..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern Munich 3-2 Barcelona (agg 3-5): Messi & Co reach final despite defeat

A Neymar double helped Barcelona progress to their first Champions League final since 2011 despite a 3-2 second-leg semi-final defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

A Lionel Messi double and Neymar's strike at Camp Nou last Wednesday had given the Liga leaders a 3-0 lead after the first encounter and, despite a spirited display, Bayern were unable to complete a remarkable fightback in the return leg.
Mehdi Benatia's early header gave Bayern hope, but Pep Guardiola described his former club Barca as the best counter-attacking team in the world ahead of the game and they lived up to that billing at the Allianz Arena.

Luis Suarez laid on two goals for Neymar - who now has 37 for the season and has scored in his last seven matches - in the first half and, although Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller gave the Bundesliga champions victory on the night, the job had been done by Barca in the first leg.

It was the visitors' first defeat since February and they had not conceded for over 10 hours prior to Tuesday's game, but they remain on course for a famous treble in Luis Enrique's first season in charge, while Bayern have crashed out in the semi-finals two years running under Guardiola.

Luis Enrique had stated he did not want a "crazy" clash in Bavaria, but the Barca coach must have been fearing the worst when Benatia gave Guardiola's side the lead on the night after only seven minutes.The defender punished some slack marking by meeting Xabi Alonso's corner with a header that Marc-Andre ter Stegen got a hand to, but failed to keep out.

Bayern never looked capable of keeping the Liga leaders' potent attacking trio quiet, though, and they combined with great effect for a deserved equaliser eight minutes later.

Messi found Suarez with an incisive pass and the Uruguay striker showed great awareness to square the ball for Neymar to tap into the empty net after Manuel Neuer had come out to narrow the angle.

Ter Stegen then showed outstanding agility to keep out Muller's header, but Bayern were made to pay for more poor defending when Neymar struck again after 29 minutes.The lively Suarez raced away all too easily and was once again allowed the time to unselfishly lay the ball across goal for the Brazilian, who chested it down and fired home.

Lewandowski really ought to have equalised when he found space in the penalty area, but his initial shot was brilliantly saved by Ter Stegen and the German goalkeeper rose to his feet sharply to scramble back in order to prevent the whole ball from crossing the line.Pedro replaced the impressive Suarez at half-time and Lewandowski made no mistake with a fine finish to make it 2-2 on the night just before the hour-mark.

The Poland striker showed lovely footwork to beat Javier Mascherano just inside the area before showing great composure into the bottom-right corner of the net.
Muller grabbed a winner 16 minutes from time with a lovely first-time finish, but the damage had been done in Catalonia.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jardim signs new Monaco deal

Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim has extended his contract with the club until 2019.

The 40-year-old arrived at the Stade Louis II from Sporting Lisbon last summer and guided the Monte Carlo outfit to the quarter-finals of this season's Champions League, where they were eliminated by Juventus.

Monaco are on course to qualify for next season's tournament as they currently sit third in Ligue 1 with just two games to go and the club rewarded the coach by offering him a new and improved deal to ensure he stays for another four years.

"I'm pleased to be making this long-term commitment to AS Monaco," he told the club's official website after signing the new deal. "This contract extension is a mark of confidence from the club and the directors.

"We have worked hard this season to put in place this new project, and I'm convinced that the best is still to come. There are lots of quality youngsters in this team.

"We need to continue with what we've shown this season. The club is ambitious and so am I."Vice-president Vadim Vasilyev believes the former Olympiakos coach can take the principality side to the next level.

"This is an important step for our club, as we are keen to build for the future with Leonardo Jardim," he said. "With his backroom staff, he has done a remarkable job this season, getting very good results in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

"We are confident that Leonardo is the right coach for our philosophy, to enable the club to be a major player on the national and international scene, while allowing our talented young players to develop."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Buffon: If we just defend against Madrid, we'll lose

Gianluigi Buffon says Juventus will not set out to hold onto their lead against Real Madrid in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final, second leg because they will end up regretting it.Juve go into the last-four clash with a slender advantage having beaten Carlo Ancelotti's men 2-1 in Turin last week.

Buffon insists his side will have to be "intelligent" to ensure they reach the final.
"Madrid have so much quality in the final third that if we come here just to defend our lead we'll leave with regrets," he told reporters.

"I think we'll try and play with a certain intelligence, seeing as we have an advantage, small as it may be."Each of us has the desire to chase this dream of reaching the final. The only way to get to the final is to come here and play football.

"Real-Juve is a game of pride for everyone at Juventus: players, backroom staff, club and fans."The goalkeeper believes Carlos Tevez will be the key player for the Serie A champions, while the return of Paul Pogba from injury will boost the team too.

"Tevez is a driving force, he understands what the team needs. He brings professionalism and football intelligence," Buffon added."Pogba gives us another option. If he doesn't have 90 minutes in his legs, then he can at least play for 60 or 70."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Allegri: Pogba will probably face Madrid

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that fit-again midfielder Paul Pogba will "probably" play against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The France international had been out of action with a hamstring problem for just under two months when he made a goalscoring return to action in Saturday's Serie A draw with Cagliari.

The 22-year-old played just an hour of the game in Turin and there was some doubt over whether he would be risked from the start against Madrid.

However, Allegri has confirmed that Pogba is being considered for the crunch clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Juve 2-1 up after last week's first leg."Paul is okay and will probably play," the Bianconeri boss told reporters on Tuesday.

"He is an amazing player. He has played very well this season and has scored important goals in the Champions League."

Madrid's hopes of winning La Liga took a massive blow at the weekend, as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Valencia that allowed leaders Barcelona to move four points clear with just two rounds of the season remaining.

There has been a major inquest in the Spanish capital into Madrid's dip in form since the turn of the year but Allegri rubbished the suggestion that Juve are playing Los Blancos are precisely the right time."They are absolutely not in crisis," the former AC Milan boss added. "This is a side with great players and technique. At home they create much more than away and we need a great performance.

"We must play with a relaxed state of mind, because we’ve got the qualities to be here and we’ve proved that already."We have to be aware of our own strengths. We are here to play these 95 minutes to reach the final.

“This is the most important match of my career, as it doesn’t happen every day to be in a Champions League semi-final. Now we are here and we believe that we can get to Berlin.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fabregas: I'd score Chelsea's season a 7 or 8 out of 10

Cesc Fabregas says he would give Chelsea's Premier League-winning campaign a "seven or eight" out of 10.

Jose Mourinho’s men eased to their first title victory in five years earlier this month, while the west London club also saw off Tottenham in the League Cup final in March.

However, Fabregas, who has now won the Premier League for the first time in his career, admits the biggest negative was Chelsea’s elimination to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last-16.

"If I have to give it [our season] a score, I'd give a seven or eight. It has been a great season, winning two trophies," the midfielder told Spanish radio station Cope.

"The only blow you can think about was the tie against Paris Saint-Germain. We were solid, consistent and we have competed very well, but that second leg is the negative thing I most remember from the season.

"I believe we should've done better, but it's a young team. The manager is building a new team based on the Chelsea of the past and I think that in the next few years we will be better."

Fabregas is now two behind Thierry Henry’s record of 20 Premier League assists in a single season and the Spaniard admits that he is keen to surpass his former Arsenal team-mate with two games remaining.

"I told [Eden] Hazard I'll pass you the ball, and you shoot every time [against Liverpool]," said the 28-year-old. "In any case, I'm happy to have beaten my personal record of 17."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jones: Manchester United have missed the Champions League

Manchester United are desperate to secure a return to the Champions League next season, says Phil Jones.

United missed out on qualification for this season's Champions League after finishing seventh under David Moyes, and later Ryan Giggs, but are all but assured of at least a fourth-placed finish this term.

With two games of the season left to play, fifth-placed Liverpool are six points off the pace while United welcome third-placed Arsenal to Old Trafford on Sunday as they look to avoid the August play-off round.

"We've missed it [the Champions League] massively," Jones told the club's official website.

"There's nothing like a European night when the Champions League music comes on. To have been sitting there and watching it this season has been disappointing.

"A team like Manchester United should be in the competition but we've no given right to be there, we need to perform.

"We want to finish the season on a high and as strongly as possible. Hopefully we can finish with two more wins."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ancelotti: Benzema fit to face Juventus

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Karim Benzema is "100 per cent fit" for Wednesday's Champions League showdown with Juventus.

The France international has been out of action for a month with a knee problem but has been given the green light to make his eagerly-awaited return to action in the semi-final, second-leg clash with the Bianconeri at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Ancelotti has yet to decide whether to start the striker, with Madrid trailing 2-1 on aggregate after last week's meeting in Turin.

"Benzema is fine," the Italian told reporters on Tuesday. "He's 100% fit."He needed a bit more time to recover but he's ready. He could play from the start or he could come on later on.

"But Benzema allows us to play a more effective offensive game, with more quality, because he is not a typical striker."He doesn't just score goals but also enables his team-mates to play better."

Ancelotti is also hoping that Madrid's fans get behind their team, with the coach having been left disappointed by the booing of club captain Iker Casillas during Saturday's Liga draw at home to Valencia."Everyone feels it when the fans whistle a player or a coach," the former Chelsea boss stated.

"Casillas has great amount of experience and is used to this kind of thing. It doesn't affect him; it motivates him even more, I think."But I think Wednesday it will be different. I think all the Madrid fans understand when it's an important game.

"Many times in the past they've really got behind us, like against Atletico [Madrid in the quarter-finals] and last year in the semi-finals [against Bayern Munich]. I'm sure they'll get behind us again."Ancelotti is also of the opinion that Casillas will remain at Madrid this summer, despite being made a scapegoat by certain sections of the Bernabeu crowd.

“I think Casillas has reiterated many times he wants to stay," he added. "He has the confidence of us all: me, his team-mates and the club."He is a guarantee for us. But everyone has to make their personal decisions."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City face competition from PSG & Bayern Munich for De Bruyne

Manchester City face competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in the race to sign Wolfsburg midfielder Kevin De Bruyne this summer, according to the player's agent.

Last month Patrick De Koster revealed City had made informal contact to register their interest in the 23-year-old, who recently confirmed he is open to the possibility of leaving Wolfsburg this summer.

But both Bayern and PSG have also been in touch about De Bruyne, and De Koster says he will hold talks with Wolfsburg to determine the next step for his client.

“I have a meeting with Klaus Allofs [Wolfsburg's sporting director] next week to find out what they want to do," the agent told talkSPORT. "I will know if they want to offer a Kevin a new deal or allow him to move.

“Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have made informal contact with me, but there have been no official offers.

"The situation has now changed with Wolfsburg qualifying for the Champions League next season, so wherever he plays next season it will be in the Champions League.

“If Wolfsburg decide to sell Kevin, then he will have a choice of clubs who can win their domestic league and challenge for the Champions League as well. The choice is his.”

De Bruyne has established himself as one of the brightest midfield talents in Europe with a spectacular campaign in the Bundesliga, notching 10 goals and 19 assists to help his side into second place behind Bayern.

The Belgian is understood to be a key target for City as they plan a significant overhaul of their ageing squad this summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hazard named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year

Chelsea star Eden Hazard has been named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year with Harry Kane in second place and John Terry third.

Hazard, who claimed the PFA Player of the Year award last month, earned around 53 per cent of the media vote after inspiring Chelsea to their first Premier League title since 2010.

Along with John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic, the Belgian is one of only three Blues players to have started every league game for Jose Mourinho this season, notching 14 goals and eight assists.

PFA Young Player of the Year Kane finished in the runner-up spot after a fairytale breakthrough season that has seen him score 20 goals in 32 Premier League appearances.

And Terry completed the top three, having marshalled the Premier League's best defence to the fourth league title of his illustrious career.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Hazard!

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal need a No.1 goalkeeper, claim Neville & Carragher

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville believe Arsenal must buy a "proper No.1" goalkeeper this summer if they are to challenge for the Premier League title next season.

David Ospina, who has been the preferred choice ahead of Wojciech Szczesny since the turn of the year, was arguably at fault for the decisive goal as the Gunners lost 1-0 at home to Swansea City on Monday evening.

And both Carragher and Neville claim that Arsene Wenger must invest in a goalkeeper this summer if they are to compete with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City for honours next year.

Speaking on Sky Sports after Monday's game, Carragher said: “I think Arsenal need to go out in the summer and just buy a proper No.1.

“His record is good because the team are playing well and are defending well so they’re not having that much to do, but he was bought as a No.2.

“Very rarely do you see a No.2 goalkeeper become a No.1. If he was that good, why was he bought as a No.2? Why wasn’t he coming and being the No.1?

“That’s what Arsenal need. They need a world-class goalkeeper. Petr Cech? I don’t think Jose would like that.”

Neville, who played with Peter Schmeichel, David Seaman and Edwin van der Sar during his England and Manchester United career, also believes Arsenal need to do better than Ospina but does not believe Chelsea shot-stopper Cech is attainable.

He said: “If I was Jose Mourinho, with Arsenal potentially being one of my biggest rivals next season, I would not sell them Cech at all.

“It lets Arsenal off the hook. You could argue they have struggled for a goalkeeper since Jens Lehmann and David Seaman. It’s a struggle to win a title without a great goalkeeper, a massive struggle.

“Ospina is obviously a good goalkeeper and he has done well, but he is not a No.1 and they need a top goalkeeper. They need someone who is going to make saves like that [to stop Swansea’s goal] and save his team points.

“Tonight it was a goalkeeping mistake. People at home will say it’s harsh, but it’s a fact. Ultimately when your centre-backs and full-backs get caught at the back post you need your goalkeeper to pull you out and he hasn’t done it here tonight.

“It’s not a massive mistake, but it’s one of those things that tells Arsenal moving forwards they need a No.1 goalkeeper. I don’t think he’s their No.1. He’s probably a No.2.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hernandez left out of Mexico Copa America squad

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has released his 30-man preliminary squad for this summer's Copa América in Chile - but there is no place for Real Madrid striker Javier Hernandez.El Tri have named an initial 23-man roster, with seven additional players on standby, with the final list of 23 to be confirmed by June 1.

However, with Herrera also having to contend with Mexico’s upcoming participation in the Gold Cup this July, a few big names have been excluded from the plane to Chile as the 47-year-old seeks to balance his squad across two competitions.

Hernandez and Jonathan dos Santos of Villarreal will miss the Copa, as will Porto midfielder Hector Herrera and Andrés Guardado of PSV.Javier Aquino has not featured in any capacity for Mexico since October 2014, but has been named in the initial squad.

The midfielder has struggled at Rayo Vallecano, where he has played 90 minutes in only three of his 22 Liga appearances this season.He is one of only four Europe-based players in the 30-man list, alongside Verona’s Rafael Márquez, Raúl Jiménez of Atlético Madrid and Jesús Corona of Twente.

Mexico have two friendlies against fellow Copa sides to contend with before the tournament begins. They visit Lima to face Peru at the Estadio Nacional on June 3, before heading to Allianz Parque in São Paulo to take on Brazil four days later.

Viña del Mar will be the locale as El Tri open their tournament against Bolivia on June 12. Three days later, the Concacaf side will square off against hosts Chile in Santiago and will travel to Rancagua to face Ecuador in their Group C finale.

Mexico squad for Copa América 2015

Goalkeepers: Jesús Corona (Cruz Azul), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca), Édgar Hernández (Veracruz).

Defenders: George Corral (Querétaro), Gerardo Flores (Cruz Azul), Hugo Ayala (Tigres UNAL), Julio Domínguez (Cruz Azul), Carlos Salcido (Guadalajara), Miguel Herrera (Pachuca), Adrián Aldrete (Santos Laguna), Efraín Velarde (Monterray).

Midfielders: Mario Osuna (Querétaro), Juan Medina (Atlas), Javier Güemez (Tijuana), Jesús Corona (Twente), Javier Aquino (Rayo Vallecano), Luis Montes (León), Marco Fabián (Guadalajara).

Forwards: Raúl Jiménez (Atlético Madrid), Eduardo Herrera (Pumas), Enrique Esqueda (Tigres UNAL), Vicente Vuoso (Chiapas).

Standby: Enrique Pérez (Atlas), Luis Fuentes (Pumas), Rodrigo Salinas (Pachuca), Isaac Brizuela (Guadalajara), Jürgen Damm (Pachuca), Alfonso González (Atlas), David Cabrera (Pumas).

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gattuso: Milan lack real men

Gennaro Gattuso has hit out at the current AC Milan squad, claiming the dressing room is devoid of "real men".

Coach Pippo Inzaghi has endured a difficult debut season at San Siro and with the club currently 10th in the Serie A standings and unlikely to qualify for Europe, the former striker is expected to be sacked this summer.

Gattuso has some sympathy for his former Rossoneri team-mate, though, as he feels the coach's cause has been hindered by a lack of direction at boardroom level and an absence of leaders on the field.

"Milan are like Unesco, whereas Manchester City and PSG have no history," the ex-Italy international told the Gazzetta TV. "However, one notes that there is no planning [at Milan]."It's important to speak clearly with the fans. They talk about youngsters but then the youngsters are loaned or sold.

"Also, in our dressing room at Milan we respected the rules. The current Milan lack that."Indeed, Gattuso believes that Milan's ill-discipline is best personified by Jeremy Menez, who has hit 16 Serie A goals this season yet been criticised for his attitude.

"Menez has scored many goals but on a leadership level, he's not done enough," Gattuso added."Always defending him if you are the coach is not good. Milan must try first of all to find men.

"I know that there is tension in [Inzaghi's] work but the respect for him and everything we shared remains. But it's not enough to be a great player to be a coach.

"We must make mistakes in order to learn but, at times, always protecting the squad is not good."These days, you must be credible. The players don't wait around. They want to see if you know what you are doing. If you mess up once, you're dead."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ibrahimovic not going back to AC Milan - agent

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent has rubbished rumours his client could rejoin AC Milan, insisting that a return to San Siro is "pretty much impossible".

The Sweden international spent two seasons with the Rossoneri, initially arriving on loan from Barcelona in 2010 before the deal was made permanent the following year.

Ibrahimovic moved on to Paris Saint-Germain in 2012 and has enjoyed a hugely successful stint at the Parc des Princes, where he is set to collect his third successive Ligue 1 title.

However, reports in recent days suggested the 33-year-old could go back to Milan this summer, but the forward's representative, Mino Raiola, says there is absolutely no truth in the stories.

“I don’t understand why there’s been so much talk of Ibrahimovic to Milan in recent days,” the agent told MilanNews.“I don’t know what language I have to say it in, I keep repeating the same things.“Zlatan will not return to Milan, it’s pretty much impossible.”

Ibrahimovic fired Milan to Serie A glory in his first season with the club and scored 56 times in 85 appearances in all competitions during his two-year stay at San Siro.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Depay can be as good as Ronaldo - Fer

Manchester United's incoming signing Memphis Depay can be as good as Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Leroy Fer.

The 21-year-old, who is set to finalise a move to Old Trafford after PSV and United announced an agreement, is already being compared to the Real Madrid star and three-time Ballon d'Or winner.

And Fer is backing his young countryman to follow in the footsteps of the Portuguese attacker and make a huge impact in Manchester.

"He won't be scared and that's what I like about him. He will enjoy the comparison with Ronaldo and he will be a big player," the Dutch midfielder told reporters.

"He's not as tall as Ronaldo but he's very talented, he's strong, he's quick, he's got the skills and he can score goals. He's a massive player and he's going to be big in Manchester.

"Of course he has to adapt to the Premier League and United are one of the biggest clubs but I don't think it's going to be hard for him because he's a very confident player.

"Ronaldo is a bigger player than him right now because of what he's done but Memphis is only 21 and, if he can be as good as Ronaldo was at United, he is going to be a big player. I think he can be."

Fer, relegated with QPR on Sunday, believes that Depay has chosen the perfect environment to continue his development and will learn from United's host of world-class players.

"I have known him two or three years now with the national team and he asked me what the Premier League is like," the midfielder continued.

"I told him it's a hard league but, for him, with his ability and skills, I think he can play a massive part for United. Playing with stars like Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria will be great for him and will make him better for sure.

"Of course, he has two team-mates from the national team there already in Robin van Persie and Daley Blind so that will help. He knows Louis van Gaal too and he will make him a better player as well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale can beat Juventus for Real Madrid ... if he turns up, says Keane

Gareth Bale can be Real Madrid's trump card against Juventus if he brings his A-game to the Champions League semi-final, says Roy Keane.

The Welsh forward, made the most expensive ever player by Real Madrid in 2013, was widely criticised for his performance against Massimiliano Allegri's side as Madrid lost the first leg 2-1.

Carlo Ancelotti's men need a big performance if they are to book a place in the final against Barcelona but Keane still believes that Bale can make the difference.

"There's no doubting his talent," the ex-Manchester United midfielder told ITV Sport.

"We've seen him do it before. We've seen him do it last year in the big, big games. If Gareth is at it [on Wednesday] night, then they've got a chance ... that's if he turns up. He's a top player."

Keane's old United team-mate, Paul Scholes, however, warns that the Wales international would play right into Juventus's hands if he produces more of the same.

Scholes remarked: "We just want to see him more positive. We know the talent he's got, the pace and power he possesses.

"[In the first leg], his confidence looked low. He kept whipping the ball in. It was easy for the Italian defenders. If he's like that [in the second leg], they will love that. They'll eat that up all day long.

"I'd like to see him more positive. Take his man on. Shots on goal."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fabregas: Leaving Madrid will be tough for Casillas

Cesc Fabregas has warned Iker Casillas that he will find life away from Real Madrid very difficult if he decides to leave the club.

The three time Champions League winner has been linked to a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu over the last year, having become the subject of criticism from fans and media alike.

However, Fabregas says he will always defend the goalkeeper for everything he has achieved at club and national team level, but admits that, at 33-years-old, he could struggle to adapt to life outside of Madrid.

"I have defended Iker many times," he told Cope. "And deservedly so because I feel really sorry for him. If I have to, I will again without hesitation.

"He is a great captain, a great person, a great friend and a great footballer. There isn't much else to say, just look everything he has done for the national team and Real Madrid.
"He is a legend at Madrid, he has been there forever. A move would be a very difficult step for him, I was younger when I moved to England, so it was different.

"Madrid and Barcelona are worldwide and the biggest clubs in the world in all senses. Taking a step into another league or another team is difficult.

"There are times in life that change is good and others that it is not. He has to decide what is best for him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi is the best player of all time - Guardiola

Pep Guardiola says Lionel Messi is the “best player of all time” and wants Barcelona to win the Champions League after they knocked his Bayern Munich side out of the Champions League on Tuesday.

The former Barca boss watched his side beat his old club 3-2 at the Allianz Arena in the semi-final second leg, but they were unable to overturn the 3-0 deficit from the first leg.

And Messi, who scored the first two goals at Camp Nou in the opening clash, was given a sparkling review by his former coach when Guardiola spoke to the media following Bayern’s elimination.“I am happy that Messi is back here again. He is incredible, he is back to his best as he was when I used to train him,” Guardiola told a press conference.

“We're lucky to live in his age as he is the best player of all time. I can compare him to Pele, and I am very proud of the years I spent with him.”

Guardiola’s side gained a face-saving victory in Munich thanks to an early goal by Medhi Benatia and second-half strikes from Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller, but the coach admitted the tie was lost in Catalunya and wished his former charges well in June’s final.

"I am satisfied with the performance of my team. We needed this balance in the Camp Nou but didn’t have it.

"I would like to have played better and have all my best players available to me for my project. I want to congratulate my players. Congrats to Barca also, I hope they win their fifth Champions League final in Berlin."

Bayern were again missing key first-team players Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and David Alaba at the Allianz Arena. And Guardiola pointed to the absences as one of the reasons for his side’s exit, while also defending his decision to take the game to Barcelona."We couldn't hurt Barca at the Camp Nou, because we don't have wingers," he added.

"I’ve always thought, now that I've been knocked out of the Champions League, the only way you can stop players like that is to make them defend. But Barcelona’s third goal last week killed us."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Luis Enrique: Barca made too many errors, but should be proud

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique was quick to forgive a sub-standard defensive display from his side after watching them ease past Bayern Munich and into the Champions League final on Tuesday.

Barca had not coneded in any of their previous seven games heading into the clash at the Allianz Arena, but were uncharacteristically sloppy at the back against Pep Guardiola's men. However, a 3-2 defeat was enough to see them through 5-3 on aggregate and they will now meet either Real Madrid or Juventus in the final in Berlin on June 6.

Mehdi Benatia nodded in unmarked to give Bayern an early lead, only for two Neymar goals to put the visitors back in control.

Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller made the most of more lax defending to hand Bayern the win on the night but Luis Enrique was in a generous mood afterwards.

"The match in the first half was under control. In the second, we made several errors but they were down to the scoreline and fatigue," he told reporters.

"It is a night to be happy.

"The target is completed and now the goal is to win the Champions League title."

The former Barca and Real Madrid midfielder admitted the second half had been a struggle with Bayern going all out for an unlikely victory but, in truth, his team always had enough in hand.

He added: "We forced the opponent to attack us, so we took some risks. "Bayern were very physical, especially in the second half, they really wanted to turn it around."I am very satisfied with the performance of my players, the whole team deserved the victory and we have to enjoy this."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Januzaj & Wilson star as Man United U21s crush City rivals

Adnan Januzaj and James Wilson both scored and provided an assist as Manchester United's Under-21s beat their Manchester City counterparts 4-0 in front of a 16,708-strong Old Trafford crowd.

The result means United only need to avoid defeat in their final game, also against City, to win the U21 title ahead of Chelsea.

Januzaj, who has not started for Louis van Gaal's senior side since February and, Goal understands, has been made available for loan this summer, created the opening goal when he slid a precise 40-yard pass through the City defence.

Striker Wilson, who has also been out of the senior squad in recent weeks due to injury, raced onto the ball and finished past Angus Gunn at the near post.

City had the majority of the ball in the first half but were restricted to long-range efforts, and Januzaj made them pay in the second half when he cut in from the left-hand side and fired in, via a deflection, with his right foot.

Following a lightening counter Wilson then turned provider, sending in a low cross for substitute Ashley Fletcher to convert with just 12 minutes remaining.

It was then Fletcher's turn to rack up an assist, laying the ball off for Matty Willock to curl home a fine effort from just outside the area.

Januzaj had already departed the scene by then, however, limping off with 15 minutes remaining.

United are now in the driver's seat in the U21 Premier League title race, and could even be named champions on Friday if holders Chelsea fail to beat West Ham, who have already been relegated.