..::Football III::..

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'Mourinho wanted to come to Barcelona' - Laporta

Joan Laporta says Jose Mourinho is a fan of Barcelona and wanted to join the Catalan side, but that Pep Guardiola was a better option for the club.

The former Barca president, who was in charge between 2003-2010, insists the current Chelsea boss was on the Catalan giants' radar during Laporta's presidency, but that Guardiola's style of management fit better with the Liga champions' philosophy.

“Mourinho is a little bit of a Culé and he wanted to come to Barcelona, but it wasn't possible because we had decided to sign Guardiola as coach," he told El Pais.

Laporta's feud with Sandro Rosell was once again highlighted, with the 51-year-old branding the current Barca president as "neurotic and immature" only last month.

Now, he says Rosell's handling of Guardiola, the man who won 14 titles in four years at the club, was an important factor behind the coach's exit from the Catalan side, and also spoke of his own respect for Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez.

“I respect Florentino, and I’m not a friend of the current Barcelona chairman Rosell because all he has done has hurt me since he arrived," he continued.

“He [Guardiola] was forced to take up roles that weren’t in his remit. Pep had a lot of character and Rosell and his group weren't interested in that. Moreover, he reminded them too much of our term [Laporta's presidency] at Barcelona.”

Laporta also gave his thoughts on new €57 million signing Neymar, who had to accept starting on the bench before coming on against Santos, as Barcelona thrashed his former club 8-0 in Gerardo Martino's debut as coach.

He added: “Neymar is very talented and I like that he has come to support the team and Messi. However, I also hope that Leo feels as comfortable as possible."

 

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'Dortmund can stop Bayern Munich' – Low

Borussia Dortmund are the only team who can stand in the way of Bayern Munich securing back-to-back Bundesliga titles, according to Germany coach Joachim Low.

Bayern beat Jurgen Klopp's men in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League final, and added the DFB Pokal in a memorable treble-winning season under former coach Jupp Heynckes.

However, Pep Guardiola's new side were stunned 4-2 last month by BVB in the German Super Cup, which Low believes shows Dortmund have enough quality to challenge die Roten this season.

“BVB are the only club strong enough to defy Bayern,” Low told Bild am Sonntag.

The 53-year-old stated that some of Germany’s other top sides, such as Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart and Schalke, were “well positioned”, however, any real title challenge was only going to come from die Schwarzgelben.

Low also says despite the tag as heavy favourites, Guardiola will be more than capable of dealing with the club's expectations.

“He has clear ideas, a clear playing philosophy and he will bring that to Bayern,” Low added.

“Guardiola will cope with the pressure. He was the coach of Barcelona and expectations do not get any higher than at that club.”

Despite both Bayern and Dortmund strengthening over the summer with new additions, Low does not think this will herald the arrival of Bundesliga dominance in European football.

He added: "It would be naive to believe that German clubs are now the most dominant in Europe."

 

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Bayern battered but Sahin seeks improvement at Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund may have won the DFL-Supercup against Bayern Munich and comfortably secured their passage through to the DFB-Pokal second round, but Nuri Sahin insists they still have not reached their full potential.Jurgen Klopp's men exacted revenge against Bayern, who they beat 4-2 last month to claim the first silverware of the season, while a 3-0 victory over Wilhelmshaven on Saturday ensured the winning feeling continued at Signal Iduna Park.

But Real Madrid-owned Sahin, who rejoined BVB in January following an unsuccessful loan stint at Liverpool, believes there is still room for improvement, starting against Augsburg in their Bundesliga opener this upcoming weekend."We're heading very much in the right direction," he told the Bundesliga's official website."I'm looking forward to everything, to every competition.

"We hit a good run of form at the end of last season, but we need to become even more effective - conceding fewer goals and in the best case scenario, scoring more as well."

Sahin made 15 appearances for Dortmund last term, scoring three goals.

 

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AC Milan 0-2 Chelsea: Blues set up ICC final clash with Real Madrid

Chelsea will meet Real Madrid in the final of International Champions Cup after a 2-0 win over AC Milan at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.Kevin De Bruyne gave Chelsea a deserved lead in the first half before summer signing Andre Schurrle finished Milan off with a stunning volley in second-half additional time.



Milan shaded the possession in the opening half but Chelsea, with De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Oscar at the forefront, hit the Italians consistently on the counter, creating several dangerous attacks.Chelsea made seven changes at half-time and while Milan enjoyed large amounts possession in attacking areas, Jose Mourinho's men defended valiantly and prevented the Italians from getting back into the game.

An unlikely source nearly secured Chelsea an early lead with Branislav Ivanovic back-heeling De Bruyne's cross into the body of Milan keeper Christian Abbiati before flashing a header wide from Oscar's free-kick.Milan created their first chance after 14 minutes as the skilful Stephan El Shaarawy split the Chelsea defence but Kevin Prince-Boateng could only cut inside and fire into the stands.

With Mario Balotelli ineffective and frustrated at the point of attack, El Shaarawy ran the show and his delightful chip into the area was well controlled by Sulley Muntari, whose poke towards goal was parried by Petr Cech and cleared by Ivanovic.Mourinho's side absorbed the Milan possession and then sprung counter-attacks with a Belgian combination securing the opener as Hazard slipped through De Bruyne, who easily sent Abbiati the wrong way in the 29th minute.

Milan looked much more dangerous in the second half after the introduction of M'Baye Niang and if it was not for desperate defending, the Frenchman could have found the equaliser on several occasions.Substitute Victor Moses was lively for Chelsea in the second half but continued to waste opportunities when he found himself with space on the right before redeeming himself in the latter stages.

As the players tired, the game became end-to-end with Fernando Torres getting on the end of a number of passes in dangerous areas but either failed to get a shot on target or mis-placed the pass to a team-mate in a scoring position.Schuerrle, who came on in the 69th minute, missed two golden chances before his sweet volley from Moses' cross sealed the contest.

With Chelsea moving to the final to meet Real Madrid at the Sun Life Stadium on Wednesday, Milan will front up in the match before against the Los Angeles Galaxy to decide who finishes third in the tournament.

 

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Valencia 4-0 Inter: Life after Soldado not so bad as los Che cruise past Inter

Valencia showed they can still compete at a high level without Roberto Soldado as they eased their way to a comfortable victory over Inter in the Guinness International Champions Cup.

Ever Banega opened the scoring after seven minutes and los Che didn't look back, with two goals from Jonathan Viera and one from Jonas securing the victory which they fully deserved.

Miroslav Djukic's men now face Everton in the final game of the tournament to decide fifth place before their opening La Liga encounter against Malaga on August 17.

And, while Valencia are on the verge of losing Soldado to Tottenham in a €30 million deal, it is Inter, who finished ninth in Serie A last season - their worst finish in 19 years - who will be more concerned having been completely outplayed in this match.

The Nerazzurri lost 2-0 in their opening encounter to Chelsea in the ICC Cup and this game did not make for much better viewing for head coach Walter Mazzarri, whose side lethargic start would prove costly against the Liga outfit.

Banega blasted a poor free-kick over the bar, but less than 60 seconds later he made amends in stunning fashion on seven minutes.

The Argentine won the ball 25 yards from goal and, despite an absence of space, was able to fire an effort into the top right-hand corner that had Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic clutching at thin air.

He then almost scored again moments later with another piece of sumptuous play, but Handanovic was up to the task on this occasion, while at the other end Fredy Guarin saw an effort fizz just wide, in a rare moment of respite for the Italians.

However, Valencia doubled their lead before the break when a corner was not cleared properly and fell to the excellent Viera, who lashed an effort at goal that deflected off Marco Andreolli's head and in.

Rodrigo Palacio almost grabbed an immediate response for Mazzarri's men but shot just over from inside the penalty area.

Inter made two changes at the break in an attempt to stem Valencia's flow, with Andrea Ranocchia and Ricky Alvarez introduced for Chivu and Pereira.

But the switch would prove to be futile as Francisco Alcacer hit the post with an early header, which was tipped onto the woodwork by Handanovic, before substitute Jonas grabbed los Che's third.

Again Viera was instrumental, with his ball setting up Jonas, who rounded Handanovic before tapping into an empty net.

Juan Jesus also picked up a yellow card in the aftermath, having clipped the Brazilian as he scored.

Valencia had the ball in the net again not long after, only for Joao Pereira's effort to be ruled out for offside.

And, although substitute Mauro Icardi then went close for Inter, it was not the Italian side's day, as Viera inflicted more hurt on the Nerazzurri, by grabbing his second, tapping in a rebound after Jonas' effort was saved.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Anthima tike match 1ka change wela thiyenne.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea Vs Real Madrid ICC Cup final 1kak nedaPatta gemek yai

 

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Andre Villas-Boas says Real Madrid target Gareth Bale is not for sale


ottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas says Gareth Bale is not for sale and feels Carlo Ancelotti was wrong to go public with his desire to sign Gareth Bale.The Bale saga has dominated the summer headlines, and although the Spurs boss insists no move is imminent, he was again forced to answer questions about the Welshman's future after their 5-2 friendly defeat by Monaco.

Bale was not involved in that match because of injury but Real are keen to wrap up a possible world-record deal for the 24-year-old before the start of the season and Ancelotti revealed talks were underway earlier in the week."These rumours of an imminent transfer are not true. The only thing we have communicated with Real Madrid is that he is our player and he is not for sale.

"Gareth is a guy I really like. We are talking with Real Madrid because there is respect between the two clubs following the transfer last season of Luka Modric.
"We are building a great team for next season. We envisage the future with Gareth. But we know that in football anything is possible."

When asked if he felt Ancelotti was in the wrong, Villas-Boas said: "I think so, in my opinion."Carlo is a person I appreciate a lot and we have great respect for each other, but bearing in mind this situation they have decided to make it public.

"Normally in situations like this it is scrutinised by the Football Association with lots of care and attention. We have seen lots of people speak about a player that is not theirs and we are due some respect."

 

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Villas-Boas comments disappoint Gareth Bale

Real Madrid have made it clear that they are keen to sign the Welshman and are believed to be willing to pay what would be a world record transfer fee.However, Villas-Boas said after Saturday's friendly defeat to Monaco: "These rumours of an imminent transfer are not true.

"The only thing we have communicated with Real Madrid is that he is our player and he is not for sale."Bale has not made yet made his feelings public but Sky Sports reporter Amy Lewis said: "I've been speaking to a source close to Gareth Bale, who says that Bale is both unhappy and disappointed by the comments his manager made in that interview. In particular, that he is not for sale.

"Gareth Bale missed the match with Monaco yesterday because of a foot injury and I've been told it's unlikely he'll take part in training next week."A lot has been said about how much Madrid would be willing to pay for Bale. I've simply been told it's a world record fee, so upwards of £80m.

"It's not clear whether Bale will put in a transfer request but the source is still pretty confident that the player will be moving to Real Madrid. Nothing is imminent though."

 

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Thawath aluth week 1kak,thamath 1ka sign 1kakwath karagatthe naha

 

[rcccc]

Chelsea Vs Real Madrid ICC Cup final 1kak nedaPatta gemek yai

 

[unicornx]

Ancelotti vs Mou

 

[unicornx]

CR7 Reply at Mou

Cristiano Ronaldo: Mourinho's comments don't deserve an answer
"There are certain things in life that are not even worth commenting on," the Madrid attacker said at a press conference when questioned about Mourinho's remarks.

"I will not say anything else about it for obvious reasons. I have always respected all my coaches and learned from them.

"I have gotten used to people saying bad things about me. As we say in Portugal: 'I do not spit on the plate I'm eating from.' That's all I want to say about it."

Ronaldo was also questioned about the potential arrival of Gareth Bale from Tottenham, but remained coy on the Welshman's proposed transfer.

"I have my opinion about Bale, but I will not go public with it", he added. "These kind of issues are not my responsibility. I do not talk about new signings or player issues."

The prolific forward then went on to discuss his contract renewal with Madrid and hinted that there could be new developments shortly.

"I still haven't signed a new deal," Ronaldo continued. "The situation is yet to be resolved. It's not the right moment to discuss this. I might have some concrete news later on.

"I cannot confirm that I will retire at Madrid. I don't know what my future looks like. I'm a Madrid player for now and happy here."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

CR7 Reply at Mou

Cristiano Ronaldo: Mourinho's comments don't deserve an answer
"There are certain things in life that are not even worth commenting on," the Madrid attacker said at a press conference when questioned about Mourinho's remarks.

"I will not say anything else about it for obvious reasons. I have always respected all my coaches and learned from them.

"I have gotten used to people saying bad things about me. As we say in Portugal: 'I do not spit on the plate I'm eating from.' That's all I want to say about it."

Ronaldo was also questioned about the potential arrival of Gareth Bale from Tottenham, but remained coy on the Welshman's proposed transfer.

"I have my opinion about Bale, but I will not go public with it", he added. "These kind of issues are not my responsibility. I do not talk about new signings or player issues."

The prolific forward then went on to discuss his contract renewal with Madrid and hinted that there could be new developments shortly.

"I still haven't signed a new deal," Ronaldo continued. "The situation is yet to be resolved. It's not the right moment to discuss this. I might have some concrete news later on.

"I cannot confirm that I will retire at Madrid. I don't know what my future looks like. I'm a Madrid player for now and happy here."

'I do not spit on the plate I'm eating from.'

 

[unicornx]

Mou: "I coached Ronaldo, not this one, the real one: Brazilian Ronaldo."

CR: "I don't spit in the
dish I've eaten from."

Classic reply!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mou: "I coached Ronaldo, not this one, the real one: Brazilian Ronaldo."

CR: "I don't spit in the
dish I've eaten from."

Classic reply!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea's second Rooney bid rejected

Manchester United have confirmed a second bid from Chelsea for striker Wayne Rooney has been rejected.

Rooney, 27, is the number one transfer target for returning Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho but he has seen his latest offer, believed to be in the region of £30 million, knocked back.The Daily Telegraph originally reported of the second bid from the Blues, before United confirmed the report on Monday morning.A United spokesman told Press Association Sport: "A bid was received yesterday and immediately rejected. Our position remains that he is not for sale."

It comes just under three weeks after Chelsea had their first bid rejected, with the club denying they had offered David Luiz or Juan Mata in part exchange.
New United manager David Moyes has continually insisted the England international is not for sale and it could now be up to the player to submit a formal transfer request if he is to force through a move to Stamford Bridge.

The Times claims that Rooney could make his desire to leave Old Trafford official before the end of the week. So far he has been silent on Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that he asked to leave United at the end of last season as well as the summer transfer speculation and links with a move to Chelsea.Mourinho has made it clear that the former Everton forward would become the focal point of a new-look Chelsea attack and Rooney, who has become disenchanted at the Premier League champions, has reportedly decided that his future is in London.

Rooney is pencilled in to make his return from a hamstring injury, which has so far wiped out his pre-season preparation, against Swedish side AIK Solna.

 

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Roberto Soldado completes his move from Valencia to Tottenham

Tottenham have completed the signing of Roberto Soldado from Valencia after the striker passed a medical at White Hart Lane.

Soldado has become Tottenham's most expensive player, arriving from Spain for around £26m.The Spain international is expected to make his debut against familliar opposition, when Spurs host Espanyol on 10 August.

A statement from Tottenham read: "We're delighted to confirm the signing of Roberto Soldado from Valencia after successfully completing his medical."Soldado began his career at Real Madrid, but three years ago he moved back to his hometown club, where he scored 30 goals in 46 games last season.

The capture of Soldado means Spurs have broken their transfer record twice in four weeks, with Paulinho's £17m arrival in July eclipsing the £16m fee the club paid for Luka Modric in 2008.

 

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Roberto Soldado completes his move from Valencia to Tottenham

Tottenham have completed the signing of Roberto Soldado from Valencia after the striker passed a medical at White Hart Lane.

Soldado has become Tottenham's most expensive player, arriving from Spain for around £26m.The Spain international is expected to make his debut against familliar opposition, when Spurs host Espanyol on 10 August.

A statement from Tottenham read: "We're delighted to confirm the signing of Roberto Soldado from Valencia after successfully completing his medical."Soldado began his career at Real Madrid, but three years ago he moved back to his hometown club, where he scored 30 goals in 46 games last season.

The capture of Soldado means Spurs have broken their transfer record twice in four weeks, with Paulinho's £17m arrival in July eclipsing the £16m fee the club paid for Luka Modric in 2008.

 

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Congratulations Soldado!