..::Football III::..

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Blanc: I don't like the Ballon d'Or

Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has said he has a low opinion of the Ballon d'Or after Thiago Silva and David Luiz were not present at the ceremony to be recognised for their election into the FIFPro Team of the Year 2014.

The former France international believes that award ceremonies are timed badly for the footballing schedule and feels that team matters should be prioritised over individual accolades.

"I have a negative opinion [of the Ballon d'Or], as I did for [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic's Best Swedish Player trophy," he told reporters.

"These are very flattering personal distinctions but they are poorly placed in the calendar. I have not discussed it with the president but I think he shares my opinion."

PSG host Bordeaux in the Coupe de France round of 32 on Wednesday and Blanc insists that his side will do their utmost to win the competition despite, their commitments in Ligue 1, the Coupe de la Ligue and the Champions League.

"PSG's problem is similar to those of every big club: we want to win everything. It's hard to win everything.

"PSG must win every match and play a beautiful style, that's why it's important to have a big squad at our disposal. We want to try to win everything but we'll have to make choices."

Blanc has been roundly criticised for his side's form this term but insists that he does not pay any attention to positive or negative press.

"I don't read the newspapers. I won't respond to the criticism. I try to do my job and that's the most important. I don't listen to everything the media say because I'd lose a lot of time. I'm a coach and I try to do my job."

Blanc is also undecided as to whether Ibrahimovic will be fit to face Bordeaux, saying that the Swede's fitness must be looked after carefully.

"He needs competition but he'll also need to have a rest. We will think about that. He has no more pain in his heel, no more discomfort."

 

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Juventus should sell Pogba, advises Lippi

Former Juventus boss Marcello Lippi believes it would benefit the Serie A champions in the long term if they were to cash in on Paul Pogba.

Lippi has admitted that it would be a big blow for the Turin giants if they were to lose the France international, but feels they would eventually become a stronger team if they re-invest the transfer fee they receive for the 21-year-old, much like when they sold Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid in 2001.

"Of course, it would be a big sacrifice to lose Pogba, but selling him would generate enough money to buy three or four great players to help improve the team," Lippi told Sky Sport 24.

"When I returned to Juventus in 2001, I got a call that the club were going to sell Zidane. He was the best player of the world, but Madrid were paying €75 million.

"The club told me to remain calm and that they would reinvest all the money in the squad.

"We eventually signed Gianluigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram and Pavel Nedved and continued to win silverware."

Pogba has been a key figure for Juventus this season, scoring five goals in 16 Serie A appearances.

He recently signed a new contract with the Italian champions until June 2019, but clubs such as Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly monitoring his situation in Turin.

 

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Pogba wa sell karai wage​

 

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Manchester United fans impatient with Van Gaal style - Neville

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes the club's fans are impatient rather than unhappy with the style of play employed by manager Louis van Gaal.

The away support at Loftus Road for United's 2-0 victory on Saturday chanted "attack, attack, attack", and called for Van Gaal's 3-5-2 formation to be changed to 4-4-2.

They got their wish in the second half, with the new system producing the two crucial goals, and Neville, who analysed his former side's attacking intent before and after the tactical switch, says it shows that the United faithful were growing weary of the constant passing.

“It’s more impatience than unhappiness,” he said in his role as a pundit on Sky Sports.

“They haven’t been taking risks in the 3-5-2 system and in the first 57 minutes at QPR there were no goals, only five shots, four on target and 68% possession.

"Then, when they go to the back four, there’s less possession but goals, more shots and generally a far better performance from them in the last half hour.

“It’s partly the system but it’s a mentality thing as well. I’m not a fan of 3-5-2, but when you play that, you end up with your centre-backs being the free men and that becomes a careful option, then it kicks into your mentality: ‘I’ve always got a safer pass’.”

Neville also pinpointed the amount of times the United centre-backs passed the ball between each other on Saturday, suggesting that it restricted their attacking opportunities.

“They play the ball out from the back – as most good teams would – but the tempo is too slow. They play too many passes. Those back three players are on the ball far too much,” he added.

“In the first half on Saturday, Manchester United centre-backs had 114 passes of the ball. You look at the other teams that played away from home this weekend, Southampton (57), Chelsea (37), Arsenal (26) and it’s a miraculous difference.

“When they go to the back four in the second half it goes to 54 passes. It’s a big difference. They started looking at diagonal passes, playing risky ones, making QPR work and doing things that are unpredictable.”

 

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Manchester United fans impatient with Van Gaal style - Neville

3-5-2 system 1ka nam hari yanne naha kohomath4-4-2 thamai hari yanne​

 

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Ronaldo confirms Irina split amid rumours of new love at Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he has ended his relationship with Russian model Irina Shayk and is now rumoured to be dating Real Madrid TV journalist Lucia Villalon.

The Portuguese began dating Shayk in January 2010 but rumours of a split began to circulate after the 29-year-old turned up on his own to the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Zurich last week.

Shayk's PR company in New York blamed their client's no-show on "work commitments", but Ronaldo has now confirmed the two have ended their relationship.

"After dating for five years, my relationship with Irina Shayk has come to an end," the three-time Ballon d'Or winner said in a written statement sent to The Associated Press. "We believed it would be best for both of us to take this step now."
And he added: "I wish Irina the greatest happiness."

In the meantime, rumours in Spain have circulated that the Portuguese is now dating 22-year-old RMTV journalist Villalon, who was in Zurich to cover the Ballon d'Or and posted a picture with Cristiano after the ceremony.

 

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Capital One Cup Fixture 2015.01.21

Capital One Cup Fixture 2015.01.21

Tottenham Vs Sheffield United​

 

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Spanish Copa del Rey Fixtures 2015.01.21

Spanish Copa del Rey Fixtures 2015.01.21

Villareal Vs Getafe

Barcelona Vs Atletico Madrid

Malaga Vs Atletic Bilbao​

 

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Coppa Italia Fixtures 2015.01.21

Coppa Italia Fixtures 2015.01.21

Fiorentina Vs Atalanta

Inter Vs Sampdoria​

 

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Bayern in no rush to open Guardiola talks

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has stressed that Bayern Munich are in no rush to open talks with Pep Guardiola over a contract renewal.

The Spaniard's existing deal with the Bundesliga champions runs until June 2016 and Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta is keen to lure Guardiola back to Camp Nou if he wins the election and is reinstated.

Nevertheless, Bayern are unperturbed by Laporta's plans and will not open negotiations until later this year.

"I have told Pep that we will not contact him to discuss a contract renewal over the next few months," Rummenigge was quoted as saying by Ara.

"We will not take any action until the end of the season.

"We might open talks with Guardiola in the second half of 2015."

Guardiola, 44, guided Bayern to the domestic double in his first season in charge, while also winning the European Supercup and Club World Cup in 2013-14.

Bayern currently sit top of the Bundesliga table, holding an 11-point lead over second-placed Wolfsburg, and also remain in contention in the Champions League and DFB Pokal.

 

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Messi not leading mutiny against Luis Enrique, says Menotti

Former Argentina boss Cesar Menotti does not believe Lionel Messi started a revolution against Barcelona coach Luis Enrique amid ongoing reports that the duo have fallen out.

The 44-year-old approached the Barca board ealier in the season after becoming aggrieved over Messi's superiority in the dressing room, and speculation mounted that either coach or player could ultimately quit the club.

Things have since calmed down following a series of good results, however, with Messi's recent form - which included a sublime hat-trick against Deportivo - suggesting he is approaching his best again.

And Menotti believes any animosity has been buried, telling COPE: "I do not believe that Messi was leading some sort of revolution or mutiny against the coach.

"Messi looked tired and preoccupied, but he is now looking fresh and eager again. There must be a relationship between Messi's resurgence and Barcelona's return to form.

"The team is looking more confident than before because there are fewer changes to the team. There were so many changes and nobody really knew what to expect.

"I have a feeling that the position of the coach is clearer now and this has boosted confidence. Messi is a phenomenon and he is feeling well. I believe that Leo has recovered from the fatigue that as holding him back."

Messi has netted 28 goals in 26 appearances for Barca in all competitions so far this term.

 

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Bernardo Silva completes €15.75m Monaco move

Benfica have announced that they have sold promising youngster Bernardo Silva to Monaco for a transfer fee of €15.75 million.

The 20-year-old joined the Ligue 1 side on a one-year loan deal at the start of the season and Monaco have now made the midfielder's stay at the club permanent following his fine performances in the past six months.

"In compliance with article 248 of the CMVM, Benfica would like to announce that an agreement has been reached with Monaco over the permanent transfer of Bernardo Silva for a transfer fee of €15.75m," a Benfica statement to the Portuguese stock market reads.

Bernardo Silva is a product of the Benfica youth academy, but he failed to secure regular first-team action at the reigning Portuguese champions and was therefore farmed out on loan to Monaco.

The Portugal Under-21 international has made 15 Ligue 1 appearances for Leonardo Jardim's men so far, scoring two goals in the process.

 

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Benteke not leaving Aston Villa in January - Lambert

Aston Villa will flatly reject bids for striker Christian Benteke in a bid to solve their scoring crisis, according to Paul Lambert.

Villa sit 15th in the Premier League table, three points above the relegation zone, and have scored just 11 goals in 22 matches.

Lambert's side have failed to find the net in their last five Premier League encounters and their lack of goals means Benteke will not be going anywhere in the January transfer window.

"No chance [Christian will be going]," Lambert told the Daily Mail. "Listen, there is no way and I am pretty sure Randy [Villa owner Randy Lerner] will be totally fine.

"Christian has been my biggest signing and he was millions of Euros. Now he is probably, on his game, one of the best strikers in Europe."

Benteke, a Belgium international, has scored just two goals in 13 Premier League appearances this season.

 

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Bayern will win the treble, says Trapattoni

Former Bayern Munich coach Giovanni Trapattoni believes the Bavarians have what it takes to win the treble again this term.

The Allianz Arena side won Champions League, Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal in 2012-13, but had to settle for the domestic double last season as Real Madrid proved to be too strong in the semi-finals of European club football's elite competition.

Trapattoni is optimistic about their chances of going all the way in Europe once more in 2015, however, to add to their domestic dominance.

"When everything is going perfect for Bayern, they will win the treble again," Trapattoni was quoted as saying by Bild.

"Why they can win it all again? Pep Guardiola is an amazing coach and he has a great squad that is perfectly balanced. You have to expect them to win it all under these conditions."

The Italian also had his say on Borussia Dortmund, backing Jurgen Klopp's side to turn around their disastrous season and escape relegation.

"I think Dortmund's problems came as a surprise to everybody. They are in a dangerous situation. But Jurgen Klopp is an amazing coach, who knows how to deal with this," he added.

"I believe BVB will show their true self again after the winter break and will not be part of the battle against relegation. Coach and team are too good for that."

Dortmund currently sit 17th in the table with 15 points from 17 games.

 

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Mourinho: I'll be sad to see Gerrard go… maybe I'll loan him!

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says that he is "sorry" to see Liverpool hero Steven Gerrard leaving the Premier League at the end of the season, but jokes he might loan him from LA Galaxy.

The Reds captain has announced a deal to join the Major League Soccer champions once the Reds' 2014-15 campaign is over, a decision which surprised the Blues boss.

Mourinho had been close to signing Gerrard during his first spell at Stamford Bridge in 2005 and applauded along with the home fans when he was substituted during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Chelsea in Tuesday's League Cup semi-final first leg.

"I'm not happy he leaves," the Portuguese told BBC Radio 5 Live of Gerrard. "I would love the Premier League to keep always the best players.

"I think he has more than enough quality to play in the Premier League. In spite [of the fact] he's my opponent, I feel sorry that he's leaving."

Long-serving Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard's stay at Stamford Bridge ended last summer, only for him to join Manchester City in a successful temporary spell, and Mourinho was happy to joke about the possibility of a similar swoop for Gerrard.

Asked if he might try to persuade the Liverpool star to stay in England, the Blues manager replied: "Or to get him on loan."

 

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Gerrard MLS yana 1kanam aparade​

 

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I've always liked Manchester United - Witsel

Axel Witsel insists he wants to play at "one of the top clubs in Europe one day" - while revealing he has liked Manchester United since he was a child.

Having joined Zenit St Petersburg from Benfica in a €40 million deal in September 2012, Witsel has two-and-a-half years left to run on his current contract at the Petrovsky Stadium.

But reports have continued to link the 26-year-old midfielder with a move to the Premier League, where Belgium international team-mates Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Marouane Fellaini are already established with top clubs.

While he refuses to rule out a potential move elsewhere in Europe, Witsel admits he could see himself going to England in the future and says he has harboured a long-standing affection for United.

"I want to play in one of the top clubs in Europe one day," he told Bleacher Report. "It's true that I like the Premier League, because it is one of the best leagues in the world, for me, together with Germany and Spain.

"It is a very good league; it is a crazy league. A lot of my colleagues play there, but we will see. I am still young, only 26. We'll see in the future. I have always liked Manchester United from when I was young."

There has even been speculation that Witsel could leave Zenit in January, but the midfielder insists he has heard nothing and remains fully committed to the Russian giants.

"These rumours are in the newspapers," he added. "I don't know anything about it. I am here in Qatar, training to be focused on my team, Zenit, and to try to regain a good physical condition.

"Even during the holidays, I did not think about leaving. I am focused."

 

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Official: Bielik completes Arsenal move

Arsenal have completed the signing of midfielder Krystian Bielik from Legia Warsaw.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had already confirmed that Bielik, a 17-year-old defensive midfielder who can also play at centre-back, would go straight into the first-team squad.

The Londoners despatched transfer negotiator Dick Law to Warsaw last week in an attempt to fight off rival interest from Bundesliga strugglers Hamburg, and Bielik himself later confessed that the German club's precarious position helped make up his mind.

The youngster also insisted, however, that the chance to work with Wenger, "a legend", was the key factor in his decision to move to England.

Speaking before the move was formally announced, Wenger said: "He's a defensive midfielder, 6ft 2in [tall], has a good energy level and technical level.

"It's a gamble but, on what we saw, it's worth to take the gamble."

Bielik only made his senior debut for Legia in August, aged just 16, and made five league appearances in total before sealing his move to the Emirates Stadium.

 

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Arsenal hopeful of completing Gabriel deal

Arsenal are hopeful of completing the signing of Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista in the coming days, Goal understands.

The Gunners are in advanced talks over the transfer of the Brazilian centre-back, who has a buy-out clause of €20 million, and the player's agent is in London to try to finalise the deal.

Signing Gabriel is complicated by the work permit criteria applied to the transfer of players outside the EU - only those who have started 75 per cent of their national side's matches over the previous two years automatically qualify and the 24-year-old has yet to receive a senior cap for Brazil.

There is, however, an appeals process run by the Football Association on behalf of the Home Office that allows for the rules to be relaxed if it can be demonstrated that the player is "of the highest calibre" and "is able to contribute significantly to the development of the game at the top level in England".

Arsenal are optimistic about the prospect of meeting these appeal requirements in the case of Gabriel, who has impressed this season in a Villarreal defence that ranks as the joint-third best in La Liga, conceding just 17 goals in 19 games.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has repeatedly asserted his desire to sign a central defender in January, having embarked on this season with just six senior defenders to cover four positions.

Earlier this week Gabriel confirmed his agent was in talks with Arsenal, saying: "Whether I go to Arsenal or stay at Villarreal, I won't lose my head. I'm very calm.

"My head is at Villarreal and I'm very focused. My agent is working on making sure I continue being calm."

And on Tuesday, Villarreal boss Marcelino admitted his club would be open to doing a deal: "I hadn't considered selling Gabriel, it's bad news from a sporting point of view.

"If both Gabriel and the club believe that his sale to Arsenal is the best for all parties, we will accept."

 

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Barcelona 1-0 Atletico Madrid: Late Messi goal sinks Simeone's men

Lionel Messi gave Barcelona a slender 1-0 advantage over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final.

Barca completed a dazzling 3-1 win in La Liga over Atletico 10 days ago but, on their return to Camp Nou, Diego Simeone's reigning Spanish champions turned in a performance recalling memories of the organisation and intensity that saw them avoid defeat over six games against the Catalan club last season.

Luis Suarez spurned a glorious chance to break the deadlock nine minutes before half-time as a fixture responsible for numerous memorable moments over recent seasons failed to fully come to life.

Despite tightening their usual grip on possession as the match progressed, Barcelona were frustrated by a staunch Atletico backline until Sergio Busquets tumbled under minimal contact when a Messi free-kick was partially cleared.
Visiting goalkeeper Jan Oblak superbly got a firm hand to the Argentine's spot-kick, but he was helpless to prevent Messi from netting the rebound.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique stuck with the 10 outfield players who beat Atletico so convincingly earlier in the month but gave goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen his now customary recall for cup action.

In the opposite dug-out, Simeone made a similar goalkeeping call, starting with Oblak, and the Slovenian was at full stretch to keep out an early curling effort from Neymar.Messi was Atletico’s tormentor-in-chief the last time the sides met and the Barca talisman appeared in a menacing mood once more, combining with Dani Alves and Ivan Rakitic to fire over in the 12th minute.

But relentless waves of attacks did not follow on this occasion and, by the time Gerard Pique deflected a Fernando Torres effort behind in the 32nd minute, a more even contest had developed.

The first half's clearest opportunity still fell to Barcelona - Suarez lifting a shot wastefully over from close range after Rakitic had found the forward with a sublime pass on the volley. However, Pique needed a vital interception to thwart Torres and Antoine Griezmann on a 39th-minute counter-attack.

Mario Mandzukic replaced Torres at the interval and Barcelona resumed on the front foot - Jordi Alba darting in behind the Atletico defence to fire a dangerous left-wing cross into the goalmouth.Juanfran made an important aerial challenge to deny Neymar but, as the hour approached, Barcelona again found themselves restricted to a frustrating spell of occasional half-chances.

Andres Iniesta whipped a 25-yard shot goalwards with 16 minutes remaining, handing Oblak a routine and increasingly rare save, while Suarez took a tumble under the attentions of Uruguay international colleague Diego Godin - the match officials uninterested in his claims for a foul before a booking for dissent arrived.

Eventually, Barca's pressure in the increasingly fractious closing moments told and Messi beat Oblak at the second time of asking after his initial penalty had been saved, although Atletico will retain hopes of following up their elimination of holders and rivals Real Madrid in the previous round with another famous scalp.