..::Football III::..

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My faith in Dani Alves is clear, insists Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique says he has obvious faith in right-back Dani Alves but suggests no decision over his future will be made until the end of the season.

The Brazilian's contract is due to expire this summer and his agent has hit out at the club for not making more of a concerted effort to resolve his future.Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets put pen to paper on a new contract on Friday and Luis Enrique has now publicly singled out Alves for praise.

"Busquets' renewal is fantastic, he is one of the captains and it's big news for Barcelona. He is a unique professional," he told a press conference.

"Regarding Alves, you can see the confidence I have in him when I choose my line-ups. They are decisions for the people at the club to make at the end of the season.
"Dani is one of the nicest players in the locker room, with a winning character. I knew his professional side and I now know his human side, and he is a true example of what a player must be."

News emerged on Friday that prosecutors in Spain have requested Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu to be brought to trial over his involvement in the transfer of Neymar, but Luis Enrique maintains the squad are focused on football.
"We have to wait for the final judgement. We must just focus on the sporting side," he said.Turning his attentions to the clash with Granada on Saturday, Luis Enrique made it clear he has confidence his side will bounce back from their shock loss to Malaga and praised the form of Luis Suarez.

"Sometimes you expect an easy game and vice versa. They (Granada) clearly need the points so they will try," he added."We are used to playing 95 per cent of matches with rivals playing in their part of the pitch, but we always find a solution.

"I think Luis Suarez has been very good throughout the season. We are happy with his performance, not only now he has scored twice more [against Manchester City]."

 

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Van Gaal hits back at media after 'best team over 20 matches' claim

Louis van Gaal has once again hit out at the media, claiming his thoughts on Manchster United's recent form have been twisted.

Speaking last Friday, Van Gaal had said: "when you see the score of the last 19 or 20 matches, we are the best team in the league", leading to a number of stories about the Dutchman's boast.

But he now says he was merely repeating information put to him by a journalist at his press conference, and made the distinction that he had not gone out of his way to point it out.

"We have discussed last press conference before Swansea City, you have said it, not I, you have said it," he argued.

"From the last 15 matches, we have the best result. I don't say that. Now I'm reading that I have said that! No no. I have answered, 'Yes, I know, because I know that! I know that', but you are writing that.

"But when you write it the other way around, that's not fair, because you were pushing that we were the best, you have made comment on that."

Prior to last weekend's fixtures United were only the third best team over the preceding 20 league matches, behind Chelsea and Manchester City.

 

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Qatar World Cup final should be on December 18 - Blatter

The 2022 World Cup final should be played no later than December 18, Fifa president Sepp Blatter has insisted.

A Fifa Task Force set up to seek out suitable timings for the tournament in Qatar had recommended that it could run through November and December, with the final held on December 23 – just two days before Christmas.

But while Blatter has agreed with the need to move the competition from its traditional June-July slot, he stressed that the World Cup final must not be played after December 18.

"The World Cup will not go on until the 23rd, definitely not, we have to stop at the 18th," Blatter told reporters on arrival at the International Football Association Board (IFAB)'s AGM. "I am against going to the 23rd."

December 18 has been pinpointed as a suitable date for the final by many observers due to its position as Qatar National Day in the host country, and Blatter's opposition to scheduling the match so close to Christmas could well force the hand of the Fifa Executive Committee when it meets to ratify the proposed calendar for the finals in March.

 

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Di Maria admits 'ups and downs' at Manchester United

Manchester United's record signing Angel Di Maria admits that he has struggled to maintain his early-season form but is working hard to rediscover his groove.

The Argentina international made an immediate impact after joining from Real Madrid, scoring three times in his first five league games, but has not netted since October - a 13-game goalless streak.

Di Maria, though, believes that he is still adapting to English football despite that fast start and, having taken a while to settle in upon joining both Benfica and Madrid, is confident that his best is yet to come.

"I've had a couple of games where things haven't gone as well as they could have. I think it is part of that settling-in process to the English game," he told MUTV.

"I started off quite well but I think that made expectations rise and everyone thought that I would just carry on the same way but football is like that; sometimes you have ups and downs.

"It took me a while to settle in fully in each of the countries where I have played before but I just have to keep working hard and focusing on what I want, which is to do as well as I possibly can."

Di Maria might not have scored since the start of October but he has recorded eight assists - including three in his last two appearances - and leads United's charts for chances created.

 

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Simeone knows he is needed at Atletico Madrid - Cerezo

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo says there is no chance of Diego Simeone leaving the Spanish champions any time soon.

The Argentine coach has rocketed in reputation over the past three years since replacing Gregorio Manzano in charge at the Vicente Calderon and has been linked with the likes of Manchester City this season.

After winning the Europa League in his debut campaign, Simeone masterminded a Copa del Rey final triumph over arch-rivals Real Madrid before a phenomenal 2013-14 which saw them reach the Champions League final and win La Liga against all the odds.Simeone confirmed in mid-February that he is holding contract talks with senior Atletico figures and club chief Cerezo is confident that his deal will be extended beyond 2017.

"We are always working with one eye on the future," he told Radio Marca on Friday. "I think we'll have conversations and do not think there will be any problem.

"I think the Cholo is needed at Atletico Madrid, he has carved out an important niche at this club. He knows it, we know it and I think everybody will agree."Anyway, he still has a two-year contract, so there's no rush."

Atletico, who are seven points behind Liga leaders Real Madrid, are back in action on Sunday with a trip to fifth-placed Sevilla.

 

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Mourinho: Chelsea losing to Tottenham is not an option

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has warned his team that losing to Tottenham in Sunday's League Cup final is not an option.

The Portuguese is seeking his first trophy in his second spell as Blues boss, having not visited Wembley for a major cup final since winning both the FA Cup and League Cup in 2006-07.

He told reporters: "It is a final we have to play and a final we have to win.

"This is the only moment since I arrived in July 2013 that I don't think about the future of this club," Mourinho added. "I just think about the moment, I just think about this game.

"We have a final to win on Sunday and nothing else matters."

Mourinho hopes that reaching the national stadium each season will become an expectation within the Chelsea team as his current group of players develop and mature.

"Chelsea cannot win everything and cannot win every season," he said. "If you want to do that we have to change country to where the competition is not so hard.

"Chelsea, in the last 10 years, won just the League Cup twice but was many times at Wembley and won FA Cups, won Premier Leagues and the European Cup.

"We try to build with this new generation of players and try to make Wembley something normal for us and try to go there year after year."

The 52-year-old, who confirmed that John Obi Mikel would not be available to replace the suspended Nemanja Matic due to injury, also spoke of his respect for Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.

"He's a guy that I respect," Mourinho remarked. "He's doing his work the same as many people. We don't have problems.

"I think it will be an easy job for the fourth official because between both benches there will be peace."

 

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De Boer confirms he will stay at Ajax in 2015-16

Frank de Boer has confirmed he will stay as head coach of Ajax for the 2015-16 season.

The former Netherlands international has been in charge of the reigning Eredivisie champions since 2010 and has won four consecutive league titles in Amsterdam.

De Boer, whose contract expires in 2017, has been heavily linked with a possible move to England this season, with Tottenham and Newcastle United both touted as potential destinations.However, the 44-year-old says he will see out another season with Ajax before considering his future.

"I spoke this morning to the club and [director] Marc Overmars. The players heard in training, and the staff already knew," he told a press conference.

"I think Ajax deserve to have clarity. I wanted that myself, too. There's a good foundation at Ajax. I still see a lot of perspective."There's a good foundation, a lot of young players with long contracts. I still don't feel I'm done here."

De Boer, who has also been linked with Liverpool in the past, admits he was considering his future last year but is currently firmly committed to the project at the Amsterdam ArenA.

"Liverpool can call Marc or my agents, or another club. But they'll hear 'no'. At this moment, nothing is going on," added the former Barcelona defender."Last year it was, and then I said I would think about it. Ajax asked me to give clarity before March 1, and I thought I was obliged to do that."

 

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Van Gaal confirms lengthy Van Persie injury lay-off

Louis Van Gaal has confirmed that Robin van Persie faces a "long time" out of the Manchester United team with an ankle injury and is likely to be replaced by Radamel Falcao against Sunderland on Saturday.

Van Persie damaged ankle ligaments in last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Swansea and left the Liberty Stadium on crutches wearing a protective boot.

Van Gaal told reporters: "He has an ankle problem so I don't think it is heavy, but an ankle problem takes a long time. It's not one or two weeks, but we will have to wait and see.”

The striker, who has scored 10 goals this season, is expected to be replaced by Falcao for United's Premier League clash against Sunderland at Old Trafford.

Asked about bringing the struggling Colombian into his starting line-up, Van Gaal said: "The possibility is high because when a striker is away, another has the chance to play, but we shall see."

United face the Black Cats sitting fourth in the table as they fight with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Southampton and Tottenham for a place in next season's Champions League.

David Moyes was sacked last year after failing to qualify for Europe's elite competition and Van Gaal admits United must win the "rat race" to finish in the top four this season.

"It would be a big disappointment, of course, a big disappointment," said the Dutchman when asked about the prospect of finishing outside the Champions League places.

"When you start the season with the objective of finishing in the first four of the league it is your objective and you are occupied with doing that.

"But we are still there, I don't know why are we talking about it when it is not like that, because we are still there. What is the problem?

"It is our objective to reach the top four, we have talked about that in the start of the job here in Manchester United.

"It is also a process of three years and when you have asked me at the start of the season that I am at 1 May and still in first four then I should sign for it.

"We are still in the FA Cup so I am pleased with the results, but not with a lot of the performances of my team."

 

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Get well soon RVP!

RVP injured nisa Falcao ta thamai chance 1ka ath ithin Falcao labena chance 1ken prayojanaya ganne nahane​

 

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Wanyama: Southampton can still finish in the top four

Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama insists his side can still secure a top-four finish this season despite falling out of the Champions League places on Sunday.

A 2-0 home loss to Liverpool, coupled with Saturday's victory for Arsenal, saw the Saints drop out of the top four for the first time since Boxing Day.

Ronald Koeman's side remain only two points behind third-placed Manchester United, while the Reds and Tottenham are one and two behind them, respectively, and Wanyama is remaining optimistic.

"I think we still have the chance to be in the top four," he told Goal.

"We just have to keep on working hard and I think we'll be there, hopefully. There's 12 games to go against some tough teams so hopefully we can get points from those 12 games.

"I don't think we had pressure even before because nobody believed in us. We were playing to prove people wrong and I think we've done it so we’ll see where we end up after those 12 games."

Wanyama was speaking as he accepted his award for being voted Kenya Player of the Year for 2014 by Goal readers and he reflected on the excellent performances in the first half of this season which contributed to his win.

"I'd like to thank the voters and also the staff and players around me," the 23-year-old, who has scored three goals this season, enthused.

"[Koeman] is a good coach. I'm really happy working with him. I've been working hard in training and trying to get better in every department. I'm happy that I've scored a few goals this season but hopefully I can get more."

 

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Wenger: Don't write Arsenal off yet

Arsene Wenger has warned his critics that Arsenal are not yet out of the Champions League despite their 3-1 first leg loss to Monaco on Wednesday.

The Gunners were humiliated at the Emirates, with goals from Geoffrey Kondogbia, Dimitar Berbatov and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco leaving them on the brink of a fifth consecutive round of 16 exit.

Wenger's future was again called into question after the match, with the majority of Goal readers believing that this season should be his last in north London.

However, the Frenchman says the Gunners will fight until the end and insists talk of elimination is premature.

"We are still in the Champions League,” he told reporters on Friday. “Don't rule us out too quickly."

Wenger concedes that he has been frustrated by Arsenal’s inability to progress beyond the last-16 stage in recent seasons, but expects the club to bounce back from their latest disappointment when Everton travel to the Emirates on Sunday.

"We fought very hard against Besiktas to qualify," he added. "What's frustrating is that we've gone out in the last 16 in the last four years."

"There is nobody to blame individually. On the night everything went against us and missing chances was only one characteristic.

"What's important to give a strong response. We are a big club so that gives us a stronger responsibility."

"You play 55 games a year and you have moments where you are disappointed. We want to finish the season in a strong way."

 

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Wilshere undergoes minor ankle surgery

Arsene Wenger has revealed Jack Wilshere has undergone minor surgery on his ankle and will miss Arsenal's clash with Everton on Sunday.

Wilshere was expected to go under the knife in the summer but the club have moved the procedure forward with Wenger anticipating the midfielder will miss "days, not weeks".

The England international has been out of action since November, when he sustained ankle ligament damage during the club's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates.

While Wilshere is nearing a return, Wenger was forced to deny speculation that he had suffered a setback in his rehabilition earlier this week.

And he has now revealed that the 23-year-old is recovering from surgery, and will soon be available for selection once again.

Meanwhile, Wenger confirmed that Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini will return to training on Saturday, but insists they will not return to fitness in time for Sunday's visit of Everton, while Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Debuchy remain "a few weeks away" from making their own comebacks.

 

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Mourinho mind-games backfiring, says Scholes

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes says Jose Mourinho's mind-games are backfiring on Chelsea.

The Portuguese has been at the heart of a number of controversies this season, ranging from his claims that there is a referees' 'campaign' against the Blues, for which he was fined by the Football Association, to mocking an unnamed Sky Sports pundit, believed to be Jamie Redknapp.

Mourinho's Chelsea sit top of the Premier League and lead Manchester City by five points, yet Scholes believes the 52-year-old's attempts to influence the officials is failing.

In his column for the Evening Standard, he said: "It should be no great surprise to see Jose Mourinho doing his very best to influence the decision-makers in the game, from referees to the Football Association.

"The problem for the Chelsea manager is that I just don’t think it is working for him.

"Everything he does is for the good of his team and I understand the reasons he does it.

"It just seems to me there is an unwillingness among referees to be influenced by him."

Aside from claims of a campaign against Chelsea, Mourinho has embarked on a self-imposed media blackout, has criticised City for flouting Financial Fair Play rules and lashed out at Arsene Wenger and Arsenal for a barren spell.

Yet Scholes believes Chelsea have also been fortunate to avoid punishment for a number of indiscretions this season, especially a clash between Branislav Ivanovic and James McCarthy.

He added: "I also think Mourinho should remember that he has had some close calls in other games that have gone his way.

"There is no campaign against Mourinho but there is clearly an unwillingness by referees, and the FA, to be pushed around."

And while Scholes hailed Sir Alex Ferguson as a 'master' at gaining an advantage prior to United games, he feels Mourinho's less tactile approach has cost the west Londoners.

"I don’t know what reaction Mourinho expects from referees in saying what he has about them," he said. "If he had hoped that they would be more likely to give his team the split decisions then it has not worked. They seem to be determined not to be seen to be influenced by him."Chelsea face Tottenham at Wembley on Sunday in a repeat of the 2008 League Cup final.

 

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Sergio Ramos: Forget Mourinho, Ancelotti's the best

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos says he rates current coach Carlo Ancelotti better than Jose Mourinho, Fabio Capello and Vicente del Bosque.The Spain international has worked under some of the finest coaches in the modern game for club and country during his career so far, but says his current boss is among the very best.

The Italian won the Champions League and Copa del Rey in his first season in charge at the Bernabeu last term and Ramos revealed his personal touch sets him apart from his peers. "He notices how a player settles in, whether he makes an effort to open up to his team-mates or not," the Spain international told Fifa.com.

"He’s a coach who takes you aside, talks to you and makes everything as smooth as possible, both on a professional and personal level."That’s the key to success, which is why he’s a truly great coach. In my view, he’s one of the two best I’ve had in my whole career.

"It's hard to choose the other. There’s former Spain coach Luis Aragones, then you have former Sevilla coach Joaquin Caparros, who really believed in me when I was a nobody."

Ramos went on to reveal he never expected Spain’s complete domination of international football to last forever, but has challenged anyone to match their "extraordinary" achievements.

Spain shed their tag of perennial underachievers when they claimed two European Championship crowns and the World Cup between 2008 and 2012. But their unprecedented period of success ended abruptly last year when they were dumped out of World Cup 2014 in the group stage.

"We were able to enjoy a unique period and an extraordinary generation of footballers," Ramos added.“We were crowned world champions and were twice European champions. Let's see if anyone else can match that.

“But football's a game and sooner or later the day that we would lose, that we'd get knocked out [of a major tournament], had to come."

 

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Henry: I'd say yes to Arsenal job

Thierry Henry has reiterated his desire to become Arsenal manager and admits he would jump at the chance to succeed Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger has come in for criticism in recent seasons, with Wednesday's humbling 3-1 defeat to Monaco in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie again bringing the Frenchman's future into the spotlight.

The majority of Goal readers believe this season should be Wenger's last at the in north London, and Henry has once again spoken of his "dream" of managing the Gunners in future.

"The thing that I will say is, I don't know what Arsene wants to do and how long he will stay, I just want to be equipped to be in the position one day maybe to be a manager," Henry, who is currently coaching youngsters at Arsenal, told The Jonathan Ross Show.

"Being the manager of Arsenal Football Club will be a dream, but let's all be honest, I need to learn first, that's the most important thing.

"It's not because you know the game that you can teach it and I just want to learn."

Asked what his response would be if offered the job by Wenger, Henry - who is working towards his coaching badges - replied: "I can't say no to Arsenal, so I would say yes."

 

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Van Gaal rift reports are complete lies - De Gea

David de Gea has dismissed speculation that he has a difficult relationship with Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal as "complete lies".

Reports emanating from the Spanish media this week claimed the two do not get on and have not spoken in weeks, with De Gea yet to commit his future to United beyond the end of his current contract, which expires in the summer of 2016.

But while he did not address his contract situation, De Gea is adamant he has a healthy working relationship with Van Gaal.

"Everything that has been written in the press about us not getting on is a lie," the Spaniard told the club's official website. "We both want the best for the club and the team, and the stories are complete lies."

De Gea has been one of the star performers in an underwhelming United side this season and feels he is at the top of his game.

"I think this is the best period of my career," he added. "I am playing the best football that I’ve ever played.

"I’m really enjoying it at the moment and I’m just trying to improve with every training session and every game that goes by, giving 100 per cent and concentrating to the maximum. That’s the way I want to continue."

A 2-1 defeat to Swansea City last weekend has left United in the midst of a hotly-contested top-four race, and De Gea warns United must get back to winning ways when they take on Sunderland on Saturday.

"Yes, we were on a good run of results and winning some important games but, the other day at Swansea, we lost the game," he continued. "I don’t think we deserved to lose, but football can be like that.

"You go to tough away grounds and you lose points sometimes. We have to move on from that as now we face Sunderland and we need to concern ourselves with that test."

 

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[QUOTE]"Everything that has been written in the press about us not getting on is a lie," the Spaniard told the club's official website. "We both want the best for the club and the team, and the stories are complete lies."
[/QUOTE]

 

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Barclays Premier League 2015.02.28 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2015.02.28 Fixtures

West Ham Vs Crystal Palace

Burnley Vs Swansea

Manchester United Vs Sunderland

Newcastle United Vs Aston Villa

Stoke City Vs Hull City

WBA Vs Southampton

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La Liga 2015.02.28 Fixtures

La Liga 2015.02.28 Fixtures

Granada Vs Barcelona

Rayo Vallecano Vs Levante

Almeria Vs Deportivo

Malaga Vs Getafe​

 

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Serie A 2015.02.28 Fixture

Serie A 2015.02.28 Fixture

Chievo Vs AC Milan​