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..::Football III::..
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Tottenham stars deny Sherwood punch claims
Tottenham players Aaron Lennon and Roberto Soldado have denied rumours that manager Tim Sherwood punched a player after the 4-0 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday.
The rumour circulated on Twitter in the hours after the match, and suggested that Sherwood would be sacked as a result of his alleged actions.
But both players have written posts on their personal social media accounts to apologise for the team's display at Anfield and to dispel the speculation about their manager.
"Today was not good enough and we let everyone down, but the rumours about the boss hitting someone are b******s, crazy how powerful twitter is," Lennon wrote on Twitter.
And Soldado added on Instagram: "Bad game today and our chances of reaching the Champions League decrease. It is time now, more than ever, to fight together.
"Rumours do not help at all, and everything that has been said is absolutely false, COYS!"
Tottenham players Aaron Lennon and Roberto Soldado have denied rumours that manager Tim Sherwood punched a player after the 4-0 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday.
The rumour circulated on Twitter in the hours after the match, and suggested that Sherwood would be sacked as a result of his alleged actions.
But both players have written posts on their personal social media accounts to apologise for the team's display at Anfield and to dispel the speculation about their manager.
"Today was not good enough and we let everyone down, but the rumours about the boss hitting someone are b******s, crazy how powerful twitter is," Lennon wrote on Twitter.
And Soldado added on Instagram: "Bad game today and our chances of reaching the Champions League decrease. It is time now, more than ever, to fight together.
"Rumours do not help at all, and everything that has been said is absolutely false, COYS!"
Arsenal have shown we can fight, says Wenger
Arsene Wenger believes that his Arsenal side have shown that they are up for the fight at the top of the Premier League after a 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
The Gunners looked to be out of the title race after a 6-0 humbling at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, before gifting a point to Swansea City at the Emirates Stadium with a late Mathieu Flamini own goal in a 2-2 draw.
But Wenger was pleased with the way his players responded as Flamini cancelled out David Silva's opener to earn his side a point on Saturday.
When asked how his week had been following two disappointing results, Wenger described it as "very, very bad".
He told reporters: "You go through a nightmare at Chelsea where you think you have not even been given a chance to play the game. On top of that, in the last seconds of the game, we score an own goal in the match after.
"It has been very bad and, as well, very positive because it is always an opportunity to show you have mental strength. I am very proud of my players because they have shown that.
"We have shown we can fight, that we can be united and that we can respond to adversity.
"The frustration is that we have not got the result we wanted but, overall, the performance was there from the first to the last minute and the attitude was spot-on."
Arsene Wenger believes that his Arsenal side have shown that they are up for the fight at the top of the Premier League after a 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
The Gunners looked to be out of the title race after a 6-0 humbling at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, before gifting a point to Swansea City at the Emirates Stadium with a late Mathieu Flamini own goal in a 2-2 draw.
But Wenger was pleased with the way his players responded as Flamini cancelled out David Silva's opener to earn his side a point on Saturday.
When asked how his week had been following two disappointing results, Wenger described it as "very, very bad".
He told reporters: "You go through a nightmare at Chelsea where you think you have not even been given a chance to play the game. On top of that, in the last seconds of the game, we score an own goal in the match after.
"It has been very bad and, as well, very positive because it is always an opportunity to show you have mental strength. I am very proud of my players because they have shown that.
"We have shown we can fight, that we can be united and that we can respond to adversity.
"The frustration is that we have not got the result we wanted but, overall, the performance was there from the first to the last minute and the attitude was spot-on."
Falcao quiet over Real Madrid rumours
Monaco forward Radamel Falcao refused to be drawn on a future transfer to Real Madrid as speculation continues to link him with a return to La Liga.
The striker left Atletico Madrid in a deal worth an estimated €60 million and was having a solid first season in Ligue 1 before a knee injury in January ended his club season and made a World Cup appearance with Colombia look extremely unlikely.
Falcao has been living back in the Spanish capital while he tries to recover in time for the summer tournament, and Blancos fans have been pleading he join them, but he says his sights are set on Champions League football with les Rouge et Blanc next year.
"Football fans I've spoken to in Madrid have been wishing me a swift recovery and say they hope I go to the World Cup," the striker told Marca.
"Some people ask if I will join Real Madrid, but these are just opinions. Anyway, I tell them my only concern right now is to recover soon.
"I am realistic, I am aware of my injury and I just want to recover to play with my new club, Monaco. And if we qualify for Champions League in France, I want to be ready for next season.
When asked if he might be featuring in the tournament at the Santiago Bernabeu, he responded with a smile: "Now I do not think about anything other than my knee getting better."
Waving World Cup goodbye? | Falcao remains a huge doubt to compete for Colombia in Brazil
The 28-year-old, who spent two years impressing at the Vicente Calderon following his move from Porto in 2011, insists Atleti's storming 2013-14 season has not come as a shock to him but hinted even he did not expect them to lead La Liga with seven games to go.
"Maybe I didn't expect them to be this strong and so firmly in control," he added. "Yes we knew the team, in its third year together and secure with Diego Simeone, would be stronger.
"But for them to fight him on level terms with Madrid and Barca, who have a vastly bigger budget, I don't think anyone this was possible. What they are doing is admirable under Simeone, but I'm not surprised. I knew they had the potential.
Falcao tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, but remains hopeful he can be fit five months on from his January injury instead of the usual six-to-seven month recovery time period.
"It's a special case," the South American continued. "I am very optimistic about the response of my knee.
"However, it would be very premature to say today whether or not I'll be at the World Cup. There are many days left before a final decision needs to be made."
Monaco forward Radamel Falcao refused to be drawn on a future transfer to Real Madrid as speculation continues to link him with a return to La Liga.
The striker left Atletico Madrid in a deal worth an estimated €60 million and was having a solid first season in Ligue 1 before a knee injury in January ended his club season and made a World Cup appearance with Colombia look extremely unlikely.
Falcao has been living back in the Spanish capital while he tries to recover in time for the summer tournament, and Blancos fans have been pleading he join them, but he says his sights are set on Champions League football with les Rouge et Blanc next year.
"Football fans I've spoken to in Madrid have been wishing me a swift recovery and say they hope I go to the World Cup," the striker told Marca.
"Some people ask if I will join Real Madrid, but these are just opinions. Anyway, I tell them my only concern right now is to recover soon.
"I am realistic, I am aware of my injury and I just want to recover to play with my new club, Monaco. And if we qualify for Champions League in France, I want to be ready for next season.
When asked if he might be featuring in the tournament at the Santiago Bernabeu, he responded with a smile: "Now I do not think about anything other than my knee getting better."
Waving World Cup goodbye? | Falcao remains a huge doubt to compete for Colombia in Brazil
The 28-year-old, who spent two years impressing at the Vicente Calderon following his move from Porto in 2011, insists Atleti's storming 2013-14 season has not come as a shock to him but hinted even he did not expect them to lead La Liga with seven games to go.
"Maybe I didn't expect them to be this strong and so firmly in control," he added. "Yes we knew the team, in its third year together and secure with Diego Simeone, would be stronger.
"But for them to fight him on level terms with Madrid and Barca, who have a vastly bigger budget, I don't think anyone this was possible. What they are doing is admirable under Simeone, but I'm not surprised. I knew they had the potential.
Falcao tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, but remains hopeful he can be fit five months on from his January injury instead of the usual six-to-seven month recovery time period.
"It's a special case," the South American continued. "I am very optimistic about the response of my knee.
"However, it would be very premature to say today whether or not I'll be at the World Cup. There are many days left before a final decision needs to be made."
I can get the better of Robben, insists Manchester United defender Buttner
Manchester United left-back Alexander Buttner is adamant that he can keep Arjen Robben quiet in Tuesday's Champions League clash.
Bayern Munich visit Old Trafford for the first leg of their quarter-final tie, with Buttner set to start in place of Patrice Evra, who is serving a suspension.
Buttner, who has made just 11 appearances this season, says that he is prepared to face the Dutch winger and is confident of United's chances against the Bundesliga champions.
"I'm looking forward to playing against Bayern," he told reporters.
"I've played two games now and I'm starting to get a good feeling because I thought I played well against West Ham and Aston Villa.
"It's a big game on Tuesday but it's a chance for me to show what I can do. It's been vital for me to get the two matches because it would have been difficult not to play and that to have to face a big game like Bayern.
"I probably still need a bit more but two games should be okay. After that I hope I can get even more matches.
"I feel confident about playing them. I know what Arjen Robben can do and I'm ready for him. I've watched him so I know how he plays.
"I've never played against him before and I haven't watched videos or anything like that to study him but I know enough from what I've seen to know how he plays the game.
"He's very good one-against-one, especially when he comes inside. I have to focus on that game and be confident in my own quality. I know I can get the better of him.
"It's not under discussion how good he is, we all know that, but this kind of big game is why you play football. It's what it's all about."
Manchester United left-back Alexander Buttner is adamant that he can keep Arjen Robben quiet in Tuesday's Champions League clash.
Bayern Munich visit Old Trafford for the first leg of their quarter-final tie, with Buttner set to start in place of Patrice Evra, who is serving a suspension.
Buttner, who has made just 11 appearances this season, says that he is prepared to face the Dutch winger and is confident of United's chances against the Bundesliga champions.
"I'm looking forward to playing against Bayern," he told reporters.
"I've played two games now and I'm starting to get a good feeling because I thought I played well against West Ham and Aston Villa.
"It's a big game on Tuesday but it's a chance for me to show what I can do. It's been vital for me to get the two matches because it would have been difficult not to play and that to have to face a big game like Bayern.
"I probably still need a bit more but two games should be okay. After that I hope I can get even more matches.
"I feel confident about playing them. I know what Arjen Robben can do and I'm ready for him. I've watched him so I know how he plays.
"I've never played against him before and I haven't watched videos or anything like that to study him but I know enough from what I've seen to know how he plays the game.
"He's very good one-against-one, especially when he comes inside. I have to focus on that game and be confident in my own quality. I know I can get the better of him.
"It's not under discussion how good he is, we all know that, but this kind of big game is why you play football. It's what it's all about."
'Man Utd will be a difficult duel' - Robben
Arjen Robben is refusing to allow complacency to creep in ahead of the first leg of Bayern Munich's Champions League quarter-final with Manchester United on Tuesday.
The Red Devils have struggled without Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm, with David Moyes' side sitting seventh in the Premier League and 10 points clear of a top-four spot.
Winning the Champions League looks like United's only chance of securing elite European football next season, but the Dutch winger is not underestimating the damage that the English giants could do to die Roten.
"In a game like this, form goes out of the window," he told the club's official website. "In the previous round United lost 2-0 at Olympiakos then won at home 3-0.
"We must be careful. In the media and the public it's general consensus that Manchester United are not in good shape, but they have reached the quarter-finals here.
"But I do not think like this - this is a difficult duel! We need to perform from the first minute and put in a top performance. You need to be careful or you can lose against United."
Robben does not think the absence of Robin van Persie - who scored all three goals in the last-16 second leg for Moyes' men - will hugely affect Tuesday's hosts as he stressed they have other quality attackers.
"I spoke to Robin a little bit since the draw, but not much because of his injury," he added. "It's a pity he will not be playing.
"That goes for Thiago [Alcantara] [who picked up an injury in Bayern's 3-3 draw against Hoffenheim on Saturday] too now. In the final phase of the season everybody wants to be fit and if they're not it's painful, I know from experience.
"Of course Van Persie has a special quality, but they have other forward options like Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Nani and Antonio Valencia. As I said, it will be a tough duel but we are eager to face them."
Arjen Robben is refusing to allow complacency to creep in ahead of the first leg of Bayern Munich's Champions League quarter-final with Manchester United on Tuesday.
The Red Devils have struggled without Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm, with David Moyes' side sitting seventh in the Premier League and 10 points clear of a top-four spot.
Winning the Champions League looks like United's only chance of securing elite European football next season, but the Dutch winger is not underestimating the damage that the English giants could do to die Roten.
"In a game like this, form goes out of the window," he told the club's official website. "In the previous round United lost 2-0 at Olympiakos then won at home 3-0.
"We must be careful. In the media and the public it's general consensus that Manchester United are not in good shape, but they have reached the quarter-finals here.
"But I do not think like this - this is a difficult duel! We need to perform from the first minute and put in a top performance. You need to be careful or you can lose against United."
Robben does not think the absence of Robin van Persie - who scored all three goals in the last-16 second leg for Moyes' men - will hugely affect Tuesday's hosts as he stressed they have other quality attackers.
"I spoke to Robin a little bit since the draw, but not much because of his injury," he added. "It's a pity he will not be playing.
"That goes for Thiago [Alcantara] [who picked up an injury in Bayern's 3-3 draw against Hoffenheim on Saturday] too now. In the final phase of the season everybody wants to be fit and if they're not it's painful, I know from experience.
"Of course Van Persie has a special quality, but they have other forward options like Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Nani and Antonio Valencia. As I said, it will be a tough duel but we are eager to face them."
Bayern Munich are the 'ultimate test' for Manchester United, admits Moyes
David Moyes concedes Manchester United face "the ultimate test" as they prepare to take on Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.
United enter the quarter-finals of the Champions League widely regarded as the weakest side left in the competition, having endured a torrid Premier League campaign.
Bayern, in contrast, have already wrapped up the Bundesliga title with seven matches to spare and are looking to become the first team in the Champions League era to retain the trophy.
"It's been a very good competition for us so far in my short time here," Moyes told reporters.
"I came into it very inexperienced in the Champions League but we've done well and now we've got the ultimate test in Bayern Munich.
"I think the pressure is equally balanced because we want to win the game as much as they do. We go into the game knowing, on our day, we are as good a side as any.
"We have to show it more often but I have got great belief in the players."
Moyes also stressed the need for United to be cautious in their attempts to secure a first-leg victory to guard against Bayern's formidable attacking power.
"It's an obvious thing to say but it's a two-legged tie and we have to make sure both games are important," he added.
"We’re mindful we want to go to Germany with every opportunity to go through so there’s always a bit of caution in the first leg. But we’d love to go to Germany with a win under our belts because it would set us up nicely.
"Bayern were a very good side last year and won the Champions League. They had a good team and have looked to add to that again this season. They have a new manager and we congratulate them on winning the Bundesliga.
"They are probably the side most people have looked to recently but we have to get a good result to take to Germany and we will try to do that."
David Moyes concedes Manchester United face "the ultimate test" as they prepare to take on Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.
United enter the quarter-finals of the Champions League widely regarded as the weakest side left in the competition, having endured a torrid Premier League campaign.
Bayern, in contrast, have already wrapped up the Bundesliga title with seven matches to spare and are looking to become the first team in the Champions League era to retain the trophy.
"It's been a very good competition for us so far in my short time here," Moyes told reporters.
"I came into it very inexperienced in the Champions League but we've done well and now we've got the ultimate test in Bayern Munich.
"I think the pressure is equally balanced because we want to win the game as much as they do. We go into the game knowing, on our day, we are as good a side as any.
"We have to show it more often but I have got great belief in the players."
Moyes also stressed the need for United to be cautious in their attempts to secure a first-leg victory to guard against Bayern's formidable attacking power.
"It's an obvious thing to say but it's a two-legged tie and we have to make sure both games are important," he added.
"We’re mindful we want to go to Germany with every opportunity to go through so there’s always a bit of caution in the first leg. But we’d love to go to Germany with a win under our belts because it would set us up nicely.
"Bayern were a very good side last year and won the Champions League. They had a good team and have looked to add to that again this season. They have a new manager and we congratulate them on winning the Bundesliga.
"They are probably the side most people have looked to recently but we have to get a good result to take to Germany and we will try to do that."
Manchester United can win with their best performance of the season, warns Guardiola
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has stressed his side cannot underestimate Manchester United in Tuesday's Champions League clash.
The English and German champions meet at Old Trafford for the first leg of their quarter-final tie in starkly different circumstances, with United languishing in seventh place in the Premier League while Bayern have romped to the Bundesliga title in record time.
But Guardiola is adamant that Moyes' side are still strong enough to beat the Bavarian giants should they deliver their very best form.
"Manchester United are one of the world's best teams," the Spaniard told reporters in his press conference. "It doesn't matter what situation they're in right now.
"They have good players. These two games could be the best two performances of their season. They can beat us.
"They are one of the world's most important clubs. They have great players, it's an honour to be here."
The 43-year-old insists he has sympathy for Moyes for the pressure he is under in his first season in charge of United.
"I could also be in his situation one day. Football is a fast-moving business these days," he said.
Guardiola went on to stress that the Bundesliga remains the most important competition for Bayern - but admitted he would be "honoured" to beat United en route to defending the Champions League crown.
"The Champions League is not the most important title in the season," he replied. "The local title is the most important. The Champions League is the most prestigious. We will try but we know how difficult it is.
"At a coach, it's important to maintain the success. We won it last season and we look to progress. To do it against Manchester United is a real honour."
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has stressed his side cannot underestimate Manchester United in Tuesday's Champions League clash.
The English and German champions meet at Old Trafford for the first leg of their quarter-final tie in starkly different circumstances, with United languishing in seventh place in the Premier League while Bayern have romped to the Bundesliga title in record time.
But Guardiola is adamant that Moyes' side are still strong enough to beat the Bavarian giants should they deliver their very best form.
"Manchester United are one of the world's best teams," the Spaniard told reporters in his press conference. "It doesn't matter what situation they're in right now.
"They have good players. These two games could be the best two performances of their season. They can beat us.
"They are one of the world's most important clubs. They have great players, it's an honour to be here."
The 43-year-old insists he has sympathy for Moyes for the pressure he is under in his first season in charge of United.
"I could also be in his situation one day. Football is a fast-moving business these days," he said.
Guardiola went on to stress that the Bundesliga remains the most important competition for Bayern - but admitted he would be "honoured" to beat United en route to defending the Champions League crown.
"The Champions League is not the most important title in the season," he replied. "The local title is the most important. The Champions League is the most prestigious. We will try but we know how difficult it is.
"At a coach, it's important to maintain the success. We won it last season and we look to progress. To do it against Manchester United is a real honour."
Schweinsteiger: Manchester United clash will be 'incredibly difficult'
Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger believes his side's Champions League first-leg clash with Manchester United will be a very tough encounter.
The Bavarian giants head into the game having already been crowned Bundesliga champions and remain the favourites to win the Champions League this season, while Tuesday’s opponents are struggling in the Premier League as they currently sit in seventh place.
But the Germany international has warned that they must not lose focus against David Moyes' men at Old Trafford."Everyone knows what to expect tomorrow," he told reporters in a press conference. "It will be an incredibly difficult game.
"It's something very special to be able to play at Old Trafford."He added: "It's great to have already one title, but we can't lose focus now. We want to win every remaining game. We're a team that wants to win every game - even in training. This is no different."
The midfielder was then asked for his thoughts on the Red Devils' poor domestic form, to which he replied: "United should be one of the top four in the league all the time."Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also feels United will give the visitors a difficult test at Old Trafford.
"The name Manchester United deserves a lot of respect alone. They fought back well against Olympiakos," he said."We know just how well they can maintain their focus."
Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger believes his side's Champions League first-leg clash with Manchester United will be a very tough encounter.
The Bavarian giants head into the game having already been crowned Bundesliga champions and remain the favourites to win the Champions League this season, while Tuesday’s opponents are struggling in the Premier League as they currently sit in seventh place.
But the Germany international has warned that they must not lose focus against David Moyes' men at Old Trafford."Everyone knows what to expect tomorrow," he told reporters in a press conference. "It will be an incredibly difficult game.
"It's something very special to be able to play at Old Trafford."He added: "It's great to have already one title, but we can't lose focus now. We want to win every remaining game. We're a team that wants to win every game - even in training. This is no different."
The midfielder was then asked for his thoughts on the Red Devils' poor domestic form, to which he replied: "United should be one of the top four in the league all the time."Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also feels United will give the visitors a difficult test at Old Trafford.
"The name Manchester United deserves a lot of respect alone. They fought back well against Olympiakos," he said."We know just how well they can maintain their focus."
UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals 1st Leg Fixtures 2014.04.01
UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals 1st Leg Fixtures 2014.04.01
Manchester United Vs Bayern
Barcelona Vs Atletico Madrid
Ada thiyana Bayern match 1ka meh season 1ke Manchester United fixtures walin thiyana tough ma battle 1ka
Bayern beat karana 1kanam lesi wenne naha kohomatath meh season 1ke Manchester United performance balanakota
But anything could happenRooney,Mata,Kagawa & De Gea gana loku balaporotthuwak thiyanawa
RVP th nahane
Attacking,Passing & Defending 100% OK wenna one Bayern beat karanna nam.
Good Luck Manchester United!
Bayern beat karana 1kanam lesi wenne naha kohomatath meh season 1ke Manchester United performance balanakota
But anything could happenRooney,Mata,Kagawa & De Gea gana loku balaporotthuwak thiyanawaRVP th nahaneAttacking,Passing & Defending 100% OK wenna one Bayern beat karanna nam.Good Luck Manchester United!
Manchester United Line-Up
David De Gea
Phil Jones
Rio Ferdinand
Nemanja Vidic
Alexander Büttner
Ryan Giggs
Michael Carrick
Marouane Fellaini
Wayne Rooney
Danny Welbeck
Antonio Valencia
&
Bayern Line-Up
Manuel Neuer
Javi Martínez
Rafinha
Jerome Boateng
David Alaba
Franck Ribéry
Arjen Robben
Philipp Lahm
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Toni Kroos
Thomas Müller
Good Luck Manchester United!
Full Time
Manchester United 1 Vs 1 Bayern
Manchester United Goal(s)
Vidic 58'
&
Bayern Goal(s)
Bastian Schweinsteiger 67'
Manchester United Goal(s)
Vidic 58'
&
Bayern Goal(s)
Bastian Schweinsteiger 67'
& still in the hunt
- Status
