players have been terrific," he added.
"The supporters have been fantastic. That’s why the right clubs, pick the right managers and the right managers pick the right clubs. You pick clubs where you know is the right place for you.
"That’s why I always hoped and dreamed that Manchester United would come for me - and they did in the end."
David Moyes has insisted that he is the right man to manage Manchester United despite a tough first season at Old Trafford.
The Premier League champions sit seventh in the table, nine points behind fourth-placed Liverpool and 16 adrift of Chelsea having lost eight of 25 league games.
But, ahead of a difficult trip to title contenders Arsenal on Wednesday, Moyes insisted criticism of his management has not affected his approach.
"I was given a six-year contract because it was a long-term deal," Moyes told reporters.
"It was always going to take time. There is rebuilding going on year after year here, and we will continue to try to do that.
"I just keep doing the job because I know that we’re doing the right job. We’ll do the same things, we’ll make sure things are right - prepare the players well and things will change I have no doubt."
Moyes' side are 21 points worse off than they were after 25 games last season, and the Scot suggested that demonstrates how far United's rivals have come.
"The improvement in the teams in the Premier League has been big," Moyes said. "There have been a lot of improvements from sides in the Premier League and obviously we’ve not done as well as we did last year.
"I think there are certain different reasons for it, I don’t think there’s any particular one. I think there’s a combination of different things - the change of manager being one of them. But lots of other things as well.
"We’re trying to see how our results have not been as good as they have been. They should be, and we will continue to look at that. There’s no one person or one thing [to blame]."
Moyes also defended his players and thanked United fans for the backing he has received since taking over at the club.
"I think the players are doing great. I think I’ve got a great group of players. I’m very fortunate I took over the champions and I think the players have been terrific," he added.
"The supporters have been fantastic. That’s why the right clubs, pick the right managers and the right managers pick the right clubs. You pick clubs where you know is the right place for you.
"That’s why I always hoped and dreamed that Manchester United would come for me - and they did in the end."
Manchester United have announced a record revenue of €149.5 million in their quarterly financial results.
Detailing their finances for the quarter ending on December 31, 2013, the Red Devils declared a 39.4 per cent increase in sponsorship revenue as a result of six major new deals.
There was also an 18.7% rise in broadcasting revenue as a result of new rights deals agreed by the Premier League.
Spending on player and staff wages showed a €9m increase from one year previously, representing a 16% rise.
The club's executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, welcomed the growth but lamented his side's "disappointing" league position in a statement accompanying the results.
The news comes in spite of United's drop from third to fourth in the Deloitte Football Money League, having been overtaken by German giants Bayern Munich in 2013.
Napoli 'almost perfect' in Coppa Italia comeback, says Benitez
Rafael Benitez described Napoli's performance as "almost perfect" after they beat Roma 3-1 on Wednesday to book a place in the Coppa Italia final.
Goals from Jose Callejon, Gonzalo Higuain and a first Napoli strike for January signing Jorginho saw the Partenopei overturn a 3-2 first-leg deficit to secure a clash with Fiorentina in early May.
"It wasn't the perfect performance, but it was almost perfect," Benitez beamed at his post-match press conference.
"Everyone worked hard in the defensive phase and then we were able to score three great goals.
"The team showed their quality. It was difficult to win against this Roma team and to do it without conceding a goal."
Diego Maradona was in the stands at the San Paolo to watch his former club turn the tie around with two quick-fire goals early in the second half and Benitez was delighted to have won in front of the Argentina icon.
"It was easier to win with Maradona there, but let's not take credit away from these lads, as they played really well. I met Maradona some years ago, he could still be useful for us on the pitch," Benitez added.
Benitez was thrilled with the added balance his side's January investment has brought about and believes Marek Hamsik has now recaptured full fitness as the season enters a crucial stage.
"The new signings are giving us more balance," he added. "It'll take a while for Henrique to settle in, as he needs to learn the language and understand our systems of play.
"Callejon can also play as a centre-forward. Gokhan Inler and Jorginho work very well together in midfield and help out the defence.
"Marek Hamsik has now fully recovered and is working very hard for the team. I hope this victory will give us more confidence to take into Serie A, as Sassuolo await."
Rafael Benitez described Napoli's performance as "almost perfect" after they beat Roma 3-1 on Wednesday to book a place in the Coppa Italia final.
Goals from Jose Callejon, Gonzalo Higuain and a first Napoli strike for January signing Jorginho saw the Partenopei overturn a 3-2 first-leg deficit to secure a clash with Fiorentina in early May.
"It wasn't the perfect performance, but it was almost perfect," Benitez beamed at his post-match press conference.
"Everyone worked hard in the defensive phase and then we were able to score three great goals.
"The team showed their quality. It was difficult to win against this Roma team and to do it without conceding a goal."
Diego Maradona was in the stands at the San Paolo to watch his former club turn the tie around with two quick-fire goals early in the second half and Benitez was delighted to have won in front of the Argentina icon.
"It was easier to win with Maradona there, but let's not take credit away from these lads, as they played really well. I met Maradona some years ago, he could still be useful for us on the pitch," Benitez added.
Benitez was thrilled with the added balance his side's January investment has brought about and believes Marek Hamsik has now recaptured full fitness as the season enters a crucial stage.
"The new signings are giving us more balance," he added. "It'll take a while for Henrique to settle in, as he needs to learn the language and understand our systems of play.
"Callejon can also play as a centre-forward. Gokhan Inler and Jorginho work very well together in midfield and help out the defence.
"Marek Hamsik has now fully recovered and is working very hard for the team. I hope this victory will give us more confidence to take into Serie A, as Sassuolo await."
Moyes pleased with Manchester United 'control' against Arsenal
Manchester United manager David Moyes believes his side were in control of the goalless draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Robin van Persie had the best two chances for United, but fired tamely at Wojciech Szczesny in the first 90 seconds and then saw his strong header well saved by the Pole late on.Arsenal pushed for a winner in the closing exchanges but neither side threatened for prolonged periods, and Moyes had no complaints with the outcome.
"It was a fair result in a tight game," he told BT Sport. "We looked quite compact, defended well and had a good opportunity in the first minute. We would like to have played better overall, but defensively we were sound and, I thought, in control.
"We had one or two opportunities to win it, but we won 1-0 at Old Trafford earlier in the season, and if you said at the beginning of the season we would take four points off Arsenal, I would have taken that." Moyes will now take his side to Dubai for some warm-weather training before their next game on February 22, away at Crystal Palace - although he was reluctant to discuss the details of the trip.
"We don't usually talk about that. It will be a mixture of hard work and relaxation," he added.
Manchester United manager David Moyes believes his side were in control of the goalless draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Robin van Persie had the best two chances for United, but fired tamely at Wojciech Szczesny in the first 90 seconds and then saw his strong header well saved by the Pole late on.Arsenal pushed for a winner in the closing exchanges but neither side threatened for prolonged periods, and Moyes had no complaints with the outcome.
"It was a fair result in a tight game," he told BT Sport. "We looked quite compact, defended well and had a good opportunity in the first minute. We would like to have played better overall, but defensively we were sound and, I thought, in control.
"We had one or two opportunities to win it, but we won 1-0 at Old Trafford earlier in the season, and if you said at the beginning of the season we would take four points off Arsenal, I would have taken that." Moyes will now take his side to Dubai for some warm-weather training before their next game on February 22, away at Crystal Palace - although he was reluctant to discuss the details of the trip.
"We don't usually talk about that. It will be a mixture of hard work and relaxation," he added.
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meh yana widiyatanam baha thamai bro
hama matchday 1kakadima wenne 4th place gap 1ka extend wena 1ka witharai
Liverpool dan elatama play karanawa.Champions League Qualified wenna bari unoth nam chater
ow
meh yana widiyatanam baha thamai bro
Champions League Qualified wenna bari unoth nam chater
top 4 enna hithanwa nam ethru match tikama gahanna onedraw,lost wunoth nam enna bae
Moyes: I'm the right man for Man Utd
David Moyes has insisted that he is the right man to manage Manchester United despite a tough first season at Old Trafford.
The Premier League champions sit seventh in the table, nine points behind fourth-placed Liverpool and 16 adrift of Chelsea having lost eight of 25 league games.
But, ahead of a difficult trip to title contenders Arsenal on Wednesday, Moyes insisted criticism of his management has not affected his approach.
"I was given a six-year contract because it was a long-term deal," Moyes told reporters.
"It was always going to take time. There is rebuilding going on year after year here, and we will continue to try to do that.
"I just keep doing the job because I know that we’re doing the right job. We’ll do the same things, we’ll make sure things are right - prepare the players well and things will change I have no doubt."
Moyes' side are 21 points worse off than they were after 25 games last season, and the Scot suggested that demonstrates how far United's rivals have come.
"The improvement in the teams in the Premier League has been big," Moyes said. "There have been a lot of improvements from sides in the Premier League and obviously we’ve not done as well as we did last year.
"I think there are certain different reasons for it, I don’t think there’s any particular one. I think there’s a combination of different things - the change of manager being one of them. But lots of other things as well.
"We’re trying to see how our results have not been as good as they have been. They should be, and we will continue to look at that. There’s no one person or one thing [to blame]."
Moyes also defended his players and thanked United fans for the backing he has received since taking over at the club.
"I think the players are doing great. I think I’ve got a great group of players. I’m very fortunate I took over the champions and I think the players have been terrific," he added.
"The supporters have been fantastic. That’s why the right clubs, pick the right managers and the right managers pick the right clubs. You pick clubs where you know is the right place for you.
"That’s why I always hoped and dreamed that Manchester United would come for me - and they did in the end."
Oh really. Did he prove it
?
meh yana widiyatanam baha thamai bro
Champions League Qualified wenna bari unoth nam chater
Champions league nan baha sure case....
Lyon 1-2 Lens: Gbamin stuns hosts to set up quarter-final tie with Monaco
Jean-Philippe Gbamin's extra-time goal earned Lens a surprise 2-1 win over Lyon in the Coupe de France on Thursday.The Ligue 2 outfit battled back from Jimmy Briand's opener after just nine minutes to book a last-eight meeting with Monaco, as Pierrick Valdivia's stoppage-time penalty took the game to extra time.
Teenager Gbamin took centre stage after that, rising high to head home a corner and stun the hosts, who last week secured a spot in the Coupe de la Ligue final versus Paris Saint-Germain.Forward Briand broke the deadlock when he headed in smartly from Miguel Lopes' delivery, apparently underlining Lyon's status as clear favourites for the tie.
Lens looked to the bench for inspiration as coach Antoine Kombouare introduced Deme N'Diaye, scorer of an extra-time winner in the previous round against Bastia, and Adamo Coulibaly.
The changes initially had little impact, but as the game moved into time added on Coulibaly skipped into the box and was brought down by Bakary Kone, allowing Valdivia to coolly level from the spot.
And just four minutes into extra time, Gbamin powerfully headed Benjamin Bourigeaud's corner past Remy Vercoutre to seal a stunning win for Kombouare's men.
Jean-Philippe Gbamin's extra-time goal earned Lens a surprise 2-1 win over Lyon in the Coupe de France on Thursday.The Ligue 2 outfit battled back from Jimmy Briand's opener after just nine minutes to book a last-eight meeting with Monaco, as Pierrick Valdivia's stoppage-time penalty took the game to extra time.
Teenager Gbamin took centre stage after that, rising high to head home a corner and stun the hosts, who last week secured a spot in the Coupe de la Ligue final versus Paris Saint-Germain.Forward Briand broke the deadlock when he headed in smartly from Miguel Lopes' delivery, apparently underlining Lyon's status as clear favourites for the tie.
Lens looked to the bench for inspiration as coach Antoine Kombouare introduced Deme N'Diaye, scorer of an extra-time winner in the previous round against Bastia, and Adamo Coulibaly.
The changes initially had little impact, but as the game moved into time added on Coulibaly skipped into the box and was brought down by Bakary Kone, allowing Valdivia to coolly level from the spot.
And just four minutes into extra time, Gbamin powerfully headed Benjamin Bourigeaud's corner past Remy Vercoutre to seal a stunning win for Kombouare's men.
Le Saux: Too soon for Shaw to leave Southampton
Former Chelsea and Southampton left-back Graeme Le Saux has warned Luke Shaw against a move away from St Mary's Stadium and believes that his development would be best served on the south coast.
As revealed by Goal, the Saints face a struggle to retain the 18-year-old's services, with the boyhood Chelsea fan keen to speak with the Blues over a possible transfer, while Manchester United are ready to make a £20 million bid in the summer.
The teenager looks set to decide his future at the end of the season and, while Le Saux is full of praise for Shaw's performances this term, he is convinced that the youngster is already in the right place to continue his development and improve further.
"I've been watching him play quite a lot," the former England international told Press Association Sport.
"He has the qualities of an attacking full-back who has a lot of pace and a lot of energy [and] his defending is getting better as he gets more experienced.
"He's still very young and, the more experience he gains for his club and at Under-21s level, I feel that he's in the right place at the moment and his development is crucial."
Were Shaw to secure a move to Stamford Bridge, he would replace Ashley Cole, already usurped by Cesar Azpilicueta, and Le Saux believes that the veteran Chelsea full-back's performances have dipped recently, leaving his England place under threat.
"I would pick the player that is in form, playing regularly and deserves it on past performance for England," he continued.
"When you look at Ashley Cole, you think of the high standards he's set himself over his career and, when I've seen him play, he doesn't look as sharp as he had done before.
"Inevitably, after playing so many games and getting older, it does take a bit longer to recover from injuries and to maintain a level of fitness for that position, marauding forwards like he does.
"Maybe he's not able to play quite so many games.
"For Ashley Cole it's important he maintains his levels in training and when he plays. He's a fantastic professional, in terms of his attitude, and he has to maintain his focus."
Former Chelsea and Southampton left-back Graeme Le Saux has warned Luke Shaw against a move away from St Mary's Stadium and believes that his development would be best served on the south coast.
As revealed by Goal, the Saints face a struggle to retain the 18-year-old's services, with the boyhood Chelsea fan keen to speak with the Blues over a possible transfer, while Manchester United are ready to make a £20 million bid in the summer.
The teenager looks set to decide his future at the end of the season and, while Le Saux is full of praise for Shaw's performances this term, he is convinced that the youngster is already in the right place to continue his development and improve further.
"I've been watching him play quite a lot," the former England international told Press Association Sport.
"He has the qualities of an attacking full-back who has a lot of pace and a lot of energy [and] his defending is getting better as he gets more experienced.
"He's still very young and, the more experience he gains for his club and at Under-21s level, I feel that he's in the right place at the moment and his development is crucial."
Were Shaw to secure a move to Stamford Bridge, he would replace Ashley Cole, already usurped by Cesar Azpilicueta, and Le Saux believes that the veteran Chelsea full-back's performances have dipped recently, leaving his England place under threat.
"I would pick the player that is in form, playing regularly and deserves it on past performance for England," he continued.
"When you look at Ashley Cole, you think of the high standards he's set himself over his career and, when I've seen him play, he doesn't look as sharp as he had done before.
"Inevitably, after playing so many games and getting older, it does take a bit longer to recover from injuries and to maintain a level of fitness for that position, marauding forwards like he does.
"Maybe he's not able to play quite so many games.
"For Ashley Cole it's important he maintains his levels in training and when he plays. He's a fantastic professional, in terms of his attitude, and he has to maintain his focus."
Villa returns to Atletico Madrid training
David Villa is on the verge of making his Atletico Madrid comeback after undergoing his first training session since suffering a hamstring strain.
The news comes as a welcome boost for Atleti who return to Champions League action on February 19 with a trip to San Siro for a last-16 tie against AC Milan.
Villa picked up in the injury in Atletico's 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad and returned to training on Thursday after missing a couple of weeks of action, including the Copa del Rey semi-final defeat to Real Madrid and La Liga loss to Almeria.
The 32-year-old is seen as a vital part of Diego Simeone's plans, but the chances of him being rushed immediately back into the first team for this weekend's clash against Real Valladolid are slim and is likely to start on the bench, according to reports in Spain.
Another first-team star, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, is still sidelined with back spasms and will not makes his return this weekend, while full-back Javier Manquillo is out after sustaining a neck injury against Madrid.
Third-placed Atletico will be hoping to put their slight dip in form behind them when they host Valladolid on Saturday.
Denmark's Euro 92 winning coach dies
The man behind Denmark's sensational 1992 European Championship victory, Richard Moller Nielsen, has died aged 76, the Danish football association has announced.
Moller Nielsen struggled to return to health after undergoing surgery for a brain tumour last July and passed away on Thursday morning.
After his playing career was cut short due to injury, he began to forge his reputation as a coach within Denmark, becoming national team coach in 1990 and guiding them to their only major trophy two years later.
Denmark earned a late entry to Euro 92 after Yugoslavia were forced to withdraw, and they took full advantage, beating Germany 2-0 in the final.
Goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel produced an excellent display in that match and was named in the team of the tournament, and the former Manchester United man led the tributes to his former coach.
During his six years in charge of Denmark national team Moller Nielsen presided over 73 games, collecting 40 wins, 18 draws and 15 defeats.
After leaving his role with Denmark in 1996 he went on to coach Finland and Israel at international level before retiring in 2003.
I rejected Real Madrid to join Barcelona - Keita
Valencia midfielder Seydou Keita says he rejected the chance to join Real Madrid in favour of fierce rivals Barcelona.
The 34-year-old spent four years in Catalunya, winning La Liga three times and the Champions League twice, as well as many other accolades.
Since then Keita has played in China for Dalian Aerbin and revealed earlier this month that he was in advanced negotiations with Liverpool before joining Valencia, but says his decision to sign for the Blaugrana in 2008 instead of Madrid's proposal was vindicated.
"One day, in Almeria, before signing with Barcelona, I had an offer from Real Madrid," he told El Diario.
"But I called my agent and said, 'go to Barcelona!' And he asked why. My response was: 'I do not know, but we are going there.' And I was not wrong."
Keita also revealed his admiration for Pep Guardiola, who he played under at Camp Nou, and cited the coach's empathy for former Barca defender Eric Abidal in his time of need as an example of his managerial skills.
"Pep is a fantastic person If you need anything, he'll give you it all," Keita continued.
"I remember Abidal had a problem in his family and he approached him one day and said: 'Go and when you are all well, come back'.
"When a coach tells you that, you come back, play and give 200 per cent. If the player is happy, you get so much more out of him and Guardiola recognised this.
"He was also amazing as a coach, treats all the players the same and gives everybody confidence. Tactically, he's very good."
Valencia midfielder Seydou Keita says he rejected the chance to join Real Madrid in favour of fierce rivals Barcelona.
The 34-year-old spent four years in Catalunya, winning La Liga three times and the Champions League twice, as well as many other accolades.
Since then Keita has played in China for Dalian Aerbin and revealed earlier this month that he was in advanced negotiations with Liverpool before joining Valencia, but says his decision to sign for the Blaugrana in 2008 instead of Madrid's proposal was vindicated.
"One day, in Almeria, before signing with Barcelona, I had an offer from Real Madrid," he told El Diario.
"But I called my agent and said, 'go to Barcelona!' And he asked why. My response was: 'I do not know, but we are going there.' And I was not wrong."
Keita also revealed his admiration for Pep Guardiola, who he played under at Camp Nou, and cited the coach's empathy for former Barca defender Eric Abidal in his time of need as an example of his managerial skills.
"Pep is a fantastic person If you need anything, he'll give you it all," Keita continued.
"I remember Abidal had a problem in his family and he approached him one day and said: 'Go and when you are all well, come back'.
"When a coach tells you that, you come back, play and give 200 per cent. If the player is happy, you get so much more out of him and Guardiola recognised this.
"He was also amazing as a coach, treats all the players the same and gives everybody confidence. Tactically, he's very good."
Neymar investigation held up as Fifa deny access to documents
The investigation into the transfer of Neymar to Barcelona has been held up after Fifa denied access to documents needed for the case to continue.
Spanish judge Pablo Ruz has requested a number of documents and paperwork surrounding the transfer of the 22-year-old from Santos to Barca, which included documentation from Fifa as well as Neymar's contract with N&N (the player's father's company), Santos' contract and paperwork and independent information from finance company Deloitte.
However, the investigation has been delayed following Fifa's decision to withhold the information as they say it is confidential and should be retrieved through the Swiss authority.
Ruz will send the Swiss Courts a letter of request asking for judicial assistance to allow access to the documents, which is expected to be a formality.
Neymar is currently making his return from an ankle injury he suffered against Getafe in the Copa del Rey in January.
The investigation into the transfer of Neymar to Barcelona has been held up after Fifa denied access to documents needed for the case to continue.
Spanish judge Pablo Ruz has requested a number of documents and paperwork surrounding the transfer of the 22-year-old from Santos to Barca, which included documentation from Fifa as well as Neymar's contract with N&N (the player's father's company), Santos' contract and paperwork and independent information from finance company Deloitte.
However, the investigation has been delayed following Fifa's decision to withhold the information as they say it is confidential and should be retrieved through the Swiss authority.
Ruz will send the Swiss Courts a letter of request asking for judicial assistance to allow access to the documents, which is expected to be a formality.
Neymar is currently making his return from an ankle injury he suffered against Getafe in the Copa del Rey in January.
Cavani ruled out of Leverkusen clash
Paris Saint-Germain will travel to the BayArena for the Champions League last-16 first leg against Bayer Leverkusen without forward Edinson Cavani, Laurent Blanc has revealed.Cavani sustained a thigh injury in the 2-0 win over Bordeaux in January and has missed PSG's last two games.
PSG coach Blanc suggested that the Uruguayan would be out for les Parisiens next couple of encounters, tipping the attacker for a return in the game against Toulouse on February 23."Edinson Cavani follows his program and should return at the end of next week. All the signs are very good," he told reporters.
Cavani's strike partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic should be fit for both encounters, despite struggling with back problems over the past week.Former France coach Blanc admitted that he may reshuffle his team ahead of the encounter with Leverkusen, but is keen to stay focused on his side's domestic title bid.
"Zlatan Ibrahimovic has trained normally for two days without any problems," Blanc added. "He is fit to play and will probably play against Valenciennes."I think it will be a different team from the one that played Monaco. But to prepare for the Leverkusen match, it will not be a bad thing to play against Valenciennes on Friday.
"The second part of the season began in Brest [in the Coupe de France], it does not start against Leverkusen. The championship is important, we must win against Valenciennes tomorrow."
Paris Saint-Germain will travel to the BayArena for the Champions League last-16 first leg against Bayer Leverkusen without forward Edinson Cavani, Laurent Blanc has revealed.Cavani sustained a thigh injury in the 2-0 win over Bordeaux in January and has missed PSG's last two games.
PSG coach Blanc suggested that the Uruguayan would be out for les Parisiens next couple of encounters, tipping the attacker for a return in the game against Toulouse on February 23."Edinson Cavani follows his program and should return at the end of next week. All the signs are very good," he told reporters.
Cavani's strike partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic should be fit for both encounters, despite struggling with back problems over the past week.Former France coach Blanc admitted that he may reshuffle his team ahead of the encounter with Leverkusen, but is keen to stay focused on his side's domestic title bid.
"Zlatan Ibrahimovic has trained normally for two days without any problems," Blanc added. "He is fit to play and will probably play against Valenciennes."I think it will be a different team from the one that played Monaco. But to prepare for the Leverkusen match, it will not be a bad thing to play against Valenciennes on Friday.
"The second part of the season began in Brest [in the Coupe de France], it does not start against Leverkusen. The championship is important, we must win against Valenciennes tomorrow."
Mata: I will play anywhere for Man Utd
Juan Mata has insisted he is happy to play anywhere for Manchester United and remains glad he moved to the club in January.
The Spaniard has ended on the winning team just once since joined the club in a £37.1 million move in January, filling a number of roles in his short stint at Old Trafford.
David Moyes has already utilised Mata on either flank, as well as in behind a main striker, but the 25-year-old is only interested in where he can best help the team's cause.
"Throughout my career I have played on the left, on the right and just behind the striker," he told reporters.
"I don't mind playing anywhere the manager tells me. I am happy at the club, very happy.
"I am enjoying my football, I am getting minutes on the pitch, I am in a very, very big club and I hope we finish the season well.
"David de Gea has helped me settle, the same with Chicharito, [Antonio] Valencia, and Rafael, they all speak Spanish but everyone there has helped me.
"People like [Ryan] Giggs have been here for many years and there's [Wayne] Rooney and [Robin] van Persie, they have all treated me phenomenally well."
Rossi: I will be fit for Coppa Italia final
Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi has declared he will return from his most recent knee injury in time for the Coppa Italia final in May.
Further scans on an injury picked up in early January revealed that the Italy international, whose career has been plagued by knee problems, does not require surgery and he is expected to be back in action within a couple of months.
Rossi, currently rehabilitating in the USA, witnessed his team-mates reach the Coppa Italia final with a 2-0 win over Udinese on Tuesday and was touched by Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle dedicating the cup progress to him.
"I have been told of the dedication from Della Valle. It brings me so much pleasure," Rossi, 27, told Firenzeviola.it."I was thrilled to see the semi-final on television. I spoke with some of the directors on this extraordinary achievement.
"And when I return, which I hope will be as soon as possible, I want to repay all that confidence that Fiorentina have had in me. With patience, hard work and dedication I will return to play."You see Giuseppe Rossi come May on the field in the final at the Stadio Olimpico."
Fiorentina's victory on Tuesday set up a tie against Napoli in the final after they defeated Rome on Wednesday, scheduled for May 3.
Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi has declared he will return from his most recent knee injury in time for the Coppa Italia final in May.
Further scans on an injury picked up in early January revealed that the Italy international, whose career has been plagued by knee problems, does not require surgery and he is expected to be back in action within a couple of months.
Rossi, currently rehabilitating in the USA, witnessed his team-mates reach the Coppa Italia final with a 2-0 win over Udinese on Tuesday and was touched by Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle dedicating the cup progress to him.
"I have been told of the dedication from Della Valle. It brings me so much pleasure," Rossi, 27, told Firenzeviola.it."I was thrilled to see the semi-final on television. I spoke with some of the directors on this extraordinary achievement.
"And when I return, which I hope will be as soon as possible, I want to repay all that confidence that Fiorentina have had in me. With patience, hard work and dedication I will return to play."You see Giuseppe Rossi come May on the field in the final at the Stadio Olimpico."
Fiorentina's victory on Tuesday set up a tie against Napoli in the final after they defeated Rome on Wednesday, scheduled for May 3.
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