..::Football III::..

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Ronaldo's great but so am I - Courtois

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has insisted he does not fear Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against Real Madrid.

The Portugal international has been in sublime form in Europe so far this season, netting 16 goals in 10 appearances, but Courtois is confident he has what it takes to deny the prolific attacker in this weekend's showpiece in Lisbon.

"I will not prepare in some special way for Ronaldo. I do not have any fear for him," Courtois was quoted as saying by Sport Bild.

"Of course, he is a great player, but I am a great goalkeeper as well..."

Courtois then went on to stress that Atletico cannot afford to make the same mistakes Bayern Munich made in the semi-finals against Madrid and feels they should aim to put in a performance similar to that of Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals.

"We should learn from Dortmund's second-leg display against Madrid. They showed how it's done.

"Bayern's tactics were silly. They copied Barcelona's style of play and Madrid know all about this philosophy.

"Their players only need a few seconds to cross the entire pitch. They have the perfect weapon against possession-based football."

Atletico and Real Madrid have met four times so far this season, with Diego Simeone's men winning once, losing twice and drawing the remaining game.

 

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Arsenal consider move for Juanfran as Aurier alternative

Arsenal are considering a move for Atletico Madrid right-back Juanfran as an alternative to Toulouse's Serge Aurier, Goal understands.

The Gunners have made a new right-back one of their main priorities as they target a replacement for Manchester City-bound Bacary Sagna.

Goal revealed last week that Arsenal have opened preliminary talks with Toulouse over a €9 million swoop for 21-year-old Aurier.

However, manager Arsene Wenger is now considering whether to go for experience over youth and is weighing up a bid for Juanfran, 29.

The Spain international has been a key figure in Atletico's remarkable season, playing more outfield matches than any other player as they bid to add the Champions League crown to their La Liga title on Saturday night.

A deal for Aurier would be less complex for Arsenal to complete than one for Juanfran, who is regarded as one of the premier right-backs in Europe.

The Gunners have been closely monitoring possible Sagna replacements this season in the event that they could not agree a new deal with the 31-year-old.

Aurier has impressed Arsene Wenger's scouting team with his performances for Ligue 1 side Toulouse. He has been a regular provider as well as scorer this season from his right-back role, weighing in with six goals and six assists in league matches alone.

The 21-year-old, who is a full Cote d'Ivoire international, is set to feature in the World Cup this summer and is regarded as a versatile defender who can fill in at left-back and centre-back as well as his favourite right-back role.

Wenger wants deals in place for two new players before the World Cup, even if the formalities are not completed until after the event.

Sagna has told Arsenal he will not extend his contract, which expires next month, and, as revealed by Goal, he was in Manchester on Monday for talks with City.

The Frenchman is close to agreeing a three-year deal with the Premier League champions worth £100,000-a-week plus a sizeable signing-on fee.

 

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Kroos: Manchester United move 'never an issue'

Toni Kroos has all but ruled out a move to Manchester United this summer and does not expect to leave Bayern Munich.

United opened talks with Bayern over a €50m move for the midfielder when they faced the German club in the Champions League, and were hopeful a deal could be completed this summer.

But Kroos now appears to have poured cold water on any deal, with the club telling him a transfer “would not be possible" in the upcoming summer window.

The news will represent a significant blow to new manager Louis van Gaal's transfer plans, as he plots an overhaul of the current Old Trafford squad.

"I would be very surprised [if Bayern let me leave before end of my contract in 2015]," he told Bild. "The club was very clear and told me that a transfer in 2014 would not be possible."

"There have been many speculations, but Manchester United was never an issue and is no issue right now."

Kroos scored four goals in 51 appearances in all competitions for Bayern in 2013/14.

 

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Akiyanne Kross EPL enna kamathi nahameka thamai ahenam Kroos pursuit 1ka end karanna hethuwa LVG.​

 

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Rooney: No problems if Van Persie is Manchester United captain

Wayne Rooney says he would welcome the chance to become Manchester United’s new captain but maintains he would have no problem if the armband was given to Robin van Persie.

A new captain will be appointed at Old Trafford ahead of the new season following Nemanja Vidic’s departure to Inter, while Patrice Evra, the club’s vice captain, is set to leave this summer as a free agent.

"I am interested in the captaincy," said Rooney at a press conference.

"I've captained United a few times and to get it on a full-time basis would be great."

Van Persie is Netherlands’ captain and has been tipped to be given the role at club level by new United manager Louis van Gaal.

"I feel I am ready [to be captain], but it's the manager's decision," Rooney continued.

"If he chooses someone else, then honestly I've got no problems with that.

“I will respect his decision. Robin is captain of his country, he has captained Arsenal and if Robin gets the nod to be captain, then I'm sure he'll do a great job."

Rooney believes the arrival of Van Gaal will give him a fresh incentive and admits he will need to show his worth at United.

"When a new manager comes in, you always feel you have to prove yourself over again," said the striker.

"You don't know what ideas he has got or how he wants to play. I have not met him yet.

"So when we've finished the World Cup and when we go back into training, it will be like a new start and you've got to prove yourself again to make sure the manager picks you."

 

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Rooney: Van Gaal is a great appointment for Manchester United

Wayne Rooney has hailed the appointment of Louis van Gaal and is backing the Dutchman to turn Manchester United into title challengers.

Van Gaal was confirmed as David Moyes’ successor at Old Trafford on Monday and will take up his new post after Netherlands’ World Cup campaign in Brazil.

United finished seventh in the Premier League last season and Rooney insists United target next season is to win the Premier League.

“Van Gaal is a great appointment,” Rooney told talkSPORT.

“He’s obviously got a great track record at other clubs. I’m sure he’ll come in and do a great job for us.

“We’ve heard little things about him. Hopefully he can come in and get us back up the table.

“We have to improve on this season. Next year our aim is to win the Premier League title. This campaign was not good enough. We need to be fighting for that title.”

 

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'Look at me as a normal coach' - Helena Costa relishing Clermont role

Helena Costa says she does not want her appointment as Clermont's first-team coach to be regarded as anything other than a "normal thing".

The 36-year-old is coaching at a higher level than any other woman in European men's football following her move to the French Ligue 2 side earlier this month.

But, while the news has made headlines across the world, Costa asked to be regarded as just another coach.

"I know it's a big step," she said on Thursday. "I know because I had a career before in a men's world mainly. So I know it's an important day and it can open other doors, or not, but we are in 2014.

"I understand your surprise and the quantity of press and the impact it has had, but this should be a normal thing. Look at me as a normal coach."

Costa, who has coached in the lower reaches of Portuguese football and also scouted for Scottish Premiership side Celtic, admits that she has faced sexism but is in no doubt that she can prove her detractors wrong.

"I will not lie, yes I did [face sexism], but I'm here and I'm here by hard work," she said. "I'm not here for other things.

"But, yes, I faced some episodes; it's normal when you're a pioneer or when you start doing something that's not common for a woman, but that doesn't mean that you're not serious or you're not working there by your confidence or the work you've shown.

"If I am afraid or if I don't think I'm capable of this, I wouldn't be here."

Clermont finished 14th in the French second tier this season and Costa is eyeing a campaign of improvement.

"We have our objectives and we are professional," she added. "If a club doesn't have a huge budget, that doesn't mean that the players shouldn't be committed and ambitious for winning. Winning is a word that from now Clermont Foot will have."

 

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Good Luck Helena

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We're working on Mascherano deal - De Laurentiis

Napoli are "working on" a deal that would bring Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano to the club, president Aurelie De Laurentiis has revealed.

Mascherano, who has been used regularly in defence at Barcelona since joining from Liverpool in 2010, has been the reported subject of interest from several overseas clubs recently.

And Napoli confirmed that they were in the race to sign the Argentina international who turns 30 next month, with De Laurentiis admitting that manager Rafael Benitez liked the player."Benitez knows Mascherano well. We are working on it but it's a difficult negotiation," the president is quoted as saying in Gazzetta dello Sport. "In any case, the player will turn 32 in two years' time."

De Laurentiis added that the Italian side would not be selling any of their players as they prepare for another Champions League campaign.The Naples-based team will also be looking to improve on their third-placed finish in the Serie A and the president said Benitez is an integral part of their future.

"Right now no one is leaving," he added. "We have a strong roster and we don't have that many positions to fill."We changed 12 players this year and the team has ended the campaign on a high, achieving a club record 104 goals.

"This means that we already have an important foundation. We have planned with Benitez [for] the future and made a list of possible signings."

 

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Ramos: I'm not worried about Costa

Sergio Ramos says he is not concerned about the prospect of facing Diego Costa in the Champions League final.

The Atletico Madrid star remains a doubt for the meeting in Lisbon after suffering another hamstring injury in the early stages of his side's league title decider against Barcelona last week.

The 25-year-old has been the key man for Diego Simeone's side, having scored 27 goals for Atletico in La Liga and a further eight in as many appearances in the Champions League.

Ramos, however, is not worried about who he comes up against on Saturday, insisting the meeting will be decided by the attitude of his colleagues.

"We need the right attitude and the right motivation - that can decide the match above everything else," he told reporters.

"We need sacrifice, humility. This is the reward for all our work this year, we must give everything and a little bit more.

"I'm not concerned if Diego Costa plays, whoever we play is the same to me. We're more concerned about our players, about Cristiano [Ronaldo], Pepe and Karim [Benzema], who have been injured in recent days.

"Since Carlo Ancelotti has arrived he had emphasised hard work and intensity, and now that is what Real Madrid are associated with. He has playing experience, which makes him different to other coaches.

"We realise the efforts many of our fans have to make to come, some will have been saving all year long and that is motivation for the team. Even those who couldn't come, we have to do everything possible to make them happy."

 

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No problems with Ronaldo – Ancelotti

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has given a strong indication that Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit to start Saturday’s Champions League final with Atletico Madrid.

Along with Karim Benzema and Pepe, the Portuguese has been branded a doubt for the showpiece this weekend, yet the Italian suggested at his pre-match press conference that the Ballon d’Or winner will be ready.

“Cristiano has trained without problems,” the Italian said. “Pepe and Benzema haven't training this week - we will take the decision for tomorrow after this session, which they will take part in."

Ancelotti added that he wants to "realise the dream" of completing La Decima with Real Madrid.

His side head into the fixture against the Spanish champions, aiming to win the competition for the 10th time in their history – a record.

As they prepare to meet Diego Simeone's men in Lisbon, Ancelotti says this final is "special" and is determined to bring the historic title back to the Santiago Bernabeu.

"There's a thin line between an obsession and a dream," he told reporters. "But my aim is to realise the dream.

"A final is a final, there's not much difference to previous finals but there is something different. We began the season with the objective of making the final and winning the Decima and we have made the final - that's what makes it special.

"Rather than thinking about pre-game speeches, my main focus is just on the tactics and those instructions to the players, how to play the game."

The 54-year-old won the European Cup twice with AC Milan as a player and won it twice again as manager of the Italian club, but is still eager to win it with his current team.

"This is my seventh final and we are lucky to be here. Personally I don't have to ask any more of this competition. Everyone knows how important this competition is for Real Madrid. On my first day I said I'd do all I could to help Real Madrid win this competition.

"A lot goes through your mind before a game like this. What matters is to be calm, train well, to be on top of things and give the team clear instructions. You have to enjoy this experience.

"I have clear memories of my last press conference before the 2007 final and I said: 'This may be my last press conference, let me enjoy it.' It wasn't, but this one may be - so let me enjoy it."

 

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Rodgers: Liverpool determined to win Premier League title

Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool are already progressing with plans for next season and are fixated on the goal of becoming Premier League champions.

The Merseyside club pushed eventual champions Manchester City to the final day, earning a return to the Champions League for the first time since 2009 in the process.

Rodgers has stressed the need for his side to continuously evolve to prove the club's Premier League title challenge was not a false dawn and says they are discussing targets to strengthen his squad ahead of the new term.

"As much as we've had a good season, we want to go one better next season if we can," he told the club's official website.

"Our work has started already. We had a three-hour recruitment meeting. So there is certainly no complacency; we're hungry to succeed here.

"You can't take your eye off the ball. This is an ever-evolving league; it gets better every season. We're in a league where there are not just British players - this is a league that is full of world-class players."

A number of Rodgers' key players are set to appear in the World Cup in Brazil this month, including talisman Luis Suarez, who has undergone knee surgery in a bid to be fit for the tournament.

 

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West Ham close in on AC Milan starlet Niang

West Ham have agreed a deal with AC Milan to sign young French attacker M’Baye Niang on loan, Goal understands.

The Hammers will pay the Rossoneri around €310,000 for the France Under-21 international, and have the option to make the deal permanent for a fee of €5 million.

With the two clubs having agreed a deal, Niang must now discuss personal terms with the west Londoners ahead of a season-long stay at Upton Park.

The 19-year-old impressed upon arriving at San Siro, becoming the club’s second youngest scorer in history, but a dip in form and Milan’s disastrous season saw him shipped off to Montpellier on loan in January.

He enjoyed a largely fruitful time at the Stade de la Mosson, scoring four times in 17 Ligue 1 starts, and even expressed a desire to remain in southern France.

But the pacey wide-man appears to be on his way to West Ham, and fits the profile of player co-owner David Sullivan identified as a target.

"We have got five or six players lined up," the Hammers co-owner told the Evening Standard. "Most are young players, the youngest is 19 but has already played top-level football in two countries, while the oldest is 27.

"We want to see players who can play in any of the three attacking positions and who have a proven record of scoring goals.

"We want people who take on players and go past them, people with movement because we need to add speed to our team."

Milan, meanwhile, hope Niang’s exit can pave the way for Adel Tarrabt to make a permanent move to San Siro after a successful spell on loan from QPR.

 

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Platini: Qatar World Cup choice was not a mistake

Michel Platini has set himself on collision course with Sepp Blatter by insisting that there was no mistake made in the awarding of the 2022 World Cup hosting rights to Qatar and admitting he could well join the race for the Fifa presidency in 2015.

The Uefa president was one of the most high-profile supporters of the Arab nation's bid to host the 22nd finals tournament, but his Fifa counterpart recently claimed that handing the World Cup to Qatar was an error amid concerns over weather problems and human rights issues.

"Yes, it was a mistake of course," Blatter told Swiss broadcaster RTS. "The technical report into Qatar said clearly it was too hot but the executive committee – with a large majority – decided all the same to play it in Qatar."

But now Platini has moved to defend the decision, saying he still believes he made the right choice during the voting process.

"I voted for Qatar. I don't see why I would say it's a mistake. I thought it was a good thing and I still think that," Platini insisted to BeIN Sport.

"But it's a poisoned chalice that we have given to Qatar because now they are in the eye of the hurricane. There are all these dangerous problems involving the workforce and Qatar is doing things about this. When you are exposed in this way there are many things to do.

"I think it is a gift laden with difficulties for Qatar. A nice present but now it's up to them to sort things out in the right way."

Platini went on to admit that he has still yet to decide whether he will run for Blatter's Fifa presidency when the 78-year-old's fourth term in office ends next year.

"I don't know and [others] can't know because I don't know myself. As I have always said, I will see after the World Cup. I will think about it," explained the 58-year-old.

"I am very happy at Uefa. It's fantastic, it's football, it's many things. After that I will see if I am a candidate for Fifa.

"Whether Blatter is going to seek re-election or not doesn't change anything. It's about what I want to do and how I want to do it. I will think about it calmly. I have time. But I did say that I would make a statement after the World Cup."

So far, only Platini's countryman Jerome Champagne has confirmed his intention to run in next year's Fifa elections, with Blatter expected to launch his candidacy at the next Fifa Congress in Sao Paulo on June 10-11.

 

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Shaw 'very surprised' to beat Cole to England call-up

Luke Shaw has admitted he was surprised to be named in England's provisional World Cup squad ahead of Ashley Cole.

Roy Hodgson opted for the 18-year-old rather than Cole, a move that saw the Chelsea defender - capped 107 times for his country - announce his international retirement.

Shaw will vie with Leighton Baines for the left-back place in Brazil but insists was not expecting the call for the England coach, but has assured Hodgson that he will be ready to perform as and when required.

"I was very surprised," he told reporters. "With Ashley Cole not playing many games [for Chelsea] I thought I may be in with a chance. But I think he played the last three games in the season and he played incredibly well.

"It made me think that maybe this is not my time, but obviously I saw I was announced in the squad and it was the best feeling in the world.

"I don't really feel pressure. I just focus on my own game. I have come here to help the England team and I will do everything I can.

"I feel ready if Leighton does pick up an injury. I don't think Roy would have picked me if he didn't think that."

Shaw made his England debut in the 1-0 win over Denmark in March when he came on as a second-half substitute for Cole.

 

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Luke Shaw patta​

 

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Van der Sar: Netherlands lack quality for World Cup push

Former Netherlands goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar believes Oranje lack the quality to go far at this summer's World Cup.

Holland reached the final four years ago - only to lose 1-0 to Spain after extra time - but the Dutch squad is much changed from the one that reached the showpiece in South Africa, with Louis van Gaal opting to select an array of youngsters for the tournament in Brazil.

A total of 13 players aged 23 or under were included in Van Gaal's provisional 30-man group and Van der Sar believes this summer will not be the right time for the younger group to make a mark"We are in a little bit more of a difficult time now, we don't have the 10 or 11 world-class players in our team – we have maybe three or four and they are getting older," Van der Sar told fifa.com.

"So it's about time that the young Dutch generation pick up the laurels from the older ones and hopefully can achieve, first with their clubs and then the national team, a little more success than over the last three or four years. No, three years, as four years ago we were in the final."

Netherlands meet Spain, Australia and Chile in the group stages, opening their tournament against the reigning world and European champions.

 

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'Wenger could buy anyone except Messi, Bale & Ronaldo'

Arsenal director Lord Harris of Peckham claims Arsene Wenger will be given the full support of the club's board as he seeks to strengthen his squad this summer.

Wenger is keen to sign two players ahead of the World Cup, with Juanfran and Serge Aurier both identified as possible replacements for Manchester City-bound Bacary Sagna.

And Lord Harris insists the club will give Wenger the cash needed to challenge both domestically and in Europe, as Arsenal "don't want to be second."

"We want to win the Premier League and the Champions League," he is quoted as saying by The Times. "If we buy two or three players then I think we can.

"We want to win. We don't want to be second, we don't want to be third and we don't want to be fourth. We will support Arsene with the players he wants to buy. He has always been encouraged to spend."

Wenger broke the club's transfer record to sign Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid for €50 million last summer and Lord Harris believes "it would be easy" to top that this summer – as Arsenal can "buy most players" currently on the market.

"We would. It would be easy," he added. "I wouldn't say it [the total transfer budget] is £100 million, I wouldn't say it's £50m and I wouldn't say it's £150m.

"If Arsene has asked for any player then we have always backed him to go and buy. With the exception of [Lionel] Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo or [Gareth] Bale, we could buy most players."

 

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Simeone is a god, says Tiago

Diego Simeone is "like a god" to everyone at Atletico Madrid, according to midfielder Tiago, who added that the players would "jump from a bridge" for their coach.

This season, the Argentine has guided his team to a first Spanish title in 18 years and they could win the Champions League for the first time in their history on Saturday when they meet city rivals Real in Lisbon.

The former Juventus and Chelsea midfielder has hailed the influence of his coach, insisting the players would do anything for him.

"For us, for everyone at the club, [Simeone] is like a god," the 33-year-old told Uefa's official website. "He arrived at the club, changed everything and what he says comes true.

We follow him; if he asked us to jump from a bridge, we'd jump. We follow him and we're very proud to have him as a coach.

Team-mate Gabi also spoke highly of the 44-year-old, saying it is the "unique" Simeone who has turned Atleti into a winning team.

"Beyond whether people like him or not, he's helped us to win, and as long as you win that's fantastic," he stated. "I'm here to win, we all are, and he's allowed us to do that. It's a fantastic thing to have happened."

Additionally, Gabi said that he hopes his team can lift the trophy to honour club legend and former Spain coach Luis Aragones, who passed away earlier this year.
"[Aragones] is a unique character in the history of the club. We're all indebted to him; let's hope that we're at his level tomorrow and play the game as he would have wanted. I'm sure he'll be with us." Portugal international Tiago, meanwhile, is particularly eager to play the match in his home country, while he pinpointed compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo as Madrid's main threat.

"Of course it's a special moment to be able to play in this stadium I know so well, it's a childhood dream. I'm very proud to be here, wearing Atletico's colours – I only hope that tomorrow we'll have the cup in our hands.

"There are major players on the other side; Cristiano is perhaps the foremost among them. We'll try to keep our wits about us, as we have all season, and we hope Cristiano will see as little of the ball as possible – we know he's a dangerous player so the less he sees of the ball, the better."

 

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Faria appeal partly upheld

Chelsea assistant coach Rui Faria has had his appeal against a six-match stadium ban partly upheld by the Football Association.

Faria was hit with the ban and a €37,000 fine for a rant towards officials during Chelsea's controversial 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge in April.
However, Faria, who was charged with "using abusive and/or insulting words towards the Fourth Official", has had his ban cut to four matches, with two suspended.

The Portuguese has served two of those games already, meaning he will be absent from the dugout for the first two matches of next season.

A statement from the FA read: "Chelsea coach Rui Faria has had his appeal against a six-match stadium ban and [€37,000] fine in relation to the Sunderland game on 19 April 2014 partly upheld by an Appeals Board."Mr Faria was handed the punishment after he admitted using abusive and/or insulting words towards the Fourth Official and that his behaviour following the Match Referee's request that he leave the technical area amounted to improper conduct.

"The Appeal Board ordered that the final two matches of the six-match stadium ban be suspended for 12 months and so they will only be invoked upon a proven breach of FA Rule E3 during that period.

"The [€37,000] fine he was given at the original Independent Regulatory Commission hearing remains unchanged."