..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

'A cowardly ambush' - Motta agent hits out at Bastia over Brandao headbutt

Thiago Motta's agent has hit out at Bastia for refusing to punish Brandao after he headbutted the Paris Saint-Germain player on Saturday.

The Brazilian waited in the tunnel for Motta after the final whistle following their 2-0 defeat to the Ligue 1 champions and then attacked his compatriot, leaving him with a broken nose.

Bastia have released a statement claiming it is not their duty to punish Brandao and claimed their player was provoked before the incident - leaving Motta's agent Alessandro Canovi suitably angered.

He told Goal: “I’m surprised by some of the official statements made by the club [Bastia] and its employees. The surprise is even greater because neither the player nor the club have apologised yet to Thiago Motta or to PSG.

"I think it’s nonsense and very hypocritical to act as if Thiago Motta had been provoking [Brandao] in order to justify the fact he was the victim of a cowardly ambush.

"I’m also saddened by the fact that there is another victim in this story; the audience, especially the youngest viewers, who have witnessed the scene on television and on social networks. This is a premeditated and violent act that I still consider as a true ambush.”

The incident has prompted widespread condemnation, with PSG labelling it an "assault", but Bastia say they will take no further action.

"Bastia condemns unequivocally the gesture of striker Brandao against Thiago Motta after the final whistle of the match between PSG and Bastia," read a club statement released on Monday. "Sporting (Club Bastia) declines any possibility of further action in this matter.

"We lament the equally unacceptable behaviour of some players who are constantly insulting and provoking their opponents."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Official: Chelsea midfielder McEachran joins Vitesse on season-long loan

Chelsea midfielder Josh McEachran has joined Vitesse on a season-long loan.

McEachran last featured for Chelsea in January 2012 and has since had loan spells at Swansea City, Middlesbrough, Watford and Wigan Athletic.

The 21-year-old has been hailed as the brightest English talent to emerge from the Blues' academy in a decade but has failed to establish himself in the first-team squad at Stamford Bridge.

McEachran, an England Under-21 international, is the third Chelsea player to be loaned to Vitesse this summer after Brazilian defender Wallace and Bertrand Traore.

"Josh is a talented player who can play as a controlling midfielder," said the Dutch club's technical director Mo Allach.

"I have seen Josh several times last season so his qualities are well-known to us and we are convinced that he can show them here."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Don't compare Di Maria and Ozil - Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed comparisons between Mesut Ozil's exit last season and the continued speculation surrounding the future of Angel di Maria.

The European champions have signed James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos this summer, leading to rumours he could depart the Santiago Bernabeu.

Manchester United have been heavily linked with his signature but Ancelotti insists he remains a key member of his squad and could even start against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

"Di Maria is available like all the others," he told reporters.

"He may start the game and have an opportunity. Tomorrow one team will play, then another will on Friday.

"I don't remember what happened with Ozil. I won't go into this issue because I'll lose concentration. Di Maria is ready to play and to help us.

"Until August 31, this will be the case. Everything will be normal whether he stays or he goes."

Ancelotti also voiced his confidence that James will soon start to shine following his big-money move from Monaco this summer.

"I think James did well against Sevilla [in the Uefa Super Cup] as others did. But he changed his usual position and played a little deeper. He's getting used to it.

"We're testing him in that position, but he can play elsewhere too. The problem is that he's getting used to playing deeper."

Finally, the Italian denied that Diego Lopez was forced out of the club this summer following the goalkeeper's move to AC Milan.

"Diego Lopez decided to go. Nobody threw him out. It's no relation to his performance last year when we had two good goalkeepers. This year we have three good goalkeepers."

 

[Ayesh malshika fernando]

Ibrahimovic ruled out for six weeks

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed they will be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the next six weeks.

The Sweden star, 31, suffered an abdominal injury in the 2-0 win over Bastia in Ligue 1 on Saturday and the length of his absence means he could miss his side's next five league fixtures.

PSG released a statement on Monday documenting the specific nature of the problem, while also revealing defender Gregory van der Wiel is set for a spell on the sidelines.

It read: "Zlatan Ibrahimovic suffered a partial avulsion of the left oblique muscle under the 12th rib and will not play again for some time. His absence is estimated at approximately six weeks."

"Gregory van der Wiel suffered a fracture of the right transverse process of the second lumbar vertebra."

The Ligue 1 champions didn't reveal the length of time the defender will be out for, but reports claim he is only expected to be unavailable for the next 10 days.

Meanwhile, midfielder Thiago Motta will miss the clash with Evian after sustaining a broken nose after being headbutted by Bastia striker Brandao on Saturday.

He is expected to make a swift return to action and could even wear a mask similar to that worn by Thiago Silva last season as he recovered from a facial injury.

Holy shit french legue ruined ! No zaltan no PSG no PSG no french legue

 

[Ayesh malshika fernando]

'A cowardly ambush' - Motta agent hits out at Bastia over Brandao headbutt

Thiago Motta's agent has hit out at Bastia for refusing to punish Brandao after he headbutted the Paris Saint-Germain player on Saturday.

The Brazilian waited in the tunnel for Motta after the final whistle following their 2-0 defeat to the Ligue 1 champions and then attacked his compatriot, leaving him with a broken nose.

Bastia have released a statement claiming it is not their duty to punish Brandao and claimed their player was provoked before the incident - leaving Motta's agent Alessandro Canovi suitably angered.

He told Goal: “I’m surprised by some of the official statements made by the club [Bastia] and its employees. The surprise is even greater because neither the player nor the club have apologised yet to Thiago Motta or to PSG.

"I think it’s nonsense and very hypocritical to act as if Thiago Motta had been provoking [Brandao] in order to justify the fact he was the victim of a cowardly ambush.

"I’m also saddened by the fact that there is another victim in this story; the audience, especially the youngest viewers, who have witnessed the scene on television and on social networks. This is a premeditated and violent act that I still consider as a true ambush.”

The incident has prompted widespread condemnation, with PSG labelling it an "assault", but Bastia say they will take no further action.

"Bastia condemns unequivocally the gesture of striker Brandao against Thiago Motta after the final whistle of the match between PSG and Bastia," read a club statement released on Monday. "Sporting (Club Bastia) declines any possibility of further action in this matter.

"We lament the equally unacceptable behaviour of some players who are constantly insulting and provoking their opponents."

Bustia hitan inne un batista kiyalada danne na dan dennektama gahala duka kiyanne zaltan ta wecha dee tamai

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bustia hitan inne un batista kiyalada danne na dan dennektama gahala duka kiyanne zaltan ta wecha dee tamai

Ow machan Ibra 6 weeks out neh
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Half Time

Burnley 1 Vs 3 Chelsea
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[Wolverine GTR]

EPL 1st match 1kenma Diego Costa wada patan gena
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[Wolverine GTR]

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Burnley 1-3 Chelsea: Costa strikes and Fabregas sparkles after early scare for Mourinho's men

Chelsea underlined their Premier League title credentials with a comfortable 3-1 win over new boys Burnley at Turf Moor on Monday.

After falling behind to a stunning early strike from Burnley midfielder Scott Arfield, Jose Mourinho's side slipped through the gears to dish out a top-flight lesson to their newly promoted hosts - with new signings Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas shining.

Striker Costa opened his Premier League account with an equaliser just three minutes after Arfield's opener, and former Arsenal captain Fabregas laid on goals for Andre Schurrle and Branislav Ivanovic before the break.

Fabregas produced a moment of real quality with a stunning pass into Schurrle for Chelsea's second goal after 21 minutes, and the impressive Ivanovic then tucked away the Spaniard's corner 13 minutes later.

Chelsea took their foot off the pedal somewhat in the second half, but their ruthless response to falling behind should serve warning to the other Premier League title contenders.

Thibaut Courtois made his debut in the Chelsea goal after being selected ahead of long-term number one Petr Cech, but the Belgium international could do little to prevent Arfield from rewarding Burnley for an impressive start in the 14th minute.

The 25-year-old met Matthew Taylor's cross from the left byline with a fierce half-volley that flew past a stranded Courtois to send the home crowd into raptures.

However, Burnley's shock lead did not last long, as Costa produced the kind of finish that led Chelsea to splash out a reported £32 million to recruit him from Atletico Madrid with a powerful low shot into an unguarded net after Ivanovic's right-wing cross had crashed against the far post.

Mourinho's men then completed a seven-minute turnaround in wonderful fashion with a mesmerising team move that saw Schurrle coolly slot home from Fabregas' sumptuous first-time pass following neat link-up play from Eden Hazard and Ivanovic.

Chelsea were aggrieved not to have been awarded a penalty nine minutes later when Costa appeared to be felled by Burnley keeper Tom Heaton after latching on to Ben Mee's poor backpass, with referee Michael Oliver instead opting to book the forward for diving.

But, after playing an integral role in the first two Chelsea goals, right-back Ivanovic put the visitors in command, capitalising on sloppy marking to convert Fabregas' set-piece.

Burnley came into the second half with renewed vigour and immediately came close to halving the deficit when Courtois tipped Arfield's long-range drive over the crossbar.

Neither side created too much in the way of goalscoring opportunities as the visitors saw things out with little difficulty, with the away end's largest cheer of the second period coming when club legend Didier Drogba made his second Chelsea debut as a late substitute.

Despite the result, Burnley boss Sean Dyche will have been heartened by his side's industry and spirit ahead of a tricky trip to Swansea City on Saturday.

Yet the plaudits will rightly go to Chelsea, who look ready to make good on Mourinho's pledge to be there or thereabouts when the Premier League trophy is dished out in May.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fabregas & Diego Costa patta​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona 6-0 Leon: Messi and Neymar on target as Suarez makes his bow

Luis Suarez made his Barcelona debut off the bench as the Spanish giants hammered Leon 6-0 at Camp Nou on Monday.

Suarez replaced Rafinha Alcantara with 13 minutes remaining to a rousing reception, but understandably looked a little rusty on his first appearance since the World Cup. The Uruguay international arrived from Liverpool for a reported fee of €94 million [£75m] last month under something of a cloud, having been banned from all footballing activity for four months due to his bite on Giorgio Chiellini in Brazil.

However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport last week cleared him to train and play in non-competitive matches - something coach Luis Enrique took full advantage of in fielding Suarez as a late substitute in an easy Joan Gamper Trophy win.The new Barca boss - himself afforded a generous welcome from the Camp Nou faithful before kick-off - could also welcome Lionel Messi and Neymar back after their exertions at the World Cup.

And Luis Enrique's side got off to an ideal start when Messi and Neymar both found the target in the opening 12 minutes, before the superstar pair linked up again shortly before the break - allowing the Brazil international, showing few ill-effects of the back injury that cut his World Cup short, to score his second with a nonchalant backheel.Munir El Haddadi tucked home a fourth early in the second half before Suarez - who will not play in Barca colours again until late October, with his competitive debut potentially coming against Real Madrid - was brought on.

Youngsters Munir and Sandro then wrapped up a comfortable Barca victory in their final match before beginning their La Liga campaign against Elche on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dudek: No space for Lopez at Madrid

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek says Diego Lopez left the club to join AC Milan because there was not sufficient space for him at the Bernabeu.

The Spanish capital side signed Costa Rica World Cup hero Keylor Navas in the summer transfer window, leaving the ex-Sevilla shot-stopper to fight it out with Iker Casillas - an icon at the Bernabeu club - for the other goalkeeping slot.

“It’s lucky for Madrid to have two such great goalkeepers,” Dudek, who spent four years with Real but mustered only two league appearances, was quoted as saying by AS. “Diego Lopez went to Milan because there is space for two good goalkeepers, but not three.

“I think it’s very positive to rely on two goalkeepers of the high level. Keylor had a great World Cup and gained a lot of confidence. That is good for Madrid.”

Lopez, 32, made 52 league appearances for Real after joining the club in the January transfer window of 2013, and established himself as first-choice goalkeeper in La Liga last term.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Prandelli wishes new Italy boss Conte good luck

Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has wished new Azzurri boss Antonio Conte well ahead of his time in charge of the national team.

Prandelli resigned from the role following Italy's failure to qualify for the knockout stages of this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

The 56-year-old is now in charge at Turkish giants Galatasaray, with Conte his replacement after he resigned from his position as coach of Juventus in July.

“I send my best wishes to Conte and I hope he gets the best results for the most important team in Italy, the national team,” Prandelli is quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

“Antonio Conte begins his challenge tomorrow. As his predecessor, I wish him and his staff luck in their work and hope they get the best results on the pitch.”

During his tenure in charge of the Azzurri, Prandelli guided the team to second place in Euro 2012 and a third-place finish in the Confederations Cup of 2013, but his reign finished on a bitter note as his side lost a controversial match to eliminate them from the World Cup - a match best remembered for Luis Suarez biting Giorgio Chiellini.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: I hope Cech doesn't leave Chelsea

Jose Mourinho insists he is keen to keep Petr Cech at Chelsea, despite selecting Thibaut Courtois to start their Premier League opener against Burnley.

Cech has been linked with a number of clubs, including PSG and Real Madrid, following Courtois' return from three consecutive loan spells at Atletico Madrid and Goal understands Chelsea are ready to listen to offers for the 32-year-old.

Nevertheless, Mourinho claims he is keen to keep the shot-stopper at Stamford Bridge, though he hinted he would not stand in Cech's way if a bid was made by an opposition club.

"I hope nobody comes and I hope, as I was saying, I can keep two of the three best goalkeepers in the world which would be absolutely fantastic," he told Sky Sports.

"I think this goalkeeper with the history he has at Chelsea, he deserves every respect from us.

"But I think the first respect is to say clearly that we want him to stay because we want to have two top goalkeepers, plus obviously Mark [Schwarzer] which [sic] is a great goalkeeper and a great guy."

Mourinho also played down the selection of Courtois at Turf Moor and insists Cech has not asked to leave the club.

“I don’t like the word first-choice,” he told reporters. “Courtois was my first-choice today but when you have on your side a top professional like Petr, if you don’t perform, you are in trouble. They are both fantastic goalkeepers. I want to keep Petr here. Hopefully, he stays.

“No player is happy if they are not playing every game, sometimes if you give a player a rest they are not happy with that either. I don’t know a player who isn’t happy when not playing. Petr will not relax.

“He will not say ‘I have no chance. I’m expecting him to return on Wednesday and to be a top professional and fight for his place. Petr hasn’t asked to leave and I hope he doesn’t.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Suarez makes Barca debut - but fans will have to wait for Messi link-up

Luis Suarez made his Barcelona debut in the 6-0 win over Mexican side Leon in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Monday night - but fans of the Catalan club will have to wait longer to see the striker in action alongside Lionel Messi.

Barca boss Luis Enrique revealed on Sunday that Suarez would play a part in the game, but the Uruguayan had to wait until the 75th minute before he was introduced to an expectant Camp Nou crowd.

Messi, who received the Man of the Match award after scoring the first goal and setting up another, had already left the pitch by then as he was withdrawn among a cluster of changes with 65 minutes on the clock.

And Suarez, who was presented to the fans before kick-off following his €88 million move from Liverpool, was made to wait a little longer but finally came on with 15 minutes left.

The Uruguayan found himself celebrating a goal before he had even touched the ball, but eventually linked up well with his team-mates around the box as Barca finished with a flourish.

"Today has been an unforgettable day," he tweeted after the game. "Thanks to everyone for their affection."

Later, fellow summer signing Ivan Rakitic told reporters: "I am enjoying every training session. Everything is so much easier with these great players around me."

And Rafa Marquez, making what was almost certainly his last appearance at Camp Nou in his final game before moving from Leon to Hellas Verona, believes his former club are in good shape. "Luis Enrique will motivate the players a lot," he said in the mixed zone after the game. "His teams always give everything. Barca have made some great signings and they have a very competitive squad."

As Marquez bade a final farewell to the ground he graced between 2003 and 2010, Suarez said hello to his new club after the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) deemed on Thursday that he can take part in football-related activities again following his initial ban for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini in the World Cup.

The four-month ban in competitive fixtures still stands, however, and Barca fans will now have to wait until October 25 for a mouthwatering meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in which Suarez should make his full debut for the Catalan club and link up with Messi (and Neymar - taken off at half-time after his two goals on Monday) for the first time.

The Uruguayan, who has been training with his team-mates since Friday, will be unveiled to the media on Tuesday alongside sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations & Good Luck Suarez!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fabregas: Playing for Chelsea is 'so easy'

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas says playing for the Blues is "so easy" after making his Premier League debut for them in their win over Burnley at Turf Moor.

The former Barcelona star was inspirational as Jose Mourinho's men recovered from falling behind to the Premier League new-boys with goals from Diego Costa, Andre Schurrle and Branislav Ivanovic enough for victory.

Fabregas laid on Schurrle's strike with a glorious pass before delivering the corner for Ivanovic's goal and the €37.5 million [£30m] signing from the Catalan giants says he has adapted to life well at Stamford Bridge and is looking forward to a successful season with the Blues.

"They've made it so easy for me. Everyone has welcomed me since day one, I've felt very comfortable with the staff, with all the players. We have a good connection so I'm expecting a really good year in front of us," he told Sky Sports.

Fabregas admits he did not expect to be playing for Chelsea this season, having previously captained Arsenal, but is desperate to succeed at Stamford Bridge having sealed his move from Camp Nou.

"It's something I could have probably never expected, but as I said football is unexpected," he added. "It brought me here and I will give my best to be as good as I can be and as I said, I'm very happy at the moment and I just want to play football."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rojo confirms 'dream' Manchester United move

Marcos Rojo says he has completed his move to Manchester United from Sporting, calling the chance to play for the Premier League outfit a "dream".

Goal reported on Monday that the Red Devils had agreed a €20 million fee for the star with the Lisbon side, with winger Nani going in the other direction on a season-long loan, and according to Rojo, the deal is now done.

"It feels like a dream, to be a Manchester United player," the defender told ARG Radio Continental. "Leaving Sporting wasn't easy."

Rojo previously made headlines by going on strike before apologising to his team-mates and supporters for his 'unprofessional' conduct.

The 24-year-old, who reached the World Cup final with Argentina this summer before his side eventually fell to Germany, can play as one of three centre-backs in a 3-5-2 or on the left side of defence.

Rojo played for Sporting over 60 times during his two-year spell in Portugal, having previously turned out for Spartak Moscow and Estudiantes, with whom he won the Copa Libertadores in 2009. He was named in the Fifa World Cup All-Star side for his performances in Brazil this summer and will shore up a Manchester United defence beset by selection problems of late.

 

[rcccc]

Moyes ta pissu da koheda​