..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

'Schweinsteiger move to Man Utd would not be a surprise'

Bastian Schweinsteiger's relationship with Louis van Gaal could pave the way for the midfielder to join Manchester United this summer, according to former Bayern Munich striker Roy Makaay.

Van Gaal worked with Schweinsteiger during the Dutchman's spell at Bayern, with the club winning the 2009-10 Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal together.

Schweinsteiger is a long-standing target for United and started just 15 Bundesliga games under Pep Guardiola in an injury-hit campaign last season.

And Makaay says it would be no surprise if the 30-year-old - who has one year remaining on his contract - decided to join his former coach at Old Trafford.

"Bastian’s an amazing player, a world champion," Makaay told Goal. "If you saw him at the World Cup final he was bleeding everywhere but he came back on the pitch.

"He and Van Gaal had a good relationship so it wouldn’t surprise me if he joined United. I hope he stays at Bayern. He’s a kid from the club and he has to stay there.

"But if he decides to move it wouldn’t be a surprise if he changed to Man United knowing the good relationship he has with the manager.

"When you listen to Van Gaal, there were players he had a good relationship with. Thomas Muller is one, but he was quite clear and said 'I’m going to stay at Bayern' and Schweinsteiger... I don’t know what’s going to happen.

"I know they had a good relationship so if he decides to change it wouldn’t be a big surprise if he changes for here. When we speak about experience, he has that experience. But I hope he stays at Bayern because he is still important for Bayern.

"He’s been playing there for 18 years, starting from the youth so that’s why I hope he stays there and he finishes his career at Bayern because he’s still an important asset.

"He still has a year on his contract left but it will be a big blow for the fans if he leaves because he’s the No.1 there. Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are very popular but Schweinsteiger is the most because he's been at Bayern from a young age until now."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

No reason for Mandzukic to leave Atletico Madrid - agent

Mario Mandzukic's agent says he expects the striker to honour his contract with Atletico Madrid.

The Croatia international joined the club from Bayern Munich last summer in a reported €22 million deal and signed a four-year contract at the Vicente Calderon.
Mandzukic netted 20 times in 42 appearances in all competitions in his first season in Spain but it has been claimed that Atleti coach Diego Simeone would like to offload the forward.

Manchester United and Juventus have been touted as possible destinations, but the player's representative, Ivan Cvjetkovic, believes his client will remain at the club.

"Mario was unhappy recently because he had stopped scoring and that affected him but that was also down to Atletico Madrid," the agent told Tportal."In spite of this, this Atletico side still qualified for the Champions League and won the Supercopa de Espana, so there's no reason to think he's totally unsatisfied.

"When you go to a new league, the first year is always one of adaptation. Anyway, the fans immediately took to him. Mario adapted to both the club and the city.

"I don't see any reason why he should not fulfil his contact. Of course, we know well that in football things are always changing and you never know what can happen.

"However, I don't think it's necessary to speculate about the future right now."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Valencia complete €30m Rodrigo Moreno deal

Valencia have confirmed the €30 million signing of Rodrigo Moreno from Benfica on a four-year deal.

The Spain forward joined the Liga side on a season-long loan last July with the option of extending his stay at the Mestalla.

Valencia have now exercised their option to retain Rodrigo just a few days after Andre Gomes joined Nuno Espirito Santo's side on a permanent basis from Benfica.

Rodrigo spoke of his determination to fire Valencia into the group stage of the Champions League after playing his part in ensuring they finished fourth in La Liga to seal a place in the final play-off round.

"After a year in Valencia I feel very happy and eager to be better every day. Now we have to think about the Champions League and get into the group stage," he said.

"I've been fortunate to play in this competition with Benfica and now I want to do so with Valencia."Rodrigo also revealed he is aiming to score more goals next season after finding the back of the net just four times last term.

"My ultimate aim is to help Valencia CF to be better, to achieve all my fitness goals and, above all, for us to be a very competitive team.

"Individually, I hope to have more luck in front of goal, but I'm sure with daily work in training all will be well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City to launch new €55m Sterling bid

Manchester City are set to make a new offer worth €55 million for Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling.

Goal understands thatLiverpool rejected an initial offer of €34.5m plus €6.9m in add-ons off-hand from City last week.

But City are set to return with an improved bid of €48m plus performance-related add-ons, which could total in excess of €6.9m.

City are reluctant to spend in excess of €55m to sign Sterling, who looks certain to leave Liverpool after his agent, Aidy Ward, declared he would not be signing a new contract at Anfield.

Sterling's current deal, which he signed in 2012, expires in 2017, and the 20-year-old has rejected the offer of a €138,000-a-week deal to stay at Anfield.

As well as Sterling, Goal understands that City also remain interested in Hoffenheim star Roberto Firmino.

The Brazilian's agent, Roger Wittmann, confirmed on Monday that the 23-year-old will be moving to a Premier League club this summer.

Manchester United have been heavily linked with Firmino, who would be available for a fee in the region of €20.7m, but have moved to distance themselves from reports of an agreement to sign the Brazilian.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ibrahimovic has an ego like Ronaldo - Zidane

Zinedine Zidane believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic has the same strength of ego as Cristiano Ronaldo and believes it is key to the success of the game's best players.
The Sweden international has been embroiled in numerous controversial incidents throughout his career, including a notable spat with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.

But Zidane believes his bold personality has made him the player he has become and compared his mindset to Real Madrid star Ronaldo.“I don’t think Ibrahimovic is a problem,” the Real Madrid Castilla coach told RTL. “He has done great things with Paris.

“He has an ego, but on the field he behaves like a champion. It’s part of his character. No-one will change his personality, like Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Sometimes he shows an arrogant side, but when you know him he’s not like that at all. He’s quite nice.“I don’t know Ibrahimovic but you need players like him.”

Ibrahimovic’s contract with PSG expires in June 2016, meaning he could depart the club he has scored 106 goals in 126 appearances for on a free transfer next summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Van Persie still has plenty to offer Manchester United' - Makaay

Former Netherlands striker Roy Makaay believes Robin van Persie can yet contribute positively to Manchester United amid reports he could be leaving Old Trafford.

The former Arsenal man has been linked with Juventus and Lazio following a difficult campaign with the Red Devils, during which he scored only 10 Premier League goals.

The 31-year-old is willing to fight for his place, however, and told reporters after Netherlands' win over Lativa that he was relaxed regarding his future with the 20-time English champions.

But Makaay, who won 43 caps for his country and played his part in two Bundesliga title triumphs for Bayern Munich, believes Van Persie is in need of a rest before he can come back firing again next season.

"I think it’s important for Robin that he takes a good holiday," he told Goal . "Last year after the World Cup he didn’t come back really fit and he was fighting that in the whole year.

"I’ve seen Man United play only once for the whole 90 minutes [last season] against Southampton and he was amazing in that game, scoring both goals.

"For the rest of the season he was injured and then coming back. That’s why it’s important that when he starts the new season that he starts it fit.

"Everyone knows he has some amazing qualities and he can still be useful for Man United for sure."

It has been suggested Van Persie has reached his peak and United should cash in on the striker - whose contract runs until June 2016 - while there are interested parties.

But Makaay believes his match-winning capabilities mean Van Persie can still be an asset for Louis van Gaal if he is able to maintain his fitness.

"You never know [if he has peaked]. But in a season where you didn’t win anything, he won a game against Southampton by himself so he still has the quality and hopefully he can show that next season.

"As a striker you have to be 100 per cent every game. The defenders want to kill you every game and that’s why you have to be prepared every game.

"So if you are not fit you get hit every game. Strikers have to be 100% fit and then you can make a difference."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dortmund goalkeeping spot up for grabs - Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel says he has made no decision over who his first choice goalkeeper will be at Borussia Dortmund following the signing of Roman Burki from Freiburg.

Burki, 24, arrived at Signal Iduna Park from Freiburg on Sunday and will compete with Roman Weidenfeller and Mitch Langerak for the Njersey during Tuchel's debut season in charge.

Long-serving number one Weidenfeller has a year left on his contract and there have been suggestions he could move on after losing his place in the side last season.

However, Tuchel maintains no decisions have been made as yet, telling Sky Sports News in Germany: "Roman Burki was always likely to have the possibility of being number one.

"That's his wish, his ambition and it is also our desire and our ambition that he accepts this competition. We have since promised him nothing, because things are not decided.

"Mitch has played in goal recently and performed well. He will not give that up easily, and with Roman Weidenfeller we have to see how he accepts this new situation."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kane would be fantastic for Manchester United - Neville


Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville has urged the club to sign Tottenham striker Harry Kane this summer.

Goal understands United are ready to test Tottenham's resolve in a bid for Kane and have put together a package worth €69 million to tempt Spurs into parting ways with the England international.

And Neville believes Kane would be a fantastic fit for United as they look to strengthen ahead of a return to the Champions League, having already secured the signing of Memphis Depay from PSV.

"He would cost a lot of money and I'm sure Tottenham don't want to lose him, but I think being in the Champions League, United have got Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and James Wilson, so they probably do need one more striker," he said at a charity match.

"I think United will sign a quality player from European football, whether that's England or abroad and he fits that bill and if they can get Harry Kane then that would be a fantastic signing."

Neville was full of praise for the Spurs striker, who would help reinforce the traditionally British core at Old Trafford.

He added: "I'm a big fan of Harry Kane, he's got a great attitude, nothing seems to faze him and he's answered every question that's been thrown his way.

"The team has always had a backbone of British players and I think that's still important that you do get British players and the spine of the team has got that British feel."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kane wa Manchester United ganna puluwan nam pattaath hithanna amarui Tottenham la Kane wa sell karai kiyala​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid want Pogba - Zidane

Zinedine Zidane has revealed Real Madrid are interested in signing Paul Pogba this summer.The club have long been linked with his signature, despite the player's agent Mino Raiola previously criticising Madrid's transfer policy.

Pogba's representative said the midfielder wouldn't join Rafa Benitez's side because of the way certain players are treated.

However, Raiola reportedly met Madrid officials prior to the Champions League final and Zidane admitted the France international is a target.He told radio station RTL: "He has everything. I think that he’s fantastic. What I like about him is that he has it all.

"He is a complete player who also has the ability to score goals because he likes to get forward. In terms of footballing qualities, he is extraordinary."A lot of clubs are interested in him and so are Real. It is natural that talented players are of interest to all the big clubs."

He added: "For his continued growth it is important that he has a healthy environment and I hope that he will always have that."Pogba, 22, has a contract with Juventus until 2019, having moved to Turin on a free transfer in 2012 after leaving Manchester United.

 

[rcccc]

Aniwa broTop fight 1kak yai meh sare Copa America walaArgentina,Brazil,Chile,Uruguay,Colombia

Oya set 1ka arunu kota hithanne nathi team 1kak issarahata enna bari kamakuth naha bro.Performance hodai low level teams walath
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Hiddink: I'm considering quitting Netherlands job

Hiddink giyoth hodai.

 

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Neymar: Messi deserves Ballon d'Or

 

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Firmino will move to Premier League, reveals agent

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Firmino EPL awoth patta.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal to ‘build a team’ in Man United pre-season tour

Louis van Gaal says he is looking forward to building a new team during Manchester United’s pre-season programme and adds that he is much happier with the club’s tour of the United States this year.

The Dutchman was vocal in his criticism of United’s previous close-season schedule, his first at the club, where the Red Devils played five games in five different US states and struggled in the early stages of the Premier League campaign.

This time, Van Gaal’s side will only visit two cities, offering considerably more time to work on the team’s shape and style on the training ground, and the veteran coach hopes to use the time to mould a new-look team.

“It is enjoyable, because you are preparing a team. You have to make a team and it is dependent on how many new players are coming this season,” Van Gaal told the club’s official website.

“It is also a little boring, because the results in the preparation are not so important. And what is not important is when you see our pre-season last year in the USA and we have won everything and played against big, top clubs.

“And then we have to play our first match against Swansea City and we lose, and that cannot happen next year.

He continued: “The most important aspect is building up our team with individual players so they are thinking like a team. But also we need fitness and match rhythm and therefore we have to play matches, but we also have to train as well.

“When we went to America last year, we didn’t have a lot of time to train because we had to travel a lot. Now though, we have improved our American tour because we have two basecamps and we are on the West Coast, so we have lower temperatures and can build up our fitness better there.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Villa: Messi helps you settle at Barcelona

Lionel Messi is the best player to help new signings get used to Barcelona's playing style, according to David Villa.

The Argentine has been the star at Camp Nou since his emergence in the first team a decade ago, during which time he has won seven league titles and four Champions League crowns with Barca as well as four Ballons d'Or.And Villa, who spent three years playing for the Blaugrana, says Messi helped him get used to the team's way of playing.

"The best to help you acclimatise to such a system is Messi," he told Canal+. "About 70% of the goals I scored for Barcelona were created by him."

After winning a second league title with Barca in 2012-13, Villa joined Atletico Madrid for a season, with the side shocking Europe by winning the competition and reaching the Champions League final."Everyone thought I was going to England when I was leaving Barca" the 33-year-old said. "But Atletico not only told me what I wanted to hear, but it was fulfilled.

"No one could have imagined that we would do what we did that year. It was such a good group, in that year I made some great friends."The former Spain star now plays for New York City and he is confident he will become a star in the United States.

"It was time to take another step and the offer from New York City was ideal for the present and the future." he added. "In all of the clubs I've played, regardless of the system and the coach, in the end I managed to be important.

"I want to continue to enjoy a long time as a player. I've spent 33 years thinking about football 24 hours a day and I will continue to do so."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ecuador 2-3 Bolivia: Soria's men hold out for three points

Bolivia held on for a 3-2 victory over a fast-finishing Ecuador in Valparaiso, to kick-start their Copa America Group A campaign.

After both nations failed to find the net in their tournament openers in Chile, Monday's encounter saw them play out a five goal thriller, with Bolivia going three clear by half-time courtesy of goals to Ronald Raldes, Martin Smedberg-Dalence and Marcelo Moreno.

Enner Valencia pulled one back for Ecuador just after the interval and Gustavo Quinteros' men then made for a thrilling finish when Miller Bolanos struck a cracker from range in the 81st minute. However they failed to level the score.
Captain Raldes gave Bolivia the perfect start, burying a stooping header from Smedberg-Dalence's corner in the fifth minute.

Smedberg-Dalence had already shown his prowess from dead-ball situations in the first minute, when he forced Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez to tip a curling effort around the post.

The former Sweden Under-19 representative got his just desserts for being Bolivia's greatest threat in attack, when he curled a shot past Dominguez from outside the penalty area after receiving a lay-off pass from Moreno.It was Smedberg-Dalence's first international goal, in just his fourth cap.

Ecuador dominated possession as Bolivia sat on their lead, and it looked to have mounted towards something when referee Joel Aguilar pointed to the spot late in the first half.

Valencia had earned Ecuador a corner, and when the West Ham man was awaiting a ball in - Edward Zenteno was punished for a push on him. The Bolivian received a yellow card despite contact not seeming substantial.

Valencia's luck ran out there and then, however, as he buried the spot-kick, only for it to be recalled for an encroachment.He switched directions for his second attempt, but Romel Quinonez dived the same way and saved it.

Bolivia then had a penalty of their own in the 43rd minute as Frickson Erazo raised his foot to try and clear the ball from deep in their defence, however the head of Damian Lizio was nearby, and the referee pointed to the spot.

Moreno made no mistake, burying a powerful penalty past Dominguez, who guessed the right way to no avail.

Ecuador desperately sought a way back into the contest early in the second half.
They were rewarded when Valencia was on hand to tap into an unguarded net, after Jefferson Montero cut back a pass for him having drawn Quinonez off his line.Bolivia sought to counter Ecuador's momentum, bringing on defender Cristian Coimbra for right-sided attacker Ricardo Pedriel in the 57th minute.

And Ecuador, much like the first half, failed to find adequate space inside their area until Bolanos' dipping strike from distance snuck in under Quinonez's crossbar to make it 3-2.

Christian Noboa almost scored a stunning equaliser, but he was denied by the crossbar with yet another long-range strike as Bolivia held on.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'It's a dream' - Van der Vaart joins Betis

Rafael van der Vaart has signed a three-year contract with Real Betis after deciding to move on from Hamburg, hailing it as a "dream" move.

The Dutchman, capped 109 times by his country, left Hamburg after a disappointing season in the Bundesliga and will now try his luck in La Liga for the second time.

After his second spell at HSV ended, the 32-year-old rejected the chance to rejoin his first team Ajax in order to sign for newly-promoted Betis, admitting that his Spanish roots had an influence on his decision.

"I'm very happy to come here. It's a great club and I really can't wait to start," the former Real Madrid player said. "For me it is a dream because my family lives in Chiclana, which is very close, and I like playing in Spanish football.

"I always give 100 per cent when I play. I want to win and score goals, besides giving assists. This stadium is always full and that's why I really want to win many games. "I have a lot of experience. I have to play well. We have to enjoy it because football is the best job in the world."

Betis won promotion this season and Van der Vaart is their first signing ahead of next term's top-flight return.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Der Vaart Bundesliga wala flop neh2nd place hitiye Gotze​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man United should go for Aguero, not Kane, says Cole

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has urged the Red Devils to forget about signing Harry Kane this summer and instead lodge an audacious bid for Manchester City's Sergio Aguero.

Kane enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season in 2014-15 as he scored 21 Premier League goals as well as netting just seconds into his England debut.

The Old Trafford side are set to test Tottenham's resolve and make a bid worth up to €70 million for Kane and would offer up Nani, Adnan Januzaj and Javier Hernandez in exchange.

But Cole, who scored 121 goals during his time with the 20-time English champions, feels bringing the 21-year-old to the club may prove to be too much of a big step and would instead look to add pace to United's attack with Aguero.

"There's talk of Harry Kane. He's had a brilliant first season. But then can he come to Manchester United? And if it is true, for £40m (€55m), can he bring to Manchester United what they need?" he told Goal.

"I think the kid's talented. We have to be honest, he's had half a season where everything went for him, like penalties at the keeper and rebounds are coming straight to his feet.

"He's scored some goals. But to take that leap, because your second season in the Premier League is always tough, if it did happen and he was to leave Tottenham and come to United and for them to pin all their hopes on him - that's a hell of a lot of pressure for that money.

"Manchester United need to compete in Europe and for the championship as well. He's a baby and still learning his trade.

"Whoever comes to Manchester United as a centre forward is going to be under a hell of a lot of pressure. They need to get somewhere and if I was being cheeky, I would give you £60m (€82m) for Aguero because Aguero, fit, is the best centre forward in the Premier League.

"Fit, firing, hes unbelievable. You can imagine him playing alongside Wayne Rooney. It wouldn't be bad, would it?"