..::Football III::..

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Sterling could be a top striker - Henry

Thierry Henry believes Raheem Sterling has everything it takes to become a superstar at Liverpool - provided he improves his finishing.

Sterling's shift to a more central attacking role has coincided with a revival in fortunes for Brendan Rodgers' men since last month's 3-0 defeat to Manchester United, with the 20-year-old scoring crucial goals against Bournemouth, Burnley and Chelsea to contribute to a 10-game unbeaten run prior to Tuesday's League Cup exit at Stamford Bridge.

And Henry, who began his career on the wing before being converted into a prolific striker by Arsene Wenger for Arsenal, believes Sterling has all the attributes to make a similar transition.

"One vs one it's very difficult to defend against him," the Frenchman told Sky Sports.

"The only thing I can say that he doesn't have yet is finishing. He struggles with it sometimes but that will come with time. He has everything you need. He's good one vs one and he has pace. His movements are sharp.

When asked if Sterling could become an effective striker in the future Henry replied: "Oh yes, he can."

Sterling is currently in talks with Liverpool over a new long-term contract that will reportedly make him one of the highest earners at Anfield.

 

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Big clubs will laugh at €25 million Reus fee - Kahn

Former Germany international Oliver Kahn believes Borussia Dortmund will struggle to hold on to Marco Reus in the summer, after claiming "big clubs will laugh" at his €25 million release clause.

The 25-year-old had the stipulation inserted in his existing deal - which runs until June 2017 - upon signing for BVB from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2012.

Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City are all rumoured to be interested in the player, while Reus himself has shown little interest in extending his contract.

BVB have admitted they will be powerless in the event he decides to depart and ex-Bayern keeper Kahn expects him to do exactly that.

"It will be very difficult for Dortmund to hold on to Reus, especially if we take into account that they are unlikely to qualify for European football,” the ex-Bayern goalkeeper told Sport Bild.

"Dortmund will only be able to hold on to Reus if they push their own financial limits. If not, Reus will definitely walk out.

"The big clubs in Europe laugh about a €25m transfer fee these days…"

Reus has been struggling with injuries this term and has netted a mere three goals in seven Bundesliga appearances, while also hitting the headlines after being fined €540,000 for driving without a licence.

Dortmund have suffered in their star attacker's absence and currently sit 17th in the league table with 15 points from 17 games.

 

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Chelsea striker Diego Costa charged with violent conduct

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been charged with violent conduct by the English Football Association for a clash with Emre Can during Tuesday's League Cup win over Liverpool.

An FA statement read: "Diego Costa has been charged by the FA for violent conduct following an on-field incident which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.

"The charge is in relation to an incident involving the Chelsea forward and Liverpool's Emre Can which occurred in the 12th minute of the League Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge last night [Tuesday 27 January 2015].

"The player has until 6pm on Thursday 29 January 2015 to respond to the charge.

"Following a review of an incident during the game involving Costa and Liverpool's Martin Skrtel, the FA will not be taking any further action."

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who has been hit with a fine for his comments on an alleged "campaign" against his side this season, insisted after the match on Tuesday that Costa's actions were accidental.

 

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D.Costa ge discipline nam anthimai​

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo handed two-game ban

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a two-game suspension following his red card in the 2-1 win over Cordoba at the weekend.

The prolific attacker lost his temper in the closing stages of the game after failing to make an impact, kicking out and raising a hand to strike Cordoba defender Edimar in the face, leaving referee Alejandro Hernandez no other choice but to dismiss him.

Ronaldo was quick to apologise after the incident, while Edimar called for La Liga's disciplinary committee to show leniency, and the Portugal captain has escaped a lengthy ban.

The 29-year-old will miss the Primera Division games against Real Sociedad and Sevilla as a result of his suspension.

Ronaldo has been in sublime form for Madrid in 2014-15, netting 36 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions.

The former Manchester United star's absence means Ancelotti could turn to promising youngster Jese Rodriguez, who recently made his comeback after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury.

 

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Official: Arsenal complete Gabriel Paulista signing

Gabriel Paulista's move from Villarreal to Arsenal has been confirmed, with Joel Campbell set to move in the opposite direction after agreeing a new long-term deal with the Premier League club.

Villarreal stated on Saturday that a deal to take centre-back Gabriel to Arsenal had been agreed in principle, and Arsene Wenger revealed on Sunday that the move would likely be sealed in the next 24 hours.Gabriel, who can also play as a full-back, has now been granted a work permit and his move to the London club was confirmed on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old Brazilian told the club's official website: "I came from a club that is not that big in Brazilian football. I went to Spanish football and that was another dream come true, to play in Europe."A while ago I had a really huge desire to play in the Premier League, so since that point I put it in my head that I really wanted to do it.

"I had a talk with my family and I told them that it was my dream to play in the Premier League. Getting here to such a big club is so gratifying."I am arriving at a big club and the fans can expect to find a Gabriel with a great will to help everyone. Not just thinking of me as an individual, because to me that is not important.

"I care more about helping the team and my team-mates. I want to help everyone, so the fans can expect a Gabriel that on the field has a lot of will to be able to help the team win important things."Costa Rica striker Campbell is set to join Villarreal on loan for the rest of the season after agreeing terms on a new contract with the London club.

 

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Atletico Madrid 2-3 Barcelona (agg 2-4): Neymar shoots down nine-man Rojiblancos in Copa cracker

Barcelona defeated nine-man Atletico Madrid 3-2 to progress to the last four of the Copa del Rey 4-2 on aggregate after a sensationally volatile encounter in the Spanish capital.

The Blaugrana arrived at the Vicente Calderon with a one-goal advantage from last week's first leg at Camp Nou but Fernando Torres levelled the tie on aggregate inside 60 seconds with a low finish, only for Neymar to respond in kind in the ninth minute.Raul Garcia put Atletico back ahead on the night with a contentous penalty but Barca went in 3-2 ahead at the break thanks to an own goal from Miranda and Neymar's second strike of the evening.

Gabi was then dismissed during angry scenes during the half-time interval that also saw Raul Garcia clash with the Barca bench, while Arda Turan then dramatically threw his boot at a linesman early in the second half.

All hope Atletico had of turning the tie around disappeared in the closing stages when Mario Suarez was sent off for a second bookable offence for dissent, thus bringing an end to an incredibly contentious and exciting encounter.


Within the opening minute Torres had levelled the tie following some uncharacteristic sloppy Barcelona defending from Javier Mascherano.His long ball out of defence was intercepted by Guilherme Siqueira on the halfway line, he found Torres and the striker fired into the bottom corner.

With noise reverberating around the Vicente Calderon, Atletico appeared to have the upper hand, but Neymar soon quietened them down with an equaliser after nine minutes.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez combined well on the right-hand side, before the latter played a perfect pass for the Brazilian, and he made no mistake to beat Jan Oblak.

Neymar thought he had extended Barca's aggregate lead in the 18th minute as he raced clear from a long clearance to score, but the assistant referee's flag denied him on this occasion.

Antoine Griezmann should have restored Atletico's advantage on the night three minutes before the half hour, but he fired straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Within 60 seconds, though, they were ahead as Raul Garcia scored from the spot - the midfielder firing home from 12 yards after Mascherano was adjudged to have fouled Juanfran on the edge of the area.Barca levelled eight minutes later thanks to a Miranda own goal. The defender miscued a clearance into his own net following Sergio Busquets' header.

And, as the momentum shifted in their favour again, the Catalans went in at the break ahead after another swift counter-attack. Atletico had seen a penalty appeal waved away before Messi led the charge up the other end of the pitch and found Jordi Alba, who played the ball in for Neymar to score.

The drama did not let up and, as tempers began to fray at the break, Atletico midfielder Gabi was dismissed in the tunnel for his involvement in a fracas.Arda Turan was then lucky not to follow him early in the second half when he was only shown a yellow card having thrown his boot at the assistant after the the non-award of a foul.

Barcelona's man advantage enabled the visitors to dictate the pace in the second 45 minutes, and they slowly took the sting out of Atletico's play.Diego Simeone's side were still able to create some chances, with substitute Cani having the best of them when his 70th-minute strike was well saved by Ter Stegen.

But any hopes Atletico had of mounting a late comeback ended with seven minutes remaining when Mario Suarez was sent off.

Barca had done enough and now await Getafe or Villarreal in the semi-final, with those two due to meet on Thursday.

 

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Patta gemak gihin neda Atletico Vs Barcelona match 1keArda Turan boot 1kenuth gahala linesman ta

 

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Parma 0-1 Juventus: Last-gasp Morata sends Bianconeri into Coppa Italia semi-finals

Juventus moved a step closer to ending their Coppa Italia drought as substitute Alvaro Morata's 89th-minute goal saw them edge Parma 1-0 in a scrappy quarter-final on Wednesday.No side has won the competition more times than the Bianconeri, but the reigning Serie A champions have not tasted success since 1995.

They seem destined for a fourth successive Scudetto crown, though, and a league and cup double would be an outstanding way for Massimiliano Allegri to cap his first season in charge.

His side will need to show more in the final third if they are to win the Coppa Italia for a 10th time, but Morata's late strike proved enough to seal their progression into the last four on this occasion.

The Spanish forward - introduced in the 77th minute - latched on to Fernando Llorente's ball before sliding his shot under Parma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante in smart fashion.

Simone Pepe saw his cross hit the post in the first half and luck looked to be against Juve when Claudio Marchisio had an effort deflected onto the crossbar in the 86th minute.But Morata's late show ensured Allegri - who made eight changes - did not have to worry about extra time and, potentially, penalties.

Veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo was back in the team for Juve, after recovering from flu, while first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon took a spot on the bench on his 37th birthday.The clash looked a mismatch on paper, with title-chasing defending champions Juve facing a Parma side who sit bottom of Serie A.

But the class divide was not evident during a poor and uninspiring first half, in which both sides lacked any sort of cutting edge.

Raffaele Palladino cut inside and shot just over in the 23rd minute for Parma, who were dealt a blow when defender Pedro Mendes pulled up injured in pursuit of 18-year-old Frenchman Kingsley Coman - leading to the introduction of Fabiano Santacroce.

The hosts built some pressure as half-time approached, but the best they had to show for it was an Antonio Nocerino effort that was turned behind by Giorgio Chiellini.

Juve nearly caught them cold when Pepe's cross from the left was allowed to bounce and hit the post with Mirante beaten in first-half stoppage time.Arturo Vidal fired the rebound just over but the match could, seemingly, only improve after the break.

That was not the case, though, as Juventus battled to break down Roberto Donadoni's strugglers.Chiellini's thumping header went over the crossbar from a Pirlo corner in the 55th minute, while Gabriel Paletta did the same for Parma at the other end.

The match was crying out for a spark and with 19 minutes remaining, Allegri threw Paul Pogba on looking for just that.Morata was then introduced and he at least forced a save from Mirante after a mazy run, before Marchisio was denied by the crossbar.

As the visitors stormed forward, they did leave themselves open at the back - but that meant little in the end as Morata booked Juve's spot in the semi-finals against either Roma or Fiorentina with a cool finish.

 

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Sheffield United 2-2 Tottenham (agg 2-3): Spurs survive scare as Eriksen books final spot

Christian Eriksen's late goal broke Sheffield United hearts as Tottenham dramatically secured a League Cup final showdown with Chelsea, winning 3-2 on aggregate after a 2-2 second-leg draw.

The Dane had already curled home a stunning free-kick when he struck again two minutes from time to rewrite the headlines after teenager Che Adams had climbed off the bench to net a quick-fire double and turn a thrilling match on its head.

Eriksen's glorious 28th-minute set-piece looked set to send Tottenham on their way to a re-run of the 2008 League Cup final, when the White Hart Lane outfit were 2-1 winners - their last trophy success.

But United boast a stunning record in knockout competitions under Nigel Clough, with their first-leg reverse - inflicted upon the League One side by Andros Townsend's second-half penalty - only the third defeat they had suffered in 21 previous cup games under his guidance.

And Adams - who only joined from non-League Ilkeston in November - was in no mood to allow that tally to grow, the 18-year-old coming on for the final quarter of an hour and scoring his first two professional goals in an incredible three-minute spell.

But after another United substitute, Louis Reed, had blasted a shot just over from inside the box, Eriksen provided the killer blow to end an incredible night at Bramall Lane.

Last season's FA Cup semi-finalists took to the task of overturning their one-goal first-leg deficit with great zeal, setting a tremendous early tempo that Tottenham were more than happy to match.

United spurned a great chance to level the tie in the 11th minute when Jamal Campbell-Ryce's teasing cross was spilled by Michel Vorm under pressure from Mark McNulty, but the Dutchman was able to deny Jamie Murphy on the rebound.

Tottenham, still smarting from the FA Cup loss to Leicester City at the weekend, highlighted their threat when top scorer Harry Kane linked with Erik Lamela before firing a powerful effort straight at a grateful Mark Howard.

But there was nothing Howard could do about the opening goal as Eriksen struck with unerring precision from 20 yards, his free-kick hitting the inside of the left-hand upright as it dipped just under the crossbar.

The tie could have been put beyond United's reach just two minutes into the second half, but Kane dragged wide from close range to grant Clough's men a reprieve.

It was a let-off that preceded a prolonged spell of controlled possession from United, though there was a sense that Tottenham were content to sit off and contain their opponents.

That proved to be a huge error in judgement as Adams struck twice in quick succession to turn the tie on its head.

First, he turned home Ryan Flynn's low cross at the back post in the 77th minute and then, with Tottenham rocking, he provided the finish to Murphy's cross to send Bramall Lane wild with 11 minutes left.

The visiting fans, who had been revelling at the prospect of a trip to the national stadium, were now stunned into silence and could only watch on as Reed blasted over from a tight angle with six minutes remaining.

Just as it looked as though the momentum was with the hosts, though, Eriksen latched on to Kane's pass and found the bottom corner to win it for Tottenham.

There was still time for Chris Basham to clash with Vorm when going for a late through ball, but Tottenham ultimately secured a Wembley meeting with Chelsea on March 1 - just three days after Mauricio Pochettino's side are scheduled to face Fiorentina in the Europa League.

 

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Howard ready to return for Everton

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that goalkeeper Tim Howard is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a calf injury.

The United States international has been sidelined since being replaced at half-time in the Premier League clash with Stoke City on Boxing Day.

Howard is set to return next month and Martinez on Wednesday stated that the former Manchester United keeper could be back sooner than he anticipated.
He told the club's official website: "Tim is progressing really well, better than any medical advice would think.

"We are still working within those six to eight weeks since the injury happened but he is progressing extremely well and probably a little bit ahead of what we predicted.

"We are now going to carry on treating him based on how he feels each day."Martinez believes a trip to Qatar has proved to be beneficial for a number of players who have been in the treatment room, with James McCarthy and Sylvain Distin possibly returning for Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace.The Spaniard said: "It was a chance to regenerate the bodies. We saw Darron Gibson adapting well with the group, as did Sylvain Distin.

"Sylvain has benefitted a lot by being able to work in the warm weather, so we expect that he will be available to make the squad for Saturday.

"James McCarthy, in the same way, put in a lot of good work and in the next 48 hours we will know whether he will available to make the Crystal Palace game. I would be positive in saying James will be back in the squad very soon.

"Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar have a little bit of a longer term of rehabilitation. They have been progressing well and working hard individually. We will see how quickly they can recover but it is a bit of a longer period for them."

 

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Sheffield United rattled Tottenham, admits Pochettino

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino admits Sheffield United's stunning fightback in Wednesday's League Cup semi-final second leg had him worried.

Spurs carried a one-goal lead into the match at Bramall Lane and looked to have ensured their progress when Christian Eriksen curled in a superb free-kick on 28 minutes.

But a rapid-fire double from former Ilkeston striker Che Adams in the second half sent the tie hurtling towards extra-time before Eriksen broke Blades hearts with a cool finish at the death.

Pochettino insists Spurs earned the chance to take on Premier League leaders Chelsea at Wembley on March 1 over the two legs, but conceded he feared for his side after Adams' heroics.

"For sure I was worried - it is football!" The Argentine told the BBC.

"Over the two legs we deserved to go to Wembley but you need to create chances, score and kill the game.

"We gave the possibility to Sheffield and when they scored the second goal, it was difficult. Football is emotion.

"Now we are happy for the players, they deserve the right to play at Wembley and for our supporters it is the most important goal.

"It is my first final at Wembley, it is new to me and new to a lot of our players, but we will enjoy it."

Tottenham striker Harry Kane was elated with the result and has dubbed the meeting with Chelsea as a "decider" for the season between the two clubs.

Chelsea beat Spurs 3-0 in December but earlier this month, Kane struck twice in a memorable 5-3 win at White Hart Lane.

Kane told Sky Sports: "It means the world [to make the final].

"We were in cruise control and that was the worst thing we could have done. Credit to Sheffield United but it shows how much character we have.

"At Wembley anything can happen.

"It's 1-1 between us [and Chelsea] this season, it's a decider if you like and there's no better place for it than Wembley."

 

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Gabi slams ‘irritating’ Neymar

Atletico Madrid ace Gabi has hit out at the attitude of Barcelona attacker Neymar.

The 31-year-old midfielder was one of two Atleti players dismissed in an all-tempered affair at Vicente Calderon, which the Catalans won 3-2 to secure a berth in the Copa del Rey semi-finals thanks to a 4-2 aggregate triumph.

Gabi was sent off during the half-time interval following a spat with the Brazil striker and criticised his opponent’s on-field behaviour after the match.

“He’s got an odd way of playing, particularly when he’s winning,” the former Spain Under-21 man told the media.

“He’s always making gestures on the field, especially when he’s in front. Nobody likes to lose and these things irritate you.”

Meanwhile, the Atletico man has protested that he was harshly dealt with regarding his red card, which came in the wake of the home side being denied a penalty when Antoine Griezmann’s shot was blocked by Jordi Alba’s arm. To compound their frustration, Barcelona broke up the field immediately and scored through Neymar.

“I said: ‘It was a penalty and a red card.’ That was my disrespect, according to [the referee]. I’m sorry for my team.

“I think the referee has to have much more personality and more respect for the players.

“We are all wrong sometimes. To be just, acknowledge your mistakes.”

Barcelona will now go on and meet Getafe or Villarreal.

 

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Simeone 'proud' of nine-man Atletico's attitude against Barcelona

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone refused to criticise his team's discipline after Wednesday night's controversial Copa del Rey clash with Barcelona, insisting that he was "proud" of his players' attitude.

The Rojiblancos ended the quarter-final second-leg clash with nine men, with Gabi having been sent off for an off-field incident at half-time before Mario Suarez saw red for a second bookable offence in the closing stages.

In addition, Arda Turan was also yellow carded for apparently throwing his boot towards a linesman, while Raul Garcia was involved in a heated exchange with members of the Barca bench on the half-time whistle.

However, when quizzed about his team's attitude after a 3-2 defeat that saw Atletico bow out 4-2 on aggregate, Simeone responded: "I feel proud of my players.

"The first half was extraordinary. It was an intense match, very complicated because the pitch was bad. Barcelona played very well. They have been in very good form since December.

"But we've had a very good tournament. We eliminated L'Hospitalet and then Real Madrid, and we played very well in the first half today against Barca."

 

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Luis Enrique: I loved everything about Barcelona against Atletico

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique lavished praise on his players after they booked their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a dramatic win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.

The Catalans led 1-0 from the first leg at Camp Nou but Fernando Torres levelled the tie on aggregate after less than 60 seconds of play at the Vicente Calderon.
Neymar equalised only to see Raul Garcia make it 2-1 from the penalty spot.However, Barca booked their place in the last four with a Miranda own goal and another Neymar strike just before the break.

Atletico subsequently saw Gabi and Mario Suarez sent off, while Arda Turan was booked for hurling his boot apparently towards a linesman as Diego Simeone's side lost their discipline.

However, Luis Enrique did not want to be drawn on the numerous controversial incidents during the game, preferring instead to salute his team's character.

"I liked everything about my team, especially the way in which they recovered from a strange situation at the begining of the match when we went 1-0 down after a minute," the Barca boss told reporters after the game.

"Atleti are an amazing team and they are doing a great job, winning titles in a great way, while the pitch was in very bad condition. The ball was bouncing around the place like a rabbit!"I don't know if that's down to the weather but my team adapted to the conditions and I'm very happy with the performance.

"I loved the second half. We had a lot of control."Luis Enrique also singled two-goal hero Neymar out for special praise after an inspired performance.

"Neymar gives us a lot," the former Spain international added. "He scores, dribbles, he's brave - he played a great game."Barca will now face Villarreal or Getafe in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.

 

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Eriksen relieved as Tottenham scrape past Sheffield United to reach League Cup final

Christian Eriksen admits Tottenham were "a bit lucky" to scrape past Sheffield United in order to reach the League Cup final.

Spurs headed into the second leg at Bramall Lane on Wednesday evening with a 1-0 win from the first leg, and Eriksen's stunning free-kick put Mauricio Pochettino's men further on course for a place at Wembley.

But Sheffield United battled back in the second half and Che Adam's quick-fire double looked set to force extra-time before Eriksen struck with two minutes remaining to seal a 3-2 aggregate victory for Spurs, who now face Chelsea in the final.

"It's a big relief [to go through]. You see that on everybody's faces, we're all happy,” the Dane told Sky Sports.

“It was one of the top free-kicks I've taken so I'm pleased. When they scored they got a lot of confidence and you saw with the crowd, they gave them something extra.

"They fought really well. We had to play our best. We were maybe a bit lucky but we should've scored before.

"Just being in the final at Wembley that's what everyone wants at Tottenham. The players, the staff, everyone. We're just happy."

 

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Copa del Rey Fixtures 2015.01.29

Copa del Rey Fixtures 2015.01.29

Getafe Vs Villareal

Athletic Bilbao Vs Malaga

Sevilla Vs Espanyol​

 

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Official: Arsenal complete Gabriel Paulista signing

 

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Dortmund 'have a chance' of keeping Reus, says Watzke

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke believes the club "have a chance" of holding on to Marco Reus.

Despite some injury problems this season, Reus remains one of the most coveted players in the Bundesliga, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich among a host of clubs linked with a potential transfer.

Watzke, however, is confident that selling the 25-year-old is not a foregone conclusion, given the Germany international's attachment to his boyhood club.

"I still believe we have a chance of keeping Marco in his hometown," he told SZ.

Watzke also denied suggestions that the signing of Kevin Kampl from Red Bull Salzburg means Dortmund are already planning for life without Reus.

"Such interpretations don't interest me. I would like to see both of them together this season for Dortmund. I hope to," he said.

Dortmund return to Bundesliga action this weekend with a trip to Bayer Leverkusen, as they look to climb out of the relegation zone.

Despite their dismal first half of the campaign, Watzke is adamant that coach Jurgen Klopp is not under threat.

"Maybe I am stubborn or pig-headed, but if something works so well for six years then it can't be that you need to change it in the seventh," he added. "We all agree on this: there's no reason to doubt Jurgen Klopp."

 

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Guardiola's future not important right now - Sammer

Pep Guardiola's future is of secondary importance to Bayern Munich's return to action, according to Matthias Sammer.

Reports emerged at the weekend suggesting the Spanish coach could walk away from the club in the summer after failing to agree terms on an extension to his contract, which expires next year.

Despite the rumours surrounding his future, Sammer is adamant that Guardiola and the club as a whole are too focused on their return to Bundesliga action on Friday.

"We play against Wolfsburg tomorrow. All personal things are second-rate at the moment," he told a press conference. "Pep and we only want to talk about football, nothing else. These things don't have to be clarified now in order to make a good job of the second part of the season."

Bayern were dealt a blow this week with Franck Ribery ruled out for two weeks with a thigh problem, but Sammer is confident they will cope in his absence.

"At first I thought it would be worse," the club's sporting director said of the injury. "But when I got the diagnosis this morning, I was relieved.

"We proved in the past that we can play three games without Franck. He is a fantastic player, but if Bayern are not able to win three games without him, we would have a problem in principle."

Sammer also suggested Bayern could be tempted into a late foray into the transfer market should any more injuries strike over the next few days.

"There will be no activity [in the market]. However, you cannot exclude anything. What if we experience other injured players against Wolfsburg tomorrow?" he said.

"At the moment we have 16 players at a top level. In addition, there are three young talents [Mitchell Weiser, Gianluca Gaudino and Sinan Kurt]. And that's it - that's the 'huge, huge' squad everyone is talking about. If two players are out, only 14 are left.

"But, in principle, no transfers are planned at all."

Finally, Sammer lavished praise on defender Jerome Boateng, describing him as one of the finest in his positions in the world.

"You cannot have a better physical structure than him," he added. "He is fast, tall and persistent. What's more, he is tactically and technically on the best level possible, so he is one of the best central defenders in the world."