Latest ads
-
Video Content Creator
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
QA Engineer Intern
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
Sell your Land, House on idamata.lk for FREE
- sajith.xp.pk
- Updated:
-
Handmade Character Soft Toys- anil1961
- Updated:
-
Bodim.lk out now !- Manoj Suranga Bandara
- Updated:
..::Football III::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
Benzema hopeful of Bale impact
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema hopes that Gareth Bale can help the team win plenty of silverware this season.
The Welshman made the switch to Madrid from Tottenham for a record-breaking fee of €100 million, which many believe could burden the 24-year-old.
However, Benzema, who may be feeling the pressure himself following his 20-hour goal drought with France, insists Bale can help the club achieve success across all competitions.
"He is a really good player, and he is very nice," Benzema told reporters at the unveiling of Madrid's third kit.
"Hopefully he will help us win a lot of titles."
After a promising start to the new campaign, in which the Frenchman has scored two goals and two assists in his first three games, Benzema hopes he can continue the rest of the season in the same fashion.
He added: "It is true, things have been going well for me recently. I will continue to work hard and hopefully I will continue to score plenty of goals as well."
Los Blancos are paired with Juventus, Galatasaray and Copenhagen in the Champions League Group B this season and Benzema reflected on the draw.
"It's a difficult group, but to win this competition you have to win against all the teams," he added.
Meanwhile, team-mate Marcelo has revealed that his recovery is going well and hopes he can soon contribute to Madrid's success in European competition.
"I'm getting better every day, I hope soon I'll able to play. The shirt's colour is very strong and will hopefully give us energy and strength to win games in the Champions League," he added.
"We want to get as far as possible, we know it's hard but we look forward to giving joy to the fans."
Madrid start their Champions League campaign with a trip to Turkish giants Galatasaray on September 17.
Bokkenma qwoth man MEKATA ASA NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Martin O'Neill 'nailed on' for Ireland job, claims Mick McCarthy
Mick McCarthy believes Martin O'Neill is the favourite to take over as Republic of Ireland coach following Giovanni Trapattoni's departure.
The former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss is being widely tipped to replace the 74-year-old Italian, who left the role by mutual consent on Wednesday after overseeing back-to-back defeats against Sweden and Austria.
O'Neill says he is open to a return to management, though inists he has yet to be contacted by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), and Ipswich Town boss McCarthy is convinced the 61-year-old will be given the job.
"Martin has the job as far as I am aware. Absolutely nailed on, a shoo-in for it," McCarthy, who managed Ireland for six years, told BBC Sport.
"He is out of work and he is a good manager. So it is my understanding he has the job - so good luck to him."
McCarthy reacted indignantly when quizzed on his own links to the role, admitting that it was no shock to see his name among those being touted.
He said: "I am not surprised because I did a good job last time."
A Northern Ireland international in his playing days, O'Neill led Celtic to three Scottish titles, as well as three Scottish Cups, also securing two English League Cup wins with Leicester City.
He departed the Stadium of Light in March after an eight-game winless run that left the Wearside club facing a relegation dogfight - which they narrowly escaped under new boss Paolo Di Canio.
Mick McCarthy believes Martin O'Neill is the favourite to take over as Republic of Ireland coach following Giovanni Trapattoni's departure.
The former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss is being widely tipped to replace the 74-year-old Italian, who left the role by mutual consent on Wednesday after overseeing back-to-back defeats against Sweden and Austria.
O'Neill says he is open to a return to management, though inists he has yet to be contacted by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), and Ipswich Town boss McCarthy is convinced the 61-year-old will be given the job.
"Martin has the job as far as I am aware. Absolutely nailed on, a shoo-in for it," McCarthy, who managed Ireland for six years, told BBC Sport.
"He is out of work and he is a good manager. So it is my understanding he has the job - so good luck to him."
McCarthy reacted indignantly when quizzed on his own links to the role, admitting that it was no shock to see his name among those being touted.
He said: "I am not surprised because I did a good job last time."
A Northern Ireland international in his playing days, O'Neill led Celtic to three Scottish titles, as well as three Scottish Cups, also securing two English League Cup wins with Leicester City.
He departed the Stadium of Light in March after an eight-game winless run that left the Wearside club facing a relegation dogfight - which they narrowly escaped under new boss Paolo Di Canio.
Ancelotti: Ozil was not forced out
Carlo Ancelotti has hit back at Mesut Ozil's suggestions that he was forced out of Real Madrid.
The Germany star joined Arsenal on transfer deadline day in a €50 million deal after Gareth Bale joined los Blancos from Tottenham, and claimed the Liga giants had shown "a lack of confidence and trust" in his abilities which prompted his exit from the club.
Ancelotti, however, insists this was never the case, claiming that the 24-year-old has simply become concerned by the increased competition for places following the summer signings of Bale and Isco.
"I heard many talk about what Ozil has said, and I want to tell my side," the Italian told reporters.
"He says we had little confidence, but Ozil played two of the first three games of the season.
"No player is leaving if they do not want to. With new competition for his starting spot, he thought he had a lot to do and asked to leave."
Ancelotti went on to stress he had no problems with the player for leaving the club, pointing to Madrid's strength in depth as proof that the player will not be missed.
"Considering we have many players in his position, from a tactical standpoint, we had no problem with him leaving," he said.
"The club received a good deal for the player, and everyone is happy now."
Ozil could make his Arsenal debut against Sunderland on Saturday.
Carlo Ancelotti has hit back at Mesut Ozil's suggestions that he was forced out of Real Madrid.
The Germany star joined Arsenal on transfer deadline day in a €50 million deal after Gareth Bale joined los Blancos from Tottenham, and claimed the Liga giants had shown "a lack of confidence and trust" in his abilities which prompted his exit from the club.
Ancelotti, however, insists this was never the case, claiming that the 24-year-old has simply become concerned by the increased competition for places following the summer signings of Bale and Isco.
"I heard many talk about what Ozil has said, and I want to tell my side," the Italian told reporters.
"He says we had little confidence, but Ozil played two of the first three games of the season.
"No player is leaving if they do not want to. With new competition for his starting spot, he thought he had a lot to do and asked to leave."
Ancelotti went on to stress he had no problems with the player for leaving the club, pointing to Madrid's strength in depth as proof that the player will not be missed.
"Considering we have many players in his position, from a tactical standpoint, we had no problem with him leaving," he said.
"The club received a good deal for the player, and everyone is happy now."
Ozil could make his Arsenal debut against Sunderland on Saturday.
Chelsea new-boy Atsu will benefit from loan, says Essien
Chelsea's new signing Christian Atsu will benefit from his season-long loan to Vitesse, according to compatriot Michael Essien.
The 21-year-old joined the Blues on a five-year contract from Portuguese giants Porto but the winger was immediately loaned to the affiliate Eredivisie outfit
Essien, who himself spent last season away from Stamford Bridge on loan, believes the Ghana international will develop into a stronger player with the promise of regular first-team football - and hopes he can return to succeed in London.
"For a young player he is already quite experienced because he played a few matches for Porto in last season's Champions League," he told the club’s official website.
"The loan move should be good for him as hopefully it will allow him to play more regular first team football. He's a level-headed boy, a very good player and hopefully he will do well for Chelsea in the future."
Atsu scored on his international debut when making his first appearance for Ghana in June 2012, and Essien believes the young winger can establish himself as a goalscorer at club level.
He continued: "I've known Christian for a little while now and I saw him when we met up with the national team recently.
"He is a winger who plays mainly on the right-hand side although he is left-footed, so he likes to cut inside and he is quite quick as well. He is only young but already you can see he has an eye for goal."
Chelsea's new signing Christian Atsu will benefit from his season-long loan to Vitesse, according to compatriot Michael Essien.
The 21-year-old joined the Blues on a five-year contract from Portuguese giants Porto but the winger was immediately loaned to the affiliate Eredivisie outfit
Essien, who himself spent last season away from Stamford Bridge on loan, believes the Ghana international will develop into a stronger player with the promise of regular first-team football - and hopes he can return to succeed in London.
"For a young player he is already quite experienced because he played a few matches for Porto in last season's Champions League," he told the club’s official website.
"The loan move should be good for him as hopefully it will allow him to play more regular first team football. He's a level-headed boy, a very good player and hopefully he will do well for Chelsea in the future."
Atsu scored on his international debut when making his first appearance for Ghana in June 2012, and Essien believes the young winger can establish himself as a goalscorer at club level.
He continued: "I've known Christian for a little while now and I saw him when we met up with the national team recently.
"He is a winger who plays mainly on the right-hand side although he is left-footed, so he likes to cut inside and he is quite quick as well. He is only young but already you can see he has an eye for goal."
Blanc: Coaches are useless!
Laurent Blanc believes Paris-Saint Germain put in their best display of the season in Friday's 2-0 win over Bordeaux, despite having next to no time to prepare for the match.
The Ligue 1 champions secured a comfortable win thanks to goals from Blaise Matuidi and and a first in PSG colours for Lucas Moura, despite several first-team stars having only arrived back from international duty at the 11th hour.
And Blanc was amazed by the quality of the performance given the lack of preparation time on the training pitch, suggesting his players had effectively undermined the importance of his own role.
"I think there was a paradox in the preparation for this game," he BeIn Sport. "We were not at all prepared for it.
"We try to think of every detail and, ironically, this was our best game since the beginning of the season.
"Players returned yesterday at 18:15, nothing was prepared and you see the result? The coach is useless!"
Lucas Moura scored his first goal for the French champions to cap an impressive display on the wing, and the Brazil international admits it was important for him to get off the mark for the club.
"I needed that goal," he said. "To prove to others of what I was capable of, but also because I needed a reference match. I was tired from travelling with Brazil.
"We’re still not 100 per cent physically, but we now turn our focus to the first game of Champions League."
PSG face Olympiakos on Tuesday in their opening Champions League group game of the season.
Laurent Blanc believes Paris-Saint Germain put in their best display of the season in Friday's 2-0 win over Bordeaux, despite having next to no time to prepare for the match.
The Ligue 1 champions secured a comfortable win thanks to goals from Blaise Matuidi and and a first in PSG colours for Lucas Moura, despite several first-team stars having only arrived back from international duty at the 11th hour.
And Blanc was amazed by the quality of the performance given the lack of preparation time on the training pitch, suggesting his players had effectively undermined the importance of his own role.
"I think there was a paradox in the preparation for this game," he BeIn Sport. "We were not at all prepared for it.
"We try to think of every detail and, ironically, this was our best game since the beginning of the season.
"Players returned yesterday at 18:15, nothing was prepared and you see the result? The coach is useless!"
Lucas Moura scored his first goal for the French champions to cap an impressive display on the wing, and the Brazil international admits it was important for him to get off the mark for the club.
"I needed that goal," he said. "To prove to others of what I was capable of, but also because I needed a reference match. I was tired from travelling with Brazil.
"We’re still not 100 per cent physically, but we now turn our focus to the first game of Champions League."
PSG face Olympiakos on Tuesday in their opening Champions League group game of the season.
Vermaelen set for Arsenal return, reveals Wenger
Thomas Vermaelen is on the verge of an Arsenal comeback after a four-month injury lay-off, manager Arsene Wenger has revealed.
The 27-year-old was diagnosed with a stress fracture of his lower back in July and subsequently missed the Gunners' pre-season preparations.
But the Belgium international has returned to training this week and could even be included in the matchday squad to face Sunderland on Saturday, though is more likely to feature in the midweek Champions League clash with Marseille.
"Vermaelen is back in full training," confirmed Wenger ahead of his side's trip to the Stadium of Light.
"He is very close to being available and he could be in the squad on Saturday.
"It is more likely to be Wednesday, but there is a possibility he might still travel to Sunderland."
Vermaelen, who captains the Gunners, has made 96 appearances for the north Londoners in the Premier League, scoring 13 goals.
Thomas Vermaelen is on the verge of an Arsenal comeback after a four-month injury lay-off, manager Arsene Wenger has revealed.
The 27-year-old was diagnosed with a stress fracture of his lower back in July and subsequently missed the Gunners' pre-season preparations.
But the Belgium international has returned to training this week and could even be included in the matchday squad to face Sunderland on Saturday, though is more likely to feature in the midweek Champions League clash with Marseille.
"Vermaelen is back in full training," confirmed Wenger ahead of his side's trip to the Stadium of Light.
"He is very close to being available and he could be in the squad on Saturday.
"It is more likely to be Wednesday, but there is a possibility he might still travel to Sunderland."
Vermaelen, who captains the Gunners, has made 96 appearances for the north Londoners in the Premier League, scoring 13 goals.
Lukaku hoping Everton beat parent club Chelsea
Everton loanee Romelu Lukaku hopes the Merseysiders beat his parent club, Chelsea, when the two sides meet at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Belgium international sealed a season-long loan move to Everton on deadline day, with his final kick in a Chelsea shirt this term being the decisive, saved penalty in the Super Cup shoot-out against Bayern Munich.
Lukaku will watch the game from the stands on Saturday as he is ineligible to play, but he has no qualms over backing his new team-mates against the club that pay his wages.
"Yes, [I am hoping for an Everton win]. I have to be honest," the 20-year-old told Everton's official website.
"Sometimes in life you have to make choices and I believe I've made the right one by coming here."
Lukaku says he jumped at the chance to leave Stamford Bridge in order to secure regular game time, and revealed that Toffees winger Kevin Mirallas helped persuade him to move to Merseyside.
"I had a call about 7 or 8pm from my agent saying there’s a possibility that I could leave and I said 'yeah, okay, that’s fine', because at some point I need to play and play as much as possible," Lukaku continued.
"I made the right decision and I spoke with Mirallas as I was in the same room with him for the whole evening and he explained about how things were going.
“For me, it was also a great opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in England, who have done well in domestic cups, qualified for Europe a lot of times and always challenge at the top of the league.
"It’s a good opportunity to come here and help the players to reach the same standards and for me to set higher standards than I did last year."
Everton loanee Romelu Lukaku hopes the Merseysiders beat his parent club, Chelsea, when the two sides meet at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Belgium international sealed a season-long loan move to Everton on deadline day, with his final kick in a Chelsea shirt this term being the decisive, saved penalty in the Super Cup shoot-out against Bayern Munich.
Lukaku will watch the game from the stands on Saturday as he is ineligible to play, but he has no qualms over backing his new team-mates against the club that pay his wages.
"Yes, [I am hoping for an Everton win]. I have to be honest," the 20-year-old told Everton's official website.
"Sometimes in life you have to make choices and I believe I've made the right one by coming here."
Lukaku says he jumped at the chance to leave Stamford Bridge in order to secure regular game time, and revealed that Toffees winger Kevin Mirallas helped persuade him to move to Merseyside.
"I had a call about 7 or 8pm from my agent saying there’s a possibility that I could leave and I said 'yeah, okay, that’s fine', because at some point I need to play and play as much as possible," Lukaku continued.
"I made the right decision and I spoke with Mirallas as I was in the same room with him for the whole evening and he explained about how things were going.
“For me, it was also a great opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in England, who have done well in domestic cups, qualified for Europe a lot of times and always challenge at the top of the league.
"It’s a good opportunity to come here and help the players to reach the same standards and for me to set higher standards than I did last year."
Bordeaux 0-2 Paris Saint-Germain: Lucas nets first goal for champions in comfortable win
Lucas Moura scored his first ever goal for Paris Saint-Germain as the champions strolled to a 2-0 win over Bordeaux on Friday.
The Brazilian capitalised on a failed offside trap and an error from goalkeeper Cedric Carraso to seal the points for the champions after Blaise Matuidi had handed them a first-half lead following excellent play from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Ludovic Obraniak came closest for the hosts, who toiled hard but created few chances of note, allowing PSG to move one point above Monaco after playing one game more and extend their unbeaten run to 16 matches.
PSG handed a league debut to full-back Lucas Digne, but Edinson Cavani had to settle for a place among the substitutes bench.
Bordeaux named Lucas Orban and Diego Rolan in their starting XI, as Francis Gillot made three changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Saint-Etienne in their last Ligue 1 fixture.
The home side stifled the champions in the early exchanges, but only had an Andre Poko effort that cleared the crossbar to show for their efforts.
But as the game opened up, PSG began to find their rhythm and Lucas Moura was only denied an attempt at goal by some desperate Bordeaux defending, before Ibrahimovic blasted a free-kick over the bar in the 21st minute.
However, Laurent Blanc's side did find the breakthrough on the half-hour mark.
Ibrahimovic was the architect and a neat one-two with Hervin Ongenda led to the Sweden international playing an intricate through-ball to Matuidi on the left. The midfielder’s initial effort squirmed under goalkeeper Carrasso but Matuidi made sure of the goal by prodding home on the line.
As PSG backed off, the game was almost level two minutes before the break when Ludovic Obraniak tested Salvatore Sirigu with a low strike from inside the box, but the Italian saved to preserve PSG’s half-time lead.
Cheick Diabate twice almost levelled at the beginning of the second period, first tamely hitting an effort at Sirigu before forcing Alex into a last-ditch tackle when through on goal.
With the visitors under pressure, Thiago Silva was then fortunate not to concede a penalty when he appeared to handle an Obraniak cross in the centre of the box.
Bordeaux were almost punished further when Ibrahimovic pounced on a Mariano mistake to strike hard at Carrasso from 25 yards, but the advantage was finally doubled in the 64th minute.
Lucas sprung the offside trap to latch onto Marco Verratti's pass. He raced on goal as Bordeaux's defence stood motionless and rounded the goalkeeper with a neat feint before rolling into the unguarded net.
PSG were denied a third with 20 minutes remaining thanks to a wonderful double save from Carrasso. First he palmed away Ibrahimovic's effort from the right-hand side of the box, before getting up well to save Digne's effort with his feet.
Bordeaux completely lost focus in the last 10 minutes as PSG rained a host of chances at the opposition goal, with Ibrahimovic coming closest when he rounded the keeper but could only hit the side netting from a tight angle.
The win extends Blanc's charges' unbeaten run to 16 matches and temporarily moves them top of Ligue 1, a point clear of Monaco, who play Lorient on Sunday.
Lucas Moura scored his first ever goal for Paris Saint-Germain as the champions strolled to a 2-0 win over Bordeaux on Friday.
The Brazilian capitalised on a failed offside trap and an error from goalkeeper Cedric Carraso to seal the points for the champions after Blaise Matuidi had handed them a first-half lead following excellent play from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Ludovic Obraniak came closest for the hosts, who toiled hard but created few chances of note, allowing PSG to move one point above Monaco after playing one game more and extend their unbeaten run to 16 matches.
PSG handed a league debut to full-back Lucas Digne, but Edinson Cavani had to settle for a place among the substitutes bench.
Bordeaux named Lucas Orban and Diego Rolan in their starting XI, as Francis Gillot made three changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Saint-Etienne in their last Ligue 1 fixture.
The home side stifled the champions in the early exchanges, but only had an Andre Poko effort that cleared the crossbar to show for their efforts.
But as the game opened up, PSG began to find their rhythm and Lucas Moura was only denied an attempt at goal by some desperate Bordeaux defending, before Ibrahimovic blasted a free-kick over the bar in the 21st minute.
However, Laurent Blanc's side did find the breakthrough on the half-hour mark.
Ibrahimovic was the architect and a neat one-two with Hervin Ongenda led to the Sweden international playing an intricate through-ball to Matuidi on the left. The midfielder’s initial effort squirmed under goalkeeper Carrasso but Matuidi made sure of the goal by prodding home on the line.
As PSG backed off, the game was almost level two minutes before the break when Ludovic Obraniak tested Salvatore Sirigu with a low strike from inside the box, but the Italian saved to preserve PSG’s half-time lead.
Cheick Diabate twice almost levelled at the beginning of the second period, first tamely hitting an effort at Sirigu before forcing Alex into a last-ditch tackle when through on goal.
With the visitors under pressure, Thiago Silva was then fortunate not to concede a penalty when he appeared to handle an Obraniak cross in the centre of the box.
Bordeaux were almost punished further when Ibrahimovic pounced on a Mariano mistake to strike hard at Carrasso from 25 yards, but the advantage was finally doubled in the 64th minute.
Lucas sprung the offside trap to latch onto Marco Verratti's pass. He raced on goal as Bordeaux's defence stood motionless and rounded the goalkeeper with a neat feint before rolling into the unguarded net.
PSG were denied a third with 20 minutes remaining thanks to a wonderful double save from Carrasso. First he palmed away Ibrahimovic's effort from the right-hand side of the box, before getting up well to save Digne's effort with his feet.
Bordeaux completely lost focus in the last 10 minutes as PSG rained a host of chances at the opposition goal, with Ibrahimovic coming closest when he rounded the keeper but could only hit the side netting from a tight angle.
The win extends Blanc's charges' unbeaten run to 16 matches and temporarily moves them top of Ligue 1, a point clear of Monaco, who play Lorient on Sunday.
'It's not my problem' - Fellaini shrugs off pricetag pressure
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini insists he will not be affected by his large transfer fee after sealing a €32 million move to Old Trafford in the closing hours of transfer deadline day.
David Moyes had attempted to bolster his midfield with moves for Thiago, Cesc Fabregas and Ander Herrera over the summer, but when those approaches proved unsuccessful he opted to sign the Belgium international he brought to Everton in 2008.
The Premier League champions' procrastination saw them pay far in excess of a buy-out clause in Fellaini's contract that expired at the end of July, but the 25-year-old has shrugged off criticism of the transfer fee.
"It's not my problem [the transfer fee]. No matter whether it is £20m, £25m, £30m, expensive or not, the players respect the players," he told reporters at a press conference.
"Of course Manchester United want the big players but no I wanted to stay fit. It was the most important for me and I waited to see until the end of the transfer window.
"I need to work hard for my place because there are a lot of good players. I keep focused and I want to help the team and I will do everything for this.
"It is up to the manager but I want to play offensive midfield and help the team going forward but the most important for me and the team is to win games."
Fellaini enjoyed five seasons at Everton under Moyes before following the Scot to Old Trafford on the final day of the window but admitted he had often thought the deal would never go through.
"With Everton, with the chairman you never know. Sometimes I thought no chance for me to join Manchester United. But in the end I was so happy because the chairman accepted the deal," the Belgian continued.
"I talked with the manager [Roberto Martinez] as it is a big opportunity for me to join one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"He knew my objective, I want to win a trophy; I play football for this so with Manchester United, I have a chance to win something.
"Of course [there were nerves about the deal not being completed] because it's a chance to join Manchester United but in the end for me it is a dream."
Bayern would never sign Messi - Guardiola
Pep Guardiola has ruled out the possibility of reuniting with Lionel Messi at Bayern Munich.
The Spaniard took over as coach of the Bundesliga outfit at the start of the summer and has already brought former Barcelona starlet Thiago Alcantara to the Allianz Arena.
However, Guardiola insists the German champions would never sanction a mega-money bid for the Argentine, and believes the 26-year-old has no desire to quit the club.
"[Bayern president] Uli Hoeness surely would never offer to spend a fortune to sign Messi," he told reporters.
"Bayern Munich does not work that way, and the player is happy at Barcelona."
The former Barca boss revealed he is relishing the congested fixture list over the next month as Bayern prepare to play seven games over the next 22 days.
"My nose tells me that we will have a good season, and in May we will be fighting for titles," the 42-year-old added.
"We are approaching a great period in the next few weeks, and we are ready for the challenges ahead."
Bayern host Hannover on Saturday, before kicking off their Champions League title defence at home to CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.
Pep Guardiola has ruled out the possibility of reuniting with Lionel Messi at Bayern Munich.
The Spaniard took over as coach of the Bundesliga outfit at the start of the summer and has already brought former Barcelona starlet Thiago Alcantara to the Allianz Arena.
However, Guardiola insists the German champions would never sanction a mega-money bid for the Argentine, and believes the 26-year-old has no desire to quit the club.
"[Bayern president] Uli Hoeness surely would never offer to spend a fortune to sign Messi," he told reporters.
"Bayern Munich does not work that way, and the player is happy at Barcelona."
The former Barca boss revealed he is relishing the congested fixture list over the next month as Bayern prepare to play seven games over the next 22 days.
"My nose tells me that we will have a good season, and in May we will be fighting for titles," the 42-year-old added.
"We are approaching a great period in the next few weeks, and we are ready for the challenges ahead."
Bayern host Hannover on Saturday, before kicking off their Champions League title defence at home to CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.
Fellaini arrival delayed by Baines bid - Moyes
David Moyes has revealed that Marouane Fellaini's move was left until the last minute because Manchester United were hoping to sign Leighton Baines from Everton too.
The Premier League champions swooped for the full-back alongside former Toffees team-mate Fellaini, who completed a £27.5 million move to Old Trafford on transfer deadline day.
Fellaini had a well-publicised release clause in his contract that expired prior to his arrival, but Moyes insists he had no regrets at leaving the deal so late.
"No [I don't regret how late the deal was] because we chose to do it the way we did because we wanted to try and get [Leighton] Baines," Moyes revealed in a press conference to unveil his new signing.
"We didn't want to give up on him right up until the last minute.
"We felt the best way to do that was to keep the deals together and only at the last minute did we split the deal, so that was the way we chose to do it."
Fellaini confessed his worry that a deal he had longed for throughout the summer may not come to fruition, and expressed his delight at securing the "dream" move.
The 25-year-old said: "Sometimes I thought there was no chance [of the transfer happening] but in the end I was so happy to join United."
"Of course, [there were nerves about the deal not being completed] because it's a chance to join Manchester United but in the end for me it is a dream."
David Moyes has revealed that Marouane Fellaini's move was left until the last minute because Manchester United were hoping to sign Leighton Baines from Everton too.
The Premier League champions swooped for the full-back alongside former Toffees team-mate Fellaini, who completed a £27.5 million move to Old Trafford on transfer deadline day.
Fellaini had a well-publicised release clause in his contract that expired prior to his arrival, but Moyes insists he had no regrets at leaving the deal so late.
"No [I don't regret how late the deal was] because we chose to do it the way we did because we wanted to try and get [Leighton] Baines," Moyes revealed in a press conference to unveil his new signing.
"We didn't want to give up on him right up until the last minute.
"We felt the best way to do that was to keep the deals together and only at the last minute did we split the deal, so that was the way we chose to do it."
Fellaini confessed his worry that a deal he had longed for throughout the summer may not come to fruition, and expressed his delight at securing the "dream" move.
The 25-year-old said: "Sometimes I thought there was no chance [of the transfer happening] but in the end I was so happy to join United."
"Of course, [there were nerves about the deal not being completed] because it's a chance to join Manchester United but in the end for me it is a dream."
Alex: Ibra & Cavani will be lethal
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani are on the cusp of forming a lethal strike partnership, according to Paris Saint-Germain defender Alex.
The Parisiens and their two hitmen have endured a mixed start to the defence of their Ligue 1 crown, drawing their opening two games before bouncing back with a pair of wins.
Laurent Blanc's side weren't assisted with the protracted arrival of Uruguayan striker Cavani, believes Alex, who thinks it will take time for the new arrivals to gel and the performances to improve.
"Cavani arrived late and so we weren't able to work extensively with him," the 31-year-old told L'Equipe. "There hasn't been the time to train properly so he must create an understanding with Ibrahimovic, but with a little more practice it will happen.
"Many new players arrived over the summer and it takes time to make everything work. We won our last two matches, and winning is the most important thing, but we still expect better of ourselves
"We know we must improve. There is still room for improvement and we will get it right."
Despite the €32 million summer acquisition of fellow Brazilian defender Marquinhos, Alex has started all four of PSG's league games so far and welcomed the competition from his compatriot.
"Marquinhos is a player for the future but his arrival pushes us to work harder," he said. "He is a very fast player with a great sense of anticipation, just like Thiago Silva."
Alex also revealed he still holds out hope of joining both Marquinhos and Thiago Silva in the Brazil squad for next summer's World Cup.
"I hope to play for Brazil again," he added. "This is a big season, so I'll do my best and we'll see what happens."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani are on the cusp of forming a lethal strike partnership, according to Paris Saint-Germain defender Alex.
The Parisiens and their two hitmen have endured a mixed start to the defence of their Ligue 1 crown, drawing their opening two games before bouncing back with a pair of wins.
Laurent Blanc's side weren't assisted with the protracted arrival of Uruguayan striker Cavani, believes Alex, who thinks it will take time for the new arrivals to gel and the performances to improve.
"Cavani arrived late and so we weren't able to work extensively with him," the 31-year-old told L'Equipe. "There hasn't been the time to train properly so he must create an understanding with Ibrahimovic, but with a little more practice it will happen.
"Many new players arrived over the summer and it takes time to make everything work. We won our last two matches, and winning is the most important thing, but we still expect better of ourselves
"We know we must improve. There is still room for improvement and we will get it right."
Despite the €32 million summer acquisition of fellow Brazilian defender Marquinhos, Alex has started all four of PSG's league games so far and welcomed the competition from his compatriot.
"Marquinhos is a player for the future but his arrival pushes us to work harder," he said. "He is a very fast player with a great sense of anticipation, just like Thiago Silva."
Alex also revealed he still holds out hope of joining both Marquinhos and Thiago Silva in the Brazil squad for next summer's World Cup.
"I hope to play for Brazil again," he added. "This is a big season, so I'll do my best and we'll see what happens."
Kaka will start for Milan - Allegri
Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that Kaka is set to start for AC Milan in their tie with Torino on Saturday.
The Brazilian left San Siro in 2009 but returned to the club in the final 48 hours of the summer transfer window from Real Madrid.
Allegri praised Kaka's commitment to training since his return to Serie A and admitted that the 31-year-old is nervous about making his return in a Milan jersey.
"I think Kaka will be in the starting XI,” Allegri told a press conference on Friday. "He is in good shape, he has trained really well and he has the enthusiasm of a young boy.
"I think he is a little nervous about his debut tomorrow and it is only normal that he is missing a bit of match sharpness.
"Kaka can give a lot to Milan. He has done some great things at this club. He hasn’t played a lot over the last three years in Madrid, but he has immediately put himself at my disposal.
"He spends a lot of the day at the training ground and he is a great example for the youngsters."
The coach also defended Stephan El Shaarawy from criticism over his lack of goals 2013 and says he hopes that the Italy international can be motivated by being dropped from the starting XI.
"There is no problem with El Shaarawy," Allegri insisted. "It doesn’t exist. Stephan’s goals dried up in the second half of the season, but his performances remained good. It was his first season under the spotlight, but he did well.
"Since he returned from the Confederations Cup, he’s only really missed the Cagliari game. You can’t fear competition for places when you are in a great team. That needs to be a stimulus.
"El Shaarawy needs to stay calm because he has my faith."
Milan's trip to Torino kicks off at 21:45CET on Saturday.
Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that Kaka is set to start for AC Milan in their tie with Torino on Saturday.
The Brazilian left San Siro in 2009 but returned to the club in the final 48 hours of the summer transfer window from Real Madrid.
Allegri praised Kaka's commitment to training since his return to Serie A and admitted that the 31-year-old is nervous about making his return in a Milan jersey.
"I think Kaka will be in the starting XI,” Allegri told a press conference on Friday. "He is in good shape, he has trained really well and he has the enthusiasm of a young boy.
"I think he is a little nervous about his debut tomorrow and it is only normal that he is missing a bit of match sharpness.
"Kaka can give a lot to Milan. He has done some great things at this club. He hasn’t played a lot over the last three years in Madrid, but he has immediately put himself at my disposal.
"He spends a lot of the day at the training ground and he is a great example for the youngsters."
The coach also defended Stephan El Shaarawy from criticism over his lack of goals 2013 and says he hopes that the Italy international can be motivated by being dropped from the starting XI.
"There is no problem with El Shaarawy," Allegri insisted. "It doesn’t exist. Stephan’s goals dried up in the second half of the season, but his performances remained good. It was his first season under the spotlight, but he did well.
"Since he returned from the Confederations Cup, he’s only really missed the Cagliari game. You can’t fear competition for places when you are in a great team. That needs to be a stimulus.
"El Shaarawy needs to stay calm because he has my faith."
Milan's trip to Torino kicks off at 21:45CET on Saturday.
Eto'o will make Chelsea debut against Everton, confirms Mourinho
Jose Mourinho has confirmed Samuel Eto'o is set to make his Premier League debut when Chelsea face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The 32-year-old, who also played under Mourinho at Inter, joined the Stamford Bridge outfit in August after the club failed in their attempts to land Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.
He will contest for a place in the starting XI with fellow forwards Fernando Torres and Demba Ba, but Mourinho confirmed the Cameroonian will get his first taste of English top-flight action on Saturday.
"He will be playing his first minutes for Chelsea in the Premier League," Mourinho said.
"I think he's a player adapted to the style of play we want in our team. Technically he is very good.
"He has a natural appetite for goals and he will give experience to a team which, in attacking areas, is very, very young."
Mourinho also dismissed any notion that the pair had a frosty relationship, after Eto'o admitted his dislike for the manager prior to working with the Portuguese at San Siro.
"Yes [I knew he felt like that]," he continued. "You have to be smart. Sometimes you say things then a few years later you are faced with a difficult situation, so it is fine.
"I had a similar situation early in my career with Deco. We know when we are on the same side, everything changes."
Mourinho added that Juan Mata is still a part of his first-team plans, despite rumours the Spain international could depart Stamford Bridge, and also admitted he was caught off guard by former club Real Madrid's decision to allow Mesut Ozil to join Arsenal.
"Mata is a player I like very much, he is a player I trust a lot and he will fight for his position," the 50-year-old added.
"He will be a player who sometimes starts, or on the bench. With so many games I will make strange decisions in your eyes. Sometimes I think further than just the next match.
He continued: "I'm surprised Madrid let Ozil go. That's football.
"Mesut left a big club but comes to the biggest league in the world to a club with big ambitions. He was happy to do it. I have good memories with him, I wish him well, but not that well because he plays for a direct rival."
Jose Mourinho has confirmed Samuel Eto'o is set to make his Premier League debut when Chelsea face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The 32-year-old, who also played under Mourinho at Inter, joined the Stamford Bridge outfit in August after the club failed in their attempts to land Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.
He will contest for a place in the starting XI with fellow forwards Fernando Torres and Demba Ba, but Mourinho confirmed the Cameroonian will get his first taste of English top-flight action on Saturday.
"He will be playing his first minutes for Chelsea in the Premier League," Mourinho said.
"I think he's a player adapted to the style of play we want in our team. Technically he is very good.
"He has a natural appetite for goals and he will give experience to a team which, in attacking areas, is very, very young."
Mourinho also dismissed any notion that the pair had a frosty relationship, after Eto'o admitted his dislike for the manager prior to working with the Portuguese at San Siro.
"Yes [I knew he felt like that]," he continued. "You have to be smart. Sometimes you say things then a few years later you are faced with a difficult situation, so it is fine.
"I had a similar situation early in my career with Deco. We know when we are on the same side, everything changes."
Mourinho added that Juan Mata is still a part of his first-team plans, despite rumours the Spain international could depart Stamford Bridge, and also admitted he was caught off guard by former club Real Madrid's decision to allow Mesut Ozil to join Arsenal.
"Mata is a player I like very much, he is a player I trust a lot and he will fight for his position," the 50-year-old added.
"He will be a player who sometimes starts, or on the bench. With so many games I will make strange decisions in your eyes. Sometimes I think further than just the next match.
He continued: "I'm surprised Madrid let Ozil go. That's football.
"Mesut left a big club but comes to the biggest league in the world to a club with big ambitions. He was happy to do it. I have good memories with him, I wish him well, but not that well because he plays for a direct rival."
Mignolet boosted by Liverpool debut heroics
Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet believes his debut heroics boosted his confidence and is now looking to maintain the club's 100 per cent start of the season.
The 25-year-old saved a last-minute penalty in the opening day against Stoke City to secure of the first of three 1-0 wins.
Mignolet believes his debut display has been the catalyst for his early fine form at the club and also feels it has helped him settle into his new surroundings.
"It was a nice experience to see it again," he told the club's website when asked about the save. "Obviously if you do that in your first game as a Liverpool player in the Premier League, you're very happy.
"It boosted my confidence and it was a very special moment. Because of the save we won the game and it doesn't really happen often that as a goalkeeper you can be so decisive - especially in your first game.
"When you join the club as a new goalkeeper you want to do well in the first few games you play; keeping three clean sheets helped me to settle and also my confidence. It's a good way to start."
Mignolet has also hailed the club's other summer recruits, with the likes of Mamadou Sakho, Tiago Ilori and Victor Moses all joining near the end of the transfer window.
He continued: "I saw back in Belgium when I was on international duty that the club also signed three more players at the end of the transfer window, which is always good to get competition inside the dressing room.
"We have a very good squad at the moment to go ahead and play the remainder of the season. It's a confident feeling looking at the table. I saw it on the television when I came back from Belgium."
"We've got three wins from the first three games played, so hopefully we can continue on that, progress and manage to play the coming games at the same level as we did the first couple of games."
Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet believes his debut heroics boosted his confidence and is now looking to maintain the club's 100 per cent start of the season.
The 25-year-old saved a last-minute penalty in the opening day against Stoke City to secure of the first of three 1-0 wins.
Mignolet believes his debut display has been the catalyst for his early fine form at the club and also feels it has helped him settle into his new surroundings.
"It was a nice experience to see it again," he told the club's website when asked about the save. "Obviously if you do that in your first game as a Liverpool player in the Premier League, you're very happy.
"It boosted my confidence and it was a very special moment. Because of the save we won the game and it doesn't really happen often that as a goalkeeper you can be so decisive - especially in your first game.
"When you join the club as a new goalkeeper you want to do well in the first few games you play; keeping three clean sheets helped me to settle and also my confidence. It's a good way to start."
Mignolet has also hailed the club's other summer recruits, with the likes of Mamadou Sakho, Tiago Ilori and Victor Moses all joining near the end of the transfer window.
He continued: "I saw back in Belgium when I was on international duty that the club also signed three more players at the end of the transfer window, which is always good to get competition inside the dressing room.
"We have a very good squad at the moment to go ahead and play the remainder of the season. It's a confident feeling looking at the table. I saw it on the television when I came back from Belgium."
"We've got three wins from the first three games played, so hopefully we can continue on that, progress and manage to play the coming games at the same level as we did the first couple of games."
'The captain is back' - Martino revels in Puyol return
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has heralded the imminent return of club captain Carles Puyol following a lengthy absence through injury.
After a fortnight off due to the international break, Barca are gearing up for their clash with Sevilla on Saturday and, although the 35-year-old is not expected to feature, Martino revealed that the veteran could make his comeback in a week's time.
"Puyol's return means we have the centre-back we all wanted - I'm very happy about it," the former Paraguay coach told reporters on Friday. "The captain is back.
"He is at the end of his recovery, he could be back in full training ahead of next week's game against Real Sociedad."
Martino also explained is decision to drop Pedro from the squad and insisted that Lionel Messi and Neymar are both set to play against Sevilla despite a hefty chunk of travelling during the international window.
"Pedro has played two games with Spain, that's why he's rested this time," he continued. "He's fine now, but we need him for the next nine or ten months.
"Messi and Neymar made long trips but they have trained very well - we'll see how they feel tomorrow and see if they can complete the game."
The 50-year-old also denied claims he had asked the Argentine Football Association not to call up Lionel Messi for their final two qualifying games.
"We didn't ask the Argentina football federation not to call up Messi next time," he said. "I wouldn't do anything like that, I've been a national team coach myself. It's been a while now that Messi has been as good for Argentina as he is for Barca. He's decisive for us and for them.
"Neymar's style can invite the opponent to use violence," added Martino in response to suggestions that the Brazil international was on the end of some heavy challenges in his country's clash with Portugal in midweek.
"I told him he should keep on playing that way, though, as they'll respect him more. I don't want Neymar to play one good game, one good season or one good World Cup - I want for him to have a long career."
The Camp Nou coach also defended his decision to branch out the Catalans' style under his tutelage as he does not want his team to become too easy to read.
"We don't want to change the style, just to avoid becoming predictable and that the opponent knows we have alternatives."
Barca face Sevilla at Camp Nou on Saturday evening.
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has heralded the imminent return of club captain Carles Puyol following a lengthy absence through injury.
After a fortnight off due to the international break, Barca are gearing up for their clash with Sevilla on Saturday and, although the 35-year-old is not expected to feature, Martino revealed that the veteran could make his comeback in a week's time.
"Puyol's return means we have the centre-back we all wanted - I'm very happy about it," the former Paraguay coach told reporters on Friday. "The captain is back.
"He is at the end of his recovery, he could be back in full training ahead of next week's game against Real Sociedad."
Martino also explained is decision to drop Pedro from the squad and insisted that Lionel Messi and Neymar are both set to play against Sevilla despite a hefty chunk of travelling during the international window.
"Pedro has played two games with Spain, that's why he's rested this time," he continued. "He's fine now, but we need him for the next nine or ten months.
"Messi and Neymar made long trips but they have trained very well - we'll see how they feel tomorrow and see if they can complete the game."
The 50-year-old also denied claims he had asked the Argentine Football Association not to call up Lionel Messi for their final two qualifying games.
"We didn't ask the Argentina football federation not to call up Messi next time," he said. "I wouldn't do anything like that, I've been a national team coach myself. It's been a while now that Messi has been as good for Argentina as he is for Barca. He's decisive for us and for them.
"Neymar's style can invite the opponent to use violence," added Martino in response to suggestions that the Brazil international was on the end of some heavy challenges in his country's clash with Portugal in midweek.
"I told him he should keep on playing that way, though, as they'll respect him more. I don't want Neymar to play one good game, one good season or one good World Cup - I want for him to have a long career."
The Camp Nou coach also defended his decision to branch out the Catalans' style under his tutelage as he does not want his team to become too easy to read.
"We don't want to change the style, just to avoid becoming predictable and that the opponent knows we have alternatives."
Barca face Sevilla at Camp Nou on Saturday evening.
Neuer could save a Balotelli penalty, says Galli
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has the capability to save a spot kick taken by AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli, believes former Italy international Giovanni Galli.
The former Manchester City attacker has a perfect record from the spot, but Galli has noticed a pattern in Balotelli's penalties and feels Neuer could be just the person to deny the 23-year-old.
"I have been studying Balotelli for a while and I have noticed one thing," Galli tells La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Whenever he slows down during his run-up, he always picks the same corner, while he goes for the other corner when his run-up is fluid.
"Who would have the best chance to save a penalty from Balotelli? It has to be Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer.
"He has an impressive physique, covers the goal very well and has excellent reflexes. If he guesses the right corner, he could reach the ball in time."
Balotelli has scored all of the 20 penalties he has taken competitively during his professional career.
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has the capability to save a spot kick taken by AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli, believes former Italy international Giovanni Galli.
The former Manchester City attacker has a perfect record from the spot, but Galli has noticed a pattern in Balotelli's penalties and feels Neuer could be just the person to deny the 23-year-old.
"I have been studying Balotelli for a while and I have noticed one thing," Galli tells La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Whenever he slows down during his run-up, he always picks the same corner, while he goes for the other corner when his run-up is fluid.
"Who would have the best chance to save a penalty from Balotelli? It has to be Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer.
"He has an impressive physique, covers the goal very well and has excellent reflexes. If he guesses the right corner, he could reach the ball in time."
Balotelli has scored all of the 20 penalties he has taken competitively during his professional career.
- Status
