..::Football III::..

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Lahm relishing Bayern's Bundesliga title fight with Dortmund

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm expects the Bundesliga title race to be open until the end of the season.

Pep Guardiola's Bayern hold a five-point lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund with seven games to go and Lahm has been impressed with their rivals' performances this campaign."The title race will remain close right to the end, because Dortmund are playing consistently good football and give off a very solid impression," Lahm told Bayern's website.

"We have rivals who are collecting points exactly the same way we do. I have nothing against a tight title race, provided it all ends well for us."We have to remain focused and can't ease back at any point."

Thomas Muller has been key to Bayern's form this season, scoring 19 goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances, and Lahm was quick to praise the Germany forward."Muller is irreplaceable, both on the field and off it," Lahm added.

"It's important we have players who identify with the club and who recognise the whole thing is much bigger than any individual. Thomas is exactly that person."He's taken on more and more responsibility in recent years. That's something the team wants and he's accepted it very, very well."

 

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Ramos out of Spain squad with back injury

Sergio Ramos has withdrawn from Spain's squad for their friendly against Romania due to a back injury.

Real Madrid captain Ramos was replaced at half-time of Spain's 1-1 draw with Italy on Thursday after struggling with the problem.

A statement from the Spanish FA read: "Sergio Ramos has left the national team's training camp on Friday morning due to a back problem that kept him out of the second half of the meeting with Italy.

"The Spain centre-back was taken off at half-time as a precautionary measure following his back complaints.

"Ramos will return to Spain in the morning, while the rest of the team will continue its preparation for Sunday's friendly against Romania in Cluj."

Madrid will be anxious for Ramos to return to full fitness quickly ahead of next Saturday's trip to Barcelona for El Clasico.

 

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Pogba key to success for France, says Karembeu

Christian Karembeu hopes Juventus star Paul Pogba can lead France to success at Euro 2016 to follow in the footsteps of Zinedine Zidane.

The current Real Madrid coach enjoyed sucess with France at the 1998 World Cup on home soil and at Euro 2000, but Les Bleus have since gone without silverware at both competitions, finishing runners-up at the 2006 World Cup.

Karembeu – who featured alongside Zidane in 1998 and 2000 – is hopeful France’s trophy drought can come to an end this summer, though, and is counting on Pogba to inspire Didier Deschamps’ men.

“I hope Pogba can lead the team the way like Zidane did in 1998 and 2000. I hope Pogba or one of the other players can shine and deliver France another title,” Karembeu told Goal.

“We expect Didier Deschamps to put together a team that can compete for the title.

“We all see how Paul is preparing himself very well for the Euros with his good performances at Juventus.

“He made it to the final of the Champions League with Juventus last season and he is the key player for France at Euro 2016.”

France last hosted a major tournament in 1998, but Karembeu has stressed the country is more than ready to welcome all participants after upgrading all facilities.

“France are ready to host all the nations that will participate,” he added.

“We have renewed all the facilities and stadiums. Over 6,000 volunteers have been recruited to make sure all the fans will feel at home.

“We will show what France are all about and hopefully also show the world what France can do on the pitch.”

 

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Hummels admits Schweinsteiger injury is huge blow for Germany

Germany defender Mats Hummels concedes that Bastian Schweinsteiger's knee injury is a serious blow and hopes that the Manchester United midfielder will recover in time to take part in Euro 2016.

The Germany captain suffered a partial ligament tear in his right knee following a challenge at the end of training on Tuesday and will consequently miss the friendlies against England and Italy.

Some reports have suggested Schweinsteiger could also miss the upcoming showpiece in France given the damage he sustained to the same knee earlier this season, but Hummels is hopeful the influential midfielder will make it.

"Of course, we all feel for Bastian after what happened," Hummels told the official German Football Association (DFB) website.

"Everybody who has recurring injury problems knows how frustrating this can be.

"It is very annoying for Bastian, but also for the team. He is our captain. I obviously hope his injury will not keep him out of the Euros.

"We know that Bastian, like any other player, will be focused on getting back as soon as possible. The first day is all about frustration when you get injured, but from there on, you are entirely focused on making your comeback as soon as possible."

 

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Messi 'would be proud' to meet Obama

Lionel Messi insists he would be proud to meet the family of US President Barack Obama should the opportunity arise.

During a visit to Buenos Aires, Obama revealed that his daughters had asked him to arrange a meeting with the Barcelona star but that he had been unable to orchestrate it.

Messi revealed his surprise when asked for his views on Obama's frustration and said he would be happily spend time with the president's family."Obviously, I was surprised that he said that, but on the contrary, for me it would be completely the opposite," Messi told TyC Sports.

"For me it would be a source of great pride to be able to meet him and his daughters, but obviously I know it would be complicated."I don't know whether it is possible. Maybe he made the comment because he was in Argentina but I can say I was as surprised as everyone else."

Messi had been speaking after Argentina secured a valuable 2-1 win away to Chile on Thursday to reignite their World Cup qualifying campaign.

"We did a great job although we didn't start in the way we hoped," he said of the match. "The group managed to revert the situation and reply in the best way.

"I felt fine on the first half, but on the second I felt the fatigue a bit, as everyone did, because Chile were fighting hard, looking for the draw without caring about conceding another goal. But we managed to stand, revert a difficult situation and maintain the 2-1.


"Today's game gives us a lot of confidence for the next one [against Bolivia]. This way, we will get the six points we hoped for beforehand so we can be at the top of the table."

 

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Cahill to captain England against Germany

Gary Cahill will captain England against Germany at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, it has been confirmed.

The Chelsea defender will lead the Three Lions out against their old rivals due to the absence of skipper Wayne Rooney, who has missed over a month of match action due to a knee injury.

Cahill has made 32 appearances for Chelsea in a disastrous season thus far, with the Blues currently 10th in the Premier League - 10 points behind fourth-placed Manchester City - and out of every cup competition.

The former Bolton Wanderers centre-back, who joined the Blues in 2012, has won 40 caps for the Three Lions, scoring three goals.

England last played Germany in 2013, with Cahill named as a substitute as the Three Lions lost 1-0, with Per Mertesacker's goal proving decisive.

 

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England can win Euro 2016 - Hummels

England are among the favourites to win Euro 2016, according to Germany defender Mats Hummels.

World Cup holders Germany entertain the Three Lions at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday in one of their last remaining fixtures ahead of the summer tournament in France.

England enjoyed a perfect record in qualifying and the Borussia Dortmund centre-half claims Roy Hodgson's side will arrive at the competition as one of the favourites to lift the title for the first time in their history.

"In my opinion they are one of the top teams, and among the five or six teams that will challenge for the trophy next summer," Hummels told the German FA's official website.

"They have a lot of good, young players and have managed to build a very strong squad - both defensively and offensively."They have proved that both in World Cup and Euro qualification - it will be a good test for us.

"It is important, especially in terms of building confidence. Although you have to say, the Euros are not won in early spring."We want to put in a good performance, and give the fans something to enjoy."

 

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Ter Stegen drops Barcelona exit hint

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has suggested he could be forced to leave Barcelona if he is not given the consistent first-team football he desires.

The Germany international is used predominantly in the Copa del Rey and Champions League by Luis Enrique, with Claudio Bravo preferred for La Liga matches.

Ter Stegen was linked with a move to Liverpool during the most recent transfer window, but said earlier this month that he was in no rush to make a decision over his future.However, the 23-year-old has now given a strong indication that he could consider leaving Camp Nou should the current rotation policy continue.

"I want to take the next step and to play more. So the situation is clear: if nothing changes, we have to talk," he told TZ.

"In football, sometimes things go very quickly."At the end of the season I'll have played about 25 games. This is not a little, but when I return from the national team, I'll probably be back on the bench in La Liga, for the Clasico against Real Madrid [on April 2].

"In the long run, these 25 games per season are not enough for me."The decision is made by the coach. I hope that the quality I've shown recently is rewarded."

Ter Stegen, currently on international duty with Germany, joined Barca from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014.

 

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No friendly games for England, says captain Cahill

Gary Cahill urged England to make the most of the chance to face top opposition in Germany, having been named as captain for Saturday's game in Berlin.

The Chelsea defender will lead his country out for the second time in the absence of regular skipper Wayne Rooney, who is sidelined with a knee injury.England meet world champions Germany before they welcome Netherlands to Wembley on Tuesday and Cahill stressed the importance of both contests.

"It is a chance [to lay down a marker]," he said at his pre-match media conference. "We know ourselves it's a friendly, but at the same time there are no friendly games for England. "We want to play the right way, but we know we are going to be judged, especially against tough opposition. We just want to keep going the same way and play how we have been playing

"It's another great test against a great opposition and one we are all looking forward to. We have got two more games and at the end of them it gives us a chance to see where we are playing against top players."

Cahill believes England's preparations for Euro 2016 are coming together positively and spoke of his pride at being named captain by manager Roy Hodgson.Asked how the build-up was going to the tournament in France was going, he said: "Nicely. I think we spoke a few months ago and said we were going in the right direction.

"The qualification group went tremendously well. We still have things to learn. The France and Spain games were great opposition and two great tests. We have learned from those and are always looking to improve."Obviously it is a great honour for me - the second time I am going to captain my country which is obviously a dream come true.

"To play for your country is enough but to be captain is a very special moment and one that I am looking forward to. A victory would make it even sweeter and I hope it goes well."

Cahill revealed he had been slightly worried about his England status when he briefly lost his place in the Chelsea team this season and is glad to be back playing regularly at Stamford Bridge."It was a bit concerning at that moment in time because I want to be playing, just like anyone else, as much as possible," added the 30-year-old.

"It's important to be back in the team, but everyone's aware of this season and the situation we have had at Chelsea that hasn't been great."Form-wise I feel fit, I feel good, and it's important that I've been back out there, keeping sharp and getting game time."

 

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Netherlands 2-3 France: Matuidi snatches dramatic win for Les Bleus

Blaise Matuidi scored with three minutes remaining as France recovered from a Netherlands comeback to win 3-2 in Amsterdam on Friday in a match that saw both teams pay tribute to Johan Cruyff.

The sides honoured Dutch great Cruyff, who died on Thursday, by stopping the game for a period of applause in the minute of his iconic old shirt number – 14.
France were already two goals ahead by that point thanks to Antoine Griezmann's brilliant free-kick and a clinical finish from Olivier Giroud, who has now scored four times in as many games for his country.

Netherlands improved after the break and Luuk de Jong's controversial goal – which appeared to be a handball – gave them hope and substitute Ibrahim Afellay looked to have rescued a draw late on with a low 86th-minute strike.

But Didier Deschamps' men were not to be denied an away win, with Matuidi almost immediately scoring from a tight angle in a dramatic finale.France have now tasted victory in six of their last seven international matches as they prepare to host Euro 2016 from June, while Netherlands – who did not qualify for the tournament – have suffered four consecutive home defeats.The away side immediately seized control, with Dimitri Payet's long-range effort beaten away by Jasper Cillessen before the visitors took the lead after six minutes.

Griezmann had won a free-kick in a central position just outside the box for a foul by Davy Klaassen and took it himself, arrowing a brilliant effort into the top corner.
It was soon 2-0 when a Payet corner was only half cleared and headed back into the box by Matuidi, allowing Giroud to convert with a first-time volley from just outside the six-yard box.

Griezmann could have had a hat-trick before half-time – he was inches over with one diving header and was then denied by Cillessen's feet as he headed another attempt towards goal from Payet's curling cross.

Matuidi was denied a penalty after what he felt was an illegal block by Jeffrey Bruma at the corner of the box, while Quincy Promes' drive was comfortably saved by Steve Mandanda at the other end in the hosts' only attempt of a first half that also saw captain Wesley Sneijder taken off due to injury.Netherlands made a further two changes at half-time, while France switched three players as Leicester City midfielder N'Golo Kante was handed his debut.

But it was one of the hosts' new faces who made an instant impact, with substitute Memphis Depay's curling free-kick bundled over the line by De Jong's arm fewer than two minutes into the second half.

Mandanda got down well to keep out Klaassen's header as Netherlands continued to improve significantly and the midfielder volleyed wide from another decent opening.France responded, though, as the impressive Payet almost restored the two-goal lead with a dipping right-footed effort that struck the foot of the post from 25 yards.

The match appeared to be drifting towards a narrow away win, but Netherlands struck in the closing stages. Depay helped himself to his second assist of the game with a clever low corner to the edge of the box that allowed Afellay to sweep home into the bottom corner.

But in an astonishing finish, France went straight up the other end and secured victory. Payet worked a pass out to substitute Anthony Martial, who in turn slipped a ball through to Matuidi and he finished past Cillessen from a tight angle.

 

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Portugal 0-1 Bulgaria: Ronaldo frustrated as Marcelinho strike sinks hosts

A debut goal from Marcelinho and a heroic goalkeeping display from Vladislav Stoyanov, who denied Cristiano Ronaldo from the penalty spot, earned Bulgaria a shock 1-0 friendly victory over Portugal in Leiria.

Stoyanov saved a second-half spot-kick from Real Madrid star Ronaldo as Ivaylo Petev's men produced a stubborn rearguard action to secure a morale-boosting victory. Portugal dominated virtually from the off, but were guilty of missing a string of chances as their Euro 2016 preparations suffered a blow.

Head coach Fernando Santos cut an often frustrated figure on the bench as his side failed to make the most of their almost complete dominance and the home fans made their feelings clear as they whistled their team off at the final whistle.

Bulgaria, in contrast, were clearly thrilled with their backs-to-the wall victory that came off the back of a disappointing Euro 2016 qualification campaign in which they finished eight points adrift of a play-off place.

Portugal came absolutely tearing out of the blocks, with Ronaldo and strike partner Nani forcing visiting goalkeeper Stoyanov to make no fewer than five saves within the opening six minutes.The best of those chances fell the way of Nani, who latched onto Pepe's long ball into the box, but saw his close-range strike spectacularly palmed over.

Ronaldo really should have put his side ahead after nine minutes, but fired wastefully over after the overworked Stoyanov had failed to cut out a low Nani cross from the left. Remarkably, however, it was Bulgaria who took the lead after 19 minutes.

Moments after skipper Ivelin Popov had tested Anthony Lopes with a 20-yard free-kick, Brazilian-born Marcelinho marked his international bow by taking advantage of some hesitant defending to wriggle free in the box and poke the ball into the net.

Portugal's response came in the form of a well-struck Ronaldo free-kick that Stoyanov did well to claw away, before Nani, Joao Mario and Adrien Silva all wasted decent chances to equalise.

In total, Santos' side managed 20 attempts at goal in the first half to Bulgaria's two and yet still went in 1-0 down at the break.Mihail Aleksandrov then wasted a fine chance for the visitors early in the second half, blazing over after excellent approach work from the lively Popov.

But normal service was swiftly restored as Stoyanov was called upon to deny Nani and Ronaldo yet again and Adrien Silva also went close.With 23 minutes left, Portugal wasted an even better opportunity when Nikolay Bodurov handled Pepe's cross in the box.

Ronaldo stepped up to take the penalty, but Stoyanov produced his best save of the night to keep out the Madrid man's well-struck effort and Portugal, who next face Belgium on Tuesday, were left to rue what could have been.

 

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Brazil 2-2 Uruguay: Depleted Celeste rally via returning hero Suarez

Luis Suarez celebrated his return to the Uruguay ranks by salvaging a draw for the Celeste, as Brazil were held 2-2 in Friday's World Cup qualifier.

Brazil needed just 40 seconds to take the lead in Recife through Douglas Costa after the Uruguayan defence failed to deal with Willian's dangerous cross from the right.

The home side doubled their advantage just after the midway point of the first half when Renato Augusto capitalised on Alvaro Pereira's failed clearance to smash the ball into the net.But Uruguay did not take long to pull one back, with Edinson Cavani converting from close range to breathe some life back into the game for the visitors.

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez took off Cristian Rodriguez for Alvaro Gonzalez at the break and they found themselves level four minutes into the second half.Suarez was played through by Pereira and the nation's all-time leading goalscorer extended his record with an equaliser to ensure the points were shared.

After just 10 passes from kick-off Brazil had the lead, with Willian's dangerous cross eluding the Uruguay defence, allowing Bayern Munich's Costa to guide the ball home from close range.

Neymar had the opportunity to double the lead in the eighth minute after a well-worked free-kick, but his strike blasted into the side-netting from just outside the six-yard box.

Uruguay were hardly threatening early on, with a Suarez header from a free-kick the closest they came to getting an effort on goal, while Neymar had a tame shot saved by Fernando Muslera.

Brazil did eventually make it 2-0 in the 26th minute when Neymar played a cutting through ball to Renato Augusto, with the Beijing Guoan midfielder fooling Muslera with a dummy before smashing the ball into an empty net.

However, Uruguay struck back five minutes later, with Pereira nutmegging Willian before playing a cross to Carlos Sanchez, and the Monterrey winger headed the ball back for an unmarked Cavani to make it 2-1. Neymar had a strike from distance fizz past the post, while Costa hit the side-netting as the hosts took a slender advantage into the break.

But their lead did not last long into the second half after Pereira played through Suarez, with the Barcelona forward tucking a shot under Brazil goalkeeper Alisson to make it 2-2.While the chances petered out, the game began to heat up, with Suarez and Neymar among those shown yellow cards by Argentine referee Nestor Fabian Pitana.

Suarez had a chance to seal the three points late in a one-on-one with Alisson but the Internacional shot-stopper denied the 28-year-old with his leg, with the game ending all square.

Uruguay remain second in the 10-man group with 10 points, while Brazil move up to third.

 

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Suicide bomber attacks football stadium near Baghdad

A suicide bomber attacked a crowd gathered at a football stadium near Baghdad on Friday, with local authorities reporting that 26 people have been killed and another 71 wounded.

The blast took place in Iskandariya (also known as Alexandria), an ancient city approximately 30 miles south of the Iraqi capital, according to the Associated Press.

Falah al-Khafaji, the provincial head of security, told Reuters that the bomb exploded at approximately 16:15 GMT at the end of an amateur match and confirmed the death toll.

The Amaq news agency, which has been linked to the so-called Islamic State, reported that the jihadi group was claiming responsibility for the attack.

A police captain told AFP: "They were just handing the trophy to the winners [when] the suicide attacker blew himself up in the crowd."

On Tuesday, Islamic State claimed reponsibility for three bombings in Brussels, Belgium, which killed 31 people.

 

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Griezmann: Cruyff applause was a little strange

Antoine Griezmann has admitted that he found the minute's applause for Johan Cruyff in the midst of France's friendly with Netherlands "a little strange".

France claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Dutch in the Amsterdam Arena, on an evening upon which tributes were paid to the Netherlands great, who passed away on Thursday.

In the 14th minute, matching the number Cruyff played in for the Netherlands, the crowd gave a minute of applause, yet it was made rather awkward for the French, who were walking back to the halfway line after Olivier Giroud gave them a 2-0 lead.

"It was a lovely homage, really strong," he said after the game. "That it followed just after the goal was a little strange, but we quickly realised which minute it was and I clapped."

Griezmann opened the scoring with a fine free kick, and he was pleased to have contributed in that manner.

"I had already scored one last week with Atletico Madrid, so I had confidence. It was in a good area of the pitch for a left footer. I saw the goalkeeper in the middle of his goal, so I shot the other way," he said.

It was Griezmann’s 25th appearance for France, and his goal was his seventh for his country.

 

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Payet performance thrills Deschamps

France boss Didier Deschamps praised the performance of Dimitri Payet after their dramatic 3-2 win over Netherlands in Amsterdam on Friday.

The West Ham playmaker produced an eye-catching display in what was his first international appearance in nine months. He hit the post with a second-half shot and created six chances – more than double any other player on the pitch as well as having the most touches (89) of either side.

It was Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Blaise Matuidi who scored the goals for France as they recorded a sixth victory in seven games, with their hosting duties at Euro 2016 getting closer, but Payet, 28, still did enough to earn positive words from his head coach."He was very good," Deschamps was quoted as saying by L'Equipe.

"He responded well whenever he had to touch the ball. He had an enormous quality on set pieces and made a lot of effort. "He confirmed with us what he has been doing with his club - he is in top form."

Deschamps was relieved to come out of the match with a victory, but rued his team losing their two-goal half-time lead, with captain Matuidi's winner coming with only three minutes remaining."The first Dutch goal [by Luuk de Jong] was scored with a hand but we lacked concentration on the second goal and we must avoid that," he said.

"We went out and played a very good first half, but the second was worse. We ended up snatching victory and the scenario was favourable to us, but we must be more focused.

"We controlled the match and it could still have ended 2-2. We had seven or eight chances and must be able to manage the game better than that."

 

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Blind: We can learn from France defeat

Danny Blind believes his Netherlands players can learn from defeat after going down 3-2 to France in their international friendly on Friday. France took a 2-0 lead inside the opening 13 minutes after early goals to Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud at the Amsterdam Arena.

The home side managed to get back into the game with a goal to Luuk de Jong in the 47th minute before Ibrahim Afellay levelled things up four minutes from time.

However, France managed to snatch victory two minutes later through Blaise Matuidi, but Blind drew plenty of positives from the outcome.

"We played against a very good opponent. A team that is one of the favourites for the Euros. We can learn a lot from these kind of matches," Blind said after the game."I can live with the defeat, because it's against a team that is a lot further then we are.

"We didn't start well. Apart from the two goals they had a lot more threatening situations. The first goal was a bit unlucky. I didn't think the free-kick from Griezmann was led in by a foul."

Johan Cruyff passed away the day before the match, but Blind played down suggestions the Dutch great's death affected the players. "I don't think so. As soon as the whistle goes, you're a professional," the 54-year-old said.

"It's a shame that we gave away the draw in the end. Maybe a draw wouldn't have been right, but I think we have to do better than we did."Wesley Sneijder limped off injured towards the end of the first half and confirmed he will miss Tuesday's friendly against England.

"I will have to wait and see how bad it is. I will not be travelling to England," the Galatasaray attacker told Nos. "That's a bummer, but on the other hand it gives younger guys the chance to show what they can."

 

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International Friendly Fixtures 2016.03.26

International Friendly Fixtures 2016.03.26

Azerbaijan Vs Kazakhstan

Russia Vs Lithuania

Austria Vs Albania

Poland Vs Finland

Hungary Vs Croatia

Germany Vs England​

 

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Cole backs Giggs for Man United manager

Manchester United assistant Ryan Giggs will make a successful future manager at Old Trafford, according to his former team-mate Andy Cole.

Cole played for United for seven years alongside Giggs and said the fact that the Welshman had spent his whole career at the club held him in good stead to do a fine job , if given the required time.

"Giggs would be brilliant. He's been there all his career," Cole told Sky Sports.
"I played with him for many years. If he's going to serve two managers [as assistant] then at some point he's going to get an opportunity."And I know it's going to be hard for him, everyone says it's going to be hard for him, but of course it will be. It's Manchester United.

"They are so used to winning things, being top of the league, progressing in Europe, winning the Premiership, winning the FA Cup and consistently winning.

"If he was given the chance I think he would do well, but it would take time and I think it would take time for anyone at that football club now."Cole feels the ground lost since Alex Ferguson's retirement means walking into the Old Trafford job would not be easy for any manager, no matter how experienced.

"Everyone has moved on and the other teams have caught up," Cole said."Leicester [City] are top of the league and who would have said that last season?
"I think if he got the job, he'd do a great job."

Cole also had words of encouragement for United youngster Marcus Rashford, who has been hugely impressive since debuting.

Rashford has scored five goals, including two against Arsenal and a match-winner against Manchester City, and Cole said the club needed to look after him during his young years."Look at what Sir Alex did with Giggs. He played him in a few games, left him out, brought him back in and then left him out," he said.

"Then look at how long he played. No one questioned that."I was there when he brought in the Nevilles [Gary and Phil], [David] Beckham, [Paul] Scholes and the manager did that with all of them.

"If Rashford gets the opportunity to be around the first team and he's taken out then he shouldn't be disappointed because he has a big future ahead of him."

 

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Ronaldo saving his goals for Euro 2016 - Santos

Portugal boss Fernando Santos has defended Cristiano Ronaldo after he missed a penalty in Friday's 1-0 friendly defeat to Bulgaria.

The Real Madrid star, who has twice missed from the spot for his club this season, saw his second-half effort saved by Vladislav Stoyanov as the visitors held on for a surprise win.

Portugal were unable to make their dominance of the match count against the inspired Stoyanov, but Santos insists he has no concerns that Ronaldo's form will desert him at Euro 2016.

"In the national team, and the clubs where he's been, Cristiano has always been a reference - always worth 40, 50 goals per season," Santos told a media conference."He didn't score [against Bulgaria] but he's reserving his goals for the Euros."We created many chances but we couldn't score. If we didn't create then, yes, I would be apprehensive."

Bulgaria boss Ivaylo Petev was thrilled with his side's victory, which came courtesy of a 19th-minute goal from 31-year-old debutant Marcelinho, but he is backing Portugal as potential winners in France this year despite their travails in attack."It was an extremely prestigious game for us against a quality opponent," he said.

"We tried to take every opportunity to reverse the Portugal attack using our counter-attacks. However, Portugal had opportunities and we owe this victory to our goalkeeper."I hope that Portugal get as far as possible in the Euros. They are capable of being champions."

 

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I do not know if I will stay at Chelsea next season, admits Courtois

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has fuelled speculation regarding his future by admitting he "does not know" whether he will remain at Stamford Bridge next season.

A miserable season start under Jose Mourinho saw the Blues boss sacked in December, yet interim coach Guus Hiddink has since steered his recovering side into 10th in the Premier League.

Hiddink has been unable to keep Chelsea in the race for honours, however, following exits in the FA Cup and Champions League in March, while European qualification also looks slim.

Speaking on international duty with Belgium, Courtois - who has been linked with a move to Liga giants Real Madrid this week - admitted his discontent at the season and refused to rule out a transfer away from the London club this summer.

"I do not say yes, I do not say no. I do not know," he told Belgian broadcaster RTBF when asked if he will stay at Chelsea beyond this season.

"I still have three years on my contract. We must see what Chelsea want.

"It is true that it [this season] has changed me. Until now I had always won a trophy every season. We hope that next season will be better."

Courtois, who prepares to face Portugal on Tuesday, added he enjoys training with the Red Devils' "world-class players" as opposed to Chelsea's "little less rated" stars.

"The level of training is higher among Devils," he said.

"There are only world-class players [here], while at Chelsea, there are some players a little less rated and we often train with youngsters as well."