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Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Barcelona: Last-gasp Matuidi strike keeps French side alive
Two late goals saw Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain play out an enthralling 2-2 draw during the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
Tito Vilanova returned to the Blaugrana dugout for the first time in months after undergoing cancer treatment in New York, but his long-awaited comeback was tainted somewhat by the departure of Lionel Messi during halftime with a hamstring injury.
But the Argentine still managed to make his mark on the game before his withdrawal, by slotting home the opener from a glorious Dani Alves assist to give Barca a narrow lead at the interval, after PSG was the more threatening side during the first 45 minutes.
The French side would controversially find a way back into the tie in the 79th minute when Zlatan Ibrahimovic turned home a rebound from an offside position, but the French club's fortune was short-lived as Xavi turned home a late penalty on the stroke of injury time.
The drama was not done there, however, as Blaise Matuidi struck with the last kick of the game, leaving it all to play for during the second leg at Camp Nou in eight days.
David Beckham was handed a start for the hosts with Lucas Moura and Ezequiel Lavezzi also making a swift return to their XI. Meanwhile, Victor Valdes, Jordi Alba and Xavi were restored to the visitors’ starting lineup after missing out over the weekend.
Whatever nerves PSG may have felt from the indomitable reputation of its opponents were quickly shaken off during an energetic start to the match, where it could have taken the lead twice inside the opening 20 minutes.
Lavezzi was first up with a deflected effort that cannoned off the far post, before Ibrahimovic forced a world-class save from Valdes, who saw his free kick late after it was hammered through the wall.
Barca was not without its own early opportunities, as Andres Iniesta missed by inches with a curling shot, but it was PSG which looked like prime candidates to break the deadlock, as Javier Pastore’s 25-yarder called Valdes into action again.But PSG could not build on the positive start, and as the first half went on, its counterattacking threat diminished as Barca’s tiki-taka football became more of a feature.
And the Parisians made to pay for their lack of ruthlessness five minutes before halftime as Messi, anonymous until that point, drilled home from an absolutely breathtaking outside-the-boot pass from Alves.The Argentine could have made it 2-0 minutes later, but could not keep his shot down after racing into a fantastic position inside the area.
And that would end up being Messi’s last notable contribution of the match, as a suspected hamstring complaint forced him off during the break, with Cesc Fabregas replacing him for the second period.But in sharp contrast to the start of the match, the second half saw PSG struggle to get into its stride as the tempo of the game dropped markedly.
Sergio Busquets’s long-range shot was smothered convincingly by Salvatore Sirigu, and Alexis Sanchez’s poor first touch denied him a clear opening inside the box as Barca just about seemed to have the upper hand.Xavi and Alves would also narrowly missed the target, but as the second half wore on, PSG slowly began to come alive once again.
And with 11 minutes remaining, Ibrahimovic would drag PSG back into the tie in contentious fashion, as he turned home a rebound from an offside position after Thiago Silva’s header took a ricochet off the post.But in the 90th minute, their joy turned to despair as a moment of rashness from Sirigu sent Sanchez tumbling inside the area, leaving the referee with no choice, and Xavi stepped up to bury the resulting penalty.
It seemed like the end of PSG's European ambitions for another season, but with the last kick of the game, Matuidi managed to squeeze a shot past Valdes to blow the roof of the stadium and give the French side reason to believe.
Two late goals saw Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain play out an enthralling 2-2 draw during the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
Tito Vilanova returned to the Blaugrana dugout for the first time in months after undergoing cancer treatment in New York, but his long-awaited comeback was tainted somewhat by the departure of Lionel Messi during halftime with a hamstring injury.
But the Argentine still managed to make his mark on the game before his withdrawal, by slotting home the opener from a glorious Dani Alves assist to give Barca a narrow lead at the interval, after PSG was the more threatening side during the first 45 minutes.
The French side would controversially find a way back into the tie in the 79th minute when Zlatan Ibrahimovic turned home a rebound from an offside position, but the French club's fortune was short-lived as Xavi turned home a late penalty on the stroke of injury time.
The drama was not done there, however, as Blaise Matuidi struck with the last kick of the game, leaving it all to play for during the second leg at Camp Nou in eight days.
David Beckham was handed a start for the hosts with Lucas Moura and Ezequiel Lavezzi also making a swift return to their XI. Meanwhile, Victor Valdes, Jordi Alba and Xavi were restored to the visitors’ starting lineup after missing out over the weekend.
Whatever nerves PSG may have felt from the indomitable reputation of its opponents were quickly shaken off during an energetic start to the match, where it could have taken the lead twice inside the opening 20 minutes.
Lavezzi was first up with a deflected effort that cannoned off the far post, before Ibrahimovic forced a world-class save from Valdes, who saw his free kick late after it was hammered through the wall.
Barca was not without its own early opportunities, as Andres Iniesta missed by inches with a curling shot, but it was PSG which looked like prime candidates to break the deadlock, as Javier Pastore’s 25-yarder called Valdes into action again.But PSG could not build on the positive start, and as the first half went on, its counterattacking threat diminished as Barca’s tiki-taka football became more of a feature.
And the Parisians made to pay for their lack of ruthlessness five minutes before halftime as Messi, anonymous until that point, drilled home from an absolutely breathtaking outside-the-boot pass from Alves.The Argentine could have made it 2-0 minutes later, but could not keep his shot down after racing into a fantastic position inside the area.
And that would end up being Messi’s last notable contribution of the match, as a suspected hamstring complaint forced him off during the break, with Cesc Fabregas replacing him for the second period.But in sharp contrast to the start of the match, the second half saw PSG struggle to get into its stride as the tempo of the game dropped markedly.
Sergio Busquets’s long-range shot was smothered convincingly by Salvatore Sirigu, and Alexis Sanchez’s poor first touch denied him a clear opening inside the box as Barca just about seemed to have the upper hand.Xavi and Alves would also narrowly missed the target, but as the second half wore on, PSG slowly began to come alive once again.
And with 11 minutes remaining, Ibrahimovic would drag PSG back into the tie in contentious fashion, as he turned home a rebound from an offside position after Thiago Silva’s header took a ricochet off the post.But in the 90th minute, their joy turned to despair as a moment of rashness from Sirigu sent Sanchez tumbling inside the area, leaving the referee with no choice, and Xavi stepped up to bury the resulting penalty.
It seemed like the end of PSG's European ambitions for another season, but with the last kick of the game, Matuidi managed to squeeze a shot past Valdes to blow the roof of the stadium and give the French side reason to believe.
Bayern Munich 2-0 Juventus: Alaba and Muller net as German giants produce dominant display
Bayern Munich took a significant step towards the semifinals of the Champions League with a commanding 2-0 first-leg success over a strangely subdued Juventus side at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday evening.
After opening the scoring inside a minute courtesy of a deflected drive from David Alaba, the runaway Bundesliga leader dominated what many felt would be the most closely contested of the four quarterfinals and was full value for a victory which was deservedly capped by a second-half strike from Thomas Muller.
Bayern had gone into the game on the back of a devastating 9-2 domestic defeat of Hamburg but even it could not have imagined that it would open the scoring against the tightest defense in the Champions League with such ease.
Indeed, less than 25 seconds had elapsed when an uncharacteristically sloppy pass from Andrea Pirlo allowed Bastian Schweinsteiger to put Alaba into space some 35 yards out. Even then, there appeared to be little threat to the Juventus goal, but the Austria international’s subsequent strike took a slight deflection off Vidal that rather incredibly deceived Gianluigi Buffon, who, having inexplicably committed himself to a dive to his right, was unable to scramble back across his line to keep out a bouncing ball that was not traveling at any great pace.
Credit to the visitors, they responded well to the concession of such an early goal, and Pirlo fired a free kick just over the Bayern bar just seconds before midfield partner Vidal flashed a well-struck shot just wide as the Bianconeri enjoyed a brief spell of dominance.
The loss of Toni Kroos to injury just 16 minutes in appeared further cause for concern for Bayern but the introduction of Arjen Robben coincided with a sustained spell of pressure for the hosts, with the Dutchman very nearly doubling his side’s advantage with a snapshot volley that Buffon did well to block with his feet.
Franck Ribery then saw a low strike unluckily deflected wide by Bonucci, after the industrious Mario Mandzukic had brilliantly dispossessed a sleeping Andrea Barzagli, before Robben squandered another excellent opening on 32 minutes, dragging Muller's terrific cut-back wide of the right post with the entire goal at his mercy.
Juve served a timely reminder of its set piece threat just before the break when Giorgio Chiellini headed a Pirlo corner just over, but it was clear that the Bianconeri, who hadn't managed a single shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, would need a drastically improved second-half showing if they were to save an unbeaten away record in European competition that stretched back to 2010.
As it was, Bayern continued to carry the far greater attacking threat and Mandzukic tested Buffon with a low strike, after being released into space by Schweinsteiger. The crucial second goal that Bayern undeniably deserved arrived just after the hour mark.
Again, there was some fortune involved, as Mandzukic was offside when Luiz Gustavo hit a shot that Buffon was unable to hold, but the hosts deserved their good luck and Mandzukic had to be applauded for the way in which he coolly collected the rebound before leaving Muller with a tap-in.
The beleaguered Bianconeri managed to muster a shot on goal in the final quarter, with Manuel Neuer easily parrying a Vidal shot away to safety, but Muller very nearly added a third Bayern goal at the end of what was already a bitterly disappointing night for the Italians, who must now attempt to overturn a two-goal deficit without Vidal and Stephan Lichsteiner, both of whom where booked in Bavaria.
Bayern Munich took a significant step towards the semifinals of the Champions League with a commanding 2-0 first-leg success over a strangely subdued Juventus side at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday evening.
After opening the scoring inside a minute courtesy of a deflected drive from David Alaba, the runaway Bundesliga leader dominated what many felt would be the most closely contested of the four quarterfinals and was full value for a victory which was deservedly capped by a second-half strike from Thomas Muller.
Bayern had gone into the game on the back of a devastating 9-2 domestic defeat of Hamburg but even it could not have imagined that it would open the scoring against the tightest defense in the Champions League with such ease.
Indeed, less than 25 seconds had elapsed when an uncharacteristically sloppy pass from Andrea Pirlo allowed Bastian Schweinsteiger to put Alaba into space some 35 yards out. Even then, there appeared to be little threat to the Juventus goal, but the Austria international’s subsequent strike took a slight deflection off Vidal that rather incredibly deceived Gianluigi Buffon, who, having inexplicably committed himself to a dive to his right, was unable to scramble back across his line to keep out a bouncing ball that was not traveling at any great pace.
Credit to the visitors, they responded well to the concession of such an early goal, and Pirlo fired a free kick just over the Bayern bar just seconds before midfield partner Vidal flashed a well-struck shot just wide as the Bianconeri enjoyed a brief spell of dominance.
The loss of Toni Kroos to injury just 16 minutes in appeared further cause for concern for Bayern but the introduction of Arjen Robben coincided with a sustained spell of pressure for the hosts, with the Dutchman very nearly doubling his side’s advantage with a snapshot volley that Buffon did well to block with his feet.
Franck Ribery then saw a low strike unluckily deflected wide by Bonucci, after the industrious Mario Mandzukic had brilliantly dispossessed a sleeping Andrea Barzagli, before Robben squandered another excellent opening on 32 minutes, dragging Muller's terrific cut-back wide of the right post with the entire goal at his mercy.
Juve served a timely reminder of its set piece threat just before the break when Giorgio Chiellini headed a Pirlo corner just over, but it was clear that the Bianconeri, who hadn't managed a single shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, would need a drastically improved second-half showing if they were to save an unbeaten away record in European competition that stretched back to 2010.
As it was, Bayern continued to carry the far greater attacking threat and Mandzukic tested Buffon with a low strike, after being released into space by Schweinsteiger. The crucial second goal that Bayern undeniably deserved arrived just after the hour mark.
Again, there was some fortune involved, as Mandzukic was offside when Luiz Gustavo hit a shot that Buffon was unable to hold, but the hosts deserved their good luck and Mandzukic had to be applauded for the way in which he coolly collected the rebound before leaving Muller with a tap-in.
The beleaguered Bianconeri managed to muster a shot on goal in the final quarter, with Manuel Neuer easily parrying a Vidal shot away to safety, but Muller very nearly added a third Bayern goal at the end of what was already a bitterly disappointing night for the Italians, who must now attempt to overturn a two-goal deficit without Vidal and Stephan Lichsteiner, both of whom where booked in Bavaria.
Zac Lee Rigg: Beckham and PSG lean on maturity in Barcelona draw
Back in the competition after a seven-year absence, Paris Saint-Germain showed a veteran guile in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored one goal and assisted another against his former club. Thiago Silva put in an "immense" performance that even Joey Barton had to appreciate. Blaise Matuidi found enough energy to compensate for a 37-year-old midfield partner, compete with Barcelona and then score the equalizer with the last kick of the game.
Leonardo knew who his man of the match was.
"Carlo was amazing today, because he studied Barcelona extensively," the Paris Saint-Germain sporting director told Canal+. "If you look at the game, we had a nearly perfect strategy."
Carlo Ancelotti's PSG came of age in a 2-2 Champions League quarterfinal first leg draw with Barcelona on Tuesday. Less than two years after the Qatar Investment Authority bought the Parisian club, PSG showed it could hang with a team that has qualified for the Champions League semifinals five years running.
"I believe that after all we've been through the past few months, today is truly a wonderful thing," Leonardo said, "because it is not easy to build a team."
Seven points clear in the Ligue 1 table, PSG hasn't always looked like a team. Heavy investment from QIA lets Ancelotti lean on exceptional individual talent as his roster congeals into a unit. The maturity and discipline from the French side in the knockout rounds belies its absence from the Champions League since 2005.
"We showed that we can compete against Barça," Ancelotti told Canal+.
Recruiting European veterans like Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Alex and former Barcelona fullback Maxwell helped. Leonardo argued that the decision to give David Beckham his first Champions League start in three years did as well.
The Englishman – the last left in the Champions League – made his third start for PSG since signing in January. The 37-year-old sat deeper than Matuidi, looking to ignite counterattacks. His average passing distance of 26 yards was the longest of any field player, even if he only completed 70 percent of them.
"It was only three years ago," since Beckham featured in Europe with AC Milan, he told ITV. "I'm pretty much at the same level."
(The former LA Galaxy midfielder, willfully denying his body's graceful decay, made way after 70 minutes.)
Beckham's loan stints with Milan overlapped with his current bosses: Ancelotti in 2009 and Leonardo in 2010.
"The manager's always shown a lot of confidence in me, especially in big moments," Beckham said.
This was as big as they come for PSG. This time last year it had already dropped out of the Europa League.
To give his side a chance to remain in Europe at least for another round, Ancelotti fashioned a pragmatic stance. Two lines of four sat in a deep block. Ezequiel Lavezzi bothered Sergio Busquets on the ball. Then, using the distribution of Beckham and Thiago Silva to unlock the pace of Lucas Moura and Lavezzi, PSG hit out on fierce counters that isolated Barcelona's defenders.
The earlier chances all went the host's way, including a Lavezzi shot (although it looked like Busquets took the ball off his foot) that struck the post. But Lionel Messi doesn't need more than the one opportunity. A pass from the outside of Dani Alves' cleat rainbowed over the PSG defense as it transitioned forward from defending a corner. Messi's turn and connection looked simple enough, but only a handful of humans in the world could have pulled it off. He now has 57 goals in 45 games this season.
"We conceded when we were at our best in the game," Leonardo told Canal+. "If you leave a few millimeters to Messi, this is what happens."
The next time Paris Saint-Germain hit the post, it also hit upon some luck. When Thiago Silva headed the ball off the upright, Ibrahimovic had strayed offside. Significantly. As Ibra cleaned up the rebound, the flag stayed at the linesman's side and the goal stood.
Ibra was mute for most of the game against a team he enjoys ripping in the press. But after a Xavi penalty gave Barca the edge in the 89th minute, the Swede again found a decisive touch.
PSG had only 32 percent of possession but won 79 percent of balls in the air. Ibrahimovic earned the last of his game-high four headers deep in injury time, cushioning a booted Christophe Jallet ball back to Matuidi. With the last kick of the game, the French midfielder volleyed the ball off the inside of Marc Bartra's leg. The equalizer left Victor Valdes bent back on himself, folded on the field helplessly.
The bloodied Messi (hamstring strain) and Javier Mascherano (right knee ligament damage, suspension) will likely miss the return leg. Another composed performance from Ancelotti's charges and one never knows.
Of course, Milan took a two-goal lead into the Camp Nou and escaped flayed and humiliated by a four-goal loss. So what does Paris think of the 2-2 result?
"It's better than it was at 2-1," Beckham said.
Back in the competition after a seven-year absence, Paris Saint-Germain showed a veteran guile in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored one goal and assisted another against his former club. Thiago Silva put in an "immense" performance that even Joey Barton had to appreciate. Blaise Matuidi found enough energy to compensate for a 37-year-old midfield partner, compete with Barcelona and then score the equalizer with the last kick of the game.
Leonardo knew who his man of the match was.
"Carlo was amazing today, because he studied Barcelona extensively," the Paris Saint-Germain sporting director told Canal+. "If you look at the game, we had a nearly perfect strategy."
Carlo Ancelotti's PSG came of age in a 2-2 Champions League quarterfinal first leg draw with Barcelona on Tuesday. Less than two years after the Qatar Investment Authority bought the Parisian club, PSG showed it could hang with a team that has qualified for the Champions League semifinals five years running.
"I believe that after all we've been through the past few months, today is truly a wonderful thing," Leonardo said, "because it is not easy to build a team."
Seven points clear in the Ligue 1 table, PSG hasn't always looked like a team. Heavy investment from QIA lets Ancelotti lean on exceptional individual talent as his roster congeals into a unit. The maturity and discipline from the French side in the knockout rounds belies its absence from the Champions League since 2005.
"We showed that we can compete against Barça," Ancelotti told Canal+.
Recruiting European veterans like Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Alex and former Barcelona fullback Maxwell helped. Leonardo argued that the decision to give David Beckham his first Champions League start in three years did as well.
The Englishman – the last left in the Champions League – made his third start for PSG since signing in January. The 37-year-old sat deeper than Matuidi, looking to ignite counterattacks. His average passing distance of 26 yards was the longest of any field player, even if he only completed 70 percent of them.
"It was only three years ago," since Beckham featured in Europe with AC Milan, he told ITV. "I'm pretty much at the same level."
(The former LA Galaxy midfielder, willfully denying his body's graceful decay, made way after 70 minutes.)
Beckham's loan stints with Milan overlapped with his current bosses: Ancelotti in 2009 and Leonardo in 2010.
"The manager's always shown a lot of confidence in me, especially in big moments," Beckham said.
This was as big as they come for PSG. This time last year it had already dropped out of the Europa League.
To give his side a chance to remain in Europe at least for another round, Ancelotti fashioned a pragmatic stance. Two lines of four sat in a deep block. Ezequiel Lavezzi bothered Sergio Busquets on the ball. Then, using the distribution of Beckham and Thiago Silva to unlock the pace of Lucas Moura and Lavezzi, PSG hit out on fierce counters that isolated Barcelona's defenders.
The earlier chances all went the host's way, including a Lavezzi shot (although it looked like Busquets took the ball off his foot) that struck the post. But Lionel Messi doesn't need more than the one opportunity. A pass from the outside of Dani Alves' cleat rainbowed over the PSG defense as it transitioned forward from defending a corner. Messi's turn and connection looked simple enough, but only a handful of humans in the world could have pulled it off. He now has 57 goals in 45 games this season.
"We conceded when we were at our best in the game," Leonardo told Canal+. "If you leave a few millimeters to Messi, this is what happens."
The next time Paris Saint-Germain hit the post, it also hit upon some luck. When Thiago Silva headed the ball off the upright, Ibrahimovic had strayed offside. Significantly. As Ibra cleaned up the rebound, the flag stayed at the linesman's side and the goal stood.
Ibra was mute for most of the game against a team he enjoys ripping in the press. But after a Xavi penalty gave Barca the edge in the 89th minute, the Swede again found a decisive touch.
PSG had only 32 percent of possession but won 79 percent of balls in the air. Ibrahimovic earned the last of his game-high four headers deep in injury time, cushioning a booted Christophe Jallet ball back to Matuidi. With the last kick of the game, the French midfielder volleyed the ball off the inside of Marc Bartra's leg. The equalizer left Victor Valdes bent back on himself, folded on the field helplessly.
The bloodied Messi (hamstring strain) and Javier Mascherano (right knee ligament damage, suspension) will likely miss the return leg. Another composed performance from Ancelotti's charges and one never knows.
Of course, Milan took a two-goal lead into the Camp Nou and escaped flayed and humiliated by a four-goal loss. So what does Paris think of the 2-2 result?
"It's better than it was at 2-1," Beckham said.
Former England goalkeeper James set for Iceland switch
The 42-year-old is set to join up with former Portsmouth teammate Hermann Hreidarsson in Scandinavia after his latest stint in the English game ended last month David James has revealed that he is to sign for Icelandic side IBV after his short-term contract with Bournemouth came to an end.
The 42-year-old, who has enjoyed spells at Liverpool, Aston Villa and Portsmouth in the past, ended his stint with the League One side by mutual consent last month.
And James looks set to reunite with former team-mate Hermann Hreidarsson, who now manages the Scandinavian club, taking on a player-coach role in the process.
"I am going to sign for #ibv in Iceland today," James wrote on his Twitter account. "My role is as player/coach, alongside Herman. We are both very excited about the journey ahead."
James also explained that he is looking to raise funds for cash-strapped Portsmouth, with one of his first games for his new employers set to be in a charity match against them at Fratton Park.
He added: "I am also looking forward to playing for £ibv in the match at Fratton Park, 16th April. Lets hope the club is sorted, sharpish!"
The 42-year-old is set to join up with former Portsmouth teammate Hermann Hreidarsson in Scandinavia after his latest stint in the English game ended last month David James has revealed that he is to sign for Icelandic side IBV after his short-term contract with Bournemouth came to an end.
The 42-year-old, who has enjoyed spells at Liverpool, Aston Villa and Portsmouth in the past, ended his stint with the League One side by mutual consent last month.
And James looks set to reunite with former team-mate Hermann Hreidarsson, who now manages the Scandinavian club, taking on a player-coach role in the process.
"I am going to sign for #ibv in Iceland today," James wrote on his Twitter account. "My role is as player/coach, alongside Herman. We are both very excited about the journey ahead."
James also explained that he is looking to raise funds for cash-strapped Portsmouth, with one of his first games for his new employers set to be in a charity match against them at Fratton Park.
He added: "I am also looking forward to playing for £ibv in the match at Fratton Park, 16th April. Lets hope the club is sorted, sharpish!"
Chelsea's season has not been fantastic, admits Cech
The Blues' stopper has played down suggestions from his manager that the team are enjoying a 'great campaign' but is hoping they can end the season with silverware Petr Cech has moved to deny Rafa Benitez's claim that Chelsea is having a "great season" despite Monday's FA Cup triumph against Manchester United.
The Czech Republic international made a spectacular save to help keep the Premier League leaders at bay, but although he and the Blues are still in with a chance of success in both domestic and European competition, he believes this season's performances have not been up to a high enough standard.
He told the club's official website: "We are not having such a fantastic season, but this win [against Manchester United] shows we can still beat the top teams and it gives us confidence to play another game on Thursday.
"It's always important to beat big teams for the confidence. Any FA Cup progress is important for your season.
"We wanted to book a place at Wembley, we had great opposition and it was a great match. We are happy we managed to win the game.
"We seem to have a special relationship with the FA Cup. We treat it with respect, every season we try to win it and we get something back.
"We have another tough game against Manchester City, but it's a semifinal so you expect a tough game."
The Blues' stopper has played down suggestions from his manager that the team are enjoying a 'great campaign' but is hoping they can end the season with silverware Petr Cech has moved to deny Rafa Benitez's claim that Chelsea is having a "great season" despite Monday's FA Cup triumph against Manchester United.
The Czech Republic international made a spectacular save to help keep the Premier League leaders at bay, but although he and the Blues are still in with a chance of success in both domestic and European competition, he believes this season's performances have not been up to a high enough standard.
He told the club's official website: "We are not having such a fantastic season, but this win [against Manchester United] shows we can still beat the top teams and it gives us confidence to play another game on Thursday.
"It's always important to beat big teams for the confidence. Any FA Cup progress is important for your season.
"We wanted to book a place at Wembley, we had great opposition and it was a great match. We are happy we managed to win the game.
"We seem to have a special relationship with the FA Cup. We treat it with respect, every season we try to win it and we get something back.
"We have another tough game against Manchester City, but it's a semifinal so you expect a tough game."
Beckham believes PSG can progress after Barcelona draw
The former LA Galaxy midfielder was pleased with his side's performance and feels the Parisians can qualify for the semifinals despite conceding two away goals.
David Beckham is still confident that Paris Saint-Germain can progress to the next stage of the Champions League following the club's 2-2 draw with Barcelona in the first leg of their quarterfinal clash.
The former LA Galaxy Designated Player was named in the starting XI as the Ligue 1 leaders twice came from behind against the Spanish giants, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Blaise Matuidi cancelling out goals from Lionel Messi and Xavi.
Barcelona has the advantage going into the second leg as a result of its two away goals, but the 37-year-old Beckham believes PSG can overcome the Catalans at Camp Nou.
"I think the draw was deserved," Beckham told ITV. "Obviously it was always going to be a game where they had a lot of possession, they have an amazing team and they played very well.
"In the first half, especially in the first 10 minutes, we had a few very good chances, if we'd have put one of those away then things might have been different, but then they got their goal. Then it was a real battle.
PSG looked destined to fall after Xavi's late penalty kick, but Matuidi's deflected equalizer at the death gave the club new life.
"It's better than it was at 2-1," Beckham said. "It's going to be difficult, but there's no reason we can't go there and get a result."
Beckham admited that he was delighted to be able to compete with the likes of Messi and Andres Iniesta, and he hopes to face them again, though the Argentine is a doubt after his substitution at halftime with a hamstring injury.
"I was obviously very happy to start. The manager has always shown a lot of confidence in me, especially in big moments. Tonight was a big moment for the club, and I was happy to start," Beckham said. "I hope he [Messi] is not injured, I hope he's fit for any game coming up, we wish him well."
The former LA Galaxy midfielder was pleased with his side's performance and feels the Parisians can qualify for the semifinals despite conceding two away goals.
David Beckham is still confident that Paris Saint-Germain can progress to the next stage of the Champions League following the club's 2-2 draw with Barcelona in the first leg of their quarterfinal clash.
The former LA Galaxy Designated Player was named in the starting XI as the Ligue 1 leaders twice came from behind against the Spanish giants, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Blaise Matuidi cancelling out goals from Lionel Messi and Xavi.
Barcelona has the advantage going into the second leg as a result of its two away goals, but the 37-year-old Beckham believes PSG can overcome the Catalans at Camp Nou.
"I think the draw was deserved," Beckham told ITV. "Obviously it was always going to be a game where they had a lot of possession, they have an amazing team and they played very well.
"In the first half, especially in the first 10 minutes, we had a few very good chances, if we'd have put one of those away then things might have been different, but then they got their goal. Then it was a real battle.
PSG looked destined to fall after Xavi's late penalty kick, but Matuidi's deflected equalizer at the death gave the club new life.
"It's better than it was at 2-1," Beckham said. "It's going to be difficult, but there's no reason we can't go there and get a result."
Beckham admited that he was delighted to be able to compete with the likes of Messi and Andres Iniesta, and he hopes to face them again, though the Argentine is a doubt after his substitution at halftime with a hamstring injury.
"I was obviously very happy to start. The manager has always shown a lot of confidence in me, especially in big moments. Tonight was a big moment for the club, and I was happy to start," Beckham said. "I hope he [Messi] is not injured, I hope he's fit for any game coming up, we wish him well."
Chiellini: Bayern's tempo was incredible
The Italian defender was impressed with the work rate of the German side, claiming Bayern was a worthy winner but asserting that the tie is far from over.
Giorgio Chiellini has admitted that Juventus could not cope with Bayern Munich's tempo and intensity after the Italian side was comprehensively defeated 2-0 at the Allianz Arena in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal.
The Bianconeri had conceded the fewest goals in the competition prior to kickoff but their 490-minute European spell without conceding was brought to a sudden end when David Alaba struck after just 25 seconds.
"We knew it was going to be a difficult match for us, Bayern played at an incredible tempo and we struggled to keep possession when we were trying to build our game from the back," Chiellini told Sky Sport Italiaafter the game. "We hoped to earn a better result tonight, but there are 90 minutes left; we will have to play with more intensity, like Bayern did today."
Chiellini also admitted that he was concerned by the Bianconeri's lackluster performance but said they will perform better in the return leg in Turin next Wednesday."We know we can play better than today, and I'm sure we will. We will continue to dream and we will make sure that we won't have any regrets after the return leg."
Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon added that Bayern deserved the victory and felt that his side was fortunate to escape with a two-goal deficit.
“It’s clear we had some certainties about ourselves, but there’s nothing to say tonight, as they thoroughly deserved the victory and had even more chances to hurt us," Buffon said. "Our opponents were better on the night, that is the truth. At times we had less sharpness under their pressure and I tried to alternate passes with longer kicks."
The 35-year-old shotstopper also commented on Alaba's opening goal, claiming that a significant deflection off Vidal influenced the direction of the ball.“Alaba’s shot got a deflection, and I was moving towards the right, but the change of direction caught me out. I had already made a step to the right and the ball changed direction mid-air,” Buffon said Meanwhile, Juve midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who did not enjoy one of his finer performances in a Bianconeri jersey -- achieving a pass completion of just 51% accuracy -- said he was not happy with his display.
"I am the first to say I’m not satisfied with my performance, as I made many mistakes in such an important match and it’s disappointing," Pirlo said. "We now have to analyze why we had so many misplaced passes. Clearly we need something more in the second leg, as what we did tonight was not enough."Juventus will look to overcome the two-goal deficit on April 10 but it will have to do so without Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner, who will miss out through suspension after picking up yellow cards.
The Italian defender was impressed with the work rate of the German side, claiming Bayern was a worthy winner but asserting that the tie is far from over.
Giorgio Chiellini has admitted that Juventus could not cope with Bayern Munich's tempo and intensity after the Italian side was comprehensively defeated 2-0 at the Allianz Arena in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal.
The Bianconeri had conceded the fewest goals in the competition prior to kickoff but their 490-minute European spell without conceding was brought to a sudden end when David Alaba struck after just 25 seconds.
"We knew it was going to be a difficult match for us, Bayern played at an incredible tempo and we struggled to keep possession when we were trying to build our game from the back," Chiellini told Sky Sport Italiaafter the game. "We hoped to earn a better result tonight, but there are 90 minutes left; we will have to play with more intensity, like Bayern did today."
Chiellini also admitted that he was concerned by the Bianconeri's lackluster performance but said they will perform better in the return leg in Turin next Wednesday."We know we can play better than today, and I'm sure we will. We will continue to dream and we will make sure that we won't have any regrets after the return leg."
Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon added that Bayern deserved the victory and felt that his side was fortunate to escape with a two-goal deficit.
“It’s clear we had some certainties about ourselves, but there’s nothing to say tonight, as they thoroughly deserved the victory and had even more chances to hurt us," Buffon said. "Our opponents were better on the night, that is the truth. At times we had less sharpness under their pressure and I tried to alternate passes with longer kicks."
The 35-year-old shotstopper also commented on Alaba's opening goal, claiming that a significant deflection off Vidal influenced the direction of the ball.“Alaba’s shot got a deflection, and I was moving towards the right, but the change of direction caught me out. I had already made a step to the right and the ball changed direction mid-air,” Buffon said Meanwhile, Juve midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who did not enjoy one of his finer performances in a Bianconeri jersey -- achieving a pass completion of just 51% accuracy -- said he was not happy with his display.
"I am the first to say I’m not satisfied with my performance, as I made many mistakes in such an important match and it’s disappointing," Pirlo said. "We now have to analyze why we had so many misplaced passes. Clearly we need something more in the second leg, as what we did tonight was not enough."Juventus will look to overcome the two-goal deficit on April 10 but it will have to do so without Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner, who will miss out through suspension after picking up yellow cards.
'He likes to dive' - Ancelotti slams Alexis over penalty incident
The Italian has accused the Chile international of deliberately conning the referee to earn the spot kick which allowed Xavi to score a second away goal Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has slammed Alexis Sanchez after the Barcelona attacker won a late penalty in the 2-2 draw at Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
The Chilean was brought down by Salvatore Sirigu late on with the scores level at 1-1, allowing Xavi to notch a second away goal before Blaise Matuidi's last-gasp equalizer.
Although replays showed there was contact between the players, Ancelotti insists the referee made an incorrect call, but claimed he is used to the former Udinese winger attempting to earn fouls.
"Alexis looked for the goalkeeper, it was not a penalty," he told Canal + after the match. "It was a gift from the referee. "We have experience with Alexis, in the friendly in August he also dived. We know him. He likes to dive. It is nothing new."
The Italian went on to praise his side's resolve on the night, insisting it proved it can compete at Barcelona's level ahead of the return leg at Camp Nou.
"It was a good game. We played well in the first few minutes but it got complicated. We used a lot of energy to level the score," he continued.
"We have opportunities for the return game. It is still open, even if it will not be easy. We showed that we can compete against Barca. We will have to score twice there. We did it tonight, let's do it the same way in the second leg."
Director of football Leonardo voiced his own admiration for the team's display, and paid particular tribute to the tactics deployed by Ancelotti on the night.
"We are very, very proud. We conceded when we were at our best in the game, and to come back in the game against Barcelona is not easy.
"Carlo was amazing today. He studied Barcelona hard, and it is true that if you look at the game, we had a nearly perfect strategy. We had one goal when we were the best. But if you leave a few millimeters to [Lionel] Messi, this is what happens.
"I believe that after all we've been through in the past few months, today is truly a wonderful thing, because it is not easy to build a team. We are very proud of our game, our behaviour, our approach to the game.
"It is true that it is very difficult there [at Camp Nou]. But you never know. With this spirit, we'll try everything."
The Italian has accused the Chile international of deliberately conning the referee to earn the spot kick which allowed Xavi to score a second away goal Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has slammed Alexis Sanchez after the Barcelona attacker won a late penalty in the 2-2 draw at Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
The Chilean was brought down by Salvatore Sirigu late on with the scores level at 1-1, allowing Xavi to notch a second away goal before Blaise Matuidi's last-gasp equalizer.
Although replays showed there was contact between the players, Ancelotti insists the referee made an incorrect call, but claimed he is used to the former Udinese winger attempting to earn fouls.
"Alexis looked for the goalkeeper, it was not a penalty," he told Canal + after the match. "It was a gift from the referee. "We have experience with Alexis, in the friendly in August he also dived. We know him. He likes to dive. It is nothing new."
The Italian went on to praise his side's resolve on the night, insisting it proved it can compete at Barcelona's level ahead of the return leg at Camp Nou.
"It was a good game. We played well in the first few minutes but it got complicated. We used a lot of energy to level the score," he continued.
"We have opportunities for the return game. It is still open, even if it will not be easy. We showed that we can compete against Barca. We will have to score twice there. We did it tonight, let's do it the same way in the second leg."
Director of football Leonardo voiced his own admiration for the team's display, and paid particular tribute to the tactics deployed by Ancelotti on the night.
"We are very, very proud. We conceded when we were at our best in the game, and to come back in the game against Barcelona is not easy.
"Carlo was amazing today. He studied Barcelona hard, and it is true that if you look at the game, we had a nearly perfect strategy. We had one goal when we were the best. But if you leave a few millimeters to [Lionel] Messi, this is what happens.
"I believe that after all we've been through in the past few months, today is truly a wonderful thing, because it is not easy to build a team. We are very proud of our game, our behaviour, our approach to the game.
"It is true that it is very difficult there [at Camp Nou]. But you never know. With this spirit, we'll try everything."
Messi suffers hamstring injury
The Argentine was substituted out of the Blaugrana's European tie at halftime after giving his side the lead, having suffered an apparent muscle strain.
Lionel Messi suffered a hamstring injury in Barcelona's Champions League quarterfinal tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentine suffered the muscle strain towards the end of the first half, with the attacker hugging the touchline in the closing moments while talking with manager Tito Vilanova.
The Barca boss then chose to substitute the 25-year-old during the break, replacing the four-time Ballon d'Or winner with Cesc Fabregas.
Messi had already put the Blaugrana ahead in the 38th minute, latching onto a lofted Daniel Alves' pass, before striking the ball low past PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu.
"He will undergo further tests on Wednesday to determine the extent of the injury," Barcelona said on its Twitter feed.
The Argentine was substituted out of the Blaugrana's European tie at halftime after giving his side the lead, having suffered an apparent muscle strain.
Lionel Messi suffered a hamstring injury in Barcelona's Champions League quarterfinal tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentine suffered the muscle strain towards the end of the first half, with the attacker hugging the touchline in the closing moments while talking with manager Tito Vilanova.
The Barca boss then chose to substitute the 25-year-old during the break, replacing the four-time Ballon d'Or winner with Cesc Fabregas.
Messi had already put the Blaugrana ahead in the 38th minute, latching onto a lofted Daniel Alves' pass, before striking the ball low past PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu.
"He will undergo further tests on Wednesday to determine the extent of the injury," Barcelona said on its Twitter feed.
Walcott: I'd trade appearances for trophy with Arsenal
The 24-year-old says that although he is proud to have recently marked his 250th outing for the Gunners, he would happily sacrifice them all for a chance at silverware.
Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has claimed he would happily swap his recent appearance landmark with the club for silverware.
The former Southampton attacker, who signed for the North London side as a 16-year-old in 2006, marked his 250th outing in a Gunners shirt back in February; however, the England international insists he is more concerned with winning trophies than clocking up personal milestones.
“I would personally take all of [my] appearances away to win something at this club,” he told the Arsenal Player. “Some people may think I'm mad, but I think I'm not selfish. I like to think for the club and the fans.
“Appearances are great but winning things means more. Hopefully next season, when I hopefully reach 300 appearances, there will be a trophy on the end of that. That's the biggest target.
“I'm very proud of that [reaching 250 appearances]. I've worked hard through all the lows and the highs. This season especially, there have been a lot of highs. It's a nice positive. I don't want it to stop there.
"I want to continue to play and get back fit soon. It's a fantastic achievement and I'm very happy."
Walcott also expressed his belief that he has developed as a footballer during his seven years at Arsenal.
“I've definitely matured as a player," Walcott said. "I've always been the same sort of person off the pitch. I've always got time for people. I think at times, the players might look for something to come from nowhere and at times that's maybe [up to] me or the likes of Jack [Wilshere].
“This season has been my best goalscoring and assist-making season. I can see why people may think that now. That's been the biggest step for me.
“The assists are something I'm very proud of. A lot of those come from the wing as well. An assist is just as important as getting a goal.”
The 24-year-old says that although he is proud to have recently marked his 250th outing for the Gunners, he would happily sacrifice them all for a chance at silverware.
Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has claimed he would happily swap his recent appearance landmark with the club for silverware.
The former Southampton attacker, who signed for the North London side as a 16-year-old in 2006, marked his 250th outing in a Gunners shirt back in February; however, the England international insists he is more concerned with winning trophies than clocking up personal milestones.
“I would personally take all of [my] appearances away to win something at this club,” he told the Arsenal Player. “Some people may think I'm mad, but I think I'm not selfish. I like to think for the club and the fans.
“Appearances are great but winning things means more. Hopefully next season, when I hopefully reach 300 appearances, there will be a trophy on the end of that. That's the biggest target.
“I'm very proud of that [reaching 250 appearances]. I've worked hard through all the lows and the highs. This season especially, there have been a lot of highs. It's a nice positive. I don't want it to stop there.
"I want to continue to play and get back fit soon. It's a fantastic achievement and I'm very happy."
Walcott also expressed his belief that he has developed as a footballer during his seven years at Arsenal.
“I've definitely matured as a player," Walcott said. "I've always been the same sort of person off the pitch. I've always got time for people. I think at times, the players might look for something to come from nowhere and at times that's maybe [up to] me or the likes of Jack [Wilshere].
“This season has been my best goalscoring and assist-making season. I can see why people may think that now. That's been the biggest step for me.
“The assists are something I'm very proud of. A lot of those come from the wing as well. An assist is just as important as getting a goal.”
Bale not far off level of Ronaldo and Messi, says Zidane
The Real Madrid director of football described the Tottenham winger as "unique" and "frightening" when asked about the most impressive players in Europe this season.Real Madrid director of football and legendary French international Zinedine Zidane has expressed his belief that Gareth Bale is not far off playing at the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The Welshman has scored 17 goals in 27 Premier League appearances this term to lead Tottenham's chase for a top-four finish - form that has seen him strongly linked with a summer move to the Spanish capital. Three-time Ballon d'Or winner Zidane has fuelled further speculation by choosing to enthuse about the winger despite being asked which player had impressed him most in this season's Champions League.
“This year the player who has impressed me most is not actually playing in the Champions League," he told Sky Sports. "He is playing in "the other cup" [Europa League], and that is [Gareth] Bale.
"You can't compare him, he is unique, he makes things look easy, his pace is frightening. His acceleration is unbelievable because of his ability to go through the gears in very little space.
"Plus, he is very good technically which is also important, we must not forget that he plays football well.
"He’s really impressed me. I’ve seen him two or three times live, including recently at Lyon, which wasn’t necessarily his best game, but where every time he got the ball he can surprise you.
"He’s perhaps not quite at the level of the other two [Ronaldo & Messi], but he’s different. So personally I don’t think he’s far off."
The Real Madrid director of football described the Tottenham winger as "unique" and "frightening" when asked about the most impressive players in Europe this season.Real Madrid director of football and legendary French international Zinedine Zidane has expressed his belief that Gareth Bale is not far off playing at the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The Welshman has scored 17 goals in 27 Premier League appearances this term to lead Tottenham's chase for a top-four finish - form that has seen him strongly linked with a summer move to the Spanish capital. Three-time Ballon d'Or winner Zidane has fuelled further speculation by choosing to enthuse about the winger despite being asked which player had impressed him most in this season's Champions League.
“This year the player who has impressed me most is not actually playing in the Champions League," he told Sky Sports. "He is playing in "the other cup" [Europa League], and that is [Gareth] Bale.
"You can't compare him, he is unique, he makes things look easy, his pace is frightening. His acceleration is unbelievable because of his ability to go through the gears in very little space.
"Plus, he is very good technically which is also important, we must not forget that he plays football well.
"He’s really impressed me. I’ve seen him two or three times live, including recently at Lyon, which wasn’t necessarily his best game, but where every time he got the ball he can surprise you.
"He’s perhaps not quite at the level of the other two [Ronaldo & Messi], but he’s different. So personally I don’t think he’s far off."
Mourinho: I have an emotional link to Drogba
The Real Madrid boss admitted his attachment to the Galatasaray forward goes beyond their time at Chelsea, and has urged his side to score goals on Wednesday.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says that his relationship with Galatasaray's Didier Drogba extends beyond football as the two sides prepare for their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal.
Mourinho coached the Cote d'Ivoire striker during their time at Chelsea, and he admitted they forged a friendship that supercedes their professional connection.
"Dider Drogba was a great player for me, a great friend and someone that will stay in my life forever. We created emotional links that go further than football," Mourinho told reporters at a press conference. "[Wesley] Sneijder and Drogba have been important players for me in the past, but tomorrow they will be my friends, not the players in my team."
Mourinho went on to praise Drogba's current coach at Galatasaray, Fatih Terim, and warned of the qualities of the Super Lig champions' star attacking trio that includes Burak Yilmaz, who is tied with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most goals in this season's comeptition (8).
"We have our objectives for tomorrow but so do they. I want to win. Our opponents want to win," Mourinho said. "They have a great coach with experience of games at this level and so [he] feels comfortable. He is not afraid of playing here. He has players who have played in the best teams in the world, players who are calm when it comes to playing in the quarterfinals of this competition.
"Drogba, Sneijder and Burak [Yilmaz] could play for any team in the world."
Mourinho has called on his side to ensure it scores goals in their first-leg clash at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
"It is important that we score the goals to win this game and who does that is not important to me," Mourinho said. "When you have great players you always expect big things from them. If you look at the [Manchester] United game, [Gonzalo] Higuain did not score but he played a great game. This is what is important for me, that the players in general do well for the team."
The Real Madrid boss admitted his attachment to the Galatasaray forward goes beyond their time at Chelsea, and has urged his side to score goals on Wednesday.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says that his relationship with Galatasaray's Didier Drogba extends beyond football as the two sides prepare for their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal.
Mourinho coached the Cote d'Ivoire striker during their time at Chelsea, and he admitted they forged a friendship that supercedes their professional connection.
"Dider Drogba was a great player for me, a great friend and someone that will stay in my life forever. We created emotional links that go further than football," Mourinho told reporters at a press conference. "[Wesley] Sneijder and Drogba have been important players for me in the past, but tomorrow they will be my friends, not the players in my team."
Mourinho went on to praise Drogba's current coach at Galatasaray, Fatih Terim, and warned of the qualities of the Super Lig champions' star attacking trio that includes Burak Yilmaz, who is tied with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most goals in this season's comeptition (8).
"We have our objectives for tomorrow but so do they. I want to win. Our opponents want to win," Mourinho said. "They have a great coach with experience of games at this level and so [he] feels comfortable. He is not afraid of playing here. He has players who have played in the best teams in the world, players who are calm when it comes to playing in the quarterfinals of this competition.
"Drogba, Sneijder and Burak [Yilmaz] could play for any team in the world."
Mourinho has called on his side to ensure it scores goals in their first-leg clash at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
"It is important that we score the goals to win this game and who does that is not important to me," Mourinho said. "When you have great players you always expect big things from them. If you look at the [Manchester] United game, [Gonzalo] Higuain did not score but he played a great game. This is what is important for me, that the players in general do well for the team."
FIFA appoints goal-line technology provider
Football's governing body has announced the company that will supply GLT for the Confederations Cup this summer and beyond, after a nine-month bidding process.FIFA has appointed GoalControl GmbH as the official goal-line technology provider for this summer’s Confederations Cup.
The German company has signed a deal which will see it also provide the technology for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, having secured FIFA's backing ahead of three rival companies bidding to provide GLT in a process that started back in February.
This version of the technology uses 14 high-speed cameras placed at various points around the stadium, known as GoalControl 4-D, and its use will be verified once a final installation test has taken place at each of the venues where it will be used.This summer's Confederations Cup, held in Brazil, will be just the second time that goal-line technology will be used in FIFA competition since its use was approved nine months ago.
FIFA and GoalControl will now work out a time line for the installation of the system in time for the Confederations Cup, with a media presentation soon to be scheduled.
Football's governing body has announced the company that will supply GLT for the Confederations Cup this summer and beyond, after a nine-month bidding process.FIFA has appointed GoalControl GmbH as the official goal-line technology provider for this summer’s Confederations Cup.
The German company has signed a deal which will see it also provide the technology for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, having secured FIFA's backing ahead of three rival companies bidding to provide GLT in a process that started back in February.
This version of the technology uses 14 high-speed cameras placed at various points around the stadium, known as GoalControl 4-D, and its use will be verified once a final installation test has taken place at each of the venues where it will be used.This summer's Confederations Cup, held in Brazil, will be just the second time that goal-line technology will be used in FIFA competition since its use was approved nine months ago.
FIFA and GoalControl will now work out a time line for the installation of the system in time for the Confederations Cup, with a media presentation soon to be scheduled.
PSG president cools Wenger talk
The club's Qatari owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi has described the Arsenal boss as a "great manager" but says he is happy with Carlo Ancelotti's work so far this season
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has spoken of his admiration for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger but dismissed the idea of moving for the Frenchman.
The 63-year-old has been linked with a return to his homeland at the end of the season, with the cash-rich Parc des Princes club touted as a potential destination.
However, with the Parisien outfit currently seven points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and preparing for a Champions League quarterfinal clash with Barcelona, Al-Khelaifi insists he is happy with Carlo Ancelotti's work.
"Arsene Wenger is a great manager," Al-Khelaifi told Sky Sports News. "He is doing a great job with Arsenal and he has got a contract for another year I believe, which is what I hear from the media."
He added, "I cannot talk on his behalf and I do not know what he will decide, but for us we have Carlo and we are very satisfied with Carlo Ancelotti."
The president also acknowledged the considerable sums of money ploughed into the club since the Qatar Investment Authority's 2011 takeover.
"We have spent some money on the club, but we had to if we wanted to get into the top five clubs in Europe," Al-Khelafi said.
The club's Qatari owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi has described the Arsenal boss as a "great manager" but says he is happy with Carlo Ancelotti's work so far this season
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has spoken of his admiration for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger but dismissed the idea of moving for the Frenchman.
The 63-year-old has been linked with a return to his homeland at the end of the season, with the cash-rich Parc des Princes club touted as a potential destination.
However, with the Parisien outfit currently seven points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and preparing for a Champions League quarterfinal clash with Barcelona, Al-Khelaifi insists he is happy with Carlo Ancelotti's work.
"Arsene Wenger is a great manager," Al-Khelaifi told Sky Sports News. "He is doing a great job with Arsenal and he has got a contract for another year I believe, which is what I hear from the media."
He added, "I cannot talk on his behalf and I do not know what he will decide, but for us we have Carlo and we are very satisfied with Carlo Ancelotti."
The president also acknowledged the considerable sums of money ploughed into the club since the Qatar Investment Authority's 2011 takeover.
"We have spent some money on the club, but we had to if we wanted to get into the top five clubs in Europe," Al-Khelafi said.
Baines: Tottenham clash not decisive in Everton top-four bid
The Toffees are four points short of fourth place ahead of their meeting with Spurs, and the defender says his teammates will "give everything" to reach the Champions League.
Everton defender Leighton Baines has insisted his side's prospects of a top-four finish will not be decided by the meeting with Tottenham on Sunday.
The Toffees sit four points shy of the fourth and final Champions League spot ahead of their clash with third-placed Spurs at White Hart Lane but, with seven league fixtures remaining after the game against Andre Villas-Boas' side, Baines believes Everton's chances will not be ended by defeat.
"It's a big game but there are plenty more after that and it won't be decided by next weekend," Baines told the Liverpool Echo. "We are the ones who are trailing and that probably means we are the least favorite of the teams but we are fighters.
"We won't stop believing and we will give everything we have got, as we did last week (against Manchester City) and today. If we can win a few more games and get close to the end of the season, that's where we want to be. It's a very big game now and an opportunity for us to catch them or for them to get a bit of distance."
The Toffees are four points short of fourth place ahead of their meeting with Spurs, and the defender says his teammates will "give everything" to reach the Champions League.
Everton defender Leighton Baines has insisted his side's prospects of a top-four finish will not be decided by the meeting with Tottenham on Sunday.
The Toffees sit four points shy of the fourth and final Champions League spot ahead of their clash with third-placed Spurs at White Hart Lane but, with seven league fixtures remaining after the game against Andre Villas-Boas' side, Baines believes Everton's chances will not be ended by defeat.
"It's a big game but there are plenty more after that and it won't be decided by next weekend," Baines told the Liverpool Echo. "We are the ones who are trailing and that probably means we are the least favorite of the teams but we are fighters.
"We won't stop believing and we will give everything we have got, as we did last week (against Manchester City) and today. If we can win a few more games and get close to the end of the season, that's where we want to be. It's a very big game now and an opportunity for us to catch them or for them to get a bit of distance."
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