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..::Football III::..
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Ronaldo absence motivated us, says Ancelotti
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo helped to motivate his side in their Copa del Rey victory over Barcelona on Wednesday.
The Portugal international missed the Clasico clash through injury but saw wingers Angel Di Maria and Gareth Bale both score as Los Blancos ran out 2-1 winners at Mestalla.
"We deserved the title," the Italian said. "We pressed high up the pitch and we took advantage on the counter. We played really well and all the players worked hard, so congratulations to them.
"Cristiano's absence motivated the players," he added. "It made them work even harder. They all did well. You have to play as a team to beat Barcelona and we did that.
"Barcelona tried but we knew how to play against them. We needed to be compact and we were.
"We will take strength from this for the other two competitions."
Madrid face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the Champions League later this month and are still in the race for La Liga, although Atletico lead the Primera Division by three points with five rounds remaining.
Barca, meanwhile, look likely to end the season empty-handed following this loss, European elimination last week and their defeat at Granada on Saturday which saw the Catalans lose ground in La Liga.
"I don't think their cycle is finished," Ancelotti said. "They played a good game and even though things haven't gone that well for them this season, they will fight until the end in La Liga and remain a dangerous rival."
The Italian preferred to praise his players as a group, but believes that Bale's winner was the most significant strike of the Welshman's career to date.
"He played a very good game and it's definitely his most important goal. But all of the players did well.
"It was a fantastic night and the fans from both teams made it an extraordinary spectacle."
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo helped to motivate his side in their Copa del Rey victory over Barcelona on Wednesday.
The Portugal international missed the Clasico clash through injury but saw wingers Angel Di Maria and Gareth Bale both score as Los Blancos ran out 2-1 winners at Mestalla.
"We deserved the title," the Italian said. "We pressed high up the pitch and we took advantage on the counter. We played really well and all the players worked hard, so congratulations to them.
"Cristiano's absence motivated the players," he added. "It made them work even harder. They all did well. You have to play as a team to beat Barcelona and we did that.
"Barcelona tried but we knew how to play against them. We needed to be compact and we were.
"We will take strength from this for the other two competitions."
Madrid face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the Champions League later this month and are still in the race for La Liga, although Atletico lead the Primera Division by three points with five rounds remaining.
Barca, meanwhile, look likely to end the season empty-handed following this loss, European elimination last week and their defeat at Granada on Saturday which saw the Catalans lose ground in La Liga.
"I don't think their cycle is finished," Ancelotti said. "They played a good game and even though things haven't gone that well for them this season, they will fight until the end in La Liga and remain a dangerous rival."
The Italian preferred to praise his players as a group, but believes that Bale's winner was the most significant strike of the Welshman's career to date.
"He played a very good game and it's definitely his most important goal. But all of the players did well.
"It was a fantastic night and the fans from both teams made it an extraordinary spectacle."
Guardiola salutes Bayern Munich spirit after Kaiserslautern victory
Pep Guardiola admitted that Bayern Munich had not been at their best in Wednesday night's DFB-Pokal semi-final against Kaiserslautern but was nonetheless enthused by the "fight" his players had shown during the 5-1 win at the Allianz Arena.
Fresh from a shock 3-0 Bundesliga loss at home Borussia Dortmund, the Bavarians started slowly but two goals in the space of nine first-half minutes from Bastian Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos changed the whole atmosphere of the game.
Thomas Muller, Mario Mandzukic and Mario Gotze all netted after the break as Bayern set up an intriguing tournament decider against Jurgen Klopp's Schwarzgelben in Berlin next month.
"Kaiserslautern were very courageous from the start," Guardiola told reporters after his side's semi-final win. "We had problems with our possession of the ball.
"It's never easy to score five goals, regardless of the opponents or the competition you're playing in.
"I am happy about how we fought. I am looking forward to playing in the final."
Meanwhile, Kroos also acknowledged that Bayern had taken some time to get going against their second-tier opponents.
"Our first two goals did us good," the midfielder said. "Before then we were not quite there, had no opportunities and did not play smoothly.
"After that, we were a bit freer and played better. I look forward to the final."
Pep Guardiola admitted that Bayern Munich had not been at their best in Wednesday night's DFB-Pokal semi-final against Kaiserslautern but was nonetheless enthused by the "fight" his players had shown during the 5-1 win at the Allianz Arena.
Fresh from a shock 3-0 Bundesliga loss at home Borussia Dortmund, the Bavarians started slowly but two goals in the space of nine first-half minutes from Bastian Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos changed the whole atmosphere of the game.
Thomas Muller, Mario Mandzukic and Mario Gotze all netted after the break as Bayern set up an intriguing tournament decider against Jurgen Klopp's Schwarzgelben in Berlin next month.
"Kaiserslautern were very courageous from the start," Guardiola told reporters after his side's semi-final win. "We had problems with our possession of the ball.
"It's never easy to score five goals, regardless of the opponents or the competition you're playing in.
"I am happy about how we fought. I am looking forward to playing in the final."
Meanwhile, Kroos also acknowledged that Bayern had taken some time to get going against their second-tier opponents.
"Our first two goals did us good," the midfielder said. "Before then we were not quite there, had no opportunities and did not play smoothly.
"After that, we were a bit freer and played better. I look forward to the final."
Martino: Copa del Rey defeat won't affect my future at Barcelona
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino says his future at Camp Nuo will not be affected by Wednesday's Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Madrid.
Barca's woeful week had already seen them knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico last Wednesday and then all but concede La Liga with a 1-0 loss at Granada on Saturday.
Wednesday's Clasico clash against Madrid at Mestalla therefore represented an opportunity to save something for Martino and Barca in a flagging campaign, but Tata's team were edged out by a late Gareth Bale winner in Valencia and the Argentine coach was left to apologise to the fans who had made the journey to support his side.
"I feel a deep pain for this defeat," he said. "I would like to thank our fans for coming all this way to support us and I apologise to them for not being able to win the match.
Despite a week which has left his team reeling, Martino says Barca will give one final push in La Liga.
"The panorama isn't favourable, but we have to give everything until the end of the season," he said.
Neymar hit the post for Barca late on against Madrid, while Lionel Messi was again unable to hit the target and Marc Bartra's second-half strike was the side's only goal in three games.
"This team is known for scoring lots of goals, but suddenly the goals have dried up," Martino admitted.
"We have had problems in the last 25 metres and that's unusual for this club because normally one of these players produces some brilliance and scores. But we haven't been able to do that this week."
And asked about his own future at the Catalan club, he added: "It has been a tough week, for sure, and we have to find the strength to pick ourselves up.
"Now we're not in good shape, but this team has a big future. I don't think my own future depends on this game or on the last week."
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino says his future at Camp Nuo will not be affected by Wednesday's Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Madrid.
Barca's woeful week had already seen them knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico last Wednesday and then all but concede La Liga with a 1-0 loss at Granada on Saturday.
Wednesday's Clasico clash against Madrid at Mestalla therefore represented an opportunity to save something for Martino and Barca in a flagging campaign, but Tata's team were edged out by a late Gareth Bale winner in Valencia and the Argentine coach was left to apologise to the fans who had made the journey to support his side.
"I feel a deep pain for this defeat," he said. "I would like to thank our fans for coming all this way to support us and I apologise to them for not being able to win the match.
Despite a week which has left his team reeling, Martino says Barca will give one final push in La Liga.
"The panorama isn't favourable, but we have to give everything until the end of the season," he said.
Neymar hit the post for Barca late on against Madrid, while Lionel Messi was again unable to hit the target and Marc Bartra's second-half strike was the side's only goal in three games.
"This team is known for scoring lots of goals, but suddenly the goals have dried up," Martino admitted.
"We have had problems in the last 25 metres and that's unusual for this club because normally one of these players produces some brilliance and scores. But we haven't been able to do that this week."
And asked about his own future at the Catalan club, he added: "It has been a tough week, for sure, and we have to find the strength to pick ourselves up.
"Now we're not in good shape, but this team has a big future. I don't think my own future depends on this game or on the last week."
Manchester City haunted by Liverpool loss, laments Pellegrini after Sunderland draw
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says that his side were still suffering from their loss to Liverpool in Wednesday's shock 2-2 draw with Sunderland.
The hosts took the lead within two minutes at the Etihad Stadium but were nearly undone by a Connor Wickham double before Vito Mannone's late mistake allowed Samir Nasri to equalise.
Pellegrini confessed after the game that he had been "very worried" in anticipation of the game, which ended with his side six points behind the Reds with only one game left in hand, their hopes of winning the title slipping away.
"Chances [of winning the league] are less than before the match," he told the press, "[but] we will continue fighting to the end.
"I don't think there was less confidence. We couldn't take out of our mind the game against Liverpool.
"Before the match I was very worried about this match. I'm sure, in just three days, it is very difficult for the players to take their mind off Liverpool. They are more mentally tired than physically tired."
Attacking midfielder David Silva was a late withdrawal due to an ankle injury but Pellegrini says that the problem is a minor one.
"David has a problem in his ankle," the Chilean stated. "He played the last two games but playing twice in a week wasn’t possible. We will see how he is for Monday."
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet was glad to have got some reward for his side's efforts, though he remains cautious on their chances of survival, with the Black Cats still six points from safety with only one game in hand.
He remarked: "I'm realistic and I'm not going to change now. We played a great game and we deserved something.
"You need to realise the situation we are in and I think all of you [the media] thought we would collapse. The players know how important it is to the club and fans and the need to keep going.
"It's going to give us a little bit of confidence and give us a chance to go with a different two approaches for the rest of the season.
"I'm sure the players will go there [to Chelsea, for their next Premier League game on Saturday] and play. We are not playing for Liverpool. I'm sure Luis Suarez is going to be happy tonight, with one team less [in the title race]."
Wickham, who scored both Sunderland goals, had only recently returned from a loan spell at Leeds United but Poyet declared his faith in the youngster.
"When I got to the club there were five or six strikers. It was impossible to play them all," the Uruguayan recalled. "He went away and played well.
"If he delivers, he's going to keep playing. It's very simple in our situation. If you deliver, then you will get the chance to play."
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says that his side were still suffering from their loss to Liverpool in Wednesday's shock 2-2 draw with Sunderland.
The hosts took the lead within two minutes at the Etihad Stadium but were nearly undone by a Connor Wickham double before Vito Mannone's late mistake allowed Samir Nasri to equalise.
Pellegrini confessed after the game that he had been "very worried" in anticipation of the game, which ended with his side six points behind the Reds with only one game left in hand, their hopes of winning the title slipping away.
"Chances [of winning the league] are less than before the match," he told the press, "[but] we will continue fighting to the end.
"I don't think there was less confidence. We couldn't take out of our mind the game against Liverpool.
"Before the match I was very worried about this match. I'm sure, in just three days, it is very difficult for the players to take their mind off Liverpool. They are more mentally tired than physically tired."
Attacking midfielder David Silva was a late withdrawal due to an ankle injury but Pellegrini says that the problem is a minor one.
"David has a problem in his ankle," the Chilean stated. "He played the last two games but playing twice in a week wasn’t possible. We will see how he is for Monday."
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet was glad to have got some reward for his side's efforts, though he remains cautious on their chances of survival, with the Black Cats still six points from safety with only one game in hand.
He remarked: "I'm realistic and I'm not going to change now. We played a great game and we deserved something.
"You need to realise the situation we are in and I think all of you [the media] thought we would collapse. The players know how important it is to the club and fans and the need to keep going.
"It's going to give us a little bit of confidence and give us a chance to go with a different two approaches for the rest of the season.
"I'm sure the players will go there [to Chelsea, for their next Premier League game on Saturday] and play. We are not playing for Liverpool. I'm sure Luis Suarez is going to be happy tonight, with one team less [in the title race]."
Wickham, who scored both Sunderland goals, had only recently returned from a loan spell at Leeds United but Poyet declared his faith in the youngster.
"When I got to the club there were five or six strikers. It was impossible to play them all," the Uruguayan recalled. "He went away and played well.
"If he delivers, he's going to keep playing. It's very simple in our situation. If you deliver, then you will get the chance to play."
Real Madrid deserved Copa del Rey success – Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo believes that Real Madrid fully merited their 2-1 win over Barcelona, which secured the Copa del Rey for the Santiago Bernabeu side.
The Ballon d’Or winner was restricted to the stands because of injury but Carlo Ancelotti’s men secured the crown regardless, with Angel Di Maria and Gareth Bale scoring either side of Marc Bartra’s equaliser.
“We deserved to win because we played better and we created more goal chances, but we still have two titles to fight for,” Ronaldo told reporters after the game at Mestalla.
“It was a great struggle to reach the final. We are very happy, we have been great, we have to enjoy this day and then think about the league.”
Speaking of his injury situation, the Portuguese seemed upbeat. “I'm much better, I don't feel pain anymore,” the 29-year-old explained.
Wednesday’s victory sealed a 19th Copa del Rey title for the capital side, who currently sit second in La Liga behind Atletico Madrid and who have a Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich to look forward to.
Cristiano Ronaldo believes that Real Madrid fully merited their 2-1 win over Barcelona, which secured the Copa del Rey for the Santiago Bernabeu side.
The Ballon d’Or winner was restricted to the stands because of injury but Carlo Ancelotti’s men secured the crown regardless, with Angel Di Maria and Gareth Bale scoring either side of Marc Bartra’s equaliser.
“We deserved to win because we played better and we created more goal chances, but we still have two titles to fight for,” Ronaldo told reporters after the game at Mestalla.
“It was a great struggle to reach the final. We are very happy, we have been great, we have to enjoy this day and then think about the league.”
Speaking of his injury situation, the Portuguese seemed upbeat. “I'm much better, I don't feel pain anymore,” the 29-year-old explained.
Wednesday’s victory sealed a 19th Copa del Rey title for the capital side, who currently sit second in La Liga behind Atletico Madrid and who have a Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich to look forward to.
Llorente & Tevez not giving up on World Cup dream
Fernando Llorente has revealed that he and Juventus team-mate Carlos Tevez have not yet given up hope on playing in this summer's World Cup.
After a slow start to life in Italy, the Spaniard has enjoyed a stellar debut season in Serie A, netting 14 times in total as well as forming a formidable partnership with his Argentine accomplice, who has 18 goals to his name.
Tevez, though, has not featured for his country since Alejandro Sabella took over in 2011, while Llorente has fallen out of favour with Spain boss Vicente del Bosque.
However, Llorente says that both he and Tevez are still dreaming of travelling to Brazil with their respective nations.
"The Italian championship is difficult and competitive, and we're hoping to be able to go to the World Cup," the former Athletic Bilbao hitman told Sky Sport Italia.
"It's difficult but we're doing well with Juve and if everything goes well, maybe we'll be rewarded [at international level].
"Is this the most beautiful year of my life? I don't know but I'm having a great season."
Llorente and Tevez's goals have put Juve within touching distance of a third successive Serie A title triumph, but even though Antonio Conte's men are eight points above second-placed Roma with just five games to go, he is taking nothing for granted.
"We're in a privileged position in terms of the Scudetto but nothing is won yet," he warned.
"We're still three games away from mathematical victory, but we're hoping to reach that goal as quickly as possible."
Fernando Llorente has revealed that he and Juventus team-mate Carlos Tevez have not yet given up hope on playing in this summer's World Cup.
After a slow start to life in Italy, the Spaniard has enjoyed a stellar debut season in Serie A, netting 14 times in total as well as forming a formidable partnership with his Argentine accomplice, who has 18 goals to his name.
Tevez, though, has not featured for his country since Alejandro Sabella took over in 2011, while Llorente has fallen out of favour with Spain boss Vicente del Bosque.
However, Llorente says that both he and Tevez are still dreaming of travelling to Brazil with their respective nations.
"The Italian championship is difficult and competitive, and we're hoping to be able to go to the World Cup," the former Athletic Bilbao hitman told Sky Sport Italia.
"It's difficult but we're doing well with Juve and if everything goes well, maybe we'll be rewarded [at international level].
"Is this the most beautiful year of my life? I don't know but I'm having a great season."
Llorente and Tevez's goals have put Juve within touching distance of a third successive Serie A title triumph, but even though Antonio Conte's men are eight points above second-placed Roma with just five games to go, he is taking nothing for granted.
"We're in a privileged position in terms of the Scudetto but nothing is won yet," he warned.
"We're still three games away from mathematical victory, but we're hoping to reach that goal as quickly as possible."
Thohir: One of Dzeko, Torres or Morata would be great for Inter
Inter president Erick Thohir has admitted that he would like to see Edin Dzeko, Fernando Torres or Alvaro Morata arrive at San Siro this summer.
All three strikers have been repeatedly linked with the Nerazzurri in recent months and the Indonesian businessman is making no secret of the fact that he feels coach Walter Mazzarri could do with another attacking option as he looks to rebuild the club he assumed control of earlier this season.
"We want to make Inter a healthy club inside the next two to three years," Thohir told reporters.
"That also means in terms of the squad. After having already signed Hernanes [from Lazio during the January transfer window], [Manchester United defender Nemanja] Vidic and others will arrive.
"We will take a forward. I know that names such as Dzeko, Torres and Morata are circling. If one of them arrives, it would be a good thing.
"We will also be able to take some Italians, but for the history of the club it's not an obligation.
"We want to also return to playing in the Champions League in two to three years.
"We must also balance the average of the squad, which will be 26.2 years old, and the squad, given that we will be playing three times per week.
"For not, Inter is among the top 15 footballing brands in the world. We want to get back among the top 10."
Dzeko has been told that he can leave Manchester City this summer if the Premier League outfit receive what they deem an acceptable offer for the Bosnian.
Torres, meanwhile, is expected to be a part of an exodus of strikers at Chelsea, while fellow Spaniard Morata is reportedly open to leaving Real Madrid in search of regular first-team football.
Inter president Erick Thohir has admitted that he would like to see Edin Dzeko, Fernando Torres or Alvaro Morata arrive at San Siro this summer.
All three strikers have been repeatedly linked with the Nerazzurri in recent months and the Indonesian businessman is making no secret of the fact that he feels coach Walter Mazzarri could do with another attacking option as he looks to rebuild the club he assumed control of earlier this season.
"We want to make Inter a healthy club inside the next two to three years," Thohir told reporters.
"That also means in terms of the squad. After having already signed Hernanes [from Lazio during the January transfer window], [Manchester United defender Nemanja] Vidic and others will arrive.
"We will take a forward. I know that names such as Dzeko, Torres and Morata are circling. If one of them arrives, it would be a good thing.
"We will also be able to take some Italians, but for the history of the club it's not an obligation.
"We want to also return to playing in the Champions League in two to three years.
"We must also balance the average of the squad, which will be 26.2 years old, and the squad, given that we will be playing three times per week.
"For not, Inter is among the top 15 footballing brands in the world. We want to get back among the top 10."
Dzeko has been told that he can leave Manchester City this summer if the Premier League outfit receive what they deem an acceptable offer for the Bosnian.
Torres, meanwhile, is expected to be a part of an exodus of strikers at Chelsea, while fellow Spaniard Morata is reportedly open to leaving Real Madrid in search of regular first-team football.
Ozil returns to Arsenal training ahead of Hull City clash
Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil is closing in on a return from injury after taking part in training on Wednesday.
The Germany international has not featured for Arsenal since the 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich on March 11 due to a hamstring problem.
But he is set to return for the club's run-in, as they seek to secure a Champions League berth ahead of fellow top-four chasers Everton.
Arsene Wenger had previously revealed that Ozil was in contention to play against Hull City this Sunday.
The midfielder wrote on his official Facebook page: “Finally training on the pitch again with my team-mates. I'm doing fine and I'm looking forward to playing again soon.”
The news will come as a major boost to the Gunners, while Abou Diaby is also set to return to full training soon.
The Frenchman has not made a single appearance for the club this season – having torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last year – but could feature before the campaign ends.
Valencia want to keep Bernat, says Rufete
Valencia sporting director Francisco Rufete says Valencia are hopeful of keeping 21-year-old left-back Juan Bernat.
The defender, who won the Under 19 Euros with Spain in 2012, has made 28 La Liga appearances this season and has also been a regular in Valencia's march to the Europa League semi-finals and his bright performances have seen him linked to the likes of Manchester United and Napoli.Valencia's well-documented financial problems have seen them sell many of their best players in recent years, with David Silva, Juan Mata, David Villa and Roberto Soldado all leaving the club for big-money fees.
But Rufete, says Valencia are determined to keep Bernat - who can also play on the left side of midfield - in Spain, despite foreign interest."Juan is a home-grown player from our academy and is a very important player for us," Rufete is quoted as saying in the Italian media.
"We want him to stay with us for a long time, but we also know that there are many clubs that are interested in him because he is playing at such a good level."It is good that the team continues to produce such results and Bernat is certainly a player that interests Napoli and many other clubs, but our intention is to keep him."
Valencia sporting director Francisco Rufete says Valencia are hopeful of keeping 21-year-old left-back Juan Bernat.
The defender, who won the Under 19 Euros with Spain in 2012, has made 28 La Liga appearances this season and has also been a regular in Valencia's march to the Europa League semi-finals and his bright performances have seen him linked to the likes of Manchester United and Napoli.Valencia's well-documented financial problems have seen them sell many of their best players in recent years, with David Silva, Juan Mata, David Villa and Roberto Soldado all leaving the club for big-money fees.
But Rufete, says Valencia are determined to keep Bernat - who can also play on the left side of midfield - in Spain, despite foreign interest."Juan is a home-grown player from our academy and is a very important player for us," Rufete is quoted as saying in the Italian media.
"We want him to stay with us for a long time, but we also know that there are many clubs that are interested in him because he is playing at such a good level."It is good that the team continues to produce such results and Bernat is certainly a player that interests Napoli and many other clubs, but our intention is to keep him."
Lewandowski: I want to win another trophy with Dortmund
Robert Lewandowski says he wants to win one more title with Borussia Dortmund before he leaves the club in the summer.
Jurgen Klopp's side beat Wolfsburg 2-0 on Tuesday night to secure their place in the DFB-Pokal final, where they will face the winner of Wednesday's clash between Bayern Munich and Kaiserslautern.
And the Polish striker says he wants to win the cup with his team before he leaves to join rivals Bayern in the summer.
"I want to win another title here - that's very important for me," the Poland international told the Bundesliga's official website.
"I'm going to fight to the very last minute for Dortmund."
The 25-year-old scored his 100th goal for BVB to secure the win over Dieter Hecking's side and unveiled a t-shirt with his new tally on it during his celebration and he says it won't be his for the club.
"That was my idea," he said of the t-shirt. "I just had a good feeling that I would score a goal. Obviously I'm delighted with my 100th goal for BVB, and it was a nice goal too, but there’ll be more to come. We've still got four more games in the Bundesliga and the final in Berlin."
Dortmund defender Mats Hummels reiterated Lewandowski's desire to win the cup this season and insists the campaign has been a success, despite the side's elimination from the Champions League and failure to challenge Bayern to lifting the league title.
"Of course our aim is to lift something this year," said the German defender. "We're now just one win away from lifting the cup and that's exactly what we had hoped for. Given all our worries and injury problems, we've played a fantastic season."
Robert Lewandowski says he wants to win one more title with Borussia Dortmund before he leaves the club in the summer.
Jurgen Klopp's side beat Wolfsburg 2-0 on Tuesday night to secure their place in the DFB-Pokal final, where they will face the winner of Wednesday's clash between Bayern Munich and Kaiserslautern.
And the Polish striker says he wants to win the cup with his team before he leaves to join rivals Bayern in the summer.
"I want to win another title here - that's very important for me," the Poland international told the Bundesliga's official website.
"I'm going to fight to the very last minute for Dortmund."
The 25-year-old scored his 100th goal for BVB to secure the win over Dieter Hecking's side and unveiled a t-shirt with his new tally on it during his celebration and he says it won't be his for the club.
"That was my idea," he said of the t-shirt. "I just had a good feeling that I would score a goal. Obviously I'm delighted with my 100th goal for BVB, and it was a nice goal too, but there’ll be more to come. We've still got four more games in the Bundesliga and the final in Berlin."
Dortmund defender Mats Hummels reiterated Lewandowski's desire to win the cup this season and insists the campaign has been a success, despite the side's elimination from the Champions League and failure to challenge Bayern to lifting the league title.
"Of course our aim is to lift something this year," said the German defender. "We're now just one win away from lifting the cup and that's exactly what we had hoped for. Given all our worries and injury problems, we've played a fantastic season."
Tottenham wait on Van Gaal decision
Tottenham have made Louis van Gaal their first choice to take over as the club’s manager but are being made to wait for the Netherlands coach to make a decision on his future.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy wants the 62-year-old to take over from Tim Sherwood after the World Cup but Van Gaal has been considering his options having been linked with Manchester United.
Van Gaal has long been considered the favourite to take over in the summer but Tottenham are now waiting for an answer from the Dutchman as they actively search for a replacement for Sherwood.
Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino is under serious consideration as an alternative to Van Gaal and will delay talks over a new contract with the south coast club until the end of the season.
But Levy wants Van Gaal, who will step down as Netherlands coach after the World Cup and has made no secret of his desire to manage in the Premier League. The pair met following the dismissal of Villas-Boas in December but the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona boss refused to split the Spurs job with his Holland duties.
Spurs are now sweating on Van Gaal's decision amid concerns he is holding out for a chance to manage United after reports of a meeting held last week with Old Trafford chiefs about the possibility of taking over from David Moyes.
Spurs chiefs have been worried about feedback about the Dutchman’s abrasive character but there is a recognition at White Hart Lane that the club cannot pass up the opportunity to appoint a managerial legend who has won titles in Holland, Spain and Germany.
Van Gaal is also an attractive proposition because his arrival would not require Spurs to pay any compensation as his contract with the Dutch FA expires after the World Cup in Brazil.
If Van Gaal delays for too long, he could miss out on the opportunity to manage Tottenham.
Pochettino is well aware that he is highly rated by Levy and expects an interview to press his claim to take over from Sherwood, who was told last week that the club would be making a change just four months after his appointment on an 18-month contract.
The Argentine, 42, has a year left on his Southampton contract and has so far refused to sign a new deal, with the club expected to sell key players this summer, including Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana.
Pochettino would fit in to Tottenham’s continental management structure which includes a director of football and a committee responsible for identifying transfer targets, with the ‘head coach’ asked to focus on first-team performances and results.
Tottenham have made Louis van Gaal their first choice to take over as the club’s manager but are being made to wait for the Netherlands coach to make a decision on his future.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy wants the 62-year-old to take over from Tim Sherwood after the World Cup but Van Gaal has been considering his options having been linked with Manchester United.
Van Gaal has long been considered the favourite to take over in the summer but Tottenham are now waiting for an answer from the Dutchman as they actively search for a replacement for Sherwood.
Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino is under serious consideration as an alternative to Van Gaal and will delay talks over a new contract with the south coast club until the end of the season.
But Levy wants Van Gaal, who will step down as Netherlands coach after the World Cup and has made no secret of his desire to manage in the Premier League. The pair met following the dismissal of Villas-Boas in December but the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona boss refused to split the Spurs job with his Holland duties.
Spurs are now sweating on Van Gaal's decision amid concerns he is holding out for a chance to manage United after reports of a meeting held last week with Old Trafford chiefs about the possibility of taking over from David Moyes.
Spurs chiefs have been worried about feedback about the Dutchman’s abrasive character but there is a recognition at White Hart Lane that the club cannot pass up the opportunity to appoint a managerial legend who has won titles in Holland, Spain and Germany.
Van Gaal is also an attractive proposition because his arrival would not require Spurs to pay any compensation as his contract with the Dutch FA expires after the World Cup in Brazil.
If Van Gaal delays for too long, he could miss out on the opportunity to manage Tottenham.
Pochettino is well aware that he is highly rated by Levy and expects an interview to press his claim to take over from Sherwood, who was told last week that the club would be making a change just four months after his appointment on an 18-month contract.
The Argentine, 42, has a year left on his Southampton contract and has so far refused to sign a new deal, with the club expected to sell key players this summer, including Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana.
Pochettino would fit in to Tottenham’s continental management structure which includes a director of football and a committee responsible for identifying transfer targets, with the ‘head coach’ asked to focus on first-team performances and results.
Pogba is a force of nature, says Buffon
Juventus shot stopper Gianluigi Buffon has voiced his admiration for Paul Pogba, describing the young Frenchman as "a true force of nature."
The midfielder has established himself as one of the brightest young players in Europe following his excellent form for the Bianconeri since his move from Manchester United.
The 21-year-old is continually being linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, with the Ligue 1 giants reportedly willing to pay up to €70 million for the powerful midfielder, and while Buffon admits such a fee could prove too tempting for the club to ignore, he is eager for the player to stay at the club.
"Paul is a natural talent. There's no arguing about that. He is a true force of nature," the Juventus goalkeeper told Sky.
"He has surprised everyone. He has just exploded and didn't need much time for it. We all understood within two months or so that he was a huge talent and that we were talking about a great player.
"But in a difficult economic situation like this, you have to take a lot of things into consideration if a big offer comes in.
"But I would like to stress that the directors and the president have always made the right choices and will do the same in this case."
Pogba has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2016.
Juventus shot stopper Gianluigi Buffon has voiced his admiration for Paul Pogba, describing the young Frenchman as "a true force of nature."
The midfielder has established himself as one of the brightest young players in Europe following his excellent form for the Bianconeri since his move from Manchester United.
The 21-year-old is continually being linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, with the Ligue 1 giants reportedly willing to pay up to €70 million for the powerful midfielder, and while Buffon admits such a fee could prove too tempting for the club to ignore, he is eager for the player to stay at the club.
"Paul is a natural talent. There's no arguing about that. He is a true force of nature," the Juventus goalkeeper told Sky.
"He has surprised everyone. He has just exploded and didn't need much time for it. We all understood within two months or so that he was a huge talent and that we were talking about a great player.
"But in a difficult economic situation like this, you have to take a lot of things into consideration if a big offer comes in.
"But I would like to stress that the directors and the president have always made the right choices and will do the same in this case."
Pogba has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2016.
No Manchester United offer for Kroos, insists agent
Toni Kroos' agent Volker Struth has insisted that the Bayern Munich midfielder has not received a big-money offer from Manchester United.
The Premier League champions are keen admirers of the Germany international and are hopeful of luring him away from his current club this summer, with initial talks over a possible deal having begun in Munich during the Champions League clash.
A recent report suggested that United have offered Kroos an annual salary of €16 million, but Struth has made it clear there has not been an official offer and has ruled out a summer exit.
"There has not been any official contract offer [from Manchester United]," Kroos' representative told Bild.
"And there is absolutely no need to table an official bid either because Toni will stay with Bayern Munich at least until 2015."
The 24-year-old has a contract with Bayern until June 2015 and head coach Pep Guardiola stressed on Tuesday that the Bavarians are keen to hold on to the midfielder beyond the expiry date of his existing deal.
Nevertheless, contract renewal talks have so far been unfruitful and Kroos has refused to rule out leaving Bayern for a move abroad.
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Roma fail to overturn Destro suspension
Roma's appeal against Mattia Destro's three-match suspension has been rejected by the Federal Court of Justice.
The 23-year-old forward was retrospectively banned after being caught on camera seemingly lashing out at Cagliari defender Davide Astori during the Giallorossi's 3-1 victory at the Sant'Elia on April 6.
Roma, though, promptly challenged the legitimacy of the suspension, claiming that the match official had witnessed the incident, for which Destro escaped any sanction yet resulted in a yellow card for his opponent's angry reaction.
“It is true that Mattia gave him a slap," Giallorossi coach Rudi Garcia said last week, "but the referee saw everything, he whistled against him and normally the rule states that there can be no video evidence when the referee saw the situation."
However, the Federal Court of Justic upheld the three-game ban as the match official did not include Destro's alleged punch in his official report - only Astori's reaction to it.
Consequently, Destro, who sat out last weekend's win over Atalanta because of the mandatory one-match suspension he incurred for a yellow card he received for a separate incident against Cagliari, will now miss Roma's upcoming clashes with Fiorentina, AC Milan and Catania.
However, the attacker, who went on to net a hat-trick in the game at the Sant'Elia, will be available for the capital club's Stadio Olimpico showdown with Juventus on May 9 and his club's final league out of the season against Genoa the following weekend.
The failure to overturn the ban is a major blow for both the club and the player, as Destro is Roma's top scorer, with 13 goals, and his strong second half of the season had put him in contention for a place in Cesare Prandelli's Italy squad for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.
Roma's appeal against Mattia Destro's three-match suspension has been rejected by the Federal Court of Justice.
The 23-year-old forward was retrospectively banned after being caught on camera seemingly lashing out at Cagliari defender Davide Astori during the Giallorossi's 3-1 victory at the Sant'Elia on April 6.
Roma, though, promptly challenged the legitimacy of the suspension, claiming that the match official had witnessed the incident, for which Destro escaped any sanction yet resulted in a yellow card for his opponent's angry reaction.
“It is true that Mattia gave him a slap," Giallorossi coach Rudi Garcia said last week, "but the referee saw everything, he whistled against him and normally the rule states that there can be no video evidence when the referee saw the situation."
However, the Federal Court of Justic upheld the three-game ban as the match official did not include Destro's alleged punch in his official report - only Astori's reaction to it.
Consequently, Destro, who sat out last weekend's win over Atalanta because of the mandatory one-match suspension he incurred for a yellow card he received for a separate incident against Cagliari, will now miss Roma's upcoming clashes with Fiorentina, AC Milan and Catania.
However, the attacker, who went on to net a hat-trick in the game at the Sant'Elia, will be available for the capital club's Stadio Olimpico showdown with Juventus on May 9 and his club's final league out of the season against Genoa the following weekend.
The failure to overturn the ban is a major blow for both the club and the player, as Destro is Roma's top scorer, with 13 goals, and his strong second half of the season had put him in contention for a place in Cesare Prandelli's Italy squad for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.
Monaco to sack Ranieri this summer
Claudio Ranieri is set to pay the price for Monaco's trophy-less season by being axed as coach at the end of the season.
The principality club are looking for a new boss as they prepare to make a concerted challenge to the growing dominance in France of Paris Saint-Germain, as well as establish themselves as a force in Europe.
Ranieri, who took over in 2012, steered Monaco to promotion to Ligue 1 in his first season at the helm and they currently lie second in the top flight. However, their French Cup semi-final defeat to Guingamp on Wednesday night means they will end the campaign without a major honour.
The Monaco hierarchy, led by Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev, have decided to dispense with Ranieri as they set their sights on a coach who can make even more of the club's vast resources.
With Rybolovlev's backing, a huge recruitment drive has brought a series of marquee players to the Stade Louis II, including Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho, Dimitar Berbatov, Jeremy Toulalan, James Rodriguez, Ricardo Carvalho and Eric Abidal.
The Monaco board had hoped that the team could present a greater challenge to league leaders PSG, who are 10 points clear in Ligue 1 with five matches remaining.
Ranieri's job will be regarded as a plum post around Europe, with super-agent Jorge Mendes, who represents Falcao, Moutinho, Rodriguez and Carvalho, expected to be an influential voice in the selection of a successor.
Goal understands that former West Brom boss Steve Clarke is among those ready to throw their names into the hat to replace Ranieri.
Since being sacked by Chelsea in 2004, the 62-year-old Italian has coached Valencia, Parma, Juventus, Roma and Inter as well as Monaco.
Claudio Ranieri is set to pay the price for Monaco's trophy-less season by being axed as coach at the end of the season.
The principality club are looking for a new boss as they prepare to make a concerted challenge to the growing dominance in France of Paris Saint-Germain, as well as establish themselves as a force in Europe.
Ranieri, who took over in 2012, steered Monaco to promotion to Ligue 1 in his first season at the helm and they currently lie second in the top flight. However, their French Cup semi-final defeat to Guingamp on Wednesday night means they will end the campaign without a major honour.
The Monaco hierarchy, led by Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev, have decided to dispense with Ranieri as they set their sights on a coach who can make even more of the club's vast resources.
With Rybolovlev's backing, a huge recruitment drive has brought a series of marquee players to the Stade Louis II, including Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho, Dimitar Berbatov, Jeremy Toulalan, James Rodriguez, Ricardo Carvalho and Eric Abidal.
The Monaco board had hoped that the team could present a greater challenge to league leaders PSG, who are 10 points clear in Ligue 1 with five matches remaining.
Ranieri's job will be regarded as a plum post around Europe, with super-agent Jorge Mendes, who represents Falcao, Moutinho, Rodriguez and Carvalho, expected to be an influential voice in the selection of a successor.
Goal understands that former West Brom boss Steve Clarke is among those ready to throw their names into the hat to replace Ranieri.
Since being sacked by Chelsea in 2004, the 62-year-old Italian has coached Valencia, Parma, Juventus, Roma and Inter as well as Monaco.
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