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Congratulations Manchester United!
Dan 1st place
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Dan 1st place
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De Gea
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De Rossi back for Roma's crucial Leverkusen clash
Rudi Garcia is set to welcome fit-again Daniele De Rossi back for Roma for the Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, the midfielder having recovered from a thigh strain.
Italy international De Rossi was absent as Roma slipped to a 1-0 defeat at fellow high-flyers Inter in Serie A on Saturday.
However, with Seydou Keita still unavailable due to a thigh injury of his own, De Rossi is set to play in the crucial Group E match at Stadio Olimpico.
"It's all very clear. Keita isn't ready yet, but De Rossi will play," Garcia said.
With Roma set to play fierce rivals Lazio on Sunday, Garcia would not be drawn on his plans beyond the Champions League fixture, adding: "Right now I'm not focusing on any match other than Leverkusen.
"I'm 100 per cent concentrated on that and I'm not thinking about what comes after it."
Roma are yet to win in Europe this season and have just two points from three matches played.
However, they are only two points adrift of their opponents - who they drew 4-4 with in an entertaining contest last month - and Garcia stressed the importance of getting three points on home soil.
"The Champions League is like a mini season, with each match more important than the last," he said.
"As I said, we need to win to pick up points and take a step towards qualification for the round of 16. That's the situation.
"Right now no team has qualified and no team is out. We need a win and we intend to get one."
Rudi Garcia is set to welcome fit-again Daniele De Rossi back for Roma for the Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, the midfielder having recovered from a thigh strain.
Italy international De Rossi was absent as Roma slipped to a 1-0 defeat at fellow high-flyers Inter in Serie A on Saturday.
However, with Seydou Keita still unavailable due to a thigh injury of his own, De Rossi is set to play in the crucial Group E match at Stadio Olimpico.
"It's all very clear. Keita isn't ready yet, but De Rossi will play," Garcia said.
With Roma set to play fierce rivals Lazio on Sunday, Garcia would not be drawn on his plans beyond the Champions League fixture, adding: "Right now I'm not focusing on any match other than Leverkusen.
"I'm 100 per cent concentrated on that and I'm not thinking about what comes after it."
Roma are yet to win in Europe this season and have just two points from three matches played.
However, they are only two points adrift of their opponents - who they drew 4-4 with in an entertaining contest last month - and Garcia stressed the importance of getting three points on home soil.
"The Champions League is like a mini season, with each match more important than the last," he said.
"As I said, we need to win to pick up points and take a step towards qualification for the round of 16. That's the situation.
"Right now no team has qualified and no team is out. We need a win and we intend to get one."
Ronaldo: I don't care if Messi wins Ballon d'Or
Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo insists he would not care if Lionel Messi pips him to the 2015 Fifa Ballon d'Or.
Messi and Ronaldo have won the last seven editions of the prestigious individual award between them, the Barcelona talisman claiming the trophy on four occasions and the Portugal international three times.
Ronaldo has emerged victorious in the last two years, but Messi is widely regarded as the favourite to win the award this time around after guiding Barca to the treble in 2014-15.
Nevertheless, Ronaldo has stressed that it would not upset him if he has to settle for second place.
"I don't care if Messi wins the Ballon d'Or. I know that it is not in my hands whether I win this award or not. It all depends on others," Ronaldo told Kicker.
"I have always remained the same over the past eight years of my career. I have always played at a very high level. Name me one other player in the history of the game who has done the same.
"It all depends on small details who wins individual awards and who wins the league or Champions League. I am happy and proud of my career so far. Some people think Messi is the best, others think it's [Andres] Iniesta. I respect other people's opinions.
"But I think I am the best. Everybody should ask himself why you would not want to be the best at what you do. I think this attitude is one of the reasons why I have improved so much throughout my career and why I have achieved so much.
"He who wins the Ballon d’Or deserves all the respect."
The winner of the award will be announced at the Fifa Ballon d'Or gala at the Zurich Kongresshaus on January 11, 2016.
Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo insists he would not care if Lionel Messi pips him to the 2015 Fifa Ballon d'Or.
Messi and Ronaldo have won the last seven editions of the prestigious individual award between them, the Barcelona talisman claiming the trophy on four occasions and the Portugal international three times.
Ronaldo has emerged victorious in the last two years, but Messi is widely regarded as the favourite to win the award this time around after guiding Barca to the treble in 2014-15.
Nevertheless, Ronaldo has stressed that it would not upset him if he has to settle for second place.
"I don't care if Messi wins the Ballon d'Or. I know that it is not in my hands whether I win this award or not. It all depends on others," Ronaldo told Kicker.
"I have always remained the same over the past eight years of my career. I have always played at a very high level. Name me one other player in the history of the game who has done the same.
"It all depends on small details who wins individual awards and who wins the league or Champions League. I am happy and proud of my career so far. Some people think Messi is the best, others think it's [Andres] Iniesta. I respect other people's opinions.
"But I think I am the best. Everybody should ask himself why you would not want to be the best at what you do. I think this attitude is one of the reasons why I have improved so much throughout my career and why I have achieved so much.
"He who wins the Ballon d’Or deserves all the respect."
The winner of the award will be announced at the Fifa Ballon d'Or gala at the Zurich Kongresshaus on January 11, 2016.
Astana 0-0 Atletico Madrid: Simeone's men held in Kazakhstan
Atletico Madrid were held to a surprise 0-0 draw by a spirited Astana side in Tuesday's Champions League clash at the Astana Arena.
Diego Simeone's side held top spot heading into Group C's early kick-off and could have pulled three points ahead of Benfica with victory in Kazakhstan.
Koke struck the woodwork in both halves but Atletico toiled too often in possession against a well-disciplined home side.
Fernando Torres - chasing his 100th Atleti goal - also spurned a good chance and Antoine Griezmann came close in the second half, but Astana held on for a famous point which keeps alive their hopes of at least battling for a Europa League spot by finishing third.
Astana, in their maiden Champions League campaign, now have two points from their four matches following a 2-2 home draw with Galatasary on matchday two.
Tiago came close early on for Atletico with a blocked effort inside the area but Astana, roared on by a vociferous home crowd, denied them any real rhythm in the opening 25 minutes.
Junior Kabananga's scuffed volley from 20 yards forced Jan Oblak into a save but chances were few and far between in the opening half-hour, until Torres stole in behind Evgeny Postnikov following Juanfran's long ball and prodded wide across goal.
Koke looped an effort onto the crossbar with a free-kick just before half-time but Atletico otherwise struggled to find a way past a stubborn home side.Diego Godin glanced a header straight into Nenad Eric's hands and Tiago dragged a shot wide from 20 yards as Atletico began to turn up the pressure after the interval.
Simeone threw on Jackson Martinez in an effort to break through a robust defensive line but Atletico's build-up play on the synthetic turf was too often laboured or undone by wayward passes.
Griezmann, who had been quiet throughout, fizzed a low shot just wide of the far post after a neat one-two with Koke, before the Spain midfielder almost got lucky with a looped cross from the left that bounced off the top of the bar.
Eric saved down low from Jose Gimenez's header as Atleti began to push further forward as Astana legs grew tired, and the 2013-14 finalists almost snatched the victory with the last kick of the game, as Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco collected Griezmann's cross and shot across goal, only for the goalkeeper to claim well low to his left.
But Astana held on for a famous point and restored some pride following their 4-0 defeat in Madrid on matchday three.
Atletico Madrid were held to a surprise 0-0 draw by a spirited Astana side in Tuesday's Champions League clash at the Astana Arena.
Diego Simeone's side held top spot heading into Group C's early kick-off and could have pulled three points ahead of Benfica with victory in Kazakhstan.
Koke struck the woodwork in both halves but Atletico toiled too often in possession against a well-disciplined home side.
Fernando Torres - chasing his 100th Atleti goal - also spurned a good chance and Antoine Griezmann came close in the second half, but Astana held on for a famous point which keeps alive their hopes of at least battling for a Europa League spot by finishing third.
Astana, in their maiden Champions League campaign, now have two points from their four matches following a 2-2 home draw with Galatasary on matchday two.
Tiago came close early on for Atletico with a blocked effort inside the area but Astana, roared on by a vociferous home crowd, denied them any real rhythm in the opening 25 minutes.
Junior Kabananga's scuffed volley from 20 yards forced Jan Oblak into a save but chances were few and far between in the opening half-hour, until Torres stole in behind Evgeny Postnikov following Juanfran's long ball and prodded wide across goal.
Koke looped an effort onto the crossbar with a free-kick just before half-time but Atletico otherwise struggled to find a way past a stubborn home side.Diego Godin glanced a header straight into Nenad Eric's hands and Tiago dragged a shot wide from 20 yards as Atletico began to turn up the pressure after the interval.
Simeone threw on Jackson Martinez in an effort to break through a robust defensive line but Atletico's build-up play on the synthetic turf was too often laboured or undone by wayward passes.
Griezmann, who had been quiet throughout, fizzed a low shot just wide of the far post after a neat one-two with Koke, before the Spain midfielder almost got lucky with a looped cross from the left that bounced off the top of the bar.
Eric saved down low from Jose Gimenez's header as Atleti began to push further forward as Astana legs grew tired, and the 2013-14 finalists almost snatched the victory with the last kick of the game, as Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco collected Griezmann's cross and shot across goal, only for the goalkeeper to claim well low to his left.
But Astana held on for a famous point and restored some pride following their 4-0 defeat in Madrid on matchday three.
There is not a single day without pain - Ronaldo
Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo says he has not been pain-free for quite some time as the knee injury that troubled him toward the end of the 2013-14 campaign continues to cause problems.
The 30-year-old has not missed a single minute of action so far this campaign for Madrid, while he hardly missed a game in 2014-15 as well.
However, that does not mean the knee problems that nearly kept him out of the 2013-14 Champions League final and that year's World Cup no longer cause him issues.
"There is not a single day without pain. Every player will say the same. It's part of the job and you have to deal with it," the Madrid star told Kicker.
"I now realise things that I didn't when I was younger. I have always tried to improve and you gain more experience over the years.
"When I was 22, 23 years old, I often went out for dinner after a game and got back home around three o' clock in the morning. I no longer do things like that. I am going home early to look after myself in the best way possible.
"Small details make the difference. When you get older, you might lose some of your physical abilities, but you get more mature. I live for football, look after myself and train hard.
"There is nothing in life that I enjoy more and my body is incredibly important. That's why I look after myself and that's why I still play at the highest level."
Ronaldo has netted 13 goals in 13 appearances in all competitions for Madrid this campaign.
Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo says he has not been pain-free for quite some time as the knee injury that troubled him toward the end of the 2013-14 campaign continues to cause problems.
The 30-year-old has not missed a single minute of action so far this campaign for Madrid, while he hardly missed a game in 2014-15 as well.
However, that does not mean the knee problems that nearly kept him out of the 2013-14 Champions League final and that year's World Cup no longer cause him issues.
"There is not a single day without pain. Every player will say the same. It's part of the job and you have to deal with it," the Madrid star told Kicker.
"I now realise things that I didn't when I was younger. I have always tried to improve and you gain more experience over the years.
"When I was 22, 23 years old, I often went out for dinner after a game and got back home around three o' clock in the morning. I no longer do things like that. I am going home early to look after myself in the best way possible.
"Small details make the difference. When you get older, you might lose some of your physical abilities, but you get more mature. I live for football, look after myself and train hard.
"There is nothing in life that I enjoy more and my body is incredibly important. That's why I look after myself and that's why I still play at the highest level."
Ronaldo has netted 13 goals in 13 appearances in all competitions for Madrid this campaign.
My dream is to manage Chelsea, admits Zola
Gianfranco Zola has revealed his dream is to manage Chelsea but admits he needs to improve in order to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
The Italian, who scored 80 goals in 312 appearances for Chelsea, has managed both West Ham and Watford and is currently in charge of Qatari side Al Arabi.
"My dream, let us say my ambition, is to be Chelsea manager some day in the future," Zola told Sky Sports.
"However, I realise that I need to improve as a manager if I want to get there. And I am working hard to achieve my goal. Qatar is helping me a lot in this regard.
"I try to make my side play football in the way I want to see the game played. I have made a small start with Al Arabi and I am confident the results will be seen in the near future."
Jose Mourinho is under pressure to deliver results after Saturday’s defeat to Liverpool, Chelsea’s eighth in all competitions this season, has left the team 15th in the Premier League.
"The club has it in them to turn around their fortunes. A good result in the Champions League game against Dynamo Kiev followed by a couple of league wins will do the trick,” insists Zola.
"There is no one compelling reason for the poor start to the season. The poor form of key offensive players Eden Hazard and Diego Costa has not helped. Defensively as well the team dropped the standards set last year so the players have lost confidence as a group and this has led to poor results."
Gianfranco Zola has revealed his dream is to manage Chelsea but admits he needs to improve in order to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
The Italian, who scored 80 goals in 312 appearances for Chelsea, has managed both West Ham and Watford and is currently in charge of Qatari side Al Arabi.
"My dream, let us say my ambition, is to be Chelsea manager some day in the future," Zola told Sky Sports.
"However, I realise that I need to improve as a manager if I want to get there. And I am working hard to achieve my goal. Qatar is helping me a lot in this regard.
"I try to make my side play football in the way I want to see the game played. I have made a small start with Al Arabi and I am confident the results will be seen in the near future."
Jose Mourinho is under pressure to deliver results after Saturday’s defeat to Liverpool, Chelsea’s eighth in all competitions this season, has left the team 15th in the Premier League.
"The club has it in them to turn around their fortunes. A good result in the Champions League game against Dynamo Kiev followed by a couple of league wins will do the trick,” insists Zola.
"There is no one compelling reason for the poor start to the season. The poor form of key offensive players Eden Hazard and Diego Costa has not helped. Defensively as well the team dropped the standards set last year so the players have lost confidence as a group and this has led to poor results."
Falcao ruled out for 'a few weeks'
Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao is to miss "a few weeks" of action with an unspecified muscle injury, Jose Mourinho has confirmed.
Falcao has found playing time hard to come by since joining Chelsea on a season-long loan from Monaco and the Portuguese manager was asked if he would play a more significant role in the coming weeks.
But Mourinho revealed the striker has joined Pedro, Thibaut Courtois and Branislav Ivanovic on the Blues' injury list.
"Falcao had an important injury," Mourinho told reporters. "Not so important as the ones he had previously.
"But he had an important muscular injury and will be out for a few weeks so there is no point speaking about him."
Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao is to miss "a few weeks" of action with an unspecified muscle injury, Jose Mourinho has confirmed.
Falcao has found playing time hard to come by since joining Chelsea on a season-long loan from Monaco and the Portuguese manager was asked if he would play a more significant role in the coming weeks.
But Mourinho revealed the striker has joined Pedro, Thibaut Courtois and Branislav Ivanovic on the Blues' injury list.
"Falcao had an important injury," Mourinho told reporters. "Not so important as the ones he had previously.
"But he had an important muscular injury and will be out for a few weeks so there is no point speaking about him."
Bellerin adds to Arsenal injury woes
Arsenal's injury problems continue to grow after Arsene Wenger revealed that Hector Bellerin will miss Wednesday's crunch Champions League fixture with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.
Bellerin will be replaced at right-back by Mathieu Debuchy and his absence means the Gunners are without nine first-team players as they look for a repeat their 2-0 victory last month against the German champions.
"The team news is that from Saturday’s squad we’ve lost Bellerin," the Frenchman told reporters in his pre-match press conference.
"He will not be available tomorrow night. It’s not a big problem, he has a small groin problem.
"Debuchy will play. I’m confident in him, I trust him. He’s 100 per cent educated, he trains every day, he played last week against Sheffield and physically he should be ready.
"We have nobody else back."
The Gunners beat Bayern in north London in their last Champions League match to boost their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages after defeats in their opening two games of the campaign.
Wenger believes his side need to take at least a point from the game and admits he side would be put in a "very bad" situation if they lose to Pep Guardiola's side.
He added: "A defeat would put us in a very bad position, that’s why we don’t want to lose the game. We would still have a chance but it would diminish our chances. We need to get a result tomorrow tonight.
Honestly, I don’t think it’s easy to look for a draw. We want to play to win. When you are Arsenal, we have won everywhere in Europe including here. Bayern are a great team but it’s a good challenge for us to show we have the quality to compete with them."
Arsenal's injury problems continue to grow after Arsene Wenger revealed that Hector Bellerin will miss Wednesday's crunch Champions League fixture with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.
Bellerin will be replaced at right-back by Mathieu Debuchy and his absence means the Gunners are without nine first-team players as they look for a repeat their 2-0 victory last month against the German champions.
"The team news is that from Saturday’s squad we’ve lost Bellerin," the Frenchman told reporters in his pre-match press conference.
"He will not be available tomorrow night. It’s not a big problem, he has a small groin problem.
"Debuchy will play. I’m confident in him, I trust him. He’s 100 per cent educated, he trains every day, he played last week against Sheffield and physically he should be ready.
"We have nobody else back."
The Gunners beat Bayern in north London in their last Champions League match to boost their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages after defeats in their opening two games of the campaign.
Wenger believes his side need to take at least a point from the game and admits he side would be put in a "very bad" situation if they lose to Pep Guardiola's side.
He added: "A defeat would put us in a very bad position, that’s why we don’t want to lose the game. We would still have a chance but it would diminish our chances. We need to get a result tomorrow tonight.
Honestly, I don’t think it’s easy to look for a draw. We want to play to win. When you are Arsenal, we have won everywhere in Europe including here. Bayern are a great team but it’s a good challenge for us to show we have the quality to compete with them."
Wenger: Guardiola wanted to join Arsenal
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed Bayern Munich boss Josep Guardiola wanted to sign for the Gunners during his playing days.
The 44-year-old was one of Europe's outstanding defensive midfielders during his time with Barcelona, before leaving the club for Brescia in 2001.
But Wenger says Guardiola was keen on a move to Arsenal, only for the Frenchman to decide against pursuing a deal.
He said: "He wanted to play with me as a coach and he wanted to play for Arsenal.
"I met him at home - he was 30 or 31-years-old back then. I can’t really remember but he then went to Italy. I had players back then like [Patrick] Vieira and [Emmanuel] Petit who were still young.
"He showed great personality when we talked."
Wenger got the upper hand over Guardiola in the first meeting between the sides in this season's Champions League group stage, with the Gunners winning 2-0 at the Emirates.
However, a close contest is expected in the return fixture at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday and the 66-year-old spoke of his respect for his managerial counterpart.
"I admire that his teams play very positively - he has a positive attitude towards football and he’s a great coach."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed Bayern Munich boss Josep Guardiola wanted to sign for the Gunners during his playing days.
The 44-year-old was one of Europe's outstanding defensive midfielders during his time with Barcelona, before leaving the club for Brescia in 2001.
But Wenger says Guardiola was keen on a move to Arsenal, only for the Frenchman to decide against pursuing a deal.
He said: "He wanted to play with me as a coach and he wanted to play for Arsenal.
"I met him at home - he was 30 or 31-years-old back then. I can’t really remember but he then went to Italy. I had players back then like [Patrick] Vieira and [Emmanuel] Petit who were still young.
"He showed great personality when we talked."
Wenger got the upper hand over Guardiola in the first meeting between the sides in this season's Champions League group stage, with the Gunners winning 2-0 at the Emirates.
However, a close contest is expected in the return fixture at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday and the 66-year-old spoke of his respect for his managerial counterpart.
"I admire that his teams play very positively - he has a positive attitude towards football and he’s a great coach."
Reus: Dortmund have the potential to win Europa League
Marco Reus is eyeing Europa League glory with Borussia Dortmund this season.
Dortmund find themselves competing in Europe's second-tier competition this term, following a lacklustre campaign last time around.
But they have enjoyed a fresh lease of life under coach Thomas Tuchel, with the former Mainz coach overseeing 11 consecutive wins in all competitions to begin his tenure.
Following a subsequent run of four matches without a victory, Dortmund are now on another winning streak of five games as they prepare to host Qabala in Group C, where victory will book their place in the last 32 if Krasnodar also beat PAOK.
Teams dropping out of the Champions League could then hinder Dortmund's ambitions but Reus believes his on-form team-mates have the capacity to lift the trophy.
"I think we have the potential," he said during a fans Q&A on the Uefa Europa League Facebook page.
"But after the group stage we will meet even stronger opponents. Then, it could come down to the form you have on that specific day.
"But we have the potential and really want to go to the final."
Reus joined a Dortmund side that had won back-to-back Bundesliga titles under Jurgen Klopp in 2012 and remains at the club despite seeing other star names such as Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski depart.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old Germany international, who has been plagued by injury problems over the past two seasons, revealed that he has a long-standing admiration for one of European football's established superpowers.
"In my childhood I always played as Barcelona on the PlayStation," he added.
"That's because they have players of such extremely high quality and they play with a fantastic style as well."
Marco Reus is eyeing Europa League glory with Borussia Dortmund this season.
Dortmund find themselves competing in Europe's second-tier competition this term, following a lacklustre campaign last time around.
But they have enjoyed a fresh lease of life under coach Thomas Tuchel, with the former Mainz coach overseeing 11 consecutive wins in all competitions to begin his tenure.
Following a subsequent run of four matches without a victory, Dortmund are now on another winning streak of five games as they prepare to host Qabala in Group C, where victory will book their place in the last 32 if Krasnodar also beat PAOK.
Teams dropping out of the Champions League could then hinder Dortmund's ambitions but Reus believes his on-form team-mates have the capacity to lift the trophy.
"I think we have the potential," he said during a fans Q&A on the Uefa Europa League Facebook page.
"But after the group stage we will meet even stronger opponents. Then, it could come down to the form you have on that specific day.
"But we have the potential and really want to go to the final."
Reus joined a Dortmund side that had won back-to-back Bundesliga titles under Jurgen Klopp in 2012 and remains at the club despite seeing other star names such as Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski depart.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old Germany international, who has been plagued by injury problems over the past two seasons, revealed that he has a long-standing admiration for one of European football's established superpowers.
"In my childhood I always played as Barcelona on the PlayStation," he added.
"That's because they have players of such extremely high quality and they play with a fantastic style as well."
Villas-Boas backs under-fire Mourinho
Andre Villas-Boas has described Jose Mourinho as a "pioneer" and a "winner" and backed him to come through his current problems at Chelsea.
Mourinho's side are 15th in the Premier League having lost six of their opening 11 games, while the Portuguese's regular run-ins with authority mean he will not be at the Britannia Stadium for the clash with Stoke at the weekend as he serves a one-game stadium ban handed out following his red card at West Ham on October 24.
Villas-Boas knows all about dealing with the pressure at Stamford Bridge having been sacked by Chelsea in March 2012 after less than nine months in the job, but he is backing his countryman to get the club back on the track.
Speaking ahead of Zenit's Champions League game at Lyon on Wednesday, he said: "It's very tough for me to speak about this kind of situation. I've been there before myself. It's a difficult position, when you start to get defeats in a row.
"In order to be able to get through it, you need to get some amazing results. That's the way to get rid of that kind of crisis.
"In my opinion, Jose has the qualities to be able to get through it. He has a lot of experience. He's the reference point in terms of head coaches in Portugal.
"He's the pioneer that led the way for Portuguese head coaches. We speak about someone who has never known something like this before. He's a winner when it comes to football. I think he will get through it."
Andre Villas-Boas has described Jose Mourinho as a "pioneer" and a "winner" and backed him to come through his current problems at Chelsea.
Mourinho's side are 15th in the Premier League having lost six of their opening 11 games, while the Portuguese's regular run-ins with authority mean he will not be at the Britannia Stadium for the clash with Stoke at the weekend as he serves a one-game stadium ban handed out following his red card at West Ham on October 24.
Villas-Boas knows all about dealing with the pressure at Stamford Bridge having been sacked by Chelsea in March 2012 after less than nine months in the job, but he is backing his countryman to get the club back on the track.
Speaking ahead of Zenit's Champions League game at Lyon on Wednesday, he said: "It's very tough for me to speak about this kind of situation. I've been there before myself. It's a difficult position, when you start to get defeats in a row.
"In order to be able to get through it, you need to get some amazing results. That's the way to get rid of that kind of crisis.
"In my opinion, Jose has the qualities to be able to get through it. He has a lot of experience. He's the reference point in terms of head coaches in Portugal.
"He's the pioneer that led the way for Portuguese head coaches. We speak about someone who has never known something like this before. He's a winner when it comes to football. I think he will get through it."
Shakhtar Donetsk 4-0 Malmo: Easy win moves Lucescu's men third
Shakhtar Donetsk kept their slim Champions League last-16 hopes alive by thumping Malmo 4-0 to record a first win in Group A.
After half an hour of constant pressure from the hosts – who are four points behind second-placed Paris Saint-Germain with two games remaining - in L'viv, Olexandr Gladkiy opened the scoring, forcing in the rebound after Malmo goalkeeper Johan Wiland saved his initial header.
Shakhtar were utterly rampant and Darijo Srna added a second from the penalty spot shortly after half-time when Alex Teixeira was fouled by Karl Arnason, before Eduardo scored the third.
Teixeira himself added the fourth to cap a dominant individual display, heading into an open goal after Wiland had saved from Marcio Azevedo with his legs.
Arnason then compounded a disappointing evening for Malmo when he was sent off in the last minute.
Victory stopped the rot for Shakhtar, who had lost all three of their previous group games, but they face a tough task if they are to overhaul PSG, with matches against the Ligue 1 champions and Real Madrid to come.
Tuesday's game got off to a rapid start with Bernard denied by Wiland and Markus Rosenberg flicking a shot over, all in the first three minutes.
Malmo were soaking up pressure and hitting Shakhtar on the break, as they did to great success in their 1-0 win when the sides met on the last matchday. And they almost took the lead after 21 minutes, Anton Kanibolotskiy forced into a fine save from Nikola Djurdjic.
A goal felt inevitable due to Shakhtar's mounting pressure and it arrived just before the half hour.
Malmo failed to clear properly and, when Azevedo held up a teasing cross to the back post, Gladkiy powered in the loose ball after Wiland saved his header.
Malmo looked tired after finishing their league season with a 2-0 defeat at the weekend and Teixeira came closest to making it 2-0 in the first half, bending a shot just wide from 20 yards before Wiland tipped his looping header over.
Arnason was lucky not to concede a penalty as he caught the Brazilian in the face with a high foot as he connected with the ball.
Malmo were extremely fortunate to be just a single goal down at the break as Teixeira missed another brilliant chance on the stroke of half-time.
Shakhtar did make it 2-0 three minutes after the restart. Teixeira burst into the box with some fabulous skill, Arnason pulled him back and skipper Srna beat Wiland from 12 yards, although he got a hand to the spot-kick.
From then it was a case of how many the hosts would score and it was soon 3-0. Eduardo had replaced Gladkiy at the break and he took only nine minutes to find the net, getting enough on a header to divert a shot from Bernard beyond Wiland.
A fourth goal came with 18 minutes left as Teixeira got his reward for a bewitching second-half display.
Wiland blocked Azevedo's strike and the Brazilian was unmarked to nod into the net. Arnason was dismissed for a second yellow card in the final minute to compound Malmo's misery.
Shakhtar Donetsk kept their slim Champions League last-16 hopes alive by thumping Malmo 4-0 to record a first win in Group A.
After half an hour of constant pressure from the hosts – who are four points behind second-placed Paris Saint-Germain with two games remaining - in L'viv, Olexandr Gladkiy opened the scoring, forcing in the rebound after Malmo goalkeeper Johan Wiland saved his initial header.
Shakhtar were utterly rampant and Darijo Srna added a second from the penalty spot shortly after half-time when Alex Teixeira was fouled by Karl Arnason, before Eduardo scored the third.
Teixeira himself added the fourth to cap a dominant individual display, heading into an open goal after Wiland had saved from Marcio Azevedo with his legs.
Arnason then compounded a disappointing evening for Malmo when he was sent off in the last minute.
Victory stopped the rot for Shakhtar, who had lost all three of their previous group games, but they face a tough task if they are to overhaul PSG, with matches against the Ligue 1 champions and Real Madrid to come.
Tuesday's game got off to a rapid start with Bernard denied by Wiland and Markus Rosenberg flicking a shot over, all in the first three minutes.
Malmo were soaking up pressure and hitting Shakhtar on the break, as they did to great success in their 1-0 win when the sides met on the last matchday. And they almost took the lead after 21 minutes, Anton Kanibolotskiy forced into a fine save from Nikola Djurdjic.
A goal felt inevitable due to Shakhtar's mounting pressure and it arrived just before the half hour.
Malmo failed to clear properly and, when Azevedo held up a teasing cross to the back post, Gladkiy powered in the loose ball after Wiland saved his header.
Malmo looked tired after finishing their league season with a 2-0 defeat at the weekend and Teixeira came closest to making it 2-0 in the first half, bending a shot just wide from 20 yards before Wiland tipped his looping header over.
Arnason was lucky not to concede a penalty as he caught the Brazilian in the face with a high foot as he connected with the ball.
Malmo were extremely fortunate to be just a single goal down at the break as Teixeira missed another brilliant chance on the stroke of half-time.
Shakhtar did make it 2-0 three minutes after the restart. Teixeira burst into the box with some fabulous skill, Arnason pulled him back and skipper Srna beat Wiland from 12 yards, although he got a hand to the spot-kick.
From then it was a case of how many the hosts would score and it was soon 3-0. Eduardo had replaced Gladkiy at the break and he took only nine minutes to find the net, getting enough on a header to divert a shot from Bernard beyond Wiland.
A fourth goal came with 18 minutes left as Teixeira got his reward for a bewitching second-half display.
Wiland blocked Azevedo's strike and the Brazilian was unmarked to nod into the net. Arnason was dismissed for a second yellow card in the final minute to compound Malmo's misery.
Benfica 2-1 Galatasaray: Luisao wins it for hosts after Podolski equaliser
Benfica moved into pole position in Champions League Group C with a 2-1 victory over Galatasaray at the Estadio da Luz, despite going down to 10 men late on.
Following a defeat by the same scoreline to Hamza Hamzaoglu's men on matchday three, Rui Vitoria's side were level with Atletico Madrid heading into Tuesday's fixtures.
With the Spanish outfit drawing at Astana earlier in the day, the Portuguese side knew that a win would send them two points clear at the top.
After a frustrating first half, Benfica deservedly took the lead through Jonas in the 52nd minute, only to see Lukas Podolski level with a clinical finish six minutes later.
The hosts responded positively and regained their advantage through captain Luisao in the 67th minute and, despite a late red card for Nicolas Gaitan, they held on to edge closer to a place in the last 16.
Just as he did in the previous encounter in Istanbul, Gaitan started well, firing wide following a sublime solo run in the third minute before releasing Raul Jimenez, whose effort from an acute angle was kept out by Fernando Muslera.
Burak Yilmaz – already on a booking that will rule him out of Galatasaray's next encounter with Atletico – could have been dismissed shortly before the interval following a handball, but Gaitan was instead shown the yellow card for his protests as tempers flared.
Benfica began the second half as they did the first and within seven minutes of the restart they were ahead.
Jardel headed Gaitan's deep free-kick into the centre of the box and, after Luisao brought the ball down, Jonas fired into the back of the net, following up on his fine form in the Primeira Liga, which has yielded eight goals in eight games.
Benfica's lead did not last long, though, as Podolski rifled a clinical strike across Julio Cesar and into the bottom corner.
Vitoria's team immediately set about regaining their advantage, and – after Jimenez and Anderson Talisca fired wide – Luisao was afforded time in the box to control Gaitan's pass and pick out the top corner.
There was almost a third five minutes later, but Muslera did well to keep Gaitan's low free-kick out of the bottom corner before blocking Jimenez's follow-up.
A fine save from Muslera thwarted Jimenez following a swift break led by Gaitan in the 84th minute, but moments later the Argentina international was dismissed for a second booking following his trip on Emre Colak.
Selcuk Inan fired a venomous strike wide in the closing stages and Umut Bulut was denied from inside the six-yard box in stoppage time, but Galatasaray were unable to find an equaliser against the 10 men, leaving them without a win in 10 away matches in the Champions League.
Benfica moved into pole position in Champions League Group C with a 2-1 victory over Galatasaray at the Estadio da Luz, despite going down to 10 men late on.
Following a defeat by the same scoreline to Hamza Hamzaoglu's men on matchday three, Rui Vitoria's side were level with Atletico Madrid heading into Tuesday's fixtures.
With the Spanish outfit drawing at Astana earlier in the day, the Portuguese side knew that a win would send them two points clear at the top.
After a frustrating first half, Benfica deservedly took the lead through Jonas in the 52nd minute, only to see Lukas Podolski level with a clinical finish six minutes later.
The hosts responded positively and regained their advantage through captain Luisao in the 67th minute and, despite a late red card for Nicolas Gaitan, they held on to edge closer to a place in the last 16.
Just as he did in the previous encounter in Istanbul, Gaitan started well, firing wide following a sublime solo run in the third minute before releasing Raul Jimenez, whose effort from an acute angle was kept out by Fernando Muslera.
Burak Yilmaz – already on a booking that will rule him out of Galatasaray's next encounter with Atletico – could have been dismissed shortly before the interval following a handball, but Gaitan was instead shown the yellow card for his protests as tempers flared.
Benfica began the second half as they did the first and within seven minutes of the restart they were ahead.
Jardel headed Gaitan's deep free-kick into the centre of the box and, after Luisao brought the ball down, Jonas fired into the back of the net, following up on his fine form in the Primeira Liga, which has yielded eight goals in eight games.
Benfica's lead did not last long, though, as Podolski rifled a clinical strike across Julio Cesar and into the bottom corner.
Vitoria's team immediately set about regaining their advantage, and – after Jimenez and Anderson Talisca fired wide – Luisao was afforded time in the box to control Gaitan's pass and pick out the top corner.
There was almost a third five minutes later, but Muslera did well to keep Gaitan's low free-kick out of the bottom corner before blocking Jimenez's follow-up.
A fine save from Muslera thwarted Jimenez following a swift break led by Gaitan in the 84th minute, but moments later the Argentina international was dismissed for a second booking following his trip on Emre Colak.
Selcuk Inan fired a venomous strike wide in the closing stages and Umut Bulut was denied from inside the six-yard box in stoppage time, but Galatasaray were unable to find an equaliser against the 10 men, leaving them without a win in 10 away matches in the Champions League.
Manchester United 1-0 CSKA Moscow: Rooney ends Red Devils' goal drought
Wayne Rooney's late header ended Manchester United's goal drought and earned the Red Devils a narrow 1-0 victory over CSKA Moscow.
The England captain scored his 237th goal for United, moving level with Denis Law in the club-record books, when he nodded home Jesse Lingard's cross in the 79th minute.
Rooney's strike, which sealed a first home win for the Red Devils over Russian opposition, moves Louis van Gaal's side top of Group B on seven points.
It also spares Van Gaal from becoming the first United manager since 1992 to endure a run of four games without a goal. Four hundred and four minutes had passed since they last hit the net when Rooney struck.
United started brightly in their bid to end that barren spell stretching back to Anthony Martial's effort in the 1-1 draw in Moscow two weeks ago.
The French forward returned to a centre-forward position having been deployed from the left in recent weeks and partnered Rooney up front.
Rooney steered an early attempt wide with his left foot before Martial failed to get enough on a beautiful long pass from Daley Blind to divert the ball beyond Igor Akinfeev.
Lingard, who was picked ahead of Ander Herrera and started on the left wing, lifted a shot over the bar on the half-hour mark as United struggled to change their fortunes in front of goal.
Their best chance of the opening 45 minutes fell to Marcos Rojo, who volleyed Ashley Young's cross from the right wide of the target after CSKA had failed to spot him creeping into space at the far post.
Rojo then failed to hit the target when he should have scored with a header in the opening minutes of the second half as the hosts' frustration grew.
Van Gaal turned to Marouane Fellaini shortly after the hour mark and his decision to withdraw Martial, rather than Rooney, for the Belgian was greeted with boos from a disgruntled home crowd.
Rooney and Young had hopeful penalty claims waved away before the former stumbled when it looked as if he would convert Juan Mata's pass across goal, drawing yet more derision from the stands.
The gloom in the ground might have broken out into mutiny had David de Gea and Chris Smalling not desperately denied CSKA substitute Seydou Doumbia, with the defender brilliantly blocking a goal-bound second attempt.
That set the stage for Rooney to answer his critics and transform United and Van Gaal's night. Michael Carrick clipped a superb pass behind the defence which Lingard volleyed across goal for the 30-year-old to head home.
PSV 2-0 Wolfsburg: Hosts throw last-16 battle wide open
PSV have left a fierce race for qualification to the next round of the Champions League, after gaining a vital 2-0 win over Wolfsburg in Eindhoven.
The Dutch team leapfrogged Wednesday's opponents behind Manchester United, taking the second spot in Group B by virtue of better results between the teams.
Jurgen Locadia and Luuk De Jong both struck in the second half to secure a priceless victory for PSV, with two games remaining in the group phase.
Phillip Cocu's men had a number of chances to open the scoring before the break but Wolfsburg goalkeeper Diego Benaglio proved too much of an obstacle.
There was to be no denying Locadia in the 55th minute, though, with the forward coolly finishing after being set up by De Jong.
De Jong turned finisher in the closing stages with a fine lob over Benaglio to secure the points.
Tuesday's result sees PSV move level on points with Wolfsburg in Group B, both sides on six points from four games, a point behind leaders Manchester United.
Wolfsburg had the first decent opportunity when Joshua Brenet fouled Daniel Caligiuri on the edge of the box in the 11th minute. Ricardo Rodriguez took the free-kick but failed to get his shot on target.
PSV gradually worked their way into the game and came close to opening the scoring via Jeffrey Bruma in the 19th minute but Benaglio deflected the centre-back's powerful shot wide for a corner. Locadia threatened from the resulting set-piece after escaping his marker but could only plant his header wide at the far post.
Netherlands international Bas Dost had the chance to break the deadlock midway through the first half after being set up by Josuha Guilavogui but Jeroen Zoet rushed off his line to block his compatriot's shot at the near post.
There was another chance for Locadia shortly after the half-hour mark, but Benaglio just beat the attacker to De Jong's low cross from the right.
Locadia continued to cause the Wolfsburg defence plenty of problems and again came close in the dying minutes of the first half after an intelligent through ball from Davy Propper but Benaglio was again equal to the task.
The Eredivisie champions eventually made the breakthrough 10 minutes into the second period. De Jong picked out Locadia with a clever pass through the middle and the young forward coolly slotted home from 10 yards.
Caligiuri had a half-chance for Wolfsburg after the PSV defence failed to clear a cross from the right, but the winger blasted his shot from 20 yards out over the crossbar and into the stand.
Adam Maher should have doubled PSV's lead in the 71st minute after Narsingh sent in a cross from the right, but the attacking midfielder aimed his header inches over the crossbar.
Naldo threatened late on with a powerful long-range strike, but Zoet managed to keep it out without too many problems.
De Jong then put the match to bed in the 86th minute as he beat Benaglio with a cheeky lob from a narrow angle after a fine pass from Andres Guardado.
PSV have left a fierce race for qualification to the next round of the Champions League, after gaining a vital 2-0 win over Wolfsburg in Eindhoven.
The Dutch team leapfrogged Wednesday's opponents behind Manchester United, taking the second spot in Group B by virtue of better results between the teams.
Jurgen Locadia and Luuk De Jong both struck in the second half to secure a priceless victory for PSV, with two games remaining in the group phase.
Phillip Cocu's men had a number of chances to open the scoring before the break but Wolfsburg goalkeeper Diego Benaglio proved too much of an obstacle.
There was to be no denying Locadia in the 55th minute, though, with the forward coolly finishing after being set up by De Jong.
De Jong turned finisher in the closing stages with a fine lob over Benaglio to secure the points.
Tuesday's result sees PSV move level on points with Wolfsburg in Group B, both sides on six points from four games, a point behind leaders Manchester United.
Wolfsburg had the first decent opportunity when Joshua Brenet fouled Daniel Caligiuri on the edge of the box in the 11th minute. Ricardo Rodriguez took the free-kick but failed to get his shot on target.
PSV gradually worked their way into the game and came close to opening the scoring via Jeffrey Bruma in the 19th minute but Benaglio deflected the centre-back's powerful shot wide for a corner. Locadia threatened from the resulting set-piece after escaping his marker but could only plant his header wide at the far post.
Netherlands international Bas Dost had the chance to break the deadlock midway through the first half after being set up by Josuha Guilavogui but Jeroen Zoet rushed off his line to block his compatriot's shot at the near post.
There was another chance for Locadia shortly after the half-hour mark, but Benaglio just beat the attacker to De Jong's low cross from the right.
Locadia continued to cause the Wolfsburg defence plenty of problems and again came close in the dying minutes of the first half after an intelligent through ball from Davy Propper but Benaglio was again equal to the task.
The Eredivisie champions eventually made the breakthrough 10 minutes into the second period. De Jong picked out Locadia with a clever pass through the middle and the young forward coolly slotted home from 10 yards.
Caligiuri had a half-chance for Wolfsburg after the PSV defence failed to clear a cross from the right, but the winger blasted his shot from 20 yards out over the crossbar and into the stand.
Adam Maher should have doubled PSV's lead in the 71st minute after Narsingh sent in a cross from the right, but the attacking midfielder aimed his header inches over the crossbar.
Naldo threatened late on with a powerful long-range strike, but Zoet managed to keep it out without too many problems.
De Jong then put the match to bed in the 86th minute as he beat Benaglio with a cheeky lob from a narrow angle after a fine pass from Andres Guardado.
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