..::Football III::..

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Bale: Being a Galactico is surreal

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale says he still finds playing for the Santiago Bernabeu side to be "surreal".

The Welshman made a €100 million move to the Spanish capital back in 2013 and helped Carlo Ancelotti's side to instant success, scoring in the Copa del Rey and Champions League final wins.

However, he does not always feel comfortable with the level of scrutiny that comes with playing in Madrid and went on to reveal that he hates being nutmegged by one of his team-mates when he is in training.

"It is a bit surreal to be called a 'Galactico'," Bale is quoted as saying by AS."The one thing you don't want is to be on the end of a nutmeg - especially with rows of cameras. We are always getting killed out there and I just try not to let it be me.

"Whenever someone gets nutmegged, we are all jumping and joking."Bale, who has found himself being booed by sections of the Madrid crowd this term, has scored 12 goals in 35 appearances so far in 2014-15.

 

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Juventus 1-2 Fiorentina: Stunning Salah double gives Viola vital victory

Salah patta

 

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Lacazette: Lyon may sell for right price

Lacazette EPL eyi

 

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Lacazette EPL eyi

Ow bro matath hithenawa Lacazette EPL awi kiyala​

 

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Toulouse 1-6 Marseille: Six of the best for Bielsa's men

Marseille won their first away game since October as they sent a message to Ligue 1 title rivals Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain with a 6-1 hammering of Toulouse on Friday.

Their form on the road has undermined their bid to win the championship for a 10th time, but Marcelo Bielsa's men showed no signs of travel sickness this time around at the Stadium Municipal.

The triumph takes them above PSG – who face Lens on Saturday – on goal difference and puts them a point adrift of leaders Lyon.In-form forward Michy Batshuayi put the visitors ahead in the second minute with a fine curling finish into the bottom-left corner from the edge of the area.

Marseille soon doubled their lead as Baptiste Aloe deflected Benjamin Mendy's powerful drive beyond Zacharie Boucher.Toulouse defender Jacques Moubandje then inadvertently turned home Andre Ayew's left-wing cross to make it 3-0 after just 20 minutes and the game was all but ended as a contest when Batshuayi capped off a quick Marseille counter in the 44th minute.

Alain Casanova had been given the dreaded vote of confidence earlier in the week and his side at least showed signs of spirit in the second half as Wissam Ben Yedder pulled one back with a neat low finish in the 76th minute.But that only served to further motivate Marseille, who rounded off the rout as Ayew and Andre-Pierre Gignac netted to heap misery on the relegation-threatened hosts.

 

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Van Gaal rumours 'twisted' - Giggs

Manchester United assistant Ryan Giggs has played down rumours of a dispute between himself and manager Louis van Gaal.

Reports of a feud were fuelled on Wednesday by their respective reactions to Ashley Young's late winner in a 1-0 Premier League victory at Newcastle United.

Both men rose to their feet from the bench, but Van Gaal swiftly turned to Giggs, shouting and waving a clenched fist in his face.

The Dutchman's joy was seemingly not replicated by the Welshman, who remained stony-faced after seeing another stuttering performance from his side at St James' Park.

But Giggs claims he was merely attempting to keep his composure, wary of an instant Newcastle leveller.

"It's just like I was as a player really," he told WalesOnline . "I celebrated but then suddenly realised 'don't get too excited there's stil four or five minutes to go'.

"That was it really. The media like to try and twist things, but I'm used to that."

Asked how he felt about life under Van Gaal in general, Giggs added: "I'm enjoying it. I enjoy every day. I enjoy working with the players and I enjoy working under a great manager who's won so much.

"He's been brilliant with me and given me a lot of responsibility. It's like starting all over again, starting your apprenticeship all over again.

"Being a coach is completely different from being a player. I'm enjoying it and learning every day."

 

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Ronaldo will keep taking free kicks - Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says he will persist with Cristiano Ronaldo as his first choice free kick taker despite his lengthy run without a goal from set-pieces.

The 30-year-old has failed to score with any of his last 51 free-kicks, with Gareth Bale proving more successful from dead balls, though Ancelotti insists he will continue to take them."It’s pretty clear. Cristiano takes the ones on the left of the goal and Bale the ones on the other side," he said at Friday's pre-match press conference.

The Italian came in for criticism after bringing off Isco for the more defensively-minded Asier Illarramendi in the 1-1 draw with Villarreal on Sunday but is adamant he has no regrets over the decision.

"I’d do it again. Illarramendi gave us more balance," he added ahead of Saturday's La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.

"I’ve talked to the players about this. A minute can be vital for the team to be able to win. It’s not a personal thing. I’ve heard people at other teams saying that the team is more important than anything. It’s the same for us. The players understand it."

Madrid have also come under scrutiny for failing to match their prolific exploits towards the end of 2014 since the turn of the year and Ancelotti admitted it was a problem he has noted in recent weeks.

"We’ve lost a little bit of efficiency up front, we’re not playing as fast from the back and it’s harder to create chances when the team is so compact."

Madrid remain two points clear of second-placed Barcelona at the top of La Liga and seven ahead of reigning champions Atletico, who sit a place further back in third.

 

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Manchester United's Evans denies FA spitting charge

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has denied the Football Association charge brought against him for spitting at Newcastle United's Papiss Cisse.

The Northern Ireland international issued a statement on Thursday to deny he had done anything wrong, but the FA chose to charge both players after they had allegedly breached FA Rule E1[a].

Cisse has accepted the charge after issuing a public apology, but Evans will have to wait until Saturday for a final decision, with an Independent Regulatory Commission meeting on Friday night to discuss the case.

The incident occured in the 38th minute of Wednesday's clash at St. James' Park after the pair came together close to the halfway line. Television pictures show Evans spiiting towards Cisse before the Senegal striker retaliated.

Goal understands that if Evans is found guilty, he will face a six-match ban while Cisse will be hit with a seven-match suspension after receiving a red card already this season.

Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal has publically backed his player, saying: "I cannot imagine that Jonny Evans could do something like that. I believe him, so the matter is done."

 

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Basile: Messi a phenomenon even without World Cup win

Former Argentina coach Alfio Basile says Lionel Messi does not need to win the World Cup to cement his status as a footballing "phenomenon".

Messi has already won six Liga titles, four Ballon d'Or awards, three Champions Leagues and two Fifa Club World Cups. Furthermore, the 27-year-old is the all-time leading goalscorer in both the Champions League and the Spanish top flight.
However, there are those that believe that Messi needs to left the World Cup in order to be considered the greatest player of all time. The Barcelona man did lead Argentina to the final of last year's tournament but his side were beaten 1-0 by Germany.Basile, though, says the World Cup is an irrelevance when it comes to appraising Messi's place in history.

"The problem Messi has is that people want him to win it [the World Cup] because they think he will then become even better," the former Albiceleste boss told Perform.

"But although he is not a world champion, Messi is a phenomenon."After an injury-hit 2013-14 campaign, Messi has hit 38 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona so far this season.

 

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Inzaghi: Tassotti not taking my job

AC Milan coach Pippo Inzaghi has rubbished the suggestion that right-hand man Mauro Tassotti is set to take his job.

With the Rossoneri having won just three of their 11 games since the turn of the year, Inzaghi is under intense pressure at San Siro and he will be sacked if his side fail to defeat Verona at the Giuseppe Meazza on Saturday.

It has been claimed within the Italian press that Tassotti will be immediately installed as Inzaghi's successor, with the former Italy international defender reportedly having already threatened to quit his current role in order to wait for the top job.Inzaghi, though, has leapt to his No.2's defence, claiming the pair are still united in their bid to arrest Milan's current slide down the Serie A standings.

"I wanted Tassotti as my assistant," he told reporters on Friday. "We exchange ideas every day, he has been a big help and I don't like reading that he wanted to hand in his notice because that is simply not true."I am sorry for Mauro because he is a great person and I fought for a month to keep him here at Milan [when Inzaghi was appointed as coach last summer]."

Inzaghi also reiterated that he is the right man to restore Milan to their former glory.
"I want to be judged for the results I get and I hope that Milan have faith in me as a person and also as a coach," he added.

"I am absolutely convinced that I can still give Milan a lot and I feel the support of the president and of Mr Galliani.

"But whatever happens, Milan will always remain special in my heart. "But, of course, I would like to coach Milan for the next 20 years - and I am here to reaffirm that."

Inzaghi reportedly had a major falling-out with January signing Alessio Cerci over the winger's alleged refusal to come on as a replacement in the dying seconds of the February 22 win over Cesena. However, the Milan boss insists that he has no issue with the on-loan Atletico Madrid man, who has also been accused of arriving at San Siro in poor physical condition.

"Cerci is in good shape," he said. "I wanted him here. He has played 10 games and he will give us a big hand."

 

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Blanc: Ibrahimovic has to score more for PSG


Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has called on Zlatan Ibrahimovic to start scoring more goals.

The Sweden international, who will return from a two-game suspension in Saturday's Ligue 1 meeting with Lens at the Parc des Princes, has netted just twice in his last seven outings in all competitions.

With PSG needing to score at Chelsea in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Stamford Bridge, after a 1-1 draw in France three weeks ago, Blanc says now is the time for Ibrahimovic to stand up and be counted.
"Ibra isn't a young boy," the PSG coach told reporters on Friday. "He is 33.
"Against Chelsea, he will have the same pressure on him as the whole team.
"He must score more because that's his role in the team.

"But he worked well during his two-match suspension. It's a good thing for him to return this weekend because he needs a competitive match before the game against Chelsea."

While Ibrahimovic is certain to start in west London, Blanc admitted that he has yet to decide whether Ezequiel Lavezzi or Javier Pastore will feature from the first whistle.

"To decide which players will play against Chelsea, form will count," the World Cup winner added."Between Lavezzi and Pastore, their effectiveness will be important. One is a playmaker, the other is an striker.

"They haven't the same profile, but they must be more effective."Thiago Motta, though, looks set to slot back into the PSG midfield after missing the first leg at the Parc des Princes through injury.

"It makes us feel good to have him available again," he stated. " Motta is over the injury now and we know well what he can give to the team."However, we will be attentive to his physical condition. He hasn’t played for three weeks, so we need to monitor him.

"We have to be calm in general. It's an important game, we are in a unfavourable position but we will go all out for qualification."However, if we aren’t calm, we will miss out."

 

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Ibra injury 1kakuth thiyagena meh widiyata hari play karanne​

 

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Ancelotti: No Madrid deal for Danilo but he is a player I like

Carlo Ancelotti has refused to be drawn on speculation that Real Madrid have agreed a deal with Porto for Danilo - but nonetheless admitted that he is a fan of the right-back.According to reports in Spain, Porto have accepted a €25 million bid for the Brazil international, who will imminently sign a six-year contract with Los Blancos.

Ancelotti was thus asked at a press conference on Friday if he has already spoken with Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Arbeloa about the imminent arrival of another right-back."I don't need to talk to them about this Danilo issue," the Madrid boss told reporters in the Spanish capital.

"They know not to listen to rumours during this stage of the season. We have not really talked about Danilo. We do not talk about signings."Of course, I know all the players in Europe, because I keep track of all the championships. I also, of course, know Danilo."I like him, but I like many other players now in Europe ..."

Meanwhile, Ancelotti revealed that Martin Odegaard is unlikely to become the youngest player ever to appear in the Champions League, explaining that Luka Modric's return to full fitness means that the 16-year-old Norwegian will not be called upon for Tuesday's last-16, second-leg clash with Schalke.

"Odegaard is doing well, following his plan," the Italian added on the eve of Saturday's Liga trip to San Mames to face Athletic Bilbao. "He's doing very well. He has quality and personality.

"But I do not think he will be on the squad list for Tuesday because Modric is ready, and I think we will have a full squad."Modric will not be in the squad against Athletic, though. He will continue with his fitness program and make it for Tuesday against Schalke.

"As for Saturday [against Athletic], I also have injury doubts over Lucas Silva, Asier Illarramendi and Sami Khedira."Sergio Ramos will begin training on Sunday. I think he will be available for the match against Levante [on March 15].

"James [Rodriguez], though, has not yet started training again."Madrid can pull five points clear at the top of La Liga by winning at San Mames, with Barcelona not hosting Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou until Sunday.

 

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Rodgers: Stop comparing Henderson to Gerrard

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists that Jordan Henderson should not be labelled as "the next Steven Gerrard".

Henderson has captained the team in Gerrard's absence, while two impressive performances from the midfielder in wins over Manchester City and Burnley have helped to keep Rodgers's side firmly in contention to secure a Champions League place.

The England international's influential displays in a central role have drawn comparisons to Gerrard but the Liverpool manager is keen to play down any similarities.

"You should stop trying to put pressure on Jordan Henderson," Rodgers told reporters.

"Just because Jordan takes corners, doesn't mean he's the next Steven Gerrard. Just because he shoots from outside box, doesn't mean he's the next Steven Gerrard.

"He's making his own headlines. I'd tell every young player to copy Steven Gerrard.

"Jordan is improving every day. Tactically, his understanding of different systems is developing. He's a first-class footballer."

Rodgers also maintains that Gerrard, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, faces a fight to regain a place in the team once fully fit.

"Nobody has a God-given right to walk into the team," he warned.

"Having Steven Gerrard back will be better for our squad. There's no story here because he's not fit yet."

 

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Walters: Spit at me and you'll eat through a straw

Stoke City forward Jonathan Walters says that any fellow professional who spat at him would be "eating supper through a straw".

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans and Papiss Cisse were involved in a furore after appearing to spit at one another during Wednesday's Premier League contest at St James's Park, with the Football Association subsequently charging both players for their actions.

Walters is adamant that there is no place for such behaviour on the pitch, calling it "the lowest of the low".

"As a player, you take anything off the ball; pinches and kicks that are meant to wind you up," he told talkSPORT. "Little things like that go on in any match.

"But spitting is pretty low. If it happened to me and someone spat at my face or towards me then I think he'd be eating his supper through a straw that night.

"I wouldn't be that happy. It's the lowest of the low."

 

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Rodgers helping Balotelli grow at Liverpool - Raiola

Brendan Rodgers is working Mario Balotelli harder than any other manager he has played under and the Liverpool striker is improving as a result, according to the player's agent.

Italy international Balotelli endured a tought start to his Anfield career and has failed to nail down a regular starting berth since joining from Milan last August, scoring just three goals in 18 appearances in all competitions.

But the former Manchester City striker has shown a notable improvement in recent matches and his representive, Mino Raiola, credits manager Rodgers for helping his client's development.

"Right now, I think Mario has a very interesting development for his career," he told RMC. "He has found a coach who asks of him things that had never been requested of him until now, including the discipline of running without the ball.

"This allows him to grow as a person and as a football player. He'll come out even stronger. He is proud of his team and that is the most important."

 

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Guardiola: Six goals per game not good enough

Pep Guardiola says he is not satisfied with Bayern Munich's recent gluttony of goals and is demanding even more from the Bundesliga champions.

Bayern have scored 18 goals in their last three league matches – winning 4-1, 6-0 and 8-0 – but goalscoring did not come as freely in their midweek DFB-Pokal clash against Eintracht Braunschweig, in which they triumphed 2-0.

Guardiola is unrepentant in his demands of the Bavarians ahead of Saturday's clash with Hannover, which comes four days before they host Shakhtar Donetsk in their Champions League last 16 second leg.

"We must do better in attack," he told reporters on Friday. "In defence we are imperious – opponents have very few chances against us."Yes, recently we have scored a lot of goals, but that's because our players are so good. Our overall attacking game must get better."

Guardiola refuted the suggestion that he and his Bayern players have one eye on next week's European tussle with Shakhtar, with the tie poised at 0-0 after the opening leg in Ukraine."The defensive behaviour of Hannover and Donetsk are completely different," the Spanish trainer added. "Thus, our attacking tactics will be different.

"We have to think first of this Bundesliga game - there are still 33 potential points to be won starting with Hannover. Wolfsburg are on our tail, just eight points behind us, we know that."We've had less time to prepare than Hannover, so we must engage full concentration. I will choose my strongest possible XI regardless of our game with Shakhtar coming up.”

The ex- Barcelona boss is also adamant that his warning for Frank Ribery to avoid revenge for the clattering he took in Ukraine was not intended to be criticism as he wants the Frenchman to be emotionally charged.

"I have not criticised Franck," Guardiola continued. "He's a very emotional footballer and without his emotion he cannot play as excellent football."It's just that in the big games it is not easy when you are constantly fouled as I remember well... But one must control one's emotions."

 

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Clasico won't decide title - Marcelo

Real Madrid left-back Marcelo has dismissed suggestions the upcoming Clasico encounter with Barcelona will be decisive in the La Liga title race.

Madrid are two points clear of their arch-rivals at the top of the division and face Luis Enrique's side in a crunch meeting at Camp Nou on March 22.Barca are the form team going into the game, with Carlo Ancelotti's men stumbling in recent weeks, having drawn 1-1 with Villarreal last weekend.

But, regardless of the result between sides in two weeks' time, Marcelo believes there will still be more twists and turns ahead."It will be a key game, but so is Athletic and Levante," he told O Globo. "I do not believe the Clasico will be decisive in the title race."

The left-back briefly touched on his friendship with Barca star and compatriot Neymar, adding that the pair "don't talk about football" when in each other's company, before praising Madrid boss Ancelotti.

"It helps a lot to have the confidence of the coach. In the way he communicates, we try and communicate with him. We are showing that we are on his side. He gives us the peace of mind to let us get on with our jobs.”Marcelo received good news on Friday when he was handed a Brazil recall for their upcoming friendlies against France and Chile.The 26-year-old was part of the Selecao squad at last summer's World Cup but found himself among the casualties of a failed tournament.

Brazil were humiliated 7-1 by Germany in the semi-finals and new coach Dunga, who replaced the outgoing Luiz Felipe Scolari, opted to leave Marcelo out of his first squads.

The former Selecao midfielder is believed to harbour doubts over the full-back's defensive abilities but has called him up following an injury to Porto's Alex Sandro.His impressive form for Madrid, which saw him score a stunning goal in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie with Schalke, has also won over the national team boss.

"I'm happy to be back, my expectations are now simple, win games and do well."
Marcelo will do battle with Chelsea full-back Filipe Luis, whose place is under threat after failing to establish himself at Chelsea following his summer move from Atletico Madrid.

Brazil face France at the Stade De France on March 26 before taking on Chile three days later.

 

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Kane and Austin could play together for England, says Pochettino

England.

No English player has scored more Premier League goals this season than QPR forward Austin (15), with Kane just one behind as the two clubs prepare to play each other at Loftus Road on Saturday.

The form of the duo has given England manager Roy Hodgson plenty to ponder – neither player is capped at senior international level – and Pochettino has tipped the pair to make the step up.

When asked if Kane and Austin could be a future England pairing, Pochettino said: "Yes. In football you never know. Why not?

"Charlie Austin is a very good player, as is Kane."

Victory over QPR will lift Tottenham up to sixth and to within three points of a top-four place and Pochettino is urging consistency from his side ahead of the run-in to the end of the season.

He added: "We need points to stay up the table.

"That's important in the next game. We have 11 games left, and I think it's important to be solid and consistent in our results."

 

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'Chicharito must keep fighting at Real Madrid'

Javier Hernandez must not give up hope of breaking into Real Madrd's first team, says former Mexico international Jose Antonio Noriega.

There have been reports this week that the Blancos regret bringing the 26-year-old striker - whose only league start this season came in October - to the Santiago Bernabeu on loan from Manchester United.

Retired utility man Noriega does not think Chicharito should throw in the towel yet, despite having featured for only 67 minutes in La Liga since his only start.

"I do not think Chicharito was wrong to accept the loan to Madrid," he told Marca. “They are the best team in the world in terms of history, they are the richest club in the world and they are European champions.“Anyone would want to play for Real Madrid. The important thing in life is to have fun and garner could memories and experiences.

“Whether he will ever get the opportunity to shine rests in Madrid's corner. If they are struggling to score, they might turn to him for options. If they are doing well, the relaxation in the squad might help him get a chance.

“If I were him, I would keep fighting my corner. He must make the coach reconsider his stance with joy and optimism in his game. He is a great professional.
“He should wait until the end of the season to consider his future, irrespective.”