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'Brilliant' Saul vital to Atletico's future - Simeone
Diego Simeone was left marvelling at the performances of Saul and Guilherme Siqueira in Atletico Madrid 's 4-0 derby thrashing of Real Madrid on Saturday.
Midfielder Saul started the clash on the bench, but he was swiftly called upon when Koke was forced off with a hamstring injury and left his mark on the encounter with a stunning overhead kick to double Atletico's lead after Tiago had opened the scoring.
Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic completed Real's humiliation in the second half and Simeone was elated with his team's complete performance, though he reserved special praise for Saul and left-back Siqueira.
"The players are the most important thing," he told reporters. "They carried out the match to perfection.
"We attacked down the right and defended with Tiago and Gabi. Koke's injury was a blow, but Saul was brilliant. He played very well. He's very important for the future.
"He knows it and the club knows it. That's why I wanted him to stay. But he needs to be patient.
"We need his rebellious streak and his youth, but also his patience. Koke and [Jose Maria] Gimenez were the same."
Simeone added of Siqueira: "That was possibly his best game.
"He was solid at the back, good in attack. He provided an assist, he covered well and he knew when to press.
"He's a very good kid and he's worked hard at this. That's why he has improved, the same as Griezmann."
Simeone also acknowledged the impact of the fans on Saturday's triumph, thanking them for a rapturous ovation at the end of the match.
"We have to thank the players for the afternoon we had," he added.
"It was a really great one. The team played well, were really convincing and took it seriously. That's something to be grateful about, and the supporters certainly were.
"It was lovely when they sang 'proud of my players', something not often heard in other stadiums. Hopefully, we can continue like this."
Diego Simeone was left marvelling at the performances of Saul and Guilherme Siqueira in Atletico Madrid 's 4-0 derby thrashing of Real Madrid on Saturday.
Midfielder Saul started the clash on the bench, but he was swiftly called upon when Koke was forced off with a hamstring injury and left his mark on the encounter with a stunning overhead kick to double Atletico's lead after Tiago had opened the scoring.
Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic completed Real's humiliation in the second half and Simeone was elated with his team's complete performance, though he reserved special praise for Saul and left-back Siqueira.
"The players are the most important thing," he told reporters. "They carried out the match to perfection.
"We attacked down the right and defended with Tiago and Gabi. Koke's injury was a blow, but Saul was brilliant. He played very well. He's very important for the future.
"He knows it and the club knows it. That's why I wanted him to stay. But he needs to be patient.
"We need his rebellious streak and his youth, but also his patience. Koke and [Jose Maria] Gimenez were the same."
Simeone added of Siqueira: "That was possibly his best game.
"He was solid at the back, good in attack. He provided an assist, he covered well and he knew when to press.
"He's a very good kid and he's worked hard at this. That's why he has improved, the same as Griezmann."
Simeone also acknowledged the impact of the fans on Saturday's triumph, thanking them for a rapturous ovation at the end of the match.
"We have to thank the players for the afternoon we had," he added.
"It was a really great one. The team played well, were really convincing and took it seriously. That's something to be grateful about, and the supporters certainly were.
"It was lovely when they sang 'proud of my players', something not often heard in other stadiums. Hopefully, we can continue like this."
Carvajal: That was the worst 30 minutes in Real Madrid's history
Dani Carvajal labelled the first 30 minutes of Real Madrid's 4-0 hammering by rivals Atletico Madrid as the worst in the club's history.
Tiago put the hosts ahead in the 14th minute, making the most of some poor goalkeeping by Iker Casillas, before Saul - a replacement for the injured Koke - doubled their lead with a stunning overhead kick.
Atletico blew the Liga leaders away in the second half, with Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic completing a resounding triumph to move the champions to within four points of Real.
But Carvajal was scathing of his side's efforts early in the contest and apologised to supporters for their performance.
He told reporters: "That could be the worst 30 minutes Real Madrid have ever played, gifting chances and creating nothing ourselves."We're still angry, but the truth is in the result and we're definitely feeling pretty down.
"I would like to ask our fans for forgiveness. We were not up to the task today and we have to congratulate [Atletico] because they were the better team."
Cristiano Ronaldo - who returned from suspension on Saturday - claimed after the match that Madrid remain favourites to lift the title , and Carvajal is also confident their Liga campaign will not become derailed.
"What we have to do is forget this match and this result as quickly as possible," he added.
"It's true they have won the last few derbies, but let's wait until the end of the season and see who has the titles."
Dani Carvajal labelled the first 30 minutes of Real Madrid's 4-0 hammering by rivals Atletico Madrid as the worst in the club's history.
Tiago put the hosts ahead in the 14th minute, making the most of some poor goalkeeping by Iker Casillas, before Saul - a replacement for the injured Koke - doubled their lead with a stunning overhead kick.
Atletico blew the Liga leaders away in the second half, with Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic completing a resounding triumph to move the champions to within four points of Real.
But Carvajal was scathing of his side's efforts early in the contest and apologised to supporters for their performance.
He told reporters: "That could be the worst 30 minutes Real Madrid have ever played, gifting chances and creating nothing ourselves."We're still angry, but the truth is in the result and we're definitely feeling pretty down.
"I would like to ask our fans for forgiveness. We were not up to the task today and we have to congratulate [Atletico] because they were the better team."
Cristiano Ronaldo - who returned from suspension on Saturday - claimed after the match that Madrid remain favourites to lift the title , and Carvajal is also confident their Liga campaign will not become derailed.
"What we have to do is forget this match and this result as quickly as possible," he added.
"It's true they have won the last few derbies, but let's wait until the end of the season and see who has the titles."
Derby hero Kane can get even better - Pochettino
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes Harry Kane can get even better after the striker scored twice to down Arsenal in the north London derby.
Mesut Ozil gave Arsene Wenger's side an early lead at White Hart Lane before the young Spurs star netted his 21st and 22nd goals of the season after the break to hand the hosts the bragging rights with a 2-1 victory that sees them leapfrog the Gunners in the table.
"I think Harry showed in this game he is a great player," Pochettino enthused to the press after Kane's excellent finishes secured the win.
"It was a great performance but my idea is he can still improve. We need to push him to develop because his potential is massive."
England manager Roy Hodgson was among those watching in north London and pressure is rapidly growing for Kane to be included in the next Three Lions squad.
"It's his decision," siad Pochettino of Hodgson. "It's true Harry is in a good moment and I congratulate him.
"Today he's the striker with the most goals in all competitions. If the manager thinks he's a player for the national team, I am happy."
"The players work very hard on the training ground. We demand a lot from them on the training ground but they deserve this," he continued when asked what the derby triumph means.
"I'm happy for everyone. I think this is special. We talk about the special game that the derby is and to win three points. We played with our brain but we showed passion and emotion as a team. This energy is important for me.
"I pick the players who deserve to play based on training. I don't look at names and ages. This is football, it's our philosophy. It's important for them to believe in us and that we move forward as a team and a club. We need to go step by step. To keep fighting and working hard.
"We need to keep the same level because we can [finish in the top four]. It's all in our mind. We know it's not easy but it's a challenge to keep everyone fit and fresh this month.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes Harry Kane can get even better after the striker scored twice to down Arsenal in the north London derby.
Mesut Ozil gave Arsene Wenger's side an early lead at White Hart Lane before the young Spurs star netted his 21st and 22nd goals of the season after the break to hand the hosts the bragging rights with a 2-1 victory that sees them leapfrog the Gunners in the table.
"I think Harry showed in this game he is a great player," Pochettino enthused to the press after Kane's excellent finishes secured the win.
"It was a great performance but my idea is he can still improve. We need to push him to develop because his potential is massive."
England manager Roy Hodgson was among those watching in north London and pressure is rapidly growing for Kane to be included in the next Three Lions squad.
"It's his decision," siad Pochettino of Hodgson. "It's true Harry is in a good moment and I congratulate him.
"Today he's the striker with the most goals in all competitions. If the manager thinks he's a player for the national team, I am happy."
"The players work very hard on the training ground. We demand a lot from them on the training ground but they deserve this," he continued when asked what the derby triumph means.
"I'm happy for everyone. I think this is special. We talk about the special game that the derby is and to win three points. We played with our brain but we showed passion and emotion as a team. This energy is important for me.
"I pick the players who deserve to play based on training. I don't look at names and ages. This is football, it's our philosophy. It's important for them to believe in us and that we move forward as a team and a club. We need to go step by step. To keep fighting and working hard.
"We need to keep the same level because we can [finish in the top four]. It's all in our mind. We know it's not easy but it's a challenge to keep everyone fit and fresh this month.
Mandzukic: It was a pleasure to outplay Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic has described playing in his side's 4-0 derby thrashing of Real Madrid as "a pleasure".
Mandzukic added the icing on the cake to an emphatic performance from the champions, scoring the final goal in their demolition of the current Liga leaders on Saturday.
The Croatia international says goals are not everything to him but offered little doubt as to the satisfaction within the Atleti dressing-room after the match.
He told Nova TV: "We all had to give our best to win this game and it was really a pleasure to outplay Real Madrid like that.
"It doesn't mater if I score or not, what is important is that we win games. But of course I am glad I scored."
Midfielder Tiago, who opened the scoring, paid tribute to the preparations of head coach Diego Simeone prior to the match.
"We wanted to keep up the pressure on Barcelona and Madrid in the league and we got the three points on a very good afternoon for us. We didn't give Real Madrid any openings and everything went our way from kick-off," he told reporters.
"Madrid played during the week and that worked against them. We knew that with our fans behind us we are strong and we showed that.
"We wanted to exploit the spaces that Real left behind them. We got into the game early and we found the areas where we could hurt Madrid. Our manager has shown what he is about; everything he told us to do came together on the pitch.
"I have been through the times when we couldn't win [the derby]. Not much has changed, but our confidence has and everything went our way. We have everything very clear in our minds and we are a strong team. We knew if we followed what we have been doing that victory was possible."
Guilherme Siqueira, singled out for praise by Simeone after the match, added to Canal Plus: "We are pleased to think that the work we did was very important.
"We kept high intensity throughout the game. When we put so much intensity in, it is difficult to beat us. I think we should give more credit to Atletico rather than criticise Madrid."
Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic has described playing in his side's 4-0 derby thrashing of Real Madrid as "a pleasure".
Mandzukic added the icing on the cake to an emphatic performance from the champions, scoring the final goal in their demolition of the current Liga leaders on Saturday.
The Croatia international says goals are not everything to him but offered little doubt as to the satisfaction within the Atleti dressing-room after the match.
He told Nova TV: "We all had to give our best to win this game and it was really a pleasure to outplay Real Madrid like that.
"It doesn't mater if I score or not, what is important is that we win games. But of course I am glad I scored."
Midfielder Tiago, who opened the scoring, paid tribute to the preparations of head coach Diego Simeone prior to the match.
"We wanted to keep up the pressure on Barcelona and Madrid in the league and we got the three points on a very good afternoon for us. We didn't give Real Madrid any openings and everything went our way from kick-off," he told reporters.
"Madrid played during the week and that worked against them. We knew that with our fans behind us we are strong and we showed that.
"We wanted to exploit the spaces that Real left behind them. We got into the game early and we found the areas where we could hurt Madrid. Our manager has shown what he is about; everything he told us to do came together on the pitch.
"I have been through the times when we couldn't win [the derby]. Not much has changed, but our confidence has and everything went our way. We have everything very clear in our minds and we are a strong team. We knew if we followed what we have been doing that victory was possible."
Guilherme Siqueira, singled out for praise by Simeone after the match, added to Canal Plus: "We are pleased to think that the work we did was very important.
"We kept high intensity throughout the game. When we put so much intensity in, it is difficult to beat us. I think we should give more credit to Atletico rather than criticise Madrid."
Caballero: Manchester City do not fear Barcelona
Willy Caballero insists Manchester City do not fear Barcelona as the two sides prepare to clash in the Champions League.
Premier League champions City face Barca over two legs later this month, with a place in the quarter-finals of Europe's elite club competition at stake.
The Catalan club triumphed 4-1 on aggregate when the sides met at the same stage of the Champions League 12 months ago, with Lionel Messi and Dani Alves both scoring in each leg.
However, Caballero insists City have learned their lessons from that tie and also feels Barca are not the team they once were, highlighting recent negative press coverage in Spain as evidence of their decline.
The former Malaga keeper told Marca: "It'll be tough, as these games always are. City have learnt from last year and I hope we go into the first leg on top form.
"The aim is to play better than we did last time and reach the quarter-finals."
Asked if Barca's fear factor had disappeared, Caballero added: "I think so. Especially because of everything that is being said in Spain about Barcelona.
"The team isn't as strong as in recent years. That helps us and makes us feel stronger.
"Small things become crises at big clubs. They have to live with the fact that people speak about Barcelona all the time. I'm sure that not even 20% of what is said is true."
Willy Caballero insists Manchester City do not fear Barcelona as the two sides prepare to clash in the Champions League.
Premier League champions City face Barca over two legs later this month, with a place in the quarter-finals of Europe's elite club competition at stake.
The Catalan club triumphed 4-1 on aggregate when the sides met at the same stage of the Champions League 12 months ago, with Lionel Messi and Dani Alves both scoring in each leg.
However, Caballero insists City have learned their lessons from that tie and also feels Barca are not the team they once were, highlighting recent negative press coverage in Spain as evidence of their decline.
The former Malaga keeper told Marca: "It'll be tough, as these games always are. City have learnt from last year and I hope we go into the first leg on top form.
"The aim is to play better than we did last time and reach the quarter-finals."
Asked if Barca's fear factor had disappeared, Caballero added: "I think so. Especially because of everything that is being said in Spain about Barcelona.
"The team isn't as strong as in recent years. That helps us and makes us feel stronger.
"Small things become crises at big clubs. They have to live with the fact that people speak about Barcelona all the time. I'm sure that not even 20% of what is said is true."
Rodgers hails 'brilliant' Ibe despite Liverpool's derby stalemate
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praised surprise starter Jordon Ibe after the closely-contested 0-0 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.
The 19-year-old winger impressed in a match devoid of many clear-cut opportunities,almost winning it with a long-range strike that struck the post.
Rodgers singled out Ibe, who was recalled from a loan spell at Derby in mid-January, for particular attention post-match, beaming: "I've been waiting to put Jordon in, I had no qualms about putting him in. It was a brilliant performance, and he was unlucky not to score.
"He was wonderful temperament and technique, and is also tactically very very good. I'm pleased for him."
Rodgers also complemented the attitude and steel of his team in what was a fiesty contest, stating: "In such an intense atmosphere, the composure of my players was great, they connected with the game very very well.
"We have a real solid structure defensively. Their first shot on target in the 86th minute and that’s to the credit of the team. We needed to be a bit more clinical in the final third, but we keep moving forward."
Lucas limped off in the first half and the manager added: "Lucas had a problem with his adductor muscle that kept him out of the last week. We’ll just need to see what happens with the scan."
Departing midfielder Gerrard almost produced a memorable moment but his flying overhead kick almost found the net, only to be headed over the crossbar by Steven Naismith, and Rodgers said of his captain, "He was excellent today. He showed great energy and was driving the team on."
Roberto Martinez meanwhile felt that his Everton side performed well in what he believed was an interesting tactical battle.
It was a fascinating game in which both games defended really well. We were in good positions in the first half, but we needed to find a little bit of composure. The tempo and intensity were typical of a Merseyside derby."
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praised surprise starter Jordon Ibe after the closely-contested 0-0 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.
The 19-year-old winger impressed in a match devoid of many clear-cut opportunities,almost winning it with a long-range strike that struck the post.
Rodgers singled out Ibe, who was recalled from a loan spell at Derby in mid-January, for particular attention post-match, beaming: "I've been waiting to put Jordon in, I had no qualms about putting him in. It was a brilliant performance, and he was unlucky not to score.
"He was wonderful temperament and technique, and is also tactically very very good. I'm pleased for him."
Rodgers also complemented the attitude and steel of his team in what was a fiesty contest, stating: "In such an intense atmosphere, the composure of my players was great, they connected with the game very very well.
"We have a real solid structure defensively. Their first shot on target in the 86th minute and that’s to the credit of the team. We needed to be a bit more clinical in the final third, but we keep moving forward."
Lucas limped off in the first half and the manager added: "Lucas had a problem with his adductor muscle that kept him out of the last week. We’ll just need to see what happens with the scan."
Departing midfielder Gerrard almost produced a memorable moment but his flying overhead kick almost found the net, only to be headed over the crossbar by Steven Naismith, and Rodgers said of his captain, "He was excellent today. He showed great energy and was driving the team on."
Roberto Martinez meanwhile felt that his Everton side performed well in what he believed was an interesting tactical battle.
It was a fascinating game in which both games defended really well. We were in good positions in the first half, but we needed to find a little bit of composure. The tempo and intensity were typical of a Merseyside derby."
Juventus defeat will help AC Milan morale - Inzaghi
AC Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi is confident his side will soon hit form despite slumping to a 3-1 loss at defending Serie A champions Juventus on Saturday.
Inzaghi's men were punished by a clinical Juve side, who sealed the points with goals from Leonardo Bonucci and Alvaro Morata after Milan debutant Luca Antonelli had cancelled out Carlos Tevez's opener.
Defeat drops Milan to ninth place in the table, with Torino having won at Verona, but Inzaghi expects results to turn around if his players show the same spirit they did in Turin.
"I have to congratulate the team," Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia . "It's hard to play against a team like that.
“We conceded the second and third goals during our best moments of the match. We had possession and were pegging Juve back at the time.
"These games, result aside, help morale. We have to change the trend of results but with this attitude and with this desire the victories will come soon."
Antonelli's impressive header got Milan briefly back on track and Inzaghi feels the performances of his new signings vindicated his efforts in the transfer market.
“I was impressed by the new signings and now we need to get players back in order to have some different options," he said.
“I wanted Antonelli and the president got certain players for me, which proves there is faith in my ideas. Luca did very well and has real character. These are the players I like.
“I'm convinced by my choices. I didn’t think I would be able to perform miracles, but I hope, with hard work we can see a Milan side up to the task.”
Tevez's 14th-minute goal had more than a hint of offside as he latched on to a Morata header and tucked the ball beyond Diego Lopez.
Inzaghi expressed his belief that Tevez was offside, but was quick to criticise the defending that led to the goal.
"From the bench I would have said it was offside," he added. "It was a goal conceded too easily. We have to work on these things."
AC Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi is confident his side will soon hit form despite slumping to a 3-1 loss at defending Serie A champions Juventus on Saturday.
Inzaghi's men were punished by a clinical Juve side, who sealed the points with goals from Leonardo Bonucci and Alvaro Morata after Milan debutant Luca Antonelli had cancelled out Carlos Tevez's opener.
Defeat drops Milan to ninth place in the table, with Torino having won at Verona, but Inzaghi expects results to turn around if his players show the same spirit they did in Turin.
"I have to congratulate the team," Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia . "It's hard to play against a team like that.
“We conceded the second and third goals during our best moments of the match. We had possession and were pegging Juve back at the time.
"These games, result aside, help morale. We have to change the trend of results but with this attitude and with this desire the victories will come soon."
Antonelli's impressive header got Milan briefly back on track and Inzaghi feels the performances of his new signings vindicated his efforts in the transfer market.
“I was impressed by the new signings and now we need to get players back in order to have some different options," he said.
“I wanted Antonelli and the president got certain players for me, which proves there is faith in my ideas. Luca did very well and has real character. These are the players I like.
“I'm convinced by my choices. I didn’t think I would be able to perform miracles, but I hope, with hard work we can see a Milan side up to the task.”
Tevez's 14th-minute goal had more than a hint of offside as he latched on to a Morata header and tucked the ball beyond Diego Lopez.
Inzaghi expressed his belief that Tevez was offside, but was quick to criticise the defending that led to the goal.
"From the bench I would have said it was offside," he added. "It was a goal conceded too easily. We have to work on these things."
Allegri: Juventus have to sharpen up
Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri was less than impressed with his side's concentration levels despite their comfortable 3-1 win over AC Milan.
Goals from Carlos Tevez, Leonardo Bonucci and Alvaro Morata sealed maximum points for Allegri against his former club to move them 10 points clear at the top of the table.
Juve's impressive start to the game saw them score in the first 15 minutes of a match for the 10th time this season, while they are now unbeaten in their last 13 league games.
Allegri, however, was frustrated by the way his side failed to capitalise more frequently on the counterattack and at the way they surrendered chances to Milan from set-pieces.
"Unfortunately we gave away too many chances, especially at set-plays, because we weren’t concentrated enough,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
"There was a great Gigi Buffon save from Giampaolo Pazzini, but of the goals we have conceded this season, a large number of them have been from balls we have given away.
"We also need to be sharper when going clear on the counter, as we don’t always make the right choices in those situations.
"Milan are a good side and played well. We could have been more in control and, while we were dangerous in attacking corners, we were less focused when defending them. Sometimes the situations where you feel most confident can lead to you relaxing and we have to avoid that.
"I was pleased to score from a corner. This was only our third from a set-play and with Pirlo’s prowess from dead ball situations and the strong players in the air we have got, we really ought to be scoring more."
The defeat was another blow to Milan's hopes of returning to European football in 2015-16 but Allegri is confident his former club are moving in the right direction.
He continued: "I think this Milan have some excellent players and above all they improved during the January transfer market. Let’s not forget how many players are out injured. It's a tough moment, but with balance, they can get back into the race for Europe.
"Juve-Milan is never easy and these were three important points. It only takes a minute to turn the psychological strength around and if we had drawn a second consecutive match it would’ve allowed Roma to close on us.”
Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri was less than impressed with his side's concentration levels despite their comfortable 3-1 win over AC Milan.
Goals from Carlos Tevez, Leonardo Bonucci and Alvaro Morata sealed maximum points for Allegri against his former club to move them 10 points clear at the top of the table.
Juve's impressive start to the game saw them score in the first 15 minutes of a match for the 10th time this season, while they are now unbeaten in their last 13 league games.
Allegri, however, was frustrated by the way his side failed to capitalise more frequently on the counterattack and at the way they surrendered chances to Milan from set-pieces.
"Unfortunately we gave away too many chances, especially at set-plays, because we weren’t concentrated enough,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
"There was a great Gigi Buffon save from Giampaolo Pazzini, but of the goals we have conceded this season, a large number of them have been from balls we have given away.
"We also need to be sharper when going clear on the counter, as we don’t always make the right choices in those situations.
"Milan are a good side and played well. We could have been more in control and, while we were dangerous in attacking corners, we were less focused when defending them. Sometimes the situations where you feel most confident can lead to you relaxing and we have to avoid that.
"I was pleased to score from a corner. This was only our third from a set-play and with Pirlo’s prowess from dead ball situations and the strong players in the air we have got, we really ought to be scoring more."
The defeat was another blow to Milan's hopes of returning to European football in 2015-16 but Allegri is confident his former club are moving in the right direction.
He continued: "I think this Milan have some excellent players and above all they improved during the January transfer market. Let’s not forget how many players are out injured. It's a tough moment, but with balance, they can get back into the race for Europe.
"Juve-Milan is never easy and these were three important points. It only takes a minute to turn the psychological strength around and if we had drawn a second consecutive match it would’ve allowed Roma to close on us.”
Gerrard: Jordon Ibe will be a terrific player for Liverpool
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard heaped praise on Jordon Ibe following an eye-catching display in Saturday's 0-0 Merseyside derby draw at Everton.
The 19-year-old impressed at Goodison Park - making only his second Premier League start - and struck the post with a rasping shot midway through the first half.
And Gerrard, after playing in what is likely to be his last Merseyside derby, was excited by the youngster's display.
"He did fantastic," Gerrard told Sky Sports of his young team-mate. "He only found out he was playing yesterday so to have 24 hours to prepare for a big game like this... he was man of the match.
"A sensational performance and unlucky not to get the winner. Credit to him, he's got a big future and he's going to be a terrific player.
"There were lots of positives - especially this guy. We wanted him back [from a loan spell at Derby County] because of how good he'd done and if he keeps performing like that, we'll do well."
Gerrard conceded he would miss visiting the home of Liverpool's near neighbours.
"I love playing here, it's a great stadium and I've got some good memories," he said.
"I will miss coming here and the Merseyside derbies. Hopefully there's one more left in the Europa [League], we'll have to wait and see."
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard heaped praise on Jordon Ibe following an eye-catching display in Saturday's 0-0 Merseyside derby draw at Everton.
The 19-year-old impressed at Goodison Park - making only his second Premier League start - and struck the post with a rasping shot midway through the first half.
And Gerrard, after playing in what is likely to be his last Merseyside derby, was excited by the youngster's display.
"He did fantastic," Gerrard told Sky Sports of his young team-mate. "He only found out he was playing yesterday so to have 24 hours to prepare for a big game like this... he was man of the match.
"A sensational performance and unlucky not to get the winner. Credit to him, he's got a big future and he's going to be a terrific player.
"There were lots of positives - especially this guy. We wanted him back [from a loan spell at Derby County] because of how good he'd done and if he keeps performing like that, we'll do well."
Gerrard conceded he would miss visiting the home of Liverpool's near neighbours.
"I love playing here, it's a great stadium and I've got some good memories," he said.
"I will miss coming here and the Merseyside derbies. Hopefully there's one more left in the Europa [League], we'll have to wait and see."
Casillas insists: I did not make a mistake
Iker Casillas is adamant he is not to blame for Atletico Madrid's opening goal in Real Madrid's derby thrashing.The veteran Spain international allowed a shot from Tiago to slip through his fingers as Atleti took the lead at the Vicente Calderon before storming to a 4-0 win.
Casillas has come under significant scrutiny in the past 18 months following some high-profile blunders but the 33-year-old says he was simply deceived by a deflection and cannot be held to account on this occasion.
"Mistake? Why was it a mistake? I can assure you it wasn't. The ball went past Nacho and Raphael Varane deflected it," he told reporters after the match.
Asked if his side deserved anything from the game, however, he admitted: "Here we have a side who were far better than us and who have beaten us in every way. We have to congratulate them and there is not much more to say.
"We are concerned about fixing what went wrong for us today and ensure it doesn't happen again. The only other thing is to beg forgiveness from our fans.
"It was a harsh and heavy defeat. Atletico deserved their win. Now I have to stand up and face the consequences and be the first to ask forgiveness on behalf of my team-mates and myself. We have to think about our next match."
Atletico fans began to sing Casillas' name following Tiago's goal but the player himself was unperturbed.
"I am grateful wherever I go if people sing my name," he added. "I take it with great humour."
Iker Casillas is adamant he is not to blame for Atletico Madrid's opening goal in Real Madrid's derby thrashing.The veteran Spain international allowed a shot from Tiago to slip through his fingers as Atleti took the lead at the Vicente Calderon before storming to a 4-0 win.
Casillas has come under significant scrutiny in the past 18 months following some high-profile blunders but the 33-year-old says he was simply deceived by a deflection and cannot be held to account on this occasion.
"Mistake? Why was it a mistake? I can assure you it wasn't. The ball went past Nacho and Raphael Varane deflected it," he told reporters after the match.
Asked if his side deserved anything from the game, however, he admitted: "Here we have a side who were far better than us and who have beaten us in every way. We have to congratulate them and there is not much more to say.
"We are concerned about fixing what went wrong for us today and ensure it doesn't happen again. The only other thing is to beg forgiveness from our fans.
"It was a harsh and heavy defeat. Atletico deserved their win. Now I have to stand up and face the consequences and be the first to ask forgiveness on behalf of my team-mates and myself. We have to think about our next match."
Atletico fans began to sing Casillas' name following Tiago's goal but the player himself was unperturbed.
"I am grateful wherever I go if people sing my name," he added. "I take it with great humour."
Mixed feelings for Bruce after Man City draw
Hull City have plenty of positives to take from Saturday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City despite conceding a late equaliser, according to Steve Bruce.
James Milner left it late to cancel out David Meyler's opener as the England international curled home a free kick deep into injury time following relentless second-half pressure from the hosts.
However, after enduring some woeful recent form, including a 3-0 home defeat to Newcastle United last time out, Bruce was delighted to see his side climb out of the bottom three.
"I think that's five times that's happened to us this year - that we've conceded late on - but after last week the most important thing was the response," Bruce explained.
"That was a bit more like the team I've had the pleasure of managing for the last two-and-a-half years.
"They've shown [enough] resilience and determination in my opinion to hang on and win the match because my goalkeeper has made only one save.
"We got a bit deep in the second half, which is only normal, but with our first-half performance we could have gone further ahead.
"But I'm disappointed for them because they've played so well."
Hull's draw represents their first point in the Premier League since their New Year's Day victory over Everton, with Bruce also having had to contend with a lengthy injury list in recent weeks.
"It's been an awful 10 or 12 weeks for us, with one thing or another," he added.
"But hopefully that can galvanise the squad and bring the confidence and belief that has ebbed away.
"If we keep playing like that, we'll come back [to the Etihad] next season because that's the aim of the club and that's what we want to do."
Hull City have plenty of positives to take from Saturday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City despite conceding a late equaliser, according to Steve Bruce.
James Milner left it late to cancel out David Meyler's opener as the England international curled home a free kick deep into injury time following relentless second-half pressure from the hosts.
However, after enduring some woeful recent form, including a 3-0 home defeat to Newcastle United last time out, Bruce was delighted to see his side climb out of the bottom three.
"I think that's five times that's happened to us this year - that we've conceded late on - but after last week the most important thing was the response," Bruce explained.
"That was a bit more like the team I've had the pleasure of managing for the last two-and-a-half years.
"They've shown [enough] resilience and determination in my opinion to hang on and win the match because my goalkeeper has made only one save.
"We got a bit deep in the second half, which is only normal, but with our first-half performance we could have gone further ahead.
"But I'm disappointed for them because they've played so well."
Hull's draw represents their first point in the Premier League since their New Year's Day victory over Everton, with Bruce also having had to contend with a lengthy injury list in recent weeks.
"It's been an awful 10 or 12 weeks for us, with one thing or another," he added.
"But hopefully that can galvanise the squad and bring the confidence and belief that has ebbed away.
"If we keep playing like that, we'll come back [to the Etihad] next season because that's the aim of the club and that's what we want to do."
Barclays Premier League 2015.02.08 Fixtures
Burnley Vs WBA
Newcastle United Vs Stoke City
West Ham United Vs Manchester United
Barclays Premier League 2015.02.08 Fixtures
La Liga 2015.02.08 Fixtures
La Liga 2015.02.08 Fixtures
Cordoba Vs Almeia
Getafe Vs Sevilla
Espanyol Vs Velancia
Athletic Bilbao Vs Barcelona
Cordoba Vs Almeia
Getafe Vs Sevilla
Espanyol Vs Velancia
Athletic Bilbao Vs Barcelona
Serie A 2015.02.08 Fixtures
Serie A 2015.02.08 Fixtures
Fiorentina Vs Atalanta
Cagliari Vs Roma
Empoli Vs Cesena
Napoli Vs Udinese
Sampdoria Vs Sassuolo
Inter Vs Palermo
Fiorentina Vs Atalanta
Cagliari Vs Roma
Empoli Vs Cesena
Napoli Vs Udinese
Sampdoria Vs Sassuolo
Inter Vs Palermo
African Nations Cup Final 2015.02.08
African Nations Cup Final 2015.02.08
Ivory Coast Vs Ghana
Owwa ohoma thamai bro.Paradinawa...Dinanawathe worst football after ages
Madrid will be back
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