..::Football III::..

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Rodgers warns Balotelli: Leave Liverpool if you want to play

If Mario Balotelli wants to play senior football this season then he must find leave Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers has warned.

The striker has been told he is surplus to requirements at Anfield and Rodgers has insisted he will not change his mind after the controversial striker's poor first season with Liverpool.

The unwanted trio of players - which also includes Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique - have been told to train with Liverpool's youth team, prompting the defender to claim last week that Rodgers has "alienated" them.

But Rodgers shifted the blame right back on the players on Sunday, arguing Liverpool will not stand in the way of a transfer, telling reporters: "He [Balotelli] clearly knows his situation and where he's at.

"There's nothing to add. All of the players understand where they're at.

"My job is to create the best possible environment for the team to succeed. That's what I've always done. So I'm not going to speak about Mario when I can speak about another 25 players.

"I'll always treat individuals with respect and try to make sure they understand the situation, where they're at - it's then their choice.

"If the manager and the club give a player a situation, if they really want to play, I'm sure they'll find a solution. If they don't, then at least they know where they stand."

 

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Danilo can become best right-back in the world, says Casemiro

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro believes Danilo has what it takes to become the best right-back in the world.

The 24-year-old joined Madrid from Porto this summer and is set to battle it out with Dani Carvajal for a spot in the starting XI this term.

Casemiro has little doubt his compatriot will win over head coach Rafa Benitez, though, and expects him to be an instant hit.

"Danilo is a player who has a clear idea of what he needs to do," Casemiro was quoted as saying by the official Madrid website.

"Real Madrid have made a great signing, because he's a top player and a top full-back. I'm sure that Real Madrid have a top full-back for the next ten years.

"He has already shown the quality he has at Porto. He's a Brazil international and he can become the best full-back in the world, because he has the footballing ability to do so."

Casemiro, who himself has returned from a loan spell at the Dragao, has made it clear he has been enjoying working under the experienced coach so far.

"The impressions have been really good. He's a coach who demands a lot from you and looks to get the most out of his players," he said.

"We're all responding by working hard, because we know that we have to give it everything from the off so as to grow in confidence.

"The squad are full of desire and are working really hard. We all want to win as many trophies as possible."

 

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Sergio Ramos agrees Real Madrid renewal

Real Madrid have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Sergio Ramos over a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2020.

The 29-year-old's previous deal was due to expire in 2017 and Manchester United were keeping a close eye on the defender's situation at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ramos, however, has now decided to snub a potential move to Old Trafford in favour of a prolonged stay with Madrid.

The centre-back will put pen to paper during a ceremony at the Bernabeu's honorary balcony at 13:30CET.

"An event will be held in the Santiago Bernabeu's presidential box to mark Sergio Ramos' contract renewal," a statement at the club's official website reads.

"Presiding over the event will be the Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, and the player himself, who will remain at the club for the next five seasons."

Sergio Ramos came through the ranks of the Sevilla youth academy and joined Madrid in the summer of 2005.

He has since developed into a key player at Madrid, making well over 400 official appearances in all competitions.

The Spain international has won three Liga titles with Madrid, lifted the Champions League once, while also adding the Copa del Rey to his trophy cabinet twice. Other silverware includes the Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup and the Supercopa de Espana (twice).

 

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Martinez urges trust in Everton chairman Kenwright

Roberto Martinez has sympathy with supporters' frustration with Everton's lack of spending in the transfer market, but urged fans to trust chairman Bill Kenwright.

So far in the current transfer window Everton have only signed Tom Cleverley and Gerard Deulofeu, while teenager Mason Holgate has also arrived from Barnsley.

During Saturday's 3-0 win at Southampton a plane flew over the St Mary's Stadium carrying a banner that read 'Kenwright & Co #Timetogo'.

Martinez says the fans' displeasure is understandable in the modern game, but paid tribute to "incredible chairman" Kenwright.

"I would be the same if I was watching a sport channel 24 hours a day and are just gauging my team by the amount of names that come and the amount of numbers they show," Martinez told reporters.

"Remember every window I have been at Everton we have got stronger and we will carry on in the same way. There needs to be a level of trust. We have an incredible chairman, all he has is Everton at heart.

"Maybe we don't have a commercial budget or a Champions League budget but we are a big club and it's important we keep growing from season to season."

 

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Barcelona want Verratti in 2016

Barcelona are weighing up a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti in 2016, Goal understands.

The Italian was the first player recommended to the Barca board by transfer chief Ariedo Braida upon the 69-year-old's appointment last year and the Catalan club have continued monitoring the midfielder ever since.

Presidential candidate Agusti Benedito revealed he had spoken to the player's agent and admitted he hoped the 22-year-old would move to Camp Nou this summer, but former club chief Josep Maria Bartomeu was elected instead after signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan.

And the admiration is mutual as Verratti told Goal: "Barcelona are one of the strongest clubs in the world and have been for a long time. It is always flattering for a player when such a big club is interested in you. It is up to the people at Barcelona to decide [how I would fit in]. But it is true that I like their style."

With Xavi now departed, Andres Iniesta turning 32 years old next May and Arda will be 29 years old in January, Barca are still looking for a younger player to boost their midfield and Verratti fits the bill.

The former Pescara star has also interested Real Madrid, but he has been put off by their treatment of his former PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti, while the relationship with Braida plus his healthy respect for Barca means he would favour a move to the Catalan club next summer.

 

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No reason to panic for Chelsea, insists Begovic

Asmir Begovic insists there is no panic at Chelsea after Sunday's convincing loss to Manchester City, with the goalkeeper confident of regaining ground on their title rivals.

Goals from Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and Fernandinho wrapped up a comfortable win for the hosts, with last season's runners-up now five points ahead of the champions after just two games.

However, Begovic, making his first competitive start for Chelsea with Thibaut Courtois suspended, sees no reason to be concerned with the season in its infancy and West Brom up next.

"All we can do is get past this start, improve on the training ground, get our sharpness going and look to West Brom," he told the club's official website.

"It's still early so we have time to pick up the points we have lost but we need to get some results in the next couple of games to get our season going and then hopefully we can push on for the rest of the season.

"Man City had a point to prove and they came on aggressively from the start. We didn't match that intensity in the first half, but we responded and in the second half had some chances and were more in control.

"If you don't score it's difficult though and unfortunately they sucker-punched us with the second goal which killed the game."

 

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Bayern don't believe in Gotze, says Hitzfeld

Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld feels the Bavarians' decision to bring in Douglas Costa this summer is proof that they do not have faith in Mario Gotze.

The Germany international has been struggling to live up to the high expectations ever since joining Bayern from Borussia Dortmund in 2013 and was benched for their 5-0 win over Hamburg on Friday, with Pep Guardiola preferring €30 million signing Douglas Costa instead.

"If you have complete faith in Gotze, you do not go out and buy Douglas Costa," Hitzfeld told Sky.

The 66-year-old then went on to question's Bayern's transfer policy in recent years as German stars such as Toni Kroos and Bastian Schweinsteiger have been replaced with arrivals from abroad.

"Players like Kroos and Schweinsteiger have left Bayern. [Xabi] Alonso and [Arturo] Vidal have been brought in in return. Both are good players, but Bayern have been moving away from the German market and that is problematic.

"There appears to be a bit of a trend where Bayern sign too many foreign players and the German mentality gets forgotten a bit."

 

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Rahman pays tribute to Augsburg after Chelsea move

Baba Rahman has thanked Augsburg and their supporters following his move to Chelsea and says the chance to join the Premier League champions was too good to turn down.

The full-back moved to Stamford Bridge for an undisclosed fee, understood to be £17.5 million (€20m), on Sunday as replacement for Filipe Luis, who returned to Atletico Madrid, to end weeks of speculation.

Rahman is excited by the prospect of playing in England, but took time to pay tribute to his former club who he helped to an impressive fifth-placed finish in the Bundesliga last term.

"I have made this decision and it is really not easy because I felt good at Augsburg," he told the German club's official website.

"But the move to England is a very big opportunity for me to play at a top club like Chelsea, so I would like to take this step. I am really looking forward to playing with many great footballers.

"For me last season was absolutely amazing. I am very proud to have been a part of this fantastic team.

"I want to thank the fans for their great support and wish the entire team all the best. I hope they have another successful season."

 

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Benzema must score 20-25 goals, says Benitez

Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez wants striker Karim Benzema to weigh in with at least 20 goals this season.

The France international has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, with Arsene Wenger thought to be holding out hope of luring him to the Premier League before the end of the transfer window.

Benzema scored 22 times in all competitions last term, but Benitez feels the 27-year-old can contribute more in 2015-16.

"Benzema is a great player and one of my ideas this year is that he exceeds the barrier of 20-25 goals. In that, I have a lot of confidence," Benitez told El Pais.

"I have a lot of faith in him and Benzema has the ability to compete with any other striker."

The former Lyon striker is the only traditional No.9 in Madrid's squad following the end of Javier Hernandez's loan spell and Benitez has admitted they could bring in another striker.

"Having alternatives in any position always helps.

"For example, the middle of the park - you have a midfielder who is better with containing and another with passing.

"Depending on the match, you can take advantage of one or the other. In the case of the striker, it's the same.

"Until August 31, the market is open and there may be movements.

"To improve our team is not easy, there are not many players better than the ones that we have and [that are] available on the market."

 

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Verratti: I'm open to Premier League move but Barcelona's interest is flattering

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti says that the Premier League would be an option for him if he were to leave the French club.

The Italy international is on Barcelona's wishlist for 2016 after some impressive performances for the Ligue 1 champions and admits that he admires the Catalans' style of play.

Asked by Goal if England might suit him, Verratti stressed his happiness at Parc des Princes but confirmed his openness to a challenge overseas.

"You never know what the future brings," he remarked. "I am fine where I am now and I am not thinking about a transfer.

"I will consider my options the day I no longer feel good at PSG or when the club wants to sell me but England, Spain and Italy are all options. What matters most is the project."

Verratti's agent has previously indicated that the midfielder would relish the chance to play for Barca and the 22-year-old confessed his admiration for the Spanish champions.

"Barcelona are one of the strongest clubs in the world and have been so for a long time," he enthused. "They are a great team but I am happy at PSG at the moment. But it is always flattering for a player when such a big club is interested in you.

"It is up to the people at Barcelona to decide [if I would fit in] but it is true that I like their style."

Another player who has interested Barca this summer, along with many other elite teams, is Juventus star Paul Pogba and Verratti cited the Frenchman as his ideal transfer target for PSG.

The Italian explained: "Right now, I really like Pogba. I know that some of the biggest clubs are keeping tabs on him. He is an excellent midfielder, one of the best around in the game."

 

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Chelsea fell into Manchester City's traps - Kompany

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany says that his side "set traps" for Chelsea which went off perfectly as they won 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The Belgian was on target as City laid down an early marker in their bid to regain the Premier League title, dominating large spells of the game.

Manuel Pellegrini's side have not lost to Chelsea in their last four meetings and Kompany feels that his side fully deserved their latest victory, despite Jose Mourinho arguing that the result was "fake".

"I have never felt as prepared for a game as I did for this one," the centre-back told reporters.

"You could see it - we were setting traps all over the pitch and it planned out perfectly for them. That may be the advantage of only playing one match a week at the moment. If I have to give credit to the team for one thing, it was the way we prepared.

"There was not one thing Chelsea threw at us that we didn't know about. Two years ago we had a game against Chelsea where they completely dominated us. They only won 1-0 [at the Etihad in February 2014] but probably deserved more.

"Ever since, we have had good games against them, even though we didn't win last year - we have adapted really well."

Kompany now boasts two goals in as many matches, making him City's early-season top scorer.

"I don't expect it to go on for too long but I am probably more happy about the two clean sheets," he added. "If I am top scorer for too long, we are in massive trouble!

"I want Sergio [Aguero, who opened the scoring against Chelsea] to catch up quickly and go on to be top scorer in the Premier League again."

 

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Ramos: I could have earned more money by leaving Real Madrid

Sergio Ramos says that he could have earned more money elsewhere had he left Real Madrid rather than signing a new five-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Spain defender - who will captain Los Blancos this season following Iker Casillas' summer departure for Porto - put pen to paper on a contract extension on Monday following weeks of speculation that he was considering a lucrative move to Manchester United after allegedly falling out with club president Florentino Perez.

However, Ramos, who joined Madrid from Sevilla in 2005, insists that financial considerations played no part in his decision to commit his future to the capital club until 2020.

"Honestly, if it was an economic decision, I wouldn't have stayed," the 29-year-old said at a news conference on Monday. "I could have earned more elsewhere.

"It wasn't a question of money, there were personal and professional things we had to organise.

"I've never spoken of my renewal but obviously, with a contract that had two years to go, whatever the press want to say I respect.

"I wasn't happy in certain ways but I never said I wanted to leave. I spoke to who I needed to speak to but I couldn't continue how I was. Those personal things are nothing to do with money.

"The economic situation - the president [Florentino Perez] and I solved that in five minutes. There were other things to talk about.

"I'm not going to talk about money. That never motivated me - happiness and family motivated me.

"I never said I wanted to leave, my idea was always to be here. I wanted to retire here if the president allowed me.

"I'm very thankful I have a new challenge to be captain of this team and I will do it in the most honest way."

Ramos etched his name into Madrid folklore with the equaliser in the 2014 Champions League final against Atletico Madrid, before Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo secured 'La Decima' in extra time.

When it was suggested that Blancos fans could turn against him due to the recent United links, he added: "I think they've always given me the same affection. I've never felt anything untowards in the stadium.

"The love from the fans has been important to me staying. They ask a lot but the players know the pressure and the responsibility - obviously I have the same affection.

"Out of respect for the club I've been quiet [through the negotiations]. Throughout my career I've given everything for this club and I will do the same over the next five years.

"We all know the demands at this club but I'm ready for this responsibility to make sure every Madridista is happy."

 

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'Real Madrid and Sergio Ramos united forever' - Perez

Florentino Perez believes that Real Madrid and Sergio Ramos are "united forever", after the defender penned a new five-year deal with the club.

Ramos was heavily linked with a summer switch to Manchester United but, on Monday, the centre-half committed his future to Los Blancos until 2020, by which point he will be 34.

Consequently, Perez now believes that the World Cup winner will finish his career at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Today is a great day," the Blancos supremo told reporters. "Real Madrid has satisfaction that Sergio will be with us for five more years.

"Ramos is a symbol of Madridisma, which has made us love him for many years with his character, desire and huge heart.

"That's why Real Madrid and Ramos are united forever."

Perez's relationship with Ramos was reported to have broken down earlier this summer but the 68-year-old insisted that he has never had anything but love and respect for a player he signed from Sevilla in 2005.

"It's a special day for me, for many reasons," he stated. "From a personal perspective, because I have seen how he has developed from a young man to a man, an exceptional player. A legend - 445 matches and 55 goals.

"Ramos has won everything but like Real he wants more, that's why we need to make this desire for new challenges.

"His determination and leadership continues to be an example to young players here.

"Sergio Ramos will always be Sergio Ramos, I hope he is always the same footballer, who never gives up.

"With your work and talent, you have made every Madridista love you. Now we need you more than ever."

Perez also confirmed that Ramos will take over as club captain following Iker Casillas' move to Porto earlier this summer.

"It's not easy to be the leader in this team - Real Madrid is the most demanding club in the world - but Ramos has understood that," he added.

"He came here at 19 and the unity between Sergio and Real Madrid has been strong.

"In 2005, Sergio was very clear, he came here to make history and now 10 years later we can confirm that's how it has been. This is where he will continue to make history.

"This will be his 11th season and he is going to be the captain, he will wear it with pride as Iker Casillas did."

 

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Thiago Silva: I still don't know why Dunga dropped me

Thiago Silva has vowed to prove his worth to Brazil after being left out the squad for September's Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour double-header with Costa Rica and USA.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender suffered injury problems following last year’s World Cup, leaving him unavailable for Brazil coach Dunga’s first squads, during which time he lost the captaincy to Neymar.

Thiago Silva also lost his place in the first team, with David Luiz and Miranda becoming Dunga’s first-choice centre-back pairing, but appeared to be back in favour after earning a recall to the starting line-up at the expense of club-mate Luiz during June’s Copa America.

Consequently, his omission from the latest Selecao panel has taken him by surprise.

“It's difficult for me,” Thiago Silva told Globo. “I still do not know why Dunga did not call me up.

“There will be five or six PSG players who will stick around during the international break.

“It will be very weird. I'm not used to it but it will motivate me even more. I have to work to find my place in the team. I am staying calm and know I am a great player.”

Thiago Silva faced criticism following Brazil's Copa America quarter-final exit to Paraguay as he handled to concede a penalty that led to a Paraguayan equaliser.

The game finished 1-1 before Brazil were eliminated on penalties.

Arsenal’s Gabriel Paulista has been drafted in as central defensive cover with PSG ace Luiz expected to return to the heart of the back four.

Former Villarreal man Gabriel was previously called up for March’s Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour matches with France and Chile, coming in as a late addition after Luiz was ruled out through injury, but is yet to make his debut for the Selecao.

 

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Galatasaray: We don't want PSG ace Ibrahimovic

Galatasaray have rubbished reports that they are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swedish superstar's future has been the subject of mounting speculation in recent weeks, with the forward responding to rumours linking him with Manchester United, AC Milan and even MLS by claiming that his next move will be a "very big surprise."

The 33-year-old's representative, Mino Raiola, then seemingly hinted a possible transfer to Gala earlier this week A but the agent promptly denied making any such comments and now the Super Lig champions have moved to kill the story once and for all.

"We've indicated several times that Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not on Galatasaray's transfer agenda," a club statement read.

"However, some media outlets deliberately continue to publish news and comments on this subject.

"We ask Galatasaray supporters not to rely on these speculative unsourced news.

"All the official news about our work [during the] transfer period are going to be announced on our official media channels."

Ibrahimovic, who joined PSG from AC Milan in 2012, has one year left on his lucrative contract with the French titleholders.

 

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Casillas: Sergio Ramos deserved new Real Madrid deal

Iker Casillas has congratulated former Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos on his "deserved" contract renewal, saying that he is no doubt that his successor as club captain will lead Los Blancos to further glory.

Casillas, who won three Champions League titles during his 25-year association with the Spanish side, left the Santiago Bernabeu for Porto this summer.

Madrid president Florentino Perez confirmed on Monday that not only had Ramos committed himself to Madrid until 2020, the centre-half had also been handed the captain's armband for the coming campaign.

Casillas endured an emotional and dramatic Real exit but that did not stop him from being among the first to publicly congratulate Ramos on his new deal.

"I’m happy for your deserved contract renewal, Sergio," the Spain goalkeeper wrote on Twitter.

"I’m sure that you are going to bring lots more happiness to Madridistas!"

Ramos' Real face Galatasaray in a friendly on Tuesday before kicking off their Liga campaign at Sporting Gijon on Sunday.

 

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Otamendi to CITY deal 1ka ON.​

 

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Dynamo Dresden 1-3 Bayern Munich: Robben shines in friendly win

Arjen Robben gave Pep Guardiola plenty to smile about by looking back to his fluent best during a first-half cameo in Bayern Munich's 3-1 friendly win over Dynamo Dresden.

The Netherlands international netted the opening goal on a rain-sodden Monday evening in Dresden, capping an impressive 45 minutes as he continued to build up his fitness after a muscular problem.

With his work done, Robben was replaced at the break by Arturo Vidal and the Chilean added Bayern's second, before Juan Bernat completed a comfortable victory.

Guardiola made nine changes from the side that opened the Bundesliga campaign with a 5-0 win over Hamburg, with only Robben and Philipp Lahm retaining their places in the starting XI.

That meant valuable game time for some of Bayern's squad players, but it was Robben who impressed early on with piercing runs behind the Dresden defence.

After setting Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg up for the game's first chance, Robben embarked on a personal quest to open the scoring.

His first effort thudded against a post and the second was well saved by Patrick Wiegers, but the Netherlands international made it third time lucky with a calm finish after 17 minutes.

Dresden enjoyed fleeting attacks of their own, Niklas Kreuzer forcing a reflex save out of Sven Ulreich.

With a league clash against Hoffenheim on the horizon, Guardiola withdrew Robben and Lahm at the break but introduced Vidal as one of four changes - and the move paid dividends three minutes into the second half.

The lively Hojbjerg was allowed time and space to roll a pass into the Chile international, who applied the finish - albeit with the aid of a deflection.

Substitute goalkeeper Tom Starke kept Bayern's two-goal advantage intact with a superb reaction save to keep out Tim Vayrynen's bullet header on the hour.

Bayern, who also gave David Alaba some playing time in the second half, promptly resumed control of possession and extended their advantage as Bernat converted Thomas Muller's disguised throughball with 17 minutes to play.

Pascal Testroet sent the Dresden fans home happy with a late consolation, the forward rounding Starke to score with four minutes to play, but Bayern's win was never in any doubt.

 

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Van Gaal hits out at Rooney critics over striker role at Manchester United

Louis van Gaal has hit back at criticism of Wayne Rooney's performances as a central striker for Manchester United.

The 29-year-old has failed to score in United's first two Premier League fixtures of the season and looked off the pace in Friday's 1-0 victory against Aston Villa.

Following the departure of Robin van Persie earlier this summer, Rooney looks set to remain the focal point of United's attack and Van Gaal is adamant that the England captain will flourish.

"All the media has written for one year that I have to put him in the striker's position so it's amazing that, after two games, you're doubting your own opinions. I cannot understand that," Van Gaal told reporters.

"I have always confidence in my players."

Adnan Januzaj scored the winner at Villa Park in his first appearance of the new campaign and Van Gaal has urged the 20-year-old, who started only seven Premier League games last season, to show consistency this term.

"He [had] to compete with 24 players last year and he is 20 years old," said the United boss.

"The characteristics of a young player is that he's not consistent and he has to show that this season.

"It's possible but, at a club like United, you never have a guarantee of a position in the top XI. Every player here knows that, and because of that we have a very good team spirit."

 

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LVG Rooney ganama bala bala idala anaganida manda​