..::Football III::..

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Chelsea will slip up, they are not a winning machine - Pellegrini

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini insists Chelsea are not a "winning machine" and says his side can still claim the Premier League title.

City bounced back from defeats to Barcelona and Burnley with a 3-0 win over 10-man West Brom on Saturday to give their title hopes a boost.

Chelsea remain six points clear, though, having played a game less, after beating Hull City 3-2 on Sunday, but Pellegrini believes they will drop points before the season ends.

“I don’t think they’re a winning machine all the time,” said Pellegrini. “I’m sure from now until the end of the season every team will drop points, so it’s important to return to our normal performance and win our games.

“After that we’ll see what happens with Chelsea. Maybe we can win all the games and maybe we can retain the title. The important thing is they must feel pressure.

“If you don’t win, it’s easy for them. We depend now just on these last eight games to at least finish in the same position we are now.”

 

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De Bruyne could stay at Wolfsburg because of Chelsea woe - Schafer

Marcel Schafer is confident that Kevin De Bruyne will resist the advances of the likes of Manchester City and spend at least one more year at Wolfsburg because the winger had such a disappointing spell with his previous "top club", Chelsea.

De Bruyne has racked up 14 goals and 21 assists in all competitions this term, with Wolfsburg sitting second in Germany's top flight and through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

The Belgium's fine form has led to speculation that a number of leading European clubs are considering a move for the Belgian, with City and Manchester United both reportedly keen to take the former Chelsea man back to England.

However, Schafer thinks the 23-year-old is happy at Wolfsburg and believes his negative experience at Stamford Bridge could work in the Bundesliga side's favour.
"I think that our chances [of keeping De Bruyne] are really good," he said.

"He has already experienced not getting so much time on the field at Chelsea, which is top club in Europe. "And that is why I think the best thing for him would be to stay for minimum one more year at Wolfsburg.

"Next year he could play Champions League here and win titles with us.
"If you want to win titles you need extraordinary players. And you really have to say that Kevin De Bruyne is at the moment the best player in the Bundesliga not only because of his stats. "You can see that in every single game. And we're really, really happy to have him and to keep him till the next season or maybe a little bit longer."

De Bryne joined Chelsea from Genk in 2012 but spent the majority of his career at Stamford Bridge out on loan and made just three Premier League appearances for the Blues before being sold to Wolfsburg in January 2014.

 

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England would launch World Cup bid if Blatter was ousted - Dyke

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke says England would consider launching a fresh bid to host the World Cup if Sepp Blatter was removed from his position as Fifa president.

FA vice-chairman David Gill was appointed as Fifa vice-president on Tuesday and Dyke has indicated that the presence of the former Manchester United chief executive could persuade England to again put forward a proposal to stage the tournament, though he is adamant that such a bid will not be made while Blatter is in power

"If David can assure us there's a proper system and it's fair then we could be persuaded," Dyke told BBC Sport.

"But at the moment the policy is straightforward - we don't bid while Mr Blatter's there."

England's last attempt proved fruitless as the 2018 World Cup was awarded to Russia, with the bidding process of that event and the 2022 instalment in Qatar subsequently the subject of an investigation into corruption - although both countries were cleared of any wrongdoing.

And Dyke says that any decision to start another campaign would "depend on the timetable".

"It depends on how quickly it has to be done," he added.

"But remember, you have to get an awful lot of people onside and that's not going to be easy in England now because a lot of people got badly scarred in the process last time.

"To make a bid you have got to get whoever is the government onside and we don't know who that is yet because they have to underwrite it."

 

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Low: I met with discredited doctor

Germany coach Joachim Low has confirmed he met with Dr Armin Klumper, who has been accused of overseeing systematic doping in the country in the 1970s and 1980s, during his playing days.

Klumper allegedly facilitated the use of steroids in cycling, but also at both Stuttgart and Freiburg, two Bundesliga clubs that Low represented during his career.However, while Low freely admits to having consulted with Klumper over injuries, he says he was never involved in doping.

"People have asked me several times whether I visited Dr. Klumper, who became a little discredited," the World Cup-winning coach told ZDF.

"Of course, I was there sometimes but my trust in this profession was and is immense. I have real trust. Being 18 or 19 years old, I would not have the guts to ask questions or to tell him that I want to let him make some further tests in a laboratory on the things that he gave to me.

"For me there is a big difference: A person going to the doctor being healthy, one being sick, one being injured. Doping with steroids is a systematic process which must be talked about with a doctor. I only requested medical help when I was injured. That's the big difference for me."Low also argued that while doping in German football has to be investigated, he does not believe steroids are a major problem in the game."I don't want to evoke the impression that I want to play down this issue," he added.

"I am in favour of a quick investigation, but the whole picture has been blurred. There were some names that have been included in this doping story and that, I thought, was not always correct.

"I had the feeling that the media coverage wanted to prove that there was doping in the game. Of course there have been black sheep in football over the course of time - like in any other sport.

"There were some revelations so that an investigation is necessary, of course. What I can say: In the 70s, 80s, when I was 18, 19 or 20 years old, there was no consciousness for doping. There were no rules, there were no controls. There was no consciousness, there were no investigations.

"You were allowed to smoke on a plane, you were allowed to drive without a safety-belt. There have been doping controls in football since 1986. I know that right now the controls are that strict that there are no possibilities for a player to use doping.

"There were 26 doping cases in the last 30 years. Football is doing an awful lot to fight this. Doping has no part in sports."

 

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Torres: Simeone renewal key for Atletico's future

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres says that coach Diego Simeone signing a new contract is key for the future of the club.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that the Argentine has committed himself to the Rojiblancos until 2020, ending speculation linking the former midfield ace with the likes of Manchester City.

Torres only rejoined Atletico during the winter break but he is enthused by the news, given Simeone is the man responsible for leading the club to five trophies since succeeding Gregorio Manzano at the helm in December 2011."Atleti has taken another firm step in its future," the striker wrote on Twitter. "Simeone will continue until 2020."

Simeone won the Europa League just six months after returning to Atletico as coach and added the Uefa Super Cup and the Copa del Rey the following year.
Last season, the Rojiblancos ended Barcelona and Real Madrid's stranglehold on the Spanish title and kicked off their current campaign with victory in the Supercopa de Espana.

Atletico currently sit fourth in the Liga table, while they will face city rivals Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, offering them an opportunity to gain revenge for defeat in last season's final.

 

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Henry: Messi was treated differently for his infamous handball

Thierry Henry says the reaction to his infamous handball against Republic of Ireland was unfairly hysterical, claiming that when Lionel Messi was involved in a similar incident, he was labelled "a genius", whereas it was if he had "killed someone".

The former France international used his hand to control a cross during the second leg of his country's 2010 World Cup qualification play-off with the Irish in Paris before teeing up William Gallas for a goal that saw Les Bleus book their berth in South Africa courtesy of a 2-1 aggregate win.

Henry was vilified for his perceived dishonesty both by the press and his peers but he pointed out that former Barcelona team-mate Messi did not have his character called into question after scoring with the aid of his hand in a game against Espanyol in 2007.

“You are talking about people I spent so many times on the pitch with," he told Canal Plus."I just said to them, ‘Yes, it was hand, I’m sorry.’ And you know what? They told me: ‘We don’t blame you.’

“I saw Liam Brady, the Arsenal legend, and he asked me: ‘Did you touch it with your hand?’ And I answered, ‘Yes, it was my hand.’ I spoke to the press that night. I could have ignored them but I didn’t.

"I spoke honestly - it was a reflex. A reflex by a competitor, just like when you reach out for the ball on the line when your goalkeeper is beaten.

“When I see Messi scoring against Espanyol, diving to touch the ball with his hand, people say, ‘What a genius, now he is closer than ever to Maradona.’ But when it was me, it was like I had killed someone.”

Henry also dismissed the suggestion that his decision to leave Barca for MLS outfit New York Red Bulls just six months after the handball incident was in any way influenced by the flak he received in his native France for the alleged act of poor sportsmanship.

“I have always wanted to go there [to the United States]," the Arsenal icon added.
"Anyone who knows me would tell you that. Also, to escape what? To escape who? I wanted to go as soon as 2009, but I didn’t because I kept playing with the national team. That is total rubbish.”

 

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Alexis: So, we meet again, Neymar!

Chile ace Alexis Sanchez has sent a message to Brazil captain Neymar saying that he can’t wait to be reunited with his old friend when they go head-to-head at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The pair were team-mates at Barcelona last season and will lead their respective countries this weekend when the Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour hits London on March 29.

Consequently, Arsenal striker Alexis took time out to send a message to his former colleague and good friend via Twitter on Tuesday.

 

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Wenger: Jardim is a liar

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has branded Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim a liar in the wake of the club’s Champions League exit.

The Ligue 1 side defeated the Gunners on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw, but Jardim claimed that Wenger refused to shake his hand after Monaco’s 3-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

“In the first leg, when I wanted to thank Arsene and shake his hand, it’s true that Arsene didn’t shake my hand, so even though Monaco did everything to make life comfortable for Arsenal tonight, I decided not to thank him,” he said.

“I think it was disrespectful. Right now, we’re celebrating and we think Arsenal did not show enough respect during the first leg.”

Wenger, though, has furiously rebuffed Jardim's suggestion and says he waited until the Monaco boss had fulfilled his post-match media duties before congratulating him.

“Pictures show that I waited to congratulate the Monaco coach after the game. He celebrated his victory with his staff, which I quite understand,” he told L’Equipe.

"I congratulated him after the press conference. I am therefore surprised and disappointed to hear such lies.

"That said, I wish Monaco all the best and good luck for the future."

 

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Mancini: Ferguson needed seven years to create Manchester United masterpiece

Roberto Mancini says that while he did not expect did not expect to find life so difficult at Inter, he says he just needs time and patience to restore the club to their former glory, pointing out that Alex Ferguson needed seven years to create his Manchester United "masterpiece".

The coach won three Serie A titles (one of which was awarded retrospectively due to the fallout from the Calciopoli refereeing scandal) and two Coppa Italia crowns during his first stint at San Siro between 2004 and 2008 but he has struggled since returning last November following the dismissal of Walter Mazzarri.

Indeed, Inter currently sit 10th in the table, after just five Serie A victories in Mancini's second spell at the Giuseppe Meazza, but he says that he remains the right man for the job and insists that he does not feel under pressure."When I arrived I thought it would be difficult, but I didn't know it was going to be so hard," the former Italy international told Tuttosport.

"But my first Inter team had a complete squad; this is different."Ferguson worked for seven years to create his Manchester masterpiece. Inter maybe don't need seven but Inter will need a bit of time and patience.

"I'm not a magician. We have to work hard, while in Italy you want everything immediately. However, we have to start again from scratch."We have also had some good performances. But today the results are not coming and there's always a tendency to look at things in a negative light.

"I'm sorry because Inter have improved yet the results haven't arrived.
"However, I'm not a coach in difficulty."

Ferguson took charge of Manchester United in 1986 and came very close to being sacked before winning the FA Cup in 1990 and then claiming a first English title in 26 years in 1993.

 

[DarK HerO]

elaz rep+

 

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James: I'm getting closer to Real return

James Rodriguez has taken a step closer to a return to action with Real Madrid, after joining his team-mates for training on Tuesday.

The Colombia international has been sidelined since early February after he required surgery on a broken metatarsal injury sustained in a 2-1 victory against Sevilla.

James, who moved to the Santiago Bernabeu in a big-money move from Monaco in July, has been working on a personalised fitness plan in recent weeks and was able to take part in a group session with those Madrid players who are not away on international duty.

Real have struggled in recent weeks and having the 23-year-old available for the run-in would be a boost to Carlo Ancelotti's side, who trail Barcelona by four points in La Liga after losing 2-1 to their rivals in Sunday's Clasico.

 

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Cech hints at Chelsea exit: I don't want another season like this

Petr Cech has suggested he will leave Chelsea this summer if he does not win his place back as the club's No.1 goalkeeper ahead of Thibaut Courtois.

Cech has made 14 appearances for Chelsea this season and just five in the Premier League after Jose Mourinho opted to make Courtois his first-choice goalkeeper following three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid.

The 32-year-old, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Rennes in 2004, is now open to the possibility of leaving the club at the end of the season.

"I don't know what the club's idea will be," he told Czech newspaper Idnes. "It looks like it works well with me and Thibaut as a duo.

"But that can work for one season only. I don't want another one like this."

Cech also indicated he is planning talks with Mourinho and officials at Chelsea to work out his future this summer.

He added: "There always will be speculation, I leave it for the summer.

"It will be important to sit down with the club, with the manager, to consider all the pros and cons. We will see what will work out the best."

When asked about a potential move to Real Madrid this summer, Cech replied: "When a specific offer comes I will consider it. There are offers one cannot turn down."

 

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Costa feels 'jinxed' after latest withdrawal - Del Bosque

Vicente del Bosque has reassured Diego Costa he has no doubts that his latest injury is genuine, although the striker is beginning to believe he is "jinxed" when it comes to international duty.

Costa has not featured for the national team since October due to a string of fitness setbacks but was set to make his return in this month's matches against Ukraine and Netherlands.

However, the 26-year-old picked up a hamstring injury during Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Hull City on Sunday and has since been replaced by Juanmi.

"He has a muscle tear and wasn't going to play," Del Bosque told Onda Cero. "But the lad wanted to come and be examined by our doctors, to make himself available and so that nobody was suspicious.

"As far as I am concerned he didn't have to come because there is maximum confidence in the player and the logical thing would have been not to come, but he wanted to be with us.

"He says he has bad luck and it seems like someone has jinxed him. That's what people say when they really want to come and I hope he is able to join us again soon."

 

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Messi passed fit for Argentina after foot injury scare

Lionel Messi has been passed fit for Argentina's match with El Salvador this week despite concerns over a toe injury.

The Barcelona star picked up a knock in the 2-1 Clasico win over Real Madrid at the weekend and it was feared he could be forced to sit out the games with El Salvador and Ecuador in America.

However, following tests conducted at a Washington clinic early on Tuesday, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) have confirmed the 27-year-old is clear of any problem with his right foot.Barcelona later confirmed on their official website that Messi will now stay with the national team for the duration of the international break.

"The Argentina football team can confirm this morning that Leo Messi underwent a series of tests in a private clinic in Washington due to pain in his toe which he suffered during Barcelona's game against Real Madrid," a statement read.
"Said tests have not revealed any injury."

Argentina's trip to the USA will see them play El Salvador at FedEx Field in Washington on March 28, before they travel to New Jersey to lock horns with Ecuador at the MetLife Stadium on March 31.

Barring any further problems, Alibceleste captain Messi should also be fit to play in Barcelona's subsequent La Liga clash with Celta Vigo on April 5.

 

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Falcao: I need to find a place where I can play

Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao says he will sit down and decide his future at the end of the season but wants to be at a club where he can play regularly.

The Colombia international has struggled for game time under Louis van Gaal following his loan move from Monaco and has managed just four league goals for the Red Devils this season.

Falcao has been left out of United's starting line-up since February, missing out against Liverpool and Arsenal in recent weeks, and says he needs to think about his future.

"When the championship finishes, of course I will sit down, analyse things and decide what is best for me," he told Colombia's Radio Caracol.

"Obviously I need to find a place where I have continuity and where I can play.
"I am totally focused on the club. There are eight games left and anything can happen."The striker has been already been linked with clubs all over Europe but insists he has no problem with Van Gaal despite the lack of playing time.

"He [Van Gaal] has to make decisions like any other coach. Regardless of whether they are favourable for me or not, I try to behave in the best way possible, to be professional at all times and to take advantage of the time he gives me. That's it.

"I know there has been a lot of talk, but I try to distance myself from that. People speculate, but I am good and feeling calm. I just need to play. I can't let myself get worried, I need to be prepared to take the opportunity when it comes.

"I am happy at the club and with how the fans and my team-mates have treated me. I will keep fighting until the end at Manchester United."

 

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"I am happy at the club and with how the fans and my team-mates have treated me. I will keep fighting until the end at Manchester United."

Common Falcao....You can do it!​

 

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David Villa could yet play for Spain - Del Bosque

David Villa could still return to the Spain national set-up, according to head coach Vicente del Bosque.

The 33-year-old former Barcelona striker stepped down from international duty following la Roja's dismal performance at the World Cup last summer, having scored a record 59 goals in 97 senior appearances.

Del Bosque, however, says the door is not closed to the current New York City FC striker given his contribution to Spain's World Cup and back-to-back European Championship titles between 2008 and 2012.

"There are exceptional cases and one of those is David," he told Onda Cero. "He has done so much for the national team.
"He can reach 100 caps."

Spain's squad for the upcoming games with Ukraine and Netherlands contains only two strikers: Alvaro Morata of Juventus, and the uncapped Juanmi of Malaga.
Chelsea forward Diego Costa was forced to pull out of the squad after suffering a hamstring injury in the Blues' win over Hull.

 

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Neuer out of Germany friendly

Germany coach Joachim Low will have to make do without the services of Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the international friendly against Australia due to injury.

The 28-year-old featured for the full 90 minutes in his side's 2-0 Bundesliga defeat against Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend, but complained about pain in his knee after the game and will consequently be rested."Manuel is suffering from an inflammation to his knee and will not play against Australia," Low said at a press conference.

"He will be sidelined for two days and resume training on Thursday. I think he will be ready in time for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Georgia, but we will not take any risks."

Low then went on to reveal that Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and Bayern defender Holger Badstuber - both of whom returned to the Germany squad after a lengthy absence due to injury - are likely to start versus Australia.
"Players like Bastian Schweinsteiger, Marco Reus, Badstuber and Gundogan are all back.

"We have some extra options again. Badstuber and Gundogan will probably start."
Gundogan, meanwhile, was able to delight at being back in the Germany team after his injury problems."What touches you the most after suffering an injury for so much time, is the fact that you really appreciate your health afterwards when you have recovered," the BVB man said.

"You appreciate that you spend a day without suffering. For a long time, I already felt pain when I woke up in the morning. If I compared it to now, I feel reborn, I am a whole other man.

"So these are the little things that make you enjoy your life so much more, also besides football.

"Right now, I have no problems on the pitch and I hope it will stay like this. But I also enjoy my social life so much more than before."

 

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Madrid have missed Modric, admits Benzema

Karim Benzema thinks Real Madrid sorely missed Luka Modric during his injury-forced absence.The Croatia international spent nearly four months on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, but recently returned to the Madrid starting XI again.

Benzema has now voiced his delight with the 29-year-old's return and has underlined his importance to the team."It was great to have Modric back. We created chances and we played well," Benzema was quoted as saying by Marca.

"He always plays on the attack and that's why he's so important to us. We've missed him."

The France international then went on to discuss his side's chances in La Liga following their 2-1 defeat against Barcelona at the weekend and refused to throw in the towel just yet."We have to keep believing. Barca have some tough fixtures. They have to play Sevilla away and then Valencia at home.

"It's up to us to win all our remaining fixtures and hope that Barcelona slip up somewhere."Anything can happen and we aren't throwing in the towel. We're still focused on La Liga and the Champions League."

Madrid are trailing Barcelona by four points following Sunday's Clasico defeat at Camp Nou.

 

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Simeone agrees Atletico renewal

Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement with Diego Simeone over a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2020.

The 44-year-old's previous deal with the Vicente Calderon side was due to expire in the summer of 2017 and a number of clubs were allegedly keeping a close eye on his situation in the Spanish capital, including Paris Saint-Germain.However, Simeone has now ended all speculation about his future by agreeing a three-year extension.

"This is a very important moment. The club has shown faith in the staff and I really appreciate this," Simeone commented at a press conference."I want to thank all the players, both the ones who have left the club and those who opted to stay put. This would not have been possible without them.

"We are all looking forward to the new stadium and it is a great prospect to be part of the opening."I chose to be here at Atletico because I believe the club will keep developing. We all hope to enjoy as much success as in recent years."

The successful coach joined Atleti from Racing in December 2011, succeeding Gregorio Manzano, and has since turned the Calderon side into a force to be reckoned with again.

Simeone guided the Madrid side to Europa League glory in his first season in charge, followed by the European Supercup and Copa del Rey in his second year in charge, only to then go on and beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the Liga title in 2013-14 and win the Spanish Supercup this term.

Atletico currently sit fourth in the Liga table, while they are still in the race to win the Champions League, too, having been paired with arch-rivals Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.