..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Drogba: Chelsea need more leaders

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba believes the reigning Premier League champions are lacking leadership figures.

Jose Mourinho's men have been struggling to find their best form this campaign, sitting 15th in the league after 13 games.

Drogba has suggested the absence of strong characters in the dressing room - apart from John Terry - could be one of the reasons behind the club's recent difficulties.

"During my time at Chelsea we had a lot of leaders in the team, not only last year but during the previous seasons as well," Drogba was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"We had Frank Lampard, Petr Cech, John Terry, myself, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Andriy Shevchenko, Claude Makelele - big names, big players and big characters.

"We could take responsibility for a result and change the situation in bad moments such as when there was a change of manager or when we had bad results.

"Terry is still there but on your own it is very difficult, so other players have to come up with this mentality. But it is not something you are born with, you build it within you.

"You have to make sure that it is the right moment to talk and to take the lead and, most importantly, the rest of the team has to accept you as a leader.

"When you stand up and say, 'Let's go and win' you have to make sure that you produce yourself - you cannot be a leader if you are not the first to show that you have the determination to want to win."

Drogba enjoyed a successful period with Chelsea between 2004 and 2012, returning to Stamford Bridge in 2014-15 for a brief second spell at the club.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Krasnodar 1-0 Dortmund: Bundesliga giants slip to shock defeat

Pavel Mamaev's second-minute penalty sent FC Krasnodar through to the knockout stages of the Europa League, as they defeated already-qualified Borussia Dortmund 1-0 at Kuban Stadium.

Mamaev converted from 12 yards following a foul by Mats Hummels on Mauricio Pereyra and Krasnodar managed to hang on for the remainder of the match despite incessant Dortmund pressure, meaning they will accompany their opponents from Group C into the last 32.

The result means Dortmund suffered a couple of unwanted firsts - they had never previously lost away to a Russian side, while head coach Thomas Tuchel tasted defeat for the first time in nine European fixtures in charge.

Dortmund were already certain to go through, yet the reverse was hardly the response they wanted after seeing their four-match winning run in the Bundesliga come to an end at the hands of Hamburg last Friday.

Krasnodar now sit level with Dortmund on 10 points, leaving the clubs in a final game shoot-out to decide who finishes top of the table.

Dortmund were left to curse a disastrous start that saw Hummels give away a penalty inside the first minute, the visiting captain pulling back Pereyra as he looked to get onto a pass over the top.

Mamaev punished Hummels for his error, sending his spot kick straight down the middle as Roman Weidenfeller dived to the right.

Still, Dortmund responded well to the early setback.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan forced Andrey Dykan into a smart save with a long-range shot, while the Krasnodar goalkeeper needed the help of the woodwork to keep out an effort from Adrian Ramos.

Ramos had beaten Dykan to a long ball but, having lifted the ball over the stranded keeper, the Colombian watched on as his attempt bounced off the turf and up onto the bar.

Headed chances for Ramos and Sven Bender also went begging just before the break, leaving Dortmund somehow trailing at the end of a first half they had dominated.

Tuchel's side continued to push for an equaliser straight after the interval, with even full-back Marcel Schmelzer trying his luck from distance with a volley that dipped just the wrong side of the post.

The same upright came to Krasnodar's rescue when keeping out Mkhitaryan's side-footed drive after 78 minutes, at which point Tuchel must have realised it simply was not going to happen for his team in front of goal.

Krasnodar's Brazilian forward Ari did waste a chance to make it 2-0 on the counter, dragging a left-foot shot wide, but Mamaev's early effort proved enough to extend the home side's European adventure into 2016.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Qarabag 0-1 Tottenham: Kane header secures Spurs progress

Harry Kane's late header ensured Tottenham a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League with a group game remaining as the England forward earned his a side a valuable 1-0 win over Qarabag.

Following a 4,000-mile trip, Mauricio Pochettino named a strong side for the penultimate Group J fixture on Thursday, despite Sunday's impending Premier League clash with Chelsea, and was rewarded when Kane netted the winner and ensured Spurs a top-two berth.

With the likes of Dele Alli and Son Heung-min hitting the woodwork against a stubborn Qarabag side, Pochettino's men looked set to endure a frustrating night in Baku.

The hosts - whose qualification hopes now look very slim - were largely content to frustrate their Premier League opponents but were beaten courtesy of in-form Kane's goalscoring instinct.

The striker nodded in Son's flick-on from a corner 12 minutes from time to send Spurs into the knockout stage and into the weekend's London derby off the back of a win.

Qarabag need to beat second-placed Anderlecht for a second time in Group J to stand a chance of progressing to the last 32 alongside Spurs, who need a point in their final game at home to Monaco to secure top spot.

The hosts began brightly - keeping the ball well albeit without threatening too often - while Ryan Mason tested Ibrahim Sehic inside the opening five minutes.

Mason, whose introduction at the base of Spurs' midfield allowed Alli a more advanced role, shot over soon after as Spurs found their feet.

Alli spurned a great chance to open the scoring when he turned Kieran Trippier's cross over the crossbar from inside the area while Qarabag saw Maksim Medvedev fire over before Afran Ismayilov forced Hugo Lloris into a first save shortly before the half-hour mark.

Qarabag offered a reminder of their threat on the stroke of half-time - the home side breaking at pace only for Dani Quintana's scuffed effort to be palmed away by Lloris.

Spurs were on the front foot early in the second period but found Qarabag's back line difficult to break down as the hosts offered another reminder of their threat when Richard Almeida shot wide from distance.

Alli failed to connect with an effort from inside the area while Christian Eriksen flashed a shot across goal prior to Son's effort being tipped onto the bar just after the hour mark by an impressive Sehic save.

The Qarabag goalkeeper was called on again to tip Eric Dier's effort round the post as Spurs continued to produce the better chances. And, after Alli turned Toby Alderweireld's delivery onto the post, Pochettino's men were rewarded for their endeavour through Kane's winner.

The England international took his tally to nine goals in his last six club games when he got the final touch from close range after Son connected with Eriksen's corner, extending Spurs' European campaign into the new year as a result.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Basel 2-2 Fiorentina: Hosts secure top spot in Group I

A late Mohamed El-Nenny strike helped Basel come from two down to draw 2-2 at home to Fiorentina on Thursday, securing their passage to the next round of the Europa League as Group I winners.

A couple of composed Federico Bernardeschi finishes either side of a red card for Facundo Roncaglia put the Serie A side in control, but the hosts ultimately made their numerical advantage tell.

Marek Suchy and then El-Nenny in the 74th minute did the damage, pulling things back to prevent Paulo Sousa winning on his return to Basel and thus making sure of a spot in the knockout phase.

Fiorentina were unlucky not to be given a penalty just three minutes in when Behrang Safari used his hand to tackle Josip Ilicic, but they eventually took a deserved lead minutes later 20 minutes later – Bernardeschi finishing coolly from Borja Valero's pass.

Roncaglia's decision to swing an elbow in Breel Embolo's direction a few moments later put their position in jeopardy as a red card was brandished, but Fiorentina swiftly extended their lead through Bernardeschi, who finished well again from Nikola Kalinic's lay-off.

Basel did pull one back before the break, however, as captain Suchy stabbed home from close range with nine minutes to go.

The hosts continued to press with increased urgency early on in the second half, but the stop-start tempo and continuous niggling fouls made finding rhythm almost impossible.

Nevertheless, Basel's persistence paid off and El-Nenny produced a lovely finish from the edge of the area 16 minutes from time, clinching a vital point for the Swiss champions.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Augsburg 2-3 Athletic Bilbao: Late Aduriz double gives Spaniards dramatic win

A late double from Aritz Aduriz gave Athletic Bilbao a dramatic 3-2 win over Augsburg in the Europa League on Thursday.

Augsburg looked in control of the match in the early stages as the Germans confidently knocked the ball around the WWK Arena, but it was a long-ranged strike from Markel Susaeta that opened the scoring.

Trying his luck from range after Augsburg failed to close him down, the Bilbao winger fired a shot into the bottom-right corner of Marwin Hitz’s net.

After the goal the Spanish side seemed content with their lead, because afterwards it was Markus Weinzierl’s side that started to command the game.

Nonetheless, the Spaniards stood firm and would’ve taken a lead into half-time if it wasn’t for a deflected shot from Piotr Trochowski to allow the hosts to get back on level terms.

The second half saw the introduction of Raul Bobadilla who had a near-instant impact. After Iago Herrerin spilled the shot of Dong-Wong Ji, the Argentinian seized upon his opportunity to loop a header over the goalkeeper and into the net to put Augsburg in the lead.

However, the German side were unable to keep their lead, with Aduriz heading his first of the game past Hitz after Iturraspe crossed from the flank.

With momentum in their favour, the Spaniards went in search of a late winner, with Inaki Williams the provider, finding Aduriz after marauding up the wing, and the striker peeled off his markers to convert at the back post.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Celtic 1-2 Ajax: Late Cerny goal keeps De Boer's men alive

Vaclav Cerny's first goal for Ajax sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory for Frank de Boer's men that keeps them alive in the Europa League and eliminates Celtic.

Callum McGregor's early goal for the hosts was cancelled out by an effort from Arkadiusz Milik in an entertaining first half at Celtic Park.

It seemed the game would end in a draw - a result which, with Fenerbahce winning 2-0 at Molde in Group A's other fixture, would have seen both sides crash out of the competition.

However, Celtic were caught on the break from their own corner in the 88th minute and 18-year-old Cerny rushed clear to clinch the Dutch side's first win of the group phase.

The dramatic victory means Ajax must now defeat Molde at home on matchday six and hope Celtic take all three points against Fenerbahce if they are to reach the last 32.

For Celtic, it was another disappointing end to a European campaign, with Ronny Deila's side destined to finish bottom of the group regardless of their result in Turkey.

Looking to register their first win in this season’s competition, Celtic - who were without captain Scott Brown, Kris Commons and the suspended duo of Nir Bitton and Stefan Johansen - made an ideal start when McGregor put them ahead after just four minutes.

Allowed to carry the ball towards the edge of the area, McGregor took the opportunity afforded to him by Ajax’s retreating defenders to curl a right-foot shot beyond the desperate dive of goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.

Ajax thought they had equalised shortly afterwards when Viktor Fischer flashed a shot beyond Craig Gordon, only for Milik to incorrectly be ruled offside in the build-up.

But Ajax’s sense of injustice did not last long as they levelled in the 22nd minute.

Fischer failed to beat Gordon with a shot from a tight angle but, reacting quickly as the ball looped up off the goalkeeper, he nodded across the area for Milik to stab home from close range.

The game opened up in the second half, with both sides desperately looking for a win that might give them hope going into the final round of group fixtures.

Leigh Griffiths fired wide from a tight angle rather than attempt to square the ball to Gary Mackay-Steven, while he also wasted a glorious chance when played through on goal, hitting his left-footed attempt too close to Cillessen.

Ajax were indebted to their goalkeeper for holding a low drive from James Forrest, although he would have been helpless had Jozo Simunovic managed to drop his header underneath the bar rather than just over it.

At the other end, Ajax defender Mike van der Hoorn could only direct a low corner over the top as it seemed neither side would find a winner.

However, Cerny breathed new life into Ajax's campaign when he was teed up by Milik on a devastating counter, ignoring supporting team-mates to instead steer the ball inside the near post and keep the Dutch giants in the competition - at least for now.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool 2-1 Bordeaux: Benteke fires Reds into knockout stages

Christian Benteke fired Liverpool into the knockout stages of the Europa League as the Reds came from a goal behind to secure a 2-1 win over Bordeaux at Anfield.

The penultimate Group B fixture did not start as planned for Jurgen Klopp, with goalkeeper Simon Mignolet guilty of time-wasting and Henri Saivet finding the top corner from the resultant indirect free-kick.

Liverpool were awarded a route back into the game when Benteke - leading the line with Daniel Sturridge awaiting a scan on a foot injury picked up in training - went down in the box, James Milner slotting home from the penalty spot.

Benteke put Klopp's team ahead with a fine finish in first-half stoppage time and Bordeaux's push for an equaliser after the restart proved fruitless, eliminating them from the competition.

Ahead of kick-off, Bordeaux players held up a banner offering thanks for England's show of solidarity with France in the recent international friendly meeting at Wembley, days after the terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13.

Roberto Firmino - moved out to the left wing despite scoring in the 4-1 win over Manchester City on Saturday - was not hampered by his change of position, making two great runs in behind the Bordeaux defence inside the opening 10 minutes but failing to test Cedric Carrasso from either.

Mignolet almost gifted Bordeaux a goal in the 12th minute when he rushed off his line and headed the ball straight to Clement Chantome, but Kolo Toure bailed him out with an important block just outside the box.

Benteke was growing into the match and proving dangerous, but it was Willy Sagnol's side who took the lead after 33 minutes.

Mignolet was penalised for taking over 20 seconds to release the ball, more than the regulation six, and the resulting indirect free-kick was dispatched into the top corner by Saivet after being teed up by Jaroslav Plasil.

Five minutes later, though, Liverpool were level, Milner sending Carrasso the wrong way from the penalty spot after Ludovic Sane was deemed to have fouled Benteke.

And Benteke ensured Klopp's side went into the break ahead, holding off Cedric Yambere at the top of the box before tucking a shot into the back of the net from 18 yards.

The striker snatched at a chance to double his tally five minutes after the restart, blazing over following a cutback from Firmino, and had a goal ruled out for a push on Sane in the build-up soon after.

Jordon Ibe was denied by a good near-post save from Carrasso and Bordeaux were refused a penalty for a perceived handball by Benteke before the hour-mark.

Bordeaux began to enjoy more possession and came close to netting the goal which would have kept their slim hopes of progressing alive, but Mignolet parried Saivet's free-kick in second-half stoppage time away from the target.

Liverpool will now face Sion in their final Group B outing with first place in the pool up for grabs.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pochettino: I'm happy Chelsea want Kane, but he is staying

Mauricio Pochettino is happy to see Harry Kane linked with Chelsea but insists the Tottenham striker wants to stay at the club.

The Blues are reportedly in the market for a striker, with Diego Costa struggling for form this season, and reports have suggested they will target the England international, who has scored nine goals so far this season.

But Pochettino has told Jose Mourinho to forget about signing the forward, who, along with Hugo Lloris, has ambitions to fulfil at Spurs.

"I am happy that a big club wants our player - this is because they show they are a top player with top performances," Pochettino told reporters. "It is good when they are linked.

"But Harry, like Hugo, wants to stay here. He is one of the best players and he is very happy.

"He wants to grow up with us and try the next few years to try for the top four and win titles with Tottenham. This is his challenge."

Kane suffered a dip in form at the start of the season, but has scored seven goals in his last four Premier League appearances, with Spurs set to face Chelsea at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ranieri: It will be hard to break down United's defence

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri believes his side face a tough task to break Manchester United down when the two sides meet on Saturday.

Surprise Premier League leaders Leicester are the division's most prolific team so far this season, with 28 goals in 13 games, although their record of 20 conceded is as much as any side outside the bottom six.

United have excelled defensively this term, conceding just nine times thus far and keeping eight clean sheets in the process, although Louis van Gaal's side have been criticised in some quarters for abandoning their usual attacking style.

"Manchester United's defensive line is fantastic," Ranieri said at a news conference.

"They defend like a unit and it's difficult to break their lines."

Ranieri will be hoping Jamie Vardy can continue his fantastic goalscoring run in the Premier League as the striker aims to break Ruud van Nistelrooy's record of netting in 10 consecutive games, having equalled the Dutchman in last week's 3-0 win over Newcastle United.

"Vardy is a champion. For me he's a champion because he thinks more about the team than himself," Ranieri added.

"I hope for Jamie and for the fans that he breaks the record."

Vardy currently tops the Premier League goalscoring charts with 13, four clear of Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp frustrated by Mignolet decision

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was perplexed by referee Alon Yefet's decision to award Bordeaux an indirect free-kick that resulted in the opening goal in their Europa League clash at Anfield on Thursday.

Reds goalkeeper Simon Mignolet conceded the set-piece inside the box after holding onto the ball for over 20 seconds, more than the regulation six.

Henri Saivet curled the resultant free-kick into the top corner and Klopp questioned the decision, insisting his team - who booked a place in the last 32 by eventually winning 2-1 - were not time wasting.

However, Klopp conceded it is one of the risks when asking the keeper to start attacks.

"I didn't understand it because we were the active team in this game," he told BT Sport.

"Twenty seconds with the ball? Okay. We have to decide whether to play build-up or long ball and sometimes you have to decide late.

"Usually the free-kick won't be given. They made a goal, we got a penalty so it was an open game again.

"The easy games anyone can win, but this was a hard game so we're really lucky now."

Goals from James Milner and Christian Benteke brought Liverpool from behind to take the three points required to qualify.

Mignolet was pleased with how his team-mates reacted to his error.

"At the moment you think about what can you do, but I waited too long and that can happen," he said.

"The main thing is we responded after that, we didn't let it affect our game and we came back before half-time.

"We won 2-1, we qualified as well, and hopefully can win the group in Switzerland [against Sion] in the next game."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ferguson only wanted players with 'animal' instinct at United - Ferdinand

Manchester United's success under Sir Alex Ferguson was down to the former manager's intense demands of his "animal" players, Rio Ferdinand has revealed.

Ferguson stepped down as Red Devils boss in 2013 after 26 years in charge and a remarkable 38 trophies.

The Scot's silverware haul included winning the Premier League 13 times and two Champions Leagues, with Ferdinand part of six of those title-winning teams at Old Trafford.

United have struggled since Ferguson's departure two years ago and former centre-back Ferdinand thinks the manager's recruitment of certain players was the key to success.

"Ferguson got rid of players who didn't buy into the Man United way, for one, or weren't capable of being intense every day," Ferdinand told ESPN FC.

"That's why you don't remain at a place like Man United. If you're not an animal who can go in there and be intense every day and demand from yourself and others to improve, you won't stay long...and good riddance."

Ferdinand, 37, added: "It [attitude] comes from the manager, I think, and the players identify that and then go and start playing that out on a regular basis, but I think obviously you need the manager to set the tone, and then the experience being able to deal with it.

"I came in to a squad [in 2002] experienced at winning. For example, when I came in, I never knew how to win. I was looking around like a sponge and I had Roy Keane, [Ryan] Giggsy, [Paul] Scholesie in that dressing room.

"And if there's a point in the season where I thought, 'Oh, gotta win this one, is it a nervous time, or are you meant to be remain chilled, or what?' You're looking at these lads, and they're preparing the same every game; they're just focused every game, every day in training.

"Focused. That's the difference, having people like that who understand it and know it.

"And, what happens, I've been there. I was the one who learned, and I was the one who showed the way, so I've done both sides. I know you're not born with it but there's got to be someone in that changing room who you go to because he looks like he's so comfortable with the situation, knows it. I'll follow that."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: Now might not be the right time to rest Alexis

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed Alexis Sanchez has picked up a minor hamstring problem ahead of the Premier League encounter with Norwich on Sunday, but is hopeful the Chile international can still play.

Alexis put in a sublime performance in the 3-0 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday, scoring twice and setting up Mesut Ozil's goal, and Wenger says he is unlikely to rest the Chile international, despite him featuring in every Premier League game thus far this season.

"Alexis had a little hamstring alarm. I will assess that later," Wenger said at a news conference.

"But it might not be the right time to rest him."

Meanwhile, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could make his comeback after a spell on the sidelines due to injury, though Theo Walcott is unlikely to return, despite continuing his rehabilitation.

"Maybe Oxlade-Chamberlain could be back in the squad [for Sunday]," Wenger added.

"Walcott will not be ready for Sunday. He goes through a few [more] steps.

"He will have some tests Thursday. He started running again with no reaction and we hope he will be successful.

"And everyone who played Tuesday is available."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp thrilled as Liverpool advance in Europa League

Jurgen Klopp sported a huge smile and declared himself "very happy" as Liverpool ensured their progress to the Europa League knockout stage with a 2-1 victory over Bordeaux.

A James Milner penalty and a Christian Benteke blast saw the Reds recover after Henri Saivet’s free-kick opener at Anfield.

The performance was flawed, but the result was enough to place Liverpool at the summit of Group B with one fixture still to play – against FC Sion in Switzerland.

“I am very happy to have qualified, the team are very happy to have qualified, the club are very happy to be qualified, so you can be very happy!” Klopp told reporters post-match.

“[Finishing] top of the table is important, but not the most important thing because there are only good teams in the next round.

“We will try everything when we travel to Sion in two weeks, but there are 50 games between then and now! We have to think about Swansea from tomorrow onwards and that’s what we will do.”

Liverpool found it hard to exert dominance over a Bordeaux side desperately trying to avoid Europa League elimination, especially in the second half when the visitors became more expansive in their approach.

“There were many good things in this game tonight, but some things were difficult,” Klopp admitted.

“After the half-time score, Bordeaux had to go with a little bit more risk and it was more difficult for us because we lost a little bit of the control in the game. We couldn’t close the half spaces in the midfield, we were too wide on the wings or sometimes we were too deep.

“They did well but we knew [about them] before and that it can be difficult to defend against them, so you have to be better with the ball and then they cannot do this.

“The first half was okay, the start of the second half was okay and then it became more difficult, but that’s normal with this result.

“It was a big fight, so we’re very satisfied because the easy games everybody can win. You have to win the tough games – and it was a tough game. It was a cool night!”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp awata passe Liverpool godak improve welahodai play karana widiyath​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd loan James Wilson to Brighton

Manchester United striker James Wilson has joined Brighton on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old signed a new four-year contract in September, with the option of an additional year.

But despite his side's recent struggle for goals, Louis van Gaal has allowed the England Under-21 international to move to the Championship club.

Wilson has made just two appearances for the Red Devils this season, as a substitute against Arsenal and in the League Cup defeat to Middlesbrough.

Despite currently sitting second in the Premier League table, Manchester United have managed just 19 goals so far this season and have failed to score in four of their last seven games.

Brighton, meanwhile, are second in the Championship after 17 games, level on points with Hull, but are yet to lose in the league.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd loan James Wilson to Brighton

Sha maruneWilson wath lon karala.Rooney/Martial wath loan karamu.​

Apita godak strikersla innawaneanemanda mona pissuwak kelinawada kiyala.Striking options adui.ahema thiyeddi inna strikerslath loan karanawa​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola sure na neda? bayern contract eka extend karai nattam Man City valata gani.Ancelotti tamai ehema unoth but Mourinho venuvata replace karanna ida thiyenava next season eke. BPL me sare easy win karanna tibba hodata play karanam .
​

Ow bro danma sure karanna baha kisideyak.balamu issarahata mokakweida kiyala.kohomahari kamak naha hoda deyak wenawanam.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ranieri backs Martial to find form

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri is confident Anthony Martial will come good for Manchester United.

Martial hit the ground running at United, scoring four goals in as many matches following his £36million arrival from Monaco in September, but the 19-year-old has struggled to find the back of the net lately.

The France international has scored one goal in 15 appearances for club and country after United were held to a goalless draw by PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes was critical of Martial's on-field persona and the perceived lack of care amid his goal drought.

However, Ranieri - who signed Martial from Lyon during his time at Monaco in 2013 - believes the youngster will rediscover his best form.

"He is 19 years old. It is right to make criticism - and Scholes made the right criticism - but it will improve his mind. His character is very strong, he is young, but strong. It is important that he is also intelligent and then he can improve," Ranieri said ahead of Leicester's hosting of United on Saturday.

"I think his impact for us was amazing. He scored four goals if I remember. I have watched him grow a lot since two or three years ago when I bought him from Lyon. Now he is young, but he is a man.

"Already, three years ago, he knew very well where he will arrive because his focus was to achieve a high level of football in the world. I think he can arrive."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: Sanchez and Vardy are like lions

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez's style is similar to a hunting lion, according to Arsene Wenger, who adds that Jamie Vardy is the same.


The Chile international is battling a hamstring injury he suffered during his side's 3-0 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday, when he scored twice and set up the other.


But Wenger expects Sanchez to be fit to face Norwich City in the Premier League on Sunday and the Frenchman lauded the 26-year-old's desire and explosiveness and feels Leicester City star Vardy is similar.


"Sometimes he finishes and you think, 'He's dead now'," Wenger said.
"But then he recovers and gives 100 per cent again. You always see signs of exhaustion but it's not, because two days later he's fine.


"His style is very explosive. Jamie Vardy is a bit similar. They go when they go.


"They are like the lion. He has to catch the animal in the first 200 metres. If he doesn’t get there, after, he's dead.


"They are these kind of killers. When they go, it is to kill and after they have to stop."


Wenger said Sanchez was unlike the other players within his squad, who have helped Arsenal into fourth in the Premier League, stating his durability and consistency are at another level.


"His resistance is remarkable. What is also remarkable is that he goes to South America on international duty, he comes back Thursday night and on Saturday he can play without a problem, even if he’s jet-lagged," Wenger said.
"He would have been a perfect tennis player.


"These are not players who have the traditional academic education that we give now to the players at 15,16. They have a physio every day.
"They are more street players, not pampered."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal 'not worried' by Manchester United form

Louis van Gaal says Manchester United's form does not worry him despite another goalless draw this week against PSV.

United needed a win to guarantee their place in the Champions League knockouts but failed to break down Phillip Cocu's side at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

A number of fans made their feelings clear as United meandered to a fourth scoreless draw in seven outings, but Van Gaal says he will not become concerned until his side stop creating opportunities against defensive teams.

"If we weren't creating chances I'd be worried, but we are and we don't give too much away - normally our results are good," he said on Friday ahead of the meeting with Leicester City.

"The fans have to be happy, you are playing for the fans but you have to see how our opponents are playing against us.

"Our defensive organisation is normally the best part of our game. We've proved that more than ever this season."

United visit Leicester knowing that a win will see them leapfrog the surprise Premier League leaders, though Van Gaal believes Claudio Ranieri's side deserve their place at the top of the table following their recent form.

"I don't think anybody has expected that, even Leicester themselves," he said. "But they are deserved at number one because points are the most important thing; goals are important, but winning points is more important.

"I have good and bad memories of facing Ranieri. He's an excellent manager and I'm happy for him."

Van Gaal confirmed to MUTV prior to Friday's media conference that both Phil Jones and Ander Herrera will miss Saturday's game due to injury.