..::Football III::..

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Leverkusen are more than just Calhanoglu, says Schmidt

Bayer Leverkusen boss Roger Schmidt says there is more to his team than just the talents of Hakan Calhanoglu as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid.

The 21-year-old Turkey international, who has been linked with a possible move to Barcelona, scored a brilliant goal against the Spanish champions to seal a 1-0 first-leg win in the Champions League last 16.

Schmidt, however, says he wants to see "an extraordinary effort" from his entire team as they aim to book a place in the last eight at the expense of last season's beaten finalists on Tuesday.

"The result in the home tie was positive but we haven't done anything yet," he told a press conference.

"Hakan is one of 11 players and our strength is the whole team. On Tuesday we will try to play as a team. We were not favourites before the first match and now we can only think about the next 90 minutes.

"Atletico are still favourites and we have to make a big effort. We know Atletico are a strong side at home and a team with a strong mentality. We must keep cool heads, try to keep possession and look for quick counterattacks, like we did in our stadium."This is a big challenge. If we want to reach the next round, we will have to produce an extraordinary effort."

Diego Simeone has told the Atletico Madrid faithful not to allow their visitors a moment's peace at the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday but Schmidt hopes to use the atmosphere to his own side's advantage."We will try to take advantage of the atmosphere and turn it into an extra motivation for us," he said.

Midfielder Karim Bellarabi, meanwhile, says reaching the quarter-finals would be an important achievement this season."We will play to win," the 24-year-old said. "We know it won’t be easy but we will try to do our best.

"The season has gone well for me but we would like to achieve more as a team and we will try to progress."

 

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All is not lost in Serie A for Roma, says Garcia

Rudi Garcia says Roma's Serie A season remains far from over despite their damaging 2-0 defeat to Sampdoria on Monday.

Goals from Lorenzo De Silvestri and Luis Muriel gave the visitors all three points at the Stadio Olimpico, as Roma surrendered their unbeaten home record in the league and failed to cut the 14-point gap to Juventus.With bitter rivals Lazio now just a point behind in third, Garcia has urged his players to "lose with dignity" and get back to winning ways as soon as possible.

"Roma played football, especially in the first half, but Sampdoria took their chances and we didn't," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"Samp scored with their first opportunity thanks to our mistake on a corner. We tried to equalise, but it was difficult with 10 men, plus we only played a few days ago.

"There is no time to complain, we must lose with dignity and realise that nothing is lost yet in Serie A. We have to pick up the points we dropped in this game."I have always said that, as long as we create chances to score, then the team is working. We need to rediscover our scoring touch from Thursday."

Garcia, who also claimed Seydou Keita's dismissal for dissent was "entirely avoidable" admits his star players must be decisive for the rest of the season after Roma - especially Francesco Totti - missed a number of chances on Monday with the score at 0-0.

He added: "It is normal to expect a lot from talented players and we certainly have some. It means they have to settle the game when the chances come their way."
Roma face Fiorentina in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, with the tie hanging in the balance after a 1-1 draw last week.

 

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Rodgers: Liverpool have Manchester City in our sights

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says the Merseysiders are not just targeting a place in the top four this season, but are looking to beat Manchester City into second place, too.

The Reds have been in blistering form in 2015, while the reigning champions have faded, and Rodgers' side continued their winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Swansea City on Monday.

Liverpool are now just four points behind Manuel Pellegrini's men with nine games remaining this season and Rodgers insists his team will be looking to finish as high as possible.

"Our aim is to finish as high as we can, not just to finish fourth," the Northern Irish coach told Sky Sports.

"We go three points behind Arsenal, and obviously with Manchester City losing at the weekend it gives us an opportunity there for that, to push on."

Liverpool recorded their sixth straight clean sheet away from home, their longest run since 1972, and Rodgers believes that streak is testament to how much the side have improved recently.

"I didn't know that," Rodgers continued. "I think for the team, we looked at the numbers before the game in terms of victories - I think last season we were the team right up there with Arsenal who had won the most games away from home.

"I think this year we're up near the top end as well, in the top two or three teams. So we know we can go away from home and win because of the character of the team and the resilience of the team, and obviously importantly the quality.

"But that's nice when you consider the teams that have played here and I think it shows you the strides the team is making.

"To come away and get a clean sheet here at Swansea, and get another victory, and as you say six in a row away from home is a great, great effort from the players."

 

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'I want to stay for 30 years' - Inzaghi defiant as AC Milan pressure mounts

Under-pressure AC Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi is hopeful of keeping his job in the aftermath of Monday's 2-1 defeat at Fiorentina.

Inzaghi saw his side take the lead through Mattia Destro early in the second half, as Milan looked set to bounce back from disappointing draws with Chievo and Verona.

However, substitute Joaquin supplied the assist for Gonzalo Rodriguez's equaliser before scoring the crucial second to bolster his side's European aspirations.

Milan, who would have leapfrogged rivals Inter with a win, are left with plenty of work to do to keep their own European hopes alive as the pressure mounts on Inzaghi.But the club's former striker remains defiant, telling Sky Sport Italia: "I have a contract and will continue to work away quietly.

"There have been many difficulties, but after this game we can get back to playing good football. Here we saw my real Milan and we deserved to win."I hope to stay for a long time on the Milan bench. If they want to keep me, great, otherwise I will go on my way.

"I want to do this job for 30 years, hopefully. It is clear that Milan is a club that has given me so much and I hope to stay for as long as possible."

 

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Palermo: Dybala will cost €40 million

Palermo have warned Paulo Dybala potential suitors that it will take a minimum of €40 million to prize him away from the club this summer.

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of Serie A's brightest young talents after helping himself to 12 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions this season.

Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Juventus have all been linked with the player, who started his career with Argentine Second Division club Instituto, but he won't be allowed to leave on the cheap.Palermo's president Maurizio Zamparini told TGR Sicilia: "There are Italian and foreign teams in for him. The price? I've said €40m, but it could be more.

"We want to improve on this season, we'll bring in both young players and more experienced players, but they'll all have quality."[Scout Manuel] Gerolin is in South America compiling a list of players."

Zamparini has been vocal about Dybla's future throughout the season, having earlier stated he would prefer to sell to Serie A rivals Juventus than Man United so that Italian football retains one of its best players.

Several weeks ago he also made the grand claim that the player would one day be as good as Barcelona star and four-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.
Dybala's current deal runs until June 2016.

 

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Manchester United defender Evans makes Northern Ireland return

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is in line to make his first international appearance since November 2013 after being named in Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland squad.

The 27-year-old has not featured for his country since a 1-0 defeat to Turkey, sitting out their recent resurgence in Euro 2016 qualifying, which sees Northern Ireland sat second in Group F after three wins from their first four fixtures.

He has been in fine form for United, but will have little match practice after recently being handed a six-game suspension for spitting.

But that has not deterred O'Neill from restoring Evans to a 27-man selection for a friendly with Scotland, followed by a qualifier at home to Finland next week.

Shane Ferguson, Stuart Dallas and Ryan McLaughlin also return to the fold as Northern Ireland look to build on their impressive start to their qualifying campaign against a side that have only managed to beat pool minnows Faroe Islands so far.

Evans' club-mate Paddy McNair again has a chance to make his international bow having retained his place in the squad.

Northern Ireland squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Roy Carroll (Notts County), Alan Mannus (St. Johnstone), Michael McGovern (Hamilton).

Defenders: Chris Baird (West Brom), Craig Cathcart (Watford), Jonathan Evans (Manchester United), Shane Ferguson (Newcastle United), Aaron Hughes (Brighton and Hove Albion), Gareth McAuley (West Brom), Luke McCullough (Doncaster Rovers), Conor McLaughlin (Fleetwood Town), Paddy McNair (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Chris Brunt (West Brom), Sammy Clingan (Kilmarnock), Stuart Dallas (Brentford), Steven Davis (Southampton), Corry Evans (Blackburn Rovers), Paddy McCourt (Brighton and Hove Albion), Ryan McLaughlin (Liverpool), Oliver Norwood (Reading), Ben Reeves (MK Dons).

Forwards: Will Grigg (MK Dons), Kyle Lafferty (Norwich City), Josh Magennis (Kilmarnock), Niall McGinn (Aberdeen), Billy McKay (Wigan Athletic), Jamie Ward (Derby County)

 

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Mourinho's son slams Chelsea fans for Fabregas criticism

Chelsea supporters are a "disgrace" for criticising Cesc Fabregas after Sunday's Premier League draw with Southampton, according to Jose Mourinho's son.

An error-strewn performance from Fabregas prompted groans of exasperation on several occasions as the Blues laboured to a draw at Stamford Bridge, with many more venting their frustration with the Spaniard on social media.

Fabregas tops the Premier League assist table by a distance, having laid on 15 goals for his team, but the 27-year-old's form has dipped since the turn of the year and he has registered just one assist in his last 10 matches.

"Why is everyone hating and blaming Fabregas for Sunday's performance... It was a team effort," Jose Mourinho Jr, a youth team goalkeeper at Fulham, wrote on Instagram.

"Fabregas might have not played as well as most expected but at least he kept fighting... Showed a lot of character, I've seen bad Chelsea fans but Sunday was the worse I've ever seen, Fans booing Cesc not singing at all, I completely agree with the chant "Mourinho's right, you're fans are s---e" Our fans are a disgrace!!!!"

Mourinho himself has criticised the Stamford Bridge crowd on several occasions this season, claiming he thought his side were "playing in an empty stadium" after a 1-0 win over QPR in November.

Mourinho Jr's Instagram page has since been taken down, but screenshots of the post have circulated online.

Chelsea stoked controversy earlier this week by posting images of Graeme Souness and Jamie Carragher arguing with officials on Instagram alongside the caption 'for those with short memories', after the Sky Sports duo had criticised the conduct of Blues players towards referee Bjorn Kuipers against Paris Saint-Germain.

 

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'Ibrahimovic can leave France' - Marine Le Pen

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been told to leave France by the nation's far right National Front leader Marine Le Pen.

The Paris Saint-Germain star caused a storm when he was filmed making several angry remarks relating to incidents in the club's 3-2 Ligue 1 defeat away to Bordeaux.Footage released by Canal + recorded him saying: “In 15 years I’ve never seen a [good] referee in this s*** country ... It doesn't even even deserve PSG.”

Le Pen responded with a firm statement in an interview with France Info radio on Monday: "Those who consider that France is a s*** country can leave it. It's as simple as that."

Ibrahimovic later apologised for his comments through a message communicated via his social networking sites: “Regarding my comments after tonight’s game; they were not against France or the French people. I spoke about football.

"I lost the game, I accept that but I can’t accept when the referee doesn’t follow the rules. It’s not the first time and I’m sick of it. My sincere apologies if anyone was offended or took it the wrong way.”

The former AC Milan and Barcelona star scored twice on Sunday but a late goal from Diego Rolan saw PSG beaten 3-2, with the striker angered by the referee failing to award a free-kick when the goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso picked up a back pass late in the game.

Ibrahimovic could yet face disciplinary charges for the outburst after the LFP stated it will discuss the incident at a meeting on Thursday.

 

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'Ibrahimovic can leave France' - Marine Le Pen

Come to EPLbut age 1ka thamai​

 

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Messi shirt sales astonishing - Braida

Lionel Messi is most famous for the number of goals he scores but Barcelona's sporting director Ariedo Braida has spoken of his astonishment at the number of the player's shirts sold to his adoring fans.

The 27-year-old has made a strong start to the year after enduring a difficult run of form at the end of last year amid rumours of a bust-up with Barca coach Luis Enrique and speculation he could leave the club in the summer of 2015.

Messi's revival has helped to spark the Blaugrana's title push, which has seen them overtake Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, where they enjoy a one-point lead on their fierce rivals ahead of the clash between the sides on March 22.

Braida previously held the sporting director post at AC Milan before leaving the club in January 2014, and the Italian revealed he has been taken aback by the pulling power of the side's star player. He told Radio Anch'io Sport:"He's a very strong player and is the icon of world football. He sells lots of shirts all around the world, it's extraordinary.

"The president always says that Messi is an alien. I think and hope that economically he's unapproachable for other clubs. Even if you have to pay attention to new investors, Messi has a release clause of €250 million and for most teams that is an unattainable figure."Leo in Barcelona is much-loved by all, I think it would be a mistake for him to change team. "

Messi has scored 32 goals in 27 league games this season, with 17 of those coming since the turn of the year, including two in the 2-0 win over Eibar on Saturday.

 

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Sergio Ramos' return hugely important for Madrid, says Modric

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has stressed that the return of Sergio Ramos is vital for the Santiago Bernabeu side's ambitions this term.

The Spain international made his comeback in Madrid's 2-0 La Liga win over Levante on Sunday after missing his side's previous five league games due to a muscular problem.Carlo Ancelotti's men won just two of their five La Liga matches without Sergio Ramos and Modric was delighted to see the defender return to the frame.

"It is hugely important to have Sergio back with us. His character and quality are important for this team," Modric told the official Madrid website.

The Croatia international then went on to voice his satisfaction with Sunday's win at the Bernabeu and is hopeful they can build on the victory in the upcoming Clasico versus Barcelona."I think we played a good game, especially in the first half. It was a very important win and will help with our preparations for the Barcelona match.

"It is going to be a very tough encounter. They keep the ball very well but we just have to focus on our game."We need to stay true to ourselves and make the most of our chances. We have to be united both in attack and defence."

Madrid currently sit second in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by one point.

 

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'We have to believe!' - Ozil issues rallying cry ahead of Monaco clash

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has called on his team-mates to show belief as they look to overturn a two-goal deficit against Monaco to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Gunners trail the Ligue 1 side by a 3-1 scoreline following the first leg of the last 16 tie and know that they have to win by at least a two-goal margin in France to be in with a chance of going through.

Ozil is adamant that Arsene Wenger's side can achieve the right result, however, but appreciates that they will need an early goal. He told the club's official website: "It's very important to score early, but we will remain patient. We want to fight and battle from the first minute until the last.

"This is a match that we are determined to win. We have to score three goals and our aim is to do just that while remaining tight in defence.

"If we play as we are capable of doing in Monaco, I still believe that we have a real chance to progress.

"We want to disrupt their rhythm and try to score as early as possible. It's going to be difficult to score three times because they have defended well in the tournament so far, but if you look at our past matches and the way we played against Manchester United last week, I think there’s a chance we can still progress.

"We have to believe in ourselves. When you believe in yourselves, a positive energy grows that you can achieve your aims. In football, things that may look unlikely can happen.

"I know that if we believe in ourselves and utilise our potential, we can still go through."

 

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Giroud: I'll answer critics against Monaco

Olivier Giroud is backing himself to makes amends for his poor performance in Arsenal's Champions League last-16 first-leg defeat to Monaco by inspiring a second-leg fightback on Tuesday.

The striker was wasteful in front of goal as the Gunners slumped to a 3-1 defeat against the Ligue 1 side at the Emirates Stadium last month, but has scored in each of the three games he has started since.

Giroud paid no attention to his critics following his misfiring display in the first leg against Monaco and is backing himself to continue his impressive form at Stade Louis II.

"I take a lot of pressure on the pitch. But when I 'miss' a game, if I can say that, you know I try to bounce back as quick as I can," he told reporters.

"If you let the doubts enter your head it's even more difficult to cope. There are always tough moments like that. You have to question yourself every week and bounce back. I try to show my answers on the pitch.

"Even when you play well and score a lot of goals, if you miss one game everything is forgotten. You have to have a conscience about it and be aware.

"Don't believe the people who talk too much about football. I'm not used to reading the media. I know when I play well or not. I know how to bounce back."

 

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Kagawa the sausage in Dortmund sandwich - Klopp

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has taken the time to praise Shinji Kagawa for his intelligent movement between the lines.

The Japan international returned to the Signal Iduna Park ahead of the 2014-15 campaign after two unsuccessful seasons at Manchester United and Klopp is delighted to have the attacking midfielder back at his disposal.

"Shinji is someone who moves so well in the most difficult areas of the pitch, between the two lines of four," Klopp was quoted as saying by the official Uefa website."It's like he is the sausage in a sandwich, because players are coming from all sides."

The Dortmund coach then went on to praise Marco Reus and hailed the attacker's decision to snub a move elsewhere in favour of a new deal with BVB."Just how important Marco is, you could see from the extension of his contract.

With such a top player, and with our history [financially], you would think a player of his calibre would leave the club at some point. But even though the whole world wanted him, he said: 'I'm staying here.'""I think that was an extraordinary act at such a young age and not normal, so that's why I think he is a great player and a great lad."

Reus has netted seven goals in 15 Bundesliga appearances so far this term, while setting up three more.

 

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UEFA Champions League 2nd Leg Fixtures 2015.03.17

UEFA Champions League 2nd Leg Fixtures 2015.03.17

(AGG)
3-1

Monaco Vs Arsenal

(AGG)
0-1

Atletico Madrid Vs Leverkusen

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Atletico Madrid 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen AET (1-1 on agg., 3-2 pens): Kiessling proves costly as Simeone's side advance

Atletico Madrid are in the Champions League quarter-finals after overcoming Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 aggregate draw.

Mario Suarez's first-half goal had levelled the tie before a scoreless second half and 30 minutes of extra-time led to a nervy and error-strewn shootout, in which five efforts were missed.

Fernando Torres' cool strike put Atleti into the lead after their set of five, and Kiessling skied his shot way over the bar to settle matters in favour of last year's runners-up.

It was a dramatic ending to a match that saw Atleti quickly assert themselves in front of a raucous home crowd, but they were unable to capitalise on Leverkusen's early mistakes.

Atleti's wastefulness was nearly punished in the 10th minute as Karim Bellarabi jinked away from three challenges on the edge of the penalty area, before seeing his low effort was deflected wide.

The hosts – who were forced to replace goalkeeper Moya midway through the half – were soon back on the front foot and got their reward after 27 minutes.

Levekusen failed to clear a free kick and Suarez – one of five Atleti changes from the first leg – fired home from the edge of the penalty area, albeit with a deflection off Omer Toprak.

Suarez went close to putting Atleti ahead in the tie with a curling 20-yard effort before the break, while Hakan Calhanoglu failed to apply the finishing touch to a late Leverkusen counter.

A cagey opening to the second half saw chances at a premium, with Arda Turan wasting the first sight of goal 24 minutes after the restart.

The Turkey international was unable to control his volley from an Antoine Griezmann cross, while substitute Raul Garcia was inches away from diverting a Koke free kick beyond Bernd Leno soon after.

Leverkusen offered little going forward throughout the half and the Bundesliga outfit were grateful to their goalkeeper with nine minutes remaining as he got down well to save another Turan effort.

There was more attacking intent from the visitors early in extra time following the introduction of Kiessling, but again they needed Leno to keep them in the game as he made a reflex save denied Raul Garcia after 108 minutes.

And so to penalties it went, with both sides missing their opening efforts, before Griezmann and Suarez settled the hosts' nerves with smart finishes either side of Simon Rolfes converting.

An abysmal effort from Toprak flew over the crossbar to give Atleti the advantage, but a superb save from Leno to deny Koke brought the visitors back into contention.

Gonzalo Castro levelled things up with a confident finish, before Torres converted and Kiessling blazed over to give Diego Simeone's side a place in Friday's draw for the quarter-finals.

 

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Monaco 0-2 Arsenal (agg 3-3): Gunners out on away goals despite heroic effort

Arsenal narrowly missed out on a Champions League miracle as their 2-0 win at Monaco was not enough to prevent them from exiting the competition on away goals.

Needing a 3-0 victory to guarantee a spot in the quarter-finals, the Gunners pushed throughout and finally got the breakthrough shortly before half-time when Olivier Giroud fired into the roof of the net.

Though Monaco fought hard to hold them off, Arsene Wenger's men looked likely to score again and did so with just over 10 minutes to go, substitute Aaron Ramsey burying a second when a disastrous clearance went straight to him after Theo Walcott hit the post.

Arsenal could not scramble their way to a second, however, and are left lamenting the first-leg failure that put them up against it in this game.

Wenger's side have now exited the competition at the first knockout round in each of the last five seasons while Monaco progressed to the last eight for the first time since 2004, when they went on to reach the final.

Monaco's ultimately successful plan to soak up wave after wave of Arsenal pressure became immediately evident, and the visitors' first chance came as Giroud headed Hector Bellerin's right-wing cross wide of goal.

As Arsenal continued to press forward, Laurent Koscielny struck the crossbar from close range as Monaco failed to deal with a free kick but the linesman's flag was raised for offside in any event.

Giroud broke the deadlock nine minutes before the interval, smashing the ball into the roof of the net at the second attempt after his initial effort was smothered by Danijel Subasic.

Arsenal almost had a second two minutes later but Danny Welbeck's goalbound shot struck a prone Aymen Abdennour and squirmed wide of the right-hand post, before Alexis Sanchez tripped himself up in the penalty area, resulting in a harsh booking for diving.

In first-half stoppage time, Giroud and then Welbeck both threatened to double the visitors' lead as Arsenal went into the break in the ascendancy.

Arsenal continued to look the more threatening after the interval and Mesut Ozil saw a free kick tipped over by Subasic, before fizzing a half-volley wide from just inside the area.

Arsenal felt they should have had an indirect free kick when Subasic handled Fabinho's backpass but the referee deemed the defender's intervention to have been unintentional.

With 11 minutes remaining, Ramsey gave Arsenal further hope with a fine right-footed finish. Fellow substitute Walcott saw his initial shot come back off the post and, when Layvin Kurzawa's poor clearance fell straight to Ramsey, the Welshman rifled a shot low into the bottom-left corner.

As Monaco wobbled, Subasic produced a fine save to claw out Sanchez's header at the far post, his crucial intervention sending the hosts through despite a first defeat on home soil in Europe this term.

 

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Arsenal knockout wela ne.But pattama gemak deela thiyanawa​

 

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AC Milan must still aim for Europe - Mexes

Philippe Mexes says AC Milan must continue to aim for a European spot despite Monday’s defeat to Fiorentina leaving them 10 points adrift of the Europa League positions.The Rossoneri squandered the lead in the last eight minutes to go down 2-1 against Vincenzo Montella's side in Florence.

And while the French defender admits his team is playing with fear at the moment, he believes they can still make a late run for the top six.

"We dropped our level too much and we tried to see it out defensively," Mexes told Milan Channel of the Fiorentina reverse. "In the end, the fear took over after the concession of the late goal against Verona in the previous game.

"But Milan cannot remain out of Europe. We have to stand up - there are 33 points left to play for and we will look to take them all. It is a difficult championship for everyone but we must try to win every game from Saturday onwards."

The future of coach Filippo Inzaghi has been cast in severe doubt in the face of Milan's run of just two wins in 12 league games.

But just as the former striker was upbeat following their latest defeat, so Mexes believes there are positives to be taken from Monday's loss."We have to take good things from the match against Fiorentina," he added. "We saw a proactive team who tried to play with the ball. We are Milan and we must continue on this path.

"Maybe in some situations we lack a little grit and we are short on confidence. But we must work to concede fewer goals because we know that, with our players, we will always be capable of scoring more."

Milan return to the field on Saturday at 20:45 CET, with struggling Cagliari the visitors to San Siro.

 

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Police extend Adam Johnson bail as investigation into sex with 15-year-old girl continues

Durham Constabulary has extended the bail of Adam Johnson as they continue to investigate allegations the Sunderland player had sexual activity with an underage girl.

The 27-year-old was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl and subsequently bailed.

However, 12-time England international Johnson is not due to report back to police until April 23 while a weapon discovered in his house during his arrest has been examined and does not require a certificate.

Police also used a statement on Tuesday to warn members of the public not to gossip about the identity of the female involved.

"Durham Constabulary is aware this investigation has resulted in considerable rumour and speculation, much of it on social media and in relation to the victim," said a police spokesperson.

"This has caused distress to the victim and her family and is very unhelpful while we still have a number of actions to carry out as part of our enquiries.

"We stress again the warning we have already given, that anyone who publishes anything which may identify the victim of a sexual offence is committing a criminal act and will be dealt with accordingly."

Johnson remains suspended by Sunderland as the investigation goes on.