..::Football III::..

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I still have a few years left in me, insists Rooney

Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney believes he still has a lot to offer for both club and country amid doubts over his future ahead of Euro 2016.

Sidelined with knee ligament damage since February, Rooney's position in the England team has come under threat as Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy starred in March's international friendlies.

With Kane and Vardy, as well as Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge, leading a new generation, many fans and pundits believe Rooney - England's all-time leading goalscorer - does not warrant a starting berth at Euro 2016 in France.But the 30-year-old, who watched United beat Everton 1-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, has no plans to walk away any time soon.

"I've still got a few years left I feel," Rooney said in an interview with the PFA's 4 The Player magazine which is set to be published on Monday."I'll keep trying to, first and foremost, help the team be successful and if I can score the goals to help achieve that then that'll be great.

"Over the last two years my form for England has been really good, I've scored a lot of goals. The record stood for more than 40 years so to be the one to break it means a lot – and then for Sir Bobby [Charlton] to present me with the award as well, that makes it even more special.

"But it's something I'm looking to expand now, I've got the record and I just want to carry on scoring as many goals as I can."Rooney added: "I was playing really well before that injury so it could've been different but that's in the past and you have to look forward.

"I think I'm a different player now to what I was then so I don't compare myself – I'm always just thinking about what comes next and making sure I'm at my best for the summer."

 

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LA Liga 2016.04.04 Fixture

LA Liga 2016.04.04 Fixture

Levante Vs Sporting Gijon​

 

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Serie A 2016.04.04 Fixture

Serie A 2016.04.04 Fixture

Bologna Vs Sporting Gijon​

 

[Alucard_SxE]

Ow bro Kapaweemai Talent 1kai thiyanawanam karanna bari deyak naha:​

ape hoda coachesla ne. football walata unandu aya tikai inne. government eken support madi.
Football practices waladi therumak nathi dewal karanne. Hoda playersla welawakata aluth ayata pass karanne ne. Physically fit madi. Improve karanna nam mulinma coacheslawa hadala ganna one.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Bruyne: City can win Champions League

Manchester City are capable of winning their first Champions League title this season, according to attacker Kevin De Bruyne.

City are making their maiden quarter-final appearance in the Champions League as they prepare to travel to Paris Saint-Germain for Wednesday's first leg.

While City have claimed two Premier League titles since the Abu Dhabi United Group purchased the club in 2008, lifting the Champions League trophy has been the goal for the cashed-up owners and De Bruyne believes their dreams could be realised come May, before Manuel Pellegrini is replaced by Pep Guardiola.

"It's a tournament, so you never know. If the team plays at its best then we always have a chance," said De Bruyne after scoring on his return from injury as City crushed AFC Bournemouth 4-0 on Saturday.

"If you want to win it then you have to win against the big teams also."PSG have only lost one of their past 25 homes matches in all competitions but De Bruyne does not feel an away goal will be vital heading back to Manchester."It depends. Everyone maybe has a different view because if you get a 0-0 over there it can also be good," the Belgium international said.

"I think our team always creates chances, I think we are not a defensive team, so I don't think that’s the main issue. We'll see what happens."

 

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Wenger: Arsenal are mentally pure

Arsene Wenger hailed his Arsenal team's "pure" mentality and wants his side to go on and challenge for the Premier League title.

Arsenal returned from the international break in emphatic fashion, putting four goals past Watford on Saturday to keep their title hopes alive.

Wenger's men are 11 points behind leaders Leicester City but have a game in hand as the season winds to a close. And the Frenchman believes Arsenal are still a real chance of challenging Leicester until the very end.

"We have only one target now," the 66-year-old affirmed. "We have come through difficult periods and the team who finishes top is the team who can continue to perform and get results even when the period is a bit more difficult.

"This team has a good mentality. I’ve had many teams in my life and this team is top quality. They have gone through a bad period but, when you play like that [against Watford], that shows that mentally they are pure.

"You have to find a team who clicks at the right moment. You have a whole lot of different reasons [for it happening], because your injured players come back like [Danny] Welbeck and because of the emergence of players like [Alex] Iwobi."Arsenal's next test is at West Ham, who are fighting for a top-four finish and a spot in the Champions League next season, on Saturday.

 

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Ancelotti: Zidane changed the way I saw football


Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Zinedine Zidane changed the way he thought about the game, prompting a tactical shift that dramatically altered the course of his coaching career.

The Italian manager took charge of Juventus in 1999, intent on using his preferred 4-4-2 formation in Turin.

However, Ancelotti quickly realised that Zidane was a special talent and that the only way to accommodate the French trequartista in his starting line-up would be to switch to a 4-3-1-2.

The formation change failed to yield any trophies during the former Italy international's two-season stint with the Bianconeri but Ancelotti's 4-3-1-2 formation proved incredibly successful with his next club, AC Milan, with whom he won eight trophies in eight years.
Consequently, Ancelotti feels that he owes Zidane, whom he later employed as his assistant coach at Real Madrid, a huge debt of gratitude.

"The first time that I met Zinedine Zidane was in the first year in Juventus and I found a fantastic player," the 56-year-old told Goal.

"Zidane was the key for me to change my idea of football because I was always used to playing 4-4-2.

"At Juventus I changed my system, to play a player like him behind two strikers because I didn’t want to change the position. He was really fantastic."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Martial proud of landmark Manchester United goal

Anthony Martial spoke of his pride after scoring Manchester United's 1,000th Old Trafford goal in the Premier League era during Sunday's 1-0 win over Everton.

The France forward, 20, turned home Timothy Fosu-Mensah's cross to earn United a fourth consecutive home win and keep their hopes of Champions League football next season alive.

Manager Louis van Gaal hailed Martial's talent after the win and for the former Monaco star it was a particularly important strike given the landmark he achieved.

"Really proud to have scored @ManUtd 1000th @premierleague [goal] yesterday. Thanks again for your great support! #manchester," he wrote on Twitter.
Martial has scored eight goals in 25 Premier League appearances since joining from Monaco in September.

 

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Bayern will not play Lewandowski contract games, says Rummmenigge

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is confident Robert Lewandowski's long-term future lies at Bayern Munich and refuses to be drawn on speculation the Poland international could be on the move.

Recent reports suggest the prolific attacker is close to signing a contract renewal, but Cezary Kucharski - one of Lewandowski's representatives - has previously claimed Real Madrid are interested in signing the striker.Bayern have no interest in playing games, though, and remain confident the 27-year-old will stay put.

"I am not commenting on Lewandowski's potential renewal," club chief executive Rummenigge told Kicker.

"We are not joining his agent [in playing] games."Taking a look at his contract length gives us reasons to be relaxed about the future."Lewandowski's deal with Bayern runs until June 2019.

The striker has been in superb form for the Bundesliga champions this campaign, scoring 36 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions.

 

[awjas2621]

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Antonio Conte confirmed as new Chelsea manager

Antonio Conte is the new manager of Chelsea, the club have confirmed, with the Italy boss ending months of speculation by finally penning terms in London on Monday.

The 46-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year contract but will not take charge of the club until after the European Championship in France this summer, where he is looking to guide the Azzurri to only their second continental win.

Chelsea have been looking for a long-term successor to Jose Mourinho since the Portuguese was sacked in December, with popular interim boss Guus Hiddink unwilling to take on the job permanently.

"I am very excited about the prospect of working at Chelsea," Conte told the club's official website. "I am proud to be the coach of the national team of my country and only a role as attractive as manager of Chelsea could follow that.

"I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the club and the day-to-day challenge of competing in the Premier League.
"Chelsea and English football are watched wherever you go, the fans are passionate and my ambition is to have more success to follow the victories I enjoyed in Italy.

"I am happy we have made the announcement now so everything is clear and we can end the speculation. I will continue to focus on my job with the Italian national team and will reserve speaking about Chelsea again until after the Euros."

The Blues are unbeaten in the Premier League since Hiddink took over - their 15-game streak is the longest undefeated run in the division this season - and still have a slim chance of qualifying for Europe.

The lack of Champions League football has not put Conte off, however, with the Italian beating off competition from the likes of Copa America-winning coach Jorge Sampaoli to land the Stamford Bridge job.
Conte arrives in England with a hugely impressive CV, having won the Scudetto in three consecutive seasons with Juventus between 2011 and 2014 and helping lay the foundations for the Old Lady's recent dominance of Italian football.

He fared less well in the cup competitions, however, losing the Coppa Italia final to Napoli and failing to progress further than the quarter-finals of the Champions League - even crashing out at the group stage in his final season at the club.

After replacing Cesare Prandelli as Italy manager two years ago, Conte oversaw an unbeaten qualification campaign for Euro 2016, though he will step down to take charge of Chelsea after this summer's tournament.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Conte!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Luis Enrique: Clasico defeat will give Barcelona 'extra motivation' against Atletico

Luis Enrique hopes Barcelona's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid on Saturday can serve as motivation when they host Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

The Catalans' 39-match unbeaten run came to an end following Cristiano Ronaldo's late winner at Camp Nou and the head coach wants them to bounce back in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

"We almost didn't remember anymore how it felt to lose. I hope it can be an extra motivation to win again. I hope all my players can step it up a notch in the final stretch of the season because we will need it," Luis Enrique said at a media conference.

"We put in a good performance against Madrid for 60 minutes. We lacked precision after the 1-1. But we should take into account Madrid are a serious rival. I have blind faith in my players. It would be wrong to only focus on the result.

"Atletico are a team of the highest level. That's why they are here in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. They are able to compete with Barcelona and Madrid for a reason despite not having the same financial resources.

"Our goal is to beat Atleti and ideally without conceding. Atletico are a team that have several options. They can sit back, but can also press high up the pitch. Plus they are at a consistently high level for 90 minutes. They are a very complete team."

Barcelona have won their last six games against Atletico Madrid in all competitions.

 

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Conte will want to keep Terry at Chelsea , says Wilkins

Chelsea's new head coach Antonio Conte will want to keep captain John Terry due to his experience, Ray Wilkins has suggested.

Conte has signed a three-year deal to replace interim manager Guus Hiddink at Chelsea and will take over after leaving his current role as Italy's national team coach after Euro 2016.

Wilkins, a former Chelsea player and coach, feels the former Juventus boss will want to learn from Terry - who has announced his intention to leave at the end of the season - about life at Stamford Bridge and is likely to try and keep the 35-year-old.

Wilkins also backed Conte's credentials to succeed in the job as the club look to recover from a disappointing 2015-16 season."John Terry is an exceptional player and he will be for a couple of years, whether he is at Chelsea or elsewhere," Wilkins told Sky Sports."Antonio will want his experience and will want to pick his brains about what he is coming into.

"I think it's probably the best kept secret that hasn't been kept, that [Conte] will be coming. He's done exceptionally well at Juventus so there is no reason to suggest he won't do well at Chelsea.

"He's a youthful, energetic character and there is no reason to suggest he won't do a good job. This year they've had a torrid time and it's not been pleasant to watch at times but Antonio comes in with a clean sheet.

"He's very keen on the European scene is [club owner Roman] Abramovich but they have to compete for the Premier League too. Titles are important for a club like Chelsea - the Premier League is their bread and butter."Wilkins advised Conte to retain the services of Steve Holland and Eddie Newton on his coaching team when he takes the reins at Chelsea, as well as continuing to blood young talent.

"It's a difficult situation. Steve [Holland] has done a fantastic job at Stamford Bridge, as has Eddie Newton," Wilkins said. "It's very important you don't lose that stability. Holland and Newton are a big part of Chelsea.

"Chelsea have spent a lot of money on the academy and we have seen a lot of young men come into the side and I'd like to see that continue under Conte, as you never know how they will perform until they get a chance."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Shaw returns to light training with Manchester United

Luke Shaw returned to light training with Manchester United on Monday, just over six months since breaking his leg against PSV in the Champions League.

England left-back Shaw suffered a double fracture in his right leg after a heavy challenge from PSV defender Hector Moreno in United's 2-1 defeat at the Philips Stadion in September.

United manager Louis van Gaal has been keen to talk up Shaw's chances of recovering in time for the end of the season and even Euro 2016, with England boss Roy Hodgson also saying recently that the former Southampton man would be considered for a spot, as club-mate Wayne Rooney will be despite his injury absence.

Van Gaal confirmed last week that Shaw would return to action at United's Carrington base with the club's medical staff, but a return to full training is yet to be decided.

When asked if Shaw could play his part in United's run-in, and a possible FA Cup final appearance, Van Gaal said: "I am still saying that to him! I hope for him but it shall be very difficult."

The presence of Shaw on Monday had at least one team-mate in a good mood, Juan Mata posting on Instagram: "My friend @lukeshaw23 just came in from running out on the pitch! Getting closer."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi, Suarez and Neymar not machines - Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique has defended Barcelona's attacking trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in the wake of their underwhelming performance in the 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Saturday.

The Catalans' front three have played a major role in their successful 2015-16 campaign so far, scoring 107 goals in all competitions, but they were unable to make the difference at the weekend.However, Luis Enrique was in no mood to blame the forward trio following the Clasico defeat.

"Messi, Suarez and Neymar are the best in the world, but they are not machines," Luis Enrique said at Monday's press conference."Our attackers are of the highest level, but that does not mean Barcelona are unbeatable.

"What we have achieved is not solely down to them and neither are they to blame when things don't go our way.

"Our attacking trident is in good shape."Arda Turan also received his fair share of criticism in the wake of Barcelona's defeat, with the Turkey international coming off the bench to replace Ivan Rakitic with the score still 1-1, but Luis Enrique refused to criticise the midfielder, too.

"It would be silly to blame the defeat on one player," he added."We cannot blame individuals when we lose. Arda came on at the worst possible moment. Madrid would have scored without him as well. He gives us a lot of quality and rarely loses possession.

"It is true that not everybody adapts at the same speed, but he has adapted and knows how we play."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Simeone: One minute on the pitch will be a lifetime against Barcelona

Diego Simeone is confident Atletico Madrid know what to expect from Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday but noted "one minute on the pitch will be a lifetime" for his players.Atletico travel to Camp Nou on Tuesday for the first leg of the all-Spanish quarter-final against the Liga leaders, who have a six-point lead over Simeone's men in the title race.

Simeone anticipates a gruelling encounter across the two matches, and expects the 'MSN' trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez to be decisive in deciding the tie.

"Both teams know each other very well, so I don't think there is much room for surprise," Simeone said in his pre-match news conference. "They play a specific type of football and they play spectacularly well under Luis Enrique.

"I don't think Barcelona's [Clasico] defeat by Real Madrid [on Saturday] will affect our game. We always expect the best of Barcelona. They will definitely be up for it, playing at home. They are strong, tough opponents."We are used to seeing the 'MSN', with all the individual qualities that make Barcelona even better.

"Hopefully they will face the best of us as well. It is important that all my players understand that one minute on the pitch will be a lifetime."Stefan Savic will return to boost Atletico's injury-ravaged squad, while captain Diego Godin is set to start alongside him after recovering from a thigh injury.

"I worked hard so I could return as soon as possible and be fit for tomorrow," said Godin. "I'm 100 per cent ready for tomorrow."I am really looking forward to this game and I would love to win this tie. We are all thrilled about playing in this competition.

"We are in a different place compared to the matches we played against them two years ago in the Champions League. "Today everything is different, it's just another challenge and we are really looking forward to this challenge."

 

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Ferguson reveals how David de Gea got Manchester United over Neuer

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that David de Gea's brilliant potential earned him a place at Manchester United, beating out fellow candidate Manuel Neuer.

The former Schalke goalkeeper went on to move to Bayern Munich, and has lifted both the Champions League and World Cup so far in what has been a brilliant career.

But Ferguson admitted that he plumped for De Gea to replace the retiring Edwin Van der Sar on his goalkeeping coach's advice, and has never regretted the decision.

“Eric Steele had been scouting David de Gea for quite a while, but then Neuer came on the scene at Schalke. And I think Schalke would've been happy if we'd have gone and taken him," Sir Alex said to Sky Sports.

“So my problem was Eric, because he was adamant that we must take De Gea. I said 'but Eric, the boy Neuer is the complete unit; he's mature, his physique is unbelievable', and he says 'yeah, but in three years' time, De Gea will be better'.
“I said ‘that’s a statement’."

According to the Old Trafford legend, one visit to see De Gea star for Atletico Madrid was enough to convince him. “Eric and I went out to watch him (De Gea) against Valencia away, and the things he'd been speaking about - his agility, his confidence, his speed - were evident," he recalled.
“And Eric had been building a relationship with his parents, and was so adamant, that I had to trust him - and I'm glad I did, because he was right.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Herrera: Man United are better than City right now

Manchester United's Ander Herrera has raised the temperature in the battle for the last Champions League spot, affirming that his club are currently playing better than rivals Manchester City.

A 1-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium last month revitalised United's quest to grab fourth place.

With seven games remaining the club lie just one point behind City; and Herrera believes the momentum is with them.

“I think the last game [against City] showed that we are a little bit better than them right now,” the Spaniard said.

“We beat them away in the Manchester derby so we can be optimistic."

The former Atletic star pointed out that the return of several injured first-teamers would give Louis Van Gaal's men a boost going into the final straight.

“Man City has a bigger squad – very good players - but I think right now we can fight against them. We are recovering some important players like Ash [Young], Antonio [Valencia], Phil Jones and Shaw," he said.

“They are going to help us and there is a lot of experience. It’s not going to be easy because City also want to be in the Champions League but I think we are ready to do it [finish in the top four].”

 

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Pique: Guardiola is like 'Godfather' Sir Alex Ferguson

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has compared Pep Guardiola with his former boss at Manchester United , Sir Alex Ferguson.

Guardiola is gearing up for his first taste of the Premier League, as he prepares to take the reins at Manchester City at the end of the seasonAnd in an interview conducted by former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand on BT Sport , Pique was asked to compare the manager he left at Old Trafford with the boss he found when he returned to Barca in 2008.

"When I was at Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson was already 20 years as the coach of Manchester United, so he took the position of the coach in a different style than Guardiola," he explained.

"Guardiola was really young, it was his first year as a first-team coach and he was really intense every training, you cannot imagine."The centre-back went on to reveal that while the veteran manager was not involved in the day-to-day grind, his presence was always felt.

"Sir Alex Ferguson, when I was there I remember [Carlos] Queiroz was the guy who took training, he [Ferguson] was like more outside, controlling everything, taking a different position."

Ferdinand interjected to suggest: "Like the godfather?"Pique continued: "Exactly. And Guardiola was like every day, he was there, but both of them you can see their careers. I think they're both>