..::Football III::..

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Muller: I don't want Germany captaincy

Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Muller has insisted that he is not interested in wearing the captain's armband for Germany for now and feels other candidates are better suited for the job.

National team coach Joachim Low is set to announce a new skipper following the international retirement of Philipp Lahm after Germany's successful World Cup campaign, yet Muller has all but ruled himself out of the race to succeed his Bayern team-mate.

"I think there are a number of candidates ahead of me in the pecking order," the versatile attacker was quoted as saying by Bild.

"Bastian Schweinsteiger was vice-captain, while we also have a very experienced goalkeeper in Manuel Neuer, who is the No.1 in the world for a good reason.

"There's absolutely no reason to worry about this.

"I think I could be a leader, but I don't necessarily need the captaincy armband. I don't need an armband to have a positive influence on the team."

The 24-year-old has made 56 appearances for Germany so far, scoring 22 goals in the process.

 

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Newcastle step up Remy & Lacazette interest

Newcastle are pushing to sign a striker before the end of the transfer window with Alexandre Lacazette and Loic Remy still top of their list of priorities, Goal understands.

The Magpies consider Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck as their ideal signing this summer but are resigned to the fact that the England international will likely move elsewhere if he is to leave Old Trafford.

The club have been interested in Lacazette and Remy all summer and are now ready to renew their efforts in a bid to reinforce their squad before Monday's deadline.

Lyon's demands for Lacazette had initially priced the Tynesiders out of a deal, but Alan Pardew has been given fresh hope after contract talks between the 23-year-old and his club stalled.

Newcastle have been keeping tabs on a number of players this summer, and former loan star Remy is still regarded as a viable option.

The France striker spent last season at St James' Park but had been on the verge of joining Liverpool before the move collapsed amid rumours of a failed medical.

Interest from Chelsea and Arsenal never progressed into a formal offer, while Tottenham pulled back from a deal earlier in the summer, meaning Newcastle still see an opportunity to strike a deal with Queens Park Rangers.

 

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Juventus could struggle against Chievo, says Romulo

New Juventus signing Romulo believes the reigning Serie A champions could struggle in their league opener against Chievo on Saturday.

The Turin giants finished ahead of Roma and Napoli last term to secure their third consecutive Scudetto and they are determined to start the new season on a high as they dream of a fourth title in a row.

But Brazilian insists a difficult job awaits his new side and feels they will need an early goal to get the better of them.

"Playing against Chievo is never easy. They close down well and get 11 men behind the ball," Romulo told Juventus' official website.

"We need to be patient, keep the ball and make the most of our occasions to try and break the deadlock as soon as possible."

The 27-year-old joined Juventus from Hellas this summer and is eagerly anticipating the chance to play Champions League football with his new team.

"I’m excited by the challenge of playing Champions League football. I hope we’re able to do well and enjoy a great season.

"My personal targets for the campaign? Score and provide more than I did last term."

 

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Balotelli will play against Tottenham - Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Mario Balotelli will be in contention to make his Liverpool debut at Tottenham on Sunday.

The Italy striker joined the Merseyside club from AC Milan on Monday, but was not signed in time to feature in the 3-1 defeat against his former club Manchester City later that day.

Liverpool manager Rodgers, however, says he is preparing to hand Balotelli his first game in a Liverpool jersey against Tottenham on Sunday.

"I think by the weekend [he'll be ready to play]," he told the club's official website.

"He's been into pre-season and he's played three 45-minute games. He might not be up to full match speed, but he's looking fit.

"We've done some analysis on him. The medical and sports science team have worked with him already and he's in very, very good condition.

"He's in to work and he'll be available for the squad for the weekend."

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes Balotelli could become an "iconic" figure at Anfield.

He told the club's official website: "He provides another option and we've got a lot of games this season, so Brendan has plenty of options now.

"The manager will have a plan. It could be Balotelli going through the middle with Daniel [Sturridge] playing off him or out wide, as he did to great effect last season.

"He could be phenomenal and he's the type of player who will be endearing to the fans. He could be iconic."

 

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Totti: Modern football too physical

Roma skipper Francesco Totti has insisted that he is not thinking about hanging up his boots any time soon, but has admitted that he is no longer enjoying the game as much as in his early days due to the physical nature of modern football.

The experienced attacker, 37, made his first-team debut at Roma in March 1993 and has since made over 650 official appearances in all competitions for the Stadio Olimpico side.

The club talisman insists he will bring an end to his career once his desire to play is gone, but says he has no plans to do so at the moment.

"Unfortunately I'm getting old, but football remains my passion. I'm satisfied with my career, even if football used to be more fun than it is now," Totti told Roma Radio.

"These days, the game is much more physical and technique is less important. But the desire to keep playing is still there. If the desire to play is gone, I will be the first to say my time has come.

"So much has changed at Roma, too. I could write a book about all the presidents, coaches and players I have seen come and go.

"It is important for youngsters to keep their feet on the ground. Youngsters these days are not like back in the days, when they stood at attention when you said something."

Totti netted eight goals in 26 Serie A appearances in 2013-14.

 

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Benatia: Guardiola desperately wanted me at Bayern

Mehdi Benatia has stressed that joining Bayern Munich is a dream come true for him and he's delighted to get the chance to work with head coach Pep Guardiola at his new club.

The Bundesliga champions announced on Tuesday that they have reached an agreement with Roma over the transfer of the 27-year-old, with Benatia set to sign a five-year deal with Bayern upon completion of his medical later this week.

"I am very happy that my transfer to Bayern is happening at last," the centre-back told Sport1.

"The move dragged on for a bit and at some point I feared that it could fall through.

"But Guardiola desperately wanted me at Bayern and an agreement was eventually reached. Guardiola is a fantastic trainer and I am looking forward to working with him.

"Bayern have a lot of amazing players and it is a dream come true to be part of this great squad."

Bayern were keen to sign an extra defender after Javi Martinez was ruled out of action for several months due to a knee injury.

Benatia joined Roma from Udinese in the summer of 2013 and previously wore the jerseys of Clermont, Lorient, Tours and Olympique de Marseille.

 

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Don't judge Alexis yet, says Wenger

Arsene Wenger has defended Alexis Sanchez after an underwhelming performance as a central striker in Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Everton on Saturday.

The Gunners fought back from two goals down to claim a draw at Goodison Park, but not before €42 million signing Alexis was withdrawn in favour of Olivier Giroud at half-time.

And Wenger is adamant his marquee summer signing - who he insists is not yet in peak physical condition - should not be judged on the strength of one below-par performance.

"You do not convict a player on one half," Wenger told reporters. "It was not all bad. There was some quality in what he did. I just felt, on the day, we needed some more physical presence."

Giroud picked up an ankle injury in the final minute of the match at Goodison Park and could be out of action for several months, but Wenger insists he has enough alternative options to choose from without delving into the transfer market.

"In England as soon as you have a problem people want you to buy," the Gunners boss added. "I can give you clubs with plenty of players who every time they lose say they have to buy more. But if you give the number of strikers we have it is unbelievable."

 

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Manchester United haven't enquired about Blind - Overmars

Ajax technical director Marc Overmars has warned that Daley Blind will only be sold for big money this summer and denied talk of any negotiations with Manchester United.

There has been a great deal of speculation surrounding the versatile midfielder, with the Red Devils being heavily linked to the 24-year-old who was voted the Eredivisie player of the year last season.

And Overmars, says Blind will only be allowed to leave for his "absolute top price" before September 1, and that his representatives know he can go for less money in a year's time.

"We believe that we currently have a strong team and want Daley to stay for another year," he told De Telegraaf.

"Only if the absolute price is paid is a transfer negotiable.

"Daley's management know how we feel at the moment. Next year we will have a much more lenient policy, we are willing to talk with Daley and we will settle for a reasonable price."

The former Arsenal forward also insists there has been no contact with the Premier League club.

"There's some rumblings around Daley, some clubs enquired, but there is no concrete offer. And with Manchester United, there is no contact at all."

 

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Bale: Real Madrid want to make history and defend Champions League title

Gareth Bale has stressed that Real Madrid are keen to make history and become the first team to successfully defend the Champions League title.

The Santiago Bernabeu side beat Atletico Madrid 4-1 after extra time last season to win their 10th European Cup in history and the former Tottenham Hotspur star is desperate to add more silverware to the club's trophy cabinet in the 2014-15 campaign.

"Winning the club's tenth title was fantastic for everyone. Scoring a goal in the European Cup final is one of my biggest dreams," Bale said at a press conference.

"It was a good season for the team. I felt fulfilled.

"We have to look to the future and try to win it again. We want to make history by winning the Champions League again.

"We know there is always a lot of pressure on us, but we like it and we want to win more titles this year."

Madrid beat Sevilla 2-0 earlier this month to bag the European Supercup, but were beaten to the Supercopa de Espana by Atletico over two legs (2-1).

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern warn Monchengladbach to lower Kurt asking price or lose him for free

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has told Borussia Monchengladbach to accept their offer for Sinan Kurt or risk losing the promising youngster on a free transfer in the summer of 2015.

The reigning Bundesliga champions are keen to lure the 18-year-old to the Allianz Arena, but have so far been unable to reach an agreement with his current club.

Kurt recently stressed that he wants to continue his career at Bayern, though, and the Bavarians are ready to wait a year if Monchengladbach don't lower their demands.

"[Monchengladbach director] Max Eberl wants more money than [Bayern directors] Matthias Sammer and Michael Reschke have offered," Rummenigge told Munchner Merkur.

"That's a normal situation, but the player's contract is due to expire in 2015. I would not forget about that if I were Monchengladbach when setting my asking price.

"If the deal doesn't happen now, the player will join us on a free transfer in 2015."

The left winger is regarded as one of the most exciting talents around in Germany, but has yet to make his Bundesliga debut for Monchengladbach.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

AC Milan want Torres & Van Ginkel, confirms Galliani

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has confirmed that the Serie A outfit are keen to sign Chelsea striker Fernando Torres as they aim to strengthen their attack before the end of the summer transfer window.

Head coach Filippo Inzaghi's side are in the market for attacking reinforcements following the departure of Mario Balotelli to Liverpool and they see Torres as the ideal replacement.

The 30-year-old appears to be surplus to requirements at Chelsea due to the arrival of Diego Costa and Milan are hopeful of signing the Spain international on a one-year loan deal.

"We are approaching the final stages of the transfer window. Let's see whether we can sign a top striker. That's our most important objective at the moment," Galliani said.

"Torres is definitely a top striker. We will see whether we can sign him or another attacker."

The chief executive then went on to discuss the potential signing of fellow Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel and acknowledged that Milan have made a formal offer for the Dutchman.

"Signing Van Ginkel seems a realistic possibility. We have submitted an offer to Chelsea. We now await their response, but we are fairly optimistic."

The 21-year-old joined Chelsea from Vitesse last summer, but was unable to make an impact in his first season at Stamford Bridge due to a knee injury he suffered early in the season.

Chelsea are believed to be open to sending him out on loan in order to gain valuable first-team experience in one of Europe's elite competitions.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal defiant after MK Dons debacle: I regret nothing

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal said he had no tactical or selection regrets after Tuesday's humiliating League Cup exit at the hands of MK Dons.

The Red Devils were routed 4-0 by their League Two opponents, with Will Grigg and Arsenal loanee Benik Afobe each bagging a double on a sorry night for the visitors' Dutch coach, who remains without a win after his first three games in the hotseat.

However, Van Gaal made no apologies for the embarrassing loss, defiantly insisting that he was right to pick a team full of youngsters and fringe players.

"I have no regrets," he told Sky Sports. "We have to analyse the problem and you have to change your methods. We have done that and I think our methods were good.

"But also it was risky to play one against one; therefore Milton Keynes could score.

"When you see the goals against us, I believe there were big errors of our own situations. We cannot make these errors.

"It is very difficult to come back from 2-0. [In the] second half we created chances but didn't have luck to score – but we created a lot of chances."

Indeed, Van Gaal called on the club's concerned supporters to keep the faith, arguing that he needs time and patience to turn the club around.

"[Fans need] to believe in our philosophy," he argued. "We are building a team that you cannot make in one month and not in one year.

"It's very disappointing but I hope they shall maintain their confidence in the club and in our philosophy because that philosophy takes time."

 

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MK Dons match 1ka paradinna lokuma hethuwa mata hithenne Select karapu team 1ka​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona boosted by return of Neymar, Vermaelen & Ter Stegen

Injured Barcelona trio Neymar, Thomas Vermaelen and Marc-Andre ter Stegen all returned to training on Tuesday.

Brazil international Neymar had been in contention to feature in Sunday's Liga opener against Elche, after recovering from the fractured veterbra he sustained during this summer's World Cup, but he picked up an ankle knock on the eve of the game at Camp Nou.

Belgium defender Vermaelen had yet to fully recover from the hamstring strain that troubled him at Brazil 2014, while Germany goalkeeper Ter Stegen took a blow to his back during training just over a fortnight ago.

However, all three players featured in Tuesday's session, although they worked separately from the rest of the group.

Barcelona kicked off their Primera Division campaign with an impressive 3-0 win over Elche in what was Luis Enrique's first competitive outing as coach.

Next up for the Catalans is a trip to El Madrigal on Sunday to take on Villarreal.

 

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Di Maria will need time to settle at Manchester United, warns Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal warns that Angel Di Maria will need time to adapt to the Premier League and will not be able to solve the club's problems overnight.

The Argentina international sealed a British-record €84 million transfer to Old Trafford on Tuesday, shortly before the Red Devils were thumped 4-0 in the League Cup by third-tier MK Dons.

Van Gaal is excited about deploying his new man all across midfield but urges patience from fans expecting big things right away from their marquee signing.

The Dutchman told Sky Sports after the match: "[Di Maria] shall contribute very much in our way of playing. He is also a creative player. I can change the system with Di Maria because he can also play on the wing and in midfield.

"I think that he can contribute and that's very important but we don't have to expect that from tomorrow.

"He has to adapt to the culture of England and the Premier League and to the philosophy of Manchester United."

The Argentine winger, who will wear the Red Devils' famous No.7 shirt, recorded the biggest goal haul of his career last season, with 11 strikes in all competitions for Madrid.

 

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Manchester United to make late push for Vidal

Manchester United are making a concerted effort to sign Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal before the transfer window closes on Monday, Goal has learned.

The Premier League side have been monitoring Vidal all summer but have been put off by the Turin club's strong, public stance that the Chilean would not be sold.

With Vidal not willing to force a move and jeapordise his relationship with the Juve fans, and the club's reluctance to be seen to offload one of their star men, United were left in limbo.

Louis van Gaal had been willing to wait until January to make a move for Roma's Kevin Strootman if United could not land his top targets this summer.

But there is growing confidence at Old Trafford that a big-money offer will smooth Vidal's exit without villifying either player or club in the eyes of supporters.

Juventus are holding out for €50 million and United are keen to get a deal done as they look to strengthen the squad at Van Gaal's disposal following the British transfer record arrival of Angel Di Maria.

The Argentine sealed an €84m move from Real Madrid on Tuesday to take the Red Devils's summer spending past the €160m mark, but they are determined to bring in more players before Monday's deadline.

The club are also considering a late move for Ajax utility man Daley Blind, a player United have been monitoring all summer despite the Dutch club's insistence that they have not been contacted by United whatsoever.

Technical Director Marc Overmars said on Wednesday that Blind would only be sold for an "absolute top price" this summer, admitting that a cheaper sale in 2015 is possible.

But United are in a hurry following a poor start to the season which turned embarrassing on Tuesday evening when they lost 4-0 to League One outfit MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.

That match could be the last ever in a United shirt for several players. Danny Welbeck, Anderson and Javier Hernandez all started at Stadium:mk and Van Gaal is willing to let them leave the club this week if suitors come forward.

Borussia Dortmund are also interested in a loan move for Shinji Kagawa, who left Signal Iduna Park for Old Trafford in 2012. The Japan international was withdrawn on Tuesday evening with a head injury after just 19 minutes.

It would be a final appearance to sum up his two-year spell in English football, which has failed to get off the ground under first Sir Alex Ferguson and then David Moyes, with new boss Van Gaal willing to cut the club's losses.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona confirm Douglas deal

Barcelona have agreed a transfer fee with Sao Paulo for Douglas that could rise to €5.5 million.

The Brazilian club announced last week that the right-back was bound for Camp Nou and the Blaugrana have now confirmed the 24-year-old's imminent arrival in Catalunya.

"FC Barcelona and Sao Paulo FC have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of the player Douglas Pereira," read a statement on the Liga side's official website.

"The cost of operation is €4 million plus €1.5m in variables that are dependent upon games played.

"Douglas will travel to Barcelona later this week to undergo a medical. He will sign a contract with FC Barcelona for the next five seasons."

Sao Paulo president Carlos Migue Aidar admitted that he was sad to be losing Douglas and that the deal had been complicated by third-party ownership.

"This is not a moment of joy, as we are losing one of our starters, but now he will be able to play at the Champions League," he stated.

"We wish the player all the happiness, and that he may have a great spell in Spain. And who knows, maybe Sao Paulo can count on him again in a couple of years.

"It was a complicated deal, as the club had a third party involved, but, ultimately, Sao Paulo managed to get €3.6m for its 60 per cent share on the player's rights, as it should."

Douglas, who has never been capped at senior level by Brazil, becomes Barca's fifth high-profile defensive acquisition of the summer, with Claudio Bravo, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Thomas Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu already having arrived at Camp Nou.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

apo..! mehema wunaha German league eka pattama unbalance wenawa..! ane manda..!

Wadak naha aiya katha karalaBundesliga thanikarama one horse race 1kak wela thiyenneBVB witharai Bayern lata gemak denna puluwan team 1kak widiyata inne.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congradz Man Utd....! EPL eka karapu honda sing eka (my opinion ). Maria witharak num madi putha..! thawa aduma gana honda sing 3-4 k wath ona..! 2 defenders la aniwa onami

Ow aiya pattama sign 1kakOw aiye thawa signs 3 or 4 karaganna one nathnam ithin gemak denna amarui2 Mid players & 2 Defenders la one aniwaryen

Ath wade kiyanne available Defensive targets adu 1ka aiya....Gannam kiyala hitapu Benatia wath Bayern la gattha nehBlind thamai inneVarane unath hodaiAth Real Madrid sell karaida kiyana 1ka sure naha...Varane Transfer wenawanam Chelsea thamai favourite.​

 

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Barcelona confirm Douglas deal