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Real Madrid suspend club member over Bale and Jese car attacks
Real Madrid have suspended one club member and identified the two other supporters responsible for insulting and kicking some players' cars after Sunday's Liga loss to Barcelona.Footage emerged of one fan striking Jese's car window and two others trying to kick and punch Gareth Bale's car.
The pair were also verbally abused, as was coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is under increasing pressure after the 2-1 loss at Camp Nou left Madrid four points behind Liga leaders Barcelona.
"Following the incidents that occurred involving three individuals in the early hours of this morning outside Ciudad Real Madrid, Real Madrid C. F. wishes to outline the following:
"1.- The Club has already identified the individuals responsible, one a Real Madrid member, for these aggressive and violent actions against several of our players.
"2.- Details of this member's identity have been sent to the Club's Discipline Commission, requesting that it expel the individual from Real Madrid for what is considered a very serious offence.
"3.- This afternoon, the Discipline Commission held an emergency meeting and decided to open a disciplinary investigation and provisionally suspend the individual's rights as a member and access to the Santiago Bernabéu or any Real Madrid facilities.
"4.- Real Madrid has notified Spain's National Anti-Violence Commission of the incidents that took place, as well as the identities of the individuals responsible, requesting that it apply those sanctions that it considers appropriate.
"5.- Furthermore, Real Madrid will take any applicable legal action against the individuals responsible for these incidents."
Sergio Ramos was also present at the time and he intervened when he saw Jese being targeted in the car in front of his."This should not happen," the defender said. "These guys were my age. I drove up behind Jese's car and heard what was said, so I took a stand.
"I stopped the car, rolled down the window and told them they were in the wrong.
"The best thing I did was beeping Jese to drive away. Sometimes the fans wants to express themselves but not in this way."
Bale joined Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur last summer and played a key role in the club winning the Copa del Rey and the Champions League in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, his form and fitness have come under mounting scrutiny this season and he has been booed during some home games.
Real Madrid have suspended one club member and identified the two other supporters responsible for insulting and kicking some players' cars after Sunday's Liga loss to Barcelona.Footage emerged of one fan striking Jese's car window and two others trying to kick and punch Gareth Bale's car.
The pair were also verbally abused, as was coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is under increasing pressure after the 2-1 loss at Camp Nou left Madrid four points behind Liga leaders Barcelona.
"Following the incidents that occurred involving three individuals in the early hours of this morning outside Ciudad Real Madrid, Real Madrid C. F. wishes to outline the following:
"1.- The Club has already identified the individuals responsible, one a Real Madrid member, for these aggressive and violent actions against several of our players.
"2.- Details of this member's identity have been sent to the Club's Discipline Commission, requesting that it expel the individual from Real Madrid for what is considered a very serious offence.
"3.- This afternoon, the Discipline Commission held an emergency meeting and decided to open a disciplinary investigation and provisionally suspend the individual's rights as a member and access to the Santiago Bernabéu or any Real Madrid facilities.
"4.- Real Madrid has notified Spain's National Anti-Violence Commission of the incidents that took place, as well as the identities of the individuals responsible, requesting that it apply those sanctions that it considers appropriate.
"5.- Furthermore, Real Madrid will take any applicable legal action against the individuals responsible for these incidents."
Sergio Ramos was also present at the time and he intervened when he saw Jese being targeted in the car in front of his."This should not happen," the defender said. "These guys were my age. I drove up behind Jese's car and heard what was said, so I took a stand.
"I stopped the car, rolled down the window and told them they were in the wrong.
"The best thing I did was beeping Jese to drive away. Sometimes the fans wants to express themselves but not in this way."
Bale joined Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur last summer and played a key role in the club winning the Copa del Rey and the Champions League in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, his form and fitness have come under mounting scrutiny this season and he has been booed during some home games.
'I'm not worried about Ronaldo,' insists Portugal boss Santos
Portugal boss Fernando Santos says he is not in the least bit worried about Cristiano Ronaldo's current mental state, insisting that the attacker remains as committed as ever to playing for his country.
Ronaldo's mindset has been the focus of much debate in recent weeks, on account of his break-up with former girlfriend Irina Shayk, as well as the controversy caused by his decision to go ahead with his 30th birthday party celebrations just hours after an embarrassing 4-0 derby defeat at Atleteico Madrid.However, Santos is not in the least bit concerned about his star player, claiming he remains determined as ever to help Portugal win a major international honour.
"Cristiano Ronaldo does not worry me because all the players who come have a great motivation to play, to win titles," he told reporters on Monday.
"They have been close to winning titles but they have not succeeded yet. Players want to be in the finals and Cristiano Ronaldo thinks the same way. "The problem would be if he could not come to join the national team."
Ronaldo, who has netted 52 times in 118 appearances for Portugal, played a key role in his country's run to the final of Euro 2004, where they were surprisingly beaten on home soil by Greece.
Portugal boss Fernando Santos says he is not in the least bit worried about Cristiano Ronaldo's current mental state, insisting that the attacker remains as committed as ever to playing for his country.
Ronaldo's mindset has been the focus of much debate in recent weeks, on account of his break-up with former girlfriend Irina Shayk, as well as the controversy caused by his decision to go ahead with his 30th birthday party celebrations just hours after an embarrassing 4-0 derby defeat at Atleteico Madrid.However, Santos is not in the least bit concerned about his star player, claiming he remains determined as ever to help Portugal win a major international honour.
"Cristiano Ronaldo does not worry me because all the players who come have a great motivation to play, to win titles," he told reporters on Monday.
"They have been close to winning titles but they have not succeeded yet. Players want to be in the finals and Cristiano Ronaldo thinks the same way. "The problem would be if he could not come to join the national team."
Ronaldo, who has netted 52 times in 118 appearances for Portugal, played a key role in his country's run to the final of Euro 2004, where they were surprisingly beaten on home soil by Greece.
Liverpool fan: I calmed down Balotelli
A Liverpool supporter has claimed credit for helping his side avoid a second red card in Sunday's defeat to Manchester United after he restrained Mario Balotelli during a confrontation with Chris Smalling.
Having already seen captain Steven Gerrard dismissed just 38 seconds after his introduction at half-time, Liverpool were already down to 10 men when Balotelli - who was already on a yellow card - was involved in a tussle on the sideline with Smalling.
Balotelli's momentum saw him end up alongside the advertising hoardings and Shaun Leatherbarrow, who was sitting in the front row at Anfield, said he felt it was his responsibility to calm the Italy international.
"The way I saw it, Smalling sort of shoved Mario off the pitch and Mario grabbed him just to have something to grab on to," the supporter told the Liverpool Echo.
"I could tell from Mario's body language he was ready to react and I knew he'd already had a yellow card.
"I was saying, 'Calm down, leave it, leave it', and he was saying, 'OK, OK'. I'm only five foot, eight inches and he's a big lad so I was struggling to get my arms around him.
"Peter, the lad who sits next to me at the ground, helped me and he's a police officer who sometimes works at Anfield on match days.
"Afterwards all the lads were laughing and patting me on the back as well as having a go at Smalling."
A Liverpool supporter has claimed credit for helping his side avoid a second red card in Sunday's defeat to Manchester United after he restrained Mario Balotelli during a confrontation with Chris Smalling.
Having already seen captain Steven Gerrard dismissed just 38 seconds after his introduction at half-time, Liverpool were already down to 10 men when Balotelli - who was already on a yellow card - was involved in a tussle on the sideline with Smalling.
Balotelli's momentum saw him end up alongside the advertising hoardings and Shaun Leatherbarrow, who was sitting in the front row at Anfield, said he felt it was his responsibility to calm the Italy international.
"The way I saw it, Smalling sort of shoved Mario off the pitch and Mario grabbed him just to have something to grab on to," the supporter told the Liverpool Echo.
"I could tell from Mario's body language he was ready to react and I knew he'd already had a yellow card.
"I was saying, 'Calm down, leave it, leave it', and he was saying, 'OK, OK'. I'm only five foot, eight inches and he's a big lad so I was struggling to get my arms around him.
"Peter, the lad who sits next to me at the ground, helped me and he's a police officer who sometimes works at Anfield on match days.
"Afterwards all the lads were laughing and patting me on the back as well as having a go at Smalling."
Giroud: Neymar the leader of resurgent Brazil side
Olivier Giroud says France will have to pay special attention to Brazil captain Neymar when the two nations meet in a friendly in Paris on Thursday.
Neymar has led the Selecao to six consecutive victories since being appointed as skipper by Dunga, who succeeded Luis Felipe Scolari as coach after last year's humiliating World Cup campaign on home soil.
Consequently, Giroud says that France can ill afford to take either Neymar or Brazil lightly at the Stade de France, even though Les Bleus go into the game on the back of wins over Spain and Portugal during the November internationals.
"Neymar is the leader of this Brazil team," he told RMC. "He is very well suited to Europe and the Spanish league.
"He was very strong in South America. We did not know how he was going to settle in Europe and he needed a little time to adapt."But he is now fully integrated. He is decisive and important for Barca, and it's the same for Brazil.
"He is a great player, so we will have to be careful."We beat major football nations in November. So we have managed to raise our level. I think we are in constant progression.
"Are we now among the top three teams in the world? I will not go that far. But we can have ambition with this team."It's a friendly game but against a big side like Brazil. Although they had a poor performance at the World Cup, they are still Brazil, with all of the talent that they always have.
"It will be good for us to measure ourselves against this team."
Olivier Giroud says France will have to pay special attention to Brazil captain Neymar when the two nations meet in a friendly in Paris on Thursday.
Neymar has led the Selecao to six consecutive victories since being appointed as skipper by Dunga, who succeeded Luis Felipe Scolari as coach after last year's humiliating World Cup campaign on home soil.
Consequently, Giroud says that France can ill afford to take either Neymar or Brazil lightly at the Stade de France, even though Les Bleus go into the game on the back of wins over Spain and Portugal during the November internationals.
"Neymar is the leader of this Brazil team," he told RMC. "He is very well suited to Europe and the Spanish league.
"He was very strong in South America. We did not know how he was going to settle in Europe and he needed a little time to adapt."But he is now fully integrated. He is decisive and important for Barca, and it's the same for Brazil.
"He is a great player, so we will have to be careful."We beat major football nations in November. So we have managed to raise our level. I think we are in constant progression.
"Are we now among the top three teams in the world? I will not go that far. But we can have ambition with this team."It's a friendly game but against a big side like Brazil. Although they had a poor performance at the World Cup, they are still Brazil, with all of the talent that they always have.
"It will be good for us to measure ourselves against this team."
Mathieu: No way Messi will leave Barcelona for PSG
Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu says that there is no chance of Lionel Messi leaving the Liga club for Paris Saint-Germain.Messi has spent his entire professional career in Catalunya and is under contract until 2018, with a buy-out clause of €250 million.
However, it was rumoured during the turn of the year that the Argentine attacker was unhappy with Barca coach Luis Enrique and he openly admitted that he was unsure if he would remain at Camp Nou.Mathieu, though, is adamant that his team-mate is going nowhere.
"Messi to PSG? Impossible," he told RMC. "I can't see Messi at any other club than Barcelona."
Of course, Barca will face the French titleholders in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and Mathieu is anticipating a tough test against Laurent Blanc's men, whom they were beaten 3-2 by in their group-stage meeting at the Parc des Princes before triumphing 3-1 in the return clash at Camp Nou."It's a game like all others but it will very difficult because PSG have many qualities and great players too," the France international said.
"We know them well and if we play as we did in the two games in the group stage, we'll go through. But we'll have to be at 100 per cent."
Barca are buzzing at the moment after defeating Real Madrid 2-1 at Camp Nou on Sunday to move four points clear of los Blancos at the top of La Liga.Mathieu has taken great encouragement out of the Blaugrana's victory but he dismissed the suggestion that the title race is over.
"There are a lot of games to go and a lot of points left to play for," the centre-back added."It is an advantage to have our destiny in our own hands but we'll have to win all of our games. It will be tough. Our April will be busy."
Barca are set to play eight games in 24 days next month, including their two-legged tie with PSG.
Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu says that there is no chance of Lionel Messi leaving the Liga club for Paris Saint-Germain.Messi has spent his entire professional career in Catalunya and is under contract until 2018, with a buy-out clause of €250 million.
However, it was rumoured during the turn of the year that the Argentine attacker was unhappy with Barca coach Luis Enrique and he openly admitted that he was unsure if he would remain at Camp Nou.Mathieu, though, is adamant that his team-mate is going nowhere.
"Messi to PSG? Impossible," he told RMC. "I can't see Messi at any other club than Barcelona."
Of course, Barca will face the French titleholders in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and Mathieu is anticipating a tough test against Laurent Blanc's men, whom they were beaten 3-2 by in their group-stage meeting at the Parc des Princes before triumphing 3-1 in the return clash at Camp Nou."It's a game like all others but it will very difficult because PSG have many qualities and great players too," the France international said.
"We know them well and if we play as we did in the two games in the group stage, we'll go through. But we'll have to be at 100 per cent."
Barca are buzzing at the moment after defeating Real Madrid 2-1 at Camp Nou on Sunday to move four points clear of los Blancos at the top of La Liga.Mathieu has taken great encouragement out of the Blaugrana's victory but he dismissed the suggestion that the title race is over.
"There are a lot of games to go and a lot of points left to play for," the centre-back added."It is an advantage to have our destiny in our own hands but we'll have to win all of our games. It will be tough. Our April will be busy."
Barca are set to play eight games in 24 days next month, including their two-legged tie with PSG.
Sturridge pulls out of England squad
Daniel Sturridge has suffered another injury setback and will miss England's upcoming matches against Lithuania and Italy.
The 25-year-old Liverpool striker damaged his hip in Sunday's 2-1 Premier League defeat against Manchester United at Anfield and will play no part in Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier with Lithuania at Wembley on Friday or next Tuesday's friendly in Rome.
A statement on the Football Association website said: "Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has left the England squad and returned home to his club on Monday evening.
"This follows a scan on an injury that he sustained during Liverpool’s game against Manchester United on Sunday.
"The England medical team took the decision on Monday evening having assessed Daniel following the squad's arrival at St. George's Park on Monday afternoon."
Sturridge scored against United and has been restricted to just 11 league appearances this term due to a combination of calf and thigh issues.
The absence of Sturridge would appear to enhance Harry Kane's chances of making his first start at senior level for his country.
Sturridge's Liverpool team-mate Adam Lallana has also returned to Merseyside after being ruled out due to a groin injury, with Tottenham's uncapped midfielder Ryan Mason replacing him.
Daniel Sturridge has suffered another injury setback and will miss England's upcoming matches against Lithuania and Italy.
The 25-year-old Liverpool striker damaged his hip in Sunday's 2-1 Premier League defeat against Manchester United at Anfield and will play no part in Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier with Lithuania at Wembley on Friday or next Tuesday's friendly in Rome.
A statement on the Football Association website said: "Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has left the England squad and returned home to his club on Monday evening.
"This follows a scan on an injury that he sustained during Liverpool’s game against Manchester United on Sunday.
"The England medical team took the decision on Monday evening having assessed Daniel following the squad's arrival at St. George's Park on Monday afternoon."
Sturridge scored against United and has been restricted to just 11 league appearances this term due to a combination of calf and thigh issues.
The absence of Sturridge would appear to enhance Harry Kane's chances of making his first start at senior level for his country.
Sturridge's Liverpool team-mate Adam Lallana has also returned to Merseyside after being ruled out due to a groin injury, with Tottenham's uncapped midfielder Ryan Mason replacing him.
Neymar: France clash will be a great test
Brazil captain Neymar says he cannot wait for a ‘great’ test his side will face in Thursday’s Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour clash with France.
The Barcelona forward has been in inspired form since inheriting the captaincy from Thiago Silva following last year’s World Cup, hitting seven goals as he led Dunga’s side to six consecutive victories.
Next up is les Bleus at Stade de France in a rematch of the 1998 World Cup final, though for Neymar the 3-0 victory that gave France their first world title is all in the past.“I love to play games like this,” he said on his arrival in Paris.
“Two huge national teams, and a packed stadium in the opponent's home. It will be a great game.
“I remember the game and France's three goals very well. We were all very sad at home. But this match has nothing to do with 1998. That story has been overcome. Brazil are five-time world champions.”"These are very important matches to see where we need to improve and where we still have problems. These will be matches at a very high level and a good test."
Team-mate Miranda will be partnered in central defence by Thiago Silva in the absence of the injured David Luiz, and the Atletico Madrid stopper is also expecting a stern test from Didier Deschamps' side.“In football, especially as a defender, you cannot fail,” he said.
“In this position, we have to be alert all the time, and that's what I try to do every time I play for the national team."
Brazil captain Neymar says he cannot wait for a ‘great’ test his side will face in Thursday’s Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour clash with France.
The Barcelona forward has been in inspired form since inheriting the captaincy from Thiago Silva following last year’s World Cup, hitting seven goals as he led Dunga’s side to six consecutive victories.
Next up is les Bleus at Stade de France in a rematch of the 1998 World Cup final, though for Neymar the 3-0 victory that gave France their first world title is all in the past.“I love to play games like this,” he said on his arrival in Paris.
“Two huge national teams, and a packed stadium in the opponent's home. It will be a great game.
“I remember the game and France's three goals very well. We were all very sad at home. But this match has nothing to do with 1998. That story has been overcome. Brazil are five-time world champions.”"These are very important matches to see where we need to improve and where we still have problems. These will be matches at a very high level and a good test."
Team-mate Miranda will be partnered in central defence by Thiago Silva in the absence of the injured David Luiz, and the Atletico Madrid stopper is also expecting a stern test from Didier Deschamps' side.“In football, especially as a defender, you cannot fail,” he said.
“In this position, we have to be alert all the time, and that's what I try to do every time I play for the national team."
Giroud: I'm at my best for Arsenal - and the critics can't touch me
Olivier Giroud believes he is playing the best football of his Arsenal career and insists he is unaffected by criticism about his inconsistency in front of goal.
The France international’s double in the 2-1 win over Newcastle United on Saturday took his tally to nine goals in his last 10 appearances as Arsenal remain on course to secure a Champions League place.
Giroud currently has 13 Premier League goals to his name this season and is only five behind Diego Costa and Harry Kane, who have both played over 500 minutes more than the Arsenal striker.
“Since I have been at Arsenal, this is perhaps my best period. I have to continue like that. I do not want to stop there,” Giroud told RMC Sport.
“I scored 16 or 17 goals in the league last year. I would like to do better and especially help the team achieve our targets. This is the most important.
“Finish second or third would be fine, although we will be hoping Chelsea slip up. Winning the FA Cup is also an objective. I continue my progress. I feel very well at Arsenal. It is important to continue to progress.”
Giroud faced criticism after spurning two clear-cut chances in Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat to Monaco in the Champions League but the 28-year-old believes he has shown the mental strength needed to bounce back from that performance.
“I did an interview a week before the match against Monaco," he added. "We had covered everything and the journalist said me: ‘Giroud, this is not the same name as Aguero or Diego Costa’. I simply answered that a good striker lets his statistics speak.
“I know who I am, I know what I'm saying. People who know me know that I am not pretentious.
“Obviously, it's was not at the good moment because I lacked efficiency in that game. I did a little teasing. But it's good to have shown mental strength to come back even stronger and prove that critics do not reach me.
“I created a shell, whether in good or bad times. I know when I'm good or not. I do not need people for that.”
Olivier Giroud believes he is playing the best football of his Arsenal career and insists he is unaffected by criticism about his inconsistency in front of goal.
The France international’s double in the 2-1 win over Newcastle United on Saturday took his tally to nine goals in his last 10 appearances as Arsenal remain on course to secure a Champions League place.
Giroud currently has 13 Premier League goals to his name this season and is only five behind Diego Costa and Harry Kane, who have both played over 500 minutes more than the Arsenal striker.
“Since I have been at Arsenal, this is perhaps my best period. I have to continue like that. I do not want to stop there,” Giroud told RMC Sport.
“I scored 16 or 17 goals in the league last year. I would like to do better and especially help the team achieve our targets. This is the most important.
“Finish second or third would be fine, although we will be hoping Chelsea slip up. Winning the FA Cup is also an objective. I continue my progress. I feel very well at Arsenal. It is important to continue to progress.”
Giroud faced criticism after spurning two clear-cut chances in Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat to Monaco in the Champions League but the 28-year-old believes he has shown the mental strength needed to bounce back from that performance.
“I did an interview a week before the match against Monaco," he added. "We had covered everything and the journalist said me: ‘Giroud, this is not the same name as Aguero or Diego Costa’. I simply answered that a good striker lets his statistics speak.
“I know who I am, I know what I'm saying. People who know me know that I am not pretentious.
“Obviously, it's was not at the good moment because I lacked efficiency in that game. I did a little teasing. But it's good to have shown mental strength to come back even stronger and prove that critics do not reach me.
“I created a shell, whether in good or bad times. I know when I'm good or not. I do not need people for that.”
Suarez: Neymar right to be selfish
Luis Suarez says he has no issue with Neymar's selfishness, claiming that his Barcelona team-mate's hunger for goals will carry him all the way to Ballon d'Or glory.
Neymar was criticised in some quarters for taking too much out of the ball in Sunday's Clasico success over Real Madrid at Camp Nou.Suarez has defended the Brazilian's performance, though, arguing that all great forwards are individualistic.
"He was right to try and finish his chances and not pass," the Uruguay international told RAC1. "Strikers are selfish. "He is a key player and I'm convinced that he will win the Ballon d'Or."
Suarez was Barcelona's hero on the night, netting the winning goal early in the second half after brilliantly controlling a pass from Dani Alves before firing home to earn the home side a 2-1 win that moved them four points clear of Madrid at the top of La Liga.However, he was not 100 per cent happy with his overall performance, particularly in the closing stages.
"The goal obviously has added significance because of who we were playing and in terms of La Liga," he said."At the end of the match I made some amateurish mistakes but that was because I was tired. Luckily nothing happened."
Barca are bidding for a treble, having already qualified for the final of the Copa del Rey, where they will play Athletic Bilbao, and set up a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Catalans were beaten 3-2 at PSG in the group stage before triumphing 3-1 in the return clash at Camp Nou.Suarez is thus well aware of the threat posed by the French titleholders but he is looking forward to the challenge.
"We are aware that to win the Champions have to beat the best teams, starting with PSG," he added.
Luis Suarez says he has no issue with Neymar's selfishness, claiming that his Barcelona team-mate's hunger for goals will carry him all the way to Ballon d'Or glory.
Neymar was criticised in some quarters for taking too much out of the ball in Sunday's Clasico success over Real Madrid at Camp Nou.Suarez has defended the Brazilian's performance, though, arguing that all great forwards are individualistic.
"He was right to try and finish his chances and not pass," the Uruguay international told RAC1. "Strikers are selfish. "He is a key player and I'm convinced that he will win the Ballon d'Or."
Suarez was Barcelona's hero on the night, netting the winning goal early in the second half after brilliantly controlling a pass from Dani Alves before firing home to earn the home side a 2-1 win that moved them four points clear of Madrid at the top of La Liga.However, he was not 100 per cent happy with his overall performance, particularly in the closing stages.
"The goal obviously has added significance because of who we were playing and in terms of La Liga," he said."At the end of the match I made some amateurish mistakes but that was because I was tired. Luckily nothing happened."
Barca are bidding for a treble, having already qualified for the final of the Copa del Rey, where they will play Athletic Bilbao, and set up a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Catalans were beaten 3-2 at PSG in the group stage before triumphing 3-1 in the return clash at Camp Nou.Suarez is thus well aware of the threat posed by the French titleholders but he is looking forward to the challenge.
"We are aware that to win the Champions have to beat the best teams, starting with PSG," he added.
Van Gaal got angry with my style, says Herrera
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has admitted manager Louis van Gaal used to tell him off for looking for the ball too often during his early days at Old Trafford.
Herrera arrived at the Red Devils from Athletic Bilbao for €36 million in July but struggled to establish himself at the start of his debut Premier League campaign.
Injury and competition for places meant Herrera started just seven league matches during the first six months of the season, but he has since become an integral part of their push for a Champions League place - playing the full 90 minutes during four of their last five outings.
And the 25-year-old has revealed he has been forced to adapt his game under the former Barcelona boss after initially incurring his wrath for not waiting to be given possession by his team-mates.
"We keep our distance. He seems to be a good guy, with a character that strikes you from the first moment, but he has a good background," he told El Pais.
"He likes discipline and does not believe in egos in the dressing room, but that everybody is equal under his rule. And with me he talks about what he wants from me.
"He loves possession and he doesn't like being at risk of losing the ball. He wants long stretches of possession and keeping the ball because he believes spaces are created that way because the team has the quality to find them.
"In fact, at the start he was angry at me because I was trying to get the ball, because I always wanted to have it. And no, I must wait."
Herrera was also asked to compare Van Gaal with former Athletic coach Marcelo Bielsa, and claimed the current Marseille boss was far more attack-minded.
He admitted, though, that current Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde is the most balanced coach he has played under and praised his ability to maintain a happy dressing room.
Asked if Van Gaal and Bielsa had contrasting philosophies, he said: "In attack, yes, because Van Gaal believes in numerical advantages on the wings, in triangles, in not running with the ball. And Bielsa linked to have the ball to attack.
"But he believes in the player's movement, beating the lines and breaking into the space. In fact, we knew of Bielsa that his perfect goal was one that arrives from a cross from a full-back and the other full-back shoots. He liked to attack with six or seven.
"But yeah, Van Gaal and Bielsa are masters of the ball. Although for me Valverde is the most balanced coach because he knew when to attack and how to do it according to the opposition and the pitches. Also he is the best in man management because everybody was involved, took part and was happy.
"And I don't forget about [Javier] Aguirre [Herrera's coach at Real Zaragoza], who was most focused on the result but still was attacking because he always wanted to win. Or [Luis] Milla [Herrera's coach for Spain Under-21s]. I feel very fortunate because none of those gambled and I like attacking football."
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has admitted manager Louis van Gaal used to tell him off for looking for the ball too often during his early days at Old Trafford.
Herrera arrived at the Red Devils from Athletic Bilbao for €36 million in July but struggled to establish himself at the start of his debut Premier League campaign.
Injury and competition for places meant Herrera started just seven league matches during the first six months of the season, but he has since become an integral part of their push for a Champions League place - playing the full 90 minutes during four of their last five outings.
And the 25-year-old has revealed he has been forced to adapt his game under the former Barcelona boss after initially incurring his wrath for not waiting to be given possession by his team-mates.
"We keep our distance. He seems to be a good guy, with a character that strikes you from the first moment, but he has a good background," he told El Pais.
"He likes discipline and does not believe in egos in the dressing room, but that everybody is equal under his rule. And with me he talks about what he wants from me.
"He loves possession and he doesn't like being at risk of losing the ball. He wants long stretches of possession and keeping the ball because he believes spaces are created that way because the team has the quality to find them.
"In fact, at the start he was angry at me because I was trying to get the ball, because I always wanted to have it. And no, I must wait."
Herrera was also asked to compare Van Gaal with former Athletic coach Marcelo Bielsa, and claimed the current Marseille boss was far more attack-minded.
He admitted, though, that current Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde is the most balanced coach he has played under and praised his ability to maintain a happy dressing room.
Asked if Van Gaal and Bielsa had contrasting philosophies, he said: "In attack, yes, because Van Gaal believes in numerical advantages on the wings, in triangles, in not running with the ball. And Bielsa linked to have the ball to attack.
"But he believes in the player's movement, beating the lines and breaking into the space. In fact, we knew of Bielsa that his perfect goal was one that arrives from a cross from a full-back and the other full-back shoots. He liked to attack with six or seven.
"But yeah, Van Gaal and Bielsa are masters of the ball. Although for me Valverde is the most balanced coach because he knew when to attack and how to do it according to the opposition and the pitches. Also he is the best in man management because everybody was involved, took part and was happy.
"And I don't forget about [Javier] Aguirre [Herrera's coach at Real Zaragoza], who was most focused on the result but still was attacking because he always wanted to win. Or [Luis] Milla [Herrera's coach for Spain Under-21s]. I feel very fortunate because none of those gambled and I like attacking football."
Lukaku ruled out of Belgium clashes
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku will miss Belgium's upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Cyprus and Israel due to a hamstring injury, manager Marc Wilmots has confirmed.
The 21-year-old, who joined the Toffees in a €36 million deal in the summer, was withdrawn in the 67th minute of the club's 2-1 win over QPR at the weekend.
Despite Roberto Martinez attempting to play down the severity of the injury afterwards, he has now been ruled out of the international double-header, with Wilmots taking to Twitter to confirm the news on Monday.
Anderlecht midfielder Steven Defour has also been deemed unfit for the two matches.
Lukaku has been in fine form this season, scoring 18 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions, despite Everton languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
The Red Devils are not without other striking options, however, with Aston Villa's Christian Benteke a candidate to replace Lukaku in the starting XI, while Michy Batshuayi and Divock Origi have also been named in the squad.
Belgium are currently fourth in their Euro 2016 qualifying group with five points from three games, behind Israel, Wales and Cyprus.
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku will miss Belgium's upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Cyprus and Israel due to a hamstring injury, manager Marc Wilmots has confirmed.
The 21-year-old, who joined the Toffees in a €36 million deal in the summer, was withdrawn in the 67th minute of the club's 2-1 win over QPR at the weekend.
Despite Roberto Martinez attempting to play down the severity of the injury afterwards, he has now been ruled out of the international double-header, with Wilmots taking to Twitter to confirm the news on Monday.
Anderlecht midfielder Steven Defour has also been deemed unfit for the two matches.
Lukaku has been in fine form this season, scoring 18 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions, despite Everton languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
The Red Devils are not without other striking options, however, with Aston Villa's Christian Benteke a candidate to replace Lukaku in the starting XI, while Michy Batshuayi and Divock Origi have also been named in the squad.
Belgium are currently fourth in their Euro 2016 qualifying group with five points from three games, behind Israel, Wales and Cyprus.
Bale miss proved costly for Real Madrid - Butragueno
Emilio Butragueno believes a Gareth Bale miss ultimately proved costly for a profligate Real Madrid in Sunday's Clasico.
Jeremy Mathieu's header was equalised by Cristiano Ronaldo following a brilliant counterattacking move, but Luis Suarez's fine finish handed all three points to Barcelona.
Ronaldo had earlier hit the crossbar from close range before Bale saw a first-half goal ruled out for offside. Later in the match, the Wales star failed to find the net when he fired wide from inside the area.
And Butragueno feels Bale's miss, combined with the general poor finishing from his side, handed Barcelona the vital victory."We're saddened by the result because in the first half we dominated them, created chances and played really well," the Madrid director told reporters.
"In big games like this, everyone has their moments, but we didn't take ours. We missed some clear chances.
"After we got back to 1-1 we were the superior team but at 2-1 we were a little down. In the end it was decided by two or three moves - and Barca were more accurate.
"We had some very clear chances, particularly Bale's following a corner. We lacked that little bit of luck to get the second."If we had scored, I think we'd have given much more. It was a shame."
The former striker remains confident that all is still to play for in the title race, despite Barca's four-point advantage.
"There are 10 games to go. We must continue getting our injured players back. [Luka] Modric had a great game, giving us security in midfield, while James [Rodriguez] will soon be back with us," he said.
"Ronaldo was also very good and, in the first half, Karim Benzema was fantastic.
"There are still many challenges ahead and this team has enormous potential."
Emilio Butragueno believes a Gareth Bale miss ultimately proved costly for a profligate Real Madrid in Sunday's Clasico.
Jeremy Mathieu's header was equalised by Cristiano Ronaldo following a brilliant counterattacking move, but Luis Suarez's fine finish handed all three points to Barcelona.
Ronaldo had earlier hit the crossbar from close range before Bale saw a first-half goal ruled out for offside. Later in the match, the Wales star failed to find the net when he fired wide from inside the area.
And Butragueno feels Bale's miss, combined with the general poor finishing from his side, handed Barcelona the vital victory."We're saddened by the result because in the first half we dominated them, created chances and played really well," the Madrid director told reporters.
"In big games like this, everyone has their moments, but we didn't take ours. We missed some clear chances.
"After we got back to 1-1 we were the superior team but at 2-1 we were a little down. In the end it was decided by two or three moves - and Barca were more accurate.
"We had some very clear chances, particularly Bale's following a corner. We lacked that little bit of luck to get the second."If we had scored, I think we'd have given much more. It was a shame."
The former striker remains confident that all is still to play for in the title race, despite Barca's four-point advantage.
"There are 10 games to go. We must continue getting our injured players back. [Luka] Modric had a great game, giving us security in midfield, while James [Rodriguez] will soon be back with us," he said.
"Ronaldo was also very good and, in the first half, Karim Benzema was fantastic.
"There are still many challenges ahead and this team has enormous potential."
Spain call up Malaga star Juanmi amid Costa concerns
Spain have added Malaga striker Juanmi to their squad for the upcoming fixtures against Ukraine and Netherlands as fears persist over the fitness of Chelsea striker Diego Costa.
Costa scored the Premier League leaders' second goal at the KC Stadium but was replaced by eventual match-winner Loic Remy in the 75th minute after seemingly struggling with a recurrence of his troublesome hamstring injury.
If the aftermath of the match, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said: "I don't know how serious it is. When a striker is playing and you need a goal to win a game with 15 minutes to go, when he says it's over for him, then it's over for me.
"We know his hamstring is not a strong one, he works hard during the week to compensate for this weakness he has there, but an injury can come."
With Alvaro Morata the only other recognised striker in the squad, Vicente del Bosque has handed a place to 21-year-old Juanmi, who has scored seven times in 24 Liga appearances this season.
Spain face a crucial Euro 2016 qualifying Group C encounter against Ukraine in Seville on Friday, before visiting Netherlands in a friendly next Tuesday.
Spain squad :
Goalkeepers : Sergio Asenjo (Villarreal), Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), David de Gea (Manchester United).
Defenders : Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Marc Bartra (Barcelona), Juan Bernat (Bayern Munich), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid).
Midfielders : Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Pedro (Barcelona), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Manchester City), Mario Suarez (Atletico Madrid), Vitolo (Sevilla).
Forwards : Diego Costa (Chelsea), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Juanmi (Malaga)
Spain have added Malaga striker Juanmi to their squad for the upcoming fixtures against Ukraine and Netherlands as fears persist over the fitness of Chelsea striker Diego Costa.
Costa scored the Premier League leaders' second goal at the KC Stadium but was replaced by eventual match-winner Loic Remy in the 75th minute after seemingly struggling with a recurrence of his troublesome hamstring injury.
If the aftermath of the match, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said: "I don't know how serious it is. When a striker is playing and you need a goal to win a game with 15 minutes to go, when he says it's over for him, then it's over for me.
"We know his hamstring is not a strong one, he works hard during the week to compensate for this weakness he has there, but an injury can come."
With Alvaro Morata the only other recognised striker in the squad, Vicente del Bosque has handed a place to 21-year-old Juanmi, who has scored seven times in 24 Liga appearances this season.
Spain face a crucial Euro 2016 qualifying Group C encounter against Ukraine in Seville on Friday, before visiting Netherlands in a friendly next Tuesday.
Spain squad :
Goalkeepers : Sergio Asenjo (Villarreal), Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), David de Gea (Manchester United).
Defenders : Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Marc Bartra (Barcelona), Juan Bernat (Bayern Munich), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid).
Midfielders : Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Pedro (Barcelona), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Manchester City), Mario Suarez (Atletico Madrid), Vitolo (Sevilla).
Forwards : Diego Costa (Chelsea), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Juanmi (Malaga)
Arsenal can still win Premier League, says Ramsey
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has refused to rule his side out of the race for the Premier League title.
Leaders Chelsea are seven points ahead of third-placed Arsenal after grinding out a 3-2 victory against Hull City on Sunday, and still have the bonus of a game in hand on their title rivals.
Wales international Ramsey is aware that Arsenal need favours from sides around them but remains optimistic given Arsenal have won nine of their past 10 Premier League matches.
"We just have to focus on ourselves and believe other teams around us will be on the end of upsets," He told reporters.
"We just have to try and win every game until the end of the season.
"In this division teams can lose against anyone. We have just got to be switched on and make sure it doesn't happen to us and maintain this run.
"Stranger things have happened."
Arsenal return from the international break with a match against Liverpool and then host Chelsea at the end of the month.
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has refused to rule his side out of the race for the Premier League title.
Leaders Chelsea are seven points ahead of third-placed Arsenal after grinding out a 3-2 victory against Hull City on Sunday, and still have the bonus of a game in hand on their title rivals.
Wales international Ramsey is aware that Arsenal need favours from sides around them but remains optimistic given Arsenal have won nine of their past 10 Premier League matches.
"We just have to focus on ourselves and believe other teams around us will be on the end of upsets," He told reporters.
"We just have to try and win every game until the end of the season.
"In this division teams can lose against anyone. We have just got to be switched on and make sure it doesn't happen to us and maintain this run.
"Stranger things have happened."
Arsenal return from the international break with a match against Liverpool and then host Chelsea at the end of the month.
Monaco not looking beyond third, says Ferreira Carrasco
Monaco winger Yannick Ferreira Carrasco has insisted that the principality club are not looking beyond securing third place in Ligue 1 following their 3-1 win at Reims on Sunday.Fabinho, Anthony Martial and Nabil Dirar were on target at the Stade Auguste Delaune as Monaco stretched their unbeaten run to five league games.
The win leaves them four points behind Marseille, who occupy the final Champions League qualification place.And with Monaco only six adrift of league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, talk of a first league title since 2000 cannot yet be discredited.
However, Ferreira Carrasco is not getting carried away following his side's sublime form in recent weeks.
"The first thought is to go for third place, afterwards, if there is a way to do better, we'll see," the Belgian attacker told reporters.
"We started the match well and scored two goals. Then it was Reims on the attack, we suffered a bit but were able to score the third goal when it was necessary."
Monaco host Saint-Etienne on April 3 in their first game after the international break.
Monaco winger Yannick Ferreira Carrasco has insisted that the principality club are not looking beyond securing third place in Ligue 1 following their 3-1 win at Reims on Sunday.Fabinho, Anthony Martial and Nabil Dirar were on target at the Stade Auguste Delaune as Monaco stretched their unbeaten run to five league games.
The win leaves them four points behind Marseille, who occupy the final Champions League qualification place.And with Monaco only six adrift of league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, talk of a first league title since 2000 cannot yet be discredited.
However, Ferreira Carrasco is not getting carried away following his side's sublime form in recent weeks.
"The first thought is to go for third place, afterwards, if there is a way to do better, we'll see," the Belgian attacker told reporters.
"We started the match well and scored two goals. Then it was Reims on the attack, we suffered a bit but were able to score the third goal when it was necessary."
Monaco host Saint-Etienne on April 3 in their first game after the international break.
Mata: Liverpool goal one of the best of my career
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has described his acrobatic strike against Liverpool as one of the best goals of his career.
The 26-year-old opened the scoring on 14 minutes before doubling United's lead on the hour mark when he met a cross from Angel di Maria with a scissor-kick inside the area.
Louis van Gaal's side went on to claim victory in the match, despite Daniel Sturridge grabbing one back, and Mata says he can't explain how he scored his second goal.
"I don’t know very well how to explain it. It’s something you just don’t think," he wrote on his blog, One Hour Behind.
"It’s more a resource you use when you understand it’s better to shoot the ball as it comes rather than trying to control it and keep the play. Angel’s pass invited me to do so.
"It’s one of the best goals of my career for sure, among other things because it happened in such a massive game. And it helped us win."
Mata made just his second Premier League start since January 17 at Anfield but says the team deserved the victory for all their hard work.
"Sunday has been one of the happiest days of my career," he continued.
"When you start playing football as a kid on muddy pitches, for something so simple and wonderful as having fun, you dream about becoming a footballer one day to be in a game like the one in Anfield.
"It has been an unforgettable day for me.
"As I have said several times before, I am the same player I have always been, with the same passion, the same abilities and the same hunger to get better.
"Hard work brings a reward, and that has been the case this Sunday."
Van Gaal: Mata always plays well for me
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was full of praise for Juan Mata after his double secured a 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday.
Mata opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a cool finish from Herrera's pass and doubled the lead in the 59th minute with a sensational scissor-kick, before Daniel Sturridge pulled one back 10 minutes later.
Mata's double would have grabbed the headlines on another day but the Spaniard was overshadowed by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard's dismissal for a stamp on Ander Herrera just 38 seconds after coming on at half-time.
Van Gaal was delighted to see the attacking midfielder bury two goals, insisting that, even though he does not always pick him, the former Chelsea man always plays well.
"Juan Mata was very good. He has always played well with me in my opinion," he told Sky Sports. "But sometimes you also need balance in your team and you have to select other players.
"Now he has played very well and did this position very well.
"We played very well in the first half. Maybe as good as against Spurs but in second half we didn't play very well.
"Like always, when you play against 10 men you forget to press. We had unnecessary ball losses and we brought Liverpool into the game. Most of the players were thinking 'maybe someone else can do it'.
"We kept the ball and created a lot of possibilities, not big chances, but a lot of possibilities to score. I said whoever could beat the pressure shall win.
"It's an amazing result for the fans. We now have a gap from positions five, six and seven, which is very important."
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was full of praise for Juan Mata after his double secured a 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday.
Mata opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a cool finish from Herrera's pass and doubled the lead in the 59th minute with a sensational scissor-kick, before Daniel Sturridge pulled one back 10 minutes later.
Mata's double would have grabbed the headlines on another day but the Spaniard was overshadowed by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard's dismissal for a stamp on Ander Herrera just 38 seconds after coming on at half-time.
Van Gaal was delighted to see the attacking midfielder bury two goals, insisting that, even though he does not always pick him, the former Chelsea man always plays well.
"Juan Mata was very good. He has always played well with me in my opinion," he told Sky Sports. "But sometimes you also need balance in your team and you have to select other players.
"Now he has played very well and did this position very well.
"We played very well in the first half. Maybe as good as against Spurs but in second half we didn't play very well.
"Like always, when you play against 10 men you forget to press. We had unnecessary ball losses and we brought Liverpool into the game. Most of the players were thinking 'maybe someone else can do it'.
"We kept the ball and created a lot of possibilities, not big chances, but a lot of possibilities to score. I said whoever could beat the pressure shall win.
"It's an amazing result for the fans. We now have a gap from positions five, six and seven, which is very important."
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