..::Football III::..

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Berlusconi: I wouldn't swap AC Milan's squad for Roma's

Silvio Berlusconi claims AC Milan are stronger than Roma - and challenged Filippo Inzaghi's men to prove as much at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday night.

The Rossoneri sit seventh in Serie A, 11 points behind the second-placed Giallorossi.

However, Milan owner Berlusconi is adamant that Inzaghi has a stronger squad at his disposal than Roma counterpart Rudi Garcia.

"This game is crucial," the former Italian Prime Minister told reporters on Friday.

"We must go into the field with the knowledge of being stronger [than Roma].

"I'd never swap our squad with theirs."

Berlusconi was speaking after a visit to Milanello on the eve of the trip to the Italian capital and he was more than happy to disclose the message he had delivered to the club's players.

"Don't be intimidated by the fans," he recounted. "There's a running track at the Olimpico, so [the crowd] will be far away.

"Go onto the field with strength and belief because we are stronger and we must show that."

Milan's crunch clash with Roma is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

 

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Adebayor returns to Tottenham after leave

Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor is available for selection after returning to the club following a period of compassionate leave.

The Togo international was granted permission to return to Africa earlier this month to deal with a "private matter", and has not featured for the club since a 2-1 home defeat to Stoke City on November 9.

Adebayor has since returned to training, and could feature when Spurs host Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.

"He's available," said head coach Mauricio Pochettino. "After, we will see if I pick him or not.

"I'm happy with Ade and how he's been training. Maybe he's not 100 per cent yet, but he's not far away.

"He needs training, he needs to improve, especially his physical condition, but he's getting better."

 

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Liverpool boss Rodgers slams Sterling critics

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has hit out at criticism received by Raheem Sterling this season.

The 20-year-old attacker started the campaign in fine form, with three goals in his opening five Premier League outings, but then went 20 games without scoring before netting against Bournemouth in midweek.

However, Rodgers has leapt to the defence of the England international and stated that his showing in Wednesday's 3-1 League Cup win - in which he scored twice - is proof of his importance to Liverpool.

"As I've said before he's an outstanding talent, he's been great for us," Rodgers told reporters. "It's been incredible the stick that the kid has received - people trying to criticise him and put the focus on to him.

"He's been outstanding for us and it was another great performance from him the other night in another difficult game."

Sterling has been employed in a more central attacking role in Liverpool's last two matches and Rodgers is pondering whether to do the same in Sunday's Premier League encounter with Arsenal at Anfield.

"The kid has been fantastic where ever he's played this season," he added. "Outstanding the other night. We'll just see what's in the best interests of the team."

 

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Allegri: Tevez too important not to start against Napoli

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that while Carlos Tevez is suffering from fatigue, the Argentine is "too important" to be rested for the Supercoppa Italiana showdown with Napoli.

Tevez played 86 minutes of Thursday night's Serie A game at Cagliari, with the 30-year-old setting the Italian champions on their way to a comfortable 3-1 victory with his 10th league goal of the season.

However, Allegri will resist the urge to protect his star striker in Juve's final outing of the season, as the Bianconeri boss is intent on naming his strongest line-up for Monday's meeting with Napoli in Qatar.

"Carlos is one of the best attackers in the world and although he is, by his own admission, a little tired right now, he is too important for us [to rest]," he is quoted as saying by his club's official website.

"Plus, we're going on holiday on Tuesday!"

Tevez, for his part, is more than happy to start against Napoli, as he feels Juve will have to be at their best to beat Rafael Benitez's men.

"The Supercoppa is important," he told. "Yes, at this point of the season, there's a little tiredness, both physical and mental.

"But we need to produce a great game."

 

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Hart signs new Manchester City deal

Manchester City have confirmed that Joe Hart has signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2018-19 season.

The goalkeeper has agreed a deal worth £120,000-a-week (€150,000) with team-mate James Milner also poised to sign a new long-term deal.

Hart's new terms have now been confirmed and the goalkeeper says he never wanted to leave the club and is looking forward to enjoying more success at the Etihad Stadium.

"I'm really happy, I’ve been here a long time now and I want to keep that going," Hart told the club's official website.

"The new deal means I get to stay longer – the club’s doing amazing things at the moment, we’ve created history and we want to keep doing that.

"Wanting to stay here was never going to be an issue for me - I’ve loved every moment since I joined. The club’s growing and I’ve been really lucky to be part of the ride.

“I just want to keep winning with the team and keep developing. A lot of the boys have signed long-term deals, so we’re building as a squad and I think that quite a few of us have been here for a long time now.

“We’re enjoying building that winning mentality, how the club is growing is around us and how we need to grow along with it."

 

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Mourinho confident Hazard will sign new Chelsea deal


Jose Mourinho has reiterated his confidence that Eden Hazard will sign a new contract with Chelsea in the near future.

Goal understands Hazard has been in talks with the Blues since June, and is ready to commit to a new deal which will make him the highest-paid player in the club's history.

Mourinho also stated that he believes the 23-year-old could become a Chelsea great if he can win silverware with the club.

"He will [sign a contract], I was never worried about it since the moment I met his father and everything was very clear about their intention and happiness with Chelsea," he told reporters.

"After that it becomes a numbers situation, when that happens I'm more than happy to be out [of the negotiations].

"But my club always told me that the situation would finish with a new contract, I was never worried about that.

"He needs to win titles because titles make players history. I don't know players considered legends in the clubs without winning titles so he has to do that, but the potential [he has] everyone knows [about]."

 

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Real Madrid are God's team - Ramos


Sergio Ramos has labelled Real Madrid “God’s team” after being questioned over the Pope’s allegiance to Club World Cup final opponents San Lorenzo.

The head of the Catholic Church has supported the Argentine side – who lifted the Copa Libertadores to qualify for the tournament - since his youth, but the Madrid defender believes his side have divine powers.

“The way I believe I am a Christian, but in football it does not usually help much,” he said ahead of Saturday’s game.“In the semi-finals we noticed the love from supporters in Marrakech and it seemed like we were playing at home. That sums up the greatness of this team. Madrid is God's team and the team of the world. In Argentina all Argentines love football with a passion. We will try to give joy to all Madridistas, but the Pope is supporting San Lorenzo!"

Ramos intends to play despite being struck down by a thigh injury in the semi-final against Cruz Azul.

The Spain international returned to Madrid training on Friday after missing Thursday's session in order to undergo a recovery session at the team's hotel.

He was replaced during the second half against the Mexicans after opening the scoring but is determined to take part in a tournament that he has never won before.

"The feelings of the past two days have been good and positive," he said. "There is a training session today, we have to assess how I'm feeling. Today, I'm not that concerned. I'll progress step by step, match by match.

"This is a special moment because we are playing a final and I've never played this final before. That's my motivation. But if there's a great risk you have to take it seriously but we're going to train and we'll see how I'm feeling."

Meanwhile, Real coach Carlo Ancelotti has given his other injury concern James Rodriguez a clean bill of health ahead of the final at the Stade de Marrakech, but was cautious over the selection of Ramos.

"James has no risk," he said. "He's been training since Wednesday, he feels well. He has no major injury. He's fully recovered.

"Sergio had a problem but this muscle injury is not that severe. We have to assess his training, we have to talk to him and see how he is feeling. The decisions of the medical staff are important."

Neither Ancelotti nor Ramos would be drawn on the current controversy over the appointment of the officials for the final.

The San Lorenzo president, Matias Lammens, suggested on Wednesday that Madrid would favour Portuguese official Pedro Proenca and the Argentine camp also described Pepe as a "violent" player. The Guatemalan Walter Lopez will take charge of the fixture.

"We don't mind who the referee is," the centre-back added. "We hope that the referee officiates properly. I don't want to create any conflict or discussion. Any team would want Pepe, he's one of the best defenders in the world."

Ancelotti added:"We are focusing on playing well. Everything else around the game doesn't interest us. I don't even know the name of the referee."

 

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Blanc admits to PSG 'turbulence'

Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc believes his team are suffering from "turbulence" ahead of their final game of 2014 on Saturday.

The Parisiens lost back-to-back matches - to Barcelona and Guingamp - prior to their 3-1 Coupe de la Ligue win over Ajaccio in midweek.

However, PSG have reached the last-16 of the Champions League and are the only team in Europe still unbeaten in their domestic league.

But that has not stopped critics from questioning Blanc and his players and the former France boss has admitted he feels there is a lot more to come from his side next year.

"As the coach, I felt that my team has not been at its best, but I acknowledged that before," he told reporters. "But the 37 points we have, we deserve them.

"Against Guingamp, there were many things that were said because we had been defeated, but if it had been a draw we would not have talked about it. It's made the club buzz, there's been a bit of turbulence as a result.

"My team weren't great last weekend, but I could not have predicted the defeat. I could not foresee that. So we just focus on the next game and we followed it up with a win."

Monaco's defeat of Marseille last weekend meant that PSG remain just one point off the top of Ligue 1, which they won in 2013-14. The French top flight takes two weeks off for a winter break following this weekend's round of matches.

 

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Barcelona like Disneyland - Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique compared Barcelona to Disneyland as he gave a glowing assessment of his 2014 ahead of the club's final game of the year on Saturday.

The coach was brought on board by the Catalans in the summer after Gerardo Martino stepped aside with the club having only the Supercopa to show for their efforts in 2013-14.

Luis Enrique spent eight years at Camp Nou as a player then coached their B team for three years until 2011, when he left for an ill-fated spell with Roma.

Having guided Celta to ninth in La Liga in his one and only season with the club, before returning to Barca, the coach is delighted with how the calendar year has panned out.

"It's been a brilliant year for me," he told reporters. "First with Celta then back home, with Barcelona, which is heaven. It's like Disneyland."

After missing last weekend's goalless draw with Getafe, the coach also confirmed Neymar - who has scored 11 goals in 13 Liga games this season - is back in contention for Saturday's clash with Cordoba.

"Neymar trained today with the team so that means he's available and, if he's called for the match, then he can play," Luis Enrique added.

"If he wants to play during the winter break he has to ask for permission from the club and I don't have any information that he's going to play in a friendly match during the holiday period."

Barca trail La Liga table-toppers Real Madrid by four points after 15 games, with reigning Atletico Madrid in third place three points behind them.

 

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Fellaini: I was an easy target to blame for Manchester United's season under Moyes

Marouane Fellaini believes he was an easy target to blame for Manchester United's poor season under David Moyes.

The 27-year-old joined Old Trafford in a €34 million deal from Everton on deadline day in 2013 but struggled to find an influential role in United's midfield during his debut campaign.

"Last season we didn't play well as a team and it was easy for people outside the club to say it was me because the manager brought me with him, but that was something I had to deal with," Fellaini told The Times.

"It was a difficult moment because in all my career I hadn't experienced anything like it.

"I learnt a lot. I care about what people have to say, of course, but my concern was for my family, my mum and dad and my brothers, because when [critics] are saying bad things about me, it will have been very hard for them."

Moyes has since taken charge of Real Sociedad and Fellaini believes the Scot should not be tarnished by his record at Old Trafford.

"He didn't have luck when he was in charge at United," said the midfielder. "But that doesn't change the fact he has the quality to succeed."

United finished seventh in the Premier League last season with Moyes sacked after just 10 months in charge.

However, under replacement Louis van Gaal, the club currently sit third in the table as they attempt to regain Champions League football and Fellaini believes a fourth-placed finish should be the minimum aim.

"Last season was not good enough for Manchester United," said the Belgium international.

"We know that and we are working hard to put that right. In some ways it is too early to talk about the title because we are still building and it is only December, but we are winning matches consistently again and when that happens your belief grows.

"At the very least we have to be in the top four; we must do that. I wanted this challenge."

 

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'Liverpool is perfect for him' - Gerrard urges Sterling to sign new deal

Steven Gerrard has urged Raheem Sterling to sign a new contract at Liverpool, claiming the club is "perfect for him" if he is develop into a top-class player.

The winger has been linked with a move away from Anfield, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich reportedly interested, though the 20-year-old is wary of committing his long-term future to the club while there is uncertainty over Rodgers' position.

But Gerrard is hopeful his former England team-mate will put pen to paper on a new deal soon, with the promise of regular football set to help him reach the next level.

"I hope he signs a new contract at the club because I think this club is perfect for him, certainly for the next few years," he told reporters.

"He's going to play most weeks, the fans love him here. He can progress here and become a top, top player here so I hope the people around him give him the right advice because he should stay here."

Gerrard feels the pace that Sterling possesses means he can prove to be a real threat in the final third, and compared him to previous Liverpool strikers Fernando Torres and Michael Owen due to their similar assets.

"He's great to watch, great to play with, he's got that pace," he added. "When you look up he's always giving you an option and that's what I've thrived on throughout my career at Liverpool with the likes of Fernando Torres and Michael Owen.

"There's nothing better as a midfielder when you look up and see pace running in behind. I saw it on numerous occasions [against Bournemouth] and hopefully it will continue because it stretches teams and creates chances."

Sterling's suitability for a central role was questioned after he was denied on three occasions by David de Gea against Manchester United, but Gerrard believes he has the clinical edge required to play as a striker.

"You've got to be able to have that [versatility] in your locker if you want to be top drawer. Raheem's got potential to be top drawer for sure," he explained.

"He took a lot of stick after the weekend [the loss to Manchester United] but I thought his all-round performance was magnificent, the only thing that was missing was a finish and that came [against Bournemouth].

"The exciting thing for all of us is that he's English and going to be a top, top player. I think he can play anywhere along the front, he’s that intelligent. He's got to keep learning, he's got to keep wanting it."

 

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Roberto Carlos: Brazil must embrace winning Dunga

Former Brazil international Roberto Carlos says coach Dunga will return Brazil to winning ways and that the press must now embrace the new direction in which he is leading the team.

Dunga returned for his second spell as Brazil coach in July, succeeding Luiz Felipe Scolari following Brazil’s shock 7-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Germany.

In his first spell, Dunga was criticised for what was perceived as an overly pragmatic approach - one that ultimately ended in quarter-final defeat to Netherlands in South Africa four years ago.

“The Brazilian press must understand that Dunga has his own style,” the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan full-back told Perform.

“He has his own mentality and must be respected. I didn’t understand when he was fired [in 2010].

Now he is back with a very difficult problem to solve after what happened in the World Cup. He is trying to take Brazil back to the top and win trophies again.

“Germany is living its momentum but Brazil will make its comeback sooner rather than later and we will be champions again.”

Brazil have scored six consecutive victories since Dunga’s return, conceding just one goal, and are now among the favourites for the Copa America in Chile next year.

That run included a 2-0 Gillette Superclasico de las Americas victory over historic rivals Argentina in October, and Roberto Carlos is expecting the two South American powerhouses will ultimately decide the fate of the 44th Copa America – international football’s oldest tournament.

“In the end we will see the same teams fighting for the [Copa America],” he added.

“Everybody is playing well but the final is always Brazil v Argentina. There is a difference between Brazil, Argentina and the rest.

“Brazil plays well for the title. So we are completely different.”

With 125 appearances for the Selecao, Robeto Carlos is second only to Cafu on the list of Brazil’s most-capped players and claimed two Copa America titles himself, as well as World Cup 2002.

Rated as one of the finest full-backs in the history of the game, he also gave his opinion on those hoping to line up in his old position, insisting current first-choice Filipe Luis reminds him of the great Italian left-back Paolo Maldini, but admitting he would like to see Marcelo return.

“Filipe Luis is a brilliant player. He reminds me of Maldini’s style, a classical style, slower,” he said of the Chelsea man who has started all six of Brazil’s matches since the World Cup.

“Marcelo does what I did in my time attacking and defending all the time. Marcelo improved his defending skills.

“He did a lot for Real Madrid and so much for the national team as well. In my opinion he is the best left back in football nowadays.”

 

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'The crisis is over' says Blatter after Fifa relents over Garcia report

Sepp Blatter remains on top of the football world and doesn't care who knows it. "We have been in crisis but with the decision of the Executive Committee today the crisis has stopped," he beamed.

For it was the president himself who revealed that he had managed to convince the Fifa Executive Committee to decide to publish the Garcia report in an "appropriate form" based on the recommendations of Fifa's head of Audit and Compliance committee Domenico Scala.

The appeal for retrospective legislation, tabled by German Exco member Theo Zwanziger, was passed through the world governing body on Friday and it means that Fifa's U-turn regarding Garcia's report is complete.

When will it go out? “I hope fast,” Scala said. How much it will we see? Who knows. The upshot of the Fifa Executive Committee’s two-day summit in Marrakech is that “famous Garcia report”, as Blatter repeatedly called it, will indeed finally be seen. That is more than what was initially expected here but as always with Blatter and the world governing body, there is a snag.

Due to the ongoing investigations into members of the Executive Committee in regard to their behaviour in the awarding of the 2018 and the 2022 World Cups, the report will not see light of day until those are concluded. It means that the Garcia report remains, for now, out of the public eye. There is also the issue of the protection of 75 witnesses who gave evidence to Garcia during the course of his investigations.

Scala was tasked with assessing the Garcia report, as well as the controversial summary provided by Fifa’s ethics committee adjudicatory chief Hans-Joachim Eckert, and passing on his findings to the ExCo. He enlisted the help of two experts; German Professor Martin Nolte and a Civil Law professor in Zurich Anton Heini. They also concluded, like Eckert did, that not enough evidence was present in the Garcia report to necessitate stripping the hosting rights of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups from Russia or Qatar.

It is a safe bet, based on the words of Fifa president Sepp Blatter, that those two tournaments will now go ahead as scheduled. "There is no reason to say that our decisions were wrong," said Blatter. "We will go on sticking to our decisions. Both tournaments are in our calendar. There must be huge upheaval and new elements come to the fore to change things. For the time being the Executive Committee sees no reasons to change anything."

Blatter disclosed, however, that the war between Garcia, the now departed head of the investigatory chamber of Fifa's ethics committee, and his adjudicatory chamber counterpart Eckert had left Fifa in a muddle.

"Instead of solving problems, they have created problems," Blatter said. "We should restore the credibility of this entity – the ethics committee."

Scala agreed with those sentiments and recommended after the mess that came in the wake of the Eckert summary and the Garcia resignation that things would have to be done differently in the future by the Ethics Committee.

Blatter now pertains to have drawn his Executive Committee together in order to drive Fifa forward. He spoke of the “big fighters” he had on the ExCo while Scala revealed that there were significant tensions across the board before the decision to publish was taken.

Blatter will now take credit from steering Fifa away from yet another crisis which occurred, initially, on his watch. It sets him up for another run at the presidency next year.

"If the Lord gives me health and good luck, I will bring back Fifa,” he said. “But not alone. I need my Executive Committee and the football family.

“I am confident and trust in myself. We will see on February 1 who are the candidates for election. Probably my name will be there. Let me pass Christmas and give me the opportunity to say ‘yes, I will be president’.”

Chilean FA head, Harold Mayne-Nicholls, is facing proceedings as a result of Garcia’s investigation and is tipped to run for the presidency against Blatter next year. That Blatter remains standing after this and all that has gone before does not bode well for any potential rival.

Say what you like about Blatter but his misfortune in steering Fifa governance towards crisis after crisis is put into the shade only by his relentless ability in taking the world governing body out of them.

 

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Manchester United are still in the title race, warns Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says Manchester United cannot be ruled out of the title race despite currently lying eight points behind the Blues.

Louis van Gaal’s side are in fine form, having won their last six games in a row to move into third place in the Premier League table.

While the Red Devils are still some way behind both Chelsea and City, Mourinho says that with over half the season to go, the title race is still wide open.

“There is still a long time to go - not even 50% of league is played,” he told reporters. “People with less than 10 points difference are in the title race."

Chelsea face Stoke City on Monday with Mourinho needing no reminding that the Blues lost 3-2 at the Britannia Stadium last season.

"Sometimes you play well and lose - other times you don't play so well and win. Last season we played well against Stoke but made two mistakes that cost us the game," he added.

"We might be getting results but we have to go there and play our game. We know their qualities and will have to adapt to it.

"If you know you will play against Peter Crouch and their defenders and if you don't adapt you are in trouble. They are a good and a difficult side."

Monday's fixture kicks off a hectic festive schedule with Chelsea also set to face West Ham, Tottenham and Southampton but Mourinho says his side are all prepared.

"It is four matches in a short space of time but everyone is in the same situation. Some have easier fixtures but that is the draw and you can do nothing,” he explained.

“We have three away games against Stoke, Southampton and Spurs and a London derby but we are ready.”

 

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Dortmund still Bayern's biggest rivals - Hitzfeld

Borussia Dortmund remain the biggest rivals to Bayern Munich's Bundesliga crown, according to former coach of both clubs Ottmar Hitzfeld.

Jurgen Klopp's men have acquired just 15 points from 16 games and are placed third-from-bottom in Germany's top flight.

A long injury list and a continued run of poor form have been pointed to as the reasons behind their current plight, but mysteriously the club have fared much better in the Champions League and qualified for the last-16.

Hitzfeld, who coached Dortmund for six years in the 1990s before spending two stints in charge at Bayern, is convinced that BVB's struggles are only temporary and backed them to bounce back.

"Klopp's still young, he will get through this current low," the retired coach told Kolner Express.

"They'll recover by staying calm and taking responsibility. The most important thing is the players are true to Klopp. Starring for them is a ticket to the international teams. Dortmund remain the most threatening opponent to Bayern in coming years."

Dortmund face bottom-of-the-Bundesliga Werder Bremen on Saturday in their final game of 2014, with domestic action resuming after the winter break on January 31.

 

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Gervinho: Garcia absence won't stop Roma

Gervinho has claimed that Rudi Garcia's absence from the touchline will not hinder Roma's efforts to claim the Scudetto this season.

The coach was slapped with a two-match ban for an alleged altercation with a steward in their victory over Genoa, meaning he will not be present for the club's clash with AC Milan on Saturday.

However, Giallorossi forward Gervinho does not think the absence of their coach will affect last season's Serie A runners up and backed the capital club to push on with their title challenge ahead of the winter break.

"We are focused on Milan," the Cote d'Ivoire international told Sky Sport. "What happened to Garcia will not affect us because we want to get back into the Champions League and win the Scudetto.

"Garcia's focused on the team and on the task at hand, we have to think about winning games.

"In the dressing room we are aware of our strength, but it is not fair to make comparisons with other teams such as Juventus, Napoli and AC Milan - each team have their own qualities."

Garcia himself remains furious about the ban and warned that the club will only strengthen when faced with adversity, while insisting that Filippo Inzaghi's men pose a tough test this weekend.

"There was an individual that I still don't know in person, apparently a steward," the French coach said. "Apparently I hit him on the knee with a bat then shot him in the foot - other than that, nothing...

"Listen to me closely - the more they bother us, the harder we will fight. The more difficult it gets, the harder we will fight. Chapter closed.

"We know that Milan are a good team. It's the last game of the year for us and we'll do everything we can to put three points under the Christmas tree.

"Whoever we have before us, it changes nothing. We must play our own game, we proved in Genoa that we can play some quality football, even though we must improve our efficiency in front of the goal.

"The team is doing well psychologically and physically, and under these conditions we'll be able to give it our all. We want to close the year with the beauty of a victory."

 

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Manchester United boss Van Gaal reacts angrily to Valdes speculation

Louis van Gaal has reacted angrily to suggestions that Manchester United will sign Victor Valdes and insists the media are making "a mistake" by linking the goalkeeper with a move to Liverpool.

The 32-year-old, who is a free agent after leaving Barcelona, has been training with United since October as he continues to recover from the cruciate ligament injury he suffered in March.

With David De Gea yet to sign a new contract, Valdes has been tipped to replace the 24-year-old at Old Trafford but Van Gaal insists the speculation is unfounded.

"It's only talk from you, not from us, not from Victor Valdes, not from nobody - only the media,” Van Gaal said in his press conference on Friday.

"But I am not here to inform the media. You have to wait and listen and see and that's it."

When asked if Liverpool would be interested in signing Valdes, Van Gaal replied: ”OK - then he goes to Liverpool.

"You are suggesting, and it's a big mistake to do that as the media.

"That's why I'm always angry, because you are inventing stories. There are no stories. He is training here, I give him the possibility, and then we shall see."

 

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Rodgers: Alexis would have been perfect for Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers admits he still harbours regrets about his failure to sign Alexis Sanchez in the summer and believes he would have been perfect for his team.

Rodgers identified the Chile World Cup star as the ideal replacement for Barcelona’s record signing Luis Suarez, but the former Udinese forward opted to join Arsenal instead.

The Liverpool manager revealed earlier this year that the chance to live in London proved the decisive factor in Alexis’ decision to turn down the opportunity to sign for the Anfield club and the 26-year-old has since taken the Premier League by storm, his form almost single-handedly keeping Arsenal in contention for a top four place.

Rodgers said: "All I know is he's a world class player. He was identified as someone to come in and he would be perfect for us.

"Brilliant player, outstanding quality, even bigger work rate, so we know he'll be a threat at the weekend."

Alexis has already scored nine Premier League goals this season and will be looking to add to that tally when Arsenal travel to Anfield on Sunday looking to avenge last season’s embarrassing 5-1 defeat.

 

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Former Barcelona star Abidal announces retirement

Eric Abidal has announced his decision to retire from professional football with immediate effect.

The Olympiakos defender, 35, was rumoured to be considering an exit from the sport and confirmed the reports on Friday in a press conference, citing "personal reasons".

Abidal paid tribute to the coaches and medical staff who have helped during a career blighted by health problems and admits he has relished his brief spell with Greek champions Olympiakos.

"It's a very important moment in my career. Today, I've taken the official decision to bring an end to my professional career. It's solely due to personal reasons," he told reporters.

"I've always played at a good level. I thank the president for his support. I'm proud to have worn the Olympiakos shirt during my time here and I'll always support them.

"I want to say thank you to the coaches I've had, to the medical staff who helped me, because without them I wouldn't be here now."

Abidal also confirmed that an offer from Barcelona to return to the club in a non-playing role remains on the table but insisted he is in no rush to make a decision about his future.

"I have an offer from Barcelona," he added. "But I will make a decision later. I first want to rest and spend time with my family."

Abidal joined Olympiakos this summer on a two-year contract shortly after renewing his deal with Monaco, having spent six years at Camp Nou prior to his one-season return to Stade Louis II.

He has appeared intermittently for the Greek club domestically but played every match in their Champions League campaign, which ultimately resulted in elimination from the tournament, as they dropped into the Europa League.

 

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Good Bye Abidal!​