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Manchester City 1-2 Barcelona: Suarez double leaves Pellegrini's men on the brink
Luis Suarez shone on his return to English soil as Barcelona outclassed Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium to leave Manuel Pellegrini's Champions League hopes dangling by a thread.
The former Liverpool star twice finished clinically in the first half as the Catalan giants - inspired as ever by the brilliant Lionel Messi - taught the Premier League champions a lesson on their own pitch.
Sergio Aguero gave City hope of a comeback when he fired in on 69 minutes but Gael Clichy received a second yellow card for a foul on Dani Alves soon afterwards and Barcelona comfortably held on.
Messi could have given City an even bigger mountain to climb when he won a penalty into the final minute of stoppage time, but Hart saved the spot-kick and the Argentine directed a diving header wide on the rebound.
City will welcome the influential Yaya Toure back for the return game against his former club on March 18, but they have it all to do as they attempt to reach the last eight of the Champions League for the first time.
The recalled Martin Demichelis was sent off for a professional foul on Messi at the Etihad Stadium last season, but the defender denied his Argentina team-mate with a fine tackle after Neymar had outfoxed Pablo Zabaleta and delivered a fine pass.
Suarez then fired just wide of the near post as City struggled to cope with Barca's rapid passing and movement, but the Uruguay striker was not to be denied an opening goal in the 16th minute.
Messi was at his brilliant best and, when Vincent Kompany could only head the mercurial forward's cross against Suarez, the former Liverpool star fired home with his left foot before the Belgium captain had time to react.
Edin Dzeko headed just wide when City made a rare foray forward before Barca doubled their lead after 30 minutes and once again it was Suarez applying the finishing touch.
City were unable to stop Messi as he surged forward at pace and laid the ball off for Jordi Alba, who showed great composure to bide his time before delivering a cross for the onrushing Suarez to tuck in from close range.
Barca were in complete control and Dani Alves struck the crossbar with what appeared to be an attempted cross before Samir Nasri finally called Marc-Andre ter Stegen into action two minutes before the end of a one-sided first half.
City looked far more dangerous in the first few minutes of the second half than they had in the opening 45 and only a great Javier Mascherano block kept out Nasri's strike before the unmarked Dzeko headed straight at Ter Stegen from six yards.
Wilfried Bony came on for his Champions League debut in place of Dzeko and City deservedly pulled a goal back when David Silva's clever lay-off found Aguero, who fired an unstoppable shot beyond Ter Stegen.
Any hopes of City avoiding a first-leg defeat looked slim four minutes later, though, as Clichy was shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Alves.
Messi then had the opportunity to ensure Barca headed into the second leg with a 3-1 lead, but Hart dived to his left to keep out the usually clinical forward's spot-kick and the Argentina star headed the rebound wide.
Luis Suarez shone on his return to English soil as Barcelona outclassed Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium to leave Manuel Pellegrini's Champions League hopes dangling by a thread.
The former Liverpool star twice finished clinically in the first half as the Catalan giants - inspired as ever by the brilliant Lionel Messi - taught the Premier League champions a lesson on their own pitch.
Sergio Aguero gave City hope of a comeback when he fired in on 69 minutes but Gael Clichy received a second yellow card for a foul on Dani Alves soon afterwards and Barcelona comfortably held on.
Messi could have given City an even bigger mountain to climb when he won a penalty into the final minute of stoppage time, but Hart saved the spot-kick and the Argentine directed a diving header wide on the rebound.
City will welcome the influential Yaya Toure back for the return game against his former club on March 18, but they have it all to do as they attempt to reach the last eight of the Champions League for the first time.
The recalled Martin Demichelis was sent off for a professional foul on Messi at the Etihad Stadium last season, but the defender denied his Argentina team-mate with a fine tackle after Neymar had outfoxed Pablo Zabaleta and delivered a fine pass.
Suarez then fired just wide of the near post as City struggled to cope with Barca's rapid passing and movement, but the Uruguay striker was not to be denied an opening goal in the 16th minute.
Messi was at his brilliant best and, when Vincent Kompany could only head the mercurial forward's cross against Suarez, the former Liverpool star fired home with his left foot before the Belgium captain had time to react.
Edin Dzeko headed just wide when City made a rare foray forward before Barca doubled their lead after 30 minutes and once again it was Suarez applying the finishing touch.
City were unable to stop Messi as he surged forward at pace and laid the ball off for Jordi Alba, who showed great composure to bide his time before delivering a cross for the onrushing Suarez to tuck in from close range.
Barca were in complete control and Dani Alves struck the crossbar with what appeared to be an attempted cross before Samir Nasri finally called Marc-Andre ter Stegen into action two minutes before the end of a one-sided first half.
City looked far more dangerous in the first few minutes of the second half than they had in the opening 45 and only a great Javier Mascherano block kept out Nasri's strike before the unmarked Dzeko headed straight at Ter Stegen from six yards.
Wilfried Bony came on for his Champions League debut in place of Dzeko and City deservedly pulled a goal back when David Silva's clever lay-off found Aguero, who fired an unstoppable shot beyond Ter Stegen.
Any hopes of City avoiding a first-leg defeat looked slim four minutes later, though, as Clichy was shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Alves.
Messi then had the opportunity to ensure Barca headed into the second leg with a 3-1 lead, but Hart dived to his left to keep out the usually clinical forward's spot-kick and the Argentina star headed the rebound wide.
Neymar confronts Man City fan after verbal exchange
Barcelona attacker Neymar was involved in a spat with a Manchester City fan in the closing stages of his side's 2-1 Champions League win at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
The Brazilian attacker was substituted after 80 minutes in the first leg of the last-16 tie and was initially involved in a verbal exchange with a group of fans near the front row.
As soon as the final whistle was blown, footage filmed from a supporter's camera shows the Barca starlet leaving his side's bench and walking over to confront one particular fan, a young male who was speaking Portuguese and wearing a City jersey with Yaya Toure's name and number on the back.
The pair exchanged words for a few seconds, with the fan appearing to be accusing the visibly angry Camp Nou star of diving, before a steward was forced to intervene, telling them to "stop it".
The confrontation did not become violent and Neymar then turned away and headed back down the tunnel with the rest of his team-mates.
In the match, two first-half strikes from Luis Suarez had the visitors in command before Sergio Aguero got a goal back after the break.
Gael Clichy was sent off in the closing stages for the hosts and the tie looked like it was all but over when Lionel Messi won a penalty in stoppage-time, but the Argentine's effort from 12 yards was dramatically saved by Joe Hart.
Barcelona attacker Neymar was involved in a spat with a Manchester City fan in the closing stages of his side's 2-1 Champions League win at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
The Brazilian attacker was substituted after 80 minutes in the first leg of the last-16 tie and was initially involved in a verbal exchange with a group of fans near the front row.
As soon as the final whistle was blown, footage filmed from a supporter's camera shows the Barca starlet leaving his side's bench and walking over to confront one particular fan, a young male who was speaking Portuguese and wearing a City jersey with Yaya Toure's name and number on the back.
The pair exchanged words for a few seconds, with the fan appearing to be accusing the visibly angry Camp Nou star of diving, before a steward was forced to intervene, telling them to "stop it".
The confrontation did not become violent and Neymar then turned away and headed back down the tunnel with the rest of his team-mates.
In the match, two first-half strikes from Luis Suarez had the visitors in command before Sergio Aguero got a goal back after the break.
Gael Clichy was sent off in the closing stages for the hosts and the tie looked like it was all but over when Lionel Messi won a penalty in stoppage-time, but the Argentine's effort from 12 yards was dramatically saved by Joe Hart.
Klopp delighted with 'top result' at Juventus
Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp described his side’s 2-1 defeat to Juventus on Tuesday night as a “top result”.
The Germans came away from Turin with a result to build on in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Marco Reus grabbing their goal in between strikes from Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata.Dortmund’s form in the Bundesliga is finally on an upward curve and Klopp was happy they maintained the momentum at the Juventus Stadium.
He told Sky: "We did really well during the first half but conceded a stupid goal to make it 1-0. The way that happened is not easy to comprehend for me.
"But after we equalised it was a great game by us. In the second half we had only one, or two little chances, while Juve had big ones to make it 3-1."We caused a usually well-organised team a lot of trouble. 2-1 is a top result."
The only negative on the night for Klopp was an injury to right-back Lukasz Piszczek which saw him substituted after 32 minutes. Centre–half Sokratis Papastathopoulos was also replaced at half-time by Oliver Kirch.
"If Piszczek is not severely injured then that was a superb night," added Klopp."Nobody expected us to win here 3-0 and then go easy in the second leg.
"It is not perfect when you have to make two substitutions so early because of injuries. The order gets lost and you lose opportunities to react later in the match."
Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp described his side’s 2-1 defeat to Juventus on Tuesday night as a “top result”.
The Germans came away from Turin with a result to build on in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Marco Reus grabbing their goal in between strikes from Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata.Dortmund’s form in the Bundesliga is finally on an upward curve and Klopp was happy they maintained the momentum at the Juventus Stadium.
He told Sky: "We did really well during the first half but conceded a stupid goal to make it 1-0. The way that happened is not easy to comprehend for me.
"But after we equalised it was a great game by us. In the second half we had only one, or two little chances, while Juve had big ones to make it 3-1."We caused a usually well-organised team a lot of trouble. 2-1 is a top result."
The only negative on the night for Klopp was an injury to right-back Lukasz Piszczek which saw him substituted after 32 minutes. Centre–half Sokratis Papastathopoulos was also replaced at half-time by Oliver Kirch.
"If Piszczek is not severely injured then that was a superb night," added Klopp."Nobody expected us to win here 3-0 and then go easy in the second leg.
"It is not perfect when you have to make two substitutions so early because of injuries. The order gets lost and you lose opportunities to react later in the match."
It was important for Barca to bounce back, says Iniesta
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta believes a positive result in the 2-1 win over Manchester City was vital following the loss to Malaga on Saturday.
The Catalans triumphed at the Etihad Stadium thanks to two first-half goals from Luis Suarez and, though Sergio Aguero pulled one back and Lionel Messi missed a penalty after the break, the Spain star was delighted to see his side respond to the weekend's upset.
"Except for the penalty, which was unfortunate, we're very happy with the Manchester result," he is quoted as saying by AS.
"A 3-1 win would have ended the tie before the Camp Nou leg. We leave with a good feeling. It was important to put in a good showing after the defeat against Magala at Camp Nou on Saturday.
"Man City also had their chances, but we did a good job.
"They will be more dangerous. We need the same concentration."
Barca and Man City clash in the second-leg at Camp Nou on March 18.
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta believes a positive result in the 2-1 win over Manchester City was vital following the loss to Malaga on Saturday.
The Catalans triumphed at the Etihad Stadium thanks to two first-half goals from Luis Suarez and, though Sergio Aguero pulled one back and Lionel Messi missed a penalty after the break, the Spain star was delighted to see his side respond to the weekend's upset.
"Except for the penalty, which was unfortunate, we're very happy with the Manchester result," he is quoted as saying by AS.
"A 3-1 win would have ended the tie before the Camp Nou leg. We leave with a good feeling. It was important to put in a good showing after the defeat against Magala at Camp Nou on Saturday.
"Man City also had their chances, but we did a good job.
"They will be more dangerous. We need the same concentration."
Barca and Man City clash in the second-leg at Camp Nou on March 18.
Pellegrini: No regrets over Barcelona tactical gamble
Manuel Pellegrini insists he has no regrets over Manchester City's tactical approach after Barcelona ran out comfortable 2-1 winners at the Etihad Stadium.
City lined up with an attack-minded 4-4-2 system but it was the Catalan side who dominated the opening 45 minutes of Tuesday's Champions League round of 16 first-leg, with Luis Suarez scoring twice on his return to English soil.
An improved City pulled a goal back through Sergio Aguero in the second half, but Barcelona continued to turn their superiority into chances and Lionel Messi wasted the opportunity to finish the tie when he saw a penalty saved by Joe Hart and missed the rebound in injury time.
The Premier League champions now face an uphill task to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time but Pellegrini is adamant his team approached the first leg in the correct manner.
When asked if he harboured any regrets over City's set-up, Pellegrini replied: "No, I was very happy. It was the way we must play against Barcelona.
"We played two different games; the first half and the second half. Before the first goal it was a very normal game. After that we conceded a very easy goal and after that we played very bad.
"In the second half we did what we talked about before the game. We played well. It's not easy to play against Barcelona. We conceded two goals but we discount one goal and two or three chances more to score.
"It's not the best result here at home and I hope we are going to try to do it at least, with a normal performance in Europe and a good performance as a team. We will try to do it there in the next game.
"It was a very important save from Hart for Messi's penalty but a very unnecessary penalty, we must control our emotions inside the box. Three-one is a very difficult score to try to reverse but I think we can have more chances."
Manuel Pellegrini insists he has no regrets over Manchester City's tactical approach after Barcelona ran out comfortable 2-1 winners at the Etihad Stadium.
City lined up with an attack-minded 4-4-2 system but it was the Catalan side who dominated the opening 45 minutes of Tuesday's Champions League round of 16 first-leg, with Luis Suarez scoring twice on his return to English soil.
An improved City pulled a goal back through Sergio Aguero in the second half, but Barcelona continued to turn their superiority into chances and Lionel Messi wasted the opportunity to finish the tie when he saw a penalty saved by Joe Hart and missed the rebound in injury time.
The Premier League champions now face an uphill task to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time but Pellegrini is adamant his team approached the first leg in the correct manner.
When asked if he harboured any regrets over City's set-up, Pellegrini replied: "No, I was very happy. It was the way we must play against Barcelona.
"We played two different games; the first half and the second half. Before the first goal it was a very normal game. After that we conceded a very easy goal and after that we played very bad.
"In the second half we did what we talked about before the game. We played well. It's not easy to play against Barcelona. We conceded two goals but we discount one goal and two or three chances more to score.
"It's not the best result here at home and I hope we are going to try to do it at least, with a normal performance in Europe and a good performance as a team. We will try to do it there in the next game.
"It was a very important save from Hart for Messi's penalty but a very unnecessary penalty, we must control our emotions inside the box. Three-one is a very difficult score to try to reverse but I think we can have more chances."
Man City will fight until the end against Barcelona, vows Aguero
Sergio Aguero has vowed that Manchester City will fight until the end against Barcelona after losing the first-leg of their Champions League last-16 tie 2-1 on Tuesday.
A Luis Suarez double gave Barca a 2-0 half-time lead at the Etihad Stadium, but Aguero reduced the deficit in the second half with a calm finish after a clever flick-on from David Silva.
Lionel Messi could have put the tie to bed in injury time when his side were awarded a penalty, but Joe Hart saved his effort.
Aguero insists that the tie is "unfinished", with City set to travel to the Camp Nou for the return leg on March 18.
"It's not the result we wanted but the tie is still unfinished," he wrote on Twitter. "And as usual we'll fight 'til the end. C'mon, City!"
City return to action against Liverpool this weekend, while Barca face Granada in La Liga.
Sergio Aguero has vowed that Manchester City will fight until the end against Barcelona after losing the first-leg of their Champions League last-16 tie 2-1 on Tuesday.
A Luis Suarez double gave Barca a 2-0 half-time lead at the Etihad Stadium, but Aguero reduced the deficit in the second half with a calm finish after a clever flick-on from David Silva.
Lionel Messi could have put the tie to bed in injury time when his side were awarded a penalty, but Joe Hart saved his effort.
Aguero insists that the tie is "unfinished", with City set to travel to the Camp Nou for the return leg on March 18.
"It's not the result we wanted but the tie is still unfinished," he wrote on Twitter. "And as usual we'll fight 'til the end. C'mon, City!"
City return to action against Liverpool this weekend, while Barca face Granada in La Liga.
Reus 'not worried' despite Dortmund defeat
Borussia Dortmund attacker Marco Reus says he is not at all worried about the prospect of a Champions League exit at the hands of Juventus despite losing the first leg 2-1.
The Germany international scored to put his side back on level terms after Carlos Tevez broke the deadlock, only for Alvaro Morata to give the Bianconeri a narrow first-leg lead.
Reus feels that his side could have got more from the Turin clash but is still confident they will progress.
"Maybe we could have got something more out of this," he told Sky.
"After it was 1-1 we were better in this match and the 2-1 was stupid. In the second half, both teams wanted to continue their way.
"Now we have to settle this in the second leg. We have to be more determined. I am not worried at all. Everything is possible in the second leg."
Reus' goal came about after an error from Giorgio Chiellini and the attacker says he and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were both planning to put Juventus' defenders under pressure from the start.
"You could see it. Auba and I always try to run at defenders, while Ciro Immobile attacked Pirlo, then Chiellini slipped. These situations happen only once or twice.
"Unfortunately that goal did not give us as much safety as I would have thought. In the second half we could have conceded a third."
Borussia Dortmund attacker Marco Reus says he is not at all worried about the prospect of a Champions League exit at the hands of Juventus despite losing the first leg 2-1.
The Germany international scored to put his side back on level terms after Carlos Tevez broke the deadlock, only for Alvaro Morata to give the Bianconeri a narrow first-leg lead.
Reus feels that his side could have got more from the Turin clash but is still confident they will progress.
"Maybe we could have got something more out of this," he told Sky.
"After it was 1-1 we were better in this match and the 2-1 was stupid. In the second half, both teams wanted to continue their way.
"Now we have to settle this in the second leg. We have to be more determined. I am not worried at all. Everything is possible in the second leg."
Reus' goal came about after an error from Giorgio Chiellini and the attacker says he and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were both planning to put Juventus' defenders under pressure from the start.
"You could see it. Auba and I always try to run at defenders, while Ciro Immobile attacked Pirlo, then Chiellini slipped. These situations happen only once or twice.
"Unfortunately that goal did not give us as much safety as I would have thought. In the second half we could have conceded a third."
Luis Enrique: Messi will remain our penalty taker
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique insists that Lionel Messi will continue taking penalties for his side, despite missing his third spot kick of the season against Manchester City.
The Argentine had the chance to put his side 3-1 up late on at the Etihad Stadium, but Joe Hart saved his effort from 12 yards.
He also missed penalties against Levante in September and Brazil, while playing for his country, in October, but Luis Enrique is confident that the attacker is still reliable from the spot.
"Those who miss penalties are those who dare to take them and our penalty taker is undoubtedly Leo Messi. We have the utmost confidence in his capacity to take them," he told reporters.
Luis Enrique went on to say that his side can be very proud of their efforts in Manchester and the performance to go with it.
"The result is deserved and we must be proud of it. It is difficult to close out the result in these matches, but we had a lot of chances.
"In the first half we were very good. We created a lot of chances from midfield and we defended very well. We were very good in all aspects of the game.
"In the second half, our opponents also showed their quality and we had to suffer, but this result is deserved.
"We are very happy with the result."
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique insists that Lionel Messi will continue taking penalties for his side, despite missing his third spot kick of the season against Manchester City.
The Argentine had the chance to put his side 3-1 up late on at the Etihad Stadium, but Joe Hart saved his effort from 12 yards.
He also missed penalties against Levante in September and Brazil, while playing for his country, in October, but Luis Enrique is confident that the attacker is still reliable from the spot.
"Those who miss penalties are those who dare to take them and our penalty taker is undoubtedly Leo Messi. We have the utmost confidence in his capacity to take them," he told reporters.
Luis Enrique went on to say that his side can be very proud of their efforts in Manchester and the performance to go with it.
"The result is deserved and we must be proud of it. It is difficult to close out the result in these matches, but we had a lot of chances.
"In the first half we were very good. We created a lot of chances from midfield and we defended very well. We were very good in all aspects of the game.
"In the second half, our opponents also showed their quality and we had to suffer, but this result is deserved.
"We are very happy with the result."
Suarez: Messi penalty miss could prove decisive
Luis Suarez believes Lionel Messi’s late penalty miss in the late stages of Barcelona's 2-1 win over Manchester City on Tuesday could prove decisive.
Suarez’s double in the first-half of the first-leg of their Champions League last-16 clash at the Etihad seemed to have put Barca on the way to a convincing win, but Sergio Aguero pulled one back after the break before Messi fluffed the chance to make it 3-1 from the spot deep into injury-time.
Having seen his penalty saved by City goalkeeper Joe Hart, Messi then inexplcably headed wide with the goal gaping.
Asked if City would be pleased with the result, Suarez told ITV: "I think so because if they lost the game 3-1 it would be very difficult with another game to come. But 2-1 is a good result for them."Former Liverpool striker Suarez has struggled to make an impact in Catalonia following his summer move and admitted his performance at the Etihad Stadium was possibly the best of his Blaugrana career.
"Yeah, maybe, I’m not sure," he added. "I try to play every game to help the team and with the important goals I am so happy."
Luis Suarez believes Lionel Messi’s late penalty miss in the late stages of Barcelona's 2-1 win over Manchester City on Tuesday could prove decisive.
Suarez’s double in the first-half of the first-leg of their Champions League last-16 clash at the Etihad seemed to have put Barca on the way to a convincing win, but Sergio Aguero pulled one back after the break before Messi fluffed the chance to make it 3-1 from the spot deep into injury-time.
Having seen his penalty saved by City goalkeeper Joe Hart, Messi then inexplcably headed wide with the goal gaping.
Asked if City would be pleased with the result, Suarez told ITV: "I think so because if they lost the game 3-1 it would be very difficult with another game to come. But 2-1 is a good result for them."Former Liverpool striker Suarez has struggled to make an impact in Catalonia following his summer move and admitted his performance at the Etihad Stadium was possibly the best of his Blaugrana career.
"Yeah, maybe, I’m not sure," he added. "I try to play every game to help the team and with the important goals I am so happy."
Dortmund only scored because of our error, says Tevez
Carlos Tevez was disappointed with the defensive error which allowed Borussia Dortmund to net an away goal in Juventus' 2-1 Champions League win over the German side in Turin.
The Argentine opened the scoring for Massimiliano Allegri’s side before the visitors struck back through Marco Reus, who made the most of a Giorgio Chiellini slip to go one-on-one with Gianluigi Buffon and knock it in.
Alvaro Morata sealed victory for the hosts soon after but Tevez feels his side should be taking a clear two goal lead to Dortmund for the second leg.
"I think we played a good match, but Dortmund scored thanks to our error," he told Sky.
"In the Champions League there are no easy games in Dortmund and we know it will be difficult."
Tevez is, however, very pleased with how he is getting on with the young Spanish striker, who arrived in Italy from Real Madrid in the summer.
"Me and Morata? There is a good feeling with him."
Dortmund host Juve in the return leg on March 18.
Carlos Tevez was disappointed with the defensive error which allowed Borussia Dortmund to net an away goal in Juventus' 2-1 Champions League win over the German side in Turin.
The Argentine opened the scoring for Massimiliano Allegri’s side before the visitors struck back through Marco Reus, who made the most of a Giorgio Chiellini slip to go one-on-one with Gianluigi Buffon and knock it in.
Alvaro Morata sealed victory for the hosts soon after but Tevez feels his side should be taking a clear two goal lead to Dortmund for the second leg.
"I think we played a good match, but Dortmund scored thanks to our error," he told Sky.
"In the Champions League there are no easy games in Dortmund and we know it will be difficult."
Tevez is, however, very pleased with how he is getting on with the young Spanish striker, who arrived in Italy from Real Madrid in the summer.
"Me and Morata? There is a good feeling with him."
Dortmund host Juve in the return leg on March 18.
Arsenal & Manchester City monitoring Donsah, claims Cagliari president
Cagliari president Thomas Giulini claims Arsenal and Manchester City are both monitoring Godfred Donsah.
The 18-year-old only made his Serie A debut last April before joining Cagliari from Palermo in the summer.
Donsah has made 16 appearances this term and the Italian club’s president says he is keen to keep the Ghanaian central midfielder for another year, but admits he has attracted a lot of attention from other clubs already.
"Manchester City are interested, but Arsenal scouts were at the game against Inter to watch him,” Giulini told Sky Sports.
"My intention is to keep him for at least one more year. Cagliari need to stay in Serie A so we can continue to help these young players grow.
"It would be beneficial for Donsah's development to remain at Cagliari for another season."
Cagliari president Thomas Giulini claims Arsenal and Manchester City are both monitoring Godfred Donsah.
The 18-year-old only made his Serie A debut last April before joining Cagliari from Palermo in the summer.
Donsah has made 16 appearances this term and the Italian club’s president says he is keen to keep the Ghanaian central midfielder for another year, but admits he has attracted a lot of attention from other clubs already.
"Manchester City are interested, but Arsenal scouts were at the game against Inter to watch him,” Giulini told Sky Sports.
"My intention is to keep him for at least one more year. Cagliari need to stay in Serie A so we can continue to help these young players grow.
"It would be beneficial for Donsah's development to remain at Cagliari for another season."
'Police must swamp Wembley for Chelsea and Tottenham final'
Kick It Out chairman Lord Herman Ouseley wants to see Wembley "swamped" by police to prevent racist abuse from Tottenham and Chelsea supporters at the League Cup final on Sunday.
Chelsea suspended five fans from attending games at Stamford Bridge after they were filmed stopping a black man entering a Paris Metro train, before indulging in alleged racist chanting before the club's 1-1 Champions League draw with Paris Saint-Germain.
Tottenham then called for strong action to be taken after footage of West Ham fans signing an anti-Semitic song emerged online following the 2-2 London derby draw at White Hart Lane.
And Lord Ouseley is eager to see a strong police and security presence at Wembley to "root out" fans looking to cause trouble.
"Clearly we want to see all authorities come together, to be prepared for Sunday's game at Wembley, to swamp the place with security and police, to root out those who are coming and looking for trouble, to be on those trains and stopping the chanting and to make sure we are going to rid football of that element," he told reporters.
"It is a game in which we always receive a large number of complaints from Jewish people that have been offended by the chanting, from both sides because they're equally offended by the songs that Spurs fans sing.
"We're caught in between trying to educate fans about the sensitivity they must apply, because it is offensive to others, but we're equally trying to encourage opposing fans not to respond in an abusive way. It's hard and uphill but we've got to keep trying."
Kick It Out chairman Lord Herman Ouseley wants to see Wembley "swamped" by police to prevent racist abuse from Tottenham and Chelsea supporters at the League Cup final on Sunday.
Chelsea suspended five fans from attending games at Stamford Bridge after they were filmed stopping a black man entering a Paris Metro train, before indulging in alleged racist chanting before the club's 1-1 Champions League draw with Paris Saint-Germain.
Tottenham then called for strong action to be taken after footage of West Ham fans signing an anti-Semitic song emerged online following the 2-2 London derby draw at White Hart Lane.
And Lord Ouseley is eager to see a strong police and security presence at Wembley to "root out" fans looking to cause trouble.
"Clearly we want to see all authorities come together, to be prepared for Sunday's game at Wembley, to swamp the place with security and police, to root out those who are coming and looking for trouble, to be on those trains and stopping the chanting and to make sure we are going to rid football of that element," he told reporters.
"It is a game in which we always receive a large number of complaints from Jewish people that have been offended by the chanting, from both sides because they're equally offended by the songs that Spurs fans sing.
"We're caught in between trying to educate fans about the sensitivity they must apply, because it is offensive to others, but we're equally trying to encourage opposing fans not to respond in an abusive way. It's hard and uphill but we've got to keep trying."
Welbeck: Arsenal’s attacking options give Wenger a ‘good headache’
Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck says his side’s attacking options are giving manager Arsene Wenger “a good headache” ahead of their clash with Monaco.
The Gunners go into Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 tie in good form, having lost just once in their last nine games, and have moved into third place in the Premier League table.
Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud have been impressive in recent weeks, while the return to fitness of Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott has also boosted the Gunners.
Arsenal take on a Monaco side that topped Group C and Welbeck is impressed with the weapons Wenger has at his disposal.
"There's a lot of attacking options which gives the manager a good headache to have," he told reporters.
"Once everyone's on the pitch we're going to give 100 per cent and give the best for the team.
"That's the most important thing - once you’re on the pitch you need to do your job properly. Whoever comes in will obviously do the same."
Arsenal go into the tie as favourites to progess to the quarter-finals and Welbeck insists he and his team-mates have done their homework on Wednesday’s opponents.
"We know that it’s going to be a tough tie for us, it's going to be played over two legs so we're not just going to be focused on this one," he explained.
"You know every single game means a lot and you have to try to get the best out of each match and get the win on the day.
"Going into the game we have prepared well, we have analysed their team and we are looking forward to it."
Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck says his side’s attacking options are giving manager Arsene Wenger “a good headache” ahead of their clash with Monaco.
The Gunners go into Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 tie in good form, having lost just once in their last nine games, and have moved into third place in the Premier League table.
Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud have been impressive in recent weeks, while the return to fitness of Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott has also boosted the Gunners.
Arsenal take on a Monaco side that topped Group C and Welbeck is impressed with the weapons Wenger has at his disposal.
"There's a lot of attacking options which gives the manager a good headache to have," he told reporters.
"Once everyone's on the pitch we're going to give 100 per cent and give the best for the team.
"That's the most important thing - once you’re on the pitch you need to do your job properly. Whoever comes in will obviously do the same."
Arsenal go into the tie as favourites to progess to the quarter-finals and Welbeck insists he and his team-mates have done their homework on Wednesday’s opponents.
"We know that it’s going to be a tough tie for us, it's going to be played over two legs so we're not just going to be focused on this one," he explained.
"You know every single game means a lot and you have to try to get the best out of each match and get the win on the day.
"Going into the game we have prepared well, we have analysed their team and we are looking forward to it."
Simeone wary of 'brave' Leverkusen
Diego Simeone highlighted Bayer Leverkusen's "bravery" ahead of Atletico Madrid's Champions League clash in Germany on Wednesday.Simeone's side, last season's beaten finalists, are overwhelming favourites to progress to the quarter-finals but the Argentine is not underestimating the challenge posed by Roger Schmidt's men.
"Tomorrow we need the maximum concentration and to have a clear idea of the game we have to play," he said at the pre-match press conference. "Bayer Leverkusen are a very brave team which, offensively, thinks bravely and that makes them dangerous, especially in qualifying rounds, where you heavily depend on goals."Leverkusen have a good coach and good players, they're a well-balanced team. It's always important to show respect to your opponents.
"I don't know if teams give us more respect now just because we've done well in the past. There may be more attractive opponents than us who you would rather face, but we're here."I don't think we're the favourites in this tie. It starts at 0-0 so anything is possible."
Atletico bounced back from a defeat at Celta Vigo with a 3-0 thrashing of Almeria at the weekend and Simeone is looking for more of the same from the Spanish champions.He added: "I think the fixture in Vigo was not good, but before and after that one, the matches were very constant.
"We're in very good shape and are really enthusiastic. But we have to be very focused – this is always very important for our performance. If we do that, we will get a good result."
Diego Simeone highlighted Bayer Leverkusen's "bravery" ahead of Atletico Madrid's Champions League clash in Germany on Wednesday.Simeone's side, last season's beaten finalists, are overwhelming favourites to progress to the quarter-finals but the Argentine is not underestimating the challenge posed by Roger Schmidt's men.
"Tomorrow we need the maximum concentration and to have a clear idea of the game we have to play," he said at the pre-match press conference. "Bayer Leverkusen are a very brave team which, offensively, thinks bravely and that makes them dangerous, especially in qualifying rounds, where you heavily depend on goals."Leverkusen have a good coach and good players, they're a well-balanced team. It's always important to show respect to your opponents.
"I don't know if teams give us more respect now just because we've done well in the past. There may be more attractive opponents than us who you would rather face, but we're here."I don't think we're the favourites in this tie. It starts at 0-0 so anything is possible."
Atletico bounced back from a defeat at Celta Vigo with a 3-0 thrashing of Almeria at the weekend and Simeone is looking for more of the same from the Spanish champions.He added: "I think the fixture in Vigo was not good, but before and after that one, the matches were very constant.
"We're in very good shape and are really enthusiastic. But we have to be very focused – this is always very important for our performance. If we do that, we will get a good result."
Monaco can beat Arsenal - Jardim
Leonardo Jardim believes his Monaco side can defy the odds by knocking Arsenal out of the Champions League. The Ligue 1 club go into Wednesday's round-of-16 first-leg tie at the Emirates Stadium as underdogs despite finishing top of Group C.
Arsenal have won eight of their last nine games in all competitions and the London club will be expected to secure another victory in Arsene Wenger's first game against his former employers.
The Gunners have failed to progress beyond the second round in each of the past four seasons, being knocked out by Bayern Munich twice in a row most recently after losing to Barcelona and AC Milan in the years prior.
By comparison, Monaco are a more manageable opponent for Arsenal, but Jardim says his side were pleased to draw them.
He told reporters: "Arsenal have developed a lot over the last couple of years and they're a better side than they were two or three years ago. Our strategy is to try and be solid and to not allow Arsenal's key attacking players to unbalance us.
"It wasn't only Arsenal fans who were happy after the draw, we were happy as well."Clearly a number of other teams were hoping to draw Monaco, but that doesn't mean we have less ambition going into this game. Monaco fans were also happy because it's what everyone wanted in the draw.
"Monaco have never been favourites in this competition and we still qualified at the top of our group – it's the same with this game. Nobody expects us to win but that should not stop us being able to get into the quarter-finals."
Jardim will check on the fitness of full-back Layvin Kurzawa (calf) and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (knock) before naming his side.
Leonardo Jardim believes his Monaco side can defy the odds by knocking Arsenal out of the Champions League. The Ligue 1 club go into Wednesday's round-of-16 first-leg tie at the Emirates Stadium as underdogs despite finishing top of Group C.
Arsenal have won eight of their last nine games in all competitions and the London club will be expected to secure another victory in Arsene Wenger's first game against his former employers.
The Gunners have failed to progress beyond the second round in each of the past four seasons, being knocked out by Bayern Munich twice in a row most recently after losing to Barcelona and AC Milan in the years prior.
By comparison, Monaco are a more manageable opponent for Arsenal, but Jardim says his side were pleased to draw them.
He told reporters: "Arsenal have developed a lot over the last couple of years and they're a better side than they were two or three years ago. Our strategy is to try and be solid and to not allow Arsenal's key attacking players to unbalance us.
"It wasn't only Arsenal fans who were happy after the draw, we were happy as well."Clearly a number of other teams were hoping to draw Monaco, but that doesn't mean we have less ambition going into this game. Monaco fans were also happy because it's what everyone wanted in the draw.
"Monaco have never been favourites in this competition and we still qualified at the top of our group – it's the same with this game. Nobody expects us to win but that should not stop us being able to get into the quarter-finals."
Jardim will check on the fitness of full-back Layvin Kurzawa (calf) and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (knock) before naming his side.
Griezmann: I only ever wanted to join Atletico
Antoine Griezmann says he was never going to join any club other than Atletico Madrid last summer.
After a stellar 2013-14 campaign with Real Sociedad, the France international was linked with a number of Europe's elite during the close-season, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United all expressing an interest in the versatile attacker.
Griezmann, though, has revealed that he did not even entertain the idea of moving anywhere other than the Vicente Calderon and added that he does not regret his decision for a second, claiming that Atletico coach Diego Simeone has taken his game to another level."I can’t talk about [interest from other clubs] as I only spoke to Atleti," Griezmann told AS. "After the first meeting, I knew it was the club for me.
"After arriving here 'Cholo' [Simeone] claimed that he wanted me to sit behind the main striker. "At the beginning it was tricky, but now I’m comfortable in this role.
"The boss gives me freedom to attack and this is great for my confidence.
"Also, it's clear to see from playing under Cholo that now I’m stronger physically and have better endurance.
"I put more into games and recover better. My game is more consistent."
Griezmann has already racked up 17 goals in all competitions for Atletico but he initially struggled to settle in the Spanish capital.The 23-year-old insists, though, that he always had faith in his ability to justify his €30 million price tag.
"I always felt the fans, fellow players and staff supported me," Griezmann added.
"I knew I’d come good and I’m happy now living in Madrid and that can be reflected on the field of play."
Griezmann also admitted that he is also relishing the chance to play alongside a player whose goal celebration he used to imitate when he was a child - Fernando Torres.
"Yes, he was the fashionable forward then and I imitated him when I played with my friends in the street," he added."I told him when he arrived [from AC Milan in January] and he found it amusing."Griezmann's current focus, though, is on helping Atletico win the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.
The forward was part of the Sociedad side beaten home and away by the Bundesliga outfit in last season's tournament but he insists that he is not afraid of renewing acquaintances with the Germans.
"It will be a special game as all Champions League matches are. I’ve no bad taste from last season but we do need to watch Karim Bellarabi. He’s always trying mazy runs and is a clear danger man."
Antoine Griezmann says he was never going to join any club other than Atletico Madrid last summer.
After a stellar 2013-14 campaign with Real Sociedad, the France international was linked with a number of Europe's elite during the close-season, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United all expressing an interest in the versatile attacker.
Griezmann, though, has revealed that he did not even entertain the idea of moving anywhere other than the Vicente Calderon and added that he does not regret his decision for a second, claiming that Atletico coach Diego Simeone has taken his game to another level."I can’t talk about [interest from other clubs] as I only spoke to Atleti," Griezmann told AS. "After the first meeting, I knew it was the club for me.
"After arriving here 'Cholo' [Simeone] claimed that he wanted me to sit behind the main striker. "At the beginning it was tricky, but now I’m comfortable in this role.
"The boss gives me freedom to attack and this is great for my confidence.
"Also, it's clear to see from playing under Cholo that now I’m stronger physically and have better endurance.
"I put more into games and recover better. My game is more consistent."
Griezmann has already racked up 17 goals in all competitions for Atletico but he initially struggled to settle in the Spanish capital.The 23-year-old insists, though, that he always had faith in his ability to justify his €30 million price tag.
"I always felt the fans, fellow players and staff supported me," Griezmann added.
"I knew I’d come good and I’m happy now living in Madrid and that can be reflected on the field of play."
Griezmann also admitted that he is also relishing the chance to play alongside a player whose goal celebration he used to imitate when he was a child - Fernando Torres.
"Yes, he was the fashionable forward then and I imitated him when I played with my friends in the street," he added."I told him when he arrived [from AC Milan in January] and he found it amusing."Griezmann's current focus, though, is on helping Atletico win the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.
The forward was part of the Sociedad side beaten home and away by the Bundesliga outfit in last season's tournament but he insists that he is not afraid of renewing acquaintances with the Germans.
"It will be a special game as all Champions League matches are. I’ve no bad taste from last season but we do need to watch Karim Bellarabi. He’s always trying mazy runs and is a clear danger man."
Figo welcomes winter World Cup switch
Fifa presidential hopeful Luis Figo has welcomed the decision to switch the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to the winter months.
A Fifa Task Force announced on Tuesday that it was recommending a November-December tournament after it was decided that blistering temperatures in the traditional June-July slot provided unsuitable playing conditions.
But while there has been immediate opposition from some parties, Figo has lauded the switch.“The Fifa Task Force recommendation is the right decision for the World Cup,” Figo announced in a statement.
“It has to be played in the best possible conditions for the fans and players, who will enjoy a great World Cup atmosphere, and for Qatar, who deserve to be put in the position to organise a great event.“With good will and a sense of solidarity it is always possible to find the right solutions.”
The recommendation is set to be ratified by the Fifa Executive Committee in March, with the calendars of multiple domestic seasons across the globe set to be altered to make way for the competition.
Fifa presidential hopeful Luis Figo has welcomed the decision to switch the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to the winter months.
A Fifa Task Force announced on Tuesday that it was recommending a November-December tournament after it was decided that blistering temperatures in the traditional June-July slot provided unsuitable playing conditions.
But while there has been immediate opposition from some parties, Figo has lauded the switch.“The Fifa Task Force recommendation is the right decision for the World Cup,” Figo announced in a statement.
“It has to be played in the best possible conditions for the fans and players, who will enjoy a great World Cup atmosphere, and for Qatar, who deserve to be put in the position to organise a great event.“With good will and a sense of solidarity it is always possible to find the right solutions.”
The recommendation is set to be ratified by the Fifa Executive Committee in March, with the calendars of multiple domestic seasons across the globe set to be altered to make way for the competition.
Van Gaal struggling at Manchester United - De Boer
Former Netherlands international Ronald de Boer has conceded that Louis van Gaal is struggling at Manchester United.
United currently lie in fourth place in the Premier League, with 47 points from 26 games, but fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Swansea City at the weekend.
Van Gaal was also criticised for his perceived long-ball tactics by West Ham manager Sam Allardyce earlier this season, leading the Dutchman to produce a dossier designed to prove the Hammers boss wrong.
However, De Boer – who currently works with Ajax’s academy teams – believes that the reason for United's poor brand of football is not down to Van Gaal but the players, and the time they are taking to adjust to their coach's tactics.
“Van Gaal is struggling a little bit at Manchester United,” he told talkSPORT. “Not with the amount of points he's got, but with his style.
“It's not the way he wants to play. He's fighting to get there. At the moment, it's not the football that we are used to with Louis.”
Former Netherlands international Ronald de Boer has conceded that Louis van Gaal is struggling at Manchester United.
United currently lie in fourth place in the Premier League, with 47 points from 26 games, but fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Swansea City at the weekend.
Van Gaal was also criticised for his perceived long-ball tactics by West Ham manager Sam Allardyce earlier this season, leading the Dutchman to produce a dossier designed to prove the Hammers boss wrong.
However, De Boer – who currently works with Ajax’s academy teams – believes that the reason for United's poor brand of football is not down to Van Gaal but the players, and the time they are taking to adjust to their coach's tactics.
“Van Gaal is struggling a little bit at Manchester United,” he told talkSPORT. “Not with the amount of points he's got, but with his style.
“It's not the way he wants to play. He's fighting to get there. At the moment, it's not the football that we are used to with Louis.”
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