..::Football II::..

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rules out big spending spree in summer

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes he only has to make minor changes to his squad after regaining the Premier League title.

United secured the league crown with four games remaining this season as big-spending rivals Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham all failed to maintain their push for top spot.United chief executive Ed Woodward admitted earlier this week that there was no need for a "major retooling" of the club and Ferguson has echoed this view."Tweaking is the right word, we will look at one or two bodies," said Ferguson.

"We have to take the fact that other teams are going to strengthen into consideration. You also have to consider ages of some players but in the main we know where we are in regards to players."

The Scot insists that too many new faces can unsettle a squad, but is confident he will be able to land the transfer targets he wants."We have great strength in depth," he said. "We don't want to confuse ourselves and have too many players. Any time I have asked the Glazers (Manchester United's US-based owners to sanction a transfer) they have delivered."

United's title success will not stop them from fielding a strong side against Chelsea on Saturday as Ferguson wants to be fair to the other teams who are chasing a top-four place.

"Chelsea are chasing a Champions League position too so we should be playing as strong a team as we can," he said."Chelsea have done fantastically over the last few weeks and they have reached the Europa League final so it should be a good game. We have not done well against them over the last few years.

"Hopefully we can put that right on Sunday, it is time for us to play with enthusiasm and enjoyment and try to finish off the season."

 

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One or Two bodies kiyala kiyanneKawru ganida danne naha
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Jose Mourinho yet to make decision on Real Madrid future

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho insists that he has not made a decision over where he will ply his trade next season.The Portuguese strongly hinted after Tuesday's Champions League exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund that he wants to return to Chelsea by declaring that he is "loved" in England - in contrast to Spain, where he believes people "hate" him.

But, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's Primera Division game at home to Real Valladolid, Mourinho claimed nothing was certain yet."It's not worth talking about if I go or not," he said. "If I go, I will not give explanations.

"I'm working with total professionalism and I still have the same honour and pleasure to work for this club as I did a month or two ago."I have not taken the decision yet. First to know will be my wife and my children. Then the president (Florentino Perez) and director general (Jose Angel Sanchez).

"We will speak about the future after the end of the season. I have a Copa del Rey final and La Liga matches to play."Failure to beat Valladolid at the Bernabeu would open the door for Barcelona to regain the Primera Division title by beating Real Betis on Sunday night."Finishing second in the league is not what we want but it is better than finishing third," the 50-year-old added. "We want to win as many points as possible."Mourinho had been aiming to become the first coach to win the Champions League with three clubs following his successes with Porto and Inter Milan.

Their 4-3 aggregate loss to Dortmund - which came despite a 2-0 win in Tuesday's home leg - put paid to such ambitions, though, leaving the Portuguese to reflect: "I just want Real Madrid to win the Champions League, either with or without me."Whether he stays or goes in the summer, Mourinho expressed his desire for compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo to remain in the Spanish capital."Players must be completely dedicated to and focused on their clubs," he said. "I hope that Cristiano plays here for many more years."Ronaldo is doubtful for Saturday's game with a thigh strain, while defender Sergio Ramos could miss out after suffering a hamstring problem against Dortmund.

Mourinho will also be without Alvaro Arbeloa and Marcelo through injury and their fellow defender Raul Albiol due to suspension.

 

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One or Two bodies kiyala kiyanneKawru ganida danne naha
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Radamel Falcao nam aniwa ganyiwena kawru ganyidha kiyala nam sure nae Lewandowski, Bale nam sure naeCR7 wa gannidha dannth nae

 

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Originally Posted by Wolverine GTR
Subotic: Lewandowski should stay at Dortmund

 

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Kaka wants to remain at Real Madrid

The Brazil international admits his time at the Spanish giant has left him frustrated, but he is undeterred in his desire to still prove himself with los Blancos
Real Madrid midfielder Kaka has made it clear he has no intention of leaving the Santiago Bernabeu as he wants to have at least one good season at the club,

Since his mega-money move from AC Milan in 2009, the Brazilian has not convinced everyone in the Spanish capital with his performances on the pitch. Last summer he was almost sold back to the San Siro giants and rumors have begun to circulate again that he may be on his way out.

However, Kaka remains steadfast in his desire to prove himself with the Merengues if only he is given a chance to play more regularly.

"My priority is to continue for another two years with Real Madrid," Kaka was quoted by Marca. "I would love to have the opportunity to play more often. My first option is this and if it is not possible, then I will look at alternatives.

"I want to have at least one good season with Real Madrid, it is a personal challenge. I do not know about others but I have a feeling of frustration here. I will wait until the end of the season to know I will continue, that is to say, if the conditions here will provide me with the chance to play more.

"I do not want to return to Brazil. I want to remain in Europe and perhaps later on if it is possible a may then think about returning."

Kaka also commented on the possibility of linking up with Paris Saint-Germain's Carlo Ancelotti again, the coach he played under during his Milan days.

"Ancelotti is the coach with whom I had my best years with as a professional," he continued. "With Mourinho's situation, it is difficult to say what will happen, whether some players will leave, if Mourinho will continue."

Kaka has made just 16 La Liga appearances this season, scoring twice.

 

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Ronaldo's representative unsure of Real Madrid star's future

The Portuguese star's agent has sparked rumors that his client might depart the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, claiming he is unsure whether he wants to reman Cristiano Ronaldo could be on his way out of Real Madrid, according to his agent Jorge Mendes.

Despite his tremendous goalscoring record of 197 goals in 195 games for los Blancos, Ronaldo has not always been happy in the Spanish capital, highlighted by his admission earlier in the season that he was "sad".

Ever since, there have been rumors the former Manchester United ace could leave in the summer and Mendes suggests a move away is a possibility he will not rule out.

“I don't know. Ronaldo would be an asset to any of the best teams in the world. We'll have to wait and see, he's at Real Madrid and I don't know if he wants to move. Maybe," he told Radio Mana Mana Sport.

Mendes was also quizzed on another Real Madrid star, Angel Di Maria, and Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who have both been linked with a move to Italian giants Juventus.

“It all depends on what they can afford. Italian teams can't pay as much as they used to for players these days," he continued. “As for Ibra, that would be very difficult.”

 

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Valdano: Mourinho exit will not affect Madrid

The former los Blancos director believes the Spanish club will not suffer if the Portuguese boss opts to leave this summer, while he had a word of praise for German football.Former Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano is convinced his old club will go unscathed if coach Jose Mourinho leaves at the season's end.

Speculation over Mourinho's future in the Spanish capital has been well-documented since Tuesday night's elimination at the hands of Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semifinals.Valdano, who worked alongside Mourinho for a period before a public spat between the two saw him leave the club, is certain things will carry on as usual at Madrid even if the Portuguese coach does move on.

"Real Madrid are still an extraordinary side. From this point of view, it will not matter if there is a change in coach," Valdano told Cadena Ser. "Real Madrid are a very big and complex club, there are thousands of people behind the scenes."
Asked what coaches he thought could replace Mourinho, he said: "[Carlo] Ancelotti is a great man, he is diligent, calm and has the capacity to create something special. He has the ability to work naturally even under controversial conditions.

"But, I admire [Jurgen] Klopp a lot. He has the optimism that can bring his team joy. "German football and Bayern Munich know where they want to go. They are doing so with a great style of football."

Valdano also touched on how los Blancos almost overturned the deficit against the Germans in Tuesday's night game.

"Coming back is part of Real Madrid's fabric," he added. "It's part of its image and it's very impressive. Barcelona are different, they have great faith in their philosophy, but they do not have a history of coming back in the big ties."

 

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Arsenal goalkeeper Fabianski wary of QPR's Tottenham connection

The 28-year-old believes the likes of Harry Redknapp, Adel Taarabt and Andros Townsend will want to help their old club by taking points off the Gunners when they meet on Saturday Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski believes QPR’s ex-Tottenham contingent will provide it with an extra challenge during their clash at Loftus Road on Saturday.

Rs' boss Harry Redknapp – as well as coaches Joe Jordan, Kevin Bond and midfielder Adel Taarabt – all had spells at White Hart Lane, while Andros Townsend is currently on loan from the north London club.

And Fabianski believes the Spurs connections within the QPR squad will make Saturday's visit more difficult, though he is confident the Gunners can still come away with the right result.

"For sure it will be a tough game," he told the club's official website. "For them it will be the kind of game to give something back to the fans and show that they maybe didn't deserve to go down.

"I think most of their coaching staff have some relations with Tottenham so maybe they will to put out a team that will want to help Spurs.

"It will be a tough game but looking at our away results from recent games, I think we're in a good position."

Fabianski is still unavailable for selection with a rib injury but the Polish stopper believes he can return in a week’s time if he is able to hit the floor properly while diving.

"I'm getting better, the rib is much better," he said. "There is less soreness and my mobility is better so I'm hoping maybe another week and I should be fully fit.

"I just need to hit the floor first. I didn't dive properly for two or three weeks. That will be the big answer for me if I'm ready or not."

 

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Guardiola: Messi is the greatest defender in the world

The ex-Barca boss believes the Argentina captain and Blaugrana star is not only a great goalscorer, but, defensively no one else comes near him either Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has offered an alternative take on Lionel Messi's qualities, naming him the best defender in the world.

The diminutive Barca striker is best known for his attacking exploits, especially last year when he scored a record-breaking 91 goals in total for both club and country.

However, Guardiola, who coached Barca over an incredibly successful period between 2008 and 2012, also believes Messi has great defensive qualities, too.

"Messi wins the ball playing as the false No.9. If you put him at left back, he would be just as good. He is the best defender in the world," Guardiola told reporters.

"Before arriving at Barcelona I had never seen Messi play. But, [current Blaugrana coach] Tito Vilanova had great things to say about him."

Guardiola later avoided having to reveal who he thought was the best, Diego Maradona or Messi.

He added: "Maradona was my idol as a child. But, do not ask me such a typical question as to who is the best."

 

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Mancini encourages Sinclair to leave Manchester City


The 24-year-old has struggled to break into the Italian's first team plans this season and has managed just 14 appearances in all competitions Roberto Mancini admits Scott Sinclair has had a difficult first season at Manchester City and believes the winger may be better off switching clubs this summer.

Sinclair, who moved from Swansea City last August, has only managed 14 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City this term and has yet to score a goal for Mancini's side.

Mancini maintains that the 24-year-old "deserves to play" but concedes he may not get a regular role at the Etihad Stadium.

"This situation with Sinclair is difficult because I didn't give him a lot of chances to play. He is very unlucky," said Mancini at his pre-match press conference.

"It is my fault, not his fault. A young player like Scott who is a good player deserves to play always."For him, it was a really difficult year this year."When asked if that meant Sinclair would be moving on in the summer, Mancini replied: "Scott is young and he has good quality but this year was difficult for him.
"I think it is better if he can have another solution.

"If he stays here, maybe, everything can change but I can understand his frustration in this moment because he didn't play a lot of games."For me, he is a good player. We have one team. For him, it was difficult.

"I repeat - he did everything well, he worked well, he is a good guy, he deserves to play. I can understand when one player can't play often it is difficult."

 

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Lloris: Southampton match is a must-win for Spurs' CL hopes

The goalkeeper also believes Gareth Bale will play a vital role in Spurs' quest to secure Champions League football for next season.

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris insists his side must beat Southampton if its to keep its hopes of securing Champions League qualification alive.

With just four games remaining, Spurs sit in fifth place, two points behind Arsenal, who have played one match more, while Chelsea is three points ahead of Andre Villas-Boas' men in third.

"We want to be in the next Champions League, but we know that if we don't get three points against Southampton our chance will be finished," said Lloris.

Last Sunday, Gareth Bale was named the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year following a talismanic campaign at White Hart Lane, and he followed that up with an FWA Player of the Year award on Thursday.

Lloris maintains the Wales international is vital to Spurs' top-four aspirations and believes the midfielder will play an influential role in the club's last four games of the season.

"Gareth Bale has had a great season for Tottenham and helped the team to be in this situation," Lloris said. "I am sure he will help us realise this objective and we need him to win the next four games to finish in the top four."

Upon arriving at Spurs, Lloris initially faced strong competition from Brad Friedel but has since emerged as the club's first-choice goalkeeper, and the France international believes he has quickly adapted to the Premier League.

"It was a big step in my career and it was very important to have a good adaptation in my life but also in football," Lloris said. "I have enjoyed this season. It is true that it was not easy at the beginning, but after it was better."

 

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Pastore: PSG is calm and confident

The midfielder is in confident mood as he and his teammates bid to win the French league title this weekend Javier Pastore says Paris Saint-Germain is "calm and confident" as it closes in on its first Ligue 1 title since 1994.

Les Parisiens are nine points clear at the top of the table with four games remaining and a win against Valenciennes on Sunday, coupled with Marseille dropping points against Bastia, would be enough for the club to be crowned champions.

"I'm very happy because we could be crowned champions this Sunday," the 23-year-old told PSG's club website. "That is very important for us, and especially for me because it will be the first title I've won in my career. It's been a very positive season with a great run in the Champions League and in Ligue 1. It may have been a difficult start, but the year has been very positive.

"This is just another normal week. We are working the same as always, preparing for a match that we aim to win on Sunday. We are calm and confident because we have a good lead in the table. It all comes down to us. We know what we have to do. We are masters of our own destiny.

"It has been a long season because we have played so many matches. I think we could have done better in the Coupe de France. We knew that the club needs to win trophies. We have been aware of that since the start. The end of the season is coming and we have three games left to win the title."

The former Palermo man then brushed off rumors linking Carlo Ancelotti with a move to Real Madrid and said the PSG boss is firmly focused on adding a French title to an already glittering CV.

"Rumors? There are rumors all season, about everything," Pastore explained. "We are only thinking about winning our next match. We want to be champions and we are focused on that objective, and it's the same for Carlo. The moment for thinking about the future can come later."

The Argentine scored the only goal of the game in his side's last league outing, as it defeated Evian 1-0.

 

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Mourinho: My record speaks for itself

The Portuguese says he doesn't need to defend himself because he has won so much, causing an unfair amount of expectation to be thrust upon him Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says he should be judged by his achievements and not by his failure to win the Champions League with the club.

The Portuguese has won league titles in four different countries and is one of only three coaches to win the Champions League with two different clubs. He also holds the record for the most points and goals scored in a Liga season.

But Mourinho has not yet been able to lift European football's greatest prize in his time at the Santiago Bernabeu and he hit out at critics for failing to note his impressive list of achievements.

"I am always hoping there is some 'smart guy' who will ask me a question which requires a piece of paper," the 50-year-old told reporters at a press conference."The record league title is mine; I have played in three Champions League semifinals, which doesn't personally leave me satisfied. [But] it can't be easy because 18 coaches in 21 years [have only reached] five Champions League semifinals at Real Madrid. The bad guy is Mourinho, with three in three seasons."

He added, "My work is never valued in absolute terms but in terms of what I have achieved and that's my fault because I have won so much that the expectations are always much higher than what I am able to achieve later on.

"You journalists will want to wipe me off the list but you won't be able to - only when there is a team which wins 101 points [in La Liga]. Twenty years without winning the Copa - and we won it. The records of (100 points, 121 goals) is mine, it can't be deleted and it doesn't feed my ego."

Mourinho has been strongly linked with a return to Chelsea this summer and could well call time on his stay in Madrid at the end of the season.

 

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Hummels opens door to Dortmund exit

The defender is refusing to commit his future to the club, but hopes Robert Lewandowski will remain at Signal Iduna Park Mats Hummels has refused to rule out leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer and says he has "never promised to fulfill his contract".

The defender is the latest BVB player to be linked with a move away from the club following the news Mario Gotze will join Bayern in the summer. And he admits he remains unsure whether he will see out the duration of his deal, but added that he hopes striker Robert Lewandowski stays at Signal Iduna Park.

"I have never made a promise that I will fulfill my contract in the five-and-a-half years I have been here," he told Bild.

"We know that Robert works in this team - he always scores goals here. I certainly hope that he stays. For me he is the best striker in Europe this year. When you see his development it is phenomenal."

Dortmund set up an all-German Champions League final on Wednesday night after seeing off Real Madrid 4-3 on aggregate, and despite trailing Bayern Munich by 20 points in the Bundesliga, Hummels is confident of springing a surprise at Wembley."We have proved our quality. Bayern are incredibly strong after sending Barcelona home at 7-0 and we recognize the achievements of Bayern, but that doesn't mean they can't lose a game," he said.

He continued to explain, “I don't know why we would be under pressure, Dortmund fans wouldn't be surprised if we came second in the Champions League. We are totally looking forward to the game and will stay calm. For Dortmund to play Bayern in the final it is definitely good for Germany.

"The fact that Bayern express themselves with us in mind shows they have noticed us. In all modesty this is probably a result of the reputation we have gained in the last few years."The two sides face one another in the league on Saturday in what is effectively a dead rubber contest, with Bayern already crowned league champions.

 

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Hummels Dortmund walin giyoth Barcelona join wei godak welawata​

 

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Wenger insists he wants to stay at Arsenal

The Gunners manager intends to remain at the Emirates Stadium for the foreseeable future amid reports of him joining Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season Arsene Wenger has indicated that he wants to stay at Arsenal, despite reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

As Goal reported on Tuesday, the Frenchman has no plans to be lured by the money from his native country, with Carlo Ancelotti reportedly on his way out of Paris.

Wenger was vocal in his intention to stay the Emirates Stadium, speaking of his "loyalty" to the club, with Arsenal pushing for Champions League qualification with three games remanining.

"I want to stay if I do well, if the club consider I do well," the Gunners boss told a press conference. "I want this club to do well. We have gone through a sensitive period but I believe the club is in a good position for the future."

He added, "I do my job with a lot of commitment and a lot of loyalty. I try to do as best as I can for this club."

Arsenal is currently fourth in the Premier League, two points ahead of Totttenham, which has a game in hand on its north London rival.

 

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Van Persie wins Premier League Player of the Month for April

The Dutchman struck six times in five matches in April, including a stunning hat trick against Aston Villa that secured Manchester United's record 20th league title.
Robin van Persie has won the Premier League Player of the Month award for the month of April.

Van Persie netted six times in five league matches, including a stunning hat trick at home to Aston Villa that clinched a record 20th title for Manchester United. The prolific Dutchman also scored on his return to the Emirates Stadium against former club Arsenal, and he leads the Premier League scoring charts with 25 goals.

He unlikely to be caught either, as his nearest rival Luis Suarez (23) will not play again this season, having been given a 10-match ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic.

Van Persie, however, was pipped to both the PFA and FWA Player of the Year awards by Tottenham star Gareth Bale.​

 

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Congratulations RVP!

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Chelsea boss Benitez named Premier League Manager of the Month for April

The interim Blues manager guided his side to three wins and a draw last month as the Europa League finalists remain on course to secure a third-placed finish in England.Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez has been named the Premier League's manager of the month for April.

The 53-year-old Spaniard guided the West London club to Premier League victories against Sunderland, Fulham and Swansea City and secured a 2-2 draw against his former club Liverpool at Anfield last month.

"Always when you can win a trophy it is good and when you win this kind of trophy it means that the staff and everyone involved is doing well," Benitez told the club's official website. "At this stage of the season it is really important when you are playing for something, so if we can carry on winning games I will be really pleased.

"It is important to understand that a manager can do good things but it depends on the people behind supporting you, so it is important to give credit to everyone.

"We have to give credit to the staff because we have had not had too many injuries and I was telling the players after saying well done for making the Europa League final that everybody has to feel they have been part of this, because when you use players for different games and still the team can keep the level it means the squad is important."

With four Premier League games remaining, Chelsea sits third in the table, one point ahead of Arsenal, which has played a game more, and remains on course to secure an automatic place in next season's Champions League.

Benitez, who has also guided the club to a Europa League final, believes the cohesion between his players is improving and insists the squad's mentality is a factor behind their recent form.

"When you are working with the same group of players every week the understanding between players, management and staff is better," Benitez said. "We have a group of players with quality and we have the commitment that we saw in some of the games.

"As soon as you can win some games in a row you have momentum and confidence and it is easier, so we are not doing too many things in a different way but we are more convinced that we can beat anyone. Overall it is a good period, the team has more confidence and that is the key.

"We were scoring set-piece goals, especially from corners, and we were not conceding many and it is a good balance when you have a team with players who are good in the air.

"Some things that we are trying to do in training sessions you could see make the difference in the games and we are really pleased with that."​