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Wolverine GTR

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    Suarez hits out at Mourinho methods

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    Luis Suarez has hit out at Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's tactics in last season's dramatic win over Liverpool.

    Goals from Demba Ba and Willian secured victory for the Blues in April as the Reds fell short in the title race, with Mourinho criticised by Brendan Rodgers for "parking two buses rather than one".

    And Suarez, who has since joined Barcelona in an €88 million deal, believes that the time-wasting methods used by the former Real Madrid boss were baffling despite their effectiveness.

    "Every coach has his methods - that's not important to me - but I don't like his way of time-wasting from the very start," he wrote in his autobiography, 'Crossing The Line'.

    "I asked myself: 'But why does he do this from the first minute?' I even asked one of his players and he said to me: 'What do you want me to do? If it makes us play well, I have to do it. What else can I do? If I don't, I won't play any more.'

    "We were playing at home and a draw would have been good for us. I didn't expect Chelsea to go for a draw - only a win would have helped them. For them wasting time wasn't good. I didn't understand.

    "We didn't play well but there wasn't much else that we could do. They had 10 players in front of us, most of them within their area. We could try to draw them out of position by moving the ball quickly but then another defender appeared before us.

    "It's hard when you see that there's no room to move in and we saw that time was running out. His way of playing to the lock frustrated us. Mourinho know that if they wasted time, we would get frustrated, play crazily and do anything."

    The Reds host Mourinho's side on Saturday with the Blues unbeaten in all competitions this season while Rodgers' team have won just once in their last five outings.
     

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    I don't have to tell Bale to run, insists Ancelotti

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    Carlo Ancelotti has hit back at critics of Gareth Bale's form this season, insisting "I don't have to tell him to run".

    The Wales international came in for some criticism towards the start of the campaign for a perceived lack of effort on the pitch when it came to more defensive duties.

    Isco has been in impressive form during Bale's absence due to injury and many Madrid supporters have called on the Spain international to keep his place ahead of the former Tottenham man.Ancelotti, however, is adamant Bale knows he has to work as hard as his team-mates and says he will continue to rotate his squad until the winter break.

    "Whoever doesn't play tomorrow [Saturday, against Rayo Vallecano] may play the next game. Isco and James have played great games," he told a press conference.
    "I don't have to tell Bale to run. He knows, like everyone else.

    "I ask Bale to score, to get assists and do what he did last year. Running is no problem for Bale.

    "Rotation is normal at this time of the season and will be like that until December. If someone has to be left out to give up a place for Bale, I'll tell him it's nothing definitive."Ancelotti also revealed he encouraged Sami Khedira to join up with the Germany national squad to help him recover full fitness, while he also indicated that Jese Rodriguez is approaching a return for the European champions.

    "Jese is in the final phase of recovery. We're in no hurry," he continued."Khedira is pretty well; he's had no serious problem. He's almost recovered, although not in time for tomorrow [Saturday]. We talked about it and it's best for him to join up with the national team to get back in shape."

    Finally, Ancelotti warned his side not to become complacent due to praise of their recent form as they prepare to take on Rayo Vallecano in a La Liga local derby this weekend."I don't like teams that change their ideas against some opponents. Rayo are a great example of Spanish football," he added.

    "I'm worried that there are too many compliments. That means that, when things aren't going well, there will be too much criticism. The season is very long."
     

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    I can't see Messi winning the Ballon d'Or - Ancelotti

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    Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti says he cannot see Lionel Messi beating Cristiano Ronaldo to the Ballon d'Or.

    The attacking stars have shared the previous seven editions of football's top individual prize and both were named on the 23-man shortlist for the 2014 award in October.

    Messi beat Ronaldo in the race to draw level with Raul's all-time Champions League goalscoring record this week, but Ancelotti does not believe the Barcelona ace will beat either the Portugal captain or one of Germany's World Cup-winning heroes to the trophy."Ronaldo has done everything to win it. Then there could be Germany players because they won the World Cup. I don't see other players who can be on the list," he told a press conference.

    Ronaldo claimed earlier this week that he sees the same qualities in himself with which club icon Alfredo Di Stefano was blessed, and Ancelotti believes this gives him the motivation to become even better in the future."Ronaldo believes he is Di Stefano's heir. He has this image, it's a very great compliment," he added.

    "Everyone knows what he meant, and to have this image gives him great belief for the future. He deserves it."
     

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    Guardiola still hurting from Madrid loss

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    Pep Guardiola is still hurting from Bayern Munich's 4-0 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid last season and says that game shows his players are still some way short of reaching his high standards.The Bavarians are still unbeaten in Bundesliga and Champions League, impressing with wins over Roma and Borussia Dortmund in recent weeks.

    Nevetheless, Guardiola pointed to a comprehensive defeat in Europe back in April as evidence there is still much to work on at the Allianz Arena.

    "We were beaten 4-0 by Real Madrid last season, so there is still room for improvement," Guardiola said at a press conference ahead of this weekend's game against Eintracht Frankfurt.

    "We are not at the level yet where we need to be. But we know in which areas we have to improve. I know it and the team knows it as well."The Bayern coach then went on to admit that the absence of David Alaba for the remainder of 2014 due to a knee injury is a huge blow for the Bundesliga champions.

    "We do not have another player with his qualities. He can play in each position. There are not many players like him and nor are there many players with his attitude."Bastian Schweinsteiger on the other hand is nearing his comeback and Guardiola has nothing but praise for the Germany international.

    "He might be able to resume squad training next week. Bastian is one of the most important players at Bayern and in the history of Germany's national team."
     

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    Khedira & Reus make Germany return

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    Germany coach Joachim Low has included Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira and Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus in his 23-man squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar and the international friendly versus Spain.

    Khedira and Reus missed Germany's defeat at the hands of Poland the draw versus Republic of Ireland due to injury, but have shaken off their injury problems.
    Furthermore, Lars Bender and Benedikt Howedes also return to the fold after overcoming physical problems.

    Koln defender Jonas Hector has been called up for the first time, while Hoffenheim youngster Kevin Volland only made his debut against Poland.

    Germany take on Gibraltar on November 14 in Nurnberg before travelling to Vigo for the friendly with Spain four days later.The world champions currently sit third in Group D with four points in three games.

    FULL SQUAD:

    Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover)

    Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Erik Durm (Borussia Dortmund), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Dortmund), Jonas Hector (Koln), Benedikt Howedes (Schalke), Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia), Antonio Rudiger (Stuttgart), Sebastian Rudy (Hoffenheim)

    Midfielders: Karim Bellarabi (Bayer Leverkusen), Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Christoph Kramer (Borussia Monchengladbach), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Lukas Podolski (Arsenal), Andre Schurrle (Chelsea), Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich)

    Attackers: Max Kruse (Borussia Monchengladbach), Kevin Volland (Hoffenheim)
     

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    Diego Costa omitted from Spain squad

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    Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been omitted from Vicente del Bosque's Spain squad for the upcoming games against Belarus and Germany.

    The 26-year-old has been at the centre of a club-vs-country row in recent weeks, with Jose Mourinho repeatedly urging Del Bosque to overlook the striker so he can regain full fitness.

    Costa returned from the last international break with both a hamstring injury and a virus, much to Mourinho's chagrin, but Del Bosque insisted he would continue to consider the former Atletico Madrid man for selection.

    However, he appears to have bowed to Mourinho's wishes, with Alvaro Morata, Jose Callejon and Paco Alcacer picked as the country's forward options ahead of Costa.

    Elsewhere, Juan Mata also misses out on the squad, with the midfielder struggling to cement his position in Louis van Gaal's Manchester United starting XI this season.

    The former Chelsea star was benched for the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City and will remain at Carrington during the international break.

    His club team-mate David De Gea does make the cut, however, alongside fellow Premier League representatives Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Cesar Azpilicueta.

    Spain squad in full:

    Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Kiko Casilla and David De Gea

    Defenders: Juanfran, Azpilicueta, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Raul Albiol, Bartra, Jordi Alba and Juan Bernat

    Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Camacho, Koke, Cazorla, Cesc Fabregas, Pedro, Raul Garcia, Nolito and Isco

    Forwards: Alvaro Morata, Jose Callejon and Paco Alcacer
     

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    Laporta slams Barcelona board of directors

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    Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta has hit out at the current board of directors for the way they have led the club in recent years and their attempt to blame him for financial problems in the aftermath of his reign at Camp Nou.

    Ex-president Sandro Rosell - who made way for Josep Bartomeu earlier this year - filed a civil liability action against Laporta and his fellow board members in 2010 for alleged creative accounting.

    A court ruled this month that Laporta's administration were not guilty of any wrongdoings, but the current politician has not forgotten about Rosell and Bartomeu's actions.

    "I did not expect anything good from this board. I wasn't surprised, but I was disappointed," Laporta told Esports3."They used the 2010 assembly - where they filed the civil liability action - for their own gain.

    "They said the club had financial troubles when we left, but Barcelona were in fine shape in more than one way when we left.

    "We were generous to the players, executives and employees, that's true. But we paid reasonable amounts. [Lionel] Messi made a lot of money, but he stayed because of his love for the club.

    "We are people and I'm sure we made mistakes, but I think the good things we did outweigh the bad ones."

    Laporta then went on to discuss his plans to potentially run for the Barcelona presidency again and stressed that he is becoming more motivated each day.

    "I haven't asked for early elections, but I think Bartomeu is not legitimate as a president."I don't rule out returning as president. I get more motivated each day.

    "I have a job, though, and it is not an obsession. It is not my priority. I will make a decision when the time is there."The former Barca president also had his say on the current squad and stressed that he just wants the team to do well.

    "It's great to see Messi motivated and Neymar all adapted to his new surroundings.
    "It hurts me to see [Gerard] Pique's situation, but I am happy to see Xavi and the others are doing fine. I just want things to go well for the club."
     

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    Van Gaal wants Nani back at Manchester United in shock January U-turn

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    Manchester United have taken the extraordinary step of inquiring about Nani's interest in returning to Old Trafford in January – just 12 weeks after they allowed him to join Sporting on an expensive season-long loan.

    The 27-year-old was permitted to return to Portugal in August as part of the complex deal United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward negotiated to sign Marcos Rojo.

    In addition to a €20 million transfer fee, Woodward granted Nani a temporary move to Sporting without a loan fee and with United covering the vast majority of the winger’s salary.

    At the time, Nani had grown frustrated with his diminished status at Old Trafford and was ruled out of United’s long-term plans. Such have been the club's travails since then, however, he is now wanted back.

    One reason for United's changed stance is Louis van Gaal's decision to stand down the ill-considered 3-5-2 formation with which he began his managerial reign.

    A switch to the 4-1-4-1 shape deployed against Chelsea and Manchester City has highlighted his squad's shortcomings on the wings, with only Angel Di Maria performing well in the role.

    Another is the quality of Nani's play for Sporting. Restored to the kind of pivotal attacking role which saw him elected United's Players' Player of the Year in their 2010-11 title-winning season, Nani has excelled in Portugal, scoring six times in 13 appearances; including three from four Champions League fixtures. He has been directly involved in more than half of Sporting's goals since his return.

    Nani's importance to Sporting mitigates against Woodward and Van Gaal securing his return. The terms of his loan deal entail that even if the player and the Lisbon club were to agree to cancel the full-season arrangement, United can expect to be asked for substantial additional compensation for Rojo as well as the salary costs of Nani's replacement.

    While United have shown little hesitation in throwing unprecedented sums of money at player recruitment since Woodward's elevation to lead negotiator, rescinding the loan would be a further inelegant financial move.

    Nani remains one of the club's best-paid footballers courtesy of the lucrative five-year contract David Moyes and Woodward awarded him in the summer of 2013.
     

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    Scholes: I expected Manchester United to be better under Louis van Gaal

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    Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes admits he has been underwhelmed by the club’s progress under Louis van Gaal.

    United currently sit 10th in the Premier League, registering just 13 points from their opening 10 games, while at the same stage last term under David Moyes, United were five points better off.

    Van Gaal oversaw a substantial overhaul during the summer transfer window, which included the acquisition of Angel Di Maria for a British record fee of €76 million, but Scholes insists United should have made a better start to the campaign.

    “Louis van Gaal talks about progress. I expected United to have a better record by this stage of the season,” Scholes wrote in his column for The Independent.

    “It is difficult to figure out what Van Gaal is thinking during games. His demeanour doesn’t change throughout. He looks a bit subdued.

    “Certainly, he appears very different to the man you saw on the touchline at the World Cup.”
     

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    Immobile: I'll prove Matthaus wrong

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    Borussia Dortmund striker Ciro Immobile says he will prove Lothar Matthaus wrong by scoring goals on a regular basis between now and the end of the season.

    Matthaus recently questioned Dortmund's decision to spend big on the Italy international and Adrian Ramos, voicing his opinion that neither is good enough to replace Robert Lewandowski.

    Nevertheless, Immobile attempted to shrugh off the former Bayern star's harsh comments and said he is determined to prove himself."Matthaus is a legend of the German game and he can say whatever he wants...," Immobile told Bild.

    "When I start scoring on a regular basis, the problem will be solved automatically."
    Immobile has netted just twice in eight league games, but has already scored three goals in as many Champions League appearances and he is desperate to prove his worth domestically, too.

    "I now want to make my mark in the Bundesliga as well."Dortmund take on Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend.
     

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    :angry::baffled::baffled::eek:I feel lousy! Van Gaal says it could take three years to fix Manchester United

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    Louis van Gaal says that he "feels lousy" over Manchester United's start to the season but claims that it could take up to three years to get the club back on track.

    United have taken 13 points from the first 10 games in the Premier League and were eliminated from the League Cup at MK Dons in August.

    And although Van Gaal admits that their start has not been what he had hoped, the Dutchman is confident that United will get back to winning ways.

    He told reporters: "I feel for the fans and also the board because they have belief in me, my staff, and my players. Thirteen points from 10 matches, you are not doing well, but we are in a process.

    "As I have said from the beginning, even when we won five games in the US [in pre-season], the process shall take more than one year. It shall take three years, I hope, though that is dependent on lots of things but I think we will make it happen, that we will win a lot of matches."

    United host Crystal Palace on Saturday, looking to bounce back from defeat in the Manchester derby, and Van Gaal says that he is happy with the football that his side are playing.

    However, the former Netherlands boss did also lament the team selection problems that he has faced, something further exacerbated by the shoulder injury due to keep Marcos Rojo out for up to six weeks.

    "I have the experience that people have great belief in what we are doing now, in the way we are playing football," he continued.

    "When I am in the streets I am surrounded by very positive things and, when I'm in a car from United, there are lots of positive people.

    "I'm feeling lousy for everyone that we have 13 points from 10 games. When I want to select the same lineup, I cannot. It's the same every week."
     

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    Walcott, Berahino & Downing named in England squad


    Saido Berahino, Theo Walcott and Stewart Downing are the surprise names called up to Roy Hodgson's latest England squad for the fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland.

    Walcott made his return from a serious knee injury against Burnley on Saturday, coming on as an 80th-minute substitute in the 3-0 win to end a nine-month absence, but did not feature in the midweek 3-3 draw with Anderlecht.

    Nevertheless, Hodgson has seen fit to include the 25-year-old in his 26-man party for the upcoming double-header, with Walcott joining West Brom youngster Saido Berahino in the squad.

    Berahino has enjoyed a stunning season to date, scoring eight goals in 13 appearances in all competitions so far, and the 21-year-old, who was born in Burundi, will provide competition to fellow strikers Rickie Lambert, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck.

    Downing, meanwhile, returns to the England fold, having played a key role in West Ham's rise into the top five. The winger, who has earned 34 caps, last featured under Hodgson in the 1-0 win over Norway on May 26, 2012, but will join the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Raheem Sterling and Andros Townsend in providing a wide option for the 67-year-old.

    Elsewhere, Nathaniel Clyne retains his place in the squad, as does Calum Chambers, while Michael Carrick returns after an enforced absence through injury.

    England squad in full:

    Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Ben Foster, Fraser Forster

    Defenders: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Calum Chambers, Nathaniel Clyne, Kieran Gibbs, Luke Shaw, Phil Jagielka, Chris Smalling

    Midfielders: Ross Barkley, Michael Carrick, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Raheem Sterling, Andros Townsend, Jack Wilshere

    Forwards: Theo Walcott, Rickie Lambert, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Saido Berahino
    Roy Hodgson ta pissuda manda Walcott wa squad ekata aran thynne:oo:9 month injury ekata passe thama full match ekak play kale naene:confused:
     

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    Luis Enrique will build a great team - Bartomeu

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    Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu believes that Luis Enrique will bring long-term success to the club if he is left to get on with his job.

    The Blaugrana boss has lost his last two Liga games, but prior to that they were unbeaten domestically and his side have secured a place in the last 16 of the Champions League with two games left to play.

    And with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez leading the lines for Barca, the president feels the current coach will produce an incredible team if he is given the time and space to do so.

    "If we let him do his job, we'll build a great team for this season and for the future," Bartomeu told Catalunya Radio.

    The club chief also took the time to praise his sporting director, Andoni Zubizarreta, for the work he does which goes unnoticed to the general public.
    "I'm pleased with Zubi; he does a complicated job, one which nobody sees behind the scenes, especially at grassroots level."

    In 2010, Bartomeu's predecessor Sandro Rosell filed a civil liability action against former chief Joan Laporta and his fellow board members for alleged creative accounting.A court ruled this month that the administration was not guilty of any wrongdoings, but Bartomeu feels the club were correct to chase it up.

    "I voted in favour of airing our dirty laundry. I'm glad I did it in 2003, in 2010 and now. I want to get to the bottom of everything."We want the money because the club needs the money. It would have been irresponsible of us not to go ahead with the case.

    "We must remain cautious with regards to the facts and the numbers. It isn't true that we found the club in complete order. They also requested a syndicated loan. I want them to take responsibility for their actions."
     

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    Klopp: No Reus & Weidenfeller for Dortmund

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    Jurgen Klopp has admitted Borussia Dortmund duo Marco Reus and Roman Weidenfeller are likely to miss Sunday's clash with Borussia Monchengladbach.

    The star attacker and goalkeeper will be massive losses for the coach, whose side currently lie second-bottom in the Bundesliga having won just two of their opening 10 games this season.

    Klopp revealed the two have come down with an illness and admitted the current league table is not a pretty sight for his team."Today it seems that Reus and Weidenfeller are lying flat with a stomach flu," he told reporters.

    "The table gives off a terrible picture of us. The points are important, the standings are secondary."

    Dortmund have lost their last five league games and taken just one point from their past seven - a far cry from their perfect start in the Champions League which sees them already into the competition's last 16 with two group matches still to play.

    Sunday's opponents, on the other hand, are the only team other than Bayern Munich to remain unbeaten so far in the league and sit just four points behind Pep Guardiola's men.

    Gladbach have won the previous two meetings between the teams - and are on an 18-game undefeated streak - leaving Klopp to praise Lucien Favre's side.

    "They have a wise and great transfer policy and have the luck that just a few players are injured," Klopp added. "Accordingly, I find that they haven't received too much praise in recent weeks. "Sporting director Max Eberl and coach Favre have done a great job. Because of this, their game has also evolved.

    "They have a certain way of playing. They are simply a good team and have a good tactical plan. You have to admit this."
     

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    Monaco need to work harder – Jardim

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    ​Leonardo Jardim has challenged his Monaco squad to raise their work-rate if they want to move up the Ligue 1 table.

    After 12 matches, Monaco are already 10 points behind leaders Olympique de Marseille after a stuttering start under the Portuguese head coach.

    A four-game unbeaten spell has helped their situation, but a midweek defeat to Benfica in the Champions League has raised concerns with Jardim.

    They face Saint-Etienne in the league this weekend and the 40-year-old expects to see more effort from his players to get back to winning ways."It was a tough match against Benfica," he admitted at a media conference on Friday. "The difference was on efficiency, this is our current problem.

    "The team needs to work to be more effective. "Saint-Etienne are a very strong team that plays with a great atmosphere at home."My attackers have different qualities that offer me several solutions in every game. Our goal is to make a good game and win."

    Jardim is sweating on the fitness of Yannick Ferreira Carrasco after the midfielder suffered an ankle injury in training on Friday, but he is definitely without Dimitar Berbatov for the trip to Saint-Etienne due to a groin strain.
     

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    Tottenham starlet Kane: This is just the beginning

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    Tottenham forward Harry Kane is confident of continuing his impressive run of goalscoring form against Stoke City on Sunday.

    The England Under-21s international took his goal tally for the season into double figures on Thursday, grabbing his side's second goal in a 2-1 Europa League win over Asteras Tripolis.

    Kane has proven prolific in cup competitions this term, as well as opening his account in the 2014-15 Premier League with a late winner against Aston Villa, and believes that he can make an impact if given his first league start under Mauricio Pochettino.

    "It was a great feeling to score again and I'm pleased to get into double figures at this stage of the season," the youngster told Spurs' official website.

    "I've now got to push on and get some more.

    "I feel very confident stepping out on the pitch, I feel I'm always going to get a couple of chances and that I'll take one. I've just got to keep it going.

    "It's Stoke next at home, another important game for us, and hopefully we'll get the win there as well."
     

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    Bielsa: We'll keep Ibrahimovic quiet

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    Marseille coach Marcelo Bielsa expects Zlatan Ibrahimovic to feature for Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, but says he has a plan to deal with the Swedish striker.

    Leaders Marseille go to the French capital for a much-anticipated top-of-the-table clash that is likely to double as Ibrahimovic's return.

    The prolific forward has not played for the Ligue 1 champions since September due to a heel injury but, after returning to training this week, Ibrahimovic appears set to play a role - even if it is off the bench.And Bielsa, who said his side will adopt an attacking approach against a star-studded PSG outfit, has prepared for the Sweden captain to play.

    "Ibrahimovic, from what I've seen, is in playing condition," Bielsa told reporters on Friday."We will try to make the qualities of Ibrahimovic not influence the game.

    "We'll try to follow him everywhere, but he moves mostly in the centre."We will take risks in order to develop our game and snatch victory. We will take the necessary risks to go win in Paris.

    "We want to get the ball back the fastest possible and lose it at the latest possible moment."

    Bielsa's men have made a stunning start to the campaign, with the 10 goals of Andre-Pierre Gignac firing them to the summit.Victory against PSG could extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points - a result that would put Parc des Princes boss Laurent Blanc under pressure.

    But while the stakes and publicity are high ahead of Sunday's clash, Bielsa - who acknowledges PSG's many options - said it is just another game."The reputation of this Classique is global," he added. "There is a huge hype surrounding this game.

    "PSG are a great team with high profile players. The prestige of that team increases the interest in this game."The preparation is the same…the points is the same…but the impact is not like another game."
     
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