..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Higuain will play at left back, jokes Mourinho

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has sarcastically stated that the current injury crisis could see Gonzalo Higuain deployed as a makeshift left back Mallorca on Sunday.

The 49-year-old has been forced to make do without key names in defense of late, with Marcelo and Fabio Coentrao both struggling with foot and muscle injuries respectively.

"Tomorrow the left back will be Higuain. He is fast, strong, he crosses well with his left foot and he scores goals," he snapped when pressed on how his team would line up at a press conference.

The Portuguese went on to warn his troops that underestimating their opponents could prove costly, and confirmed that Sergio Ramos was fit to take up his place at the back.

"It is going to be a complicated match. Mallorca is a good team. They have a great coach, and their stadium is a difficult place to visit. We have to try and come home with the three points, but it is clear that it is going to be a very difficult game.

"Ramos is alright and can play. He is a player who thinks of the team and has made himself available because he knows that the team has problems at the back. He and Pepe are very good, while [Ricardo] Carvalho is working well."

The former Inter boss went on to appraise Luka Modric's efforts to fit in following his big-money move from Tottenham in the summer, and claimed he was not worried about his strike force's lack of form this season.

"I am happy with Modric's development whether or not he plays tomorrow. We signed him for his versatility, and whenever he has played he has performed well. I trust him more and more.

"Higuain and [Karim] Benzema are two good players, and the fact that they have more or less goals does not bother me, because they will get to the end of the season with more or less the same numbers as last season."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Scholes anticipating 'massive' week for Manchester United

Paul Scholes has underlined the importance of his side’s next three fixtures, with Manchester United set to face Chelsea twice in four days before the visit of Arsenal on Nov. 3.


The Red Devils can close the gap between themselves and Roberto Di Matteo’s side in the Premier League table to just point with a victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, before returning on Wednesday for a League Cup fourth-round tie.

Scholes has recognized United’s below-par record against Chelsea in recent years, and complimented the team’s change in direction through the use of "smaller, better footballers", but remains hopeful of victory.

"We've got three massive games really in a week," Scholes told MUTV. "Obviously Chelsea twice and then Arsenal at home. Sunday is a big one. We've not got a brilliant record at Chelsea over the last few years and it's something we hope we can change.

"We watched them against Tottenham last week. They've signed a different type of player to a couple of years back when you were looking at a big, powerful team. Now they've signed smaller, better footballers who are difficult to play against. We know each of them is capable of creating chances and scoring goals themselves."

Despite the challenges involved, Scholes is looking forward to playing against Chelsea because of the atmosphere involved in the game.

"They're a good team to play against because they like to play football and you always get a fair share of the ball there and a fair share of the chances," he said. "There's always a good atmosphere and we want to change the results we've had over the years there."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Next 7 days nam Pattama games tikak Thiyana week 1kak Manchester United lataChelsea 2 times meet wenawa & Arsenal

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Heynckes: Bayern must keep its feet on the ground

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has warned his side that claiming victory will be a tough task when it hosts Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on Sunday.

The Bavarians sit pretty at the top of the Bundesliga, crucially nine point clear of current champion Borussia Dortmund, having amassed eight wins on the trot. However, the 67-year-old has warned his team not to underestimate its opponent, which is in a good run of their own of late.

"They are in very good shape at the moment," he commented at a press conference. "They play flowing, attractive football and they are very skilful.

"We would be well-advised to keep our feet on the ground, approach it professionally, and not rely on statistics. Instead, we should carry on doing what we've been doing in the league so far."

Club captain Philipp Lahm echoed his coach's thoughts regarding the upcoming encounter, maintaining his teammates would have to be on their toes when entertaining the Werkself.

"From the start, we must be wide awake," he insisted. "Leverkusen are a dangerous team. "However, if we impose our authority on the game, there can only be one winner, and that will be us."

The trio of Franck Ribery, Daniel Van Buyten and Javi Martinez will be absent for the home side, which has been boosted by the return of Arjen Robben.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League 2012.10.28 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2012.10.28 Fixtures

Everton Vs Liverpool

Newcastle United Vs WBA

Southampton Vs Tottenham

Chelsea Vs Manchester United

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[Wolverine GTR]

 

[Wolverine GTR]

La Liga 2012.10.28 Fixtures

La Liga 2012.10.28 Fixtures


Real Zaragoza Sevilla

Levante Vs Granada

Athletic Bilbao Vs Getafe

Atletico Madrid Vs Osasuna

Mallorca Vs Real Madrid


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[Wolverine GTR]

Serie A 2012.10.28 Fixtures

Serie A 2012.10.28 Fixtures


Catania Vs Juventus

Bologna Vs Inter

Fiorentina Vs Lazio

Sampdoria Vs Cagliari

Torino Vs Parma

Pescara Vs Atalanta

Roma Vs Udinese

Napoli Vs Chievo​

 

[Banks PLK]

Manchester City have appointed Txiki Begiristain as their director of football as part of new £250 million (Dh1.47 billion) investment to establish themselves as the foremost recruiters and developers of talent in world football.


The former Barcelona technical director will oversee all organisational matters for City's first team, including a restructure of player recruitment.

The division of Marwood's responsibilities and top-to-bottom restructure of City's football operations has been implemented by new chief executive Ferran Soriano.
Also a well-regarded former Barcelona executive, Soriano has been charged by City with doubling the club's annual income and guiding the club to the summit of the European game.
Begiristain, who will take charge of contract negotiations for the first team and liaising with head coach Roberto Mancini, has already begun work on an expansion of City's scouting network.

​

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[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City have appointed Txiki Begiristain as their director of football as part of new £250 million (Dh1.47 billion) investment to establish themselves as the foremost recruiters and developers of talent in world football.


The former Barcelona technical director will oversee all organisational matters for City's first team, including a restructure of player recruitment.

The division of Marwood's responsibilities and top-to-bottom restructure of City's football operations has been implemented by new chief executive Ferran Soriano.
Also a well-regarded former Barcelona executive, Soriano has been charged by City with doubling the club's annual income and guiding the club to the summit of the European game.
Begiristain, who will take charge of contract negotiations for the first team and liaising with head coach Roberto Mancini, has already begun work on an expansion of City's scouting network.​

Hi bro kalekata passe dakke

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern Munich 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen: Late own-goal end Bavarians' winning streak

Bayern Munich saw its run of eight straight Bundesliga wins come to an end when Jerome Boateng's own goal cost the club a 2-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on Sunday.

Stefan Kiessling got a breakaway goal for the visitors just before halftime, but Mario Mandzukic equalized for the dominant hosts with 12 minutes left to play. However, with die Roten pressing for a winner, Sidney Sam's header was diverted past Manuel Neuer by the unlucky Boateng.

The Bavarians were the ones to start the game on top. Within two minutes of kickoff, Toni Kroos sprayed a ball to Thomas Muller on the right wing, and the Germany winger wasted no time in sending in a crisp cross that Bastian Schweinsteiger tried, in vain, to divert into the net.

Soon after, David Alaba picked out Schweinsteiger, who found himself crowded out by Stefan Reinartz before he could get away a shot, before the Bayern vice-captain sent in a cross to Muller, who headed wide.

Holger Badstuber was the next player to centre the ball, and Mario Mandzukic forced a great reaction save from Bernd Leno, who got down well to parry it, and Alaba was inches away from diverting the ball into the net.

The early Bayern Munich wastefulness came back to haunt them. Leverkusen counterattacked superbly, and Simon Rolfes released Andre Schurrle, who pulled it across the face of goal for Kiessling, who tapped home.

After the halftime break, Bayern needed to take back the impetus. Heynckes introduced Xherdan Shaqiri in the place of Holger Badstuber, and the Swiss youngster almost made an immediate impact, picking out Kroos, who sent a shot wide via a deflection.

Shaqiri came close to grabbing an equalizer soon after with a 25-yard effort that Leno did well to parry, before the former Basel man picked up a booking for a cynical dive in the area which was rightly punished.

Time was running out for the Bavarians to get back into the match, and Leverkusen's stern defense showed no signs of subsiding, until the 77th minute. Claudio Pizarro, fresh on as a substitute, played in Mandzukic, who headed into the net with Leno stranded.

Within seconds, they were within inches of turning the game on its head entirely. Pizarro drove a cross-shot across the face of goal, it struck the bewildered Mandzukic, and bounced agonisingly off the post.

The hosts pressed for a winner, but four minutes from time, they were left reeling when Sam's header hit off Boateng for the decisive moment, as Leverkusen claimed its first away win at Bayern in more than 20 years.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Newcastle 2-1 West Brom: Cisse nets priceless stoppage-time winner

A stoppage-time winner from Papiss Cisse saw Newcastle United take all three points in a 2-1 victory against West Brom at St James' Park.

Newcastle top scorer Demba Ba opened the scoring with a 34th minute volley, but Albion hit back through the impressive Romelu Lukaku, whose 55th-minute header looked to have ensured that the Baggies take a share of the spoils. Second-half substitute Cisse stole the points though, deflecting a Sammy Ameobi effort past Ben Foster for the win.

Alan Pardew made nine changes from Thursday night’s 1-0 win over Club Bruge in the Europa League, with only James Perch and Davide Santon starting successively. West Brom made three changes to the side that narrowly lost at home to Champions Manchester City last weekend. Steve Clarke brought in Zoltan Gera, Peter Odemwingie and more surprisingly, Lukaku, who started in place of top scorer Shane Long who was dropped to the bench.

Ba opened the scoring with his seventh league goal of the season. Tim Krul’s Route 1 approach worked perfectly. His lump up field was flicked on by Ameobi and after a poor attempt at a clearing header from Jonas Olsson, Ba spun round the Swedish international and pounced to volley home.

The goal woke up the visitors, and Lukaku should have equalized five minutes later. Youssouf Mulumbu played a superb through ball, splitting the Newcastle backline and Albion’s front man saw another left footed effort in the box saved by Krul.

On 55 minutes, though, the tireless Lukaku finally got his goal and leveled the game. After some excellent hold up play by the Belgian striker, he picked out Gera on the left-hand side. Lukaku then converted Gera’s superb cross, his strong header finally beating the impressive Krul.

The game seemed destined for a draw after Cisse missed the chance to convert a late header after some good work from Obertan down the right hand side.

There was still time for some late drama in the Northeast though. After some good advantage play from referee Chris Foy, Sammy Ameobi smashed a 25-yard effort toward goal. With the ball heading wide of the target it deflected off Cisse, whose touch took it away from Foster and into the net to claim his first Premier League goal of the season and steal the win.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Southampton 1-2 Tottenham: Bale and Dempsey send Spurs fourth

Gareth Bale marked his return to Southampton with a goal as Spurs edged to an ultimately nervy win at St Mary’s.

The Welshman who left Saints in 2007 powered home a 15th minute header to open the scoring, before Clint Dempsey added a second before halftime with Spurs dominant in all areas against an insipid Southampton outfit.

Although Jay Rodriguez set up an enthralling final 20 minutes having smashed home from a tight angle, Andre Villas Boas’s side closed out the win to take it back into the top four.

Southampton boss Nigel Adkins made two changes to the side hammered by West Ham last week, with striker Rickie Lambert and midfielder Daniel Fox coming in for Guly Do Prado and Jos Hooiveld.

For Spurs, Bale returned to his former club for the first time since his 2007 departure, replacing Gylfi Sigurdsson in Andre Villas-Boas’s midfield.

Spurs have been on a tremendous run of form of late and started in a sprightly manner, fashioning the game’s first clear opening after only 13 minutes.

Having started to exert their authority in midfield, a lovely interchange of passes sent Kyle Walker free down the right flank but his pull back was slammed wide by Defoe from six yards.

Southampton failed to heed the early warning signs. Failure to pressure the ball proved the club's undoing when Tom Huddlestone was afforded the space to pick out Bale with a sumptuous delivery and the Welshman powered a downward header past Boruc and into the far corner of the net.

Defoe has been in sparkling form this season, but his radar seemed to be out of range on the south coast after he collected another Walker pull back on the edge of the area, before smashing an uncontrolled effort well over.

But the England striker was involved when Tottenham deservedly doubled the lead, six minutes before the break.

Aaron Lennon slipped Defoe in behind a static Saints defense and although his shot was valiantly cleared off the line by Jose Fonte, Dempsey was on hand to smash in the rebound from three yards.

The second half started in a similar vein, with Defoe managing to sky a first-time shot so high it hit the St Mary’s scoreboard after more incisive build-up play from Spurs.

Despite further Spurs dominance, Southampton started to edge back into the game and Maye Yoshida should have done better than to head wide after Brad Friedel had missed a cross.

From the resulting corner though, Rodriguez smashed home from an angle to cut the deficit and set up a pulsating final 20 minutes.

The former Burnley striker would have been disappointed not to have grabbed an equalizer moments later, driving a left-footed effort wide after the ball had fallen to him following more hesitancy in the Spurs defense.

The Saints onslaught continued as Lambert’s close-range effort was well blocked behind by William Gallas, with the St Mary’s crowd becoming more vociferous by the minute.

Despite another late surge, Spurs rode out the storm to propel themselves back into fourth, while Southampton will be left to rue missed opportunities as it continues to languish in the bottom three.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bologna 1-3 Inter: Nerazzurri make it five wins in a row

Inter stretched is Serie A winning run to five matches as the club showed its clinical side to beat Bologna 3-1 and move above Napoli and Lazio into second in the table.

Goals from Andrea Ranocchia and Esteban Cambiasso sandwiched Diego Milito's effort as the Argentine marked his 100th league appearance for the San Siro outfit with his fourth goal of the campaign.

Nicolo Cherubin pulled a goal back for Bologna but the team was largely wasteful in front of goal despite dominating periods of the entertaining encounter.

The home side almost opened the scoring inside two minutes as Alessandro Diamanti's low free kick from all of 30 yards went just the wrong side of Samir Handanovic's post.

Stefano Pioli's team continued to have the better of the opening stages, and Alberto Gilardino should have done better with a close range volley after Tiberio Guarante's reverse pass, but the Italy international sliced his effort wide.

Diamanti looked dangerous whenever he got on the ball, and he threatened the Inter goal again but his powerful shot from the edge of the box flashed wide.

The Rossoblu were employing a shoot on sight policy, and Guarente was the next man to try his luck from range, but his powerful drive was too high to trouble Handanovic.

Despite being on the back foot for the opening 20 minutes, Inter should have gone in front when Ranocchia found himself in space around eight yards from goal from a corner, but the defender could only direct his header wide.

Bologna failed to learn its lesson five minutes later. Ranocchia got above his marker at the back post from Cambiasso's free kick and the 24-year-old made no mistake second time round as he headed across goal into the bottom corner, leaving Federico Agliardi with no chance.

Milito went close to doubling the Nerazzurri's lead soon after when his powerful effort was turned away by Agliardi, but that proved to be the final chance of note of the opening 45 minutes as both sides struggled to find the killer pass in the final third.

Bologna was again quicker out the traps after the break and almost drew level after just 30 seconds of the second period as Gilardino's deft back heel found Manolo Gabbiadini on the edge of the box, but his low shot skidded wide.

Despite having to do a lot of defending, Inter looked dangerous on the break. The team double its lead after a sweeping move ended in Rodrigo Palacio beating two home defenders before squaring for Milito to slot into an empty net.

Many teams would have folded after falling two goals behind, but the home side looked to get back into the match and Gilardino was unlucky to see his spectacular volley turned round the post by a diving Handanovic.

The Serie A stragglers did eventually get their goal from the resulting corner as Cherubin beat the Inter goalkeeper to the ball and headed in from Diamanti's searching cross.

The fightback lasted all of five minutes, though, as Miltio and Palacio again combined to find Cambiasso free inside the box and the Argentine made no mistake as he chipped Agliardi to restore the two-goal advantage for Andrea Stramaccioni's team.

The flurry of goals had sprung the game into life and Bologna almost hit back immediately as Diamanti's cross was palmed away from under his own crossbar by Handanovic.

With time running down, the home side continued to search for a way back into the match and Diamanti again demonstrated his ability from a dead ball as his free kick was well caught by Handanovic.

The 2010 Champions League winner almost added a fourth late on as Yuto Nagamoto forced Agliardi into a smart save and Cambiasso put the rebound over the bar.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter dan 2nd place neh

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Everton 2-2 Liverpool: Suarez and Naismith make their mark in pulsating Merseyside derby

City rivals Everton and Liverpool shared the points after a pulsating 2-2 encounter at Goodison Park with Brendan Rodgers' side blowing a priceless two goal advantage.

Two early Liverpool goals - with Luis Suarez at the heart of them - left David Moyes' team shell-shocked, but the Toffees responded superbly with Leon Osman and Steven Naismith cancelling out a Leighton Baines own goal and Suarez's header.

Marouane Fellaini returned for the home side after recovering from a knee injury, while Kevin Mirallas took the place of the suspended Steven Pienaar on the wing.

Brad Jones continued in goal for Liverpool despite Pepe Reina being fit enough for the bench, with Jose Enrique starting as the injured Glen Johnson missed out.

After a slow start the game sprang into life after 13 minutes with the Reds getting a fortuitous early lead.

Raheem Sterling appeared to be pushed over by Baines as he shaped to finish an Enrique cross, but referee Andre Marriner waved play on, and Suarez's fierce strike across goal hit the England left back and ricocheted into the net.

The Uruguayan forward ran the risk of inflaming tensions further with a mock dive celebration in front of Moyes, who had criticized the striker for exaggerating challenges.

Suarez added a second quickly afterwards, nodding in a fine Steven Gerrard free kick to send the traveling fans into ecstasy after just 20 minutes with the home defense nowhere to be found.

The two-goal cushion was short lived though. Fellaini went close with a deflected shot and the following corner saw Leon Osman fire the home side back into contention. Jones could only punch the ball to the edge of the area, and the midfielder struck in from 20 yards courtesy of a flick off of Joe Allen.

Suarez almost added another with a rasping 25-yard volley, but Everton drew level after 35 minutes. After winning a contentious throw-in, Kevin Mirallas' cross hit Fellaini, but the tall Belgian reacted well to hook in a low ball which Steven Naismith tapped in unmarked from two yards out.

Mirallas' fine display continued as the winger almost put Everton ahead after 42 minutes, spinning away beautifully from Wisdom but injuring himself as the shot was deflected wide, and was replaced by Magaye Gueye at the interval.

Sterling had a golden opportunity three minutes after the break following a delightful pass from Enrique, but the youngster got the attempted chip all wrong, leaving an unmarked Suarez furious on the penalty spot.

Martin Skrtel did brilliantly to deny Nikica Jelavic on the hour mark as Coleman passed in from the right after fine link play with Fellaini, and the striker could only head wide after 65 minutes following a great Baines delivery.

Gerrard could have won it for the visitors with eight minutes remaining but his drive from the edge of the area was well blocked by Jagielka, and Suarez thought he had won the game in the 93rd minute, but his finish was chalked off on a very questionable decision.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Manchester United!!!

Chelsea 2-3 Manchester United: Van Persie, Hernandez and card-happy Clattenburg end Blues' unbeaten run

LONDON - On an afternoon strewn with goals, red cards, drama and controversy, Manchester United climbed to within one point of the league summit with a 3-2 victory over nine-man Chelsea.

Roberto Di Matteo’s team recovered from 2-0 down to make it 2-2 early in the second half but had Branislav Ivanovic and Fernando Torres sent off before substitute Javier Hernandez scored a 75th minute winner from what appeared to be an offside position.

A David Luiz own goal and Robin van Persie’s ninth goal of the season had put United in command after 12 minutes but Chelsea responded in style, with Juan Mata’s free kick and Ramires’ header either side of the break.

Just as the visiting gained control, Ivanovic and Torres were sent off within five minutes of one another midway through the second period, ensuring the home side played the last 22 minutes with only nine men.

United took full advantage, but it needed a controversial goal from Hernandez to give Sir Alex Ferguson’s team their first win at Stamford Bridge in a decade.

With John Terry serving the second match of a four-game domestic suspension, Chelsea picked the same starting 11 that won so handsomely at Tottenham in its previous Premier League engagement. United brought in Tom Cleverley to partner Michael Carrick in central midfield and Ashley Young got the nod on the left flank in his first league start in two months.

Before the action began, all eyes were on the pre-match handshake. Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole drew a line under all that has happened over the past year by ignoring their lingering grievances to shake one hands.

It was Cole’s defending, rather than his manners, that soon came under the microscope. Both of United’s goals inside the opening 12 minutes were forged on his flank as the visiting side focused on the lack of protection the left back was getting in front of him.

After four minutes, Rooney received the ball out wide and his expert cut back was whacked right footed against the post by van Persie but the rebound struck the helpless Luiz and bounced past Petr Cech for an own goal.

Eight minutes later, Van Persie was unerring with the accuracy of his second right-footer. Antonio Valencia spotted him unmarked in the box and, with complete concentration on the task, the former Arsenal man slotted in his sixth goal at Stamford Bridge.

The statistics suggested Chelsea had a mountain to climb. Before today, United had been two or more goals up in 346 Premier League games and never lost, winning 336 and drawing 10.

With Rooney playing more as a third central midfielder than a second striker, the home side initially found it hard to break down what was a 4-5-1 formation.

But Chelsea raised its game leading up to the break, forcing three athletic saves from David De Gea before Mata made Rooney pay for hauling down Eden Hazard outside the box with a beautiful curling free kick after 44 minutes.

The home side had the bit between its teeth at the start of the second half as it reminded United whose house it was.

After 53 minutes, United failed to clear following more excellent play from Mata and Ramires rose above Cleverley to emphatically head in Oscar’s byline cross for the equalizer.

It all unraveled for Chelsea after that point. Ivanovic deservedly received a red card for a professional foul on Young after 63 minutes, cynically clipping the winger as he raced through on goal.

Inexplicably, Fernando Torres followed the right-back down the tunnel five minutes later. The Spaniard received a second yellow for simulation, even though replays clearly showed there was contact from Jonny Evans.

Down to nine men, Chelsea struggled to contain United but the officials ensured Roberto Di Matteo’s post-match press conference would be an all-ticket affair by failing to spot that Hernandez was offside when he tapped in the winner.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Manchester United!

Congratulations Manchester United!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rodgers: Suarez denied 'clear goal' in Liverpool's draw with Everton

Brendan Rodgers blasted the officials for denying Luis Suarez a "clear goal" during injury time in Liverpool's thrilling draw with rival Everton at Goodison Park.

The Uruguayan striker thought he had won the game after finishing from close range after Sebastian Coates rose above Phil Jagielka, but the goal was chalked off and the sides shared the points.

While Rodgers was disappointed with the decision from Andre Marriner's officiating team, he spoke of his delight at the performance of his side, particularly his forwards Suarez and Raheem Sterling.

"Everyone has seen it was a clear goal. It was a fantastic header by Sebastian [Coates] and [Suarez] has timed his run perfectly, but sometimes it happens," he told Sky Sports News. "[Suarez] was outstanding, he's so clever and bright. In the second half we put Sterling up with him and I thought [Sterling] was brilliant as well carrying the can, twisting and turning.

"Luis gets a wee bit of stick but his performance level on the field and every day in training means he is a joy to work with. When he plays with the quality that he did today he deserved a hat trick and only the officials denied him that."

Rodgers revealed he was pleased his side was able to adapt to cope with Everton's aerial onslaught in the second half, and praised the courage his side showed to prevent the Toffees from going on to win the game.

"It was a wonderful game, I'm very very proud of the team today," he added. "Everton are a strong side who've started very well. We're still getting together and finding out how we play.

"We had to make a tactical change at halftime due to a lot of direct balls. There no great build-up play [from Everton], we had to deal with a lot of aerial balls in the box. I'm very proud of the team, the young players were fantastic, showing great courage and right the way throughout the team it was a good point for us."

The Liverpool manager suggested the speed with which his team went two goals up may have actually played a part in his side's downfall.

"Two-nil is always a difficult scoreline especially so early on, and it's a difficult place to come and get a point," he concluded.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Marseille - Lyon clash postponed due to bad weather

Olympique de Marseille were expected to host Olympique Lyonnais at the Stade Velodrome on Sunday, but the match has been rescheduled by officials because of strong winds sweeping the area.

A statement issued on Marseille's official website read: "The Departmental Security Committee met at 14:00 at the Stade Velodrome, and issued an unfavorable opinion because of the climatic conditions in the Marseille region."

Remi Garde's side had been hoping to move ahead of L'OM in Ligue 1, after Les Phoceen's impressive start to the season came to an abrupt end, having failed to win in their last three matches. It is not known when the match will be played, but both sides will now be focused on their mid-week French League Cup ties.