..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

'Guardiola has changed Aguero' - former Man City striker Rosler

Sergio Aguero has undergone a “massive change” in his game at Manchester City under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, says Uwe Rosler.The Argentine has forged a reputation as one of the most fearsome frontmen in world football.

He has always been about speed of thought and movement in and around the penalty area, with his predatory instincts complemented by accomplished finishing.All of those traits remain part of his armoury, but Aguero has been tasked by Guardiola with offering more than merely a goal threat.

The Catalan’s teams are a sum of their parts, rather than reliant on certain individuals, and he took the brave decision to drop his main marksman earlier in the season.Aguero has responded to the challenge and the subsequent transfer rumours by tweaking his approach, with the 28-year-old now a more rounded frontman – but one who has still managed 25 goals in all competitions.

Former City striker Rosler told Goals on Sunday: “When you compare Aguero from last season to this season, you can see a massive change.“A change in terms of courage, high-speed running and a willingness to counter-press. Plus, he still scores goals. You can see Aguero is trying to buy into the ideals of Guardiola."What he does off the ball this year, is far more than he did last year."

Aguero has reiterated on a regular basis that he has no intention of leaving City and Rosler believes the club should be doing all they can to ensure that the South American stays put.He added: "I would never lose him - I'm a big Aguero fan. "When you have someone like him in your squad and you're aiming for titles on every level, you can't let somebody go like him.

"In a club like Manchester City, there is no player certain to start every game. You need to be competitive on all fronts. There has to be rotation, especially when you see the pace at which Manchester City are playing at now."The pace of their game with Liverpool was unbelievable, breath-taking. You need two world-class No 9's, and Aguero is one of them."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mbappe is a phenomenon and killer in front of goal - Costa

Diego Costa has described reported Chelsea target Kylian Mbappe as a 'phenomenon' and believes the Monaco teenager is a 'killer in front of goal'.

Mbappe has been in stunning form in recent weeks and became the youngest player to make his France debut in over 60 years on Saturday when featuring against Luxembourg.

The striker has been linked with a string of Europe's leading clubs, including Chelsea, and current Blues forward Costa has been impressed by the 18-year-old.Costa said of Mbappe in an interview with Telefoot: "If he continues to progress at this speed… he is a phenomenon."He is fast, a killer in front of goal, he is very strong. He has his feet on the ground, people say, and he has his head on his shoulders. I hope he will continue like that."

Meanwhile, ahead of Spain's friendly against France at the Stade de France on Tuesday, Costa believes Les Bleus should end Karim Benzema's international exile.

Benzema has not represented his country since being investigated in relation to an alleged attempt to blackmail his international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.The French Football Federation suspended the 29-year-old, causing him to miss Euro 2016 on home soil.

FFF president Noel Le Graet has since stressed France boss Didier Deschamps is free to select the player but Benzema, who denies any wrongdoing in the blackmail case, was omitted once again for the current round of international fixtures."I do not know what really happened, but Benzema is still Benzema," Costa added.

"Not to summon him is to lose a big benchmark on a global level – when he's good, he's one of the best."Players want to participate in the big tournaments. For the good of football, he should be there. I love this player."

Nevertheless, Chelsea's top scorer is also a fan of the attacking talent Deschamps has at his disposal.Mbappe's emergence sets up the tantalising prospect of the Monaco sensation being paired with Antoine Griezmann, who has taken up Costa's former mantle as Atletico Madrid's attacking talisman."The French team proved during the last Euro that it was very strong, they have very big players. At the same time, they are young," he said.

"Griezmann is really a great player, exceptional. He is one of the best in the world.

"There is also [N'Golo] Kante, who I play with for my club. This France team has a collective even more dangerous than its individuals."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Azerbaijan 1 Germany 4: Schurrle inspires world champions to fifth win in five

Germany survived a scare to record a 4-1 victory over Azerbaijan that keeps them top of World Cup qualifying Group C with a 100 per cent record.

Andre Schurrle, making his first start for Germany since October 2015, opened the scoring and set up Thomas Muller to make it 2-1 after Dimitrij Nazarov had threatened to spark a huge shock, before Mario Gomez struck just before half-time and Schurrle added a late fourth.

Germany, who made seven changes to the team that beat England 1-0 in Wednesday's friendly, took the lead thanks to Schurrle after 19 minutes of the match in Baku but conceded their first goal in qualifying through Nazarov - who plays for Erzgebirge Aue in the 2. Bundesliga.

Muller promptly restored the advantage before Gomez's header made it 3-1, and Joachim Low's side made certain of their fifth win in five matches on the road to Russia 2018 with Schurrle's second in the closing stages.

They remain seven points clear of Czech Republic, who thrashed San Marino, while Robert Prosinecki's Azerbaijan stay in fourth place on seven points after a second defeat of their campaign.

Azerbaijan started brightly but the world champions found their breakthrough after 19 minutes. A fine team move involving captain Sami Khedira and Julian Draxler allowed Hector to find space to the left of the area, and his first-time cross was tapped into the net by Schurrle, who just beat goalkeeper Kamran Aghayev to the ball.

With Azerbaijan's early optimism ebbing away, Germany began to monopolise possession in the home side's half - until they were stunned on the break in the 31st minute.

Afran Ismayilov picked up the ball on the right and played a cross into the path of Nazarov, who manoeuvred past Benedikt Howedes before firing low into the corner from the edge of the area.

The Tofiq Bahramov stadium was brought to its feet but the home fans were silenced only five minutes later. Schurrle won possession back in the Azerbaijan half and slid a superb throughball into the path of Muller, who rounded Aghayev before slotting into the net in style.

Just seconds before the break, Germany had their third. Joshua Kimmich curled an expert cross towards the far post from the right, and Gomez cushioned a header back across goal and into the corner of the net.

Schurrle saw a shot deflected narrowly wide as Germany pushed for a fourth after half-time, with Joachim Low introducing Mesut Ozil from the bench on the hour mark to inject some more creativity into the attack.

Khedira, who picked up a booking that rules him out of Germany's next qualifier against San Marino in June, tested Aghayev at the near post as the visitors kept on probing, although Ismayilov continued to cause some problems for Hector down the right flank on the break.


But Germany produced one more moment of class to relieve any lingering anxiety. Toni Kroos prodded the ball into the path of Hector, and his first-time pass towards the penalty spot was controlled and blasted high into the net by Schurrle.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

England 2 Lithuania 0: Returning Defoe on target in routine win

Jermain Defoe made a goalscoring return to the international fold as England chalked up a routine 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Lithuania.

The 20th strike of Defoe's international career came after 21 minutes at Wembley and four years on from his 19th versus minnows San Marino in March 2013.
Aside from the 34-year-old Sunderland striker celebrating a starting berth in familiar style, there was little else to write home about in a forgettable encounter.

Manchester City centre-back John Stones was forced into a goal-line clearance on the stroke of half-time but Gareth Southgate's side closed out victory in comfort after Defoe's replacement Jamie Vardy doubled their advantage midway through the second period.

Burnley's Michael Keane made his competitive debut alongside Stones at the heart of defence and England are the only side yet to concede a goal in the European qualifying section.

They sit five points clear at the top of Group F ahead of nearest challengers Slovenia facing Scotland at Hampden Park later on Sunday.

England initially struggled to break through a deep-lying Lithuanian defence, the tempo of their passing insufficient to trouble Edgaras Jankauskas' visitors.

Adam Lallana slipped a pass through the massed ranks for a sliding Defoe to draw a block from Ernestas Setkus but the master marksman would leave Lithuania's goalkeeper with no chance a little over half a minute later.Raheem Sterling scooted around Egidijus Vaitkunas down the left channel and cut back an inviting ball for Defoe to open up his body and sidefoot home.

The Sunderland man pulled a drive wide from 25 yards as the half hour approached having fully warmed to his task, even if the match itself fully retained a late Sunday afternoon feel until Lithuania almost levelled in first-half stoppage time.
Nerijus Valskis nodded over the on-rushing Joe Hart when the linesman inexplicably failed to flag him offside and it was left to Stones to mop up on the line.

Sterling should have given England the extra insurance that scare suggested they might need early in the second half but made wretched contact with Ryan Bertrand's inviting cross.Lithuania forward Vykintas Slivka and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain called Hart and Setkus into action from range for a momentary lift in the intensity.

Inspiration only truly arrived in the 66th minute – Lallana producing an instinctive, immaculate touch to lay on Vardy for England's second.It was a lively cameo from the Leicester City striker and he lifted a one-on-one over in the 79th minute.

Eric Dier powered wide from a corner shortly afterwards, with Lithuania ultimately avoiding further damage as they flagged during the closing stages.

England initially struggled to break through a deep-lying Lithuanian defence, the tempo of their passing insufficient to trouble Edgaras Jankauskas' visitors.Adam Lallana slipped a pass through the massed ranks for a sliding Defoe to draw a block from Ernestas Setkus but the master marksman would leave Lithuania's goalkeeper with no chance a little over half a minute later.

Raheem Sterling scooted around Egidijus Vaitkunas down the left channel and cut back an inviting ball for Defoe to open up his body and sidefoot home.

The Sunderland man pulled a drive wide from 25 yards as the half hour approached having fully warmed to his task, even if the match itself fully retained a late Sunday afternoon feel until Lithuania almost levelled in first-half stoppage time.
Nerijus Valskis nodded over the on-rushing Joe Hart when the linesman inexplicably failed to flag him offside and it was left to Stones to mop up on the line.

Sterling should have given England the extra insurance that scare suggested they might need early in the second half but made wretched contact with Ryan Bertrand's inviting cross.Lithuania forward Vykintas Slivka and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain called Hart and Setkus into action from range for a momentary lift in the intensity.

Inspiration only truly arrived in the 66th minute – Lallana producing an instinctive, immaculate touch to lay on Vardy for England's second.It was a lively cameo from the Leicester City striker and he lifted a one-on-one over in the 79th minute.

Eric Dier powered wide from a corner shortly afterwards, with Lithuania ultimately avoiding further damage as they flagged during the closing stages.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea star Costa suffers injury scare in Spain training

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has received the all-clear following an injury scare in during training with Spain.

Costa was forced out of a session with Julen Lopetegui's national side after hurting his foot and ankle but x-rays revealed no major damage.

The Premier League leaders have been informed of their top scorer's condition and the 28-year-old will continue to be monitored by Spain's medical staff ahead of Tuesday's friendly against France.

A statement released by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) read: "Diego Costa was forced to leave the training session after being injured on his foot and ankle.

"[As a result] he was submitted to a series of tests (x-ray and TAC) at Sanitas Clinic in La Moraleja, where finally he was given the okay.

"The footballer is still under observation and will remain with the team during training camp. Chelsea FC medical services were informed of the players' condition."

Costa scored his fourth goal of the qualifying campaign for Russia 2018 in a 4-1 home win over Israel on Friday.Chelsea return to Premier League action when they host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge next Saturday. Costa netted the only goal when the sides met at Selhurt Park last December.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Defoe plays like he's 25 - Lallana lauds striker after England goal return

Adam Lallana was delighted to share the field with Jermain Defoe as England beat Lithuania 2-0, having watched the Sunderland striker in awe as a youngster.

Defoe marked his return from the international wilderness in style by opening the scoring in Sunday's World Cup qualifying win at Wembley, with Lallana skillfully teeing up substitute Jamie Vardy to seal the points.

Back in the England setup for the first time since 2013, the 34-year-old Defoe cut a sprightly figure in training according to Liverpool playmaker Lallana, who cheered on the veteran striker during his childhood.

"It still feels like you're playing with a 25-year-old Jermain Defoe," Lallana said.
"My dad used to take me to watch Bournemouth play when he famously scored for 10 games in a row, so to be playing with him for England is quite surreal at times.

"But it's the Jermain Defoe of old that you always know. You bet your bottom dollar he's going to score a goal and he did to get us on the way."I think everyone felt it, that's Jermain Defoe for you. He deserves it. He's been playing some of the best football of his career this season, scoring goals.

"He scored goals against Liverpool when we played, he scored two. I think he's here on merit and he's proved what he's about, what he can bring and what an option he is for Russia in a year's time."

England were short of their best against opponents who played with limited ambition but sit four points clear at the top of Group F after Sunday's fixtures.

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli was one of the Three Lions' most impressive performers and, like Lallana, he enjoyed lining up alongside a former darling of the White Hart Lane faithful.

"[Defoe] is a fantastic player, he's a legend in my eyes and for him to come out and get a goal is a big thing for him and a big thing for the team — he's still out and fighting for a place in the England squad.

"He was one of those players you hear a lot about. You watch him and he scores a lot of goals. I think some people forget how many goals he has scored and what a legend he is.


"For us younger players, to a see a player like that coming back into the team, stepping up and getting the goal is a massive thing for us."

 

[Tharuroxforjustice]

ඔයාගේ ත්‍රෙඩ් වලින්ම තමයි යාලුවා Foot Ball Niche ගැන ඉගෙන ගත්තේ.
සතුටුයි. එල ++
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

ඔයාගේ ත්‍රෙඩ් වලින්ම තමයි යාලුවා Foot Ball Niche ගැන ඉගෙන ගත්තේ.

සතුටුයි. එල ++
​

Elazzz bro!

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Netherlands want Van Gaal as adviser after Blind sacking

Louis van Gaal could be set for a return to the Netherlands national team as the KNVB is open to working with him as an adviser.

The former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach took over Oranje for the second time after their disastrous Euro 2012 campaign and guided them to a surprise third-place finish at World Cup 2014.

Leaving to take over at Manchester United afterwards, the Champions League-winning boss was replaced by Guus Hiddink at the national team, who was sacked during the Euro 2016 qualifiers as the Dutch missed out on the expanded tournament.

Hiddink's successor, Danny Blind, did not improve the situation, though, as a 2-0 loss to Bulgaria on Saturday left them six points behind France in their World Cup 2018 qualifying group, prompting the organisation to relieve him of his duties on Sunday.

As the KNVB looks to fix a dismal situation, they are open to working with experts and advisers, with 65-year-old Van Gaal a key option.

"For the profile we're looking for we have a technical director, but we will also look for many other experts," professional football director Jean Paul Decossaux told De Telegraaf, with Van Gaal named directly.

"We hope to come to an agreement with a new coach, but it will not be done in a week. Ahead of the games in June seems to be reasonable. "That list should include all kinds of names - a foreign coach is an option. "Ronald Koeman us undoubtedly capable, but I know he is under contract with a club.

"Tomorrow, Dutch football may move forward."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Defoe in the running for World Cup spot, says Southgate

Jermain Defoe has every chance of being selected for England's World Cup squad in 2018, says manager Gareth Southgate.Defoe, 34, scored in England's 2-0 World Cup qualification win over Lithuania at Wembley on Sunday, his first international appearance since November 2013.

Despite his age, Southgate insists the Sunderland striker will be considered if his side make it to Russia, as long as he is still fit and firing."We have got to look every time we get together as to who is in form," Southgate told reporters when asked about Defoe's World Cup chances.

"I don't know if we can have a distinct pecking order because players that are playing well deserve the opportunity."If we are going to be successful, we have got to have that competition for places.

"The reality is we will always lose players to injury, we have never been able to field or pick a full cohort, so it is really important that we are able to call upon the likes of Jermain and for him to have the impact he had in a game like this one.

"But if he is scoring goals in the Premier League and playing as well as he has this season, then there is absolutely no reason why he couldn't [go to the World Cup]."

Southgate added: "It is a great moment for him. He was thrilled to be back involved in the squad. I think he has enjoyed his week immensely.

"I'm pleased for the two lads who have got the goals, a great story for Jermain - I would have put my house on him scoring at some stage - and I felt Jamie Vardy added something to us.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

‘He’s a mix of Zidane and Ronaldo’ – Perez hails Benzema as world’s best

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has hailed Karim Benzema as the game’s outstanding No.9.

The striker has been left out of the France national side for their latest fixtures against Luxembourg and Spain, but if Didier Deschamps is not a fan of the Lyon-born striker, Perez certainly is.“He's a mix of Zidane and Ronaldo, so for me he is the world's best number nine,” he told RMC. “He plays very well and it is very difficult to find a striker like him. If it depends on me, he will stay in Madrid forever, but that is not something we are discussing right now, but again, if it depends on me, he will stay here.”

Meanwhile, the president was tight-lipped on his side’s attempts to sign Kylian Mbappe from Monaco – a young man who made his France debut off the bench in Friday’s 3-1 win over Luxembourg.

“Anything is possible, but we will not talk about players who don't belong to Real Madrid. He's a great player but we're only thinking about La Liga and the Champions League right now,” Perez said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City fined for misconduct during Liverpool game

Manchester City have been fined by the Football Association (FA) after admitting to misconduct charges filed after a 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

Referee Michael Oliver's decision to give the visitors a penalty at the Etihad Stadium was met with fierce protest from City players, who crowded round the match official. James Milner nevertheless converted from the spot, before Sergio Aguero sealed a draw for his side 20 minutes from the end.

But as the FA confirmed on Monday, Pep Guardiola's men crossed the line in their protests and the club is now liable to pay a fine of £35,000.

"Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today [Monday 27 March 2017], Manchester City have been fined £35,000 after the club admitted an FA misconduct charge," a statement read.

"City breached FA Rule E20(a) in that in or around the 50th minute of the game against Liverpool on 19 March 2017, the club failed to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Boer will not be next Netherlands coach, says agent

Frank De Boer has no interest in becoming Netherlands head coach, according to his agent.

Oranje sacked Danny Blind on Sunday, less than 24 hours on from a damaging 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Bulgaria.

Former Ajax boss De Boer has been touted as a possible replacement, with Netherlands facing the prospect of missing out on a second consecutive major tournament.

But his representative Guido Albers told AD Sportwereld that the 46-year-old, who won 112 caps for his country, remains committed to a return to club management despite a swiftly curtailed stint in charge of Inter this season.

"He wants to be on the field every day," Albers said."So he's not available. No, Frank de Boer will not be the new coach."It's nothing to do with the risk factor. Frank really wants to work on a team [club]."

De Boer's twin brother Ronald feels ex-boss Louis van Gaal could be the best option in Netherland's current predicament, but would caution him against a third spell in charge.He believes former Barcelona and Chelsea assistant Henk ten Cate – currently in charge of Abu Dhabi side Al Jazira - could be a good option, although a foreign appointment should not be ruled out.

"I would advise [Van Gaal] not to do it," Ronald de Boer told AD Sportwereld. "Henk ten Cate is therefore an option – someone with charisma, who has refined [his talents] internationally and loves attacking football."Put one former player like Ruud van Nistelrooy and Mark van Bommel next [as assistant]."

He added: "I'm definitely open [to a foreign coach] but only one who is for attacking football. That would be a German, or an Argentinian or a Spaniard."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Efficient Giroud still a favourite for France boss Deschamps

France boss Didier Deschamps believes Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud still has a valuable role to play with the national team.

Giroud has served as France's main striker since Karim Benzema's exile began in late 2015 and he led the line as the hosts finished as runners-up at Euro 2016, scoring three times.

Nevertheless, the 30-year-old continues to divide opinion in his homeland and has been restricted to seven Premier League starts with Arsenal this season.

He has managed eight goals in England's top flight and, with Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe in Deschamps' squad for the first time, Giroud offered a timely reminder of his talents with a brace in Saturday's 3-1 World Cup qualifying win over Luxembourg.

"He can play tomorrow, like the other ones," Deschamps said at a news conference ahead of Tuesday's friendly with Spain at the Stade de France."Olivier has not had a lot of minutes on the pitch, also because he had an injury.Even if he was in the side [at Arsenal], then the people were thinking that he was able to play, to begin the match.

"If you're on the bench and you don't come in because you're not 100 per cent, then only few people can be aware of it."But before the international break he played three games in a row. He knows that he's had a more difficult season.

"But he proved on Saturday that he's still an efficient striker. He scores goals with us, but he also gives to the players around him to change the attacking dynamic."
Another of the young stars putting pressure on the likes of Giroud is Borussia Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele.

The 19-year-old was substituted at half-time on his maiden international start against Ivory Coast last November, but he completed 90 minutes on the right flank at the weekend.

"Yes, it did not go well the first time," Deschamps said of Dembele. "He was perhaps a little inhibited."He has reacted well with his club, where he gives good performances. He has a running speed, he likes to dribble.

"He has to make the right choices but he is able to unbalance defences. This game against Luxembourg will give him confidence."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I'm in the middle of my career' - Retirement far from Ramos' thoughts

Sergio Ramos has no plans to follow Spain team-mate Gerard Pique into international retirement after the 2018 World Cup and is adamant that he still has "many years left" at the top.

The Real Madrid star turns 31 on Thursday but is showing no sign of slowing down as he continues to be a vital cog at both club and international level.

Ramos is expected to play in Spain's friendly against France in Paris on Tuesday and he will win his 142nd cap in the process, with Iker Casillas' record of 167 well within sight.

His usual centre-back partner Pique will not be around for much longer, having already revealed plans to step away from the international stage after next year's World Cup, though Ramos will not be following suit."I am in the middle of my career," he said at a media conference."I have many years left at a good level. Each season I reset myself to start from scratch, not settling for what I've already won.

"As long as I continue to want to win, both in the national team and in the club, I will continue playing. I hope it's the longest possible time — I see it [retirement] far in the future."

Hoping to profit from many more years of Ramos is Spain coach Julen Lopetegui, who is eager for his team to play with freedom on Tuesday, insisting they will not just be looking to nullify France's chief threats like Antoine Griezmann.

"Let's play thinking only about us," he said. "We have a lot of respect for France, but the most important thing is to maintain the style, our football."We always face the game with confidence. We are aware of the strength of France, but we have our chance, we can play well."

The match is also going to be noteworthy due to the implementation of video technology for the first time in France, and while Lopetegui thinks it is a positive step, he believes the authorities need to find the balance when using it."The technology is welcome, but it needs to be applied in the right doses so that it does not lose freshness and interest," he said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Wenger Out' goes global as banner spotted at New Zealand vs Fiji game

The campaign to remove Arsene Wenger as Arsenal's manager has officially gone global!

It's become common place for sections of the Gunners support to hold aloft 'Wenger Out' banners at domestic fixtures, but the Frenchman must surely have not expected a backlash over 11,500 miles away.

But that was the case on Tuesday, as a 'Wenger Out' banner was spotted on the other side of the planet at the World Cup qualification fixture between New Zealand and Fiji.

Draped over a wall at the bottom of the stand, the message to the Arsenal boss, who has come under heavy scrutiny after a disappointing 2016-17 campaign, could not be clearer.

It symbolises the latest demonstration against Wenger and his management and comes a little over a week after a plane was flown over the Hawthorns during the Gunners 3-1 defeat to West Brom, urging the 67-year-old to call it quits.


Arsenal are on a run of one win in their last four matches and although they are through to the FA Cup semi-finals, the north Londoners were emphatically dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich and sit in sixth in the Premier League table.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea warned £100m Hazard transfer could happen

Eden Hazard could leave Chelsea for Real Madrid if an offer of around £100 million is lodged, says former Blancos president Ramon Calderon.

The Blues forward continues to be heavily linked with the Liga giants on the back of a 2016-17 campaign which has seen him rediscover his best form.Hazard has been a talismanic presence for Antonio Conte’s side as they chase down the Premier League title.

He committed to a new contract at Stamford Bridge in February 2015, while reports suggest that Chelsea are prepared to enter into negotiations regarding fresh terms.Goal also understands that the Belgium international has told friends and family that he is happy in west London and not looking to move on.

That situation could, however, be altered were a big-money bid to be tabled in the summer transfer window that draws all parties to the negotiating table.

That is a view shared by Calderon, who told talkSPORT: “Chelsea aren’t a selling club, so it wouldn’t be easy, but as always it would depend on the wishes of the player. If he wants to leave, he will leave - that’s always the point.

“Chelsea will ask for a lot of money, I think that’s what the situation will be at the end of the season.“Chelsea knows quite well how much has been paid in the market over the last few years, with Ronaldo, Bale and Pogba - £100million is now the bar.

“That bar has been set by those transfers, so I think that’s how much a club like Chelsea would be asking for and the economy at Real Madrid is healthy - I don’t think that wouldn’t be a problem for them.

“But it’s all about the player. The player must say, ‘I want to leave and go to Real Madrid’, and that will be the moment they start negotiating.”

Hazard has netted 11 goals in 31 appearances for Chelsea this season, with the 2014-15 PFA Player of the Year close to doubling his return from a forgettable campaign last year.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd and Real Madrid target Mbappe warned off big-money transfer by Pires

Kylian Mbappe should resist the temptation to join Real Madrid at the end of the season if an offer arrives, according to Robert Pires.

Amid a breakout season at Monaco, Mbappe is reportedly one of the most sought-after talents in European football - with Manchester United also said to be chasing his signature.

Having already rejected the opportunity to join Madrid's youth team in 2013, the 18-year-old is believed to again be a target for the La Liga heavyweights, who are coached by former France star Zinedine Zidane.But Pires has cautioned the exciting striker against leaving Ligue 1 at this stage of his burgeoning career.

"I think now for Mbappe, if I can give some advice to him, the most important thing is to stay in Monaco for a minimum of two seasons because he is young and he needs to play," Pires told Sky Sports."And you do not need to go to, say, Real Madrid, who are one of the best clubs in the world, but there is a lot of pressure.

"So maybe he needs to stay in Monaco and keep the stability. He is young and when you are young you need to play and being at Monaco is just perfect for him."

Mbappe has been likened by some to Thierry Henry, who starred for Arsenal, Barcelona and France after being converted from a winger to a central attacker by Arsene Wenger, who took him from Juventus to north London. And while he is wary of increasing the pressure on the teenager, Pires acknowledged the similarities are unquestionable. "He is very, very good," he said.

"Of course you can compare Mbappe and Henry, but I do not like [this comparison] as Thierry Henry was Thierry Henry."Mbappe is the same, though, as Henry, very similar, good quality and finishing, very fast, clever on the pitch."Mbappe made his senior France debut off the bench in the World Cup qualifying win over Luxembourg on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ferguson explains why Man Utd are 'unlucky' not to be challenging Chelsea

Sir Alex Ferguson considers Manchester United to have been “unlucky” this season but believes Champions League qualification is within reach.

The Red Devils have undergone another period of transition in 2016-17, the third time they have had to make such adjustments since seeing an iconic presence depart the dugout in 2013.

On the back of Ferguson’s retirement, United have struggled for stability and consistency.David Moyes and Louis van Gaal have come and gone without ever threatening to build a dynasty similar to that of a legendary predecessor.

The signs are more encouraging under Jose Mourinho, however, and Ferguson feels the Portuguese would be overseeing a Premier League title challenge had United got what they deserved at Old Trafford.

“He’s been a bit unlucky actually because there are home games this season they’ve been absolutely brilliant in but have drawn them,” Ferguson told SiriusXM FC.“If they’d got those wins they deserved they’d be challenging for the league, there’s no doubt about that.”United have been held seven times on home soil this season, with 10 draws collected in total to sit fifth in the Premier League table.

They have, however, tasted EFL Cup success to complement a top-four challenge, while also progressing to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Ferguson believes there is still all to play for at Old Trafford, with there every reason to believe that the Red Devils will make the most of at least one route back to European football’s top table.He added: “The season is still alive.

“They’ve won the League Cup and are in the Europa League and I think they’ve got a great chance there."It’s very important now because if you win it, you’re into the Champions League.

“At the moment the Premier League is a real fight for the positions behind Chelsea with Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool, ourselves."It’s not going to be easy to get into the top four.“They could do it but I look on the Europa League as a great chance.”

 

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Russia 3 Belgium 3: Bukarov spares hosts' blushes

Aleksandr Bukharov rescued a draw for 2018 World Cup hosts Russia as they held a Christian Benteke-inspired Belgium 3-3 on Tuesday.

Bukharov looked to have missed his chance as he wasted two glorious opportunities in the closing stages, but the Rostov striker scored in stoppage time to deny Roberto Martinez's men a fifth win in seven games.

Viktor Vasin's early strike had given Stanislav Cherchesov's side a lift in the first match at a refitted Fisht Stadium in Sochi and Bukharov's late, late show ensured they avoided a fourth defeat in five matches.

A poor challenge from Roman Neustadter gave Kevin Mirallas Belgium's equaliser from the penalty spot, before lax marking allowed Benteke to take his international tally to 12 goals before the break.

Aleksey Miranchuk gave Russia belief with his first goal since June 2015, and Bukharov ensured the hosts left with their morale boosted.

Russia will hope their fortunes continue to improve when they meet Hungary and Chile before the Confederations Cup in June, while Belgium are top of their group in World Cup qualifying and look set to join their hosts at the finals.

After their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast on Friday, Russia were quick out of the blocks and they were rewarded with the game's opening goal after three minutes.

Thomas Vermaelen hauled down Dmitriy Poloz on the edge of the penalty area and, from the resulting free-kick, Aleksandr Semedov fired across goal for Vasin to poke home from six yards.

Belgium - without the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne - responded superbly to going behind and were gifted an equaliser thanks to a clumsy challenge from Neustadter on Benteke in the box, allowing Mirallas to convert from 12 yards.

Buoyed by their goal, the visitors continued to push. Mirallas and Toby Alderweireld fired over, before Benteke struck twice in quick succession to earn Belgium a 3-1 lead going into the break.

First, Benteke reacted smartly to nod home after Dmitri Kombarov cleared Jan Vertonghen's effort out of Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev's arms and straight onto the striker's head, which was again put to good use three minutes later to convert a pinpoint delivery from Nacer Chadli.

A fourth goal to kill the game should have come for the visitors but their final ball lacked quality as chances for Benteke and Alderweireld both failed to stretch Akinfeev.

Russia's best chances came on the counter-attack and they grabbed a lifeline with 16 minutes remaining through Miranchuk, the substitute sliding home following a break from Bukharov.


Samedov and Bukharov both wasted great chances for an equaliser but the latter made no mistake in stoppage time as he salvaged a draw with a low shot that crept under Simon Mignolet.