..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd v Tottenham to kick off new campaign: Full 2015-16 Premier League fixtures announced​

Manchester United versus Tottenham at Old Trafford is the pick of the opening-day 2015-16 Premier League fixtures, which were announced on Wednesday.​

Champions Chelsea host Swansea City, Arsenal welcome West Ham and Liverpool travel to Stoke City, where they lost 6-1 on the final day of last season.​

The exact time and date of the games are subject to change throughout the season, but the first ball will be kicked on August 8.​

Championship winners Bournemouth will meet Aston Villa at Dean Court, while Watford travel to Everton and Norwich, who were promoted via the play-offs, host Crystal Palace at Carrow Road.​

Elsewhere, Manchester City visit West Brom, Southampton travel north to Newcastle, and Leicester City host Sunderland.​

On just the second week of the season Manchester City will host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium, while Liverpoool visit Arsenal a week later, the same day as City visit Everton.​

The first Super Sunday of the season could fall on September 13, when Manchester United face Liverpool at Old Trafford and Chelsea take on the Toffees.​

Just three weeks later Arsenal are scheduled to welcome Louis van Gaal's men to the Emirates, which could fall on the same afternoon as the first Merseyside derby of the season.​

There is sure to be a Christmas cracker at Stamford Bridge when United visit west London on December 28, and there will be a full set of fixtures around Boxing Day and January 2.​

The title race threatens to go right to the wire, too, with the Gunners away to Manchester City on the penultimate weekend.​

Premier League fixtures in full:​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Garcia warns Premier League sides off Nainggolan

Roma head coach Rudi Garcia is confident the club can stave off interest in Radja Nainggolan and says he is counting on the midfielder next season.

The Belgium international impressed last term, scoring five goals in 35 Serie A appearances as the capital club finished in second place behind champions Juventus and secured Champions League qualification.His performances have led to reported interest from the Premier League, with Liverpool and Manchester United thought to be among his suitors.

However, Garcia has talked up Nainggolan's importance to Roma, who are hopeful of sorting an agreement with Cagliari who still part-own his playing rights.
Speaking to France Football, Garcia said: "Nainggolan is a true force of nature.
"He's got an exceptional mentality and a winning character. He is a leader. I'm counting on him for next season."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Injury left me dead inside - Robben

Arjen Robben says his injury nightmare last season left him dead inside after reflecting on a difficult end to Bayern Munich's campaign.

The winger suffered a calf problem against Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal semi-final, having just recovered from a stomach injury.Robben's season was subsequently ended, meaning he missed both legs of the Champions League semi-final defeat to Barcelona - much to his dismay.

He told Freude11: "In such a moment a player is completely in his own world. I knew right away, there's something broken. I only felt emptiness. For a moment I was dead. Completely destroyed."

Bayern, who also lost a number of other first team players to injury in the second half the season, including Franck Ribery and David Alaba, ended the term on a dismal run of form.The Bavarians lost five of their last six games in all competitions and Robben admits he wishes he had been fit and able to help his team-mates on the pitch.

The Dutchman said: "Of course, it's a compliment to hear how much people say the team missed me, but it doesn't make it any easier. I would have preferred to have been on the pitch and lost with the team."Until my injury against Gladbach, everything was great. I will come back again next season."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Galatasaray coach confirms Van Persie interest

Galatasaray head coach Hamza Hamzaoglu has revealed his interest in bringing Manchester United striker Robin van Persie to Turkey.

The player's future at Old Trafford is unclear, with manager Louis van Gaal thought to be willing to offload his fellow Dutchman in order to make space for a new front man.Italian champions Juventus and fellow Serie A side Lazio have both been linked with a move for the former Arsenal man, who scored 10 goals in 27 Premier League appearances last term.

Galatasaray have also been mooted as a possible option, and Hamzaoglu - who led Gala to the Turkish Super Lig title last season - would be keen on a deal so long as the move is financially viable."We want to sign players who will both improve the squad and excite our fans," he told Fanatik.

"No manager would be able to say no to Van Persie. However, we cannot spend beyond our means. We hope to come to an agreement with him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Galatasaray coach confirms Van Persie interest

RVP is not for sale​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Di Maria's full-speed nutmeg in Argentina's win over Uruguay


Angel Di Maria showed a glimpse of his phenomenal dribbling skills as he nutmegged Cristian Rodriguez whilst running at full speed during Argentina's win over Uruguay in the Copa America.

Di Maria struggled to oust Ashley Young out of his role on Manchester United's left flank towards the end of the Premier League season, but looked something like his old self with a 30-yard burst of pace.

Sergio Aguero's header was enough to secure a 1-0 win for Argentina, who currently sit top of Group B, level on four points with Paraguay.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Only Cavani can replace Tevez at Juventus'

Ex-Juventus striker Nicola Amoruso says Edinson Cavani is the only man who can replace Carlos Tevez if the forward re-joins Boca Juniors this summer.

Goal understands the Argentina international, who is currently playing at the Copa America in Chile, has informed Juve he wishes to return to his homeland, leaving the Bianconeri faced with the task of replacing their top goalscorer from each of the last two campaigns.

Earlier on Wednesday, the club's CEO Beppe Marotta said Atletico Madrid man Mario Mandzukic would be the ideal replacement, but Amoruso believes Paris Saint-Germain's Cavani is the best option to fill the void."Tevez is a player who is very difficult to replace," he said to Tuttomercatoweb.com. "Not only from a technical point of view, but also from a point of view of character.

"It's even more difficult because we do not know the future of Paul Pogba, but I think Juve have already prepared for this goodbye."Paulo Dybala is not the right man to replace Tevez. The only man for this difficult task is Cavani."

Tevez, 31, joined Juve from Manchester City in 2013 and has since won two Serie A titles as well as reaching last season's Champions League final.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Simeone hints at Mandzukic exit

Mario Mandzukic's future at Atletico Madrid appears even more uncertain after Diego Simeone said the player was not "untouchable" and that the decision on whether to sell the striker this summer was not in his hands.

Speculation is rife that the 29-year-old will join Champions League finalists Juventus after their general manger Giuseppe Marotta publicly identified the striker as a potential replacement for Carlos Tevez, who has told the club he wants to return to Argentina.

Simeone, meanwhile, has refused to guarantee the future of Mandzukic - who also also been linked with clubs in England's Premier League - just one season after he arrived in Madrid from Bayern Munich.

He told Radio Marca: "I speak to [director] Andrea Berta every day and we have in our minds the players this group needs to grow. Now the work is up to the club.

"Mandzukic? Who goes and who stays is not up to me. The club will decide what is best. We are happy with Mandzukic, he had a very competitive campaign.
"You have asked me about Mandzukic again and I repeat that he held our attack together when Antoine Griezmann started the season badly."

He added: "Of course, at Atletico there are few players who can be considered untouchable: Koke, Diego Godin and that’s about it, I would say."

Simeone then repeated his previous 2015-16 La Liga prediction by backing Real Madrid, who he believes are the favourites because of Barcelona's transfer ban until 2016.

"It's going to be complicated for any team other than Real Madrid to win the league," he said. "They sign the best players, so they should win the title.

"One league title in seven years isn't enough. If I were a Real Madrid fan I would think we can't accept being on a par with Atletico. Barcelona should be worried because next season won't be as easy."

The Argentine also gave his thoughts on Carlo Ancelotti following his sacking by Madrid several weeks ago, and his replacement Rafa Benitez."Ancelotti did an amazing job," said Simeone. "He struggled a lot without Angel Di María and Xabi Alonso, and with the long-term injuries to Luka Modric and James Rodriguez. Those are the risks you run during a demanding season.

"But Benitez is a successful coach. He knows the club and has every chance of doing a good job."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Brazil 0-1 Colombia: Murillo shocks struggling Selecao


Brazil have lost their second Copa America Group C encounter 1-0 to Colombia following Jeison Murillo's first-half strike.

The victory was only Colombia's third in 28 meetings with Brazil, while they had only beaten their neighbours once before in a competitive fixture - a 2-0 triumph at the 1991 Copa America.

Central defender Murillo scored the only goal of the game nine minutes before half-time, while the Granada man also played a critical role at the back, combining brilliantly with Cristian Zapata to corral the likes of Neymar and Roberto Firmino.

Having at times struggled to get out of their own half in the opening 30 minutes, Colombia hit the front in the 36th minute when Brazil failed to deal with Juan Cuadrado's free-kick.

The Chelsea attacking midfielder whipped in his delivery from the right and the ball bobbled around on the edge of the six-yard box before falling to Murillo, who struck it sweetly on the turn from near the penalty spot.

After last year's World Cup quarter-final between the two sides was marred by regular fouls on James Rodriguez and Neymar, with the latter suffering a fractured vertebra after a barge from behind by Juan Camilo Zuniga, it was little surprise Wednesday's game ended with 39 fouls.

Tensions boiled over after the final whistle, with the teams having to be separated, with the referee seemingly showing a red card to Neymar and Colombia substitute Carlos Bacca.

It was also the Barcelona forward, who had Brazil's best chances to score, inexplicably heading straight at David Ospina on the cusp of half-time and dragging his shot wide when clear through on goal two minutes after the break.

In a high-tempo first half, Brazil shaded possession, although Colombia produced more shots as they focused on counter-attacking, with neither goalkeeper too busy.

After Murillo gave Colombia the lead, however, Jose Pekerman's team took control with Radamel Falcao and Teofilo Gutierrez both missing chances.

Shouts of "ole" rang out from the Colombian fans soon after as James and Co. strung passes together at will, before Cuadrado shot wide from 18 yards.

But Colombia were lucky to lead at the break after Neymar failed to put Dani Alves' cross past Ospina.

Cuadrado could have made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute when he cut in from the right, while Firmino wasted a huge opportunity to level the match six minutes later, blazing over the bar after Ospina slipped.

James was just denied what would have been a deserved second goal for Colombia in the 90th minute as Jefferson tipped his rasping drive past the post.

But having lost their Copa America opener to Venezuela 1-0, Colombia clearly needed the win more, with Pekerman's side defending desperately throughout the final 30 minutes to join Brazil and the Venezuelans on three points in Group C.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar ta open goal 1kak miss una neh.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar sent off after Brazil’s defeat to Colombia for bust-up with Murillo & Bacca

Neymar has been sent off after the final whistle in Brazil’s 1-0 Copa America defeat to Colombia following an altercation with Jeison Murillo and Carlos Bacca.

After the full-time whistle, Neymar kicked the ball at Colombia’s Pablo Armero and was subsequently confronted by Murillo, who scored the first-half winner for Colombia.

Neymar thrusted his head towards Murillo, but was then pushed violently in the back by Bacca as players from both teams gathered to break up the argument.

The referee consequently opted to show the Barcelona man a red card, while Bacca received the same punishment for his role in the incident.

Brazil will thus have to make do without the services of their skipper in their final Group C encounter versus Venezuela due to suspension.

The forward had previously already picked up his second yellow card of the group stages and would have missed the match against Venezuela without his dismissal, too.

The Selecao skipper was cautioned in his side's 2-1 win over Peru on matchday one for scraping away the referee's vanishing spray ahead of a free kick and again went into the referee's book in Santiago for handling the ball.

The 23-year-old played a vital role in his side's win over Peru, scoring once and setting up the winner for Douglas Costa well into stoppage time, but as unable to make an impact against Colombia.

The Barcelona man's absence at the Monumental in Santiago could see one of Douglas Costa, Philippe Coutinho or Robinho make their way into the starting XI.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

"They are all against Brazil" - Dani Alves rages at Neymar red card

Dani Alves feels "everybody is against against Brazil" following Neymar's red card in the aftermath of the Copa America loss to Colombia at the Estadio Monumental.

Neymar was dismissed by referee Enrique Osses after the final whistle for a petulant headbutt on Colombia defender Jeison Murillo, while Carlos Bacca also got involved in the incident, and the full-back believes the blame for his skipper's bad night should lie at the feet of the officials.

Osses booked Neymar in the first half for an apparent handball when the Brazil striker was falling towards David Ospina's goal and gave the Barcelona treble-winner no favourable treatment in duels with the Colombia contingent.

"I don't know why Neymar was nervous," Alves told TV Globo. "The blame is on the referees. They know he has personality. The yellow card he received was wrong. They have to stop thinking that they are the protagonists. They are there to referee the game."

Brazil were expected to sweep home in Group C following nine consecutive friendly victories in the lead up to the tournament, but had to work hard for an injury-time win over Peru on matchday one before defeat in Santiago.

Despite the loss of three points to Colombia, courtesy of a goal scored by Murillo, Alves is optimistic that Brazil can overcome their adversity at South America's premier international tournament.

"This happens in every game against Brazil," he said. "You have to be strong and calm to overcome difficult moments. Now they are all against Brazil. We need to be calm. Despite their young age, the group is experienced.

"Welcome to Copa America."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dunga: Brazil must learn to play without Neymar

Brazil boss Dunga has admitted that his team need to learn to play without Neymar following the forward's post-match dismissal in the 1-0 defeat to Colombia.

The Barcelona man was shown a straight red when an incident involving Jeison Murillo and Carlos Bacca boiled over after the referee had blown for full-time, with the Sevilla striker sent off.

Speaking to the media after the match, Dunga stated that they must now find a way of dealing with the loss of their star man.

"I have to wait until Thursday to begin to think how to play. We played once without Neymar [in the recent 2-0 win over Mexico] and we have to be ready, we have a group," the Brazil boss said.

"We would like to have him but it is not possible so we must find a way to overcome it and solve our situation."Dunga also passed comment on the approach of Colombia and expressed his opinion that the referee did not do enough to control the fixture.

"I will have to see the pictures. During the confusion I did not see much. Some things happened that were not in our control."Unfortunately, the referee did not know how to control the game. There were some harsh plays, just like in the last game against Colombia."

The 1-0 reverse represents Dunga's first defeat since returning as coach and leaves Brazil with three points from their two Group C matches ahead of their final fixture with surprise leaders Venezuela.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Copa America 2015.06.18 Fixture

Copa America 2015.06.18 Fixture

-------------------------

Peru Vs Venezuela

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Courtois: I've had to toughen up to become a Chelsea success


Thibaut Courtois says he had to steel himself for a physical battle when making the switch from La Liga to the Premier League last summer.

Chelsea’s first title victory since 2010 is merely the latest in a remarkably long list of achievements for the 23-year-old, who has already been a league champion with Genk and Atletico Madrid in just five seasons as a first-choice senior goalkeeper.

It also represents something of a personal triumph with Courtois keeping 16 clean sheets in all competitions while adapting to a new team, league and football culture.

The only moment to interrupt the giant Belgian’s serene progress was a nasty clash with Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez during a Premier League match in October that saw him taken from the field, but he quickly regained his starting spot and helped Chelsea to title glory.

Courtois admits the Premier League is a far cry from La Liga but insists his formative years at Genk prepared him well for the physical challenge.

“The main difference is the intensity of the game: the corners, the free-kicks, the crosses into the box,” he tells Goal.
“There’s more pressure on you as a goalkeeper but I think I handle it well with the technique I have coming for crosses - it’s what I learned when I was young in Belgium.

“I claimed a lot of crosses this season but there’s more aerial contact with strikers. I had to learn that in the beginning but I was aware of it and if you are aware of it in the beginning, you change the chip in your head and you know it will be like that.


“I’m not bothered that someone will pull my shirt or anything.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pekerman tells Neymar: Colombia beat Brazil, not the referee

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman suggested Brazil lacked class after Wednesday's Copa America clash in Santiago, claiming it was poor form of Neymar and his colleagues to blame the referee for their 1-0 defeat.

Jeison Murillo's first-half strike earned los Cafeteros just their third-ever victory over the Selecao, as well as exacting a modicum of revenge for last year's loss in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

However, Colombia's triumph was completely overshadowed by a post-match brawl that resulted in red cards for striker Carlos Bacca and Brazil captain Neymar.

The latter had sparked the fracas by driving the ball into Murillo just after the full-time whistle had blown - an act which prompted Bacca to aggressively push the Barcelona attacker in the back.

Neymar claimed afterwards that referee Enrique Osses had been to blame for allegedly losing control of the game with "weak" officiating - a stance supported by the No.10's team-mates.

However, Pekerman stated that the 23-year-old should have kept quiet and magnanimously accepted his side had been second best on the night."Generally, I don't speak on referees," the Argentine told reporters afterwards. "Sometimes we had to lose and we've never talked about a ref.

"On the contrary, I was measured in the game Colombia lost to Brazil in the World Cup, where there was a great debate over some potential mistakes that hurt Colombia.

"I usually don't talk on referees. I think the answer is in the team's output. And today I saw Colombia very superior in the first half and in the second half the match was more balanced.

"Brazil was a little bit better in the second half but Colombia had clear chances in the second half too - even if we had less possession."Anyway, I think our output was good. This is the game I saw."

It was a massive victory for Colombia, who had been under intense pressure after losing their tournament opener against Venezuela.However, Pekerman insisted he never doubted that his troops had the ability to bounce back against a Brazil side that won every match since last year's World Cup.

"We believed always in the players and in the group," he added. "This was a great chance to demonstrate as we have played against an opponent when you have to play at your maximum."Fortunately, our improvement was very clear and we saw a very complete game when we could win fairly and thanks to our merits."

Colombia sit third in Group C but are level on points with Brazil and Venezuela ahead of their final game, against Peru on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

James Rodriguez: I tried to calm Neymar down

James Rodriguez has revealed that he attempted to calm Neymar down after the Brazil captain was sent off in the aftermath of his side’s 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Copa America on Thursday.

Neymar drove the ball into opposition full-back Pablo Armero after the final whistle before appearing to aiming a headbutt at Jeison Murillo, who had tried to intervene.

A mass brawl followed and the Barcelona superstar was subsequently dismissed, along with Colombia’s Carlos Bacca, but James claims he attempted to cool Neymar down by telling him to hold on to “the talent God gave him”.

“At the end of the match I told Neymar to stay calm,” the Real Madrid attacking midfielder told reporters. “I also went through that four days ago when we lost to Venezuela. That day I felt really angry.”

Brazil are second in Group C ahead of their final match against Venezuela, while Colombia sit third - but level on points with the former two teams - with a Peru clash on the horizon.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Beckenbauer: Schweinsteiger would struggle at Man Utd

Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer has advised midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger against joining Manchester United.Schweinsteiger still has a year to run on his current contract with the Bundesliga champions but has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer.

On Wednesday, Lothar Matthaus urged the 30-year-old to join United, arguing that the Germany international no longer retains the confidence of Bayern boss Pep Guardiola and would be allowed to play in his preferred position by Red Devils coach Louis van Gaal.

However, Beckenbauer fears that the injury-prone Schweinsteiger would struggle to cope with the rigours of the Premier League."Adapting to a different European league is difficult at his age," the 1974 World Cup winner told Bild.

"He has played with great force and put a lot of pressure on his body for many years. That saps energy. He could end his career in the USA instead."If I was at Schweini’s place, I would stay one or two years more at Bayern. Until then, he can still perform at the highest level."

Meanwhile, former Bayern boss Ottmar Hitzfeld believes it is imperative that Schweinsteiger finds out if he is still considered a major player at the Allianz Arena before he makes a decision on his future.

"It’s important he speaks with the coach," he stated. "Of course, Bastian has to know if and how Guardiola plans to handle him.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mascherano: Messi's nearly always man of the match

Javier Mascherano is wholly unsurprised by Lionel Messi's fine form at the Copa America, arguing that it's "almost normal" for the Argentina captain to be man of the match in every game he plays.

Messi netted from the penalty spot in the Albiceleste's tournament opener, a 2-2 draw with Paraguay, while he also played a key role in Tuesday's crucial 1-0 victory over Uruguay.

Indeed, the Barcelona attacker was named man of the match after both outings, although he refused to accept the award in the former match because his team had squandered two-goal lead.

Mascherano, who plays alongside the four-time Ballon d'Or winner for club and country, has learnt to expect greatness from Messi whether he is protected by referees or not."When he plays it's almost normal that he is the man of the match," the versatile midfielder told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He's in great form and has so much desire to do well in a tournament that is not easy to win. Here, the referees are lenient. The challenges and the contact are greater.

"So it's tough to still stand out the way Leo does - more so than in Europe."
Argentina are the favourites to triumph in Chile but Mascherano is taking nothing for granted, particularly as the Copa has had plenty of shock results thus far.

"Balance is the first word that comes to mind when thinking about the tournament," the former Liverpool man addded. "Venezuela surprised Colombia, we were held by Paraguay.

"South American football is difficult. We know that from the World Cup qualifiers and the Copa reflects that."Even if you have great players, it's never easy to make the difference.

"For our part, we just want to maintain our style, try to play football, but we must be clear in our heads that when we have to fight, we will do so."Argentina can clinch top spot in Group B by beating rock-bottom Jamaica in their final fixture on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klinsmann: Mancini right man for Inter

Jurgen Klinsmann is in no doubt that Roberto Mancini is the right man to restore Inter to their former glory.

The Nerazzurri won the treble in 2010 and remain one of the game's most famous names.

However, they have struggled both on and off the field in recent years, resulting in former owner Massimo Moratti handing over control of the club to Erick Thohir in November 2013.

Inter have yet to regain their place among Italy's elite, let alone Europe's - despite the subsequent return of Mancini, who won three consecutive Scudetti during his first spell at San Siro between 2004 and 2008.

However, even though the Nerazzurri could only finish eighth in Serie A last season, Klinsmann believes the former Manchester City boss can turn the club around.

"He has an international eye," the former Inter striker told the La Gazzetta dello Sport. "He knows how to play both in Italy and in the major European countries.

"Just like the new owner, he too needs time. But Mancini is the right man. When you change leadership, you're always going to face some difficulties. Passing from one owner to another is problematic.

"But I think that Erick Thohir will bring benefits. They just have to find the correct new road for themselves and doing that takes patience, trust and time. You cannot have everything at once."

Klinsmann also dispelled the notion that Inter's stock has plummeted in recent seasons and that the game's top talent is no longer drawn to San Siro."I'd recommend Inter to all of the best players in the world," the United States coach added.

"Inter are Inter, a name that is a guarantee and that still counts in football. Globally, Inter have not suffered any backlash."