..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Croatia better than Italy - Conte

Antonio Conte has urged Italy fans to be patient ahead of Tuesday's friendly with England after admitting the likes of Croatia are superior to his side at present.

Conte received death threats from Juventus fans following the season-ending knee injury suffered by Claudio Marchisio in training for Saturday's 2-2 Euro 2016 qualifying draw with Bulgaria.

Italy host England at the home of the Turin club - who Conte left last July - with Eder, Roberto Soriano and Mirko Valdifiori all set to make their first starts for the senior team.

And, despite a stalemate at the weekend that left them two points behind Croatia in their qualifying group, Conte said: "The fans need to support Italy, so I think I have an excellent relationship with them. They know we're working hard.

"It's such a strange period for the Italian football system that we have to have the humility to realise where we are and how hard we have to work."We shouldn't be surprised that teams like Croatia are ahead of us. They've shown at this moment on the pitch that they're ahead of us.

"We have to be patient. I've been saying that for a while. We have to open our eyes, and grasp the reality of the situation.

"There's been a big turnover in terms of players and experience at every level and whenever there's a big turnover between generations you need patience."You need to allow the players to grow without being critical at every opportunity. We have to all be aware that there's a turnover in generations.

"A number of players are taking their first tentative steps into international football.
"Please don't slate them at the first opportunity as this is not good for the players, it's not good for my job and it's not good for Italian football."
Italy team to face England:

Gianluigi Buffon; Andrea Ranocchia; Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Alessandro Florenzi, Matteo Darmian; Marco Parolo, Mirko Valdifiori, Roberto Soriano; Graziano Pelle, Eder.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar: I won't follow my friend Alexis to England

Neymar has revealed former Barcelona team-mate Alexis Sanchez remains a "big friend" but says he will not be following the Chile star out of Camp Nou.

The pair spent one season together at Barca before Sanchez opted to leave the club for Arsenal having seen his opportunities restricted due to competition from Lionel Messi, as well as the Brazilian's controversial arrival from Santos.

After facing one another in Brazil's narrow 1-0 friendy win over Chile at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, the 23-year-old said the pair still enjoy a good relationship and is thrilled to see his former team-mate shining for the Gunners.

Neymar, though, believes his own Barcelona career still has significant time to run and ruled out taking the same path as the Arsenal attacker."Alexis is a big friend and someone who I had the privilege of playing with at Barcelona,” said Neymar.

"We used to get along very well on and off the field, so I’m very happy to see him so well at Arsenal."As for playing in England myself, I’m very happy playing for Barcelona and I still have a long road to walk here."

Neymar has been on fine form this season, with 26 club goals already to his name in 2014-15.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney rules out Serie A switch

Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney says he is unlikely to play club football in Italy during his career.

Rooney, who has spent his entire career in the Premier League and the last 11 years at Old Trafford, arrived in Turin on Monday ahead of England's friendly with Italy at Juventus Stadium.

At a news conference, the 29-year-old was asked whether he sees himself moving to Serie A but ruled out a move to Serie A.

"I love playing in the Premier League," Rooney responded.

"I used to watch [Gabriel] Batistuta for Fiorentina, but don't think I'd play in Italy."

England manager Roy Hodgson confirmed Rooney will start against Italy alongside Tottenham's Harry Kane, who made a goalscoring international debut as a substitute against Lithuania on Friday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Del Bosque: Spain on the up since Netherlands humbling

Vicente del Bosque insists Spain will not be looking for revenge when they face Netherlands in a friendly and pointed to their progress since the World Cup.The 64-year-old's side were humbled 5-1 by Holland in their opening game at the tournament in Brazil last summer before crashing out at the group stage.

Del Bosque, though, believes his side have been on the up since their World Cup exit, even if they are yet to hit their maximum level ahead of the game on Tuesday.
"I have no thirst for revenge against Holland," he told reporters.

"Let's play a nice game and keep up our hard work. We have scored 14 goals and conceded just three goals since the World Cup. "While acknowledging that things haven't been perfect, I see good things. We are heading in the right direction."

Spain saw off Ukraine 1-0 on Friday thanks to Alvaro Morata's goal to remain second in Euro 2016 qualification Group C and Del Bosque said he would take the opportunity to use his entire squad against Guus Hiddink's men.

The former Real Madrid coach said: "We want to play everyone and I think it is appropriate to release a new team because everyone who did not play the other day deserves the chance as a result of the performances they have shown this season."

Netherlands have struggled since reaching the semi-finals in Brazil, with Louis van Gaal stepping down to take charge of Manchester United and Hiddink overseeing a poor start to his reign.

His side needed a late Klaas-Jan Huntelaar goal to salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Turkey on Sunday, a result which led to more calls for the former Chelsea boss to resign.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Del Bosque: Spain on the up since Netherlands humbling

Not yet​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I've studied Kane - Buffon

Italy goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon has revealed he is more than familiar with England new-boy Harry Kane, after doing his homework on the Tottenham striker.

Kane - who has 29 goals for his club this season - made an impact on his international debut last Friday, scoring just 79 seconds after coming off the bench in a 4-0 Euro 2016 qualifying win over Lithuania.

England boss Roy Hodgson confirmed on Monday that he will make his first start for his country alongside skipper Wayne Rooney in Turin on Tuesday, but Buffon already knows all about the striker.

"I think he really is the form player in English football at this time," Buffon said.
"As goalkeepers - and as a team - we have watched some footage of him and of course he's going to be a threat, just as Wayne Rooney will be."There are a number of players, particularly up top, for England. They've got a lot of strings to their bow going forward."

Italy go into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw away to Bulgaria, in which Eder scored an 84th minute equaliser to salvage a point for the Azzurri on his debut.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hodgson: Kane will start against Italy

Roy Hodgson has confirmed Harry Kane will start for England against Italy in Tuesday's international friendly in Turin.

The Tottenham striker made a dream debut for the Three Lions in Friday's 4-0 win over Lithuania at Wembley after coming on as a second-half substitute and scoring within 79 seconds of his arrival.

England will be missing several key players for the game against Antonio Conte's side with Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge all out through injury, allowing Kane to make his full debut.

"I'm available [to name my starting line-up] but I won't," Hodgson told reporters. "Harry Kane will make his full debut and Wayne Rooney will captain the side.

"It is a time to experiment and look at other players. But you will have to wait until the game tomorrow to see my team.

"All friendly matches during qualification allow you to see where players are. It's an opportunity for players to impress both managers.

"It'll be nice to see Kane and Rooney playing together from the start. Harry deserves his chance. We are taking the game seriously."

Captain Rooney was also quick to praise the 21-year-old who is the Premier League's joint top scorer so far this season with 19 goals.

"It's exciting for English football that Kane's doing fantastically in Premier League," said Rooney. "Hopefully that form continues in the England team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fabregas: I've never been a certain starter for Spain

Cesc Fabregas says it is wrong to say that he has been dropped by Spain, arguing that he has never had an "undisputed" place in the starting line-up.The versatile midfielder has been in fine form for Chelsea this season, playing a key role in the Blues' Premier League title bid, but he was left on the bench for all 90 minutes of Friday's Euro 2016 qualifying win over Ukraine in Sevilla.

However, Fabregas insists that he was neither surprised nor offended by Vicente Del Bosque's decision to leave him out.

"I do not think I've lost my place in the team because I've never been undisputed," he told reporters on Monday. " The important thing is to play well if I'm selected.
"Besides, I'm sure that whoever is picked will do well. I have no doubt about that. I always support my team-mates.

"Every player likes to have continuity and I am no different. But sometimes you don't get in because the coach decides that someone is better than you.
"And anyway, the team comes above all else."

Spain, of course, won three major international tournaments in six years (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012) but sensationally suffered a first-round exit at Brazil 2014.La Roja have since struggled to get back to their brilliant best but Fabregas has dismissed fears that the team are on a downward cycle.

"I do not think that anything has happened to the national side," the former Barcelona ace added on the eve of the friendly with Netherlands. "It is just a young team that has yet to mature and gain a little experience.

"But this makes playing games together all the more important as you get to know one another. I'm sure these players will do great things."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kolarov: I want to return to Serie A

Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov admits that he is keen on a return to Serie A.

Goal understands that Inter remain interested in the 29-year-old after Nerazzurri coach and former City boss Roberto Mancini failed to sign the left-back on loan during the January transfer window.

Kolarov, who arrived at the Etihad from Lazio in 2010, has now expressed his disappointment at failing to secure a return to Italy, revealing that he still watches Serie A closely.

"I'd like to return to Italy but it’s difficult," the Serbia international told Sky Italia.

"I'm happy for [Sampdoria coach and compatriot Sinisa] Mihajlovic. He's doing very well, as are Lazio.

"They're having a great season and I hope they can end it in third or even second place."

Kolarov has started just 10 Premier League games this season having signed a three-year contract extension with City last June.

However, he says he does not regret penning a new deal - despite his current laack of game time.

"Last season I played a lot and I think I proved to people in the club that they can believe in me and the result was that I was offered a new contract and I was happy to sign," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zamparini: Dybala will leave Palermo this summer

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has confirmed that Paulo Dybala will leave the club this summer, revealing that Juventus and Napoli are among those chasing the striker.

Dybala has been one of the revelations of the Serie A season, netting 12 goals in 27 appearances, which has prompted talk of a lucrative summer move away from Sicily.Manchester United are monitoring the 21-year-old and Zamparini has confirmed that he will cash in on the forward at the end of the current campaign.

"It's clear that Paolo will leave," he told Live Sicilia. "Indeed, we're looking for another striker."At home we only have [Andrea] Belotti. So, besides him, we will have another forward [for next season]."Zamparini admitted, though, that he is unsure if Dybala will remain in Italy or move abroad.

"It's 50-50," he told GR Parlamento. ""After Easter, I will see Dybala's agent, who is working well for the boy's future."I'm in contact with [Juve sporting director Giuseppe] Marotta. "I know that he's interested but he must hurry himself. I have other teams on [Dybala]."

Indeed, Zamparini announced that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is also keen on Dybala but the Palermo supremo was quick to add that he will not allow the striker to move on for anything like the €17 million that took Edinson Cavani to the San Paolo in 2010.

"[Napoli president] De Laurentiis would like him but I told him I won't have another Cavani situation," he stated. "This time, one must break the bank."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dybala mona team 1kata join weida danne naha​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ribery: I won't risk another injury disaster to face Dortmund

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery says that he will not risk another injury "disaster" just to feature against Borussia Dortmund this weekend.

The former France winger has had numerous fitness issues over the past year and missed the 2014 World Cup with a back problem before deciding to call time on his international career to focus on club football.

Ribery has continued to be plagued by little niggles this season, though, with the 31-year-old sustaining a thigh problem in training in January and then being forced off with an ankle knock in the March 11 Champions League rout of Shakhtar Donetsk.

Consequently, the ex-Olympique de Marseille ace says he has no intention of taking any chances with his fitness ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga meeting with Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park.

"I started back too early and got back pain," the attacker told Sport Bild."Then I trained poorly. It was a disaster to start too early. It was a mistake.

"I'd rather give my body some rest time to be in top shape at the crucial stage of the season."Bayern currently sit 10 points clear of Wolfsburg at the top of the Bundesliga, with BVB all the way down in 10th place.

Pep Guardiola's men face Porto in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, travelling to the Dragao for the first leg on April 15 before hosting the Primeira Liga outfit at the Allianz Arena six days later.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I could join Inter, admits former AC Milan star Pato

Former AC Milan star Alexandre Pato has admitted that he could join city rivals Inter, describing the Nerazzurri as a "great team".

The Brazil international spent five years with the Rossoneri before being offloaded to Corinthians in 2012 after being beset by a succession of injury problems.Pato is currently on loan at Sao Paulo, where he has rediscovered both his best form and peak fitness, prompting talk of a return to Europe.

The 25-year-old was linked with Inter last summer and he freely admits that a move to Roberto Mancini's side is not beyond the realms of possibility - despite his previous affiliation with Milan.

"Inter? They're a great team," the striker told Sky Sport24. "In football, one never knows."Pato added, though, that he regrets the fact that his Milan career ended on such an underwhelming note.

"In my final period in Rossonero, I didn't manage to play two consecutive games," he stated.Pato also gave his thoughts on report that Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi is considering selling the club.

"Berlusconi has a Rossonero heart," the attacker said. "I'm not able to imagine a Milan without him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hasselbaink hails Van Gaal: He is a very loving man

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has described Louis van Gaal as a "very loving man" and believes the Manchester United manager will ultimately confound his critics.

The Red Devils have come under fire for much of the season for their style of play and poor results, yet United are currently fourth in the Premier League and on course to qualify for the Champions League.

Van Gaal was also on the end of a stunning outburst from Hristo Stoichkov over the weekend in which the former Barcelona striker labelled the Dutchman "scum".

Hasselbaink, the current manager of Burton and a Netherlands international under Van Gaal, has a very different view.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "He [Van Gaal] is mild! I'm telling you. I need to find the time to go over to Manchester and have a cup of coffee or tea with him when he is not that busy.

"He is somebody who tells you exactly what he wants, how he wants it and when he wants it. There are no prisoners. But he is a very loving man and a top coach, one of the best in the world.

"Of course he has come in for criticism because he is manager of one of the biggest clubs in the world, but let's not forget, Manchester United is changing.

"I am 100 per cent [sure] he will succeed and they will play attractive football."

United, who are five points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, resume their pursuit of a top-four finish when Aston Villa make the trip to Old Trafford on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I'm the perfect age to succeed with Spain, says Mata

Juan Mata insists he is the "perfect age" to succeed with the Spanish national team, despite his recent omission from Vicente del Bosque's squad.

The Manchester United midfielder, who scored a brilliant double as Louis van Gaal's side defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield before the international break, was not selected for la Roja's clashes with Ukraine and Netherlands.

Spain subsequently ran out 1-0 winners over Mykhaylo Fomenko's men, but Mata retains hope that he can earn a recall to Del Bosque's squad as they continue their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

"Many of you are asking me these days about the Spanish national team," Mata wrote on his personal blog. "As I always say, I have been very lucky to play and to win a World Cup and a European Championsip; to participate in the most important competitions, but I'm still [as] excited as the first day.

"I am convinced that I'm a perfect age in my football career and I look forward to keep contributing and achieving more success with my national team. That's what I work for every day, training and playing to the maximum, trying to do the best I can. After that, obviously, the manager is the one who picks the players for every game."

Spain currently sit second in their qualification group for Euro 2016, three points behind leaders Slovakia.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mata Spain National Team 1kata call karanne nathi 1kanam aparadayak​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid interest in Pogba only logical, says Zidane

Zinedine Zidane claims it is "only logical" that Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Paul Pogba's situation at Juventus.

The France international, 22, signed a new contract with Juventus until the summer of 2019 back in October but is still continually linked with a move away from the Serie A champions.

Clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Madrid have all been touted as possible destinations for Pogba and Zidane feels interest in a player of such potential should not come as a surprise.

"When we are talking about a player like Pogba, it is only logical Real Madrid are interested in signing him," Zidane told Canal+."He is a player with immense potential, who still has an important margin for improvement.

"He is still young and has an exciting future ahead of him."Where Pogba will play next season? I don't know the answer to that question. You will have to ask him..."

The midfielder, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, has been a key figure for Juventus in 2014-15, scoring seven goals in 22 Serie A appearances.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Torres in emotional tribute to Liverpool fans after Anfield return

Former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has paid an emotional tribute to the club's fans after he returned to Anfield to feature in Sunday's All-Star charity match.

The Atletico Madrid forward brought an end to his Liverpool career back in 2011 after he opted to sign for Chelsea in a €58.5 million deal - a move that was initially met with disgust by Reds fans.

But Torres was roundly applauded on Sunday as he lined up for the Steven Gerrard vs Jamie Carragher All-Star charity match, with the Spaniard expressing his gratitude to the Merseyside club's supporters for the reception he received.

He posted on Instagram: "Thank you Liverpool supporters for everything you gave me in my career, you are just different class. It was a privilege to play in front of you again.

"Today I feel in peace with myself, hearing you singing my name is something I will never forget. From the bottom of my hart [sic] thank you very much Liverpool!!! #YWNWA"

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chicharito admits: My confidence is rock-bottom at Real Madrid

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez has admitted that he is growing increasingly frustrated with a lack of regular first-team football at Real Madrid.

The Mexico international, who scored a fine goal in his country's 1-0 win over Ecuador at the weekend, joined Madrid from Manchester United on a one-year loan deal at the start of the season but has so far been unable to win over head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The 26-year-old has made just 13 appearances in La Liga so far this term - starting only once - and has just three goals to his name, and he admits his confidence has reached rock-bottom.

"My situation is frustrating. I participate, give my all in training but, as far as for playing in matches, the opportunities are minimal. I belong to a team, but am not part of the important bit, the actual games," the striker told Fox Sports .

"Sometimes my confidence is right down on the ground, even though I am trying for it to be up there, with the help of the people who are always at my side and who support me."The most important thing is to get chances and to feel that they believe in you. Whenever they have entrusted me to do something it comes out positively, but I've been through two rather frustrating years.

"There need to be people who believe in me, so I can at least prove if I am any good or not."

Madrid are unlikely to exercise their option to make Chicharito's stay at the club permanent this summer, with the striker set to return to United come June, where he has a contract until 2016.

West Ham are among the clubs to be linked with a move should the forward not seal a switch to La Liga.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Javi Martinez edging closer to Bayern comeback

Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez has revealed that he could make his comeback from injury within the next few weeks.

The former Athletic Bilbao man picked up a serious knee injury in the German Supercup defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund back in August and has since been out of action.However, he is edging ever-closer to a return to the pitch and says his final recover phase could be completed imminently.

"It is not like I am counting the days. We have not set a specific date for my comeback. But I obviously hope to be back in action as soon as possible," the Spanish midfielder was quoted as saying by TZ.

"I still have some work to do, but I am in the final stages of my recovery. It is a matter of days, perhaps weeks."I hope that I will be back shortly, but I have already said before that I will not rush my comeback. My knee needs to be at 100 per cent again. If not, there is always a risk of enduring a setback."

Martinez also dismissed the latest suggestions that Barcelona could attempt to lure him back to La Liga."There is no truth in any reports linking me with Barcelona. I have been in this business for about 10 years now and have seen rumours like this 200,000 times.

"I don't know anything about Barcelona. I only know that I am feeling very well at Bayern. My only goal is to get back to full match fitness."The 26-year-old has a contract with Bayern until June 2017.