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Yaya Toure: I will stay at Manchester City for as long as possible
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure is adamant that he wants to remain at the club for "as long as possible".
The 31-year-old reportedly came close to leaving earlier this year after his agent, Dimitri Seluk, claimed that Toure felt "disresepected" by the club after not being wished a happy birthday in May, while Toure himself also expressed an interest in joining Paris Saint-Germain.
Toure has previously said both that fans should "not take words that do not come from my mouth seriously" but that "everything Dimitri said is true [and] he speaks for me", though now insists that he was "always quiet" on the subject of his happiness and future.
The Ivorian told the club's official website that he is intent on staying, adding his belief that he handled the speculation surrounding an exit from the Etihad Stadium correctly at the time.
Toure explained: "It was not the case about leaving the club, it is difficult because my situation was quite difficult. When we need to do something, we needed to do a statement. For me it was normal ... I was always quiet.
"At the end of the day it's my decision. If you say that, I will say it. If you don't like that, I will say it again and, if you like it, I will say it, and for me it was the right way and I will stay at Man City as long as possible."
Toure was an integral part of Manuel Pellegrini's title-winning side, scoring 20 times in 35 league games last term, but insists that City will have to focus ahead of the 2014-15 season given the array of talent flooding to the Premier League.
"Now I'm very happy to be joining the team and the manager because he's a fantastic manager," he enthused. "Everybody is very happy, it is positive. Last year was a good season.
"This year will be amazing because all the big teams are signing good players. For me, first of all it was good to bounce back."
Toure admits that the last few months had been difficult for his family after his brother, Ibrahim, passed away following a long battle with illness.
"I'm feeling fine," said the midfielder. "It’s good to start training again. It's been a difficult pre-season. Unfortunately it was a difficult summer for my family.
"When you lose a brother it is always difficult and he was young, too. We were very sad, all the family. We need to move on and pray for him.
"He was my brother, he loved football. When he was sick in Manchester he was watching every game I was playing in. After them I was coming to see him in hospital.
"I think we need to try to move on and try to think about the next step."
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure is adamant that he wants to remain at the club for "as long as possible".
The 31-year-old reportedly came close to leaving earlier this year after his agent, Dimitri Seluk, claimed that Toure felt "disresepected" by the club after not being wished a happy birthday in May, while Toure himself also expressed an interest in joining Paris Saint-Germain.
Toure has previously said both that fans should "not take words that do not come from my mouth seriously" but that "everything Dimitri said is true [and] he speaks for me", though now insists that he was "always quiet" on the subject of his happiness and future.
The Ivorian told the club's official website that he is intent on staying, adding his belief that he handled the speculation surrounding an exit from the Etihad Stadium correctly at the time.
Toure explained: "It was not the case about leaving the club, it is difficult because my situation was quite difficult. When we need to do something, we needed to do a statement. For me it was normal ... I was always quiet.
"At the end of the day it's my decision. If you say that, I will say it. If you don't like that, I will say it again and, if you like it, I will say it, and for me it was the right way and I will stay at Man City as long as possible."
Toure was an integral part of Manuel Pellegrini's title-winning side, scoring 20 times in 35 league games last term, but insists that City will have to focus ahead of the 2014-15 season given the array of talent flooding to the Premier League.
"Now I'm very happy to be joining the team and the manager because he's a fantastic manager," he enthused. "Everybody is very happy, it is positive. Last year was a good season.
"This year will be amazing because all the big teams are signing good players. For me, first of all it was good to bounce back."
Toure admits that the last few months had been difficult for his family after his brother, Ibrahim, passed away following a long battle with illness.
"I'm feeling fine," said the midfielder. "It’s good to start training again. It's been a difficult pre-season. Unfortunately it was a difficult summer for my family.
"When you lose a brother it is always difficult and he was young, too. We were very sad, all the family. We need to move on and pray for him.
"He was my brother, he loved football. When he was sick in Manchester he was watching every game I was playing in. After them I was coming to see him in hospital.
"I think we need to try to move on and try to think about the next step."
Benitez denies Callejon spat
Napoli coach Rafael Benitez has denied rumours of a rift with Jose Callejon amid interest from Spanish champions Atletico Madrid.
Callejon was sent home from a training session on Sunday, with a lack of intensity behind Benitez's decision to dismiss the former Real Madrid forward.
The news has increased speculation of a return to Spain, and Atletico are reportedly set to make another offer for Callejon's services after their initial bid was turned down.
However, Benitez is adamant there is no problem with his fellow Spaniard, who scored 15 goals in 37 Serie A appearances during his debut season in Naples.
"I sent him home because it was plain to see he lacked intensity. You said he had a spat with me. Not at all," Benitez said.
"He's a player I signed, who deserves to be an international, who will score 15 to 20 goals, who always trains hard as you saw yesterday. There is no issue about him.
"Then, you know, some club [Atletico Madrid] made a big offer for him. We refused and some newspapers start to spread rumours."Callejon is a good guy, a top-level player who can still improve with us and he is not for sale."
While Benitez has no plans to sell Callejon, the former Liverpool boss indicated there could be more players arriving at Napoli before the transfer window closes - including Barcelona's Javier Mascherano, who he managed at Anfield.Spanish forward Michu has joined on a season-long loan from Swansea City, while Kalidou Koulibaly and Mariano Andujar have signed on permanently.
"There are many players we like, but we have to know our level and look for the suitable man for our tactics," Benitez added.
"Mascherano is very strong, we like him, but if he won't come here, we will sign another player and make him feel as strong as Mascherano."
Napoli coach Rafael Benitez has denied rumours of a rift with Jose Callejon amid interest from Spanish champions Atletico Madrid.
Callejon was sent home from a training session on Sunday, with a lack of intensity behind Benitez's decision to dismiss the former Real Madrid forward.
The news has increased speculation of a return to Spain, and Atletico are reportedly set to make another offer for Callejon's services after their initial bid was turned down.
However, Benitez is adamant there is no problem with his fellow Spaniard, who scored 15 goals in 37 Serie A appearances during his debut season in Naples.
"I sent him home because it was plain to see he lacked intensity. You said he had a spat with me. Not at all," Benitez said.
"He's a player I signed, who deserves to be an international, who will score 15 to 20 goals, who always trains hard as you saw yesterday. There is no issue about him.
"Then, you know, some club [Atletico Madrid] made a big offer for him. We refused and some newspapers start to spread rumours."Callejon is a good guy, a top-level player who can still improve with us and he is not for sale."
While Benitez has no plans to sell Callejon, the former Liverpool boss indicated there could be more players arriving at Napoli before the transfer window closes - including Barcelona's Javier Mascherano, who he managed at Anfield.Spanish forward Michu has joined on a season-long loan from Swansea City, while Kalidou Koulibaly and Mariano Andujar have signed on permanently.
"There are many players we like, but we have to know our level and look for the suitable man for our tactics," Benitez added.
"Mascherano is very strong, we like him, but if he won't come here, we will sign another player and make him feel as strong as Mascherano."
Schneiderlin could hand in transfer request to force Tottenham move
Morgan Schneiderlin is preparing to hand in a transfer request to force through a move from Southampton to Tottenham.
The midfielder is furious that Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger announced on Tuesday that he will not be sold this summer despite advanced talks between the Saints and Spurs over a transfer.
Schneiderlin is ready to submit a transfer request and could even refuse to play for Southampton as he believes that the club have broken repeated promises.
The Saints told the France international they would not stand in his way if a big club wanted to sign him when he penned a four-year contract in February 2013.
They repeated the promise last summer when Schneiderlin opted to stay at the club amid serious interest from Arsenal, while the midfielder was assured that Southampton would listen to offers when he told them of his desire to leave St Mary's Stadium before this summer’s World Cup.
Schneiderlin has seen several team-mates leave the club this summer and does not understand why the Saints should stand in his way, having been willing to sell so many players.
Southampton informed the player's agent that he would not be sold in a meeting at St Mary's on Tuesday afternoon, before Krueger conducted a number of bullish interviews insisting that the Frenchman and fellow Spurs target Jay Rodriguez were not for sale.
Schneiderlin, who cost €2 million when he joined from Strasbourg in 2008, expressed his anger over Southampton's stance on Twitter on Tuesday night.
He is desperate to reunite with former Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham and has no intention of remaining at Southampton, believing that the club have backed him into a situation where he must force a move in order to save face with angry supporters.
The Southampton board have been heavily criticised by their fans for the summer exodus in which Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw, Dejan Lovren and Calum Chambers have all left the club.
Tottenham had been confident of securing deals for Schneiderlin and forward Jay Rodriguez but Krueger insisted on Tuesday that both players will stay at the club.
He told Sky Sports News: "Specifically to Rodriguez and Schneiderlin, they will not be going anywhere. We see them as part of a core and the core we've got right now and in place is a core that is where Ronald [Koeman] would like to go and they a part of that core.
"Any reports that Rodriguez or Schneiderlin are leaving or we are in engaged in transfer conversations are totally off the mark. They will not be sold."
Morgan Schneiderlin is preparing to hand in a transfer request to force through a move from Southampton to Tottenham.
The midfielder is furious that Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger announced on Tuesday that he will not be sold this summer despite advanced talks between the Saints and Spurs over a transfer.
Schneiderlin is ready to submit a transfer request and could even refuse to play for Southampton as he believes that the club have broken repeated promises.
The Saints told the France international they would not stand in his way if a big club wanted to sign him when he penned a four-year contract in February 2013.
They repeated the promise last summer when Schneiderlin opted to stay at the club amid serious interest from Arsenal, while the midfielder was assured that Southampton would listen to offers when he told them of his desire to leave St Mary's Stadium before this summer’s World Cup.
Schneiderlin has seen several team-mates leave the club this summer and does not understand why the Saints should stand in his way, having been willing to sell so many players.
Southampton informed the player's agent that he would not be sold in a meeting at St Mary's on Tuesday afternoon, before Krueger conducted a number of bullish interviews insisting that the Frenchman and fellow Spurs target Jay Rodriguez were not for sale.
Schneiderlin, who cost €2 million when he joined from Strasbourg in 2008, expressed his anger over Southampton's stance on Twitter on Tuesday night.
He is desperate to reunite with former Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham and has no intention of remaining at Southampton, believing that the club have backed him into a situation where he must force a move in order to save face with angry supporters.
The Southampton board have been heavily criticised by their fans for the summer exodus in which Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw, Dejan Lovren and Calum Chambers have all left the club.
Tottenham had been confident of securing deals for Schneiderlin and forward Jay Rodriguez but Krueger insisted on Tuesday that both players will stay at the club.
He told Sky Sports News: "Specifically to Rodriguez and Schneiderlin, they will not be going anywhere. We see them as part of a core and the core we've got right now and in place is a core that is where Ronald [Koeman] would like to go and they a part of that core.
"Any reports that Rodriguez or Schneiderlin are leaving or we are in engaged in transfer conversations are totally off the mark. They will not be sold."
Schalke 2-1 Stoke City: Bojan scores but Potters beaten
Bojan Krkic's first goal in a Stoke City shirt wasn't enough as Mark Hughes's side were beaten 2-1 by Schalke in Austria.
A week after signing for the Premier League club from Barcelona, Bojan showed exactly why the Potters brought him to the Britannia Stadium with a stunning goal just after half-time.
However, the 23-year-old's effort was in vain, as the Bundesliga club rallied to win Tuesday's pre-season friendly.
After an entertaining but goalless opening half, Bojan broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the restart by firing home from the edge of the box after beating two defenders.
Hughes's side were only ahead for three minutes, though, as Schalke defender Joel Matip rose unmarked at the back post to level with a bullet header.
And victory was assured for the Germans when Swiss winger Tranquillo Barnetta found himself unmarked in the centre of the penalty area in the 85th minute before producing a composed finish.
Schalke began the game strongly, with Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic - making his first appearance since returning from Bosnia-Herzegovina's World Cup campaign - forced into several fine saves.
But the Potters had the best opportunity of the first half - Marko Arnautovic missing a 40th-minute penalty after he was brought down in the area.
The Premier League club still went ahead courtesy of Bojan but Matip and Barnetta were on hand to turn the game on its head.
Bojan Krkic's first goal in a Stoke City shirt wasn't enough as Mark Hughes's side were beaten 2-1 by Schalke in Austria.
A week after signing for the Premier League club from Barcelona, Bojan showed exactly why the Potters brought him to the Britannia Stadium with a stunning goal just after half-time.
However, the 23-year-old's effort was in vain, as the Bundesliga club rallied to win Tuesday's pre-season friendly.
After an entertaining but goalless opening half, Bojan broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the restart by firing home from the edge of the box after beating two defenders.
Hughes's side were only ahead for three minutes, though, as Schalke defender Joel Matip rose unmarked at the back post to level with a bullet header.
And victory was assured for the Germans when Swiss winger Tranquillo Barnetta found himself unmarked in the centre of the penalty area in the 85th minute before producing a composed finish.
Schalke began the game strongly, with Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic - making his first appearance since returning from Bosnia-Herzegovina's World Cup campaign - forced into several fine saves.
But the Potters had the best opportunity of the first half - Marko Arnautovic missing a 40th-minute penalty after he was brought down in the area.
The Premier League club still went ahead courtesy of Bojan but Matip and Barnetta were on hand to turn the game on its head.
Aston Villa don't want me to go - Vlaar
Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar says that the club "absolutely don't want to let me go" as speculation continues to link him with an exit.
The centre-back won many admirers for his performances as Netherlands claimed third place at the World Cup this summer and Tottenham, Roma, Southampton and QPR have all been credited with interest.
Vlaar, however, insists that he has paid no attention to football since returning from Brazil and has done nothing other than "jumping with my children on the trampoline".
"At the moment I am having a holiday and visiting my parents," the Villa star told Helden. "I am enjoying my time with family and my two sons.
"On Saturday Aston Villa will play against and in Groningen. I have made an agreement to report to them over there. I will attend the game in the stadium but I won't play - I haven't done anything in the previous weeks expect jumping with my children on the trampoline.
"I still have one year left [on my contract] and I understand Aston Villa absolutely don't want to let me go.
"In the last few weeks, I haven't even thought about a possible transfer. The only thing I did was enjoy my holiday and I didn't think about football. Soon I will meet my agent and discuss the various options."
Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar says that the club "absolutely don't want to let me go" as speculation continues to link him with an exit.
The centre-back won many admirers for his performances as Netherlands claimed third place at the World Cup this summer and Tottenham, Roma, Southampton and QPR have all been credited with interest.
Vlaar, however, insists that he has paid no attention to football since returning from Brazil and has done nothing other than "jumping with my children on the trampoline".
"At the moment I am having a holiday and visiting my parents," the Villa star told Helden. "I am enjoying my time with family and my two sons.
"On Saturday Aston Villa will play against and in Groningen. I have made an agreement to report to them over there. I will attend the game in the stadium but I won't play - I haven't done anything in the previous weeks expect jumping with my children on the trampoline.
"I still have one year left [on my contract] and I understand Aston Villa absolutely don't want to let me go.
"In the last few weeks, I haven't even thought about a possible transfer. The only thing I did was enjoy my holiday and I didn't think about football. Soon I will meet my agent and discuss the various options."
Van Gaal warns Manchester United: I struggle for the first three months
Louis van Gaal has warned Manchester United not to expect immediate results, claiming that it could take as long as three months for his methods to lead to results.
After admitting on Monday that the United squad that he inherited was "broken", the former Netherlands boss has gone a step further in suggesting that it could take a while to fix the problems inherent in the club and get the squad to adapt to his style.
Van Gaal told reporters on the club's pre-season tour of the United States in Washington, DC: "Every club where I have been, I've struggled for the first three months.
"After that, [the players] know what I want – how I am as a human being and also a manager because I am very direct. I say things as they are so you have to adapt to that way of coaching. It's not so easy.
"The way I train and coach is in the brains, not the legs, but the most important thing is they have to know why we do things. When they do, the footballer is not playing intuitively.
"A lot of players are playing intuitively and I want them to think and know why they do something. That process is difficult at first and in the first three months. It takes time."
Van Gaal also cited his time spent at Bayern Munich between 2009 and 2011 as an example of a slow start under his management before eventual success.
"When we survive the first three months, it will be the same as for me as it was at Bayern Munich," he added. "At Bayern, after the first three months, we were sixth or seventh and we were third in our Champions League group.
"We had to win at Juventus and did – that was the turning point. Now United have me, a new manager, so new chances for the players but we have to create a way of playing that isn't the same as before and that's difficult for them.
"They have to perform under pressure and have to decide [what to do with the ball] within one second and that is not easy."
Mido sacked by Zamalek
The colourful career of Mido has taken another twist after he was sacked by Zamalek on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old replaced Helmy Toulan in January and guided them to the play-off stage of the domestic league, while retaining the Egyptian Cup with victory over Smouha.
Despite that relative success, Mido has lasted just seven months in the dug-out following reports of several disputes with the club's board, though the former striker is keen on staying on in another capacity.
He said: “Ahmed Suliman of the board of directors has told me of their decision to dismiss me. “I’m still the son of Zamalek SC and I am ready to serve them in any capacity.”
Mido retired from playing aged just 30 in June 2013 having played for 12 different clubs, including Zamalek, Ajax, Marseille, Roma and Tottenham, before an ill-fated spell at Barnsley saw him hang up his boots.
The colourful career of Mido has taken another twist after he was sacked by Zamalek on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old replaced Helmy Toulan in January and guided them to the play-off stage of the domestic league, while retaining the Egyptian Cup with victory over Smouha.
Despite that relative success, Mido has lasted just seven months in the dug-out following reports of several disputes with the club's board, though the former striker is keen on staying on in another capacity.
He said: “Ahmed Suliman of the board of directors has told me of their decision to dismiss me. “I’m still the son of Zamalek SC and I am ready to serve them in any capacity.”
Mido retired from playing aged just 30 in June 2013 having played for 12 different clubs, including Zamalek, Ajax, Marseille, Roma and Tottenham, before an ill-fated spell at Barnsley saw him hang up his boots.
Manchester United 0-0 Inter (5-3 on pens): Van Gaal's men need spot-kicks to edge past Italians
Manchester United beat Inter 5-3 on penalties after their International Champions Cup clash finished goalless.
The Red Devils scored each of their penalties, with captain Darren Fletcher converting the decisive kick after Marco Andreolli rattled his effort off the crossbar.
The result preserved United's perfect record in the United States, with three wins from three, including two in the ICC which leave them needing to beat Real Madrid on Saturday for a place in the final.
Manager Louis van Gaal made four changes to the starting XI that took to the field in the 3-2 victory over Roma on Saturday, with Anders Lindegaard, Chris Smalling, Fletcher and Ashley Young returning to the line-up for their reunion with former United captain Nemanja Vidic.
Inter made just one change to the team that beat Real Madrid on penalties in California on Saturday, with Joel Obi dropping out for Rene Krhin.
A number of United youngsters were given game time in Denver but the return of senior personnel was clearly a boost and it showed with the Premier League outfit coming close to breaking the deadlock in the 10th minute.
United defender Phil Jones stooped low to direct his header towards the bottom corner of the net but Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic got his hand to the ball and denied Jonny Evans on the rebound in a goal-mouth scramble.
There were few clear-cut chances throughout the first half, though Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Danny Welbeck cut the Italians apart with a thrilling passing move, only for Mata's low cross to be cut out before it reached Rooney.
Wilfried Zaha was the only player in United's travelling squad not to have played a minute prior to Tuesday's clash but he was given time in the second half and came close to netting the opener within minutes of his introduction after a driving run from halfway.
Manager Louis van Gaal had said Zaha is incapable of filling one of his wide roles next season, and the former Crystal Palace man was deployed up front on Tuesday.
Luke Shaw, the £30m arrival from Southampton, came on at the break 24 hours after his manager had declared him currently unfit to carry out a left wing-back role.
Nani went close for the Premier League side, cutting in from the right and exchanging passes with fellow substitute Shinji Kagawa, but his right-footed strike went over the bar. Shortly afterwards he forced Juan Pablo Carrizo into a routine save with a low shot after he was picked out by Fletcher.
In between those two efforts Tom Cleverley almost broke the deadlock himself, but his volley from just inside the area flew over the crossbar.
Van Gaal's men then thought they should have had a penalty when Cleverley was brought down in the area, but the referee was unmoved despite what appeared to be a clear trip.
Inter almost won it at the death after being awarded a free kick, but David de Gea denied Fredy Guarin from 25 yards out.
With neither side able to find the breakthrough the match went to penalties, and with Ashley Young, Javier Hernandez, Cleverley, Shinji Kagawa and Fletcher all on target the Red Devils picked up two points for the penalty victory, leaving them top of the group with five.
Inter lie in second having taken two points for their penalty win against Madrid, plus one for the defeat here.
United face Madrid at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, while Inter face Serie A rivals Roma on the same day.
Shaw: I deserved criticism from Van Gaal
Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw conceded he deserved criticism from new manager Louis van Gaal over his fitness levels.
Shaw was made to train on his own earlier this week during United's pre-season tour of the United States, with Van Gaal claiming the new signing from Southampton was not at the fitness levels he demands.
"It's something I totally agree with," Shaw said. "Playing in this formation [3-5-2] you really have to be fit. I am fit but not at [Van Gaal's] high demands. I know I have got to get fitter to get up and down.
"That's something I am going to work on, and tonight in 45 minutes I felt really good, so I am looking forward to keep on progressing until the start of the season."
Shaw was a surprise substitute against Inter on Tuesday evening,but the left-back is confident he is now one step closer to being ready for the new Premier League season.
"I played 45 minutes and I felt great. I could have played on. It's a progression from the last game I played so hopefully now the main focus is getting fitter and I'll be flying by the start of the season.
"I wasn't meant to play today because me and the staff decided it would be better to push me harder in training, but I didn't have any problems and I feel good."
Van Gaal added: "I think he did very good tonight. He's working very hard. He was lucky today because I was going to play our friend Reece James, but he was a little bit injured.
"And so I asked Shaw to play, in spite of a very heavy training session this morning."
Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw conceded he deserved criticism from new manager Louis van Gaal over his fitness levels.
Shaw was made to train on his own earlier this week during United's pre-season tour of the United States, with Van Gaal claiming the new signing from Southampton was not at the fitness levels he demands.
"It's something I totally agree with," Shaw said. "Playing in this formation [3-5-2] you really have to be fit. I am fit but not at [Van Gaal's] high demands. I know I have got to get fitter to get up and down.
"That's something I am going to work on, and tonight in 45 minutes I felt really good, so I am looking forward to keep on progressing until the start of the season."
Shaw was a surprise substitute against Inter on Tuesday evening,but the left-back is confident he is now one step closer to being ready for the new Premier League season.
"I played 45 minutes and I felt great. I could have played on. It's a progression from the last game I played so hopefully now the main focus is getting fitter and I'll be flying by the start of the season.
"I wasn't meant to play today because me and the staff decided it would be better to push me harder in training, but I didn't have any problems and I feel good."
Van Gaal added: "I think he did very good tonight. He's working very hard. He was lucky today because I was going to play our friend Reece James, but he was a little bit injured.
"And so I asked Shaw to play, in spite of a very heavy training session this morning."
AC Milan on the right track, insists Mexes
Philippe Mexes is confident AC Milan are on the right track and will be competitive this season after a difficult 2013-14 season.
The Serie A outfit have been struggling during pre-season as they were heavily beaten by Olympiakos and Manchester City, yet Mexes has little doubt that things will eventually come good for Milan.
"In my opinion, even if the results say otherwise, we are on the right track," Mexes told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"During training I see great will and commitment on the part of all. We want to follow the path Inzaghi tells us. I believe that with his ideas and the respect that Inzaghi commands the basics are there to improve.
"We must not forget that Inzaghi has just arrived. He is absolutely not guilty of what happened, the players are responsible, it is our fault that the coaches tell you how to play and then you do not know to put it into practice.
"It is clear that we cannot be happy because defeats for a team like Milan are never nice to digest, but we know where to improve."
Milan start their 2014-15 Serie A campaign with a home match against Lazio on August 31.
Philippe Mexes is confident AC Milan are on the right track and will be competitive this season after a difficult 2013-14 season.
The Serie A outfit have been struggling during pre-season as they were heavily beaten by Olympiakos and Manchester City, yet Mexes has little doubt that things will eventually come good for Milan.
"In my opinion, even if the results say otherwise, we are on the right track," Mexes told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"During training I see great will and commitment on the part of all. We want to follow the path Inzaghi tells us. I believe that with his ideas and the respect that Inzaghi commands the basics are there to improve.
"We must not forget that Inzaghi has just arrived. He is absolutely not guilty of what happened, the players are responsible, it is our fault that the coaches tell you how to play and then you do not know to put it into practice.
"It is clear that we cannot be happy because defeats for a team like Milan are never nice to digest, but we know where to improve."
Milan start their 2014-15 Serie A campaign with a home match against Lazio on August 31.
Inter to sign Southampton's Osvaldo in exchange for Taider
Inter are close to agreeing a deal with Southampton to sign Dani Osvaldo on loan which would send midfielder Saphir Taider in the opposite direction.
The Serie A side hope to soon agree personal terms with the Italy striker, who made only 13 league appearances for the Saints last season before being loaned to Juventus less than six months after joining them from Roma for a club-record €15 million fee plus add-ons.
The 28-year-old Osvaldo previously wore the jerseys of Huracan, Atalanta, Lecce, Fiorentina, Bologna and Espanyol.
Taider, a box-to-box central midfielder who can also play out wide, was part of the Algeria squad that made it to the round of 16 at the World Cup finals, making two appearances in Brazil.
The midfielder, 22, only joined Inter from Bologna in the summer of 2013, but failed to live up to the high expectations at the Giuseppe Meazza side.
The arrival of Yann M'Vila on loan from Rubin Kazan has damaged Taider's hopes of holding down a place in Walter Mazzarri's first team, with Cardiff's Gary Medel also linked with Inter and he is now set to continue his career in the Premier League.
Southampton are also willing to take 34-year-old Argentina defender Hugo Campagnaro as part of any deal.
New Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is eager to bolster his squad following the departures of five key players this summer and with Morgan Schneiderlin prepared to hand in a transfer request to force a move to Tottenham.
Schneiderlin and Jay Rodriguez are wanted by Spurs but Saints insist they will not sanction their sales having already lost Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Calum Chambers.
Those departures have brought in more than €110m in transfer fees, with Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle the only incoming signings so far at a combined cost of around €25m.
Inter are close to agreeing a deal with Southampton to sign Dani Osvaldo on loan which would send midfielder Saphir Taider in the opposite direction.
The Serie A side hope to soon agree personal terms with the Italy striker, who made only 13 league appearances for the Saints last season before being loaned to Juventus less than six months after joining them from Roma for a club-record €15 million fee plus add-ons.
The 28-year-old Osvaldo previously wore the jerseys of Huracan, Atalanta, Lecce, Fiorentina, Bologna and Espanyol.
Taider, a box-to-box central midfielder who can also play out wide, was part of the Algeria squad that made it to the round of 16 at the World Cup finals, making two appearances in Brazil.
The midfielder, 22, only joined Inter from Bologna in the summer of 2013, but failed to live up to the high expectations at the Giuseppe Meazza side.
The arrival of Yann M'Vila on loan from Rubin Kazan has damaged Taider's hopes of holding down a place in Walter Mazzarri's first team, with Cardiff's Gary Medel also linked with Inter and he is now set to continue his career in the Premier League.
Southampton are also willing to take 34-year-old Argentina defender Hugo Campagnaro as part of any deal.
New Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is eager to bolster his squad following the departures of five key players this summer and with Morgan Schneiderlin prepared to hand in a transfer request to force a move to Tottenham.
Schneiderlin and Jay Rodriguez are wanted by Spurs but Saints insist they will not sanction their sales having already lost Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Calum Chambers.
Those departures have brought in more than €110m in transfer fees, with Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle the only incoming signings so far at a combined cost of around €25m.
Gerrard: Past three months have been worst of my life
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said he had been through "the worst three months" of his life after slipping in a crucial Premier League loss to Chelsea.
The 2-0 defeat at home in April, followed by a three-goal lead slipping at Crystal Palace, saw Brendan Rodgers's men finish second to Manchester City in the league after leading with three games to go.
Gerrard's fateful slip, which led to Demba Ba's opener at Anfield, was replayed as the moment Liverpool had let what could have been their first league title in 24 years slip.
"I've probably been through the worst three months of my life," Gerrard told reporters.
"There's nothing else to say is there? If you ask how it's affected me – it hasn't. I have football to play in the future so you have to look forward, not back.
"The only time I think about it [is when I'm asked about it by the media]. I appreciate how big it is when you go out of a World Cup, when you fall short, after going so close in the Premier League title race.
"We have to try to win the league, progress in the Champions League. When you're captain of the team and the group, you can't afford to be down and feel sorry for yourself or mope around."
According to Gerrard, what made the incident hurt most was that it was simply a piece of bad luck and his positive impacts far outweighs the mistake against Jose Mourinho's side.
"That's why it was cruel. I haven't made a mistake, I haven't lost my man at a set piece. I haven't missed a penalty. I haven't made a bad pass," he said.
"Every single person on the planet slips at some point in their life, whether it's on the stairs, on the floor or whatever. For me, it happened on the pitch at a really bad moment.
"But over the course of 38 games, a lot happens for you and against you and that determines if you win the league or not. But that moment happened at a really crucial time and I have to face that. And I will."
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said he had been through "the worst three months" of his life after slipping in a crucial Premier League loss to Chelsea.
The 2-0 defeat at home in April, followed by a three-goal lead slipping at Crystal Palace, saw Brendan Rodgers's men finish second to Manchester City in the league after leading with three games to go.
Gerrard's fateful slip, which led to Demba Ba's opener at Anfield, was replayed as the moment Liverpool had let what could have been their first league title in 24 years slip.
"I've probably been through the worst three months of my life," Gerrard told reporters.
"There's nothing else to say is there? If you ask how it's affected me – it hasn't. I have football to play in the future so you have to look forward, not back.
"The only time I think about it [is when I'm asked about it by the media]. I appreciate how big it is when you go out of a World Cup, when you fall short, after going so close in the Premier League title race.
"We have to try to win the league, progress in the Champions League. When you're captain of the team and the group, you can't afford to be down and feel sorry for yourself or mope around."
According to Gerrard, what made the incident hurt most was that it was simply a piece of bad luck and his positive impacts far outweighs the mistake against Jose Mourinho's side.
"That's why it was cruel. I haven't made a mistake, I haven't lost my man at a set piece. I haven't missed a penalty. I haven't made a bad pass," he said.
"Every single person on the planet slips at some point in their life, whether it's on the stairs, on the floor or whatever. For me, it happened on the pitch at a really bad moment.
"But over the course of 38 games, a lot happens for you and against you and that determines if you win the league or not. But that moment happened at a really crucial time and I have to face that. And I will."
Ancelotti urges caution over Ronaldo
Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that Real Madrid will not take any risks with Cristiano Ronaldo as he continues to work on his fitness.
The Portugal international was plagued by injury problems toward the end of the 2013-14 campaign and was not 100 per cent fit at the World Cup either.
He recently resumed training at Madrid's pre-season tour to the USA, but Ancelotti has stressed that they will not rush Ronaldo back to action.
"We have to be careful with Ronaldo, and right now this calls for calm," Ancelotti was quoted as saying on the club's official website.
"Ronaldo did a double session today [Tuesday] and is working well on his own.
"We will see in the next few days if he can train with the side and play in the friendly against Manchester."
The Italian then went on to discuss Madrid's transfer plans this summer and hinted that the Champions League holders will have to sell first before signing anyone.
"We have to think about the players who are at Real Madrid at the moment.
"The market closes on 31 August and a lot of things could still happen, but we have to think about what we have."
Madrid have already brought in Toni Kroos from Bayern Munich and James Rodriguez from Monaco, while they are also expected to announce the signing of Levante goalkeeper Keylor Navas shortly.
Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that Real Madrid will not take any risks with Cristiano Ronaldo as he continues to work on his fitness.
The Portugal international was plagued by injury problems toward the end of the 2013-14 campaign and was not 100 per cent fit at the World Cup either.
He recently resumed training at Madrid's pre-season tour to the USA, but Ancelotti has stressed that they will not rush Ronaldo back to action.
"We have to be careful with Ronaldo, and right now this calls for calm," Ancelotti was quoted as saying on the club's official website.
"Ronaldo did a double session today [Tuesday] and is working well on his own.
"We will see in the next few days if he can train with the side and play in the friendly against Manchester."
The Italian then went on to discuss Madrid's transfer plans this summer and hinted that the Champions League holders will have to sell first before signing anyone.
"We have to think about the players who are at Real Madrid at the moment.
"The market closes on 31 August and a lot of things could still happen, but we have to think about what we have."
Madrid have already brought in Toni Kroos from Bayern Munich and James Rodriguez from Monaco, while they are also expected to announce the signing of Levante goalkeeper Keylor Navas shortly.
We want Reus to become a Dortmund icon - Watzke
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has made it clear that the Bundesliga outfit are determined to hold on to Marco Reus and want the Germany international to become a club icon.
Reus has been linked with clubs such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal in the past few months, but Dortmund are not thinking about cashing in on the versatile attacker any time soon.
"Marco is a boy from Dortmund. His feet are on the ground and his heart is in the right place. Despite his success, he decided himself to stay," Watzke said when speaking to Goal after Reus finished 15th in the Goal 50.
"We hope that he becomes an icon in his hometown and that he can look back on many unforgettable moments and titles here at the end of his career.
"He is a worldclass player. He is quick, a real goal-threat and possesses great skills. Plus Marco is a leader."
Reus has a contract with BVB until June 2017, but has a limited fee release clause that allows him to leave for €35 million in the summer of 2015.
The attacker has scored 30 goals in 62 Bundesliga appearances since his return to Dortmund from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2012.
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has made it clear that the Bundesliga outfit are determined to hold on to Marco Reus and want the Germany international to become a club icon.
Reus has been linked with clubs such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal in the past few months, but Dortmund are not thinking about cashing in on the versatile attacker any time soon.
"Marco is a boy from Dortmund. His feet are on the ground and his heart is in the right place. Despite his success, he decided himself to stay," Watzke said when speaking to Goal after Reus finished 15th in the Goal 50.
"We hope that he becomes an icon in his hometown and that he can look back on many unforgettable moments and titles here at the end of his career.
"He is a worldclass player. He is quick, a real goal-threat and possesses great skills. Plus Marco is a leader."
Reus has a contract with BVB until June 2017, but has a limited fee release clause that allows him to leave for €35 million in the summer of 2015.
The attacker has scored 30 goals in 62 Bundesliga appearances since his return to Dortmund from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2012.
Ibrahimovic called Xavi a clown, says Chygrynskiy
Dmytro Chygrynskiy has hailed former Barcelona team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic's "amazing personality", revealing how the striker once called Xavi "a clown" in training.
Chygrynskiy and Ibrahimovic played alongside one another at Camp Nou during the 2009-10 campaign and the Shakhtar Donetsk centre-back has nothing but fond memories of the Paris Saint-Germain attacker.
"I have never met someone with such a strong character. A lot of people were against him at Barcelona, but he never really cared and focused on his football," Chygrynskiy told Sovietskiy Sport.
"Ibrahimovic once told me, 'When I am the best on the training pitch, I feel like a god going into the matches.'
"He didn't mind scolding Xavi and Andres Iniesta. I remember him telling Xavi 'You clown, what kind of pass is that' after a poor ball in training.
"I'm not saying he's the best player in the world, but he's an amazing personality. His character could cause the coach some problem, but he was the best for me."
Chygrynskiy, 27, joined Barcelona frmo Shahtar in the summer of 2009, but returned to his former club again after just one season at the Liga giants.
Dmytro Chygrynskiy has hailed former Barcelona team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic's "amazing personality", revealing how the striker once called Xavi "a clown" in training.
Chygrynskiy and Ibrahimovic played alongside one another at Camp Nou during the 2009-10 campaign and the Shakhtar Donetsk centre-back has nothing but fond memories of the Paris Saint-Germain attacker.
"I have never met someone with such a strong character. A lot of people were against him at Barcelona, but he never really cared and focused on his football," Chygrynskiy told Sovietskiy Sport.
"Ibrahimovic once told me, 'When I am the best on the training pitch, I feel like a god going into the matches.'
"He didn't mind scolding Xavi and Andres Iniesta. I remember him telling Xavi 'You clown, what kind of pass is that' after a poor ball in training.
"I'm not saying he's the best player in the world, but he's an amazing personality. His character could cause the coach some problem, but he was the best for me."
Chygrynskiy, 27, joined Barcelona frmo Shahtar in the summer of 2009, but returned to his former club again after just one season at the Liga giants.
Jenkinson set for West Ham loan, confirms Allardyce
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is hoping his club can complete their loan move for Arsenal right-back Carl Jenkinson within the next 24 hours.
The Hammers have beaten Hull City to the signature of the 22-year-old, despite Steve Bruce’s side tabling a £3 million offer.
Goal understands, though, that Jenkinson wanted to remain in London and believes he still has a future at Arsenal, despite the arrivals of Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers this summer.
“We’re interested in signing Carl Jenkinson from Arsenal on loan,” Allardyce told talkSPORT.
“I’m hoping it’s going to be completed in the next twenty four hours. We’re hoping that’s going to be OK.”
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is hoping his club can complete their loan move for Arsenal right-back Carl Jenkinson within the next 24 hours.
The Hammers have beaten Hull City to the signature of the 22-year-old, despite Steve Bruce’s side tabling a £3 million offer.
Goal understands, though, that Jenkinson wanted to remain in London and believes he still has a future at Arsenal, despite the arrivals of Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers this summer.
“We’re interested in signing Carl Jenkinson from Arsenal on loan,” Allardyce told talkSPORT.
“I’m hoping it’s going to be completed in the next twenty four hours. We’re hoping that’s going to be OK.”
Man United outcast Hernandez could join Atletico Madrid, says Simeone
Diego Simeone believes Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez represents a "great option" for Atletico Madrid as they look to bolster their attack ahead of the new season.
Hernandez moved to Old Trafford in the summer of 2010 but has failed to establish himself as anything more than an impact substitute, starting just six Premier League games last season.
Former United captain Nemanja Vidic this week urged his new club Inter to make a move for the Mexican frontman, though Atletico are also hoping to fill the attacking void left by the departures of Diego Costa and David Villa.
And while Simeone - who currently has Mario Mandzukic as the only recognised striker in his squad - would not confirm he will make a move for the 26-year-old, he refused to rule it out.
"We speak to the sporting directors, we gave them the ideas on the type of players we want and then they get the players," the Argentine told reporters.
"With Javier Hernandez and plenty of other great players, anything is possible. We can't close the door to anyone until the transfer window closes.
"He is a vertical player, great in one on one situations, he's a great option for any team."
New United boss Louis van Gaal gave Hernandez a 13-minute cameo in Wednesday's International Champions Cup penalty win over Inter, but could not provide any guarantees over the player's future.
"That I cannot answer," the Dutchman insisted after the match. "He is a player of Manchester United at this moment."
The striker himself was similarly unwilling to discuss the issue. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, only God knows,” he told reporters. “I just have to keep working.”
Diego Simeone believes Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez represents a "great option" for Atletico Madrid as they look to bolster their attack ahead of the new season.
Hernandez moved to Old Trafford in the summer of 2010 but has failed to establish himself as anything more than an impact substitute, starting just six Premier League games last season.
Former United captain Nemanja Vidic this week urged his new club Inter to make a move for the Mexican frontman, though Atletico are also hoping to fill the attacking void left by the departures of Diego Costa and David Villa.
And while Simeone - who currently has Mario Mandzukic as the only recognised striker in his squad - would not confirm he will make a move for the 26-year-old, he refused to rule it out.
"We speak to the sporting directors, we gave them the ideas on the type of players we want and then they get the players," the Argentine told reporters.
"With Javier Hernandez and plenty of other great players, anything is possible. We can't close the door to anyone until the transfer window closes.
"He is a vertical player, great in one on one situations, he's a great option for any team."
New United boss Louis van Gaal gave Hernandez a 13-minute cameo in Wednesday's International Champions Cup penalty win over Inter, but could not provide any guarantees over the player's future.
"That I cannot answer," the Dutchman insisted after the match. "He is a player of Manchester United at this moment."
The striker himself was similarly unwilling to discuss the issue. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, only God knows,” he told reporters. “I just have to keep working.”
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