..::Football III::..

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Give me time, I can get Milan back to the top - Inzaghi

Filippo Inzaghi has pleaded with AC Milan to give him time to get the club back to its best.

The Rossoneri are seven-time European champions but currently sit 11th in Serie A and were eliminated from the Coppa Italia on Tuesday at the hands of 10-man Lazio, to whom they lost 3-1 on Saturday in the league.

The defeat to their league rivals has put Inzaghi's future in greater doubt, but the former striker insists he can bring his side back to the top level if he is given time.

"I'm sorry to have lost a game in which we absolutely did not deserve to," he said. "Tonight we played well, this team gave everything and I'm sorry to go out this way.

"We have to start again, because of course we have not done what we wanted to. I am not looking for excuses and I don't want to compare myself to him, but Sir Alex Ferguson won his first title after seven years in charge at Manchester United.

"We know we need to improve but when we have to rebuild and I need to be given the time, and with commitment and hard work we will return Milan back to the way it was.

"I have a president who loves me and is by my side and I have to thank the fans. Tonight we played on par with Lazio, but in the defeat to them on Saturday, we were lower and the result was fair.

"We had a good game in the Coppa and we created a lot, but it did not go well for us at all.

"We must start again with a win, we're not in the cup any more, but we have to get back into Europe and we have to win on Sunday against Parma."

 

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Mexes handed four-game ban after Lazio dismissal

AC Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi will have to make without the services of Philippe Mexes in the upcoming weeks after the Frenchman was handed a four-game ban for his red card in the 3-1 Serie A loss against Lazio.

The centre-back was shown a straight red card by referee Paolo Mazzoleni after grabbing Stefano Mauri by his throat in the closing stages of the game, only to then completely lose his temper and proceed to scrap with both Mauri and Lorik Cana.

Mexes apologised for his behaviour on Monday, but has nonetheless been slapped with a heavy suspension for his actions.

The 32-year-old will consequently miss the Serie A games against Parma, Juventus, Empoli and Cesena.

Mexes has made nine appearances for Milan in Serie A this term, collecting four yellow cards and one red card in the process.

The San Siro side have been struggling to find their best form under Inzaghi and currently sit 11th in the Serie A table with 26 points from 20 games.

 

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'Nasty' Costa condemned by Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers has criticised Chelsea striker Diego Costa for appearing to stamp on two Liverpool players during the League Cup semi-final.

The Spain international went unpunished from referee Michael Oliver despite seeming to stand on Emre Can and Martin Skrtel in separate incidents during the 1-0 extra-time win which sent his side through to the final of the competition.

And Rodgers was not happy with the way the striker acted in the game, slamming him for his violent behaviour.

"He’s an outstanding footballer," the Liverpool manager told Sky Sports. "He obviously has this edge to him and we’ve seen the two incidents. On Emre Can that was poor, he could easily have hurdled over the player and it could have been nasty.

"And with Martin Skrtel again, there’s no need to do it, he’s clever enough. It was poor by him."

Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw in the first-leg of the tie with the Blues and after a goalless 90 minutes on Tuesday, Branislav Ivanovic headed in the winning goal in extra time to send the Reds crashing out.

Rodgers insists his side deserved to win the tie overall, stating that Chelsea were carried through by the excellent form of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

"I think we were the better side over the two games," he tsaid.

"I think the goalkeeper has won the the tie really. Some of our play was very good and we created chances to score a couple of goals. Their keeper made a couple of very good saves and ultimately won them the tie.

"The players were dead on their feet at the end. For us to be successful it has to hurt at times as well. I thought we gave chelsea a lot of problems but it wasn’t to be."

 

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Capital One Cup 2nd Leg Fixture 2015.01.28

Capital One Cup 2nd Leg Fixture 2015.01.28

AGG

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Sheffield Vs Tottenham

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Copa del Rey 2nd Leg Fixture 2015.01.28

Copa del Rey 2nd Leg Fixture 2015.01.28

AGG

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Atletico Madrid Vs Barcelona

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Atletico Madrid Vs Barcelona patta gemak yai​

 

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Coppa Italia Fixture 2015.01.28

Coppa Italia Fixture 2015.01.28

Parma Vs Juventus

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James has shown his quality at Real Madrid - Valderrama

James Rodriguez has already proven his quality within Real Madrid's star-studded line-up, according to Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama.

James, who joined the European champions for a fee in the region of €80 million last summer, has impressed in a deeper role in Carlo Ancelotti's side and has notched 10 goals and as many assists in all competitions so far this season.

And former Colombia star Valderrama believes the 23-year-old is learning a lot from playing for the Liga leaders.

"He adapted very quickly to the group and has done very well. That makes him relaxed enough to show his quality," he was quoted as saying by AS.

"He's young, he's learning and he's come to a team where he will learn a lot more, in a great team at a great club.

"He's shown his quality. We are from different eras. In mine, he was a child, and now he is our star and will continue to be so."

James admits Valderrama - who was capped 111 times by Colombia - was an idol of his while he was growing up.

"It's a big honour to be at his side," the former Monaco star said as the pair met at Madrid's training complex.

"I admired him and I always will. It is a mutual admiration."

 

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I won't buy any more African stars, says Montpellier chief Nicollin

Montpellier president Louis Nicollin claims he will not buy any more players who are likely to be called up for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 2012 Ligue 1 champions, who are currently sixth in the French top flight, lost Siaka Tiene and Jamel Saihi this month due to their commitments in Equatorial Guinea with Cote d'Ivoire and Tunisia respectively.

Senegal have already been caught up in a row with West Ham over striker Diafra Sakho, with the player being ruled out of the tournament with injury only to score the winning goal for the Hammers in the FA Cup last weekend.

And Nicollin has now stated he will not risk signing any more players who could potentially leave Montpellier during the heart of the season for future tournaments.

"I think that, ultimately, Saihi can stay in Tunisia if he likes. I don't understand how you can leave a club for so long in the middle of the season. It could destabilise the group," he was quoted as saying by Midi Libre.

"In future, I won't buy any more players who play in the Africa Cup of Nations, that is clear."

 

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Martinez rules out Everton panic buys

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has no plans to take a "big gamble" in the transfer market this month and has ruled out signing a striker, despite the departure of Samuel Eto'o.

The Merseyside club are just four points above the relegation zone in 12th place, having won just five Premier League matches this season.

This week, Eto'o ended his short stay at Goodison Park by joining Sampdoria, but Martinez believes Arouna Kone can fill the void left by the former Cameroon captain's move to Italy.

The Spaniard has not ruled out delving into the transfer market before Monday's deadline, but will not sign players for the sake of it.

He told the club's official webite: "January is not the place to find solutions [in the transfer market]. Our moment of form, we want to change, but the solutions are in the squad.

"There are players coming back from injury to create the competition in the squad and I don’t feel it is the window to bring solutions for us.

"With Arouna Kone being fully fit, I see him as a replacement for Samuel's position and it is more about trying to get the players back from injury.

"Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman have been two players missing throughout the season which has been disappointing because they are important in the way we want to play.

"Leon played in every single game last season and we miss what he brings. So I am looking around that.

"We are always working and if we can do something to help the players we have got at the club then we will do something. But what's clear is that January is not very straightforward.

"You never get value for money (in January), first and foremost, and you will not get players you have been following for a long time. And if you want to rely on January to find solutions for your season then it is a big gamble. But we will carry on working."

 

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James: Ronaldo support 'fundamental' to Real Madrid form

James Rodriguez feels his strong start to life at Real Madrid is in no small part down to the support of team-mate and Ballon d'Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Colombian arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu in the close-season - having helped his burgeoning reputation with a strong showing at the World Cup - for a fee worth close to €80 million.

James has since weighed in with 10 goals from 31 appearances in all competitions and praised Ronaldo for his assistance in easing the transition from Monaco to La Liga.

"His support has been fundamental," Rodriguez told Colombian station Caracol Radio.

"He's been a great help to me here and that's important. He's excellent, both on and off the pitch. A top guy, he's down to earth and his winning the Ballon d'Or was well deserved.

"I'm at the best team in the world and want to stay here for many years to come. I want to help the team to win titles.

"Of course I'd love to win [the Champions League] and I would love if it was this year, too."

James was also quizzed on whether he had won over coach Carlo Ancelotti following his big-money switch.

"He has a great way with the players and we're absolutely delighted with him," the former Porto man explained.

James' side will have to play without the 2014 Ballon d'Or winner after he was suspended for two matches following his sending off against Cordoba in Real's last league game.

 

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Real Madrid set to name stadium the Cepsa Santiago Bernabeu

Real Madrid are set to name their stadium the Cepsa Santiago Bernabeu following its €500 million revamp.

The venue, the home of the European champions for the past 68 years, is due to undergo major expansion work - the project is currently being held up by legal proceedings - with a sponsor's name attached upon completion.

Madrid signed a deal with the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) in 2014 to enable them to fund the redevelopment of the ground and, although the club have yet to publicly announce the agreement included naming rights, president Florentino Perez has admitted the Bernabeu could be given a "surname".

It is believed IPIC proposed the Abu Dhabi Santiago Bernabeu but that was dismissed by the club. Another alternative was the IPIC Bernabeu which was again rejected and Goal understands the two parties finally settled on Cepsa - an energy company owned by IPIC.

The revamp will transform the Bernabeu into a 90,000 capacity arena with the club hoping the work will be done by the end of 2017.

After a long tendering process, the final renovation contract was awarded to German architects GMP Architekten, in conjunction with Catalan company Ribas&Ribas. The stadium will have a retractable roof as part of the new design.

Building work on the site will be suspended for home matches, allowing the club to continue playing games at the Bernabeu during the course of the re-construction.

 

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Arteta signs new one-year Arsenal deal

Mikel Arteta has signed a one-year contract extension with Arsenal, according to his agent.

Arteta's representative Inaki Ibanez told footmercato.net: "Mikel is no longer free next June, because he now has an extra year on his contract."

Goal revealed details of the contract offer in November, and it means Arteta will stay at the Emirates until the end of 2015-16, when he will be 34-years-old.

The Spaniard joined the club from Everton in 2011, and last summer it had appeared that an exit was on the cards.

But he has elected to stay with the Gunners for another season, despite struggling with a calf problem which has restricted him to just seven Premier League appearances this season.

 

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Pato still hopeful of Premier League move

Alexandre Pato is still hoping to seal a move to the Premier League before the January transfer window closes.

Sources have confirmed to Goal that the striker is able to move to England from Corinthians for a loan fee of €2 million, while his €100,000-a-week wages would also need to be covered by any club hoping to sign the Brazilian.

The former AC Milan forward was close to joining Hull City, but Goal understands the move collapsed on Tuesday night.

Hull were locked in talks over a deal but decided against completing the move in a board meeting, though there is an outside chance the KC Stadium outfit could yet return for the striker.

Pato is optimistic a move to England can be secured however, with QPR, West Brom and Everton also having held talks to sign the Brazilian.

A source close to negotiations told Goal: "The player really wants to make the move.

"It is big money but the clubs talking to him are very tempted as they know he could potentially be a top Premier League player, but it is a risk."

Pato, 25, started his professional career in Brazil with Internacional before moving to Milan in 2007.

He established himself as a first-team regular at San Siro in 2010, but failed to live up to expectations and joined Corinthians in June 2013, signing a four-year deal.

 

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'Guardiola won't find a better club than Bayern'

Bayern Munich honorary president Franz Beckenbauer says Pep Guardiola won't find a better club if he decides to leave at the end of the season.The former Barcelona boss agreed a three-year deal with Bayern in 2013 but reports on Saturday claimed he will quit the Bundesliga champions in the summer.

Guardiola refused to directly answer questions about his future this week, instead saying it was "a dream come true" to have coached the club and he was in no rush to discuss a new contract.However, with the Spaniard having enjoyed Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, European Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup success last term, Beckenbauer believes his next move will be a step down if he departs.

"I once said that I hope that Guardiola stays here for 10 years and I continue to hope that. He will hardly find better conditions than in Munich at another club," he told Bild.

"He is only 44 years old and has enough time later to take over another club."It is also clear Guardiola basically needs no contract. A coach of his calibre will go anyway, if he wants to go."

Bayern can move another step closer to the Bundesliga title on Friday when they travel to nearest challengers Wolfsburg with the sides separated by 11 points.

 

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Madrid have struggled - Isco

Isco has admitted that Real Madrid have struggled to find their best form since the turn of the year.

Carlo Ancelotti's men were beaten by Valencia earlier this year, while they were also eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Atletico Madrid.

Madrid remain top of the Liga table irrespective of their indifferent form and Isco wants to show what they are capable of again when they meet Real Sociedad at the weekend, with their 4-2 defeat in the reverse fixture serving as extra motivation.

"More than wanting revenge, we want to start feeling good again," Isco was quoted as saying by Marca.

"There are three important points up for grabs in front of the home fans and we want to win to maintain our dominant position in the league."

The attacking midfielder then went on to stress that La Liga is not Madrid's only objective, though, as they also aim to retain the Champions League.

"The league and the Champions League are very important. Real Madrid need to be there fighting for both titles.

"It's great trying to retain the Champions League, and we'll work very hard to try and manage it."

 

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Mata: Manchester United face battle to qualify for Champions League

Juan Mata has warned Manchester United they face a fight to finish in the top four and qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Louis van Gaal’s side currently lie in fourth place but have won just two of their last six Premier League games with Arsenal just a point behind.

The Red Devils welcome Leicester to Old Trafford on Saturday, having already lost to the Foxes this season, and Mata has urged his side to go on a winning run.

“It is going to be a fight until the end and not just between two teams, it will be between three, four, five teams,” he told reporters.

“This is our main objective for this season, to play Champions league football again because I think this club should always play in the Champions League.

“It’s very important – not just to win the games against your big rivals, but also the weaker teams. If you want to be in the top four at the end of the season, you have to win almost every game.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s Leicester City or Manchester City. We have to go into the games trying to win. The next six or seven games are very important to get to a crucial moment in the season.”

The former Chelsea man also admits his team have missed being part of Europe’s top competition having failed to qualify last season for the first time since 1995.

“It’s difficult, every Tuesday and Wednesday. Watching the games on TV,” he added.

“It’s the thought that we all have in our minds that we need to be back in the Champions League – it’s the most attractive competition in the world. We need to be there again.”

Mata also insists he is happy at Old Trafford despite not always being a regular starter for Van Gaal.

“I guess it has to be difficult for the manager to choose from all the players we have, especially in attack, but I think it is also good for him because he has so many options,” he explained.

“For me personally, I feel very good, I feel very happy and I’m just trying to keep playing as I did and trying to help the team.

“I think you have to look at it after the season has gone, to see how many games I play, to see how important I was for the team. But I feel important and I’ve played a lot of games so far, so I’m happy.”

 

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Next season Champions Legaue qualify wenna nam loku gemak denna wenawameh season 1ka purawata play karapu widiyatanam play kaloth sorryma thamai​

 

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Meyer: I nearly left Schalke for Bayern

Schalke youngster Max Meyer has revealed he has twice come close to joining Bayern Munich.

The 19-year-old is one of Germany's hottest prospects and has already become a first team regular in Gelsenkirchen, having made his debut for the club at the age of 17 in February 2013.

However, so evident was his talent as a youngster, Meyer was the subject of interest from a number of clubs as he progressed through the youth ranks, including Bayern, but opted to remain with Schalke.

"I trained at Bayern for one day when I was 12, but I never heard anything from Bayern after that," Meyer told Sport Bild.

"But I nearly joined Bayern after all at a latter stage. Things were much more concrete then.

"Things weren't going too well for me in my first year with Schalke Under-15. I then visited Bayern, but this time not to train, but to hold talks. I had an offer and came close to joining Bayern. Schalke eventually convinced me to stay, though.

"I have no regrets about my decision. I made the right call. I want to stay at Schalke for a long time and score a lot of goals here."

Meyer - who has a contract with Schalke until June 2018 - has scored two goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances so far this term.

 

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Pogba will soon be a true great, says Griezmann

Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann believes Juventus star Paul Pogba is destined to become one of the best players in the world.

The powerful midfielder has been one of the undisputed stars of Serie A this season - scoring six goals in 17 league appearances - and Griezmann has little doubt that his compatriot will soon be a major star globally.

"Pogba really is a great player. He has immense qualities," the Atletico attacker was quoted as saying by L'Equipe.

"He has a great right foot, but is equally strong with his left foot. He even scored a great goal with his left foot against Chievo at the weekend.

"He has great technique and is pretty quick, too.

"It's now up to him to keep his feet on the ground, keep giving his all and continue to do well with Juventus and France. If he does just that, I'm sure he will soon be among the five greatest players in the world."

Pogba recently signed a new contract with Juventus until June 2019.