..::Football III::..

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Arsenal star Alexis and Bayern Munich's Vidal could face Brazil

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez and Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal are back in contention for Chile 's World Cup qualifier with Brazil after coming through training unscathed on Wednesday.

Both Sanchez (knee) and Vidal (groin) were included in the Argentine coach's squad to face the Selecao in Santiago on Thursday but arrived carrying knocks picked up on club duty.

And while Sampaoli remains unsure if either of them will be able to feature in the recently crowned Copa America champions' opening clash with Brazil, he still feels they have the quality to begin their campaign in a successful manner.

"They are both in the same condition. I cannot confirm at this stage if either will be fit to face Brazil," the 55-year-old said in a news conference.

"Of course, they are very valuable to us but I am confident that if they are not available we have the squad to be competitive against Brazil or Peru."
Local press are now confident the duo will make the cut, however, leaving Chile expected to line up: Bravo; Silva, Medel, Jara; Isla, Diaz, Vidal, Beausejour; Valdivia; Vargas, Sanchez.

Brazil suffered a quarter-final elimination from the 2015 Copa America at the hands of Paraguay, but Sampaoli still believes they pose a significant threat.

"Starting the qualifiers against Brazil is the worst possible scenario," Sampaoli said.

"They are still the greatest power in the world, despite all the criticism, and they have elite players.

"Starting against Brazil or Argentina is much riskier than playing other teams."

 

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Mata: Chelsea can still win the Premier League

Manchester United star Juan Mata feels his former club Chelsea should still be considered contenders for the Premier League title.

Jose Mourinho has admitted the champions will struggle to retain their title after a start to the season that has seen them pick up just eight points from as many games, the Chelsea boss insisting a top-four finish has become their priority.

Mata, though, does not think the west Londoners should be discounted from the race to win the trophy when they still have so much time to recover their form.

"Chelsea are in an unusual situation," the 27-year-old, who swapped Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford in January 2014, told Onda Cero.

"It is somewhat circumstantial and I do not think it will go on for an extended period of time. They do not have a squad that should have them in that position in the Premier League.

"We have seen the gap of 10 points arrive in two months and I think Chelsea will come out of that situation quickly. In fact, I do not rule them out of the title fight."

Mata spent two-and-a-half seasons with the Blues prior to joining United and said Mourinho, who was in charge for his final season at the club, is just one of many big characters in the game today.

The Spain international continued: "He is not the most incredible character I have ever encountered in football. There are many characters in football, though perhaps they are not all as well known.

"Journalists always say in England that he gives them a lot of work and play, so I guess he is good for journalists."

http://www.elakiri.com//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/

 

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European Championship Qualifiying Group Stage Fixtures 2015.10.08

European Championship Qualifiying Group Stage Fixtures 2015.10.08​

Group D​

Georgia Vs Gibraltar​

Republic of Ireland Vs Germany​

Scotland Vs Poland​

Group F​

Hungary Vs Faroe Islands​

Nothern Ireland Vs Greece​

Romania Vs Finland​

Group I​

Albania Vs Serbia​

Portugal Vs Denmark​

 

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World Cup Qualifying Fixtures 2015.10.08

World Cup Qualifying Fixtures 2015.10.08

Bolivia Vs Uruguay

Colombia Vs Peru

Venezuela Vs Paraguay

Chile Vs Brazil

Argentina Vs Ecuador​

 

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DONE DEAL: Klopp agrees to join Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has agreed a three-year deal to become the new manager of Liverpool, with the club expected to make the announcement on Thursday evening, Goal understands.

The 48-year-old, who Fenway Sports Group have twice before attempted to lure to Anfield, will be unveiled in a press conference scheduled to take place at the stadium on Friday.

In the immediate aftermath of Brendan Rodgers's axing, Liverpool vowed to move in a “decisive, timely manner” to fill the vacancy and made the former Borussia Dortmund coach their first choice.

The owners were encouraged by talks with Klopp, who showed the enthusiasm and energy required to inject some life back into the squad as well as enliven the atmosphere around the club.

The two-time German Manager of the Year will arrive in the city on Thursday afternoon to ink a deal and familiarise himself with his new surroundings.

He has reshuffled the backroom set-up, with Sean O’Driscoll and Gary McAllister no longer part of the coaching unit. The latter will be offered a different role at the club. Pepijn Lijnders, however, will remain to work on first-team development. The trio formed part of a new technical approach Rodgers had only just put into place this summer.

Glen Driscoll, head of performance, and Chris Davies, head of opposition analysis - both of whom were recruited by the Northern Irishman shortly after he was appointed in 2012 - have also been let go.

Klopp’s trusted assistant Zeljko Buvac, and his technical analyst Peter Krawietz, will join him at the club. Their first test is the trip to Tottenham on October 17.

 

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Messi all smiles as he continues knee recovery

Lionel Messi may well have a court case hanging over his head, but the Barcelona star still had a smile on his face as he underwent treatment on his knee injury on Thursday.

The 28-year-old posted two pictures of himself on social media using a compression unit often used by athletes following serious operations as he recovers from his ligament problem.

 

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Rooney ruled out of England matches with Estonia & Lithuania

Wayne Rooney will miss England's Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania due to an ankle injury.

The striker has not trained with Roy Hodgson's squad since they met up on Tuesday, and will not travel with the squad for their match against Lithuania on Monday.

“We didn't want to risk Wayne Rooney,” said England boss Roy Hodgson.

“The important thing for Wayne is to recover from this minor injury before Manchester United’s next game.”

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill will captain the side in Rooney's absence as they look to finish their qualification campaign with two victories, while the forward will receive a commemorative golden boot from Sir Bobby Charlton at Wembley on Friday after becoming England's all-time leading scorer last month.

Danny Ings has also been ruled out of Friday's match with Estonia. The Liverpool forward is yet to train this week having picked up an anle injury in the Merseyside derby last Sunday and was joined on the sidelines by Michael Carrick for Thursday's session.

Jonjo Shelvey, however, was able to take part after shaking off an issue which had kept him out of training for the first half of the week.

England have won all eight of their qualifiers thus far, scoring 26 goals and conceding just three, and have already qualified for the competition in France next summer.

 

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Ribery edging closer to Bayern comeback

Bayern Munich have received some encouraging news from the treatment table as Franck Ribery is edging closer to his comeback after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an ankle injury.

The former France international has yet to feature for the reigning Bundesliga champions this term due to his physical problems, but has now taken another step in his recovery.

"Ribery is making good progress on the road to an eagerly awaited comeback. The 32-year-old completed another session of light running at the Sabener Strasse training ground on Thursday," reads a statement on the club's official website.

"Ribery, who has not played for Bayern since March due to a persistent ankle injury, started running again at the end of last week.

"Before then, the French winger had gradually increased his training load on the treadmill in the performance centre.

"Ribery will continue his step-by-step recovery from the long lay-off over the coming weeks."

The 32-year-old has made 299 appearances in all competitions for Bayern since joining the club from Marseille in 2007.

 

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Official: Chelsea sign Amelia on a free transfer

Chelsea have completed the signing of former AC Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia.

The 33-year-old arrives on a free transfer to provide cover for Asmir Begovic and Thibaut Courtois, who is recovering from knee surgery and isn't expected to return until December.

Amelia has signed a contract with the Premier League champions that will expire at the end of the season.

The Italian, who has been capped nine times by his national side, has been handed the No.32 shirt and is available for Chelsea's clash with Aston Villa on October 17.

 

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Wenger: I doubted Cazorla would make it in England

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he doubted Santi Cazorla would make it in the Premier League because of his lack of height.

The midfielder joined from Malaga in 2012 and starred last season in a central midfield role, having previously played out wide and as a No.10 in his first two seasons at the club.

Wenger told Arsenal's official website: "You could question whether he was physically equipped to play in the tough Premier League.

"It's true that I had that doubt but his quality was so big that I was ready to take that gamble.

"His technical quality, his right foot, left foot, his availability, his vision and the quality of his passing made me go for it.

"I thought: 'If there is a team in the Premier League where he has a chance to make it, it's with us.' That's why I went for it.

"I think I first saw him when he was about 20 or 21. He was not a regular player but, in some games we watched, you could see he had talent.

"After that, Robert Pires moved to Villarreal and played with him. Sometimes I asked Robert: 'Are there any good players there?' He said to me straight away: 'Cazorla is a fantastic player.' So Robert was a scout for me! He at least confirmed the impression I already had about Santi."

 

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Klopp arrival prompts Liverpool backroom staff clear-out

Liverpool have confirmed the departures of several first team coaches as Jurgen Klopp prepares to take over at Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers oversaw an overhaul of the coaching set-up at Melwood over the summer as Sean O'Driscoll and Gary McAllister arrived at Anfield as part of a shake-up.

But, following Rodgers' departure, assistant manager O'Driscoll, head of performance Glenn Driscoll and head of opposition analysis Chris Davies have all left the club.

McAllister, meanwhile, will stay at the club in an ambassadorial role.

"The club would like to place on record its thanks to all four men for the professionalism, commitment and dedication they have displayed during their time here, and the positive impact they have had in helping to support football operations and the team," a Liverpool statement read.

Goal understands Klopp has agreed a three-year deal to take over at Liverpool following the sacking of Rodgers after the 1-1 draw with Everton in the Merseyside derby.

Klopp is understood to have flown into Liverpool, and the club has announced a press conference for 10am on Friday October 9.

 

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Daley Blind: My father should not be fired if Netherlands fail to qualify

Manchester United defender Daley Blind feels that his father Danny does not deserve to be sacked as Netherlands coach if the Dutch fail to qualify for Euro 2016.

Blind senior replaced Guus Hiddink as the man in charge earlier this year following Holland's disappointing performances, but Oranje are in danger of missing out on next year's showpiece in France having collected just one point from their first two games under new management.

Netherlands need Turkey to slip up in their last two Group A games, while the Dutch need to beat both Kazakhstan and Czech Republic to have a chance of reaching the playoffs.

However, Blind believes that his dad should remain head coach regardless of the outcome of their next two matches.

"It is a difficult question, but I think the coach should stay on after Euro 2016, even if we fail to qualify," Blind told De Telegraaf.

"I always support the national team coach. I did so when Louis van Gaal was in charge, I did so when Guus Hiddink was the coach and I do the same with my father.

"Let's not forget that he started the job at a rather complicated moment.

"I knew that he would be criticised when he became national team coach. I know how things work in the world of football and with the press.

"I don't let those kinds of things distract me, though, and neither does my father."

Netherlands meet Kazakhstan on Saturday, before hosting Czech Republic three days later.

 

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Hiddink thamai Dutch team 1ka kawe​

 

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Aguero: Guardiola is a great manager - but I'm happy with Pellegrini at Man City

Sergio Aguero admits Pep Guardiola is “a great manager” but insists he is happy with Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City.

On Wednesday, Mundo Deportivo reported that the Bayern Munich coach has accepted an offer to become City’s new manager and will replace Pellegrini at the end of the season.

But Aguero maintains he is happy working with the 62-year-old, who extended his contract with City in August which will expire in June 2017.

“It has been talked about a lot. I don’t know him, but he’s a great manager and it’s wonderful to have the best managers train you,” Aguero told Argentine radio station TyC Sports.

“I’m very good with Manuel Pellegrini, we talk a lot. I’m happy in the team and with him, but the club will be the one who chooses who comes in.”

 

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Thiago backs Guardiola to become Spain coach

Spain's Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has lent his support for current Die Roten coach Josep Guardiola, assuring that he could one day step up to take over the national team.

After a long absence from international colours, the former Barcelona youngster taken to Bavaria by Pep is back in the Spain squad.

And speaking in a press conference on Thursday, Thiago backed his club boss to one day take over the reins.

"Could Guardiola train the national team? He could coach in any part of the world and he could coach any club," he told reporters.

Accompanied by team-mate Francisco Alcacer in the conference, Thiago added that he was delighted to be involved in Spain colours once more.

"When the call comes from the national team it is a great joy. Even more having come back to the stadium where I made my debut. For me it is a prize being here, a prize for the work I have done with my team," he signalled.

"When we are rookies we have a great ambition to be here. After a long injury it is hard to get in because you lack rhythm. I was anxious over every phone call to be on the list."

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque also addressed the press prior to Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier clash against Luxembourg.

"This has been a very difficult qualification campaign," the World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012 winner admitted.

"But even so, we are in a very good position to qualify for France."

 

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Official: Klopp named new Liverpool manager

Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Jurgen Klopp as their new manager.

The 48-year-old boarded a private plane from Dortmund to John Lennon Airport on Thursday afternoon, before formalising proceedings at Hope Street Hotel in the evening and signing a three-year deal.

Klopp's contract is thought to be worth around £7 million a year, with his official unveiling to take place at Anfield on Friday at 10.00GMT.

Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz are expected to be confirmed as part of Klopp's backroom team, with the Merseyside club having already announced the departures of Sean O'Driscoll, Glen Driscoll and Chris Davies.

Gary McAllister is no longer involved with first-team coaching, but will remain at Liverpool in an ambassadorial role.

The former Borussia Dortmund manager was targeted following the dismissal of Brendan Rodgers, who paid the price for Liverpool's poor start to the new campaign.

The Reds won just three of their first eight Premier League games and have struggled in cup competitions, drawing against Bordeaux and Sion in the Europa League and needing penalties to overcome League Two's Carlisle in the League Cup.

Rodgers had been under pressure since finishing sixth last season and losing the FA Cup semi-final to Aston Villa, with Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) already sounding out Klopp in the summer, though he initially spurned their advances.

Klopp was keen to take a break from football but is now ready to return to management, and has been persuaded to take over at Anfield after a week of talks with FSG.

Klopp has always been attracted to the Premier League and is particularly excited by the prospect of managing a club steeped in as much history as Liverpool, having done a similar revival job at Dortmund.

The former Mainz player and coach took over at Signal Iduna Park in 2008 with the club struggling in the Bundesliga, but guided the once ailing club to the title in just his third season.

He followed up that triumph with a second consecutive title win, puncturing Bayern Munich's dominance, before guiding BVB to the Champions League final at Wembley in 2013, where die Roten won in extra time.

 

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Klopp is a Kop!

Congratulations & Good Luck Klopp!

Liverpool team 1ka elatama hadala ganiwi​

 

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Scotland 2-2 Poland: Euro 2016 heartbreak for Strachan's men

Scotland's dreams of Euro 2016 qualification were extinguished at Hampden Park on Thursday night following their 2-2 draw with Poland.
Robert Lewandowski took just three minutes to get his name on the scoresheet as he scored for the 11th time in qualifying, but Matt Ritchie's fine effort just before the break restored parity.

Scotland continued to improve in the second half and Fletcher guided home a wonderful effort just after the hour mark to spark huge celebrations.

Poland had seemingly run out of time, but Lewandowski was quick to react after a long-range free-kick struck the post in the dying seconds of stoppage time.

That gave Scotland no time to mount a response and the full-time whistle swiftly blew to leave them despondent, with Poland left to fight it out with Republic of Ireland and Germany for the automatic qualification spots in the final round of games on Sunday.

The fact that Scotland were still in with a slight chance of qualifying before kick-off seemed to inspire a raucous atmosphere at Hampden Park, but within three minutes that optimism evaporated.

Scotland failed to close down Arkadiusz Milik and the forward slipped an incisive pass through the defence for Lewandowski, who opened his body up and produced a neat finish inside the near post.

The home side's intensity and aggression in midfield was evident as they looked for an immediate response, though Poland's sharp passing and pace on the counter troubled Scotland.

And it was a breakaway that spawned Poland's next opportunity in the 29th minute, only for Jakub Blaszczykowski to drill agonisingly wide of the left-hand post after being fed by Lewandowski.

Scotland soon began to build up some momentum, however, and drew level in spectacular fashion on the stroke of half-time, as Ritchie curled an unstoppable 30-yard effort into the top-left corner.

The second half started with a flurry, as both sides went close inside the opening two minutes.

David Marshall was first called into action to deny Milik's powerful low effort from the edge of the area, before Fletcher inadvertently knocked Steven Whittaker's cross away from goal with just Lukasz Fabianski to beat.
Scotland's battling paid off with 62 minutes on the clock, as Fletcher received a pass in the right side of the area and curled a first-time effort over Fabianski in glorious fashion.

And it was nearly 3-1 three minutes later, but on this occasion Fletcher could only head straight at the goalkeeper.

Poland desperately threw men forward during the latter stages and did go close when Kamil Grosicki headed over from close range in the 87th minute.

And their persistence finally paid off with what proved to be the last kick of the game, as Lewandowski pounced when a long-range free-kick bounced off the post to secure a dramatic late draw.