..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

SPAL 2 AC Milan 3: Kessie brace not enough for Champions League place

AC Milan will spend a sixth season outside the Champions League despite completing their Serie A campaign with a Franck Kessie-inspired 3-2 win at SPAL on Sunday.

The Ivory Coast international scored twice after setting up Hakan Calhanoglu's opener but victories for Atalanta and Inter, who scored in the 81st minute to overcome Empoli 2-1, forced the Rossoneri to settle for fifth and a place in the Europa League.

It had appeared as though the visitors would leave Stadio Paolo Mazza without holding up their end of the bargain after Francesco Vicari and Mohamed Fares erased a two-goal deficit.


Kessie's 66th-minute penalty ensured that would not be the case, but Gennaro Gattuso enters the off-season on shaky ground.
Calhanoglu stung Emiliano Viviano's palms early on but gave the goalkeeper no chance with his next attempt, clinically picking out the bottom-left corner in the 18th minute.Having provided a measured pass from the right for the opener, Kessie used his left foot to lash the visitors into a two-goal lead five minutes later.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced off with a muscle injury between those well-taken strikes and his replacement Pepe Reina had to pick the ball out of the net in the 28th minute after Vicari flicked on Alessandro Murgi's free-kick with his head.

And the scores were level within eight minutes of the restart, Fares rising well to nod in Thiago Cionek's lofted cross.Cionek, however, offered the Rossoneri a chance to regain the lead by clumsily bundling over Krzysztof Piatek in the box.

Kessie made no mistake with the resultant penalty and, after the woodwork denied Sergio Floccari late on, Milan began looking for comfort in a 68-point haul, their best return since they last qualified for the Champions League in 2012-13.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sampdoria 2 Juventus 0: Allegri suffers late defeat in final game

Juventus failed to give Massimiliano Allegri a winning send-off as late goals from Gregoire Defrel and Gianluca Caprari secured a 2-0 win for Sampdoria on Sunday.

The Old Lady have made a habit of winning under Allegri during his five years in charge, lifting five successive league titles, though they fell short of those standards in Genoa and dropped points for a fifth Serie A game on the bounce.There was a distinct end-of-season feel to the majority of the first half, with excitement lacking and clear-cut chances at a premium.

Proceedings picked up at the start of the second period, with Juve going close three times and having a Moise Kean goal disallowed, but Sampdoria's more clinical finishing saw them claim victory.Defrel opened the scoring six minutes from time and Caprari's gorgeous free-kick allowed Samp to finish the season in style.

It took 34 minutes for the game to show signs of life, as Gaston Ramirez's cross picked out Serie A top-scorer Fabio Quagliarella and his acrobatic volley from a tight angle found the side-netting.

Juve responded and went even closer a few moments later, but Paulo Dybala could not bundle in from close range, with Jacopo Sala making a vital last-ditch intervention.The visitors played with greater intent at the start of the second half, with Kean shooting just wide from 12 yards and Dybala striking a volley agonisingly over shortly after the restart.

Kean thought he had broken the deadlock with 10 minutes to go when finding the net after latching on to a throughball, but it was disallowed for offside.And Sampdoria capitalised soon after, as Defrel found the bottom-left corner with a scuffed effort after linking with Manolo Gabbiadini.

Caprari wrapped things up at the end, firing his unstoppable free-kick into the top-right corner from 25 yards, bringing the curtain down on Allegri's decorated Juve spell.

 

[Arthur Curry]

Aston Villa 2 Derby County 1: Villa punish hapless defending to secure Premier League return


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congratz Aston Villa

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kane praises Pochettino's 'fantastic job' at Tottenham as striker insists he's fully fit for Champions League final


Harry Kane says Mauricio Pochettino has done "a fantastic job" at Tottenham, amid speculation linking the Argentine with a summer move to Juventus, as the forward insists he is fully fit for the Champions League final. Pochettino has been tipped to take the reins at Real Madrid and Manchester United previously this season but Juventus are the latest club to reportedly be after his services following Massimiliano Allegri's departure.

But the Argentine refused to be drawn on the links at a press conference on Monday, insisting it is embarrassing to talk about his future ahead of Saturday's clash with Liverpool.

Talisman Kane commented on the impact Pochettino has had in north London, though, and is also relishing the opportunity to play in a Champions League final.

"He’s been massive," the 25-year-old said. "Since he took over he’s had a plan to become one of the best teams in Europe and now we’re not far away from the biggest game in Europe and in our club’s history."He’s done a fantastic job, he’s a great manager. All the players want to fight and play and do everything for him.

"That’s the standards he’s set, you see the way the club is now, the training ground, the stadium, playing in Champions League finals, that was the plan and now it’s to win it, and step on and to go on to win more and more. It starts on Saturday."It’s a chance to make a statement in this club’s history and there’s no bigger stage to do that."

Kane has been fighting to recover from an ankle injury he sustained after a challenge from Manchester City's Fabian Delph on April 9 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.The forward has confirmed he is now training with the Spurs squad and believes he will be fit for the final in Madrid, as well as England's UEFA Nations League finals squad.

When asked what he had done to get fit for the final, Kane said: “This one, we’ve had a bit more time. From when it happened, we weren’t in the Champions League final at the time, but it was ‘OK, let’s prepare for if we do get to the Champions League’. The end of the season was going to be too soon to come back and we knew there was a three-week gap after that to give it more time. We didn’t do things as quick, took a bit of extra time before we went outside, just to let it heal a bit more, and since then most of things have been the same."The ankle feels good now, it feels strong, it did before I went back [to playing] anyway."The tackle that made it get injured again probably would have injured it even if it was 100 per cent.

Kane has been fighting to recover from an ankle injury he sustained after a challenge from Manchester City's Fabian Delph on April 9 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

The forward has confirmed he is now training with the Spurs squad and believes he will be fit for the final in Madrid, as well as England's UEFA Nations League finals squad. When asked what he had done to get fit for the final, Kane said: “This one, we’ve had a bit more time. From when it happened, we weren’t in the Champions League final at the time, but it was ‘OK, let’s prepare for if we do get to the Champions League’. The end of the season was going to be too soon to come back and we knew there was a three-week gap after that to give it more time. We didn’t do things as quick, took a bit of extra time before we went outside, just to let it heal a bit more, and since then most of things have been the same. "The ankle feels good now, it feels strong, it did before I went back [to playing] anyway.

"The tackle that made it get injured again probably would have injured it even if it was 100 per cent.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Perez: Ramos can't leave Madrid for CSL on free transfer


Florentino Perez insisted Sergio Ramos will not leave Real Madrid on a free transfer after confirming the club's captain is considering a move to the Chinese Super League (CSL).News emerged on Monday that Madrid star Ramos had reportedly requested permission to join a team in China after meeting with president Perez.

Goal can confirm that Ramos recently met with coach Zinedine Zidane and president Perez to express doubts over this future, but that there was reason to believe he could stay with the club.

The 33-year-old centre-back was believed to be close to joining Premier League giants Manchester United in 2015 before extending his Madrid contract, which now runs until 2021.Perez was asked about speculation over Ramos and the Madrid boss said he is not prepared to sanction a CSL deal that would see the defender leave on a free.

"They [Ramos and his advisors] came to see me in my office," Perez told Onda Cero's El Transistor."They mentioned that he might leave but without a transfer fee because transfer fees in China are very complicated.

"I told him that he can't leave and that we would be speaking to the Chinese club interested in signing him.

"They [Ramos and his advisors] came to see me in my office," Perez told Onda Cero's El Transistor."They mentioned that he might leave but without a transfer fee because transfer fees in China are very complicated."I told him that he can't leave and that we would be speaking to the Chinese club interested in signing him.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Koeman refuses to commit future to the Netherlands amid Barcelona rumours


Ronald Koeman refused to confirm he will stay on as Netherlands head coach, despite speculation linking him to Barcelona, as the Dutch national side prepares for the Nations League finals.The 56-year-old has been tipped to succeed under-fire Barca boss Ernesto Valverde , whose future has been called into question following the Spanish giants' disappointing end to the season.

A 4-0 second-leg loss to Liverpool ended Barcelona's Champions League hopes at the semi-final stage as they crashed out 4-3 on aggregate, and they suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to Valencia in last weekend's Copa del Rey final.

However, despite reports in the Spanish press that Koeman is being considered as a possible replacement for Valverde, the former Barca defender was unwilling to comment on matters beyond Netherlands' Nations League preparations."I think this is about the Dutch national team, so I would like to leave it at that," he said at Tuesday's news conference.

Asked if he was willing to give assurances that he will stay on as Oranje head coach, Koeman responded: "That would be very easy, but I will not."Koeman is preparing his side for the inaugural Nations League finals, with the Dutch taking on England in the semi-finals on June 6 – the day after hosts Portugal face Switzerland in the other last-four game.

Despite a gruelling campaign for the Ajax contingent in his squad, Koeman insists the Eredivisie winners' run to the semi-finals of the Champions League can only be considered a positive."It was great to watch the development of Ajax players this season," he said. "The success in Europe hasn't proved to be prohibitive for development. Many players have grown as a result.

"But by looking at how the guys have trained, you wouldn't have the idea that they're thinking that the season's over already. I don't see that they're struggling with a few more matches, or that they're tired."Unlike the other three sides left in the competition, the Dutch players had an extended break heading into the 2018-19 campaign after they failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia.

Koeman was appointed following that failed qualification campaign, replacing former Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat.

 

[Frosty]

europa league final ada ra neda. patalenawa me welwalnam

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'We all have ups and downs' - Reina offers backing to De Gea after end-of-season struggles


Former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has offered his support to David de Gea, insisting that he just needs to regain confidence to help him recover from his end-of-season struggles at Manchester United.De Gea is widely regarded as one of the world's top goalkeepers, although a series of uncharacteristic errors at the end of the 2018-19 season saw him thrust into the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

Mistakes were made against the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were dumped out of the Champions League and failed to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League table.

There has been speculation that De Gea, whose contract expires at Old Trafford in 2020, could be looking to leave in the summer, but Reina is sure he is prepared to bounce back after a testing last couple of months.

He told Goal: "In my time at Liverpool something similar happened to me, we all have ups and downs. David has been the best player at Manchester United over the last four years and that means they expect a lot from you."With the national team his level has also improved lately. De Gea is well prepared, he only needs the confidence."

Keylor Navas is another goalkeeper who has endured a difficult season, with the Costa Rica international having been heavily rotated at Real Madrid during the 2018-19 campaign.

The undisputed No.1 during Zinedine Zidane's first spell in charge of Los Blancos, Navas has had to move aside at times during the last season to make way for Thibaut Courtois, who joined from Chelsea in 2018.

Upon Zidane's return in March, Navas was even overlooked for the France legend's son, Luca, who had previously made just one first-team appearance for the Liga giants.And with there being suggestions that Navas will now be moved on in the summer, Reina thinks it has had a negative effect on the Madrid squad with the constant uncertainty over who will play in goal.

He said: "I am against rotations. In that position it is required to have the security of knowing that you are going to play and that you do not find out on Saturday in the pre-match talk."It is a security for us [as goalkeepers] and for those in front of you. We transmit more than meets the eye and that needs regularity."

Reina is currently back-up goalkeeper at AC Milan and he says he is enjoying helping out at the club, with one of his aims being to help develop No.1 and highly-rated Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma.

"I have two more years of my contract and I am happy," he added. "I am consistent and when I arrived I knew that they had Donnarumma, a young goalkeeper of great quality who is growing a lot."And humbly, I also feel responsible. It was also my task to help Gigi, not only as a goalkeeper but so that he became a man and had more and more structure off the field.

"Now he has exploded [showcasing his ability in Serie A]. In the meantime, I work to be ready when I'm needed. I still enjoy the day-to-day, and if the head is feeling well, the body follows."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Maguire responds to Man Utd & Man City transfer links


Harry Maguire has insisted he is concentrating on helping England amid speculation that he is being lined up by both Manchester clubs for a summer move.There have been suggestions that Pep Guardiola has designs on adding Maguire to his England contingent at the Etihad Stadium.

But the 27-year-old, who is also being linked to Manchester United for a second consecutive close season, insists such talk is not a distraction when he dons national-team colours.

"When I'm away with England I don't think about anything to do with club football," Maguire said."As soon as I wear this badge it's really important for myself to focus on England and nothing else."At the moment, nothing's going through my head in terms of club football. I'm fully focused on the games coming up."

And Maguire believes the serial winners from Manchester City in England's squad point the way to glory in the Nations League Finals.Gareth Southgate's side take on the Netherlands in their semi-final when the inaugural edition of UEFA's latest international tournament concludes in Portugal next week.

Maguire and his team-mates have been operating with reduced numbers as they prepare at England's St George's Park base, with seven of their colleagues set to be involved in Saturday's Champions League final between Tottenham and Liverpool.

Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley will join the group after Wednesday's Europa League final against Arsenal in Baku, although Raheem Sterling, Kyle Walker John Stones and Fabian Delph are all present and correct after sweeping the board domestically with Manchester City.And Leicester City defender Maguire feels having players who have recently tasted such success at club level can only benefit England as the 1966 World Cup winners go in search of a rare piece of silverware."It's been a long time since we've had a trophy. You want to be winners," he added.

"We've got a lot of winners in our team. You've seen with the Man City boys who've just turned up and won three trophies this year."We've got a lot of winning mentality in our team and hopefully we can transfer it to international football now."

When England face the Netherlands in Guimaraes, their opponents will be able to call upon arguably the two finest centre-backs in Europe right now.Maguire is full of admiration for both Liverpool's PFA Player of the Year Virgil van Dijk and Ajax sensation Matthijs de Ligt.

"They've both had excellent years," he added. "De Ligt has been a 19-year-old captain at Ajax and managed to get through to the Champions League semi-finals.He's a had a great year."And you've seen Van Dijk has been the standout performer in the Premier League. Liverpool have kept the most clean sheets.

"He's a top, top player and I'm sure all the defenders who are watching him will be learning from him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Everybody is ready to win it' - Mane sends message ahead of Champions League final


Sadio Mane says Liverpool are ready to right the wrongs of last year and bring the Champions League trophy back to Merseyside.

The Reds will head into Saturday’s final against Tottenham in Madrid as favourites, understandably given they finished 26 points ahead of Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the Premier League, beating the Londoners both home and away in the process.

Liverpool, of course, suffered heartache in Kiev 12 months ago, beaten 3-1 by Real Madrid on a night best remembered for Loris Karius’ errors, Mohamed Salah’s injury and Gareth Bale’s magic.

Mane scored that night, and has followed that up with a superb campaign this time around.

And speaking at Liverpool’s media day at Melwood ahead of the final, the Senegal star had a message for those who doubt his side.“Everybody’s ready,” he said. “Especially you guys [the media]! I hope you are Liverpool fans! Everybody’s ready to win.

“Yeah, of course [last season’s experience] will help with this one because we wanted to win it and it was not the case. That’s part of football. At the same time I think it’s positive because many people, even you, didn’t expect us to play this final. We did it [and] I think we learned a lot from this.“Now we can use our experience this season to get what we want.”

Mane was in relaxed mood as he and his team-mates faced questions from a raft of media organisations on Tuesday.He smiled when asked by one Spanish reporter about persistent rumours linking him with Real Madrid.

“Always this is part of football so we have to deal with it,” he said. “But for me the most important thing is Liverpool and I’m happy here. “I’m preparing for one of the biggest games for the club and the fans and the players as well so let’s focus on this one first and win it.

“It’s always a pleasure that this kind of team wants you but don’t forget Liverpool. They are a big team as well. They beat big teams!”With the exception of Naby Keita, who is ruled out with a groin injury, Liverpool should have a full squad to choose from in Madrid. Roberto Firmino trained away from the main group on Tuesday but is expected to be fit to start against Spurs.

It has been three weeks since either side played a competitive game, though Liverpool did beat Benfica’s B team in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Marbella on Saturday, and Mane believes the break will not be an issue.“It refreshed everyone,” he said. “We would have loved to have kept going straight but that is not the case and we understand how this goes in football with different competitions.

“But we know how to deal with this kind of situation now. We had a few weeks to prepare the game and we are fresh again and go there with fresh legs.”He added: “I think it’s just incredible and I’m so positive. We know we have targets - we want to win the league and the Champions League. We didn’t win the league but we still have one trophy to play for so we are going to try to give everything to win it.

“Hopefully we are going to win it.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Europa League Final 2019.05.29

UEFA Europa League Final 2019.05.29

Chelsea Vs Arsenal

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[Wolverine GTR]

europa league final ada ra neda. patalenawa me welwalnam

Ow bro.Ape welawen heta(30th May) 12.30AM​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea 4 Arsenal 1: Hazard strikes twice as Sarri celebrates

Eden Hazard's brace helped Maurizio Sarri claim his first major trophy as Chelsea crushed Arsenal 4-1 in the Europa League final in Baku on Wednesday.

In perhaps his final appearance before a mooted move to Real Madrid, star man Hazard struck two second half goals to confirm Chelsea's second triumph in six seasons in this competition.Olivier Giroud sparked the landslide against his former employers in the 49th minute before Pedro put a second past retiring Gunners goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Alex Iwobi pulled one back in between Hazard's double but Arsenal faded horribly after half-time and, having finished fifth in the Premier League, are now consigned to another season outside the Champions League.
Kepa Arrizabalaga exuded nerves early with a poor punch and was fortunate that referee Gianluca Rocchi overlooked a slight touch on Alexandre Lacazette when the forward went to ground in the 18th minute.Cech, Chelsea's keeper in their 2013 success, appeared a picture of calm at the other end.The 37-year-old parried an Emerson Palmieri shot and then brilliantly clawed away Giroud's angled effort.

He could do little to stop the striker a second time, however, with World Cup winner Giroud stooping to nod in Emerson's cross from the left.Arsenal's encouraging start had fallen apart and Hazard teed up Pedro to slide in Chelsea's second with an hour played, before Ainsley Maitland-Niles bundled into Giroud's back.

Chelsea's talismanic Belgian made no mistake from the resultant spot-kick, although substitute Iwobi momentarily give Unai Emery's men a glimmer of hope courtesy of a thunderous volley.But the ex-Sevilla coach's bid for a fourth Europa League crown was shattered within three minutes, Hazard capping off a classy combination with the tournament's top scorer Giroud to complete the humiliation.

Kepa Arrizabalaga exuded nerves early with a poor punch and was fortunate that referee Gianluca Rocchi overlooked a slight touch on Alexandre Lacazette when the forward went to ground in the 18th minute.Cech, Chelsea's keeper in their 2013 success, appeared a picture of calm at the other end.

The 37-year-old parried an Emerson Palmieri shot and then brilliantly clawed away Giroud's angled effort.He could do little to stop the striker a second time, however, with World Cup winner Giroud stooping to nod in Emerson's cross from the left.

Arsenal's encouraging start had fallen apart and Hazard teed up Pedro to slide in Chelsea's second with an hour played, before Ainsley Maitland-Niles bundled into Giroud's back.Chelsea's talismanic Belgian made no mistake from the resultant spot-kick, although substitute Iwobi momentarily give Unai Emery's men a glimmer of hope courtesy of a thunderous volley.

But the ex-Sevilla coach's bid for a fourth Europa League crown was shattered within three minutes, Hazard capping off a classy combination with the tournament's top scorer Giroud to complete the humiliation.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Chelsea!

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[Wolverine GTR]

'I am a Madridista' - Ramos announces Real Madrid stay after China offer


Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has announced he intends to stay with the club next season, despite receiving an offer from China.The 33-year-old centre-back's future has come into question in recent weeks, with reports suggesting he might be on his way out of the club where he has spent the last 14 seasons.

And it was those reports which prompted Ramos into action, with the defender calling a press conference on Thursday to announce his desire to remain in the Spanish capital.

"I am Madridista. I want to retire here," Ramos told reporters. "I don't want the fans to be left in any doubt."There has been too much speculation about my future and I wanted to reiterate my commitment to the club."

When asked about his bond with club president Florentino Perez, he added: "My relationship with the president is similar to that of a father and son." The announcement comes amid talk of a lucrative summer move to China, and while Ramos admitted he has received an offer from the far East, he was quick to address his situation.

"There is an offer from China," he confirmed, "and If I didn't feel wanted (at Real Madrid) then it's an alternative."But at present my deal is with Real Madrid and my plan is to see out my contract."The Ajax game created a great deal of tension that's true and it was a time for us to reset things."It's important that I feel wanted here at the club - by the fans, team-mates and, of course, the president."

After underlining his commitment to Real, Ramos said he wanted to speak publicly "so we can all enjoy the summer and ensure that my name is not in the headlines.

"I get annoyed to see stories circulating that are not true and that was the motivation for calling the press conference."It's wrong that people feel when these situations arise with me and the club that it's to do with money."

Earlier this week, Perez said the Spanish international would not be leaving the Bernabeu on a free transfer in the wake of a prospective a move to the Chinese Super League (CSL).Ramos addressed those comments by saying: "I held a private meeting with the president, where I informed him of the offer from China.

"This was a private conversation that has been leaked, and the result is the specualtion we've seen over the past few days. Once again, this was my motivation in holding this press conference."The defender conceded he might be subject of boos by the Madrid faithful, but acknowledged it can happen to anyone.

"The fans whistle as they want a reaction from the players," Ramos said. "I've had it . Even Cristiano was whistled. Sometimes things don't work out as we hope in the game of football."He did not, however, rule out the prospect of leaving Spain at some point over the next few seasons but did say he would not ever want to face Madrid as an opponent.

"My intention is to construct a new Real Madrid with the president and start to look to the future."I still have the physical strength to play for the club. How long will this last? I don't know ... two, four, six years."When the time comes to move on I'll do so but in a place where I never have to face Real Madrid."

Despite the current offer from China, Madrid is not entirely certain he would play there, elsewhere, or just hang it up when his Madrid days are over."I'm not sure if I'd consider China as a future destination."I've always felt a warm welcome there, but I really don't know if two or four years from now I'll go to China, the United States or if I'll stay as a coach."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Azpilicueta: I hope Hazard wins trophies with Real Madrid


Cesar Azpilicueta hopes that Eden Hazard continues to win trophies when he seals an expected move to Real Madrid.

The Belgian superstar, who scored twice and claimed an assist in Wednesday’s 4-1 Europa League final win over Arsenal, admitted after the game that it is probably his last match for the club.Chelsea are asking for around €130 million (£112m/$145m) from Madrid for the 28-year-old forward, although there is yet to be an agreement between both clubs.

However, it is still expected that Hazard will get his desired move to Santiago Bernabeu and Azpilicueta thinks that the former Lille man has handled himself brilliantly all season.

"It would be very sad [if he leaves]," Azpilicueta said. "He is an amazing person, an amazing player. He has been a very important part of our team. A very good friend of mine, very close."We arrived here seven years ago together from France and you know if that moment comes [Hazard leaving], obviously I will be very sad.

“Honestly, the times that he had to cope with the rumours [was tough]. He always showed his desire not to sign for an English team, even if he could have better contract offers."He has never been a selfish person. He always had this dream to play for Real Madrid and we will see what happens. But I think he has been very honest until the last day.

“That's why the fans love him because he didn't play with the club, he didn't move for another contract. He just always gives his best.“He was very clear with the club and that's why the club is also happy with him. Obviously, it is a big opportunity for him. He has been amazing for us and I hope he still wins trophies at Real Madrid."

The move would see Hazard get the chance to play under his idol Zinedine Zidane and the forward has significant leverage over his club with only one year remaining on his contract in west London.

Wednesday's European success is a big moment for Azpilicueta, who is likely to take over as club captain with Gary Cahill set to leave in the summer.Azpilicueta called on Cahill to lift the trophy with him after the match in Baku and he is thankful to once again win the Europa League - the first trophy he secured as a Blues player back in 2013.

"It is a proud moment," he added. "I am very happy with the performance from the team tonight. We showed great character and in the end, we got the trophy."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

‘Maguire can be Man Utd’s Kompany or Adams’ – Sheringham urges Leicester raid


Manchester United have been urged to rekindle their interest in Harry Maguire, with Teddy Sheringham claiming the Leicester defender could be their version of Vincent Kompany or Tony Adams.

The Red Devils have long been linked with an England international on the books of a Premier League rival.Jose Mourinho was said to be keen on doing a deal in the summer of 2018, but saw his final transfer window at Old Trafford close with no additions made at centre-half.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to address those supposed frailties 12 months on, with United considered to be in need of “leadership”.Sheringham believes Maguire would be a shrewd addition, with the 26-year-old boasting similar qualities to iconic former captains of Manchester City and Arsenal.

“Central defence is a big area where they need to find a Vincent Kompany or Tony Adams-type player,” former United striker Sheringham told The Mirror.“I think Harry Maguire is the one for me. He’s got great leadership qualities, and has a real calming influence.

“He’s very similar to Rio Ferdinand, in that he’s cool on the ball and defends very well. That would be a fine start from my point of view.“Top players like Harry are going to have the choice of some big, big clubs around Europe this summer.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to address those supposed frailties 12 months on, with United considered to be in need of “leadership”.Sheringham believes Maguire would be a shrewd addition, with the 26-year-old boasting similar qualities to iconic former captains of Manchester City and Arsenal.

“Central defence is a big area where they need to find a Vincent Kompany or Tony Adams-type player,” former United striker Sheringham told The Mirror.“I think Harry Maguire is the one for me. He’s got great leadership qualities, and has a real calming influence.

“He’s very similar to Rio Ferdinand, in that he’s cool on the ball and defends very well. That would be a fine start from my point of view.“Top players like Harry are going to have the choice of some big, big clubs around Europe this summer.”

“Over the last 20 or 30 years, if a British team does well in the league or in Europe, there’s always a core of British players involved.”While talk of a big-money move continues to swirl around Maguire, he has been doing his best to curb the rumours.

He is currently away with England on Nations League Finals duty and has said of the speculation surrounding his future: “At the moment, nothing's going through my head in terms of club football. I'm fully focused on the games coming up.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus-linked Sarri 'wants to stay' at Chelsea after Europa League triumph


Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has responded to links with Juventus by expressing his desire to stay at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian lifted his first trophy with the Blues in a 4-1 demolition of Arsenal in Wednesday's Europa League final.Eden Hazard led the way with a double, with tournament top scorer Olivier Giroud and Pedro also pitching in to take the honour in the London derby in Baku.

It has not all been plain sailing for Sarri in his first season in English football, which has included plenty of barracking from the stands and rumours of his dismissal at the end of the current campaign.

Massimiliano Allegri's Juventus exit, moreover, has heightened speculation that the former Napoli coach might be ready for a return to Serie A just 12 months after leaving.But Sarri insists that he is keen to continue in the Premier League, pointing out that his Chelsea deal still has plenty of time left on it.

"I still have two years of contract," he remarked to RMC following the final whistle in Azerbaijan. "After that we'll see, what we can improve and if the conditions are there to continue. I want to stay yes, because the Premier League is the biggest league and I am happy here."

One man who looks almost certain to seek new climes is Hazard, who effectively bade farewell to Blues fans after getting his hands on the Europa League trophy.And Sarri had warm words for his Belgian star, who is expected to line up with Real Madrid in 2019-20 onwards.

"Hazard is a special lad who is also extraordinary," he said of his final hero."The first half was hard for us, it was our 64th game of the season, we had to put a lot of heart in. “We had to win, and the players were very good. The second period was better, and it was entertaining for the spectators."

Chelsea have been linked with a number of managerial candidates in recent weeks as Sarri’s future has come into question, but the Italian has maintained that he has matched the goals of the club and that his desire is to stay put in England.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale must consider Man Utd move as he won’t win Real Madrid war – Sheringham


Gareth Bale needs to consider a move to Manchester United, says Teddy Sheringham, as he is not going to win his “war” with Real Madrid that sees him putting financial gain before professional ambition.

A move away from the Santiago Bernabeu for the Wales international has been mooted for some time.Transfer talk has surfaced again heading towards the summer window of 2019, with the 29-year-old having fallen out of favour in Spain under the guidance of Zinedine Zidane.

Gareth Bale needs to consider a move to Manchester United, says Teddy Sheringham, as he is not going to win his “war” with Real Madrid that sees him putting financial gain before professional ambition.

A move away from the Santiago Bernabeu for the Wales international has been mooted for some time.Transfer talk has surfaced again heading towards the summer window of 2019, with the 29-year-old having fallen out of favour in Spain under the guidance of Zinedine Zidane.

“I think he would be a good acquisition for any of the top clubs in England and I think they will all be after him because he's a game-changer.”Bale has spent six years in Madrid, winning the Liga title and four Champions League crowns.

He has also passed the 100-goal mark for the Blancos, but has struggled for form and fitness at times to become a scapegoat for many and spark the inevitable exit rumours.

 

[Frosty]

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