..::Football III::..

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Muller delighted with hat-trick in Bayern rout

Thomas Muller has voiced his delight at netting a hat-trick as holders Bayern Munich smashed Schwarz-Weiss Rehden 5-0 in the DFB-Pokal on Monday.

Switzerland international Xherdan Shaqiri opened the scoring after 18 minutes before Muller bagged his first in the 45th minute.

And the German claimed his hat-trick in the first 20 minutes of the second half with two more goals before Dutchman Arjen Robben put the finishing touches on the big win with a late strike.

"We’re satisfied with the 5-0 result and I'm delighted I scored a couple of goals," said Muller after the match. "We're in good shape and heading in the right direction.”

Coach Pep Guardiola also expressed his satisfaction with the result after Bundesliga sides Werder Bremen, Borussia Monchengladbach, Nurnberg and Eintracht Braunschweig all exited the competition at the first hurdle on Sunday.

“Cup ties are always dangerous. Four Bundesliga clubs were knocked out yesterday," he said.

"I'm aware of which club I’ve joined, we have to win every match, but that's normal. People always want more. I accept the pressure. We've only been together seven weeks so we still have to improve a lot.”

 

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Del Piero: Juventus are in pole position for the Scudetto

Alessandro Del Piero believes Juventus are in "pole position" to record a third-successive Serie A title this season.

The Bianconeri retained their crown with a nine-point gap to second-placed Napoli last term, and former club favourite Del Piero feels Antonio Conte's side are well-equipped for glory once more following their investment this summer - despite their poor form in pre-season.

"Juve are in pole position, because the defending champion always has the advantage of starting in front," he told Sky Sport 24. "The friendly defeats shouldn't worry them: you face teams who are further in their preparations, or who are competing in their league. Then there is the travelling.

"Juventus have great potential, and their new signings will not take long to express themselves at that level."

Del Piero, now 38, went on to express his enduring fondness for the Old Lady faithful and the Sydney FC forward hinted that this could be his last year before calling time on a glittering career.

"I lived 19 intense years there - they do not leave me," he continued.

"I often think back to the world of Juventus, especially that last day at Juventus stadium when we lifted the Scudetto, although the reception from the fans represented another trophy for me.

"I will never stop thanking those who were present that day.

"At my age, prospects are always short-term," he added. "It may be my last year, it may not - I'll decide after Christmas."

 

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Newcastle sign QPR striker Remy on season-long loan

Newcastle United have announced the signing of Loic Remy from Queens Park Rangers on a season-long loan.

The France international scored six goals in 14 appearances for the Loftus Road side last term, after moving to England for €9.3 million from Marseille at the turn of the year.

Remy is delighted with the switch to St James' Park, having been keen to carry on plying his trade in the Premier League following QPR's relegation to the Championship.

"It will be a huge honour to play for such a big club," he told the club's official website. "I was very flattered by the club's interest in me back in January and also very happy that they showed interest in me again this summer.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world and that's where I want to play."I am very motivated this year to get into the World Cup squad for my country. I know in order to do that I need to have a big season and a successful campaign with Newcastle United.

"I am focussed on helping the team achieve success this season and scoring as many goals as I can."Newly appointed director of football Joe Kinnear is pleased to have added more firepower to the squad ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.

"The need for us to strengthen up front was a priority and I have been working very hard to secure one of our targets in this position," Kinnear said.

"I'm delighted to have secured Loic for the season. Now we have him I'm sure he'll be a huge success for us; I know he's hungry for goals and is absolutely committed to helping us achieve success this season."

 

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Michel Bastos: I was forced to leave Lyon

New Al Ain midfielder Michel Bastos has claimed he was forced to leave previous club Olympique Lyonnais.

The Brazilian signed a three-year deal with the United Arab Emirates outfit after four years with the Ligue 1 side, although he spent the second half of last season on loan at Schalke.

The Bundesliga club declined the opportunity to sign him permanently, prompting his switch to Al Ain, and the 30-year-old insists he would sooner have prolonged his stay with Lyon but financial issues forced their hand.

"It was not possible to stay with Lyon. The problem did not come from me. I did not want to leave Lyon," he told RMC. "It was the president who told me he had some difficulties keeping certain players.

"I owe a lot to Lyon. I only left last year because it was Schalke. [President] Jean-Michel Aulas has always told me my return would be impossible for financial reasons. That's why I'm no longer in Lyon."

 

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Soldado wants to repay Tottenham faith with Champions League qualification

Roberto Soldado wants to repay Tottenham's faith in him by scoring the goals to help the club qualify for the Champions League.

Soldado passed a medical and completed his move to the north London club on Monday, after Spurs met his €30 million release clause at Valencia with a club record transfer fee.

The Spain international, who spent three years at the Mestalla and scored 81 goals in 141 matches, is now looking ahead to his debut Premier League season, in which he hopes to fire Spurs to a top four finish.

"I’m absolutely honoured to be at this club, to wear the shirt that has so much history," Soldado told Spurs TV. "I’m hoping that I can score lots of goals to repay the club’s kindness in signing me.

"Spurs is a great club and a club that deserves to be in the Champions League. I know it’s a hard league and we have to work and play to that level to get there and I will do my best for the team.

"My main aim is to get that number one striker shirt on the pitch and obviously, to score goals and try to get us into the Champions League, where we deserve to be.

"I’ve joined a great club with a lot of great players. As a group, including the new players, we’re looking to improve and our objective is to get Spurs to where we belong."

The 28-year-old could make his debut in Spurs' final pre-season game against Espanyol on Saturday and is eager to experience the atmosphere at White Hart Lane.

"I’m really looking forward to hopefully making my debut at White Hart Lane on Saturday," Soldado added.

"That’s one of the things at the heart of the Premier League, the fans of each team, that’s what keeps the team going. I can’t wait to experience that atmosphere.

"Espanyol is a team I know very well. It’s a team that ended the season very strongly in Spain, they have lots of good, young players and they are a dangerous team to play against."

 

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Tottenham thawa playersla gani Bale giyoth

 

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Bayern will find it tough to repeat success, says Shaqiri

Xherdan Shaqiri has warned that Bayern Munich will face a tough battle this season if they are to replicate their treble success of 2012-13.

Pep Guardiola's side were beaten 4-2 by Borussia Dortmund in the DFL Supercup last month, and although Shaqiri played down the significance of the loss, he believes the way in which their Bundesliga rivals have strengthened this summer will make for a difficult domestic campaign for Bayern.

"You can never put too much value into pre-season games, even if of course we didn't want to lose to Dortmund," he told Sport1.

"The other teams have strengthened, so we know it's not going to be an easy season, but we want to win the league and the DFB-Pokal, plus go as far as possible in the Champions League.

"What matters is that we play well at the start of the season, when there is something at stake, and that we pick up the points like last year. Of course it's going to be hard to repeat what we did last season, but we are a top club and we've also got to be able to show that."

Bayern take on BSV Schwarz Weiss Rehden in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on Monday

 

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Everton must be patient with Deulofeu, says Roberto Martinez

Roberto Martinez has told Everton fans to be patient with 19-year-old Barcelona loanee Gerard Deulofeu.

The Spanish winger, who caught the eye playing for the Camp Nou side's B team last season, featured for the Toffees for the first time as a substitute in a friendly defeat against Real Madrid on Saturday night.And after being impressed by his cameo against the Spanish giants, Martinez called for the Merseyside club's support to offer Deulofeu encouragement as he adapts to English football.

"We need to be patient as he's a young man, but in the same manner I think we can enjoy his quality," he told the club's official website.

“You saw a flash of his undoubtedly special talent [against Madrid]. He's decided to come to Everton and we need to look after him well.

"The warmth of our fans and Goodison will help him to grow, but clearly he's got the talent to help the team and we're really excited about Gerard's progress."

 

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Arteta hopeful of new Arsenal arrivals

Arsenal vice-captain Mikel Arteta is optimistic about the north London club's chances of securing new signings, though conceded the Gunners may have to play their Champions League qualifier as they are.

Arsene Wenger has been linked with a move for Liverpool's wantaway striker Luis Suarez throughout the summer, but the club's improved £42 million offer for the Uruguayan was rejected.

So far, Arsenal have only signed one player in the transfer window, France Under-20 starlet Yaya Sanogo, but Arteta is convinced the club will manage to pull off a major signing before the deadline passes.

“The club is working on that [a big-name signing],” Arteta told the Evening Standard. “It is in their hands and I am sure they are going to do it.

“If we can add something, we will do. But it’s very difficult to predict if something will be sorted out before we play in the Champions League qualifier.”

Arteta is adamant the club need to bring in new faces and welcome reinforcements, believing new signings can improve the squad and help them end an eight-year wait for silverware.

“If the club can target players who will improve the team they are going to be very welcome because that is what we want — a better team, better players to compete and win trophies,” added Arteta.

 

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Neymar will adapt quickly at Barcelona, says Iniesta

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta feels Neymar is "one of the best" and therefore will adapt quickly to his new surroundings at Camp Nou.

The forward completed a switch from Santos in a deal worth €57 million during the summer transfer window but, following his arrival in Spain, critics have questioned his ability to perform at the top level in Europe.

However, his experienced team-mate is certain the Brazil star, who Barca revealed suffers from anaemia, will be an instant success at the club.

"I don't think he will need much time to adjust," he told reporters in Bangkok, where Barca have arrived following their Peace Tour.

"When you're the best and you get to our team, you adapt quickly. Despite coming from another league, he will contribute much.

"His signing only brings positive things to us."

Iniesta also commented on Cesc Fabregas and his standing in the team, as the midfielder looks set to stay at Camp Nou with Manchester United having seemingly given up on the Spaniard.

"For me, he [Fabregas] is undisputed in this club," he continued.

"My team-mates are always the best and the important thing is that competition makes us all better, because ultimately the team are winning the titles, not the individuals.

"He is a key player for us, he always performed at the highest level and will continue to do so."

 

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Fletcher desperate for Rooney to stay at Manchester United

Darren Fletcher hopes that Wayne Rooney will stay at Manchester United amid interest from Chelsea.

The west London club had a second bid for the 27-year-old rejected on Monday, and the former Everton forward, who will miss United's pre-season trip to Sweden with a shoulder injury, has previously expressed his desire to leave.

Fletcher, who has only featured in 20 games in two years for the Premier League champions due to a bowel condition, is anxious that Rooney will leave Old Trafford but hopes he will reconsider his stance and remain at the club.

"You do worry he'll leave because he's a fantastic football player, but you leave that to Wayne and the club," Fletcher told Sky Sports.

"I hope he stays because he's been a fantastic player for Manchester United, and a big part [of their success].

"I hope he stays and achieves more things with Manchester United."

"In all he's achieved in the last 9/10 years since I've been in the squad, we've been in the squad together, so I hope he stays and achieves more things with Manchester United."

 

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Klopp: I always know what Kagawa's up to

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp says he has been kept informed about Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa's situation.

The 24-year-old, who played a major role in BVB's back-to-back Bundesliga wins in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons before making the switch to the Premier League giants, has recently stated that he could imagine returning to his former club in the future.

Meanwhile, Dortmund's supremo Hans-Joachim Watzke said the club would welcome the Japan star back again at some point and Klopp has now confirmed he is always in the picture about the player's situation.

"We still keep in touch," he told Bundesliga.com.

"It's a bit difficult to speak with him directly, largely because his German hasn't dramatically improved while he's been in England. Talking to him on the phone isn't what you'd call a piece of cake.

"But I'm in regular touch with his interpreter, who's working in Nurnberg these days. And I often have a few words with Shinji's agent, Thomas Kroth, as well.

"Believe me, I'm always right in the picture about what the lad's up to."

Kagawa still has a contract with United until June 2016.

 

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Milan-Honda deal enters final stages, claims agent

AC Milan could sign Keisuke Honda from CSKA Moscow by the end of the week, according to his agent and brother Hiroyuki.

The Japan international has long been linked with a move to the San Siro giants, but the clubs have not reached an agreement over a possible move for the player so far.

And Hiroyuki has now confirmed that a switch only depends on the two sides settling on a transfer fee this week.

"It all depends on the two clubs, just them," he told TMW.

"There is no need for me to speak with CSKA again. They already know the situation from the player’s point of view.

"This will be a very, very important week. Milan will see CSKA and there could be developments before the weekend.

"Keisuke is calm. The hope is that he can join Milan now, but all we can do is wait and see."

Adriano Galliani feels Milan are close to securing the 27-year-old's signature, but they are prepared to wait until December when the players contract expires to wrap up the deal.

"We are pretty relaxed when it comes to Honda," the club's vice-president told reporters on Monday.

"We cannot sign players who are not for sale. If CSKA Moscow do not want to sell then we will wait patiently."

The Rossoneri have also been chasing Fiorentina's Adem Ljajic but the Viola are unhappy with the way the club are pursuing their star man.

 

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Marseille's Gignac dismisses talk of Newcastle move

Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac has dismissed reports linking him with a summer move to Newcastle United.

The 27-year-old France international joins a number of other strikers linked with a move to Newcastle, including Loic Remy, who is set to complete a season long-loan move to St James' Park.

But Gignac, a boyhood Marseille fan, has dismissed any talk of joining Newcastle or any other club and remains committed to the Ligue 1 outfit.

"You think I would say, having turned the tide, that I'm going? You don't know me well," Gignac told L'Equipe.

"I have never wanted to leave. [The links with] Newcastle and the rest, it is all bull****.

"My mind is always on OM and I let Jean-Christophe [Cano, his agent], Vincent [Labrune, OM president] and Jose [Anigo, sporting director] know that."

Gignac scored 18 goals in all competitions last season, his best goals return since the 2008-09 season when he netted 24 times in Ligue 1 alone and was crowned the division's top scorer.

 

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Newcastle try karannema French playersla.

 

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Inter defeat is my fault, says Mazzarri


Walter Mazzarri says the responsibility lies with him after Inter suffered a 4-0 defeat to Valencia in the International Champions Cup.Mazzarri, who was appointed the new coach of the Nerazzurri in May following Andrea Stramaccioni's departure, has led the club to three games without a victory in pre-season, including on Sunday against los Che.

Two goals from Jonathan Viera and one apiece from Ever Banega and Jonas secured the win for the Liga side, but Mazzarri is confident that his team, who lost 2-0 to Chelsea in the pre-season tournament opener, will find form once the league campaign starts."Game wise, we took three steps back from the match against Chelsea," he admitted. "Valencia were faster, always first on the ball.

"Instead we played with heavy legs, but it's my fault, I made them work intensely on Saturday, but in this part of the summer preparations, I would rather want my team to be slow and work."We have to make a decision here: Either we want to be brilliant in these friendly matches - even though this is meant to be a tournament, to me it's still full of friendlies to build up your league form - or we go down the road we chose, hoping all this work will pay off by the time the league comes."

Mazzarri refused to draw comparisons between his former club Napoli and his new employers, while he believes Italian clubs' poor showings in pre-season, with Juventus losing 3-1 to LA Galaxy and the Partenopei suffering a 3-1 defeat to Porto, is because of the way Serie A clubs prepare for the campaign."Napoli is a closed chapter now. Last year I had a team I already knew, while here I have to create a system of play," he added.

"You can’t compare the two. Now we have to work on our new season and be ready when it starts."The fact that Juventus and Napoli have lost some pre-season friendlies? It’s probably because we coaches from the Italian league know what kind of preparation it requires.

"Our preparation is all based on work for the league, and the work will pay off."
Inter have one more friendly clash against Juventus before the Serie A season starts on August 25 versus Genoa.

 

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Rooney ruled out of Manchester United friendly through injury

Manchester United have confirmed that Wayne Rooney will miss the club's friendly with AIK due to a shoulder injury.

The Premier League champions had earlier advertised on their Twitter account that the striker would make his return from a hamstring injury in Tuesday's match.

But Rooney, who was the subject of a rejected bid totalling nearly £30 million from Chelsea over the weekend, has suffered a set-back.

"Wayne hurt his shoulder in a fall during a match on Saturday," manager David Moyes told the club's official website. "It's not too serious and I don't expect it to keep him out for too long."I'm disappointed he's missing the game because we were keen to get him back involved and ready to play."

Goal has previously revealed that the striker fears a backlash from fans if he is to represent the club again, and feels there is no way back from him at Old Trafford.
Former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claimed at the end of last season that Rooney asked to leave the club for a second time, and fans subsequently booed the striker when he collected his Premier League winner's medal and boarded the team bus for their trophy parade.

 

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Get well soon Roo

 

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Varela open to loan away from Man Utd

Guillermo Varela would welcome the chance to go out on loan if his first-team chances are going to be limited at Manchester United.

Varela, who has signed a five-year deal, is David Moyes' sole new arrival this season, with Wilfried Zaha's move completed in January, after 20-year-old defender impressed United's scouts while playing for Penarol.

Boca Juniors have been touted as a possible destination for the Uruguayan, and the defender admitted that he would welcome the move to La Bombonera.

"It could be a good solution," he told Tutto Mercato Web.

"I would be able to play continuously for a year but I'd be always thinking about returning to United, who are a club that believed in me."

Varela was part of the Uruguay squad that reached the final of this year's Under-20 World Cup in Turkey, where they lost to France on penalties.

 

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Mourinho reveals Chelsea rotation plans

Jose Mourinho has revealed he plans to heavily rotate his Chelsea squad throughout the season as he looks to add to his previous trophy haul at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues finished third in the Premier League last term and were eliminated at the group stage in the Champions League but, under Rafael Benitez, reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and won the Europa League.

And Mourinho expects a similarly long campaign upon his return to the Chelsea helm and praised the strength and depth of his squad.

"I hope to play 60 matches, so where I maybe won’t use different teams, we will use rotation of players that’s for sure," Mourinho told reporters.

Mourinho paid particular attention to Victor Moses, who won the penalty that Eden Hazard scored against Inter before assisting Andre Schurrle’s late finish in the 2-0 win over AC Milan on Sunday.

"Victor has been terrific," he added. "He is another one who is working very hard. He hasn’t missed a single minute of a training session.

"I think Victor is a very good option for us. In Victor’s position we have Hazard, [Kevin] De Bruyne, Schurrle - it’s a position where a coach can make a change during a match and give new life and fresh blood to the team. He is a player who makes the squad stronger and gives us options."