..::Football III::..

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Simeone: Expectations are huge at Atletico now - but we're one step from our target

Diego Simeone insists Atletico Madrid would achieve their season's aim if they qualified for the Champions League by avoiding defeat at in-form Granada on Saturday.

Atletico head south needing a point to secure an automatic place in Europe's elite club competition next season, with fourth-placed Valencia three points behind but with a superior head-to-head record.

Defending the Liga title they won 12 months ago was always going to be difficult for Simeone's men but he is happy with their progress in 2014-15.

He said at Friday's press conference: "After becoming champions, the following year is the hardest. The expectation has grown enormously. The squad has made a huge effort to compete in all competitions and we are one step away from our goal, it is what we planned and what the club wanted.

"The championship is long and when the season comes to a close and the objectives are so close it increases the responsibility and the pressure. All that comes with it means the games are not so simple. There will be nerves for all the teams competing across Spain this weekend.

"But I always try to focus on us, we depend on ourselves only. The fairest thing to do is to look at ourselves and not to listen to other situations that could disorientate us and force us to lose focus.

"It is a final we have to play with intensity and aggression to ensure we get the position we wanted at the start of the season."

Granada will prove stiff opposition, however, with the Andalusians enjoying a fine run of form following former coach Abel Resino's departure and the arrival of Jose Ramon Sandoval at the start of the month. Three successive victories have moved them out of the relegation zone and another on Saturday will guarantee their top-flight status.

"The Granada team has changed in the last three games under the new coach, who has brought a lot of enthusiasm to the team," added Simeone. "Them having home advantage will be important but at the same time it could be dangerous. While people get excited [when things are going well] it can become complicated when things start to go negatively."

 

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I want Schweinsteiger to stay, insists Guardiola

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola is adamant he wants to keep Bastian Schweinsteiger at the club admit reported interest from Manchester United.

German magazine Kicker, which also revealed that Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels would snub a move to Old Trafford, claimed on Wednesday that the Premier League club were interested in signing Schweinsteiger this summer.

Those reports have gathered pace in England, too, but Guardiola says it is his intention to keep the World Cup-winner at the Allianz Arena.

"My plan for the next season is that Bastian Schweinsteiger is here," he told a press conference on Friday.

"Schweinsteiger is an outstanding legend of Bayern Munich, he has to decide - not Pep, not [CEO] Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. If he wants to stay for three or four more years, he can do that."

United have also been linked with a move for Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who is set to leave Signal Iduna Park this summer.

 

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Mourinho: Legend Lampard deserves more emotion than Gerrard

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Frank Lampard ahead of the midfielder's Premier League departure.

The midfielder, who left the Blues for Manchester City last summer, has made a total of 608 Premier League appearances to date, and will bid farewell to the division on Sunday when City take on Southampton at the Etihad Stadium.

Lampard and Mourinho enjoyed a fruitful partnership during their two spells together at Chelsea, and the Portuguese manager was all too happy to send some kind words his way ahead of his move to New York City - just as he did when Steven Gerrard made his last appearance at Stamford Bridge for Liverpool.

"The same way I had a few words about Steven Gerrard, I have to do so about Frank Lampard with more emotions," he told reporters.

"One of my best players ever. One of my best professionals ever.

"A Chelsea legend and a legend in the Premier League.

"So last match for Frank and obviously I have to honour him and wish him the best in the States and hope he can get back to England as soon as possible because he is a big loss for English football."

 

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I'd sign Xavi 25 more times if I could - Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique has said that he is sad to see Xavi leave Barcelona, as he feels the veteran midfielder is capable of another season with the Liga champions.

However, the Barca coach respects the 35-year-old's decision to join Qatar club Al Sadd and expects the long-serving captain to get a great send-off.

He said: "We've spoken about Xavi infinite times. He's now made his decision, he's said what he feels, what he thinks is correct for himself.

"Unfortunately it's a decision that players when they get to a certain age have to make. I think this is the right time, it's a good time to say goodbye to the Camp Nou and hopefully he will get the best farewell possible.

"If he was going to stay the same age for the rest of his life then we would renew his contract 25 more times times, but age catches up with all of us."For me he is still quite capable of playing for Barca for at least one more season, but that is his decision."

Meanwhile, the former Roma coach is refusing to discuss his future until the end of the season, despite president Josep Maria Bartomeu stating that he will stay at the club.

The Catalans will seal a famous treble in Luis Enrique's first season in charge if they beat Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey a week on Saturday and Juventus in the Champions League final a week later.Despite such impressive exploits in his maiden campaign at the helm, reports have claimed that the former Spain international may be set to leave Camp Nou.

Barca president Bartomeu this week stated that Luis Enrique will remain with the Spanish champions and slammed suggestions that Carlo Ancelotti could be brought in to replace him.

However, with presidential elections on the horizon, Luis Enrique refused to be drawn on talk of his position on the eve of Xavi's Camp Nou farewell against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.

He said: "I have nothing to comment on that matter, I am thinking about three games: one in the league and two finals. That's all I am going to be talking about right now."I have got nothing special to say on the matter anyway, but I'm not going to speak about that until the end of the season.

"What I will do is focus on what I can control at the moment, which is the games that we've got left to play."Luis Enrique also confirmed Thomas Vermaelen will make his long-awaited Barcelona debut against Deportivo.

 

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Neymar: Dunga can lead Brazil back to the top

Brazil captain Neymar believes coach Dunga can lead them back to the top of international football.

The five-time world champions have bounced back from last year’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Germany with eight consecutive victories ahead of June's Copa America.

And the Barcelona forward, who has hit eight goals in eight games for his country since inheriting the captaincy from Thiago Silva, has assured his team-mates that, if they follow their coach's instructions, they will promptly return to their rightful place among the game's elite.

"In Brazil there is always a lot of quality players and we have a great team that can get back into the first position in every tournament," the 23-year-old told Diario Record."If we keep training well, stick together and listen to our coach, then I think we can go back to being number one."

Neymar will lead his country into their first competitive games since the World Cup when they arrive in Chile for next month's Copa America, but he will miss the first of two Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour warm-up matches after Barcelona's qualification for the Champions League final ruled him out of the clash with Mexico.Barca meet Juventus in Berlin on June 6, one day before the Selecao face Mexico in Sao Paulo.

"Mexico is a big national team of great quality, but I do not want to play this friendly ... I want to play the Champions League final," he admitted.

 

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Guardiola: I can't win the treble every year

Pep Guardiola says it's unrealistic for people to expect him to win the treble with Bayern Munich and repeated his desire to stay at the club.

The coach has been criticised for the Bavarians' exit from the Champions League semi-finals at the hands of Barcelona and being knocked out of the DFB-Pokal on penalties at the same stage by Borussia Dortmund.

But the Spaniard has hit back at the expectancy at the club as a result of predecessor Jupp Heynckes' treble success in 2013.

"If Bayern Munich are looking for a coach that has to win the treble every year then I'm not the one they want," he told reporters at a press conference on Friday. "I'm not good enough to do that.

"I've learnt that people talk too much here, my advice to my critics is to calm down. They should have more respect for the German champions."The Champions League might be the greatest crown in club football but, for us, winning the Bundesliga is the most important thing and we did that."

Guardiola will be hoping Bayern can arrest a run of four consecutive defeats in domestic matches since they were crowned champions of Germany at the Allianz Arena against mid-table Mainz on Saturday.

 

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Ronaldo's been Madrid's best player - Ancelotti

Cristiano Ronaldo has done more than any other player for Real Madrid this season, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or for the third time in January after a sensational 2014, but suffered a dip in form in the second half of the campaign as Madrid toiled domestically and in Europe.The club will end the season trophyless, with some critics pointing the finger of blame at the 30-year-old, but Ancelotti says that would be most unfair.

"Ronaldo has reached a point where one does not know how many goals he scored," he told reporters at Friday's pre-match press conference. "I know I've lost the count."He has done the most for the team to win titles. Ronaldo cannot be asked more than he has done this year."

In addition to being bombarded with questions about his future from journalists amid rumours he will be replaced by Rafa Benitez, Ancelotti was also asked about what Paul Pogba would add to Madrid if they bought him from Juventus in the upcoming transfer window.

"Pogba is a great player, he's young and he's going to have a great future," the Italian added. "He would be good for Real Madrid because he would be good for all teams. He is one of the best young players in Europe right now."

 

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Ancelotti: I want to stay at Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti is optimistic he will remain at Real Madrid but says his future will be decided after their final match of the season against Getafe on Saturday.
The coach guided the club to European glory last season but will end this season trophyless, leading to reports Napoli boss Rafa Benitez will replace him in the summer.

Ancelotti says he still has work to do at Madrid, however, and believes he will be in charge this time next season.

"I still haven't spoken to the club about my future and the club haven't spoken to me," he told reporters at a press conference on Friday. "I'm still thinking I'm going to be the coach of Real Madrid until I'm told otherwise.

"After the game on Sunday or Monday, we'll have a meeting and we'll discuss my own future and the club's future. The club have told me that at the end of the season we will meet.

"I know this is a tough moment for the club, they have to make a decision, but I haven't seen any deterioration in relationship in the past two years with president Florentino Perez."If the club wants to change coach, I will accept that, it's fine by me. If I go, I've had two great years. Hopefully I stay, though, I want to stay.

"My feeling is that I'll be here next season. The club are evaluating things, that's normal, but I want to stay here. I like it here. I like this club, I like my players, I like this city."

Reports in Spain on Friday suggested Ancelotti may yet survive the axe but his backroom staff will be culled on the insistence of the board. The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss is adamant, however, that an overhaul is not required.

"If I stay, only small things need to change, there doesn't need to be an overhaul," he added. "My philosophy and my style of work… I still believe in it.

"I arrived here as Real Madrid coach, bringing the staff I think are at the top level. I still think that. I have a lot of confidence in the people I brought with me. What I've achieved in my career I've achieved with the staff I have. I think they're the best in the world.

"It's like being on holiday all the time living in Madrid. It's great here. I have no rush to leave and go on holiday but, once everything is decided with my future, I will go on holiday!"

 

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Walcott & Ramsey will both be at Arsenal next season, insists Wenger

Arsene Wenger expects Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey to stay at Arsenal this summer.

Walcott has lost his place in the side since returning from a long term knee injury, while Ramsey was recently linked with a summer move to Barcelona.

However, Wenger dismissed suggestions either player could depart: "All our players want to stay here at Arsenal this summer. I have no concerns at all."

Walcott came off the bench to create the equaliser in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Manchester United, but has been vocal over his lack of game time.

Despite his unhappiness, Wenger insists the 26-year-old has bounced back impressively.

"He's a special player who has had special tests on the mental front, but has overcome them," he added.

Arsenal face West Brom on the final day of the season before taking on Aston Villa in the FA Cup final, as they bid to retain the trophy they won last term.

 

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Van Gaal: I still believe De Gea will stay

Louis van Gaal is still optimistic about Manchester United's hopes of keeping David de Gea at Old Trafford and hopes to pick the Spaniard against Hull City on Sunday.

The former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper is a target for one-time rivals Real Madrid this summer, who have issued him a 'now or never' ultimatum as they bid to prise him away from United.

The Red Devils, though, are still trying to persuade the 24-year-old to sign a new bumper contract, and Van Gaal remains upbeat about the chances of retaining the shot-stopper.

"I believe still that David de Gea shall stay," said the veteran Dutch boss ahead of United's final game of the season, an away trip to the KC Stadium against the relegation-threatened Tigers.

"You know that I shall talk with [the players] maybe tomorrow, we'll have a farewell drink.

"After the match, I have the Monday to talk, I have spoken to some players this week. You have to wait and see how these talks develop in terms of players staying or going."

Van Gaal will pick as strong a side as possible for Sunday's decisive match, saying he owes it to both drop-threatened Newcastle and the integrity of the Premier League, and hopes to call on De Gea, who picked up an injury against Arsenal.

"It's his last match of the season, my last match and also the players'. I think you have to put out your strongest team because it's very important for Hull City," continued the United boss.

"Wayne [Rooney] is available, he is captain so he shall play. I don't know [if David will play at the moment]. He trained today but only with the goalkeeping coach.

"He still has a little problem but I'll wait a day longer as I want him to play against Hull City."

 

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Van Gaal: I still believe De Gea will stay

De Gea wa kohomahari thiyaganna thamai one​

 

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Real Madrid move would make Benitez truly happy - agent

Rafa Benitez "would be truly happy" to take charge of Real Madrid next season, according to his agent Manuel Garcia Quilon.Benitez's future at Napoli has been the subject of speculation for weeks, with Sampdoria coach Sinisa Mihajlovic tipped to replace the Spaniard.

A surprise development over the past couple of days, however, has been Real Madrid's interest in replacing Decima-winning coach Carlo Ancelotti with the former Liverpool boss.

Ancelotti is set to pay the price for a trophy-less season and Benitez is now expected to be handed the reins at the end of the Serie A season, a change his representative says he would relish.

"Rafa was a Real Madrid player [he played for Castilla between 1974 and 1981], he is from Madrid and was a coach of their B Team [1993-95], so I doubt anyone would be unhappy with that history," Quilon told Cuatro.

"I am not inside his head but I think he would be truly happy to coach Real Madrid one day.

"At the moment there is nothing concrete, though, it's all just rumours."Benitez guided Valencia to La Liga titles in 2001-02 and 2003-04, while he also won the Uefa Cup during his spell at Mestalla.

 

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La Liga Final Match Day Fixtures 2015.05.23

La Liga Final Match Day Fixtures 2015.05.23

Levante Vs Elche

Almeria Vs Valencia

Athletic Bilbao Vs Villareal

Barcelona Vs Deportivo

Celta Vigo Vs Espanyol

Eibar Vs Cordoba

Granada Vs Atletico Madrid

Malaga Vs Sevilla

Rayo Vallecano Vs Real Soceidad

Real Madrid Vs Getafe​

 

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Serie A 2015.05.23 Fixtures

Serie A 2015.05.23 Fixtures

Juventus Vs Napoli

Genoa Vs Inter​

 

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Menez: I'm happy at AC Milan

Jeremy Menez has no desire to leave AC Milan, despite rumours linking him with a move away from the struggling Serie A side, and is hoping that his fine club form will earn him a France recall.

Liverpool have emerged a possible suitor for the 28-year-old winger, who has scored 16 goals in 33 league matches this term, after being regularly utilised by Rossoneri coach Filippo Inzaghi in a more central attacking position.

However, the French forward insists that he remains fully committed to a club with whom he signed a three-year contract upon joining on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

"I am happy here at Milan," Menez toldthe club's official television channel. "The relationship with my team-mates is brilliant, we have a great group, it's just a shame about the results.

"On a personal level, I think that I've had a good season, but of course I could have done better and I hope that I can do more next season."You can always improve in a lot of areas, I feel very happy here, even if I've heard things that I do not like, but that's a part of football.

"I will try to give even more come next season."Menez, who was left out of the France squad for last year’s World Cup, hasn’t represented his country since October 2013.

However, the former Roma man has been one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise disappointing season for Milan, who currently sit 11th in Serie A with just two rounds of the season remaining, and admitted that forcing his way back into the France set-up has been one of the key factors in his resurgence.

“I came here to also get back into the national team," Menez added. "I try my best for Milan above all, but also for the national team.“The European Championship is taking place next year and I want to be there.”

 

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Hernanes: I will stay at Inter until I win something

Hernanes says he won’t be leaving Inter until before the club’s walls are plastered with photos of him holding trophies aloft.

The Brazil international joined the club from Lazio in a €20 million move in January 2014 but has endured trying times at San Siro, with the Nerazzurri currently trying desperately to salvage European qualification following yet another disappointing season.

Inter have two games to make up the two points that separate them from Sampdoria in the final Europa League slot, and Hernanes is hoping to help get the club back on track after regaining his form following a tricky start to life in Milan.

“I have no intention of leaving until I have a picture of me hanging here at [the training ground] while I lift a trophy,” the 29-year-old told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I was annoyed [at my form when I first joined]. I have never failed in my life. I wanted to be a football player ever since I left my hometown of Recife. And I have never accepted the idea of failure.”

His initial struggles to replicate the sort of form he had shown at Lazio were in no small part down to persistent injury problems, which he says his new club have helped put behind him.

And the former Sao Paulo man went on to thank coach Roberto Mancini for keeping faith in his ability to lead the club back from a disastrous start.“When I was injured and not fit, maybe I disappointed [Manicni], but I was pleased that his idea has always remained that of quality football,” he said.

“For me, it was a victory to win back his approval. I was always talking to him even when I was not playing.“My [resurgence] is thanks to the mental coach Sandro Corapi. I now understand that you have to think less and act more on instinct.

“At first I focused heavily on technique and did not recognize myself in my body. It seemed that I was an object to take forward, like a trolley... I have found the right balance in knowing myself."

Inter travel to Genoa on Saturday hoping to get back to winning ways following last week's home defeat to champions Juventus.

 

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'Van Gaal snubbed Real Madrid to join Barcelona'

A former assistant of Louis Van Gaal claims that the Dutch coach snubbed Real Madrid in order to take the Barcelona job.

The current Manchester United boss moved to Camp Nou in 1997, a year after leading a young Ajax side the Champions League title.

However, Gerard van der Lem, who had been Van Gaal’s right-hand man during his time in Amsterdam, has revealed that his former boss could have easily ended up at the Santiago Bernabeu instead.

"Real Madrid and Barcelona both wanted Van Gaal in 1997," he told De Telegraaf.

"He asked me: 'What do you want?' I said that I preferred Barcelona... Madrid is right in the middle of Spain and is always incredibly hot in the summer and very cold in the winter.

"Barcelona has a more pleasant climate, seemed like a nicer city and I enjoy the sea. "Louis then told me that he would open talks with Barcelona."

Van Gaal succeeded Bobby Robson as Barcelona boss, with the Catalans deciding to return to their Dutch roots in an attempt to rekindle the glory days of Johan Cruyff’s 'Dream Team'.

The 63-year-old claimed two league titles during his first three-year stay in Spain before returning for an ill-fated second spell in 2002, after two years with the Dutch national team.

 

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Lacazette can become 'world class' - Houllier

Former Lyon and France coach Gerard Houllier said Alexandre Lacazette can become "world class".Lacazette scored 27 goals in 33 league appearances this season - his breakthrough campaign after finally being entrusted to lead Lyon's attack after a number of years playing on the wing.

Having led Hubert Fournier's side to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 ahead of Saturday's final matchday, Lacazette was named the French league's best player on Sunday and Houllier is convinced it is just a step on the way to the top for the former academy player.

"He's top of the premier league in France, the Ligue 1, but he's not international yet, and he knows that. But he can be world class," the ex-Liverpool boss told Ligue 1's official website.

"I was told he's a very dedicated professional. So if he looks after himself and if he does the right thing then he can become really top notch."

Lacazette scored more goals in Ligue 1 this term than he had in his previous five seasons put together and he will be awarded the golden boot unless Marseille's Andre-Pierre Gignac can score seven more goals than the Lyon forward this weekend.

Sonny Anderson, who played 110 league matches for Lyon between 1999 and 2003, said Lacazette always had that clinical nature."He was already a good finisher before but as he was on the wing he couldn't make so many runs through the middle," the Brazilian said."His role was to cross the ball and protect the full-back."

Anderson added: "I started following Alex when he was 16."I remember thinking he'll go a long way. He was so good in front of goal.

"I was coaching Lyon's attackers and Alexandre was the most talented. He could finish with his left foot, his right foot, he had a cool head and always made the right choice."

With Bafetimbi Gomis (Swansea) and Jimmy Briand (Hannover) having left Lyon before this season, Fournier turned to Lacazette, Nabil Fekir and Clinton N'Jie in the forward third.

"I have taken a step forward this season," Lacazette said."I've been given more responsibility. Certain experienced players left and everyone at the club showed faith in me and helped me to grow."

 

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'Perez is making another blunder' - Real Madrid fans want Ancelotti and not Benitez

Real Madrid fans want under-fire coach Carlo Ancelotti to remain at the club and are unhappy about Rafa Benitez emerging as favourite to succeed him at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ancelotti brought the club their long-awaited tenth European crown last season, but Goal understands that he faces a battle to survive a campaign in which he failed to retain the Champions League or win La Liga.

Goal spoke to a number of influential Real Madrid supporters to gauge their opinion on the recent developments - and the consensus is that fans want Ancelotti to stay and are generally critical of president Florentino Perez and any plans to appoint Benitez.

"Ancelotti's first year was very good, with many titles, but this season he finished as runners-up in the league and only made it to the Champions League semi-finals," explains Luis Molina, President of Peña Madridista Tivoli - one of Madrid's leading supporter groups.

"I would like Ancelotti to stay. But if not, Rafa Benitez is a better choice than Jurgen Klopp, Nuno, Michel or anyone else. He is Spanish and knows the club."
A former Real Madrid Castilla player, Benitez took charge of teams at every level of the club below the first team during his formative years in management, before moving on to Valladolid and eventually leading Valencia to two league titles.

“Benitez knows the culture and philosophy of the club, but is known to rule his clubs with an iron fist and that could hit the stars of Real Madrid hard – as it did under Jose Antonio Camacho in 2004,” says fellow fan member Javier Velasco.
“His profile as a studious and meticulous technician can work well back at the club he calls home... but I'm not convinced.”

There are also concerns from fans that president Perez is set to repeat the mistakes he made during his first term between 2000 and 2006. He was heavily criticised for sanctioning the sales of key figures such as Claude Makelele as he sought to pack the side with Galacticos.

The likes of Michael Owen, Julio Baptista, and Robinho ultimately proved failures as his Zidanes and Pavones policy was ultimately deemed a failure.

In his second term, Perez's decision to sign Gareth Bale for a club record €100 million has earned more criticism of his methods, with the Wales international repeatedly jeered by local supporters throughout the second half of the current campaign.

“It will be another Perez blunder, who is set to once again commit the same mistakes he did in his first term,” says club socio and writer Jesus Polo.

“You can bring in Benitez, Johann Cruyff or whoever else, but if there is no sporting project, continuity and trust in the staff, we will fail. Perez does not represent me. Not everything is about money.”

The club have now gone through 11 coaches in 12 years since Perez controversially fired Vicente Del Bosque in 2003, just a year after he had led the club to their second Champions League title in three years.

"Until Real Madrid let a coach work for a solid cycle of four to five years, they will not meet their general objectives, whatever they may be. They may win titles, but will never soar like Barcelona,” fan member Alvaro Gonzalez.

Another Madridista, Alberto Sanchez, is even more damning: “The arrival of Benitez means the departure of Ancelotti, which is a sign that the high command of Real Madrid understand little or nothing about football.

“After years of back and forth, the best team in the world has a coach to match, and both fans and staff are happy with him.”
The Real Madrid fans have spoken.

 

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'Chelsea blocked De Bruyne's Dortmund move due to anger over Lewandowski rejection'

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has revealed that Chelsea were unwilling to sell Kevin De Bruyne to the German club after after Robert Lewandowski refused to move in the opposite direction.

Belgium international De Bruyne left Stamford Bridge to join Wolfsburg in 2014 and has gone onto become one of the most highly rated attacaking midfielders in Europe.

Watzke admits he was hopeful BVB would be able to sign De Bruyne in 2013, but Chelsea were unwilling to do business after failing to lure Lewandowski to west London, with the Poland international subsequently deciding to join Bayern Munich.

"It [signing De Bruyne] would have fitted well into the planning'" he told Bild.

"But the conditions could not be agreed. Chelsea were unwilling to let him go because they were angry that Robert Lewandowski had not gone to Chelsea."

Watzke also insisted that he was not concerned over the possibility of there being no takers for midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, after the midfielder refused to extend his contract past the end of next season.

Manchester United and Barcelona have been heavily linked with the Germany international but BVB have yet to receive any formal offers.

However, Watzke is in no doubt that they will soon start receiving bids for Gundogan.

"There are certainly a number of interested parties," he added. "lkay has an insane potential.

"If I were in charge of a big foreign club, I would deal with the Gündogan issue definitely."