..::Football III::..

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France 4-2 Russia: Deschamps' charges prevail in thrilling friendly

France returned to the Stade de France in a thrilling manner as N'Golo Kante's first international goal and a Dimitri Payet stunner helped overcome Russia 4-2 on Tuesday.

In what was Les Bleus' first match at the Stade de France since the Paris terror attacks on November 13, Kante - celebrating his 25th birthday - gave another tenacious performance in midfield and got the hosts off to a fine start, while Dimitri Payet - another birthday boy - also scored in spectacular style to surely secure his place in Deschamps' final squad.

Andre-Pierre Gignac replaced Olivier Giroud in one of four changes from Friday's 3-2 defeat of the Netherlands and the Tigres striker made it 2-0, expertly directing a header past Igor Akinfeev towards the end of the first period.

France monopolised possession and afforded Russia little space to attack, but the visitors did pull one back from a set-piece just before the hour mark – Aleksandr Kokorin nodding in.

Payet's glorious free-kick restored the two-goal cushion with 64 minutes on the clock, less than 60 seconds after coming on, only for Yuri Zhirkov to hit back shortly after.

France eventually put the fightback beyond Russia as Kingsley Coman netted his first international goal with a clever finish 14 minutes from time.

France played with freedom from the off, moving the ball effortlessly in midfield and attacking in numbers, ultimately resulting in the opening goal after just nine minutes.

Gignac linked well with Antoine Griezmann on the edge of the area, with the latter showing great awareness to spot the run of Kante, who confidently steered home after initially winning possession back to begin the move.

The hosts were showing great composure on the ball and another incisive move saw Griezmann presented with an opportunity, only for the Atletico Madrid man to drag wide from 20 yards.

France eventually doubled their lead seven minutes before the break, as Gignac darted in front of Kokorin to meet Griezmann's free-kick delivery and the centre-forward brilliantly directed a diving header across the face of goal and into the bottom-right corner.

Russia halved the deficit in the 56th minute, as Lucas Digne - sent on to replace the injured Jeremy Mathieu just a few moments earlier - failed to track Kokorin and the forward headed Alan Dzagoev's free-kick past the helpless Hugo Lloris.

Payet put France two ahead once again just a few seconds after coming on in the 63rd minute, sending a 30-yard free-kick into the top corner in stunning fashion, but Zhirkov hit back soon after, tapping home after a darting run and cutback from Oleg Shatov.

France finally put the match beyond Russia in the 76th minute, though, as Coman chased Payet's pass, turned back on himself to evade Akinfeev and then slammed an emphatic strike into the roof of the net to wrap things up.

 

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France squad 1ka pattaEuro16 favourites mata hithena hatiyata​

 

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England 1-2 Netherlands: Three Lions humbled by Holland

England suffered defeat at the hands of the Netherlands in their final friendly before Roy Hodgson picks his squad for Euro 2016, as the Three Lions struggled to reproduce their Berlin magic.

The veteran England boss has decided to name his final 23-man squad early, before the next batch of friendlies, but few of the heavily rotated starting XI impressed compared to the line-up that stunned Germany three days earlier.

After a lifeless first half that featured a touching tribute to Johan Cruyff, Jamie Vardy finally broke the deadlock just before the break to finish off an excellent team move from England, guiding Kyle Walker's pull-back into the back of the net with ease.

The visitors - who had lost five of their last eight matches before the game - improved after the break and were granted the chance to draw level when Danny Rose handled the ball inside the box, with Vincent Janssen stepping up to dispatch the resulting spot-kick on his full debut for Danny Blind's side.

England struggled to create chances but pushed forward in search of a winner, bringing on the likes of Harry Kane to try and find a goal, but were undone when Janssen barged over Phil Jagielka and crossed for Luciano Narsingh to rifle home.

Substitute Theo Walcott, whose place at Euro 2016 would seem to be under increasing threat given the form of England's forwards, proved a real handful as the hosts looked to find a winner, but Luciano Narsingh converted Janssen's cross - after a strong challenge in the build-up - to snatch a surprise victory.

Hodgson made eight changes from Berlin, Leicester City's Danny Drinkwater turning in a composed debut performance, while Netherlands - captained by Manchester United's Daley Blind - started with just five of the players who began the 3-2 loss to France.

England began in sluggish fashion and Rose was fortunate not to concede an early penalty when he slid in and caught Joel Veltman just inside the area, before Memphis Depay lashed a half-volley over the crossbar.

Applause rang out within Wembley in the 14th minute in tribute to Dutch great Cruyff, who died last week, and Ibrahim Afellay brought about the first save of the match soon afterwards, testing Fraser Forster from the edge of the area after good work from Quincy Promes.

Forster was at full stretch to deny Georginio Wijnaldum's bending effort, but England, who improved their display as the half drew on, took the lead five minutes before the break.

Adam Lallana slid a fine through-ball to Walker inside the area, and his cut-back was turned into the net at the near post by Vardy from just six yards out for the 100th goal of Hodgson's reign.

England looked lively early in the second half, but they gifted Netherlands a way back into the match when Rose flicked out an arm to block Narsingh's cross after John Stones had slipped and lost possession, and Janssen swept the penalty high into the net.

England responded in positive fashion. Vardy rifled in a shot from 25 yards which Jeroen Zoet did well to tip over before substitute Walcott was denied by a timely block from Blind, and the Arsenal man whistled a shot just over the crossbar after a fine turn to beat Jetro Willems.

But Netherlands snatched the win in controversial fashion with 14 minutes to play, netting a goal that means they are only the second team to win twice at the new Wembley while they have not lost to England in 20 years.

Janssen was allowed to play on after barging Phil Jagielka off the ball, and he squared across goal for the unmarked Narsingh, who fired home to ensure a first home defeat since November 2013 for a disappointing England.

 

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Rooney: If not for Cruyff, I'd have two more Champions League medals!

Wayne Rooney has paid tribute to the late Johan Cruyff, while jokingly reproaching the Barcelona legend's influence for depriving him of more silverware.

The former Netherlands international and Blaugrana great passed away last week after battling lung cancer, and has been honoured around the football world for his contribution to the sport.

And the Manchester United star gave his own opinion on Cruyff as he spoke ahead of England's Tuesday clash against Netherlands.

"You see the way Barcelona play now and it's incredible and he was really the start of that," Rooney said on ITV.

The Catalans downed United in both the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals, and Rooney, who was a beaten finalist on both occasions, puts the club's current success down to the example Cruyff set as a coach in the 1980s and 90s.

"It’s probably down to him that I haven’t got another two Champions League medals!" he joked.

"I think he started the Barcelona era that we see today.”

 

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Conte remains calm after Germany thrash Italy

Antonio Conte will evaluate his players after seeing Italy suffer a 4-1 friendly defeat against world champions Germany on Tuesday.

Substitute Stephan El Shaarawy scored a late consolation goal on an otherwise miserable night for the visitors in Munich.After holding Spain to a 1-1 draw on Thursday, Italy conceded two goals in each half to lose to Germany for the first time since 1995.

To make matters even worse, defender Leonardo Bonucci was carried off on a stretcher in the second half after suffering a knee injury.

"I had said beforehand we needed these important tests to evaluate ourselves. We certainly met the best side, and that includes Spain last week," Conte told Rai Sport."We saw, we worked, the lads gave all they had to give and now we'll evaluate the situation.

"I repeat, there was no need to act triumphant after Spain and we realise there is a gap to be bridged to the other team."Now we'll wait for the season to end and try to pick the best players.

"To play with a high tempo and intensity, you need it in your legs. It was inevitable some would suffer the effects of Friday's games and that too will be evaluated."

 

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James: I am happy when my team-mates support me

James Rodriguez was delighted with his performance as Colombia cruised to victory over Ecuador, affirming that he plays better when he has his team-mates behind him.

The Real Madrid playmaker set up Carlos Bacca's opener and was a constant threat as the hosts ended their opponents' unbeaten 2018 World Cup qualifying record in a 3-1 win.

Speaking after the game, James praised the backing he received from the Cafeteros squad, stating that they helped him to perform to his best.

"It is because I'm playing, this happens when you play and have everybody's support. I am happy, happy," he said to Caracol Television, when asked for the reason behind his improvement.

James has struggled to find his best form for Real Madrid of late, but on Tuesday he wanted to purely focus on his national team's success.

"Now we have to continue in this fashion, they were good and I think we played a great game," he said.

"I wanted to score a goal, but the goalkeeper [Alexander Dominguez] played well. The best thing is that we took three points."

 

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Argentina 2-0 Bolivia: Messi marks half-century as Albiceleste cruise to win​

Lionel Messi marked yet another milestone in his career to help Argentina to a third straight World Cup qualifying victory, as the Albiceleste prevailed 2-0 over Bolivia in Cordoba.

Gabriel Mercado scored in his second straight game for Argentina, with Messi getting on the scoresheet for his 50th international goal.

Gerardo Martino was keen to see his side build on an impressive performance against Chile last week and retained faith in the majority of players that provided a 2-1 win in Santiago.

Defence was on the agenda for Julio Cesar Baldivieso as he put plenty of numbers behind the ball to try and counter Argentina's potent attack, which featured Gonzalo Higuain in place of Sergio Aguero, with Javier Mascherano returning in defence.The gulf in class was obvious from the first whistle as Ever Banega hit the post after just 10 seconds.

Bolivia kicked off but quickly gave up possession as Higuain drove at the heart of their defence, breaking through and forcing a solid save from Carlos Lampe, but the ball only made its way to Banega.

The midfielder was forced into a tight angle but got off a decent effort which struck the crossbar and bounced clear.Bolivia struggled to get the ball out of their defensive half while Argentina, hampered by an injured Angel di Maria, battled to get behind the packed defence.

But their patience and persistence was rewarded after 19 minutes when Mercado scored his second goal in as many games.

The right-back was in the right place at the right time for a simple tap in after a quick Messi free-kick released Higuain in the box.

He met the ball on the half-volley and lobbed Lampe but saw his effort stopped on the line by Ronald Eguino, but he only found Higuain with his clearance and the forward cut back to Mercado for the finish.It took until the 27th minute for Bolivia to work the ball into Argentina's box, and they conceded a second goal for their efforts.

Argentina countered with pace and purpose and it was Banega who picked up the ball on the left and drove into the box, only to be brought down and awarded a penalty.Messi stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, hammering home Argentina's second and his 50th for his country.

Di Maria was forced off before the break after his injury proved too much to overcome, paving the way for 21-year-old Angel Correa.Not for a lack of trying, Argentina failed to add to their account in the second half, despite dominating.

Messi missed a header after 49 minutes, while Sergio Romero was called into action for the first time in Argentina's goal after 54 minute when a decent Martin Smedberg-Dalence free-kick prompted a diving save.

At the other end, Lampe was sharp to make two quick saves in the 59th minute, before midfielders Lucas Biglia and Banega both missed the target from decent positions.

Aguero entered the fray for Higuain in the 78th minute but failed to find much space to work in.The win moves Argentina into the top four after six games, taking them to three wins and two draws from six matches.

 

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Uruguay 1-0 Peru: Cavani sends hosts top in World Cup qualifying

Edinson Cavani scored the only goal of the game as Uruguay moved top of the Conmebol World Cup qualifying group with a 1-0 triumph against Peru.

The win moves Uruguay to the summit of the 10-team group on 13 points after Ecuador suffered a 3-1 loss to Colombia, ending their unbeaten run.

After a scoreless first half, the deadlock was broken at the Estadio Centenario eight minutes into the second, Cavani smashing home a powerful strike after being played in by strike partner Luis Suarez.

Cavani had a chance to double the advantage just a minute later but saw a free header crash off the crossbar, while Carlos Sanchez had a close-range effort saved.Peru continued to attack in the latter stages but Uruguay managed to hold on in front of a big home crowd in Montevideo.

The first chance of the game fell Uruguay's way in the eighth minute after Suarez's free-kick was deflected, Sebastian Coates managing to get his head onto the ball from the resulting corner, but the big defender had his effort saved by Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

The home side were wasteful in possession and Peru began to control the game and almost took a shock lead in the 25th minute after Paolo Guerrero was played in on goal, but the Flamengo forward hit his strike straight at Uruguay shot-stopper Fernando Muslera.

Uruguay began to work themselves into the game and looked most threatening from set-pieces, Mauricio Victorino coming closest to open the scoring next after seeing his header deflect off a Peruvian defender onto the crossbar.

Cavani had a chance to give Uruguay the lead a minute later after Suarez was fouled just outside the area, but the Paris Saint-Germain forward's free-kick sailed just over the bar.

Oscar Tabarez made an attacking change at half-time, replacing Matias Vecino with Cristian Rodriguez, and Uruguay began to show a lot more intent going forward.

Suarez had a shot saved by Gallese after being played in by Coates and the Sporting CP loanee should have scored from the resulting corner, but he failed to direct his diving header on target. However, the breakthrough came just minutes later, with Rodriguez finding Suarez who flicked the ball onto Cavani before the 29-year-old blasted the ball into the net.

Uruguay continued to attack from the restart and almost found a second through Sanchez, before Cavani had a free header smash off the crossbar seconds later.
Peru were able to settle themselves and restrict Uruguay in the latter stages of the second half, with Muslera only mildly tested by long-range efforts.Uruguay had a scare in the dying stages with Andy Polo blasting a shot from the edge of the area, but luckily for the hosts it went centimetres wide of the post.

They managed to hold on to their slender advantage to move top of the group, while Peru continue in third last on four points from their opening six games.

 

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Paraguay 2-2 Brazil: Dani Alves late show saves Dunga's men from Asuncion defeat

Dani Alves was Brazil's unlikely hero as the Selecao salvaged a 2-2 draw against Paraguay, striking in the last minute to take a share of the points.

Trailing 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining in Asuncion, under-fire coach Dunga and Brazil appeared destined for defeat after Dario Lezcano and Edgar Benitez scored either side of the break.

But despite the absence of suspended captain Neymar and David Luiz, Brazil - who coughed up a two-goal lead in their 2-2 draw at home to Uruguay last week - refused to surrender as veteran Ricardo Oliveira pulled a goal back in the 79th minute before Alves completed the last-gasp comeback with a curled shot into the far corner of the net.The result left Brazil and Paraguay level on nine points, four adrift of leaders Uruguay.

Despite being forced into an early substitution, with Jorge Benitez making way for Roque Santa Cruz in the latter's first appearance since last year's Copa America, Paraguay - who drew 2-2 with Ecuador last time out - pegged back Brazil and were only denied by the woodwork and some Alisson brilliance.A flick on from Richard Ortiz hit the post before goalkeeper Alisson was on hand to block the rebound in the 18th minute.

Alisson was at it again just a minute later as he produced a stunning reaction save to thwart Gustavo Gomez at point-blank range.

Brazil managed to weather the storm and almost took an unlikely lead in the 27th minute after Willian combined with Fernandinho before squaring the ball to Oliveira, who rattled the crossbar.

The Brazilians finally came unstuck five minutes before the break as Paraguay - a team with just five goals in as many matches prior to kick-off - took a deserved lead through Lezcano - his third goal in two games.

Edgar Benitez made an overlapping run down the wing and picked out Lezcano, who fired his shot into the ground and up past Alisson.

Hulk was introduced in place of Fernandinho at the break but Dunga was left fuming as Benitez went from provider to goalscorer three minutes into the second half.

Santa Cruz beat three opponents and found Ortiz, who then crossed into the box as Benitez nipped in front of his opponent, poking the ball forward and slotting underneath Alisson.Brazil did manage to find the back of the net in the 63rd minute but Gil's header from a corner was ruled out after towering over his opponent.

They were not to be denied with 11 minutes remaining as Oliveira was on hand to tuck home the rebound after Justo Villar failed to deal with Hulk's long-range effort.

And just as Paraguay looked set to claim all three points, Alves cut into the box and beat Villar as he spared Dunga's blushes.

 

[Alucard_SxE]

France squad 1ka pattaEuro16 favourites mata hithena hatiyata​

France substitutes lage thawa top class team ekak hadanna puluwan

 

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France substitutes lage thawa top class team ekak hadanna puluwan

Aniwa aniwainnawane hena set 1kak
​

 

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Tevez: I nearly signed for Atletico Madrid

Boca Juniors forward Carlos Tevez has admitted he was close to moving to Atletico Madrid when he left Juventus at the end of last season, but ultimately decided on returning home.

The Argentinian had played two seasons at Juventus, winning two Serie A titles and helping the club to a Champions League final.

Tevez had made no secret of his desire to return to Argentina, but said he was intrigued by the idea of playing for Atletico under compatriot Diego Simeone.
"[Simeone] called me and I was excited about the idea," Tevez told Marca.

"Playing in Spain is something that is pending in my career, but I could not say no to Boca."Last year the only offer I had in Spain was from Atletico, but before that [Real] Madrid expressed interest in me."

With five goals in 12 league games, Tevez's return to Argentina has proven a winner on and off the pitch with the striker happy to have been able to move back home with his family."My daughter Flor is 11 years old and it got harder and harder to say goodbye to grandparents, uncles, cousins," he said.

"When her grandmother came to Italy and had to go, it was very hard for my daughter."It has not been all easy for Tevez, who had come into criticism for some of his performances this season, but he said he had to accept the bad with the good.

"It is normal, the press is the same with Cristiano [Ronaldo] or [Lionel] Messi in Spain," he said.

"When [their teams] lose they are seen as guilty. "I do not hide and I know the rules of the game."

 

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Ter Stegen warns of 'personal goals' amid Barcelona exit links

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has cast fresh doubt on his future at Camp Nou after impressing in Germany's 4-1 thrashing of Italy.

Ter Stegen, who made a rare appearance for his country in their win against Italy, will once again be second-choice to Claudio Bravo in La Liga upon his Barca return.The 23-year-old is handed playing time in the Copa del Rey and Champions League by manager Luis Enrique, yet hinted his "personal goal" is not being met.

"I don’t know what the coach [Luis Enrique] thinks, you have to ask him. I can just say that I want to give my very best," he said after the international friendly."That’s what I always do – I want to give my best for the team and obviously also for me.

"I hope we reach the next round in the Champions League and win our next game in the league – these are my goals with the team."Obviously I also have personal goals."The coach decides the way he decides, I guess he has his reasons to do so. But we will see how this goes on in the future."

 

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Kante casts doubt on Leicester future

Leicester City midfielder N'Golo Kante has cast doubt on his Foxes future by refusing to commit to the surprise Premier League leaders next season.

Kante only signed from Caen in August for a reported £5.6million fee but his excellent displays have led to speculation linking him with some of Europe's biggest clubs.

That form won him a first call-up to Didier Deschamps' France squad and - after making his debut against Netherlands on Friday - he scored in Tuesday's 4-2 win over Russia at Stade de France."I will fight for Leicester this season and next season we never know and we will see," he said to Sky Sports.

"At this moment I am focused on Leicester. We have to finish well this season but I don't mind about [being linked with] the other clubs.

"We will fight for the title but it is not [our] due. We have to fight in every game.There are seven games left. We hope to win the league, but it's not finished."Kante was thrilled with his first experiences of international football over his opening two games.

He told reporters: "It [the goal] was a good present for my birthday. [It was my] first time in the starting line-up and first goal. It was a good win and we are happy
"I'm happy with how this meeting went. I discovered the France team. The meeting and training went well, there was this first goal and these two victories. It went very well for me. "The Euros are something else. There is still time to think about that, but everything went well."

 

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Ribery: I hope Coman can become the next me at Bayern


Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery says he is hopeful Kingsley Coman can be the "next Ribery" and believes he can improve even further at the Allianz Arena.

The 19-year-old is enjoying an impressive season with Pep Guardiola’s side after joining the club on loan from Juventus in August.

The teenager has also forced his way into the French national team, scoring his first international goal in the friendly against Russia on Tuesday and the 32-year-old has spoken of his young team-mate’s desire to be “the next Ribery.”

"I hope he could be. I speak French with him a lot," he told Goal. "Kingsley has not had an easy time until now. He didn't play much in Paris or at Juventus.

"When he came to Munich, he put a lot of effort in. He is free in his head and just plays football. He is doing a good job.

"Nevertheless, he can become even better. At the age of 19 he needs time for his development and has to learn from the older ones in the squad."
Ribery also says he is doing his utmost to help Coman and the other young players in the Bayern team and says they are at the right club to develop their careers.

"I want to help the talents, I want to help them improve and I'm working hard at it. Life is hard as well. I played at 17, 18 years old in the third division - that's a completely different world," he added.

"Bayern offers the young guys a huge opportunity. I'm not a person who expects more respect from them. I hate that. In my long career I have experienced a lot, but never changed.

"I appreciate every guy, whether he is a footballer or a cook. If one talent manages to get to the first team, I am his first friend. It was the same with Alaba and others, as it is now with Kingsley."
Ribery’s return to fitness has been a boost for Bayern and he says he is feeling fit and looking forward to the rest of the season.

"It's getting better and better. Physically I feel hundred per cent fit. I can give everything and my pace is back," he explained.

"After my injury I got a lot of minutes, so I could get into my stride. Training is good, but games are completely different.

"After 90 minutes against Bremen I was in the starting line-up against Juventus – and played over 101 minutes. I hope I can remain at my top-level and stay fit for the future."

 

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France falls in love with N'Golo Kante after just 10 days


N'Golo Kante reached another milestone on Tuesday, but even after a perfect night with France, the Leicester City midfielder retained his modesty.

"I could not imagine an evening like this," he told reporters with a smile that was impossible to take away on his 25th birthday. "People started sending me messages on Tuesday morning, telling me to have a big game, but I did not think I could do it. My partner told me that I had made my birthday present by myself."

Earlier at the Stade de France, Kante was quick to celebrate his first start for France. Just seven minutes has passed against Russia before he fired a low shot past Igor Akinfeev, finishing off a move he had started by making a tackle near the halfway line.
Aside from the goal, the midfielder displayed all the qualities which have made him a hit in the Premier League since his move to Leicester. A big presence in the heart of the midfield with the ability to move the ball forward quickly, France may have found another Blaise Matuidi.

In the space of 10 days, Kante is already becoming a favourite in the France locker room. Shy, polite and very attentive off the field, the Leicester environment is transformed on the pitch.

"He is so quiet," laughed Andre-Pierre Gignac. "But once he is on the pitch, it's amazing. I met him once or twice when he was playing in Caen...his rise is rather dramatic. It's good to have freshness like that."

Earlier in the season, nobody could have expected Kante to become a player who would be difficult for Didier Deschamps to leave out of his France squad for Euro 2016. But eight months later, the former Caen midfielder is closing in on a Premier League title and has carried that form on to the international stage.
"I played with great players during those 10 days," he said. "I learned a lot, it is a beautiful experience that encourages me to do even better with my club, to work, to come back next time.

"I'm not part of this group of great players, I need to work much more to get to the level of my team-mates."

Raphael Varane was also quick to praise Kante's quick adaptation. "His integration is related to his good performance," he said. "I think there is a great atmosphere in our group, a good cohesion. So it should not be too hard to get here. But then it is down to him, his quality and his character, and listening, to make sure he is well integrated.

"It's a beautiful story. He will always remember that night."

If Kante continues with this level of performance, it won't be long before he is making new memories with his national team that eclipse his goal on Tuesday night.

 

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Jordi Cruyff: Barcelona or Man Utd roles would be fantastic

Jordi Cruyff would love to take up a role at former clubs Barcelona or Manchester United, but insists he is not obsessed by the idea.

The 42-year-old spent two years as sporting director of Cypriot side AEK Larnaca before moving to Maccabi Tel Aviv - who have won the last three league titles in Israel - in 2012.

Asked if his dream was to return to his old clubs in some capacity, Cruyff told Omnisport on March 18: "I think as a football player I have had the luck and the pride to be at clubs like Barcelona and Manchester United. "I've also been very happy in smaller clubs, but of course these are two clubs with a very big stature, big name, big status. It's one of those dream clubs.

"Of course one of these clubs would be fantastic, but I've also learned not to be too much of a planner. I take things as they come and when the feeling is right and the opportunity is there, then we'll go for it. "If not, I'm not a dreamer and I think the fact that I have been playing there as a player also takes some of that obsession to be there.

"I've already been in those clubs, so I'm not obsessed to be there now. I can also be happy in a different environment, different league, different club. "If the project gives the right feeling and the circumstances are right, then I'm always going to be open. But again I'm happy where I am. It is about taking things one step at a time and learning from experiences."

Cruyff revealed he does not have the same specific goals now that he is finished playing and wants to take opportunities as they arrive naturally."As a player you always have it [a specific dream]," he said. "As a little boy you dream about scoring the winning goal in a final, celebrating, being famous and being rich and at a certain club.

"I think I've managed to play for two of those dream clubs - Manchester United four years and Barcelona for a lot of time. This gives me the peace of mind that I've already been happy and lucky to have had that experience."

 

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Payet: I don't know if I have a Euro 2016 place

Dimitri Payet is unsure whether he will be in the France squad for Euro 2016 despite scoring a stunning free-kick with his first touch of the ball in Tuesday's 4-2 friendly win against Russia.The West Ham playmaker came off the bench at Stade de France in the 64th minute to curl in a trademark set-piece and mark his 29th birthday in fine style.

But despite his instant impact, Payet does not know if he has done enough to persuade coach Didier Deschamps he is worthy of a place in his squad for the European Championship, which take place on home soil.

"I do not know. It is up to the coach to judge," Payet said. "I have tried, as I do in every game, to contribute something. It was a positive performance, I am pleased with it."I am relaxed, as I have been since the start of the season. I am working hard and being efficient with my club."

Payet, who has enjoyed a terrific debut season in England, added that scoring on his birthday was a particularly special way to celebrate the occasion."Playing in a match, let alone scoring, on your birthday is something that does not happen often," he said.

"My family were here tonight, which makes me even happier. We are going to go and celebrate together."It has been a good season, so far. In England, I have put myself in the best conditions to flourish. Today, I want to thank my club teammates, my national team and my supporters, who show me a lot of love.

"Today, my hard work paid off. These two matches have gone now, we are going to enjoy this evening and then club life starts again tomorrow, so we will not have too much time to reflect."

 

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Robben's father calms serious injury fears

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben will be ready to return to team training within the next week, according to his father.

A thigh injury has seen the 31-year-old miss the Bundesliga champions' last three matches, as well as the two Netherlands friendly matches with France and England.Reports in Germany have suggested Robben will be sidelined until at least the middle of April, meaning he would miss both legs of Bayern's Champions League quarter-final with Benfica.

However, Hans Robben - who also acts as his son's agent - has moved to calm any fears of a long-term recovery.

"Arjen will start training again next week," he told NOS.Bayern resume their Bundesliga campaign against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday before next Tuesday's home leg with Benfica.

 

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Valencia sack Gary Neville

Valencia have sacked Gary Neville and named Pako Ayestaran as their new head coach until the end of the season.

Neville was appointed on December 2 but failed to win any of his first nine matches in charge in La Liga and also suffered elimination from the Copa del Rey and Europa League.

Valencia have lost their last three matches in the league after a brief upturn in form in February and sit in 14th place in the Spanish top flight, six points clear of the relegation zone.

"After carefully analysing the sporting situation, the Club has decided to make this change in the best interests of Valencia ahead of the end of the current season," a club statement reads.

"The Club is grateful for Gary Neville's work and wish him the best of luck for the future."

The job at Mestalla was Neville's first in management, with the former Manchester United right-back also occupying a role as an England assistant coach.

He has most prominently worked as a pundit on Sky Sports following his retirement and is a co-owner of English non-league side Salford City, along with Valencia owner Peter Lim.

"I would like to thank Valencia Football Club, the fans, staff and the players," Neville said in a statement.

"I would have liked to have continued the work I started but understand that we are in a results business and in the 28 games they have not been to my standards or to those which are required by this club."

Ayestaran returned to Valencia to assist Neville in February having previously worked at the club under Rafael Benitez and now takes over until the end of the season.

The 53-year-old helped to guide Los Che to two league titles and the Uefa Cup between 2001 and 2004 before joining Benitez at Liverpool, where they won the Champions League together.