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Villarreal dedicate win to grieving Marcelino
Ruben Uria dedicated Villarreal's Europa League win over Apollon Limassol to grieving coach Marcelino.
The Liga outfit ultimately cruised to a 4-0 win, with Gerard Moreno and Javier Espinosa both netting twice, but the Yellow Submarines boss missed the game at El Madrigal following the death of his father.
However, assistant boss Uria admitted that nobody at the club was thinking about the three points after the game.“I want to dedicate this victory to Marcelino, to him and his family as he is having a hard time, as we are,” he is quoted as saying by AS.“Regarding the game, we were superior throughout the match.
"They’re a rival who can be complicated, because they player on the counterattack, but we controlled all facets of the game.“Above all, the most important thing is that the defence was pretty good, vigilant and always shutting down the opponents’ actions."
Villarreal's victory saw them move to the top of Group A on four points, one clear of Apollon.
They return to Liga action on Sunday, though, and it is not yet known if Marcelino will be on the bench for the game at Celta.
Ruben Uria dedicated Villarreal's Europa League win over Apollon Limassol to grieving coach Marcelino.
The Liga outfit ultimately cruised to a 4-0 win, with Gerard Moreno and Javier Espinosa both netting twice, but the Yellow Submarines boss missed the game at El Madrigal following the death of his father.
However, assistant boss Uria admitted that nobody at the club was thinking about the three points after the game.“I want to dedicate this victory to Marcelino, to him and his family as he is having a hard time, as we are,” he is quoted as saying by AS.“Regarding the game, we were superior throughout the match.
"They’re a rival who can be complicated, because they player on the counterattack, but we controlled all facets of the game.“Above all, the most important thing is that the defence was pretty good, vigilant and always shutting down the opponents’ actions."
Villarreal's victory saw them move to the top of Group A on four points, one clear of Apollon.
They return to Liga action on Sunday, though, and it is not yet known if Marcelino will be on the bench for the game at Celta.
Twenty-one years on and still nobody can stop Totti - Vucinic
Mirko Vucinic is glad that he is not in Massimiliano Allegri's shoes this weekend as the Juventus coach has to achieve something that nobody has managed in 21 years
of trying - stop Francesco Totti.
The Bianconeri welcome Roma to Turin on Sunday for a mouth-watering match between the only two sides left in Serie A with 100 per cent records after five rounds of action.
All eyes are on the 38-year-old Totti, who made his Roma debut in 1993 and yet underlined his enduring class by becoming the oldest player ever to score in the Champions League with a sumptuous finish in a 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Tuesday night.
Vucinic believes that it is imperative that Juve nullify the threat posed by the Giallorossi captain if they are to prevail, but admits that containing the forward has always been easier said than done."For 21 years everyone has been trying to stop Francesco - and nobody has managed it," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Luckily, I'm not the [Juve] coach and don't have to go up against him. Otherwise, I would really be in trouble."
Vucinic is, of course, a former team-mate of Totti's, having spent five years at the Stadio Olimpico before joining Juve in 2011.The Montenegrin won two titles under Antonio Conte in Turin and says that the coach's decision to stand down this summer was a blow for the Bianconeri.
However, Vucinic has been mightily impressed with the way in which Allegri has almost seamlessly taken control."Conte had a huge impact on this Juventus team," the Al Jazira striker mused. "But now, we can also see the mark of Allegri.
"It's not easy to take a team moulded by a coach as great as Conte and continue to win. But Allegri is doing just that."
Mirko Vucinic is glad that he is not in Massimiliano Allegri's shoes this weekend as the Juventus coach has to achieve something that nobody has managed in 21 years
of trying - stop Francesco Totti.
The Bianconeri welcome Roma to Turin on Sunday for a mouth-watering match between the only two sides left in Serie A with 100 per cent records after five rounds of action.
All eyes are on the 38-year-old Totti, who made his Roma debut in 1993 and yet underlined his enduring class by becoming the oldest player ever to score in the Champions League with a sumptuous finish in a 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Tuesday night.
Vucinic believes that it is imperative that Juve nullify the threat posed by the Giallorossi captain if they are to prevail, but admits that containing the forward has always been easier said than done."For 21 years everyone has been trying to stop Francesco - and nobody has managed it," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Luckily, I'm not the [Juve] coach and don't have to go up against him. Otherwise, I would really be in trouble."
Vucinic is, of course, a former team-mate of Totti's, having spent five years at the Stadio Olimpico before joining Juve in 2011.The Montenegrin won two titles under Antonio Conte in Turin and says that the coach's decision to stand down this summer was a blow for the Bianconeri.
However, Vucinic has been mightily impressed with the way in which Allegri has almost seamlessly taken control."Conte had a huge impact on this Juventus team," the Al Jazira striker mused. "But now, we can also see the mark of Allegri.
"It's not easy to take a team moulded by a coach as great as Conte and continue to win. But Allegri is doing just that."
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Girard: Enyeama is a top-class goalkeeper
Lille boss Rene Girard hailed Vincent Enyeama as a top-class goalkeeper after the Nigerian's heroics in Thursday's Europa League draw at Wolfsburg.
The Ligue 1 outfit were under siege for much of the game at the Volkswagen Arena but looked set to nick a fine away win thanks to Divock Origi's 77th-minute penalty and Enyeama's spectacular shot-stopping, with the Super Eagles ace making a total of 11 saves over the course of the 90 minutes.
The 32-year-old was belatedly beaten by a sensational late strike from Kevin de Bruyne but Girard was extremely thankful to his No.1 for earning the visitors a precious point."Vincent Enyeama did what he had to do," he told reporters after the game. "I would say that Enyeama was his usual self. He was there when he had to be.
"That is the characteristic of goalkeepers of a high level and he is definitely of a very high level."Defensively, we were strong, solid, but he was very active. We were like a reed that bent but still managed to stand up.
"It's good, because the boys can see now that they can live with these games of such a high intensity."Given the budgets of the team teams, to get a draw at Wolfsburg is not a bad result at all."
The result leaves Lille third in Group H, level on points with Krasnodar and two adrift of leaders Everton.
Lille boss Rene Girard hailed Vincent Enyeama as a top-class goalkeeper after the Nigerian's heroics in Thursday's Europa League draw at Wolfsburg.
The Ligue 1 outfit were under siege for much of the game at the Volkswagen Arena but looked set to nick a fine away win thanks to Divock Origi's 77th-minute penalty and Enyeama's spectacular shot-stopping, with the Super Eagles ace making a total of 11 saves over the course of the 90 minutes.
The 32-year-old was belatedly beaten by a sensational late strike from Kevin de Bruyne but Girard was extremely thankful to his No.1 for earning the visitors a precious point."Vincent Enyeama did what he had to do," he told reporters after the game. "I would say that Enyeama was his usual self. He was there when he had to be.
"That is the characteristic of goalkeepers of a high level and he is definitely of a very high level."Defensively, we were strong, solid, but he was very active. We were like a reed that bent but still managed to stand up.
"It's good, because the boys can see now that they can live with these games of such a high intensity."Given the budgets of the team teams, to get a draw at Wolfsburg is not a bad result at all."
The result leaves Lille third in Group H, level on points with Krasnodar and two adrift of leaders Everton.
Wenger: Fabregas wanted Arsenal return
Arsene Wenger claims that Cesc Fabregas wanted to return to Arsenal before joining Chelsea.
The former Gunners captain spent spent eight years in north London before his move to Barcelona, but after falling out of favour he switch to Stamford Bridge in a €36 million deal in the summer - a transfer Wenger believes was agreed in early 2014.
Yet Wenger holds no animosity towards Fabregas, and insists that he "loves" the Spain international, despite choosing not to activate the buy-back clause in the star's Barca contract.
When asked if Fabregas wanted to return to Arsenal, Wenger told reporters: "Certainly, yes. I don’t want to make a big story of that because you have to accept that. I personally believe that deal was done a long time ago, early 2014, and all the other speculation is just made up.
"I didn’t speak to him directly. I was informed that he might go to Chelsea. Everybody has the freedom to go where he wants. When he left [for Barcelona] we bought [Mesut] Özil. We were not in need of offensive players.
"Cesc Fabregas, when he looks back at his career, he will find that Arsenal and myself had a very positive influence on his career. I have no personal animosity against Fabregas.
"He is a person I love and a player I love. [He deserves a] respectful welcome. Everybody respects Cesc here and I want him to get the welcome he deserves."
Wenger was asked to address the speculation regarding Lukas Podolski, after the Germany international hinted he would leave the Emirates Stadium if his desire to play regularly is not satisfied.
The striker has played just 128 minutes this term and said "a change must occur" if he did not play more often.
"It is quite simple. There is no transfer market at the moment," Wenger explained.
"We are all on board to get a result on Sunday."
The Frenchman also revealed that Aaron Ramsey will be out of action for several weeks after suffering an injury against Tottenham.
"I've been told he could be out for three to four weeks, so I count four," he added.
Arsene Wenger claims that Cesc Fabregas wanted to return to Arsenal before joining Chelsea.
The former Gunners captain spent spent eight years in north London before his move to Barcelona, but after falling out of favour he switch to Stamford Bridge in a €36 million deal in the summer - a transfer Wenger believes was agreed in early 2014.
Yet Wenger holds no animosity towards Fabregas, and insists that he "loves" the Spain international, despite choosing not to activate the buy-back clause in the star's Barca contract.
When asked if Fabregas wanted to return to Arsenal, Wenger told reporters: "Certainly, yes. I don’t want to make a big story of that because you have to accept that. I personally believe that deal was done a long time ago, early 2014, and all the other speculation is just made up.
"I didn’t speak to him directly. I was informed that he might go to Chelsea. Everybody has the freedom to go where he wants. When he left [for Barcelona] we bought [Mesut] Özil. We were not in need of offensive players.
"Cesc Fabregas, when he looks back at his career, he will find that Arsenal and myself had a very positive influence on his career. I have no personal animosity against Fabregas.
"He is a person I love and a player I love. [He deserves a] respectful welcome. Everybody respects Cesc here and I want him to get the welcome he deserves."
Wenger was asked to address the speculation regarding Lukas Podolski, after the Germany international hinted he would leave the Emirates Stadium if his desire to play regularly is not satisfied.
The striker has played just 128 minutes this term and said "a change must occur" if he did not play more often.
"It is quite simple. There is no transfer market at the moment," Wenger explained.
"We are all on board to get a result on Sunday."
The Frenchman also revealed that Aaron Ramsey will be out of action for several weeks after suffering an injury against Tottenham.
"I've been told he could be out for three to four weeks, so I count four," he added.
Wenger confident of avenging 'horrendous' 6-0 defeat at Chelsea
Arsene Wenger wants Arsenal to avenge their "horrendous" 6-0 defeat to Chelsea when the two sides clash at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
The Blues ran out comfortable winners the last time they met, with Samuel Eto'o, Andre Schurrle, Eden Hazard, Oscar - twice - and Mohamed Salah all getting on the scoresheet in Wenger's 1000th game in charge of the Gunners.
Arsenal were not helped by Kieran Gibbs' wrongful dismissal - Andre Marriner misidentified the culprit of a handball in the penalty area, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the guilty party - but Wenger accepted responsibility for the thrashing after the game.
"This is my fault," he said. "We got a good hiding. You don't prepare all week to experience that."
But Wenger is confident that his side - now bolstered by the additions of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck - can defeat the Blues this weekend, with the Gunners coming into the game off the back of an impressive 4-1 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League.
"Chelsea was a horrendous day last season. We have an opportunity to put that right and I’m confident we can take it," he told reporters.
"Football is not made of history, football is made of performance and it is the next game that counts."
Wenger also played down his rivalry with Blues boss Jose Mourinho, despite failing to beat the Portuguese in their past 11 meetings.
"It is not a game between two managers, it is a game between two clubs," he added.
Meanwhile, Wenger does not expect to make significant changes to his starting XI for the clash, with Nacho Monreal the only player returning to contention.
"The only player who might be back for us in the squad is Monreal. Everybody else... there is no major change," he said.
Arsene Wenger wants Arsenal to avenge their "horrendous" 6-0 defeat to Chelsea when the two sides clash at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
The Blues ran out comfortable winners the last time they met, with Samuel Eto'o, Andre Schurrle, Eden Hazard, Oscar - twice - and Mohamed Salah all getting on the scoresheet in Wenger's 1000th game in charge of the Gunners.
Arsenal were not helped by Kieran Gibbs' wrongful dismissal - Andre Marriner misidentified the culprit of a handball in the penalty area, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the guilty party - but Wenger accepted responsibility for the thrashing after the game.
"This is my fault," he said. "We got a good hiding. You don't prepare all week to experience that."
But Wenger is confident that his side - now bolstered by the additions of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck - can defeat the Blues this weekend, with the Gunners coming into the game off the back of an impressive 4-1 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League.
"Chelsea was a horrendous day last season. We have an opportunity to put that right and I’m confident we can take it," he told reporters.
"Football is not made of history, football is made of performance and it is the next game that counts."
Wenger also played down his rivalry with Blues boss Jose Mourinho, despite failing to beat the Portuguese in their past 11 meetings.
"It is not a game between two managers, it is a game between two clubs," he added.
Meanwhile, Wenger does not expect to make significant changes to his starting XI for the clash, with Nacho Monreal the only player returning to contention.
"The only player who might be back for us in the squad is Monreal. Everybody else... there is no major change," he said.
Totti unsure over Roma contract extension
Francesco Totti has revealed that it is not yet certain that he will sign a contract extension with Roma.The Giallorossi captain turned 38 last week and still has another two years to run on his current deal with the capital club.
However, speculation is rife that the forward, who scored a sublime goal in Tuesday's Champions League draw at Manchester City, will soon be asked to formally commit himself to Roma until 2019.Totti, though, has pointed out that he has not yet agreed to anything.
"Will I sign for another year?" he said in an interview with La Repubblica. "So they say, but until I sign [nothing is certain]."However, in a boost for Roma fans, Totti admitted that he is still in love with the game and has not yet given any serious thoughts to his retirement plans.
"What will I do when I stop playing? When many players quit, they don't know where to turn," he stated."Football still entertains me. As long there is that passion, it remains a unique objective."
Totti has been repeatedly touted as a future Roma coach, but the former Italy international argued that he does not have the ruthlessness required to be a boss.
"I don't see myself doing it at the moment," he admitted. "I'm too nice, although I've seen people like me start coaching and they've changed."I'm ruling it out now, but who knows?"
Totti, who made his Roma debut in 1993 at the age of 16, has spent his entire career at the Stadio Olimpico and his midweek strike at the Etihad saw him become the oldest goalscorer in Champions League history.
Francesco Totti has revealed that it is not yet certain that he will sign a contract extension with Roma.The Giallorossi captain turned 38 last week and still has another two years to run on his current deal with the capital club.
However, speculation is rife that the forward, who scored a sublime goal in Tuesday's Champions League draw at Manchester City, will soon be asked to formally commit himself to Roma until 2019.Totti, though, has pointed out that he has not yet agreed to anything.
"Will I sign for another year?" he said in an interview with La Repubblica. "So they say, but until I sign [nothing is certain]."However, in a boost for Roma fans, Totti admitted that he is still in love with the game and has not yet given any serious thoughts to his retirement plans.
"What will I do when I stop playing? When many players quit, they don't know where to turn," he stated."Football still entertains me. As long there is that passion, it remains a unique objective."
Totti has been repeatedly touted as a future Roma coach, but the former Italy international argued that he does not have the ruthlessness required to be a boss.
"I don't see myself doing it at the moment," he admitted. "I'm too nice, although I've seen people like me start coaching and they've changed."I'm ruling it out now, but who knows?"
Totti, who made his Roma debut in 1993 at the age of 16, has spent his entire career at the Stadio Olimpico and his midweek strike at the Etihad saw him become the oldest goalscorer in Champions League history.
Guarin apologises to Inter fan
Fredy Guarin has apologised for giving an Inter fan a "dirty look" during Thursday night's Europa League win over Qarabag at the Giuseppe Meazza.
The Colombia international was not at his best in the 2-0 victory, which came courtesy of goals from Danilo D'Ambrosio and Mauro Icardi, and was subbed midway through the second half, not long after breaking down with cramp.
Guarin's below-par performance drew audible criticism from certain sections of the San Siro crowd and the attacking midielder was disappointed with the way in which he reacted to one particular supporter."I want to say sorry to one of the fans who told me to wake up," the 28-year-old told Inter Channel .
"I gave him a pretty dirty look, but it was just in the heat of the moment."Guarin admitted that Inter had not played well as a team either, but argued that victory was all that mattered in light of last weekend's shock 4-1 defeat at home to Serie A rivals Cagliari.
"The game was important for us get our heads straight; for the group to pick itself up," he admitted."It might not have been the greatest spectacle but at the end of the day, we won. We showed bags of character and desire.
"I’ve been lucky enough to go all the way in the Europe League, so I know it well. We need to take it one game at a time; this match is gone now and we just need to focus on Sunday’s clash with Fiorentina."Despite their patchy performance against Qarabag, Inter sit top of Europa League Group F on six points, four clear of second-placed Saint-Etienne.
The Nerazzurri, though, have slipped to fifth in Serie A and will be gunning for victory when they travel to the Artemio Franchi on Sunday night to face Fiorentina.
Fredy Guarin has apologised for giving an Inter fan a "dirty look" during Thursday night's Europa League win over Qarabag at the Giuseppe Meazza.
The Colombia international was not at his best in the 2-0 victory, which came courtesy of goals from Danilo D'Ambrosio and Mauro Icardi, and was subbed midway through the second half, not long after breaking down with cramp.
Guarin's below-par performance drew audible criticism from certain sections of the San Siro crowd and the attacking midielder was disappointed with the way in which he reacted to one particular supporter."I want to say sorry to one of the fans who told me to wake up," the 28-year-old told Inter Channel .
"I gave him a pretty dirty look, but it was just in the heat of the moment."Guarin admitted that Inter had not played well as a team either, but argued that victory was all that mattered in light of last weekend's shock 4-1 defeat at home to Serie A rivals Cagliari.
"The game was important for us get our heads straight; for the group to pick itself up," he admitted."It might not have been the greatest spectacle but at the end of the day, we won. We showed bags of character and desire.
"I’ve been lucky enough to go all the way in the Europe League, so I know it well. We need to take it one game at a time; this match is gone now and we just need to focus on Sunday’s clash with Fiorentina."Despite their patchy performance against Qarabag, Inter sit top of Europa League Group F on six points, four clear of second-placed Saint-Etienne.
The Nerazzurri, though, have slipped to fifth in Serie A and will be gunning for victory when they travel to the Artemio Franchi on Sunday night to face Fiorentina.
Klopp: BVB must take Champions League form into Bundesliga
Jurgen Klopp is hoping that Borussia Dortmund can replicate their Champions League form in the Bundesliga and make amends for last weekend's derby defeat to Schalke by beating Hamburg on Saturday.
BVB currently were beaten 2-1 in Gelsenkirchen last weekend, a defeat that left them languishing in 12th place in the German top flight, with just seven points after six games.
However, Dortmund made it two wins from two in Champions League Group D by routing Anderlecht 3-0 in midweek and Klopp is desperate for his side to carry their continental form over into this weekend's meeting with Hamburg at Signal Iduna Park.
"The Bundesliga is the most important competition for us," the BVB boss told reporters in his pre-game press conference."But I, too, have noticed that we have as many points from two games in the Champions League as six Bundesliga games. We also haven't conceded in the Champions League.
"Not everything went perfectly against Anderlecht but, of course, I'm not unhappy.
"However, I do not have the feeling that we eliminated the derby defeat or caused a turnaround. We have won one game."We must show a positive reaction against HSV. We want to eradicate the derby defeat."
Dortmund have been ravaged by injuries this season, though, and Klopp admitted that his side's hectic schedule is taking its toll on his squad."This game will be decided on the ability to recover," the 47-year-old coach stated.
"The problem with the European week is always that you only have two or three days to recover and there is a chance of players getting injured again."But we will do everything we can. We will make [selection] decisions on the basis of conversations with the players."
Jurgen Klopp is hoping that Borussia Dortmund can replicate their Champions League form in the Bundesliga and make amends for last weekend's derby defeat to Schalke by beating Hamburg on Saturday.
BVB currently were beaten 2-1 in Gelsenkirchen last weekend, a defeat that left them languishing in 12th place in the German top flight, with just seven points after six games.
However, Dortmund made it two wins from two in Champions League Group D by routing Anderlecht 3-0 in midweek and Klopp is desperate for his side to carry their continental form over into this weekend's meeting with Hamburg at Signal Iduna Park.
"The Bundesliga is the most important competition for us," the BVB boss told reporters in his pre-game press conference."But I, too, have noticed that we have as many points from two games in the Champions League as six Bundesliga games. We also haven't conceded in the Champions League.
"Not everything went perfectly against Anderlecht but, of course, I'm not unhappy.
"However, I do not have the feeling that we eliminated the derby defeat or caused a turnaround. We have won one game."We must show a positive reaction against HSV. We want to eradicate the derby defeat."
Dortmund have been ravaged by injuries this season, though, and Klopp admitted that his side's hectic schedule is taking its toll on his squad."This game will be decided on the ability to recover," the 47-year-old coach stated.
"The problem with the European week is always that you only have two or three days to recover and there is a chance of players getting injured again."But we will do everything we can. We will make [selection] decisions on the basis of conversations with the players."
Scholes: Rooney is too nice
Paul Scholes believes Wayne Rooney is too "nice" to the opposition and needs to regain his aggressive edge.
The Manchester United captain has enjoyed a good start to the 2014-15 season, scoring three goals and providing two assists for Louis van Gaal’s side, but will miss the upcoming matches against Everton, West Brom and Chelsea due to suspension.
Rooney was sent off in the 2-1 win over West Ham for kicking out at Stewart Downing but Scholes believes the striker is "better when he’s on the edge," and has called on him to return to the way he approached games when he made his first-team breakthrough in 2002.
"I don’t think Wayne Rooney’s tackle on Stewart Downing was the kind that hurts an opposing player," Scholes wrote in the London Evening Standard.
"From what I could see of it, Wayne tried to trip him and ended up catching him higher up the leg than he had intended. It was the position on the pitch that puzzled me. It was not as if Downing was in on goal.
"In recent years I think he’s been too nice to opponents. You see him helping players up after challenges. He’s better when he’s nastier. That was the way he was when he came on to the scene 12 years ago. He was the player who was aggressive and did not try to hide the fact that he hated losing.
"As for myself, I did not spend too much time giving opponents a hand up after I had fouled them – well, only if I thought it might change the referee’s mind about a card."
Scholes also believes there are too many niceties in modern football, and has bemoaned the apparent friendships of rival players in the Premier League.
"On a separate note, I do find it bizarre how much shaking of hands and embracing goes on before games now," he added. "You should shake hands after a game, not before. Players, and fans, feed off the big rivalries, like Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira.
"I see some players greeting opponents before the game like long lost friends. I got the impression when I played that a lot of it was for show and they didn’t really know one another. These days, people seem too keen to be nice to the opposition."
Paul Scholes believes Wayne Rooney is too "nice" to the opposition and needs to regain his aggressive edge.
The Manchester United captain has enjoyed a good start to the 2014-15 season, scoring three goals and providing two assists for Louis van Gaal’s side, but will miss the upcoming matches against Everton, West Brom and Chelsea due to suspension.
Rooney was sent off in the 2-1 win over West Ham for kicking out at Stewart Downing but Scholes believes the striker is "better when he’s on the edge," and has called on him to return to the way he approached games when he made his first-team breakthrough in 2002.
"I don’t think Wayne Rooney’s tackle on Stewart Downing was the kind that hurts an opposing player," Scholes wrote in the London Evening Standard.
"From what I could see of it, Wayne tried to trip him and ended up catching him higher up the leg than he had intended. It was the position on the pitch that puzzled me. It was not as if Downing was in on goal.
"In recent years I think he’s been too nice to opponents. You see him helping players up after challenges. He’s better when he’s nastier. That was the way he was when he came on to the scene 12 years ago. He was the player who was aggressive and did not try to hide the fact that he hated losing.
"As for myself, I did not spend too much time giving opponents a hand up after I had fouled them – well, only if I thought it might change the referee’s mind about a card."
Scholes also believes there are too many niceties in modern football, and has bemoaned the apparent friendships of rival players in the Premier League.
"On a separate note, I do find it bizarre how much shaking of hands and embracing goes on before games now," he added. "You should shake hands after a game, not before. Players, and fans, feed off the big rivalries, like Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira.
"I see some players greeting opponents before the game like long lost friends. I got the impression when I played that a lot of it was for show and they didn’t really know one another. These days, people seem too keen to be nice to the opposition."
Diego Costa called up by Spain despite Mourinho plea
Diego Costa has been called up by Vicente Del Bosque for Spain’s Euro 2016 qualifying clashes against Slovakia and Luxembourg, despite Jose Mourinho expressing a wish for the Chelsea striker to be handled with care.
The 25-year-old has been struggling with a persistent hamstring problem of late, with Mourinho claiming that Costa has been capable of doing "almost nothing" in training in recent weeks and indicating that he would prefer for the former Atletico Madrid star not to be called up for Spain.
Yet the Chelsea manager played Costa for the full 90 minutes of the Champions League win at Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday, the first time the striker had played the entire game for a month.And Del Bosque has responded by calling Costa into his 23-man squad for the two qualifiers on October 9 and 12.
"If we are bringing Diego Costa it is ok because he is playing every game," Del Bosque said of the striker’s inclusion.The player himself confirmed after the win over Sporting that he was feeling well and ready to play for his country if called upon.
"I played 90 minutes – it’s clear that I’m ok. I feel better every time and it is up to the manager. I work intensively during the week with the physios because I have had some discomfort for a while."
Full Spain squad: Casillas, De Gea, Casilla, Carvajal, Juanfran, Pique, Albiol, Ramos, Azpilicueta, Alba, Iturraspe, Busquets, Koke, Iniesta, Cazorla, Fabregas, Rodrigo, Pedro, Raul Garcia, Bernat, Diego Costa, Alcacer, David Silva.
Diego Costa has been called up by Vicente Del Bosque for Spain’s Euro 2016 qualifying clashes against Slovakia and Luxembourg, despite Jose Mourinho expressing a wish for the Chelsea striker to be handled with care.
The 25-year-old has been struggling with a persistent hamstring problem of late, with Mourinho claiming that Costa has been capable of doing "almost nothing" in training in recent weeks and indicating that he would prefer for the former Atletico Madrid star not to be called up for Spain.
Yet the Chelsea manager played Costa for the full 90 minutes of the Champions League win at Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday, the first time the striker had played the entire game for a month.And Del Bosque has responded by calling Costa into his 23-man squad for the two qualifiers on October 9 and 12.
"If we are bringing Diego Costa it is ok because he is playing every game," Del Bosque said of the striker’s inclusion.The player himself confirmed after the win over Sporting that he was feeling well and ready to play for his country if called upon.
"I played 90 minutes – it’s clear that I’m ok. I feel better every time and it is up to the manager. I work intensively during the week with the physios because I have had some discomfort for a while."
Full Spain squad: Casillas, De Gea, Casilla, Carvajal, Juanfran, Pique, Albiol, Ramos, Azpilicueta, Alba, Iturraspe, Busquets, Koke, Iniesta, Cazorla, Fabregas, Rodrigo, Pedro, Raul Garcia, Bernat, Diego Costa, Alcacer, David Silva.
Wenger: Fabregas wanted Arsenal return
Arsene Wenger claims that Cesc Fabregas wanted to return to Arsenal before joining Chelsea.
The former Gunners captain spent spent eight years in north London before his move to Barcelona, but after falling out of favour he switch to Stamford Bridge in a €36 million deal in the summer - a transfer Wenger believes was agreed in early 2014.
Yet Wenger holds no animosity towards Fabregas, and insists that he "loves" the Spain international, despite choosing not to activate the buy-back clause in the star's Barca contract.
When asked if Fabregas wanted to return to Arsenal, Wenger told reporters: "Certainly, yes. I don’t want to make a big story of that because you have to accept that. I personally believe that deal was done a long time ago, early 2014, and all the other speculation is just made up.
"I didn’t speak to him directly. I was informed that he might go to Chelsea. Everybody has the freedom to go where he wants. When he left [for Barcelona] we bought [Mesut] Özil. We were not in need of offensive players.
"Cesc Fabregas, when he looks back at his career, he will find that Arsenal and myself had a very positive influence on his career. I have no personal animosity against Fabregas.
"He is a person I love and a player I love. [He deserves a] respectful welcome. Everybody respects Cesc here and I want him to get the welcome he deserves."
Wenger was asked to address the speculation regarding Lukas Podolski, after the Germany international hinted he would leave the Emirates Stadium if his desire to play regularly is not satisfied.
The striker has played just 128 minutes this term and said "a change must occur" if he did not play more often.
"It is quite simple. There is no transfer market at the moment," Wenger explained.
"We are all on board to get a result on Sunday."
The Frenchman also revealed that Aaron Ramsey will be out of action for several weeks after suffering an injury against Tottenham.
"I've been told he could be out for three to four weeks, so I count four," he added.
Arsene Wenger claims that Cesc Fabregas wanted to return to Arsenal before joining Chelsea.
The former Gunners captain spent spent eight years in north London before his move to Barcelona, but after falling out of favour he switch to Stamford Bridge in a €36 million deal in the summer - a transfer Wenger believes was agreed in early 2014.
Yet Wenger holds no animosity towards Fabregas, and insists that he "loves" the Spain international, despite choosing not to activate the buy-back clause in the star's Barca contract.
When asked if Fabregas wanted to return to Arsenal, Wenger told reporters: "Certainly, yes. I don’t want to make a big story of that because you have to accept that. I personally believe that deal was done a long time ago, early 2014, and all the other speculation is just made up.
"I didn’t speak to him directly. I was informed that he might go to Chelsea. Everybody has the freedom to go where he wants. When he left [for Barcelona] we bought [Mesut] Özil. We were not in need of offensive players.
"Cesc Fabregas, when he looks back at his career, he will find that Arsenal and myself had a very positive influence on his career. I have no personal animosity against Fabregas.
"He is a person I love and a player I love. [He deserves a] respectful welcome. Everybody respects Cesc here and I want him to get the welcome he deserves."
Wenger was asked to address the speculation regarding Lukas Podolski, after the Germany international hinted he would leave the Emirates Stadium if his desire to play regularly is not satisfied.
The striker has played just 128 minutes this term and said "a change must occur" if he did not play more often.
"It is quite simple. There is no transfer market at the moment," Wenger explained.
"We are all on board to get a result on Sunday."
The Frenchman also revealed that Aaron Ramsey will be out of action for several weeks after suffering an injury against Tottenham.
"I've been told he could be out for three to four weeks, so I count four," he added.
Ronaldo: Manchester United is my family
Cristiano Ronaldo has described Manchester United as his "family" but insisted that he has no intention of leaving Real Madrid.
Speculation has been rife in recent months that the Portugal international is keen on a return to Old Trafford, where he spent six seasons before joining Los Blancos for a world-record fee in 2009.
Madid have told Ronaldo that they have no intention of allowing him to leave the Santiago Bernabeu next summer and the forward is also reluctant to depart before breaking the club's all-time goalscoring record.
Red Devils fans are nonetheless desperate for Ronaldo to return as soon as possible and even went to the trouble of flying a banner over El Madrigal during Madrid's Liga clash with Villarreal last weekend begging the 29-year-old to come "home".
"I'm touched that they still think so fondly of me, but I'm really happy here," Ronaldo is quoted as saying by MARCA."I've always said I have a family in Manchester, but right now I'm happy here and I want to stay."
Ronaldo, whose current contract runs until 2018, has now scored 266 goals in 256 games for Madrid after netting a penalty in Wednesday night's Champions League win over Ludogorets.
Raul currently holds the club's top marksman, having struck 323 times for Los Blancos during his 16-year stint at the Bernabeu.
Roma keen on permanent Yanga-Mbiwa deal
Roma have told Newcastle they want to sign Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa on a permanent basis, Goal understands.
Newcastle are yet to make a final decision on the 25-year-old 's future after allowing him to move to Serie A on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day.
Roma coach Rudi Garcia has instructed officials at the Italian club to push through a permanent deal as soon as possible and wants the Frenchman signed up by January.
Magpies boss Alan Pardew has made it clear the France international was not one of his first-choice central defenders, and had played him out of position when afforded first-team opportunities.
The St James' Park hierarchy, including chief scout Graham Carr who first spotted Yanga-Mbiwa at Montpellier, remain big fans of the player and believe he could be a success in England.
Newcastle are now deciding whether to cut their ties and agree to let him leave on a permanent basis.
Goalunderstands Pardew's immediate future as manager of the Tyneside club is safe despite winning just five of 25 Premier League matches since January 1.
Club owner Mike Ashley had met with Pardew to discuss the team’s future in September after the club's poor form extended into the current season.
However, with the business running smoothly off the field and five years still remaining on Pardew's long-term contract, Ashley is reluctant to engage in a dispute over a lengthy contract settlement in the event of sacking the former Crystal Palace boss.
Roma have told Newcastle they want to sign Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa on a permanent basis, Goal understands.
Newcastle are yet to make a final decision on the 25-year-old 's future after allowing him to move to Serie A on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day.
Roma coach Rudi Garcia has instructed officials at the Italian club to push through a permanent deal as soon as possible and wants the Frenchman signed up by January.
Magpies boss Alan Pardew has made it clear the France international was not one of his first-choice central defenders, and had played him out of position when afforded first-team opportunities.
The St James' Park hierarchy, including chief scout Graham Carr who first spotted Yanga-Mbiwa at Montpellier, remain big fans of the player and believe he could be a success in England.
Newcastle are now deciding whether to cut their ties and agree to let him leave on a permanent basis.
Goalunderstands Pardew's immediate future as manager of the Tyneside club is safe despite winning just five of 25 Premier League matches since January 1.
Club owner Mike Ashley had met with Pardew to discuss the team’s future in September after the club's poor form extended into the current season.
However, with the business running smoothly off the field and five years still remaining on Pardew's long-term contract, Ashley is reluctant to engage in a dispute over a lengthy contract settlement in the event of sacking the former Crystal Palace boss.
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Barclays Premier League 2014.10.04 Fixtures
Barclays Premier League 2014.10.04 Fixtures
Hull City Vs Crystal Palace
Leichester Vs Burnley
Liverpool Vs WBA
Sunderland Vs Stoke
Swansea Vs Newcastle
Aston Villa Vs Manchester City
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