..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus 3 AC Milan 1: Clinical champions pounce on Napoli slip-up

Juan Cuadrado and Sami Khedira struck late as Juventus surged four points clear atop Serie A in a 3-1 victory over AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.Leonardo Bonucci had looked set to play the role of pantomime villain when he cancelled out Paulo Dybala's opener with a 28th-minute header against his old club.

But the end of the champions' 10 successive Serie A clean sheets was eventually softened by substitute Cuadrado, the winger nodding in Khedira's cross.Khedira himself then completed the win with a clinical effort as Juve opened up a precious gap to second-placed Napoli, who drew 1-1 at Sassuolo earlier in the day.

Milan have not beaten Juve in Turin since 2011 – now head coach Gennaro Gattuso scoring the winner on that occasion – and they appeared destined for more pain from the moment Dybala got the scoring underway in the eighth minute.Bonucci stunned his former faithful to give the visitors hope, the defender sprinting to the away supporters in celebration of what could have been a key goal in the context of the Rossoneri's Champions League hopes.

But Cuadrado and Khedira ensured they would they remain eight points behind rivals and fourth-place Inter Milan ahead of the midweek Derby della Madonnina, as the Bianconeri's unbeaten run extended to 25 matches in all competitions ahead of the Champions League quarter-final first-leg against Real Madrid in Turin.


The home fans' jeers for Bonucci began from the outset and added another layer to Milan's mental challenge, having lost on all six of their previous trips to Allianz Stadium.Gianluigi Donnarumma received the first examination when he was forced to parry Gonzalo Higuain's stinging shot from outside the area.

The young goalkeeper failed to deliver in the next instance. Dybala received, swivelled and speared a shot into the bottom right corner all in one fluid motion, with Donnarumma perhaps surprised by an awkward late bounce.Andre Silva should have supplied an immediate equaliser, but from close-range the forward wastefully headed Hakan Calhanoglu's cross around the post.

Instead, the stage was set for Bonucci. The Rossoneri skipper wedged himself between former defensive partners Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini and emphatically headed home Calhanoglu's corner.Juve twice had half-hearted penalty appeals for handball turned down as the half wore on, leaving the match in the balance at the break.

Though Lucas Biglia picked up a yellow card that rules him out of the meeting with Inter, Milan continued to grow in belief and would have been ahead had the crossbar not got in the way of Calhanoglu's long-range rocket.

The hosts were evidently rattled as they struggled to string together meaningful passing sequences but, just as it seemed that would translate to a frustrating result, the champions found a way through.Khedira spotted an unmarked Cuadrado in the area and the Colombia winger made no mistake with the header with 11 minutes remaining.

With the tension released, Massimiliano Allegri's men completed a difficult assignment when Germany international Khedira unerringly picked out the bottom left corner, putting Juve in a commanding position to claim a seventh consecutive Scudetto.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sevilla 2 Barcelona 2: Messi rescues leaders with late late show

Lionel Messi came off the bench to rescue Barcelona and extend their unbeaten run LaLiga to 37 games as the leaders scored twice in the closing moments to draw 2-2 with Sevilla.Barcelona had been unusually below-par at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan and were lucky to only be two goals behind as the game entered the 88th minute.

But Luis Suarez – who had been so wasteful for the visitors – then halved the deficit and 53 seconds later Messi earned a point, the Argentine superstar beating Sergio Rico from 20 yards to cap his return from injury in an astonishing finish to the contest.




It was harsh on Sevilla who had dominated proceedings and deservedly led through strikes in either half from Franco Vazquez and Luis Muriel.But they were made to rue wasted chances from that duo and Jesus Navas as Barca showed why they are the top side in Spain this season.

The draw edges Ernesto Valverde's side closer to the title – now 12 points clear of closest challengers Atletico Madrid - and leaves them one game short of equalling Real Sociedad's unbeaten record in the competition.


Barcelona rued the absence of Messi in the opening half as Suarez and Andres Iniesta lacked the quality in front of goal that their Argentine team-mate is renowned for.

Suarez saw an early chance saved by Sergio Rico and blasted another wide soon after, the Uruguayan's openings coming after Iniesta had failed to test the Sevilla goalkeeper.At the other end Ter Stegen's goal led a charmed life as Luis Muriel and Joaquin Correa both headed wide under little pressure from the Barca defence.

Vazquez showed much more composure with 36 minutes on the clock as Barca gave him the freedom of the six-yard box, the attacking midfielder slotting home Correa's low cross.Gerard Pique should have levelled things up seconds before the break but he inexplicably chose to try and volley Samuel Umtiti's deflected cross rather than use his head – the defender failing to connect at the back post.

The hosts used the let-off to put Barca further behind five minutes after the restart, Muriel firing beyond Ter Stegen after the goalkeeper could only parry Sergio Escudero's shot.

As Messi warmed up, Sevilla should have been three in front when Navas raced through one-on-one, but Ter Stegen held him up momentarily before Pique cleared his shot off the line.

The loose ball then fell to Vazquez and he was unable to convert from 12 yards.
Valverde introduced Messi – who missed Argentina's two friendlies with a hamstring problem – just before the hour and he gave the visitors much more quality in the final third.

He was immediately involved to release Philippe Coutinho but Simon Kjaer intercepted the Brazilian's low cross before Suarez could tap home.Another chance saw Suarez hit the post from a tight angle, but Sevilla still posed more of an attacking threat – Muriel and substitute Miguel Layun both wasting good openings.

And they proved costly as Suarez finally beat Rico with an acrobatic effort, with more drama to come in the visitors' next attack.Messi – it had to be him – snatched a point Barca scarcely deserved with a curling effort that Rico could only get a hand to as the league leaders completed an unlikely recovery.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

‘I gave them Zlatan’ - Ibrahimovic delivers for Galaxy fans on debut

Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave the fans what they wanted.

The LA Galaxy’s new signing began the game on the bench for their first ever match against expansion side, and local rival, Los Angeles FC, and it appeared his debut would be a disappointment.The sellout crowd at the StubHub center saw the home team go down 3-0 early in the second half on the strength of a brace by LAFC’s Carlos Vela and an own goal.

However the Galaxy pulled one back early in the second half and, with the crowd chanting “We want Zlatan”, would bring on Ibrahimovic in the 71st minute, still trailing 3-1.The big striker made an immediate impact, contributing in the build up to the Galaxy’s second goal. But Ibrahimovic then stole the show when he struck a 35-yard screamer to level the scoreline at 3-3.

Ibrahimovic made it a debut that Galaxy fans will never forget as he added a stoppage time headed winner to give his new team an improbable comeback victory.And after the match, Ibrahimovic was all smiles, saying he had delivered what his new team’s fans had wanted."They were saying, 'We want Zlatan, we want Zlatan,' so I gave them Zlatan," he told FOX.

Ibrahimovic also described his first goal with the club, his bold decision to take on a 35-yard shot in an attempt to catch LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller off his line, and how excited he was to score.

“I saw the goalkeeper went out, and yeah, just put it over him. I was thinking to save strength, because I don't know how much I would have, so 'let's shoot in one' I said," Ibrahimovic explained of his thought process."I was happy. Too much adrenaline. It's difficult to describe the feeling after you score a goal like that."

The 36-year-old was also pleased to continue his trend scoring on his debut for a new team."My history, often when I come to a new team, I always score in the first official game. So I wouldn't let it down this time. I had to score."

Ibrahimovic’s Manchester United career came to a disappointing end as a result of a serious knee injury that required surgery. The big Swede suffered from fitness issues upon returning this season for the Premier League club, and the lingering problems has sidelined him since December.

But after scoring twice, Ibrahimovic claimed that everything felt just fine."It felt ok,” Ibrahimovic said when asked about his knee. “After a goal like this, I have no complaints."The win was the Galaxy’s second of the season as the team looks to bounce back from a disastrous 2017 campaign that saw them finish bottom of the Western Conference.

The comeback victory not only netted the Galaxy three points, but also blunted LAFC’s momentum, after the expansion side won its first two games and appeared to be well on its way to a third, up 3-0.

“Let's hope we can continue like this," Ibrahimovic said. The Galaxy will be hoping he can continue like this as well.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Zlatan!

Niyama debut eka​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zidane: My plan is to stay at Real Madrid as long as possible


Under pressure Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insists that he has no plans to leave his role at the Bernabeu.

Although Los Blancos remain in the hunt for a third successive Champions League crown, they have been stung by a weak defence of their Spanish title. With nine matches remaining, they trail leaders Barcelona by 15 points and must overcome a four-point deficit to city rivals Atletico to finish second.

This has seen pressure on Zidane intensify, but it is not something he is too concerned with.“If it was up to me, I’d stay with the club. My plan is to stay as long as possible, I’ve said it many times,” he told the media.

“I want to stay on as Real Madrid coach because I like football, I like what I’m doing and I know where I am.“The issues is that in Madrid, everything depends on results. I’ve been here for 18 years and I know how the club works.”

Madrid tackle Las Palmas on Saturday before embarking on two matches against Juventus in the Champions League quarter-finals – a repeat of last year’s final.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Emery has complete backing from PSG, insists Al-Khelaifi


Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi insisted the club are fully behind head coach Unai Emery following their Coupe de la Ligue triumph.

The French capital side claimed the trophy for the fifth season in a row on Saturday thanks to a 3-0 victory in Bordeaux, with Edinson Cavani and Angel Di Maria the goalscorers.

The victory secured a fifth trophy for Emery at PSG since he took charge in June 2016, but their defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 has led to heavy speculation he will leave at the end of the season.

Thomas Tuchel is one of the favourites for the position and Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claimed on Saturday that the former Borussia Dortmund boss has already agreed to join an unnamed club.

Al-Khelaifi, though, is adamant Emery has PSG's backing, telling Canal +: "Our coach is Unai, and we support Unai. Every day, I read [in the media] the names written behind Unai. He's our coach and the whole club is behind him."We're very happy with this match, which wasn't easy. We played well, we could even have scored four, five, six goals."

Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp insisted PSG deserved to lift the trophy and denied the victory was a routine one for his side."We sometimes hear it's always easy for PSG, but it's never easy, especially against a very good team like Monaco," said the Germany international.

"We're always happy to win trophies. It's our goal. We're very happy and we deserve it. "We worked very well and, in the end, work always pays off."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi still injured despite saving Barcelona against Sevilla, says Valverde


Ernesto Valverde says Lionel Messi rescued Barcelona from defeat at Sevilla despite still struggling with a hamstring injury.

The Catalans' unbeaten run in La Liga this season looked to be coming to an end at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan until Luis Suarez and Messi scored in the 88th and 89th minutes to salvage a 2-2 draw.

Messi had only come off the bench in the 58th minute, having missed both of Argentina's friendly matches during the international break with a muscle problem.

Valverde says he always intended to get the 30-year-old involved against Sevilla but admits his match-saving cameo came despite him not being fully recovered."I had planned to bring on Messi anyway," the coach told Movistar. "He's injured but he's been inactive for a while and we thought it would be better for him to play to get some rhythm of competition."He was decisive. We think he'll be okay for Roma [on Wednesday]."

Sevilla deservedly went 2-0 up through Franco Vazquez and Luis Muriel, before spurning a host of chances on the counter-attack prior to Barca's late revival.Valverde concedes his side played a risky game in the second half, adding: "The first half was fairly balanced, even though they had some dangerous counter-attacks. They pressed us high.

"In the second half, they were comfortable with that situation, because they have quick players like [Jesus] Navas. They got the second goal and we had to take a chance.

"Usually, we're a team that doesn't concede a lot. The fact we conceded the second goal made us go further forward. We had to take risks and, when you take risks, you know they can get at you." The draw puts Barca 12 points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top, having played a game more, but Valverde insists the title race is not yet over.

"We don't think the league is won," he said. "Not at all. That's why we compete until the end. It shows the spirit of the team and that's why we're celebrating like this."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Lukaku will get even better' - Mourinho sees more to come from Man Utd's 100-goal star


Romelu Lukaku is a Premier League centurion, but Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes there is even more to come from the burly Belgian.The Red Devils saw their £75 million striker become the 28th member of an exclusive top-flight goal club during a meeting with Swansea on Saturday.His 100th effort arrived early in that contest, with a productive run having now seen him net 11 times in his last nine outings for club and country.

Mourinho is delighted to see the 24-year-old performing at the peak of his powers, but believes he will get even better as he continues to experience life at the very top.

The United manager told Sky Sports following the 2-0 victory over Swansea: "His evolution is clear. At Chelsea he was obviously young but he got experiences at good clubs before he arrived at Manchester United and then mentally he is more than ready.

"Then it's details as a player; the movement, feelings, knowledge of every inch of where he steps, which comes with experience, and at 24 there is a lot to learn and a World Cup to play this summer too, but the experience can only make him better." While United were pleased to see Lukaku among the goals again in their latest outing, they were just as happy to see Alexis Sanchez find the target.

The Chilean forward has endured a tough start to his time at Old Trafford, following a January move from Arsenal, but now has two goals to his name.Mourinho admits that things could not have gone much better for the Red Devils, with only a slight dip in the second half of a contest they won comfortably letting them down.

The Portuguese added after seeing his side cement a second-placed standing: "It would have been perfect if we had could have played the second half as we played the first half."In the first half we did everything right, we defended very well, brought the line up, kept Swansea miles away from our goal, scored, had more chances, we played beautiful. The first half was perfect, they improved in the second half but we let it go.

"Some players played midweek, they arrived late, tired, they felt the game was in the pocket and in the second half they let it go a bit. But everything is fine, we won and with seven matches to go every point is fundamental for us because we want to stay second. It was an important three points."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2018.04.01

Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2018.04.01

Arsenal Vs Stoke City

Chelsea Vs Tottenham

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

LA Liga Fixtures 2018.04.01

LA Liga Fixtures 2018.04.01

Espanyol Vs Alaves

Leganes Vs Valencia

Eibar Vs Real Sociedad

Malaga Vs Villareal

Atletico Madrid Vs Deportivo​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bundesliga Fixtures 2018.04.01

Bundesliga Fixtures 2018.04.01

Werder Bremen Vs Frankfurt

Mainz Vs Monchengladbach​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal 3 Stoke City 0: Aubameyang to the rescue as Gunners leave it late

A Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty all in the final 15 minutes saw Arsenal ultimately cruise to a 3-0 home win over struggling Stoke City on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger's men were frustrated by their relegation-threatened visitors for much of the contest, but were gifted two penalties in the closing stages to help them over the line, in a result that eases some of the heat on their manager.

Chances were few and far between in a turgid first half at the Emirates Stadium, as Xherdan Shaqiri went close early on, before Aaron Ramsey clipped the top of the crossbar in the only two clear-cut opportunities.




Lacazette, appearing for the first time since mid-February due to injury, was introduced from the bench soon after the hour and made himself a nuisance, but Aubameyang was the one to get things moving as the hosts improved in a productive second-half showing.

The Gabon international coolly swept home a penalty 15 minutes from the end after Mesut Ozil was fouled by Bruno Martins Indi, before doubling his tally soon after with a well-taken volley, making it five goals in his first six Premier League games.Lacazette then wrapped things up a minute from time with the Gunners' second spot-kick, scoring for the first time in the Premier League since early December and ensuring Stoke remain three points adrift of safety.


Arsenal were given an early warning of the threat Stoke can possess when Shaqiri is involved, as the Switzerland international saw a fine 20-yard curling effort go just wide of the top-left corner.

The home side did not look remotely dangerous until the 22nd minute, when Ramsey pounced on a loose bouncing ball in the area and saw his effort hit the top of the crossbar, though Jack Butland in the Stoke goal appeared to have it covered.Arsenal increased the tempo upon the restart and a clear chance was eventually crafted by the hosts just before the hour – Mohamed Elneny meeting Hector Bellerin's cut-back 12 yards out and seeing his effort crucially blocked, Nacho Monreal then forcing a decent stop from Butland with the rebound.

The ineffective Danny Welbeck was withdrawn soon after for Lacazette, returning after six weeks out with a knee problem, but Stoke were the next to go close – Shaqiri's in-swinging corner causing havoc and coming back off the far post.And Arsenal capitalised on that let-off in the 75th minute, as Ozil wriggled his way into the area through a crowd of Stoke players and appeared to be tripped by Martins Indi, allowing Aubameyang to convert from 12 yards.

Aubameyang then put the game beyond Stoke 11 minutes later, producing a lovely volley from just inside the area to find the bottom-right corner.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund star then passed up the chance to complete a hat-trick, allowing Lacazette to take the second penalty after the Frenchman had been shoved over by Badou Ndiaye, the striker taking his top-flight tally to 10 as the Gunners celebrated a fourth straight win in all competitions.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea 1 Tottenham 3: Eriksen & Alli break Spurs' Stamford Bridge curse

Christian Eriksen's stunning strike and a Dele Alli double delivered Tottenham their first win at Stamford Bridge since 1990 as they dealt Chelsea's Champions League hopes a hammer blow with a 3-1 Premier League victory.Spurs went into the contest five points clear of their hosts in the race for Champions League qualification and looking to end a hoodoo that stretched back to the pre-Premier League era.

It looked unlikely that they would do so when Alvaro Morata pounced on a goalkeeping error from Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris to head Chelsea ahead with his first Premier League goal of 2018.But a wonderful long-range leveller from Eriksen on the stroke of half-time proved the turning point in a contest that left Antonio Conte under yet more pressure.

Tottenham dictated matters in the second half and two goals in the space of five minutes from Alli, making his 100th Premier League appearance, ensured the end of their long wait for a win in west London.

Alli brilliantly took his first in the 62nd minute to make it 2-1 and then profited from some poor Chelsea defending to effectively wrap things up, Tottenham's day capped off by the return of Harry Kane from an ankle injury as they moved eight points clear of the Blues with seven games to play.


After a subdued start Chelsea sprung into life when Willian fired a fierce low effort that took a deflection only to be beaten away by Lloris following a well-worked counter from the hosts.Marcos Alonso then confidently converted from N'Golo Kante's clever lofted ball into the box but was correctly flagged for offside.

Mauricio Pochettino's side – unbeaten in the league since December – failed to heed those warnings, though, and after Victor Moses forced Lloris into action once more, the same player created the opening goal with a helping hand from the Spurs keeper.Lloris left his line to claim a Moses cross from the right but failed to do so, allowing Morata to rise and nod into the unguarded net.

An ambitious long-range effort from Eriksen dealt with by an off-balance Willy Caballero looked like being Spurs' sole response of the half, but instead it served as the pre-cursor for the stunning leveller that followed.

Lloris somewhat redeemed himself by keeping out an arrowing low strike from Alonso and Eriksen then restored parity in remarkable fashion. The Denmark international again let fly from long distance but this time produced a high and swerving shot that dipped under the crossbar beyond a helpless Caballero.

Tottenham had rarely been in the ascendancy prior to the equaliser but it was the visitors who controlled matters after the restart, and Son Heung-min's curling effort drew a fine diving save from Caballero, who could do little as Alli completed the turnaround.Alli controlled Eric Dier's marvellous ball over the top with a sublime first touch and produced a finish to match as he lifted the ball over Caballero and in off the post.

Four minutes later Alli doubled his tally and Tottenham's advantage with his first Premier League brace since January 2017.Eriksen was to the fore as his first-time pass played in Son down the right and, though the South Korea international was twice denied by Caballero, a comedy of errors in the Chelsea defence presented Alli with the chance to slot in from point-blank range.

Chelsea huffed and puffed with little reward as they sought a response before Kane somewhat surprisingly entered the fray despite the away side's measure of command.

Tottenham's talisman had no opportunity to mark his comeback with a goal while Lloris enjoyed a similarly quiet end to the game as Spurs finally made some happy memories at Stamford Bridge.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger hails Aubameyang for Lacazette gesture


Arsene Wenger believes the sportsmanship Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang displayed in giving Alexandre Lacazette Arsenal's late penalty against Stoke City instead of trying to complete his own hat-trick will make the Gunners "stronger".

Arsenal ultimately cruised to a 3-0 Premier League win on Sunday, but it was tight and the hosts looked frustrated before Aubameyang broke the deadlock from the spot in the 75th minute.The former Borussia Dortmund star then doubled his tally four minutes from time with a fine volley, putting the game beyond Stoke.

He could have added a third at the end when Lacazette was fouled in the area by Badou Ndiaye, but Aubameyang let the Frenchman – who was back after six weeks out with a knee injury – take it in order to boost his morale by scoring a first league goal since early December.

And Wenger believes such gestures are good for the team.When asked if he was surprised by it, the Arsenal boss replied: "No, because I know they have a good understanding.

"That shows as well the state of our society, that we are surprised. I like that [gesture], it can only make the team stronger."Although it proved to be a successful return for Lacazette, Wenger thinks he is still a little way off being completely fit.

"He is still lacking a competitive edge a bit, a fraction maybe," added the 68-year-old. "In training he looks sharp. He needs one or two more games."

Wenger was also asked about the number of empty seats at the Emirates Stadium on the day, but he dismissed the importance of that, putting it down to the fact the match was played on Easter Sunday.
"They [the fans] will be back on Thursday [in the Europa League against CSKA Moscow]," he said."It's explainable by the fact it's Easter. It's a family happening and we don't go [compete] for a lot in people's mind in the Premier League."Overall in the Premier League in the last few weeks we faced that problem. It's down to the fact we don't play for anything in the Premier League."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd & Barcelona target Rabiot fuels transfer talk with non-committal comment on PSG future


Adrien Rabiot has offered hope to Manchester United and Barcelona in the summer transfer market by refusing to commit his future to Paris Saint-Germain.

The 22-year-old is a product of the Ligue 1 side’s academy system, but spent a brief period in England at Manchester City while in his teens.He is a France international and a regular part of the PSG set-up, but faces fierce competition for places at Parc des Princes.

Speculation has linked him with a move elsewhere, with big-spending sides in England and Spain said to be leading the chase, and Rabiot has done little to curb those rumours.

Speaking to Canal+ after helping PSG to a fifth consecutive Coupe de la Ligue triumph, he said when asked if he will be in the French capital next season: "I don't know, we will see."But, for now, I want to enjoy every moment and every trophy with my club." Rabiot has made over 200 appearances for PSG since making a senior breakthrough in 2012.

He has helped the club to 14 major honours, including three Ligue 1 titles.His talents are held in high regard at PSG, but the club’s ambition means that they are always in the market for top talent and accept that sales must occasionally be sanctioned.

That could play into the hands of those ready to make a move for Rabiot, with a scramble for his signature likely to be sparked if the exit door is opened.

 

[RottenCOLT]

sub

 

[Wolverine GTR]

sub

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

No Bayern deal for James Rodriguez, claims Rummenigge


Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has denied rumours that the Bundesliga club are ready to meet the buy-out option in James Rodriguez’s loan deal from Real Madrid.The Colombia international is presently in the midst of a two-year spell at the Allianz Arena and has recently won praise for fine displays.

Rummenigge hailed former coach Carlo Ancelotti, who was sacked earlier in the season, for attracting the 26-year-old to the club, but rejected claims that the Bavarians have already decided to buy the former Monaco and Porto star, whose clause is valued at €42 million.

“He has developed excellently, especially since Jupp Heynckes took over. It was a very good transfer and I have to congratulate Carlo Ancelotti again for that,” he said.“There are clear conditions regarding his contract and we are not in a hurry.”
Bayern will face Sevilla in a Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, with the Germans favourites to oust the side that defeated Manchester United in the previous round.

James is expected to play a crucial role for them, having scored one and set up two in Saturday’s spectacular 6-0 demolition of Borussia Dortmund .In total, he has played 28 times for Bayern since arriving in the summer and has scored five goals and created another 11.

Meanwhile, Bayern are still on the lookout for a coach to replace Ancelotti on a permanent basis, with a decision expected by the end of the month .

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'No chance Lewandowski will leave Bayern' - Heynckes rejects Real Madrid rumours


Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes insists there is "no chance" Robert Lewandowski will be sold to Real Madrid.The Poland international has been linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season, despite repeated insistence from the Bundesliga leaders that he is not for sale.

With Bayern reportedly keen to take up a €42million option to sign James Rodriguez on a permanent deal, there have been suggestions Madrid could use the opportunity to negotiate for Lewandowski.But Heynckes, speaking ahead of the Champions League quarter-final first leg with Sevilla, was unequivocal about Bayern's position on the 29-year-old.

"[Chairman] Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has already said it: with Robert, Real Madrid have no chance at all," he told a news conference.Heynckes was less forthcoming with his views on the futures of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, whose contracts expire at the end of the season. "I have my opinion on Ribery and Robben. But I will hold back here with my recommendations," he said.

"The club will know what they are and will decide in due course."Earlier on Monday, Rummenigge denied reports Bayern have already decided to sign James on a permanent basis, although he praised the Colombia star for his recent form.

Heynckes also admitted he does not know whether his two-year loan deal will be turned into a transfer, but he thinks James is transformed from the player who struggled under Carlo Ancelotti before the Italian's departure in October."Of course, I knew him before he came to Bayern," he said. "When I took over the team in the autumn, he wasn't physically fit. He is stronger physically now, he's a completely different player.

"He has integrated into the group and he feels very good. He'll definitely play at Bayern in the coming season but Bayern must decide what happens beyond that."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Alan Pardew ditched by West Brom after dismal run


Alan Pardew has been relieved of his duties as West Brom manager, leaving the club sitting bottom of the Premier League table.The manager arrived at the Hawthorns in late November to replace Tony Pulis, but could do little to turn the situation around, as a win over Brighton in January was the only one he recorded in his 18 Premier League matches.

Saturday's loss to Burnley was West Brom's ninth in a row in all competitions, leaving them seven points adrift of nearest strugglers Stoke City and a full 10 points from escaping the relegation zone.

With six games left to go, the club and coach have agreed to cut ties to make a change in personnel and increase their slim chances of survival."West Bromwich Albion and Alan Pardew have agreed to mutually part company today following discussions between both parties," the English side confirmed by a statement on their website on Monday."Assistant head coach John Carver will also be leaving. The club would like to thank Alan and John for their efforts and wish them well in their future endeavours."

There were issues off the field during Pardew's tenure, too, as a group of senior players including Jonny Evans, Gareth Barry and England midfielder Jake Livermore were caught up in a controversy which involved stealing a taxi while drunk in Barcelona.

Pardew has the poorest win percentage of any West Brom manager in Premier League history and their current eight-game loss streak is the club's worst run of form in the top flight since 1985.The former West Ham, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace coach has won just two of his last 29 Premier League matches.

West Brom resume their battle for survival in the English top flight with a game against Swansea next week before they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.