..::Football III::..

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'I know why Messi took THAT penalty' - what did Ronaldo mean?


Cristiano Ronaldo was in a cryptic mood at Real Madrid's pre-match press conference ahead of their Champions League last-16 first leg against Roma.

The Portuguese star was asked about one of the weekend's biggest talking points when he faced the media on Tuesday - Lionel Messi's remarkable passed penalty to Luis Suarez.

"I know why he did it," Ronaldo claimed, "but I don't have more to add." What exactly was the 31-year-old referring to?

Some saw the routine as a tribute to Johan Cruyff, who performed a similar trick during his playing days, while others thought Messi was helping Luis Suarez beat Ronaldo to the Pichichi award for the top scorer in La Liga.

 

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Ballack slams Mikel: You have to be a man in the wall!

Michael Ballack has criticised John Obi Mikel after the Chelsea midfielder inadvertently deflected Zlatan Ibrahimovic's free-kick into his own net in Tuesday's Champions League tie.

The Blues midfielder turned his back on the PSG forward's effort from outside the box, with the ball flicking off the Nigerian and past a helpless Thibaut Courtois in the Chelsea goal.

Mikel would atone for his error by scoring what could prove a crucial away goal at the other end although Ballack was not impressed with the 28-year-old for his role in the opener.

The Germany legend told BT Sport: "You have to take responsibility for your team. It's a big chance for the opposing team, a free-kick in that position.

"You have to stay like a man in the wall and don't turn away because you don't know what's going on. If he passes, the game has to carry on. You can't turn away."

Rio Ferdinand added: "He'll look back on this and he'll be embarrassed at the way he's turned his back. Most players have done this at some point in their career.

"When you get punished like that and it gets highlighted, there's no place to hide. He's just fortunate he went up the other end and scored. You've got to stay strong and really want to take the ball in the face."

 

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Klopp will look for the highest quality, not the most players in the market

Jurgen Klopp admitted he does not have a concrete idea of the number of signings Liverpool will be making in the summer, but he plans on building a squad that can tackle different situations and execute a number of systems.

Schalke defender Joel Matip became the German manager’s second permanent recruit on Merseyside after Serbian starlet Marko Grujic was acquired from Red Star Belgrade in January.

Both players will link up with Liverpool ahead of next season and Klopp will continue looking for ways to strengthen his options.

Over the past two summers, the club have brought in a total of 15 new players and while the Reds boss was taken aback by that figure, he wants to ensure his work in the market will leave Liverpool fully prepared to navigate 2016-17.

When asked whether he had a rough estimate of the number of incomings he would oversee, Klopp responded: “Absolutely no idea. I don’t believe in the number of transfers but we have to make solutions and we will make solutions.

"Also maybe players will make solutions and say they do not want to be here anymore, so you have to be prepared.”

Klopp admitted that the wide attacking slots could be an area for the transfer committee to focus on.

“We usually have enough strikers – five with Roberto [Firmino] – but we don’t have too many wingers, just a few young ones with great potential,” he said.
“We have to decide whether it’s too early for them or the right moment, and that’s how it is with transfers. In the end it is about having a squad where you can play different systems and react to different situations.

"It always changes. We went into this season with five centre-halves if you think of Joe [Gomez] and then at one stage we seemed to only have one and a half! It was like ‘who can we play?’

"So you prepare as much as possible and look for the highest quality you can get.”

 

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Cavani goal is 'massive' for PSG, admits Ivanovic

Branislav Ivanovic says Edinson Cavani's winner was a "massive" goal for Paris Saint-Germain as Laurent Blanc's side ran out 2-1 winners in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter on Tuesday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic put PSG ahead with a deflected free-kick at the Parc des Princes but John Obi Mikel equalised in first-half stoppage time.

However, substitute Cavani grabbed the winner for Laurent Blanc's side 12 minutes time, beating Thibaut Courtois, who made a string of impressive saves earlier in the second half.

Nevertheless, Ivanovic - who played at centre-back as captain John Terry missed out with a hamstring injury - felt the Premier League champions proved their mettle and will fight to book a place in the quarter-finals in the return leg on March 9.

"It was a very difficult game, we tried to play our game and to score the away goal but in the end they scored a massive goal," Ivanovic told BT Sport.

"It was very difficult moment for our team because of a lot of things, but we came here with courage and we tried to score the goal.

"We had a couple of chances before they scored the second goal. We could have won the game and scored a second one.

"We lost a bit of concentration in the end and we were a little bit open, and the strikers like Paris have use every single chance.

"We have to be more careful with this kind of thing because these small details can decide a game.

"We kept fighting, it was difficult and we will try to do everything to win at home to go through."

Gary Cahill was pleased Chelsea had managed to secure an away goal, but was frustrated they could not hold on for a draw.

"Obviously we pushed for the goal tonight. We managed to get it but we're disappointed at the end, 1-1 here would've been a terrific result," he added.

"They're a fantastic team and that was very, very tough. We know how tough it is to come here, you see their record this season – not just in the league but in European competition, it's very tough here.

"It's tough when they have so many corners and final third entries. It's poised now, we know what we have to do."

 

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Blanc: Chelsea getting their colour back

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc was impressed by Chelsea's display in their Champions League encounter and says they are returning to their normal level.

The Blues have disappointed in their defence of the Premier League title, as they sit 12th in the table after 26 games - 20 points behind leaders Leicester City.

A lacklustre league campaign has subsequently increased the pressure on Guus Hiddink's side to succeed in the Champions League, and although they suffered a 2-1 defeat to PSG in the first leg of their last-16 tie, Blanc saw enough to convince him the English side are getting back to their best.

"This was a very good match from both teams," Blanc told beIN Sports. "Chelsea was said to be in great trouble, they are regaining their colour.The Cote d'Ivoire international was criticised heavily by Blanc, with the coach saying he will "suffer the consequences" for his "pathetic" actions.

"We can expect a tough match at Stamford Bridge but I think the Chelsea players will say the same thing."

John Obi Mikel's goal on the stroke of half time cancelled out an earlier goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, only for Edinson Cavani to emerge from the bench and bury the late winner for the French side.

While Blanc feels the Nigerian's leveller was the only negative of his side's performance, he singled out Marco Verratti for praise after overcoming a groin injury for his first start since January 13.

"My main regret is conceding the goal in the 45th minute. There was not long to go until half-time at 1-0, but we conceded a corner and the goal – it's the only regret I have," he said."The players are all celebrating, even those who have not played. The mood was incredible.

"Verratti was amazing. He did not even want to leave the pitch. He has no pain and is good for the future."

 

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Chelsea la 1st leg down unath away goal 1ka nisa chance 1ka thiyanawa thawamath​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Fixtures 2016.02.17

UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Fixtures 2016.02.17

Gent Vs Wolfsburg

Roma Vs Real Madrid

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[Alucard_SxE]

Chelsea vs PSG match eka patta.
The best performance by Chelsea in this season so far.
Sahena hodata defend kara. Specially Curtois, Cahill & Ivanovich.
Hoda chance ekak thiyenawa next round ekata yanna.
BTW PSG attacks mara quick. Lavezzi giye aparade habai

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea vs PSG match eka patta.
The best performance by Chelsea in this season so far.
Sahena hodata defend kara. Specially Curtois, Cahill & Ivanovich.
Hoda chance ekak thiyenawa next round ekata yanna.
BTW PSG attacks mara quick. Lavezzi giye aparade habai

Aniwa broDan Chelsea improve wela thiyenne kalinta wada​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hazard must get fitter, says Hiddink

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has instructed attacker Eden Hazard to work on his fitness levels if he wishes to rediscover his previous form.

The Belgium international was named England’s Footballer of the Year nearly 12 months ago but has endured a difficult campaign in which his level has dropped.

Hazard, 25, started the first leg of the last-16 Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday but failed to last 90 minutes in the 2-1 defeat before having to be replaced by Oscar.But Hiddink is looking for more from his playmaker.

“He was a threat going forward and he had some good runs, but of course, this was a game with a high intensity. After 65, 70 minutes, it was enough for him,” the Dutchman told Sky.“He has to grow and when he does, his shape will grow as well. Happily we also have Oscar for his position. He will get better and better.”

Although Hazard has played in nine of Hiddink’s 12 matches in charge – he missed three due to injury – Tuesday’s was only his fourth start.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Mourinho to Manchester United is a done deal'

Manchester United have concluded negotiations that will see Jose Mourinho take over as the next manager of the club, according to Harry Redknapp.

With Louis van Gaal under pressure due to a lack of consistency with results and conservative playing style, the Portuguese has been widely touted as the Dutchman's replacement.

Van Gaal himself claims the club would not speak to Mourinho without his knowing, but Redknapp says the deal is done.

"It hasn't worked out at all for Louis van Gaal at Manchester United," he told Sirius XM. "It's been a disaster for him - no doubt about that."From the people I know who are in the know, Jose Mourinho to United is a done deal."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I had to foul Lucas!' - Mikel unfazed by PSG error

John Obi Mikel has dismissed criticism over his part in Paris Saint-Germain's opening goal as Chelsea lost in the Champions League last-16 first leg, insisting he had to foul Lucas Moura.

The midfielder was penalised for bringing down the Brazilian just over 25 yards from goal, before turning his back on Zlatan Ibrahimovic's strike which deflected off him and into the net.

Mikel, though, made amends with the last action of the first half, taking advantage of slack defending in the PSG penalty area to hammer home from a corner.

"I had to fall in because Lucas was going deeper and deeper into our 18-yard box," Mikel told BT Sport. "I had to - if not get the ball - foul him, which I did.

"Then the free kick just skipped off my feet and went into the back of the net. But we came back strong as well, but we're very disappointed to have lost the game."

Chelsea fell to a 2-1 loss, with substitute Edinson Cavani netting a late winner, but Mikel insists it was a case of mission accomplished after securing a valuable away goal.

"Our aim was to come out here and get a goal and we've done that," he said. "We still have the second leg to play, so we have to take that back home and capitalise on.

"We must make sure we build on that. We know they're a very good team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Ronaldo still has two years left at the top'

Real Madrid legend Amancio Amaro warns that it is far too early to write off Cristiano Ronaldo, believing that there are plenty of goals left in him.

Despite trailing La Liga's leading scorer Luis Suarez by just two goals, this season the former Manchester United star has received criticism for his performances, particularly against Spain's elite teams.

Ronaldo turned 31 earlier in February, prompting many pundits to suggest that his best days are behind him, but Amancio, who won nine Primera Division titles and a European Cup with Real Madrid over the course of a stellar career, feels that it would be foolish to write off Ronaldo prematurely.

"No way! 31 years is not the finish line," he told Goal when asked if he thought that Ronaldo's powers were in decline. "I think at least he has two good years to continue giving a very good performance."

Despite a turbulent season which has seen Rafa Benitez replaced by Zinedine Zidane, the 76-year-old believes that Madrid, who face Roma on Wednesday, are now well placed to challenge for the Champions League title with the Frenchman at the helm.

He remarked: "I hope and wish the best! Real are going through a difficult phase but this is a quality team with players who can win the Champions League.

"Zidane has approached the job with enthusiasm and confidence. You can see he is transmitting that to the players. I do not know of the problems that might have existed before but players seem happier now.

"Zidane is a natural leader with great charisma and that drives the group."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Hebei China Fortune sign Lavezzi from PSG

Hebei China Fortune have announced that they have signed Ezequiel Lavezzi from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Argentine's contract in France was due to expire at the end of the season, and instead of winding it down before leaving on a Bosman deal, he has made a switch to the Chinese Super League valued around the €4 million mark, while the player is expected to earn a net salary of €10m per annum, plus a bonus up to €6m.

The new club, who won promotion to the elite level last season, announced the deal via their Weibo account.

"His arrival will make the team more offensively sharp. Look forward to his heroics, he's unstoppable!" the post promises.

Lavezzi, a winger, had struggled to find regular game time under Laurent Blanc this season, and while he amassed 24 appearances for the French champions, he made only around 800 minutes of action.

A deal had been on the cards since the beginning of the month, and for this reason, Lavezzi has missed recent PSG games, including the Champions League victory over Chelsea on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old joins the likes of Jackson Martinez, Ramires and Gervinho in moving to a league that has dramatically stepped up its investment over the last couple of months.

The Chinese transfer window remains open until February 26.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lewandowski to snub Premier League money in favour of new Bayern deal

Robert Lewandowski is ready to snub a big-money move to the Premier League in favour of a new and improved deal with Bayern Munich.

The striker's current contract with the Bundesliga champions runs until June 2019, but the player continues to be linked with a move elsewhere, and his agent recently confirmed talks are under way over a renewal.

Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain was of interest but now Lewandowski has made clear his intention to commit to Bayern despite "the money in England".

"I know there is interest from abroad," the striker told Sport Bild. "But I can very well see myself signing a new contract with Bayern because of the great team we have.

"This club is known for its policy to reward good performances.

"Of course, I have seen how the club is preparing for the future. The contract renewals of Jerome Boateng and Thomas Muller was a sign that Bayern can hold on to its star players regardless of the money in England."

Lewandowski has been in stunning form this campaign, scoring 21 goals in 20 Bundesliga appearances.

 

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Manchester United want another Giggs, Neville or Scholes - Butt

Manchester United's head of youth Nicky Butt has said it is his mission to help create another batch of one-club players in the mould of Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes.

A member of the famous 'Class of '92', Butt understands the importance of club loyalty and hopes that in his new capacity as the leader of the academy he can help deliver the next set of die-hard Red Devils.“A Manchester United player’s job is to make the difference,” Butt told MUTV. “You don’t just come here to play 10 games and move on to another club.

“We want another Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville or Paul Scholes, these one-club guys who play here for many years and contribute to the club.

“The aim is to provide top-class players for Manchester United that can go on to win the Champions League.”

While United have seen some youngsters such as Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Andreas Pereira feature for the first team in recent times, Butt is eager to further improve the quality of talent the club's academy is currently producing.

“It’s time to move forward and move the club back to where we feel it should be – we’re still producing some great players for the first team, as we’ve always done for many, many years but we always need to look forward.“We can’t stand still as a team in any area of the club. I’ve had reassurances about where we’re going so it’s all positive.”

 

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‘I’d like to see Cavani at Man Utd, Juve or Madrid’

Edinson Cavani has been urged to move away from Paris Saint-Germain and join Real Madrid, Manchester United or Juventus by his father.

Luis Cavani has argued that the striker, 29, is being wasted at the Parc des Princes due to Laurent Blanc’s insistence on playing him out wide and feels the unbeaten Ligue 1 side would be performing to a higher standard if they fielded his son as a centre forward instead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has 32 goals in his last 32 outings.

“PSG bought him to play at the pinnacle of the attack, but Edi plays on the wing. He’s not happy in that position,” Cavani Snr told Sport 5.

“He can’t help his team like he wants to.

“As long as Zlatan is there, he will play in the centre. It’s obviously clear that Edi would be more effective in the middle and would profit from the numerous crosses from his team-mates. Edi was born to score.

“I’d like to see him play for Real Madrid, Manchester United or Juventus.”

The Uruguay international has struggled to break into the starting XI at PSG in recent weeks, but contributed the winning goal as his side defeated Chelsea 2-1 in the Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday.

He has been linked with a summer move away from the Parc des Princes, with the Old Trafford side credited with a particular interest.

 

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Leverkusen not interested in selling Hernandez

Bayer Leverkusen have no intention of selling top scorer Javier Hernandez, according to chief executive Michael Schade.

Hernandez has been a revelation in the Bundesliga since switching to Leverkusen from Manchester United in August 2015, scoring 13 goals in 17 league appearances and firing the club into the top three.

Another nine goals have come in domestic and European cup competitions - a record he will hope to improve on Thursday against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League.

Inevitably, Hernandez's rich vein of form in front of goal has led to him being linked with a move away from the club, with Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly interested in taking him back to the Premier League.

Schade is in no mood to sell, though, and believes Leverkusen are the perfect match for the 27-year-old.

"First of all, he has a contract," he told the Rheinische Post. "His move to us has shown that he is not only after the money.

"Hernandez has never said that he wants to leave. He feels comfortable because he knows he is appreciated. We are a team that allows him to play, he has benefitted greatly from the style we play and from playing with his team-mates. He will help us, but we also help him.

"If we reach the Champions League we have a very good chance of keeping him at the club."

Despite Schade's determination to keep Hernandez at the club, he also acknowledged an "exorbitant" bid for his services would have to be considered.

He added: "As of today, we don't want to sell any player, we want to keep the team together and improve.

"But we are a commercial company and there are thresholds. If such exorbitant bids come in, we will examine them and see what they bring us.

"In the case of Son [Heung-min, who left for Tottenham], ultimately the benefits of English money has helped us.

"I can say that for us Kevin Kampl and Hernandez as a package are more important than a single player. If we manage it the same with each transfer, we are strengthening the quality of our squad."

 

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Figo tips Ronaldo to stay at Real Madrid

Luis Figo has suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to stay at Real Madrid, rather than move elsewhere, because the 31-year-old wants to compete at the highest level.

Figo played for both Real and Barcelona, making a controversial switch across the Clasico divide in 2000 to become the latest Galactico at the Santiago Bernabeu, before ending his career with Inter.

And as a player with experience of some of football's biggest clubs, the Portuguese hinted that any potential move Ronaldo could make would ultimately be a step down.

“I think it is important to note that players such as Ronaldo want to compete at the highest level, against the best competition, and in the best clubs, so he is most likely to stay at Real Madrid," the 43-year-old told Sport360.

The ex-winger also offered support to his former team-mate Zinedine Zidane, who is now head coach at the Madrid club, though Figo admitted that the French icon would find it difficult to meet expectations immediately.

“I was very happy for him and I think this means great things for the club," the Portuguese continued.

“However, it will be a challenge in the beginning to meet the club’s expectations very quickly.

“I think it will take some time for us to see his skills being showcased in his new role but I know him well and am sure that he will give 100 per cent to this new adventure.

“I do think that he will put his all into it and use all his years of experience to get the most out of this opportunity. I wish him the best of luck."

 

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Rooney 'out for two months' with knee injury

Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney could be out for as long as two months with a knee ligament injury, Goal understands.

The forward was left out of United’s squad for their Europa League clash with Midtjylland on Thursday evening, with club physios having had it confirmed on Wednesday morning that the captain has sustained damage.

Rooney is expected to be sidelined for between four and eight weeks at a crucial time of United's season and with the Euro 2016 finals also on the horizon.

Speaking to the media in Denmark on Wednesday, manager Louis van Gaal confirmed that his captain had picked up a knee problem but stopped short at estimating how long he could be out for.

When asked to put a time frame on the injury, he told reporters: "That's difficult to say, but he was injured in the game v Sunderland. He has a knee problem but we have to wait and see how long that takes."

The 30-year-old lasted the full 90 minutes of Saturday’s defeat to Sunderland and it is not the first time he has picked up an injury so close to a major international tournament, with Rooney now set to miss friendlies against Germany and Netherlands in March.

He will also be sidelined for the FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury, the upcoming Premier League clash against Arsenal and is unlikely to be back in time for the Manchester derby on March 20.

Despite largely being criticised for his performances this season as United have struggled for form, the skipper had hit a purple patch in recent weeks, scoring five times and assisting a further three goals in his last eight league outings.