..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

'De Gea is the best in the world' - Man Utd keeper lauded by Young & Herrera


David de Gea is considered to be “the best goalkeeper in the world” by Manchester United team-mate Ashley Young, while Nemanja Matic believes he is “great” and Ander Herrera says a fellow Spaniard is “terrific”.Such lavish praise has been bestowed upon the Red Devils’ No. 1 following another match-winning performance against Tottenham.

Marcus Rashford may have netted the only goal of the game at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, but it was De Gea’s 11 saves at the opposite end of the field which wrapped up all three points.

It is not the first time that the 28-year-old has delivered such a showing for United and his obvious value to the collective cause is not lost on those around him.Young told reporters after witnessing a talismanic display which helped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to a sixth successive victory as Red Devils boss: “I think that is why he's No. 1 in the world. For me, he's the best goalkeeper in the world.

“He's obviously saved us at times, and I said to him after the game 'You could have caught the ball a couple of times!'. But he was blocking things with his feet, his hands, and, at times, I think with his head as well!”

Matic echoed those sentiments, with the Serbian midfielder saying: “He was great like always.“We said in the changing room this is normal for us when we see David playing like this.

“It is very important to have him. He gives us confidence. He's saved us many times. I think everyone did very well but for me, he was man-of-the-match.”

De Gea has been a model of consistency for United over recent years, with his exploits earning him a record-breaking haul of four Player of the Year awards.

Those in front of him have started to raise their standards of late, though, with the arrival of Solskjaer as interim manager having breathed new life into an underperforming squad.The likes of Rashford and Paul Pogba are now flourishing, with midfield dynamo Herrera eager to point out that it was not just De Gea who contributed to a priceless victory over Spurs.

He told MUTV: “Until the minute 60 we could have been winning 2-0, but we didn't because we missed a couple of chances.“After that it was David, it was David! He is the number one. I have never seen something like this. It is something terrific, as you say.

“The only thing we can do is enjoy David and enjoy the attacking players we have because they are doing amazing work.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Mbappe can become the new Pele!' - Brazilian legend full of praise for PSG star


Three-time World Cup winner Pele has backed Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe to match his glittering career achievements.Pele is widely considered to be one of the game’s greatest ever players having burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old at the 1968 World Cup, helping Brazil win the tournament for the first time.

He would go on to win the World Cup again in 1962 and 1970, becoming the first player to win the tournament three times. He is also the all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil with 77 goals in 92 games.

At the domestic level, Pele won 25 major honours in an 18-year career with Santos, including six Brasileirao titles and two Copa Libertadores.Such sustained success still seems a long distance away for Mbappe who, at just 20, is still in the very infancy of his career.

However, there are already some similarities with his achievements so far and Pele’s early career.Like Pele, Mbappe is a teenage World Cup winner and already has a clutch of domestic titles to his name.

As a result the 78-year-old says comparisons between himself and the young forward are not unwarranted."He won the World Cup at nineteen, I was only seventeen,” Pele told France Football. “I teased him saying he had almost equalized.

“I think he can become the new Pele! Many people think I said that to laugh, but no, it's not a joke."Mbappe became Monaco's youngest-ever first-team player aged 16 years 347 days when he came on as a substitute against Caen in December 2015.

The Paris-born forward soon became a regular in the Monaco side the following season, helping the club win the 2016-17 Ligue 1 title aged just 18.

In March of that year Mbappe made his international debut for France as a second half substitute in a World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg aged 18 years, three months and five days. In doing so he became the second youngest player to feature for Les Bleus after Maryan Wisniewski in 1995.His upward career trajectory continued the following campaign with a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain, where he would go on to win the domestic treble.

But Mbappe’s domestic achievements would soon be put in the shade by his exploits in Russia last summer.He scored four goals as France won the World Cup for the second time as well as winning the tournament's Best Young Player award.

More silverware is likely to follow this season. He has scored 17 goals in 23 games so far to help PSG build up a 13-point lead at the top of Ligue 1 as well as progressing through to the last 16 of the Champions League.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rashford has ‘every attribute in his locker to thrive as a striker’ for Man Utd & England – Shearer


Marcus Rashford can be the “main man” for Manchester United and England, says Alan Shearer, with the 21-year-old showing he has “every attribute in his locker to thrive as a striker”.

An Old Trafford academy graduate has been denied the opportunity to showcase his talent in a central role since bursting onto the scene in that position under Louis van Gaal.He has been shifted out to the flanks for club and country, with Jose Mourinho struggling to bring the best out of an exciting talent.

A new lease of life is being enjoyed, though, under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Rashford recording his fourth goal in six games under United’s interim coach during a 1-0 victory over Tottenham.

Ex-England frontman Shearer believes that match-winning strike further highlighted the progress being made in a favoured role, telling The Sun: “Marcus Rashford is flying right now because he has a manager with complete belief in him for the first time.

“Nobody has ever doubted his ability but he has finally been set free under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - and it is great to watch.“Rashford is the main man at Manchester United now and has every attribute in his locker to thrive as a striker going forward.

“His movement is excellent and constantly improving, he has the pace to terrify any defence and his finishing has come on leaps and bounds.“It was a world-class pass from Paul Pogba to set him up [against Spurs] and the strike from Rashford shows just how confident he is right now.

“He is showing a calmness in front of goal now which we have not seen before, but that comes with experience.”

Shearer added on Rashford’s development to this point and the potential for further growth: “Jose Mourinho played him in different positions but there is a top striker in him and we are only going to see more evidence of that going forward.“He was thrust into the Manchester United team at a very young age when there were a lot of injuries at the club.

“It was like he was almost the last person to be called upon, which was unfair. He started great but then went quiet — that can happen to young players.“At just 21 he now needs to ensure he avoids the temptations of life and the world outside of football to carry on improving.

“It’s not that I am concerned he will fall for those trappings, but it can happen.
“If all of that can be curbed then Manchester United and England have a top, top centre-forward on their hands for many a year.”

Rashford has recorded three goals across six outings for his country this season, while his haul at club level has been taken to eight – with six of those efforts having come since December 8.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City 3 Wolves 0: Jesus double cuts Liverpool's lead

Gabriel Jesus scored a brace as Manchester City beat 10-man Wolves 3-0 at home to cut Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League back to four points.Jesus followed his five goals in two cup games last week with a first-half double as City recorded a fifth straight win in all competitions at the Etihad Stadium on Monday.

Wolves had Willy Boly sent off in between Jesus' goals, the centre-back dismissed for a lunge on Bernardo Silva although he got some of the ball, with Nuno Espirito Santo's side well beaten.


Conor Coady's late own goal completed the scoring on a particularly special occasion for David Silva, whose 267th Premier League game for City moves him above Joe Hart into top spot in the club's appearance list for the competition.

City led inside 10 minutes as Jesus continued his hot streak with his sixth goal of 2019.

Aymeric Laporte sent Leroy Sane sprinting in behind Matt Doherty and the rapid winger delivered a low left-wing cross that Jesus slid in to meet at the back post.Wolves' task was made greater in the 19th minute when Boly, who scored with his hand when the reverse fixture was drawn 1-1, saw red for a heavy challenge on Bernardo Silva.

And it was 2-0 before the break, Jesus doubling the City lead by sending Rui Patricio the wrong way from the penalty spot after Raheem Sterling was brought down by Ryan Bennett.

City had to wait for their third goal, substitute Kevin De Bruyne seeing his wicked ball into the box take a slight deflection off Wolves captain Coady with 12 minutes to go, but the message to leaders Liverpool was clear.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal keeper Cech reveals summer retirement plan after 20-year career


Petr Cech has announced that he will be retiring from professional football at the end of the season, with the Arsenal goalkeeper to bring an end of a 20-year career.The vastly-experienced keeper feels the time is right to walk away as he has "won every single trophy possible".

He will turn 37 shortly after the current Premier League campaign comes to a close and admits he continue to work hard for the Gunners, aiming to win a trophy in what is his final season.

Cech posted in a message on social media: "This is my 20th season as a professional player and it has been 20 years since I signed my first professional contract, so it feels like the right time to announce that I will retire at the end of this season."Having played 15 years in the Premier League, and won every single trophy possible, I feel like I have achieved everything I set out to achieve.

"I will continue to work hard at Arsenal and hopefully win one more trophy this season, then I am looking forward to seeing what life holds for me off the pitch."
Cech started his career on the books of home-town club Viktoria Plzen.It was, however, at Chmel Blsany that he would make his senior bow and begin to climb the professional ladder.

He was handed a debut at just 17 years of age and required a little over 12 months in which to secure himself a switch to Sparta Prague.Cech then made his international bow with the Czech Republic in 2002, as the first signs of interest from England began to emerge.His next stop was, however, to be France, with two seasons taken in with Rennes.

A Premier League transfer finally materialised in 2004, with a £7 million ($9m) deal agreed by Claudio Ranieri eventually benefitting Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.

A model of consistency throughout his time at Stamford Bridge, Cech would take in 494 appearances for the Blues and achieve four Premier League title triumphs, four FA Cup wins, three League Cup successes, a Champions League crown and Europa League glory.

He was eventually forced out of west London by the emergence of Thibaut Courtois, but made the short journey to Arsenal in 2015 in an effort to find a more regular role.

Another FA Cup win has been secured with the Gunners, along with 129 outings to date, but he has once again found himself falling behind other goalkeeping options.Bernd Leno is now the favoured choice between the sticks for Unai Emery, with Cech prepared to accept that his race is almost run.

There is still a chance that more major silverware will be secured before he bows out, with Arsenal still in the FA Cup and chasing down a potential appearance in the 2019 Europa League final which will be staged in Baku on May 29 – nine days after Cech turns 37.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pogba needs an arm around him, not Mourinho's tough love - Robson


Paul Pogba has “always need an arm around him”, says Bryan Robson, with the Manchester United midfielder finally getting the comfort he craves from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after bearing the brunt of Jose Mourinho’s “conflict”.

Two-and-a-half years working under the Portuguese coach saw an £89 million ($115m) signing struggle to deliver value for money at Old Trafford, with questions regularly asked of his attitude and contribution to the cause.A change in the dugout has, however, offered the World Cup-winning midfielder a clean slate and he is thriving under the guidance of a coach prepared to offer him freedom to express himself on and off the field.

Robson believes a more considered approach to managing a prized asset will continue to deliver rich rewards for United, with Solskjaer having shown how to coax the best out of an enigmatic talent.The former Red Devils captain told the Daily Mail: “Paul Pogba's resurgence shows that he always needed an arm around him.

“Conflict is never a good backdrop at any football club and it certainly wasn’t working for Paul under Jose Mourinho. Indeed, conflict wasn’t working for any of the players at Manchester United.“Paul had a large slice of it, but he wasn’t alone in taking the brunt and it was inevitable that the managerial change was made.

“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knew Paul from working as United’s reserve-team coach years ago and quickly identified that, for all the front and bravado, if you like, Paul needed an arm around him and reassurance that he was still valued.“As a result, Paul is looking like the world-class player we thought we’d signed from Juventus, and Manchester United are a better team.

Robson believes a more considered approach to managing a prized asset will continue to deliver rich rewards for United, with Solskjaer having shown how to coax the best out of an enigmatic talent.The former Red Devils captain told the Daily Mail: “Paul Pogba's resurgence shows that he always needed an arm around him.

“Conflict is never a good backdrop at any football club and it certainly wasn’t working for Paul under Jose Mourinho. Indeed, conflict wasn’t working for any of the players at Manchester United.“Paul had a large slice of it, but he wasn’t alone in taking the brunt and it was inevitable that the managerial change was made.

“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knew Paul from working as United’s reserve-team coach years ago and quickly identified that, for all the front and bravado, if you like, Paul needed an arm around him and reassurance that he was still valued.“As a result, Paul is looking like the world-class player we thought we’d signed from Juventus, and Manchester United are a better team.

“Ole’s knowledge of the person Paul is has helped make him feel loved again.“Some world-class players need that. It’s hard for others to understand that you can have all the adulation in the world but if you don’t have it from the people that matter around you, you don’t perform. Paul has that now and United look a different proposition for it.”

Pogba has recorded four goals in five appearances since Solskjaer inherited the United reins from Mourinho, with that contribution helping the new man at the helm to oversee a run of six successive victories across all competitions.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo broke my dreams many times but now he can help to fulfil them - Chiellini


Giorgio Chiellini admits he is relieved to be on the same side as Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, with the Portuguese having broken his dreams 'many times' in the past.A five-time Ballon d’Or winner proved to be a serious thorn in the Bianconeri’s side during his trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid.

He would regularly dash Juve’s European aspirations, with crucial – and often stunning – goals recorded in Champions League finals and various stages of the knockout rounds.

Ronaldo is, however, now chasing further titles in Turin, with Chiellini among those delighted to have the 33-year-old on board.He told BBC Sport: "Cristiano scored many, many, many times against us and he broke my dreams many times - in Cardiff, in Madrid, in Turin.

"Before, the Champions League was a dream. Now it is a target because Cristiano is the best player in the world and we need him to make the last step."It's the personality of Cristiano. He has fantastic skills in the field but out of the field, his attitude - how he works, how he prepares for the match, how he lives every day of his life - can help us. The team has changed.

"I think that we are one of the four or five teams who are favourites - Barcelona, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich. But also PSG and Atletico can reach the victory and we are so far away from the key matches still."

Chiellini also claims to still be learning from Ronaldo, despite being 34 years of age.The experienced defender said: "I was curious to see some particular attitude far from the field.

"His work in the gym, and his concentration, is something I try to take. He's helped me because I would like every day to improve myself."

Ronaldo is, however, now chasing further titles in Turin, with Chiellini among those delighted to have the 33-year-old on board.

He told BBC Sport: "Cristiano scored many, many, many times against us and he broke my dreams many times - in Cardiff, in Madrid, in Turin."Before, the Champions League was a dream. Now it is a target because Cristiano is the best player in the world and we need him to make the last step.

"It's the personality of Cristiano. He has fantastic skills in the field but out of the field, his attitude - how he works, how he prepares for the match, how he lives every day of his life - can help us. The team has changed.

"I think that we are one of the four or five teams who are favourites - Barcelona, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich. But also PSG and Atletico can reach the victory and we are so far away from the key matches still."

Chiellini also claims to still be learning from Ronaldo, despite being 34 years of age.The experienced defender said: "I was curious to see some particular attitude far from the field.

"His work in the gym, and his concentration, is something I try to take. He's helped me because I would like every day to improve myself."

Ronaldo is, however, now chasing further titles in Turin, with Chiellini among those delighted to have the 33-year-old on board.He told BBC Sport: "Cristiano scored many, many, many times against us and he broke my dreams many times - in Cardiff, in Madrid, in Turin."Before, the Champions League was a dream. Now it is a target because Cristiano is the best player in the world and we need him to make the last step.

"It's the personality of Cristiano. He has fantastic skills in the field but out of the field, his attitude - how he works, how he prepares for the match, how he lives every day of his life - can help us. The team has changed.

"I think that we are one of the four or five teams who are favourites - Barcelona, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich. But also PSG and Atletico can reach the victory and we are so far away from the key matches still."

Chiellini also claims to still be learning from Ronaldo, despite being 34 years of age.The experienced defender said: "I was curious to see some particular attitude far from the field.

"His work in the gym, and his concentration, is something I try to take. He's helped me because I would like every day to improve myself."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gattuso: Chelsea target Higuain has not asked to leave Milan


Gennaro Gattuso insists Gonzalo Higuain has not asked to leave AC Milan but would not feel let down if the striker did move elsewhere.

Higuain joined Milan on loan from Juventus in August for a fee of €18 million with an option to buy him outright at the end of the season.However, the move has not panned out as expected, with Higuain scoring only six times in 15 Serie A appearances for Gattuso's men.

He ended a run of nine games without a goal, which featured a missed penalty and a red card against Juve in November, last month but has been heavily linked with a reunion with Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea.There have been reports Higuain could be dropped for Wednesday's Supercoppa Italiana clash with Juve ahead of a move to Stamford Bridge.

But Gattuso told a media conference: "At this moment, I have to repeat the same words: there are many rumours, but Higuain is training well, working with everyone just fine and is at our disposal."We'll see tomorrow whether he plays or not. He has to decide what to do, how to resolve this issue, but right now he is training with great professionalism. We'll see."If he plays, it's because I see him in good shape and relaxed.

"I agree that after the missed penalty and red card against Juventus, something happened in his head."We'll see tomorrow. As I said, it's not easy for a coach to change the idea of a player, so I have to concentrate on putting out the best line-up for the situation and getting the best out of every player.

"I want to reiterate that Higuain has never told me he wants to leave. I am waiting for that."I am not upset. I too was a player for many years, I realise there are moments when we all see things differently and cannot judge how someone else thinks.

"If the glass is half-full or half-empty, it remains the same glass. We'll see what happens. I want to see this Supercoppa, I hope it is a great game for us, but I won't be upset or let down if he goes."

 

[Heisenberg]

'De Gea is the best in the world' - Man Utd keeper lauded by Young & Herrera


David de Gea is considered to be “the best goalkeeper in the world” by Manchester United team-mate Ashley Young, while Nemanja Matic believes he is “great” and Ander Herrera says a fellow Spaniard is “terrific”.Such lavish praise has been bestowed upon the Red Devils’ No. 1 following another match-winning performance against Tottenham.

Marcus Rashford may have netted the only goal of the game at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, but it was De Gea’s 11 saves at the opposite end of the field which wrapped up all three points.

It is not the first time that the 28-year-old has delivered such a showing for United and his obvious value to the collective cause is not lost on those around him.Young told reporters after witnessing a talismanic display which helped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to a sixth successive victory as Red Devils boss: “I think that is why he's No. 1 in the world. For me, he's the best goalkeeper in the world.

“He's obviously saved us at times, and I said to him after the game 'You could have caught the ball a couple of times!'. But he was blocking things with his feet, his hands, and, at times, I think with his head as well!”

Matic echoed those sentiments, with the Serbian midfielder saying: “He was great like always.“We said in the changing room this is normal for us when we see David playing like this.

“It is very important to have him. He gives us confidence. He's saved us many times. I think everyone did very well but for me, he was man-of-the-match.”

De Gea has been a model of consistency for United over recent years, with his exploits earning him a record-breaking haul of four Player of the Year awards.

Those in front of him have started to raise their standards of late, though, with the arrival of Solskjaer as interim manager having breathed new life into an underperforming squad.The likes of Rashford and Paul Pogba are now flourishing, with midfield dynamo Herrera eager to point out that it was not just De Gea who contributed to a priceless victory over Spurs.

He told MUTV: “Until the minute 60 we could have been winning 2-0, but we didn't because we missed a couple of chances.“After that it was David, it was David! He is the number one. I have never seen something like this. It is something terrific, as you say.

“The only thing we can do is enjoy David and enjoy the attacking players we have because they are doing amazing work.”

de geage metality eka hoda nathnum hariyata sellam karanne naa.team eke anith ewunugeth ee scene eka thiyenne.mourinho team eke confident wadi wena widiyata ee kale training kalanum pissu kelinne naa team eka.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spurs confirm Kane sidelined for at least six weeks with ankle injury


Tottenham have confirmed that Harry Kane will be out for at least six weeks following an ankle injury picked up in the weekend's 1-0 loss to Manchester United."Following preliminary assessments, we can confirm that Harry Kane has damaged ligaments in his left ankle, sustained during Sunday's match," a club statement read.

"He will continue to be monitored by our medical staff as he commences rehabilitation and is expected to return to training in early March."

After the United match, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino admitted he was "worried" about his star striker, who was forced off near the end of the game at Wembley.And Pochettino's fears have now been realised, as Kane appears set to miss a significant amount of the rest of the season.Spurs' defeat to United on Sunday was a significant blow to their title hopes with the club now in third place, nine points behind table-topping Liverpool.

And Kane's absence will be an arguably bigger hit to Pochettino's side, with the 25-year-old in the midst of another prolific campaign and Heung-min Son currently on international duty at the Asian Cup with South Korea.

Kane is the co-leader in Premier League goals this season with 14, tied with ​Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mohamed Salah atop the league's scoring chart.

Overall, Kane has 20 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions for Spurs this season.Kane is also likely to miss both legs of Tottenham's Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund.

The first leg of the tie will take place February 13 at Wembley, with the return leg set for March 5 at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

‘Man Utd have the firepower to rival anybody’ – Giggs sees spark back under Solskjaer


The firepower at Manchester United’s disposal “rivals any team within the Premier League”, claims Ryan Giggs, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having helped to rekindle the club’s spark.

The Red Devils stood accused of having deserted their attacking principles during Jose Mourinho’s time at the helm, with the Portuguese considered to favour a more defensive mindset.He paid the price for that approach with his job, with United having suffered a humbling tumble down the English top-flight table in 2018-19.

They have, however, looked back to their best since handing the reins to Solskjaer, with the treble-winning hero of the past having freed key men from their shackles.

He has overseen six successive victories, aided by a welcome return to form for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba, with minor tweaks having delivered rich rewards.United legend Giggs told Premier League Productions of the changes Solskjaer has made: "Well, reminding the players how good they are.

"It's little tweaks. It's like you see with golfers. Just a little tweak to the game that someone else on the outside might have seen."Ole's been to a few games before he took over. I was at a game next to him, and he was pointing out to me: 'Look at the full-backs, they're not high enough.' Things that we were used to, things that you associate with Man United teams.

"'OK you score two, we'll score three' and I think he's instilled that back into them that we need to score goals, we need to attack and if we're all higher up the pitch then it just poses the opposition that question.

"All of a sudden teams are going from, 'right it's Man United, we've got a chance today' to actually, 'oh yeah, we'll be defending, we'll be deeper'.

"With the front players that United have got, not only the starting players but the ones coming off the bench, you've seen [Alexis] Sanchez, you've seen [Romelu] Lukaku now having an impact. It rivals any team within the Premier League the firepower that United have got."United have plundered 17 goals across Solskjaer’s six games at the helm while conceding just three.

They are back to within six points of the Premier League’s top four and have more trophy chasing to come in the FA Cup and Champions League.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

‘Man Utd have the firepower to rival anybody’ – Giggs sees spark back under Solskjaer

Front / Mid nam hodai ath backline eka gana thamai sure ekak natthe​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp tipped by Liverpool legend to dip back into transfer market for Van Dijk partner


Liverpool “might be looking at bringing in a centre-back” during the summer transfer window, according to former Reds star John Aldridge.Jurgen Klopp has seen his defensive options decimated by injury this season, with squad depth at Anfield being tested to the full.

Promising academy graduates have been given senior bows of late, while the versatile Fabinho has been asked to drop back from a midfield berth to provide cover at centre-half.

The Brazilian is accustomed to filling such a role and has not looked out of place, but Aldridge still believes that a more suitable option will be sought at some stage to offer assistance to Virgil van Dijk and Co.

The former Reds striker told the Liverpool Echo on the back of a dogged 1-0 victory over Brighton: “Fabinho once again showed his versatility for Liverpool.“Hopefully he won't have to for much longer with the return of Joel Matip.

“He is likely to make his comeback at the weekend against Crystal Palace and Joe Gomez is on the mend, so I think Liverpool are over that defensive crisis they had, but Fabinho has helped out massively.

“This summer though, Klopp might be looking at bringing in a centre-back. Matip and Dejan Lovren pick up plenty of niggly knocks and and injuries, but Gomez is the one who has been extremely unlucky.

“I expect Matip to return to the defence at the weekend, but Fabinho deserves to keep his place somewhere in this team.”

Klopp has been talking up the qualities of a man acquired from Monaco last summer, with Liverpool benefitting from having acquired a player capable of filling various different positions.

The German tactician has said of Fabinho: "He is a brilliant player and I am happy that he can play [defence] - it's now pretty clear [that he can play in defence].

"It's not like it came one attack after the other from Brighton. We had the ball most of the time, so then it makes sense to have a good footballer in that position."I think Brighton tried a little bit to bring the long balls and [Glenn] Murray around him. That's what they did, by the way, against Joe Gomez in the home game as well.

"He did well in these situations and with the ball it's absolutely clear. He has a defending brain and can do it in different positions, it's good."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

de geage metality eka hoda nathnum hariyata sellam karanne naa.team eke anith ewunugeth ee scene eka thiyenne.mourinho team eke confident wadi wena widiyata ee kale training kalanum pissu kelinne naa team eka.

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[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona 3 Levante 0 (4-2 agg): Dembele at the double as Barca advance

Ousmane Dembele's brace and a second-half goal from Lionel Messi ensured Barcelona beat Levante 3-0 at Camp Nou, as they comfortably overturned a first-leg deficit to progress to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

Trailing 2-1 in the tie, Ernesto Valverde handed a start to Messi and he played a part in both of Dembele's goals before making sure of the aggregate victory by finding the net himself just after the break.

However, Levante president Quico Catalan had already said his club will challenge Barcelona's progression, with reports in Spain suggesting the LaLiga champions fielded an ineligible player in the previous meeting.


Defender Chumi featured in that game, even though he had been due to serve a suspension after picking up five bookings in the Segunda Division B, and Catalan told reporters prior to kick-off on Thursday that Levante would lodge an official complaint to the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
The selection of Messi, who did not feature in the first leg, was an indication of Barcelona's intent to progress, and the Argentinian twice came close to scoring in the opening 25 minutes, with goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez parrying away a free-kick before diverting another try wide with his foot.Yet Barca soon went ahead on aggregate as Dembele benefitted from two moments of good fortune to score twice in as many minutes.

First, the ball looped up off the Frenchman and went in following Erick Cabaco's desperate slide tackle, before Dembele's weak finish from a tight angle was helped in by Fernandez's foot to make it 2-0.Messi was then played in by Dembele only to see his effort from point-blank range denied by Fernandez, the keeper then thwarting Philippe Coutinho and Messi again before the break.

Barca's aggregate lead was only a solitary goal until Messi finally got on the scoresheet nine minutes into the second half.Dembele was involved as he threaded a superb pass through to Nelson Semedo, who squared the ball for Messi to slot past Fernandez for the home side's third.

A hat-trick eluded Dembele, though, as he fired just wide late on, while the woodwork denied Emmanuel Boateng scoring for Levante in stoppage time.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I belong to the top level of football' - Mourinho eyes big next job after Man Utd sacking


Jose Mourinho has signalled his intention to return to the "top level" of football management after being relieved of his duties at Manchester United at the end of 2018.

The Portuguese boss' two and a half year spell at Old Trafford ultimately ended in failure , with his side adrift of both Premier League pace-setters Liverpool and Manchester City and the race for Champions League qualification.

He had previously led the club to a second-placed finish in 2017-18 and wins in the Europa League and FA Cup, but United's awful league form this season and widespread reports of rifts with senior players saw him depart.

Mourinho's immediate future is still up in the air, with sporadic rumours linking him to clubs such as Real Madrid and Inter as well as the Portugal national team.But one thing is for certain: the 'Special One' has no intention of walking away from the game."I want to coach," he told BeIN Sports while commenting on the ongoing Asian Games.

"I am too young [to retire], I am in football for a long, long time but I will be 56 in a couple of weeks and am really too young."Where I am going to stay is where I belong, I belong to top football. I belong to top-level football and that is where I am going to be."

A prospective return to Madrid has divided Blancos fans, with some wary of welcoming back a manager who held a fractious relationship with certain players during his time at Santiago Bernabeu.

The failure to win a Champions League also hangs over Mourinho's head given the club's subsequent continental success, but he believes his tenure was a success."People sometimes forget because a Champions League is something worldwide," he explained.

"But we won the Spanish Cup and the league with a record 100 points, to make 100 points you need to win matches, a lot of matches, and the record for goals scored.

"When people tell a lie many times people think it's true, but you can tell a lie 1000 times and it is still a lie."With Real Madrid we have the record for goals scored in Spanish football."

Mourinho's immediate future is still up in the air, with sporadic rumours linking him to clubs such as Real Madrid and Inter as well as the Portugal national team.But one thing is for certain: the 'Special One' has no intention of walking away from the game."I want to coach," he told BeIN Sports while commenting on the ongoing Asian Games.

"I am too young [to retire], I am in football for a long, long time but I will be 56 in a couple of weeks and am really too young."Where I am going to stay is where I belong, I belong to top football. I belong to top-level football and that is where I am going to be."

A prospective return to Madrid has divided Blancos fans, with some wary of welcoming back a manager who held a fractious relationship with certain players during his time at Santiago Bernabeu.

The failure to win a Champions League also hangs over Mourinho's head given the club's subsequent continental success, but he believes his tenure was a success."People sometimes forget because a Champions League is something worldwide," he explained.

"But we won the Spanish Cup and the league with a record 100 points, to make 100 points you need to win matches, a lot of matches, and the record for goals scored."When people tell a lie many times people think it's true, but you can tell a lie 1000 times and it is still a lie."With Real Madrid we have the record for goals scored in Spanish football."

"I have to say Inter because we won everything. I have to be objective, respectful to them and say a team that won everything, from day one until the last day, won all the competitions," he added.

"They won the treble, they beat the best team in the world, Barcelona, 3-1, beat Bayern Munich in the final 2-0, won the league in Italy with a fantastic number of points, won the cup, won three finals in 10 days."I have to say they're the best team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: Finishing second with Man Utd one of my greatest achievements


Jose Mourinho has said finishing second in the Premier League with Manchester United was one of the best achievements of his career.The Portuguese steered the Red Devils to a runner-up position in the Premier League last term, losing out only to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, but he was then sacked in December last year after a disappointing start to the season.

United have shown perfect form since the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as caretaker manager though and the Norwegian seems to have added renewed energy to the squad, with Paul Pogba recently saying he was unhappy with negative tactics before Solskjaer's arrival.

But Mourinho has defended his reign, and told beIn sports: “I also think that sometimes we think what we see, but we don’t know what’s behind the scenes. And that influences what we see.

“I think that is a fundamental thing. If I tell you, for example, that I can see that one of the best jobs of my career was to finish second with Manchester United in the Premier League?“You say ‘this guy is crazy. He won 25 titles and he’s saying that second position was one of his best achievements in football’.

“I keep saying this because people don’t know what is going on behind the scenes.
“And sometimes we, on this side of the cameras, we analyse things with a different perspective.”Mourinho was often criticsed for his defensive style at United, but hit out at those who question his methods.

"It is very easy to play well and not win. It is very easy to be behind an idea of a certain football without results," he continued."And the people that win consistently - because you can win isolated and then disappear - the people that win consistently have a different idea about that.

"If you speak about Guardiola, about [Carlo] Ancelotti - about the ones where obviously I belong - that have a career of victories for long, long periods. Where are the young ones with a real impact in terms of results? Where are they?"

Mourinho was unhappy with the Reds' transfer policy last summer, and hit out at the club's inability to sign a centre-back during their pre-season tour in the USA.

United failed in attempts to lure Harry Maguire and Jerome Boateng to the club while a last-minute bid for Diego Godin never lead to anything.The Portuguese also criticised a number of players on his books, slamming Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and Jese Lingard for lacking maturity earlier this term.

Rashford has turned his form around since Solskjaer's arrival, and combined with Pogba for United's goal in their 1-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'He lets me express myself' - Martial hails Solskjaer influence at Man Utd


Anthony Martial hailed the positive impact Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had on his game at Manchester United, praising the caretaker manager for allowing him to express himself.

United have won all six fixtures since Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho and have played with an attacking freedom that was rarely evident during the Portuguese's tenure.

Martial has scored once and made one assist since Solskjaer's arrival, netting in the 5-1 demolition of Cardiff City in the Norwegian's first game.

Anthony Martial hailed the positive impact Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had on his game at Manchester United, praising the caretaker manager for allowing him to express himself.

United have won all six fixtures since Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho and have played with an attacking freedom that was rarely evident during the Portuguese's tenure.

Martial has scored once and made one assist since Solskjaer's arrival, netting in the 5-1 demolition of Cardiff City in the Norwegian's first game.

Anthony Martial hailed the positive impact Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had on his game at Manchester United, praising the caretaker manager for allowing him to express himself.

United have won all six fixtures since Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho and have played with an attacking freedom that was rarely evident during the Portuguese's tenure.

Martial has scored once and made one assist since Solskjaer's arrival, netting in the 5-1 demolition of Cardiff City in the Norwegian's first game.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea closing in on Higuain as agreement reached with Juventus


Chelsea have reached an agreement with Juventus over the January transfer of Gonzalo Higuain, Goal understands, with the Argentine's loan deal with AC Milan set to be cut short.

The deal will see the Blues handed an option to buy the striker outright for £32.5 million (€36m) upon the completion of a six-month loan, with a series of performance related bonuses being paid to Juventus on the basis of goals scored and appearances.

Higuain and Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri have been pushing for a reunion since the Italian took the reins at Stamford Bridge and it appears now that the pair will finally get their wish after talks between the Premier League side and the Serie A champions.

The 31-year-old was left on the bench for Milan's Supercoppa Italiana loss to Juventus on Wednesday evening in Saudi Arabia, with Rossoneri boss Gennaro Gattuso attributing a fever to the forward's absence from the starting eleven.

Higuain had earlier missed a photo opportunity to receive treatment as talks continued behind the scenes, Milan director Leonardo having stayed in Italy to work on the San Siro side's transfer matters - Genoa's Krzysztof Piatek is the club's main target to replace the outgoing Higuain.

But while the Argentine's move to London is all but finalised, the deal will be paused until Alvaro Morata's future is solidified, as talks over a move away from Chelsea continue.

Atletico Madrid remain at the head of the pack for the Spaniard's signature as Sevilla have pulled out of the race, but have yet to come to an agreement over the cost of a proposed loan arrangement, with an option to buy and wage contributions still being thrashed out.Chelsea are also looking to offload Michy Batshuayi – valued at £40m ($51m) – on a permanent basis, though the most interested party, Monaco, had been hoping only to secure the Belgian's services on loan.

Monaco have agreed a deal to take over Batshuayi's loan spell with Valencia , but his parent club are exploring their options and have offered the striker to a variety of clubs, with Everton interested in a move for the 25-year-old.The Toffees' valuation of Batshuayi falls well short of Chelsea's asking price, however, as the Merseyside club look to sign their man for around £18m ($23m).

Chelsea are also looking to sign a replacement for Cesc Fabregas, now at Monaco, and are locked in talks with Zenit for Leandro Paredes for what might be their only other incoming signing in January.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pochettino insists Tottenham can replace Kane from within squad


Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that his side don't need to look outside the squad to find a replacement for Harry Kane.

Spurs are reeling from the news that Kane will be out until at least early March with ankle ligament damage.The injury was tough to swallow for a side still chasing silverware in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Though Spurs have been tipped to enter the transfer market to find a replacement for the England striker, Pochettino has cautioned that no player on the market will be able to replace Kane.

“If we want to find a player similar to him I think we are going to make a mistake, because to find another Harry Kane is impossible — we are talking about the one of the best three, four, five best strikers in the world," Pochettino said

Despite lacking a clear second option at forward, the Argentine went on to say his side may not need to buy reinforcements at the position. “If we don’t sign players or we are not going to sign a striker, that is not going to be a gamble. It is not going to be a risk," Pochettino said.

“We have players that can cope when Harry Kane is not available."Tottenham's first chance to see how they cope without Kane will come on Saturday when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Among the options Pochettino is considering up top are academy duo Kazaiah Sterling and Troy Parrott, little-used backup Fernando Llorente, as well as midfielders Dele Alli and Erik Lamela.

“I was watching Barcelona, and the striker was Leo Messi," Pochettino said. "You can play Llorente, you can play Dele Alli, you can play Lamela, you can play Kaziah Sterling, Troy Parrett, I don’t know ... you can play many, many players.“It’s not that you have to play with one specific striker.”