..::Football III::..

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Chievo 0-0 Roma: Mattiello horror injury overshadows stalemate

Roma were held to a 0-0 draw by Chievo on Sunday as young Federico Mattiello suffered a horror leg injury.

The Giallorossi were forced to settle for a fourth Serie A stalemate in a row in a game of few clear-cut chances in Verona, in a game which saw 19-year-old Mattiello forced off with a suspected broken leg.

Juan Iturbe spurned Roma's best chance of the opening stages as he blazed over the crossbar after being teed up by Gervinho.

Mattiello was forced off midway through the first half following a challenge with Radja Nainggolan, and the incident seemed to affect both sides as the tempo ebbed out of the game.

The 19-year-old stretched for the ball in a 50-50 with Nainggolan and his right leg bent as his foot became caught beneath the Belgian, who had met the ball fairly. Matiello was then carried off on a stretcher, his leg in a brace.

Gervinho missed the clearest opportunity of the half just a few minutes before the break. Iturbe turned provider this time as he slipped the Ivorian through, but his right-footed shot from inside the box was angled just wide of the far post.

Alberto Paloschi then headed over from the centre of the box when he really should have done better, but the scores remained level heading into the break.

Another strong run from Gervinho 10 minutes into the second half allowed Ashley Cole a stab at goal but he was quickly closed down, before Iturbe lashed over again from 20 yards after a good passing move.

Roma continued to dominate possession but struggled to find a way through a rigid Chievo rearguard as the hosts pulled more men behind the ball and prepared to counter. One such break saw substitute Riccardo Meggiorini cut inside and fire low but Morgan De Sanctis held well.

Adem Ljajic fired over a free kick from distance before another Gervinho-led attack broke down on the edge of the area, but Roma were unable to fashion an opening as they slipped to a fourth draw on the bounce in the league and gave leaders Juventus the chance to increase their advantage when they face Sassuolo on Monday.

 

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Barcelona 6-1 Rayo Vallecano: Messi shines as hosts go top

Lionel Messi scored a record 24th La Liga hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed Rayo Vallecano 6-1 at Camp Nou on Sunday to move top of La Liga.

Luis Suarez's fifth-minute opener was all Luis Enrique's men had to show for a dominant first-half display, during which the striker and Pedro both should have punished Rayo's high defensive line.However, Barca found goals much easier to come by in the second half as they capitalised on Real Madrid's defeat at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

Gerard Pique doubled the hosts' lead in the 49th minute, before Tito was sent off for a foul on Suarez in the penalty area.

Messi's re-taken spot-kick put the result beyond doubt and he added two more goals to move past 40 for the sixth successive season and complete his 32nd treble for Barcelona.Alberto Bueno converted a penalty for Rayo following the dismissal of Dani Alves, but Suarez rounded off the scoring late on with his 13th of the season.

A remarkable 15th win from 16 matches in all competitions puts Barca a point clear of Real at the Liga summit with El Clasico two weeks away.

Luis Enrique was without Sergio Busquets and Neymar through injury and suspension, so Xavi and Pedro started among five changes from Wednesday's Copa del Rey triumph at Villarreal, while Rayo boss Paco Jemez made four alterations to his line-up.

The Catalans, buoyed by Madrid's defeat at San Mames, were quickly into their stride as Xavi's wonderful ball on the half-volley released Suarez, who confidently stroked home with the outside of his right foot.

Pedro spurned a chance to make it 2-0 following another fine pass from Xavi and, after Roberto Trashorras curled a free-kick just wide for Rayo, Barca went close again when Suarez's chipped pass found Lionel Messi, whose first-time lob drifted just wide.

Barca's dominance was made to count four minutes after the restart. Jordi Alba's free header hit the post and Pique was on hand to tap home the rebound.Tito then hauled down Suarez in the box after 54 minutes and received a second yellow card as a result.

Messi'spenalty was saved but a retake was ordered because of encroachment and he made no mistake at the second attempt, hammering a low shot into the bottom-right corner.Barcelona pulled further clear in the 62nd minute when Suarez's smart turn and shot forced a save from Cristian Alvarez but Messi tapped in the rebound.

Alvarez produced a superb low save from a Messi free-kick two minutes later but the Argentina forward was not to be denied. He completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute by latching onto a cross and showing great composure to dummy the goalkeeper before slotting in his 30th league goal of the campaign.

The hosts' victory was soured somewhat when Alves was given a straight red after Leo Baptistao went down under his challenge and Bueno - the scorer of four goals in 15 minutes last weekend - dispatched the penalty for his 13th of the season.

Yet Suarez topped off a wonderful afternoon for the new league leaders by collecting Messi's pass before rounding Alvarez and slotting home in injury time.

 

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Effenberg: Bayern ready to offload Dante

Former Germany international Stefan Effenberg says he expects Bayern Munich to discard Dante at the end of the season.

The Brazilian defender started Saturday’s 3-1 victory at Hannover, but after being beaten by Hiroshi Kiyotake in the opening goal, he was replaced by striker Robert Lewandowski after 30 minutes by coach Pep Guardiola in a tactical tweak that led to a Xabi Alonso equaliser just three minutes later.And Effenberg believes the 31-year-old's time at the club is running out."Dante’s time at Bayern will come to an end in the summer," he told Sky.

But both Guardiola and Dante played down his withdrawal, insisting the move was tactical as Bayern attempted to break down a resilient opposition that defended in numbers and looked to spring the counter-attack.

"I was a little disappointed, but I understand the coach’s decision," Dante said.
"Why should he have three centre-backs on the pitch when the opposition has eleven players in their own box? We won today and that is most important."

German pundits suggested the cente-back had struggled in his 30 minutes on the field, notably almost giving away the opener when Artur Sobiech seized on a defensive lapse In the 18th minute before Holger Badstuber tracked back to bail the him out.

But sporting director Matthias Sammer leapt to the Brazilian’s defence."Dante is a world-class guy and a superb player for us," said Sammer.

"I urge you to judge with him respect. I will stand up against populist criticism, he does not deserve that. The club rate him very highly."A second-half double from Thomas Muller ensured Bayern emerged with their fifth consecutive Bundesliga victory, leaving them eleven points clear at the top of the table.

 

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Matuidi: PSG ready to turn over Chelsea

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi is confident the French champions have what it takes to beat Chelsea and progress to the Champions League quarter-finals.

The two sides drew 1-1 at Parc des Princes in the first leg and meet again at Samford Bridge on Wednesday, with PSG in fine form after Saturday’s 4-1 Ligue 1 victory over Lens took them two points clear of Lyon, who play on Sunday.

And Matuidi, who came off the bench to score his first league goal of the season in their latest win, says they will arrive in London in high spirits.“It was very important to go top of the table, even if it's only provisional. It's a good way to prepare for the Champions League match against Chelsea on Wednesday,” he said.

"We are heading to London with plenty of confidence. I think we can still do better in terms of converting our chances into goals, but we're working on it."Wednesday's match will be a very tough one against a team full of confidence. But we're heading there to qualify."

PSG have suffered some indifferent form at times this season, but are now targeting a historic quadruple after losing just two of their last 30 Ligue 1 games.

 

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Van Gaal: Top four more important than FA Cup win

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says qualifying for next season's Champions League is more important than winning the FA Cup.

The race to secure a top-four finish is hotting up with just four points separating third placed Arsenal and Tottenham, who are sixth in the league.

United currently occupy the final Champions League qualification spot but now face Arsenal in the FA Cup with Van Gaal insisting the Premier League is his priority.

"When you win the FA Cup you are not in the Champions League, but you have won a trophy," he told reporters.

"For the players, that's fantastic, and for the manager that's fantastic, but our goal is to reach, in our first year together, a place in the Champions League.

"The Champions League is the highest level. To finish in the first four is a fantastic result I think, and for Manchester United even more so."

Van Gaal also feels that victory over Arsene Wenger's side on Monday at Old Trafford will also give his side a boost for their remaining Premier League games.

"Monday is very important because every match that you play carries an influence into the next match," he added.

"After the defeat at Swansea City, we’ve won two matches. We have a good feeling now.

"That's what I am saying. I want to get the goals that we have set and the goal we have set is the top four."

 

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Van Gaal: Top four more important than FA Cup win

Onna kiwwa kathawakEPL Top 4 ena 1ka aniwaryen wenna ona deyak habai EPL Top 4 enna one kiya kiya inne nathuwa FA Cup 1keth puluwan uparima durak yana 1ka thamai karanna one​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mexes: AC Milan lost their way

AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes says his side ‘lost their way’ after a last-minute Nicolas Lopez goal saw them slump to a 2-2 draw at home to Verona .

Goals from Jeremy Menez and Panagiotis Tachtsidis put Milan ahead after Luca Toni’s penalty gave Verona an 18th-minute lead. It was not enough though as Lopez’s late equalizer ensured the two sides shared the spoils.

And Mexes has taken responsibility for the late goal after he and Salvatore Bocchetti went for the same ball, leaving Lopez the space to capatalise."At the end we lost our way," said Mexes.

"It’s a shame, because it was important to win at home. To concede a goal in the last minute is not nice… we have dropped two points.”

Milan have now managed just two wins in their last 11 Serie A outings, prompting Filippo Inzaghi to admit that his time as coach of the Rossoneri may well be coming to an end .

But Mexes, who won the penalty that led to Menez’ first-half equaliser, has called on his team-mates to bounce back from Saturday’s disappointment when they travel to sixth-place Fiorentina next week."We have to focus right away on the Fiorentina match and picking up points," he said.

"I’m really happy to be back playing again after my four game ban, I’m pleased with the goal and having won the penalty, but it’s not enough."We have to pick ourselves up. I cannot be completely happy with the goal because in the end it counted for little."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Costa: I almost joined Liverpool before Chelsea

Diego Costa has revealed that he almost joined Liverpool a year before signing for Chelsea.

The Brazil-born Spain international signed for the Blues from Atletico Madrid in a €40 million summer deal and has gone on to score 17 goals in 21 Premier League appearances.

The striker was banned earlier this season after stamping on Emre Can during the Blues’ League Cup victory over Brendan Rodgers’ side, and subsequently missed clashes against Manchester City, Aston Villa and Everton.

However, he has admitted that he could have been lining up alongside Can rather than clashing with him, with Liverpool activating the €29m release clause in his contract in 2013.

"I was close to leaving Atletico," Costa is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.

"Liverpool are a great team, but after fighting so hard and overcoming difficulties to get my place at Atletico, how could I leave?

"I thought it was very important to keep growing with Atletico and to play there for many years."

Costa eventually signed a new contract at Atletico and went on to score 27 league goals as the club beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the La Liga title before sealing his move to Stamford Bridge.

 

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Isco: We feel sick to our stomachs

Real Madrid midfielder Isco admitted that his side's defeat to Athletic Bilbao gave them a bad feeling in their stomachs but insists they can regain control of La Liga by beating Barcelona in a fortnight.

After being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Villarreal last weekend, Los Blancos suffered a 1-0 loss at Athletic on Saturday, meaning second-placed Barcelona can go top of the Primera Division by beating mid-table Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Isco confessed after the game at San Mames that Madrid's players are struggling to explain their sudden slump in form but the attacking midfielder remains adamant that they can quickly turn things around.

"We leave here with a bad feeling in our stomachs because this is now two straight games without a win and that is a real shame," the Spain international told reporters.

"Lately we have been lacking a bit of freshness up front and that is not normal for Real Madrid, but it is a matter of phases."Things aren't going that well now but that's certain to change.

"The league is difficult but it is long and we'll go to Camp Nou in a couple of weeks with all the enthusiasm in the world. It is a decisive match. "The team is physically well, so that's not an excuse. Things are a little bad now but this happens from time to time.

"Teams go up and down and changing the situation depends on the players. Our duty is to go back to the way we were playing before."Madrid face Schalke in the Champions League and Levante in La Liga before travelling to Catalunya on March 22 for their crunch clash with Barca.

 

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I can sell Pogba to PSG or Man City in a heartbeat - Raiola

Paul Pogba has agreed to stay at Juventus in the long term, according to his agent, despite insisting he could sell him to the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea 'in a heartbeat'.

The 21-year-old has once again been in inspired form for reigning Italian champions Juve and had been linked with a €100 million move away from Serie A this summer.

Pogba has a long-term contract with the defending Serie A champions, which does not expire until June 2019, and Raiola says he intends to stick it out."We made a pact with Juve: Paul doesn't have to leave," representative Mino Raiola told Tuttosport.

"I spoke to president Andrea Agnelli, directors Pavel Nedved, Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici, so they all agree. The club doesn't need the money.

"He is wanted by seven clubs and that is certain, because they all told me so.
"The ones that can afford him are Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea."If I just whistled, I could sell Pogba tomorrow to PSG or City in a heartbeat. But Paul did not tell me to find him another club."What are his chances of staying? As of today it's 99 per cent.

"Juve agree with our approach, which is that they will only sell if Paul asks to leave and there's a suitable offer. Of course, it could become one per cent, it depends on the market."Raiola also admitted that he negotiated with Madrid a year and a half ago.

"Real wanted him 18 months ago, but I didn't like the attitude Madrid had with me. "Juve asked for about €50 million and Real told me it was a ridiculous sum. Even Carlo Ancelotti told me that and he adores Pogba.

"I don't have to sell him, though. I advised Paul to only leave Juve if he finds a club that desperately wants him. Right now it's easier to remain in Turin than to leave. Juve are the side with the advantage."

 

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'Henderson was always a proper professional' - Kilgallon

Blackburn Rovers defender Matt Kilgallon admits he is not surprised by the development of Jordan Henderson at Liverpool as he prepares to face his former Sunderland team-mate in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Henderson has been inspirational in Liverpool's 12-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and has excelled in his role as captain in the absence of Steven Gerrard.

The 24-year-old has scored two fine goals in recent games against Manchester City and Burnley, and will lead his side out again on Sunday as the Reds face Gary Bowyer's Championship side.

Kilgallon, who played alongside Henderson for a year and a half in the north east, insists that he is now fulfilling the potential which was so evident as a youngster at the Stadium of Light.

"He always had that ability," he told Goal. "He was a proper professional at such a young age and he always gave 100 per cent, really wanting to be a good player.

"He is coming on leaps and bounds and now he is cracking on, looking really good and he has scored in the last couple of games and the goal against Burnley was the type of goal Gerrard scores.

"You could tell he was going to be a really good player and I am really pleased for him."

Sunday's clash could see the two former team-mates lead out their respective sides, with Kilgallon having taken the Rovers armband in recent weeks, including for the FA Cup win over Stoke in February which booked their place in the last eight.

"That would be nice, and it will be nice to see him again," he added. "To walk out of the steps at Anfield with my family being at the game will be a really proud moment for me."

And as Blackburn have already dumped out Premier League duo Swansea and Stoke, Kilgallon says they have nothing to lose as they look to claim an unlikely Premier League hat-trick by taking the scalp of Liverpool.

"We are going to go there and really enjoy the day," he added. "Liverpool are on great form and it's going to be a hard game for us but we have done really well against Premier League teams and there is always sometimes an upset in the FA Cup, so hopefully it will be us.

"Brendan Rodgers has got them playing some lovely stuff at the minute, but we are going to go there and really have a good go at it.

"It is going to be a massive test. They have been on telly quite a lot recently and they look very good going forward and we have watched them.

"Sturridge and Sterling are still so young, but they look like they have got so much quality already and they are only going to get even better so it is going to be a hard game for us.

"But we are looking forward to pitting our wits against these players and we have got nothing to lose so we will give it a good go."

Kilgallon also admits that the prospect of reaching the semi-finals, and therefore making a personal debut at Wembley, is an added motivation.

"We are really looking forward to this game because we are one game away from Wembley. I've never played there and everyone wants to play there in their career.

"I watched the League Cup final at Wembley the other day and the atmosphere was unbelievable. It is something every player wants to experience.

"We know it is going to be hard but we are looking forward to it as we will be bringing a good fanbase with us to Anfield. It has all the makings of a great FA Cup tie."

 

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Balotelli slams Italian politician in Muntari racism row

Mario Balotelli has slammed an Italian politician for making racist comments concerning Sulley Muntari in the wake of AC Milan's 2-2 draw with Verona on Saturday .Ghana international Muntari gave away a penalty as Filippo Inzaghi's side were held at home in their latest Serie A outing.

After the match, Matteo Salvini, secretary of the anti-immigration Lega Nord party, sparked controversy with a Facebook post that read: "Immigrants who work well are welcome. So Muntari may return to his home."

Liverpool striker Balotelli, the subject of criticism from Salvini in the past, expressed his amazement at the politician's comments.In an Instagram post containing a screenshot of Salvini's words, Balotelli wrote: "This person is serious when he says this or what? He is also a politician? Then voting for me is better."

Salvini appeared unrepentant as he insulted Balotelli with another Facebook post on Sunday.It read: "The sense of humour of Balotelli is equal to his education in the field."He is angry because I criticised his friend Muntari?

"With all the millions that come to play ball, these gentlemen should accept ironies and criticism from fans, and smile. Take it easy Mario!"

 

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Laporte: Athletic expected more from Real Madrid

Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte admits they expected a much stronger Real Madrid side to arrive at San Memes on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side suffered a league defeat to Athletic for the first time since 2010 as Aritz Aduriz netted the only goal of the game.

And 20-year-old France Under 21 stopper Laporte, who watched on from the stands, said he was surprised at Madrid’s lackluster performance.

"It is true that we were expecting a tougher Real Madrid," he told Telefoot."Real Madrid remains a great team. They have great players, but they were a little below their usual level. It happens in football sometimes."

Toni Kroos failed with nine passes in the game, more than in any other game he’s played for Madrid in all competitions, while Cristiano Ronaldo has now failed to get a shot on target in half of his last eight Liga matches.

And Ancelotti admitted his side’s recent problems were down to his misfiring attack."Our problem is mostly to do with attacking, we are not finding the same attacking solutions as we did previously," he said.

"That is the problem that we need to fix. We are lacking a little effectiveness up front."The result means Madrid have taken just 26 games to match last season’s total of five Liga defeats.

 

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Messi goes level with Ronaldo in race for European Golden Shoe

Lionel Messi 's hat-trick for Barcelona against Rayo Vallecano has seen him move level with Cristiano Ronaldo on 30 goals in the race for the European Golden Shoe.

The Argentine struck in the 56th, 63rd and 68th minutes - the second of these from a re-taken penalty - as Barca thrashed Rayo 6-1 at Camp Nou.

The victory saw Barcelona move to the top of La Liga, but also allowed Messi to go level with Ronaldo on goals scored in La Liga.

Messi now has 30 league strikes for the season (41 in all competitions) - 15 of which have arrived in 2015 alone.

Ronaldo is the current joint-holder of the European Golden Shoe, together with Luis Suarez - who also struck twice for Barcelona on Sunday.

The Portuguese has been Europe's top-scorer on three occasions, the same number as Messi.

 

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Luis Enrique: Suarez and Messi understanding is growing

Luis Enrique believes Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi 's growing understanding has been key to Barcelona 's climb to the top of La Liga.

Barca took advantage of Real Madrid's defeat to Athletic Bilbao as they routed Rayo Vallecano 6-1 on Saturday, with Messi scoring another hat-trick while Suarez found the net twice.

Luis Enrique was left delighted by the combination play of the South American duo and feels his side have deservedly reached the top of the table.

"He has an understanding with Messi and Luis is giving us more every time," he told reporters after the match. "They have chemistry, and that's good for the team.
"We've earned our place in the table. We told the players there would be no easy ball, no peace. We knew it would be an awkward match.

"The goal is to be there [top] when the season ends. I always say that defeats will keep happening, which is why we must be very careful."I don't talk about the others. Every game is difficult. Knowing how to manage it will be key."

Luis Enrique, who confirmed the absent Neymar had permission to be in Brazil for the weekend, also underlined that Messi remains first-choice penalty taker despite missing from the spot again on Sunday only to fire home after the referee ordered a re-take.

"The penalty depends on the feelings of the player. Leo Messi is first on the list. I see the same attitude in him as I see in the rest of the team," he added.

 

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Being top doesn't mean anything yet, warns Pique

Gerard Pique has warned his team-mates against the dangers of complacency after Barcelona moved top of La Liga on Sunday.

The Catalans routed Rayo Vallecano 6-1 at Camp Nou, courtesy of a hat-trick from Lionel Messi, two from Luis Suarez and a goal from the defender himself.

The result sees Luis Enrique's side climb above Real Madrid, who were beaten 1-0 by Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, but Pique is adamant his side have achieved nothing yet."It's something we're not too concerned with," he told Canal Plus after the match. "We're top, but the league is very long. Being leaders doesn't mean we've won anything. It's the result of a long road which we hope won't come to an end yet.

"We started well, we had a break, but now we're back and we're fine. Now we're in good form. That's more important at the moment than being top.

"I'm sure we'll drop some more points during the rest of the season, but we must try to make sure we lose less and are top at the end of the season."Barcelona face a trip to Eibar in the next game in six days' time.

 

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Ibrahimovic: I wish I played under Mourinho for longer

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has spoken of his experience working under Jose Mourinho, lamenting the fact the pair only spent a year together at Inter.

The striker won the Serie A title under the Portugese's helm, while also finishing as the league's top scorer with 25 goals, footballer of the year, foreign footballer of the year and winning 'Goal of the Year'.

Ibrahimovic was then sold to Barcelona for €46 million plus Samuel Eto'o as Inter went on to win the treble, including the Champions League, and the Swede admits he regrets not working under Mourinho for longer.

"I had a great experience with Jose," he told Telefoot.

"We worked together for one year at Inter. The feeling was great between us and my only regret is that we were together for only one year."

Ibrahimovic faces off against Mourinho again on Wednesday in the Champions League last-16 second leg, with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea having played out a 1-1 draw in the French capital.

 

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I'll play anywhere for Van Gaal - Januzaj

Adnan Januzaj insists he is willing to play in different positions under Louis van Gaal as he bids to improve his first-team opportunities at Manchester United.

The 20-year-old's breakthrough last season was one of the few positives of David Moyes' disastrous reign at Old Trafford but his rise has slowed under Van Gaal, who has often employed a 3-5-2 system without orthodox wingers.

But Januzaj, who has made just eight starts and 18 total appearances for United this season, is keen to stress that he is willing to play elsewhere on the pitch if it means he enjoys a more prominent role in Van Gaal's plans.

"My game is all about trying to make things happen," Januzaj told the club's official website.

"We had the diamond at Cambridge and I played as a left-midfielder. I feel comfortable there as well. I think I can play well there without a problem.

"My favourite position is as a winger or a no.10. There are a lot of players here and I can play in different roles – it is just a case of taking any opportunities."

United have been criticised in some quarters this season for failing to mount a more significant challenge for the Premier League title, but Januzaj insists securing a top-four finish in the Premier League must be the club's primary objective.

"I think that's the aim – to try to qualify for next year's Champions League," he added. "I played in it last year and it was very good to do so. I was really happy and you know you’re waiting for that kind of opportunity again in the future."

 

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Mancini: Icardi is a brave boy!

Inter boss Roberto Mancini hailed Mauro Icardi's bravery after the striker's Panenka penalty against Napoli, admitting that he has never even attempted such a spot-kick.

The Nerazzurri found themselves two goals down after just over an hour of play at the San Paolo, with Marek Hamsik having opened the scoring with a header before Gonzalo Higuain doubled the hosts' advantage with a terrific, curling effort.
However, Rodrigo Palacio pulled one goal back for Inter before Henrique hauled down Fredy Guarin in the area with just three minutes remaining and the defender was dismissed for his second bookable offence.

Despite the high-pressure nature of the situation, Icardi calmly dinked home the subsequent penalty to earn Inter an unlikely draw."Icardi is a brave boy and that is part of his strength," Mancini told Sky Sport Italia.

"I don't think I've ever even tried a penalty like this. Luckily, though, I didn't see it live, as I wasn't watching at the time!"However, despite his joy at snatching a point at the death, Mancini was once again perturbed by his side's wastefulness in possession.

"We were playing against a Napoli side that have great attackers and it is normal to concede something," he said."However, the problem is that we are conceding when we have the ball, giving it away to a side that cannot wait to go on the counterattack.

"Yet we were 2-0 down and couldn't understand why. I was happy with everyone's performance but we still gave the ball away too easily."

 

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Simeone: Atletico Madrid not fighting for the title

Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid are not in the Liga title race, claiming they continue to be locked in their own championship battle with Valencia and Sevilla.
The reigning Spanish champions could have drawn to within five points of new leaders Barcelona by defeating fourth-placed Valencia at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday - but the Rojiblancos were held to a 1-1 draw by Nuno Santo's side.
The result means Atletico remain just one point above Los Che in the automatic Chamoions League places, with Sevilla a further five behind in fifth.

Simeone has been saying for weeks that his team's aim is to stay ahead of the sides below them rather than reel in Barca and city rivals Real Madrid, who lost to Athletic Bilbao this weekend.Consequently, he was reasonably happy that Atleti had followed up a 0-0 draw at Sevilla last weekend by taking another point from the visit of Valencia.

"I will not give you a headline by saying that we are fighting for La Liga," the Argentine told reporters after the game."The league is long and our championship now is against Valencia and Sevilla, neither of whom managed to beat us in these last two games."

Simeone confessed Atletico had not done enough to hold onto the first-half lead given to them by Koke and felt Valencia were good value for their 78th-minute equaliser from Shkodran Mustafi.

"We did very well in the first half," said the coach. "We pressed them, played the game in their half and we won our duels."However, in the second half, we didn't play in the same way. We didn't continue with the intention of owning the middle of the park and Valencia had more control of the ball as a result.

"We played 10-15 metres deeper and didn't press well, so a draw is a fair result."