..::Football III::..

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Benfica better than Juventus - Jesus

Jorge Jesus believes Benfica proved themselves to be better than Juventus as they reached the Europa League final on Thursday.

The Portuguese champions held Juventus to a 0-0 draw in the second leg of their semi-final tie in Turin, adding to their 2-1 win last week to see them through to the final for the second campaign in a row.

After losing to Chelsea in last season's decider, Benfica have another chance to claim silverware when they face Sevilla in the final at Juventus Stadium on May 14 and Jesus was adamant that his players deserved to progress more than the Bianconeri."Benfica earned the final because we played better in both legs, better than Juve in Lisbon and Turin," Jesus told Sky Sport Italia."Juve are a good team, but defensively Benfica played very well.

"We had the advantage from the first leg and controlled all their movements in the second leg. We deserved to reach the final because we were better than Juve."
Despite the absence of goals, there was still plenty of action in Italy as three players were sent off during the clash.Benfica's Argentine midfielder Enzo Perez was the first to go on 67 minutes after his second bookable offence, ruling him out of the final.

Jesus will also be without Serbian striker Lazar Markovic, who was sent off during the closing stages following a touchline altercation with Juventus substitute Mirko Vucinic, who also received his marching orders despite not being on the pitch.

"I thought it wasn't easy to make up for these situations with Juve attacking, but we knew that we had to stay calm and our players maintained their heads," Jesus added.

"I think Benfica gave a masterclass on how to defend and it's not easy with nine men on the field against Pablo Osvaldo, Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente."

 

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Chelsea assistant Rui Faria handed six-match stadium ban

Chelsea's assistant coach Rui Faria has been handed a six-match stadium ban for his conduct on the touchline during the club's 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on April 19.

Faria had to be restrained from confronting referee Mike Dean after the official awarded an 82nd-minute penalty to the visitors, from which Fabio Borini converted the game's winning goal.

The defeat ended Jose Mourinho's 77-game unbeaten run in Premier League home matches across two spells as Chelsea boss, as well as dealing a huge blow to the Blues' title ambitions.

Faria, who admitted two breaches of Football Association rules, has also been fined £30,000 and warned as to his future conduct.

He will now not be present for Chelsea's final two matches of the season - at home to Norwich City on Saturday and away against Cardiff City on May 11 - and will miss the first four games of the next campaign.

Mourinho was also charged by the Football Association for his comments after the match, during which he sarcastically described the performance of Dean and referees' chief Mike Riley this season as "fantastic".

The Chelsea boss has opted to contest the charge and no date has been set for an official ruling.

 

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Saha backs Giggs for full-time Manchester United job

Former Manchester United striker Luis Saha has backed Ryan Giggs to succeed as manager if given the opportunity at Old Trafford.

Giggs was placed in temporary control at United following David Moyes' sacking last month, less than 12 months into a six-year deal.

United's first match under the veteran Welsh winger was a comprehensive 4-0 win over Norwich City on Saturday and he will be in charge for the club's remaining three fixtures this season.

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has agreed to take the permanent job, with Giggs potentially becoming part of his backroom staff, but Saha called for his former team-mate to be given a chance.

"I know Ryan's relishing the chance and I think he deserves a chance," he told Sky Sports News.

"It's a great opportunity for him. He definitely has the quality, he has the character, the strength and the charisma. There's no doubt about that.

"Experience is the only thing that is missing from him but you know when you play more than 20 years at Manchester United you know how to work, you know exactly how to behave.

"I may be wrong, but I think it's a bit sad, maybe he could have been given a month more to settle, to prove to people he's the right choice. Four games is not enough, I think."

 

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'It was like Iniesta against Chelsea' - Emery hails Mbia's Mestalla winner

Unai Emery compared Sevilla 's dramatic goal in stoppage time which sent them into the Europa League final at Valencia 's expense to Andres Iniesta's strike at Chelsea in 2009.

Sofiane Feghouli's opener, Beto's own goal forced from a Jonas header and Jeremy Mathieu's effort seemed to have put los Che into the final, but on-loan QPR midfielder Stephane Mbia nodded home in the 94th minute to silence Mestalla and secure shock progress for Sevilla.

The visitors were outplayed for most of the match but ex-Valencia boss Emery was overjoyed that his players kept believing throughout, comparing the crucial goal to that of Iniesta in the Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge five years ago which sent Pep Guardiola's side into the final."This is unique," he told Cuatro . "Valencia started well and it was so difficult. Our goal reminded me of Iniesta's goal at Stamford Bridge.

"Today our belief was the only thing that got us through the difficulties we had in this match. The way I celebrated the goal was natural, that’s how it came out.
"I don’t care about who we're playing in the final, we just need to enjoy the occasion. It will be a very beautiful match.

"I wish Valencia lots of luck from here moving forward. They did very well and really participated in the match. I can’t put myself in the position of the Valencia players. Explaining what happened is very difficult."We first entered this competition on August 1. We have lived for it and we have shown it so much enthusiasm."

On-loan midfielder Mbia, who scored in both legs of the semi-final, acknowledged that Valencia made it extremely tough for the visitors and dedicated his goal to his parents."It was very difficult for us," the Cameroonian said. "We knew it would be difficult here. That goal was amazing, though.

"I dedicate it to my family, my father and my mother because their lives have been very difficult."

 

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Arsenal without Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere & Gibbs for West Brom clash

Arsenal will be without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs for Sunday's home game against West Brom, Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

Wilshere has been missing since suffering a hairline fracture to his foot in England's friendly win over Denmark on March 5.Oxlade-Chamberlain is struggling with a groin problem and left-back Gibbs has experienced ankle trouble.

Wenger provided an update on the trio on Thursday, three days before the Premier League meeting with West Brom, in which Arsenal could secure a top-four finish and a place in the final Champions League qualifying round.

"Gibbs will be a bit short for Sunday," Wenger told the club's official website. "The good news is that he's back in fitness training but he is not back in the full training group yet."They [Wilshere and Oxlade-Chamberlain] are not ready yet.

"Alex is in treatment at the moment and not in training. It's very difficult to give you a timescale on him at the moment."

 

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Suarez 'very happy' at Liverpool

Luis Suarez insists he is happy at Liverpool, despite reports linking with him a summer move to Real Madrid.

The Uruguayan has been in sparkling form this season, with his 30 Premier League goals firing Liverpool to the top of the table with two matches remaining.

Speculation was rife that the striker would leave Anfield last year after he went public with his desire to play Champions League football, but Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers refused to allow his departure and the striker signed a new long-term contract in December.

Suarez's performances this term had led to rumours resurfacing of a possible transfer after the World Cup, with Madrid reported to be interested in acquiring his services.

In December, Goal revealed that the Uruguayan's new deal includes a release clause which can only be triggered by a non-English club. However, with Liverpool now guaranteed to be in next season's Champions League, the 27-year-old has spoken of his happiness with life on Merseyside.

"I'm happy with my family. I'm OK with them wherever I am. I'm playing for Liverpool and up next it's the World Cup. That's all I'm thinking about. You won't get anything out of me," he told Uruguayan television station Canal 10.

Suarez also reiterated his frustration with Liverpool's defeat to Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, though he remains optimistic about their chances of winning the Premier League title.

"We knew Manchester City were a difficult rival, but they let you play a lot more than Chelsea do," he added.

"We knew Chelsea were going to be the most difficult rival in the final few weeks. Chelsea were very tight at the back, very compact. It made life very difficult for us.

"What made me angry was that right from kick-off, they were keen on wasting time. You'd pass them the ball for them to take a throw-in and they'd leave it pass by them.

"Now we just have to wait for Manchester City to drop a point or two because their goal difference is bigger. And we also have to focus on winning everything we have to play for."

 

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'Bayern are the best team in the world' - Dortmund coach Klopp

Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has insisted that Bayern Munich are still the world’s best side - despite their Champions League semi-final defeat to Real Madrid.

The Bavarians, who beat BVB in last year's final at Wembley, failed in their bid to retain the trophy, losing 5-0 on aggregate to Los Blancos, after a crushing 4-0 second-leg defeat at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night.

Klopp argued that although the Madrid proved that Bayern are beatable, Pep Guardiola's men remain the No.1 side on the planet.

"Bayern didn't defend set-pieces well enough versus Real Madrid,” he told reporters on Thursday. “For me, they're still the world's best team, but they can be beaten."

Klopp also paid homage to Robert Lewandowski, with the Poland international set to play his last three games for Dortmund before he joins Bayern at the end of his contract this summer.

Klopp added: “Lewandowski has been a brilliant striker for us and it's been a great time. I hope he gives it everything in his last three matches."

Dortmund face Hoffenheim in their last home game of the season on Saturday before travelling to Berlin for their final Bundesliga fixture and the DFB Pokal final against Bayern Munich, both of which will be played at the Olympiastadion.

Klopp, though, is refusing to look beyond this weekend's assignment.

"It's our last home game of the season before we go to Berlin twice and we want to enjoy it in the right way,” the 45-year-old explained.

“Roberto Firmino is in the form of his life, as is Kevin Volland. We will have to defend well and we will get our chances.

"Marcel Schmelzer will be back and hopefully Erik Durm.”

 

[Pubudith]

 

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LVG wa Manchester United manager karanna hadanawa kiyala news 1kak thiyanawa next weekanemanda meka miss unoth hodai

LVG nam hariyanne naha mata hithena hatiyata​

 

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Juventus 0-0 Benfica (Agg 1-2): Ten-man Eagles hold out to reach second successive final

 

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Athletic Bilbao seal Champions League return with resounding win over Rayo

Athletic Bilbao sealed their place in next season's Champions League with a comfortable 3-0 win at Rayo Vallecano on Friday.

Ernesto Valverde's men knew a win against their mid-table hosts would seal a place in the competition for the first time since finishing second in the 1997-98 campaign after their 3-1 win over Sevilla last week.

After kick-off was delayed by almost 15 minutes when home fans littered one of the goalmouths with toilet roll and ticker tape, any nerves were settled within half an hour, as goals from Mikel San Jose and Oscar de Marcos put the visitors in control heading into half-time.

Both efforts came from left-wing corners as Vallecano failed to clear their lines, with Bilbao fans particularly exuberant following De Marcos' strike, pouring forward in the stands to greet the players, causing a protective barrier to collapse.

It appeared that nobody was seriously injured, and the visiting supporters' mood was improved in the second half when Ander Herrera squeezed a free kick between goalkeeper Ruben's left-hand post to add gloss to the scoreline.

The result leaves Bilbao nine points clear of fifth-placed Sevilla, who have three matches remaining but can no longer overhaul the Basque outfit due to their inferior head-to-head record.

 

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Uefa confirms nine clubs to be investigated over FFP compliance

Uefa has confirmed that nine clubs are to be investigated further over a possible failure to comply with Financial Fair Play guidelines.

European football's governing body has been examining the case of 76 clubs who were requested to provide additional information to prove they have adhered to FFP rules for the 2013-14 season.

After further assessment, Uefa has now revealed that investigations will continue into nine of those 76 clubs who took part in either the Champions League or Europa League this season, although none have been mentioned by name.

A statement released on Uefa's official website read: "Following the period in which the Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) Investigatory Chamber monitored the compliance of clubs with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, Uefa can confirm that of the 237 clubs which entered the 2013/14 Uefa club competitions (and were thus subject to this season's break-even requirements), 76 were requested to submit additional information. From that group, the examination as regards 67 clubs has come to an end and continues only in relation to the nine remaining clubs.

"Further information shall be provided once this process has been completed."
The aim of FFP rules is to ensure clubs do not spend more than they earn over a given period of time and therefore do not fall into debt or tax arrears.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger this week called for strong punishments for clubs who fail to comply with FFP regulations, which state that no club is permitted a loss of more than €45 million over the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons.

 

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Montella: Fiorentina want to win Coppa Italia in style

Vincenzo Montella wants Fiorentina to remain true to their style when they take on Napoli in the Coppa Italia final on Saturday.

In his second season in charge in Florence, Montella has guided the club to fourth in Serie A and a first Coppa final since 2001.

A 2-1 aggregate win over Parma that year saw Fiorentina lift the trophy, but the club have failed to claim any silverware since, with Saturday's final at Stadio Olimpico in Rome a golden chance to end that run.And, speaking on Friday, Montella implored his players to go out and play with the same approach that has taken them this far.

"I want to win the cup, the players and the (owners) Della Valles deserve it," he said."I want to see the usual Fiorentina out on the pitch, the one that expresses itself and wins.

"I have good memories from this journey we have had over the last two years. We have grown and people have thrown themselves into it."We want to win for the fans and for the club. I wouldn't consider victory tomorrow to be a springboard for us, nor the start of a cycle.

"Whether we win or lose tomorrow, it doesn't change much for our cycle. It has already begun and it must continue whatever happens."

 

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Neuer signs Bayern contract extension

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has signed a three-year contract extension with the club.

The Germany No.1's previous deal was set to expire at the end of the 2015-16 season, but the 28-year-old has now committed himself to the Bundesliga champions until June 2019.

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed the news at an extraordinary general meeting for the club, in which Karl Hopfner was confirmed as Uli Hoeness' replacement as president, and paid tribute to the former Schalke goalkeeper's "wonderful character"."Our goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has extended his contract until June 30, 2019," Rummenigge said at the event on Friday.

"The deal is amazing, great. It is also a sign of his wonderful character, that he said 'I want to be at Bayern forever.' I would like to express my gratitude to Manuel Neuer."

Neuer, who joined from Schalke in 2011 for a fee of €18 million, has made 48 appearances in all competitions for Bayern this season.

 

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Marseille announce Bielsa appointment

Olympique de Marseille have announced the appointment of Marcelo Bielsa as head coach on a two-year deal.

Jose Anigo has been the club's interim boss since the December departure of Elie Baup, but OM have opted not to hand the 53-year-old the position on a permanent basis.

Bielsa has earned a reputation as an attacking and innovative coach during a 24-year managerial career that has taken in spells in charge of Argentina, Chile and Athletic Bilbao in recent years.The 58-year-old departed Bilbao at the end of his contract in June 2013 and turned down the chance to manage Paraguay before ending his near 12-month absence from the game on Friday.

Marseille's president Labrune Vincent said: "I can tell you that our lawyers and those of Marcelo Bielsa have reached a legal and contractual agreement which makes Marcelo Bielsa the next coach of Olympique de Marseille for the next two seasons."

OM are currently sixth in Ligue 1 having finished runners-up to reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain last term. The club last lifted the league title in 2010.

 

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De Boer hits back at Tottenham manager Sherwood

Ajax boss Frank de Boer has hit back at Tim Sherwood after the Tottenham manager said he was "disappointed" over the Dutchman's claim that he had been approached by Spurs.

Earlier this week, De Boer revealed that Tottenham have already made contact with Ajax regarding the possibility of him taking the reins at White Hart Lane in the summer.

Tottenham moved swiftly to deny they had made a move for the 43-year-old, though Sherwood claimed “someone is telling porkies”.

When asked if he would handle the last week differently if given the chance, De Boer told Algemeen Dagblad: “No. Why? I had an interview with NOS and I've answered honestly.

“There were already long-time rumours about the interest of Tottenham. That's why I thought, in a few seconds, 'let's give some clearance'.”

“It's very quiet on my phone.

“I'm not thinking about it at all. I've got a contract at Ajax until 2017. Until that time I only think about Ajax or other concrete offers.”

 

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Everton record in the past, says Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini insists Manchester City's poor record at Everton counts for nothing as they prepare for a key visit to Goodison Park.

The destiny of the Premier League trophy is in City's hands after leaders Liverpool lost to second-placed Chelsea last weekend.

Although Pellegrini's men sit third, three points behind Liverpool, they boast a game in hand on the top two and a significantly superior goal difference, meaning victories in their three remaining games would likely be enough to seal the trophy.

City have won on just one of their last 15 trips to Everton, but Pellegrini is hopeful his side can put that dismal run behind them on Saturday.

"I think the past is the past," he told reporters. "We are in the present. I hope we can win it.

"I think that Everton at any stage of the season will be a very difficult team.

"Roberto (Martinez, the Everton manager) is doing a very good job, the same way he did before at Wigan.

"We are sure that we are going to have a very tough game there."

Pellegrini is not interested in debating whether or not City should be considered favourites to win the league.

"In football you never know, so the important thing for us is to think about what we can do and the only thing we can do is to try and win our games," he added.

"When you depend on what you can do it's better for all the players. The motivation is very high."

 

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Manchester City handed David Silva fitness boost

Manchester City star David Silva has handed his side a major fitness boost ahead of Saturday’s crunch Premier League clash against Everton.

The former Valencia star returned to training on Tuesday after scans revealed his ankle injury was not as bad as first feared.

The Spain playmaker has missed his side’s last three matches with the ankle problem he picked up during his side's 3-1 victory over West Brom, which was followed up by a damaging draw at home to Sunderland.

City have since recovered from that disappointment and the destiny of the Premier League title is in their own hands after consecutive victories, coupled with Liverpool’s defeat at home to Chelsea last weekend.

Three wins from their remaining three matches will almost certainly guarantee Manuel Pellegrini’s side a second league title in three seasons and their cause is set to be aided by the return of Silva.

"The only player that we have injured is Jesus Navas, all the other players are fit," revealed Pellegrini ahead of his side's trip to Goodison Park.

"David is a very important player for us, so it is important that he is fit."

The 28-year-old has been a key player for Pellegrini's team this season, scoring seven goals and registering a further nine assists, and will be a welcome boost as City bid to end a run of form at Goodison that has seen them win just one of their last 15 visits.

 

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Klose extends Lazio deal

Veteran striker Miroslav Klose has extended his contract with Lazio until June 2015.

The Germany international, 35, has been at the Stadio Olimpico since 2011 when he joined from Bayern Munich, but had been linked with a move away in the upcoming transfer window.However, Klose signed an extension on Friday which includes an option for Lazio to add an extra 12 months on to the contract next summer.

"I'm very happy to stay here," Klose told the club's website upon the announcement of the contract renewal. "I have an important role to play in this club's project."

The forward has only played three times for the Biancocelesti since the start of March due to back trouble and muscular issues, though he has featured 26 times for the club this season.

Klose, who is expected to go to the World Cup this summer if fit, has scored seven goals and bagged five assists in 22 Serie A appearances in 2013-14 so far.

 

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Hazard won't sacrifice himself - Mourinho

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has hit back at Eden Hazard by claiming he doesn't sacrifice himself for the team after his defensive struggles against Atletico Madrid.

The 23-year-old winger was at fault for the first of Atletico's three goals in the Champions League defeat at Stamford Bridge as he failed to track Juanfran's run in the build-up to Adrian Lopez's equalising goal.

And, after having seemingly criticised Mourinho's tactics in the aftermath of the defeat to the Liga title hopefuls, Mourinho pulled no punches in insisting Hazard must improve his defensive game.

He told reporters: "Against Atletico in Madrid, Willian played on the left side and Ashley Cole was protected all game. Against Liverpool, Schurrle played on the left side and a dangerous player like Glen Johnson was completely under control.

"Eden is the kind of player that is not so mentally ready to look back to his left-back and live his life for him.

"If you see the first goal of Atletico you completely understand where the mistake was and why we conceded that goal. The perfect team at the top level can't make these mistakes.

"He's not the kind of player ready to sacrifice himself 100 per cent for the team. No, I'm not happy [with his defensive performance]. I speak to him all season and I've been trying to improve him all season."

The Portuguese boss played down the reported quotes where Hazard had appeared to claim that the Blues boss doesn't set his side up to play football and that it was difficult always being asked to do everything by himself.

But a defiant Mourinho is adamant that the quotes were taken out of context. He continued: "First of all I listened to the interview. The words are completely different than some media was bringing.

"The context is completely transformed. The media was reporting that he was being critical but there's nothing critical in what he says."