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..::Football III::..
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Barcelona close in on Fluminense youngster
Teenage Fluminense midfielder Robert is on the verge of a one-year loan deal to La Liga heavyweights Barcelona.Speaking to GloboEsporte.com, agent Vitor Leal said negotiations between the Brazilian and Spanish clubs were progressing well.
"We are negotiating with Barcelona. Fluminense has accepted, Barca is happy and they have sent the proposal to us," Leal said.
"We are in negotiations to close. It would be a one-year loan."It is normal if it takes until January, but it advances every day and I hope it works out."
Robert will play for Barcelona B while training with the first team."Barcelona's idea is to put Robert in the B team and for him to train and work with the first team," Leal said.
"I have never had a negotiation like with Barcelona. They have known Robert for a long time ... and always thought his style of play would fit the style of the club."
Should the loan deal go through, Robert would only be available to play from January, once the club's Fifa transfer ban expires.
Teenage Fluminense midfielder Robert is on the verge of a one-year loan deal to La Liga heavyweights Barcelona.Speaking to GloboEsporte.com, agent Vitor Leal said negotiations between the Brazilian and Spanish clubs were progressing well.
"We are negotiating with Barcelona. Fluminense has accepted, Barca is happy and they have sent the proposal to us," Leal said.
"We are in negotiations to close. It would be a one-year loan."It is normal if it takes until January, but it advances every day and I hope it works out."
Robert will play for Barcelona B while training with the first team."Barcelona's idea is to put Robert in the B team and for him to train and work with the first team," Leal said.
"I have never had a negotiation like with Barcelona. They have known Robert for a long time ... and always thought his style of play would fit the style of the club."
Should the loan deal go through, Robert would only be available to play from January, once the club's Fifa transfer ban expires.
Mourinho still the best coach in the world, says Mendes
Jose Mourinho remains the world's best manager despite being sacked by Chelsea insists agent Jorge Mendes.
The Portuguese parted with the embattled Londoners by mutual consent on Thursday just seven months after leading them to the Premier League title
Chelsea's hierarchy finally lost patience following Monday's 2-1 loss at surprise leaders Leicester City, the club's ninth league defeat in 16 matches.
However, Mendes leapt to the defence of his client, who reportedly fell out with the playing squad with Chelsea languishing just a point above the relegation zone.
"Jose Mourinho does not stop being who he is and he is still the best coach in the world despite leaving Chelsea," Mendes told Portuguese newspaper A Bola .
"When Mourinho left Chelsea the first time, he accepted a tremendous challenge and did what no-one in the football world believed he could do and that was to take on Inter and lead them to win the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia, a truly remarkable achievement."Then he went to Real Madrid and inspired an historic achievement of the Spanish league, beating all possible records against a great Barcelona, and also the Copa del Rey.
"Today, Mourinho is still the man who coached the English champions and even so, he does not need someone to defend him because, I repeat, he has an amazing career that undoubtedly speaks for him."
Jose Mourinho remains the world's best manager despite being sacked by Chelsea insists agent Jorge Mendes.
The Portuguese parted with the embattled Londoners by mutual consent on Thursday just seven months after leading them to the Premier League title
Chelsea's hierarchy finally lost patience following Monday's 2-1 loss at surprise leaders Leicester City, the club's ninth league defeat in 16 matches.
However, Mendes leapt to the defence of his client, who reportedly fell out with the playing squad with Chelsea languishing just a point above the relegation zone.
"Jose Mourinho does not stop being who he is and he is still the best coach in the world despite leaving Chelsea," Mendes told Portuguese newspaper A Bola .
"When Mourinho left Chelsea the first time, he accepted a tremendous challenge and did what no-one in the football world believed he could do and that was to take on Inter and lead them to win the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia, a truly remarkable achievement."Then he went to Real Madrid and inspired an historic achievement of the Spanish league, beating all possible records against a great Barcelona, and also the Copa del Rey.
"Today, Mourinho is still the man who coached the English champions and even so, he does not need someone to defend him because, I repeat, he has an amazing career that undoubtedly speaks for him."
Guardiola has asked me about England, says Karanka
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka revealed Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has "asked him about England".
Guardiola is out of contract at the end of the season and the Spaniard has confirmed he will clarify his future in the next week.
Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly going head-to-head for Guardiola's services amid talk of a switch to the Premier League and compatriot Karanka said the 44-year-old has asked about the country.
"I think Guardiola will come to England because he's a great manager," he said according to the Mirror. "He has asked me about the country and all of the things.
"I told him it would be great if he comes here, so I think one day he'll come."
Guardiola has also been linked with the vacant Chelsea job after Jose Mourinho was sacked on Thursday.Karanka, who worked as Mourinho's assistant at Real Madrid, said he was "surprised" by the decision.
"Jose is the best. It surprises me," he said. "It is the first time he was in this situation. He is still the best manager in the world."
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka revealed Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has "asked him about England".
Guardiola is out of contract at the end of the season and the Spaniard has confirmed he will clarify his future in the next week.
Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly going head-to-head for Guardiola's services amid talk of a switch to the Premier League and compatriot Karanka said the 44-year-old has asked about the country.
"I think Guardiola will come to England because he's a great manager," he said according to the Mirror. "He has asked me about the country and all of the things.
"I told him it would be great if he comes here, so I think one day he'll come."
Guardiola has also been linked with the vacant Chelsea job after Jose Mourinho was sacked on Thursday.Karanka, who worked as Mourinho's assistant at Real Madrid, said he was "surprised" by the decision.
"Jose is the best. It surprises me," he said. "It is the first time he was in this situation. He is still the best manager in the world."
Apo ow Mike.mamath meh balagena inne kawada LVG sack karaida kiyalaOw eh yaka yannama one Uge philosophy reddath ussagena!!
kate thiyenne ithin philosophy yakne
Issellath coach ne!!
Habai Dutch team 1ka kaweth Hiddink thamai
Club level kohomada weida manda dan.
ow neda bro RAFA ge future 1kath sure naha
Real wala inna mona managergeda future eka sure?? Florentino Perez ohe sack karanawa. Ancelotti champions league ekath dinewwa. la liga second genawa. nikan boruwata sack kara. Real Madrid fail wenne oka thama. season eken season ekata managerslawa maru karanawa. ithin playing technique, styles maru wenawa. E techniques walata hadagahenna kalayak yanwa. aparade.
habai benitez nam hariyanne ne. miniha hodai mid level team ekak hoda thanakata genna. like he was in liverpool. Klopp wage thamai.
Hoda attack minded manager kenek one. Ekko LVG madrid awoth hodai kiyala hithenawa mata
Waradi wennath puluwan. habai ohe okkomala sell karothnam anathai Hodama players la inna team ekak handle karanna puluwan ancelotti, guadiola, luis enrique wage ayata thama..
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De Bruyne: English schedule is tough
Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne admits he has found the Premier League scheduling "tough" following his big-money arrival from Wolfsburg.
De Bruyne has played a part in every City game since his £55 million move from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg in August.
The Belgium international has started 19 of those 23 games - contributing nine goals and nine assists.
But the 24-year-old was rested by manager Manuel Pellegrini against Swansea City last week, playing only 22 minutes as a second-half substitute in City's 2-1 win, and De Bruyne concedes he has found the amount of playing time tough as the club prepares to enter the busy festive period.
Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne admits he has found the Premier League scheduling "tough" following his big-money arrival from Wolfsburg.
De Bruyne has played a part in every City game since his £55 million move from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg in August.
The Belgium international has started 19 of those 23 games - contributing nine goals and nine assists.
But the 24-year-old was rested by manager Manuel Pellegrini against Swansea City last week, playing only 22 minutes as a second-half substitute in City's 2-1 win, and De Bruyne concedes he has found the amount of playing time tough as the club prepares to enter the busy festive period.
Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne admits he has found the Premier League scheduling "tough" following his big-money arrival from Wolfsburg.
De Bruyne has played a part in every City game since his £55 million move from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg in August.
The Belgium international has started 19 of those 23 games - contributing nine goals and nine assists.
But the 24-year-old was rested by manager Manuel Pellegrini against Swansea City last week, playing only 22 minutes as a second-half substitute in City's 2-1 win, and De Bruyne concedes he has found the amount of playing time tough as the club prepares to enter the busy festive period.
Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne admits he has found the Premier League scheduling "tough" following his big-money arrival from Wolfsburg.
De Bruyne has played a part in every City game since his £55 million move from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg in August.
The Belgium international has started 19 of those 23 games - contributing nine goals and nine assists.
But the 24-year-old was rested by manager Manuel Pellegrini against Swansea City last week, playing only 22 minutes as a second-half substitute in City's 2-1 win, and De Bruyne concedes he has found the amount of playing time tough as the club prepares to enter the busy festive period.
Perez: Mourinho not returning to Madrid
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says there is little chance of Jose Mourinho becoming the club's manager for the second time following his axing by Chelsea.
Chelsea parted with Mourinho by mutual consent on Thursday, after the Premier League champions suffered nine defeats in their opening 16 matches of the campaign.
With Madrid coach Rafael Benitez under pressure, Mourinho had been linked with a possible return to the Spanish capital, but Perez has now rubbished such speculation, insisting that the former Liverpool boss is safe at the Bernabeu.
"Rafa Benitez will not be replaced," Perez said.
"Although some media has said he will, I repeat that coaches are appointed by the club and Benitez has come to solve a problem. He is the solution, not the problem.
"Will Mourinho coach Madrid again? Nobody can predict the future, but right now I say no."
Perez, however, did say that he looked back fondly on Mourinho's time at the club.
"I have very good memories of Mourinho. He raised the competitive level," Perez said.
"When he got here … we occupied 13th place in the Uefa rankings and Mourinho got us back to the top and helped us play three [Champions League] semi-finals in three years.
"But Benitez is coach of Real Madrid now. We chose from many and we thought that he was the right person for this moment.
"After we won the Club World Cup we began a gradual deterioration from January and needed a new impetus. We believe Rafa Benitez must be given time."
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says there is little chance of Jose Mourinho becoming the club's manager for the second time following his axing by Chelsea.
Chelsea parted with Mourinho by mutual consent on Thursday, after the Premier League champions suffered nine defeats in their opening 16 matches of the campaign.
With Madrid coach Rafael Benitez under pressure, Mourinho had been linked with a possible return to the Spanish capital, but Perez has now rubbished such speculation, insisting that the former Liverpool boss is safe at the Bernabeu.
"Rafa Benitez will not be replaced," Perez said.
"Although some media has said he will, I repeat that coaches are appointed by the club and Benitez has come to solve a problem. He is the solution, not the problem.
"Will Mourinho coach Madrid again? Nobody can predict the future, but right now I say no."
Perez, however, did say that he looked back fondly on Mourinho's time at the club.
"I have very good memories of Mourinho. He raised the competitive level," Perez said.
"When he got here … we occupied 13th place in the Uefa rankings and Mourinho got us back to the top and helped us play three [Champions League] semi-finals in three years.
"But Benitez is coach of Real Madrid now. We chose from many and we thought that he was the right person for this moment.
"After we won the Club World Cup we began a gradual deterioration from January and needed a new impetus. We believe Rafa Benitez must be given time."
Simeone not worried about Torres goal drought
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says he is not concerned by the lack of goals from striker Fernando Torres.
Torres has scored just twice in over 20 appearances for Atletico this season, with his last coming on September 19.
The 31-year-old has been stuck on 99 goals for Atletico in all competitions since he sealed the club's 2-0 win at Eibar almost three months ago, but Simeone insists he is unworried about the goal drought.
"As long as he works like he works, and continues how he trains and plays, it does not matter if he does not score his 100th goal," Simeone said.
"But the goal will come. Fernando Torres has always scored important goals and I hope when he does score it is one of his important ones.
"He's training with the club, he's involved in the club... the goal will come."
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says he is not concerned by the lack of goals from striker Fernando Torres.
Torres has scored just twice in over 20 appearances for Atletico this season, with his last coming on September 19.
The 31-year-old has been stuck on 99 goals for Atletico in all competitions since he sealed the club's 2-0 win at Eibar almost three months ago, but Simeone insists he is unworried about the goal drought.
"As long as he works like he works, and continues how he trains and plays, it does not matter if he does not score his 100th goal," Simeone said.
"But the goal will come. Fernando Torres has always scored important goals and I hope when he does score it is one of his important ones.
"He's training with the club, he's involved in the club... the goal will come."
Clyne: Liverpool CAN win the title under Klopp
Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne believes the club can win the Premier League under manager Jurgen Klopp.
The eccentric German coach has lifted Liverpool up the table since arriving at the start of October, with the club only five points outside the top four.
Liverpool are ninth in the Premier League and 11 points adrift of leaders Leicester City, but Clyne has not ruled out a tilt at the title amid an "unpredictable" season.
"Can we win the title? Yeah, it’s a possibility," Clyne told The Telegraph. "Our target is definitely to get into the top four, and we are in all the cup competitions. We are doing really well.
"The league is unpredictable. It keeps everyone excited, not knowing what is going to happen."
Klopp guided the club to away wins against Chelsea and Manchester City, and Clyne believes his actions on the sidelines are a big motivator for the players during games.
He said: "We were all happy [when Klopp was appointed] and everyone is playing with a smile on their face.
"We are enjoying the game now. If you see him on the sideline he is 100 miles per hour, cheering for every goal. If a bad decision is made he’s shouting. He’s a fan on the sideline. We see him, up and down. It motivates everyone really.
"He is very enthusiastic and very loud. You see how he hugs all the players. That shows support to us. It makes us warm to him.
"There was a real buzz to see him coming. We knew he had had a lot of success at Borussia Dortmund so we were really happy to see him there to bring the same success to Liverpool."
Liverpool's next test is away to seventh place Watford on Sunday.
Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne believes the club can win the Premier League under manager Jurgen Klopp.
The eccentric German coach has lifted Liverpool up the table since arriving at the start of October, with the club only five points outside the top four.
Liverpool are ninth in the Premier League and 11 points adrift of leaders Leicester City, but Clyne has not ruled out a tilt at the title amid an "unpredictable" season.
"Can we win the title? Yeah, it’s a possibility," Clyne told The Telegraph. "Our target is definitely to get into the top four, and we are in all the cup competitions. We are doing really well.
"The league is unpredictable. It keeps everyone excited, not knowing what is going to happen."
Klopp guided the club to away wins against Chelsea and Manchester City, and Clyne believes his actions on the sidelines are a big motivator for the players during games.
He said: "We were all happy [when Klopp was appointed] and everyone is playing with a smile on their face.
"We are enjoying the game now. If you see him on the sideline he is 100 miles per hour, cheering for every goal. If a bad decision is made he’s shouting. He’s a fan on the sideline. We see him, up and down. It motivates everyone really.
"He is very enthusiastic and very loud. You see how he hugs all the players. That shows support to us. It makes us warm to him.
"There was a real buzz to see him coming. We knew he had had a lot of success at Borussia Dortmund so we were really happy to see him there to bring the same success to Liverpool."
Liverpool's next test is away to seventh place Watford on Sunday.
Ancelotti a great fit for Bayern - Hitzfeld
Ottmar Hitzfeld believes Carlo Ancelotti would be a good replacement for Pep Guardiola if he leaves Bayern Munich.
The Spaniard's contract at the Allianz Arena expires at the end of the season and Goal understands that he is set to depart the club, with Manchester United and Manchester City both interested in securing his services.
Hitzfeld won five Bundesliga titles during two spells with the Bavarian giants and feels the former Real Madrid coach would be the perfect replacement for the former Barcelona manager.
"Ancelotti would be a great fit for Bayern. He had success everywhere and won the Champions League three times," he told Bild.
"On this level it is very important the players know what their manager is capable of. And it is important for the club, too. A Bayern coach has to be well respected.
"Guardiola is a pioneer, a revolutionary. He crated football in a new way. For example, he invented a three-man defence with only one centre-back.
"Ancelotti is more of a clever tactician. His football is a little different, it is not total attack and pressing.
"He does not stick to his system no matter what. He can adjust his style to the opponent. With Real he played attacking-minded in general, but against Bayern he looked for the counter."
However, Hitzfeld admits he will be sad to see Guardiola leave, adding: "If Pep left, It would be a loss for the Bundesliga."
Ottmar Hitzfeld believes Carlo Ancelotti would be a good replacement for Pep Guardiola if he leaves Bayern Munich.
The Spaniard's contract at the Allianz Arena expires at the end of the season and Goal understands that he is set to depart the club, with Manchester United and Manchester City both interested in securing his services.
Hitzfeld won five Bundesliga titles during two spells with the Bavarian giants and feels the former Real Madrid coach would be the perfect replacement for the former Barcelona manager.
"Ancelotti would be a great fit for Bayern. He had success everywhere and won the Champions League three times," he told Bild.
"On this level it is very important the players know what their manager is capable of. And it is important for the club, too. A Bayern coach has to be well respected.
"Guardiola is a pioneer, a revolutionary. He crated football in a new way. For example, he invented a three-man defence with only one centre-back.
"Ancelotti is more of a clever tactician. His football is a little different, it is not total attack and pressing.
"He does not stick to his system no matter what. He can adjust his style to the opponent. With Real he played attacking-minded in general, but against Bayern he looked for the counter."
However, Hitzfeld admits he will be sad to see Guardiola leave, adding: "If Pep left, It would be a loss for the Bundesliga."
Muller & Alonso sign new Bayern Munich deals
Thomas Muller and Xabi Alonso are among four Bayern Munich stars to have signed new contracts with the Bundesliga outfit.
Muller, Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez have all committed their future through to 2021 with the Allianz Arena outfit while Alonso will remain with the club through to 2017.
Prolific striker Muller – who has scored 140 goals for Bayern - hinted at the start of this month that talks were in advanced stages and he has now completed the formalities.
The news ends speculation linking him with Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester United.
Former Spain international midfielder Alonso, who joined Bayern on an initial two-year deal from Real Madrid in August 2014, admitted his delight at the news, stating it is an "honour".
Alonso said: "I am happy to be here. My family and I we are very happy. It is an honour. It is a special club, very family-like. I felt that right from the start."
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge hailed the negotiations.
He told the club's official website: "Thomas, Jerome and Javi know how to win titles, the Champions League. With them, our team gets long-term quality and stability."
Thomas Muller and Xabi Alonso are among four Bayern Munich stars to have signed new contracts with the Bundesliga outfit.
Muller, Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez have all committed their future through to 2021 with the Allianz Arena outfit while Alonso will remain with the club through to 2017.
Prolific striker Muller – who has scored 140 goals for Bayern - hinted at the start of this month that talks were in advanced stages and he has now completed the formalities.
The news ends speculation linking him with Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester United.
Former Spain international midfielder Alonso, who joined Bayern on an initial two-year deal from Real Madrid in August 2014, admitted his delight at the news, stating it is an "honour".
Alonso said: "I am happy to be here. My family and I we are very happy. It is an honour. It is a special club, very family-like. I felt that right from the start."
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge hailed the negotiations.
He told the club's official website: "Thomas, Jerome and Javi know how to win titles, the Champions League. With them, our team gets long-term quality and stability."
Del Bosque planning to leave Spain after Euro 2016
Vicente del Bosque expects to leave his position as Spain coach after Euro 2016.
The 64-year-old has led his nation to glory in consecutive European Championships, with a World Cup triumph in 2010 sandwiched in between.
The former Real Madrid coach has suggested next year's competition in France could be his final bow, and he hopes to depart on a high.
"If everything goes as expected, after Euro 2016 I'll leave the national team and the RFEF," Del Bosque wrote in his book 'Winning and Losing: Emotional Strength', an extract of which was released to Spanish media.
"I will have been the national team coach for eight years and I do not intend to cling on to the post.
"My greatest desire is for us to go out on a high. I could have retired a long time ago, but I wanted to serve my time just like your average Spaniard and work to the age at which most Spaniards retire.
"I consider myself privileged to have had the chance to enjoy my biggest passion, football, as a career.
"Right now, when the time for me to retire does not appear far away, I'm not looking to the future."
Vicente del Bosque expects to leave his position as Spain coach after Euro 2016.
The 64-year-old has led his nation to glory in consecutive European Championships, with a World Cup triumph in 2010 sandwiched in between.
The former Real Madrid coach has suggested next year's competition in France could be his final bow, and he hopes to depart on a high.
"If everything goes as expected, after Euro 2016 I'll leave the national team and the RFEF," Del Bosque wrote in his book 'Winning and Losing: Emotional Strength', an extract of which was released to Spanish media.
"I will have been the national team coach for eight years and I do not intend to cling on to the post.
"My greatest desire is for us to go out on a high. I could have retired a long time ago, but I wanted to serve my time just like your average Spaniard and work to the age at which most Spaniards retire.
"I consider myself privileged to have had the chance to enjoy my biggest passion, football, as a career.
"Right now, when the time for me to retire does not appear far away, I'm not looking to the future."
"It could be the end of the world for me" - Van Gaal fears he'll end up like Mourinho
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says he was shocked to learn that Jose Mourinho had been sacked as manager of Chelsea - and admits he could be next to face the chop.
Mourinho left the Premier League champions by mutual consent on Thursday, with technical director Michael Emenalo citing "a palpable discord" with his players as one of the main reasons for his departure.
Talk of disharmony between Van Gaal and some of his own United players has surfaced during recent weeks, with the 20-time English champions having failed to win any of their last five matches.
Mourinho has even been linked with a possible move to replace Van Gaal at Old Trafford and, while the former Netherlands boss insists the United atmosphere is strong, he accepts results must improve.
"It's fine, but I've said that already more than once. I've seen articles that it's not like that, so it's a bit crazy," he said when asked about the dressing-room morale during a press-conference."I have the full confidence of my board and my players, I feel that.
"But we have to get results. We have to win, we know that, the players know that, I know that. So there's not any doubt. When you lose too much, also for me, it's the end of the world."
Van Gaal, under whom Mourinho worked at Barcelona, has hailed the Portuguese's record as a coach and says he did not expect to see him leave, despite Chelsea's dismal first half of the season.
"It's a big surprise for me, I didn't expect it," he told reporters ahead of their Premier League clash with Norwich City on Saturday.
"[He is] a fantastic manager with a record that nobody has in this football world.
"But it is still possible, and what I have said in my own press conference is that the main thing is always of course the results first and then the chemistry between the players, the manager and his staff.
"I cannot judge what is happening at Chelsea but I was surprised. It's like that. We know that, Jose knows that. It's this world."
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says he was shocked to learn that Jose Mourinho had been sacked as manager of Chelsea - and admits he could be next to face the chop.
Mourinho left the Premier League champions by mutual consent on Thursday, with technical director Michael Emenalo citing "a palpable discord" with his players as one of the main reasons for his departure.
Talk of disharmony between Van Gaal and some of his own United players has surfaced during recent weeks, with the 20-time English champions having failed to win any of their last five matches.
Mourinho has even been linked with a possible move to replace Van Gaal at Old Trafford and, while the former Netherlands boss insists the United atmosphere is strong, he accepts results must improve.
"It's fine, but I've said that already more than once. I've seen articles that it's not like that, so it's a bit crazy," he said when asked about the dressing-room morale during a press-conference."I have the full confidence of my board and my players, I feel that.
"But we have to get results. We have to win, we know that, the players know that, I know that. So there's not any doubt. When you lose too much, also for me, it's the end of the world."
Van Gaal, under whom Mourinho worked at Barcelona, has hailed the Portuguese's record as a coach and says he did not expect to see him leave, despite Chelsea's dismal first half of the season.
"It's a big surprise for me, I didn't expect it," he told reporters ahead of their Premier League clash with Norwich City on Saturday.
"[He is] a fantastic manager with a record that nobody has in this football world.
"But it is still possible, and what I have said in my own press conference is that the main thing is always of course the results first and then the chemistry between the players, the manager and his staff.
"I cannot judge what is happening at Chelsea but I was surprised. It's like that. We know that, Jose knows that. It's this world."
Van Gaal wants Rooney to return with a bang against Norwich City
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal wants captain Wayne Rooney to mark his 500th appearance for the club with a goal, should he return against Norwich City.
Rooney picked up an ankle injury against Leicester City and missed the games with West Ham, Wolfsburg and AFC Bournemouth.
The England skipper has trained fully during the week, along with Ander Herrera, who is recovering from a hamstring problem, and Van Gaal hopes he can play a part in Saturday's game at Old Trafford.
"Three or four players are coming back," he told reporters in his press-conference.
"They have trained this week, Rooney, Herrera have trained a full week. But Herrera hasn't played for four weeks, and that's different.
"Rooney is less, two weeks, so it's possible he can play, but we have to wait and see. We have players who have trained only one day.
"In these circumstances, sometimes you have to take risks. What's the same is the preparation. We always prepare the qualities of our opponents and what we have to do, we explain and the players apply that."
Van Gaal is eager to see Rooney hit the ground running when he does return, with his next appearance set to be his 500th in a United shirt in all competitions.
When asked if Rooney would come back refreshed after his absence, Van Gaal said: "You never know. It's different for every player. But, of course, I've rotated a lot this season because of the Premier League, the rhythm of the games.
"But of course you see players are coming back more fresh because they haven't played such a heavy game.
"I hope that, when he plays, he scores a goal, because it's a big day for him because it's his 500th game. Not too many players have reached that record."
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal wants captain Wayne Rooney to mark his 500th appearance for the club with a goal, should he return against Norwich City.
Rooney picked up an ankle injury against Leicester City and missed the games with West Ham, Wolfsburg and AFC Bournemouth.
The England skipper has trained fully during the week, along with Ander Herrera, who is recovering from a hamstring problem, and Van Gaal hopes he can play a part in Saturday's game at Old Trafford.
"Three or four players are coming back," he told reporters in his press-conference.
"They have trained this week, Rooney, Herrera have trained a full week. But Herrera hasn't played for four weeks, and that's different.
"Rooney is less, two weeks, so it's possible he can play, but we have to wait and see. We have players who have trained only one day.
"In these circumstances, sometimes you have to take risks. What's the same is the preparation. We always prepare the qualities of our opponents and what we have to do, we explain and the players apply that."
Van Gaal is eager to see Rooney hit the ground running when he does return, with his next appearance set to be his 500th in a United shirt in all competitions.
When asked if Rooney would come back refreshed after his absence, Van Gaal said: "You never know. It's different for every player. But, of course, I've rotated a lot this season because of the Premier League, the rhythm of the games.
"But of course you see players are coming back more fresh because they haven't played such a heavy game.
"I hope that, when he plays, he scores a goal, because it's a big day for him because it's his 500th game. Not too many players have reached that record."
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