..::Football III::..

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    UEFA Super Cup Fixture 2014.08.12

    UEFA Super Cup Fixture 2014.08.12

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    Real Madrid Vs Sevilla
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    Guardiola: Bayern only have eight or nine fit players

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    Pep Guardiola says only "eight or nine" of his Bayern Munich first-team are fully fit due to many returning late from the World Cup.

    The Bavarians lost the DFL-Supercup last season to Borussia Dortmund but got revenge by winning the Bundesliga by a massive margin ahead of their rivals and defeating Jurgen Klopp's men in the DFB-Pokal final in extra-time.

    They will be looking to punish Dortmund once again but, with Arjen Robben, Philipp Lahm, Thomas Muller, Bastian Schweinsteiger and many more having only recently returned to pre-season training, the Spanish coach is hardly full of confidence heading into this year's Supercup clash.

    "Last summer my players were fitter for the Supercup," he told reporters on Tuesday. "This time I only have eight or nine players that are fully fit - no more.

    "The world champions have trained well, but they need time. I'm happy that I have six world champions. After training today I will talk to the players then decide who can play and for how long.

    "This is not a friendly game, though, this is a final. We're playing to win."

    The Supercup kicks off at Signal Iduna Park at 18:00CET and the 2014-15 Bundesliga campaign gets under way on August 22.
     

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    Keylor Navas will be extraordinary for Madrid - Buyo

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    Real Madrid goalkeeping legend Paco Buyo believes the "extraordinary" Keylor Navas will prove a superb signing for his former club.

    The 27-year-old shot-stopper signed a six-year deal with the Blancos this summer, ushering out Diego Lopez - Carlo Ancelotti's first choice between the sticks in La Liga last campaign - in the process.

    Buyo believes the competition for the No.1 spot between former Levante man Navas and club captain Iker Casillas will benefit the club and has been thrilled with the signings that the Santiago Bernabeu side have made in 2014.

    "Real Madrid are a team at an extraordinary level," he told Goal. "They have already improved a superb squad which won the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

    "Players like Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez and, of course, Keylor Navas. They are coming in to reinforce a squad already at an extraordinary level, and now even more so.

    "Keylor is a player who has excelled tremendously at Levante. He had a magnificent season. He has a very good reaction rate, is extraordinary one against one and can remain concentrated for 90 minutes.

    "His experience and his desire to succeed will come in handy for Real Madrid. And it's good to have competition in goal, like Casillas and Keylor will have. This way nobody is guaranteed a place and your team-mate will spur you on to be better."

    Buyo, who spent six years with Sevilla before his 11 years at the Santiago Bernabeu, suggested that, although Unai Emery's men are underdogs in Tuesday's Uefa Super Cup clash, the Europa League winners will not be pushovers.

    "I think the favourites are Madrid but I also think that Sevilla have thoroughly prepared for this Super Cup," the 56-year-old added.

    "They have had more time to prepare for it with all of their players available for longer in pre-season. They will be a tough opponent.

    "But Real Madrid should win - perhaps not comfortably, but they'll win. Especially if Cristiano Ronaldo is playing."
     

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    Valero urges Cuadrado to ignore Barcelona interest

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    Borja Valero has urged his Fiorentina colleague Juan Cuadrado to ignore the reported interest of Barcelona in his services.

    The Colombia international has been subject of heavy transfer interest, most notably from the Catalan outfit, although Manchester United have been persistently linked with the 26-year-old in British media outlets.

    More recently, Chelsea have been linked with a move for the highly-rated winger, but Valero is holding on to the prospect of Cuadrado snubbing transfer interest to help the Viola better last season's fourth-place finish in Serie A.

    "I do not know if he is staying or going," the 29-year-old told Goal following Fiorentina's 2-1 win over Real Betis on Monday. "He has did not said anything to me about it.

    "Hopefully for the sake of the team he will stay because he is one of the best players we have. If he has to go then hopefully it's the best possible deal for him and the club.

    "I can only wish him well, whether he's at Barca, Manchester United or Fiorentina this season."

    Valero recently signed a deal which is set to extend his spell at the Artemio Franchi until 2019 and he said it was a no-brainer to put pen to paper on a new contract at Fiorentina.

    "I have been made very welcome from my first moment here and so this renewal is natural," the Spaniard added.

    "I still had three years left on my contract and now I have five years, so I think the club are happy with me and I'm happy here.

    "Reaching the Champions League is always our main goal, but teams in Italy are being reinforcing very well. Roma, Napoli, Inter, AC Milan ...

    "We'll have many tough opponents but we hope to play well and get that spot in the Champions League."
     

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    Silva signs new five-year Manchester City deal

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    Manchester City playmaker David Silva has signed a fresh five-year contract with the Premier League champions.

    The Spain international has commited himself to the club until the age of 33, having already spent four successful seasons at the Etihad following his move from Valencia after the 2010 World Cup.

    Silva told City's official website: "From the moment I joined the club four years ago it has felt like a second home to me.

    "On and off the pitch, I feel incredibly content and fulfilled professionally and personally, so why wouldn’t I want to stay and keep winning trophies with this fantastic team?

    "Over the last four years, we have achieved so much together, establishing City as a dominating force in England and now, when I look around this dressing room, I can see no reason why we won’t become one of the top teams in the world.

    "It was a straightforward decision to extend my stay here and spend my peak years at Manchester City, a club with unbelievable fans who have always supported me."
     

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    Diego Lopez & Armero undergo AC Milan medicals

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    Diego Lopez and Pablo Armero have arrived in Lombardy for medical tests ahead of their anticipated transfers to AC Milan.Pictures of the pair undergoing screenings at the Clinica La Madonnina were posted on the club’s website on Tuesday morning, with an official announcement regarding the completion of their moves expected to come later in the day.

    Real Madrid goalkeeper Lopez landed in Italy on Monday evening following a series of meetings with Rossoneri CEO Adriano Galliani in Spain and the former Sevilla shot-stopper will sign a four-year contract with the Italian outfit after the two clubs agreed upon a €10 million transfer fee.

    Meanwhile, Colombian wide man Armero will move to Milan from Serie A rivals Napoli on a season-long loan.The duo will join fellow new signings Michael Agazzi, Adil Rami, Alex and Jeremy Menez as part of new coach Filippo Inzaghi’s charges ahead of the Rossoneri's first league outing of the new season, against Lazio at San Siro on August 31.
     

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    Szczesny: This is the best Arsenal side I've played in

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    Wojciech Szczesny believes the current Arsenal side is the best he has ever played in.

    Arsene Wenger's charges picked up their second piece of silverware in three months on Sunday, adding to their FA Cup success last season with a 3-0 win over reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in the Community Shield.

    And the 24-year-old Szczesny feels Arsenal are capable of lifting their first title since 2004 next May.

    "Looking at it on paper I think it is the strongest side we have had," the goalkeeper told reporters. "Except for obviously Thomas [Vermaelen, who has moved to Barcelona] we have not lost any key players.

    "Even if someone did leave on a free contract [Bacary Sagna], we managed to replace them with good players.

    "So we are looking stronger and stronger and we are very happy with that."

    New arrivals Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy were both impressive in Arsenal's victory over City, and Szczesny praised both players after they made their competitive debuts for the club.

    "Calum is really solid, he is only 19 as well," the Poland international pointed out. "For him to make his debut for Arsenal at Wembley and do so well, that was very good to see.

    "And Mathieu has a lot of experience so we hope to see him perform at that level all the time."
     

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    Liverpool tell Toure he can leave for Trabzonspor

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    Trabzonspor are close to completing a deal for Kolo Toure after the Ivory Coast international was told he is surplus to requirements at Liverpool this season.

    The 33-year-old joined the Anfield club on a free transfer from Manchester City last summer but the signing of Dejan Lovren and Brendan Rodgers’ determination to keep hold of Daniel Agger - despite reports linking the Dane with a move - have pushed Toure further down the pecking order.

    Trabzonspor are leading the race to sign the veteran centre-half and Goal understands the Turkish club are confident of concluding a deal for the former Arsenal star.

    Toure made 24 appearances for Liverpool last season but featured just once during the run-in between the end of February and May as the Merseysiders narrowly missed out on their first league title in 24 years.

    Liverpool look set to start the season with Lovren and Martin Skrtel at the heart of their defence but Rodgers appears keen to retain the services of Agger and insists he is yet to receive an offer for the 29-year-old.

    Rodgers said: "I've seen some stories on that but, no, we haven't had any enquiries.

    "Dan's still getting some work done on his knee, he's been a bit unfortunate since America. He's still getting treatment but we haven't had anything, no offers."
     

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    Mexico coach Herrera: Hernandez should leave Manchester United

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    Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has urged Javier Hernandez to leave Manchester United in order to secure first-team football.

    'Chicharito' has fallen down the pecking order after an impressive debut campaign at Old Trafford in 2010-11, with the likes of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck all regularly preferred to him up front.

    Last season, the 26-year-old started just six Premier League matches and new United boss Louis van Gaal is thought to be willing to allow the striker to leave - with Goal understanding Southampton are interested in the player's signature.

    And Herrera, Chicharito's national team coach, believes that a move could be best for the striker's career, with Serie A champions Juventus allegedly considering a move for the out-of-favour forward.

    "I think [Hernandez] needs to leave," the Mexico boss told ESPN.

    "I think [Juventus] would be a good option for him. When a coach doesn't want you - when you have your best experience, your best moment with them, and now the coach that wanted you is no longer there - it's time to move.

    "I think there are a lot of opportunities. They are not bad opportunities. If he goes to Juventus that would be an extraordinary team. Without a doubt, it would be a nice change for him. Hopefully he'll see more minutes."
     

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    Shaw: My Manchester United start has been crazy

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    Luke Shaw has labelled his first weeks as a Manchester United player as "crazy" as he prepares to make his Old Trafford debut against Valencia.

    The full-back was bought by the Red Devils for €37.5 million over the summer, but has been criticised by manager Louis van Gaal for poor fitness levels following the World Cup.

    The 19-year-old has since missed out on a place in the starting XI, with a resurgent Ashley Young preferred at left wing-back, and faces a battle to be selected for United's Premier League opener against Swansea City on August 16.

    The former Southampton starlet should be given a chance to impress at some stage against Valencia on Tuesday, though, and is relishing playing at the Theatre of Dreams following a manic tour of the USA.

    "It’s been a crazy few weeks," Shaw told reporters. "I got back from the World Cup and came up here to get everything sorted with the medical.

    "I’d heard a lot of things about how crazy it was on tour and I witnessed that.

    "Until you have gone out to America [with United], you don’t know what it’s like. That surprised me, but I have heard it’s even worse in Asia. It was really nice to see how many supporters United have got out there.

    "As a kid, it’s a dream to play at Old Trafford and it’s one of the biggest arenas in the world.

    "To know it’s going to be my home ground is something special. I can’t wait to get my first touch on the pitch, just to relish it."

    The match against the Liga outfit represents Van Gaal's final opportunity to see his side on the pitch ahead of the new campaign, and as thus reportedly sent a scout to watch Nuno's team during their Emirates Cup campaign.

    And Shaw admits that he has been impressed with the thoroughness of his manager as they look to build on their International Champions Cup win and chase further honours.

    "Every game is serious. We want to improve as a team and the way we can do that is going into the game properly by using the scouts to discover what they are like and see how we are going to play against them.

    "The main thing is obviously the first Premier League game against Swansea, the first match of the season, but we want to keep improving as a team and getting used to the formation so we will be flying when the season starts.

    "You have got to be positive and, for me personally, I have come here to win trophies.

    "That is something everyone wants, not just me. Everyone in that dressing room is looking to do that.

    "We all can’t wait to get started."
     

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    Caballero: I want to be Manchester City No. 1

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    New signing Willy Caballero is desperate to usurp Joe Hart as Manchester City's No.1 goalkeeper this season.

    The Argentine shot-stopper, signed from Malaga in July, made his competitive debut for the Premier League champions as they suffered a 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday.

    And Caballero said he is desperate to retain his spot when Manuel Pellegrini's men kick off the defence of their title at Newcastle United on August 17.

    "Yes I want to be No.1," he admitted to reporters.

    "I will train for the weekend for the next decision to see who starts next. Both of us will train for that chance.

    "I came to fight for the number one spot. Sunday at Wembley was an important match for me – I have a chance to play.

    "I am happy for this – not for the score. I have been training well but there is no doubt that this was not one of my best games.

    "A defeat like this hurts but the most important thing is not to repeat these errors."

    Caballero has no doubt City can retain their Premier League crown, but it is in European competition where the Blues have struggled to challenge the established sides on the continent.

    However, the shot-stopper is adamant that the Etihad Stadium outfit will be stronger on all fronts when the new campaign gets underway.

    "We have a strong team," he declared. "We are the Premier League champions, with very good players, but we have things we need to prove.

    "Manuel [Pellegrini] has told all of us that we need to learn game by game, and that we have to start well in the league.

    "I think we can win the title again. We have to do what we did last year, to win the league.

    "We were the best team in the Premier League. We have to improve in the Champions League and we have a good squad to do that."
     

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    I thank God that I can play with Messi - Rakitic

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    Ivan Rakitic says he has to "thank God" for the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona.

    The midfielder joined Barca from Sevilla this summer and has been in awe of the four-time Ballon d'Or winner in training, saying previously that the Argentina captain was "miraculous".

    The Croatia star has heaped further praise on him, suggesting he can keep playing for decades to come and thanking God for the chance to be in the same team as him.

    "Deco said the other day that Messi could play until he's 60. I say he could play until he is 70, or 80, or until he retires. I have to thank God for allowing me to play alongside him," he told Marca.

    Rakitic also spoke highly of team-mate Neymar and coach Luis Enrique.

    "I played against [Neymar] at the Brazil World Cup and despite his young age, he can change a game. His skills are amazing.

    "As a coach, what you see is what you get [with Luis Enrique], he's a perfectionist and that's a good thing.

    The 26-year-old admits his side face a difficult season, admitting Real Madrid and reigning champions Atletico will put good challenges for the title.

    "Based on the past few years, it looks as though both Madrid clubs will be in the mix, although there could be the odd surprise. Every game is tough and it's always hard to win games."

    He also revealed he had been invited by his former club to see them in action against Real in the Uefa Super Cup on Tuesday night.

    "They've invited me to the game in Cardiff. I have nothing against Real Madrid, but I'm a Sevilla fan."
     

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    Conte would be a nice gift for Italy - Tavecchio

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    Antonio Conte would be a "nice gift" for fans of the Italian national team, according to Carlo Tavecchio.

    The new FIGC president has admitted that Conte is one of a number of potential coaches he has spoken to regarding the position vacated in June by Cesare Prandelli.And while there has been no decision yet, Tavecchio – who started his first day on the job on Tuesday – insists Conte would be a good fit for the role.

    "I got up at 7am and immediately set to work," Tavecchio told La Repubblica. "I spoke to Conte and three or four more."I have no answers just yet, otherwise I would say so. But Conte seemed a decent person."I am optimistic for the federation and for Italy, so we’ll see. Would Conte be a nice gift for Italians? I have to say yes."

    Tavecchio's words come amidst reports in Italy that a deal is almost done for Conte to become the new Italy coach on a deal worth €2.6 million net over two years, running until the end of the European Championship in France in 2016.
    One man who has ruled himself out of the running for the job is Carlo Ancelotti.
    "I don’t have anything to say, other than I cannot be the national coach because I’m already working," said the current Real Madrid boss. "There will be time for me to be the national coach."
     

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    Atletico can still compete with Real and Barca - Godin

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    Diego Godin believes Atletico Madrid will be able to remain competitive with Real Madrid and Barcelona next season, insisting they will not change their approach as they look to replicate last season's success.

    Diego Simeone's men exceeded all expectations last term as they won a first La Liga crown in 18 years and reached the final of the Champions League, losing 4-1 to city rivals Real Madrid in extra time.

    Those achievements came despite the pre-season sale of striker Radamel Falcao to Monaco, and the capital club will need to overcome further player departures in order to enjoy more success in the coming campaign.

    Striker Diego Costa, left-back Filipe Luis and Adrian Lopez have all left the Vicente Calderon, although the likes of Mario Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann have come the other way.Atleti visit Real for the first leg of the Spanish Supercup next Tuesday, which will serve as the first real test of their new-look side.

    But Godin, goalscorer in the 1-1 draw at Barcelona that ensured the Spanish title on the final day of last term in May, is adamant that their game-by-game philosophy will not be altered and he believes they can keep challenging Spain's powerhouses Madrid and Barca.

    "We're not going to change anything. We're going to compete against big teams and we'll try to do everything we can to win the matches, although we know it will be difficult." Godin said."We still have to keep working to improve and feel good. We will try to get there in the best way, convinced that we will be 100 per cent at the time. We will give our all and try to win [against Real].

    "The match-by-match is still good for us. It's part of the training. We focus on what's closest in time. Now we are preparing for the Supercopa as our main objective."
     

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    Arsenal in talks for Olympiakos defender Manolas

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    Arsenal have opened talks with Olympiakos over a move for defender Kostas Manolas, Goal understands.

    Arsene Wenger has sanctioned a formal approach for the Greece international after identifying him as a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen, who joined Barcelona last weekend.

    The Gunners have been quoted a fee of €10 million by Olympiakos for Manolas during preliminary discussions.

    The centre-back, 23, played in the Champions League for his club last season and featured for Greece in this summer's World Cup.

    Wenger wants to push through a quick deal for a new centre-back after selling Vermaelen and amid growing fears over the fitness of Laurent Koscielny.

    The Frenchman has a long-standing Achilles problem and his availability for the early season matches is in doubt after he was substituted with the injury during the Gunners' Community Shield win over Manchester City.

    Wenger wants a proven defender to join new signing Calum Chambers in providing cover for his established defensive pairing of Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, who only returned to Arsenal on Monday following the World Cup.

    The Arsenal boss has competition to sign Manolas, who has attracted interest from a number of Serie A clubs, including Napoli.

    With three weeks of the transfer window remaining, Wenger is also in the market for a midfield anchorman who can provide cover for the centre-back position.
     
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