..::Football III::..

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Dortmund looked drained, admits Klopp

Jurgen Klopp admitted his Borussia Dortmund side were drained after booking their place in the DFB Pokal final with a 2-0 win over Wolfsburg.

BVB beat Real Madrid 2-0 in the second-leg of their Champions League quarter-final seven days ago, before thrashing Bayern 3-0 on Saturday, prior to Tuesday's semi-final clash.

The exertions of the past seven days appeared to take their toll, with Wolfsburg creating several good opportunities during the 90 minutes, though BVB's superior quality eventually told.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan opened the scoring in the first half and Robert Lewandowski doubled Dortmund's lead with his 100th goal for the club before half-time, with Klopp relieved to see his players come through a stern test.

"We have made the final, all is well," he told reporters after the game.

"With the quality that Wolfsburg have it is normal they have chance. The boys have played a lot of football and today it has taken its toll for the first time.

"Wolfsburg always stayed focused and we had our chances on the break, but we didn't have our usual control because of a lack of freshness."

Defender Mats Hummels cut a relieved figure after the game and said Wolfsburg were unfortunate not to have something to show for their efforts.

"Despite the 2-0 result, that was very close. We were lucky that Wolfsburg didn't score, they had really good chances. We're glad that we made it to the final."

 

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'We had to dig deep' - Wenger hails hard-fought win over West Ham

Arsene Wenger hailed the resilience of his Arsenal players after they came from behind to beat West Ham and keep their top four hopes alive at the Emirates Stadium on Monday evening.

Matt Jarvis silenced the home fans on 40 minutes when he headed the visitors in front, but an Olivier Giroud strike and a double from Lukas Podolski got the Gunners the result they needed.

And afterwards Wenger was keen to pay tribute to the "mental response" of his players to their poor recent run of form and to going behind against the Hammers.

"I think we got the victory tonight through the consistency in our game," the Frenchman told Sky Sports.

"Even in the first half it was difficult but the vital thing was to come back to 1-1 just before half-time, and after the second half we controlled the game well.

"Overall it's a hard-fought win but a very, very important one, and as well a very pleasant one because after Saturday we had to dig deep, and they did that with a great mental response."

 

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Ozil nears Arsenal return as Diaby resumes training

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Mesut Ozil is expected to be available for Arsenal's Premier League clash with Hull City on Sunday, while Abou Diaby is set to return to full training this week.

Germany international Ozil has not featured for the Gunners since a 1-0 loss to Stoke City at the start of March, having picked up a hamstring injury, while Diaby has not made a single appearance for the club this season having torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last year.

However, Arsenal will be boosted by the news that their club-record signing could be fit to face Hull in a dress rehearsal of the FA Cup final, while Diaby is ready to make a long-awaited return to training - though Wenger is keen not to risk the injury-prone midfielder too soon.

"Ozil should be available for the weekend," said the French boss after his side's 3-1 victory over West Ham on Tuesday night that saw them reclaim fourth place in the league table.

"Diaby is back in full training on Thursday. It's very difficult to say because he's not played for over a year now.

"It's difficult for me but he looks physically fine but he has to play one or two games before I can consider bringing him back."

Despite the absence of Ozil, Arsenal claimed a hard-fought victory over West Ham on Tuesday that saw them leapfrog Everton and take back fourth spot, with goals from Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud sealing the three points.

 

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Pellegrini: Liverpool defeat changes nothing for Manchester City

Manuel Pellegrini insists his belief in Manchester City's Premier League title chances remains unshaken by their defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Philippe Coutinho struck a crucial winner as Brendan Rodgers' side emerged 3-2 victors, a result which puts Liverpool's title chances firmly in their own hands.
The Reds will end their 24-year wait for a league title if they win their remaining four matches, but Pellegrini has challenged City to apply as much pressure as possible.

The 2011-12 champions host Sunderland on Wednesday in the first of two games in hand they hold over title rivals Liverpool and Chelsea, with Pellegrini confident his players will need little motivation going into the game.

"I think the team knows perfectly what they have to do," he said."We lost that game [at Liverpool] but we have still to play six games more and we will fight to the end to win the title.

"If we don't do it, it is because Liverpool will win their four games, but I don't think some things change after the game on Sunday."Of course, the fans believe that we can do it. The two games postponed - if we win both we are just one point behind Liverpool."If you don't believe [when you are] just one point behind the leader, nobody can believe anything.

"We have had a very good season so far and we hope we finish in the last six games in the same way."Pellegrini will not have the services of Yaya Toure for the visit of relegation-threatened Sunderland, and expects a tough test as Gus Poyet's side scramble for points.

"I think that playing against a team in relegation trouble, that's a very difficult position," he added."Sunderland will have to play six games and the others four games so nobody can think that any one of those games will be easy.

"We play here at home, they are in a difficult moment, but I am sure that we will try to fight until the end to continue in the Premier League."

 

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Milan must invest in youth - Maldini

Paolo Maldini has urged AC Milan to focus their investment on the club's youth system rather than the recruitment of high-profile players.

The Rossoneri have been cut adrift from the leading pack in Serie A and only returned to the top half of the league table last weekend following their win over Catania.

A summer of grand investment is expected under new coach Clarence Seedorf, but Milan great Maldini - himself the most famous product of the club's youth system - believes youth is the key to long-term success at San Siro.

He said: "To give a true philosophy to youth you need a plan at least every five years. It takes patience.

"You cannot only invest in the first team. You have to have equal investment in the first team and youth team to have long term success.

"Different ideas have come in from abroad in terms of spending lots of money which has created a difference in quality, Milan have been left behind a bit."

 

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Gundogan extends Dortmund contract

Ilkay Gundogan has turned down reported interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich to sign a new contract with Borussia Dortmund.

The Germany international has made just one Bundesliga appearance this term due to a back injury but has seen his name linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs.

Gundogan's previous deal was due to expire at the end of next season with the close-season expected to see many fighting for his signature.However, he has agreed an extension at Signal Iduna Park which sees him remain under contract until June 2016 and he remains eager to play a part in the club's future.

"I am very grateful that my club gives me the opportunity to continue to be part of this special team and this very special environment," he told Dortmund's official website."I will do everything to help my colleagues again soon and can be very optimistic about the coming weeks and months."

The club’s sporting director Michael Zorc added: “We are very pleased with this deal against the backdrop of a special injury-related situation and hope that Ilkay will recoup his full potential from next season for BVB."

 

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Gundogan Transfer wena 1kak naha ahenam.

 

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Messi can shine in Copa final, says Laudrup

Former Barcelona midfielder Michael Laudrup has backed Lionel Messi to show his quality in Wednesday's Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.

Messi has fallen below his own exceptionally high standards over recent weeks, failing to score in three of his last four games.

He did, however, score a hat-trick when Barca last met Madrid and Laudrup has backed the Argentina international to strike another blow against their Clasico rivals in the cup final."It's very complicated when you speak about him," he told Spanish radio station La Xarxa.

"He's the best in the world and one of the all-time greats. We've been spoilt.
"In recent games, he hasn't been at his best but people also said that before [March's] Clasico and he scored three goals and created another."Messi's apparent downturn in form has coincided with a rough patch for Barca, who were eliminated from the Champions League before falling further off the pace in La Liga with defeat to Granada.

With Gerardo Martino's best chance to win silverware this season coming on Wednesday, the former Swansea City manager offered the current Barca boss his support."When things aren't going well it's very easy to blame the coaching staff," he explained.

"It's easier to change the manager than all the players. It's never easy to choose who should be in the dugout."

 

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Casillas: Barca's form means nothing in Copa final

Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas does not believe that Barcelona’s dip in form will affect their performance in the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday.

The Catalan club lost 1-0 to Granada in the league on Saturday, while they were also knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico recently.

Although Barca have suffered some bad results over the last few weeks, the goalkeeper has called on his team-mates to play their normal game as he is sure the Catalan club will be at their best in the final.

"Personally I do not trust anything that we have seen from Barca in the last week, despite defeats in the Champions League and the Primera Division," the goalkeeper told AS. "The form of the two teams is currently very different but everything can change in a final.

"Winning is the collective idea, not just mine. The team has had a great Copa del Rey run and winning it would be the icing on the cake.

"It will not be easy though. It will be an exciting match, with great players and we trust in ourselves and in our way of playing. We believe that we will achieve a victory in the final."

The goalkeeper also believes it is important not to dwell on the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, whom Madrid confirmed on Tuesday will miss the match.

"The loss of Cristiano is bad, but all the players in the squad that may not be available: Jese, Arbeloa, Marcelo, Cris, is also a shame.

"However, it isn't worth thinking about those who aren't playing, you have to think of those who are.

"The team is ready. Perhaps we haven't had good results against major rivals, but the league is a regular thing, you are measuring us against 19 teams. In the cup you have to eliminate your opponents.

"The team is solid. If you come from good results the team has confidence. And we are in that line."

Casillas refused to comment extensively on Barcelona star Lionel Messi as he would rather focus on the qualities of his own team-mates.

"I'm not going to worry about Messi. I guess Messi’s performance will concern their team more than ours as I am focused on my own team-mates."

 

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Neuer still a doubt for Kaiserslautern clash, admits Guardiola

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola remains doubtful over Manuel Neuer's fitness for Wednesday's DFB-Pokal semi-final against Kaiserslautern.

Germany goalkeeper Neuer went off at half-time in Bayern's 3-0 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday with a calf problem and was replaced by first-team debutant Lukas Raeder.

Although Neuer later claimed he would be fine to face second-tier Kaiserslautern at the Allianz Arena, Guardiola is unsure.The Spaniard told the press on Tuesday: "He couldn't play if the game was today."I'm hoping he'll be able to play tomorrow."

Guardiola did not share Neuer's diagnosis earlier in the week either, admitting that playing the 28-year-old would be "risky".

Bayern are big favourites to progress through to their eighth domestic cup final in 12 years as they go in search of a 17th Pokal success, despite successive league defeats to Augsburg and Dortmund.Kaiserslautern coach Kosta Runjaic stubbornly declared on Tuesday that his side would "not go to Munich to swap jerseys".

Runjaic has promised an all-action effort from his side, who have already beaten top-flight opposition in Bayer Leverkusen and Hertha Berlin en route to the final.
And Guardiola – who is wary of Kaiserslautern's attacking strengths – feels his players have a point to prove after their recent slump."They have three strong strikers," he said. "We've been analysing things. We're staying relaxed. The players want to win.

"Sometimes a defeat helps you improve. Tomorrow is all about this one game."

 

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Ancelotti demands Real cut out mistakes ahead of Copa final

Carlo Ancelotti hopes Real Madrid will cut out the errors of last month's home loss to Barcelona when they contest the Copa del Rey final.

Barca completed a league double over Real at the Bernabeu last month in an
enthralling game that finished 4-3 in the Catalan club's favour.

A hat-trick from Lionel Messi sealed the points in a game which Real had twice led, but finished with 10 men after Sergio Ramos was sent off in conceding the first of two penalties for the Argentina star.However, Ancelotti's side have the chance for revenge at the Mestalla on Wednesday as Real look to repeat their achievement of 2011 by overcoming arch rivals Barca to win the Copa and the coach is confident in his side's abilities.

"We played very well at the Bernabeu but we made some mistakes," he said. "We did well during 30 minutes; tomorrow we have 90."Barcelona had more ball possession in the last few matches. We have to stop them from doing that in order to win.

"We've worked to avoid the mistakes we made at the Bernabeu. We will try to play with our style and identity. We worked all year long to be able to do it tomorrow."There isn't a problem with motivating the players. The players have a lot of desire to win."

 

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Guardiola: I want Kroos to stay

Bayern Munich head coach Pep Guardiola has insisted that he wants Toni Kroos to remain at the Bundesliga club amid rumours linking the midfielder with a move to Manchester United in the summer.

Kroos, who has made 45 appearances for Bayern this season, has been a pivotal player in his side’s success in winning the Bundesliga title and reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League and DFB-Pokal this season and Guardiola is determined to hold onto the 24-year-old.

“I want Toni to stay. Kalle [Rummenigge] and Matthias [Sammer] want him to stay as well,” Guardiola told reporters. “He is a superb player and can decide for himself. We want him to stay."

Guardiola also accepted criticism following his side’s 3-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, however he has brushed it off, insisting that he faced similar pressure at other clubs.

“It's the same at all big clubs. You can't imagine what it was like at Barcelona when we didn't win. It's the same at Milan, Real Madrid, too.

“It didn't surprise me. I knew at my first press conference at the Allianz Arena that winning was the only option.

“I'm just here to help the players. I can't always win - sorry, I'm not God.

"Losing against Dortmund made me realise how important the league is and how important games against are. I realised how painful the defeat was for the fans.

"When we are dominant, we play well and have a good structure. The opponent finds it difficult to counter, especially as I have very good defenders in my team.

"However, we have conceded too many goals lately and we must return as soon as possible to our usual game.

“Myself and the players know that we will not reach a final if we play like we have in the last three games."

 

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'This is not Bayern' - Dieter Hoeness slams loss of form

Former Bayern Munich forward Dieter Hoeness has slammed the team's recent loss of form after the Bavarians were beaten by Augsburg and Borussia Dortmund in consecutive weeks.

Pep Guardiola's side's had put together a 53-match unbeaten Bundesliga run but suffered back-to-back losses after sealing the German title.

And Hoeness, whose brother Uli was club president until his imprisonment in March, says recent performances are not becoming of the European champions.

"This is not Uli's style, and it's not Bayern's style," he told Sport1.

"It leaves an unprofessional impression and that doesn't fit into Bayern, who are a highly professional club.

"Everyone can imagine how unhappy Uli, who always wants to win, was when Bayern lost against Dortmund."

The 61-year-old went on to suggest their loss of league form could affect their defence of the Champions League and DFB-Pokal titles.

"As a play, you need rhythm in order to deliver your top performances. At least now, after the 3-0, Guardiola will change his preparation."

 

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Ronaldo ruled out of Copa del Rey final

Real Madrid have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will miss his side's Copa del Rey final clash with Barcelona on Wednesday.

The Portuguese star limped off during the 3-0 Champions League quarter-final first-leg win over Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.

He subsequently missed the league meetings with Real Sociedad and Almeria and was an unused substitute in the return game with Jurgen Klopp's side.

And coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that the 29-year-old will not be risked against the Catalans at Mestalla on Wednesday.

"We won't risk it with Cristiano so he won't play. He will train tomorrow then travel to Valencia to see the game," he said at his press conference.

"I found out that I can't count on Cristiano this morning. We can do well tomorrow despite the absence of some players."

Real Madrid lost twice to Barcelona in La Liga this season but Ancelotti is confident that his side can respond.

"We're not setting out to block the other team but to win with our own identity. We've gone a whole year playing the same way and we're going to continue.

"At the Bernabeu, we played well, we were winning and then we made some little mistakes. We have to be focused on the whole game. There are no problems with motivation and the team will play well.

"To win this final, we need courage and personality. We will show our quality on the field. It's an important competition and we're playing Barca, a historic rival. It's the first trophy we can win.

"Barca attack well and control the ball, even in recent games. We should have more control over games."

 

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AC Milan target Chelsea duo Cole and Mikel

AC Milan are weighing up moves for out-of-favour Chelsea duo Ashley Cole and John Obi Mikel as head coach Clarence Seedorf looks to bolster his ailing squad in the summer.

Cole's current contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season and his long-term future is uncertain after falling behind Cesar Azpilicueta in Jose Mourinho's affections.

The Portuguese boss is eager to keep the 33-year-old but Blues owner Roman Abramovich is yet to sanction a new deal, prompting Cole to explore other options.

After watching his struggling Milan side record an underwhelming victory over Catania on Sunday, Seedorf spoke of his desire to strengthen his squad in the full-back positions.

"I'd prefer the likes of Cafu and Serginho on the flanks, but we don't have them!" he told reporters.

"[Daniele] Bonera has brought great balance to the side, [Kevin] Constant is a midfielder, [Urby] Emanuelson has played as a full-back a few times in his career, but we don't really have a left-back."

Mikel is also a target, but any move for the Nigerian this summer depends on whether Milan decide to sign Valencia loanee Adil Rami and QPR midfielder Adel Taarabt on permanent deals.

Should they not, the Rossoneri will free up somewhere in the region of €14 million to use in their pursuit of Mikel, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Lyn Oslo in a deal worth €19m in the summer of 2006.

Milan and Chelsea remain on good terms, having successfully negotiated the transfer of Michael Essien to San Siro for an undisclosed fee in January.

 

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Manchester United make shock move for Barcelona midfielder Song

Manchester United have made a shock move for Barcelona midfielder Alex Song, Goal understands.

The Red Devils have indicated that they are willing to spend €15 million to land the former Arsenal star.

Liverpool, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are also keeping close tabs on Song, who is expected to leave Camp Nou this summer, but Goal understands that United are in pole position to capture the Cameroon international as manager David Moyes steps up plans to reinforce his central midfield.

Moyes, who is also targeting Bayern Munich's Toni Kroos and Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho, is an admirer of Song's ability to anchor the midfield as well as fill in at centre-back.

The 26-year-old has appeared in 28 of Barcelona's 53 matches in all competitions this season but has struggled to cement a regular first-team spot. He has started only 12 of the club's 43 league and Champions League matches and is now prepared to call time on his spell at Barca even though he has three years remaining on his contract.

The Spanish giants are willing to cash in on the Cameroonian if they can recover most of the £15m fee that they paid Arsenal for him in the summer of 2012.

Fifa has imposed a transfer ban on Barcelona for the next two windows but this would not prevent the club from selling players.

Vice president Manel Arroyo said last week that Barca will appeal against the decision in a bid to get the ban suspended and that "our legal team is working so that we'll be able to sign new players this summer".

Song joined Arsenal from French club Bastia as an 18-year-old and spent seven years at the Emirates Stadium, where he established himself as a key component of Arsene Wenger's midfield before following in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas by moving to Barcelona.

 

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Moyes ta pissuda Song wa ganna hadanneMatanam hithena hatiyata Song hari yanne naha​

 

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Chelsea interest in Costa is no surprise - Simeone

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone believes that Chelsea's interest in Diego Costa is nothing unusual - particularly given their striking options.

The Spain international has led his side's title challenge this season, scoring 26 goals in 31 Liga games, prompting Chelsea to take initial steps towards arranging a summer move for the player.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho has been repeatedly critical of his strikers this season and Simeone admits it is no surprise to see the Portuguese turn his attention to the Vicente Calderon star.

"His future depends on him and what he feels is best for his future," Simeone is quoted as saying by AS.

"It's normal that Chelsea are interested in him. They are an economic power, Samuel Eto'o is getting older and Costa can do his work, but right now he's ours."

Costa picked up an injury while scoring in the recent derby win over Getafe but Simeone insists he is not overly concerned.

"It's not worrying me. Gabi came and told me that he had a cut. He risked his leg but he's like a bull. Costa, with that gesture, exemplied how we want to play every game as though it's our last."

The Argentine also touted his star striker as a potential Ballon d'Or winner if he continues to go from strength to strength.

"He has room for improvement. He's rebellious and I like that and he's something different. Hopefully his development won't end. Right now he's among the candidates for the Ballon d'Or."

Atleti play Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals next week and Simeone insists that Thibaut Courtois, who is on loan at the Vicente Calderon from Stamford Bridge, will be able to play - although he admits his long-term future remains less clear.

"I have no doubts that he will be able to play against Chelsea. He also has no doubts. It's not a concern. I don't know where he'll play next season though."

 

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Barclays Premier League 2014.04.16 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2014.04.16 Fixtures

Everton Vs Crystal Palace

Manchester City Vs Sunderland

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Spanish Copa Del Rey Final 2014.04.16

Spanish Copa Del Rey Final 2014.04.16

Real Madrid Vs Barcelona

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