..::Football III::..

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Al-Khelaifi: Blanc staying at Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has confirmed Laurent Blanc will remain on as coach for next season.The former France international's position at the Parc des Princes had reportedly been under scrutiny following the capital club's disappointing Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Chelsea.

However, Blanc has subsequently led PSG to the Coupe de la Ligue and Ligue 1, with Les Parisiens crowned champions of France for the second consecutive season thanks to Monaco's draw with Guingamp on Wednesday night.

PSG were surprisingly beaten 2-1 at home to Stade Rennais later in the evening but that did not detract from what Al-Khelaifi has been a fine season for the club.
"Laurent Blanc is going to stay at Paris Saint- Germain, that's for sure" he told Canal Plus.

"I am very happy and very proud of my team. It was a great season in the Champions League, the championship and Coupe de la Ligue. We have had the results we wanted.

"This is better than last year in terms of results and the quality of our play."I say thank you to all the staff, the players and our supporters."

Al-Khelaifi also played down the significance of reports claiming PSG are set to be fined and sanctioned over their failure to fully comply with all of the requirements outlined in Uefa's Financial Fair Play rules."I am very confident with the Financial Dair Play, as we're speaking with Uefa," he explained.

"I do not confirm the sanctions against PSG, but we will be playing in the Champions League [next season]."There may be conditions but not much. Our project continues and nobody has to stop dreaming!

"I do not think we will need a lot of players, but if we do, we will buy."

 

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Cech undergoes surgery on shoulder injury

Petr Cech successfully underwent surgery on his shoulder on Wednesday and the goalkeeper is expected to return within eight to 10 weeks, Chelsea have confirmed.

The Czech Republic international sustained a dislocated shoulder in the first leg of the Blues' Champions League semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid, with boss Jose Mourinho forced to use Mark Schwarzer in the final stages of the season.

However, Chelsea have now confirmed that the goalkeeper's surgery was successful and he will continue his rehabilitation throughout pre-season.

A post on the club's official Twitter account read: "Petr Cech successfully underwent surgery today following his shoulder dislocation. He will be out for approximately 8 to 10 weeks."

Yet Cech may be unseated as the Blues' No.1 from next season, with Thibaut Courtois set to return from his loan spell at Atletico Madrid.

Cech has made 46 appearances in all competitions this season and has been a mainstay of Chelsea's starting XI since joining the club from Rennes in 2004.

 

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Thiago Silva targets Champions League after second Ligue 1 title

Thiago Silva set his sights on Champions League glory after leading Paris Saint-Germain to a second successive Ligue 1 title.Monaco's draw at home to Guingamp saw Laurent Blanc's men crowned champions before kick-off in their meeting with Stade Rennais at the Parc des Princes.

PSG took the lead just three minutes in through Ezequiel Lavezzi but, with their focus perhaps affected by the fact that the title was theirs, the hosts ultimately slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat.

Thiago Silva insisted, though, that the loss had not dampened the spirits of a squad that firmly believes that they are capable adding the Champions League title to their French crown."We're not sad, but it was a tough game," the Brazil international told reporters. "We did very well for 10 months.

"It was not good at the end but, today I am very happy with this title."But we must continue like this next season. With the support of our fans, we will also try to win the Champions League.

"The entire group is very happy and I hope that we will be able to keep it going."
And Thiago Silva insisted that Blanc, whose position has been the subject of much speculation ever since PSG's Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Chelsea, is the right man to lead the capital club to continental glory.

"If Laurent Blanc remains with us, I will be very happy," the centre-half stated. "I hope he will stay."

 

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Pellegrini praises patient Manchester City display

Manuel Pellegrini praised Manchester City's patience after a 4-0 win over Aston Villa put them on the brink of the Premier League title.

A glut of second-half goals ensured a vital victory for City, which moves them two points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table with just Sunday's home clash against West Ham to come.

Pellegrini's men had been frustrated by a well-organised Villa side in the first half, but Edin Dzeko made the breakthrough in the 64th minute before adding a second eight minutes later.

Substitute Stevan Jovetic then all but confirmed victory in the 89th minute, before Yaya Toure applied the finishing touches to a determined display with a fine individual goal in injury time.

And Pellegrini was quick to hail a performance that ensures City will need just a point against Sam Allardyce's side to win the title, barring a huge swing in goal difference.

"The team was not only very patient, we played very well," Pellegrini told BBC Sport.

"We pressed well, had possession of the ball. We tried to move the ball as fast as we can and created two or three chances.

"I was absolutely sure if we continued to play the same way we would find the space to score a goal.

"Now we can talk about the title. We must win the last game against West Ham."

 

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Ancelotti: Ronaldo injury 'not serious'

Carlo Ancelotti has eased fears over the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing that the problem that forced the forward off in Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Valladolid is "not serious".

The Portugal international lasted just nine minutes of the game at the Jose Zorrilla, sparking fears that he had suffered a recurrence of his recent hamstring problem.
However, Ancelotti has soothed initial concerns that Ronaldo could end up missing the conclusion of the Liga season and the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid on May 24.

"We'll see in the next few days how Cristiano is, but it's not a serious problem," the Blancos boss told reporters."He was not comfortable, though, so I changed him.

"I don't think Pepe or [Angel] Di Maria [who also picked up knocks] have serious problems either. But we'll see."Ancelotti was more perturbed by the way in which Madrid threw away a one-goal lead against Valladolid to leave their Liga title hopes in tatters.

Sergio Ramos had given the visitors the lead with a fine free kick but Juan Ignacio Martinez's men snatched a crucial point for their survival bid thanks to an 85th-minute equaliser from Humberto Osorio."We controlled the game for 70 minutes but then we lost it in the last 20," Ancelotti lamented.

"It was not a question of attitude. Iker [Casillas, Madrid's goalkeeper] had not had a save to make."We defended too deep and then defended a set-piece poorly and lost the game."

 

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Van Basten: AC Milan need a more experienced coach than Seedorf

AC Milan legend Marco van Basten says the club need "a more experienced coach" than Clarence Seedorf.

Seedorf called time on his playing career in January to succeed Massimiliano Allegri at the helm of the San Siro side and, even though he has led a resurgent Rossoneri to within touching distance of a Europa League place, speculation remains rife that he could be sacked at the end of the season.

Certainly, Van Basten, who won two European Cups during his time with Milan, does not believe that his fellow Dutchman is the right man for the job, arguing that Parma coach Roberto Donadoni would be a better fit."The Rossoneri need a more experienced coach," the AZ boss told Sky.

"Donadoni, for example, is perfect because he has been training for 15 years.
"Milan need experience, but there's also a coach of great talent like [Primavera coach Pippo] Inzaghi.

"If they decide to give him the bench, he would need the necessary time."Van Basten also had his say on Milan's enigmatic No.9 Mario Balotelli, claiming that the Italy international has what it takes to become one of the finest players in the world."In my opinion, Mario is already world class," the ex-Netherlands international argued.

"The problem is that to become a true champion he needs better solidity on a mental level."

 

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Ronaldo forced off injured for Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo suffered an injury early in Wednesday's must-win Liga clash with Valladolid, though Real Madrid are not too concerned.

The Portugal international was forced off just nine minutes into the game at the Jose Zorrilla with a suspected hamstring problem, thus casting doubt on his participation in los Blancos' two remaining Primera Division fixtures, as well as the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid on May 24.

However, Madrid claim behind the scenes that they just brought Ronaldo off as a precautionary measure and that the attacker was suffering nothing more serious than muscle fatigue.

The 29-year-old only returned to the Madrid starting line-up for the first leg of their semi-final with Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu last month, after missing four games, including the Copa del Rey final triumph over Barcelona, through a combination of thigh and knee injuries.

The Ballon d'Or winner played a key role in los Blancos' 5-0 aggregate rout of the Bavarians, striking twice in the return leg in Bavaria, before then keeping the capital club's Liga title hopes alive with a stunning injury-time equaliser in last weekend's 2-2 home draw with Valencia.

Ronaldo had been hoping to fire Carlo Ancelotti's men to a win at Valladolid that would draw them to within two points of Primera Division leaders Atletico, with just two rounds remaining, but he lasted less than 10 minutes before hobbling off to be replaced by Alvaro Morata.

However, Ronaldo returned to the visitors' bench to watch the remainder of the game with his team-mates, underlining that the injury was not as bad as first feared.

 

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Get Well Soon CR7!​

 

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PSG crowned Ligue 1 champions

Paris Saint-Germain claimed consecutive Ligue 1 titles for the first time in the club’s history on Wednesday due to Monaco dropping points at home to Guingamp.

Victory over Rennes would have ensured that Laurent Blanc’s side could not be caught by closest rivals Monaco with only two matches of the season remaining, but Claudio Ranieri's men did the job for them ahead of kick-off by drawing at Stade Louis II.

Ultimately, PSG were beaten 2-1 by Rennes at Parc des Princes but the title celebrations had already begun and winning was merely an optional requirement for the holders.

After making a sluggish start to the domestic campaign, PSG only reached the top of the Ligue 1 standings in mid-October. But, since their emphatic 4-0 success over Bastia on matchday 10, they have not been touched at the summit.

The Ligue 1 title is only PSG’s fourth national league crown, which leaves them trailing some way behind France’s most successful club, Saint-Etienne, whose 10 titles were all achieved between 1964 and 1981.

PSG also won the Coupe de la Ligue for a record fourth time this season, but the Coupe de France is out of their hands with Guingamp having beaten Rennes 2-0 to lift it.

 

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Congratulations PSG!

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Juventus need five Champions League wins - Lippi

Former Juventus coach Marcello Lippi believes the Serie A champions need five victories in the Champions League to regain their confidence in Europe.

Juve have won the Italian top flight for the last three seasons but were unable to progress beyond the Champions League quarter-finals in 2013 and went out at the group stage this time around.

The Turin giants made it to the semi-finals of the Europa League before losing to Benfica and Lippi, who managed Juve for eight years over two spells and lifted Europe's premier competition with the club in 1996, thinks they have work to do before they can compete with the continent's elite sides."Juve need three, four or five wins at international level," the Guangzhou Evergrande boss told Perform.

"They are already among the best eight to 10 best in Europe but not among the best four to five such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund."They need a few important wins to gain belief and self-confidence."

Juve celebrated retaining their Serie A crown on Sunday following Roma's shock 4-1 defeat to Catania, but the 66-year-old was quick to dismiss suggestions that a lack of competition in Italy could be harming their chances in Europe.

"Before becoming important in Europe you must win in your country," Lippi added.
"In Italy, Juventus showed they are the best team and it's not true they don't have opponents as this season they faced a really strong opponent like Roma who had an extraordinary season."However, Juventus were even better. In the last three seasons Juventus has improved a lot after a few bad years due to several things. (Antonio) Conte was very good at creating an important squad.

"They are now aware of their strength and they need to continue their growth at international level."

 

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Luis Suarez: One day I will return to Ajax

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez hopes to return to Ajax later in his career and has lauded the impact his time at the club had on his development.

The Uruguay international spent three-and-a-half seasons in Amsterdam, lifting the Eredivisie title and scoring an astonishing 81 goals in 110 league matches.

And the 27-year-old, who has enjoyed a double award-winning campaign on Merseyside this season, says he is still "crazy" about the Dutch giants and keen to play for them again in the future.

"I've always said on one day I will return at Ajax," Suarez told Helden magazine. “Even if the manager doesn't want me, I'll go. For sure!

"Ajax was a very important step in my life. My wife Sofia and I are crazy about Amsterdam and the lifestyle, the respect from and for everyone.

"We had a happy life and could live there in peace. We walked a lot through Amsterdam."

Suarez was named the Professional Footballers' Association's and Football Writers' Association's Player of the Year after a prolific season for Liverpool and credits his education at Ajax for helping turn him into one of the best players in the world.

"Ajax was the ideal club for me and I learned a lot there," he continued. "I credit Ajax for teaching me to use both feet, but also how to play without the ball and how to be a team player.

"[Former manager] Martin Jol gave me a lot of confidence. I was honoured when he made me captain of the team and I felt responsible."

 

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Giggs: Januzaj needs protection at Manchester United

Ryan Giggs has demanded more protection for Adnan Januzaj after the Manchester United prodigy was injured against Hull City on Tuesday.

Januzaj appeared to be deliberately stood on by Hull midfielder David Meyler in an unsavoury incident during United's 3-1 win at Old Trafford, leaving the attacking midfielder with visible marks on his leg.

David Moyes led the way in demanding protection for the 19-year-old during his brief tenure and now interim boss Giggs has also called for action from the Football Association, who have the power to suspend Myler.

"I didn't see it, but I've seen his leg [with stud marks]," Giggs told reporters after the match.

"It's not great to see, it is terrible his leg. He needs protecting, he's a brilliant player, he's exciting, the authorities need to stamp down on it.

"I'm not sure what can happen now but it was bad, I didn't see the stamping but I've seen his leg and it's a joke. It's not broke the skin but it just goes from knee to his ankle."

It is not the first time Januzaj has been the victim of a stamping incident, with Fulham defender Sascha Riether suspended for three games after the FA used trial by video to punish the German.

Meanwhile, Giggs's playing future remains uncertain after the Welshman confirmed he would take time to think about the situation at the end of the season.

The 40-year-old, who is out of contract in the off-season, was a second-half substitute in what could have been his final home appearance for United.

With Louis van Gaal expected to take the reins in Manchester, Giggs is in contention to join the Dutchman's backroom staff but his days as a player are still up in the air.

"Not decided yet, nothing's changed, just wait till the season's finished, get a holiday and then think about it in the next couple of weeks," he said.

 

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Barcelona continue €20 million Messi contract talks

Barcelona will meet with Lionel Messi's father and agent Jorge on Wednesday to resume talks over a new contract worth €20 million.

The 26-year-old still has four more years remaining on his existing deal, but the Catalans are eager to offer their star player a new and improved contract which will make him the best paid player in the world.

Barcelona vice-president Javier Faus and general director Antoni Rossich met with Jorge Messi on Tuesday at the club's offices to present him with their contract offer and plans for the future and both parties will hold further talks on Wednesday to iron out a number of details.

The reigning Spanish champions are willing to pay Messi an annual salary of €20m after taxes, with the prolific attacker's new deal running until June 2019.

A number of recent reports suggested that Messi is unhappy with life at Barcelona following a number of off the field problems at the club this season.

Sandro Rosell was forced to step down as club president following the controversial transfer of Neymar, while Fifa handed Barca a transfer ban, which has now been suspended following an appeal.

Nevertheless, the forward is excited about the project presented to him as the Blaugrana aim to rebuild their squad and has no intention of leaving any time soon.

Messi has netted 28 goals in 29 La Liga appearances so far this season and will be hopeful of adding to his tally in the next two games as Barcelona still have a shot at winning the Liga title.

They currently trail leaders Atletico Madrid by two points, but meet the Vicente Calderon side on the final day of the 2013-14 campaign.

 

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Manchester United to announce Van Gaal appointment next week

Manchester United will announce the appointment of Louis van Gaal as the club's new manager next week.

The Dutchman agreed to succeed David Moyes as permanent boss at Old Trafford last month and will assume control when his job as Netherlands coach ends after this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

But United have opted to wait until after the club's last Premier League fixture - away to Southampton on Sunday - before making the appointment official.

The Red Devils have endured a torrid season which saw Sir Alex Ferguson's successor David Moyes sacked after just 10 months in charge and Ryan Giggs handed the reins for the final four matches of the campaign.

Giggs remains unsure of his long-term role at the club beyond the summer, with the precise make-up of Van Gaal's backroom team at Old Trafford still to be revealed.

The 40-year-old brought himself on for the final 20 minutes of United's 3-1 home win over Hull City on Tuesday evening, in which 18-year-old debutant James Wilson scored twice.

Last month Ferguson told a fundraising dinner in Manchester that Giggs is the right man to lead the club in the wake of Moyes' departure, but club owners the Glazers have gone with the more experienced choice of Van Gaal.

The decorated Dutchman has won league titles in three different countries and a Champions League trophy, and regards United as the perfect final chapter in a glittering managerial career.

 

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Lahm: Bayern never wanted to be like Barcelona

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has dismissed claims that head coach Pep Guardiola is trying to turn the Bundesliga champions into the German equivalent of Barcelona.

The Bavarians were heavily criticised for their possession-based style of play under the former Barca boss in the wake of their Champions League semi-final defeat against Real Madrid, but Lahm has insisted that Bayern have proven this season that they have their own distinct approach in matches.

"Barcelona were the benchmark between 2008 and 2012 and played some very exciting football. But it was never our goal to become a second Barcelona," Lahm told Kicker.

"We have shown under Pep Guardiola for two thirds of the season that we have our own successful style of play. We have been very dangerous in attack and we did have a lot of possession, like Barcelona. Having possession means you're in control.

"But Bayern never played Tiki-Taka, whatever the exact definition of that is. We found our own way of playing successful football at the highest level and will continue to work on that and try and improve it.

"A lot of teams want to win the Champions League each year, but only one team can actually win the competition."

Bayern were crowned Bundesliga champions in late March and could clinch the domestic double in the DFB Pokal final against Borussia Dortmund on May 17.

 

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Vidic: My heart will remain with Manchester United

Nemanja Vidic insisted his heart will always be with Manchester United after making his last home appearance for the club on against Hull City on Tuesday.

The Serbia centre-back was brought on as a first-half substitute for the injured Phil Jones against Hull City after being presented with a gift by United legend Sir Bobby Charlton for his eight years of service.

In that time, Vidic won five Premier League crowns, three League Cups, five Community Shield winners' medals, one Club World Cup and one Champions League.And despite celebrating his home farewell with a 3-1 victory, the 32-year-old admitted it was a "tough night".

"Physically I will leave but my heart will always be at this club. I've spent so many years here," said Vidic, who has agreed to terms to join Serie A side Inter."I've worked with so many great people and will always watch and care about United.

"It was a tough season. It has been a tough night - it was very emotional."Vidic is adamant United will recover from a horror season which has seen them fall from first to seventh in the Premier League and looks set to deprive the club of European competition next season.

"A lot of players leave the club and a lot come here. United will always be the same and will always attract good, big name players," he added.
"I don't think it will be any different when the transfer market starts."

 

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Vidic Manchester United walin yana 1ka loku paduwak1ka nam replace karanna bari wei kawa gatthath​

 

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Arsenal were close to signing Hazard, reveals Wenger

Arsene Wenger has revealed that Arsenal came close to signing Chelsea winger Eden Hazard two years ago.

The Belgian was the subject of a mass scramble for his signature in 2012 after deciding to leave Lille, as the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal all competed with the Blues for the 23-year-old.

Eventually Chelsea clinched the €40 million signing and the winger has gone on to become a key player for the west Londoners, winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award this season.

Wenger told BeIN Sports: "Yes, I wanted to take him. I had his agent at my home but again the barrier was financial and Chelsea made an effort that I couldn't make.

"He can be one of the players who grows into the [Lionel] Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo stature if he continues to develop well."

Wenger, who is expected to put pen to paper on a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, also considered his possibilities should he ever leave the Gunners.

"If I were to go somewhere then I think it would be in a different country because I am so much Arsenal that I would not like to coach anywhere else in England," he remarked.

"Germany [is an option] because I am of German culture a little bit and it's a country where I have never worked and I am very close to it."

 

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Van Gaal: I would love Manchester United job

Louis van Gaal has stated that he wants the Manchester United manager's job, claiming that he "would love" to take charge at Old Trafford.

The Netherlands boss has agreed a deal to succeed axed boss David Moyes but United will wait until after their final match of the season - away to Southampton on Sunday - before announcing his appointment.

Speaking to BBC Sport at a Netherlands training camp, Van Gaal said: "I would love the job.

"For every coach who takes the job it's a fantastic challenge. I hope I shall be the one, but you'll have to wait and see."

Despite the 62-year-old's admission that he would like to take the Old Trafford reins, he has insisted that no deal has been reached between himself and United.

"There's no deal yet", Van Gaal said to Voetbal International. "There are newspapers who says that I already signed, and there are even written names of assistants.

“It's a shame that it's going like this. There are more clubs who are interested in Louis van Gaal. We'll see which choice I make and the clubs will make. It's a process, it goes like this at all clubs. I can't say anything about that process at the moment."

United currently lie seventh in the Premier League, and interim manager Ryan Giggs has overseen two wins – over Norwich and Hull – and one loss, against Sunderland, since Moyes' departure.

Van Gaal was immediately installed as the favourite to succeed Moyes, with the Dutchman having won four Eredivisie titles with Ajax and AZ Alkmaar, one La Liga title with Barcelona and one Bundesliga championship with Bayern Munich.