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'Dortmund will never take foot off the gas' - Grosskreutz
Borussia Dortmund will not take their foot off the gas despite being guaranteed Champions League football next season, utility man Kevin Grosskreutz has promised.Jurgen Klopp's men drew 2-2 with fellow top-four challengers Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, coming from behind twice to earn a point at the BayArena.
Lars Bender opened the scoring for Leverkusen at the BayArena after seven minutes before Dortmund's Oliver Kirch levelled just before the half-hour mark. Gonzalo Castro restored the hosts' advantage in the 35th minute, only for Marco Reus to respond again for Dortmund from the penalty spot."It was a very intense game and I think a draw was a fair result," Grosskreutz told reporters afterwards. "It was a great game for the fans.
"We're never going to take our foot off the pedal, even if we've already qualified for Europe. Why should we?"Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno hailed his side's display, despite the side missing the chance to open up a three-point lead over Wolfsburg in the race for the fourth and final Champions League spot, and urged the side to continue with a
similar tempo.
"I think this was the best performance of the second half of the season. I wasn't expecting it," Leno said. "We've been short on confidence in recent weeks, so today's performance was exceptional.
"Fourth place is the minimum requirement for us. We have to make sure we win the last two matches."
Borussia Dortmund will not take their foot off the gas despite being guaranteed Champions League football next season, utility man Kevin Grosskreutz has promised.Jurgen Klopp's men drew 2-2 with fellow top-four challengers Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, coming from behind twice to earn a point at the BayArena.
Lars Bender opened the scoring for Leverkusen at the BayArena after seven minutes before Dortmund's Oliver Kirch levelled just before the half-hour mark. Gonzalo Castro restored the hosts' advantage in the 35th minute, only for Marco Reus to respond again for Dortmund from the penalty spot."It was a very intense game and I think a draw was a fair result," Grosskreutz told reporters afterwards. "It was a great game for the fans.
"We're never going to take our foot off the pedal, even if we've already qualified for Europe. Why should we?"Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno hailed his side's display, despite the side missing the chance to open up a three-point lead over Wolfsburg in the race for the fourth and final Champions League spot, and urged the side to continue with a
similar tempo.
"I think this was the best performance of the second half of the season. I wasn't expecting it," Leno said. "We've been short on confidence in recent weeks, so today's performance was exceptional.
"Fourth place is the minimum requirement for us. We have to make sure we win the last two matches."
Ryan Giggs has labelled his managerial debut as a “dream day” after Manchester United sealed a 4-0 victory over Norwich City.
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring with a penalty after 41 minutes and found the net again shortly after half-time. Juan Mata, who started the match as a substitute, replaced Danny Welbeck after 60 minutes and struck twice to round off the win at Old Trafford.
"I did enjoy it. 4-0 it's a dream day for us and I was really pleased with the performance,” Giggs told Sky Sports.
“It's always nice to end the game like we did. Scoring goals and creating chances. And just the response of the players. First half we were a little bit slow so I just reminded them the tempo needs to be quicker and we need to be a little bit faster and they reacted well to that."
There was no place in Giggs’ matchday squad for United’s £27.5 million summer signing Marouane Fellaini or Adnan Januzaj, and the 40-year-old admits leaving high-profile players out of his side was a “difficult” decision to make.
"Yeah. I didn't sleep last night for that reason,” said Giggs.
“Players who weren't even on the bench, leaving the likes of Juan Mata out of the starting XI was difficult.
“It's a position I've never been put in before and it was really, really tough. Okay I'm interim manager but I'm also one of their team-mates so to leave them out was tough.
“I told them all individually before the game and rightly so. A few of them were upset but they didn't sulk and you've seen the response of Juan and that's a true professional. To not moan and not sulk to come on and produce a performance like he did for half an hour."
With Louis van Gaal having agreed a deal to become United’s next permanent manager, Giggs admits he is not considering his future beyond the end of the campaign.
"It's not something I'm thinking of at the moment,” said the Welshman.
“It's just these four games, it's took so much out of me this week that I haven't really had time to look too far into the future. My next job now is getting the players ready for Sunderland."
London or Munich to host Euro 2020 showpiece
Uefa has announced that the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020 will be held in either London or Munich.
Nineteen member associations have submitted bids to host matches at the competition, which will be held in 13 different cities across the continent in six years' time.
However, the only bids for the semi-finals and final package came from England and Germany, with Wembley and the Allianz Arena also in the running to stage matches earlier in the competition.
Baku, Minsk, Brussels, Sofia, Copenhagen, Skopje, Budapest, Jerusalem, Rome, Amsterdam, Dublin, Bucharest, St Petersburg, Glasgow, Bilbao, Stockholm and Cardiff are the other cities hoping to secure one of the 12 standard packages, comprised of three group games and a knockout tie.
Thirty-two associations had initially expressed an interest in hosting matches and those who have submitted dossiers will learn their fate on September 19, when the Uefa Executive Commitee announce their final decision.
"We are extremely happy to have received so many bids to host Uefa EURO 2020," said Uefa president Michel Platini in a statement.
"The 60th year anniversary edition of the tournament will be an historic one, with matches played in many European countries.
"By spreading the Euro across our continent, we will allow more fans from more nations to share in the excitement of hosting such a magical event.
"Member associations will also benefit greatly from this format, since more of them will be exposed to an elite tournament and have the opportunity to increase the development of football in their respective countries."
Uefa has announced that the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020 will be held in either London or Munich.
Nineteen member associations have submitted bids to host matches at the competition, which will be held in 13 different cities across the continent in six years' time.
However, the only bids for the semi-finals and final package came from England and Germany, with Wembley and the Allianz Arena also in the running to stage matches earlier in the competition.
Baku, Minsk, Brussels, Sofia, Copenhagen, Skopje, Budapest, Jerusalem, Rome, Amsterdam, Dublin, Bucharest, St Petersburg, Glasgow, Bilbao, Stockholm and Cardiff are the other cities hoping to secure one of the 12 standard packages, comprised of three group games and a knockout tie.
Thirty-two associations had initially expressed an interest in hosting matches and those who have submitted dossiers will learn their fate on September 19, when the Uefa Executive Commitee announce their final decision.
"We are extremely happy to have received so many bids to host Uefa EURO 2020," said Uefa president Michel Platini in a statement.
"The 60th year anniversary edition of the tournament will be an historic one, with matches played in many European countries.
"By spreading the Euro across our continent, we will allow more fans from more nations to share in the excitement of hosting such a magical event.
"Member associations will also benefit greatly from this format, since more of them will be exposed to an elite tournament and have the opportunity to increase the development of football in their respective countries."
Barcelona players pay tribute to Vilanova
Barcelona's players have visited the area set aside by the club for tributes to former coach Tito Vilanova, who died on Friday.
Vilanova, who served as assistant to Pep Guardiola before taking charge of first-team affairs at Camp Nou, passed away at the age of 45 following a lengthy battle with throat cancer. After succeeding Guardiola for the 2012-13 season, Vilanova guided the club to the league title with a club-record haul of 100 points.However, his sole campaign in charge was interrupted by illness and he was forced to step down last July.
The club confirmed on Friday that Vilanova had passed away, with Barcelona's playing squad and coaching staff the first visitors to a space at the club's stadium set aside for tributes.
Coach Gerardo Martino led the squad alongside sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta before president Josep Maria Bartomeu headed the club's board in paying tribute."After signing the book of condolence, the whole squad moved to face a large photo of Tito Vilanova, where they dedicated a few moments of pensive silence," Barca detailed on their official website.
"It was a tough experience for many of the squad, who were visibly moved as they recalled the man who had coached many of them from his days as a youth coach, then as assistant to Pep Guardiola and finally as first team manager."Captain Carles Puyol said: "From here we send a lot of strength to his family and friends."
The doors to the area at Camp Nou are now open for the general public to pay their respects.
Barcelona's players have visited the area set aside by the club for tributes to former coach Tito Vilanova, who died on Friday.
Vilanova, who served as assistant to Pep Guardiola before taking charge of first-team affairs at Camp Nou, passed away at the age of 45 following a lengthy battle with throat cancer. After succeeding Guardiola for the 2012-13 season, Vilanova guided the club to the league title with a club-record haul of 100 points.However, his sole campaign in charge was interrupted by illness and he was forced to step down last July.
The club confirmed on Friday that Vilanova had passed away, with Barcelona's playing squad and coaching staff the first visitors to a space at the club's stadium set aside for tributes.
Coach Gerardo Martino led the squad alongside sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta before president Josep Maria Bartomeu headed the club's board in paying tribute."After signing the book of condolence, the whole squad moved to face a large photo of Tito Vilanova, where they dedicated a few moments of pensive silence," Barca detailed on their official website.
"It was a tough experience for many of the squad, who were visibly moved as they recalled the man who had coached many of them from his days as a youth coach, then as assistant to Pep Guardiola and finally as first team manager."Captain Carles Puyol said: "From here we send a lot of strength to his family and friends."
The doors to the area at Camp Nou are now open for the general public to pay their respects.
Roma will do everything to catch Juve, says Pjanic
Miralem Pjanic insists Roma will do everything they can to beat Juventus to the title.
The Giallorossi pulled to within five points of the league leaders following their 2-0 win over AC Milan on Friday night, with Antonio Conte's side still to play Sassuolo on Monday.
And with just three weeks left of the campaign, Roma could pull themselves even closer to the Bianconeri when the two sides meet in the penultimate game of the season.
"We’ll end the season on a high, then see what Juve do. If they win, the chances will be minimal," Pjanic told Roma's official TV channel.
"We’ve got to keep giving joy to our fans, as this has been a wonderful season. It’s a shame we're not top after everything we’ve achieved."We’ll do everything to catch Juventus in the remaining three games. There is such a great atmosphere around the team and an incredible season. We want to continue like this.
"It was a great game, a great goal, so I am even happier for this victory."
Roma continue their title challenge next weekend with a trip to Catania.
Miralem Pjanic insists Roma will do everything they can to beat Juventus to the title.
The Giallorossi pulled to within five points of the league leaders following their 2-0 win over AC Milan on Friday night, with Antonio Conte's side still to play Sassuolo on Monday.
And with just three weeks left of the campaign, Roma could pull themselves even closer to the Bianconeri when the two sides meet in the penultimate game of the season.
"We’ll end the season on a high, then see what Juve do. If they win, the chances will be minimal," Pjanic told Roma's official TV channel.
"We’ve got to keep giving joy to our fans, as this has been a wonderful season. It’s a shame we're not top after everything we’ve achieved."We’ll do everything to catch Juventus in the remaining three games. There is such a great atmosphere around the team and an incredible season. We want to continue like this.
"It was a great game, a great goal, so I am even happier for this victory."
Roma continue their title challenge next weekend with a trip to Catania.
Totti: Roma will make Juventus sweat right until the end
Francesco Totti has expressed his dismay that a club-record points haul is unlikely to earn Roma this season's Serie A title - but nonetheless declared his team's intention to continue making leaders Juventus "sweat" for as long as possible.
The Giallorossi defeated AC Milan 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday night to draw to within five points of the Bianconeri, who play Sassuolo on Monday.
However, the win also saw Roma reach 85 points for the season, thus breaking their previous best of 82 points, which was set during their 2007-08 campaign.
Consequently, Totti could not help express his disappointment that Rudi Garcia's men, who still have three games remaining, will receive no tangible reward for their record-breaking form this term.
"It's a pity that we could get to more than 90 points without winning the Scudetto," the Roma captain told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"But it's not finished. Juve will have to sweat right until the end."
However, Totti's team-mate Daniele De Rossi preferred to dwell on the positives, given Roma finished sixth last year before being utterly transformed by the summer arrival of Garcia from Lille.
"Getting 85 points had never happened for Roma before," he enthused. "It's something incredible given what happened last year.
"We didn't know when we would get out of that situation. But we managed to do it in just a few months thanks to the coach and the fans.
"Garcia did the simplest things possible to resolve the situation. He gave us confidence, he gave us a positive feeling from the first day.
"We became a team, this you can see. It was not by chance. The team became very strong and now we know that we can beat anyone.
"Even if Juve do not win on Monday, it'll be difficult for us to recover. But we must just continue like this until the end. It's great to rack up so many points.
"We are all hungry to win again next year."
Francesco Totti has expressed his dismay that a club-record points haul is unlikely to earn Roma this season's Serie A title - but nonetheless declared his team's intention to continue making leaders Juventus "sweat" for as long as possible.
The Giallorossi defeated AC Milan 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday night to draw to within five points of the Bianconeri, who play Sassuolo on Monday.
However, the win also saw Roma reach 85 points for the season, thus breaking their previous best of 82 points, which was set during their 2007-08 campaign.
Consequently, Totti could not help express his disappointment that Rudi Garcia's men, who still have three games remaining, will receive no tangible reward for their record-breaking form this term.
"It's a pity that we could get to more than 90 points without winning the Scudetto," the Roma captain told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"But it's not finished. Juve will have to sweat right until the end."
However, Totti's team-mate Daniele De Rossi preferred to dwell on the positives, given Roma finished sixth last year before being utterly transformed by the summer arrival of Garcia from Lille.
"Getting 85 points had never happened for Roma before," he enthused. "It's something incredible given what happened last year.
"We didn't know when we would get out of that situation. But we managed to do it in just a few months thanks to the coach and the fans.
"Garcia did the simplest things possible to resolve the situation. He gave us confidence, he gave us a positive feeling from the first day.
"We became a team, this you can see. It was not by chance. The team became very strong and now we know that we can beat anyone.
"Even if Juve do not win on Monday, it'll be difficult for us to recover. But we must just continue like this until the end. It's great to rack up so many points.
"We are all hungry to win again next year."
Pep or Jose would have United at the top, says Meulensteen
Manchester United would be challenging for the Premier League this season had Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola replaced Sir Alex Ferguson, says former assistant manager Rene Meulensteen.
Both coaches were understood to be candidates to succeed Ferguson upon his retirement, but the Red Devils opted to bring in David Moyes.
The former Everton boss was sacked just 10 months into his spell in charge of the club and Meulensteen believes Moyes must take sole responsibility for their failures this season.
"Nonsense," he told Dutch magazine Voetbal International when asked if the players were the main problem.
"This group were last year's champions with a difference of 11 points. A manager like Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola would have United near the top, I'm sure."
"They are going to have to build something again. But that takes time and needs patience. In my view, it is more likely that the Glazers want to challenge for trophies again as soon as possible.
"Then you look at CV's and they end up with the names that are around now: Louis van Gaal, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte and Laurent Blanc."
The Dutchman then admitted he would be open to returning to the club should Moyes' replacement want him back and also went on to insist that interim boss Ryan Giggs has the makings of a very good coach.
"I'm never unhappy with the club. If the next manager thinks I can be of value to the club then I would be open to it.
"I've always thought Ryan can become an excellent manager for United. He knows the club, the culture and style of play that earned them success like no other in recent years. He has charisma. He is outgoing and everyone listens when he says something.
"I expect Ryan will be a Ferguson-type manager. Not someone whose strength is in training and coaching in itself, but someone who can form a very strong team around him."
Manchester United would be challenging for the Premier League this season had Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola replaced Sir Alex Ferguson, says former assistant manager Rene Meulensteen.
Both coaches were understood to be candidates to succeed Ferguson upon his retirement, but the Red Devils opted to bring in David Moyes.
The former Everton boss was sacked just 10 months into his spell in charge of the club and Meulensteen believes Moyes must take sole responsibility for their failures this season.
"Nonsense," he told Dutch magazine Voetbal International when asked if the players were the main problem.
"This group were last year's champions with a difference of 11 points. A manager like Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola would have United near the top, I'm sure."
"They are going to have to build something again. But that takes time and needs patience. In my view, it is more likely that the Glazers want to challenge for trophies again as soon as possible.
"Then you look at CV's and they end up with the names that are around now: Louis van Gaal, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte and Laurent Blanc."
The Dutchman then admitted he would be open to returning to the club should Moyes' replacement want him back and also went on to insist that interim boss Ryan Giggs has the makings of a very good coach.
"I'm never unhappy with the club. If the next manager thinks I can be of value to the club then I would be open to it.
"I've always thought Ryan can become an excellent manager for United. He knows the club, the culture and style of play that earned them success like no other in recent years. He has charisma. He is outgoing and everyone listens when he says something.
"I expect Ryan will be a Ferguson-type manager. Not someone whose strength is in training and coaching in itself, but someone who can form a very strong team around him."
Rodgers 'sure' to sign new Liverpool deal
Brendan Rodgers says he is "sure" he will sign a new contract with Liverpool at the end of the season.
The Northern Irishman has led his side to within touching distance of a first league title in 24 years, sitting five points clear at the top with three matches left to play.
Rodgers signed a three-year deal in June 2012, but – having seen his team secure qualification for next season's Champions League at the very least – he is expected to earn a new contract."There is nothing really until the end of the season, but there is no doubt that at some point we will agree another deal," the 41-year-old said. "I am sure of that."
While several clubs are expected to be interested in Rodgers, the former Swansea manager insists he still has a lot to achieve at Liverpool."Pride would be a good word to describe the overall evolution of the club and how it is been growing on and off the field - but it is also the job," he added.
"This is a giant of a club in the football world and to be able to build it up again and see how the supporters, and also the general public are enjoying Liverpool, is great.
"I knew it was a huge club and that is why I came, and because of the history and the great past, but it is not until you live it every day of your life you actually realise how big."
Brendan Rodgers says he is "sure" he will sign a new contract with Liverpool at the end of the season.
The Northern Irishman has led his side to within touching distance of a first league title in 24 years, sitting five points clear at the top with three matches left to play.
Rodgers signed a three-year deal in June 2012, but – having seen his team secure qualification for next season's Champions League at the very least – he is expected to earn a new contract."There is nothing really until the end of the season, but there is no doubt that at some point we will agree another deal," the 41-year-old said. "I am sure of that."
While several clubs are expected to be interested in Rodgers, the former Swansea manager insists he still has a lot to achieve at Liverpool."Pride would be a good word to describe the overall evolution of the club and how it is been growing on and off the field - but it is also the job," he added.
"This is a giant of a club in the football world and to be able to build it up again and see how the supporters, and also the general public are enjoying Liverpool, is great.
"I knew it was a huge club and that is why I came, and because of the history and the great past, but it is not until you live it every day of your life you actually realise how big."
Barclays Premier League 2014.04.27 Fixtures
Barclays Premier League 2014.04.27 Fixtures
Sunderland Vs Cardiff City
Liverpool Vs Chelsea
Crystal Palace Vs Manchester City
La Liga 2014.04.27 Fixtures
La Liga 2014.04.27 Fixtures
Espanyol Vs Almeria
Valencia Vs Atletico Madrid
Athletic Bilbao Vs Sevilla
Villareal Vs Barcelona
Espanyol Vs Almeria
Valencia Vs Atletico Madrid
Athletic Bilbao Vs Sevilla
Villareal Vs Barcelona
Serie A 2014.04.27 Fixtures
Serie A 2014.04.27 Fixtures
Hellas Vs Catania
Cagliari Vs Parma
Livorno Vs Lazio
Sampdoria Vs Chievo
Torino Vs Udinese
Atalanta Vs Genoa
Hellas Vs Catania
Cagliari Vs Parma
Livorno Vs Lazio
Sampdoria Vs Chievo
Torino Vs Udinese
Atalanta Vs Genoa
Liverpool Line-Up
Simon Mignolet
Glen Johnson
Mamadou Sakho
Martin Skrtel
John Flanagan
Steven Gerrard
Lucas
Joe Allen
Luis Suárez
Philippe Coutinho
Raheem Sterling
&
Chelsea Line-Up
Mark Schwarzer
Branislav Ivanovic
Ashley Cole
César Azpilicueta
Tomas Kalas
Frank Lampard
John Mikel Obi
Andre Schürrle
Mohamed Salah
Nemanja Matic
Demba Ba
kawaneAda Liverpool win kaloth meh season 1ke EPL title 1ka Liverpool lata thamai
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