..::Football III::..

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Simeone marvels at Griezmann impact

Antoine Griezmann's work ethic has attracted the praise of coach Diego Simeone after inspiring Atletico Madrid to a 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The France international scored twice in a lethal first-half display and went close with several other opportunities after the break, while also claiming an assist for their third - a Manucho own-goal.

A hat-trick narrowly eluded Griezmann, with the post denying him a marvellous solo effort in stoppage-time, and Simeone was delighted by the former Real Sociedad star's display, particularly with regards to his work-rate.

"We have been saying it since November - he has grown a lot and is the type of player we need," the Argentinian was quoted as saying by AS.

"But besides his goals, I value his work capacity that he gives the team. He is demonstrating that you can not only play out wide, but anywhere in the attack and he can break with his speed and talent."Simeone introduced Fernando Torres in the second half and the former Chelsea man enjoyed a lively cameo, with his coach expecting him to flourish once settled into his second spell with Atletico.

"I saw him with the same enthusiasm as always," Simeone added. "He scored two goals in the Bernabeu [in the aggregate Copa del Rey win over rivals Real Madrid], he did very well in the first half against Barcelona and had a couple of chances.

"Little by little he will gel with his team-mates. With spaces in attack, he is a player that is very difficult to mark."

 

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Luis Enrique: I was right to drop Suarez

Luis Suarez's 28th birthday present from Luis Enrique was to be left on the bench, but the Barcelona coach was content with his decision after a 6-0 Liga thrashing of Elche.

Barca had already beaten struggling Elche three times - and scored 12 goals in the process - this season ahead of the clash at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero and they dished out more punishment to the Liga strugglers, though Suarez was an unused substitute.

In his absence, Gerard Pique opened the scoring, while Lionel Messi and Neymar grabbed two apiece and Pedro wrapped things up, with Faycal Fajr sent off tor the hosts.When asked about Suarez's omission, Luis Enrique said: "I do not know any player who likes to be taken out, we know that only 11 can play, and the coaches must choose.

"The team reinforces itself in a standout way. It shows what this team and squad has, and what we can be in the immediate future."I saw a game which lasted 90 minutes and had different phases. At the start, the opponent is fresh, with big defensive ideas, and that means it is difficult. You try and move the ball around as well as possible.

"Also, the pitch was not in the best condition. The goal took a while to arrive, but we made chances. From then on we were liberated, and controlled the game better.

"These games are usual over the course of the season, and are difficult to resolve. I am happy with the team over the 90 minutes."The result saw Barca stay within one point of leaders Real Madrid, who have a game in hand in La Liga.

 

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'A father shouldn't act like that' - Mexes apologises for red card

AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes apologised after being sent off for clashing with several Lazio players on Saturday.Mexes was given his marching orders late in his side's 3-1 loss at Lazio, having clashed with Stefano Mauri and grabbed the Lazio captain's throat.

The Frenchman also appeared to throttle Lorik Cana, and his team-mates had to restrain him before he left the pitch. Afterwards, Mexes said sorry and expressed regret for the incidents.

"I have to apologise to the club, the coach and my family," the 32-year-old said. "It was the wrong reaction and I am sorry because I left the team in 10 men and I will be suspended.

"Unfortunately I made a mistake, in my career I have had these reactions. These things should not happen out on a football pitch. I have children and this is not the sort of example that a father should set."Milan had gone ahead through Jeremy Menez before conceding three second-half goals.

Mexes said the players were behind under-fire coach Filippo Inzaghi, whose side are winless in Serie A this year and sit ninth."We played well in the first half, even if we were slightly at risk. We were compact, it was all perfect and then they scored," Mexes said.

"We play them again in the Coppa Italia in three days and have to bounce back.
"We’re all close and with the coach. We will try and resolve this situation, which isn't nice, and to do so we have to win and not have reactions like mine tonight.
"Every match has to be like a final and the one on Tuesday even more so as we have to get back on track."

 

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Wenger: Arsenal 'very close' to signing Gabriel

Arsene Wenger has revealed Arsenal are "very, very, very close" to making Gabriel Paulista their second signing of the January transfer window.

Goal reported last week that the Gunners were in advanced talks for the centre-back with the Brazilian's agent in London to try to finalise a deal worth up to €20 million for the Villarreal defender.

Wenger, speaking after Arsenal's 3-2 win over Brighton in the FA Cup, now expects confirmation of Gabriel's arrival to come on Monday.

When asked on reports the deal is close, Wenger told reporters: "They are accurate, it's very very very close. It should be done I think tomorrow."

"[He is] a player who's 24 years old, good size, good pace and a good defender. He plays for only one year in Europe so maybe there are some things to work on but the potential is there."

There have been concerns over Gabriel's work permit application to play in the Premier League having yet to feature for Brazil at any international level, but Wenger is confident of no hold-ups in completing the move.

He added: "We will be alright on that front."

 

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FA Cup Fixture 2015.01.26

FA Cup Fixture 2015.01.26

Rochdale Vs Stoke City​

 

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La Liga Fixture 2015.01.26

La Liga Fixture 2015.01.26

Getafe Vs Celta Vigo​

 

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Serie A Fixtures 2015.01.26

Serie A Fixtures 2015.01.26

Empoli Vs Udinese

Napoli Vs Genoa​

 

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Wenger kiyana widiyata ada Gabriel ge deal 1ka complete wei
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Wenger: Arsenal 'very close' to signing Gabriel

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Brighton 2-3 Arsenal: Ozil, Walcott & Rosicky strike as Gunners clinch tense win

Rosicky

 

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Gattuso: My dream is to one day manage Rangers

Former Rangers man Gennaro Gattuso has expressed his desire to one day return to the club in a managerial capacity.

The Italian spent one season at Ibrox in 1997-98, before a successful 13-year spell in his homeland with AC Milan.

Since retiring, Gattuso has had jobs in charge of Sion, Palermo and Crete, and was thought to have applied for the job at Hamilton Acamedical, following Alex Neil's departure to Norwich City.

Speaking at a tribute match for former Rangers defender Fernando Ricksen on Sunday, Gattuso stated his wish to manage the club, who are currently in Scottish football's second tier following financial ruin.

"My dream is to maybe one day to have the chance to work for this club," he said.

"I played today, but manager is a different job. I am sure 100 per cent that this is a big club."

 

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De Bruyne could join Bayern Munich, admits Allofs

Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs has acknowledged that the Bundesliga outfit might struggle to hold on to star player Kevin De Bruyne if Bayern Munich were to make a move.

The Belgium international, 23, has been in sublime form for Wolfsburg since joining them from Chelsea in January 2014 and the reigning German champions are believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation at the Volkswagen Arena.

"We might have to let go of certain players," Allofs told Kicker when questioned about potential departures.

"Of course, Kevin has the potential to play for Bayern Munich. But he also needs the right conditions in order to do shine and to be given the right role. That's the case at Wolfsburg, but I don't know whether he fits Pep Guardiola's philosophy.

"We got lucky that Kevin was unhappy at Chelsea when we signed him. It didn't work out for him under Jose Mourinho. Unlike Wolfsburg, Bayern are capable of signing big names even if they are happy at their club, though."

De Bruyne has netted three goals in 17 Bundesliga appearances so far this term, while providing 10 assists.

The former Genk star has a contract with Wolfsburg until June 2019.

 

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Gilardino completes Fiorentina move

Fiorentina have announced on their official website that they have secured the services of Alberto Gilardino from Guangzhou Evergrande on loan until the end of the 2014-15 campaign, with an option to make the move permanent.

Vincenzo Montella was keen to add some more depth to his attack this January and the 32-year-old had been expected to sign for the Viola imminently for a few days.

Gilardino previously wore the Fiorentina jersey between 2008 and 2012, when he scored 59 goals in 143 appearances.

He had only joined Guangzhou from Genoa last July, but he has now returned to Serie A again after just six months in China.

The experienced striker won one Chinese Super League title with Evergrande, scoring five goals in 14 league appearances.

Gilardino is the second player to leave Guangzhou for Fiorentina this winter after the previous arrival of Alessandro Diamanti

 

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Don't compare Odegaard to Messi, says Fjortoft

Former Norway international Jan Aage Fjortoft feels it would be wrong to compare new Real Madrid signing Martin Odegaard to Barcelona star Lionel Messi and has warned that the 16-year-old should be given time to develop.

The youngster is regarded as one of the most exciting talents around and Madrid beat off stiff competition from clubs such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Arsenal, Liverpool and Ajax for Odegaard's signature.

The attacking midfielder has even been compared to Messi by some due to his style of play, but Fjortoft has moved to downplay expectations following his compatriot's transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu this January.

"Comparing Odegaard to Messi is nonsense from the media. Messi is a player who can make the difference and Martin can do the same, but any comparisons should not be taken seriously," Fjortoft told Goal at the Snow Football World Cup in Arosa.

"Martin is only 16 years old and he should be allowed to behave like someone of his age. He should be able to develop gradually and one step at a time. He has already shown that he is ready to take on new challenges.

"Martin does not feel any extra pressure. Let's compare his situation to that of established stars like Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm and Toni Kroos. They were all cheered by the media at some stage and they are role models now.

"The footballer of the future does not only need talent, but he should also work hard, be disciplined and put in more effort than others. You have to follow your goals and stay professional."

Fjortoft believes Real Madrid was the right choice for Odegaard and feels the presence of Zinedine Zidane at the club could prove to be a major advantage.

"The bigger picture was decisive for Martin. Real Madrid are the right choice for him. They have a strong reserve side that is coached by Zidane. It's definitely not a bad thing for a midfielder to be working with Zidane...

"Other teams were unable to offer something similar. Everybody can make all kinds of promises that he would be part of the first team right away, but Martin is a sensible guy.

"Bayern were a good alternative and working with Pep Guardiola is something every young player dreams of. Martin had some great teams to choose from. But Madrid won in the end and he is there because he deserves it.

"Nobody knew him some 11 months ago. His development has been phenomenal.

"He has become a regular with the national team. We didn't invite him because of the media hype. He has made the national team because he is good enough."

 

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Douglas Costa wants to work with Mourinho

Douglas Costa has admitted his desire to play under Jose Mourinho amid interest from Chelsea.

The midfielder has emerged as a target for the Chelsea boss as he seeks to reinforce his squad in January, though Shakhtar Donetsk are holding out for a fee in excess of €28 million for the 24-year-old.

Nevertheless, Costa reiterated his desire to join the Premier League leaders, confessing his desire to work with Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

"To play at Chelsea is a dream for any player," he told Globo Esporte. "It is standing next to some of the best players in the world and competing with the world's best as well.

"But really, what catches my eye is the coach. He is a very intelligent coach and has been victorious wherever he went. One of the things that would make me happier to act at Chelsea would be this."

Costa has spent five years working with Shakhtar manager Mircea Lucescu, having joined the club from Gremio as a teenager and, while he has praised the Romanian, he believes Mourinho would help him further evolve as a player.

"I learned a lot here with Lucesc," he added. "I arrived at Shakhtar aged 19 and he taught me a lot. I am very grateful. But I also know that with Mourinho at Chelsea, my progress would be even greater.

"He has won just about everything. He is among the best, if not the best. He is at the top.

 

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Mourinho: I refused to speak to Chelsea players

Jose Mourinho has revealed that he did not speak to his Chelsea players after their humiliating FA Cup loss to Bradford on Saturday.

The Blues threw away a 2-0 lead at Stamford Bridge to lose 4-2 to the League One outfit and Mourinho was left fuming at his players’ collapse.

As such, the Portuguese has revealed that he refused to give a team-talk at full-time, such was his disdain for his side’s display.

“What did I say to the players? Nothing. Not a word. It wasn't a moment to speak to them,” he told reporters.

Mourinho refused to solely blame his players for the defeat, however, and admitted that he must take a share of the blame, despite claiming that his side “switched off” after taking a 2-0 lead.

“I blame myself the same as the players," he added. "I think we should share between us. But if I am the boss, the boss has more responsibilities.

“But at half-time it was 2-1 and then we spoke about the danger of the situation. We spoke about how they play, we repeated at half-time what we spoke in the preparation of the match.

“Maybe you don't believe but we prepared in the same way we prepare for a Premier League match - the same power point presentation, same analysis, the same information, we prepare exactly the same way.

“We respect them - at least I respect them - in the way we prepared for the game but at half-time the players thought 'We are going to score, not them' and when they scored for 2-2, after that the game became crazy.”

Mourinho also batted away the suggestion that the result would force him into the transfer market, despite links with the likes of Juan Cuadrado and Douglas Costa.

“This result doesn't alter my plans in the transfer market,” he said. “I'm happy to go with the squad I have. This is Chelsea always thinking and being proud of thinking of numbers and Financial Fair Play and so on.

“We cannot now go to the market and spend money. I am completely with the club. I share this idea. I don't think we are going to the market, unless someone makes a market with us.”

 

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Rochdale 1-4 Stoke City: Potters ease into FA Cup fifth round

Stoke City face a trip to Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup fifth round after goals from Bojan, Stephen Ireland, Victor Moses and Jonathan Walters sealed a 4-1 victory over Rochdale on Monday evening.

The Spaniard's stunning volley fired Mark Hughes' side in front against the League One club after just four minutes, while Ireland added a second from close range shortly after half-time.

Moses netted Stoke's third with an excellent curled finish from a narrow angle, while Rhys Bennett struck a late consolation with 11 minutes to go before Walters wrapped up the win in injury time.

Hughes will now face his former club at Ewood Park for Stoke's fifth-round tie which will be played on either February 14 and 15.

Ryan Shawcross was included in Hughes’ starting side after recovering from a groin injury, while Walters shook off a back problem to be involved, and the Premier League outfit quickly asserted their superiority against Rochdale.

Jack Butland's long ball forward was only headed clear as far as Bojan by Olly Lancashire, and the Spaniard found the net with a perfectly judged, dipping volley from 20 yards.

The lively Stephen Dawson saw claims for a penalty turned down when he went down under the challenge of Stoke’s January signing Philipp Wollscheid, before tempers flared in the 27th minute following a full-blooded Peter Vincenti challenge on Moses.

Bojan’s match came to a premature end three minutes later when he was forced off with a knee injury after going down unchallenged as he charged into the penalty area.

Bennett diverted wide from a corner as Rochdale pushed for a leveller, before Matt Done poked wide under pressure from the onrushing Butland after being sent clean through on goal by a defence-splitting pass.

Marc Wilson's venomous long-range strike at the beginning of the second half caught an unsuspecting steward on the head, forcing the stricken stadium employee to vacate his post, while it was the Rochdale defence who were also taken by surprise when Ireland ghosted into the box to net Stoke's second.

Moses picked up the ball on the left and squared for Ireland – scorer of two goals from the bench at home to Wrexham in the last round - to tap home.

Moses struck Stoke's third after beating Joe Rafferty twice before curling in from a tight angle.

Bennett side-footed home in the 78th minute as Stoke failed to clear their lines from a free-kick, but it was scant consolation for Rochdale.

Walters completed the victory with a simple finish from an Arnautovic cross in injury time.