..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Iniesta out to make history at Club World Cup

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is determined to make history at the Club World Cup, where they can become the first side to win the competition three times in its current format.The Catalans previously won the tournament in 2009 and 2011, seeing off Estudiantes and Santos, respectively.

They meet Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao on Thursday in the semi-finals of this year's edition and Iniesta is determined to make the most of the opportunity.

"We're demanding the very best of ourselves, just as we always do at this club. Every time we've come here we've always been very impressed, and we want to create the very best impression on the fans," the Spain international told the official Fifa website.

"We want to win another title and round off a spectacular year. It's a great opportunity. We came to Japan to win another title and we're absolutely determined to do so. We're very excited."We know that we're the favourites, and that's making us take the tournament even more seriously.

"I think we have a fantastic squad. We all know the kind of football we want to play and we're all pulling in the same direction. We've had a fantastic year in which we've won the lot, deservedly so. And we want to do it again."Barcelona will meet River Plate in the final on Sunday if they manage to see off Guangzhou.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea relegation obviously on the cards - Carroll

Andy Carroll believes West Ham's London rivals Chelsea are genuine contenders to be relegated from the Premier League.Jose Mourinho's champions have made an abysmal defence of their title, picking up only 15 points from 16 games to sit just one point clear of the bottom three.

Carroll scored the winning goal as West Ham inflicted one of Chelsea's nine league defeats in October and he feels a stunning relegation is a possibility this season.

When asked if Mourinho's men could really go down, he told Sky Sports: "It is hard to think Chelsea could be in the bottom three at the end of the season. "But the way they are going, I don't see why they can't get relegated. I think it's obviously on the cards.

"It is crazy to see the quality in that team at the bottom of the league. It is tough to actually realise that they are such a good team, with quality players, and who spent so much money on those players - they just can't string a pass together at the minute."

Unlike Chelsea, West Ham are comfortably in the top half sitting in eighth position on 24 points, but Carroll believes they should be even higher in the table.

He continued: "I think we have got to try and get into Europe, 100 per cent. Some of the games we have played, we should have won."We could be up there around the top places. If we look at ourselves deep down, we could be there."

Chelsea are at home to Sunderland on Saturday, while West Ham travel to play Swansea City on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola hailed as 'the best in the world' by Coman amid Bayern Munich exit rumours

Kingsley Coman has hailed Pep Guardiola as "the best coach in the world" and admits he would be saddened if the Spaniard left Bayern Munich next summer.

Speculation over Guardiola’s future intensified on Wednesday as reports in Spain and Germany claimed that the 44-year-old had already told the club that he will be leaving at the end of the season.

Publicly, Guardiola has confirmed that he will reveal his decision next week with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign.

"I would be very sad if Pep left Bayern,” Coman told Sky Sports News Germany.

“He is the best coach in the world, in my opinion. I have developed well under Pep, I've got a lot match practice and he's showed great faith in me.

“Pep will go his way elsewhere, too. I wish him all the best, but it is his decision, not mine."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Augsburg 0-2 Borussia Dortmund: Aubameyang & Mkhitaryan book quarter-final place

Borussia Dortmund booked their place in the DFB Pokal quarter-finals as second-half goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan clinched a 2-0 victory away to Augsburg on Wednesday.

Thomas Tuchel's side were made to work hard by their Bundesliga rivals before scoring twice in the space of five minutes at the WWK Arena, leaving them on course to reach the final of the tournament for a third successive season.

The prolific Aubameyang swept home a loose ball just after the hour mark for his 24th goal of the season before a deflected drive from Mkhitaryan doubled the visitors' lead soon after.

Victory was no more than dominant Dortmund, who have been runners-up for the past two years, deserved - they have now recorded 11 victories in their last 14 outings in all competitions.With Shinji Kagawa named on the bench and Marco Reus missing due to a groin injury, the tie offered a chance for Adrian Ramos to impress from the start.

The selection of the Colombian led to Aubameyang being pushed out wide in manager Tuchel's preferred 4-3-3 formation, though that didn't prevent him from being Dortmund's main threat.

He was put clear by Mkhitaryan in the 41st minute, only for his low shot across goal to be turned away by home goalkeeper Marwin Hitz.

Lukasz Piszczek had earlier seen a header cleared off the line, but the away team's advantage in terms of both possession and territory failed to lead to a breakthrough in the first half.

Augsburg's only real shot of note before the break came from Raul Bobadilla, with his left-footed drive fired straight at Roman Burki.

Tuchel was forced to make a change at the interval, as Sven Bender - selected again at the heart of Dortmund's defence - succumbed to a knock and had to be replaced by Sokratis Papastathopoulos.Despite that change, the game continued to follow a familiar pattern early in the second half. Castro and Ramos both tested Hitz with low shots, while Mats Hummels – celebrating his 27th birthday – headed over from a free-kick.

Burki had to spare team-mate Piszczek's blushes at the other end, saving from Bobadilla after the defender's inability to deal with a long ball had led to the Augsburg forward being sent clean through on goal.

The home side were made to pay for the miss when Aubameyang - moved into a central role with the introduction of Kagawa - reacted sharply to a deflected clearance off Piszczek to break the deadlock.

Mkhitaryan put the game beyond Augsburg with a second for Dortmund after 66 minutes, though his effort would have been within Hitz's reach had it not clipped Ragnar Klavan's heel.

The Armenian missed a glorious chance to score again when he failed to stretch out and convert Aubameyang's teasing centre, though two goals proved more than enough to send Dortmund through to the last eight.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus 4-0 Torino: Zaza double helps Juve to derby triumph

A fired-up Simone Zaza was Juventus' Coppa Italia derby hero as he scored a goal in each half to help sink 10-man Torino 4-0 in the last 16.

Italy international Zaza, handed a chance alongside Alvaro Morata in attack, was arguably fortunate to still be on the field when he broke the deadlock at Juventus Stadium after a pair of reckless tackles.

But there was no questioning the quality of goals in the 28th and 51st minute that displayed power and precision respectively.Zaza now has five goals in Juventus colours despite being restricted to four starts and six substitute appearances since completing his switch from Sassuolo in July.

Immediately before falling 2-0 behind, Torino had Cristian Molinaro sent off for two bookable offences, both very much in keeping with a heated local affair, and Zaza's replacement Paulo Dybala got in on the act after 73 minutes.

A Paul Pogba free-kick completed Torino's misery and Massimiliano Allegri's holders will tackle the winner of Lazio versus Udinese, having beaten the Rome club in last season's final.

Torino settled quickly amid a feisty atmosphere, but needed a vital headed clearance from Bruno Peres in the eighth minute, with Pogba lurking on the end of Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross.Both teams probed for clear openings as the game fizzed with intensity and challenges were rarely shirked on either side.

Zaza pushed his luck in terms of derby day pleasantries – collecting a booking for a rash hack on Peres in the 23rd minute before the Torino players demanded a second yellow card when he slid in on goalkeeper Salvador Ichazo.

There was therefore an air of controversy when the former Sassuolo forward channelled his frustrations more constructively shortly afterwards, slamming a left-foot half-volley into the top corner following some wonderful skill down the flank by Morata.

The all-action Zaza still had time to shove Kamil Glik into the advertising hoardings and test Ichazo with a long-range effort before half-time, while Andrea Belotti arrowing a low drive wide was the closest Torino came to pulling level.

A fabulous one-handed save by Ichazo denied Morata after some more cute footwork in the first minute of the second half.

Torino's hopes of a comeback effectively caved in after 50 minutes when Molinaro, who earned his first yellow for clattering Sami Khedira 10 minutes before half-time, lunged foolishly towards Lichtsteiner and was sent off.

They were unable to clear the subsequent free-kick and Zaza displayed wonderful control to beat Emiliano Moretti and slot his shot through Glik's legs on the line.The matchwinner received to a rapturous ovation when he made way for Dybala in the 53rd minute.

Belotti should have reduced the deficit before the hour as he scampered clear of an under-worked Juventus backline to smash into the side netting.Claudio Marchisio, Morata and Dybala all went close to adding gloss to the scoreline before the latter two combined to make it 3-0 – Morata again the provider for the substitute to stroke past a wrongfooted Ichazo.

The Torino keeper could only push Pogba's flighted 82nd-minute free-kick into his top corner as Juve extended their Turin derby dominance to 15 wins from the past 20 meetings.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Saint-Etienne: Cavani grabs late winner

Edinson Cavani's late goal finally broke Saint-Etienne's resistance to see Paris Saint-Germain through to the Coupe de la Ligue quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit the crossbar with a brilliant volley in a first half that produced few other clear opportunities.

PSG had most of the play at Parc des Princes but had to wait until late on to score the decisive goal when Cavani volleyed home fellow substitute Angel di Maria's superb long pass.

Laurent Blanc's men are now unbeaten in 20 domestic matches this season and knock Saint-Etienne out of the competition for the third consecutive year as they look win a third-straight Coupe de la Ligue crown.

PSG made eight changes to their team, with captain Thiago Silva, Adrien Rabiot and Ibrahimovic the only players to keep their places following the thumping win over Lyon.

Likewise, Saint-Etienne shuffled their pack, with Christophe Galtier making nine alterations and introducing a number of young players.

With much-changed teams, it took both sides some time to find their feet as a quiet opening to the match saw Benjamin Corgnet drill a shot wide for the visitors in the only early attempt of note.

Ibrahimovic brought the tie to life with a brilliant effort around the half-hour mark. Ezequiel Lavezzi's cross from the right was only headed partially away by Nathan Dekoke and the Sweden international unleashed a stunning acrobatic volley that hit the frame of the goal.

The hosts began to threaten more from then on, with Rabiot having a powerful long-range shot saved by Jessy Moulin at the second attempt, Lucas Moura prodding a shot wide and Ibrahimovic off target with an ambitious free-kick as the first half reached a goalless conclusion.

Ibrahimovic had a penalty appeal turned down early in the second half when his run into the box after a neat one-two with Marco Verratti was halted by contact from Ronael Pierre-Gabriel.

Blanc made two changes on the hour mark as he attempted to find a breakthrough, with Ibrahimovic and Verratti replaced by Di Maria and Cavani.

The two substitutes first combined when the former Manchester United midfielder's floated pass was volleyed over by Cavani, PSG still struggling to test Moulin despite dominating possession.

The goalkeeper was called into action with 15 minutes remaining when he pushed away Lavezzi's left-footed drive after more good work from Di Maria.

Saint-Etienne had barely threatened going forward but they had a glimpse of a huge upset late on when Hugo Roussey latched on to Corgnet's pass only to shoot tamely at Salvatore Sirigu.

Di Maria continued to threaten and his good work finally paid off as extra time looked likely.

The Argentine picked out Cavani's run into the box with an outstanding high pass from the right and the striker side-footed a volley beyond Moulin for his 13th goal of the season.

 

[Michael]

Mourinho Sacked!

 

[unicornx]

Lol Mou Lol

 

[Alucard_SxE]

Mourinho Sacked!

A good manager. But with bad qualities.
Aparade habai eka season ekak hinda sack kare. Chelsea wala 21st century eke nagmata godakma balapapu manager kenek
But doesn't know how to treat other people right

 

[Michael]

A good manager. But with bad qualities.
Aparade habai eka season ekak hinda sack kare. Chelsea wala 21st century eke nagmata godakma balapapu manager kenek
But doesn't know how to treat other people right

Yeah he is good just doesn't know how to deal with players...
Just think how many players he destroyed when he was the manager for RMA He did the same thing with chelsea... He will eventually return to Madrid when RMA sacks RAFA by the end of the season lol

 

[Michael]

The Future !!!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sanchez could return for Manchester City clash - Wenger

Alexis Sanchez is on track to return to action when Arsenal face Manchester City in the Premier League, manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed.The Chile international suffered a hamstring injury in last month's 1-1 draw with Norwich City, but has been showing encouraging signs in training this week.

Second placed Arsenal face City - one point back in third - at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, a match which could decide who tops the table on Christmas Day.

"There are one or two possible comebacks. Alexis Sanchez is a possibility, he is running," Wenger said on Thursday ahead of a potentially pivotal showdown with Manuel Pellegrini's side.

"We will need a top, top, top-level performance against them on Monday."What will be an advantage for us is to focus on our performance. We go into a top-level game."

Arsenal, unbeaten in their last four matches, will be four points adrift of Leicester City if Claudio Ranieri's men win at Everton on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: Chelsea relegation? No chance!

Arsene Wenger has leapt to the defence of Jose Mourinho's struggling Chelsea, insisting there is 'no chance' the Blues will be relegated from the Premier League.

Mourinho's job is on the line after Monday's 2-1 reverse to Leicester City left Chelsea one point above the relegation zone, with nine league losses in 16 matches.

Chelsea face fellow strugglers Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and another defeat could see the champions fall behind the Black Cats and into the relegation zone at Christmas - a situation that would have seemed unthinkable before the start of the season.

Wenger, whose side are flying-high at the other end of the table, says there is no chance Chelsea will go down and even dismissed suggestions they are involved in a relegation battle.

"No [they are not in danger of the drop] because of the quality of their team. If you ask me objectively I say no chance. They are going through a difficult spell, but they are not in a relegation battle," Wenger told reporters.

Wenger, however, was less sceptical of the Premier League's other unlikely story – Leicester's stunning ascent to the top of the table.

"I have always taken Leicester seriously, but when we won 5-2 over there no one took our performance that seriously," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ulloa: Leicester can stay top, but only if we're calm

Leicester City striker Leonardo Ulloa believes the club can continue the form which has put them top of the Premier League, but only if they remain calm.

The Foxes sit two points clear of second-placed Arsenal on the Premier League table after a deserved 2-1 win over reigning champions Chelsea on Monday.

Claudio Ranieri's side have taken the Leicester fairy tale to new heights this season, but Ulloa insisted the players are staying grounded and continuing to work hard.

"We are staying clam. We don't think we're anything and we keep on working the same," he told reporters.

"That's the key for us, to not think beyond what we are doing.

"The atmosphere inside the club, in the training sessions, in the training ground during the week is the same as ever.

"Things are going well for us and that's important for us, but we've achieved nothing."

Personally, Ulloa has struggled to build on the 13 goals he scored in 40 appearances last season, with just one goal in nine games.

But he believes if Leicester's players continue to apply themselves, substantial achievements might not be too far away.

"Let's hope we can finish up with the top team, that's the most important thing," Ulloa said.

"If defeats come, as they will do at some point, we have to stay focused on what we are doing and believe in what we're doing."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola WILL quit Bayern: Man City & Man Utd on alert

Pep Guardiola has decided to leave Bayern Munich and is expected to take charge of a Premier League club next summer.

Manchester City has emerged as the most likely destination for Guardiola next season, although his availability could also alert Manchester United and Chelsea.

Guardiola has indicated that he will give “clarity” on his situation next week and has always planned to make a decision on his future towards the end of the calendar year.

Goal understands the 44-year-old has now decided to leave Bayern and is due to make an announcement early next week, although an announcement could be moved forward as speculation intensifies.

Bayern have been desperately trying to convince Guardiola to extend a contract that expires at the end of this season, but he feels it is time for a new challenge in another country after three seasons at the Allianz Arena.

Guardiola wants to coach in the Premier League next season but is highly unlikely to announce his new club, particularly with managers currently in place at his potential destinations in England, including Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium.

City believe the former Barcelona coach can take them to the top of European football and he has a very close relationship with director of football Txiki Begiristain from their time together at the Camp Nou.

Guardiola is known to admire United having been approached by Sir Alex Ferguson before his retirement, and the 20-time champions could become an option should Louis van Gaal continue to struggle at Old Trafford.

Likewise, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is a long-term admirer of the Catalan, particularly because of his reputation for an attractive style of football. Jose Mourinho is under enormous pressure with the Blues 16th in the Premier League table and just one point above the relegation zone.
Guardiola won 14 trophies in the first four years of his managerial career with Barcelona and, after taking a one-year sabbatical, has won five competitions with Bayern in two-and-a-half years in Munich.

Bayern have been hopeful of persuading Guardiola to stay with a contract offer which would make him the best paid manager in the world.

Sporting director Matthias Sammer claimed he was in the dark about Guardiola’s intentions on Wednesday when he told Goal: "I don't know what Pep will decide. I can't say."

The German champions have always expected Guardiola to make a firm commitment - one way or the other - after the last matchday before the winter break, which comes against Hannover on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola Bayern walin yana 1ka sure ahenam​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona 3-0 Guangzhou Evergrande: Suarez hat-trick seals Club World Cup Final berth

Luis Suarez made light of the absences of Lionel Messi and Neymar as his hat-trick sent Barcelona into the Club World Cup final with a 3-0 win over Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao.

Neymar was only fit enough for the bench due to a groin problem and Luis Enrique's side were given further cause for concern when Messi was ruled out just hours before kick-off with renal colic.

But Suarez seized responsibility for the European champions, pouncing on a rebound shortly before half-time to give Barca the lead before doubling the advantage with a well-taken second on 50 minutes in Yokohama.

Guangzhou rarely showed signs of a fight-back and Suarez blasted home a penalty to complete his treble - the first in the tournament's history - on 67 minutes and secure the victory for Barca, who remain on course to claim their fifth trophy of 2015 in Sunday's final against River Plate.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men, meanwhile, will now face Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the third-place play-off.

Guangzhou were happy to sit deep and try to spring a quick counter-attack, but Barca offered little to trouble the Chinese champions in a pedestrian opening period.

It was not until the 23rd minute that Barca carved out their first clear chance, but Li Shuai was off his line quickly to block Munir El Haddadi's effort after a brilliant through-ball from Andres Iniesta.

Guangzhou were dealt a blow when Zou Zheng had to be stretchered off with what looked to be a potentially serious injury to his ankle and their task became even greater when Suarez opened the scoring after 39 minutes. Ivan Rakitic's shot from distance was poorly parried by Shuai, allowing the on-rushing Suarez to steal in and fire high into the net from six yards.

Suarez struck again just after the break to double Barca's lead - and in some style. The Uruguay star laid the ball off to Iniesta and, after the captain's measured chip over the top of the defence, he chested the ball down before poking it high into the far corner.

Iniesta found the wrong side of the roof of the net with a fine curling effort from 20 yards as Barca began to enjoy their control over proceedings, and when Huang Bowen tripped Munir inside the box following Dani Alves' brilliant no-look pass, Suarez took full advantage from the spot to complete his hat-trick.

Munir's fine run from the left gave him a sight of goal from 20 yards, but his shot bounced inches wide of the far post, as Barca looked to add some extra gloss to the scoreline against a tiring Guangzhou.

But the Liga leaders were able to hand run-outs to substitutes Sandro Ramirez, Adriano and Sergi Samper late on as they cruised through to Sunday's final against Copa Libertadores holders River.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo: I like Madrid more than Paris

Cristiano Ronaldo is "not thinking of living in Paris", but admits he could change his mind in the future.

The Real Madrid forward has been linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain, although he personally dismissed any transfer talk as nothing more than speculation.

While the Portuguese does have family connections in France, he prefers his current home of Madrid over the French capital. "I like Madrid more than Paris. But, maybe one day, things will change," he told Visao.

"Maybe I miss a girlfriend in Paris and spend more time there.

"I have family working in France, but I'm not thinking of living in Paris. It's a beautiful city, I've been there a few times."

Ronaldo also admitted in the interview that he relishes being a role model to others, while also announcing he will continue to work hard for the remainder of his career before moving into "another life".

"I love being an example in my profession. I've always tried to represent my country in the best way and do my own job perfectly," he added.

"I want my brand to continue to grow because I know that the world of football will finish in five or 10 years. After that, there's another life."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Jose Mourinho sacked by Chelsea

Jose Mourinho has been sacked by Chelsea after a meeting with the club's hierarchy on Thursday.

The 52-year-old, who guided Chelsea to the Premier League title last season, ends his second stint at Stamford Bridge with the team languishing in 16th place, having registered just 15 points from 16 games.

Mourinho had been rewarded for last season's success with a new four-year contract worth £30 million, which was signed in August.

A statement from Chelsea read: "All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013.

"His three league titles, FA Cup, Community Shield and three League Cup wins over two spells make him the most successful manager in our 110-year history. But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways.

"The club wishes to make clear Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea. His legacy at Stamford Bridge and in England has long been guaranteed and he will always be warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge.

"The club’s focus is now on ensuring our talented squad reaches its potential.

"There will be no further comment until a new appointment is made."
Since winning the title, Mourinho has suffered a turbulent campaign amid widespread reports of unrest in the Chelsea dressing room.

Following the side's 2-1 defeat to Leicester City on Monday evening, the Portuguese turned on his players by accusing them on 'betraying' him and claimed that he was the main reason behind their title win last term.

Mourinho also gave a sarcastic assessment of Eden Hazard's injury and felt that the Belgian "had three different perspectives" in just "a few seconds".

The Portuguese was also forced to play down a rift with Diego Costa after the striker threw a bib towards the former Chelsea boss during the club's goalless draw with Tottenham at the end of November.
Mourinho was also criticised for his handling of Eva Carneiro's role at Chelsea. The 42-year-old physio, who left Stamford Bridge in September and is still involved in a legal case with the club, was branded "naive" by Mourinho for running onto the pitch to treat Eden Hazard in the final stages of the 2-2 draw with Swansea City on the opening day of the season, and subsequently saw her role downgraded.

Despite the club's problems on and off the field this term, Mourinho had remained adamant that he would not quit the club.

"I want to make it clear. One, I don't run away," he said after Chelsea's 3-1 defeat at home to Southampton on October 3.

"Two, if the club want to sack me they have to sack me because I am not running away from my responsibilities or my team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho ta wade set wela neh​