..::Football III::..

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'I don't fear competition at Bayern' - Rafinha

Bayern Munich defender Rafinha has said that he is unperturbed by the high level of competition within the squad at the German giants.

With Philipp Lahm deployed in a midfield role for much of the campaign thus far, the Brazilian has enjoyed a prolonged spell as the Bavarians' right-back under new coach Pep Guardiola.

However, as a number of Bayern's first team squad near full fitness once more, it has been touted that Rafinha could re-assume his seat on the bench, but the 28-year-old is ready to face that challenge should it come.

"Not everyone can play with us," he told Bild. "There is no shame to sit on the bench at Bayern. I am not afraid.

"I promise I am always ready to give 100 percent - whether I play from the beginning or just five minutes."

Rafinha, who has earned one cap for Brazil, went on to state that he remains optimistic about being recalled to the Selecao in time for the World Cup on home soil next summer - despite coach Luis Felipe Scolari not having his phone number.

Asked whether the veteran trainer had the means to contact him, the defender added: "I don't think so.

"He could ask Dante, or Luiz Gustavo, or the people at the association. I was called up once and I have not changed my number since then.

"I would be pleased if he selected me. If not, I would not despair."

The former Schalke full-back has been absent from the international scene since Brazil's 1-0 victory over Sweden in 2008.

 

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Pele's new book costs €1225 & weighs 15kg

Former Brazil star Pele has released a colossal new book that has been priced at €1225 and weighs in 15 kilogrammes.

Entitled '1283' alluding to the number of goals that Pele is thought to have scored in his playing career, the hefty tome is a historical and graphical account of his career that includes over 500 pictures and 1283 texts over 500 pages, with each copy autographed by the player.

For a jaw-dropping €1875, avid collectors can purchase a luxury edition of the volume which contains an iconic photo of the Selecao legend following a game.

Pele was on hand to unveil the work at the Museum of Image and Sound in Sao Paolo on Wednesday, which will also have a symbolic '1283' copies in print.

The 72-year-old reflected on the book’s launch on Twitter, saying: "Looking through of all those images was a very emotional moment for me, because it made me think of all the people that loved and supported me throughout my career: my family, friends, team-mates and the fans.”

In addition to Brazil, the work will be launched in New York, London and Dubai, and will be available for purchase in selected book stores on Monday.

 

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Valencia confirm Rami to join Milan

Valencia centre-back Adil Rami will sign for AC Milan in January on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season, the Liga club have confirmed.

The France international had become out of favour at Mestalla after a public fall-out that involved him criticising coach Miroslav Djukic and he will not play again for the Spanish side this season.

Los Che endured a poor start to the season - with four consecutive defeats - and Rami lashed out on Spanish radio, to which the club responded by removing him from the first team.

Valencia then suspended the 27-year-old without pay for a week for his actions as the wheels kicked into motion for his departure to San Siro, and he is already training with the Rossoneri but cannot play for the first team until January.

Rami joined Valencia from Lille in 2011 having spent roughly five years at the Ligue 1 club and he has 26 caps for les Bleus since his 2010 debut.

 

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Arsenal hope to have Ozil & Ramsey back for Norwich clash

Arsenal are increasingly hopeful that Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey will overcome injury scares to face Norwich City this weekend, Goal understands.

Ozil and Ramsey both picked up injuries on international duty on Tuesday but initial assessments by the club's medical staff on Wednesday showed there was no long-term damage.

The key duo will undergo further scrutiny on Thursday at Arsenal's London Colney headquarters, when a decision will be made on their availability for Saturday's home match against Norwich City.

Goal has learned that Ozil returned to London with a bruised knee and a minor hamstring injury after hobbling off with eight minutes remaining of Germany's 5-3 win over Sweden on Tuesday.

Ramsey also reported back from Wales' 1-1 draw at Belgium with the same thigh injury that affected him at the end of September.

However, both players, who reproduced their excellent domestic form with goals for their respective countries on Tuesday, are confident of getting the all-clear to line up at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger's injury headache could also be soothed by the possible return of Theo Walcott this weekend.

The England international, who underwent surgery on an abdominal injury last month, is expected to re-join full training on Thursday.

But if the Norwich fixture comes too early for Walcott, them he is likely to be in contention for the Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund next Tuesday.

As revealed by Goal, Wenger will have Santi Cazorla available for the first time since the north London derby on September 1.

The influential Spaniard has been training all week after recovering from sprained ankle ligaments.

 

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Pogba: I'll wait for France chance

Paul Pogba says he is willing to wait for his chance with France's first team.

The 20-year-old midfielder has featured intermittently for the national team under Didier Deschamps following impressive performances at club level with Juventus.

And Pogba, who has played in les Bleus' last three games, is aware that he may have to accept being rotated but is determined to take his chance when he gets it.

"It depends on the coach. When I'm on the pitch I give 100 per cent," he told L'Equipe.

"I don't want to deceive the French staff or my team-mates. I feel like a France player. If I have to be on the bench, I'll be there and I'll be ready to play."

Meanwhile, talks between Pogba and Juventus over a new deal could well happen over the next few weeks, according to reports circulating in Italy on Wednesday.

Mino Raiola, Pogba's agent, is due to meet with representatives of the Bianconeri at the end of this month despite Juve president Andrea Agnelli recently admitting it would be hard to turn down a good offer for the midfielder.

Pogba's current contract expires in June 2016.

 

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England keen on November friendly with Germany

The Football Association is working to secure Germany as opponents for an England friendly on November 19 at Wembley, according to Adrian Bevington, managing director of the Club England.

The Three Lions will also take on a non-European challenger, thought to be Australia or Argentina, on either Friday November 15 or Saturday November 16.

And while the date with Germany is not yet confirmed, Bevington has revealed plans to welcome Joachim Low's men to London to follow up Tuesday's World Cup qualification.

"It's not a secret that we've been looking at ending our 150th year anniversary with Germany," he told Sky Sports.

"While I'm not in a position to formally announce that at this particular moment, I'd like to think that we'll play Germany as a final fixture of our 150th celebrations on the Tuesday of the international double-header.

"We'll also look to play a non-European opponent on the Friday or the Saturday of the November fixtures as well."

Bevington also shared details on England's plans for accommodations in Brazil next summer.

"The organising committee in Brazil have contracted the Urca base [as a training base for the World Cup]," he continued.

"We were the first team so that was our first option, and we are expecting that to be our training ground.

"The hotel we have earmarked is the Royal Tulip. It's a bit further around from the Copacabana, but it is still pretty central.

"When we go out to Brazil for the World Cup draw on December 6 we will also have a small group of people who will go to Rio as well and make sure that everything is in place there."

 

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Monreal: Arsenal can win multiple trophies

Nacho Monreal believes Arsenal are genuine contenders for multiple trophies this season.

The Gunners sit top both of the Premier League and Group F in the Champions League after an impressive start to the campaign.

And Arteta believes he and his team-mates can take home multiple pieces of silverware if they can maintain their current form.

“I would not say just one [trophy], I would say a few,” he told the club's official website. “Of course that is very tough to achieve.

“The Premier League is very difficult, the Champions League, these are major trophies but we are on a good run.

“We are top of the table, it is still early doors, but we will take every game as it comes and at the end hopefully we’ll win a title.”

Monreal, who joined Arsenal in January from Malaga, went on to say that he thinks his switch to the Emirates Stadium came at the best time possible.

“When I was offered the chance to come here, I was in the best moment of my career,” he continued.

“I had a lot of confidence, I had [manager Manuel] Pellegrini’s trust, I felt that I played a key role at Malaga and with the national side, and I think I came here at the right time.

“The players’ confidence [is different this season]. You can tell that they are very enthusiastic, very happy, the results are going our way and logically that makes everything easier.

“We have a happy group and that is very important to playing football well.”

 

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Inzaghi: I'm not ready for AC Milan job yet

AC Milan's Allievi Nazionali coach Filippo Inzaghi insists he is not ready to become a successor to Massimiliano Allegri.

The Rossoneri's faltering start has once again raised questions over Allegri's future, with Inzaghi predicted as a natural replacement for the 46-year-old former Cagliari coach.

But Inzaghi is adamant that now is not the right time, despite Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believing the Italian is suitably prepared to take on the role.

"According to Ancelotti I'm ready? I say that people need to be patient," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"Now I try to capitalise on the lessons that I received from my coaches and study. It is very important to be ready at the appropriate time."

Inzaghi also revealed that it is very easy for players to drift out of the game particularly as they become older and new talent comes through, which is why he always kept himself in the best condition.

"Many players lose their ability over the years. Mother nature has given me so much, but it was merited because I worked hard and trained well."

Milan have taken eight points from seven games, are in 12th position in Serie A and face Udinese on Saturday.

 

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Gerrard switches focus to Liverpool

Steven Gerrard insists his focus is now fully on Liverpool after captaining England to World Cup qualification.

The Liverpool skipper led Roy Hodgson's men to a crucial 2-0 qualifying victory over Poland at Wembley on Tuesday, scoring the second late on after Wayne Rooney had broken the deadlock.However, Gerrard insists there is no time to celebrate as he returns to Premier League action for his club at Newcastle on Saturday.

"As a footballer there is never much time to enjoy big wins as there is always another big game around the corner," he told the Liverpool Echo."Now I switch my focus to Newcastle. I’ll park England and get my recovery done.

"It’s a case of starting where we left off before the international break."We’ve started the season tremendously well and Luis Suarez coming back has given everyone a big lift.

"With some of our big players coming back into the squad like Glen Johnson, Joe Allen and Aly Cissokho, plus Philippe Coutinho not far away, things are looking good.

"I want three points against Newcastle now."

 

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England can go all the way at World Cup - Szczesny

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny believes England are contenders for the World Cup after the Three Lions beat Poland to book their place in Brazil.

The Poland No.1 made a string of impressive saves at Wembley on Tuesday night but could not prevent Roy Hodgson's men claiming first place in Group H, courtesy of goals from Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard.

After the game Szczesny admitted he was impressed by the English performance, and believes they will be genuine contenders in Brazil.

"They can go all the way," he told reporters. "I thought offensively England were fantastic.

"England are also solid in defence now, so if they keep going like that and can improve a bit more, then surely they will have a chance at the World Cup.

"If they can go to Brazil with the same attitude which beat us, then they will be one of the favourites, and I think they believe they are. I hope they can do very well."

"They created a lot of chances, which was probably good for me as it meant I could make a couple of good saves, but I am obviously very disappointed about the result."

Szczesny went on to admit that with the absence of his Poland at the World Cup finals, his allegiance lies with his country of residence.

"Obviously if I was there I would be hoping Poland could win it, but I will be hoping that England can now go all the way and win it," he continued.

"There are no realistic targets when you go to the World Cup, you just want to win and make your dream come true."

 

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Lambert hopeful for Benteke return against Tottenham

Paul Lambert trusts Christian Benteke will return to Aston Villa in good condition following international duty with Belgium.

Benteke, who has not appeared for his club since injuring his hip flexor on September 21 away to Norwich, was an unused substitute for his national side's final World Cup qualifying match against Wales on Tuesday.

And Lambert is optimistic his star striker will be available for Sunday's clash with Tottenham at Villa Park.

"He'll come back and will know himself how he's feeling," Lambert told the club's official website.

"All I know is he was on the bench last night, trained for a couple of days and hadn't had any reaction. That might change when he gets back - we'll wait and see.

"I trusted Christian to be honest, which he is. That's all you can do - trust somebody to do the right thing.

"Obviously he didn't play against Croatia and he was on the bench last night. I trusted him."

Lambert also revealed he is yet to receive a fitness update on the remainder of Villa's international contingent.

"They're not back yet," he continued.

"There's nine of them away so we'll get reports this morning and see how they are."

 

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Van Gaal: Netherlands a nine out of 10

Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal feels his side have been nearly perfect during their World Cup qualification campaign, after making it nine wins from 10 games by beating Turkey 2-0 on Tuesday.

Goals from Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben were enough to seal victory in Istanbul as the Dutch rounded off a successful campaign to book their ticket for next year's tournament, and Van Gaal was quick to praise his side's performance.

"I am proud of my team," the Holland coach told SBS6.

"There are not many teams that come here and find it easy. I just wish that we had scored more, especially after the break.

"I wouldn't say that we deserve a perfect 10 for this campaign because we drew once, but I do think our performances are worth a nine."

Van Gaal was, however, critical of Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca after Tuesday's encounter.

"Despite the referee, we stayed on our feet," he added. "I had to make changes because of yellow cards for offences that were not.

"I thought the referee had a bad performance. He gave a lot to Turkey but not much to us."

The former Barcelona boss has overseen an unbeaten passage to the finals in Brazil next year, and he is positive about the future following his side's showings in Group D.

"We are clearly on the right track," he continued. "We have made progress in possession and that is reflected in the result."

 

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Neymar will surpass Messi & Ronaldo - Cafu

Former Brazil star Cafu believes it's a matter of time before Neymar surpasses Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player in the world.

The 21-year-old Neymar has put in a string of impressive performances for the Blaugrana since joining from Santos this summer and Cafu has little doubt that his compatriot will achieve great things in the future.

"Give him two years at Barcelona. Then Neymar will surpass Messi and Ronaldo," the Selecao legend told Sportv.

Neymar is widely regarded as one of the rising stars of football following his fine performances in recent years and further increased his reputation over the summer as he helped Brazil's national side to Confederations Cup glory.

The tricky attacker has made 11 official appearances for Barcelona so far this campaign, scoring three goals in the process.

 

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Benzema: Toughest time of my career

Karim Benzema has admitted that his recent struggles with Real Madrid and France were arguably the "most difficult period" of his professional career, but he has insisted that he always kept believing in himself.

The 25-year-old was whistled by his own fans at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this season, while he hadn't found the net for France for over 1200 minutes.

However, he ended his goal drought for les Bleus against Australia last week and is looking back contentedly at the international break.

"This has been the most difficult period of my career. But it has been 10 good days with the national team for me," Benzema told reporters.

"It has been difficult for me, but I never stopped believing in myself. I never lost morale.

"It was good to score again for France and to do well in these two games."

France secured a spot in the World Cup play-offs by beating Finland 3-0 on Tuesday.

 

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Ravel Morrison targets West Ham upset against Manchester City

West Ham starlet Ravel Morrison aims to stage an upset when his side take on Manchester City on Saturday.

Having caught the eye with a series of flair-filled performances for the Hammers this season, the revitalised midfielder impressed in his first two appearances for the England Under-21s during the international break and hopes for the good run to continue.

"I'm very excited because obviously I used to play for Manchester United but I never played against their first team so I'm really looking forward to it," Morrison told the press.

"Of course we can cause a shock. We're a great team and we should have had a lot of goals this season but, for some reason, we haven't.

"Against Tottenham [on October 6] we managed to get the goals which have been missing, which was pleasing. The defence has been solid so, if we carry on doing what we're doing, we can cause an upset."

The 20-year-old caused a stir on Tuesday after scoring a sensational goal in Tuesday's 5-0 England Under-21s win against Lithuania, running through several players before rounding the keeper to finish.

"I can't remember it - I've not seen it back yet, to be honest," Morrison said of the goal. "I just thought I might as well drive it in because I drove it in before when I should have got my shot off but it got intercepted.

"I thought I might as well chance this one and try and break through the lines and that's what I did."

 

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Inter fans should not expect signings like Bale, says Moratti

Inter president Massimo Moratti has moved to downplay expectations following the arrival of Erick Thohir as the club's new owner.

The Giuseppe Meazza side had been struggling financially in recent years, partially due to the introduction of Financial Fair Play, but the arrival of the Indonesian businessman has sparked hopes that the Nerazzurri will be a force to be reckoned with again in the transfer market.

However, Moratti does not expect the club's new owner to make any high-profile signings in the near future.

"The kind of transfer that really speaks to the supporters is, for example, Real Madrid's signing of Bale, but Inter fans should not expect things like that," Moratti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I get the impression that Thohir has different plans with Inter. Obviously, the competition with rival teams might influence the club's policy. They have the potential to do great things."

Moratti lured high-profile players such as Ronaldo, Wesley Sneijder, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto'o to Inter during his time in charge of the Nerazzurri.

 

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Ozil is Germany's brain, says Zico

Brazil legend Zico has taken the time to praise Mesut Ozil and feels the Arsenal star is the brain of Germany's national team.

Ozil scored one goal and set up another in Germany's 5-3 win over Sweden on Tuesday, having already played a key role in the 3-0 victory against Republic of Ireland that sealed qualification for the 2014 World Cup.

Given the playmaker has also made a sensational start to his Gunners career following his summer switch from Real Madrid, Zico believes the 25-year-old should be in contention for the Fifa Ballon d'Or.

"Ozil is a great player. He's the brain of the German national team," the Selecao legend was quoted as saying by Sport Bild.

"I already get excited just by seeing him play. He has the ability to read the game and play a killer pass.

"Germany have not had a playmaker like him since Wolfgang Overath in the 1970s. It would only be right if he were among the candidates to win the Ballon d'Or."

Zico then went on to discuss Germany's World Cup chances and he feels Joachim Low's men are unlikely to emerge victorious next summer.

"Germany are a great team with the potential to win the World Cup, but I don't think they will win it," he mused.

"History is against them. A European team has never won the World Cup in South America."

 

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Nasri: Ribery deserves Ballon d'Or

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri feels Franck Ribery should win the Fifa Ballon d'Or in light of his fine performances for Bayern Munich and France this year.

Ribery guided the Bavarians to a historic treble last season with a string of fine displays, while he has developed into his country's undisputed star player as well, after previously struggling to replicate his club form for the national team.

"Ribery has been accused of failing to show up for France, but he carries the team these days. He would be great for any team," Nasri told reporters.

"He was already voted Uefa's Best Player in Europe and I really hope that he wins the Fifa Ballon d'Or as well. It would really be the crown on his career.

"I don't know Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo personally, but I do know Franck. He has won everything he could win this year."

Argentine superstar Messi has won all three editions of the Fifa Ballon d'Or since the award's introduction in 2010.

 

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Marquinhos fighting for World Cup spot

Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos says his dream is to play for Brazil in their home World Cup next year and is determined to make sure it happens.

The young defender made the move to PSG in the summer following a spell with Roma, and has already caught the eye with some impressive displays, notching three goals for Laurent Blanc's men.

"I have not earned the respect of the club by accident," he told reporters. "I fought for it and seized the opportunity.

"Nothing will prevent me from progressing over time."

Asked if he believes he has a chance of featuring for Brazil at next year's World Cup, Marquinhos responded confidently.

"Why not? I have to believe in me and my dream, I have to think I can do it," he added.

"I will work for it, and I will work hard to retain the attention of the staff of the Selecao."

Meanwhile, Marquinhos recognised the contribution of PSG boss Blanc and said the Frenchman encourages the whole team to get forward.

He added: "Laurent Blanc is a coach who motivates us to score goals, even we, the defenders."

The Brazilian scored on his debut for PSG in a 4-1 win over Olympiakos, and followed it up with his first league goal in a 2-0 win over Toulouse in September.

PSG face Bastia this weekend as Ligue 1 returns following the international break. Les Parisiens currently sit behind leaders Monaco on goal difference.

 

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Rodgers: I worry about Liverpool playing well

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes his team have yet to hit top form, despite occupying second place in the Premier League.

The Merseyside outfit have taken 16 points from their seven matches this season, with their last success coming in a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Anfield before the international break.

But Rodgers was unhappy with Liverpool's performance against Ian Holloway's men, and the 40-year-old insists the team are working hard to improve ahead of Saturday's trip to Newcastle United.

He told reporters: "We'll get better as we grow together more. The Premier League is very difficult.

"I don't just like to get three points – I worry about playing well and in a certain way. That's how I've always been.

"But I can't take anything away from how we've been so far in terms of results. It's difficult to get three points in the most competitive league in the world.

"It shows you how much growth that I think there is in a team that we can win 3-1 but I still come away a little bit dissatisfied with our performance.

"What I can't argue with is the work of the players; how humble they are; how willing they are to come into training every day and be better."

Rodgers also hailed captain Steven Gerrard, who scored the second goal in England's 2-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying victory over Poland on Tuesday to seal the side's progression to next year's tournament in Brazil.

"People talk about Steven Gerrard as a great captain and great leader," he added. "It's easy to forget he's also still a world-class player.

"He's probably the best player I've ever worked with. He can keep up with very high tempos of games. He's world class."

Liverpool head to Newcastle boosted by the return of defenders Glen Johnson and Aly Cissokho from ankle injuries, while Joe Allen is fit after being sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Brazil international Lucas Leiva is also in the squad after sitting out the Palace game through suspension.