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..::Football III::..
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Arsenal not out of the Premier League title race, says Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey believes Arsenal may not be completely out of the title race and has urged his side to build on Sunday’s victory over Manchester City.
Goals from Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud handed Arsenal a 2-0 win over the Premier League champions but Arsene Wenger’s men remain 13 points behind leaders Chelsea.
“We have to take every game as it comes. There is still a long way to go in this league,” Ramsey told The Guardian.
“Many teams are taking points off each other. We will just have to concentrate on our own game and hopefully go on a big run and see where that takes us at the end.
“We have got a lot to play for this year so hopefully now we can build on this performance and that will give us even more confidence going into the business end of the season.”
Arsenal had not beaten City in their last five Premier League games and Ramsey believes his side’s change in approach made them less vulnerable to counter-attacks and proved the difference in Sunday’s win.
“I thought it was a very complete performance from us,” the Wales international added.
“We defended really well as a team, were really hard to break down and we kept forcing them out wide instead of the positions that David Silva and players like that like to take up in behind the midfield and we eliminated that threat.
“We have always been confident coming into these games but we have been a bit too open in the past and we have paid the price for that. We defended really well. We kept our team shape tight defensively and we took our chances when we needed to.
"We have shown what we are capable of doing. We are going to have chances in games.
"We are a team that can always create opportunities to score so the important thing is to defend as a team and stop them from scoring because we are always going to get opportunities to score. So if we can keep a clean sheet like we did, we are always going to have a chance to win."
Aaron Ramsey believes Arsenal may not be completely out of the title race and has urged his side to build on Sunday’s victory over Manchester City.
Goals from Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud handed Arsenal a 2-0 win over the Premier League champions but Arsene Wenger’s men remain 13 points behind leaders Chelsea.
“We have to take every game as it comes. There is still a long way to go in this league,” Ramsey told The Guardian.
“Many teams are taking points off each other. We will just have to concentrate on our own game and hopefully go on a big run and see where that takes us at the end.
“We have got a lot to play for this year so hopefully now we can build on this performance and that will give us even more confidence going into the business end of the season.”
Arsenal had not beaten City in their last five Premier League games and Ramsey believes his side’s change in approach made them less vulnerable to counter-attacks and proved the difference in Sunday’s win.
“I thought it was a very complete performance from us,” the Wales international added.
“We defended really well as a team, were really hard to break down and we kept forcing them out wide instead of the positions that David Silva and players like that like to take up in behind the midfield and we eliminated that threat.
“We have always been confident coming into these games but we have been a bit too open in the past and we have paid the price for that. We defended really well. We kept our team shape tight defensively and we took our chances when we needed to.
"We have shown what we are capable of doing. We are going to have chances in games.
"We are a team that can always create opportunities to score so the important thing is to defend as a team and stop them from scoring because we are always going to get opportunities to score. So if we can keep a clean sheet like we did, we are always going to have a chance to win."
Capital One Cup Fixture 2015.01.20
Capital One Cup Fixture 2015.01.20
Liverpool Vs Chelsea
Messi's 30th Barca HatTrickDeportivo 0-4 Barcelona: Messi bags sublime hat-trick as Blaugrana cruise
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Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea: Sterling sets up crunch Stamford Bridge return leg
Liverpool and Chelsea could not be separated as they drew 1-1 in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at Anfield.
The Blues took the lead somewhat against the run of play when, after a great run by Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard won a penalty off a clumsy Emre Can challenge and buried the opener from the spot.
But Raheem Sterling levelled in fine style midway through the second half when he turned and drove through a group of Chelsea defenders before firing in low from just inside the area.
Chelsea made two changes from their 5-0 demolition of Swansea City in the Premier League last time out, as Thiabut Courtois replaced Petr Cech in goal and Oscar's attacking threat was sacrificed for the added defensive steel of John Obi Mikel.
Liverpool had the better of a high-tempo opening and captain Steven Gerrard, recalled to the side in place of Fabio Borini, stung Courtois's palms with a drive from 30 yards in the 16th minute.
But the home side fell behind two minutes later when Can felled Hazard inside the area and the forward sent compatriot Simon Mignolet the wrong way from the spot.
After pushing fervently for a leveller, Liverpool made the breakthrough 14 minutes after the interval. Sterling picked up the ball midway inside the Chelsea half and, after an adroit turn, escaped the attentions of Nemanja Matic and outpaced Gary Cahill before beating Courtois with a low, left-footed shot that crept just inside the right-hand post.
Gerrard hit the opposite upright soon afterwards and Philippe Coutinho brought a smart stop out of Courtois with a stinging drive as the game opened up.
Martin Skrtel headed Jordan Henderson's wicked free kick off target with 17 minutes to go as the home side pressed to find a winner.
Courtois produced a fine double stop to deny Jordan Henderson and Sterling in the 75th minute and the Belgian came up with an even better save to deny substitute Adam Lallana four minutes later, stretching at full length to his right to tip behind the midfielder's effort.
Despite piling on the pressure in the final stages, Brendan Rodgers's side could not find the winner that they so craved, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg.
Liverpool and Chelsea could not be separated as they drew 1-1 in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at Anfield.
The Blues took the lead somewhat against the run of play when, after a great run by Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard won a penalty off a clumsy Emre Can challenge and buried the opener from the spot.
But Raheem Sterling levelled in fine style midway through the second half when he turned and drove through a group of Chelsea defenders before firing in low from just inside the area.
Chelsea made two changes from their 5-0 demolition of Swansea City in the Premier League last time out, as Thiabut Courtois replaced Petr Cech in goal and Oscar's attacking threat was sacrificed for the added defensive steel of John Obi Mikel.
Liverpool had the better of a high-tempo opening and captain Steven Gerrard, recalled to the side in place of Fabio Borini, stung Courtois's palms with a drive from 30 yards in the 16th minute.
But the home side fell behind two minutes later when Can felled Hazard inside the area and the forward sent compatriot Simon Mignolet the wrong way from the spot.
After pushing fervently for a leveller, Liverpool made the breakthrough 14 minutes after the interval. Sterling picked up the ball midway inside the Chelsea half and, after an adroit turn, escaped the attentions of Nemanja Matic and outpaced Gary Cahill before beating Courtois with a low, left-footed shot that crept just inside the right-hand post.
Gerrard hit the opposite upright soon afterwards and Philippe Coutinho brought a smart stop out of Courtois with a stinging drive as the game opened up.
Martin Skrtel headed Jordan Henderson's wicked free kick off target with 17 minutes to go as the home side pressed to find a winner.
Courtois produced a fine double stop to deny Jordan Henderson and Sterling in the 75th minute and the Belgian came up with an even better save to deny substitute Adam Lallana four minutes later, stretching at full length to his right to tip behind the midfielder's effort.
Despite piling on the pressure in the final stages, Brendan Rodgers's side could not find the winner that they so craved, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg.
Roma 2-1 Empoli (AET): Controversial De Rossi penalty sends hosts through
Daniele De Rossi converted a controversial penalty in extra-time to send Roma through to the last eight of the Coppa Italia with a 2-1 win over Empoli at Stadio Olimpico.
Tuesday's last-16 clash looked to be heading to spot-kicks after Simone Verdi equalised late in normal time for the visitors.
However, referee Marco Di Bello gave De Rossi the opportunity to end matters in the 113th minute when he pointed to the spot after Matias Vecino tackled Roma substitute Leandro Paredes in the area.
Vecino appeared to get the ball and Empoli protested vehemently - but De Rossi kept his cool to send Davide Bassi the wrong way from 12 yards and put Rudi Garcia's side through to the quarter-finals.
Such drama did not appear to be on the cards when Juan Iturbe gave Roma the lead with a calm finish after just five minutes.
Roma were in complete control of the tie, with the only negative of the first half from Garcia's point of view being Ashley Cole's enforced withdrawal due to a head injury in the former Chelsea left-back's first start since November.
Radja Nainggolan forced Bassi into an excellent save just before the interval, and the Empoli keeper was called into action again shortly after the restart when Mattia Destro shot after latching onto a clever ball from Maicon.
However, Empoli stayed in the game and were rewarded for their resilience in the 79th minute, when Verdi rounded Roma stopper Lukasz Skorupski superbly and slotted into the empty net from an acute angle.
Both teams appeared to have settled for penalties as they tired in extra-time, but Roma icon De Rossi was on hand to book a last-eight tie with either Fiorentina or Atalanta when Di Bello decided Vecino had fouled Paredes.
Daniele De Rossi converted a controversial penalty in extra-time to send Roma through to the last eight of the Coppa Italia with a 2-1 win over Empoli at Stadio Olimpico.
Tuesday's last-16 clash looked to be heading to spot-kicks after Simone Verdi equalised late in normal time for the visitors.
However, referee Marco Di Bello gave De Rossi the opportunity to end matters in the 113th minute when he pointed to the spot after Matias Vecino tackled Roma substitute Leandro Paredes in the area.
Vecino appeared to get the ball and Empoli protested vehemently - but De Rossi kept his cool to send Davide Bassi the wrong way from 12 yards and put Rudi Garcia's side through to the quarter-finals.
Such drama did not appear to be on the cards when Juan Iturbe gave Roma the lead with a calm finish after just five minutes.
Roma were in complete control of the tie, with the only negative of the first half from Garcia's point of view being Ashley Cole's enforced withdrawal due to a head injury in the former Chelsea left-back's first start since November.
Radja Nainggolan forced Bassi into an excellent save just before the interval, and the Empoli keeper was called into action again shortly after the restart when Mattia Destro shot after latching onto a clever ball from Maicon.
However, Empoli stayed in the game and were rewarded for their resilience in the 79th minute, when Verdi rounded Roma stopper Lukasz Skorupski superbly and slotted into the empty net from an acute angle.
Both teams appeared to have settled for penalties as they tired in extra-time, but Roma icon De Rossi was on hand to book a last-eight tie with either Fiorentina or Atalanta when Di Bello decided Vecino had fouled Paredes.
Dortmund hit with Kehl blow as midfielder is ruled out for four weeks
Sebastian Kehl will be out for up to four weeks with a shoulder injury sustained during Borussia Dortmund's 1-0 friendly victory over Steaua Bucharest on Saturday.
The defensive midfielder left the field in the 35th minute of the match in Alicante, before Jakub Blaszczykowski scored the winner for the Bundesliga strugglers six minutes from time.
BVB have since confirmed via their official website that the 34-year-old faces a month on the sidelines as a result of damage to his shoulder.
Kehl's lay-off is as a blow to coach Jurgen Klopp as he bids to haul his side away from danger in the second half of the season.
Dortmund are currently second from bottom, ahead of Freiburg on goals scored, and have just two wins from their last 14 Bundesliga matches.
Klopp's men face two more friendlies, against Utrecht and Fortuna Dusseldorf, before returning to Bundesliga action at Bayer Leverkusen on January 31.
Sebastian Kehl will be out for up to four weeks with a shoulder injury sustained during Borussia Dortmund's 1-0 friendly victory over Steaua Bucharest on Saturday.
The defensive midfielder left the field in the 35th minute of the match in Alicante, before Jakub Blaszczykowski scored the winner for the Bundesliga strugglers six minutes from time.
BVB have since confirmed via their official website that the 34-year-old faces a month on the sidelines as a result of damage to his shoulder.
Kehl's lay-off is as a blow to coach Jurgen Klopp as he bids to haul his side away from danger in the second half of the season.
Dortmund are currently second from bottom, ahead of Freiburg on goals scored, and have just two wins from their last 14 Bundesliga matches.
Klopp's men face two more friendlies, against Utrecht and Fortuna Dusseldorf, before returning to Bundesliga action at Bayer Leverkusen on January 31.
Caballero: Manchester City make me feel young again
Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero is excited to be at a club who regularly challenge for silverware.
The Argentine arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Malaga in the summer as manager Manuel Pellegrini looked to strengthen the competition for England international Joe Hart.
Caballero has played just twice in the Premier League this season, with four more appearances coming in domestic cup competitions, but he relishes the task of earning the No.1 spot and is delighted by the opportunity to win trophies, with City still fighting on three fronts in 2014-15.
"My mentality is that I have to keep training in the same way to be ready and I have to be ready for whatever happens," the 33-year-old told reporters.
"This team has ambitions to win trophies. In my old team, the ambition was maybe just to play one year more in the same league.
"Here I feel like a young man. When I was young, I played at Boca Juniors and always played for trophies and to be top of the table and I think this is the most important change for me.
"One league and another league is obviously different. It's not easy in England because every small team can have the opportunity to win every match but I think I have the opportunity to be ambitious again and this is the most important change."
Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero is excited to be at a club who regularly challenge for silverware.
The Argentine arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Malaga in the summer as manager Manuel Pellegrini looked to strengthen the competition for England international Joe Hart.
Caballero has played just twice in the Premier League this season, with four more appearances coming in domestic cup competitions, but he relishes the task of earning the No.1 spot and is delighted by the opportunity to win trophies, with City still fighting on three fronts in 2014-15.
"My mentality is that I have to keep training in the same way to be ready and I have to be ready for whatever happens," the 33-year-old told reporters.
"This team has ambitions to win trophies. In my old team, the ambition was maybe just to play one year more in the same league.
"Here I feel like a young man. When I was young, I played at Boca Juniors and always played for trophies and to be top of the table and I think this is the most important change for me.
"One league and another league is obviously different. It's not easy in England because every small team can have the opportunity to win every match but I think I have the opportunity to be ambitious again and this is the most important change."
Liverpool 'set up perfectly' for second leg despite Chelsea draw - Rodgers
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers feels that his side are well set for the second leg of their League Cup semi-final despite only drawing 1-1 at home against Chelsea.
The Blues took the lead at Anfield through Eden Hazard's first-half penalty before Raheem Sterling broke through their disciplined back line to score a fine solo equaliser after the break.
The Reds could not win in front of their own fans but Rodgers believes that Chelsea's obligation to play more expansively in the return leg at Stamford Bridge could play into his team's hands.
"Delighted with the performance, disappointed with the result," he told Sky Sports after the match.
"We showed wonderful character. We went behind to what was the only shot on target they had, the penalty. Some of our play – the aggression, the defending, how we continued to take the game to them – it was very, very impressive.
"[It was a] wonderful performance and it sets up the second leg perfectly for us because they're at home and they've probably got to open up a wee bit more. But my players, they were absolutely superb. I think it's still all to play for.
"I thought it was a great game. A cup competition, two big teams, really fighting to get an advantage... but I was really pleased with our performance because that shows, again, the improvements that we are making and the creation of our chances was very impressive. Hopefully, in the second leg, if we can put a few of those away, we'll be in a better position in terms of the result."
Sterling's goal came in his second match back after a brief January holiday permitted him by Rodgers and the manager says that he is feeling the benefit of time away from the pressure of the top-flight spotlight.
"Well, this is about the boy's life and his career," the manager noted. "Plenty of people will probably comment on it but I'm only worried about what we do for the kid. He's a very young talent but you saw tonight that he's fresh.
"[It wasn't] physical rest as much as mental rest for a young player who's had so much thrown on him so sometimes, as a manager, you're looking at each individual player and for him, he's come back refreshed and is ready for a big second part of the season."
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers feels that his side are well set for the second leg of their League Cup semi-final despite only drawing 1-1 at home against Chelsea.
The Blues took the lead at Anfield through Eden Hazard's first-half penalty before Raheem Sterling broke through their disciplined back line to score a fine solo equaliser after the break.
The Reds could not win in front of their own fans but Rodgers believes that Chelsea's obligation to play more expansively in the return leg at Stamford Bridge could play into his team's hands.
"Delighted with the performance, disappointed with the result," he told Sky Sports after the match.
"We showed wonderful character. We went behind to what was the only shot on target they had, the penalty. Some of our play – the aggression, the defending, how we continued to take the game to them – it was very, very impressive.
"[It was a] wonderful performance and it sets up the second leg perfectly for us because they're at home and they've probably got to open up a wee bit more. But my players, they were absolutely superb. I think it's still all to play for.
"I thought it was a great game. A cup competition, two big teams, really fighting to get an advantage... but I was really pleased with our performance because that shows, again, the improvements that we are making and the creation of our chances was very impressive. Hopefully, in the second leg, if we can put a few of those away, we'll be in a better position in terms of the result."
Sterling's goal came in his second match back after a brief January holiday permitted him by Rodgers and the manager says that he is feeling the benefit of time away from the pressure of the top-flight spotlight.
"Well, this is about the boy's life and his career," the manager noted. "Plenty of people will probably comment on it but I'm only worried about what we do for the kid. He's a very young talent but you saw tonight that he's fresh.
"[It wasn't] physical rest as much as mental rest for a young player who's had so much thrown on him so sometimes, as a manager, you're looking at each individual player and for him, he's come back refreshed and is ready for a big second part of the season."
Bartomeu: Luis Enrique will have a long career at Barcelona
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has launched a staunch defence of Luis Enrique, saying the current coach will have a "long career" at Camp Nou.
Luis Enrique's future at the club has been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, with speculation he was set for the sack after a reported feud with Lionel Messi came to a head when the Argentine was left out of the team for the defeat to Real Sociedad on January 4.
However, both the coach and the Argentine have since denied any rumours of tension in the camp and four convincing victories in succession - along with Bartomeu's decision to call early elections - have provided temporary respite at the club.
Bartomeu has insisted the club were always comfortable with Luis Enrique's managerial approach and is expecting him to have a lengthy reign in charge.
He told Barca TV: "Luis Enrique is the ideal coach. He will have a long career at Barca.
"We hired the coach with the aim that he would make things right. He is integrating the players well and with Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, we possibly have the best attack in the world. They are the envy of other clubs.
"We know Luis Enrique very well and we know how demanding he always is. He and Messi denied everything that was said.
"The idea of our play still remains the same."
Bartomeu re-iterated there was no prospect of the club considering selling Messi, a man he thinks should always win the Ballon d'Or despite Cristiano Ronaldo's second consecutive success this month.
"Messi is perfect in every way," said the president.
"They would have to give him all of the Ballons d'Or for how he is and how he plays football. He is the world's number one, although the awards were handed to others.
"He has a huge desire to win it all this year. I was with him and he is happy.
"He is having a magnificent season. He is our leader and acts as such. We have Messi for many years and I see no option to sell the player, nor any of his team-mates."
Barcelona face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their crunch Copa del Rey quarter-final tie on Wednesday at Camp Nou.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has launched a staunch defence of Luis Enrique, saying the current coach will have a "long career" at Camp Nou.
Luis Enrique's future at the club has been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, with speculation he was set for the sack after a reported feud with Lionel Messi came to a head when the Argentine was left out of the team for the defeat to Real Sociedad on January 4.
However, both the coach and the Argentine have since denied any rumours of tension in the camp and four convincing victories in succession - along with Bartomeu's decision to call early elections - have provided temporary respite at the club.
Bartomeu has insisted the club were always comfortable with Luis Enrique's managerial approach and is expecting him to have a lengthy reign in charge.
He told Barca TV: "Luis Enrique is the ideal coach. He will have a long career at Barca.
"We hired the coach with the aim that he would make things right. He is integrating the players well and with Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, we possibly have the best attack in the world. They are the envy of other clubs.
"We know Luis Enrique very well and we know how demanding he always is. He and Messi denied everything that was said.
"The idea of our play still remains the same."
Bartomeu re-iterated there was no prospect of the club considering selling Messi, a man he thinks should always win the Ballon d'Or despite Cristiano Ronaldo's second consecutive success this month.
"Messi is perfect in every way," said the president.
"They would have to give him all of the Ballons d'Or for how he is and how he plays football. He is the world's number one, although the awards were handed to others.
"He has a huge desire to win it all this year. I was with him and he is happy.
"He is having a magnificent season. He is our leader and acts as such. We have Messi for many years and I see no option to sell the player, nor any of his team-mates."
Barcelona face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their crunch Copa del Rey quarter-final tie on Wednesday at Camp Nou.
Mourinho: Chelsea were in control against Liverpool
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes that his side were in control against Liverpool in Tuesday's League Cup semi-final first leg, despite the Reds having six times as many shots on target.
The Blues took an early lead through Eden Hazard's penalty but were pegged back in the second period by a fine solo goal from Raheem Sterling and the west Londoners were fortunate to escape with a 1-1 draw as Steven Gerrard hit the post and Thibaut Courtois made a number of fantastic saves.
While Mourinho conceded that Liverpool's play merited a draw, he was adamant that his side could have put the tie to bed had they been more clinical and efficient themselves.
"I think it was a big game, a really big game – and for the [League] Cup that's really fantastic," the Portuguese told Sky Sports.
"We played at the top of our potential, Liverpool did the same; it was a proper semi-final and a fair result. I don't think Liverpool deserved to lose this game because I think they performed really well but we were in control.
"Maybe with a little bit more quality in our passing we could find spaces and could score more goals because the way they played, with the three defenders, we have a lot of space to counterattack and we were not very efficient in our transition when we recovered the ball.
"But I think it was a big game: intensity, emotion, a great semi-final."
On the suggestion that Liverpool had more, and better, chances, Mourinho continued: "That is very easy to say and feel because I really don't remember saves from [Simon] Mignolet and Thibaut [Courtois] had a couple of important saves and Steven Gerrard hit the post.
"But we had what I call lots of half-chances, which is lots of space to counterattack, their team completely open with the three defenders in the back for the whole bit, we recovered lots of balls and our passing was not the best. With a little bit more quality of passing we would have scored more goals."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes that his side were in control against Liverpool in Tuesday's League Cup semi-final first leg, despite the Reds having six times as many shots on target.
The Blues took an early lead through Eden Hazard's penalty but were pegged back in the second period by a fine solo goal from Raheem Sterling and the west Londoners were fortunate to escape with a 1-1 draw as Steven Gerrard hit the post and Thibaut Courtois made a number of fantastic saves.
While Mourinho conceded that Liverpool's play merited a draw, he was adamant that his side could have put the tie to bed had they been more clinical and efficient themselves.
"I think it was a big game, a really big game – and for the [League] Cup that's really fantastic," the Portuguese told Sky Sports.
"We played at the top of our potential, Liverpool did the same; it was a proper semi-final and a fair result. I don't think Liverpool deserved to lose this game because I think they performed really well but we were in control.
"Maybe with a little bit more quality in our passing we could find spaces and could score more goals because the way they played, with the three defenders, we have a lot of space to counterattack and we were not very efficient in our transition when we recovered the ball.
"But I think it was a big game: intensity, emotion, a great semi-final."
On the suggestion that Liverpool had more, and better, chances, Mourinho continued: "That is very easy to say and feel because I really don't remember saves from [Simon] Mignolet and Thibaut [Courtois] had a couple of important saves and Steven Gerrard hit the post.
"But we had what I call lots of half-chances, which is lots of space to counterattack, their team completely open with the three defenders in the back for the whole bit, we recovered lots of balls and our passing was not the best. With a little bit more quality of passing we would have scored more goals."
Torres: We can stand up to Barca & Real Madrid in every competition
Fernando Torres believes Atletico Madrid are capable of standing up to Barcelona and Real Madrid in every tournament this season.
The Liga champions, who broke the Clasico clubs' duopoly over the league title last season, beat their city rivals 4-2 on aggregate in the Copa del Rey to set up a meeting with Barca in the quarter-finals.
With their title defence and Champions League campaigns still very much on track, Torres feels his side have proven they are now a consistent threat to Spain's two biggest clubs.
"Thank God there's a third team in the form of Atletico, who have been able to beat them and who can stand up to them in every competition these days. We are a difficult team to beat," he told TVE ahead of Wednesday's first leg against Barcelona.
Barca beat Atleti 3-1 in a Liga clash earlier this month and Torres acknowledges Luis Enrique's side are hard to stop if they are allowed to play to their potential.
"When they are feeling good, when they feel comfortable and they are in their element, then they win their games, as they did against Deportivo," he said.
Torres admits he is relishing the chance to play for his boyhood club again but concedes head coach Diego Simeone is likely to be wanted by some of Europe's biggest clubs as long as Atleti continue to challenge for honours.
"I was made up the day that I was presented as an Atletico player. Until you're wearing that strip again, you don't realise how much you missed it," he added.
"He'll have offers. I'm sure he has had, he has, and he will have offers, whatever players he has and whatever shape the team is in."
Fernando Torres believes Atletico Madrid are capable of standing up to Barcelona and Real Madrid in every tournament this season.
The Liga champions, who broke the Clasico clubs' duopoly over the league title last season, beat their city rivals 4-2 on aggregate in the Copa del Rey to set up a meeting with Barca in the quarter-finals.
With their title defence and Champions League campaigns still very much on track, Torres feels his side have proven they are now a consistent threat to Spain's two biggest clubs.
"Thank God there's a third team in the form of Atletico, who have been able to beat them and who can stand up to them in every competition these days. We are a difficult team to beat," he told TVE ahead of Wednesday's first leg against Barcelona.
Barca beat Atleti 3-1 in a Liga clash earlier this month and Torres acknowledges Luis Enrique's side are hard to stop if they are allowed to play to their potential.
"When they are feeling good, when they feel comfortable and they are in their element, then they win their games, as they did against Deportivo," he said.
Torres admits he is relishing the chance to play for his boyhood club again but concedes head coach Diego Simeone is likely to be wanted by some of Europe's biggest clubs as long as Atleti continue to challenge for honours.
"I was made up the day that I was presented as an Atletico player. Until you're wearing that strip again, you don't realise how much you missed it," he added.
"He'll have offers. I'm sure he has had, he has, and he will have offers, whatever players he has and whatever shape the team is in."
Chelsea loan Marin to Anderlecht
Chelsea midfielder Marko Marin has joined Anderlecht on loan.
The German's latest loan was confirmed on Tuesday by the reigning Belgian champions, cutting short a spell at Fiorentina in which he made no appearances in Serie A.
Since being bought by the Blues in 2012, Marin has had few opportunities to impress at Stamford Bridge and was sent to Sevilla on loan in 2013-14, with a clause now in place for Anderlecht to buy him permanently at the end of the season.
"Anderlecht goes for quality and not quantity," declared Anderlecht general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck after the club's first transfer of the January window was announced.
"The arrival of Marko Marin is a win-win situation for both parties. Here he can play at the highest level and help the purple-and-white achieve our ambitions."
Marin played four Europa League games while at Fiorentina, scoring in each of his two starts.
Chelsea midfielder Marko Marin has joined Anderlecht on loan.
The German's latest loan was confirmed on Tuesday by the reigning Belgian champions, cutting short a spell at Fiorentina in which he made no appearances in Serie A.
Since being bought by the Blues in 2012, Marin has had few opportunities to impress at Stamford Bridge and was sent to Sevilla on loan in 2013-14, with a clause now in place for Anderlecht to buy him permanently at the end of the season.
"Anderlecht goes for quality and not quantity," declared Anderlecht general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck after the club's first transfer of the January window was announced.
"The arrival of Marko Marin is a win-win situation for both parties. Here he can play at the highest level and help the purple-and-white achieve our ambitions."
Marin played four Europa League games while at Fiorentina, scoring in each of his two starts.
Defoe: I can fire Sunderland to safety
New Sunderland signing Jermain Defoe is confident his side can stay in the Premier League on the evidence of Saturday's defeat at Tottenham.
The striker agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light after a season with Toronto FC in Major League Soccer and made his debut against his former club at White Hart Lane, which turned into a fourth defeat for Gus Poyet's team in their last five top-flight matches.
Sunderland are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference but Defoe has seen enough in his early days at the club to believe that they can start climbing the table.
"I thought we did well," he told Sky Sports News. "It was always going to be a difficult game.
"When you go to White Hart Lane, there are going to be spells when Spurs have a lot of possession but our shape was good, our game plan was good and it could have been different.
"Overall, there were a lot of positives to take from the game. I thought we deserved a point.
"If we continue to play like that, we will pick up points, definitely. I'm really looking forward to the challenge and I believe we will create a lot of chances for me and others to score goals.
"I am always confident that, if I get chances, I will score goals. That's why I'm here."
Sunderland get a break from Premier League action when they host Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.
New Sunderland signing Jermain Defoe is confident his side can stay in the Premier League on the evidence of Saturday's defeat at Tottenham.
The striker agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light after a season with Toronto FC in Major League Soccer and made his debut against his former club at White Hart Lane, which turned into a fourth defeat for Gus Poyet's team in their last five top-flight matches.
Sunderland are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference but Defoe has seen enough in his early days at the club to believe that they can start climbing the table.
"I thought we did well," he told Sky Sports News. "It was always going to be a difficult game.
"When you go to White Hart Lane, there are going to be spells when Spurs have a lot of possession but our shape was good, our game plan was good and it could have been different.
"Overall, there were a lot of positives to take from the game. I thought we deserved a point.
"If we continue to play like that, we will pick up points, definitely. I'm really looking forward to the challenge and I believe we will create a lot of chances for me and others to score goals.
"I am always confident that, if I get chances, I will score goals. That's why I'm here."
Sunderland get a break from Premier League action when they host Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.
Icardi can become a star, says Mancini
Inter coach Roberto Mancini believes Mauro Icardi has what it takes to become one of the best attackers in football with the right attitude.
The Argentine attacker has been in sublime form so far this season, netting 10 goals in 19 Serie A appearances, but he has also made the headlines off the pitch more than once.
Nevertheless, Mancini feels the 21-year-old is destined for greatness so long as he remains focused on his football.
"Mauro is a highly talented youngster and has huge margin for improvement. It's entirely up to him [whether he becomes a star]," Mancini told Italia 1.
"If he wants to become a first-class centre forward, he has to make sure he keeps knuckling down.
"Controversy off the pitch? The main thing is that he stars on the pitch."
Mancini then went on to stress that Inter should always be challenging for top honours, before adding they can still finish third in the table this term.
"Inter are Inter and they must always be challenging for the top honours. We'll do everything we can to get into the Champions League this year."
Inter currently sit ninth in the table with 26 points from 19 games.
Inter coach Roberto Mancini believes Mauro Icardi has what it takes to become one of the best attackers in football with the right attitude.
The Argentine attacker has been in sublime form so far this season, netting 10 goals in 19 Serie A appearances, but he has also made the headlines off the pitch more than once.
Nevertheless, Mancini feels the 21-year-old is destined for greatness so long as he remains focused on his football.
"Mauro is a highly talented youngster and has huge margin for improvement. It's entirely up to him [whether he becomes a star]," Mancini told Italia 1.
"If he wants to become a first-class centre forward, he has to make sure he keeps knuckling down.
"Controversy off the pitch? The main thing is that he stars on the pitch."
Mancini then went on to stress that Inter should always be challenging for top honours, before adding they can still finish third in the table this term.
"Inter are Inter and they must always be challenging for the top honours. We'll do everything we can to get into the Champions League this year."
Inter currently sit ninth in the table with 26 points from 19 games.
Bony will fit right in at Manchester City - Aguero
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero backs new signing Wilfried Bony to fit right in at the Etihad Stadium.
The Cote d'Ivoire international - currently representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations - signed from Swansea City for €36 million earlier in January.
Despite City already boasting the likes of Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic in their front line, Bony's new team-mate believes that his Premier League experience will come in handy.
"Obviously we are happy," Aguero told reporters. "Every time the club signs players like Bony, as it has been signing in recent years, the team and the club have always improved.
"We expect that he can adapt well to the team - that is the most important thing. I think he won't have many issues adapting here because he has been playing in English football but the team is always grateful for the arrival of new players. The most important thing is that he gels with the team."
Aguero made his return to the City starting XI for their 2-0 home defeat by Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday after a month out with a knee injury and hopes to get back to full fitness soon.
"Obviously the matches are going to be very helpful to recover from the injury," he added. "If I am chosen to play it's great for me because I need minutes to get into rhythm.
"Matches are always important; in my case they will help me physically and we hope the knee can work well. That is obviously recovering slowly and it needs more games, but slowly. The decision is for the manager to take."
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero backs new signing Wilfried Bony to fit right in at the Etihad Stadium.
The Cote d'Ivoire international - currently representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations - signed from Swansea City for €36 million earlier in January.
Despite City already boasting the likes of Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic in their front line, Bony's new team-mate believes that his Premier League experience will come in handy.
"Obviously we are happy," Aguero told reporters. "Every time the club signs players like Bony, as it has been signing in recent years, the team and the club have always improved.
"We expect that he can adapt well to the team - that is the most important thing. I think he won't have many issues adapting here because he has been playing in English football but the team is always grateful for the arrival of new players. The most important thing is that he gels with the team."
Aguero made his return to the City starting XI for their 2-0 home defeat by Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday after a month out with a knee injury and hopes to get back to full fitness soon.
"Obviously the matches are going to be very helpful to recover from the injury," he added. "If I am chosen to play it's great for me because I need minutes to get into rhythm.
"Matches are always important; in my case they will help me physically and we hope the knee can work well. That is obviously recovering slowly and it needs more games, but slowly. The decision is for the manager to take."
Ronaldo: Messi & I motivate each other
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo believes that he and Lionel Messi are motivated by the long-standing rivalry they have shared.
The 29-year-old and the Barcelona star have won every Ballon d'Or between them since 2008, with the Portugal international claiming his third last week to close in on the Argentine's tally of four.
Ronaldo believes that their duopoly on football's biggest individual award is a good thing and feels they inspire their rivals to try harder to close the gap.
"I’m sure that the competition between us is a motivating factor for him too," he is quoted as saying by AS.
"It’s good for me, for him and for other players who are keen to grow. Messi has four Ballon d'Or awards, I have three. This is all good for the world of football."
Ronaldo went on to say that he is currently working on improving his set pieces, having been less successful from dead ball situations of late.
"I’m currently trying to improve my left foot, my acceleration and my direct free-kicks.
"I’ve not had a great deal of success recently with them. I know that it will come back. It’s just a question of having enough humility to know that without training hard, things won’t progress.
"Working on my game is my guide. If I’m able to play more than 60 games per season, it’s because I look after myself. I sleep well, I eat well.
"In these ways I look for perfection too. If not, one can’t keep this rhythm of playing up."
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo believes that he and Lionel Messi are motivated by the long-standing rivalry they have shared.
The 29-year-old and the Barcelona star have won every Ballon d'Or between them since 2008, with the Portugal international claiming his third last week to close in on the Argentine's tally of four.
Ronaldo believes that their duopoly on football's biggest individual award is a good thing and feels they inspire their rivals to try harder to close the gap.
"I’m sure that the competition between us is a motivating factor for him too," he is quoted as saying by AS.
"It’s good for me, for him and for other players who are keen to grow. Messi has four Ballon d'Or awards, I have three. This is all good for the world of football."
Ronaldo went on to say that he is currently working on improving his set pieces, having been less successful from dead ball situations of late.
"I’m currently trying to improve my left foot, my acceleration and my direct free-kicks.
"I’ve not had a great deal of success recently with them. I know that it will come back. It’s just a question of having enough humility to know that without training hard, things won’t progress.
"Working on my game is my guide. If I’m able to play more than 60 games per season, it’s because I look after myself. I sleep well, I eat well.
"In these ways I look for perfection too. If not, one can’t keep this rhythm of playing up."
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